Wild and crazy adventure
“Happy Endings”
••1/2
Some films have parts that are far more interesting than the whole, and that’s the case with this ensemble-cast effort that interweaves three stories, each involving a different cast of characters. Such actors as Lisa Kudrow (“Friends”), Laura Dern, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Steve Coogan (“Around the World in 80 Days”) make appearances, but the surprise is Tom Arnold, who makes his character seem real instead of simply settling for cheap jokes. DVD includes commentary by writer/director Don Roos, a making-of featurette, deleted scenes and outtakes. (2:08; rated R for sexual content, language, drug use)
“Stealth”
••1/2
When a computer system goes wild – now there’s an original twist – and sends a robot-controlled supersonic jet off to attack targets both real and imagined, three fighter pilots (Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx) are sent to intercept. Directed by Rob Cohen, the man who gave “xXx” a sense of sex, this action flick falls into the category of instant guilty pleasure. It’s stupid, utterly unbelievable and filled with characters who have little to say that wouldn’t, in real life, earn them a court martial. Still, in its own ridiculous way, it is mindlessly enjoyable. DVD includes featurettes on the production, special-effects and musical score. (2:01; rated PG-13 for intense action, violence, brief strong language, innuendo)
“Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price”
••1/2
Robert Greenwald (“Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism”) takes on the retail giant that Sam Walton built, focusing on the negative effects that the company and its lineup of cheap goods have on the communities where it lands. But even more than usual, Greenwald doesn’t present an evenhanded look, one with hard questions aimed at Wal-Mart executives. Instead, he gives us mostly melodrama, spoof commercials and special-effects gimmickry. DVD includes commentary by Greenwald and a “behind the scenes” documentary. (1:35; not rated)
“The Skeleton Key”
••
Hospice worker Caroline (Kate Hudson), trying to salve her personal demons, takes a job caring for an aging man (John Hurt), disabled by a stroke, who lives with his wife (Gena Rowlands) in a spooky Louisiana mansion. Director Iain Softley (“The Wings of the Dove”) uses location shooting well, which is good because something has to counter the ridiculously dated conceit of Ehren Kruger’s script. DVD includes commentary by director Softley, a making-of featurette and deleted scenes. (1:44; rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, partial nudity, thematic material)
“Billie Holiday: Ultimate Collection”
One of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century, Billie Holiday performs both on television and on tape, with the three-disc collection including interviews with Billy Eckstine, John Hammond and Holiday herself. (three discs; not rated)
“The Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection: Vols. 1-3”
Fans of the silent-era comedian should appreciate this six-disc collection of 29 films, augmented by interviews with Leonard Maltin, featurettes and photo galleries. (six discs; not rated)