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What to Rent: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 25 May 2010 07:30:00 PDT

In this week's DVD releases, you have three very different genres, but they do have one thing in common: they're all based on books. Take a look!

Dear John

The Nicholas Sparks adaptation follows an army guy (Channing Tatum) and college girl (Amanda Seyfried) who find love one Summer, and embark on a long-distance relationship via a series of letters. I was fully hoping to be swept off my feet by the Sparks story a la The Notebook, but unfortunately, the actors could only do so much with the film's contrived plot. Rent it for Richard Jenkins's performance - and to watch Tatum act all sensitive (awww). Bonus extras include alternate scenes and an outtake reel.

29%

True Blood: The Complete Second Season

If you haven't already noticed all of the coverage right here on BuzzSugar, the True Blood phenomenon is at a fever pitch as the show approaches its third season. HBO has been releasing a series of minisodes and clever ad campaigns, but if you really want to get prepped, the entire second season comes out this week to get you up-to-date on the neck-biting, shape-shifting madness. Bonus extras include audio commentaries with the cast and crew and "The Vampire Report," a campy half-hour news show.

One more DVD to check out when you

read more. The Road Warning: The Road is a bleak and depressing end-of-the-world tale, much like the Cormac McCarthy novel on which it is based. You may not want to rent it to just kill a couple hours on your Saturday, but the film's solid execution and a fantastic performance by Viggo Mortensen make it worth considering. Mortensen plays Man, a father to a young boy who is traveling with his son to the South in the midst of apocalyptic street gangs and a treacherous environment that can no longer sustain life. When his fortitude and his humanity are tested, we feel his frustration; more importantly, his moral dilemmas get us to think as the viewers. Bonus extras include deleted and extended scenes. 75%

Who Is the Best Dramatic Actor of 2009?

BuzzSugar — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:30:56 PST

The men in my dramatic actors poll can sing, dance, put on accents and inhabit legendary figures like second nature - and how I enjoyed watching them this year. Some have started bringing home the nominations, but until we find out who gets the statues, vote on who you think was the best dramatic actor of 2009.

Don't forget to vote on all of my Best of 2009 polls!

Watch, Pass, or Rent: Me and Orson Welles & The Road

PopSugarTV — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:01:00 PST

Zac Efron shines in Me and Orson Welles, and Viggo Mortensen's performance in The Road is sparking Oscar buzz.

Taylor Strips Down, Eclipse Has a Release Date, a Peek at Tonight's Glee and Our Holiday Weekend Movie Reviews!

Molly — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:28:28 PST

Taylor Lautner strips down and gushes about the other Taylor while Eclipse gets an official release date. Zac Efron shares his bungee jumping video and Glee is back tonight before an upcoming four-month hiatus. Plus, check out our Watch, Pass or Rent reviews of Me and Orson Welles and The Road. Happy day before Thanksgiving - Watch PopSugar Rush now!

Taylor's Shirtless Shoot, Glee's Madonna Tease, & Watch, Pass, or Rent!

PopSugarTV — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:28:10 PST

Taylor Lautner takes his shirt off in a behind-the-scenes video for his Rolling Stone cover shoot, the Glee kids sing Madonna before the show goes on hiatus, and we review Me and Orson Welles and The Road in this week's Watch, Pass, or Rent!

Video of Shirtless Taylor & Eclipse News

PopSugarTV — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:30:23 PST

Taylor Lautner shows off his abs during a photo shoot for the new issue of Rolling Stone, and Eclipse finally has a release date! And later on PopSugar Rush, see a preview performance from tonight's Glee and find out if Me and Orson Welles and The Road are worth watching!

The Road: A Bleak Journey That Will Haunt You

Lauren Bradshaw — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:00:00 PST

It's not that I was expecting a film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's The Road to be happy sunshine - I just wasn't expecting it to seem so possible.

The apocalyptic tale takes place in a wasteland in the future after most humans are gone. It's desolate, the sky is a brownish-gray, and the land seems to be covered with ash. Unlike showy 2012, this is an end-of-the-world tale stripped down, which makes it all the more realistic and chilling.

To see what I mean, just

read more. We meet Man (Viggo Mortensen) and Boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a father and son making their way down south because they can't survive another Winter in this ominous setting. (Charlize Theron plays their wife and mother through a series of flashbacks). With a meager amount of food left on the planet, the select few people remaining (and there aren't many) will basically kill for supplies - or turn to cannibalism for sustenance. If this sounds like a horror film, it's because it pretty much is one. In fact, it's the worst, most plausible kind: one that explores the evils of humanity. I'm sure many viewers won't be able to (or won't want to) stomach the subject matter, but the film is worth seeing thanks to the relationship between the father and son. In terms of plot, there isn't a ton that happens, and most of the action involves bumping into new strangers, like an elderly man (Robert Duvall) and a threatening gang. Some may find the lack of events monotonous, but this is why father and son are so important. Man is an average Joe who questions how far he'll go to keep Boy safe and what that means for his conscience; Boy is an innocent who still looks for good in people. The film obviously raises questions about the nature of who we are when tested - but the story is ultimately about their relationship. As Man, Viggo Mortensen gives a mesmerizing performance that should bring his name up around awards season, and Smit-McPhee as his son is a great child actor, especially given the dark subject matter. If you're a McCarthy fan or even just a fan of great acting, you'll want to check this one out. But, I'd suggest saving it for next week - after you find your Thanksgiving warm fuzzies somewhere else.

If you'd like to review a movie you've seen recently, check out the Movie Reviews Group in community. I may even feature your critique on the site!

Charlize Hits the Road With Her Mom and Stuart

PopSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:30:58 PST

Charlize Theron stepped out for the LA premiere of The Road last night with Stuart Townsend and mom Gerda by her side. Her hair and wardrobe were light, but Charlize spiced things up with a deep red pout. Those lips sadly won't be getting anywhere near Johnny Depp in the near future - he's in talks to sign on to The Tourist, which Charlize dropped out of last month only to have Angelina Jolie pick up the role.

For more photos from the premiere just read more.

View 15 Photos ›

Which November Movie Do You Want to See the Most?

BuzzSugar — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:30:21 PST

There are only two months to go in 2009, which means Hollywood is quickly rolling out the rest of its heavy-hitters. November offers up a wide selection of comedy, drama, action and indie, but tell me - which film is at the top of your list?

Buzz's Picks For Fall Movies: Dramas

BuzzSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:30:22 PDT

I've already given you guys a look at the comedies and romance flicks that are on my radar for Fall, but now it's time to tackle the heavier stuff: the dramas. There are definitely a few Oscar contenders in this list, so check 'em out.

Photos courtesy of Fox Searchlight, Sony Picture Classics, IMDB, and Lionsgate