Who's Harry Crumb? Retro VHS Look Blu-ray

Who's Harry Crumb? Retro VHS Look Blu-ray

Nerves of Steel. Body of Iron. Brain of Stone.

“Laugh-out-loud entertainment!” – Los Angeles Times

John Candy is bigger, better and more bumbling than ever as the hilarious Harry Crumb - a big-hearted, soft-headed private eye and mixed-up master of disguise. When Harry, the last of the great sleuthing Crumbs - and the last person in the firm to ever get an assignment - finally gets a shot at a frontpage kidnapping, it’s only because his beady-eyed boss Eliot Draisen (Jeffrey Jones) doesn’t want the case solved. At stake is the gorgeous daughter of multi-millionaire P.J. Downing, a $10 million ransom, and Eliot’s hot-to-trot mistress (Annie Potts). Attired in a bizarre array of goofball disguises, from a Hungarian hairdresser to a hefty housewife - Harry is bound, gagged and determined to crack the case and prove that when it comes to crime, he’s one Crumb that won’t be swept under the carpet.

My Thoughts

Who's Harry Crumb? is a hilarious comedy starring the amazing John Candy. Candy plays a private detective who isn't quite on the ball. This leads to lots of hilarious slap-stick situations, especially with his special skill of disguise. He gets mixed up in a case where a millionaire's daughter is ransomed. Crumb goes under cover to catch the villain and won't let anything stop him. 

John Candy is a comedic legend, and this is one of his best films. It's loaded with tons of laughs and fun eighties humor. It also comes in a cool vintage style box that looks just like an old fashioned VHS tape. If you want to grab a copy of this fabulous film, be sure to order a copy on Mill Creek's website for only $14.98.

Bluray Review : Disneynature Monkey Kingdom

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you Chimpanzee and Bears, comes MONKEY KINGDOM, a spectacular tale set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya, a clever and resourceful monkey, finds her world forever changed when she welcomes her son Kip into her colorful extended family. As Maya strives to keep Kip safe through unexpected and sometimes perilous adventures, amazing footage captures all the magic and surprises of their magnificent world. Maya and her family will make you laugh and warm your heart as she realizes her dreams for her son’s future.  




My Thoughts 

This is such a great film.  The Disneynature series always gives you an upfront and personal look into the world of animals. I've enjoyed the whole series, and this one is no different. This time, we follow Maya, an adorable little monkey as she welcomes a new baby.  Maya starts out as a low ranking member of her clan, but once she gets the attention of the alpha, all of that changes.  Raja is the alpha, and he has something of a monkey harem. Three female monkey's cater to his every whim, including Maya. 

In addition to the main "characters", you also get to meet Kumar, a newcomer who comes to challenge Raja, as well as a band of rival monkeys with a deformed leader who try to drive them from their home. There's so much action in this film, it's not much different than watching an animated movie from Disney. Expect, this is real life, which makes it so much more fascinating.

The Bluray/DVD set also includes a behind the scenes look at the filming of the movie, and a music video. My whole family enjoyed watching this film together, and my children range in age from 4-15.  With Disneynature Monkey Kingdom, you can make family movie night both fun and educational.

DVD Review : Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle

Launch into the adventure of a lifetime with everyone’s favorite monkey in this all-new movie, Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle! When Curious George is asked to take part in a very important space mission, a little monkeying around forces him to crash-land in Africa. While a worried Man with the Yellow Hat searches for him, Curious George bravely explores the jungle and makes new animal friends along the way. Reunited at last, the two best pals have an unforgettable adventure shared with their new friends! Featuring the voice talents of Angela Bassett & John Goodman, with music by the Plain White T’s, join Curious George on his fun-filled journey that the whole family will enjoy!

The soundtrack will be available June 23, 2015 on Back Lot Music, featuring the new original song “Welcome to Paradise” performed by Plain White T’s and score by composer Heitor Pereira (DESPICABLE ME, MINIONS).

 Let Curious George join your selfie! Use the Brand-New Free Photo 

App: www.PhotoWithGeorge.com

BONUS FEATURES- DVD:

Sing-Alongs – Sing along to your favorite songs from the film

• Ordinary Superman
•            Welcome to Paradise
•            Beautiful Wild
•            Together Forever

My Thoughts

I have always loved Curious George and this movie is a great addition to our DVD collection. In Back to the Jungle, George is selected for a space travel program. You'll follow him along on his adventures as he goes to space camp and learns the ropes of being an astronaut. Even though he gets into a few scraps along the way, and makes the Man in the Yellow Hat a little nervous,  he makes it to take off. Of course, when its time to take off, George gets curious and messes with some things he shouldn't. This leads to a crash landing in Africa where he meets a bunch of new animal friends. While George enjoys his time in the jungle, he misses the Man in the Yellow Hat, whose out searching for him. Will the two be reunited? You'll have to watch to find out.

Back to Jungle is a fun family film that features a classic character that has been adored for generations. My children loved watching George go through space training and his romp in the jungle. The fun sing-a-long songs in the bonus area make for even more fun. This is a great family film that's perfect for family movie night.

DVD Review: Strange Magic

STRANGE MAGIC is a music-filled fairy tale about finding true love in the unlikeliest of places. This magical adventure features a host of colorful characters, including a princess who has sworn off love, a dubious villain, a slightly nutty Sugar Plum Fairy, a tenacious elf, a mischievous imp, and a knight who is no Prince Charming. Bring home the enchanting tale the whole family can enjoy today!



My thoughts

Strange Magic is a magical tale of fairies with a musical twist.  The movie revolves around Marianne, a princess who doesn't want to fall in love again after she catches her prince kissing another fairy. Roland wants to win her back, and convinces another fairy to help him get a love potion from the Sugar Plum Fairy. An Imp helps them find her, but uses the love potion to create havoc and love mismatches.

Not only does Strange Magic have a fun storyline, its also chock full of great music. I haven't enjoyed a kids film this much since The Labyrinth.  The characters are fun, the graphics amazing and colorful, and the storyline has an interesting twist to it. I especially loved that the couple who wind up together in the end fall in love for reasons that aren't superficial.

I have four children who range in age from three to fourteen, and they all enjoyed this film, even the boys. However, it is a little dark and scary at some points, so use discretion with younger kids. Its the perfect movie to watch on family movie night, and anyone whose a fan of fantasy will want to have the DVD in their collection, which also has some fantastic bonus footage that includes outtakes and meetings with the cast and filmmakers.

DVD Review: Jamaica Inn

 

“A du Maurier Thriller with a whiff of Downton” (The New York Times) - This sweeping period piece stars Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey) and Matthew McNulty (The Paradise). Set in Cornwall in 1821, du Maurier’s classic gothic tale of romance, intrigue, and murder on the moors comes to vivid life in this stunning BBC production. Directed by BAFTA Award winner Philippa Lowthorpe (Call the Midwife, The Other Boleyn Girl) and adapted by Golden Globe® nominee Emma Frost (The White Queen, Shameless), the miniseries also stars Joanne Whalley (Willow, Wolf Hall), Sean Harris (The Borgias), Ben Daniels (House of Cards) and Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Harry Potter) (DVD Single). Also available on Acorn TV.

My Thoughts 

I thought this was an excellent Gothic thriller. Set in 1821, the story follows Mary Yellan, a girl who was left an orphan after her mother dies. She goes to live her Aunt Patience and her husband Joss at the Jamaica Inn. It turns out the inn is not your every day hotel for tourists. Her uncle uses it as a front for a smuggling business. Though she wants to get away, she finds herself falling for Joss' younger brother, whose known  as a horse thief. She wants to confess to the young priest she befriends, but she'd afraid she's in too deep.

I never read the book and I haven't seen the Alfred Hitchcock version, but I enjoyed this movie so much, I'm going to look for them both. I found it thrilling and intriguing from beginning the end, though the romance did feel a little rushed.  The acting was stellar and the set and costumes were realistic. You can grab a copy of this fantastic DVD for yourself at Acorn Media or on Amazon.

 

DVD Review: The Great Train Robbery

The Great Train Robbery (DVD Debut) - “A brilliant drama” (The Sun) - New star-studded miniseries from the acclaimed writer of Broadchurch dramatizes the crime of the century. This two-part miniseries tells the story of the 1963 heist that was the biggest robbery in Britain’s history from the perspectives of both the criminals and the police. Written by Chris Chibnall of Broadchurch, Doctor Who, and Torchwood fame, the BBC film features an outstanding ensemble cast led by Oscar®-winner Jim Broadbent (Iris) and Luke Evans (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Fast & Furious 6), as well as James Wilby (Gosford Park), Tim Pigott-Smith (V for Vendetta), Martin Compston (Line of Duty), and Robert Glenister (Law & Order: U.K.) (DVD 2-disc set). 

 My Thoughts

This fast-paced film is based on a real train robbery that happened in England back in 1963. I never read the books, but I thought the movie was fantastic. This mini-series is broken down into two fabulous episodes:

A Robber's Tale-Bruce and his gang are gangsters that break the mold.  Most of this episode is the plotting of the robbery and gives you a chance to get to know all the characters, including their flaws. But the actual end where the heist takes place was a cliffhanger than made me glad I had the second half ready to watch!

A Copper's Tale - This half the of the show is shown from the perspective of the cops, making this a cops and robbers scenario in a very literal sense.  Butler becomes obsessed with the case and this causes conflict with his co-workers. The episode is spent searching for the criminals and ends in the same type of edge of the seat action as the first episode, but leaves you with a resolution that might actually make you feel a little bad for the criminals.

I loved all the action of the Train Robbery, especially knowing that real people experienced all this. The scenery was great and the actors were all outstanding. You couldn't ask for a better cast. You can grab a copy of this awesome movie for yourself on Acorn Media or Amazon.

DVD Review: The Other Woman

It’s time to get even! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment takes girl power to a whole new level with THE OTHER WOMAN, debuting on Blu-ray & DVD July 29. With Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann as the leading ladies and newcomers Kate Upton and Nicki Minaj bringing the jokes left and right, ladies all over better be ready for the perfect movie to end their summer in style!

Cameron Diaz leads a knockout cast in this irreverent comedy about love, lust and the laws of karma. New York attorney Carly Whitten (Diaz) is nobody’s fool. So when she accidentally discovers that her too-good-to-be-true boyfriend Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is married, she’s less than thrilled. Not only that, she and Mark’s wife Kate (Leslie Mann), learn about yet another mistress (Kate Upton)! Before long, however, the betrayed beauties have become unlikely pals who’ve decided to teach their three-timing man a lesson. The more the trio learns about Mark, the worse he seems, and the more fun they have without him! 

With eight deleted scenes, THE OTHER WOMAN Blu-ray™ kicks up the comedy even more! Extras on the Blu-ray and DVD, including a gag reel and “Giggle Fit,” will have you and your girlfriends cracking up for the rest of the summer.

My Thoughts

There's no better choice for a girl's night in than a good movie and a bottle of wine. Fox Home entertainment was nice enough to provide me with both and I settled in with my best friend and some cheese and crackers to enjoy the show. Butterfly Kiss, which is featured several times throughout the film, comes in five crisp varieties and is a delicious wine for conspiring with friends, old and new.

In The Other Woman, Carmen Diaz plays a beautiful lawyer who learns her boyfriend isn't as perfect as he seems. Not only is he married, he has a second mistress of the side.  When these ladies find out they've been betrayed, they don't waste time with cat fights. They join forces to make Mark pay for the stunts he's pulled. What ensues is a hilarious tale of revenge, and in the midst of it, the three girls become fast friends that prove you don't need a man to be happy. 

The Other Woman is a delightful comedy that takes a totally different spin on jilted lovers. I love how the three woman find strength in each other instead of turning to bitterness and anger.  The unique ways they find to get back at Mark are hilarious and combine both witty humor and physical comedy. Though it may be a little unrealistic on some levels, its still fun to see Mark get what he deserves. While most may want to categorize this as a chick flick,  and there are a few sentimental scenes, its actually a film both men and women will enjoy watching together.

DVD Review: A Wife Alone

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

A Wife Alone is a dark psychological thriller about an ill-fated marriage in the suburbs of upstate New York. The plot centers around Jane, an attractive young bride who marries a naive investment banker named Park. The young, ostensibly happy couple buys a quaint house in a nice neighborhood and settles into the suburban dream before a visit to Park's godparents, Steve and Holly, sends their idyllic existence into a desperate tailspin. Park's godfather and mentor, Steve, is a cruel and domineering man with a penchant for illegitimate business deals and expensive prostitutes. He lords over his wife, colleagues, and anyone in his path with a single-minded goal of satisfying his deep-seeded, ego-maniacal urges. Steve immediately recognizes Jane as a woman he once "met in a hotel" and his own inner conflict swirls. As the fateful night unfolds, it is revealed that Jane's presence in the house was not some bizarre, unfortunate coincidence but rather a carefully orchestrated plot of revenge and corruption that builds to a ruthless, enduring climax.

My thoughts:

This movie is not a family movie, but one for adults to watch. 

Banker, Park has married a pretty young woman, Jane.  While visiting Park's god parents, Steve, Park's god father informs him that his new wife, Jane was a prostitute he had met in a motel room.
Park and Jane still stay over night at his god parents, even after Steve confronted Park with that news.

 Park's god mother, Holly confides in Jane that Steve has a horrible temper. He has to be the one in control of everything.  He even is controlling over an investment that Park put a lot of money into.

It is apparent at the end of the movie that Park and Jane's over night  visit at Steve and Holly's was planned ahead of time. There are some flash backs in this movie that will keep you wondering throughout.  It kept me in my seat. I would have never have guessed  the ending.

The movie plot was a well written to the very end.  The actors did a superb job, especially the actor who played Steve.  I would recommend this movie.




***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

DVD Review: Classic Drama Collection

 A lush collection of award-winning dramas starring acclaimed actors, Classic Drama Collection arrives on DVD on June 24, 2014 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. These five star-studded programs represent the best of British costume drama—an ever-popular genre that’s only grown in popularity with the success of imports like Downton Abbey. A stolen kiss on the windswept moors…a glorious country house hiding terrible secrets…the witty banter that masks unspoken passion, be transported to the romantic eras of Brontë, Austen, and more (533 min., $79.99, AcornOnline.com). Jane Austen’s Emma, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, and The Woman in White are being simultaneously released individually as DVD Singles ($19.99) and are now available for streaming on Acorn TV, the premier British TV streaming service.

Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (1997) - A prim and principled governess (Samantha Morton, Minority Report, In America) falls in love with her brooding, mysterious employer (Ciarán Hinds, Game of Thrones, Above Suspicion). Co-starring Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary).

Jane Austen’s Emma (1996) - Beautiful, rich, and infuriating Emma Woodhouse (Kate Beckinsale, Underworld) meddles in other’s romantic lives with unexpected results. Screenplay by Andrew Davies (House of Cards, Bridget Jones’s Diary) and co-starring Bernard Hepton (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes), and Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey).

The Woman in White (1997) - Based on the mystery by Wilkie Collins and seen on Masterpiece Mystery, the story follows a disturbed woman who holds a secret that could imperil the lives of two sisters. Starring Tara Fitzgerald (Brassed Off, Waking the Dead), Justine Waddell (Tess of the D’Urbervilles), James Wilby (The Forsyte Saga), Simon Callow (Chance in a Million), Timothy Carlton (Sherlock), and Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead).

The Death of the Heart (1987) – Based on Elizabeth Bowen’s novel, in 1930s London, an awkward 16-year-old struggles to find herself through a disastrous love affair. Starring Robert Hardy (All Creatures Great and Small), Miranda Richardson (Sleepy Hollow), and Nigel Havers (Coronation Street).

The Lady’s Not for Burning (1987) - Based on the play by Christopher Fry, a beautiful woman accused of witchcraft (Cherie Lunghi, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Horatio Hornblower) and a world-weary drifter (Kenneth Branagh, Wallander, Hamlet) are thrown together before their executions. Co-starring Susannah Harker (Pride and Prejudice)

Street Date: June 24, 2014              SRP: $79.99  

 My Thoughts

Wow! This box set is a great deal for anyone who enjoys historical films or movie adaptions. Some of the titles were new to me and I'll be looking for the paperbacks. Some I'd seen or read before, but they are all fantastic. You get mystery, romance, and intrigue, along with stunning costumes and scenery from time periods ranging from the 1400s to the 1930s, all of which will pull you right into the past.  For one low price you are getting five complete films including:

 Emma

 Kate Beckingsale is perfect in the roll of Emma. It's one of my favorite adaptions of the classic novel. Emma is always sticking her nose in everyone's else's love affairs, but her attempts to play matchmaker often get her into trouble. This is probably the original romantic comedy. The period costumes are beautiful as is the lovely scenery.


Jane Eyre

Jane struggles through a difficult childhood. When she's orphaned, her aunt throws her in an institution. Trying to find her own way in life, she becomes the governess for the dashing Mr. Rochester. He's a little on the morose side, but their personalities compliment each other, and Jane knows she's falling in love. But this is more than just your typical rags to riches romance. There are secrets in Thornfield Hall, locked behind a door on the third floor--secrets that could lead to murder if Jane isn't careful.


The Woman in White

This movie revolves around two half sisters, Laura and  Marion. One of them is rich thanks to an inheritance form her mother, while the other is poor. They live with their uncle and are being tutored. Their teacher falls in love with Laura and isn't deterred when she gets engaged to someone else. In the midst of this, the Lady in White makes her appearance. She escaped from an insane asylum and has a few secrets about Laura's fiance. 


The Lady's Not for Burning

Set around 1400 and based off a play, this story revolves around a discharged soldier named Thomas and  Jennet, the daughter of a deceased alchemist.   When a man goes missing, Thomas insists it was him, but still Jennet is accused of witchcraft. He longs for death and she fights for life, and in the end, they fall in love with each other.


The Death of the Heart

This one takes us to London in the 1930s. A sixteen year old girl finds herself in a disastrous love affair. The innocent Portia falls in love with her brother's cad of a friend and struggles through the intense life of London society.  A combination of drama and humor, this classic is a great addition to any library.

This box set gives you the opportunity to see a variety of great classic films and a full cast of outstanding stars!  It's a marathon worth seeing! If you'd like to pick up a copy of this DVD collection for your personal library, you can find it on Acorn Media for only $79.99.

DVD Review: Kids for Cash

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

3,000 kids. 1 judge. Millions of dollars. This riveting doc reveals the untold stories of a judicial scandal that rocked America and the chilling aftermath of the lives destroyed in the process. "Kids for Cash" reveals a shocking American secret told from the perspectives of the villains, the victims and the unsung heroes who helped uncover the scandal

My thoughts:

Former Judge Conohan currently serving seventeen years in Federal Prison, and Former Judge Ciavarella currently serving twenty eight years in Federal Prison isn't enough justice or punishment for these two! Former Judge Ciavarella incarcerated three thousand children.  With kickbacks from the detention facilities.    

All families need to watch this documentary, And this happened in a small town in Pennsylvania just a couple hours from where I live with my husband, my daughter who is ten and my son who is seven.  This was horrifying, frightening and sad to watch.  To think that  petty juvenile pranks, and other actions such as hair pulling girl fight,  or even a teenager cursing at an adult landed these teens and younger in a discusting, filthy Juvenile Detention Center.  All at the hands of former Judge Ciavarella.  As a parent, this brought goose bumps and tears to watch.  No parent should have to watch their child be taking away in shackles!

These kids were tried by Judge Ciavarella and sentenced without Attorney representation.  It is heart wrenching watching and listening to these young children and their parents tell their stories.  One young girl tells how she pleaded please put her on house arrest, she misses her family, and she will never fight again. She spent four years before going home. Who now suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  One teen tells how he made sure there weren't any roaches before laying down.

Bids were  being submitted for a new Juvenile Detention Center.  To no surprise Mericle Builder (referred by Judge Ciavarella), got the bid.  So Judge Conohan and Judge Ciavarella got a finders fee from Mr. Mericle of 10% of his construction cost.  Which totaled 2.2 million dollars.  This isn;t illegal in Real Estate, but is illegal when Judge Ciavarella didn't advice the people of judicial decisions.

This is a movie I intend to watch with other family members.  And will suggest to others as well.


You can order a copy of this amazing documentary on Amazon.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

Dragons Defenders of Berk Part 2 DVD #Giveaway

 THE “YEAR OF THE DRAGON” CONTINUES WITH THE AWARD WINNING ADVENTURE

DVD Soars on May 27 with Exclusive Codes for

The School of Dragons Online Game and Movie Money for

How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Theaters on June 13

The race to save Berk is on when Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment releases on DVD the second part of the award-winning top-rated TV series, DREAMWORKS DRAGONS: DEFENDERS OF BERK. Available everywhere May 27, the DVD continues the “Year of the Dragon” which will soar even higher when DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon 2 arrives in theatres this June, along with Dragon game apps, books and other fan experiences releasing throughout the year. The DVD of the 2013 Annie Award winner for Best Animated Television Production for Children is loaded with exciting bonus content for the whole family to enjoy and contains 10 epic adventures and all-new dragons.

Based on the DreamWorks Animation Academy Award^® nominated movie How to Train Your Dragon, there’s action at every turn and excitement on every ride in DREAMWORKS DRAGONS: DEFENDERS OF BERK PART 2 as Hiccup and his fearless friends embark on new adventures and battle to protect their island home. The young Vikings must put their dragon training skills to the test to defeat dangerous and surprising new enemies! The series features original voice talent from the film including Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse and will include Zack Pearlman and more.

Defenders of Berk, and the previously released Riders of Berk, is a must-own for any Dragons fan to catch up before the summer event when How to Train Your Dragon 2 hits theatres June 13^th! The DVD is jam-packed with special features that dive deeper into the exciting world of Dragons, including Dragon Tracker Part 4 featuring an in-depth look at Skrill, Baby Thunderdrums and Speed Stinger dragons, along with a special sneak peek of Snaptrapper, a dragon that will be seen in How to Train Your Dragon 2; Evolution of Skrill, a featurette with visual effects supervisor David Jones who explains the history behind this mysterious and scary dragon; and the “Here Comes the Fire” Dragon Mash-up music video. When it comes to action and excitement, the sky’s the limit in this high-flying animated TV series.

Fans that purchase the DVD will also get a Digital HD UltraViolet^™ code for the title and Movie Money ($7.50 value) to redeem for tickets to How to Train Your Dragon 2 when the film hits theatres in June, as well as a chance to win a free dragon racing saddle or a mystery box code for exclusive battle gear and powers to School of Dragons, the online game from JumpStart based on DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise. With cinema-like graphics and an immersive 3D world, it takes more than courage to train a dragon but brains as well. For more information, visit http://www.schoolofdragons.com.

DreamWorks Dragons: Defenders of Berk Part 2 DVD Features:

• Dragon Tracker Part 4
• Evolution of Skrill
• "Here Comes the Fire" Dragon Mash-Up

The Giveaway


 One lucky winner is going to receive a Dragons Defenders of Berk Part 2 DVD  ! To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end 5/26/14. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Fox Home Entertainment for offering this fantastic prize.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway



***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a copy of the DVD to thank me for my time. This is not a review. The information was received from the company or their representative.   Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ***

Blu-Ray Review: Great Expectations

Great Expectations

From the director of Four Weddings and a Funeral comes this fresh, “absorbing” (Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times) cinematic realization of Charles Dickens’ beloved novel starring Oscar® Nominees Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes*. After an orphaned, blacksmith’s apprentice inherits a fortune from an anonymous benefactor, he moves to London – and towards a promising future. But the machinations of a bitter heiress (Bonham Carter) seem to put the beautiful young woman (Holliday Grainger) he loves forever out of his reach. This “satisfying” (David Hiltbrand, Philadelphia Inquirer) drama featuring vibrant cinematography and lush costumes also stars Jeremy Irvine, Jason Flemyng and Robbie Coltrane.

Special Features

	●	Great Expectations - Premiere Piece
	●	Great Expectations Trailer

My Thoughts

 Most people already know the plot of Great Expectations because it's based off a classic novel most of us read in high school or college. In a nutshell, Pip is the orphan apprentice of a blacksmith who inherits a fortune. He falls in love but other forces try to keep them apart. This film was an excellent book to movie adaption. One of the major upsides is they use the dialogue from the novel and Dicken's humor and messages remain intact.

I am a huge fan of Helena Bonham Carter, which was the main reason I decided to watch his film. She was, of course, wicked and stunning as always, but all the actors gave noteworthy performances as well. Jeremy Irvine and Holliday Grainger bring the spark of romance to the screen even through their trails. Ralph Fiennes as Magwitch was outstanding and Jason Flemyng as the blacksmith that raises Pip was sympathetic. Overall, it was perfectly cast, even though many of the actors are lessor known.

I thought this was a great adaption of a classic novel and kept within a reasonable length of two hours. It stayed pretty true to the novel. In all fairness, though I have read the book, I haven't watched any of the other movie versions, so I'm not making comparisons but reviewing this film on its own merits alone. With the stunning scenery and costumes and the outstanding acting, I felt this movie was a well-earned five-stars.

Blu-Ray Review - Cowgirls N' Angels 2: Dakota's Summer

Cowgirls ‘N Angels 2

Oscar^® Winner Keith Carradine* (Cowboys & Aliens) stars alongside a young, popular cast that includes Haley Ramm (X-Men: The Last Stand), Jade Pettyjohn (American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars), and Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow) in this inspiring second chapter of the beloved Cowgirls ’N Angels story! After she receives unexpected news about herself, a 17-year-old girl (Ramm) experiences an exciting, yet challenging life in and out of the rodeo circuit in this wonderful coming- of-age story. Filled with heart, horses and high-reaching adventure, Cowgirls ’N Angels 2: Dakota’s Summer is an uplifting reminder that with courage, friendship and passion, anything is possible.

*Best Music, Original Song, Nashville, “I’m Easy,” 1975.

Special Features

● Behind The Scenes of Dakota’s Summer

Cowgirls ‘N Angels 2 Blu-ray

Street Date:	April 15, 2014
Prebook Date:	March 19, 2014
Screen Format:	Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio:	English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles:	English TXT/English SDH/ Latin Spanish/Quebecois
U.S. Rating:	PG
Total Run Time:	114 minutes
Closed Captioned:	Yes

Where to Buy

You can find Cowgirls N' Angels 2: Dakota's Summer in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

My Thoughts 

Cowgirls n' Angels 2 is a uplifting family film people of all ages and walks of life will enjoy. First, I want to mention that I haven't seen the first movie in this series, but I was still able to follow along with no issues. This movie definitely stands of it's own. Dakota learns she's adopted and it sends her world into a downward spiral. She throws herself into her horses and winning the competitions. She tries to forget about everything else, but the past has a way of sneaking up on you no matter how much you try to avoid it.

With the help of the people who love her, Dakota learns that real family doesn't really have anything to do with your blood.  This beautiful coming of age story is well written and perfectly cast. The beautiful horses are a great addition to a heart warming tale. My whole family enjoyed watching this film together and I plan on going back to look for the original.

DVD Review: Abner the Invisible Dog

About Movie:

When science nerd Chad Sheppard gets a chemistry set for his 13th birthday, little does he know
he’s in for a much bigger surprise. While experimenting with the kit, his best friend, Abner, a big,
furry sheepdog, suddenly starts talking before vanishing into thin air!

Chad already has enough problems fighting off two bullies who want to wreck his chances with
Sophie, the cute girl next door. Now, he has to hide an invisible, talking dog – who’s a bit of a
wise guy – from his parents and figure out how to get everything back to normal … All while
outwitting a pair of clumsy crooks who are determined to steal the top­secret formula  that gave
Abner his super­spy powers.

With his parents out of the house, Chad and his canine sidekick have to defeat the bad guys, get
the girl and save the day!

Our Thoughts:

When looking for a movie to watch at a school function, it can be hard to find one appropriate. So many times they look at ratings, and if they aren't rated G, you don't get to watch them. And that's a lot of kids movies anymore. I was so excited that this one was allowed to be seen at school!!!

A typical movie about a teenage kid being bullied, has his best friend, and dog to stand on his side and help him. That is however, after the big furry dog started talking and disappeared. Abner, the dog, got mixed up in a science experiment by his human, Chad. Things went wonky, and Abner is a wise cracking invisible talking dog!

Add in even more bad guys trying to get the formula, (stolen from the government) that made Abner invisible, Chad has his work cut out for him. He has to put everything back together, get the girl, defeat the bad guys, and stop his bullies, while his parents are away!

This is definitely a funny movie that your kids will enjoy!

 You can get your copy of Abner The Invisible Dog today, or look for it in your local stores!

Reviewed by Steph