Directed by: Craig Brewer
Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Andie MacDowell, Dennis Quaid
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 113 minutes

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

Who doesn’t love Kevin Bacon, the original “Footloose” is definitely a classic, but this remake really holds its own. It is packed with more heart and a better laid out story. The film runs almost two hours but is so fast-paced, you don’t even feel it. You will also notice though that this remake aims plenty of odes to the original film, especially with the opening scene and various outfits throughout.  There is more back story in the beginning of the film explaining the accident that caused the ban of dancing, which was just a mention in the original. All-in-all, if you love the original that’s fine, but this definitely takes the classic and pumps it up a little.

The music is the film is extremely infectious, with the exception of one song. Holding Out for a Hero” remade by Ella Mae Bowen is absolutely dreadful. They took one of the most energetic songs and made it into a sleepy ballad. “Where The River Goes” by Zac Brown was even nominated for a Grammy it is so good. As much as I like Kenny Loggins, “Footloose” by Blake Shelton is quite a bit of fun as well. Fans of the 80’s don’t fret, also included are original tracks like “Bang Your Head (Metal Health)” by Quiet Riot and the original “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” by Deniece Williams. Music is very important in this film and it does not disappoint.

Props need to go to the film’s acting as I enjoyed every performance. Dancing with the Stars’s Julianne Hough did an amazing job and obviously we all know that she can dance. Kenny Wormald is not a huge name but he sure knows how to dance also having toured with Justin Timberlake and The Pussycat Dolls. Dennis Quaid gave a very emotional performance. The underdog performances needs to go to Miles Teller, who played Willard, since he got all the good laughs in the film.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. The video is extremely sharp and packs a crystal clear picture. Most importantly, the sound is excellent featuring an DTS-HD MA 5.1 track and it really scores with the music in the film. Also included with the Blu-ray is a DVD copy of the film and an Ultraviolet digital copy of the film as well. This new feature enables you to watch the film streaming wherever you want like on your smart phone or online. Really great feature!

The special features are also very notable. There is an audio commentary with director Craig Bower. He discusses every aspect of the film from coming on board to completion, great listen. “Jump Back: Re-Imagining Footloose” focuses on the original film with comments from the cast and crew and its remake process. “Everybody Cut: The Stars of Footloose” focuses on the cast of the film. “Dancing with the Footloose Stars” is a great features and focuses on the film’s dance choreography. There are about five short deleted scenes with optional director commentary, worth a watch but nothing amazing. There are various music videos including “Footloose” by Blake Shelton, “Fake ID” by Big & Rich and “Holding Out for a Hero” by Ella Mae Brown. Lastly there is a video from Emily Whitcomb doing a Footloose-inspired Rap. Overall great features for an awesome film.

“Mary Last Seen” was the short that Durkin wrote and directed prior to the full feature. It introduced the world of the film while also working as a standalone story. Fortunately it didn’t have to stand alone and now it makes for an eerie precursor ‘Martha’. The short screened prior to the “Martha Marcy May Marlene” Blu-ray release at New York’s Lincoln Center. In attendance for the IndieWire sponsored event were director Sean Durkin, producer Antonio Campos, cinematographer Drew Innis and actress Alexia Rasmussen (Mary).

In discussing the short, the filmmakers emphasized that if ‘Martha’ was a feature about exiting a cult, ‘Mary’ was about entering it. The connective character between the short and the feature is Brady Corbet’s Watts. Here we get to see how he goes about luring the cult women onto the isolated farm, cutting them off from the world. It’s disconcerting just how much damage the loss of a cell phone can do. “It’s the numbers” Mary laments, accentuating the modern reliance on automated contact lists. If nothing else, the short serves to help understand how Martha in the eventual feature film could have fallen off the face of the Earth to her family.

Click here for our DVD review of “Martha Marcy May Marlene”

Directed by: Sean Durkin
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Hugh Dancy, Brady Corbet, Christopher Abbott
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

“Martha Marcy May Marlene” is the powerful and at times disturbing debut feature for both director Sean Durkin and star Elizabeth Olsen that is now available to own.

Olsen plays the eponymous Martha who, having just escaped a cult commune isolated in the Catskills, takes shelter in the Connecticut lake house of her sister (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy) whom she hasn’t seen in over two years. Martha struggles to fit back into her sister’s upper middle-class world and Durkin cuts seamlessly between her life at the lakehouse and flashbacks to the cult’s farm. The pacing of the flashbacks is incredibly effective and helps to build the rising tension that Martha feels as she clashes with resuming normal life.

At the forefront of the flashbacks is cult leader Patrick, played by an equal parts seductive and sinister John Hawkes. At first an appealing father figure to Martha, he evolves into a rapist (though his followers would disagree) and worse. The most fascinating aspect of Martha’s escape is perhaps how believably conflicted she still feels about leaving. It is evident Martha’s relationship with her sister is not a warm one and so we can only conclude that it was some immovable survival instinct, rather than an act of rebellion, that would finally send Martha from the the cult. For all the abuse, Martha still yearns to share a bed with Patrick. In some of Olsen’s most powerful scenes she quotes his indoctrinations verbatim at her relatives with a steely chilling confidence that tells us she’s not out of the woods yet.

Durkin doesn’t offer a clear resolution to Martha’s story, but that’s fitting for a character who is so deeply damaged. As it is, this is a fascinating character study that warrants revisiting on Blu-ray.

The main special feature on this Blu-ray include ‘Mary Last Seen’, the short that Durkin wrote and directed prior to the full feature. It introduced the world of the film while also working as a standalone story. Fortunately it didn’t have to stand alone and now it makes for an eerie precursor ‘Martha’. In addition to the short, the Blu-ray offers insightful featurettes on the making of the film, including the filmmakers’ views on cults, and John Hawke’s hauntingly beautiful full rendition of Jackson C. Frank’s “Marcy’s Song”.

Starring Carlos Santana
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Run Time: 204 minutes

Concert: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Santana has been around since 1969 and shows zero signs of slowing down. His guitar work is something of magic. This concert includes 23 of their greatest hits from then to now and also a bunch of fantastic covers. The show is over three hours and it was filmed during Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival. If all this isn’t enough the concert also features some great special guests including Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Cindy Blackman-Santana.

Obviously, every track is notable but these are some of my favorites. Two of my favorite tracks from Santana are “Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen” and “Oye Como Va”. “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)” is also so amazing! “Soul Sacrifice” is very notable including drum solo from Dennis Chambers. Lastly there is a really sharp cover of AC/DC’s “Back In Black”.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. It was filmed in high-definition, so the video looks great and includes a great DTS-HD Master Audio track. With a concert Blu-ray, the release is based surely upon amazing sound. This one definitely kick-ass in the sound department. If a three plus hour was not enough, there are some great special features including various interviews with the band and a really cool behind the scenes look at the show. Very impressive release overall.

Track Listing:
1) Spark Of The Divine
2) SOCC
3) Back In Black
4) Singing Winds, Crying Beasts
5) Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen
6) Oye Como Va
7) Maria, Maria
8) Foo Foo
9) Corazon Espinado / Guajira
10) Benny & Cindy Solo
11) Jingo
12) Carlos Speaks / Novus
13) Europa (Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile) / I Want You
14) Batuka / No One To Depend On
15) Duende / Open Invitation
16) Make Somebody Happy / Right On Be Free
17) Evil Ways / A Love Supreme
18) Sunshine Of Your Love
19) Smooth / Dame Tu Amor
20) Soul Sacrifice / Dennis Drum Solo
21) Samba Pa Ti
22) Into The Night
23) Love, Peace And Happiness / Freedom

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Directed by: Francesca Zappitelli
Starring: Francesca Zappitelli
Running Time: 15 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Frankie” is a short film about Francesca Zappitelli’s road from wanting to join the WWE to professional wrestling. Francesca tries to show that there a lot of challenges in the world of female fighting. With a mix of testimonials from wrestling industry and a match, she is somewhat able to convey this message. The narration in the film starts off strong in the beginning but missing during the match. I think it would have been a lot more clear to include background what was happening throughout.

The film is based around the fight “Frankie vs. Christie”. I would have liked to seen a little more of the road she took and a little less of the fight itself. After watching the film I am still not sure the relevance of the fight itself in her career. Don’t get me wrong though, it definitely was a tough fight. Francesca succeeds for her in proving her closing statement “Life is a fight and I fight back.” Overall, I feel that Francesca did a good job but film just needed more direction.

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Directed by: Paul Bunnell
Starring: Will Keenan, De Anna Joy Brooks, Reggie Bannister, Creed Bratton, Kevin McCarthy
Production Company: Ottermole Moving Picture Co.
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 106 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love the old school 50’s sci-fi films? Well this one will transport you back to that wonderful time.  “The Ghastly Love of Johnny X” is a fantastic tribute to that genre. It is able to compliment it so well without coming off as spoofing it. If that wasn’t cool enough, this is a musical…that’s right a full off break-into-song musical. One question: Where can I buy the soundtrack?  Backed with stylized musical numbers, snappy dialogue, and beautifully photographed in black and white, this is a guaranteed fun time for all.

The film follows Johnny X (Keenan) and his gang The Ghastly Ones, from outer space, who get banished to planet Earth. They are hunting a woman named Bliss, who stole Johnny’s suit, but not just a normal suit…a resurrection suit.  The suit has magical powers that can control the will of others  for anyone that wears it.  Johnny gets caught up with show promoter, King Clayton (Bannister), who also needs the suit to insure that legendary rock star Mickey O’ Flynn completes his big comeback concert. Things go array when Mickey drops dead, gets resurrected and heads out on the town undead.

Will Keenan really delivers another fantastic performance as Johnny X. He is suave, slick and has a lot of fun with the role. Horror fans will love seeing Phantasm’s Reggie Bannister, playing the cigar smoking King Clayton and he also sings…which is a great bonus! But wait there’s more!!! The late Kevin McCarthy, “star of 56’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers”, appears in his last role just adds to the 50’s classic and tribute from that era.

Paul Bunnell, who not only directed this but also co-wrote and co-produced, it really feels like a labor of love. I am glad there are people like him out there who are still making films from original ideas. “The Ghastly Love of Johnny X” is having its world premiere at this year’s Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California, on March 3rd and then hitting the festival circuit soon, so make sure not to miss this one. It is guaranteed to be an instant midnight cult classic.

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Directors: Olaf Ittenbach
Actors: Andrea Arbter, Olaf Ittenbach, Ellen Fischer, Ronald Fuhrmann
Distributed: Intervision Picture Corp.
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

There is something about German horror films that just really take it a step above the rest. This film was made in 1992 and released on VHS, remember that format?, in 1997. It is extremely disturbing and very gross but that is no shock if you are familiar with this gore-fest. The film has been banned for almost 20 years in Germany and it is very clear just from the DVD cover. The tagline really says it all “Uncut. Uncensored. Unconscionable.”  For horror fans this film equal a great return to the glorious days of VHS horror films.

Olaf Ittenbach, who also directed the film, stars himself as a low-life junkie who while babysitting his little sister tells her two terrifying bedtime stores. The first story is called “Julia’s Love”, which features an escaped serial killer who escapes from a mental hospital goes on a date to only massacre his date’s entire family. Then the second is called “The Purity”, where a priest goes on a rape and murder spree which leads him directly into the depth of hell. The last 15 minutes of the film are horrifying and not for the squeamish.

Intervision Picture Corp has been known for finding and releasing these horror gems to its fans. Fans of this film are going to want to pick it up just for the special feature. It is the first time that this rare 47 minute behind the scene making-of documentary has been released. Even though released on DVD, the film has a real VHS feel to it, which is what would be expected. Just get ready for the gore, besides this film is going to shock you for sure.

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Directed By: Chad Archibald & Philip Carrer
Starring: Ryan Barrett, Jennifer De Lucia, Peter Soltesz, Casey Dutfield, Andrew Ferguson, Thomas Gofton, Carrie Prout
Distributed by: Troma Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 85 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I should have known what to expect from this film from the start when the DVD cover spelled Chad Archibald, the director’s name, as Chad Archivald. The film s a real VHS feel to it but is over-the-top stupid.  The film only had a budget of $5K and trust me it shows.  The acting is terrible but with Troma films, I have never expected much in that department.  Overall, if you enjoy extremely cheesy horror this might be worth it for a laugh or two but besides that I would steer clear. The only real thing this DVD will “Kill” is 85 minutes of your time…and I will be here all week, ladies and gentlemen.

The film follows six strangers who wake up in strange house and are unable to leave. There are told what to do from a strange voice over a loud speaker and find that there are men stalking then in the house. There group realize quickly that in order to survive they must…KILL!! Come on with a titled like “Kill”, what did you expect from the film. This ain’t Shakespeare.

The special include an audio commentary from the director’s Chad Archibald & Philip Carrer and a trailer for the film. What movie released by Troma would be complete with out some Troma Trailers and a Radiation March, which can only be explained by watching it for yourself. Lastly, there is a Transvestite PSA featuring Lemmy from Motorhead and South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Only Troma…only Troma.

Directed by: Charles Randolph-Wright
Starring: Ciara, Lynn Whitfield, Patti LaBelle, Juanita Bynum, Hill Harper, Billy Zane, Ben Vereen
Distributed by Fox Faith
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 95 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: None

Inspired by the hit off-Broadway play, this would have been better off staying as a play. This film absolutely no direction and just keep bouncing around from scene to scene aimlessly. Also Ciara might need to stick to singing or at least take some acting classes. This role should have been a piece of cake, especially playing a singer. The film is a drama but there is no real drama portrayed by its actors. The best part of the film is Billy Zane but he does not get enough screen time. Let me tell you, I would have chosen a different title like “Mama, I just wanted to turn this movie off half way through”.

Following the death of Reverend Dr. Kenneth Winter (Marvin Winans). We follow the rise and fall of the Winter family. Amara Winter, daughter, follows her rise to stardom and the issues that come with that. While rising to stardom she looks for the support from her mother Lillian Winter (Lynn Whitfield), who is trying to build a business in preaching and having her own issues and belief issues. Luke (Kevin Phillips), Amara’s younger brother, works as her photographer but dreams to become a photo journalist. The family works through the issues and remembers that family and faith is the most important.

The film tries to really back the emotions but there is something about it that just feels so fake. It is definitely clear why this was stuck on the shelf for almost three years after it was filmed. They must of had to really bribe the studio to release it. I think I would have rather enjoyed watching the Off-Broadway play and it would have been truer and more emotional than this lacking film. To top it all off there are no special features at all but I was just lucky I didn’t have to watch any more after it ended.

Directed by: Eric Hurt
Starring: Marc Singer, Art LaFleur and Hayley DuMond
Distributed by: Phase 4 Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 105 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Prior to receiving this screener to review, this film was not on my radar at all. I have high respect Phase 4 Films releases and I figured I would give it a shot. Let me tell you, director Eric Hurt’s first feature film was a very impressive one. The story was very interesting and slow revealing. The suspense is packed and the film’s timing is perfect. I really enjoyed this film quite a lot and reminds me of the Canadian horror film “Cube” meets “The Twilight Zone”. It is also rare in a horror film that you get such good performances including Marc Singer and Art LaFleur.

The story of two families who arrive at an open house, which looks to good to be true. It turns out it is to good, when either family is unable to leave. If either of the families try to leave the houses grounds they end up right back at the house. While stuck, the families find out that the house has a dark history and haunting details of the houses’ past family. The families soon find out that only of them will be able to call this house their home and it becomes a battle for survival both physically and mentally.

The film is currently available on VOD to watch now available through Comcast, Cox, Insight and Cablevision and I recommend you check it out for sure. If you can’t, then make sure to pick up this film when it Phase 4 Films releases it on DVD. I look forward to Eric Hurt’s next film and I feel that he has real potential as a horror-thriller director.

Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Leonardo Dicaprio, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer, Josh Lucas, Judi Dench
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 137 minutes

Film Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I know that all film critics are complete suckers for Clint Eastwood but I am really not. I feel that his films only are catered at a specific audience. Don’t get me wrong “J. Edgar” is very well directed like his past attempts behind the camera. But I have never been a fan of any of his past films to date “Mystic River”, “Million Dollar Baby”, “Flags of our Fathers” and “Gran Torino”. In fact I neglected to even watch the later two on that list. Leonardo Dicaprio needs to get some serious props though because the kid does give a great performance, like always. I think they should give him an Oscar already and get it over with.  I mean this guy needs to star in a slap stick comedy already and let loose.

The film which focuses on the life of J. Edgar Hoover, is a fairly interesting biography. The film lacks though any major draw to bring in a real audience. One of the film’s problems is the “old” make-up on Dicaprio, it is extremely laughable and takes away from the seriousness of the film. I am not sure who gave the approval and though it looked good but they need to invest in some glasses. I also feel that the film runs quick long at almost two hours and 20 minutes. I wouldn’t completely discourage you from checking this film out though, if not  just for the acting and Eastwood’s directing (if you like his other films).

The Blu-ray presentation is quite impressive, boasting a sharp video picture and a well tuned DTS-HD Master Audio track. The release includes a Blu-ray, DVD and a UltraViolet Digital Copy. The special features on the other hands are disappointing much like the film. The only extra on the Blu-ray is called “J Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the World”, which is a featurette about the man and the film behind the man. On the DVD, there is another feature called “J. Edgar- A Complicated Man”, which goes into more background of the controversial FBI director.

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Synopsis:
Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception, Blood Diamond) stars as J. Edgar Hoover, head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years. Hoover was feared, admired, reviled and revered, a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted prize. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. Oscar Winner Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino, Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven) directs an all-star cast including Naomi Watts (21 Grams), Armie Hammer (The Social Network) and Oscar Winner Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love) as Hoover’s overprotective mother.

Andrew Okpeaha MacLean is the Writer/Director of Alaskan thriller “On the Ice”.  The film is a thriller set 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Barrow, Alaska.  It is based off a short firm titled “Sikumi”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Andrew about this new film and what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: “On the Ice” is based off a short film, “Sikumi”, tell us about that?
Andrew Okpeaha MacLean: “Sikumi” translates to “On the Ice” in the Inuvik language. That came out in 2008 and it did very well at several festivals. We actually won the Jury prize for a short film at Sundance that year. That gave me the opportunity to start thinking about making a feature. Both films deal with a killing and the immediate aftermath. The short is actually a period piece set in late 50’s early 60’s. The feature is contemporary and the characters are teenagers as opposed to the short where the characters are adults. The short came from a few different inspirations. I took the characters from another script I was writing based on an event from my grandfathers life. One of the characters is directly based on my grandfather. The script didn’t end up going so well so I took the characters and put them in a different situation. I had always wanted to write a western but based in Alaska. There is something about the landscape there that is appealing. It is very vast and monochromatic.

MG: What made you choose to film 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Barrow, Alaska?
AOM: I am originally from Alaska and I grew up there. Barrow is my home town and I am related to I think half the people who live there. (Laughs) It feels that way at least. I knew the place before I knew the film. The place inspired the film.

MG: Since it was your first feature directing, what were your biggest challenges?
AOM: There were a lot of challenges. I think the most common problem with independent films is money. This was no exception. Where we shot is a hard place to shoot logistically. Getting the cast and crew out on the frozen ocean was tough. There are no roads out there so the only way to get everything out there was to pull it on sleds. The sleds were always breaking down because we were using them so much. One of the cast members happened to also be a mechanic so he sort of became our onset mechanic.

MG: Tell us about your casting process for the film?
AOM: It is all pretty much first time actors. There is not a lot of opportunity to get involved in acting up in the Arctic. I sort of knew going in that we would be finding people who hadn’t acted before. There are just no trained Inuvik actors of the age group we needed that were capable of understanding the characters. I wanted to cast people who were from the culture they were portraying. I also wanted them to be close enough to the lives of characters so that they could understand them very deeply and intimately. We took a big casting trip all over Alaska looking for people. We talked to thousands of people to try and get a sense of if they would be good on camera. We managed to narrow it down to 15 or 20 people who we thought had some real possibilities. We had them go through a week long intensive audition/acting workshop in Anchorage. Out of that we came away with our cast. This was all done prior to receiving any funding for the project. We had to know ahead of time that we had people who could pull this project off.

MG: When can people expect to see the film?
AOM: It opens Feb. 17^th in New York and in several cities in Alaska. Over the next few weeks it will be traveling around visiting other cities. If people go to www.ontheicemovie.com they can see the full release schedule for the film.

MG: What do you have planned next?
AOM: I have a bunch of projects that I am attached to that are in various stages. I also am writing scripts as well. I don’t know what the next project will be to get green lit but I am excited to find out.

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Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Starring: Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes and Al Pacino
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 91 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Man oh man…Adam Sandler, what are you doing?  After watching “Grown Ups” in 2010, I finally believed that Adam Sandler’s films had officially bottomed-out and couldn’t get any worse.  HAHA, well guess what…they did.  This film is just plain sad and fails on almost every level.  It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this was a bad idea…come on Adam! So while taking it into consideration that I am not a fan of watching Adam Sandler recently, so to only add insult to injury we get Adam Sandler times two and in drag in this film. It is sad to say when the best part of the film is seriously a quick cameo from Johnny Depp wearing a Justin Bieber shirt.

Since I already tore apart Adam Sandler, I will chat about the rest of the film now and don’t get me wrong, I actually really want to enjoy Adam Sandler’s films again but pieces of crap like this make it impossible. Many sources have said that Al Pacino is the saving grace for this film but I really didn’t feel the same way. He definitely played a fun more obnoxious version of himself but the jokes really weren’t nailed. I did like his Dunachino rap at the end. Katie Holmes was miscast in this film and can do so much better…come on Katie!! Don’t even get me started on when the family goes on a Royal Caribbean cruise, they might as well have been flashing the phone number on the screen to make a reservation.

The Blu-ray presentation is impressive though with its clear HD video transfer and Sony’s sharp DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. This release also included a streaming digital copy for the new Ultraviolet service. The special features are ok but unless you totally love this film, they are worth passing up. If the film wasn’t hard enough to watch there are almost 20 minutes of deleted scenes. I am sure glad they were cut because the movie couldn’t have been a single minute longer. “Laughing is Contagious” is a blooper reel, decent overall. “Look Who Stopped By” is a feature on all the cameos in the film, which was basically the only good part of the film. “Boys Will Be Girls” is a short features on Sandler’s transition from Jack to Jill. “Stomach Ache” is a walk around the set with Regis Philbin. Since the film was a walking advertisement, a commercial for the cruise is only expected with “Don’t Call it a Boat-Royal Caribbean”. End of line.  Try again Adam Sandler.

Directed by: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Starring: Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 94 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Click here for our interview with Bridgit Mendler (voice of Arrietty)
Click here for our interview with Cécile Corbel (Composer)

This film is the latest from Japan’s Studio Ghibli, releasing under Walt Disney Pictures, like “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle”. The film is loosely based on Mary Norton’s novel “The Borrowers” and was co-written by the legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. If you are fan of Ghibli films then you will see Miyazaki’s hands all throughout this film. Hiromasa Yonebayashi is making his directorial debut with this film, also becoming the youngest director of a Studio Ghibli film, but don’t worry it is beautifully done and perfectly executed. I have been a fan of Ghibli’s films for over 20 years and this is by far one of the best to come out in recent years. This will entertain families both old and young with its extremely vibrant animation and overall fun story. It will also easily be a runner for Best Animated Picture in next year’s Oscars.

The story tells the tale of a family of four-inch-tall people, called Borrowers, who live hidden about the humans or beans as they are called in the film. They survive by borrowing only what they need to survive and only items that will not be missed. On the first night that the young girl Arrietty (Mendler) goes borrowing with her father, they are spotted by a bean and their lives will never be the same. The human is a sick young boy named Shawn, that is very sweet and friendly. Unfortunately, his Great Aunt Hara does not have the same feeling and seeks to have them captured.

The film was originally voiced by Japanese actors but Disney made sure to get an all-star cast for it’s English dubbing. Bridgit Mendler, known best for her role in Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”, is a perfect fit for Arrietty. She is very sweet and really does the role justice. Another Disney Channel alumni from “Wizard of Waverly Place”, David Henrie voices Shawn (changed from Shô in the Japanese release). He is soft spoken, gentle and well performed overall. Amy Poehler playing Arrietty’s mother, Homily and Carol Burnett playing the Great Aunt Hara really nail the comedy in the film and really bring the funny. The kids will love their jokes the most.

What I like most about Studio Ghibli films is that they do not rush and I will explain what I mean. When they approach a scene, they take their time and let it develop. If there is a close up on a character it is subtle, still and packs real emotion. The colors in the film are so sharp and the animation is so beautifully drawn. It is very refreshing to watch a hand drawn animation, especially with all the perfectly polished CG animated films as of late. I would like to close with my favorite part of the film…it’s score. It is honestly one my favorite scores that I have heard in a while. It is written and performed by the very talented French singer/songwriter, Cécile Corbel. She also wrote the film’s theme song “Arrietty’s Song”, which is nothing short of breathtaking. Fans of Studio Ghibli and all animation in general need to check out this film immediately and enjoy its simplicity and beauty.

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy
Directed by: McG
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 38 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Last week’s “Safe House” gave us a pair of spies that got down and dirty. This week, the boys from the C.I.A. are much more glamorous.

High atop a Hong Kong skyscraper, FDR (Pine) and Tuck (Hardy) are on a mission. They’re assignment is to capture an elusive baddie named Heinrich (Til Schweiger) as covertly as they can. Too bad neither of them seem to understand the word “covert.”

Smartly written and cleverly directed by action maestro McG, “This Means War” is a fine combination of romance and comedy with a little bit of action thrown in for good measure. As best friends and partners, Pine and Hardy have a natural chemistry and obvious comradeship that radiates from the screen. Pine, with the same “bad boy” twinkle in his eyes that made him a perfect Captain Kirk in “Star Trek,” plays FDR as the typical free and easy bachelor. He has a sweet sports car and a sweeter apartment (apparently the spy game pays very well). His cover identity is that of a cruise ship captain, which allows him to be anywhere in the world at anytime. As divorced dad Tuck (his ex-wife couldn’t believe she married the only travel agent that actually travels), Hardy shows another facet of his talent by proving himself a gifted comedian. I really can’t rave any more about Tom Hardy then I did last year in my review of “Warrior.” Suffice it to say this guy can apparently do it all.

Bored with his personal life, Tuck arranges to meet Lauren (Witherspoon) after seeing her on an Internet dating site. The meeting goes well but, as she’s heading home, Lauren meets FDR in a video store. Soon, unknowingly, both men find themselves infatuated with the same woman. When they discover this, they use the agency and their underlings to spy on Lauren. They agree to a gentleman’s bet, vowing to step aside if Lauren shows feelings for the other. But as each man find himself drawn to Lauren the lengths they will go to in order to win her heart grow more and more ridiculous. Soon the two are more interested in topping one another than finding the dastardly Heinrich. But not to worry… Mr. Heinrich will find them.

McG has done some amazing action work in films like “Terminator Salvation” and the “Charlie’s Angels” series. Here, like in “We Are Marshall,” he finds the human side of the camera, inviting us to meet and enjoy being around these characters. But that’s not to say that the action-crazy McG isn’t in the house! He’s here…and in as fine a form as ever.

The supporting cast also does well, especially Angela Bassett as the two friends’ boss and Chelsea Handler as Lauren’s friend and advice giver. I’ve read that some of Handler’s more “R” – rated comments were cut from the film to ensure the “PG 13” rating. May have to wait for the DVD to hear what I missed.

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