Regan Mizrahi is cos-starring with Johnny Knoxville and Patton Oswalt in the new film “Nature Calls”. For us parents with young kids, he is also voicing the character of Boots on “Dora the Explorer”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Regan about his new film and doing voice work.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your role in the film “Nature Calls”?
Regan Mizrahi: I play Kent, a boy way older than his years. I spend the movie trying to romance Janine (Maura Tierney). Since people tell me I’m an “old soul,” this was my chance to attempt to charm an “older lovely lady.”

AL: What was it like working with Johnny Knoxville and Patton Oswalt?
RM: I learned a lot from working on a set with comics who do stand up. Learn your lines and prepare for chaos. No scene will go as planned. You will crack up most of the day. Your mom might not be thrilled with some of the conversations you might be privy to either, but I loved it!!!!

AL: What was your favorite experience from the shoot?
RM: There was an apt I was supposed to trash with Rob Riggle and Johnny. They told me “trash everything”- no one has ever said that to me before. They had like six of everything, so they kept resetting after each trashing. I was so tired at the end of the day, but it was so much fun!

AL: What do you like most about voicing the character of Boots on “Dora the Explorer”?
RM: One of the great things about voice overs, is that you can be in your PJ’s in the booth. It’s all about your voice and your imagination. I enjoy playing Boots because I like being a positive role model for kids. I have been voicing Boots for almost five years now, so my Nickelodeon co-stars have become like family.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?
RM: I presently am the CEO of the Haribo Gummy Bear TV campaign. I have just done my fifth commercial for them. I love the perks of that job “all the gummy bears you can eat!!!” i also have a few things in the works that I am excited about, but cannot talk about just yet.

Starring: Zhang Guoli, Adrien Brody and Tim Robbins
Directed by: Feng Xiaogang
Rated: Not Rated
Running time: 2 hours 25 mins
China Lion Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In the winter of 1942 a terrible drought came over the Henan province in China. The drought, combined with a locust invasion and the continued war with Japan, eventually left 3 million people dead.

Based on the novel “Remembering 1942” by Zhenyun Liu (who also did the screenplay), “Back to 1942” is an epic telling of a story few people know. The story begins with a local village, run by the wealthy Mr. Fan (Guoli), being visited by a band of wandering “bandits.” But they’re not there to steal. They’re only looking for a meal. They are allowed in but Fan dispatches a lackey to bring back soldiers to arrest them. However his plan is discovered and a riot breaks out which transforms the village into a smoldering pile of rubble. Those not killed pack up their belongings and begin a trek to what they hope is salvation only to be slapped down repeatedly by everything from the weather to the Japanese Air Force.

Skillfully directed, “Back to 1942” is an unfiltered – and unflinching- look at the true perils of war. What amazes is that, in the more than two hour running time, there isn’t one moment of lightness. No sudden comic moment to help ease the story along. They say war is hell and this film doesn’t let you forget that. As their journey continues we are reminded via titles (“31 days, 76 miles”) how far they have traveled. By the end of the film you’re so emotionally drained that you feel as if you’ve walked every step as well.

The performances are strong, including those by a couple of Oscar winners. Brody plays “Time” magazine writer Theodore White, who covered China for many years and went on to write several “Making of the President” books. White, who was a college classmate of Joe Kennedy, Jr. would also later write an essay for “Life” magazine in which John F. Kennedy would forever be linked to Camelot. Robins has a smaller but just as important role as Father Thomas Megan, the first Divine Word Prefect in China. Production values are strong with special mention going to the bleak yet sharp photography courtesy of cinematographer Yue Lu.

“Back to 1942” is presented in Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles (the scenes with Brody and Robbins are in English) and is now playing in limited release in the following cities: Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington D.C.

Starring: Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins and James Gandolfini
Directed by: Andrew Dominik
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 37 mins
The Weinstein Company

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I’m sure it sounded like a great idea. You do a movie about the mob, throw in the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression then cast top notch actors like Brad Pitt and Ray Liotta. But you forgot to check the script. What do you do, hot shot? WHAT DO YOU DO?

It’s several weeks before the 2008 Presidential Election and the economy is bad for everyone. Even the petty thieves are down on their luck. Two of them – Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) – are about to try to change it. They’ve learned from their friend Squirrel (Vincent Curatola, probably best known as “The Sopranos” Johnny Sack) about a high stakes card game being hosted by local hood Markie Trattman (Liotta). It seems that some time ago Trattman arranged for one of his games to be robbed. The guys figure if it gets robbed again those inconvenienced will assume Trattman was up to his old shenanigans and he’ll be the one held responsible. They’re right. But they’re also wrong.

Visually interesting with some fine performances, “Killing Them Softly” suffers from a script that can best be described as Quentin Tarantino meets Kevin Smith. All of the fancy overlapping dialogue is there, with just a bit of raunch thrown in to make it interesting. Sometimes. The three top names seem committed to the story, though. Pitt is fun to watch as Jackie, a hit man brought in to correct the current situation. With his hair slicked back and goatee he bears more than a slight resemblance to the late Robert Goulet. If he can sing I may have just found his next project. As the mob lawyer trying to have things done under budget (he insists that any hit man flying in fly coach) Jenkins is his usual dry self. As a fellow hit man dealing with marital problems Gandolfini runs the gambit of emotions.

Writer/director Dominik previously gave us “Chopper” (where we first met a bad-ass Eric Bana) and “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (which also starred Pitt). With the exception of some fine visual effects he takes a step back here.

Director: Richard Powel
Cast: Robert Nolan, Astrida Auza, Cathryn Hostick
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 24 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Before I got approached to review this short horror film, I was unaware of it.  But after watching the trailer for “Familiar”, I couldn’t help but immediately plug in to watch this short.  The trailer is really sets the stage for one hell of a fucked up ride.  but only gives a taste of what to expect. The film’s star is Robert Nolan delivers such a fantastically unsettling performance. Definitely not the squeamish but I highly recommend this for all horror fans.

I don’t want to give anything away but here is a brief synopsis for the film:  “Through a series of tragic events a middle aged man grows to suspect the negative impulses plaguing his mind may not be his own…”. Most of the dialogue spoken over the film by John’s voice in his head (or maybe more than that…gotta watch) and really seals the deal on John Dodd’s insanity.  The inner torment for John is so intense, it literally leaves you forgetting to breath. The film itself is simple yet completely devious and rather disturbing. For a low-budget short, the make-up effects are extremely impressive and add a lot to this film.  I couldn’t help but relate this film to the earlier works of David Cronenberg with “Dead Ringers” and Naked Lunch”.

Personally, I feel that the poster gives away some of the shock factor but still ends up throwing you for a complete loop. I was unaware of the fact that “Familiar” is actually a sequel to the director’s previous short sequel called “Worm”, which stars the character John Dodd’s brother, Geoffrey. I look forward to seeing that short next. Richard Powell is hot on my radar now and I can’t wait to see what he has planned next.  I also hope that this short gets the attention that it deserves but people need to see this!

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Mark Hamill may be known best for playing Luke Skywalker in the original “Star Wars” trilogy. He is also the voice of The Joker for the last 20 years, starting with “Batman: The Animated Series”. Mark is taking on his most challenging and unique role yet, as Crow, in his new film “Sushi Girl”. I highly recommend this film, as it is one of my favorite films of the year.  It is being released on VOD on November 27, 2012, in advance of it’s theatrical release on January 4, 2013. Media Mikes had the real pleasure of chatting with Mark about this amazing performance and how he put himself into that role. We also got to chat a little bit about his voice work and what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Take us through the how you ended up working on “Sushi Girl”?
Mark Hamill: They sent me the script; I read it and liked it a lot. But initially I couldn’t see myself doing it. I couldn’t imagine it. I was trying to get other things off the ground and sort of forgot about it. Then it came down to “Yes or no…Are you in or out?” I was thinking maybe it was a little too extreme. It seems crazy now that I did this but I turned it down. That was the easy way to deal with the troubling aspects of the screenplay. After a week or so I reconsidered, I am lucky they didn’t go to anyone else in that time. What happened was, I turned it down but didn’t feel good about it. So I asked my kids for help. Nathan was busy but I had my son Griffin and my daughter Chelsea read it, just to get their reactions. I need the reactions from twenty-somethings since I don’t have access to those demographics. Griffin didn’t think it was that violent like torture porn or gratuitously violent. The violence is part of the movie like in “Reservoir Dogs”. We are showing the underbelly of the ugly unsavory low-life kind of crime. So I agreed with him. But the one that really got to me was my daughters comment. She said “I heard you over the years saying that you had to go to Broadway to get character parts or the only really good character parts you got in film/TV are in animation like the Joker…if you turn this down then don’t complain anymore, you should be flattered they wanted you for the part to begin with”. It took a certain amount of imagination for them to even think of me for Crow at all. Ironically, when I asked them why they wanted me they said “Well if you can play a psycho like the Joker in animation, why not do it in live-action.” I decided to read it again but this time in character as Crow and not as Mark Hamill and that made a world of difference. So I told them I had to do it and luckily I got in under the wire. I really believe in this movie and I really want it to get the recognition it deserves.

MG: Where did you get your inspiration for the twisted yet perverted Crow?
MH: Obviously, most everything is in the screenplay but in terms of who I was using and how I got into the part and got inside the characters head, I used a few people that I used to work with in New York. I don’t want to use their names since they are not psychopath killers [laughs], but more in terms of their dark sardonic humor. There was a guy that was my understudy in a musical I did on Broadway and it was that sort of cynical snarky humor that Crow has, I took from him…and also various other people in my life. I loved the fact that we came up with a visually arresting look for the guy. I thought he should just show up and people should think that “There is something wrong with this guy”. The hair was one of those things that evolved overtime. At first I thought if I should be bald with a little Van Dyke beard and an earring or I thought maybe ponytail, since that is always creepy to me on a guy. Eventually, we went from bald to 180 degrees from that, since Tony (Todd) was bald. That hairdue might work for someone that is in a grunge band in Seattle or a surfer in his 20’s but it is just age inappropriate on a man like this. Then he has the three piece suit, which looks sort-of normal in the middle and then those tennis suits, which are more appropriate for a little boy. Visually there is just something that is so disturbingly wrong.

MG: For people that know you as Luke Skywalker and the voice of the Joker; what is this film going to do to your image for them?
MH: That is something that I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. When I was a little boy and all the classic Universal Monster films came on. I admired all those actors like (Boris) Karloff and Lou Chaney Jr. & Sr. I loved the idea of hiding behind a completely different visual persona. It gives you great strength. You look in the mirror and it is not you. So you have to let go of your ego. In the film, I look awful. I look like five miles of bad road. Again, to look in the mirror and see a different character liberates you to make different choices that you wouldn’t originally make if you were Mark Hamill trying to look as good as you can. I love that about it. One of the greatest compliments I got about the role was when the producers showed it to some prospective buyers and when the movie was over, they asked “Where was Mark Hamill?” [laughs]. I mean that is the greatest compliment that I can get.

MG: Tell us about working with this phenomenal cast?
MH: You never can be sure what is going to happen. Not only did every cast member get along perfectly, there were no feuds or fights or egos involved. Everyone worked as a team and that included the crew. We were treating this like the little movie that could. It is idiosyncratic. It’s atypical. It’s quirky. But it is something special. It was just a joy to go to set every morning and you honestly cannot say that about every movie or TV show you work on. This is a cast that has gotten together for BBQ’s, birthday parties etc since filming. You get this real family feeling about it and that is not common at all in this business.

MG: The torture scenes in the film are quite a challenge to watch; were you ever concerned about it going to far?
MH: Yeah of course, from when I first read it. Let me tell you I have been married to a dental hygienist for more than 30 years and when I saw the extreme dental violence in this film, I thought there was no way I could do it. My wife is the woman that says “May The Floss Be With You” [laughs]. I couldn’t also see how I can film it without upsetting myself. I am quite squeamish about certain things and things dealing with teeth is one of them. During filming it, I am in character and Crow is really getting off on it. So I had to stay in character but Noah (Hathaway) was so realistic with these blood-curdling screams. That and the chopstick scene were definitely the hardest to shoot for me.

MG: After your likeness was used in the Mark Millar series, tell us about your recent casting in film adaption of “The Secret Service”?
MH: Mark contacted me via email and wanted to know if he could use my likeness in a comic book and beyond that to kill me in it. Well I thought that it was a very interesting idea. I am a huge fan of his and Dave Gibbons from “Watchmen”. I have a great friendship with him now. He asked me if I wanted to be in the movie and I said “Sure”. I don’t know what the details are yet. But it sounds like a lot of fun. The last time I played myself was in “The Simpsons”, back in 1998. It is very unnerving to play yourself because you have to analyze “Well who am I?”. I really don’t think about myself except in the roles I play. When I was getting ready to do “The Simpsons”, I was walking around the house asking “Do I sound like this” or “Do I sound like this” (both in different voices). I became very self-conscious but once I saw the advance concepts for the comic book from Mark, I thought it was such a brilliant concept combining the fantasy world of James Bond and contrast that with the drab lower-class English background that this guy comes from. It is such a wonderful paradox combination of elements in and of itself. It is not a major role but I never look at things like they need to be about me. I think about if it is good and if it is good I want to be a part of it. As far as I know, it is all a-go, we haven’t signed contracts or talked about a deal but I am sure it is going to happen.

MG: After stealing the show in “Sushi Girl” and no retired from Joker, do you plan to tackle more live-action roles?
MH: I am in collaboration with Amber Entertainment to finally get “The Black Pearl” made as a feature film that I would direct but not perform in. That is my main goal at the moment. If someone sees Crow and thinks of me in a different way and offers me another idiosyncratic character role, I would be thrilled to do it. I don’t have any direct plans but I also didn’t plan on “Sushi Girl” coming my way either. So you never know.

MG: I am also a big fan of your work on “Metalocalypse”.
MH: That is a very unusual show. We are heading into our fifth season of that show and that is one of the four that I am working on right now. Then there is Disney XD’s “Motorcity”. “Regular Show” just won an Emmy, congratulations to the people behind that show! I am also on the “How to Train Your Dragon” TV series “Dragons: Riders of Berk”, which is doing very well. I play Alvin, a big stupid Viking on that show. But I love it. He doesn’t think about himself as stupid or a villain. He is a real fun character to play. He wasn’t in the movie but was created for the TV series. I get to channel the crew from “Star Wars” since they were from the East End of London. They were all great fun to be around and I love the music of their accents. To be able to channel those guys is great fun. It is like getting into an amusement park car and riding along in someone else’s persona. That is why I don’t like playing myself…I am boring [laughs] but all the characters I get to play are more interesting.

MG: When we met at Star Wars Celebration VI, a young child came up to you in passing and asked you to do the voice of the Joker and you did. I will never forget the look on his face. What do you enjoy most about meeting all your fans?
MH: Going and meeting so many people that care some much about something that you been involved with it is really overwhelming. I don’t take it for granted at all. It is not something that I come face-to-face with everyday. In that context it is so easy for me to make that little kids day by just saying “I want money first” (in Joker’s voice). It is just so much fun. It is like a magician being able to just do a slide of hand magic trick that the kid will remember many moons to come. That is one of the perks of this business and one of the reasons why I got into it. I enjoy it. I love making people laugh and I love making people happy. I wasn’t motivated by fame or money. I wanted to do something that I enjoyed doing and I am so grateful. The fact that I have been able to do some many of those things I love, whether it the seven shows I have done in NY or the Regional Theater or the numerous cartoons. I grew up loving cartoons. So I am just so grateful to get a chance to keep doing the things I love.

Actors: Malcolm McDowell, Jaime King, Ellen Wong, Donal Logue, Brendan Fehr, Courtney Palm
Director: Steven C. Miller
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 94 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Lately, there has been a big huge flow of 80’s horror remakes.  The 1984 horror classic “Silent Night Deadly Night” is one of my favorites.  When it was released it was controversial and was protested.  “Silent Night” is a modern remake and packs a nice punch but I doubt it will have the same effect as the shocking original.  The kills are sharp, the gore is present and there is no shortage of gratuitous nudity. The film also rings in a wonderful cast including Malcolm McDowell (“Rob Zombie’s Halloween”) and Jaime King (“Sin City”) and Courtney Palm (“Sushi Girl”), who also has the best kill scene in the film! There is some decent nods to the original film but overall stands on its own.

Don’t get me wrong the 1984 original is a cult classic but it surely has its issues and is not a perfect film.  “Silent Night” takes what’s good in the original and sharpens it up a bit.  Steven C. Miller is a kick-ass director and he knows his horror.  This is a great follow-up to his last film, which I also enjoyed, “The Aggression Scale”. “Silent Night” is low-budget film but it has a larger scale to it. You can tell that Miller is a fan of the original himself and really delivers his unique look and feel to this film. This might be his most mature and sharpest film to date! As always, I look forward to what he has planned next. If you are a fan of the original, this is a nice companion to it.  It tries to compliment it more than it tries to replace it.

This time around the story follows on a small-town sheriff and deputy who are on the hunt for a murderous masked Santa Claus that terrorizing their community on Christmas Eve. As the town prepare for its annual Christmas parade, the streets full of Santas and the killer is hiding in plain sight. The killer is picking off the people that he judges as being “naughty”. He’s making his list, checking it twice, and the naughty are going to pay with their lives. Christmas is going to be bloody and brutal this year!

Anchor Bay is releasing a very nice Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for the film. It looks very sharp it is 2.40:1/16×9 1080p transfer. The audio is also very impressive with its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track. The special features are not the best but definitely worth checking out. There is a very short and non narrated collection of behind-the-scenes footage from the production, which runs just over six minutes. There are some deleted scenes, which run for just over five minute. They literally add nothing to the film and were rightfully deleted. I would have loved to see a commentary track from Miller and some cast chatting about the original and the production.

Starring: Frederic Forrest, Robert Duvall, Teri Garr, Harrison Ford, Vincent Gallo, Gene Hackman
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Number of discs: 4
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 695 minutes

Films: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of Francis Ford Coppola, this 5-Film Collection is the ultimate prize. Included is four films previously available on Blu-ray – “Apocalypse Now”, the updated and extended version – “Apocalypse Now Redux”, “The Conversation”, “Tetro” and romantic musical “One From the Heart”, which is being released on high-def Blu-ray for the first time. It is definitely the main draw for this release! Lionsgate has really delivered the essential collection for one of most influential filmmakers of his time. The set includes four of the best works for the highly respected filmmaker, which share a combined total of 12 Academy Award® nominations and two wins between them. This release comes just in time for the holidays, and is perfect gift for all film fans. At the very reasonable price for less than $30 dollars, this release is a sure-win!

These films include some of the most unforgettable performances from Hollywood’s top talent. From “Apocalypse Now” we get Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, who all deliver each of their best performances to date.  Harrison Ford gives a wonderful performances in both “Apocalypse Now” and “The Conversation”. Gene Hackman is amazing in “The Conversation”, as is Cindy Williams and John Cazale.  Like Ford, Frederic Forrest also stars in two of these included “The Conversation” and “One From The Heart”.  Raul Julia also gives a show stopping performance in “One From The Heart”, as does Nastassja Kinski and Teri Garr.  Most recently, Vincent Gallo also delivers a career high performance in “Tetro”.

APOCALYPSE NOW: In the Vietnam War epic, Martin Sheen stars as Army Captain Willard, a troubled man sent on a dangerous top-secret mission into Cambodia to assassinate a rogue Green Beret, Colonel Kurtz (Brando), who has barricaded himself in a remote outpost. As Willard ventures deeper and deeper into the wilderness of the jungle, he embarks on a strange journey that leads him to Kurtz – but also forces him to come face to face with the terrifying vision of the heart of darkness in us all.

APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX: This is the definitive version of Francis Ford Coppola’s stunning vision of the heart of darkness in all of us, re-edited and re-mastered with 49 minutes of additional footage.

ONE FROM THE HEART: Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola shines his spotlight on a Las Vegas couple (Teri Garr, Frederic Forrest) whose break-up on the 4th of July leads them both to a night on the strip in pursuit of their romantic fantasies (Raul Julia, Nastassja Kinski). But in this town of gamblers and dreamers, should they bet it all on dreams, or give true love another roll of the dice? Featuring breathtaking design, show-stopping set pieces, the stunning cinematography of Vittorio Storaro (Apocalypse Now, The Last Emperor) and accompanied by the wonderful Oscar® nominated music of the one and only Tom Waits, this neon explosion of color, sound and innovation is a cinematic valentine for all movie lovers.

THE CONVERSATION: In an underground world of conspiracy, surveillance and mystery, the film follows expert wire-tapper and spy Harry Caul (Hackman) during a routine investigation. With a haunting past tormenting his every move, Caul makes it a golden rule to stay far outside of each project. However, his latest job turns out to be more than Caul bargained for when he’s caught inside a web of murder and secrecy that threatens his safety – and his sanity.

TETRO: Starring Vincent Gallo (Buffalo ’66) and set in Argentina, Tetro tells the bittersweet story of two brothers, of family lost and found and the conflicts and secrets within a highly creative Italian immigrant family.

When it comes to Blu-ray presentation, these films have never looked better and don’t show their age at all. “Apocalypse Now”, “Apocalypse Now Redux” and “Tetro” are all presented in 1080P High Definition 16×9 Widescreen (2.35:1).  “One From The Heart” is presented in 1080P High Definition 4×3 Full Screen (1.33:1) and “The Conversation” is presented in 1080P High Definition 16×9 Widescreen (1.78:1).  All films contains a very solid audio, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.  Of course “Apocalypse” sounds the best due to its extreme action sequences throughout.

“Tetro” is up next and delivers some decent special features but are only presented in 1080i. There is an audio commentary with Francis Ford Coppola and actor Alden Ehrenreich. There are four featurettes included on this disc like in the previous release. “The Rehearsal Process” focuses on Coppola’s extensive preparation with the cast; Osvaldo Golijov: Music Born from the Film” featurette. “Mihai Malaimare, Jr: The Cinematography” looks at the film’s dancing, as does “The Ballet” featurette. Lastly “La Colifata: Siempre Fui Loco” is a look at the filming of Tetro at La Borda mental hospital. Lastly “Fausta: A Drama in Verse” is an extended version of the play featured within the movie.

Lastly up is The Conversation”, which are equally impressive as “One from the Heart”. First, there is an interview with director Francis Ford Coppola and composer David Shire, as well as two audio commentary with director Francis Ford Coppola and editor Walter Murch.  There is a further on siscussion with Francis Ford Coppola about his early film “No Cigar”. There are two featurettes including “Harry Caul’s San Francisco: Then and Now” and “Close up on The Conversation”.  Lastly there are archival screen tests with Harrison Ford and Cindy Williams, archival audio of Francis Ford Coppola dictating the original script and also an archival on-set interview with Gene Hackman.

Actors: Danny McBride, Steve Little, John Hawkes, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Sudeikis
Studio: HBO Studios
Rating: TV-MA
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 311 min

Series: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

After season two of “Eastbound & Down”, I thought this took a downfall. But the third season is a nice bounce back for the show, it is not as good as the first but definitely gets the bases loaded. Jason Sudeikis joins the cast this as Kenny’s new best friend and kindred spirit Shane. The series is very unique and nice blend of comedy and also drama. It is executive produced by Will Ferrell, Chris Henchy, Adam McKay, Jody Hill and Danny McBride. The new direction for this season definitely paid off, since HBO picked up the comedy series for a fourth season, which will consist of another eight episodes. So we haven’t seen the last of Kenny “Fucking” Powers. I also suggest HBO to take this story to the big screen!

Season Official Premise: Powers, whose boorish behavior and fading fastball led to a spectacular career flame-out now finds himself back on the mound in the USA. Picking up a year after season two, the third season finds Kenny in action on the “Redneck Riviera” (aka Myrtle Beach, SC), somehow resurrecting his baseball career by becoming the closer for the minor-league Myrtle Beach Mermen. Even as he tries to pass himself off as the “King of Myrtle Beach,” Kenny struggles to come to terms with growing older and accepting the responsibilities of being a new father.

“Eastbound & Down: The Complete Third Season” is presented very well on Blu-ray. Each episode is delivered in a sharp 1080p and in its original aspect ratio: 1.78:1. The audio includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 trakc, which works well with the music and the dialogue. The star of the special features are eight audio commentaries  from all the comedy talent including Danny McBride, Jody Hill, Steve Little, David Gordon Green, Katy Mison, Craig Robinson and more. They are all worth checking out and a great way to revisit the episodes.  There are also  some decent deleted scenes, including an exclusive “Dinner with the Schaeffer’s” and also a very funny blooper reel  included.

Actors: Tom Green, Daniel Cudmore, Irone Singleton, Anna Popplewell
Directors: Stewart Hendler
Studio: Microsoft Films / Anderson Merchandise
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t want a live-action movie for “Halo”? I think it is every fans dream. Though if you are looking for the action-packed FPS web series for “Halo”, you might be a little disappointed with “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”. But it does tell a great story and sets the stage well for “Halo 4”. Remember it is a web series, not a $100 million feature. It is on a small scale but really makes the most of that scale and still aims to deliver the world of “Halo” quite well. Of course Halo’s Master Chief shows up and is played by Daniel Cudmore (Colossus, X2: X-Men United) and voiced by Steve Downes, of course. Anna Popplewell also has a nice role from “The Chronicles of Narnia” series. The series premiered on Halo Waypoint and Machinima.com this past October and was split into five-parts. If you enjoyed the series, then the Blu-ray is definitely worth the purchase just for HD presentation and, most importantly, the extras.

Official Premise: Set against the backdrop of a United Nations Space Command (UNSC) military academy, a group of cadets are training to be the next generation of leaders in the UNSC’s ongoing war with insurrectionists in the outer colonial planets. Among these cadets, Thomas Lasky struggles with his doubts about this war and with the burden of expectations he may not be able to carry. As Lasky comes to terms with his potential as a military leader, the terrifying alien alliance known as the Covenant arrives and threatens to destroy everything he knows. When Lasky is rescued by the Master Chief, he must decide what it means to be a hero. “Halo” fans who experience Lasky’s thrilling origin story in “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” will be rewarded with special insights into the story of “Halo 4” and the “Halo Infinity Multiplayer” experience.

The Blu-ray presentation is really great. Fans will be able to enjoy the entire film uninterrupted in all its 1080p glory. There is also a sharp DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for the action. Watch out for those whizzing gun shots! The Blu-ray also comes with over an hour of special features, including exclusive behind-the-scenes featurettes. I really enjoyed both audio commentary tracks as well. The first is from the director Stewart Hendler and the second was by 343 Industries. Both are highly recommend, though the second I hold a bit higher. These are a must for any “Halo” fan. Also there are deleted scenes, storyboards and concept art included. All this will satisfy any fan of the series for sure! Lastly, keep an eye out for many Easter Eggs included throughout!

Actors: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett
Directors: Andrew Stanton
Number of discs: 5
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Disney-Pixar
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

“Finding Nemo” is one of Pixar’s best films to date and seems to only gets better with age…and the added dimension. It is hard to imagine that this film came out almost 10 years ago now. With a child of my own now (6 months old), I just can’t wait to share this film with her. As with past Disney 3D re-releases like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast”, “Finding Nemo” is the latest convert.  It looks great in the theaters but I honestly think it is better on its Blu-ray release. There are a few stand out scenes like the first encounter with Bruce the Shark. I seriously got goose bumps, when this scene came on the screen. The Deep Sea Angler scene was also very impressive as well, including a few great jumps from the audience. The overall depth of the presentation looks very impressive overall. “Monsters Inc.” is next for Pixar and then after that we have traditional animated “The Little Mermaid” getting pushed into the third dimension.  I can’t wait and will be counting down the days.

Official Premise: Sea it like never before! For the first time ever, through the magic of Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D, fully immerse yourself in the stunning underwater world of Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Nemo”! From the creators of “Toy Story” and “Monsters Inc.”, this critically acclaimed and heartwarming tale splashes off the screen with brilliant digital picture, high definition sound and breathtaking interactive 3D bonus features that transport you beyond your imagination. In the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, Marlin (Albert Brooks), an overly protective clownfish, embarks on a daring rescue mission when his beloved son, Nemo, gets scooped up by a diver. With his unforgettable friend Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) by his side, Marlin encounters an ocean full of memorable comedic characters on his momentous journey to find Nemo. Bring home the humor and heartfelt emotion of the epic adventure that captured the Academy Award for “Best Animated Feature Film” (2003) — now more awesome than ever on Disney Blu-ray 3D! It’s Magic In A New Dimension!

This Ultimate Collector’s Edition is presented as a five-disc combo with a Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy.  This is the first time that the film has ever been released on high-definition Blu-ray and boy, does it look absolutely perfect throughout its 1080p transfer.  The vast ocean world that we live in throughout this film literally looks stunning. The 3D MVC-encoded transfer adds the perfect amount of depth to the water and like I mentioned the key scenes mentioned above. To go along with the perfect video presentation, Disney has delivered an even better (if that is possible) Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround sound track. It works so well with Thomas Newman’s score and every wave and bump in the water throughout. There is also a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track included, which sounds equally good for those who don’t have 5.1 support.

The special features are perfect and even take a step up from the also newly released “Up” 3D Blu-ray. The “Cine-Explore” Picture-in- Picture commentary is really one of my new favorite features from Disney. It features Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Lee Unkrich and co-writer Bob Peterson as they breakdown every aspect of the film.  “Finding Nemo: A Filmmakers’ Roundtable” is a new exclusive roundtable, which reunites Stanton, Unkrich, Peterson, producer Graham Walters, production designer Ralph Eggleston and technical lead Oren Jacob to celebrate the film’s upcoming 10th anniversary. “Reinventing the Submarine Voyage” looks into the attraction in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. “A Lesson in Flashbacks” shows Stanton as he discusses the development of Nemo’s story. There is an alternate opening scene presented in through concept art. “Knick Knack” is a 1989 short that debuted in front of the film in its 2003 theatrical release. Lastly there are trailers and sneak peeks for “Monsters University”, “Monsters, Inc. 3D”, “Peter Pan: Diamond Edition” and “Planes”.

The rest of the special features are on Disc 3, also most in standard definition.  “Art Review” features an insight look from Production designer Ralph Eggleston, character art director Ricky Nierva and shading art director Robin Cooper. “Making Nemo” is a nearly 30 minutes behind-the-scenes documentary covering the production. “Exploring the Reef” is an short look at the world’s endangered coral reefs with Jean-Michel Cousteau. “Studio Tour” is a tour of Pixar Studios and its departments with Alexander Gould. “Old School” is short collection of various featurettes. There are seven short deleted scenes presented in storyboards format. There is three very funny outtakes. There are a bunch of publicity pieces including four trailers. “Mr. Ray’s Encyclopedia” is an interactive video look into the real undersea creatures. Lastly “Aquariums” is a collection of ocean floor screensavers, cool but too bad they are not in HD.

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Actors: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo
Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Number of discs: 5
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Disney-Pixar
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 96 minutes

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

I recently when through my 3D Blu-ray’s and I realized that “Up” was not among those.  “Up” was released in theaters in 3D back in 2009 and since then has never again been presented in that format.  I thought that it was a real shame since since this film delivered a really fantastic 3D experience. The 3D works so well with the depth and colors in the film.  It really pops out so well and leaves you trying not to blink to miss anything. The film is just so heartwarming and packs such a sweet and unique story.  “Up” stands today as one of my favorite Pixar films to date.  Luckily, Disney has delivered a fantastic 3D Blu-ray to give this film the respect it deserves.  With the film being released a few weeks prior to Christmas, it will make a nice Christmas gift both young and old.

Official Premise:  The 3D experience comes home with Disney·Pixar’s “Up,” the uplifting tale from the creators of “Monsters, Inc.” and “Finding Nemo.”  In 2009, “Up” was awarded two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. “Up” follows 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly imaginative adventure.

This release is presented as a five-disc combo with a Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy.  “Up” looks absolutely perfect throughout its 1080p transfer.  It is a real step up from the last time I saw this film on Disney Channel.   The scenery in the film looks so real that you can almost reach out and grab.  The 3D MVC-encoded completely immerses you into the world that Pixar has created and literally takes you up and out along with Carl’s house and his adventures. To go along with the perfect video presentation, Disney has delivered a likewise perfect DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. It works so well with Michael Giacchino’s beautiful score and the film’s action.

The special features are split over two Blu-rays.  Disc 2 includes a Cine-Explore commentary with Director Pete Docter and co-director Bob Peterson.  This is very informative and interesting Picture-in-Picture video commentary.  Fans of this film will enjoy to get immersed in this track. “Adventure Is Out There” follows Doctor and cast/crew with more production details and development of the story. “Partly Cloudy” is the wonderful animated short that premiered in front of the theatrical release. “Dug’s Special Mission” is an all new animated short with the film’s lovable and loyal dog. “The Many Endings of Muntz” is an alternate scene focusing on planning the for the film’s antagonist.

Disc 3 starts with a collection of seven fantastic production featurettes. The first is “Geriatric Hero”, which  focuses creating the character of Carl. “Canine Companions” looks into Muntz’ pack of dogs. “Wilderness Explorer” dives into the character of Russell. “Our Giant Flightless Friend” looks at how Kevin was created. “Homemakers of Pixar” looks at one of the film’s other main character, Carl’s house. “Balloons and Flight” looks into Carl’s houses wings and Muntz’ zeppelin. “Composing for Characters” is a nice chat with Michael Giacchino. These seven extras run just over 45 minutes. Next up is “Married Life” is is a collection of alternate scenes focusing on Carl and Ellie, one of my favorites. “Global Guardian Badge Game” is an interactive BD-Live kids game. Lastly there is a collection of “Up” promotional spots and worldwide trailers.

Now that the turkey has been put away and the last piece of pie has been eaten it’s time to turn our attention to the upcoming Holiday Movie Season.  In the next five weeks the best (and sometimes the worse) of Hollywood will be coming to a theatre near you.  With early shots like “Argo,” “Lincoln” and “Skyfall” opening earlier this month, not to mention this summer’s “The Dark Knight Rises,” the race to the Oscars has begun in earnest.  Here is a list of films opening between now and the end of the year.  Some synopsis information courtesy of our friends at the Internet Movie Database.  As always, dates shown are subject to change at the whim of the studio.

NOVEMBER 30

CALIFORNIA SOLO

Starring:  Robert Carlye,  Kathleen Wilhoite and Savannah Lathem.

Directed by:  Marshall Lewy

A former British rock star, now living in the states, is arrested for drunk driving and faces deportation.  Writer/director Lewy also wrote/helmed the entertaining “Blue State.”

OSCAR CHANCES:  No

THE COLLECTION

Starring:  Christopher McDonald, Randall Archer and Emma Fitzpatrick

Directed by:  Marcus Dunstan

After escaping from the grips of a serial killer known as “The Collector,” a father is forced to attempt to rescue his daughter from the Collector’s warehouse.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Won’t scare up any.

DRAGON

Starring:  Kara Hui, Wu Jiang and Takeshi Kanashiro

Directed by:  Peter Chan

Hoping to retire to a quiet and more peaceful life a former martial arts master finds himself pursued by his former master and a skilled detective.  After premiering at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival “Dragon” finally makes it to theatres.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Unless it’s another “Departed” I’m going to say “no.”

KILLING THEM SOFTLY

Starring:  Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini

Directed by:  Andrew Dominik

A professional “enforcer” is called in to investigate a heist that went down during a mob-protected poker game.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Gandolfini chewing the scenery should be epic.

UNIVERSAL SOLDIER:  DAY OF RECKONING

Starring:  Jean Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren and Scott

Directed by:   John Hyams

After a home invasion claims his wife and daughter a man vows to take down Luc Deveraux (JCVD, baby!). If the WGA is to be believed it took no less than EIGHT people to write this thing.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Only if they give an award for most writers on a film heading straight to video by Valentine’s Day.

DECEMBER 7

DEADFALL

Starring:  Eric Bana and Olivia Wilde

Directed by:  Stefan Ruzowitzky

After a disastrous attempt to rob a casino a man and his sister accidentally end up at the same Thanksgiving celebration.  Nothing says “family” like Turkey and larceny.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Bana has a better chance playing the Hulk again.

THE FITZGERALD FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Starring:  Ed Lauter and Edward Burns

Directed by:  Edward Burns

If there’s an Irish surname in the title (“The Brothers McMullen,” “The Fighting Fitzgeralds”) you can bet it’s an Ed Burns film!  This one features Lauter as a father having Thanksgiving Dinner with his family 20 years after he walked out on them.  I sense a “Thanksgiving” theme coming on Pearl Harbor Day.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Actually Burns is a pretty good storyteller so….maybe?

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

Starring:  Bill Murray and Laura Linney

Directed by:  Roger Michell

Remember the look on Bill Murray’s face when Sean Penn won the Oscar over him?  If early word is to be believed he may have a second chance this year with his portrayal of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  Here, FDR hosts the King and Queen of England with the help of his distant cousin (and lover) Margaret Suckley.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Come on Billy Boy!

LAY THE FAVORITE

Starring:  Bruce Willis and Rebecca Hall

Directed by:  Stephen Frears

A sports gambler falls for a casino waitress who also has a way with laying a bet or two.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Frears has been nominated twice for Best Director but not sure if this is going to make three.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Starring:  Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel and Dennis Quaid

Directed by:  Gabrielle Muccino

A down on his luck former soccer player starts coaching his son’s team and meets attractive single moms, which I’m sure just makes him sexier in his ex-wife’s eyes.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Best Abs?

DECEMBER 14

THE HOBBIT:  AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Starring:  Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage and Ian McKellen

Directed by:  Peter Jackson

Bilbo Baggins journeys to the Lonely Mountain accompanied by a group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy earned 30 Oscar nominations and took home 17 awards.  I don’t see the well running dry any time soon.

STAND UP GUYS

Starring:  Christopher Walken and Al Pacino

Directed by:  Fisher Stevens

An impressionist’s dream as two of the most imitated actors EVER team up as a couple of old gangsters who decide to “get the band back together.”  Directed by the scientist who created Johnny 5 in “Short Circuit.”

OSCAR CHANCES:  Probably not but watching Walken and Pacino on screen together is award enough!

DECEMBER 19

MONSTERS INC. 3D

Starring the voices of:  Billy Crystal and John Goodman

Directed by:  Pete Docter, David Silverman and Lee Unkrich

Mike, Sully and little Boo return in the 2001 PIXAR classic with the added touch of the third dimension.

OSCAR CHANCES:  The film was nominated for four Academy Awards and won the Oscar for Best Original Song.  For you trivia buffs, it lost the Best Animated Feature award to “Shrek.”

ZERO DARK THIRTY

Starring:  Jessica Chastain and Chris Pratt

Directed by:  Kathryn Bigelow

Isn’t life funny?  You’re all set to make a film detailing the decade long search for Osama bin Laden when a team of Navy Seals raid his compound and pop a new asshole in his forehead.  Rewrite!  Bigelow and writer Mark Boal, who both won Oscars for “The Hurt Locker,” reunite for what is sure to be one of the most controversial films of the season.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Depending on the political climate in Hollywood, either a bunch or nothing.

DECEMBER 21

THE IMPOSSIBLE

Starring:  Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor

Directed by:  Juan Antonio Bayona

After being swept up in a terrible tsunami a family of five find themselves separated.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Friends who have seen it tell me the performances are wrenching.  Perhaps a nod for Watts?

JACK REACHER

Starring:  Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike

Directed by:  Christopher McQuarrie

Based on Lee Child’s best-selling novel series, homicide investigator goes on a hunt for a sniper who has shot five seemingly random victims.  Writer/director McQuarrie won an Oscar for his screenplay for “The Usual Suspects.”  He also wrote “Valkrie” for Cruise and is the star’s choice to write and direct “Mission: Impossible 5.”

OSCAR CHANCES:   In real life Cruise is ten inches shorter than the title character…maybe best visual effects?

NOT FADE AWAY

Starring:  James Gandolfini and Christopher McDonald

Directed by:  David Chase

A group of New Jersey friends in the 60s form a band and aspire for the big time!  This is the feature film debut of “The Sopranos” creator Chase.

OSCAR CHANCES:  The 2^nd time I’ve mentioned Gandolfini….could be an omen!

ON THE ROAD

Starring:  Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund and Kristen Stewart

Directed by:  Walter Salles

Three friends travel across the country in a 1949 Hudson.  Based on Jack Kerouac’s classic novel, which despite being over five decades old, has never been adapted for a film.

OSCAR CHANCES:  When your source material is one of the greatest novels of the 20^th Century an adapted screenplay nomination isn’t out of the question.

THIS IS 40

Starring:  Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann

Directed by:  Judd Apatow

If you really liked “Knocked Up” and left the theatre wondering what happened to the married couple with the cute kids you’re in luck!  This movie is all about them.  Nobody does funny/raunchy/sweet better than Judd Apatow.

OSCAR CHANCES:  The last comedy to win an Oscar for Best Picture was “Annie Hall.”  IN 1978!!

DECEMBER 25

 
DJANGO UNCHAINED

Starring:  Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Samuel L. Jackson

Directed by:  Quentin Tarantino

Can it really be just 20 years since QT burst onto the scene with “Reservoir Dogs?”  Yes it can.  For his seventh feature (I count “Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2” as one film) Tarantino tells the story of a former slave turned bounty hunter who is searching for his wife, still being held in captivity by an evil master.

OSCAR CHANCES:  NEVER bet against the former Video Archives clerk!

LES MISERABLES

Starring:  Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway

Directed by:  Tom Hooper

March 1987.  I’m walking through Times Square at about midnight when I find myself face to face with Colm Wilkinson and Terrence Mann (the actor, not the character played by James Earl Jones in “Field of Dreams”) who were both starring in the new musical “Les Miserables.”  “Someday,” I told them, they’re going to make a movie out of that show you’re in!”  OK, the second part I made up.  One of the greatest musicals of all time finally makes it to the big screen.

OSCAR CHANCES:  If Jackman can pull of “Bring Him Home” then a noms in the bag.  Hathaway already seems like a lock.  Hooper took home the directing Oscar for “The King’s Speech.”

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

Starring:  Billy Crystal and Bette Midler

Directed by:  Andy Fickman

Old school grandparents  clash with their grandchildren when they are asked to watch them by their daughter.

OSCAR CHANCES:  If Bette ain’t singing it ain’t happening!

WEST OF MEMPHIS

Documentary

Directed by:  Amy Berg

In 1993 three young boys were brutally murdered.  Three teenagers were tried for the crimes and sent to prison.  But the evidence never added up.  Peter Jackson produced this story of the West Memphis Three, who were finally released from prison last year.  If you’ve seen the HBO “Paradise Lost” trilogy then you’re familiar with the story.

OSCAR CHANCES:  With the celebrity clout of such stars like Johnny Depp in their corner should be a lock for a Best Documentary Feature nod.

DECEMBER 28

PROMISED LAND

Starring:  Matt Damon and John Krasinski

Directed by:  Gus Van Sant

In this topical drama, a natural-gas company big shot takes on an environmentalist to debate the issue of fracking.  Damon and Krasinski wrote the script.

OSCAR CHANCES:   The last time Damon shared a screenwriting credit it was on a little movie called “Good Wil Hunting,” which earned him and Ben Affleck an Oscar.

QUARTET

Starring:  Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon

Directed by:  Dustin Hoffman

Forty-five years after “The Graduate,” Dustin Hoffman makes his directing debut with a film based on the acclaimed play by Ronald Harwood.  At a home for retired opera singers, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday is disrupted by the arrival of an eternal diva…the former wife of one of the residents.

OSCAR CHANCES:  Possibly.  This is the kind of movie the old guard at the Academy loves!

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Actors: Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, CJ Adams
Directors: Peter Hedges
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Disney
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 105 minutes

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

When it comes to the whole family movie genre, it usually lands too cheesy or too kiddy.  But “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” is a nice blend of comedy, drama and inspiration for the whole family.  When this film was in theaters, I wasn’t particularly interested in the film but I figured I would give it a shot on Blu-ray.  The cast is good but Edgerton feels a little out of place from his roles in “Warrior” and “The Thing”. Garner is good as the neurotic mother. I expect we will be seeing a lot of CJ Adams, he definitely had a lot of potential.  So get the family together and get ready to get the chills.

Official Premise: Disney brings enchantment home with The Odd Life Of Timothy Green, an inspiring, magical story for the whole family starring Jennifer Garner. Cindy (Garner) and Jim Green are a happily married couple who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim – and their small town of Stanleyville – learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts.

Disney released this film in a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD included.  The film delivers a beautiful video presentation with its 1080p transfer. Geoff Zanelli’s score really seals the deal with its very sharp DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. The special features included are a “This is Family”, which is a look into how the story became. “The Gift of Music” is a feature on Glen Hansard’s song ‘This Gift’ and Geoff Zanelli’s score. There is also a music video for Hansard’s song. There is a audio commentary track from the director, Peter Hodges. Lastly, there are five deleted scenes included with optional commentary tracks available from the director.

SUSHI GIRL centers on the compelling character of a man called “Fish,” just released after six years in jail after successfully not ratting on those involved in the robbery that sent him to prison. The night he is released, the men he protected with silence celebrate his freedom with a congratulatory dinner. The meal is a lavish array of sushi, served off the naked body of a beautiful young woman. The sushi girl seems catatonic, trained to ignore everything in the room, even if things become dangerous. Sure enough, the unwieldy thieves can’t help but open old wounds in an attempt to find their missing loot, with violent results.

Media Mikes had been working and promoting this film since August 2011. “Sushi Girl” is finally being released on VOD everywhere on November 27th, 2012 and in theaters on January 4th, 2013. It has been a long road for this little-movie-that-could but it deserves the attention. “Sushi Girl” is easily one of my favorite films of 2012. We got a chance to finally complete our interview series with the legendary Mark Hamill (“Star Wars”) and Noah Hathaway (“The Neverending Story”). We are proud to be supporting this film and hope you enjoy!

Directed by: Kern Saxton
Written by: Kern Saxton and Destin Pfaff
Produced by: Neal Fischer, Destin Pfaff, Kern Saxton, and Suren M. Seron
Cast: Tony Todd, James Duval, Noah Hathaway, Andy Mackenzie and Mark Hamill, Cyrus Alexander, Michael Biehn, Sonny Chiba, David Dastmalchian, Jeff Fahey, David Reynolds, Ted Stryker, Danny Trejo, introducing Cortney Palm

Find out more at our official site: http://www.sushigirlmovie.com/
Follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/SushiGirlMovie
Exclusive Facebook Content: http://www.facebook.com/SushiGirlMovie
Check out our IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606339/

Actors: Paul McCartney
Directed by: Jonas Åkerlund
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Run Time: 120 minutes

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

Paul McCartney is showing no signs of slowing down since his days The Beatles. This latest DVD release is a capture of one of the most intimate concerts as he performs his songs from his critically acclaimed album “Kisses On The Bottom”.  It was recorded and filmed at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, February 2012.  The new album has this simple yet addicting factor to it.  I have been listening to it on loop since it’s release.  It has every inspired art creations from my mother-in-law from the track “The Inch Worm”. The release is another gem from Eagle Rock and a must purchase for all Beatles and fans of McCarthy.

The packaging on this release is very notable as well.  The DVD comes in a really great book format including spectacular a sweet 40 page hardback book, which features an extensive collection of photographs from the event and rehearsals. This concert includes 13 tracks from the album and also reunites McCartney with the all-star musicians who joined him to record the album originally. The audio and video on the DVD are great and really capture the charm from this very intimate concert film.

Official Premise: Live Kisses captures Paul McCartney performing the songs from his acclaimed Kisses On The Bottom album live from the legendary Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Paul is joined by a virtuoso group of musicians led by Diana Krall on the piano in these sparkling renditions of classic songs from the American songbook and the wonderful new song My Valentine. In between the songs there are interview clips with Paul, Diana Krall and many of those involved in the recording of the Kisses On The Bottom album. This is an intimate and charming performance which adds yet another facet to Paul McCartney’s already broad canvas of talents.

The special features included are quite impressive as well.  There are six different versions of the “My Valentine” music video, which are directed by Paul McCartney and starring Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman.  There is a featurette on the “Making My Valentine”. There are two short films with behind-the-scenes footage filmed at the album photoshoot for “Kisses On The Bottom”. Lastly there is an interview with Paul McCartney and producer Tommy LiPuma discussing “Kisses on the Bottom”.

TRACK LISTING:
1) I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
2) Home (When Shadows Fall)
3) It’s Only A Paper Moon
4) The Glory Of Love
5) More I Cannot Wish You
6) We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me)
7) Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
8) My Valentine
9) Always
10) My Very Good Friend The Milkman
11) Bye Bye Blackbird
12) Get Yourself Another Fool
13) My One And Only Love