Director: Jordan Bayne
Starring: Melissa Leo, Peter Gerety and Kelly Hutchinson
Blue Eyed Cherokee Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 30 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Right off the bat, I had to watch this film twice back-to-back since it was so intense and emotional to absorb in just one viewing. Even though the film is short doesn’t mean it is not mega packed with features some deep issues. Melissa Leo is fantastic, as usual, she delivers a fantastic performance and shines. I am not a big watcher of short films and I think that this film will open many doors for me as a critic. It is amazing so you are able to tell such a meaningful and intense story is such a short period of time. This film is wound so tight and so powerful that the you find that you were holding your breath throughout.

The story is amazing a girl (Kelly Hutchinson) who is terminally sick at home with her mother (Melissa Leo). She is suffering very much and asks for her family to assist in her death to relieve the pain. Her fisherman deadbeat father comes into picture and comforts both her and her mother. They deal with the issue at hand and have to make a very hard and moral pressing decision.

All is all great performances by all. The short is very smartly and sharply directed by Jordan Bayne. I am looking forwarding to see further work of hers. If you have a chance to catch this make sure you do it pass it up since it is surely not to be missed. I wish it a feature because I couldn’t help but want more but for what it was great.

Director: Marvin Kren
Starring: Michael Fuith, Theo Treb
Studio: The Collective
MPAA Rated: Unrated
Run Time: 64 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I love myself any zombie movies that I can get my hands on but this one really fails to deliver the goods. This film also only runs barely over an hour and it doesn’t quite feel like a film more like an extended short. I think the development of the characters and the story really take a hit due to this. The zombies are cool and kick some ass but once it starts to get good it ends. The film origins from Germany and maybe something is lost in there.

The film focuses about a virus that rapidly spreads and turns people into mindless homicidal maniacs. Our focus is with the character Michael who tries to visit this ex-girlfriend in Berlin but ends up with much more to deal with. He doesn’t meet up with his ex but he meets Harper from her apartment and together they manage to hold themselves up against the hordes of the infected around the building. It up to Michael find his ex-girlfriend Gabi and more importantly survive.

I may have been a little hard on this film since overall it is somewhat entertaining. I liked the zombies but just the story didn’t do it for me. Overall the production values were good and felt bigger than what they were. The DVD also lacks any special features at all which is also very disappointing. All in all, there are so many better zombie-infected films out there, so this is worth the skip and doesn’t reinvent the zombie genre.

Directed by John Lasseter, Brad Lewis
Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Jason Issacs, Thomas Kretschmann
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Rated G
Running time: 113 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Since the release of “Cars 2”, a lot of bad press has been surrounding this film and Pixar’s decision to make it. I agree that it wasn’t their best film but I enjoyed it quite a bit. The film might not have spoken much to parents but it did it job well…it entertained the kiddies. The world of “Cars” is so popular amongst today’s kids from toys to clothes to electronics. The film and its merchandise has easily grossed Disney/Pixar a few billion dollars. So I think in their eyes everyone doesn’t need to be a classic. This one was for the fans of the franchise aka the kids and that is all. The 3D presentation on the disc is yet another win for Disney and I think again like “Toy Story” series, it surpassed the theatrical experience. The 3D adds so much to this film and its experience. The video is so clear and colors are just bursting out in this film. Disney’s DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is used to its fullest on this release especially since this film is so intense and non-stop action. Fans of the “Cars” franchise this is a no-brainer.

The extras on the disc jammed packed but are mostly exclusive to this 5-disc 3D release, which stinks for everyone else that doesn’t purchase this 3D set. Like all Disney/Pixar releases there is an amazing audio commentary with directors John Lasseter and Brad Lewis as they discuss the amazing world of “Cars”. My favorite feature on this is the Toy Story short called “Hawaiian Vacation”. so amazing and able to be watched over and over. Mater is known for his short tales and there is an animated short called “Air Mater”, funny funny. What is unique about these special features is that it is an interactive tour of the globe starting with, of course, Radiator Springs. Included there is an alternate four-minute opening scene, a great featurette about “Origins of Cars 2” and really cool virtual tour of the Radiator Springs set. Next up on our world tour is “The Pacific”. In there we have a feature on the film’s amazing opening scene called “Somewhere in the Pacific,” background on the creation of the villains in “Making Lemon-Aides,” and fully virtual tour of the “Oil Derrick Set”.

On our next stop we visit “London” and obviously you are seeing a pattern with the extras. The first feature a look into the films development with “Brawl at Big Bentley”. Since the film is basically an animated James Bond, we check out the film’s amazing gadgets in “Spyified”. There is a deleted scene called “Spy Training: London” and it is definitely worth a watch. Like the others we also have a virtual tour of London and its sights from the film. “Paris” is the next visit on the world tour. There is an deleted scene, called “Paris Race”, there is a featurette called “Streets of Paris”, another “Spy Training” short like in London and lastly a virutal set visit of Paris. Next stop is “Munich” is not very packed but we get a two deleted Scene, a German trailer and an art slidshow. The briefest stop is “Prague” which includes an alternate Prague Chase Opening and an art slideshow.

“Porta Costa” includes two interesting featurettes called “Finding Porta Costa” and “Heart of Italy”, which focus on the countries production. There is a short called “International Insurance” and of course the virutal set from Porta Costa. Easily my favorite stop on the world tour is “Tokyo”. There is an extended scenes called “Tokyo Race” with optional filmmaker commentary. There are two featurettes called “Mater Takes Tokyo” and “Many Nations, One Race”. There is also a third “Spy Training” short, There is a virtual set for the museum. Also included is a great Japanese theatrical trailer. The last stop on the map is “Emeryville”. We get to visit the annual Pixar car show in “Motorama”. There is a behind-the-scenes of toy creation for McMissile called “He Lives! Making the Finn McMissile Toy”. There is also series of character animations for “Animation Pit Stop” and lastly the theatrical trailers. There is also a great feature on called “The Nuts & Bolts of Cars Land” which showcases the upcoming Summer 2012 12-acre attraction, Cars Land.

Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, Estelle Harris, Jodi Benson
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 103 minutes

Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Growing up with the “Toy Story” franchise, it has become a part of our life and we feel that we have grown with them. This third film excelled as the best in the franchise easily. I think it has the most heart, the best action and the best cast. This film was actually released in 3D in theaters and IMAX. I saw the film in IMAX and it was an experience unlike an other. When this film was released on Blu-ray, I was met with much disappointment that the 3D version was not included. Luckily now I was able to relive that experience and from my home. The 3D on this film is probably the best that Disney has ever released. What I liked most about this film is that it doesn’t even act like it is in 3D and uses it just to enhance the experience of the wonderful film. The Blu-Ray video presentation is obviously flawless and looks so crisp and clear. If you are wondering how this film can improve on the sound from the first two films it is very simple…DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1. That’s right the sound is superb. Overall to date it is my favorite Pixar film and most definitely my favorite 3D release.

Also unlike the first two films 3D Blu-ray release all of the extras are in HD. The first disc of extras include the very cute “Day & Night” short. “Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: The Science of Adventure” like in the second film is an education short aimed for kids. “Toys!” is a short feature with the filmmakers and animators about working on creating the characters from their childhood toys. Disney is never one to skimp on the sneak peeks with over ten minutes of trailers, including “Cars 2”, “Tangled”, “The Incredibles”, “Mater’s Tall Tales”, “The Search for Santa Paws”, “Bambi” and a few more 3D titles. These are obviously dated since these trailer are from the previous Blu-ray release and are a little dated.

This film has so many extras that they are split over two disc. The commentary is even more intense with a picture-in-picture feature that needs its disc with director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson. They dissect the whole film and really give you an very immersive experience into the film. “Beyond the Toybox” is another commentary track with the supervising animator Bobby Podesta, supervising technical director Guido Quaroni, production designer Bob Pauley, supervising animator Mike Venturini and story supervisor Jason Katz. After being spoiled with the picture-in-picture commentary, it is good but doesn’t compare. “Film Fans” Featurettes is a 40 minutes set of production featurettes, including “Roundin’ Up a Western Opening”, “Bonnie’s Playtime: A Story Roundtable”, “Beginnings: Setting a Story in Motion”, “Life of a Shot”, “Making of Day & Night” and “Paths to Pixar”. These are all amazing and so worth a watch. Like the first two films there are shorts from Pixar including “Where’s Gordon,” “Cereal Bars” and “Clean Start”. If all those aren’t enough for you we have many many more featurettes. Then there is “Toy Story Trivia Dash” is a fun interactive game for the kids. Lastly there are many extra shorts from the publicity, including a series of “Ken’s Dating Tips”, Lots-o-Hugging Bear Commercials” and “Dancing with the Stars at Pixar” and also five domestic and Japanese theatrical trailers and more.

Directed by: John Lasseter
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, Annie Potts, John Ratzenberger, Joe Ranft, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, Jodi Benson, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Estelle Harris, and Wayne Knight.
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 92 minutes

Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I still remember going to the movies with my wife (then girlfriend) and her family on Thanksgiving 1999 to see this film. This film was so highly anticipated and delivers such a great cinema experience. This sequel took what was great about the first film and really amped it up to the 10th degree. This film was released in Disney Digital 3D in 2009 ten years later and I got a chance to see it again. The experience was so enhanced as this film is so epic. This 3D Blu-ray is such an amazing transfer to Blu-ray disc. I would go as far and say that this is a flawless release. The video on the film is again fantastic and surpasses the first film in many ways. The sound is also very impressive with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, especially since this film is so action packed. Overall it is such a great experience and a truly fantastic way to view this film.

The special features are in depth but are a little lighter than the first film. Of course first includes is an audio commentary with director John Lasseter, co-directors Lee Unkrich and Ash Brannon, and co-writer Andrew Stanton. The commentary is very entertaining and delivers some really great information. The next is a second featurette continuing from the first called “Toy Story 3 Sneak Peek: The Characters” and explores the new characters. Like the first disc as well they have more shorts including “TS2 Sleep Deprivation Lab”, “Pinocchio” and “The Movie Vanishes”. Always great to watch. “Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: International Space Station” is an virtual tour aimed to entertain the kids. “Paths to Pixar: Technical Artists” chats with the artists about their personal experiences with Pixar. “Pixar’s Zoetrope is a quick three-dimensional zoetrope, inspired by Studio Ghibli. “Celebrating Our Friend Joe Ranft” is a very great feature on the tribute to story artist Lasseter calls “the heart and soul of Pixar.”

The rest of the extras arre taken from the past DVD releases. “Making Toy Story 2” is a behind-the-scenes featurette diving into the sequels development. In “John Lasseter Profile”, we dive into the head of Pixar’s leader and it’s future. “Cast of Characters” focuses on the new character appearing this sequel. I think some of the best features is “Toy Box” which includes outtakes, easter egg and other great suprises including “Riders in the Sky Music Medley”, and Tom Hanks and Tim Allen arguing over “Who’s the Coolest Toy?” Definitely some good stuff. There are three unfinished scenes including a “deleted animation intro,” “Godzilla Rex,” and an early version of the “Crossing the Road” scene. Also like the first film, there are features about the “Design”, focuses on the effects and “Production” which has five more features describing the behind the scenes. The next featurettes chat about the sound and music including “Designing Sound,” “Making the Songs,” “Woody’s Roundup Music Video,” and a Randy Newman demo for “Jessie’s Song.”. Lastly there are promotional videos including two trailers, over ten TV spots, twenty domestic and international posters and more. Great features less than the first but still great.

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Directed by: John Lasseter
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen,Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, Erik von Detten
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 81 minutes

Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Pixar has changed the way that people watch animated films. With “Toy Story”, it was the first time a animated film was done in completely made with computer graphics. The first is epic and created the franchise loved by everyone. Woody and Buzz are some of the most notable characters from any film and has nudged it way into everyone’s hearts. This Blu-ray contains the coverted 3D presentation of this film. Since the film was originally released in 1995. It is before this new 3D technology existed. The conversion is really great and adds some good depth to the film. When I saw the “Toy Story 1 & 2” theatrical release, I enjoyed it but I wasn’t blown away. This was a real improvement from that experience for sure. The video is crystal clear and really pops the colors in the film. The sound on the film is a terrific DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Disney is known for their Blu-ray video and sound and they have yet to disappoint.

The special features are similar to the first release of “Toy Story” on Blu-ray. Included is an audio commentary with director John Lasseter, co-writer Andrew Stanton, art director Ralph Eggleston, supervising animator Pete Docter, supervising technical director Bill Reeves, and producers Ralph Guggenheim and Bonnie Arnold. It is one packed house and it is great hearing about the production and work from their film. The featurette “Toy Story 3 Sneak Peek: The Story” is a short sneak into “Toy Story 3”. “Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: Blast Off” is a fun animated/live-action short. “Paths to Pixar: Artists” takes a look with the animators on their experience. “Studio Stories” is consisted of three animated shorts “John’s Car”, “Baby AJ”, and the “Scooter Races”. “Buzz Takes Manhattan” features John Lasseter talking about the Macy’s Day Parade balloon. “Black Friday: The Toy Story You Never Saw” talks about the version of the film that we never saw…and it is a good thing for sure.

The rest of the features are from the past DVD releases and are in standard definition. The first is called “Filmmakers Reflect” featuring a roundtable discussion between John Lasseter and his Pixar crew about the film. “Making Toy Story” goes in depth on the development, design, and animation. I have always enjoyed this feature. “The Legacy of Toy Story” looks at the film and its legacy on animation genre. “Designing Toy Story” talks about the design of the film. Short but sweet. There are ten unfinished deleted scenes and alternate versions. It is always great to see raw footage from Pixar. There are three in depth features looking at the “Design”, chats about the 3D, the “Story”, features a story-to-film comparison and “Production” talks about the tricks used to make the film. The next featurette is about the sound and music, which is the best part of the film, with “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” music video and “Designing Sound” with Randy Newman’s audio tracks. Lastly here are many promotional spots includes, two theatrical Trailers, four TV spots, twenty-five domestic and international Posters, merchandise photos and more. If you have never owned this film this is the set you need to pick up.

Directed by Bill Philputt
Starring: Cast of Return of the Living Dead
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 240 minutes

Overall score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are horror fan then it’s simple… you love zombie movies. Everyone loves zombies. It is something about them every since George Romero brought them into the spotlight in the late 60’s. “Return of the Living Dead” one the horror gems and has become a major cult classic and legacy in the genre. The film has spawned four sequels and has one hell of a following. The feature “More Brains! A Return To The Living Dead” proposes itself as the definitive “Return of The Living Dead”. It does that in fact and more. It focuses solely on the first film and comes together as a great documentary. The team behind this film has done previous genre documentary like “His Name is Jason” and “Never Sleep Again”. This one definitely stands out as their best work.

This film gathers amazing interviews from the cast and crew of the film starting with Writer/Director Dan O’Bannon, Co-producer Graham Henderson and the cast Clu Gulager, James Karen, Don Calfa, Beverly Randolph, Thom Mathews, John Philbin, Jewel Shepard, Miguel A. Nunez Jr., Brian Peck, Linnea Quigley, Allan Trautman, as well as many of the special effects team. It presents some amazing stories from the film that I never knew as well as archive footage from the shoot. The stories are fun and it looks like the cast/crew is having a really good time. I honestly can’t wait to see what these guys are going to do next. Would love their take on a documentary about “The Exorcist” or “Halloween”.

The special features are packed and include ANOTHER two hours of footage. The first is called “A Conversation with Dan O’Bannon: The Final Interview” and it covers his experience working on the film. Great stuff. Next up, we have coverage about the 2nd and 3rd films in “They Won’t Stay Dead: A Look at Return of the Living Dead Part II” and “Love Beyond the Grave: A Look at Return of the Living Dead 3”. I think the coverage from the second film is a bit of a downer, it seems like it was a bad experience. I think about Roy Schneider talking about “Jaws 2” compares to “Jaws”. The third film has always had a special place for me and I love Brian Yunza. I am surprised but not shocked that there is no mention at all on the disc about the 4th and 5th film in the series. But like any respecting horror fan, I just ask myself…”What 4th and 5th film?” The music video for Stacey Q’s “Tonight” is cheesy but you can’t help but love that song (and think about the graveyard dance scene). “Even More Brains: Deleted Documentary Interviews” covers alternate footage cut from the film but it works really well. I am happy with the flow of the film though and think it was well cut. “Return of the Living Dead in 3 Minutes” features the cast today revisiting lines from the film during their interviews. Very funny. “Resurrected Settings: The Filming Locations Today” takes us back to the sets from the film and it is cool to see where it was shot.

Directed by: Stephen Anderson, Don Hall
Narrated by John Cleese
Starring: Jim Cummings, Tom Kenny, Craig Ferguson, Travis Oates, Bud Luckey
Jack Boulter
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Rated G
Running time: 63 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love Winnie The Pooh? Everyone young and old at some point in their lives have been affected by Pooh and his friends from the 100 acre woods. This film is a really brave move on Disney’s part. In a world of CGI animation, there is little room or (gasp as I type this) want for traditional animated films. This film does hold it own though and really stands out from other animated films CGI or not. This film is very funny and even had me belly laughing. It has you singing…if you got the soundtrack prior to watching like me. It will also deliver a lot of hard that the brand the series is best known for.

The film is based on three stories found in the A.A Milne books and it is very simple and sweet. We follow Pooh on a quest for honey (shocked right?) but he gets sidetracked when he meets up with Eeyore who cannot find his tail. The whole gang from the 100 acre woods start a quest to find Eeyore a new tail or ‘tael’, as they say spell it in the film. While on that quest they go to visit Christopher Robin’s house and find a note at his door. They gang discovers that he has been kidnapped by a monster called the “Backson”. From there we follow the gang on their quest to rescue Christopher Robin…and eeyore’s tail…and find honey for Pooh…Oh bother!

The video looks so perfect in glorious 1080p. The colors are vibrant and so crystal clear. I also loved the fact that you see the traditional drawing lines from the animators. The sound is also superb delivers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Very impressive. Speaking of music, there are a bunch of songs by actress Zooey Deschanel. She is brillant and brings so much to the film with her beautiful folk songs. They really add so much to the film.

The extras are impressive like most Disney releases. “Winnie the Pooh and His Story Too” provides a look into the history of A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. It is quick and worth a watch. There are about five deleted and alternate scenes included with introduction by the directors. The scenes total about 15 minutes and includes the following “The Tummy Song,” “Rabbit’s Friends and Relations,” “Original Eeyore Intro,” “Original Tigger Intro” and “Pooh Searches for a Tail”. There are two animated shorts are available: “The Ballad of Nessie” and “Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Pooh’s Balloon”. Both very cute and worth a watch for sure. Included in most Disney films with songs you can jump to each of the film’s songs “Winnie the Pooh Theme Song,” “The Tummy Song,” “A Very Important Thing to Do,” “The Backson Song,” “It’s Gonna Be Great,” “Everything is Honey” and “The Winner Song Finale”. If you are a fan of the soundtrack there is a sing-along track that you can watch during the movie. “Creating the Perfect Winnie the Pooh Nursery” is actually a perfect feature for myself since my wife and I are currently expecting. It gives tips on designing a Pooh-themed nursery. Lastly there are about 8 minutes of Disney sneak previews. Overall this is a great set and totally worth the purchase. Don’t miss this.

Director: Nick August-Perna, Chris Dapkins, Carlo Mirabella-Davis
Starring: Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
Distributed by: 7th Art Releasing
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been a big fan of The Swell Season and Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová for many years. The film “Once” was such a great music film if not one of the best music based films in recent days. Glen and Markéta’s folk music is so powerful and it digs so deep into their listeners hearts. Since “Once”, the duo have toured the world and released an album “Strict Joy” (which I listen to at least one a week). This documentary was filmed over three years following their Oscar win for “Once”. It really captured the spirit of their music and delivers a great insight into singer/songwriters lives.

This documentary does not just show the positive side, it is very intense and shows the real behind the scenes with ups and downs. It is a very honest and intimate look into this amazing band. We get to visit Glen and Markéta hometowns and get to meet their families. It is very up-close look at the duo. We also got to go on tour with them as they played various venues and meet their fans. I do not think I could have asked for more in a film.

There are many different way to shoot a documentary. With this film, it just feel so natural like we aren’t watching them more like re-living it with them. You really get to see how much Glen and Markéta doing what they do best. The music in the film is fantastic as we get a real behind the scenes look and very raw view. The whole demo feel from the music is so great and really captures the essence of The Swell Season. If you are fan of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová you NEED to see this movie. If you haven’t heard of them, pick up a copy of “Once” on DVD, “Strict Joy” on CD and then watch this film.

Directed by: Jalmari Helander
Starring: Tommi Korpela, Per Christian Ellefsen, Jorma Tommila, Jonathan Hutchings, Onni Tommila, Risto Salmi, Peeter Jakobi, Rauno Juvonen, Ilmari Järvenpää
Distributed by: Oscilloscope
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 84 min.

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

There is definitely something about this film that makes it stick. I have had numerous viewings of this film and it definitely gets better with each viewing. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love holiday films but this is not your snuggley feel good film. Since it is considered a horror film though, it is almost virtually bloodless. I would have like to see more carnage but overall I was left relatively satisfied. I have a feeling that it is going to be ranked up there as a cult classic. along with “Black Christmas” and “Gremlins”. The film has a very large scale feel to it though doesn’t try to go overboard. The Blu-ray presentation is fantastic and really clear and the sound is also very impressive.

The story follows a young boy who believe that the Santa Claus is coming to town…literally, but he is not the happy giving St. Nick we know and love.  During an American-lead dig on Korvatunturi mountain, which sits right outside the village, the secret of Santa Claus might have been discovered.  With Christmas right around the corner it is up the boy to save the children of the village from being put on the naughty list.

The film is packed with great bonus features.  The original two short films “Rare Exports Inc.” (2003) and “Rare Exports – The Official Safety Instructions” (2005) are included, which inspired this movie.  “The Making of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” is definitely worth since the behind the scenes is very interesting. “Blood in the snow” is a  look at the concept art from the film.  My favorite feature is definitely the comparison for the animatics & computer effects since the film does have quite a bit of visual effects.  Also included is a photo gallery featuing behind the scenes production shots. Lastly there is the original theatrical trailer from Finland, which made me want to see this film to begin with and is far better than the American trailer.

SYNOPSIS:
It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland, and an ‘archeological’ dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town. When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare – a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality.

RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE is a re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies, and is a darkly comic gem soon to be required perennial holiday viewing.

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Directed by: Jesse Holland and Andy Mitton
Starring: Cassidy Freeman, Anessa Ramsey, Laura Heisler
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 99 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

There has been many adaptions of “The Wizard of Oz” and this is another one but it takes a totally different angle. In this we find the themes of “Oz” used as just background and it actually makes the film get an interesting edge. I think that it is very creative and a very interesting take. The film does take a while to get started but has good character development and decent gore.

This film takes the found footage route about a group of researchers who set out to find out a 70 year old mystery of how the entire population of Friar, NH disappeared. The group set down an ancient trail down the “yellow brick road”. The group heads down this road which they may never return from.

If you are coming into this film looking for a slasher horror film, you will be left upset. There are no creatures and villains as this is more of a slow burning character driven thriller. Also unfortunately this film features no extras and only includes a directors audio commentary. It is worth a listen and definitely provides so good insight into the film.

Director: Jonathan Vara
Stars: Shea Whigham, Diora Baird, Jon Gries, Thomas Jay Ryan, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee
Distributed by: Synapse Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 97 Minutes

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

I almost turned this DVD off at least five times. I think this film wasted too much time trying to mimic a Quentin Tarantino film that it ended up failing terribly.  I appreciate when a film is inspired by another and is trying to copy its magic.  This film is not exciting at all and does not have anything interesting happening throughout. I swear I have no idea what was going on in story and it was very confusing. The only thing I liked was that it was very violent and had a certain cartooney feel to it. besides that I hated this movie.

The film focuses (I think) on Roy Coop coming home from Navy, gets mistaken for his brother Dale and gets attached by two violent criminals. He is visited again and again and ends up eight fingers less and burnt to a crisp. Somehow he survives and is set to have his revenge. There is another story being intertwined with another criminal Mad Dog Mantee, Roy’s brother Dale and Lily. Roy ends up in the final act meeting with with them and things go array. If the movie isn’t bad enough, the other extras on the disc are three audio commentaries and three short films from Director J.L. Vara. Nothing special at all and I wish I didn’t waste my time.

Directed by: William Lustig
Starring: Bruce Campbell, Tom Atkins, Laurene Landon, Richard Roundtree, Robert Z’Dar
Distributed by: Synapse Films
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 85 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I remember seeing “Manic Cop” in the late 80’s and it scaring the crap out of me.  It doesn’t anymore but it is still a damn great film.  The genre cast is the film is so great and fits so well.  The gore in the film is fantastic and definitely holds up in today’s standards.  This release is the first time this film is being presented in high definition and is released from up-and-coming Blu-ray studio Synapse Films.

The film hits the streets of New York City where innocent people are being brutally murdered by police officer. A Young copy, Jack Forrest (Bruce Campbell) is being framed for the murders and had to clear his name.  With the help of his friends Theresa (Laurene Landon) and McCrae (Tom Atkins) they set to find who the killer is before he strikes again.  Bruce Campbell is fantastic in the film and genre favorite Tom Atkins is perfect for the role.  Robert Z’Dar also kicks some major ass and it is too bad you don’t get to see his face more until the end of the film.

I am very happy with the the Blu-ray transfer in 1080p and it looks really clear and crisp.  The soundtrack is really impressive boasting a fantastic DTS-HD MA 6.1.  If you are a fan of this film you will not be disappointed with this great release. The film is also packed with special features.  The first is “Maniac Cop Memories: Interview with Robert Z’Dar” which has him chat about his career and working on the film.  The next is “Out the Window:  Interview with Tom Atkins”, discussing his role in the role. “Three Minutes with Danny Hicks” talk about his role in the film as well.  There are three trailers, one being a French trailer, as well as two television spots and a Spanish radio spot.  There is also an series of images of promotional art backed from the film’s music.  Lastly included is additional footage filmed for Japanese TV, which focuses on the New York City Mayor character.

Director: Lisa Mulcahy
Starring: Marla Sokoloff, Mark Webber and Glynis Casson
Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
Rated: Unrated
Run Time: 85 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I am all for watching holiday movies year round as it is my favorite holiday. I will pretty much watch anything released it is Christmas themed. This film failed to hold on to any Christmas spirit at all. It is not cheerful and fun. The movie focuses more on lying and infidelities of our two main people. This film originated on the Hallmark Channel and it is easily one of the worst that I have seen recently.

The story two newlyweds Jim and Della Young, that do not have a lot of money and are having trouble finding the perfect gift for each out. The two sacrifice a lot for each other in order to make Christmas special. Though due to trying to keep it secret things the true meaning of their actions get lost. But if you are familiar with the gift of the magi, you know how it will end…and its a Hallmark movie, so come on it a happy ending.

The acting is nothing worth noting at all and the production value is low. Since this is a Hallmark film, I will cut Marla Sokoloff and Mark Webber a break. As if the film isn’t bad enough, there are no extras on this disc at all. If you are looking to get into getting into the Christmas spirit early this is not the film to do it with.

Directed by: David M. Rosenthal
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Alessandro Nivola, Brittany Snow, Elizabeth Shue,
Peter Stormare
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 107 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Well award season is just around the corner and and this one better be one of the films to get noticed. I think the only film I have seen Abigail Breslin in was “Zombieland” (no “Signs” doesn’t count she was 5). I never saw “Little Miss Sunshine” but I heard she could act…in this film she does that and even sings. I have been a big fan of Alessandro Nivola since 2000’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost”. This film is well paced and packed with great drama, superb acting and great music.

The film is inspired by a true story about a 13-year old girl, Janie Jones (Abigail Breslin) is abandoned by her former-groupie mother (Elizabeth Shue), and informs fading rock star, Ethan Brand (Alessandro Nivola), that she is his daughter. Janie is left on the road with her new found father and his world is falling apart himself. The two of them embarks on a journey that might lead them both to be find what they are looking for.

The acting in the film is phenomonal. We might even forgive Alessandro Nivola for doing “Jurassic Park III”, due to this role. Abigail Breslin is also really emotional and strong in the film, obviously we all know she has a bright future. The music in the film is so amazing!! It is original music created by Gemma Hayes and Eef Barzelay and actually sung and played by Abigail Breslin and Alessandro Nivola in the film. I will purchasing the soundtrack for sure!  This film better get recognized during award seasons.