This week's releases include a film that should be an Oscar contender and a superb animated look at a film classic.
"The Beaver" Grade A: Under normal circumstances, all the talk about this release would be about potential Oscar nominations for star Mel Gibson and supporting actors Jennifer Lawrence and Anton Yelchin. There also would be plenty of buzz for director Jodie Foster.
There's been nothing normal about "The Beaver," from its odd name to the plot: a man falls into such a deep depression that he can only communicate through a hand puppet. It was considered impossible to film. It took someone with the clout and talent of Foster to make the movie and create a story about love and life so poignant that even the absurdities of the story line (and Gibson's real-life drama) fade away.
Foster has created a moving story that's one of the best of the year.
"Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz" Grade A-: Usually when cartoon characters pay tribute to a classic film or TV show, the characters take over the iconic roles. This is cute for a short time but quickly gets old.
This film avoids that problem. It's very loyal to the MGM classic, from dialogue to plot. Tom and Jerry are characters who get woven into the story as accents and not the focus. It's a perfect melding of the popular film with the animated duo.
"Win Win" Grade A-: A lawyer and part-time wrestling coach (Paul Giamatti) helps a troubled teen find his potential. Don't call this a sports movie. Director Tom McCarthy merely uses sports as a backdrop for this touching story of how life is a struggle at all ages. With its many emotional layers, the film soars because of Giamatti, who has an uncanny ability to bring a character to life.
The DVD has versions where the opening is in a sepia tone like the original movie and is also in full color.
"POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold" Grade C-: Morgan Spurlock's documentary examines the trend of product placements in movies by selling them in his own film. He mixes commentary from advertising experts and film directors with promotional plugs for his investors.
The problem is that Spurlock eventually gets so tangled in his commitments he creates self-censorship. He can wink at the camera all he wants, but he sold out in the end.
Also new on DVD ...
"The Event: The Complete Series": Blair Underwood stars in this TV series about an alien invasion.
"Brothers & Sisters: The Complete Fifth Season": This is the final season of the series starring Calista Flockhart.
"Little Big Soldier": Jackie Chan plays a peasant soldier who kidnaps an enemy to collect a reward.
"Citizen Jane": Tale of founder of Citizens Against Homicide.
"Off the Map: The Complete Series": TV series about a medical staff in a remote jungle.
"NCIS: The Eighth Season": The show remains the top-rated drama on TV.
"Gossip Girl: The Complete Fourth Season": Blake Lively stars.
"NCIS: Los Angeles – The Second Season": Navy investigations are done on the West Coast. Chris O'Donnell stars.
"The Women in Cages Collection": Includes "The Bird Cage."
"Bambi II Special Edition": The story of a son's courage and a father's love.
"Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across The 2nd Dimension": The boys discover their pet platypus is a secret agent.
"The Angry Beavers: Season One & Two": Nickelodeon series about the crazy beaver brothers Norbert and Daggett.
"Justin Bieber: Never Say Never": Concert film starring the young singer.
"Prime Suspect, Series 1 and Series 2": Helen Mirren stars in this British crime drama.
"The Elephant in the Living Room": Documentary about people raising deadly predators as household pets.
"The Garfield Show: Spooky Tails": Garfield and Odie have a Halloween adventure.
"Henry's Crime": Keanu Reeves plays a man who decides to rob a bank after being falsely charged with that crime.
"Remembering 9/11": Film looks at the U.S. government's response.
TV and movie critic Rick Bentley can be reached at rbentley@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6355. Read his blog at fresnobeehive.com.
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