Will Ferrell

Blu-Ray Review: Beloved Kevin Smith Films Released in High Definition

BrianTT — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:38:26 -0700

CHICAGO – Very few filmmakers provoke the same kind of passionate adoration as the sometimes-great Kevin Smith, a man who has such a following that he can sell out large theaters filled with people who merely want to ask him questions for hours. Smith is a charismatic, interesting, clever filmmaker and his best work reflect his gregarious personality. Three of his best are captured in “The Kevin Smith Collection,” including two films with all-new Blu-Ray material.

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

If you were designing the Kevin Smith set and could only pick three films, what would you choose? The man has directed eight full-length feature films and we can probably cut “Jersey Girl” from consideration from the beginning, leaving seven to choose from. Personally, I would go with three different periods of his work and choose “Clerks,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” but then that would leave out his best film, “Chasing Amy”. As if they were on the same page, the producers of “Kevin Smith 3-Movie Collection” swapped out “Zack” for “Amy” and have selected three of Kevin’s best, all must-owns for fans of the filmmaker.

The Kevin Smith Collection featuring Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Buena Vista Home Video

Smith’s first film, “Clerks,” is not only his most influential but one of the most influential that anyone made in the ’90s. It’s been copied ad nauseam (some would argue by the filmmaker himself) and still stands as a great testament to the power of independent filmmaking. I wonder if “Clerks” looks the same to a new generation raised on films with the same kind of pop-culture sensibility as it does to those of us who first saw it in theaters. It may look dated now, but it was ahead of its time when it came out.

The Kevin Smith Collection featuring Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Buena Vista Home Video

“Clerks” is presented in 1080p High Definition with its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There’s something about the guerilla style of filmmaking that made “Clerks” being presented in High Definition that seems a little off - it’s an expensive way to watch a cheap movie. The audio track is a perfect English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix.

Special features on this 15th Anniversary Edition of “Clerks” include a new introduction by Kevin Smith and “Oh, What a Lovely Tea Party: The Making of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” an 87-minute documentary included on “Clerks” and not the relatively-devoid-of-special-features “Jay and Silent Bob” basically because they’ve run out of bonus material for this film and Smith didn’t want to rip fans off after they bought the three-disc Special Edition DVD.

All of the special features from that release have been imported including the theatrical and first versions of the film, a classic commentary circa ‘95, a trivia track, a first cut commentary track, a 2004 Kevin Smith intro, “Clerks: The Lost Scene” animated short, “The Flying Car,” MTV spots with Jay & Silent Bob, theatrical trailer, Soul Asylum “Can’t Even Tell” music video, “Clerks” restoration, original “Clerks” auditions, “Snowball Effect: The Story of Clerks,” “Mae Day: The Crumbling of a Documentary” with intro by Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier,” outtakes from “Snowball Effect,” and a 10th anniversary Q&A.

Smith’s best film, “Chasing Amy,” is the second in the set and the film has held up remarkably well over the years, still standing as Smith’s best blend of raunchy humor and honest emotion to date.

“Chasing Amy” is presented in 1080p High Definition with its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and has been accompanied by a Dolby English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track.

Special features include the new & exclusive to Blu-Ray commentary with writer/director/actor Kevin Smith and producer Scott Mosier, “Tracing Amy: The Chasing Amy Doc,” “Was It Something I Said? A Conversation with Kevin & Joey,” and “10 Years Later Q & A - With Kevin Smith and the Cast”. Imported features include deleted scenes, outtakes and the film’s trailer.

Finally, the underrated and fun “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” which reportedly ended Smith’s time with these characters (at least until “Clerks II” came out) comes relatively bells-and-whistles free with just a commentary track. Jay and Silent Bob get no love. The film is presented in 1080p High Definition with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 Uncompressed English track.

Ultimately, with a hefty $60-plus price tag, only very diehard fans will make the upgrade and at least two of the Blu-Rays include enough new bonus material to make the jump a little less painful.

‘Kevin Smith: 3-Movie Collection’ includes “Clerks,” “Chasing Amy,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and is released by Buena Vista Home Video. “Clerks” stars Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Jason Mewes, and Lisa Spoonaur. “Chasing Amy” stars Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee, Dwight Ewell, and Jason Mewes. “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” stars Ben Affleck, Eliza Dushku, Shannon Elizabeth, Will Ferrell, Ali Larter, Jason lee, Jason Mewes, and Chris Rock. All three films were written and directed by Kevin Smith. The films were released on Blu-Ray on November 17th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

DVD Review: ‘Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America: A Final Night With George W. Bush’

BrianTT — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:49:28 -0700

CHICAGO – When I first heard about Will Ferrell’s one-man Broadway show in which he would deliver a nearly-90-minute monologue as outgoing President George W. Bush, I was both excited at the potential and nervous as to how on Earth the talented comedian could keep it interesting for its full running time. Wouldn’t it play like an extended “Saturday Night Live” sketch? “You’re Welcome America: A Final Night With George W. Bush” not only justifies its running time but is smart, clever, and well-written enough that I wished it was twice as long.

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

In his first-ever HBO special, Ferrell brings his Tony-nominated portrayal of George W. Bush to audiences who couldn’t make it to New York City earlier this year. Timed to coincide with Bush handing over the reins of the country to Barack Obama, “You’re Welcome America” is a searing, satirical look at not just the Presidency of George W. Bush but his entire misunderestimated life.

Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America: A Final Night With George W. Bush was released on DVD on November 3rd, 2009.
Photo credit: HBO Home Video

Of course, if you’re in the 29% of Americans who approved of the job Bush was doing when he left office, I’m not naive enough to think that you’ll get as much enjoyment out of “You’re Welcome America” as the rest of us (although I think even supporters of Bush would recognize the comic ability on display in what Ferrell has accomplished). This is not a kind portrayal of our former leader, as Ferrell skewers every aspect of the life, legend, and legacy of the recently unemployed 43rd U.S. President.

The DVD release of “You’re Welcome America” is what one would expect for what is essentially a stand-up special. There are, naturally, not going to be copious special features or remarkable technical specs. The piece pretty much speaks for itself.

Having said that, fans will find an interesting mini-featurette called “Road to Broadway,” a mildly amusing piece called “Bush on Bush Interview” in which Ferrell plays Dubya interviewing himself, and a disturbing true or false game called “It’s Time Has Come of Being a Decider, America”.

‘Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America: A Final Night With George W. Bush’ is released by HBO Home Video and stars Will Ferrell. It was written by Ferrell and directed by Marty Callner. The show was released on DVD on November 3rd, 2009. It is rated TV-MA.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Interview: Jeremy Piven Delivers ‘The Goods’ on Chicago Red Carpet

PatrickMcD — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:04:14 -0600

CHICAGO – In the midst of a new season of ‘Entourage’ on HBO, actor Jeremy Piven walked the red carpet during the Chicago premiere of ‘The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard,’ the newly released comedy in which he plays a lead role.

HollywoodChicago.com was there, and got some bonus Q&A action with the director of The Goods, Neal Brennan, and Jeremy Pivens notable acting teacher mother, Ms. Joyce Hiller Piven.

Jeremy Piven, star of ‘The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard’

This long-time character actor broke through as a lead character six TV seasons ago, playing the unforgettable Ari Gold, super-agent for the characters of ‘Entourage.’ Expanding his film career, he plays Don Ready in The Goods, and talks about the filming experience.

Jeremy Piven Walks the Red Carpet at the Chicago Premiere of ‘The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard’ on August 13, 2009.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com: Taking the lead role in a comedy is tremendously exciting. Did you feel you had to take more of a leadership role on the set with its large cast then previous films to keep the morale and energy up?

Jeremy Piven: I been in a lot of comedies, and this is the funniest one I’ve ever been in, bar none. Even though I’m lucky enough to have the lead, Will Ferrell and Ed Helms are among the best in the business, so they all made me look really good.

I’ve just been doing ensemble work forever, and [Producer] Adam McKay gathered this cast together, and they are just cool guys to hang out with…I had the time of my life.

HC: What is different about a Chicago or Midwestern actor in Los Angeles than actors from other parts of the country and why?

JP: I’m lucky enough to do Entourage right now with a fellow Chicago actor named Gary Cole. And what you get with a Chicago actor is a fellow who is willing to do anything, try anything and doesn’t have an ego. He looks you in the eye and does his thing.

Whenever there is a Chicago actor on set I am so happy. We had this great moment when David Schwimmer was there and Gary Cole, so the whole atmosphere was Chicago guys. That was pretty cool.

HC: Anything you can tell us about what will happen to Ari Gold in the rest of Entourage’s season?

JP: Ari is going to bottom out and take over the town. It’s kind of going to be ripped from the headlines.

Neal Brennan, director of ‘The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard’

Screenwriter (”Half Baked”) and a former comedy scribe for “Chapelle’s Show,” Neal Brennan makes his film directorial debut with The Goods.

Neal Brennan at the Chicago Premiere of ‘The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard’ on August 13, 2009.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HC: What did you do on the set to keep up the energy on this very manic comedy?

Neal Brennan: I didn’t have to do much. I tried not to cut too much. I feel as a director that when you yell ‘cut,’ all the actors think ‘did he cut because of me?’ I try to keep the camera rolling as long as I could.

Somebody told me it adds 200 grand in film costs. They did tell me to start shooting less, but Will Ferrell and Adam McKay were behind them telling me don’t stop shooting.

HC: How much improvisation do you allow on-set? Is that hard to control with comedians?

NB: The great Harold Ramis once told me that he uses the script as a last resort. We do a couple takes with the script, but then we tried something else.

HC: As a director, what is your favorite camera shot or movement and why?

NB: With this movie in particular, I tried to keep up camera movement as much as possible. I shot in what is called a ‘lensing style,’ which is to shoot a scene from far away so it seems more real and documentary-like.

Most of the time I wanted to be about the actors and the jokes, but there were some moments where I thought, ‘I can show off a little here.’

Joyce Hiller Piven, Co-founder of the Piven Theatre Workshop

The mother of Jeremy Piven is a famous name in Chicago, co-founding her Evanston-based acting studio with her late husband Byrne Piven.

Joyce Hiller Piven at the Chicago Premiere of ‘The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard’ on August 13, 2009.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HC: Since you are a student and teacher of acting, what do you observe about the cutthroat business end of the type of productions that Jeremy participates in, and how do you think that business effects the art of acting overall?

Joyce Hiller Piven: I don’t think anything is compromised when Jeremy is involved. Because he is artist and is true to himself. So I can’t speak to a general kind of statement involving the industry overall.

HC: How have movies and the type of acting done for them effected the work you see coming out of your students over the years? Has it made a significant difference in them and why?

JHP: I am a little prejudiced about the Workshop. What we are noted for is trying to cultivate the individual voice. So when students go through the Workshop they find that true voice. The original voice. Not trying to be like anyone else.

We have a healthy atmosphere and I think artists thrive on health. I don’t think artists have to suffer and be neurotic. They may be neurotic in life, but under on our program they’re not that way on stage. They have comfort and feel easy in a stage presence.

HC: Finally, as an instructor and mentor, what is your best one sentence advice to student actors?

JHP: Cultivate your own voice, your own originality, your own creativity and love what you are doing.

’The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard’ opened August 14, 2009 at theaters everywhere and features Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, Ed Helms, James Brolin, Rob Riggle, David Koechner and Kathryn Hahn, directed by Neal Brennan.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

DVD Review: HBO’s Hilarious ‘Eastbound and Down’ Gets Great Release

BrianTT — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0600

CHICAGO – Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express,” “Land of the Lost”) gave one of the best TV performances of the last several years as the over-the-top anti-hero of HBO’s hysterical “Eastbound & Down,” a sitcom about a raging a-hole sports star brought back to Earth and forced to work as a gym teacher in the small town he grew up in, now available on DVD.

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

Kenny Powers is a giant, raging, alcoholic catfish in a small pond. He used to have it all - endorsements, trophies, a million-dollar contract. As his steroid-enhanced skills declined, the fact that Kenny Powers was also a total a-hole came to the surface and he was run out of professional sports (MLB fans familiar with the true story of John Rocker will see some of that in this fictional take).

Eastbound and Down: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 30th, 2009.
Photo credit: HBO Home Video

After leaving baseball, Kenny returns home to live with his brother (John Hawkes) and sister-in-law (Jennifer Irwin) and teach at the North Carolina middle school that he once attended. He tries to work his way back into the life of his teen-years girlfriend (the underrated Katy Mixon), who also teaches at the school and happens to be engaged to the dorky principal (Andrew Daly).

Eastbound and Down: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 30th, 2009.
Photo credit: HBO Home Video

Powers also operates under the delusion that not only is he still famous but that he will one day pitch in the majors again. So, he tries to use his fame at events like one at a local car dealer (a fantastic Will Ferrell, appearing in two episodes) and takes steroids again in his pursuit to re-find his fastball. Drugs, cheap sex, unbelievable profanity, and general obnoxiousness are a way of life for a man who listens to his own audio book (“You’re F**kin’ Out, I’m F**kin’ In”) for inspiration.

Over six hysterical episodes, “Eastbound & Down” feels like nothing else on television. It’s more like a six-part, three-hour comedy feature film, a feeling enhanced by the superstar cast and great team behind the camera, including producers Ferrell and Adam McKay and directors Jody Hill (“Observe and Report”) and the great David Gordon Green (“Pineapple Express,” “Snow Angels”). One of the best American filmmakers of his generation directed a half-hour comedy earlier this year. Even if you’re not a TV fan, you should see it.

The DVD from HBO treats Kenny Powers like the star he is in his own mind. The episodes look better-than-average for standard DVD in 16x9 widescreen and the sound is more than adequate in English 5.1 Dolby Surround. HBO has long led the way in TV and produced some amazing DVD season sets, but they really should be offering every show, especially one as acclaimed as “Eastbound & Down,” on Blu-Ray. It’s disappointing that this is only available on standard, even if it’s a great standard release.

The special features are extensive and interesting, including several audio commentaries, some very funny outtakes and deleted scenes, “Making Eastbound & Down,” “Kenny Powers: Greatest Hits,” “Schaeffer Motors Commercials,” and “Steve’s Dark Secret”.

It’s unlikely, but if there’s any Emmy justice, “Eastbound & Down” will get a couple of nominations later this month (check out our feature about that) and season two has already been announced. Check out the great first season DVD and jump on the bandwagon before Kenny Powers really becomes a household name again.

‘Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season’ was released by HBO Home Video and stars Danny McBride, Katy Mixon, John Hawkes, Andrew Daly, Ben Best, Jennifer Irwin, and Steve Little. It was created by Ben T. Best & Jody L. Hill & Danny R. McBride. The show was released on June 30th, 2009. It is rated TV-MA.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

‘Land of the Lost’ With Will Ferrell Should Never Be Found

BrianTT — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:29:40 -0600

Rating: 1.0/5.0

CHICAGO – “Land of the Lost,” starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, and Anna Friel, is horribly conceived, almost entirely laugh-free, and with absolutely no personality of its own. It’s one of the most inert, dull, and dead-on-arrival major summer films in a very long time with no target audience likely to be satisfied by it.

What exactly is the target audience of “Land of the Lost”? I’ll admit that I assumed it would be a PG-rated family comedy going in. Little kids love dinosaur poop jokes, right? Much to be great surprise, “Land of the Lost” is not for kids. Sure, it sounds like it was written by a 12-year-old, but parents may blush at jokes about characters getting “wet” or sitting on a vibrating crystal. Even pre-teens will roll their eyes when Chaka gropes Holly for the fifteenth time.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Land of the Lost” in our reviews section.

So, if the target audience isn’t families than it must be fans of the original TV show, a formula that has gotten Hollywood nowhere creatively. “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “The Flintstones,” “Bewitched,” and now “Land of the Lost” - why do they keep mining this well when it produces so little? The only positive thing I can say about “Land of the Lost” is that it’s so bad perhaps it will put an end to the classic-TV-to-film machine.

Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is a quantum paleontologist who we meet on “The Today Show” during a rather embarassing interview with Matt Lauer about time travel. A few years later, Rick is teaching science to kids whose most interesting questions are “do dinosaurs have boobies?”

‘Land of the Lost’ stars Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel, and Jorma Taccone. It was written by Chris Henchy & Dennis McNicholas and directed by Brad Silberling. It opens on June 5th, 2009. It is rated PG-13.

Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Land of the Lost” review.

(L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) arrive at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
Photo credit: Universal/Ralph Nelson

Slideshow: 34-Image Gallery For ‘Land of the Lost’ With Will Ferrell

BrianTT — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:57:02 -0600

CHICAGO – This 34-image slideshow contains the official press images for “Land of the Lost starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone, and Anna Friel. The film, written by Chris Henchy & Dennis McNicholas and directed by Brad Silberling, opens on June 5th, 2009.

Synopsis:

“Space-time vortexes suck.

Will Ferrell stars as has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall, sucked into one and spat back through time. Way back. Now, Marshall has no weapons, few skills and questionable smarts to survive in an alternate universe full of marauding dinosaurs and fantastic creatures from beyond our world—a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.

Sucked alongside him for the adventure are crack-smart research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and a redneck survivalist (Danny McBride) named Will. Chased by T. rex and stalked by painfully slow reptiles known as Sleestak, Marshall, Will and Holly must rely on their only ally—a primate called Chaka (Jorma Taccone)—to navigate out of the hybrid dimension. Escape from this routine expedition gone awry and they’re heroes. Get stuck, and they’ll be permanent refugees in the Land of the Lost.

Based on the classic television series created by Sid & Marty Krofft, Land of the Lost is directed by Brad Silberling and produced by Jimmy Miller and Sid & Marty Krofft. ”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. Photos credited to Ralph Nelson & Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

LandOfTheLost_01: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) arrive at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_02: Director Brad Silberling on the set of Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_03: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) find themselves in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_04: The Sleestak emerge from hiding in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_05: Research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) find themselves in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_06: (L to R) Will Ferrell as has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall, Anna Friel as research assistant Holly, Danny McBride as redneck survivalist Will and director Brad Silberling on the set of Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_07: (L to R) Redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride), has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) and research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) are surrounded by painfully slow Sleestak in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_08: Director Brad Silberling on the set of Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_09: (L to R) Will Ferrell as has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall, Anna Friel as research assistant Holly, Danny McBride as redneck survivalist Will and director Brad Silberling on the set of Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_10: Redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) takes in the amazing sights of a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_11: (L to R) Land of the Lost producers Sid & Marty Krofft on the set.
LandOfTheLost_12: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is ready for action in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_13: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) have arrived at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_14: Research scientist Holly (Anna Friel) looks astonished at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_15: Primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) comes out of hiding in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_16: (L to R) Redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) and has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_17: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) finds himself in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_18: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) arrives at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_19: Research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) is surprised at what she sees in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_20: (L to R) A T. rex named Grumpy tries to swallow has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_21: (L to R) A T. rex nemesis named Grumpy approaches has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride), primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) and research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_22: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is covered in alien spiders in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_23: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) and primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) arrive at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_24: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) introduce themselves to primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_25: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) and primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) cant believe what they see in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_26: The Sleestak descend upon their prey in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_27: (L to R) Research assistant Holly (Anna Friel), primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) stare in disgust as a giant mosquito bites has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_28: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) and primate Chaka discuss their predicament in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_29: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) plays the banjo at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_30: Research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) prepare to plunge into a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_31: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) finds himself in close proximity to a T. rex nemesis named Grumpy in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_32: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) looks curious about his new surroundings in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_33: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) are approached by two Sleestak in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_34: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) faces off against a T. rex nemesis named Grumpy in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Round Up: ‘Into the Wild,’ ‘Old School,’ ‘Tommy Boy,’ More

BrianTT — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:29:51 -0700

CHICAGO – Paramount Home Video has scheduled two waves of catalog titles making their debut on Blu-Ray for the holiday season and the first set hits this week, just in time for you to finish up your Christmas shopping.

There are some recent comedy hits, a highly lauded drama from last year, and a forgotten Samuel L. Jackson movie. It’s hard to imagine anyone out there looking to buy all six of these titles and schedule a Blu-Ray marathon in their own home, but it’s also easy to see someone in your family having one on their holiday wish list. All films are presented in 1080p High-Definition Widescreen and feature English 5.1 Dolby True HD audio tracks.

“Coach Carter”

2005’s “Coach Carter” stars Samuel L. Jackson as Ken Carter, the controversial basketball coach who locked out his entire undefeated team due to their poor academic performance. The players, parents, and the community fought against the inspirational leader, trying to get their kids back on the court to play the big game. Carter stands strong and teaches his young men that there is life beyond the court, gangs, drugs, and prison. “Coach Carter” is a pretty generic sports movie grounded a bit by yet another solid performance from Jackson.

On Blu-Ray, “Coach Carter” includes four featurettes - “Coach Carter: The Man Behind the Movie”, “Fast Break at Richmond High”, “Writing Coach Carter: The Two Man Game”, “Coach Carter: Making the Cut” - six deleted scenes, a music video with Twista featuring Faith Evans for “Hope”, and the trailer in HD.

“The Heartbreak Kid”

In the critically reviled remake of the Neil Simon classic, Ben Stiller stars as Eddie, a 40-year-old bachelor who finally says “I do” to the beautiful but crazy Lila (Malin Akerman). When Eddie and Lila get to Mexico for their honeymoon, our poor hero learns that his dream of marital bliss has turned into a total nightmare. While he’s down in Mexico, Eddie falls for a lovely girl played by Michelle Monaghan and supposed hilarity ensues. With its grating, unlikable characters, only Monaghan makes it out of this Farrelly Brothers’ misstep unscathed. Stiller has never been worse and Akerman is the definition of annoying, but hardcore fans of Ben and the boys who made “There’s Something About Mary” will want to include “The Heartbreak Kid” in their collection. Good luck.

On Blu-Ray, “The Heartbreak Kid” includes a commentary by The Farrelly Brothers, deleted scenes, a gag reel, “The Farrelly Brothers in the French Tradition”, “Ben & Jerry”, “Heartbreak Halloween”, “The Egg Toss”, and the trailer in HD.

“Hot Rod”

“Hot Rod” had “cult comedy” written all over it from day one. Just as Andy Samberg’s digital shorts on “Saturday Night Live” are wildly hit-and-miss, his debut movie as a star has its own highs and lows, but weird movies always gain cult followings. If you missed the cult of “Rod”, Samberg stars as Rod Kimble, a stuntman with a fake mustache and a dream. Rod is really only a stuntman in his head and with his dumb friends. To save the life of his abusive father (Ian McShane) and win the heart of his lady love (Isla Fisher), Rod plans the biggest stunt of his life. With just as many jokes that hit the floor as that hit the funny bone, “Hot Rod” is so-so at best but Samberg fans will be happy to have their cult favorite on Blu-Ray.

On Blu-Ray, “Hot Rod” includes a commentary by Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone, “Ancestors Protect Me: Behind the Scenes of Hot Rod”, deleted & extended scenes, outtakes, and the trailer in HD.

“Into the Wild”

Easily the most stunningly photographed film in this wave of Blu-Ray from Paramount, “Into the Wild” looks fantastic on the next-gen format. If you’re looking to show off the potential of HD this holiday season, you can’t do much better than Sean Penn’s epic tale of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a young man who abandoned his life of comfort to pursue life on the road. McCandless was eventually found dead in a bus in Alaska. Jon Krakauer’s amazing book detailed the days in between Christopher’s departure from civilization and the discovery of his body and Penn made the true story into the most acclaimed film of his career. Written and directed by Penn, “Into the Wild” co-stars Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, and Hal Holbrook.

On Blu-Ray, “Into the Wild” includes a shocking dearth of special features with just two featurettes, “Into the Wild: The Story, The Characters” & “Into the Wild: The Experience”, and the trailer in HD.

“Old School: Unrated and Out of Control!”

2003’s “Old School” really launched Will Ferrell from TV star to movie star and provided Vince Vaughn with his best part since “Swingers”. The two starred with Luke Wilson in the Todd Phillips comedy about three guys unwilling to give up on their raucous college days. As their “grown-up” lives fall apart, they find it easy to be the most popular guys on campus. Everyone who longed for the simple days of keggers and frat partying, could identify with Beanie, Mitch, and Frank “The Tank”. “Old School” has held up surprisingly well over the years, certainly more than many of the films its stars have made since. Maybe they should all make up and get that long-rumored “Old School” sequel into production soon.

On Blu-Ray, “Old School: Unrated and Out of Control!” includes a feature commentary, several scenes from the cutting room floor, “Old School Orientation”, a must-see spoof of “Inside the Actor’s Studio”, TV spots, outtakes & bloopers, and the trailer in HD.

“Tommy Boy: Holy Schnike Edition”

One of my personal favorite comedies of the ’90s, “Tommy Boy” is a must-own. The comedy features Chris Farley and David Spade doing the best work of their careers and a likable, easy-going comedic sensibility that simply works from start to finish. I’m not going to argue that the script for “Tommy Boy” is anything remarkable, although it is better than most critics would give it credit for, but the film works because Farley & Spade had perfect chemistry. “Tommy Boy” is a road comedy about two salesmen trying to save the family business but its really just a showcase for two Saturday Night Live actors who looked like they were on the verge of superstardom. If you haven’t seen “Tommy Boy” in the thirteen years since it came out or have forgotten the film that played in college dorm rooms on a non-stop loop in the late ’90s, check it out on Blu-Ray HD.

On Blu-Ray, “Tommy Boy: Holy Schnike Edition” includes a commentary by director Peter Segal, 4 featurettes, “Tommy Boy: Behind the Laughter”, “Stories From the Side of the Road”, “Just the Two of Us”, “Growing Up Farley”, 6 deleted scenes, 6 alternate takes, 15 extended scenes, 7 storyboard comparisons, 19 TV spots, a gag reel, a photo gallery, and the trailer in HD.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Red-Band Trailer Surfaces For New Will Ferrell Comedy ‘Semi-Pro’

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:18:44 -0700

A red-band trailer has surfaced for the comedy “Semi-Pro,” which stars Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson. The film comes from first-time director Kent Alterman and “Starsky & Hutch” writer Scot Armstrong.

“Semi-Pro” is scheduled to hit theaters on Feb. 29, 2008. Production stills for the film follow.

Will Ferrell in “Semi-Pro”.
Photo credit: IMDb

Will Ferrell (left) in “Semi-Pro”.
Photo credit: IMDb

Will Ferrell (right) in “Semi-Pro”.
Photo credit: IMDb
The trailer for “Semi-Pro” that’s showing now in theaters, which is different than the red-band trailer above, is embedded below.

10:37 update on Feb. 13, 2008: These videos have been pulled from YouTube. The red-band trailer can be viewed here. The regular trailer can be viewed here.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com