Directed by: Nick Morris
Actors: Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess, Hadley Fraser, Wendy Ferguson, Barry James
MPAA Rating Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: Universal Studios
Run Time: 160 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“The Phantom of the Opera” is the currently longest running show on New York’s Broadway. It is also currently has production playing London, Budapest and Las Vegas.  In October 2011, the show marked its 25th anniversary and took stage on the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London. I have seen the stage production of this show many times and this Blu-ray presentation is such an amazing representation of the show. This show features composer Andrew Lloyd Webber at the helm and really shows the wonderful scale of the stage production. Honestly if you have never seen this show, this is an amazing way to enjoy this whether it is your first time or your 10th time.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score on Blu-ray is so stunning boasting a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Match that with an amazing HD presentation and this is one attractive Blu-ray. The video really captures the beauty and color in this show and really brings it to life in your living room. In the bonus features category, there is only one feature but it is worth watching to take a look into the shows production. “Getting Past the Point of No Return” is a very in depth behind the scenes featurette with the cast and crew.

The 25th anniversary production of this show not only looks beautiful but also includes an amazing cast and orchestra of over 200 and also features some very cool guest appearances like “Phantom” originals, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Taking on the role of the Phantom is Ramini Karimloo and the role of Christine is portrayed by Sierra Boggess, both who are know for their roles in “Love Never Dies” (the sequel to “Phantom of the Opera”). They both do such an amazing job and really bright their own unique specialties to the characters. Speaking of the sequel if you enjoy this Blu-ray do not forget to also check out “Love Never Dies”, which will be released on Blu-ray as well on May 29, 2012.

Directed by: Ian Palmer
Starring: Ian Palmer, James Quinn McDonagh, Paddy Joyce
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Arc Entertainment
Running Time: 97 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extra: N/A

The fighting world has been sprung into the spotlight in the last few years with UFC and many other MMA leagues. This film focuses on Irish bare-knuckle fighting and but really isn’t able to keep your attention based the first 30 minutes. The coolest thing about this film is the fact that it was captured about the last 12 years. But unfortunately that film feels like it actually lasts 12 years though only running just over an hour and a half.

This film follows a look into a life long feud between three rival families. The film is a 12-year look into in the world of an Irish communities bare-knuckle fighting and the relationships between the men. I understand the Irish family grudges but it just seems to very repetitive and I would have liked the focus to stick with one family. I had trouble following who was with you.

Since the film is complied of footage over the last 12 years, don’t expect this DVD to look like anything special video-wise. There is grainy video footage dating back way before HD video. Also be prepared to read since most of the film’s dialogue is subtitled due to the fighters thick Irish dialect. If you are looking for any special features for this film, don’t look here because it is extremely bare-bones much like the bare-knuckles in the film.

Directed by: Christopher Olen Ray
Starring: Carmen Electra, Brooke Hogan, Charlie O’Connell
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Studio: The Asylum Home Entertainment
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

With a title like “2 Headed Shark Attack”, you know that you just have to have fun with a film like that. Either love it or hate it. The cast alone is a riot including Carmen Electra, Brooke Hogan and Charlie O’Connell. Carmen is useless in the film and just poses and tries to act hot, but fails. Brooke is actually pretty kick-ass, campy, but still kick-ass. Charlie O’Connell is probably the worst of them all. But we come back to the point again, you don’t watch a film like this for the acting. You watch it for the cool shark and fun kills. That is exactly what you get in this film, nothing more…nothing less.

Does the plot even matter? There is a 2 headed shark attacking people and it is as simple as that. In case it matters to you, the film follows a group of college students and their professors that get stranded on a isolated island during a school boat trip that goes wrong. They find out that the island is actually sinking and they are being hunted by a shark that has been genetically mutated and it has…wait for…2 heads.

The shark visual effects are decent when it is in the water. It actually comes up with some creative kills, for example two girls water skiing and the shark pops up behind them ala “Jaws 2” and each head picks off a girl. Simple cheesy laughable fun. The practical shark effects when it is shown out of the water are damn terrible and it is just a puppet and doesn’t even move. I think that is a very poor choice and it should have stuck with sorely CG effects.

The Blu-ray presentation itself is good for and the video is sharp and showcases the effects well. Surprisingly the sound is also good sporting a 5.1 audio surround track. The special features though are a little lacking though with a very brief gag reel, which is passable. There is also a brief featurette on the making of the film, it is worth watching just for the visual effects park about the sharks. I enjoyed that quite a bit. Overall this is just another cheesy creature feature film ala “Mega Shark vs. Octopus” and “Mega Shark”. Watch it, tune out and enjoy.

Directed by: Stuart Simpson
Starring Norman Yemm, Nelli Scarlet
Rated: Unrated
Distributed by: Vicious Circle Films
Run Time: 75 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

With a tag line on the box “Killer Vixens vs. The Creature from the Deep”, I was hoping this film was going to be a kick-ass low budget creature feature. Unfortunately we only get a real glimpse of this creature in the last five minutes of the film. The only redeeming fact of this film are special effects in the closing scene but they come too little too late. This film is trying to act like a Grindhouse film but plays more like a PG-13 retro-rip off.

The film follow three crazy hired killers, Beretta, Blondie and Snowball, who hideaway in a small beach side community in order to avoid heat from their last kill. Of course the town has a dark secret and the local old seaman, Joseph, warn them not to go in the water. Since the girls don’t follow any rules, they do and they awake the sea creature, the Kraken! The vixens must team up with Joseph’s grand daughter, Hannah, to fight for their lives against this creature who has the lust for blood.

The special features are actually pretty sweet overall. They include an exclusive interview with the Monstro Girls, audio commentaries with the cast and crew, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, and two short films, “Acid Spiders” and “Sickie”, from Director Stuart Simpson. Overall worth checking out.

Directed by: Harold Becker
Starring: Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Schoeffling, Ronny Cox
Charles Hallahan, Harold Sylvester, Daphne Zuniga
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Archive
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 107 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

If you are wondering why we are reviewing this title from 1985, it is because Warner Bros Archive has released a new edition of it. It is not a fully remastered edition instead it is taken from the best-quality master available. This release still looks and sounds good especially for a film which is almost 20 years old.  It is also the first time that this film has ever been released in widescreen on DVD.  Overall this movie still makes wrestling look bad ass.

Matthew Modine really nails this performance. Linda Fiorentino wears the 80’s hairdo well but otherwise I am not a big fan of her. One of the main draws for this film has to be its killer 80’s soundtrack featuring Journey’s “Only the Young” and Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded”. It even includes a cameo from Madonna performing her hits “Gambler” and “Crazy for You”. Honestly that is enough for me.

This film was a modest success but since has developed quite a cult following. I am sure that fans would be looking for this film with a massive amount of special features but unfortunately this release does not include any. In fact, I would love to see this film converted to HD and released on Blu-ray…you hear that Warner Brothers? If you don’t own this film prior, it is a good way to pick it up cheap for now and enjoy till then.

Synopsis:
High school wrestler Louden Swain is a man obsessed, trying to shed 23 pounds in a dangerously short time and take on Shute, the undefeated, tough-as-nails 168-pound champion who’s the best wrestler in the state. Matthew Modine stars as the mop-headed student undeterred in his Vision Quest…until the day a sexy drifter (Linda Fiorentino) threatens to pin Louden and his dreams to the mat of unrequited love. The hit soundtrack features Journey’s “Only the Young”, Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded” and John Waite’s “Change”. In her first film, Madonna shines while performing “Gambler” and “Crazy for You”. You’ll go crazy for Vision Quest.

Directed by: Jason Winn
Starring: Ron Lester, Cole Carson, Kelly Lynn Washington, Christopher Rivera
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Studio: Phase 4 Films
Run Time: 78 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Obesity is a very serious issue especially amongst young children. If you match that with the subject of bullying and this film really aims to deliver a very important message. The movie definitely packed some really emotional content into its short 78 minute run time. Christopher Rivera delivers a fantastic performance and really grabs hold of the audiences attention from the start. It is inspiring and also very educational for kids and adults.

The film itself is inspired by a true story, which makes it feel even more real and important. It follows Jimmy Winterpock, who is an overweight student starting his first year in high school and dealing with being bullied by his classmates. The film follows Jimmy’s efforts to overcome his bullies and win the girl of his dreams.

The special features are decent and include a preview of the eBook and information on Bully Prevention. Also included is an audio commentary track from the director and some interesting interviews from the cast, all worth checking out for sure. The only issue I had with the film itself was the teenage murder subplot. I thought it was a little out of place and didn’t really fit into the films message. In the end I feel that the film succeeds in delivering its important message and hopefully people will see this film and take its issues seriously.

Directed by: Sam Levinson
Starring: Ellen Barkin, Kate Bosworth, Ellen Burstyn, Thomas Haden Church
George Kennedy, Ezra Miller, Demi Moore
Distributed by Phase 4 Films
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 119 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

This film has one heck of an outstanding cast and the performances are great…although it doesn’t make a good film. The film is billed as a black comedy but there is hardly anything comedic about it, in fact it is very depressing. Ezra Miller is really stepping up as being the go-to guy for messed up roles, especially after co-starring in “We Need to Talk About Kevin”. Ellen Barkin also gives a very intense performance but man she looks really OLD!! The film was the winner of the Sundance Film Festival’s Screenwriting Award and it no shock as the story is quite well done but the two hour running time definitely drags the film down.

The movie focuses on one messed up family that is getting together for a wedding. The wedding is for Lynn’s (Ellen Barkin) oldest son Dylan. Things get complicated when her other son Elliot (Ezra Miller) gets out of control and issues with her yet-to-arrive daughter Alice (Kate Bosworth). Lynn also has to deal with her ex-husband (Thomas Haden Church) and his new wife (Demi Moore) as they try to take over the wedding. Lynn is pushed to the limit and how much is she able to take before her and her family goes over the edge.

This film is the debut of writer and director Sam Levinson and he definitely shows potential especially with the script. The DVD does not come with any special features which does not give this release any extra points. Everyone has dysfunctional families but this one definitely takes the cake. If you are looking for some great performances, this might be interesting to take a look into but otherwise I would take a pass on this one.

Directed by : Bill Condon
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Summit
Run Time: 117 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” is the second to last film in the series.  Some people will be rejoiced to have it end and some will be mortified when it is over.  This film is honestly hard to get through, but luckily the last 15 minutes are very cool.  I have a feeling that “Breaking Dawn – Part 2” might be pretty bad ass, now that all the romance is done.  I think that they could have kept “Breaking Dawn” as one movie but I am sure it is mostly for the fans..and to make more money.  This Blu-ray release is going to be a hit for Valentine’s Day, since it is getting released perfectly in time for its fans to enjoy Bella & Edward’s wedding and honeymoon during the holiday.  Die-hard fans will obviously eat up the romance but the casual fans might want to wait till “Part 2” comes around.

If you follow “The Twilight Saga”, this is the movie that you are really waiting for the marriage of Bella and Edward and of course Bella possibly turning into a vampire.  Basically the whole film is just one long honeymoon scene followed by Bella’s pregnancy.  The birth of their child might not be as simple as it sounds as it will break the treaty with the werewolves. The Cullen’s with the help of Jacob will need to protect Bella from the werewolf pack.  But will Bella even survive this supernatural pregnancy? But of course if you read the book you know the answer to this. Also be sure to stick around through the credits to see a sneak peak in the Volturi’s role for “Part 2”.

The Blu-ray presentation is fantastic overall with its video which looks sharp especially during the battle scene at the end. The sound is honestly the best part though of the film boasting its superb 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, very impressive.  The bonus features are packed and will definitely satisfy the most hard core fans.  Firstly you are able to jump immediately to your favorite scenes.  There is the Bella and Edward’s Wedding Video, which is for major fans only.  There is a great audio commentary with director Bill Condon, he really seems to be an actor’s directory and really enjoys the filming experience.  There is a super in depth 6-part “Making Of” series which takes you individually into every aspect of the film from each character to the film’s production.  It is very interesting even for non-fans.

Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Starring: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis, Xavier Samuel, Sebastian Armesto, Rafe Spall, Edward Hogg, Jamie Campbell Bower
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 130 Minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This film has had a lot of critique about the its story being hard to follow. I have to agree it is very confusing skipping between past and present but I was able to keep up with the story and really enjoy it. The performances in the film are absolutely fantastic Rhys Ifans, Sebastian Armesto and Vanessa Redgrave really deliver! Rafe Spall, who portrays William Shakespeare, plays the role as an absolute dunce but that is on purpose…so he does it well. The Blu-ray presentation is absolutely flawless. The sound is also very sharp intertwining the score throughout the film. The visual effects in the film are very notable as this film uses new VFX CG technology in order to beautifully recreate old London, circa 1550-1604. If you are able to catch on with the confusing story, this is packed with wonderful visuals and acting that makes it worth checking out.

“Anonymous” speculates about the of many century old question asking if Shakespeare actually wrote the plays that he is credited for. The film focuses on Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans) who secretly writes plays as an outlet for his expression. When he meets the playwright Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto), he convinces his to pose the plays as his own in order to get them to be performed. The plays are posed as being written by Anonymous. During the climax of an applause and the request for the author, an illiterate actor named William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall) claims the credit. Of course from this point on there is plenty of mass corruption and deceit that unravels.

The special features are great and worth taking a look at. The commentary track from director Roland Emmerich and writer John Orloff is a great companion to the film. There are three deleted scenes and two extended scenes included, also worth checking out. Since I spoke a lot about the visual effects in the film, I am happy that there is a very detailed look into them in the feature “More Than Special Effects”, which runs almost 15 minutes long. “Who is the Real William Shakespeare?” runs about 10 minutes discusses the evidence provided in the film about Shakespeare. Lastly, there is a featuring about the film’s casting called “Speak the Speech…”, which runs about just over 15 minutes and is very detailed.

Directed by: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
Starring: Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, Bill Thompson, Bill Baucom, Peggy Lee
Distributed by: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 75 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

Almost 60 years after its release “Lady and the Tramp” looks better than ever. Although it is honestly not a surprise since Disney seems to out due itself with each new restored film that they release on Blu-ray. Disney’s frame-by-frame restoration pays off as this Blu-ray is absolutely perfect. The Blu-ray presentation is so crystal clear throughout. The colors are so sharp and vibrant throughout the animation. The sound is also superb boasting Disney’s usual DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1. Another added bonus of this release is the fact that Disney even included a 3.0 audio track of the film’s restored original audio. This is an obvious must for Disney fans.

The story of “Lady and the Tramp” still feels relevant to today’s audience both old and new. This film really captures you in its romance and makes you lean closer to your husband/wife. I mean that spaghetti and meatball scene renders you utterly mushy. When you start the film, you also have the option to watch with an introduction by Diane Disney Miller (Walt Disney’s daughter), who talks about her father and his love of “Lady and the Tramp”.

Like Disney’s past releases, there is definitely no shortage of special features. “Inside Walt’s Story Meetings” is an audio commentary track with a dramatic recreation with voice actors of Walt Disney’s story meetings. Must listen for animation fans. If you use the Disney’s Second Screen app on your iPad or PC, you will be able to sync the film to create a real interactive experience. “Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad” is a short feature which features Miller remembering her father. It is a great insight into Walt Disney from a different perspective. There are almost 20 minutes of deleted scenes, though told via storyboards. There is also a never recorded song called “I’m Free as the Breeze” which was written in 1946 by Ray Gilbert and composed by Eliot Daniel. It was cut because Lady was decided not to sing in the film.

If all that isn’t enough there are all of the classic DVD features from past releases, although only in SD, rounding up another three hours of extras. Included is a seven-part featurette called “Lady’s Pedigree: The Making of Lady and the Tramp”, which runs about an hour. “Finding Lady: The Art of the Storyboard,” and “Original 1943 Storyboard Version of the Film” focus on the storyboard process of the film.  “The Siamese Cat Song: Finding a Voice for the Cats” and “PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs” are fun and aimed for kids.  One of my favorite songs from a Disney movie, “Bella Notte” has a music video included.  There are three theatrical trailers and four clips from “Excerpts from Disneyland TV Shows” and two more deleted scenes.  Overall, Disney does not disappoint again!

Directed by: Andrew Niccol
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Justin Timberlake, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde
Alex Pettyfer, Vincent Kartheiser
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 109 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Andrew Niccol seems to have a thing for futuristic themes like in his 1997 film “Gattaca” and then again in 2002 with “S1m0ne”. This film is set in the year 2161 and packs a great cast including Amanda Seyfried and Justin Timberlake. When you factor that in this film should be kick ass…except it stalls after it takes off. The whole science fiction factor of the film, which was the main draw from me, gets old and overused very fast. Instead of focusing on the that the film focuses on a love story. The cast is great but feels restricted by this boring and confused film. Kudos to Cillian Murphy for a great performance but I am sorry…does he really look 25?!

Taking place in the future, genetic alteration has stopped humanity from aging past 25 in order to control population. Once someone turns 25, you die unless you earn time by working but if your clock, implanted in your arm, reaches zero you die instantly. Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) doesn’t have it easy, just turning 28 years old has been struggling to stay alive. This is until his given over 100 years by a rich man who is tired of living. He meets Sylvia (Amanda Seyfried), a rich girl who is looking for life on the edge and the two head out to change the world.

Props needs to go to the Blu-ray though for packing some great video and sound. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 rocks it, especially in the action scenes. The special features though are also lacking like the film and there are only two extras included. The first feature called “The Minutes” and it is a faux-documentary which gives back story for how scientists discovered immortality. There are also 10 short deleted/extended scenes, which don’t add too much but does include a subplot with Will’s father. Lastly, if you like trailers though Fox has included almost 15 minutes of them but I just skip to the main menu usually.

Director: David Frankel
Starring: Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG / Unrated
Run Time: 100 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When you have three comedy geniuses like Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson…you get high expectations. This film let’s down on all accounts. The story is lame and honestly boring. I do not actually think there were any jokes in the film. It plays more like a romance between the men and the birds. I also do not understand the point of releasing the film “unrated” when the original film was rated PG. I think it is just a way to cash in at the fact that this was a major flop.

The film is based off a novel written by Mark Obmascik. It follows three bird lovers who secretly compete against one another in order to spot the most birds to obtain the prestigious “Big Year” award. That is really it. No real surprises in the film at all and in fact the payoff is lacking as well. The film has a little heart in it but not enough to make you actually care for these characters. The best part of the film lies in its co-stars like John Cleese, Tim Blake Nelson, Anjelica Huston, Dianne Wiest, Brian Dennehy and Rashida Jones. That is sad with all the amazing talent in the main cast.

This release includes not only a Blu-ray but also a DVD and Digital Copy of the film as well. The theatrical cut and an extended version is also included on each of them. The video on the Blu-ray sharp but the film really doesn’t push it either. There is a great 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track included, which is impressive. The special features are decent and pick up some slack from the film. There is an interesting behind-the-scenes featurette called “The Big Migration”, which is worth checking out. There is also a gag reel, which catches some of the funny missed in the film. Lastly for deleted scenes fans, there is no shortage in this department. There are 14 deleted scenes included, worth a watch but the film honestly felt long enough in the theatrical cut.

Directed by: Jeff Nichols
Starring: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 121 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

In the most cases, movie posters really influence whether or not you will see a movie. This one definitely packs a really cool poster and drew me to want to watch this film.  It is also backed with some amazing tension and amazing performances. Michael Shannon really knows how to take his character and hide deep in it in order to deliver some great drama. Jessica Chastain also delivers another emotional performance after her role in “The Help”.

The film takes place in a small town in Ohio. It follows Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon) who has apocalyptic visions in his dreams. He starts planning to create a tornado shelter in his backyard. With history of mental illness in his family, his wife Samantha (Jessica Chastain) is having trouble believing him. Is the apocalypse really coming or is Curtis family history catching up with him.

The Blu-ray presentation looks and sounds great, especially during the dream sequences. The special features included on this film complements the great film. There is a very interesting commentary with director Jeff Nichols and Michael Shannon. There is a great behind the scenes included as well as a featurette called “Better Safe Than Sorry”. Lastly, there is a brief Q&A with Michael Shannon & Shea Whigham, which is worth checking out.\

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Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris, Thomas Lennon, Danny Trejo
Distributed by: Warner Bros Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R (Theatrical) / Unrated (Extended)
Running time: 90 minutes (Theatrical) / 96 minutes (Extended)

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Traveling back to 2004 with “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”, who knew that today we would have a third film about these guys. Not to mention a Christmas movie…not to mention again that it would be in 3D. I think that this film is easily the best installment in the series. The Blu-ray video looks so fantastic and vibrant with the color especially the claymation scene. The sound is another issue if you are watching the theatrical cut either 3D or 2D it is amazing. The extended cut is missing the amazing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 for a decent but lacking Dolby Digital track. Let’s talk about the 3D Blu-ray as it seriously makes the whole movie. The 3D adds so much to the film and really allows the film to additionally laugh at itself within the third dimension. You can still watch this film in 2D, but it does loose some of the fun factor and over-the-top cheese that this film delivers.

If you are looking to watch the extended cut in 3D, look again as it is only available in 2D. That is a little disappointing, but the extended cut is really nothing special. There are some gross gags added to the cut but the film works well without it. Next up, I am a HUGE fan of the UltraViolet Digital Copy and I recommend everyone to start using this great service. Other special features includes a bunch of EPK shorts hosted by Thomas Lennon called “Through the Haze with Tom Lennon”. They are hilarious and definitely worth checking out as Lennon was a great asset to the film. There is a look into the claymation sequence and includes picture-in-picture with its animated storyboard reel and the final scene. Lastly there are about four minutes of deleted scenes…funny but not hilarious.

When Kumar accidentally burns down Harold’s father-in-law’s prized tree on Christmas Eve, the two embark on another ill-advised journey to New York City to replace it.

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Directed by: Bruce Robinson
Starring: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Amber Heard, Richard Jenkins, Giovanni Ribisi
MPAA Rating: R
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Run Time: 119 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Johnny Depp + Hunter S. Thomspon novel = match made in heaven. After Depp’s performance in 98’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, there has been talks about this novel being made into a feature. It has a LONG road and even though it finally was released, it misses a certain HST feel to the movie. You can’t compare this film at all to “Fear and Loathing”, they are unrelated and two different novels. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed it thoroughly enjoy this one as well and Depp acting definitely delivers another great ode to HST. Depp even pulled director Bruce Robinson (Withnail and I) out of retirement, since 1992, to sharply direct this adaptation. Funny, suave and free-spirited, this film can be enjoyed if you just sit back and let the rum flow.

Johnny Depp plays Paul Kemp, a journalist working for a newspaper in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He arrives in PR in order to escape his past life in New York and hopes to be able to write the truth for The San Juan Star. During Kemp’s work and investigations he befriends co-worker, Bob Sala (Michael Rispoli) and both of them consistently get into a lot of trouble. Kemp next meets Hal Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), who tries to get him involved in a corporate scheme to take over the island. Besides Kemp getting in too deep, he also becomes obsessed Sanderson’s girl Chenault (Amber Heard) and then things go all wrong for the journalist.

Sony’s Blu-ray presents the video in 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. The video is sharp and in some scenes really captures the beauty of Puerto Rico. The audio track also impressive especially during the music sequences in the film. There are only two special features and no commentary track but overall they are still good. “A Voice Made of Ink and Rage: Inside The Rum Diary” is a basic featurette about the film. It covers cast/crew interviews, costuming, location challenges, and on the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson on set. Lastly there is a VERY in-depth feature called “The Rum Diary Back-Story”, which runs about 45 minutes. It features interviews from Depp, HST himself and make others influences from the book. There is also a reading excerpt from the book and a looks into the writer’s career. It is a fantastic look into film’s path to the screen by Wayne Ewing.