DVD REVIEWS
SON OF SAUL
(out of 4) It’s 1944 in the Auschwitz death camp, where Hungarian Jew Saul (Geza Rohrig, magnificent) toils as a member of the Sonderkommando, prisoners who perform ghastly tasks in exchange for improved living conditions.
His eyes are as blank as his soul, until he’s shocked by recognition.
The personal epiphany and astonishing quest that follows must be seen rather than described, but it must also be endured.
Director Laszlo Nemes films within a claustrophobic and shallow-focused frame, bringing home the reality of the Nazi horror but also leaving much terror to the imagination.
It’s a sobering stunner about the Holocaust and one man’s struggle to regain his humanity.
Extras include a director commentary, interviews and one deleted scene. RIDE ALONG 2
(out of 4) Kevin Hart clowns, Ice Cube growls. Rinse and repeat.
Hart’s cop wannabe Ben is still trying to prove his police bona fides to Cube’s skeptical detective James. Ben still wants to marry James’ sister Angela (Tika Sumpter), and feels he needs grumpy bro’s OK, despite — or maybe because of — Ben’s outlandish hero antics in the first film.
The ridiculous plot takes Ben and James from Atlanta to Miami. They’re chasing a drug lord (Benjamin Bratt) who looks embalmed.
Ben gets up to his usual standard loud shenanigans. James scowls and tells him to shut up and get serious. James’ car blows up again (spoiler alert!) and occasional hilarity ensues.
Olivia Munn’s fetching Miami detective and Ken Jeong’s annoying hacker offer some novelty. Otherwise, Ride needs to shift out of cruise control.
Extras includes deleted/alternate takes, plus making-of featurettes. Reviews by Peter Howell