Reviewed by Richard Lee Zuras

Released July 1, 2009

2 hr. 20 min.

Michael Mann/Universal

Johnny Depp

Christian Bale

Marion Cotillard

Billy Crudup

Jason Clarke

Giovanni Ribisi

If you aren’t Michael Bay (Transformers), you can do a lot of good with $80 million. Michael Mann has spent his money wisely. The actors are top notch, and in the case of both Depp and Crudup more than even that. The music, in spite of Mann’s penchant for bombast, is quite moving (very Deadwood in places). The costumes are striking even in their appropriate sameness, and if you care, heavily researched and correct. The set pieces are so unbelievable that even Roger Ebert felt obliged to walk through them during production.

There are no wasted scenes of Michael Bay-like special effects here. But there are gunfights. A lot of guns and smoke from guns and bullets hitting walls and a lot of gunshot bloody holes to keep people’s interests. And there is a reason for that: there isn’t much in the screenplay to hold onto.

The actors play their parts with reserve, and that is fine. Appropriate even. The script never allows true interplay. Many scenes begin the process of engagement only to be met by a steely eyed look or a grunt. The movie is simply trying to hard to be a classic when it should have allowed its parts to exist as a film. Even the title–in its attempts to invoke that most classic of gangster films–is a reach.

Cotillard is wasted here, as is Ribiski and a host of other fine actors. A movie that runs 2 and a third hours simply must engage and explore its characters and their inter-relationships: even if the source material (book) does not. If the movie looks a little glossy it is for a reason: the only two ways to hide a weak script are special effects and gloss. And these days, nothing glosses like gunplay. Mann’s Miami Vice was an exercise in gloss, and with this entry, and his upcoming Heat re-make/spin-off, Mann seems poised to circle this drain for awhile. That’s a shame.

But the good the movie has going for it (and again I don’t mean the screenplay’s obvious attempts at summer blockbuster catch phrases), is almost enough. But for the honest movie-goer you can feel yourself saying I want to like this…oh, and he’s in it too? I love him…wow that was cool…and et cetera, et cetera. And this movie should have been so much more than an exercise in what might have been.

Many pundits say this is the type of movie that has led to the coming 10 picture Oscar category. And that’s a shame too. The Junos and Little Miss Sunshines are earning their spots in that coveted category by pushing these inferior movies out. Shouldn’t we ask for more from a movie like Public Enemies instead of doubling a category to assure an Oscar telecast crowd? Or perhaps we could go high enough in number to encapsulate a movie like Transformers 2. Just a thought.

Bottom line 3.5/5.0

Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Warner Home Video – 116 minutes – 2008 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.4:1 – Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Audio Mix – Digital Copy

Whatever magic potion Clint Eastwood is drinking in his old age is making him nearly superhuman. He’s in his 70’s and completely in his prime, both acting in and directing some of the best films of his fifty-plus year career. Gran Torino is the latest film that the Hollywood legend performs double duty, both in front and behind the camera. Gran Torino comes to Blu-ray from Warner Home Video showing that an old man can still kick some ass.

THE MOVIE

Clint Eastwood stars as Walt Kowalski, a Korean War Vet who has grown old in a world that has completely transformed around him. His only possessions are his home and a classic Gran Torino, an automobile that he treats like gold. Walt believes in old school values, which is a fancy way of saying he’s a bigot in the tradition of Archie Bunker. His neighborhood is now flooded with various poor minorities, including the immigrant South East Asian family who now lives next door to him.

When the Asian gangs that roam the neighborhood force the teenage boy who lives next door to try and steal the precious Gran Torino, Walt prevents the crime from happening, and the boy’s sister Su, played wonderfully by newcomer Ahney Her, attempts to befriend the old man. Walt is stubborn and stuck in his ways, but Ahney’s charm wins him over and he actually grows to enjoy the company of her and her family. But the street gangs continue to prey on Ahney’s family, resulting in violence and triggering a side of Walt that he thought he left behind.

Gran Torino is brilliant because in man ways it is a modern day cowboy film, a genre that Eastwood knows very well, with an old gunslinger whom must do one last thing to redeem himself from the world he hates. Eastwood also does something that most older actors refuse to do…he actually plays an old man, and not the slick, sarcastic botox injected actor who is still trying to be young and hip. Eastwood’s face is filled with wrinkles and he walks around with his bands pulled up to his stomach, just like your grandpa does.

The script by Nick Schenk is filled with vivid characters and doesn’t play it safe, making Walt completely unlikable. Eastwood gives a great performance and doesn’t overthrow his star status, by allowing the other cast members to stand out over him in scenes. It is easy to see how Gran Torino will be labeled as a classic that will still be a prime film in cinema as the decades roll by. In this CGI-flooded Hollywood that caters to teenagers, it’s refreshing to see a film that uses intelligence over special effects. Gran Torino should definitely be on your list of must see movies.

VIDEO

With a full 1080p image in a 2.4:1 aspect ratio, Gran Torino looks great on Blu-ray with its gritty style of photography and muted color tones. Every wrinkle that Clint Eastwood has earned is on display, and the world he lives in is gray with cloudy skies throughout. The image is sharp, looking better than I remember it being in the theater, and even though there are hints of grain it fits the mood of the movie.

AUDIO

Offering a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio mix, Gran Torino benefits with use of natural sounds. This is a heavy dialogue movie and every line is heard in crisp quality, including Eastwood’s gruff voice. It’s not demo material, but it does the job well.

EXTRAS

Even though the back of the Blu-ray base makes it seem like there are some decent bonus features, there’s actually not much here to see, which is a letdown because a film this good deserves more. There’s not even an audio commentary track from Eastwood, which would have been a great highlight.

‘Manning the Wheel’ is a ten-minute promotional piece that goes behind the scenes of the film with quick interviews from the cast and crew. This is your basic promo reel that offers nothing more than it is.

‘Gran Torino: More Than a Car’ is a five-minute clip that looks at the automobile that is the center of this movie, as well as some of the real life owners of the same vehicle who treasure it.

An exclusive to Blu-ray is the twenty-minute documentary ‘The Eastwood Way’ which explores his mindset behind making Gran Torino, and why he chose to act in the film as well as direct it.

For those of you who want their Clint Eastwood on the go, a Digital Copy of the film is provided.

BOTTOM LINE

Gran Torino is a well crafted and acted drama that takes a look at a changing America through the eyes of a rough old man. The Blu-ray offers good image and sound quality, but the list of bonus features leaves a lot to be desired. If you saw the film in theaters and liked it, then you need to add this to your Blu-ray collection. All others are also recommended to give Gran Torino a viewing, because you don’t have to be a Clint Eastwood fan to enjoy it.

SCORES: (Out of 5):

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 4.0

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 2.5

Bottom Line: 4.0

Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Universal Studios Home Entertainment – 129 mins – 2006 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.35: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio

Love him or hate him, Spike Lee has definitely made his mark as one of the strongest filmmakers in the game. Whether it is his early films such as She’s Gotta Have It or Do The Right Thing, to his bio-pic of Malcolm X, Spike Lee is an artist who never holds back what he thinks, which is one of the reasons Hollywood shies away from him. Inside Man is Spike Lee’s most mainstream movie to date, with all of the studio film bells and whistles. And it shows that he can deliver the same type of entertainment as the other guys out there while still adding his two cents. Inside Man comes to Blu-ray from Universal Home Entertainment, and is recommended for anyone who loves a good crime thriller.

THE MOVIE

Inside Man stars Denzel Washington as New York City Detective Keith Fraizer, who is in charge of handling a bank robbery that has unfolded into a hostage scenario, led by a brilliant thief named Dalton Russell (Clive Owen). Fraizer quickly realizes that this is not an ordinary ‘negotiate and get them out alive scenario’ when Russell keeps playing games that makes it much harder for the detective to end the situation quickly. Things get much more complex for Fraizer when he has to deal with a relentless powerbroker named Madeleine White (Jodie Foster), who arrives to get a mysterious item from the bank’s safety deposit box for her high profile client.

What at first seems like the typical bank heist movie turns into something more, thanks to a sharp script by Russell Gewirtz and superior performances by Washington, Owen and Foster who all command your attention whenever they’re on the screen. Credit should also go to the supporting cast, which includes Chiwetel Ejiofor as Washington’s partner and Christopher Plummer as a powerful businessman with a dark past, and a nice cameo by Willem Dafoe . Being that this is a Spike Lee film, New York City itself also an essential character in the movie, and Lee keeps things moving with various small characters such as racist cops, sassy women, and ethnic humor that you can only understand if you’re a true New Yorker such as myself.

Lee adds his own touch to the film using some of the shots he’s used in some of his other films, such as placing the character directly on the camera dolly and moving them around to create a chaotic moment. He also inserts doses of his personal commentary into the mix, including mocking violent videogames such as Grand Theft Auto, and how police office can’t tell the difference between someone of Indian descent from someone who is Middle Eastern, so they lump all together as terrorist.

The best thing about Inside Man is that it never succumbs to unleashing an over-the-top action sequence, or turn anyone into a lethal weapon; instead it stays smart from beginning to end. Mind games are used for effect rather than bullets and explosions, which is refreshing and in many ways, a lot more satisfying. Any fan of thrillers such as The Usual Suspects or L.A. Confidential should definitely add Inside Man to there must see list. Great performances as well as a solid story are very hard to come by in today’s movies, so when something comes along like Inside Man, you jump on it.

VIDEO

Presented in full 1080p in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, Inside Man looks great and is a huge leap from the standard DVD’s image. Colors are sharp and the accuracy of detail on the actor’s faces is superb. Spike Lee loves New York, so obviously he shows it off, with great shots that highlight the city. Even scenes that go deep inside the darker areas of the bank display well, and even thought there is grain, it blends in to deliver a standout image.

AUDIO

Offering a DTS-HD 5.1 sound mix, Inside Man matches it’s image quality in superiority.  Dialogue sounds crisps, and elements such as the crowd outside the bank sound as if you’re on the scene. Denzel Washington has a commanding voice, and here you can hear it in full clarity. Lee’s films are also known for there music, and Inside Man is no exception because Terence Blanchard’s score adds an edge to the film that keeps in pace with the twisting plot. Those who will settle for nothing less than perfect audio in their films will be very satisfied.

*(NOTE: Universal was set to release Inside Man on May 26th, but due to an audio defect on the Blu-ray, a new disc was re-issued and the audio issue has been fixed. If the back cover of your Blu-ray for Inside Man is highlighted in the color red, then you have the correct version).

EXTRAS

All of the bonus material from the standard DVD has been carried over to the Blu-ray, and even though there’s not a huge list of selections, it’s a case of quality over quantity.

Spike Lee offers an audio commentary track, and as a man who never holds back his opinions, Lee goes all over the map, not only talking about happenings on the set, but also dealing with the mega studio Hollywood system. This is definitely worth listening to.

The Making of Inside Man clocks in at about ten minutes and is way too short, because after seeing this film you’ll want to know more about it.

Number 4 is and interview between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee talking about working together again on Inside Man, which is their fourth movie together.

A collection of deleted and alternate scenes wrap up the package, and unlike most deleted scenes they toss onto Blu-rays, there are actually a few scenes worth watching.

BOTTOM LINE

Inside Man is a winner on Blu-ray offering excellent picture and sound, and for just over being a damn good movie. Fans of Spike Lee’s work will see that he can pull off a big studio film, and if you like Denzel Washington, he definitely doesn’t disappoint here. Inside Man makes a great addiction to your Blu-ray collection.

SCORES: (Out of 5):

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 4.0

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 3.0

Bottom Line: 4.0

By “Slim”

Introduction

Netbooks, once considered a niche market, over the past two years, has grown to become its own category of computing. And whenever anything starts to get popular, it will immediately garner attention from the media, clones from its competitors, and growth from its originator. Asus being the innovator that is, started the craze with the Eee PC in 2007, which grew to 6 models offered today; therefore it’s only fitting that we discuss the entry level model today. The Asus Eee PC 900 is perfect for getting your feet wet; in this case we will be looking at the linux version with a new technology, Solid State Drive.

Specifications

Dimensions- 8.8″ × 6.5″ × 1.4″

Weight- 2.2 lbs

Video Display- 8.9” screen size (wide screen display)

1024 X 600

WSVGA TFT

CPU- Intel Mobile CPU Processor (900 MHz Celeron M)

Memory- 1 GB RAM DDR2-400

Hard Drive- 4 GB internal

16 GB Solid state Drive (Shock Proof)

Card Reader-  MMC/SD(SDHC)

Network- 10/100 Mbit Ethernet 802.11b/802.11g

Web Cam- 1.3 Megapixels

Audio -1 Internal Microphone Speaker

2 Internal Stereo Speakers

USB- 3 USB Connectors

VGA- 1 VGA Connector (Yes you can hook it up to a monitor if you so desire)

Battery-  4 cell 4400 mAH- official battery life 3.5 hours- (I get about 3)

AC Adapter -AC Adapter Output: 12V, 3A

AC Adapter Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal

Design

Let’s start off by saying that the form factor of the netbook uses rounded edges to gives the Eee PC a sleek look. And the white color gives a throwback shout out to old apple design. You can also get it in shiny black if your tastes delve to the darker colors. The light weight, 2.2 lbs also makes it ideal for one handed use during lengthy commutes where there’s standing room only. Also comes with a nice little felt slip case to protect your netbook while not in use.

Features

When dealing with any computer the software is key to its intrinsic value. That being said let’s talk about what you receive when you buy the Eee PC. It comes loaded with a PDF Reader and Open Office, which coincidently allows you to do everything Microsoft Office can do. Not to say there are not a few problems importing file types, but it’s much better than the weird characters of doom that you would receive when trying to import documents from Microsoft in Lotus (circa 97).  Currently they have:

-Writer    A word processor vis a vis Microsoft Word

-Calc         A Spreadsheet tool vis a vis Microsoft Excel

-Impress  A presentation creator vis a vis Microsoft Powerpoint

-Base        A database management tool vis a vis Microsoft Access

-Draw       A vector graphics editor vis a vis Microsoft Visio

-Math       A mathematical formula creating tool vis a vis Microsoft Equation Editor

In addition to the utility applications it comes preloaded with Mozilla Firefox, Skype,  an instant messaging program, Pidgin which allows you to sign in from all your user accouts (Aim, Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) , A link to Google Docs, Wikipedia, it’s own dictionary, and finally a World Clock.

Though it’s not all about work for this little guy, He also comes packed wih a media player (coincidentally able to view xvid, h264, and divx encoded video straight out the box), music manager, photo manager, video manager, and a host of games.

-Solitaire- no deception here

-Frozen Bubble-  A bubble shooting game (you gotta try it)

-Crack Attack- much like bejeweled

-Penguin Racer- Generic race game with items for points

-Sudoku- yep same game as you should expect

-Potato Guy- Mr Potato head on your computer

-Ltris- Think tetris

As an added bonus the machine is ready to go from off – on in 22 seconds, yeah that’s right you thought you could pop some popcorn and come back to settle in. Not so with this bad boy, he’s waiting for you to finish what you WERE doing. Also its interface is tab based to split between work and play, so only the icons you need at the time will be displayed. Another nice feature (not really encouraging you to test this) is that the SSD drive is much less susceptible to shock than standard disc hard drives, so less chance of damaging the device in case of a fall.

With all it’s bonuses it still lacks what traditional computers provide, Such as raw processing power. (Max upgrade to 2 GB of ram and a 900 Mhz computer vs. a 2.2 Ghz Dual Core easily upgrable to 4 Gb) It also lacks conventions such as an optical drive (CD Rom, or DVD Rom). It also has a shrunken down keyboard due to its size and for people with hands of my size it may resemble a little toy.

Bottom Line

The Eee PC 900 provides just enough function to match with its form. It’s Linux design follows an almost Firefox-like browser for familiarity and ease of use, it has all the productivity tools one would need on the road, and it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. Perfect for Travelers, but still an enjoyable experience for the casual user.

Scores (Out of 5):

Features: 5.0

Ease of Use: 4.0

Hardware Capabilities: 3.0

Bottom Line: 4.0

Reviewed by Johnny McNair 

Universal Studios Home Entertainment – 142 mins – 2008 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.40: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio

 

 

You’ve got to give it to Clint Eastwood, because the guy has been in the business for over fifty years and he’s still going strong. Many know him for his tough guy roles either as a maverick cowboy or renegade cop, but these days Eastwood is known more for his work behind the camera as a director, earning praises for his films Million Dollar Baby, Flags of Our Fathers, and Letters from Iwo Jima. For his latest film The Changeling, Eastwood takes on a subject that most would shy away from, missing children. The Changeling comes to Blu-ray from Universal Home Entertainment, and if you desire a well-crafted intelligent drama, Clint makes our day.

 

THE MOVIE

 

The Changeling is a period film based on true events that took place in Los Angeles in 1928, starring Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins, a single mother who works hard to raise her only child Walter. But one day when she comes home and discovers that he is missing, she desperately seeks help to find him, but instead faces a corrupt police department and Mayor desperate to clean their image for the public, resulting in them pulling a bait-and-switch and returning a boy who is really not her son and making her believe that it is.

 

Christine’s image is twisted in the media, labeling her as mentally unstable and she is sent to a mental institution where she sees women just like her who have been tossed into the asylum for no other reason than the police want to get rid of them. The only help comes from a local churchman, Reverend Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich), and one good cop on the force, Det. Ybarra (Michael Kelly), who work with Christine’s case to go after the L.A. Police Department

 

This is a true actors movie where the performances stand above even the subject matter itself. Besides the A-list actors, there are some strong supporting roles, particularly from Jason Butler Harner as a disturbed man who abducts children and keeps them in a chicken coop, and Eddie Alderson as a kid who has scene so much horror that he is mentally breaking down.

 

Director Eastwood handles the material with care, and goes for an old-fashioned filmmaking style. With a running time of 2 hours and 22 minutes, the movie could have been trimmed down a good 15 minutes, but when it moves it flows well. Angelina Jolie, who is better known for her tough girl roles in Wanted, Mr and Mrs. Smith and Tomb Raider, delivers an excellent sympathetic performance as a desperate mother, (having so many kids in real life surely prepped her for the role) and she deserved the Academy Award nomination she received.

 

The Challenging is recommended for anyone who is tired of watching loud movies where something blows up every five minutes, and actors in their late 20’s and 30’s are playing teenagers. It is a one shot movie that you may not want to re-watch repeatedly, but the experience stays with you. For the serious intelligent minded moviegoers looking to expand their Blu-ray collection, The Changeling is worth your attention.

 

VIDEO

 

Presented in full 1080p in a 2.40.1 aspect ratio The Changeling looks incredible and may surprisingly be one of the best looking Blu-rays out there.  Colors have been slightly muted to give the film an old nostalgic look, but where most films attempt this style and look flat, here the image still stands strong. Director of Photography Tom Stern who has worked on several of Clint Eastwood’s movies displays once again why he’s one of the best in the business. This one is a visual winner.

 

 

AUDIO

 

Offering a 5.1 DTS-HD Lossless master audio mix, The Changeling is a heavy dialogue movie that doesn’t offer much rear speaker play. The dialogue sounds crisp and clean, and certain background noises such as crowd and street scenes are nicely balanced. Overall, the sound mix works well, but doesn’t offer any bells and whistles.

 

EXTRAS

 

This Blu-ray doesn’t offer much in the bonus features department, because what is offered is not very memorable. It would have been interesting if a real documentary were added about the real Christine Collins and the events of this case, or even a director’s audio commentary track from Eastwood. Instead all you get is a few lame featurettes.

 

The Common Thread: Angelina Jolie Becomes Christine Collins is a five-minute piece on the actresses’ wardrobe for the movie. Unless you’re a fashion freak, this isn’t worth watching.

 

Partners in Crime: Clint Eastwood and Angelina Jolie runs about fifteen minutes and is basically just a promotional piece with mini-interviews and some behind the scenes footage. Again, they could have offered something more satisfying than this.

 

Via Universal’s U-Control you can access Picture-in-Picture interviews and on the set clips, as well as a look at Los Angeles then and now to see how the location has changed in the past eighty years.

 

BOTTOM LINE

 

The Changeling is a well-acted and strong drama that is definitely worth a look. The Blu-ray offers a fantastic image and good sound, but skimps on the extras. Fans of Jolie or Eastwood’s directing resume will really enjoy the film, and for all others it’s definitely a change of pace from watching The Mummy for the fortieth time. Do yourself a favor and give this one a look.

 

SCORES (out of 5):

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 4.5

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 3.0

Bottom Line: 4.0

Reviewed by Richard Lee Zuras

Released May 8, 2009

2 hr. 6 min.

PG-13

J.J. Abrams/Paramount

Leonard Nimoy

Zachary Quinto

Chris Pine

Zoe Saldana

Eric Bana

Bruce Greenwood

Simon Pegg

John Cho

When one watches the pilot episode of a tv show, one is usually advised to allow for the fact that pilot shows are at a disadvantage: they plan to run for a long time–exposing and engaging in character study as new plots unfold and reveal character…all the while, the show must newly introduce some ten or fifteen characters and the world they inhabit.

So, for Star Trek, we have our campy memories of the show (and many dreadful “On gauge”) films to sweep away. This Abrams film is meant to be zero (the subtitle of the film), and it is meant to re-boot the franchise. It is simultaneously an extension of what has come before, and a first step from nothingness.

This means, for film-goers, that it posits itself in either or an enviable place, or an un-enviable place. That, and age, will divide most viewers. This is a straight down the line PG-13 film. It covers the fertile ground of school-age male fantasy (note that the female cadets of the future live in a go-go boot world that refuses to accept that Gloria Steinam was ever born), and shakes the camera enough to illicit the orient response.

But it does several things well. Quinto is perfectly cast as Spock (he was the first actor cast), and it is his character that is most adroitly explored. Whereas Pine’s Kirk is a cross between a wanna-be Tom Cruise (circa Cocktail) and a punching bag, Quinto’s Spock is a lesson in study. Quinto has clearly imbibed the Nimoy version, all the while making the persona his own. When he leaves a scene, the air is sucked out and quickly replaced with shaking camera action scenes. These scenes are full of errors–which of course is part of the point of “Sci-Fi.” But logic and continuity aside, many of the effects seem caught between the camp of the original show, and Abrams $150 million budget. Between the goofy red ice planet monster, and the rubber friend Scotty works with, one wonders if they are laughing at the right aspect.

And said humor is one of the many dividers. While Abrams makes a valiant attempt to imbue the film with campy humor, his screen-writers seem to have succumbed to the “throw it all and see what sticks” philosophy. While Bones’ constant attempts to inject Kirk w/vaccines create much of the Bones/Kirk dynamic, it is an example of how the film rides its jokes too far. In comedy, timing is everything, and this film seems to have lost its chances in the editing room.

The actors are signed for two sequels, and the set-ups for dramatic tension have been set. One only hopes the makers of these sequels spend more time mining what they’ve set in motion, and a little less time shaking the camera and the fake can of nuts.

Bottom line 3.5/5.0

 Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Universal Studios Home Entertainment – 111 mins – 1992 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.35: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio

After selling millions of CDs and becoming the most successful white rap artist of all time, the only place left for Eminem to conquer was Hollywood. He was offered multiple roles in movies but was smart enough to wait for something that was tailor made for him. 8 Mile is a semi-autobiographical movie based on the life of Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, who rises from the dead end ghetto of Detroit to become a musical icon. 8 Mile comes to Blu-ray from Universal Home Entertainment ready to drop the rhyme in real time. 

THE MOVIE

Jimmy Smith (Eminem) is a kid who dreams of being a big rap star, but is crippled by his life of poverty, living in a trailer with his unfit mother (Kim Basinger) and her young boyfriend who is the same age as him. Jimmy works at a local factory to put food in the mouth of his baby daughter, while trying to keep his baby’s momma off his back. Attempting to get closer to his goal Jimmy begins to enter rap battles that are featured at a local club, but constantly gets booed off stage. He is mentored by one of his friends (Mekhi Phifer) to keep at it, because he’s got talent and something will spark for him. Like another movie underdog, Rocky Balboa, Jimmy takes the challenge and goes up against some of the best rappers Detroit can throw at him.

Directed by Curtis Hanson, the award-winning director of LA Confidential, who seems like an odd choice, but it’s because of his skills that the film holds together. Eminem does his best, but he knows his limits as an actor, so he just basically plays himself. Phifer, even though he’s wearing a bad dredlock wig, still gives a good performance, and Brittany Murphy stands out as the girl who becomes the focus of Jimmy’s desire. Like an Elvis movie, you’re not watching this to see Eminem’s acting ability; you want to see him rap. Thanks to the excellent rap battle sequences Eminen shines, showing why his one of the best out there. 8 Mile is entertaining as long as you just accept it for what it is, and if you’re a fan of the rap star you will be rooting for this rabbit to win. 

VIDEO

Presented in 1080p in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, 8 Mile looks good, but it’s not the glossy high-definition experience you’re accustomed to now. The image is muddy at times mainly because the film was shot in smoky clubs, and plenty of night scenes, but skin tones are sharp and close-ups benefit from the transfer. Overall the image quality is a step-up from the DVD. 

AUDIO

Offering a DTS-HD Lossless 5.1 sound mix, this is where the film shows its stripes. A film with music as the highlight can’t skimp on the sound design, and 8 Mile delivers with raging beats that will rattle your speakers. Pump this one up when the music starts. 

EXTRAS

All the bonus features from the original DVD have been ported over, but the pickings are slim shady. There’s no director’s audio commentary and the ported features are all in standard definition. The Making of 8 Mile is barely ten minutes long, and is just one big promotional reel. There’s really nothing here to keep you interested. Uncensored Rap Battles is the only thing worth watching, because it shows footage from the auditions of rappers who tried out for the film. This is underground stuff that matches the tone of the film and displays that not everyone can grab a mike and be a star, because it takes a lot of skills and dedication. The final bonus feature is the uncensored version of Eminem’s Superman video. Yes that means you’ll see boobies. 

BOTTOM LINE

8 Mile will not be labeled as a classic but maybe one day it’ll get that Flashdance of Footloose treatment for nostalgia. The Blu-ray offers a decent picture and good sound quality, but the bonus features leave a lot to be desired. This one is for fans of Slim Shady, and fortunately for him, there are plenty of them. 

SCORES (out of 5):

The Movie: 3.0

Video: 3.0

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 2.0

Bottom Line: 3.0

Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Fox Home Entertainment – 342 minutes – 2000/2003/2006 – Rated PG-13 – 1080p Widescreen 2.35:1 – DTS-HD Lossless 5.1 Audio Mix – Digital Copy

The X-Men have a legion of fans that read the comic book religiously, and being that Hollywood is always looking for a way to cash in on anything that’s popular, it was more than obvious that there would be an X-Men movie. Finally in 2000 the most famous mutants in the world were brought to the big screen, hoping to be the next Batman. The first X-Men was a huge success, followed by an excellent sequel, X-Men United, and finally The Last Stand. Originally, only the third film was available on Blu-ray, but now all three films are on HD either individually, or as a complete box set from Fox Home Entertainment.

X-MEN (2000)

Unlike Batman, Superman, and Spiderman, The X-Men is a much harder film to adapt because instead of focusing on just one character, there is a whole team, and to satisfy fans that may favor Cyclops over Wolverine, it’s complicated to give them all equal time in a two-hour movie.

There’s no need to go into a set-up, because like characters in the bible, the X-Men are apart of our world. Basically, the Earth has two types of people inhabiting it, regular average humans and mutants. And being the way the world is the two sides are always at battle with each other because the humans have the majority and consider the mutants to be ‘different’ and ‘dangerous.’ Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), a mutant himself, has used his power and influence to open a school for the gifted, where mutants who are seen as freaks by society can come to learn and be protected.

Xavier has helped and gained the loyalty of Scott Summers aka Cyclops (James Marsden), Ororo Munroe aka Storm (Halle Berry), Bobby Drake aka Iceman (Shawn Ashmore), and the mysterious Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), just to name of few of his students. An incident leads two other mutants to the doorsteps of Xavier’s school, Marie D’Ancanto aka Rogue (Anna Paquin), and Logan aka Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) a total badass with adamantium retractable claws. Besides being hunted by the government, Xavier’s students are also under the surveillance of a dark group of mutants led by Xavier’s former friend and partner, Eric Lensherr aka Magneto (Ian McKellen), who’s followers including his sexy sidekick Mystique (Rebecca Romijn), choose to destroy whatever gets in their path, thus giving mutants a bad name in society.

Directed by Bryan Singer the X-Men was a hard movie to do because after decades of comic book history, the film had to be spoon-fed to a mass audience, most of which know very little about the X-Men. Singer should be credited for pulling it off as well as he could, but some would argue that the film appears to focus much more on the Wolverine, while everyone else is given the jr. characters treatment.

Everything feels compressed, but for the most part entertaining, and Singer took risks that almost had him crucified such as not having the characters wear the traditional costumes they are known for in the comics. And yet the film has problems with pacing and story structure it all somehow works, and classical trained actors such as Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen give the film major credibility. Also, this is the film that pushed Hugh Jackman into the limelight, giving him the star effect for two sequels as well as his own spinoff movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine that is currently in theaters.

Some fans love the film and others hated it, but they all agree that it’s great to see their heroes on the big screen even if they are watered down. X-Men was more a way to test the waters for what Fox hoped would be a major franchise and it paid off. Blu-ray collectors will be happy that the original film is finally available in high definition where it belongs.

X2: X-MEN UNITED (2003)

The first X-Men film made a fortune at the box office, so there was no doubt that a sequel would be on the way. And where most sequels are either worse or just more of the same, X2 is bigger and better in every way, and in my opinion one of the best comic book movies ever made.

The whole team from the first film has returned for the sequel, as well as some new characters from the comic such as Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming), Lady Deathstrike (Kelly Hu), and Pyro (Aaron Stanford). The story centers around the government ordering a secret attack on Xavier’s school for the gifted, led by a corrupt scientist named Stryker (Brian Cox), who is actually after something more.

Again directed by Bryan Singer, this sequel works on every level because where the first film was a set-up to light the fuse, X2 knows what it’s doing and delivers. The action is solid, the characters are all given room to show their stuff, and the story actually has you involved, just like the other excellent Marvel Comic film Spiderman 2.

Elements from one of the most famous storylines in the X-Men comic based on the Phoenix Saga is also one of the highlights of X2, focusing on Jean Grey who is ultimately the most powerful mutant who has ever lived.

Wolverine is obviously the most famous character, and the so-called lead singer of the band, so he is given plenty of screen time to slice his claws, including a kick-ass fight in the finale between him and Lady Deathstrike.

Overall, X2 is a winner in every way and mad fans crave for more, which they would have to wait another three years for with X-Men: The Last Stand. If you’ve only seen X2 on DVD, this Blu-ray is a step up, big time.

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND

Hollywood loves trilogies, so when the credits for X2 rolled, the countdown began for the finale. Unfortunately, the heart of the second film stop beating when director Bryan Singer chose to walk away from the third film and instead direct Superman Returns, which was a huge mistake on his part. Director Brett Ratner jumped into the driver’s seat hoping to continue the magic, but instead crashes into a wall going 100mph.

The Last Stand takes place where X2 left off with the death of Jean Grey, and Xavier’s X-Men attempting to move on. Cyclops, who was in love with Jean is taking it the hardest, but when he feels she may still be alive he returns to the place she died to discover what he believes is her, but unfortunately she has transformed into something else, something deadlier.

Mixed with this the government has found a special mutant and derived a drug from him that has the ability to purify mutants and make them regular humans. This sparks an imminent war between the mutants and the humans, and Magneto uses this to gather the most lethal mutants on his side to kill all those in his path.

Wolverine and Storm, as well as new characters Hank McCoy aka Beast (Kelsey Grammer), Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page), and Angel (Warren Worthington) must unite to fight Magneto’s army and stop the war. Their greatest opponent is former X-Men Jean Grey who has now transformed into the Dark Phoenix, who is now as powerful as a god.

The Last Stand suffers from the trilogy jinx where are other great first and second films such as Spiderman and Spiderman 2, Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back offered weaker concluding films. Even though it’s easy to blame director Brett Ratner (which everyone did), you really can’t because it’s the script that is the major problem. X2’s script was excellent and thought out, but The Last Stand is rushed and lacks passion.

Even Wolverine who is the star of the show doesn’t really have much to do here, but swing his claws and say one-liners. And whoever thought of killing off Xavier and Cyclops should be stoned. There must have been a better way to make the story roll forward.

Overall, The Last Stand is a letdown, especially compared to X2, and there probably will not be another real X-Men film anytime soon. Let’s see what happens with the solo Wolverine film to see exactly how things in the X-Men movie world will progress.

Tech Specs for X-MEN:

VIDEO

Presented in full 1080p and framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, X-Men offers a decent transfer, but being it’s not that much better than the standard DVD. There is plenty of grain on the print and some scenes look somewhat unfocused. Unlike the X2 and The Last Stand, the first film didn’t receive the same care. It’s good but will not blow you away.

AUDIO

With DTS- HD Lossless 5.1 master audio, X-Men sounds great from the beginning moment in the Nazi concentration camp, to the finale on New York’s Liberty Island. Dialogue is crisp, and action sequences are highlighted to their full potential. Crank up your speakers for this one.

Tech Specs for X2: X-MEN UNITED:

VIDEO

X2 also offers a full 1080p picture framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, but this time around the image is everything you desire from a Blu-ray. The picture looks superb with bright colors and perfect details on everyone’s face. The effects such as the X-Jet chase will jump off your screen, and guys will appreciate seeing Rebecca Romijn roam around in her painted on costume.

AUDIO

The DTS-HD Lossless 5.1 master audio mix is a grand-slam and anyone with a home theater system will appreciate this film from start to finish. Every time Wolverine springs his claws you’ll hear the ‘ping’ echo from your rear speaker. Dialogue is also clear even when the action is exploding all around.

Tech Specs for X-MEN: THE LAST STAND:

VIDEO

This is the same transfer from the original Blu-ray, and it still stands out with a full 1080p picture in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Colors are excellent and details such the details on Angel’s wings can only be enjoyed in high definition. There’s noting to complain about, because this is excellent all around.

AUDIO

Again the sound is a winner with a DTS-HD Lossless 5.1 master mix that allows you to hear every line of bad dialogue in the movie. The action is the highlight of the show and here you’ll appreciate every explosion, crash, and retracting claw.

EXTRAS

This is a fan’s delight with nine disc included in the box set including a Digital Copy of all three films. The bonus features are mainly carried over from the original DVD releases, with the highlight being all the new extras offered with The Last Stand for the first time.

Bonus Features For X-MEN:

• An Audio Commentary featuring Director Bryan Singer and Brian Peck is well worth listening to.

• Six deleted scenes with optional director’s commentary.

• The Mutant Watch, a Fox TV featurette.

• Charlie Rose interview with Director Bryan Singer.

• Evolution-X: a five part feature length interactive documentary that dives into every aspect of the comic and the making of the film and is a must see.

• Animatics, Trailers, Marketing materials.

• Digital Copy.

Bonus Features For X2: X-MEN UNITED:

• Audio Commentary from Director Bryan Singer and cinematographer Tom Sigel.

• Audio Commentary with Producers Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter, as well as writers Dam Harris, David Hayter, and Michael Dougherty.

• History of the X-Men featurette goes into the origin of the heroes and focuses on the latest X-Men, Nightcrawler.

• A series of making of featurettes.

• Eleven deleted scenes that are worth a look.

• United Colors of X2 looks at the costume design of the film.

• Requiem For Mutants gives details about the film’s musical score.

• Stills and Trialers.

• Digital Copy.

Bonus Features For X-MEN: THE LAST STAND:

• Audio Commentary with Director Brett Ratner and writers Simon Kinberg and Zak Penn.

• Audio Commentary with Producers Avi Arad, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Ralph Winter.

• Ten deleted scenes and three alternative endings to see the fate of certain characters.

• X-Men: Evolution of a Trilogy looks at the seven years it took to create the trilogy, and its place in movie history.

• Generation-X: Comic Book History goes into the entire world of the X-Men in comics, and is the best feature on the disc.

• Brett Ratner’s Production Diaries shows the directors adventure in making the film.

• Anatomy of a Scene: Golden Gate Bridge dissects the movies bridge action sequence.

• Animatics, Still Galleries, Trailers.

• Digital Copy.

BOTTOM LINE

If you’re a fan of these movies this Blu-ray box set is a must have, with nine discs total, including digital copies for each movie, and days worth of bonus material, even if you didn’t like the third film, you won’t complain with this package as a whole. These movies are offered individually, but this box set is the way to go and is highly recommended.

SCORES: (Out of 5):

X-MEN:

The Movie: 3.0

Video: 3.0

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 4.0

X2: X-MEN UNITED:

The Movie: 4.5

Video: 4.5

Sound: 4.5

Extras: 4.0

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND:

The Movie: 2.5

Video: 4.5

Sound: 4.5

Extras: 4.0

X-MEN TRILOGY:

Bottom Line: 5.0

Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Universal Studios Home Entertainment – 123 mins – 2008 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 2.35: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio

 

The 70’s were nostalgic for some of the best heavyweight fights of all time, such as Ali vs. Frazier and Holmes vs. Norton. But one of the best fights ever was never fought in the ring, but its impact in history is still larger than life. David Frost and Richard Nixon didn’t try to clobber each other for fifteen rounds, but in a series of interviews, plenty of punches were thrown and there was plenty of sweat. Frost Nixon comes to Blu-ray from Universal Home Entertainment, and anyone who’s fantasized about hearing George W. Bush admit that he performed criminal acts and abused his power as President, will see how history repeats itself.

THE MOVIE

Frost Nixon is based on true events that took place in the late 70’s, following the resignation of Richard Nixon of his position as the President of the United States due to his involvement with the Watergate scandal. David Frost (Michael Sheen) is a wannabe journalist who is stuck doing silly talk show gigs, but finally spots an opportunity that may possibly give him credibility and push him into the spotlight. He cuts a deal to be the first journalist to do a one-on-one interview with the fallen 37th President Richard Nixon (Frank Langella). Knowing that he’s no real threat, the former Prez agrees to do it for a lump of cash and a list of guidelines for the interviews that will be split into four sections. Even the press thinks it’s a joke, because no one believes that an unproven interviewer like Frost will be able to hold his own or get anything out of Nixon about Watergate.

Based on the stage play and directed by Ron Howard, the film works because it plays out like a Rocky movie, where you have the underdog who has no chance to win going up against the ultimate opponent, but after taking many hits and facing an imminent knockout, he turns the odds in his favor and makes a huge accomplishment. Langella hits a home run in his portrayal as Nixon, playing him both as ruthless and sympathetic. Sheen as Frost is also excellent as you see him transform from a cocky opportunist to an individual who realizes that his situation is more serious than he expected and now he has to prove himself.

Another reason this film is so effective is because of the current scenario with our last President. How many reporters wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to get George Bush in the hot-seat and grill him one-on-one about the choices he made during his administration that is still haunting us with a global economic nightmare? Now more than ever Americans want answers, but unfortunately we may most likely never get them. On this level Frost/Nixon satisfies because if you switch around the names, faces and places, the results are scary because they are so close.

VIDEO

Presented in full 1080p in a 2.35:1 aspect ration Frost Nixon is probably one of the best looking Blu-rays on the market. The tone of the 70’s is captured with meticulous perfection right down to the details on Michael Sheen’s sideburns. Colors are bold and skin tones are picture perfect. If you plan to own this film, this is the only way to experience it.

AUDIO

Offering a DTS HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio Mix, Frost Nixon scores a homerun with its excellent sound design. This film is all about the dialogue, and this mix allows you to hear every line as crisp and clean as if you were sitting on the set yourself.

EXTRAS

There is a good package of bonus features offered on the Blu-ray, and they are all in HD. And for those wanting to see how the real Frost Nixon interview looked for comparison purposes, will appreciate that some of the key excerpts from the 70’s interview have been included.

Director Ron Howard provides a solo commentary track and it’s definitely worth listening to because he’s extremely passionate about the material.

The Making of Frost Nixon runs just under a half hour and details the origin of the film starting from the original stage play to getting it to the big screen.

The Real Interview is something that should have been much longer than a seven-minute clip, and you’ll wish that all the original 70’s interviews were included so you can compare them to what was in the movie, but instead you’re just treated to some highlights.

The Nixon Library is a featurette on the actual library of the man who was the 37^th President. This one is for Nixon buffs.

There are 30 minutes of deleted scenes. Some are interesting, some have were omitted for obvious reasons, but it’s all worth a look.

Universal’s U-Control allows you to access Picture-In-Picture interviews with the cast and crew, as well as pop-up text facts about the actual events.

BOTTOM LINE

Frost Nixon is a film for those who want to get away from transforming robots and superhero movies and desires to see a film based on characters and acting. The Blu-ray offers incredible picture and sound, and though it would have been perfect if the complete original interviews were included, there are some main excerpts to give you a feel of the actual events. If you’re a fan of films based on historic events, Frost Nixon is a must own.

SCORES (out of 5):

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 4.5

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 3.0

Bottom Line: 4.0

Reviewed by Johnny McNair

 

Weinstein Company– 82 mins – 2008 – Unrated – 1080p Widescreen 1.78: 1 – DTS-HD Lossless Master 5.1 Audio

 

 

  

With all the comic book based movies out there, somebody was obviously gearing up to make a spoof of all of them. There is tons of source material and in the right hands it could have been a very funny project. Unfortunately, the end result of the parody Superhero Movie is just the opposite. If you’re desperate for a giggle and you have 82 minutes to waste, Superhero Movie comes to Blu-ray via the Weinstein Company.

 

THE MOVIE

 

Spiderman seems to be the main target of Superhero Movie, where a teenager in the molding of Peter Parker named Rick Riker (Drake Bell), is bitten by a genetically altered dragonfly and begins to develop superhuman abilities. Hoping to win the heart of his dreamgirl Jill (Sara Paxton), he tries to use his new talents to get some cash, but when his uncle is shot by a bank robber, Rick is contacted by Professor Xavier (Tracey Morgan) and taken to his school for the gifted where he learns that he has his powers for a reason and must use them to help society and hopefully get laid.

 

Rick makes himself a costume and becomes the Dragonfly, where he interacts with parody versions of such comic book legends as Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Girl, Storm, and Wolverine. All heroes need a villain and in this case it’s a madman business tycoon named The Hourglass (Christopher McDonald), who looks like he’s wearing a rejected Robocop costume.

 

Directed by Craig Mazin and produced by David Zucker, the man behind the Airplane and Naked Gun movies, Superhero Movie is one of those movies like Meet The Spartans, where all the best moments are stuck in the two minute trailer, and then we you sit through the movie, you’re waiting for something funny to happen, but all you get is one cliché after another (yes, fart jokes). The end results is a movie that looks like a fan film you can catch on You Tube, but here you’ve been suckered into paying for it.

 

VIDEO

 

Presented in 1080p in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Superhero Movie decent with a sharp image and bright colors, but it’s just slightly above what you’ll get from a standard DVD. Grain is heavy in places, and some spots seem fuzzy, but overall it’s an acceptable image for what it is.

 

AUDIO

 

Superhero Movie’s DTS HD 5.1 mix is good, allowing you to hear the dialogue clearly, and the sound effects are balanced well. But basically that’s all there is to the mix, because no bells and whistles have been thrown in.

 

EXTRAS

 

This Blu-ray comes with both the theatrical and extended version, but either way you’re still watching an unfunny movie.

 

Writer/Director Craig Mazin and Producers David Zucker and Robert K. Weiss do what they can to explain this mess in the audio commentary.

 

An alternate ending that takes place at a comic convention was scrapped for obvious reasons…it’s just not funny.

 

Eleven minutes of deleted scenes will go by so fast you won’t remember any of them.

 

Meet the Cast is exactly what is sounds like, a bunch of no names and hacks attempting to be witty and faking that they’re apart of a good movie.

 

The Art of Spoofing talk about what it takes to make a good film parody. Obviously they didn’t take their own advice.

 

The theatrical trailer, as well as some BD Live support is also included, but it’s not even worth logging in.

 

BOTTOM LINE

 

These unfunny spoof movies have to stop. Where is Mel Brooks and why can’t he save us from this. Superhero Movie is no more than a Blu-ray rental, and that’s being generous.

 

SCORES (out of 5):

 

The Movie: 2.0

Video: 3.0

Sound: 3.0

Extras: 2.5

Bottom Line: 2.5