Archive Page 366
November 14th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
How grim is too grim and when does it just start becoming a little humorous? Earlier this year we had a novel idea for a film in the form of A Million Ways to Die in the West. That film did not work for me overall, but the idea of making a western film that put emphasis on how terrible a time it could really be was a funny one. Tommy Lee Jones’ second directorial effort, The Homesman, based on the novel by Glendon Swarthout, is a film that sits in grim territory, but pushes things so far that it becomes a strange sort of dark comedy. The film has a large cast of great actors, but they all provide merely decent to good performances. Hilary Swank stands out, but that makes sense, given that she does most of the heavy-lifting, with strong support from Jones to back her up. Really, the film seems confused by how sprawling it could be versus how effectively poignant it may be if the film felt a bit more consistent. The good news is, this film is far too interesting to write off.
Continue reading ‘The Homesman Is Surreal, Grim Stuff (Movie Review)’
November 14th, 2014 by Brian White
I honestly cannot believe it’s been twenty years since Dumb and Dumber almost made me piss my pants from laughter when I first saw it in the theater. I still remember it like it was only yesterday. My friend Bryan and I ventured out on opening night in Ohio to see this one theatrically and I remember the Ex-Lax related scene fondly because that was the one and only time I ever saw people in a theater literally fall out of their chairs laughing. I’ve seen people jump out of their chairs while scared out of their wits during a horror film, but I had never before then seen anyone fall out of their chairs and roll down the declining aisle cracking up. The Hangover is probably the closest I have ever come to seeing that ever happen again. It was close, but no cigar. Continue reading ‘‘Dumb and Dumber To’ Takes Us Down To Many Familiar Rodes (Movie Review)’
November 13th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
From the mastermind producer behind Insidious and The Purge comes the ghostly tale of Jessabelle. The haunting, supernatural thriller, directed by Kevin Greutert (Saw VI, Saw 3D: The Final Chapter), written by Robert Ben Garant (Hell Baby, Night at the Museum) and starring Sarah Snook, Mark Webber and Joelle Carter, will arrive on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and Digital HD on January 13, 2015 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The Jessabelle Blu-ray and DVD, including audio commentary with the filmmakers, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, outtakes and an extended ending.
. Continue reading ‘Supernatural Thriller JESSABELLE Arrives on Blu-ray January 13’
November 13th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Coming out this Tuesday on Disney Movies Anywhere and Blu-ray 3-D Combo Pack, Blu-ray and OnDemand December 9th pretty much everyone’s favorite film of the summer (If not close to the top of the list, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY! While you eagerly anticipate holding this puppy in your hands and gloriously displaying it on your television, here’s a trailer for the release of the film! If you haven’t pre-ordered yet, you can do so below. OOGA CHACKA OOGA CHACKA!
.
. Continue reading ‘The GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Blu-ray Trailer Is Here!!’
November 13th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is funny when you have next to no reaction to a film, despite easily acknowledging so many great things about it. Foxcatcher is incredibly well acted, effectively directed in a chilling sort of manner as a sort of powder keg of tension, and likely worthy of even more praise, when one considers the level of detail brought to the film’s time period and setting. With that all in mind, while pivotal moments had a desired effect, I walked away only caring so much for the film. It tells the true story of a group of individuals that seemed to be boiled down to some basic elements, which left me feeling like I watched a film that I did not really need to see. Of course, given the built-in praise that came from its reception at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, I certainly wanted to see it, but now having done so, again, the film just didn’t leave me with much.
Continue reading ‘‘Foxcatcher’ Has Strong Performances, But A Loose Grasp (Movie Review)’
November 13th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Liam Neeson stars in A Walk Among the Tombstones, an action-thriller based on Lawrence Block’s bestselling series of mystery novels. Neeson plays Matt Scudder, an ex-cop turned unlicensed private investigator who reluctantly agrees to help a heroin trafficker (Dan Stevens, TV’s Downton Abbey) hunt down the men who brutally murdered his wife. When the PI learns that this is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that these men have committed this sort of twisted crime, he must blur the line between right and wrong as he races to track the deviants through the backstreets of New York City before they kill again. Continue reading ‘Take ‘A Walk Among The Tombstones’ on Blu-ray & DVD January 13th’
November 13th, 2014 by Nate Boss
Think about the great success James Cameron has had over the course of his career in cinema. A special effects and now camera wunderkind, the man is responsible for the top two grossing films of all time (not accounting for inflation), launching the careers of numerous Hollywood stars. Like King Midas, his every touch bestows gold, with a career trajectory that points ever higher upwards to previously unimagined heights…which is why his other passion is so fittingly ironic.
Continue reading ‘Deepsea Challenge (Blu-ray Review)’
November 12th, 2014 by Blu-ray Brian
Yo! Check this out! Below I want to share with you one of the Bonus Features,”Pirate Camp,” and other FYI info for you in regards to Anchor Bay Entertainment’s upcoming release of the acclaimed STARZ Original series BLACK SAILS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON on Blu-ray + Digital HD with Ultraviolet and DVD on January 6th, 2014. Personally, I have not checked out the show yet, but from everything I have seen so far, armed with the knowledge it’s powered by Starz and Anchor Bay, makes it a must-see television series for me to check out! What about you? Check out the pirate booty down below! Continue reading ‘Bonus Feature from BLACK SAILS Season One Blu-ray – “Pirate Camp”’
November 12th, 2014 by Blu-ray Brian
This January it’s time to face your absolute worst fears when Annabelle haunts the Blu-ray format in a Combo Pack from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. I don’t know about you but the only thing I’m scare about next year is seeing the Broncos get blown out again, but I digress. The Blu-ray and Digital Download of Annabelle include The Curse of Annabelle, Bloody Tears of Possession, Dolls of the Demon, A Demonic Process and Deleted Scenes. You know you have to check this out right? Of course you do! Check out the full press release below from Warner Bros. and get your scare on! Continue reading ‘Annabelle Creeps On The Blu-ray Format January 20th’
November 11th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Miracles happen when “The Good Lie” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital HD on December 23 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Academy Award® winner Reese Witherspoon (“Walk the Line”) stars alongside Corey Stoll (“House of Cards”) 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 (“My Brother the Devil,” “Adulthood”) and newcomer Kuoth Wiel; Ger Duany (“I Heart Huckabees”) and rapper Emmanuel Jal, who were both former child soldiers and Lost Boys; and Femi Oguns (BBC’s “The Casualty”). 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 ‘Warner Bros Home Entertainment Announces THE GOOD LIE’
November 11th, 2014 by Brian White
It should be no surprise to anyone that the dynamic duo, hilarious tag team of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are back reprising their respective roles from 2012 in the appropriately titled 22 Jump Street (I’ll expand upon that more down below). I last talked about 21 Jump Street in my Blu-ray review over here in 2012 and I’m happy to report that I still have not seen a single episode from the original television series, but I’ve studied enough pop culture and seen enough comedies to pick up on references here and there. I’m smart like that, but I’m probably missing out on a few gags here or there. However, make no mistake. I wasn’t looking forward to this one very much going into it theatrically. Like the sequel to the original Hangover film I had my doubts and wondered if this second outing would simply be a cash grab with the same story, etc. set in a different locale. Even if it was, I’d probably laugh, but I’m a movie critic and I want more. I deserve more. Hear me roar! So the question that really matters is did I get what I was looking for? Check out the full 22 Jump Street Blu-ray review below to find out! Continue reading ’22 Jump Street (Blu-ray Review)’
November 11th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
Today is the day! Batman the Complete TV Series is now available on Blu-ray, among other formats. I (along with many many others) have been excited about this for quite a while and now the day is finally here! Hopefully we will be able to provide a more expansive look at this Blu-ray set, but for now, feel free to order your copy through the link in this post and enjoy several clips from some of the bonus materials available with this massive set.
d Continue reading ‘Today Is The Day: BATMAN THE COMPLETE TV SERIES Is Available Everywhere! Check Out Some New Clips!’
November 11th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
From Director Wong Ching Po (Revenge: A Love Story) and acclaimed Action Director Yuen Wo Ping (The Grandmasters, Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2,Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) comes ONCE UPON A TIME IN SHANGHAI, debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital Jan. 13 from Well Go USA Entertainment. The modern action-packed fable features rising martial arts star Philip Ng (Young and Dangerous: Reloaded) as a country bumpkin who moves to 1930’s Shanghai in the hope of becoming rich, but ends up honing his kung fu skills to become a lethal fighting machine. ONCE UPON A TIME IN SHANGHAI also stars the legendary Sammo Hung (Ip Man franchise), Andy On (As the Light Goes Out, White Vengeance), Michelle Hu (Mr. & Mrs. Player), Luxia Jiang (Ip Man: The Final Fight), Mao Junjie (Jackie Chan Presents: Wushu), Chan Koon-Tai (The Man with the Iron Fists), Yuen Cheung-Yan (Kung Fu Hustle, Charlie’s Angels franchise) and Fung Hak-On (Tai Chi Zero). Bonus materials include the behind-the-scenes featurette “The Making of Once Upon a Time in Shanghai.”
Continue reading ‘‘Once Upon A Time In Shanghai’ on Blu-ray, DVD Digital HD January 13th!’
November 11th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
A baker and his wife journey into the woods in search of a cow, a red cape, a pair of golden slippers and some magic beans to lift a curse that has kept them childless. Tony Award winners Bernadette Peters, Joanna Gleason and the rest of the original Broadway cast weave their magic spell over you in Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece, directed by James Lapine, a seamless fusion of fairy tale characters and what happens after “happily ever after.” With oft-recorded songs such as “Children Will Listen” and “No One Is Alone,” Into the Woods is a music lover’s delight from start to finish–and will forever cement Stephen Sondheim’s unparalleled position as the giant of the American musical theater. Continue reading ‘Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’ on Blu-ray December 2nd!’
November 10th, 2014 by Blu-ray Brian
Here’s another title that slipped past me theatrically this year at the movies, but I have heard enough good word of mouth about The Equalizer, starring Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington, that I want to take the next step on the Blu-ray format and give it a chance. Looks like I’ll get my cake and eat it too before the year’s end as The Equalizer is set to extract vengeance on all December 30th. The Blu-ray will feature six behind-the-scenes featurettes, plus “Vengeance Mode” and more! Check out the full press release below from Sony! Continue reading ‘The Equalizer Brings Balance To The Blu-ray Format This December’
November 10th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I am not one to write about TV news all that often, but this caught me by surprise. Starz, the network behind Why So Blu favorite, Spartacus, is apparently putting together a TV series based on Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead, and Bruce Campbell is set to reprise his role as Ash. As a huge fan of The Evil Dead trilogy, the remake, and Sam Raimi’s involvement in horror in general, this is quite the announcement. Continue on to read all about it.
d
Continue reading ‘STARZ RAISES THE DEAD – THE EVIL DEAD!’
November 10th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Inspired by an extraordinary true story, the audience-rousing PRIDE debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD & Digital HD on Dec. 23 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. This critically acclaimed comedy follows a London-based group of gay and lesbian activists who come together to help families affected by the UK miners’ strike in 1984, and has been described as “a feel-good movie that does more than temporarily lift your spirits – it makes you feel a little better about the world, and about our capacity to set aside differences and clasp hands” (Moira MacDonald,SeattleTimes). Starring in the film is an incredible ensemble cast, including Bill Nighy (Love Actually), Academy Award®nominee Imelda Staunton (Best Actress, Vera Drake, 2004), Paddy Considine (The Bourne Ultimatum), Dominic West (300), Andrew Scott (“Sherlock”), George MacKay (Defiance), Joseph Gilgun (This is England) and Ben Schnetzer (The Book Thief).
Continue reading ‘PRIDE Available on Blu-ray December 23rd!’
November 10th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
“Halo: The Master Chief Collection” offers the complete story of “Halo’s” legendary hero, the Master Chief, for the first time on one console, including an entirely re-mastered version of “Halo 2” – “Halo 2: Anniversary” – in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the fan-favorite classic.* “Halo: The Master Chief Collection” brings the ultimate “Halo” collection together (‘Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary,” “Halo 2: Anniversary” “Halo 3” and “Halo 4”) with a unified Master Menu that features every campaign chapter unlocked, enabling fans to experience the Master Chief’s story and “Halo’s” legendary multiplayer like never before. Play “Halo” your way, with curated playlists from the campaign and more than 100 multiplayer and Spartan Ops maps from across all four “Halo” titles. Every game in “Halo: The Master Chief Collection” is visually enhanced for Xbox One, with “Halo 2: Anniversary” featuring a fully re-mastered campaign. All four games will run at 60 frames per second on dedicated servers. “Halo: The Master Chief Collection” also includes access to the new live-action digital series, “Halo: Nightfall,” and the “Halo 5: Guardians” Multiplayer Beta, which are launching in late 2014. Continue reading ‘Halo: The Master Chief Collection for Xbox One is available Tomorrow (11/11)!’
How grim is too grim and when does it just start becoming a little humorous? Earlier this year we had a novel idea for a film in the form of A Million Ways to Die in the West. That film did not work for me overall, but the idea of making a western film that put emphasis on how terrible a time it could really be was a funny one. Tommy Lee Jones’ second directorial effort, The Homesman, based on the novel by Glendon Swarthout, is a film that sits in grim territory, but pushes things so far that it becomes a strange sort of dark comedy. The film has a large cast of great actors, but they all provide merely decent to good performances. Hilary Swank stands out, but that makes sense, given that she does most of the heavy-lifting, with strong support from Jones to back her up. Really, the film seems confused by how sprawling it could be versus how effectively poignant it may be if the film felt a bit more consistent. The good news is, this film is far too interesting to write off.
