DVD Review: Raising Hope The Complete First Season

Release Date: September 20, 2011
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 506 minutes

Life at the Chance’s will never be the same when Jimmy comes home with an unexpected gift. Follow one ill-equipped family as they navigate through the pleasures and annoyances of raising a baby. The Emmy Award® nominated** series, RAISING HOPE Season 1 comes to DVD on September 20th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment packed with exclusive featurettes, deleted and extended scenes, a gag reel, commentaries and the un-aired pilot never shown on television.

Created by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia, Raising Hope stars Lucas Neff, Martha Plimpton, Garret Dillahunt and Shannon Woodward. Cloris Leachman guest-stars as Maw Maw.

A one night stand becomes a life-long commitment when 23-year-old Jimmy Chance inadvertently impregnates a wanted felon and decides to raise Hope (aka Princess Beyonce) on his own. Jimmy, together with his family – his Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman), his mother Virginia (Martha Plimpton), and his father Burt (Garret Dillahunt) – face play dates, amusing family photo shoots, rock star dreams, vasectomies and much more in this uproariously irreverent, critically acclaimed first season of Raising Hope.

In case you missed "The Best Comedy On Television That You're Not Watching" post (read here) back in April... I think that Raising Hope is the comedy on television today that everyone should tune into faithfully each and every week. Raising Hope will result in you being in stitches from laughing so much. Talk about an hysterical show that also has direction, heart, great acting, and a outlandish yet incredibly grounded stories to tell.

This series has the best team of comedy writers hands down. My favorite episodes are easily "Romeo and Romeo," "A Germ of a Story," "Snip Snip," all of which are episodes I could watch everyday for the rest of my life and still laugh as if its a first viewing. The casting also could not have been any more perfect. Martha Plimpton shines and the father/son relationship between Jimmy and Burt is crafted and acted just as wonderfully! And the guest stars, some of which include Bijou Phillips, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Tichina Arnold, Amy Sedaris, and Phill Lewis were also a delight to see throughout the season.

Really, everyone involved in the show deserves a round of applause because their work is truly outstanding. It's easy to forget that this series is just in its first season because its just that good and such comfortable ground already, quirky as it is. So as I have encouraged you to do before, take a chance on the Chance Family! Get your copy of Raising Hope The Complete First Season and watch Season 2 Tuesday nights on Fox.

Bonus Features:
Pilot Commentary - The commentary is conducted by Lucas Neff, Martha Plimpton, Garret Dillahunt, and Greg Garcia. Since the entire main cast and Garcia are participating in the Pilot, I was anticipating a very entertaining commentary. The cast and Garcia did not disappoint. Throughout the 23 minute long episode, there is discussion about the casting of Hope, the changes made from the original script and unaired Pilot to the airing, Martha's singing and audition scene, and the laughs ensued from certain scenes. This is a fun commentary that will keep you on your toes wanting more. Too bad there is only one commentary. Perhaps there will be at least two more on the next DVD but until then, this will suffice!

Unaired Network Pilot (22:20 minutes) - If you viewed the Pilot with the commentary, you'll find out about a scene involving Jimmy Bottle Hands. The entire opening scene revolves around this in the unaired Pilot and brings for great laughs. The remainder of the unaired Pilot is just as hysterical and also a reminder of why I fell in love with the show in the first place. There are so many aspects to Virginia that we haven't seen since the first few episodes of the series and the unaired Pilot gives us even more of a reason to anticipate more ol' school Virginia in the current season. There's plenty to appreciate and love here so be sure to check out the unaired Pilot for some of the greatest laughs you'll ever have.

Season Finale Extended Cut (26 minutes) - Every extra moment of the Season Finale extended cut is worth watching, especially if you are a fan of back story, comedy, and as much Raising Hope as you can get. Between the unaired Pilot and the extended cut of the finale, I'd have to say that I actually really enjoyed this more because it was a flashback episode and I am a sucker for going into the past (or future) in any medium. This episode has "win" written all over it, extended cut or not.

Adorable Stars: Meet the Hopes (6:26 minutes) - This feature introduces viewers to twins, Rylie and Baylie Cregut. It is great to finally be able to meet the girls that play the star of the show along with the twins' Mother, Pamela Cregut. Garcia's joke about the pumpkin light was also hilarious. The spotlight is given to the twins for this short feature and will be a delight to watch in a few years down the road when the the girls are older and hopefully still on Raising Hope.

Appearing in this Feature:
Creator/Writer/Director, Greg Garcia
First AD, Susan Hellman
Cast Members, Lucas Neff, Shannon Woodward, Garret Dillahunt, Martha Plimpton, Gregg Binkley

Moments with Mrs. Chance (4:31 minutes) - A feature dedicated to the best moments from the lovely and oh so talented Martha Plimpton is what makes the special features complete. No need to create a compilation of your favorite Virginia moments to post on YouTube because that compilation is right here!

Taking Chance: Shooting the Season Finale (11:29 minutes) - The entire cast and Greg Garcia took some time out on the set of the finale to talk about the first season finale, which takes place five years in the past. The interviews showcase the visual gags, surprises, and working on a flashback episode with an abundance of scenes to shoot well into the early hours of the morning. I would recommend someone who is watching the show for the first time to watch this feature right before the finale (if they don't mind being spoiled about a thing or two) because it really feels like more of a peak into the finale more than the nitty gritty details of putting the episode together. Garcia does talk about expanding this world in season two, so that is a treat since the second season has just begun on Fox. There's so much to appreciate on this show, especially the outlandish dialogue that as Plimpton mentions, is grounded in its own reality. Season one is a clear example of a comedy done right. It's not just about the jokes but as Garcia mentioned, being invested in these characters' lives and that's what makes the finale so special and this feature worth watching.

Gag Reel (5:41 minutes) - The gag reel comes full circle as it begins with one of the twins giving a crew member the death stare after her prop toy was lowered from her mouth... and the last montage of the reel is of the adorable twins from different episodes. In between, it is evident that the set of Raising Hope is one of the most joyful sets on the lot today. Surely this gag reel could have been longer but with the length that it is, it greatly displays the positive chemistry on set and will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Deleted and Extended Scenes (19:40 minutes) - There are about a little more than dozen extra scenes from half of the episodes this season shown here and the scene in which Sabrina tells Jimmy to "take it easy on the exclams" is definitely the most hysterical. Check out these scenes if you want more Raising Hope!

Own Raising Hope The Complete First Season on DVD today.

Music Update: Lelia Broussard

Since the 2010 release of her album, Masquerade (available on iTunes), Lelia Broussard has been very busing working on her next project which I am thrilled to share is a live acoustic album set to be recorded this October!


Lelia will be recording the album in New York City and is using Pledge Music to raise the money for the recording and tour this fall. It’s similar to the Kickstarter Project except this particular record will only be released through Pledge, which you can get to by going to Lelia's official website.

The best part? Lelia will be donating a part of the funds to The Human Rights Campaign, as it supports several issues close to her heart. There are just 20 hours left to lend your support for the project, so head on over to Pledge Music and support some of the best independent music that you'll ever listen to.

And if you haven't yet... be sure to pick up my favorite work of Lelia's, Waiting On the 9 on iTunes and my interview with Lelia from 2008 here.

DVD Review: Glee The Complete Second Season

Release Date: September 13, 2011
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1000 minutes

Bring home the complete second season of TV's most exhilarating series! Despite their loss at the Regionals, the kids in New Directions are more motivated than ever. And whether it's Will doing a sexy tango with a substitute teacher (Gwyneth Paltrow), Sue joining the Glee Club, or everyone catching Bieber fever, the excitement at William McKinley High School is keeping everyone on their toes. With more incredible musical numbers, hugely popular guest stars like John Stamos, Carol Burnett and Kristin Chenowith and lots of behind-the-scenes special features, "Glee Season 2" hits all the right notes.

The second season of Glee brought a few unexpected fireworks which took the show to a whole new level. Gwyneth Paltrow guest starring and the addition of Darren Criss in particular took Glee to new heights. Dare I say the Warblers were the better Glee club each time one of their numbers debuted. Then there are the returning guest stars who were a bright light in their own right as well as the Britney Spears cameo, Britney centric episode, Lady Gaga centric episode, Rocky Horror themed episode and the unforgettable holiday episodes (Christmas, Valentine's Day) to add to the unforgettable moments of the season. Perhaps the most stand out moments are the "Original Song" episode and season finale when the Glee club goes to New York since the cast and crew actually packed up to film in the city.

Getting to New York was a major accomplishment for everyone involved in New Directions as they have all come such a long way since season one. The character development and growth in season two is almost astounding if you look at the progress in season one. The focus was definitely shifted in season two to a point where it was not all about the music and a better balance was found between the music and the story as well as the characters. Thankfully, we did not have to endure outlandish stories such as Terri's fake pregnancy in season one, this season. There was plenty of space instead for one liners from Brittany and the rest of kids and staff at McKinley High.

As for songs, my top 10 list would most likely include these numbers: "Empire State of Mind," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Sing!," "Teenage Dream," "Forget You," "Singin' in the Rain/Umbrella," "Valerie," "Thriller/Heads Will Roll," "I Feel Pretty/Unpretty," and "I Love New York/New York, New York." The arrangements of these numbers in particular were so unique and the artists were so heartfelt in each and every tone. Glee really gave me a reason to be gleeful this year and I'm not the only one who can say that - just look at the numbers. Glee has been breaking records everywhere and for a good reason. The second half of Glee Season 2 I found to be most entertaining but it's all great entertainment that you would want in your TV collection, so be sure to pick up your copy of Season 2 today!



Bonus Features:
Glee Music Jukebox - The jukebox is back! Gleeks can "play all" of the musical numbers by disc or by the episode per disc and there is also the option to shuffle the musical numbers. So Gleeks will not have to worry about shelling the extra money for a stand alone DVD of all of the Glee Season 2 music.

Disc 2
The Making of the “Rocky Horror Glee Show” (6:48 minutes) - This is a fun feature which takes viewers on the set of Glee while the cast and crew film “Rocky Horror Glee Show." Hair, makeup, Chord Overstreet's costume, Adam Shankman's directing process, and Amber Riley's "Sweet Transvestite" number are points of discussion. Though a favorite may be the small portion of Jayma Mays' audition video viewers get to see. Mays actually performed a Rocky Horror number for her audition that she ended up singing in this episode. Who said this role wasn't for her? This is a fun feature that showcases the right cast members for the episode. You can tell that everyone was really excited about covering Rocky Horror so the energy is very high and will captivate Glee fans everywhere, no matter their relationship with Rocky Horror.

Also Appearing in this Feature:
Cast Members, Matthew Morrison, John Stamos, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Chord Overstreet, Cory Monteith
Choreographer, Zach Woodlee
Writer/ Executive Producer, Brad Falchuck

Exclusive Bonus Song – “Planet, Schmanet, Janet” (1:12 minutes) - This is an extra song from Rocky Horror sung by John Stamos for the fans to listen to. There's not much to see, except for the iconic Rocky Horror lips but the song, though short, is a fun one, so be sure to listen.

Disc 3
Getting Waxed with Jane Lynch (6:09 minutes) - In this feature, viewers finally get a peak at the process of getting waxed for Madame Tussauds! Our first visual is of Lynch getting measured for her soon to be wax. We also watch Lynch deciding on a pose, and the crew getting the hair color right for the figure. Marketing Director, Drew Potton and Sculptor, Dan Woodley talk about the process throughout this feature, especially when it is time to head to the UK where the wax figures are made in 3-4 months. Cut to the unveiling on Hollywood Blvd where it seems one of Lynch's Glee Cast mate and one of the creators came out to support the event. The wax figure process is quite an intriguing one, so for those interested in seeing what the celebrity's involvement is here, check out this feature.

The Wit of Brittany (2:21 minutes) - This feature is a compilation of Heather Morris' best lines as Brittany S. Pierce on Glee and is without a doubt the most hysterical special feature on this DVD collection. Sue’s Quips (2:16 minutes) and Santana Slams (2:52 minutes) on Disc 6 are features of the same light and are just as delightful to watch.

Glee at Comic Con 2010 (14:54 minutes) - A portion of the Glee panel as well as Q&A from San Diego Comic Con 2010 is shared on the DVD. As someone who has been attending Comic Con for years and attended this panel in particular, I was hoping for a shot of the Ballroom 20 audience or a Flip video cam from one or more of the cast members as they navigated their way through Comic Con. Perhaps when the show makes it to Hall H that will happen. It was very exciting watching this feature since I was so focused on live tweeting during the panel and taking video that I really did not get a moment to really enjoy the moment that I was in. So this feature is a refreshing memory for me and hopefully will continue to expand if Glee continues to attend Comic Con.

Disc 6
Building Glee’s Auditorium with Cory Monteith (5:32 minutes) - Cory Monteith takes viewers on a tour of the on set Mckinley High auditorium on Stage 16 in the Paramount Pictures Lot. The auditorium seats 500 people at capacity just like the auditorium in Long Beach, CA that it is based on. Set Decorator, Barbara Munich and Production Designer, Mark Hutman detail their job responsibilities and the process of building the auditorium while footage is shown at an accelerated speed of the auditorium being built on the lot. For those interested in an aspect of filming that is not often discussed, definitely check out this feature to get to know more about some of the unseen faces that are responsible for making the visuals look so good. Executive Producer, Dante DiLoreto also makes an appearance in this feature.

A Day in the Life of Brittany (5:46 minutes) - Heather Morris drives around the Paramount Set as Brittany S. Pierce as she takes viewers to her trailer, the makeup trailer, the crafts service room, dance studio, and recording studio. This a fun and unique look at a day in the life of Heather Morris while also giving us a bit of a tour as well. Must watch!

Appearing in this Feature:
Key Makeup Artist, Jen Greenberg
Choreographer, Zach Woodlee
Music Producer, Adam Anders

Shooting Glee in New York City (10:32 minutes) - In probably the most fulfilling moment for New Directions and even the cast and crew so far, Glee has come to New York! So this feature takes viewers behind the scenes of the cast and crew's experience filming in the city, shooting in Time Square, the Gershwin Theatre, Central Park, and Lincoln Center among other places and all in front of massive amount of fans that was overwhelming at times. For those who did not follow the paparazzi blogs while Glee was in the city, you'll find out here that Mayor, Michael Bloomberg welcomed the Glee cast and crew to the city just 6 hours after everyone made it over to the East Coast. This whole feature is a bittersweet moment because it's a rare time that the entire original cast of Glee will get this experience together as there will be some casting shake ups come season four and we have yet to find out if New Directions will make it to Nationals this season as well as if it will stay in New York. So this was definitely a fun feature, too bad it could not have been a bit longer, to see what the cast did on their little bit of time off while in the city or see more interaction with the fans (such as Mark while at Lincoln Center). Great feature though, definitely check it out Gleeks!

Also Appearing in this Feature:
Cast Members, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Heather Morrison, Dianna Agron, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Ashley Fink
Executive Producers, Dante DiLoreto and Brad Falchuck
Choreographer, Zach Woodlee

Guesting on Glee (8:07 minutes) - In this feature, viewers get to see guest starts, John Stamos, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cheyenne Jackson, Charice, Jonathan Groff, Kristin Chenoweth, Katie Couric, and Carol Burnett sit down for mini interviews on set to talk about their experience on the show. It's a fun feature that doesn't really give any insight into anything but is just a great point of interest to showcase.

Stevie Nicks Goes Glee (3:35 minutes) -
Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Gwyneth Paltrow, and others talk about the incredible moment in which Stevie Nicks made a surprise visit to the set of Glee for the episode in which the song that she wrote, "Landslide" was featured. A portion of a speech she gave to the cast was shown and it was very heartfelt and inspirational and special. You can tell that what she said will never be forgotten by those who heard the speech. Her words held such incredible weight and really encouraged the actors never forget why this project in particular is so special. Nicks fan or not, you'll appreciate her enthusiasm and pure joy for all things Glee.



Own Glee The Complete Second Season on DVD today.

Warehouse 13 Season Finale Sneak Peak & Being Human Season 2 Teaser

This Monday night will be the two-hour season finale of Warehouse 13! There is something transmitting from within the Warehouse, and Pete and Myka are racing through the multitude of sections trying to find out who or what it is while Artie and Claudia try to track it from back in the office. Chaos ensues and it will surely leave us with a lot to think about while the show is on hiatus, so be sure to catch the last of all new Warehouse 13 until next summer!



And while we've still got a ways to go until the Being Human Season 2 premiere, Syfy has released a teaser!



Watch the Warehouse 13 Season Finale this Monday, October 3, 2011 at 9/8c only on Syfy.

Being Human returns January 2012 only on Syfy.

Also, I'll be in Orlando, Florida next week for the Syfy Digital Press Tour interviewing your favorite actors from Syfy so be sure to tweet me (@melodysimpson) your questions!

Book Review - BRIGHT YOUNG ROYALS: Your Guide to the Next Generation of Bluebloods

The media may have Wills and Kate fever, but the monarchy doesn’t end there. More than ever before, nightclubs and ski slopes are teeming with a new generation of hip young royals—many of them single and looking for love. Packed with full-color photographs and page after page of gorgeous profiles, BRIGHT YOUNG ROYALS: Your Guide to the Next Generation of Bluebloods (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; $15.00; October 4, 2011) is a glamorous must-have guide to the smartest, best-looking crowd the world’s monarchies have ever produced. Readers will discover where they work, where they play and who has what it takes to win their royal hearts.

BRIGHT YOUNG ROYALS explores hot topics such as:

° Who is the most eligible?
° Where to find them?
° How to be certain the royal life is for you
° Royal Cinderella stories
° Power couples
° Ideal qualities of a princess, including: discretion, compassion and self-reliance.

And more…

If you have been looking for a reference guide of today's young royalty, it is finally here. Whether you are planning your own fairytale or are simply curious about who's who, Jerramy Fine's guide is here to help you. The book is divided into sections, including "Young, Hot, & Royal," "Most Eligible," "Most Titled Talent," "Cinderella Stories," - yes, Kate Middleton is not the first and only regular citizen who married a royal... "Recent Royal Brides," and "Power Couples." The best is saved for last with the final section of the book dedicated to "The Brightest, Youngest Queen," Queen Rania of Jordan.

Each profile (photographs included) breaks down each individuals' royal heritage, love life, and charities while also informing readers about their education history, military experience if applicable, languages spoken, favorite activities, where they are most likely to be found, and more. If the first few pages don't make you feel inferior, then the quiz, "Certain the Royal Life is For You?" will remind you that only a certain few are not only prepared for the royal life on paper but can actually handle all that goes along with the title every single day for the rest of their life. On the flip side, this book will encourage its readers to be the best that they can be and become a royal in their own right. If there's one place to start, I'd encourage the readers to simply go through all of the charities that are listed in the book and begin giving back.

Forget the title and the crown. There's nothing more rewarding than giving back, so make this guide worth something more than you could have ever imagined and help those in need who are simply trying to survive, let alone win over a royal. Make someone else feel like royalty for a day. There are also other great uses for this book. For instance, one of your favorite royals may inspire you to go back to school and/or learn another language or two. There's a lot that is expected from a royal, and this reference guide is really only the beginning of what the daily life of a royal entails. But Bright Young Royals is a great overview and will get you started on your way to living a truly accomplished life... the good life.

Own Bright Young Royals: Your Guide to the Next Generation of Bluebloods by Jerramy Fine October 4, 2011.

Lifetime is Set to Air FIVE October 10

This October, Lifetime will premiere its groundbreaking original movie event, Five (formerly Project Five), an anthology of five short films exploring the impact of breast cancer on people’s lives directed by Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore, Independent Spirit Award winner Patty Jenkins (The Killing) and Penelope Spheeris (Wayne’s World).

From executive producers Aniston, Marta Kauffman (Friends), Paula Wagner (The Last Samurai, Mission: Impossible), Kristin Hahn (The Departed, The Switch), Kevin Chinoy (Greg the Bunny, Warren the Ape) and Francesca Silvestri (Greg the Bunny, Warren the Ape), Five features an all-star ensemble cast, including Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson (Pieces of April), Rosario Dawson (Sin City), David Eigenberg (Sex and the City), Lyndsy Fonseca (How I Met Your Mother), Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Josh Holloway (Lost), Taylor Kinney (The Vampire Diaries), Jenifer Lewis (The Princess and the Frog), Jennifer Morrison (House M.D.), Kathy Najimy (WALL-E), Golden Globe Award winner Bob Newhart (Horrible Bosses), Annie Potts (Law & Order: SVU), Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends), Emmy and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub (Monk), Emmy nominees Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) and Jeanne Tripplehorn (Big Love), along with Xander Berkeley (24), Alan Ruck (Spin City) and Scott Wilson (In Cold Blood).



To empower the Lifetime audience with support, resources and ways to take action in the fight against breast cancer, Lifetime created the FIVE Coalition with today’s leading national organizations including the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, LIVESTRONG, The National Breast Cancer Coalition, The Noreen Fraser Foundation, The Prevent Cancer Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

An exclusive public service announcement by Demi Moore will urge all to join in the fight to stop breast cancer and will premiere during the airing of FIVE.



Lifetime’s Five also shares the vision of Walgreens Way to Well Commitment, an initiative aimed at disease prevention and improving everyday health through education and early detection of today’s leading diseases - cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Working with the nation’s leading health organizations, Walgreens is bringing $100 million in health testing services, preventive health care resources and charitable programs to its stores nationwide over the next four years.

In October, Walgreens prescription bottles will have pink caps with the image of a pink ribbon and the message “Get screened for early detection.” In addition to the pink caps, Walgreens and its customers, through in-store donation programs in October of 2011 and October of 2012, will donate a minimum of $1 Million to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support Breast Self Awareness programs, including mammograms, in support of the fight against breast cancer.



FIVE airs Monday, October 10, 2011 at 9/8c on Lifetime.

Chin Han Talks Contagion & Restless

You've seen him in the blockbuster films, 2012 and The Dark Knight and now you can see Chin Han in the action-thriller, Contagion, opposite Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, and Marion Cotillard. But that's not all. Han also stars in the new Gus Van Sant film, Restless, produced by Ron Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard. Han recently took some time to talk about it all in an interview with Hollywood the Write Way. Check it out:



Contagion is an incredible film! What was your favorite aspect of shooting?
The best part was getting to work with Steven Soderbergh. He is an amazing director, cinematographer, editor... you feel his hand prints all over the movie. He also takes suggestions from the actors, so that was also really great. And Marion Cotillard was such a joy to work with. She does so much with so little. We had to act behind the surgical masks and even then she was incredibly expressive. As an actor, I enjoyed working off of that. It was also great to be back in Hong Kong. I was there a few years ago to work on The Dark Knight so it was nice to head back and shoot another movie there.

What did you learn from the director, Steven Soderbergh while on set that you will always take with you to future sets?
All of the directors that I have worked with, have been the epitome of having grace under pressure. You hear a lot of horror stories coming out of Hollywood about that particular director and this other director but all of the directors I have worked with have been complete gentlemen. They are incredibly creative, have an amazing vision, and have the full support of the cast and crew and that is something that I would want if I were to become a director... which I may intend to do in the next few years.

That is interesting that you mention that because I was going to ask if you were interested in writing, producing, or directing in the future.
Yeah, that is all in the works right now. I am working on a screenplay right now actually and plan to start directing in the next few years.

So what would you say has been the most surprising fact that you have learned while in production for the film?
Well, I had a firsthand experience with a widespread mystery illness while living in Singapore in 2003. So a lot of the things that were brought to the screenplay and movie are very realistic. I can vouch for that because I experienced it firsthand. Though, you're never quite prepared for the truth. When you think about the rate of transmission, especially with air travel and living in such close proximities in cities... how quickly something can spread, it is still somewhat shocking.

Yeah, it is. You are actually touching on my next question which is... what is it about these disaster type films that intrigues people so much?
(laughs) I don't know. I think all of us have a sense that we can do better with our environment, the way we live, and the way we treat each other. I think what happens with these kinds of movies, whether it is 2012 or Contagion, we like to see and be reminded that we can do more. Also, it is very cathartic since we are fearful of the economy, terrorists, and resources running out. These disaster movies are almost therapeutic because you go in and see the whole world destroyed and you come out with a sigh of relief that that is not the reality.

Can you tell us about your role in the upcoming film, RESTLESS?
Restless is a very, very unusual love story about these two young lovers who have an obsession with death. It was so weird and lovely that I had to do it. I play the doctor that is treating the terminally ill protagonist played by Mia Wasikowska. There are very few adults in this movie. The adults are almost invisible in these young people's lives. My character becomes a bit of a mentor to the young boy. So that was a nice change of pace for me, I really enjoyed working on this movie.

So the characters have an obsession with death but what are your obsessions outside of acting?
I love movies and theatre and I have an obsession with dance. I love to go to ballets and I love to watch modern dance no matter where I am. If I am in Chicago or London, I will seek out a ballet or something to watch. I personally do not dance but I finding it very moving. I am also very fascinated with architecture. I just got back from the Venice Film Festival, where Contagion premiered, and of course Venice is a smorgasbord of interesting architecture (laughs). I could spend the whole day just wondering the streets of Venice.

Contagion is in theaters now.

MUST WATCH: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WAYS ON HISTORY

Why take any old car when you can get where you’re going by rickshaw or hovercraft?



Photo Credit: Smallz and Raskind

Robert “Boston Rob” Mariano (Survivor, The Amazing Race) and Dennis Anderson (creator of the monster truck Gravedigger), hosts of the upcoming new series AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WAYS must employ 80 different forms of transportation while traveling around the world without repeating any vehicle.

The 10-part series is an extreme expedition that will take the hosts not only across the miles, but through time as they explore the history behind the many ways people have gotten around throughout the ages. This buddy adventure takes Rob and Dennis through Brazil, Peru, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Dubai, India, Thailand, and the United States. Sometimes they must join forces, while at other times they work against each other. At times they even have to invent and build their own means of transport. Talk about an adventure! This is without a doubt a must watch series this fall. So be sure to tune in!





AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WAYS series premiere airs Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 10pm on HISTORY.

Trailer: New Year's Eve

If you enjoyed Gary Marshall's Valentine’s Day, which I did, then you will definitely enjoy New Year's Eve which comes out this December. The film stars some of my favorite actors including Julie Andrews, Alyssa Milano, Hilary Swank, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher (Valentine's Day), Michelle Pfeiffer, and Josh Duhamel. That's not even half of the faces that you'll recognize in this ensemble romantic comedy. Though based on the trailer, I feel like Valentine's Day is going to hold a bigger place in my heart. Odd since I favor the holiday, New Year's Eve more than Valentine's Day. But we'll see! I am very excited for the film's release and will be sure to be one of the first in line to see it. What do you think?

New Year's Eve releases in theaters December 8, 2011.

The Liam Neeson Film Collection Is Coming This November

Release Date: November 1, 2011
Rating: NR

Get ready for action, adventure, suspense and great performances when THE LIAM NEESON FILM COLLECTION comes to DVD November 1 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. This is the first time a collection of this kind has been released for the star across all major studios making it a prime gift for the holidays!

Spanning 25 years of popular films starring the Academy Award® nominated actor,* THE LIAM NEESON FILM COLLECTION is the ultimate DVD set for any Neeson fan. Titles include: The Bounty, A Prayer for the Dying, High Spirits, Shining Through, Nell, Rob Roy, Kinsey, Kingdom of Heaven and Taken.

THE LIAM NEESON FILM COLLECTION contains 10 discs of Neeson’s most enthralling work including a bonus disc of special feature content for the masterpiece Kingdom of Heaven. Watch Neeson in roles as varied a small town doctor in Nell to a former CIA agent on a mission to save his only daughter in Taken. The collection also features excellent performances by Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins, Mickey Rourke, Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, Jessica Lange, Tim Roth, Orlando Bloom, and Peter O’Toole.

Own the must have The Liam Neeson Film Collection on DVD November 1, 2011.

One For the Money Official Poster

I was in for quite a shock when I saw author, Janet Evanovich on Good Morning America earlier this summer promoting her seventeeth book in the Stephanie Plum series. The woman was promoting her seventeeth book in the series and I had never heard of her. As a book lover, I found this to be a disgrace, so I immediately bought the first book and I am now on my way to catching up to the latest book in the series. While I will not be all caught up by the time the time Explosive Eighteen releases in November, I do plan on reading half of the series by the time the first book in the series, One for the Money comes to the big screen this January.

Speaking of the film adaptation, fans of the series, what do you think of the just released Official Poster? What do you think of the cast? For those not in the know about the upcoming film, check out a synopsis below:



Katherine Heigl brings Stephanie Plum - the popular heroine of Janet Evanovich's worldwide best-selling sixteen-book mystery series - to vibrant life in Lionsgate and Lakeshore Entertainment's ONE FOR THE MONEY.

A proud, born-and-bred Jersey girl, Stephanie Plum's got plenty of attitude, even if she's been out of work for the last six months and just lost her car to a debt collector. Desperate for some fast cash, Stephanie turns to her last resort: convincing her sleazy cousin to give her a job at his bail bonding company...as a recovery agent. True, she doesn't even own a pair of handcuffs and her weapon of choice is pepper spray, but that doesn't stop Stephanie from taking on Vinny's biggest bail-jumper: former vice cop and murder suspect Joe Morelli - yup, the same sexy, irresistible Joe Morelli who seduced and dumped her back in high school.

Nabbing Morelli would be satisfying payback - and a hefty payday - but as Stephanie learns the ins and outs of becoming a recovery agent from Ranger, a hunky colleague who's the best in the business, she also realizes the case against Morelli isn't airtight. Add to the mix her meddling family, a potentially homicidal boxer, witnesses who keep dying and the problem of all those flying sparks when she finds Morelli himself...well, suddenly Stephanie's new job isn't nearly as easy as she thought.

Starring Katherine Heigl, ONE FOR THE MONEY is a fresh, funny action-comedy directed by Julie Anne Robinson and also starring Jason O'Mara, Daniel Sunjata, John Leguiziamo, Debbie Reynolds and Debra Monk. Screenplay by Stacy Sherman & Karen Ray and Liz Brixius.

Update 9/29/11 Watch the trailer here.

One For the Money Releases in Theaters January 27, 2012.

Rescue Me The Final Season On DVD September 13

In case you missed it, check out my review of the Rescue Me series finale, also known as my love letter to the cast and crew of my favorite series on FX period. For those of you who want to own one of the best dramas on television ever, you can complete your collection of Rescue Me this month!



Rescue Me: The Final Season has a host of special features including...
· Denis Loves Lenny: A Match Made in Hell
· Kicking the Ashes and Mopping Up: An Attempt to Remember Season 6
· The Creators’ Last Call
· Burning the Actors at Both Ends Gag Reel
· Balls!

I don't know what context to take that last feature as, but I cannot wait to watch every single last one of these features! Ahhh, I cannot wait!

Rescue Me: The Final Season comes to DVD Tuesday, September 13, 2011.

10 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT THE LION KING

With The Lion King 3D set to release for the first time in theaters on
September 16th and on Disney Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and Blu-ray 3D ™ October
4th, here are some fun facts about the Disney classic.



FUN FACT NUMBER ONE… THE ORIGINAL TITLE OF THE MOVIE
“When I first started work on The Lion King, the movie was called King Of
The Jungle,” reveals the film’s producer Don Hahn. “King Of The Jungle was
a metaphor for this allegorical story about human behavior. We were thinking
about the idea of how it’s a jungle out there and Simba has to exist in this
jungle. However, there was no jungle in our story; they’re out on a savannah.
Another title we looked into was King Of The Beasts, which made more sense
because a lion is the king of beasts – but then we threw that out because
we wanted to focus on a simple story about a lion king. At that stage we
thought, ‘Why not call it The Lion King?’ The story is about a kid who wants to be king and his uncle frames him for murder, so he grows up in the wilderness and then he has to come back to claim his throne. That’s the whole story, and it’s all about a lion king, so the name stuck.”

FUN FACT NUMBER TWO… PRIDE ROCK WAS CREATED IN BURBANK!
“We took a trip to Kenya to research the animals and the landscape for the
movie,” explains The Lion King co-director Roger Allers. “There wasn’t much time for sketching during the trip because the animals were always very quick, but we did a lot of photo research and we absorbed the feel of the landscape and the weather. In the movie, Pride Lands is modeled after many different areas of Kenya. There are certain things lifted from the landscape around the Samburu District, but we used a variety of inspirations. Many people try to say, “Pride Rock is based on this mountain here.” But they are wrong. An artist in Burbank invented Pride Rock.

FUN FACT NUMBER THREE… ZAZU WAS ORIGINALLY A SMALLER SPECIES OF BIRD
“In the early stages of development, Zazu was a little, pointy-beaked bird,”
reveals co-director Roger Allers. “I can’t remember the exact species, but we
decided to change him into something very different after our research trip to
Africa. We kept seeing these wonderful hornbill birds hopping around the place and they had so much character. The upward curve of their beak suggested a sense of haughtiness to them; and at the same time they had wonderful feathery legs that looked like they were wearing pajama bottoms. They looked so funny and they had so much personality that we knew Zazu would have to be a hornbill. It really added to his character.”

FUN FACT NUMBER FOUR… IT TOOK NINE MONTHS TO CONVERT THE MOVIE INTO 3D
“When I first heard that The Lion King was going to be converted into 3D, I
wasn’t sure it could be done,” reveals producer Don Hahn. “However, I was blown away by the results. It looks fantastic! All in all, it took about nine months to complete the process. We spent the first three months preparing and testing the shots, followed by six months of actual production work.”

FUN FACT NUMBER FIVE… THE CREATIVE TEAM BROUGHT REAL LIONS INTO THE ANIMATION STUDIO TO RESEARCH THEIR MOVEMENTS
“When Walt Disney worked on Bambi, he brought a variety of forest animals into the animation studio for research,” reveals The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff. “The artists could see how the animals looked up close and they could observe how they moved around, so it was a great way to study the wildlife. That inspired us to bring real lions and cubs into the studio to research the animals of The Lion King. A very famous animal expert called Jim Fowler, who was the host of a television show called Mutual Of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, brought the animals in for us. It was very exciting and very informative for all of the animators working on the movie.”

FUN FACT NUMBER SIX… RAFIKI WAS A VERY DIFFERENT CHARACTER IN EARLY VERSIONS OF THE STORY
“In the early stages of production, the character of Rafiki was very different to
the character you see in the finished film,” admits co-director Roger Allers. “In
early versions of the story, Rafiki was a serious counselor to the king. He was a very wise man, so we hired the actor Robert Guillaume to do the voice. However, by the time Robert came into record the voice, the character had completely changed. We had come up with the idea of Rafiki being more of a crazy hermit monk. He was now a wacky and mysterious character with a mystical side and a wisdom that shows through occasionally – but a very playful, nutty side too. Robert is a very dignified person and this wasn’t what he had signed up for, so we spent the first recording session trying to find the voice and the laugh of Rafiki. Robert nailed it that day and the rest is history.”

FUN FACT NUMBER SEVEN… NATHAN LANE AND ERNIE SABELLA ORIGINALLY AUDITIONED FOR THE ROLE OF THE HYENAS
“The casting process for The Lion King was extremely long and very involved,” explains co-director Rob Minkoff. “We went through lots of different ideas for the various roles in the movie, but two of the great successes were Timon and Pumbaa. Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella were performing in a Broadway production of Guys And Dolls in 1992, when The Lion King was being made.

They came to an audition in New York and they bumped into each other in the
lobby, which is when they discovered they were both auditioning for the roles of hyenas. They asked the casting director if they could audition together and they were hilarious as they read their lines, but they didn’t seem right for the hyenas. That’s when we thought, ‘What if we use them as Timon and Pumbaa?’ It was the perfect fit.”

FUN FACT NUMBER EIGHT… THE HAKUNA MATATA SONG WASN’T IN THE ORIGINAL SCRIPT
“In the early stages of production, we had a song called He’s Got It All Worked Out in the movie,” reveals co-director Rob Minkoff. “We wanted a fun, bug- eating song because we wanted to convey the idea that Simba is not being a lion when he meets Timon and Pumbaa; he’s giving up his lion ways and he’s moving into this new life away from his home. However, we couldn’t convince everybody that making the entire song about eating bugs was a good idea. Soon after, the research team came back from their trip to Africa with the phrase ‘Hakuna Matata’. We talked about it in a meeting with Tim Rice – and that’s when the idea struck. I remember Tim saying, ‘Hmmm… Hakuna Matata. It’s a bit like Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo.’ A song was born!”

FUN FACT NUMBER NINE… PUMBAA’S BELLY-RUBBING WAS INSPIRED BY AN ANIMATOR’S WIFE
“My wife was pregnant with our first child during the time I was working on The Lion King,” explains animator Tony Bancroft. “If you watch a pregnant woman – – you’ll notice that they like to rub their bellies. It makes them feel comfortable. It’s appeasing. Well, I used to watch my wife rubbing her belly and it made me think, ‘That would be such a fun element to put into Pumbaa since he’s a big, fat guy.’ When you see Pumbaa lying on his back staring up at the stars in the movie, you’ll notice he does that gesture. I animated that scene and I had him stroking his stomach softly like a pregnant woman because it seemed so natural. It makes him more human and relatable.”

FUN FACT NUMBER TEN… THE FILMMAKERS ORIGINALLY WANTED CHEECH AND CHONG TO PLAY THE HYENAS IN THE MOVIE
“We had a really tough time finding the right voices for the hyenas in the movie,” reveals co-director Rob Minkoff. “Gary Trousdale, one of the directors of Beauty And The Beast, helped us out in the early stages of development and he created an entire storyboard of the hyenas as if they were played by Cheech and Chong. It was hilarious, but Cheech and Chong weren’t working together at the time, so we knew we wouldn’t be able to book the pair for the roles. Around that same time we heard that Whoopi Goldberg was interested in the film and when we asked her if she’d like to voice a hyena she said, ‘Yeah, great.’ So we got Cheech and Whoopi instead of Cheech and Chong!”

Own The Lion King on Disney Blu-ray Hi-Def and Blu-ray 3D October 4, 2011.

DVD Review: Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout

Release Date: September 12, 2011 (Target and Target.com), December 6, 2011 (Nationwide)
Running Time: Approx. 50 min., plus bonus

Following the success of Body by Bethenny, celebrated author and reality TV star Bethenny Frankel returns with Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout, debuting on DVD from Acacia on Monday, September 12, 2011 exclusively at Target and on Target.com (SRP: $16.99). Bethenny is the star of Bethenny Getting Married? (the most-watched series premiere in Bravo's history), and New York Times bestselling author of Naturally Thin, The Skinnygirl Dish, and A Place of Yes. Since people always ask Bethenny how she stays in shape, she created Body by Bethenny last year, and this creative-based follow-up features three yoga workouts (two 15-minute, one 20-minute) with instructor Mike McArdle.

"Do you hear my Darth Vader breathing?" - Bethenny

As a fan of Bethenney Frankel and supporter of all of her endeavors, I was very enthusiastic about trying out Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout which hits stores this fall. The work out begins with an introduction from Bethenny which is just under 2 minutes in length in which she lets the viewer know what they are in for. She stresses that consistency and enjoyment are key in this 3 part work out, which works out the entire body. I definitely enjoyed myself throughout the hour that I put aside for this DVD. She also mentioned that this workout DVD can be for a first time yogi or an experienced yogi. Those are two very different levels, so I was very interested in finding out if that were true. As an intermediate "yogi," I found the first workout, which is 15 minutes in length to be a breeze. Although there wasn't much time to stay in any one position for too long which was a bit odd. The second workout, which is 20 minutes in length held about three challenges for me, two of which were moves that I was previously unfamiliar with. My best workout of the three definitely came from workout two. Also, Bethenny's dog, Cookie makes a brief appearance towards the end of workout two. Workout three is 15 minutes in length and will really help people work on their balance, which I need lots of practice with while the 12 minute bonus stretch really aids the viewer in getting in touch with muscles that they did not know they had!

What's really great about this workout is that Bethenny Frankel is not a professional yogi, so she feels how we feel while doing these work outs and because of her personality, she has no problem saying how she feels about it all. This makes for the most comedic work out DVD that I have ever owned. Talk about unrehearsed. It's as if I'm participating in a private work out session of hers. Another great aspect of this DVD is that Bethenny and New York City yoga instructor, Mike McArdle are not over the top peppy like most workout trainers are on DVD. Of course that enthusiasm may be a great encouragement to many, but this work out feels like more of a relaxation than actual work, so there is no dramatized enthusiasm needed. In fact, among her many tips, Bethenny encourages going at your own pace and taking a break when needed. Although, after you get used to the pace and routine of the poses, there really should be no need for a break during a 15 or 20 minute work out. Perhaps if you press play all. She does "shake it out" a few times, which I too found myself doing a bit so it was encouraging to see her do it as I have never seen that take place in yoga DVDs. She's realistic about the whole yoga approach for newbies and intermediates and that is a huge comfort. Also, Mike McArdle is a wonderful instructor, walking the viewer through every pose. There is not a moment that McArdle is not talking, not giving instruction in each workout. Overall, I found this work out to be easy to follow along to and it was a relaxing challenge if there is such a thing. Although after viewing the bonus feature, "From Body by Bethenny," I have come to the conclusion that her first work out DVD is more my work out style. So depending on your level of experience and comfortability with yoga, this may or may not be the DVD for you! I definitely urge you to give it a try!

Bonus Features:
* Recipe Booklet: Sample Recipes from The Skinnygirl Dish
* Bethenny Frankel Biography
* Mike McArdle Biography
* From Body by Bethenny (4:39 minutes)

Own Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout on DVD September 12, 2011 at Target and December 6, 2011 Nationwide.

TV Review: Rescue Me Series Finale "Ashes" Also Known As My Love Letter To The Cast & Crew of Rescue Me

In the aftermath of the fire, the members of 62 truck struggle to pick up the pieces and look towards the future. Down at The Rock, the new probies receive a familiar speech and stand before a new leader.

The final season of Rescue Me has been more breathtaking than I could have ever imagined. Watching Sheila's struggle caring for an injured beyond repair Damien while Janet glowed during her pregnancy... the contrasts couldn't have sent me on a more complicated emotional ride. The problems that the fire house and mainly Gavin dealt with in the beginning of the season with the press were small compared to what else took place. Lou's health almost costs him his job. Colleen's wedding was hijacked by a drunken Sheila who begged for Janet and Tommy to renew their vows, only Janet did not agree until Tommy agreed to retire from the job and give his family the wholeness that it has yearned since the beginning. It answers the question of who Tommy Gavin is when not a fire fighter. The little bit that we do get to see of this new Tommy has given me enough laughs (and concerns) to last me a life time. Ah, family. It’s in this moment when Tommy transitions from a fire fighter to a retiree and stay at home dad that the title of this show, “Rescue Me" resonates with all that is Tommy Gavin more than ever. And while Colleen's wedding is without a doubt the most uplifting moment of the season (and the wedding jokes are that good) and while Franco's position as Chief for a day is definitely an unforgettable highlight of the series, all of the smiles, laughs, tears, arguments, and more come to an end in "Ashes."

The introduction of the series finale will leave you either speechless or spewing out words that you never wanted to say. Luckily, that's just the beginning and not the reality that Denis Leary will leave us with to end the series. Though someone does die. But what is so magnificent about this episode is that while there is tragedy, there is also death and life in each and every character. Because of the events that take place, the guys at the fire house are forced to go through their own metamorphosis. Where it leads them is satisfying because the show has always been in good hands and the writers know how to send Rescue Me off on a high note, no dysfunction necessary.

The writing is fantastic, always has been. The way that the Leary, Tolan, and Reilly have incorporated and balanced the comedy in a one hour drama... it is the best lesson on tone and consistency that a writer could ever receive. The collaborative creative process here between these three guys and the cast was like no other on TV. It’s clear that there was a lot of improv on the show and that’s because Leary gave this cast more freedom than the average series could even dream to do. With the combination of the writing, the incredibly talented cast who have such an organic and loving relationship, the action sequences, and the setting... I will never hesitate to say that Rescue Me is one of my favorite dramas (and comedies, even though the Emmys has refused to acknowledge it as such) of all time.

Steven Pasquele brought the comedy like no other actor on the show (which is ironic considering he was known for his dramatic talent before the series) and even his musical talent was showcased (very well, I might add), remember those episodes? Callie Thorne has also brought the comedy but in the most disturbing way possible. She has played the most psychotic character that I have seen and probably will ever see on television. Her fearlessness in taking on all that is Sheila Keefe will always be appreciated more than she will ever know. It is mind boggling knowing that she never received Emmy acknowledgment for her role on this show.

Let’s not forget recurring actors like Dianne Farr and the guest stars, that brought something fresh and exciting as each season went on. Oh, the guest stars! We all know who Susan Sarandon, Maura Tierney, Marisa Tomei, and Michael J. Fox are without a second glance and their contributions to this series have been so moving, it overwhelms me at me at times. But Jennifer Esposito, Tawny Cypress, Deanna Russo, Will Chase, and theatre favorites Idina Menzel, Kate Burton, and Gina Gershon are also among my favorite guest stars throughout the show’s seven seasons. Focusing on the last season, Tierney's character mirrored her real life and I still cannot wrap my head around what a challenge that must have been for Tierney, to really open up here after going through what she did. Art imitated life for others too such as Jack McGee who was a fire fighter for 10 years in New York and Michael Lombardi, whose band was able to play a set on the show. Life clearly inspired the show in more ways than one after its creation and that is a testament to just how dedicated Leary was in giving this series life.

Intense does not even begin to describe the journey that Leary has taken us on. There is so much depth and meaning, purpose to every scene, every word, every action. The most breathtaking, the most captivating moments are hands down the moments in which Rescue Me took on so many controversial issues ranging from race, gender, and sexual orientation to 9/11 conspiracies head on. Rescue Me is the only series bold enough to take on these topics not only heads on but with no apologies. There’s not enough gratitude to express to the cast and crew for making such work. This is art. Everything about Rescue Me shouts dysfunction with a determination to succeed. Every character strives for contentment and every journey could not be any more different and yet so similar as they strive for redemption. The final season of Rescue Me exemplifies bravery, courage, and strength, all of the qualities that every character has struggled with from day one in various aspects of their lives and in the season finale, it clicks. That journey was without a doubt worth watching, so thank you for showing us what it means to have fear and live life anyway. I don’t think you’ll ever know just how many people you have rescued.

Watch the series finale of Rescue Me Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 10/9c on FX.

Blu-Ray Review: The Bang Bang Club

Release Date: August 16, 2011
Rating: R
Running Time: 108 minutes

Based on the acclaimed memoir by Greg Marinovich and Joao Silva, THE BANG BANG CLUB is the real life story of a group of four young combat photographers -- Greg Marinovich (Ryan Phillippe), Joao Silva, Kevin Carter (Taylor Kitsch) and Ken Oosterbroek -- bonded by friendship and their sense of purpose to tell the truth. In the thrilling vein of Blood Diamond and Hotel Rwanda, this Official Selection of the Tribeca Film Festival and a 2011 major market theatrical release, will arrive on blu-ray and DVD this August…only from Entertainment One.

Risking their lives to show the world of the brutality and violence associated with the first free elections in post Apartheid South Africa in the early 90s, THE BANG BANG CLUB tells the remarkable and sometimes harrowing true story of these four photographers, recounting their relationships and the stresses, tensions and moral dilemmas of working in situations of extreme violence, pain and suffering. And, while this intense political period brought out their best work -- two won Pulitzers – it also cost them a heavy price. Exploring the thrill, danger and moral dilemmas associated with exposing the truth, this highly acclaimed and compelling film from director Steven Silver, also starring Malink Ackerman, has been called “a haunting lesson in war-zone journalism… excitingly capturing [a] chaotic era.

Maybe art imitates life here in The Bang Bang Club because this film is more visually stunning than I could have ever anticipated, especially on Blu-Ray. In fact, the visuals are what make the story so captivating. And no, I am not talking about Ryan Phillippe and Taylor Kitsch being eye candy here. That's not at all what I am talking about. Their characters are covering the aftermath of the apartheid in South Africa and are risking their lives in this foreign territory with every step that they take. Following these photographers as they take that risk, well, it is one exhilarating journey. The violence that these photographers witness is striking to say the least.

Unfortunately, there's a bit of a distracting focus on a relationship between one of the photographers and Malin Akerman's character. So there are aspects in the film that are clearly all about enticing the typical viewer. These elements take away from the film and actually slow the film down. Though with all of the action that goes on, believe it or not, the pace is quite slow anyway. Every photo has a message but it seems at times that's all the writers aimed for... the images to tell the story. So with that said, there's not as much depth to the story or main characters as I would have liked. I am a character girl so while the story may be about the natives in South Africa, I also need to really know, understand, and connect with the people that are following the natives. Plus, there's a lot to this story that could have made it into the film and clearly didn't, so it is hard to say where I would rate this film if I were to rate it.

When it comes down to it, The Bang Bang Club does not come close to delivering the true story at hand like Hotel Rwanda told. It tells a story but is not as moving as it could have been. I'd watch a documentary or read the memoir from which this film is based on in an instant and before watching the film again. Take your pick, the film or the memoir.

Bonus Features:
* Making-of Featurette
* Audio Commentary with Director, Steven Silver
* Deleted Scenes
* Kgosi Mongake Interviews Cast & Crew
* Slideshow

Own The Bang Bang Club on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

The Hunger Games + National Literacy Month

This September, which is National Literacy Month, Lionsgate, in cooperation with Scholastic and the Scribd App, will let book worms read not just chapter 1 but chapter 2 in its entirety of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling book for free.

The app will enable users to read the chapters directly from within Facebook and share them on Scribd, Facebook and Twitter. Best of all, those who read The Hunger Games in the Scribd social reader application will be entered in “Read a Chapter, Win a Library” for a chance to win a classroom library of books for one of the public schools served by DonorsChoose.org, an online charity connecting you to classrooms in need. So if you have yet to start reading this mind blowing series, now is the time to jump start that reading!

Also, in case you missed the airing on the VMAs of The Hunger Games Sneak Peak, here it is:



The Hunger Games hits theaters March 23, 2012!