Blu-ray Spotlight: "Zombieland" Starring Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg

I originally reviewed Zombieland in 2009 and was surprised by the quality of the film and how much I laughed from beginning to end. The story centers around a plague that has devastated the country and turned many of its residents into zombies. While that may not sound funny, the execution results in tongue in cheek hilarity. Four of those who remain unaffected, Tallahassee (Woody Harrleson), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), must find a way to coexist after a rough start and join forces in an effort to save all of their lives. The result is a mostly amusing, sometimes touching, well acted and clever effort that deserves a sequel. If nothing else, I want to know how Tallahassee is dealing with the bankruptcy of Hostess Brands and the uncertain future of the Twinkie. Now that is scary to think about! Oh, and Bill Murray is sensational in a cameo that features some of the best work of his career. 

You can read my original review of the film here.

The Blu-ray special features include: Deleted Scenes, Commentary by director Ruben Fleischer and stars Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg, two Featurettes, Trailers and more. 

Family Film Recommendation: "The Croods" - Starring Nicolas Cage

Believe it or not, Nicolas Cage may finally have a hit movie on his hands. Cage provides the voice for Grug Crood, the patriarch of a prehistoric family in the new animated film The Croods. Grug's family includes wife Ugga (Catherine Keener), their two children, Eep (Emma Stone) and Thunk (Clark Duke), and Ugga's mother, Gran (Cloris Leachman). Shortly after the film begins, viewers familiar with another stone age family, The Flintstones, will understand that there is nothing modern about The Croods. Not that there is anything wrong with that. However, Grug is similar to the well meaning, but often mistaken fellow father Fred Flintstone. They both love their family and want to keep them safe and secure, but their ideas on how to accomplish those goals and not always sound. For instance, while Grug takes his role as protector seriously, he refuses to allow anything "new" to disrupt his tried and true ways of living.

The Croods live in a cave and have a huge boulder as a front door. After sunset, no one is allowed to leave the cave because of the predators who lurk just outside. However, the headstrong teenage Eep decides to break the rules and her decision will have long lasting consequences for her family. After sneaking out, Eep soon notices light emanating from the darkness and finds a fellow caveman, Guy (Ryan Reynolds), who is disguised as an animal to keep himself safe. Guy has started a fire, which captures the attention of Eep, who is not sure what to make of him, but is drawn to him nonetheless. After spending some time together, Guy gives Eep a horn that she can use to signal him if she is ever in danger, which comes in handy on more than one occasion.

The next day, an earthquake hits and virtually destroys the Croods home, forcing the family to search for a new one. This "new" development disturbs Grug, but the family soon discovers a beautiful new world that emerged from the dust of the old one. However, the new world holds unknown dangers, which forces Eep to use the horn to alert Guy, who soon arrives and saves the family. Grug is upset with the arrival of the much younger and more intelligent Guy and decides to keep him rolled up in a log to keep him under control and away from Eep, who clearly likes the young man. 

During their journey, Guy entertains the Croods with interesting stories and new ideas and inventions, much to the dismay of Grug, who finds himself competing with Guy for dominance. Guy is clearly winning out, so Grug becomes jealous, but also motivated to come up with (gasp!) a new idea or two of his own. Considering the challenges that they will soon face, the Croods and Guy will need all the help they can get.

The Croods offers something for viewers of all ages. Younger viewers will marvel at the use of animation, color and the lovable characters, including Guy's sloth, Belt (Chris Sanders), the family dog, Douglas, and a huge lovable saber- toothed tiger. In addition, the message that everyone in a family has an important role to play in their overall happiness is conveyed very well. Older viewers will smile at the familiar family dynamics, such as the classic battle between mother-in-law, Gran, and son-in-law, Grug. In addition, Grug's paternal instincts move him to try to protect Eep from the new man in their lives, Guy, who seemingly poses a threat to all that Grug's holds dear. Indeed, new people and ideas shake up the Crood family, but in a positive way. 

Many important elements are present for The Croods to become the starting point for a new film franchise that has cross generational appeal, including fun and relatable characters, a screenplay that will make you smile frequently, and a solid score/soundtrack. If nothing else, the additional revenue from merchandising, including stuffed animals of Belt and the saber-toothed tiger, could ensure financial success. Finally, the talented cast, including the voices of the aforementioned Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds, help to create memorable and beloved characters that viewers will want to see again and again. 

Directors: Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders
Screenplay: Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco, from a story co-created by John Cleese.