Studio: Warner Home Video
Episodes: 2
Run Time: 48 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Got to admit I am a sucker for a Holiday special and to top it off I love me some Smurfs. This DVD comes with not one but two specials from “The Smurfs” television series.  Warner Home Video is known for keeping The Smurfs alive through releasing numerous volumes over the last year.  This DVD definitely does the job and gets you in the holiday spirit.  If you are a fan of The Smurfs and looking for a little holiday cheer this is a no-brainer.

The first episode included is  The Smurfs’ Christmas Special, originally aired on December 12, 1982, shows its age a little bit but delivers the smurfing goods.  It is the classic story featuring Gargamel plotting to destroy Christmas for the Smurfs.  This is easily the better of the two on the disc.  The second special is called “‘Tis The Season To Be Smurfy”, originally aired December 13, 1987.  It follows Sassette Smurf who helps an elderly human couple celebrate Christmas and discover the true meaning of the season.  This one is missing my favorite character, Gargamel, but does contain some decent holiday spirit.

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Synopsis: Deck the halls with Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Jokey and all the other true blue friends in these absosmurfly charming animated specials from The Smurfs TV series. In ‘Tis the Season to be Smurfy, young Sassette Smurf discovers the true meaning of the season when the Smurfs befriend an elderly human couple who have no money to celebrate Christmas. Then, in The Smurfs Christmas Special, the wicked Gargamel plots to ruin Christmas for the Smurfs and with the help of an evil stranger, he destroys the Smurf’s village. But even with no Christmas decorations or holiday feast, the Smurfs still have a smurfy song in their hearts. Will Gargamel feel the Christmas spirit this year? Dash through the snow to give your family the smurfiest gift of the season!

Director: Jules Bass
Narrated by: Joel Grey
Studio: Warner Home Video
Rated: G
Run Time: 25 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” is one of the little known Christmas classics.  It has always been a fun short special, another great from Rankin-Bass.  The video on this Blu-ray is decent and showcases some rich color. The sound is original with Dolby Digital 1.0 mono but has some problems.  One cool aspect of this set is that it comes with the Blu-ray and the DVD of this special.  The only issue I have with this is that is it really worth the upgrade to Blu-ray for a short 25 minute.  If you are looking to get in the Christmas mood and do not own this yet, I recommend it for sure otherwise stick with the DVD.

The only really extra included on the “deluxe edition” is a feature called “Christmas: A Global Tradition”. It is an animated comic book exploring Christmas traditions around the world. Not really great but would have loved to see a feature instead on Rankin/Bass.  I am not sure whey they are calling this the deluxe edition when it is barely deluxe and they even removed the “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” special from the previous release.  Overall the special is great but the overall set is not amazing.

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Synopsis:
For some unexplained reason, letters to Santa Claus are being returned to the children of Junctionville. It seems some sour soul has angered St. Nick, calling Christmas “a fraudulent myth!” The skeptical rodent Albert Mouse has to be brought to his senses “and let up a little on the wonder why.” How Albert is persuaded to change his tune paves the way for Santa’s jolly return to Junctionville — and the joyous finale of this charming animated fable inspired by Clement Moore’s poem. Joel Grey, Tammy Grimes, John McGiver and George Gobel are featured voices. Approx. 23 minutes. Year: 1974

Created by: Neil Gaiman, Lenny Henry
Starring: Gary Bakewell, Laura Fraser, Hywel Bennett, Clive Russell, Paterson Joseph,
Trevor Peacock, Elizabeth Marmur, Tanya Moodie, Peter Capaldi
Distributed by: BBC
Episodes: 6
Running Time: 180 minutes

Overall Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Neil Gaiman definitely has a very unique eye for storytelling. One of my favorites of his work is “Coraline” and its stop action animation movie. This BBC miniseries celebrating it’s 15th anniversary definitely shows its age in its production. This is the first time in fact I am viewing this series and it doesn’t have the same visual feel that I loved from “Coraline”. I did catch a little feeling of “Alice in Wonderland” throughout but the magic just wasn’t there. I know this series had issues with production and suffers due to that but I think this would have served better as a feature then miniseries. One thing I did enjoy quite a bit is the music from Brian Eno, he is one of my favorites.

The special features on this 15th anniversary edition are worth the upgrade though especially if you are a fan of Gaiman. It includes a new audio commentary with Neil Gaiman, Lenny Henry and Clive Brill. It is a great retrospective looking back on the series. It goes into decent depth on the production. There is also an introduction to the 15th anniversary edition, which is a fun tribute. I think the coolest thing about this release is there is a huge pull out map of “Neverwhere”. There is also recycled bonus features from the last release includes an interview and audio commentary with Neil Gaiman. I enjoyed the new commentary better. I would have liked to see a new interview with Gaiman as well. Lastly there is the photo gallery and character descriptions included.

Synopsis: Neil Gaiman’s (The Sandman, Coraline) first TV miniseries, co-created with Lenny Henry (The Lenny Henry Show, Chef!), brings viewers to an ambitious exploration of a London with two worlds. When office drone Richard Mayhew (Gary Bakewell) rescues a mysterious girl named Door (Laura Fraser, He Knew He Was Right), he unwittingly finds himself part of her quest to learn why her parents have been killed. The next thing he knows, Mayhew?s life changes forever as he’s pulled into the fantastical world of London Below, far from his mundane life in London Above. Pursued by the murderous Messrs. Croup and Vandemar, Door and Richard, with the help of Hunter and the Marquis de Carabas, attempt to find the Angel Islington, who knows the secret behind the murder of Door’s family, and possibly a way for Richard to go home.

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Director: Victor Fleming
Starring: Jean Harlow, William Powell, Franchot Tone, May Robson, Ted Healy, Nat Pendleton, Robert Light, Rosalind Russell, Henry Stephenson
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Run Time: 97 minutes

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

This the film first time that this 1935 classic has been released on DVD. It has been newly remastered by Warner Brothers. They definitely did a decent job for sure, there are some small issues but what do you expect from a film that is over 75 years old. The film was never one of my favorites and I feel that the story is very jumpy and unfocused. The story really only gets started in the third act and doesn’t leave enough time to develop.

Since the film is from 1935, I am very happy to see that special features included on this release. The first extra is a radio promo called “Leo is on the Air”, definitely worth a listen to. The other extra is a production session pre-recording from on the MGM stage. This one is very cool to watch and to see the whole film behind the scenes. Overall if you are a fan of Jean Harlow and William Powell, you might want to pick this up to see this classic remaster

Synopsis:
By 1935, every movie fan in the world knew Jean Harlow as both a blonde bombshell and a delightful comedienne. To expand her range, the studio gave her a dramatic role in Reckless – and Harlow was a hit. She plays musical star Mona Leslie, the bride of a champagne-stewed blueblood. When he blows his brains out, Mona is suspected of his murder, igniting media frenzy. The film is also notable for its Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein title tune (Harlow, whose considerable skills didn’t extend beyond acting, was dubbed and body doubled in the musical numbers), plus a cast that includes Franchot Tone, Rosalind Russell, and as a hotshot promoter, William Powell, who would become the last love of Harlow’s tragically short life.

Directed by: Evan Glodell
Starring: Evan Glodell, Jessie Wiseman, Tyler Dawson, Rebekah Brandes
Distributed by: Oscilloscope Laboratories
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 103 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This film is really Evan Glodell’s baby. He not only directed but he also co-produced, wrote the screenplay, edited and of course starred in the film. The film also shows-off Evan’s real life obsession with building a flamethrower and he even built a custom camera. The film definitely has a unique approach when it comes to the cinematography, which is notable handled by Joel Hodge. The acting in the film is also very deep and really intense. You can tell the actors really cared about their roles and really dove deep into character. The story starts off slow but it finishes really strong.

The film tells the story of two friends who only goal in life is to build a “Max Max”-inspired flamethrower in order to fight in case the apocalypse comes. They also are in an imaginary gang called Mother Medusa. Sounds interesting right? Woodrow (Evan Glodell) meets Milly (Jessie Wiseman) and everything changes, as they fall in love. The film is love story at heart but definitely is much more deeper than that. There is something very dark about this film and that part really keeps you interested throughout.

This is release is another great one from Oscilloscope. There cases are 100% recyclable and come with both a Blu-ray and a DVD of the film. It also comes with amazing artwork from the film (remember that…artwork…not the usual empty case). The extras on the Blu-ray are also very notable. There is a very informative behind the scenes packed with great cast/crew interviews, set footage and more. The next extra is something I really wanted to see from the film, it is called “Medusa Rundown”. It is a look into the custom car that was built for the film, very cool feature. There are outtakes from the film as well, nothing special. Lastly original theatrical trailer wraps up a great release for one very interesting film.

Director: Chris Chow
Starring: Scarlett Alice Johnson, Jack Gordon, Elen Rhys and Michael Jibson
Distributed by: Cine-Britannia
Cert: 18
Running Time: 92 minutes

Overall Score: 2 out of 5 stars

These days, who isn’t involved with social networking. Your friends, parents and even grandparents are all involved. It has become the norm in today’s society. This film aims to show the consequences of living on social network websites. The film tries to deliver a suspense horror film but ends up wasting to much time and fails to entertain. The story feels very drawn out and claustrophobic, especially taking place 99% of the film in a airplane. This could have been interesting but fails, even the twist is weak and very predictable.

The story four lucky (or unlucky in this case) winners of a trip to New York from a social networking site called ‘All2gethr’. The group is set to play a game to win a grand prize but their deep dark secrets are reveals and challenged. they very quickly also find out that the people behind this trip have a different agenda for them. The film doesn’t fall into horror genre and leans more toward dramatic thriller at best.

The extras included on this release includes a gallery of trailers and teasers. Not sure where a gag reel fits in with this film but this has one. There is two short deleted scenes and also an outtake scene called “Jack Loses It”. They are all not very special. There is a featurette on the making of the film, which talks about the films background but overall the production is not very exciting. Lastly there is a gallery of images. Take a pass on this one.

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Directed by: Xiaogang Feng
Starring: Daoming Chen, Chen Li, Yi Lu
Distributed by: China Lion
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min.

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Aftershock” is a film based around one family’s actions during the Tangshan earthquake of 1976. During the earth quake a mother is forced to choose which of her two children she is going to save. After the mother makes her choice we find out that both children in fact end up surviving this horrific event. 32 years after the earth quake the siblings are unexpectedly reunited and learn of the drama each has endured during their time apart.

“Aftershock” is a very real and heartfelt film. Being a foreign film I was unfamiliar with the cast however all those involved put on stellar performances. The earth quake scenes at the beginning of the film were very well done and featured some great special effects. “Aftershock” also featured some really nice wide shots which were filled with what looks like thousands of extras. These big scenes really showed just how many people were affected by this natural disaster. Though the film was quite dark making some of the scenes difficult to watch “Aftershock” was still an enjoyable film.

Director Xiaogang Feng and his cast did a great job telling the story of these two siblings and their chance meeting some 32 years later after another devastating earth quake takes place. Even if you are not a fan of foreign cinema “Aftershock is worth checking out as the film is more than just your standard drama.

Director: Robert Kenner
Distributed by: The Disinformation Company
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 52 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The internet really has everything from social networking to online shopping. Internet dating has really become a very popular medium for people to meet spouses over the years. This documentary focuses on five people that have used the internet to date and their stories. I have to give props to this film it was well paced and really kept my interest. All of the five stories were extremely interesting and provided great insight into the world of internet dating. I recommend this documentary with high regards.

The first of the five stories includes a woman Kim, who flew to Prague to marry a man she never spoke to. She finds he didn’t speak of lick of English except “Hello”. The two are happily married with children today. The next story is about Dave, who wasn’t very confident but ended up meeting many woman on the chat rooms and found his love, getting marrying and having a child. The next is about Beth who takes us on a journey of being single and turning 30. I really enjoyed her idea of walking around the city with a video camera filming her birthday wishes. She also ended up meeting her husband online, getting married and having kids. Ryan is next and his story is about his struggles being gay. He found “others” like him in the chat room and got wrapped up in politics scandal, when the closet Mayor of his city hit on him and many others. Jonas’ story is the last and focuses on a online website called Second Life, which is pretty much like “The Sims” but virtual dating. It also showed how he besides meeting his future wife and having a child, it also showcased how he was able to get picked up by a record label for his music. Great stories and each one better than the next.

If you are not aware of Robert Kenner, you need to be! He is the director of amazing documentaries like the Oscar nominated “Food, Inc”. The DVD comes stocked with some decent special features as well. We have one called “Bara & Director / Second Life Interview”, this was very interesting. I have never heard of Second Life prior to watching this. There is one deleted scene called “Cyber Cyrano”, worth checking out. Lastly we have a Q&A with the filmmakers, which is also very interesting. Overall very impressed with this film and this release.

Directed by: Steve Anderson
Starring: Jordan Fry, Harland Williams, Tom Kenny, Steve Anderson, Angela Bassett, Laurie Metcalf, Adam West, Tom Selleck and Nicole Sullivan
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 95 minutes

Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Although this film is overlooked, I have a real love for this one. I think it is very sweet and has a great story. The story is very imaginative and promotes some actually thinking. This is not just a film for kids as it caters quite a bit to the adults as well. It has a great heart and very funny as well. The 3D presentation on the disc is very good as well. I really enjoyed the 3D effects and they did not over use it at all. The video is perfect and very vibrant. The film is also very colorful, especially works well for the 3D. The sound is also notable with Disney’s DTS-HD 5.1 Master.  If you have never seen this film, this is your chance and it is a must.  If you are able to enjoy this film in 3D, I would recommend it very highly.

The bonus features are decent and standard for a Disney release.  There is a fairly interesting audio commentary from Steve Anderson.  Easily the best feature has to be the “Inventing the Robinsons” featurette, which provides an informative look at the film’s production.  The deleted scenes included are interesting and even include an alternate ending. “Keep Moving Forward: Inventions that Shaped the World” is an interesting featurette discussing the production.  “Bowler Hat Barrage! Game” is actually fun and aimed for the kiddies.  There is also another kids game called Family Function 5000: Family Tree Game”, but not a good. There are two music videos…one I love and one I do not.  First we have have music video for “Kids of the Future” by Jonas Brothers, before they were mega stars.  Lastly then there is “Little Wonders” performed by Rob Thomas, which is such an amazing song and a great video.

Synopsis: Brace yourself for an eye-popping new dimension of imagination and surprises when Disney’s fun-filled family adventure blasts off the screen and touches down in your living room. Get ready to MEET THE ROBINSONS – in amazing Disney 3D! Join Lewis, a brilliant young inventor who sets off on a time-traveling quest to save the future and find the family he never knew. With the help of the wonderfully wacky Robinson family, Lewis learns to keep moving forward and never stop believing in himself.Experience this futuristic funfest as it leaps to life right before your eyes! With three ways to watch – Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray and DVD – this 3D Combo Pack lets you have the time of your life on Disney Blu-ray 3D – Magic In A New Dimension.

Directed by: Hoyt H. Heatman Jr.
Starring: Bill Nighy, Nicolas Cage, Zach Galifianakis, Penelope Cruz, Tracy Morgan, Jon Favreau, Dee Bradley Baker
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 88 minutes

Overall Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I purposely skipped this film in theaters, Blu-ray/DVD and even TV. I figured it was time to give this film a chance since it landed on Disney 3D Blu-ray. Well after watching it I know why I haven’t seen this film yet. The film itself is just ok but will never warrant a repeat viewing.  Kids will love it though, it has talking animals and some amazing special effects. The action is the film is no joke especially since it is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and his team. The action and 3D are probably this film’s saving grace. The film also has a notable cast ranging from Bill Nighy, Nicolas Cage, Zach Galifianakis, Penelope Cruz, Jon Favreau and of course Tracy Morgan. Boy Tracy’s character go on my nerves after 10 minutes. The presentation on this discs is great, even though the film is not. The video is sharp and the action shows off the 3D effects really well. If your kids liked this movie in the theaters then this is a smart upgrade to get the 3D at home.

The bonus features on the disc are decent as well. The first feature “Cine-Explore Mode” is a picture-in-picture experience loaded with early effect footage, behind-the-scenes featurettes and more lead by director Hoyt Yateman. It is pretty extensive. Kids will also like that guinea pigs Darwin and Blaster stop by also to chat about the film (I didn’t enjoy this much). “Inside the Animation Lab” feature Hoyt Yateman and Jerry Bruckheimer as they discuss the films special effects and the development that went into it, short but sweet. There are six deleted scenes, which are nothing special at all and run about 6 minutes. “Blaster’s Boot Camp” feature Blaster discusses being a member of G-Force, it is only for kids. “G-Force Mastermind” features the director’s son and original creator of this film, Hoyt Yateman IV, talk about the concept. “Bruckheimer Animated” is a quick and useless collection of Bruckheimer’s use of CG over the years. “G-Farce” is the best feature on this release and of course it is outtakes, which I always love. Lastly, there are three music videos Flo Rida’s “Jump,” Steve Rushton’s “Ready to Rock,” and the guinea pigs’ “Go G-Force” song. Like I said and I will repeat, this is for the kids…adults steer clear.

Synopsis: Buckle up for thrilling edge-of-your-seat action and laugh-out-loud fun in Disney’s G-Force as this elite team of highly trained guinea pigs leaps off the screen and right into your living room. In Disney Blu-ray 3D, this family comedy adventure is the best 3D you can get at home. Just as the G-Force is about to save the world, the F.B.I. shuts the secret unit down. But these next-generation action heroes won’t be stopped. Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, and with the F.B.I. on their tails, the fur flies as they race against the clock to save the world. From the producer of Pirates Of The Caribbean and National Treasure, G-Force is fantastic 3D fun for the whole family. It’s Magic In A New Dimension.

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Directed by: Mark Dindal
Starring: Zach Braff, Garry Marshall, Joan Cusack, Steve Zahn, Amy Sedaris, Mark Walton, Don Knotts, Patrick Stewart
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 81 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I remember seeing “Chicken Little” in theaters in 3D and it was kind of a big deal since it was one of the first animated 3D films using the new Real 3D technology. It even came with collectable green “Chicken Little” 3D glasses. For 2005, this was a great step in the future for 3D animated films. Is it the best film ever…no. But it is also far from the worst. This film runs very short barely hitting 80 minutes but maybe that is a good thing. I think overall it is funny and the 3D is really great. In fact I feel that I enjoyed the 3D experience even more on the Blu-ray. The presentation on this release is very colorful and crisp. The sound is DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio and works really well with the action in the film. Overall I will be re-watching this film in the future just to experience the 3D again for sure. If you enjoyed this film in the theaters in 3D, it is worth the re-purchase for sure.

The bonus features includes on the disc are decent but mostly fun kiddie themed. The first is a Q&A with the filmmakers called “Hatching Chicken Little” as they discuss the making of the movie. There is also an audio commentary from them as well. Worth a watch, kids probably won’t dig much. there is the music video for “Shake A Tail Feather” performed by The Cheetah Girls. Another music video includes is “One Little Slip” performed by Barenaked Ladies. There is a karaoke and sing along for that song as well. There are five deleted scenes from the DVD releases and also two alternate openings. Lastly there is an “Alien Invasion Game”, fun but aimed for kids.

Synopsis: Disney’s “perfect family film” (Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood) is now more fantastic than ever! All systems are go for fun, action and adventure as Chicken Little soars off the screen and into your living room in breathtaking, eye-popping Disney 3D! When the sky really is falling and sanity has flown the coop, who will rise to save the day? Together with his hysterical band of misfit friends, Chicken Little must save the planet from an alien invasion and prove that the world’s biggest hero is a little chicken. Experience the wonder of this hilarious egg-stravaganza as it hatches to life right before your eyes! Our 3D Combo Pack offers three ways to watch – Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray and DVD. For out-of-this-world entertainment, the sky’s the limit with Disney Blu-ray 3D – magic in a new dimension.

Directors: Chris Williams and Byron Howard
Starring: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton
Distributed by: Walt Disney Picture
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 96 Minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Bolt” is a very under appreciated movie, in fact a lot of Disney’s CG animated films like “Chicken Little” and “Meet the Robinsons” are not appreciated. Just because they are not branded with Pixar, they seem to be given a harsher eye. This film is really funny and packed with some major action sequences. The 3D in the film is really spot on and deserves some attention. This film was meant to be in 3D for sure and excels in its format. The presentation on 3D Blu-ray is superb and really rocked the high def 1080p. The sound (like always for Disney) explodes with its DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio. I have seen this film a few times now and this was definitely my favorite experience watching it. There is something about Disney 3D Blu-ray’s, they seem to improve the experience from the theaters. I must say that this is one amazing film and definitely worth the upgrade to 3D if you have the option.

The special features on this release are well packed. First up is the animated short film “Super Rhino”. Very funny especially since Rhino’s character literally steals the whole film. “Bolt’s Be-Awesome Mission Game” is a cute interactive game aimed at kids in which they have to help Bolt defeat the green-eyed man. There is a behind the scenes feature on the making of with with John Travolta and Miley Cyrus, it is worth the watch and is fun to see the duo together.. If you like the end credits then you will enjoy the music video, “I Thought I Lost You” performed by Miley Cyrus and John Travolta. “Creating The World of Bolt” talks about the design of the film and how it was created, definitely interesting if you are tech junkie like me. Chris Williams and Byron Howard take us on a filmmakers’ journey with “A New Breed of Directors”, talks about making the film. They are fun guys and it is a great insight. There are a few deleted scenes and are worth a watch but generally nothing spectacular. We get to go behind the scenes in to a voice cast in session with “Act, Speak! The Voices of Bolt”. I love this feature the most behind I love seeing actors voice their characters. Lastly it is a cute little art gallery which looks into the film’s early concepts. I enjoyed this as well especially since I am a art concept fantastic, even owning this films “The Art of” hardcover book.

Synopsis: Prepare to enter a fantastic new dimension offamily fun as Disney’s sensational animated comedy leaps off the screen and into your living room. You’ll sit up and beg for more when Bolt springs into action in awe-inspiring Disney 3D. Bolt is the star of the biggest show in Hollywood. The only problem is, he thinks it’s real. After he’s accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penny, his beloved co-star and owner, Bolt must harness all his “super powers” to find a way home. Experience all the high-flying, death-defying stunts Blot and his hilarious sidekicks pull off on their incredible journey. The fur really flies as they come to life right before your eyes! And with four ways to watch – Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy – this 3D Combo Pack unleashes a new breed of excitement on Disney Blu-ray 3D – magic in a new dimension.

Starring: Placebo
Distributed: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Run Time: 179 Minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I have never been a big fan of the band “Placebo”. I know them from their appearance on soundtracks like “Cruel Intentions” and “The Vampire Diaries” mostly. Their music is a little two emo-pop for my taste. This concert was filmed at London’s Brixton Academy in September 2010 during the bands tour to for their album “Battle For The Sun”. I would have to say overall though you would need to be a fan of “Placebo” in order to appreciate and enjoy this release.

The Blu-ray presentation is quite impressive though even though I am not a fan of the band. It is very visual concert with some great digital effects to accompany the bands performance. It reminds me a lot of the video presented with Tool’s concerts. The visual presentation of the video and sound are very good as well. Also includes in an interesting documentary “Coming Up For Air”, which runs about an hour and follows the band on their world tour. The short film “Trigger Happy Hands is also included and definitely worth a watch.

The following tracks are included in this concert:
Nancy Boy
Ashtray Heart
Battle For The Sun
Soulmates
Kitty Litter
Every You Every Me
Special Needs
Breathe Underwater
The Never-Ending Why
Bright Lights
Meds
Teenage Angst
All Apologies
For What It’s Worth
Song To Say Goodbye
The Bitter End
Trigger Happy Hands
Post Blue
Infra-Red
Taste In Men

Director: Leon Ford
Starring: Ryan Kwanten, Maeve Dermody, Marshall Napier
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 93 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are unaware of the name Ryan Kwanten, you may recognize the name of Jason Stackhouse from “True Blood”. Ryan is really breaking out from his role in “True Blood”, especially since last year’s great film “Red Hill”. This film is a fun twist on street super hero vigilantes, it’s “Kick Ass” meets “Batman”. It’s funny and also has some decent action and effects for a low budget film. I see Ryan Kwanten really coming the next big action star. He is slowly expanding from his star-role in Australia and building off his popularity from HBO’s “True Blood”. I think he is going to have a big break any day now.

The story follow shy and awkward office worker by day and vigilante super hero by night, Griff (Kwanten). Griff finds escape from “ordinary” life by this secret identity. Griff’s plans change when he meets Melody (Dermody), a who becomes fascinated by his fantasy identity. The two falling for each other and end up working together to defeat the everyday normality of life.

The special features on his disc are decent including a few behind the scenes featurette to start. There is one about the “Anatomy of a Scene” focusing on the following aspects; “Opening Sequence” and “Steadicam Shot”. It is definitely worth a watch. There are few deleted scenes, nothing special but also worth a watch. I really enjoyed the feature “Appear Calm: Diary of a First Time Director”, which covers the film from pre-production, to shooting, to post-production. There is a feature called “Rain Stops Play”, which is interesting and deserves a watch. “Patrick’s Set Tour” is brief but fun little set visit. Lastly we get a music video of “Don’t Give Yourself Away” by The Shadow Bureau, decent video but good song.

Starring: Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling
Directed by: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Distributed: Warner Brothers
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 118 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” is definitely well written and reminds me of the way I felt when I left the theaters for “Love Actually” (which is my favorite romantic comedy of all-time). I am not the biggest fan of Steve Carell and Julianne Moor, who are obviously the stars, but they are not too bad in this. The saving grace though is Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, who I absolutely love. They are both fantastic. Also notable supporting role needs to go to the simply hilarious Josh Grobon. I was not a major fan of Ficarra and Requa’s first film “I Love You Phillip Morris” but this one is definitely a good improvement.

The Blu-ray picture is decent but isn’t anything special since it is just a comedy.  It is clear though and the sound also is notable plays a nice balance between the score and the vocals. The special features included on this are actually pretty baron and does not even include a commentary from this high profile cast. The main extra is about 12 minutes of deleted scenes. Don’t get me wrong though these are some really great laugh-out-loud scenes which could have been put in the film but probably cut to keep it under two hours. The next extra is definitely passable called “The Player Meets His Match”, waste of time. The next one is fun but nothing special called “Steve and Ryan Walk Into a Bar”.

Synopsis: At fortysomething, straight-laced Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the dream: good job, nice house, great kids and marriage to his high school sweetheart. But when Cal learns that his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), has cheated on him and wants a divorce, his “perfect” life quickly unravels. Worse, in today’s single world, Cal, who hasn’t dated in decades, stands out as the epitome of un-smooth. Now spending his free evenings sulking alone at a local bar, the hapless Cal is taken on as wingman and protégé to handsome, thirtysomething player Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). In an effort to help Cal get over his wife and start living his life, Jacob opens Cal’s eyes to the many options before him: flirty women, manly drinks and a sense of style that can’t be found at Supercuts or The Gap. Cal and Emily aren’t the only ones looking for love in what might be all the wrong places: Cal’s 13-year-old son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), is crazy about his 17-year-old babysitter, Jessica (Analeigh Tipton), who harbors a crush on Cal. And despite Cal’s makeover and his many new conquests, the one thing that can?t be made over is his heart, which seems to keep leading him back to where he began.

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