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'New in Town' taps old tricks
Published online on Sunday, May. 24, 2009
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"New in Town" Grade D-: Renee Zellweger plays a company executive sent to shape up a small factory. It is bad enough when a movie uses a worn-out plot gimmick.
"New in Town" multiplies the disappointment by turning to a string of familiar film elements. The result is such a dull, unimaginative and poorly photographed movie that, if it were to move into the house next door, you'd want to change ZIP codes.
"Powder Blue" Grade B: All of the advance publicity for this film had to do with Jessica Biel's nude scenes. It is a shame the focus was not more on the stand-out performances by Biel, Forest Whitaker, Alejandro Romero and Ray Liotta. Even Kris Kristofferson and Patrick Swayze are memorable in minor roles.
The film deals with a series of stories that overlap. The common thread is how the line between hope and despair is often painfully thin.
Director Timothy Linh Bui uses a strong touch as he guides these characters in and out of each other's lives.
"Saturday Morning Cartoons" Grade B+: Volumes of cartoons from both the '60s and '70s are being released. The selections include such animated offerings as "Top Cat,' "Herculoids," "Josie and the Pussycats" and "The Batman/Tarzan Adventure Hour."
Both DVDs are pure nostalgic fun.
Also new on DVD Tuesday
"Law & Order Special Victims Unit: Year Nine": Long-running NBC police drama that stars Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay.
"The Ramen Girl": An American woman (Brittany Murphy) finds herself alone in Tokyo.
"Designing Women: The Complete First Season": The 4-DVD set includes 21 episodes of the CBS comedy. Dixie Carter and Delta Burke star.
"Forever Strong": The film, starring Gary Cole, is based on the true story of a high school coach who won 18 national championships.
"Killshot": Thomas Jane and Diane Lane star.
"The Closer: The Complete Fourth Season": Kyra Sedgwick stars in this quirky police drama.
"Carnivorous": An ancient voodoo artifact creates trouble for vacationing teens.
"TV Sets: Action Packed": DVD includes episodes of action TV shows such as "Mission: Impossible" and "NCIS."
"Gunsmoke: Season Three, Volume Two": James Arness portrays Sheriff Matt Dillon.
"The Mod Squad: Season Two, Volume One": Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams II star in this '70s police drama.
"Jeeves & Wooster: The Complete Series": The DVD includes 23 episodes of the British comedy series starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry.
TV and movie critic Rick Bentley can be reached at rbentley@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6355. Read his blog at fresnobeehive.com/author/ rick_bentley.
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