THE LIST: DVDs, CDs and books hitting stores week of June 30
DVDS
“Two Lovers” (R): Joaquin Phoenix reunites with director James Gray (“We Own the Night,” “The Yards”) for this atmospheric, absorbing tale of a troubled young man who finds himself torn between the nice Jewish girl (Vinessa Shaw) his parents like and an alluring new neighbor (Gwyneth Paltrow) who’s even more screwed up than he is.
On the action front, a New Orleans detective (ex-WWE star John Cena) must complete 12 challenges — inspired by the 12 labors of Hercules — to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend (Ashley Scott) in “12 Rounds” (PG-13). And a 1982 made-in-Vegas flop gets another shot as “Lookin’ to Get Out” (not rated) returns in an all-new director’s cut presented earlier this month at the CineVegas film festival. Jon Voight (who co-wrote the script) stars as a fast-talking gambler; Ann-Margret, Burt Young and Voight’s daughter Angelina Jolie, in her first movie, co-star. (Also watch for Siegfried and Roy, performing at the then-MGM Grand, now Bally’s.)
Also due today: “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li” (PG-13), “The Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience” (G), “The Swiss Family Robinson” (not rated), “The Lucille Ball Specials: Lucy Gets Lucky/Three for Two” (not rated), “The Ultimate Frank Sinatra Collection” (not rated), “Number 10” (not rated), “Tokyo” (not rated), “Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season” (not rated), “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose: The Complete First Season” (not rated), “The IT Crowd: The Complete Second Season” (not rated), “Entourage: The Complete Fifth Season” (not rated), “Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Fifth Season” (not rated), and “Jockeys” (PG).
CDS
Killswitch Engage, “Killswitch Engage”: Hey, metal dudes get a little teary-eyed every now and then just like everyone else — it tends to happen when the keg runs out.
Yes, headbangers can be emotive too, and Killswitch Engage is proof positive of as much.
If there’s such a thing as emo metal, they certainly fit the bill, with heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics leavening the band’s metalcore crunch.
On their latest disc, the band has recruited superproducer Brendan O’Brien, who’s worked with everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Pearl Jam, to further hone their already sharp melodic sensibilities.
So go ahead, longhairs, get in touch with your feelings — even if it is with an iron fist.
Also in stores: Cledus T. Judd, “Polyrically Uncorrect”; Moby, “Wait For Me”; Brad Paisley, “American Saturday Night”; Rob Thomas, “Cradlesong”; Tanya Tucker, “My Turn”; Various Artists, “American Idol: Season 8”; Various Artists, “NOW That’s What I Call Music! 31”; Wilco, “Wilco”; and Wu-Tang Clan, “Chamber Music.”
BOOKS
“The Apostle” by Brad Thor: This political thriller centers around counterterrorism operative Scot Harvath, who must infiltrate one of Afghanistan’s most notorious prisons in an effort to rescue a kidnapped American doctor.
Also expected out this week is “Swimsuit” by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, in which L.A. Times writer Ben Hawkings finds himself in a dangerous predicament while researching the disappearance of a beautiful supermodel.
Also hitting shelves: “Killer Summer" by Ridley Pearson; “The Mist” by Carla Neggers; “A Plague of Secrets” by John Lescroart; “Return to Sullivan’s Island” by Dorothea Benton Frank; “Vanilla Ride” by Joe R. Lansdale; and “Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America, 1858-1919” by Douglas Brinkley.
