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

Movie: Amelia * Official Site
In Theaters: Oct. 23, 2009

Runtime: 111 minutes
Directed by: Mira Nair

MPAA Rating: PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking
Gecko Rating:

I’m sort of hot and cold on Hilary Swank. There’s no doubt that she’s a great actress – she’s won two Oscars, after all (for “Million Dollar Baby” and “Boys Don’t Cry”). But there’s something about her that’s just a little annoying. I almost hesitate to say it, but she seemed to be over-acting in her portrayal of Amelia Earhart. I just wanted her to snap out of it and be a real …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

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

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is out on DVD and Blu-ray today. Can we ever get enough of that cute little pixie? I think not. She’s just darling, and that attitude!
In this DVD, Mae Whitman voices Tinker Bell, who journeys far north of Neverland to patch things up with her friend Terence and restore a Pixie Dust Tree. It’s all very noble.
Other voices include Raven-Symone, Jesse McCartney, Lucy Liu, Kristin Chenoweth, Pamela Adlon, and Anjelica Huston. Check out the clips:
Featurette: Fashion (bonus):

Movie: Astro Boy * Official Site * Film Gecko links * Trailer
In Theaters: Oct. 23, 2009

Runtime: 94 minutes
Directed by: David Bowers

MPAA Rating: PG for some action and peril, and brief mild language
Gecko Rating:

 
“Astro Boy” is one of those movies that’s cute, but that you’ll probably forget about a day or two after you see it. It’s also a little violent and sad for a kids’ movie. Not as sad as “Up” or “Marley and Me,” but still sad in its own way.
The concept began as a Japanese manga series and TV show first broadcast in Japan from …read more