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Jennifer Lawrence: From Worst to Firstby Aaron Peck [teaser]I, like a lucky few, had my first experience with Jennifer Lawrence at the Sundance Film Festival when she burst onto the scene with a little movie called 'Winter's Bone.' It was easy to see she had the makings of a well-respected leading lady in Hollywood. [/teaser] Looking over Lawrence's filmography, her career is still young, but she's already one of the most popular actresses in the business. I was surprised by her confession on 'The Hunger Games' special feature where she announced that she was totally planning on doing indie movies her entire career. Couldn't you see her as a much more serious version of Parker Posey? Her star rose fast though, and before she knew it she was starring in big budget movies. I'm sure she quickly forgave herself once she discovered the kind of fame and fortune those types of franchises produce. We forgave her too, since she never really lost her indie flair. As of right now Lawrence only has starred in seven notable film releases. She has at least five other projects (including the sequels to 'X-Men: First Class' and 'The Hunger Games) in various stages of production. Since her filmography lacks the requisite number of movies to do a Top 5 / Bottom 5 article, we decided to rank them from worst to first, although, she hasn't had many "bad" movies. This is one of those rankings where it's more like "Fairly Good to First." 7. 'The Burning Plain' It wasn't lacking talent. With Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger, John Corbett, Robin Tunney, and Lawrence, this was one of those films where you looked at the cast and said, it's got to be good. Too bad writer/director Guillermo Arriaga felt like he had to clog the screenplay and visuals with far too much symbolism for his own good. It's a pretty confusing, and often, tiresome film. It's heaviness bogs down an otherwise very capable ensemble cast (Note: To be fair, fellow High-Def Digest reviewer M. Enois Duarte gave the movie a very favorable score in his Blu-ray review). 6. 'The Beaver' Okay, everybody take a deep breath and say it with me one more time, "Finally!" I never really bought into the whole, "Mel Gibson Talking to a Beaver" gimmick so 'The Beaver' never really resonated with me. While that was the main draw for the film I felt like the real reason to watch were the performances surround Gibson's like Lawrence, Yelchin, and Jodie Foster. 5. 'The Poker House' This is actually a small movie you might never have heard of, but it has a few good performances from young actresses. You'll be able to see a strong performance by Selma Blair, a subtly commanding performance from Lawrence, and a young Chloe Grace Moretz showing what she's capable of as an actress. The movie's drawback is that it's an auto-biographical tale courtesy of actress-turned-director Lori Petty, so the movie tends to wander around aimlessly instead of staying focused. 4. 'Like Crazy' If you haven't seen 'Like Crazy' then you should. Although I will warn people that don't like quirky indie romantic comedies that this movie may not be for them. This is another movie that took Sundance by storm. Lawrence isn't the main star here, as the movie focuses more on the characters played by Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones, but it's still a movie worth seeing if you like her work. 3. 'The Hunger Games' When people were throwing around their guesses for 'Hunger Games' casting once the project was announced I immediately thought Lawrence would be the perfect choice for Katniss and I'd never even read the books. I was simply going off of the characteristics my wife had told me. She's strong, resourceful, stands up to authority, fights for her family etc. After seeing 'Hunger Games' I couldn't help but draw many parallels between Lawrence as Katniss and her as young Ree in 'Winter's Bone.' She gives an extremely strong performance here and makes everyone around her better for it. She's so compelling in the role that it's easy to forget how average some of the other acting is (I won't name names). 2. 'X-Men: First Class' I fought over whether to switch 'First Class' with 'Hunger Games' over and over. Truthfully, I think Lawrence's performance in 'Hunger Games' is, overall, stronger than the one she gives in 'First Class.' But this is a better movies list and I still think that 'First Class' edges out 'Hunger Games' in that aspect. Kudos to Lawrence though, as she took a relatively unemotional character and made me care about Mystique again. Sure Rebecca Romijn was hot in the role, but she seemed like she was just there to look hot. I thought Lawrence actually gave the character some humanity. 1. 'Winter's Bone' Even though she was in two notable movies before 'Winter's Bone' we'll just consider this her inaugural movie. It's the movie that made us all sit up and say, "Holy crap, that girl has chops!" It's the same reaction we all had when we saw 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' and thought, "Wow, the Olsen family actually produced a quality actress!" 'Winter's Bone' debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and never really stopped chugging along, all the way to awards season. All of its nominations, from Best Supporting Actor to Best Picture were completely deserved (even if its Best Picture nomination came in the newly expanded-to-ten-movies section). I was actually pulling for Lawrence to pull the upset in the Best Actress category, but nothing was stopping Natalie Portman from winning there after the success of 'Black Swan.' Still, Lawrence deserved to be up there amongst the best of the best, and it was her first major starring role. Imagine what else she's capable of. As you can see, Jennifer Lawrence is just getting started. She's a magnetic actress. 'Winter's Bone' is among my all-time favorite Sundance Film Festival movies. She's only going to get more and more popular, but hopefully she sticks to her guns and gives us lots of independent work to balance out the numerous sequels she'll be doing in the 'Hunger Games' and 'X-Men' franchises. Have a different way of ranking Lawrence's filmography? Please, click on the link below and let us know, in the forums how you'd rank her films.Posted Wed Aug 15, 2012 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
'Moonrise Kingdom' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The acclaimed film by Wes Anderson is coming to high-definition in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios says 'Moonrise Kingdom' will have a Blu-ray release on October 16. A star-studded and visually stunning box office hit, and a tale of first love directed by two-time Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Wes Anderson ('The Royal Tenenbaums,' 'Fantastic Mr. Fox,' 'Rushmore'), Focus Features’ 'Moonrise Kingdom' follows two 12-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in every which way. Charming screen newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward star alongside Bruce Willis ('Die Hard'), Academy Award® nominees Edward Norton ('American History X') and Bill Murray ('Lost in Translation'), Academy Award® winners Frances McDormand ('Fargo') and Tilda Swinton ('Michael Clayton'), Jason Schwartzman ('Rushmore'), and Bob Balaban ('Gosford Park'). 'Moonrise Kingdom' is a movie that critics are calling “extraordinary from start to finish” (Glenn Kenny, MSN Movies). The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: A Look Inside Moonrise Kingdom; Welcome to The Island of New Penzance: Bob Balaban narrates a series of guided tours from the locations of Moonrise Kingdom featuring Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Wes Anderson; set Tour With Bill Murray: Bill Murray personally takes viewers on a tour of the Moonrise Kingdom sets; pocket BLU; and uHear. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray has been set at $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Moonrise Kingdom' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's now indexed under October 16.Posted Wed Aug 15, 2012 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Poirot: The Early Cases Collection' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]A collection of nearly four dozen Agatha Christie mysteries can be yours this October! [/teaser] In an announcement to retailers, Acorn Media has just revealed 'Poirot: The Early Cases Collection' for Blu-ray on October 30. Agatha Christie’s most famous sleuth is on the case in these 45 mysteries from the first six series of the television phenomenon. David Suchet makes “a near-perfect Poirot” (USA Today) as the beloved Belgian detective in these newly remastered adaptations. THE MYSTERIES: The Adventure of the Clapham Cook Murder in the Mews The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly Four and Twenty Blackbirds The Third Floor Flat Triangle at Rhodes Problem at Sea The Incredible Theft The King of Clubs The Dream Peril at End House The Veiled Lady The Lost Mine The Cornish Mystery The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim Double Sin The Adventure of the Cheap Flat The Kidnapped Prime Minister The Adventure of the Western Star The Mysterious Affair at Styles How Does Your Garden Grow? The Million Dollar Bond Robbery The Plymouth Express Wasps’ Nest The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor The Double Clue The Mystery of the Spanish Chest The Theft of the Royal Ruby The Affair at the Victory Ball The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge The ABC Murders Death in the Clouds One, Two, Buckle My Shoe The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb The Underdog Yellow Iris The Case of the Missing Will The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman The Chocolate Box Dead Man’s Mirror Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan Hercule Poirot’s Christmas Hickory Dickory Dock Murder on the Links Dumb Witness Series 1-2 will feature Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtracks and Series 3-6 feature an uncompressed 2.0 mix. Suggested list price for the 13-disc Blu-ray set is $249.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Poirot: The Early Cases Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 30.Posted Wed Aug 15, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Katy Perry: Part of Me' Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Dated and Detailed[teaser]The documentary featuring one of the hottest performers on the planet is going high-def in September! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is preparing 'Katy Perry: Part of Me' Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack and 'Katy Perry: Part of Me - 3D' Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack for release on September 18. Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, 'Katy Perry: Part of Me' exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Each release will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include a behind the scenes featurette of the California Dreams Tour. In addition, every Blu-ray and DVD available for sale in the 48 contiguous United States will include a Pink Ticket that gives fans a chance to win awesome prizes, including a once-in-a-lifetime grand prize: meeting Katy herself! Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $44.99 and the Blu-ray 3D is $54.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Katy Perry: Part of Me' and 'Katy Perry: Part of Me - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're both indexed under September 18.Posted Wed Aug 15, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'That '70s Show: Season 2' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The second season of the sitcom that made stars out of Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher is planned for Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Mill Creek has revealed 'That '70s Show: Season 2 ' will have a Blu-ray release on October 16. The comedy revolves around a group of teenage friends, their mishaps, and their coming of age, set in 1970s Wisconsin. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'That '70s Show: Season 2' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 16.Posted Wed Aug 15, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Avatar - 3D' Blu-ray 3D Dated[teaser]James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster will no longer be a Panasonic hardware exclusive this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox has slated 'Avatar - 3D' for Blu-ray 3D on October 16. "3D television is the future of home entertainment," said Cameron, "I'm a huge proponent of the technology and very pleased that 'Avatar' can be viewed in the living room the way it is meant to be seen." "As the number of homes with 3D televisions continues to grow, we thought it was important to bring the biggest 3D film ever right into your living room," continued producer Jon Landau, "This is the only way fans should experience the world of Pandora and this release offers the highest picture quality possible." Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will only include the theatrical cut of the film and will feature new packaging. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray 3D is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Avatar - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 16.Posted Tue Aug 14, 2012 at 12:50 PM PDT by: -
'Ken Burns' The Dust Bowl' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed filmmaker's documentary blows in on Blu-ray this November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS has dated 'Ken Burns' The Dust Bowl' for Blu-ray on November 20. The Dust Bowl chronicles the worst man-made ecological disaster in American history when a frenzied wheat boom on the southern Plains followed by a decade-long drought during the 1930s nearly swept away the breadbasket of the nation. Menacing black blizzards killed farmers' crops and livestock, threatened the lives of their children and forced thousands of desperate families to pick up and move somewhere else. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Ken Burns' The Dust Bowl' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 20.Posted Tue Aug 14, 2012 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Moth Diaries' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The latest thriller from filmmaker Mary Harron ('American Psycho') will be available on Blu-ray at the end of August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, IFC Films is set to release 'The Moth Diaries' on Blu-ray on August 28. At an elite boarding school for girls, troubled Rebecca (Sarah Bolger, 'The Tudors') and popular Lucy's (Sarah Gadon, 'A Dangerous Method') friendship is shattered with the arrival of a dark and mysterious new student named Ernessa (Lily Cole), whose captivating glamour lures Lucy into her company. Heartbroken, Rebecca develops a crush on her handsome English teacher Mr. Davies (Scott Speedman, 'The Strangers') and immerses herself in the Gothic vampire novel Carilla for his class. Before long Rebecca starts to suspect that Ernessa is a vampire, and takes it upon herself to rid the school of her presence. As the bodies of young girls pile up and Rebecca's passionate feeling of loss intensifies, the line between reality and the supernatural starts to blur with deadly consequences. Specs have yet to be revealed, and the only supplement is the original trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Moth Diaries' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 28.Posted Tue Aug 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'That's My Boy' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The latest Adam Sandler comedy is planned for Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'That's My Boy' on Blu-ray on October 16. While still in his teens, Donny (Adam Sandler) fathered a son, Todd (Andy Samberg), and raised him as a single parent up until Todd's 18th birthday. Now, after not seeing each other for years, Todd's world comes crashing down on the eve of his wedding when an uninvited Donny suddenly shows up. Trying desperately to reconnect with his son, Donny is now forced to deal with the repercussions of his bad parenting skills. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'That's My Boy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 16.Posted Tue Aug 14, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Chernobyl Diaries' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The radioactive horror hits Blu-ray just in time for Halloween! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers says 'Chernobyl Diaries' is coming to high-definition on October 16. Six tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone. Specs for the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Uri's Extreme Tours Infomercial, Chernobyl Conspiracy Viral Video, Additional Scene, and Alternate Ending. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Chernobyl Diaries' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 16.Posted Tue Aug 14, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
