New on DVD
November 13, 2009
'BRUNO' ¼¼¼½
(2009, Universal; 82 minutes) The title character is a flamboyantly gay, deliberately provocative man who ambushes innocent bystanders in his desperate bid for celebrity. Sacha Baron Cohen ("Borat") shows nerve in placing himself in real situations, including a rabid wrestling crowd and an outraged TV studio audience. Among those not in on the gag are Rep. Ron Paul, who angrily flees from an apparent seduction attempt. The needle on my internal Laugh Meter went haywire, bouncing from hilarity, appreciation, shock, admiration, disgust and disbelief to appalled incredulity. Rated R. (Roger Ebert)
'THE LIMITS OF CONTROL' ¼½
(2009, Universal; 116 minutes) An empty and pointless exercise in style, starring Isaach De Bankole, Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton. It drains from the viewer such energy that the visitor sinks slowly in ennui. Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. Rated R. (Roger Ebert)
'MY SISTER'S KEEPER' ¼¼¼½
(2009, Warner Bros.; 108 minutes) An 11-year-old girl files suit to prevent her parents from making her donate a kidney for her very ill 16-year-old sister. An effective tearjerker, well-acted, based on the best-seller by Jodi Picoult. Persuasive performances by Abigail Breslin as the younger girl, Sofia Vassilieva as her sister, Cameron Diaz and Jason Patric as their parents, and Alec Baldwin and Joan Cusack in supporting roles. Directed by Nick Cassavetes ("The Notebook"). Rated PG-13. (Roger Ebert)
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Compiled by Mary Houlihan