Latest video releases reviewed
I HEART HUCKABEES ***
Directed by David O Russell. Starring Jude Law, Jason Schwartzmann, Dustin Hoffman, Lily Tomlin, Naimo Watts, Mark Wahlberg, Isabelle Huppert 15 cert
At the outset of Russell's surreal screwball comedy, an earnest environmental activist (Schwartzmann) consults a married couple of "existential detectives" (Tomlin and Hoffman). This handsome picture delivers many entertaining surprises, and the eclectic cast performs with gusto, but ultimately, there's less to it than meets the eyes and ears. Michael Dwyer
ELLA ENCHANTED **
Directed by Tommy O'Haver. Starring Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Joanna Lumley, Minnie Driver, Eric Idle, Steve Coogan, Patrick Bergin 12 cert
Passable amalgam of Shrek and A Knight's Tale, in which Hathaway's teen seeks the fairy godmother who inconveniently saddled her with the burden of perpetual obedience. Along the way elves and giants teach her life lessons. Filmed in Ireland and featuring appearances from several familiar faces, the picture is a little too cheap and obvious to win over modern youths. Donald Clarke
EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING *
Directed by Renny Harlin. Starring Stellan Skarsgård, Izabella Scorupco 18 cert
Years before the devil caused Linda Blair to regurgitate Scotch Broth, he had, apparently, an argy-bargy with Father Merrin in Africa. Six months ago we were promised that Paul Schrader's version of this troubled prequel would appear on the DVD. Instead all we get are a commentary and the usual behind-the-scenes nonsense. Like the ghastly theatrical release, this package sucks socks in Kells. Donald Clarke
WITHOUT A PADDLE *
Directed by Steven Brill. Starring Seth Green, Matthew Lillard, Burt Reynolds 12 cert
It stars Matthew Lillard, Seth Green and somebody else as three friends searching for buried treasure in the wilderness. It features attacks by burly woodsmen, rampant homophobia and jokes about women who don't shave their armpits. It is called Without a Paddle. It is worse than it sounds. Donald Clarke
