A surprisingly funny romantic comedy, Going the Distance tells the story of what happens when a new couple is forced to make things work from opposite sides of the country. After spending six weeks together in New York, circumstance forces Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justing Long) to maintain a relationship with her back in San Francisco. The film provides an honest examination of this situation, and although I’ve never personally been in a long-distance relationship, I’d imagine it would be a lot like this.
For the most part, this is a pretty light-hearted film, but there are times when the filmmakers do a really good job of conveying the frustration of the situation. The film is relatively predictable, and it follows the path one would expect it to, but it does so in an entertaining way. There is a great ensemble of people in this film, with Jason Sudeikis from Saturday Night Live and Charlie Day from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia doing very funny work as Garrett’s best friends. Christina Applegate is also terrific as Erin’s sister.
Overall, I would say that I was pleasantly surprised by the film. Long and Barrymore have believable chemistry together, and the way things play out feels very natural. The humor is relatable, seldom delving into slapstick, and all of the performances in the film feel like the way real people would talk and interact.
I don’t expect much in the way of extras when it comes to films like this, but these ones were particularly bland. With features ranging from “How to Have a Perfect Date,” to “A Guide to Long-Distance Dating,” I don’t know who they were making these for. It’s not like anybody is going to watch one of these segments for advice on these issues, so I’m not really sure what the point was. Bringing absolutely no insight into the film itself, these features were basically the stars sharing their thoughs on these concepts.
There is also a commentary track from director Nanette Burstein (On the Ropes), a music video from a band in the film called The Boxer Rebellion, some deleted scenes and a look behind the scenes of the soundtrack. However, the only extra I really enjoyed was “The Cast of Going the Distance: Off the Cuff.” Unlike deleted scenes that are simply cut for whatever reason, these are extended takes of sequences that did make it into the film. It’s obvious that there was a lot of improvisation on set, and these segments are a testament to just how funny and creative the actors are. Some of them go on for a really long time, and it feels like an extended look at these characters just having a conversation. I’m sure while they were filming these, they knew that this material wouldn’t make it into the fim, and yet they kept it going, staying commited to the moment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a good romantic comedy, this would make a great choice. It doesn’t pander to the audience like so many other films in this genre. The characters feel refreshingly real, and the script is very funny. Give it a try, it’s better than it looks.
An ode to the simple complexities of youth, Rob Reiner’s Flipped works thanks to the sincerity with which he treats the material. I find that movies about “young love” tend to look down on the characters from an adult perspective. However, Reiner obviously respects his characters, and this respect allows him to create a beautifully charming story that truly is (cliche as this may be), “a film for the entire family.”
Set in the 1950’s, Flipped tells the story of Juli and Bryce, neighbors and friends, who find their relationship tested through the years. Flipped is the story of their friendship from the second grade forward. The film itself is a little episodic, but in telling these mini-episodes, we as an audience are able to see the bigger picture that makes each of them such a vitally important figure in the other’s life. Throughout the film, we see the same events play out from each of their own perspectives. Mentally, Juli and Bryce are seldom in the same place at the same time. And yet, their relationship feels natural. Even when fighting, it’s hard to imagine one without the other.
The only real complaint I have about the film is the use of voice-over. In order to convey each character’s perspective, the entire movie is filled with narration. I don’t mind a little bit here and there, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film use this device to this degree. After awhile I found myself getting used to it, but it was a little off-putting for awhile.
Other than that, the film completely works. This is a truly innocent and sweet film, and you can’t watch with any cynicism. Somehow, the film’s charms worked on me, and I was able to lose myself in the simplicity of the era.
Presented in 1080p High Definition, the picture looks fantastic. While this isn’t a special effects film, per se, there are effects to be found, especially in the long shots of the town. It’s all very painterly, and in these scenes, the colors really stand out. These moments are rare, but the fantastic presentation of these images on the Blu-Ray captures the emotion of these sequences beautifully.
The extras on the Blu-Ray are relatively underwhelming. The first one is called “The Difference Between a Boy and a Girl.” This is a short feature that has interviews with the young stars of the film. They seemed to have a lot of fun making the film, and this feature really captures the chemistry they share off-camera. However, it’s not that compelling in regards the actual production of the film itself.
The next extra is the “Anatomy of a Near Kiss.” This is a short, but fun, segment, showcasing the filming of a sequence in which the two young stars are forced to almost kiss. Not only is this a key moment in the film, it turns out that it was a nerve-wracking moment for the actors as well. It was cute seeing these kids forced into this awkward situation. Not that compelling as a behind-the-scenes extra, but fun just the same.
The last two extras are pretty much a waste. One involves Callan McAuliffe, the actor who played Bryce, demonstrating how to make a volcano at home. The last extra involves Madeline Carroll, the actress who played Juli, demonstrating how to properly raise chickens and hatch eggs. These features come from a sequence in the film where they have competing science fair projects involving (you guessed it) a volcano and hatching eggs. In theory, I get why these segments were included, but I can’t really picture anybody wanting to watch them. Overall, these weren’t necessary.
This is the type of movie that adults and kids can enjoy together. Most kids movies these days seem to have a darker edge to it, and that barely exists here. Bryce’s father has a bit of a dark streak to him, but this is barely an element of the film. Other than that, this is a cute, fun little movie that is really hard not to like.
DISNEY’S THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS is an exciting and uplifting movie from director Robert Vince about the power of giving and the true meaning of Christmas in the tradition of Disney’s classic holiday tales. This big city adventure for the whole family reveals the how the legendary friendship of Santa Claus and Santa Paws began.
DISNEY’S THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS comes with a stocking full of fantastic bonus features, including:
· An interactive Animated Pop-Up Book – ‘Buddies’ puppy star Rosebud reads a holiday story featuring new canine friends from The Search For Santa Paws · Sing-Along Mode – colorful lyrics added to the film’s song sequences, so audiences can sing along to the film’s fantastic new songs. · Music Video – tween favorite Debby Ryan (Disney Channel’s Suite Life on Deck) performs a great new arrangement of ‘Deck The Halls.’ · Deleted scenes
The film follows in the tradition of Disney’s classic holiday tales with a heartwarming story about the power of giving and the true meaning of Christmas. An exciting prequel, the movie allows kids of all ages to discover how the legendary friendship of Santa Claus and Santa Paws began – as it is the inspiring original film (in a timeline it precedes 2009’s Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws).
In the movie, when Santa and his new best friend, Paws, discover that the boys and girls of the world have lost the spirit of the season, they take a trip to New York City. But after Santa loses his memory, it’s up to Paws, a faithful orphan named Quinn (America’s Got Talent’s Kaitlyn Maher), her new friend Will (The Game Plan’s Madison Pettis) and a wonderful group of magical talking dogs to save St. Nick and show the world what Christmas is really all about. Do you believe in Santa Paws? Experiencing this sure-to-be holiday classic, full of fun, adventure and a carrying the timeless messages of the holidays, with surely delight the entire family!
The production itself is of decent quality. The Search for Santa Paws also looks and sounds great and there is no indication that this is a straight to video release. The quality is what you would expect from a first-rate theatrical transfer.
This is a truly touching Disney movie. The little girls in the foster home are precious and the dogs are absolutely adorable. The movie teaches kids the real meaning of Christmas and friendship and to appreciate what they have and to never stop believing in the magic of Christmas, which is a lesson that even adults need to learn.
It is a tale that has been told many times in many ways but this holiday it takes on new breath. This is not your grandparents or for that matter your parents Nutcracker. Andrei Knonchalovskiy (Tango & Cash, The Inner Circle) has brought this time old tale to a new generation. Abound with joy for the holidays; venture on a whirlwind of imagination and a twist to the classic of E.T.A Hoffman and the music of Tchaikovsky.
Andrei steps back into main stream movie making with a holiday classic. The twist is celebrated lyricist Sir Tim Rice penning 8 new songs for the film, including the new song “My Secret World”. Along with Elle Fanning (Astro Boy, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) as the young daughter Mary, full of imagination and wonder, Uncle Albert played by the incomparable Nathan Lane (Swing Vote, The Producers), and John Turturro (Transformers, Miracle at St. Anna) as the sniveling and conniving Rat King.
Step back to 1920’s Vienne on Christmas Eve. Young Mary and her brother Max (Aaron Michael Drozin) are excited to see their eclectic Uncle Albert (Lane), Albert Einstein whom is late as usual. Their over baring father (Richard E. Grant) is frantic Uncle Albert is late as their eccentric mother (Yuliya Vysotskaya) is to perform for the Royal Opera. Mary shows her displeasure in the family not being together for this special holiday and is comforted by Uncle Albert by the gifts he has brought. One toy stands out, the nutcracker, to which Mary finds extraordinary. To her fancy and imagination she brings the nutcracker to life only to find out he is a The Prince (Charlie Rowe) who has been put under a spell by the Rat King’s (Turturro) mother the Rat Queen (Frances de la Tour). NC, as he likes to be called, Mary, Max and the other toys Uncle Albert gave them set out on a journey to help The Prince overthrow the Rat King’s plot to make everyone become ‘rats’.
The biggest factor in this new telling is Andrei jumping on the bandwagon and making this film in 3D. It has its moments of grandeur but I feel it would be just as good in the regular 2D format. What truly stands out in this film version is the addition of the words Rice has put to such iconic and beloved music as ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s’ and ‘March’. Rice along with Eduard Artemiev has created music that hones in on the passion of Tchaikovsky’s brilliance. I know the purists out there may have a field day with their feeling that Tchaikovsky’s music is sacred and should not be touched but when you hear Lane singing ‘Relativity’ it is quite odd at first, than the words pulsate and become fun and catchy as his singing intoxicates the children and servants. Later in the film, while listening to Fanning sing her heart out in ‘My Secret World’ you are drawn into imagination of Mary and again feel the power words can have on ones thoughts.
Imagination takes the main stage in this film but I cannot hold back in that some ideas were held short of their goal. When it comes to the effects of the film some scenes falter, one such scene is Mary dancing with the snow fairies. With so many advancements in CGI, the scene looks rushed in its animation as you are barely able to make out the figures of the fairies. Then when Mary starts to dance with them, it becomes more obvious time was not spent more on the visual and comes across almost amateurish in its final presentation.
Andrei has been directing for a long time and is very experienced working in vast worlds and with a wide range of actors, so it comes quite a surprise when he takes an unusual vision in this adaptation. His view of the rats as ‘Nazis’ is quite a shock when they first appear on screen and might offend many who see this film. I know this is Andrei taking the more dark aspect of Hoffman’s story and working Tchaikovsky’s music in for the more familiar, but it is still a little alarming. It does get a message across, that tyranny can exist anywhere, just a little hard to swallow and accept when you see these ‘rats’ coming at you wearing a rendition of German WWII uniforms.
The cast does a splendid job with Andrei’s direction and is helped with wonderful costumes designed by Louise Stjernsward. Her vibrant look of the 1920’s, the fantasy of the Christmas tree and the ‘ratified’ land of the Prince truly showcases her talent for reaching in and taking Andrei’s thoughts and present them on the screen. As expressed before the visual effects of the film could have been so much more and this includes some of the physical special effects such as the Rat King’s ‘anger’ face. It comes across very poorly as if they are working on a school project and didn’t spend time truly honing their craft.
Back to the cast; it is full of some of the most seasoned actors out there and allows some new ones to step up. Ella Fanning is quite adorable and in sincere in her portrayal. It is hard to not compare her to the older Fanning, however she stands out and does and admirable job. I can forgive her with the lack of an accent in her speech. Adding the character of Uncle Albert Einstein is an interesting idea but well crafted when you put Nathan Lane in the role. A consummate performer he goes above and beyond in his acting as well as his singing. The only thing I can fault him on is the instances where he is talking directly to the camera. It just translates oddly as it breaks the flow of the film. John Turturro is a pleasure to watch in just about anything he does and this is no exception, his Rat King is deceivingly cute. Even while watching him prance around in song as a tyrannical leader you can’t help but enjoy his performance. Along the travels in the film is a host of well deserving supporting cast that includes Frances de la Tour in the dual role of Frau and the Rat Queen and Richard E. Grant as the father, both of whom play in a major role in the main story.
This film is a delight for the upcoming holiday season. The selection of lyrics to the music may be a little awkward at first but is easily accepted as they do enhance the storyline. Put aside the whole look of the rats and just let Mary, The Prince and their friends take you on a holiday staple.
What really stands out is the message Uncle Albert helps father remember through his interactions with Mary, imagination never goes away. Even though Mary is young and impressionable she knows what is right and wrong, when to be ‘grown up’ when to be a child. That is something we should never lose sight of when we do grow up, it’s okay to play and still be imaginative. She and Uncle Albert remind father that it’s okay to still dream, to be imaginative, to have fun. I can relate in that I had to ‘grow up’ fast, being an only child and having one parent, my mom. My natural father and step dad were in my life, just not on a regular basis. Much like father in the film my step dad was very much a realist and staunch in his way of childrearing. “Don’t do that”, “Why did you”, “What we’re you thinking” still be heard in my head. He had his moments of being imaginative when it came to cars and Disney, something I still hold onto today. My father however and mom were the most imaginative in my life. I get most of my creative aspects by osmosis from my father. Being a fashion designer and owner of his own leather shop he is constantly creating just about anything, something I have always admired about
him. My mom, she’s the pusher, and I mean that with the most sincere and loving way. She has always been my cheerleader and fostered the creativity I have had. Much like Uncle Albert in how he fosters the imagination to grow, my mom would let me go free to go and find any creative outlet I could. She had her moments like the father in the film with reminding me of reality but my imagination was never squelched. Thank you mom, I love you dearly.
Go with your family this holiday season and be a family. Hold each other close and be each other’s cheerleader, mentor, inspiration or whatever you can to allow the joy of the season to take control. Find an afternoon free and go see ‘The Nutcracker 3D’ and enjoy.
Happy Holidays everyone.
You can follow my news, happenings and updates around So Cal on Twitter @SCThrillsMarc. See you around town!
Walt Disney’s A Christmas Carol is one intense rollercoaster ride intended more for an intelligent adult audience than past adaptations.Robert Zemeckis director of such greats as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Back to the Future has done a wonderful job at the retelling of this holiday classic.Every scene is absolutely gorgeous and the graphics just stunning!This is no Polar Express, which is also directed by Zemeckis.Instead the film retains the powerful themes and dark scenes more true to Charles Dickens original story.The story is not dumbed down for a younger audience, which may lead to several problems for this Disney picture.Nonetheless, Walt Disney’s A Christmas Carol is truly astonishing in every aspect except you may want to leave the young children at home.
Zemeckis has decided to write a script with more realism to the time period with much dialogue that will be over children’s heads.The beginning is quite slow unless you can really follow everything that’s being said.Scrooge is introduced well as Zemeckis spends a decent amount of time getting to know Scrooge’s true character.Much of the dialogue is witty and smart, but it won’t be the dialogue the audience will be focusing on.The imagery is far more overpowering than anything else in the film.
The animation from the beginning is jaw-dropping.I was astonished by every scene, every action sequence and every close-up of every character.I would have completely forgot I was watching an animated movie if it wasn’t for the effects being so amazing causing me to constantly be in awe of every bit of footage being projected.All the shots are incredibly beautiful and grand.No detail was spared here.It was when we take our first flight through the snow covered city rooftops that I found myself totally immersed in the film.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol truly has it all from emotion, comedic relief, breathtaking scenery, amazing acting/voice-acting, and great action to create the best adaptation of this story I have ever seen.To all of those that are skipping this because it’s either Disney or an animated film, HUMBUG. Disney’s A Christmas Carol is available in Disney Blu-ray 3D on an exclusive 4-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D Disc™, Blu-ray Disc™, DVD and Digital Copy).
Bonus Features: BLU-RAY 3D Disc includes an exclusive 3D bonus feature, plus all the Blu-ray and DVD features:
Mr. Scrooge’s Wild Ride – In this 3D bonus feature, director Zemeckis and the cast explain how 3D made the Dickens novella come to life. The feature explores how 3D technology brought a whole new dimension to the story, from the Ghost of Christmas Past whisking Scrooge through time, to the look and feel of the characters in 19th Century London.
BLU-RAY features include all of the DVD features plus: Behind The Carol: The Full Motion Capture Experience – A feature length picture-in-picture viewing mode takes the audience behind the scenes of motion capture filmmaking.
Countdown to Christmas Interactive Calendar – 25 days of holiday surprises extend the holiday cheer, as viewers come back to discover what each door holds.
Deleted Scenes – Six deleted scenes on the Blu-ray Disc.
DVD features include: Capturing A Christmas Carol – Actress Jacquie Barnbrook hosts a journey through the creative process of Disney’s A Christmas Carol.
On Set With Sammi – Follow Sammi Hanratty, one of the film’s young stars, as she shares a kid’s eye view of an “anything but average” day on the set.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
The original creators of the Broadway production are together again for this new touring production! The play is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony® Award winner for her work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Lighting Design by Natasha Katz, Scenic Design by Stanley A. Meyer, Sound Design by John Petrafesa Jr. and Music Supervision by Michael Kosarin.
Director Rob Roth: “It has been wonderful to bring the entire original design team back together to work on this new production of Beauty and the Beast. As a director, it is rare to have the opportunity to revisit your work 15 years later. Hopefully I’ve grown and developed as an artist, along with my collaborators, and we can bring 15 years of experience to this new production. We have remained very close as a team over the years of producing the show around the world, and it has been so much fun getting together to re-explore and re-invent the show for this new NETworks tour. The theme of ‘Beauty’ is about seeing past the exterior into the heart of someone, and this is reflected in the design for the show, which is about transparency and layers, seeing past one thing and into another.”
Unfortunately for feminism—but luckily for the audience—this production is bookended by two superstar men who snatch their scenes away from their heroine. Of course, no one goes to Beauty and the Beast to contemplate the story’s central love triangle. Disney made its mark on Broadway by mounting over-the-top, lavish productions based on its film properties. So while a strong heroine is all well and good, the real draw is the promise of singing and dancing forks, knives, and spoons. A good-versus-evil fight scene near the end of the show is staged with the kinetic charm and cleverness of old Warner Brothers cartoons, and all of the marauding housewares put in strong character performances.
(click play to see highlights from the show)
The film version was animated and automatically appealed to kids, so the characters didn’t have to act particularly cartoonish. Those responsible for the live version felt compelled to make it appeal to children, too, and made everything goofier to make up for the fact that it’s not animated anymore. The result is that many characters act more cartoonish in the stage version. It’s gotten sillier and broader, with way too many instances of LeFou being smacked around.
And that is why “Beauty and the Beast” as a live musical works so well: it can be appreciated on a variety of different levels. The kids will have plenty of spectacle and special effects, the adults get plenty of romance and comedy. There are even some pretty intense moments here for small children, but of course, everything works out well in the end. After all, this is Disney.
Matt Smith and Karen Gillan star as the new Doctor and his companion in an all-new series of Doctor Who coming to DVD and Blu-ray. After his explosive regeneration, the Eleventh Doctor awakes to discover his TARDIS is about to crash! After falling from the sky, he pulls himself out of the wreckage to come face-to-face with young Amy Pond. The Doctor promises to take Amy to the stars. But first they must divert an alien plot that could destroy the Earth. The Doctor makes good his promise, and Amy boards the regenerated TARDIS, ready to take to the stars on a series of wild adventures that will change her life. As always, wherever the Doctor goes, his oldest enemies, the Daleks, are never far behind. They are hatching a new master plan from the heart of war-torn London in the 1940s. But they are not the only strange creatures the Doctor and Amy must face – there are also alien vampires, humanoid reptiles, the Weeping Angels, and a silent menace that follows Amy and the Doctor around wherever they go.
As for the new companion characters, the lovely Karen Gillan (Amy) and Arthur Darvill (Rory) prove to hold their own with Matt Smith. To me, it was nice to see a different companion dynamic for a change. I liked that Amy and Rory were a couple as it made their scenes more interesting and provided some great drama.
Going back to Steven Moffat, I felt he did a fine job running the show in his debut season, but I do have to admit that none of these episodes compared to his previous scripted work for episodes like “Blink.” With that said, there are some great episodes here especially “Vincent And The Doctor” and “The Lodger.” ‘Vincent’ is arguably the most emotional and touching episode in ‘Who’ history. As a friend of mine said, “it’s the only ‘Who’ episode to make me cry.” As for “The Lodger,” this is a fun, comedic episode in which the Doctor tries to live life as a human to investigate a mysterious flat.
(check out clips from the blu-ray)
The only real downside to this season is the Silurian 2-parter (“The Hungry Earth” and “Cold Blood”) which fell completely flat. Not only was it a missed opportunity to bring back the Silurians in the new series, but the characters in this two parter are just insufferable.
Like the previous four series/seasons of the new “Doctor Who” series, the fifth season is a must-buy set.
Special Features
Meanwhile in the Tardis – Newly filmed scenes written by Steven Moffat telling what happens between the episodes
Doctor Who Confidential – An inside look at each episode
Monster Files – Get under the skin and inside the minds of the new Doctor’s most challenging opponents – A behind-the-scenes look at the villains of Doctor Who, including the freaky Weeping Angels and scary Daleks.
In-Vision Commentaries – If you are a fan of commentary, this one’s for you.
Outtakes
Video Diaries – Go behind-the-scenes with the cast.
For the past 87 years the animation of Walt Disney has been a source of joy and inspiration to many. It is fitting that the 50th full length feature upholds those ideals Walt started with ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’. Nathan Greno and Byron Howard helm this magnificent journey of a time old tale in ‘Tangled’. With the voice talent of Mandy Moore (Grey’s Anatomy, License to Wed), Zachary Levi (Chuck, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel), Donna Murphy (Trust Me, The Nanny Diaries) and Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy Series) you are in for an amazing adventure.
“This is the story of how I die”, that’s what Flynn Ryder (Levi) would like you to know. Okay it is about a young girl whom has been locked up in a tower for a long time, Rapunzel (Moore) is her name and this is really her story. Rapunzel has been locked away by her “Mother” Gothel (Murphy) whom has done so for Rapunzel’s protection. Flynn is merely a thief who wants his own castle and while running away from his co conspirators, whom he is trying to evade with all the loot, stumbles into the secluded hideaway tower of Rapunzel’s. As Rapunzel and Flynn hit it off, literally, she asks him to take her out and show her the world she has never seen. Flynn agrees, as Rapunzel is holding the loot as collateral until he takes her to see the lanterns. Along the way we meet up with the ‘thugs’, whom have a knack for musical expression, a very determined horse of the Captain of the Guard that has a canine complex, two thieves that want what they believe is theirs, and the true story of Rapunzel’s past with the key to her future.
Greno and Howard have amassed a remarkable group of animators, painters, graphic artists, voices and musical talent to bring this film to life. Using the basis of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Dan Fogelman (Bolt, Fred Clause) has created an outstanding story for Greno and Howard. Fogelman’s ability to adapt the story into Disney style is quite wonderful. You are truly drawn into the characters and care about them and want more from them in a way that you don’t want the film to end. This coincides with the songs Alan Menken (Aladdin, Hercules) has created to enhance the story. With memorable songs as “I’ve got a Dream”, sung by the thugs, to Mother Gothel’s, “Mother Knows Best” and the love song “I See the Light”, Menken is sure to have another nomination coming his way.
The true brilliance of this film goes back to what this film is all about, the animation. To be the 50th full feature animated film is a big deal that Greno, Howard and producer Roy Conli (Treasure Planet, Hunchback of Notre Dame) have taken with pride and have lived up to the expectations of executive producer John Lasseter (Toy Story 3, Up). From the background artwork to the individual characters, time and care was given to the little details. Backgrounds pop out and are vibrant with color and life. Characters are lively, charming, and believable (in their animation aspects of course). Movement of the camera during the chase scenes are fluid to the point of almost lifelike in presentation. This goes to show, Disney has truly put the emphasis on making sure not one piece of the film puzzle is left untouched, every visual element, background music, and sound has been touched and retouched to bring this magnificent film to the screen.
But of course, the film is brought to life by the endowment of voice from an eclectic and formidable cast of actors. Rapunzel is voiced by the glamorous Mandy Moore. Moore takes the characterization to heart every word that she speaks. From the fair maiden who longs for being in the world to the angst of doing something wrong and upsetting her ‘mother’. Her voice lends the sincerity you feel from the original Grimm’s story. Donna Murphy plays the ever conniving, all out for herself Mother Gothel. For someone so small in stature as Murphy is, her voice fills up the screen with all the essence of a classic villain. When she belts out “Mother Knows Best” you can’t help but feel queasy know all of us at some point in our life have had a similar moment with our own mothers. Zachary Levi lends his voice to the ever charming Flynn Ryder, the thief of thieves and all around good guy who just wants a castle of his own, on an island. Levi is charming in his own right and vocally it can be heard. With such lines as, “I didn’t want to have to do this, but you leave me no choice. Here comes the smolder”, Levi jumps into the role like the thief he portrays to try and steal the show but is thwarted by a character with no lines at all.
You’re wondering how this could be? How can a character with no voice steal the show? Meet Maximus, the Captain of the Guards horse. As I said before the animators of Maximus have done astonishing work on bringing Maximus to the screen. Nothing but grunts and neighs for a voice, his physical motions and actions are what make him stand out from the other characters. Taking the heroic nature of a horse and combining the aspects of a bloodhound, the animators had many personalities to use to illustrate Maximus. No matter what he was doing you were just waiting for the next moment he would interact with any of the characters. At one point I was waiting for him to just stand up on two legs and just start talking like everyone else but alas he didn’t his mere presence and actions were all that was needed in this film. Maximus steals the show in being a comedic sidekick, ‘voice’ of reason, consummate pursuer of justice and most importantly, a close confidant and friend. Bravo to the lead animation team for Maximus.
Least we not forget those well deserved supporting cast players. In the roll of the Stabbington Brothers, the arch enemies of Flynn, is an actor whom I first remember playing ‘The Beast’, Ron Perlman. The thug crew, doing a great job around every corner, literally, with such lovably mean looking, golden heart characters such as Big Nose, played by Jeffery Tambor (The Invention of Lying, The Hangover) or the ever so nimble fingered and catchy singing of Hook Hand, voiced by Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Pacifier) captures your soul with laughs abounding. All of whom along with many others contribute to a very well rounded adventure that truly only Disney can provide.
What did you expect? A cold mish mosh of a story thrown together and just sprinkled with a little pixie dust as Disney has done before? Sorry to disappoint you. Greno, Howard, and Roy have done those that have come before them proud. After 87 years it is a culmination of everyone working together to bring this movie to what it will become, a classic. True in nature to the story, it is what is inside that makes this film special. Anyone can do or become anything if they put their mind and heart to it.
(click play to see the trailer)
Rapunzel has been told her whole life that she can’t do the one thing that she wants to do, go out into the world and see where the lanterns come from. All of the sudden that changes with a chance meeting with Flynn, who has seen where the lanterns come from and, at first is hesitant but opens the world too her. It is a story of being lost in life until someone who has experienced more crosses your path and opens new doors. I’ve been Flynn, heck I still feel like him a bit now. I was once a thief that stumbled across a Rupunzel who did not feel complete because her tower of armor would not let her out to see the world she wanted to see. It was comfortable and protected her but it didn’t allow others to truly see her. Once I opened the door and showed her the light, the easy of being in the world without the armor, she came alive. I am not the only one to see this as many have expressed to how they have never seen her in such light. I can’t take all the credit, like Rapunzel and Flynn, we work together through everything, good or bad and don’t let our family dictate anything we do. It is our life and we will live it our way. As I’m sure Rapunzel and Flynn will do in their lives.
Live your life to its fullest and find your lanterns.
You can follow my news, happenings and updates around So Cal on Twitter @SCThrillsMarc. See you around town!
This past week, Adela Jauregui, 8, a patient at CHOC Children’s, and her family, helped light up the holidays at Disneyland Resort on the first day of the season.
Adela and Mickey Mouse flipped the switch and lit “it’s a small world” Holiday as part of a fun ceremony.
Before the event, the family enjoyed being honorary Grand Marshals of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, experienced park attractions and took pictures with famous Disney characters.
A must-own for any film buff, Warner Brother has released a box set containing 24 of Humphrey Bogart’s most beloved films. In going through this collection, it becomes apparent just how significant he was to the cinematic landscape. He was one of the first true “movie stars,” and while not every film he made is perfect, his contributions to the industry are undeniable.
What’s great about this set is that it contains not only the classics such as Casablanca, the Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, etc., but also those a little less familiar. Somehow, films like The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse and Virginia City have been under my radar, and I relished the opportunity to familiarize myself with them. This set is as much an homage to Bogart as it is to classic film in general.
Each disc of this seven disc set containsfourBogart films,and as a bonus, the last disc features the 2008 documentary, “The Brothers Warner.“I‘dhaeard
Just in time for the holidays, comes the “Elf” Ultimate Collector’s Edition, which is currently available in DVD and Blu-ray package from Warner Home Video. “Elf” is one of Will Ferrell’s earlier hits, and the Ultimate Collector’s Edition comes pretty stuffed with goodies for the winter season. ELF directed by Jon Favreau, is a story about a human named Buddy (Will Farrell) raised by Elves. He decides to look for his father (James Caan), but is disappointed when his father turns out to be a total workaholic. Along the way, Buddy meets some interesting people including the fake Santa played by Artie Lange, and an “elf” at his father’s office meeting. This is a Christmas movie, and has something for both adults and kids.
The box that the Ultimate Collector’s Edition comes in is essentially an aluminum can, which I suppose is a novel idea, and it certainly makes for easy gift wrapping. But it’s also pretty unwieldy once you open it up. Though it comes crammed with goodies, I’m not sure how useful it’ll be once the package has been, if you will, unwrapped. Then again, I guess you could always use it as a storage box for loose change or cookies or what have you.
Besides the film itself, the Collector’s Edition comes with an “Elf” Soundtrack Sampler CD with five songs, a magnetic picture frame (with Will Ferrell’s face, though you can swap it out with one of your own), an actual stocking, and two pages worth of gifting labels.
This collector’s set is superb, filled to the brim with fun and exciting items. It would make the perfect holiday gift for anyone, kid, adult, or elf.
Special features include: Deleted scenes Fact track reveals history, facts and trivia about the movie Beyond the Movie featurettes: “Deck the Halls,” “Christmas in Tinseltown,” “Santa Mania,” “Kids on Christmas” All Access Pass featurettes: “Tag along with Will Ferrell,” “How they made the North Pole,” “Film School for Kids,” “That’s Wrap,” “Lights, Camera, Puffin!” Fun and Games: Buddy’s Adventure Game, Elf Karaoke, Read-Along, Elf Karaoke and more.
From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, The Goonies plunges a band of small heroes into a swashbuckling surprise-around-every corner quest beyond their wildest dreams! Following a mysterious treasure map into a spectacular underground realm of twisting passages, outrageous booby-traps and a long-lost pirate ship full of golden doubloons, the kids race to stay one step ahead of a family of bumbling bad guys?and a mild mannered monster with a face only a mother could love.
The Goonies is one of the best movies ever made. The story about a bunch of oddball children who triumph over the “man” was a prototype for great character relationships and development in family movies. Also, who can forget the egregious use of weight and race stereotypes with Lawrence ‘Chunk’ Cohen (Jeff Cohen), Clark ‘Mouth’ Devereaux (Corey Feldman) in his dealings with the Spanish housekeeper and Richard ‘Data’ Wang (Jonathan Ke Quan)? Now celebrating its 25th Anniversary, The Goonies gets a Blu-ray Collector’s Edition filled with a few souvenir trinkets.
Despite the wondrous circumstances, the characters are believable. The cast of The Goonies was a lightning-in-a-bottle assemblage of talent. Sean Astin’s (The Lord of the Rings) Mikey is the best every-kid in the history of filmmaking. He messes up phrases endearingly and is the heart at the center of the film. His jock brother Brand is no slouch either and Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men, Jonah Hex) brings him to life. If you needed a wise-ass in the 1980s, you had to go to Corey Feldman (Stand By Me, The Lost Boys), so the character of Mouth was put in his capable hands. Ke Huy Quan (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) played Data and Kerri Green (Lucas) and Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope) brought the female touches of Andy and Stef. Great good guys alone aren’t enough to make a film and The Goonies has some of the best baddies going. Anne Ramsey (Throw Mama From the Train) brings dangerous charisma to Mama Fratelli. Robert Davi (License to Kill) and Joe Pantoliano (The Matrix) make Jake and Francis Fratelli sing, literally for Davi.
You’ll get The Goonies “Where Are They Now?” Empire Magazine article reprint. This is cool. Included you will also find an exclusive board game and a 1985 Souvenir Magazine. As well as the 64-page magazine which is a nice touch.
If you’re a fan of The Goonies, you need to have this in your library.
Special Features: – Commentary with Director Richard Donner and all seven actors -Hidden Treasures – Pop up videos of commentary -The making of the Goonies 1985 Featurette – Deleted Scenes – The Goonies “R” Good Enough Music video by Cyndi Lauper – Theatrical Trailer
Disney+ has announced that an all-new episode of “The Simpsons” is now streaming exclusively on the streaming service. The full-length episode, titled “Yellow Planet,”...
