Archive Page 384
September 18th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
At this point, seeing another YA novel adapted into a film only brings up so much excitement. Part of it comes from there being only so many of these types of books I want to see as films and the other part is pretty simple: lots of these films are fairly dull and too focused on being a franchise-starter first, an enjoyable film second. I had no real opinion on The Maze Runner going into it. I have not read this book series, the cast is made up of younger actors I have seen in some things, but haven’t regarded as ‘the next big thing’, and there is a rookie director at the helm. Keeping all of this in mind, it would be easy for me to go into the flaws of the logic in a movie like this or even how it could have handled certain aspects regarding dramatic tension better, but honestly, I had a good time watching this film. The Maze Runner has a key thing going for it and that is consistency. It is not overlong, it is decently acted, features effective enough visuals, builds its tension and mystery well, and has a serious tone that does not come off as cheesy. This may not be the next big triumph for YA novel film adaptations, but it is far from the worst.
Continue reading ‘If You’re ‘The Maze Runner’, You Run Like Hell (Movie Review)’
September 18th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
To save Hong Kong from an fiery disaster, a team of dedicated firefighters battle an out-of-control blaze that threatens to plunge the city into catastrophic darkness in AS THE LIGHT GOES OUT, blazing onto Blu-ray™, DVD and digital Nov. 18 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Written and directed by Derek Kwok (Journey to the West), the action-packed suspense drama stars Nicholas Tse (Shaolin, The Stool Pigeon), Shawn Yue (The Guillotines, Infernal Affairstrilogy), Simon Yam (Ip Man, Election), Hu Jun (Firestorm, Let the Bullets Fly), William Chan (Triad), Bai Bing (The Viral Factor,Shaolin), Andy On (Special ID, White Vengeance) and a cameo by the legendary Jackie Chan (Rush Hour franchise).
Continue reading ‘AS THE LIGHT GOES OUT Ignites On Blu-ray Nov. 18!’
September 18th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have large doubts that 20 years ago, following the debut of writer/director Kevin Smith’s Clerks, anyone predicted that one day this man would make a film about a mysterious man turning an unknowing participant into a walrus, but here we are. Based on an idea that stemmed from an episode of one of Smith’s podcasts, SModcast, which he hosts with his best friend and former producer pal Scott Mosier, Tusk is a twisted horror-comedy that certainly features some memorable images, but mainly serves as a way of telling us that Smith has no desire to really move beyond entertaining his own fanbase, despite stepping away from his comfort zone, from a filmmaking standpoint. Given that I am a fan of Smith’s and hold a few of his films in high regard, I was certainly happy to go along with seeing how this film turned out, but if I had no clue about what this film was, I am pretty certain I would have thought Tusk was a film made as some sort of dare.
Continue reading ‘A High Podcaster Has Given Us A Weird Dream Project In The Form Of ‘Tusk’ (Movie Review)’
September 18th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Available now, the TV DVD archivists at StarVista Entertainment/Time Life bring consumers back to the ’70s for the seminal, groundbreaking live music TV show on DVD, featuring extensive bonus features! The Midnight Special Collector’s Edition 6-disc set that we are reviewing today is available through retailers like Amazon. For the 11-disc and 20-disc sets you’ll have to head on over to StarVista Entertainments site to pre-order them. But, today we are discussing the retail version of this release, which includes the first 6 discs from those bigger sets.
.
. Continue reading ‘The Midnight Special Collector’s Edition – 6 Disc Set (DVD Review)’
September 17th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
This is Where I Leave You is the kind of film that walks the line between being aware it is not treading new ground, but still wants to make you happy, based on all the talented actors involved, and treating its subject matter in a more serious manner. It is a film featuring characters that are mostly not all that inherently interesting, but because they are played by people like Jason Bateman and Tina Fey, the film at least has some reliable performances to stand behind them. It is nothing new to have a small period of time serve as a way of course correction for the lives of a family in a film, but while this film is fairly enjoyable, it lacks much of anything to really make it stand out. It is a film that does just enough, but sits a couple spots away from being essential viewing.
Continue reading ‘Formulaic Family Hijinks Found In ‘This Is Where I Leave You’ (Movie Review)’
September 17th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
Labor Day aside, I am a big fan of the films from Jason Reitman (Up In The Air, Juno, Young Adult), so I tend to get excited for whatever he has coming our way. Men, Women & Children has me curious. While I feel the film Disconnect handled a similar topic just last year, the idea of watching how technology has altered the social environment continues to be a neat concept that could play into a good feature film, if handled right. A new trailer is now up, so feel free to check it out, along with the film’s synopsis, and admire the poster as well, as I think it is one of the better mainstream theatrical posters from this year.
Continue reading ‘Jason Reitman’s MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN Has A New Trailer’
September 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Shout! Factory is distributing the animated film Thunder And The House Of Magic this fall exclusively to Walmart stores starting September 30. So exclusive to Walmart that you can’t even purchase it via the Shout! Factory website. This animated tale featured a limited theatrical run in the US a few weeks ago and was released wide in Belgium last year around Christmas time. The film has a lot of notable music included in the feature including songs by The Cure and Selena Gomez.
.
. Continue reading ‘Thunder And The House Of Magic (Blu-ray Review)’
September 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Eagle Rock Entertainment are about to deliver a double dose of Rolling Stones this November, with the debut of the new series of live concerts: From The Vault. From The Vault will unveil live concert films from the
Rolling Stones archive, now receiving their first official release. The footage from these concerts have been carefully restored, and the sound has been newly mixed by Bob Clearmountain.
From The Vault – Hampton Coliseum – Live In 1981 will be released simultaneously on SD Blu-ray, DVD/2CD, DVD/3LP, DVD, and Digital Formats on
November 4, 2014 [Pre-book Order Date October 10, MSRP $17.98 SD Blu-ray, $29.98 DVD/2CD, $44.98 DVD/3LP, and $TBA DVD].
From The Vault – L.A. Forum – Live In 1975 will be released on DVD, DVD/2CD, DVD/3LP, and Digital Video on
November 18, 2014 [Pre-book Order Date October 24, MSRP $TBA DVD, $29.98 DVD/2CD, $TBA DVD/3LP].
Continue reading ‘The Rolling Stones ‘From the Vaults’ Series Unveiled this November!’
September 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
On November 11, 2014, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go – the film ofMonty Python’s 2014 reunion shows live at The O2, London. Filmed in high definition, this title will be simultaneously released on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital video. The reunion of the Monty Python team on stage for the first time in over 30 years, and for the last time ever, was the most anticipated production of 2014. Filmed live on July 20th on the final night of the run of ten sold out performances at The O2, London, Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go sees the five surviving members – John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin – together with Carol Cleveland, perform many of their classic sketches and much-loved songs, with modern, Pythonesque twists. The show also encompasses film inserts from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Terry Gilliam’s iconic animations, outrageous dance routines by an ensemble of twenty and a fantastic live orchestra. Continue reading ‘Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go – on Blu-ray November 11!’
September 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Fans of THE DOORS will savor the news about the November 11 street date of a never-before-released documentary film produced by the band. Titled Feast of Friends, the intimate and rare look at the explosive rock band is, after 45 years, finally being released. Shelved due to lead singer Jim Morrison’s legal issues, the uncompleted film was only ever seen at a few film festivals and was never completed. Eagle Rock Entertainment and Doors Property, LLC have painstakingly remastered the audio and video and compiled bonus footage as well as an historic British documentary called The Doors Are Open. Continue reading ‘The Doors: ‘Feast of Friends’ on Blu-ray & DVD November 11th!’
September 17th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Celebrate 60 years of the treasured musical classic Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS with the spectacular new Diamond Anniversary Edition arriving on Blu-ray Combo Pack October 14, 2014 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. Starring legendary performers Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen and featuring unforgettable music by Irving Berlin, the beloved holiday film offers timeless entertainment for all ages.
.
Continue reading ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS Diamond Anniversary Edition Comes To Blu-ray On 10/14’
September 17th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Skeleton Twins is the kind of film that features a few actors giving the kind of performances that make it look easy. Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig are best known for their work on Saturday Night Live, but clearly have aspirations to delve into more dramatic work, better showing off their range as performers. It is one thing to find the humor in certain scenes, but it is another to make that humor play in scenes that come in between some heavy dramatic material. This is a film that features some really dark material, but is able to develop a story that can follow a fairly formulaic level of plotting and still succeed, based on the confidence of the actors involved and the filmmakers working behind the scenes. As a result, The Skeleton Twins works as a sad comedy for the art house crowd and manages to rise above the easy complaints about these sort of family-focused stories.
Continue reading ‘Wiig And Hader Make For A Wonderful Set Of ‘Skeleton Twins’ (Movie Review)’
September 16th, 2014 by Alan Aguilera
When CW first announced that they were doing an Arrow tv series, I was skeptical. Oliver Queen is one of the most liberal and rebellious characters in the DCU, I wasn’t sure how the WB was going to pull it off. Luckily, the first season was a great success, mostly due to lowered expectations (on my end anyway). Arrow The Complete Second Season was really going to be a make or break season for this show creatively. A sophomore slump was the fear I had for the show. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. Let’s take a closer look! Continue reading ‘Arrow The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 16th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
In Persecuted, nationally acclaimed evangelist John Luther is the last obstacle in the way of passage of sweeping religious reform legislation in the United States Congress. When he refuses to support the legislation, a U.S. Senator and Luther’s own supporters abduct and frame him in the murder of an innocent teenage girl. Luther escapes police surveillance in search of the truth and suddenly a once-normal life is targeted by a team of ex-military operatives who wage a relentless campaign to eliminate the incriminating evidence. As evangelist turned fugitive, Luther vows to expose anyone involved with, or profiting from, the girl’s murder. Persecuted will be available on Blu-ray Combo and DVD on October 14. Continue reading ‘PERSECUTED: Starring James Remar, Bruce Davison – On Blu-Ray October 14!’
September 16th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
From the creators of Ghost in the Shell comes the supernatural anime classic featuring thousands of squirming, morphing ghosts and spirits. The last time Momo saw her father they had a fight and now all she has left to remember him by is an incomplete letter penned with the words “Dear Momo,” but nothing more. Moving with her mother to the remote Japanese island of Shio, Momo soon discovers three Yokai living in her attic, a trio of mischievous spirit creatures that only she can see and who create mayhem in the tiny seaside community as she tries desperately to keep them hidden. But these funny monsters have a serious side and may hold the key to helping Momo discover what her father had been trying to tell her.
Continue reading ‘Whimsical & Humorous A LETTER TO MOMO Arrives On Blu-ray Oct 21’
September 15th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
From executive producer Robert Rodriguez comes the first season of the original El Rey Network series, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN,swooping onto Blu-ray and DVD, featuring all 10 Season One episodes, including episodes directed by Rodriguez and Eduardo Sánchez(The Blair Witch Project). This supernatural series, based on Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s 1996 cult classic film of the same name (starring George Clooney, Harvey Keitel, Salma Hayek and Tarantino), centers on bank robbers Seth and Richie Gecko, who are wanted by the authorities after a heist leaves several dead. Escaping across the Mexican border with a family of hostages, the Gecko brothers take a detour to a strip club that’s populated by bloodsucking creatures of the night. Continue reading ‘On 9/16, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: SEASON 1 Swoops Onto Blu-ray’
September 15th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
This wonderful journey, “full of adventure, bravery, excitement, and friendship…has something for audiences of all ages” (Claudia Puig, USA Today). The “lively and likable” (Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times) tale is told through the eyes of Tuck, Munch and Alex, a trio of pals who make an out-of-this-world discovery. After receiving signals on their phones, they meet Echo, a small, but amazingly energetic, alien trying to make his way back to his home planet. As they race to help their new friend, the boys will discover that little Echo has touched their hearts in unexpected ways and changed their lives forever. Continue reading ‘Earth To Echo On Blu-ray And DVD October 21’
September 15th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
Based on the novel “The Switch” written by Elmore Leonard, the “truly twisted fun” (In Touch) crime comedy Life of Crime will be available on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital), and Digital HD October 28 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Written for the screen and directed by Daniel Schechter (Supporting Characters), the film is currently available On Demand. The cleverly written story about a kidnapping gone awry features a knockout lineup including Jennifer Aniston (We’re the Millers, TV’s “Friends”), yasiin bey (The Italian Job, Next Day Air), Isla Fisher (Now You See Me, The Great Gatsby), Will Forte (Nebraska, TV’s “Saturday Night Live”), Mark Boone Junior (TV’s “Sons of Anarchy,”Memento), with Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption, Bull Durham), and John Hawkes (Lincoln, Winter’s Bone). Continue reading ‘LIFE OF CRIME Arriving On Blu-ray Oct 28’
At this point, seeing another YA novel adapted into a film only brings up so much excitement. Part of it comes from there being only so many of these types of books I want to see as films and the other part is pretty simple: lots of these films are fairly dull and too focused on being a franchise-starter first, an enjoyable film second. I had no real opinion on The Maze Runner going into it. I have not read this book series, the cast is made up of younger actors I have seen in some things, but haven’t regarded as ‘the next big thing’, and there is a rookie director at the helm. Keeping all of this in mind, it would be easy for me to go into the flaws of the logic in a movie like this or even how it could have handled certain aspects regarding dramatic tension better, but honestly, I had a good time watching this film. The Maze Runner has a key thing going for it and that is consistency. It is not overlong, it is decently acted, features effective enough visuals, builds its tension and mystery well, and has a serious tone that does not come off as cheesy. This may not be the next big triumph for YA novel film adaptations, but it is far from the worst.
