Actors: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall
Directors: Steven Spielberg
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: November 29, 2016
Run Time: 118 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Urgh, “The BFG”. I have been dreading watching this film since I saw the especially awful trailers. Before any of that I was quite excited I figured that Spielberg could have some fun with adapting Roald Dahl’s The BFG but it was just a failure from then on out. The visual effects are good but I really just was bored with it at the same time. I feel like so much more could have been done with this except it was just bland and full of missed opportunities. Filled with not funny fart jokes throughout (and trust me I usually fall hard for a good fart joke) but this was a complete failure in my book.

Official Premise: “The BFG” unites the talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – to bring to life the classic tale of a courageous little girl named Sophie (newcomer Ruby Barnhill) and a gentle and charming Big Friendly Giant (Oscar-winner Mark Rylance) who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.

“The BFG” is a big flop of visual effects. They are transferred well though on Blu-ray. The 1080p transfer does give the visual effects some justice, even though boring. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 works well with the films score and action sequences. The special features are rather bland like the film. There is only one that stands out amongst the rest. “Bringing The BFG to Life” runs just under 30 minutes and feature cast/crew discussing all aspects of the feature behind-the-scenes.

“The Big Friendly Giant and Me” is a super short animated version of the film in a nut shell. “Gobblefunk: The Wonderful Words of the BFG” goes into the giant’s very strange language and use of words created by Dahl. “Giants 101” is a casting feature for the nine giants in the film. Lastly “Melissa Mathieson: A Tribute” is a feature in memory of the late screenwriter. There is a DVD included along with the Blu-ray as well as a Disney digital copy to round out this release.

Actors: Anna Kendrick, John Krasinski, Richard Jenkins, Margo Martindale, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Directors: John Krasinski
Number of discs: 1
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I literally had no idea what “The Hollars” was before watching it. It was a movie that got rather swept under the carpet, but it deserves some praise for sure. I would go as far as even saying that I loved this flick. The acting from Anna Kendrick, John Krasinski, Richard Jenkins and especially Margo Martindale was literally award worthy. I found myself sniffing out of control. The drama was very real and it just really won me over. This is usually not a film that I would ever watch but with the talent attached to it, I was intrigued to give it a try…and I was not let down. PLEASE watch this movie just make sure to have some tissues handy.

Official Premise: A struggling NYC artist, John Hollar (John Krasinski), is forced to return to the small, middle-American town he left behind after learning about his mother’s illness. Back in the house he grew up in, John is immediately swept up in the problems of his dysfunctional family, high school rival and an over-eager ex-girlfriend as he faces impending fatherhood with his NYC girlfriend (Academy Award Nominee Anna Kendrick, 2009, Best Supporting Actress, Up in the Air). John Krasinski’s second feature as a director is a poignant look at the bonds of family and friendship.

There are some decent special features included. I particularly loved the audio commentary track that features both John Krasinski and Margo Martindale. Simply love both of them! There are two features included. The first is “The Family Trust: Inside The Hollars” and second is “Persistent Vision: Margo Martindale”, both features cast/crew talking behind-the-scenes about the project. Lastly there is the LA Film Festival Q&A featuring Anna Kendrick, John Krasinski and Margo Martindale.

Actors: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas
Directors: Todd Phillips
Studio: Warner Brothers
DVD Release Date: November 22, 2016
Run Time: 120 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

This film had such potential going in. The director of “The Hangover” mixed with great talent of Jonah Hill and Miles Teller, but it didn’t really all come together well. I enjoyed it but I don’t see myself remembering this film after a few months. I do love Jonah Hill and Miles Teller together though, they seem to work very well. Worth a rent if your bored and can’t find anything else to watch just for the cast.

Official Premise: With the war in Iraq raging on, Efraim Diveroli offers childhood friend David Packouz a chance to make big bucks by becoming an international arms dealer. Together, they exploit a government initiative that allows businesses to bid on U.S. military contracts. Starting small allows the duo to rake in money and live the high life. They soon find themselves in over their heads after landing a $300 million deal to supply Afghan forces, a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people.

The Blu-ray also includes a digital HD copy of the film. The special features are much more of a disappointment than the film. There are three short featurettes. The film “General Phillips: Boots on the Ground” is an extended EPK with cast/director. “Access Granted” includes interviews with actual people that the film was based on. Lastly “Pentagon Pie” is a super short animated look at the film…but with singing rats…a little lost with this one.

Actors: Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones, Michelle Yeoh
Directors: Dennis Gansel
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: November 22, 2016
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Mechanic: Resurrection” is the sequel that no buddy asked for. Hollywood is trying so hard to make Jason Statham a big action star ever since “The Transporter” series but he really never hit is super big. He’s in a lot of big movies but they really don’t make big money. The first “Mechanic” film he stared in was not a huge hit at all, which is why this sequel is a shock. Not a terrible movie, just a brainless action flick with a solid cast including Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones and Michelle Yeoh. Not holding my breath for “Mechanic 3” for sure.

Official Premise: Arthur Bishop (Statham) returns as the Mechanic in the sequel to the 2011 action-thriller. When the deceitful actions of a cunning but beautiful woman (Alba) force him to return to the life he left behind, Bishop’s life is once again in danger as he has to complete an impossible list of assassinations of the most dangerous men in the world.

The Blu-ray presentation is solid on this release. The 1080p transfer would well with the film’s scale which was bigger than I expected. The Blu-ray does score though with the Dolby Atmos audio track which really delivered with the action sequences. In term of special features there are five featurettes that take us behind-the-scenes on the film from the development to the scoring the film to a breakdown of the Malaysian prison break sequence along with in-depth interviews with Michelle Yeoh and Jason Statham.

Actors: Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramírez, Usher Raymond, Ellen Barkin
Directors: Jonathan Jakubowicz
Rated: R
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: November 22, 2016
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Normally, I am not a huge fan of sports films. Just not my thing, but I decided to check this out due to the talent. Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramírez, Usher Raymond, Ellen Barkin all deliver great performances. I enjoyed the film but it is what I calla a one-timer, I don’t ever see myself revisiting this one and I have a feeling that people are going to forget it as well quite quickly if not already.

Official Premise: Hands of Stone follows the life of Roberto Durán (Edgar Ramírez), the Panamanian fighter who, with the help of his trainer Ray Arcel (Robert De Niro) made his professional debut in 1968 as a 16 year old and retired in 2002 at the age of 50. In June 1980, he defeated Sugar Ray Leonard (Usher Raymond) to capture the WBC welterweight title, but shocked the boxing world by returning to his corner in their November rematch, famously saying the words ‘no más’ (‘no more’).

The “Hands of Stone” Blu-ray comes with a Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is sharp and packs as punch as does the DTS-Master Audio 5.1 track, which worked with the boxing. The special features are nothing special either. There is a featurette going behind-the-scenes on the star boxer in “Roberto Durán: A Boxing Legend, a Nation’s Pride”. Other than that, there are only a few deleted scenes, and two lyric videos.

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Starring: Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams
Number of discs: 5
Studio: HBO Studio
DVD Release Date: November 15, 2016
Running Time: 590 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When season 5 ended of “Game of Thrones” I was head over heels with this show. But I am not sure what happened but I really lost a lot of buzz for season six. I just wasn’t interested in it for the first time. Maybe it was all the bullshit about whether Jon Snow was alive that got annoying but I wasn’t in a rush to watch this season. Don’t get me wrong cause I did really enjoy this season once I watched but I now feel that maybe this show has finally jumped the shark, as they say, and has lost its spark for me. Season 7 should be a good one after the events of this season.

Official Premise: The most-watched series in HBO history and a worldwide TV phenomenon, Game of Thrones returns with another power season. This year, after the shocking developments at the end of Season 5 – including Jon Snow’s bloody fate at the hands of Castle Black mutineers, Daenerys’ near-demise at the fighting pits of Meereen, and Cersei’s public humiliation in the streets of King’s Landing – survivors from all parts of Westeros and Essos regroup to press forward, inexorably, towards their uncertain individual fates. Familiar faces will forge new alliances to bolster their strategic chances at survival, while new characters will emerge to challenge the balance of power in the east, west, north and south.

The DVD release contains must less special features than the Blu-ray and NO digital copy either. I mean how hard would it be for them to include this? “The Battle of the Bastards” is an an in-depth look at all aspects of this season. “Recreating the Dothraki World” looks into creation of Vaes Dothrak and its importance. “18 Hours at the Paint Hall” follows the three shooting units from this show as they showcase a day in the life with “Game of Thrones”. This DVD has the most commentaries recorded for the series and covers every single episode with all cast/crew. Definitely a treat and a perfect way to revisit this season.

Actors: Toby Stephens, Ray Stevenson, Zach McGowan, Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker Kennedy
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: November 8, 2016
Run Time: 549 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Black Sails is a great show that really hasn’t been giving proper credit since it aired. The show is grand and very epic. The characters are well fleshed out and each season has been improving on the next. The scope of this show is just so huge and it feels like a massive “Game of Thrones” style world…yet the masses have not caught on. Anchor Bay has still been behind giving this show a solid Blu-ray presentation since day one. The 1080p transfer on these episodes are just gorgeous. They make all the work that this show takes to put together and shows it off very well. This release also comes stock with epic Dolby TrueHD 7.1 tracks, which will rattle your bones! Alas, the next season will be the series finale. I am very curious to how how this show cruises to its conclusion in season four.

Official Season Premise: In the wake of the burning of Charles Town, all the New World lives in fear of Captain Flint. But when his campaign of terror crosses over into madness, and new threats emerge to challenge his supremacy, it falls to John Silver to locate the man within the monster, before Flint’s war against the world consumes them all. Meanwhile, on the pirate island of Nassau, it’s a new day. With Eleanor Guthrie facing judgment in London, Jack Rackham sits atop a fortune in Spanish gold, hoping to secure his legacy as a king among thieves. To do so, he’ll have to compete with the return of one of history’s most notorious captains, who holds a different vision for their home, as well as a complicated past with Rackham’s chief ally, Captain Charles Vane. All will be tested when a new opponent arrives to claim Nassau, one the pirates could never have anticipated. It knows them. It understands them. And in the blink of an eye, it will do the one thing they never thought possible… turn them against each other.

The special feature are a little light this go around but some decent content still included. There is a good refresher from what happened last season in the “Season 2 Recap”. The best feature is an episode-by-episode in depth behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of the show in “Inside the World of Black Sails”. The next feature “The Storm” shows how they created the visual marvel in the second episode of this season. “A Pirate’s Last Words” looks into the big season spoiler, which I will not reveal. “Blackbeard: An 18th Century Pirate” focuses on the debut of the legendary character to the show. Lastly “Woodes Rogers” examines one of the season’s newest character. Missing here that would be been amazing would have been some commentary tracks, if you are reading this for season four release Anchor Bay!

Actors: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy
Directors: Andrew Stanton
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Run Time: 97 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

“Finding Nemo” is easily one of my favorite Disney/Pixar films. Pixar has been honestly rather weak though in the sequel department recently (of course outside of the “Toy Story” franchise”). “Finding Dory” was everything I wanted in a sequel and more! The original characters were back and better than ever. Everyone loves Dory but she was really able to carry this movie so well in the lead with some help from some amazing new friends. Destiny, the whale shark and Bailey, a beluga whale, nearly steal the show for me. Just a lot of love went into making this film amazing and every time I watch it it only gets better and better…and BETTER! Let’s hope that Pixar takes some notes from this film and straightens up its game for future sequels.

Official Premise: From the Academy Award(R)-winning creators of Disney-Pixar’s FINDING NEMO (Best Animated Feature, 2003) comes an epic undersea adventure filled with imagination, humor and heart. When Dory, the forgetful blue tang (Ellen DeGeneres), suddenly remembers she has a family who may be looking for her, she, Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) take off on a life-changing quest to find them…with help from Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Bailey, a beluga whale who’s convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz’ and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark!

I saw this film in 3D and I wasn’t really thrilled with the way it turned out. But the film 2D alone just looks so amazing. If you watch “Nemo” and “Dory” back to back you can see so much how the latter has improved on the first film. The 1080p transfer is simple gorgeous and compliments so well by the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio track as well, which is perfect. Disney also jam packed this Blu-ray set with special features spanning over two discs. Additionally, there is a DVD copy of the film included (if anyone actually still uses these) as well as and a Disney digital copy voucher.

On disc one of “Finding Dory”, the special features start off amazing with the beautiful short film “Piper”, which better win the Oscar this year! There are some vintage (looking) Marine Life Interviews with characters from the film. “The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar” focuses on “the most complicated character” Pixar has ever created. “What Were We Talking About?” focuses on Dory as a character and how she returns in this film. “Casual Carpool” takes us on a ride with Director Andrew Stanton and some voice cast. “Animation & Acting” focuses on voice work in the film. “Deep in the Kelp” features Jenna Ortega, from Disney’s Stuck in the Middle, as she hosts on the research for the film. “Creature Features” has cast discuss their characters. Lastly there is a fun and informative audio commentary with Director Andrew Stanton, Co-Director Angus MacLane, and Producer Lindsey Collins.

Disc Two jumps right into the good stuff with a huge five part behind-the-scenes feature. The first part is “Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer”, which features the Character Art Director discusses his work on the film. “Dory’s Theme” features a discussion about the music with Director Andrew Stanton, Composer Tom Newman, and Music Editor Bill Bernstein. “Rough Day on the Reef” is a sort of gag reel of computer glitches, so is the other feature “Fish Schticks” featuring funny moments. “Finding Nemo As Told by Emoji” is what the title says it is…cute. ” “Living Aquariums” is an awesome addition as sporting a collection of four themed digitally animated “fish tanks” designed for ambient enjoyment. Hours of entertainment here! Lastly there is a WHOPPING 50+ minutes of deleted scenes with intro from the director and some trailers included.

Actors: Nicolas Cage, Russell Brand, Rainn Wilson, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Paul Scheer
Directors: Larry Charles
Rated: R
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Run Time: 93 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Poor Nicolas Cage. This guy was at the top of holiday and just ended up choosing one bad film after another…after another. Same goes for his co-star in this, Russell Brand, come to think of it as well. This film literally was just dumped on Blu-ray and its will be shortly forgotten. It’s not great to be honest but it’s at least watchable…but like I said not very memorable.

Official Premise: Synopsis: Gary Faulkner (Nicolas Cage) is an ex-con, unemployed handyman, and modern day Don Quixote who receives a vision from God (Russell Brand) telling him to capture Osama Bin Laden. Armed with only a single sword purchased from a home-shopping network, Gary travels to Pakistan to complete his mission. While on his quest, Gary encounters old friends back home in Colorado, the new friends he makes in Pakistan, the enemies he makes at the CIA – and even God and Osama themselves.

The Blu-ray features nothing special at all in terms of audio and video. No major complaints but nothing memorable either just like the film itself. Along with the Blu-ray, we also get a DVD and a digital copy of the film as well. To make matters worse, there is only one special feature, which is a short behind-the-scenes look into the “Making of Army of One”.

Actors: Chris Pine, Jeff Bridges, Ben Foster, Katy Mixon, Kevin Rankin
Directors: David Mackenzie
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: November 22, 2016
Run Time: 122 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Hell Or High Water” easily has some of the best performances of the year. In fact, this film easily nudged itself in my top films of 2016…YES it is that good. Chris Pine, Jeff Bridges, Ben Foster together are GOLD! Bridges is hysterical and steals the show. Foster delivers yet another outstanding performance for the underrated actor, who was also fantastic in “Warcraft” this year. Of course, let’s not forget Chris Pine who once again shows off his acting chops. Lastly, props should go out to Gil Birmingham, who hasn’t gotten enough credit from this film because he was amazing also and put up with Jeff Bridges’ character, which was a challenge. Overall, this is a fun, action packed, slow burn drama that I highly recommend you do not miss!

Official Premise: Toby is a divorced father who’s trying to make a better life for his son. His brother Tanner is an ex-convict with a short temper and a loose trigger finger. Together, they plan a series of heists against the bank that’s about to foreclose on their family ranch. Standing in their way is Marcus, a Texas Ranger who’s only weeks away from retirement. As the siblings plot their final robbery, they must also prepare for a showdown with a crafty lawman who’s not ready to ride off into the sunset.

In the Blu-ray combo pack also comes with a DVD of the film as well as a digital HD copy. The Blu-ray 1080p transfer is gorgeous showing off the beauty of Texas and the DTS-Master Audio 5.1 track nails the score and the music by Nick Cave. There are three decent featurettes included, the first is “Enemies Forever: The Characters of Hell or High Water”, which features the cast dicussing their roles. The next is “Visualizing the Heart of America”, which discusses the shooting locations for the film. Last one “Damaged Heroes: The Performances of Hell or High Water” reviews with the cast/crew about our leads and how they nailed their characters. Also included is the Red Carpet Premiere footage as well as a Filmmaker Q&A that is working checking out for sure.

Actors: Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Juliette Lewis, Emily Meade, Miles Heizer
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Run Time: 96 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Nerve” is a movie that makes me feel like I am getting old. It starts Emma Roberts (TV’s “Scream Queens”) and Dave Franco (“Now You See Me” franchise) both of whom I cannot stand at all. They seem to represent all that the younger Millenial generation stand for and they honestly can’t act either. Plus it is just wrapped up in this obxvious world of social media, which I try and stay away from. So obviously, this film was not made for me personally, which is fine but I did have to sit through it to complete this. If you are a Millenial that like to tweet, Instagram or whatever else you kids do, you will enjoy this but anyone over 30 should steer clear.

Official Premise: Industrious high school senior Vee Delmonico (Emma Roberts) is tired of living life on the sidelines. Pressured by her friends, Vee decides to join Nerve, a popular online game that challenges players to accept a series of dares. It’s not long before the adrenaline-fueled competition requires her to perform increasingly dangerous stunts. When Nerve begins to take a sinister turn, Vee finds herself in a high-stakes finale that will ultimately determine her entire future.

The Blu-ray Combo Pack, which comes with a Digital HD copy of the film has one pretty cool feature that I was impressed with. They give viewers the unique opportunity to experience being a WATCHER or a PLAYER. In WATCHER mode, you can go behind-the-scenes with 15 “Creating Nerve” pods which dive into the making of the film itself. “The Fat Jewish Gets Tattewish” is a collection of outtakes from internet personality Josh Ostrovsky and “The Governor’s Ball Takeover” features a game of dare played at the 2016 Governor’s Ball in New York.

If you take the interactive PLAYER mode route, you can take interactive quiz called “Are You a Watcher or a Player” or play the “Do You Have the Nerve?” Game, which would be for viewers looking for an adrenaline rush or view Player Profiles of the top Nerve players. Oddly enough, the DVD included, only features the Watcher mode special feature.

“T.A.M.I. Show and The Big T.N.T Show”
Shout Factory
Producer: Brian Blum
2 Discs
Runtime: 205 Minutes

Our score: 4 out of 5 stars

Fans of classic rock and soul can now own the legendary concert film “T.A.M.I. Show” along with its long -lost and much requested follow up “The Big T.N.T Show” which is being released via Shout Factory on December 2nd. The two films are available together in standard DVD and High Definition Blu-Ray and will both come packaged with a special 36 page booklet containing rare photos and detailed essays written by Don Waller.

If the music of the mid 1960’s is your thing then the great folks over at Shout Factory have a stellar two disc package for you. The “T.A.M.I. Show and The Big T.N.T Show” will be available just in time for Christmas and will a welcome gift under the tree of any music fan. Together all on two disc watchers are treated to classic performances by the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and Ray Charles to name just a few. Mastered from a new High Definition transfer the show looks and sounds amazing No-where else will you be able to see such early footage from acts that would go on to define a generation. Not only do you get to see the likes of Chuck Berry and many others but they are back by none other than “The Wrecking Crew” one of if not these best studio/backing band every assembled!

From beginning to end the “T.A.M.I. Show and The Big T.N.T Show” collection is a hit. Not only are the performances spot on but so is the audio and video as well. After all the decorations and excitement of the holidays are gone these films will be a great thing to put on and enjoy some peace and quiet with the family as they will instantly transport you back to a generation and world that unknowingly was on the cusp of great change.

“T.A.M.I. Show” Performances
David McCallum- (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (instrumental
Ray Charles- What’d I Say
Petula Clark- Downtown
The Lovin’ Spoonful- Do You Believe in Magic, You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice
Bo Diddley- Hey Bo Diddley, Bo Diddley
Joan Baez- 500 Miles, There But For Fortune
Ray Charles- Georgia On My Mind, Let the Good Times Roll
Joan Baez w. Phil Spector- You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling
The Ronettes- Be My Baby, Shout
Roger Miller- Dang Me, Engine Engine #9, King of the Road, England Swings
The Byrds- Turn!Turn!Turn!(To Everything There is a Season), The Bells of Rhymney, Mr. Tambourine Man

The Big T.N.T Show” Performances
Jan and Dean- 9Here They Come) From All Over the World
Chuck Berry- Johnny B. Goode, Maybelle
Gerry and the Peacemakers, Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying, It’s Gonna Be Alright
Chuck Berry- Nadine
Gerry and the Peacemakers- Like It
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles- That’s What Love is Made Of, You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me, Mickey’s Monkey
Marvin Gaye- Stubborn Kind of Fellow, Pride and Joy, Can I Get a Witness, Hitch Hike
Lesley Gore- Maybe I Know, You Don’t Own Me, You Didn’t Look Around, Hey Now, It’s My Party, Judy’s Turn to Cry
Jan and Dean- The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena) Sidewalk Surfin
The Beach Boys- Surfin’ USA, I Get Around

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Actors: Eddie Murphy, Britt Robertson, Natascha McElhone, Xavier Samuel, Lucy Fry
Directors: Bruce Beresford
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Eddie Murphy hasn’t had the best of luck recently. His films haven’t been let’s say…quality. Due to those films, “Mr. Church” got shoved to the corner and not giving much love. It’s not a perfect film but it is definitely a great performance from Murphy and his co-star Britt Robertson (“Tomorrowland”). I am usually not a huge fan of the “heart-warming” films but this one I enjoyed.

Official Premise: Mr. Church tells the story of a unique friendship that develops when a little girl and her dying mother retain the services of a talented cook – Henry Joseph Church. What begins as a six-month arrangement instead spans fifteen years, and creates a family bond that lasts forever.

The Blu-ray for “Mr. Church” includes a Digital HD copy along in addition. There is also some decent bonus features. There is an interview with co-star Britt Robinson, as well as three featurettes. The first, “Food on Film”, features cast/crew discussing film. “Based on a True Friendship” looks at the true story the film is based on. Lastly “Eddie Murphy: Doing a Drama” is a focus on the star.

Actors: Laya DeLeon Hayes, Lara Jill Miller, Robbie Rist, Loretta Devine, Jess Harnell
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 18, 2016
Run Time: 142 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Doc McStuffins: Toy Hospital” is the latest DVD release from the popular Disney Junior series “Doc McStuffins”. Coincidentally, “”Doc McStuffins: Toy Hospital” is also the new title of the show for the fourth season. The only episode though from the new season is “Welcome To McStuffinsville”, which is basically what Doc McStuffins: The Movie” could be if they made it ever. It is a full-length adventure with a great new adventure and new songs. It is a great introduction into the new season. I wish the DVD continued the “Toy Hospital” trend though and included more episodes from season four.

Official Premise: Join Doc as she expands her practice from the backyard clinic to the magical new world of McStuffinsville, where she will carry on a family tradition by becoming Chief Resident of McStuffins Toy Hospital. After Grandma McStuffins shares the news that she too has the ability to bring toys to life, she transports Doc and her friends to McStuffinsville, a magical world made up entirely of toys. There, Doc appoints Lambie in charge of the toy nursery, Stuffy on vet duty, Chilly as receptionist and Hallie as head nurse.

The additional episodes included on this DVD are “Baby McStuffins/Selfless Snowman”; “Runaway Love/Tour De McStuffins”, “Bringing Home Baby” and “Baby Names/Night, Night Lala!”. These episodes are all from the latter side of season three. Great episodes but doesn’t fit the “Toy Hospital” theme that the DVD is really pushing. So I feel like that is a bit of a miss here. As well as the episodes, there is also a cute Exclusive Toysponder Bracelet included with this DVD!

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Actors: David Schimmer, Jim Sturgess, Michael Gladis, Lorenza Izzo, John Doman
Directors: Daniel Attias, Jon S. Baird, Dennie Gordon, Steve Shill
Number of discs: 3
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: October 11, 2016
Run Time: 377 minutes

Season: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Feed the Beast” is yet another example of the post-“Friends” curse that has been haunting its star David Schwimmer (although he was good in “American Crime Story”). With a show coming from the minds of the people behind “Dexter” and “Nurse Jackie”, I expected much more. The series also co-starred one of my favorite actor Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Cloud Atlas). Alas, it was nixed after just the first season. Overall, I enjoyed it. Wasn’t the best thing that I have seen on TV but I also don’t think it deserved to get canceled so quickly especially when “Friends” co-star Matthew Perry still has his much harder to watch remake of “The Odd Couple” on the air. Feel like saving another show Netflix?

Official Premise: For Tommy (Schwimmer) and Dion (Sturgess), two friends on the brink of losing everything, a dusty pipe dream of opening an upscale restaurant in their hometown of the Bronx is all they have left to turn their lives around. Together, Tommy and Dion take on the insanity of the New York restaurant world, navigating its underbelly of petty criminals, corrupt officials, and violent gangsters.

This show is available on Blu-ray and DVD but I was only provided with a DVD for the source of this review. The DVD does come with a Digital HD copy of the season, which is a bonus for sure. There are three featurttes included, “Fate, Friendship and Food: Crafting Season 1”, “The Food Behind The Fancy” and “Building The Beast”, which features cast/crew reflecting on the season, their characters and how it was brought to life. Lastly there are also audio commentary track with the cast & crew on few select episodes, so at least we have a little repeat value here.

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