Archive Page 216
June 21st, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
I’ve never been one to shy away from my appreciation for what Michael “Boom Boom” Bay does with the Transformers films. Regardless of how well they may or may not work overall, these wacky blockbusters offer an over-the-top level of spectacle best seen on an IMAX screen. Somehow that all comes to a screeching halt this time around, as Transformers: The Last Knight seems a lot less interested in having as much fun as the previous films. It’s a weird place to be in, as I’m now in the position of arguing in favor of the utter ridiculousness that is Revenge of the Fallen over this film, simply to make a point that some good does come out of these silly films about robots that turn into cars.
Continue reading ‘‘The Last Knight’ Bludgeons Audiences With ’Transformers’ Action (Movie Review)’
June 20th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Cinema is no stranger to taking the older, dated classic television program that there may or may not be a nostalgia for and turning it into a comedy film. Heck, CHIPS here isn’t even the only one this year; there’s also Baywatch from this summer. However, Baywatch plays the self aware game akin to 21 Jump Street. However, both Baywatch and CHIPS didn’t really find the success they intended to at the box office. With poor reviews and no one showing up, we’ll not see a 2nd CHIPS effort. But, if you’re like most of America and missed it in theaters, you get a chance to see what all the no buzz was about on June 27th. Telling, too, is the fact that they forewent putting this on the 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray format opting for standard only. Continue reading ‘CHIPS (Blu-ray Review)’
June 20th, 2017 by Brian White
Believe me when I say this I never wanted write this review. In fact I never wanted to even see this flick. Call me a glutton for punishment, but I know the real truth. I’m just flat out cheap and don’t want to pay to view it. You see I loved the first Transformers film. It was both epic and adventurous, but the second feature was a bloated, flaming turd. The third outing improved upon things, but everything gained was lost in my opinion in the last entry, Transformers: Age of Extinction. The title says it all and I wish the franchise would have died there as the stupid title implies. Nevertheless Michael Bay is back with another mess to rip apart and ridicule, Transformers: The Last Knight. Yes ladies and gentlemen this summer blockbuster is just as ludicrous as the name suggests not to mention some of the worst trailers of the year too. However, before we get into everything that’s wrong with Transformers: The Last Knight let’s get all the proverbial housekeeping out of the way. Continue reading ‘‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ is the LAST Transformers Movie I Ever Want To See (Movie Review)’
June 20th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
One of legendary filmmaker Dario Argento’s most shocking and fantastic films is finally available on Blu-ray in the U.S. in an amazing new release from Synapse Films! Released in the U.S. as CREEPERS by New Line Cinema, 1985’s PHENOMENA is has long been one of Argento’s most discussed and debated films by fans and scholars, and now it’s available in a definitive 2-disc set that will make it a must-have release for Argento fans all over the world!
. Continue reading ‘Synapse Of A PHENOMENA, Telling Your Blu-ray To Come Along This September!’
June 20th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Pitting Colin Farrell against a house full of women in a horror film is a something I was not expecting from director Sofia Coppola. Perhaps calling The Beguiled “horror” is a bit of an overstatement, but the Coppola film does a lot to maximize tension. For a movie that is quite straightforward and relatively restrained for the Oscar-winning director, some key moments play well to emphasize what a great production this is and how committed these performances are. All the better that Coppola’s writing is not beyond filtering humor within the rising levels of tension found throughout.
Continue reading ‘Southern Gothic Horror Meets Empowerment In ‘The Beguiled’ (Movie Review)’
June 20th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Told through re-enactments and containing shockingly true stories of many of the actual people involved with the production, Pete Schuermann’s THE CREEP BEHIND THE CAMERA is the funny and ultimately terrifying saga of the making of THE CREEPING TERROR, and a disastrous portrait of a talentless artist who ultimately succumbs to his own self-destructive behavior. Starring Josh Phillips in the larger-than-life performance as Vic Savage, and Jodi Lynn Thomas (AMC’s PREACHER) as his unsuspecting wife Lois, THE CREEP BEHIND THE CAMERA pays vibrant tribute to an inglorious chapter in the history of genre cinema, incidentally exposing one of the most unimaginably radical antitheses of the Hollywood dream.
Continue reading ‘THE CREEP BEHIND THE CAMERA & THE CREEPING TERROR On Blu-ray This September!’
June 20th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
An uplifting and empowering coming-of-age movie centered on a determined young Maori girl, Whale Rider is an inspiring drama that is sure to captivate the whole family. Ripe for rediscovery, this award-winning film tells a poetic story that transcends the usual tropes of coming-of-age films, unfolding into a graceful tale about challenges of changing customs, community, and courage. Bolstered by stunning cinematography and smart storytelling, this touching tale makes its Blu-ray debut August 22nd, 2017, as a 15th Anniversary Edition from Shout! Factory’s Shout Select line. Bonus features include audio commentary with director Niki Caro, “Te Waka: Building the Canoe” featurette, a “behind-the-scenes of Whale Rider” featurette and more! Fans can pre-order their copies now by visiting ShoutFactory.com. Continue reading ‘WHALE RIDER Debuts On Blu-ray Via Shout Select On August 22nd!’
June 20th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
AMY SCHUMER and GOLDIE HAWN get more action than they bargained for in the mother of all comedies! After her boyfriend dumps her on the eve of their exotic vacation, impetuous dreamer Emily Middleton (Schumer) persuades her ultra-cautious mom, Linda (Hawn), to travel with her to paradise. When the trip takes an unexpected turn, the polar opposite mother/daughter duo realize they must settle their differences and work together to escape the outrageous jungle adventure they’ve fallen into. Schumer and Hawn are “a dream team not to be missed!” – Mark S. Allen, ABC TV.
. Continue reading ‘Amy Schumer & Goldie Hawn Want You To Snatch Up That SNATCHED 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray On August 8th!’
June 20th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Films, films and more…films. (LA Fest style!) We here at WhySoBlu.com are trying to keep up with the cinematic offerings of the ongoing LA Film Fest 2017 (taking place June 14-22 at various Arclight Cinemas and theaters around LA – go to www.lafilmfest.com for more details!) and it’s a long movie race for sure. Full of dramas, docs, comedies and carnage, this year’s crop is definitely a diverse group of flicks geared to fans with different indie tastes. So below is the second wave of Encapsulated Movie Reviews via LAFF 2017 – the good, the bad and the…curious. Father/son stories, docs on animated primates (and the people who make them!) and sperm donors, the horrors of aging, young killers in training, the power of money (and not having it!) and tales of teenage angst – all given critical skinny for your consideration! Check out the reviews of LAFF hopefuls Humor Me, Monkey Business: The Adventures of Curious George’s Creators, Thank You For Coming, Replace, My Friend Dahmer, Beauty Mark and And Then I Go below. Continue reading ‘LA Film Festival 2017 – More Film Reviews’
June 19th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Sometimes I wonder if those reading ever wonder why I choose to take on some of the films I do for Blu-ray reviews? Like, who would watch that…oh that guy. When it comes to pure action resembling the late 80s and 90s, I’m a sucker as I was a big fan of that film fad. They still make them nowadays, most are straight to video and yeah, a lot are no good. But, when I take on something like this, I’m either looking to see what one of my favorite action legends is up to lately, maybe it could be some hidden gem or on the other end maybe its trashy and silly enough to be a good passage of time. Anyway, maybe now you can see why, when Brian offers me an action film starring Dolphen Lundgren AND Denise Richards that takes place on a plane high up in the sky, I accept the challenge and go for it on the review. Anyway, Altitude will be available June 30th on Blu-ray. Continue reading ‘Altitude (Blu-ray Review)’
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!’
I’ve never been one to shy away from my appreciation for what Michael “Boom Boom” Bay does with the Transformers films. Regardless of how well they may or may not work overall, these wacky blockbusters offer an over-the-top level of spectacle best seen on an IMAX screen. Somehow that all comes to a screeching halt this time around, as Transformers: The Last Knight seems a lot less interested in having as much fun as the previous films. It’s a weird place to be in, as I’m now in the position of arguing in favor of the utter ridiculousness that is Revenge of the Fallen over this film, simply to make a point that some good does come out of these silly films about robots that turn into cars.
