DVD Reviews

'The Cell 2' (New Line, 2009) H

Yeesh. Back in 2000, when Jennifer Lopez was the booty du jour and Vince Vaughn was the steady building his resume, "The Cell" was released with some success due to its "Seven"-influenced storyline and its rampant psychedelic imagery thanks to director Tarsem Singh. It's now nine years later and the DVD shelves have just been filled with this direct-to-DVD sequel.

Using a plot that rehashes the original, a telepathic detective uses her powers to track down a serial killer. How is it? Pretty much what one would expect from a direct-to-DVD sequel, a poorly staged shadow of the original without the original cast or the freaky visuals that made the film bearable in the first place.

Directed by Tim Iacofono. Rated R for violence and torture, some language and brief sexuality.

DVD features: Trailers and a featurette. Recommended if you like: "The Grudge 2" and "S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Film."

'Friday the 13th' (New Line, 2009) HH 1/2

As the remake craze continues on full speed ahead, we are introduced to the latest victim, "Friday the 13th." In this take on the popular franchise, the film essentially squashes the first original three films into one.

Since the "Friday" series has never been known for it's complex storylines, this wasn't very difficult. When a young woman goes missing, her brother goes searching through the campgrounds of Camp Crystal Lake to find her while a group of nubile would-be victims are staying at a cabin within the woods.

Needless to say, hockey masked psycho Jason Voorhees is on the prowl. As to be expected, a lot of carnage and bad behavior ensues. Though the remake has its moments, it is (like the original series) a goofy, sometimes fun horror movie.

Directed by Marcus Nispel. Starring Jared Padalecki and Derek Mears. Rated R for strong bloody violence, some graphic sexual content, nudity, language and drug material.

DVD features: A featurette, extra scenes and trailers. Recommended if you like: the original "Friday the 13th" series and the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" remake.

'Gran Torino' (Warner Brothers, 2008) HHH 1/2

Reclaiming his auteur status, Clint Eastwood produced, directed and starred in this tense drama that follows the life of recently widowed Walt Kowalski.

In the midst of adapting to his loneliness, the Korean War veteran develops a relationship with his Hmong neighbors, particularly the wayward teenage son who was recently caught trying to steal Walt's prized '72 Gran Torino.

Like most of Eastwood's directorial efforts, this film succeeds at creating great dramatic tension while showcasing some great performances from its cast. Though the movie is stellar, it should be noted that some of the main character's racial diatribes might be off-putting to some.

Directed by Eastwood. Starring Eastwood and Bee Vang. Rated R for language throughout, and some violence.

DVD features: A featurette and documentary. Recommended if you like: "The Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby."