(Ratings for each film begin with a “star” rating — one star meaning “poor,” four meaning “excellent” — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.)
In this film publicity image released by Paramount Pictures, Spoons, left, voiced by Alex Manugian, and Rango, voiced by Johnny Depp are shown in a scene from the animated feature, "Rango." (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures, Industrial Light & Magic)
STARTING THIS WEEK (New releases):
“RANGO”: All sorts of Old West conventions and cliches get sent up in this often clever animated parody that reteams Johnny Depp — as the voice of the title character — with Gore Verbinski , his director on the first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. Rango is a literal chameleon who ends up in a town in need of a savior, boosting him into the role of unlikely hero. The voice cast also includes Isla Fisher , Alfred Molina , Bill Nighy , Abigail Breslin , Ned Beatty , Harry Dean Stanton and Timothy Olyphant (“Justified”). DVD extra: digital copy of the movie. *** (PG: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray)
“ ARTHUR ”: Russell Brand replaces Dudley Moore in this remake of the 1981 comedy ... but really, who could ever replace Moore? That's much of the problem here, as Brand tries to assume the title role of a boozy heir even more reluctant to go through with an arranged marriage when he meets the woman of his dreams ( Greta Gerwig , “ Greenberg ”). Helen Mirren is more credible in succeeding John Gielgud as Arthur's guardian. Jennifer Garner plays Arthur's would-be bride, with Nick Nolte as her rich and stubborn father. DVD extras: deleted scenes. ** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray)
“THE LINCOLN LAWYER”: Early on, Matthew McConaughey established himself with impressive roles such as the lawyer in “A Time to Kill.” He gets back to that profession, and that energy, in this smartly paced drama about a case that restores a sense of purpose to the attorney in question. His representing a rich playboy ( Ryan Phillippe ) seems an easy matter at first, but it turns into much more. Based on Michael Connelly 's novel, the film also features Marisa Tomei , William H. Macy , Josh Lucas and John Leguizamo . DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries; deleted scenes. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
“ INSIDIOUS ”: Sinister spirits invade the new home of a couple — played by Patrick Wilson (who becomes a television star this fall in CBS ' “A Gifted Man ”) and Rose Byrne (“ Damages ”) — but the source of the scares is surprising in this thriller, which made an impressive box-office showing on a small budget. Big hint: Keep an eye on a younger family member ( Ty Simpkins ). Two veterans of the “ Saw ” franchise, director James Wan and screenwriter Leigh Whannell — who's a co-star here as well — worked on the film that also features Barbara Hershey (“ Black Swan ”). DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
“ MIRAL ”: In her biggest showcase to date since “ Slumdog Millionaire ,” Freida Pinto has the title role of a young Palestinian woman who develops a deep awareness of the challenges facing her people, fueled largely by her own experiences as a teacher in a refugee camp. Her involvement with a political activist ( Omar Metwally ), as determined in his views as she is in hers, prompts her to re-evaluate the best approach to her country's welfare. Vanessa Redgrave and Willem Dafoe also are in director Julian Schnabel 's cast. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; deleted scenes; audio commentary by Schnabel and director Jon Kilik ; interview and studio tour with Schnabel. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
“DAMAGES: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON”: As the drama series approaches its debut on DirecTV , the last of its seasons to run on FX makes its video debut. It uses the now-familiar premise of a Ponzi scheme as its jumping-off point, as powerful attorney Patty Hewes ( Glenn Close ) goes after a family responsible for the losses many investors incurred. This time, the saga's superb supporting cast includes Lily Tomlin , Martin Short , Campbell Scott and Len Cariou (“Blue Bloods”). Among other continuing co-stars are Rose Byrne, Tate Donovan and Ted Danson . *** (Not rated: AS, P, V)
COMING SOON (Upcoming releases):
“ LIMITLESS ” (July 19): After a writer ( Bradley Cooper ) is turned into an immediate genius by an untested drug, a business tycoon ( Robert De Niro ) wants to use his new gift for questionable purposes. (PG-13: AS, P, V)
“TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT” (July 19): Abandoning the destiny that appeared to be mapped out for him, a young man ( Topher Grace ) concentrates on pursuing his dream girl ( Teresa Palmer ). Anna Faris also stars. (R: AS, P)
“ DYLAN DOG: DEAD OF NIGHT ” (July 26): Another comic book comes to life as Brandon Routh (“ Superman Returns ”) plays a sleuth whose cases take him into the supernatural world. (PG-13: AS, P, V)
“ SOURCE CODE ” (July 26): Jake Gyllenhaal plays a military man sent back through time — countless times — to try to thwart a terrorist attack on a commuter train. Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga co-star. (PG-13: P, V)
“ EXPORTING RAYMOND ” (Aug. 2): “ Everybody Loves Raymond ” executive producer Phil Rosenthal goes to Russia to consult on that country's version of the sitcom ... and runs into a considerable culture clash. (PG: P)
“ MARS NEEDS MOMS ” (Aug. 9): A youngster (voice by Seth Green ) stows away on a spaceship to rescue his alien-abducted mother (voice by Joan Cusack ) in this animated, Disney -produced fantasy. (PG: AS)
“BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS” (1980): A slew of familiar faces, including Robert Vaughn and Richard Thomas , engages in the intergalactic fight in this “ Roger Corman 's Cult Classics” offering. *** (Also on Blu-ray)
“DAMNATION ALLEY” (1977): Survivors of a nuclear holocaust try to make their way to the last U.S. city standing — Albany , N.Y. George Peppard and Jan-Michael Vincent star. *** (also on Blu-ray)
“LITTLE WOMEN” (1949): To many people the best screen rendering of Louisa May Alcott 's novel, this MGM version — starring June Allyson and Elizabeth Taylor — is part of a new “Literary Romance” edition of the “TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection.” ****
TOP 10 DVD RENTALS (Courtesy of Rentrak , week ending May 29; the “star” rating follows each title):
FAMILY VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.
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