Katharine Isabelle is probably best known to fans for her role as Ginger in the cult classic “Ginger Snaps” series. Besides her role in those films she has appeared in a number of other films and television roles performing in a number of different genres. Katharine’s newest film titled “American Mary” written and directed by the Soska Sisters is a twisted tale of one med school student’s interest in underground body modification. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Katharine recently about her role in the film.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the film “American Mary” and your role as Mary Mason?
Katharine Isabelle: I play Mary Mason who is a medical student specializing in surgery who through a course of events becomes interested in the underground world of illegal body modification. Some other things start to happen and the story really takes off from there.

AL: What was it that interested you in the project?
KI: When I first read the script I figured it was just one that I was going to skim the first few pages. I started reading it on my Blackberry and ended up reading the entire 180 page script. I actually read it twice. I had never read anything like that before as it was very visual. The character was very interesting to me and it was just so well written. I am often drawn to characters who likable for no good reason. Mary has no real redeeming qualities as she’s not overly friendly to anyone. However you somehow end liking her and that’s what intrigued me.

AL: With the film revolving around medical themes and body modification did you do any research prior to the start of filming to prepare for the role?
KI: When I met Jen and Silvia Soska they were very upfront with me about not looking in to some of these modifications. However I didn’t listen and immediately regretted that decision. They would bring to me everything I need to know so that I could learn about body modification in a knowledgeable and respectful way rather than creeping around the internet and being freaked out by this or that. We were trying to portray a certain subculture in a light that they don’t know get portrayed in. We wanted to be respectful. We had a lot of help from the church of body modification and I was very happy to learn from them.

AL: What was it like working with the Soska Sisters?
KI: They are now best friends of mine. In fact we had a sleep over the other night. (Laughs) We are really good friends and I love them. They are very talented and creative people. The entire crew would bend over backwards for them. Everyone worked hard to get the film done as we all believe them. When you work with writer/directors they can be very close to the characters and have a hard time letting it go. The girls were the complete opposite of that. They gave me everything and supported me throughout the entire shoot.

AL: Having worked on several horror films now are you a fan of the horror genre?
KI: I am not a big fan of horror films. I am a bit of a chicken and have too much anxiety when I am watching other people’s horror films. So sadly I am not a huge fan of the genre. I do love working on the film but it was nothing that I sought out. Really I am not sure how I ended up in the genre. (Laughs)

AL: What other projects do you have in the works?
KI: I am doing a stint on “Being Human” and I just wrapped on a film titled “Torment” which was shot in Toronto. Being a working actor makes me a homeless, traveling gypsy so I never know what’s going to happen from one week to the next. It’s a fun adventure.

Starring the voices of: Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi
Directed by: Dan Scanlon
Rated: G
Running time: 1 hr 50 mins
Walt Disney Pictures

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you’re a kid over ten you’re certainly familiar with the story of “Monster’s Inc.” Best friends Mike Wazowski (Crystal) and James “Sulley” Sullivan (Goodman) work together to scare human children while they sleep, harvesting their screams to power their home city of Monstropolis. But did you know that, though they are cousins, Mike and Sulley were anything but friends when they were younger. This secret, and others, are revealed when the boys become college men at Monster’s University.

Directed by Dan Scanlon, whose PIXAR association includes stints working on “Cars,” “Brave” and the short film “Mater and the Ghostlights,” “Monster’s University” is a worthy prequel to what is arguably one of PIXAR’s greatest achievements. The story follows Mike and Sulley as they take different paths to what they hope is the same ending. Both want to be “scarers” and Sulley has a leg up because his father was renowned in the field. Big and hairy, Sulley seems to have his future set for him. Smooth and round, not to mention short, Mike knows he has his work cut out for him. While Sulley is recruited by the school’s top fraternities Mike finds himself in the freshmen dorm, rooming with another potential student, one Randy Boggs (Buscemi). After some preliminary scare classes Randy finds himself in a popular fraternity while Mike is left to join the only house that will have him: Oozema Kappa. Here he learns that not every dream has to come true in order to reach your goals.

What made “Monster’s Inc” such a success was the true and genuine bond between Mike and Sulley. As voiced by Crystal and Goodman they were best friends that you know would remain that way forever. Knowing what the future holds for both of them does not distract from the story here. The film lovingly parodies such popular college comedies as “Animal House” and “Revenge of the Nerds.” Crystal and Goodman lead a great vocal cast which includes returning “Monster’s Inc” alum Steve Buscemi. They are joined by Helen Mirren, Sean Hayes, Alfred Molina and Joel Murray. The script, co-written by Scanlon, Daniel Gerson and Robert Baird, is clever without being cute, which is an incredible achievement for a G rated film. And, as always, the visuals are outstanding.

And while I’m speaking of visuals, make sure you get to the theatre early so you can catch an amazing short film called “The Blue Umbrella.”

Starring: Brad Pitt, David Morse and James Badge Dale
Directed by: Marc Forster
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hr 56 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Out on a drive with his family, Gerry Lane (Pitt) suddenly finds himself in gridlocked traffic. For an unknown reason, not a car in Philadelphia is moving. As he gets out to investigate he is greeted by a series of explosions. When the smoke clears the screams begin.

Carried by Pitt’s performance, “World War Z” is a sometimes intense story of the rise of the undead. Having recently retired from his job as a “fixer” for the United Nations, Gerry is recruited by his old boss (Fana Mokoena) to accompany a novice scientist on a journey to hopefully find a cure for what seems to be ailing the flesh eating monsters that now roam the earth freely. The only clue Gerry is given is a cryptic Japanese email, sent a few days before, which included the word “zombie.” Reluctant to leave his family, Gerry is assured that they will be looked after as long as he’s away. If he doesn’t help, he and his family will be removed from their safe zone and left to fend for themselves. Not much of a choice, is it?

It seemed an odd choice to have the director of “Monster’s Ball” and “Finding Neverland” direct a film about the zombie apocalypse. But director Forster also has the Bond film “Quantum of Silence” on his resume so he also knows his way around an action piece. There are some nice jolts mixed in with humor. There is also an amazing sequence set aboard a plane that will have you gripping the armrests. Like the zombies of Zack Snyder’s remake of “Dawn of the Dead,” these are not the plodding creatures we are used to. These zombies strike quickly, often in groups. When they’re not happy they let out a screech that sounds like an angry chicken. The premise is fine. It’s the presentation that falters. Shown in a very unnecessary 3D, the film is actually hurt by the process. Action scenes are too dark and many foreground objects are blurred when the focus is pulled to capture the action being featured.

Based on a novel by Max Brooks (Mel’s son…go figure), the story moves across the world as Gerry and his team attempt to find a way to beat the zombies. Pitt is strong and determined, yet vulnerable when it comes to his wife and daughters. Mireille Enos (“The Killing”) is equally strong in the face of her family’s separation. Supporting turns by Morse, Dale and Pierfrancesco Favino, among others, keep the film interesting. Technically, I must give a shout out to the more than 100 makeup artists that helped create the various zombies.

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Starring: Elijah Wood, America Olivo, Nora Arnezeder
Directed By: Franck Khalfoun
Rated: R
Running Time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

This updated Maniac is an improvement on the original in every way. Whether or not this is a recommendation depends heavily upon your opinion of William Lustig’s 1980 cult film. It is definitely not for the squeamish.

Maniac follows Frank (Elijah Wood, more from Sin City than the Shire) a loner who lives in a warehouse with a collection of mannequins he restores for a living. When he’s not at this, he’s prowling an eerie, deserted Los Angeles for female victims to kill and scalp due to some serious mommy issues. Actually, we don’t follow Frank so much as actually get inside his head. The best way to describe Maniac’s dominant visual style is “first person stabber.” It’s an interesting gimmick to take the famed slasher POV in a horror film and just stay in it, however it eventually wears out its welcome as I felt some motion sickness setting in. Thankfully, director Franck Khalfoun does opt to exit Frankvision for some of the key murder scenes in order to underscore his loss of control over his darker side, as well as to showcase some truly remarkable gore from KNB effects. The climatic bloody finale which brings Frank’s victims back to attack is really something to see here.

Frank’s killing spree is disrupted by Anna (Nora Arnezeder) a photographer who finds Frank’s mannequins appealing subjects for her upcoming gallery show. The interactions of Wood and Arnezeder are one of the film’s strengths. Anna here is much sweeter and the considerably younger Wood looks more believable than Joe Spinell’s Frank trying to fit in with his future victims. Just the idea that Anna’s appreciation for Frank’s work is what draws her to his shop makes for a much stronger tension as to whether or not Frank will treat her the same as all the other ill-fated women who have crossed his path. After inhabiting the
disgusting Frank it’s a relief to have a sympathetic character to grasp onto when Anna comes along.

Having better drawn characters than the 1980 movie still doesn’t leave us with much depth though. Besides being a remake, the film also features nods to other genre films such as Silence of the Lambs and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Maniac does not fare well in drawing these comparisons. Despite all the stylish upgrades from the original, Maniac will most likely still appeal to only the most diehard gorehounds.

Starring: Beau Bridges, Josh Henderson and Aidan Quinn
Directed by: Antoni Stutz
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 36 mins
Vertical Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It seems so easy. You learn you bear a strong resemblance to someone who has just inherited a boatload of money. Realizing nobody but the dead person has ever met you, you decide to claim the inheritance yourself. See. Easy.

Such is the premise of the new thriller “Rushlights,” the sophomore directorial effort of Antoni Stutz, who has also added “co-writer” to his resume’. Billy (Henderson) and Sarah (Haley Webb) meet cute. She’s a waitress at a diner he frequents. After constant hours of flirting Billy gets up the nerve to ask Sarah out. Fireworks ensue. Sarah is burdened by a drug addicted roommate who, sadly meets a sad demise. While going through her things Sarah finds a letter from a lawyer in Texas explaining that the roommate’s uncle, who she hadn’t seen in decades, has passed away and left you everything. Commenting that Sarah and her roomie could pass for twins Billy convinces her to head to Texas with the dead girls ID, claim the inheritance for herself and then she and Billy can split town before anyone becomes the wiser. But when you’re not the sharpest (or, for lack of a better word, most scrupulous) knife in the drawer you’re bound to run into problems.

Based on a true story, “Rushlights” could have been a very standard, by the book imitation noir film. Instead, Stutz packs it with genuine surprises and emotion. He is helped out by a strong cast, led by Henderson and Webb. Aidan Quinn shows up as the deceased man’s lawyer while Beau Bridges tries to solve the mysteries as the local sheriff. Bridges character is also brother to Quinn’s lawyer, meaning these two will turn out to be as corrupt as you’ve ever seen a legal representative. But top marks go to Crispian Belfrage, so creepy as a man with ties to both Sarah and her dead friend.

Stutz’s direction is clear and sharp, taking the audience into Billy and Sarah’s lives, showing that everything is not always greener on the richer side of the fence.

Starring: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Nick Offerman
Directed By: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Rated: R
Running Time: 93 minutes
CBS Films

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Rarely do I step out of the movie theater with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and calm. Coming of age movies can do that. It takes everyone in the theater back to a simpler time in life and helps them remember their age of innocence, their teenage angst and that rough transition into a growing adult. “The Kings of Summer” is the contemporary boys becoming men comedy that will have audiences reflecting upon their golden youth along with some hearty laughs.

Joe Toy (Nick Robinson) has a strained relationship with his father, Frank (Nick Offerman). Ever since Joe’s mom passed away, they’ve been at odds. Frank only speaks in a condescending tone and tries to keep Joe under his thumb. Joe’s friend, Patrick Keenan (Gabriel Basso), has an equally frustrating home life. His naive parents (Marc Evan Jackson and Megan Mullally) politely question him at every turn. Mr. and Mrs. Keenan are definitely smug up-to-date versions of the Cleaver folks, if not frighteningly more cheery. After they both have some frustrating dinners with their families, the two boys sneak out of their homes and head to a party to celebrate the end of the school year. Joe’s going in the hopes of flirting with the girl of his dreams, Kelly (Erin Moriarty). During the keg supplied, social gathering, they run across Biaggio (Moises Arias). He’s a peculiar boy who is small in stature and is a literal interpretation of the phrase, “out there”.

After an adult spoils the party for these high schoolers, Joe heads back home through the woods. Joining Joe on his way back is the consistently bizarre Biaggio. They stumble across an open space in the woods. It is there in the knee-high grass and weeds under the perfect view of the starry night sky, that’s Joe’s frustrations seem to melt away. That’s where an idea quickly grows and infests his mind. Build a home in the woods and runaway to it. After some convincing, Joe, Patrick and Biaggio are convinced that a home in the woods is where they will become men and live out their lives. The rest of the movie has the trio building the home and roaming in the surrounding woods. What’s refreshing about this movie is that it’s in a contemporary world, but they’re not texting away on a phone. They’re not hypnotized by television. They aren’t zombified by the latest gore drenched video game. It’s almost like a fairy tale that these teenagers would leave the electronic world and hideaway in the woods in a candlelit home. Also most kids running away steal their parents car and credit cards for a trek across the county. Not put together a home out of construction scraps.

The cast is well put together and the characters each offer something different to the story. Even the two police officers dealing with the parents have their moments. The movie has a delightful indie soundtrack that accompanies the serene shots of wildlife and the boys exploring the terrain. The comedy is refreshing because there’s no throw away sex jokes or fart gags. The two best character in this movie are Frank and Biaggio. They have some of the best one-liners and quips. Nick Offerman was definitely born to embody a bitter middle aged man who only speaks in sarcasm. Throughout the movie, Biaggio turns from freakishly quirky to charming by the end of the movie. If you’re looking for a grand deep meaning to this movie, you won’t get it, but what you will get it is an entertaining summer movie with delightful and sympathetic characters.

After the movie, I stepped outside into the mild evening air. I tried to reflect back on the movie, but my only thoughts and feelings I had were of reliving youth. Getting together with some friends, going out to camp for the weekend, sharing some beers around the campfire and remembering the “good ol’ days”. Alas, I have work to do and bills to pay, but as I drove home from the theater, I felt revitalized and peaceful. “The King of Summer” is exactly what I needed, just like diving into a cool pristine lake on a humid summer day.

Starring: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson
Directed By: Sofia Coppola
Rated: R
Running Time: 90 minutes
A24

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

Before I begin, I must say I’m not very well versed in the whole “Bling Ring” incident although I do remember when it happened. I also must point out that if you are well versed, the movie has changed the names of those apart of the the “Bling Ring”. I also have to admit, that as an avid movie fan, I have not seen a Sofia Coppola movie until I watched “The Bling Ring”. So here’s to hoping the rest of her movies are not like this. I guess you could say my expectations were high considering all the great things I’ve heard about the director/writer, especially “Lost in Translation”. During the movie, I could tell she definitely has an eye when it comes to unique shots and sequences that establish so much without the uttering of a single word. It’s just too bad the script dragged it down.

The movie begins by introducing us to the characters, albeit a short simple to the point introduction. Marc (Israel Broussard) is the new kid at school. He’s scoffed as he walks through the school doors, making him the quiet, loner. He then meets Rebecca (Katie Chang), an avid TMZ viewer and pop-culture, rap junkie. Through their odd, mutual fascination of celebrities, drug use and fashion sense, they become like brother and sister as the movie progresses. Through Rebecca, Marc meets the other crime partners to the “Bling Ring”, Nicki (Emma Watson), Sam (Taissa Farmiga) and Chloe (Claire Julien). They also talk like self-absorbed rich kids who’ve watched one too many reality shows. There are others who eventually become ensnared into their web of misdeeds, but when the movie doesn’t focus on developing the main characters, it’s very hard to care about the secondary ones. The one side character I really enjoyed was Laurie (Leslie Mann), who played the oblivious parent to Nick and Sam. She believes them to be inherently good and capable of great and powerful things through her spiritual teachings and connection to the book, “The Secret”(yes you read that right). That did provide some great comical relief.

The first two-thirds of the movie are spent showing the perverse construction of Marc and Rebecca’s friendship through petty thievery. Eventually that leads to the two of them looking up Paris Hilton’s home address and musing “Do you think it’s unlocked?” After the Paris Hilton break-in, the “Bling Ring” grows. Moving up to the break-ins of Megan Fox, Orlando Bloom, Rachel Bilson and others. For good measure the also rob Paris Hilton a couple more times. They steal jewelry, clothes, money and anything they find suitable for the fabulous lifestyle they wish to live. At a certain point I wrote down on my notepad, “Drugs, Stealing, Facebook, Partying.” Are we simply suppose to despise these characters and not see any redeeming qualities about them?

As they browse through lavish clothes and flips through wads of hundreds, you can tell they see themselves in the right. They name drop fashion designs and discuss what house they wish to break into next. They drink and drive, snort cocaine and then dance the night away. I get it, they’re trying to emulate the celebrities they obsess over. There’s no need to repeat the message. At no point are we offered an explanation as to why Marc would crave the acceptance of his new friends. To the point where he’s researching where Orlando Bloom’s home is so they can plunder it. It’s never explained where Rebecca’s gang leader mentality comes from. We’re never shown why the others are blindly following the lead of Rebecca as they stomp through celebrities home celebrating their burglary. We don’t even know why Marc has a conscience, as he nervously walks from room to room saying “We need to go, we’re gonna get caught.”

The saving grace for this movie comes in the last third of the movie when everything begins to crumble. Police are beginning to catch on, celebrities are are noticing their stolen goods and Rebecca’s arrogance barrels her forward to being more audacious with the ransacking of the rich and famous. If you don’t remember this scandal, you might find this villainous look into the “Bling Ring” beginnings and ending, interesting. But if you’re like me, you’ll be slouched in your theater chair watching people you don’t like stealing from celebrities you don’t like.

THE EXORCIST CELEBRATES 40^THANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 8

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

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

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

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

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

Synopsis

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

Special Features:

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

o   The Original Cut

o   Stairway to Heaven

o   The Final Reckoning

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

Premium:

Excerpt of The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir

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

Street Date: October 8, 2013

Order Due Date: September 3, 2013

Rated R

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

122 (Theatrical Version)

Pricing: $49.99 SRP

Kentucky born, actress Sarah Wright got her first taste of the spotlight traveling the country and Europe with the singing group The Kentucky Ambassadors of Music. After high school a career in modeling beckoned and she soon found herself in Chicago. Her work attracted the attention of Hollywood and soon she was appearing on television programs like “The Loop,” “Quintuplets” and “Seventh Heaven.” Film’s followed and she showcased her talents with roles in “The House Bunny,” “Celeste and Jesse Forever” and this past springs comedy “21 and Over.” She’s also had a recurring role on the popular comedy series “Parks and Recreation.”

While preparing for the release of “21 and Over” to home video DVD and Blu-ray, Ms. Wright sat down with Media Mikes to talk about the film, her own 21st birthday and her future on “Parks and Recreation.”

Mike Smith: For those readers that haven’t yet seen the film, give us an introduction to “21 and Over” and your character, Nicole.
Sarah Wright: “21 and Over” is the story of three friends. Two of them show up to take the third out to celebrate his 21st birthday. The third friend is scheduled for an important job interview the next morning so they agree to get him back home in plenty of time to rest. Of course they don’t and craziness ensues! My character is the love interest of the character played by Skylar Astin.

MS: Was making the film as much fun as the finished product?
SW: It was awesome! The guys had a blast because they were basically partying the entire time. I had fun being the only girl. It was like hanging out with three brothers. We hung out all night long every night we were shooting. It was great. It was fun and easy because the directors were fantastic and they had written a great script. It was a great script but they still allowed us to do some improv. It’s always great to be able to play around and do that.

MS: Can you recall the craziest thing you did when you turned 21?
SW: (laughs loudly) Actually my 21st birthday was not that crazy. I started younger. I was modeling and living in Japan when I was 16. I was living in Greece at 19. I had some really crazy party nights after concerts and at after-party places. I remember winding up somewhere in Japan and having to make my way back to my apartment at four o’clock in the morning. I think on my 21st birthday I kind of mellowed out.

MS: Are you going to be back on “Parks and Rec” next season?
SW: They’ve talked to me about it so there’s a possibility. It’s funny, when I started I figured that after my story with Rob Lowe was done I’d never be back on the show but they keep finding ways to bring me back. It’s a lot of fun. I love doing that show.

MS: What are you working on next?
SW: I just finished a film with Elizabeth Banks, James Marsden and Gillian Jacobs called “Walk of Shame.” It’s scheduled to come out next March.

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Starring: J.G. Quintel, William Salyers, Sam Marin, Mark Hamill
Created by: J.G. Quintel
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 440 minutes

Seasons: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

I have to thank Mark Hamill for getting me into this show. When I interviewed him last October (read the interview here), he really pitched me on the show and since then I have been a HUGE fan. I think I might actually quote this show every single day from screaming OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! to my wife’s favorite, which is HAMBONING!!!! (which I actually hear might save your life one day).  Fans of this show will finally get a Blu-ray release for not one but two seasons of this amazing show.  That’s right we get all 40 episodes from the series’ first and second seasons. Count me in!

This show has also won the Emmy® Award for animated series last year and is only getting more popular as the series progresses.  It is created by J.G. Quintel (“The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack”, “Camp Lazlo”), who also voices the lead character Mordecai on the show.  This guy is a complete genius.  This show is not only funny, it is also ridiculously clever and sharp. There is not one episode that passes that I am not dying laughing at some point. William Salyers (“Morel Orel”) voices the other lead character, Rigby. (Click here for my interview with him from earlier this year). The two of these guys are a fantastic combo and really play off each other so well.  If you are a fan of other Cartoon Network shows like “Adventure Time”, I highly recommend this series.

Official Synopsis: Sarcastic blue jay Mordecai (voiced by J. G. Quintel) and somewhat responsible raccoon Rigby (William Salyers) are best friends. They even work together at a park owned by Pops (Sam Marin), a big lollipop-headed guy. Which seems normal enough. They’ve got a cranky gumball machine for a boss (Martin) and they work alongside a Zen-like yeti named Skips (Mark Hamill). Yep. Everything is as regular as can be.

The episodes from the first season included are: “The Power”, “Just Set Up the Chairs”, “Caffeinated Concert Tickets, “Death Punchies”, “Free Cake”, “Meat Your Maker”, “Grilled Cheese Deluxe”, “The Unicorns Have Got to Go”, “Prank Callers”, “Don”, “Rigby’s Body” and “Mordecai and the Rigbys”. The episodes from the second season included are: “Ello Gov’nor”, “It’s Time”, “Appreciation Day”, “Peeps”, “Dizzy”, “My Mom”, “High Score”, “Rage Against the TV”, “Party Pete”, “Brain Eraser”, “Benson Be Gone”, “But I Have a Receipt”, “This Is My Jam”, “Muscle Woman”, “Temp Check”, “Jinx”, “See You There”, “Do Me a Solid”, “Grave Sights”, “Really Real Wrestling”, “Over the Top”, “The Night Owl”, “A Bunch of Baby Ducks”, “More Smarter”, “First Day”, “Go Viral”, “Skunked” and “Karaoke Video”

The 1080p transfer for each episode is awesome with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. I have watched this show is various formats from online to satellite TV and this was a real treat. The animation looks crisp and the colors are very vibrant. Although the back of the packaging tells us that there are both a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, neither of those are actually available. In fact the only track available for the episodes is a Dolby Digital 2.0 (192 kbps) track. It is not terrible but a little bit disappointing when you consider how great this show would have been in TrueHD. HMMM HMMM!

The special features on this release are absolutely amazing (especially compared to “Adventure Times” recent Blu-ray season releases). There are two hours of bonus features along with an audio commentary track for literally every single episode with creator J.G. Quintel and the show’s storyboard artists.  This is literally worth the purchase of the Blu-ray alone! 40 commentary tracks! Hello!? Count me in!  Great way to revisit the show and also learn new things about it as a fan straight from the creators mouth.  Highly recommend these tracks.

There is the unaired pilot episode, which is awesome, as well as an animatic for it also. There is also an animatic for the episode “The Power”, along with a video of J.G. Quintel pitching the episode. There is an interview with J.G. Quintel chatting about this unique and amazing series and also his student short, “The Naïve Man from Lolliland”. Tired yet? Well there is still some more “Original Pencil Tests from Saerom”, “CG Test for Hodgepodge Monster”, “2010 Comic Con Teaser Trailer”, Party Tonight Music Video” and “Original Regular Show Commercials”. Any fan of this show will be left exhausted after all these great extras!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Actors: Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vinessa Shaw
Directors: Makinov
Rated: Unrated
Studio: New Video Group
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

When I first saw “Come Out and Play”, I was blown away. I thought that it was a slow-burn horror film that really grabbed you. The second viewing of it was still impressive but I feel that the shock and wow factor have passed. Still the third act really packs a solid punch and will leave you mouthing the words “What the f***k, no question. This is directed by Makinov, who we know little about personally except that he is known for wearing a mask. This is based on Juan José Plan’s 1976 Spanish horror classic, “El Juego De Niños”. Think “Children of the Corn”, hold the corn and taking place on an island. I would easily recommend for any horror fan!

Official Premise: Beth (Vinessa Shaw) and Francis (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) decide to take a vacation before the birth of their child. Francis insists on venturing to a more serene island; Beth hesitantly agrees. Soon they discover the island is mysteriously abandoned, populated only by children. Beth and Francis are left to uncover the mystery of the disappearances, as a day in paradise quickly turns into a struggle for survival.

“Come Out and Play” comes with a very sharp presentation, thanks to New Video Group. The 1080p transfer comes with a unique aspect ratio of 2.24:1 but it still works very well. Makinov himself also took on the role of Cinematographer on this film and had a very specific approach to his vision. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sounds great and holds the suspense well as hoped. Again Makinov also scored this film himself, which sounds amazing and I would love to get my hands on a copy. The special features though a a little light with a few short deleted/extended scenes, a short EPK with two interviews, a making of featurette focusing on the kids stunts and finally a trailer is included.

Actors: Steve Carell, Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin
Directors: Don Scardino
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: New Line Home Video
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi AND Jim Carrey…that is comedy talent overload for me. How could you go wrong? Well if you make this the Steve Carell show (who has never impressed me post “Anchorman”). Jim Carrey is barely in the film and yet is played like a star. He is also not funny at all either given the boring character he was given to play. The best part of the film was easily Alan Arkin, who steals the show (as always). See clip below! One thing I have to give to this film is that it gets better in its third act but unfortunately by then you have already lost all interest in the characters and the story. This film just ends up adding another reason why I am not a Steve Carell fan (I really hope he doesn’t ruin “Anchorman 2” for me).

Official Synopsis: Superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone (Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Buscemi) have ruled the Las Vegas strip for years, raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt’s growing ego. But lately the duo’s greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly they’ve grown to loathe each other. Facing cutthroat competition from guerilla street magician Steve Gray (Carrey), whose cult following surges with each outrageous stunt, even their show looks stale. But there’s still a chance Burt and Anton can save the act, both onstage and off, if Burt can get back in touch with what made him love magic in the first place.

Even though the film is not perfect, Warner Bros. continues to deliver fantastic Blu-ray releases. This combo pack includes a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy with iTunes and UltraViolet. You get all the options available here to choose from. The 1080p transfer is clear and shines like Las Vegas’ strip. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works with few jokes and music throughout the film.  The special features are light in terms of content like the film itself.  There is about 20 minutes of Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes included as well as a Gag Reel, which is basically just improv-o-rama. There is a short featurette “Making Movie Magic with David Copperfield”, with the magician talking about magic. Lastly there is “Steve Gray Uncut” with raw, never-before-seen extra footage with Jim Carrey.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is available on Blu-Ray 6/25/2013 at the WB Shop http://bit.ly/18zuOvQ

Actors: Ashley Bell, Julia Garner, Spencer Treat Clark, David Jensen, Tarra Riggs
Directors: Ed Gass-Donnelly
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

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

Man did I really want to love this movie.  I thought the first “The Last Exorcism” (that just sounds wrong BTW) was pretty kick ass, not perfect but definitely cool flick.  This unnecessary sequel (hello, “Last Exorcism”) steps away from the found-footage angle but doesn’t add any scares.  In fact there are little to no good scares in this film.  The film runs 88 minutes and yet I didn’t feel that anything useful happens until just past the one hour marks and then they rush and realize this film needs to actual be about an “exorcism”.  Ashley Bell repeats her good performances from the first film but doesn’t add anything new here.  I would skip this film and keep you good or at least decent memories of the first film.

Official Premise: Continuing where the first film left off, Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell) is found terrified and alone in rural Louisiana. Back in the relative safety of New Orleans, Nell realizes that she can’t remember entire portions of the previous months only that she is the last surviving member of her family. Just as Nell begins the difficult process of starting a new life, the evil force that once possessed her is back with other, unimaginably horrific plans that mean her last exorcism was just the beginning.

Sony released thisd Blu-ray as an “Unrated Edition” but they forgot to actually also include the PG-13 theatrical version as well (not that I would have watched it anyway). Along with the Blu-ray, there is also an Ultraviolet digital copy included. The 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track are good enough for a low budget film. I wish they would have taken advantage more of New Orleans and used it as a character that it can be. The special features are not great either.  There are three featurettes including “Shooting in New Orleans”, “Hair Salon Scare – The Last Exorcism Part II goes Viral” and Nell’s Story. Lastly there is a audio commentary track with Ed Gass-Donnelly and Eli Roth.

Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 23 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Let me get it out in the open. Just like to some fans Sean Connery will always be James Bond to me the late Christopher Reeve will always be Superman. I’ll also admit that I teared up the first time I saw Brandon Routh sporting the cape. That being said I was more than ready to see Henry Cavill take his turn as the Man of Steel. And he doesn’t disappoint.

In the tradition of many recent “new origin” films, “Man of Steel” takes the familiar tale of the last son of Krypton and turns it into an exciting film that, like many of this summer’s movie fare, goes on way too long.

The story begins on the planet Krypton. For centuries the new-born of the planet have been genetically created, with each baby predetermined as to what their career will be (scientist, soldier). Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and his wife, Lara (Ayelet Zurer) have decided to forego science and have just had a naturally conceived baby, who they name Kal-El. Due to the constant mining of the planet’s core, Jor-El continually tries to convince the planets ruling body that the planet will soon be no more. He is rebuffed by the powers that be. As he continues to press his case, Jor-El is interrupted by a visit from General Zod (Shannon, in full Bruce Dern/Christopher Walken mode). Zod is attempting a military coup, which fails. He and his followers are sentenced to 300 cycles in the Phantom Zone. As their punishment is being meted out the planet begins to implode. Despite Lara’s reservations (“he will be a freak”), Jor-El (“he will be a God”) puts his son in a rocket and sends him to the only planet with a yellow star. Earth.

Give credit to Zack Snyder. He willingly took on one of the most iconic characters in popular fiction and added his own touches. Fans will have to forget “Smallville” or the old “Superboy” comics. Here young Clark Kent is pretty much forbidden to use his powers. His adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane) have raised him to never reveal what he can do for fear he will be taken away from then. And those powers are sometimes overwhelming. When you have super-hearing you basically hear EVERYTHING that’s happening around you. Clark learns to focus, but it isn’t easy. It also isn’t easy NOT using his powers. Seems like every time Clark turns around someone needs rescuing! After high school he becomes a nomad, wandering the continent and taking odd jobs. However, just like in his hometown of Smallville, Kansas, people need help, meaning that Clark is constantly on the move. A chance meeting with reporter Lois Lane, who is investigating a government project, sets him on the path of action and discovery.

Though the film is packed with action, almost to its detriment, it is the characters that make it interesting. Cavill is solid as Clark/Kal-El (he is only referred to once, in passing, as Superman). It took a brave actor to step into those boots and he acquits himself well. Adams makes Lois a woman of the 21st Century. She’s not smitten by Clark at first…she’s not doomed to be a damsel in distress, which makes her more interesting. Shannon is just plain evil, even outdoing Kevin Spacey’s Lex Luthor in “Superman Returns.” (speaking of Lex Luthor, keep an eye out for a couple of tanker trucks brightly painted LEX CORP). Like Robert Shaw in “From Russia With Love,” Shannon comes across as a villain who can actually kick the Man of Steel’s butt! The supporting cast does just as well, including Laurence Fishburne as Daily Planet Editor Perry White and Christopher Meloni as a high ranking Air Force officer. Last but not least, Clark’s two dads. Both Crowe and Costner add real emotion to their characters and, with this role and his work in “The Company Men,” Costner continues to make the transition from star to first rate character actor.

The visual effects are strong, with not a budgetary dollar left unspent. As I noted above, the film IS exciting, but there’s just SO MUCH going on that sometimes you lose track. After the third eight-minute sequence (yes I timed it) of Clark and General Zod throwing each other around you might think you stumbled into “Superman II.” The script and story are clever at times. When asked if he means any harm to America he reminds the interrogator that he was raised in Kansas, which made the Kansas-fied audience at the screening cheer. And this is obviously a fantasy film because when Clark tunes in the University of Kansas football game on television KU is winning!

Still, all in all, if you’re having reservations about seeing “Man of Steel” I urge you to put them away. How can you not like a man from Kansas?

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