Video Reviews: 'The Notebook,' 'Shark Tale'

'The Notebook' (PG): Although elements of the plot aren't exactly original, there's no reason to write off "The Notebook," a heartbreaking adaptation of Nicolas Sparks' best-selling romance novel of the same name -- there are just too many great things going for it.

Ryan Gosling stars as Noah, a cash-strapped mill worker who falls in love with the Allie (Rachel McAdams), a wealthy teenage debutante during the summer of 1940 in Seabrook, N.C. But while the new couple swoons over each other, Allie's high-society parents (Joan Allen and David Thornton) aren't exactly falling all over themselves about their daughter's new suitor.

Thanks to the class difference and the breakout of World War II, Allie and Noah reluctantly split apart.

When they meet again seven years later, Allie is about to marry Lon (James Marsden) a handsome, charismatic, wealthy and decent businessman she met while treating him as a wounded soldier. But whether time has healed Noah's and Allie's broken hearts is yet to be seen.

What makes "The Notebook" most unique is how you come to learn about Allie and Noah. That unfolds courtesy of a man (James Garner) who visits a woman (Gena Rowlands) in a nursing home, reading the story of the romance from Allie's faded old notebook in order to energize her mind, which is rapidly deteriorating from Alzheimer's disease.

Under Nick Cassavetes' masterful direction (the cinematography in the film is stunningly beautiful), "The Notebook" boasts stellar performances from its diverse ensemble cast. Particularly moving are Garner and Rowlands, whose interaction is pivotal to the film's success. Look for their heartbreaking performances to open up a floodgate of tears.

DVD Features: Commentary tracks by director Nick Cassavetes and Sparks; McAdams screen test; 12 deleted scenes including optional director's commentary; production featurettes and more. (New Line Home Entertainment)

'Shark Tale' (PG): Will Smith and Robert De Niro head up a funny and talented voice cast in this computer-animated send-up of "Car Wash" and several gangster movies, including "The Godfather," "The Untouchables" and "Goodfellas."

Smith gamely voices Oscar, a small fish in a big pond that suddenly develops a reputation as a baddie when he supposedly kills off a member of the shark underworld.

The film has its fine share of laughs, but the script isn't nearly as polished as last year's computed-animated fish tale hit, "Finding Nemo."

The mob movie references are sure to get adults giggling, but the in-jokes may be a bit too far over youngster's heads. But, thanks to nonstop action and beautifully vibrant underwater animation, they'll be enthralled anyway.

Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Martin Scorsese and Renee Zellweger round out the voice cast. (DreamWorks Home Entertainment)

DVD Features: Cast and crew commentary, Club Oscar section including more music; an interactive tour through the "Shark Tale" world; more than 20 games and activities for kids; technical bloopers and more. (DreamWorks Home Entertainment)