Homepage > Joss Whedon Cast > Sarah Michelle Gellar > Reviews > Sarah Michelle Gellar - "The Return" Movie - Movieweb.com Review
« Previous : Eliza Dushku - "Truth Tour" DVD Launch Party By Usher - High Quality Photos 2
     Next : "Buffy Season 8" Comic Book - Issue 03 - Cover & Description »

Movieweb.com

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar - "The Return" Movie - Movieweb.com Review

Monday 5 February 2007, by Webmaster

Sarah Michelle Gellar, a name synonymous with versatility and enduring appeal, began her illustrious career in the entertainment industry as a child. Discovered by a talent agent at a young age, Gellar’s screen debut came at the tender age of six with the television film "An Invasion of Privacy" in 1983. Her early promise led to a leading role in the teen drama series "Swans Crossing" in 1992, but it was her portrayal of Kendall Hart on the ABC soap opera "All My Children" (1993-1995) that earned her a Daytime Emmy Award and catapulted her into the limelight.

SMG’s true claim to international fame, however, was her iconic role as Buffy Summers in the groundbreaking series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003). Her performance not only garnered her five Teen Choice Awards, a Saturn Award, and a Golden Globe nomination, but it also cemented her status as a cultural icon. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s filmography is equally impressive, with box office hits like "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (1997), "Scream 2" (1997), "Cruel Intentions" (1999), "Scooby-Doo" (2002), and "The Grudge" (2004) collectively grossing over $570 million globally.

Beyond her cinematic successes, Gellar has made her mark on television, headlining shows such as "Ringer" (2011-2012), "The Crazy Ones" (2013-2014), and "Wolf Pack" (2023). She has also lent her voice to popular series including "Robot Chicken" (2005-2018), "Star Wars Rebels" (2015-2016), and "Masters of the Universe: Revelation" (2021).

In 2015, Gellar ventured into the entrepreneurial world by co-founding Foodstirs, an e-commerce baking company, and published her own cookbook, "Stirring Up Fun with Food," in 2017. Gellar is also known for her close-knit family life, married to actor Freddie Prinze Jr. since 2002, with whom she shares two children.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s commitment to her craft is matched by her dedication to personal growth and unique experiences. An accomplished martial artist, she studied Tae Kwon Do for five years, alongside kickboxing, boxing, street fighting, and gymnastics. Her dedication to authenticity in her roles is evident, such as her commitment to doing her own stunts in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," though she admitted her limits during filming "Scream 2."

Her career is also marked by interesting anecdotes, such as her role in a 1982 Burger King commercial, which led to a lawsuit from McDonald’s and a temporary ban from their establishments. Notably, she dyed her naturally brunette hair blonde for her role in "Buffy," and legally changed her last name to Prinze as a surprise for her husband on their fifth anniversary.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s legacy extends beyond her on-screen roles, encompassing her work in philanthropy and her reputation for safety and professionalism on set. She remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, admired for her talent, dedication, and the breadth of her contributions to film and television.

Get prepared to get scared...

Sarah Michelle Gellar (The Grudge) stars in this shocking, non-stop supernatural thriller unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Joanna Mills (Gellar) is haunted by increasingly terrifying visions where she can see and feel the brutal murder of a woman she’s never met. With her life spiraling out of control, she follows the relentless nightmares to an eerie small town in Texas — a place where secrets can’t be buried, a spirit seeks vengeance, and the horrific murder from Joanna’s visions may just be her own.

A troubled young woman is forced to confront her childhood nightmares when The Return comes to DVD February 27, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Sarah Michelle Gellar (The Grudge) stars in a nail-biting thrill ride that will keep audiences guessing right up to its shocking conclusion. A psychological thriller with a paranormal twist, The Return ramps up the suspense with unexpected plot turns and chilling surprises. The DVD includes more than 30 minutes of special bonus features including deleted scenes, an alternate ending and exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries.

Joanna Mills (Sarah Michelle Gellar) returns to her Texas hometown on a business trip and unwittingly unravels a tangled web of homicide, inexplicable events and long-unsolved mysteries. Determined to learn the truth behind the frightening supernatural visions that have haunted her since childhood, Johanna finds herself powerfully drawn into the heart of a frightening secret. The DVD is priced at $29.98.

Cast & Filmmakers:
Director: Asif Kapadia
Written By: Adam Sussman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sam Shepard, Peter O’Brien, Adam Scott

DVD Features:
- The Making of The Return — Sarah Michelle Gellar takes viewers backstage for an intimate look at the creation of a thriller.
- Shocking Alternate Ending — this chilling footage reveals the horrifying conclusion not seen in theaters.
- 10 minutes of Deleted Scenes

DVD Features:
- Run Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
- Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35:1
- Rating: PG-13
- Rating Reason: Violence, terror and disturbing images
- Audio: English, French Dolby Digital 5.1
- Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French The Return
Rating: PG-13
Release: November 10th, 2006
Director: Asif Kapadia
Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kate Beahan, Peter O Brien, Adam Scott, Sam Shepard
Studio: Rogue Pictures (Focus)