What It’s About: I realize the movie is one big cliché and everyone and their grandpa said it sucked but I have to stick to my guns on this one and say that “Failure To Launch” is a solid romantic-comedy that made me laugh and say awww. Therefore it passes my chick-flick requirements.
Sarah Jessica Parker stars as a woman whose career is getting grown men moved out of their parents home. Matthew McConaughey is a man who needs that little push. Blah blah blah and he finds out she was hired by his parents but she’s really fallen in love with him. Oh-oh. What’s a girl to do? He won’t speak to her anymore. The chemistry between Parker and McConaughey is pretty much non-existent but who cares when he’s so hot?
The super-bright light in the movie comes from Zooey Deschanel, as Paula’s (Parker) quirky roommate. She has some of the best lines and you can’t take your eyes off her when she’s on screen. I’m shocked she hasn’t done a lead in a blockbuster yet. She’s awesome.
Yes, “Failure to Launch” sometimes does, uh, fail to launch, but it’s still entertaining and if you like movies like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” you’ll enjoy this one too.
Synopsis: Matthew McConaughey is Tripp, a 35 year-old who still lives with his parents. And who can blame him? It’s free, he’s got a great room, and mom (Kathy Bates) does the laundry. Desperate to get him out of the house, his parents hire a gorgeous woman, Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker), to give him a little…push. They just didn’t expect Tripp would push back! Zooey Deschanel, Terry Bradshaw and Alias’ Bradley Cooper co-star in this romantic battle of wills that proves there’s no place like home.
Technical Stuff:
The picture is a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen (a separate fullscreen edition is also available) and is perfect. Exactly what you’d expect from a new release, it’s lovely, sharp and bright.
The audio is 5.1 Dolby and since the film is mostly dialogue, there are no issues. There is one paintball scene that does get the speakers working though and it sounds great.
Extras?
· Making of Failure to Launch
· Interview with Matthew McConaughey and Terry Bradshaw
· Behind the scenes featurettes
· Theatrical trailer
Final Verdict: It’s not perfect or the best romantic-comedy in its class but “Failure to Launch” remains entertaining and is good for a rental.

What It’s About: Recently, it was announced that “Commander in Chief” had been cancelled. So the big shots at Buena Vista decided that they would need to milk the first season for all its worth. Hence, this first half of the season on DVD. If you want the rest, you’ll have to buy the second half when it comes out. Tricky tricky.
The show itself was pretty good, with Geena Davis back in the spotlight after a long time away. It was good to see her and she made a good female president. In a weird backward twist, the show started out strong but the storylines got weirder and the writing got lamer and then an odd romance plotline surfaced and the audience lost interest. It’s a shame too since the show showed some real promise. Ah well, watch this season just for kicks and hope they’ll come up with something similar soon—just keep it good rather than letting it die.
Synopsis: Geena Davis lights up the screen as President Mackenzie Allen, earning a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in the show's inaugural season. Experience the first ten thrilling episodes of the captivating drama, starring Davis, Emmy Award winner Donald Sutherland, and an acclaimed cast.
Technical Stuff:
The picture is a lovely widescreen that looks great and the sound is also perfect—of course, this is a Buena Vista release, could we ask for anything better?
Extras?
· none
Final Verdict: Why are there no special features? My guess is they’ll arrive with the rest of the season. Perhaps they’ll be there to mask the fact that the last few episodes suck.

What It’s About: A typical British romantic-comedy but with a twist, “Imagine Me & You” is utterly charming and addictive. Everything about it screams “Notting Hill” or “Love, Actually” except for the fact that the girl in the movie falls in love with…another girl…right after her wedding. Good stuff eh?
Rachel and Heck have just gotten married and when they meet their florist, Rachel is instantly attracted, although she doesn’t realize it for a little while. So what’s a girl to do? The result is a sweet movie that draws you in with its simplicity and charm. The characters are all endearing and the plot, although it trips here and there, is very entertaining. While it may not be the best example of a British romantic comedy, it’s just as enjoyable as the rest of them.
Synopsis: Piper Perabo lights up the screen as Rachel, a blushing bride whose perfect nuptials take a surprising turn at the altar. An innocent glance between Rachel and an unexpected wedding guest is all it takes to spark a 'love at first sight' romance with a surprising twist -- the object of Rachel's affection is a smart and sensuous... woman! Their shocking romance causes quite a stir amongst her family and friends as Rachel is forced to choose between her husband and the girl of her dreams. Say 'I do' to the wonderfully witty film that Cosmopolitan calls "a refreshing romantic comedy."
Technical Stuff:
The picture is a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen (a separate fullscreen edition is on the back) and is lovely and clear. It’s a new movie so we rarely have problems.
The audio is 5.1 Dolby and the dialogue comes through cleanly and without ay issues. There is also a Spanish surround track and subtitles in Spanish, French, and English.
Extras?
· 4 Deleted/Extended Scenes
· Commentary by Director/Writer Ol Parker
· Q & A with Director and Cast
· Director's Statement
Final Verdict: An adorable movie that will leave you with the warm and fuzzies. It’s certainly the better pick of romantic comedies out this week (sorry, “Failure to Launch” I still love ya).

What It’s About: Movies that don’t take themselves seriously are the most fun to watch. “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” was hailed by critics but disappeared faster than Tom Cruise’s sanity. Now that it’s on DVD, do yourselves a favour and watch it—it’s smart, highly entertaining and downright hilarious.
It’s really hard to tell you what it’s about but basically you have gins, violence, Hollywood, romance and mystery. All the good stuff. The movie is narrated by Harry (Robert Downey Jr.) a crook turned movie star. He is awesome. I missed him. Beside him is Val Kilmer as “gay Perry”, a private eye. Kilmer, who I normally can’t stand, is awesome in the film and delivers some of the best lines. Also starring is Michelle Monaghan (from MI:3) who is okay but gets a wee bit annoying. The movie does seem a little too silly at times (monstly in the convoluted narration) but if you get past that, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is a little cinematic masterpiece.
Synopsis: In "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," a breezy take on writer-director Shane Black's trademark buddy action/comedy oeuvre, a petty thief (Robert Downey Jr.) is brought to Los Angeles for an unlikely audition and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation, along with his high school dream girl (Michelle Monaghan) and a detective (Val Kilmer) who has been training him for his upcoming role.
Technical Stuff:
The anamorphic widescreen transfer is excellent, coming across in a 2.40:1 ratio. The colours are great and the picture is a tiny bit soft but I couldn’t decide if that was on purpose.
The 5.1 Dolby surround mix is excellent. The sound hits hard when it needs to and the dialogue comes through clearly at the other times. Great balance.
Extras?
· Audio Commentary With Val Kilmer, Robert Downey Jr., and Shane Black
· Gag Reel
· Theatrical Trailer
Final Verdict: I’m betting you didn’t see it in the theatre so I’m telling you to catch it now. Highly entertaining and it’s great to see Downey back in full force.

What It’s About: Another feel-good sports movie? A team no one expects to win and the coach that never gave up on them…hasn’t that all been done before? So it “Glory Road” worth a watch? Yes, from a historical perspective and not-so-much from a filmmaker’s.
The movie feels oddly detached the entire time. Josh Lucas is quite good as the coach, Don Haskins, who leads the Texas Western College team. No one wants to play for his team since all the good players go to Duke and Kentucky so Haskins used his own money to recruit black players. The team went to the NCAA National Basketball Championships Final with only one loss during the regular season. It’s a moving story and fascinating because it’s true. But the acting leaves something to be desired and it’s one of those can’t put your finger on it things that it doesn’t all gel.
Synopsis: Winning Changes Everything.
Josh Lucas (“Stealth,” “Sweet Home Alabama”) stars as Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins, in the true story of the team that changed the game of basketball forever. In the 1960’s, Texas Western (now the University of Texas El Paso) hires Haskins to coach a small-time, losing basketball program. Through vigorous recruiting, Haskins assembles a line-up with many African-Americans, a novelty in college basketball. With a grueling coaching regime and tough love, Haskins molds his recruits into a promising team. Amidst the country’s burgeoning civil-rights movement, the players and coaches endure raciallycharged insults as they go forward in the national college tournaments. Haskins fields the first all African-American starting line-up in a championship game, and together they defy the odds and win the 1966 NCAA Championship. Their courage and dedication change the face of college basketball and national sports for all time.
Technical Stuff:
The picture is an anamorphic widescreen transfer that as always with Disney looks stunning. It’s crisp and vivid and perfect.
The sound is also superb with a Dolby 5.1 surround mix that does its job admirably.
Extras?
· Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
· Alicia Keys Music Video: "Sweet Music"
· Documentary: "More Than A Game: Legacy of the Bear"
· Extended Interviews with University of Texas El Paso Basketball Players Who Played for Coach Haskins
· Audio Commentary with Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Director James Gartner
· Audio Commentary with Writers Christopher Cleveland and Bettina Gilois
Final Verdict: It’s an interesting movie and one that I’ll even recommend watching. It’s certainly darker than remember the Titans. But it’s not the best sports movie out there.

What It’s About: Last season, the Halliwell sisters had to adjust to their new third charmed one, Paige (Rose McGowan). It made for an incredibly entertaining season with great plotlines and twists. This season, while not quite as good as the fourth, is still very much fun.
Now, the charmed ones get to deal with things like Cole coming back and manipulating Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) all over again, this time to his own demise (it’s his last season). Piper (Holly-Marie Combs) and Leo are pregnant and their baby has powers that have never been seen before. So all kinds of demons want it and its power.
It’s a very solid season and one of the show’s best. There are some new characters introduced and the sisters are constantly evolving. “Charmed” is a show that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves for being original and entertaining.
Synopsis: The DVD of the hit supernatural drama series, executive produced by Aaron Spelling, includes all 21 exciting fifth-season episodes that feature the three sisters all living under one roof at the Halliwell manor. As “The Charmed Ones,” the three most powerful good witches to ever exist, the Halliwell sisters defeated “The Source” but now face the existence of powerful evils still prevalent and looking to defeat them.
Technical Stuff:
The picture is far from perfect but it’s watchable. It has very grainy moments and a lot of shadow.
The sound is fine, with Dolby 2.0. It’s nothing exciting but works for a television show.
Extras?
· none
Final Verdict: “Charmed” got really good in season three and the next two were even better. I’m really looking forward to the sixth!

What It’s About: By now, we have all learned that Disney is king when it comes to DVD releases. Theirs are perfection, and their new release of “Dumbo” is no different. The 1941 movie looks perfect, sounds perfect and is still its charming, sweet and slightly scary self.
“Dumbo” is a very simple story about an elephant with very large ears. It scared me as a child when the mother lashes out at those making fun of her son and gets chained up and the pink elephant drunken sequence was very trippy to me as a child. Still, the movie, which clocks in a slightly over an hour, is a classic and a must-own for Disney fans.
Synopsis: Deceptively simple, beautiful, moving, and hilarious, "Dumbo" is often overlooked when considering Disney's greatest films because perhaps of its lack of extravagance, its brief running time, and its simple story. Baby elephant Jumbo Jr. is delivered by the stork to his elephant mom with much fanfare but soon receives a cold shoulder from the snobby female pachyderms and the rest of the circus due to his oversize ears. When his mother goes on a rampage in order to protect him from some snickering rubes, she winds up locked away. Dumbo is left without a friend in the world until the street-smart Timothy Mouse decides to become his manager and a telephone line full of delightful jive-talking crows convince him he can fly. Highlights include Dumbo accidentally getting drunk and experiencing the surreal musical sequence "Pink Elephants on Parade" and a soundtrack packed with such priceless songs as the Oscar-winning "Baby Mine" and the crow's soulful number, "When I see an Elephant Fly." There's nary an imperfect moment to be found in this raucous, tender, sublime film, which has been delighting audiences for generations.
Technical Stuff: Again, I bow down to Disney because their stuff is gold. The picture has been cleaned and remastered and is beautiful.
The sound is a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix and sounds terrific if a bit flat because of its age.
Extras?
· Newly remastered digital fullscreen transfer
· DisneyPedia: “My First Circus” game
· DVD Storybook: “Dumbo’s Big Discovery”
· Sing Along Songs: "Look Out for Mr. Stork" and "Casey Junior"
· Music Video: “Baby Mine,” performed by Jim Brickman and Kassie DePaiva
· Audio commentary
· "Celebrating Dumbo"
· Walt’s Original TV Introduction for the Film
· Dumbo art gallery containing rare concept artwork
· Two bonus shorts: "Elmer Elephant" and "The Flying Mouse"
· "Dumbo" Matching Game Learning Cards
· Sneak Peeks
Final Verdict: I love “Dumbo”. It’s such a classic film no one can complain about it. Thankfully, this new Big Top edition brings it to its full glory. A must-have!

What It’s About: One of the most famous chick flicks, “Fried Green Tomatoes” is actually an excellent movie about friendship, relationships, and love despite social challenges. It’s hard to describe the movie without making is sound boring, but in reality it’s completely engrossing.
This new version has seven additional minutes but they don’t really make a huge difference to the movie. They have also already been seen on a television outing of the movie. If you don’t own it yet, this is the version to get but it’s not a necessary upgrade.
Synopsis: Academy Award-winners Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy star with Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker in this inspiring drama adopted from Fannie Flagg's best-selling novel. When an unhappy housewife (Bates) befriends a lady in a nursing home (Tandy) she hears a remarkable tale of laughter, devotion and a special friendship that defies all obstacles in this heart-warming film from acclaimed director Jon Avnet.
Technical Stuff: The movie appears in a 1.85:1 widescreen anamorphic transfer that’s quite appealing to the eye. There are some minor instances of grain but it otherwise looks clear and rich.
All the talking is pitch-perfect thanks to the Dolby 5.1 track. Spanish and French subtitles are also included.
Extras?
· Moments of Discovery: The Making of Fried Green Tomatoes
· Feature Commentary with Director Jon Avnet
· Jon Avnet's Director's Notes
· Audition Tapes for Mary Stuart-Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker
· Production Photographs
· Poster Campaign
· Sipsey's Recipes
· Production Notes
· Cast and Filmmakers
· Theatrical Trailer
Final Verdict: “Fried Green Tomatoes” is a wonderful classic film that both sexes would enjoy although I can see why it would get the chick flick label. If you’ve never seen it, treat yourself to this version and enjoy some quality movie time tonight.

What It’s About: I had never watched NCIS on television, so my first experience with it was putting these dvds on. It’s a spinoff of “Jag” and takes place at a federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction on crimes involving persons and property associated with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. It’s a great show!
It takes place all over the world and the stories can be downright fascinating. The characters aren’t the focus, but the crimes, which I prefer for crime shows. Overall, although there were a few weak episodes, I would highly recommend “NCIS” for those who enjoy crime-dramas. The characters are interesting and likeable and the plotlines are some of the most unique I’ve ever seen. Give it a try.
Synopsis: From acclaimed executive producer, creator and director Donald P. Bellisario (JAG, Magnum PI), comes the top-rated action crime drama NCIS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON. Starring Mark Harmon, the six-disc DVD set includes all 23 action-packed first-season episodes that chronicle the operations of an elite team of special agents whose mission is to investigate crimes connected to armed forces personnel.
Technical Stuff: The picture is presented with an anamorphic 1.78:1 ratio widescreen and is quite good for a television show. There are moments of grain, but they are barely noticeable.
The sound comes through in Dolby Digital Surround with a French dub and is very good for a TV on DVD release.
Extras?
· Creating Season One
· Building The Team
· Defining The Look
· Audio Commentary on episode "Yankee White" by Co-Creator/Executive Producer/Writer/Director Don Bellisario
Final Verdict: “NCIS” is a show that’s really under the radar for most people sine everyone just watched “Law & Order” and “CSI”. If you do enjoy those, you’ll really like this show so give it a rental.