What’s New

The Brothers (2001). Mature dialogue and multidimensional performances characterize this Terry McMillan-influenced ensemble comedy about four urban professional African American men struggling with a range of relationship issues. Written and directed with flair by Gary Hardwick. Columbia TriStar: no list price; DVD: $24.95; (CC); R, strong sexual content and language.

Head Over Heels (2001). A formulaic romantic comedy about an art restorer (Monica Potter, pretty and capable but also a bit bland) who moves in with four models and meets a dreamboat neighbor (Freddie Prinze Jr., ever the reliable charmer). It moves swiftly, has an appealing cast and a serviceably diverting plot but is nevertheless hard to fall for. Universal: no list price; DVD: $26.98; (CC); PG-13, for sexual content, crude humor and language.

The Trumpet of the Swan (2001). A cartoon adaptation of E.B. White’s book about a mute swan that finds its voice. Passable animation for the younger members of the family, but the movie never finds its own voice. Columbia TriStar: $19.96; DVD: $24.95; (CC); G.

What’s Hot

* Last week’s Top 5 VHS rentals:1. The Family Man (2000). Nicolas Cage makes a heroic effort to induce us to go along with this fantasy about a ruthless Wall Street tycoon who gets a chance to see what his life would have been like had he married his college sweetheart (Tea Leoni) and sold tires for his father-in-law. This attempt to make an “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the new millennium lacks the honesty to pull it off. PG-13 for sensuality and some language.2. Down to Earth (2001). The remake of “Heaven Can Wait” stars Chris Rock in a role that, in typical Hollywood fashion, puts this charismatic comic actor into tepid popular entertainment. The film comes alive only at those moments when Rock allows himself to be himself and launches into devastating riffs. PG-13 for language, sexual humor and some drug references.3. The Wedding Planner (2001). This set-in-San Francisco romantic comedy starts out promisingly with workaholic wedding planner Jennifer Lopez dazzled by pediatrician Matthew McConaughey only to discover later that he’s to be the groom at her next event. The film lacks the wit, verve and invention of its vintage predecessors. PG-13, for some sexuality, brief language and a perilous situation.

4. Double Take (2001). The evenhanded mixture of suspense and comedy aims to play fair with the audience on both fronts. Although the movie’s mismatched elements never gel, it’s worth noting that this isn’t just a raucous farce with a few allusions to clues and detective work haphazardly thrown in or a violent crime picture decorated with lame wisecracks. Written and directed by George Gallo. With Orlando Jones and Eddie Griffin. PG-13, for violence and language.5. Saving Silverman (2001). The resolutely mindless but high-energy knockabout comedy features two sweet-natured dimwits (Steve Zahn and Jack Black) who attempt to rescue their pal (Jason Biggs) from the icy clutches of a glamorous, manipulative therapist (Amanda Peet). The friends’ idol, Neil Diamond, cameos. With Amanda Detmer and R. Lee Ermey. PG-13, for crude and sexual humor, language and thematic material.* Last week’s Top 5 DVD rentals:1. The Family Man2. Down to Earth3. Double Take 4. Unbreakable (2000). It’s unreasonable and unfair to expect any film to have the special impact “The Sixth Sense” had on audiences, but M. Night Shyamalan (who wrote, directed, produced both films) has recycled so many of the same elements here that he seems to be inviting comparisons. The real problem is the story, which starts out as implausible and gets increasingly more difficult to take seriously as it unfolds. Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and Robin Wright Penn star. PG-13, for mature themes, some disturbing violent content and a sexual reference.5. Thirteen Days (2000). If high stakes make for high drama, the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, that near-fortnight of tension and peril--arguably the closest the world has come to being annihilated--is as dramatic a subject as anyone could want. And director Roger Donaldson and a fine ensemble--topped by Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood and Steven Culp--have handled it adroitly. David Self’s careful, measured script earns respect and attention. Dealing with all the crises and decisions gives the film a surprising amount of tension and watchability for a story whose outcome the audience already knows. PG-13, for brief strong language. * Last week’s Top 5 VHS sellers:1. The Book of Pooh2. DBZ-World Tournament-Blackout (edited). 3. DBZ-World Tournament-Draw (edited). 4. DBZ-World Tournament-Blackout (uncut). 5. DBZ-World Tournament-Draw (uncut).

* Last week’s Top 5 DVD sellers:1. The Family Man2. Double Take3. Thirteen Days4. Unbreakable5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). A film by Ang Lee that transcends categorization and reminds us what we go to the movies for. Starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi. PG-13, for martial arts violence and some sexuality.

What’s Coming

Tuesday: “Chocolat,” “An Everlasting Piece,” “The Mexican,” “Recess: School’s Out,” “3,000 Miles to Graceland,” “Vatel.”

Aug. 14: “Blow Dry,” “Enemy at the Gates,” “15 Minutes,” “Get Over It,” “Josie and the Pussycats,” “Tomcats.”

Aug. 21: “Hannibal,” “Say It Isn’t So,” “South of Heaven, West of Hell.”

Aug. 28: “Company Man,” “Into the Arms of Strangers,” “Joe Dirt,” “See Spot Run.”

Aug. 31: “Exit Wounds,” “The Dish,” “The Invisible Circus.”

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Rental video charts provided by VSDAVidTrac, sales charts by VideoScan Inc.