Monthly Archives: July 2008

This week’s crop of new videos runs the gamut, with genres ranging from a lowbrow comedy to a highbrow concert film. Not surprisingly, the quality of the movies varies as drastically as the content.

 
Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay
1 1/2 stars
Available in rated and unrated versions. The theatrical cut received an R for strong crude and sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language and drug use
New Line
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

“Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” wasn’t the sort of movie that begged for a sequel, but we got one nonetheless. As with the first flick, the action centers on the pot-loving party boy Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) and his more sedate pal Harold Lee (John Cho).

“Guantanamo Bay” is set just after the events in “White Castle,” with the boys headed to Amsterdam so Harold can hook up with his beautiful neighbor. Alas, Kumar’s attempt to smoke pot in an airplane lavatory convince authorities that both men are terrorists, and the next thing they know they’re in Guantanamo Bay.

Despite the film’s political content, the plotting and jokes are just as stupid and crude as in the first film. In fact, they’re probably stupider and cruder. There are a handful of funny moments — including a great bit when the boys meet President Bush — but the good parts are buried within an inconsistent and mostly unfunny, 107-minute narrative.

Fans of “White Castle” will appreciate the fact that Neil Patrick Harris — the best part of the first movie — is back with another cameo, but he doesn’t salvage the project.

The movie is being sold in multiple DVD editions, including a single-disc rated version and an unrated two-disc special edition. Extra features vary.

 
Never Back Down
3 stars
Available in rated and unrated versions. The theatrical cut received a PG-13 for mature thematic material involving intense sequences of fighting/violence, some sexuality, partying and language — all involving teens
Summit Entertainment
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

Anyone seeking an introduction to sports movie cliches, should pop “Never Back Down” into a DVD player and take notes. The film features a troubled teen named Jake (Sean Faris) who must conquer inner demons before he can be the best possible athlete and win a beautiful girl named Baja (Amber Heard).

Set in the world of mixed martial arts, the movie contains lots of hand-to-hand … and foot-to-face … combat, plus the obligatory training sessions, where Jake works with a master fighter named Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou). Although Jake’s biggest enemy is himself, he finds a more tangible foe in Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet), a hotshot fight club brat who torments him at every turn.

Because “Never Back Down” rarely strays from tried-and-true sports movie formulas, it’s not very inspiring, but it does work as a guilty pleasure. Maybe it’s the charisma of Faris and Hounsou or maybe it’s the fact that sporting events are packed with internal drama. Whatever the reason, “Never Back Down” transcends its predictability to offer a pleasant viewing experience.

The movie is being sold in both rated and unrated versions. Extra features vary.

 
Doomsday
2 stars
Unrated. DVD also has the option to play the theatrical cut, which was rated R for strong bloody violence, language and some sexual content
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

This science-fiction adventure by writer-director Neil Marshall is stylishly made and filled with action, but that’s about all it has going for it.

The story takes place in a future United Kingdom, where Scotland has been quarantined because a deadly virus ravished the countryside. When the virus makes its way to England decades later, officials send a military team to the quarantine zone in hopes that survivors there know of a cure.

A talented soldier named Eden (Rhona Mitra) volunteers to lead the squad because her mother was left behind in Scotland. But what she and her comrades find is a hostile world filled with savages, most of whom have no concern for the outside world.

The action sequences are well staged and intense, and Mitra is credible as an action hero, but the plotting lacks zest. What’s more, Marshall’s homage to post-apocalypse thrillers like “The Road Warrior” is so blatant that it seems more like thievery than a tip of the hat.

DVD releases include both the R-rated theatrical cut of the film and an unrated version. Other extras include three making-of features and an audio commentary by Marshall and several of his cast members.

 
Shine a Light
3 1/2 stars
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, drug references and smoking
Paramount
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

In 1978, director Martin Scorsese chronicled The Band’s farewell concert with “The Last Waltz,” and in 2005 he peered into Bob Dylan’s career with the critically acclaimed “No Direction Home.” Now, he has captured the Rolling Stones in action with an excellent concert picture shot in 2006 at New York’s Beacon Theater.

The film mixes current performance footage with archival clips from a variety of eras, and the contrast is fascinating and illuminating. It’s wonderful, for instance, to watch a twenty-something Mick Jagger speculate that his band is well positioned to keep going for at least another year right after watching the 60-plus Jagger rock the Beacon.

Much of the movie is dedicated to complete performances of Stones music, with both huge hits and lesser known tunes represented. There are also appearances by guest artists Jack White, Christina Aguilera and Buddy Guy. “Shine a Light” is a must for diehard Stones fans, but it is also recommended for anybody with an interest in classic rock ‘n’ roll.

DVD extras include bonus Stones performances and a behind-the-scenes featurette.

 
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Lost Boys — The Tribe: Direct-to-DVD sequel to the 1987 vampire film “The Lost Boys.” Like the original, this movie focuses on bloodsuckers who haunt a California beach city.

The Deal: Director Stephen Frears’ 2003 drama about the friendship and rivalry between British prime ministers James Gordon Brown (David Morrissey) and Tony Blair (Michael Sheen).

Stargate — Continuum: Direct-to-DVD science-fiction movie featuring the continuing adventures of the cast of the television series “Stargate SG-1.”

War Games — 25th Anniversary Edition: The title says it all. Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy star in this now-classic 1983 suspense film about a computer hacker who inadvertently starts a global confrontation.

War Games — The Dead Code: Direct-to-DVD sequel to the above-mentioned 1983 thriller. This movie also focuses on a hacker who mistakenly inserts himself into a real-life war.

Tai Chi Master: A 1993 film starring Jet Li as a martial arts student who is stricken with grief when his longtime friend betrays him. Through the study of tai chi, he recovers. Also stars Michelle Yeoh.

It’s a slow week for home video, as only one major theatrical release — “21” — made its way onto DVD. That makes it the perfect time to look outside the mainstream, and there are a couple of good choices waiting in the wings.

21
2 1/2 stars
Rated PG-13 for some violence, and sexual content including partial nudity
Sony Pictures
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

Director Robert Luketic’s first two features — “Legally Blonde” and “Win a Date With Tad Hamilton!” — were solid enough, but he’s been on a downward spiral ever since. His 2005 effort, “Monster-In-Law,” was notoriously hated. While “21” is an improvement, it’s far from a masterpiece.

Based on the Ben Mezrich book “Brining Down the House,” the film was inspired by the true story of several M.I.T. students who took Vegas for millions by counting cards while playing blackjack. At the center of the action is Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), a hopeful pre-med student desperate to raise enough money to attend Harvard Medical School. So, when professor Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey) invites him to be part of a secret card-counting team that flies to Vegas each weekend and makes a killing, he bites.

It’s not long before Ben and his teammates, including the girl of his dreams (Kate Bosworth), are living like rock stars and rolling in cash. But the casino owners aren’t as oblivious as Ben and company think, and team members find that they’re involved in a dangerous game that an old-school security man (Laurence Fishburne) will do anything to win.

“21” has nice moments and Sturgess is likable in the lead role, but Luketic never allows the picture to reach an intensity level that would make it truly great. What’s more, the film does a poor job explaining how card counting actually works.

The movie is available on a single-disc release and as part of a two-disc special edition. Extra features vary.

 
Vampyr
3 stars
Unrated
The Criterion Collection
Available on: DVD

Although extremely crude by today’s standards, director Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1932 film “Vampyr” is noteworthy as a piece of cinema history. Therefore, it’s nice to see the outstanding Criterion Collection give it a DVD treatment.

The movie was at least partially based on author J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s “Carmilla,” and it relates the adventures of young Allan Gray (Julian West), who stumbles upon a horrific scene while traveling in France. After he gets an unexplained, late-night visit from an old man, he finds himself exploring a supernatural world where shadows live independent lives and a dreaded vampire is menacing two beautiful sisters, Leone (Sybille Schmitz) and Gisele (Rena Mandel).

Although “Vampyr” is visually interesting — particularly for its day — the plotting is fractured and hard to follow. That makes it less impressive than other films of its period, but it is nevertheless considered an important piece of cinema.

Because the movie is stilted by today’s standards, it is not recommended for general audiences, but it is suggested for film history buffs. They should appreciate not only the movie but Criterion’s hefty, two-DVD treatment. The many extra feature include a copy of the screenplay and “Carmilla.” There’s also an audio commentary by scholar Tony Rayns, a documentary on Dreyer’s career and a radio broadcast featuring the filmmaker.

 
Robot Chicken: Star Wars
3 stars
Unrated
Warner Brothers
Available on: DVD

Anyone who watches “Robot Chicken” on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim knows the show is all about pop culture parodies, so it makes sense that co-creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich would take aim at “Star Wars.”

In June 2007, they were allowed to devote an entire half-hour episode to the “Star Wars” universe, and the result was 23 minutes of short, stop-motion animation sketches poking fun at everything from science-fiction conventions to the Death Star’s shabby construction. One particularly funny bit features President George W. Bush fantasizing that he’s a Jedi.

Green and his cohorts have a warped-but-witty sense of humor, and the show’s crude animation adds to the fun. Anyone who loves “Star Wars” should have a blast with this material. Unfortunately, the sub-half-hour show is pricey at the suggested retail of $14.98. That means this disc will be a rental for most folks.

Hardcore fans may want to shell out, however, because they will appreciate the many extra features that accompany the program. They include interviews with the cast and creators, deleted scenes, alternate audio takes, episode commentary, and more. And the extras run longer than the show itself.

 
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Picture This: Originally shown on the ABC Family television network, this film stars Ashley Tisdale as a teen who gets invited to a party by the boy of her dreams. Alas, she’s grounded, so it takes much scheming for her romantic dreams to come true.

High and Low: Two-DVD Criterion Collection release of director Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film about a businessman (Toshiro Mifune) who is targeted by kidnappers. In Japanese with English subtitles.

The Last Winter: Psychological horror film focused on members of an Alaskan oil drilling team who begin a slow descent into madness. Ron Perlman, James LeGros and Kevin Corrigan star.

Autumn Hearts — A New Beginning: Relationship drama about three people who grew close while living in a German detention camp during World War II but were separated after the war. When they reunite, sparks fly. Susan Sarandon, Max von Sydow, Christopher Plummer and Gabriel Byrne star.

Spaced — The Complete Series: Both seasons of the British sitcom starring Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes as London residents who pose as a married couple in order to rent an inexpensive flat.

Witchblade — The Complete Series: Every episode of the TNT drama about a homicide detective (Yancy Butler) who fights crime using a mysterious, living weapon known as the Witchblade.

This week’s major video releases are truly genre-spanning, as they range from an intense heist film to a modern fairy tale to a Japanese horror remake.

 
The Bank Job
3 1/2 stars
Rated R for sexual content, nudity, violence and language
Lionsgate
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

Director Roger Donaldson (“The World’s Fastest Indian,” “Thirteen Days,” “The Recruit”) has hit his stride in recent years, and that is evident in this excellent crime drama.

Based on a true story, the film recounts the exploits of a gang of small-time hoodlums who — with a nudge from the British secret service — are encouraged to rob the safe deposit boxes at a major London bank. The crooks are surprised, however, when they recover more than just loot.

Some boxes contain sensitive documents capable of embarrassing or ending the careers of both public officials and high-profile criminals, and that makes the thieves a target for some of the most powerful people in the world.

Jason Statham, ringleader of the robbers, is the only major star in the cast, but all players are extremely solid. What’s more, Donaldson keeps the film moving at a rapid pace, so there’s never a dull moment.

The movie is available on a single-disc release and as part of a two-disc special edition. Extra features vary, but the two-disc version includes a digital copy of the film.

 
Penelope
3 1/2 stars
Rated PG for thematic elements, some innuendo and language
Summit Entertainment
Available on: DVD

In this modern fairy tale, Christina Ricci plays Penelope, an heiress cursed to live with the snout and ears of a pig until she finds another blue blood who will love her. Trouble is, her embarrassed-but-good-hearted mother (Catherine O’Hara) keeps her hidden away from the world, making possible suitors sign waivers promising not to talk about Penelope’s appearance.

When Max (James McAvoy), the only man Penelope ever truly connected with, says he can’t marry her, the heartbroken girl runs away from home. Rapidly, she grows to love the big city and all the wonders it holds, and she becomes fast friends with a spunky courier (Reese Witherspoon). The question is, will Penelope be able to find happiness when the only person who can reverse her curse is an aristocrat?

Despite the sad undertones, “Penelope” is the type of sweet, life-affirming tale that reminds you why it’s great to go to the movies. Ricci is wonderful in the title role, and her supporting cast — especially McAvoy — is fabulous.

Director Mark Palansky infuses his story with a sweetness and sense of wonder that keep things interesting throughout. Plus, as with every good fairy tale, the movie comes with a moral that we should all take to heart.

DVD extras are limited to a short on the making of the film and two bits promoting other movies.

 
College Road Trip
2 stars
Rated G
Disney
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

According to police chief James Porter (Martin Lawrence), a father doesn’t say “goodbye” to his daughter when she gets married. That moment comes years earlier, when she heads to college.

Armed with this philosophy, James has long planned for his daughter, Melanie (Raven-Symoné), to attend Northwestern, which is located less than an hour from their family home in the Chicago suburbs. But Melanie has dreams of going to Georgetown.

Reluctantly, James volunteers to take Melanie on a cross-country road trip so she can check out several campuses. Because he has an agenda, and because there are always bumps in road trip movies, their journey is eventful in all the wrong ways.

Lawrence and Raven are likable and the film starts decently, but it quickly devolves into the sort of predictable family drama everyone has seen a dozen times. Youngsters will probably find the film mildly appealing, but there are many better choices for adults to watch with their children.

Although “College Road Trip” has problems, it does earn brownie points for an appearance by Donny Osmond, who plays a character so annoying you can’t help but laugh.

Extra features include a gag reel, deleted scenes, two audio commentaries by the filmmakers and a Raven-Symoné music video.

 
Shutter
1 1/2 stars
Available in rated and unrated versions. The theatrical cut received a PG-13 for terror, disturbing images, sexual content and language.
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

American remakes of Asian horror films are all the rage, and this movie traces its roots to a 2004 effort from Thailand. It’s already been proven that remakes are a tricky business, but “Shutter” can now be added to the ever-growing pile of evidence that argues against them.

The film follows newlyweds Ben and Jane Shaw (Joshua Jackson and Rachael Taylor) who travel to Japan for a short honeymoon and to look into a job opportunity for Ben. Their bliss is cut short when Jane gets into a car accident after she thinks she sees a young woman pop up in the middle of the road in front of their car. But, when the police investigate, they don’t find a body.

At first, the young couple think it was a hallucination. Then ghostly images begin showing up in their photographs.

“Shutter” has a number of creepy sequences, but director Masayuki Ochiai fails to build a consistently suspenseful atmosphere. Even worse, his ending is about as nonsensical and anticlimactic as they come.

The movie is available in rated and unrated versions, and extra features vary by release. It’s worth noting, however, that the unrated version falls within the parameters of a high-grade PG-13 or very low-grade R.

 
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Step Up 2 the Streets: Dance movie centered on the exploits of a street smart girl trying to make it at the prestigious Maryland School of the Arts. While there, she introduces her peers to some of her street savvy dance moves. Briana Evigan and Robert Hoffman star.

Birds of Prey — The Complete Series: All 13 episodes of the short-lived television drama built around Batman mythology. The action is set during a time when a broken-hearted Batman has abandoned Gotham City. So, his crime-fighting exploits are taken up by a team comprised of the seriously injured Batgirl, a young woman named Dinah, and Huntress — the daughter of Batman and Catwoman.

Evening Shade — Season One: All the episodes from the first season of this early 1990s television comedy. Burt Reynolds stars as a former professional football player who returns to his hometown of Evening Shade, Arkansas, to coach the high school football team. Michael Jeter, Charles Durning, Ossie Davis, Elizabeth Ashley, Marilu Henner and Hal Holbrook are also featured.

Saving Grace — Season One: First season of the TNT drama starring Holly Hunter as a hard-living-but-well-meaning detective who is visited by an angel (Leon Rippy) hoping to turn her life around.

Trafic: French writer-director-actor Jacques Tati’s final film featuring the blundering Monsieur Hulot. In this movie — presented in French with English subtitles — Hulot must transport a high-tech camper to Amsterdam, and he runs into all sorts of trouble.

Trapped Ashes: Five short horror films directed by five noteworthy filmmakers: Sean Cunningham, Joe Dante, John Gaeta, Monte Hellman and Ken Russell.

Roxy Hunter and the Secret of the Shaman Movie: Nickelodeon television movie about youthful detective Roxy Hunter’s (Aria Wallace) efforts to recover a precious stolen jewel.

With the theatrical release of “The Dark Knight” fast approaching, DVD distributors are digging out their superhero-themed product. That means two of this week’s major releases focus on comic book heroes. Not everything is super, though. This week’s DVD crop also features a dark, military drama and a horror film about a man-eating plant.

 
Batman: Gotham Knight
3 stars
Rated PG-13 for stylized violence, including some bloody images
Warner Brothers
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray
Comic book fans will do well to check out this 76-minute animated film relating six short Batman adventures. This direct-to-DVD title is being released now in order to cash in on the July 18 release of “The Dark Knight,” but that’s OK because it’s a boon to animation addicts. The storytelling — featuring pieces by six different writers — is above average and the visuals are consistently engaging.

Despite the differing creative influences, the shorts are meant to tie together into a cohesive story. That approach isn’t very successful, but the project is still worthwhile. When viewed individually, the stories are satisfying, and each has a beginning, middle and end, so it’s easy to look at them as stand-alones.

As with most collections, some shorts are better than others, but the quality is consistent enough that superhero fans should find the material appealing. Do note, however, that the film earns its PG-13 rating with images that are considerably more violent than those usually associated with animated superhero flicks. Adults will therefore do well to screen the DVD in advance and determine whether it is appropriate for their children.

“Gotham Knight” is available as a single-disc release and as part of a two-disc collector’s edition. Extra features vary by version, but both releases feature an audio commentary and sneak preview of DC Comics’ upcoming Wonder Woman animated movie.

 
Superhero Movie
1 1/2 stars
Available in rated and unrated versions. The theatrical cut received a PG-13 for crude and sexual content, comic violence, drug references and language
Dimension Home Entertainment
Available on: DVD

Also looking to jump on “The Dark Knight” bandwagon is “Superhero Movie,” a spoof of the many comic book films we’ve seen during the past decade. Using “Spider-Man” as a blueprint, writer-director Craig Mazin tells the tale of Rick Riker (Drake Bell), an average high school student who is bitten by a genetically altered dragonfly that gives him superpowers.

From this setup, Mazin delivers a series of broad — often sex-based — gags that lampoon everything from the “Fantastic Four” and “X-Men” pictures to “Batman Begins.” Some of the bits are funny, but they are more often juvenile, so the film never establishes a rhythm.

What’s more, Bell’s performance involves little more than broad mugging. The supporting cast, which includes Christopher McDonald and Leslie Nielsen, shows more range, but nobody has much to work with.

The screenplay not only skips easy targets — “Ghost Rider” and “Hellboy” for instance — it doesn’t do much with the movies it does parody.

“Superhero Movie” is available on two separate DVD releases, one featuring the theatrical cut of the film and another with an unrated, extended cut. Extra features vary by version.

 
Stop-Loss
3 stars (out of four)
Rated R for graphic violence and pervasive language
Paramount
Available on: DVD

Writer-director Kimberly Peirce’s long-awaited follow to 1999’s “Boys Don’t Cry” is a military drama that’s worth watching despite a significant flaw. Ryan Phillippe stars as Brandon King, an Iraq War veteran preparing to settle back into civilian life in Texas after completing a harrowing tour of duty. Alas, the military uses its stop-loss policy to order King back to Iraq.

Believing he has already done his duty, Brandon goes AWOL in hopes of avoiding more combat. This creates a rift not only with the military but with Brandon’s longtime friend and fellow soldier Steve Shriver (Channing Tatum). In part, the tension between the men escalates because Steve’s fiancee, Michelle (Abbie Cornish), decides to help Brandon. But it’s also rooted in the fact that Steve is having a difficult time adjusting to civilian life.

Because “Stop-Loss” looks at an important issue that many American soldiers are facing, it is worth watching. The film does, however, have its down side. Most notably, almost every returning soldier is shown facing severe mental struggles. Although post-traumatic stress is a problem with today’s military, it’s fairly clear that individuals react to stress differently, and not every returning soldier is borderline insane.

DVD extras include deleted scenes, two making-of features and an audio commentary by director Kimberly Peirce.

 
The Ruins
2 stars
Available in rated and unrated versions. The theatrical cut received an R for strong violence and gruesome images, language, some sexuality and nudity
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

Writer Scott B. Smith adapted his own novel to the screen with this story of a nasty, man-eating plant that goes after a group of college coeds. Sound like a dozen horror films you’ve already seen? That’s because it is like a dozen … scratch that … several dozen movies that have hit theaters in the last decade.

While few pictures involve carnivorous vegetation, the formula of introducing nubile college hotties to an audience just so they can then be picked off by evil is an age-old formula. In “The Ruins,” said evil is an ancient plant inhabiting a long-abandoned Mayan temple.

Our five heroes and heroines visit the structure in hopes of doing some sightseeing during their Mexican vacation, but the moment they get near the ancient building, a group of unfriendly locals threaten them with rifles and bows and arrows. Frightened, the youngsters ascend the temple hoping to wait out the unfriendly locals, but they soon find that violent human beings are the least of their worries.

Director Carter Smith sells the premise relatively well, and the cast — including Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore, Laura Ramsey and Jonathan Tucker — is solid. Alas, Smith often opts for over-the-top gore rather than true suspense, and there’s no escaping the been-there-done-that plotting.

There are two DVD releases of the movie, one featuring the theatrical cut and another with an unrated version of the film. Extra features vary by version.

 
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

The X-Files — Revelations: A compilation of eight episodes (including the pilot) of the classic fantasy/science-fiction television series.

Cannon — Season One, Volume One: The first episodes of William Conrad’s 1970s television drama about rotund private investigator Frank Cannon.

Jake and the Fatman — Season One, Volume One: More from William Conrad. In this television drama, he played “Fatman” McCabe, a prosecutor who went after bad guys with detective pal Jake Styles (Joe Penny).

The Future is Unwritten: Documentary film about musician Joe Strummer, co-founder of the influential rock band The Clash.

Fastlane — The Complete Series: All 22 episodes of the television drama that ran on Fox from 2002 to 2003. Bill Bellamy and Peter Facinelli star as undercover Los Angeles police detectives working to bring baddies down with the help of their handler, Wilhelmina Chambers (Tiffani Thiessen).

The Mummy movies: In anticipation of the Aug. 1 release of Brendan Fraser’s “The Mummy — Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” Universal Studios is trotting out two-disc deluxe editions of 1999’s “The Mummy” and 2001’s “The Mummy Returns.” If you prefer the classics, Universal has also released a two-disc, digitally remastered version of Boris Karloff’s 1932 take on “The Mummy.”

Journey to the Center of the Earth: Not to be confused with the new big-screen version of Jules Verne’s story — opening in theaters July 11 — this DVD contains a 2008 TV movie starring Rick Schroder, Peter Fonda and Victoria Pratt.

It’s a dramatic week for DVD, as many of the new video releases focus on the serious side of life. But, if you’re in the mood for laughs, there’s an Owen Wilson comedy waiting in the wings.

Drillbit Taylor
3 stars (out of four)
Available in rated and unrated versions. The theatrical cut received a PG-13 for crude sexual references throughout, strong bullying, language, drug references and partial nudity
Paramount Pictures
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

The always charming Owen Wilson stars as the title character, a homeless man who signs on as the bodyguard for three bullied high school freshmen — Ryan (Troy Gentile), Wade (Nate Hartley), and Emmit (David Dorfman). Drillbit doesn’t know much about being a bodyguard, but he needs the cash and the gig has perks, like access to the clothes his clients’ parents wear.

Soon enough, he’s cobbled together a conservative wardrobe and landed a substitute teaching position at the kids’ school, allowing him to make time with an attractive teacher (Leslie Mann). Drillbit tells the kids it’s so he can keep an eye on them, but they begin to doubt his motives.

“Drillbit Taylor” is essentially a silly, throwaway comedy, but it’s also a good time. The film is littered with solid gags and Wilson sells his role with comic conviction, making it the perfect choice for a night of ultra-light entertainment.

There are two DVD releases of the movie, one featuring the theatrical cut and another with an extended, unrated cut of the film. Extra features vary by version but both include deleted scenes, a gag reel and a short feature on screenwriters Seth Rogen and Kristofor Brown.

Vantage Point
2 stars
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense violence and action, some disturbing images and brief strong language
Sony Pictures
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

At first, the “Rashomon”-like setup of “Vantage Point” — a presidential assassination attempt seen from many viewpoints — has appeal, but the gimmick becomes tiring as viewers are forced to watch the same scene over and over and … well you get the idea.

In total, “Vantage Point” contains eight different points of view and, while each offers story details that weren’t present before, a good deal of the material is recycled. Therefore, what starts as an entertaining and intriguing thriller quickly devolves.

It helps that Dennis Quaid is likable as a secret service agent charged with protecting the U.S. president (William Hurt), but he doesn’t relieve the monotony of replaying the same events time and again. Forest Whitaker also turns in a nice performance as a witness to the presidential attack, but all other characters get only cursory character development.

What’s more, the climax, which finally frees us from the oft-replayed intro, is pretty silly.

The DVD is available in a single-disc version and as a two-disc special edition. Extra features vary by release.

My Blueberry Nights
3 stars
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material including violence, drinking and smoking
The Weinstein Company
Available on: DVD
In her first outing as a movie star, singer Norah Jones plays a spurned woman named Elizabeth. Hoping to recover from her boyfriend’s unfaithfulness, she spends long hours eating at a New York diner and chatting with the handsome manager, Jeremy (Jude Law). One night, after Elizabeth has fallen asleep in his restaurant, Jeremy bends down and kisses her. But the next day she leaves town, taking a soul-searching journey across the U.S.

Elizabeth’s travels lead her to a friendship with an alcoholic police officer (David Strathairn) and with a young poker player with family issues (Natalie Portman). Jones sometimes seems green in comparison to her extremely experienced co-stars, but she does a credible job overall.

Director Wong Kar Wai’s storytelling has peaks and valleys. For instance, the section with Strathairn is beautifully crafted and engaging, while the bit with Portman is a little forced. Fortunately, the overall result is a worthwhile tale of love and self-discovery.

DVD extras include a short on the making of the film, a Q&A with Wong Kar Wai and a photo gallery.

City of Men
3 stars
Rated R for violent content, language and some sexuality
Miramax
Available on: DVD
This Brazilian drama is reminiscent of the wonderful 2003 film “City of God,” and for good reason. “City of God” director Fernando Meirelles served as a producer, and the movie looks at the same topic: young people struggling to make their way amidst the violence of a rundown favela.

An adaptation of the Brazilian television show “City of Men,” the movie focuses on two friends, Ace (Douglas Silva) and Wallace (Darlan Cunha), who are trying to stay on the straight and narrow while gang violence erupts around them. The cast is outstanding, and director Paulo Morelli paces his story well, delivering an excellent mix of relationship drama, action and violence.

Those who loved “City of God” will note that “City of Men” is not as powerful, but that’s no reason to stay away. It’s still a very good film.

The only DVD extra is a piece on the making of the film.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns: Writer-director-actor Tyler Perry’s latest is about a single Chicago mother who travels to Georgia to attend the funeral of the father she never knew. The people she meets are unlike any in her big city home.

Get Smart’s Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control: This direct-to-DVD spinoff of the new “Get Smart” movie focuses on two characters who have only minors roles in the theatrical release. Masi Oka and Nate Torrence star.

Mad Men — Season One: The AMC television series about the advertising game circa 1960s New York gets a four-DVD treatment. Jon Hamm stars.

Sex and Death 101: Sex farce about a man (Simon Baker) who receives a mysterious list of all the women he has slept with and all those that he will sleep with. Only trouble is he’s due to be married in a few days and his fiancee isn’t close to the last name on the list. The film was written and directed by “Heathers” scribe Daniel Waters and it also stars Winona Ryder.

Mishima — A Life in Four Chapters: Director Paul Schrader’s (“Auto Focus,” “Affliction”) fictionalized look at the life of Japanese author Yukio Mishima.

Patriotism: This 30-minute Japanese film tells the story of two lovers who agree to commit ritual suicide after the man, a naval officer, is dishonored. Yukio Mishima, wrote, co-directed and starred in the 1966 film, making this release something of a companion to the above-referenced “Mishima — A Life in Four Chapters.”