DVD Reviews: 'Knocked Up,' 'Next'

'Knocked Up' (Unrated): "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" filmmaker Judd Apatow scores again big with "Knocked Up," an uproarious comedy that easily ranks among the funniest films of the year.

"Virgin" co-star Seth Rogen stars as Ben, an oafish but likable slacker who stumbles into a one-night stand with Alison ("Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl), a newly anointed E! television host celebrating a promotion.

Realizing they've made a mistake, the two part ways, only to be united again eight weeks later when Alison tells Ben that she's pregnant. Determined to going through the pregnancy together, Ben and Alison grow on each other yet suffer the growing pains of a relationship and the stress of hormonal imbalances and the other physical challenges of having a baby.

Complicating matters is Alison's controlling, uptight sister Debbie (Apatow's real-life wife Leslie Mann) and her repressed husband, Pete (Rogen's "Virgin" best buddy Paul Rudd), the parents of young kids who are having relationship troubles of their own, leaving all four wondering at different times whether their relationships are mistakes. Ben's also struggling to let go of his stoner lifestyle and his nerdish group of friends (including a hilarious turn by "Superbad" star Jonah Hill).

"Knocked Up" is much like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" in that it's loaded with profanities and gross-out humor -- the boundaries of which are expanded by the "Unrated and Unprotected" DVD version. But also like "Virgin," "Knocked Up," written and directed by Apatow, is backed up by a very smart and funny script -- which keeps it from becoming a one-joke movie. It even gets serious at times, justifying a tissue or two when the story gets emotional.

Of course, what knocks the movie home are hilarious and heartwarming performances by the everyman-appealing Rogen and glowing Heigl, who make the unlikely relationship totally believable. They have great chemistry in the film, which leaves you rooting for the relationship to work until the very end. Mann, who also a memorable cameo in "Virgin," gets more screen time in "Knocked Up" and delivers deviously funny performance; while Rudd once again has great comedy rapport with Rogen. Whether the four are working in pairs or all together, they're a joy to watch.

"American Idol" Ryan Seacrest even gets into the act, with a foul-mouthed on-set tantrum to kick off the movie. He takes a few jabs at a certain singing star-turned-actress that can't be missed.

DVD Features: Deleted and extended scenes, gag reel, feature commentary by Rogen, Apatow and co-star Bill Hader, and more. Also available is a double disc edition with more extras. (Universal Home Entertainment).

'Next' (PG-13): Forget about the shortcomings with the leaps of logic: "Next" is a DVD that you must consider for your future.

Cage stars as Cris, a man who has an uncanny ability to see two minutes into the future. He uses his abilities to succeed in Las Vegas as magician, but just enough so not as to draw attention to himself - or so he thinks. There's Callie (Julianne Moore), a no-nonsense FBI agent who's on Cris' trail, and she desperately needs his help to thwart a nuclear attack.

But with a two-minute lead on Callie and no desire to get involved in the government's meddlings, Cris remains untouchable until he encounters Liz (Jessica Biel), a woman about whom he's had strong visions but doesn't know why. Getting caught up in the plot, Liz may be the only link Callie has to solicit Cris' help.

Briskly directed by "Die Another Day" filmmaker Lee Tamahori, there's no shortage of action in "Next," which has the benefit of strong source material in a novel ("The Golden Man") by Phillip K. Dick. The time-traveling premise is fascinating but becomes contrived at times, but the film never manages to be confusing. It's often funny, in fact, thanks to another standout performance by the "King of Quirk" Cage, whose performance is unique enough once again to separate it from other action thrillers. It's a fun ride.

DVD Features: Making-of featurettes, more. (Paramount Home Entertainment).