JAM Reviews Bridesmaids from Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Bridesmaids: DVD: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

From the minds of women comes the comedy for women as we see the lead up to the walk to the altar and how it affects friendships, young and old. This is a R rated comedy from the woman’s perspective, but funny no matter your gender.

Annie (Kristen Wiig) and Lillian (Maya Rudolph) have been friends forever, and when Lillian is preparing for her marriage Annie is the first thought for Maid of Honor. Lillian is excited to share her new world with her friend Annie, but their worlds collide in the process. Lillian has entered the world of money and prestige where a new friend Helen (Rose Byrne) wants to usurp everything that Lillian has to share, while Annie lives in the world of failure and loss as her former business had failed, she is caught in a dead-end relationship, and feels like she has to provide something special for Lillian’s preparations. Between her failed attempts to make things special and Helen’s insistence in making things more high-class, things just start falling apart even more in Annie’s life. Can she and Lillian make it back to who they were before, or is this friendship doomed to fall by the wayside? Bridesmaids also stars Melissa McCarthy as the future sister-in-law in all her crassness, Wendi McLendon-Covey as the mom looking for an escape in sensuality not found in her motherhood, Ellie Kemper as the quiet newlywed, Jon Hamm as the friends with benefits that expects all the benefits without any of the friendship or anything else, and more.

JAMS Ink on Bridesmaids

I will never look at Brazilian food or bridesmaid dresses the same again, and I love Brazilian food. This is such a small part of the movie and yet I found myself uncontrollably laughing to the point at which I found myself coughing and having issues even catching my breath. This is true physical humor at its best for someone like myself, and would appeal to people that enjoy American Pie type of humor.

The ultra-competitiveness of the tennis match between Helen and Annie is also a high point of the movie as you can see the stress and anger rise in each of the woman, one a friend forever to the bride upset about being replaced and the other a new friend trying to take a place of importance in a life she values and wants to control/live in. Taking their aggressions out on the tennis balls and each other, it comes off as a tour-de-force of wisecracks, broken promises, and bruised egos.

EXTRAS

FEATURE COMMENTARY: With director Paul Feig, co-writer Annie Mumolo and cast members Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McClendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper. A fun watch with some true comediennes providing the back and forth needed on these types of commentary. There is a ton of back and forth discussing deleted scenes, extended scenes, funny set-ups and more, this ends up being a good addition to the extra inclusions of the film.
GAG REEL (DVD Version) This is just a fun look at some fun people having a little too much fun on the film. It’s kind of fun.
LINE-O-RAMA An interesting look at some freewheeling line work.
ADDITIONAL DELETED SCENES
ADDITIONAL EXTENDED & ALTERNATE SCENES
CHOLODECKI’S COMMERCIAL: Check out what’s new with Cholodecki’s when you watch the never-before-seen “commercial” from Annie’s jewelry employer! It’s a fun little addition to the extras again.

Bridesmaids
Street Date: September 20, 2011
Screen Format: Theatrical 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio – Anamorphic Widescreen2.40:1
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1/DVS Dolby Digital 2.0
Spanish and French Audio Dolby Digital 5.1
Languages: Subtitled English, French, and Spanish
U.S. Rating: R
Total Run Time: 2 hours 5 minutes/2 hours 11 minutes

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

Ten Years Later – We “Go On”

Ten Years Later – We “Go On”

Los Angeles Recording Artist Debuts Positive Message

Music Video Inspired by Events of 9/11

With the recent commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks – an event still painfully fresh amidst additional global unrest and economic turmoil – messages of motivation, inspiration and hope have never had more relevance.

Los Angeles-based recording artist Darci Monet, along with Intuitive Entertainment and Dooper Girl Productions, are venerating such messages through Monet’s debut music video for her single “Go On (feat. Debby Holiday and Levi Kreis),” premiering Saturday, Sept. 24th at www.YouTube.com/darcimonet and www.YouTube.com/gregsonfilm. The independent project is directed by Christopher Gregson and produced by Jacole Kitchen.

“Go On,” Monet’s moving gospel-tinged track from her sophomore album Fusion, was inspired by an emotional visit to Ground Zero in August 2006.

“I hadn’t visited New York City since before the attacks,” Monet explains. “I’d been inside the Twin Towers several times on school trips as a kid, coming down from upstate (New York). This was my first time seeing these huge gaping holes where the Towers once stood and it literally took the breath right out of me.”

Walking the area only days after ground had broken for the new Trade Center memorial, Monet was truly inspired by the people of New York who were carrying on with their lives, going on despite the looming memories. “When I got back to L.A.,” she continues, “I began working on the song immediately, but it took a good year before it was ready to record. It had to be right. The time to mourn was past; I wanted to celebrate the living we all still have left to do.”

The moving video features four vignettes that spotlight not only 9/11 but also the timely issues of bullying and suicide, self-destruction, addiction, and domestic abuse. Also included are montages of photos submitted by real people who have triumphed over various adversities including HTZ’s and JAM’s very own Jr. Reporter Natalia Stoa. Natalia was included for her anaphylactic peanut allergy which she nearly died from. She has triumphed and works daily to keep herself safe and healthy with the help of Kids With Food Allergies (www.kidswithfoodallergies.org) and FAAN (www.foodallergy.org). She is working on getting the message out about life threatening food allergies through her work as the Local Honorary Youth Chair for the 2011 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy. You can join her in Santa Monica on October 23! For more information visit www.foodallergywalk.org/losangeles_ca11 !

“Our vision was to create a love letter to the world,” says Monet. “We are so excited to unleash some much needed virtual joy into the media.”

For more information on the release, webcast and premiere event at NoHo Performing Arts Center, visit http://www.darcimonet.com/govid. Watch for more details on the full version coming soon!

JAM Reviews Families of Germany from Master Communications

Families of Germany: DVD: Master Communications
Review by JAM

Take a look at new cultures, new families, and new friends as Families of Germany comes to DVD from Master Communications. Taking a look at the European economic superpower known as the Federal Republic of Germany, we look into two families from the rural village of Reimershausen and the urban capital of Berlin.

Sophia, a seven year old girl from Reimershausen, lives the rural life with her parents, sister, and brother, helping out with the neighbor’s farm feeding the cows and collecting eggs from the chickens. Her family and school are important to her as she shows us her guitar practice, craft time, and skits after school and the family time on the weekends.

Ole is a ten year old boy who lives in the capital Berlin with his parents, two brothers, and two tortoises. We get to look in on Halloween time as Ole carves pumpkins, makes treats, and heads uptown for a tour around the city. On his return, it is time for trick or treating followed by school the next day.

Check out the Families of the World to share insight with your little ones who want to know more about the children of the world.

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Series: Families of the World
DVD Titles: Families of the Germany
Release Date: September 20, 2011
R/T: Approx 30 minutes each child.
Website: www.familiesoftheworld.com

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

JAM Reviews Families of the Philippines from Master Communications

Families of the Philippines: DVD: Master Communications
Review by JAM

Take a look at new cultures, new families, and new friends as Families of the Philippines comes to DVD from Master Communications. Taking a look at the Asian island nation of the Republic of the Philippines, we look into two families from the rural island of Cebu and the thriving urban metropolis of Manila.

Khim, a thirteen year old boy from Cebu, shows us the rural side of life from the coastal outrigger boats that provide the fish that acts as one of the staple foods of the area to 10,000 student public school which he attends to the afternoon chores he has to help his family out. Through all of this, his energy and happiness shines out in an infectious way as we see his daily life.

Shahani, a seven year old girl living in the capital Manila, takes us on an urban journey as we see her school and her passion for dance which she excels in. We see her interaction with family and friends with her trip to buy groceries with her mother, in the mall where her father entertains children during birthday parties, and in her father’s dance class alongside her sister.

Check out the Families of the World to share insight with your little ones who want to know more about the children of the world.

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Series: Families of the World
DVD Titles: Families of the Philippines
Release Date: September 20, 2011
R/T: Approx 30 minutes each child.
Website: www.familiesoftheworld.com

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

JAM Reviews X-Men: First Class from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

X-Men First Class: Blu-Ray with Digital Copy: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM



Long before they were enemies with opposing viewpoints on the mutant/human coexistence, Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Michael Fassbender) were friends who worked together to find out more about themselves, what they were, and how to usher in the age of the mutant. Faced with an enemy they cannot overcome alone, they find other like themselves in order to take on the tyrannical actions of megalomaniac mutant by the name of Sebastion Shaw (Kevin Bacon), formerly known as Dr. Schmidt to the boy who would become Magneto.

From the beginning sibling-like relationship between Charles and Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) to the budding business relationship to something more between Charles and Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne), interpersonal relationships abound as mutants come together, some fearful of their powers, others proud of who they are, but all of them needed for the fight against Shaw and his band of Evil Mutants.

And what a fight it is as within the backdrop of the Cuban Missile crisis, boats fly through magnetic manipulation, heroes fight to stop a war between anyone and everyone, and the seeds are set for future confrontations between two men with respect and love for each other, but with pride and feelings that cause a gap between them.

JAMS Ink on X-Men First Class

Continuity. If I would have any issues with this release, it would have been continuity. See, I am an X-men nut. I own the majority of X-men issues ever produced since the reimagining of the team in the 70s with Giant-Size X-Men #1 and know these characters better than most I would say. And I own the movies that came before in which a number of these characters already appeared at ages that really did not work with this film. And do you know what? I AM OK WITH THAT. This movie was fun, full of X-Men goodness, and whether it worked with all the continuity of the X-Men Universe or not is ok with me. The characters were fleshed out even if they were out of their own timeline, and I am really looking forward to the sequels that are sure to come.

In a comic book movie full of beautiful women, I found it kind of odd that my favorite characters were the destructive weapon of mass destruction Havok and the Irish screamer himself, the Banshee. Seeing characters going through the learning curve of learning control and ultimately finding strength in their weaknesses is enjoyable and with many of the characters being “second” tier compared to Wolverine, Cyclops, or Jean Grey, it allows the power of teamwork to shine throughout in this film.

BLU-RAY Aspects

Sun powered energy blasts, scream powered sonic manipulation, blue-tinted shape-shifting mutants, Nazi history, 60’s psychedelic backdrops… You need to get this one on Blu-Ray. It is really too much fun and too amazing graphically to not enjoy the color contrasts and clarity on the Bliu-ray. Nazi Germany looks dark and dreadful, the groovy clubs look psychedelic, and the mutant powers look as amazing as you would expect. So I am definitely happy to recommend BLU-RAY YES on this one.

EXTRAS

Talk about extras galore on this one. From the fun digital comics included to the behind the scenes information in the Children of the Atom, there is something for anyone on this disc. Cerebro Mutant Tracker was pretty cool too giving mutant information on characters you were interested about. The extended and deleted scenes were pretty cool, but as I enjoyed the film as a whole I am okay with the cuts that were made.

• 10 Marvel “X-Men” Digital Comics with exclusive “X-Men: First Class” Backstory Comic
• More than two hours of never-before-seen extras, including:
o Cerebro Mutant Tracker: The complete interactive Mutant Database with interactive videos

giving fans the ability to learn about their favorite mutants in the X-Men film franchise
o Children of the Atom: An eight-part behind-the-scenes featurette, charting the film from

pre-production through post-production, including visual effects techniques and cataloguing

“X-Men” transformations through prosthetic make up and costume design

o “X” Marks the Spot: An interactive feature allowing viewers the opportunity to learn more

about specific scenes with talent interviews and behind-the-scenes footage
o Extended and Deleted Scenes
o BD-Live Portal with additional Cerebro Mutant Tracker profiles
o Composer’s Isolated Score
o Theatrical Trailer

X-Men First Class
Street Date: September 9, 2011
Screen Format: 2.40:1 (16:9)
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
(Some special features in 5.1 DD or 2.0 DD)
Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English, Spanish, and French
U.S. Rating: PG-13
Total Run Time: 4 hours, 55 minutes
Closed Captioned: Yes

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

HTZ's Natalia Reviews Strawberry Shortcake: Growing Up Dreams from American Greetings and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Hollywood Teen'Zine's Natalia joins us again to share her thoughts on Strawberry Shortcake: Growing Up Dreams from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and American Greetings. Check out the video below to see what Natalia thinks of the movie and what she wants to be when she grows up.

JAM Reviews Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels from Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment

Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels: Blu-Ray/DVD: Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment
Review by JAM

It’s DIESEL time! Thomas joins friends new and old in a brand new fire-filled adventure on the island of Sodor. New fire-fighting friends Flynn and Belle arrive on Sodor to help Thomas and Percy save the day, but when Thomas spends all of his time with these new heroes Percy finds himself drawn to the wrong side of the tracks and Diesel 10 tries to use him to take over the steam yard. Can Thomas and his friends bring things back to normal before it’s too late?

Thomas’ newest release on Blu-ray technology will showcase the CG animation like never before, and is a great find for those families looking to add Preschool fun to their Blu-ray collections.

Bonus Features

“Fiery Flynn to the Rescue” game
“Day of the Diesels” Karaoke song
“Hear the Engines Coming” Karaoke song
“Steamies and Diesels – Learn How They Work” video

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family/Ages 2-5
Closed Captioning: DVD - English
Blu-ray - English SDH
DVD Format: Widescreen
Blu-ray Format: 1080P High Definition Widescreen
Feature Running Time: 58 minutes
DVD Audio Status: English 5.1 Dolby Digital and English, Spanish and French 2.0
Dolby Digital
Blu-ray Audio Status: English 5.1 DTS HD-Master Audio and Spanish and French 2.0
Dolby Digital
Website: www.thomasandfriends.com

Thomas and Friends: Day of the Diesels chugs its way onto shelves on Tuesday September 6, 2011. Grab a copy for the little railroad tycoon in your life.

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

JAM Reviews Castle Farm: Volume One from Organa Kids

Castle Farm: Volume 1: Organa Kids
Review by JAM

A cutely drawn farming adventure starring the appropriately named Farm Girl and her best friend Piggy make their way to DVD for your little preschoolers to enjoy. Set in the shadows of a castle on a English countryside farm, Farm Girl and Piggy find new ways to finish chores, find new and interesting friends, and learn more about the land around them often with insight from a wise Unicorn.

Castle Farm is a fun innocent animated series that will keep your kids watching and learning as they go. The insights and challenges they face are geared for the younger crowd and are great for the preschool age. So grab a copy and sit down for a fun innocent adventure with Farm Girl and her pal Piggy.

Episodes include:
Snails
The Carrot Thief
Ball Games
A Windy Day
Amber
The Prickly Flower
Bubbles
Trophy
Waiting for Winnie

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Genre: Children/Family/Animated
Age Target: 2-5
Feature Running Time: Approximately 59 minutes

Castle Farm: Volume 1 brings the farm experience to your young ones, sharing fun adventures, cute characters and a fantastic time for your child and you.

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

HTZ's Natalia Reviews Angelina Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy From Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment

HTZ's Natalia takes some time to share her thoughts on the newest Angelina Ballerina release The Shining Star Trophy! Natalia loved seeing Angelina help other, but check out the video to see more of what she thought about this brand new movie.

JAM Reviews Happy Valley: Volume One from Organa Kids

Happy Valley: Volume 1: Organa Kids
Review by JAM

Out in the countryside, close by the sea, lives a Happy Valley full of goodness and glee.

Nursery rhymes and songs fill this fun filled animated series as the denizens of Happy Valley share their thoughts and adventures with your preschoolers using rhyming and singing melodies. From the counting of goats to the joys of splashing through a mud puddle in the rain, the Happy Valley is full of fun and insights for your little one. Take the time to learn together with your new friends in the Happy Valley, your little one will love it!

Episodes include:
Rain is Tumbling
There You Are, Blackbird
Tree on the Hill
Where Are You Hiding?
Autumn Leaves
Gee Up Little Horsie
Wakey, Wakey!
Far, Far Away” and Little Donkey

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Genre: Children/Family/Animated
Age Target: 2-5
Feature Running Time: Approximately 59 minutes

Happy Valley: Volume 1 introduces your preschooler to new adventures in song and rhyme as the citizens of the Happy Valley take them on an animated adventure in each episode.

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

JAM Reviews Angelina Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment

Angelina the Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy: Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment
Review by JAM

Angelina and her friends have the chance to participate in the school talent show in Angelina’s first ever movie The Shining Star Trophy out on DVD, digital download, and On-Demand on August 30, 2011 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. After finding out about the talent show, all of Angelina’s friends are abuzz and worried about their talents. Being the good friend that she is, Angelina helps each of them out along with her sister and mother, and suddenly finds herself without any time to practice her own talent. With a special celebrity guest coming, will Angelina’s friends take the time out to help her just like she helped them? Find out on this brand new DVD about friendship, family, and fellowship.

Bonus Features

“Talent Show Trivia” Game

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 2011
Title Copyright: © 2011 Hit Entertainment Limited. The Angelina Ballerina name and character and the dancing Angelina logo are trademarks of Hit Entertainment Limited, Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig.
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family/Animated
Age Target: 2-7 years old
Closed Captioned: English
Format: Widescreen
Feature Running Time: 55 minutes
DVD Audio Status: English, Spanish, and French 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program Website: www.angelinaballerina.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/angelinaballerina

Angelina Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy makes its way onto store shelves on August 30, 2011. Take home a trophy of your own with this brand new Angelina Ballerina movie.

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

JAM Reviews Roadkill from Vivendi Entertainment

Roadkill: DVD: Vivendi Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

A SyFy original full of gypsy curses, large mythical birds, and gory bloody violence and wounds fill this release from Vivendi Home Entertainment as Roadkill comes to DVD.

A group of seven young friends come together for one last foray in the form of a RV trip through the Irish countryside, only to run across a gypsy outpost. Thievery and idiocy lead to the revenge of a gypsy curse bringing down the Simuroc, a giant bird of prey down upon them, one by bloody one. Death, dismemberment, and dystopia fill the lives of these young kids as they try to stay alive in the craziest of deadly battlefields between the threat of the Roc and the crazy evil of the gypsies.

Starring Kacey Barnfield, a mistress of the SyFy genre and a killer nightstick wielder, and a host of other pretty good young actors, let this DVD take a bite out of your free time!

JAMS Ink on Roadkill

This movie was a bit of fun for a low budget made for television SyFy movie with a cast of actors that actually made you wish there was a little more character development in a movie that really didn’t have or need that much. Each of the characters had their quips and flaws, and even those that died early left you with secrets you wish had been divulged.

The special effect makeup and graphics used was over the top yet well done, and the CGI on the bird was reasonably done. I would have gone for a more feathered scary bird, but the talons were well done at least. Overall, I would check this out if you are a fan of the SyFy genre at all.
.
EXTRAS

No extras at all.

Check out the Simuroc and its swathe of destruction when Roadkill hits shelves on August 30, 2011 from Vivendi Home Entertainment and Roc out all night!

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

JAM Reviews Strawberry Shortcake: Growing Up Dreams from American Greetings & 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Strawberry Shortcake: Growing Up Dreams: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and American Greetings
Review by JAM

A brand new release shows Strawberry Shortcake and her friends thinking about careers, the future, and friendship in two episodes on Growing Up Dreams. In the first episode, Ginger Snaps dreams of seeing the stars with her friends, though Peppermint Fizz is trying to keep her grounded. But Strawberry Shortcake reminds her friends that dreams can come true, and are always worth dreaming as her friends take their trip to the stars. The second episode looks at Peppermint Fizz and her plans to be mayor or as she calls it “the Boss”. Lessons are learned as working together is the only way to overcome a major beetle problem, and being the boss is not as important as leading and helping each other, no matter the cost. So grab a copy of Growing Up Dreams, and let your dreams soar through the clouds!

JAMS Ink on Strawberry Shortcake: Growing Up Dreams

This is a good movie with good lessons for little girls to see. The idea of striving for your dreams and never letting go reminds us that we can strive for the future no matter what obstacles find their way into our path, or our daughters’ path. And the focus on leadership versus being the boss as Peppermint Fizz discovers that necessary projects need to take precedence over special projects for the boss. Check this out for a good look at girls dreaming big and learning about important careers they can strive for.

EXTRAS

DVD-Rom Printable Coloring Pages
Fun Music Video

Fun little extras included on the DVD with coloring pages for the kids and a little music video.

Strawberry Shortcake: Growing Up Dreams
Street Date: August 30, 2011
Screen Format: Fullscreen
Audio: English, Spanish
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Total Run Time: 44 Minutes
MPAA Rating: NR
Closed Captioned: Yes

Strawberry Shortcake: Growing Up Dreams from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and American Greetings blooms onto store shelves on August 30, 2011 so grab a copy and enjoy growing up a little bit with your little girls.

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.