“X-Men: First Class”
A look at how the team of mutants was brought together. James McAvoy stars.
The film retreats into the comic-book mythology to present the beginnings of the mutant heroes. Other films have touched on the origins, but none has offered as complete and entertaining a peek into the past.
Comic-book purists will have several points of contention with the screenplay by Ashley Miller, Jane Goldman, Zack Stentz and Matthew Vaughn, which takes some major liberties. But such liberties are OK when the final result is so impressive.
Grade: A-
“Everything Must Go”
Will Ferrell plays an alcoholic who relapses and has a yard sale as a way to start over.
Ferrell again shows that under the right, tight guidance — this time by director Dan Rush — he’s a competent actor. The best evidence comes in how Ferrell plays the character as an alcoholic rather than a drunk. Instead of resorting to the falling-down slapstick that so many actors use to portray someone who drinks too much, Ferrell’s performance shows the pain and misery of addiction.
Grade: B-
Also new
“Scarface”: The special Blu-ray comes with a digital copy of the film and a DVD of the original 1932 “Scarface.”
“Community: The Complete Second Season”: Joel McHale stars in this college-based comedy.
“Parks & Recreation: Season Three”: A look at the funny side of local government. Amy Poehler stars.
“Criminal Minds: Season 6”: Team investigates bizarre crimes. Joe Mantegna stars.
“Law & Order Special Victims Unit: Year 12”: Christopher Meloni stars.
“Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer: The Complete Series”: 1956 series starring Darren McGavin.
Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.)
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