‘Hang’ with the boys, get ‘Lost’ in the past

Instead of blockbusters, this first weekend of June is chock full of the funny. “The Hangover” looks hilarious, and definitely is for anybody who enjoyed director Todd Phillips’ other works, “Old School” and “Road Trip.” A groom-to-be (Justin Bartha) and his three best friends (Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper) have a bachelor party weekend in Las Vegas before the big day, things go horribly wrong in one crazy night and they have to remember what the heck happened to the groom, why there’s a tiger and a baby in their hotel room, and how Mike Tyson is so good at air drumming to Phil Collins songs. Another comedy, “Land of the Lost” is out but there’s a lot of mixed feelings about the remake of the old 1970s kids’ show with Will Ferrell and Danny McBride. Then again, Danny McBride steals every movie he’s in, so it can’t be that bad.

Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax is rolling out a pair of indies, the first being “Easy Virtue.” The British comedy stars Colin Firth, Jessica Biel and Kristin Scott Thomas in 1920s period piece about a son showing up to a family affair with his impetuous American bride. It’s far better than the other new option, “My Life in Ruins,” an iffy romantic romp that takes “My Big Fat Greek Wedding’s” Nia Vardalos (where has she been for the better part of a decade?) to Greece for love and lameness. And what’s Richard Dreyfus doing in this dreck? You were in “Jaws,” man! Instead, ponder skipping both those and checking out the eccentric con flick “The Brothers Bloom.” Director Rian Johnson’s last film, the insanely good high school noir Brick, was one of the most criminally underseen movies of the past 10 years.

Ever wondered what Dirty Harry would be like if he was a grumpy old man and living near gang members, then “Gran Torino” starring and directed by Clint Eastwood might be your style — if you’re feeling lucky, punk. Also on DVD Tuesday, Clive Owen and Naomi Watts team to take down a nefarious global bank in “The International”; the thriller “Crossing Over” stars Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd; the dudes-turned-cheerleaders flick “Fired Up” isn’t nearly as stupid as you’d think; the second (and possibly final) season of “Reaper” was a disappointment after the first year; and “Macho Madness — The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection” is a three-disc anthology featuring one of pro wrestling’s most flamboyant and entertaining performers (who also happens to be one heck of a Slim Jim pitch man).

What’s your favorite Vegas movie: “Ocean’s Eleven”? “Leaving Las Vegas”? “Swingers”? Let me know in the comments, and enjoy the video of the week:

Tags: dvd, movies, video