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New on DVD: 'Cars 2,' 'Crazy, Stupid, Love'

26.11.11

Fast cars and slow love lives are featured in this week's DVD releases.</p><p> -"Cars 2," Grade A-minus: Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) compete in the World Grand Prix.</p><p> "Cars 2" is a high-octane version of the original. The sweet nature of back road Americana has been replaced by a high-tech spy thriller set against a global racing background. If James Bond had really been an Aston Martin, this would have been the movie for him.</p><p> Although the nostalgic feeling of "Cars" has given way to action and adventure in "Cars 2," the story still works. It's just different and should be appreciated that way.</p><p> Because of the new direction, the role of Mater has gone from supporting player to central focus. The down-home sweetness of the character made Mater the breakout of the first film and co-directors John Lasseter and Brad Lewis take advantage of that popularity.</p><p> The only misfire is a plot that gets jumbled at the end.</p><p> -"Crazy, Stupid, Love," Grade D-plus: Billed as a comedy, this dour and depressing story about divorce, adultery, betrayal and separation never balances the angst with lighter moments.</p><p> Steve Carell plays a perfect husband and father who gets blindsided by his wife of nearly 25 years (Julianne Moore) when she asks for a divorce. He meets a suave guy at a bar (Ryan Gosling) who sets out to transform Carell into a love machine. But he plays the role with such a continuous hangdog expression that euthanasia seems the best course.</p><p> A better title for this film would have been "Dreary, Bland Love."</p><p> Also new on DVD this week:</p><p> "The Santa Incident": Two secret service agents control the fate of Christmas.</p><p> "The Grateful Dead Movie": The film co-directed by Jerry Garcia was released in 1977.</p><p> "Warren Miller's Wintervention": Experts offer help for skiing and snowboarding problems.</p><p> "Without a Home": Documentary on Los Angeles street people.</p><p> "Water for Elephants": A veterinary student and a circus performer are brought together through their compassion for an elephant. Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson star.</p><p> "The Nutcracker: The Untold Story": A girl goes on a magical adventure with her new nutcracker.</p><p> "Californication: The Fourth Season": David Duchovny plays a burned out writer with a healthy appetite for sex.</p><p> "Rawhide: The Fourth Season, Volume 2": Clint Eastwood stars in the TV western.</p><p> "Trespass": A husband and wife are held for ransom. Nicole Kidman and Nicolas Cage star.</p><p> "The Essential Daffy Duck Collection": Includes 21 cartoons, three that have never been on DVD.</p><p> "Rough Cut - Woodworking with Tommy Mac: Season 2": Thirteen furniture projects are featured.</p><p> "Bye-Bye, Pacifier! Big Kid Stories with Elmo": Helps kids deal with big events like giving up a pacifier or a first haircut.</p><p> "Magic Trip": The LSD-charged trip across the country by Ken Kesey, author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."</p><p> "It's a Wonderful Life": Now available as a Blu-ray gift set.</p><p> "Happy Holidays! Four Movie Collection": Includes: "Trading Places," "Last Holiday," "Surviving Christmas" and "All I Want for Christmas."</p><p> "Tom Cruise Collection": Among the films in the set are "Days of Thunder" and "Top Gun."</p><p> "Brideshead Revisited: 30th Anniversary Edition": Jeremy Irons and Sir John Gielgud star.</p><p> "Voltron: The Final Battle": Eight digitally remastered episodes of the 1980s TV series.</p><p> "Victorious: Season One, Volume Two": Includes the last nine episodes of the first season.</p><p> Rick Bentley: rbentley@fresnobee.com

Source: Kansas City Star