A tale of lost love, anxiety, and compassion stars Samuel Jackson as a God-fearing man in the Deep South seeking redemption via the power of the blues and an unlikely friendship with a white-trash nymphomaniac (Christina Ricci). From “Hustle & Flow” writer-director Craig Brewer, the film features blues music as a deeply personal galvanizing force. Scenes include footage of the renowned Delta blues artist, Son House. The film’s title comes from a Blind Lemon Jefferson tune composed in 1927. Special features include filmmaker commentary, the film’s blues roots, and deleted scenes. (Paramount) Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg), a principled marksman living in exile, is asked by Colonel Johnson (Danny Glover) to come back for another government assignment. This time it is to use his expertise to foil a presidential assassination attempt. Swagger is double-crossed and framed so he must go on the run until he can find who set him up. The film is based on a novel by Stephen Hunter, a Pulitzer Prize winning film critic for the Washington Post. Additional material includes a look at the science of distance shooting and interviews with the film-makers. (Paramount) ‘The Verdict’ Collector’s Edition Paul Newman stars as attorney Frank Galvin beaten down by life turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism and fumbling legal handouts from friend and seasoned attorney Mickey Morrissey (Jack Warden). Instead of settling a medical malpractice case involving a comatose woman, Galvin takes on the Roman Catholic church and a high-powered law firm (headed by James Mason) salvaging his career and self-respect. Aided by a terrific script from David Mamet based on a novel by Barry Reed, Newman’s performance was nominated for an Oscar. Bonus material include features with Newman on acting and Sidney Lumet on directing. (Fox) ‘Reno 911! Miami’
The Comedy Central improv mock-reality series goes to the big screen here. Lt. Dangle (Thomas Lennon) takes his crew to Miami to attend the American Police convention. When their credentials can’t be found and all the local cops have to be quarantined, the Reno misfits are left to uphold the law on South Beach. Unsurprisingly all hell breaks loose in gator country. Special features include extended scenes and writer/director commentaries. (Fox) ‘Extras’ Second Season Popular British comedian Ricky Gervais (The Office) is back for more as aspiring actor Andy Millman working hard to succeed despite being hampered by an inept agent (Stephen Merchant). Guest stars include David Bowie, Robert DeNiro, and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter). The two-disc, six-episode unit offers more than 100 minutes of bonus material including bloopers, outtakes, cast interviews, and a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the show. Are you having a laugh? (HBO) ‘The New Adventures of Superman/Batman’
Sold on separate discs, these DC Comic Classic Collections combined offer over 50 episodes of the popular caped crusaders. In the first Superman project designed specifically for television, this series marked the animated debut of Jimmy Olsen and villains Lex Luthor and Brainiac and contains all 36 episodes from the show’s first season. Batman features the voices of the stars from the live action television series, Adam West (Batman) and Burt Ward (Robin). (Warner Bros) Film and television author RANDY WILLIAMS reviews the latest movies, television shows, documentaries and music programs now available for purchase online or at your local retail store.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 19, 2007. Read the original PDF.