Adapted from Elmore Leonard’s novel Rum Punch, Jackie Brown follows the story of a middle-aged flight attendant (Pam Grier) caught between a scheming arms dealer (Samuel L. Jackson), federal agents, and her plan to walk away with a small fortune. The plot is classic Tarantino. It’s full of twists, betrayals, and colorful characters. However, the pacing is a bit uneven this time since long stretches of dialogue drag the film.

Nevertheless, the film’s standout feature is its cast. Pam Grier shines as the titular Jackie Brown, bringing depth and charisma to a role that makes her both sympathetic and cunning. Samuel L. Jackson delivers an entertaining performance as the manipulative yet strangely charming Ordell Robbie. Robert Forster’s understated performance as bail bondsman Max Cherry adds a layer of emotional complexity. The rest of the cast, like Robert De Niro and Bridget Fonda, bring their own quirks to the table, though their characters sometimes feel underutilized.

Visually, Jackie Brown has Tarantino’s signature flair, with vibrant colors, retro style, and a killer soundtrack that complements the mood perfectly. The film feels like a love letter to 1970s crime cinema, especially with Grier’s casting as a nod to her blaxploitation roots. However, for all its homage and charm, the movie lacks the raw energy and tight storytelling that made Pulp Fiction a cultural phenomenon.

Overall, Jackie Brown is a respectable effort from Tarantino but doesn’t quite hit the mark for those expecting high-octane thrills. It’s a solid film for fans of character-driven stories. Still, its leisurely pace and lack of bold surprises may leave some viewers wanting more.

Movie Review: 3/5 atoms

Video

Jackie Brown is available on Ultra HD Blu-ray in a native 4K, HEVC / H.265, Dolby Vision/HDR10 presentation with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This 4K release offers a mixed bag of positives and negatives. The black levels are impressively deep, creating rich, inky shadows. Unfortunately, shadow details are often lost in nighttime scenes, making some moments harder to discern. On the other hand, color saturation is spot on. The colors appear natural and vibrant without any noticeable adjustments. Detail clarity is a standout, too. The sharpness is superb, revealing every facial wrinkle and strand of hair.

Video Review: 5/5 atoms

Audio

Jackie Brown is available on Ultra HD Blu-ray with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio presentation. This DTS-HD track is the same as previously heard on past Blu-ray releases. As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The audio mix still delivers a reliable and immersive experience. While it doesn’t boast the extravagance of an Atmos track, the DTS mix offers a complete and enjoyable soundscape. Much of the soundstage activity is concentrated in the center channel because the film is dialogue-heavy, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and well-defined. The jukebox soundtrack stands out with beautifully separated instrumentals that fill the surround and front channels, enveloping the viewer without overpowering the overall mix. This balance allows the music to complement the accompanying sound design seamlessly, enhancing the film’s atmosphere while keeping the dialogue front and center.

Audio Review: 5/5 atoms

Special Features

Jackie Brown has no bonus features on the Ultra HD disc. However, the following bonus features can be found on the HD Blu-ray disc:

• Breaking Down Jackie Brown
• Jackie Brown: How It Went Down – Documentary
  • Rum Punch: Reading It Again That Night, I Feel In Love With It
  • Elmore Leonard: If You and Elmore Leonard Had a Child, That’s What This Is
  • Quentin’s Influences: Quentin’s a Huge Fan of 60’s and 70’s
  • Pam Grier: Quentin’s Been a Pam Grier Fan Forever
  • Robert Forster: And This Part Goes to Robert Forster
  • Samuel L. Jackson: He Just Says Quentin’s Lines Probably Better Than Anyone
  • Robert De Niro: I’m Actually Doing a Scene With Robert De Niro!
  • Bridget Fonda: She’s From a Good Bloodline of Actors
  • Michael Keaton: And ‘Bang’, He Was the Guy
  • The Production: I’m Making Movies With My Family
• A Look Back at Jackie Brown – Interview with Quentin
• Chicks With Guns Video
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes with Introduction by Quentin Tarantino
  • Jackie and Sheronda Extended Scene
  • Michael & Pam Improv (Laura Loveless as Waitress)
  • Louis and Ordell Walking In to the Cockatoo Lounge
  • Jackie “The Master Mind” Sets Up Ordell
  • Alternate Take “For Your Eyes Only”
  • Alternate Opening Credit Sequence
• Siskel & Ebert “At the Movies” Review
• Jackie Brown on MTV
  • Jackie Brown Promotional Contest
  • MTV Live Jackie Brown
• Marketing Gallery
• Still Galleries
• Enhanced Trivia Track

Features Assessment

The bonus features from the previous Blu-ray release. In other words, the features from the two-disc DVD set have been carried over, along with “Breaking Down Jackie Brown.” This feature is a lengthy 45-minute roundtable discussion with film critics, where they dive into the movie, the director, and its lasting cultural impact and cult following.

The previous DVD features include two behind-the-scenes documentaries, Siskel and Ebert’s movie review, the “Chicks with Guns” video, a trivia track, deleted scenes, and more. While it doesn’t match the impressive extras on other Tarantino releases, it’s still a nice collection of features worth rewatching.

Special Features Review: 4/5 atoms

Overall, Jackie Brown is a solid but slower-paced Tarantino film with strong performances and stylish visuals, though it lacks the energy of his more iconic works. The video and audio quality is fantastic throughout, and the special features include a mix of old content and one new HD roundtable discussion. Nevertheless, the lack of new content is disappointing.

Overall Review: 4.5/5 atoms

Jackie Brown hits stores on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on January 21st.

This Blu-ray was provided by Lionsgate Home Entertainment for review purposes.

The post Jackie Brown – 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

One of the film’s most touching aspects is the heartwarming moments between Garfield and Vic. These interactions emphasize the movie’s central theme, which is the importance of family connections. The emphasis on family love, whether between people and their pets or among the animals themselves, adds a layer of sincere emotion that contrasts nicely with the film’s overall lighthearted and humorous tone.

Visually, the animation is a standout feature of the movie. Garfield, in particular, is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail and relatable charm (with Chris Pratt’s assistance, of course). Sony Animation has done a great job of striking this balance and making this character even more relatable. Plus, the colorful look of the film as a whole also keeps the attention, even when the story itself isn’t particularly groundbreaking.

Overall, while The Garfield Movie may not leave a lasting impression, it exceeds in giving families a delightful and heartwarming adventure. It’s a movie that’s easy to watch and enjoy, even if it will not stick with you long after the credits roll. Nevertheless, it’s still a good watch for fans of the comic strip and anyone looking for something lightweight.

Movie Review: 3/5 atoms

Video

The Garfield Movie is available on Blu-ray with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC HD presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. As with most CG-animated films on Blu-ray, the picture quality is excellent. First of all, the contrast is impeccable, with bright, crisp highlights and deep, dark shadows. Moreover, the film’s lively and colorful palette shines as the colors pop from the screen. Also, the level of detail in this Blu-ray release is impressive. Even the most minor elements, such as individual strands of fur and blades of grass, look sharp and well-defined.

Video Review: 5/5 atoms

Audio

The Garfield Movie is available on Blu-ray with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio presentation. The audio mix in The Garfield Movie is impressive. The placement of sounds to the action is precise, as sound moves that accurately match the events on screen. This is particularly evident in the scene where Garfield, Odie, and Vic fall through the vent pipes at Lactose Farms.

The instruments are beautifully layered across the soundstage from the beginning, giving you an idea of what’s to come. However, it’s worth noting that this occurs when the score plays independently. When other sound effects or vocals are introduced, the score is cleverly adjusted to the front of the mix to avoid competing with the dynamic sound effects around the soundstage.

Dialogue is crystal clear throughout the movie, and the low-frequency effects in this mix are abundant and well-executed. Whether the sound effects, music, or the deep voices of actors like Ving Rhames, the subwoofer delivers a satisfying bass that adds depth and rumble to the subwoofer.

Audio Review: 5/5 atoms

Special Features

The Garfield Movie hits Blu-ray with the following bonus features on the disc:

• Indoor Cat, Outdoor Adventure
• Cast of Critters
• Gag Reel
• Easter Eggs: Garnishes à la Garfield
• Deleted Scene – “I’m Back” Animatic, featuring Hannah Waddingham
• How-to-Draw’s
  • Garfield, Odie & Jon
  • Vic, Otto, Jinx, Roland & Nolan
• Concept Art & Animation
  • Animation Progression Reel
  • Character & Environment Gallery

Features Assessment

“Indoor Cat” is an EPK-style featurette that briefly examines how the filmmakers brought Garfield into 2024. While brief, it provides insight into the creative process behind modernizing this classic character. Similarly, “Cast of Critters” is another short, EPK-style featurette that introduces the voice actors behind the key characters in the film. It’s a straightforward feature that offers a glimpse into what brought these characters to life. The gag reel is easily the best feature in this release. It’s genuinely funny and a must-see for anyone who enjoys watching bloopers.

“Easter Eggs” is a featurette where director Mark Dindal takes viewers on a tour of the various Easter eggs hidden throughout the film. Another notable inclusion is a deleted scene that adds visual animatics to Hannah Waddingham’s song “I’m Back,” which can be heard in the end credits.

If you have an interest in art and animation, then be sure to check out the “How to Draw” featurette. It’s more than just a straightforward tutorial. This feature demonstrates how to draw these characters and explores the thought process behind their designs. Additionally, “Concept Art and Animation” will appeal to aspiring animators. This featurette briefly overviews the entire filmmaking process, from initial storyboards to the final animated product.

Special Features Review: 2.5/5 atoms

Overall, The Garfield Movie delivers a fun, albeit forgettable, experience with vibrant animation and heartwarming moments. The video and audio presentations are top-notch, but despite some entertaining features, the special features are still lacking.

Overall Review: 4/5 atoms

The Garfield Movie hits stores on Blu-ray on August 27th.

This Blu-ray was provided by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for review purposes.

The post The Garfield Movie – Blu-ray Review appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

The chemistry among the trio of heroes—Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Monica Rambeau—is undeniably the film’s highlight. Their interactions are a source of relentless amusement and the embodiment of a more profound connection that transcends their powers. DaCosta masterfully captures their quirks and strengths, crafting scenes that are as heartwarming and exhilarating. The seamless blend of humor, empathy, and action underscores the narrative, making their dynamic entertaining and profoundly impactful.

Amid the spectacle, the Khan family stands as the emotional anchor of the film. Their portrayal is a heartfelt ode to the complexities and joys of familial bonds, lending a relatable depth to the superhero saga. The Khans bring warmth and authenticity, reminding us that at the heart of every hero lies the universal desire for belonging and acceptance. Their inclusion is a testament to DaCosta’s commitment to grounding fantastical tales in real-world sentiments, enriching the film’s overarching message.

Unfortunately, the film stumbles when it comes to Dar-Benn, as she comes across as one-dimensional and lifeless. This lack of depth in the villain’s character arc starkly contrasts with the vibrancy of the protagonists, resulting in a missed opportunity to explore more nuanced conflicts and motivations.

Overall, The Marvels excels in portraying heroism intertwined with personal growth and camaraderie. The film may falter with its antagonist, but it more than compensates with its spectacular action, heartfelt character dynamics, and a narrative that champions the power of unity and friendship. DaCosta’s vision for this installment not only entertains but also reaffirms the enduring appeal of the superhero genre.

Movie Review: 3/5 atoms

Video

The Marvels hits Ultra HD Blu-ray with an upscaled 4K, HEVC / H.265, HDR10 presentation with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The 4K upscaled resolution (from the original 2K DI source) highlights more detail in the film’s visuals, from character costumes to expansive set pieces. Brightness levels are well-calibrated, ensuring the image pops where necessary, particularly in scenes in the various vibrant worlds that Carol, Monica, and Kamala visit. Black levels are deep and consistent, contributing to a sense of depth and dimensionality in darker scenes without any crush.

The HDR10 presentation highlights the vibrant color palette. The colors are rich and deep, with saturation that enhances the look of the film’s diverse settings and character costumes. As a result, it makes the imagery strikingly vivid. Visual effects gain clarity and definition, enhancing the visual impact of action sequences. However, the difference might not be equally noticeable in all scenes thanks to the softness of some of the film’s visual effects.

Video Review: 5/5 atoms

Audio

The Marvels hits Blu-ray with a Dolby Atmos or a 7.1 Dolby TrueHD audio presentation if Atmos is not supported. This review will cover the Blu-ray’s Dolby Atmos mix. The audio offers a detailed, albeit static, soundstage where high-intensity action sounds and quieter dialogue moments are well balanced. Also, the surround sound and atmospheric effects are accurate, allowing for a detailed soundstage where every sound element occupies a distinct space. Plus, the use of overhead channels is effective, particularly in action sequences, adding depth to the audio experience. The score benefits from the enhanced audio format, adding to the film’s emotional and dramatic scenes. Dialogue remains clear, ensuring every word is intelligible, even amidst the most chaotic scenes.

Audio Review: 4.5/5 atoms

Special Features

The Ultra HD disc of The Marvels only includes the audio commentary by Nia DaCosta and Tara DeMarco. You can find the following bonus features on the HD Blu-ray disc, along with the audio commentary.:

• Entangled
• The Production Diaries
• Gag Reel
• Deleted Scenes
  • Captain-in-Residence
  • It’s Under Control
  • Space Yoga
  • The Chase

Features Assessment

Entangled is an engaging Electronic Press Kit (EPK) style behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film—including interviews from the cast and crew. True to her standout performance in the movie, Iman Vellani steals the show in this mini-featurette as her charisma and contagious enthusiasm shine through.

Production Diaries offer a captivating peek behind the curtain, providing a snapshot of the day-to-day life on set. Nevertheless, the shortness of the featurette might make some fans feel shortchanged. Gag Reel may be brief, but it delivers a delightful dose of fun, showcasing the cast’s off-screen chemistry. As you might expect, the deleted scenes are a collection of moments that didn’t make the final cut. Each scene offers something unique, providing fans additional context or character development. 

In the audio commentary, director Nia DaCosta and VFX supervisor Tara DeMarco offer an in-depth look into the film’s visual effects and production intricacies—discussing the technical and creative challenges. While at times informative, the commentary is marked by occasional gaps of silence, punctuated by moments where both commentators share their favorite scenes. DaCosta’s commentary also demonstrates that she’s a passionate fan of the superhero genre, particularly highlighting her fondness for the X-Men.

Special Features Review: 2.5/5 atoms

Overall, The Marvels is an enjoyable and entertaining journey. The film’s electrifying synergy between its heroes and the heartfelt depiction of the Khan family ultimately outweigh its cons. The audio and video quality is top-notch, although the special features are lacking.

Overall Review: 4/5 atoms

The Marvels hits stores on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on February 13th.

This Blu-ray was provided by Buena Vista Home Entertainment for review purposes.

The post The Marvels – 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

First of all, the good. The core trio of Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani are so charismatic and likable that they equally share the load of carrying the movie above water. On their own, they can make their characters shine and make their thin storylines work. Together, as a team, their relationships are incredibly playful and fun to watch. The building blocks for The Marvels have been building since 2021 with WandaVision, and seeing it all come together is pretty damn fun. Their interactions are either hilarious or heartwarming, and they simply bring out the best in each other. That said, Iman Vellani lights up the screen with her infectious, superfan personality. 

The Marvels is an entertaining and light-hearted affair that’s delightful enough to offset all the negatives that the movie has going for it.

Unfortunately, those who haven’t been keeping up with Marvel these days may be confused about what’s happening with the movie. The movie is going at such a breakneck pace that the runtime doesn’t necessarily allow casual Marvel fans to discover who these new characters are or what has happened to them since their last appearances. Nevertheless, the film’s light-hearted pace helps mask these issues, and you just go with it.

Now, for the bad. The Marvels once again feature another weak villain. They set up Zawe Ashton’s Dar-Benn as a sympathetic villain, but Ashton delivers a one-note performance, and her plight falls flat. At the same time, the movie tries to build the story as a high-stakes, end-of-the-world scenario. Still, it doesn’t feel like any stakes are involved—an unfortunate side result of the light-heartedness and speedy pace. 

Even though The Marvels isn’t everyone’s cup of team, director Nia DaCosta understood the assignment and delivered. The film provides excellent action, a charismatic cast, and genuinely joyful entertainment that offsets all negatives. The Marvels isn’t the saving grace of the MCU, but it is a step in the right direction. 

Rating: 3/5 atoms

The Marvels hits theaters on November 10th.

The post The Marvels Review – Flying Low and High appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Marvel Studios is changing gears again for Secret Invasion, giving it an espionage, political-thriller element similar to Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The series is also inspired by other thrillers from the past including The Conversation and The Third Man. Audiences will learn more about the Skrulls, and Nick Fury, getting to see more of his personal life and his deeper interactions with other MCU characters like Rhodey (Don Cheadle).

“It’s just peeling the onion and having a good time,” Jackson said during the Secret Invasion press conference. “You meet people that I know, and I never had an in-depth scene with Don. We’ve been waiting to do this for years and years and years. So it was wonderful to do and to have that little abrasive thing happen there. It’s kinda great and kinda nice to know that we have that kind of relationship, or I assumed it was that. And that’s some new information. We get other new information. We go to his house. We don’t know if it’s a condo. You got to watch to find out if I live in a condo or a real house. See if I have a yard, you know? So that kinda stuff. What kind of furniture does Nick Fury have?”

Secret Invasion Executive Producer Jonathan Schwartz came into Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige’s office to discuss adapting the Secret Invasion comic arc into a live-action series.

“Well, there are story points that people will see over the course of the series, obviously,” Feige said. “But Jonathan came into my office a number of years ago when we were thinking about what kinds of shows to do on Disney Plus. And he came in with this idea of translating the great Secret Invasion storyline from the comics into a darker, grittier spy show, which we hadn’t done. And we love to do different genres for everything, and this was an attempt to really dive back into things we touched upon in The Winter Soldier, Captain America 2, but hadn’t in a while, and really delving into the tone of a spy show. And seeing a very different dynamic between Fury and Talos than we had seen in sort of our ’90s buddy action movie, Captain Marvel.”

Ali Selim is the director of all the episodes for Secret Invasion, and his TV directing credits include Criminal Minds, Peacock’s The Calling, AMC’s 61st Street, Discovery’s Manhunt and more.

“Well, I think it’s a very human show,” Selim said. “It’s the Nick Fury story. He’s a human. He does have his own version of superpowers, but they’re not like superhero superpowers. And it’s a story about him putting his feet back on the ground once again after some time. And I like that because I like human stories that come from the heart and are human-scaled and reach for a universal appeal rather than the reverse of that.”

The director reveals which classic noir thrillers influenced the making of Secret Invasion and also how the show will shift tonally from thriller to action.

“And I liked the espionage, political-thriller element, and we went back to look at The Third Man, and The Conversation, and things like that are very grounded and really human,” Selim added. “And I hope that we brought enough of that to create the tone. Without spoiler alert, there is a point in the story where Nick Fury realizes this is his own battle, and he sort of becomes a classic American Western hero. And the tone sort of shifted in the later episodes to Nick Fury as John Wayne.”

Here’s the synopsis for Secret Invasion:

“In Marvel Studios’ new series ‘Secret Invasion,’ set in the present day MCU, Nick Fury learns of a clandestine invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls. Fury joins his allies, including Everett Ross, Maria Hill and the Skrull Talos, who has made a life for himself on Earth. Together they race against time to thwart an imminent Skrull invasion and save humanity.”

The show is created by Kyle Bradstreet and directed by Ali Selim. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Cobie Smulders, Martin Freeman, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, and Don Cheadle.

Secret Invasion releases on Disney+ on June 21, 2023, and will consist of six episodes.

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