DVD Review: Fred The Movie

Fred: The Movie
Written by: David A. Goodman
Directed By: Clay Weiner
Starring: Lucas Cruikshank, Jennette McCurdy, Jake Weary, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, John Cena, Oscar Nunez, Stephanie Courtney and introducing Pixie Lott

Special Features: Brand New Never Before Seen Exclusive Fred Video "Fred's Got Talent," Classic Fred Video "Fred Stalks Judy," "From Webcam to Leading Man" featurette, "Fred's First Film: Same Dude, Big Crew" Behind-the-Scenes Featurette, Audio Commentary with Clay Weiner, David Goodman and Lucas Cruikshank and more!

From the box:

Hey, it's Fred (Lucas Cruikshank) in his first movie!  And he is in love with the girl next door, Judy (Pixie Lott).  But his nemesis neighbor, Kevin, thwarts all attempts Fred makes to see her, and when he finally succeeds in making it over to Judy's house...she's moved!  With the advice of his super cool dad (John Cena), Fred embarks on an epic journey full of gut busting fun to find her,  So jump in the kiddie pool and join Fred, Bertha (Jennette McCurdy), and the whole gang for a hilariously good time in Fred: The Movie!

Oh my gammit!  It's FREEEEDDD!

You'll hear stuff like that a lot in this movie.  Accompanied by some screeching and shrieking for 83 minutes. 

YouTube superstar Fred Figglehorn makes his film debut in Fred: The Movie and if you are familiar with his online antics you'll know just what to expect from the movie.  It's all here.  Kevin, Judy, squealing, fast talking, annoying voice, talking to the viewer, etc.  Here's the thing, I didn't hate it.  It's totally ridiculous and annoying at times but there is still some funny stuff here. Lucas Cruikshank is a funny guy and I am interested to see what he does post-Fred.

The story is pretty simple.  Fred tries to find Judy after she moves away and wacky shenanigans ensue.  Some are far too wacky for a normal adult to be able to tolerate but the kids will go bananas for them.  Honestly, most people might be driven to insanity by this movie, but if you give it a chance you'll see it does have a bit of heart to it.

The cast is pretty good, albeit a little underplayed.  Fred is the star here and he is in virtually every single scene.  There really isn't room for anyone else.  This is Fred's show and he is king.  Jenette McCurdy is barely used and has maybe 10 lines.

The disc has a few special features that fans will enjoy.  Behind-the-Scenes, a classic video, and among other things, an exclusive new Fred video.  There is more than enough to hold over even the most starved Fred fan until his next outing, be it on TV or YT.

Overall, Fred: The Movie is a treat for the fans and while some non initiated might get annoyed by the character's antics, others might find something to enjoy here.  I really am interested to see where Lucas Cruikshank goes from here.  I really think he has a talent for comedy and a good presence on screen (even as a character as annoying as Fred!).  We'll see what comes next.

Fred: The Movie is in stores now!  But wait!  You can win your very own copy!  We're extending the contest through Friday so if you want to win just shoot us an email at contest@popculturebeast.com!
 

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Say hello to Spider-Man's Gwen Stacey!

Sony has confirmed that Emma Stone will be playing the female lead character Gwen Stacey in the upcoming Spider-Man reboot.  Stone can currently be seen in the excellent Easy A as well as the equally excellent Zombieland!

Stone joins previously announced Andrew Garfield who will portray the web-slinger himself, Peter Parker.

So, no Mary Jane?

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CONAN!

TBS. November 8.

I wonder when tickets are going to be available...

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DVD/Blu-ray News: Avatar Extended Collector's Edition Announcement!

Fans of the highest grossing film of all time, Avatar can start getting excited for this collector's edition coming to Blu-ray and DVD on November 16!  This promises over 45 minutes of new footage.  I'm curious to see how the additions change my opinion of the film.  Rumor has it yet another edition is on the way.  This one 3-D. 

In the meantime, here are the details:

AVATAR Extended Collection’s Edition: 3-Disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: (available for the suggested retail price of $54.99 U.S. / $66.99 Canada.)

Disc One

Original Theatrical Version Special Edition Re-Release Collector’s Extended Cut 16 more minutes and exclusive alternate opening

Family Audio Track (All Objectionable Language Removed)

Original Theatrical Release Special Edition Re-release

Disc Two

“Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes Production Materials

Disc Three

Open “Pandora’s Box” and go deeper into the filmmaker process Interactive Scene Deconstruction: Explore the various stages of production through 3 different viewing modes Production Shorts: 17 featurettes covering performance capture, scoring the film, 3D fusion camera, stunts and much more Avatar Archives including original scriptment, 300 page screenplay and the extensive Pandorapedia BD-live Portal with additional bonus materials

AVATAR Collector’s Edition: 3-Disc Special Edition DVD: Catalog #: 2271367 (available for the suggested retail price of $34.98 U.S./$45.98 Canada)

Disc One

Original Theatrical Version Special Edition Re-release Collector’s Extended Cut 16 more minutes and exclusive alternate opening

Disc Two

Original Theatrical Version Special Edition Re-release Collector’s Extended Cut

Disc Three

“Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes

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Zack Snyder Directing Next Superman Movie!

According to IMDB, Zach Snyder will be directing the next Superman movie, with Christopher Nolan over looking the project. Snyder was previously rumored to direct Superman Returns, but turned it down.

Snyder also directed Dawn of the Dead, 300, Watchmen and the upcoming Sucker Punch.

Deadline.com has a response from Snyder:

"I've been a big fan of the character for a long time, he's definitely the king of all superheroes, he's the one. It's early yet, but I can tell you that what David [Goyer] and Chris [Nolan] have done with the story so far definitely has given me a great insight into a way to make him feel modern. I've always felt he was kind of awesome. I'll finish 'Sucker Punch' and get right at it."

Hmmm... interesting indeed.

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Blu-ray Review: Janeane Garofalo - If You Will - Live In Seattle

Janeane Garofalo returns to the stand up spotlight with the newly released If You Will which has the comedienne coming to us live from the Moore Theatre in Seattle.  It's her first solo special in more than ten years, according to the box and she doesn't seem to have missed a beat.

First off, there really is no reason for this to be on blu-ray.  I mean it looks crystal clear but really I don't think a stand up special really warrants Hi-Def.  That said, it really looks great.  The picture is absolutely sparkling.  Janeane looks great and suffers none of the pitfalls of Hi-Def filming.

I didn't find myself laughing all that much during this special which was weird but I finished it still feeling like I enjoyed myself.  I guess I just love hearing what Janeane has to say whether I find it to be funny or not.  I did laugh out loud more than a few times but for a lot of it I just had a smile on my face and the pleasure of listening to her speak. She covers a lot of stuff but not near as much about politics as I would have expected.  It feels almost like she went out of her way to avoid the subject.  She does spend a fair amount of time on various aspects of Natalie Portman that is particularly funny.

There are not really any special features that make this disc a must have.  There are two bonus comedy videos but that's all.  The fact that it is less than $2 bucks more for the Blu-ray (as of this writing) than the DVD is really the only reason to spring for it otherwise there is pretty much nothing different between the formats.

Bottom line?  Fans of Janeane will enjoy her "come back" but general stand up fans might find it a little bloated.  It's worth a watch at least.  At any rate, it's good to see Janeane back on stage.  I hope we get something a little tighter and stronger the next go round.

Janeane Garofalo:  If You Will - Live in Seattle is available now!

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Check Out The Cover For The New My Chemical Romance Album!

Here is the just debuted cover for the anticipated new album from My Chemical Romance: Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.  The album arrives in stores November 22nd!

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Ben Folds/Nick Hornby "From Above" - Music Video

This was just released on Ben Folds's official youtube channel.  I haven't gotten a chance to give a listen to all of ben Folds's new album, "Lonely Avenue", but from what I've heard this one of my favorites so far.
Enjoy

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Video Game Trailer: Red Dead Redemption - Undead Nightmare

Rockstar Games is combining two of the coolest things ever. The Wild West and Zombies. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare is arriving "Very Soon." I hope that means tomorrow because I'm not sure I can take the waiting.

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