Home Video Exclusives

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - November today, 2016


Pokemon: Diamond And Pearl Movie 4-Pack (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $24.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - Monkey Faced Invaders Part II


Something I noticed. Manny, the mechanic was played by Lenny Venito. Not the only time he's dealt with extraterrestrials (Venito had bit parts the first two "Men In Black" films). And he starred on ABC's "The Neighbors". He played the dad of a family (Weavers) who moves into a cul-de-sac inhabited by a colony of aliens. It's was a decent show, pure fluff. Too bad season two hasn't come out on DVD.

Also when Ray emerges from the basement of his ex's home, he see the crashed jetliner scattered on the lawn. The first thing that popped in my head: if Denzel was drunk and flying that plane, it wouldn't have crashed. *nods*

I did like the cameo at the end. In case you missed it, the grandparents in Boston were played by Ann Robinson and Gene Barry, the stars of the original, 1953 film. Nice touch.

Problems...

1. Robbie.

2. During the first attack, a man is seen recording first contact with his camcorder. How? An electromagnetic pulse occurred that knocking off all electronics. There is a brief moment of a man using a 35mm camera taking snaps - that works. True the camcorder scene is cool looking, but is out of place, rules-wise. Hey, seeing some people dying would've been a nice; dead from broken pacemakers.

3. When Ray and Rachel are in the Tripod harvest basket - falling from the grenade blast; the baskets are large meshed frames, cages. The basket their on falls onto an old, leafless tree. The branches would've impaled numerous survivors, that didn't happen. Everyone just walked away unharmed. How did that happen? There should've been serious fatalities.

4. Robbie. Yes, twice. He made the movie twice as bad as it is.

5. At the start, why is Manny so calm? Didn't he hear the nearby destruction a few blocks way? He should've at least asked Ray, 'what was all that noise?' Nope.

6. I wish the War Machines had the sound effect of the ray gun as heard from the original film - it's iconic. Sci-Fans from around the world know that noise and what it means.

7. Tom Cruise, but that was mentioned earlier.

The movie has various flaws, but none of them so great that they ruin the feature. Robbie, man I'm looking at you, you almost killed it.

- - -

Next, I want to address a problem some had with the movie.

We were told the War Machines were buried here years ago. The occupants rode or more accurately were transported to their vehicles by the lightening. The big question was - wouldn't we have known about the buried machines; digging the ground up for subways, sewers, plumbing and building construction?

My thoughts on it is that these machines were put in place, out of phase. A state of being, just outside our existence, there and not there at the same time. A stable of Sci-Fi from such things as "Star Trek" to "H.P. Lovecraft's From Beyond". When the occupants boarded their crafts it became in sync with the universe and pushed the ground around them away, parting the earth. I thought that was clever.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tangent.

Well, kinda. Not really.



Released on DVD on April 20th, 1999 was the first pressing of "War Of The Worlds", the original film, obviously.

It sold for $29.95, bare bones, minus the trailer. Which is another rant, but I'll leave it alone since a better DVD happened later.

As a cross promotion, Paramount Home Entertainment re-released the film as special edition on November 14th, 2005 for $19.99.

Bought this on street, Wal-Mart I think.



So? I really don't care for the new cover. It's okay, I guess, it gets the job done. The cover from the '99 release looks much nicer and the color scheme matches the 2005 advertising.

- - - - - - - - - -

Just Because.

Something sway.



You're looking at early production artwork, the abandoned design for the Martians, the 1953 invasion. Freaky huh? Test footage from the ending was made, showcasing this critter; stop-motion animated by none other than Ray Harryhausen. It dying from our germs, taking its last gasp.

The man was an artist, you could feel the failing breath.

Have an enjoyable (if possible) Thanksgiving and if you're like me - a safe and fruitful Black Friday. It can be an adventure. Good luck.

See you back here on December 8th, 2016 for a more happier time, bring snacks.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - December 29th, 2016


The Hunger Games Collection
Exclusive 4K Ultra HD BD/BD/DC combo $74.99

Batman: Return Of The Caped Crusaders (available now)
Exclusive hardcover comic collection of 1966 and packaging; BD/DVD/DC combo $17.99

Game Of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $49.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - November 15th, 2016


Finding Dory
Exclusive steelbook with 4 lithograph cards; BD/DVD/DC combo $27.99

Game Of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season
Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage; BD only $39.99

- - - - - - - - - -

CD available now

"Garth Brooks - The Ultimate Collection" box set with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $29.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - November 22nd, 2016


War Dogs
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $22.99

Finding Dory
Free collectible figure; $19.99

- - - - - - - - - - -

CDs - I'm under the impression these are out now (but could be wrong)

"Neil Diamond - Acoustic Christmas" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $15.99
"Amy Grant - Tennessee Christmas" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99
"Brett Eldredge - Glow" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $9.99
"Chris Tomlin - Adore: Christmas Songs Of Worship" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $9.99
"Ellen's The Only Holiday Album You'll Ever Need - Volume 1" exclusive store release $7.59
"Leann Rimes - Today Is Christmas" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $8.29
"Mannheim Steamroller - Live with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $7.99
"Andrea Bocelli - My Christmas" exclusive CD/DVD set $9.99
"Straight No Chaser - I'll Have Another Christmas Album" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $9.99
"The Piano Guys - A Family Christmas" with 4 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - Monkey Faced Invaders Part I


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on December 20th, 2012 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

It's near the end of 2016, we bare witness of the near end of humanity with aliens who want to trash our lights in "War Of The Worlds"...



The motion picture opened on June 29th, 2005. It was made with a budget of $132,000,000 (estimated) and grossed over 234 million during its U.S. theatrical run; worldwide it made over $591 million. The film opened number one at the box office, the following week it remained at number one.

The feature opened against "George A. Romero's Land Of The Dead", "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", "Batman Begins", "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith" and "Herbie: Fully Loaded".

This film was released in both widescreen and full screen. I'm gonna be covering the single disc version. There was a two disc widescreen special edition. The single came with an insert; two perforated coupons - save three dollars off "Madagascar" and "The Island" DVDs. Both offers were valid from November 22nd, 2005 to January 31st, 2006. It also came with a cardboard foil slipcover which mirrored the case's wraparound (FS and WS).

- - -

Welcome back to "Agitated Movie Month", where I cover releases that upset me; every Hell is still out of place.

This streeted on home video, November 22nd, 2005. There were two exclusives.



Best Buy sold it with an exclusive book, "War Of The Worlds: The Shooting Script". Well, not so exclusive, it was available at other retailers. The difference is size, the Best Buy offer was near DVD proportions, while the regular edition is what you would expect for a softcover book.

The 200 page tome included the screenplay, twenty-four pages with (color) photos and various Q&A from co-screenwriter, David Koepp; published by Newmarket Press.

The book was available to Reward Zone members who bought the single disc edition for $14.99, there were an average of sixty-four copies per store. I can not recall if the book was packed with the DVD or on a cardboard shelf, it's been eleven years.

- - -



Wal-Mart had the more substantial item, an exclusive bonus disc. It came in its own case, side packed with the movie - the full screen only editions. This set had a $14.44 price tag. The bonus DVD has a run time of 20:46 minutes.

I'm so glad the store outgrew that kind of nonsense, full screen copies with exclusives; they had a history of doing that.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.

Let me say, I did not buy this when it originally came out.



When I did get it, it was the "2 - Disc Limited Edition" set, bought in June of 2010. Also bought from Ebay the stand alone Wal-Mart bonus.

I'll be honest, not a fan of Tom Cruise. There are only two Cruise titles in my DVD collection, this flick and "The Last Samurai" (2003). I am bothered by him. It took me that long to seek it out.

It was no secret that there was some conflict on set between him and director Steven Spielberg. Cruise set up a Scientology tent on site and wanted everyone to spend some time inside. This is a movie they're making, not a recruitment vehicle. I also know that Spielberg was disappointed by Cruise - his actions tainted the box office potential. Granted "War Of The Worlds" made a lot of money (as seen above), but it could've been more.

A particular memory that continues to haunt Cruise to this day. This was the movie that he went on "Oprah Winfrey Show" to promote - the infamous lunatic couch jumping moment; May 23rd, 2005. Yeah. This was also the time in which Cruise was parading his then fiancée Katie Holmes. The media was covering him and his actions instead of the film.

This was repeated at each red carpet premiere around the world. It was all about TomKat. Because of these things, this became the final Spielberg production that cast Cruise.

- - -

As I wrote, it took me this long to finally get the movie. It's a decent flick. Lots of WTF moments which made sense (the burning racing train comes to mind), I'm grateful, some planning went into the story. I rewatched before writing this up. I still enjoy it.

Man, I don't understand the hate for Dakota Fanning's character, Rachel Ferrier. Her actions were not annoying. She's a little kid reacting to a massacre, death all around her. What I am bothered by is her brother Robbie (Justin Chatwin). I just wanted him to die. I HATED him!

Do I need to call Lonesome Cowboy Bill to explain???

The little punk should not have survived. Yes, spoiler. It's a disservice to better people who should've made it, like the lady friend with daughter who they met at the ferry. C'mon, Robbie served no purpose other than being an asshole. If that was the goal, then good job bro.

Yes, I get it - he was angry because his dad (Cruise) didn't want kids and gave them to his mom. Sure, but right now, this moment - that's the man who's trying to keep you and your little sister alive, show some respect! It would've been a far better experience if Robbie has been written out. He drags the film. Made me want to punch him. I was glad when he took off with the army. Good. Die bastard. Die. No, he comes back at the end.

What the hell did he expect? Run with the marching army and they'll give him a gun, some ammo and a uniform? It is retard logic gearing in his noggin'.

Man, this is making me mad all over again.



I did like the updated death ray from the (non-Martian) alien War Machines. The effect was scary, zap - you're dusted. The sound effects from them carry weight. You do not want to be around them, shock and awe indeed.

The finale is pretty weak. Yes, it's true to the source novel, but it felt wrong - off. That's it? It needed some kind of harrumph, what we got was a limp noodle.

A cool ending would've been if Ray Ferrier (Cruise) becomes the Tim Robbins' character, Harlan - a paranoid, broken man. He screws up and looses both kids, he's gone mental. The aliens still die as before. It's only at the finale does Ray realizes how much his children meant to him, but it's now far too late.

That would have such a power to it. Ray is kind of a man-child, his apartment and car. Their deaths would've hit hard and made a great close - appreciate what you have, it won't last, it never does. But that would've been such a downer and doesn't equal a huge box office. Which is why I love Frank Darabont's "The Mist" (2007), that took balls.

I like this quote from Harry Knowles, proprietor of Ain't It Cool News...

Ray’s a prick, an arrogant overgrown child, he’s that guy that was the badass at High School sports - but not good enough to get a scholarship to go anywhere. I think he knocked up the High School Cheerleader (Miranda Otto) and she stuck with him... through his steel grip on his own myopic obsession with his lot in life. How fu¢ked over he was by the weight of her and those kids. He probably blames them for not going to college, instead of his own sh!t grades. He doesn’t want the family car, he wants his Mustang, cuz it’s cool. His house is a single "boys with toys" residence... Engine taken apart in his kitchen, nothing in the fridge, house a total mess. He resents his kids, but I think he loves Miranda's Mary... and feels shame for not being able to be the man she’s currently married to. A successful "well-off" emotionally grounded man that provides everything he couldn’t begin to. And it pisses him off. He feels his ex-wife judges him, his kids judge him.

[JohnIan101]

Target - December 2nd, 2016


CD

"John Legend - Darkness And Light" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - December 6th, 2016


The Secret Life Of Pets
Exclusive decor pack (4 photo frame & 4 wall decals); BD/DVD/DC combo $19.99

Jason Bourne
Exclusive bonus content (bonus disc, format unknown); BD/DVD/DC combo $19.99

Master Of None: Season One
Exclusive store release $14.99

- - - - - - - - - -

CD available 12/09/16

"Sing - Soundtrack" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99

"John Legend - Darkness And Light" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99 (available now)

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on September 14th, 2012 and March 19th, 2015 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

This week we get some cannabis, but it's purely medicinal *cough cough* in "Weeds"...



"Weeds: Season Two" was released on home video on July 24th, 2007.

It streeted against "Tod McFarlane’s Spawn: 10th Anniversary Signature Edition - The Animated Collection", "Benson: The Complete First Season", "Live Free Or Die Hard: Unrated" and "The Monster Squad: Two-Disc 20th Anniversary Edition".

There were three inserts. The first is an episode listing. Next was an ad for the companion book "In The Weeds". The last was a rebate for $25.00 if you subscribe to Showtime; from July 27th, 2007 to March 31st, 2008.

- - -



There was a single exclusive from Target, a forty-eight page booklet, a sampler of a larger publication, "In The Weeds: The Official Guide To The Showtime Series" by Kera Bolonik.

This came inside the slipcover, in fact the slipcover was thicker to accommodate the booklet.

What you see above is pretty much the same cover as the main book, just narrower (I was going to include the image, but it's the same picture). The book (288 pages), softcover was published by Simon Spotlight Entertainment on August 7th, 2007 for $17.95.

Anyhow, back to the exclusive, this set sold for $27.99.



I remember buying the DVD. My store only had four copies. And I got glitter bombed (not brownied). I bought this on release day, took it to the car to inspect. Removed the plastic wrap and opened it up. Splash. There was dust/debris; the plastic equivalent of saw dust. EVERYWHERE. I had to get out of car and shake it off. I took out the discs and wiped them clean (both DVDs were mint) and clean out the digipack.

Don't know what happened; if I was just unfortunate or if others had the same pixy soot.

By the way, am I the only one getting a creepy vibe off that pix? She looks sinister, 'take a bite'.

- - - - - - - - - -

Void.

This became a short PT, so I'm gonna beef it up. Delicious filler!

You think you've seen everything of a particular show, then something pops up that makes you pull a 'whahh!'

Like when I found out there were a string of "I Love Lucy" (1951 - 1957; CBS) episodes I never saw before; part a mini post-season, one hour programs.

I had another one of those moments in late December 2014, the 28th to be exact - that anal.



Goofing off, I discover something I never heard of before. A long dead show called "Dusty's Trail" (1973 - 1974; syndication).

What is it?

It's "Gilligan's Island" (1964 - 1967; CBS) 2.0.

You can't have three snakes in your hand and expect to make gravy.

- Bret

Take the famous show's concept and move it into the old west, circa 1870s.

Not shipwrecked on an island, but lost in a journey; wagon and stage coach are separated from their main wagon train on their way to California. I'll let their theme song explain (written by Ross Schwartz; he co-wrote the "Gilligan" theme)...

Let's follow the path of Dusty's Trail
Oh, Dusty's trail, Dusty's Trail
A stage and a wagon a-headin' West
Part of a wagon train lost from the rest

Dusty's the reason for their plight
Thanks' to Dusty nothin's right
Only the Wagonmaster's hand
Keeps 'em a-rollin' to the promised land

Oh, the goin' gets mighty rough
But they don't seem to mind
It's Californ-i-a
That's the place they must find

Deserts and rocks are in their way
But they won't stop, come what may
Mountains and hills that they must scale
But they know they'll make it
'Cause they just can't fail
On Dusty's Trail

Who's in the cast?



You have Dusty played by Bob Denver who is rehashing his previous Willie Gilligan role.

Forrest Tucker plays Mr. Callahan, their wagon master; a.k.a. "The Skipper", Jonas Grumby.

You have Bostonian millionaire and his wife in Mr. Carson Brookhaven (Ivor Francis) and Mrs. Daphne (Lynn Wood); Thurston Howell III and Eunice Lovelle Wentworth Howell.

There is Andy Boone (William Cort) a civil engineer; a.k.a. Professor Roy Hinkley.

A country schoolteacher from Iowa, Betsy McGuire (Lori Saunders); Mary Ann Summers.

And rounding out the cast is Jeannine Riley as Lulu McQueen, a dance-hall girl; Ginger Grant

The show was created by Sherwood Schwartz. Yes, the same guy who did "Gilligan's Island". He tried to recapture his success with a reboot. Twenty-six episodes were made (though the original intent was thirty, but it got canceled), all aired. The half hour show was broadcast on 7:30PM on Tuesdays in syndication.

"Dusty's Trail" hasn't been seen much; the total episode number is low - stations prefer a hundred episodes for rereun broadcasts.

Oh yeah, those images above are from a YouTube video I downloaded.

The only characters with any depth and I use that term loosely is Callahan and Dusty. The rest of the cast is so ultra generic. Like you're watching the beloved characters from "Gilligan's Island" being played by models from the Sears catalog. They could be played by different actors each week and it probably wouldn't make a difference.

The complete series hasn't come out on home video. It has fallen into public domain. There was a DVD set (from Brentwood Home Video; 2004) holding seventeen episodes. It appears that the remaining shows have become lost to time.

This show should have a proper release by Timeless Media Group if they can find the remaining nine.

So what where some of these episodes?

An indian chief sees a birthmark on Dusty and believe the idiot is his long lost son. So what to do? Kidnap Dusty to bring the guy back to the tribe - to return to Native American life.

The gang runs into a traveling magician who gives them a free show. Why? Easy, the assistant is attempting to steal all their valuables.

Their small wagon train has taken a break from their travels. Gathering supplies Dusty discovers the gang is situated over a volcano, but on the way to tell his friends - Dusty fall on a rock and develops amnesia.

While out and about to Californ-i-a, they find a young woman. She is brought to their camp and odd things start happening, leading them to believe she's a witch.

Looking for a route through some mountains, the gang encounter a murderous outlaw on the lam.

Could go on, but you get the general idea. This IS "Gilligan's Island" 2.0.



In fact there was a "Gilligan's Island" 3.0 produced in 1982, "Gilligan's Planet" (CBS). A cartoon show by Filmation, thirteen half hour episodes were made - all aired. This has an official release; M.O.D. (DVD-R) from Warner Archive Collection in 2014.

I'll make it short; the Professor builds a rocket out of wood and various jungle items. The hope is the launch from the island back to civilization, but they end up being shipwrecked once again... on another planet.

Okay then.

One more thing. A conspiracy theory that the show, "Gilligan's Island" is about the seven deadly sins.

Skipper: Wrath
Gilligan: Gluttony
Ginger: Lust
Professor: Pride
Mr. Howell: Greed
Mrs. Howell: Sloth
Mary Ann: Envy

It kinda, kinda makes sense.

- - - - - - - - - -

Just Because.



You're welcome. Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Price Botwin; season four promo pix.

Next PT will have an exclusive that's twelve years old.

A long, long road to my collection.

Have a hint...



There you go, the next Past Tense will flop down on December 22nd, 2016. And for your information, no Funyuns needed. But you can if you want.

[JohnIan101]

Wal-Mart - November 6th, 2016




The Secret Life Of Pets
Exclusive gift set; BD/DVD/DC combo with 3 mini clasp characters $22.96

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - December 13th, 2016


Suicide Squad
Exclusive graphic novel; BD/DVD/DC combo $34.99
Exclusive steelbook; 4K BD/BD/DC combo $34.99

- - - - - - - - - -

CD - available 12/16/16

"Rush - 2112: 40th Anniversary Edition" with DVD and exclusive lenticular cover sticker $37.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - December 20th, 2016


The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Exclusive steelbook; 4K BD/BD combo $29.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - December 13th, 2016


Suicide Squad
Exclusive digi-book packaging with lenticular cover; BD/DVD/DC combo $24.99

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculair Children
Exclusive bracelet; BD/DVD/DC combo $19.99

The Secret Life Of Pets
Free pet toy figure with BD/DVD/DC combo $22.99
(in toy area)

- - - - - - - - - - -

CDs

"Sing - Soundtrack" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99
"John Legend - Darkness And Light" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99
"Neil Diamond - Acoustic Christmas" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $12.99
"Amy Grant - Tennessee Christmas" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $9.99
"Straight No Chaser - I'll Have Another Christmas Album" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $8.99
"Bon Jovi - This House Is Not For Sale" with 3 excluive bonus tracks $13.99
"Moana - Soundtrack" with 2 exclusive coloring cards $11.99
"Sia - This Is Acting" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99

"Idina Menzel - Idina" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $9.99
"Brett Eldredge - Glow" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $8.99
(free $5.00 gift card with purchase of 2 select CDs)

[JohnIan101]

Target - December 20th, 2016


The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Exclusive bonus disc (format unknown); BD $19.99

Storks
Free Orville Redenbacher 6-pack popcorn with purchase; BD/DVD/DC combo $24.99 or DVD $15.99

- - - - - - - - - -

CDs available now

"Garth Brooks - The Ultimate Collection" box set with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $25.00
"John Legend - Darkness And Light" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99
"The Weeknd - Starboy" with exclusive bonus track $11.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - Quest Of The Heart Part I


This time out we go on vacation; visiting notable European locales with unintended shenanigans in "Eurotrip"...



The motion picture opened on February 20th, 2004. It was made with a budget of $25,000,000 (estimated) and grossed over $17 million during its U.S. theatrical run; counting foreign receipts it made $156,822,020. The film opened number five at the box office, the following week it dropped to number seven.

The feature opened against "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King", "Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen" and "Mystic River".

The original release came with no inserts of any kind nor any slipcover.

And yeah, just like Kate Nauta, Michelle Trachtenberg's bosoms were embiggened for the poster.

- - -

There was a single exclusive.



From Best Buy, a bonus disc. It came a printed sleeve under the wrapping on the back of the case.

This pre-dates my archive so I have no store ad. But I can definitively say it sold for $17.99 on street; June 1st, 2004. The bonus has a run time of 24:52 minutes. And is presented in full screen.

The "Eurotrip Shooting Script" is exactly as named; still frames of the screenplay.

There were three DVD versions of the movie.

R - Full Screen
R - Widscreen (anamorphic)
UR - Widscreen (anamorphic)

Unless I'm mistaken, the exclusive was available for the theatrical and unrated editions.

The unrated cut is two minutes longer then theatrical at ninety-two minutes, various bits of naughtiness.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.

One of my favorite quotes in the entire film happens in the end (unrated version), during the credits...

If you do not wish to have your valuables stolen, I suggest destroying them or discarding them right now. You can also try hiding your valuables in your anus. This will deter some - but of course not all thieves. Once you are inside, the doors are chained and locked from the outside. They will not be opened again until morning, no matter what. Should a fire occur due to our faulty wiring or the fireworks factory upstairs you will be incinerated... along with the valuables that you have hidden in your anus.

Tips are greatly appreciated.

- Hostel Clerk

I watched this at a friends house; we were laughing our asses off. But that happened for real... mostly.

On May 13th, 2000 in Enschede, a city in Netherlands there was a fireworks factory explosion, killing twenty-three; nine hundred and forty-seven were injured. So huge was the blast and subsequent fire that it took down four hundred homes AND damaged fifteen hundred buildings.

Estimates have the explosion(s) the equivalent of five thousand kilogram of TNT. It was felt nineteen miles away. It effectively wiped the neighborhood of Roombeek off the map.

SE Fireworks was an importer; fireworks from China. They sold the products to concerts and various festivals in the Netherlands. A hundred acres around the former warehouse were obliterated. Looks like they haphazardly stored two containers outside with roughly a hundred and seventy-seven tons of fireworks in them. A fire broke out in the warehouse then ignited the ones illegally deposited outside.

Boom!

The accident is known as "Vuurwerkramp".

- - -

My lovers, my team and dreaming in between. I hear the future is calling me.

- Mystery Skulls

Yeah, I should, though I shouldn't have to.

But some might be in the dark.

The story centers on Scotty Thomas (Scott Mechlowicz) a kid who just graduated from high school. He is immediately dumped by his girlfriend Fiona (Kristin Kreuk). Trying to cheer him up, his best friend Cooper Harris taken him to a graduation party. There he finds Fiona dancing on stage with the playing band. He finds out through song that the lead singer Donny (Matt Damon) had been screwing his girl behind his back.

On his front lawn.

While he's on the phone with her.

On his birthday.

He goes home dunk and pissed. And finds an email from his German pen pal, Mieke. Who wants to meet him and make things better. Scotty gets weird out thinking that Mike wants a sexy gay rendezvous. And writes back telling him to go away. It is his younger brother (Nial Iskhakov) who points out that Mike is a common name in Germany for a girl (Jessica Boehrs). Oh crap. He wants to fix the matter, but she has blocked his email.

Wanting to be more - be spontaneous; which lead Fiona to cheat on him. Scotty embarks on a quest to find this girl and apologize in person. Cooper, curious to see what could happen decides to tag along. With little money the duo travel from Hudson, Ohio to London as couriers.



Things soon go wrong and the friends end up in Paris where they find the (fraternal) twins, Jenny (Michelle Trachtenberg) and Jamie (Travis Wester) Sherman. Classmates who are on their Summer vacation in Europe before going to college.

The twins decide to join Scotty on his voyage to Germany. A series misadventures happen to the group as they trek from country to country, getting closer to the goal...

Only to reach her home to discover that Mieke has left for Rome.

Now the race is on to reach Italy before her tour group leaves by sea - no chance to see her.



Yes, there is a happy ending. And yeah, that kind of happy ending too. *smile*

I'm leaving out a lot of things. It's a simple film with lots of silly travel vignettes and nudity.

The film got a bad shake from its advertising. It was portrayed in the same light as "American Pie" (1999). This turned off folks who didn't want to see a gross-out comedy. Those who did see it who were fans of the genre left disappointed.

It isn't.

As mentioned in the ads, "From The Producers Of ROAD TRIP [2000] And OLD SCHOOL [2003]." A film I didn't care for and another I hated, not in that order. These things did not encourage me to seek it out. In fact I didn't buy "Eurotrip" until July of 2006 (yes, I'm that anal).

I really enjoyed it.



It's just under, over-the-top. The characters were well drawn, likable and charming. The situations are ridicules. And lots of nudity. Looking back, the film has the same flavor as Sex Drive, a previous Past Tense. Both are cut from the same clothe and recommended. *nods*