JAM Reviews The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Five from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Five Volumes and Five Reasons to Watch The Secret Life of the American Teenager
Review by JAM

Five volumes spanning two and a half seasons of drama, high school, and parenthood have now been released as The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume 5 has now been released for your perusal. And the drama has not stopped since this little ABC Family show started its surprise run of the drama of momma’s little girl and her surprise package. Since then the show has become the most watched ABC Family drama and in the upper echelon of cable dramas as the continuing drama of Amy Juergens’ (Shailene Woodley) life continues on alongside her crazed classmates as they continue on through their teenager years. Now for Five reasons to watch The Secret Life of the American Teenager!

Number 5

The drama – Teenage years, relationships, friendships, and ABC Family. Put them all together and you have DRAMA! For a show that may seem like a one trick pony (a pregnant teenager and her life), the show has added twists and turns throughout from the drama of Amy’s love life, her sister Ashley’s manipulations, the confusing aspect of who is dating whom, and the normal aspects that any high school teen gets to go through multiplied of course by the ABC Family modifications.

Number 4

Molly Ringwald – The one name that I recognized when the show first started, the loveable pixie from the classic 1980s movies Molly Ringwald who was attached to the project and gave me a reason to check it out at the beginning. As the mother of two daughters going through their issues in life while she is also going through issues in her own life, Molly shares a natural ability to help the viewer connect to her. It probably stems from the connection many of us have with the amazing movies of our past.

Number 3

Bristol Palin – No matter what your political leanings or your thoughts on the family overall, the casting of the most famous single teenage mother right now on a show that centers around a single teenage mother is a pretty good idea. In this day and age of “any publicity is good publicity”, this covers publicity from both the supporters and the non-supporters by getting them to talk about it nonstop. And whether it worked or not as a ratings boost, it definitely made mainstream media talk about the show which is exactly what networks would hope for.

Number 2

Francia Raisa – Adrian Lee has been an interesting character throughout the series, but Volume 5 (the beginning of Season Three) really makes things interesting. Pregnant from a revenge tryst that she believed would hurt those that had wronged her, though she later finds out that she had over reacted to an event that never happened. And so begins her journey through the joys of pregnancy and impending motherhood. Throw in the normal pitfalls of high school and the fact she is dealing with the same two boys that are in Amy’s life, things get a little complex and that’s what makes her interesting.

Number 1

High School – Let’s admit it. High school for some reason has some kind of magic over us all, just look at the television programs of the present and past for the influence that high school has upon us. Beverly Hills 90210 (whatever version), Glee, Saved by the Bell, Gossip Girl, and now Secret Life all deal with that wonderful age that we all remember and look back at, or are dealing with now and we feel good that the issues we have may actually look small in comparison. Either way, high school seems to have that mystique that draws us in and obviously hooks us since the series keep coming.

And now for a look into The Secret Life of the American Teenager press release…

The best-hidden secrets have a way of bubbling to the surface in the critically acclaimed series The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Five, coming to DVD on December 21, 2010 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Insightful, explosive and truthful, the award-winning ABC Family television drama examines the complex world facing today’s teens and their families, including teen parenthood, fractured homes and the mounting pressures of high school. Featuring the first 14 installments of the sizzling hit show’s third season plus interviews with the cast, including leading lady Shailene Woodley (Descendants), The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Five makes the perfect gift for any teenager or fan of riveting drama.

Since its debut in 2008, The Secret Life of the American Teenager has taken a heartfelt and uncompromising look at the romances, rivalries and achievements of a group of high school friends. Created by Brenda Hampton ("7th Heaven"), the show stars Shailene Woodley (The Descendents), Francia Raisa (The Cutting Edge: Fire and Ice), Ken Baumann (“Castle”), Teen Choice Award-winner Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park (Diary of the Dead), India Eisley (Head Space), Mark Derwin (“24”) and Molly Ringwald (Pretty in Pink).

The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Five has a suggested retail price of $39.99 (U.S.).
Bonus Features
• On Set with Director Anson Williams
• On Set Fist Bumps with Joey and Matthew
• On Set with Shailene
• On Set with Luke

Synopsis:
Adolescence is tough enough without having to worry about being a single parent. Teen mom Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) juggles the dueling demands of her baby boy and high school in the hit ABC Family original drama, The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Facing crumbling family ties, life-defining decisions and shifting relationships, Amy and her friends confront the intensity and insecurities of adolescence with spirit and humor in a poignant portrait of modern life. Parents and teens alike will find heartening insights and hours of entertainment in this groundbreaking television series.

Take a look into The Secret Life of the American Teenager, you won’t be sorry you did.

The Secret Life of the American Teenager
STREET DATE: December 21, 2010
Total Run Time: 602 Minutes
Rated: TV-14 (DS/PG – Not recommended for young children)
Aspect ratio: Widescreen (1.78:1)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Languages: English SDH, Frenchand Spanish Subtitles


The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Five from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment makes its way onto shelves on DVD December 21, 2010. Grab a copy and sign along all night long!

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

JAM Reviews 24: The Final Season from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

24: The Final Season (Season 8) – Blu-Ray : Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

For eight seasons, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) has saved the United States from a variety of endgame scenarios, evil men bent on destruction, and infiltrated traitors. Well, Jack finally gets to rest as he completes his final mission in 24: The Final Season.

Assassinations and terrorist actions fill the season that finds the President of the United States Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones) working towards a treaty with President Omar Hassan (Anil Kapoor) of the fictional country of the Islamic Republic of Kamistan. Nuclear weapons, stolen money, Russian influences and more plague Jack as he hurries to the completion of his day of action and his mission as the go-to guy in the CTU.

In honor of the eight seasons of Jack Bauer, and the numerical feeling that a show named 24 provides, we will now share the top 5 reasons to enjoy 24.

Number 5

Jack Bauer, The Undead – Seriously, Jack has got to be a pincushion by now with the number of times he has been shot, stabbed, blown up, and generally mistreated. So is he bionic or mystical, or what? The character is just able to get the job done, no matter the pain or obstacles in the way and that is something to aspire to. Without the gunshot wounds and the rest…

Number 4

The Day – 24 hours to complete a mission that involves craziness galore makes me say that I am glad I do not have Jack’s job. Plus, throw in the whole gunshots, explosions, torture, blackmail, and everything else that goes with his typical day and all of a sudden my job seems so commonplace, and yet so desirable.

Number 3

The Bad Guys – No hero would ever be as great as he is without the aid of some nasty, rotten scoundrels to face off against, and Season 8 works hard to not disappoint. Russian mobsters, fanatical terrorists, bad cops, bad agents, and a POTUS that is at least misguided all cause issues for Jack and the CTU in this final season.

Number 2

The Espionage – In a world where everyone is out for themselves, sometimes the betrayals and subterfuge is taken to such a high level during the twenty four hour periods we see. A terrorist plot to destroy a chance at peace with Kamistan turns into a race to try to stop an assassination which leads to Russian ties attempting to destabilize peace with a subplot involving a traitor and stolen cash from a police warehouse. Add in the betrayal of a brother and multiple lovers in a twenty four hour period and you have an espionage extravaganza.

Number 1

The Happy Ending? – You could say that Jack always wins in the end, but pyrrhic victories do not always leave you with that warm fuzzy feeling inside. Here at the end of his career, he has to walk away from everything, his career, his family, his country and the life he used to have. Yeah, the country is safe once again, but Jack Bauer lost everything in order to save everyone else.

And now for the 24 Final Season press release…

Catch the Riveting Finale of the Counter-Terrorism Unit When “24” Season 8 Hits Blu-Ray and DVD December 14th

Ultimate Fans Can Buy the “24” Complete Box Set DVD on December 14th

LOS ANGELES (December 10, 2010) – Counter-Terrorist Unit specialist Jack Bauer is out to beat the clock and save the day when “24” SEASON 8 hits Blu-Ray and DVD on December 14th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Nominated for five Emmy Awards®, this heart-pounding series conclusion to “24” leaves viewers on the edges of their seat with a dramatic and shocking finale!

Day 8 of the “24” saga is set in New York City, when a tired and jaded Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is drawn into an assassination threat during a peace-treaty conference between U.S. President Allison Taylor and President Omar Hassan of the fictional Islamic Republic of Kamistan. Bauer learns that Kamistani extremists intend to assassinate President Hassan and strike at America directly with the assistance of the Russian mob. In a suspenseful, real-time struggle, Jack Bauer must use his skills to infiltrate the plotting organization and prevent the start of a third world war!

“24” SEASON 8 features the return of Emmy Award®-winners Kiefer Sutherland (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, 2006) and Cherry Jones (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, 2009) and introduces a new all-star supporting cast with Anil Kapoor (Slumdog Millionaire), Mary Lynn Rajskub (Julie & Julia), Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), Annie Wersching (“General Hospital”), Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump), and Freddie Prinze, Jr. (Scooby-Doo).

Ultimate Jack Bauer fans can relive the entire series when the “24” COMPLETE BOX SET arrives on DVD on December 14th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Nominated for over 70 Emmy Awards® over eight seasons, the “24” COMPLETE BOX SET features exclusive never-before-seen bonus content only available in this special edition.

“24” SEASON 8 will be available on Blu-Ray for the suggested retail price of $69.99 U.S. Canada and on DVD for the suggested retail price of $59.98 U.S. 24” COMPLETE BOX SET will be available on DVD for the suggested retail price of $399.98 U.S.

24: The Final Season from Twentieth Century Fox explodes onto shelves on DVD and Blu-Ray on December 14, 2010. Grab a copy and join the action!

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

JAM Reviews The A-Team from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

A-Team: Blu-Ray/Digital Copy Combo: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

Framed for a crime they did not commit, an elite Army Ranger unit that specializes in the improbable takes on the impossible to attempt to clear their name. John “Hannibal” Smith (Liam Neeson), Templeton “Face” Peck (Bradley Cooper), Bosco Albert “B.A.” Baracus (Rampage Jackson), and H. M. “Howling Mad” Murdock (Sharlto Copley) form the perfect team with brilliant strategic minds, infiltration skills, brawling methods, and a little bit of madness working together in perfect harmony, kind of. Breaking out to find the man who set them up and stole the means to print a whole lot of money, the A-Team finds themselves caught in a web of deceit that goes far further than any of them had thought. Aided/hindered by DCIS Lieutenant Sosa (Jessica Biel), Face’s ex-girlfriend, the team tries to put together the pieces of this investigation before being caught once more.

JAMS Ink on A-Team

I truly thought I would hate this movie. You see, I grew up on the television show during the 80s when fisticuffs and gunfire that never killed a human target ruled the airwaves. Mr. T, Dirk Benedict, George Peppard, and Dwight Schultz gave us a show about helping the weak and the less fortunate who needed a hand up or a bunch of explosions to make things better. Our times now are so focused on the dark and gritty, and the crazy special effects so I was worried much of the idea of the team would be lost in the movie.

The movie was darker and not as altruistic, but the team dynamic, the crazy plans, and the high flying action came through like crazy and I found myself laughing as “a plan came together”. The actors chosen for the characters came off really well throughout the movie as the ladies man Cooper had his chance to shine alongside the smooth planning, steps ahead Neeson.

Two of the previous actors made cameos which though short were fun to see for a true fan of the television series as Dirk comes out of a tanning booth and Dwight analyzes the shock treatment of his own replacement.

This was truly a fun, over-the-top action movie filled with characters that took me back to my past and allowed me to relive adventures with a team from the past.

EXTRAS

THE A-TEAM 2-Disc Blu-ray Special Features:
Disc One:
• Movie Theatrical Version
• Explosive Extended Cut
• The Devil is in the Details: Inside the Action with Joe Carnahan – Directors details and insights into action scenes from the movie.
• Never-before-seen Deleted Scenes – Six scenes for your perusal
• Gag Reel – One of my favorite parts of any Blu-Ray release, as long as it is worth my time. This one is pretty fun as the cast seems to be enjoying themselves here.
• A-Team Theme Mash-Up Montage
• Plan of Attack – Number of people sharing their thoughts on the film.
• Character Chronicles
o Liam Neeson
o Bradley Cooper
o Rampage Jackson
o Sharlto Copley
o Jessica Biel
• Visual Effects Commentary with Visual Effects Supervisor James E. Price
• Digital Copy “How To”
• BD-Live Extras
o What’s New
o Live Lookup

Disc Two:
• Digital Copy of THE A-TEAM Theatrical Release


A-Team from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment crashes through the shelves on December 14, 2010. Grab a copy and open fire on this fun, light-hearted action drama.

THE A-TEAM
Street Date: December 14, 2010
Screen Format: Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (BD)/ need DVD specs
French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital (BD)/need DVD specs
Subtitles: English for the deaf and hard of hearing, Spanish
Total Running Time: 248.90 minutes (BD)/ 164.2 minutes (DVD)
U.S. Rating: PG-13
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.

Natalia from HTZ Reviews The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Natalia from HollywoodTeenZine shares her thoughts on The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment which just hit stores on December 7, 2010. Check out her video and see what happens when dreams come true.

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.

Natalia and Kids With Food Allergies Are Trying to Help

Check out the main page of Kids With Food Allergies to see Natalia and her video for the website along with a chance to help make a difference in the lives of kids who need it. Just click on the website below to check it out.

http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/

Or you can check out the video here on the blog as well

Natalia's Allergy PSA

Thank you again for your interest and your help.

JAM Reviews Cyrus from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Cyrus: Blu-Ray: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

A man truly down on his luck, upset by the fact that his ex-wife is remarrying has found the woman of his dreams that accepts him for all his quirks, faults, and strengths. But she has a secret, her son Cyrus.

John (John C. Reilly) and Molly (Marisa Tomei) really seem to hit it off in a way that neither of them expected but Molly keeps a side of herself hidden from John. A single mother to an adult son that is a bit different, Molly worries that it might scare John away. Cyrus (Jonah Hill) adds to the messed up mix-ups himself by playing the two lovebirds against themselves in order to get his mom back to himself. The manipulations grow larger by the minute as John and Cyrus play a game around Molly where the winner may never be the same and Molly may end up even worse.

Cyrus from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment also stars Catherine Keener as Jamie, John’s ex-wife who plays a part in his life still whether she always wants to or not.

JAMS Ink on Cyrus

I am not usually a “relationship” movie guy, and that is truly what the heart of this movie is. John (John C. Reilly) is a down on his luck guy that needs a break, something many of us need these days. And he finds a woman that is willing to give him that chance in Marisa Tomei’s Molly. She catches him urinating in the bushes during a party, listens to his depressive rant about how down he is, and then still dances and parties with him in his drunken stupor. They make an odd couple who strangely relate well to each other when paired together, but as any third wheel relationship movie (i.e. You, Me, and Depree) when the extra man is added everything goes to heck. The interplay between the three is actually interesting enough to keep watching the movie, but to be honest the best portions are in the interplay between Molly and John throughout the movie. Marisa and John prove their mettle in making the relationship truly realistic to the viewer.

Cyrus (Jonah Hill) is a momma’s boy to the utmost with interesting quirks and qualities that would definitely be overwhelming for anyone getting to know, let alone get to know his mom. His music making was an enjoyable part of the movie as well as an interesting look at a man-boy whose life was about to change and the lengths he would go to stop it. You almost feel sorry for his character except that you can see the actions coming from miles away and have no real desire to give him any sympathy.

The film overall was an interesting look at the realities of relationships, especially in the day and age of single parenting due to desire or circumstances. It also showed the speedbumps that we can face in any relationship and an introspective look at whether things are worth the hassle or not. I give it a recommendation if you are a fan of the major actors or the relationship issues within a trio of people.

EXTRAS

Deleted Scenes – These can either be played with or without the director introductions as to why the pieces were left out. One is a puppet show montage showing the John/Molly/Cyrus relationship through interpretive theater by John and finger puppets, while the other is a look at the destructive nature of the Cyrus move out as he travels a path of self-loathing and panic.

Q&A with the directors Jay and Mark Duplass – Just as it says, a chance to see the directors discuss anything that comes up.

Music Mash Up – This is a chance to see Jonah Hill and John C. Reilly goof aroundon a synthesizer as they talk about the movie.

Behind the Scenes at SXSW – The directors and stars of the film attend the Austin Texas film festival where the movie premiered.

Fox Movie Channel Presents In Character – John C Reilly and Jonah Hill discussing their characters and the movie.

Cyrus from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment meanders onto shelves on December 14, 2010. Grab a copy if you like John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, or Marisa Tomei, or if you just want to feel so much better about your own relationship or life.

CYRUS Blu-Ray:
Street Date: December 14, 2010
Screen Format: Widescreen
Audio: English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio
French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English and Spanish
U.S. Rating: R
Total Run Time: 157 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.

JAM Reviews The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer: DVD: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, and based on Sergio Bambarén’s novel, follows the journey of Daniel, a dolphin who dreams of a better life. Daniel lives in an environment where dreams have died and are forbidden and he yearns for something more.

In this day and age of PG-13 animation that tries to capture the minds of adults as well as children (hoping the jokes go over their head), Daniel is a welcome hero to kids and parents as well. Dreaming of a better world, Daniel goes out to find it rather than just waiting for things to change. And in the process of searching for answers, he actually becomes an inspiration to many and makes a better world by himself.

JAMS Ink on The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer

The animation is a little stilted, the message is a bit preachy, but overall the movie is a good kids’ movie with good lessons to learn. Always allowing yourself to dream and always being ready to pursue that dream are two lessons that every kid needs to learn, and Daniel learns that himself as he travels the ocean in search of the perfect wave. Along the way he meets many other ocean denizens who learn lessons from him, though he may not realize it at the time. And thank goodness he makes those friends, because they come in handy at the end.

The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer flips onto shelves on December 7, 2010. Swim along and grab a copy for your little flipper today.

THE DOLPHIN: STORY OF A DREAMER DVD:
Street Date: December 7, 2010
Screen Format: Fullscreen/Widescreen
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital
Spanish Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
U.S. Rating: PG
Total Run Time: 103 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.

JAM Reviews Thomas & Friends: The Lion of Sodor from Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment

Thomas & Friends: The Lion of Sodor: Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment
Review by JAM

Thomas finds that his special delivery is not as special as he thinks as the lion he carries is not alive but rather a statue. His excitement cause him to ignore what his friends try to tell him and lead to further issues down the tracks in the main story on Thomas & Friends: The Lion of Sodor.

JAMS Ink on Thomas & Friends: The Lion of Sodor

Listening. That’s really all you need to know about this collection of stories, because it is the most important lesson that comes off of this DVD and an excellent way for young children to learn from their animated friends. It definitely could be a godsend in the right household to help your kids learn that all of us have problems with listening now and then, not just them. And in watching others work on their listening skills it should in turn help them. That is what every parent hopes for, so grab a copy of Thomas and work on listening skills with them.

Episodes include:
“Lion of Sodor”
“Thomas and the Pigs”
“Time for a Story”
“Hiro Helps Out”

Bonus Features

Party Train Match Game
“Determination” Karaoke Song
Bonus Episode: Timmy Time™ Sneak Peek- “Timmy’s Plane”

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family/Ages 2-5
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format: Full Screen
Feature Running Time: 48 minutes
DVD Audio Status: English, Spanish and French 2.0 Dolby Digital
Website: www.thomasandfriends.com

Thomas & Friends: The Lion of Sodor roars onto shelves on December 7, 2010. Quit “lion” around and grab a copy for your little cub today.

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 Toy Story 3 from Disney Pixar Studios

Hollywood Teen'Zine's Junior Reporter Natalia reviews Toy Story 3 on DVD. Check out this movie that is enjoyable for all ages and is voiced by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Ned Beatty! Check out the video here:

JAM Reviews Knight and Day from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Knight and Day: Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz star in an adventure/comedy of errors in Twentieth Century Fox’s Knight and Day. June Havens (Diaz) is on her way back home for her sister’s wedding with a plethora of car parts in her luggage (for her restoring business) when she is bumped into by the man of her dreams or at least he might be. Roy Miller (Tom Cruise) is a seemingly dashing and debonair man of mystery who conveniently bumps into June multiple times at the Wichita airport, leading June to believe fate has drawn them close. Instead it seems June has been drawn into the world of espionage, double crosses, and misinformation by Roy who may or may not be the man she wants in her life.

Crashing planes, car chases, and fire fights fill their time together as June begins to discover the truth behind the lies and finds out where the future lies. A futuristic battery that may hold the keys to ending the energy crisis of the future is the central point of a movie full of twists, turns, and explosions. Charged with treason or cruising down to Cape Horn, find out what the future holds for June and Roy.

JAMS Ink on Knight and Day

This really an oxymoron of a movie in that I enjoyed it, but I did not really enjoy the main actors as the characters they played in the film. I couldn’t tell if they were playing this movie as serious and making this movie a comedy by overacting or if they were playing things for laughs and just not connecting right.

Tom Cruise’s character comes off as either unlikeable or just overly smug with himself. A secret agent saving the world usually comes off extremely likeable and smooth like Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond or someone nasty you can trust like Daniel Craig’s Bond. Cruise comes off as a goofball or a psycho serial killer instead of a secret agent with a past which is what I think the character was supposed to be. So even as I found myself enjoying the movie overall I found myself questioning the character and determining that even if he was “saving the world” I really didn’t enjoy it. Maybe it is just Tom Cruise bias on my part but I really enjoyed his Mission Impossible series so I can buy him as the secret agent, but I just could not buy him as Roy Miller. In researching the movie after seeing it, I guess it had been in production limbo for quite some time with a variety of actors attached to it, all of whom can play the funny guy a bit better. Maybe that was the problem I had with him in that the part really did not ever seem to be under his control.

As for Cameron Diaz, my problem with her was during the “serious” parts. I loved her in Charlie’s Angels when she was pretty much goofy for the entire movies. In fact, almost any of her comedies I really enjoy and for parts of this movie I enjoyed her as well. But when she became the “I have to save Roy Miller” motorcycle-riding, gymnast, sharpshooter while escaping the bad guys, her facial expressions became funny to me. Rather than the hardened superstar, she looked constipated or grumpy, or maybe both. Once again, for the majority of the movie I was enjoying the typical Cameron comedic characterization, but I really think that assassins/superspy/tough girl characters are not her forte.

For my recommendation… If you are a fan of either actor, it can be a fun romp through the spy world at times, but it also has its moments that just feel wrong. An enjoyable watch, but far less than it could have been in my opinion.

EXTRAS

KNIGHT AND DAY 3-Disc Combo Pack Blu-ray with Digital Copy
Disc 1:
• BD Disc with Theatrical Version
• Wilder Knights and Crazier Days
• Boston Days and Spanish Knights
• Knight and “Someday”: Featuring the Black Eyed Peas and Tom Cruise
• Viral Video: Soccer
• Viral Video: Kick
• Knight and Day: Story
• Knight and Day: Scope
• Theatrical Trailer
• BD-Live Extras
 What’s New
 Live LookUp
 Exclusive: Not Your Regular Spy
 Highlight: Excerpt from Wilder Knights and Crazier Days

Disc 2:
• DVD with Theatrical Version
• Wilder Knights and Crazier Days
• Knight and “Someday”: Featuring the Black Eyed Peas and Tom Cruise
• Viral Video: Soccer
• Viral Video: Kick
• Theatrical Trailer

Disc 3:
• Digital Copy


Wilder Knights and Crazier Days – an interesting little featurette that mainly looks at a number of the stunts in the movie, and Tom Cruise wanting to do his own stunts.

Boston Days and Spanish Knights – locations, locations, locations… A look at the locales in which the film takes place.

Knight and “Someday” Featuring the Black Eyed Peas and Tom Cruise – Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, and the Black Eyed Peas in London hanging together and premiering the end credit song “Someday”.

Viral Video: Soccer – Tom and Cameron playing soccer. Computer animated I am sure, because it is too perfect, too amazing, and too fake to be real.

Viral Video: Kick – Tom and Cameron working on Cameron’s kicks with the conveniently placed super kick that sends Tom flying backwards over a table. Not sure what purpose these videos served other than bugging me due to their fakeness. Wish they would have added some deleted scenes or outtakes instead.

Knight and Day: Story/Knight and Day: Scope – Both promos with interviews and film clips interspersed.

Knight and Day from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment finds its way onto store shelves on November 30, 2010. Grab a copy if you like Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, or enjoy a sometimes light-hearted attempt at a spy drama.

KNIGHT AND DAY
Street Date: November 30, 2010
Screen Format: Widescreen (2.40:1)
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (BD)/English 5.1 Dolby Digital (DVD)
Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital (BD)/Spanish and French Dolby Surround (DVD)
Subtitles: English for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, Spanish
Total Running Time: 2:56:00 (BD)/2:52:32 (DVD)
U.S. Rating: PG-13
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.

JAM Reviews 12 Men of Christmas from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

12 Men of Christmas: DVD: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

Kristin Chenoweth plays E.J. Baxter, a New York publicist who is living the perfect life with the great job, great apartment, and great fiancée until it all comes crashing down. Betrayed by those who she trusted most, she finds her opportunities in dwindling and a Montana getaway as her only chance to reestablish herself. Original feelings of disappointment, spite, and resentment start turning into something completely different as this small town life and its people start to grow on her. Josh Hopkins also stars as Will Albrecht, the pain in her side that stymies her every plan until he finds himself falling madly in pain with her. Pain as in love that feels so wrong…

Making a calendar to support the local search and rescue (and herself in the long run), E.J. begins to find herself and the life she always really wanted. The men of the search and rescue find their own challenges in standing up for something off the cuff.

JAMS Ink on 12 Men of Christmas

Cute little Lifetime movie with the cutest little actress Kristin Chenoweth playing a hateable/likeable character that finds a little piece of herself when she loses everything. The small town grows on the big city girl who finds herself falling for the town, the rough and tumble guy, and the life that she never knew she could have.

It is a Lifetime movie so don’t expect high powered drama or comedy but is a good movie to add to the Christmas time rotation. Heartfelt ideals of saving a small town search and rescue clash with the pushy side of New York life. It is a bit too much of a cookie cutter ending, but it was a fun movie evening with that special someone without too much commitment.

Anna Chlumsky has come a long way from being the little girl in My Girl to staying busy in Hollywood nowadays as well. It is interesting to see a blast from the past as an older version, except that it makes you feel that much older then.

12 Men of Christmas from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment slides onto shelves on November 23, 2010, waiting for you to graba copy for someone’s stocking. So grab a copy and let someone unwrap the fun inside.

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 Vampires Suck from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Vampires Suck: Blu-ray/Digital Copy Combo: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

Taken from the pages of Twilight and turned into something else completely, Vampires Suck follows the story of the lost soul Becca Crane (Jenn Proske) and her ethereal Edward Sullen (Matt Lanter) in a love affair for the ages and the laughs. Much in the vein of the Scary Movie franchise, Vampire Sucks spoofs the story of the Twilight crew while maintaining pieces of the storyline from Twilight and Twilight: New Moon. And the DVD and Blu-ray Digital Copy Combo pack each come with the theatrical version of the movie and the unrated extended version.

From the wild pack of Were- Chihuahuas to the recast actress joke to Old Man Scully (David DeLuise) getting some unexpected shots in, Vampires Suck tries to keep the viewer guessing while spoofing an established phenomenon at the same time. It is an interesting spoof for Twilight fans that can laugh at the craziness and for Twilight haters that want to see the movies made fun of. So if you fit into those catagories (and it seems much of the world does) take a look at Vampires Suck.

JAMS Ink on Vampires Suck

For those who are not Twilight fans, Jenn Proske’s portrayal of Becca is spot-on in a manner of speaking. Bella in Twilight has the deep in thought stare, which is mildly amusing the first couple times Kristen Stewart uses it, but slightly less enjoyable after seeing Bella stare off yet again and again. Jenn spoofs it well, so that it is so over-the-top that it is fun to watch.

Matt Lanter’s Edward is interesting as well, as he has the over-the-top “I’m beautiful” look that Robert Pattinson perfected in Twilight. Throw in a scene on Becca’s intoxicating scent and the vampire’s sparkle/bling and you have a vampiric spoof. Add Chris Riggi as Jacob the Were- Chihuahua with a crazy hairy chest and you have the wolf side of the story as well. And finally, just a pinch of Diedrich Bader (one of my favorite actors from the Drew Carey show and Batman from the Batman: The Brave and the Bold cartoon) and you have a movie that is at least worth checking out. So give a watch and see what you think.

EXTRAS

Deleted Scenes - 5 scenes that really were worth being on the cutting room floor. Mexican Vampires is a modification of the Canadian invaders that the movie seems to focus on.

Gag Reel – Filled with outtakes and mess-ups, especially funny are the out of their control trains and planes that seem to invade a number of scenes.

Vampires Suck from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment stalks its way onto shelves, waiting for you to suck it up on November 30, 2010. Grab a copy and let the sparkly vampires guide your way.

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.

Natalia from HTZ Reviews How to Train Your Dragon from Dreamworks Home Entertainment

Hollywood Teen'Zine's Junior Reporter Natalia gives her thoughts on Dreamworks hit release How to Train Your Dragon out on DVD and Blu-ray now. Check out the video below:

Help Natalia Support Kids With Food Allergies!

Hollywood Teen'Zine's Junior Reporter Natalia has made her own public service announcement on childhood food allergies. She was recently diagnosed with a peanut allergy after an emergency room visit due to an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts. She shares information about food allergies and the Kids with Food Allergies website. You can find a link to the website and additional information here. Please help her support this important cause!

Here is Natalia's Kids with Food Allergies PSA.

Natalia from HTZ Reviews Tangled from Walt Disney Studios

"Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures"

HollywoodTeen’Zine’s own junior reporter Natalia joins JAM for a quick review of Walt Disney Studios’ new release Tangled in theaters now. The rewritten story of Rapunzel stars Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy in the animated adventure of a rogue, a princess, and her hair. Check out what Natalia thinks right here.

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 Despicable Me from Universal Pictures

Despicable Me: Universal Studios
Review by JAM

What exactly is a bad day when one is a supervillian?

Gru (Steve Carell) is a villain bent on destruction, dismay, and dastardly actions, but he is truly in search for that last big score. Only problem is, he cannot get that final loan for his dastardly villainy. Throw in a new young gun villain out to prove himself, three little girls who change the world and our villain Gru, and a large number of mischievous minions who make this movie into their crazy playground.

Gru is out to steal the moon and in order to procure the funding needed for this task he must have the shrink ray in hand needed for this task. Even after snatching the ray needed, he is thwarted by the young gun Vector (Jason Segal) who is secretly the son of the villain loan maker. Enter in three innocent girls just looking for someone to love them, but also providing the perfect entry into Vector’s lair through the use of cookie deliveries.

Adopting the girls as a means to an opportunity, Gru finds himself falling in love with something more than his infamy. Even a villain can have his heart stolen as Gru finds out through this masterpiece of a movie featuring the vocal talents of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, and the always amazing (and hard-working) Julie Andrews as Gru’s mother.

JAMS Ink on Despicable Me

An animated movie about a super villain? With redeeming qualities enhanced by little girls? Yeah, this was on my don’t watch list previously, until a positive review from some people that I tend to listen to told me to give it a chance. And I am glad I did. Steve Carell plays a zany villain who is out for mayhem and destruction yet is a bit inept at what he does. And this makes him fun to watch, especially as he starts to find himself liking the girls. Plus, he designed the minions who truly steal the show.

The minions truly have a language of their own but their innocent demeanor and their helpful natures make them a small but important part of the movie. Whether a quick trip to the store or an unsolicited donation to the cause, the minions are surprising, inquisitive, friendly, and family oriented.

The girls are a fun part of this movie as well with Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly leading the charge as the oldest. Used for their cookie delivery to start with, they integrate themselves into Gru’s life and take over his priorities in a way that he would have never expected. Things truly change when he promises to catch Miranda’s character and swears he will never again let them go. Sappy, yeah, but it works and the movie is worth a check out for families and fans of animated movies.

Check out this previous review of the Despicable Me Soundtrack that was done for Hollywoodteenzine here if you are into some mega minion music made for many music maniacs!

Despicable Me from Universal Pictures will be hitting shelves on Decmber 14, 2010 so grab a copy before someone shrinks, disintegrates, or pilfers all the copies before you can get one.

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 Animal Tails from Liongate and HIT Entertainment

Animal Tails: Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment
Review by JAM

Talk about a great time for Thanksgiving and remembrance of our animal friends as Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment bring out the fun filled Animal Tails with our favorite friends Barny, Bob the Builder, Thomas, Fireman Sam, and Kipper. Sheep, golden eagles, dogs, and more fill the lives of our characters as they share lessons of responsibility and friendship with animals of all types, domestic and wild. Plus, enjoy a bonus episode of the newest member of the team, Timmy the Sheep sharing his paper folding skills with his other preschool animal friends and learning it’s not always about being the best, but really about being helpful.

Episodes:

Barney – “Pets”
Bob the Builder – “Scruffty on Guard”
Thomas & Friends – “Thomas and the Golden Eagle”
Fireman Sam – “Baa Baa Baby”
Kipper – “Cakes and Tails”

Bonus Episode of Timmy Time “ Timmy’s Plane”

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family/Animated
Age Target: 2-5 years old
Language: English and Spanish
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format: Fullscreen
Feature Running Time: 53 minutes
DVD Audio Status: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program Website: www.hitentertainment.com

Animal Tails shares warm fuzzies with your kids through the magic of your HIT Entertainment friends on November 23, 2010. Check out these family (and animal) friendly episodes you’re your little ones today.

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 Thomas & Friends: Adventure Pack from Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment

Thomas & Friends Adventure Pack: Four Disc Set: Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment
Review by JAM

As the holidays approach what better time to share a little train time with the Thomas fan in your life, and what better way to do it than with the Thomas and Friends Adventure Pack, a four-disc set sharing some of Thomas fun adventures. See the first foray into the Thomas CGI as this set has the following DVDs: Railway Friends, High Speed Adventures, Team Up with Thomas, and Percy and the Bandstand. A collection of episodes from the series, a number of bonus features, and Thomas and his choo-chooing friends make this one adventure pack for any parent to get behind.

Winter follies, festive parties and parades, new friends, and CGI animation fill the discs as Thomas and his friends learn new lessons on the island of Sodor. Mr. Arkwright also joins the team on these discs as the live-action right hand man for Sir Topham Hatt, sharing activities and insights for the kids to follow. Thomas and Friends have always been a good choice for parents and their young kids, and what is better than a multi-pack disc for the holiday time?

Episodes include:
“Best Friends”
“The Party Surprise”
“Gordon Takes a Shortcut”
“Thomas Puts the Brakes On”
“Saved You!”
“Excellent Emily”
“Thomas and the Billboard”
“Steady Eddie”
“Rosie’s Funfair Special”
“Mountain Marvel”
“Henry Gets It Wrong”
“Don’t Go Back”
“Heave Ho Thomas”
“James Works It Out”
“Tram Trouble”
“Push Me Pull You”
“Toby’s Special Surprise”
“Duncan and the Hot Air Balloon”
“The Man in the Hills”
“Percy and the Bandstand”

Bonus Features

Laying Down the Track Puzzle
Name That Train Game
Bonus Episode: Roary the Racing Car “Roary’s First Day”
The Special Delivery Read-Along
Thomas’ A-maze-ing Adventures
Bonus Episode: Roary the Racing Car “Big Chris Learns to Fly”
Spot the Difference
Sir Topham Hatt’s Helping Hands Game
Bonus Episode: Roary the Racing Car “Roary Takes Off”
Songs of Sodor Game
Three Read Alongs:
Toby and the Flood
A Better View For Gordon
Busy Going Backward

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family/Ages 2-5
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format: Full Screen
Feature Running Time: 178 minutes
DVD Audio Status: English, Spanish and French 2.0 Dolby Digital
Website: www.thomasandfriends.com

Thomas & Friends: Adventure Pack chugs onto shelves on November 16, 2010. Make some tracks and get your copy today.

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 The Rocky Horror Picture Show from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Blu-Ray: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

Long ago, a classic was born in the midnight hours of the country as Rocky Horror time was born. A film adaptation of the British musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show became one of those movies that took on a life of its own even as it originally seemed to be less than a success. Midnight showings became its saving grace as it achieved crazy cult status with costumed participants at showings, audiences that sang and followed along with the action on screen, and a B-movie plot that has touched millions over the last 35 years, and now Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is releasing it to Blu-ray with an awesome “package” of extras.

A newly engaged couple, Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) find themselves lost on the road to engagement, as they eventually run into a Transylvanian convention. Feeling like they are walking through a Time Warp, they are brought into the world of one Dr. Frank N. Furter (the ALWAYS amazing Tim Curry), a man in pursuit of the secret of life itself and the creator of Rocky Horror, the Frankenstein monster homage. Meeting many more oddball characters, dancing to more madcap songs, and a return to planet Transsexual keeps Brad and Janet on their toes and out of their minds, just like you will be as you watch this classic.

JAMS Ink on The Rocky Horror Picture Show

I can say I have watched it now. And it was enjoyable. And I can see how it has become such a cult classic, not really my cult, but there’s nothing wrong with that. It is a lot of fun to see actors and actresses like Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick from 35 years ago running around in a crazy musical.

This Blu-ray is one of those that extra crazy sets that will give tons of enjoyment to anyone that is a fan of the movie. From the previous extras collected from releases that had come before to the crazy amount of newly released extras (including amazing insightful photography by Mick Rock) makes this a must by for any fan of the movie, and a definite rent for anyone looking for a good time with a lot of backstory and extra filler.

EXTRAS
Blu-ray Specs:
• Restored Picture – Brand New 4K/2K Master From The Original Camera Negatives
• The Midnight Experience: The Late Night, Double Feature, Picture-in-Picture
• Show *, Vintage Callback Track (Unrated), Prop Box, Trivia Track
• BD-LIVE**: Live Lookup™ Powered by IMDb®
• Rocky-oke *: Sing It!
• Don’t Dream It, Be It: The Search for the 35th Anniversary Shadowcast, Part I
• An-tic-i-pation: The Search for the 35th Anniversary Shadowcast, Part II
• Mick Rock (A Photographer)
• Mick Rock’s Picture Show (A Gallery)
• Pressbook and Poster Gallery
• Audio Commentary by Richard O’Brien and Patricia Quinn
• Deleted Musical Scenes and Outtakes
• Alternate Credit Ending and Misprint Ending
• Rocky Horror Double Feature Video Show
• Beacon Theater, New York City
“Time Warp” Music Video

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW: 35TH ANNIVERSARY BLU-RAY DISC
Street Date: October 19, 2010
Screen Format: Widescreen
Audio: English 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
U.S. Rating: R
Total Run Time: 100 minutes
Closed Captioned: Yes

The Rocky Horror Picture Show from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment dances onto shelves on October 19, 2010 so check out one of the best, campiest, and amazing movies ever made.

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 Shaun the Sheep: Season One from Liongate and HIT Entertainment

"Ewe" can bring it all home as Shaun the Sheep and his crazy pals come to your shelves with the complete Season One DVD set from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. From the creators of Wallace and Gromit come 40 full length episodes of Shaun fun. Remember that the US versions only show 5 minute shorts on the Disney channel, but this set contains the full length antics of Shaun, the herd, the pigs, and the rest.

JAM has reviewed portions of this set before as the following releases are a portion of this Season One set including the review of Party Animals and One Giant Leap for Lambkind. Previously, HTZ's own junior reporter joined us for her own video review of Party Animals.

One of the best parts of this set is the extras that are included that let you see behind the scenes at the building of the model pigs, games that are a lot of fun for little kids to play, and videos which can be almost as much fun as the episodes themselves. Check out the press release for more info and grab a handful of wooly good fun with Shaun the Sheep Season One.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Are “ewe” ready for hours of woolly fun? Shaun the Sheep™, the British stop-animation

sensation from the award-winning creators of Wallace & Gromit™, and his barnyard brigade are

ready to party in this fantastic new collection. The first-ever Shaun the Sheep: Season One Gift

Set arrives in stores October 19, 2010 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. It’s “shear” joy all around that includes the entire first season with all 40 full-length episodes that are filled with

uproarious, antic-filled adventures. Combining slapstick and classic silent comedy, Shaun the Sheep never fails to make you laugh!

Five minute shorts of the series currently air in the U.S. on the Disney Channel. Fans can only

find full length episodes on the DVDs.

DVD SYNOPSIS:

The complete first season of Shaun the Sheep is here! The set includes 40 episodes loaded with

mischief, mayhem and plenty of naughty pigs! Join Shaun and his barnyard buddies, Bitzer,

Shirley, Timmy and more as they deliver a flock-load of wacky shenanigans from the farm. From

bath time to party time and everything in between, the entire family will love this gift set filled

with sheepish delight!

DVD BONUS FEATURES

• “Sing-Along With Shaun”

• “The Mini-Making of Shaun” featurette

• “Sheep Shearing” Game

• “Whack-A-Pig” Game

• “Building A Pig” featurette

• “Meet The Animals” video

• Timmy Time Sneak Peek: “Timmy’s Tune #1” video

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2010

Type: TV on DVD

Rating: NR

Genre: Children/Family/Animated

Age Target: Fans of all ages from 2-60

Closed Captioned: English

Format: Full Screen

Feature Running Time: 258 minutes

DVD Audio Status: 2.0 Dolby Digital

Program Website: www.shaunthesheep.com

Shaun the Sheep: Season One from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment dances its way onto shelves on October 19, 2010 so twirl on down and grab a copy.

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 Predators from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Predators: Blu-Ray/Digital Combo: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

In honor of the recent Glee release and the rerelease of the Rocky Horror Picture Show to Blu-ray, I felt the crazy need to set this review in poetic form. I do not know why I felt the need to, but I figured I would let it flow and see where we end up.

JAM’s Predators Review in Poetic Verse

Hunter or hunted, predator or prey
What’s that big old alien going to do to me today
Dropped into a warzone, parachuting down
Just a former Pianist was falling to the ground
Black Ops trained in violence was needed for this day
As many different people were all dropped in the same way

Drug cartel, Yakuza, death row inmates too
All wondering what they’re doing there and what they have to do
Soon they are all hunted, no matter who they are
And they must band together or they won’t get too far
Each has special skills they bring to this big fight
As Predators are tracking them throughout the day and night

Searching for the chance to learn more skills it seems
I’m sure those freedom fighters wish it was a dream
You’ll have to watch the movie to see how this one ends
But I bet we’ll have a sequel soon enough to rent.

Adrien Brody plays Royce, a man out for himself on a planet in which he does not belong. Dropped there with a plethora of bad asses, he fights to stay alive against a small group of Predators out for blood on their game preserve, where the game they hunt are some of the strongest craziest humanoids and animals in the universe. Now the question is, who survives?

JAMS Ink on Predators

Topher Grace. For a guy that played a pothead 70s teenager for so long, he throws himself into so interesting roles. For much of the movie, you question why this unassuming doctor would be included in the ranks of the professional soldiers, mercenaries, hardened criminals, and the rest but he truly has a reason for being on a planet full of predators. Kind of funny to watch as it goes, because you know there has to be more to his back story, but they make you wait… and wait… and wait for it.

I like the ending of the movie which allows for an easy transition to a sequel. Adrien Brody has already said he would like to reprise his character, so I hope he gets the chance. I liked the ensemble cast setup for the movie, but also liked the emphasis that was placed on Brody as the best of the best. I would definitely enjoy a sequel and look forward to the release of one.

BUT… I do have a bone to pick with the movie, and I am sure many others would not have my same issues. The use of Mother F-er for the myriad of times it is used in the movie is really a turnoff for me. I understand the need to show how “real” it is out there, but I do not see the need to drop mother f-bombs nonstop in the movie. Makes it real hard to watch a movie with little kids in the other room unless you watch it on mute, which lessoned my enjoyment overall.

EXTRAS

PREDATORS 1-Disc Blu-ray Special Features
• Commentary by Robert Rodriguez and director, Nimród Antal
• Motion Comics
Moments of Extraction: Robert Rodriguez presents exclusive prequel vignettes voiced by the cast of Predators. Witness the secret adventures that turned our world's most ruthless killers into the ultimate Predator prey
o Noland Intro (part 1)
o Isabelle
o Cuchillo
o Hanzo
o Mombasa
o Noland Ending (part 2)
 Crucified
• Evolution of the Species: Predators Reborn
 Bloodline
 De-cloaking the Invisible: Alien Terrain
 Intelligent Design: The Hunting Camp
 Predators as Prey
 Yuatja Transformed
 Rite of Passage
• The Chosen Featurette
• Fox Movie Channel presents Making a Scene
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
 Dead Man’s Parachute
 Cuchillo and Isabelle
 Team “Orientated” Group
 Third Most Wanted
 Cuchillo Unleashes
 “Why Are You Here?”
 “They’re Smarter Than That”
 Stans and Isabelle Naked
 “They’re Still Coming”
• BD-Live Extras
 Exclusive Predator Features
• Live Lookup – Powered by IMDB

PREDATORS DVD Special Features
• Commentary by Robert Rodriguez and director, Nimród Antal
• De-cloaking the Invisible: Alien Terrain
• Motion Comics
Moments of Extraction: Robert Rodriguez presents exclusive prequel vignettes voiced by the cast of Predators. Witness the secret adventures that turned two of our world's most ruthless killers into the ultimate Predator prey
o Isabelle
o Mombasa
 Crucified

Motion comics, deleted scenes, and evolution of the Predators features all contained on the Blu-ray disc. I think I have found near perfection on Predators Blu-ray. I like the character background that is provided in the motion comics on the disc, both because of the cool look into their former lives and because they are frickin’ comics! Woohoo!!

Throw in some deleted/extended scenes involving Cuchillo (Danny Trejo from Machete) and I am even more of a happy camper. And finally fulfill the sci-fi geek in me with the evolution of the Predators extras and you have made the perfect guy movie Blu-ray disc to buy for me.

And the Blu-ray version of the film is beautiful. It is not Avatar with the computer generated landscaped, but a lot of the natural beauty of the jungle is translated well onto a Blu-ray bigscreen in the comfort of your own house. It is a fun guy movie with cinematic beauty (which is odd to say but true).

PREDATORS
Street Date: October 19, 2010
Screen Format: Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (BD)
English 5.1 Dolby Digital (DVD)
French, Spanish and Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese
U.S. Rating: R
Total Run Time: 1:46:30
Closed Captioned: Yes

Predators from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment stalks its way onto shelves on October 19, 2010 so grab a copy, find a safe place and try to check out this new sci-fi action filled 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.