Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & II • October 12, 2011 ‘50/50’ DVDs (continued from Entertainment page) his mother begins to have an actual conversation with him. The scene points out her need to be included in her son’s life, and viewers see her more as caring and concerned than borderline hysterical. Rated R for strong language and sexual situations, “50/50” alternates between comedy and drama as it takes the audience through Adam’s post-diagnosis life. The movie succeeds largely by virtue of the outstanding performances of the leads. If you are thinking the subject matter is too dark, fear not. Director Jonathan Levine never plunges the film into depressing territory just as he never makes light of Adam’s illness. The humor derives from how Kyle’s friendship with Adam takes an unexpected turn, but their relationship’s solidity is never compromised. Navy Yard getting ready to set sail for the Korean conflict, homosexuals, transvestites, and union big shots. Married shop steward Harry Black (Stephen Lang) is made leader of a strike and uses strike funds for his own pleasure. Harry has unofficial alliances with local thugs, and provides alibis for them to the police after they beat up a soldier. The movie never lacks for drama, as odd, quirky characters continue to emerge. Think “On the Waterfront,” but much seedier and raw. Special features include director’s audio commentary and a making-of featurette. “House of Women” (Warner Archive) is a supposed remake of “Caged,” though it bears little resemblance to the original except for its women-in-prison setting. Erica (Shirley Knight) is an innocent, pregnant, and unjustly locked up for a five-year term for armed robbery. She gives birth, the child is taken from her, and she uses her wiles to win favor with the warden (Andrew Duggan). Eager to continue the tryst, he denies her parole -- a decision that destroys Erica’s reunion with her child and escalates into events that drive the so-called weaker sex to lash out in an impressively staged riot. There are some effective supporting performances by Constance Ford, Barbara Nichols, and Virginia Gregg, but the film pales against the 1950 original, lacking its powerful impact. There are no bonus extras on this unrated DVD release. (continued from Restaurant page) of the home. Bill expends most of his energy at work. At home, they stay in separate rooms, seldom converse, and seem to have little connection. They have a son, Sam (Kyle Gallner), who is a freshman in college. When a tragedy occurs, Kate and Bill must confront it and come to terms with it as they experience grief and confusion, and become derailed as far as what the future will hold. The film is very dark, with only a smattering of comic relief. Both of the leads are believable, though they self-consciously underplay in a situation that calls for more melodramatic reactions. Director Shawn Ku draws upon recent headlines for this story of a marriage in crisis. Blu-ray and DVD extras include deleted scenes and audio commentary. “Last Exit to Brooklyn” (Summit Entertainment) is another film that takes an uncompromising look at life on the dark side. The lurid tale takes place in the summer of 1952 in Brooklyn’s Red Hook and blends street fights, slapstick comedy, and some tender personal moments. It episodically focuses on sadistic street violence, prostitutes, striking workers, military men from the nearby Brooklyn