New movies to be released tomorrow on DVD

(Reviews are now on a 5-star maximum system)
Coraline (2009) ***½ Essentially a horror movie for kids, but it is also gentle and funny and whimsical, and even in its darkest moments, Selick never forgets who his target audience is. Still, some young children might have a nightmare or two after seeing it.

Echelon Conspiracy (2009) *½ All this film can offer is some wobbly action and views of Red Square.

The Great Buck Howard (2009) ****½ This film is in love with kitsch, the backwaters of showbiz, and true magic. It's a wee charmer that left me enchanted.

Sherman’s Way (2009) ***½ Director Craig Saavedra generates surprising warmth from the familiar tropes of the odd-couple road movie. Shooting mostly in the verdant sweep of California's wine country — and with a superb supporting cast — he allows James LeGros room to engage.

Super Capers (2009) Unseen by me.

Watchmen (2009) ***** The casting clicks; the visuals have leaped right out of Dave Gibbons' original panels; the action is brutal, stylish and well-staged, and — with most of the major characters, themes and symbolism are retained in an abbreviated form — the 2½-hour film makes an enjoyably esoteric Cliff's Notes version of the book.