DVD reviews: 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part I,' 'Listen Up Philip' and 'Night at the Mus...
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part I” (2014, PG-13, 123 min., $29.95) The first two big-screen servings of “The Hunger Games,” adapted from Suzanne Collins' trilogy, were thoroughly entertaining, exploring a budding revolution in a dystopian society. The third is the first misstep. The problem is that the final book (“Mockingjay”) was broken into two films. “Mockingjay — Part I,” despite its star power (Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman), is stuck in a holding pattern, as protagonist Katniss (Lawrence) becomes the face of the rebellion against President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and the malicious Capitol. The two sides trade attacks and barbs, but there's not much excitement to be had in what plays out as a two-hour lead up to “Part II,” due later this year. The actors perform admirably, but they're given little to do in a boring addition to what had been a delightful adaptation. Standard DVDs carry a couple of extras, but Blu-ray packages are loaded with special features. Several featurettes are available, along with commentary and deleted scenes. 2 stars
“Listen Up Philip” (2014, NR, 108 min., $19.99) The darker side of creativity takes center stage in this finely crafted black comedy written and directed by Alex Ross Perry. Philip (Jason Schwartzman) is an emerging novelist who might be one of the more narcissistic characters on film. Growing ever more uncomfortable in NYC, Philip is afforded the opportunity to work upstate with an accomplished writer (Jonathan Pryce). He doesn't consider his girlfriend's (Elisabeth Moss) feelings, causing a rift in the relationship. Perry's picture features one of the more well-written scripts of 2014, as the dialogue is sometimes hilarious and other times brutal. It's handled incredibly well by a talented cast. Schwartzman turns in one of the best performances of his career. Pryce, Moss and Krysten Ritter generate plenty of sparks in supporting roles. It's a fine piece of work from Perry, who has a bright future. “Listen Up Philip” only appears to be available on standard DVD, but with some good extras. A Perry commentary and a behind-the-scenes look at the production are the best offerings. 3 stars
“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” (2014, PG, 98 min., $29.98) The pedestrian “Night at the Museum” trilogy comes to an end with a finale that feels a lot like its predecessors. There's a couple moments of real emotion, a few laughs and impressive special effects, but the third leg of the trilogy isn't very satisfying. Kids might find some interest and learn a few things in the process, but, as a whole, the film falls flat. Ben Stiller's Larry is forced to travel to Britain because the tablet that brings his museum friends to life is corroding. The museum in Britain's got the answers he needs, but he must hurry. He brings along his son and a few friends from the NYC museum. Stiller is tolerable, and he gets some good help in support from Robin Williams, Rebel Wilson and Dan Stevens. Special features on standard DVD and Blu-ray are about the same, and they include a couple featurettes, some deleted scenes, commentary and a photo gallery from the production of the film. 1.5 stars
“Low Down” (2014, R, 114 min., $34.99) Based on the memoir of the same name from Amy-Jo Albany, director Jeff Preiss' drama looks at the relationship between Amy-Jo and her father, Joe, a legendary jazz musician. Joe's life is troubled, as he balances drug addiction, music and his daughter. John Hawkes and Elle Fanning star.
“Life Partners” (2014, R, 93 min., $26.98) Pittsburgh native Gillian Jacobs stars alongside Leighton Meester, Adam Brody and Gabourey Sidibe in a romantic comedy about two women who share a tight, platonic bond. That deep friendship is put to the ultimate test when one of them falls in love with a man. Susanna Fogel wrote and directed.
“The Liberator” (2013, NR, 119 min., $24.98) Edgar Ramirez, Danny Huston and Maria Valverde star in filmmaker Alberto Arvelo's biopic about Simon Bolivar, known as one of Latin America's greatest fighters for independence. The epic takes the viewer through Bolivar's military and political battles, as he charged into the annals of history.
“Late Phases: Night of the Lone Wolf” (2014, NR, 95 min., $24.98) Spanish filmmaker Adrian Garcia Bogliano, who's made a name for himself in the horror genre, directs this thriller about a war vet who moves to what's supposed to be a quiet community. When a monster terrorizes his neighborhood, though, he prepares to fight.
“Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B” (2014, NR, 90 min., $14.98) Aaliyah is the latest fallen star to be featured in a Lifetime biopic. Alexandra Shipp plays the popular R&B performer and sometimes-actress from the 1990s in this film that originally aired on TV in late 2014. It covers her rise to fame before dying in a 2001 plane crash.
“Jungle Shuffle” (2014, NR, 85 min., $14.93) Alicia Silverstone, Rob Schneider, Drake Bell and Tom Arnold lend their voices to this under-the-radar animated picture about a couple of raccoons living in the Mexican rainforest. The two raccoons are in love, and when one is grabbed by poachers, it's time for the male to prove his toughness.
“Alpha and Omega 3: The Great Wolf Games” (2013, NR, 45 min., $14.98)
New on Blu-ray
• “The Sound of Music: 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition” (1965, G, 174 min., $49.99)
• “The Breakfast Club: 30th Anniversary Edition” (1985, R, 97 min., $19.98)
TV on DVD
• “The Red Road: The Complete First Season” (two discs, six episodes, $29.98)
• “The Legend of Korra: Book Four: Balance” (two discs, 13 episodes, $19.99)
• “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Retreat” (one disc, seven episodes, $14.99)
