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Appaloosa

This week's new releases, by Jay Bobbin of Zap2it, are rated on a scale of one to four, with H equivalent to a poor rating and **** meaning excellent.

SWING VOTE

***

One man ends up with the title vote in a presidential election in this comedy, casting Kevin Costner as an everyman lobbied by both the incumbent and the challenger (Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper) -- and their associates -- when his is the single decision that will determine who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. for the next four years. Madeline Carroll is delightful as Costner's daughter; the impressive cast also includes Willie Nelson, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, Mare Winningham, George Lopez and several highly recognizable political pundits.

MY BEST FRIEND'S GIRL

**

Hoping to prompt a co-worker (Kate Hudson) to see him in a more romantic light, a fellow (Jason Biggs) hires a reputed closer (Dane Cook) on such deals in director Howard Deutch's ("Some Kind of Wonderful") mildly amusing romantic comedy. The stand-in is supposed to repel the woman so much that she'll race into the arms of the guy who wants her - but instead, she responds favourably, creating a big dilemma for both guys. Alec Baldwin has some funny moments as Cook's father. DVD extras: four "making-of" documentaries; audio commentary by Biggs, Deutch, producer Greg Lessans and writer Jordan Cahan; deleted and extended scenes; outtakes.

THE FAMILY THAT PREYS

***

Tyler Perry's name on a movie has become a legitimate brand, and in this comedy-drama, the multiple-threat talent gives Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates showcase roles as longtime Atlanta friends. The latter's son (Cole Hauser) has an involvement with the former's daughter (Sanaa Lathan) that appears to spell nothing but trouble for all concerned; producer, director and co-writer Perry also co-stars, along with Rockmond Dunbar, Taraji P. Henson and KaDee Strickland ("Private Practice"). DVD extras: four "making-of" documentaries; deleted scenes.

APPALOOSA

***

Ed Harris earned praise for following his "Pollock" directorial debut by calling the shots on this reasonably traditional Western, sort of a "Magnificent Seven" minus five. The adaptation of a Robert B. Parker novel casts Harris and Viggo Mortensen as the possible saviors of a New Mexico town, with Jeremy Irons as a corrupt businessman who holds the place and its population in his grip. Renee Zellweger also stars; Harris co-produced the film and co-wrote the script as well. DVD extras: four "making-of" documentaries; audio commentary by Harris and co-producer and co-writer Robert Knott; deleted scenes.

BRIDESHEAD REVISITED

***

Also the source of a classic miniseries, Evelyn Waugh's novel of class differences and relationship complications in 1920s England revolves around an outsider (Matthew Goode) drawn to a family of aristocrats. He becomes especially close to the son (Ben Whishaw), whose sister (Hayley Atwell) unwittingly poses major emotional hurdles; Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon and Greta Scacchi also are in director Julian Jarrold's ("Becoming Jane") cast. DVD extras: "making-of" documentary; audio commentary by Jarrold; deleted scenes.

MIRRORS

**

In the same week he starts his new season on television's "24," Kiefer Sutherland isn't as heroic in this melodrama, playing a security guard who discovers supernatural forces at work in the store he's meant to protect. The training he had earlier as a policeman didn't extend to fighting specters, though, so he's at a loss when they target his ex-wife (Paula Patton) and children. Amy Smart also appears for director Alexandre Aja ("High Tension") in the tale. DVD extras: two "making-of" documentaries; deleted and alternate scenes.

Coming soon:

THE EXPRESS

Jan. 20

The true and tragic story of Syracuse University running back Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), who in 1961 became the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner. Dennis Quaid and Charles S. Dutton co-star.

MAX PAYNE

Jan. 20

A DEA agent (Mark Wahlberg) faces enemies both human and supernatural in seeking revenge for the murders of his wife, child and partner.

SAW V

Jan. 20

The sinister Jigsaw is dead, but his legacy of terror lives on through a police detective (Costas Mandylor) who's being pursued by an FBI agent (Scott Patterson).

n Little Screen appears in Life & Times each Friday.

LAKEVIEW TERRACE

Jan. 27

Samuel L. Jackson plays a police officer who launches an unrelenting campaign of intimidation against his new neighbours (Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington).

PRIDE AND GLORY

Jan. 27

A New York police family is torn over an investigation of departmental corruption; Colin Farrell, Edward Norton and Jon Voight star.

THE ROCKER

Jan. 27

A former rock-band drummer (Rainn Wilson, "The Office") gains new success by filling in with his nephew's band.

Oldies but goodies -- If your local video store is fresh out of the newest titles, give these attractions a try:

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S

1961

****

Audrey Hepburn's iconic portrayal of Holly Golightly sparks the Blake Edwards-directed classic that yielded the song "Moon River"; along with Hepburn's "Funny Face," it's newly available in a "Centennial Collection" edition.

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

1981

**

As a new 3-D version hits screens, the original thriller - about a lethal coal miner who targets his town's teenagers - gets "Special Edition" treatment; Lori Hallier plays one of the potential victims.

SUPERCOP

1992

***

One of the Hong Kong-made adventures that helped make Jackie Chan an international star, a new two-disc edition of the action-comedy casts him as a policeman reluctantly partnered with a female agent on a drug case.