Archive Page 240
December 16th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
The current theme of stage to screen provides a vast amount of cinematic selections so let’s get back at it with a biting flick that proudly sports saucy slang and pitch perfect performances – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Today we’re heading back into David Mamet (we’ve already explored House of Games film fans!) land for a poignant peek into the cutthroat world of real estate. Seems the suit and tie guys here are itching to be top of the board and are willing to go to some extreme lengths to get there. Getting good leads, always be closing and brass balls – welcome the salesmen of…Glengarry Glen Ross.
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Glengarry Glen Ross”’
December 16th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
It’s that time of year – a look back at the the best of what 2016 has to offer. This time out posters are the subject of the day, but first a little past history insight. I’ve been a movie geek for a long time, but been a movie poster collector since I could walk. Sharing the passion for posters with my equally film obsessed father, we were so cinematically dedicated that we were even featured in The Financial Post Magazine way back in October of 1990 for our crazed and comprehensive collection. We were photographed in front of two of our favorites (Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much and the rare style one-sheet of the original Die Hard) for the mag spread – two generations of movie art love on proud display.
Continue reading ‘Jason Coleman’s Top Five Movie Posters Of 2016′
December 16th, 2016 by Gregg Senko
It’s been a while since I amassed a favorite Blu-rays of the the year list. There was one final title I wanted to check out before concocting my ten favorites. I enjoyed Suicide Squad in the theater earlier this year, but just in case I enjoyed it even more after a second viewing, I had to see if it was going to make my list. It did not. While entertaining, it just doesn’t possess greatness, but I digress. Alright, enough rambling. It was all for the sake of filling space here in the opening paragraph anyway. I’ve kept Hollywood holding its breath long enough. Onto the list!
Continue reading ‘Gregg’s Top 10 Blu-rays of 2016′
December 15th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
It’s taken nearly 10 years to bring Passengers to the big screen and I’m not quite sure why. The film feels like an easy sell. Get two A-list stars together for a romantic science fiction film, set on a spaceship. It calls to mind a great bit from Thank You For Smoking, where Rob Lowe’s character basically details the exact premise (he even name checks Passengers’ distributor Sony). Well it’s here now and it’s pretty good. Given recent sci-fi fair such as the intelligent film that is Arrival and the popcorn spectacle that is Rogue One, Passengers falls a bit short in its potential, but that says nothing of how engaging the film manages to be. It works thanks to the established personas of the actors involved and some clever ideas involving the production design to make a slick-looking movie.
Continue reading ‘Pratt And Lawrence Are Romantic ‘Passengers’…In Spaaaace! (Movie Review)’
December 15th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
Getting down to the end of the year cinematic nitty gritty, I seemed to have let a couple of flicks slip through the cracks last week. (I do try, but I’m only one guy!) So to rectify the movie misplacement here’s a quick version of Encapsulated Movie Reviews with a duo that includes a doc on drum machine significance and a horror outing in love with haunted houses – check out the critical skinny on 808 and Abattoir below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Two New Indie Titles’
December 15th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
To see Denzel Washington star, produce and direct an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play Fences is to literally watch the superstar paint himself into a corner. I mean that in a good way, as this is a story that was originally set entirely in the backyard of a house in Pittsburgh. This means Washington had to come up with a way to creatively express this story on a cinematic level. That can prove to be difficult and I am one to call out play-to-film adaptations for their staginess, but the strength of acting can be a powerful thing and Fences certainly knows how to harness that power.
a Continue reading ‘Great Acting Foundation Holds Up ‘Fences’ (Movie Review)’
December 15th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
In March, Criterion will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of
Blow-Up, Michelangelo Antonioni’s existential portrait of swinging-sixties London, with a special edition packed with supplements. It’ll be joined by John Waters’ outrageous take on American counterculture
Multiple Maniacs, a filth-spattered spectacle never before available on home video. We’re also proud to present the first-ever U.S. release of Felipe Cazals’s
Canoa: A Shameful Memory, a searing assault on the Mexican church and state that left its mark on a generation of Mexican filmmakers. Subtler wonders abound in
45 Years, Andrew Haigh’s devastating portrait of a marriage, with career-topping performances from Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay. And director Hal Ashby adds a sly satirical touch to the month with
Being There, a poker-faced fable starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, and Melvyn Douglas.
Continue reading ‘Blow-Up, Being There and More Coming to The Criterion Collection in March 2017’
December 15th, 2016 by Gerard Iribe
Another year-end Top Blu-ray list is upon us. Again, like last year’s Top Blu-ray list, I have removed the order of titles in terms of numbering system, with the exception of the #1 spot. We have a clear winner in that department and it is a doozy. All of the other titles are placed in no particular order. I should also clarify and say that if you don’t see a Blu-ray or Blu-ray set on this list it that you may think deserves to be on here – it may be because I have not watched it. I have a backlog of titles that I’ve yet to watch, so it’s nothing personal. Without further ado, I present my Top Blu-ray list of 2016! Continue reading ‘Gerard’s Top Blu-ray List of 2016!’
December 14th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
It’s strange how Collateral Beauty is almost a novel idea for a film. Somehow packing a bunch of talented actors into a film set during the December holiday season that isn’t a comedy has become a rare commodity. The film is a straight drama that holds its sincerity close to its heart, even if that means embracing its ridiculous concept. However, that ridiculous concept also means the film is an original. If only the story managed to place more meaning in its title phrase, rather than keeping this cast so busy with subplots. Collateral Beauty attempts to do the job of letting good actors act, they just have to be involved in this plot about grief and the lengths friends to go to in an effort to help.
Continue reading ‘The Vague Dramatic Expression That Is ‘Collateral Beauty’ (Movie Review)’
December 14th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Scream Factory is unleashing the definitive editions of two supernatural horror classics with the release of the Collector’s Editions of Poltergeist II and Poltergeist III on January 31st, 2017. The suspenseful saga of Carol Anne and the Freeling family continues in these follow- up films to the smash hit Poltergeist, and are filled with spectacular special effects, memorable scares and a genuinely creepy villain. These scary sequels both include DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks and come loaded with brand-new bonus features, including new 2k scans of the inter-positive, audio commentaries, interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes and more! Continue reading ‘POLTERGEIST Sequels Scare Up Collector’s Edition Blu-rays On January 31st!’
December 14th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
Just in time for the upcoming live-action film starring Scarlett Johansson, the groundbreaking anime film
Ghost in the Shell arrives on Blu-ray + Digital HD with limited-edition Mondo key art in collectible Steelbook packaging from Anchor Bay Entertainment on
March 14, 2017. The groundbreaking anime celebrated the 25
thanniversary of the original Manga in 2014 (
Blu-ray Review Here). Directed by legendary anime director Mamoru Oshii,
Ghost in the Shell questions human existence in the fast-paced world of the information age, this award-winning, cyber-tech thriller has established itself as one of the leading Japanese animation films of all time.
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December 14th, 2016 by Brian White
Unlike last year, this was a brave, bold, new world for me in terms of Blu-ray collecting. I upped my game as I stepped into the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray arena. I took on the combatants (HDMI handshake and audio sync issues being most problematic) like a champion and came out unscathed. You can read all about my trials and tribulations with my new 4K Ultra HD gear (my first setup) right here. Being the only reviewer on the staff here for a long time with 4K Ultra HD compatibility has been both a blessing and a curse. It put me in a situation of being the proprietary reviewer of all 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray titles (see an archive of reviews here). I have to admit though, it enables me to grow my 4K collection cost-effectively and an accelerated rate. So there’s always that. However, it does mean regardless of what title it is, you’re stuck with reviewing it no matter how painful the viewing experience is. I’m looking at you Ice Age: Collision Course (thank you Brandon), Independence Day: Resurgence, Warcraft and The Huntsman: Winter War. You have to be able to take the good with the bad and appreciate what you have in life. So that’s what I do! Continue reading ‘Brian’s TOP 10 Favorable 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Titles of 2016′
December 13th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
Legendary action star Steven Seagal returns to deliver justice in Contract to Kill, an explosive, heart-pounding action-thriller that will be available on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD and Digital HD on February 28 from Lionsgate. The film is currently available On Demand. Seagal stars as John Harmon, a CIA/DEA enforcer who embarks on an international mission to prevent an attack on America. Contract to Kill is directed by Keoni Waxman (End of a Gun, Killing Salazar), and features standout performances from Russell Wong and Jemma Dallender. Contract to Kill will be available on Blu-ray and DVD.
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Continue reading ‘Steven Seagal Signs a CONTRACT TO KILL On Blu-ray February 28th’
December 13th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
In this 2016 World Series Collector’s Edition: Chicago Cubs set, Cubs fans everywhere can relive the team’s entire white-knuckle postseason run. The 8-disc set preserves every inning, every play and every heart-stopping moment from the 2016 Fall Classic – from “spiritual” team leader David Ross’ dramatic home run in the final game of his career, Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester’s masterful performances on the mound to Kris Bryant’s final, thrilling 5-3 put-out to Anthony Rizzo. This special edition presents all seven complete and uncut World Series games, all wrapped with SleeveStats which offer official stats, game trivia and more to enhance the viewing experience. Also included are a bonus disc of the pennant-clinching NLCS Game 6 at Wrigley Field, as well as four audio options, allowing home audiences to watch the games while listening to either the television broadcast, Cubs Radio Network announcers, the Indians Radio Network or a Spanish-language version of the broadcasts. This December, fly the W and celebrate the Cubs history-making run to the championship with these two ultimate mementos from one of the most exciting postseasons in a generation. Continue reading ‘2016 World Series Collector’s Edition: Chicago Cubs (Blu-ray Review)’
December 13th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
When I first received word of this Blu-ray release was actually the first time I’d even heard of this show. There seemed to be no buzz, no push or anything about it. That, or marketing and noteworthy news didn’t spread past the age of seven. I was quite surprised a Star Wars thing I hadn’t heard about was coming to Blu-ray. Granted, its LEGO Star Wars, but its original character in a series that isn’t just a complete parody. I’d seen the other short series LEGO Star Wars had done on Disney XD and this wasn’t it. So, its with great curiosity that I would be checking out the first season of LEGO Star Wars: The Freemakers completely blind, and yes, with the blast shield down. Continue reading ‘LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures – Season One (Blu-ray Review)’
December 13th, 2016 by Brandon Peters
One of the world’s most beloved fairy tales comes spectacularly to life in Christophe Gans’ epic fantasy adventure Beauty and the Beast (La belle et la bête). Starring Vincent Cassel (Jason Bourne, Black Swan) and Léa Seydoux (Spectre, Blue Is the Warmest Color), Beauty and The Beast is a visually opulent modern take on the classic French fairytale. Making its home entertainment debut from Shout! Factory on February 21st, 2017 as a Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Download combo pack and on all major Digital and On Demand platforms, this lush and vibrant cinematic adventure also comes loaded with bonus features, including an interview with director Christophe Gans, interviews with Léa Seydoux and Vincent Cassel, and the theatrical trailer. Fans of this gorgeous adaptation can pre-order their copies now by visiting ShoutFactory.com. Continue reading ‘Christophe Gans’ Epic Fantasy Adventure BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (La belle et la bête) Available on Blu-ray February 27th!’
December 13th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The first season of Fear the Walking Dead came and went in 6 episodes, exploring a couple families and other random people coming together in the midst of a zombie apocalypse that devastated Los Angeles. The second season continued to move things forward, as we followed our characters onto a boat and saw where things led from there. With seemingly more confidence behind the series, the show now has a full 15-episode season, which is packaged in this Blu-ray set, along with plenty of extras.
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a Continue reading ‘Fear The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’
December 13th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
Right now we are seeing Disney test out a concept. With plans to deliver a new Star Wars film every year, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the result of moving beyond the episodic entries and into new territory. Sure, there have been novels, TV shows, comics and games that have expanded the universe (not to mention a couple Ewok movies), but this is something new. Fortunately, riding in on the wave of throwback fun that was The Force Awakens, Rogue One succeeds at being more than just a concept that’s fun to say out loud. This standalone story fits in well with the universe, while also serving as its own filmmaking effort.
a Continue reading ‘‘Rogue One’ Is Disney’s Latest Superweapon (Movie Review)’
