Starring: Val Lauren and James Franco
Directed by: James Franco
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 43 mins
Tribeca Films

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“No, no, no, Sal Mineo, I would never stoop so low.”

The above line is from the song “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee” made popular in the Broadway musical, “Grease.” In the film version the line has been removed and replaced with one about Elvis. The reason? On February 12, 1976 Sal Mineo was stabbed to death and the lyrics were changed out of respect for a talent that left this world too soon. And it is that talent (and drive) that makes up the story of “Sal.”

We meet Sal Mineo (a mesmerizing Val Lauren) as he works out at the gym. Having just turned 37 Mineo presents himself as a man ten years younger. A quick lunch with his agent, who is brokering a film project Sal is involved in, and it’s off to rehearsal of a new play he is starring in. Though Sal doesn’t know it, this will be his last day on earth and he’s doing his best to make the most of it.

Filmed almost exclusively in close-ups on practically bare sets, “Sal” rides almost exclusively on the muscular shoulders of Lauren. It is a brilliant performance, with the young actor perfectly catching the tone and cadence of Mineo’s speech and demeanor. This is not simply an impersonation, this is an actor that has gone “all in” on a performance and doesn’t disappoint. At the time of his death, Mineo was starring in an Los Angeles-based production of the play, “P.S. Your Cat Is Dead” and parts of “Sal” eavesdrop on a rehearsal. We take the rehearsal in via the back of the head of the director (Franco), whose face we never see. What we do see is the pure pleasure that Mineo felt whenever he was performing. Though he was a two-time Academy Award nominee, Mineo’s star began to fade in the 1960s. His final film appearance put him behind a mask when he played Dr. Milo in “Escape From the Planet of the Apes.”

Technically the film is almost documentary in style. Director Franco’s use of close-ups, single cameras and long takes ensure that the only thing that will occupy the screen are the performances. As a tribute to its subject I wouldn’t want to see it any other way.

John Schneider is best know for his roles like Bo Duke in the 1970s–1980s TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard” and Jonathan Kent in TV series “Smallville”. In the last few years, John has worked on several films including “Super Shark”, “October Baby” and his most recent “Doobny”. Media Mikes had a chance to ask John a few question about the film and what he has planned next.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about your new film “Doonby”?
John Schneider: Doonby is a movie that will keep you thinking from beginning to end. It is a puzzle with a high impact solution.

AL: What was it that interested you in the role?
JS: I was very impressed with Peter’s passion for the project. I also like the idea of the drifter who comes in to town and, even though he tries to do the right thing and make it a better place, he causes ripples in the community that have sever implications on the status quo. I also like the mysterious part of who Sam is.

AL: We’re you allowed to be pretty free with the character of Sam or did you stick more to the written script?
JS: Peter allowed the scenes to take their own shape. We stuck to the dialogue mostly, because it is really good dialogue, but the intent is where we got to play around a bit.

AL: How was it working with Ernie Hudson?
JS: I loved working with Ernie. He is a true professional and helped me to be more on my game while we were shooting.

AL: You have a bar scene with Scotti Hill of Skid Row? How did he become involved and what was it like filming that scene and the others where you get to sing and play guitar?
JS: Scotti was great. What a talented guitar player and performer. I believe he is Peter’s friend. Having toured with music for years in the 80’s it felt get to get back on stage with my guitar again.

AL: Do you have any other projects coming up that you would like to mention?
JS: We start another film in Baton Rouge in January in Louisiana called Useful People. My hope is to stack it full of wonderful older names like Dick Van Dyke and Ed Asner. It’s about a group of terminally ill poker players with a legitimate ax to grind against someone who took a loved one from them years ago and got away with it. The group of older gentlemen get together once a week and occasionally have one of the offenders taped to a chair in the closet. If you want to know what happens next you’ll have to come see the movie!

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Actors: Phil Robertson, Kay Robertson, Jase Robertson, Willie Robertson, Si Robertson
Directors: Hugh Peterson
Number of discs: 2
Rated: Not Rated
Studio: A&E Home Video
DVD Release Date: November 5, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have not been a “Duck Dynasty” fan since day one. I have been drawn into this show from the constant press and phenomena that it has developed over the last few years. I have to admit, I have become a huge fan of this show, plus I am a sucker for any kind of Christmas specials. If you are a fan of the Robertson family, then this double-length Christmas special is going to make the perfect stocking stuffer! I would have normally said that this special wouldn’t be worth purchasing since it could be includes in the season four Blu-ray release but at the low price of $6.99 on Amazon, this makes this special a no brainer to purchase.

Official Premise: In Duck Dynasty: I’m Dreaming of a Redneck Christmas, Louisiana’s bearded, camouflaged millionaires gather to celebrate as only they can. Christmas fanatic Miss Kay is in her element and goes over the top decorating the house, then spends hours preparing a mouthwatering meal of pirducken (chicken, duck and turkey inside a pig) and sweet potato pie. Some of the men don their holiday sweaters and some participate from the couch, while Phil trims the tree with a chainsaw. Willie plays Santa Claus at the local church, only to have Uncle Si crash the party dressed as an elf, sending the kids running. But when the Christmas lights are finally up and dinner’s on the table, everyone is happy, happy, happy!

The Roberton’s are actually taking over this holiday season since aside from this Christmas special, they are also releasing a CD entitled “Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas”. Let me tell you know the CD is quite amazing as well and definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of the show. Besides the special, this DVD is bare-bones, which again makes it easier to stomach since the DVD is only $6.99, so get ready to enjoy get in the holiday mood this year as you only with the Robertson family! Since they do it better than anyone!!

Actors: Alexis Tipton, Robert McCollum
Directors: Zach Bolton
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: October 22, 2013
Run Time: 105 minutes

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

I have been a huge of the “Blood: The Last Vampire” franchise, especially a new series from the creators of “Ghost in the Shell”, “Blood-C”. The internet trolls have been quite harsh to this feature film sequel to that anime series, so I was a little nervous watching this but overall, I thought it was definitely watchable. It is not the strongest entry in the series but does feature some solid action and overall entertaining. In terms of the story it doesn’t add too much to the franchise but I think fans were a little too intense about this film, especially since it is quite visually. I would recommend it.

Official Premise: Saya is part human, part monster, and has one thing on her mind: REVENGE. Visions of twisted experiments and creatures slaughtering everyone she loved fuel her thirst for vengeance. With blade in hand and rage boiling in her veins, she tracks her tormentor to Tokyo, where flesh-hungry beasts have begun to feed. There, she joins a group of young hackers hunting for the same man. As Saya slices her way through lies, traps, flesh, and bone, how much blood will she shed to cut down the mastermind behind her madness?

FUNimation Entertainment delivered an impressive Blu-ray + DVD combo pack release as they have in the past with “Blood-C” as well. Same goes for the 1080p transfer in 1.78:1, which looks quite amazing. The colors are sharp and really pop especially the color red (but I don’t understand why 😉 ). There are two audio tracks including with an English and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1. The English track definitely feels more epic. In terms of special features, the only real extra is an U.S. Actor and Staff commentary track. The rest of the extras include NoNeNoNe Theater, which comes in six parts. There are some Promotional Videos, the Original Teaser/Trailer and U.S. Trailer.

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Starring: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx
Director: Roland Emmerich
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment
DVD Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 132 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I love action films as much as the next guy, but I wasn’t super thrilled to rush out and see “White House Down” (as was anyone else it seemed either). I felt the same way about the other White House-under attack film “Olympus Has Fallen” but I thought it was pretty awesome. “White House Down” was fun stupid action fun but nothing too memorable. I should expected that from director Roland Emmerich (“The Day After Tomorrow”, “2012”). All action and no plot. Worth checking out but keep those expectations down and also what woman doesn’t enjoy looking at Channing Tatum.

Official Premise: Capitol Policeman John Cale (Channing Tatum) has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service of protecting President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation’s government falling into chaos and time running out, it’s up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country.

When I think of “White House Down”, a $150 million dollar big summer film, I think amazing visual effects and window shattering sound. Well, you really don’t get that with this DVD, so if you do decide to watch this film be sure to do so on Blu-ray. Plus, the special features on this DVD are only half of what is on the Blu-ray, which is another bummer. What we get are four featurettes, which are ok but I can’t help but feel like I am missing out. “A Dynamic Duo” is a chat with Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx about teaming up. “Meet the Insiders” looks into the films supporting cast. “Men of Acting” focuses on the stunt training. Lastly “Roland Emmerich – Upping the Ante” features the director talking about his latest film.

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Actors: Paul Burke, Horace McMahon, Carroll O’Connor, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper
Directors: Alex March, Arthur Hiller, Buzz Kulik, Elliot Silverstein, John Brahm
Number of discs: 29
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 6063 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Naked City” is a show that I only was introduced to within the last year. This show has never been released as a complete series, but thanks to Image Entertainment this is the first time ever we can experience the complete series on DVD. This collection includes all 4 seasons, consisting of 138 episodes, on 29 DVDs from the acclaimed Emmy Award-winning classic TV series. “Naked City” is sharply written, contains an amazing collection of talent and also delivers an beautiful yet gritty black and white New York City. I loved revisiting this show and look forward to finally having all the episodes together in one collection.

The guest stars include tons of great talent including: Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, Carroll O’Connor, William Shatner, Burgess Meredith, Robert Duvall, Ed Asner, Rip Torn, Peter Falk, Claude Rains, Leslie Nielsen, Walter Matthau, Dennis Hopper, Barry Morse, Brett Somers, Roddy McDowall, Martin Balsam, Jack Warden, Mickey Rooney, Martin Sheen, Peter Fonda, George C. Scott, Jean Stapleton, Jon Voight, Vic Morrow, Christopher Walken, Robert Blake, Robert Loggia, Murray Hamilton, Ed Begley and a few dozen more.

There was absolutely no shortage of talent into this show. Of course these great actors weren’t huge when they start in the show in the late 50’s and early 60’s but it is amazing to look back at the show and see if you can recognize everyone. “Naked City” was featured as a half-hour series during the first season but the other three seasons were switched over to hour-long episodes. The episodes look quite awesome like past TV releases from Image. If you are a fan of this series, this release is a must own. In closing, there are eight million review of “Naked City”. This has been one of them.

As “Smokey and the Bandit” is easily in my top 10 of all time favorite films I would be remiss if I didn’t remember the film’s creator, Hal Needham. Needham, whose Hollywood career took him from stunt man to director to Academy Award honoree, died earlier this week after a short battle with cancer. He was 82.

A paratrooper during the Korean war, the Arkansas-born Needham relocated to Hollywood after the war where he found work as a stuntman. After being hired to be Richard Boone’s stunt-double on the television western “Have Gun, Will Travel,” Needham quickly worked his way up to becoming one of the most sought after stuntmen in the business. In the 60s he worked in such classic westerns as “How the West Was Won,” “Little Big Man” and “McClintock.” He became Burt Reynold’s stunt-double and the two struck up a friendship that would last a lifetime. When he wasn’t standing in for Reynolds, Needham helped modernize the profession, introducing such safety features as inflatable air bags.

After getting a taste of filmmaking as a second unit director, Needham wrote a script entitled “Smokey and the Bandit” and showed it to his pal, Reynolds. Reynolds liked it so much he used his clout to get it made with Needham behind the camera. Since it’s 1977 debut, “Smokey and the Bandit” has grossed over $300 million worldwide. Needham and Reynolds teamed up again for an inside look at the world of stuntmen with “Hooper.” Other Needham/Reynolds collaborations include “Cannonball Run” and it’s sequel as well as “Stroker Ace.” He also wrote and directed (4) “Bandit”-based television movies.

In 2012 he became the second stuntman, after Yakima Canutt, to receive an honorary Academy Award for his stunt pioneering and film career.

Starring: Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson and C. Thomas Howell
Directed by: Craig Clyde
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
Stone Five Studios
Release date: 10/22/2013

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Surrounded by her numerous championship ribbons, Dani (Danielle Chuchran) takes to the ring again astride her prize horse, Admiral. Soon she will add another ribbon to her collection. If only things at home were going as well. With her father (Howell) facing a lengthy prison term for his “business dealings,” her step-mother (Sam Sorbo) leaves home, taking her step-brother with her. Dad tries to make a deal but that causes him to lose everything…including Admiral. Dani is sent to live with her “Uncle Sam” (Kevin Sorbo), a man she has met exactly once. It’s not going to be a good summer.

Beautifully photographed, “Storm Rider” is one of those small “family” films that major studios don’t (or won’t) make anymore. It is also a story about adapting and learning to care for those around you, be they two legged or four. Dani is used to having everything and now finds herself living on a farm. It is only after Sam, a veterinarian, introduces her to a baby mule who was found huddled in some trees afraid of a storm that she begins to lighten up. Naming the creature “Stormy,” she begins to treat it as if it was the horse she had to give up. As always, there is a lesson to be learned.

The cast does an admirable job, bringing some light heartedness to a film with some pretty dark moments. Kevin Sorbo brings to mind Keith Carradine with his performance. Silent yet strong. Chuchran occasionally overplays the spoiled brat card but all in all her performance is solid. Sam Sorbo is icy as the former wife who is only looking out for herself. Halfway through the film she returns just to drop her son off – which is really surprising since Uncle Sam is her ex-husband’s brother. Swanson brings light to her scenes with Kevin Sorbo as a friend/love interest with the right advice.

High praise indeed for cinematographer Brandon Christensen whose camera captures the beautiful mountains and countryside featured in the film. Though sometimes a little dramatic, composer Russ Whitelock’s score sets a nice tone for the onscreen action.

“Storm Rider” is also now available on Video on Demand (VOD)

Texas-born actress Tiya Sircar is on a roll. After earning guest starring roles in such popular television shows as “House,” “The Vampire Diaries” and “NCIS” she graduated to film, co-starring alongside Zac Efron in “17 Again” and Justin Timberlake in “Friends With Benefits.” This past summer she shared the screen with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in the comedy hit, “The Internship.” To celebrate this week’s DVD/Blu-ray release of “The Internship” Tiya sat down with MediaMikes to talk about improvising with Vince Vaughn, her current role in the new show “Witches of East End” and obeying non-disclosure agreements.

Mike Smith: How did you come to be cast in “The Internship?” What drew you to the project?
Tiya Sircar: First of all, what drew me to the project was that Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson were in it. That made it pretty much a no-brainer for me (laughs). I’m a huge fan of each of them individually and when you put them together…I think “Wedding Crashers” is one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. Those two alone were exciting for me. But I also really loved the character. I thought it would be fun to get to play a really smart, confident and accomplished female character in a comedy full of a bunch of dudes so that was exciting to me as well.

MS: Vince Vaughn co-wrote the film and Owen Wilson is also an established writer. Were you encouraged to improvise on set or did you have to stick to the script?
TS: Oh no, not at all. We were allowed to improvise 100%…if we could come up with our own stuff we were encouraged to do so. Even when I first met Vince in an audition setting…I had five or six pages to do for my audition. I think we stuck to maybe one page and the rest came about through Vince’s brilliant comedic mind. Anytime you’re in an acting situation with either of those two you have to be very prepared for a lot of improv.

MS: You’re currently appearing in the new television series, “The Witches of East End.” Is this going to be a recurring role?
TS: It is. I play the love interest of one of the lead guys.

MS: What else are you working on?
TS: I’m actually working on two animated projects. One’s an animated series and one’s an animated feature. However, I’ve been sworn to secrecy on both of them! (laughs). I’d love to talk about them but I can’t, which I know doesn’t help you at all. But hopefully I’ll be able to talk about them soon. I’m also about to start an indie comedy called “Miss India America” and I’m playing the lead in it. It’s got a great cast and a very funny script. I’m really thrilled to have gotten the lead in this movie.

Starring: Johnny Knoxville and Jackson Nicoll
Directed by: Jeff Tremaine
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 32 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When you think of a film by the people behind “Jackass” what words come to mind? “Outrageous?” “Over the top?” “How in the hell did they do that?” Well their latest collaboration, “Bad Grandpa,” can certainly be described by those words. And don’t forget “Hilarious.” Heck, I’d even add “Even Touching.”

No, I’m not kidding.

We meet 86 year old Irving Zisman (Knoxville in some incredible make-up) shortly after his wife has passed away. To add to his bad news his daughter (Georgina Cates) informs him that she is heading back to prison. She asks her pop to please take her 8 year old son, Billy (Nicoll) from Nebraska to North Carolina to drop him off with his father. Irving is reluctant at first but, seeing she has no other choice, agrees. Thus begins the ultimate road trip.

Like “Borat” before it, “Bad Grandpa” is a hidden camera experiment taken to new heights. Knoxville is so skilled in his performance that he manages to convince anyone he encounters that he is a kindly old man who’s just having a string of bad luck. Be it an estate sale gone bad, a funeral service gone even worse or a night of drinking at a St. Louis bar featuring male dancers, director Tremaine’s cameras catch everyday people at their best (and, to be honest, most of the people do take a liking to gramps and Billy). I think it has something to do with respecting your elders. When in one scene Grandpa tries to ship Billy to North Carolina packed in a box at a local shipping store, the ladies assisting him go to great lengths to help him. EVEN AFTER THEY LEARN THERE IS A LITTLE BOY IN THE BOX!

What makes the film special are the moments between the “bits” — when Billy and Grandpa are alone, talking about fishing and the future. You almost forget you’re watching a seriously “R” rated comedy, so endearing are Knoxville and Nicoll. I’d love to see these two characters on screen again.

Narrated by: Michael York
Starring: Jim Cummings, John Fiedler, Ken Sansom, Kath Soucie, Peter Cullen, Nikita Hopkins, Michael Gough, William Green
Directed by: Jamie Mitchell
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 64 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I have always a huge of that silly ole bear and his friends of the 100 acre woods. “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” was a direct to video film released in 2002, which consists of the 1991 Christmas TV special “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too” and the (then) new film, “Happy Pooh Year”. Maybe it is me but you can never go wrong with Pooh and his friends. It is always a win/win! This Blu-ray is Tigger-ific and a great way to get ready for the upcoming holiday season! My 17 month old daughter loves these characters as well, so I have a feeling this is going to get quite a lot of play for many years to come!

Official Premise: Join Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Roo and the whole gang as Rabbit discovers the true spirit of the season after his pals make misguided New Year’s resolutions to change… with hilarious and heartfelt results. Featuring beloved characters and delightful songs, this special “Gift Of Friendship Edition” also includes fun-filled bonus goodies.

This “Gift of Friendship Edition” for “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” comes as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. You have no idea how happy it makes me that that Disney has started backing Ultraviolet digital streaming copies. The 1080p transfer looks good for the direct-to-video animation of “Happy Pooh Year” and the 1991 Christmas TV special “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too” looks like it was made yesterday but still with that classic Pooh look and feel.

In terms of special features, first we get one of my favorite new features that Disney has been behind, which is the “Disney Intermission”. When you pause the movie, you and your kids can discover fun family games and activities. It is really a great addition to the film. There is a sing-along option with the film, as well as a song selection. Lastly there is an interactive walk-through of the “Enchanted Environment”. So besides the “Disney Intermission”, nothing really spectacular unlike the recent “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” Blu-ray release.

Directors: Burny Mattinson
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 26 minutes

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

“Mickey’s Christmas Carol” is easily my favorite holiday special of all-time! Yes, I am serious. As a kid, I literally wore out our VHS copy, which we recorded off TV in the early 80’s. It is crazy to believe that this film is celebrating its 30th anniversary but I couldn’t be happier to have this film available in glorious Blu-ray. I have been getting very fed up with the ABC Family hack-job cut that they air each year, which cuts out various classic scenes. This Blu-ray is the complete and uncut special and has never looked better. I am looking to sharing this with my daughter each year with hopes that she can enjoy as much as I have for the last 30 years.

Official Premise: Mickey, Goofy, Donald and all their pals star in a heartwarming retelling of Dickens’ unforgettable holiday tale. Ebenezer Scrooge (Scrooge McDuck) is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is a time for kindness and generosity. But with the guidance of some wise ghosts (Goofy and Jiminy Cricket) and a bunch of newfound friends, Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season. Share this wonderful holiday treat with the whole family.

This 30th Anniversary Special Edition gets the treatment from Disney delivering it as a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. I can’t wait to use the digital copy, during our upcoming holiday vacation and it’s good to have just in case we wear out of the Blu-ray disc. Haven’t grown up with this film on VHS tape, this special has never looked better. 30 years old? Humbug! “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” is beautifully digitally restored. The character outlining is so crisp and sharp, as is the colors, which really pop so well.

In terms of special features, the only let down for me is that they didn’t include the fantastic “The Making of Mickey’s Christmas Carol”, which has been available only on Youtube (see below, it is a must watch). Otherwise the Blu-ray includes some fun extras, especially for kiddies. There are five bonus animated shorts, which all equally look amazing in HD. “Yodleberg” is the first (and all-new) Mickey Mouse short, which really aired on Disney Channel this Fall. There are also classic shorts including “The Hockey Champ”. “Pluto’s Christmas Tree”, “The Art of Skiing” and “Corn Chips”.

Also included is one of my favorite new features that Disney has been behind, which is the “Disney Intermission”, in which Mickey invites viewers to sing Christmas Carols with all his pals when the film is paused. This is such a great addition to the release and makes pausing fun. There are three songs to enjoy including “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”, “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells”. I really hope that Disney continues this trend, since it is one of my favorites and added a lot to the Blu-ray. Do not miss this release for sure Disney fans!

Starring: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph
Directors: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Fox Searchlight
DVD Release Date: October 22, 2013
Run Time: 104 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I did not have any interest in seeing this sleeper summer hit at all. Steve Carell films don’t really win me over to well. But this ensemble cast did and this little surprise was a real treat to watch. Besides Carell, this all-star cast includes Maya Rudolph, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, and Amanda Peet! The film isn’t hysterical funny but it overall very entertaining and yet also quite dramatic at the same time. Do not miss this film this year!

Official Premise: While 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) is being dragged on a family trip with his mom (Collette) and her overbearing boyfriend (Carell), he finds a gregarious friend (Rockwell) at a local water park. The two form a powerful bond as Duncan learns to swim through the challenges of life, love, family and friendship, resulting in a vacation he’ll never forget.

Fox delivered “The Way Way Back” as a combo pack including the following Blu-ray + Digital HD copy with Ultraviolet. The 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 is quite impressive for this digitally shot indie. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, which works with the dialogue focused film and great score.

In terms of special features this release is not great though. There is collection of featurettes with “Behind the Scenes with the Hilarious Cast and Filmmakers”, which runs about 30 minutes. Next up is “Theatrical Behind the Scenes”, which includes “Tour of the Water Park”, “The Filmmakers: Jim and Nat” and an “Ensemble Featurette”. Lastly, there are a few short Deleted Scenes and Theatrical Trailer included.

Actors: Lori Petty, Naomi Watts, Ice-T, Malcolm McDowell
Directors: Rachel Talalay
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Run Time: 103 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I remember the first time I saw “Tank Girl”, which was actually in theaters with an old friend on his mother at the young age of 12 years old. Yes, this film is rated R for Violence, Language and Sexuality (sorry mom). I remember being completely blown away thinking that this film was completely out there and outrageous! Not much as changed over the last nearly 20 years (ouch makes me feel old). “Tank Girl” is still a fun, ridiculous and campy wild ride. It also packs an impressive visual effects and solid cast including Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts and Malcolm McDowell. It is not the best comic adaption ever but it does translate this comic quite well.

Official Premise: The year’s 2033 and since a humongous meteor hit earth, the world just hasn’t been the same. No movies, no cable television, no water! A mega-villain, Kesslee (Malcolm McDowell), the leader of Water & Power, holds the world in his grasp since he controls all the water…or so he thinks. Two colossal enemies stand in his way: (1.) The Rippers, an army of half-men/half-kangaroo people whose sole purpose is to bring down Water & Power and (2.) a chick with a tank and tons of attitude: aka Tank Girl (Lori Petty). Kesslee had better get a grip on reality and his water jugs because not even a run in her stockings is going to stop her from saving the world!

Thanks to Shout! Factory, the riot-grrl classic “Tank Girl” is making its Blu-ray debut as a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray + DVD. The 1080p transfer looks solid within its 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film has a pretty big scale and still looks great for a early 90’s film. It also showcases the creature design by Stan Winston quite well. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is also quite awesome. The music in the film is funky and fun, I remember (and probably still do) that I had the soundtrack on cassette. So it works great with that and also the film’s campy yet fun action scenes.

In terms of special features, they are not overflowing but still worth checking out. There is a fun audio commentary with director Rachel Talalay and actress Lori Petty. There are some great interviews with director Rachel Talalay, actress Lori Petty and production designer Catherine Hardwicke (aka director of “Twilight”). There is a pretty fun (but a little short) Vintage Featurette. Lastly there is a Theatrical Trailer included. Overall definitely worth the purchase for this cult classic!

Australian actor John Jarratt started his acting career in the mid 1970’s and has appeared in dozens of films and television series. One of John’s more recent roles is that of a crazed serial killer in the film “Shiver” which also stars Casper Van Dien and Danielle Harris. Media Mikes spoke with John recently about the film and what drew him to the role.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your new film “Shiver”?
John Jarratt: It’s a horror genre film about an impotent nerdy, creepy, middle aged, middle American guy who has a love/hate relationship with women. He seems to love them more after he kills them. However, he comes across one who vehemently doesn’t want to die.

AL: What was it that interested you in the role?
JJ: There are three things that make a film worth doing, the script, the script and the script. Also, being an extraverted Australian, working class guy, I was excited to play this type of character. Having a go at an American accent was a great challenge which I thoroughly enjoyed.

AL: Being that this is a very creepy role what type of preparation or mindset did you have to get in to in order to play this character?
JJ: I tried to stay alone with it because there are a lot of lines. I would take very long walks on a regular basis and mumble lines to myself through the streets of Portland, staying in the zone. I had the script for a year or so before filming, so I had plenty of time to work on the character. I jutted my teeth out a little and tried to play him slightly buck toothed. I made the voice a little nasally and found a nerdy sound that suited Rude. I also I gave him a back story.

AL: For you what was the hardest part of the shoot?
JJ: The snow and the mud! Bloody Portland in winter, you can have it. “It’s beautiful in the summer”, was the catch cry.

AL: Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to mention?
JJ: Yes, “Wolf Creek 2” is being released in Australia on February 20^th and I am really looking forward to that. I am working on a film called “Defence” in November and another called “StalkHer” starting in January.