Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner
Directed By: David O. Russell
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 138 minutes
Sony Pictures

Our Score: 5 out of 5 Stars

The main cast of David O. Russell’s two previous acclaimed films The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook join forces with added Jeremy Renner and Louis CK to form the glorious and hilarious American Hustle. Set amidst the 1970s ABSCAM affair, Hustle is less concerned with historical accuracy, disclaiming only “some of this actually happened” and more interested in pitting ambitious larger-than-life players against each other. The huge personalities are well matched to the gorgeous kaleidoscope of 1970s hair and wardrobe on display. The result is a wildly fast-paced comedy that lives up to the promise of its powerhouse cast. Easily one of the best films of the year.

The film follows Christian Bale as Bronx con man, Irving Rosenfeld, who is hellbent on making something of himself with his shady loans dealings and forged artwork. He decides to reveal his true occupation, hidden behind a dry cleaning front, to equally ambitious schemer Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) with whom he hooked up with at a party. At first Rosenfeld regrets his decision but Prosser comes roaring back to him with a fully formed persona for joining in on his scams. Equipped with the poshest of fake British accents Sydney transforms into Edith Greensly whose alleged London banking connections make Rosenfeld’s offers that much more appealing to his marks.

The couple’s whirlwind romance and financial success is halted when they’re caught by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) who aims to use the pair’s skills in order to entrap government officials and even bigger fish. DiMaso, like Irving, is also eager to make the bigtime. As DiMaso Cooper’s wild eyed hunger for getting the largest targets possible in the face of a sensible superior played by the brilliant Louis CK is one of the greatest joys of the film. Meanwhile Jeremy Renner as the affable politician DiMaso seeks to ruin helps to ground the emotional cost of the agent’s desperation. Mainly though Hustle is a fascinating power struggle between the trio of Irving, Richie and Sydney. Each scene is rife with a nervous energy as the three players face off and get themselves further and further in over their heads. Sydney’s real or feigned affection for both of the men adds additional tension for good measure with Adams doing some of her best work ever.

In lesser hands, the cast may have been outshone by the garish hair and trappings of the disco era, but here the pile of hair on Jennifer Lawrence for example seems downright tame on the head of her boozy Rosalyn, Irving’s wildcard wife. Her face-off with Adams over their mutual claim to Bale’s character is one of the most electric moments of the film and both actresses dive into their rivalry with relish.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Paul Giamatti
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
Rated: PG
Running time: 2 hours 5 mins
Walt Disney Pictures

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

It’s hard to believe that one of the most beloved films of all time, “Mary Poppins,” almost wasn’t made. It took 20 years of convincing by Walt Disney himself until author P.L. Travers agreed to consider the project. Of course, she had some ideas of her own. No animation. No music (“Mary Poppins does NOT sing”) And no way on that dreadful Dick Van Dyke. History, of course, tells us that these fears were unnecessary. “Saving Mr. Banks” does the same, but with a little help from the players involved.

Told in current period time and, too often, in flashbacks, “Saving Mr. Banks” is a fine film when the subject of “Mary Poppins” is being discussed. The flashback scenes, of the author as a young girl in Australia and her alcoholic father (Colin Farrell), are too often just there to interject something familiar into the story. Yes, I understand. Mother used to say “spit-spot” just like Mary Poppins does. These scenes actually slow the film down. It’s the magic of films that Walt Disney was known for and when “Saving Mr. Banks” addresses that process the film begins to soar.

The film is well cast. Who better than Tom Hanks, arguably his generations Jimmy Stewart, with a little Henry Fonda added for good measure, to play “Uncle” Walt? Hanks’ performance is just right, capturing the filmmaker as those of us who used to watch him every Sunday night remember him. As Travers, Thompson has created the perfect snob. She is never happy with anything, be it her stuffed animal filled hotel room to the poor grammar included in the script. You can imagine her reaction when she first hears “Supercalifragilisticexpealadocious!” The supporting cast is equally strong. B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman play the musical Sherman brothers, Bradley Whitford is screenwriter Don DaGradi and Giamatti is the always cheerful limo driver who finally helps melt Travers’ icy persona.

Starring: Oscar Issac, Justin Timberlake and F. Murray Abraham
Directed by: Ethan and Joel Coen
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 45 mins
CBS Films

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In the early 1960s folk music began its rise. Musicians from all over would come to New York City to play small clubs in Greenwich Village, hoping to make a few bucks and get their messages out. One of them is Llewyn Davis (Issac). Talented, but clearly unlovable, we meet Llewyn as he sings in a small club. After his performance he’s told that “his friend in the suit” wanted to talk with him in the alley. He soon finds himself being beaten. It is this event which bookends the latest film by the Coen brothers, “Inside Llewyn Davis.”

Sharply written and filmed with the Coen’s usual sharp eye for detail, the film follows Llewyn (Isaac) as he attempts to make a living with his music. On the street and walking around with a neighbor’s cat, Davis plays little clubs and passes the hat most of the time. And while it’s agreed that he’s quite talented, it’s also agreed that he’s a real horse’s ass! His musical partner gone, his career stalled and his agent now representing others, Davis realizes his one chance is to audition and play at a club run by the legendary Bud Grossman (Abraham) outside of Chicago.

Filled with great performances, including Timberlake and Carey Mulligan as a folk duo, the film’s high point is its outstanding musical score, overseen by Oscar winner T. Bone Burnett (“Crazy Heart”). The songs fit the time and mood of the country, from anti-war protests to a song asking President Kennedy NOT to send a man to the moon. All involved, from pro JT to actor Isaac sing beautifully and if you enjoy the film you’ll surely want to go out and buy the soundtrack CD. As Llewyn is a person better heard, and not seen, you may go ahead and thank me now for the suggestion.

Starring the Voices of: John Leguizamo, Justin Long and Tiya Sircar
Directed by: Neil Nightingale and Barry Cook
Rated: PG
Running Time: 87 minutes
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

I try my hardest not to walk into a film with any preconceived notions that may ruin the movie going experience for me. I may see a commercial for it or see a tidbit in the news about it, but that doesn’t affect my opinion. I tell myself every time after a commercial, “That 30 seconds is not the movie.” Before the movie even begins I stash away what reservations I do have when “BBC Earth” pops up as one of the studios. The same studio that has brought us critically acclaimed documentaries like “Frozen Planet”, “Life” and others.“Maybe there is hope for this movie,” I think to myself. After the second vomit joke and the flick’s first poop joke, I think BBC Earth might wanna consider burning whatever bridges they have to this movie.

So what happened to this well shot film? First we start off with our modern day introduction. A useless subplot has uncle Zack (Karl Urban) taking his nephew Ricky and his niece Jade to a local spot to do some paleontology. Already I feel bad for Mr. Urban. Obviously the nephew is too cool to dig around for dinosaurs, so he lingers back. That’s when he hears Alex, a talking bird (Leguizamo), who plans to change his mind. Alex then becomes the narrator to a trio of pachyrhinosaurus. The first is Patchi (Long), a young dino with plenty of shortcomings and no charm. The second is his love at first glance friend, Juniper (Sircar). But Patchi’s annoying older brother Scowler (Stone) who spouts off tough guy lingo also likes Juniper. Not for any other reason besides ownership. Literally. As for the plot, it’s another copy and paste story line with a dry theme about courage. Unless you’re a girl. Then the moral of the story is, men will fight to own you. Deal with it.

The supposed narrative by Alex is confusing. He switches from talking to Patchi, to narrating the movie, to possibly talking to our human back in present time and then speaking directly to the audience. It’s frustrating and a definite sign that there were about four different ideas crammed into this movie. Three of those ideas were terrible.The one idea that could have worked, teaching kids about dinosaurs, is buried. I’m sure co-director Neil Nightingale was the redeeming quality while everyone else decided crude bowel movement humor should triumph science and learning.

Another confusing aspect is that the dinosaurs by themselves already make animal sounds. They moan, whine, roar and coo. The voice-overs feel like they were done at the last minute. It really seems like Justin Long and Tiya Sircar cashed their check before entering the studio. I don’t know who thought it would be a good idea to Mystery Science Theater these creatures, but it was a terrible idea. The movie would have been miles better without it’s dubbed demeaning dialogue exchanges and juvenile jokes.

At it’s very basic minimal core, it’s a made for TV documentary on dinosaurs with grade ‘A’ graphics. It probably would have been in science classes on days where the teacher would rather dim the lights and let the glow of the TV do the lecturing. What we have instead is a confusing movie overflowing with verbal garbage and tacky plot devices. There’s plenty of better options for children’s movies this holiday and better ways to teach them about these prehistoric creatures. Here’s a final warning: Despite your parental cries of agony, the theater will not mute the screen.

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey
Directed by: James Wan
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 24, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes

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

Let’s start off with the fact that “Insidious” is one of my favorite horror films, period. So I was very disappointed when I saw that “Insidious: Chapter 2” took the lazy typical horror film approach and didn’t stick with what made the first film so unique…and scary. The main goal of this film is to scare and it missing that mark complete. The first one still scares me even after seen it 15 times. This might scary a young teenager but it completely missing the mark. They tried to cram way too much in this film and focused too much on the ghosts’ back story that they became no longer a treat. There was also so many missed scared opportunities that could have really beefed up the terror. I hope they learn from their mistakes with the third (inevitable) film in this series coming out 2015. Less is more!

Official Premise: James Wan directs this supernatural suspense horror sequel. Picking up from where the last film left off, the Lamberts (Wilson and Byrne) have moved into a new home with their son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) and initially things are going well, but as the time passes it is revealed to them that whatever force was haunting them before still isn’t finished with them. They are then tasked with uncovering what it is that ties them to the spirit world while desperately trying to hold on to their sanity.

Sony is behind this Blu-ray release and they deliver us with a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD Ultraviolet copy. The 1080p transfer is polished and does look impressive. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track scores with Joseph Bishara’s score, which is easily the best thing in the film. In terms of special features, the extras are a hit. “Peripheral Vision: Behind the Scenes” is a typical making-of featurette. “Ghostly Transformation” looks into the make-up effects. “Haunted Hospital: On Location” focuses on where the film was shot. “Leigh Whannell’s Insidious Journal” is a making of featurette with the writer/actor. “Work in Progress: On Set Q&A” includes chat with Barbara Hershey, Patrick Wilson, Jason Blum, James Wan, and Leigh Whannell. Lastly “Insidious: Spectral Sightings” is a third part series of webisodes for the film.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate and Paul Rudd
Directed by: Adam McKay
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 59 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I don’t know how to put this, but…Ron Burgandy is still kind of a big deal. And as portrayed by Will Ferrell he brings a hilarious dose of good news with him in the new film, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”

When we last left Ron (Ferrell) and his news team, he had just regained his job back and was happily co-hosting the San Diego evening news with his beloved Veronica (Applegate). As we meet him again, he has just been fired, replaced by Veronica and reduced to hosting the hourly dolphin show at Sea World. After a disastrous interaction with the crowd (“children and women hate you, Ron” a young boy calls out), Burgundy finds himself, literally at the end of his rope. However he is saved by a visit from a representative of an all new, 24 hour news station, hilariously played by the usually very serious Dylan Baker. Offered an anchor position, Ron accepts with the condition he can assemble his old news team. Sportscaster Champ Kind (David Koechner) now operates a fried “chicken” restaurant. Feature reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) has made a successful living by photographing kittens. And weatherman Brick Tamblin (Steve Carell) is dead. At least he thinks he is. The newly reunited team head for the Big Apple and new found fame!

I had one fear when I sat down to watch this movie: that I had seen so much of it already in the incessant promotional on-slaught that has been running since Labor Day that I’d already seen the funny stuff. Not to worry. In the capable hands of writers Ferrell and McKay, Ron Burgundy’s world has more than enough room for laughs. Originally scheduled to helm the 2 a.m. news shift, Burgundy finds success by, in his words, “telling the people not what they NEED to hear but what they WANT to hear. Couple this idea with Ron bottle feeding a shark and experiencing interracial dating and you have the makings of one outrageously funny film. All of the returning actors are funny and strong, with Rudd’s Brian Fantana a standout. New guest stars, including Kristen Wiig, James Marsden and Harrison Ford shine just as bright as the story’s regular cast members. Add to these stars a strong performance by Dobby the Shark and you’ve got yourself one damn funny movie!

Starring: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch, Niki Yang, Tom Kenny
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Cartoon Network
DVD Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 176 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Adventure Time” is no question of my best…and also most bizarre shows on TV animated or not. When I first saw it a few years ago, I literally couldn’t get enough of it. The show is currently in its fifth season and it only keeps getting better and better…and also weirder and weirder but that is part of its charm. “Jake the Dad” is fifth and latest volume DVD release after “Jake vs. Me-Mow”. I loved this episode where Jake becomes a dad with Lady Rainicorn but that is not all since there are an additional 16 episodes included as well. The real draw for this release though has to be the Jake hat that comes with this DVD. In fact, since I received this my 18-month old daughter has refused to take it off. So I would call this a must own for an fan of “Adventure Time”.

This release includes sixteen episodes from the shows fourth and fifth seasons including: “Jake the Dad”, “Burning Low”, “Gotcha!”, “Sons of Mars”, “BMO Noire”, “The Hard Easy”, “I Remember You”, “All the Little People”, “Mystery Dungeon”, “All Your Fault”, “Five More Short Graybles”, “Vault of Bones”, “Simon & Marcy”, “Puhoy”, “One Last Job” and “BMO Lost”. Currently only the first and second seasons are available complete on Blu-ray with the third coming on February 25, 2014. So this DVD is a great way to own some of the best episodes from this show now and not have to wait for the complete seasons. If the Jake hat alone was a bonus enough for you there is also a character feature called “Little Did You Know”, which is a nice bonus extra if you are a fan of the show.  Can’t wait to see what Cartoon Network has planned next for this show cause I can’t get enough.

Actors: Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Nathan Fillion, Douglas Smith
Directors: Thor Freudenthal
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes

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

“Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” arrived as the next “Harry Potter” but never really gathered much interest. When I heard that they were come with a sequel, I didn’t understand since the first film was not well-received. “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” promised to be much better than the first and it did deliver a more entertaining film for sure. The action is amped up and the visual effects are much better than the first film, plus it co-stars Nathan Fillion which is always great. Still has it problems and feel like a “Harry Potter wanna-be but overall, this film is worth checking out and a vast improvement from “The Lightning Thief”.

Official Premise: The magical, mythical adventures of teenager Percy Jackson — son of the Greek god Poseidon — continue in this heroic, action-packed thrill ride! Out to prove he’s not just a “one-quest wonder,” Percy and his demigod friends embark on an epic, cross-country journey into the treacherous Sea of Monsters, where they battle terrifying creatures, an army of zombies, and the ultimate evil. With time running out, Percy must find and bring home the fabled Golden Fleece, which has the power to save his world…and save us all

Fox delivered “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” as a combo pack release including Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD digital copy. The 1080p transfer is pretty much flawless and really takes advantage of the CGI effects and amazing visuals. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is also perfect and really captures the action so well. If you get nothing else from this film and this Blu-ray, you will be blown away with the audio/video presentation. If possible though, this film is much more enjoyable in 3D, so if you have that option but sure to take that route since the visual effects really shines there.

In terms of special features, “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” delivers some decent extras but nothing outstanding. To start we get a motion comic for the character Tyson, who is Percy’s cyclops half-brother. There are three featurettes included, the first is called “Back to Camp Half-Blood”, which features cast taking about coming back for the sequel. “It’s All in the Eye” and “Deconstructing a Demigod” focus on the visual effects in the film. I was really hoping for more depth on these extras since the film is so visual but these are still worth checking out if you enjoyed the film.

Starring: Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron, Dominic Chianese, David Belle
Director: Luc Besson
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Run Time: 111 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to action films, Luc Besson is a name that I trust. He delivered some great genre films over the years.  “The Family” is a different type of film for Besson because it is a mix of comedy/crime, there is some a nice mix of action in it though. The film does pack a solid cast including Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Tommy Lee Jones. There are a few clever parts in here and Pfeiffer is as beautiful as ever but overall, I wasn’t blown away. Worth taking a look for the cast but this is quite forgettable.

Official Premise: A Mafia boss and his family are relocated to a sleepy town in France under the Witness Protection Program after snitching on the mob. Despite Agent Stansfield’s (Jones) best efforts to keep them in line, Fred Blake (Robert De Niro), his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer), and their children Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D’Leo), can’t help resorting to old habits by handling their problems the ‘family’ way. Chaos ensues as their former Mafia cronies try to track them down, and scores are settled in the unlikeliest of settings.

As always Fox delivered an impressive release delivering this releases as a combo pack including Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD digital copy. What Luc Besson knows well is how to make a film look good. For the film’s action, the 1080p transfer works well. It showcases the filming locations well, as it does with the action and the same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which is very sharp. In terms of special features, we go right back to be being disappointed. There is a short behind-the-scenes looks with “Making The Family”. The only other extra is “The Many Meanings of FU*%!”, which is sort but still fun.

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“12 Years a Slave,” the harrowing true tale of a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, took home the lion’s share of awards at the 47th Annual Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards, earning nods in six categories, including Best Film of 2013.

Other films recognized include Spike Jonze’s “Her,” Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” and the documentary feature “The Act of Killing.” Cuaron and “12 Years a Slave” director Steve McQueen tied for the Robert Altman Award as Best Director. Another tie saw “Frozen” and “Despicable Me 2” sharing the Best Animated Feature prize.

The Kansas City Film Critics Circle, of which I am a member, was formed by Dr. James Loutzenhiser and is the 2nd oldest critics group in the nation.

The award winners:

BEST PICTURE: “12 Years a Slave”

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuaron – “Gravity” and Steve McQueen – “12 Years a Slave”

BEST ACTOR: Chiwetel Eliofor – “12 Years a Slave”

BEST ACTRESS: Sandra Bullock – “Gravity”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Lupita Nyong’o – “12 Years a Slave”

BEST ANIMATED FILM: “Despicable Me 2” and “Frozen”

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: “Blue is the Warmest Color”

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: “The Act of Killing”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Spike Jonze – “Her”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: John Ridley – “12 Years a Slave”

VINCE KOEHLER AWARD FOR BEST FANTASY, SCIENCE FICTION OR HORROR FILM: “Her”

Actors: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna
Directors: Neill Blomkamp
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: December 17, 2013
Run Time: 109 minutes

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

“Elysium” is the latest film from writer-director Neill Blomkamp, who brought us “District 9”. This film has a similar feel to it and even reunites the director with Sharlto Copley but doesn’t have the same magic. The film has quite the political back drop and I felt that it took over a little too much in the story and hurt “Elysium” quite a bit. The film is still visually impressive and Damon kicks some ass and really commits to this role. Worth checking out for sci-fi junkies but nothing special.

Official Premise: In the year 2159 two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Rhodes, a government official, will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can. When unlucky Max is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that if successful will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.

When I think of this film I do not think about watching it on DVD, I think about a nice high-def crisp Blu-ray to fully take advantage of the very visual aspect of the film. So I was let down there for sure. If you are looking for special features, the back of the DVD box says get the Blu-ray. There are only two extra includes on this DVD. The first is called “Engineering Utopia: Creating a Society in the Sky”, which focuses on the visual effects. The next (and last) is called Collaboration: Crafting the Performances in Elysium” take a look into the cast from the film.

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Disney Minnie
Board book: 10 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: October 1, 2013

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

When I saw that Disney Press was releasing a puppet book with Minnie, I knew my 18 month old daughter was going to flip out. I have to say thought I was very underwhelmed. When I showed this book to my daughter she turned the pages one and then lost interest. One thing I realized is that the puppet is so big that turning the pages makes it very hard as well. If your kid loves Minnie, this is probably good for a quick distraction but I do not see my daughter picking this book up ever again.

With Minnie Mouse, it’s all about the bows. So it’s no surprise that she’s put a new spin on the classic game of peekaboo. In this engaging interactive puppet book, Minnie plays peek-a-bow, creating a perfect interactive story little ones will want to read again and again. An adorable fabric Minnie puppet, a delightfully illustrated story, and the fun game of peekaboo come together to make this book a must-have!

This book is also consists of four double sided pages, the colors are crisp and animation is cute but over it didn’t draw me in. There is another book that my daughter has loved since she was born and still does with a peek-a-boo shark. It has always been her favorite and I was hoping to replace it with this one but that plan failed miserably. Who knows maybe other might enough, but I would be caution when purchasing.

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Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 41 mins
New Line

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When we last saw Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) and his dwarf friends they were winding their way through the Misty Mountains on a quest. A quest for treasure, honor and redemption. And the only thing standing in their way was….a dragon!

Picking up where the first film of the trilogy, “An Unexpected Journey,” ended, “The Desolation of Smaug” follows the group, led by Thorin (Richard Armitage), as they head towards a showdown with the fierce beast that now controls what once was their kingdom. Along the way they encounter a band of elves, led by a familiar face from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Legolas (Bloom). They have parted company with the wizard Gandalf (McKellen) and are left to their best devices. After dealing with over-size spiders and murderous Orcs they come upon a village where they persuade the townspeople to support them in their cause. This leads to a showdown between “burglar” Bilbo and the fire breathing monster.

What a treat it has been the past two Decembers to sit in the darkness of a movie theatre and take a Peter Jackson-designed journey. He brings to the “Hobbit” films the same care and craftsmanship he brought to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Abandoning the 48 frames-per-second process he used for “An Unexpected Journey” (a process that gave the film an amazing clarity but was very distracting), Jackson and his crew have fashioned a two and a half hour thrill ride that takes audiences into Middle Earth and the secrets enclosed inside.

The cast have grown into a strong ensemble and each character gets a chance to shine. For a portion of the film Bilbo is more of a secondary character, the story focusing more on the dwarves and their leader. Freeman brings a quiet honor to Bilbo, making him much more bolder and braver in this chapter. Armitage is strong as Thorin while McKellen once again holds the screen as the great Gandalf the Gray. His single-handed battle with the Orcs is one of the main set pieces of the film and it does not disappoint. Even though I understand the character of Legolas is not in any of JRR Tolkein’s “Hobbit” books, it was like seeing an old friend when he came on screen. He is also joined by a new character, Taurien, played by Evangeline Lily. Finally, there is the great Smaug, menacingly voiced by Bennedict Cumberbatch with a mixture of menace and humor. Smaug is truly one of the greatest screen creatures ever portrayed on film. With his silky-smooth voice and fire breath he truly is terrifying.

As I, and millions of fans, wait for next December to bring about the third chapter, I highly recommend taking in “The Desolation of Smaug” and losing yourself in the adventure.

Christina Milian has had such a diverse career to date. She started her singing career at 19 and had hit singles like “Dip It Low”. She has starred in various films including “Be Cool” and this year’s “Baggage Claim”. She was also recently a contestant on season 17 of ABC’s hit reality show “Dancing with the Stars”. Her latest venture is wine, as she recently became part owner and spokesperson for the company, Vida Diva Wine. Media Mikes had a chance to chat wine with Christina and talk about her upcoming bottle signing.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us a little bit about Vida Diva Wine and what made you become a part owner and spokesperson for the company?
Christina Milian: I feel like it was just meant to be honestly. I met Robyn Santiago from Illumination PR at a MTV gifting suite. Robyn was just so sweet and was handing out glasses of their Moscato wine. I tried out the mango and strawberry and thought it was so delicious. Just as a wine lover, I have always thought “One day, I would love to have my own winery”, but you never think in the near future that would happen. She told me that I should do something with this brand and I said “I would love to”. It seemed right because if you look at the name Vida Diva Wine…that is so me. It just screams loud and confident, so personally it says many things to me with its name and brand alone. Robyn was really on it as well since from that point on after meeting it was a really quick turnaround. I signed on as part owner of the company shortly after. I started doing tastings, had meetings with the CEO and learned about where our wines come from. I consider myself a wine connoisseur and I enjoy drinking it and bonding with my girlfriends. So I hope that others can do the same with Vida Diva Wine.

MG: How many difference products are there and what is your personal favorite?
CM: I actually have two but my absolute favorite is our Vida Diva Pineapple Coconut Moscato. It is delicious. It is like a Piña colada but very light. I love that our Moscatos are not too syrupy. You get a nice cool feeling when you drink and not overwhelmed with sugar. The flavor is very tropical and feels like a vacation in a glass. My second favorite favorite is our Pinot Grigio. I love white wine and I think that it has this classic feel. Our Pinot Grigo is paired very well for dinner like a nice fish or something. Also our simple Strawberry Moscato is a favorite of mine, I think that is everyone’s favorite. So I had to add a third favorite as well [laughs].

MG: Where else do you have planned with your nationwide bottle signing tour?
CM: We are doing a bottle signing on December 14th in Miami at Sedano’s, which is very exciting. We have done four other signings and I got to meet some really great fans. I like being able to come to the people. That is what I love most about these signings. Sometimes people feel so far away and not very tangible. To me I am very about my fans and this is a great opportunity for me to get out there and meet them and give them a taste of Viva Diva Wine. So I am so lucky to get a chance to present this to them. We are working additional tour dates right now actually. The next couple of stops we are looking at for 2014 are going to be in New York, New Jersey and California. So I am very excited and I can’t wait.

MG: If people are looking to purchase this where can they do that?
CM: For online and retail, we are currently available in over 27 states. We are in the following retail chains including Walmart, Sedano’s, Spec’s, Rouses, Glory Supermarkets and coming soon to Vallarta’s in California. So we are expanding quickly nationwide and hopefully people can get a chance to try it and spread the word!

Starring: Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jenna-Louise Colemanm, Billie Piper, John Hurt
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: December 10, 2013
Run Time: 75 minutes

Special: 5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Just when you think that BBC’s “Doctor Who” cannot simple get any better, we get “The Day of the Doctor”, which is series’ 50th Anniversary special. The 75-minute 3D special stars Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt as various regenerations of the Doctor. It also brings back Billie Piper and another surprise guest from the “Doctor Who” history. This special is honestly not just a special it is a feature film. It is so well done and epic that it deserves to be treated like a theatrical feature, it fact it was actually in theaters, in 3D, broadcasted live at the same time the show aired on TV worldwide. Matt Smith has been such an amazing Doctor with his last episode around the corner this month with “The Time of the Doctor”. Tennant came back for the first time since season 4 and it felt like honestly he never left, so amazing. John Hurt was also such a blast playing the Doctor as well. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I literally cheered and also laughed out loud nervous time throughout.

Official Premise: Written by lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor sees the Doctors (Matt Smith and David Tennant) embark on their greatest adventure across space and time. In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London’s National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor’s own dangerous past comes back to haunt him. The special also stars Jenna Coleman (as Clara, the Doctor’s current Companion), Billie Piper (in a surprise role) and Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart, daughter of legendary Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.

This 50th Anniversary Special was given the real treatment from BBC with this release. It comes in a solid combo pack with Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD, that’s right the Doctor is in 3D for the first time. I have to admit, this was a really strong fit for the show. The first time we zoomed in the painting and it went 3D, I literally said “Wow” out loud.  I thought it was very well done and added a lot of character to this special. The 1080p transfer overall was very impressive and like I said the show feel like a movie, so everything is amped up. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track also works very well with the action and scale of the film.

In terms of special features, there is some decent content here. But to me the real draw of this Blu-ray has to be the 3D Blu-ray, no question.  There is a “Behind-the-Scenes Featurette”, which takes us on set and on location with interviews with Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, David Tennant, Billie Piper, John Hurt and of course Steven Moffat. In “Doctor Who Explained”, we get the entire 50-year history in one 50-minute special. There are two mini-episodes including “The Night of The Doctor” and “The Last Day”. Lastly there are a trailer for San Diego Comic-Con and the tribute teaser for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary. I am curious if this special is going to be intergrated into future season releases and if so if they are planning to keep the 3D aspect, either way this would make a great holiday gift and a must watch and own for any Doctor Who fan!