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| In this publicity image released by The Weinstein Company, Courteney Cox is shown in a scene from the horror film "Scream 4." |
✪✪✪ (out of ✪✪✪✪)
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, sexual content and language Universal Available on: DVD and Blu-ray
The “Fast and the Furious” movies have never been the benchmark for cinematic quality, but expertly staged action sequences and a likable cast have helped them achieve an impressive box office run. Now a decade old, the series is still relevant and, surprisingly, getting better.
“Fast Five” is set immediately after the events of 2009’s “Fast & Furious,” and it is easily the best movie of the franchise. The action starts with former FBI agent Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) and his girlfriend, Mia (Jordana Brewster), leading a crew of drivers in pursuit of a prison bus. Their objective? Freeing Mia’s brother, Dominic (Vin Diesel).
Because this is a “Fast and the Furious” movie, Brian and Mia mount a spectacular vehicular rescue, complete with a magnificent crash sequence. The next time viewers see them, they’re on the lam in Rio de Janiero.
Strapped for cash, the group gets caught up in an elaborate car heist that goes bad, leaving them at odds not only with the U.S. government but a powerful Brazilian crime lord. As the plot thickens, viewers are introduced to Lucas Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), a no-nonsense Diplomatic Security Service agent intent on bringing Brian and Dominic to justice.
But “Fast Five” is not a simple cat-and-mouse game. Although Dominic and his crew are wanted by virtually everyone, they decide running isn’t an option. Instead, they plan a stupendously dangerous heist that will bring in enough money to allow them to “disappear.”
The movie plays out like “Ocean’s Eleven” on steroids, and brings in a number of players from past “Fast and the Furious” films. These include Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Sung Kang and Matt Schulze.
The movie’s many action sequences are broken up by just enough plot to keep things interesting, and director Justin Lin’s handling of the material is smooth and satisfying. “Fast Five” is by no means a great film. The stunts are too over-the-top and the characters too silly for a claim like that. Still, there’s a joy in watching these players push automobiles to limits that are only possible at the movies.
“Fast Five” is available on multiple home video releases, all of which include extended and theatrical cuts of the feature. Other DVD and Blu-ray extras include a gag reel, bits on key characters and an audio commentary by Lin.
Scream 4
✪✪½
Rated R for strong bloody violence, language and some teen drinking Anchor Bay Available on: DVD and Blu-ray
In 1996, director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson revitalized the horror genre with “Scream,” a new-breed slasher flick marked by smart, self-aware dialogue and a talented, young cast. The film spawned two sequels — released in 1997 and 2000 — that were less successful artistically but made millions at the box office.
After letting the series sit for a decade, Craven and Williamson decided it was time to revisit their “Scream” characters (at least those that survived the first three movies) and update the story for a new generation. The result is mixed.
“Scream 4” bares all the hallmarks of the original series. Although this is probably reassuring for hard-core fans, it’s the film’s biggest liability. In 1996, it was inventive and funny to focus on characters so aware of the horror genre that they could actively speculate on their own fates. In 2011, that’s less appealing…in large part because the original “Scream” did it so well. In other words, “Scream 4” is a victim of its own legacy.
The movie allows Neve Campbell to revive her portrayal of Sidney Prescott, a woman who survived a series of serial killer attacks in the original films. In “Scream 4,” Sidney returns to her hometown after a long absence and, like clockwork, local coeds fall victim to gruesome murders. Along with Campbell’s return, David Arquette reprises his role as small-town lawman and Courteney Cox is back as former journalist Gale Weathers. “Scream 4” is not, however, a slasher flick for old-timers. The movie features a host of young talent, including Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettiere.
The movie has a reasonable number of twists, turns and scares, not to mention a nice sense of nostalgia. Still, there’s no escaping the fact that we’ve seen all of this before and that it was better the first time around.
DVD and Blu-ray extras include a making-of featurette, an alternate opening, an extended ending, a gag reel and a collection of deleted and extended scenes.
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