Hey Dude: Season One
Shout! Factory
(300 min. Not Rated)
Man, Nickelodeon had all the best shows: "Adventures of Pete and Pete," "Clarissa Explains It All," "Salute Your Shorts" (which needs a DVD release immediately), and of course, the ranch hands of the Bar None Ranch from "Hey Dude." Finally, a full 20 years after it went off the air, "Hey Dude" receives a DVD release. While it may not be full of gritty, behind-the-scenes exposés on Mr. Ernst's labor practices, for fans of the show, it is enough.
Children of the ‘90s and nostalgia fans in general have been clamoring for this quaint, beloved show to make its bow on DVD, so the lack of supplementals and broadcast quality picture won't matter when you have 13 episodes chock-full of Brad, Ted, Danny and the rest of the gang.
With neatly wrapped-up storylines and next to nothing in the way of adult problems, "Hey Dude" is pure easygoing smiles. Though the corny factor teeters precariously close to the tipping point, even young first-time viewers will find plenty to love. Just watch out for those man eatin' jackrabbits.
The Women in Cages Collection
Shout! Factory
(270 min. Rated R)
From zombies and slashers, to carsploitation and gorefests, films from the ‘70s heyday of exploitation and drive-in cinema have seen a resurgence in popularity. One subgenre, however, that has thus far not been tapped for a remake or homage is the "Women in Prison" (WiP) film cycle that was dominant throughout the ‘70s.
With no hint of intent for artistic expression, WiP films looked to throw scantily clad, tough-as-nails women into confinement and lob any number of abuses at them until they exact bloody revenge. For pure trash film fans and thrill-seekers, they delivered the goods and then some.
Shout! continues to outdo itself, as it has un-caged a monstrously entertaining triple feature of WiP films. Two classics of the genre by the illustrious Jack Hill (Spider Baby) are the highlights of the set, with Big Doll House laying the blueprint for the entire genre. Plot is irrelevant, but you get a badass Pam Grier, an obligatory shower scene and a triumphantly violent climax, all moving at a break-neck pace.
It's only a matter of time before Tarantino attempts a ‘reimagining' that name drops these films, so if you love high octane trash, score this set.
Opening May 6
Something Borrowed — Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) met Dex in law school and instantly developed a crush. Dex (Colin Egglesfield) then meets Darcy (Kate Hudson), Rachel's best friend. Six years later, Darcy and Dex are engaged, and on the night of Rachel's 30th birthday, Rachel and Dex sleep together. As they try to navigate the situation without Darcy finding out, they realize that the truest love was always right beside them.
Thor — When Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is banished to Earth, he lands in a government research zone and ends up being babysat by Jane (Natalie Portman) and Darcy (Kat Dennings), research assistants. But when Thor's past comes to claim him, he'll have to defend Earth from the villains of Norse mythology.
Opening May 13
Bridesmaids — Annie (Kristen Wiig) is happy to be maid of honor for her best friend Lillian's (Maya Rudolph) wedding. But when Lillian's cousin Helen (Rose Byrn) tries to take over the MOH duties, Annie finds herself at war for the position she didn't want to begin with.
Priest — Part of a church order sworn to protect the people of the city, Priest (Paul Bettany) feels like something is wrong. When a vampire kills an innocent person, he knows his suspicions are true and goes rogue in an attempt to fight the vampire army. But when the order finds out, they'll do anything to try and stop Priest.
Opening May 20
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides — Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) has had his beloved Black Pearl taken again, and he is now assigned by the East India Trading Company to search for the fountain of youth. With the help of Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and Angelica (Penelope Cruz), he'll make his way toward adventure. Bonus: Ian McShane plays Blackbeard (pictured above)!
Kung Fu Panda 2 — Po has just joined the Kung Fu masters. But when kung fu is threatened by Lord Shen, the kung fu masters have to create a way to defeat Lord Shen and save kung fu forever.
The Hangover: Part II — The guys are back, and this time they're taking over Thailand. Stu is getting married — no, not to that stripper from Vegas — so the gang heads to Bangkok for the wedding. While there, they take Teddy, the bride's little brother, out for one last bachelor's night, and promptly lose him in the city. They have to rally the locals to find Teddy and make it to the church on time.
