Movie Reviews

Blu-Ray Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

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Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy)

Official Synopsis:
Around the globe, headlines break the news: a scandal takes down an Indian cotton tycoon; a Chinese opium trader dies of an apparent overdose; bombings in Strasbourg and Vienna; the death of an American steel magnate… no one sees the connective thread between these seemingly random events—no one, that is, except the great Sherlock Holmes, who has discerned a deliberate web of death and destruction. At its center sits a singularly sinister spider: Moriarty.

Holmes’ investigation into Moriarty’s plot becomes more dangerous as it leads him and Watson out of London to France, Germany and finally Switzerland. But the cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead, and moving perilously close to completing his ominous plan. If he succeeds, it will not only bring him immense wealth and power but alter the course of history.

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law return as Holmes and Watson, along with Rachel McAdams, Kelly Reilly, and other minor characters from the previous film. Downey and Law have the same fantastic chemistry as before. Though, Downey seems to be acting even more eccentric than ever as he follows the clues and his wild theories on a high speed adventure across Europe. Noomi Rapace as Madam Simza, a gypsy who Downey and Law must team up with along the way. Simza is a mysterious character, though a bit wooden. Jared Harris does an excellent job as the infamous Professor Moriarty. As Holmes’ greatest adversary in the original novels, Moriarty is the only person who is on the same intellectual level as Holmes.

A Game of Shadows is a strong sequel to Downey’s first Sherlock Holmes film. I enjoyed this story a bit more in fact, as there were no elements of the bizarre mysticism of the first. This was another wild ride of humor, drama, mystery, and action-packed adventure. The mystery and suspense kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. And the many comic relief lines had me laughing out loud. The suspense built to a massive climactic ending that was a bit predictable, yet completely enjoyable all the same. I hope this series continues with the same fine actors and keeps the light-hearted humor paired with intense action and intrigue.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack or Digital Download 6.12.12
Be sure to check out the free Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows movie app for iPad2 or Kindle Fire. The app synchs with the Blu-ray disc to start exploring the rich and exciting history of Sherlock Holmes. http://bit.ly/JlZkvR

Blu-Ray Special Features:

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Blu-Ray Review: New Year’s Eve

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New Year’s Eve available on Blu-ray Combo pack, DVD and for download 5/1

Synopsis from Warner Bros: Ingrid (Pfeiffer) is a woman looking for her purpose in life, helped along the way by Paul (Efron). Tess (Biel) and Griffin (Meyers) are in a race against the clock to have the first baby of the New Year. Randy (Kutcher) and Elise (Michele) are trapped in an elevator, one desperate to get out and one not eager to leave. Claire (Swank) is the in charge of making sure the Times Square ball drops at midnight but she runs into a major problem.

Following the converging stories of dozens of characters, “New Year’s Eve” tells these stories and more, showcasing love, hope, excitement, sadness, joy, laughter and sorrow on the most exciting night of the year.

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Much like the movie Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve follows many people’s lives for one day, some whose lives intersect in unique ways. New Year’s Eve isn’t just about love though. They push the message several times to self-reflect and to do more, love more, and experience more. And while it’s mostly a feel-good movie, there are some tear-jerker performances by Robert DeNiro, Halle Berry, and Hillary Swank. With plenty of humor, romance, drama, and a plethora of familiar faces – this gathering of fantastic actors and actresses is fun and entertaining. Unfortunately, both Bon Jovi and Lea Michele’s musical performances fall flat and don’t add anything to the film. In fact, I finally had to fast forward through some of the songs as I was either cringing or bored. While the holiday isn’t one that most people care or get excited about, it certainly makes the party in Time Square seem like quite the event, instead of the crowded chaotic mess it looks like each year on television. Fast-paced, humorous and heart-warming, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed all of the separates stories and the final, climactic ending.

Blu-Ray Combo Pack Includes:
• Dual-Format Disc
• Blu-ray Side
o Theatrical film
o Special Features:
– Commentary by director Garry Marshall
– Gag Reel
– Magic of Times Square
– New Year’s Eve Secrets of the Stars
– Jon Bon Jovi & Lea Michele Rock New Year’s Eve
– Deleted Scenes with Garry Marshall
• DVD Side
o Theatrical Film
• UltraViolet Digital Copy

DVD Version Includes:
• Theatrical Film
• Special Features:
o Commentary by director Garry Marshall
o Gag Reel
• UltraViolet Digital Copy

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Fantasy Movie Review: Dorothy and the Witches of Oz

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Also titled the Witches of Oz, the director’s cut was renamed Dorothy and the Witches of Oz for the film’s release in select theaters. The story follows Dorothy Gale (Paulie Rojas), a children’s author continuing the Oz series. After her uncles death back in Kansas, Dorothy discovers that her stories were not from her imagination … Read more