Lars and the Real Girl
Movie: 3 STARS Extras: 2 STARS
(MGM, $27.98)
IT’S A TESTAMENT to the talent of Ryan Gosling that he can take an absolutely absurd premise – an awkward office drone orders a custom-made sex doll and presents it to his family and co-workers as his fiancée – and turn it into a heartfelt meditation on the nature of love. No wonder he got a Golden Globe nod, and writer Nancy Oliver picked up an Oscar nomination. The extras show just how attached the cast and crew got to the object of his affection, “Bianca,” who turned out to need just as much attention, primping and coddling as any other attractive piece of cinema eye candy.
I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With
Movie: 1 ½ STARS Extras: 3 ½ STARS
(Genius, $19.95)
WE KNOW why producers gave Jeff Garlin money to make a romantic comedy because he’s absolutely charming as Larry David’s manager on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Plus, he got Sarah Silverman to be his co-star. What’s not to like? Unfortunately, his directorial debut has little of his quirky appeal. But his commentary track is great, full of off-the-cuff loopiness, including a segment in which he takes a call and lets the movie keep on running. I’m not sure anybody wants to buy or rent a film for the extras alone, but if you’re a Garlin fan, this might just be worth it.