Blu-ray Review “Cabin Fever: Patient Zero”

Actors: Sean Astin, Currie Graham, Ryan Donowho, Brando Eaton
Director: Kaare Andrews
Rated: Unrated
Studio: RLJ Entertainment
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Run Time: 95 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

“Cabin Fever” is a great horror film and it also kick started the career of Eli Roth. The sequels/prequels to this film have been very good at all. In fact, they have been pretty bad. “Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever” was such a bad film, it was delayed for year and even had the director Ti West trying to take his name off of it. “Cabin Fever: Patient Zero” was the first of two planned prequels to reinvigorate the series, but it falls flat just like the sequel and it’s follow up film was canned already. Maybe they need to let this series die and come up with a new idea instead of just rebooting the same thing over and over. The film does have some great gore in it, kudos to that but it drags ass half way through and has no major shock factor at all. Just another unnecessary prequel. Big pass here!

Offical Premise: A group of friends planned the perfect vacation in the Caribbean, but when they head ashore to explore a remote island, their ultimate bachelor weekend devolves into their worst nightmare. After an ill-fated swim in contaminated water, they stumble upon a seemingly abandoned research facility where a deadly, flesh-eating virus has been unleashed. In the aftermath of a massacre, the only people left alive are a handful of secretive medical personnel and “Patient Zero” (Sean Astin), the lone person who’s been exposed to the disease and shows no symptoms. Can they find a way to survive and escape, or will the virus consume them all in a bloodbath of chaos and carnage?

RLJ Entertainment released this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD included. “Cabin Fever: Patient Zero” does look quite impressive with its 1080p transfer. The practical makeup effects looks great for sure and the locations were the film was shot are also well highlighted. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is also solid especially with composer’s Kevin Riepl (Silent Night) score, which is quite rocking. In more disappointing news, if the film wasn’t bad enough there are literally no special features included on this release at all. There are trailers for “Aftermath”, “All Cheerleaders Die” and “Wolf Creek 2” at start up but nothing else.

Book Review “Disney 5-Minute Spooky Stories”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: 5-Minute Stories
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 22, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Halloween is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate with your young kids than with kid friendly spooky stories with their favorite Disney characters. This is not Disney’s first time around with the % Minute Stories as recently they have released “5-Minute Marvel Stories”, “5-Minute Princess Stories”; “5-Minute Snuggle Stories” and “5-Minute Disney*Pixar Stories”. These are a great fun for the kids and listen up parents, they are great for bedtime. I probably wouldn’t recommend the spooky stories before bedtime but these are still great fun and original stories from our favorite character like “Wreck-It Ralph”, “Tangled” and “Sleeping Beauty”.

Official Premise: The perfect treat for Halloween, this treasury of spooky stories is packed with thrilling adventures. Beloved favorites like Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan as well as popular new characters from the latest Disney films, including Wreck-It Ralph and Rapunzel, encounter everything from ghosts to haunted houses! With twelve scary stories, a padded cover, and fun illustrations on every page, this collection is a great gift for boys and girls. Plus, each of these spooktacular stories can be enjoyed in just five minutes, making it perfect for bedtime, on the go, or anytime!

 

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Book Review “Disney Princess Royal Treasury: Read-and-Play Storybook”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Read-and-Play Storybook
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Disney Press; Har/Psc edition (July 29, 2014)

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Disney Princess Royal Treasury: Read-and-Play Storybook” is a very pretty book. It is a 4-in-1 padded storybook that features stories for our favorite princess (or I should say specifically my daughters) Ariel, Aurora, Rapunzel, and Tiana.

Official Premise: Rescue a sacred dolphin with Ariel; go on an adventure with Rapunzel and Maximus; befriend a baby dragon with Aurora, and spend an evening with Tiana and Stella the dog in this 4-in-1 storybook

If the four stories aren’t enough to draw you in, like most of Disney’s books there is a code included to download the Disney Princess Royal Salon app. It is a very cute app and allow you to dress up and style your favorite princesses!

 

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Book Review “Disney Junior Storybook Collection”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Storybook Collection
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been purchasing Disney’s Storybook Collection for many many years now. Now with a child of my own, I enjoy introducing her to these great stories but I always wished they had something aimed at the Disney Junior brand. My daughter loves the classic Disney movies but she literally watches Disney Junior EVERY single day, so she loves these characters right now much more. It is just the way it is. So we asked and Disney answered with “Disney Junior Storybook Collection”. This is THE BOOK to get if you have a kid that is answer from a Preschool to Kindergarten. A must have for any parent. This will save your life.

Official Premise: Sail the Never Sea with Jake and the crew, diagnose toys with Doc in her backyard clinic, experience royal fun with Sofia, practice your best roar with Henry Hugglemonster, visit Minnie’s Bow-tique, and join the Clubhouse’s gang all in one book! This beautifully illustrated storybook collection includes gilded pages, over 250 full-color illustrations, and 18 stories featuring your favorite Disney Junior characters and shows: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Minnie’s Bow-Toons, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

This is a real nice book and a great coffee table book as well for the kids. It is hardcover with some beautiful images throughout. It is not a cheap book either, it feels like it has some weight to it and I like that. There are 18 stores from all of your kids favorite Disney Junior shows. Here is hoping that this is only volume one for Disney Junior because with all the new shows that the station is cranking out. There are tons are great content just waiting to get adapted here.  Keep them coming Disney!

 

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Book Review “Disney Princess Sleeping Beauty Read-Along Storybook and CD”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Read-Along Storybook and CD
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 29, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Sleeping Beauty” is such a great story and one of my favorite. It also houses on of Disney best villains to date, “Maleficent”. This latest Read-Along Storybook and CD relives the classic animated film. You follow along as Aurora grows up with the good fairies, meets the prince of her dreams, and overcomes Maleficent’s evil curse. If you are looking to introduce your kids to “Sleeping Beauty”, this would be a good way to ease them in before watching the film or to enjoy after the film.

The CD itself is quite impressive since it feature real character voices and sound effects, which both add so much to the story. This actually feels like a big production and allow you to enjoy the book with a more visual aspect. My daughter has this Disney Princess CD player/jewelry chest above in her room and we have taken advantage of this storybook-and-CD set many times in the last weeks and I am sure it is only the beginning.

 

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Book Review “World of Reading – Disney Junior Boxed Set: Pre-Level 1”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: World of Reading (Book 1)
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I get books for the past two years, I have been sticking to board and hardcover books that are toddler friendly. Watching my two year old daughter growing up I see that she needed more of a challenge with her reading. I decided it was time to turn it over to Disney’s World of Reading series. This collection is absolutely perfect for those early readers, who can’t read yet need more challenge than just pictures and colors.

To make it even better, this is a box set of six Disney Junior Pre-Level 1 books. They should appeal to any preschooler or in my case an exceptional two year old. If you love Disney Junior, all of your favorites are here from Sofia The First, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Plus if all that isn’t enough, Disney is also giving you a bonus e-book, which features actually a 7th reader. I highly recommend this set and hope that Disney continues to release get box sets like this one, so my daughter can enjoy as she grows up (too quickly).

 

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Book Review “Disney’s Minnie: Minnie’s Costume Contest”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Minnie
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: August 12, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are parents reading this, you know what it is like to have something that your kids love and being nervous what would happen if you would ever lose that one item. Since receiving the book “Minnie’s Costume Contest”, it has become a must have whenever we are in the car. In fact, it has had a perfect place in my car and is revisited every time that we take a drive.

If you love Minnie, you will love this book. As the summer ends and the fall approaches, that means it is time for Minnie’s Annual Halloween Costume Contest! If you love the shorts from “Minnie’s Bowtique”, you will see a few known faces. I love that young kids are able to celebrate Halloween with books like this without all the scary aspect. A must have for any kid!

 

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Blu-ray Review “Person of Interest: The Complete Third Season”

Actors: Jim Caviezel, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman, Sarah Shahi, Michael Emerson
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Run Time: 1012 minutes

Season: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When “Person of Interest” started airing I never really caught onto it. It is called one of “television’s most gripping dramas” but I really just never got into it. I think you really need to love the cast of the show you are watching. Same thing to me happened with “Under the Dome”. Good show but terrible cast. The cast here is very talented don’t get me wrong, Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel rock stars but I not a huge fan nonetheless. Either way the show is a hit and it will be entering its fourth season this fall on CBS.

Official Premise: In Season Three, the team suffers a devastating loss and faces staggering challenges. Technical wizard Finch (Michael Emerson) and ex-CIA operative Reese (Jim Caviezel) join forces with rogue agent Sameen Shaw (Sarah Shahi) to save lives and seek justice, but the team now faces an uncertain future. With The Machine, now completely self-governed and hidden from all, the POI team must struggle to protect their mission and the evolving intelligence providing their numbers.

The 23 episodes included are Liberty; Nothing to Hide; Lady Killer; Reasonable Doubt; Razgovor; Mors Praematura; The Perfect Mark; Endgame; The Crossing; The Devil’s Share; Lethe; Aletheia; 4C; Provenance; Last Call; RAM; /; Allegiance; Most Likely To…; Death Benefit; Beta; A House Divided & Deus Ex Machina.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s “Person of Interest: The Complete Third Season” is being released as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet. I love the Warner Brothers always comes through with all of there television releases with UltraViolet bonus, which allows consumers to instantly stream and download all 23 episodes from The Cloud for viewing on computers and compatible iOS and Android devices.

The special features includes for this release are decent. There is a featurette “Person of Interest: The Future of A.I.” look into the real life technology with the creators. “Saying Goodbye to a Friend” features cast and creators talking about the loss of a character. “Bear on Set” looks into the episode with Boker the dog.

There is footage from the 2013 Comic Con Panel. There is only one commentary track includes with Michael Emerson on the season finale. If you are a fan of this show, one episode is not really enough to really wow you to be honest. With 23 episodes, five is a really the minimum. There is a gag reel included. Lastly there are digital comics based on each episode, this is really good bonus feature for sure.

Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo, DVD & Digital HD September 2

Film Review “Life After Beth”

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, John C. Reilly and Dane DeHaan
Directed by: Jeff Baena
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 29 mins
A24

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Zac Orfman is in mourning. His girlfriend, Beth Slocum, has died. Bitten by a snake while she went hiking alone, all Zac has now are his memories. And a scarf of hers, given to him by her parents (Reilly and Molly Shannon). His family, especially his older brother, Kyle (Matthew Gray Gubler), are insensitive to his feelings, mocking him for wearing the scarf around his neck. Upset he picks up a tray of Jello and heads over to the Slocum house, hoping to share his grief with those that will understand it. When Mr. Slocum is leery about letting him in he does a little investigating. And in the attic he discovers…Beth?

Not sure if this term has ever been used before so I’m going to call “Life After Beth” a very original “Rom-Zom-Com,” which translates to Romantic Zombie Comedy. Though the Slocums won’t like the word “zombie.” They prefer resurrected. Either way, Beth is back. As played by Plaza, she is unaware of her circumstances, conscious only of the things she knew before she died. Like she has to study for a test. This is how her parents keep her out of sight. When Zac discovers the situation he is sworn to silence, promising to never let Beth know of her circumstances. However, that’s a lot easier to promise than to actually do.

The cast is given some great situations thanks to a sharply written script by director Baena. This could have easily been a parody film or, if you felt for one minute that the cast wasn’t buying in, a disaster. But the actors maintain their characters and the various situations that they find themselves in only become funnier because of their commitment to the subject. DeHaan, who has always played brooding young men shows like “True Blood” and films like “Kill Your Darlings” is quite adept at physical comedy (as is Plaza) and does a fine job here. Reilly and Shannon do their best work together, arguing about what Beth can and cannot do and denying to themselves that something odd has happened. Plaza shines as Beth and her dedication to the role is what makes the film work so well. When Zac meets an old female friend Beth goes into a jealous rage, much worse than usual seeing as that she’s a zombie. As things (and Beth) begin to deteriorate the laughs continue. Yet, while you’re laughing you can’t help but feel sorry for all involved.

That being said, take a chance and go see what is now my favorite ROM-ZOM-COM!

Book Review “Disney Princess: Dear Princess”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

What two year old doesn’t love Disney Princess? “Dear Princess” is a great idea for a new kids book. It features recent princesses like Rapunzel, Tiana, Merida as well as the classics like Belle and Ariel. I also really like the design of the book since the letters really feel like actual letters. Very clever and extremely cute as well. A must for any real princess.

Official Premise: Ever wonder what you’d find inside a princess’s mailbox? How about a letter from her evil stepmother? A review from a food critic who loved her restaurant? A message in a bottle from down under the sea? Join the Disney Princesses in this fun, enchanting book featuring mail written to and from Rapunzel, Tiana, Merida, Belle, and more! Each princess’s story includes a royal letter to fold open and enjoy!

 

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Book Review “Doc McStuffins Boo to You!”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Doc Mcstuffins
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 22, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Genevieve Goings from Choo Choo Soul recorded a fantastic song last year that we used to listen to A LOT called “Boo to You Halloween!” It played during the month of October last year on Disney Junior to celebrate the stations Halloween-themed TV specials.  I always think about the”Doc McStuffins” special episode, which was easily our favorite. So this story is ton of fun. Plus our daughter absolutely loves pumpkins, so this book has no shortage of them. A must have for any Doc fan, absolutely.

Official Premise: This delightful Halloween board book with a touch-and-feel element on every spread will become a holiday favorite, when preschoolers follow the misadventures of Sebastian, Doc’s motion-sensor ghost that pops out of a pumpkin. Doc soon realizes that Sebastian is stuck in his pumpkin, and he is scared of Halloween! Will Doc be able to fix Sebastian and convince the timid little ghost to join in the Halloween festivities?

 

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Book Review “Mickey & Friends Mickey’s Spooky Night”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Board book: 24 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 22, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have no idea how or why but my two year old daughter absolutely loves Halloween. Every since her first Halloween when she was around six months we would take her pumpkin picking, so I guess it rubbed off. Funny also, here favorite TV show on Disney Junior is “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”, so this book is a great combination of both.

Official Premise: Mickey Mouse has decorated his whole house for a Halloween party. But when Minnie, Donald, and the others show up, they can’t find Mickey. Instead they just find one scary thing after the next! This gently spooky storybook is perfect for Halloween.

The book is quite big and meaty for the kids. The pages are hard stock and work well with those little hands that are unable to turn paper pages. To make things even more impressive, there is also a great Mobile App included for iPhone and iPad! “Read and Play”.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Bitten: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Laura Vandervoort, Greyston Holt, Greg Bryk, Paul Greene, Steve Lund, Michael Xavier
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Run Time: 572 minutes

Season: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

You know when you watch a show and you know right away that you are either going to love it or hate it.  “Bitten” fell into the latter category from the very first episode. I am not sure what it was since I definitely like Laura Vandervoort. She is very easy on the eyes and quite naked right from the very first episode 😉 but I just didn’t dig it. The show’s plot never developed into what I thought it could have and it ended up being very predictable. I am sure this series has a following, so it’s fans will be at least happy to know that this release includes all 13 UNCUT featuring footage not seen on American television.

Official Premise: Desperate to escape both a world she never wanted to be part of and the man who turned her into a werewolf, Elena abandons her Pack and takes refuge in a new city, starting over with a hot new romance and a successful photography career. But when bodies turn up in the werewolf sanctuary, Elena is torn between the life she s building and the wild and dangerously unpredictable one she thought she left behind. Based on the Women of the Otherworld novels by #1 New York Times best selling author Kelley Armstrong.

Entertainment One, like usual with their Syfy TV series releases, delivered us an impressive Blu-ray despite my feelings on the series itself. I would just wish that they would get on board with the digital HD copies and start bringing their Blu-ray releases to the digital age. The colors are sharp and the details are well presented. The CGI isn’t ground breaking but looks good for what it is worth. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is actually in my eyes the star of the release. It is one fine track. This show is carried well by the music and cue’s used throughout, especially through the action scenes.

In terms of special features, we are back to the disappointing end of the release. There are three audio commentaries on the pilot episode, “Summons” “Bitten”, and the finale, “Ready”. They feature Executive Producer J.B. Sugar, Executive Producer/Writer Daegan Fryklind and star Laura Vandervoort. There is a short behind-the-scenes looks into the series. My favorite is definitely “VFX – Behind the Wolf”, which goes into the CGI in depth…sort of…since it only runs about 4 minutes. Lastly there is a feature on the show’s Stunt Choreography and a bunch of Deleted/Alternate Scenes included.

Film Review “The November Man”

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Luke Bracey and Bill Smitrovich
Directed by: Roger Donaldson
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 48 mins
Relativity Media

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

It’s 2008 and CIA operative Peter Devereaux (Brosnan) and his young trainee, Danny Mason, (Bracey) are working to prevent the assassination of an American politician overseas. Things go wrong when, against Devereaux’s orders, Mason fires a protective shot and strikes and kills a young boy. When the mission is over, Devereaux turns in his papers. In current day Belgrade we learn through high ranking CIA official John Haney (Smitrovich) that an operative has been exposed and Devereaux is the only person that can be trusted to save them. What happens next, in the blink of an eye, may change the world political scene for decades to come.

A standard by-the-numbers spy thriller, “The November Man” rides squarely on the broad shoulders of Pierce Brosnan. More than a decade removed from his last outing as James Bond, Brosnan still has the talent and skill necessary to portray a man who must rely on his wits (and his ability to use a gun) to survive every day. As his former partner and now adversary, Bracey is equally matched to Brosnan’s talents. When Devereaux must team up with a young woman (Olga Kurylenko), whose identity could alter post- Cold War politics, it is Brosnan’s coolness under pressure that keeps the film from being one giant shoot-em’ up. Besides this performance, the film is basic car chases and gun fights in exotic places, the kind where people chasing each other with silenced hand guns must be an ordinary and everyday occurrence, as no one seems to blink as they happen. Rounding out the cast is Smitrovich, whose performance is solid, and Will Patton, apparently still playing the character he played opposite Kevin Costner in “No Way Out” almost a quarter century ago.

The direction by screen veteran Donaldson is strong but, like the plot, very formulaic: gun fight, car chase, take a break and repeat. Only towards the end, when past roles are revealed, does the film pick up energy. By then the film is on auto-pilot and on its way to a pre-determined finale.

Film Review “The Calling”

Starring: Susan Sarandon, Ellen Burstyn and Gil Bellows
Directed by: Jason Stone
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 48 mins
Sony Pictures

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Every morning, Chief Inspector Hazel Micallef rises from the floor (her preferred place to sleep), takes a pain pill and a shot and heads to work, only stopping on the way at the local diner, where the owner waits for her with a cup of coffee and a bacon sandwich. Things are pretty slow in Fort Dundas, a city in the Canadian province of Ontario. Though not officially the top cop, her seniority makes her the one giving orders to her fellow detective, Ray Green (Bellows) and they local cops. On one of the typically slow days that seem to run back to back to back in town, the station gets a phone call from one of the townspeople, currently out of town, who has had trouble reaching his mother on the phone. Can someone please stop by and look in on her? Hazel takes it up herself to run the errand. When she knocks and gets no answer she walks in. And what she finds will ensure that the slow days at the Fort Dundas police department are coming to an end.

A well-paced thriller that will have you guessing until the end, “The Calling” comes to us courtesy of first time feature director Jason Stone. With a few short films under his belt, Stone has managed to attract a cast featuring two previous Oscar winners as well as such well-known talent like Topher Grace, Gil Bellows and Donald Sutherland. Stone, whose short film “Jay and Seth Versus the Apocalypse” was the basis for last year’s all-star comedy, “This Is the End,” shows a veteran’s touch in handling his actors. He allows them some room to explore their scenes but still keeps them tight. As the film progresses, there really isn’t a false step in the pacing. I’m looking forward to his sophomore feature.

Sarandon, still not looking anywhere near her 68 years, gives a nuanced performance, never giving anything away. As the film progresses we learn why Hazel isn’t officially the boss as well as why her superiors are slow to put any faith in her claim that a serial killer may now be operating in the Great White North. Supporting work by Bellows (who you may recognize as Tommy, the young boy who Andy befriends in “The Shawshank Redemption”), Sutherland and Burstyn, as a former judge and Hazel’s mother is outstanding. Burstyn is only 14 years older than Sarandon and she, too, still maintains the beauty that first burst upon Hollywood in the 1970s. And special recognition to Grace, who plays a cop recently transferred to Fort Dundas from Toronto. Why? You’ll have to watch the film to find out.

“The Calling” is currently available on Video on Demand and opens in theatres on Friday, August 29th.

 

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