DVD Release Reviews for October 27th

Whatever Works - B+ (Gotta Rent)
When you take an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm and inject it into a Woody Allen film, Whatever Works is the byproduct. Larry David and Woody Allen combine to make an unconventional romantic comedy where the most unlikely of couples emerge in Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood. David's character, who is a certified genius, takes in the naive Wood whom to say is far less intelligent would be a huge understatement. The contrast between Wood's character with a heart of gold and the ever cynical and very self-absorbed character of Larry David makes for some hilarious banter. Wood does this thing throughout the film where he talks to the audience when everyone around him can’t see who he talking to, as proof of his “genius”. It gets a little slow at times and the direction of the film is not always clear. That being said if you like CYE or Woody Allen in general then you'll definitely like this film.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - A- (Gotta Own for kids, Rent for everyone else)
The third installment of the Ice Age series is perhaps its best one yet. All of the original characters return (including all the original voices) as well as some very funny new ones. The animation is top notch and on par with some of Pixar greats. Dawn of the Dinosaurs is definitely better than the second film (which wasn't nearly as good as the first one) and as good as if not better than the one that started it all. The best parts of the movie involve Scratte, the squirrel trying desperately to get his nut. This time he's found a lady friend and the 2 of them lead to all sorts of laughs. It's better than most of the Dreamworks movies and is one of the best non-Pixar animated films of 2009. Ice Age 3 is funny and entertaining both for children and adults and is well worth the rent.

The Orphan - A- (Gotta Rent)
There is something about creepy little children in movies that is far scarier than any masked villain with a machete. Esther, an adopted Russian girl, is sweet, shy, a talented artist and pianist, oh and also just a little mentally unstable. When she is adopted by a family that recently experienced a tragedy during childbirth, it seems as if she has finally found a family and a place to call home. That is until she tries to destroy it. She is far more sadistic than even the devil child Damien from The Omen. The casting is great, with Peter Sarsgaard playing the easily manipulated father and Vera Farmiga playing the mother who knows the truth behind her new daughter. This thriller will keep you watching until the finale, which is a total shocker that you won't see coming. The Orphan is the perfect rental for Halloween.