By Jay Bobbin
STARTING THIS WEEK:
"YOU DON’T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN": Adam Sandler tries to add social relevance to his typical brand of comedy – and succeeds only partially – in this international-espionage parody. He plays an Israeli superagent seeking refuge from his chief Palestinian nemesis (John Turturro) by faking his death and relocating to New York, where he becomes a hairstylist, but his past eventually follows him. Rob Schneider and Emmanuelle Chriqui ("Entourage") co-star. ** (PG-13: AS, N, P)
"THE HAPPENING": M. Night Shyamalan has had a lot to live up to since writing and directing "The Sixth Sense," and while he falls short of his own high mark again with his latest effort, it still bears his trademark eeriness. When people calmly start killing themselves, a couple (Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel) try to determine the cause, fearing they’ll soon fall prey to it. John Leguizamo also stars. DVD extras: five "making-of" documentaries. ** (R: AS, GV)
"SLEEPING BEAUTY": One of the all-time greats in the Disney studio’s animated-feature library gets a freshening in a new "50th Anniversary Platinum Edition." Boasting Tchaikovsky music, the lovely-to-look-at film revolves around … well, a sleeping beauty who only can be awakened from a deep, enemy-inflicted rest if she receives a kiss from the right person. The result is as enchanting as ever, for all ages. DVD extras: "making-of" documentary; alternate opening; deleted songs; music video; interactive game. **** (G)
"JOY RIDE 2: DEAD AHEAD": More young people prompt the wrath of trucker Rusty Nail in this made-for-video sequel to the theatrical thriller. En route to fun in Las Vegas, the youthful quartet unwittingly crosses the path of the sinister stalker – and the result can’t exactly be labeled "fun." Nicki Aycox ("Over There") and Nick Zano ("What I Like About You") are featured. ** (Not rated: AS, P, V)
COMING SOON: "INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL" (Oct. 14): The archaeologist (Harrison Ford) teams up with a younger counterpart (Shia LaBeouf) for new adventures in the series’ fourth installment. Cate Blanchett also stars. (PG-13: AS, V)
"THE INCREDIBLE HULK" (Oct. 21): While trying to solve the condition that makes him mean and green, Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) faces a similar enemy (Tim Roth). (PG-13: AS, V)
FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.
(c)2008 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
