New on DVD: X-Men and Hanna

Two major releases on DVD this week. Both are sock-em knock-em fight movies, but only one is worth watching. 

X-Men: First Class

Comic book adaptation

The Gist: A team of teenage mutants with special powers are recruited and taught by the wise Dr. Xavier as they navigate the fallout of WWII and the rise of the Cold War. Plus, there are powerful mutants who think humanity’s days are numbered and might just help humankind into oblivion. Read our full review.

The Ups: Cool effects, lots of explosions, and a hip setting in the 1960s, plus an exploration of right and wrong in a war setting. Is peace possible between humans and mutants?

The Downs: January Jones is pretty but she can’t act. Her scenes feel forced while the rest of the movie flows nicely.

The Verdict: Watch it. Enjoy it.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13, the movie has a few profanities and sexual settings such as a strip club with lots of ladies in lingerie who never actually strip. As in many comic books, the women are often scantily clad.

Hanna

Spy Thriller 

The Gist: A girl is raised in the remote mountains by her father who – wouldn’t you know it – is hiding from his past as a spy. It’s up to preteen Hanna to kick, stab, punch, run, shoot, and slash her way back into the world and exact revenge on her father’s nemesis. It would be easier if she had the slightest clue how to behave in human society. Read our full review.

The Ups: Beautiful cinematography and some fun peripheral scenes of Hanna attempting to understand electricity, makeup, and boys.

The Downs: The rest of the movie is pretentious, violent, and downright silly. For instance, one scene takes place inside random rail shipping containers that are conveniently set up for interrogations. The soundtrack is perhaps the most irritating noise I’ve ever heard in a movie. The whole film is too quirky for its own good.

The Verdict: Skip it.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13, the movie wallows in violence and has some sexuality.