DVD releases: 'Dawn' delivers fiery 'Twilight'

But music undermines the mood in latest installment.

By Rick Bentley

02/09/12 13:53:13

The selection of new DVD releases is a little thin this week, but one title will excite "Twilight" fans.

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1," Grade B-: The wedding of Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) leads to a problem that could create a huge battle between vampires and werewolves.

The first half is packed with as many emotional and contemplative moments as the brooding vampire, while the second half will have the kind of action that makes a werewolf howl. It's a similar structure to the two halves of the final "Harry Potter" adaptation.

Director Bill Condon has cranked up the music so loud that half of the film plays more like a music video than a feature. Instead of the music helping set the mood, it slams into scenes with such unabashed fury that it becomes distracting. This DVD is available Saturday.

"Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Get Ducky," Grade B+: The eight adventures featuring the four military-minded penguins continue the same great writing and sharp animation that has made this such a good series from the start. This release includes missions with their new pal, Ducky, and some bunny friends.

If you are looking for an animated series that will entertain young and old, this is it.

"Tiny Furniture," Grade D+: This coming-of-age film might have been tolerable if the central figure was more appealing. It takes great skill to find just the right tone to play a slacker who doesn't alienate the audience.

Lena Dunham has no such skill. Her turn as the 22-year-old Aura, who's reached a dead-end in her life, is so tediously maudlin, the film becomes a test of will. She helps make this such a pretentious movie that a tiny moving van should be sent to pick up "Tiny Furniture."

The film's being released because Dunham has a new HBO series, "Girls," launching this year.


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