Vampires, Wolverines and video-game characters populate this week's new DVD releases.
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2," Grade B: The Cullens must find a way to stop a war between the vampires. Robert Pattinson stars.
Edward and Bella are not only newlyweds, but proud parents of baby Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy), who, because of her odd DNA, grows and matures at an incredible rate. Jacob has now shifted his focus from Bella to Renesmee, which will eventually lead to some awkward Thanksgiving meals.
With no love triangle to create tension, the majority of the production is devoted to rounding up fellow vampires - the most intriguing played by Lee Pace - who can witness that Renesmee's not the threat the crotchety ruling Volturi gang thinks she is.
"Red Dawn," Grade B: The remake of the 1984 film about a group of teens who band together to fight an invading army features the same patriotic bravado and coming-of-age emotions that made the original so popular.
It's like waving the American flag each time this rag-tag team of teens show maturity beyond their years to make life miserable for the North Korean army that's taken over Spokane, Wash.
"Wreck-It Ralph," Grade B: The villain of a classic arcade game wants to be a hero.
This likable movie will entertain old and young because of the wide range of video games that serve as the backdrop for the stories.
Director Rich Moore has done a masterful job of blending all of the varied degree of visuals that come with arcade games. Life in Ralph's game is a little blocky, and the characters have choppy movements. Once the action moves to a high-tech military game, the graphics vastly improve.
And long after this movie has gone "game over," Sarah Silverman's voice work as Vanellope will remain at the top of the high-score listings. Generally, actors merely give a voice to an animated character. Silverman gives her character energy, life and a sweet charm.
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
"The Intouchables": Film based on the true-life friendship between a quadriplegic and the man he hires to care for him.
"Schindler's List 20th Anniversary Limited Edition": Steven Spielberg's masterpiece includes a feature on Oskar Schindler.




