Haywire
2012, Lionsgate, R, $30; Blu-ray+digital copy, $40
Former women's mixed martial arts star Gina Carano appears as a highly skilled covert operative for a private security firm who is double-crossed by some of her own people, who want her to take the fall for a Chinese journalist's murder. She begins fighting her way back through those linked to the conspiracy as she unravels the plot.
USA TODAY's Claudia Puig says: *** out of four. "Briskly paced action sequences are riveting, and Carano's charisma, physicality and daring keep the adrenaline high and the clashes captivating."
New Year's Eve
2011, Warner Bros., PG-13, $29; DVD+digital copy+Blu-ray, $36
The intertwining stories of characters played by Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Ludacris, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ashton Kutcher and Sarah Jessica Parker. They are searching for love, hope or thrills on the most exciting night of the year. Puig: *
Joyful Noise
2012, Warner Bros., PG-13, $29; DVD+digital copy+Blu-ray, $36
A downtrodden town could use a morale boost, and having the church choir win the National Joyful Noise Competition could do the trick. They don't stand a chance, though, if the director (Queen Latifah) and soloist (Dolly Parton) can't get on the same page. Puig: **
W.E.
2012, The Weinstein Co., R, $30; DVD+digital copy+Blu-ray, $40
In 1998, a lonely woman (Abbie Cornish) is obsessed with the romance of British King Edward VIII (James D'Arcy) and Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough). But she learns from reading the couple's letters that their love may not have been all bliss. Puig: **
