A guide to the latest DVD releases
New movies come out on DVD all the time, and it’s often hard to keep up with the flood of options. In case you’ve been left behind, be sure to check out this list of some of the latest movies available on the home video market. From alien invasions to talking bears, this article has something for the whole family.
How do you know – James L. Brooks wrote, produced and directed this romantic comedy that sadly failed at the box office. The plot centers on a love triangle between an MLB pitcher (Owen Wilson), an executive under investigation for criminal activity (Paul Rudd), and an Olympic softball player who just turned 30 (Reece Witherspoon). All the leads are likeable and the cast is bolstered by the presence of Jack Nicholson.
meskada – A biting crime thriller about a small-town detective (Nick Stahl) trying to solve the murder of a young boy whose mother wields great power and influence within the community. Meanwhile, the relatives of the alleged murderers gather around their relatives. Examining the underground nature of rural America and its distrust of outsiders, the film is packed with economic and social commentary, as well as a host of excellent performances from up-and-coming actors like Grace Gummer, Michael Sirow and Kellan Lutz.
horizon – Directed by the Strause brothers, this alien invasion film follows a group of friends enjoying a birthday party at a Los Angeles condo. It is then that blue machines descend from the sky, emitting lights that immobilize anyone who sees them. As thousands of humans are turned into machines for some sinister purpose, our band of heroes must try to stay alive and get to safety. Starring Eric Balfour, Scottie Thompson, Donald Faison and Brittany Daniel.
The Turist – Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp travel to various places in Europe and show their chemistry in this mix of suspense, romance and comedy. Jolie plays Elise, a woman who boards a train, sits next to an American tourist named Frank (Depp) and leads everyone who follows her to believe that she is actually a wanted criminal named Alexander Pearce. Soon, Frank is hunted by bloodthirsty thieves and the British government; however, he is so in love with Elise that he never seems to care about all the danger he is in. Meanwhile, Elise’s true motives are slowly revealed in a series of twists and turns. A remake of the 2005 French film Anthony Zimmer was nominated for three Golden Globes.
Yogi bear – Shot in 3D and featuring a mix of live action and CGI, this family-friendly movie centers on Yogi (voiced by Dan Aykroyd), everyone’s favorite talking bear. When the local mayor starts looking for a way to raise money for his political campaign, he plans to close down Jellystone Park and turn it into a logging site. But Yogi is determined to save his home from destruction, with the help of his friend Boo Boo (voiced by Justin Timberlake), park ranger Smith (Tom Cavanaugh), and a charming documentarian (Anna Faris).
Thanks to the evolution of the movie rental business, the new releases listed above can be found at local video stores, independent newsstands, and even over the Internet. I prefer the latter option, especially since Netflix’s wide range of plans has something to satisfy almost every budget.