It could turn into a catastrophe when you take an old story and try to remake it for modern times. In this case, The Jim Henson Company is taking classic fables and compiling them in a series called “Unstable Fables”. To their benefit, they have found a way to take these cherished fables and turn them into hilarious CGI films that adults and kids can enjoy. Their previous release was a funny take on the Three Little Pigs called Three Pigs and A Baby. This time, they take on the fable Tortoise and the Hare and titled it Tortoise vs. Hare. Just out on DVD today, this computer animated film stars the voice talents of Danny Glover (Tortoise) and Jay Leno (Hare) in the lead roles. The film takes place 15 years after Hare was upset by Tortoise in that world famous race. As a rematch is about to take place, he prepares at all costs to reclaim his honor by beating Tortoise. It was funny watching these two go at it while waiting to see who will be victorious. With most animated films, the comedy here is not “dumbed down”, so there are parts that adults can find funny, while kids might not “get it”. But for the most part, it’s a film that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re an adult or child. As for the CGI in the film, I thought it was awesome. I am just not used to seeing the name "Jim Henson" attached to CGI films. I will always associate that name with talking puppets. But whoever is steering the direction of his company seems to have found the right thing to keep them moving with the times.
The DVD is out now, and included with the film are the following special features:
• The Voices Of Tortoise vs. Hare
• How To Draw A Character With Director Howard E. Baker
• Sneak Peek At The Next Unstable Fables Title – The Goldilocks and the Three Bears Show
Between the business of everyday life and my hectic schedule, I find that I have practically no time to watch TV. Even if I did have the time, I don’t think I would plop my ass on the couch and spend hours watching. However, there are some shows out there that I would probably make time for. Thanks to shows being released on DVD, it’s great to be able to own an entire season and watch at your own convenience. Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles is one show I never got the chance to watch, until its recent release on DVD. This is definitely one show I would make the time for. Having been a big fan of the original Terminator films, I found that this one stayed true to the storyline. The show follows Sarah and her son John, who’s destined to become a savior type figure that helps humans fight off robots threatening the entire race. Together they are on the run for their lives as Sarah tries to protect them from getting wiped out by killer terminators sent from the future. This is a perfect show for anyone that craves explosive action mixed with a brilliant sci-fi theme. The DVD set has three discs that contain all nine adrenaline pumping episodes from the first season. This is definitely one of the best “TV on DVD” sets released all year, making it another addition to WB’s fine catalog of home videos.
In 1999, Sixpence None The Richer was one of the biggest bands around. Their song “Kiss Me” catapulted them into the spotlight as the song made its way to the top of the charts along with appearing in the film She’s All That. That was all they needed to become household names among music fans everywhere. Even until now, you can still hear that famous guitar intro to Kiss Me leading up to Leigh Nash’s unique vocals that open the song. You don’t hear much of them these days, especially since they parted ways a few years ago. Well if you haven’t heard, they’re back together. After Leigh tried going the solo route with her album Blue on Blue, Sixpence is together again and touring as we speak. This 
past weekend they made their way to NJ. Curious at what the band was up to these days, I decided to check them out since I haven’t heard from them in a while. The venue they played was called Revelation Generation, which is a Christian music festival. What’s ironic is that “Rev Gen” is specifically a “Christian” event, and I know the members of Sixpence have mentioned while they are Christians, they’ve been against labeling themselves a “Christian band” and being lumped into the Christian music industry. So it was kind of funny walking to the stage to get ready for the show and passing tons of Christian merchandise, otherwise known as “Jesus Junk”. Well when the time came for the band to finally come on stage, the audience welcomed them with a huge applause. They went through a set that included some songs off their latest album, some from Leigh’s solo album, and obviously fan favorites such as There She Goes and Kiss Me. They really gave the fans their money’s worth as they sounded just as good live, if not better,
than how they do on the radio. After hearing Leigh’s vocals soar through the crowd in each song, I say she still remains as one of the best female vocalists out there. I have never been a huge fan of the band, but after hearing them perform live, I came out with a better appreciation of their sound and am looking forward to their future projects.
Is there anything bad you can say about this show? I mean, when I watch it, it feel like its damn near perfect. The story is just as good as any blockbuster superhero film and the acting is top notch. On top of that, the show has a massive following, so there’s no surprise why this show is such a phenomenon. With Season 3 approaching, this would be the perfect time to check out Season 2. The entire season has just been released on DVD and it is a collection that is a must have for any fan of the show. And if you haven’t had the pleasure of watching it yet? Watch one episode and you’ll be hooked. The Season 2 collection comes with an impressive 4-disc set including every episode, along with tons of extras like audio commentaries with the cast and crew, untold stories that didn’t make it on the air and an alternate ending to the season finale. And like I said, it’s a damn near perfect show to have on DVD that takes your breath away with each episode.
Check this out fellow readers. I have a copy of the hilarious new book EVERY FREAKING! DAY WITH RACHELL RAY available for giveaway. This parody of Rachel Ray's magazine is by the bestselling author of Getting In Touch With Your Inner Bitch, Elizabeth Hilts. The FIRST person to email me with a poem about Rachel Ray expressing your admiration or disgust of her wins. All you need to do is pay the postage, and it's yours. Just send your email to societys.elite@gmail.com
Good luck!
In Hollywood, we have watched heroes like Rambo and John McClane. But now there's Morgan Spurlock??? The same guy who did Super Size Me is going after the world’s most wanted terrorist: Osama. Yep, this movie director had enough balls to take himself to the Middle East and try to find Osama himself, and he documented every step of his journey. He made sure he covered all the hot spots, as he traveled to Egypt, Israel, Saudi, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Jordan and Morocco. The whole time I was watching, I expected someone to do some crazy shit and attack Morgan. It's a good thing it never happened. Ironically, the only time someone actually laid a hand on him is when he was in a Hasidic neighborhood in Israel and this old man started pushing him. In the film, Morgan actually walks the streets and communicates with the locals, so you get a first hand glimpse of what life is like over there. It’s an eye-opener to see how the people react when being asked their opinion of America. As serious as the film is, Morgan has a way of making it humorous like when he walks in a Saudi Arabian mall or in the streets of Morocco and asks random people if they know where Osama is! Their initial reactions after being asked that are priceless. Overall it’s a humorous and sobering look at how far the War on Terror has gone, leaving you at the end with more questions than answers.
Transformers Animated: Season 1 is out now on DVD!
For a kid under the age of 12, nothing is cooler than seeing Transformers on TV. These walking, talking, animated robot warriors that transform into vehicles are really inspiring to a kid. For me in the 80’s, it was the original Transformers cartoon. For this generation, they have their own version now with Transformers Animated. I’m always going to be biased to like the original better than any new series that comes out. Although it’s not the original, this new one is a pretty awesome series. The main characters like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are here like in the original. Their personalities are slightly altered a bit though. Optimus Prime seems more vulnerable in this new series than the fearless warrior he was in the original. Bumblebee now has a cockier personality than ever before, and seems more reckless too. However, even with those changes, these characters are extremely likeable. Among all the battles that the Autobots have with Decepticons and villainous humans, the show still finds the time to throw in a lot of humor, making it adventurous and funny. I give Bumblebee credit for a majority of the punch lines in the show that made me laugh. Overall, this is a show that die-hard Transformer fans can appreciate, as well as the younger generation that is now fortunate to get introduced to the robots that are “more than meets the eye".
