New on DVD: Reconciliation, War Casualties, and Horrific Romance

Invictus

Historical Drama

The Gist: Morgan Freeman plays Nelson Mandela in the early years of his presidency in South Africa. Looking to unite his bitterly divided country, he turns to rugby player Matt Damon to inspire white and black alike by winning the Rugby World Cup.

The Ups: This film is an inspiring story well told. Watching a nation come together after very real wrongs makes you believe in the inspiring power of sport.

The Downs: The rugby scenes drag a bit, especially if, like most Americans, you know nothing about rugby. It just looks like big men trying to murder each other.

The Verdict: Watch it, and watch it with your kids. A story of redemption and reconciliation on a national level, this film will help kids have a global perspective as well as foster an appreciation of reconciliation in their own countries.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. Appropriate for middle schoolers and older.

The Messenger

Military drama

The Gist: A soldier (Ben Foster), himself the survivor of a horrific combat wound in Iraq, transfers to the department that notifies families when their beloved soldiers have been killed. Working under a mentor (Woody Harrelson), he is unsure whether this will help or hinder him in his own attempts to recover and find "normal" after the war.

The Ups: Great acting and a sensitive, heartbreaking script attack a tough topic: The soldier and his attempts to return to civilian life.

The Downs: No downs.

The Verdict: Rent it. This wrenching but excellently made film will give the viewer new appreciation for the sacrifices our soldiers make and, hopefully, some insight into how we can support them on the home front.

Be Aware: Rated R for language and some sexual content and nudity.

Valentine's Day

Romantic  Comedy

The Gist: In short vignettes on a Los Angeles street corner, many couples reveal the ecstasy and despair of love, and everything in between.

The Ups: A stellar and varied cast is visually pleasing.

The Downs: A seemingly endless stream of stars distracts from the film. The plot structure leaves you wanting some continuity and smarting from way too many cliches.

The Verdict: Skip it, unless you're a glutton for high-wattage celebrity punishment.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for sexual content and brief partial nudity. There are many cases of non-marital sexual activity in the plot. IMDB parent's guide.

When In Rome

Romantic Comedy (at least in theory)

The Gist: A young girl makes a wish in a fountain in Rome for love. The magic sends her multiple suitors. Hilarity ensues. Or not.

The Ups: There are few ups in this mess of a movie. Rome is nice, however. I've been there.

The Downs: A silly, fluffy film that aims for light comedy but only grasps stupid, tired "jokes." Every cliche in the romantic comedy book only serves to highlight that the characters are so flat they can barely be called even one dimensional and the script was likely written with a crayon by a eleven year old girl. In ten minutes. If you hear anything good about this film, assume Kristen Bell kidnapped speakers' mothers. It's the only logical explanation.

The Verdict: No. Nonononono. For the love of all that is good and holy, no!

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for some suggestive content.