This week's DVD releases includes four films about people on a mission to change their lives.
"Unknown," Grade B+: A man (Liam Neeson) wakes from a coma to discover someone has taken over his life. Director Jaume Collet-Serra has created a tantalizing cinematic puzzle based on the smart script by Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell.
January Jones is the biggest flaw. The nature of her role requires aloofness, which comes off more as bland. Even when she shows a different side, she's lifeless next to Neeson, Frank Langella, Bruno Ganz and Diane Kruger.
Jones' work is a small flaw in an otherwise brilliant mystery.
"The Adjustment Bureau," Grade C: A politician (Matt Damon) discovers that life is often changed by a greater power. Emily Blunt co-stars.
"The Adjustment Bureau" ponders the theological question of whether everything we do is predestined or subject to free will. It's a lofty question that gets trivialized by action scenes intended to build suspense out of actors running down streets and going through doors.
"The Eagle," Grade C-: Two men go beyond the edge of the known world. Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell star.
"The Eagle," which has the look of battle movies like "300," takes a less barbaric approach with its focus on honor and family. But the tactic fails because in between the emotional moments are scenes as cold and barren as the Scotland in winter.
"Elektra Luxx," Grade B-: Carla Gugino turns in a superb performance in this story of a famous porn star who wants to lead a less erotic life. Gugino brings just the right mix of sexuality and sensibility to make the movie work.
Unfortunately, director/writer Sebastian Gutierrez's multiple story lines and quirky artwork never completely come together.
Also coming to DVD Tuesday:
"Rocko's Modern Life: Season One": Features 26 adventures of an Australian wallaby and his pals.
"Medium: The Final Season": Patricia Arquette stars.
"Big Time Rush: Season One, Volume Two": Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan are back with more of their antics.
"The Closer: The Complete Sixth Season": Kyra Sedgwick stars in the cable detective series.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules": Greg Heffley discovers there's something worse than middle school.
"Mega Python vs. Gatoroid": Syfy Channel film starring Debbie Gibson.
"Cedar Rapids": Naive insurance agent (Ed Helms) goes crazy at company convention.
"Mister Ed: The Complete Fifth Season": Episodes include the talking horse volunteering to be in the Air Force.
"Roger Corman Cult Classics": Includes "The Big Bird Cage," "Big Doll House" and "Women in Cages."
"Turbulent Skies": Casper Van Dien and Patrick Muldoon star.
"William & Kate": Camilla Luddington stars in the Lifetime movie.
"Wired": An ambitious banker becomes entangled in a scam orchestrated by members of London's criminal underworld.
"Nickelodeon Favorites: Summer Vacation": Nickelodeon characters are featured in the special box set.
"Frontline: Football High": A look at the new face of high school football.
"Mystery Science Theater 3000": The space travelers take shots at the movies "Gunslinger" and "Hamlet."
"The Best Of I Love Lucy": Includes 14 of the funniest and most recognizable episodes.
"Ceremony": One young man learns the hard way that love and friendship can never be easy. Uma Thurman stars.
"Playing House": A temptress obsessed with obtaining her own twisted American dream moves in with two couples.
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