On DVD: ‘Detroit’ misses mark; ‘Luke Cage’ is a hit

“DETROIT”

Director Kathryn Bigelow showed a great ability to equally address the political and personal sides of the stories in “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty.” Too much attention either way would have undermined the films.

Bigelow shows no such balance with “Detroit,” and her film based on the true story of the violence of white Detroit police officers in the summer of 1967 comes across more like a horror movie than a sociological thriller. Instead of offering insights into the events, the movie is dominated by the insane bigotry displayed by one out-of-control policeman played by Will Poulter.

“KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE”

The first film, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” had a fun charm about it as if a James Bond thriller had been mashed up with an Austin Powers tale. But, the emphasis was always on the spy story. This sequel cares less about the spy story and more about mixing as many unrelated elements as possible. There are still some fun moments, but this follow-up effort no longer has the license to be killer entertaining.

“LUKE CAGE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON”

1/2 Netflix has launched several series based on characters from the Marvel Comics universe, including this one about an experiment gone bad that leaves Luke Cage with super strength and unbreakable skin. As Cage, Mike Colter not only is very believable when he's doing the super hero stuff, but he also brings a deep humanity to the role.

“Luke Cage” packs a powerful punch on multiple levels. “DESPICABLE ME 3”

1/2 It comes across less like the latest animated tale in the popular franchise about the onceevil Gru (Steve Carell) and more like a made-for-television movie rushed into production to introduce a new TV series. The third production in the series lacks the warmth and fun of the original 2010 film and comes nowhere close to having the offbeat antics of the second film that hit theaters in 2013.