“Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Innocence)” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel” took home the lion’s share of Oscars this evening during the presentation of the 87th Annual Academy Awards.

“Birdman” took home three of the major awards, being named the evening’s Best Picture while Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu took home the award as Best Director. Innaritu also shared the award (with three others) for Best Original Screenplay. The film also received the award for Best Cinematography, the second win in a row for Emmanuel Lubezki, who won last year for “Gravity.”

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” also received four awards, recognized for it’s Makeup, Production Design, Costume Design and Best Original Score. It was the second year in a row that a past Mediamikes.com interviewee won the Oscar for Best Original Score, with Alexandre Desplat joining last year’s winner, Steven Price.

Eddie Redmayne was recognized as Best Actor for his portrayal of Steven Hawking in “The Theory of Everything” while Julianne Moore, nominated four times previously, was named Best Actress for “Still Alice.” In the supporting categories, J.K. Simmons won the Best Supporting Actor trophy for “Whiplash”, with Patricia Arquette receiving the Best Supporting Actress prize for her work in “Boyhood.” It was the only award the film won out of six nominations. Both Simmons and Arquette had swept the previous award programs so their wins weren’t that unexpected.

In addition to Simmon’s win, “Whiplash” took home Oscars for Best Sound Mixing and Best Film Editing. The Adapted Screenplay prize went to Graham Moore for “The Imitation Game.” Moore gave a well received acceptance speech recalling a suicide attempt as a youngster and the conviction to be yourself. Another emotional moment came when Common and John Legend performed their song, “Glory,” from the film “Selma.” A few moments later they received the Oscar for Best Song. Another highlight of the evening had Lady Gaga performing a musical tribute to the film “The Sound of Music,” which is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary this year.

Host Neil Patrick Harris was not as well used as he has been in the past on other award programs, most notably the Tony Awards. Like Ellen Degeneres last year, he basically introduced presenters and bantered a little with the audience. Hopefully Billy Crystal’s schedule will be open next year!

A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS

BEST PICTURE – “Birdman”

BEST ACTOR – Eddie Redmayne – “The Theory of Everything”

BEST ACTRESS – Julianne Moore – “Still Alice”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – J.K. Simmons – “Whiplash”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Patricia Arquette – “Boyhood”

BEST DIRECTOR – Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu – “Birdman”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – “Birdman”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY – “The Imitation Game”

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM – “Big Hero 6”

BEST FOREIGN FILM – “IDA” (Poland)

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – “The Grand Budapest Hotel”

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – “Glory” from the film “Selma”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – “Birdman”

BEST COSTUME DESIGN – “The Grand Budapest Hotel”

BEST MAKEUP – “The Grand Budapest Hotel”

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – “The Grand Budapest Hotel”

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE – “Citizenfour”

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT – “Crisis Hotline: Veteran’s Press One

BEST FILM EDITING – “Whiplash”

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM – “Feast”

BEST LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILM – “The Phone Call”

BEST SOUND EDITING – “American Sniper”

BEST SOUND MIXING – “Whiplash”

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS – “Interstellar”

Actors: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor
Directors: Tim Burton
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Run Time: 115 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I can’t believe that it has already been 1o years since Tim Burton rebooted the 1971 cult classic hit “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” with his film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Despite most of the critics and public, I did enjoy this film. Johnny Depp is a looney in it and nails the role. Of course he is no Gene Wilder but it is also a completely different movie, so give and that there. This is a film that only Tim Burton could have remade. So even though I love this film, this 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray doesn’t really impress at all.

Official Premise: An eccentric chocolatier, Willy Wonka (Depp), long isolated from his own family, launches a worldwide contest to select an heir to his candy empire. Five lucky children, including Charlie (Highmore), a good-hearted boy from a poor family who lives in the shadow of Wonka’s extraordinary factory, draw golden tickets from Wonka chocolate bars and win a guided tour of the legendary candy-making facility that no outsider has seen in 15 years. Dazzled by one amazing sight after another, Charlie is drawn into Wonka’s fantastic world in this astonishing and enduring story.

The only real selling point of this release is for a snazzy new case and an exclusive 30 page photo book with photos and stills from the production and also a personal message from Tim Burton. That is all. There is no additional improved video or audio presentations here. We get the same special features as the previous 2011 release as well. Not that either of those were bad originally but in terms of upgrade to this release, there really isn’t any reason to purchase this unless you are a die-hard fan or if you have never owned this Blu-ray before.

Actors: J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony
DVD Release Date: February 24, 2015
Run Time: 107 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Whiplash” is yet another film that did not get the attention and respect that it deserved when it yet theaters. It has an outstanding cast that deserves much praise. I should note that this is produced by Jason Blum, the man behind the “Paranormal Activity” and “The Purge” franchises, so this is a movie about the world of jazz music drumming is a very interesting turn. Let’s get to the cast now, Miles Teller (“The Spectacular Now”, “That Awkward Moment”, 2015’s “Fantastic Four”) is outstanding. He nails this role and really gives his all. J.K. Simmons is the stealer of the show here though, he plays the drill sergeant role ala R. Lee Ermey in “Full Metal Jacket” to the Jazz music scene. He already won a Golden Globe for this role and is nominated for the Oscar last this month. This is a must see movie for sure!

Official Premise: Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability—and his sanity.

We were only given a chance to review this film on DVD, which is a bit disappointing because I am sure that the sound on the Blu-ray is outstanding. Plus the DVD gets skimped on the special features as well. Exclusive feature to the Blu-ray are the original short film the movie was based on and a deleted scene, both of which include optional commentary and a 42-minute documentary featuring famous drummers who share stories and discuss their passion for the craft including Chad Smith, Peter Erskine, Gina Schock, Doane Perry and many more. The special features we get are an audio commentary track with Actor J.K. Simmons and Writer/Director Damien Chazelle. It is a nice balance of details and comedy, thanks to Simmons. There is also a feature called
“An Evening at the Toronto International Film Festival with Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons and Damien Chazelle”, which is a Q&A with the team.

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Starring: Nolan North, Troy Baker, Kari Wahlgren, Diedrich Bader, Tony Todd, Khary Payton
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Bros.
Run Time: 44 minutes

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

As the follow up to “LEGO Batman, The Movie: DC Super Heroes Unite”, “LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs Bizarro League” brings the DC Comic universe together to battle a unique set of villains called The Bizarro League. Batman has joined the newly formed Justice League as a way to keep his eye on Superman. This task seems to be complicated by Superman’s clumsy clone Bizarro whose creation of his own league of off kiltered superheroes has caused its fair share of problems however an even greater force lurking in the shadows will force the two leagues together in an effort to defeat the impeding evil.

I have to start out by saying that I love the partnership between LEGO and DC Comics. Two of my favorite things growing up were LEGO’s and comics so whenever I get to enjoy the two at once especially in film form its always great fun. “LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs Bizarro League” is a great follow up to the LEGO Batman film from a few years ago. Presented in stunning Blu-Ray all the colors, action and sound practically leap out of your screen as the tale of the two leagues join together to battle an evil which is threatening the world. Don’t let the idea of this film being a kids film fool you as there were plenty of times where I found myself laughing out loud at some of the dialogue between characters. I found this added to the films appeal making it a movie you can throw on and watch with the entire family.

Though the film is considerably shorter than the previous LEGO/DC film (by about 27 minutes to be exact) the disc comes packed with some really cool special features such as a Bizarro featurette and a blooper reel. Also for those purchasing the Blu-Ray Combo pack you get a really cool special edition Bizarro Batman LEGO figure so even though the film is a bit shorter the special features and figure certainly help its appeal making the latest release from LEGO and DC Comics a great addition to any LEGO or comic fan’s collection.

Early 2015 release planned for new horror starring Portlandia’s Ernest Adams

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA : MWB3 Problems has laid out the galactic kitty-litter for its upcoming horror-comedy Zombie Cats from Mars. Directed by Montetré (Holed Up) and written by Ryan Cloutier, the ‘catastrophe’ – which came together thanks to a successful crowd-funding campaign on Kickstarter – is due for release early this year.

Portlandia’s Ernest Adams stars alongside Jonah Kersey, Stephanie Leet, Bransen Sands Koehler, Julie Marie Howard, and Edward Kopf in fun horror romp that’s part Gremlins, part Critters.

Since it’s a movie about cats, writer and producer Cloutier furnished the support roles with furrier thesps. Marci Koski, an animal behavior specialist and volunteer with Furry Friends, supplied animal talent for the film.

The story centers on Billy, an effeminate fan of vintage science fiction action thrillers. His only friend is Cameron, a nerdy film buff who tries to boost his confidence whenever he can. After seeing a UFO land, Billy retreats into his head, imagining that aliens are taking over the town. Cameron is skeptical, as is the rest of the town. Meanwhile, people are starting to die. First, the reclusive cat lady Percis is discovered mutilated by Lester, the church -­‐going husband of Carolyn, Percis’s depressed caretaker. Random deaths soon follow, first a jogger, and then a janitor at the Carbonics Warehouse. A pair of news reporters shares this information with the public while the Detective and his Chief try to solve the killings. Meanwhile, the killings continue. Billy, wrapped up in a world of fiction, discovers a story in which Martian Cats land on Earth and inflict horror upon the town. Confident that the killings are the result of the UFO delivering alien cats, he sets off on his own superhero mission to save the town.

Starring: Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson and Clark Duke
Directed By: Steve Pink
Rated: R
Running Time: 93 minutes
Paramount Pictures

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Let’s go back to very late 2009. I was still in college and people were using Facebook since there was no Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or other form of social media to fill up our limitless down time. This was when we truly shared every little thing on Facebook because we didn’t yet know or understand the consequences of our oversharing. I remember specifically when the trailer for the first “Hot Tub Time Machine” was released. Every status update ripped into it and I remember thinking, “There’s no way in hell this could be remotely good.” Despite my gut reaction, I still saw and was pleasantly surprised. So rewind to not too long ago to 2014 and seeing a trailer for the sequel and thinking the exact same thing. I am once again wrong, but not by much.

This sequel brings back nearly everyone from the first, except John Cusack, who is jokingly mentioned when his character’s absence is brought up. Craig Robinson is still loveable as Nick, Rob Corddry once again brings back his Danny McBride-like contemptible Lou, and then there’s Clark Duke who plays Jacob. Sorry. He’s still just a character who’s kind of a fourth wheel (technically third wheel now) to the group. Since the first movie, the trio of used their knowledge of the future to augment their life. Nick steals ideas from songs that have not yet been crafted, Lou simply blurts out technological advances before their time and Jacob just follows along the coattails of Lou. Like I said, fourth wheel.

Of course Lou is still a miserable troll who irks everyone who crosses his path. So when someone shoots him at one of his lavish parties, they must use the hot tub time machine to go into the past to find who shot him and why. Of course in this movie, they go into the future, but create an alternate time line so technically it’s still the past…I’ll just avoid the confusion and say that they’re in the future which will result in them finding out what happened in the past. They at least make light of this troublesome plot.

What makes this sequel admirable is it’s ability to find every way to jump the shark while drawing out a filthy laugh from you. “22 Jump Street” set the mark for making a comedy sequel, but “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” manages to point a few things that are worth noting. They manage to point out the stolen sci-fi formulas they’re playing with and the absurdity of them. Also by the movies end, they manage to point out some of the predictable set-ups that today’s comedies have fallen into. When a unnecessary comedy sequel points that out, it might be time for the rest of Hollywood’s comedy writers to take note and change up their comedic ingredients.

I should probably quit heaping praise on this movie because it’s not without it’s flaws. This is still a movie that has to introduce another character to demote Jacob to fourth wheel. The introduction of Adam Scott as the son of John Cusack’s character is welcome, but doesn’t quite fill the hole that Cusack left behind. Cusack provided a reliable straight man while Scott is simply the virgin who gets to pop his party cherry. It’s fun, but not the right component for the group that needs a voice of sanity.

Ultimately the movie is choppy, but clever enough at trying to stay new. It’s unwarranted, but funny enough for a one time viewing for fans of the original. I wish it would have maken light of the fact that it’s a redundant sequel to a bizarre comedy. Maybe when “Hot Tub Time Machine 3” (let’s hope not) rolls around, it’ll realize how much of a cash grab for Paramount Pictures it has become and create the ultimate meta, middle finger.

Starring: Kevin Costner, Maria Bello and Ramiro Rodriguez
Directed by: Niki Caro
Rated: PG
Running time: 2 hours 8 mins
Walt Disney Pictures

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I don’t know why, but I picture a little office hidden deep in the bowels of the Walt Disney Company where a little man with glasses sits every day and reads 150 small town newspapers every day, looking for just the right story that will make a great movie. Whether it’s the story of bartender turned pro-football player Vince Papale in “Invincible” or high school coach Jimmy Morris striking out batters in the major leagues in “The Rookie,” the people at Disney know what people like. Winners. And “McFarland, USA” crosses the finish line in first place.

Jim White (Costner) is a high school football coach with a temper. After a poor performance in the first half of a game, White scolds his team in the locker room. When his quarterback doesn’t seem to be getting the message, White throws a shoe at him. The shoe bounces off a locker and hits the young man in the face. Say it with me: “You’re fired!” Needing a new gig, White moves his family to the small, migrant heavy town of McFarland, California. He again runs into trouble when, as an assistant football coach, he refuses to put a player back in the game after a big hit. He’s doing the right thing but his actions rile the head coach, who has him dismissed. In his PE class white notices many of the young boys he sends to run laps return quickly and not out of breath. He learns that these boys have a stamina born from working many hours in the fields, both before and after school. White gets an idea. In order to keep his teaching gig, and earn the extra money that coaching provides, White decides to put together a cross-country running team. But getting the boys to buy in to the experiment is another thing all together.

A “Hispanic ‘Hoosiers’”, and I mean that with all due respect, “McFarland, USA” is an uplifting film that hits the right notes. This could have easily been a stereotypical “white coach shows up and changes the minority athlete’s lives” story but it is, in fact, much more. The first sign of prejudice we see is from White and his family. From their reluctance to eat dinner at a Mexican restaurant to White’s overprotective actions when a group of tricked-out cars drive by, it becomes clear that the only problem here is White’s attitude. He learns to temper these thoughts by getting to know the boys, and their families. While the parents are impressed that this could be a way for the boys to escape the fields and possibly attend college, they must also come to grips with the knowledge that every hour the boys are at practice is an hour not spent in the field. And this situation affects the whole family. Only after White volunteers to go to work with the boys one morning do we really see the work ethic required to do the job needed. It is a teaching moment unlike any other for the coach.

On the performance front, this is Costner’s second strong performance this year. Like Gene Hackman’s Coach Dale in “Hoosiers,” Jim White is a flawed man with a passion. And that passion comes through quietly in Costner’s performance. Whether he’s eating a plate full of enchiladas at a runner’s house or pacing the boys while they run, sitting on the seat of his daughter’s high-handled “Barbie” bike, his willingness to teach, and learn, is visible. Among the young runners, Rodriguez’ Danny Diaz is the most complete character. The plot almost takes a turn into maudlin territory (Coach White’s daughter begins seeing one of the team members, a gang altercation takes place) but director Caro manages to keep her eye on the prize and steers the film back to where it needs to go. If you’re looking for a story that will inspire long after the final credits, then go see “McFarland, USA.” And keep an eye out for the local newspaper!

DVD Includes Bonus Full-Length Feature, “Elmo and Abby’s Birthday Fun”!

BURBANK, CA (February 18, 2015) – Elmo is back and more lovable than ever as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, release Sesame Street: The Best of Elmo 3 on DVD and digital on March 3, 2015 for $14.98 SRP. This trip down memory lane will teach Elmo fans both young and old about the importance of friendship and helping others. Elmo sings and dances his way through numbers, letters, vocabulary, and emotions with his Sesame Street pals and a few famous friends like Melissa McCarthy, Taye Diggs, Drew Brees, Romeo Santos, and many more! Order due date is January 27, 2015.

Elmo fans will love this new DVD where everyone’s favorite furry and red friend is reminded of all the fun, friends and music he’s made on Sesame Street. Join Elmo as he does “The Elmo Slide,” finds out about “The Power of Yet” with Janelle Monae, and sings about the number 5 with the band Train. Elmo learns about counting, vocabulary and even how manage his emotions in the hit song, “Belly Breathe” with Colbie Caillat and Common. This special collection is filled with Elmo moments fans will treasure. As an added extra, this release features a special bonus title which will provide over two hours of Elmo!

“With such great response from the release of Sesame Street: The Best of Elmo 2, Warner Home Bros. Home Entertainment is thrilled to release the next edition, Sesame Street: The Best of Elmo 3,” said Jeff Brown, WBHE Executive Vice President and GM of Non-Theatrical Franchise Marketing. “Kids now have the opportunity to see their favorite TV character’s most memorable segments all on one fantastic DVD.”

Celebrating its impressive 45th anniversary this season, Sesame Street is the #1 top-of-mind preschool show with moms. The series has received more Emmy awards than any other show in television history, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award.

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street which reaches 156 million children across more than 150 countries. The Workshop’s mission is to use the educational power of media to help all children reach their highest potential. Delivered through a variety of platforms, including television programs, digital experiences, books and community engagement, its research-based programs are tailored to the needs of the communities and countries they serve, helping children everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder. For more information, visit us at www.sesameworkshop.org.

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.

Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Virginia Madsen and Danny DeVito
Directed by: Michael Johnson
Rated: This film is unrated
Running time: 1 hour 25 mins
Screen Media Films

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

James Charm (Smit-McPhee) would easily be labeled the “weird” kid if you didn’t know him. Since his father’s death, James spends the majority of his time in his room, listening to Chopin and reading Melville and Sandburg. He also seems to have picked up a pre-occupation with death, from the family hamster to a schoolmate, who punches James in the face after the boy predicts the day and time he will meet his maker. James is seeing a sympathetic psychiatrist (DeVito) at the request of his mother (Madsen) but he doesn’t seem to be making any progress. However, a chance meeting and a night time bus ride will soon bring James back into the world he’s trying to escape.

I’m giving a little leeway here because “All the Wilderness” is a first time feature by screenwriter/director Johnson. There is a lot going for it, but also some things going against it. On the plus side, the film is rich with strong performances, especially the younger cast members. James wears his weariness like a badge and Smit-McPhee perfectly embodies a young man growing up lost without a father to guide him. His fellow youthful co-stars are equally strong. Isabelle Fuhrman is Val, the chance meeting that manages to bring a little sunshine into James’ life. As Harmon, James newfound friend and influence, Evan Ross also manages to help put a smile on James’ face. Of course, life isn’t all rainbows, but when the storms come the three manage to explore them without falling into a stereotypical fracas. On the negative, only the younger characters seem to have been completely drawn. Madsen is wasted as a mother whose only scenes seem to be of her drinking wine and scolding James. You can sense the love underneath the performance but she’s not given enough to push it to the forefront. DeVito has a few good moments but his character comes across as the standard Judd Hirsch/Robin Williams shrink everyone expects anymore. Another detriment is the running time. You have to make sacrifices as a first time feature filmmaker and I wonder if there was more to be added.

As a filmmaker, Johnson has an experimental way with a camera that shows promise for the future. He also manages to make the nightlife of Portland, Oregon (thank you, Food Network, for your many journeys to VooDoo Donuts, which I recognized on screen) look exciting! I will certainly be keeping an eye out for his next project.

Starring: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin
Directed by: Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 41 mins
Sony Pictures Classic

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Still Alice” – based on the novel of the same name by Lisa Genova – is a finely performed, well-paced film, and while it may strike some emotional chords with a female demographic, I found it to be extremely hard to relate to. However, that’s primarily the only flaw I had with this film.

Alice Howland (Moore) is a renowned linguist whom after a few strange episodes of forgetting words, and not remembering where she is, discovers that she has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The film rests solely on Moore’s performance, which works well. She is in every single scene of the film, and all the other actors seem to be there just to back her up. Alec Baldwin gives a fine performance as Alice’s husband. And although she was only in a few scenes, Kate Bosworth was able to bring some emotion to this story. On the other hand, Kristen Stewart blinks and stammers her way through scenes as she is accustomed to doing. I don’t dislike Kristen Stewart, but in my opinion it’s unwise to have her acting opposite Julianne Moore in a scene. Most of the emotional scenes take place between Moore and Stewart, and Stewart does not deliver at all.

Moore’s performance is so subtle, while also being erratic at times, that you can’t fully see the change she makes with her character, until toward the end of the film. Alice Howland, after discovering her disease, leaves a video message for herself on her computer; and when she watches it months and months later, you’d believe it was two different women. That moment alone is deserving of Moore’s recent Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

As stated before, I found this film hard to relate to, and that stems from the writing. The story falls into too many of the generic character ruts that we’ve seen all too often. The talented, independent woman, with the brainy, and handsome husband. Three adult kids: a son who is a doctor like his father, a daughter that is married and perfect, yet struggling to have children; and the youngest daughter with her dreams of acting while not contemplating college. As this disease sets in, Alice is able to quit her job and move out to their family’s house on an island as her husband contemplates taking a year off from his job in academia and being with her. I’m sure people like this exist, but to a Midwestern man, I can not relate to it. Although I can quite easily relate to the heartbreaking reality of family members living with Alzheimer’s.

As a whole I liked the film, and it did get to me on an emotional level once or twice. Julianne Moore once again reminds us of the talent she has, and the story itself points the finger at a disease that not enough people are talking about.

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Starring: Colin Firth, Teron Egerton and Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 9 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

1997. Several members of an elite British spy organization are interrogating a terrorist suspect. Refusing to answer the bad guy produces a previously hidden grenade. In a split second, one of the Brits jumps on the grenade, taking the brunt of the blast and saving his comrades. Back in Britain the young hero’s wife and small son are presented with a medal for valor, with a number engraved on it. Should they ever need anything, they only have to call.

2014. Following the kidnapping of a climate professor (Mark Hamill) and the brutal murder of another spy, the agency known as Kingsman begins a hunt for a new member. At the same time we meet Gary “Eggsy” Unwin. Gary was the young boy who lost his father seventeen years ago and has run afoul of the law. Asking to make a phone call, he pulls a chain from around his neck on which hangs his father’s medal.

A curious mix of comedy and drama, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” starts out well when it introduces Harry Hart (Firth), code name Galahad, a suave, sophisticated spy with all of the coolness of James Bond and the badness of Jack Bauer. Harry reports to Arthur (Michael Caine) and informs him he’d like to submit Eggsy (Egerton) to fill the position that is open. When the candidates assemble, it’s obvious that Eggsy will have his work cut out for him. The other young men in attendance have proper names like Rufus and Digby. There are also two young ladies in the class. They are met by the course leader (Mark Strong) and informed that their first task is to write their names and next of kin on a provided body bag. Failure to succeed is pretty severe.

While the kids are playing spy, the organization is dealing with stopping a crazy billionaire who is offering the world free cell phone service and internet through an item he is giving away. Named Valentine (Jackson), he’s the stereotypical movie bad guy, though Jackson makes him interesting by playing him as a lisping Mars Blackmon. When Harry discovers that Valentine’s product will cause people to literally kill each other he decides to intervene. And here is where the film goes off the tracks. Harry attends services at a white-supremacist church and soon finds himself in a battle for his life. In an amazingly filmed, but so over the top that you don’t care, scene, Harry literally kills EVERYONE in the church, but every means available. Gunshots to the head and a flag pole in the chest are two of the many interesting and gory ways the parishioners die. While a great display of some nice visual effects, this scene, which seems to go on for 30 mins, just takes you out of the film totally. Any sense of believability runs out the exit door. Which isn’t good when there’s still a lot of movie left to go. Firth does a good job as the proper English spy and looks like he’s having a good time. Sadly I couldn’t say the same.

Actors: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor
Directors: Michael and Peter Spierig
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

“Predestination” is one of those films that I can watch over and over again to catch all of the subtle nuances that I may have missed in a previous viewing. A sci-fi mind bender that explores the topic of time travel and how the actions of a small group of people can have a profound global effect, Predestination is more character-centric than previous films that tackled the same topic. It’s because of this that the viewer gets sucked into a perfectly crafted film by Writers/Directors Michael and Peter Spierig, with extremely witty dialogue, a complete puzzle of a story line, oh, and a series of plot twists that are more satisfactory with each step towards the film’s crescendo. Trust me when I say that if you think you’ve got Predestination figured out, you don’t, at least until the very end, when the credits roll and you have a moment to digest exactly what you’ve been watching.

Official Synopsis: Based on the short story “-All You Zombies-” by Robert A. Heinlein, Predestination chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent (Ethan Hawke) sent on an intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to ensure the continuation of his law enforcement career. Now, on his final assignment, the Agent pursues the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time.

Sony Home Entertainment brings Predestination to life in a beautiful 1080p high definition/ 2.40:1 transfer, which very much enhances the set pieces designed by the Spierig Brothers. The colors of the 1950’s and 60’s are extremely vivid and nostalgic, but not so prominent that it can distract the viewer from the story unfolding before their eyes. Included as bonus features on the blu-ray are a blooper reel, a featurette titled “A Journey Through Time” and an exclusive 75 minute documentary on bringing the film to life. After speaking with the Spierig brothers regarding the making of the film, I found the blu-ray exclusive documentary to be a fantastic exploratory device for the film’s origins and creation. This disc is HIGHLY recommended for fans of the Spierig’s previous offering “Daybreakers” and for science fiction fans that are interested in a great time travel story with a minimalist approach.

Actors: Robert Englund, Jill Schoelen, Bill Nighy
Directors: Dwight H. Little
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: February 17, 2015
Run Time: 93 minutes

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

There is definitely no shortage of theatrical version of “The Phantom the Opera” but this 1989 adaptation starred Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund. This Gothic horror tale is a cool play on this story and features some great make up by Kevin Yagher (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, Face/Off). The film also star Bill Nighy (“Pirates of the Caribbean” series, “Underworld” series), Alex Hyde-White (“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”), Terence Harvey (“From Hell”) and Molly Shannon (“SNL”), directed by Dwight H. Little (“Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers”. Besides the terrible tagline on the cover, this is a highlight for any horror fan.

Official Premise: An aspiring opera singer finds herself transported back to Victorian-era London – and into the arms of a reclusive, disfigured maestro determined to make her a star. The silver-throated Christine (Jill Schoelen, The Stepfather) enjoys success through the arrangements of her new lover (Englund)… until she realizes that he has been committing unspeakably grisly murders in her honor and won’t stop until he’s completed his masterpiece… in blood!

The 1080p transfer is solid on this release. It works for the black and red color use in the film and there is no shortage of red 😉 The same goes for DTS-HD Master Audio track which sounds great with the music. The special features include “Behind The Mask: The Making of The Phantom Of The Opera”, which includes all-new interviews with Director Dwight H. Little, actors Robert Englund, Jill Schoelen, and Alex Hyde-White, Screenwriter Duke Sandefur, Special Make-Up Designer Kevin Yagher, Special Make-Up Effects Artists John Carl Buechler, Everett Burrell and John Vulich, and Composer Misha Segal. There is also an audio commentary with Director Dwight H. Little and actor Robert Englund and a original theatrical trailer included.

Starring: Rod Taylor, J. Pat O’Malley, Betty Lou Gerson, Martha Wentworth, Ben Wright, Cate Bauer
Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wolfgang Reitherman
Number of discs: 2
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Run Time: 79 minutes

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

“101 Dalmatians” may not be the best Disney animated film but it is a very important one. This film introduced the Xerox process that save Disney. The film was never very pretty or breathtaking in terms of animation but it was a hit for the studio and probably the reason why we are still getting new films today. Overall, it is still a fun film. I haven’t seen it in years and I enjoyed it quite a bit. My two year old also enjoyed it as well. So I see this being a must watch for the coming months.

Official Premise: Pick your favorite spot to watch — anytime and anywhere — and get ready for a fun-filled adventure with 101 DALMATIANS for the first time ever on Blu-ray and Digital HD! Pongo, Perdita and their super-adorable puppies are in for thrills, hilarious spills and an epic action-packed adventure when they face off with Cruella De Vil, Disney’s most fabulously outrageous villainess. Unleash all the excitement and suspense of Disney’s 101 DALMATIANS, a beloved classic you’ll want to share with your family again and again!

The Diamond Edition Blu-ray of “101 Dalmatians” comes in a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. The 1080p transfer looks good. There is little grain found here ala “The Sword in the Stone” or “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” but in a good way. I noticed through some blurring when the dogs were running. Not a major issue but definitely noticeable. There are two audio options for this release. First we have a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track which sounds quite great. The second is an original Dolby Digital Mono track, which doesn’t have what it takes to keep up with the 7.1 track.

The special features are impressive on this release. There is a all new feature “Lucky Dogs”, which features Disney Animation/Imagineering alum Rolly Crump, ink and paint artist Carmen Sanderson, animator Burny Mattinson, animator Floyd Norman and voice actress Lisa Davis talking about their experiences on the film. “Dalmatians 101” features actress Cameron Boyce, who plays Cruella De Vil’s son in the upcoming Disney’s “Descendants” giving facts about the film. “The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt” is an all new animated short following the black-and-white television star from the movie.

“The Best Doggoned Dog in the World” is actually the tenth episode of “The Wonderful World of Disney”, which aired during its fourth season in 1961. It is presented in its entirety and in high definition, this is a real treat. There are also a bunch of classic bonus features taken from past DVD releases of “101 Dalmatians”, including the seven part feature “Redefining the Line: The Making of 101 Dalmatians”, music videos, unused songs and promotional spots (no pun intended).

Starring: Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer
Directed by: Mike Binder
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 1 min
Relativity Media

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Elliot Anderson (Costner) is a very successful lawyer living the good life. But when we meet him it is one of the worse days of his life. His wife has been killed in an auto accident and he must now break the news to his granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell), who they have raised since the death of their daughter. Things get complicated when Eloise’s paternal grandmother, Rowena (Spencer) petitions for custody. Did I mention that Elliot is white and Rowena is black?

A fine attempt at conveying the message that a child is best molded when love is the main ingredient, “Black or White” relies mostly on coincidence and disbelief to succeed. When Rowena and her extended family visit Elliot’s home after the funeral, Rowena scolds him for never inviting her family over to swim in his pool. Rowena, et all live in Compton. But in a very nice part of Compton. Rowena talks a good game but really, the only difference I can see between her neighborhood and Elliot’s is that Elliot’s has more pools per square inch. We also learn that Rowena is a successful businesswoman with multiple achievements. Why hasn’t she moved from Compton? Things get even worse for Elliot when Eloise’s father shows up and joins the custody case.

Kevin Costner has grown into a fine character actor. Here he plays Elliot as a man who loves his granddaughter but also loves his liquor. Rowena accuses him of being an alcoholic but actually he’s just sad. He’s already lost two women in his life and faces losing a third. Spencer gives Rowena a coolness that makes her endearing…not the caricaturistic “black granny” (see: Tyler Perry’s Medea). But credit is also due to the youngest members of the cast. Estell is cute but smart as Eloise and Mpho Koaho almost steals the film as the young math tutor that works with both Eloise and Elliot. Anthony Mackie and Andre’ Holland also do well as Rowena’s brother/attorney and Eloise’s father, respectively. The script, written by director Binder, tries to say too much, and in doing so, loses some of its charm.