This week on dvd we have cancer comedy, family dysfunction, robot boxing, a brave woman doing the right thing, pretty twenty-somethings without a clue and things that go bump in the night.

Inspired by a true story, Golden Globe nominated 50/50 is a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis, and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.

Directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Will Reiser who based the film on his own experiences fighting cancer, this poignant comedy stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam, a 27-year old public radio employee who discovers he has cancer. As his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) tries to help out, his girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) proves to be a less than ideal life partner for this particular crisis. All the while, Adam's overprotective mother Diane (Anjelica Huston) tries to overcome her son's continued attempts to keep her out of his life. As Adam begins to discover how hard it is to deal with his situation, and to maintain various relationships in his life, he begins seeing a young counselor (Anna Kendrick) who might prove to be just as helpful personally as she is professionally. Matt Frewer and Philip Baker Hall co-star as Adam's fellow chemotherapy patients.

Special Features:

Audio Commentary

Deleted Scenes

The Story of 50/50

Another Happy Day was the first feature film from writer and director Sam Levinson, and received its world premiere at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival

A wedding brings together one very dysfunctional family in this dark comedy-drama. Lynn (Ellen Barkin) was married to Paul (Thomas Haden Church), but they split up on bad terms, and Lynn took custody of their daughter Alice (Kate Bosworth) while Paul got their son Dylan (Michael Nardelli). Years later, Lynn attends Dylan's wedding at Paul's estate, with her younger sons Elliott (Ezra Miller) and Ben (Daniel Yelski) in tow; Elliott is a chronically depressed drug addict and Ben prefers to look at life through a camera than confront the world head on. Meanwhile, Alice deals with her anxieties through cutting, Dylan hasn't spoken to Lynn in years, Lynn is fearful of Paul and his wife Patty (Demi Moore), Lynn's mother (Ellen Burstyn) blames her daughter for her family's many troubles, and her father (George Kennedy) is in poor health and hardly cares what's happening around him. To the surprise of no one, all this has left Lynn an emotional wreck, and she's not sure just how she's going to get through the day.

Need a diagram? Another Happy Day is the screenplay I will forever wish I’d written. I’ve been threatening to write a tell-all about my family for years. Sam Levinson beat me to it. If you can relate you’ll howl with laughter. If not, you’ll be confused.

Real Steel is about a retired pugilist, played by a ripped Hugh Jackman, who  transitions to the business side of the ropes after human boxers are replaced by robotic ones in director Shawn Levy's feature-length adaptation of the Twilight Zone episode "Steel."  I was surprised to learn that. I don’t think I read it in any of the press prior to the film’s release.

Charlie Kenton (Jackman) was a true contender when the sport of boxing was changed forever. Now, instead of humans duking it out for the masses, huge, powerful steel robots trade blows in the ring. As a result, former gladiator Charlie has been forced into the role of two-bit promoter, piecing together cut-rate fighting bots from scrap metal as he makes the rounds on the underground boxing circuit.

Just when it seems that Charlie has sunkas low as he can go, his estranged 11 year old son, Max (Dakota Goyo), offers him the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at a comeback by constructing and training a true champion. Now the stakes are higher than ever before, and Charlie is about to get a second chance at leaving an indelible mark on the sport he once dedicated his life to. 

Cue Rocky theme. 

Real Steel costars Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Hope Davis and James Rebhorn.

Special Features:

Bloopers

Making of Metal Valley

Building the Bots

Audio Commentary with Director Shawn Levy

Based on English novelist David Nicholls’ book of the same name, One Day is a romantic weepie starring Anne Hathaway as Emma and Jim Sturges as Dexter.

SYNOPSIS: After one day together – July 15th, 1988, their university graduation – Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew begin a friendship that will last a lifetime. She is a working-class girl of principle and ambition who dreams of making the world a better place. He is a wealthy charmer who dreams that the world will be his playground. For the next two decades, key moments of their relationship are experienced over several July 15ths in their lives. Together and apart, we see Dex and Em through their friendship and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. Somewhere along their journey, these two people realize that what they are searching and hoping for has been there for them all along. As the true meaning of that one day back in 1988 is revealed, they come to terms with the nature of love and life itself.

Let’s see – we’ve got Emma who is smart and Dexter who is charming. After spending one night (without having sex!) after meeting at their graduation, we see them coming together every July 15th. Through the years they grow apart as their lives take very different directions. Will they eventually be together? Dun Dun Dun…. Sounds like Same Time Next Year for the new millennium with a little When Harry Met Sally thrown in for good measure.

Director Lone Scherfig caught fire with An Education, the movie that catapulted Carey Mulligan into our hearts. Hopefully this is just a sophomore slump and her next feature will return engaging storytelling.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Feature Commentary with Director Lone Scherfig

Deleted Scenes

Em and Dex: Through the Years

Anne Hathaway: Bringing Emma to Life

The Look of One Day

Inspired by real events, writer/director Larysa Kondracki's intense docudrama, The Whistleblower, tells the tale of an American policewoman (Rachel Weisz) who uncovers evidence of human trafficking while assisting a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. Nebraska cop Kathy Bolkovac is caught in the middle of a vicious custody battle with her ex-husband when she seizes the opportunity to make a quick $100,000 tax-free (yeah, I get being tempted by that) by spending six months in Bosnia as a U.N. peacekeeper. Shortly after her arrival in Bosnia, Human Rights Commission head Madeleine Rees (Vanessa Redgrave in her other great performance of 2011) promotes her to the U.N.'s Gender Office, where she begins studying sexual-assault cases. But when Kathy discovers that her fellow peacekeepers are involved in a human-trafficking ring, the ensuing controversy makes her the target of some very powerful — and incredibly ruthless — people.

Costarring Benedict Cumberbatch, David Strathairn, Monica Bellucci and Nikolaj Lie Kass, The Whistleblower is an an important film that doesn’t make the misstep of seeming too “earnest”. Rachel Weisz gives another powerful performance (and in any other year would have been nominated for it, but no one saw The Whistleblower and the little bit of awards buzz she got has long sinced faded.) It’s an engrossing story all the more horrifying because it’s true. I can heartily recommend this one.

Special Feature

Cast & Crew Interviews

Paranormal Activity 3, whose tagline is “It Runs In The Family”,  is more of a prequel than a sequel. It stars Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden, Christopher Nicholas Smith, Lauren Bittner, Chloe Csengery, Jessica Tyler Brown and  Dustin Ingram.

In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity who resides in their home, the same home that will be the subject of Paranormal Activity (1). The directing duo of Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (Catfish) taking on the helming duties from a script by the returning team of Christopher Landon and Oren Peli.

I have to wonder if there’s anyone left who had any interest in this that hasn’t already seen it. From a budget of $5M, this thing grossed more than $200M worldwide.  (I’m sure that among those that have, there will be a lot of repeat viewers. Their target demographic will buy it and wear out their copies.)

Blu-ray Special Features

Original theatrical version of the film

Unrated version of the film

Lost Tapes

DVD Special Features

Unrated version of the Film

Digital copy of unrated version—compatible with iTunes® and Windows Media

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To be honest, these new images from Jim Field Smith's (She's Out of My League) latest, titled simply, Butter, aren’t all about Hugh Jackman but, I figured you could use a little Hugh to get your Hump Day started.

The first time I heard that someone had made a movie about a butter carving competition, I have to say I was skeptical. Since then I've heard nothing but good things, even if it wasn’t the phenomenon that Harvey Weinstein was hoping for.  It stars Jennifer Garner as over-achieving type A Laurie Pickler in a comedy set in the Midwest U.S., where an adopted girl (Yara Shahidi) discovers her talent for butter carving and finds herself pitted against an ambitious local woman (Garner) in their town's annual contest.

The Weinstein Company launched a viral site where you can also view the clip below as part of a "campaign ad" for Laurie Pickler for Governor. Her slogan: "For the Little People", and  includes buttons for Laurie's Facebook and Twitter pages. Inspired marketing I must say, even if the hoped for comparisons to Michelle Bachman and or Sarah Palin are now moot.

Also starring Hugh Jackman, Ty Burrell, Olivia Wilde, Kristen Schaal, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Rob Corddry, Phyllis Smith and Pruitt Taylor Vince,  Butter will be released March 16, 2012.

source

"Ignore that guy in the background," as Modern Family star, Sofia Vergara, 39, strikes a pose tall and centre while attending the Monika Chiang LA Store Opening on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA on October 10, 2011.  Sofia is the toast of the event in this simple, yet elegant, black body hugging dress with black and gold clutch and gold band bracelet.  (Try saying that five times.)   And to think that when Sofia was first starting out in Hollywood, she was told to lose weight.  Hah! Look who's smiling now!

Accompanied by his gorgeous wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, 42, it's nice to see actor Michael Douglas, 67, looking the picture of perfect health when they attended the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) last night where he was presented with the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film by none other than his Dad, Kirk Douglas.  Catherine sparkled in a beaded chiffon purple shift with gold strappy shoes with jewel-encrusted clutch.  Michael is equally dazzling in his black single-breasted evening suit.  And the only accessory he needs, is lovely Catherine.

Showing off her post-baby figure, and rightfully so, is Jessica Alba, when she attended the Giorgio Armani/Vanity Fair private dinner in Los Angeles, California on October 11, 2011.  Jessica, 30, kept it simple but elegant in black trousers and black shirt topped with white blazer, accessorized with snake skin clutch and shoes.  And the just right amount of gold jewelry completes the look.  No matter the occasion, Jessica knows how to nail it.   Hey ladies, to get her look, visit ehow.com.

Meanwhile, across the pond Aussies invade Buckingham Palace.   The Queen held the A-list bash prior to her leaving next week for an 11-day tour of Australia to open a meeting of Commonwealth leaders.  However, out of the 300+ plus who attended, two undeniably stood out the most.  Elle MacPherson, 47, (aka – and understandably – "The Body") was sleek and sexy in this blush-coloured Donna Karan number with matching handbag and pumps.  (Hmm … I'm not sure who should be the one to curtsey.  Elle or the Queen?)   In any event, Elle looks like she could be on her Majesty's Secret Service.   So I only have one question to ask … when are they going to make this woman a Bond Girl???  But ladies, also looking very 007-ish was Hugh Jackman, 43, who was quite dashing in his dark blue suit and striped tie, whom I'm sure even had the Queen feeling weak in the knees.  (Come on, Liz.  Admit it.  You know he's a keeper.)   Come to think of it, if they made Hugh Jackman the next Bond, wouldn't Elle MacPherson make a great Bond Girl?  Just sayin'.

Also looking fabulous in London, UK are model Kimora Lee, 36, and her husband, actor and model, Djimon Hounsou, 47, who attended the PUMA Creative Catalyst Awards at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hyde Park, London, on October 11, 2011.  The 36-year-old supermodel and mother of three is stunning in this little black number.  Kimora likes wearing LBDs to events.  However, this is the cutest little black dress I've seen her in.  And don't you just love the scalloped embellishment?  Not sure who the designer is, but I'm pretty sure it's not from the Baby Phat collection.  (No offence.)   And let's not forget her dapper hubby, Djimon who is equally stunning in black with black tie.   Don't they make a fabulous couple!

Definitely the most glamorous wedding guest on the list, Kate Moss, 37, attended Paul McCartney's wedding to Nancy Shevell on Sunday, October 9.  Kate wore a shimmering Lanvin metallic sheath and black stilettos with black leather clutch and kept the look classic with minimal make-up and hair pulled back.  It reminds me of how Kate looked when she first started modelling.  She appears quite content in this photo.  And it wasn't too long ago that she was also a bride.  Hmm … looks like married life is agreeing with her.  I hope so.

The most famous mother-in-law on the planet, Carole Middleton, 56, along with her husband attended a dance event in London on October 11, in aid of the British Red Cross.   The Duchess of Cambridge's mother was elegant as always dressed in a black dress and white jacket by Catherine Walker.  However, regardless of any event she attends, perhaps her most famous accessories are her toned legs.  It's easy to see where Catherine and Pippa get their good looks from.   Carole has even mastered the art of exiting a car in the most dignified and graceful manner possible.   (Perhaps that's because she knows the paparazzi are lurking about!)  

And last, but definitely not least, model and actress, Andie MacDowell, 53, attends a photocall to celebrate McDonalds-Germany's up-and-coming 40th Birthday and to support their 'Helping Hand' charity in Berlin, Germany, on October 14, 2011.  Andie is sizzling in this red hot dress and red is definitely her color.  I love how it contrasts with her hair.  While in her teens, Andie worked at McDonalds.  But something tells me she's now far removed from snacking on burgers and fries.

That's it for another week, readers.   Hope you enjoyed this week's picks.  What are your picks?  (My pick for this week:  Kimora Lee.)   Drop us a line and see you next week!

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From Dreamworks (via Collider) comes a series of new clips from Shawn Levy's rock 'em sock 'em robot boxing movie, Real Steel starring flesh and blood Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly and Anthony Mackie (who I sincerely hope is given more to do than what we see here).

Synopsis: “Real Steel stars Jackman as a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.”

The clips seem to give a lot away, but they're probably hoping that 1. we're all teenaged boys 2. we're so jazzed at the prospect of watching robots beat the sprockets out of each other we won't care about the plot. Get ready. Real Steel opens October 7 in the US, 14 October in the UK and Shawn Levy has already signed on for a sequel.

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Dreamworks has dropped four new posters, featuring the “star” robots from their new movie, Real Steel which is directed by Shawn Levy and stars Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Kevin Durand and Hope Davis. Apparently they are meant for bus shelters. I’m not kidding!

The official synopsis calls this “A future-set story where robot boxing is a popular sport and centered on a struggling promoter (Jackman) who thinks he’s found a champion in a discarded robot. During his hopeful rise to the top, he also discovers he has an 11-year-old son who wants to know his father.” *sniff*

Okay, okay enough snark. Real Steel does have a few things going for it, namely Hugh Jackman and these robots. The plot sounds unintentionally hilarious, but with robots with names like Atom, Midas, Ambush and Noisy Boy, (which sound like they came from Philip K. Dick by way of J.R. Ward), it could actually be a lot of fun. I’ll resist the urge to see it in IMAX though. Who wants to see a 12′ robot fist flying at their face?

Real Steel opens October 7 in the US and Canada and 14 October in the UK.

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Hugh Jackman 42, is the cover boy for the October, 2011 issue of Men’s Fitness Magazine and as always looks like a very delicious and delectable DILF.  And we have his incredible career to thank for that because otherwise he wouldn’t be so DILFy and more stringy:

“I don’t really enjoy training. People say it’s addictive, but I’m like, ‘Not so much,’” Jackman says. “If I weren’t getting paid or didn’t have a character like Wolverine to maintain, I would just be a tall, lean, fit guy.

Still quite possibly DILFy nonetheless. To train for the Wolverine movie he had to consume 6,000 calories a day and work his sweet DILFy buns off but it’s getting harder (pun totally intended):

“Over the past three or four years it’s gotten a lot tougher,” “I have to eat a stricter diet. I have to train even harder. I can’t get away with what I used to.”

Preach it sister. It does get harder but totally worth it. Hugh Jackman’s latest movie is Real Steel hits theatres October 7.