What It’s About: It’s incredibly difficult to write a review on United 93 because it’s nearly impossible for me to see this as just a film. I had a very hard time distancing myself from the subject matter here, and to be fair, don’t think I ever truly did.
The movie has a strong documentary feel and chronicles the story of the only plane hijacked on 9/11 to not make it to its target thanks to the passengers who fought back.
I thought the film was very well done and bawled like a baby. The characters never become distinct and individual, they are very much a team united for the same end (except for one who is interestingly the only one whose family didn’t support the film).
It’s a beautiful yet painful movie to watch and you have to make certain to steel yourself and have Kleenex nearby when watching. Ultimately, it’s something we should never forget and with a movie as well-made as this one the idea of too soon doesn’t enter the picture.
Synopsis: United 93, the acclaimed, powerful and unforgettable story of a diverse group of people who banded together in the face of danger and valiantly refused to surrender. Directed and written by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, Bloody Sunday), this grippingly honest, unflinching and profoundly moving film salutes the heroism of the 40 people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on the day of one of the worst terrorist attacks on North American soil: September 11, 2001.
Technical Stuff:
The picture is presented in anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. It’s very clean and realistic.
The Dolby 5.1 is perfect with loud bass and clean score.
Extras?
· Audio commentary with the director Paul Greengrass
· United 93 - The Families and the Film documentary which takes a look at the real-life stories behind the brave passengers and crew
· Memorial Pages
Final Verdict: It’s a difficult movie to watch but very much worth it. If you can handle it, it’s a must-see.

What It’s About: You either love South Park or you hate it. But considering it’s a show that put Tom Cruise in the closet, I’m thinking it’s the best freaking show ever! And so should you. But I digress…
The eighth season of South Park isn’t actually it’s best. There are some amazingly hilarious episodes but there are also many moments of crap. This is thanks to the fact that its creators were doing Team America at the same time and kind of finished the season in a half-ass way. But considering you still get the episode with crazy Mel Gibson and see a very slutty Paris Hilton, it just can’t be all bad!
Synopsis: What began as a construction-paper film short evolved into a veritable pop-culture phenomenon for Trey Parker and Matt Stone's outrageous animated comedy series SOUTH PARK. Centered on the hilarious misadventures of four potty-mouthed grade-schoolers in the perpetually wintry environs of South Park, Colorado, the series skewers the vagaries of the modern American cultural landscape with politically incorrect humor and satirical plotlines ranging from homophobia and terrorism to boy bands and talking poo. This collection presents all 14 episodes from the series' eighth season, including controversial favourites like "Good Times with Weapons," "AWESOM-O," and "The Passion of the Jew."
Technical Stuff: Paramount does a lovely job here with crisp and vivid colours. With few episodes per disc, the quality is really great!
The soundtrack comes in Dolby 2.0 and works. It’s clean and clear and does the job.
Extras?
· Mini-Commentaries by the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone
· Episode selections
Final Verdict: A solid season even though not the best. If you’re a South Park fan, you probably already own it!

What It’s About: You can spend an evening with Clive Owen and Denzel Washington if you buy or rent “Inside Man.” Sound good? Throw in a solid story, a unique twist and Jodie Foster in a role where she plays a witch and you have yourself a good movie.
“Inside Man” is about a robbery masterminded by Owen, and Washington is the negotiator brought in to settle matters. Foster plays a woman whose client, the bank’s manager, has something incredible incriminating in the bank’s vault and needs her to do whatever it takes to get it out.
The movie is director by Spike Lee but isn’t his usual fare. Yes, he throws in some forced societal commentary in there, but it’s precisely those parts of the movie that don’t seem to fit and tend to drag.
“Inside Man” is a solid and intriguing heist film that deserves a watch.
Synopsis: The Inside Man takes places during a hostage situation in which a tough cop matches wits a clever bank robber, who sets to pull the the perfect heist.
Washington stars as New York police detective Keith Miller, a tough, street-smart cop fighting for a promotion while trying to live down accusations of misconduct connected to his last case. When he and his partner are dispatched to the scene of an in-progress bank robbery and hostage crisis, Miller must face off against a well-educated criminal (Owen) masterminding a concisely plotted operation. As negotiations grow more strained, a powerful lawyer with mysterious ties (Foster) becomes involved in the crisis... and Miller slowly begins to realize that in this ultimate game of cat and mouse, rules are arbitrary, all roles are up for grabs and the black-and-white of right an wrong has blurred to a shadowy landscape of gray.
Technical Stuff:
It’s a new release so the anamorphic widescreen presented in 2.35:1 is sharp, clear and pretty to look at.
The sound comes through in Dolby Digital 5.1 with extra tracks in French and Spanish. It’s clean and crisp.
Extras?
Over 25 Minutes of Deleted Scenes
Number 4 - From Mo' Better Blues to Malcolm X, Director Spike Lee and actor Denzel Washington discuss their creative collaborations from the past up to this thriller
Feature Commentary with Director Spike Lee
The Making of Inside Man - Go deeper into the action with this exclusive behind-the-scenes footage!
Final Verdict: It’s a very intelligent movie with some fascinating twists and a very solid cast. Watch it.

What It’s About: I’m embarrassed. I’m red-faced. I’m hiding under my couch. But I had fun watching “Bring it On: All of Nothing.” Please don’t judge me.
Here’s the deal: yes, it’s dumb and predictable and cheesy and not even so much funny. Yes, there are things in here that made me wonder ‘is that not kind of stereotypical/racist?’ But at the end of the day, I sat through it. It didn’t require me to think. It made me wish I was in high school again (for like, an hour). And I laughed a few times. All in all, that’s not bad for a sequel to the sequel of a movie.
Hayden Panettiere plays a rich blonde girl who moves to the inner city from Malibu (or someplace like it) and joins the ghetto cheerleaders. Of course there is friction between her and the head cheerleader here, Solange Knowles (Beyonce’s sister.) Now without being a total bitch, I need to say that Beyonce obviously got the good end of the gene pool, you know what I mean? Solange is one chiselled jaw away from being a man. There are some angles that are just so darn unflattering here. She’s quite…masculine.
Synopsis: Get ready for more fun, more attitude and more excitement than ever before! At Pacific Vista High School, popular Britney (Hayden Panettiere) is captain of the cheerleading squad. But Britney’s life quickly turns from cheer-topia to cheer-tastrophe when her father's job moves her family across town to urban Crenshaw Heights. At her new school, Britney finds herself at odds with her classmates, especially with 'it' girl Camille (Solange Knowles-Smith), the cheer captain of the Crenshaw Heights Warriors. But when Britney proves herself and secures a coveted spot on the cheer squad, the Warriors find themselves in a cross-town 'cheer-off' to star in music sensation Rihanna’s upcoming video. With edgy new moves, the no-holds-barred fight to the finish will test friendships, loyalties and talents — but only one team can 'bring it' and earn a place in cheer history!
Technical Stuff:
It’s a very nice widescreen transfer that’s clean and proper.
The sound comes through in a 5.1 track that includes several popular pop tunes including several from Rhianna who makes an appearance here and proves she really can’t act.
Extras?
Gag Reel
Behind The Cheers - Get an Exclusive Backstage Pass to See What It Takes to Bring the Moves to the Screen.
Cheer Camp: From Wannabe To Cheerleader - Watch the Cast Learn the Film’s Rockin’ Cheers and Dance Moves!
Break It Down - Think You’ve Got What it Takes? Follow the Squad and Choreographer
Tony G As They Break Down Their Routines Into Easy-to-Follow Steps.
From The Street To The Set - Lil “C” and Richmond Explain the Attitude and Physical Moves Needed for These Eye-Catching Dance Moves.
Final Verdict: If you like cheerleader movies, as I do, you’ll probably get a kick out of this one. Otherwise, stay away or you might claw your eyes and ears out.

What It’s About: Warning—I am a huge animal-lover. I cried when Oprah had that dog on that walked like a human (seriously, did you see that because it was amazing!) So I probably enjoyed “The Shaggy Dog” than some cruel veal-eating monster (bring on the hate mail).
Like the dog, it’s a fluffy, cuddly, adorable film that has no real substance and besides Robert Downey Jr. (who I think I have a crush on) no good acting. I was hoping Kristin Davis would do something good after “Sex and the City” since she was so darn cute as Charlotte but she’s quite bland here. Tim Allen is a dog a lot of the time but he’s just himself—same guy in pretty much every movie!
It’s a very typical Disney movie with a big sappy moral at the end but it was entertaining enough (remember though, I could watch a puppy sleep and be entertained) and had some funny moments. It’s a good one to watch with the kiddies.
Synopsis: Comedian Tim Allen unleashes all the outrageous fun in this doggone hilarious update of Disney's comedy classic! The adventures begin when workaholic Dave Douglas (Allen) is accidentally transformed into a lovable dog. Now as Dave digs to uncover the mystery, this overworked dad wants nothing more than to stop fetching ... and get back to fathering. But before he does, he's about to discover that being man's best friend gives him a curious insight into what it takes to be a great dad! The tail-wagging fun continues with bonus features to howl about including bone-tickling bloopers, deleted scenes, and a special bark-along bone-us feature dogs will love!
Technical Stuff:
I was a little disappointed in the picture because Disney usually blows me away with quality but here they shoved but full and widescreen on the same disc causing for some quality loss. It’s not a bad picture, just not as good as it could be.
The sound is solid. The 5.1 Dolby Digital gets every bark across perfectly. There are also French and Spanish 2.0 tracks.
Extras?
Bloopers
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary With Director Brian Robbins And Producer David Hoberman (Widescreen only)
Bark-Along Bone-us Feature For Your Dog To Enjoy
Final Verdict: It’s a doggone good time! No? Too much? Alright—it’s cheesy and predictable but the kids will love it and frankly, you could do worse.

What It’s About: So if you’re a regular reader of the site, you know I like to review movies based on if I enjoyed them rather than dwelling on any back stories, side stories etc. “V for Vendetta” apparently had a whole bunch of nerdy history to do with some graphic novel and those Matrix guys. For me, it was all about Natalie Portman’s haircut.
Is it a good movie? Meh. It had some interesting parts but for the most part it felt like it was trying waay too hard. The guy in the mask was annoying. He had a big mouth and frankly seemed kind of pretentious. Natalie is kind of annoying and if you want to enjoy the movie a little, drink every time she cries. I do love the fact that she looks so cute in her new pixie cut thanks to the head shaving.
Synopsis: "Remember, remember the 5th of November."
Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, "V for Vendetta" tells the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked man (Hugo Weaving) known only as "V."
Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V ignites a revolution when he urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself - and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plan to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption.
Technical Stuff:
The picture is practically perfect with an ideal widescreen anamorphic transfer. It better be—didn’t they have a huge budget?
Was I the only one who couldn’t understand half of what that V guy said? Seriously, I know he’s wearing a mask but shouldn’t movies compensate for that with the track? It was all muffled and quiet. I guess it was a good thing I didn’t really care what he way saying anyway. The sound is 5.1 Dolby and decent otherwise.
Extras?
Seriously? They rip you off here. One extra? I guess you’re supposed to buy the two-disc set…
· "Making V for Vendetta"
Final Verdict: Hmm, this is a serious pass. I fell asleep near the end. V annoyed. And the movie was seriously lacking anything that would make me care. Unless you’re a huge graphic novel/ Wachowski brothers fan, you’ll probably be bored.

What It’s About: As a little girls growing up in the 80s, it was all about Jem and She-Ra. While Jem was cool, her alter ego, Jerrica was a bit of as wimp and that always bugged me. I identified with the Misfits a little more (hmmm). Now She-Ra? She’s all that and a bag of chips. And she’s finally on DVD. Not completely—we only get a few episodes here—but we do get a taste of what’s to come.
The DVD set includes the movie “Secret of the Sword” which aired on television and was our introduction to She-Ra. She is He-Man’s long lost twin sister and was stolen by the evil Hordak and brought to Eternia. He-Man saved her and she stayed to fight Hordak and his mean cronies.
The other DVD here contains five episodes from the series that are considered most popular. They were extremely entertaining to watch and really just whet your appetite for the full set coming soon.
Synopsis: This two-disc set includes the five best episodes of the long-running series She-Ra: Princess of Power, as voted on by fans. It also includes the 1985 feature film "The Secret of the Sword." The set is packed with special features including a documentary featurette, a feature length audio commentary, a music video featurette, trivia, collectibles and more! She-Ra: Princess of Power first aired on television in 1985, as a female-directed spin-off of the popular He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.
Technical Stuff:
She-Ra looks pretty good considering her age. The colour is vibrant and the picture is quite clean. They did a good job cleaning this up.
You can sing along to the theme song in Dolby Digital Stereo which sounds just fine although it does lack a little depth at times.
Extras?
The making of She-Ra Princess of Power
Audio commentaries by the creator of the series
Character bios and artwork
Complete storyboards from selected episodes
Downloadable scripts from selected episodes
Final Verdict: Gotta love it. This is some seriously classic television. Plus, now I know what I’m going to be for Halloween this year.

What It’s About: I couldn’t remember “ATL” for the life of me. I got the press release and wondered ‘when was this out?’. When I first heard the title I got it confused with ATV and thought it was about off-roading. There is the important truth about movie titles—they have to be memorable and make sense. Moving on…if you’re a fan of crunk music and dancing, you’ll definitely enjoy this movie. If not…you’ll either end up a fan, or end up snoring.
The movie is like a long music video. It’s about a group of friends growing up in Altanta (what the whole ATL thing stands for). They’re average joes and on Sunday, the hit the roller rink and dance and shake their groove thangs. Those parts are the best parts of the film. The rest sort of drags as the guys do their thing, fall in love, so some drugs, etc. It’s a fairly entertaining movie with some charm, but “ATL” just never quite becomes what it could have been.
Synopsis: Sometimes 17-year-old Rashad and his pals hang out at the Waffle House, trying to figure out what's next after they graduate. But on Sunday nights, they know what's coming. They'll be at the Cascade roller rink: laying down moves, chillin' with friends...and for a few hours leaving what's outside outside. "ATL" is a Sunday night fever of laughs, drama and crunk sounds. Video director Chris Robinson makes his feature debut, guiding an ensemble that includes astonishingly natural movie newcomers Tip Harris (aka rapper T.I.), Lauren London and Antwan Andre Patton (aka Big Boi of the duo OutKast).
Technical Stuff:
The picture is in a 2.19:1 ratio anamorphic screen size and is pretty much perfect. Yup, no, it’s actually perfect.
As for the sound…you know when some loser pull sup beside you in their souped up Civic and all your hear is awful bass reverberating through the tiny car and shattering their eardrums and you can’t even make out what the song is because it’s all just bass which is turned up way too high but they like it like that because people turn around and look at them? The Dolby Digital 5.1 here isn’t as bad but the bass is pretty ridiculous no matter how much you try to adjust it. If you have a Civic you’ll love it.
Extras?
Deleted scenes
"In the Rink: A Directors Journey"
Music video: T.I.'s hit MTV music video "What You Know"
Theatrical trailers
Final Verdict: It’s somewhat entertaining, just nothing groundbreaking. Worth a watch.

What It’s About: Oh the feathery hair, jiggling boobs and bad acting…no I’m not talking about Lindsay Lohan’s new movie but the third season of the original Charlie’s Angels, now on DVD. This show was pure escapism and laughs, not meant to be taken seriously. And it’s still great fun to watch today.
This season had the equally pretty and talented Cheryl Ladd instead of the conceited and obnoxious Farrah Fawcett although she did show up for several guest appearances. The show is frothy and angels are somewhat dim-witted. Men weren’t watching this for the plot though; it was all about that jiggle. The fun and lighthearted energy of the show still translates well in our time and this set will be a lot of enjoyment for fans today.
Synopsis: Television's most glamorous undercover detectives are back for a third action-packed season. Join Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd with special guest appearances by an original Angel herself, Farrah Fawcett! Considered one of the most successful series in television history, the third season amps up all the suspense, humor, adventure, and sex appeal that made "Charlie's Angels" an enduring phenomenon. The third season boasts a host of guest stars, including Dean Martin, Scatman Crothers, Stephen Collins, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many others. Kick back, press play, and be prepared for the Angels to blow you away.
Technical Stuff:
It’s an old show (’78-’79) so the picture isn’t great but they’ve done a good job with what they had. The colours are quite garishly bright but that was part of the aesthetic of the show. There is some grain throughout but all in all, not bad.
The sound is English Dolby Digital Mono and actually sounds really great!
Extras?
none
Final Verdict: It’s serious fluff and those who enjoy shows like Baywatch or previously were fans will love it. If you’re a Masterpiece Theater type of person—well heck, you might still enjoy the jiggle and giggle.

What It’s About: Thanks to Amanda Bynes, “She’s the Man” remains watchable and even sometimes quite funny. Without her, this film would have crashed and burned. She has been working for long time now but never hit the same rate of stardom as an Olsen sister. Good for her.
In this movie, based supposedly on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” (which I can see on the surface and I’m all for getting people into Shakespeare in any way but some stuff here made me cringe and think that the Bard probably wouldn’t approve even though he was quite crude at times as well), Bynes pretends to be her brother Sebastian in order to play soccer. It’s very simple and full of clichés but thanks to the lovely, hilarious and extremely talented Ms. Bynes, retains some appeal and genuine charm and humour. Thanks goodness for her.
Synopsis: Amanda Bynes proves that girls can do anything guys can do in She’s the Man. The laughs are non-stop when Viola (Bynes), disguised as her twin brother, Sebastian (James Kirk), joins the high school boys’ soccer team and helps win the big game while unexpectedly falling for Duke (Channing Tatum) the hot star forward. Viola discovers that dealing with high school politics and twisted love triangles is a major challenge when you’re a guy who’s really a girl! From the writers of Legally Blonde, She’s the Man features an ensemble cast of up and coming stars and hit songs from OK-Go, The Veronicas & the F-ups. It’s perfect for good-time fun!
Technical Stuff:
The picture and sound are both top-notch since it’s a new movie. You get 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and 5.1 English and French sound. There is also a paltry 2.0 English and Spanish track as well.
Extras?
Director's Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
Three In Depth Featurettes
Music Video: "Let Go" by David Lichens
Pop Up Video (Trivia Track)
Final Verdict: Not very Shakespearean (but maybe I was expecting too much) but Bynes shines. Hah. Rent it.