With "Texas Chainsaw 3D" serving as the lone theatrical release this past weekend, you might want to go ahead and hit the rental shelves tomorrow to keep yourself occupied. Here is an overview of DVD releases for Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013:
"Frankenweenie"
MPAA rating: PG for thematic elements, scary images and action
Minimum age group: 7+
Theatrical release: Oct. 5, 2012
Little Rock Movie Examiner's rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Quick review: This film is a remake of director Tim Burton's 1984 short film of the same name. It is a classic "Burtonesque" film that pays homage to (and parodies) "Frankenstein." Charlie Tahan ("I Am Legend") voices young Victor Frankenstein. As a Disney film, it contains the cute, heartfelt elements that are appropriate for the entire family. You'll laugh, cry and hug your puppy tighter than ever before.
Also starring: Atticus Shaffer ("Malcolm in the Middle"), Catherine O'Hara ("The Nightmare Before Christmas") and Winona Ryder ("Edward Scissorhands")
Rent it if: You're looking for a wonderful family film
"Dredd"
MPAA rating: R for strong, bloody violence, language, drug use and some sexual content
Minimum age group: 17+
Theatrical release: Sept. 21, 2012
Little Rock Movie Examiner's rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Quick review: As a remake, this film certainly steps apart from its predecessor. It is not afraid of self-satire and the action sequence coupled with mind-blowing special effects almost make you forget there was an original. Karl Urban ("Star Trek") delivers an interesting character study and doesn't make the mistake of repeating Sylvester Stallone's performance. He was a great choice for the title character.
Also starring: Olivia Thirlby ("Juno"), Lena Headey ("300") and Wood Harris ("Remember the Titans")
Rent it if: You want a hardcore, sci-fi action flick with a group of friends
"House at the End of the Street"
MPAA rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and terror, thematic elements, some teen partying and brief drug material
Minimum age group: 14+
Theatrical release: Sept. 21, 2012
Little Rock Movie Examiner's rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Quick review: Jennifer Lawrence ("The Hunger Games") is a phenomenal actress, but served as the protagonist to an under-developed horror/thriller. While entertaining (for the most part), this film missed out on key details that would've made the story click in a more effective way. There are a few jumpy moments and the premise and plot twists are actually quite solid. It's not the best horror/thriller I've seen, but it's definitely not the worst.
Also starring: Max Theirot ("Jumper"), Elisabeth Shue ("Hollow Man") and Gil Bellows ("The Shawshank Redemption")
Rent it if: You're wanting a solid horror/thriller to watch alone with all of the lights out
"Hit and Run"
MPAA rating: R for pervasive language including sexual references, graphic nudity, some violence and drug content
Minimum age group: 17+
Theatrical release: Aug. 22, 2012
Little Rock Movie Examiner's rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Quick review: This film stars Kristen Bell ("Veronica Mars") and Dax Shepard ("Parenthood"). Shepard plays a former getaway driver who attempts to get his girlfriend (Bell) to Los Angeles, which puts his Witness Protection Identity in jeopardy and sets the feds and his former gang after them. It's your typical chase film that has a few funny moments but, overall, is less than witty and overly cliché. The over-the-top dialogue, of course, is the film's only saving grace, but I'm afraid it's not enough to make this worthwhile.
Also starring: Tom Arnold ("True Lies"), Kristin Chenoweth ("Bewitched") and Bradley Cooper ("The Hangover")
Rent it if: You need background noise while you're ironing your clothes
Other releases: "Compliance", "Stolen", "Jack and Diane", "Stella Days"
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