Archive Page 241
January 12th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Filling in the slot for requisite January horror film, The Bye Bye Man seeks to push a new supernatural baddie on audiences and hope the thrills he brings are worthwhile. Married duo Stacy Title (director) and Jonathan Penner (writer) have put together a fast-paced thriller that brings together elements from many horror favorites, including Candyman, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween. Working with a decent budget (for horror standards), The Bye Bye Man does plenty to reward viewers on a sensory level, but it doesn’t do much with its concept to build any sort of clever mythology or engage beyond simple horror delights.
a Continue reading ‘It’s A Coat, It’s A Dog, It’s ‘The Bye Bye Man’ (Movie Review)’
January 12th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
There’s going to be some major Park City film coverage taking over this month, so before I head out thought I’d leave you film fans with a quick current critical film sneak peek to tide you over. So in my very first Encapsulated Movie Reviews column of 2017 I lost some sleep and took on a whopping seven films that you can check out while I’m movie binging in Utah. A doc on family vs. religion, a heist flick by a gal who’s been making movies since she was twelve, a dark drama about disappearance, a graphic novel come to life, a suspense story told from two different perspectives and two horror tales that both scream beware of strangers – WHEW! Check out the skinny on the films An Act Of Love, Coin Heist, Claire In Motion, Bad Kids of Crestview Academy, Detour, We Are The Flesh and The Bye Bye Man all below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – Seven New Indie Titles’
January 11th, 2017 by Brian White
Before I begin this 4K Ultra HD review I wanted to give a big shout out to all my new Facebook friends on the 4K Ultra HD Home Cinema Group (join all the conversations here) for their support. So let’s get down to business now. The Girl on the Train instantly had two things going for it within my brain. It features two actresses that will get me in the theater no matter what the film’s subject matter is about. I’m respectfully talking Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson. Ever since Edge of Tomorrow, Sicario and Mission Impossible Rogue Nation I’m a sucker for both of them. Second, Entertainment Weekly talked so highly of this feature this past fall that it instantly warranted my attention. No. I take that back. Their praise of The Girl on the Train absolutely demanded my undivided attention. Here we are now. The moment is upon us once again and I’m eager to blow this train’s whistle now on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. So let’s stop this 4K train and get on already! I’m giving you a ticket to ride down below.
Continue reading ‘The Girl on the Train (4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review)’
January 11th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
A man sets out on a mission to rescue his brother from a formidable mobster when the thriller Arsenal arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD and Digital HD March 28 from Lionsgate. The film is currently available On Demand. Directed by Steven C. Miller (Marauders, Extraction), the action-packed movie features an all-star cast including Adrian Grenier, Johnathon Schaech, Lydia Hull, Academy Award®Winner Nicolas Cage (Best Actor in a Leading Role, Leaving Las Vegas, 1995), and Golden Globe®Nominee John Cusack (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, High Fidelity, 2001). From the producers of Lone Survivor, the Arsenal Blu-ray and DVD will be available March 28th. Continue reading ‘Cage! Cusack! ARSENAL! Blu-ray! March 28!’
January 11th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
A hit with audiences and critics alike, DreamWorks Animation’s TROLLS, is the “feel-good” movie of the year receiving an outstanding audience reaction with a coveted “A” CinemaScore® and a Certified Fresh rating on RottenTomatoes.com. DreamWorks TROLLS, the fresh, music-filled adventure packed with humor and heart dances onto Digital HD on Jan. 24 and Blu-ray™ and DVD on Feb. 7 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
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Continue reading ‘I Can’t Stop The Feelin’ That TROLLS Is Coming To Blu-ray & 4K UHD February 7th!’
January 11th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Remember that 80s cartoon Monster Trucks? It was about a strange creature from underground that inhabited a kid’s truck. The monster, the kid, his girlfriend and a scientist would go on to have adventures, while G-man came after them. If this isn’t ringing a bell, it’s because I made all of that up. Not made up is this film, a live-action cartoon made for a family audience. It’s not particularly deep and it’s quite rough around the edges, but it’s also a movie we really don’t see much of these days – a live-action, PG-rated, adventure film. That doesn’t make the film’s ridiculousness inconsequential, but I also can’t say there isn’t fun to be had in this wacky concept.
a Continue reading ‘‘Monster Trucks’ Is A Silly Creature Feature For Kids (Movie Review)’
January 11th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Just a couple years ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing a splendid little animated feature called Ernest & Celestine. It was a film I hoped to get to in the theater, but alas didn’t make it, but luckily I got to review it. Now comes the follow up from the people behind it, Long Way North, an adventure by sea of a little girl in search of her grandfather gone missing on a journey for many many years. In 2015, this French-Danish animated film won the audience award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. Its now making its way to the US, and is debuting on Blu-ray via Shout! Factory January 17th. Be sure to get your pre-order in, as this is a pretty good unseen little feature. Continue reading ‘Long Way North (Blu-ray Review)’
January 10th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Another year, another exciting season of Homeland that came back in top form for another exciting season. This fifth season of the acclaimed Showtime series is here just in time for the premiere of season six and it would be a good time to catch up. Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin and Rupert Friend continue to star in the espionage drama series. For the fifth season, it is good to note how season four brought things back to a solid standard and this fifth season really sees the show delivering some of the best stuff since the earlier years, thanks to a change of setting and more. Now you can see for yourself, with this Blu-ray release. Continue on to see more of what’s in store for you, Carrie Mathison and the gang.
Continue reading ‘Homeland: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray Review)’
January 10th, 2017 by Brian White
The Girl on the Train instantly had two things going for it within my brain. It features two actresses that will get me in the theater no matter what the film’s subject matter is about. I’m respectfully talking Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson. Ever since Edge of Tomorrow, Sicario and Mission Impossible Rogue Nation I’m a sucker for both of them. Second, Entertainment Weekly talked so highly of this feature this past fall that it instantly warranted my attention. No. I take that back. Their praise of The Girl on the Train absolutely demanded my undivided attention. Here we are now. The moment is upon us once again and I’m eager to blow this train’s whistle now on HD Blu-ray. So let’s stop this Blu-ray train and get on already!
Continue reading ‘The Girl On The Train (Blu-ray Review)’
January 10th, 2017 by Blu-ray Brian
Hailed by critics as “mesmerizing” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone), “amazing” (Brian Truitt, USA Today) and “the best film of the year” (Christopher Orr, The Atlantic), director Denis Villeneuve’s (Sicario) phenomenal tour de force ARRIVAL makes its home entertainment debut on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand February 14, 2017 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The film arrives two weeks early on Digital HD January 31. Five-time Academy Award nominee* Amy Adams “delivers one of her best performances” (Brian Truitt, USA Today) as expert translator Louise Banks. When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team races against time to decipher their intent. As tensions mount between fearful governments, Banks discovers the aliens’ true purpose and, to avert global war, takes a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity. Oscar nominee** Jeremy Renner and Academy Award winner*** Forest Whitaker co-star in this epic film with “a mind-blowing ending” (Brian Truitt, USA Today) that “you will want to see again and again”(Brian Formo, Collider). Continue reading ‘Arrival ARRIVES on 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray Valentine’s Day!’
January 10th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
Your favorite nightmares come to life in a salute to the age-old bedtime story ritual when Deadtime Stories arrives on Blu-ray + DVD, and digital formats, from Scream Factory™ on February 28, 2017. The set is loaded with bonus features, including a new interview and new audio commentary with co-writer/director Jef Delman, and new interviews with actors Cathryn de Prume, Melissa Leo and Scott Valentine.
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Continue reading ‘DEADTIME STORIES On Blu-ray From Scream Factory February 28th!’
January 10th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Academy Award nominee Casey Affleck delivers an unforgettable, Golden Globe-winning performance in the heartwarming, emotional, and powerful Manchester by the Sea, arriving on Digital HD February 7 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD and On Demand February 21 from Lionsgate. The award-winning 2016 Sundance Film Festival Official Entry follows Affleck’s character Lee, as he faces the ghosts of his past when he returns to his New England hometown to take care of his teenage nephew. Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams, Emmy Award winner Kyle Chandler (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, “Friday Night Lights,” 2006), Gretchen Mol (3:10 to Yuma), and Lucas Hedges (Moonrise Kingdom) also star in the film, which was written and directed by Academy Award nominee Kenneth Lonergan. Continue on to learn more about this release.
Continue reading ‘MANCHESTER BY THE SEA – Starring Golden Globe Winner Casey Affleck – On Blu-ray This February’
January 10th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Birth of a Nation came and went last year. Following its breakout at the Sundance Film Festival, the proceeding months were not kind to writer/director/producer/star Nate Parker, based on a muddy history that was brought back into the news. Still, there is a righteous part of me that sees a film recounting a historical event and tying into relevant topics still affecting America today, as the nation continues to court more and more woke individuals. The other part concerns my role as one who critiques film and sees a lot of ambition being outdone, at times, by narrative and budgetary restraints, let alone other elements that are hard to look past. It is unfortunate that a film providing such a showcase for strong performances and evocative imagery was not more successful, but despite some issues, the film does plenty to unpack a lot of clear anger in how history and beyond has been a struggle for many. Now the films is on Blu-ray for those with curiosity to check out.
Continue reading ‘The Birth Of A Nation (Blu-ray Review)’
January 9th, 2017 by Blu-ray Brian
I missed this theatrically so I’m curious about checking it all out! Here’s the deal. Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox and Brett Kelly reunite in Bad Santa 2, the funniest, raunchiest and most inappropriate film of the year, due for release on EST on February 14 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and VOD February 21. Fueled by cheap whiskey and greed, Willie Soke (Academy Award-winner* Billy Bob Thornton), teams up once again with his angry sidekick, Marcus (Tony Cox), to knock off a Chicago charity run by curvaceous Diane (Christina Hendricks). But the arrival of Willie’s horror story of a mother, Sunny (Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates), and “the kid” – Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly) – may upset their plan. Continue reading ‘Bad Santa 2 Comes Home to 4K & Blu-ray Post Holidays’
January 8th, 2017 by Brian White
It wasn’t until I completed my Christmas Eve review of Underworld on 4K Blu-ray (here) that I realized how hated the franchise was in my inner circle of confidants. I felt like a minority for the first time in my life. However, that’s not to say there aren’t fans out there because there totally are. All you have to do is look no further than the endless forums of fans proclaiming their love for the 2003 film now on 4K Ultra HD to realize there’s still a viable fanbase out there. Although I don’t think any one of them can honestly look me in the eyes without smirking and say 2012’s Awakening was the strongest of the franchise and deserved a follow-up. I would have been A-okay if that was the final nail in the coffin, but low and behold we have a new entry in the seemingly never-ending franchise, that truly lives up to its subject matter…vampires. It’s 2016 folks. Once again the new Underworld film, this time dubbed Blood Wars, sees a spectacular January release date. We all know what that means for films like these so let’s now take a look at how well it fairs down below. Continue reading ‘‘Underworld: Blood Wars’ Sucks The Final Blood Out of the Franchise (Movie Review)’
January 7th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Jerry Maguire comes from a seemingly lost era. It’s a 140-minute, moderately budgeted romantic comedy-drama, featuring Tom Cruise, Rene Zellweger, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and others talking about life, love and other things. In addition to being an awards winner, it became one of the biggest hits of 1996. Cameron Crowe’s memorable and very quotable film has had a good shelf-life over the years and it now celebrates its 20th anniversary. To honor this, Sony has put out a new Blu-ray, featuring a brand new transfer, remastered in 4K, along with a new lossless soundtrack. There are also plenty of new bonus features, ensuring any fan that they should show stores the money in order for this Blu-ray to complete them.
a Continue reading ‘Jerry Maguire 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
January 6th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
A new year begs for a new category focus and with my massive and comprehensive examination of the Miami Vice: The Complete Series DVD up this week it felt time to head back to the 80’s – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Going back to a decade with seemingly lighter and more out there film fare, we’re starting things off with a obtuse, but oh-so entertaining flick about a gaggle of guys who are hot to get their friend back – no matter what the cost. Filled with a notable cast, some great action and a director who at the last minute jumped ship, time to man up and dammit…Let’s Get Harry!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Let’s Get Harry”’
January 6th, 2017 by Aaron Neuwirth
Director Peter Berg knocked out two films in 2016, both based on true, tragic American events. It could have been tricky to do, but he seems to be more in his element than ever and that brings us to his take on a disaster film. As you may remember, given all the media coverage, Deepwater Horizon recounts the events that led up to the explosion and subsequent fire on an offshore drilling unit, resulting in the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history. Rather than heavily dwelling on the aftermath and politics involved though, this is a film about the workers involved and what they went through on the night of April 20, 2010. The result is a well-acted thriller that makes the most out of having a matter-of-fact handling on disaster movie tropes. Now the film has arrived on a packed Blu-ray.
Continue reading ‘Deepwater Horizon (Blu-ray Review)’
Filling in the slot for requisite January horror film, The Bye Bye Man seeks to push a new supernatural baddie on audiences and hope the thrills he brings are worthwhile. Married duo Stacy Title (director) and Jonathan Penner (writer) have put together a fast-paced thriller that brings together elements from many horror favorites, including Candyman, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween. Working with a decent budget (for horror standards), The Bye Bye Man does plenty to reward viewers on a sensory level, but it doesn’t do much with its concept to build any sort of clever mythology or engage beyond simple horror delights.
