Queen Of Katwe (Blu-ray Review)
Glowingly reviewed by critics, but never finding an audience at the box office, Disney’s Queen of Katwe is making its way to Blu-ray. Based on the vibrant true story of a young girl (Madina Nalwanga) from the streets of Uganda whose world changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. I’m not sure what more could have been done, it did open on a rather stacked opening weekend. Maybe a bigger marketing push? Who knows what kept audience interest from seeing this one, but you’ll get a chance to catch it now on home video. Continue reading ‘Queen Of Katwe (Blu-ray Review)’
Things are moving at light speed here at Slamdance 2017 and with features, shorts and my own Narrative Jury duties it’s quite a haul. (But an amazing one!) First up are my reviews for a gaggle of shorts handed to me over my time here. Whether it was through a personal reach out by the filmmaker or one I saw before a feature, anyone who got their short into my movie loving hands has equal consideration below. So in various categories including animation, documentary, anarchy, experimental and simple block section, check out the massive twenty-two short film reviews below. (In keeping with the shorts theme each review is quick!) Plus hit the bottom for a little behind the scenes insight via my special Jury Section – enjoy!
Excuse me while I catch my breath over this news….OK. I’m good now. Exploring the thin lines between love and cruelty, and revenge and redemption, Academy Award
Hollywood producer Matthew Lamothe who sadly passed last week at the way too early age of 30 had his funeral today in Connecticut and many came out to pay their respects to a talented guy who had paid his dues by starting in the mailroom at ICM.
Your wish has come true with the Vestron Video Collector’s Series upcoming release of the Wishmaster Collection, 
After a few underwhelming film false starts for me via the famed 
Pinocchio now is joining the ranks of classic Walt Disney films from its original golden era, seeing their status upgraded to worthy of a double dip with the hip and fresh Signature Edition. Importantly, though, its a really good idea and deal for those who hadn’t own this legendary Disney film before. So, those who didn’t pick it up the first time around and wished upon a star for it to return to stores, now’s your chance. There are no strings to hold you down, so don’t be a jackass this time and pick it up. Disney has added a new array of bonus materials to it, too, so those who may want to upgrade based on that have something new. This set will be available on January 31st, but pre-orders are up and running now. 
That’s right. I said it. While I have been completely disgusted by what has been transpiring with the American public these past couple days (rioting, violence, destruction) since the Inauguration there’s no doubt about it, the women very much have the power in XXX: Return of Xander Cage. Feminists cannot argue that. Without the many women players in this particular outing our titular hero would not have been the smashing success he is. You hear that feminists? Equal opportunities are everywhere in this new Paramount outing, which if you’re keeping score is the third film in this wild XXX action franchise. So now that I have my little political rant off my chest, as I too feel like a piece of meat at times, let’s talk about the good, the bad and the ugly in XXX: Return of Xander Cage. 
Keeping in tune with the current 80’s theme, but adding a little humor to the mix (I think we all need it today!) it felt like time to celebrate cinema with a little raunchy in the reels – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! For today’s selection we’re getting rid of political correctness, throwing caution to the wind and taking a swig off a stiff one all in the name of unbridled 80’s comedy. Starring a man who went on to become an acting icon alongside an eclectic cast of misfits, deviants and malcontents, it’s the tale a small get together that turns into one of the craziest soirees in movie history. Drugs, booze, guns, fire trucks and everything that makes life worth living for – Tom Hanks may be embarrassed by it but today we hail…Bachelor Party!
The Da Vinci Code book was one of those that come around every so often that make non-readers take note of and spend time doing something they normally wouldn’t…they READ. Yes, I’m one of those suckers too. While I love to read I often have this problem in life called no time. By the time I snuggle up with a book it’s like I have taken a large dose of Tylenol PM. A book, good or bad, usually puts me right to sleep just like a classic X-Files episode does calming my hectic nerves. Dull reading material is prone to giving me narcolepsy during the middle of the day. However, every once in awhile that magical manuscript does come along that wildly captivates and fascinates my imagination. It ceases to let go of me as it manages to keep me engrossed, excited about and invigorated over throughout the read. Those are the books that I can’t inexplicably put down and just want more of. The Da Vinci Code was one of these so called “magical” books for me. It kicked off mad fervor for author Dan Brown. I fondly remember those moments like they were yesterday.
I’m here is snowy Park City, Utah movie fans and it’s comfortably cold. (I’m originally from Canada, so this place is a piece of cake!) What am I doing in such a white mountain ridden place? There’s a movie buzz in the air and where there are films unspooling I will be there! (This year for the amazing 
Poltergeist took its final journey with trilogy capper, Poltergeist. Who knows, though, if Heather O’Rourke hadn’t tragically passed right after filming this, how many they would have done following. This film was dealt with toughly upon release, but has found its band of faithful fans and really does offer much to be appreciated. Showing their appreciation for it and the fans is Scream Factory. Coming into the Collector’s Editions series (Along with the second one) in the month of January, you’ll get the film with a brand new transfer and a wealth of bonus materials. Be sure to complete your Poltergeist Collection by pre-ordering it and the third film in time for release on January 31st! 
The original Poltergeist still holds as one of the greatest horror films of all time and to this day finds itself scaring new audiences and being celebrated, copied or poorly remade. Its celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. But, did you know its sequel was pretty damn solid, too? Well, fright flick fans have been appreciating it for many years, and now’s the time to be alive as we have a company like Scream Factory that’s giving it some love. Coming into the Collector’s Editions series (Along with the third one) in the month of January, you’ll get the film with a brand new transfer and a wealth of bonus materials. Be sure to complete your Poltergeist Collection by pre-ordering it and the third film in time for release on January 31st! 
The Resident Evil franchise is a series I nearly gave up on had it not been for my friend Susan’s advice back to me in 2008. You see, quite honestly, I take my films very seriously and well, Resident Evil movies just didn’t cut it for me in that department. I was just not able to take the lunacy, stupidity and over-the-top nature of them. Resident Evil: Extinction was that final nail in the coffin. I liked the first film, hated the second outing and just thought the third one was okay. But what was really wrong with me? I’ll tell you what it was…I forgot how to have fun in life. I forgot how to not be serious all the time. I mean after all, I liked Crank, so what was my deal? Susan opened my eyes up to this world as she encouraged me to take a closer look at these films and to see them how her husband views them…purely as nonsensical entertainment. I embraced Susan’s encouraging words and took the leap of faith. The Blu-ray trilogy set eventually became my Valentine’s Day gift in 2008 (isn’t that sweet?) and I never looked back. I found a way to appreciate these films and have fun with them while looking past everything else (I’m not perfect). Thanks Susan!
Hailed as “gripping, powerful, and epic ” (Scott Mantz, “Access Hollywood”) Academy Award®-winning* director Robert Zemeckis’ (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) seductive thriller ALLIED makes its home entertainment debut on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand February 28, 2017 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The film arrives two weeks early on Digital HD February 14.
Hard-drinking, pill-popping, bong-ripping Lou (Natasha Lyonne, Orange in the New Black) and her best friend Sadie (Chloë Sevigny, Boys Don’t Cry, American Horror Story) spend their days adrift in a druggy haze. But one wild night out becomes a bad trip that never ends when Lou wakes up with symptoms of an unexplained, highly abnormal pregnancy. Who — or what — is growing inside of her? Making its Blu-ray and DVD debut February 7th, 2017 from Scream Factory, in conjunction with IFC Midnight, Anitbirth also includes psychedelic clips, storyboards and theatrical trailer as bonus features. 
