Archive Page 215
June 19th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
You know, I’m the guy who writes that annual Blu-ray Wishlist column (Which, I did regularly for a year). I’m a proponent on getting everything in film history bumped up to the next great format. For it to be available in the highest quality presentation possible. However, some things…maybe…maybe they don’t need that sort of effort. Maybe they were fine just ending their run on DVD. Those play in 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray players and pretty much anywhere still to this day. What’s with this intro? Because two of the Fu Manchu movies from the 1960s are coming to Blu-ray from Blue Underground and I still don’t have True Lies yet. Sure, I know Jess Franco is a popular cult director. And…yeah, they have Christopher Lee, but they are also a whitewashing embarrassment of history. That’s not even their biggest crime. They’re pretty much unwatchable. But, here, I’ve done my best for this new set, apologies on the lack of enthusiasm. Continue reading ‘The Blood Of Fu Manchu / The Castle Of Fu Manchu – Double Feature (Blu-ray Review)’
June 19th, 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. The results are wonderful, as the film finds a balance of how the awkwardness of life can lead to big laughs as well as many poignant moments.
Continue reading ‘Big Laughs As ‘The Big Sick’ Tests Love And Family (Movie Review)’
June 16th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Only a few lesser known flicks dissected this week (LA Film Fest is underway – can you say cinematically swamped!) to counter all things big budget. (Though for those who want to get their indie on check out previously mentioned fest!) Docs on movie music, shark infested fright fests, POV action flicks and a special short via a famed filmmaker all get the critical skinny scenario below! Check out Encapsulated Movie Reviews of Score: A Film Music Documentary, 47 Meters Down, Kill Switch and the short Rakka for your convenience!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Three New Indie Titles (And One Short!)’
June 16th, 2017 by Brian White
Despite loving all things sci-fi and horror Life is a movie I had been against ever since I saw the very first trailer on television last year. I felt like it was such a ripoff of Alien that it did not even warrant my attention. However, the one thing I could not deny was what an absolutely fantastic cast it has. I have to admit that having Rebecca Ferguson (not related to Sean Ferguson by any means) made it more manageable to get me in the door. Well that and my fiancee’s constant nagging that she was so excited for it. She does so much for me that I have to take one for the team for her every so often. Ha ha. Fifty Shades Darker comes instantly to mind in that category. LOL. But I digress. Today we’re here to talk about Sony/Columbia Picture’s new sci-fi picture, Life, not the Milton Bradley board game or the Venom movie spinoff hot off the press on the 4K Ultra HD format. Continue reading ‘Life (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
June 16th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
In September, Murray Lerner’s Festival will join the Criterion Collection in time for its fortieth anniversary. The era-defining documentary caught the crest of a musical movement at the Newport Folk Festival from 1963 to 1966 and includes performances by giants like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, and the Staples Singers; the Criterion release’s special features will showcase rare additional footage from the festivals. Austrian maestro Michael Haneke strikes a jagged chord in The Piano Teacher, a twisted psychological study dominated by a steely performance from Isabelle Huppert, whose collaboration with Haneke will be explored in a number of special features on our release. Alfred Hitchcock entered a bold new phase of his legendary career with his first American film, the Oscar-winning gothic melodrama Rebecca, appearing in a stunning new 4K restoration in an edition packed with special features that illuminate the Master of Suspense’s transition to Hollywood. And there’s more: three of contemporary cinema’s greatest actresses share the screen in Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women, which stars Laura Dern, Michelle Williams, and Kristen Stewart alongside revelatory newcomer Lily Gladstone in a keenly observed triptych of stories set against the lonely backdrop of rural Montana. Plus: David Lynch: The Art Life, fresh from its theatrical release, offers an intimate portrait of the famously elusive director of Eraserhead and Twin Peaks.
Continue reading ‘Haneke, Hitchcock & More Coming to The Criterion Collection in September 2017’
June 16th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
It’s officially underway and the flicks show no sign of stopping! Yup, the Los Angeles Film Festival 2017 (taking place June 14-22 at various Arclight Cinemas and theaters around LA – go to www.lafilmfest.com for more details!) has begun to display its movie wares and WhySoBlu.com is gloriously taking them all in. We’ve seen a few more than reviewed below, but bound by dates that they unspool at the fest we’re sworn to cinematic secrecy until public release. (And yes, there are some terrifically tasty ones already viewed!) But since this fest happens over a mere nine days a modicum of movie reviews will have to do for now (have no fear – next week will be a multi-numbered one!), so here are three first flicks given some critical skinny for your consideration. Boxing docs, science guys dissected and unwelcome houseguests all make an appearance – check out the LAFF 2017 Encapsulated Movie Reviews of CounterPunch, Bill Nye: Science Guy and The Housemaid below! Continue reading ‘LA Film Festival 2017 – First Film Reviews’
June 15th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
The level or ridiculousness involved in killer shark movies in a post-Jaws world must be somewhat close to the level of ridiculousness with regular people who actually put themselves in situations where they are very close to sharks. Accepting the premise of a killer shark movie generally means looking past weak characterization and logic gaps, favoring the tension, thrills and filmmaking on display. 47 Meters Down manages to get close to working thanks to solid scenes of tension that stem from two people stuck at the bottom of the ocean, with a dark void surrounding them. That said, bracing for scares only goes so far when a film is committed to keeping its characters this shallow while in the deep.
Continue reading ‘Cage Goes In The Water, Shark’s In The Water, Cage Falls ‘47 Meters Down’ (Movie Review)’
June 15th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Hooooooooooooooowl! On August 8, 2017, Scream Factory will present two classic films from the 1980’s, Teen Wolf (Collector’s Editon), starring Michael J Fox, and Teen Wolf Too (Collector’s Edition), starring Jason Bateman, the latter on Blu-ray™ for the first time. In addition, the Saturday morning kids show Teen Wolf: The Complete Animated Series will get a DVD release from Shout! Factory, on September 5.
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. Continue reading ‘On August 8th The Moon Is Full When TEEN WOLF & TEEN WOLF TOO Debut In Scream Factory Collector’s Editions!’
June 14th, 2017 by Blu-ray Brian
The latest season of the #1 comedy series on broadcast TV is now available on Blu-RayTM and DVD as Leonard, Sheldon, Penny, Howard, Raj, Amy and Bernadette return for television’s perpetual laughter symposium in The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season. The Big Bang Theory continues to enthrall viewers and critics all over the world, averaging nearly 20 million viewers per episode! The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment includes all 24 episodes plus extras including three all-new featurettes, the 2016 Comic Con Panel and a hilarious gag reel. Fans can now enjoy the show’s milestone season on Blu-ray September 12th. Continue reading ‘WB Home Ent Announces: Big Bang Theory: The Complete Tenth Season’
June 14th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
For those here in LA the film fest fever never stops as witnessed by the myriad of movie gatherings in the month of June alone. So up next in our WhySoBlu.com comprehensive coverage is a famed fest so prestigious and well known that a cinema celeb sighting is all but guaranteed – it’s time for Los Angeles Film Festival 2017! Taking place June 14-22 at various Arclight Cinemas and other theaters around LA (go to www.lafilmfest.com for more details!), this year’s cinematic crop promises to be more memorable flick filled than ever before and we’re super excited to partake in the wares within. So to start the journey off right we’re taking first look at some of the more savory selections that the fest has to offer and the choices were not easy to narrow down. From the doc delights of filmmaker Nick Broomfield to a new movie featuring my 2015 LAFF Best of Fest actor award winner Jemaine Clement (love that guy!), there’s much to enjoy. So follow us on a LAFF 2017 film journey of…“What To See!” Continue reading ‘LA Film Festival 2017 – ‘What To See’’
June 13th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
The curtain has permanently closed on the illustrious 20th Annual Dances With Films Festival 2017 and we’re frankly movie exhausted. (In a good way!) With over a dozen feature films and a gaggle of shorts given critical skinny and even a layered leading lady turn highlighted with some additional interview insight, this year WhySoBlu.com has been bloody busy. But as the curtain closes it’s time to give a final farewell with our own awards, highlighting what we consider the best of the best via the Dances with Films Fest and the competition was high. But in the end (or in each category!) there can be only one – welcome to the our picks of the… Continue reading ‘Dances With Films Festival 2017 – Best of Fest ‘Wrap Up’’
June 13th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
I think of Pixar’s Cars franchise as a harmless source of income for the acclaimed studio. Yes, Pixar is matched more frequently now by other animation studios than when Finding Nemo came out, so Cars is put down for so clearly resting on a lower tier than other Pixar efforts. I am no different as far as general regard for the Cars films goes and while you may think this summation is leading to a declaration of how Cars 3 changes everything, it isn’t. Cars 3 does its job. It’s a decent animated effort that is entertaining enough and the best of the series thanks to some additional emotional weight.
Continue reading ‘‘Cars 3’ Cruises With Lightning (Movie Review)’
June 13th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
The shows almost over via our coverage of the 20th Annual Dances With Films Festival 2017 and it’s been a busy movie ride indeed. But before we head into out final Best of Fest article we’re slapping down a few more reviews just for good measure. So below are an additional six features and 4 shorts with topics ranging from saints to safe crackers to make this movie meal complete. Check out the Encapsulated Movie Reviews of DWFF 2017 feature flicks Resistance Is Life, The Midnighters, Tater Tot & Patton, Jimmy The Saint, The Scent Of Rain And Lightning and All I Want, plus shorts Land of Happy Dreams, G-4, Hidden Daylight and Supermom below! Continue reading ‘Dances With Films Festival 2017 – Final Film Reviews’
June 13th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Two years ago, one of the dumber, bad ideas came to fruition: The LEGO Movie. Sure, really young kids would go and enjoy, yeah. But, they can deserve better. Low and behold, it was BETTER and one of the best films of the year and animated films of the last ten years. Everything was awesome! One of the scene stealers in the film was Batman, and so, logically, they gave him a spin off. While slapping a big LEGO logo on it, it did prove you can have multiple Batmen and Batman movies in pop culture at the same time. And yeah, there may be darkness and no parents, but the film was loaded and became a big box office hit. LEGO is now building a quality animated brand with a unique touch to their humor. I had no desire to see a LEGO Ninjago movie (I don’t even know exactly anything about it other than…Ninjas?), but I’m on board and that trailer was pretty hilarious. Here now, lets look back at The LEGO Batman Movie, coming June 13th to 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray. Continue reading ‘The LEGO Batman Movie (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
June 12th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Evil just can’t catch a break as the hilarious, critically acclaimed horror series “Ash vs Evil Dead”: Season 2 arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD) and DVD August 22 from Lionsgate. Locked and loaded with the same twisted humor and gory kill scenes groovy fans of the franchise are used to, “Ash vs Evil Dead”: Season 2 continues the chainsaw-slicing, shotgun-blasting fun from the first season. “Ash vs Evil Dead”: Season 2 stars Bruce Campbell (The Evil Dead franchise), Lucy Lawless (TV’s “Spartacus: War of the Damned”), Ray Santiago (In Time), and Dana DeLorenzo (A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas), as well as this season’s introduction of Lee Majors (TV’s “The Six Million Dollar Man”) as Ash’s father. Continue reading ‘Join Us For ASH VS EVIL DEAD SEASON 2 On Blu-ray August 22nd!’
June 12th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Based on the best-selling novel by Lissa Evans, the delightful and heartwarming period piece, Their Finest, arrives on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital HD) and DVD on July 11 from Lionsgate; Digital HD on June 30 and On Demand on July 11 from EuropaCorp. From the producers of Brooklyn and Carol, Their Finest takes place in Britain during World War II and tells the story of a film crew as they create a movie to boost the country’s morale after the Blitz. Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin and Golden Globe® winner Bill Nighy (2007, Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television, Gideon’s Daughter) lead an all-star cast in what Andrew Barker at Variety considers “a relentlessly charming romantic comedy.” Continue on to learn more about this release.
Continue reading ‘Prepare for ‘Their Finest’, which arrives on Blu-ray this July’
June 12th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Based on the novel by Kevin Wignall, the action-packed thriller The Hunter’s Prayer arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and Digital HD August 8 from Lionsgate. The film is currently available On Demand. Sam Worthington stars as a deadly assassin assigned to kill a young woman named Ella. When his conscience gets the best of him, he defies orders and instead protects Ella. Together they must escape the formidable enemies who are determined to kill them both at all costs. This film is from Jonathan Mostow, the director of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and Breakdown. Continue on to learn more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘Get Your Sights Locked, THE HUNTER’S PRAYER arrives on Blu-ray This August’
June 9th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
With the still ongoing 20th Annual Dances With Films Festival 2017 (taking place June 1-11 at the Chinese 6 Theaters at Hollywood and Highland – go to www.danceswithfilms.com for more details!) heading into its final weekend there’s still plenty of time and tickets to check find that cinematic hidden gem you’ve been looking for. (I’m going to be there all day Sunday movie watching myself!) But to get you excited about heading into the unknown we’re checking out a second wave of flicks and the results are pretty spectacular. Meaning in the three features and five shorts covered below there are a lot of notable items that prove Dances With Films know their stuff. Depressed teens looking for solace, strange gals from outer space and homeless hustlers, plus angry zen masters, ladies who love themselves, worry warts, tainted tots and the effects of dementia are all themes explored in the Encapsulated Movie Reviews below. Check out the critical opinions on the features Holden On, Imitation Girl and Landing Up and the shorts Herbie, Wink, Panic Attack!, Thirteen, and Tonight And Every Night below! Continue reading ‘Dances With Films Festival 2017 – Three Features/Five Shorts Reviews’
