Angels & Demons
The first was met with much critical disdain, but fought back to earn over $750 million at the worldwide box office. Angels & Demons still managed to make money, but less than $500 million (needing worldwide take to even make up for the budget) as Tom Hanks tries to hunt down a symbol-loving murderer. Eric D. Snider called it: "is as overly serious as its predecessor, and poor Mr. Hanks -- the world's most likable man, for crying out loud! -- is still dour and intense." Skip it. Also on Blu-ray.

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Four Christmases
Just as the title implies, Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are forced to stop avoiding their crazy families and must hit four households over the holidays. In his review, William Goss wrote: "The rest makes for an occasionally amusing, mostly shrill series of encounters with an ensemble that only encourages misanthropic ideals, and maybe if Four Christmases had decided to extend itself beyond white trash targets and projectile vomiting, we could've found ourselves talking about a new Christmas classic right now." Rent it if you want some uncomfortable holiday humor. Also on Blu-ray.

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Funny People
If ever there was a reason why Adam Sandler has been sticking to the ridiculous fluff, this is it -- a dramedy with a lot of heart that couldn't even make back its budget after worldwide release. In his review, Todd Gilchrist said: "Funny People is one of the summer's, if not the year's best films, because it's a comedy that inverts the medium's typical use – effectively revealing feelings rather than concealing them – and invites the audience to share in that discovery." Buy it and give the film some love. Also on Blu-ray.

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Hit the jump for a peek at Shorts and other new releases...

Shorts
Robert Rodriguez's latest piece of bubbly kids' fare sees a boy find a rainbow-colored rock that grants wishes. In his review, Peter Martin feared that the Double R's "well has run dry," stating: "Funny, inventive, and very, very clever in micro-bursts of six to eight seconds, Shorts becomes tiresome over the length of its 89-minute running time." Skip it unless the kids are itching for it. Also on Blu-ray.

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Also out: Imagine That, Santa Buddies, Janky Promoters, Taking Chances, Breaking Nikki



The Maiden Heist
Although its cast boasted the likes of Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, and William H. Macy, this indie was mainly ignored during its limited release. The film follows three old security guards at a museum who aim to steal their favorite exhibits before a new collection is put in place -- although they have no experience in thievery. Rent it for the cast.

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Also out: Toi & Moi, The Rebirth, David & Layla, Philosophy of a Knife, Three Monkeys, The New Year Parade, The Indian



Ghost in the Shell 2.0
Not to be confused with Ghost in the Shell 2, this release takes the classic anime Ghost in the Shell and gives it some animated updates. This disc offers the update as well as the original, un-sauceified version of the film, and while it seems to have some problems between promises listed on the case and what's inside, High Def Digest says the audio is "stellar" and the release is recommended.

Cujo (25th Anniversary Edition)
It's been over 25 years since Stephen King's dangerous dog made it to the big screen. This Blu-ray takes the previously released anniversary disc and gives it the HD treatment. While its age keeps it from being a slick flick on your high def system, DVD Verdict says that the sound and picture are "surprisingly good."

Also out: The Monster Squad 20th Anniversary Edition, Angel Heart, Santa Buddies, Blood: The Last Vampire, Frailty, The Way of the Gun, Air America, My Bloody Valentine (Special Edition), My Brilliant Career



The Golden Age of Television - Criterion
A special edition 3-disc set, this Criterion heads back to the 1950s teleplays, which mixed TV and theater. This collection includes a list of programs that feature the likes of Paul Newman and Piper Laurie, while also boasting the creative eyes of men like Rod Serling and John Frankenheimer.

Angels & Demons & Bookends
A pair of bookends to beat thyself in the head with if the wooden-face Hanks becomes too much to bear.

Also out: Rock and Rule, The Belles of St. Trinian's, The Pure Hell of St. Trinian's, Mad Dog Morgan, A Secret Affair, The Art of Love, Silent Scream, Philosophy of a Knife Limited Edition