'The Cat in the Hat' (PG): While the film took a bashing from critics and Dr. Seuss purists while in theaters last November, if you look at "The Cat in the Hat" for what it is -- a movie that takes endless liberties with the source material -- you may discover it is not all that bad.
What is intact in the core of the story, which finds brother and sister Conrad and Sally Walden (Spencer Breslin and Dakota Fanning) at home alone on a rainy with their pet fish (voiced by Sean Hayes). But their boredom quickly goes away when their babysitter falls into a deep sleep and Myers' over-sized feline magically appears to wreak havoc upon the household -- a move that will surely raise the ire of their mother (Kelly Preston) when she returns home.
Of course, how much you'll like depends on how much you'll tolerate the movie's monstrous deviation from the original source material. As the title character, comic genius Mike Myers obviously needed room to play under that "purrfectly" constructed costume and make-up: so new characters like an underhanded potential suitor (Alec Baldwin) for the kids' mom were introduced; and the Cat takes the kids out for a big city adventure. .
As a result, the kids and Cat end up in places like a dance club, where Cat briefly encounters by Hollywood star wannabe Paris Hilton (in an ill-timed cameo, considering news of her Internet video expose broke just before the movie debuted in theaters).
Is it just me -- or do you hear Dr. Seuss rolling over in his grave, too?
"The Cat in the Hat" remains a step behind big-screen adaptation of the "Grinch" adaptation, which also took liberties with the source material, but only to establish a backstory. It ended with nearly a verbatim take directly from the book.
Faithful to the children's book or not, the truth of the matter is, "The Cat in the Hat" movie is entertaining for kids. They'll surely giggle at the movie's cartoonish action and harmless toilet humor and will most likely be enchanted by Myers' Cat, who sounds a lot like Linda Richmond (one of Myers' characters from "Saturday Night Live).
While he may be amusing to some, it wouldn't surprise me that other viewers -- particularly those who have aversions to clowns -- might be freaked out by the Cat's appearance. For the lack of better words, he's one bizarre cat.
DVD Features: Featurettes on Seuss and the making of the film, deleted scenes, outtakes and more. (Universal Studios Home Video)
'Looney Tunes: Back In Action' (PG): Director Joe Dante creates a manic masterpiece with "Looney Tunes: Back in Action," a live-action-animated comedy, that blends the live action world of Hollywood and its famous Warner Bros. cartoon characters.
"Looney Tunes: Back in Action" stars Brendan Fraser as D.J. Drake, a recently fired security guard and stuntman wannabe who suddenly finds himself on a road mission to find his father Damien Drake (Timothy Dalton) -- a James-Bond-like spy movie star who's been kidnapped by the evil head of ACME (Steve Martin) because he possesses the mythical "Blue Monkey" diamond.
Joining D.J. for the adventure is Daffy Duck, who was just fired from Warner Bros. studio by Executive Vice President Kate Hougton (Elfman) because Bugs Bunny, in her opinion, has the real star-power. But once she realizes she's made a huge mistake, Kate and Bugs take to the road to track D.J. and Daffy down.
Considering the acting challenges that come with acting against thin air, the performances in "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" is impeccable.
Sparked by joyous enthusiasm, Fraser and Elfman's comedic sensibilities blend right in with the world of Looney Tunes while Steve Martin returns to his "Wild and Crazy Guy" roots to deliver a zany performance as their nemesis. Dalton gleefully parodies his past with a dashing turn as Damien Drake.
As for Bugs, Daffy and company, it's just great to see the Looney Tunes characters in their full glory again. Baby boomers will revel in the endless appearances by the stable of performers, which also includes Elmer Fudd, Wile E. Coyote, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam and of course, Porky Pig.
As for younger kids less familiar with the cartoon greats of old, they'll like just be swept away by the film's hyper-kinetic pace. The jokes don't always work, but the film, which clocks in at about 90 minutes, moves so fast that you won't have time to groan.
Dante also infuses several cameos so keep your eyes open. There are also nostalgic references to past Hollywood greats and turns by stars of current Warner Bros. movies.
DVD Features: "Whizzard of Ow" - a new Looney Tunes short; "Looney Tunes Out of Action: Best Scenes You've Never Seen" -- a montage of alternate ending and additional scenes plus more. (Warner Home Video)
'Matchstick Men' (PG-13): Nicolas Cage turns in a classic quirky performance with "Matchstick Men," an expertly crafted con-man comedy by director Ridley Scott that somehow escaped the recognition it so richly deserved in theaters last fall.
Cage stars as Roy, an over-wound, obsessive-compulsive con artist who is on the verge of making a big score with the help of his silky-smooth protege, Frank (Sam Rockwell) - but his personal quirks are getting in the way of business.
On the verge of losing his mind, Roy is forced to seek the help of a psychoanalyst (Bruce Altman) to manage his ticks and phobias. But in the course of his therapy, Roy has revelation that he has a 14-year-old daughter out there that he always suspected, but could never quite confirm.
Alleviating his anxiety, Roy arranges to meet with Angela (Alison Lohman) and assumes his role as a parent. Addressing Angela's burning curiosity about his occupation, and discovers in the process that she's inherited his natural gift for grifting - but that could mean big trouble.
While the movie ultimately recalls such con-men classics as "The Sting," "Paper Moon" and "The Grifters," "Matchstick Men" largely sets itself apart because of its wonderfully original characters.
Chief among them is Cage, of course, who, on the heels of his jaw-dropping dual turn in "Adaptation," turns in a masterful performance guy going through some serious issues.
There's no doubt that his problems provide for many comic moments, but thanks to the perceptive direction of Scott, Cage hardly plays his ticks and phobias over the top for cheap laughs.
Equally as brilliant in her role is Lohman, who matches up to Cage like a seasoned film veteran. Only 22 during the shoot of the film, Lohman is charismatic and convincing as the wide-eyed yet wise-beyond-her-years Angela.
DVD Features: Commentary by Scott, writer Nicolas Griffin and writer/producer Ted Griffin, "Tricks of the Trade" filmmaking featurette with Scott and more. (Warner Home Video)
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Preview: 'Looney Tunes: Back In Action'
