Astro Boy

I like to go through a little bit of post-Oscars decompression wherein I watch movies that are closer to the fun side of the spectrum. Thankfully, there a few new popcorn flicks out on DVD and ripe for rental, and though there's one nominee in the mix, it's still an easy one to watch.

Did You Hear About the Morgans?

Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker star in romantic comedy Did You Hear About the Morgans? as a married but separated couple who witness a murder and have to go into the witness protection program. The NYC residents and staunch city slicker stereotypes are shipped off to Montana, to their extreme discomfort, where they of course reconnect. It's an entirely predictable plot, but it makes a decent rental if you're a rom-com lover.

The DVD extras include a blooper reel, deleted scenes, and commentary track with the director and Parker and Grant.

13%

The Princess and the Frog

Disney's latest animated film, The Princess and the Frog may not have won the Oscar, but the tale, of a princess who falls for a frog (really a dashing prince) is a sweet one. It may be intended for a younger audience, but Disney's movies rarely disappoint — especially since the '20s-set flick is a jazzy musical, with not one but two tunes that were up for best original song this year.

Extras on the DVD include deleted scenes, a music video by Ne-Yo, a "Princess Portraits" game, and featurettes such as one about the movie's return to hand-drawn animation.

85%

Check out one more new release when you read more

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a press release today, announcing that 20 films have been submitted for Best Animated Film consideration at this year's Oscars. This means there could be five movies competing at the awards show in March. (In the history of the category, there have typically been only three.) So who is up for the honor?

Some are obvious choices. Up, for example, comes as no surprise thanks to its huge accolades. I also think Coraline stands a chance, as well as Fantastic Mr. Fox (look for my review on Friday!). But Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel seems like a long shot — even though it hasn't hit theaters yet, so I'm just making an early prediction. (Sorry, Alvin.)

With 10 movies in the Best Picture category, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these films end up with more than one nomination. Check out the full list of animated film contenders, and tell me which you think is most deserving of an Oscar when you read more

Back at Comic-Con I was treated to a sneak peek at Astro Boy, Summit's CG-animated film based on the Japanese TV series. At the time, the movie was overshadowed by New Moon anticipation, but I finally got a chance to see the cool, futuristic trailer without distraction.

Freddie Highmore voices the title character, a boy robot who's been engineered to perfection with all kinds of fun gadgets. Things seem to be going fine for Astro and his pals (including Cora, voiced by Kristen Bell) until the evil Dr. Elefun (Bill Nighy) decides the robo-boy would be a perfect addition to his army. Just like geeksugar, I've got a soft spot for robots, so I'm diggin' this pint-sized superhero. Check out the trailer and let me know if you agree.

To see the trailer, just read more