‘Journey’ dishes up enjoyable tale
This week’s new DVD releases are full of food, fun and fighting.
• “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” B: An Indian family launches a restaurant across the street from a popular French restaurant. Helen Mirren stars.
Director Lasse Hallstrom has put together his latest cinematic dish as a tasty three-course meal that only slows between the main course and dessert. Hallstrom blends romance and cooking to create a sweet tale of love that’s fifty shades of gravy. It’s the rare case where both sides are justified in their personal and culinary opinions. That makes it easy to root for them to find a way to come together.
Most of the film is predictable, but the familiar can be good if presented the right way. When Mirren is involved, characters are elevated to the highest quality.
• “Cantinflas,” B-plus: The Spanish-language movie (with English subtitles) provides a context of why Mario Moreno – aka Cantinflas – belongs among the names of the great film comedians.
Director Sebastian del Amo skillfully shows the professional highs and emotional lows that went into making Cantinflas such a national treasure.
Del Amo doesn’t allow the movie to drift into melancholy, always slipping back to the whimsical work of Cantinflas or the parallel story of producer Mike Todd’s efforts to lure Hollywood’s elite to his movie. The film’s biggest flaw is that the “80 Days” story isn’t quite as interesting. It would have been better to explore the rise of Cantinflas in more detail.
• “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” B-plus: “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” – the updated tale of how apes surpass man as the dominant species – has plenty of big battle sequences. But it also gives equal time to personal issues like respect, loyalty and family. The combination makes “Dawn” a solid pick.
Director Matt Reeves (“Let Me In”) gives the film a human touch, both through the emotional complexities of the humans and the social structure of the apes.
Also available this week
“The Hero of Color City”: Crayon box transforms into a colorful world.
“Fifi Howls From Happiness”: Look at Iranian artist Bahman Mohasses.
“Jingle All the Way 2”: Two dads compete to make this the best Christmas ever.
“Broad City: Season One”: Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer star in the cable comedy.
“The Strain: Season 1”: Mysterious virus is unleashed. Corey Stoll stars.
“Field of Lost Shoes”: Teen cadets must defend Shenandoah Valley.
“The Dark Matter of Love”: Documentary follows three children from Russia and the family that adopted them.
“The Simpsons: Season 17”: Contains 22 episodes of the FOX animated series.
“WWE Fit Series: Stephanie McMahon”: WWE mogul and mother helps viewers achieve the physique of the WWE Divas.
“San Francisco Giants World Series Collector’s Edition”: Follows the winning efforts of the Giants in the World Series.
“Resurrecting Richard III”: Scientists look at the king’s physical condition.
“Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season Seven”: Final voyages of the Enterprise can be seen on Blu-ray.
“Stanley Kubrick: The Masterpiece Collection”: The best films of the noted director, including “Full Metal Jacket.”
“Lalaloopsy Girls: Welcome to L.A.L.A. Prep School”: Based on the Lalaloopsy Girls dolls.
“My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: Season Four”: Twilight Sparkle still wants to have fun.
“Tales from the Crypt”/“Vault of Horror”: Includes two horror films.
“Speak No Evil”: Every child in town disappears.
“Gutshot Straight”: Gambler makes bad deal. AnnaLynne McCord stars.
“Kung Fu Girl”/“Whiplash”: Two martial arts films on one DVD.
“Fagbug Nation”: Sequel to Erin Davies film “Fagbug.”
“Julius Jr.: Snow Money Adventures”: Includes six episodes of the preschool series.
“Drawing With Mark: Let’s Go to the Zoo & Zoo Stories”: Former Disney illustrator, Mark Marderosian, teaches children to draw.
“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”: Jimmy Stewart film is available on Blu-ray to mark the 75th anniversary.
“Legacy of Rage”: Brandon Lee stars in the martial arts film.
“Into the Woods”: Bernadette Peters stars in this film version of the stage production.
“Extant”: First season of the Halle Berry science fiction series.
“Robin Williams Remembered: A Pioneers of Television Special”: One-hour look at the comedian’s life, work.
“The Legend of Korra – Book Three: Change”: Series continues the adventures of element bending.