'Despicable Me': More heart than mindless cartoon

This week's new DVD releases include two family-friendly offerings and a pair of silly action films.

Despicable Me, Grade B: Gru (Steve Carell) is planning to steal the moon, but gets distracted by three orphans. Despicable Me is this year's Up, a film that has far more heart than the advance promotions suggest. It never reaches the heart-tugging levels of Up, but the serious side of Despicable Me is what makes it an entertaining animation experience and not just a mindless cartoon.

The DVD includes three new mini-movies.

Nanny McPhee Returns, Grade B-minus: Emma Thompson reprises her role as the Mary Poppins-on-speed nanny who makes magic with the tap of her walking stick.

She appears only at households in total disarray.

The movie is a lot like Nanny herself. It's not always pretty to look at, but deep down it's charming, funny, and warm.

Director Susanna White, who has worked mainly in television, creates a world as fanciful at times as Babe and at other times as dramatic as Yanks, from the absurdity of synchronized-swimming pigs to the tragic consequences of war.

The A-Team, Grade A-minus: A discredited team of soldiers devote their lives to helping others.

This big-screen adaptation of the 1980s TV show is an explosion of campy fun and adrenaline-charged action. It's great when a moviemaking plan comes together. Director/writer Joe Carnahan has taken the high-camp elements of the TV series and amped them a hundredfold.

The Other Guys, Grade B: Two misfit cops (Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg) solve a big crime.

The cop-com is good, but it would have been better without Ferrell. His untethered performance beats the comedy life out of most of his scenes.

Chris Henchy and director Adam McKay have written a script that takes some very funny jabs at the buddy-cop genre.

Also new on DVD:

Exit Through the Gift Shop: A shopkeeper and filmmaker try to find a noted graffiti artist.

24, Season 8: The United Nations is under attack, and only Jack Bauer can save the day. Kiefer Sutherland stars.

World Series Champions: This is the official recap of the 2010 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers.

Frenemy: Zach Galifianakis stars in this comedy about self-discovery.

Mother and Child: Three women are dramatically affected by adoption. Annette Bening and Naomi Watts star.

Trouble in Mind: This special-edition DVD is being released to mark the 25th anniversary of the Kris Kristofferson movie.

Frank Sinatra's Concert for the Americas: Features the 1982 concert by Sinatra.

Robert Klein, Unfair & Balanced: Robert Klein's ninth HBO comedy special.

Space 1999, The Complete Season One: The classic '60s television sci-fi series is being released on Blu-ray.