Archive Page 206
September 19th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Two seasons of VEEP on Blu-ray in the same calendar year? What kind of awesome time to be a fan of great, top notch comedy is this? Yes, it is coming back again next year, but they have announced the show will be ending its run in the seventh season. All good things must come to a close and VEEP seems to have found its natural time. And boy has it made its mark. For every year the show has been on the air, Julia Lous-Dreyfus has won herself an Emmy for her role as Vice President/President/Former President Selina Meyer. That’s an incredible streak and a record for such. Will she cap it all off with a seventh win? We’ll have to see, but you can see her most resent representation of winning talent when the sixth season arrives on Blu-ray from HBO on September 12th. Continue reading ‘VEEP: The Complete Sixth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 19th, 2017 by Brian White
First there was Matthew Vaughn and Mark Millar’s Kick-Ass in 2010 and then there was Kingsman: The Secret Service (Aaron Neuwirth’s review of it all here and mine) in 2014. Needless to say I’m a big fan of both. Now we have a September 22nd sequel titled Kingsman: The Golden Circle. This is one film I can’t say enough good things about way before I even sat my butt down in the press screening’s theater seat this past week. You see I was one of the lucky ones to be able to attend the Hall H Comic-Con panel in San Diego for this action spy flick this past July (see Jordan Grout’s coverage of it all here). Not only did I get a unique tuxedo t-shirt and a rad Kingsman spinner, but I also witnessed the entire opening sequence, which is quite breathtaking, and two awesome clips that whet my appetite greater than the thought of Red Robin’s steak fries covered in that yummy sodium laced seasoning of theirs. You picking up what I’m dropping? While Kingsman: The Golden Circle may not include the exotic mummy, Sofia Boutella, this time around (for obvious reasons) it does have one hell of an all-star studded lineup. If you choose to accept this mission, then let me fill you in on everything below. Continue reading ‘The Year of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” Continues In Kingsman: The Golden Circle (Movie Review)’
September 19th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
When It Comes At Night released this past summer it was met with much approval upon the critical reviews. However, once those pesky general audiences got their hands on it, it was seen as all of a sudden being divisive and controversial. They hated it. Using the Tomato meter, the critics wound up giving it an 89% (Acutal: 7.4/10) while the general audiences saw it to be more of a 44% (4.4/10). One very fresh the other very rotten. Primarily, this happens when a film is “different”, unique, outside the box and tries something newer. In this case, the crime might have been assuming that the audiences that were going to buy a ticket to see it generally were smart. Continue reading ‘It Comes At Night (Blu-ray Review)’
September 18th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Every comedian has a story, which is likely why they are comedians, to begin with. Detailing the ways life has set one on a particular path makes a lot of sense when it comes to shaping an act designed to entertain people. Comedy can certainly go with life’s tragedies, as an old saying even involves an equation explaining as much. The Big Sick is an excellent encapsulation of this, as it tells the story of the real relationship between comedian Kumail Nanjiani and writer Emily V. Gordon. There are heartbreaks, sadness, and life-threatening illness, so of course, the two decided to write a screenplay that works as a comedy-drama fit for Judd Apatow to produce. As a result, 2017 featured one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year that features a proper balance of comedy and drama. Now The Big Sick is on Blu-ray for all to enjoy
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Continue reading ‘The Big Sick (Blu-ray Review)’
September 18th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
2015’s Kingsman: The Secret Service was a sleeper hit that reveled in being a Roger Moore-era Bond flick wrapped in modern sensibilities and kinetic, R-rated violence. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is less successful because it feels more like an attempt to hold onto what emotional strengths worked the first time around. Perhaps if this movie came after a more standalone second entry, the connection could have felt more beneficial. Regardless, there is still a lot of good fun to have in a film that serves as a globetrotting spy movie homage, complete with gadgets, robodogs, and a maniacal villain holding the world hostage.
Continue reading ‘Kingsman Royale (Movie Review)’
September 18th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
The genre-bending, critically acclaimed supernatural series PREACHER: SEASON TWO arrives on Blu-ray™ and DVD November 14 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The extended second season is an absurdly twisted, action-packed thrill-ride following Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper, TV’s “Agent Carter,” Captain America: The First Avenger), a small-town preacher with a criminal past who sets out to find God upon learning He is absent from Heaven. Along for the ride are his ex-girlfriend Tulip (Academy Award® nominee Ruth Negga, Best Actress, Loving, 2016, TV’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) and his best mate Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun, This is England, TV’s “Emmerdale”), an Irish vampire. Finding themselves in New Orleans, the gang must dodge local gangsters, dangerous secret agents and the Saint of Killers (Graham McTavish, TV’s “Outlander”), an unstoppable murderous cowboy from Hell.
Continue reading ‘PREACHER: SEASON TWO Blesses Blu-ray This November’
September 17th, 2017 by Brian White
A lot of this is going to be a rehash of my already published 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray review here and 4K UHD VUDU review here. However, you’re here solely for the 3D presentation of it all. I know that. So with that disclaimer out of the way let’s begin here! Like George Washington once proclaimed “I cannot tell a lie.” Wonder Woman was my number one most anticipated film of the calendar year. Say what? I’m 100% serious and no I’m not on any drugs. This is 80 plus years in the making here, folks! It’s historic! I would be prone to say Justice League is, but I’m weary about how ridiculous Cyborg looks thus far. I’m joking of course. I’ll reserve judgement of that until November (as I hear they are working on him in reshoots anyway). For now let me bask in the ever radiant light of everything Gal Gadot (check her out here) and the Amazonian princess she portrays, Wonder Woman. Call me a sucker, but I just love a strong female protagonist in my action movies, and it doesn’t hurt if they’re hot too. So you’ve all seen my proverbial masturbation over the three DCEU films that have come before, Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, and now it’s time to lasso up Wonder Woman. Wouldn’t that be spectacular to lasso up Wonder Woman, huh (insert dirty evil thought)? Ha ha. Come on! Let’s get started!
Continue reading ‘Wonder Woman (Blu-ray 3D Review)’
September 17th, 2017 by Gregg Senko
There is no mistaking the quality of programming that comes from HBO. Productions like Westworld, True Detective and Game of Thrones continue to wow audiences with their exceptional writing, acting and direction. As those series are currently some of the mainstays of HBO, it can be easy to overlook the original films that come forth from the cable giant. One such movie is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. There are a great deal of stories in our nation’s history that would never be told if it weren’t for the perseverance and preservation of a few determined folks. Mrs. Lacks’ story is one such case.
Continue reading ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Blu-ray Review)’
September 15th, 2017 by Brian White
A lot of this is going to be a rehash of my 4K UHD VUDU review of this title formerly published here. So with that disclaimer out of the way let’s begin here! Like George Washington once proclaimed “I cannot tell a lie.” Wonder Woman was my number one most anticipated film of the calendar year. Say what? I’m 100% serious and no I’m not on any drugs. This is 80 plus years in the making here, folks! It’s historic! I would be prone to say Justice League is, but I’m weary about how ridiculous Cyborg looks thus far. I’m joking of course. However, I’ll reserve judgement of that until November (as I hear they are working on him in reshoots anyway). For now let me bask in the ever radiant light of everything Gal Gadot (check her out here) and the Amazonian princess she portrays, Wonder Woman. Call me a sucker, but I just love a strong female protagonist in my action movies, and it doesn’t hurt if they’re hot too. So you’ve all seen my proverbial masturbation over the three DCEU films that have come before, Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, and now it’s time to lasso up Wonder Woman. Wouldn’t that be spectacular to lasso up Wonder Woman, huh (insert dirty evil thought)? Ha ha. Come on! Let’s get started!
Continue reading ‘Wonder Woman (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
September 15th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
This December, Alexander Payne’s caustically funny Election, a biting satire of political hubris set at an Omaha high school, will join the Criterion Collection in an edition featuring a new, restored 4K digital transfer and new interviews with Payne and Reese Witherspoon. Politics get even uglier in Barbet Schroeder’s General Idi Amin Dada: A Self-Portrait, an unsettling encounter with the murderous, charismatic Ugandan dictator, in a new, restored 2K digital transfer, and on Blu-ray for the first time. Plus, fifty years after the Summer of Love, a new Blu-ray collector’s edition of The Complete Monterey Pop Festival celebrates a watershed moment in music history. In addition to D. A. Pennebaker’s classic concert films Monterey Pop (in a new 4K digital restoration), Jimi Plays Monterey, and Shake! Otis at Monterey, the box set contains new supplements and every available complete performance filmed by Pennebaker and his crew. And as previously announced: 100 Years of Olympic Films: 1912-2012, a landmark collector’s set featuring fifty-three films from a century of Olympic Games presented together for the first time, as well as a lavishly illustrated, 216-page book.
Continue reading ‘Election & More Coming to The Criterion Collection in December 2017’
September 15th, 2017 by Brian White
I’m going to start this one by giving you the same ramble I do year after year covering this HBO title. Working in the IT industry myself I can’t tell you what a breath of fresh air it is to see people going through the same stress, trials and tribulations as myself in the industry. I may not exactly be involved directly in a tech startup company, but I know how things work in corporate America/Silicon Valley and sometimes HBO’s hit comedy series Silicon Valley hits oh so close to home for me. You can read all about my take on Season One in my 2014 Blu-ray review over here, Season Two here and Season Three over here. However, today we’re here to discuss everything Season Four, which made its Blu-ray debut on September 12th. So here we go! Let’s SWOT things out accordingly down below. Continue reading ‘Silicon Valley: The Complete Fourth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 15th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
What the world needs now is love, sweet lov….wait, forget that! What it needs is a good comedy to keep the spirits up and this week’s selection doubles down on the funny film stuff – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Today we’re checking out hidden gem that not only is rolling in laughs, but dough as well. Seems a down on his luck gambler is provided with an opportunity to finally make good – if he can swim through the sea of money grubbing sharks along the way. Betting big, winning big and contemplating what to do next – Let It Ride!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Let It Ride”’
September 15th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is amazing that a gonzo film like Mother! exists. That doesn’t take away from the many weird movies that are out there, some heralded as masterpieces, but Mother! is not some indie debut or the product of a decade continually spewing out originality. Here is a film full of A-list talent, produced by a major studio and opening on over 2,000 screens for audiences to experience. I have no doubt the film will serve as an endurance test for many, but that does not take away from the achievement of this movie. Writer/director Darren Aronofsky has made an incredible piece of work that is somehow being pushed as a mainstream horror movie. Audiences may not be ready for what they get, but Mother! is here to mess with everyone’s head.
Continue reading ‘Nothing Will Prepare You For ‘Mother!’ (Movie Review)’
September 15th, 2017 by Kori Kemerer
It’s time for my September ritual! The Big Bang Theory returns to the Blu-ray format. Truth be told I’m excited to be covering the release for the fourth year in a row now. You can find Gregg Senko’s Blu-ray review coverage of Season 3 here and I took over in season seven here, eight here and the ninth over here. Plus we now also have exclusive coverage from this year’s Hall H San Diego Comic-Con panel here. This year it’s the complete tenth season on Blu-ray right here baby. Warner Bros. always does a bang up on these seasonal Blu-ray releases. That’s why I’m overjoyed to be tackling this today and hopefully for years to come (please don’t end it). They can never end the Big Bang Theory from airing anew for years to come can they? Don’t answer that! I want to be appreciative for what I have here and I need these guys in my life. Therefore, let’s celebrate this upcoming Blu-ray release and talk The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season. Continue reading ‘The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 14th, 2017 by Blu-ray Brian
The record-breaking phenomenon is back with a season that proved to be well worth the wait! Action-packed from start to finish with the series’ most epic battles yet, the HBO® drama series
Game of Thrones: The Complete Seventh Season will be available for Digital Download September 25th and on Blu-Ray™ and DVD December 12th. The latest season of Game of Thrones featured the most-watched premiere and finale episodes in HBO history, and the series remains the most-awarded drama series in Emmy® history, with 109 nominations to date and winning the 2015 and 2016 trophy for Best Drama Series.
Continue reading ‘Game of Thrones: The Complete Seventh Season Gets A December Blu-ray Date!’
September 14th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
This is why I adore about indie outings – no matter if there are any studio movies being released or not there are always a slew of smaller flicks on a regular basis a film fan can count on to keep the cinematic good times rolling. No exception this week either as docs, features and genre movies alike hit hard and here all get their lesser known film fare dissection due. From tales of man vs. machine in a closed space and the dangers of spending time in abandoned dark spaces to docs on everything from surviving World War II, tragic big game hunting and rats, we’re checking out what the indie scene has to offer this week via Encapsulated Movie Reviews. Check out the short opinions on Infinity Chamber, Red Trees, Trophy, Against The Night and Rat Film below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Five New Indie Titles’
September 14th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
There’s a point in Brad’s Status where Ben Stiller’s character is called out for what he considers to be his stumbling blocks in life. He’s told he falls under white, male privilege, with first-class problems. There’s no doubt Brad is an entitled character who spends the film providing voiceover about how his respectable, decent life is not sufficient. The key to this film’s enjoyment comes from just how writer/director Mike White configures the story to comment on how obviously oblivious Brad is to everything that he has going for him. Plenty of small comedy-dramas seem to find (white, male) directors pouring their hearts out on the screen when it comes to exploring their dissatisfaction. Brad’s Status does just enough to not make it sound like too much whining.
Continue reading ‘‘Brad’s Status’ Update: Fine (Movie Review)’
September 14th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
No crime goes unpunished when the hypnotic action-thriller Good Time heads to Blu-ray (plus Digital HD) and DVD November 21 from Lionsgate. Racing against the clock to get his brother out of jail, Connie Nikas finds himself trying to make some quick hustles while evading arrest on the colorful streets of New York. Directed by the visionary Safdie Brothers (Heaven Knows What, Lenny Cooke) and starring Robert Pattinson (The Twilight Saga franchise, The Rover) and Oscar® nominee Jennifer Jason Leigh (Best Supporting Actress, The Hateful Eight, 2015), the Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh™ film, which was an official selection at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and received a 6 minute standing ovation, is “pure cinematic pleasure” (Manohla Dargis, The New York Times). Continue on to learn more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘Settle In For A ‘Good Time’, Arriving on Blu-ray This November’
