These protesters are hard working Americans. Many of them with college degrees they are forced to pay for despite not having a job befitting their education level. These protesters are using a voice that has been stifled by greed and ignorance for far too long.

These voices represent the 99%. These are a group of people that live their lives trying to do what’s right, but will never attain the “American Dream” no matter how hard they work because corporations and the top 1% have more pull with politicians to save their money while we are drowning in debt. We aren’t asking for your money. We are asking for equality.

I don’t have a trust-fund and have yet to meet anyone at the protests that do. I believe that even if any of us had one, we would still be there for our brothers and sisters that won’t see a better day because of the level of corporate greed that has enveloped this nation.

My life isn’t meaningless. I like my life and the way that I live it. These days, I can even say I am proud to be American. In fact, I find that the protests have made me prouder in this country than I have ever been. I am shocked that they took this long, but I am glad they are happening now and I hope that the amazing people protesting continue to use their voices until things change.

In short, Mr. Limbaugh I would like to say…fuck you. I know it’s a simple statement, but it is one that makes the most sense at this time. As one of the 1% you have no idea what you are talking about. You’re worried about your money and you’re not even smart enough to see that we don’t want it. In fact, you can continue to spend your money on hookers and illegal prescription medicines as you have done in the past. None of that is my business, or concern. My only concern is that you pay your fair share in taxes. I don’t mean the amount that the lobbyists and corrupt politicians have allowed you to pay, if you pay anything at all after jumping through those fabulous loopholes offered to the insanely rich. No. I’m talking about your real fair share.

When you become equal to us, the people that are the salt of this country, then I might have more respect for your words. Until then, I am pretty certain that the only people that will take stock in them are the ones that are just like you.

For everyone else…Occupy! Not because you have nothing to do, but because it’s your American right to use your voice and to ensure that it is heard!

Technorati Tags: Occupy, OWS, Occupy Wall Street, Protest, Occupy Dayton, Movement, Freedom, Tax Corruption, Corporate Greed, Rush Limbaugh

What can you tell us about your new movie?
I Am Number Four is an action-packed adventure entwined with a romantic story – and I play the role of John Smith. John wants to be a normal kid, but he is from a different planet and he has been given this destiny of becoming a warrior. John tries to find out who he is and what he wants to do with his life, but he has a bit of a tough time with it all. I think a lot of people are going to relate to what he goes through in the story because it’s about an outsider trying to fit in. We’ve all been there.

When were you an outsider?
Well, I think we’ve all been in that scenario where we’ve felt like we were alone or different. Everyone goes through that.

What was it like to work with Dianna Agron on the movie?
It was great. Dianna has an old-school movie star quality to her and I had an amazing time working with her, but I also had a great time working with the rest of the cast. Everyone on the set was amazing.

Who else stars in the movie with you?
An actress called Teresa Palmer is a young ball of energy and we also have a guy called Callan McAuliffe who is great. Working with everyone on the movie was phenomenal. We all fit together really well.

Can you live a normal life in Hollywood?
You can live a very normal life here. Los Angeles is a very magical place when you take the entertainment industry out of it. You have beautiful beaches and amazing mountains here. I’m a big rock climber. I head out into the mountains whenever I have free time. It’s amazing.

What else do you like about California?
There’s so much to explore here – and I love exploring. There are not many places in the world where you can get to the beach in an hour, the desert in two hours and snowboarding or skiing in three hours. You can do all that in California.

It sounds like you’re a very active, outdoors guys… Did you enjoy tackling such a physical role in I Am Number Four?
I loved it. I jumped off a cliff backwards for I Am Number Four, which was pretty cool. I’d never done that before. It took seven takes from different angles and luckily there were no injuries. I came close, though. My head nearly hit the rock at one point.

How high was the cliff dive?
The cliff was 60 feet high and it was extremely memorable. You know what? I’m a big kid at heart. Not many guys get to experience what I’ve experienced. I get to run around a movie set with guns and I get to jump off cliffs. It’s amazing. I had the time of my life shooting the movie.

How much training did you do for the role?
I spent months preparing for the stunts in the movie. It was a really physical role, but it was also a lot of fun. We practiced and practiced and practiced – but it was still a very nerve-wracking experience. I loved every minute of it.

Why did you sign up for the movie?
I was really excited to work on the movie for a number of reasons. First of all, I really wanted to work with the director, D.J. Caruso. He’s incredible. Plus, I really liked the premise of the movie. It’s been amazing.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is Available on Blu-ray & DVD May 24th!

Technorati Tags: I Am Number Four, DVD, Bluray, Interview, DJ Caruso, Alex Pettyfer, May 24

Focus Features is distributing this movie, which will be out at limited theaters on July 7, 2010. If this is in my area I will definitely be heading to the theater to check it out. I don’t know if it will be here, but hopefully it will. I don’t go to the movies to see many comedies, but this would be an exception. Let us know if you plan to check it out or why you’re choosing to skip this one (if you are).

In the meantime, here is the trailer and some screenshots for the upcoming, The Kids Are Alright.

Story:
The Kids Are All Right is the heartfelt new comedy from acclaimed director Lisa Cholodenko, starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo. Two teenaged children (Alice in Wonderland’s Mia Wasikowska and Journey to the Center of the Earth’s Josh Hutcherson) get the notion to seek out their biological father and introduce him into the family life that their two mothers (Bening and Moore) have built for them.

Once the donor (Ruffalo) is found, the household will never be the same, as family ties are defined, re—defined, and re—re—defined.

Here is the trailer for those of you that want to check out the movie:

Technorati Tags: The Kids Are Alright, Movie, Upcoming Release, Limited Theaters, Focus Features, Lesbian, Parents, Same Sex, Comedy, Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo

As a parent both the Teach My Baby and Toddler products are incredibly exciting. There is nothing that beats seeing your child learn something
new when they are that young. I am sure that had something to do with the decision to create these learning systems. Could you please tell us what convinced you that you needed to create the Teach My products?

I was at home with my 18 month old son and I wanted to teach him the basics. I went to lots of stores looking for an all-in-one solution. I
didn’t find anything, so I knew there was a gap in the market! Additionally, my son began to read at the age of 3 as a direct result of the box of teaching tools I had created. Parents began to ask me how I had taught him, so I knew an all-in-one learning kit would be a big success!

You created the first Teach My product in 2007, which led to the next product coming out in 2009. Do you have any other Teach My products in the works?

I’m currently in the final stages of creating Teach My Preschooler. I’m aiming for an August 2010 launch!

It has to feel great knowing that you’re helping kids to learn new things. How has the response been from the parents that use your products? Any
memorable responses you’d like to share?

I receive wonderful e-mails from parents all of the time raving about the virtues of Teach My Toddler & Teach My Baby. My favourite was a Youtube
video uploaded by a proud parent of her 15 month old son. It is really quite amazing how much he has learned just by using Teach My Toddler!

As a mompreneur are these the only products that you have created?

Teach My is my first run at being an inventor and a mompreneur.

What advice would you like to give to working mothers that want to educate their young children?

A healthy combination of reading aloud, trips to the library, educational cd-roms, educational DVD’s and of course, Teach My Baby, Teach My Toddler
and Teach My Preschooler (when it launches)!

If you could plug the Teach My products one more time, what would you want to remind my readers?

I have designed Teach My products to make life simpler for busy parents. I suggest just 20 minutes a day with Teach My Baby or Teach My Toddler. The
kits are a great way to spend focused one-on-one time doing something educational while having fun at the same time! www.teachmy.com

Technorati Tags: Teach My Baby, Teach My Toddler, Teach My Preschooler, Educational Products, Interview, Kids, Children, Learning, Products, Parents, Mom

The show will premiere on January 24, 2010. Here are the details that I received in the following press release from Nickelodeon.

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2010 – Cancer. When children hear the word, what do they think? It may be scary, but today, a diagnosis of cancer is not necessarily a death sentence. Nick News with Linda Ellerbee explores the world of kids who are living with cancer on The Face of Courage: Kids Living with Cancer, premiering Sunday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. The road these kids travel is not easy; it is pitted with fear, pain and loss. But also it is a road paved with hope, strength, courage and even humor. They have been where no kid should have to go, and they have survived to share their stories – and their courage – with the rest of us.

“All of these kids live as if the cancer were never coming back,” says Ellerbee, an 18-year cancer survivor. “Cancer is a part of my past. That’s a fact. It’s a part of my present because I choose to speak about it, and for the same reason, it will be a part of my future. But it is not who I am. It is not who any of us is.”

Alexandra, 14, lost her leg to bone cancer. “I was sitting on the bed outside the operating room…and I remember just taking a pen from one of the nurses aids and writing ‘I love you’ on (my) knee…that was the last thing I basically did for my leg,” says Alexandra. Today, her cancer is in remission and she’s made friends with her new “bionic” leg. “I think that as much as cancer hurts you and harms you, in the end…all the experiences you have gone through make you stronger, so you almost go from being too weak to being stronger than you were in the first place.”

Diagnosed with leukemia in July 2009, Diamonisha, 12, currently is in treatment and, not surprisingly, angry, confused and hopeful, all at the same time. “The hospital is not a world for kids…you don’t wanna be in there…Sometimes it makes me feel sad cause I don’t like this cancer. Sometimes it makes me feel happy because the cancer’s going away and I’m gonna be better, and I’ll have hair, finally,” she says.

While in the hospital being treated for an aggressive form of leukemia, Tatyana, 11, made a video about her experience for her friends so they could understand what it was like. She has since returned to school. “I wore a hat because I didn’t want anybody to see my baldness. I was very worried that my friends were going to treat me different. Then, once I took the hat off, I realized that they were fine with it. They didn’t really care and so…if they didn’t care, why should I?”

Going through the first of five rounds of chemo for a tumor in his abdomen, Tyler, 10, hates the mask he must wear in public to protect himself. Tyler says, “I try to ignore everybody who stares…or whispers to somebody else. I just don’t feel normal when I wear it.” As for the cancer? “It does change my view of life…because I have learned that life is full of twists and turns now.”

Hector, 14, suffers from a soft tissue cancer that affected an eye socket. “They had to remove my eye or else I was going to die. So they told me to make a choice,” says Hector. A choice a kid shouldn’t have to make. Hector worried that losing an eye would make him too different from other kids, but being in a cancer ward gave him a new perspective. “It made me realize that it wasn’t only me. The world was full with kids with cancer.”

Lexi, who is 11 and has a slow-growing brain tumor, gets a similar feeling of camaraderie at Camp Sunshine, where every kid has cancer. Lexi says, “Everybody here knows what you’re going through and you feel like a normal kid. It’s a place where I can talk to people about my cancer life and they know what I feel like.”

Bryn, 14, was diagnosed with Stage Four lymphoma nearly two years ago. Today she’s in remission and participates in a support network called Teens Living with Cancer. “I think the experience of a veteran is a lot like the experience of a cancer survivor because you are coming back from a war, you’re coming back from the fight for your life basically. You start to realize that life is very fleeting and that you want to make the most of it,” says Bryn.

Nick News, produced by Lucky Duck Productions, is now in its 19th year and is the longest-running kids’ news show in television history. It has built its reputation on the respectful and direct way it speaks to kids about the important issues of the day. Nick News recently was honored with its first ever Edward R. Murrow Award for “Network News Documentary” for the documentary special, “Coming Home: When Parents Return from War,” marking the first-ever kids television program to receive the prestigious award.

Over the years, Nick News has received more than 20 Emmy nominations and recently won its seventh Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Children’s Nonfiction Program for “Coming Home: When Parents Return from War.” Additional Emmy wins for Outstanding Children’s Programming include: “The Untouchable Kids of India” (2008); “Private Worlds: Kids and Autism” (2007); “From the Holocaust to the Sudan” (2005); “Faces of Hope: The Kids of Afghanistan” (2002); “What Are You Staring At?” (1998). In addition, in 1994, the entire series won the Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Programming. Nick News has also received three Peabody Awards, including a personal award given to Ellerbee for her coverage for kids of the President Clinton investigation, as well as two Columbia duPont Awards and more than a dozen Parents’ Choice Awards.

Note: Photo Courtesy of Lucky Duck Productions. This article was updated to reflect a change in the date of this special.

Technorati Tags: Nickelodeon, Nick News, Stories of Courage, Kids, Childhood Cancer, Cancer, Linda Ellerbee, News for Children, Children’s Programming, Television

A brand new Dora Christmas Adventure is set to premiere on Nickelodeon. DORA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL ADVENTURE will air on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 8:00 PM EST. In the latest press release we received from Nickelodeon, the station had this to say about the brand new special.

Dora and Swiper explore the past, present and future of Christmas in Nickelodeon’s new hour-long primetime TV special, Dora the Explorer: “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure,” premiering Sunday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). The episode, which includes a special holiday version of the Dora the Explorer theme song recorded by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, will encore on Nickelodeon on Monday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. (ET/PT) and on Nick Jr. on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. (ET).

In “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure,” Swiper tries to swipe the Christmas star from Dora’s Nochebuena party and winds up on Santa’s naughty list. Dora appeals to Santa, who says that if Swiper can learn the true sprit of Christmas, he will put him back on the nice list. Believing Swiper can change, Dora accompanies him on a journey to the past, the present and the future to help him find four missing ornaments and discover the true meaning of Christmas.

“Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” features new, original music including the special holiday version of the theme song, performed by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, an organization providing children of all socio-economic backgrounds with a unique music education and performance program. More than 1100 children participate annually through the chorus’ core after-school program and its satellite program in New York City schools, and its national affiliates in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Tenafly, New Jersey.

Nickelodeon will roll out content from “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” across the following platforms:

+ Beginning Monday, Nov. 30, Nick Jr. Video, the broadband video service available on Nickjr.com, will begin streaming a two-minute sneak peek of “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure.”
+ A two-minute sneak peek from “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” will be available on wireless carriers via video on demand beginning Monday, Nov. 30.
+ “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” will be simulcast in full on Nick Mobile.
+ “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” and two other previously aired specials – “Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom” and “Dora Saves the Snow Princess” – will be available for purchase on iTunes beginning Monday, Dec. 14.

You and your child/children can check out the Nick Jr. website at http://www.nickjr.com. This award winning site is offering a selection of complimentary activities to coincide with the release of DORA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL ADVENTURE. These activities include a game, a riddle book and arts and crafts (Santa’s Hat, Swiper’s Christmas Card, etc.). The game on the site has Dora and Swiper delivering Christmas presents. Kids have to match present boxes with presents based on matching shapes.

You can purchase DORA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL ADVENTURE on DVD at a selection of stores including Amazon. There is also a CD, Dora’s Christmas, that you can purchase. The CD songs can be purchased through iTunes. The advantage of purchasing the DVD is that you’ll receive six additional minutes of bonus footage that will not be aired on the TV special and two music videos. The CD is a selection of 16 holiday songs sung by Dora. These are Christmas classics with a Latin flavor to them and include: “Deck the Halls,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming Aquí!”

About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 30th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 99 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than 15 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc.

Technorati Tags: Dora the Explorer, Dora Christmas Carol Adventure, Christmas CD, Latin, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. Christmas Special, Boots, TV Special

San Diego, CA – August 17, 2009 – Traveling from over 25 countries and six continents, more than 1,125 players ages 6 to 55 competed for the chance to be crowned the best Pokémon TM players in the world this weekend in downtown San Diego, CA. Hosted by The Pokémon Company International, the worldwide leader in video games and trading card games, the Pokémon World Championships gave the highest-skilled players from around the world a chance to compete for the prestigious title of World Champion, as well as travel packages, custom Nintendo game systems, trophies, and more than $100,000 in scholarships. The two-day championship event emphasized the skill, strategy, creativity and fun involved in playing the Pokémon Trading Card and video games.

The top 60 video game players from the United States, Japan and Europe earned an invitation to participate in the Pokémon Video Game World Championships by defeating hundreds of challengers in qualifying tournaments held across the globe. The top finishers in each age division (Junior and Senior) each received a grand prize that includes a custom Nintendo DSTM game system, automatic entry in and travel to the 2010 Pokémon Video Game World Championships for a chance to defend the title, and a six-day vacation package for four to Tokyo, New York City, or Oahu. The winners include:

2009 Pokémon Video Game World Champions- Junior Division (born in 1997 or later)
First Place: Jeremy Fan (Age 11) from Sante Fe, California USA
Second Place: Santa Ito (Age 9) from Japan

2009 Pokémon Video Game World Champions- Senior Division (born in 1996 or earlier)
First Place: Kazuyuki Tsuji (Age 25) from Japan
Second Place: Tasuku Mano (Age 15) from Japan

The top 350 TCG players from more than 25 countries qualified for the invite-only Pokémon Trading Card World Championships by spending countless hours preparing and battling though a season of city, state, regional and national tournaments. Each of the three first place TCG finishers received a grand prize that includes a paid trip and invitation to defend their title at the 2010 TCG World Championships, as well as a scholarship worth $7,500. In total, the value of the scholarships divided amongst the TCG participants from 1st through 16th place in all age divisions totaled more than $100,000. After two full days and over twelve hours of fierce one-on-one TCG battles, three winners were crowned in each age group, including:

2009 Pokémon Trading Card Game World Champions – Junior Division (born in 1998 or later)
First Place: Tsubasa Nakamura, (Age 9) from Japan
Second Place: Jason Martinez, (Age 11) from Glendale, California USA
Third Place: William Shand, (Age 11) from Colorado Springs, CO

2009 Pokémon Trading Card Game World Champions – Senior Division (born in 1994-1997)
First Place: Takuto Itagaki, (Age 12) from Japan
Second Place: David Cohen, (Age 14) from Kent, Washington USA
Third Place: Nicolas Fotheringham, (Age 15) from United Kingdom

2009 Pokémon Trading Card Game World Champions – Masters Division (born in 1993 or earlier)
First Place: Stephen Silvestro, (Age 20) from Citrus Springs, Florida USA
Second Place: Sammi Sekkoum, (Age 20) from United Kingdom
Third Place: Jay Hernung, (Age 20) from Madrid, Iowa USA

Over the past 13 years, Pokémon has established its prominence as one of the top children’s franchises in history. In 2009, the Pokémon animated series will be broadcast in as many as 153 countries in more than 25 languages. The Pokémon video game series has sold more than 191 million games worldwide and The Pokémon Trading Card Game is the No. 1 collectible trading card game of all-time having more than 46,000 active members worldwide.

For more information, please visit: http://www.go-pokemon.com/worlds

About Pokémon
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.

Technorati Tags: Pokemon, Trading Cards, Video Game, Japan, Champions, Worldwide, The Pokémon Company International, Pokemon World Championships

Academy Award®-nominee Pete Docter (2008, Best Original Screenplay, WALL•E; 2001, Best Animated Feature Film, Monsters, Inc.) directs one of the funniest fantasy-adventures of all time featuring a gifted voice cast that includes Ed Asner (Elf),
Christopher Plummer (Inside Man), Up co-director and writer Bob Peterson (Monsters, Inc.), Delroy Lindo (This Christmas) and John Ratzenberger (who has lent his voice to every Disney•Pixar feature film).

Up is the tenth in an unprecedented streak of critical and box office triumphs for Disney•Pixar that includes four Academy Award® winners for Best Animated Feature— WALL•E (2008), Ratatouille (2007), The Incredibles (2004) and Finding Nemo (2003)— as well as Cars, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life and Toy Story. Up joined each
of its predecessors in ranking #1 at the box office on its opening weekend.

BONUS FEATURES FOR UP
• Commentary by director Pete Docter and co-director Bob Peterson.
• Dug’s Special Mission – An all new original short film that follows the
misadventures of Dug as he attempts to complete his “special mission.” The short is directed by Up Story Supervisor, Ronnie Del Carmen.
• The Many Endings of Muntz – Many ideas were hatched about how to dispose of the film’s arch villain, Muntz, and now viewers can see the many alternate endings proposed during story development.
• Partly Cloudy –The hilarious short film that preceded screenings of Up. Everyone knows that the stork delivers babies, but where do the storks get the babies? The answer lies up in the stratosphere where the cloud Gus is a master at creating “dangerous” babies, which prove to be more than a handful for his loval delivery stork Peck. Directed by Pixar story artist, animator and voice actor Peter Sohn.
• Adventure is Out There – This action-packed documentary tells the story of the filmmakers’ own trek to the tepuis mountains of South America to research the design and story of the film.

And, only on Blu-ray Hi-Def, hours of features, and behind-the scenes bonus features, including:
• Cine-Explore – A visual montage of concept art, clips and documentary coverage that illustrates the directors’ commentary.
• Geriatric Hero – A character study of Carl, from research to realization including art and design, rigging, animation and story. It focuses on the issues of aging, “simplexity”, shape-language and compelling character arcs.
• Canine Companions – For anyone who ever wondered where CG puppies come from, an introduction to the design, behavior and language of dogs.
• Russell: Wilderness Explorer – A character study of Russell from inspiration and design to finding the character arc and authentic voice for this wilderness ranger.
• Our Giant Flightless Friend, Kevin – Find out how avian research and
development at Pixar helped bring a mythical, 13-foot tall iridescent bird to life.
• Homemakers of Pixar – Carl and Ellie’s house is an important “character” in the film. Fans follow the development of the house from story to art to its ultimate realization in the computer.
• Balloons and Flight – Carl’s house and Muntz’s dirigible presented the
filmmakers with two different problems—how could they make a physical impossibility possible? And, in the case of the dirigible, how would they unearth a fallen giant and let it soar?
• Composing for Characters – Composer Michael Giacchino returns to score his third Disney•Pixar feature film. See how the Up filmmakers collaborated with Giacchino to create the memorable score and compelling musical themes.
• Married Life – The original story concept that became the powerful “Married Life” scene, showing Carl and Ellie’s love story.
• Global Guardian Badge Game – Players try to locate countries, states and capitals around the globe in a multi-layered BD-Exclusive geography game enhanced by BD-Live.

Synopsis:
Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios take moviegoers up, up and away on one of the funniest adventures of all time with their latest comedy-fantasy. Up follows the uplifting tale of 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly
imaginative adventure.

Up has a suggested retail price of $39.99 SRP (US) or $44.99 SRP (Canada) for the 2- Disc DVD, and $45.99 SRP (US) or $52.99 SRP (Canada) for the 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo pack. A 1-Disc DVD is also available at SRP $29.99 (US), $35.99 (Canada)

STREET DATE: 11/10
Direct prebook: 9/1
Distributor prebook: 9/15
Pricing: 2-Disc DVD: $39.99, 4-Disc Bluy-ray Combo: $45.99
Feature run time: 96 minutes
Rated: PG
Bonus Materials Not Rated in US
Technical specifications may only apply to feature.
Aspect ratio: DVD: Widescreen 16×9
Sound: SD: 5.1 Dolby Digital, BD: Dolby Digital EX 1080P
Languages: English, Canadian French, Spanish

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

Technorati Tags: Press Releases, News, Up, Disney, Blu-ray, Blu-Ray DVD Combo, Disney’s UP, announcement, movie, family friendly, release

First things first… There’s a rumor going around that you didn’t want a Hannah Montana movie. Is that true?
It is true! At first, I was a little concerned because I wanted to know how the show would work in a movie format. We wanted to make a movie that was more realistic than the show, along with some comedy and romance. I think we did a good job of doing that, but it was a little scary at the start.

Why was it scary?
Well, this is my first feature film where I’m the lead. I know there’s a first time for everything, but I want my first time in everything to be close to perfect! It’s not like any other movie because there’s a whole back-story in the television show that everyone knows about and we had to be true to that.

Did you have fun filming the movie?
I was scared out of my mind for half of the movie! Making a film is like learning the ropes all over again. Our television show can be a little unrealistic because it’s supposed to be crazy and fun – just like a normal kid sitcom. But a movie is different. It has to be more realistic.

What happens in the movie’s story?
Well, it’s about how Hannah and Miley have melted together. Hannah was just this alter ego, but Miley was the normal girl underneath the wig. It’s become a bit of a mess because the alter ego is ruining Miley’s life – so she is sent back to Tennessee to learn about where she came from and who she really is.

Does she change during the film?
Miley is growing up in the movie. She’s going through hard times and she’s trying to find herself – and I think that’s a beautiful part of the movie. It’s cool to see her change.

Is the movie a farewell to Hannah Montana?
No way! We’re not saying goodbye to Hannah just yet. We’re already working on a third season of the TV show and we’re in talks for a fourth season. I really hope we do Season Four!

Did you bring any ideas to the movie?
I’m really interested in films, so I was eager to help out. I talked about how a normal Tennessee girl should look and act. I didn’t want to see an exaggerated version of a cowgirl in a cowboy hat and boots. I had ideas on keeping it real – and that’s what we did in the movie.

Would you like to see the romance in the movie cross over to the TV show?
We’ve tried to keep the movie pretty separate from the television show. I don’t think we’ll bring any of the new characters from the movie into the show really. I think it would be better to keep them apart.

Why?
For starters, Hannah’s love interest in the movie is called Travis and he is a very mellow guy – but that wouldn’t work so well on a sit-com that’s filmed in front of a live studio audience. Hannah’s love interests need to be louder and more outgoing. And anyway, I think it’s good to keep it separate because it’ll feel like a never-ending movie otherwise!

Lucas Till – the guy who plays Travis in the movie – says you’re a very good kisser…
He said that? What a freak! I’m going to text him and tell him he’s weird.

Was he a good kisser?
He was OK. I think Lucas is adorable and all of the girls love him on screen. He’s a great guy, but the kiss was just a screen kiss.

Was the kissing scene embarrassing to film?
No, it’s not embarrassing. Kissing is something that everybody does! Hannah Montana is a funny comedy, but the kiss matures the movie a little bit. It’s something that people aren’t expecting, which is good.

What’s the message behind the movie?
The story shows how you need to be able to take the time to realize who you are and where you’ve come from. I know I have to do that in my life sometimes. It felt great to return home to Nashville to shoot the movie and be comfortable with who I am. Where you’re from reflects a lot of who you are and who you’ll become as you get older.

Did you learn anything while making the movie?
I did! I learned that it’s super important to stay true to yourself and your family. I’ve also learned that I’ve got a lot to learn about life, but that’s just part of growing up.

MUSICAL MAGIC!
The film’s soundtrack has been wowing fans around the world – but what exactly does Miley think of the mega music from the movie? Read on to find out…

Are you proud of the songs in the new film, Miley?
Of course I am! All of the new songs really suit the movie. In fact, I think they’re some of the best songs I’ve ever recorded. The music really lifts the film and I love them to bits.

What’s your favorite song from the film?
I really like “The Climb” because it’s about becoming a better person. That’s what Miley Stewart and Hannah Montana are both working towards in the movie, so it has a special place in my heart.

Tell us more…
Well, it’s about enjoying every moment in your life. I don’t know what’s waiting for me around the corner and I don’t know what else I’m going to be doing in the future – but you’ve got to enjoy things while you’re doing them. There are tough times and mountains to climb, but you’ve got to go for it.

Do you think there’s always going to be another mountain to climb?
Yes. I think there are always going to be things that you’re going to want to do. In the song, it doesn’t only mean a new dream or a new goal, but it means you’re going to stumble and you’re going to fall a little bit along the way. It’s about picking yourself back up and starting again.

These words sound very wise, Miley…
They are, aren’t they? Well, I’m sure there will be another mountain. It’s happened to me before and it will happen to me again. It’s just a part of learning. It’s part of life – and I look forward to tackling more of it in the future.

HANNAH MONTANA THE MOVIE will be available on Disney Blu-ray and DVD on August 18th!

Technorati Tags: Hannah Montana, Blu-Ray, DVD, Interview, Miley Cyrus, Disney, The Hannah Montana Movie

QUESTION: How was the sci-fi robot costume you wear in Bedtime Stories?

RUSSELL BRAND: Being a golden robot as I was in this film was difficult because they are very diligent and assiduous with the make-up job, even painting the inside of my mouth golden! In spite of what we learned from Goldfinger that covering a person’s body in gold paint can lead to death. There was one area of skin that had not been covered in gold paint. I went for a wee at one point and saw a golden robot alone doing a wee in a trailer and my genitals looked ridiculous! Also you are forced into quadriplegic acceptance by the intensity of the make-up job, imprisoned as it were in a shell of immobility. You also have to have your meals through a straw and I just sat and watched Mike Leigh films in my trailer. Then I would forget what I was doing because I would be getting into Secrets And Lies or something and then I’d see myself in the mirror and go…wooohhh! I’m a golden robot!

QUESTION: For Bedtime Stories did you have to rein in your more adult comic leanings? And is there an R-rated version of the film?

RUSSELL BRAND: That would be inappropriate to have an R-rated version of a Disney film. It may damage the marketing procedures for this, the main one. For me the parameters were quite helpful in that it stops you from going to your typical comedic go-to places. Generally, I find when doing comedy that it helps to dismiss the first 10 thoughts that I have in case they lead to a quagmire. But it is not mentally hard because in my life I have friends who have kids. Mainly what was good was that working with Adam Sandler and the others was educational. I loved it really. It is really nice to see myself doing something in a film and it is not all rude.

QUESTION: How would you describe the Adam Sandler factor?

RUSSELL BRAND: I have a very intelligent and risky answer…I think that Adam Sandler is how America likes to see itself. It is a powerful country, charismatic, attractive, occasionally makes mistakes, but eventually puts them right.

QUESTION: What do you think of the power of comedy and why did you start doing stand-up?

RUSSELL BRAND: I was training to be a normal actor out of drama school where they taught the likes of Paul Bettany and Colin Firth how to do the acting that they now do so well. I was trying my hardest to do serious acting, but always people would laugh at that acting. That hurt my feelings. So I thought if I can rework this as something that is supposed to elicit laughter it will be good for my ego. It turns out it was!

QUESTION: While you were making Bedtime Stories what lengths did you have to go to watch West Ham’s soccer games? And did the others understand your passion?

RUSSELL BRAND: Yeah they did because Adam Sandler is obsessed with sport. In fact it seemed to be prioritized over making the film! There were screens everywhere showing basketball and football games and stuff like that – next to the monitor that I was trying my hardest to do my acting on. I would ask if my acting was all right and they say that they’d just scored a hoop or they have done a touch down. So they did understand the significance of West Ham United in my life. Seeing the matches was difficult. You have to watch them a lot on the internet. But in the USA some of the sports TV channels show games on a Saturday, so you can get some. Plus on Sky Plus Match of the Day and Sunday Supplement are available, so I can see a lot of comment. But the understanding of sport was one of the things that made me very comfortable in that environment and enhanced my masculinity! (jokes) Sport? I like sport, too. We are not so different! (jokes) Give us a cuddle! Give us a movie! And he did because it turns out that one of my next movies will be produced by Adam Sandler. In that movie I play a con man who is trying to get away from some gangsters and is posing as a priest in a small American town. It’s bloody deep! (jokes)

QUESTION: When are you going to make a drama in the USA?

RUSSELL BRAND: Probably the next time I make a phone call over there. (jokes) I’m doing The Tempest – that’s dramatic, Shakespeare wrote that! As soon as someone in the USA gives me a chance I’ll be all over it, I would love to do a drama.

Note: The photo is from the Official Star Wars Blog. Check out more pictures of theirs here.

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