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The Perfect Host (2011)

I think I am still in shock over this one. David Hyde Pierce is astounding in this very unorthodox role of madness. This movie is so psychotically delicious, it borders on "The Twilight Zone" meets "Sybil". I found myself laughing out of total fear of the incredulousness and depravity of the host. I did NOT see the ending coming or even imagine it to end the way it did. The movie works on several levels, from the civility of human compassion to the intrinsically evil darkness of insanity. This movie is a must see for those looking for just plain "bizarre". This one had me thinking about it several days after watching it and when a movie does that to me, then my appetite for wanting 'something different in a movie' is complete. Get ready for one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride. Mr. Pierce, WOW.

This movie will never, ever play anywhere near me, so I was pretty excited to see that Amazon had it available for download at the same time it is being released in the theatre.

It did not disappoint. It's a very character-driven suspense story. Even if you figure out the first couple twists, you won't guess them all. This movie does not contain a lot of graphic violence; very important if you are like me and don't have a high tolerance for that.

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I am not a fan of Strange movies but The Perfect Host with it's surprising twist and ending which you could have not seen coming seems to be a must watch just for the story alone and why Looks can be deceiving,a Victim turns the tables and it is one long strange and at times amusingly funny but yet sad situation after another.I highly recommend it,In the End,it is the most enjoyable and not sickening at all.

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This movie is awesome! My husband and I had high expectations for this movie and they were greatly exceeded. Anyone who enjoys a good black comedy should definitely see this one!

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Films with a twist are a strange animal, aren't they? Certain filmmakers have made a career out of it like Christopher Nolan and M. Night Shyamalan while films like Oldboy and The Usual Suspects completely rely on a twist to give everything a bit of a deeper meaning. But when does it become too much? If a film has more than one twist is it overkill? What about the ones with several? Getting tangled up in swerve after swerve probably isn't a good idea. That's one of the reasons most people hated Basic. Maybe it's a guilty pleasure of mine, but I almost always enjoy a movie with a good twist or two in it. And frankly, The Perfect Host is unlike anything the films it may share traits with.

Everything seems like an open and shut case as the movie begins. John Taylor (Clayne Crawford) just robbed a bank and is looking for a sanctuary of sorts to take cover in until the heat blows over. He stumbles onto the home of Warwick Wilson (David Hyde Pierce), which happens to be a rather extravagant home. Warwick is preparing for a dinner party and eventually lets John in after John convinces him that he's a friend of a friend. Push comes to shove and suddenly Warwick is up to speed and John now has the upper hand. But things aren't always what they seem and it just so happens that John walked right into Warwick's trap. The night only gets stranger and stranger for John as Warwick's insanity takes center stage.

The movie is mainly a cat and mouse game between John and Warwick. John Taylor initially comes off as a selfish, despicable lowlife but there's actually a pretty interesting back story to him. Warwick's story is just as interesting. He's classy, quirky, and charming in an awkward kind of way. He has this Jack Torrance quality to him that draws you to his character. His antics are what make the film as good as it is. It'd be like injecting Rubber's outlandish qualities into the first half of The Human Centipede before the actual human centipede comes into play. The Perfect Host is a dark, humorous, and spellbinding journey.

The music also compliments the visuals so well. The quieter and more orchestral sounding pieces not only match the class that Warwick is trying to project, but also make his darker intentions put you a bit more on edge. Not that anything is relatively terrifying in The Perfect Host, but everything is so outlandish that you're not entirely sure what to expect. The music tends to get more over the top to match Warwick's spiral into madness, which is a superb quality for a film like this to have.

The Perfect Host may be a bit overwhelming to some. The way the film is constantly twisting and turning in directions you don't expect may come off as a little tiresome, but it is really fantastic if you're a fan of unpredictability. Things you've thought you've figured out unravel to reveal you only knew part of the story. It's as if The Perfect Host has a never-ending amount of layers that's driven by the rather incredible performance of David Hyde Pierce and the equally impressive Clayne Crawford. The Perfect Host won't be for everyone, but to the ones it does speak to is some of the finest bat$#%! insanity to ever be filmed.

The DVD is mostly bare bones when it comes to special features. We get a Making of featurette featuring writer and director Nick Tomnay. The feature is about eleven minutes long and features Tomnay talking about the film spliced with scenes of the film. There is some interesting stuff in there like how The Perfect Host was originally a short, black and white flim that was shot in 2000, only taking 17 days to shoot the film, and Clayne Crawford putting a rock in his shoe to keep his limp up throughout the film. Tomnay also tells us how David Hyde Pierce came aboard and discusses how important the music is to the film. Then there's the four and a half minute featurette HDNet: A Look at The Perfect Host. This is mostly just a highlight reel from the film along with David Hyde Pierce talking about it. Throw in the theatrical trailer and that wraps up the special features.

The Perfect Host is rated R for language, some violent content and brief sexual material. It's presented in English 5.1 Dolby Digital sound with optional Spanish subtitles and has a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1. It's approximately 93 minutes long and should be available in both retail stores and most online retailers now.

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Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III (2013)

I held my breath until the release date for this film. Love at first trailer site!

HOw could you possibly go wrong when you have SHeen, Swartzman and add the man Bill Murray on top of it all. It's pure gold!

Funny, great, sexy, and simply beautiful. Liam Hayes wrote a solid, really good soundtrack for it, albeit, not very originally sounding ( I still bought it on cd).

The scene where Charlie's love interest Winnick and Charlie dance and sing and butcher in Portugese is priceless.

Don't trust the reviewrs, including myself. See the film for yourself and you be the judge.

In this day and age of computer graphics, it nice to see an under the radar , small production film , where the human element is better than any amount of CGI

Well done Mr. Coppola and the crew!

Thank you

Satistfied movie-goer

Overwhelming gimmicks and stunt casting dictates this sour indulgent affair. From it's opening credits to the actors breaking the fourth wall in the ending, Coppola succumbs to his own crushing pretension and narcissim. In the lead role, Sheen is hidden behind extravagant costumes and a shallow underdeveloped character. He never surrenders himself to the hapless role. What it doesn't lack in imagination, it surely lacks in a logical and coherent story, as we frolic from set piece to dream sequence to yet another sequence without any rhythm. Quite honestly, I'll fork over $10 to anybody who could explain what was actually happening in this movie.

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I really thought this was going to be something totally different. Charlie Sheen plays a misbehaving artist who no longer has the creative juice to do anything new. It turns into very standard rehash about losing a girlfriend, brushes with the law, and testing the patience of old friends and relatives. I suppose these actors did the best they could with what few ideas were in the script. The last scene was pretentious beyond belief.

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This is the quirky indie I wanted to love, but didn't. Charley Sheen plays Charles Swan III, a type cast role. His girlfriend Ivana (Katheryn Winnick) breaks up with him. Charley is going through the mental phrase where he both wants her back and to "give her a kick." He has mental fantasies about their relationship which is supposed to be revealing psychologically as well as entertaining.

Unfortunately it doesn't achieve any laughter and only a few smiles. The ending lacks the heart warming quality these films normally boast. Funny guy Bill Murray was a bore. Jason Schwartzman who does comedy wasn't funny. Patricia Arquette plays Charley's sister in a poorly written role. The film ending and opening cartoon sequences makes it appear to have been inspired from Monty Python, although it lacks the genius.

This might make do as the fifth film from Redbox rental lot. I wouldn't buy it, even as a Sheen fan.

Parental Guide: F-bomb. No sex. Brief picture/photo nudity.

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"Maybe someone hurt me, you ever think of that, maybe someone hurt me." Charles Swan III (Sheen) is having a bad day. His girlfriend just broke up with him and he has a near death experience. When he wakes up in the hospital he begins to go over what happened. This is a very hard movie to review. It was very bizarre but OK. The only real way to review this is that the movie was written and directed by Roman Coppola. While this is his first real movie he has directed he helped to write Moonrise Kingdom and Darjeeling Limited. The movie has a type of a Wes Anderson feel to it so if you like his type of comedy then you will like this. If you don't get or don't like his humor then I would avoid this. That is really the only thing I can say about this movie. Overall, not bad but really made for a specific audience. I give it a B-.

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Dutch (1991)

Ohhhh, this is a good one. The magnificent dueling performances by Ethan Embry and Ed O'Neill keep you glued to the screen like you're watching some crackerjack tennis match as the two battle back and forth.

Ed O'Neill plays Dutch, a wealthy professional who feels more at ease wearing a softened pair of corduroy pants while drinking a beer and eating pretzels than he does seeing an opera or visiting the local country club. He falls for JoBeth Williams' character, Natalie, the divorcee to a rich, snobby businessman -the same man who has managed to turn their son Doyle against her. Knowing that he's going to "pop the question" soon, Dutch volunteers to go to Doyle's ritzy boarding school in Georgia to bring him home via car for the Thanksgiving holiday. By doing so, he's hoping that they will have a unique chance to bond and that the boy will be more loving to his mother.

Ohhhhh, Dutch....what were you thinking?? It's a nightmare!! From the moment they meet, the two are battling at every level. Ethan Embry is OUTSTANDING as Dobsy (errr, Dwayne...uhmm, no....Digby?). He plays the part of the spoiled rich brat to perfection. Their funny misadventures on the road home put them in all sorts of hilarious situations...from losing their car in a freak "accident" to hitchhiking a ride with some hookers to spending the night at a homeless shelter. It keeps getting funnier with every turn. Ed O'Neill takes Dutch to a whole new level with his calm, cool collectedness. He displays incredible control of his character and you'll just be cheering for the guy the whole time.

The touching moments are when we see Doyle by himself, contemplating his attitude about life and his family. When he thinks no one is watching, Doyle is surprisingly sensitive and not so much the young adult who probably has a stock ticker in his closet...he's just a lost, struggling teenager who's as vulnerable as the rest of us.

But the ultimate question is...will Dutch succeed in winning Doyle over? You'll just have to watch and see for yourself!

This 1991 John Hughes film was a gigantic dud at the box office and was critically panned by pretty much every critic. Well guess what?, I like it!. It's far from being great, but as far as guilty pleasures go, this one is a good one. Ed 'O' Neill plays Dutch Dooley, a normal, everyday schlub who is in a relationship with a well to do woman, played by Poltergeists' JoBeth Williams. Dutch volunteers to go get her son at a private school and bring him home for Thanksgiving. Easy as pie, right?. Well, no. The kid is an uptight, snobbish brat. The ride home is full of one disaster after another. Dutch and Doyle try desperatley to get home, while the two constantly bicker at each other. During this time, Doyle gets a good dose of reality thrown in his face. Many moments are actually quite serious. Your not expecting it. The funny momets are quite humorous. All the things Dutch does to Doyle is, I must say, pretty funny. Doyle is played by Ethan Randall, who went on to appear in "That Thing You Do", "Vegas Vacation", "Can't Hardly Wait", and the FOX series "Freakylinks", which he went under Ethan Embry. 'O' Neill displays his great comedic talent and sly witicisms that he perfected on "Married With Children". The ending, this being a John Hughes film, is warm, fuzzy, and happy. Would you expect anything less?. All in all, it's a decent and harmless little road movie. Not bad.

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Two things. First, I think this movie is somewhat of a sleeper that many people overlook, may have heard a little bit about, caught once on cable, or totally forgotten. That's tragic. It's an awesome movie, and, even if it does resemble John Hughes' close movie with Steve Martin and John Candy ("Planes, Trains and Automobiles") only to the extent that it involves trying to get home for the holidays and a road trip, from that point, it's a totally different movie and really stands on its own.

Second, this movie shows that Ed O'Neill should never simply be thought of as simply the dad from "Married with Children." He is an amazing actor, and I could envision NOONE else having filled this role. He was perfect for it, and I totally could relate to him at every turn. He was truly a fella after my own heart.

The bottom line is that this simply a great movie with a great message. Something you can watch with your old mom and pop, and your bratty neice and nephew and not worry about too much. Brief scene with a couple of hookers, but this is played down so much and is so tongue-in-cheek, that there are no worries there. Other than that, great movie, classic moments, outrageously funny situations and one-liners, with a good, solid message to send home.

I really can't recommend it enough and was very thankful to find it being released on dvd after all this time. Get it while you can.

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This movie is an original masterpiece!!! I have not seen the DVD but I have watched this film over million times since I the first time I had set eyes on it back in 1993. Ed O'Neil plays the hardworking, white-collar boyfriend who tries to befriend his girlfriend's son through a series of comical events. The story takes an unexpected twist (I won't say where)and what was a mile-high ride settles back into reality. I really thought this movie was awesome and being a fan of "Married With Children" you get to actually see O'Neil do something a little different, on the lighter side. If you liked the original "Home Alone" genre you don't want to miss this one!!!!

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This is a wonderful movie & I'm glad to see it finally on DVD! I'll be picking this up immediately as I'm wearing out my cable-recorded copy. If you're a fan of Ed O'Neil, see this movie. He plays the classic "blue collar" guy (think a more well-off version of "Married... With Children's" Al Bundy) to Ethan Embry's snotty brat.

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What To Expect When You're Expecting (2012)

This is hilarious! After having one kid and with another on the way I can say that this movie is right on the money. They were somehow able to capture the funny and sometimes disgusting aspects of pregnancy without cheapening the miracle of having a baby. They show Cameron Diaz as the celebrity pregnancy, Jennifer Lopez vying for adoption, Brooklyn Decker as the trophy wife having twins, Anna Kendrick "Rosie" as the one night stand, and Elizabeth Banks with the super-planned pregnancy. When I first saw the trailer for the movie I laughed until I cried, and now having seen the movie, I am not disappointed. P.S. It's a husband friendly movie mine sure enjoyed it.

This is an okay movie and has a few laughs but nothing to write home about. If you're bored with nothing else to watch then go for it but, otherwise, I wouldn't waste my money renting it.

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I think that Jennifer Lopez ruins every movie she's in with her terrible acting. It never gets any better. Trust me, don't waste your time.

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"I just wanted the glow. The one that they promise you on the cover of those magazines. Well, I'm calling it pregnancy sucks. Making a human being is really hard. I have no control over my body or my emotions." This is a movie based off the famous book and deals with five different couples and how they handle pregnancy ranging from problems trying to adopt to having a sickeningly easy time giving birth. This is yet another movie dealing with many different couples and relationship problems but this is one of the better ones. I have said before that I am not really a fan of this type of genre but I really enjoyed this movie and laughed throughout. It may be because I have a kid and went through the whole pregnancy thing with my wife but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie. I am also really shocked at my favorite movies of the last few weeks. I have really enjoyed "Think Like A Man" and "Five-Year Engagement" and once again I think this "chick-flick" is the best movie of the week. I am not sure what that says about me but there are some really funny parts in this and if you are a woman do not be afraid about bringing this home to your man, he may throw a fit at first but the comedy (and Cameron Diaz's opening dance scene) will keep him watching and he will also enjoy it. I know I did...the dance was amazing though. Overall, a surprisingly funny movie that really won me over and I thought that was great. I (again surprisingly) give this an A.

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My wife suggested this movie since we are expecting in February 2013. We were both disappointed with the plot and the overall production of the film. There were a few funny moments, but they certainly do not warrant the purchase of this movie. If you are even considering watching it, wait until it comes to Prime.

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Quinn, Colin - Long Story Short (2010)

To seriously date myself, I have been watching Colin Quinn since the mid-eighties when he was the announcer/sidekick on MTV's inspired pop culture game show "Remote Control." In truth, while I like Quinn fine, I've never been a particularly enthusiastic fan. His irascible persona has served him well in stand-up and TV shows (Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, The Colin Quinn Show) and suitably on "Saturday Night Live," but he's never had the cross over success of fellow "Remote Control" alum Adam Sandler. It was of great interest to me, however, when it was announced that Jerry Seinfeld was backing and directing Quinn in a one man stage show. "Colin Quinn--Long Story Short" is a 2010 filmed presentation of that show performed at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theater, originally broadcast on HBO. The show's hook is that it is a satirical look at the history of the world in 75 minutes. Tying modern day phenomenon to ancient civilizations, Quinn journeys through different cultures and eras for a fitfully funny and surprisingly smart engagement.

To be fair, I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this presentation. But Quinn acquits himself well in a routine that is thought provoking and insightful. This is NOT a stand-up comedy special. Those looking for traditional jokes might need to look elsewhere. This is an intricately constructed piece that is as much about history as it is about any punchline. While not always as laugh-out-loud funny as you might hope, it more than compensates by its ambition and scope. I've never given much thought to Quinn as an intellectual, but the sophistication in this piece has made me reevaluate that opinion.

Not all of the night's themes are particularly new to comedic interpretation. The main point seems to be that humans are their own worst enemies. Seeking proclaimed enlightenment, our follies and foibles lead us down the path to destruction every time. And history repeats--no matter the time or place. Some of the funniest bits have to do with frustrations in contemporary society as people relate to one another at the ATM or in an elevator. But Quinn is adept at relating the idiocies of the present to those of the past. He takes us through the historical settings of the ancient Greeks and Romans, through to the British Empire, all the way up to the Jersey Shore with lots of stops on the way. I absolutely loved Quinn's premise here. For sure, the material was a bit uneven (some even too expected)--but the success far outweighs any drawbacks. Smart and literate, this satiric romp through the ages is absolutely recommended to those who know what to expect. Once again, this is NOT stand-up but a fully realized one man show which is both funny and brainy--a winning combination. About 4 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 10/11.

My wife talked me into seeing this when he came to philly. i wasn't too sure but i'm glad i did. it took about 5 minutes to get going but when he did it just took off. my only regret is that i didnt bring paper and a pen to write down all the jokes that i wanted to repeat later to friends and family. i cant wait to get this in the mail so i can see it all over again

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Written and performed by Colin Quinn. Directed by Jerry Seinfeld. This show was so well done and so funny, I saw it Live twice at Bleeker St. Theatre. It was so well received it moved uptown to Helen Hayes Theatre in Times Square where I saw it again. Hilarious view of civilization. Highly recommend. Deserves a Tony, if there is a Comedy category. Glad it was made into a DVD.

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This is a hilarious, smart summary of the history of the world. Colin Quinn is largely accurate (I did notice a historical error on the Latin America piece) and wholly entertaining. I only wish there was an edited version I could show my world history students, as the curse words are free flowing. I can watch this repeatedly and still laugh heartily at Quinn's performance. I HIGHLY recommend this product!

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Colin takes us through history using wit and humor to shine a light on the similarities between "now" and "then". Wish I could have seen it live and in person as the audience was really into the performance. Makes me miss Tough Crowd, a lot.

Save the Date (2012)

A real film about how life sort of just happens. very relatable story and characters. The story plays out like events would in life and that was what made this movie so great. if you enjoy stories that are more realistic then this is for yo Lizzy Caplan and Alison Bree are stellar and you will fall in love with them. The dialogue is key in this film so enjoy and pay attention. i will say the last scene wasnt my favorite but the rest of the story makes up for it

Lizzy Caplan steals your heart as a complex, self gaurded 30something who has love thrown at her when it's the farthest thing she wants. She most choose between the love she has become comfortable with, and the rebound guy turned soulmate. As well as her sister's (Alison Brie) wedding witch she feels obligated to help with. Great performances from Mark Webber, Geoffrey Arend and Martin Starr also.

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Really enjoyed this movie and the dark humor was a nice departure from the standard, cliched romcom. Sad at times and i wish it didn't end where it did (not that i'm always opposed to ambiguous endings), but I'd definitely watch it again! Loved the cast and in particular thought Lizzy Caplan did SUCH a credible job with the role.

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A good look to couples and relationships on some extreme tough situations but also with a very realistic intention to grow. Nice funny moments also. Sweet movie after all.

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Save the Date is a sweet and yet serious indie flick about two sisters who are as different as night and day. Sarah is terrified of commitment (Lizzy Caplan) and Beth (Alison Brie) is happily engaged. Sarah's live-in boyfriend proposes to her in a very public setting and she breaks up with him, and immediately begins a sexual relationship with Jonathan (Mark Webber). Beth is cynical about Sarah's new situation, she feels her sister is just passing time and is afraid to take risks in her safe little world. I thought Lizzy Caplan and Mark Webber have intense and wonderful chemistry, and I also thought Caplan's performance was heartbreaking and electric, this is the best I've ever seen her. Save the Date is a great film, it's not for everyone but if you're a fan of indie flicks then this one is for you. Enjoy!

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The 40-Year-Old Virgin Unrated (Blu ray + DVD + Digital Copy) (2005)

This is one of the funniest movies I've had the pleasure of catching at a movie theater in a long time. I thought I was purchasing more laughs for my buck buying the UNRATED version, but much to my disappointment this is definitely a case of MORE is LESS. The added scenes do nothing to enhance the original; in fact, I'd say 90% of these added scenes should have been left as "deleted scenes." They hurt the comedic pacing of the original. If you thoroughly enjoyed the original at the theaters, stay away from this unrated version. In fact, I'm so disappointed in this unrated version, I'm tempted to buy the r-rated "original" version even though it only comes in full screen (why the original is unavailable in the widescreen format is also cause for this fan to roll his eyes in disbelief).

Surprise, it's a morality tale disguised as a sex comedy.

Imagine you combined a few of the best parts of Something about Mary, 40 days and 40 nights, Sideways and ( as strange as it might sound) an after school special. Now, throw in more profanity than really necessary and imagine that the combination worked.

Plus, unlike the Josh Hartnett film, 40 days and 40 nights, there is some actual thought given to the kind of person who is shown.

It's not Shakespeare. It's not Once Upon a Time In Mexico. And it's not the Usual Suspects, but for what it is it works.

And what it is, is the smartest dumb movie I've seen in a very long time.

Among its many surprises, is you have a peer group of men who actually look out for each other.

You also have an attractive grandmother who is not the standard cookie-cutter grandmother.

These are just two of the many departures from the expected that make this anything but the one-note comedy that the commercials make it seem like.

The 40 year-old is cut from the same cloth as Steve Martin's early masterpiece, the Jerk, and as someone in his thirties, it's refreshing to see a funny movie, where the main character is not a 20-something.

Plus, the soundtrack is a surprising combination of some of the forgotten treasures of pop and broadway.

Perhaps, the best of all, it's nice to be reminded that everyone is running on their own schedule in life.

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My first viewing of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" was late in its theatrical run. By then it had been banished to the smallest theater in the multiplex, so me and (I assume) the only other middle-aged virgin in town were its sole audience. I wish I'd seen it sooner, because it's now one of my all-time favorite comedies.

Forty-year-old Andy Stitzer lives a comfortably regimented singleton life similar to the main character from "About a Boy," except chaste, uncool, and with no internal monologue. He works in the service department of Smart Tech, a Circuit City-like electronics store. One day, a couple of coworkers ask him to be the fifth man at a poker party. He accepts, but during the game is outed as a virgin. The rest of the movie revolves around his friends' outrageous attempts to get him hooked up, along with Andy's determined efforts to overcome his fear of women and woo Trish, an attractive customer who owns an online auction store across the street.

This could easily have been another lowbrow copulation comedy. However, it's much better than that. Steve Carell (also a co-writer) does a fine job of making Andy into a sympathetic character. Indeed, I easily identified with his motivations and actions: the bad experiences that led him to forsake dating, his escape into fantasy, and even the mundane activities he uses to fill his solitary life. Andy's friends are also intriguing because they represent flawed approaches to women. David (Paul Rudd) is obsessed with a gal who dumped him years ago, Cal (Seth Rogan) objectifies females, and the serial cheater Jay (Romany Malco) can't commit to his longsuffering girlfriend.

The movie has been lengthened in this DVD edition by 17 minutes with additional and extended scenes. As for DVD extras, this edition is packed with a decent assortment. Deleted scenes like Andy's public karaoke debut added depth to the characters. A series of outtakes include the usual blown lines, gaffes, and laughing fits. The lively commentary contains interesting bits of trivia on the filmmaking process. However, it was a bit too crowded for my taste (just about everybody shows up), and Seth Rogan has a tendency to dominate the proceedings. Unfortunately, Catherine Keener is a glaring absence. Her portrayal of Trish is excellent, and I really wanted to hear her perspective. Finally, the other featurettes, such as the waxing scene "making-of" bit, are stock, but passable.

Although it's somewhat raunchy, as a Christian I have to commend "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" for a single crucial thing: it's the only mainstream movie I know of that makes chastity until marriage look like a grand idea. That alone is enough to recommend it (even if my pastor disagrees). But the humor, story, characters, and performances are also worth the watch especially if someday, like me, you hope to sing "Age of Aquarius" on your honeymoon.

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Raucous humor, outrageous interpersonal situations, potty mouth, and over the top jokes have long been the successful turf of countless summer movies aimed at the teen crowd, films such as the endless American Pie series, Dumb and Dumberer, There's Something About Mary, etc. Now there is a new trend aimed at the thirty to forty something audiences that mimics the earlier teen subjects. THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN falls into this category along with WEDDING CRASHERS et al, but there is a difference with this one: empathy.

The story is slight: an uptight, loner, action heroes collecting, non-driving bicycle-riding punctual worker in a boring firm is now forty years old and is still a virgin a fact that bothers him deeply but his virginity has developed into a phobia for close encounters of the female kind. His work partners discover his secret over poker and pledge to resolve the problem by getting him laid, in some of the most negative possible of suggestions. After endless trials to resolve his sexual vacuum he meets a forty something grandmother and in a mutually agreed pact they decide to date without sex for 20 dates before they allow physical activity to occur. In the process the friends at work (including the seductive female manager) learn a thing or two about their own life styles and the film ends in a bizarre musical number that pushes it over the top while tapping at the heart.

Steve Carell co-wrote the script (with Director Judd Apatow) and it shows. His 'Andy' may be a nerd but his adaptation to his problematic existence is sweet and charismatic. Likewise, his office entourage (Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Romany Jay, Jane Lynch) gives us three-dimensional characters each of which shows some personal growth of their own during their experiments for Andy. The real glow of the film is due to the presence of Catherine Keener as the 'grandmother' for whom Andy falls. Whenever she is on the screen lights flash and reality sets in. The real problem for this viewer is that the slapstick portion of the film simply goes on too long. Apatow needs to rethink comedy in a way that reminds him that brevity is better: two hours is way too long for this very short story. Though it has redeeming graces, this is a film for a audience tolerant of the silly and the gross who is willing to wade through the first three-fourths of the film to catch the quietly tender social comment the film contains. Grady Harp, January 06

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The story's not too complicated. Steve Carell plays Andy, a nice, but shy and geeky guy who in 40 years hasn't managed to have sex with a woman. The guys he works with at the electronics store find out and make it their mission to get him laid. They give him bad advice and yet he still manages to have a few close calls but all he gets is embarrassed, scared and thrown up on. All on his own, Andy manages to start dating a woman who he really likes, but she wants to take it slow, so no sex at first and besides, he can't figure out how to tell her he's a virgin.

This was a funny movie. It's crude humor, but what would you expect from a movie called The 40 Year Old Virgin. What pushes it a cut above say a teen trying-to-get-laid movie is the relationship between Carell and Catherine Keener as they actually fall in love. Carell's Andy has his geeky tendencies but is also very human in his emotions and the way he deals with life. Paul Rudd was very funny as a salesman at the store who is still pining for a lost girlfriend 2 years later. His deterioration as the movie progresses was hilarious.

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The Beaver (2011)

Although I've never been a fan of Mel Gibson as an actor, producer, or person, I was drawn to see "The Beaver" by watching the fascinating movie trailer clips of Gibson playing a seriously depressed middle-aged man, as well as the associated media interviews given by Jodie Foster explaining what she was trying to achieve as director. Wow! First of all, this film is far more entertaining than the subject matter (debilitating depression) or the reviews would suggest. Even Foster who directed the film calls it "quirky" and "not a comedy". No, it's not a comedy, but there are a number of scenes in this film that made me chuckle. My favorite is a profile shot of Gibson and the Beaver puppet resting in bed after making love with Foster. A very cool and humorous shot... So you will be entertained if you are open to just following the movie as it unfolds. This is not a boring movie.

Overall, I really enjoyed almost everything about "The Beaver". It's well-written and directed, the quality of the filming is good, and I became emotionally engrossed in the main characters even though the plot is uneven in certain spots. To my surprise, I didn't even think about Mel Gibson being a troubled celebrity during the movie. As Walter the primary character, he was so convincing physically and his performance was so believable that I followed Walter's progress through the story without seeing him as Mel Gibson the person. Jodie Foster says she chose Gibson because he was perfect for the role, and she is correct. I can't think of anyone else who could pull off such a memorable performance acting mostly with a hand puppet. So my first Oscar nomination goes to Mel Gibson for playing Walter.

My second Oscar nomination goes to Jodie Foster for directing a multifaceted and creative movie that connects with the audience and entertains on many levels. And she does that smoothly while dealing with a serious subject without being preachy or making the audience feel down. I was able to watch Walter's saga of depression without getting depressed myself. Instead, I was intrigued by the characters and how they interacted. Jodie Foster certainly deserves an Academy Award for her directing skills in "The Beaver".

My remaining "half Oscar" goes to Jodie Foster and Anton Yelchin (playing the wife and angry son respectively) for their excellent supporting performances. Both of them are believable in their roles as confused and angry family members. They kept me interested in their reactions the whole movie as I watched the plot develop.

"The Beaver" is really two stories combined in one movie. The first story is about Walter's depression as the father, and the second story is about his son's personal growth as a teenager. They are both done well, although I agree with some reviewers who say the son's story intrudes too much on the primary plot of Walter's dealing with depression by using a puppet as his alter ego. A little less teenage drama would have been good, but it didn't really detract from my enjoying the movie overall.

I highly recommend "The Beaver" as a top quality film that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. When I left the theater, I knew that I had just watched a really good movie that was worth my time and money. That's a very nice feeling, and unfortunately all too rare these days...

i had been waiting to see this film for months and when it was finally released it wasn't released in my city. i traveled over an hour to see this film and was definitely not let down. both gibson and foster give outstanding performances in this dark comedy/drama. jodie foster is my favorite actress and this is the first film she has directed in 15 years. it was totally worth the time, money, and drive to see this film. will definitely be purchasing when it is released onto dvd. go see it!

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This is a film about a man whose marriage is collapsing and his family business is failing. He is about to commit suicide when a beaver puppet on his arm talks him out of it. This becomes his primary form of communication with all those around him. I found The Beaver to be quite enthralling with the effect the puppet had on his familial and business relationships remarkable and the performance of Mel Gibson to be outstanding. I just really liked the puppet character, the accent that was voiced for him by Gibson. The drama endured by his oldest son, with whom the relationship is strained, I felt was quite interesting. His tale doesn't distract from the Beaver storyline, but adds to it. The film is a fascinating look at how mental illness can damage a man's life and affect those around him.

Read Best Reviews of The Beaver (2011) Here

A depressed CEO of a toy company accidentally finds a way to communicate with others through a hand puppet he found in a dumpster. While his younger son and estranged wife, as well as his company's employees, welcome his change, his older son, afraid of becoming like his father, just doesn't like it.

Mel Gibson plays the depressed CEO Walter Black. Jodie Foster is his alienated wife Meredith. Anton Yelchin is Walter's elder son Porter, who writes term papers for other students for money; Jennifer Lawrence is Norah, the valedictorian who asks Porter to write a speech for her. Their budding romance is just a subplot, but seems more believable than the main story.

The film's premise about the troubled man with a hand puppet is already something hardly credible, especially when Mel Gibson's character goes through the change so quickly. When the beaver hand puppet started 'speaking' in a Cockney accent, I stopped caring. Is it an allegory or something? Is there any subtexts underlying the apparently incredible storyline? I know the hand puppet idea does not have to be psychologically valid. In "The Beaver" it serves as a plot device a device of which potential is never explored.

"The Beaver" is a drama, not a comedy. If it is a comedy, it is a dark one. We know Jodie Foster (who also directs) is not known for comedic roles. But as a drama, like in her works as director ("Little Man Tate" and "Home for the Holidays"), something is not quite right with the film, of which characters (including the "Beaver"), well-acted as they are, feel very distant. Despite the drastic thing that happens in the latter half of the story, we feels emotionally detached. Is that really necessary?

The film's uneven script does not allow us to get to know the characters. We see Mel Gibson turning in compelling performances, but we do not meet the person Walter Black. We are fascinated by his acting, not by the character's spiritual journey. The film is sincere and intelligent, and has a unique concept, but that alone is not enough to draw us into the story it tells.

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"I'm The Beaver, and I'm here to save your damn life." Walter (Gibson) is in a very, very deep depression. A failed suicide attempt leads him to his last chance at recovery, a puppet called The Beaver. Disclamier #1 I will do my best to keep this review short enough to take up the whole page here. Since the 1st of the year I have reviewed over 200 movies. This is one of, if not the best movie of the year. Disclaimer #2...the extent of my personal knowledge of the real actors are what I read and I do not know them personally. Every interview I see when actors talk about the characters they play they are always in the 3rd person, trying to distance themselves as not to bring thier personal lives in to the part. This is the extremely rare movie that the baggage an actor brings with him actually helps the movie. The first line on the back of the case says "Walter, once a successful and happy family man, has hit rock bottom." You could insert the name Mel and it would make even more sense. The first movie he has made since his "Meltdown" and there is no better way to return then this one. This is the greatest job of casting in a movie since Samuel L. Jackson played "Shaft". For those that love Gibson, you will absolutly love this movie. For those that don't, I would still ask you to give this a chance. Going in knowing what he as done recently only helps give the character the dimension that it needs. His acting in this is far and away the best of his career and possibly of the year. The big problem is that because of what he has done recently this movie as a stigma put on it so don't expect any award show wins. The irony is that it is because of who he is that makes the movie great. Overall, an absolute must see. Mel Gibson is amazing in this movie, and it may make you think different of him. I easily give it an A+ (higher if I could)...A++..there!

Would I watch again? I will buy this and show it to as many people as I can.

*Also try Barney's Version & A Beautiful Mind

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Stripes (Extended Cut) (1981)

Nope! It's NOT just the same movie simply put:

You haven't actually seen Bill Murray's 'STRIPES' until you obtain this 2005 re-release DVD!

The bonus scenes featured DOES INDEED answer various inquiries we once had re this comedy:

e.g. why are those 2 guys ALONE sitting against the EM-50 in Italy before they take it for a spin?....and when in Germany Russell flat-out refuses to rescue the captured troops with the other three in the EM-50, what made him change his mind? (to mention a few)..

Another one of the deleted scenes is the (talked-about) 7-minute "South America" segment

where we DO see another side of Harold Ramis while Murray is truly hilarious!

A BETTER print with superior STEREO 5.1 dolby sound now vs the previous mono DVD, including a great feature in two parts -"Stars & Stripes" that will leave you dazzled in understanding this entire film: how it was made, rare image stills, and how the actors (a good number of them)

felt in doing the film along with Murray himself, being interviewed from of all places TOKYO!

This new DVD gives you 2 movie options:

1.) the EXTENDED version featuring the deleted scenes-

(with added option of audio commentary from the director and head writer)

2.) the ORIGINAL theatrical version-

*BOTH WS*

There's also the option of seeing all SIX bonus scenes one after the other -

The EXTENDED version does a fine editing job inserting the deleted scenes at the right places,

even indicating (via small permanent text) where these bonus scenes START and END -

-an extremely smooth flow minus any pauses or audio dropouts...

However on this strange ORIGINAL version, there ARE crude pauses/slight audio drops only at the marks where the deleted scenes were MEANT to be placed (or were previously removed),

it's as if they didn't (wouldn't or couldn't) simply EMPLOY the main original print for this DVD -

-unsmooth/choppy at these marks, esp when the guys drive to Germany and meet the girls -

e.g. Murray hugs P.J. Soles with the line: "I Brought The Magic Suitcase"..

That very scene literally disappears thus disappoints on this ORG version -

One Major Blunder:

A bonus scene w/P.J. Soles (there's MORE of her) & Murray in a hotel bedroom from Germany

is in fact the EXACT same bedroom set in a PREVIOUS short scene where she pulls Bill out of the trunk at General Barnacy's house; When you compare the two you'll believe they intended this to be START of the 'Barnacy Bedroom' segment..

But overall (the pauses & blunder notwithstanding), they did a great job

in christening this DVD as: "The ULTIMATE Stripes"

definately worth forking over (at best) a Hamilton and an Abe for...

The mark of a great comedy is that it remains funny after numerous viewings. "Stripes" (the 1981 release that helped make Bill Murray a star) passes this litmus test with flying colors. Now at last there is a DVD release, replete with extras, worthy of this enduring comedy.

Ivan Reitman directed Murray, Harold Ramis (who has subsequently directed many comedies of his own) and a great supporting cast led by John Candy as new recruits in the U.S. Army.

The wonderful veteran actor Warren Oates, who died shortly after the film's release, is their tough-as-nails drill sergeant. The by-play between Murray and Oates (opposites don't always attract) is priceless.

Suffice it to say that hilarity ensues, with the improbable unit putting on a virtuoso performance at their graduation ceremony ("That's the fact Jack!) sans their injured sergeant. This leads to them being charged with the security of a new super weaponized mobile home (it's called an, "urban assault vehicle") in Europe. Improbable? Absolutely. Hilarious? Most definitely.

Murray and Ramis also each has a lovely MP to accompany him on the duo's escapades as the ribaldry doesn't stop until the closing credits.

You can watch the "Stripes" with deleted scenes included or without.

The obvious highlight of the DVD extras is an hour long documentary on the movie with all principles interviewed (at his insistence, Murray's interview is done in black light). It is one of the better retrospectives of its kind.

And "Stripes" is one of the best comedies of this or any other time.

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Absolutely one of the funniest movies ever made. It would definitely have to be highly ranked, if only for the fact that it is possibly the most quoted movie of all time. Who among us has never said "Lighten up, Francis" or "You can't leave, all the plant are gonna die! ". Bill Murray is at his best, and Harold Ramis is the perfect straight man for him. Add in a supporting cast that includes John Candy, Judge Rheinhold, John Laroquette and Sean Young, and you have something pretty special. Also, gains points for the fact that it doesn't start to fade out at the end, like many comedies do when the decide to get "message-y". It just keeps up the energy and humor right up to (and including) the credits. To this day, the only movie I have ever enjoyed so much that I went right back to see it the very next night.

Read Best Reviews of Stripes (Extended Cut) (1981) Here

Stripes was one of my favorite movies as a kid, and I'm happy to say that I still find it just as funny today. This extended cut adds several deleted scenes, some good, some not-so-good. My personal favorite is one where Harold Ramis' character reaches the breaking point and he and Murray go AWOL, hitching a ride on a cargo plane and parachuting into South America. This scene gives Harold Ramis a chance to shine, and is very funny, but during the commentary track it is mentioned that it was cut from the film (despite being a favorite of the studio execs) because it didn't seem to fit in the film from a pacing aspect (it is suggested it would've gone well over the end credits, but this was before such a thing was common).

Speaking of the commentary track, it isn't mentioned on the packaging, but it's there, and includes director Ivan Reitman and writer/producer Dan Goldberg. And apparently, the extended cut wasn't Reitman's idea -some of the deleted scenes he prefers to not have in the film. The DVD also includes a nice 2-part documentary which includes interviews with the cast.

A great film!

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I'm a bit perplexed by the reviews criticizing this movie because of its unrealistic depiction of the Army. Do these same people complain that "Animal House" doesn't accurately display college life or that "Vacation" isn't what a family trip across the country is really like? (Hey, I live in St. Louis and could easily take exception to the outright offensive inaccuracies in "Vacation", but I still love the movie!) This is a comedy, folks. It's not "Saving Private Ryan" or "Band of Brothers", and it never claims or tries to be. It uses exaggeration and absurdities to make us laugh. It isn't striving for realism, although to its credit, I have heard plenty of people say that this is the best movie they've ever seen at giving you the feel for what its like going into the service, and that their own drill instructor was identical to Sgt Hulka.

The first half of this movie is just about the funniest comedy ever made. Bill Murray and Harold Ramis are the perfect slobs with shiftless lives who try to maintain what's left of their dignity by enlisting in the Army. Their chemistry is wonderful and they truly are believable as out-of-shape but likable losers. Virtually every line and every character is memorable (Psycho, Ox, Cruiser, that lady in the cab, John Laroquette, and of course Russell and Winger), and this has to be the most quotable movie in history. No, John Candy would not have spoken to a superior officer that way when he gets off the bus (or at least not have gotten away with it), but that's what's so funny about it! And speaking of Sgt. Hulka, Warren Oates should have been given an Oscar nomination for this role. He's the high point of the movie for me, and his intense, over the top performance reminds me of Robert Shaw in "Jaws"some actors are so good that they can chew scenery and get away with it. So for the first half of the movie, there's not an unfunny moment. Maybe basic training isn't like this, but the scenes are so well-done that a generation of adolescent guys has grown up thinking that it is and have no doubt gone into the military with this movie in the back of their minds.

The second half of the movie sort of devolves into a bearable but not great action movie, with its contrived plot about the stolen military RV and the rescue mission across the Czech border. Still, the same characters are present and continue to sustain the movie until the end. Great music, tooI don't think this has ever been issued as a soundtrack but it contains one of the most memorable themes ever written for a movie.

The DVD itself is passableno extras, somewhat grainy video, unspectacular sound. But we surived watching it over and over again on basic cable with plenty of edits and subpar picture quality, so I can't complain too much. I suppose someday it will be given a "Special Edition" with a commentary and a retrospective from the stars, but the movie stands on its own without anything fancy.

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The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray/Blu-ray 3D Combo) (2012)

When I first went to see this movie I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not. I had expectations yes, but they weren't the highest. Boy was I wrong. This movie was great fun to watch.

I did not go see it in 3d because personally 3d doesn't do much for me but the 2d experience was great. What I really enjoyed about this movie was that it had a little bit of everything, funny characters, semi-engaging storyline, romance, action, and good looking men ;)

To me the storyline was just right for the film, there was a lot going on with the characters interactions with each other and they did a good job of playing back to things that happen early in the film and adding twists, confusion, and even a few surprises. The characters all have their quirks from D'Artagnan's cocky statements to King Louis' insecurity's and childlike attitude. The film has an overall funny feel to it with a good deal of jokes and silly encounters which I really enjoyed. There's nothing like going to an action movie and getting some laughs out of it as well.

The romance aspect was small but effective as it helped move the storyline along in different ways. Different characters had to deal with different aspects of romance and each issue helped push the plot and characters in ways that were both expected and unexpected. As for the action all I can say is wow. I love watching a good sword fight happen and this movie was full of excellent swordplay. Along with swords, bombs, explosives, and guns were all used adding to the action.

This movie is not a tradition rendering of the Three Musketeers and has a steam punk feel to it making it a Three Musketeers for the modern age. Overall it was fun to watch and enjoy. I enjoyed it enough that I went to see it twice in theaters and already have plans to purchase the DVD release. Overall I give it a five star review because I loved it that much. :)

If you're looking for your next movie to showcase for great 3D, The Three Musketeers delivers the same great 3D you've seen in Resident Evil Afterlife 3D, as Paul W.S. Anderson returns as director and has not lost his 3D touch (currently filming Resident Evil: Retribution 3D, which looks equally great from the 3D trailer as of Jan 2012). How good is the 3D here? Anderson learned his 3D from the Fusion 3D used on Avatar. Any more questions? Exceptional 3D in depth and the occasional pop outs.

Moving on to the movie itself, I went in with the expectations that the film would deliver interesting, like-able characters, a decent storyline and plenty of great action. They sort of got the last part right, but the rest is debatable IMO.

Characters: The lead hero is portrayed as an arrogant jerk, and the Three Musketeers are directionless, without a goal when the film gets underway. So who do I root for? Milla Jovovich of course. Too bad she didn't have a bigger role. Orlando Bloom appears, but does little more than talk for the few moments he appears.

Storyline: The story needs a strong goal right from the start. Without it, the film feels directionless and pointless. Just some clueless characters wandering about waiting for something to do, is how I perceived it. And I wanted to enjoy the film, but by the end, I didn't care how great the 3D was, I couldn't wait to leave the theater. But that's just one opinion. Another viewing might change the bad taste.

Action: Good action when it appears. The sword fights are good, but fencing is limited in the amount of jabs and strikes you can do. More creativity is welcome here. The other action scenes, ranging from Milla squeezing through some obstacle courses, to an in air battle of floating ships, are pretty well done and woke me up in the theater, but if you don't care about the characters, it's still hollow action.

Visuals: Great scenery and elaborate costumes if you like the style, top notch lighting and cinematography. Solid special effects.

If you like Pirate movies, then you may very well enjoy this. The setting is France, with all of the etiquette, pomp and circumstance, frilly wardrobes and prissy attitudes to go with it, notably displayed by the intentionally annoying King.

Decent at best.

Film: 5/10

Story: 4/10

Characters: 6/10

Action: 8/10

Visuals: 8/10

3D: 9/10 EXCELLENT.

Overall: 6/10 (not an average, saved by the 3D and action). If you need another 3D action movie for your 3DTV, the 3D will not disappoint. The movie on the other hand...

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Six feet under and rotted in the soil, Alexandre Dumas is rolling over furiously. Heck, even the makers of the much reviled THE MUSKETEER are turning over in their graves (never mind that they're probably not even dead yet). THE MUSKETEER was deplored for its shabby updating and lame use of anachronisms and its swapping of classic swordplay for a more Eastern fighting approach. This latest incarnation of Dumas' classic literature comes along and lifts that same ill-advised blueprint but adds a more pronounced Michael Bey sensibility. 2011's THE THREE MUSKETEERS is louder and bigger-budgeted and peppered with even more anachronistic touches, such as that scene in which Aramis meets D'Artagnan for the first time and he issues him a traffic citation. It's a jarring departure, if you're a stickler for faithful adaptations. Me, it depends. I enjoyed Johnny Weismuller's Tarzan films even though his interpretation of Tarzan was a far cry from E.R. Burroughs' vision. But I can't make up my mind whether to rate THE THREE MUSKETEERS 2.5 out of 5 stars, or 3.5. I had fun watching this, but there were things that seriously bugged me.

The world ushers in the dawn of the 17th Century, a tumultuous time. After the assassination of his father, young King Louis XIII ascends the throne. But his inexperience and feckless nature allow his chief advisor, the manipulative Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz), to expand his power base on the sly.

You may spot traces of Dumas' original narrative, but it's been garishly gussied up and liberties have been taken. Young and brash D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) of Gascony rides to Paris to make his fortune, harboring dreams of becoming a Musketeer. But no sooner does he set foot in Paris than he offends in quick succession three disapproving citizens and makes an appointment with each to settle accounts by way of duel. These three, of course, are Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, the three most notorious in the ranks of the Musketeers. When the sneery Cardinal's guards interfere, D'Artagnan and the three Musketeers quickly join forces and by so doing spark lifelong friendships.

But D'Artagnan is still far from realizing his goal. The Musketeers, under Richelieu's calculated ministrations, have fallen on hard times, are rendered obsolete, are reduced to swilling cheap wine and quarreling with the Cardinal's guards. Seeking a righteous cause around which to rally, D'Artagnan and his new friends unearth a dangerous conspiracy spearheaded by Richelieu and the treacherous Milady de Winter (Milla Jovovich). This bit of plot territory is familiar enough: the Musketeers must retrieve compromising jewelry and so defend the Queen's honor and prevent a war. Only, in the book, I don't remember a storming of the Tower of London or huge, battling airships or flamethrowers. Or Milady de Winter taking such a physically active role and indulging in bullet time sequences. In that sense, the role perfectly suits Milla Jovovich.

So, listen, if you can find it in you to put aside director Paul W.S. Anderson's bastardization of the source material... and I know that's a hard if... then you just may have fun with this latest iteration. We get a hint that this would be a departure when the film opens up with the Three Musketeers conducting a black ops in Venice. Anderson (elsewhere known as Mr. Jovovich) has a knack for staging stunning visual panoramas, even if sometimes plot and narrative are suspect. I like this version of THE THREE MUSKETEERS on several fronts. Most notably and as mentioned, the astonishing visual aesthetics. The film does justice to costumes and sets and location. It captures the grace and opulence of French architecture, never mind that the film was shot in Bavaria. Other than the distracting spoken anachronisms, it's a fun and irreverent take. The film executes a series of dynamic action sequences, with Aramis being played up as the man of the cloth who fights with ninja-like precision. Thankfully, there actually are nice bits of swordplay and enough rousing swashbuckling to recollect THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. The tone of the characters mimics the original, only extremely exaggerated. As ever, the burnt-out Athos (an excellent Matthew Macfadyen) proves to be the most complex and interesting Musketeer. Unlike other adaptations, this film does focus more on Athos and Milady de Winter's history. Milady de Winter belongs in the Femme Fatale Hall of Fame, and, as Athos learns, you roll the dice when you have truck with a temptress whose attributes include a "gift for corruption and a penchant for betrayal." There are slow bits to this movie, and eye-rolling bits. And, more often than not, the stabs at humor miss the mark. The anachronistic elements could've been downplayed or just done away with. And I wasn't entirely sold on Jovovich as Milady or Orlando Bloom as the Duke of Buckingham. But it's worth a watch for the visual spectacle and the slick action. But you may wince when you hear a demoted-to-street patrol Aramis handing D'Artagnan a citation and accusing him: "Your horse took a dump on the street." You can apply that as a metaphor, if you like.

The DVD's bonus stuff:

Audio Commentary with director/producer Paul W.S. Anderson and producers Jeremy Bolt and Robert Kulzer

Cast & Crew a series of interviews and profiles on nine of the characters in the film (totaling 00:21:01 minutes)

Costumes (00:05:16)

Production Design (00:03:04)

A New Dimension of Musketeers" about the 3D rendering (00:05:18)

"Uncovering France in Germany" on shooting in Bavaria (00:02:17)

"Fencing 101" fencing boot camp (00:04:01)

"17th Century Air Travel" focus on the airship sets (00:02:23)

"Cooper's Yard Showdown" behind-the-scenes look at the skirmish between the Musketeers and the Cardinal's guards (00:02:08)

"Milady: More Than A Lady" Milla's big action sequence on the roof (00:01:19)

"On Top of Notre Dame" D'Artagnan and Rochefort's duel (00:02:15)

12 Deleted & Extended Scenes (totaling 00:14:13 minutes)

Read Best Reviews of The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray/Blu-ray 3D Combo) (2012) Here

While I realize this version of The Three Musketeers is far from the author's original intent, it was fun to watch with my older kids. They liked the action and exaggerated storyline; I liked how it kept their interest without excessive bad words or sexual content. It's also a visually interesting movie, which I also liked.

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I don't know what is wrong with so many people, I guess giving negative reviews is now a hobby. I was not sure what to expect but I truly enjoyed this, it was a great fun movie that you can watch with the family too which is hard to come by a lot of the time. The clarity is amazing, one of the best blu-rays visually that I have seen and a pretty good price for 3D. I don't write many reviews but couldn't believe so many people were giving it such bad ones. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Try this if you like action movies and especially if you like action without lots of blood and gore or are looking for a family friendly action movie for movie night :)

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