50/50 (DVD)
Diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer, 27-year-old Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) navigates the road to recovery. With the help of his crude best friend (Seth Rogen), his smothering mother (Anjelica Huston), and an inexperienced young therapist (Anna Kendrick) at the cancer centre, Adam learns what and who the most important things in his life are.

The film is inspired by the true story of writer Will Reiser, and not coincidentally, his real-life friendship with actor Rogen. The very weighty subject is treated realistically with a mix of humour and heartache, which includes using Adam’s illness to pick up women and a very difficult decision regarding treatment. Adam’s relationships are both sources of comfort and vexation as best intentions do not always translate into the best actions. Gordon-Levitt is excellent as the character plays on his strength of performing serious comedy, while Rogen appears to have no trouble portraying himself on screen.

Special features include: commentary by director Jonathan Levine, writer Will Reiser and Rogen; deleted scenes; “The story of 50/50”; “Life inspires art”; and “Seek and destroy.” (Entertainment One)

Annie Hall (Blu-ray)
Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) is one of Manhattan’s most brilliant comedians, but when it comes to romance, his delivery needs a little work. Introduced by his best friend, Rob (Tony Roberts), Alvy falls in love with the ditzy but delightful nightclub singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). When Alvy’s own insecurities sabotage the affair, Annie is forced to leave Alvy for a new life – and lover (Paul Simon) – in Los Angeles. Knowing he may have lost Annie forever, Alvy’s willing to go to any lengths – even driving L.A.’s freeways – to recapture the only thing that ever mattered him.

Special features not available. (Fox Home Entertainment)

The Apartment (Blu-ray)
C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) knows the way to success in business – it’s through the door of his apartment. By providing a perfect hideaway for philandering bosses, the ambitious young employee reaps a series of undeserved promotions. But when Bud lends the key to big boss J.D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), he not only advances his career, but his own love life as well. Sheldrake’s mistress is the lovely Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), elevator girl and angel of Bud’s dreams. Convinced that he is the only man for Fran, Bud must make the most important executive decision of his career: lose the girl or his job.

Special features include: commentary by producer Bruce Block; and a tribute to Jack Lemmon. (Fox Home Entertainment)

Manhattan (Blu-ray)
Forty-two-year-old Manhattan native Isaac Davis (Woody Allen) has a job he hates; a seventeen-year-old girlfriend, Tracy (Mariel Hemingway), he doesn’t love; and a lesbian ex-wife, Jill (Meryl Streep), who’s writing a tell-all book about their marriage – and whom he’d like to strangle. But when he meets his best friend’s sexy intellectual mistress, Mary (Diane Keaton), Isaac falls head over heels in lust. Leaving Tracy, bedding Mary and quitting his job are just the beginnings of Isaac’s quest for romance and fulfillment in a city where sex is as intimate as a handshake and the gateway to true love is a revolving door.

Special features not available. (Fox Home Entertainment)

Notorious (Blu-ray)
When troubled beauty Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman) is recruited by American agent Devlin (Cary Grant) to infiltrate a German spy ring in postwar Rio, she accepts; but soon finds herself falling in love with Devlin. And when she receives orders to seduce a Nazi kingpin (Claude Rains), Alicia must sacrifice the only happiness she’s ever known for a perilous mission that could ultimately cost her and Devlin their lives.

Special features not available. (Fox Home Entertainment)

Paranormal Activity 3 (Blu-ray)
In 1988 sisters Katie and Kristi seem to be enjoying a normal, happy childhood at home. But when strange things start going bump in the night, their father, a wedding videographer, decides to use his cameras to discover the source; especially since Kristi appears to be having conversations with an imaginary friend. While the cameras do indeed reveal a flurry of supernatural occurrences, the family is unprepared for the terror that awaits.

The third chapter in the Paranormal Activity franchise is a prequel, going back to where it all began: the sisters’ childhood. The directors of Catfish, Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, are excellent choices to take the reins of this series, having turned a simple story of loneliness into a mystery. The secret to this found footage horror movie’s success is in its ability to keep the audience on the edge of their seat for the majority of the film. The ghostly incidents range from lights turning on and off to doors closing and eventually escalate to physical attacks. There’s approximately a 10-minute difference between the theatrical and extended versions, but it’s not comprised of any one particular scene.

Special features include: theatrical and extended versions of the film; and the lost tapes: “Scare montage” and “Dennis’ commercial.” (Paramount Home Entertainment)

Real Steel (Blu-ray and DVD combo pack)
Enter the not-so-distant future where boxing has gone high-tech — 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots have taken over the ring. Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) is a washed-up fighter turned small-time promoter. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.

The year in which the film takes place is unclear, except that it’s post-2016 and Eminem is still popular. This ambiguity contributes to narrative’s ties to a “realistic” future, while the robots are also not wholly unbelievable. The fights are entertaining and help maintain a steady pace for the two-plus-hour film. The matches are more sophisticated than a “Rock’em Sock’em Robots” fight, mimicking moves from wrestling and boxing. Nonetheless, the humans’ story is still the primary focus. Jackman personifies this role. He is self-assured and athletic, owning any crowd into which he walks. Meanwhile, Toronto-born Goyo conveys the enthusiasm and commitment of a child given the chance to live his dream.

Special features include: commentary by director Shawn Levy; “Sugar Ray Leonard: Cornerman’s Champ,” a profile of the legendary boxer who was an on-set consultant; deleted and extended scenes with introductions by director Shawn Levy; “Countdown to the Fight: The Charlie Kenton story”; “Making of Metal Valley”; “Building the Bots”; bloopers; and “Second Screen,” which allows viewers to explore interactive galleries, play games, and learn interesting facts about the scenes they’re watching while perfectly synched on an Internet-enabled second device. (Walt Disney Home Entertainment)

Rebecca (Blu-ray)
After a whirlwind romance, mysterious widower Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier) brings his shy, young bride (Joan Fontaine) home to his imposing estate, Manderley. But the new Mrs. de Winter finds her married life dominated by the sinister, almost spectral influence of Maxim’s late wife: the brilliant, ravishingly beautiful Rebecca, who, she suspects, still rules both Manderley and Maxim from beyond the grave.

Special features not available. (Fox Home Entertainment)

Restless (Blu-ray)
Annabel Cotton (Mia Wasikowska) is a beautiful and charming terminal cancer patient with a deep felt love of life and the natural world. Enoch Brae (Henry Hopper) is a young man who has dropped out of the business of living after an accident claimed the life of his parents. When these two outsiders meet by chance at a funeral, they find an unexpected common ground in their unique experiences of the world. For Enoch, it includes his best friend Hiroshi (Ryo Kase) who happens to be the ghost of a Kamikaze fighter pilot. For Annabel, it involves an admiration of Charles Darwin and an interest in how other creatures live. Upon learning of Annabel’s imminent early passing, Enoch offers to help her face her last days with an irreverent abandon, tempting fate, tradition and even death itself.

Special features include: Gus Van Sant’s Silent Version of Restless; deleted scenes; “Enoch & Annabel: One Love”; “Enoch & Hiroshi: The Best of Friends”; “Gus Van Sant: Independent Voice”; “Being Restless”; and “Coming to Life: This is Restless.” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

Spellbound (Blu-ray)
Dr. Constance Peterson (Ingrid Bergman) is a dedicated psychiatrist who puts all her passion into her work – until she falls in love with Dr. Edwardes (Gregory Peck). Unfortunately, it soon becomes clear that Edwardes is an impostor — an amnesiac — who may or may not be a cold-blooded murderer. Pursued by the police, Constance must decide whether to turn in her mysterious lover or risk her life by trying to unlock the dark secrets in his mind.

Special features not available. (Fox Home Entertainment)

Tales of an Ancient Empire (DVD)
A princess is on a quest to unite the five greatest warriors to save her kingdom from a demon sorceress.

The film opens with a dreadful 12-minute exposition, presented as a cross between a low quality motion comic and terribly acted/scripted live action. This introduction feels endless and the start of the main narrative provides little relief. What could have been a fun throwback to ‘80s adventure sagas is bogged down by an overly complicated story and awful dialogue. The presence of former TV Hercules Kevin Sorbo is laughable, providing little prestige to a movie that does not even compare to one of his 60-minute episodes.

Special features include: cast interviews and behind-the-scenes featurette. (Entertainment One)

The Whistleblower (Blu-ray)
Kathy Bolkovac (Rachel Weisz) is a Nebraskan police officer who takes a job working as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia. Her expectations of helping to rebuild a devastated country are dashed when she uncovers a dangerous reality of corruption, cover-up and intrigue amid a world of private contractors and multinational diplomatic doubletalk.

This is a very intense examination of human trafficking and the illegal sex trade – a growing, real-life concern in Eastern Europe. The brutality experienced by the unsuspecting girls is horrific, while their total subordination by force is even more disheartening. This is not the first big screen depiction of Westerners becoming criminal perpetrators in a supposedly lawless land (see Hot Coffee for a documentary description), but it never becomes less horrifying. Kathy’s efforts are heroic and she risks her physical and professional safety to do what she knows is right. Weisz is convincing in every situation, whether standing up to ineffective bureaucrats or losing confidence in her ability to effect change.

Special features include: “Kathy Bolkovac: The Real Whistleblower.” (Entertainment One)

Wings (Blu-ray)
The 1927 World War I drama explores the devastating effects of war through the story of two men (Charles ‘Buddy’ Rogers and Richard Arlen) who go off to battle and the woman they both leave behind.

At more than two hours, Wings can seem a bit daunting, but the captivating story and excellent production value makes it well worth the watch. The film also won the first Academy Award for Best Picture in 1929. Rogers and Arlen are outstanding, and silver screen starlet Clara Bow is as charming as expected. The quality of the footage captured in the aerial battles is unbelievable for the time period and the restoration is exceptionally well executed with two recordings of the original score available as accompaniment.

Special features include: “Wings: Grandeur in the Sky”; “Dogfight!”; and “Restoring the Power and Beauty of Wings.” (Paramount Home Entertainment)

In the Land of Blood and Honey explores the three-year Bosnian war that was the deadliest in Europe since WWII. Just before the war in 1992, Danijel (Goran Kostic) and Ajla (Zana Marjanovic) dance carefree in a local nightclub. Once the war begins, they are made swift enemies because he is a Serb and she is Muslim. However, they are reunited by circumstance and attempt to forget the atrocities occurring outside their seclusion by losing themselves in each other, if only briefly each day. As the war escalates, tensions between the forbidden lovers rises with it, threatening a devastating blow as it becomes clear sides must be chosen.

The secret to making history come alive is not simply playing out the facts, but expanding on the individual characters and providing a focus for the audience’s sympathy. The nightly news is filled with faceless victims that are regularly ignored or forgotten for any number of reasons. A movie is an opportunity to put names to those faces while exposing the truth and evoking an emotional response. However, it is impossible to truly care for these characters until the final third of the movie; and by then everything that’s preceded this moment has already drained most of the emotion from the viewer.

The narrative is a never-ending see-saw of good and bad events. It’s an exhausting pattern that makes it impossible to become engrossed in the story. The film opens with a message from Jolie, in which she says her movie will be difficult to watch but she hopes it will spark conversation because it’s important we don’t forget what took place in Bosnia. She then does a great job illustrating the terror inflicted on the Muslims by their former neighbours and friends. The ethnic cleansing that occurred is shown to be vicious and heartless. However, the majority of the victims remain nameless and, as an unfortunate result, less engaging. Watching this movie was akin to watching a moving slideshow of horror; an exercise in recreating history, rather than telling a story.

It should be made clear this is not a film about a woman who falls in love with her rapist, as early reports suggested; though he is technically her captor and blood enemy. Kostic and Marjanovic deliver outstanding performances, quietly and constantly expressing a host of incompatible emotions.  Their relationship is used as a doorway to the opposing sides of the war. Ajla is taken by force, terrorized by her jailers and forced to watch “her people” murdered at random regularly. Danijel represents the other side of the conflict, though he is not an example of its brutality. He secretly questions the war’s validity while surrounded mostly by men, including his high-ranking father, who take pride in their daily task of “clearing the city.”

Jolie set out to produce a fictional document of the Bosnian War, which she undoubtedly accomplishes. It just isn’t a very good film.

Mallory (Carano) works for a private security company, which is code for mercenaries-for-hire. In the opening mission, the former marine uses her skills to lead a team and secretly rescue a man held hostage by armed criminals. She’s one of the best in the business, having built a reputation around her professionalism and success rate. However, someone’s decided it’s time for her to retire – permanently. When the assassination attempt fails she begins to follow the trail back to the source of the order, seeking answers and revenge.

The power and brutality of the fights between Mallory and her male opponents are astounding as they barely appear (or sound) staged. No mercy is shown on either side as the men, aware and wary of her abilities, often try to steal the advantage by employing the element of surprise – only to find themselves defeated in the end anyway. While the men can successfully overpower her using brute strength, she employs years of training and patience to be the last one standing. But not to be mistaken with Wonder Woman, she wears the evidence of her battles, including a severely swollen jaw and various cuts and bruises, throughout the picture.

Though the leading lady may be unfamiliar (at least to those unacquainted with the television series American Gladiators), most of the men are quite recognizable, such as Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Bill Paxton and Michael Fassbender. Each of them play an important, though relatively small, role in the narrative and half of them take on Carano one-on-one. Tatum’s character opens the film almost as confused as the audience about what is happening, but that doesn’t stop him from fighting Mallory tooth and nail. Similarly, Fassbender’s battle with the actress is convincingly about survival, which translates to a no holds barred throw down.

Director Steven Soderbergh brings his signature style to the picture, employing music, fast editing and flashbacks to tell the story. However, it doesn’t always work. The instrumental tunes similar to those used in Ocean’s 11 distract from the adrenaline-fuelled action on the screen. The artsy black-and-white sequence is also uncharacteristic of this genre, but adds a unique element to the picture. In any case, most of the stylistic elements are generally intrusive to the narrative, which is only really solid when someone is getting their butt kicked. At other times, the story slows to nearly a crawl, making subtle discoveries along the way. The most significant flaw is the forced exposition as Mallory explains previous events to an uninitiated civilian on a whim; if necessary, this information would have been better relayed to her father.

Constantly being taken out of the film by mismatched music or technique made it a challenge to watch, but did not diminish the physical accomplishments of the actors (and fight coordinators).

The obvious question for both actors was what attracted them to such a nefariously dark project. For Eklund, it was the opportunity to work with Gens as he was a fan of the director’s previous work (Frontière[s] and Hitman). His interest only grew as more details were revealed, including the casting of co-star Biehn, and the decision to shoot it in chronological order. “I said ‘sign me up.’” But after expressing all this interest, Eklund still had to audition for the role. “By luck Xavier watched my audition and liked it.” And then the collaboration process started.

Biehn, on the other hand, hadn’t seen any of Gens’ work but was fascinated by the character of Mickey. “I told him how I wanted to change the character of Mickey and he was all ears,” says Biehn. Agreeing the script needed work, they immediately began collaborating on developing Mickey’s personality. Biehn was also attracted to the process Gens had laid out. “He wanted to work as an ensemble; a group of people who were improving and writing certain scenes… it sounded very interesting.” However, a mask of complexity and torment can be difficult to maintain for 35 years. “I think the older you get, the more you realize how difficult life can be,” he says. “I think it plays into where I am psychologically now. Not like Mickey, but a little more solitary.”

The Divide benefits from two significant, behind-the-scenes influences: shooting it in chronological order, and the freedom given to the actors to stray from the script and improvise. In addition, the actors were placed on food restrictions similar to that of their characters’ limited rations, creating further irritability and actual weight loss. As a result, the narrative evolves organically, adding a distinct and disturbing dose of reality to the performances.

With nearly 100 film and television roles to his credit according to IMDB, Eklund jokes that he never says “no” to a job. More seriously he explains that when offered a project, he accepts it and then looks to distinguish it from anything he’s done. “I try to play the role in a way that I haven’t played the role before,” says Eklund. “If I’m playing something similar, then I’ll try to approach it in a different way.” He also has a personal trait he likes to bring to his characters: “Never play the comedy, and never play the seriousness.” This is evident in his portrayal of Bobby, who retains a sense of humour right to the very bitter end. “I always think the darker the subject matter, the more humour that it’s going to need,” says Eklund. “Because you need those moments of a breath of fresh air to take the audience out of how drastic and intense the film is.”

Biehn’s career is a collection of intense roles. But despite the trend that creeps up in his résumé, he is not actually a horror fan. “Horror is not really a genre that I feel comfortable with; it’s a genre that I don’t care for very much,” he says. “It’s odd my career’s kind of swung that way.” Instead, he considers the slasher movie a stepping stone to better things, similar to a beginner’s workshop for directors. “It surprises me why a guy like Rob Zombie, who is such a talented director, would stay in that genre,” Biehn adds. “Usually you’ll find directors will start off in that genre and show they can do something really good, like Evil Dead, then go on and do all sorts of other stuff.”  Nonetheless, he considers The Divide a “psychological horror movie,” while his sophomore directorial effort, The Victim, is a murder mystery that includes some torture and gruesome shots. But in case you’re wondering, Biehn thinks “The Exorcist is the scariest movie ever made.”

Finally, even after portraying a devolution into the darkest depths of humanity, Eklund is not ready to dismiss his will to survive. “I’ve thought about this for a long time and I think I’d be a fighter,” he says. “I’d try to survive as long as I could. I don’t know how long I would last, but I would try to survive as long as I could.”

The never-before-seen cut of The Divide opens in select theatres in Toronto on January 20^th.

Abduction (Blu-ray & DVD combo pack)
After uncovering a deadly lie, Nathan (Taylor Lautner) is propelled on a lethal, no-holds barred mission to learn the truth. Aided by a devoted family friend (Sigourney Weaver), Nathan’s hunt for the facts pits him against ruthless assassins and questionable allies.

Lautner has already made a bit of a name for himself as an action heartthrob in the Twilight films. But in Abduction, he’s able to branch out to full-on action hero. What ensues is a high stakes chase in which a wily teenager is able to outrun, outfight and outwit the CIA and a group of international criminals with very little assistance. Nonetheless, Lautner proves up to the task, displaying some new moves and employing some of the ones he picked up playing a teen wolf. While the idea of an adolescent not specifically trained as an agent (see Hanna) accomplishing what Nathan does is far-fetched, the story remains an adequately interesting one. It maintains a good pace and the fight sequences are intense. The rest of the cast really doesn’t make a significant impact on the picture as they are all featured so briefly and at various intervals, they could have been portrayed by anyone. But this could definitely be the beginning of an action career for the 19-year-old.

Special features include: “Abduction Chronicle,” an on-camera production journal with Lautner; “The Fight for the Truth,” a making-of featurette; “Initiation of an Action Hero,” about Lautner’s stunts; and “Pulled Punches,” a gag reel. (Alliance Films)

Bad Girls (Blu-ray)
This is a Wild West story of four fallen women (Madeleine Stowe, Andie MacDowell, Drew Barrymore and Mary Stuart Masterson) on the run. Branded as outlaws, pursued by a posse and tracked by Pinkerton detectives, the four must ride together to stay alive. But when they’re double-crossed by a gang of ruthless desperados, the women decide it’s time to stop running and start fighting.

The ’90s were all about girl power and filmmakers decided to try to cash in with a female-driven Western. The result is a busty, and sometimes blustering, shoot ‘em up that’s only real appeal is its novelty. Beginning in the only place women really had in the Wild West – a brothel – the women set out to prove they can settle land as well as any man; only to take up with men along the way. The actresses have fun with their roles, none of them taking their supposed step for womankind too seriously. It follows the established formula for the genre, but the new angle required a little more gravity.

Special features not available. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star (Blu-ray)
Bucky (Nick Swardson) is a small town grocery bagger, going nowhere in life – until he discovers that his conservative parents were once adult film stars. Armed with the belief that he has found his destiny, Bucky packs up and heads out to LA, hoping to follow in his parents’ footsteps.

Special features include: “Laughter Is Contagious”; “Behind The Teeth”; “Gary: Tough Customer”; and “Bucky Sparkles.” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

Drive Me Crazy (Blu-ray)
Opposites attract with irresistible force in this comedy about two mismatched teens who scheme to make their exes jealous. Nicole Maris (Melissa Joan Hart) is a peppy preppy who performs the ultimate makeover on her scruffy next-door neighbour (Adrian Grenier) and discovers this former “frog” was really a prince all along. Featuring the ‘90s hit singles “Crazy” (Britney Spears) and “I Want It That Way” (Backstreet Boys).

In a sea of teen movies starring the “it” kids of the ’90s came a cheesy comedy co-starring the then-unknown, shaggy haired guy who would go on to become a sensation portraying a fictionalized Mark Wahlberg in the HBO series Entourage. Nonetheless, it challenged the norm of beautifying an awkward girl by making the boy next door the subject of a makeover instead. Of course, there’s no mystery as to how the movie will end, but the then-top 40 soundtrack made it a popular choice during its initial release.

Special features not available. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Dutch (Blu-ray)
Dutch Dooley (Ed O’Neill) is a working-class good guy who’s the new boyfriend of a wealthy big shot’s ex-wife. But when the woman’s spoiled son (Ethan Randall) refuses to come home from his Southern prep school for Thanksgiving, Dutch volunteers to pick the bratty boy up for a road trip back to Chicago that quickly goes wrong.

During the height of Married with Children, O’Neill extended the cynical persona of Al Bundy to this family comedy. Randall is a genuine little monster that tries Dutch’s patience in numerous ways. Of course, they eventually reach the expected understanding between a child and the stranger who is dating his mother, however strange it may be.

Special features include: theatrical trailer and TV spots. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

First Squad (Blu-ray)
Set during the opening days of World War II on the Eastern Front, its main cast is a group of Soviet teenagers with extraordinary abilities. The teenagers have been drafted to form a special unit to fight the invading German army. They are opposed by a Schutzstaffel (SS) officer who is attempting to raise from the dead a supernatural army of crusaders from the 12th-century Order of the Sacred Cross and enlist them in the Nazi cause.

Special features not available. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

The Happiness of Others (DVD)
In addition to being dumped by his girlfriend on his 29th birthday, Sylvain finds out during his birthday dinner that his father Jean-Pierre is expecting a baby with Evelyn, his new, young girlfriend. For Sylvain’s sister Marion, who’s been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for the past 10 years, the news comes as a shock – especially since she still hasn’t forgiven their father for leaving their mother 20 years ago. Meanwhile, Evelyn, whose parents strongly disapprove of her relationship with a man their age, starts to wonder if she isn’t about to make a mistake.

Everyone in this film is in the process of undertaking a major life change and none of them are coping well under the pressure; though some are doing better than others. The mother’s sexual awakening at the encouragement of her friend is unusual, but very symbolic of her regaining control. Jean-Pierre is oblivious to the feelings of the people around him and, as a result, continuously offends them with his insensitivity. Their children are both attempting to attain the unattainable, though one is more likely to give up before the other. The cuts between scenes are linked by the slightest connection, but it’s just enough to appear to be a fluid transition. In addition, the narrative is strong and the cast turn in engaging performances.

Special features only available in French. (Entertainment One)

License to Drive (DVD)
For teenager Les Anderson (Corey Haim), the two most important things in life are getting his driver’s license and getting together with the hottest girl in school (Heather Graham). But when Les fails the exam, he ‘borrows’ the family’s prized ’73 Cadillac for his big date. An innocent girl. A harmless drive. What could possibly go wrong? Try a fearless best friend (Corey Feldman) with an insane plan, a high school hottie with too much to drink, angry drag racers, crazed militants, a police roadblock, a crash course in car theft, a very angry father (Richard Masur) and a very, very pregnant mother (Carol Kane).

Special features include: commentary by director Greg Beeman and writer Neil Tolkin; interviews with Haim and Feldman; deleted scenes; and theatrical trailers and TV spots. (Anchor Bay Home Entertainment)

Polish Wedding (DVD)
Hala (Claire Danes) is as sassy as her mother (Lena Olin) and as sensitive as her father (Gabriel Byrne). It’s a winning combination, but when she falls for the neighbourhood cop on the beat, their summer romance stretches her family’s strength and support to outrageous lengths. Now the rush is on to plan the nuptials – despite an extremely reluctant groom and other hilarious complications.

The family dynamic in this film is its strength. They are crazy, but devoted to each other to a fault. Hala is young and wants nothing more than to escape until her knight and shining armour unwittingly shackles her with a ball and chain. She trades her freedom for the closest she can get to a fairy tale ending, though her prince requires a little more convincing. The story is folk-like and the performances are enchanting. The fire between parents and long-time marriage partners Byrne and Olin is highly entertaining. Danes is picturesque with a mischievous streak one only realizes exists after it’s too late. Her siblings are the stereotypical big brothers who are teasing her one minute and out defending her honour the next. There is a simple, endearing quality about this film that makes it an unexpected top pick.

Special features not available. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Project X (DVD)
Jimmy Garrett (Matthew Broderick) is a screw-up Air Force jet jockey who is transferred to the ‘Experimental Pilot Performance Project’ where chimpanzees – including a remarkable young chimp named Virgil – are taught to operate flight simulators. But when Jimmy discovers the chimps will ultimately be used in a horrific experiment, he desperately seeks out the university researcher (Helen Hunt) who taught Virgil to communicate. The two unlikely heroes and an extraordinary group of apes try to defy the odds, escape the danger and end the top-secret terror of Project X.

Special features include: theatrical trailers and TV spots. (Anchor Bay Home Entertainment)

Redline (Blu-ray)
Redline is the biggest and most deadly racing tournament in the universe. Only held once every five years, everyone wants to stake their claim to fame, including JP, a reckless daredevil driver oblivious to speed limits with his ultra-customized car. All the while, organized crime and militaristic governments want to leverage the race to their own ends. Amongst the other elite rival drivers in the tournament, JP falls for the alluring Sonoshee – but will she prove his undoing, or can a high speed romance survive a mass destruction race?

Though some of the characters are human, many of them are an odd array of alien creatures or human hybrids. Moreover, the mechanized people of Roboworld consider their home humanity’s last place of peace – though there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. The characters are quite engaging. JP, his manager and older mechanic are like a family of three generations of men all drawn to the racetrack. They bicker and have trust issues, both personal and professional, but always come through for each other in the end. The film itself is stunning; the colours are vibrant and the images are imaginative. The cars are distinctly styled, and the races are fast-paced and set to energetic dance music that booms over the loud engines.

Special features not available. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) used to be a smuggler. He was so good, his nickname was Houdini. But when he got married and had kids, he retired and went legit. His wife’s (Kate Beckinsale) little brother, on the other hand, got mixed up with the wrong guy (Giovanni Ribisi). Now Chris has been pulled back in for one last job to keep his brother-in-law from being killed. And he’s called on some old friends to help him get the job done.

This summary is almost identical to the one for Gone in 60 Seconds – it even stars one of the same actors – but the cars aren’t as pretty and they’re not actually stealing anything; they’re just smuggling it into the country.

Outside of Wahlberg keeping his shirt on for the entire movie, this is a typical performance by the actor. Nothing about his character is unexpected: he’s a caring father, loving husband and he’s not afraid to get dirty or throw a few punches when required. Beckinsale is best known for her tough vampire persona Selene of the Underworld franchise, so you find yourself constantly waiting for her to save herself from her clumsy attackers, but alas her Contraband character is just a regular housewife, not a trained assassin. Ribisi has never played a guy this ignorant and apparently stupid. He alters his voice to an annoying whine and looks like a scruffy thug; but, not surprisingly, he is incredibly convincing. Ben Foster portrays Chris’ best friend and once again demonstrates he takes a fake beating very well.

The heist involves smuggling an obscene amount of uncut cash from Panama to New Orleans, but they pick up some additional, unexpected cargo along the way. The plan unfolds quickly as Chris begins making the necessary arrangements and a montage glosses over the seedy details. Once docked in Panama, the intensity increases as Chris races against the clock to get back to the ship before it leaves. Not all of the road blocks are predictable; though it’s obvious there will be several obstacles. Diego Luna is excellent as the maniacal head of a cartel determined to possess a Jackson Pollock painting.

The key plot twists are not entirely surprising, but are entertaining nonetheless, as is the film as a whole. Contraband delivers exactly what you’d expect from this genre – no more, no less – and that equates to a good night at the movies.

Boardwalk Empire – The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)
Atlantic City, 1920. It is the eve of Prohibition and county treasurer, Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi), is looking to cash in. As the undisputed “Boss” of Atlantic City, Nucky leads a double life as a politician and bootlegger; Prohibition may have outlawed alcohol, but in Nucky’s world it has opened up highly lucrative opportunities for gangsters and rumrunners looking to provide “liquid gold” for a thirsty nation.

Nucky Thompson is a complex, but engrossing character who doesn’t always act as you’d expect. His business and personal lives become vastly separate by the end of the season as he attempts to be a respectable family man in public while remaining crooked on the side. Kelly Macdonald portrays a walking contradiction decidedly willing to look the other way to ensure the best for her young children. Margaret Schroeder begins the season very quietly, having been beaten into submission by her abusive husband. But once she regains her strength, she takes back control of her path in life – even if she chooses a dangerous one to follow. The aesthetic is outstanding with authentic period garb from outerwear to underwear: suits and hats for the men, and dresses and undergarments that indicate social and financial status for the women.

Special features include: commentaries with cast and crew; an interactive, picture-in-picture experience on all 12 episodes,; a making-of featurette with cast and crew interviews; “Creating the boardwalk,” exploring the creation of the set; “Character dossier,” a comprehensive character guide; “Atlantic City: The original Sin City,” a 30-minute documentary about the culture and climate during the ‘20s; “Speakeasy tour,” and a tour with cast members of some of the famed speakeasies in Chicago and New York. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group)

Brighton Rock (DVD)
Adapted from Graham Greene’s classic 1939 novel of the same name, the story charts the headlong fall of Pinkie (Sam Riley), a young man with a religious death wish. At the heart of the story is the anti-hero’s relationship with Rose (Andrea Riseborough) – an apparently innocent young waitress who stumbles on evidence linking Pinkie and his gang to a revenge killing that Pinkie committed. After the murder, Pinkie seduces Rose, first in an effort to find out how much she knows and latterly to ensure she will not talk to the police.

This is an incredibly dark, untraditional love story. The gloomy tale is often vicious in its brute honesty and cruel relationships. Riley’s relentless anger is sometimes frightening, but it also becomes somewhat boring after a while as he passively lashes out at Rose. Rose’s naivety is pathetic in a way that makes you want to shake her more than protect her. Their relationship is poisonous to both of them, but Pinkie borders on sociopath in his treatment of Rose. The conclusion is not unexpected, but somewhat satisfying – particularly the film’s final moment.

Special features include: interviews; a behind-the-scenes footage; an untitled featurette; and the theatrical trailer. (Alliance Films)

Citizen Kane (Blu-ray)
After his death, the life of Charles Foster Kane – newspaper magnate and all-round larger-than-life American – is told from the perspective of those who knew him. A newspaper reporter is interviewing those in Kane’s life hoping to learn the meaning of Kane’s last word, Rosebud. Kane was sent to a boarding school at a young age after his mother struck it rich thanks to a mining claim that was signed over to her in lieu of rent. He came into his vast fortune at the age of 25 and promptly bought a newspaper. Eventually he died old and alone, whispering the word “Rosebud.”

Rosebud. That will forever be this film’s legacy. People who have never seen the film still recognize the reference as it’s become ingrained in our culture: the snow globe crashing to the floor with his dying breath. It is Orson Welles’ masterpiece and a must see for any film buff or culture seeker. All of the director’s signature marks are utilized to their fullest extent, from the long take to depth of field to a variety of tilts and angles. The scene in his humble home in which audiences view the exterior through a window from within a second room is masterfully executed and studied for its technique and vision.

Special features include: commentary by Roger Ebert; commentary by Peter Bogdanovich; interviews with Ruth Warrick and Robert Wise; premiere newsreel; still gallery; The Battle Over Citizen Kane; and 48-page film book. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group)

Hidden (DVD)
When Brian Karter’s mother dies, he is surprised to learn that he has inherited The Sanctuary, home to her controversial experimental addiction treatment centre. Having previously believed that the building burned to the ground years ago, Brian travels there with a group of friends and meets Haley, a mysterious friend of his mother, who acts as their guide through the impressive, monastery-like building. During their tour it becomes clear that something sinister lies beneath the surface. Despite their misgivings, they follow a secret passageway underground and come across strange and unsettling discoveries that trigger Brian’s disturbing memories of his mother’s research. Ultimately, they are confronted by her terrible secret: Brian’s mother built a revolutionary machine that cured people of their addictions; but, as a side effect, those addictions materialized in the form of mutant children hungry for human flesh.

Asylums and hospitals are common locations for horror movies because they are the perfect hiding places for deranged ambition and those without conscience. Doctors are provided with an endless supply of human test subjects and those that follow are tormented by the evil that’s left behind. Hidden is one of these pictures, but it’s not a very good one.

There are no special features. (Entertainment One)

Higher Ground (DVD)
Pregnant, married and awkward at eighteen years old, Corrine Miller (Vera Farmiga) grows more and more interested in Jesus, eventually giving herself over to a radical New Testament church. Amidst her community of self-described “Jesus Freaks,” Corrine’s daily life consists of hours of Bible study, alternative family practices and bracing for the oncoming Rapture. It’s only when her marriage begins to unravel that Corrine dares to question the religious dogma she has embraced her entire life.

Special features include: commentary by Vera Farmiga, Joshua Leonard and Renn Hawkey; a making-of featurette; deleted scenes; and L.A. Film Festival Q&A. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

The Hills Have Eyes (Blu-ray)
On the way to California, a family has the misfortune to have their car break down in an area closed to the public, and inhabited by violent savages ready to attack.

Wes Craven followed up his cult hit, The Last House on the Left, with a terrifying tale of mutant cannibalism in the American desert. It was once again unapologetic for the gruesome violence it portrayed, featuring disturbing rapes by frightening monsters and torturous murders. Commenting on the demise of the nuclear family, Craven tears them apart by a far from traditional brood. In addition, the gas shortage, and the contrast of the haves and have-nots could not be plainer contributors to the violence that occurs. Craven proves he is fearless when it comes to screen images, which is a trait that would inform the rest of his career – though it would become slightly less grotesque in his later years.

Special features include: “Looking Back at The Hills Have Eyes”; “The Directors: The Film of Wes Craven”; restoration demo; an alternate ending; still galleries; Wes Craven biography; trailers; and DVD-Rom features. (Entertainment One)

Killer Elite (Blu-ray & DVD combo pack)
Based on a shocking true story, it pits two of the world’s most elite operatives – Danny, an ex-special ops agent (Jason Statham) and Hunter, his longtime mentor (Robert De Niro) – against the cunning leader of a secret military society (Clive Owen). Covering the globe from Australia to Paris, London and the Middle East, Danny and Hunter are plunged into a highly dangerous game of cat and mouse – where the predators become the prey.

Heat was a massive buzz film because it was the first time two of Hollywood’s biggest heavyweights – Al Pacino and Robert De Niro – would share the screen. Killer Elite had the same sort of vibe. It brought together two of England’s hottest exports for more reason than one: Statham and Owen. They similarly only share a minimal number of scenes, but do so to much less dramatic success. The film lacks the fast-paced action that their union silently promised, though they physically face off in an underwhelming altercation. On the other hand, when considered individually, they are adequate as adversaries and assassins. But the script is somewhat lacking in tension and action.

Special features include: interviews and deleted scenes. (Entertainment One)

The Magnificent Ambersons (DVD)
Based on a novel by Booth Tarkington, the drama begins in the 1870s when the Amberson family is at the height of its wealth and prestige. But the day arrives when all the Ambersons are stunned by the truth of their financial ruin.

This is Orson Welles’ other masterpiece considered by many to be equal to Citizen Kane. The descriptive, omnipotent narrative guides audiences through the uncomplicated story. Nonetheless, his authoritative voice charmingly complements the tale. Following George Amberson from his bad-mannered childhood to his impolite adulthood to his insignificant death is quite absorbing.

There are no special features. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group)

Moneyball (Blu-ray)
A real-life story based on Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane who defied conventional wisdom and even his own scouts by fielding a baseball team of castoffs who went on to enjoy one of the most unlikely winning streaks in the history of professional sports.

Special features include: deleted scenes; Blooper with Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill; “Billy Beane: Re-Inventing the Game”; “Moneyball: Playing The Game”; “Drafting The Team”; “Adapting Moneyball”; and exclusive MLB 12 The Show preview trailer. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

The Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Blowhole (DVD)
In this three-part saga, Skipper and the Penguins face off against their sinister nemesis, Dr. Blowhole, and his diabolical schemes with six original musical numbers. It’s a Bond spoof of Penguins proportions!

For much of the audience, the most enjoyable characters in the Madagascar films were the group of secret agent penguins and the lemur king, Julien, who each made brief but memorable appearances. Fans of these off beat mammals can now delight in three spin-off episodes starring the quirky personalities with the addition of the villainous dolphin, Dr. Blowhole. Skipper’s rotating door of imaginary guides to lead him out of his amnesia is amusing, while the teaming of Julien and Blowhole is consistently hilarious. The 22-minute episodes are laugh-out-loud funny and sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.

There are no special features. (Paramount Home Entertainment)

Sinners and Saints (DVD)
Location: New Orleans, post-Katrina. As the leader of an elite “Street Crimes” task force squad, New Orleans Detective Sean Reilly (Johnny Strong) is trying to cope with the death of his young son and the abandonment of his wife. But when a routine warrant “serve” results in an ambush and the vicious murder of his partner, this may be the last straw that finally sends Sean over the edge. Re-assigned by his mentor, Captain Trahan (Tom Berenger), Sean and Det. Will Ganz (Kevin Phillips) investigate a baffling gangland homicide. As the clues stack up, Sean and Will realize that Colin (Sean Patrick Flanery), one of Sean’s childhood friends and a security contractor just back from the Middle East, seems to be at the centre of their case.

Special features not available. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

The Tempest (Blu-ray & DVD combo pack)
Exiled to a magical island, the sorceress Prospera (Helen Mirren) conjures up a storm that shipwrecks her enemies and then unleashes her powers for revenge. The Tempest, with its innovative twist, is a supernatural film filled with Shakespearean villains, lovers and fools that will leave you spellbound.

This is Shakespeare’s final play. It combines elements of Romeo and Juliet, Richard III and A Midsummer’s Night Dream to a dramatic and often whimsical effect. Though much more can be achieved on film than stage, part of the beauty of the bard’s stories is their simplicity; as a result, some filmmakers make things more complex than is necessary. Director Julie Taymor walks a fine line here, though she is sometimes led astray into making a scene obscure. Mirren’s Prospera was originally Prospero and intended for a man. However, the transference to a woman seems natural in her sorcery and motherly instincts. The majority of the dialogue remains unchanged, though a song is borrowed (and given new meaning) from Twelfth Night. The single location of a private Hawaiian island provides so much contrast, yet remains fluid and connected as the rocky landscape gives way to red sand then to forests and sea. Russell Brand is another highlight, providing seamless comedy throughout the picture.

Special features include: commentary by director Taymor; “Annotated Shakespeare,” audio commentary by Shakespeare experts Virginia Vaughan and Jonathan Bate; “O Mistress Mine” music video; Russell Brand rehearsal riff; and “Raising The Tempest” featurette. (Alliance Films)

What’s Your Number? (DVD)
After reading a magazine article that insists if a woman has slept with at least 20 people that they have already missed Mr. Right, marketing executive Ally Darling (Anna Faris) begins to panic, thinking that she will be alone forever. With the help of her hunky new neighbor (Chris Evans), Ally starts tracking down all her ex-boyfriends, hoping to find her real true love while she helps him escape his latest fling. Hilarious hijinks and adventure ensues as Ally goes on her wild search for the best “ex” of her life, only to find what she is looking has been right in front of her all along.

The title refers to a question many fear to be asked in a relationship. But this movie manages to make the whole dreaded idea fun with a great cast and a new angle. The results are flashbacks of horrible relationships and a string of men she should be happy to be rid of now. Even the apparent exceptions turn out to be the wrong guy. Faris is an absolute delight in this movie. She’s been slowly carving out a position as one of the funniest women in Hollywood and this film seals the deal. She takes what may have otherwise been a mediocre rom-com and makes it a must-see comedy. Evans’ role is somewhat muted next to Faris, but he complements her well. The only problem in the film occurs in the final minutes. The narrative goes to great lengths to illustrate the double standard when it comes to men’s and women’s “numbers.” Then it suddenly yanks the rug out from under the whole thing with one entirely unnecessary phone call that reaffirms the initial misnomer it set out disprove. Almost ruins the entire movie.

Special features include: extended cut of movie; extended flashback dates and deleted scenes; and gag reel. (Fox Home Entertainment)

Contagion (Blu-ray & DVD combo pack)
When a lethal airborne virus with the power to wipe out humanity is unleashed, the worldwide medical community races to find a vaccine and stop the panic from spreading. This thriller follows the deadly path of a virus that is beyond containment. Researchers for disease control, the military, the World Health Organization and ordinary civilians must mobilize to try and find a cure and the cause before it’s too late.

Special features not available. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment)

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (Blu-ray & DVD combo pack)
Sally Hurst (Bailee Madison), a lonely, withdrawn child, has just arrived in Rhode Island to live with her father Alex (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes) at the 19th-century mansion they are restoring. While exploring the sprawling estate, the young girl discovers a hidden basement, undisturbed since the strange disappearance of the mansion’s builder a century ago. When Sally unwittingly lets loose a race of ancient, dark-dwelling creatures that conspire to drag her down into the mysterious house’s bottomless depths, she must convince Alex and Kim that it’s not a fantasy – before the evil lurking in the dark consumes them all.

Though not directed by Guillermo Del Toro, it has his signature style all over it; it’s not difficult to see director Troy Nixey is a fan of Del Toro’s work. Based on a TV movie of the same name, the film closely resembles a modern telling of producer Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth - particularly the first act. The narrative relies heavily on Madison’s acting as she is the focus of the story and the monsters, and she does quite well jumping from ill advised curiosity to constant terror – even if requested to do so too often by the script. The creatures are bizarre looking, but their ability to speak tends to make them more frightening. However, they would have had a greater impact if their appearances hadn’t been revealed so soon. The ending provides a nice little twist to an otherwise creepy but predictable story.

Special features include: three featurettes: “The story”, “Blackwood’s mansion” and “The creatures”; and a conceptual art gallery. (Alliance Films)

Don’t Let Him In (DVD)
Two couples spend a weekend in the country, only to cross paths with a brutal serial killer. As the body count rises, suspicion spirals into paranoia, climaxing in a terrifying battle for survival.

This trip immediately turns into a bad idea when one of the characters decides to invite a sketchy one-night stand to a cabin in the woods. When the cozy but awkward foursome discovers a bloody fifth wheel at their door, their situation just gets weirder. The opening revelation of a serial killer loose in the woods allows the cottagers and the audience to come to their own conclusions, but not everyone is what they seem. The gruesome corpses are just for shock value and the appearance of one maggot in particular just doesn’t make sense. Luckily at only 80 minutes, the movies doesn’t even try to overstay its welcome.

Special features include: behind-the-scenes featurette and visual effects short film. (Entertainment One)

The Guard (Blu-ray & DVD combo pack)
Two policemen must join forces to take on an international drug- smuggling gang – one, an unorthodox Irish policeman and the other, a straitlaced FBI agent. Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is an eccentric small-town cop with a confrontational and crass personality and a subversive sense of humour. A long time policeman in County Galway, Boyle is a maverick with his own moral code. He has seen enough of the world to know there isn’t much to it and has had plenty of time to think about it. When a fellow police officer disappears and Boyle’s small town becomes the key to a large drug trafficking investigation, he is forced to at least feign interest when dealing with the humourless FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) assigned to the case.

Special features include: commentary by director John Michael McDonagh, and actors Gleeson and Cheadle; deleted scenes; behind-the-scenes featurette; and “Second death” featurette. (Alliance Films)

Mildred Pierce (DVD)
Mildred Pierce brings to life the memorable characters introduced in James M. Cain’s classic 1941 novel of pride and privilege in the middle class. This five-part drama is an intimate portrait of a uniquely independent woman (Kate Winslet) who finds herself newly divorced during the Depression years, as she struggles to carve out a new life for herself and her family. The story explores Mildred’s unreasonable devotion to her insatiable daughter Veda (Evan Rachel Wood), as well as the complex relationship she shares with the indolent men in her life, including her polo-playing lover Monty Beragon (Guy Pearce) and ex-husband Bert Pierce (Brian F. O’Byrne).

Winslet gives a stand out performance as a woman constantly struggling against everyone and everything, including social norms and her own daughter. Wood is equally good, providing her character with a hardened determination and fiery mean streak. The mini-series demands your attention for most of the five-plus hours, taking one woman’s life and infusing it with intriguing melodrama that includes severed relationships, torrid affairs and home cooking.

Special features not available. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment)

Shark Night (DVD)
Arriving by boat at her family’s Louisiana lake island cabin, Sara (Sara Paxton) and her friends quickly strip down to their swimsuits for a weekend of fun in the sun. But when star football player Malik (Sinqua Walls) stumbles from the salt-water lake with his arm torn off, the party mood quickly evaporates. Assuming the injury was caused by a freak wake-boarding accident, the group realizes they have to get Malik to a hospital on the other side of the lake. But as they set out in a tiny speedboat, the college friends discover the lake has been stocked with hundreds of massive, flesh-eating sharks. As they face one grisly death after another, Sara and the others struggle desperately to fend off the sharks, get help and stay alive long enough to reach the safety of dry land.

Special features not available. (Entertainment One)

The Amityville Haunting (DVD)
The Benson family moved into the infamous “Amityhouse” in 2008. When the mysterious hauntings began to spook the family, the Bensons start to document, on camera, the very strange happenings. Now, for the first time, the family’s footage has been released.

This film combines a classic horror tale with the newly popular faux documentary style of Paranormal Activity. The acting seems subpar, but this also fits with the narrative style, making the characters appear more real. Amity brings an established sense of terror to the mix, which they utilize well in creating a scary movie. The featurette keeps up the pretense by discussing how they edited together the “found” footage used to comprise the film.

Special features include: documentary of Amityville murders and the footage compiled for the film. (Video Services Corp.)

Apollo 18 (Blu-ray)
Officially, Apollo 17, which launched December 17, 1972, was the last manned mission to the moon. But two years later, in December of 1974, three American astronauts were sent on a secret mission to the moon funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. This film is comprised of the actual footage the astronauts captured on that mission. While NASA denies its authenticity, others say it’s the real reason we’ve never gone back to the moon.

The choppy editing does not produce a very fluid film experience, but the concept is incredibly intriguing. Many people are convinced they saw something unusual during the original, live moon walk and this movie builds on that conspiracy theory, as well as the one mentioned above. The alien camouflage is clever, but their motivation and how they operate is completely unclear. The actors portraying the astronauts are convincing, though the third man out’s recognisability detracts somewhat from the “realism.” Finally, of the five possible endings, filmmakers definitely selected the best one even though the others are interesting too.

Special features include: commentary by director Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego and editor Patrick Lussier; deleted and alternate scenes; and four alternate endings. (Alliance Films)

Archer – Season 2 (DVD)
When he’s not busy foiling eco-terrorist threats, tracking down mysterious killers, or having sex in x-ray machines, the suave master-spy has his hands full with bikini-clad ninjas, Swiss nymphomaniacs, and paternity suits. Archer searches for the true identity of his father, battles breast cancer, and brings a sexy, ex-KGB agent home to meet his domineering mother. It’s all in a day’s work for the international man of mystery in this uproariously edgy animated farce.

Special features include: “Ask Archer”; “Archersaurus – Self Extinction”; “Semper Fi”; “L’espoin Mal Fait”; and “Isis Invades Comic-con.” (Fox Home Entertainment)

Dutch (DVD)
Dutch Dooley (Ed O’Neill) is a working-class good guy who’s the new boyfriend of a wealthy big shot’s ex-wife. But when the woman’s spoiled son (Ethan Randall) refuses to come home from his Southern prep school for Thanksgiving, Dutch volunteers to pick the bratty boy up for a road trip back to Chicago that quickly goes wrong.

During the height of Married with Children, O’Neill extended the cynical persona of Al Bundy to this family comedy. Randall is a genuine little monster that tries Dutch’s patience in numerous ways. Of course, they eventually reach the expected understanding between a child and the stranger who is dating his mother, however strange it may be.

Special features include: theatrical trailer and TV spots. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Final Destination 5 (Blu-ray & DVD combo pack)
In Final Destination 5, death is just as omnipresent as ever, first revealing its menacing reality to a group of coworkers headed for a corporate retreat. During the bus ride, Sam (Nicholas D’Agosto) has a premonition in which he and most of his friends, as well as numerous others, die in a horrific bridge collapse. When his vision ends, events begin to mirror what he had seen, and he frantically ushers as many of his colleagues – including his friend, Peter (Miles Fisher), and girlfriend, Molly (Emma Bell) – away from the disaster before Death can claim them. But these unsuspecting souls were never supposed to survive and, in a terrifying race against time, the ill-fated group tries to discover a way to escape Death’s sinister agenda.

This is the best film in the franchise since the first film. The opening disaster is thrilling and without a logistical flaw, which has been an issue in many of the preceding films. The deaths are creative, brutal and bloody. The 3D element is negligible, though it did provide some added imagination to the characters’ demises. Also, one of the supernatural murders may turn certain viewers away from ever getting laser corrective eye surgery. Finally, the conclusion is brilliant and unexpected. It blows the whole rest of the film out of the water with its unpredictable turn of events.

Special features include: alternate death scenes; two special effects split-screen features, “Collapsing Bridge” and “Airplane Crash”; “Circle of Death, Your Final Destination”; and a digital copy of the film. (Warner Home Entertainment)

In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds (DVD)
Granger (Dolph Lundgren) is a lethal, ex-Special Forces soldier who finds himself transported back to a mystical age of sorcery, dragons and savage hand-to-hand combat. This modern-day warrior has been summoned to defeat the forces of darkness and fulfill an ancient prophecy. But as he fights his way to the truth, Granger learns no one can be trusted — and one wrong move could cost him not only his life, but the future of his world.

Special features include: commentary by director Uwe Boll; commentary by writer Michael Nachoff; behind-the-scenes featurette; and “From Page to Screen: Writing In the Name of the King 2: Two Worlds.” (Fox Home Entertainment)

Moby Dick (DVD)
Nantucket. 1850. The tiny island is the capital of the American whaling industry, where sailors, traders and harpooners seek their fortunes. Three of them – Ishmael (Charlie Cox), Pip (Daniel Gordon), and Queequeg (Raoul Trujillo) – become crewmembers of the Pequod, and their journey with the charismatic but tyrannical Captain Ahab (William Hurt) begins. A veteran whale hunter who lost his leg to the gigantic Moby Dick, Ahab is obsessed with revenge. But his long-suffering wife (Gillian Anderson) and crew know little about his plans. Only his first mate, Starbuck (Ethan Hawke), senses the dangers ahead.

Special features not available. (Entertainment One)

Nine Months (Blu-ray)
Sam (Hugh Grant) has it all: a wonderful girlfriend (Julianne Moore), a successful child psychology practice and a red Porsche. But all that changes when his girlfriend tells him she’s pregnant. Torn between advice from an overbearing couple (Tom Arnold and Joan Cusack) and his bachelor buddy (Jeff Goldblum), Sam’s got nine months to grow-up – or risk losing it all.

This narrative puts on film the anxieties many men feel when they’ve unexpectedly become a father. Grant’s charming personality ensures most of the fears are humorous rather than offensive, and Arnold and Cusack live a comedically terrifying life. In addition, the limited role of Robin Williams is often a scene stealer.

There are no special features. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Only the Lonely (DVD)
Danny Muldoon (John Candy) is a lonely Chicago policeman who still lives with his domineering mother (Maureen O’Hara). But when Danny falls in love with a shy, funeral home cosmetologist (Ally Sheedy), his sharp-tongued mom will do anything to sabotage her son’s newfound happiness. Even with the advice of his sex-obsessed partner (James Belushi) and the example of his lusty neighbour (Anthony Quinn), Danny tries to find a way to follow his own heart without killing his mother.

A sweet, funny, family friendly picture, Candy shines as the lonesome cop that finally becomes tired of trying to please everyone but himself. Replacing his typical teenage subjects with adults, director John Hughes still delivers the expected emotionally complex relationships. (While the casting of Sheedy reminds viewers of his earlier movies.) O’Hara is casted perfectly in the role of Danny’s overbearing, and often nasty, mother. The ridiculous scenarios Danny imagines when they are apart are quite funny as well.

Special features include: a promotional featurette; theatrical trailer and TV spot. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Shameless: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)
Meet Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy): proud, working-class patriarch to a motley brood of six smart, spirited and independent kids who, without him, would be… better off. In Frank’s booze-addled view, parenting just eats into his hard-earned bar-crawling and carousing time around Chicago – so he leaves it to eldest daughter Fiona (Emmy Rossum) to hold down the fort. Bearing the de facto parent badge/burden, she’s donned the proverbial apron and makes sure her younger siblings do their chores, keep a clean(ish) home and feed the kitty — the Gallagher family fund jar — because the gas bill is due, and everyone (no matter how small) works to keep the house lights on, as well as food on the table. Brothers Lip, Ian and Carl use their intellect to break every rule in the book to survive and make the bank, while younger sister Debbie would sooner steal her share.

This is an exceptional introductory season that never falters or slows from the first episode to the last. The characters immediately grab your interest with their dedication to their family and their witty remarks to each other and those they encounter. The neighbours are an added source of hilarity, while Macy’s character is entirely unredeemable. The creators make the children’s lives as interesting, and sometimes more so, than some of the adults’ lives as Lip runs various scams at school, Ian has a secret affair, Carl puts various inappropriate things in the microwave, Debbie becomes a kidnapper and Fiona forgoes her own happiness for that of her siblings. There’s also an agoraphobic, an illegal marriage and countless shenanigans that will make the wait for the second season nearly unbearable.

Special features include: commentary on two episodes; “Bringing Shameless to America”; “Shameless: Bringing the FUN to dysfunctional”; “A shameless discussion about sex”; and a sneak peek of season two. (Warner Home Entertainment)

Sid & Nancy: 25^th Anniversary (Blu-ray)
Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman) and his unforgettable junkie girlfriend (Chloe Webb) are two social misfits who literally love each other to death. Writer/director Alex Cox creates a film about the destructive lives of two 1970′s punk legends. Their love affair is one of pure devotion. Sid falls hard for groupie Nancy Spungen, who seduces him with her affection and addiction to heroin. Their inseparable bond to each other and their drugs eventually corrodes the band, sending Sid and Nancy head down a dark road of despair. Out of money, hope and options, the despondent pair hit rock bottom while living in squalor at New York’s infamous Chelsea Hotel.  But their journey takes yet another tragic turn as they face their final curtain and attempt to fulfill their destiny of going out in a blaze of glory.

Zombie Apocalypse (DVD)
In the United States, 90 per cent of the population has been wiped out by a zombie plague. A small, lone group of survivors fight their way across country to a rumoured refuge on the island of Catalina.

It appears the filmmakers started with the question, “What hasn’t been in a zombie movie before?” Thus, this undead picture has a combination of fast and slow zombies, some of which are capable of opening doors, planning an ambush and communicating vaguely with the living; as well as an infected tiger. The latter creation is an appealing one, but the other zombie innovations are absurd and will leave most undead enthusiasts gaping in disgust. In addition, the characters are relatively one-dimensional and nearly impossible to care for as they’re predictably picked off by the hordes.

Special features include: a making-of featurette; gag reel; and trailers. (Video Services Corp.)

Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is an investigative reporter for an independent magazine. He’s recently lost a libel suit, resulting in a significant personal loss and much interest in his affairs. So when he’s offered a job that pays generously and removes him from the spotlight, he accepts. Business tycoon Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) hires Mikael to find out who killed his great-niece 40 years ago, convinced the murderer is a member of his family.

Meanwhile, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) is losing her independence with the deteriorating health of her guardian. Her assigned social worker is a sexual sadist, who takes advantage of his authoritative position – until she ends his reign. Lisbeth is also an inquisitive mind with unmatched computer hacking skills. It is in this capacity she comes to work with Mikael. Together they complete the puzzle, unmasking a serial killer and a long buried secret.

There are two elements that become increasingly clear while watching the film: it features disturbingly graphic violence and it’s akin to a pulp story. The rape sequences are obviously about power, but their severity can be difficult to stomach. In addition, the animal mutilation and crime scene photographs sustain the explicit nature of the film through the latter half. The pulp aspect comes from the heavily detailed mystery that occupies the majority of the narrative. Fincher bravely embraces both elements of the material completely and does not hold back.

It’s impossible not to compare Mara’s performance to Noomi Rapace’s portrayal of Lisbeth. Nonetheless, Mara makes her own mark on the character, giving her a unique mix of vulnerability and aggression. Her words are very deliberate as are her brisk interactions with most people. Though her blunted bangs are endlessly annoying.

Craig delivers a fitting and not uncharacteristic performance as the curious, determined reporter. Plummer is typically charming, though Stellan Skarsgård doesn’t make much of an impression despite the important role he plays in the story.

In any case, the main reason this film was produced was the portion of the film going public that dislikes subtitles. The only key difference between the original film and its remake is the casting. It would have almost been preferable if the filmmakers thoroughly Americanized the script versus retaining the Swedish locations and names – even all the written language is still Swedish– making it even more gratuitous.

Fincher’s influence is most evident in the opening credit sequence and his excellent use of the music produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, including a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” The external soundtrack cues to significant moments are effective without seeming overly manipulative.

In the end, I’d still recommend you rent the original adaptation, but this isn’t a terrible version either.