Archive Page 227
April 21st, 2017 by Brian White
When DC Collectibles asked me if I wanted to review a new Harley Quinn set, how could I say no? Sight unseen I said heck yeah I’d be interested. My philosophy is you can never have too many Harley Quinn’s in your collection/life. If you’re unfamiliar with my adoration of Miss Harley Quinn, please feast your eyes on the follow two collectible reviews here and here. She was the best part of last year’s Suicide Squad for me and no matter what DC Comics future movie plans are, whether we will see Gotham City Sirens first or a second Suicide Squad film, Margot Robbie’s take on the sexy, mischievous character already has my movie money. You can take that to the bank and cash it now, but I digress. Let’s get started here! Continue reading ‘DC Comics Designer Series: Harley Quinn by Amanda Conner Action Figure Set (Review)’
April 21st, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
The tagline for this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival is “Go Deeper” and that is certainly fitting for the Opening Night premiere film. Take Every Wave: The Life of Laid Hamilton is both an extreme sports film, featuring some breathtaking footage, and a solid biographical study of big-wave surfer and ocean pioneer Laird Hamilton. This documentary from director Rory Kennedy certainly does take us deeper, as we spend nearly two hours watching the story of a fearless and quite affable athlete who has pushed himself hard to find various successes throughout his life, while also experiencing some literal and emotional tough breaks.
a Continue reading ‘NBFF 2017 Review: Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton’
April 20th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Just a four pack of reviews ala the indie scene this week, but as usual the cinema spectrum covered runs a wide genre gamut for the film fan looking for more. Deeply dramatic docs that shed light on life changing events, a culinary legend who accepts nothing less than the best, a kid who learns to wield the bible like a psychotic dons a murder weapon and a film inspired by the work of iconic Canadian auteur Atom Egoyan make up the subjects via the Encapsulated Movie Reviews below. To get the critical skinny on Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992, Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent, The Student and Somewhere Beautiful read on. Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Four New Indie Titles’
April 20th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Who would have thought the innocent and just plain enjoyable La La Land from Damien Chazelle would have drawn up so much drama and controversy after being loved upon its launch. But that’s Oscar season for you. One minute you’re the favorite, and when you received all the (Well deserved) praise and award accolades to go with it, then its cool to turn the tables and bring the hate. It happens every year. Word to the wise: despite who wins an award, you can love BOTH La La Land and Moonlight. Nothing says you can’t. While it was my favorite film of 2017, I’m relieved La La Land lost the Best Picture award (Shortly after winning it) to Moonlight as I was tiring over all the crap it was getting, as that would have only brought on more. Chazelle just made a loving, charming and fun little film harkening to a that all of a sudden became some sort of evil film promoting racism and being incredibly misguided. If you missed this wonderful film, you’ll be able to check it out on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD April 25th. Continue reading ‘La La Land (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
April 20th, 2017 by Brian White
Say what you want, but I love thriller movies about scorned lovers and the psychotic crazy stuff they do to enact their revenge or misdeal with their new reality. Whether it be a woman like in Fatal Attraction or Obsessed or even a man like in The Boy Next Door it all makes for great onscreen entertainment. Now I sincerely apologize if I offended everyone with my blanket statement here. I completely understand and know this happens in the real world and for the people that have or are going through something like this my heart sincerely goes out to you. However, in the film medium stories of this nature in my opinion serve up one delicious, hot plate of entertainment to consume. I just love the crazy lengths to which people will go to when scorned. Call me a glutton for punishment. Call me what you want, but this makes great popcorn entertainment and that’s the reason I’m here to talk about one of the newest obsessed/stalker flicks dropping this April 20th, Unforgettable. Continue reading ‘Pardon The Cliche, But Unforgettable IS Rather Forgettable (Movie Review)’
April 19th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Written and directed by Dutch filmmaker Michael Dudok de Wit and co-produced by Studio Ghibli, The Red Turtle is the sort of animated film that allows a viewer to both relax and contemplate life. That second point may seem like a bold claim, but there is real majesty to the way this wonderfully composed, hand-drawn animated film unfolds. Presenting things rather simply, yet fairly striking in presentation, the Oscar-nominated animated feature may not provide the blockbuster thrills in the same way its competition from 2017 did, but there is certainly plenty to take in, which also has the benefit of leaving a viewer at ease.
a Continue reading ‘The Red Turtle (Blu-ray Review)’
April 19th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Why are you wearing that stupid man suit? Fifteen years before Stranger Things combined science-fiction, Spielberg-ian touches and 80s nostalgia to much acclaim, Richard Kelly set the template – and the high-water mark – with his debut feature, Donnie Darko. Initially beset with distribution problems, it would slowly find its audience and emerge as arguably the first cult classic of the new millennium. Donnie is a troubled high school student: in therapy, prone to sleepwalking and in possession of an imaginary friend, a six-foot rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world is going to end in 28 days 06 hours 42 minutes and 12 seconds. During that time he will navigate teenage life, narrowly avoid death in the form of a falling jet engine, follow Frank’s maladjusted instructions and try to maintain the space-time continuum. Described by its director as “The Catcher in the Rye as told by Philip K. Dick”, Donnie Darko combines an eye-catching, eclectic cast – pre-stardom Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, heartthrob Patrick Swayze, former child star Drew Barrymore, Oscar nominees Mary McDonnell and Katherine Ross, and television favorite Noah Wyle – and an evocative soundtrack of 80s classics by Echo and the Bunnymen, Tears for Fears and Duran Duran. This brand-new 4K restoration, carried out exclusively for this release by Arrow Films and MVD Entertainment Group, allows a modern classic to finally receive the home video treatment it deserves. Extras on the Donnie Darko Limited Edition Blu-ray include both the Theatrical Cut and the Director’s Cut, plus full-length Making of’s, Commentaries, Vintage Interviews and more. Continue reading ‘Donnie Darko Limited Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
April 18th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Say your prayers before the Vestron Video Collector’s Series releases the demonic horror classic The Unholy, arriving for the first time on limited-edition Blu-ray on June 27 from Lionsgate. Following the mysterious murders of his predecessors, a newly appointed pastor must battle a powerful demon to save his parish and the world. The Unholy is packed with all-new special features, including an audio commentary with director Camilo Vila, isolated score selections, interviews with the cast and crew, the original storyboard gallery and more! Plus, this special edition includes the film’s original ending with optional audio commentary from producer Mathew Hayden. Restored and remastered, The Unholy Vestron Video Collector’s Series Blu-ray will be available on June 26th. Pre-order now! Continue reading ‘Vestron Video Returns On June 26th With THE UNHOLY!’
April 17th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Buckle up for high-stakes action when Altitude arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD and Digital HD June 20 from Lionsgate. Depart on flight 709 with star Denise Richards as she embarks on a thrilling ride fighting action veteran Dolph Lundgren and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell. Packed full of nonstop action, the Altitude Blu-ray and DVD will be available June 20th!
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April 17th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
This July, Criterion will travel to the Zone with Andrei Tarkovsky’s hypnotic, philosophical sci-fi masterpiece Stalker-making its U.S. Blu-ray debut in a new 2K restoration, with special features that explore this endlessly mysterious film’s production and significance, including interviews with the crew as well as a new conversation with author Geoff Dyer. Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty drop out of society and hit the road in Lost in America, a hilarious satire of yuppie dreams and delusions written and directed by Brooks, featuring new interviews with the cast and crew. Robert Bresson presents a world stripped of illusion in his final film, L’argent, an unsparing tale of crime and corruption adapted from a Tolstoy novella, on Blu-ray for the first time in a new, restored 4K digital transfer. And there’s more: the neorealist landmarks of Roberto Rossellini’s War Trilogy-intensely humane portraits of resistance, mourning, and hope filmed in the rubble of the Second World War-will arrive on Blu-ray in new restorations.
Continue reading ‘Brooks, Bresson and More Coming to The Criterion Collection July 2017’
April 17th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Step inside – we’ve been expecting you! At long-last, Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment Group is proud to present the first two installments of hit horror franchise House on Blu-ray for the first time! In the original House, William Katt (Carrie, TV’s The Greatest American Hero) stars as Roger Cobb, a horror novelist struggling to pen his next bestseller. When he inherits his aunt’s creaky old mansion, Roger decides that he’s found the ideal place in which to get some writing done. Unfortunately, the house’s monstrous supernatural residents have other ideas… Meanwhile, House II: The Second Story sees young Jesse (Arye Gross of Soul Man) moving into an old family mansion where his parents were mysteriously murdered years before. Plans for turning the place into a party pad are soon thwarted by the appearance of Jesse’s mummified great-great-grandfather, his mystical crystal skull and the zombie cowboy who’ll stop at nothing to lay his hands on it! From the team that brought you Friday the 13th, House and House II are era-defining horror classics – now newly restored and loaded with brand new extras including two commentary tracks and two full-length making of docs for both films and more. Horror has found a new home – let’s see if the House: Two Stories Limited Edition Blu-ray worthy of your movie geek collection! Continue reading ‘House: Two Stories Limited Edition (Blu-Ray Review)’
April 17th, 2017 by Bron Anderson
Starz was on hand at the SXSW Conference to show off the first episode of their new series “American Gods” based on the book of the same name by Neil Gaiman. The series is set to start on April 30th of this year and follows a recently released prisoner named Shadow Moon, played by Ricky Whittle (“The 100”) as he interacts with a number of old and new god-like beings who inhabit human form in his service of the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, played by Ian McShane (“Deadwood”). The show is executive produced by Bryan Fuller (“Pushing Daisies,” “Hannibal”) and it shows, blossoming with Fulleresque flourishes throughout that create an eerie and visually stunning atmosphere for an intriguing, well-acted, and, so far, well-paced television series. Continue reading ‘American Gods Episode 1 (SXSW Review)’
April 14th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Keeping the ‘gems you haven’t heard of’ theme going we’re heading into unknown territory for a tall tale filled with pure pulp pleasure – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! This week’s selection is surprisingly all about the forgotten, focusing on a former military man who goes to some drastic measures to remind people in power that selfless soldiers will not be ignored. Featuring an iconic actor in his early days and one sensational score to boot, guns, grenades, tripwires and camouflage all work in tandem to prove that…The Park Is Mine!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “The Park Is Mine”’
April 14th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
The Audience Awards Film Festival wrapped this past weekend in North Hollywood, CA and it was a real hoot. Not only did yours truly get to represent the great WhySoBlu.com by hosting and moderating a Q&A for the Project Earth Doc Challenge, but I also got to meet the illustrious Effie T. Brown and take in a gaggle of horror shorts to boot! (That’s an evening!) In any case thought I would pay tribute to the new fest by taking an “Encapsulated” look at the six flicks that made up the Horror Shorts program, give a few shout outs and post the release of the winners to which the fantastic festival gave over $100,000 in cash and prizes – read on!
Continue reading ‘Audience Awards Film Festival 2017 – Horror Shorts Reviews, Shout Outs & Award Winners Announced’
April 14th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Today, at the Star Wars Celebration convention in Orlando, a moment we’ve all be very eagerly awaiting has arrived! Our first look at the follow up The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi! This is our first glimpse at the continued adventures of Rey, Finn and Poe as well as everyone’s favorite reckless Knight of Ren, Kylo Ren. JJ Abrams steps aside for this one and acclaimed director Rian Johnson (Looper, Brick) takes the reigns in what could be the best Star Wars yet! Joining the fold this time around to spar with our cast are Laura Dern, Benicio Del Toro and Kelly Marie Tran. This film also promises a more full return of original franchise hero, Luke Skywalker, last seen taking his hood off. Does this trailer get you even more ecstatic for what is probably the most anticipated film of the year? Is it enough to wet your appetite until it drops in theaters on December 15th? Patience is a virtue, but damn, give it to me now! Keep following to watch the trailer that you’re going to be repeatedly viewing and analyzing until the next one drops! Continue reading ‘STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Trailer Is Here!’
April 13th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
It takes a lot to make a dramatic feature, based on a true story, into something that hits in the right ways. Because a drama can have the intent to strike at certain chords to ideally generate emotions, there is often a level of manipulation to consider. Lion concerns the story of a lost Indian boy, who loses his family, gains another and then searches to find what he has lost. That is the sketch of a tale that will likely draw up various emotions, but the key is to earn it. The film’s success largely revolves around how it carefully navigates this story’s big moments that go from a more visceral adventure to a cerebral study of loss. It pays off big, as the film received plenty of awards attention for just how effective it ended up being for critics and audiences.
a Continue reading ‘Lion (Blu-ray Review)’
April 13th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Hidden Figures is the kind of winning biopic I can easily champion. It joins a film like Queen of Katwe from last fall, in presenting a story I was not too informed about, with enough confidence to easily please those in search of a good story. The film does little to distance itself from other historical dramas of its nature, but a mainstream film like this that matches up well to the many other films about famous white men who overcame adversity is worth giving notice to. That this film accomplishes so much by focusing on smart women who prove themselves by being good at their work and kind is just a testament to a film that can make certain subjects so cinematically interesting. Having now made a ton of money and netting 3 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Hidden Figures proved to be just what many were looking for. Now they can find it on Blu-ray.
a Continue reading ‘Hidden Figures (Blu-ray Review)’
April 13th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Eight times may be the charm for big budget flicks this week, but on the indie scene five seems to be the magic number. (There’s more of course, but hey I’m only one man!) Auteurs examined and explained, the great lengths some go to for their kids, dealing with death, organ donation from both sides of the story and animated disaster high school movie fun all bring us into the mindset of the smaller films reviewed via Encapsulated Movie Reviews this week. David Lynch: The Art Life, Graduation, Truman, Heal the Living and My Entire High School Sinking Into The Sea all get their critical due below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Five New Indie Titles’
