Carlos Saldanha has been itching to make a vibrant, music-filled tribute to his Brazilian roots for years, and while he's been toiling away at the Ice Age franchise, he was also putting together the pieces for Rio. Rio is the story of Blu, a domesticated rare macaw who finds himself kidnapped and taken to Brazil in the midst of Carnivale. There he goes on a wonderful journey of self discovery, learning to make friends in the oddest of places, and finding an inner strength he didn't know he had. Features the voices of Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, George Lopez, and many more.
Bethany Hamilton's story seems tailor made for the big screen. A young, Hawaiian surfing upstart on the verge of becoming a superstar, she is very nearly killed by a random shark attack, leading to the loss of her arm. Through a deep faith, strong familial bonds, and her own inner toughness, Bethany manages to climb her way back to where she always belonged. Soul Surfer could have been yet another of those maudlin underdog stories, but AnnaSophia Robb's powerful portrayal, along with an aversion to overdramatization, makes this one of the year's great surprises.
1. The Perfect Game
Speaking of underdog stories, not only is The Perfect Game one of the best in recent years, but it took almost two years for the darn thing to come out on DVD! Clifton Collins Jr. stars as a beleaguered coach of the Mexican Little League team trying to play the better equipped, better trained American players in this true story. Features a surprisingly strong supporting cast, including Emilie De Ravin(Lost
) and David Koechner(Anchorman
)Other notable releases
Conan the Barbarian (Blu-Ray)
Stake Land
, starring Connor Paolo and Kelly McGillisBraveheart/Gladiator
2-PackConan the Destroyer (Blu-Ray)
Better Off Dead (Blu-Ray)
, starring John CusackThe Final Destination (Blu-Ray 3D)
The Music Never Stopped
, starring JK Simmons and Lou Taylor PucciMy Dog Tulip
, featuring Christopher Plummer and Lynn Redgrave
