While the busy city bustles around CSUN, Joyce’s provides Northridge with a small neighborhood feel, so people of all ages can get away from the hectic city vibe and enjoy a quality cup of coffee served by a kind and friendly waitress.

Walking into Joyce’s, patrons will notice its quaint, old school décor. With wood paneling, calming yellow walls, and floral wallpaper; it is easy to forget you are only down the street from CSUN and the Northridge mall.

The large selection of fairly priced food at Joyce’s is what keeps customers coming back. If lunch is your preference, a large selection awaits you, including a warm cup of soup and sandwich that is simple yet tasty just like your mother may have cooked for you.

Rudy’s special is advertised on Joyce’s walls. It is $5.85 for two bacon, two sausage, two eggs, two pancakes and a choice of hash browns or fried rice. The bacon is crispy, the pancakes are fluffy and the fried rice is especially delicious with some additional soy sauce.

Don’t get stuck with a bill and no way to pay it. Joyce’s is one of the few shops that is cash only. Some may think it is a hassle to actually take money out of the ATM, but it could actually serve as a motivator to spend less, adding to Joyce’s appeal to college students on a budget.

4 out of 5 stars

8826 Reseda Blvd. Northridge

Cross street: Rayen Street.

Hours:

Mon-Sat 6:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sun: 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Courtesy of MCT

Chatsworth’s Winnetka 21 Theater recently premiered the largest movie screen in the San Fernando Valley.

Audiences could experience the largest movie screen in the Valley for the first time midnight May 6, for the opening weekend of Thor 3D.

The screen measures at 71 feet by 41 feet 9 inches and is Pacific Theaters’ first large screen format auditorium, according to Eddie Garcia with Allison PR.

Winnetka has screens of varying sizes in their theater, but the average movie screen size is 30 feet by 70 feet, according to a comment on ChaCha.com posted April 4. It would take 20 elephants stacked side to side and on top of one another, or 340 50-inch Plasma televisions, to fully cover this large movie screen, according to Richard Lambakis, representative for Pacific Theatres.

“This screen format is exactly what the audience in the San Fernando Valley, and local students at Pierce and CSUN, want. It creates a larger than life experience,” Lambakis said . “They will appreciate this big experience, and it is great for watching action and comedies.”

The screen is a curved, floating screen instead of flat and fills the entire space, wall to wall. A curved screen creates more clarity and focus for the entire audience and will make them feel as if they are inside the film, according to Lambakis.

“The curvature simulates the feeling of being ‘surrounded’ by the display and helps retain a geometrically perfect picture over a wide viewing cone. Moreover, it enhances the perceived image uniformity. Why? Simply because all projected light is reflected straight back to the viewer, including light at the edges that otherwise would reflect outwards and away from the viewer on a flat screen,” according to DNP.com, the world’s leading supplier of optical projection screens.

In addition to the larger screen, the theater has a new audio system, image projector and luxury seats, according to Garcia.

The new audio system has post-production audio quality and uses the same equipment that movie soundtracks are mixed on. The audio equipment is made by Meyer Sound, the industry standard amplifier and speaker system used in post-production.

New dual digital NEC projectors double the light output for all 3D films. These are the biggest and best NEC projectors available. A brighter image means it will appear crisper to audiences, according to Lambakis.

The luxury seats are 20 percent wider than standard seats at Winnetka. They also have new upholstery, not the traditional vinyl cloth but rather a leatherette material, according to Lambakis. He said the seats are “comfortable and relaxing,” and still have traditional cup holders.

Pacific Theater employees worked quickly to assemble the large movie screen. They renovated the largest auditorium in the theater, took out the front row of seats and made the screen bigger.

“We did a lot in a short amount of time,” Lambakis said. the whole conversion took two weeks.”

Their intention was to make the audience feel immersed in the film.

“People most often choose to watch IMAX. We wanted to create an experience that was more than that,” Lambakis said.

Dancers perform Blue Soup, a striking choreography by Aszure Barton & Artists at the VPAC on Saturday. Photo Credit: Simon Gambaryan / Contributing Photographer

With great flexibility, movement and an array of music, Aszure Barton and Artists left the audience of their VPAC show on Saturday mesmerized by their stunning modern dance performance.

Aszure Barton, a Canada native, is the founder and director of the Aszure Barton & Artists dance project, currently based in New York. Since its formation in 2002, this performance team has become an internationally recognized group, known for their arresting choreography for stage and film.

The 105-minute show Saturday was composed of two acts: the first, Blue Soup, followed by BUSK.

Blue Soup, appropriately named for its eight blue-clad dancers, was a complex montage of Aszure’s past work.

BUSK, the second act, was a portrayal of street performers (buskers), and examined the different motives behind the art and work of these specific artists.

Primarily composed by Lev “Ljova” Zhurbin, BUSK was made up of various stories performed by nine dancers.

At one point, a female dancer lured in a male performer, leading him to crawl behind her. After a few dramatic dance moves, the male performer turned himself into what appears to be a tiger.

The performance was not without humor, and the group received some laughs when all the dancers piled together to end one of their routines.

The music included a wide range of genres and rhythms, such as ballads and Latin melodies.

Ultimately, the primary focus of Aszure Barton and Artists is its stunning choreography. Many times, the melody and the dancers seemed to be one.

The beauty of Aszure, like most dance performance groups, is that they allow the spectators to interpret the dances without the use of a narrator or speaking characters guiding them.

It is the dancers’ intense flexibility, close attention to rhythm and music that kept the audience intrigued.

Aszure Barton and Artists is currently on a USA tour through May. A schedule of their upcoming performances is available at its web site, www.aszurebarton.com.

With only four films thus far in her career, Coppola debuted with a spectacular adaptation of “The Virgin Suicides.” She followed that up with her Academy Award winning “Lost in Translation,” for which she won Best Original Screenplay. With “Lost in Translation,” Coppola arose as the first American woman nominated for Best Director. Her follow-up, “Marie Antonitte,” received mixed reviews even though it collected an Oscar for Best Costume. Maybe this blessing helped Coppola to refocus her career.

In “Somewhere,” Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) depicts a distracted, directionless actor living at the legendary Chateau Marmont. Tabloid favorite Marco cares more about partying than his career. Who could blame him for living comfortably in a Hollywood hotspot with women aplenty? Whiskey, women and drugs constantly control his life.

After another party in his room, Marco awakes to find his 11-year-old daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning) signing a newly acquired cast on his arm after falling down stairs before the party. Pleasantly pleased, the twosome visit an ice skating rink and Marco watches his daughter practice her ice skating routine. Reuniting with his daughter, the two bond quickly. The “take your daughter this week” ultimatum from Marco’s ex-wife appears as though the mother has abandoned her daughter.

Marco must directly face life and decide his destiny. Does he continue his lascivious lifestyle of partying, strippers, popping pills and numbing his existence with booze?

Stephen Dorff sizzles as Johnny Marco. Dorff has ridden the Hollywood career roller coaster over the years. It’s truly a pleasure to behold him in a quality role once again. Dorff dominates as the pathetic, partying patron of the Chateau Marmont. With carelessness and thoughtlessness, Dorff plays the part effortlessly.

Marco imitates today’s contemporary “actors” with their disappointing, disenchanting, and disillusioning lifestyles. Present-day Hollywood “talent” cares more about being seen in public than producing quality work. Their nightlife rules while entertainment values exit.  
Marco has lost his career hopes as the film opens with him aimlessly driving his Ferrari around the desert to symbolize that he is journeying nowhere in his life.

Then Cleo re-enters his life. Marco never took the time to appreciate and bond with his daughter. By going ice skating, visiting Italy, eating gelato in a lavish European hotel room, and playing Guitar Hero, Marco genuinely sees what he has been missing. Elle Fanning fantastically and irresistible radiates as Cleo. Finally stepping out of her older sister’s shadow, Elle resonates as someone to truly observe. Dorff and Fanning blend beautiful chemistry and recall Ryan and Tatum O’Neal in “Paper Moon” because their bonding translated as a genuine, heartfelt, honest onscreen relationship.

Fanning holds her own against Dorff and you forget she’s just a young actress. Whether it’s cooking for her dad, typing on her laptop or even figure skating, she appears wise beyond her years. Fanning’s “Cleo” has had to mature against her father’s limelight and knows how to handle herself in every occurrence, opening or opportunity.

When Marco accepts an award in Italy with Cleo in the audience, the father looks down from the stage at his daughter, who looms as the only natural looking representative in the audience composed of individuals with abundant makeup, ample implants, considerable hair, substantial outfits and scads of fake smiles. This tender moment immensely impacts Marco and Cleo.

Chateau Marmont surfaces as the third and most effective character in this low-key film. Transitioning from Hollywood hotspot to photo shoot location to Marco’s hotel “home,” the audience never consummates a dull moment. The iconic location superbly captures life’s distractions that an entertainer encounters in modern day L.A. Looking out on the hotel balcony, one can scrutinize the finest and worst of Sunset Boulevard. That’s the beauty of life.

The most unexpected movie performance emanates from Chris Pontius, best known for his roles in “Jackass” and “Wild Boyz.” Pontius is unusually cast, but projects genuineness and flawlessness as Sammy, one of Johnny Marco’s friends. The connection with Fanning proves phenomenal as he has positioned himself to become a redefined dramatic actor.

The band Phoenix scored the film and seamlessly harmonized the tone and tension throughout. Unlike Coppola’s previous directorial outing where music overshadowed the film, the chosen songs were well-placed to allow the audience to concentrate on what’s happening rather than to recognize that particular song.

Lack of dialogue can demonstrate frustration for mainstream moviegoers, but everything was communicated through the actors’ movements and emotions. Sometimes a hand gesture or a facial expression sufficed, but didn’t detract from a flawless movie. For example, Marco, during a promotional photo shoot with Rebecca (Michelle Monaghan) for their latest film, is shown standing on a small wooden platform. Their looks of disgust showcase more than dialogue would have delivered. The minor features and idiosyncrasies contribute to a marvelous movie.

Marco’s manly outfits consist of classic clothes reminiscent of the lost era echoing Marlon Brando and James Dean. T-shirts, vintage jeans and well-worn work boots convey Marco’s uncaring, yet cool demeanor. The cinematography and editing, especially during the pool and desert scenes, were stunningly composed.

My only negativity was feeling obligated to compare “Somewhere” to “Lost in Translation.” Undeniable similarities exist, but they reflect different moments. In “Lost in Translation,” an aging actor discovers himself in Japan, while “Somewhere” addresses Marco’s “midlife” lifestyle that defines his degradation and deterioration.

Kristina and Karissa Shannon seem miscast as strippers Bambi and Cindy, who call on Johnny Marco at the Chateau Marmont. When performing, more awkward moments than sexy situations surface. Their dance routines appear more disturbing and distracting than engaging and enjoyable.

The minimalist movie materializes as delectable, delightful and diversionary. Dorff and Coppola are perfectly paired much like Mickey Rourke and Darren Aronofsky with “The Wrestler.”

The creators of the novel are a team of comic-book veterans that include writer Erik Jensen, Neal Adams, and artist Shepherd Hendrix.

courtesy of thereconcilers.com

Set in the year 2165, “The Reconcilers” offers readers a futuristic view of the world and the dark age that results from corporate takeovers. An anarchist’s paradise, the society described in the graphic novel is one free of government rule and solely controlled by major corporations.

Civil warfare is the top source of entertainment as the corporations flex their muscles and reinforce their power of intimidation through televised armed combat. This televised warfare is the corporate society’s way of settling disputes, also called reconciliation, and has become a common sporting event equivalent to a football game or wrestling match. The only difference is that the losers of the matches forfeit their lives.

Sean Hexhammer, the novel’s reluctant hero, is a middle-class employee of a small mining company located on the moon that produces Liberty Ore, the only source of energy left. Haunted by his past, Hexhammer prefers a life of solitude and quiet confinement. This tranquility is a vast difference from his violent past that eventually resulted in the loss of his wife.

Hexhammer becomes a target for top corporation Sokor Industries when he hits the jackpot and discovers an enormous amount of Liberty Ore. Hexhammer’s discovery catapults him back into the brutality and violence of his past.

Sokor’s CEO, Max Sokor, sets his eye on the lowly miner and his employer and uses force and intimidation to gain the mine’s rights to the find, but is met with opposition.

This rebellious move places Hexhammer and his colleagues into the deadly game of “reconciliation,” where their dispute is brought to the battleground courtroom. The final victor is the party that remains alive.

The novel’s storyline is difficult to follow partly due to the dialogue used and partly due to the completely new society introduced to the reader. The plot includes multiple character flashbacks, dream sequences, and view screens that can throw off the reader and distract them from the original story.

Despite the slightly complicated storyline, the plot is a diverse and imaginative effort on the part of Jensen and Jens Pilegaard. The two writers have conquered various aspects of the entertainment industry including film, television, theater and, now, comic books.

The novel’s protagonist and hero is a comic lover’s dream, encapsulating the combination of angst and fearlessness that comprise a successful superhero.

Another winning feature the novel contains is its colorful and detailed art work. The design team outdid itself in clearly defining each character and their personalities. The novel’s futuristic backdrop is also magnificently depicted with intricate colors and details that make the conceptualizing of this futuristic life a little bit easier for the reader.

All in all, “The Reconcilers” is the classic tale of good versus evil complete with a protagonist readers can sympathize with. Although a bit shaky in plot execution, the novel delivers dynamic artwork and design that take audiences on an exciting and futuristic ride.

courtesy of casinojack-movie.com

“Casino Jack” was inspired by true events as lobbyist Abramoff and his business partner Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper) sprouted as worldwide-headline sensations after a disastrous scandal spun out of control and exposed the illegal activities that transpired in Washington. Before Abramoff and Scanlon, the word “lobbyist” was mostly unknown to the outside world, but since the duo’s downfall, the epithet has evolved into a despicable term.

We all yearn for wealth, but few actually achieve affluence or assets. This desire blurs the lines between good and greed. Abramoff faces this prodigious problem in “Casino Jack.” Abramoff, a contradicting, complex and conservative lobbyist, looms as a larger-than-life personality and a Washington wheeler-dealer. His ambitions grow outrageously fueled by greed, deceit, sex and complete corruption.

Desiring an empire of wealth, Abramoff and Scanlon charge premium consultant fees to “influence” their causes in Washington. An opportunity crosses Abramoff’s path to find investors for a successful floating casino chain that is being sold at a reduced rate. Craving this opportunity, the crooked twosome manipulate Adam Kidan (Jon Lovitz) to become the front man for their operations. All goes awry because of Kidan’s mob connections and hellfire explodes on everyone involved.

The film showcases the secretive powerful politicos who influence our nation’s capital. Absurd and annoying individuals like Abramoff profit, prosper, and succeed to link lobbyists and politicians together. Only Kevin Spacey could personify him as a likable and worthwhile character. Spacey has defined his career on impersonating antiheroes and has again authenticated himself as a talented, astonishing actor.

Spacey dominates, but is supported by admirable actors Pepper and Lovitz. Pepper, an underrated actor, always proves amazing, but never receives rightful recognition. Pepper enjoys portraying Scanlon as slick, sleazy, and sophisticated, and audience members will enjoy every moment of it.

Besides Spacey and Pepper, the diamond in the rough turns out to be comedic actor Jon Lovitz, who steals all his scenes. Reminiscent of his dramatic role in “Happiness,” Lovitz confirms that drama exists in his repertoire and knows how to wield his craft. Lovitz  should be given more opportunities to explore his screen potential.

In one of his final roles, famed character actor Maury Chaykin dazzles as Big Tony, the mob boss who is approached by Kidan. Chaykin, acclaimed for portraying angry and absurd characters, delivers another acting gem that is effectively executed. Chaykin will be truly missed for his tenacious yet titillating performances.

Director George Hickenlooper helmed an outstanding movie and sadly recently passed away. Not a bad film to conclude one’s career.

“Casino Jack” was well-written by former journalist Norman Snider, who saturated the film with an abundance of insider journalism jokes. As the film points out, the public remains clueless about what’s going on in government.

Although entertaining, the film has problems staying focused and consistent with no adept balance between humor and drama. Kelly Preston as Pam Abramoff appears as an unnecessary and out-of-place character. She provided compassion and showed the softer side of Abramoff, but Spacey saves the film single-handedly and makes the movie worthwhile to watch. It’s definitely worth seeing, but not mind blowing. It’s another solid film starring Kevin Spacey, and the viewer should not expect anything more.

What: West 3rd Street Holiday Party
When: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: West 3rd Street Merchants, 8300 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Price: Free
For more info: Call (800) 799-4014
Description: The third annual holiday party will take place between Fairfax Ave. and La Cienega Blvd.

Dec. 10

What: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Price: $35
For more info: Email feedbackradiocity@thegarden.com
Description: See the Rockettes, the women known for eye-high leg kicks performed in perfect unity.

Dec. 11

What: SoCal Soups and Sweets
When: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Warner Center Mariott Woodland Hills, 21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Price: $25-$40
For more info: Call (818) 887-4800
Description: Celebrate the season by tasting different soups and sweets.  Proceeds will go to “A Window Between Worlds,” a non-profit that helps domestic violence victims heal through art.

What: Ron Pearson
When: 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: The Ice House Comedy Club, 24 Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
Price: $17.50
For more info: Call (626) 557-1894
Description: See comedian, actor (Malcolm in the Middle, That 70s Show) and ‘world record juggler’ take multi-tasking to a whole new level.

What: L.A. Holiday Show
When: Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: California Market Center’s Penthouse, 110 East 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90079
Price: $10
For more info: Visit uniquela.com/contact
Description: The largest independent design show in the country includes creativity workshops.

Director of the film “Three Kings,” David O. Russell delivers a haymaker of a hit with a Rocky-like feel, but with a more realistic touch in the sense of capturing the world of the working class.

A substantial true story about light welterweight, Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his older half-brother, former boxer Dickie Eklund (Christian Bale), who battles drug addiction, pair up against low expectations, reputations and stereotypes drawn from their blue-collar town of Lowell, Massachusetts.

Paramount Pictures present a gutsy dramatic account of rollercoaster ride of a comeback.  Packed with powerhouse performances by Bale and solid supportive roles by Amy Adams and Melissa Leo, “The Fighter” doesn’t let up in its entertainment value or its never-give-up theme.

Wahlberg and Bale deliver passion and brilliance in their performances. With a half-sports, half-drama touch, its feel-good sentimental qualities, high-intensity fight scenes and a few solid hooks of emotional connection capture attention.

Ward is a levelheaded individual who is taught to work his opponent down to fatigue only to surprise them with a left hook and hope for a knockout.  The film follows Micky’s setbacks, as he seesaws between his family’s obstruction and his return to boxing.  Dickie, as his brother, trainer, and childhood hero, steals the show from the get-go.  Sporting a bald spot, receding hairline, a gaunt appearance similar to past roles in “The Machinist” and “Rescue Dawn,” and a set of unpleasant crack-addict teeth, Bale carries the film as Wahlberg’s character slowly develops.

Ward goes through an array of boxing torment only to be brought back up by college dropout and local bartender Charlene (Amy Adams).  There is wonderful chemistry between the two on screen, but at times the spotlight seems to weight too much on their relationship. At certain stages of the film, Ward’s love interest seemed to be more the focus than the actual stepping-stone path he took toward competing.

The music was so-so, as well. Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” blared annoyingly, showing no originality and leaving one’s mind to wander toward other films that have used the song.

The imperious mother character Alice (Melissa Leo) displays a die-hard effort to control her son’s life, while neglecting the troubled, drug-addicted older son.  The film strongly captures her overbearing ways through much of the story and then suddenly becomes a sidelined spectator near the end.  It’s never clear to the audience why she fell off in her pursuit with having the major say in her son’s career.

HBO contributed to the film by recreating footage of Ward’s fights, but it gave the impression of a pay-per-view match by giving too much distance and leaving the viewer without much needed close-ups.

Most likely a contestant in the running for one of the ten spots for Best Picture, Bale’s phenomenal portrayal carries the film and deserves a nod for Best Supporting Actor.  He is dynamic, engaging, raw, and believable.

The five best films to look into include:

1) “Black Swan” (Dec. 1, limited release)

2) “The Fighter” (Dec. 10, limited release)

3) ”Casino Jack” (Dec. 17, limited release)

4)  “How Do You Know” (Dec. 17)

5)  “Somewhere” (Dec. 22)

All five shine as award contenders. Oscar winner James Brooks brought another scintillating film to the big screen starring Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and movie icon Jack Nicholson in “How Do You Know.”

“Somewhere” contains a studio embargo, which means critics can’t publicize, promote or push details until 12/17, but after seeing it at a screening, I can say it’s definitely worth watching.

Other noteworthy films include:

Dec. 3

December kicks off with “I Love You, Philip Morris,” the highly anticipated and much delayed film starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor in limited release.

Dec. 10

Take a grim look as corporate America struggles with layoffs in “The Company Men” starring Academy Award winners Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Kevin Costner and Tommy Lee Jones. See Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie star in the suspense flick “The Tourist,” or watch “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”

Dec. 17

Halle Berry’s performance in “Frankie & Alice” flickers as an 11th hour possibility for Best Actress nomination, John Cameron Mitchell formulated another flabbergasting film “Rabbit Hole” starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart (limited release), the highly-anticipated sequel “Tron: Legacy” or watch the dubious “Yogi Bear” film adaptation with Dan Aykroyd voicing the titular character and Justin Timberlake imitating Boo Boo.

Dec. 22

The Coen Brothers’ “True Grit” remake possesses the makings of a fabulous film starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper (limited release), Gwyneth Paltrow strives to rebound from early award buzz as a country singer in “Country Song” (limited release),  “Little Fockers” with Greg “Gaylord” Focker (Ben Stiller) and grandpa Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) tread into trouble during the holidays and Jack Black stars in the classic re-telling of “Gulliver’s Travels.”

Dec. 29

Finally, give the once-over to Javier Bardem’s award winning performance in “Biutiful” (limited release).

“Inception”
Suggested Retail $28.98 DVD/ $35.99 Blu-ray
Christopher Nolan’s “Inception,” the year’s surprise box office hit, stars preeminent Leonardo DiCaprio and sidekick Joseph Gordon-Levitt in an astonishing film that dumbfounds your mind. If you haven’t already seen it, acquire this movie. You won’t bemoan the decision. NOTE: A special edition case exists but is sold out unless you want to cough up $100-$200.

“Shrek Forever After”

Suggested Retail $30.98 DVD/ $38.99 Blu-ray/$39.99 Blu-ray and DVD combo
The final Shrek movie materializes for home entertainment. Team up with Shrek (Mike Myers) and the troupe (Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas) to observe the ogre deal with “normal” life as a family man. After signing an agreement with Rumpelstiltskin, Shrek suddenly plunges into an alternative reality and must restore all wrongs before he can return to the real world.

12/14/2010

“Despicable Me”
Suggested Retail $29.98 DVD/ $39.98 Blu-ray and DVD combo
Supervillain Gru (Steve Carell) plans to steal the moon, but parenthood blocks his scheme. What develops when the world’s #1 villain discovers he is now the father of three children? The cast also includes (the voices of) Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews and Will Arnett.

“The Other Guys”
Suggested Retail $29.98 DVD (available in unrated and theatrical versions)/ $34.95 Blu-ray/$38.96 Blu-ray and DVD combo
Eccentric NYPD detectives Gamble and Hoitz (Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg) receive no respect and reside in the shadows of two hard-boiled, hero cops (Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson). The dimwitted duo stumble upon a colossal crime, but will anyone view them seriously?

“The A-Team”
Suggested Retail: $29.98 DVD/ $39.99 Blu-ray
This updated version of the classic 1980s TV show depicts four former Special Forces’ soldiers breaking out of prison after being wrongly convicted of crimes. The team (which includes Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper) must tackle an unimaginable, dangerous mission in this explosive, fiery and volatile film.

“Cyrus”
Suggested Retail: $29.98 DVD/$39.99 Blu-Ray
A downcast divorcee (John C. Reilly) meets an amazing woman (Marisa Tomei), but soon discovers there’s already a meaningful man in her life- her son (Jonah Hill). The Duplass Brothers created another mesmerizing film that is propelled by Reilly and Hill’s acting abilities.

12/17/2010

“The Town”
Suggested Retail: $28.98 DVD/ $35.99 Blu-ray
Ben Affleck’s dynamic bank-robbing caper prevails as one of the year’s ten best films as he stars alongside  Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall and Jon Hamm. When a robber falls in love with a woman during a bank robbery, can love overcome outrageous odds or will the past eternally haunt them? A dignified drama filled with distinguished acting make this a must-see.

12/21/2010

“Salt”
Suggested Retail: $28.96 DVD (Unrated and Theatrical versions)/$34.99 Blu-Ray
Angelina Jolie stars as CIA agent Evelyn Salt, who may or may not double as a Russian spy. Liev Shreiber co-stars in this action joyride of clashes and conflicts.

“Easy A”
Suggested Retail: $28.95 DVD/$34.99 Blu-Ray
Could one insignificant lie really damage your reputation? Emma Stone stars as Olive an average student, who swells from nonentity to somebody amidst promiscuity rumors on campus.

“Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”
Suggested Retail: $29.98 DVD/$39.99 Blu-Ray
Michael Douglas returns as Gordon Gekko, recently released from prison, who wants to repair his relationship with daughter Winnie (Carey Mulligan). However, her fiancé Jake (Shia LaBeouf) seems more interested in building a bond with Gekko in this stellar sequel of unprincipled Wall Street in the 21^st Century.

“Step Up 3”
Suggested Retail: $29.98 DVD/$39.99 Blu-Ray and DVD Combo
Once more, the dancing underground collars the forefront. If two sequels weren’t sufficient, hopefully this chapter will satisfy and conclude this trilogy. New York street dancers team up with a NYU freshman to take on the foremost hip hop dancers. If you savor these formulaic films, this is up your alley.

12/28/2010

“Resident Evil: Afterlife”
Suggested Retail: $28.95 DVD/$34.95 Blu-Ray
Alice (Milla Jokovich) and Claire (Ali Larter) are back fighting the undead in the Umbrella Corporation’s epidemic. Amid rumors of safety in Los Angeles, will the promise land transform into a trap? Although considerably criticized, the films are filled with blood curdling action and awesome action sequences.

“The American”
Suggested Retail: $29.98 DVD/$39.98 Blu-Ray
George Clooney stars as assassin Jack, who retreats to the Italian countryside after a botched assignment. After a fling, all may not be as it appears in this European suspense thriller.

“Archer: The Complete Season One”
Suggested Retail: $29.98 DVD
Suave secret agent Sterling Archer, a James Bond spoof, blunders and flounders with women and sex. This hilarious animated comedy is non-stop laughter and surfaces as one of the funniest shows on TV.  Archer clashes with his overbearing boss/mother, grapples with his endowed femme fatale ex-girlfriend/fellow agent and skirmishes with bachelorhood. “Archer” materializes as one of the top ten best new TV shows this year.

“The United States of Tara: The Second Season”
Suggested Retail: $42.99 DVD
Tara (Toni Collette) is your average homemaker except she also appears as a middle aged man (Buck), a teenage girl (T), a 1950s housewife (Alice) and that’s just for starts. Struggling with split personalities, Tara triumphs and discovers the root of her problems through her loving and supporting family. This Emmy-winning show is one TVs first-rate shows and hovers as a hilarious fun-filled sitcom. Catch up on all the fun.