Carey Mulligan, left, and Ryan Gosling star in the thriller “Drive.”

This week’s major home video releases include the prequel to a classic horror film, a science-fiction drama starring Justin Timberlake and a gritty thriller featuring Ryan Gosling.

Drive

3½ stars (out of four)
Rated R for strong brutal, bloody violence, language and some nudity
Sony
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

It’s been a great couple of years for Ryan Gosling who has turned in outstanding performances in projects ranging from the dark drama “Blue Valentine” to the comedy “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” In “Drive,” he’s again touring the dark side, playing a Hollywood stuntman and mechanic who makes extra cash as a getaway-car driver.

Viewers never learn the name of Gosling’s taciturn character, but it’s apparent that he is street smart and incredibly skilled behind the wheel. Despite his quiet ways, the driver starts to loosen up when he befriends Irene (Carey Mullligan), a young woman living in his apartment complex with her son, Benicio (Kaden Leos). The driver is instantly attracted to Irene, who is essentially a single mother because her husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac), is in prison. At first it looks as though the driver and Irene are destined for one another. Then, Standard is released from prison.

Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn lets this relationship drama play out while also detailing the seedy world that the driver inhabits. The owner of the auto shop where he works (Bryan Cranston) is priming him to become a racecar driver, but the venture is dangerous because it’s funded by mobsters (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman). Eventually, the driver finds his personal life intertwined with the criminal behavior he has surrounded himself with, and he is forced to decide how to move forward.

“Drive” made its way into U.S. theaters in September, but it feels as though it could have been released in the mid-1980s. That’s because Refn has embraced an effective-but-simplistic filmmaking style that involves gritty dramatic sequences and a 1980s-style soundtrack. The effect is nostalgic, but the movie doesn’t feel out of touch with our times.

Gosling and Mulligan are terrific in every scene and Brooks – playing against type – is so good that several critics’ organizations named him the best supporting actor of 2011.

One of the better theatrical releases of 2011, “Drive” is a first-rate thriller that is as inventive and artistic as it is exciting.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include an interview with Refn and several making-of featurettes.

The Thing

3 stars
Rated R for strong creature violence and gore, disturbing images and language
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand

Director Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.’s prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 horror film “The Thing” is a lot of fun … as long as you turn your brain off before it starts.

Set just before the events depicted in Carpenter’s original film, the movie focuses on a group of scientists who, while working in the Antarctic, discover a spacecraft and what appears to be the corpse of an alien. This intrepid crew begins to study the alien only to discover that it’s not really dead. Even worse, it’s unfriendly and has the ability to divide into parts and take the shape of any creature it feeds on. That means the scientists soon find themselves trapped in their remote Antarctic research station battling an enemy that is masquerading as one of them.

The plotting is similar to that in the first movie – with the alien picking them off one by one – but Van Heijningen delivers enough differences to make it a legitimate prequel. He also offers several nice nods to Carpenter’s film.

The main problem with this modern-day “Thing” is that key elements of the creature are never fully explained. For instance, it’s easy enough to accept the being’s ability to mimic human form, but nobody even talks about the fact that it also assimilates human language and memories. If you’re willing to overlook details like those, there’s fun to be had. Van Heijningen moves the story at a rapid pace, and the often-gruesome special effects sequences are well executed.

The cast is also appealing. Mary Elizabeth Winstead leads the way as a clever paleontologist who has reservations about studying the alien before it’s moved to a secure location. Joel Edgerton is likable as a rugged helicopter pilot, and Ulrich Thomsen is solid as a pompous phD. The truth is, everyone in the cast does a fine job selling the schlocky material, which makes “The Thing” worthwhile, as long as no one tries to dissect it.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include two making-of features, deleted and extended scenes and an audio commentary by Van Heijningen and producer Eric Newman.

The Big Year

3 stars
Rated PG for language and sensuality
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD and Blu-ray

One wouldn’t expect a movie about bird watching to be exciting, but director David Frankel surpasses expectations by approaching the subject with a fresh eye and outstanding cast.

First up is Owen Wilson as Kenny Bostick, a devoted birder who holds the record for most species spotted in North America during a single year. He’s joined by Jack Black and Steve Martin who play Brad Harris and Stu Preissler, avid birders intent on breaking Bostick’s record. In their circle, such attempts are known as a “big year,” and all three men decide to mount one at the same time. That, of course, means they continually run into one another, developing a sense of both competition and camaraderie. All three actors are terrific in their roles, especially Black who has a tendency to go overboard but is properly subdued here.

Although birding is an abstruse past time, Frankel makes it understandable and accessible. The movie plays out like a hybrid between nature documentary and traditional full-length feature, with John Cleese serving as the narrator. This approach is effective, and the end result is a sweet-natured and frequently funny movie that people of all ages can enjoy.

Both the DVD and Blu-ray releases include theatrical and extended cuts of the film. The Blu-ray also has a collection of deleted scenes, a gag reel and a making-of featurette.

In Time

2½ stars
Rated PG-13 for violence, some sexuality and partial nudity, and brief strong language
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD and Blu-ray

Writer-director Andrew Nicol’s “In Time” may be set in the future, but its themes are borrowed directly from the Occupy Movement. The action takes place during a time where people have been genetically engineered to stop aging at 25. That means everyone looks great, but there’s a down side. After they reach their 25th birthday, they only live one year longer unless they are able to literally buy more time.

In this society, hours, days and minutes are the major currency, meaning workers are paid with life extension. Likewise, bills – for everything from food to automobiles – are paid by deducting time. Under this system, the wealthy can live forever, barring an unexpected act of violence, like a murder. The prospect of immortality is not as nifty as it sounds, however, as few people are able to do more than live day to day, scraping up just enough hours to keep themselves from expiring. Because the situation is bleak, crime is rampant and thugs kill over minutes.

The hero of the story is Will Salas, a charming and smart ghetto dweller who struggles to survive day to day. In a chance encounter with a wealthy man, Will learns that the system is rigged and that there is more than enough time to go around but the rich are hoarding it. He vows to change this, and ultimately kidnaps Sylvia Weis (Amanda Seyfried), a woman who sympathizes with the poor despite being daughter to one of the richest men in the world.

Although Sylvia is terrified at first, she quickly learns to appreciate Will’s quest. The movie then plays out as a futuristic gangster effort reminiscent of pictures ranging from “Minority Report” to “Bonnie and Clyde.”

Niccol (“Gattaca,” “Lord of War”) deserves credit for the worthwhile message and for creating a fascinating world. Unfortunately, his execution is imperfect. The relationship that develops between Will and Sylvia seems forced, and that makes the entirety of the second act seem implausible. This doesn’t derail all the interesting ideas Niccol delivers in the first half of the movie, but it considerably weakens the overall project.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted and extended scenes.

Dream House

2½ stars
Rated PG-13 for violence, terror, some sexuality and brief strong language
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand

“Dream House” is a thriller so steeped in mind games that it’s difficult to discuss without giving away important plot twists. Suffice it to say there are strange things going on in the world of Will Atenton (Daniel Craig), a big-city book editor who moves to the country in hopes of spending more time with his family.

At first, this seems like the perfect plan. Then, creepy things start hovering around Will’s seemingly idyllic home. His young daughters (Taylor and Claire Geare) are seeing shadowy figures outside, and his wife (Rachel Weisz) becomes increasingly distressed by the situation. Then, Will learns that the home was the site of three grisly murders … those of a mother and her two young children. What’s more, the primary suspect was the family patriarch, a man who spent time in a mental institution but was released because he couldn’t be convicted.

Naturally, Will tries to make his living situation more tenable, but nobody – including the police – will come to his aid. Even the woman living across the street (Naomi Watts) seems to be hiding important information from him. The film, which was written by David Loucka and directed by Jim Sheridan (“In America,” “Brothers,” “The Boxer”), reveals its secrets slowly, letting the audience discover them along with Will. This is effective except for the fact that the “big twist” isn’t as well set up as it could be.

In fairness to Sheridan, a typically outstanding director, this type of movie is difficult to make. It requires the filmmaker to build strong emotional bonds between characters, hooking the audience while remaining cagey about their circumstances. Sheridan and his cast do a reasonably good job building interest, but the storytelling often seems stilted and flat.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include several making-of features, including a look at the cast and a bit on the construction of Will’s “dream house.”

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Transformers – Dark of the Moon” Limited 3D Edition: The basic DVD and Blu-ray versions of this Michael Bay blockbuster have been available since September, but Paramount is rolling out a deluxe four-disc treatment packed with the Blu-ray 3D, standard Blu-ray, DVD and digital formats. Also included is nearly four hours of extra features. In essence, this is the version for big-time Transformers fans. Also out this week is a seven-disc Blu-ray boxed set that includes all three of Bay’s “Transformers” movies plus more than 10 hours of extras.

“Treasure Buddies”: Latest direct-to-video release in Disney’s “Buddies” franchise. In this outing, the popular golden retrievers head to Egypt for a treasure-seeking adventure.

Miramax Best Picture Academy Award Winners: Miramax is delivering a set packaging five terrific films that landed the Oscar for best picture: “The English Patient” (1996), “Shakespeare in Love” (1998), “Chicago” (2002), “Crash” (2004) and “No Country for Old Men” (2007). Also out this week are Blu-ray releases of “The Piano,” “Frida” and “Cold Mountain” (Miramax efforts that didn’t win best picture, but were nominated for multiple Oscars).

“The Comic Strip Presents” – The Complete Collection: Nine-disc boxed set featuring every episode of the 1980s British comedy series featuring Robbie Coltrane, Jennifer Saunders, Rik Mayall and Dawn French.

Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. For more of his work visit www.ForrestHartman.com. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (left) and Seth Rogen star in the dramedy “50/50.”

This week’s major home video releases include a third addition to the “Paranormal Activity” franchise, a family film about boxing robots and a terrific dramedy featuring Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

50/50

3½ stars (out of four)
Rated R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use
Summit Entertainment
Available on: DVD and Blu-ray

Since “50/50” was released into theaters in September, it has racked up an impressive string of accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination for best motion picture (comedy or musical) and a National Board of Review award for best original screenplay. Written by Will Reiser and directed by Jonathan Levine, the movie walks a fine line between drama and comedy, creating a truly moving viewing experience.

The focus is on Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a 27-year-old public radio employee who learns that he has cancer. Naturally, the news hits hard, especially when an Internet search reveals that his chances for survival are about 50/50. Although this is unusual comedy fodder, Reiser and Levine keep the tone surprisingly upbeat by focusing not only on Adam’s disease but the reactions of those around him.

Most important is Kyle (Seth Rogen), Adam’s brash and mouthy best friend. Kyle is stunned by Adam’s plight, but he doesn’t take a dire outlook. Rather, he supports his friend with a brassy optimism that comes across as both crass and funny. Kyle is also a breath of fresh air for Adam. His girlfriend, Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard), doesn’t cope with the illness well, and his mother (Anjelica Huston) is a wreck. That leaves Adam to rely on Kyle and his inexperienced therapist (Anna Kendrick) for emotional support.

“50/50” is frequently funny, but it also treats the issues within the movie with respect. Most importantly, it reminds viewers that cancer isn’t an instant death sentence. Regardless of whether a cancer victim is cured or succumbs to the disease, he/she is very much alive while battling it. Gordon-Levitt makes this point nicely by taking Adam through various stages of denial and acceptance and by imbuing him with emotions ranging from happiness to anger. Rogen is also terrific, as he taps into his comic talents, yet restrains himself enough to make his character plausible.

Reiser’s script is exceptional, and Levine executed it to perfection. Each scene moves at just the right pace, and the movie never becomes too maudlin or too goofy, despite the fact that it possesses both elements.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a making-of featurette, deleted scenes and an audio commentary by Rogen, Levine and Reiser.

Real Steel

3 stars (out of four)
Rated PG-13 for some violence, intense action and brief language
Disney
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand

“Real Steel” is pure fiction, but it’s easy to believe in the world director Shawn Levy has created on screen. Set in the near future, the film focuses on robot boxing, a sport that pits giant human-shaped machines against one another in favor of actual human-to-human combat.

Robot boxing is loud and brutal because the competitors are frighteningly powerful, yet the sport has a human element since the robots are controlled by people. At the center of the action is Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman), a former boxer trying to recapture his glory days by taking robots into battle. Trouble is, he’s compulsive and irresponsible, and this has left him deeply in debt.

Charlie’s situation gets more complicated when he learns that the mother of his 11-year-old son, Max (Dakota Goyo), has died, leaving him to care for the boy for several months. Charlie has never attempted to be a proper father, so he and the boy don’t know each other, but they form a tenuous bond over their mutual love of robot boxing.

“Real Steel” is one part sports film and one part relationship drama, and director Shawn Levy (“Date Night,” “Night at the Museum”) does a nice job blending the elements. Although the film received a PG-13, it makes for reasonably good family viewing, with robot violence and brief moments of foul language being the only problematic elements.

The film’s commentary on what it means to be a parent is reasonably good, and Levy and Jackman get points for refusing to let Charlie go overly soft. The character progresses and changes during the course of the story, but the shifts are subtle enough to be believable.

Of course, one of the major draws of a movie like this are the robot combat sequences, and Levy does these well. The battles are impressive and fun, and the special effects are very good, leaving viewers with a futuristic drama that both parents and youngsters can enjoy.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include two making-of features and a blooper reel.

Paranormal Activity 3

2½ stars
Rated R for some violence and language, brief sexuality and drug use
Paramount
Available on: Blu-ray/DVD/digital combo pack and on demand

When “Paranormal Activity” was released in 2007, it was a reminder that suspense is more important to a horror film than special effects and a big-name cast. Made on a shoestring, the movie, which claimed to be comprised of “found video,” succeeded simply because it was creepy.

Now that the franchise has delivered a second sequel, it has become just as tired as the big-budget peers it originally displaced. The film is a prequel, and it focuses on the childhood of Katie and Kristi, the sisters referenced in the first two movies.

Set in 1988, the film introduces viewers to the girls’ mother, Julie (Lauren Bittner), and her videographer boyfriend, Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith). As in the earlier films, strange supernatural happenings occur, and this convinces Dennis to set cameras up around their house.

As in the previous movies, the story is told through video footage that was supposedly taken by the characters. This adds a sense of realism and immediacy to the project, but it’s not nearly as effective as it has been in the past, primarily because viewers have come to expect it. The one thing a horror film can’t afford is predictability, but directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman have made “Paranormal Activity 3” a retread from start to finish.

The DVD/Blu-ray combo pack includes both theatrical and unrated cuts of the film.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Wings”: Paramount is giving the very first best picture Oscar winner its DVD and Blu-ray debut. The 1927 silent film tells the story of two World War I fighter pilots who are in love with the same woman. Clara Bow, Richard Arlen, Charles “Buddy” Rogers and Gary Cooper star. Directed by William A. Wellman.

“The Whistleblower”: Rachel Weisz stars as a U.N. peacekeeper who finds herself in danger after uncovering a sex-trafficking ring in Bosnia. David Strathairn, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Anna Anissimova, Monica Bellucci and Vanessa Redgrave also star. Co-written and directed by Larysa Kondracki.

“Restless”: Director Gus Van Sant’s story of a troubled man (Henry Hopper) who falls in love with a terminal cancer patient (Mia Wasikowska). Written by Jason Lew.

“Godzilla”: Criterion Collection release of the 1954 Japanese monster movie that changed cinema forever. The film, directed by Ishiro Honda, received a high-definition digital restoration, and it’s available on DVD and Blu-ray. Presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

“Another Happy Day”: Drama featuring Ellen Barkin as a woman forced to confront family drama when she attends the wedding of her eldest son. Kate Bosworth, Ellen Burstyn, Thomas Haden Church, George Kennedy, Ezra Miller and Demi Moore also star. Written and directed by Sam Levinson.

“The Moment of Truth”: Freshly restored release of Italian director Francesco Rosi’s 1965 drama about the rise and fall of a bullfighter (Miguel Mateo “Miguelin”). Presented in Italian with English subtitles.

Lethal Ladies Collection, Vol. 2: Two-DVD set featuring three exploitation films from the 1970s: “The Arena,” “Fly Me” and “Cover Girl Models.” “The Arena” stars Pam Grier and Margaret Markov in the story of four women kidnapped by Romans and forced to become gladiators. “Fly Me” focuses on a group of stewardesses who fight back when their plane is hijacked. “Cover Girl Models” is about three models implicated in a dangerous spy game.

– Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

Ryan Gosling plays an idealistic campaign strategist in the political drama “The Ides of March.”

This week’s home video releases include a thriller designed to turn Taylor Lautner into an action star and a powerful political drama from actor-director George Clooney.

Ides of March

4 stars (out of four)
Rated R for pervasive language
Sony
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

George Clooney is a great actor, but he’s even more impressive as a director. Each of his previous directorial efforts – “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,” “Good Night, and Good Luck” and “Leatherheads” – has been outstanding, and “The Ides of March” is just as solid.

Clooney not only directed the film, he co-wrote the screenplay and co-starred, succeeding each step of the way. The story centers on Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), an up-and-coming campaign strategist working to elect Democratic presidential hopeful Mike Morris (Clooney). Meyers isn’t naïve, but this job feels different because he believes in everything Morris stands for. As the campaign moves forward, however, Meyers learns secrets that destroy his admiration of the candidate and remind him how underhanded politics can be.

Clooney is such a charismatic screen presence that he seems custom made to play political figures, and Gosling is terrific in every scene. Perhaps the most impressive thing about “Ides” is that the talent doesn’t stop with the two of them. The acting ensemble also includes Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei and Jeffrey Wright, and each actor lives up to his/her usually high standards. That explains why the “Ides” cast was nominated for Best Acting Ensemble at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and why the film received four Golden Globe nominations, including nods for best picture and director.

“Ides” hit theaters in October, but it seems more timely now that the Republican presidential primaries are heating up. The film, adapted from playwright Beau Willimon’s “Farragut North,” is fictional, but it clearly drew inspiration from real-life happenings. The title, of course, refers to the March 15 political killing of Roman statesman Julius Caesar, and it is appropriate because U.S. presidential primaries tend to peak in March.

“The Ides of March” deserves the attention it’s getting from awards voters, and it will be a shame if it doesn’t wind up in this year’s Oscar race.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include two featurettes on the making of the film and an audio commentary by Clooney and co-writer Grant Heslov.

Abduction

3 stars
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense violence and action, brief language, some sexual content and teen partying
Lionsgate
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and on demand

“Abduction” is obviously designed to coax Taylor Lautner’s “Twilight” fans to another genre because everything about it screams, “teen movie.” That may sound like a terrible thing, but it’s not. Action movies have their place, and there’s nothing wrong with a shoot ’em up made specifically for young people.

Directed by John Singleton (“Boyz n the Hood,” “2 Fast 2 Furious”),
“Abduction” begins with Nathan Harper (Lautner) attending a high school party with his pals. This sequence is designed primarily to let viewers know that he has a longstanding thing for his next door neighbor, Karen (Lily Collins), and that his father (Jason Isaacs) is a real hard ass when Nathan gets out of line. Both of these developments become important when Nathan and Karen discover a Web site featuring a missing child who looks surprisingly like him. Intrigued, Nathan begins to investigate and comes to the conclusion that his parents aren’t who they say they are. When he confronts them, a series of bizarre happenings put both Nathan and Karen in danger and force them to go on the run.

“Abduction” isn’t the smartest movie to hit theaters in 2011, but it is reasonably well plotted, especially for a flick that is essentially attempting a “90210”/“Die Hard” hybrid. Some of what happens is predictable, but Singleton and screenwriter Shawn Christensen deliver enough fresh bits to keep things interesting.

“Abduction” also scores points for using surprisingly solid actors in supporting roles. The underappreciated Maria Bello plays Nathan’s mom, Sigourney Weaver portrays an eclectic psychiatrist and Alfred Molina plays a CIA agent who is appropriately enigmatic. Lautner is yet to establish himself as a “serious” actor, but he is physically gifted and has lots of onscreen charisma, which is all the role of Nathan requires.

It’s doubtful that “Abduction” will turn Lautner into the next Bruce Willis or Matt Damon, but the movie serves its primary purpose, which is to provide teens with a satisfying slice of weekend fun.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include two making-of features, a gag reel and a video production journal featuring Lautner.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Courageous”: Faith-based movie from the creators of “Fireproof” (2008). The plot follows four Georgia police officers forced to adjust their beliefs about life, family and religion after one of them experiences a tragedy. Alex Kendrick co-wrote, directed and stars in the film. Ken Bevel, Ben Davies and Kevin Downes also star.

HBO movies about black Americans: February is Black History Month, and HBO is getting a jump on the celebration by rolling out three titles celebrating the accomplishments of black Americans: “The Tuskegee Airmen,” “Thurgood” and “The Josephine Baker Story.” “Airmen” is a 1995 HBO film that focuses on America’s first squadron of black combat pilots. “Thurgood” is a taping of Laurence Fishburne’s one-man tribute to civil rights pioneer and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. “Baker” is a 1991 drama looking at the personal and professional life of its title character, a performer who became a sensation in 1920s Paris. Each film received widespread acclaim when shown on HBO, and all are available on DVD, Blu-ray and digital download.

“Belle de Jour”: Criterion Collection release of director Luis Bunuel’s 1967 drama about a Paris housewife (Catherine Deneuve) who works as a prostitute by day. The film won the Golden Lion and Pasinetti Award at the 1967 Venice Film Festival. Presented in French with English subtitles.

“Age of Heroes”: Thriller based on the true story of 30 Assault Unit, a British special forces group formed by James Bond creator Ian Fleming. Sean Bean and Danny Dyer star. Directed and co-written by Adrian Vitoria.

“Delocated!” – Seasons 1 & 2: With season three of this Adult Swim comedy debuting in February, Warner Brothers is bringing the first 19 episodes to DVD. The show stars Jon Glaser as the patriarch of a family living in the witness protection program while simultaneously appearing on a reality TV series.

“Adam-12” – Season Six: All 24 episodes of the second-to-last season of Jack Webb’s popular television drama about Los Angeles police officers. Martin Milner and Kent McCord star.

“Bombay Beach”: Documentary film telling the stories of three people living in the poor, Southern California community of Bombay Beach, next to the Salton Sea. The movie, directed by Alma Har’el, won best feature documentary at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

“Cold Sweat”: Argentinian horror film written and directed by Adrian Garcia Bogliano. The movie focuses on a young man (Facundo Espinosa) trying to rescue his girlfriend from demented political radicals. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

“Sliders” – The Fifth and Final Season: Last 18 episodes of the 1990s science-fiction TV series about characters with the ability to travel between parallel universes. Cleavant Derricks, Kari Wuhrer, Robert Floyd and Tembi Locke star.

– Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

Brad Pitt, left, and Jonah Hill star in the sports drama “Moneyball.”

This week’s major home video releases include an all-out action film, a by-the-book romantic comedy and an excellent sports drama.

Moneyball

3½ stars (out of four)
Rated PG-13 for some strong language
Sony
Available on: DVD and Blu-ray

“Moneyball,” director Bennett Miller’s fascinating biopic about Oakland Athletics manager Billy Beane, was a critical hit in theaters. Now, it seems primed for an Oscar run. The movie is up for multiple honors at both the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, and these ceremonies have a good track record predicting Oscar nominees.

Regardless of how the film fares in the Oscar race, movie lovers should seek it out because it succeeds on multiple levels. The subject matter is intriguing, and one needn’t be a sports nut to enjoy. That’s because “Moneyball” is as much about personal relationships and numbers as bats hitting balls.

The film starts with Beane (Brad Pitt) lamenting a post-season loss to the New York Yankees. It then follows his efforts to build a competitive team for the next season. That task is monumental because, as Beane notes, professional baseball isn’t fair. Well-funded teams like the Yankees are able to spend more on players, stacking the odds against small-market organizations like the Athletics.

Still, the frustrated Beane perseveres, eventually stumbling upon Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), a young baseball executive who believes he can field a winning team for pennies on the dollar. Brand’s strategy forgoes traditional scouting routines in favor of finding inexpensive players who get on base a lot.

Although the film, which was adapted from Michael Lewis’ 2003 book, is based in reality, it is fictionalized. Most notably, Brand is a composite character based on more than one of Beane’s assistants. It’s hard to complain about the change, however, because Hill is great. The young actor is most-often tapped for comic roles, and it’s nice to see him stretch out.

Pitt is equally strong, and he paints Beane as a likable and charismatic leader who is willing to risk his career for the things he believes in. Out of necessity, the movie has a few baseball scenes, but most of the action takes place off the field, with Beane and Brand maneuvering to make the A’s better than they should be. That leaves the film accessible to people who aren’t baseball fans, but it doesn’t alienate the faithful.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes, a blooper reel and a featurette on Beane.

Killer Elite

3 stars
Rated R for strong violence, language and some sexuality/nudity
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand

Jason Statham has become a master of the pure action movie: the sort that doesn’t bother with wit or melodrama because it’s too busy blowing things up. That may sound like a slam, but it isn’t. Sometimes, it’s nice to watch a film that wears its testosterone on its sleeve, and “Killer Elite” fits the bill.

Statham plays Danny, a hired killer who retires only to learn that his former partner, Hunter (Robert DeNiro), has been kidnapped. Despite his reluctance to kill, Danny learns that the only way to save Hunter’s life is to complete three additional assassinations. Making the mission particularly difficult is the fact that his targets are former British special forces operatives.

Screenwriter Matt Sherring and director Gary McKendry don’t get any points for originality, but their execution is solid. In large part that’s because the cast is great. Statham never shows much range, but he’s good at playing killers, and he’s charming enough to make them likable, even when their actions are ruthless and immoral. DeNiro isn’t a typical action star, but he is good at playing tough guys, and the swagger serves him well in “Killer Elite.” The cast also gets a nice lift from Clive Owen, who plays a former British operative who learns of Danny’s assassination plans.

The plotting is standard stuff. Danny targets his victims, and the assassinations play out with varying degrees of violence, allowing McKendry to deliver a lot of great action sequences. “Killer Elite” isn’t the sort of film one carefully dissects and continues to talk about days after a viewing. It is, however, fun.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted and extended scenes.

What’s Your Number?

2½ stars
The home video release contains rated and unrated versions of the film. The rated version received an R for sexual content and language
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD and Blu-ray

When Ally Darling (Anna Faris) learns that the average woman has only 10.5 sexual partners in her lifetime, she flies into a panic. Having already surpassed that number as a thirty-something, she becomes determined not to take new lovers. Instead, Ally decides to revisit past boyfriends and see if time has made them more appealing. Since she doesn’t have the research skills to track them down alone, she enlists the help of her neighbor, a handsome player named Colin (Chris Evans).

The setup has appeal and Faris, who is hit and miss, turns in a fine performance. Unfortunately, the movie suffers from a bad case of predictability. As with most Hollywood romantic comedies, “What’s Your Number?” tips its hand too early, allowing viewers to figure out what’s going on long before the characters.

Faris and Evans do have chemistry, which is half the battle in a romantic comedy. Director Mark Mylod uses them effectively and moves the film at a reasonable pace, so there are many worse options for date night. That’s not saying much, however. “What’s Your Number?” may be innocuous, but it’s hardly must-see cinema.

Both the DVD and Blu-ray releases have a theatrical and extended cut of the movie. Other extras include deleted and extended scenes and a gag reel.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Boardwalk Empire” – The Complete First Season: First 12 episodes of HBO’s Emmy Award-winning drama about a corrupt political figure (Steve Buscemi) holding court in 1920s Atlantic City. The critically acclaimed series was developed by writer and producer Terence Winter (“The Sopranos”), and Martin Scorsese is an executive director. Along with Buscemi, the cast includes Michael Pitt, Kelly Macdonald and Michael Shannon.

“Transformers” – The Japanese Collection: Thirteen-disc set containing every episode of the three animated Transformers series that ran in Japan in the late 1980s. Available exclusively from ShoutFactory.com, the set features more than 40 hours of material that was previously unavailable in the U.S.

“Higher Ground”: Vera Farmiga directs and stars in this drama about a woman’s ongoing struggle with faith. The cast also includes John Hawkes, Taissa Farmiga and Donna Murphy.

“G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” – Series 2, Season 1: Twenty-four episodes of the 1989 animated series about elite American soldiers and their ongoing battle with the Cobra organization. This release includes the five-part miniseries titled “Operation Dragonfire.”

“Bratz: Desert Jewelz”: Seventy-four minute animated feature centered on the Bratz characters. The plot sends Yasmin, Cloe, Sasha and Jade on a wild adventure where they must find a mystical treasure before it falls into the wrong hands.

“Answer This!”: Comedy about a group of nerds who form a trivia team in hopes of winning some quick cash. Christopher Gorham, Arielle Kebbel, Kip Pardue and Chris Parnell star. Written and directed by Christopher Farah.

Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

Matt Damon, right, and Anna Jacoby-Heron try to survive a deadly viral outbreak in “Contagion.”

This week’s home video releases range from a lightweight tribute to working mothers to a terrifying thriller about a fictionalized pandemic.

Contagion

3½ stars (out of four)
Rated PG-13 for disturbing content and some language
Warner Brothers
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

Steven Soderbergh has a catalog of great movies, including “Traffic” (2000), “Erin Brockovich” (2000), “Ocean’s 11” (2001) and “The Informant!” (2009). Now, he can add “Contagion” to that list.

The film takes a multi-pronged look at the spread of a virus that kills within days and leaves international healthcare professionals baffled. Viewers first meet Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow), a travelling businesswoman who returns to her Minneapolis home after a trip to Hong Kong. After suffering a seizure, she dies in the emergency room, leaving her husband (Matt Damon) baffled. In the meantime, people from around the globe begin succumbing to similar symptoms, convincing professionals from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization that a pandemic is imminent.

The movie follows its characters, including doctors played by Laurence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard and Kate Winslet, as they try to grasp the severity of the situation. Soderbergh also considers the broad social consequences of an uncontrolled outbreak. Normally right-thinking people – even those who aren’t infected – begin to panic, and a crusading blogger (Jude Law) begins to command the respect that only medical professionals typically receive.

Soderbergh has always been good at taking expansive issues and filtering them through a personal lens, and he does that here. A number of the characters demonstrate how terrifying a global epidemic would actually be and how helpless a simple virus can make even the most educated and affluent individuals.

The cast, which also features John Hawkes, Elliott Gould and Bryan Cranston, is a fantastic group, which is important because no single character is central to the movie’s success. Despite the talent in every realm of production, it’s Soderbergh and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns who deserve the bulk of the credit. Without proper guidance, a film like “Contagion” could have easily bogged down in technical details or simply become irredeemably gloomy. Soderbergh and Burns avoid those trappings, delivering a film that is appropriately somber, yet never overbearing or dull.

DVD extras include a short on how viruses can change the world.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

2½ stars
Rated R for violence and terror
Sony
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

The original “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” was a 1973 TV movie that became a cult favorite among horror fans, so it’s no surprise that Guillermo del Toro was compelled to bring it to the big screen. Del Toro, the director of “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Mimic” and both “Hellboy” movies, is a horror guru, and he acknowledges that the original “Dark” was a childhood favorite. Fortunately, his remake is entertaining enough that it might, in turn, affect future generations of filmmakers.

This new version of “Dark” is imperfect, but it’s also creepy enough to merit a viewing, even though Del Toro served only as co-writer and producer. The directorial reigns were handed to Troy Nixey, a newcomer who does a reasonably good job with the fanciful material.

The story centers on Kim and Alex (Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce), a couple who renovate homes for a living. When Alex’s troubled daughter, Sally, comes to live with them, strange happenings plague the historic Rhode Island home they’re working on. Although Kim and Alex don’t initially realize it, viewers see that the house is full of tiny, malevolent creatures who want to steal Sally away.

Nixey does a reasonably good job setting the scene and an excellent job with special effects. The creatures in the movie are so small that they could be laughable, but Nixey makes them appropriately scary by demonstrating that they are eerily smart and stealthy.

The human characters, on the other hand, aren’t so sharp. Thinking viewers will find it frustrating that Kim, Alex and Sally make one silly decision after another, but it’s hard to beat a film up over something like that. It’s a tradition for the victims of a horror film to make dumb decisions. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be victims.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a three-part making-of documentary.

I Don’t Know How She Does It

2 stars
Rated PG-13 for sexual references throughout
Anchor Bay
Available on: DVD and Blu-ray

Director Douglas McGrath’s “I Don’t Know How She Does It” is a respectable tribute to working mothers, but it is not particularly insightful or engaging. Based on the novel by Allison Pearson, the film spends most of its time reinforcing the fact that women who balance careers and child rearing have a lot on their plates. Although this is a worthy message, it’s hardly breaking news. It doesn’t help that this common-sense mantra is hammered home by a group of characters who seem more like cartoon figures than actual people.

At the heart of the action is Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker), a Boston finance executive trying to keep her husband (Greg Kinnear) and two children happy while pursuing a significant opportunity at work. This means balancing school bake sales and lice outbreaks with important business meetings led by a powerful New York associate (Pierce Brosnan).

All the actors are likable, and they prevent the film from becoming disastrous, but there’s no real depth. Brosnan’s character is a typical old-school charmer, willing to overlook an employee’s quirks in favor of his/her talents. Kinnear is the perfect husband, always ready to say the right thing at the right time while making sure his children are cared for. Parker’s reading of Kate comes closer to real life, but even she feels like the prototypical working mother.

Along with this, McGrath allows his tale to unspool with an unusual mix of linear storytelling, first-person voiceovers and documentary-style interviews. Why the audience receives so many viewpoints is never explained, and the result is a convoluted structure that feels inauthentic.

There’s little doubt that working women will identify with Kate’s dilemma. They may even laugh as they recognize bits of themselves in her struggle. What they may not appreciate is the neat and tidy conclusion that seems at home in the movies but isn’t easily achieved in real life.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a conversation with Pearson.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“The Guard”: Irish comedy about a policeman (Brendan Gleeson) and FBI agent (Don Cheadle) who team up to bust a drug smuggling ring. Gleeson received a best comedic actor Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the film. Written and directed by John Michael McDonagh.

“Mildred Pierce”: HBO miniseries based on the 1941 novel by James M. Cain. The series, like the book, is focused on a single mother (Kate Winslet) struggling to survive and maintain the affection of her daughter in Depression-era Los Angeles. The series was nominated for 21 Emmys and won five, including best actress in a miniseries for Winslet and best supporting actor in a miniseries for Guy Pearce.

“Shark Night”: Horror film about a group of college students who discover that the Louisiana lake they are partying on is filled with man-eating sharks. Sara Paxton, Sinqua Walls and Katharine McPhee star. Directed by David R. Ellis (“Snakes on a Plane”).

“The Fat Boy Chronicles”: Inspirational drama about a teen boy who doesn’t allow bullying to prevent him from reaching his goals. Christopher Rivera stars. Directed by Jason Winn.

“Justified” – The Complete Second Season: More episodes of the FX series starring Timothy Olyphant as a modern U.S. Marshal with old-school sensibilities. Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts and Erica Tazel also star. Based on a short story and two novels by Elmore Leonard.

Miramax romantic comedies on Blu-ray: With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Lionsgate is bringing two Miramax romance films to Blu-ray for the first time: “Serendipity” and “She’s All That.” “Serendipity”  stars John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale as a couple who share a special evening but leave their relationship to fate. “She’s All That” features Freddie Prinze Jr. as a popular teen who wagers that he can turn any classmate into the school prom queen.

– Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

Nicholas D’Agosto plays a character doing his best to cheat death in “Final Destination 5.”

It’s a slow week for home video, as studios decided to release only a handful of major titles between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Final Destination 5

2 stars (out of four)
Rated R for strong violence, gruesome accidents, and some language
New Line Cinema
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

The “Final Destination” films have been around since 2000, and there is no foreseeable end to the franchise, despite 2009’s entry being heralded as the last. How do filmmakers continue a trip that was supposedly over? They make a prequel, of course.

That gives “Final Destination 5” the dubious honor of becoming redundant on two fronts. First, prequels have been wildly overdone. Second, there hasn’t been anything original about this franchise since the first film laid the groundwork.

Despite what fans may argue, the only real attraction to a “Final Destination” movie is watching the characters die under bizarre circumstances, most depicted in long, drawn-out sequences recalling the workings of a Rube Goldberg machine. Eleven years ago, that concept – along with the idea that death would not be “cheated” – was fun and somewhat inventive. Today, it’s a reminder of how shallow Hollywood can be.

As in the previous “Final Destination” flicks, part five starts with the characters escaping a situation where they were supposed to die. Sam Lawton (Nicholas D’Agosto) and his co-workers are travelling to a retreat when he has a premonition that the suspension bridge their bus is crossing is about to collapse. Panicked, he exits the vehicle, convincing a handful of his friends to follow him. Sure enough, a huge section of the structure falls into the water, but only after Sam and his pals have escaped.

Shortly afterward, the survivors begin to fall victim to gory and bizarre tragedies, including a gruesome death at a massage parlor. Director Steven Quale does a reasonably good job building to each bloody accident but, for anyone who’s seen the previous films, the suspense will be minimal. At least the movie bares all the hallmarks of its ancestors. There’s plenty of blood, there’s a smattering of comedy and the cast is mostly young and attractive. D’Agosto is joined by Emma Bell, Miles Fisher, Ellen Wroe, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, P.J. Byrne, Arien Escarpeta and David Koechner.

What’s missing is anything surprising or thoughtful. “Final Destination 5” is essentially a color-by-numbers effort in which Quale and screenwriter Eric Heisserer went out of their way to recreate the previous films, varying little but the way that the characters die. The result is a worn-out, grisly mess that’s recommended only for “Final Destination” diehards (pun intended).

DVD extras are limited to a short, making-of feature. The Blu-ray release, which also includes a DVD copy of the film, has several additional extras, including alternate scenes and special effects split-screen sequences.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Apollo 18”: Horror film based on the premise that America’s cancelled Apollo 18 mission was actually launched, but failed to return to Earth. The movie is presented in the “found-footage” documentary style popularized by movies like “The Blair Witch Project” and “Paranormal Activity.” Warren Christie, Ryan Robbins and Lloyd Owen star. Directed by Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego.

“The First Grader”: True story of an 84-year-old Kenyan man who fights to obtain the education he couldn’t afford as a youngster. Directed by Justin Chadwick.

“Shameless” – The Complete First Season: First 12 episodes of the Showtime dramedy featuring William H. Macy as the alcoholic single father of six children. The series also stars Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White, Cameron Monaghan, Emma Kenney and Ethan Cutkosky. Season two is set to air in early January.

“The Borgias” – The First Season: Showtime drama focused on the controversial Papal family that held power in the Catholic Church during the Renaissance. Jeremy Irons stars as Pope Alexander VI. Francois Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, David Oakes and Aidan Alexander also star.

“A Good Old Fashioned Orgy”: Jason Sudeikis plays a perpetual party boy who decides to organize an orgy with his friends. Leslie Bibb, Lake Bell, Michelle Borth, Nick Kroll and Tyler Labine also star. Written and directed by Peter Huyck and Alex Gregory.

“Hostel – Part III”: Direct-to-video sequel to the ongoing “Hostel” franchise. This time, four guys attending a bachelor party in Vegas find themselves at the heart of a horrifying game of torture. Brian Hallisay, Kip Pardue, John Hensley, Chris Coy, Skyler Stone and Sarah Habel star. Directed by Scott Spiegel.

“Brighton Rock”: British thriller about an up-and-coming gangster (Sam Riley) who seduces a waitress (Andrea Riseborough) in order to prevent her from implicating him in a murder. Also stars John Hurt and Helen Mirren.

“The Pool Boys”: Independent comedy about working-class guys (Matthew Lillard and Brett Davern) who start an escort service in a mansion they don’t own. Rachelle Lefevre and Effren Ramirez also star. Directed by J.B. Rogers.

“The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret” – Series 1: IFC comedy about a temp worker (David Cross) who fakes his way into a high profile sales job. Will Arnett, Blake Harrison, Sharon Horgan and Amber Tamblyn also star.

Looney Tunes Super Stars – Pepe Le Pew: Seventeen short cartoons featuring Warner Brothers’ love struck skunk. Included is “For Scent-imental Reasons,” the 1950 Academy Award winner for best animated short.

“Jersey Shore” – Season 4: With the fifth season of this popular reality series debuting in January, producers are inviting fans to relive season four, which followed the infamous cast to Italy.

– Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams take a European vacation in writer-director Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris."

It’s an excellent week for home video, as two new releases are likely contenders in this year’s Oscar race.

Midnight in Paris

3½ stars
Rated PG-13 for some sexual references and smoking
Sony
Available on: DVD and Blu-ray
“Midnight in Paris” scored multiple nominations for the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, and the accolades are well deserved. Written and directed by Woody Allen, the film is a slice of nostalgia that’s both a love letter to Paris and a reminder that there’s no time like the present.

The movie centers on a quixotic screenwriter named Gil (Owen Wilson) who travels to Paris with his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams). Gil, who falls in love with the city, argues that he and Inez should move there and live like Ernest Hemingway and the other 1920s expatriates he’s long idolized. Inez, however, is perfectly happy with their Beverly Hills lifestyle.

One night, Gil breaks away for a walk around the city and mysteriously finds himself transported to the ’20s where he comes face to face with Hemingway (Corey Stoll) and a host of other historical figures, including writer F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston), composer Cole Porter (Yves Heck) and artist Pablo Picasso (Marcial Di Fonzo Bo). Gil also meets an enigmatic young woman named Adriana (Marion Cotillard) and becomes convinced he was born in the wrong time.

Allen paints historic Paris with such lovely brush strokes that it’s easy to understand why Gil would want to stay, and Wilson instills his character with a suave charm that makes him the perfect guide to days gone by. Although the film is big on nostalgia, Allen has a few tricks up his sleeve, including a message that is decidedly 21st century. Not every director would be able to deliver this tale so effectively, but Woody Allen is not every director.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a featurette titled “Midnight in Cannes.”

Warrior

3½ stars
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense mixed martial arts fighting, some language and thematic material
Lionsgate
Available on: Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, digital download and on demand

Director Gavin O’Connor proved he had the chops to make a great sports film with 2004’s “Miracle,” and he has returned to the genre for “Warrior,” a movie that recalls “Rocky” and “The Fighter” while maintaining its own gritty identity.

O’Conner, who directed and co-wrote the screenplay, took a two-pronged approach to the story. Viewers are first introduced to Tommy Riordan (Tom Hardy), a former Marine who shows up at his father’s house after 14 years away. Viewers learn that his dad, Paddy Conlon (Nick Nolte), is a former alcoholic whose drinking and abusive behavior chased Tommy and his now-deceased mother out of the home years before. Simultaneously, viewers meet Tommy’s estranged brother, Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton), a high school physics teacher who is struggling to pay his bills.

Although Tommy makes it clear that he isn’t forgiving his father, he convinces the old man to act as his trainer for an upcoming mixed martial arts competition. Meanwhile Brendan, a former fighter himself, returns to the ring in hopes of making the cash his family so desperately needs. As the plot progresses, the two long-separated brothers end up in the same competition and are forced to deal with years of pent-up emotion.

Hardy and Edgerton turn in solid performances and are convincing both in and out of the ring. That’s important because O’Conner spends a good deal of time both places. The movie’s only flaw is a 140-minute run that could have been trimmed by 15 minutes. Nolte, whose work landed him a best supporting actor nomination for the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, more than makes up for this glitch. Although Paddy is a supporting character, Nolte steals every scene with an earthy, realistic outing that is deserving of kudos.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a documentary on the making of the film, a gag reel, a deleted scene and an audio commentary with Edgerton, O’Conner and co-writer Anthony Tambakis.

Straw Dogs

3 stars
Rated R for strong brutal violence including a sexual attack, menace, some sexual content, and pervasive language
Sony
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

A remake of Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 thriller “Straw Dogs” wasn’t necessary, but one has to credit writer-director Rod Lurie (“The Contender,” “Resurrecting the Champ”) for a respectable effort.

The original “Straw Dogs” focuses on a young American (Dustin Hoffman) who leaves the U.S. to live with his wife in a small English village, only to be harassed by the locals. Lurie has moved the action to the rural south, where a young actress named Amy Sumner (Kate Bosworth) returns to her family home with her screenwriter husband, David (James Marsden). Almost immediately, Amy’s former boyfriend, Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard), and a group of his friends make it clear the Sumners aren’t welcome.

Unsure of how to react, David tries to befriend the locals, but as the situation spins out of control, he decides to fight back. Marsden had big shoes to fill, but he is convincing and likable in the lead role, and Bosworth turns in one of the finest performances of her career. What’s more, Lurie does an excellent job with the tone of the picture, creating tension early and allowing it to build over time.

Peckinpah was known for graphic depictions of violence, and his original film created controversy with an extended rape scene. To his credit, Lurie doesn’t shy from the graphic roots. Like Peckinpah, he delivers a product that is unapologetically violent and at times disturbing.

The biggest problem with this reinvention is an extremely weak implementation of the third-act plot twist. This is frustrating, but the movie’s strengths easily outweigh its flaws.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include several making of features and an audio commentary by Lurie.

Dolphin Tale

3½ stars
Rated PG for some mild thematic elements
Warner Brothers
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

Many people know Charles Martin Smith for his acting, including a key role in the 1973 classic “American Graffiti,” but he’s also had an active career behind the scenes, most notably as the director of Disney’s 1997 hit “Air Bud.” Smith’s latest directorial effort, “Dolphin Tale,” is the best of his career.

The movie is based on the true story of Winter, a bottlenose dolphin who lost her tale after getting tangled in a crab trap but was saved by the staff at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida. Smith and screenwriters Karen Janszen and Noam Dromi have delivered a highly fictionalized version of Winter’s road to recovery, but it’s so enjoyable that there’s little room to grouse about factual inaccuracies.

In the movie, the injured Winter is discovered by a fisherman and a reclusive young man named Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble). Then, she is transported to Clearwater, where Sawyer is given the opportunity to help with her recovery.

Gamble does a fine job in the lead role and he gets solid support from Cozi Zuehlsdorff, who plays the daughter of aquarium facilitator Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.). Connick provides the backbone for the adult cast, which also includes Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman.

All that talent helps, but the thing that really makes “Dolphin Tale” a winner is the crisp storytelling. Smith’s pacing is efficient, and each scene drives the tale forward. At times, things get maudlin and soapy, but that’s forgivable, particularly in a movie designed to play to multiple age groups.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include additional scenes and a gag reel.

Colombiana

2 stars
Unrated
Sony
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

Zoe Saldana has risen from relative obscurity to superstar status in a handful of years, and “Colombiana” was designed to take her career to the next level. The full-tilt action film is driven by Saldana’s portrayal of a professional assassin who is determined to kill the Colombian crime lord that murdered her parents.

Saldana is physically impressive, and she handles stunt sequences well, so it’s easy to imagine her becoming Angelina Jolie’s equal as a female action star. For that to happen, however, she’ll need a better script than the one Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen assembled for “Colombiana.”

From the opening sequence – where a young version of Saldana’s character watches as her parents die – to the final, predictable end, “Colombiana” feels like dozens of films that have come before. Mimicking other movies isn’t always bad, but the “revenge porn” plotting presented here is as tired as it gets.

Director Oliver Megaton (“Transporter 3”) is reasonably good at action, and he has assembled a steady stream of well-executed shootouts and chases. Trouble is, that’s the only trick he has. The story is cartoonish and the characters are poorly defined.

On the up side, “Colombiana” has the potential to serve as a calling card for Saldana’s future efforts. The picture has plenty of flaws, but she’s not one of them.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include two making-of features.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Margin Call”: Thriller about a laid off investment firm employee (Stanley Tucci) who leaves a colleague with information that could destroy the company … or its investors. The film’s standout cast includes Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto and Demi Moore. Written and directed by J.C. Chandor.

“Glee: The Concert Movie”: Concert film featuring dozens of musical performances by the cast of the popular television show “Glee!” Along with the music, the film includes behind-the-scenes footage and brief interstitials about the influence of the show. Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Mark Salling and Amber Riley star. Available on Blu-ray, DVD and Blu-ray 3D.

“Moneyball”: Director Bennett Miller’s biopic about Oakland A’s manager Billy Beane will be available exclusively for digital download Dec. 22. The movie, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, will move to Blu-ray and DVD Jan. 10. Look for a full review at that time.

“Abduction”: This Taylor Lautner thriller – about a man in search of his true identity – will be available exclusively as a video-on-demand title from Dec. 22 through Jan. 4. It will move to Blu-ray and DVD Jan. 17. Look for a full review then.

“Burke & Hare”: British comedy about 19th century scoundrels (Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis) who make a living selling corpses. Isla Fisher and Tom Wilkinson also star. Directed by John Landis (“The Blues Brothers,” “Trading Places”).

“Blackthorn”: Historical drama supposing that Butch Cassidy was not killed in 1908 and instead lived to be an old man. Sam Shepard plays Cassidy with supporting performances by Eduardo Noriega, Stephen Rea and Nicolaj Coster-Waldau.

“One Tree Hill” – The Complete Eighth Season: The final season of “One Tree Hill” will start airing on The CW in early January. This set includes all 22 episodes from season eight, allowing fans to refresh their memories before the swan song begins.

“Futurama” – Volume 6: Thirteen episodes of Matt Groening’s animated series about the employees of a 31st century delivery company.

Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. For more of his work visit www.ForrestHartman.com. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

John Lithgow, left, embraces Caesar the chimp in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” Caesar is computer animated, but Andy Serkis – working with motion capture technology – provided the basis for the performance.

There’s not much originality on the home video front this week, as the most noteworthy releases are a sequel, a remake and a reboot.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

3 stars (out of four)
Rated PG-13 for intense and frightening sequences of action and violence
20^th Century Fox
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

The “Planet of the Apes” franchise has a rich history that began with a 1963 novel and kicked into high gear with a series of films released between 1968 and 1973. Later media adaptations included two short-lived TV series and a 2001 film by director Tim Burton. Burton’s movie was essentially a remake of the 1968 original starring Charlton Heston, and it was largely considered a failure.

For “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” director Rupert Wyatt and screenwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver decided to approach the franchise with fresh eyes, paying homage to earlier stories but taking a new direction. The result is an entertaining and visually impressive film with the potential to spawn a new series.

The action centers on Will Rodman (James Franco), a pharmaceutical company scientist working on a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. One of his drugs proves especially promising, and when given to an average chimpanzee, the animal develops remarkable cognitive abilities. Before Will can move to human testing, the chimp goes on a rampage, prompting the CEO of the company (David Oyelowo) to shut Will’s program down and order the destruction of his test animals.

When the company’s animal handler (Tyler Labine) discovers that Will’s prize chimp secretly delivered a baby, he refuses to kill it, instead convincing Will raise the infant. As the baby chimp ages, Will discovers that its mental prowess is extraordinary. This, of course, leads to problems because most of the world views the intelligent chimp as nothing more than a beast.

Rodman’s remake is thought provoking and entertaining, a potent combination for a film that was released as a summer blockbuster. In fact, the movie isn’t the action-oriented piece viewers might expect … at least for its first two-thirds. Rather, it is a well-conceived drama that examines issues ranging from bigotry to animal cruelty.

Franco is typically strong in his lead role, and he gets apt support from Freida Pinto (who plays Will’s girlfriend) and John Lithgow (who portrays Will’s father). The real star of the show, however, is a man who is never seen.  The lead chimp, Caesar, is mostly computer animated, but his movements and facial expressions were modeled on the work of Andy Serkis, who played the role using motion capture technology. Serkis is no stranger to the work, as he also used motion capture to play Gollum in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” films and “King Kong” in Jackson’s 2005 remake. It’s difficult to determine how much of the creature’s screen appearance should be credited to Serkis, but the on-screen performance is remarkably emotional and believable.

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” does have flaws, the most glaring of which is the way Will interacts with Caesar, even after realizing that his intellect is superior to that of most humans. One would think a scientist of Will’s sophistication would be better prepared to deal with the problems he and Caesar encounter. Of course, a correction of this magnitude would result in a different movie, and the one Wyatt delivers is perfectly good.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a making-of feature, a short on Serkis’ performance and a collection of deleted scenes.

Fright Night

3 stars
Rated R for bloody horror violence, and language including some sexual references
DreamWorks
Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand

With “Fright Night,” director Craig Gillespie (“Lars and the Real Girl,” “Mr. Woodcock”) has delivered a satisfying vampire drama that should please fans of the 1985 original while welcoming viewers who don’t realize they’re watching a remake. Like the first film, Gillespie’s incarnation tells the story of Charley Brewster, a teen boy who discovers he’s living next door to a bloodsucker.

This time, it’s Anton Yelchin who plays Charley, and he handles the role with aplomb. At first, Charley laughs off the possibility that his neighbor – a handsome charmer named Jerry (Colin Farrell) – could be a vampire. But when the evidence becomes overwhelming, he goes on the offensive, turning to Las Vegas magician Peter Vincent (David Tennant) for help. Vincent hosts a supernatural-themed show on the Vegas strip, and he’s the closest thing Charley can find to a vampire expert, even though the showman makes it clear that he doesn’t want any part of Charley’s quest.

For a horror movie, “Fright Night” has a particularly good cast. Yelchin and Tennant are solid throughout, and Farrell is extremely good as the lead baddie. His version of Jerry alternates between vicious and charismatic, a choice that keeps Charley – and viewers – off balance. Also solid are Toni Collette, who has a small-but-important part as Charley’s single mom, and Imogen Poots, who plays Charley’s girlfriend.

“Fright Night” is an unabashedly straightforward horror film that takes the point of view that vampires are monsters … plain and simple. Jerry may have a charming side, but it’s just a tool to help with his blood quests. Gone is the romantic side of vampires depicted in the “Twilight” series and TV shows like “The Vampire Diaries” and “True Blood.” This dark depiction is welcome, and the Marti Noxon screenplay does a nice job balancing scary moments against bits of melodrama and humor.

We’ve seen a lot of bad vampire flicks over the years. “Fright Night” isn’t one of them.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a music video featuring Kid Cudi and a gag reel.

Kung Fu Panda 2

2½  stars
Rated PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence
DreamWorks
Available on: DVD and Blu-ray

In recent years, animated films have outshone many of their live-action brethren thanks to better-developed screenplays and superior attention to detail. Sadly, that trend seems to be ending at the very time animation technology is peaking.

There’s no question that animated movies look better than ever. Unfortunately, the storytelling isn’t keeping pace with the visuals, and “Kung Fu Panda 2” is a perfect example of the phenomenon. Not only is the movie a sequel, ensuring a lack of creativity from the outset, but director Jennifer Yuh placed much of her storytelling emphasis on action sequences. There’s nothing wrong with action, but it grows tiresome when directors invest more time in flashy, fast-moving scenes than in plot and character development.

“Panda 2” picks up where the original movie left off, with Po the Panda enjoying life as a kung fu master. It’s not long, however, until he and his pals are sent on a dangerous mission to confront an evil peacock. Unbeknownst to Po, the assignment will also bring him face to face with his past, forcing him to confront long-repressed memories and jump the one hurdle that’s preventing him from becoming a truly great martial artist.

The plot will feel tired to anyone who has watched more than a handful of heroic sagas, and that’s too bad because the voice cast is great. Comedian Jack Black again gives voice to Po, and his line readings are always entertaining. Angelina Jolie, Gary Oldman, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan and Seth Rogen also lend their voices to the film, and each does an admirable job.

For young viewers, the colorful characters, beautiful animation and fast pace will likely outweigh the clichéd plotting. For older animation buffs, the story is sadly lacking.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a making-of feature, a filmmakers’ commentary, deleted scenes and an episode of the Nickelodeon TV series “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness.”

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Circumstance”: Drama about an Iranian teenager who, along with her best friend, begins to experiment with sex and drugs. Written and directed by Maryam Keshavarz. Presented in Persian with English subtitles.

Seijun Suzuki yakuza films: The Criterion Collection is rolling out digitally restored versions of two yakuza movies from Japanese director Seijun Suzuki: “Tokyo Drifter” (1966) and “Branded to Kill” (1967). “Drifter” tells the story of a reformed hitman who finds himself under attack by two mobs.  Similarly, “Branded” tells the story of an assassin who botches a job and becomes a target himself. Both movies are presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

“The Life & Times of Tim” – The Complete Second Season: The third season of HBO’s animated comedy about the trials and tribulations of an average guy kicks off Dec. 16. This two-disc set contains all 10 episodes from season two.

“Switched at Birth” – Volume One: First 10 episodes of the ABC Family series about teen girls who learn they were accidentally switched at the hospital and raised by the wrong parents.

“Family Guy” – Volume 9: Fourteen episodes of Seth MacFarlane’s animated series about a dysfunctional Rhode Island family.

Miramax Blu-ray debuts: Three well-liked Miramax films – “Heavenly Creatures,” “Velvet Goldmine” and “City of God” – are receiving their high-definition debuts. The films are distinctly different, but each was nominated for at least one Oscar.

“Vietnam in HD”: History Channel documentary series focused on the wartime experiences of a handful of Americans. The six-hour presentation includes a good deal of historic footage gathered from a variety of sources.

“The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975”: Documentary film focused on the U.S. civil rights movement. Directed by Swedish filmmaker Goran Hugo Olsson, the movie features vintage footage shot by Swedish journalists during the rise of the Black Power Movement.

– Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. For more of his work visit www.ForrestHartman.com. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

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From left to right, Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), Minnie Jackson (Octavia Spencer) and Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) share a moment in “The Help.”

This week’s major home video releases include an oddball science-fiction adventure, a sequel to one of the biggest comedy hits of all time and a drama that may wind up in the Oscar race.

The Help

4 stars (out of four)
Rated PG-13 for thematic material
Disney
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand

Kathryn Stockett’s novel “The Help” has spent more than 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and the movie adaptation is easily one of the best films of 2011. Set in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s, the picture focuses on Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone), a progressive white journalist disgusted with the way black maids are being treated. With designs on both making a difference and making her name as a writer, she convinces two maids – Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) – to tell their stories confidentiality.

Even though Eugenia promises not to use real names in her work, it’s a dangerous proposition for all three women because racial intolerance is epidemic. In fact, one of Eugenia’s childhood friends, a socialite named Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard), is among the most bigoted people in town.

“The Help” is an admirable movie not just because it spotlights America’s ugly history of bigotry, but because screenwriter and director Tate Taylor crafts his story with such care. Taylor gets the historical setting just right, and every scene in the film is perfectly staged and presented.

Much of the success is due to the cast. Stone is rapidly becoming one of the hottest actresses in Hollywood, and she is strong throughout. Even better are Davis and Spencer, both of whom turn in powerhouse performances that could land them in the forthcoming Oscar race.

“The Help” is the rare movie that is virtually flawless. The acting is superb, the message powerful and the technical execution pitch perfect. In a year that has been weaker than normal in terms of cinematic gold, “The Help” is both a standout and a gift.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include a music video by Mary J. Blige and deleted scenes with introductions by Taylor.

The Debt

3½ stars
Rated R for some violence and language
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand

With “The Debt,” director John Madden has delivered his best film since the 1988 romance “Shakespeare In Love.” The movie, which is significantly darker than “Shakespeare,” is set in 1997, 30 years after former Mossad agents Rachel Singer (Helen Mirren), Stephan Gold (Tom Wilkinson) and David Peretz (Ciaran Hinds) embarked on a dangerous mission in East Berlin.

Rachel and Stephan – who married and divorced in the wake of the mission – reunite to celebrate the launch of a book that their daughter (Romi Aboulafia) has written about their youthful exploits. The occasion turns tragic, however, when David commits suicide in a shocking manner.

As the film progresses, Madden shifts back and forth between the events of 1997 and those that the trio experienced in Berlin. To achieve this, he uses a double cast, with Jessica Chastain playing young Rachel, Marton Csokas playing the youthful Stephan and Sam Worthington playing the younger version of David. Both casts are superb.

It’s not just the casting that makes “The Debt,” however. The story – adapted from a 2007 Israeli film – is fraught with tension, and there are several terrific twists. Madden lets the entire affair play out at just the right pace, slowly revealing details about his characters while retaining enough mystery to keep things exciting.

Along with being a wonderful surface-level thriller, the film has some important things to say about life. Most importantly, it reflects on the way pivotal events in one’s past can have a profound effect on a person’s future. As a genre, espionage thrillers tend to be thoughtful, but only the best are as consistent and refined as “The Debt.”

Home video extras include several making-of features and an audio commentary by Madden and producer Kris Thykier.

The Hangover Part II

2½ stars
Rated R for pervasive language, strong sexual content including graphic nudity, drug use and brief violent images
Warner Brothers
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

Director Todd Phillips’ follow-up to “The Hangover” isn’t so much a sequel as a remake. The cast is the same, the tone is the same and – aside from slight variations – the plot is the same. For moviegoers looking to relive their first “Hangover” experience, the similarities may be a selling point. For everyone else, they’re a reminder of how shallow and barren Hollywood can be.

The setup has friends Phil Wenneck (Bradley Cooper) and Doug Billings (Justin Bartha) preparing for the wedding of their dentist pal, Stu Price (Ed Helms). The buttoned-downed Stu is determined to avoid the disaster that occurred when their pack travelled to Las Vegas for Doug’s bachelor party (events depicted in the first film). So, Stu explains that he wants his friends to accompany him to Thailand for his nuptials … nothing more.

Things unravel when Stu is forced to invite Doug’s brother-in-law, Alan (Zach Galifianakis), along for the ride. Alan is as brash and socially inept as he was in the first “Hangover,” and he immediately rubs everyone the wrong way. The tension starts when Alan complains about Stu’s future brother-in-law, a brilliant teen named Teddy (Mason Lee), travelling with them. This isn’t a problem for long, however. Once the crew reaches its destination, what was supposed to be a quiet night with a few beers turns into a nightmare.

Phil, Stu and Alan wake up in a Bankok hotel in the company of the international gangster they met in the first film, Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong). They can’t remember any of the events of the previous night, and Teddy is missing. From this point forward, the movie plods along as its predecessor did, with Phil, Stu and Alan struggling to decipher the events of the previous night.

“The Hangover Part II” has its fair share of laughs, and Phillips moves the action at a respectable pace. The trouble is, he doesn’t deliver anything new. When the movie is funny, it’s funny in the same way as the original, and when it’s not funny it’s redundant.

Cooper, Helms and Galifianakis have chemistry, and there’s some joy in watching them feed off one another. One can’t help but think, however, that it would all be better if they had new material.

Home video extras include a gag reel, a short on Phillips’ creative process and a bit where Mr. Chow takes viewers on a tour of Bangkok.

Cowboys & Aliens

3 stars
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of Western and sci-fi action and violence, some partial nudity and a brief crude reference
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

Jon Favreau may have started as an indie favorite, but his success as the director of “Iron Man” moved him to Hollywood’s A List. With “Cowboys & Aliens,” Favreau is bringing another comic book to the screen, although most viewers won’t be familiar with the Scott Mitchell Rosenberg graphic novel that served as the film’s inspiration.

The movie centers on Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), an old West gunman who wakes up in the middle of the desert with a gash in his side, a large metal bracelet on his wrist and complete amnesia. Confounded, he makes his way to the nearest town and creates an enemy by roughing up the son of a cattle baron named Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford).

Woodrow is determined to take vengeance, but his plan goes awry when spacecraft attack, abducting his son and a number of other citizens. In the midst of the battle, Jake manages to down one of the aircraft by firing a blast from the bracelet on his wrist. He isn’t sure how he did it, but it’s clear that he’s the only one capable of effectively battling the aliens. This leads Jake and Woodrow to an uneasy truce with the goal of tracking the aliens and rescuing the abductees.

The plotting is silly, but there’s pleasure to be taken in Favreau’s blend of old-school Western and modern science-fiction spectacle. Because the cowboys are so outgunned, the idea of them tracking technologically advanced aliens doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Still, it’s difficult to resist the characters that Craig and Ford create.

Jake is a classic Western loner, a talented gunman with a haunted past. Ford, who doesn’t often play a bad guy, paints Woodrow as a pitiless businessman who treats friends and enemies with equal disdain. Still, there’s a sense of honor to Woodrow, and that’s what makes things compelling when he and Jake team up.

Favreau wasn’t able to capture the magic of “Iron Man” with “Cowboys & Aliens,” but he did produce a movie that is as enjoyable as it is fast-paced and ridiculous.

Home video extras include several making-of features and an audio commentary by Favreau.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins”: Jim Carrey plays a businessman whose life changes drastically after he inherits six penguins. The movie is based on the 1938, Newberry Medal-winning book by Richard and Florence Atwater. Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury, Jeffrey Tambor and David Krumholtz also star.

“Friends With Benefits”: Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis play young professionals who decide to have commitment-free sex. Complications ensue after a few trysts. Directed by Will Gluck (“Easy A,” “Fired Up!”).

“Dragon Tattoo Trilogy” – Extended Edition: Director David Fincher is bringing an American film adaptation of writer Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” to theaters Dec. 21. Although any work by Fincher is worth considering, Swedish filmmakers have already done a fine job bringing Larsson’s characters to the screen. This home video release includes extended editions of all three Swedish movies – “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl Who Played With Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.” The theatrical versions of these movies are already available in the U.S., but this boxed set features new, extended cuts that include characters and plot developments not seen in the original editions.

“Life, Above All”: South African drama about a 12-year-old girl (Khomotso Manyaka) who leaves home to search for her mother after a nasty rumor forces the woman to flee their village. The film, directed by Oliver Schmitz, won the Francois Chalais Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. Presented in Sotho with English subtitles.

“Design for Living”: Criterion Collection release of director Ernst Lubitsch’s 1933 film adaptation of the Noel Coward play. The film stars Miriam Hopkins as an artist unable to choose between two attractive Americans that she meets while on a train to Paris. Gary Cooper and Fredric March also star.

“Big Love” – The Complete Series: HBO is rolling the fifth and final season of “Big Love” to video this week, and fans can buy it solo or as part of a “Complete Series” boxed set. The latter includes every episode of the show, which is about modern-day polygamists.

“Underbelly” – The Trilogy: Twelve-disc set including the first three miniseries in the “Underbelly” TV franchise. The Australian dramas, which aired in the U.S. on DirecTV’s Audience Network, are based on real-life criminal activity in Australia.

“Transformers Prime – Darkness Rising”: First five episodes of the “Transformers Prime” cartoon series, which offers new adventures from the shape-shifting Autobots and Decepticons. In the U.S., the show airs regularly on The Hub.

“Medea”: Blu-ray debut of writer-director Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1969 film adaptation of the Greek tragedy “Medea.” Acclaimed opera singer Maria Callas plays the title role.

“24/7 Penguins/Capitals – Road to the NHL Winter Classic”: Documentary series focused on the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals and their preparation for the 2011 Winter Classic.

Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications.E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.

Jesse Eisenberg, left, and Aziz Ansari play regular guys who are forced to commit a bank robbery in the offbeat comedy “30 Minutes or Less.”

This week’s major home video releases include an Anne Hathaway romance, a big-screen take on the Smurfs and two offbeat comedies.

30 Minutes or Less

3 stars (out of four)
Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, nudity and some violence
Sony
Available on: Blu-ray and DVD

If Jesse Eisenberg has an acting superpower, it’s his ability to deliver pitch-perfect representations of the Generation Y everyman. His unassuming charm goes a long way in “30 Minutes or Less,” an entertaining comedy that is completely reliant on his ability to make the audience care.

Eisenberg plays Nick, a hard-working pizza deliveryman who pushes his beat-up Ford Mustang to its limits in an ongoing quest to get pies to customers on time. It’s an ordinary existence, but Nick seems comfortable in the routine. Then, his life takes an extraordinary turn when two professional slackers, Dwayne and Travis (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson), order a pizza just so they can knock him unconscious and strap a bomb to his chest. Their goal? To force the frightened Nick rob a bank for them.

Horrified, Nick does the only thing he can think of and runs to his best friend, an elementary school teacher named Chet (Aziz Ansari). Together, the pals hatch a plan to stick up a bank, get the money to Dwayne and Travis, and hopefully get out of the predicament alive.

Eisenberg and Ansari have excellent chemistry and that allows the film’s many gags to hit more often than they miss. McBride and Swardson also play off one another nicely, an important fact since director Ruben Fleischer (“Zombieland”) relates his story with a two-pronged approach. Nick and Chet deliver the film’s emotional center, but Dwayne and Travis get nearly as much screen time, and viewers get an insider’s look at their scheming.

The plotting in “30 Minutes or Less” is clearly ridiculous, but that’s forgivable because it never pretends to be anything other than a lark. What’s more, the cast sells the material with zest, earning a lot of laughs along the way.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes, outtakes and a featurette on the cast and crew.

Our Idiot Brother

3½ stars
Rated R for sexual content including nudity, and for language throughout
Anchor Bay
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download

It’s nice to see Paul Rudd getting increasingly substantial film roles because he’s one of the most likable and talented actors in the movie business. In “Our Idiot Brother,” Rudd takes a broadly comic turn as Ned, a kindhearted free spirit who does a stretch of jail time after selling marijuana to a uniformed police officer.

Upon release from jail, Ned is reunited with his mother and three sisters, Miranda (Elizabeth Banks), Natalie (Zooey Deschanel) and Liz (Emily Mortimer). Despite sharing genes, the sisters are as different as Ned is dim. Miranda is a driven career woman trying to make it in the magazine business, Liz is a devoted wife and mother, and Natalie is a freewheeling bisexual.

Since Ned has nowhere to stay, he bounces from the house of one sister to another, slowly driving them crazy with his eccentric ways. Funny thing is, viewers are more likely to identify with Ned than with any of the supposedly “smarter” characters surrounding him.

Ned may not be bright, but he is kind, and it would be stretching to apply that adjective to any of his sisters. They aren’t evil, but they are overly concerned about things like work and satisfying carnal desires, even when the price tag for these things is extremely high.

Director Jesse Peretz may well see Ned’s sisters as stand-ins for society at large, as there’s no question that Americans place undue importance on instant gratification. Ned, on the other hand, knows there’s more to life.

Many comedies unsuccessfully attempt to balance humor with heart, but “Our Idiot Brother” gets the formula right, contrasting solid-and-consistent laughs against moments of genuine emotion.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted and extended scenes, a making-of feature and an audio commentary by Peretz.

The Smurfs

1½ stars
Rated PG for some mild rude humor and action
Sony
Available Dec. 2 on DVD, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and digital download

Visually, director Raja Gosnell’s take on the Smurfs is impressive. In fact, the film’s blend of live-action footage and computer generated imagery is considerably more appealing than the mix he mustered in two earlier movies: “Scooby-Doo” and “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” Alas, Gosnell has room to grow in terms of storytelling.

As someone who grew up with the Smurfs – small blue creatures who resemble gnomes and take their names from traits they possess – I was looking forward to a big-screen update. Sadly, Gosnell’s film loses the charm of earlier Smurf incarnations, leaving viewers with pretty pictures but little more.

In an attempt to modernize the Smurf universe, the film introduces its tiny protagonists in their traditional woodland setting. Then, through a few plot twists, sends them through a strange vortex with their arch enemy, a wizard named Gargamel (Hank Azaria), in tow. The vortex deposits the brood in New York City, where the Smurfs work to find a way home while Gargamel relentlessly pursues them. The Smurfs also find allies in Patrick and Grace Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays), a progressive New York couple who are expecting their first child. Their inclusion doesn’t seem necessary, but it did allow the filmmakers to sell the film based on Harris’ surging popularity.

Along with the human cast, Gosnell lined up a solid collection of actors to give voice to the Smurfs. The most noteworthy are Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf; Alan Cumming as Gutsy Smurf; George Lopez as Grouchy Smurf; Anton Yelchin as Clumsy Smurf; Jeff Foxworthy as Handy Smurf; and Katy Perry as the sole female, Smurfette. Unfortunately, all that talent is squandered because the story is as predictable as a snowstorm in January. A snowstorm, however, is more exciting.

Home video extras include a short on bringing the Smurfs to the silver screen, a Find the Smurfs game, a blooper reel and two audio commentaries.

One Day

2½ stars
Rated PG-13 for sexual content, partial nudity, language, some violence and substance abuse
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand

Director Lone Scherfig (“An Education”) has crafted a likable, if unremarkable, adaptation of novelist David Nicholls’ “One Day.” The film, like the book, tells the tale of a stormy love affair developed over two decades.

The movie begins by introducing Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess), attractive twenty-somethings who celebrate their college graduation with booze and a never-consumated one-night stand. Although they share an instant attraction, Emma and Dexter have different outlooks on life and, thus, agree to part as friends. This is only the beginning of their interactions, however, and Scherfig walks us through their developing relationship by presenting the happenings of a single calendar day, one year at a time.

Early on, Emma spends those days struggling to make a living as a waitress while Dexter finds success as a popular TV host. Despite their disparate situations, they remain in contact, commiserating and drifting through various stages of physical and emotional attraction.

Hathaway and Sturgess are strong in the title roles, with each actor building a character that audiences can empathize with even when they are making poor decisions. Both actors also do a believable job of aging during the course of the film, an important feat in a movie that spans 20 years.

Scherfig’s storytelling – built on a screenplay that Nicholls adapted from his own novel – is less refined. Tracking two characters’ lives by following them through the events of a single calendar day is inventive, but it leaves many holes, some of which fracture the narrative. What’s more, a number of sequences feel as though they would require more than a single day to play out, calling the setup into question.

That doesn’t mean “One Day” is a disaster. On the contrary, the film has a number of nice moments, including a finale that is both poignant and satisfying.

DVD and Blu-ray extras include several making-of features and an audio commentary by Scherfig.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Smallville” – The Complete Series: This substantial boxed set may be the perfect Christmas gift for superhero fans. All 10 seasons of the CW drama about Superman’s early years are packaged with an episode guide and a collectible issue of the Daily Planet newspaper. The series, which was strongest in its early years, faltered occasionally but never fell apart. What’s more, season 10 offered an enjoyable and appropriate wrap up to the entire project. Tom Welling stars as Clark Kent (aka Superman). Other key cast members include Allison Mack, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, John Schneider and Erica Durance.

“Another Earth”: Science-fiction story centered on two people brought together by a tragic accident at the same time a second Earth is discovered in our solar system. Brit Marling and William Mapother star.

“The Art of Getting By”: Coming-of-age film about dissimilar teens who form a connection. Emma Roberts, Freddie Highmore, Michael Angarano, Rita Wilson, Sam Robards, Alicia Silverstone and Blair Underwood star.

“The Future”: Indie film about a thirty-something couple suddenly catapulted into adulthood when they decide to adopt a cat. The movie – written and directed by Miranda July – was named a special Selection at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Golden Berlin Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

“Cave of Forgotten Dreams”: Werner Herzog documentary focused on wall paintings found in Chauvet Cave in France. The well-preserved works date back more than 30,000 years. The film is available on DVD and as part of a Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray combo pack.

“Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil”: Film festival hit about sweet-natured hillbilly pals (Alyn Tudyk and Tyler Labine) who are mistaken for psychotic killers and attacked by a group of coeds. Co-written and directed by Eli Craig.

“Dinosaur Train – T.rex Tales”: Collection of episodes from the PBS animated show about a young dinosaur embarking on educational adventures.

– Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation’s largest publications. E-mail him at forrest@forresthartman.com.