Starring: Cambrie Schroder, Ricky Schroder and Cliff Potts
Directed by: Ricky Schroder
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hr 30 mins
Arc Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of  5 stars

In this summer of big blockbuster films with robots, monsters and men of steel you may need a break from all of the loud noises and bright lights. May I suggest “Our Wild Hearts,” a quiet family film with a message which will next air on the Hallmark Movie Channel next month?

Willow (Cambrie Schroder) is a 15 year old, Malibu-raised girl. She lives with her single mom and spends her days attending dance class and hanging out at the beach with her friend Zoe (Veronica Dunne). Zoe is the typical spoiled rich kid, constantly complaining about how her father keeps tabs on her but relenting on going to lunch with him because he’s giving her very own credit card. Willow tries to listen like the best friend she is but inside she pines for the father she’s never known. She has tried to talk with her mom Katie (Angela Lindvall) but the conversations never get far. One day she finds a box in her mother’s room containing unsent letters and a picture of a cowboy. Confronting her mother she learns her father worked on a ranch that Katie once visited. His name is Jack and he doesn’t know he has a daughter. Yet.

Beautifully photographed, “Our Wild Hearts” is Ricky Schroder’s strongest work yet from behind the camera. A true family project (director Schroeder produced and co-wrote the film with his wife, Andrea and several of his children have roles in the film), “Our Wild Hearts” is really two stories with the same message: to follow your destiny no matter what. The “hearts” in the title belong to both Willow and a beautiful wild stallion named Bravo. Jack is intent on catching Bravo in order to sell him while Willow wants to let him run free. Father and daughter butt heads often, not only with each other but with nearby rancher Grizz, played by Martin Kove in full “Karate Kid” villain mode. Grizz and his boys (played by Luke and Holden Schroder) try every means necessary, be it horse, jeep or helicopter, to capture Bravo while all Jack has is his lasso and Top (Potts) his partner in the ranch. Once Bravo is captured the film addresses the question of whether wild animals should continue to run free or be broken and sold. This question only leads to more and the answers are what carry the film to a satisfying conclusion.

The cast is solid, with Cambrie Schroder giving a winning performance in what could have been a very cliché’d role. Hers is the spirit that carries the film and it is amazing that this is her first acting gig. I predict many more in her future. Ricky Schroder is equally good and the natural chemistry between he and his on and off-screen daughter is visible. Potts, in his first performance in over a decade, is quick with fatherly advice while Kove is easily the father nobody would want. The scenery is postcard-perfect and the musical score by Michael Lord helps drive the story.

The film next airs on August 2,2013 on the Hallmark Movie Channel. For more screening information go to www.hallmarkmoviechannel.com

Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Christian Slater
Directors: Walter Hill
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Some have said that Sylvester Stallone has definitely has passed his prime, but the nearing 70 year old actor has not given up with releasing ass-kicking action films. “The Expendables” series are pretty kick ass and “Bullet To The Head” is another example that this aging action star still has what it takes. Besides Stallone himself, the supporting cast is also quite impressive including Jason Momoa (“Conan The Barbarian”, “Game of Thrones”), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (TV’s “Oz”, “Lost”), Sung Kang (“Fast & Furious”) and Christian Slater (“True Romance”). So there is no shortage of talent here. If you are looking for some brainless in-your-face action, this will definitely do the trick.

Official Premise: After almost a decade away from the big screen, veteran film director Walter Hill (The Warriors, 48Hrs) is back at the helm with the action thriller, Bullet to the Head. Legendary movie star Sylvester Stallone plays Jimmy Bobo, a jaded hit man who reluctantly forms an alliance with a cop in order to exact revenge on the mercenary who murdered their respective partners. Full of non-stop explosive action, thrilling fight scenes and classic one-liners, Bullet to the Head is based on Alexis Nolent’s graphic novel of the same name.

Warner Brothers is releasing this film with their usual combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD and Ultraviolet Digital Copy. The 1080p transfer really captures the gritty feel of the film itself and yet still looks sharp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well the jam-packed action scenes and the film’s score which was composed by Steve Mazzaro and produced by Hans Zimmer. Unforuntely, the special features are a major let down for this release. We only get onef featurette called “Bullet to the Head: Mayhem Inc.” It is basically just a promo piece with Stallone talking about his training. I would have loved to seen a commentary track from Walter Hill or Stallone.

Bullet to the Head is available on Blu-Ray 7/16/2013 at the WB Shop http://bit.ly/15C6ExZ

Actors: Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Billy Connolly, Clifton Collins Jr., Julie Benz
Director: Troy Duffy
Rated: R (Restricted) / Unrated
Studio: Sony Pictures
DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 117 / 144 minutes

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

I remember I rented the first “The Boondock Saints” on VHS when it was a ‘Blockbuster Exclusive’ rental. This was almost 15 years ago and before it was this cult phenomenon. When there was word that “The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day” was being made 10 years after the first, I think it made every fan jump up and down (including myself). Well it’s been 4 years since this sequel was released and we can get excited again since Writer/Director Troy Duffy’s is releasing a new Director’s Cut which features 27 Minutes of Never-Before-Seen Extended Footage. There is a longer opening sequence, a lengthened fantasy sequence and an extended elevator sequence leading up to the Prudential shoot-out. So with the director’s cut the running time gets bumped up to 144 minutes and it is AMAZING!

“The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day” is a a rare feat where it actually tops the original. This sequel to back the original cast, Including Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus and Billy Connolly along with new additions including Clifton Collins Jr., Julie Benz, Peter Fonda and Judd Nelson. I do not remember a more explosive theatrical experience then when I saw this film in theaters. I know fans have been bugging writer/director Troy Duffy to do a third film and I really hope that happens one day. I am not sure why this release is coming now, if not to capitalize on Norman Reedus’ insane fandom from “The Walking Dead”, but either way I am excited and it is a must for any fan of this series!

Official Premise: From Troy Duffy, writer and director of The Boondock Saints, comes the much anticipated sequel to the tough, stylized cutting edge saga of the MacManus brothers (Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery). The two have been in deep hiding with their father, Il Duce (Billy Connolly), in the quiet valleys of Ireland, far removed from their former vigilante lives. When word comes that a beloved priest has been killed by sinister forces from deep within the mob, the brothers return to Boston to mount a violent and bloody crusade to bring justice to those responsible. With a new partner in crime (Clifton Collins Jr., Star Trek) and a sexy FBI operative (Julie Benz, TV’s Dexter) hot on their trail…the Saints are back!

The 1080p transfer still looks great like the past releases, especially with the new footage. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is killer as well with the non-stop action. The line “Ding Ding Motherfucka! Ding Dong!” is presented perfectly. The real catch for this release is that it comes as a two-Disc Blu-ray combo pack with both the Theatrical and Director’s Cut versions. This release is currently set as a Best Buy exclusive release, so fans need to be sure to pick this up for sure.

The special features are in-line with the past Blu-ray releases. We get a pair of audio commentary tracks from cast and crew. There are two short deleted scenes. Then there are seven featurettes including “Unprecedented Access: Behind the Scenes”, “Billy Connolly and Troy Duffy: Unedited”, “The Cast Confesses: Secrets From the Set”, “Inside the Vault: The Weapons”, “‘The Boondock Saints’ Hit Comic-Con”, “Saints Off Script” and “Back to Boondock”. All these special features are must see for any fan of the series but they are not anything new for this release. But don’t forget that this new release contains the pretty sweet director’s cut of the film, so that is enough for me!

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Rated: TV-14
Studio: Discovery Channel
DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 301 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Shark Week is my favorite week of the year no question.  I set my DVR and tape not only the new specials but also the classic ones as well. Discovery Channel has been running it for over 25 years now and it only gets better and better each year.  “Shark Week: Fins of Fury” delivers some of the best special from the 2012 season.  If you are a fan of Shark Week, then this release should be a must purchase, especially to get you ready for this years great line-up!

Disc one contains the following episodes are included “Great White Invasion”, which focuses on the routines of sharks seen around the waters in California, Australia and South Africa. “Jaws Comes Home” looks into sharks returning to the same waters where the film “Jaws” was made. “Rogue Sharks” debates the idea of sharking being territorial (if you’ve seen “Jaws” you will know this debate).

Disc two includes the rest of the episodes including “Summer of the Shark”, investigates Australia’s recent attacks. “Killer Sharks” looks into the 1957 holiday shark attacks in South Africa. “How Sharks Hunt” features Dave and Cody of “Dual Survival” as they discuss the habits of great whites. Lastly, “Shark City” features Andy Samberg (“SNL”) as he takes us on a tour of the protected waters of the Bahamas.

I loved all these episodes from latest year but the major complaint I had was Andy Samberg.  Man, was that a mistake.  Out of anyone to be the Chief Shark Officer, why would they choose him.  I understand they want to make it fun for the week of episodes but I was not feeling him as a host at all.  Hopefully they will fix that for the 2013 season.  Until then, this Blu-ray is a great way to catch up on last year’s greats (excluding “Shark City”).

Starring: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Jessica Lucas, Lou Taylor Pucci, Elizabeth Blackmore
Director: Fede Alvarez
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to remakes, they are always endless debates about the originals and how they shouldn’t be touched.  The original “Evil Dead” is one of my favorite horror films and introduced me to the marvel of Bruce Campbell.  When I heard that there was going to be an “Evil Dead” remake, I was extremely nervous since I feared, like everyone else, that they would ruin it.  Well, goddamn, I will just say that I was absolutely blown away. You know that the original is the original and that is that but this new reboot really packs a major punch. What makes this great is that it has the blessing of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell, which makes this all the sweeter.  If you are a hardcore fan of the original stay through the credits for a little surprise. Damn, the credit this film is a crazy ride and a ton of fun!

The film is fast, angry and fucking intense.  I do not think that I had one nail left on my fingers after viewing this film.  I watched this film with my wife in the kitchen and she was scared just listening to the film’s events from the other room.  I thought that Fede Alvarez did an absolutely amazing job on this and I can’t see where he takes this franchise next.  I read his report from WonderCon that he is planning to link the original series with Ash with the reboot’s lead Mia in a third “Evil Dead” after his planned “Evil Dead 2” and Sam Raimi’s supposed sequel of “Army of Darkness”.  All I have to say is “Groovy”!

Official Premise: A secluded cabin. An ancient curse. An unrelenting evil. Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell reunite to present a genuinely terrifying re-imagining of their original horror masterpiece. Five young friends have found the mysterious and fiercely powerful Book of the Dead. Unable to resist its temptation, they release a violent demon on a blood-thirsty quest to possess them all. Who will be left to fight for their survival and defeat this unearthly force of murderous carnage?

Sony delivered this film with an amazing 1080p transfer.  The color red is particularly used a lot in this film 😉 When you think the gore couldn’t get any more intense…it does! Even being a horrorhound myself, I found myself looking away a little as well. So damn, they really did a great job there.  I even read that this was trimmed a little to avoid NC-17, so I could only imagine where it was taken from.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is another thing of beauty. Roque Baños’ score is easily one of my favorite horror scores…ever! It literally had me on the edge of my chair.

Along with the Blu-ray, there is also a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy included. The rest of the special features are pretty amazing. There is an audio commentary with actors Jane Levy, Lou Taylor Pucci, and Jessica Lucas; director Fede Alvarez; and writer Rodo Sayagues.  It is pretty awesome for any fan of the film. There are four featurettes including “Directing the Dead” showcases Fede Alvarez’s taking on this daunting task. “Evil Dead the Reboot” has a chat with Rob Tapert, Bruce Campbell, Fede Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues, Jane Levy, and J.R. Young discuss the original film and the remake. “Making Life Difficult” has Jane Levy and Fede Alvarez chats about the difficult role. “Unleashing the Evil Force” looks at the new Book of the Dead. Lastly “Being Mia” has Jane Levy doing a video diary about her character.

Texas-born Liana Liberato is a month shy of her 18th birthday and already she has honed out a career that would make other actresses envious. Before age 10 she had been discovered doing local theatre in Galveston and was encouraged to head to Hollywood. Roles on such popular television shows as “House,” “Cold Case” and “CSI: Miami” followed and soon the movies came calling. In 2010 she appeared in the feature film “Trust,” playing a young girl victimized by an on-line predator. Her performance in the film was deemed “remarkable” by the late Roger Ebert and she later went on to win the Silver Hugo Award as Best Actress at that year’s Chicago International Film Festival. Other film roles include “The Last Sin Eater,” “Safe Harbor” and “Trespass,” in which she co-starred with Oscar winners Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman. This week she’s back on the big screen in the new film, “Stuck in Love.” While visiting Kansas City Ms. Liberato sat down with Media Mikes to talk about the new film.

Mike Smith: Give our readers an introduction to Kate, your character in “Stuck in Love.”
Liana Liberato: Kate is a girl who becomes involved with a boy named Rusty, played by Nat Wolfe. Rusty is a hopeless romantic who has had a crush on Kate for a long time. Kate is battling a long time drug and alcohol addiction and, with Rusty’s help, she replaces that addiction with love.

MS: What attracted you to the project?
LL: I think the challenge. There aren’t a lot of roles out there like this. I liked the ideas shared in the film. And I’ve never played a role like this before.

MS: Speaking of roles, most of your film work has been pretty intense so this was certainly a chance to do something different. What was it like as an actress to work in new territory?
LL: Kate does have some darker layers to her so it wasn’t that different from what I’d done before. One of the main differences, I think, is that she’s more mature. She’s more worldly. Also, in a lot of the other projects I have done I was never really exposed to the younger generation…actors my own age. So working with Lily (Colins) and Nat and Patrick (Schwarzenegger) was really a great experience.

MS: You also got to work with a couple of Oscar nominated actors in Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connelly (NOTE: Kinnear was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in “As Good As it Gets” while Connelly was nominated for, and won, the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “A Beautiful Mind”). Were you able to study them or learn from them?
LL: They were awesome. And they were both so very down to earth. Usually between takes Jennifer would just sit down next to me on the couch and we’d talk about our day. So would Greg. They were both just really down to earth people.

MS: What do you have coming up?
LL: I just finished a film about a week ago called “Dear Eleanor,” and it is completely different than anything I’ve ever done. It’s a comedy and my character is actually funny and lighthearted. It’s basically a young person’s “Thelma and Louise.”

MS: Are you Thelma or Louise?
LL: (laughs) You’ll have to wait and find out.

Starring: Greg Kinnear, Lily Collins and Jennifer Connelly
Directed by: Josh Boone
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 37 mins
Informant Media

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

A young man daydreams in class, staring at the beautiful girl sitting next to him. His thoughts appear on screen. Yes, he is a writer. One day he hopes of achieving the level of his idol, Stephen King. But first he has to write something.

A true ensemble piece, “Stuck In Love” is a well intentioned film that comes across at times more as a novel then a movie. This could be due to the fact that first time writer/director Boone wanted to be a writer. He too has a thing for Stephen King so it’s obvious that the daydreaming young man, Rusty (Nat Wolfe) is his alter ego. Rusty’s father, William (Kinnear) is a successful author and his sister, Samantha (Collins), has just sold her first book. To the same company that publishes King. As Thanksgiving approaches the three begin preparations for their dinner. William sets an extra place for his ex-wife, Erica (Connelly) who left him three years ago and is re-married. William is convinced that she will one day return. Samantha hasn’t spoken with her mother for over a year, fueled by the sadness her father feels. Things aren’t helped by the fact that William will occasionally drop by Erica’s house and peer into the windows. When he sees her fighting with her new husband he’s emboldened, but then quickly deflated as they make up and embrace. Rusty is looking for love, Samantha is dead set on avoiding it. And William is willing to wait for it to return.

A little heavy-handed at times, “Stuck in Love” is saved from the maudlin pile by its stellar cast. Kinnear is quite vulnerable here, a man who lost his will for writing when his wife left. As his children, Wolfe and Collins play well off of each other like water and oil, though they have more in than they may want to admit. Both discover, in their own ways, their first loves, and they are changed by the experiences. As Kate, the object of Rusty’s affection, Liana Liberato is often heartbreaking. Her life hasn’t been easy and it’s hard for her to accept the fact that Rusty loves her for HER, not for the ulterior motives others have in the past. Samantha meets a fellow member of one of her writing classes, Louis (Logan Lerman). He is the opposite of Samantha, or so she thinks. But he eventually finds a way to get under the armor she’s put up around her.

Two subplots throw the film off track. One, concerning Louis’ ill mother, feels like an afterthought and really just a way to get the young couple to connect. Another introduces us to Kristen Bell as a married woman who stops by periodically for some “friends with benefits” action with William. I’m sure if this had been a book these points may have been expounded on but, as they are, they’re really mild interruptions of the main story. Maybe Boone will take the time and publish it some day.

Actors: Kevin McDonald, Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney, Scott Thompson
Director: Kelly Makin
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Archive / Paramount
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Running Time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy”, it is really a crap shoot between fans. I personally have always loved this film. To me this film was absolutely hysterical in 1996 and is still extremely funny in 2013. I think the film was troubled from the start since it was when the group were having issues so it is not perfect but still effective. I even had (and still do) the cassette tape of the film’s soundtrack, which I know by heart track for track. This may not be for every “Kids in the Hall” fan but I still highly recommend it. Thanks to Warner Archive for pulling this film out of print and giving it a new life.

Official Premise: The Country hits cloud nine when obsessed scientist Chris Cooper (Kevin McDonald) invents Gleemonex, a happiness drug. Soon everybody is taking the little orange pill. But Cooper gets a heavy dose of the blues when he discovers that early test subjects have slipped into comas. Can Cooper stop the people’s happy habit – before it’s too late?

This film has not been available now for many years due to being out of print, so it is great to see it available to fans again for a reasonable price. I would have loved to seen this film make the jump to Blu-ray but I highly see that happening…ever. The transfer isn’t restored from the previous DVD but it still holds it’s own over the years. This DVD does not come with any special features but then again neither did the original 2002 Paramount DVD. I would have loved to seen some commentary tracks but since this film was made during the break up of the group they do not have good memories surrounding it and do not really support this film.

Actors: Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Carl Reiner
Directors: Jerry Paris
Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Run Time: 800 minutes

Season: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Season four of “The Dick Van Dyke” show continues to deliver with the laughter and great jokes.  It is one of my favorite seasons, as it introduced a new twist to the show having Alan Brady finally stepping out from being an off-screen character and getting a face. He was played by none other than the show’s own creator Carl Reiner. Reiner really makes this character one of my favorites from the show and adds a whole new dynamic for the series. If you are fan of this show Image delivers again with another successfully season release. I am sad to think that this series will be completed when season five is released in August 2013. Hopefully they have the rights to the “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” next. 😉

Official Premise: Join one of TV’s funniest couples as they tackle life in the suburbs and work in the big city. Dick Van Dyke is hilarious as Rob Petrie, the wacky comedy writer, and Mary Tyler Moore is the sexiest, nuttiest wife in New Rochelle. Add to that magic combination the talents of Carl Reiner, Morey Amsterdam, Rose Marie and Richard Deacon, and you’ve got one of the most popular sitcoms ever – the winner of 15 Emmy Awards! Now you can enjoy the complete fourth season (airing 1964-1965), all 32 episodes in their entirety! Be there as Laura gets her toe caught in a bath spout in the unforgettable Never Bathe on a Saturday, a sleep-deprived Rob tries to stay awake during his job interview with Alan Brady in 100 Terrible Hours and Don Rickles is a klutzy thief who tries to rob the Petries in a stalled elevator in 4 1/2, then enlists them to entertain in The Alan Brady Show Goes to Jail.

With each passing season, I never cease to be impressed with that love that Image has given this show. These episodes have been released on Blu-ray with all-new scans from the camera negatives. The 1080p transfer looks, honestly not short of stunning for a show of it’s age. Each episode come with an original DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio track, which works for the show and its comedy. The episodes were mostly taped with a studio audience and the laughing is balanced well with the snappy jokes and sharp dialogue. You will not be let down with this amazing audio and video presentations.

There are some new Blu-ray exclusive special features. There is “Mary on The Danny Thomas Show” in which she tells the story of how she came to be cast as Laura Petrie. There are three separate “TV Academy Tribute to Carl Reiner” included as well. The first is from Dick Van Dyke, who tells him stories about their collaboration. The next one is from Ray Romano and Brad Garrett and the last one is from Rose Marie, Larry Matthews and Bill Persky, which is my personal favorite of the three. Rose Marie just cracks me up!

The rest of the season features are roll-overs from past DVD releases but are still fantastic. There are commentary tracks from Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke on episodes 121 (Never Bathe on Saturday) and episode 124 (Baby Fat). Also on episode 124, there is a track from Garry Marshall. All great commentary tracks for sure, a lot of fun! These guys really loved what they did and it sure does show! There are “Episode Photos” throughout all three discs for episodes 30 out of the 32 episodes, amazing!

Other extras include featurettes on disc 1: “Remembering Don Rickles” (episode 102) and “Remembering the Pink Pills” (episode 106), which look back at those episodes and their characters. Also there is a clip from the Animated Program “The Alan Brady Show” (episode 103). Disc 2 contains more featurettes on including “DVD Exclusive Awards: The Dick Van Dyke Show: Season One (Best Overall DVD, TV Program)”, “Diagnosis Murder: Dr. Mark Sloan Meets Rob Petrie” and “Dick Sings the Theme Song at the Hollywood Bowl (2001)”.

The third disc actually has the most extras listed for the season. First we get three featurettes “Remembering Never Bathe on Saturday” (episode 121), “Remembering Baby Fat” (episode 124) and “Remembering the Motorcyle” (episode 125) look back at these amazing episodes. There is a look back at the show in “The Dick Van Dyke Show Remembered”. Lastly there is a piece from “Emmy Awards® (1964-1965) Outstanding Program Achievement in Entertainment” and some extras “Nick at Nite Promos” included.

Starring the voices of: Steve Carell, Russell Brand and Kristen Wiig
Directed by: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hr 38 mins
Universal

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have so many great memories of “Despicable Me” that I was almost frightened to see the sequel, which, in a lot of instances, are not as good as the original. Happily I had nothing to worry about!

Now “retired” and raising his new family, adopted daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and the always adorable Agnes (Elsie Fisher), the once evil Gru (Carell) is recruited by Lucy (Wiig) an agent from the Anti Villain League, to help defeat a new bad guy, voiced well by Benjamin Bratt, subbing for Al Pacino who left the project a few months ago. Aiding Gru in his new mission are the lovable Minions (Kevin, Bob, Stuart), whose constant good humor and quirky language would put a smile on even the most miserable person’s face. The Minions are truly one of the greatest creations in animation history. That Gru can tell one apart from the other only makes them that much more fun! There are also a group of feral Minions, a purple toned band of misfits as equally entertaining as their counterparts.

Like its predecessor, “Despicable Me 2” is full of little bits for both the kids and adults. Think of it as a modern take on the old “Rocky and Bullwinkle” show, which was known for its blend of humor that entertained all ages. The voice cast is perfect, with Carell leading the way with his somewhere-from Europe accent and Uncle Fester appearance. Wiig gives Lucy a sweet quality that jumps off the screen. And good for Benjamin Bratt, for delivering a complete performance and doing it in only a matter of months. I have no idea why Pacino walked but he missed out on being part of a very special film.

The production values are outstanding, with the animation literally jumping off the film. THIS is what 3D should be. In fact, the 3D that accompanies the end credits is better than all of the 3D I’ve seen in other films this summer put together.

A joyful delight for the whole family, to not see this film could very well be considered Despicable!

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Starring: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer and William Fichtner
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 149 minutes
Walt Disney Studios

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

My father grew up watching “The Lone Ranger”. Whether it was Clayton Moore or John Hart donning the bandit style mask, my dad sat in front of the TV watching the 221 televised adventures of “The Lone Ranger”. I even remember my dad trying to bestow upon me the same excitement he had watching it. He didn’t want to just relive the adventures, he wanted me to feel that same spark of joy he once had. It never caught. I grew up on animated shows like “Mighty Max” and was drawn by the bleak world of crime portrayed in “Batman: The Animated Series”. The black and white TV show just didn’t resonate with me. Now that I’m older and understand what my dad was trying to do all those years ago, I was hoping Disney could rejuvenate those feelings once felt by thousands upon thousands of children during the 50’s. Sadly they’ve let me down.

A lone train chugs across the barren desert. Aboard is John Reid (Armie Hammer), a clean shaven man who puts his faith in the law. Farther down in another train cart, chained to the floor is the gritty looking and notorious outlaw, Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner). Next to him is the odd Native American, Tonto (Johnny Depp). These are our three main players. After Butch escapes, John travels into the harsh and unforgiving wild with a group of Texas Rangers to track him down. Butch and his gang of thugs ambush and savagely murder the group. Tonto then comes across the grisly scene of seven bodies lifeless in the dry heat. He digs seven holes to bury the dead, but a white horse stands at John’s resting place. To Tonto, it represents a spirit, telling him that John may have died, but he is alive again and will help Tonto in his journey to rid the land of evil.

I’m not sure how the Lone Ranger is suppose to act or appear, but Armie Hammer has a commanding presence on screen. He’s very likeable as the rugged hero. Fichtner would have been a fantastic villain if there was more exposition, but he still gives off some pretty wicked vibes with his implied taste for human flesh. Seriously. Tonto in the original series was meant to be a spiritual guide, but in this movie the character comes off as the Native American version of Jack Sparrow. It’s easy to compare this movie to the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series because of director Gore Verbinski. If that isn’t enough the writers of “Pirates” (Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot) are tagging along as well. They’re joined by Justin Haythe(“Snitch” and “Revolutionary Road”) who most likely added to the difficulty of updating a classic character.

There are a multitude of times during this movie you can tell these three were struggling to jam their ideas in. This leads to a long and unfocused flick. Concepts are barely fleshed out and some scenes serve no purpose. Instead of completing or simply removing them, every scene is glued to the next by an action set. The action sequences are fun to watch, but they’re not dripping with peril. We’re given plenty of “will he live?” scenarios where we know the outcome is yes. Yes they will live. When we’re finally able to take a breather, we’re treated to a gorgeous landscape and sets that have a fantasy twist on the old west. Vibrant colors cover the rustic feel of towns and businesses. One of my favorite scenes involves our heroes visiting a brothel. Some of the establishing shots are quite breathtaking. Towering rocks chiseled from years of weather and patches of vegetation bravely fighting the coarse sand surrounding it.

Even with it’s meandering, I will admit, the last half hour feels magical. William Tell’s Overture kicks into gear as explosions rock the ground and we’re finally watching the “Lone Ranger” deliver justice. The classical piece by Rossini, made famous during the Lone Ranger’s radio time, stills packs a youthful sense of excitement as gun smoke fills the air. In that moment I realized that somewhere in the early stages of this movie, when all three writers gathered and collaborated, there was a wonderful and enchanting story with memorable characters waiting to capture the wild west imagination. As well as delight the hearts and minds of both young and old viewers. Instead we’re left with a movie that has an identity crisis and expects puns on the classic TV show to cover it’s weaknesses.

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All Three Films, New Special Features, and Memorabilia 

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

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

About the Ultimate Collector’s Edition (UCE):

  *Disc 1 – Batman Begins Feature and Special Features

  *Disc 2 – The Dark Knight Feature

  *Disc 3 – The Dark Knight Special Features

  *Disc 4 – The Dark Knight Rises Feature

  *Disc 5 – The Dark Knight Rises Special Features

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

NEW Special Features:

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

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

Exclusive NEW Memorabilia:

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

About The Films

Batman Begins (2005)

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

The Dark Knight (2008)

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

Dark Knight Rises (2012)

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

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

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

Street Date: September 24, 2013

Order Due Date: August 20, 2013

Catalog/UPC #: 1000372133 / 883929308002

Pricing: $99.97 SRP

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

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Created by: Art Vitello
Voiced by: Jim Cummings, Rob Paulsen, Maurice LaMarche, Kellie Martin, John Astin
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: May 14, 2013
Run Time: 286 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

With the huge success of “Tiny Toon Adventures”, “Taz-Mania” was born and still is a very fun spin-off giving the little devil a chance to own the spotlight. I remember watching this series as a kid and loving it. I also remember playing the hell out of the Sega Genesis game of the same name in 1992. Jim Cummings, one of my favorite voice actors, gives Taz his voice and also a few other great characters as well. This show ran for four seasons with 65 episodes. So in this “Season One, Part One” release we get the first 13 episodes. In fact “Season One, Part Two” already has a release date set on August 6, 2013 with another 13 episodes.

Official Premise: Clear the way! Here comes Taz, a whirlwind of terror and destruction. He’s a teenage Tasmanian Devil with a voracious appetite who devours nearly everything in his path, even his sister Molly’s beloved New Chips off the Block action figures! Sibling rivalry is tough, especially when you have a little sister who is the typical teenage girl who regularly gets on your nerves. Then there’s little brother Jake, who looks up to Taz and idolizes his big brother. Mom, Jean, is a dedicated mother who runs a shipshape household and loves her kids. Hugh is Taz’s easy-going dad, who enjoys playing golf. One of Taz’ best friends is his loyal pet, Dog the Turtle, a turtle who behaves just like a dog and even enjoys playing fetch! Together, the close-knit family of Tasmanian Devils, live on the lush, exotic island of Tazmania, where the sky is always a vibrant shade of yellow and adventures abound. Joining them is a lively cast of characters including, Constance Koala, Daniel and Timothy Platypus, Digeri Dingo, Wendal T. Wolf, Mr. Thickley and many others.

Disc 1 includes the following episodes: “Like Father, Like Son/Frights of Passage”, “The Dog the Turtle Story”, “War & Pieces/Airbourne Airhead”, “Battling Bushrats/Devil in the Deep Blue Sea”, “A Devil of a Job”, “Woeful Wolf”, “It’s No Picnic/Kee-Wee ala King” Disc 2 includes the following episodes: “Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty/Enter the Devil”, “Mishap in the Mist/Toothache Taz”, “Bewitched Bob”, “Instant Replay/Taz and the Pterodactyl”, “Comic Madness/Blunders Never Cease” and “Pup Goes the Wendal/I’m OK, You’re Taz”

This DVD marks the rest time that these episode have been released on DVD. I do not know if they have been restored or remastered at all but they still look pretty damn good. The are presented in full-frame to preserve the original television aspect ratio. This series just makes me realize how much I actually do miss Saturday morning cartoons. I am looking forward to future releases from this series and I hope that Warner Bros will continue to release great animated cartoons like this one. There are no extras included but there is a pamphlet for a bonus virtual item on the “Looney Tunes/Scooby Doo Cartoon Universe” online game.

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Voices of: Corinne Orr, Jack Grimes, Peter Fernandez and Jack Curtis
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 637 minutes
Format: Made To Order DVD

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Marine Boy”, it may not be the most known animated series but it is still quite important. It was one of the original anime series, in color, to hit America from Japan. It follows other hit series like “Speed Racer” and even featured the various of the same voice actors including Corinne Orr, Jack Grimes, Peter Fernandez and Jack Curtis. This series ran for 78 episodes, yet here we are getting 26 from the first season. So I am sure that you can most definitely expect additional releases in coming months. Fans of this long-lost show should be doing back flips for this release. Leave it to Warner Archive Collection for reviving and restoring yet another lost fan-favorite TV series! Keep ’em coming guys!

Official Premise: Teenage Marine Boy battles evil on and under the seas on behalf of the Ocean Patrol, aided by the amazing inventions of his father, Dr. Mariner and the brilliant Professor Fumble. Joining Marine Boy in his mission are his white dolphin, Splasher, young mermaid Neptina, and fellow Ocean Patrol agents Bullton and Piper. Adding complication to the mission are the effort of to CliCli prove himself a miniature Marine Boy. So break out your Oxy-Gum and get ready to dive into these amazing aquatic animated adventures.

These episodes are newly remastered and have never looked better. They are presented in their original full-screen 4×3 with a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The following episodes included and split over three discs: “The Green Monster”, “Danger At 300 Fathoms”, “Monsters Of The Deep”, “Dangerous Starfish”, “The Astounding Shellfish”, “The Mysterious Paradise”, “Deepest Of The Deep”, “The Ghost Ship”, “The Monstrous Seaweed”, “The Super Mystery Boat”, “The Greatest Power On Earth”, “Disaster On The High Sea”, “Secret Of The Time Capsule”, “Mystery Of The Missing Vessels”, “Menace Of The Missing Bomb”, “Danger In The Depths”, “The Gigantic Sea Farm”, “Terror Of The Fire Ball”, “Empire Of The Sea”, “Battle To Save The World”, “The Terrifying Icebergs”, “The Whales Of Destruction”, “The Power Of Power”, “5 Billion In Diamonds”, “Mission At Corkscrew Strait” and “Lighthouse Of Terror”.

Actors: Mick Wingert, Fred Tatasciore, Kari Wahlgren, Max Koch, Amir Talai
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: June 18, 2013
Run Time: 154 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness” is a spin-off animated series in the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise and takes place between the two films. Mike Wingert has done a great job stealing Jack Black’s voice to give life to Po. Lucy Lu and James Hong are the only cast returning from the series. I have to admit since this series started airing in 2011, I am surprised that it took so long to start releasing these episodes on DVD. This show would have benefited so much more from a Blu-ray transfer with its great animation and colorful episodes. This show doesn’t have the same charm of the films but it is still action-packed, funny and clever. So kids (and most adults) should have a blast with these episodes.

Official Premise: Brace yourself for awesome action and legendary laughs in this fun-filled animated TV series based on the Academy Awardr-Nominated hit movie Kung Fu Panda! As the chosen Dragon Warrior and sworn protector of the Valley of Peace, Po the panda is highly skilled, ever vigilant and hungry for justice…and dumplings. Together with the Furious Five – Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane and Viper – Po must fend off fierce villains, including an evil version of himself (courtesy of the Mystical Mirror of Yin and Yang) and the toothy Croc Bandits!

There are seven episodes included out of over fifty episodes that has aired to date, but that still adds to nearly three hours of kung-fu action packed adventures.  The episodes included are “Good Croc, Bad Croc”, episodes 6; “The Princess and the Po”, episode 2; “Chain Reaction. episode 4; “Bad Po”, episode 10; “Jailhouse Panda”, episode 8; “Father Crime”, episode 25; “Po Fans Out”, episode 18. This is a nice sample of the show’s first season but I still would rather get a complete season one DVD release. There are no additional special features included amongst these episodes. Though, in the case there is a code included to unlock power-ups, exclusive downloads and more on the all-new online game “Croc Crackdown” on Nick’s website. If you want more you will happy to know that the included pamphlet advertises “The Scorpion Sting”  DVD release and more are coming soon.