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Film Review “The Spectacular Now”

Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley and Jennifer Jason Leigh
Directed by: James Ponsoldt
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 35 mins
A24

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

It’s been done a hundred times on film. Cool guy meets quiet, nerdy girl. Romance ensues. “She’s All That.” “Pretty in Pink.” “16 Candles.” Those are the first three that popped into my head. They are also three of the better ones. Now it’s time to add another film to the list. And it might be the best one yet.

Sutter Keeley (Teller) is THE party guy. As he works towards completing his senior year in high school he maintains a set schedule. School. Work. Party. And no matter where he is (school, work or party) he’s always accompanied by his trusty flask. Sutter has a problem. When his girlfriend dumps him he compounds that problem several times over only to wake up on the lawn of Aimee Finicky (Woodley), a classmate he doesn’t even know. Aimee likes Manga (Japanese comics) and is planning on going to college. Sutter barely plans for the next day. But despite their obvious differences the two seem to connect in a way that will change both of them.

Based on the novel by Tim Tharp, “The Spectacular Now” is a heartfelt look at love and life told honestly through the eyes of those experiencing it. I had some reservations at the beginning of the film. Sutter was working his friends like Jonah Hill in “Superbad” and, for a brief moment, I resigned myself to watch another standard teen comedy. Then he meets Aimee. Both of them grew up without a father and that fact gives them a bond. Sutter tells Aimee his father is an airplane pilot and never around. Sutter lives with his mother (where have you been Jennifer Jason Leigh) and works at the local men’s clothing store. Aimee’s home life is similar, except her job is covering for her mother on a paper route. Needing help in class to pass Sutter asks Aimee to help tutor him. Of course the time spent together brings them closer. But sometimes you have to lose the things you love to appreciate them.

I really loved Miles Teller when he played Willard in the remake of “Footloose.” He showed a lot of promise for a long career. He lost a lot of that, in my opinion, in this past March’s “21 and Over.” But he earns it back, in spades, here. We see behind Teller’s eyes the pain he’s trying to drink away. When Aimee finally does get to meet good old dad (an outstanding Kyle Chandler) it’s easy to see why Sutter has problems. What’s amazing here is that Sutter understands he has a problem. When his boss (Bob Odenkirk) tells him he needs to stop drinking or lose his job Sutter doesn’t hesitate to tell him he can’t stop drinking. He just quits. “I guess if I were your father I’d begin lecturing you now,” his boss tells him. “If YOU were my father you wouldn’t have to,” is Sutter’s reply. Equally as good is Woodley, who was robbed of a much deserved Oscar nomination a few years ago for “The Descendants.” Here she strips away all pretense (like the rest of the cast, Woodley wears no make-up) to give a performance that is raw and nuanced. First love is an amazing thing. And credit the filmmakers for not dramatizing the fateful “first time.” In so many films it’s portrayed as serious and painful, almost like a punishment. Here it is shown the way I remember it…nervous banter and a lot of giggling.

Last month we were treated to “The Way, Way Back.” August gives us this gem. Oscar night is going to be fun this year.

Book Review “Over the River and Through the Wood”

Author: L. Maria Child
Illustrator: Matt Tavares
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

L. Maria Child’s verse about Thanksgiving Day has been given new life in this Matt Tavares-illustrated new book. Matt Tavares’ illustrations have given new life to this classic poem. His beautiful take on a family’s trip to Grandfather’s house through a blustery cold and snow-filled Massachusetts of yore, is reminiscent of any antique Christmas card.

There have been so many ways in which Child’s verse has been put to use throughout the past, but with this beautifully illustrated book, it speaks to a new generation who will benefit from seeing what it was like to have to travel to Grandfather’s house in a horse drawn sleigh. This is something that can bridge the gap and bring families together each year to read the poem and enjoy these beautiful illustrations on a cold, Thanksgiving night. It helps bring back tradition and really would be a fantastic addition to any holiday season.

Matt Tavares outdoes himself with this particularly detailed book. Each page creates a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Whether you are in the mood for the holidays or not, you will be in full-on holiday mode after immersing yourself in this delightfully engaging holiday classic. There is also a very nice nod to L. Maria Child at the end of the book and it allows the reader to understand where this holiday classic came from and more about the incredibly talented author who penned it.

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Book Review “Maisy’s First Colors: A Maisy Concept Book”

Author, Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Age Range: 2 – 5 years
Series: Maisy
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Brdbk edition
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Board book+ Maisy+ rhyming text+colors= a perfect combination for any preschool class!! For fans of Lucy Cousins’ Maisy books, it should come to no surprise that this book will make a wonderful addition to your classroom library! Cousins does it again and makes learning about colors fun.

“Charley’s picked bananas, a big yellow bunch! Green pears for Cyril,munch, munch, munch! Maisy and her friends all have their favorite foods, from Tallulah’s oranges to Eddie’s blue lollipop to Maisy’s juicy red apples. When they all join together for a picnic, they make a tasty rainbow — yum!” The mixture of Maisy and her friends and very easy to recognize colors and foods, makes for a wonderfully inviting read.

Our fifteen month-old happens to love Maisy books and she is really enjoying the latest installment. She’s drawn in by the characters and then kept there by the fun illustrations and is able to point to the colors with ease. Maisy’s First Colors includes rhyming text that can help introduce poetry and rhyme to younger readers. This book is perfect for children ages 6 months and higher.

Book Review “Maisy’s First Numbers: A Maisy Concept Book”

Author, Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Age Range: 2 – 5 years
Series: Maisy
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Brdbk edition
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Another wonderful Maisy concept book by the beloved creator of the Maisy series, Lucy Cousins. Maisy’s First Numbers is a colorful treat that creates a welcoming, easily accessible world of numbers. The illustrations are fun and the text is rhyming which makes learning to count even more enjoyable.

Maisy’s First Numbers is perfect for ages 6 months and up. The book has bright colorful illustrations. Younger readers will find it easy to hold and manipulate as it is a board book. This would be a great help when introducing number concepts to preschool-age children.

Our fifteen month old daughter, loves the Maisy series and enjoys this book because of how bright and colorful the illustrations are. She also loves to point to the three butterflies and the slow slow turtles. Learning to count to 5 just got a lot more enjoyable with Maisy’s First Numbers.

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Book Review “Digger, Dozer, Dumper”

Author: Hope Vestergaard
Illustrator: David Slonim
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Digger, Dozer, Dumper brings to life every truck your child (or you) may have ever played with. Going into great detail, the book includes sixteen rhyming poems that highlight the job and personality of each vehicle. From a cement mixer who can’t sit still to a very helpful tow truck, youngsters are invited to find out which vehicle they can identify with. Children will learn more about there favorite vehicles while getting to know some new ones.

Hope Vestergaard masterfully writes poems that will interest children ages 4 and older, as David Slonim creatively brings each truck to life in his illustrations and could easily entice any child age 2 and up into following along. The amusing pictures make this book easily accessible to many ages.

Digger, Dozer, Dumper could easily be brought into any preschool classroom to get kids excited about all sorts of vehicles. The words used in this book are higher level and therefore could open up a plethora of new vocabulary for younger children. This could be a great starting off point on all new vehicles never really taught about in school. in my experiences in the classroom, I can’t remember ever seeing a quiet and determined street sweeper toy or character in a book; or a lifting and drilling skid-steer loader. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I myself learned a thing or two about the names and jobs of these various vehicles and I have Hope Vestergaard to thank! If your students enjoy playing with planes, train and automobiles, add this wonderful book to your classroom library.

Film Review “Blue Jasmine”

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin and Sally Hawkins
Directed by: Woody Allen
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 98 Minutes
Sony Pictures Classic

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I enjoy “people watching”. There’s always been a fascination about other people’s lives, especially when you have nothing in common with that person yet you already have some predetermined notions about them. “Blue Jasmine” is the most intense version of “people watching” one could ever hope to achieve and a lot of fun. It has a quirky start, but once the pieces begin to fall into place, it’s off-the-wall charms turn into a strong drama with powerful performances.

Jasmine Francis (Blanchett) is in an alcoholic stupor. She downs Xanax like Tic-Tacs, verbally mumbles conversations she’s had in the past without realizing it and her emotional strings are pulled between depression and nervous breakdowns. Her sister, Ginger (Hawkins), has taken her in even though her life is in rebuilding mode. Jasmine has been on a tumble in life since her ex-husband, Hal (Baldwin), was arrested for his Bernie Madoff-esque activities. She’s gone from being the fashionable socialite of New York to tearfully debating her next move in life in San Francisco. The movie cuts back and forth from Jasmine’s previous life with Hal to her present predicaments. Both events unfold in a very smooth motion and the cuts from past to present are flawless.

Jasmine would be a sympathetic character if she wasn’t oblivious to the fact that people are trying to help her out. People around her hope to propel her forward with optimism as she criticizes and critiques everyone else’s life, behaving as if she was still being catered to in a mansion. Oddly enough, the most honest and truthful perspective in the movie comes from Ginger’s grease monkey boyfriend, Augie (Andrew Dice Clay). Instead of facing the harsh realities, she lies and manipulates her way through her new surroundings.

The entire cast of this film is at their peak, highlighted by a surprise performance by Andrew Dice Clay. Cate Blanchett perfectly portrays the pretentiously arrogant side of Jasmine as well as fully acting out her quivering moments after a healthy slap of reality. This is the first Woody Allen movie I’ve ever seen so I can’t really say that it’s his best work to-date or deliver any other comments of that nature. I will say that this is one of the more intelligent dramas I’ve seen in recent memory. Awkward scenes have a bit of light humor. Sometimes the laughs are uncomfortable. Even moments of melancholy are punctuated with a bizarre joy. The movie has an analytic feel about all of it’s characters without revealing too many of their motivations. Each character unravels, but only a few towards the end truly come out clean.

I get the sneaking suspicion that by the end of the movie, there will be a divide among audiences. Not straight down the middle, but a small minority that will feel sympathetic to Jasmine. The majority of others, like me, will have a morbid smile in watching things spiral out of control. The movie doesn’t portray her as good or bad, but instead just portrays her as human. She may be arrogant and self-absorbed, but when she’s knocked down she’s still scared and broken. Even though I took a certain glee in her misery, I found myself not wanting too much suffering to head her way. What makes her unlikable, but enjoyable to watch throughout, is the fact that she’s a constant fuel source and igniter for drama. It makes “Blue Jasmine” a rare treat at the theatre and a movie you’re sure to see in multiple awards categories at the end of the year

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3D Blu-ray Review “Epic”

Actors: Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Aziz Ansari, Beyoncé Knowles
Director: Chris Wedge
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Run Time: 103 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit since “Ice Age”, Blue Sky Studios films always interest me no matter what the topic. “Epic” is yet another impressive animated CGI film to come out of their studio. It packs a fantastic voice cast, great visuals and high energy action. My only concern was the title “Epic” is a terrible title for this film since it doesn’t mean anything to the actual film itself. The 3D presentation Blu-ray of this film looks very impressive. There are tons of great scenes, especially the battles that benefit from this added feature. There are some cool in-your-face shots but nothing cheesy. But what is even cooler is that the 2D presentation is just as impressive. Chris Wedge, (director of “Ice Age”) is behind this film and he delivered again another fun and entertaining film. I can’t wait to see what he and Blue Sky are planning next! Great fun for the whole family!

Official Premise: From the creators of Ice Age comes the year’s funniest, most exhilarating animated adventure! Transported to a magical world, a teenager (Amanda Seyfried) is recruited by a nature spirit, Queen Tara (Beyoncé), to help the “Leafmen” save their forest from evil warriors. The whole family will love this fast-paced thrill-ride, with its astonishing animation and an all-star voice cast that includes Colin Farrell, Oscar® Winner Christoph Waltz, Aziz Ansari, Chris O’Dowd, Jason Sudeikis, Pitbull and Steven Tyler!

“Epic” comes in very impressive Deluxe Edition, which comes with a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet. In addition this release also includes three Epic Seed cards, that you can actually plant and grow your own garden! Also included is a “Epic Coloring & Storybook Builder App” for iOS and Android devices. You are able to color your own story with exclusive pages and then tell the story by recording your own voice to share on your television with family and friends. Blue Sky Studios is known for the “Ice Age” series and delivers a stunning presentation on Blu-ray. The 1080p transfer is extremely gorgeous and the colors are amazing, like I said both in 3D and 2D. The winner of this release is the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, which blew me away. It is so impressive with the battle scenes and even the more subtle features like the birds wings fluttering.

The special features are honestly aimed more at kids but still very interesting and worth checking out. To start there are four short but sweet featurettes including. “Birds, Bugs, and Slugs: Forest Explorer”, which takes you outside the world of “Epic” into the real-world to learn about the animals and insects that inspired the film’s characters. “Rot Rocks” talks about benefits of rot and decay in the forest. “Bugs of Camouflage” features Ken the Bug Guy as he talks about how insects use camouflage to blend in to their environments. “The Epic Life at 2 Inches” is a look into your life if you were shrunk to two inches high. Next up there is a sweet seven-part documentary on the making of the film called “Mysteries of Moonhaven Revealed”. It runs nearly 30 minutes and features interviews with the director, producers, and animators. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

Film Review “You’re Next”

Directed by Adam Wingard
Starring: Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, Wendy Glenn, AJ Bowen, Joe Swanberg, Barbara Crampton, Rob Moran
Distributed by Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 94 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

After watching the trailer to “You’re Next”, I thought that this film was going to be terrifying. The idea of having deranged killers running around with farm animal masks on their face is creepy and very effective. After viewing the film, I was really taken back because it was not what I expect at all. But that was a good thing. The film starts off as a very creepy horror film with some fantastic scares and then it completely shifts gears to a kick-ass revenge thriller with some great and creative kills. When it comes to original ideas, “You’re Next” will have the audience jumping and yet at the same time also cheering at the screen! Fun time to be had here! Definitely recommend.

The film centers about the Davison family who while getting together to celebrate their parents anniversary get much more than they expect this this family reunion. They all meet at a remote house in the woods but soon find out that they are not alone. Shortly after getting settled and sitting down to dinner, they find that they are being hunted by a group of masked, ax-wielding psychos. When say masked by the way if you haven’t seen the posters, they are animal masks, which makes it even creepier. Being trapped in their house the family needs to fight to get a way out and plenty of secrets are up-rooted in the process. Let’s just say the family will never be the same after the night!

Let’s talk about Sharni Vinson, who I have been in love with ever since she was in “Step Up 3D”. Yes, I love that film and she was rocking in it. She also kicked some major shark ass in “Bait 3D”, which was also awesome. I think people both male and female are really going to dig her in this role. She is tough, sexy, bad-ass and knows how to use a blender like no one I have ever seen! See the movie to get that last part. If she doesn’t blow up big in Hollywood after this film, I will be completely surprised. But besides Sharni, the rest of the cast work well together as well, especially Joe Swanberg, even though I said I couldn’t wait for this guy to die the minute he was introduced in the film.

Director Adam Wingard has really been making a name for himself in the horror genre in the last few years, since his film “A Horrible Way to Die”. He has contributed to a few horror anthologies as well including “V/H/S”, “V/H/S/2” and “The ABC’s of Death”. Keep an eye out for this guy because he has a unique vision in this genre and I can see him easily taking over. Next let’s talk about the film’s insane and amazing score by Mads Heldtberg. This guy really packed a super solid 80’s inspired edge-of-your-seat score. I literally leaned over to my sister twice during the film and said “Totally love this score”. It really added a lot to the film and sets up the creepy atmosphere. In the flooded marketplace of reboots and remakes, “You’re Next” is is stands out as it is very clever and entertaining.

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Blu-ray Review “The Walking Dead: The Complete Third Season”

Actors: Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, David Morrissey, Danai Gurira, Laurie Holden, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, IronE Singleton, Chandler Riggs, Scott Wilson and Melissa McBride.
Number of discs: 5
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
DVD Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 678 minutes

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

Like the zombies have taken over the world in “The Walking Dead”, the show is taking over TV and pop culture. When this show first started, there were doubts that it would even last longer than one season. Now it is one of the biggest shows on TV and shows no sign of slowing down. I thought that season two was epic with killing off character like Shane, Dale and Sofia but season three definitely took the cake. The show has pounded the idea into our heads that no one is safe. The show itself just really expands outside the world of zombies and introduces us to character like The Governor and the town that he has created. All-in-all this season feels very rounded, all of the characters have great arcs including Rick and Daryl. If you are a fan of this show, I would actually recommend getting the Limited Edition “Zombie Head Tank” release, which is designed by Mcfarlane Toys. Get ready for season 4 of “The Walking Dead”, which premieres on AMC this October. I will be counting down the days!

Official Premise: In this uncertain world, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his band of survivors must not only fight the dead, but also face a whole new fear: the living. In this 16 episode season, the series Entertainment Weekly called the “greatest thriller ever produced for television”, Rick and his fellow survivors continue to seek refuge in a desolate and post-apocalyptic world and soon discover that there are greater forces to fear than just the walking dead. The struggle to survive has never been so perilous. This season also introduces new characters, including the Governor (David Morrissey) and fan-favorite Michonne (Danai Gurira), along with her zombie pets.

The third season of “The Walking Dead” Blu-ray looks equivalent to the first two and deliver a well rounded solid presentation. I feel that since this season feels much more massive with the town and the prison, all that comes off very well in each episodes 1080p. It has this certain claustrophobic feeling yet it also depicts the show’s large scale. The star of the show on this Blu-ray is easily, the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround track. This season has no shortage of action from the military team in the town and the season finale blowout. This track handles at the superbly and delivers every bullet or explosion with precise clarity.

Also like past seasons, this release does have any shortage of special features found on disc five of the release, minus some episode commentary tracks. Speaking of those, they are easily the main draw for this Blu-ray. First off, we have director Guy Ferland and actor IronE Singleton chatting about “Killer Within”. Director/Co-Executive Producer/Special Effects Make-Up Artist Greg Nicotero and Danai Gurira take over the talking on the episode “Say the Word”, great track. Executive Producer/Writer Robert Kirkman, Executive Producers David Alpert and Gale Anne Hurd, and Danai Gurira for “Made to Suffer”, good but not my favorite. ale Anne Hurd and Danai Gurira are together again on the track for episode “The Suicide King”. Lastly Greg Nicotero and Michael Rooker for “This Sorrowful Life”, another great track. So like I said easily worth the purchase of the Blu-ray alone.

So the rest of the extras consist of eight very informative and interesting featurettes. First we have “Rising Son”, which looks at Chandler Riggs’ character and how its changed. “Evil Eye” focuses on the kick-ass role of “The Governor” and the beauty that David Morrissey brings to him. “Gone, But Not Forgotten” looks at the death of the key characters and their effects, which is also similar to the extras “Guts and Glory”. “Heart of a Warrior” looks into the world of Michonne and Danai Gurira’s portrayal. “Michonne vs. The Governor” looks into the face-off of these two characters. “Safety Behind Bars” looks into the sets and location shooting for the season. “Making the Dead” takes into the mind of Nicotero and his zombies. Lastly there are about 15 minutes of deleted scenes from the following episodes ”Walk With Me,” “Say the Word,” “Hounded,” “Home,” “I Ain’t No Judas,” and “Clear”.

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DVD Review “Among Friends”

Actors: Alyssa Lobit, Jennifer Blanc, Brianne Davis, Dana Daurey, AJ Bowen
Directors: Danielle Harris
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 80 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

If you are a horrorhound like myself then you know who Danielle Harris is. She started down the path of becoming a scream queen after her roles in films like “Halloween 4 & 5” and “Hatchet” series. “Among Friends” is her Harris’ first time directing solo and she does a great good job. But I have to admit, I am a little tired of these psycho party game flicks, especially after IFC’s recent “Would You Rather”. They are all for shock and gore but it grows old quick and it doesn’t help that this 80 minute flick feels like two hours.

Official Premise: Good times take a dark turn when longtime friends get together for an ’80s-themed murder-mystery party that is soon hijacked by someone from their past. The dinner guests will have to face their lies and secret betrayals as they discover the terrifying lengths to which their host will go to expose the truth.

What film does have is a kick-ass cast including Jennifer Blanc (“The Victim”), AJ Bowen (“You’re Next”) and of course Kane Hodder (“Friday the 13th VII-X”). I haven’t heard of Alyssa Lobit but she is really one crazy son-bitch. Harris even makes an appearing in costume from “Halloween 4 & 5” during drug trip scene. This DVD only comes with one special feature, including a commentary track with director Danielle Harris, Jennifer Blanc and AJ Bowen. I have to admit, they definitely had fun on this track and I preferred it to the film but no enough to win me over.

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Blu-ray Review “Super Buddies”

Stars: John Ratzenberger, Michael Teigen, Jason Earles
Directors: Robert Vince
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 81 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

I have been a fan of these talking puppies since the Buddies Series starts back with “Air Buddies”. Since then there has been five other films including “Snow Buddies”, “Space Buddies”, “Santa Buddies: the Legend of Santa Paws”, “Spooky Buddies” and “Treasure Buddies”. Sure they are cheesy but they are just great family fun. And most importantly my daughter loves them. “Super Buddies” is a family friendly send-up of “The Avengers” and other superhero films. It features our favorite pups including Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha and Mudbud as they become caped crusaders and embark on their biggest adventure ever. Filled with great jokes, action and some great new characters, “Super Buddies” is super family fun.

Official Premise: An ordinary day at Fernfield Farms turns extraordinary when Budderball, Mudbud, B-Dawg, Buddha and Rosebud discover mysterious rings that grant them each a unique super power. Before you can say, “Buddies, assemble,” the pups unleash their amazing abilities and race to the rescue when a shape-shifting bully from outer space threatens the planet. But can they succeed in kicking major tail without revealing their new secret identities?

“Super Buddies” stars John Ratzenberger (“Cars”, “Cheers”), Michael Teigen (“TRON: Legacy”), Jason Earles (Kickin’ It”, “Hannah Montana”). In terms of voice stars, the legendary Tim Conway voices Deputy Sniffer. The “Buddies” voices include Cooper Roth (“Are you Faster Than a 1st Grader), who voices B-Dawg; Tenzing Trainor (“Stevie TV” ) who voices Buddha; Jeremy Shinder (“Louie,” “Newlyweeds”) who voices Budderball; Ty Panitz (“Because I Said So,” “How To Eat Fried Worms”) who voices Mudbud; and G. Hannelius (“Good Luck Charlie”, “Sonny With A Chance”) who voices Rosebud. So there is no shortage of great talent here!

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment delivers this film as a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy). Disney has recently crossed over into the world of digital streaming, which is fantastic news. I know my daughter is going to re-watch this release over and over on the iPad. The 1080p transfer works with the action and visual effects and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also is very impressive and delivers a mainstream feel despite this direct-to-DVD release. These films are well made, like I said cheesy but still pretty sharp. The downfall here is that there are no additional special features for the kiddies. I could have seen some fun extras included for the kids included. Can’t see what is in store next for the “Buddies”!

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Blu-ray Review “The Iceman”

Actors: Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans, James Franco
Directors: Ariel Vromen
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Millennium
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Michael Shannon since his role in “Groundhog Day”. Well, maybe that is not 100% true but since his turn in the film “Revolutionary Road”, he has really blown up. I mean the guy played General Zod in “Man of Steel”. He is such a deep actor and really gives him to each of his roles. He was the draw for me to “The Iceman” and he delivers yet again. The film also packs an impressive supporting cast including Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans, James Franco. Great ensemble cast. Fans of mobster movies, should definitely check this out if not just for Shannon’s stone-cold performance.

Official Premise: Inspired by actual events, The Iceman follows notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski (Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon) from his early days in the mob until his arrest for the murder of more than 100 men. Appearing to be living the American dream as a devoted husband and father; in reality Kuklinski was a ruthless killer-for-hire. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters had any clue about his real profession.

Millennium is releasing this film on Blu-ray, after a very limited theatrical release. I could have seen this been huge in theaters, especially with this great cast. The 1080p transfer is good and gives a clear presentation but doesn’t blown me away. There are two audio tracks included. The first is obviously the best and only choice with its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. There is also a Dolby Digital 2.0 included but it is quite pointless. In terms of special features, there are two decent featurettes included. The first is “The Making of The Iceman”, delivers a look into the production with cast/crew. “The Iceman: Behind the Scenes” pretty much does the same thing but focuses more on the film itself but worth checking out.

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Blu-ray Review “Pawn Shop Chronicles”

Actors: Paul Walker, Brendan Fraser, Matt Dillon, Norman Reedus, Vincent D’Onofrio, Elijah Wood, Lukas Haas, Kevin Rankin.
Director: Wayne Kramer
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 112 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

What a trip! From the moment this film starts, I couldn’t help but think that this feels like a live-action comic book. It is action packed and very intense. It is graphic, in-your-face and feels like “Pulp Fiction” on drugs. The film also packs one very impressive cast spread out and also intertwined between each of the three stories. Just look at the box, the better question is “Who isn’t in this movie?” Everyone in the cast, no matter how small the role, really adds a lot to the film. It is a real ensemble. My only concern is that the film slows down a bit in its third act but ends up paying off as it all comes together in the end. Very clever, unique and a ton of fun.

Official Synopsis: In this shop, these people may be pawning far more than they bargained for: Brendan Fraser (“The Mummy”), Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings”), Vincent D’Onofrio (“Men in Black”), Academy Award® nominee Matt Dillon (“Crash”), Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead”), Thomas Jane (“Hung”), Lukas Haas (“Inception”), and Paul Walker (“Fast & Furious”), star in 3 twisted tales all connected by items from a Southern small-town pawn shop. A man searching for his kidnapped wife, a couple of white-supremacist meth heads, and a sad-sack Elvis impersonator, plus more desperate characters come to life in the action-packed and hilarious story written by Adam Minarovich and from the director of “The Cooler” and “Running Scared”, Wayne Kramer.

Anchor Bay is releasing this film as a Blu-ray combo pack with a DVD disc as well. The 1080p transfer relays the film’s comic book feel very well and looks sharp doing it. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 works well with the film’s fast paced again and music. In terms of special features, I would have expected more from this release. There is only an audio commentary from director Wayne Kramer and writer Adam Minarovich. I would have loved to seen some behind-the-scenes featurettes.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, chronicles, pawn, review, shop

DVD Review “Gallowwalkers”

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Kevin Howarth, Riley Smith, Tanit Phoenix
Director: Andrew Goth
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 93 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Wesley Snipes is out of jail and back in the business! Too bad this is not the great comeback one could have hoped for. “Gallowwalkers” has a cool premise but plays off like a boring Western. Like most low budget films, the opening scene shows promise but then the story kicks in and drags this film down to the ground. Let’s hope that Snipes has a better comeback with “The Expendables 3” next summer!

Official Premise: A mysterious gunman, Aman (Snipes), is the son of a nun who breaks her covenant with God to ensure his survival. This act brings a curse upon Aman – all those that die by his gun will return. Soon, he is hunted by a gang of his undead former victims, led by the vicious Kansa. Aman enlists Fabulos, a new young warrior, to fight by his side.

Lions Gate is releasing this film only on DVD, no Blu-ray treatment. It is also includes a digital Ultraviolet streaming copy but I could not see myself re-watching this film a second time. The special features are also light like the film itself. There is a brief “Behind-the-Scenes look into the production with cast/crew interviews. Lastly there is a trailer gallery included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, gallowwalkers, review

Book Review “Star Wars: Jedi Academy”

Author: Jeffrey Brown
Age Range: 8 and up
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I first heard about author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown when he released his bestselling book “Darth Vader and Son”. At the time, my wife was a few months away from having our daughter and I wondered where the female version of that book was. Well a few months later, “Vader’s Little Princess” was released. Read our interview with Jeffrey, here. When I spoke with him, he gave us a sneak peak at “Star Wars: Jedi Academy” and I know I just had to have it. Sure the age range is 8 and up but key word being up. I finished this book in literally one sitting and loved every minute of it. If you are a “Star Wars” fan young or old, this is a must have in your collection!.

The story is really cute and fun. It follows a young boy Roan and his journeys through middle school as he attempt to complete his dream of leaving home and becoming a Pilot Academy like his older brother, father, and grandfather. When he is denied entry into Pilot School, he fears that he will end up having to go to farming school instead. But instead he receives an invitation out of the blue to attend Jedi Academy from Master Yoda and decides to give it a try. He find that he possesses more strength and potential than he could have ever dreamed and that his destiny leads him to a new path.

The illustrations in the book are extremely fun and each page is a new journey into this world. They are black and white and have a real fun comic book feel. There is tons of great humor all mixed within the common issues and stresses of attending middle school. Since we either you are going through it or have been through it, the story and its situations are very relatable no matter what age you are. It is told through various formats including Ronan’s comics, journal entries, letters, doodles, and newspaper clippings. So at first you will be reading his report card and then a letter from his brother. It moves the story along so well and makes it very entertaining and fresh. I do not think that I have ever sat down just to check out a book and ended up reading the entire book within a few hours.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: academy, book, jedi, review, star, wars, ...

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