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“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is a bittersweet and effective coming-of-age tale from writers/directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (“Half Nelson”). The story follows suicidal teenager Keir Gilchrist (TV’s “The United States of Tara”) as he checks himself into the adult Brooklyn psych ward, because the children’s ward is under construction. Excellent performances by Gilchrist, his destructive mentor Zach Galifianakis (“The Hangover”) and damaged love interest Emma Roberts (TV’s “Unfabulous”). B+
Hit-or-miss horror maestro Wes Craven (the original “A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Scream Trilogy”) misses horribly with the latest film he wrote/directed, the 3D crapfest “My Soul to Take.” A blatant homage (or rip-off) to the original “Nightmare”, the story follows seven teenagers who were born on the day the town’s serial killer died and one by one they are being murdered. Is the killer back from the dead? Is his soul in one of the remaining kids? Are you asleep yet? D –
“Red”, a fun action-comedy, follows retired CIA operatives Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren as they solve the mystery of who is trying to kill them and why. Director Robert Schwentke’s adaptation of the DC Comics graphic novel delivers on adventure and entertainment. B+
“Secretariat,” director Randall Wallace’s (“We Were Soldiers”) take on the amazing 1973 true story of the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time. Diane Lane (“Unfaithful”) resolutely plays the housewife who risked everything and John Malkovich (“Red”) hilariously takes on the role of “Big Red’s” trainer. Though formulaic, the undeniably extraordinary story, strong performances and grippingly shot race scenes make the film stand out. B
New on Blu-ray/DVD
Based on the semi-autobiographical musings of acclaimed author Jonathan Ames, Bored to Death: The Complete First Season is a hilariously surreal adventure of depressed Brooklyn author Ames (Jason Schwartzman) as he decides to become a private detective. The HBO series also stars Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) and Ted Danson (TV’s Cheers). The Blu-ray transfer is crisp while the limited bonus features have some hidden gems. A-
The Fox action-drama Human Target: The Complete First Season hits Blu-ray with fun dialogue and visuals. The series, based on the DC Comic, follows Christopher Chance (Mark Valley) as a bodyguard hired to protect his client from danger at all costs. The show also stars character actors Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley as his handlers. The set contains two throwaway features but interesting and worthwhile commentary and deleted scenes. B+
Stomp the Yard: Homecoming, the direct-to-DVD sequel to the original Stomp the Yard, at best has some exciting step-offs. That being said, the film lacks decent performances, dialogue and story. The most interesting part of the disc is the featurette on the choreography. D
The DVD collection of Two and a Half Men: The Complete Seventh Season does a poor job of getting behind-the-scenes in its bonus material, but the set will be more than adequate to fans of the show. Somehow, even in its seventh season and its mediocre sitcom format, the show manages to be funny and beat the clichés. B
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky is a beautifully shot and lovingly crafted period piece following the love affair between iconic French fashion designer Chanel and the currently married Russian composer Stravinsky. Unfortunately, the bonus features on the Blu-ray are minimal but the transfer looks gorgeous. B+
The DVD set of The Deadliest Catch: Season Six takes on a somber note after the death of Captain Phil Harris. But the excitement of the five skippers and their crews in the dangerous Bering Sea still proves to be an exciting adventure. The bonus features are excellent, including the five-episode season of After the Catch which is exclusive to the collection. A
