Right before “Bruno” was released in theaters, the scene with LaToya Jackson was deleted out of respect for the death of Michael Jackson.
But, of course, it’s included in the special features on the DVD and Blu-ray, hitting shelves Nov. 17, 2009 from Universal Home Entertainment.
The movie stars Sacha Baron Cohen as an Austrian TV host searching for fame and fortune in America. During the process, he pranks any and everyone who crosses his path.
Really, though, you’ve gotta believe that celebrities can see him coming a mile away. It’s not like Cohen hasn’t been on TV and …read more

The delightful family movie “Up” hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 10, 2009. I thought it was a really well done movie; a little sad in spots (ok, downright weepy!), but a great movie with lots to say. Read my review of “Up” here.
I caught up with Jordan Nagai, who voices the part of Russell the Wilderness Explorer in the film. He’s enthusiastic and energetic – not unlike his on-screen counterpart – and they even look alike, don’t they?
Read on for Jordan’s thoughts on making “Up” and running an obstacle course before his recording sessions.
Tell us …read more

I just received a review copy of “Bruno,” and since I didn’t see it in theaters, will post a review soon. It hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 17, 2009. 
Until then, here’s a clip from the bonus material, a never-before-seen interview where baseball legend Pete Rose sits with Austrian TV host Bruno, played by Sacha Baron Cohen. It’s an alternate scene not included in the film.
Whether you like Cohen’s characters or not, it always floors me how deeply embedded he is in them. Really, it’s hard to believe he’s anything other than the character you’re seeing on screen. …read more

Some friends of mine were hoping to get to this, and it looks like it was loads of fun. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Say Anything,” people in trench coats holding boom boxes were seen around New York City earlier today.

The film starred John Cusack as mediocre student Lloyd Dobler, attempting to capture the heart of a beautiful valedictorian. Even if you’ve never seen the movie (you need to fix that right now), you’ve likely seen the picture of Cusack holding that iconic boom box over his head.
Buy the 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray and DVD of “Say …read more

Lots of buzz surrounding “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” in theaters Nov. 6, 2009. The movie is based on true events as described in Jon Ronson’s 2004 book by the same name.
Ewan McGregor plays a down-on-his-luck reporter who meets a special forces agent (George Clooney), who says that yes, it’s true. There’s actually a secret military unit whose sole purpose is to use paranormal powers for the greater good.
Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Terry Serpico, and Rebecca Mader also star. No word on whether any goats were harmed in the making of this film (but I’m sure …read more

The lovely Disney/Pixar film “Up” hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 10, 2009 (read my review here), and I had an opportunity to catch up with writer-director Pete Docter (pictured), who talked about the challenges of making an animated movie.
Q: “Up” became the first animated film to open the Cannes Film Festival. Do you believe animated features are becoming accepted as a more serious artistic platform?
Pete Docter: We were very honored to be the first animated film to open the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Walking around there, I kept picturing Hitchcock, Coppola, Truffaut; these big time directors … …read more

A new version of the classic film “A Christmas Carol” is headed to theaters on Nov. 6, 2009. This time, Jim Carrey takes center stage as the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as all three ghosts!
The CG-animated movie is rated G, and also features the voices of Robin Wright Penn, Colin Firth, Gary Oldman and Michael J. Fox. Watch the trailer here.
Here are a few photos of Carrey and director-writer Robert Zemeckis on their “train tour” at Grand Central Station to promote the film. Looks like a blast!
By the way, Carrey has gained a few pounds for …read more

“Pee-wee’s Playhouse” used to be a favorite, and I loved the movies that came out of that show — “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and “Big Top Pee-wee.”
Then there was that whole nasty child porn scandal and things sort of when kaput for Paul Reubens’ career. Who really knows what happened, but the charges were eventually dropped.
But there’s no denying that the guy was a creative genius, and he’s hoping to bring back some of that magic. The Emmy-winning, 57-year-old actor is donning that skinny suit again for an elaborate live show and an upcoming movie, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The …read more

The only big new movie this week is Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” which actually hit theaters on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009.
It’s the documentary about Michael Jackson’s big concert tour, which abruptly screamed to a halt upon his death. Fortunately, there’s plenty of film of the rehearsals and his creative process putting the tour together. 
Check out the official site, the trailer, and all of Film Gecko’s coverage.
Also released today are several films in limited release, including:
“The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day” – Sequel to “The Boondock Saints” about  bloody murders in the underworld of …read more

Seth Rogen, featured in tonight’s airing of “Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space,” features the voice cast of the original movie, including Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Kiefer Sutherland, Will Arnett, Rainn Wilson and … Seth Rogen as B.O.B., the gelatinous blob!

The story follows Susan and the Monsters, who now work for the U.S. government. They’re sent to Susan’s hometown to stop an alien invasion in the days before Halloween. Clever as always, the aliens have adopted the guise of harmless jack-o-lanterns as they lie in wait for the perfect time to strike.
I caught up with Seth …read more