Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • May 22, 2013 ‘The Great Gatsby’ (continued from Entertainment page) jealousy, hatred, and contempt. Tom is the only character who recognizes Gatsby for what he is and becomes incensed that others cannot see though him. The 3D enhances the party sequence and especially Gatsby’s first appearance, accompanied, literally, by fireworks as Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” hits a crescendo. Even without 3D, “Gatsby” is a very good production. Much has been made of Luhrmann’s decision to include hip-hop on the soundtrack, but this anachronistic device is less intrusive than one might think. Many scenes are wonderfully flashy, such as Gatsby’s huge yellow Duesenberg racing through New York City’s streets. These touches are not mere window dressing. They underscore the devil-may-care era when speed limits and stop signs were few and far between, and the rich could get away with reckless behavior strictly because of the intimidation their position and wealth inspired in others. Writers Luhrman and Craig Pearce have lifted dialogue and descriptive passages directly from Fitzgerald, and the film stays largely true to the novel. Rated PG-13, “The Great Gatsby” is boldly rendered, thoughtfully cast, briskly paced, and has never looked better on screen. and threatens to detonate them unless his sole unconditional demand is met: the simultaneous release of four of the most deadly international terrorists from government prisons. A manhunt for the terrorist begins before he can detonate the bombs. Kingsley turns in a chilling performance. “Land of the Pharaohs” (Warner Archive) is director Howard Hawks’ 1955 epic, which was filmed on location in Egypt. As spectacle, the movie delivers, with thousands of extras adding immensely to the production values. At 104 minutes, it is one of the shorter swordand-sandal epics of the Eisenhower era. Jack Hawkins plays the tyrannical pharaoh who orders a pyramid to be constructed as his tomb, relegating untold numbers of slaves to backbreaking toil. Subplots concern the architect (James Robertson Justice) designing the tomb to earn his people’s freedom and the queen (Joan Collins) whose greed leads to murder (and histrionic overacting). Extras include commentary by filmmaker/historian Peter Bogdanovich and interview excerpts with Hawks. DVD releases (continued from Restaurant page) plans of an average American family go terribly, hilariously wrong. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is eager to take his family on a cross-country trip, but obstacles keep popping up, including assorted misadventures, a crude relative (Randy Quaid), an encounter with a beautiful woman (Christie Brinkley), financial troubles, grumpy Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca), and a zealous security guard (John Candy). Director Harold Ramis milks laughs aplenty from the simple plot. Chase is excellent. Blu-ray extras include the A&E special “Inside Story: National Lampoon’s Vacation” and commentary by Chase, Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, and director Harold Ramis. “A Common Man” (Anchor Bay) stars Ben Kingsley as a seemingly average citizen who plants five powerful bombs in different locations around Colombo, Sri Lanka