By Jay Bobbin
Tribune Media Services
STARTING THIS WEEK: “MEGAMIND”: What happens after a villain succeeds in eliminating the hero who’s long been pursuing him? That’s the question faced by the title bad guy (voice of Will Ferrell) in this sly animated fantasy, which was presented in 3-D in theaters. After getting rid of his pursuer (voice of Brad Pitt), Megamind needs a new purpose and has to chart a different course for himself; Tina Fey, Ben Stiller, David Cross and Jonah Hill also are in the vocal cast. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; audio commentary by cast and crew; deleted scene; animated short subject “Megamind: The Button of Doom.” *** (PG: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray)
“DUE DATE”: After showing gravitas in such recent projects as “Iron Man” and “Sherlock Holmes,” Robert Downey Jr. goes for laughs again in this mildly amusing comedy from “The Hangover” director Todd Phillips. After getting booted off a plane and put on the no-fly list because of a fellow passenger’s (fellow “Hangover” alum Zach Galifianakis) antics, Downey’s character is so desperate to reunite with his wife (Michelle Monaghan) before she gives birth, he accepts a cross-country ride from the other fellow. As might be expected, it’s hardly a smooth trip. Jamie Foxx and Alan Arkin also appear. DVD extras: deleted scenes; outtakes; two “mashups”; digital copy of the movie. *** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray)
“GET LOW”: Robert Duvall always has been a respected actor and even an Oscar winner (for “Tender Mercies”), but he has scored some of the best reviews of his career for this fact-inspired comedy-drama about a longtime recluse who decides to stage his own funeral. He wants to face down various rumors that have been spread about him during his absence from society; the fine cast also includes Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek, Lucas Black and veteran character actor Bill Cobbs. DVD extras: four “making-of” documentaries; audio commentary by Duvall, Spacek, director Aaron Schneider and executive producer Dean Zanuck; cast and crew interview session. *** (PG-13: AS, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
“WEEDS: SEASON SIX”: A lot happened in the most recent round of the Showtime series, one example being the arrival of Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss as a former teacher of drug-dealing Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker). They’ve had a complicated relationship over the years, and his reappearance poses one more hurdle for Nancy as she and her family stay on the run while trying to maintain their “business.” Kevin Nealon, Justin Kirk, Hunter Parrish and Alexander Gould also continue as cast regulars. DVD extras: two “making-of” documentaries; audio commentary by cast and crew; outtakes; cast and crew interview session. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
COMING SOON: “FASTER” (March 1): Dwayne Johnson plays a newly released ex-con intent on avenging his brother’s murder, but others have him in their sights. Billy Bob Thornton and Carla Gugino also star. (R: AS, P, V)
“MORNING GLORY” (March 8): The new producer (Rachel McAdams) of a morning television program teams the female co-host (Diane Keaton) with a cranky hard-news veteran (Harrison Ford). (PG-13: AS, P)
“THE NEXT THREE DAYS” (March 8): After his wife (Elizabeth Banks) is convicted of murdering her boss, her husband (Russell Crowe) schemes to break her out of prison. (PG-13: AS, P, V)
“THE WALKING DEAD” (March 8): A sheriff (Andrew Lincoln) battles an onslaught of zombies in the first season of the hit AMC series. (Not rated: AS, P, GV)
FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.
