NEW ON THE SHELF

“HOW DO YOU KNOW,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd. An ousted exec (Rudd) attempts to woo a pro softball player (Witherspoon) he met on the elevator, despite her current relationship with vapid but amusing major league ballplayer Matty (Owen Wilson). Not one of writer-director James L. Brooks’ more profound efforts, but the excellent cast alone makes this agreeable dramedy worth a look, with Jack Nicholson on hand to provide glowering support as Rudd’s father and former boss. Rated PG-13. Running time: 2:21

Suggested retail price: $28.95; Blu-ray $34.95

“SKYLINE,” starring Eric Balfour and Donald Faison. Down-and-dirty sci-fi/thriller simply releases an armada of aliens with untoward intentions on an grievously unprepared Los Angeles, where legions of attractive young people are Hoovered into flying saucers and promptly mistreated. Focus on the top-notch special effects and less so on the brainless script, and you’ll have yourself a good time reminiscent of old ’50s drive-in fare. Rated PG-13. Running time: 1:34

Suggested retail price: $29.98; Blu-ray $39.98

“THE TOURIST,” starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Effective as both a travelogue and a genre-spanning caper, this leisurely paced but quite satisfying film finds unassuming math teacher Depp suddenly embroiled in a dizzying and criminal situation when he makes the acquaintance of the beautiful and enigmatic Elise (Jolie) while vacationing in Venice. A refreshingly grown-up sort of popcorn movie with a great supporting cast to boot, featuring Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton and Rufus Sewall. Rated PG-13. Running time: 1:43

Advertisement

Suggested retail price: $28.95; Blu-ray $38.96

“YOGI BEAR,” animated with the voices of Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake. Putting aside the fact that whoever cast the voices for Yogi and Boo-Boo apparently put a bunch of random celebrity names in a hat and blindly drew two, this goofy revamp of the popular Hanna-Barbera cartoon manages to keep the light-hearted antics of the pic-a-nic basket-stealing bear intact. Pixar it ain’t, but enjoyable nonetheless. Rated PG. Running time: 1:20

Suggested retail price: $28.98; Blu-ray $44.98

NEW TO DVD

“THE VENTURE BROTHERS: SEASON 4, VOLUME 2,” animated with the voices of Christopher McCulloch and James Urbaniak. Consistently one of Adult Swim’s smartest and funniest half hours, “Brothers” continues the misbegotten adventures of scientist Dr. Venture (wonderfully voiced by Urbaniak of “Crumb”), his effective if stressed-out bodyguard (Patrick Warburton of “Family Guy”), and his two hilariously overzealous sons (McCullough of “Superjail” and Michael Sinterniklaas of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”). Not rated, contains comic violence and crude humor. Running time: 4:46

Suggested retail price: 19.98; Blu-ray $39.98

Advertisement

NEW TO BLU-RAY

“CONCERT FOR GEORGE,” starring Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. Despite his brilliance as both a lead guitarist and a songwriter, the late George Harrison all too often got lost in the shuffle whenever the Beatles were discussed due to his reserved demeanor. This excellent, heartfelt 2003 star-studded performance goes a long way toward remedying that, with fellow Beatles Paul and Ringo on hand to eulogize their friend, joined by such legends as Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne and even members of the Monty Python troupe, of whom Harrison was a longtime supporter and fan. Not rated, nothing objectionable. Running time: 2:00

Suggested retail price: $34.98

“STAND BY ME: 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION,” starring Will Wheaton and River Phoenix. Once you snap out of the deep depression caused by the realization that it came out 25 years ago, stop by and pick up a copy of this coming-of-age 1986 classic, directed by Rob Reiner in top form and based on a short story by Stephen King. The key to the film’s enduring success, however, is in one of the best casts of child actors in American film. The late Phoenix is a standout as the self-assured leader of the group, but Wheaton, Corey Feldman and a near-unrecognizable (and scene-stealing) Jerry O’Connell as the put-upon Vern are all equally memorable. Rated R. Running time: 1:29.

Suggested retail price: $24.95.

VIDEOPORT PICKS

Advertisement

“DERAILROADED: INSIDE THE MIND OF LARRY ‘WILD MAN’ FISCHER,” documentary. This affectionate and occasionally disturbing 2005 documentary focuses on late ’60s tunesmith Fischer, a talented if vocally challenged troubadour whose crazed busking caught the eye and ear of Frank Zappa, leading to an ill-fated record deal and an unfortunate downward spiral. Not rated, contains language and thematic material. Running time: 1:26

Suggested retail price: $16.95

“PUNCHING THE CLOWN,” directed by Gregori Viens. A tongue-in-cheek biography of singer/comedian Henry Phillips, who plays himself, this dark comedy won the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival and mines the comedic gold found in the workings of Tinseltown’s music scene. Phillips’ songs are hilarious, the script’s fine sense of humor is spot-on, and despite the Hollywood setting, more than a few of us will recognize and have to laugh at the clueless denizens around the music biz. Not rated, contains language and thematic material. Running time: 1:31

Suggested retail price: $19.99

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: