'Side effects' sly and surprising, 'True Blood' fun

Posted: Published on May 24th, 2013

This post was added by Dr P. Richardson

New and notable this week on DVD:

Side Effects (Rated R for sexuality, nudity, violence and language; Open Road, $29.98):

Nothing is ever all that simple when it comes to director Steven Soderbergh and that certainly holds true in this fine psychological thriller. The wife (Rooney Mara) of a financier (Channing Tatum) convicted of fraud becomes severely depressed when he comes home from prison. A psychiatrist (Jude Law) prescribes a new drug that leads to an enthralling and unexpected spiral of violence and betrayal. Sly, surprising and so well-made. GRADE: B+

True Blood: The Complete Fifth Season (Not rated; HBO, $59.99):

The supernatural series bounced back strong after wandering in its fourth year, taking on the idea of religious devotion while still having lots of fun. Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) become partners with captives of an all-powerful council of vampires that may or may not believe in their own divinity. The worldwide supply of True Blood is threatened, which may turn vamps back to their human-eating ways. And, of course, there are about 250 crazy side stories as well. Tasty stuff. GRADE: B+

Stand Up Guys (Rated R for language, sexual content, violence and brief drug use; Lions Gate, $27.98):

Christopher Walken is an aging con man who picks up old pal Al Pacino after a long stint in prison, knowing he's supposed to eventually kill him. They steal wheel man Alan Arkin away from an old folks home and have some fun, but not as much as these actors deserve. GRADE: C+

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'Side effects' sly and surprising, 'True Blood' fun

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