New movies to be released tomorrow on DVD

Passengers (2008) *½ A clunky, dead-on-arrival scary drama that proves that even people with good taste need a good script or direction.

Taken (2009) ** Liam Neeson’s tormented weariness lends an air of dignity to the film’s pulpy, grubby nastiness, but as striking as he is in action-hero mode, the truth is that this film doesn’t need dignity.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) ** The first film was significantly better and, therefore, is the place to start for anyone with a modicum of interest. This one is an also-ran that is likely to be appreciated only by completists. Mincing around like a bored old glam rocker and hissing threats from behind electric neon eyes, Bill Nighy seems to be the only person on set who found a glint of amusement in his part. He fares better than poor Michael Sheen, a scraggly Wolverine who made a more credible vampire-slayer opposite Frank Langella’s Nixon.