The only recommendable film new on DVD this week is the Paul Giamatti vehicle Barney’s Version. About the life of a gruffly lovable guy, the plot seems to have been custom-developed for Giamatti, but was adapted from the 1997 book by Canadian novelist Mordecai Richler. Though some Criticker users thought it became overly sentimental, most praise the story and particularly Giamatti’s performance. Also: Sucker Punch isn’t good, but received better rankings than I had expected!

Sucker Punch – Average Tier 4.17
A young girl is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility. (imdb) Sucker Punch @ Amazon

Season of the Witch – Average Tier 2.44
In 14th-century Europe, a courageous knight (Nicolas Cage) leads a group of weary warriors across impossibly treacherous terrain in order to transport a suspected witch (Claire Foy) believed to be responsible for spreading the devastating Black Season of the Witch @ Amazon

Barney’s Version – Average Tier 6.02
The picaresque and touching story of the politically incorrect, fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panofsky. Barney’s Version @ Amazon

The Warrior’s Way – Average Tier 4.19
The Warrior’s Way, a visually-stunning modern martial arts western starring Korean actor Dong-gun Jang who plays an Asian warrior assassin forced to hide in a small town in the American Badlands. (apple.com) The Warrior’s Way @ Amazon

Beastly – Average Tier 2.77
After arrogant teenager Kyle Kingson (Alex Pettyfer) humiliates a Goth classmate (Mary-Kate Olsen), she puts a curse on him that transforms him from a hunk into a hideous creature. To break the hex, Kyle must find someone who loves him for what he’s become. Living with a housekeeper after his heartless father (Peter Krause) throws him out, he connects with an addict’s daughter (Vanessa Hudgens) in this contemporary take on Beauty and the Beast. Beastly @ Amazon