On DVD This Week
"You Don't Mess with the Zohan" is an odd bird: It takes Adam Sandler's typical man-child underdog and makes him (in this case, the titular Zohan) into an Israeli supercommando. It's difficult to hope Zohan wins a woman's heart and follows his dream when he's already surrounded by gorgeous women and can punch through walls. The two-disc unrated version of the movie is also an odd bird: The second disc is largely superfluous, containing only a few actual special features (and disappointing ones at that). Full Story »
Also New This Week
By Jay Bobbin, Zap2it.com
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" YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN": Adam Sandler tries to add social relevance to his typical brand of comedy – and succeeds only partially – in this international-espionage parody. He plays an Israeli superagent seeking refuge from his chief Palestinian nemesis ( John Turturro) by faking his death and relocating to New York, where he becomes a hairstylist, but his past eventually follows him. Rob Schneider and Emmanuelle Chriqui ("Entourage") co-star. DVD extras: 10 "making-of" documentaries; audio commentary by Sandler, Schneider, co-star Nick Swardson, director Dennis Dugan and co-executive producer and co-writer Robert Smigel; deleted scenes. ** (PG-13: AS, N, P) |
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" THE HAPPENING": M. Night Shyamalan has had a lot to live up to since writing and directing "The Sixth Sense," and while he falls short of his own high mark again with his latest effort, it still bears his trademark eeriness. When people calmly start killing themselves, a couple ( Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel) try to determine the cause, fearing they'll soon fall prey to it. John Leguizamo also stars. DVD extras: five "making-of" documentaries; deleted scenes; outtakes. ** (R: AS, GV) |
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"THE VISITOR": Even if you don't know the name, Richard Jenkins' face will be identifiable – especially if you were a "Six Feet Under" fan – the moment you see him in this fine showcase for his talent, supplied by writer-director Tom McCarthy. Jenkins plays a professor who returns from Connecticut to his New York apartment during a professional conference, only to find two illegal immigrants (Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira) camped out in his residence. Initial suspicion on both sides yields to a surprisingly deep connection. DVD extras: two "making-of" documentaries; audio commentary by Jenkins and McCarthy; deleted scenes. *** (PG-13: AS, P) |
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"SLEEPING BEAUTY": One of the all-time greats in the Disney studio's animated-feature library gets a freshening in a new "50th Anniversary Platinum Edition." Boasting Tchaikovsky music, the lovely-to-look-at film revolves around ... well, a sleeping beauty who only can be awakened from a deep, enemy-inflicted rest if she receives a kiss from the right person. The result is as enchanting as ever, for all ages. DVD extras: "making-of" documentary; alternate opening; deleted songs; music video; interactive game. **** (G) |
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" HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER: SEASON THREE": This year of the CBS sitcom opened up to guest stars much more than its previous seasons, and none had more impact than Britney Spears, in an image-rebuilding role as a dental assistant who ends up in cahoots with sly Barney ( Neil Patrick Harris). Meanwhile, Ted's (Josh Radnor) quest to find Ms. Right continues as Marshall and Lily ( Jason Segel, Alyson Hannigan) repair their relationship. DVD extras: four "making-of" documentaries; audio commentary by cast and crew members on selected episodes; deleted scenes; outtakes; music videos. *** (Not rated: AS, P) |
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"JOY RIDE 2: DEAD AHEAD": More young people prompt the wrath of trucker Rusty Nail in this made-for-video sequel to the theatrical thriller. En route to fun in Las Vegas, the youthful quartet unwittingly crosses the path of the sinister stalker – and the result can't exactly be labeled "fun." Nicki Aycox ("Over There") and Nick Zano ("What I Like About You") are featured. ** (Not rated: AS, P, V) |
Coming Soon
"INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL" (Oct. 14): The archaeologist (Harrison Ford) teams up with a younger counterpart (Shia LaBeouf) for new adventures in the series' fourth installment. Cate Blanchett also stars. (PG-13: AS, V)"THE INCREDIBLE HULK" (Oct. 21): While trying to solve the condition that makes him mean and green, Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) faces a similar enemy (Tim Roth). (PG-13: AS, V)
"THE STRANGERS" (Oct. 21): A troubled couple's (Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman) escape to a remote cabin stirs even more problems when invaders threaten their space. (R: AS, P, V)
"KUNG FU PANDA" (Nov. 11): A peaceable panda (voice of Jack Black) accidentally becomes the leader of forces opposing invading enemies. Dustin Hoffman and Angelina Jolie also are heard. (PG: AS)
"WALL-E" (Nov. 18): A waste-pickup robot finds itself in the midst of romance and adventure in this animated Disney-Pixar collaboration. (G)
"HANCOCK" (Nov. 25): Will Smith plays a superhero with some bad habits, prompting a publicist (Jason Bateman) to attempt damage control. Charlize Theron also stars. (PG-13 and unrated versions: AS, P, V)
FAMILY VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence
Now on DVD
'Iron Man: Ultimate 2-Disc Edition'
The "Iron Man: Ultimate 2-Disc Edition" is a must for fans of the source material. Will casual fans appreciate the second disc, packed with extras aimed at comic-book readers? Probably not, but that's no reason to miss out on one of the best comic-book movies ever made. Robert Downey Jr. has spent his entire life essentially being Tony Stark, and his performance here is perfect. That's impressive in a film full of spot-on acting and a focus on character over spectacle.
read more »
'Chuck -- The Complete First Season'
"Chuck" shouldn't have worked. Despite its pedigree -- co-creator Josh Schwartz also created "The O.C." -- the story of a hapless tech-support nerd (Zachary Levi) whose brain is suddenly flooded with government secrets seemed a bit close to little-watched "Jake 2.0." Instead, the series found a perfect mix of cast chemistry, comedy and action.
read more »
'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles -- The Complete First Season'
FOX's "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" spent much of its first season on the defensive.
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'The Wire: The Complete Fifth Season'
Not much more can be said about the greatness of "The Wire," the HBO series that ended its brilliant five-season run in March. Put simply, it's one of the great achievements in television history.
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'Witchblade: The Complete Series'
Seven years after its debut, you can now relive (or experience for the first time) the glory of "Witchblade: The Complete Series" without depending on illegal methods or grainy video tapes thanks to this new DVD release.
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'Spaced: The Complete Series'
An upfront confession: I'm a relative newcomer to "Spaced," having only seen bits and pieces of the feverishly loved British comedy before getting a copy of the long-awaited American DVD release.
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'Step Up 2: The Streets'
If you're the kind of person who liked "Step Up" enough to check out the sequel "Step Up 2: The Streets," then no precautions needed about suspending disbelief or loving dance to the exclusion of needing a compelling story. Since DVD rentals often involve less enthusiasm and more curiosity, however, it's good to note that the bonus features do a creditable job of capturing the passion of street dancing and first-time director Jon M. Chu's love for the film.
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'The Ruins: Unrated Edition'
Consider "The Ruins: Unrated Edition" to be a stiff chaser to M. Night Shyamalan's simperingly simplistic "Oh no, the plants are gonna get me!" enviro-thriller "The Happening."
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