Natalia from HTZ Reviews Gnomeo & Juliet from Walt Disney Studios

HTZ's junior reporter grabbed a copy of Walt Disney Studio Home Entertainment's Gnomeo & Juliet and let us know what she thought. Grab a peek as she rocks out in her review below.

JAM Reviews Gnomeo & Juliet from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Gnomeo & Juliet: Blu-Ray/DVD with Digital Copy: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

“I remember when rock was young, me and Suzie had so much fun.”
Crocodile Rock – Nelly Furtado along with the original artist Elton John

Take two little gnomes falling in love, two families in a continuous feud, a bunch of Elton John’s greatest hits, and Ozzy Osbourne as a fuzzy fawn (?) make Disney’s brand new Blu-ray release Gnomeo & Juliet into a fun-filled fanciful adventure.

Check out the rest of the Gnomeo & Juliet review for Hollywood Teen'Zine 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 The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes: Volume One and Two from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes: DVD Volume 1 and 2 : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

Even as the heroes hit the big screen (Thor and Captain America) in the summer of 2011 with an eye on the Avengers movie that comes in 2012, Disney XD got the Avengers party started early as episodes of The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes began airing in fall of 2010.

Check out our reviews of Volume One and Two from the first season for Hollywood Teen'Zine 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.

Natalia from HTZ Reviews The Incredibles from Walt Disney Studios

Natalia shared her thoughts on the Incredibles for Hollywood Teen'Zine here on YouTube. Take a look at her superpowered review!

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 Incredibles from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

The Incredibles: Blu-Ray/DVD with Digital Copy: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

“No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again. Sometimes I just want it to stay saved.”

A film about fights, friends, finding one’s true self, and family most of all, The Incredibles makes its way onto an amazing Blu-ray release from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Check out the full review at Hollywood Teen'Zine here to see what exactly JAM thought of this movie.

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

JAM Reviews Tangled from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

“Oh what a Tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”

I do not believe Sir Walter Scott had any idea that his quote would be so useful in describing Walt Disney Studios newest release Tangled on Blu-ray, but truly the story lives on the deceptions our main characters live with. Rapunzel deceives her “mother”, Mother Gothel has deceived many people through many years, and Flynn Rider? His name is a deception itself much as the rest of his thieving life. YET throughout all the deceptions, the movie is about family and the quest for so much more than what life has held. But hey, enough about this summary, check out JAM’s full review on Hollywood Teen’Zine right here.

JAM's Tangled Review on Hollywood Teen'Zine

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.

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 Tinker Bell & The Great Fairy Rescue from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

Tinker Bell & the Great Fairy Rescue: Blu-Ray/DVD Combo: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

“Well Tink, you found something to fix after all”
Terrance to Tinker Bell

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

Curiosity killed the cat, and it can get a fairy in trouble too. Tinker Bell is allowed to head to the mainland with her usual cast of friends and finds another mystery to investigate, a human residence. Vidia was along for the crazy ride as Tinker Bell got captured by a true believer in the fairy way, a little girl named Lizzy.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

Vidia leads a rescue party of sopping wet non-flying fairies to come get her, even as Tinker Bell makes friends with Lizzy and helps around the house while she has the chance. But an unbelieving father threatens the fairies and their special world leading to a finale in which you just need to believe.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

Here’s to a little faith, trust, and pixie dust to bring the magic back into your life! Mae Whitman (Parenthood), Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies and Broadway superstar of Wicked), Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (That’s So Raven), Jesse McCartney (Greek and popstar fame), and newcomers Michael Sheen (Twilight: New Moon) and in her first role Lauren Mote as Tinker Bell’s human friend Lizzy all star in Disney’s newest rescue adventure, Tinker Bell & The Great Fairy Rescue!

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

JAMS Ink on Tinker Bell & The Great Fairy Rescue

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

It is really fun for the kids, and me, to see each of the fairies have their chance to shine with the individual talents. Rosetta and her garden fairy aversion to mud, Silvermist and her magical boat ride, Iridessa and her brilliant blast of light, Fawn and a catnip lure, Vidia and her hijinks and speed makes this a fairy version of the A-team. Watching them really work out of the environment having been soaked by a storm and unable to fly makes this a lot of fun.

HollywoodTeen’Zine’s Natalia has always had a soft spot in her heart for Vidia, the typical “villain” of the previous movies. Seeing Vidia as part of the team, apologetic and actually missing her nemesis is actually a lot of fun. Even sacrificing herself to save Tinker Bell from a father’s trap means that Natalia’s hero finally acted like one. Probably why Vidia’s dolls are in the new sets, and probably why someone is going to have to buy them for the little HollywoodTeen’Zine reporter.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

Lizzy is an interesting addition to the movie, along with her father of course. Seeing the human interaction with the fairy world brings you back to your childhood and those days of hopes and dreams. Maybe it’s time to help your kids fill out their own manual for whatever their hearts desire and maybe then you can recapture your childhood as well.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

This reviewer can admit he is a sap when it comes to Disney movies. They just know how to hit the final note that can bring the start of a tear to your eye. Seeing a father believe in his daughter and realize there is nothing more important started hitting me. Hey, you cannot say I am not honest with my reviews.

EXTRAS

Deleted Scenes - The director Brad Raymond and producer Helen Kalafatic join us in order to introduce the Deleted Scenes included on the disc, giving the reasons for their removal from the film. Some of the scenes actually add to the movie, yet have legit reasons for their removal such as the intro scene which shows why Lizzy’s father cannot believe in fairy tales from the beginning. It is truly a touching intro that could not be used, but I think was important to include like they did. There is also a scene showing Lizzy’s loneliness even while her dad is nearby, even showing the little girl acting the part of the caring mother almost. Also included are a tea party in process, and a cat and mouse caper involving Tink and Lizzy’s cat looking for a bite to eat.

Fairy Field Guide – a trivia game in four chapters that help you fill in your own field guide with fairy facts. The game is a lot of fun to play, and actually has a payoff for playing. Take a look and see what you think and learn more about your fairy friends.

Bridget Mendler Music Video for “How To Believe”

Design a Fairy House – a cool look at the design of a imaginative fairy house from the perspective of kids and a look at the winner’s design made by their Disney friends.

Tangled Sneak Peek – Disney’s next animated offering coming to theatres in November. This gives a look at design, the actors, and gives a taste of what to expect. Trust me, we’ll be there early in the run to see what Tangled has in store for us.

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue from Walt Disney Home Entertainment flies onto store shelves on September 21, 2010 so see if you can catch a fast flying copy before they are gone back to Pixie Hollow.

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 Prince of Persia from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Combo: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

A dusty reckless young street rat, a privileged princess, and a treacherous ally combine to bring the adventure of a lifetime to a faraway land in Walt Disney Pictures’ Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Dastan, a street urchin turned prince due to the kindness of a king’s heart (King Sharaman as played by Ronald Pickup) and the king’s special insight into the soul of the boy who was to save the world.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

The main portion of the movie takes place during a Persian campaign against the city of Alamut, a sacred and holy city yet through unseen manipulations seems to a key part of an insurrection against the throne. The king’s brother Nizam (Ben Kingsley) is the cause of this manipulation, and by whispering in the ear of the king’s eldest son Tus (Richard Coyle) convinces the army that Alamut must be defeated and purged of. The true reason for Nizam’s treachery is his desire to procure the Dagger of Time, a magical weapon able to ride the sands of time and let the user relive moments in order to affect their outcome. Nizam’s desire is affect the past in order to change his future and make himself king.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

Coincidently, the dagger finds its way into the hands of Dastan and through further circumstances, he finds himself running from his brothers, blamed for his father’s death, and traveling with Tamina, the princess of Alamut (Gemma Arterton) who holds a secret that could save or destroy the world. Oh yeah, and she is a little bit feisty! Learning about the powers of the dagger during his journey and safeguarding it from those who would use it to destroy what has been constructed, Dastan becomes a true hero and eventually gets a second chance to save that which was lost.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

Along his quest, he is helped and hindered by such characters as the ostrich racer Sheik Amar (Alfred Molina), his friend the knife master Seso (Steve Toussaint), and the Hassansin, a group of hired killers formerly used by the royalty of Persia. The trip through the sands of Persia leads to the Sands of Time and a final confrontation between the pure of heart and the opportunistic evil uncle.

JAMS Ink on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

I had some major reservations going into this. First of all, I am really not a big Jake Gyllenhaal fan, second, video game movies tend to be less than good, and third, I was not the biggest fan of the game to begin with. Well, the movie proved that even with such large reservations sometimes movies can surprise you. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is actually a lot of fun and full of exciting action that will keep you engrossed in the movie. Best part in my opinion is a campfire scene involving the Dagger of Time and a plethora of trained poisonous vipers. Impressive moves I must say, even for a man able to move around in time.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

It was odd seeing Caucasian actors playing tanned versions of themselves in order to pass as Persians from long ago. But, just like in a videogame, suspension of belief goes a long way and I found the characters to enjoyable as soon as the movie started to worry about it. Combining all the aspects of exciting Lord of the Ring type battles, mystical powers of the Sands of Time, and a bit of a love story with as much bite as one of the vicious asps makes this a fun movie to watch and it is definitely recommended by JAM.

EXTRAS

DVD Bonus Feature:
An Unseen World: Making Prince of Persia – A look behind the scenes on the set of the film.

1-Disc Blu-ray Bonus Feature:
An Unseen World: Making Prince of Persia – A look behind the scenes on the set of the film.
Deleted Scene – The Banquet: Garsiv Presents Heads

3-Disc Combo Pack Bonus Features:
An Unseen World: Making Prince of Persia – A look behind the scenes on the set of the film.

Deleted Scene – The Banquet: Garsiv Presents Heads
CineExplore: The Sands of Time – Take control of the dagger and use it to unlock secrets behind your favorite scenes! Turn back time and uncover over 40 spellbinding segments – including “Walking Up Walls”, “Filming in Morocco”, and “Ostrich Jockey Tryouts”- with this exclusive interactive feature. Blu-ray puts you in control!

The deleted scene included is nothing that really seems to add to the overall movie. It is interesting in a morbid sort of way, but otherwise not that necessary. The CineExplore is actually really cool though, set up to use like the Dagger of Time. While watching the movie, activating the onscreen dagger takes the viewer into a wrinkle of time and shows setups of scenes, commentaries, discussions of stunts, and a whole lot of information that is really cool to see. It can easily be accessed from menu functions as well in order to see the individual portions.

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

The Blu-ray is beautiful with the panoramic scenery and amazing contrasts that can be seen throughout the movie. The beauty of the desert truly shines through, fight scenes are crisp, and Gemma Arterton as the princess looks amazing in Blu-ray while covered in jewels or dust. The main reason for the Blu-ray in my opinion though is the opportunity to watch the CineExplore feature. It really does add to the overall experience of the movie.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Feature run time: Approx. 116 minutes
Rated: US ‘PG-13‘; Canada: ‘PG‘
Aspect ratio: 1 Disc DVD: 480i / Widescreen 2.40:1
Blu-ray Disc: 1080p High Definition Widescreen
Sound: 1 Disc DVD: Dolby Digital 5.1 English, French, Spanish, English 2.0 DVS
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (48kHz/24-bit), English 2.0 DVS, French and Spanish
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment slices its way onto store shelves on September 14, 2010 so grab a copy, hold onto some special time, and check out an action packed movie.

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

JAM Reviews Air Bud - World Pup: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

© Walt Disney Studios Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Air Bud – World Pup: Special Edition: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

The third installment of the Air Bud series finds both Josh (Kevin Zegars) and Buddy looking for love on the soccer field, as Josh pursues a young lady, Emma Putter (Brittany Paige Bouck), on the soccer field and Buddy pursues Molly, her dog. Josh joins the soccer team after Emma, a transfer student from England joins the boys team at her new school, and Buddy as always comes along to help Josh out. Bring in the puppies that come from the meeting of Buddy and Molly and you have a plethora of pretty puppies to catch the eyes of your young ones.

Throw in a subplot with the bad guys trying to take the dogs, a dog-pile style rescue, and the normal Air Bud sports save for their team and you have a fun movie for the kids, and a movie that will make the adults smile (mainly because their kids are happy). And the rerelease was of course times for the fanatics of the World Cup and their children, so grab a copy and enjoy the golden times of a dog named Bud.

JAMS Ink on Air Bud World Pup

Award winning? No, but it is a ton of fun for the kids and dog lovers. It is a lot of fun to see the dogs do the tricks they were trained to do, and whether you are a fan of the movies or not you need to give the dogs their props for doing what they do.

The intro of the pups into this film must have laid the groundwork for the Buddies, who of course are included in the extras on this movie. Just so you know, little kids and little puppies go together well, as evidenced by HollywoodTeen’Zine junior reporter Natalia’s video review. Anyway, so I guess we have this move to blame for all the Buddies movies that came out after the Air Bud movies. To be honest though, they are great movies for the little kids as they involve sports, dogs, and friendship so I do highly recommend this movie to those who have young kids.

Extras

Bonus Features include:

The Buddies Sports Channel: Soccer Edition – Rosebud leads the way as she and her siblings discuss and rate the soccer career of their dad, the immortal Air Bud.
Production Featurette on World Pup – A behind the scenes look at Air Bud learning soccer.
The Air Bud Sport Cinch Bag – probably the best part of the pack for the kids as they get a mini tote bag for carrying their essential sports gear, or anything they want to.

Air Bud: World Pup Special Edition kicks itself onto shelves just in time for the World Cup on June 15, 2010. Head to the store and head a copy into your cart so you can enjoy a little Air Bud!

STREET DATE: June 15, 2010

Rated: G

Run time: 83 minutes

DVD aspect ratio: Widescreen 16x9; Original Theatrical 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio

Sound: English 5.1 Audio; English SDH & CC

Spanish 2.0 Language Track; Spanish Subtitles

JAM Reviews StarStruck - Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

StarStruck – DVD and Soundtrack : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

“You don’t get it, your life isn’t real!”
Jessica Olson to Christopher Wilde

“Silly, that only happens in the movies. This is the real world.”
Alexis to Christopher as she breaks up with him

Sometimes the real world is so much harder to live in than a fantasy world, and Christopher Wilde (Sterling Knight from “Sonny with a Chance”) finds this out on the way to true love in the real world.

Preparing for their trip to Hollywood, California to see their grandmother, we meet Jessica Olson (Danielle Campbell) and her sister Sara (Maggie Castle). Typical sisters, they seem to fight nonstop especially now over Sara’s obsession with Christopher (Knight). Christopher himself is trapped in a world of his own fame, with a girlfriend Alexis (Chelsea Staub from “Jonas”, and one of the nicest girls in the world in JAM’s opinion) that is more obsessed with her paparazzi photos than she is with her boyfriend, parents (Ron Pearson and Lauren Bowels) who manage and push him for their own gain, and a movie exec that promises the role of a lifetime as long as Christopher can stay out of the limelight. In fact it seems the only connection he has to the real world is his best friend Albert J, “Stubby” Stubbin (Brandon Mychal Smith also from “Sonny with a Chance”) who seems to keep him level, or as level as he can be.

Jessica (Campbell) has a number of run-ins with Christopher (Knight), even literally the first time as they meet through the crash of a door. In order to avoid the paparazzi, typical Disney Channel hijinks happen that turn a night full of crazy issues that bring the two kids from total different walks of life together, realizing similarities might exist even between their worlds.

Christopher seeks the real world that Jessica has, while Jessica is annoyed by the world that Christopher lives in and that she believes he lives for. Only she begins to realize that maybe the two of them have never known what each others’ lives were really like and realizes he may be more than just a Hollywood wax figure. At least it seems that way until he reverts back to his Hollywood persona. It takes a lot of work, but he realizes that he actually wants to be real, rather than the persona everyone else expects from him. The question is, does he realize it in time to make it up to the girl who makes him real?

JAMS Ink on StarStruck

The plot to the movie seems to be a standard Disney fare, as our hero lives in a world not of his own making, falling for a girl from a completely different world who must rescue him while she realizes her own feelings for him. Beauty and the Beast has the enchanted prince who needs Belle to break the spell, leading to love between them. Sleeping Beauty, in much the same way has the enchanted character, Aurora this time, who needs the prince to save her from the enchantment she is under as he falls in love with her through a chance encounter. Snow White is the same way with the female character needing the rescue. StarStruck follows the same plotline in a good way as we find Jessica doing things that may rescue Christopher from the life he is trapped in, and she finds herself learning to love the Christopher that no one knows. Problem is, Christopher needs to find himself before Jessica can save him.

Sterling Knight and Danielle Campbell truly have good chemistry on screen, which makes this movie even more watchable than it already was. It was fun to watch them having fun, and the screen showed it as we watched. The song he sings to her feels like it’s from the heart (as much as a setup Hollywood moment can) and it is another good moment in a movie that is fun to watch with a good message.

EXTRAS

The extended version of the movie is only available on DVD and is packed with more music to Rock-Along with as you have the ability to rock along with 8 tracks during the movie karaoke style with the lyrics shown on the top of the screen as the songs play, and you have three music videos for StarStruck, Something About the Sunshine, and Party Up. Oh yeah, and if you pick up the disc with the CD alongside it, you get to rock along with the soundtrack from the movie. The soundtrack is good in itself as well, and is definitely worth the slight upcharge for the duo-pack.

StarStruck: Extended Edition from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment glimmered its way onto shelves on June 8, 2010. Check out a star on the rise as Sterling Knight is working towards superstardom and will have you singing his praises, or at least his songs as you watch this movie.

StarStruck: Extended Edition Rated: U.S. ‘TV-G.’ Canada ‘G’. Bonus materials not rated.Feature run time: Approximately 92 minutesAspect ratio: 1.33:1Sound: 5.1 Dolby Digital SoundLanguages: English

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.

The Great Mouse Detective - Mystery in the Mist Edition

The Great Mouse Detective – Mystery in the Mist Edition: Walt Disney Films –DVD Edition
Review by JAM



Some things only get better with time it seems, and the re-release of The Great Mouse Detective is definitely one of them. When our library seems filled with princesses and computer animation, sometimes a little mouse can remind us of our past and share lessons with our future (my daughters).

The toymaker Hiram Flaversham (voiced by Alan Young) is taken from his home in a daring attack by a crippled one-legged bat and only through quick thinking is able to hide his daughter Olivia (Susanne Pollatschek) before she is taken as well. Olivia, all alone in the city until she encounters a military mouse by the name of Dr. David Q. Dawson (Val Bettin), searches for the greatest mouse detective in the world, Basil of Baker Street, and the two companions by chance strike off to find Basil.

Basil of Baker Street (Barrie Ingham) is hot on the pursuit of his arch-nemesis that eludes his grasp at each and every turn, Professor Ratigan (the immortal Vincent Price). And as this pursuit is all encompassing to him, he pushes Olivia and Dr. Dawson aside as being inconsequential until the crippled bat is described. Realizing that the crippled bat is Fidget (Candy Candido), one of Ratigan’s thugs, Basil realizes that the two cases may be connected and enlists the help of a reluctant Dawson and an overeager yet unwanted Olivia.

Through the seedy underbelly of the mousy London, Basil and Dawson pursue the evil Ratigan even as the dastardly professor kidnaps the defenseless Olivia and prepares for his ultimate conquest. Yet good triumphs over evil once again, even with a detour through thoughts of failure, as Basil shows why he truly is the greatest of mouse detectives, especially teamed with his faithful companion Dr. Dawson.
JAMS Ink on The Great Mouse Detective

This movie shares a number of life lessons that are just as important now as when the movie was first released in 1986.

Number 1 – Kids know more than we think at times. Basil was quick to put Olivia off, even though she had insight that was essential for Basil to catch his arch-nemesis. Throughout much of the movie, Basil acts indifferent towards the little girl, only to realize at the end what he could have lost.

Number 2 – Be proud of who you are. Ratigan is brought down because of his obsession with not being considered a rat, but rather a mouse. This obsession drives him to the point of insanity as he loses control of himself if his heritage is even brought up. Basil also finds himself doubting who he truly is as the movie nears its climax, and only through the tough love help of Dr. Dawson does he find the reserve within himself to achieve greatness, and a good group photograph.

Number 3 – Two heads are often better than one. Throughout the many Sherlock Holmes adventures, there is never a doubt of the brilliance of Holmes, yet he also must have Watson at his side to keep him grounded in the here and now, and to find what he might miss. Dr. Dawson is much the same in this movie, as Basil recognizes it and proclaims him to be his partner in crime detection as the movie comes to a close.

The movie itself is a great return to childhood for those of us who may be a little older, but it is also great for our young ones too. My daughter was entranced by the movie and loved it just as much as any of her princess movies. I think the lesson came through that good people try hard to help other good people. And bad people, besides not being very nice, do not succeed in the end. Is it a little return to innocence? Maybe, but that’s what I want for me and my daughters. So I highly recommend The Great Mouse Detective for any parent out there that feels the same.

Extras

There is a new “So You Think You Can Sleuth” game along with the original release extras. The true bonus to the film is that it has been digitally remastered and restored. It makes for a beautiful film.

Bonus Features include:

So You Think You Can Sleuth – your chance to be a detective
The Making of The Great Mouse Detective – an interesting look into the making of this film
“The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” Sing Along
Dylan and Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray is Suite
Learn How to Take Your Favorite Movies on the Go

The Great Mouse Detective – Mystery in the Mist Edition from Disney scurries its way onto shelves on DVD on April 20, 2010. Make it elementary, and deduce that you need this DVD in your collection!

Top 5 Reasons to Go For the Gold (Make It or Break It: Season One)

Top 5 Reasons to Go For the Gold
(also known as Make it or Break it – Season One Review)
Review by JAM

Welcome to the new combination of the teenage soap opera drama of 90210 mixed with the intense sport competition of the Summer Games, with a side of Melrose Place when you watch the parental drama and you have the magic of Make It or Break It, ABC Family’s amazing gymnastic drama. While watching it, you must remember the immortal words of Joanne Charis (as played by Vanessa Lengies) from the classic movie Stick It, “It's not called gym-nice-stics.” From the very beginning, storylines involving career threatening injuries, boyfriends cheating with best friends, lying thieving backstabbing gymnasts, and we have not even begun to discuss what’s happening with the parents behind the scenes. Make It or Break It has been able to give us insight into the dramatic aspects of training for Olympic stardom, in a made for television dramatic train-wreck of a way, but I have been caught watching nonstop and so should you. In fact, here’s the top 5 reasons for you to watch Make It or Break It on ABC Family.

Number 5

The gymnastics – Much like the classic Stick It, real gymnasts are used for the majority of the stunts which gives it the true touch of realism, and everyone knows that gymnastics is one of those sports we can’t keep our eyes off of. I think everyone, male or female, wishes they had a little bit of that gymnastics magic in them, whether as simple as the ability to do a handstand or the ability to do a bar routine like Nastia Liukin. The scenes in the gym and at the competitions come off as real enough to keep this from becoming farcical as a sports show, and lets the drama stay where it belongs in the personal lives of the girls. As a former gymnast says, it would be fun to see more of the actual gymnastics, but it might bore the average person. She also says the show really chose good stunt doubles that don’t stand out when covering for the girls, so she appreciates that as well.

Number 4

Lauren Tanner as played by Cassie Scerbo – Lauren is that girl who anyone watching can see is trouble, but of course no one inside the show can. Let us see, she has been shown to be a thief often stealing for her own benefit, a louse of a best friend who continuously promises her loyalty and friendship, a opportunist who slept with her best friend’s secret boyfriend, and a conniving diva who uses this information to betray her friend to her father and try to steal the boyfriend away. And this was all just in the first season. She is the character that you love to hate and hate to watch, but you can’t turn your eyes away from the show. It will be interesting to see what happens as the show goes on.

Number 3

Working class – Emily Kmetko (played by Chelsea Hobbs) has to have a job to help the family pay the bills and continue in her gymnastics dream. Her mom Chloe (Susan Ward) jumps from job to job trying to keep her family together as a single mom. Mark Keeler (Brett Cullen) loses his higher paying job and ends up running a delivery truck to try to make ends meet. His wife Kim (Peri Gilpin) takes a job managing the gym to help out the coach, but also now to help her family. Gymnastics is one of those sports that costs a lot of money as well as the blood, sweat, and tears the girls donate. It gives Make It or Break It some more realism to show the families sacrificing to keep the girls dreams alive.

Number 2

The parents – Besides the Keelers and the Kmetkos mentioned above, the parents on the show are intriguing. The Tanners are an interesting family that lives a double life in order to protect a long gone mother. Originally telling the other girls that she is gone on a mission, it comes out that the last time she was seen was in rehab somewhere, and she never made her way back. Steve Tanner (Anthony Starke) is ready to move on with his life as he has begun to romance Summer Van Horne (Candace Cameron Bure), but Lauren of course wants to keep the roost to herself as daddy’s little girl. Then the Cruzs are another pair, with a former pro athlete father who tries to shield his little princess from too much and a mother who has cheated with a former coach from the gym. It is an interesting web that has been woven. Just as a little aside, Candace Cameron Bure has gone from playing a Tanner on Full House to romancing one in Make It or Break It.

Number 1

The gym – It has almost become its own character during the show, rather than just scenery. Gymnasts spend so much time training that the gym is really a second home, and it is interesting how the gymnasts treat it. Whether cleaning for punishment to bring the team together, being a place where people are offering up cortisone shots around parents’ backs, or broken into to continue broken dreams, the gym becomes more than just scenery as we see it hold power over the girls and their families throughout the show.

And now for the official Make It or Break It press release from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment… How far will they go to achieve their ultimate dream? Experience the rivalry and romance of four teenage girls on their path to Olympic gold in the original ABC Family series that has fans and critics cheering all across the nation. “You’ll flip for…Make It Or Break It,” raves David Hinkley of the New York Daily News. Who will rank #1 at Nationals and what will it take to get there? Viewers will flip for this engaging series chronicling the triumphs and heartbreaks as close friends balance their lives as high school students with the intense world of competitive gymnastics. Fans can relive the series that raises the bar on family drama, complete with a never-before-seen extended episode, and go behind the scenes to discover what it takes to perform such amazing stunts—only on DVD!

Bonus Features
• Never-Before-Seen Extended Finale
• Making It—Watch How These Stars Balance Acting With Difficult Stunts (This was an especially awesome extra with how it detailed the startup of the show along with a discussion on how much the girls had to train to look legit and how the transition between actress and stunt double stays so seemless)
• Deleted Scenes

Make It or Break It: Season One will be available on DVD for purchase here at Amazon.com and other fine retail establishments starting January 12th. Make It or Break It, a perfect 10 for anyone looking for gymnastics drama!

Make sure to visit www.hollywoodteenzine.com for this review and more!