Nick’s Picks 11/07/12

DVD REVIEWS

FREE DVD GIVEAWAY

We are doing a Free DVD Giveaway! If you are interested in a chance at winning a free copy of The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams: Season One, I Am or The Courier, it is really easy! All you have to do is send me an email at HoustonMovieGuy@gmail.com. The subject line of the email should read DVD GIVEAWAY. In the body of the email, be sure to put your name, full mailing address and which DVD or Blu-ray you would like. Winners will be selected by random drawing. Best of luck!

The Life & Times of grizzly Adams: Season One – Shout Factory

After being accused of a crime he did not commit, Adams Haggerty takes sanctuary in a remote mountain area in the American west, where he discovers and befriends an orphaned grizzly cub. The cub eventually grows into a full-sized Grizzly bear that Adams affectionately calls Ben. Together, Adams and Ben learn to survive in the wilderness, assisted by an old trader named Mad Jack played by Denver Pyle – The Dukes of Hazzard and a Native American named Nakoma played by Don Shanks. Impressed with the way Adams has adapted to his environment and for his uncanny rapport with animals, Nakoma and Jack come to appreciate Adams’ harmonious existence with nature. Unfortunately, Adams needs to be watchful for bounty hunters, even as he protects the wildlife he grows to cherish. Compelling, entertaining and hugely popular, The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams offered its audience a unique viewing experience, vastly different from the sitcoms and dramas that flooded the airwaves at the time.

I AM: SMTOWN Live World Tour in Madison Square Garden – CJ Entertainment

Once outside the mainstream American music spotlight, K-pop is now a sensation not only on the U.S. scene but globally, led by such enormously popular acts as SMTOWN superstars KANGTA, BoA, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls Generation, SHINee and f(x). Included in I AM: SMTOWN Live at Madison Square Garden is the full-length (2 hours 45 min.), sold-out 2011 U.S. concert at one of the world s most-hallowed arenas and a feature-length documentary highlighted by exclusive, backstage footage. I AM: SMTOWN ventures behind the scenes, providing intimate and unprecedented access to these mega-hit acts doe-eyed girl groups, high-octane boy bands, provocative solo artists and swaggering duos sharing their personal memories and backstage antics, as well as never-before-seen peeks at youthful audition tapes. Pulling influences from techno, hip-hop, rap, R&B and top-40, the I AM: SMTOWN U.S. tour is highlighted by effervescent music; high-energy performances with a dance pop sensibility; teasing choreography; trend-setting high fashion; and elaborate, futuristic staging. A must for any fan! And if you haven t already been hit by hallyu (Korean wave, a term coined to describe the rapidly expanding, international popularity of South Korean culture and food), you will be after experiencing the no-boundaries music of SMTOWN.

THE COURIER – Well Go USA

In a business that asks no questions, The Courier (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), is the best out there, but he wasn’t expecting a deal like this. Deliver a briefcase, get a million dollars. Fail, and his family gets killed. What s the catch? The briefcase belongs to a killer as elusive as a nightmare, and so feared that the entire Underworld trembles at the mention of his name. And with a new partner (Josie Ho), it s hard to know who to trust. Hounded by hit men and hustlers, double-dealing feds and double-crossing accomplices, the Courier embarks on an impossible journey that ultimately unravels his own murky past.

SUPERNATURAL ACTIVITY – Well Go USA

In the realms of reality TV, ghost hunting is big business. And the Supernatural Activity team is at the top of their game, debunking myths, ghouls, and spooky places, for freaked-out viewers everywhere. The world’s most beloved illusionist, accompanied by a crack team of paranormal investigators, embark on what might be their most terrifying assignment yet which works out great, since it s the last episode of the season. Besides, everyone knows there s not really such a thing as ghosts. What could go wrong? Terrorized at every turn, this witch-hunting, ghost-busting, creature-questing supernatural spoof-tacular is the funniest footage ever found! Turn the lights out. Watch with a friend you trust. Keep your eyes on the screen.

MAXIMUM CONVICTION – Anchor Bay

When former black ops operative Tom Steele (Steven Seagal) and his partner Manning (Steve Austin) are assigned to decommission an old prison, they must oversee the arrival of two mysterious female prisoners. Before long, an elite force of mercenaries assault the prison in search of the new arrivals. As the true identities of the women are revealed, Steele realizes he’s caught in the middle of something far bigger than he had imagined.

LA PASTORELA: The Shepherd’s Tale – VCI

Originally produced for PBS’s Great Performances Series, La Pastorela is a musical retelling of the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem to see the Christ Child. We see the tale through the eyes of a modern young girl, the oldest child in a large rural Tex-Mex family. During a surrealistic dream, which brings to mind “The Wizard of Oz,” the young chicana makes a fantastical journey with the shepherds and along the way; witnesses the triumph of God’s Angels over Satan’s diablo’s. Full of drama, comedy, fantasy and wonderful music; this is a rare film the whole family can enjoy together.

SUNSET BOULEVARD – Paramount

Gloria Swanson gives a career-defining performance as faded silent screen star Norma Desmond in director Billy Wilder’s dark and masterful film classic, Sunset Boulevard. William Holden is Joe Gillis, the young, down-on-his-luck screenwriter whom Norma drafts to help provide her with a workable script for her planned “return” to the modern-day screen. Erich von Stroheim is Max von Mayerling, Norma’s devoted servant and chauffeur, who harbors a few personal revelations of his own. Hollywood has never taken a more ominous, compelling or electrifying look at Hollywood than in this brilliant, Oscar-winning tour de force that still mesmerizes with its witty, sardonic script, unforgettable cast, and provocative storyline.

REGULAR SHOW: Best 16 Episodes – Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network’s hit animated comedy series Regular Show is anything but regular and fans love it. Back by popular demand is the launch of the Regular Show: The Best DVD in the World. The DVD features 16 episodes from seasons 2 and 3. The Emmy nominated hit comedy (Outstanding Animated Program) has been part of the popular Monday night line up on Cartoon Network along with the hit show Adventure Time. Regular Show features Mordecai and Rigby two groundskeepers at a park whose attempts to escape their everyday boredom take them to fantastical extremes.

THE LOVE YOU SAVE – Image

Alexis, (Robin Givens) is a successful single real estate mogul, with a seemingly perfect life. Having raised her two sons and daughter as a widow, she has given her family a life of privilege and opportunity. Despite Alexis’ success as a businesswoman, she finds things coming apart at the seams when her children discover a secret from their past that shakes the family to its core.

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL – Disney

‘Tis the season for love, laughter, and one of the most cherished stories of all time! Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Academy Award(R) winner Michael Caine gives a performance that’s anything but “bah, humbug!” as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes and his heart to the true meaning of Christmas.

THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN – Sony

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

ENTOURAGE: Complete Series – HBO

The Emmy -winning hit comedy series created by Doug Ellin, and based (at least in part) on the experiences of his good friend, Oscar nominated actor Mark Wahlberg (who’s among the series’ executive producers). The series takes a none-too-serious look at the day-to-day life of Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), an incandescent young Hollywood actor, and the three buddies he’s brought from their hometown in Queens, NY: manager Eric (Kevin Connolly), half brother/actor Drama (Kevin Dillon), and pal Turtle (Jerry Ferrara). Also starring Golden Globe and three-time Emmy -winner Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold – now heading an entertainment –agency behemoth–Entourage draws on the experiences of industry insiders to illustrate the excesses of today’s celebrity lifestyle, as well as the difficulty of maintaining relationships and artistic fulfillment in the show biz fast track.

LOVE’S CHRISTMAS JOURNEY – Fox

Inspired by the best-selling Love Comes Softly book franchise written by Janette Oke, the first-ever uplifting, almost 3 hour, Christmas story in the series. Still mourning the loss of her family, Ellie agrees to watch her brother’s children when he has to leave town. When a fire is set, Ellie works with a handsome deputy to clear a friends name and learns that if she can trust her faith, this Christmas may bring more miracles than she hoped. Starring: Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), Ernest Borgnine (Dirty Dozen), JoBeth Williams (Frasier), Charles Shaughnessy (The Nanny), Rebecca Hall (Pretty Little Liars), Dylan Bruce (As the World Turns), Greg Vaughan (General Hospital). Bonus Christmas Gift: Each retail DVD includes a Collectable Greeting Card.

THE FIGHTING SULLIVANS – VCI

The movie that inspired Saving Private Ryan. It is the true story of five brothers who fought and died together when their ship, the American cruiser Juneau, was sunk in the South Pacific during World War II. The Fighting Sullivans is something more than a worthy tribute to a pair of small town parents and the five sons they lost when the Juneau blew up in a battle off Guadalcanal on November 13, 1942. It is a heartwarming slice of Americana that will fill in the background of any number of Americans on the fighting front. The audience’s awareness of the news in store for the Sullivan family adds considerably to the film’s effect. The Fighting Sullivans generates emotion strictly on its own terms and without bidding for tears.

DARK STAR – VCI

In the mid twenty-first century, mankind has reached a point in its technological advances to enable colonization of the far reaches of the universe. Dark Star is a futuristic scout ship traveling far in advance of colony ships. Armed with Exponential Thermosteller Bombs, it prowls the darkest reaches of space on a mission to seek out and destroy unstable planets ahead of the colonist. But there is one obstacle that its crew members did not count on — one of the ship’s thinking and talking bombs is lodged in the bay, threatening to destroy the entire ship and crew! Dark Star was originally intended to be a 68 minute film. Jack Harris, the Hollywood producer, convinced the filmmakers to shoot 15 minutes of extra footage and he released the expanded version theatrically in 1975 through Bryanston Pictures.

CHILLY CHRISTMAS – Anchor Bay

Eleven-year-old Bobby Cole and his dog Chilly are best friends, living happily in their Southern California beach house. But when Bobby’s father Patrick (C. Thomas Howell), a single parent and police detective, accepts a job in New York City, they must find Chilly a new home. In an attempt to show his dad that Chilly can be a city dog, Bobby and his friends teach Chilly the indoor way of life. But Bobby’s dad is not convinced, and it’s not until Christmas Eve when corrupt dog thief Mr. Quarterman (Tom Arnold) breaks into the family home, that Chilly and Bobby can put their new training to the test! Can they band together to save Christmas — and Chilly’s future with the family?

THE PACT – IFC

Following her mother’s death, Annie (Caity Lotz) reluctantly returns to her childhood home, only to find that her estranged sister has disappeared overnight and a sinister presence is in the house haunting the halls and her dreams. With a detective and a clairvoyant helping her investigate the physical and paranormal clues, Annie starts to suspect that something terrible has happened in the house. What she discovers may lead her on a dangerous journey into her mother’s unknown and disturbing past. Equally gripping and terrifying, the harrowing secrets of The Pact will leave you in shock.

YOUR SISTER’S SISTER – IFC

A year after his brother Tom’s death, Jack (Mark Duplass), an emotionally unstable slacker, is offered by Tom’s ex-girlfriend Iris (Emily Blunt) to take a vacation at her family cabin in the Pacific Northwest so he can seek catharsis in solitude. Once there, however, Jack runs into Iris’ sister Hannah, a lesbian reeling from the abrupt end of a seven-year relationship and who finds solace in the affable Jack’s unexpected presence. After a long night of drinking that ends with an awkward sexual incident, Jack’s bumpy road to recovery is made worse by Iris’ sudden presence at the cabin the next morning and the progression of ever-complicated relationships that is then set into motion. With raw, funny and emotional performances from an all-star cast, director Lynn Shelton once again honestly explores the complexities of interpersonal relationships with remarkable humor, sensitivity and warmth.

RUBY SPARKS – Fox

Calvin is a young novelist struggling with his writing – as well as his romantic life. Finally, he makes a breakthrough and creates a character named Ruby who inspires him. When Calvin finds Ruby (Zoe Kazan), in the flesh, sitting on his couch about a week later, he is completely flabbergasted that his words have turned into a living, breathing person.

ADVENTURES OF BAILEY CHRISTMAS HERO – E1 Entertainment

It s Christmas time at the Baker household, and Bailey is at it again. Worried that he won t get any presents from Santa, Bailey learns about a mysterious Native American brave who can make his holiday wishes come true. But when Bailey s actions threaten his family s plans, he is forced to make a big decision…one that just might help him to finally understand the true meaning of Christmas.

TRIAD WARS – Lionsgate

In the midst of a violent gang war one powerful triad leader is faced with losing a grip on his power. As his empire slowly crumbles and his trust of those closest to him dwindles violence escalates as the triad starts clashing with other triads among the Hong Kong community. Face with his only option he’ll resort to violent ways to regain his status and reclaim the respect of his triad.

STEVE JOBS: The Lost Interview – Magnolia

In this candid, in-depth interview with the late visionary filmed in 1995, Steve Jobs discusses at length his early days, career battles, and vision for the future. Small portions of the piece were used for a television series at the time, but the vast majority was shelved and for 17 years thought to be lost. Resurfacing, it is being presented in its entirety, providing a fascinating look at Jobs at a particularly interesting moment in his career, two years before he would go on to retake control of Apple.

IT’S A SPONGEBOB CHRISTMAS – Nickelodeon

It’s Christmas and Bikini Bottom as you’ve never experienced them before! Created entirely in Stop Motion animation, It’s a SpongeBob Christmas! is destined to be a holiday classic. This special double-length episode finds all of Bikini Bottom in a festive mood as they prepare for Santa’s arrival. But not Plankton, who’s once again expecting a lump of coal. So he comes up with his most diabolic new scheme yet, one that practically guarantees he’ll finally get the gift he’s always wanted – the Krabby Patty secret formula! It’s a SpongeBob Christmas! is a tasty tale sure to put the whole family in the holiday spirit! And there’s more, including a behind-the-scenes featurette, an animatic, a SpongeBob Yule Log and two downloadable songs from the episode. Warm your fins this holiday season, SpongeBob style!

WOLF LAKE: Complete Series – E1 Entertainment

Seattle police detective John Kanin (Lou Diamond Phillips) finds his world turned upside down when his girlfriend Ruby (Mia Kirshner) mysteriously disappears one night after leaving his apartment. After months of searching, an anonymous tip leads Kanin back to Ruby’s hometown Wolf Lake, a place where the residents are hiding a dark secret.

FIRE WITH FIRE – Lionsgate

After witnessing the brutal murders of a convenient store owner and his son; firefighter Jeremy Coleman nearly escapes with his life. As he is forced to testify against the crime lord Hagan he is placed in the witness protection program under the watch of the U.S. Marshalls. As his new identity becomes compromised Jeremy is forced to take an unexpected course of action in order to get is life back and save the lives of those he loves

HIROKIN: The Last Samurai – Lionsgate

On a planet where humans must scavenge the post-apocalyptic barren wasteland, Hirokin, a reluctant samurai with a dark past sets off on a mission to fulfill his destiny. Having fought to the death to save his wife and son from the planet’s evil dictator, Griffin, and his elite army of warriors, the lone samurai is left for dead in the vast desert. Armed with his samurai blade Hirokin is forced to choose between avenging the murder of his family and fighting for the freedom of his people. As he goes into war he’ll discover a shocking revelation about his family leaving revenge running through his veins.

JAVIER BARDEM: Three Film Collection – Lionsgate

BIUTIFUL: Academy Awardr nominee Javier Bardem is Uxbal, a man on the wrong side of the law who struggles to provide for his children on the dangerous streets of Barcelona. As fate encircles him, Uxbal learns to accept the realities of life, whether bright, bad or biutiful in this unforgettable Academy Awardr-nominated film from director Alejandro Gonz lez I¤ rritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel). MONDAYS IN THE SUN: Javier Bardem dominates this insightful and heartbreaking drama that captured five of Spain’s prestigious Goya Awards including Best Film and Best Actor. Directed by Fernando Leon de Aranoa, this powerful story follows five unemployed shipyard workers on the coast of Spain. Led by the cocky Santa (Bardem), a lonely former ladies’ man, these men may be down on their luck but they still manage to encourage each other to search for work, love and the strength to hope for better days. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN: Acclaimed filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen deliver their most gripping and ambitious film yet in this sizzling and supercharged action- thriller that won a 2007 Actor in a Supporting Role Oscarr for Javier Bardem. When a man stumbles upon a bloody crime scene, a pickup truck loaded with heroin, and two million dollars in irresistible cash, his decision to take the money sets off an unstoppable chain reaction of violence. Not even West Texas law can contain it. Based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cormac McCarthy, and featuring an acclaimed cast led by Tommy Lee Jones, this gritty game of cat and mouse will take you to the edge of your seat and beyond, right up to its heart-stopping final act.

TAKE THIS WALTZ – Magnolia

Michelle Williams plays twenty-eight-year-old Margot, happily married to Lou (Seth Rogen), a good-natured cookbook author. But when Margot meets Daniel (Luke Kirby), a handsome artist that lives across the street, their mutual attraction is undeniable. Swelteringly hot, bright and colorful, Take This Waltz leads us, laughing, through the familiar, but uncharted question of what long-term relationships do to love, sex and our image of ourselves.

DISASTERS DECONSTRUCTED – A&E

Over the course of time, disasters have always taken place. Some have been by natural causes whereas others have been due to human error. The best way to learn from these disasters is to simply understand them so those mistakes can be avoided in the future. This six DVD collection includes features on both the Titanic and the Hindenburg, and offers recreations and explorations of those disasters and more. Not just for the historical enthusiast, the entire family will enjoy seeing and learning from these cataclysmic events.

COPPER: Season One – BBC

From Tom Fontana, Will Rokos and Barry Levinson comes Copper, BBC America’s first original scripted series. Copper is set in 1860s New York City. The 10-part drama centers on Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones), an intense, rugged Irish-American cop working the city’s notorious Five Points neighborhood. Corcoran is struggling to maintain his moral compass in a turbulent world, while on an emotional and relentless quest to learn the truth about the disappearance of his wife and the death of his daughter. His friendship with two Civil War compatriots – the wayward son of a wealthy industrialist and an African American physician who secretly assists Corcoran with his detective work – takes him to the contrasting worlds of elegant Fifth Avenue and an emerging African-American community in rural northern Manhattan. The three men share a secret from their experience on the battlefield that inextricably links their lives forever.

THE YUMMY GUMMY SEARCH FOR SANTA – Lionsgate

Join dancing internet sensation Gummibar in his first ever movie adventure! When Santa vanishes on Christmas Eve, Gummibar and his band of wacky, misfit friends shake their booties from the North Pole to the tropics on a madcap search. But when they discover Santa was abducted by a dance-crazed alien, the fate of Christmas morning rests in the hands and feet of our lovable green gummy bear! Featuring 6 songs including the #1 hit “I’m A Gummy Bear” and two holiday-themed songs, saving Christmas has never been this much fun!

LEAP FROG: Gift of Learning – Lionsgate

Numberland – Join Scout and his friends for exciting learning adventures from the world of LeapFrog. When the pets long to learn about numbers, their magical car, Axle, whisks them away to Numberland. With the help of a new friend, Max, the pets meet all the numbers in the land and master early numeracy skills. Then it s time to help the residents of Numberland plan a surprise birthday party for Max. It all adds up to plenty of fun and adventure as you sing and count your way through Numberland with Scout & Friends! Phonics Farm – Join Scout and his friends as they learn letter sounds with the help of some amazing animals! Scout, Violet, Eli and Penny long to learn about new animals. When their magical toy car, Axle, whisks them away to a farm, they discover a remarkable alphabet collection and ABC antics ensue! As the friends get in shape with an athletic alligator, console a sad seal, converse with a high-pitched horse and more, they make their way through the entire alphabet!

OUTLAW BROTHERS – Vivendi

An action-packed film following the exploits of two car thieves, and the butt-kicking female police officer who is on their trail. Add in cocaine smugglers and choreographed fight scenes with brooms, fans, wrenches, and knives to make this a turbo-charged, high-octane, martial arts action film.

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Posted by FortBendStar on Nov 7 2012. Filed under Nick's Picks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.