Ayer, Reeves don’t succeed with dark ’Street Kings’
“Dexter: The Complete Second Season”
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From Peter Lorre’s character in “M” to Anthony Hopkins in “Silence of the Lambs,” movies traditionally have presented serial killers as fascinating characters. Strange, sick and dangerous, but fascinating. Now television has gotten into the game. Michael C. Hall (“Six Feet Under”) plays Dexter Morgan, a forensics specialist for the Miami Police Department who has a secret: He’s a serial killer. The conceit, though, is that he kills only those who deserve it – namely, those who prey on the innocent, especially women and children. Let’s just say that, despite Hall’s obvious talent, the show overall is an acquired taste. Created for Showtime, the series moved to CBS, thus allowing everyone to get his or her fill of this curious combination of serial killing and revenge therapy. DVD includes 12 episodes, no extras. (four discs; not rated)
– By Dan Webster
“Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour”
This concert film captures 15-year-old Miley Cyrus on her “Hannah Montana” tour. Some movies are critic-proof – some for the wrong reasons, some for the right ones. This one falls into the latter camp. DVD, which is available in Blu-ray, includes making-of featurette, bonus songs. (1:30; rated G)
– By Bill Goodykoontz, Gannett News
“Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”
Frances McDormand and Amy Adams make a glorious double act as Miss Guinevere Pettigrew, unemployed London nanny, and Delysia Lafosse, flibbertigibbet actress of flexible virtue. A bright, frothy slice of comic delight in the old-school style, “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” proves that they can make them like they used to, if only they try. A carefully calibrated whirligig spinning off sparks of hilarity, the film is an affectionate homage to 1930s top-hat sophistication and the frivolous glamour of classic screwball comedy. DVD includes making-of featurettes, deleted scenes. (1:32; rated PG-13 for some partial nudity and innuendo)
– By Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Prom Night”
A crazed former teacher (Jonathan Schaech) breaks out of prison in search of the girl (Brittany Snow) whose family he killed three years before. The script is a C-paper in high school composition class, an illogical plot of bloody bodies the killer keeps successfully hiding in mere seconds, dialogue filled with phrases such as “Your prom is a memory you will always want to remember.” DVD, which is available in Blu-ray, includes commentary, making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, alternate ending. (1:38; rated PG-13 for violence and terror, some sexual material, underage drinking, and language)
– By Roger Moore, The Orlando Sentinel
Other releases: “Deal,” “Her Best Move,” “The Life Before Her Eyes,” “Love and Mary,” “Quid Pro Quo,” “Recount”