Next weeks releases include a “smart” comedy, the return of Wesley Snipes, a prison drama and a horror film I, personally, hold near and dear.

“Smart People”

Intelligently written and brilliantly acted, the Sarah Jessica Parker-Dennis Quaid starring “Smart People” (Miramax, $29.99 SRP, R) is one of the best American films to come out in some time. A widowed professor’s life becomes more complex with an unexpected visit from his adopted brother and a new love in his life. Put simply, this is brilliant filmmaking.

“Felon”

Stephen Dorff and the always amazing Val Kilmer head up the cast of “Felon” (Sony Pictures, $24.96 SRP, R), a hard hitting, grim film about a loving family man with a promising future losing everything when he accidentally kills the burglar who broke into his home. Convicted of involuntary manslaughter, he is sentenced to spend the next three years inside a maximum security facility where the rules of society no longer apply. Powerful acting propels this film above other pictures in the “prison” genre.

“Art of War 2: The Betrayal”

“Art of War 2: The Betrayal” (Sony Pictures, $24.96 SRP, R) sees Wesley Snipes returning to the character of Neil Shaw from the original film. A lackluster sequel, it does manage a couple of decent action pieces, but overall it just doesn’t capture the fun of the first film. Still, it’s good to see Snipes in action, but this one is recommended to die-hard fans only.

“CJ7”

The family will love “CJ7” (Sony Pictures, $24.96 SRP, PG), about a construction worker who finds what he thinks is a toy ball in the garbage. Taking it home to his son, they soon realize that the ball isn’t a toy at all — it’s a cute little alien. Comic mishaps occur and lessons are learned. Think of an Asian version of E.T.

“Survival”

And I’m very happy to announce the US release of my film “Survival” (York Home Video, $19.99 SRP, Unrated) on DVD. This low budget hack-and-slash tells the story of a group of campers stalked and tortured by a pair of psychotic siblings in the North Carolina forests. Several Andersonians appear in this fright flick, so be sure to check it out.

Other notable releases for this week are the martial arts epic “The Legend of The Shadowless Sword” (New Line Home Video, $19.98 SRP, R), the David Duchovny-starring “The Secret” (Image Entertainment, $27.98 SRP, R), “South Park” Season 11 Boxed Set (Paramount/Comedy Central, $49.99 SRP, Unrated), and “Prison Break” Season 3 (20th Century Fox, $49.99 SRP, Unrated).