‘La Llorona,’ ‘Plus One’ top new offerings

Endless weddings and an evil spirit are the focus of two of this week’s new DVD releases.

“The Curse of La Llorona”: In 1973, Los Angeles social worker Anna Tate-Garcia (Linda Cardellini) finds herself dealing with a mother (Patricia Velasquez) who has turned her home into a fortress and locked her sons in a closet. The social worker sees it as abuse, but the real reason is to keep La Llorona from taking her children.

Director Michael Chaves shows his lack of original thinking with every shot. Young horror film directors tend to fall into a monotonous pattern when trying to set up scares. The tendency is to have someone stand with their back to a dark space. The first time the camera turns toward the actor, there is nothing. The second time, also nothing. It is on that third time that the sound gets cranked up and the creature leaps out of the darkness.

This predictability is like a stake in the head of a zombie. It is a killer.

What keeps the movie from falling apart is the casting of Linda Cardellini and Raymond Cruz. They are dealing with an uninspired script and a director who needed a few more projects under his belt, but they both manage to turn in believable performances.

“Plus One”: It’s been a long time since two actors have brought so much energy and life to the romantic comedy genre as delivered by Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine in “Plus One.” They play two close friends, Ben and Alice, who spend every weekend attending the nuptials for a friend or family member. The endless stream of invites pushes the pair to an act of emotional desperation where they finally agree to be each other’s plus-one to help get through wedding day blues.

The film from writers/directors Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer could have used a little more satire and wit in terms of the weddings. Most of the situations Ben and Alice find themselves fall along normal lines. That’s not a major problem, as the weddings don’t end up being a distraction from the film’s heart and soul. It still would have been nice if at least one or two of the ceremonies went to some extremes.

The wedding of strong actors with a solid script is what makes “Plus One” worthy of seeing it.

Also new on DVD Aug. 6

“Poms”: Group of women form a cheerleading squad at a retirement community.

“How Long Will I Love You”: Man and a woman living in the same apartment nearly 20 years apart find their timelines have merged.

“Tolkien”: Nicholas Hoult stars in this look at the early life of writer J.R.R. Tolkien.

“The Iron Orchard”: Man looks to overcome his past by becoming an independent oil tycoon.

“Woodstock: Three Days that Defined a Generation”: This “American Experience” documentary looks at the musical festival on its 50th anniversary.

“Deep Murder”: Filming of a porn movie goes terribly wrong. Jerry O’Connell stars.

“Pokemon: Detective Pikachu”: Ryan Reynolds gives voice to Detective Pikachu in this film based on the trading card game.

“CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015”: The 10-disc set includes appearances by Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson and many more.

“Jamestown: Season Three”: Three women leave their dark pasts in England and make a new life in 17th century America.

“The Good Doctor Season Two”: Freddie Highmore stars in the ABC series about a young doctor trying to prove his autism and savant syndrome doesn’t hinder his medical abilities.

“Charlie Says”: Efforts are made to reform three of Charles Manson’s followers.

“The Souvenir”: Shy film student begins to find her voice through the movies she makes.

“Batman: Hush”: New villain looks to destroy Batman’s career.

“The Jungle Bunch”: Animated tale of friends who look to keep order in the jungle.

“What We Left Behind: Looking Back at ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’”: Cast of the series talk about the show that took a dark look at Gene Roddenberry’s future world.

“Penguin Highway”: Young genius looks to solve mystery of the appearances of penguins miles from the beach.

“Sesame Street: Dance Party”: Nina teaches her friends on Sesame Street the moves to dances from all around the world.

Available on digital HD Aug. 6

“Rocketman”: Taron Egerton stars in this musical look at the life of Elton John. Will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 27.

“The Sun Is Also a Star”: Love story that looks at whether our lives are determined by fate or the random events of the universe. It will be on DVD and Blu-ray starting Aug. 20.

“The Hustle”: Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson play competing con artists. Look for it on DVD and Blu-ray Aug. 20.

“A Dog’s Journey”: Dog remains loyal despite going through multiple lives. Dennis Quaid stars. Set for Aug. 20 DVD and Blu-ray release.

“Perception”: Psychological thriller starring “General Hospital”’s Wes Ramsey.

“2:Hrs”: Teen slacker gets more than he planned when he convinces two friends to skip a school trip.