DVD reviews: Contraband and more

The Big C

Who's in it? Laura Linney, Oliver Platt, Gabourey Sidibe
Rating 4/5
The plot While the plot sounds depressing - teacher, mother and wife Cathy (Linney) gets diagnosed with cancer - this series is surprisingly lovely because the characters, and the  believable and the wit so strong. Some of the most heartwarming moments are the sideline ones, such as when Cathy tries to help a shy, overweight student (Sidibe) gain confidence.
Dh115, aido.com

J Edgar

Who's in it? Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Judi Dench, Armie Hammer
Rating 3/5
The plot While it has a cast that would make any director weak at the knees, this biopic of J Edgar Hoover (DiCaprio) - who was the face of law enforcement in America for 50 years, and one of the most controversial figures in the country's history - falls flat. It is worth watching just to see DiCaprio's brilliant turn as the man in the many stages of his life (he plays an old codger very well), but you'll turn off the DVD unsure of what to think of the icon it portrays - mostly because the scriptwriter himself seems uncertain.
Dh65, aido.com

Contraband

Who's in it? Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster
Rating 4/5
The plot This is a taut thriller about an ex-bad boy, Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) who, after abandoning his life of crime, is forced to re-enter the world he left behind after his brother-in-law botches a drug deal. To make some payback money fast, he assembles a crack team to smuggle illegal goods into Panama. The usual Wahlberg antics will keep you entertained.
Dh65, aido.com