DVD Review: Orphan

Garrett Conti - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

'Orphan' Delivers the Horror-Flick Thrills

It's wise to carry low expectations for horror movies these days. This anticipation certainly will result in a win-win situation, especially with the state of the genre. Not to mention, a pleasant surprise like "Orphan" makes its way across the screen every once in a while. Director Jaume Collet-Serra might have finally bounced back from his awful debut -- 2005's "House of Wax," starring Paris Hilton -- but it's way too early to crown him the next John Carpenter. "Orphan" certainly has its faults, the most important one being the long lulls that clog this film about a family that decides to adopt a young girl from an orphanage. Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John (Peter Sarsgaard) recently lost a baby by way of miscarriage, and they've explored adoption as a way to complete a family that already includes a boy and a girl. On a trip to an orphanage, they pick Esther (played wonderfully by a creepy Isabelle Fuhrman), a creative young girl who seems mature for her age. As the family settles in with Esther, a series of horrible events is set in motion. The problems tear the family apart, with some members siding with Esther, and others pointing to her as the cause of their sorrows. It's not until a secret -- a slick and unforeseen twist in the plot -- is revealed that the family realizes the terror they have welcomed into their home. Boosted by a strong cast and explosive ending, the film stands out by fulfilling those horror-flick thrills. However, it takes way too long to get to the point. A decent alternate ending and a few deleted scenes are the extent of the special features. Look for additional extras on Blu-ray. R; 2009. Our Take: 2.5 Stars.

Rent It: Only if you're not considering adoption in the foreseeable future.

'Whatever Works'

Larry David's curmudgeon charisma has been on display for quite some time as the star of the hit HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm." So when he reunited with Woody Allen -- they worked together in 1987's "Radio Days" -- most viewers expected a film that took cantankerousness to a whole new level. "Whatever Works" fills the bill, with David playing misanthropic and neurotic NYC know-it-all Boris Yellnikoff. The picture focuses on the relationship between Boris and Melodie (Evan Rachel Wood), a young Southern belle who ends up marrying Boris when he gives her a place to stay after she runs away from her Mississippi home. Boris' act grows exasperating as the flick goes on, but Allen smartly gives him the ability to grow as a character during his time with Melodie. Boris goes from utterly unbearable to a fellow that flashes some of the charming characteristics that Melodie might have seen in him in the first place. It's the changing attitude of Boris, along with the supporting roles played by Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley Jr., Melodie's wild right-wing parents, which boost "Whatever Works" into a passable comedy. Allen's standard intelligent dialogue also helps the cause. Unfortunately, "Whatever Works" is without special features on standard or Blu-ray DVDs. PG-13; 2009. Our Take: 2.5 Stars.

Rent It: Fans of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" will find some good laughs.

'Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs'

The colorful herd -- two wooly mammoths, a saber-toothed tiger and some other lively characters -- returns to action on the ice caps for its third animated feature. The latest helping of "Ice Age" stands strong with an endearing adventure and humor for the whole family. Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo and Queen Latifah return to lend their voices, along with some fresh sets of vocal cords, including Simon Pegg's. The latest storyline has the pack discovering a new world packed with dangerous dinosaurs and a wild weasel named Buck. With a dangerously hungry dinosaur stalking their every move, the gang must find a way home without ending up on a dinner plate. However, escaping the dino isn't the only concern for a group that's never been good with timing. This isn't the best of the "Ice Age" pics, but it's an entertaining and wholesome film that keeps this franchise moving forward at a consistently strong pace. The film is available in different packages. For standard buyers, a great set of shorts featuring Scrat, the most popular character in the franchise, is available. Deleted scenes and commentary also are on the menu. For Blu-ray buyers, there are some interactive extras for the kids. PG; 2009. Our Take: 2.5 Stars.

Rent It: Dinosaurs, saber-toothed tigers and weasels, oh my!

'Il Divo'

Director Paolo Sorrentino's brilliant biopic on Italian politician Giulio Andreotti encompasses the career of a man who's been referred to as the Prince of Darkness, the Black Pope and, of course, the certain name of a certain film. "Il Divo" works successfully in two respects. Sorrentino's feature gives the viewer a casting eye over Andreotti's decades-long involvement in politics, where he rose to the peak of power, only to be cast down with accusations of Mafia ties and various misdeeds. The picture also captures the essence of the man himself, and actor Toni Servillo plays his role masterfully. It's an unforgettable performance that adds tremendous strength to a film that is stimulating and commanding in its storytelling. The story develops the persona of Andreotti within his personal life and his skills as a talented man representing the Christian Democratic Party in the political arena. The biopic delves into the trial that fingered Andreotti as a figure with links to the Mafia for its closing act. A making-of featurette kicks off the extras, as cast and crew talk about the film's production and inspiration. An interview with Sorrentino also gives insight. Deleted scenes and a special effects featurette also are available. NR; 2008. Our Take: 3.5 Stars.

Buy It: An insightful look at one of Italy's most interesting politicians.

'Virtual JFK: Vietnam if Kennedy Had Lived'

Using old clips from the 1950s and '60s, this documentary traces the presidential career of John F. Kennedy, and uses his many successes in averting war with the Soviet Union as a springboard to hash over the United States' concentration in Vietnam. The main question is in the title, and it's a worthwhile pursuit that's certainly proven by this imaginative and fascinating documentary that's worth a look for those intrigued by history. Well-crafted and timely, "Virtual JFK" is a great piece of filmmaking. Special features include exclusive speeches from Lyndon B. Johnson, Kennedy's vice president, on the Vietnam War. NR; 2009. Our Take: 3.5 Stars.

More movie releases:

"Battlestar Galactica: The Plan" (Tricia Helfer, NR, extras), "The Collector's Choice: Samuel Fuller Collection" (seven Fuller films including "The Crimson Kimono," "Underworld USA" and extras, NR), "Lioness" (documentary on female soldiers, extras, NR), "Election Day" (documentary on voting in America, extras, NR), "Soldiers of Conscience" (documentary on soldiers and war, extras, NR) and "The Art Star and the Sudanese Twins" (documentary on artist Vanessa Beecroft and her adoption of two Sudanese children, NR, extras).

More TV releases:

"The Guardian: The First Season" (six discs, 22 episodes), "Mannix: The Third Season" (six discs, 25 episodes) and "The Fugitive: Season Three, Vol. One" (four discs, 15 episodes).

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