Fast cars and slow love lives are featured in this week’s DVD releases.
“Cars 2”: This is a high-octane version of the original. The sweet nature of back road Americana has been replaced by a high-tech spy thriller set against a global racing background. If James Bond had really been an Aston Martin, this would have been the movie for him.
Although the nostalgic feeling of “Cars” has given way to action and adventure in “Cars 2,” the story still works. It’s just different and should be appreciated that way.
Because of the new direction, the role of Mater has gone from supporting player to central focus. The down-home sweetness of the character made Mater the breakout of the first film, and co-directors John Lasseter and Brad Lewis take advantage of that popularity.
The only misfire is a plot that gets jumbled at the end.
“Crazy, Stupid, Love”: Billed as a comedy, this dour story about divorce, adultery, betrayal and separation never balances the angst with lighter moments.
Steve Carell plays a perfect husband and father who gets blindsided by his wife of nearly 25 years (Julianne Moore) when she asks for a divorce. He meets a suave guy at a bar (Ryan Gosling) who sets out to transform Carell into a love machine. But he plays the role with such a continuous hangdog expression that euthanasia seems the best course.
Other new releases:
