Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas in "The Jonas Brothers 3-D Concert Experience"
courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment
“Three Jonas Brothers in 3-D”

In order to get the full effect of a Jonas Brothers Concert you have to either see it live or in 3-D. The new DVD “Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience” makes you feel as if you were really at the concert(s). The Jonas Brothers are the latest pop phenomenon to sweep the country. Raised on Disney productions and made to appeal to the pre-teen teenyboppers, this group stars in the G rated “Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience.” As far as pop heroes go, this group is welcomed by parents because they are so G rated.

This DVD is basically what it says it is going to be – a concert. There are some scenes between numbers but they pass quickly and don’t divert from the Jonas Brothers performances. Kevin, Joe and Nick play instruments, sing and dance with gusto.

Joe is the main man of the group. He is my granddaughter Genna’s favorite and I expect the rest of America’s. He sings lead on most of the songs and seems to know how to woo the audience through looks and actions. Kevin and Nick have their turns in the spotlight but it is Joe who looks to be the breakout star.

Joe also spends the most time with Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift when they drop by for a musical number each. Lovato doesn’t have much of a voice but she appears to be a sweet young girl. Swift has stage presence and can sell a song. In the world of country music she probably has more fans than the Jonas Brothers.

A few songs are distinctive but most of them fade into each other. The personalities of the guys are not demonstrated beyond the selling of the songs. The interludes are mostly the Jonases waving to the crowds or racing between events.

The 3D effect (available on the DVD) does add to the overall enjoyment of the movie as it makes there be something other than just a line of songs. Genna says it looks like you can just reach out and touch Joe. I think that was the intent.

Jada Pinkett Smith is currently starring in the new TNT series “Hawthorne.” She is excellent in that show and shows amazing acting ability. But there are many sides to this young woman and she shows them in the new movie “The Human Contract.” Although she doesn’t star in this drama, she did write and direct it.

Jason Clarke and Paz Vega co-star in this tale about a man on the brink of a bright career move, who gets involved with a woman who sends him off in another direction. This romance/seduction turns his life on its head and makes him re-examine who and what he is.

This is a totally engrossing movie that also features the dynamic Idris Elba. The acting by this solid cast plus Pinkett Smith’s writing and direction make this one a winner. Watch Pinkett Smith in “Hawthorne” but also make sure to get the DVD of “The Human Contract” to observe her writing and directorial skills.

Jack Lemmon was also a talented actor and his many movies and awards prove that fact. Out on DVD is “The Jack Lemmon Film Collection” which presents Mr. Lemmon in five movies. They all show a unique side to his personality and abilities.

The five movies are “Phffft!” “Operation Mad Ball,” “The Notorious Landlady,” “Under the Yum Yum Tree” and “Good Neighbor Sam.” These are not the best known of Lemmon’s movies but they do feature some of his best performances.

If you remember Lemmon’s career then you will want to travel down memory lane with these features; if you aren’t familiar with his work then this is a good place to start. It is “The Jack Lemmon Film Collection.” Get it!

How would you like a mystery that is played out with great musical numbers? That is the hook of the new DVD “Dark Streets.” It tells the story of a nightclub owner (Gabriel Mann) who is trying to solve the mystery of his father’s death/murder. Meanwhile he is caught up in a red hot love triangle with two night club singers, played by Bijou Phillips and Izabella Miko.

This movie is certainly unique and will entertain you royally. The acting is good, the storyline is inventive, and the music is fantastic. This is one of those gems you get to discover on DVD. Don’t overlook this one. You’ll regret it if you do.

Finally there is “Eastbound & Down,” the HBO comedy series that stars the always controversial Danny McBride. In the six episodes of the series presented here he plays Kenny Powers, a has been Major League pitcher who is hoping for a comeback.

Kenny goes home to North Carolina and takes a job with the local school system but he is soon wreaking havoc there. He is a man unbridled and he creates chaos just by being alive.

Will Ferrell makes a cameo appearance and is funnier than we have seen him be in any of his latest movies. There are also commentaries and special extras. For some laugh out loud fun get the DVD of “Eastbound & Down.”
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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