2 solid video releases star Daniel (wait, who?) Bruhl

New and notable on DVD this week:

Rush (Rated R for sexual content, nudity, language, some disturbing images and brief drug use; Universal, $29.98)

Who is Daniel Bruhl and why are people saying such nice things about him? The answer becomes evident this week as hes featured in two top DVD releases. In Rush, he plays the methodical if socially awkward race car driver Niki Lauda, who was locked in a Formula 1 racing competition with the British playboy James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) in 1976. Director Ron Howard delivers some taut race footage, but its the chemistry and differences between the men and Bruhls oddball likability that sells the movie. GRADE: B

The Fifth Estate (Rated R for language and some violence; Touchstone, $29.99)

This time out Bruhl is the grounded one; his more eccentric and possibly visionary counterpart is Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch). Together they transform, and challenge the ethical boundaries of, journalism by releasing information on the Internet through Wikileaks. Director Bill Condon lays out the pluses and minuses of unedited free speech nicely; and if Assange comes across as an egomaniac, hes also portrayed as brilliant and brave. GRADE: B

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2 solid video releases star Daniel (wait, who?) Bruhl