'The Bucket List' Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson -- two very accomplished actors -- come together to form a unique chemistry in "The Bucket List," a film about two dying men looking to get the most out of their last days on earth. Both men have led very different lives -- Freeman is a simple mechanic with a wonderful family, and Nicholson a lonely, old rich man -- but fate puts them in the same hospital room with terminal cancer. Needless to say, they put together a list of things they would like to do before they're pushing up daisies. So, two geezers trot around the globe looking to cross each and every item off their list. "The Bucket List" is a nice little dramedy, but it's nothing special. The draw of Nicholson and Freeman can only go so far in covering up a predictable plot and poor script. Sure, there are some emotional moments toward the conclusion, but it's nothing moviegoers haven't seen before. The special features available with "The Bucket List" aren't all that exciting either. An interview with writer Justin Zackham, the fellow who wrote the script and a similar book, talks about bucket lists and how he came up with the idea for the film. A John Mayer music video and a DVD ROM link to additional extras also are available. For Blu-ray consumers, there's much more in store. Interviews with director Rob Reiner, Nicholson and Freeman and a trivia track are highlights. PG-13, 2007. Our Take: 2 Stars. Rent It: A much-better selection than "Rambo" to watch with the grandparents.

'Funny Games' Veteran director Michael Haneke delivers a re-make of his violent 1997 hit of the same name, but moves to American soil this time around. A star-studded cast -- Naomi Watts, Tim Roth and Michael Pitt -- leads the way in what looks to be the story of two young psychopaths taking a family of three hostage in their vacation home. The two clean-cut maniacs then torture the family up until the bitter end. Looks may be deceiving, though. Certain instances in "Funny Games" point toward a cinematic statement from the director. It's possible that Haneke is sending a message about the violence easily consumed by Americans each and every day through different mediums. That's logical, considering that the director takes the viewer to the cusp of death several times in this picture, but leaves the gore to the viewer's imagination. Therefore, an appetite for violence is left unfulfilled. Needless to say, the poking and prodding is enjoyable and somewhat original in the way the film progresses. Additionally, "Funny Games" is well-acted and boosted by a slick script. No extras are available. R, 2007. Our Take: 2.5 Stars. Rent It: Skipping the trip to the rural cabin this summer could be smart.

'John Adams' When it comes to nonfictional accounts of the history of the United States, few capture the same amount of aptitude as the brilliant HBO miniseries "John Adams." Based on the 2002 Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Pittsburgh native David McCullough, this seven-episode presentation intelligently tackles the labors of John Adams and the infancy of the United States. Next to the historical aspects of the picture, "John Adams" also does a fine job of presenting the understanding relationship between Adams and his wife, Abigail. Adams is played by the talented Paul Giamatti, in what turns out to be another shining performance by the actor. Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Sarah Polley, David Morse and Rufus Sewell also turn in solid performances in supporting roles. The DVD is presented in a three-volume set with some outstanding special features. The best of the bunch is an interesting featurette on the legendary writer McCullough and his body of work. A making-of featurette with interviews from the cast and crew, and a pop-up historical feature is an option to take on during the miniseries. Unrated, 2008. Our Take: 3.5 Stars. Buy It: If there's not enough time to curl up with the 600-plus page book.

'Jumper' Viewers have the opportunity to travel the world in the sci-fi flick "Jumper," but an itinerary isn't in the plans. Expect more questions than answers after experiencing this teleporting adventure directed by Doug Liman. Highlighted by polished action sequences, superior special effects and trips to London, Rome and plenty of other locales, "Jumper" ultimately fails in its plot and character development. For those who like a little substance with their films, it's wise to jump right past this hollow picture. The premise of "Jumper" surrounds the character of David Rice, who is played by the unremarkable Hayden Christensen. One day in high school, Rice finds that he has the ability to teleport himself anywhere in the world. Soon, he sets aside his routine life for a more adventurous one until the party comes crashing down. Rachel Bilson and Samuel L. Jackson also star. A two-disc special edition is packed with extras, including bonus scenes, commentary, behind-the-scenes featurettes and an in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding Rice. An animated graphic novel also is worth checking out. PG-13, 2008. Our Take: 1.5 Stars. Skip It: Jump right past this one in the rental store.

Other new releases • "Witless Protection": Starring Larry the Cable Guy as a small-town cop, "Witless Protection" fills its inane expectations with flying colors. That much is evident within the first few moments. Special features include a handful of featurettes that lend more time to the star of the film -- a redneck comedian. More extras come on Blu-ray. PG-13, 2008. Our Take: 1 Star. • "The Other Boleyn Girl": A stellar cast -- Eric Bana, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson -- headline an otherwise semi-interesting period piece about love and betrayal based on the novel of the same name by Philippa Gregory. Extras take aim at the period of the film and the characters portrayed. Even more is available on Blu-ray. PG-13, 2008. Our Take: 2 Stars. • "Otis": A film that has cult hit written all over it, "Otis" meshes horror, drama and comedy into one fine picture. What happens when the family of an abducted girl goes toe-to-toe with the kidnapper and his twisted brother• See this movie. An alternate ending, commentary and a couple of featurettes make up the special features. Unrated, 2008. Our Take: 3 Stars. • "High Noon: Ultimate Collector's Edition": One of the best Westerns ever made, Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly return to the screen in a special edition of 1952's "High Noon." The special features are as vast as the Wild West. A 50-minute documentary on the film is a must-see. Unrated, 2008. Our Take: 4 Stars. • "The Signal": A three-act horror film with plenty of intensity but little depth, "The Signal" is inevitably one of the better additions to this genre in a few years. That's no saying much, though. A making-of featurette leads a healthy list of special features. R, 2007. Our Take: 2 Stars. • From Koch Lorber Films: Two undiscovered international gems from last year -- "Making Of" and "Summer of '04" -- are headed for release this week. Both critically acclaimed pictures are worth a look for viewers trying to expand their cinematic horizons. Extras are limited, though. • On TV: Three complete series' -- the short-lived second coming of "Get Smart," "What's Happening" and "Soap" -- make their way onto DVD today. Special features are limited in each instance. The final season of the hit "Home Improvement" also will be released. A best-of featurette headlines the extras for the eighth season. • "Invisible Target": Three words for you: Jackie Chan's son. He might not be pulling off as much frenetic kung fu that dad does, but he's extremely likeable as the patrol cop whose brother goes missing during an undercover mission. Joined by two other detectives -- one a renegade and the other out for revenge -- it delivers plenty of action with a sprinkling of drama. Unrated; 2008. Our take 2.5 stars. -- Jessica Severs/Tribune-Review

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