‘Twilight Saga’ comes to an end; Spokane teens fend off invasion
Vampires, Wolverines and video game characters populate this week’s new DVD releases.
• “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2,” Grade B: The Cullens must find a way to stop a war between the vampires. Robert Pattinson stars.
Edward and Bella are not only newlyweds, but proud parents of bouncing baby Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy), who, because of her odd DNA, grows and matures at an incredible rate. Jacob has now shifted his focus from Bella to Renesmee, which will eventually lead to some awkward Thanksgiving meals.
With no love triangle to create tension, the majority of the production is devoted to rounding up fellow vampires – the most intriguing played by Lee Pace – who can witness that Renesmee’s not the threat that the crotchety ruling Volturi gang thinks she is. Director Bill Condon manages to keep the tempo of the film at a solid pace.
• “Red Dawn,” Grade B: The remake of the 1984 film about a group of teens who band together to fight an invading army features the same patriotic bravado and coming-of-age emotions that made the original so popular.
It’s like waving the American flag each time this rag-tag team of teens show maturity beyond their years to make life miserable for the North Korean army that’s taken over Spokane.
The film’s an explosive enough nod to the original to make this new band of Wolverines real winners
• “Wreck-It Ralph,” Grade B: The villain of a classic arcade game wants to be a hero.
This likable movie will entertain old and young because of the wide range of video games that serve as the backdrop for the stories.
Director Rich Moore has done a masterful job of blending all of the varied degree of visuals that come with arcade games. Life in Ralph’s game is a little blocky and the characters have choppy movements. Once the action moves to a high-tech military game, the graphics vastly improve. Moore blends these different looks to create a perfect union.
And long after this movie has gone “game over,” Sarah Silverman’s voice work as Vanellope will remain at the top of the high-score listings. Generally, actors merely give a voice to an animated character. Silverman gives her character energy, life and a sweet charm.
Also new on DVD:
“The Intouchables”: Film based on the true-life friendship between a quadriplegic and the man he hires to care for him.
“Seven Year Hitch”: Two best friends discover they are legally married.
“Sofia the First: Once Upon A Princess”: Animated series featuring the youngest Disney princess.
“NOVA: Inside the Megastorm”: A look at the impact of Hurricane Sandy.
“Harry O: The Complete Second Season”: Detective TV drama starring David Janssen.
“Regular Show: Party Pack Volume 3”: Features 16 episodes from all three seasons of the Emmy-winning animated series.
“Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Friends Forever”: Friends must attend the very formal Berry Bitty Buggy Derby.
“Eaters”: Three men are the last hope against hordes of zombies.
“Midnight Stallion”: A young girl and her family are rescued from their financial struggle by an unexpected guest.
“Playing for Keeps”: A man returns home to rebuild a relationship with his son. Gerard Butler stars.
“Interview with a Hitman”: Luke Goss plays an elite hitman who tries to erase his past.
“She-Wolves: England’s Early Queens”: Documentary explores the lives of seven English queens.
“Tom and Jerry: Pint-Sized Pals”: Includes 30 shorts.
“Power Rangers: Clash of the Red Rangers - The Movie”: The Red Rangers go head to head.
“Ben 10 Omniverse: A New Beginning”: Ben’s a little older but not always a little wiser.
“Barney: Play With Barney”: Barney teaches the importance of being a team player.
“The Marine 3: Homefront”: Mike “The Miz” Mizanin stars.
“Murdoch Mysteries Collection, Seasons 1-4”: Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) investigates the most challenging cases.
“Muay Thai Warrior”: Young Japanese samurai faces warriors he once regarded as brothers.
“Schindler’s List 20th Anniversary Limited Edition”: Includes feature on Oskar Schindler.
“Animaniacs: Volume 4”: Catch up with Yakko, Wakko, and Dot.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street”: Blu-ray collection includes seven films.
“The Nativity Story”: Keisha Castle-Hughes stars.
“Thomas & Friends: Go Go Thomas”: Meet new engine Stafford.
“The Distracted Mind with Dr. Adam Gazzaley”: Program explores the impact of multitasking.
“Duck Dynasty Season 2: Volume 1”: A Louisiana bayou family lives the rags-to-riches story.
“Care Bears: Totally Sweet Adventures”: The Bears are back in a new CGI animated series.
“The Bay”: Horror story of a sleepy town infected by a deadly menace.
“Lay the Favorite”: Exposé of the world of gambling.