IGOR (M-G-M  PG  $29.95) Delightfully animated tale set in a land of mad scientists, trusty assistants and strange creatures, IGOR owes a bit in the visuals department to TIM BURTON’S NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. But the original story, cheeky script and great voice performances by JOHN CUSACK, EDDIE IZZARD, STEVE BUSCEMI, SEAN HAYES and JENNIFER COOLIDGE are all top drawer and make this an enjoyable treat.

MAX PAYNE (20th Century Fox  R  $29.98) Based on the popular video game of the same name, MAX PAYNE stars MARK WAHLBERG as an obsessed cop set to avenge the murder of his family. He should’a been more obsessed with the murder of this movie. The film’s striking visuals become boring after about 45 minutes and the story doesn’t last much lomger. Despite a supporting cast that includes CHRIS BRIDGES, MILA KUNIS, CHRIS O’DONNELL and BEAU BRIDGES, this dour little excercise can’t be saved.

SAW V (Lionsgate  R  $29.98) This fifth entry in the popular ‘torture porn’ franchise is really just vile. There is no excuse for making any more of these (but they probably will anyway). I don’t think even fans of the series can come up with a defense for this one. TOBIN BELL is back in the role he originated and MEGAN GOOD (who we usually like) is wasted here. GRRRRRRR….

VACANCY 2: THE FIRST CUT (Sony Home Entertainment  R  $24.96) A prequel to the surprisingly popular VACANCY, the pitch is pretty much the same: trio of pals stop for the night at a motel that’s a lot easier to check into than out of. That said, there is no shortage of tension and cast members AGNES BRUCKNER, TREVOR WRIGHT and SCOTT G. ANDERSON more than bring the goods. If scary movies are your thing, this one will have you on the edge of your couch.