Shopping with Sheldon

(Scroll over any film title for the original full length Black Sheep review.)

It is but a few days before Christmas and hopefully you've already tackled all your big ticket items and all you have left to purchase are some awesome movie stocking stuffers. Where do you start though? It seems like every movie released in the last little while is a must-own but you can't get them all. This is where I might be able to help you out.

My brother describes the gifts I give him as half what he wants and half my attempt to educate him on what he should want when it comes to film. I thought why not try the same approach with all of you. I have before me five blockbuster Blu-rays that I have paired up with five lesser known titles you might not have ever considered. Get both, why don't you? They'll love you for getting them the movie they wanted and they will thank you later for the the movie they may have never seen. That said, I am still waiting for that "thank you" from my brother.

THE TOWN

THE TOWN is Ben Affleck's second directorial effort and what a resounding success it was. This Oscar hopeful is part of 2010's resurgence of the adult drama at the multiplex. It is a taut thriller that is as well written as it is acted by the impressive ensemble, including Affleck himself, Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall, Black Lively and Jeremy Renner, who has been receiving a few awards season nods for his turn as a loose cannon bank thief in the bank robbery capital of the USA. THE TOWN includes an extended director's cut on Blu-ray and Affleck also takes you on a tour of his hometown, Boston, where the film takes place. He is obviously pretty proud of this one too as he also recorded a commentary track for the film. Dad will love you for it. (Warner Bros.)

I'M STILL HERE

While you're already getting your Affleck fix with Ben, why not keep it going with some Casey Affleck as well? The younger Affleck gave us his directorial debut this year, the controversial mockumentary, I'M STILL HERE. Of course, the controversy itself stemmed from speculation that the film, which was being billed as a documentary about Joaquin Phoenix's retirement from acting and new career as a hip hop artist, was in fact a big fabrication. It was eventually announced that it was a big hoax but that doesn't make the film any less engaging. The experience is unlike any I've had this past year and I'm surprised Phoenix isn't getting more awards season love for his dead-on portrayal of his own persona. Includes commentary with Affleck and Phoenix which should be fairly juicy. (Maple Pictures)

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE

I vowed not to watch any more of these vampire movies after that last disaster but I admit it, this TWILIGHT thing fascinates me. The third installment in the series, ECLIPSE, is definitely better than the last, NEW MOON, but that isn't saying much really. Still, instead of a whiny teenage girl pining for her undead boyfriend for two hours, there is plenty more action this time out, including a pretty solid battle climax that should satisfy even the biggest of non-believers. I still fully believe that this TWILIGHT series is going to ruin a whole generation of young women who are obsessed with them, by getting them to subscribe to a completely unrealistic idea of what love is, but it's too late to stop that from happening so why bother? The Blu-ray includes commentary from stars, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, as well as picture-in-picture options and a 6-part documentary for all you Twihards out there. I can't believe I just used that word. (eOne)

WINTER'S BONE

The reason I paired this indie drama with the massive vampire movie is because I think that all the girls out there who think Bella has such a hard life need to take a look at what a hard life really is. I am thrilled to see how much awards season attention is being lavished on WINTER'S BONE, the tense Debra Granik movie about a young girl (Oscar hopeful, Jennifer Lawrence) who must scour the Ozarks to find her meth head dad so that he can show up at his court date and save the home she shares with her incontinent mother and two younger siblings from being possessed by his bail bonds officer. The entire ensemble is chilling and what Lawrence must endure shows her incredible promise as a young actress. This is a part of America that is rarely seen and thanks to all the year end love it is receiving, it may actually get the recognition it deserves. (Maple Pictures)

INCEPTION

This doesn't happen too often for me. I sometimes see a movie, like INCEPTION, that is universally loved but yet that I feel reasonably tepid toward. I enjoyed INCEPTION in theatres but what I didn't like about it, took a great deal away from me. Usually when I give a movie like this a second chance, I feel the same way I did when I first saw it. When I watched INCEPTION again recently though, I was floored by how little the things that ruined it for me the first time out mattered to me now. At the time, I wanted it to be more emotionally engaging and less of a straight heist caper but watching it and allowing it to be exactly what it is was a trip and a half. There is no specific commentary track from Christopher Nolan but he does take you through some of the key moments in the film in what is known as Extraction Mode. (Warner Bros.)

I AM LOVE

I paired this lovely Italian film with INCEPTION because I AM LOVE is absolutely breathtaking. While the latter's beauty stems mostly from visual trickery, the beauty of I AM LOVE simply oozes from every aspect of its creation, from the sumptuous cinematography to the deep poetry of the screenplay. Tilda Swinton stars as the matriarch of a prominent Italian family that is going through a serious period of transition. Her children are going off to college or taking over the family business and it isn't long before she sees how little she knows of her former self. Director Luca Guadagnino contributes a commentary track with Swinton and delivers one of the most genuine works of art I was fortunate enough to experience all year. (Mongrel Media)

THE A-TEAM

This past summer, the three people who are closest to me in my life all told me in the same weekend that they had been to see THE A-TEAM and loved it. I had not wanted to see it that much but thought it might be entertaining. So when I heard such fun things about it, I was very happy to have received a screener for it in the mail. The morning after I watched THE A-TEAM extended cut, I called each of the people who had recommended it and yelled at them. I do believe this would have worked better on the big screen as the action was somewhat chaotic at home but more importantly, I just didn't buy into these elaborate plans that always came off perfectly. Still, obviously quite a few people out there liked it so if you know someone who likes mindless action, and I do mean mindless, it could work out for you. (20th Century Fox)

CYRUS

Now, this indie comedy has absolutely no connection to THE A-TEAM but CYRUS is another 20th Century Fox title and they have been so good to me this year that I cannot crap all over one of their titles without pushing another. CYRUS is hilarious, in a very dark way. John C. Reilly is middle aged and still not over his divorce from Catherine Keener, which took place over 7 years ago. He lives like a slob and would have do so by himself for the rest of his life if he didn't meet Marisa Tomei at a party. The two instantly hit it off but that means trouble for her son, Cyrus (Jonah Hill), who has a complicated relationship with his mother. These are faltered, damaged people and they do not shy away from that but there is hilarity to be found in ruin too. (20th Century Fox)

TOY STORY 3

TOY STORY 3 is the biggest film of 2010 and with very good reason. This closer to the TOY STORY franchise was destined to disappoint but instead it blew everyone away and will likely follow its $1 billion+ success worldwide with an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. It is at times hysterical and at other times, downright devastating. Pixar proves once again that genuine emotion transcends the realm of the physical and new levels of depth can be reached in objects as simple as toys. Disney has released a 4-disc set that contains 2 Blu-rays, a DVD and a digital copy. Special features include the brilliant Pixar short film, DAY & NIGHT, as well as many a detailed featurette about how the film came to be and an interactive trivia game. (Walt Disney)

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

Well, as it turns out, there is absolutely nothing thematic about buying the summer indie hit, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, in conjunction with TOY STORY 3. I just think that the two films are so infectious that anyone would be fortunate enough to own both of them. Perhaps if you are attending a holiday party, you can pick both up for friends who have kids of their own. The parents would then have something watch with their kids as well as something to watch after the kids have gone to bed. This family drama has been praised for its modernity and realism, its starkly original screenplay and its subtle, humanist direction from Lisa Cholodenko. And of course, who can forget that incredible cast - Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson. (Alliance)

There you have it. Get out there and get shopping! I hope Sheldon and I have been able to help make your holiday a little happier. And in case you wanted to get Sheldon and me a little something for our tree, I will gladly accept a copy of EASY A and/or SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD. wink, wink.

Source: blu-ray.com

Sheldon's Holiday Gift Guide

In the last few weeks, Black Sheep has been making gift suggestions for the film lovers in your life in the interest of making your lives easier. We've been looking at first run releases, catalog releases and throwing in helpful suggestions of what I want, I mean, what Sheldon the Sheep wants under his tree. With a few days left before the big day, you are in luck. There are three great releases out today and you'll never guess what ... Sheldon wants all three of them!

(500) DAYS OF SUMMER
I was fortunate enough to catch this delightful indie date flick twice in theatres. One of those occasions was even a on a date! The BD release contains a bunch of deleted and extended scenes as well some of the days of summer that we didn't see in theatres. It even contains an online piece stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel put together to promote the film where they reenacted a scene as Sid & Nancy, where Gordon-Levitt was Nancy! This romantic comedy is fresh and uplifiting. It is perfect for a warm night by the fire with someone you love.

FAMILY GUY PRESENTS: SOMETHING, SOMETHING, SOMETHING DARKSIDE
It's been years but I have still not tired of the insane antics of the FAMILY GUY. Now, parents, this is a great gift for your teenagers. The chances are they love FAMILY GUY and this second installment of the STAR WARS spoof series has never aired on television. It runs about 45 minutes long and as it comes out just a few days before Christmas, the chances are that your kids won't have seen it by the time they open their stockings. Their first installment was hilarious so my hopes are high for this one.

DISTRICT 9
Although I have not yet made my top 10 list for 2009, I would be surprised not to see DISTRICT 9 on it. This film floored me when I saw it. It was so well thought out, so insightful and just so darn unexpected at every turn, I genuinely felt like I was transported to an alternate reality when I watched it. As far as a gift goes, this has the IT factor and would make a great gift for any guy who has a little bit of a sci-fi geek in him, no matter how small. I hope this film gets some unexpected awards love this year.

Happy shopping, folks! Good luck getting out of there uninjured.

Sheldon's Holiday Gift Guide

Every Tuesday in December, Black Sheep will look to its resident sheep, Sheldon, to throw a few gift suggestions your way. Together, you and Sheldon will be able to make sure that every movie lover on your list gets just the right movie in their stocking this year.

NEW RELEASES

Now I was not a big fan of THE HANGOVER. I didn't hate it; I just didn't laugh nearly as hard or as much as I thought I would. And ordinarily I do enjoy what I call dumb boy comedies, mostly because I enjoy entertaining the dumb boy inside of me once in a while. That said, I was definitely in the minority on that one. So, ladies, buy this for the man in your life and the odds are he'll love you for it.

I don't ordinarily recommend against films in a gift guide but I am a big Ang Lee fan and his last film, TAKING WOODSTOCK, was a totally acceptable film but sub par to say the least by Ang standards. As a well known fan, someone I know might think to get me this film as a gift. Please don't. This one is strictly a rental.

This last one I have not seen but it did pretty big business at the box office this past summer and has a whole whack of celebrity voices in it, from Penelope Cruz to Nicolas Cage, so I thought I might suggest some good family 3D fun with G-FORCE. Yes, it is a bunch of vermin masquerading as superheroes, I think; I can't be too sure because the colors are so bright in the trailer that my mind goes into overload mode temporarily. Still, if I were a kid, I'd want to see it.

CATALOG RELEASES

Here's a good catalog title for you. There is no other director that I can think of off the top of my head that has changed the face of cinema as much as this man has in the last fifteen years. And now, you can get almost all Quentin Tarantino's movies in one neatly packaged box set. I'm not sure why they tacked on a miniature collectable samurai sword to the back of it because these six films in one very affordable set are incentive to buy it. I can accept owning JACKIE BROWN (my least favorite Quentin movie) if it means owning PULP FICTION, RESERVOIR DOGS, KILL BILL 1 & 2 and DEATH PROOF. There are no new features or restoration here so if you have all his films already, you're just getting the sword. My one major complaint ... No blu-ray!

WHAT DOES SHELDON WANT?

The notable absence from the Quentin Tarantino box is INGLORIOUS BASTERDS of course. This WWII film was discussed for so many months before its release this past summer and it now stands as Quentin's biggest hit of his career. It could actually go on to nab him his first Oscar nominations since 1994's PULP FICTION. Shown in the picture is the special edition of the blu-ray release and if anyone happens to pick that up for me, I mean Sheldon, I'm sure I, I mean he, won't complain.

Safe Shopping!

Sheldon's Holiday Gift Guide

Every Tuesday in December, Black Sheep will look to its resident sheep, Sheldon, to throw a few gift suggestions your way. Together, you and Sheldon will be able to make sure that every movie lover on your list gets just the right movie in their stocking this year.

NEW RELEASES

I wouldn't personally serve this one up after a lovely meal I prepared myself but there are plenty of Mom's out there who would definitely love to get a copy of JULIE & JULIA for Christmas. You could even bundle it up in a little gift basket if you wanted by matching the movie with Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" best-selling cookbook. Also, if Mom has a blu-ray player, she can use the BD live options to download the recipes in the movie as she is watching them.

And for all those geeky wizard lovers in your life, the sixth film in the Harry Potter series, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, is now available on DVD and BD. This was definitely my favorite Potter film so far and judging from the great it business it did around the world, I dare say Potter fans might agree with me. For new Potter fans late on the game, all six films have been packaged together as well.

CATALOG RELEASES

The Potter madness just keeps on fa-la-la-la-la-ing this year with the ultimate edition re-issues of the first two films, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE and HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS. Personally, I feel like the second film is one of the worst in the series but you can't just skip it altogether. Each set comes with both a theatrical and extended cut of the film, features a ton of extras and comes with commemorative memorabilia. I know it seems like a lot of Potter but Potter fans never seem to be able to get enough so it should be all good.

This next film has already seen a theatrical and home video release this year but, just in times for the holidays, another incarnation of the CORALINE movie is available for admirers of the film. I was somewhat mixed on the film but there is no denying its majesty. Your kids could do a lot worse than CORALINE and any little girl should be happy to get this under the tree. The set comes with 4 3D glasses, contains all the features of the already released version and a couple more, as well as postcards. It's a lot of filler but if you don't have it already, you should just go with this edition.

WHAT DOES SHELDON WANT?

Here is a brand new release today that I could have mentioned earlier but I know a little sheep who would be very happy if a BD copy of PUBLIC ENEMIES, starring the lovely Johnny Depp and the even lovelier Marion Cotillard, showed up in his stocking this year. I heard some complaints about it being slow but Sheldon loves a film that knows how to take its time, especially one as stylish as this Michael Mann gangster flick. If you're picking one up for Sheldon, you should get one for yourself too.

Happy shopping!

Sheldon's Holiday Gift Guide

Every Tuesday in December, Black Sheep will look to its resident sheep, Sheldon, to throw a few gift suggestions your way, starting with this Tuesday. Together, you and Sheldon will be able to make sure that every movie lover on your list gets just the right movie in their stocking this year.

NEW RELEASES

Although it may not have been the film fans were hoping it would be - and by that I mean something that would erase the memory of the third film in the series - but TERMINATOR SALVATION will still certainly be welcome by any fan of the series. The 3-disc BD contains both theatrical and director cuts of the film.

I haven't seen it - and hopefully I will never have to - but NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN will surely deliver plenty of fodder to entertain the kiddies when you want some holiday alone time. For those of you thinking about transitioning from DVD to BD in the future, a combo pack exists.

And for all the quirky indie comedy fans out there, there is the Charlene Yi-Michael Cera romantic mockumentary about the elusive bugger known as love, PAPER HEART. The extras are sparse but this film's charm will certainly warm you on a cold winter night.

CATALOG RELEASES

This first one came out a couple of weeks ago but the good people at Warner Bros. were kind enough to send me a delux copy so they have definitely earned their shout out. The 70th anniversary edition of GONE WITH THE WIND is now available in deluxe and regular BD editions. The BD edition boasts six times higher resolution than DVD and features 8 hours of extra features for this wonderfully restored classic.

With SHERLOCK HOLMES coming to theatres on Christmas Day, interest in Guy Ritchie films is high and his first two offerings, LOCK STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS and SNATCH are now available on BD. Ritchie is of a particular taste, especially when it comes to these first two films, so pick these ones up for anyone you know who likes rough talking British gangster pics.

And here's a blast from the past that I remember quite fondly. On BD for the first time, it's GREMLINS! That lovable little guy Gizmo is back and priced to move. It's perfect for any nostaliga nut who grew up in the 80's. Once you bring Gizmo home though, just be sure not to feed him after midnight. If memory serves, you might not want to get him wet either.

AND WHAT DOES SHELDON WANT?

Pay close attention Black Sheep readers / family and personal friends who may not be too sure what to buy the film critic who already owns a ton of movies. Warner Bros released a big fat collector's box of THE WIZARD OF OZ earlier this fall and, while Sheldon certainly wouldn't mind receiving that version under the tree, a more reasonable version has been released on BD today that will do just fine.

Happy shopping!