Archive Page 359
December 22nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
One of my absolute favorite horror films of all time is the original Candyman. Its quite possibly my favorite thing that Clive Barker has ever been associated with when it comes to film. That film still works today, and is an absolutely engaging and terrifying endeavor. When I was a kid I had trouble looking in mirrors for a while after seeing that movie. The film also created one of the last great and iconic horror villains before the Scream era, in Tony Todd’s Candyman. I still find it this way, but back in the 90s when the sequel was announced, I had found the original film so perfect, that I was against this follow up as that I thought it would taint the legacy of the original. So, I didn’t see it til later on VHS when it came out for rental. My only memory of it was that it was nowhere near as good as the first one, but I found further respect for it once they dropped that third one years later. Scream Factory has given me the opportunity to revisit this follow-up to the my perfect original, and I couldn’t think of a better guide. Continue reading ‘Candyman: Farewell To The Flesh (Blu-ray Review)’
December 22nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
In 1984, the United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher saw the start of what would be a year long strike from the National Union of Mineworkers after the government closed down twenty coal mines. With the picketing came a surprising amount of violence related to the topic as well. Hell, I mean there’s even a part of this story called the “Battle Of Orgreave” which was between picketers and the police. The view on the miners was sort of indifferent publicly at the time, but support of them came from an unlikely source that viewed their troubles as similar to their own. Lesbians and Gays Support The Miners became one of their biggest backers, which shocked a town, but also managed to enlighten them through the trials and tribulations of it all. The film we’re here to discuss today is about this very piece of history and bond between two very different peoples to link for common causes. Continue reading ‘Pride (Blu-ray Review)’
December 21st, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
Arrested Development is one of my all-time favorite television series. Mitch Hurwitz created the kind of sitcom that was hilarious, witty, well-acted, one-of-a-kind, and ahead of its time. All of that means it was very well-regarded by critics, won numerous awards, and pockets of audiences knew the amazing show they were getting, only see it cancelled after a shortened third season. Now, after years of rumors, we were able to find the entire cast back together again for a noble Netflix experiment. Season 4 of Arrested Development was released last year on the popular streaming service and has now arrived on DVD in a nifty three-disc package. Now I can really delve into my thoughts on the latest adventures of the Bluth family.
Continue reading ‘Arrested Development: Season 4 (DVD Review)’
December 21st, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
On the surface, Unbroken has everything needed to not only be a surefire hit for audiences and critics of a certain generation, but also one that could seemingly have awards just handed over to it. This is a film adaptation of a best-selling and well-reviewed novel based around the true story of a former Olympic athlete, who went to war, survived a plane crash, spent time lost at sea, and then lived a tortured life in a prisoner of war camp, only to prove how strong the human spirit can be. This film is directed by a major Hollywood player, who happens to be female, and was co-scripted by the two of the most celebrated filmmakers working today. What is not to like about that? Certainly not a lot, as Unbroken is a good film, with its heart in the right place and plenty of other positive elements going for it. With that in mind, the film does have an issue with finding a way to connect in a stronger sense, given what we are seeing. Unbroken misunderstands that seeing so much happen to someone is not the same as really getting us to understand how much some of these things may matter.
Continue reading ‘‘Unbroken’ Is An Epic Story In A Decent Film (Movie Review)’
December 21st, 2014 by Brian White
Boyhood is a film that I was very interested in seeing this year, but for some reason or another I just did not get around to seeing theatrically. I kind of feared it as more of a documentary rather than a moving story. However, it’s hailed as “a moving 12-year epic that isn’t quite like anything else in the history of cinema” (Andrew O’Hehir, Salon), “a breathtaking achievement” (Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post) and “a profound viewing experience” (Manohla Dargis, The New York Times). So the real question in my opinion is not why I, but why would anyone not want to see this one? For a movie that’s filmed over a period of 12 years utilizing the same actors, and that breaks free from the conventional three Act of storytelling, write in permanent ink that I’m interested. And so here we are… Continue reading ‘Boyhood (Blu-ray Review)’
December 20th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Babadook is the best horror film of the year (review HERE) and IFC Midnight had the brilliant idea of allowing Mister Babadook to send a wonderful holiday message to everyone. So now, continue on and see ‘How the ‘Dook Stole Christmas.’
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Continue reading ‘The Babadook Has A Special Holiday Message!’
December 20th, 2014 by Brian White
You know that expression that says “you had me at hello”? Well the same train of thought can be applied here with this title, The Guest, because it is billed as “from the creators of You’re Next.” They really did have me at hello there – hook, line and sinker. Even though I have never seen The Guest as of yet before this Blu-ray viewing, that one line “from the creators of You’re Next” was all it took to make me want to see it almost like a tantalizing dish of your favorite food placed in front of you. It was a craving I could not deny and I just had to give myself to it. Call it brilliant marketing, call it what you want. It worked on me! So before we move on here I just want to take a quick moment for a word from our sponsor and say that The Guest Blu-ray Combo Pack will be released on January 6th from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Now we can begin! Continue reading ‘The Guest (Blu-ray Review)’
December 19th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Anchor Bay Entertainment presents the disturbing new horror thriller THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE, from producer of The Conjuring Peter Safran, available on DVD and Blu-ray™ January 20st, 2015. Written and directed by Chris Sparling (writer of “Buried”) in his directorial debut, THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE stars Rya Khilstedt (“Dexter”), William Mapother (“Lost”,The Grudge), Harry Groener (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer”), John Rubenstein (“Angel”) and Sharon Maughn (The Bank Job) and was executive produced by Dan Clifton. THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE Special features include “The Making of The Atticus Institute” and deleted scenes. Continue reading ‘‘The Atticus Institute’ on Blu-ray & DVD January 20th!’
December 19th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Kat Connors’ perfect homemaker mother, Eve, a beautiful, enigmatic, and haunted woman, disappears – just as Kat is discovering and relishing her newfound sexuality. Having lived for so long in a stifled, emotionally repressed household, she barely registers her mother’s absence and certainly doesn’t blame her doormat of a father, Brock, for the loss. In fact, it’s almost a relief. But as time passes, Kat begins to come to grips with how deeply Eve’s disappearance has affected her. Returning home on a break from college, she finds herself confronted with the truth about her mother’s departure, and her own denial about the events surrounding it.
Continue reading ‘‘White Bird in a Blizzard’ on Blu-ray & DVD January 20th!’
December 19th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
Given how much they talked/sang about it, I was glad that everyone definitely went into the woods. Two things: I was not at all hip to knowing anything about the original Into the Woods stage musical before this film was announced and I enjoy the musical style of Stephen Sondheim. With that in mind, I can say that, for the most part, I was wrapped up in this story that essentially combines many of the most popular fairy tale characters through a common thread that finds each character heading into the woods at some point. Add to that the style of Sondheim’s musicals, which is a big part of why I love Tim Burton’s Sweeny Tood, and you have a film that is at least great to listen to, let alone watch, as we see a number of gifted performers really delivering in the singing department, within a variety of elaborate sets. Given the heavy emphasis on practical effects, it only leads to more praise I would be happy to give the film, if only I was not let down by the film’s final act.
Continue reading ‘Head ‘Into The Woods’ For An Entertaining Diversion (Movie Review)’
December 19th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
It’s that time of year again where I list my favorite Blu-ray releases of the year. When I sit down and jot down ones off the top of my head, then look to my collection for reminders and then realize I have WAYYYYY too many on my list. I then sit and debate and painfully scratch ones I’d like to mention and talk about off my list. Like the other guys before me, if I don’t own it and also haven’t popped it in to watch it, its not making the list. Our goal is to narrow it to a Top 10 list, which is very hard considering the amount of releases in the calendar year, but its doable. But, this year, having reviewed (at the time of writing this piece) 183 Blu-rays and counting this year, I’m going save myself the mental trouble (or take the easy way out) and just get this to a nice 20. And really, there are a lot of titles worthy of making the lists. I rather enjoy seeing ones I may not have held as high up on mine or just missing the cut, show up on other writer’s Top 10s. Continue reading ‘Double Your Fun With Brandon’s Top 10 + 10 Blu-rays Of 2014!’
December 18th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
This year I decided to go big with my list for the best Blu-rays. Kicking off my Top 10 year-end lists for 2014 is an article devoted to what I consider to be the best the Blu-ray format has had to offer for this year. These are films that I have been able to really dig into and see them as easy recommendations for anyone with the greatest home media format currently available. Much like the previous years, I stayed true to some rules; I have to have actually watched the movie on Blu-Ray, recognize it for the quality of their video and audio transfers, delved into the special features, and attempt to keep off any film on this list that may also be on my “Top 10 Films of the Year” list,” which basically means no LEGO Movie. I followed these rules for the sake of keeping my list interesting, along with creating some extra sections to provide even more highlights of the year, so here we go:
Continue reading ‘Super-Sized Top Ten: Aaron’s Astonishing Blu-ray Picks For 2014’
December 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon stars alongside Corey Stoll and the Lost Boys, a group of real-life Sudanese refugees. Together, against the backdrop of their shared losses, the Lost Boys and these unlikely strangers find humor in the clash of cultures, and heartbreak as well as hope in the challenges of life in America. Along with Witherspoon and Stoll, the film stars real-life Sudanese refugees Arnold Oceng and newcomer Kuoth Wiel; Ger Duany and rapper Emmanuel Jal, who were both former child soldiers and Lost Boys; and Femi Oguns. Rounding out the cast are Sarah Baker as Faith Based Charities volunteer Pamela Lowi; and, as the younger Lost Boys, Peterdeng Mongok, Okwar Jale, Thon Kueth, Deng Ajuet and Keji Jale, all of whom are children of Sudanese refugees. Continue reading ‘The Good Lie (Blu-ray Review)’
December 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
I must have had other things on my mind but when I got the text this morning saying that my “Top-10 Blu-rays of 2014” list was due today I had to get into scramble mode fast! I should preface this list by saying that everything listed is from my own personal collection. If you see something on here that you think should have been on here and wasn’t that’ due to me probably not owning a copy of it. You may see more than one edition listed from foreign territories but I am region free, so when it comes to Blu-rays, there are open borders in this household. Anyways, enough yapping, here are my Top-10 Blu-rays of 2014. Take it away! Continue reading ‘Do You Even Watch Blu-rays Bro?: Gerard’s Top-10 Blu-rays of 2014′
December 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
We’ve come to the end of an impressive run of Blu-rays from CBS and Paramount with the release of Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 7. A three year mission, that is. Now, the complete Original Series, Next Generation Series and Enterprise Series are all available on Blu-ray with glorious and stunning high definition picture quality. Seriously, one look at the remastering on these and you’ll be pretty stunned, especially with what they’ve done to The Original Series (We’re talking almost modern quality here). The big question now is whether or not they will go forth and start bringing the “ahead of its time” Deep Space Nine faction to Blu-ray. That is something that is in the air. Apparently CBS and Paramount are really eager and wanting to pull the trigger on it, but its a risk as the show has a big following, but not as much as the first two series. From what I’ve read, the way you can let them know you want it is by speaking with your wallet and purchasing the Blu-rays that are already out there (Petitions do you no good as those are pretty much “false promises” by many who sign). As I close out this fine series, I cross my fingers hoping Deep Space Nine is coming soon, and with the 50th anniversary of Star Trek right around the corner, it’d be the perfect treat. Continue reading ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 7 / All Good Things (Blu-ray Review)’
December 17th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
The second cinematic Middle-Earth trilogy has ended and now we are back where we started in 2002. I am happy for those who are excited to rewatch The Lord of the Rings trilogy, following this ‘defining chapter,’ but I am left with other curiosities. Having never read J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit, I am curious about whether or not audiences who enjoyed what I am aware is a reasonably amusing book for a younger crowd were hoping to see a blood-thirsty final film to close this three-film adaptation. My impression, after first learning of the films that we would be getting was that of an understanding that we’d be dealing with more light-hearted Middle-Earth adventures. I did not get much of that in the previous Hobbit films and certainly not with The Battle of the Five Armies, but that would be less of an issue, if the movie was still good, regardless. Well, it’s not bad, but as much as I like seeing lots of action on display, there is a point where enough is enough, and with this film…well I’m just happy “One Last Time” is part of its mantra.
Continue reading ‘‘The Hobbit: The Battle’ of Kill Kill, Stab Stab (Movie Review)’
December 16th, 2014 by Brian White
From what I can tell, Horns is going to be like Jennifer’s Body. It carries that same tone and vibe, but what I’m really getting at is the fact that you’re really going to love it or you’re going to absolutely hate it. I really can’t see anyone stuck in the dead middle here. However, that’s just my initial thoughts after having just watched Horns for the first time. I know and have read many accounts of people praising Horns for daring to be something different and bold. Regardless, I am a huge fan of what Alexandre Aja has brought us in the past so I decided to tackle Horns on Blu-ray this holiday season, if for nothing else than just utter curiosity. Continue reading ‘Horns (Blu-ray Review)’
December 16th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I had fun with this film. There is more to read, but how much do I really need to say about the third film in a series about Ben Stiller interacting with museum exhibits that come to life at night, thanks to the power of a magic tablet? Okay, so maybe that sentence alone can be deconstructed plenty, given how absurd it may sound, but with that in mind, I cannot say the Night at the Museum franchise has been one I have been overly enthusiastic about, but I can say I’ve enjoyed the sequels more than the original film. They are simple enough family comedies, featuring enough supporting performances going over-the-top in ways that make me smile to recommend them for what they are: harmless fun. Given the sense of finality in this installment, a little extra something is added, but for the most part, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb may not be the sequel everyone has been pining for, but it is an easy watch for the intended audience.
Continue reading ‘‘Night At the Museum’: London Drift (Movie Review)’
