No debate on this ‘War’

Fri., Nov. 25, 2005

Dan Webster danw@spokane7.com (509) 459-5483

“The Polar Express”

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Christmas is only four weeks away – imagine that! – and just in time we get this Robert Zemeckis adaptation of the Chris Van Allsburg children’s book. The story involves a young boy (voice by Daryl Sabara of “Spy Kids” fame) rediscovering the magic of Christmas through the help of a conductor (Tom Hanks) on a magic train that whirls them through an effects-laden landscape. Two-disc DVD edition includes featurettes on Hanks, Van Allsburg, a game for kids and other assorted stuff. (1:32; rated G)

“The Beat That My Heart Skipped”

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The bad news is that this is a French remake of a James Toback film (1978’s “Fingers”). The good news is that, buoyed by a steaming performance by Romain Duris as a Parisian street thug with a soft side he fights to hide, this improbable blend is actually worth watching. Director Jacques Audiard gives his film a gritty feel for Paris’ underworld, and Duris is at home using his fists to beat someone senseless or to play a Beethoven sonata. DVD includes interviews with Audiard and Duris, deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer. (1:47; not rated)

“9 Songs”

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At January’s Sundance Film Festival, director Michael Winterbottom (“Code 46”) made a special effort to claim that “9 Songs,” despite having graphic sex scenes, was not pornography. He would have worked harder at improving this movie’s screenplay, which tells a dreary tale of two uninteresting, fairly unattractive characters engaging in badly shot sex scenes. Oh, and yes, there is a “money shot.” The uncut version adds two minutes, while DVD extras include music performances by such groups as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Von Bondies, Elbow, Primal Scream and The Dandy Warhols. (1:09; not rated)

“The Honeymooners”

Cedric the Entertainer and Mike Epps play the roles created by Jackie Gleason and Art Carney in the 1950s sitcom of the same title. No fool’s errand is too silly for these guys in search of an easy payday. DVD includes commentary by Cedric the Entertainer, Epps and director John Schultz, deleted and alternate scenes and a making-of featurette. (1:29; rated PG-13 for innuendo and rude humor; edited version rated PG for language and rude humor)

“King Kong: The Collector’s Edition”

Just in time for the Peter Jackson remake (due in theaters Dec. 16), we again can enjoy the original story of the big ape in love with his scream queen (Fay Wray). Special two-disc DVD includes commentary by visual-effects legend Ray Harryhausen, a making-of featurette, documentaries on the “legacy” of the film and director Meriam C. Cooper. (1:40; not rated)

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