TED (2012)

I picked up the DVD of 2012's Ted in the bargain bin at the local Wal-Mart.  I didn't have very high hopes for it.  A movie about a talking Teddy Bear seems like a pretty lame premise.

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised.  Ted is genuinely funny.  Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane really delivers the goods as the beer drinking, woman chasing, foul mouthed magical teddy bear companion of Mark Wahlberg.

I understand that there's a really lame sequel to this movie which came out a year or two ago which received mixed reviews and flopped at the box office.  Not having seen it yet, I'm not in a position to judge, but the original was definitely worth the five dollars I paid for it.  Four out five Teddy Bears.

John Carpenter's ELVIS

This made for TV movie from 1979 stars Kurt Russell in the title role, Shelley Winters as Gladys Presley, and Kurt Russell's real life father Bing Russell as Vernon Presley.  Kurt Russell was married for a short time to Season Hubley who plays Priscilla Presley.  The outstanding renditions of Elvis songs were performed by Ronnie McDowell.

Kurt Russell really nailed it in this movie.  His portrayal of the King of Rock 'N Roll is spot on.  Ruseell is excellent playing both the young naive Elvis and the middle aged, jump suited, drug soaked Elvis.  The secondary cast members are also all excellent.

The Blue Ray from the Shout Factory contains archival interviews with Russell and director John Carpenter along with a "Making of" Featurette.  The feature commentary by country artist Ronnie McDowell and Elvis' real life cousin is worth the price of admission just by itself.

Five out of Five guitars.