Osiris Entertainment announced today that their new science-fiction thriller, “A Thousand Kisses Deep,” will be released on DVD and Digital on August 6, 2013.

“A Thousand Kisses Deep” – inspired by the lyrics of Leonard Cohen’s song/poem of the same name – tells the story of a young woman who discovers that, by traveling back and forwards through time, her life has ended.

The film features Dougray Scott (“My Week With Marilyn”, “Hemlock Grove”), Amelia Fox (TV’s “Silent Witness”), David Warner (“Titanic”, “TRON”), and Jodie Whittaker (“One Day”, “Attack the Block”) and is directed by Dana Lustig (“Kill Me Later”).

The film is an exclusive-to-DVD premiere from Osiris Entertainment.

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION 

Thrill-Packed Blockbuster Bursts Onto Blu-ray™, Blu-ray 3D™ and DVD July 30, 2013

Fans Can Be the First to Own the Action Extravaganza on Digital July 16^th  

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (June 4, 2013) –  Called “a stunning, high-flying, super-charged blast of fun” (Shawn Edwards, FOX-TV), the $355+ million worldwide blockbuster  G.I. JOE: RETALIATION explodes onto Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD and On Demand July 30, 2013 from Paramount Home Media Distribution.  Based on Hasbro’s popular G.I. JOE brand, the film will be available on Digital two weeks early on July 16^th.  “Born to play a G.I. JOE” (Scott Bowles, USA Today), Dwayne Johnson embodies ROADBLOCK and he and Channing Tatum “are a match made in action flick heaven” (James Oster, JoBlo.com) in this “cool ride” (Richard Corliss, Time) that is “awesome times 10!” (Shawn Edwards, FOX-TV).  From Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, G.I. JOE: RETALIATION also stars action legend Bruce Willis as the original G.I. JOE, as well as Adrianne Palicki, D.J. Cotrona and Jonathan Pryce.  In director Jon M. Chu’s heart-pounding thrill ride, the  G.I. JOE team not only faces off against its mortal enemy COBRA, it is also forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize its very existence.

The G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with UltraViolet™ comes fully loaded with declassified special features that take viewers behind the lines to explore the action and the characters, what it took to bring the film to life and more. The film will also be available in a Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack or as a single disc DVD.

In addition, both the Blu-ray/DVD and Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combos include a limited time offer to receive a FREE set of personalized dog tags.  Consumers can visit a dedicated website and enter their unique code along with personal information to receive their own high-quality, collectible dog tags (see insert for complete details).

The Blu-ray releases available for purchase will be enabled with UltraViolet, a new way to collect, access and enjoy movies.  With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them – reliably and securely – to a variety of devices.

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

The G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The DVD in the combo pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The combo pack includes access to a digital copy of the film as well as the following:

Blu-ray

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

The G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Blu-ray 3D combo pack includes all of the above, as well as the film in high definition and 3D on a disc presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Single-Disc DVD

The single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The disc includes the feature film in standard definition.

All Three Films, New Special Features, and Memorabilia 

Burbank, Calif. July 1, 2013 – Christopher Nolan’s reimagining of the Batman franchise beginning with 2005’s Batman Begins enjoyed phenomenal critical and box-office success.

Now on September 24, Nolan’s three Batman films – Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises – will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment as The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition. The six-disc set will feature all three films with their existing extra content, two new featurettes and exclusive new collectible memorabilia. This must-own collection for fans of DC Comics’ Caped Crusader is available in premium packaging and will sell for $99.97 SRP.

About the Ultimate Collector’s Edition (UCE):

  *Disc 1 – Batman Begins Feature and Special Features

  *Disc 2 – The Dark Knight Feature

  *Disc 3 – The Dark Knight Special Features

  *Disc 4 – The Dark Knight Rises Feature

  *Disc 5 – The Dark Knight Rises Special Features

  *Disc 6 – Bonus Disc of New Special Features (details follow)

NEW Special Features:

• The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy – The inside perspective on the fascinating story behind the creation of one of the most celebrated franchises and how it changed the scope of movie making….forever.  Full of never-before-seen footage, rare moments, and exclusive interviews with  Guillermo Del Toro, Damon Lindelof, Michael Mann, Richard Roeper, Zack Snyder and others.

• Christopher Nolan & Richard Donner: A Conversation – For the first time, Directors Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy) and Richard Donner (Superman) sit down to discuss the trials and triumphs involved in bringing the two most iconic superheroes of all time to the big screen, and how Superman influenced Nolan when developing Batman Begins.
• IMAX® Sequences: The Dark Knight; The Dark Knight Rises – See your favorite scenes as they were intended in the original IMAX^© aspect ratio

Exclusive NEW Memorabilia:

• Premium Mattel Hot Wheels Vehicles: Batmobile, Batpod and Tumbler
• Newly commissioned collectible art cards by Mondo featuring Scarecrow, Joker, Bane, Harvey Dent, and Ra’s al Ghul
• 48-page hardcover book featuring production stills and behind the scenes images from all three movies

About The Films

Batman Begins (2005)

Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight’s emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents’ murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

The Dark Knight (2008)

The follow-up to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves effective, but soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker (Heath Ledger), who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast as Rachel Dawes. Returning from Batman Begins are Oldman, Michael Caine as Alfred and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.

Dark Knight Rises (2012)

It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act.

But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane. Christian Bale stars, along with Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Morgan Freeman.

THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY: ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITION (BD)

Street Date: September 24, 2013

Order Due Date: August 20, 2013

Catalog/UPC #: 1000372133 / 883929308002

Pricing: $99.97 SRP

Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change.

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THE EXORCIST CELEBRATES 40^THANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 8

Blu-ray™ Includes the Extended Director’s Cut, Theatrical Version  with New Special Features and Premiums

Burbank, Calif. June 20, 2013 – When The Exorcist was first released in 1973, viewers were frightened out of their wits – and literally out of their seats. Now Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Academy Award® winning director William Friedkin’s suspense masterpiece that haunted and intrigued the world, with a new Blu-ray release featuring the Extended Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version with new special features and premiums ($49.99 SRP). Available October 8, just ahead of Halloween, this 40^th Anniversary Edition will include two new featurettes: “Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist” and “Talk of the Devil,” as well as an excerpt from Friedkin’s book The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir.

A true cinema landmark, the theological thriller is one of the top ten box-office performers of all time.* The Exorcist took 10 Academy Award^® nominations[i], including Best Picture, and won two Oscars^®[ii], for Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as winning for Best Sound. Subsequently, the film went on to become a multi-million dollar franchise. Directed by Friedkin (Oscar^®-winner for The French Connection – Directing 1971) and written by William Peter Blatty, the film is based on his best-selling novel, which sold nearly 13 million copies domestically and was the #1 book on the New York Times Best Seller List for 57 weeks, 17 of them at #1.

Regarding the Extended Director’s Cut, Friedkin says, “After my initial cut, I took out 12 more minutes before we released it in theatres. Years later, Bill Blatty asked if I’d review some of that rejected footage (which he always felt should have remained) with an eye towards putting it back in a new version. In so doing I believe we strengthened the spiritual aspect of the film.”

Celebrated for his directorial role in this seminal film, Friedkin is still very much in the limelight. His new book, The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir,recently published by HarperCollins, extensively discusses the background and casting of The Exorcist. The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films will honor Friedkin this month with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his continually influential work in genre entertainment at this year’s Saturn Awards. In August, Friedkin will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 70^th Venice International Film Festival, where he will present the restored version of Warner Bros.’ Sorcerer. And Friedkin and author Blatty will attend a special 40^th Anniversary screening of their film at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. on October 30. The film will also have an exclusive theatrical engagement October 31 through November 7^th at the AMC Georgetown.

Synopsis

The Exorcist tells the now-famous story of a girl’s demonic possession, and a gripping fight between good and evil. Linda Blair, in a breakout role, plays Regan, a young girl who starts to exhibit strange, arcane behavior. Her mother (Ellen Burstyn, Oscarâ-winner for Best Actress Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore) calls upon a priest, Father Karras (Jason Miller) to investigate. But Karras, who has a spiritual crisis of his own, is suddenly confronted with the unimaginable evil of Regan’s possession. Father Lankester Merrin (Max Von Sydow), an archeologist-priest, is called to help, and a horrific battle for her soul begins.

Special Features:

• Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist (NEW) 40 years after his novel was published, The Exorcist author, screenwriter and producer returns to where it all began. First stop is a cabin/guest house in the hills of Encino, California, where Blatty wrote the novel. The author visits the place for the first time in 40 years and shares not only memories of writing the book, but also discusses how it inspired him. We then meet Blatty in two key and iconic locations; Georgetown University where the film was shot, and at the now-famous Exorciststeps. Throughout, Blatty reads from his novel, including an excerpt from a chilling newly published passage.
• Talk of the Devil (NEW) – While at Georgetown University, William Peter Blatty heard about a true case of possession from Father Eugene Gallagher. At the time the film came out, the priest talked at length about exorcism, the true story and about Blatty; this footage is now available for the first time in many years. It is as revealing as it is shocking.
• Two Commentaries by William Friedkin
• Commentary by William Peter Blatty
• Introduction by William Friedkin
• 1998 BBC Documentary “The Fear of God: 25 Years of the Exorcist”
• Raising Hell: Filming the Exorcist Set footage produced and photographed by Owen Roizman, camera and makeup tests, and interviews with director William Friedkin, actress Linda Blair, author/screenwriter/producer William Peter Blatty and Owen Roizman.
• The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown Then and Now — Featuring a tour of the iconic locations where the film was shot.
• Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist — with director William Friedkin and author/screenwriter/producer William Peter Blatty discussing the different versions of the film and featuring outtakes from the film.
• Original Ending
• Interviews

o   The Original Cut

o   Stairway to Heaven

o   The Final Reckoning

• Sketches & Storyboards
• Radio Spots
• TV Spots
• Trailers

Premium:

Excerpt of The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir

 The Exorcist 40^th Anniversary Extended Director’s Cut Blu-ray™

Street Date: October 8, 2013

Order Due Date: September 3, 2013

Rated R

Run Time: 132min (Extended Director’s Cut)

122 (Theatrical Version)

Pricing: $49.99 SRP

King of the Kill, Kane Hodder is back as the homicidal yet lovable Victor Crowley in the third installment of Adam Green’s hit horror trilogy “Hatchet”. Media Mikes had the chance recently to talk with Kane about his work on the series, how he evolves his characters when playing them more than once and his thoughts on the writing of Adam Green.

Adam Lawton: Having played both Jason Voorhees and Victor Crowley multiple times what type of approach do you take to help evolve the character?
Kane Hodder: With Jason I always wanted to keep the character looking consistent. The four movies I played that role in all had drastically different settings. I was in the woods, in the city, and even in space. No matter where that character was I wanted it to look familiar to the people. I wanted the way I moved and responded to be the same no matter where or what he was doing. With the Victor character I purposely started him in the first film as being very twitchy and nervous looking. Throughout the three films I purposely toned it down. In my mind Victor was getting a little more used to the killing. I’m not sure if the audiences picked up on this but for me I wanted make it look as he was getting used to what he was doing.

AL: When you’re playing these characters that don’t speak and you’re covered under heavy makeup or a mask how do you convey an emotional performance when your true features can’t be seen?
KH: That’s the whole secret to performing in this type of makeup. The prosthetics are obviously extensive so what you would normally do with your facial expressions don’t generally work. You have to change how you perform as if you don’t there is the chance that you will too much like a mannequin. I think the secret to my success has been that with the characters I have played I was able to make them look more lifelike with the ways that I use the makeup and more importantly with the way I move. I think it’s pretty hard to look intimidating when your facial expressions are covered by a mask and you can’t use your voice. You have try and be scary with movement which can be tricky. I guess somehow I have been able to make it work to where I look natural. It’s certainly a whole different way of acting.

AL: Victor’s makeup in this film appears to be a bit more intense than in the previous films. What was that process like for you?
KH: I loved the fact that Adam and BJ gave me a lot of close ups. Particularly towards the end in my scenes with Danielle. I was able to show more than just Victor’s murderous rage. We were able to bring across a deeper thought process for Victor this time. This was a big departure from how we have seen Victor in the past. I was really happy that we had those moments and that BJ and Adam allowed those moments to happen.

AL: Being no stranger to “kill scenes” were you able to give your own input on those for this film?
KH: Yes. When Adam writes things he is always open to my suggestions but the thing with him is that I have never performed written material from someone that is so creative with the violence and graphic. I often do have to add anything which very rarely happens. I have played a lot of different characters like this and I have to take the basic kill as written and add quite a bit to it in order to make it something that I would want to see. I always had to do the with the Jason thing but with Adam he writes in such a way that I perform it exactly how it’s written and that’s perfect for me. If I do end up adding something it’s generally nothing major. Adam is really fucked up in the head. (Laughs)

AL: When you were first approached to play the role of Victor and his father did you know that it would turn in to playing him in 3 films?
KH: Yes I did. From the beginning Adam told me that he wanted to tell the story of Victor over the course of three films. It wasn’t one of those situations where he made the first film; it became successful so let’s make another. He purposely held back story material in the first and second films so that he could tell the story over three films. I guess it could be seen as a little cocky on his part to assume he would do more than one film and it was definitely a risk but he always had that plan of doing three. That’s why each film picks up directly where the previous one ends. It’s all one long story. With “Hatchet III” a lot of things come together.

AL: Do you have any other projects you’re currently working that you can tell us about?
KH: I have a film called “Sickle” coming out with Tiffany Shepis. I play an unfriendly police officer in that one. I am heading back to Louisiana to shoot a film that was written and being directed by John Schneider who most people remember from “The Dukes of Hazzard”. I play a version of myself alongside people like Bill Moseley, Donald Shanks and Roddy Piper. That’s going to be a lot of fun. Bill Moseley and I also have a film coming out called “Old 37” where we play brother. I am very fortunate to have so much going on and I owe a lot of that to the fans. I’m not trying to kiss ass or anything but it is absolutely true. I thank them very much.

21 Days is a new psychological horror flick in the wave of the Found Footage genre and it’s being produced by the team who created the disturbing Spanish film Atrocious in 2011; Fernando Barreda Luna and Jessica Villegas. This time they are partners with Writer/Director Kathleen Behun, to bring this terrifying and intense ride that promises to chill the nerves of all the genre fans. “The script is very creepy and full of suspense. I think we are crafting something very perverse” – Fernando Luna. The premise runs around a presumed haunted house which no one has been able to live in more than 21 days. The website will explore more the mythology that surrounds this story. The project has started Pre-­‐Production and plans to be completed in the Fall.

Synopsis: Three filmmakers embark on a paranormal challenge by barricading themselves in a house so haunted, no family has been able to live in more than 21 days, in order to film the supernatural phenomena which presumably occur… but nothing can prepare them for the evil that lies in wait… There are some places so dark, so evil, where no human-­‐ no living thing-­‐ should dwell…

Title: 21 Days
Year of Production: 2013
Writer/Director: Kathleen Behun
Cast: TBD
Producers: Kathleen Behun, Jessica Villegas, Fernando Barreda Luna
Company: TORTILLA FLATS PRODUCTIONS, NOPAL ARMY PRODUCTIONS
Website: www.21daysthefilm.com

More information will be released as the production continues development

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Thirteen’s the Lucky Number for Horror Fans When…

FRIDAY THE 13^TH: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION
Debuts on Blu-ray™ Friday the 13^th of September

All 12 films from Warner Bros. and Paramount in One “Horrific” Collection for the First Time 

10-Disc Set Includes 7 Blu-ray Debuts, 11 Hours of Extra Content in Collectible Tin Packaging, 40-page Book with Behind-The-Scenes Photos, Camp Crystal Lake Counselor Patch and More 

Burbank, Calif., June 11, 2013 – On September 13th, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will provide plenty of blood-curdling thrills when Friday The 13th: The Complete Collection debuts on Blu-ray™. For the first time, all twelve Friday the 13th films will be packaged together, (with seven of them making Blu-ray debuts) as a result of a strategic distribution alliance between Paramount and Warner announced last fall, granting Warner exclusive video distribution rights to over 600 Paramount titles. The set also includes a Friday The 13th Killer Extras Bonus DVD.

This intense ‘slasher’ series is one of the longest-running and most successful horror franchises in film history, surpassing the domestic theatrical box-office grosses of such legendary series as A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.The film that turned psycho killer Jason Voorhees and his infamous hockey mask into a pop culture icon has also bested the horror competition as the #1 home entertainment seller, with total sales of $119.7M to date.

The 10-disc collection ($129.95 SRP) includes the twelve films on nine Blu-ray discs, as well as a killer DVD bonus disc full of special features on the making of the famous franchise. The must-own set will be presented in a collectible tin case with 11 hours of previously released special features and a 40-page soft cover book. The book is excerpted from Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday The 13^th, a fan-favorite volume that’s viewed as the ultimate memoir of the series, and highlights some of the 200 interviews, 600 photos, storyboards, concept art and more. Also included is a brand new, official Camp Crystal Lake embroidered Counselor Patch.

Friday The 13^th: The Complete Collection also includes digital versions of all 12 films with UltraViolet™, allowing viewers to download and instantly stream the films to a wide range of devices from computers and compatible tablets to smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players.

One of the most frightening franchises in film history, Friday The 13^th focuses primarily on the character of Jason Voorhees, who drowned as a young child at Camp Crystal Lake due to the inattentiveness of camp counselors. Many years later, the camp becomes the scene of a number of murders – all of which are either committed or motivated by the avenging Jason, who forever lurks at Crystal Lake with his finely-honed machete.

Films in the Collection include:

• Disc 1 – Friday the 13th (1980) 
• Disc 2 – Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
• Disc 3 – Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3D (1982)
• Disc 4 – Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) NEW TO BLU-RAY
• Disc 5 – Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985) / Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)  NEW TO BLU-RAY
• Disc 6 – Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) / Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)  NEW TO BLU- RAY
• Disc 7 – Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) / Jason X (2002) NEW TO BLU-RAY
• Disc 8 – Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
• Disc 9 – Friday the 13th (2009) (Theatrical Version and “Killer Cut” Extended Version)
• Disc 10 – Killer Bonus DVD Disc

Friday The 13^th: The Complete Collection (BD) 
Street Date: September 13, 2013

Order Due Date: August 9, 2013

Rating: R

Pricing: $129.95 SRP

Cat. #:  1000408970

About Warner Home Video: 
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., commands the largest home entertainment distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video’s film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Cinema.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com and WB Ultra.

**About UltraViolet

UltraViolet allows you to collect, watch and share movies and TV shows in a whole new way. Available with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs, DVDs and Digital Downloads, UltraViolet lets you create a digital collection of movies and TV shows. Services such as Flixster and VUDU allow you to instantly stream and download UltraViolet content across a wide range of devices including computers and compatible tablets, smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players. Restrictions and limitations apply. Go to ultraviolet.flixster.com/info for details. For more information on compatible devices go to www.wb.com/ultravioletdevices.

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Actors: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, John Cho, Amanda Peet, Jon Favreau
Directors: Seth Gordon
Rated: R / Unrated
Studio: Universal
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Run Time: 111 / 121 minutes

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

When you read that “Identity Thief” is from the director of “Horrible Bosses” and the producer of “Ted”, I figure how can they do wrong.  Both of those films are very funny and crowd favorites. “Identity Thief” also reunites Seth Gordon and Jason Bateman and add into the mix everyone’s favorite Melissa McCarthy.  She is everyone’s favorite right? I think she was great in “Bridesmaids” but I think that she is getting a little old already. The film has funny moments but overall feels like too much of the Melissa McCarthy show, which is like too much of a good thing. Included on this Blu-ray is both the 111-minute theatrical version and extended 121-minute unrated cut. That leads right into my other point, comedies do not need to be two hours long.  What happened to a tight 90-minute comedy?

Official Premise: Jason Bateman (Horrible Bosses) and Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) lead an all-star cast in this hilarious blockbuster hit. Unlimited funds have allowed Diana (McCarthy) to live it up on the outskirts of Orlando. There’s only one glitch: she’s financing her shopping sprees with an ID stolen from Sandy Patterson (Bateman), an accounts rep who lives halfway across the U.S. With only one week to hunt down the con artist before his world implodes, the real Sandy Patterson is forced to extreme measures to clear his name.

Despite the film being a hit or not, Universal still delivered a nice release (as always) with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy combo pack.  The digital copies include an Ultraviolet and iTunes codes. The 1080p transfer is clear and sharp, looks as good as a comedy can. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track, which worked well with the comedy. The special features are also a bit of a letdown as well. “The Making of Identity Thief” is a typical behind-the-scenes featurette with cast/crew. “Scene Stealing” focuses on the personas of Bateman and McCarthy.  There are five minutes of Alternate Takes with tons of improv from our actors. “The Skiptracer’s Van Tour” takes us on a tour with Robert Patrick. Lastly there is a forgettable gag reel.

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Starring: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Cole Hauser, Sebastian Koch, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Yuliya Snigir
Director: John Moore
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: June 4, 2013
Run Time: 98 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, it might affect my “man-card” but I am not a big fan of the “Die Hard” series as a whole. The first film has its moments and plus who can say no to a Christmas-themed action movie. Also I am a fan of the third film, which teams McClaine up with Samuel L. Jackson. I never even saw or wanted to see “Live Free or Die Hard” and yet we are getting a fifth installment of this seemingly tired franchise. I know that Bruce Willis was once badass as John McClane but he definitely seems to be getting to old for this shit. The plot to this film is such a mess and, in fact, barely exists. It is just a massive bunch of explosion mixed together and set in Russia. Not a big fan of Jai Courtney at all either. But as it pains me to say this, the boys will be back again and “Die Hard 6″ is moving forward with Fox.

Official Premise: Bruce Willis is back in action – mind-blowing, heart-stopping, rip-roaring action – as John McClane, the heroic New York cop with a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time. John’s latest predicament takes him all the way to Russia to track down his estranged son, Jack (Jai Courtney), who has been imprisoned in Moscow. But the mission takes a deadly turn as father and son must join forces to thwart a nuclear weapons heist that could trigger World War III!

Despite this film being a big mess, in terms of audio and video though it is absolutely kicking! 20th Century Fox delivers a nice Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy combo pack. The digital copy includes an UltraViolet and iTunes digital copy. My copy was delivered missing a code, so I hope that isn’t happening for others as well. The Blu-ray disc includes both a theatrical cut and an extended version, which features a few changes to the beginning and end of the film. It doesn’t make the film any better off either. The 1080p transfer is solid and delivers the scale of the film quite well. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is a beast and really kicks some ass, especially with the action – which is non-stop.

The special features are impressive, despite the painfulness of the film itself. There is an audio commentary track from director John Moore and first assistant director Mark Cotone. “Making It Hard To Die” is a 15-part behind-the-scenes documentary, which runs an hour and covers all aspects of the production. “Anatomy of a Car Chase” is a featurette on the opening action sequence. “Two of a Kind” looks into the father/son relationship. “Back in Action” is a piece on the return of John McClane…again. “The New Face of Evil” focuses on the three villains. “Pre-Vis” and “VFX Sequences” looks into the special and visual effects from the film. Lastly there are seven deleted scenes and five storyboards sequences included, as well as a Concept Art Gallery and Theatrical Trailers.

Starring: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell
Directed by: Shawn Levy
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 59 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I owe Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson a great debt. Back in 2005 they did a film together called “Wedding Crashers.” Funny film but I remember it best because a screening of “Wedding Crashers” constituted the first date for my wife and I. Happily still together we took in the new pairing of Vince and Owen in the film “The Internship.”

Billy (Vaughn) and Nick (Wilson) are born salesman. To paraphrase a popular saying, they could sell ice to an Eskimo. Currently they are in the high-end watch business. And now they’re not. In the middle of a sale they learn that their company has folded. Desperate, Nick takes a job selling mattresses in a store run by his sister’s boyfriend (a very funny Will Ferrell cameo). Billy begins a job search on line and discovers that GOOGLE is currently hiring. Actually the company is looking for interns, with a promise of a job for the best and brightest. Using their sales skills, the two talk their way past the admission board and embark on a journey to prove their Googly-ness!

Slow starting, “The Internship” is a buddy comedy with a message: that no matter who you are you have a purpose. Almost twice as old as all of the other candidates, the two find themselves at odds with pretty much everyone there. They are so out of touch that when a rival intern sends them to Stanford to get some information from a bald instructor in a wheelchair named “Professor Xavier” they blissfully head out. Of course, like all large gatherings, there are usually a few outcasts and Billy and Nick become a team with brooding Stuart (Dylan O’Brien), nerdy hot-chick Neha (Tiya Sircar) and Yo-Yo (Tobit Raphael) a home schooled young man whose mother is the very definition of “Tiger Mom,” all being guided by team leader Lile (Josh Brener, who I’m certain will one day play Woody Allen in a bio-pic). The younger roles are all well cast, with each actor getting a chance to develop their character.

The film picks up when the teams begin competing with either. Whether they’re inventing a new phone app or playing a game of Quiditch, the concept of team first is driven home by Vaughn, who apparently has a vault full of inspirational “Flashdance” references. The script, co-written by Vaughn and Jared Stern (who co-wrote the Vaughn/Ben Stiller vehicle “The Watch”) has some funny lines, most of them delivered by Vaughn. Wilson gives Nick a sweet personality that works well for him when he’s trying to woo one of the GOOGLE instructors. Speaking of GOOGLE, the company should be pleased with the almost two-hours of free advertising the film provides. And if you’ve nothing to do this summer, you may want to see if they still need some interns.

Ian Somerhalder is known best for his role of Damon Salvatore on The CW’s “The Vampire Diaries, which is gearing up for its fifth season this Fall. Besides acting Ian is very involved with various charities including The IS Foundation, which aims to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures. He also recently got involved on the advisory board of RYOT.org, which is a website that is working to get young people to be engaged with the news. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Ian again about new role and what his fans can do to help.

Mike Gencarelli: Honestly Ian, I have to ask with being an actor, activist and co-founder of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation; what do you do to balance your time?
Ian Somerhalder: It’s easy. I am energized by all the love and enthusiasm and positive energy around me. I meet amazing people every day that blow my mind with their wisdom and ideas. I believe that I become part of everyone I meet and they all become part of me – so that’s a lot of energy churning around in one body! But I do love spending time with my family – they keep me grounded and there really is no greater source of comfort than being at home.

MG: How did you get involved on the advisory board of RYOT.org?
IS: I’ve been friends with co-founders Bryn and David for years. The idea for RYOT came out of dozens of late-night conversations about the helplessness we all felt when reading the news. We wanted to find a way to make news empowering rather than depressing, so we spent a year building the site and launched it in October. It’s been amazing to watch it grow and see how many people love it and use it every day.

MG: The philosophy behind RYOT.org is that there are many ways to make a difference. How important is it for you to “make a difference”?
IS: RYOT’s founding principle is that everyone can make a difference. RYOT means “peasant” in Hindi and part of our inspiration was the MLK Jr. quote “A riot is the language of the unheard.” The way we see it, you don’t have to be rich or famous or an aid worker on the ground in Haiti or Africa to make a difference. There are ten thousand ways you can make an impact every day in your own community, or in many cases, right from your computer or phone. I try and make a difference by working on environmental issues: Supporting products that are sustainable and energy-efficient, and organizations/legislation that are working to preserve the planet. Taking action to help others is so important to our own fulfillment in life. We actually have a really great, recent article about this on RYOT.org, click here.

MG: Why do you feel that it is important for young people to be engaged with the news?
IS: This is our future we’re talking about! The more engaged we are, the better we understand other cultures and points of view, and the better our understanding, the more compassionate we are to others’ stories and struggles. Compassion is a necessity in this world, not a luxury.

MG: Tell us what your fans can do to help out with RYOT.org and ISF?
IS: We are always looking for volunteers who want to join the ISF family. We have an AMAZING team right now who work tirelessly to keep our mission moving forward and to educate the world about what we do. You can head over to http://www.isfoundation.com/get-involved to get in touch with us. You can make a HUGE impact by setting RYOT.org as your homepage. RYOT gives a portion of all revenue to non-profits so just by getting your news from RYOT and sharing stories, you’re making a difference. Last but not least, make sure to follow RYOT and ISF on social media! (@ryotnews, facebook.com/ryotnews and @is_foundation, facebook.com/isfoundation)

Who loves Ursula in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”? Well now you can meet the woman behind the voice, Pat Carroll at Spooky Empire’s May-Hem this May in Orlando, FL! She is also known for playing Shirley Feeney’s mother on the TV series “Laverne & Shirley”. Personally Ursula was and still is one of the baddest baddies in animated films today.

Pat has given her voice in other medium’s such as the “Kingdom Hearts” video game series, the Fantasmic! show at two Disney theme parks, as well as various parades. Fun fact, she also voiced Ursula’s sister Morgana in “The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea”.

Besides “The Little Mermaid”, Pat has done a tons of voice-over work including “A Pup Named Scooby Doo”, “A Goofy Movie” and “Pound Puppies”. This is a rare appearance for Pat to get out and meet her fans. So be sure not to miss this opportunity to meet one of the great Disney villains.

“The Employer” starring Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange,” “The Mentalist,” “Entourage,” “Franklin & Bash”); Paige Howard (“Adventureland”); Billy Zane (“Titanic,” “Back to the Future,” “Dead Calm”); and David Dastmalchian (“The Dark Knight,” “Saving Lincoln,” “Prisoners”) gets a release date starting June 7th!

Director / Writer / Producer Frank Merle (“Carnage, Chaos & Creeps,” “Gnaw” ) and his new psychological thriller “The Employer” show just how-far five applicants are willing to go for a job at the mysterious Carcharias Corporation. Anticipating their final interview, they find themselves trapped in a room where The Employer (Malcolm McDowell) leaves them with only one choice: survive. It’s kill or be killed in this Darwinian game of wits and the one who makes it out alive… lands the job. The plot is complete with twists and turns leaving the audience asking themselves, “How far would I go?”

Release Dates
• May 19th: Special Screening at SoCal Horro-Fi Film Festival, Big Bear, CA
• June 7th: “On Demand” available from Comcast, Cox, TimeWarner Cable, Brighthouse, AT&T
U-verse, Verizon FiOs, Charter Cable, and more. Computer and device users gain access via
Amazon Instant Video, Apple iTunes, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Network
• July 2nd: Blu-Ray and DVD available at Wal-Mart and Amazon.com

Special Recognition
• Official Selection: Shriekfest Film Festival
• Winner, Best Thriller: Illinois International Film Festival
• Official Selection: LA Independent Film Festival
• Winner, Jury Award: Geneva Film Festival
• Special Invitation: Big Bear Horro-Fi Film Festival (May 19th, 2013)

Learn More About The Film At:
www.Facebook.com/TheEmployerMovie
www.TheEmployerMovie.com

James Cameron. Steven Spielberg. John Lasseter. Rick Baker. Peter Jackson. No, the category isn’t Oscar winners. It’s a list of people whose careers were influenced by one of films true legends: Ray Harryhausen. Harryhausen, whose career spanned six decades, died today in London. He was 92.

Beginning with 1942’s “Tulips Shall Grow” and ending with his best known film, 1981’s “Clash of the Titans,” Harryhausen inspired moviegoers throughout the world.

Born in Los Angeles on June 29, 1920, Harryhausen’s life changed when, in 1933, he saw the original “King Kong.” Interested in filmmaking, and experimenting in animation, a friend introduced him to Willis O’Brien, who had created Kong. He showed O’Brien some of his work and was soon taking classes in sculpture and graphic arts. In 1939 he and an author friend joined a local Science Fiction League which was presided over by Forrest J. Ackerman. The author was Ray Bradbury and the three remained friends up until their deaths. One of my most cherished autographs!

After securing a job working on George Pal’s “Puppetoons” he was drafted into the United States Army, where he was placed in the Special Services Division under the command of Colonel Frank Capra. He was a jack-of-all-trades for Capra, filling in wherever a hand was needed on his film crew. After his discharge Harryhausen went to work on his first big film, 1947’s “Mighty Joe Young,” which allowed him the chance to work with his idol, O’Brien, who went on to win that years Academy Award for Best Special Effects. He went on to produce the visual effects for such films as “The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms,” “Earth vs the Flying Saucers,” “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” and it’s sequels, “One Million Years B.C.” and “The Valley Gwangi.”

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Harryhausen on a couple of occasions and a nicer man with a genuine affection for his fans you will never find.

In 1992 he received the Gordon E. Sawyer award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But perhaps a greater honor came in PIXAR’s hit film “Monsters, Inc., where Mike Wozowski takes his dinner date to the best place in town. It’s name: Harryhausens.

It’s becoming a Media Mikes tradition. Ever since the start of this site our Summer Movie Preview has started off with a Marvel Comic-based film; “Iron Man 2,” “Thor” and “The Avengers” have been previewed. This year, with “Iron Man 3” already in theatres, we’re changing it up. But not to worry – “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is only a year away! Here is a look at many of the films heading to a multiplex near you between now and Labor Day. An (*) after the title denotes a film that the Mike’s are most anticipating.

Thanks again to the Internet Movie Data Base for certain synopsis information and remember, as always, the opening date noted is subject to change at the whims of the studios.

MAY 10

AFTERSHOCK

Starring: Eli Roth and Selena Gomez Directed by: Nicolas Lopez

While vacationing in Chile a group of travelers decide to party at an underground nightclub. After a massive earthquake hits they must tunnel their way out unaware of what waits for them.

THE GREAT GATSBY*

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire Directed by: Baz Luhrmann

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel is brought to the screen for the third time, this time in 3D. Leo is Jay Gatsby, Mulligan is his beloved Daisy and Maguire is neighbor Nick. In the hands of Lurhmann it should be incredible in 3D.

NO ONE LIVES

Starring: Luke Evans and Derek Magyar Directed by: Ruyhei Kitamura

A gang of ruthless highway killers kidnap a wealthy couple traveling cross country only to shockingly discover that things are not what they seem.

PEEPLES

Starring: Craig Robinson and Kerry Washington Directed by: Tina Gordon Chism

Commoner (Robinson) crashes his girlfriends family’s swanky reunion in the Hamptons to ask for her hand in marriage.

MAY 17

BLACK ROCK

Starring: Kate Bosworth and Lake Bell

Directed by: Katie Aselton

Three childhood friends reunite for a girls weekend on an island off the coast of Maine where a mistake leaves all three fighting for their lives. Written by Mark Duplass.

POPULAIRE

Starring: Berenice Bejo Directed by: Regis Roinsard

Working girl Rose is a terrible secretary but an incredible typist. Her boss sets out to establish her as the fastest in the world. Bejo co-starred in the Oscar winning “The Artist.”

STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS*

Starring: Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto Directed by: J.J. Abrams

The crew of the Enterprise are called into battle when a member of Star Fleet becomes a one man weapon of mass destruction. Can anyone say “KHAN!!!!!!” (Maybe)

MAY 24

BEFORE MIDNIGHT

Starring: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy Directed by: Richard Linklater

The third film in the almost two decades old “Before” series finds Jessie and Celine in Greece nine years after we last saw them. Hawke, Delpy and Linklater wrote the script.

EPIC

Starring the voices of: Jason Sudeikis, Christoph Waltz and Chris O’Dowd Directed by: Chris Wedge

A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group of characters in order to save their world — and ours. Director Wedge created the first “Ice Age” film and is the voice of Scrat!

FAST AND FURIOUS 6

Starring: Vin Diesel and Paul Walker Directed by: Justin Lin

I’m not even going to look this one up: Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner team up with others, including Dwayne Johnson, to drive really cool cars really fast. The fact that I know Diesel and Walker’s characters names actually scares me.

THE HANGOVER PART III

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis Directed by: Todd Phillips

After Alan’s father passes away the Wolfpack take him to Vegas. But things go wrong when Doug actually IS kidnapped by a gangster looking to settle a score with Mr. Chow.

MAY 31

THE EAST

Starring: Ellen Page and Alexander Skarsgard Directed by: Zal Batmanglij

An operative for an elite private intelligence firm finds her priorities irrevocably changed after she is tasked with infiltrating an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations. How cool to actually have a last name that begins with “Batman”

THE KINGS OF SUMMER

Starring: Nick Robinson and Nick Offerman Directed by: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Three friends decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land.

NOW YOU SEE ME

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher and Mark Ruffalo Directed by: Louis Leterrier

An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

THE PURGE

Starring: Ethan Hawke and Lena Heady Directed by: James DeMonaco

If on one night every year, you could commit any crime without facing consequences, what would you do? Over the course of a single night, a family will be tested to see how far they will go to protect themselves when the vicious outside world breaks into their home. Summer movie number two for Hawke!

JUNE 7

AFTER EARTH

Starring: Will Smith and Jaden Smith Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

A boy and his injured father crash land on Earth 1,000 years after events forced the evacuation of the planet.

THE INTERNSHIP

Starring: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson Directed by: Shawn Levy

Two former salesmen find their way into a coveted internship at Google, where they must compete with a group of young, tech-savvy geniuses for a shot at employment. Vaughn co-wrote the screenplay.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING*

Starring: Nathan Fillion and Clark Gregg Directed by: Joss Whedon

How else do you follow up “The Avengers?” A modern take on Shakespeare’s classic tale.

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Starring: Joel Edgerton and Felicity Price Directed by: Kieran Darcy-Smith

Four friends decide to take an exciting South-East Asian vacation. Only three come back.

JUNE 12

THE IS THE END

Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco and Danny McBride Directed by: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

A party at James Franco’s house turns crazy when the apocalypse hits. The stars (and others, including Michael Cera and Jonah Hill) play over the top versions of themselves. If the “R” rated trailer is any indication this could be this years “TED.”

JUNE 14

THE BLING RING

Starring: Emma Watson and Leslie Mann Directed by: Sofia Coppola

Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities’ whereabouts in order to rob their homes.

MAN OF STEEL*

Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon Directed by: Zack Snyder

Seven years after Superman returned he does again, this time in a retelling of the tale by fanboy favorite Zack Snyder. The addition of “Dark Knight” writer/director Christopher Nolan as producer makes “Man of Steel” this summer’s “Avengers” in way of anticipation.

STUCK IN LOVE

Starring: Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connely Directed by: Josh Boone

An acclaimed writer, his ex-wife, and their teen-aged children come to terms with the complexities of love in all its forms over the course of one tumultuous year.

JUNE 21

MANIAC

Starring: Elijah Wood Directed by: Franck Khalfoun

Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY*

Starring the voices of: Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi Directed by: Dan Scanlon

In this prequel to “Monsters Inc,” Mike Wazowski (Crystal) and James Sullivan (Goodman) meet in college where they learn they have nothing in common.

UNFINISHED SONG

Starring: Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave Directed by: Paul Andrew Williams

Grumpy pensioner Arthur honors his recently deceased wife’s passion for performing by joining the unconventional local choir to which she used to belong.

WORLD WAR Z*

Starring: Brad Pitt and Matthew Fox Directed by: Marc Forster

A United Nations employee traverses the globe in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments; threatening to decimate humanity itself.

JUNE 28

COPPERHEAD

Starring: Peter Fonda and Billy Campbell Directed by: Ronald F. Maxwell

A family is torn apart during the American Civil War. This is director Maxwell’s third film covering the Civil War after 1993’s “Gettysburg” and 2003’s “Gods and Generals.”

THE HEAT

Starring: Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy Directed by: Paul Feig

An uptight FBI special agent is paired with a testy Boston cop in order to take down a ruthless drug lord. The hitch: neither woman has ever had a partner – or a friend for that matter.

WHITE HOUSE DOWN

Starring: Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum Directed by: Roland Emmerich

Emmerich had so much fun destroying the White House in “Independence Day” that he’s back to do it again. In this original story terrorists attempt to take over the presidential mansion and it’s up to a wanna be Secret Service agent to save the day, which sounds nothing like this past springs “Olympus Has Fallen.”

JULY 3

DESPICABLE ME 2*

Starring the voices of: Steve Carell, Benjamin Bratt and Kristen Wigg Directed by: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud

Gru is asked to join an Anti-Villains League to help combat a new bad guy named Eduardo, formerly voiced by Al Pacino but now played by Bratt.

THE LONE RANGER

Starring: Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer Directed by: Gore Verbinski

Native American warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice. Things go well until Reid discovers what the word “Kimosabe” really means!

JULY 5

THE WAY, WAY BACK

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Toni Collette and Steve Carrell Directed by: Nat Faxon and Jim Rash

Over the course of his summer break a young man gets a job at a local amusement park, where he comes into his own thanks in part to the friendship he strikes up with one of the park’s managers. Two Steve Carrell films in (2) days – his fans will have an overdose.

JULY 12

CRYSTAL FAIRY

Starring: Michael Cera and Gaby Hoffman Directed by: Sebastian Silva

A boorish, insensitive American twenty-something travels to Chile, managing to create chaos at every turn.

GROWN UPS 2*

Starring: Adam Sandler and Kevin James Directed by: Dennis Dugan

Lenny (Sandler) moves his family back to his old hometown to rekindle the hijinx with his childhood buddies. Remarkably Rob Schneider is NOT in this film, which means whatever debt Sandler owed God has now been repaid. Sadly he now apparently owes another because Nick Swardson is in it.

PACIFIC RIM*

Starring: Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba Directed by: Guillermo del Toro

When an alien attack threatens the Earth’s existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace.

JULY 17

TURBO

Starring the voices of: Ryan Reynolds and Paul Giamatti Directed by: David Soren

A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500. I’m assuming it makes him 6 feet tall and gives him feet so he can drive a car?

JULY 19

THE CONJURING

Starring: Patrick Wilson and Lili Taylor Directed by: James Wan

A husband and wife team of Paranormal investigators work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful entity, the couple find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives. Director Wan helmed the original “Saw.”

GIRL MOST LIKELY

Starring: Kristen Wiig and Annette Bening Directed by: Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini

A failed New York playwright awkwardly navigates the transition from Next Big Thing to Last Year’s News. “Glee” fans who hate Darren Criss and/or his character, Blaine (guilty), will be sad to see that he’s also in this.

ONLY GOD FORGIVES

Starring: Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn

A drug-smuggler thriving in Bangkok’s criminal underworld sees his life get even more complicated when his mother compels him to find and kill whoever is responsible for his brother’s recent death.

RED 2

Starring: Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren Directed by: Dean Parisot

Retired black-ops CIA agent Frank Moses (Willis) reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device. Anthony Hopkins joins the cast of oldsters.

R.I.P.D.*

Starring: Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds Directed by: Robert Schwentke

Based on a popular graphic novel, a recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.

JULY 26

BLUE JASMINE

Starring: Alec Baldwin and Cate Blanchett Directed by: Woody Allen

All I know about this film is what was sent to me in a press release by Sony Classic Pictures: “the film tells the story of the final stages of an acute crisis and a life of a fashionable New York housewife” It also co-stars Louis C.K., Sally Hawkins and Andrew Dice Clay.

FRUITVALE STATION

Starring: Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer Directed by: Ryan Coogler

The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008. If my memory serves me, Oscar is the young man who was arrested at a local Oakland-area transit station and then, as horrified onlookers watched, was shot in the back by a policeman who later claimed he thought he was tasing him.

THE WOLVERINE

Starring: Hugh Jackman and Will Yun Lee Directed by: James Mangold

Wolverine makes a voyage to modern-day Japan, where he encounters an enemy from his past that will impact on his future. Mangold is the director of films like “Walk the Line” and “CopLand.” I’m anxious to see his take on an action-based film.

JULY 31

THE SMURFS 2

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris and Hank Azaria Directed by: Raja Gosnell

The Smurfs team up with their human friends to rescue Smurfette, who has been kidnapped by Gargamel, since she knows a secret spell that can turn the evil sorcerer’s newest creation – creatures called the Naughties – into real Smurfs.

AUGUST 2

2 GUNS

Starring: Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg Directed by: Baltasar Kormakur

A DEA agent and an undercover Naval Intelligence officer who have been tasked with investigating one another find they have been set up by the mob — the very organization the two men believe they have been stealing money from.

300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE

Starring: Eva Green and Sullivan Stapleton Directed by: Noam Murro

The Greek general Themistocles battles an invading army of Persians under the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes.

THE SPECTACULAR NOW

Starring: Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley Directed by: James Ponsoldt

A hard-partying high school senior’s philosophy on life changes when he meets the not-so-typical “nice girl.”

AUGUST 7

PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS

Starring: Logan Lerman and Sean Bean Directed by: Thor Freudenthal

In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters to find the mythical Golden Fleece and to stop an ancient evil from rising.

AUGUST 9

ELYSIUM

Starring: Matt Damon and Jodie Foster Directed by: Neill Blomkamp

In the year 2154 the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth.

LOVELACE

Starring: Amanda Seyfried and Peter Sarsgaard Directed by: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman

The story of Linda Lovelace and her controlling husband/manager Chuck Traynor. Also featuring James Franco as Hugh Hefner.

PLANES*

Starring the voices of: Dane Cook and Val Kilmer Directed by: Klay Hall

Like “Cars” but with airplanes. Dusty is a cropdusting plane who dreams of competing in a famous aerial race. The problem? He is hopelessly afraid of heights. With the support of his mentor Skipper and a host of new friends, Dusty sets off to make his dreams come true. Wow! I should have said “Exactly like ‘Cars’.”

WE’RE THE MILLERS

Starring: Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Anniston Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber

A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.

AUGUST 16

AUSTENLAND

Starring: Keri Russell and JJ Field Directed by: Jerusha Hess

Obsessed with the BBC production of “Pride and Prejudice”, a woman travels to a Jane Austen theme park in search for her perfect gentleman.

KICK-ASS 2*

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz and Jim Carrey Directed by: Jeff Wadlow

Costumed high-school hero Kick-Ass joins with a group of normal citizens who have been inspired to fight crime in costume. Meanwhile, the Red Mist plots an act of revenge that will affect everyone Kick-Ass knows.

AUGUST 17

AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS

Starring: Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck Directed by: David Lowery

An outlaw escapes from prison and sets off to find his wife and introduce himself to the daughter he’s never met.

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITIES OF BONES

Starring: Lily Colins and Jamie Campbell Bower Directed by: Harald Zwart

Based on a popular novel, when a woman is attacked and taken from her home in New York City by a demon, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl finds out truths about her past and bloodline on her quest to get her back.

THE WORLD’S END*

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Martin Freeman Directed by: Edgar Wright

Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind’s only hope for survival. From the same team that brought you “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.”

AUGUST 28

YOU’RE NEXT

Starring: Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall Directed by: John Crowley

Bana and Hall are lawyers — and ex-lovers — who find themselves put at risk after they join the defense team for an international terrorist’s trial.

AUGUST 30

GET AWAY

Starring: Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez Directed by: Courtney Solomon and Yaron Levy

Hawke stars as Brent Magna, a man who must get behind the wheel and follow the orders of a mysterious man to save his kidnapped wife. Movie number three this summer for Hawke.

ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US

Starring: One Direction Directed by: Morgan Spurlock

A documentary featuring the goings on of One Direction in concert. Documentarian Spurlock is an odd choice as director, unless the band plans to eat at McDonalds a lot.

DON JOHN

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

JGL plays a man who is addicted to online pornography and must work to find intimacy with his potential true love. Gordon-Levitt also wrote the screenplay.

PRINCE AVALANCHE

Starring: Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch Directed by: David Gordon Green

In the summer of 1988 two highway road workers decide to leave their city lives behind. The isolated landscape becomes a place of misadventure as the men find themselves at odds with each other and the women they left behind.