Rated: PG-13 for thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language.
Better cogitating through chemistry—with a sizable downside. Cooper (switching back and forth from a pre-medicated state of hapless likability to his trademark mildly obnoxious cockiness) plays failed writer Eddie Mora, who’s given the chance to raise his brain power beyond calculation with an experimental drug called NZT. Unfortunately, NZT’s many dangerous side-effects include addiction, extended blackouts, brutal withdrawal symptoms, murderous gangsters, ruthless corporate manipulators and general paranoia. On the other hand, you do get to enjoy unlimited worldly success thanks to your clear-headed, confident, super-intelligence. That scenario gives “Limitless’’ a whiff, at least, of weighty moral/philosophical considerations (should we or shouldn’t we NZT?). Director Neil Burger (“The Lucky Ones,” “The Illusionist”) keeps things moving stylishly and extremely quickly (blink and you’ll miss something), emphasizing the wry humor of Eddie’s almost omni-present voice-over narration—while gradually upping the thrill quotient.
Rated: R for language, sexual content and drug use.
A fairly standard-issue coming-of-age story attempting, with minimal inspiration, to capitalize on ‘80s nostalgia. Grace (formerly of TV’s “That ‘70s Show”), plays Matt, a floundering MIT grad who’s hiding away as a clerk in a video store while his old high-school friends move on to junior yuppie-hood—until he decides to chase the girl of his dreams (Palmer) through a series of wild parties one Labor Day weekend. There are plenty of Ray Bans, headbands, piled-high hairdos, linen jackets and t-shirts to set the scene, plus an annoying soundtrack of ‘80s hits as Matt and his obnoxious best friend Barry (Fogler), drive through the night in a stolen Mercedes with a large bag of cocaine in the glove compartment. Despite much wild and crazy incident (including a strange and disturbing interlude of kinky sex in a Beverly Hills bathroom), nothing particularly life-changing happens), yet, somewhere along the way, young Matt decides to straighten himself out for the love of a good woman. ‘Twas ever thus. Extras include deleted scenes and a music boombox. (BI) Rated R for language, sexual content and drug use.
It’s been a long, long time since the early ‘80s and Dutch star Rutger Hauer’s heyday in “Blade Runner” and “The Hitcher,” but he still impresses in this grim parody of a ‘70s-era low-budget exploitation movie. Debut director/co-writer Jason Eisener gets points for accurately replicating the exploitational tone of shameless ‘70s sleaze. Unfortunately, though, the script doesn’t have enough wit to lift it out of that mire.
Rated: PG-13 for thematic material, violence, terror and frightening images, and brief strong language
The producers of “Paranormal Activity” and the writer and director of “Saw” joined forces to create this surprisingly restrained and gore-free update of a classic haunted-house thriller. “Insidious” features Wilson and Byrne as an affluent couple attempting to cope with a supernatural infestation that has targeted their young son (Simpkins)—but the true star of the film is its unnaturally creaking, scraping, thumping, utterly creepy sound design.
The perpetually inebriated heir to a billion-dollar fortune (Russell Brand) risks losing his money by falling in love with a woman his family doesn’t like (Jennifer Garner). Northwestern grad Jason Winer (TV’s “Modern Family”) directed the remake of the 1981 hit. Rated PG-13 for alcohol use throughout, sexual content, language and some drug references. Extras include a gag reel and additional scenes.
Matt Smith, who is both the youngest Doctor in “Doctor Who” history, and now the most popular, followed up his debut series as the regenerated Time Lord with these episodes, beginning with a 1960s Earth invasion by the evil Daleks. Extras include Monster File features on The Silence and Gangers.
A French trophy wife circa 1977 (Catherine Deneuve ) steps in to run her tyrannical husband’s umbrella factory when he becomes ill — and has to cope with a strike instigated by a union leader (Gerard Depardieu) who is also an ex-boyfriend. Francois Ozon directed the comedy. Extras include costume tests and a trailer intended to spoof ’70s-style coming attractions.
A two-disc set featuring 11 episodes from the animated series: “Smurf Van Winkle,” “Smurf Me No Flowers,” “Revenge of the Smurfs” and more. Extras include featurettes on “Smurf Speak” and “Smurftastic Moments.”
After witnessing the death of his mother in a slum run by the evil corporation TEKKEN, a young man (Jon Foo) vows to seek vengeance. Dwight H. Little (TV’s “Bones”) directed the action/adventure video-game adaptation.
A young woman who has become the sole emotional and financial support of her father (real-life daughter/father acting team Dana and Moshe Ivgy) attempts to build a life for herself in this 2010 Israeli drama, which was nominated for eight awards in Israel’s equivalent of the Oscars.
A chameleon (voice of Johnny Depp) who yearns to be a hero gets his chance when bandits threaten the inhabitants of a old-western town. Gore Verbinski (“Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Mousetrap”) directed the animated comedy from a screenplay by Chicago playwright John Logan (“Gladiator”). Rated PG for rude humor, language, action and smoking. Extras include deleted scenes, commentaries and an extended version of the film.
All three seasons of the “Doctor Who” spin-off sci-fi/fantasy series (often considered England’s answer to “The X-Files”) about 51st century Time Agent Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) who joins the 21st-century Torchwood organization — a secret group founded by Queen Victoria to battle extra-terrestrial and supernatural enemies. Created by Dr. Who writer/producer Russell T. Davies. More than 10 hours of bonus features are included.
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