New On DVD: 'RockNRolla,' More

'RocknRolla' (R): It's astounding how director Guy Ritchie's crime caper "RocknRolla" didn't rock or roll over audiences during its theatrical run in the fall. Expertly crafted by Ritchie -- who made his name with "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch" before his ill-fated marriage to Madonna -- "RocknRolla" is smart, loaded with great performances and above all, enormously entertaining.

"RockNRolla" isn't the first crime comedy that's escaped a mass audience. The 2005 gem "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is another -- but thanks to a big second chance on DVD -- Ritchie's movie (and throw "Kiss Kiss" in for a great double feature) is one that moviegoers can't afford to miss.

A complex yet not confusing story set in the London crime underworld, "RocknRolla" follows an elaborate plot that involves a multimillion Euro scam involving everybody from One Two (Gerard Butler), a small-time crook from a crew called "The Wild Bunch," a scheming account, Stella (Thandie Newton) and big-time crime boss Lenny (Tom Wilkinson), to Russian mob boss Uri (Karel Roden), and Mickey (Chris Bridges) and Roman (Jeremy Piven) -- the managers of strung-out rock star Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell). At the center of the action is a priceless painting and elusive informant, the identities of which Ritchie keeps tantalizingly hid throughout the duration of the film.

While the film is rated R, the film is surprisingly not wall-to-wall with bloodshed. There are brutal moments to be sure, but the violence fits within the context of the story.

Besides, Ritchie doesn't need any gratuitous with any violence to create distractions. He's got all the right elements in place to make the film click. Like "Kiss Kiss," "RocknRolla" realizes its brilliance through phenomenal performances and snappy, often funny dialogue -- which in this case Ritchie balances with deft precision throughout the film.

While Butler -- who was ferocious as King Leonidas in "300" – is technically the lead in "RocknRolla," Ritchie gives each of his players plenty of opportunity to shine.

As demonstrated in "300" and the romantic comedy "P.S. I Love You," Butler is well capable of the balancing heavy and light, and he gives a commanding performance here, while Newton is sleek and sexy as One Two's inside contact. Wilkinson is harrowing but hilarious as he delivers his Cockney-flavored dialogue with frightening whimsy, and Mark Strong steps up big in a pivotal role of Archy, Lenny's forceful right hand.

With any luck, the majority of the stars will be back in what appears to be promise of a sequel at the end of the movie. If Ritchie gets another shot, "The Real RocknRolla" like its predecessor, is sure to rock.

DVD Features: Audio commentary by Ritchie and Strong, a production featurette, a deleted scene, a digital copy of the film and more. (Warner Home Video)

'City of Ember' (PG): "Atonement" Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, Harry Treadaway Bill Murray and Tim Robbins star in this family adventure about a pair of teens (Ronan and Treadaway) racing against time to save an underground city illuminated by lights as its power source begins to fade.

Murray is deliciously villainous in the role and Robbins turns in another subtle performance, but its Ronan and Treadway who shine as the leads. The biggest star of the film, however may be the film's awe-inspiring production design, as the City of Ember is brilliantly brought to life. All told, "City of Ember" is an exciting, fast-paced and family-friendly film that's well-worth the visit. (Fox Home Entertainment)

Also New:
'Lakeview Terrace' (PG-13): Samuel Jackson stars as a tightly-wound LAPD officer who takes offense to an interracial marriage of a couple (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) who move into their dream home next door. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment).

'Pride And Glory' (R): Edward Norton, Colin Farrell and Jon Voight star in this crime drama about the legacy of a multigenerational police family being threatened by the exposure of corruption within. (Warner Home Video)

'Max Payne' (R and Unrated): The big-screen adaption of hit video game stars Mark Wahlberg in the title role -- a DEA agent seeking revenge after suffering a tragic loss at the hands in the New York City criminal underworld. Mila Kunis, Chris Bridges, Beau Bridges and Chris O'Donnell co-star. (Fox Home Entertainment)

'The Powerpuff Girls' Complete Series (NR): The hit Cartoon Network series celebrates its 10th anniversary in a big way with a six disc release containing all 78 episodes (30 hours total) of the show. Also included is the release is the "Powerpuff Girls" holiday special and a custom panoramic poster designed by creator Craig McCracken. DVD extras include several special features, interviews and more (Turner Home Entertainment)

'The American Future' (NR): Historian Simon Schama examines American history to explain present-day political motivations and crises facing the U.S. The documentary features an introduction by Schama filmed on Nov. 5, 2008, the day after the U.S. presidential election. (BBC Home Entertainment)