Susan Granger’s dvd/video update for week of Fri., Nov. 6th:
On the serious side, Robert Kenner’s graphically disturbing documentary “Food, Inc.” dissects the industrialization of North American food production and delivery systems, delineating how it adversely affects our health, environment and economy.
For laughs, there’s “Aliens in the Attic” about a teenage science nerd (Carter Jenkins) who discovers tiny, green, troll-like extraterrestrials, an advance party for an upcoming invasion, are occupying the top floor of his family’s three-story vacation house.
Not recommended are the teenage farce, “I Love You, Beth Cooper,” about a dorky valedictorian (Paul Rust) and the cheerleader of his dreams (Hayden Panettiere), and the banal, psycho-babbling “The Answer Man” about a self-styled God-guru (Jeff Daniels).
For graphic novel fans, “Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut” is a dandy multi-disc gift set with almost three hours of extras, including weaving “Watchmen: Tales from the Black Freighter” into Zack Snyder’s Director’s Cut.
For pop music lovers: Clint Eastwood presents “Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s On Me,” a two-disc special edition incorporating the man and stories behind songs like “Jeepers Creepers,” “Hooray for Hollywood,” “That Old Black Magic” and “Moon River.”
For foreign film buffs: Paolo Sorrentino’s knockout docudrama “Il Divo” focuses on the final years of Giulio Andreotti, one of Italy’s most powerful and feared politicians.
For family viewing, “Mummies: Secrets of the Pharoahs,” narrated by veteran actor Christopher Lee, is a real-life “Indiana Jones”-type adventure, complete with thieves and hidden treasure, coupled with a contemporary scientific journey. Plus there’s the astonishing “Dinosaurs Alive!” narrated by Michael Douglas.
For tiny tots, “Thomas & Friends: Holiday Express” teaches lessons about friendship, discovery and cooperation and is packaged with a collectible holiday train.
PICK OF THE WEEK: Updated for 2009, the subway heist thriller “The Taking of Pelham 123” grabs you and never lets go. Playing a psychotic killer, John Travolta commandeers the motorman’s car of a downtown train, demanding $10 million ransom, giving NYC one hour before he starts killing passengers. At the dispatcher’s desk, Denzel Washington is a veteran transit worker who must negotiate a deal as the clock ticks away.