The week’s DVDs begin in a test tube:
DVDs for July 10 by Boo Allen
This week, we begin in a test tube:
Jesus Henry Christ (***)
In this odd comedy, Henry (Jason Spevak), an enormously precocious boy,
learns at age ten he was a test tube baby. He sets off on a quest,
with the help of his eccentric grandfather (Frank Moore), to discover
his father, who turns out to be Prof. Slavkin O’Hara (Michael Sheen),
the author of a best selling book on his troubled 12 year-old
daughter Audrey (Samantha Weinstein). Henry’s mother Patricia (Toni
Collette) counsels her son, loving him even as he causes escalating
problems for the two families. Writer-director Dennis Lee injects
enough comical moments to mostly overlook the plot’s absurdities
Rated PG-13, 95 minutes. The DVD also includes 30 minutes of interviews
with cast and crew, including Dennis Lee.
Black Limousine (**)
David Arquette stars as Jack, a man who scowls a lot in this moody, often
dreary drama. He once had his fifteen minutes of fame by composing
the score for a science fiction film. But now he can only find a job
driving a limousine. He ends up working for a film star (Nicholas
Bishop) who seems to befriend him. Meanwhile, Jack becomes involved
with an unstable woman (Bijou Phillips) at his Alcoholics Anonymous
meeting. Jack also spends time moping around town and arguing with
his ex-wife and her new husband. Eventually, it looks like Jack’s
sanity might be ebbing away as co-writer and director Carl Colpaert
slowly and often painfully builds his portrait of his troubled
protagonist.
Rated R, 110 minutes.
The American Dream (**1/2)
Malcolm Goodwin and Walker Smith play, respectively, Luis and Ronald, two
buddies who grow up together and eventually join the Marines together
and head to Afghanistan. Before they leave, they want to document
their last moments at home. They manage to comment on the magnitude
of the life changing experience they are about to have as well as
their shared histories.
Not rated, 79 minutes.
Freak Dance (**1/2)
The comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade, and others, star in this
infectiously enjoyable romp filled with music and dance. Everyone
goes over-the-top, playing stylized characters in the story of a rich
girl (Megan Heyn) who defies her mother (Amy Poehler) and joins a
local dance group when it looks like their favorite community center
faces condemnation. With Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts, Horatio Sanz,
Michael Cassady, and others.
Not rated, 97 minutes. The DVD includes commentary, an extended scene,
three minutes of deleted scenes, and eight minutes on the “dangers
of freak dancing.”
Some Guy Who Kills People (**1/2)
Indie stalwart Kevin Corrigan stars in this pseudo mystery about a serial
killer that also seems to go for laughs—it’s hard to tell. He plays
Ken, recently released from an asylum after a suicide attempt over a
failed relationship. He lands a job at an ice cream store where he
receives a visit from his eleven year old daughter (Ariel Gade) he
has never seen. Simultaneously, while grisly murders take place, his
mother (Karen Black) dates the local sheriff (Barry Bostwick) who
critiques crime scenes like an art critic. Despite his often
whimsical approach, director Jack Perez maintains suspense about the
killer’s identity.
Not rated, 97 minutes. The DVD includes commentary, the 13 minute short
film The Fifth, and a 13 minute “making of”
featurette.
Fightville (**1/2)
This documentary takes a look at the increasing popularity of mixed
martial arts. It goes behind the scenes with some of the best known
participants, such as Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier and Albert
Stainback. The film also includes ample action footage, while also
examining why the activity has reportedly become the sixth most
popular professional sport.
Not rated, 85 minutes. The disc also offers deleted and extended scenes
and a “behind-the-scenes” featurette.
Chesty Morgan’s Bosom Buddies
In yet another bizarre offering, one-time busty stripper Chesty Morgan stars
in a trio of her more celebrated releases, all directed by one-time
renowned genre director Doris Wishman. The surprisingly well produced
films are decently photographed and even have sensible plots. The
fare seems tepid by current standards, but for those who want to
experience Morgan and her enormous assets, three of her better known
releases are assembled onto one disc: Deadly Weapon, Double
Agent 73, The Immoral Three.
Not rated, 221 minutes. The disc also includes fifteen
trailers for Doris Wishman’s films and a five minute featurette on a
“Gallery of Wishman’s Exploitation Art.”
Mac and Devin Go to High School
Snoop Dogg plays Mac and Wiz Khalifa is Devin in this
raucous comedy filled with hip hop. Devin is a valedictorian who
wants to write his commencement speech. So, he enlists the unlikely
15 year senior Mac for his input. Directed by Dylan C. Brown, and
co-starring Mike Epps, Andy Milonakis, Teairra Mari, and Samantha
Cope.
Rated R, 76 minutes. The disc also holds commentary with
Brown, Dogg and Khalifa.
And now, finally, something for the little ones:
Barney: All About Opposites
The purple dinosaur returns in three episodes to teach,
as the title suggests, about opposites, such as hot and cold, big and
small, and more.
Not rated, 75 minutes. The DVD also holds a bonus game
feature.
Thomas and Friends: Schoolhouse Delivery
In four episodes set on the island of Sobor, Thomas
teaches responsibility to buddies Percy, Henry, and Hiro.
Not rated, 48 minutes. The DVD also includes a game and
a puzzle.
Timmy Time: Happy Birthday Timmy
Precocious lamb Timmy Time, one of the latest creations
from Aardman Studios and seen on Disney Channel’s Disney Junior
programming, enjoys a day with barnyard preschoolers. The five
episodes are accompanied by a sing-a-long feature and a “Shaun the
Sheep” episode.
Not rated, 46 minutes.
Also on DVD: American Reunion, Being Flynn, Flowers of War, Margaret.