New on DVD

Adventureland
Rated R for language, drug use and sexual references
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
This semi-autobiographical tale from writer/director Greg Mottola (Superbad) tells the story of a young man (Jesse Eisenberg) who is forced to work in a 1980’s amusement park for the summer when his parents can’t afford to send him to Europe with his best friend.  While there, he falls for one of the other employees (Twilight’s Kristen Stewart), who in turn is love with a married man (Ryan Reynolds).  The film works as both a touching coming-of-age comedy and as a nostalgic look back at a time that many people might like to forget about.  If you are looking for Superbad-funny, you won’t get it, but it has its moments, and turns out to be a quite likable ride.  B+

Rudo y Cursi
Rated R pervasive language, sexual content, and brief drug use
In Spanish with English subtitles
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna reteam in this comedy about two brothers that leave their family in rural Mexico and join opposing professional soccer clubs.  To say the film is silly and over-the-top is an understatement.  I think had the movie been taken a little more serious it could have worked as a family drama, sports film, and still kept a comedic flair, but as is, the movie just kind of falls flat.  While the two actors gave it their all and obviously had terrific chemistry, the story didn’t serve them well.  C

Sunshine Cleaning
Rated R for language, disturbing images, some sexuality and drug use
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are two desperate sisters that create a crime scene cleanup business to make some cash.  Going where very few are willing to go, they take on some disgusting yet fulfilling work that also manages to pull up some buried memories.  The studio tried to sell this is a dramedy, or black comedy, but there is very little funny to be found here, aside from a creepy cleanup or two.  So even though Alan Arkin is in it, don’t expect get big laughs.  The drama does work though and the performances are solid.  I’m not too sure on the decisions of the characters, or the director for that matter, but the movie is enjoyable, and moreover – it is interesting.  Check out the special feature “A Fresh Look at a Dirty Business” which takes a look at what it’s really like to be in the crime scene cleanup biz.  B-

Duplicity
Rated PG-13 for language and some sexual content
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Clive Owen and Julia Roberts are two ex-spies that team up to try to clean house on two opposing American companies run by Tom Wilkinson and Paul Giamatti.  Something about this film just never feels right.  Writer/director Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton) fails to excite the audience at any point, but rather just confuses to submission.  OK.  So everyone’s dirty.   We get the point.  I don’t see any justification for dragging it on for over two excruciating hours.  The banter between Owens and Roberts just sits there and bores.  If you really want to see the two of them go at it, check out the Mike Nichols flick Closer, which will make you actually believe that the two of them are scorned lovers.  This chemistry pales in comparison.  The only thing I really enjoyed in this film is the amazing opening credit sequence featuring a highly stylized fight between Giamatti and Wilkinson.  D+