New on DVD: Wizards and Country Singers

What's new in the DVD aisle for your entertaiment and/or edification? One semi-controversial movie and one strumming musical.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Kids' Adventure movie (releases April 15)

The Gist: In the adaptation of the first half of the final book, Harry, Hermione and Ron are on the run from the evil Lord Voldemort. The Dark Lord’s minions have taken over all wizard-dom, enslaving and eliminating all opposition. A small, out-wanded band of resistance fighters attempts to pester the dictator’s new government and hopes for rescue. Harry, for his part, must see the last vestiges of his childhood slip away along with his hopes for a normal future as he realizes the salvation of the world depends on his courage. Read our full review.

The Ups: A powerful and moving story of good fighting desperately against evil, despite long odds joins the ranks of similar stories such as The Lord of the Rings and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The Downs: It’s darkest just before dawn. Because this movie only covers the first half of the final book, it’s all dark and no dawn. But dawn is coming in July!

The Verdict: I cannot recommend this series of books and movies highly enough. I realize some people have issues with depictions of wizardry, but I find the themes of good and evil to be excellent in these movies and the magic delightfully imaginary. See our discussion of magic in movies. 

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences, frightening images and brief sensuality (a fantasy torture by the Dark Lord to Ron in which he sees Harry and Hermione, Ron’s would be girlfriend, kissing. The images are highly stylized, but Hermione is vaguely shirtless.)

Country Strong

Musical Drama

The Gist: A burned out country music star gets out of rehab and heads for her redemption tour, but she’s battling her demons. Plus, there’s a cute young thing gunning for her fame and two men (one of which is her husband/manager). She just can’t seem to decide which she wants. All she needs is a dog to run away and her pickup to break down.

The Ups: The world of country music isn’t visited often by Hollywood, so that’s refreshing. The music makes you wanna tap those toes and Gwyneth Paltrow, in the lead role, performs the songs well.

The Downs: The movie has a disappointing script and ends up playing like a twangy soap opera.

The Verdict: If you like country, watch it. It’s a good rental or download, but be glad you didn’t pay theater prices for this one.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for thematic elements involving alcohol abuse and some sexual content, including a possible extramarital affair.