Abduction DVD & Blu-Ray UK Release Date

27. December 2011

In Abduction we see Twilight’s Taylor Lautner take on a new and more starring role with a bit more action than an over sensitive werewolf. Trying out a bit of “proper acting” Lautner really comes into his own as Nathan, the lead in this stylish and action packed thriller.

Starting out as your typical high school party, trouble with girls and parents teen movie, the plot quickly takes a turn one evening after said girl, his long term crush Karen, comes over to work on a school project. It’s here that things really get interesting! The pair discover a page online that ages the photos of missing or abducted children and as they browse through the pictures they discover a young boy who looks scarily like our hero. When they age the photograph they are even more shocked to find that it is nearly an exact match.

Calling the number on the site to find out more, Nathan finds that he is asked probing questions and very quickly his cosy little lifestyle is turned upside down. Heading out on the run with Karen and not knowing who he can trust anymore, Nathan decides he can trust nobody.  With potential enemies everywhere he turns, he must find out what the secret of his childhood actually is – and who is on his side.

Fast paced and exciting with more twists than you could shake one of Lautner’s dumbbells at, this is one film that will keep you guessing until the end. Not just a film for Twilight fans to indulge in another fix, but rather a thrilling race for survival and the truth of a young man’s history. Brilliantly cast, the movie maintains its pace and particularly seems to be a very effective gateway for Taylor Lautner to head into more serious roles in his life after Twilight.

Abduction will be released on the 13th February 2012 and is available to pre-order here.

DVD, Movies

Contagion UK Release Date

18. December 2011

Admittedly, there are more than enough viral/apocalyptic movies out there, but none are as convincing or as tense as Contagion! The very nature of the movie isn’t to throw in some cliché hero that saves the day, nor is it to be a Hollywood disaster movie that sees humanity fighting together to save the earth. Nope, Contagion tells it how it is.

With a highly contagious virus infecting the planets population at an alarming rate, it becomes a desperate struggle for survival as scientists work relentlessly on a cure, whilst humanity panics and turns to widespread looting. This movie doesn’t have a problem with revealing the animalistic behaviour that resides in us all - that need to survive no matter what! You’ll see people robbed of their possessions, people exploiting the disease for money and general chaos as the world is threatened with a disease that seemingly can’t be stopped. Amongst all the panic and greed are several intertwining stories, each of which is compelling enough to see you through to the end.

Contagion isn’t short of a few big names, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne and Jude Law in particular, but that doesn’t mean that it is corrupted with hammy dialogue, explosions, 2012 survival moments and more explosions. On the contrary, it’s a tense drama with subtle hints to leave you thinking if the end really is the end.

Needless to say, if you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary virus movie that manages to place you in a realistic setting and let you watch as society crumbles around you, then by Jove you need to get your hands on Contagion! If not, well, there are plenty of nonsensical Hollywood movies out there, full to the brim with all the CGI you could ask for.

Contagion is coming soon to Blu-ray and DVD on the 5th March 2012 and is available to pre-order here.

DVD, Movies

Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1

16. December 2011

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you just how popular the Twilight movies have become! Whether you have read the book or not, there is no denying that the Twilight movies are awesome and do have an original take on the whole idea of vampires. Breaking Dawn is no exception and whilst it sees a screaming hybrid baby making its way onto the screen alongside Edward and Bella, the movie still retains that atmosphere that has made it such a sensation with the older fans.

Breaking Dawn begins with that humour it seemed to suddenly acquire in New Moon and as the movie progresses the atmosphere becomes much darker and tense as Quileute wolves vs. Cullen coven confront each other and Bella ends up fighting desperately for her life. Of course I won’t give away too much for those of you who have yet to watch this brilliant movie, but with the carefully selected soundtrack and incredibly awesome visuals, combined with a powerful story and even a wedding, you really won’t be disappointed – even if you’re not an 18 year old girl waiting for the most anticipated sex scene of our times!

Sure, I’d be out of my mind to say the Twilight saga is the best take on vampires the world has ever known, since movies like Interview With a Vampire and Stake Land exist! But if you can see past the sparkles and other not-so-familiar vampire traits and concentrate on the captivating story, then opening your mind up to the Twilight saga may be more impressive than you think! The casts acting skills are generally underrated, but thankfully in this movie we see there is more to them than just posing in front of the camera!

Twilight: Breaking Dawn will soon be released on the 12th March 2012 and if you’re a huge Twilight fan then you owe it to yourself to pre-order it now!

DVD, Movies

Game of Thrones Season 1 UK Release Date

12. December 2011

Made up of several intertwining storylines, betrayal and warriors comes a series that ends you on a cliffhanger with every heart pounding episode. Yep, it could only be the Blu-Ray and DVD boxset release of Game of Thrones! Hitting shelves everywhere on the 5th March 2012, this series will blow you away, regardless of whether or not you’ve read George R.R. Martin's fantasy novels which the series is ultimately based upon.

With Game of Thrones being a world away from the usual, over-theatrical, lighthearted fantasies out there, you’re sure to love every twist and turn along the way. Familiar faces such as Sean Bean and Peter Dinklage make their way onto the series and give more than brilliant performances!

I shall not give away too much in terms of story because there are a lot of twists, especially towards the end! So with that being said, the story is mainly regarding several houses which all have a thirst for the throne – in particular, those awful Lannisters! If you’re expecting big bloody battles from episode 1 and throughout, then you’ll probably be disappointed. Though there are a few awesome fight scenes, the series isn’t your typical watered down, no brainer medieval fantasy. Instead it’s a compelling story with more than enough likeable characters to see you grow attached to.

Overall, Game of Thrones has to be one of the best dramas ever to make its way out of HBO. Admittedly if you haven’t read the books then the first two episodes will feel a little hard to follow, but after that I can assure you that you’ll be hooked! With shocking death scenes and a series finale that you won’t want to miss, Game of Thrones is a must-have for anyone looking to be engrossed in a story.

Pre-order your copy here!

DVD, Movies

The Change Up UK Release Date

7. December 2011

When it comes to the idea of two unsuspecting individuals swapping bodies, well, let’s just say the idea isn’t exactly new. However, what The Change Up manages to bring to the table is a subtle lesson in life, a change of lifestyles rather than a change in appearance, and an insane amount of humour to please just about everyone!

The story is relatively simple to follow. On the one hand we’ve got Mitch Planko (played by Ryan Reynolds) who is a foul mouthed, lazy ladies man who every now and then may turn up to an audition. Dave Lockwood (played by Jason Bateman) on the other hand, is a hard working man who is tied down with marriage, kids and barely has time for himself, let alone his wife! When the two friends decide to meet up for a night out, it ultimately ends in them both urinating in a public fountain whilst wishing for each others lives. Of course, the rest is obvious and the movie becomes an exploration into the pros and cons of each others lives. The lesson learned is a fine one and if you have enjoyed any other body swap movie before, then you’ll absolutely love this!

The Change Up manages to combine the usual crude, sarcastic humour witnessed in just about every Ryan Reynolds movie, with the witty elements Jason Bateman is famous for. Each character plays their part perfectly and it’s not long before you’re more involved in the movie than you originally set out to be.

Okay, so it may not be the most original movie idea in the world, but it definitely manages to sit above the rest and if you’re after the perfect comedy with a hint of Hangover in there, then bag yourself The Change Up! It’s set to be released on the 23rd January 2012 and is available to pre-order here.

DVD, Movies