Archive Page 227
May 7th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
Nothing is more fascinating to a true movie geek than the history of films told by the folks who lived it. German film critic and author Marco Siedelmann fully understands such a cinematic need and for fans of all things B-movie he’s got you covered. The founder of the online Magazine Hard Sensations and Publishing House Editions Moustache has already created an extensive examination of the Shapiro Glickenhaus Entertainment (SGE) era with his book The Untold, In-Depth, Outrageously True Story of Shapiro Glickenhaus Entertainment which houses everything from candid interviews to archival photographs. But the movie savvy Siedelmann didn’t stop there as his love of all things 80’s has led him to a new novel subject – that of former Cannon Films in-house Director Sam Firstenberg. The filmmaker behind such classic outings as Revenge of the Ninja, Ninja III: The Domination (go Lucinda Dickey!), Breakin’ II: Electric Boogaloo and American Ninja has many stories to tell and Siedelmann is putting together a must-read book titled Stories From The Trenches: The Official Sam Firstenberg Book guaranteed to knock some socks off. So to bring some attention to the Kickstarter campaign (only 7 more days to go people!) for the new novel we both giving the details below plus giving a review of his first book on SGE for those looking for a little more critical insight before purchasing. So grab your nunchucks and colorful headbands – the 80’s cinema scene via some good reading is back in full swing!
Continue reading ‘Shaprio Glickenhaus Book Review + Sam Firstenberg Cannon Book Kickstarter (Book Review)’
May 6th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
A day late and a dollar short. Okay, it is Saturday, but sometimes life happens and things get pushed. (I’m human film fans!) But I say better late than never and since the very engaging new doc Golan A Farewell To Cinema recently had its showing at the Beverly Hills Film Festival (see review HERE!) and was given a glowing stamp of approval by yours truly it seemed only fitting to match this weeks selection with a Golan-Globus Cannon Films hidden gem – welcome to the Saturday edition of Forgotten Friday Flick! Today we’re digging deep into the Golan-Globus vaults for a lessor known outing (and given the B-movie Cannon catalog that’s saying something!) filled with style and on-screen sirens guaranteed to knock cinematic socks off. (Or at least entertain!) It’s a heist/humor combo flick about a gal whose boring life gets a lot more interesting – and a lot more dangerous. So follow closely as the deal is about to go down but it’s going…Down Twisted!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Down Twisted” (Saturday Edition!)’
May 6th, 2017 by Brian White
I honestly never saw this happening when I walked out of this one theatrically. My first viewing of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter left me with a giddy smile on my face rather than one of disgust and regret. After covering Resident Evil: Afterlife here on 4K Ultra HD and rewatching Retribution in preparation for this one I wasn’t sure about my decision to check out The Final Chapter, especially in the theater. I debated waiting for this inevitable home media release, but Jordan Grout kind of gave me the courage needed to check it out. I even spent the eight bucks and change to see it in 3-D. The latter wasn’t worth it, but the decision to check out The Final Chapter so was. I had the time of my life. Okay, I’m exaggerating. How about this? I had the best experience in a theater considering it was the dreaded month of January. Is that better? Who would have ever thunk it? I am finally able to give a Resident Evil film a favorable score of 3. I’ll be darn as its the last one too and in my opinion they saved the best for last. It’s a high octane thrill ride!
Continue reading ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
May 5th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Its not often that I get super hyped for one of the modern movies that Scream Factory & IFC Midnight put out. Some of them, yeah, I look forward to, but catching the trailer on Beyond the Gates grabbed me and had me wanting to skip the rest of it as to not spoil. A film backed and starring legend Barbara Crampton, I was already interested, but when I saw what it was ACTUALLY about, I was thrilled. VCR board games are something that totally fascinated me when I was a kid and still do. I still have me Clue: The VCR Mystery Game in good condition, though nobody will ever play it with me (As was then as is now). Community did an episode on these during their run. Now here comes a sweet looking horror movie about one. Now, if the movie can live up to the excitement I have to watch it. We’ll see, but I have a feeling Scream Factory has another winner on their hands. You can order yourself a copy to check it out by using the Amazon link below. Continue reading ‘Beyond The Gates (Blu-ray Review)’
May 5th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
A captivating tale of desire and perception, Ido Fluk’s The Ticket will make its Blu-ray and DVD debut on June 6th, 2017 from Shout! Factory. Starring Dan Stevens (Beauty and the Beast, FX series Legion), Malin Akerman (Billions, Watchmen), Kerry Bishé (Halt and Catch Fire, Argo) and Oliver Platt (Chicago Med, Fargo), this emotionally rich drama also features an audio commentary by writer/director Ido Fluk and writer Sharon Mashihi, as well as the original theatrical trailer as bonus features. Fans can pre-order their copies now on ShoutFactory.com.
. Continue reading ‘That’s THE TICKET! Dan Stevens & Malin Akerman Star In Dramatic Thriller From Shout! Select June 6th!’
May 5th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Wrapping up my coverage of this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival, I wanted to shine the spotlight on some of the short film programs I was able to see. Thanks to some hype created by my lovely girlfriend, I was particularly excited to see the animated and Irish short programs but was also able to see a set of horror shorts as well. There is always plenty to admire in these films, as they must tell a full story in a limited amount of time while also showing off a level of cinematic talent from newer and veteran filmmakers alike. Here are some thoughts on the short films in particular that stuck out to me in the programs I saw.
a Continue reading ‘NBFF 2017 Review: Animated, Irish & Horror Shorts’
May 4th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Meet the squad when “CHIPS” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD. Dax Shepard (“Hit & Run,” TV’s “Parenthood”) and Michael Peña (“Ant-Man”) star in the action comedy “CHIPS,” directed by Shepard from his own script. “CHIPS” also stars Rosa Salazar (“Insurgent”), Adam Brody (“Think Like a Man Too”), Kristen Bell (“Bad Moms”), and Vincent D’Onofrio (“Jurassic World”). “CHIPS” was produced by Andrew Panay (“Earth to Echo,” “Wedding Crashers”), who previously produced Shepard’s “Hit & Run,” and Ravi Mehta (“Get Hard”), and is based on the popular television series created by Rick Rosner. Robert J. Dohrmann, Nate Tuck, Rick Rosner, Michael Peña and Dax Shepard served as executive producers. “CHIPS” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack on June 27, and includes the film in high definition on Blu-ray disc, a DVD and a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet*. Fans can also own “CHIPS” via purchase from digital retailers beginning June 13. Continue reading ‘Own CHIPS On Blu-ray And DVD On June 27 Or Own It Early On Digital HD On June 13!’
May 4th, 2017 by Brian White
So yeah I’m a guy. And yes I have not only reviewed Fifty Shades Darker here on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, but this is admittedly the second time I saw the film. The first was in the theater! Okay, here’s my man card. The truth of the story is like the first film the studio strategically releases this title anchored on the Hallmark holiday of Valentine’s Day. So us guys have no choice but to take our women out to see this one. Just like paying taxes each year it’s our civic duty to the special ladies in our lives. Truth be told also that I actually read the first novel in this franchise. I did not like it enough to warrant reading the subsequent novels, but I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t the least bit curious as to what happens to Anna and Mr. Grey. So that’s my lovely lead in to this 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray review. You guys wanna suffer some more paragraphs with me? Come on! Misery loves company. Continue reading ‘Fifty Shades Darker Unrated Edition (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
May 4th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Get ready for a colorful and musical delight with The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. This Criterion Collection release has actually already been available in 2014’s The Essential Jacques Demy Blu-ray box set. However, it would seem the resounding success of the Oscar-winning La La Land led to a separate release, as that film is so indebted to both ‘Cherbourg’ as well as Demy’s The Young Girls of Rochefort, which also received a separate release. There’s also the matter of ‘Cherbourg’ being simply one of the well-regarded musicals of its time, placing it as a highlight among the French New Wave and serving as an ambitious inspiration for many films that followed. So yes, for those who can’t afford the full Demy Blu-ray box set, Criterion at least has you covered for one of the major highlights of his filmography.
a Continue reading ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
May 4th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
There’s something quite commendable about the minimalist nature of The Wall. Seeing director Doug Liman come down from films such as Edge of Tomorrow Live. Die. Repeat. and Jumper for a claustrophobic thriller may or may not just be something of a stylistic exercise in between Tom Cruise adventures, but it is certainly entertaining. Armed with one desert local, minimal production design, two actors and a disembodied voice, here’s a film that manages to stretch a simple premise into pulpy cat and mouse game. Hiding a genre film under the guise of a war movie makes it all the more intriguing.
Continue reading ‘Intense Mind Games Found Behind ‘The Wall’ (Movie Review)’
May 4th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
A handful of indie flicks counter the big budget Guardian weekend to varying results. (There’s yet another five-star flick this week – no great cinema!) Artists who push the creative line, bad guys gone good, fancy meals complete with a side of guilt, military men leading multiple lives and an ode to all things mom covers the crop of this weeks smaller film hopefuls. Check out the Encapsulated Movie Reviews of Burden, Black Site Delta, The Dinner, The Shadow Effect and Mom & Me all below.
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Five New Indie Titles’
May 4th, 2017 by Brian White
The first Guardians of the Galaxy holds a special place in our hearts within our household. It’s how we found our son. His name is Star-Lord. Wait! Let me back up and catch you up to speed here. It was my 40th birthday, August 31, 2014. Like usual here in Austin, TX we could not find anything to do. Our friend Serena was in town visiting too. She had never been to an Alamo Drafthouse before and likes to drink so we took her there. I think she was apprehensive at first not really wanting to see Guardians, but I digress as that’s not important. My fiancée and I had already seen it twice and we loved it. Nevertheless Serena ended up liking it too. However, the crux of my story revolves around us walking out of the screening and into the theater lobby. I spotted what I thought to be the cutest little puppy I ever seen and muttered my famous words “hey Kori look at the puppy.” That was it. We ended up talking to an Asian woman who held the little guy. She said she found him crying, left for dead in the dumpster behind the nearby grocery store. His rear leg was wounded and his whiskers were all tinged off, burnt obviously. She was trying to find a good home for him. And that’s ladies and gentlemen how we ended up with my son, our little Star-Lord. Continue reading ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: I Am Groot (Movie Review)’
May 4th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
This June, Shout! Factory is proud to present four additions to Shout Select, a line of movie releases shining a spotlight on the essentials in film. Trespass, Car Wash, Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie and Where the Buffalo Roam all come to Blu-ray for the first time, complete with bonus features including new interviews with cast and crew members, audio commentaries, theatrical trailers, vintage featurettes and more.
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. Continue reading ‘Don’t TRESPASS At The CARWASH WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM For Shout! Select’s NEXT MOVIE(s)!’
May 3rd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
The action-packed, coming of age feature film Saban’s Power Rangers will morph onto Digital HD June 13 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital HD), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD and On Demand June 27 from Lionsgate. As part of the 24-year-old global phenomenon and based on the five Rangers from the original TV series, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,”, the reimagined movie features a modern generation of Rangers including Dacre Montgomery (TV’s “Stranger Things”) as Jason the Red Ranger, Naomi Scott (The 33) as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) as Billy the Blue Ranger, Ludi Lin (Monster Hunt) as Zack the Black Ranger, and Becky G. (Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising) as Trini the Yellow Ranger, as they attempt to stop the evil and unpredictable Rita Repulsa (played by Elizabeth Banks, The Hunger Games Franchise) from destroying their city…and ultimately the world. Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) as Zordon, and Bill Hader (Finding Dory) as Alpha 5 train the Rangers to morph and master their powers as a united team. Continue reading ‘POWER RANGERS 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray On June 27th Is Anything But Repulsa-ive!’
May 2nd, 2017 by Blu-ray Brian
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings Hugh Jackman’s celebrated seventeen-year run as Wolverine to a close when the box office phenomenon Logan arrives on Digital HD on May 16 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™and DVD May 23. Sir Patrick Stewart (X-Men: Days of Future Past, Star Trek: The Next Generation), Stephen Merchant (Hello Ladies, The Office), Boyd Holbrook (Narcos) and newcomer Dafne Keen join Jackman in the iconic character’s final chapter, directed by James Mangold (The Wolverine, Walk the Line). Continue reading ‘Logan Slashes And Claws His Way in 4K Glory This May!!!’
May 2nd, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Well, what do you know? Just like that, James Mangold’s 3:10 To Yuma is 10 years old this year. Doesn’t feel like its been that long. Mangold is seeing some of his greatest success (Critical & Box Office) this year, too with the Hugh Jackman-Wolverine sendoff Logan. 3:10 To Yuma is one of his strongest films and one of the best westerns (not the hotel chain) of the 2000s. When people whine and moan about remakes, here is a prime candidate and a more modern one to throw in their faces as to prove their whole false generality of “remakes/reboots/reimaginings suck” tiredness as false. Lionsgate is now bringing it over to the 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray format alongside the Expendables movies on May 2nd. Check out or revisit this terrific western with a great enhanced picture featuring HDR and an all new DTS:X audio track! Continue reading ‘3:10 To Yuma (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
May 1st, 2017 by Brandon Peters
The Ring was quite the phenomenon right as the century began. Naomi Watts headlined the US remake of the popular Japanese film and it changed the genre for a good half decade. It was something fresh and different for audiences (Though I’ve always argued part of this film’s ghost agenda and resolution was very much a Stir of Echoes retread), leading to remakes of other popular Japanese ghost films like The Grudge, Pulse and Shutter. Gore Verbinski’s film received a sequel that wasn’t well received and there the franchise died, not making it to the 4 films that its overseas sister-series had. But, things never truly die, as brand recognition is all the rage nowadays and the the spinner landed upon The Ring to be revisited. Rings came, went and confirmed nobody was interested anymore and apparently took Jason Voorhees along with it (You’re really dumb as hell to think these two thing correlate, Paramount execs!). You, too can have another chance to avoid it, confirm how bad it is, or be the first to be the person to find it underappreciated and write a piece to hopefully reevaluate it in a couple years. So many possibilities! Anyway, this one comes out May 2nd on Blu-ray and carries digital copies of the first film (As a thank you) and the sequel (To ask the questions “Were we at least better than this?”). Pre-order below if you choose! Continue reading ‘Rings (Blu-ray Review)’
May 1st, 2017 by Jason Coleman
So many amazing film fests – so little time! The recent star-studded 17th Annual Beverly Hills Film Festival happened this past week (at the famed TLC Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood!) and it was a massive five day movie event indeed. Not only were there amazing docs and features, but also a slew of short films in various genres guaranteed to please every moviegoers. (There were a whopping 87 competition films!) Of course it’s impossible to check out everything (again, I’m only a single movie geek!), but the power of a passionate one still prevails as I managed to check out eight feature film hopefuls. From flicks about the pleasure of dream life and not giving up to docs about tigers, underdogs, former movie moguls and Aussie hotshots, we’re hitting the films of the BHFF fest hard and fast to provide some cinematic insight into what to possibly seek out in the future. Check out the Encapsulated Movie Reviews of Zen Dog, The Girl Who Invented Kissing, John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs, Mable, Mable, Tiger Trainer, Golan A Farewell To Mr. Cinema, Rod Taylor: Pulling No Punches, Gun and Legendary AD below! Continue reading ‘Beverly Hills Film Fest 2017 – Eight Feature Film Reviews’
