Hot June DVDs for sweltering summer nights

Heat lethargy may be setting in, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be entertained while… Heat lethargy may be setting in, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be entertained while roasting on the couch. So crank up the fans and check out some of June’s hot DVD releases.

June 6

“Underworld: Evolution”

The sequel to the surprise hit “Underworld” stars Kate Beckinsdale, Scott Speedman and a lot of latex. The film delivers more of the same as the two work together to learn the story behind the centuries-old war between vampires and werewolves. So if you didn’t know that there was such a war going on, this film probably isn’t for you.

“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada”

Tommy Lee Jones stars and directs this little-seen Western released last winter. Barry Pepper plays a border patrol officer who kills a man by accident and quickly buries the body. Once Jones’ character finds out about what happened to his friend, he makes the officer take the man to his hometown in Mexico to bury him.

“Firewall”

Harrison Ford continues his string of underperforming and underwhelming action films in this thriller. Jack Stanfield (Ford), a security expert at a bank, must rob the same bank he had been protecting to pay a ransom to Bill Cox (Paul Bettany) after he abducts Jack’s family. Where are you Indiana Jones?

“Running Scared”

Paul Walker stars in the film that apparently got Quentin Tarantino interested in casting him for his upcoming war film, “Inglorious Bastards.” He plays Joey Gazelle, a hard-edged gangster who must dispose of a gun that was used to kill a police officer. However, things get thick once Gazelle’s young son steals the gun and goes on the run in this ultra-violent film.

“Glory Road”

Bob Haskins (Josh Lucas), a high school basketball coach, took a job at Texas Western in 1962 and began recruiting players regardless of color. In this feel-good tale that was based on a true story, Haskins’ actions change the sport forever.

June 13

“The Pink Panther”

Steve Martin takes over for the late Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau in this family-oriented makeover of the original detective films. Clouseau must solve the murder of a soccer coach and also find the thief who stole his priceless diamond ring. “The Pink Panther” also stars Kevin Kline and Jean Reno, along with Beyonce Knowles and her jelly.

“16 Blocks”

Bruce Willis goes the way of character actor in his portrayal of a police officer with a limp, a gut and a proverbial hangover in this old-fashioned, simplistic thriller. Mos Def co-stars as a fast-talking witness whom Willis must transport 16 blocks — get it? — in two hours to get to the court house. Problem is, corrupt police officers will be put in jail if Def gets to the hearing, making those 16 blocks slightly more grueling and dangerous.

“Aquamarine”

And who said there are no original ideas in Hollywood? Singer JoJo and Emma Roberts find a mermaid in their beach club’s pool who then develops a crush on a boy who works at the club and enlists the girls’ help to win him over. So basically “Splash” for the teenage girl crowd.

“Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang”

This low-key gem was released last November and stars Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. as a cop and thief respectively caught up in a string of lies, deceit and murder in Los Angeles. It was written and directed by former Hollywood golden boy and Pennsylvania native Shane Black, who was once the highest-paid screenwriter in Tinsel Town after penning films like “Lethal Weapon” and “The Last Boy Scout.” Highly recommended for any fans of intelligent filmmaking, good acting and dark humor.

June 21

“Eight Below”

It must be Paul Walker month, as “Eight Below” marks his second film release in June. His acting received fewer accolades than “Running Scared” in comparison with those of his furry co-stars. Walker and Jason Biggs play scientists — wrap your head around that one — in Antarctica who in the midst of an accident must leave their sled dogs behind. The dogs then must survive the harsh weather on their own in this family-friendly true story.

“Syriana”

George Clooney stars in this twisted web of a thriller revolving around the oil industry from the writer of “Traffic.” Who knows, maybe a close viewing will explain having to pay $3.10 for a gallon of gas. Miss a minute at your own risk — confusion could ensue with the amalgam of storylines intersecting throughout “Syriana.”

“The Hills Have Eyes”

A suburban family is driving through the desert when they come across a pack of cannibalistic, incestuous, mutated family members who are the result of years of nuclear radiation poisoning. A gritty remake of the classic horror film from Wes Craven that’s fun for the whole family!

June 28

“Failure to Launch”

This highly successful romantic comedy finds Matthew McConaughey back in his genre comfort zone as he portrays a 30-year-old still living (willingly) with his parents. They hire a relationship consultant (Sarah Jessica Parker) to get him to move out of the house. Also stars Zooey Deschanel and Terry Bradshaw’s rear. DVD does not come with blindfold or amnesia-inducing drug.

“Ultraviolet”

Milla Jovovich continues her reign as go-to girl for any movie that involves guns and fighting. In “Ultraviolet,” half the population has developed vampire-like symptoms, and the other half sets out to kill them off. Jovovich plays one of the vampires who decides to — what else — fight back.

“Annapolis”

Model-turned-singer-turned-actor Tyrese and James Franco headline this drama, which takes place at the titular naval academy. Franco finds time to hit things off with a sergeant played by Jordana Brewster while boxing at the academy. The trailer’s tagline was “50,000 apply and only 1,500 are accepted,” which was about how many people saw the poorly reviewed film.