New on DVD: One Rose in the Weeds

Snowbound? What's new on DVDs to help alleviate cabin fever? Here's the breakdown.

A Serious Man

Drama

The Gist: Larry Gopnick (Michael Stuhlbarg) has always tried to be a mensch, a serious and good man, raising his family in a Midwestern Jewish suburb in the 70s. Now his wife wants to leave him, his kids are in trouble, he's in a tough spot at work, and his brother is sick and possibly criminal. Larry just wants to understand why Hashem (his term for God) would allow all these things to happen to him. He sets out on a frustrating quest for clarity.

The Buzz: This retelling of the Biblical story of Job, directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

The Ups: This profound and moving film will resonate with people of all faiths who have ever wondered why God allows bad things to happen to good people. Or those who tried to understand the God who rides the whirlwind. Filled with dark humor and affectionate mockery of the world of 1970s Judaism, it's very funny at moments. Be prepared. The film raises more questions than it answers.

The Downs: No downs. This is an excellent movie.

The Verdict: Rent it. This is a must-see for people who wrestle with their faith. Better yet, gather some friends for a discussion of the Book of Job and this film.

Be Aware: This is an artsy movie and has some brief sexual content, drug use, and violence. Deep themes, deep questions, adult fare. Rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence. IMDB parents guide.

The Stepfather

Horror

The Gist: A young man comes home to find his mother (Sela Ward) has a new man. A man with secrets. And a buzz saw.

The Ups: I like Sela Ward. Usually.

The Downs: Even for hack-em-up horror flicks, this one is especially bad. Cliche. Uninteresting. Unscary. Boring. And violent.

The Verdict: Skip it. This film has nothing of worth to add to your life.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, disturbing images, mature thematic material and brief sensuality. IMDB parent's guide.

Couples Retreat

Comedy

The Gist: Four couples sign up for a cheap vacation run by a marriage therapist. To their dismay, therapy is not optional.

The Ups: It's nice to see Hollywood make films about married couples trying to fix their marriages instead of just bailing. Too bad it was this film.

The Downs:  It's just not funny. The characters are stupid and juvenile. So are the jokes. And often smutty. The concept is a nice idea, and one that would potentially deliver some good laughs, but the execution falters. The setting is the best thing about this flick.

The Verdict: Skip it. Especially if you're locked in winter's grip. Seeing tropical beaches might make your head explode.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 on appeal for sexual content and language. (originally Rated R for some sexual material.) IMDB Parent's Guide

I Hate Valentine's Day

Romantic Comedy

The Gist: Nia Vardalos writes, stars in, and directs this film about a florist who just can't find love. Former co-star John Corbett joins her as the man who just might heal her heart.

The Ups: Corbett has nice hair. Usually.

The Downs: Vardalos and Corbett were charming in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Why is everything Vardalos done since so bad? What's Greek for "stinky like an old feta cheese?"

The Verdict: Skip it. Whatever wrongs you've done in your life, you don't deserve this.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for some sexual content. IMDB Parent's Guide

At SixSeeds, we talk about the stories that surround modern life.  We love movies -- in fact, we even have a “brick and mortar” called SixSeeds Video in Winchester, Massachusetts! We know that good films have an amazing power to move, inspire, and sometimes even transform life.  Bad ones make you regret plunking down the $10 for the privilege of listening to the guy next to you chew milk duds for two hours.

That’s why we want to keep you informed of the latest offerings on DVD and Blu-Ray.  Listing the new releases below doesn't mean you should rush out and watch them with your pre-schoolers.  In fact, over the course of the next few months, we’ll list many we wouldn’t let our teenagers watch.  (Some, we regret watching!)  But somewhere in America, a teenager is going to come to their parent and say, “Hey, I’m supposed to bring the movie to the slumber party.  May I bring...?”

And right there in the aisle of the video store, a decision will be made. 

Come back next week to read “The RunDown,” America... and choose wisely!