Actors: Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper
Directors: Chris Renaud
Rated: PG
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

From the moment I saw the first teaser for “The Secret Life of Pets“, I knew that Illumination Entertainment had another hit on there hands. The characters are amazing and the film is filled with laughs from beginning to end. It has jokes for kids and parents as well. In fact, my family (no lie) quote this film AT LEAST once a day since the first time that we have seen it. It packs a really solid voice cast including Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart and many others. I hope that they have some sort of plans to follow up with this series because they really have a winner here! Can’t wait to see what Illumination, home of the Minions, does next!

Official Premise: Comedy superstars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart make their animated feature-film debut that finally answers the question: what do your pets do when you’re not home? When their owners leave for the day, pets from the building gossip with their friends, satisfy their sweet tooths, and throw outrageous parties. But when a pampered terrier (C.K.) and his unruly new “roommate” from the pound (Stonestreet) get lost in the urban jungle of New York City, they must put aside their differences to survive the epic journey back home.

Universal released this film in in various formats i.e. Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and 4K Ultra HD. The animation and colors are so vivid and vibrant and this film looks extraordinary with it’s 4K transfer. I was blown away with this presentation. The 3D presentation on this film was also top notch. As we are whizzing through the streets of New York as well as close up encounters with fellow characters like Viper, the effects are spot on! If you can watch this film in either of those formats, I highly recommend it for sure! The audio tracks also are epic with a revolutionary Dolby Atmos track as well as wall shaking Dolby TrueHD 7.1. Universal delivered for sure with A/V presentation here for sure!

The special features are all short and sweet and worth checking out if you enjoyed this flick. Kids can enjoy as well. There are three mini-movies included. One we saw before the film in theaters “Minion Mowers”, which is hysterical. There are also two new ones set within the world of “The Secret Life of Pets”. First is NormanTV, which features the gerbil from the film crawling through the buildings vents. The last one is an animated musical tale of the hot dog brand that Max and Duke end up at. These are a great addition to the film itself and are also available if the film is redeem digitally as well, so that’s a nice bonus.

Next up, we have “The Humans That Brought You Pets” which feature interviews with Producers Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, Directors Yarrow Cheney and Chris Renaud, and Writer Brian Lynch. “Animals Can Talk: Meet the Actors” are speed chats with the cast talking about their roles. “All About the Pets” features cast joking on set with animal trainer Molly O’Neill. “Hairstylist to the Dogs” features Duke’s voice actor Eric Stonestreet talking grooming with Stylist Jess Rona. “How to Make an Animated film” and “Anatomy of a Scene” go behind-the-scenes. Lastly there is a nice collection of “The Best of Snowball” and some sing-alongs and trailers.

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Actors: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall
Directors: Steven Spielberg
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: November 29, 2016
Run Time: 118 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Urgh, “The BFG”. I have been dreading watching this film since I saw the especially awful trailers. Before any of that I was quite excited I figured that Spielberg could have some fun with adapting Roald Dahl’s The BFG but it was just a failure from then on out. The visual effects are good but I really just was bored with it at the same time. I feel like so much more could have been done with this except it was just bland and full of missed opportunities. Filled with not funny fart jokes throughout (and trust me I usually fall hard for a good fart joke) but this was a complete failure in my book.

Official Premise: “The BFG” unites the talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – to bring to life the classic tale of a courageous little girl named Sophie (newcomer Ruby Barnhill) and a gentle and charming Big Friendly Giant (Oscar-winner Mark Rylance) who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.

“The BFG” is a big flop of visual effects. They are transferred well though on Blu-ray. The 1080p transfer does give the visual effects some justice, even though boring. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 works well with the films score and action sequences. The special features are rather bland like the film. There is only one that stands out amongst the rest. “Bringing The BFG to Life” runs just under 30 minutes and feature cast/crew discussing all aspects of the feature behind-the-scenes.

“The Big Friendly Giant and Me” is a super short animated version of the film in a nut shell. “Gobblefunk: The Wonderful Words of the BFG” goes into the giant’s very strange language and use of words created by Dahl. “Giants 101” is a casting feature for the nine giants in the film. Lastly “Melissa Mathieson: A Tribute” is a feature in memory of the late screenwriter. There is a DVD included along with the Blu-ray as well as a Disney digital copy to round out this release.

Actors: Anna Kendrick, John Krasinski, Richard Jenkins, Margo Martindale, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Directors: John Krasinski
Number of discs: 1
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I literally had no idea what “The Hollars” was before watching it. It was a movie that got rather swept under the carpet, but it deserves some praise for sure. I would go as far as even saying that I loved this flick. The acting from Anna Kendrick, John Krasinski, Richard Jenkins and especially Margo Martindale was literally award worthy. I found myself sniffing out of control. The drama was very real and it just really won me over. This is usually not a film that I would ever watch but with the talent attached to it, I was intrigued to give it a try…and I was not let down. PLEASE watch this movie just make sure to have some tissues handy.

Official Premise: A struggling NYC artist, John Hollar (John Krasinski), is forced to return to the small, middle-American town he left behind after learning about his mother’s illness. Back in the house he grew up in, John is immediately swept up in the problems of his dysfunctional family, high school rival and an over-eager ex-girlfriend as he faces impending fatherhood with his NYC girlfriend (Academy Award Nominee Anna Kendrick, 2009, Best Supporting Actress, Up in the Air). John Krasinski’s second feature as a director is a poignant look at the bonds of family and friendship.

There are some decent special features included. I particularly loved the audio commentary track that features both John Krasinski and Margo Martindale. Simply love both of them! There are two features included. The first is “The Family Trust: Inside The Hollars” and second is “Persistent Vision: Margo Martindale”, both features cast/crew talking behind-the-scenes about the project. Lastly there is the LA Film Festival Q&A featuring Anna Kendrick, John Krasinski and Margo Martindale.

Actors: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas
Directors: Todd Phillips
Studio: Warner Brothers
DVD Release Date: November 22, 2016
Run Time: 120 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

This film had such potential going in. The director of “The Hangover” mixed with great talent of Jonah Hill and Miles Teller, but it didn’t really all come together well. I enjoyed it but I don’t see myself remembering this film after a few months. I do love Jonah Hill and Miles Teller together though, they seem to work very well. Worth a rent if your bored and can’t find anything else to watch just for the cast.

Official Premise: With the war in Iraq raging on, Efraim Diveroli offers childhood friend David Packouz a chance to make big bucks by becoming an international arms dealer. Together, they exploit a government initiative that allows businesses to bid on U.S. military contracts. Starting small allows the duo to rake in money and live the high life. They soon find themselves in over their heads after landing a $300 million deal to supply Afghan forces, a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people.

The Blu-ray also includes a digital HD copy of the film. The special features are much more of a disappointment than the film. There are three short featurettes. The film “General Phillips: Boots on the Ground” is an extended EPK with cast/director. “Access Granted” includes interviews with actual people that the film was based on. Lastly “Pentagon Pie” is a super short animated look at the film…but with singing rats…a little lost with this one.

Actors: Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones, Michelle Yeoh
Directors: Dennis Gansel
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: November 22, 2016
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Mechanic: Resurrection” is the sequel that no buddy asked for. Hollywood is trying so hard to make Jason Statham a big action star ever since “The Transporter” series but he really never hit is super big. He’s in a lot of big movies but they really don’t make big money. The first “Mechanic” film he stared in was not a huge hit at all, which is why this sequel is a shock. Not a terrible movie, just a brainless action flick with a solid cast including Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones and Michelle Yeoh. Not holding my breath for “Mechanic 3” for sure.

Official Premise: Arthur Bishop (Statham) returns as the Mechanic in the sequel to the 2011 action-thriller. When the deceitful actions of a cunning but beautiful woman (Alba) force him to return to the life he left behind, Bishop’s life is once again in danger as he has to complete an impossible list of assassinations of the most dangerous men in the world.

The Blu-ray presentation is solid on this release. The 1080p transfer would well with the film’s scale which was bigger than I expected. The Blu-ray does score though with the Dolby Atmos audio track which really delivered with the action sequences. In term of special features there are five featurettes that take us behind-the-scenes on the film from the development to the scoring the film to a breakdown of the Malaysian prison break sequence along with in-depth interviews with Michelle Yeoh and Jason Statham.

Actors: Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramírez, Usher Raymond, Ellen Barkin
Directors: Jonathan Jakubowicz
Rated: R
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: November 22, 2016
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Normally, I am not a huge fan of sports films. Just not my thing, but I decided to check this out due to the talent. Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramírez, Usher Raymond, Ellen Barkin all deliver great performances. I enjoyed the film but it is what I calla a one-timer, I don’t ever see myself revisiting this one and I have a feeling that people are going to forget it as well quite quickly if not already.

Official Premise: Hands of Stone follows the life of Roberto Durán (Edgar Ramírez), the Panamanian fighter who, with the help of his trainer Ray Arcel (Robert De Niro) made his professional debut in 1968 as a 16 year old and retired in 2002 at the age of 50. In June 1980, he defeated Sugar Ray Leonard (Usher Raymond) to capture the WBC welterweight title, but shocked the boxing world by returning to his corner in their November rematch, famously saying the words ‘no más’ (‘no more’).

The “Hands of Stone” Blu-ray comes with a Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is sharp and packs as punch as does the DTS-Master Audio 5.1 track, which worked with the boxing. The special features are nothing special either. There is a featurette going behind-the-scenes on the star boxer in “Roberto Durán: A Boxing Legend, a Nation’s Pride”. Other than that, there are only a few deleted scenes, and two lyric videos.

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Starring the voices of: Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho and Rachel House
Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker – co-directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hr 43 mins
Walt Disney Company

Our Score: 5 out of 5 Stars

Say hello to Maui. As voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui is a demi-god of great strength, humor and a beautiful singing voice! When her family is in need of help, it falls on the young Moana (Cravalho) to seek out Maui before it becomes too late.

Both brilliant and breathtaking, “Moana” is sure to be the next Disney classic. The characters are beautifully established and the actors behind them are pitch perfect. While much will be made of young Ms. Cravalho – who celebrated her 16th birthday on November 22 – the star here is the man formerly known as “the Rock.” Johnson established his skills for comedy in such films as “Be Cool” and “Pain and Gain,” his performance here is truly award worthy. And what a singing voice! Too bad the film is animated, as I wouldn’t be surprised if he can dance as well.

Like previous Disney animated features, the animation is outstanding. 95% of the film takes place in/on water, and the images on screen – I saw the film in 3D but it’s not necessary to enjoy it – flow by beautifully. Also like previous Disney animated films, there are some cute and funny animal characters that will steal your heart, among them a dimwitted chicken and the cutest piglet you’ve ever seen. Yes, cuter than the REAL Piglet! Other voice talents include Rachel House as Moana’s grandmother and Jermaine Clement as the crab Tamatoa. The songs are all Oscar worthy, with many them written by “Hamilton” scribe Lin Manuel Miranda. When all is said and done, it’s certainly the best way to spend 90 minutes this holiday!

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Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates and Tony Cox
Directed By: Mark Waters
Rated: R
Running Time: 92 minutes
Broad Green Pictures

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5

We need a laugh. Right? I don’t need to point out or remind anyone that this year has been miserable. We as Americans deserve a hearty laugh at the theaters as we begin to wind down 2016 and put it behind us. You might get one with “Bad Santa 2,” but you won’t feel good about it and it certainly won’t cheer you up.

Willie (Thornton), the titular star of the first, is back and is just as miserable as ever. His crude happy ending in the first movie is a distant memory as he’s broke and lonely. Compounding his frustrations is the fact that he can’t commit suicide because his oven is electric. Hanging around still is Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly), the young boy from the first. He’s now a grown-up, one note joke and the first sign that the “Bad Santa 2” filmmakers had no grasp of what made the characters in the first movie so likable.

Marcus (Cox), after a stint in jail, is hoping to knock off a massive Chicago charity with the help of Willie. But unbeknownst to Willie, they’re recruiting a third for the job, Willie’s mom. Sunny (Bates) is just as foul-mouthed, belligerent and disgusting as the son she raised. When the trio of actors is left to their own devices, when they’re most likely ad-libbing scenes, they provide some of the movies only laughs. Everything else is scripted garbage.

The original director, writers, and a handful of cast members must have known better when being presented with this project over the past 13 years. “Bad Santa 2” isn’t a genuine sequel. It’s a greedy studio cash grab in the season of giving. The new writers and director are unable to capture the misanthropic nature of the original, opting more for unfunny and mean-spirited one liners, and cheap sex gags. The script feels more like a fanboy sequel rather than a realistic continuation of Willie’s story, which really didn’t need a continuation.

There are a lot of things that made the original entertaining and a classic for 21st century Grinches. The original was always hesitant to have Willie become a good person. Instead it opted for him to realize he can still be a scumbag, but a good person to those he cares about. The sequel misunderstands his one minute lapse of kindness in the first. “Bad Santa 2” utilizes his sour affection every chance it gets to convey the idea that he’s always been a lovable conman. This leads to nauseating predictability and false holiday charm that Willie will stop Marcus and his mom from stealing millions from a charity for the homeless and children.

Overall, “Bad Santa 2” is a 92 minute callback that fails to understand what made the original such a guilty delight. If you’re looking for a laugh and some form of escapism from the family this holiday season, you should stay far away from this movie. You should stay home this holiday season, grab a bottle of liquor, watch “Bad Santa” and add “Bad Santa 2” to the list of things you’ll want to forget about 2016.

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga and Nick Kroll
Directed by: Jeff Nichols
Rated: PG-13
Running time: 2 hrs 3 mins
Focus Features

Our Score: 3 out of 5 Stars

In April 1967, the United States Supreme Court heard the case of Loving v. Virginia. Years earlier, Richard (Edgerton) and Mildred (Negga) Loving had been arrested, tried and found guilty in the state of Virginia. Their crime? Falling in love.

Based on the true story of the couple whose case made it legal for people of different races to marry each other, “Loving” is propelled by the performances of the two leads. Even though their small group of family and friends seems to accept this odd couple of a white man and a black woman, there are still boundaries. While shopping in a black-owned shop with the pregnant Mildred, Richard gently rubs her stomach. What should be a beautiful moment is meant with a stern gaze from the shopkeeper. One night the police barge into the Loving’s house, catching the couple in bed sleeping. Despite their marriage license, they are taken to jail where Richard is allowed to make bail. He is told that not only can he not bail his wife out but she must wait for the judge to come by in a few days. A deal is made in which the judge, who tells them they are breaking God’s law, agrees not to send them to prison if they leave the state of Virginia. How high is the price of love?

While the film strikes many emotional chords, I was left with more questions than answers. When we first meet Richard and Mildred their relationship has already been established. But what about their early days? How did they meet? How in the hell did they date? Were the nice people we see around them always so supportive? Sure we care about the Lovings and support their fight. But it would have been nice to be there when the battle began.

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Starring: Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams
Number of discs: 5
Studio: HBO Studio
DVD Release Date: November 15, 2016
Running Time: 590 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When season 5 ended of “Game of Thrones” I was head over heels with this show. But I am not sure what happened but I really lost a lot of buzz for season six. I just wasn’t interested in it for the first time. Maybe it was all the bullshit about whether Jon Snow was alive that got annoying but I wasn’t in a rush to watch this season. Don’t get me wrong cause I did really enjoy this season once I watched but I now feel that maybe this show has finally jumped the shark, as they say, and has lost its spark for me. Season 7 should be a good one after the events of this season.

Official Premise: The most-watched series in HBO history and a worldwide TV phenomenon, Game of Thrones returns with another power season. This year, after the shocking developments at the end of Season 5 – including Jon Snow’s bloody fate at the hands of Castle Black mutineers, Daenerys’ near-demise at the fighting pits of Meereen, and Cersei’s public humiliation in the streets of King’s Landing – survivors from all parts of Westeros and Essos regroup to press forward, inexorably, towards their uncertain individual fates. Familiar faces will forge new alliances to bolster their strategic chances at survival, while new characters will emerge to challenge the balance of power in the east, west, north and south.

The DVD release contains must less special features than the Blu-ray and NO digital copy either. I mean how hard would it be for them to include this? “The Battle of the Bastards” is an an in-depth look at all aspects of this season. “Recreating the Dothraki World” looks into creation of Vaes Dothrak and its importance. “18 Hours at the Paint Hall” follows the three shooting units from this show as they showcase a day in the life with “Game of Thrones”. This DVD has the most commentaries recorded for the series and covers every single episode with all cast/crew. Definitely a treat and a perfect way to revisit this season.

Actors: Toby Stephens, Ray Stevenson, Zach McGowan, Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker Kennedy
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: November 8, 2016
Run Time: 549 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Black Sails is a great show that really hasn’t been giving proper credit since it aired. The show is grand and very epic. The characters are well fleshed out and each season has been improving on the next. The scope of this show is just so huge and it feels like a massive “Game of Thrones” style world…yet the masses have not caught on. Anchor Bay has still been behind giving this show a solid Blu-ray presentation since day one. The 1080p transfer on these episodes are just gorgeous. They make all the work that this show takes to put together and shows it off very well. This release also comes stock with epic Dolby TrueHD 7.1 tracks, which will rattle your bones! Alas, the next season will be the series finale. I am very curious to how how this show cruises to its conclusion in season four.

Official Season Premise: In the wake of the burning of Charles Town, all the New World lives in fear of Captain Flint. But when his campaign of terror crosses over into madness, and new threats emerge to challenge his supremacy, it falls to John Silver to locate the man within the monster, before Flint’s war against the world consumes them all. Meanwhile, on the pirate island of Nassau, it’s a new day. With Eleanor Guthrie facing judgment in London, Jack Rackham sits atop a fortune in Spanish gold, hoping to secure his legacy as a king among thieves. To do so, he’ll have to compete with the return of one of history’s most notorious captains, who holds a different vision for their home, as well as a complicated past with Rackham’s chief ally, Captain Charles Vane. All will be tested when a new opponent arrives to claim Nassau, one the pirates could never have anticipated. It knows them. It understands them. And in the blink of an eye, it will do the one thing they never thought possible… turn them against each other.

The special feature are a little light this go around but some decent content still included. There is a good refresher from what happened last season in the “Season 2 Recap”. The best feature is an episode-by-episode in depth behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of the show in “Inside the World of Black Sails”. The next feature “The Storm” shows how they created the visual marvel in the second episode of this season. “A Pirate’s Last Words” looks into the big season spoiler, which I will not reveal. “Blackbeard: An 18th Century Pirate” focuses on the debut of the legendary character to the show. Lastly “Woodes Rogers” examines one of the season’s newest character. Missing here that would be been amazing would have been some commentary tracks, if you are reading this for season four release Anchor Bay!

Starring: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart and Katey Sagal
Directed by: Ben Younger
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 56 mins
Open Road
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

You have to really have followed boxing in the late 1980s – early 1990s to remember Vinny Pazienza. Billed as “the Pazmanian Devil,” he was a hard fighter who could take a punch and almost always got up off of the mat. “Bleed for This” tells the story of Vinny’s ultimate comeback.

1988. We meet Vinny Pazienza (Teller, in excellent form – and shape) trying hard to make weight. Eventually he makes it to the required 140 lbs but his body is no match for the beating he endures. After losing he collapses from dehydration. Unable to get a decent fight offer, Vinny goes to train with Kevin Rooney (Eckhart), who at one time trained Mike Tyson. However, since Tyson left him for Don King, Rooney has been struggling. He and Vinny connect and, after Rooney suggests that Vinny fight at a weight he is more comfortable with, things begin to roll. But as he reaches the top of the mountain Vinny soon finds himself flat on his back one more time.

Well-paced and well-acted, “Bleed for This” could have gone the way of most sport biographies, which is to introduce the protagonist, watch him win a little than put some horrible event in front of him. Following his greatest victory to date, Vinny suffers a broken neck in a car accident, an injury that pretty much insures that he may never fight again, let alone walk. But fate has different ideas.

This is another in a list of fine performances by Miles Teller, who was so good in last year’s “Whiplash.” Here he captures the ego of Pazienza perfectly, making a man whose boasting should make him unlikable actually become someone to care about. Eckhart, his hairline shaved back, is also strong as Mooney, with both Sagal and Ciarin Hinds excelling as Vinny’s mom and dad. If you’re a fan of a great comeback story, I highly recommend you give “Bleed for This” a try.

Actors: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy
Directors: Andrew Stanton
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Run Time: 97 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

“Finding Nemo” is easily one of my favorite Disney/Pixar films. Pixar has been honestly rather weak though in the sequel department recently (of course outside of the “Toy Story” franchise”). “Finding Dory” was everything I wanted in a sequel and more! The original characters were back and better than ever. Everyone loves Dory but she was really able to carry this movie so well in the lead with some help from some amazing new friends. Destiny, the whale shark and Bailey, a beluga whale, nearly steal the show for me. Just a lot of love went into making this film amazing and every time I watch it it only gets better and better…and BETTER! Let’s hope that Pixar takes some notes from this film and straightens up its game for future sequels.

Official Premise: From the Academy Award(R)-winning creators of Disney-Pixar’s FINDING NEMO (Best Animated Feature, 2003) comes an epic undersea adventure filled with imagination, humor and heart. When Dory, the forgetful blue tang (Ellen DeGeneres), suddenly remembers she has a family who may be looking for her, she, Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) take off on a life-changing quest to find them…with help from Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Bailey, a beluga whale who’s convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz’ and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark!

I saw this film in 3D and I wasn’t really thrilled with the way it turned out. But the film 2D alone just looks so amazing. If you watch “Nemo” and “Dory” back to back you can see so much how the latter has improved on the first film. The 1080p transfer is simple gorgeous and compliments so well by the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio track as well, which is perfect. Disney also jam packed this Blu-ray set with special features spanning over two discs. Additionally, there is a DVD copy of the film included (if anyone actually still uses these) as well as and a Disney digital copy voucher.

On disc one of “Finding Dory”, the special features start off amazing with the beautiful short film “Piper”, which better win the Oscar this year! There are some vintage (looking) Marine Life Interviews with characters from the film. “The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar” focuses on “the most complicated character” Pixar has ever created. “What Were We Talking About?” focuses on Dory as a character and how she returns in this film. “Casual Carpool” takes us on a ride with Director Andrew Stanton and some voice cast. “Animation & Acting” focuses on voice work in the film. “Deep in the Kelp” features Jenna Ortega, from Disney’s Stuck in the Middle, as she hosts on the research for the film. “Creature Features” has cast discuss their characters. Lastly there is a fun and informative audio commentary with Director Andrew Stanton, Co-Director Angus MacLane, and Producer Lindsey Collins.

Disc Two jumps right into the good stuff with a huge five part behind-the-scenes feature. The first part is “Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer”, which features the Character Art Director discusses his work on the film. “Dory’s Theme” features a discussion about the music with Director Andrew Stanton, Composer Tom Newman, and Music Editor Bill Bernstein. “Rough Day on the Reef” is a sort of gag reel of computer glitches, so is the other feature “Fish Schticks” featuring funny moments. “Finding Nemo As Told by Emoji” is what the title says it is…cute. ” “Living Aquariums” is an awesome addition as sporting a collection of four themed digitally animated “fish tanks” designed for ambient enjoyment. Hours of entertainment here! Lastly there is a WHOPPING 50+ minutes of deleted scenes with intro from the director and some trailers included.

Actors: Nicolas Cage, Russell Brand, Rainn Wilson, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Paul Scheer
Directors: Larry Charles
Rated: R
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Run Time: 93 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Poor Nicolas Cage. This guy was at the top of holiday and just ended up choosing one bad film after another…after another. Same goes for his co-star in this, Russell Brand, come to think of it as well. This film literally was just dumped on Blu-ray and its will be shortly forgotten. It’s not great to be honest but it’s at least watchable…but like I said not very memorable.

Official Premise: Synopsis: Gary Faulkner (Nicolas Cage) is an ex-con, unemployed handyman, and modern day Don Quixote who receives a vision from God (Russell Brand) telling him to capture Osama Bin Laden. Armed with only a single sword purchased from a home-shopping network, Gary travels to Pakistan to complete his mission. While on his quest, Gary encounters old friends back home in Colorado, the new friends he makes in Pakistan, the enemies he makes at the CIA – and even God and Osama themselves.

The Blu-ray features nothing special at all in terms of audio and video. No major complaints but nothing memorable either just like the film itself. Along with the Blu-ray, we also get a DVD and a digital copy of the film as well. To make matters worse, there is only one special feature, which is a short behind-the-scenes look into the “Making of Army of One”.

Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker
Directed By: Denis Villeneuve
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 116 minutes
Paramount Pictures

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

If you’re hoping for an alien movie filled with mindless city destroying explosions, slow-motion gunplay, and jingoistic speeches by presidential figures, you’re going to be severely disappointed with “Arrival”. But if you’re looking for a profoundly tragic and beautiful sci-fi movie that transcends its interstellar subject material with an introspective look at what it means to be human, then you’re going to love “Arrival”.

When a dozen circular, monolithic structures appear over the surface of the planet in 12 seemingly random spots, the Earth quickly comes to a screeching halt. Classes are called off, planes are grounded, the economy goes into a literal freefall, and the world sits and watches as nothing happens. No sounds, no communications and no clue as to what these odd ships are here for. There’s an impending fear because dozens of governments attempt communication, but aren’t quite sure if the beings that they’re talking to are friendly or not. The U.S. government acquires the best of the best for the job, Dr. Louise Banks (Adams).

While senior U.S. military officials like Weber (Whitaker) expect immediate results, Banks has a deep understanding of language as well as the patience it takes to understand what an intergalactic species is saying. The master linguist is aided by Ian (Renner), a mathematician that comes in handy to device a program in place to decipher the visual language the aliens are using. But alas they face an uphill battle.

Fear of the unknown, the inability for governments to work together, conspiracy theorists having a social media outlet and an impatient generation are at full work outside the space ships and military quarantine zones surrounding the structures. “Arrival” doesn’t necessarily focus on that too much though because we all know that the human race couldn’t handle the possibility of extraterrestrial life. As “Men in Black” so eloquently put it, “People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals.”

“Arrival” finds more usefulness out of Banks’ psyche. It’s tough to describe the internal and mental conflict broiling in Banks’ head without revealing too much of what gives meaning to the slow burn reveal towards the end of “Arrival”. Director Denis Villenueve, whose other movies have ambiguous endings and hidden meanings (“Prisoners”, “Enemy” and “Sicario), is the right choice for a movie that has more than meets the eye.

Adams helps convey the deep emotional turmoil inside Banks and is complimented by the various forces pulling her apart. Throughout the run time of “Arrival”, we watch Banks struggle with the insignificance that humanity feels when knowing we’re not the only special entity floating around in the universe. That struggle turns into one of confusion and understanding that something greater is at work than the petty distress that mankind feels when losing it’s individuality.

The release of “Arrival” feels poignant considering the current election in the U.S., but for those who look beyond that simplistic snapshot reaction, there’s a deeper meaning at play. If “Arrival” has anything to offer, it’s therapeutic reassurance that despite the struggles we face because of our differences, every living human being on this planet still feels love, regret, sorrow, and joy. And understanding that idea every day could ultimately lead to unity and healing.