Director: William Brent Bell
Starring: Fernanda Andrade, Simon Quarterman, Evan Helmuth
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: May 15, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 87 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

When it comes to film’s about exorcism, I always have a sweet spot. If you mix that with the return of the found-footage genre, thanks to “Paranormal Activity”, you get a winner. This film got a lot of shit for its ending but if you are a horror fan at all, I have to aask what did you expect? And if you aren’t a horror fan, why the hell you seeing this movie? The film was shot for a very low budget and in that budget it manages to delivers some great effects a long with an interesting story. I say bring on “The Devil Inside 2”, can’t be any worse that “The Exorcist II: Heretic”.

The film follows a young girl, Isabella, who wants to find out the truth about her mother, Maria Rossi. In 1989, she was arrested for killing three people during a supposed exorcism on herself. She is moved to a hospital in Italy for “undisclosed reason” and Isabella wants to get to the bottom of her condition. She hires a filmmaker to film her on her journey to Italy to learn more about exorcisms and her mothers situation. After meeting with her mother, she finds that she is involved with more than she can handle and the devil is definitely real.

The Blu-ray looks good for a found-footage film. It is presented in 1080p widescreen with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, which delivers a few great spooks. Currently this film is only available to purchase exclusively at Best Buy. If you are looking for special features on this film, you’ll be disappointed. It is completely bare-bones, not even a trailer. I really hope that when they release this everywhere else that they will re-work this release and include some extras.

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris and Ben Kingsley
Directed by: Larry Charles
R
Running time: 1 hour 25
Paramount

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When a film opens with a dedication to the late Korean leader Kim Jong Il you know you’re going to be taking a politically incorrect ride. And when the film comes from the mind of the brilliant Sacha Baron Cohen, you know it’s going to be hilarious.

Unlike his previous faux documentaries featuring his characters Borat and Bruno, “The Dictator” finds Cohen starring as Admiral General Aladeen, the title dictator of the North African county of Widya. Aladeen rules with a heavy fist. Disagree with something he says, block his way on the stairs or forget to offer him the prize that came out of your box of cereal and, with a quick flick of his hand past his neck, you’re taken away. He has survived many assassination plots, mostly because his chief of staff (Kingsley) has a stable of doubles around whose main job is to get shot in the head. Tired of the atrocities going on in his country, the United Nations summon Aladeen to New York, demanding he address the group and his country’s presumed search for nuclear power. But when Aladeen finds himself on the outside looking in he must also look inside himself for the answers.

Sharing screenwriting duties with three others, Cohen has crafted a masterpiece of political incorrectness. No one is spared here, especially those of the Jewish faith. A devout Jew himself, Cohen proves that often it is necessary to point out our faults and prejudices with laughter rather than anger. The laughs are pretty much non-stop and if you’re familiar with “Borat” or “Bruno” then you know you’re going to see and hear a lot more then you’d expect in a film. Cohen is top notch in what amounts to a dual role, as are co-stars Faris, in a rare appearance as a comic straight man, and Oscar-winner Kingsley. Supporting turns by Aasif Mandvi, Chris Parnell and others keep the laughs coming at a very brisk pace. The film is accompanied by a collection of recognizable songs, though they seem new because each song is now sung in Widyan. The musical score, by Cohen’s older brother Erran, is also a fine compliment to the film.

In the kingdom of comedy there is currently only one ruler. Hail Sacha Baron Cohen!

Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green
Directed by: Tim Burton
PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 53 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

As a boy of 10 I would run home from school every afternoon to catch the gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows.” The story of 18th century vampire Barnabas Collins roaming the streets in modern times, the show aired on ABC for six seasons and was a great training ground for future television stars like Kate Jackson, Dana Elcar, Conrad Bain, Abe Vigoda and David Groh. Even Harvey Keitel appeared in a couple of episodes. The show was unusual for its time as it blended romance and comedy with a dash of horror. This week, director Tim Burton and his frequent star Johnny Depp add their own quirky touches to a film that pays perfect homage to the series that inspired it.

In the 1750s, young Barnabas Collins (Justin Tracy) and his family leave Liverpool and head for the new world. There his father begins building his fortune in the fishing business. Though the family is well off, his father reminds Barnabas of the most important thing…”family is the only real wealth.” Barnabas is in love with the beautiful Josette (Bella Heathcote). However he has also dabbled around with the mysterious Angelique (Green). When he refuses Angelique’s pleas to be hers only she flies into a rage. It seems Angelique is a witch. She punishes Barnabas’ rejection by turning him into a vampire and then turning the town on him. He is quickly spirited off to the woods, chained into a coffin and buried, condemned to spend the rest of his unnatural life in darkness.

1972. In the town of Collinsport, Maine a construction crew unearths an odd object. Opening it they are suddenly attacked. Soon they are all dead, their blood drained from their bodies. As the police investigate a bus carrying the fair Victoria (also Heathcote) arrives. She has come to apply for the nanny position being advertised for by Elizabeth Collins Stafford (Pfeiffer). Upon arrival at the family mansion, she is quickly introduced to the residents: handyman Willie (Jackie Earle Haley), Elizabeth’s brother, Roger (Jonny Lee Miller), her daughter Carolyn (Chloe Grace Mortez), her nephew David (Gulliver McGrath) and the family psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter). Finding his way to the mansion, Barnabas introduces himself and begins to assimilate himself back into the family. And a lost love to regain.

Cleverly written by Seth Grahame-Smith (author of the novel, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Killer”), “Dark Shadows” is a faithful homage to the television show I remember, with a little more humor thrown in to keep the youngsters interested. The cast does a fine job with their character development, with Depp leading the way. His Barnabas is youthful in appearance and, as the 1970s were a time of unusual mod fashion, he blends right in. He is puzzled by some of the achievements he has missed, as well as finding the most comfortable place to take a nap. He also doesn’t understand why 15-year old Carolyn isn’t married yet (surprised, he tells her that she must “put her child bearing hips to good use”). Here horror takes a backseat to comedy, but the jokes work a majority of the time. The special effects are tame, as is the on-screen violence. But the film is not out to shock, it’s out to enlighten. As Barnabas begins to stir things up, he soon learns that, like his father used to tell him, family IS important. And it is this lesson that Barnabas uses to educate the others.

The film is typically Burton, combining color and whimsy together to form a backdrop that keeps the film moving at a brisk pace. The cast has fun with their roles, as well as with the early 1970s backdrop. The musical score, by long time Burton collaborator Danny Elfman, lends the film a perfect accompaniment. Like Steven Spielberg and John Williams, the two artists seem to share similar visions when discussing film. As a tribute to a television classic, “Dark Shadows” is right on the mark.

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Starring: Judi Dench, Dev Patel and Bill Nighy
Directed by: John Madden
PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 3 mins
Fox Searchlight

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This time of year brings many surprises to the multiplex. This season’s first surprise is a charming film packed with a who’s who of some of the greatest actors to ever come out of England. The film is called “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and it’s a fine diversion from the super heroes and animated fare that fills theatres in the summer months.

The story concerns a group of Brit senior citizens looking for a way to keep their autumn years comfortable. Evelyn (Dench) is recently widowed and learning that her husband has left her in a considerable amount of debt. Graham (Tom Wilkinson) is a retired judge who still regrets leaving the love of his youth. Douglas and Jean (Nighy and Penelope Wilton) are a couple of civil servants trying to rekindle the sparks of their marriage. These people and others are drawn to a brochure they are sent from India advertising the opulent Marigold Hotel. Soon the group is off to Jaipur, hoping to spread their retirement money out longer in the Indian economy. However, when they arrive they discover that the hotel is not as fancy as pictured. The phones don’t work, the faucets drip and not all of the rooms have doors. However, inspired by the passion of the hotel’s young owner/manager Sonny (Patel) the palace they imagined begins to take shape.

Skillfully acted by a group that has, between them, 14 Academy Award nominations and 3 Oscars (not to mention the one Bill Nighy should have won for “Love Actually”), the film is the greatest assemblage of British talent since the last “Harry Potter” film. As each person begins to deal with their new surroundings, the story enfolds, enveloping each of them with the magic that Sonny is trying to restore to his family’s hotel. Also along for the trip is Mrs. Donnelly (Maggie Smith) who, rather than wait on a rather long list for a hip transplant, takes advantage of the cost and availability of Indian medicine and two seniors (Celia Imrie and Ronald Pickup) still looking for the excitement that love brings. There are secrets to be discovered, of course, and that is what makes this rather exotic trip worthwhile. Patel brings the same youthful ambition here that he displayed in “Slumdog Millionaire” and more then holds his own against his older co-stars. On the technical side, the film is brilliant with the colors and sights of India, delivering a much more nuanced vision of the country then the one featured in many films. Director Madden keeps the pace moving briskly, helped mightily by a witty script by Ol Parker, based on Deborah Moggach’s novel, “These Foolish Things.”

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Directed by: James Neilson
Starring: Raquel Welch, James Stacy, Luke Askew
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 99 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to watching Raquel Welch in a film, you do not have to ask me twice. Especially Raquel Welch from 1969 wearing tight clothes and playing an exotic dancer. The film itself though is definitely something out of the 60’s and doesn’t know whether it wants to be a thriller or a romance. It switches genres so much that I at times forgot that it focuses on a psychopath chasing her character. The coolest part of this film is seeing Las Vegas in 1969 but it doesn’t last long. Overall, definitely not one of her finest films but not the worst either I am sure.

The DVD box labels this film as PG-13 but I am not sure how that is since the film has a bunch of nude women dancing in the opening 30 minutes of the film. The DVD is presented in 16X9 full frame and in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Since this film has never been released on DVD, you can thank Warner Archive again for this.  Like all Warner Archive films though, there are no special features included with this release but at least it is finally on DVD.

Premise: A homicidal maniac engages a frightened young woman in a deadly game of cat and mouse in this harrowing suspense thriller starring Raquel Welch. When Alan Morris (Luke Askew) guns down his estranged wife in cold blood, no one is more terrified than Michele (Welch), the Vegas showgirl Alan blames for turning his wife against him. Realizing that she’s the murderer’s next target, Michele begins a desperate game of hide-and-seek, hoping to elude Alan in the crowded streets of Los Angeles. After several near misses, the killer finally corners his elusive prey, leading to a showdown that ignites the screen in a blaze of fury. Filmed on location in several fabled Las Vegas and Los Angeles night spots, Flareup grabs your attention and never lets go. From its action-packed beginning to the sensational conclusion, it’ll keep you gasping.

Lionsgate is releasing WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING on May 18th and Media Mikes is proud to give you the opportunity to attend an advance screening in the Orlando FL area. If you would like to advance tickets, “LIKE” our Facebook page and post “Expecting”. If you’re already a fan of our Facebook page, just head over and post “Expecting”. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid.

If you would like tickets to this film, head over to http://www.gofobo.com/RSVP and enter the following code (ALL CAPS): MEDIAMU137.  This is first come first serve and will sell out FAST!! Get it quickly!!

The screening details are:
Monday, May 14th
AMC Altamonte
7:30pm

The film is based off the book of the same name from Heidi Murkoff & Sharon Mazel and packs an ensemble cast including: Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Brooklyn Decker, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Rodrigo Santoro, Rob Huebel, Thomas Lennon, Chace Crawford, with Dennis Quaid, and Chris Rock.

Check out the official website for the film: http://www.whattoexpectthefilm.com/

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Narrated by: Erik Thompson
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: A&E Home Video
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Episodes: 14
Running Time: 658 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

At the end of season five, “The Universe” series was thought to been done. But I guess there is always more to showcase when it comes to the unknown reaches of “The Universe”. Thanks to H2 (aka History 2) for producing this sixth season, I hope they continue to as well going forward. It is said that season 6 was even produced in 3D. But no idea why it was not release on 3D Blu-ray. I would have been all over that. I enjoyed this season just liked the past five but I wish it was longer than seven episodes, which is the shortest season to date.

There are fourteen episodes included in this season.  In “Catastrophes that Changed the Planets” focuses on the events that shaped our planets. “Nemesis: The Sun’s Evil Twin” explores the existence of Nemesis and it’s affects. “How the Solar System was Made” covers from the birth from a thin cloud of dust and gas. “Crash Landing on Mars” discusses a “what-if” scenario about the first manned mission to Mars. “Worst Days on Planet Earth” reveals new discoveries that might have plagued Earth in the past. “UFO: The Real Deal” focuses on our unknown visitors. “God and the Universe” takes a scientific journey to find God. “How Big, How Far, How Fast” turns to astronomers who attempt to push the size, distance and speed within our universe.

The following episodes were not aired prior to this release. “Our Place in the Milky Way” focusing on how much we don’t know about it. “Alien Sounds” examines the probability of sounds from outer space. “Deep Freeze” looks at the coldest places in the universe. “Microscopic Universe” focuses on a different sort of universe, one of subatomic particle and quantum physics. “Ride the Comet” focuses on the ancient belief of comets. Lastly there is “When Space Changed History”, which focuses many different theories including a number of cataclysms, including the Biblical flood of Noah and Epic of Gilgamesh.

The Blu-ray presentation it self is impressive. The season is spread out over three Blu-ray discs. The 1080p transfer looks fantastic as usual and the CGI in the season is very impressive. I was not 100% satisfied with the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track though, I thought it was good but lacking for a show that relies so much on its special effects. Lastly there is no special features on this set unfortunately.  If you are reading this H2, keep making this series and release this season in 3D, since it was shot in it.

Original Aired on: The History Channel
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: A&E Home Video
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Runing Time: 88 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I don’t know what it is about programs on The History Channel but I am total sucker. Especially about the cool topic like the creation of our world! And especially in 3D! This is not the first time The History Channel has released their specials in 3D, there was “WWII in 3D”, which was released earlier this year. Overall, I was entertained and also learned a little bit as well.

This special focused on everything about our world from the formation of the earth to the creation of life to the growth of civilization. The CGI is very impressive and works really well with the 3D. The visual effects really popped out and really sold the special for me.  I just wish that this wasn’t limited to two hours and lasted longer as a series. Though for what it is it definitely flies through 14 billion years of history quite well and still manages to keep your interest spiked.

There are no special features included on this release, so that is a little disappointing overall but they have the two hours so packed with information and entertainment, I barely realized. The only thing about this film that made me laugh is that it is called “History of the World in Two Hours” but only runs 88 minutes. But of course, it had to be adjusted for commercials on TV.  If anyone related to The History Channel reads this, please produce more specials in 3D, I have really enjoyed them thus far. It is a great way to take learning to the third dimension. In fact, I would actually love to see a full series in 3D like “The Universe”.

Directed by: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim
Starring: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, John C. Reilly, Will Forte
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Running Time: 94 minutes

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

Tim and Eric are definitely one of my favorite comedy duos. Ever since “Tom Goes to the Mayor, they have continued to make awkward comedy…cool! “Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!” was one of my favorites show on television and this movie is just a giant blown-up sketch and succeeds in all areas. The main and only real probably with this film is that it will not appeal to “non Tim and Eric” fans. It is mainstream to the point of production but not beyond that. I have seen this film many times and I find that each time I like it more and more. I look forward to seeing what they will come up with next…”Trillion Dollar Movie??”

“Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie’ is definitely the weirdest comedy of the year, no question. If you are a fan of long stretches of awkwardness and zany humor, this will be the film for you to check out. The basic premise for the movie is that they blow a billion dollars making a movie and escape Hollywood to go run a mall.  That’s about it. If you are looking for all the familiar faces from “Awesome Show”, you will see them but they are very minor. Palmer Scott playing the Shrim God, steals the show.  I don’t blame Tim and Eric for focusing on the bankable names in the movie like Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, John C. Reilly and Will Forte, especially since they all have worked with Tim and Eric before.

The Blu-ray presentation overall is impressive.  The video looks sharp but of course there is Tim and Eric’s trademark VHS-quality sketches as well. The sound is also good with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, but doesn’t really push it too much.   The Blu-ray combo pack also comes with a DVD and digital copy of the film.  I like this option in case I am at work and don’t have access to a DVD player or I am on the road and have the digital option.  I wish they would switch to digital streaming service, Ultraviolet though.

The special features are decent but I was hoping for a little more I think. There is a decent yet a bit restrained audio commentary track with Tim and Eric. There are eight deleted scenes, including a commercial for EZ Swords, and are worth checking out. There is about three improved extended scenes, which run about 20 minutes. “Good Evening S’Wallow Valley” is a basic behind-the-scenes promo but with a Tim and Eric twist. There is an incredibly awkward and long interview with Tim and Eric. “HDNet: A Look at Tim & Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie” is the typical Magnolia piece. The coolest feature has to be “Shim Dance Screensaver”, which runs content for almost five hours. Lastly there are a bunch of promo videos and trailers included.

Directed by: Joe D’amato, Charles B. Pierce, Paul Maslansky, Abel Ferrara
Starring: Tisa Farrow, Christina Lindberg, David Hess, Robert Quarry, Linda Blair
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Synapse Films
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Running Time: 225 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I just love the Blu-ray format. The “42nd Street Forever” series has been released before but over various different volumes on DVD. So what is “42nd Street Forever”? Well if you are a fan of grindhouse and exploitation films, then it is your new favorite Blu-ray! This is a best of collection that includes an amazing collection of vintage theatrical trailers. It combines the first two volumes of the series and even adds in with some all-new selections.

No matter what you are looking for sex, violence or monsters, this includes all that and a whole lot more. Being a born New Yorker, I remember walking the streets of the city and being intrigued with the infamous 42nd Street many years ago. Though, I wasn’t around from the late-’50s through the 1970s but thanks to Synapse Films we are able to experience a little piece through these trailers. What is even cooler about this release is that there is over three and a half hours of trailers from all over the world. So sit down get, get your popcorn and get ready to get your blown away with the charm of 42nd street.

Just to give you an idea of some of the trailers included are: The Flesh And Blood Show, The .44 Specialist, Ginger, The Grim Reaper, The Guy From Harlem, Hard Candy, Helga, Hells Angels On Wheels, Honky, I, A Woman, I Disremember Mama/Blood Spattered Bride, Invitation To Ruin, The Italian Stallion, Maid In Sweden, Mark Of The Witch, Ms. 45, Panorama Blue, The Pink Angels, The Pom Pom Girls, The Raiders Of Atlantis, Savage!, Savage Sisters, Secret Africa, Shocking Asia, Shogun Assassin, Spy In Your Eye, Street Girls, Sugar Hill, Super Fuzz, Supermanchu, Taboos Of The World, The Tale Of The Dean’s Wife, The Teacher, They Call Her One Eye, They Came From Beyond Space, The 3 Dimensions Of Greta, The Undertaker Ana His Pals, Welcome Home, Brother Charles, Werewolves On Wheels, When Women Had Tails, Wicked Wicked and Many More!

This release looks absolutely stunning in its remastered 1080p high definition transfer. Of course, some of the trailers are not the best quality but that is just expected especially with exploitation films. Just be warned, keep the kiddies (and maybe even wife’s) away because this is not afraid to offend you at all. If all that isn’t enough, there is also I hope that Synapse will release the future volumes on Blu-ray as well or at least continue to release the films from these trailers on Blu-ray. Keep it up Synapse you guys have never disappointed yet.

Starring: Frank Sinatra
Number of discs: 10
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 3, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love “ol’ blue eyes”? Frank Sinatra is a true Hollywood legend. He did it all, singer…actor…all around superstar. Unlike some musicians who decide to act, Frank actually has the chops and is an Academy Award Winner. This collection includes ten of his signature films, which cover the basis of Sinatra’s acting career. This set has got everything from musicals to dramas to action-adventures and just completely captures the phenomenal range and talent of this amazing man.

The 10 films are: The Pride And The Passion / Kings Go Forth / A Hole In The Head / Can-Can / The Manchurian Candidate (1962) / Von Ryan’s Express / Cast A Giant Shadow / Tony Rome / The Detective / Lady In Cement.  Some of my favorites are Oscar nominees like “Can-Can” and “The Manchurian Candidate”.  “A Hole in the Head” is another classic directed by Frank Capra and is an Academy Award winner for Best Music/Song.    This set has seriously got it all, I just love its range.  The aspect ratios of each film slightly differ but they are still sharp and very impressive.

The film collection consists of two volumes and packaging is very impressive.  Sometimes with box sets, they are just bare bones but these really are impressive with great images and all around classy release just like Frank himself. All Thanks to Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for releasing this great collection.  Even if you have never seen a single Sinatra movie, this will be a great introduction into his film career.  Of course, upon first look at this set my wife’s first comment was “Wait, no ‘On The Town'”.  Though there is still enough great entertainment here to satisfy your fix of Sinatra.

Directed by: Herve de Crecy, Francois Alaux
Starring: Radek Bruna and Mark Ivanir
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: New Video
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 25 minutes

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

A live-action “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon” film…where do I sign up. This film is a sharp and fantastic attempt to showcase the charm of this series. The only bad thing about short film is that it is a ‘short film’, I would have loved to seen this go feature length. This film will be put out to time with the release of Ubisoft’s “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Future Soldier” video game for Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. The film is produced by Little Minx aka Ridley Scott, so you know that you are not getting some cheesy low-budget action. This film contains some great action and impressive CGI. New Video also released last year the brilliant “Assassin’s Creed: Lineage”, live-action prequel as well. What’s next guys? We want more!!??

If you are aware of the “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon” franchise, you will know that the ghosts are the world’s most highly trained and lethal soldiers. This film is a specifically a prequel to the new video game “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Future Soldier”. It focuses on what happens when the Ghosts are dropped behind behind lines in hopes to eliminate one of the world’s biggest terrorists. This film also boasts the amazing cinematography from Trent Opaloch, known best for his work on “District 9”.

This release not only comes with a Blu-ray disc but also a DVD disc as well. The video looks great in its high-def 1080p transfer. The audio is also very impressive and packed with a fantastic score. There are only two special features but they are very impressive and worth the purchase of this film alone. There is 30 minute making-of featurette, which is longer than the film itself and really dives into all aspects including the special effects, the production and even the score. Lastly there is the 2010 Comic-Con teaser included. If you are fan of the series, this is a must purchase.

Directed by: Tom Caltabiano
Starring: Ray Romano, Tom Caltabiano
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Video Services Corp.
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 79 minutes

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

With a tagline like “1000 Miles. 8 Days. 7 Cities. 2 Friends. 1 Car. Never Again”, the film sets itself up for a wild ride. Well it delivers for the most-part. The film definitely feels aged, since it was original released back in 2006 and premiered on HBO back in July of 2007. I am a big sucker for Ray Romano though, I am not sure if it is his unique voice or sense of humor but I have always liked his work. This behind-the-scenes documentary on his comedy tour delivers some good laughs, though I actually enjoyed the special features much more than I did the feature itself.

This film follows Ray Romano and Tom Caltabiano as they travel for through eight-day drive on a stand-up comedy tour. The film is a raw look behind the scenes at Ray’s road to bringing his comedy to the stage and Tom being featured as his opening act. We see the real aspects of touring dealing with Ray’s obsessions, phobias, and insecurities. Since this a filmed a long time ago, it is a dated since Ray’s career has survived way past his days on “Everybody Love Raymond” though it is still for the most part entertaining.

The special features is where this release really shines. The film only lasts 79 minutes but there is tons of great additional footage. There is a full 30 minute set for “Ray’s Kansas City Stand-Up Show”. There are two Q&A sessions from South by Southwest. There is a video commentary with both Ray and Tom. There are two commentary tracks included from director Tom Caltabiano, composer Adam Gorgoni, cinematographer Roger Lay Jr. and editor Cheyenne Pesko. There are a bunch of deleted and extended scenes included as well, definitely worth checking out. Lastly there is a photo gallery and theatrical trailer also included.

Directed by: Edward Burns
Starring: Edward Burns, Max Baker, Kerry Bishe, Caitlin Fitzgerald
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: New Video
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 96 minutes

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

Edward Burns is known for his love of New York and shooting movies in New York, since his first film “The Brothers McMullen”. This film was release as part of Tribeca Film and was shot all in that neighborhood. I give him credit for staying true to his roots but writing, directing and starring in the film proved to be a bit much. He definitely gets props for attempting all three jobs though. The film feels a little long and characters get drab and repetitive after only a short time. I also wasn’t really sure of the film’s direction with switching between its docu-narrative story.

“Newlyweds” follows the a newly married couple and finding the truth behind marriage. The couple think they have a perfect drama free relationship until their whole world quickly gets turned upside down. When the husbands’ wild little sister shows up out of the blue, she creates a lot a problems for the couple. On top of that the wife, is dealing with the failing marriage her sister. The couple strive to fight through this madness and try to come out on top.

The special features are not amazing but worth checking out if you enjoyed the film. There are about six minutes of deleted scenes included. There are also two different interviews with Edward Burns. The first talks about his inspiration behind “Newlyweds” and is presented by American Express. The second interview focuses on Burns’ filmmaking process and long-standing relationship with Tribeca Film.  The interviews are interesting and give some decent insight into Burns’ process and background on the film itself.

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Directed by: Oren Moverman
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Robin Wright, Steve Buscemi, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Foster, Ned Betty, Anne Heche, Ice Cube
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Millennium Entertainment
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Running Time Time: 107 minutes

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

Woody Harrelson is one hell of an underrated actor. He needs some props because the man can deliver an intense performance. This film is dark and gritty and he nails his role as an cop ready to burst. The supporting cast in the film is very notable including Anne Heche, Ben Foster, Ice Cube, Ned Betty, Sigourney Weaver, Robin Wright, Steve Buscemi. Some of them have small roles but overall they are all great and add to this ensemble. The film is a little slow moving overall and backed by fantastic cast and performances, it doesn’t really win my praise as entertaining.

The story follows Officer Dave Brown (Harrelson) who follows his own code of law and somethings takes things a little too far.   Brown is not only dealing with his complicated family issues, but also investigators at his precinct .  He falls head first into a downward spiral of bad situations following a brutal unnecessary beating of a civilian. Overall great acting, decent movie.

The film gritty itself but the Blu-ray is sharp and delivers its 1080p transfer well. The audio is also impressive packing a whopping Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. The extras are like a film a little bit a let down. Oren Moverman delivers a decent audio commentary. There are a few cast/crew interviews also included, with a cast like this it is worth checking out. Lastly there is a decent behind-the-scenes featurette included. Overall decent but nothing spectacular.

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