Archive Page 374
October 24th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
This is just great. In a time where we get a lot of action movies designed to build into some sort of franchise, here comes John Wick, a film most likely designed to be a one-off attempt at showing an older Keanu Reeves kick ass in some very brutal ways. The film is bound to become an American cult action favorite, but the unexpected, yet the best thing that could happen is to see this film become a breakout success and lead to at least a reteaming of Reeves, writer Derek Kolstad, and directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. While John Wick is straight to the point with its story, there is enough in the way of character and world building (not to mention terrific action) that would make me happy to see these guys continue to make slick action flicks such as this.
Continue reading ‘‘John Wick’ Is The Bomb! (Movie Review)’
October 24th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
So Ouija is a total bust. Not that I expected much from a horror film based on the spooky toy, once mass-marketed by Parker Brothers, but it amounts to nothing all that special or entertaining, just laughably dull. Something interesting to note is how so many old slasher films and even the recent Saw franchise, among other horror franchises, end up receiving similar bad review scores, but will go on to be remembered by cult audiences. No one will remember Ouija. That is the kind of movie it is. This is a thing that will come and go. It may have allowed work for some young actors and a decent job for the filmmakers involved, but that’s about it. Good on them for getting the film done, but yeah, it’s just a silly horror movie.
Continue reading ‘‘Ouija’: Board To Death (Movie Review)’
October 23rd, 2014 by Brian White
I normally don’t do this, nor have I ever done this before, but I can’t help it. I need to start this John Wick movie review off by quickly discussing the plot of the film from a very high level because it’s actually the very reason why I wanted to see this film. Keanu Reeves plays a former hitman that comes out of retirement to avenge the death of his dog. Yes, I said his dog! Now tell me, how awesome is that? I sound like a little girl here, but I dare to utter the words awesome sauce! I love animals so much, much more than most people in life, so when I learned of the premise of this film I just screamed YES! It’s exactly the kind of film I would go pay to see and given the right circumstance I too would totally extract revenge on someone if they purposely harmed one of my dogs. Let that be a warning to everyone. Haha. So what say you? Y’all ready to talk some John Wick? I am! Continue reading ‘‘John Wick’ Serves Revenge With Heated Attachment (Movie Review)’
October 23rd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
When most people think of Mel Brooks, they always turn to the funny. Whether it be television with Get Smart or most notably his incredible directorial run of movies like The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and History Of The World: Part 1, that’s what he’s pretty much made his bread and butter on. However, he was also an active producer as well, and not limited to just comedy. Did you know Mel Brook produced David Lynch’s The Elephant Man? He indeed did. Scream Factory is releasing another film you wouldn’t think of being attached to Mel Brooks, but it is, called The Doctor And The Devils from 1985. It stars James Bond, Jean Luc Picard and Elliot Carver. Or Timothy Dalton, Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Pryce. Continue reading ‘The Doctor And The Devils (Blu-ray Review)’
October 23rd, 2014 by Blu-ray Brian
After falling in love with the remake of I Spit on Your Grave a few years back I have subsequently fallen for Sarah Butler as a direct result too so while Brandon Peters works on the Blu-ray review of this within the week I look forward to checking this and her out one fine day. My initial thought is that this movie can either go one of two ways, suck or be decent, but I’m willing to gamble a couple hours of my life on it. How about you? Come on horror fans! It has Sarah Butler AND Malcolm McDowell in it! That’s like a two for one deal! So here’s the basics. They both star in Free Fall and the elevator terror flick will be unleashed on Blu-ray October 28th! But best of all…we have 2 FREE Blu-ray copies to give away! Check out the full press release below from Anchor Bay and find out how you can win yourself a copy! Continue reading ‘‘Free Fall’ Your Way Down While Winning A Blu-ray In Our Giveaway’
October 23rd, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
Well, the plan to release this teaser during ABC’s Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. did not pan out the way it was intended, but regardless, here it is, the first full length teaser trailer for the upcoming Marvel epic, Avengers: Age of Ultron. Those who attended Comic Con will recognize some similarities to the footage presented there, but the biggest change is the increase in visual effects and the lack of any humor. This is a trailer that wants to show the darker tone that will come from the presence of Ultron and it is pretty exciting to see. The film hits theaters May 2015 and is easily one of the most anticipated films of next year. Continue on to check out the trailer and the new poster for the film.
Continue reading ‘No Strings Hold Down This Trailer For Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron’
October 22nd, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I don’t think there is any real way around me saying that I am of mixed-race and have certain views towards humor that delves into race. Obviously I could just not mention this at all, but that seems like more of a disservice, when it comes to a review that focuses on a film satirizing racial politics on a college campus. While my experiences do not reflect the events that take place in Dear White People, I did have a level of understanding of the circumstances and walked away both very satisfied and somewhat angered, given how the film works in its provocation. The best way to look at Dear White People though, is as an examination of identity. It leans on certain points for the sake of a particular story, but this is a film about understanding one’s self versus what the masses understand. It also happens to feature some very fine filmmaking on display for a directorial debut.
Continue reading ‘‘Dear White People,’ You Cut Deep (Movie Review)’
October 22nd, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I cannot say this is a film that has me super excited, but at the same time, I am sure it is probably pretty good. I reviewed the first Dolphin Tale on Blu-ray and found it to be fine. Everything I have heard about this sequel suggests the same, plus I still get Morgan Freeman, so it seems like a win. Dolphin Tale 2 is coming to Blu-ray and DVD on December 9th and it has a bunch of special features coming with it. This is another chapter in a story surrounding the true story of a dolphin who was rescued thanks to the work by people who care and some technological ingenuity. I have seen the trailer for this sequel and it certainly gives me some interesting thoughts on how it will turn out, but I will find out soon enough what is going on, when this Blu-ray becomes available, as will everyone that missed out on this top family film in theaters. Continue on to learn more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘Dolphin Tale 2 Comes To Blu-ray This December!’
October 22nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
The provocative political documentary from the creators of 2016: Obama’s America,America: Imagine the World Without Her steps onto the world stage on Blu-ray from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The sixth-highest-grossing political documentary of all time, the film has been referred to as “important, inspiring, informative”. During its theatrical release, America: Imagine the World Without Her joined the ranks of critically acclaimed films like Schindler’s List, The Godfather, Forrest Gump and Dances with Wolves by earning one of only 52 A+ Cinema Score ratings in the last 29 years, the benchmark for audience reactions. That’s some pretty high praise given. Though if you wander on over to Rotten Tomatoes, you’ll see it has an 8% critic score and an 88% audience score. Okay, so the film’s not unscathed, but my what a difference in opinion. Continue reading ‘America: Imagine The World Without Her (Blu-ray Review)’
October 22nd, 2014 by Brandon Peters
A Letter To Momo marks director Hiroyuki Okiura’s first film in eleven years. It was a passion project for the man, spending seven years in its production with scripting, storyboards, directing and all sorts of planning. The film made its debut in 2011 at the Toronto International Film Festival, and it wasn’t shown in the United States until March 2012 at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. The film seemed to resonate with most critics and audiences alike globally. A Letter To Momo was also spun off into its own series of manga comics shortly after it started showing in theaters and festivals back in 2011. Oddly enough, its now 2014 and the film is finally coming here to Blu-ray. So, I guess the wait is over for those who have been eager to see it. Continue reading ‘A Letter To Momo (Blu-ray Review)’
October 21st, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
So the end is coming. Mad Men has been a huge success in its many years on the air, but the show is finally coming to a close via a seventh season that has been split into halves. At this point, I can only imagine that people are either with this series or not, regardless of the massive acclaim it has received over the years. I say that, because Mad Men has a unique style and handle on how it proceeds, so I personally continue to be happy with how the series plays out, especially given how much enjoyment I get from seeing the journey of these characters. With that in mind, series creator Matthew Weiner has certainly gotten enough in order to provide a very satisfying half of a season, with some terrific episodes and enough movement of the pieces to bring us to true closure, once the series comes to an end next year. For now, we can enjoy the Blu-ray for part one of the final season.
Continue reading ‘Mad Men: The Final Season Part 1 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 21st, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
SNL alumni Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader reunite in the acclaimed comedy The Skeleton Twins, arriving on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand on December 16th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The movie will also be available on Digital HD starting December 2nd. The winner of Best Screenplay at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and described by Rolling Stone as “hilarious and heart-crushingly real,” the film also stars Luke Wilson (Old School) and Ty Burrell (TV’s “Modern Family”), is written by Craig Johnson (True Adolescents) & Mark Heyman (Black Swan) and is directed by Craig Johnson. As one who was a big fan of the film (Review HERE), I am excited for more to see this little treasure, when it arrives on Blu-ray. Continue on to read more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘Kristen Wiig And Bill Hader Star In The Skeleton Twins Arriving on Blu-ray This December’
October 21st, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
2014 is just flying by as we are already in my favorite coveted month of October. The leaves have started to turn red and yellow and the ghosts and goblins are out there creeping about. This short list is made up of my favorite horror films that I like to watch during the Halloween holiday season. A slice of pumpkin pie and nice pumpkin craft ale and a nice horror movie hits the spot perfectly. This obviously isn’t a comprehensive but just a tasty sampler of films that are relatively short in running time but hit you right in your fear spot. In any event sit back and enjoy my Top-3 Halloween Horror Treats!
Continue reading ‘Gerard’s Top-3 Halloween Horror Treats!’
October 21st, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Squirm is a film that I had never truly seen in its entirety before. I had caught scenes of it on television at different times (Maybe not even knowing what the movie was). It was a popular late night cable movie in the 80s and early 90s. Also, as a big fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, I know this film as one of the final episodes of the entire series (And the films are heavily edited for that as well). The director Jeff Lieberman also directed one of my all time favorite slashers a few years after Squirm called Just Before Dawn (Which I reviewed last year). Don Scardino is mostly known now for what he’s directed, but I’ll always remember him from another slasher film called He Knows You’re Alone (Also the feature film debut of none other than Hollywood legend, the one the only Tom Hanks). Thanks to Scream Factory, I’m finally getting to see Squirm in its slimy entirety thanks to this new collector’s edition. Continue reading ‘Squirm – Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
October 20th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
How do you stop a killer with immortal powers? Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba) stars as a hotshot L.A. homicide detective caught in a harrowing game with a man who lives to kill – and cannot die – in this psychological thriller that transcends mortal terror! After a long, gruesome hunt. Detective Russell Logan (Phillips) finally captures the brutal Russell Logan (Phillips) finally captures the brutal Pentagram Killer (Jeff Kober), and watches as the murderer is executed at San Quentin. Finally, the terror is over… or is it? When the ritualistic killings begin again. Logan is haunted by violent visions of the executed man, and seeks the counsel of a beautiful psychic (Tracy Griffith). Together they discover that the Pentagram Killer, one of Satan’s disciples, possesses the First Power – the ability to inhabit the bodies of others at will! Now Logan has to catch the killer again, not knowing where – or in whom – he’ll show up next! Charged with bone-chilling suspense and otherworldly evil, The First Power will scare the devil out of you! Continue reading ‘The First Power (Blu-ray Review)’
October 20th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
The untold story of Mexico’s greatest and most beloved comic film star comes to life when Cantinflas charms the world on DVD (plus Digital), Digital HD and On Demand December 2nd from Pantelion and Lionsgate Home Entertainment. In the most successful Hispanic film of the summer, the true story of Mario “Cantinflas” Moreno is brought to vivid life. Nicknamed “The Charlie Chaplin of Mexico,” Cantinflas tries his hand at a number of odd jobs including boxing and bullfighting, finally stumbling to success in small-town bars and theaters. His improvisational quirks and fearlessness send him to the global stage where he becomes a beloved, comedic fixture. Mexico’s official submission for the 2014 Academy Award®‘s Best Foreign Language Film category, Cantinflas stars Óscar Jaenada (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) accompanied by the talents of Michael Imperioli (HBO’s “The Sopranos”), Ilse Salas (Güeros), Luis Gerardo Méndez (The Noble Family) and Gabriela de la Garza (Dragonball: Evolution), along with Adal Ramones (Saving Private Perez) and Bárbara Mori (La Mujer de Mi Hermano). Cantinflas is a unique tale of one man’s journey from modest beginnings to superstardom. Continue reading ‘‘Cantinflas’ on DVD & Digital HD December 2nd!’
October 20th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
The Emmy® Award-winning JUSTIFIED returns for its fifth season with Dewey Crowe heading north to invest a $300,000 settlement from the Marshals Service in a brothel owned by Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), but it isn’t long before his cousin Daryl Jr. and the rest of their Florida crime family arrive to cash in, too. As Daryl looks to consolidate the business in Harlan, Boyd’s efforts to help Ava (Joelle Carter) fix her murder trial run aground, forcing him to reach out to ruthless crime bosses from Lexington, Detroit, and even Canada and Mexico. With the Crowes complicating life in Harlan, Boyd enters into a series of ill-fated alliances that threaten to bring him down and expose Raylan Givens’ (Timothy Olyphant) involvement in a mobster’s questionable death. With Raylan’s future in doubt, a revenge attack catches Art (Nick Searcy) in its crosshairs, unleashing a federal investigation that throws the Crowes into turmoil and puts Boyd on a collision course with the law. Developed for Television by Graham Yost, JUSTIFIED is based on the short story “Fire in the Hole” by Elmore Leonard. The show is executive produced by Elmore Leonard, Graham Yost, Michael Dinner, Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly (“Unforgettable”), Fred Golan, Don Kurt and Dave Andron. The show is co-executive produced by Chris Provenzano, Timothy Olyphant, Taylor Elmore and Benjamin Cavell.
Continue reading ‘‘Justified:Season 5’ on Blu-ray & DVD December 2nd!’
October 20th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Moebius is the latest from Korean art-house auteur Kim Ki-duk. The film was originally banned on its home turf of South Korea, but after the ratings board took another look or two at it they rescinded their response and gave the film a rating. The film premiered at the 70th Venice International Film Festival and later was selected to play at the Stanley Film Festival. The film has been commended for being a daring and bold piece of disturbing art-house cinema that really pushes some limits. It has been coupled with the horror genre a bit, because of how disturbing things can get, but I’m not sure that’s an appropriate genre to classify it under. Its just really its own sort of thing. Continue reading ‘Moebius (Blu-ray Review)’
This is just great. In a time where we get a lot of action movies designed to build into some sort of franchise, here comes John Wick, a film most likely designed to be a one-off attempt at showing an older Keanu Reeves kick ass in some very brutal ways. The film is bound to become an American cult action favorite, but the unexpected, yet the best thing that could happen is to see this film become a breakout success and lead to at least a reteaming of Reeves, writer Derek Kolstad, and directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. While John Wick is straight to the point with its story, there is enough in the way of character and world building (not to mention terrific action) that would make me happy to see these guys continue to make slick action flicks such as this.
