Stewart taking 'Daily Show' break to direct film

Rock those rainy days in style

First Posted: 3/26/2013 /
Two Oscar nominees for this year&#8217;s Best Picture hit stores this week.
&#8220;LES MISERABLES,&#8221; GRADE B-PLUS: This big-screen version of the musical based on Victor Hugo&#8217;s book stars Hugh Jackman.
To transform the much-beloved musical from stage to screen, director Tom Hooper had to find a way to maintain &#8212; and amplify &#8212; the emotional power of the original words and music with the trappings of a big-screen production. His efforts have created a beautiful and moving version of the stage production that&#8217;s loyal enough to its origins to appease Broadway musical fans yet is theatrical enough to stand as a feature film release.
Jackman&#8217;s expressive face and competent singing voice bring a depth to the role that serves as a centerpiece for telling this dramatic tale.
Anne Hathaway is tres magnifique. Hooper was smart enough to know that while the actress might not have the singing skills of those who have played the role on stage, Hathaway&#8217;s acting abilities more than make up for any musical deficiencies. Hooper leaves the camera on her face as she sings the show-stopping &#8220;I Dreamed a Dream&#8221; with such haunting refrain that it makes you think that this must be what it&#8217;s like when angels cry.
&#8220;LINCOLN,&#8221; GRADE B-MINUS: Steven Spielberg directs Daniel Day-Lewis in this drama about the 16th president&#8217;s battle to pass the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery.
It&#8217;s a little-told story in the Abraham Lincoln oeuvre despite how much this effort defined his legacy. The task of portraying the ordinary man with a strong moral core goes to British actor Daniel Day-Lewis, whose makeup makes him look like he posed for the $5 bill. Day-Lewis plays Lincoln as a man of vision, often given to making his points through rambling stories.
&#8220;PARENTAL GUIDANCE,&#8221; GRADE B: Billy Crystal plays Artie Decker, the veteran voice of the Fresno Grizzlies.
After a life-changing moment, Decker and his wife, Diane (Bette Midler), head to Atlanta to babysit their three grandchildren &#8212; Harper (Bailee Madison), Turner (Joshua Rush) and Barker (Kyle Harrison Breitkopf) &#8212; while their parents (Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott) are away at an awards ceremony for a week.
Crystal and Midler have such a nice chemistry that it&#8217;s easy to believe their characters have been together for decades. Both have good solo moments, but they really are at their best when they are on screen together. This is the first time they&#8217;ve worked together, but it should definitely not be the last.
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ALSO NEW ON DVD:
&#8220;HOUSE ARREST&#8221;: A woman (Stacey Dash) must adjust to a new life after being arrested.
&#8220;BANGKOK REVENGE&#8221;: Man without emotions trains to be a killing machine.
&#8220;THIS IS 40&#8221;: A couple take a look at their marriage. Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann star.
&#8220;PARTY OF FIVE: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON&#8221;: Matthew Fox headlines the family TV drama.

<strong>NEW ON DVD</strong>