Home Media Magazine - March 16-22, 2009 - (Page 12) REVIEWS BLU-RAY SPOTLIGHT I WONDER WOMAN www.homemediamagazine.com Warner, Animated, $19.98 DVD, $29.98 two-DVD set, $34.99 Blu-ray, ‘PG-13’ for violence throughout and some suggestive material. Voices of Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Alfred Molina, Virginia Madsen, Rosario Dawson, Oliver Platt, David McCallum. onder Woman starts with an incredible battle of ancient Greek Amazons warring with the legions of the god Ares to win their freedom. As a reward, the Amazons are granted eternal life on the island of Themyscira, where Queen Hippolyta molds the clay of the Earth into a daughter, Diana, who grows to become Wonder Woman. The film cannot sustain the quality of the opening scenes, as bits and pieces of the Wonder Woman mythology (such as the invisible jet) are literally introduced out of nowhere. But the movie does a decent job modernizing the story while maintaining most of the classic elements with which fans of the superheroine are familiar, especially its connection to Greek myths. This movie is practically a continuation of the works of Edith Hamilton. The highlight of the film is Nathan Fillion (Serenity), reuniting with his Waitress co-star, Keri Russell, who voices Diana. Fillion steals the movie as the voice of Steve Trevor, the pilot who crashes into Themyscira and forces the Amazons to reconnect to the modern world. He’s practically an animated version of Capt. Mal Reynolds, which will no doubt refocus speculation on what Joss Whedon could have done with a live-action version before the project was yanked from his hands in 2007. The real value of the disc is how it puts the history of the character into context, beginning with the circumstances that led to her creation in 1941 by William Moulton Marston, the psychologist who invented the lie detector. Marston wanted to present a superhero who could become an inspiration for young girls, and the featurette chronicles Wonder Woman’s parallel development with the women’s movement. When Hugh Hefner shows up to add his two cents, we can be assured that the producers have covered all the bases. Also included are an informative commentary and an exciting preview of the next DC Universe animated film, – John Latchem Green Lantern: First Flight. W I HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER 2 Street 3/24 Lionsgate, Animated, $19.98 DVD, NR. his direct-to-video sequel follows the footsteps of its predecessor by taking a fairy tale and giving it a different spin. In this alternate version of Snow White, the princess is a snotty teenage brat whose beloved mother has just died. Trying to find a female figure to help guide his daughter, the king dates Lady Vane who, with the help of an evil magic mirror, has made herself look like the deceased queen to catch the king’s eye. Lady Vane wants to get rid of Snow and T gives her a magic apple to make her say mean things about everyone in the kingdom. Snow is socially exiled and finds her way to the house of the seven dwarves. The dwarves take Snow on a journey to do good works, which amend her selfish attitude. Of course there’s also a romantic plotline, but it’s almost secondary to Snow’s self-transformation. Kids may find this animated tale hip, with Snow White and her crew, using cell phones, going to the hottest new joust club and speaking in modern lingo. At times, though, I found it a bit silly to see these characters carry on with urban sensibilities — the joust event MC yells, “It’s time to get your joust on!” and Snow White and her friends never say “hello” but instead shout “holla!” However, I appreciated that the film incorporated diversity in Snow White’s kingdom. Among her three best friends are Goldilocks, Little Bo Peep (who is black) and Little Red Riding Hood, who seems to be Latina, though it’s hard to pinpoint her accent. The film takes an earnest crack at trying to be like Shrek, but falls short. Still, children will find it entertaining and will recognize the nods to other fairy tales, making this ideal babysitting fare. The DVD special features include three games: Two were more like I IN YOUR DREAMS brain teasers, which I admittedly en- Prebook 3/17; Street 4/14 joyed, while one was more of a game. BFS, Comedy, $24.98 DVD, NR. know what to do with them or how to control them. Although his dreams fulfill some of his wildest fantasies, such as – Angelique Flores Stars Dexter Fletcher, Parminder Nagra, Linda a hot night with blonde Olivia Hamilton, Susan George, Elize du Toit. (Elize du Toit), who reminds him hey say “be careful what of his childhood love, others are you wish for,” but in Albert quite the contrary, like the reoccurring dream of someone Ross’s case he’d say, dying — his stepmother “be careful what you dream from hell (Susan George) about,” because it might and nasty brother (Robert just come true. Portal). In Your Dreams is the story To help solve the mystery of Albert (Dexter Fletcher), and prevent fatal endings, a once-ambitious young Albert seeks advice and help boy who grows into a bitfrom his lesbian friend, ter dentist with a dull life. However, after he’s knocked uncon- Georgie (Linda Hamilton). Together scious by some piled boxes, his life the duo create some amusing scenes takes a turn and his dreams start and make you feel like you’re playing Clue. becoming reality. Overall, In Your Dreams kept me The British film is a romantic comedy somewhat reminiscent of Bruce entertained with its funny one-liners Almighty. Both principal characters and happily-ever-after ending. have powers but don’t necessarily – Erika Carmona T 12 Home Media Magazine March 16–22, 2009 http://www.homemediamagazine.com
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