Clerks (15th Anniversary Edition) (1994)

One of my favorite films of all time... and they've given it the deluxe treatment with this 3-disc set. Here are the details from Kevin Smith's View Askew website about this new edition:

The 93 minute "Clerks" Theatrical cutAll new HiDef transfer from 16mm IP supervised by Dave Klein with all-new 5.1 Skywalker Sound remix supervised by Scott Mosier, includes original commentary track from laser disc/initial DVD release

The 103 minute "Clerks" IFFM First Cut, includes all-new audio/video commentary track with Kevin, Scott, Jeff Anderson, Brian O'Halloran and Jason Mewes.

The 95 minute "The Snowball Effect: The Story of Clerks" Brand Spanking New Documentary that inteviews almost everybody who ever had something to do with "Clerks"

The MTV Jay and Silent Bob shorts that everyone's been crying for us to put on a DVD for years now

The Arclight 10th Anniversary Q&A with Brian, Jeff, Marilyn, Scott, Dave, Mewes, and Kevin

Lots of new video intros.

"The Flying Car" short from the Tonight Show (re-telecined in HiDef).

The Original theatrical trailer

"Can't Even Tell" Music Video

The original Jeff, Brian, and Marilyn and Ernie O'Donnell audition tapes

The brand new, seven minute animated "Lost Scene" short

Expansive Still Photo Gallery

'Clerks' Trivia track

Original 168-page original first draft screenplay

Kevin's 'Clerks' Journal

Kevin's 'Sundance' Journal

Peter Broderick's 1992 article "The ABC's of No-Budget Filmmaking" that inspired the budget for 'Clerks'

Peter Broderick's followup article "Learning from Low-Budgets" a year later that does the same treatment on 'Clerks'

Amy Taubin's Village Voice article on the 1991 IFFM and 'Slacker' that inspired Kevin to take 'Clerks' to the IFFM

Amy Taubin's Village Voice article on the 1993 IFFM about 'Clerks' being the gem of the festival.

Janet Maslin's 1994 New York Times review of 'Clerks' entitled "At a Convenience Store, Coolness To Go"

The entire John Pierson 'The Odd Couple: Sundance 1994" Chapter from 'Spike Mike Reloaded' book

The original Kevin-penned IFFM program note

The original Bob Hawk-penned 1994 Sundance Film Festival program note.

"Mae Day" Kevin and Scott's Vancouver Film School documentary short.

Clerks rules. Kevin Smith is a genius. I try to think of what the most expensive part of this movie was. My guess is that the hockey game is, due to licensing fees. Who knows? Either way, this movie shows what can be done with a great script and just under 30k dollars.

To me, some of the greatest things in the movie are the little errors were people might trip on a word for a second. That's so real, that it give the movie a sense of reality that is missing in so many other movies. People have complained that Randall sounds like he's reading from cue cards. So what! Haven't you ever met anyone like that? I have.

Jay and Silent Bob are the kings of loitering. What class they possess. Dante and Randall are a shining example of what can happen to you after working too long in a convience and rental store, respectively.

There is nothing far fetched about the story of a guy having a bad day at work. I had many days almost that bad when I did retail. The dialogue is brilliant. Nice little insights about life and your place in it.

After hearing a little of the story you forget that the movie is in black and white, and you don't care because it's so good. If you are a Kevin Smith/Silent Bob fan and have not seen Clerks yet... Get it! If you've watched Mallrats or Dogma without seeing this you're missing out.

Great soundtrack, very cool Soul Asylum video, neat extras. This is one of the best comedy movies out there.

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Being a *huge* Kevin Smith fan, I felt the need to list the specs of this highly anticipitated special edition...

Disc One: The 93-minute theatrical cut in anamorphic widescreen (from a new HD transfer of the 16mm interpositive, supervised by DP Dave Klein), all-new DD5.1 remix (supervised by producer Scott Mosier and completed at Skywalker Sound), original commentary track from the previous Clerks release.

Disc Two: The 103-minute initial cut (from a video source) screened at the IFFM, all-new audio/video commentary track (with Kevin Smith, Scott, Jeff Anderson, Brian O'Halloran and Jason Mewes).

Disc Three: "The Snowball Effect: The Story of Clerks" 95-minute documentary, newly-animated "Lost Scene" short, new video intros, audition tapes, Clerks trivia track, "Mae Day: The Crumbling of a Documentary" student film project, Arclight Cinemas 10th anniversary Q&A, MTV's Jay and Silent Bob shorts (!), "The Flying Car" short from The Tonight Show, extensive still gallery, theatrical trailer, "Can't Even Tell" music video, 168-page original first draft screenplay, Kevin's 'Clerks' Journal, Kevin's 'Sundance' Journal, original IFFM program note, original 1994 Sundance Film Festival program note, lots of print articles (Peter Broderick's "The ABC's of No-Budget Filmmaking" that inspired Kevin, Peter Broderick's "Learning from Low-Budgets" which cited Clerks a year later, Amy Taubin's 1991 Village Voice article on the IFFM and Slacker, Amy Taubin's 1993 Village Voice article on the IFFM and Clerks, Janet Maslin's 1994 New York Times Clerks review, "The Odd Couple: Sundance 1994" chapter from John Pierson's Spike Mike Reloaded) and a very cool booklet.

Read Best Reviews of Clerks (15th Anniversary Edition) (1994) Here

I watched Clerks last night on video with my wife after putting it off for a couple of years. This is a very funny movie. There is no plot per se, but essentially the movie centers around Dante, the convenience store clerk who has no direction in life and dreams about dumping his girlfriend Veronica, who is combative but loyal and caring, for his ex-girlfriend Caitlin, who cheated on him repeatedly when they were dating. His buddy Randall, who works (sort of) at the nearby video store is the ultimate cool guy whose zen like observations about Dante's life are so on the mark. Clerks is filled with funny and vulgar exchanges that I cannot repeat here, ... . Also memorable is Silent Bob, played by the film maker Kevin Smith, who speaks only once but has the most profound line in the entire movie. The girl who plays Veronica reminded me of Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny. My favorite scenes: 1) the chewing gum salesman trying to turn kids off of cigarette smoking, 2) the man who wants to use the rest room, 3) Randall ordering porno flicks over the phone in the presence of a young lady and her daughter, and 4) Dante and Veronica talking about how many people they have been with and their argument that ensues from it. Clerks is a Gen-X classic best appreciated by high schoolers and those in their 20's, but even an old codger of 31 like myself can enjoy it too.

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Clerks was made on a low budget and it shows, but it's still much more enjoyable, witty, smart, and hilarious than numerous movies on a big budget. The movie follows a day in the lives of two "clerks", one in a convience store (Dante) and one in the "crappy video store" (Randall). The story centers around Dante's troubled love life: he's has a girlfriend he loves (Veronica), but he longs for an ex-girlfriend (Caitlin) who cheated on him numerous times. Dante finds out his ex is engaged and tries desperately to find out if it's true and why he wasn't informed before hand. In the midst of this, Randall and Dante discuss Star Wars, make clever observations on life and the world around them, go to a wake that ends with Dante and Randall being chased out of the funeral home by a mob of angry guests, play hockey on the convience store roof, and put up with some clueless and annoying customers ("You expect me to drink this coffee hot?").

The dialog from writer/director Kevin Smith carries the movie as there is little action, but it works. You get a sense that the characters are real people as opposed to many movies in which the characters are empty and emotionless. Dante and Randall are smart and witty, and you get the sense that they have some kind of great talent that they don't know what to do with. Dante is especially unsure of what he wants to do with his life, and it takes Randall to point him towards the source of his problems. Anyone who has worked retail (including me) can relate to some of the annoying customers and how at times the job can become mind-numbingly and painfully boring.

I will not spoil the most notable scene for those that haven't seen the film. It happens off screen, but will still leave you with a look of shock when you find out what happened. Clerks is not for those who are easily offended by strong language or those uncomfortable with talk about sex (including "snowballing" and deadly means of self-gratification). But the movie works without resorting to crude, sickening humor. And of course, the infamous Jay and Silent Bob make their debut. This is a must-see for Kevin Smith fans and a great place to start if you want to get into Kevin Smith's work.

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Grosse Pointe Blank (15th Anniversary Edition) (1997)

I first saw this during it's initial VHS release. The story is of Martin Blank, a professional Los Angeles hit man who is drawn back to his rural hometown to both attend his high school reunion and take on a contract to whack a guy.

One of the most well-written scripts of the 90's, in my opinion, doesn't work without John Cusack being cast as Martin Blank. He sold the role perfectly, and shines throughout the film, alongside a witty, phenomenal supporting cast of Minnie Driver, Jeremy Piven, Dan Akroyd and Joan Cusack.

Often mistaken as completely morbid, the film takes on not only a tone of humor, but that of vengance and morality. You must see this film.

The DVD, on the other end, [stinks]. Yet another incredible film thrown out there on DVD with a poor transfer and a trailer for an extra. The film sounds fanastic though, and scenes such as the Akroyd/Cusack gunfight and the destruction of the mini-mart can be greatly enjoyed with a good surround sound setup.

Grosse Pointe Blank is an unusual movie. A professional hitman returns to his hometown to "do a job" and, while he's there, attend his 10 year highschool reunion. John Cusack plays the role well, charming and remarkably likeable, despite his profession. This "dark comedy" is very clever, and I rate it as one my favorite 90's films.

Too bad the DVD isn't up to par. It has next to zero extras. But even that could be passable if the picture was good. First of all, the movie is non-anamorphic. That doesn't make a difference unless you have a 16x9 television, it'll look the same on a regular tv, it's just a pet peeve of mine. But, the transfer we did get is just pathetic; it looks like a (bad) laser disc transfer. The picture is grainy, and there are some definite compression artifacts to been seen.

Bottom line: this DVD is worth buying for the movie, no doubt... and since this is the only version available, it's this or nothing. Just don't expect a really terrific picture.

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I went into a local store to check out the packaging for this 2-disc re-release, hoping that Disney would finally release a DVD of Grosse Pointe Blank with a new 16x9 anamorphic transfer. This new disc appears to be the same disc that was released in 1998, and NOT a new anamorphic widescreen transfer. On the back of the package, it still lists "Dolby Digital Surround Sound" and "1.85:1 Widescreen," the same as it did on the original DVD (and the combo GBP/High Fidelity disc that came out later). The new 2-disc release for "High Fidelity" lists the same bonus features as its original release, and showed as "Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions."

It appears the only difference between this release and the original 1998 issue is a second disc with a digital copy for portable video players and updated packaging. I didn't end up buying it based on the packaging and won't until they release a proper version for 16x9 televisions (hopefully a Blu-ray).

I am extremely disappointed that Disney would even bother to re-release such an antiquated, low-quality DVD with only the most minor of improvements (packaging, digital copy). Even if they had not added any bonus features (the original release had none to speak of), an updated anamorphic transfer wouldn't be too much to ask. Will absolutely not buy a copy of Grosse Pointe Blank until a good-quality DVD or Blu-ray is made available.

Read Best Reviews of Grosse Pointe Blank (15th Anniversary Edition) (1997) Here

Having seen quite a few of John Cusack's movies, I think this one hits exactly the right tone. He often plays lovable loners or losers who somehow manage to get the girl. In this film, he is the ultimate loner, a professional hitman, with very little to brag about at his 10-year high school reunion. He can't even figure out what to tell people who ask him where he's been for the past 10 years, so he tells them the truth, but nobody believes him.

Cusack's character, Martin Blank, is filled with angst, and trying to work this out in therapy. Unfortunately, his therapist (brilliantly underplayed by Alan Arkin), doesn't want to talk to him ever since Blank told the good doctor what he does for a living. The interaction between Cusack and Arkin in this film is much funnier and more real than the Billy Crystal/Robert DeNiro shtick in "Analyze This."

The heart of the film is the relationship between Blank and his high school sweetheart (Minnie Driver), whom he stood up on prom night 10 years before and never contacted again. Blank is emotionally repressed and morally confused (which is why he is well-suited to be a hitman) but Driver is still crazy about him, not believing his statement about his chosen profession. She has some huge trust issues though, what with being stood up on prom night, and all. She is somewhat willing to give him another chance. The playfulness of their interaction is charming, especially when it's tinged with irony and distrust. She doesn't want to have sex with him right away, but she would like an "airplane." (he holds her up with his feet while she pretends to fly)

The climatic scene, where Blank declares his love for Driver, acknowledges his own considerable shortcomings, and promises to change, meanwhile engaging in a gripping, over-the-top shootout with the bad guys, is absolutely perfect for what Cusack's character is about: he can't express himself unless he's pumped full of adrenaline in a battle to the death, but he doesn't want to stay trapped in this way of life.

All of the actors are wonderful, especially Joan Cusack as John's office manager and the person who needles him into going to his reunion and rejoining the human race. Dan Akyroyd is also a hoot.

Everything works in this movie. It's a black comedy/screwball romance/action flick with subtle, clever dialogue, cool music and beautiful scenery. It is completely irreverent, but hopeful and life-affirming, as well.

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If I'm correct, after this movie came out, all the big Cusack fan sites started. Coincidence? I think no compadre. I know I definatly fell head over heels for John Cusack after this movie, not only because of his performance, but because he also wrote the movie, produced it, and supervised the soundtrack (which also kicks some serious boo-tay, featuring some great 80s hits such as: "Blister In the Sun"-by The Violent Femmes, and "Rudie Can't Fail" by The Clash. A little trivia for you...When John Cusack and his buddies at New Crime Productions were writing the script to this movie, they kept The Clash in mind throughout and had Joe Strummer write the score for the movie.)

I was a little dispointed in the DVD version of this movie because of the lack of extras. I was hoping for some commentary or deleted scenes, but alas, all you are left with is the trailer and some "suggested titles," which bore everyone to death. Still, it is wide-screen and the movie is amazing by itself so the rating will not be lowered.

I'm sure everyone viewing this review has seen the movie, but I'll outline the plot for the unblessed among you.

Plot: Martin Q. Blank doesn't know what to do with his life. He has the money, car, but his life feels empty. His therapist reminds him that the angst over killing a lot of people might have something to do with this (He's a lonegunman, professional killer, hitman, however you'd like to describe that profession.) He and his assistant (a brilliant Joan Cusack...what great genes that family has) tell Martin to go back to his high school reunion on the way to do a hit to reunite with his old girlfriend...the one he ditched on prom night and has not stopped dreaming about since. Chaos insues when after not joining a hitman's union fronted by Grocer (a phycotic hitman with frayed nerves), plans to kill Martin by siccing Feds on him after he performs his hit. In the process of reuniting with Debbi, (Minnie Driver, love that woman, she is funny and great in this movie) he realizes that there is so much more to life that he overlooked. It so cute when he holds that baby at the reunion...he realizes the value of human life when he looks into the baby's eyes...a very touching moment.

Does Martin deserve a second shot? (Bad pun, I know) Will he redeem himself? What will Debbi do when she finds out what he really does for a living? Will Martin ever live down his shame at being know as "poodle puncher?" Watch the movie one time to find out, and twenty more times for fun and the joy of seeing John kick some butt (he does all his own kick-boxing stunts that he learned in Say Anything...his kick-boxing instructor also plays the "thug" that is trying to kill him) and wear all black suits. Great plot, witty dialogue, wonderful cast, plus John's friend George Piven's in it. Amazing John movie, definatly in my top five list.

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New Year's Eve (+UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2011)

I Loved Valentine's Day and so when I heard about this one I was very excited to go see it and it has some of my favorite actresses and actors in it. Of course people will call this film predictable and cheesy just like all the romantic built movies, but honestly there is not one romantic type of movie that is not predictable. Of course you know what's going to happen at the end since it's called a romantic movie. I personally loved this movie, it had a lot of laughs and a couple parts where I got teary eyed. The movie has well put together characters and a very good plot. The ending just like Valentine's Day where it brought characters throughout the movie together some predictable and some were the complete opposite of predictable. I Love this movie and recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies or likes Valentine's Day. Who cares what the critics say they are wrong most of the time. Go to enjoy the movie, not to critique it.

I was skeptical about seeing this film because of the numerous negative reviews it received. However, I have to say that this film was excellent. I personally do not like the comparisons to Valentine's Day because I thought that was a horrible movie. New Year's Eve was poignant and introspective. Although, some parts may be cheesy, and yes, it takes awhile for all the storylines to develop, I laughed out loud throughout the whole movie. So I recommend that you give a shot, if you were on the fence like me. I hope that you are pleasantly surprised.

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Although the critics slammed "New Year's Eve" as one of the worst movies of the year, the audiences felt differently rather enjoying it. I kind of liked it. Nice fluff. It's an ensemble cast set up just like in "Valentine's Day" except this one is on "New Year's Eve". Some of the pairings include, Sarah Jessica Parker & Abigail Breslin who play Mother and Daughter offering one of the more bouncier & interesting pairings in the film. Josh Duhamel searches diligently for his soul mate he met & lost one year ago. Jessica Biel & Seth Meyers play husband and wife in one of the more unnecessary subplots in the film. Robert DeNiro & Halle Berry manage to bring deep emotion into the lackluster words printed on the script thus making it believable. Katherine Heigl & Sofia Vergara give us light comic relief in their bits.

Despite the critics attacks on the film they do manage to praise one tiny element within each of their scathing reviews. They loved the Michelle Pfieffer Zac Efron sequences, more or less calling it the film's saving grace. I agree. I could've watched the entire movie with just them and be fine. If only the entire movie could've surfaced around their characters. They were the only actors that actually developed and fleshed out the roles they were playing as much as they could. It ended up being the surprising charm behind the film and thus allowing me to give it one more star necessary just for them.

Most of us have guilty pleasures and we want to escape the stresses, depressions and feelings of isolation in our lives and simply escape into a fantasy. "New Year's Eve" can accomplish that.

The film is a completely unrealistic and contrived world, yet it's bright, fun and full of love. There are many out there exhausted with fighting our day to day battles and watching another overblown shoot 'em up movie with no point. If you get depressed over the holiday season or are completely stressed out and over it all and everyone in it, then I would recommend watching "New Year's Eve" as it is an uplifter despite it being like a gigantic Hallmark card.

Read Best Reviews of New Year's Eve (+UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2011) Here

I mean--I enjoy a good romance, I enjoy a good comedy; HECK, I even enjoy a good holiday movie. But above all, I enjoy a character with a purpose and a story with meaning--and let's not kid ourselves, it has to feel plausible.

This movie had very little depth, and most times, seemed so superficial. Allow me to elaborate: Two couples competing to have the first baby in the new year; a teenager who disobeys her mother to run about Times Square with her crush, a man who has been waiting AN ENTIRE YEAR to re-meet some lady with whom he shared a moment on NYE 2011, a bitter guy who hates NYE for really no good reason; and so on and so forth. Seriously, is this how deep our lives get? Something about this is just too bothersome to me. Maybe it was the lack of diversity insofar as to whom this movie was targeted--a very middle class to upper middle class, American audience. Maybe it was because the Ball dropping in Times Square supposedly set the tone for the hopes and dreams of not only everyone in the country but in the world. It's commercial. It's materialistic. It's disingenuously saccharine. But above all, it's 1-dimensional. Don't get me wrong, there were some good moments for me--usually the scenes involving Hilary Swank. But overall, this movie needs to retire with the New Year.

But as the title suggests, some people like this sappy, gimmicky stuff. And that's ok. I've given "Valentine's Day" a chance. I gave this a chance. No more. I'll stick to "Love Actually."

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Movie was really weak.There wasn't much substance. I found myself bored at times.

The movie is not worth the time to watch it.

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21 Jump Street (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2012)

I've never been a fan of Channing Tatum for an assorted number of reasons. My principle reason for my disliking Channing Tatum is his lack of acting talent. His deficiencies as an actor were made apparent in every genre of film. Ever since he broke onto the scene with "Step Up",he has delivered his signature one-note performance in every movie in which he has been cast. And it seemed as if he would never get any better. I was ready to give up on him until I read the reviews for "21 Jump Street". Not only was the movie supposed to be well done, but Mr. One Note Channing Tatum was supposed to have turned in one of his best performances as well. Out of a morbid sense of curiosity, I had to see the movie for myself; and after nearly two hours of continuous guffawing, I left the theatre with a new sense of hope. Channing Tatum may have found his niche as a movie actor:he can be a funny man. Channing Tatum is......funny.

I remember watching 21 Jump Street as a youngster in the 1980's. I loved it when it was on network television. The premise: a bunch of young looking 20 something detectives pose as high school students as they attempt to curb the criminal activity that is perpetrated by high school students. This show became a career launching pad for many of the principle characters, including the venerable and legendary Johnny Depp. However, the show has become pretty dated, and I doubt that I could watch it with the same enthusiasm now that I'm in my thirties. And when I heard that they were remaking this television show for the big screen, I nearly gagged. But after seeing the movie remake with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, I have to say that I am so happy that I went against my instincts and saw this film. It is the funniest movie that I have seen in a long time. I actually laughed out loud while watching this movie, and it has been a long time since I have laughed out loud during any film.

The plot of the movie is not difficult to follow. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are enemies in high school; with Channing Tatum being the popular high school jock(Jenko), while Jonah Hill is the socially awkward and geeky Eminem look-a-like(Schmidt). A few years after they graduate from high school, they enroll in the police academy. While at the academy, they discover that Schmidt is able to master the academic part of the training and Jenko is able to master the physical aspect of the police training. Jenko and Schmidt soon realize that if they are to make it past their respective exams, they are going to have to help one another. Their decision to cooperate with each other leads to a special friendship, and after graduating from the academy they are able to secure assignments in the same police unit.

Jenko and Schmidt prove to be inept as police officers in the bike unit, but they are given a second chance as undercover police officers. Their mission: infiltrate a drug operation in a high school that is run by a smarmy high school senior played by David Franco(James Franco's brother). Here the roles of Jenk and Schmidt are reversed. It is Jenko who is the social outcast while Schmidt is the cool insider. Turns out that in the year 2012 it is okay to be openly gay, carry your backpack using both straps, openly campaign for the preservation of the environment, and do well in school-which are all of the traits that Jenko used to hate about Schmidt. While they are trying to infiltrate the drug operation, Schmidt's popularity causes a rift in their friendship; and as their relationship collapses, so does their work as undercover officers. Eventually their antagonistic supervisor(played by Ice Cube!!!) has to fire them, and all hope seems to be lost for the two former friends. It does not take long for Jenko and Schmidt to become friends again; and with their friendship repaired they are able to prove their worth as officers through their special form of vigilantism.

As I've said before, Channing Tatum is really funny in this film. Jonah Hill and Ice Cube also deliver some really good liners as well. Although a remake, the film is original in its execution of the conventional screenplay. I highly recommend this film. And I have to say that if you choose to see this movie, you will be greeted with a really nice surprise near the end.

This movie is the funniest movie i have seen in a while. It really relates the characters to the high school days. It has great humor and some action. I don't understand why people dislike the movie. It's different than the 80's show, but it's a new spin that makes it very interesting. You must buy this movie! It is hilarious and has a great storyline.

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"21 Jump Street" is only loosely based on the original television show that starred mega star Johnny Depp. The only real reason for comparison is the premise of police officers given orders to return to high school and pose as teenagers. They are instructed to infiltrate and bring down a synthetic drug manufacturing and distribution ring. Jonah Hill (Moneyball) plays Schmidt, a former high school nerd and current police officer newbie with skills of the brain, but no physical skills. Channing Tatum (The Vow) plays Jenko, who is just the opposite. Together, they are a perfect fit and a disaster waiting to happen.

"21 Jump Street" is a lot of fun and always entertaining. The movie introduces you to the characters and their personalities. You know them and you relate to them. The story is even fairly intriguing, which isn't always the case in movies like these. As Schmidt finds himself getting over all the things that plagued him in high school, you find yourself rooting for him.

There are constant jokes and laughs throughout the movie. Although, I did notice that many of the best laughs were spoiled by previously released promotional materials. Thankfully there are plenty of laughs to go around. The movie never lets up and is always interesting, funny and strangely endearing. It is also hilarious watching the two cops return to high school and finding the ways of the past to be just that. Jenko blames the phenomenon simply on the television show, "Glee".

Sure the movie is offensive at times, but the chemistry between Tatum and Hill is authentic and fun to watch. You get invested in their characters personalities early on and you are with them to the end.

Read Best Reviews of 21 Jump Street (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2012) Here

Be real. When you first heard that Jonah Hill was planning to remake 1980s era, Stephen Cannell produced cop series, 21 Jump Street, you probably scoffed and wrote it off immediately. You wouldn't be alone, and the reaction isn't without justification. Helping to launch the career of Johnny Depp and being the highlight for others like Holly Robinson and Richard Grieco, the show was ridiculous on its face, centered on a special crime unit of youthful looking adults infiltrating colleges and high schools. Frankly, the show was more cool than good, and neither by the final season. Fortunately, Jonah Hill and writer Michael Bacall knew there was no reason to revere the source material, deciding to go for something akin to Superbad meets Police Academy. It was a gamble, but a gamble that paid off as 21 Jump Street isn't just hilarious, it's a modern day comedy classic.

Achieving the heights of hilarity that 21 Jump Street does couldn't have been accomplished by simply bringing the same old tired idea and plopping it onto the big screen. Too many other attempted remakes have made that mistake, thinking adding a few modern wrinkles will suffice. High school is nothing like it was twenty years ago. The social dynamics are different, the students are different, and the idea of who should be popular has experienced quite a shift. Setting up the change beautifully, we are first introduced to Morton Schmidt(Hill) and Greg Jenko(Channing Tatum) in high school, where Morton is an nerd doing his best Eminem impression, while Greg is the prototypical popular jock stud.

Fast forward a few years and both are enrolling in the police training program, and both are terrible for reasons the other can compensate for. Greg becomes the brawn, and Morton the brains. After proving they don't have what it takes to handle the rough 'n tumble beat as bike cops, they are unceremoniously dumped into a rehashed program to use young looking cops as undercover agents in high schools. Wearing a sense of self awareness on its sleeve, the film takes a few jabs at itself for being a warmed over rehash as well, up to and including the use of Ice Cube as the token angry, African-American police captain. Cube, who has become an expert at playing off his old N.W.A. persona, is in rare form here, snarling and sneering at every opportunity. If there's a scene stealer, it's him.

When it comes to comedy, it's the little details that matter the most are often the funniest. Greg is hyped for an opportunity to go back to high school and be the popular guy again, while Morton is justifiably terrified of reliving those traumatic years. What they discover upon arrival is that the entire culture is different. Greg's bullying antics make him a loner, while Morton's brains and gentle nature earn him cred with the cool kids, which he uses to try and infiltrate their drug ring. In a lot of ways, 21 Jump Street has smarter insights into the ways teens think than some documentaries dedicated to the subject. You know from the start that Greg is going to get drunk off his new found popularity, and while it plays out like something out of Can't Buy Me Love, it works.

Insightful thought it may be, there's plenty of room for gross out gags, penis jokes, and toilet humor. Hill is old hat at this type of thing by now, although it's unfair to say he's playing the same role here. His character is a little less self confident than usual, and not at all the miscreant he played in Superbad. Tatum, a better actor than many want to give him credit for, shows an affinity for physical comedy we haven't seen from him before. It's hilarious to watch his blank, clearly confused face as the world he thought he knew is flipped upside down. Even more so, he's a ball to watch leaping over cars and beating up rowdy teenagers. The jokes at his expense, since he clearly has the body of a thirty year old man and towers over everybody, are some the film's best. Tatum seems more than willing to roll with the punches and cut loose. For the most part, the supporting cast shines as well. Bridesmaids co-star Ellie Kemper is equal parts sweet and filthy as a teacher with a Mary Kay Leternou style obsession with Tatum. Dave Franco doesn't have much to do, but Brie Larson gives a winning performance as Molly, the girl who falls for Hill's charms.

With so much attention focused on Hill, Tatum, and Bacall, it's easy to forget that the glue holding this madcap adventure together are directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Their only gig up to this point was the animated Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and you can see they brought some of the comic madness of that film into 21 Jump Street. The action sequences, of which there are plenty, are fast paced and splashed with a little bit of Looney Tunes wackiness.

You don't have to have been a fan of the show to appreciate this 21 Jump Street, but if you were then the film will feel even more special. Cameos are sprinkled throughout, including one especially brilliant appearance special for 'Jump Street' die-hards. There's practically nothing this film gets wrong. Even the closing credits rock. If there's one thing that they can do to screw this up it's making us wait too long for a sequel.

Want 21 Jump Street (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2012) Discount?

MOVIE REVIEW #27: " 21 Jump Street "

Talk about a pleasant surprise. I honestly wasn't expecting much from this film, but I can see why the reviews have been generally positive. Directors Phil Lord (Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs) and Chris Miller (Again Cloudy...) to a old TV show popular with teens and gave it a modern twist..... story by it's Executive Producer and Star Jonah Hill (Moneyball, Knocked Up) and Michael Bacall (Scott Pilgram Vs. The World) and its screenplay by Bacall it basically tell of stud and a nerd and everything that comes with each working against each other to eventually being best friends.

Not taking itself too seriously it shows two police academy graduates being assigned a special undercover operation involving a high school. Jonah is partnered with Channing Tatum (Dear John, G.I. Joe, The Dilema) and they eventually realized they complement each other with their own personal special abilities.

In the process they go through hilarious scenes involving "accidental" use of drugs, some wonderful high school tuxedos of the eighties and a running joke involving a series of questionable bikers that have one of the biggest TWISTS at the end of the film. (Spoilers!)

Rob Riggle (The Hangover, The Other Guys) gives an over-the-top performance as a High School coach with `issues' and a phony front to students Dave France (Superbad, Fight Night) and Brie Larson (13 Going On 30, Scott Pilgram Vs. The World) who believe he is what he is.

Meanwhile Channing and Jonah are guided by a over-zealous Police Captain played by Ice Cube (Fridays, First Sunday, Barber Shop) who thinks that this is a mission only they can handle because of the youthful looks but will fail because even together they are not so smart.

The film has lots of comedy, action, adventure, close-calls and some very clever dialogue.....not to mention that `Spoiler' I mentioned earlier....do you wanna know? Then read on. If not STOP HERE!

Two original series regulars make an appearance in this reinvention of an 80's TV series (that by the way, makes fun of itself by commenting that all sargents do now is try and reboot old things from the 80's) the real' 21 Jump Street' stars of the ORIGINAL series Johnny Depp (21 Jump Street, Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2 and 3), Richard Grieco (21 Jump Street ,Point Doom ) and Peter DeLouise (Seaquest, 21 Jump Street) have an amazingly funny came...that borders on `black comedy' because of what happens to them. I'll say no more.

21 Jump Street is a funny film with a big heart. I enjoyed this very much and I think if you want legitimate comedy with a fantastic premise...this is your movie. Yes it's another rehash but it was fresh!

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Blu-ray Comedy Bundle (Superbad, You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Talladega Nights)

Another bundle of movies that can only be described as a way to sell two adequate movies by slapping on one really good one. I believe this bundle set was on the Gold Box and the only reason I bought it was because I really wanted Superbad and the other movies were just good enough to warrant buying the bundle. I may have purchased Talladega Nights if it was really cheap, but Don't Mess With the Zohan is just kind of a dumb Adam Sandler movie that you watch once and get over it.

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Happy, Happy (2011)

Potpourri is a mix of stuff with little logical connection amongst the mix. This movie pot revolves around two married couples one of which has moved into a rental house (in isolated Norway) that is next door to it's owners also a married couple. An incongruous assemblage. The couple that moved in are highly educated with an adopted young African son. The owning couple, less educated, has a son who mercilessly torments the other boy because he's black and withdrawn most likely because he's suddenly with white parents in snowy white Norway. The two couples each have their secrets which, predictably, concerns sex and compassionate understanding thus the movie's tension. Resolution comes in some surreptitious sex (little is shown). There's no tele or radio but there is some wireless web access. They interact by a few shared dinners followed by awkward after-dinner guessing games. Singing in the nearby town's choir is the only activity we see outside of the homes but plays an important role.

What's weird, almost comical, is how each person comes to grips with their personal secret trust, sex, understanding, self-confidence. Even for the adopted boy reading for the first time about how slavery relates to him, then followed by the positive counterpoint of seeing President Obama on the web. Strange, but entertaining, are the frequent random scene breaks where a singing group that look like suited CIA/Matrix types belt out bluesy, gospel, rap songs in English; all the more strange in a Norwegian film.

I found HAPPY, HAPPY a bit of a quandary. It's a film that's not quite certain what it wants to be, except possibly to be labeled with the adjective "original," which it isn't all that much. Someone over at Film.com apparently found it "hilarious and incisive," which it really wasn't, either. Parts of the film clearly are intended to be humorous maybe quirkily charming in some foreign-ish, philandering way but it's entire leaps and bounds from either "hilarious" or "incisive." And someone at Variety apparently dubbed it "a winning comedy" ... but winning at what? Drama? Comedy? Melodrama? Contemporary marital horror nightmare? What?

At best, HAPPY, HAPPY is a character study in exaggeration, as none of these characters came off feeling all that legitimate to me. According to the film's press materials: "Family is the most important thing in the world to Kaja" ... yet, twenty minutes into the film, Kaja apparently believes performing oral sex on a near-total stranger in the room next to where her husband is waiting for her to come out of the bathroom is ok, so that kinda/sorta negates the whole premise of Kaja finding the concept of "family" all that important. Doesn't it? Not proof enough for ya? Well, forty minutes into the flick, Kaja is running naked through a frozen Winter countrywide all hot & bothered from having just given the near-total stranger another bout of oral madness while her son is walking up the drive. Of course, he sees mommy in the buff, frolicking as she is in the snow with someone who ain't dear ol' dad. Welcome to therapy, kid. Yeah, that whole concept of "family" sure ain't selling this picture!

Now, to be fair to the character of Kaja, family really ain't all that important to her. On that level family not mattering almost everything she does makes perfect sense to me, from the risky fellatio to the extramarital sex while her `closeted homo' husband is parking the car out front. Despite these proclivities I say "despite these proclivities!" Agnes Kittelsen imbues Kaja with a kind of small-town charm the forever mousey girl-next-door so much that you really can't dislike her. Maybe you can fault her, but it's hard to H-A-T-E her. See, Kaja doesn't find herself all that attractive; yet she has a small frame with delicate features and an infectious smile! For some reason, Kaja believes she's in a great marriage with some of its own little shortcomings like a husband who ignores her and a son who treats her poorly but, thankfully by the film's conclusion, she's come to grips with the reality. Her relationship is far from healthy, and it only took behaving like a child to turn her into an adult. While her unfaithful (and gay, don't forget) husband refuses to leave her, she'll leave him ... even though that essentially means that he'll be living in the cottage they keep out back.

???

If you approach HAPPY, HAPPY with a kind of lyrical `Bizarro World' mentality (up = down; down = up; HAPPY, HAPPY = SAD, SAD), the film makes vastly more sense, though it won't be for most people's tastes. It isn't irony so much as it is a study in opposites: the `perfect couple' that moves in next door is `far from perfect' as both of them give in to infidelity before and after we get to know them. It's this kind of idea the study of opposites that serves as a metaphor underlying the entire film. In fact, it gets so obvious that Kaja's boy (who is white) plays with the perfect couple's son (who is black while his "visible" parents are white, and it's never clearly established as to whether or not he's adopted or whether he's the result of the wife's established previous infidelity) ... and therein lies the principle problem when you're dealing with a study of opposites:

At which point has the world been set right? Do we know ... or will it always be this way?

It's never clear, or perhaps it's best to conclude that it's never clearly answered. However, you'll be glad to know that the `perfect couple' seemingly reconciles in what appears little more than a cookie-cutter "I miss you" moment that defies the logic (opposites) already established for the picture. (Shouldn't it have been "I don't miss you"?) They destroyed one another in their respective journeys to find one another ... or some other Hollywoodish nonsense that only appears in movies. At the end, everyone is HAPPY, HAPPY, so that's all that matters.

Also, the film has a disturbing subplot involving the two young boys which revolves around that never-ending source for comedy: slavery. In short, the little white boy gives the little black boy a book depicting the practices of slavery, and the two of them endure several supporting vignettes wandering about the house re-creating various stages of the slave/master relationship. See, that's all well and good ... right up until you see the little white boy whipping the little black boy ... and suddenly I'm left asking myself the questions of how so many film critics found the picture "beguiling ... hugely enjoyable" (according to the Star Tribune).

Maybe it's me, but I didn't see the title as being indicative of anything massively ironic in the story. I guess that I just find it hard to either feel sympathy or some hidden cinematic kinship for characters who make increasingly bad decisions one worse than the next where it involves the adult maturation of any relationship, much less the sanctity of marriage. Kaja's secretly unhappy; her husband's secretly unhappy; the perfect couple are secretly unhappy; the kids are secretly unhappy ... is this all there is to their (or our) shared experiences? I'd hope not.

To my surprise, HAPPY, HAPPY is not morose. Not in the slightest. These characters embrace their foibles, and, on that level they make it work as best as they can. In fact, I'd watch the luminous Agnes Kittelsen in anything based on her work here. She elevates it so much, and she breathes so much likeability into a character whose actions are everything but likeable that I couldn't look away any time she was on screen. The others here while they did exemplary work felt a little too safe, a little too predictable, felt way too similar to characters the audience has probably seen in hundreds of other feature films that dabbled closely with similar themes. But Ms. Kittelsen is all the rage here, and she's the only reason why I'd give this any recommendation. She seemingly inhabits Kaja, and, while you may not want to be her, you can appreciate her as a character despite the irony of her screen existence.

Methinks the good folks at Sundance (they awarded it the "Winner: World Cinema Jury Award") really need to come to grips with the fact that most people don't live their lives the way characters in movies do. Granted, life is never easy, and people around the world make the choices they do with the best available information they have at the time, and, somehow, I think that's lurking somewhere near the mildly depraved if not downright confused heart of HAPPY, HAPPY. "Believing you're happy" and "living as though you're happy" are two different realities, as Kaja comes to accept, and so should the people who dish out Sundance jury awards. Who knows? Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm the cynic here, and these characters though they bear no resemblance to anyone I know or have met are the norm. Maybe there is a fairy tale with a fairy tale ending, but most likely it won't be found anywhere near a bunch of snobby film elites in some Colorado ski town.

Recommended for fans of indie pictures only

In the interests of fairness, I'd like to thank the people of Magnolia Home Entertainment for providing me with a screener DVD for the purposes of completing this review.

Buy Happy, Happy (2011) Now

The pace of this film will be too slow for some people, but I found it to be interesting and engaging, and I wanted to see what would happen next (don't read too many reviews; there are unmarked spoilers among them!).

The main character, Kaja, sings "Amazing Grace" on Christmas Eve with her church choir near the end of the movie, and I found the symbolism of the lyrics to be particularly appropriate.

Though not all the issues are revolved (or even addressed) by the end of the film, and it's certainly not a neat and pat ending, it is, nevertheless, satisfying and hopeful. I'm a very harsh movie critic, so even though I've only given it three stars, to me, that means that it's a solidly watchable film.

Read Best Reviews of Happy, Happy (2011) Here

In backwoods Norway a young married couple with a son rent their adjoining house to another young family from the city. Everyone discovers something about themselves in this quirky independent entertaining film.

There are a lot of plots taking place at once.

The rural couple has an unhappy marriage and the perky wife Kaja is getting less perky and more horny.

The new couple have moved out to the country when the husband discovered his wife's affair and wanted a change of scenery. They have a black son, possibly adopted but it could also be the mother's from another man.

The rural white child is disturbed from the strained family dynamics and can be bullying and insulting.

The younger quiet black boy is just discovering what it means to be black in a white world.

The new couple and the perky wife join a church chorus as she has always wanted to sing but had been told she had a terrible voice.

There is a male quartet who does American standard musical interludes as a Greek chorus. (Are they connected with the church choir?)

The two couples interact over dinners and games and secrets and passions are revealed.

The acting is great as is the photography. There is a great soundtrack. It almost becomes a quirky comedy but it also almost becomes a darker more unhappy film and this tension continues to the end. There is a lot of love and finding yourself in this movie and most importantly it treats the audience as well as the screen couples as grown-ups. The story is about problems but they might yet work out as life moves on.

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happy, happy:

Photography, excellent!

Music, lyrics, entertaining!

Plot, quirky but intriguing.

Subtitles easy to follow.

Interesting look into the perplexing world of human relationships.

I recommend this movie. Wear headphones for the music! I'd purchase

a happy, happy cd for the soundtrack.

Enjoy!

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Ramona and Beezus (2010)

I'm just going to go out there and say it: Elizabeth Allen's "Ramona and Beezus" is the best film of the summer. It may not be the most visually thrilling ("Inception") or the most complex ("Salt"), but "Ramona and Beezus" is utterly charming from start to finish. In a age when films about children are laborious to endure, this is a bright, sweet and fun film. The acting is genuinely great from the very human cast. Joey King as Ramona hits every note like a seasoned professional. Her back up from John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan, Selena Gomez, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel and Sandra Oh is so solid and seamless that you believe this lot is a family. And family is what this film does so right. "Ramona and Beezus" captures in spades what "Where the Wild Things Are" tried so desperately to create: what it feels like to be a misunderstood child. It also deals with modern day family issues like the recession, divorce and dating in ways that never ring false. Sure, the film never gets dark but it also never skimps on the emotion. It's such a treat to see a film that families can enjoy, relate to and take something from without it being overly melodramatic, overly childish, or overtly religious. "Ramona and Beezus" is a wonderful film that deserves to find an audience. There really is something for everyone to enjoy in this truly, truly delightful gem.

Ramona Quimby doesn't mean to cause trouble. If anything, her intentions are purely honorable. It's just that ... well, she's nine years old; she has a lot of energy, her imagination is vivid, and her goals are ambitious. The unfortunate side effect is that she makes her life and the lives of those around her chaotic. Her teenage sister, named Beatrice but saddled with the unwanted nickname of Beezus, thinks she's a pest. Her teacher, so stiffly matter-of-fact, doesn't like it when she makes up her own words, even if they happen to sound a lot more fun. Her mother, busy at home with an infant daughter, would love it if she would learn to control her enthusiasm. Even her father, so pleasant and involved with his children, would sometimes like to see her grow up just a little bit. The only one who seems to understand Ramona is her aunt Bea. Of course, it's easy to understand a rambunctious child when you don't have to live with her every day.

"Ramona and Beezus," adapted from the books by Beverly Cleary, is a film that could have easily gone wrong, appealing to younger audiences with endless juvenile slapstick routines. But there's so much more going on here than the mischievous antics of a third grader. It tells a bright, funny, heartfelt story, and despite its innocent tone and waning nostalgia, it never plays down to its audience. It supplies little Ramona with dialogue just sharp enough to make her seem observant, but not so sharp that she sounds like a nine-year-old psychotherapist. It's sweet without becoming sappy. It makes the characters likeable but flawed at the same time. Its plot is fun but not so light-hearted that it sidesteps unfortunate realities. The target audience is young girls, but one doesn't necessarily need to have a daughter or even a family to enjoy it one only needs to remember what it was like being an imaginative child.

Ramona is played by Joey King with just the right mixture of cuteness, pluck, and clumsiness, a girl so charming and loveable that you can't help but want to be her best friend. Beezus is played by Selena Gomez not as a typecast of the mean older sister, but as a blossoming teenager with real insecurities. The two have natural onscreen chemistry. They don't play dumb. They have genuine feelings, a testament to screenwriters Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay, who clearly know a thing or two about human nature. They work just as hard on Ramona's father (John Corbett), a man who does everything he can to make his daughters feel loved and always puts a positive spin on things, even in bad times. The actual state of his well being is debatable, but the fact that he cares enough to keep smiling for his children is genuinely touching.

The plot involves Ramona's well-intentioned but misguided efforts to save her house after her father loses his job. She tries selling lemonade. She tries washing the neighbor's car. Neither yield the desired results (the latter especially). She tries circling various jobs in the classified section and showing them to her father; she even encourages him to be a firefighter. She will soon notice that he's quite good at drawing cartoons, and of that, I will say no more.

If there is a weakness to "Ramona and Beezus," it's that we find ourselves caring about too many characters, some of whom aren't given enough screen time. There's a subplot, for example, involving Aunt Bea (Ginnifer Goodwin), her high school sweetheart Hobart (Josh Duhamel), and their attempts at forming a relationship; I liked them as individuals, and they get along wonderfully with Ramona, but the romance is so condensed that it seems almost trivial. We have the same problem with Beezus' adolescent crush on her classmate, which is bad because, as a plot point, it nicely plays into the film's themes of growth, individuality, and connection to family. It can be argued that the story is a little like Ramona Quimby herself fun and adorable but also a bit unfocused.

I also would have appreciated more moments of Ramona using her imagination. Early scenes, such as when Ramona swings across a playground jungle gym or when she bounces on her bed, feature wonderfully whimsical shots of deep canyons and floating planets; late in the film, as she walks down the street, she imagines a city skyline comprised entirely of landmarks. I refuse to believe her imagination is limited to three shots, especially after hearing her opening monologue, in which she logically and understandably describes the way she views the world.

But in the grand scheme of things, these are minor complaints. Watching "Ramona and Beezus," I was reminded of 2008's "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl," which stirred within me the same feelings of fun, adventure, and nostalgia while maintaining a sense of reality. It also gave me everything I looked for and missed in this year's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," namely the sense that childhood, family, and friendship were accurately being depicted. It isn't often you come across family films that really are for the whole family and not just kids; even though I'm an adult, I left the theater feeling as if I had actually experienced something worthwhile, something that was playful but respectful at the same time.

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Beverly Cleary's "Ramona" books, as well as her other series and standalones are about half a dozen chapters long. Each one is carefully detailed and paced even if the event would seem minor to an adult it's treated with the importance as a child of Ramona's age would view it.

In contrast, this movie pitches Cleary's plots to you like fastballs. For example, first Ramona gets a bad report card and curses (Ramona the Brave), then she makes a mess with toothpaste (Ramona and Her Mother), and then her dad brings home Gummi Bears for her and sister to share (Ramona and Her Father), and so on. There's also some fantasy sequences to emphasize Ramona's runaway imagination and to give the film even more of a child's eye-view perspective.

The overall plot is basically borrowed from "Ramona Forever," as Howie Kemp's annoying Uncle Hobart tries to (re) woo Ramona's Aunt Bea. There's also a storyline (Ramona and Her Father) about their dad losing his job (which caused an audible gasp in my audience). This isn't sugarcoated, although there's a happy ending for all the characters.

Joey King does an outstanding job as Ramona, as does Selena Gomez as Beezus (although physically, she's too glamorous for my idea of the character), and the rest of the cast is solid, too.

Adult-appropriate only material: Absolutely none, although if your kids know someone who's lost their job, they might ask questions about the bank repossessing their home. So be prepared.

Read Best Reviews of Ramona and Beezus (2010) Here

When I was younger I used to always read these books and loved them. As an young adult I wanted to see what the movie was like. I guess I wanted to take a trip down memory lane and I'm sure glad that I did. This movie is not just for kids. Granted it doesn't have any nudity or cursing if you're into that stuff you will be disappointed BUT it does have a wonderful story if you like that kind of stuff. This is actually a movie that many people can relate to especially if you have a sibling. This movie is about Ramona which is the middle child just trying to fit in any way that she can. She feels like her older sister Beezus is perfect and her younger sister is cute no matter what she does. Ramona and Beezus is really a movie all about family which you do not find much nowadays. The entire cast had so much chemistry together and it really showed in their acting and made it all the much better to watch. If you want to just sit back and watch a good heartfelt movie then look no further than Ramona and Beezus.

I highly recommend Ramona and Beezus to anyone who wants to watch a great movie.

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I saw "Ramona & Beezus" in the theater and was thrilled! After growing up with the original "Ramona" television series, it's so neat to see a classic children's movie preserved in today's society. The innocent, creative, and curious mind of a young child will have you laughing out loud with delight! It's the perfect family movie for all ages!

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Breakfast at Tiffany's (50th Anniversary Edition) (1961)

Excellent!

A word that can describe the Centennial Collection release of the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's", the classic romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.

Having reviewed previous versions of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" before on DVD, I'm sure many Audrey Hepburn fans are probably wondering how else can Paramount improve from the 2006 45th Anniversary Edition on DVD? Well, I can tell you right now... plenty! Please read on.

A film that stars quite a bit of talent, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" remains not just one of the most memorable romantic films of all time but a film that exemplifies the beauty of Audrey Hepburn, the chic style of the times and more (which I will discuss more in the special features portion of my review).

VIDEO & AUDIO:

The film is presented in widescreen format, enhanced for 16:9 TV's. A lot of the Centennial Collection releases have been remastered for high definition and having the previous DVD's, I can tell you that the DVD looks great. But I can only imagine how this film would look in 1080P if released in Blu-ray.

Audio is featured in Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround/English, Restored Mono, French Mono and Spanish Mono. The film of course is dialogue-driven but sure enough, the music of Harry Mancini is alive and well when blaring through your speakers.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

As mentioned before, there have been several releases of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" prior to this Centennial Collection, the older DVD's really hardly came with anything but the trailer until the 2006 "Special 45th Anniversary Collector's Edition" which came with a good number of special features and a commentary by producer Richard Shepherd.

Well, what I can tell you is that the Centennial Collection contains all of the special features from the Anniversary DVD release but also adds quite a few new lengthy featurettes as well. On the first disc, the first disc contains the movie and the same commentary from the Anniversary disc by Producer Richard Shepherd. You can tell that Shepherd gets drawn in to the film and doesn't speak in the commentary until he feels necessary.

So, for those wanting a verbose commentary, Shepherd doesn't do that. But it's actually quite fine because when he does speak, you learn a lot of things from him about the filming. For example, the opening shot featuring Audrey Hepburn in front of Tiffany's in Fifth Avenue. Where the place is typically packed with cars and people, for that time... there was hardly any traffic and no people. So, a very lucky time in filmmaking for the crew.

Also, Shepherd is quite apologetic about casting Rooney as Mr. Funiyoshi and he does that quite a bit in the commentary. You realized he didn't want the yellow face routine (Caucasian actor looking like an Asian stereotypical character) but it was kept in. Also, commenting of how certain scenes worked then but would never fly now. But most of all, his continued feeling of Audrey Hepburn as a class act. Overall, a very good commentary that you learn a lot from.

The special features on disc 2 are as follows:

* A Golightly Gathering A 20-minute featurette that reunites the talents who were in the cocktail party scene from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". One of the coolest parties ever on film, it's great to see the talent from the film reunite and discuss their experiences of filming that part scene 40-years later. I had no idea the party-scene took 8-days to film but it was great to hear everyone talk about their scene, working with Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard and Blake Edwards. But what a great featurette and so happy of it's inclusion.

* Henry Mancini: More Than Music This nearly 21-minute featurette is a wonderful featurette that features interviews with Henry Mancini's wife, daughter and son. Seeing private photos and even videos of Henry and having their family talk about him and what they remember about him, winning the two Academy Awards for "Moon River" and working on other films is just wonderful.

* Mr. Yunioshi: An Asian Perspective A 17-minute featurette. Despite the popularity of the film, the black cloud that has lingered on this film was the casting of Mickey Rooney as "Mr. Yunioshi". A talented actor, the "yellow face" role was just wrong and acknowledge by the director, producer and a cast member was just terribly wrong in casting Rooney for that role. This feature has interviews with representatives of the Media Action Network of Asian Americans. I'm glad that Paramount did include this featurette on this collection.

* The Making of a Classic Originally from the Anniversary release, this segment features interviews with Producer Richard Shepherd and Director Blake Edwards. A 16-minute featurette and you definitely learn a lot about the film, especially from Blake Edwards. One could image how his director's commentary would have been if included, especially with what he had to say on this featurette.

* It's So Audrey: A Style Icon An eight minute featurette with interviews with designers, Hepburn's son and companion. How Audrey Hepburn made simple things quite sexy. How Audrey never thought of her body proportions that sexy but she did have a good eye for style and how she became a fashion and style icon.

* Behind the Gates: The Tour This 4 minute featurette gives people a look behind the gates of the Paramount lot. A good promotional for those who would like to tour the Paramount lot.

* Brilliance in a Blue Box A six minute featurette about the history of Tiffany's. Originally featured on the Anniversary DVD.

* Audrey's Letter to Tiffany A two minute featurette about the letter Audrey wrote for the preface of the 150th Anniversary book for Tiffany's.

* Original Theatrical Trailer The original two minute trailer with its dust, scratches and all.

* Galleries Featuring production stills, movie stills and publicity shots for the film.

The Centennial Collection also comes with a booklet that features information of facts of the film, from how Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe for this film, information on Orangey the cat and how the "New York Site" that was filmed at the Paramount lot is now forever lost due to the big Paramount fire back in 1983 that destroyed historical sets.

And the DVD is just classy with it's black and gold packaging (which most of the Centennial Collection are packaged) and ditching the pink and white packaging.

I absolutely love this film. From the memorable dialogue, that first scene with Holly standing in front of Tiffany's, the cocktail party, Holly Golightly singing "Moon River" on her guitar, the cat and of course the final scene between Holly and Paul.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" is a classic Audrey Hepburn film that is a must-own. I know that the film has been re-released many times on DVD and the 45th Anniversary was just a pleasure when it first came out and at the time, it was a definitive release. But now, with this "Centennial Collection" featuring a remastered version of the film and the new (and quite lengthy) featurettes that is included on this collection, this is the definitive version on DVD.

Personally, I can only imagine how this would look once it becomes available on Blu-ray but for now, these Centennial Collections from Paramount are just wonderful. Especially "Breakfast at Tiffany's", I'm really amazed how far Paramount went in order to make this release much more special.

The addition of "A Golightly Gathering" featuring the actors who took part in that cocktail party was awesome, the Henry Mancini featurette for those who just love his musical work will love this featurette and of course, for those who have felt the pain of the "yellow face" segment in the film, Paramount going the extra step by including a featurette dedicate to that on this DVD.

But in the end, this DVD is indeed a special tribute to Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn is just an icon of style and elegance and this DVD does a great job of giving special attention to such an incredible film. And after seeing this film so many time times, I still have not grown tired of it. It's one special film that I highly recommend

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" is flawless blend of a crowd-pleasing star-vehicle for the effortlessly charming Audrey Hepburn and a bittersweet, painfully beautiful look at love, life, and happiness. Director Blake Edwards, the man behind "The Pink Panther" series, "The Party", "Operation Petticoat", "Victor/Victoria", etc., has crafted a truly timeless film based on the novella by Truman Capote. Though numerous elements of Capote's story were altered, the film still has a strong core and message that urges audiences to examine their own lives, loves, and happiness.

Everything about this film is classic. You have the timeless Hepburn and her defining performance as Holly Golightly, a sophisticated, sassy call-girl with a secret past who is ultimately one of the most vulnerable characters Hepburn ever played. Then there's George Peppard, a vastly under-appreciated actor who manages to hold his own next to Hepburn while playing a struggling writer living off an older married woman. Peppard's boyish good looks and surprising depth make him the ideal match for Hepburn's Golightly.

Then of course there's Henry Mancini's wistfully romantic score and the tremendously popular theme-song, "Moon River", a true gem of a song that capture's the film's essence perfectly. In addition, you have Hepburn's fabulous, style-setting wardrobe courtesy of her lifelong friend Hubert de Givenchy. In this one film alone, Hepburn and Givenchy practically invented the "little black dress", popularized ballet flats, and introduced capris as a stylish alternative to regular pants.

My favorite quote:

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

Paul Varjak: Sure.

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away.

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I love this film despite two major flaws. 1.) they toned down the fact that Holly Golightly is a call girl (probably to maintain Audrey Hepburn's sweet image) and 2.) the awful inclusion of Mickey Rooney as an Asian. Both blunders make me mad. However, they didn't hide the fact that George Peppard's character was a kept man by the icy Patricia Neal. Nonetheless, the film succeeds as one of the most romantic stories ever filmed. Hepburn is utterly charming and her performance would have had a more interesting shade had Holly's true means of support not been practically erased. But when we learn she's run away from a very sad family situation---we see a glimpse of the true Holly. It's also an interesting note that two people living off of others for different reasons should find each other and fall ROMANTICALLY in love. The theme "Moon River" pulls every drop of poignancy from the tear ducts as does the scene with the kitten in the rain. I'm as jaded as they come and that scene gets me every time. I always choke up. This is a great film but could have been greater if the more adult aspects of the story had just been played out. Still I recommend this for lovers of shamelessly romantic movies. You really can't go wrong with this charmer.

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"Breakfast At Tiffanys" is the vintage romance classic based on the novel by Truman Capote that pits the elegant Audrey Hepburn (Holly Golightly) against stoic George Peppard (Paul Varjack). He's a would be writer, being kept by a rich, married lady. She's the lost soul runaway who's abandoned her husband and family after her beloved brother dies while serving his country in the military. This is vintage Capote. Even with the glaring omissions to the text and Mickey Rooney's garish, over-the-top performance as a Japanese landlord, this is still one of the all time great date flicks.

Unfortunately, Paramount Home Video hasn't done a very vintage job on this DVD. They've presented the film in its original VistaVision widescreen process (anamorphically enhanced) and remixed the sound to 5.1. That's a start. But the visual characteristic of the transfer on this DVD is digitally harsh, suffering from edge enhancement, aliasing, shimmering fine details, pixelization and digital grain.

Colors are generally well balanced but there are several instances where flesh tones appear a little bit on the yellowish side. Contrast levels are weak with black levels usually registering a dark gray instead of black. There's an excessive amount of chips and scratches in the opening title sequence as well as some general color fading associated with film stock of this period. As for the 5.1 surround, it's strident and not very natural. Dialogue is forward sounding. The Henry Mancini score is nicely presented, particularly Moon River, but over all this is a mono soundtrack with very few scenes that engage any of your other speakers.

NO EXTRAS! What a shame!

BOTTOM LINE: This is vintage Hollywood presented at bargain basement quality. Decide for yourself. I'd wait in the hopes of a complete digital restoration.

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The blu-ray 50th anniversary release of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" occurred on September 20, 2011. All reviews posted earlier than that date refer to earlier DVD releases and will confuse those seeking information on this new blu-ray edition. I am happy to report that the blu-ray edition (based on a complete 2011 restoration of the film) is amazing and is the one to have in your film library. The image detail is so clear and clean! The audio is outstanding in its clarity! The special features appear to be the same ones from the Centennial Collection DVD edition.

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10 Things I Hate About You (10th Anniversary Edition) (1999)

10 Things I Hate About You is a fairly basic teen love story, but with the added twist of Shakespeare and some good comedic acting.

The story is based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. It is about two sisters, one very popular, Bianca Stratford (played by Larisa Oleynik) and the other, Katrina, or "Kat" (played by Julia Stiles) hated because of her gruff character. Their overbearing father (played by the hilarious Larry Miller), devises a scheme whereby Bianca cannot date until rebellious Katrina does, which seems an impossibility. Thereby is set up a scheme to pair Katrina off with the roguish Patrick Verona. One of the masterminds of this plot is Cameron James (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a newcomer to Padua high, where the movie takes place. The other is his assistant of sorts, Michael Eckman (played by David Khumoltz).

Though somewhat predictable, especially if you have read Taming of the Shrew, it is an interesting light diversion. The dialogue is quite well done, intertwining a word or phrase from Shakespeare with modern teen slang. Other odes to Shakespeare are seen in Kat's friend who idolizes him as if he is a teen heartthrob, plus reading of his works in one Kat's classes. The timing in the dialogue is also very Shakespearean (for a comedy). It's Very rapid fire. I think both David Khumoltz and Larry Miller are amazingly funny!

Overall, this is not your typical shallow teen romance movie, but can appeal to anyone who enjoys witty dialogue, and many literary references.

The DVD is unremarkable. It has a good DD 5.1 soundtrack driven by a nice selection of alternative rock Letters from Clio had several cameos, but I believe they mainly played cover tunes, not their own stuff. The DVD does not contain any special features.

When I first saw previews for this movie, I thought that it looked alright, and that it was just another movie like Can't Hardly Wait and She's All That. Since I found those movies entertaining, I decided to watch it. When I finished the movie, I was completly blown away. The movie was nothing as I had expected it would be. The plot was so much better than all of those other teenage movies. This movie has everything: a good script, hysterical jokes, great acting, even a good soundtrack. Heath Ledger played Patrick Verona, a typical tough guy, and it's so fun to watch his tough exterior dissapear to reveal a sensitive loving guy. Julia Stiles does a wonderful portrayal of Kat Stratford, a sarcastic teenage girl trying her hardest not to fit in. Her sister Bianca is also well cast, played by Larissa Olyenick. The contrast between these two sisters is hysterical. Cameron, a sweet guy, is played by Joesph Gordon-Levitt, and you can't help but smile at his innocence ("She kissed me! ...In the car!")This movie follows the lives of these wonderful characters, and you will come to love each of them. Even all of the smaller parts are well acted and funny, such as the Stratford sisters uptight father, the hysterical guidance counselor Ms. Perky, and all of the other high school students. One of the best things about this movie is how true it is. Walk into any high school, and you will feel like you have just walked into Padua, their school. ("Those are your basic beautiful people...don't talk to them unless they talk to you first.") It is very rare to find a movie that has so much humor. Give this movie a chance, I'm glad I did...I could probably recite the whole movie by heart.

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The movie is based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. It is about two sisters Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) and Katarina "Kat" Stratford (Julia Stiles). Bianca is the popular sister who wants to start dating a popular boy, Joey Donner (Andrew Keegan)and Kat is the social outcast. Trying to keep his daughters from dating for fear they may get pregnant, their paranoid father (Larry Miller) makes a family rule where Bianca cannot date until Kat does, which seems impossible. New kid Cameron (Joseph Gordon Levitt) has a huge crush on Bianca and, thinking Bianca likes him in return and wants to date him, he and his friend Michael Eckman (David Khumoltz) devises a scheme where they try to pair Kat off with the school "Bad Boy" Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger).

By reading the basic plot above, you probably think this is just another Teen Flick? Well, though technically a teen flick, it lacks the shallowness that other movies of this genre have. With witty dialogue, some very funny physical stunts, some great acting, and a hip soundtrack headlined by Letters To Cleo, this film is a definate must own.

As for the DVD, for people with 5.1 Surround Sound, this movie is perfect! However, it is very disappointing in the extras department. The ONLY thing this DVD has is the theatrical trailer for the movie. So unless you really, REALLY want to own the theatrical trailer for the movie, I suggest you save your money and go for the VHS version instead.

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In 1999, the film "10 Things I Hate About You" which was is based on William Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew" was adapted to a teen comedy film by screenwriters Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith (both who wrote "Legally Blonde", "The Ugly Truth", "The House Bunny" and "Ella Enchanted") and featured first time film director Gil Junger (known for directing TV shows "Ellen", "According to Jim" and "Hope and Faith").

The film would be appreciated as a teen romantic comedy and since the film's debut is considered among the top 10 teen romantic comedy films out there and the film is known to be the launching point for the director, the screenwriters and the film that would launch the careers of Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger.

The popularity of the film now reaching it's tenth year anniversary has recently generated a television series on ABC Family and now a 10th Anniversary Blu-ray release.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"10 Things I Hate About You: 10th Anniversary Edition" receives its first entry to Blu-ray. Presented in 1080p High Definition (1:85:1), the film looks great! At first, I was a little worried when the stock footage of Seattle was grainy but once you see the film, you can't help but be happy about the detail. You can see the skin pores of the people, details on the walls and surroundings. Some scenes are vibrant and colorful, there is a fine layer of grain on the film, blacks are nice and deep and picture quality that is much better than its DVD counterpart.

As for audio quality, the film is presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and in French, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital. The film is front and center channel driven. Dialogue and music are clear but for the most part, the lossless soundtrack works for the film. I was hoping that with the crowd scenes, those sounds would be heard on the surround channels but I really didn't hear too much surround channel usage or even anything from the subwoofer.

Subtitles are in English SDH, French and Spanish.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"10 Things I Hate About You: 10th Anniversary Edition" comes with the following special features featured in 1080p or 480i, English 2.0 Dolby Digital with English SDH, French or Spanish subtitles. Included are:

* 10 Things I Love About 10 Things I Hate About You 10 Years Later (35:05) Ten years after the film's initial debut, director Gil Junger, and writers Kirsten Smith and Karen Lutz reflect and hear the story about how this classic teen comedy came to be. Featuring never-before-seen behind the scenes footage, original cast interviews, deleted scenes, original screen test and personal photos from the writers' scrap books.

* Audio Commentary with co-writers Karen Lutz and Kirsten Smith, and stars Andrew Keegan, David Krumholtz, Larisa Oleynik and Susan May Pratt An entertaining commentary with the writers and cast reflecting their past working on the film and working with members of cast and crew. Also, jokes and hilarious things that happened behind-the-scenes. Also, everyone talks about their memories of Heath Ledger on the set and auditions. For fans of the film, listening to this audio commentary makes this release so much worth it!

It's important to note that "deleted scenes" are mentioned on back of the package are found on the "10 Things I Love About 10 Things I Hate About You 10 Years Later" featurette.

JUDGMENT CALL:

I can easily remember when the original DVD was released and how badly I wanted it. "10 Things I Hate About You" was in my mind, the best non rated-R teen romantic film. Although "American Pie" was the more popular teen film of that year (the year also featured my other favorite PG-13 teen romance film "She's All That"), "10 Things I Hate About You" was a film I enjoyed because of its sincerity, everyone seemed to click well with each other and the screenplay never had to go the route of being perverted. Also, that poem by Kat at the end of the film is absolutely classic!

But here we are ten years later and "10 Things I Hate About You" is a pretty enjoyable film that still holds up today. But I know the big question for many people is if its worth upgrading from the DVD to the Blu-ray version? My answer is "YES!". The picture quality is much better than its original DVD counterpart but for those who loved the film, the two special features are just worth watching.

The audio commentary is just absolutely hilarious and for the most part, it's like reuniting with old friends again and hearing stories that happened behind-the-scenes of filming to the hotel parties that the cast would have and just the shenanigans that took place and how respectful they were in remember Heath Ledger. The audio commentary was fantastic!

I would have loved more special features to be included but considering that the original DVD had no special features at all, I'm glad that at least we get two special features for this 10th anniversary edition and the two are very entertaining.

Overall, "10 Things I Hate About You: 10th Anniversary Edition" is a fantastic release for fans of the film. The DVD may not have a lot of bells and whistles as I would have hoped but for the most part, this Blu-ray release is definitely an improved upgrade over the 1999 DVD and the audio commentary, again...hilarious and all-out-fun.

If you are a hardcore fan, a person who enjoyed this film or someone that is curious about this release, "10 Things I Hate About You: 10th Anniversary Edition" is definitely recommended!

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I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. "Ten Things I Hate About You" is VERY LOOSELY based on William Shakespeare's comedic masterpiece, "The Taming of the Shrew." The film is set in a modern day high school. Kat (Julia Stiles) is an angry teenage girl who seems to loathe all men. Her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) is a popular girl who can't wait to immerse herself in the dating scene. Unfortunately for Bianca, her overprotective father (Larry Miller) is incredibly paranoid and doesn't want to see either of his daughters come within 50 feet of a member of the opposite sex. In order to pacify Bianca's constant complaints, her father finally concedes that he'll lift the dating ban as soon as man-hater Kat shoes an interest in boys, which is unlikely to happen in the near future. Once Bianca's potential beau (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) finds out about this, he hires a mysterious classmate, Patrick (Heath Ledger), to feign an interest in Kat and loosen her up, thereby freeing up Bianca to date. At first Patrick is happy to oblige, but he is stunned when he begins to develop feelings for Kat, who isn't always as cold and collected as she appears to be.

This movie is very entertaining. As a big "Taming of the Shrew" fan, I really enjoyed the occasional snippets of Shakespearean dialogue. This film does an excellent job of reinventing Shakespeare in a very modern way. Also, the young cast is talented and fun to watch. Stiles and Ledger have good chemistry together and make a very cute onscreen couple. Overall, I was very impressed!

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Class of Nuke 'Em High

I am not going to review this movie on here but I can say one thing about it and that it is one of Troma's best films. Ok with that said I am going to go more into a comparison between the 2 formats and if it's worth the upgrade. Well first off the DVD version is in the 1:33:1 (Full Screen) aspect ratio which sucks if you have a HD TV and the blu-ray is in the 1:85:1 (Widescreen) apect ratio which is great if you have an HD TV. Now when it comes to the picture quality I have to say that the Blu-Ray does look better, it's not perfect but does look better. The audio also seems to be better. Overall I would have to say that if you are a fan of this film then I suggest you pick this one up!

Let me start off by saying that this is one of the better Troma films but not better than the toxic avenger.Nuke em high is about a nuclear power plant that leaks into Tromaville high causing students to mutate.Thats preatty much the plot without taking about the createns, but this is a Troma movie so who cares about the plot.Fans of Troma will love this but those who don't might want to look eleswhere.Followed but two sequels that shouldn't have ever been made.

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Rating: 5-"This is a special rating for bad films that are fun to watch. Because they are inherently difficult to rate, they receive 5's because there is much that is terrible about them, but much that is often unintentionally amusing as well. Or they can be bad films made to be bad or camp. They may have intentional merits, also. Everyone should stay away except for connoisseurs of enjoyably bad films."

At various times good, bad, enjoyable and irritating, Class of Nuke 'Em High is a grade C film that was intentionally made to be a grade C film. The plot concerns a nuclear power plant that's run by a whole team of Homer Simpsons. Not only are they having periodic mini-disasters, but one of the employees has been growing marijuana in a restricted outside area and selling it to kids at the local high school, which is only a quarter mile down the road. The high school kids are exposed to nuclear waste both through the marijuana and through a water supply contamination, and it turns some of them into pulsating radioactive superheroes, disintegrates others, and for the former honor society, it turned them into an overacting group of Mad Max rejects. There is one scene in the movie which is especially bad where supposed actor, Brett Weston, playing a corpse gets gang raped by a bunch of covermounters and can distinctively be seen smiling as he recieves wave after wave of punishment.

A lot of Nuke 'Em High is supposed to be funny, and much of it is. Some of the stuff that's supposed to be funny is simply irritating-this goes for the Mad Max rejects most of the time. Movies like this tend to work better when it's not so obvious that they are trying to spoof genres. When they are trying, it has to be extremely funny in order to work. When they aren't trying-when the filmmakers are trying to make a decent film given their budget, and it still comes out bad, the little unintentionally funny bits are enjoyable. It's the difference of laughing at a faux pas as opposed to watching a bad comedian tell a cheesy joke.

The nuclear plant setting, with a wonderfully fake looking matte painting for exterior shots, is unfortunately underused-the plant employee characters were enjoyable, funny and there was a lot more potential for them. Several other auxiliary characters should have been used more, also, but the two goody-two-shoe protagonists are well cast and do an admirable job.

Classified as horror, Nuke 'Em High doesn't even approach that genre for a large chunk of the first half. That's too bad because it works best when it's violent. The scene with the old lady carrying groceries, the alleyway brawl, the coup d'etat in the principles office, the bathroom fight scene, etc. are all among this films best.

Recommendation: Overall, Nuke 'Em High is a mixed bag, and my evaluation while I was watching it continually vacillated between "bad bad" and "good bad." Troma films fans are bound to enjoy this to some extent, although most fans are more than likely already familiar with this Troma staple. Other than Troma fans, approach this film only if you enjoy cheesy B and C movies. It's not the best "turkey," but it is tasty enough for Thanksgiving.

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Class of Nuke 'Em High. It's a title that I've loved for a very long time due to its weirdness, gross-out gore effects, and humor. This is not a film to take seriously, but you should already know that seeing as how it's part of the famous (or infamous?) Troma library. I recently sold my DVD copy of the film in order to "upgrade" to Blu-Ray. I realize that not EVERY Blu-Ray is going to look and sound like Iron Man, but the quality of the Blu-Ray print leaves much to be desired. In all honesty, the print was rather ho-hum. It appeared to be of no better quality than an old DVD of the film. I'm not sure if this is simply a combination of the film being low budget to begin with and that the original print really isn't very good, or if this release was simply rushed to cash in on the Blu-Ray craze. But that's the thing with Blu-Ray...sometimes I'm absolutely amazed at how well an old title can look on Blu-Ray (a superb example being American Werewolf in London), but other times (such as this) I just have to ask myself what the point was of releasing this on Blu-Ray. This is an essential film to own (if you're into movies like this), but not an essential Blu-Ray to own.

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I have seen this film many times and never get tired of it. I would mention the plot,but who cares about the plot in a film like this? For some reason,this isn't as respected as The Toxic Avenger,and I wonder why. The laughs in this film are nonstop and any comedy fan should check this film out.

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