Mac & Devin Go to High School Blu-ray review

Actors: Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Andy Milonakis, Mike Epps

Director: Dylan C. Brown

Format: Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: ANCHOR BAY

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Run Time: 76 minutes

            Mac & Devin Go to High School is a marijuana comedy, which suggests a double-entendre within the title. With rap stars Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa starring, not to mention a cartoon joint voiced by Mystikal, it is also a film about hip-hop culture. The attitude and views found within this culture can be discovered by listening to any of the socially irresponsible and morally devoid songs played continuously on whatever popular radio station is in your area. The message here seems to be correlating with the single from these two stars, essentially saying that being young means getting drunk and high. I have no problem with this immature viewpoint coming from actors/musicians who are far from high school age, but the fact that it also brings a message which is sexist and downright abusive towards women is much easier to swallow.

            Snoop Dogg plays Mac Johnson, a 15-year senior who essentially stays in high school to sleep with the young girls and sell weed to his classmates. He changes his mind and decides to graduate only once he gets a teacher who is attractive in her inappropriately short skirts and unwilling to date a high school student. Devin Overstreet (Khalifa in his first attempt at acting) is a different type of student, so responsible that he doesn’t sleep with his girlfriend or smoke weed. When these two unlikely students are paired up for a chemistry experiment, they each have something they can learn from each other.

            What they teach each other is somewhat one-sided. Although Mac eventually learns just enough to get out of high school, it is Devin who learns the most when Mac teaches him how to smoke weed and get laid. In order to have sex he must tell off his bitchy girlfriend and visit a prostitute, but this is all much easier for the uptight student once he has learned to smoke copious amounts of drugs first. In this world, it seems as though everyone but Devin is already smoking weed anyway. Even his teachers look to Mac for supply.

            The Blu-ray includes an audio commentary by director Dylan Brown, as well as Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa.  

Midnight Son DVD review

Actors: Zak Kilberg, Tracey Walter, Arlen Escarpeta, Kevin McCorkle

Director: Scott Leberecht

Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT

DVD Release Date: July 17, 2012

Run Time: 92 minutes

            The last thing cinema needs is another vampire film. At a certain point there is nothing new to add to the genre, and that is exactly the territory that Midnight Son falls into. The approach is like dozens of other films, from start to finish unimpressive and easily forgettable. This is not to say that there aren’t aspects of Midnight Son which are well executed, but each moment has been done better elsewhere.

            The one saving grace of Midnight Son is the fact that we are spared the sequences which explain how our protagonist became a vampire. Jacob (Zak Kilberg) is a night security guard with a hatred of the sun and an insatiable hunger. Eventually he discovers that the only thing to relieve the hunger inside of him is blood. At first buying animal blood from the butcher seems to be enough, but soon after he is bribing hospital employees for human blood instead. Like the slippery slope of urge satisfying, this inevitably turns into a consumption of fresh human blood.

            At the same time that Jacob grows accustomed to his newfound insatiability, he also begins a romance with a young drug addict he meets on the street one night named Mary (Maya Parish). Their relationship runs parallel to Jacob’s discovery of the monster within. While Mary is a temptation for Jacob, his abilities provide specific benefits as well.

            The special feature on the Midnight Son DVD includes an audio commentary with writer/director Scott Leberecht and stars Kilberg and Parish, as well as Jo D. Jonz. There are also deleted scenes and interviews with the cast and crew members.

Some guy Who Kills People DVD review

Actors: Barry Bostwick, Kevin Corrigan, Leo Fitzpatrick

Format: Color, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment

DVD Release Date: July 3, 2012

Run Time: 97 minutes

            This is much less of a horror film than it is a comedy which wants you to believe it may be horror long enough to distract from a predictable ending. It has many movies swimming around in the storyline, but it is the horror which adds an element of mystery and surprise to the otherwise unrelated storylines of a socially awkward man coming out of his shell. Beyond the manipulative structure and misleading cover art, Some Guy Who Kills People is actually an entertaining little comedy thriller.

            Ken Boyd (Kevin Corrigan) had a tough childhood. Although he wanted to play basketball and was actually quite good, he was ridiculed and bullied by the popular guys on the team. After he creates a comic book about the basketball players, the bullying becomes so intense that Ken eventually needs to go to a mental hospital for recovery. Years later the same bullies are still making Ken’s life hell, and his meager job at an ice cream parlor doesn’t help matters much. Life starts to look up for Ken when he is reunited with his daughter and begins to date a friendly customer (Karen Black), but this happens as all of the basketball bullies from ken’s past are killed off, one by one.

            There isn’t much violence or gore in this film, though these expected elements of horror are replaced with a level of humor which is greater than is expected. The highlight of the film’s humor comes from the seemingly bumbling Sheriff (Barry Bostwick), who also happens to be dating Ken’s mother. His investigation seems to be going nowhere and he has no problem discussing this with Ken and anyone else nearby, which allows for the murders to continue.

            The DVD release includes commentary track with the director, as well as the writer and producer. There is also a short film which was the inspiration for the feature film and a generic making-of feature.

New to Blu-ray: Phenomenon

Actors: John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker, Robert Duvall, Jeffrey DeMunn

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Format: Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Touchstone / Disney

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Run Time: 123 minutes

            Phenomenon is an interesting adult fantasy which bleeds into adult melodrama romance, but it happens in a way that is effective. Instead of scoffing at the manipulation, it is easy to get swept up in the emotional landscapes of Phenomenon. This partly due to a talented cast, headed up by John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Robert Duvall and Forest Whitaker. Special circumstances come to a small town in the film’s storyline, and what makes the film stay about the characters rather than the fantasy element is the willingness for the storyline to stay small.

            George Malley (Travolta) is an ordinary guy, a small town mechanic without much education or experience outside of his limited world. On his 37^th birthday, all of this changes. When he is knocked out from a blinding light, George wakes up with new abilities. He finds himself growing increasingly intelligent, eventually capable of mental abilities thought impossible. When George can move objects with his mind, the doctors are all baffled.

            Although it seems that the storyline could easily progress towards a larger lifestyle, George is content to stay in his small town because of the people there. Most importantly is a furniture-making single mother (Sedgwick) George begins to date. This is the relationship which stays at the forefront of the storyline, despite all of the fantasy elements, and it is also what makes this a guaranteed two-hanky film.

            The Blu-ray release doesn’t include any special features, but it does have the film in high definition picture and sound for the first time. There are not too many special effects to be improved, but basic image is much sharper and cleaner looking.

New to Blu-ray: Newsies

Actors: Luke Edwards, Christian Bale, Max Casella, David Moscow, Gabriel Damon

Format: Closed-captioned, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: French, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 121 minutes

            Before Christian Bale was Batman, he was dancing and singing in a Disney movie like Zac Ephron. Newsies was the musical for a younger generation; a generation during which the musical was dead. This was an impressive return to classic filmmaking by Disney, and 20 years later it still stands up as solid entertainment. The classic dance routines were even choreographed by the same man who would create the dance routines for the future generation’s High School Musical.

            Newsies is a period musical which tells the tale of a group of newsboys who must use song, dance and courage to stand up to the corruption in their city. They don’t just deliver the news, but they are also forced to stand up for themselves. It’s kind of like the male storyline for Annie, minus the orphanage. These are a group of street-wise kids who sell newspapers while they sing and dance.

            As well as a younger Christian Bale (who had already been in the business for years), Newsies stars Robert Duvall and Ann-Margret and a group of other recognizable faces. The Blu-ray includes an audio commentary with the filmmakers as well as a slew of previously released behind-the-scenes featurettes. There is also a storyboard comparison and a great sing-along feature, not to mention the high definition picture and sound.

New to Blu-ray: Ransom

Actors: Gary Sinise, Mel Gibson, Brawley Nolte

Format: Closed-captioned, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Touchstone / Disney

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Run Time: 121 minutes

            Even though Mel Gibson’s latest film, Get the Gringo, is a return to the action comedy days of his past, it has made few waves in the entertainment world. Gibson’s fans seem to have vanished, forgotten him after the last decade of hijinks and bad press, not to mention some bizarre career choices. For those who long for the golden days of Mel Gibson filmmaking can at least find solace in the Blu-ray release of the 15^th Anniversary Edition of Ransom.

            Along with Kurosawa’s High and Low, Ransom is one of the greatest kidnapping movies, filled with drama, suspense and action alike. Gibson stars as Tom Mullen, a wealthy executive who loses everything when his son is kidnapped. Despite all of the advice Mullen gets from his wife (Rene Russon) and the expert in kidnapping cases (Delroy Lindo), he takes matters into his own hands in an attempt to get his son back. This makes matters even more dangerous for the kidnappers and increases the suspense in this thriller tenfold.

           

            The Blu-ray release of Ransom includes extensive deleted scenes, as well as a commentary track with director Ron Howard and a behind-the-scenes featurette. There is also a small featurette in which the cast and crew talk about how they would react to a situation similar to what the film portrays. These features have all been released before, though this is the first time that this suspense classic has been in high definition picture and sound.

New to Blu-ray: The Color of Money

Actors: Paul Newman

Format: Closed-captioned, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Buena Vista

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Run Time: 119 minutes

            Martin Scorsese is not known for doing sequels, especially not of films that aren’t even his own, but twenty-five years ago he made a fantastic follow-up film to The Hustler. The classic pool hall hustler film starred a young Paul Newman as a fiery gambler with a penchant for trouble. The Color of Money also has an impatient albeit talented protagonist, though it is no longer Newman. Tom Cruise fills that role, making this a star-studded classic, and one which stands on its own.

            Newman returns to his Academy Award-winning role as Fast Eddie Felson, who know has wisdom to go with his talent. Felson picks up a rookie pool shark named Vince (Cruise) and begins showing him the ropes. They make plans together, though Vince inevitably makes the same egotistical mistakes that Felson once made. From the way the billiard sequences are shot to the acting by the film’s two stars and the direction by Scorsese, The Color of Money is a near perfect film.

            Now this 25-year-old classic can be found on high definition Blu-ray. There are no real special features, but the high definition picture and sound is reason enough for an upgrade of this modern classic.

New to Blu-ray: The Horse Whisperer

Actors: Robert Redford, Sam Neill

Format: Dubbed, Enhanced, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Touchstone / Disney

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Run Time: 170 minutes

            The Horse Whisperer is a difficult film to catalogue, because it has a storyline which is like few films. Though there is a horse, it is not a race movie. People wear cowboy hats, but it isn’t a western. There is some drama, some romance and a degree of melodrama. Based on the novel by Nicholas Evans, The Horse Whisperer is a hard film to define but this just seems to help make it more unexpectedly captivating.

            Directed by and starring Robert Redford, The Horse Whisperer tells the story of a string of occurrences which follow a nearly devastating accident. When a young girl (played by a prepubescent Scarlett Johansson) has a devastating riding accident, both she and her horse are injured. The horse no longer seems to be the same, so a rugged rancher known as the “Horse Whisperer” (Redford) is called upon to help fix the situation.

            The Horse Whisperer is a quiet and slow paced drama, running at nearly three hours long with very little action. What the film does have is lush scenery and cinematography, all of which comes off beautifully in high definition. The Blu-ray disc also includes three featurettes and a music video, taken from the DVD release so many years ago.

New to Blu-ray: Evita

Actors: Madonna, Jonathan Pryce, Antonio Banderas, Jimmy Nail, Victoria Sus

Director: Alan Parker

Writers: Alan Parker, Oliver Stone, Tim Rice

Producers: Alan Parker, Andrew G. Vajna, David Wimbury, Lisa Moran

Format: Closed-captioned, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 135 minutes

Evita

            Evita was one of those highly anticipated, large-budget, overblown releases. There was no way that it could live up to all of the hype, as is the case with most adaptations of Broadway musicals. With Oliver Stone as a co-screenwriter and pop icon Madonna in the leading role, at the very least Evita should not have been as big of a flop as it was. For those who weren’t quite as disappointed as I was, the release of the 15^th Anniversary edition of Evita on Blu-ray disc is something to celebrate.

            The story tells the true-life story of Eva Peron (Madonna), a woman who went from poverty to fame in her impoverished country, all thanks to the choice she had in men. These men she had to choose from are played by Antonio Banderas and Jonathan Pryce. These decisions lead to a controversial life, albeit one which changed her home country of Argentina.

            The film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical sensation may not have impressed me, but the high definition of the Blu-ray enhances the musical elements as well as the large-scale production values of the film. Poorly made in some ways, there are still a great many elements which are enhanced by the high definition Blu-ray release. The Blu-ray also comes with a few previously released special features. There is an extensive making-of featurette, as well as a music video by Madonna with one of the film’s songs.

Cocktail Blu-ray review

Actors: Bryan Brown, Tom Cruise, Laurence Luckinbill

Format: Closed-captioned, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Touchstone / Disney

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Run Time: 103 minutes

            Only in the 1980s would a film like Cocktail get made, carried only by the star power of Tom Cruise and a ridiculous story of superficial people and lush surroundings, all of which are enhanced even more with high definition Blu-ray. Cocktail isn’t what I would call a good movie, though it has some cult appeal to it. If nothing else there has to be a decent drinking game or two attached to this 1980s near-classic.

            Cruise stars as Brian Flanagan, and the only thing more ridiculous than his name is the concept for the film. Flanagan is the hottest bartender in Manhattan, a commodity which is so special that it earns him a lush job at a resort in Jamaica. This job affords Brian the opportunity to get to know some appealing customers, including an independent artist (Elisabeth Shue). With lush surroundings, plenty of alcohol and two attractive people, it is no surprise where the storyline goes from here.

            The highlight of the Blu-ray has more to do with the locations chosen for the filming of Cocktail than anything else. Jamaica looks fabulous in high definition, and if that isn’t enough eye candy there is always the two attractive stars. The Blu-ray has no special features, making the scenery the most important thing about this disc.

Butterfly Swords DVD review

Actors: Donnie Yen, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Michelle Yeoh

Director: Michael Mak

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: Chinese

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Well Go USA

DVD Release Date: July 10, 2012

Run Time: 87 minutes

            Although Butterfly Swords stars some of the biggest names in Asian action films today, it was made before they were at the height that they are now. This is the type of martial arts action film which is what inspired Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, though with an R-rated sensibility where humor and violence is concerned. They still fly through the air gracefully, but also have the strength to kick a man’s head completely off of his body. There is the style and elegance, as well as a fantasy of extreme strength and destruction. Butterfly Swords was made in 1993, and carries a very distinct style from the times.

            The story is somewhat confusing between the action sequences, filled with deception and betrayal, along with a strange love triangle between childhood friends. There are evil rulers in the Ming Dynasty, and it is up to these childhood fighters to stand on the right side. The problem becomes discovering which of the two rulers in the land the evil ones are.

            Starring Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh and Tony Leung, this film is star packed and full of martial arts talent. Butterfly Swords is fast paced and violent, to the point where men can be drilled all the way to their crushed skull into the ground with the right kick. It is almost cartoonish at some points, with all of the exaggerated sound-effects that once was paired with kung fu films.

            The DVD release of this lost film from the early 1990s comes with no special features and in mediocre quality picture and sound. If it weren’t for the stars attached and the fame they have gathered since, this film may never have been released at all.

Wrath of the Titans Blu-ray review

Actors: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson

Director: Jonathan Liebesman

Language: Portuguese (DTS 5.1), English (DTS 5.1), French (DTS 5.1), Spanish (DTS 5.1)

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Warner Bros.

Release Date: June 26, 2012

Run Time: 99 minutes

           

            Some films don’t feel worthy of a sequel. Despite a large budget and occasionally impressive special effects, this is how I felt about Clash of the Titans. Then again, I also felt that way about Ghost Rider and G.I. Joe, so apparently this is the time for studios to revisit past failures. In terms of Wrath of the Titans, the sequel actually surpasses the original in most ways. From visual effects and action to the story and characters within them, Wrath of the Titans is a far better film than I had anticipated. The Blu-ray is also some of the more impressive high definition to reach home theaters in some time.

            Sam Worthington returns as the half-god/half-human hero, Perseus, son of Zeus (Liam Neeson). When the gods begin to lose their power with a decrease in faith, it is an opportune time for Hades (Ralph Fiennes), god of the underworld, to unleash hell on earth. All sorts of evil warriors and creatures find their way above ground wreaking havoc on all they come across. When father of the gods, Kronos, is unleashed upon humanity, it will take effort from gods and demigods alike in order to destroy him.

            The story is admittedly silly, and I would not fault anyone for having no interest in this special effects extravaganza, but there is a marked improvement from the original. Not just the effects have been improved. Even just the simple suspense of the film’s action is more gripping, as the improved effects allow suspension of disbelief with more ease. The high definition Blu-ray also has sound which will put any home theater system to work.

            The Blu-ray combo pack also comes with a DVD and ultraviolet copy of the film. Exclusive to the Blu-ray is a Maximum Movie Mode, which allows for two unique interactive ways of viewing the film and special features. Included are storyboard comparisons, picture-in-picture featurettes, and film focus points.  

Wind Blast Blu-ray review

Actors: Francis Ng, Yihong Duan, Zhang Li

Director: Qunshu Gao

Format: Widescreen

Language: Chinese

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Well Go USA

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Run Time: 114 minutes

            At the center of Wind Blast is a typical crime storyline, though the methods of delivery are higher octane than your average film. With a majority of the film taking place in a remote desert, there is plenty of room for countless action sequences between sparse moments of dialogue. What is truly impressive in this modern Chinese western is the versatility in the action despite the remote location. Throughout the desert there are car chases, martial arts battles and bullet ballets. Some of the best action films work because of their simplicity, and Wind Blast could be no simpler.

            The story is essentially good guys versus bad in the middle of nowhere. A former boxer named Zhang Ning (Xia Yu) is hired to carry out an assassination, but takes a photo of his employer for extra insurance. When he sneaks back into China for his pregnant girlfriend, Sun (Charlie Young), both the police and a group of assassins are hunting for him.

            Detective Leopard (Duan Yihong) is called onto the case, along with his former teammates, Mastiff, Yak and Shepherd. These four highly trained cops meet their match when they come across a group of assassins led by Mai Gao (Francis NG) and A Nuo (Yu Nan). The assassins have been hired to destroy the evidence, which means they must kidnap Ning. The former boxer continually changes hands as the good guys and bad guys fight over him for the end result.

            Wind Blast is nearly two hours long, though little of that time is stagnant. Nearly all of the film is respectably filled with suspense and action, making this an impressive Blu-ray release. The high definition is impressive, from visual to audio, though the special features are somewhat lacking. There is a making-of featurette as well as some behind-the-scenes footage.

The Artist Blu-ray review

Actors: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller

Director: Michel Hazanavicius

Writer: Michel Hazanavicius

Producers: Jean Dujardin, Adrian Politowski, Antoine de Cazotte, Daniel Delume, Emmanuel Montamat

Language: English

Subtitles: Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Release Date: June 26, 2012

Run Time: 100 minutes

            Not since the very first Academy Award’s ceremony in the 1920s has a silent film won Best Picture. After Wings in 1928, the silent film went by the wayside, aside from the few masterpieces that Charlie Chaplin would produce for the next decade. The Academy Awards became so preoccupied with dialogue and sound that it became rare for a film to win Best Picture without having also being nominated for Best Screenplay, and yet The Artist was the film to sweep this past year’s ceremony. Winner of five Academy Awards, not to mention countless other honors, The Artist is certainly a must see film, though I would still prefer a classic Chaplin film over this modern silent film any day.

            The story is rather simple for The Artist, making the stylistic choices the most significant factor in the film’s success. Taking place in 1927 Hollywood, The Artist is about the switch from silent to sound in the film industry. Those who were once stars are passed over for new talent, actors with voices to match their looks and acting abilities onscreen. Suddenly the stars of yesterday become obsolete, and George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is one of the superstars to fall from the greatest height of fame. He becomes an unknown at the same time that a fresh young girl named Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) rises into fame, but only after they have crossed paths with each other.

            Though it is ultimately a film about fame and show business, the relationship between the former star Valentin and the newest wonder Miller takes the forefront of The Artist. Otherwise it is simply about a man who must come to terms with his limitations after the technological advance of sound in film. That being said, I have a certain level of admiration for the amount of material which is conveyed through image alone in The Artist. This is a simple film, but one which is incredibly well done, from the directing to the acting and definitely the cinematography as well.  

            The Blu-ray release includes a blooper reel, as well as a series of high-brow featurettes. There is a making-of featurette, as well as one on the locations of the film and a Q&A with the filmmakers.

Louie: The Complete Second Season DVD review

Actors: Louis C.K.

Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: 20th Century Fox

DVD Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 314 minutes

            There is a fantastic opening to one of the episodes in the second season of “Louie” which starts like a sitcom. It is like the majority of sitcoms which comedians end up starring in; Louie is married to a far too understand and overly attractive housewife, though his behavior is inconsiderate and stereotypically male. Before this cliché storyline can continue, however, Louie stops it and we discover that he is attempting to make a sitcom but can’t bring himself to contribute to the longstanding tradition for comedians on television.

The reality is that “Louie” breaks all rules for television shows starring a comedian. It isn’t like “Everybody Loves Raymond,” but it also is nothing like “Seinfeld.” This is one of the few creative and unique shows on television, and I can’t think of another show to compare it to. The closest comparison would be “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and even that is a stretch because it is far less irreverent. Louie C.K. is not only one of the best comedians working today, but he also has one of the most unique and creative minds in television.

            Season two takes even more chances than the first season. There are also far more awkward moments. From a remarkably profound episode in Afghanistan on a U.S.O. tour to a true-life addressing of joke theft between Dane Cook and Louie, season two is willing to bend the boundary of comedy to drama as well as reality to fiction. Other uncomfortable cameos include Chris Rock and Joan Rivers, though it is always the comedian’s complete control over the show which makes these appearances more than average.

            Season two includes thirteen half-hour episodes, though the Afghanistan episode (“Duckling”) is an hour-long. All season two episodes are fit onto two discs, along with a few special features of deleted scenes and commentaries by Louie on select episodes. There is also a Fox Movie Channel special about the series.  

Bullhead Blu-ray review

Actors: Matthias Schoenaerts, Jeroen Perceval, Jeanne Dandoy, Barbara Sarafian

Director: Michael R. Roskam

Format: Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT

Release Date: June 26, 2012

Run Time: 124 minutes

            Ever since Nicholas Winding Refn’s Pusher trilogy, which began in the Tarantino-influenced 1990s, I have been a fan of Danish crime cinema. Not since then has a Danish crime film or director provided a character study as compelling and visceral as Michaël R. Roskam’s Academy Award nominated Bullhead. Each frame is assuredly presented in a way which appears completely intentional, unfolding a uniquely confident debut.

            The simplistic storyline is given added depth with the complexity of the protagonist and his dark past, which is shown to us through a series of flashbacks. A childhood trauma leaves cattle farmer Jacky Vanmarsenille (Matthais Schoenaerts) with a heavy reliance on illegal steroids and hormones, which he also uses on his livestock. After making a deal with a notorious Mafioso meat trader being investigated by the police, Jacky becomes a part of the investigation. The only thing protecting him is a childhood friend working with the police as an informant, who also just happens to have a debt owed to Jacky.

            The investigation becomes increasingly heated when a federal agent investigating the use of illegal steroids in cattle is killed, and suddenly everyone with a connection to the crime is in danger. While Jacky should be more concerned with the investigating police, he becomes obsessed with a girl from his past. Schoenaerts gives a remarkable breakout performance as Jacky, though it is a character of few words. Bullhead itself is not dialogue heavy, but gets a message across with the power of well-placed images. Even the scenery and supposed throwaway shots have purpose to the themes within the storyline, all building to an inevitable climax.

            The Blu-ray release of Bullhead is one of the first for Drafthouse Films, who have begun a solid tradition of insert booklets, a practice previously reserved for the prestigious Criterion collection. The Drafthouse inserts often include comments from fellow filmmakers, and Bullhead is no exception. There is a brief essay from Michael Mann on the film, as well as an excerpt from an interview with actor Udo Kier on the film. The sixteen-page booklet also includes some of the film’s excellent photography in some still shots, and the disc itself also has plenty of special features.

            There is a director’s commentary with Roskam, as well as a making-of featurette. There are also a series of interviews, both with Roskam and his star, Schoenaerts, and a short film which the two also collaborated on.  

Best Laid Plans Blu-ray review

Actors: Stephen Graham, David O'hara, Lee Ingleby, Peter Wight

Director: David Blair

Format: Color, Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Well Go USA

Release Date: June 26, 2012

Run Time: 108 minutes

            To say that Best Laid Plans is loosely based on John Steinbeck’s novel ‘Of Mice and Men,’ is essentially just because the story revolves around a man who cares for a mentally retarded man of a much larger stature. All other aspects of the novel fall to the wayside, and perhaps that is for the best. I was hesitant of an adaptation of the classic piece of literature. It seems silly to even claim any connection between the two, especially since anything will pale in comparison to the source material. That being said, Best Laid Plans is a surprisingly entertaining, albeit occasionally frustrating, crime film.

            Best Laid Plans is set in the underworld of Nottingham, where the compulsive addict Danny (Stephen Graham) relies on the brute strength of Joseph (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) to survive. Joseph has the mental age of seven and hates violence, but Danny is so deep in debt that he must put his friend in a series of underground cage fights. This torturous storyline is counterbalanced when Joseph meets a mentally retarded girl who is being bullied. Their love story runs parallel to a romance that Danny begins with a call girl.

            Much of Best Laid Plans is painfully awkward to watch. These characters exist in a dark world, and Danny often turns to drugs and alcohol for a release. Joseph is more innocent and simply wants to be near his new girlfriend, but is constantly pulled back into a world of violence in order to protect Danny. The acting is great and some of the dialogue is spectacular, but the film as a whole is too somber for its own good. It is difficult to forgive Danny for the way he seems to use Joseph.

            The Blu-ray includes a DVD copy as well.

Project X Blu-ray review

Actors: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper

Director: Nima Nourizadeh

Format: NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English (DTS 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 88 minutes

            The found footage fake documentary films have continued to sprout up, but thankfully they have also moved beyond the horror genre and sitcoms. Films like Chronicle utilize the same techniques to make found footage films without the scares of horror movies or the talking head narration of comedic shows such as “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation.” While Project X is still a comedy, it doesn’t take much time out to have the characters explaining their feelings to the camera. Instead the movie looks more look footage taken from a cameraman working for Girls Gone Wild. Amidst the endless footage of drinking, dancing and flashing, there are also a few scenes of comedic mayhem and a predictably cliché movie romance.

             The storyline remains so simplistic that it would not have made much of a film without the found footage stylistic choice. Otherwise it is simply the story of a group of unpopular guys who decide to throw a party in order to change their status at school. Thomas is having his seventeenth birthday party, which is also coincidentally the same date as his parent’s wedding anniversary and his first weekend home alone. With the encouragement of his rambunctious friend and the arrival of thousands of guests, Thomas’ birthday party becomes a monumental event. Even the hottest girl at school shows up, which causes problems when Thomas is forced to choose between her and his female best friend.

            The predictability of the love triangle is countered by the irreverent behavior which slowly starts to take over the party. With a stroke of luck and some maneuvering, the first visit by the cops is deterred and the party continues. Soon it becomes completely out of control, however, and there is no telling what might happen next. The party becomes complete chaos, overrunning the neighborhood and frightening even the law enforcement away from entering. This all happens somewhat gradually, starting with excessive drinking, drugs and sex. Before long this graduates to violence and destruction.

            There are no cast member names given on the back of the Blu-ray, almost as if the filmmakers are attempting to convince audiences that this footage is actually real, despite needing to have a disclaimer on the front cover which announces the fact that it is fictional. They want to trick audiences, but not as much as they need to cover themselves from lawsuits if some young kids decide to imitate any of the countless idiotic acts within the film. The Blu-ray disc also includes an extended cut of the film, which has plenty additional moments of nubile teenagers partying.

            Aside from the extended cut of the film, the Blu-ray also contains a few exclusive special features. There is a feature which tallies up the total cost of a party like the one in the film, as well as a behind-the-scenes feature for all of the incredibly dangerous stunts in the film. The combo pack comes with a Blu-ray, a DVD and an Ultraviolet digital copy.

Seeking Justice Blu-ray review

Actors: Nicholas Cage, Guy Pearce, January Jones, Xander Berekely

Director: Roger Donaldson

Format: Color, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: ANCHOR BAY

DVD Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 105 minutes

            The storyline for Seeking Justice reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Strangers on a Train, or the subsequent comedic remake, Throw Mama From the Train. It brings up an interesting concept in the natural tendency to long for revenge when someone we love is wronged, and provides a scenario which makes this vengeance nearly foolproof. What if we weren’t the ones to kill our enemies, but instead had a stranger do it for us while stuck in an airtight alibi? And what would be required in return for such a deal to be made.

            Nicholas Cage stars somewhat unconvincingly as an ordinary man named Will Gerard, who is happily married to Laura (January Jones of TVs “Mad Men”). He is a nonviolent school teacher whose world is turned upside down when Laura is brutally attacked on her way home one night. Approached by a stranger named Simon (Guy Pearce) in the hospital waiting room, Will is offered the chance to make the attacker pay outside of the confines of the law. Simon informs Will that the only thing he needs to do in order to make this happen is promise a favor in the future. What Will doesn’t realize is how drastic of a favor will be asked of him when the time comes.

            Seeking Justice weaves together the workings of an underground vigilant group, one in which anybody and everybody is a possible member. Instead of participating, Will remains morally rigid to his beliefs, despite having given the okay for another man to be killed for his crimes. This double-standard is never fully addressed, because this is a suspense film and we are to automatically take sides with our protagonist and his morality choices. The real point of the film is his ability to remain one step ahead of a secret group which has an unknown number of members within his city.

            The Blu-ray is not spectacularly impressive, either in terms of visual improvement or bonus features. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette.

The FP Blu-ray review

Actors: Jason Trost, Lee Valmassy, Art Hsu, Nick Principe, Brandon Barrera

Directors: Jason Trost, Brandon Trost

Format: Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 83 minutes

            The FP begins almost exactly like the beginning of 8 Mile, which made me worry that this futuristic comedy about a Dance-Dance Revolution type game was actually a spoof. There are few films less creative or unique as those which merely make fun of more popular and successful movies. The FP is anything but unoriginal, however, and it has the ability to take its subject matter deadly seriously regardless of how silly it may be.

            The film takes place in a future where gangland warfare is decided by playing a dancing video game called Beat-Beat Revelation. Though it is never explained how this occurs, the main character’s brother is killed during a match in the first scene by a rival gang. JTRO (co-director Jason Trost) must avenge his brother and take back the territory of Frazier Park, otherwise known as The FP. He must do this in order to stop the rival gang, who control the local liquor store and have forced alcoholics to drugs by restricting what they sell. As a way of freeing the people to drink and avenging his lost brother, JTRO trains to fight in a dancing video game competition.

            There really couldn’t be much sillier or stranger storylines as the one in The FP. The only thing to match the absurdity of the storyline is the dialogue within the film, which is made up of a variety of modern lingo and Ebonics. No sentence is given proper grammar and half of the things that the characters say don’t even make sense, but this is somehow the point of the Trost brothers’ vision, along with kinetic camera work and an unbelievably goofy story.

            The Blu-ray comes with plenty of special features, including a commentary track from the Trost Brothers and a general making-of featurette. There is also a featurette about the real Frazier Park and a 16-page booklet insert with production photos and short essays by Rob Zombie, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.