You Have Killed Me - Graphic Novel from ONI Press

You Have Killed Me: Oni Press – Released April 2010
Review by JAM

“You Homicide cops, you have it lucky. You just pick up the stiffs and lock up the crooks. You don’t have to get gummed up in all the romances and family affairs. It’s just book ‘em and bury ‘em. Whereas the rest of us have to carry our bodies back home.”
Private Detective Antonio Mercer – You Have Killed Me

I have gotten to the phase in my life where my main comics control my collecting still, but I have this craving to try various graphic novels out each month. I tend to order a couple of graphic novels or collections from publishers and/or writers and artists I may not normally try and figured I can review them when possible. Area 10 was my first review and since You Have Killed Me was purchased at the same time, I figured this would be my second.

A rich socialite Julie Roman has disappeared days before her wedding, and her sister Jennie comes to the one man she can trust to pursue this case to the end, private detective Mercer who has history with the family and the lost woman. Following the case to the ends means learning more about his former love, her sister, and the family dealings than he ever wanted to know. Each clue leads to another dead end story and another body until all the pieces fall together for Mercer as he finds out that manipulation and subterfuge can be a family trait.

Writer

Jamie S. Rich is a writer I truly do not know much about, but have found myself checking out more of his stuff including Spell Checkers: Volume 1 which I will be reviewing soon as well. A former editor at Oni Press and now a full-time writer, Jamie jumps into the noir gangster past to bring to life a detective who has turned his back on family money, but is drawn back into the privileged life while searching for his former fiancé. The twists and turns encountered throughout the graphic novel gives it a feel of the old-time dime novels with detectives with names like Sam Spade when grit and grime of the city weighed heavily on the lives we followed. An interesting group of characters keep our detective on his toes as he wades through the muck and mud to find the truth of a love long gone but not forgotten. Jamie pulls Tony through this all showing weakness and strength and letting us see a true character rather than an invincible automaton. I have already checked out more of his comic work, but may have to take a check on his novels as well.

Artist

Joëlle Jones has a way with artwork that you want to call basic or simplistic, yet it jumps from the page and attacks your eyes with its beauty, strength, and grace. Its hard to describe. When I first checked out this new graphic novel I purchased, the cover caught my eye with an amazing femme fatale and the private detective rendered with strong simplistic lines which screamed out “Buy me!” I will be honest though, as I did dread what the inside art would look like, expecting less than eye-catching indie art. Boy was I wrong! Joëlle has an amazing way of conveying emotion and setting with the simplistic of pencil strokes and supplies the reader with a rich and vibrant supply of characters each with their own subtle nuances. And being a guy, I must comment that her women all have an subtle femme fatale charm to them from Jennie Roman, the seen only in flashback Julie Roman, the flirty cigarette girl, and the records clerk all catch your eye and make you want to know more about these gone in a blink of an eye characters.

JAMS Ink on You Have Killed Me

I have one bone to pick with the art, and I don’t believe it is an artist issues, but rather the publisher maybe? In many of the chapters, the art shows a couple of the main characters (Kane and his brother the bartender) shaded gray tone to stand out as men of color. Yet there are instances in which Kane appears without the shading, enough so that I had to double check which character it was. This was a minor issue that in no way detracted from the book itself, but it caught my eye still.

I had read Area 10 just before this one, and the contrasting styles between the two books actually enhance my enjoyment I believe. As discussed in the Area 10 review, it was a more serious book with topics and artwork that lent itself to a more serious tone, while You Have Killed Me dealt with a similar topic of multiple homicides, but stayed lighter throughout, matching the artwork Joëlle Jones provided. It was like catching up on DVR programming and watching CSI Miami followed by Psych. Both shows are great for their own reasons, and might deal with similar subject matter, but they both have their own way of bringing cases to a conclusion.

The book itself is 180 pages of excellence bound securely in a solid hardcover for the excellent price of $19.95. Many times, bound graphic novels can begin to disintegrate upon reading, but this is a solid choice as I have read through it multiple times with no page loss or damage. A bit larger than the Vertigo Crime copies, it is still a very manageable size and easy to slip into your bag for the day. Consider this highly recommended for those of us who enjoy hard boiled detective novels mixed with a little fun and nuance.

Jam Movie Reviews
http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com/
http://www.hollywoodteenzine.com/

GLEE: The Complete First Season will be out September 14!!!

Wanted to give you all a preview of AWESOME things to come!!!

TV’s Hottest Show On Blu-ray And DVD
With Never-Before-Seen Special Features

THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Worldwide Phenomenon Sings And Dances Its Way
Into Your Home September 14

‘Gleeks’ and ‘Cheerios’ worldwide will celebrate September 14 when the groundbreaking musical comedy – GLEE: The Complete First Season – debuts on Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment featuring all 22 one-hour episodes including the highly anticipated “The Power of Madonna” episode and other fan-favorites. From series creator Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck”), GLEE: The Complete First Season Blu-ray and DVD is pitch-perfect with never-before-seen extras sure to hit the right note.

“The show started out as a comedy musical about the underdog in all of us and has blossomed, largely due to the incredible support and passion from the fans that have embraced the show,” says Murphy. “When we developed the Blu-ray and DVD, we wanted to give those fans something special because they’ve been so great to us. There’s everything from a sing-along karaoke, to a behind-the-scenes look at our Madonna episode, to a dance lesson from our amazing choreographers. There’s even some all new Sue’s Corners which have never been seen before. It’s our ‘thank you’ to the Gleeks.”

Television’s most award-wining new series, GLEE was honored with a Golden Globe® for Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical; a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series; and a People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy.

GLEE follows an optimistic teacher who – against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach – inspires McKinley High’s Glee Club to conquer the world one singing competition at a time. GLEE stars Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling and Jenna Ushkowitz. The hit show has attracted celebrity guest appearances by Kristin Chenoweth, Eve, Josh Groban, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, Olivia Newton-John, Idina Menzel, and Molly Shannon.

The music from GLEE continues to shine with inventive renditions of past and present hit songs including Ike & Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary,” Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.”

GLEE: The Complete First Season Blu-ray and DVD is fully loaded with exclusive bonus materials and extended episodes, a sing-along karaoke, a behind-the-scenes look at “The Power of Madonna” episode, Glee Makeovers, never-before-seen “Sue’s Corners” and a dance tutorial titled “Staying in Step with Glee.”

Awesome bit of news for you Glee fans out there! ‘Gleeks’ who purchased GLEE: Volume One: Road To Sectionals last winter can receive a special $10.00 “Gleebate” when they add GLEE: The Complete First Season to their collection.

A Musical Triumph
Television’s most award-winning new series is also the highest-rated new scripted series of the season among Adults 18-49. The music from “GLEE” is an international sensation with both “Glee: The Music, Volume 1” and “Glee: The Music, Volume 2” topping charts in Australia, the U.K., New Zealand, Ireland and Canada. In the U.S., over five million songs have been downloaded, and both albums have been certified Gold for sales in excess of 500,000 units. Additionally, the show’s Madonna-themed mini-album soared to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart with an incredible 98,000 copies sold in its first week.

Gleebate
GLEE: The Complete First Season also includes an exceptional offer, a “Gleebate,” for fans that previously purchased GLEE: Volume One: Road To Sectionals. Those fans will receive a $10.00 rebate by simply completing a Mail-in Certificate and submitting it with proof of purchase for both titles. Visit www.gleebatedvd.com after June 1, 2010 for complete details.

Shrek Forever After - Music From The Motion Picture

Shrek Forever After – Music From the Motion Picture

With the supposed final (I truly hope not) installment of the ogre-green powered Shrek franchise about to hit theaters, the antagonistic Rumpelstiltskin has decided to provide the listeners of this silly world with a release of his own radio show on RMPL, full of his one-of-a-kind intros and music from the soon arriving Shrek Forever After. Shrek Forever After: Music From the Motion Picture is an jovial mix of radio dj comedy and great music choices as Rumpelstiltskin and his intern Baba take us on a fun ride with music from heavyweights such as the Beastie Boys, the Carpenters, Lionel Richie, Weezer, and the amazing (and previously interviewed by HTZ) Lucy Schwartz.

With appearances from Pinnochio, Wolf, Gingy, and Hook, Rumpelstiltskin keeps things moving as each song is introduced. With a crazy mix of new and old, and a variety of music styles, this CD is a fun blast that is making me crave the movie that much more. I’m prepped and ready, having watched the first three movies and listening to Rumpel in the car, are you ready for a big helping of Shrek and the crew?

Track List (comedy in italics)

1. It’s The Rumpelstiltskin Show!
2. Isn’t It Strange (Scissor Sisters)
3. Tough Love For Baba
4. One Love (Antonio Banderas) (followed by Sunshine and Rainbows)
5. Top of the World (The Carpenters)
6. Cupcake Party
7. Rumpel’s Party Palace (Mike Simpson)
8. Pinocchio Gets His Wish
9. Click Click (Light FM featuring Lloyd Hemmings (Gingy’s ‘lil Sugar)
10. Darling I Do (Landon Pigg and Lucy Schwartz)
11. Shake Your Groove Thing (Mike Simpson)
12. Hello (Lionel Richie)
13. Birthday Bash
14. Sure Shot (Beastie Boys)
15. Hook’s Garrrrden
16. Right Back Where We Started From (Maxine Nightengale)
17. Wheezer Wig
18. I’m a Believer (Weezer)
19. Home To Fifi


JAMS Ink on Shrek Forever After - Music From The Motion Picture

Rumpelstiltskin is an interesting character from the little we’ve seen and learned about him during the movie previews and this new CD. Interesting though, Rumpelstiltskin made an appearance in Shrek the Third in the tavern I believe, but the character looked much different. I’m interested to see if they acknowledge that in the movie.

Anyway, back to the CD. Rumpelstiltskin provides just enough comedy to keep you looking forward to his pieces on the CD as he takes on his FM radio DJ personality throughout, with some friends from the movie joining in on the fun. If you like Talk Like a Pirate Day, Hook’s Garden will be a little short for you, but a lot of fun. The music itself is a good mix of songs that belong on nearly everyone’s playlists. Sure Shot from the Beastie Boys is still as amazing as it was when it was first released. Mike Simpson from the Dust Brothers is an amazing talent as he made me listen to instrumentals with his take on Shake Your Groove Thing and Rumpel’s Party Palace. And how could I not mention the amazing Lucy Schwartz (though I do not believe her scientist minions do not join her here)?

Shrek Forever After – Music From the Motion Picture is a fun departure from the serious and a refreshing dip into a fairytale world we have all dreamt of. Enjoy it, grab it, and listen to it before the movie comes your way. I’m sure you’ll be glad you did. Shrek Forever After – Music From the Motion Picture releases May 18th digitally, three days before the movie hits theaters with the physical CD to follow exclusively at Walmart. So crawl through the swamp and head Far, Far Away to get your copy. Or just head to the neighborhood store or Amazon to get your copy. It’s worth its weight in gold.

Tooth Fairy - 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Tooth Fairy : Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment – Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Edition
Review by JAM

Whether dreams come true or not, the dreaming is what keeps us strong, keeps us striving, and keeps us living. Derek Thompson (Dwayne Johnson) is known as the Tooth Fairy on the hockey ice as this bruiser prides himself on the dental work needed after his bone-crushing hits. But he was not always this way, as his dreams of success in the NHL were ended after a shoulder injury caused him to give up on his dreams. Even as his dreams ended, he took pride in ending others’ dreams, including those of the children who idolized him. The last straw comes when he tries to crush the dreams of his girlfriend Carly’s (Ashley Judd) little girl Tess (Destiny Whitlock), who awaits the Tooth Fairy coming for her tooth.

Penalty box! Or at least a summons for one week labor as a Tooth Fairy himself awaits Derek. Hilarities ensue as Derek deals with the issues that come with his new job, and the issues he has placed in front of himself. But through the help of his girlfriend’s son Randy (Chase Ellison), his new boss Fairy Lily (the always amazing Julie Andrews), and his wingless fairy caseworker Tracy (Stephen Merchant), he realizes that sometimes a tutu is needed in order to become a better man. The Tooth Fairy also stars professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler as Mick Donnelly, the up-and-coming hockey star, and Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy and everything else in the world it seems) as Ziggy.

JAMS Ink on The Tooth Fairy

Dwayne Johnson is my hero! It is good to see that the charisma he showed those many years on the WWE wrestling circuit has continued to work in this little town called Hollywood. As much as he started as an action star in the enjoyable Mummy Returns in 2001, I believe that it is movies like the Tooth Fairy and the Game Plan where the actor formerly known as The Rock shines. It seems funny that the two movies involve Dwayne as a parental figure who is full of himself, completely lost when it comes to kids, and yet an overall good guy who is able to turn things around at the end of the movie and learn more about himself in the process.

Ashley Judd. Enough said. She is the glue that keeps this movie together in the “real world” as a single mother trying to do the best for her kids. She was truly perfect for the part, and the perfect foil to the overly charismatic Derek (Dwayne Johnson).

For a fairly small part, Julie Andrews is an absolute professional and controls the scenes she is in. From snide remarking comedy about Derek’s butt in a tutu to pining over the loss in belief by children nowadays, she is amazing to watch.

If you like movies like the Game Plan or The Pacifier in which a fish-out-of-water finds his way through life in a funny yet touching way, then this movie is for you. With just enough sports comedic violence for the rough and tumble dad, and the chance to see a true man’s man sport a tutu and fairy wings for mom, and a good family story with morals and a reminder to never let go of your dreams for the kids, this movie has it all! This is truly a movie that I recommend to ANYONE that would enjoy and understand the story that unfolds. Believe once again that a man can fly, believe once again that a man can change, and believe once again that the Tooth Fairy exists!

EXTRAS

The regular version of the Tooth Fairy comes with Fairy-Oke and the Tooth Fairy Training center which are great basic extras for the kids in all of us. A sing along with the Rock and a fairy exercise program? Count me in!

The Blu-Ray includes the extras above, an introduction and commentary from director Michael Lembeck, a gag reel (which I loved, but I think they really make gag reels for guys like me anyways), deleted scenes, and a behind the scenes making-of documentary looks at costume design, special effects, and more.

Blu-ray/DVD Triple Play Special Features:
Disc One:
● Tooth Fairy Blu-ray
● “Train to be a Tooth Fairy” interactive feature
● Fairy-oke
● Gag Reel
● Deleted Scenes with Optional Introductions
● “Behind the Scenes”
○ Behind the Scenes” with Lem and Jake and
○ Lem and Jake Talk About VFX: Before and After
○ 1st Assignment with Storyboards
○ Wings and Fairy Things - Costume Design
○ Flights, Tights and Fairy FX - How The Magic Was Brought To Life
○ Creating Fairyland - Production Design
Disc Two:
● Tooth Fairy feature
Disc Three:
● Digital Copy

Single-Disc DVD Special Features
● Tooth Fairy feature
● “Train to be a Tooth Fairy” interactive feature
● Fairy-oke

Tooth Fairy from Twentieth Century Fox flies onto shelves on DVD on May 4, 2010. Put a copy under your child’s pillow and make it a family event to watch it together!

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.

Flicka 2 - 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Flicka 2: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment DVD
Review by JAM

What happens when a big-city girl finds her world thrown completely up in the air, and finds herself in a world not her own with a father she has never really known? Well, her life changes in so many ways, and with the help of a head-strong wild mustang by the name of Flicka she find that her new world may have been just what she needed.

Carrie McLaughlin (Tammin Sursok) is a big-city girl living with a grandma having health problems. Having no other options, she is sent to the country to live with her father Hank (Patrick Warburton), a man who has had no place in her life, or so she thinks. This skateboarding rebel finds every reason in the world to fight against her circumstances until Flicka appears. This wild mustang changes the mind and attitude of this girl in steps, as she finds a change in life doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Helping change her life are some of the farmhands on Hank’s farm, including Jake (Reilly Dolman) and Toby (Clint Black). The movie also stars Emily Tennant as the troublemaking cowgirl of privilege Amy Walker who nearly destroys the life that Carrie has built for herself and Flicka.

JAMS Ink on Flicka 2

I really was not sure what to expect from this movie as I really did not know the younger actors in the movie and did not know what to expect from Clint Black as an actor and Patrick Warburton as a cowboy. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Tammin Sursok plays the rebelling teen well, with her character never seeming to be a bad kid but really feeling like the world is treating her like a piñata hanging from a rope. The change over time that her character accomplishes is conveyed well through vocal inflection during snide comments and facial expressions that brought one closer to Carrie. She has lost everything she ever had, her mom, her grandmother, her friends, her city of residence, and was sent to a horse ranch to a father she had never known and she believed had abandoned her family. Through her time at the ranch she found a new pursuit that captured her heart (horse riding), a father who had sacrificed his happiness to try to make a life for his family, a new love who stands by her through thick and thin, and a beautiful new home she called her own.

Patrick Warburton was stiff, as his characters often are, but provided a strong, solid presence as the father figure Carrie has never had. His voice is so distinctive that I think it may hurt him at times, but as the rancher in this movie I believe his distinctive voice provided a needed power to the role. His character Hank had sacrificed so much that he had never had the chance to connect to what he had lost, and his growth throughout the movie as amazing as well. Treating his daughter much as he would a new horse does not work obviously, but he is willing to grow, especially as he gains sage advice from his farmhand and confidant Toby (Clint Black).

The location shots were amazing as the mountain ranges and expansive fields lent a beauty to this movie that enhanced the feeling coming from it. Carrie felt like a lone fish in the ocean as she discovered the expanse surrounding her, but later learns that the land around her shares so many secrets and joys.

EXTRAS

Clint Black takes some time to discuss the story and why he wanted to take part in it in A Conversation with Clint Black, a blooper reel (made me and my daughter laugh a bit) in Horsin’ Around, a making of featurette, and an introspective look at the American mustangs.

DVD Special Features

A Conversation with Clint Black
Running Wild: The North American Mustang
Making Flicka 2
Horsin’ Around

Flicka 2 from Twentieth Century Fox gallops onto shelves on DVD on May 4, 2010. Grab a copy of good hearted family entertainment and amazing landscapes only at Walmart.

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.

Dynamite Warrior/Exiled Duo-pack DVD from Magnolia Home Entertainment

Dynamite Warrior – DVD REVIEW
Review by JAM

Jone Bong Fai (Dan Chupong), also known as Zieng, is looking for revenge against the tattooed man who killed his parents. Becoming a Robin Hood type hero, he fights rustlers of water buffalo, stealing them back for the poor villagers while searching the chests of men for the tattoo from his nightmares. Finally finding Nai Hoi Singh (Samart Payakarun), the man he believes to be the killer of his parents, he falls into a group of unscrupulous thieves and an evil Black Wizard (Panna Rittakrai) who want the “killer” destroyed for their own reasons.

The wizard’s daughter Sao (Kanyapak Suworakood) becomes his port in the storm even as the insanity of his life continues. Falling under the spell of Lord Waeng (Leo Putt) and the Black Wizard, Jone Bong Fai steals the powers of the wrong man as he discovers the truth behind the Black Wizard’s evil. Allying himself with his savior from long ago, he uses the powers of his rockets and skills to bring the fight back to the Wizard, Lord Waeng, and the buffalo rustlers.

JAMS Ink on Dynamite Warrior

WOW! My thought on the action of this movie is WOW! The movie itself is truly a B movie type, perfect for guys’ night or for someone who truly enjoys martial arts, especially Muay Thai. This movie prides itself on being slightly tongue-in-cheek as it goes through a variety of plotlines, whether revenge for the past, protection of the poor villagers, unscrupulous business men using underhanded tactics, and mystical powers shared by former brothers-in-arms. It is a fun movie to watch, one in which your attention can stray for a second not miss much story, but at the same time you may be entranced by the amazing martial art choreography that takes place, and find that your eyes can not leave the screen. I recommend this for those who enjoy suspension of disbelief martial arts movies, who enjoy excellent choreography, who enjoy a little mysticism thrown into a fun B-movie type foreign film, who enjoy plying and exploding rockets, and who want to be entertained. Besides, with this pack, you get two for one on the movies when Exiled is included. Dynamite Warrior is worth it by itself, so check it out if it seems to be your type of movie.

Exiled – DVD REVIEW
Review by JAM

Johnnie To’s Exiled is a thrill ride of choices between loyalty between job and family, from a number of characters as the movie runs through the life of a former hitman Wo (Nick Cheung) who was exiled from the business and so has decided raise his family apart from his former life. His professional life catches up to him as a team of two assassins (Anthony Wong and Suet Lam) are sent to take him out. Another team of two (Francis Ng and Roy Cheung) come to save his life. Seems all five grew up together, and after the gun battle ends, they all work on cleaning up afterwards.

Thus starts a spiraling ride through betrayal, loyalty, and gunfights galore as all the assassins decide to join forces for one more job to make cash for the wife and son that Wo will be leaving behind. Crazy action, gunfights galore, and friends loyal to the end fill this movie until it climaxes at the end. Friends may live and die, but loyalty is forever.

JAMS Ink on Exiled

This is an interesting dichotomy in filmmaking as the twist and turns that loyalty produces make this an interesting watch from start to finish. It is a Tarantino type of movie with gunfights galore, lots of dramatic poses, and a number of true anti-heroes making their ways through life. As much as the characters are undesirables, the viewer does feel sympathy and an empathy as the story continues.


Dynamite Warrior/Exiled combo pack from Magnolia Home Entertainment hits shelves on May 4, 2010. Add a little action to your lives and pick up a copy today!

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

Miranda Cosgrove - Sparks Fly

Miranda Cosgrove – Sparks Fly
Review by JAM

Eclectic.

That was my first thought upon hearing Miranda’s new CD Sparks Fly, and I think it fits. I know I was eclectic at sixteen, trying to figure out what I was doing, was going to do, and wondering what the heck was happening to me. Miranda has it a little more under control than I probably did back then, but her CD song choices seem to jump from place to place as if she doesn’t know what she really wants to sing whether bubble-gum pop, electric-like pop, or smooth songs from the coast. Thing is, it works for her. The CD is an enjoyable mix of everything from kissing songs (Kissin’ You) to positive role-model anthems (Hey You) to in your face shout outs (BAM).

This little girl, even though I guess 17 isn’t necessarily little anymore, has grown up in front of our eyes as the convincingly precocious band manager in School of Rock, the not quite evil but definitely misguided younger sister on Drake and Josh, and now as the teen queen of the internet webcasts on iCarly, but now with this release of her album she’s not that little girl anymore. Singing about love and kissing, getting back at a jerk, and empowering someone who can not seem to see themselves as strong makes this young lady into a much needed star in the tween/teen market. Her songs are appropriate yet honest, energetic yet serious, and they crawl into your head so you can not get them out. Grab a copy of this CD and see why Miranda is the star for a new generation.

Track List for standard CD

1. Kissin’ You
2. BAM
3. Disgusting
4. Shakespeare
5. Hey You
6. There Will Be Tears
7. Oh Oh
8. Daydream


JAMS Ink on Sparks Fly

This was an interesting review for me, as I had a hard time at first listening to a teenager that I still associate in my mind as a little girl. But the CD grows on you, much as iCarly does or even her character of Megan on Drake and Josh. The song choices for her, while scattered in theme are good choices for her voice overall, allowing the strength of the messages of the songs come through. Overall this album is a fun return to innocent times of teenage love and infatuation without the dark drama that seems to insinuate many of the new releases these days. I say kudos to Miranda on a great CD release and all the luck in the future to come.

Disgusting is a song I can not get out of my head, even when I want to. It’s disgusting how much I like it.

Sparks Fly is definitely recommended for Miranda fans and others who enjoy the fun, energetic pop in an eclectic mix of song choices. Reminds me of a previous release some time ago from one Alecia Elliot, whose CD was a fun ride through the teen years as well. Miranda Cosgrove’s album was released April 27, 2010, so take a look, no matter your age, and enjoy this trip into the teen years. I think you will not be disappointed.

Avatar - Twentieth Century Fox - Earth Day 2010

Avatar : Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment – Blu-ray/DVD Edition
Review by JAM

The biggest movie ever makes its way on DVD and Blu-ray as James Cameron’s Avatar hits the shelves much like it did the movie screens, like a whirlwind. The biggest movie in history on the movie screen has also become a smash hit on Blu-ray and DVD. So much so in fact, that this reviewer had to wait for the second wave of review copies. Is it worth the wait? Considering I did not see it on the big screen (worrying it was too much hype), the wait was worth it! The visuals and movie itself is an amazing cinematic wonder with amazing concepts and a whole new world to escape to.

Corporal Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is given a second chance at a new life free of the fetters of his broken body. Sick of doctors telling him what he could not do, he joined the Avatar program in place of his brother unfortunately due to the death of his brother. Joining the science expedition headed by Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) to learn more and assimilate with the Na’vi, natives of Pandora, while also being drafted as a spy by Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang) who is working on a native removal plans for the RDA Corporation headed by Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi). The goal of the RDA Corporation and their interest in Pandora are all about the Unobtanium, a resource which would solve issues on Earth and make the corporation a ton of money.

Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), the chieftain’s daughter is drafted into teaching Jake about her culture and life against her will, much as her original reason for saving his life. The Tree of Souls showed Jake to be strong of heart and with a strong future ahead of him. Jake truly begins to fulfill this destiny as he finds his heart leading him to the defense of the Na’vi rather than the destruction/relocation of them.

JAMS Ink on Avatar

Years of preparation, a newly designed planet, flora and fauna of all kinds invented, and a race of overly large blue people were all put together, making a product that became the biggest movie in history, which means it had a whole lot to live up to for me. I almost became more interested in whether the movie was worthy of the hype more than I did whether the movie was any good until I actually watched it. And truth be told, it is a really good movie, beautifully done. I do not know if I would put it in my Top Ten, but I do truly appreciate the beauty and wonder that James Cameron was going for when he designed the planet of Pandora.

I think the design of the movie was the best part, showcasing a mind that could bring a world together from the earth, to the air, and to the sky while showing connections between nature and those living in it. My personal favorites within the movie were the creatures of flight (which led to breathtaking aerial scenes) and the flora (it is really hard for me to admit that I found the plant life fascinating, but I truly did). The design of the movie reminded me of what Peter Jackson did for the Middle Earth saga with the amazing scenery, weaponry, racial characteristics, and languages.

Though the story seemed somewhat derivative of many movies we have seen before, the approach of a man losing his way and finding it in a way he never would have expected was done well in Avatar. Jake Sully was actually a likeable character and the way he began to realize what life still held for him was controlled and real. The joy he experienced when first connected to his avatar was palpable and energetic as he ran to feel the wind, ground, and sunshine on his feet.

An important thing to remember is that the best selling Blu-ray of all time will most likely need an update for your Blu-ray player. After spending part of the day messing around with the new Blu-ray player for our reviews here, I remembered an article that had talked about a number of people returning players back because they did not have internet connections to update the players as was needed in order to watch this movie, so remember this!

Avatar is for the science fiction fan in all of us, the person who watches in awe as explosions and amazing graphics come across our screen, or for the sensitive people looking for a story of overcoming adversity and finding redemption and love. So I guess that means it is pretty much for anyone. Give Avatar a chance, you will not be sorry.

EXTRAS

The easiest extras review I have ever had to do. There are none. The set is a bare bones movie only set, with the rumored release of a new bells and whistles edition in November of this year.

Avatar from Twentieth Century Fox appeared on shelves on Blu-ray and DVD on Earth Day, April 22, 2010. You might be able to find one now, so take a look and see what all the hype was about.

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.

How To Train Your Dragon - Dreamworks Animation - In theaters now

How To Train Your Dragon:
Review by JAM

Spoilers below!!!

Sometimes it takes someone a little different to make a change in people’s lives, and Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is definitely someone different. Growing up in a Viking society in which daily attacks by dragons is the norm, Hiccup finds himself trying his best to fit in. It seems though that he is the square peg that can’t fit into the round hole, no matter how much his father, King Stoick (Gerard Butler) tries to force him. Hiccup’s life changes in one nightly raid when one of his inventions truly works (though no one believes him) and he takes down a dragon unseen by mortal eyes, and finds out things aren’t really what they seem.

Toothless, as he calls the Night Terror that he knocked from the sky, and Hiccup start learning how to coexist and protect each other as time goes on and they learn that they share a common enemy. Through what Hiccup learns from toothless, he becomes the new hero in training for the Vikings, overcoming every dragon type and obstacle thrown in his path until his final test. Unable to kill a dragon as his rite of passage, events occur that affect the dragons and the Viking society as they face an enemy almost too big to handle. Hiccup and a small group of open minded friends, led by Astrid (America Ferrera), rescue an unbelieving society, changing hearts and minds as the movie comes to its climax. How To Train Your Dragon also stars the vocal talents of Craig Ferguson, Kristin Wiig, Jonah Hill, and more and is still in theaters now.

JAMS Ink on How To Train Your Dragon

Talk about a movie with a ton of important messages and it is well done as well. How To Train Your Dragon teaches us that being different is not necessarily bad, sometimes adults really need to listen to their kids, and that disabilities may cause challenges but do not define or limit us if we do not allow them to.

Different – Hiccup never fit in, whether as the son of the Viking king, the blacksmith apprentice, or the warrior in training, something always seemed to go wrong. Sometimes it can happen with us too, where everything we seem to do is different from other people or may not succeed when we try. Too often we worry about not fitting in, even though our differences are what make a group of friends stronger. My father is the ultimate home improvement master, but I have to work really hard to keep up. On the same token, I can help my parents out with computer or other electronic issues. Even though we have different strengths, working together makes us stronger.

Listening – Hiccup learned that the dragons were just as scared of the Vikings as the Vikings were of the dragons. And there was something even bigger awaiting both of them. Yet, King Stoick never listened to his son, believing that his way was the only way, the Viking way. Stoick comes to realize his issues before it is too late, but almost loses his son due to his hard headedness. So parents, listen to your kids, you might be surprised to hear their insight.

Challenges – Hiccup’s invention strips Toothless of the ability to fly at first, but a second invention allows them to work together to overcome the challenge. Though the disability seemed to be too much, working together made them stronger and helped them learn more about each other. Hiccup also faces a disabling blow at the end of the movie, but it seems that he with time will also be alright with the help of his friends and family. Though they face challenges in this movie, working together helps strengthen bonds and abilities and allows them to overcome the challenges they face.

See this movie in the theaters if you get the chance, you will not regret the thrill ride of adventure that comes through the screen.

Jam Movie Reviews
http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com
www.hollywoodteenzine.com