Archive Page 444
November 15th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
If there is one thing that Charlie Countryman was able to do, it was remind me to express how much love I have for the film Run Lola Run, which is a fast-paced, off-beat, flurry of an action film, supporting themes of love, chance, and inevitability vs. free will; all while being fueled by a pulsating techno soundtrack. Charlie Countryman has a lot of this as well, but while the film makes good use of location and provides Shia LaBeouf with a chance to show off his talents away from big blockbusters, it is also a big violent mess. What begins as a promising, off-beat, romantic adventure turns into a dirty, illogical film that fails to connect.
Continue reading ‘The Unnecessary Film About ‘Charlie Countryman’ (Movie Review)’
November 14th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
D.W. Griffith changed the course of film history with his 1915 Civil War blockbuster
The Birth of a Nation, and spurred on by its colossal success, he went even bigger on his next epic. The ambitious and still awe-inspiring
Intolerance, in which the Father of Film masterfully links four centuries-apart stories of universal suffering, remains a signal achievement by any measure. Stung by charges of glorifying racism in
The Birth of a Nation, D.W. Griffith decided to make his next film a plea for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. An epic like nothing that came before it or has been seen since, the monumental
Intolerance remains as powerful today as it was almost a century ago. This major innovation in screen narrative tells four stories in parallel about social injustice and the effects of intolerance through the ages. “The Modern Story,” about a working man wrongly accused of a crime, was later issued as a separate film
(The Mother and the Law, 1919). “The Judean Story” tells of Jesus’ conflicts with the Pharisees and Rome. “The Medieval Story” is about the effects of the massacre of 16th-century French Huguenots. “The Babylonian Story,” about the conquest of Babylon by Persia, also was issued later as a separate film
(The Fall of Babylon, 1919). Skillful cross-cutting (Griffith was the technique’s most renowned practitioner), and linking shots of a figure representing Eternal Motherhood rocking a cradle, bring all four stories to a tense climax. Cohen Media Group’s Cohen Film Collection proudly brings this canonical 1916 work to DVD and, for the first time ever on Blu-ray as well.
Continue reading ‘The Cohen Film Collection: D.W. Griffith’s Intolerance (Blu-ray Review)’
November 14th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I feel like I already might be surprising people by saying this film is a sequel. Back in 1999, The Best Man was released in theaters and became something of a sleeper hit. Along with The Wood (also starring Taye Diggs), the all-black romantic-comedy-drama scene was still a solid subset of films around this time, as it pre-dated the era of Tyler Perry and allowed for less gimmicky takes black characters living everyday lives. Now we have a follow up film, which explores what has come of a certain group of characters a decade and a half later. While it is not as exquisitely told a tale, compared to Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, which are films also separated by a lengthy span of time, The Best Man Holiday is still a film that works based on the chemistry of the ensemble cast, regardless if one is familiar with these characters already or not.
Continue reading ‘‘The Best Man Holiday’ Unexpectedly Reunites Its Cast For a 14 Year Reunion (Movie Review)’
November 14th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
We are now moving on from Disney villains yesterday to biblical epics today, as the trailer for Darren Aronofsky’s Noah makes its debut. As a follow up to Black Swan, Aronofsky has moved on to something very different for him, as he tackles the story of Noah and his Ark. The film features Russell Crowe as Noah and also stars Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, and Anthony Hopkins. This post features both the domestic trailer, which is only currently available via Apple and the international trailer, along with the film’s poster. From what is shown in these trailers, the scale of the film is certainly the main highlight being marketed, but without revealing anything, I can just say that a key element is being left out, which I found to be one of the more interesting concepts to go along with this film, as it is both a very new thing for Aronofsky, but something totally fitting of his style. Continue on to check out the trailers.
Continue reading ‘Darren Aronofsky’s ‘NOAH’ Trailers Debut’
November 14th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Find out what all the furor is about when Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season comes to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download on February 18, 2014. Part political thriller, part epic fantasy, season 3 of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones continued its ascent to television’s Iron Throne with one of TV’s most talked about episodes, “The Rains of Castamere,” which introduced TV viewers to the fabled “Red Wedding.” The BD set takes fans even deeper into the pivotal episode in a feature that offers new perspectives on the controversial scene and its implications throughout the world of Westeros. In Season 3, the battling families of the Seven Kingdoms continue to fight for power as bonds are strained, loyalties are tested and cruel fates are met. The Lannisters barely hold on to power after a savage naval onslaught from Stannis Baratheon, while stirrings in the North threaten to alter the overall balance of power. Robb Stark, King in the North, faces major calamity in his efforts to build on his victories over the Lannisters, and beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder and his huge army of wildlings continue their inexorable march south. Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen – reunited with her three fast-maturing dragons – attempts to raise an army to sail with her from Essos, in hopes of eventually claiming the Iron Throne for herself. Continue reading ‘Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season Comes to Blu-ray this February! Here’s all of the Details!’
November 14th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
If you don’t go, Billy will PUNISH you! The great Justin Beahm is teaming with Screenvision and Fangoria to return the controversial holiday classic Silent Night, Deadly Night to theaters. Its got an all new amazing HD transfer too! It opens December 4th to what I’m sure will amount to ZERO protesting as opposed to the first time around! Can we also take a moment to marvel at this really awesome new poster design? I remember the original poster of the Santa’s arm with an axe going down a chimney being iconic, but this thing takes the movie to an incredibly new area of dread. If you’re a fan of the film its an extra awesome little easter egg. I hope this rerelease is a sign that a Blu-ray is definitely in the works. I love when my 80’s slashers come to do high definition and this is a big one that is missing. Also, if this does well, maybe we can celebrate “Garbage Day” next year! Official details from the press release and a link to where you can find tickets follow below! Continue reading ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night Returns To Theaters December 4th!’
November 14th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
The latest high-definition collections of the iconic series, Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Fifth Season Blu-ray and Star Trek: The Next Generation – Unification Blu-ray arrive November 19 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution. Packed with newly produced special features, the collections also include some of the most acclaimed episodes of the series, including Leonard Nimoy’s guest appearance in the celebrated, two-part episode “Unification.”
Continue reading ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Fifth Season & Unification Blu-rays Come Out November 19th!’
November 13th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I am always fond of a darker sort of comedy based around the holidays. When I say that, it is not to imply that I seek out nothing but bitterness during what is considered a time of joy, as I am just as big a fan of something like Love, Actually, but a film with darker themes also tends to have more interesting ideas, given the struggle against the norm. All is Bright falls into this realm of holiday film, but as opposed to being a darker laugh fest like Bad Santa, it really plays as a drama, with sprinkles of comedic moments. It is well-acted, which is the film’s biggest positive, even if it happens to meander a bit too much, while dealing with a thief finding his way during a particularly bitter holiday season.
Continue reading ‘All Is Bright (Blu-ray Review)’
November 13th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have been posting a lot of superhero trailers lately, so this is a nice change in pace. Next summer sees the release of Maleficent, a live-action take on the Sleeping Beauty story, with more of a focus on its iconic villain, Maleficent, now played by Angelina Jolie. In this post is the first official teaser trailer for the film, along with some new images and poster. It certainly has the same sort of vibe as seen in other recent Disney live-action spectacles such as Oz the Great and Powerful and Alice in Wonderland, but I will be curious if this film goes for a darker tone and explores that sort of territory. Continue on to see the trailer yourself.
Continue reading ‘Disney’s MALEFICENT Teaser Trailer Debuts’
November 13th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Keanu Reeves makes his directorial debut and stars in Man of Tai Chi, the explosive martial arts drama that reunites him with legendary Matrix trilogy fight choreographer Yuen Wo Ping and stuntman Tiger Chen. The Blu-ray and DVD, which is available December 10th, includes bonus materials such as Feature Commentary with Director/Actor Keanu Reeves and Tiger Chen, and The Making of Man of Tai Chi. I don’t know about you, but I’m pumped for this one! If the action is anything like Raid: Redemption, sign me up for two! Check out the full press release below for more info! Continue reading ‘The Man of Tai Chi Punches and Kicks His Way Onto Blu-ray’
November 13th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Live from Austin Comic Con this November, there will be a ‘Doctor Who’ 50th Anniversary Celebration Event to include a BBC AMERICA Special Screening on November 23rd. The highly-anticipated 50th Anniversary Special Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor will be shown at Austin Convention Center in conjunction with simulcast on BBC AMERICA and in over 75 Countries. Now tell me. Who’s pumped for that? Well, if you’re a fan of the show and will be in Austin, TX that day, YOU ARE!!! So do yourself a favor and check out the full press release below. Continue reading ‘Austin Comic Con 2013: ‘Doctor Who’ 50th Anniversary Celebration’
November 12th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Adam Scott, Amy Poehler, Jane Lynch, Richard Jenkins, Catherine O’Hara and Jessica Alba in 1080p star in the uproarious comedy A.C.O.D. aka Adult Children of Divorce this coming January! How can you go wrong with that cast? I’m hoping you can’t! The breakout Sundance Smash makes an appointment on Blu-ray and DVD January 14th. You can also be the first to own the film on Digital January 3rd if you just can’t hold out for that 14th date. For more information, check out the full press release from Paramount Home Media Distribution below. Continue reading ‘A.C.O.D. Adult Children Of Divorce Breakup On Blu-ray In January’
November 12th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Global action-superstar Vin Diesel reprises his breakthrough role in Riddick, the much-anticipated new chapter in the epic adventures of the most wanted man in the universe. The all-new thriller finds the title character trapped on a sun-scorched planet and pursued by ruthless bounty hunters eager to collect the reward for Riddick’s capture — dead or alive. Savage alien creatures, expansive desert landscapes, monster storms, jet hogs and an arsenal of futuristic weaponry make this the most exhilarating episode to date in writer and director David Twohy’s breathtaking series of futuristic blockbusters. Continue reading ‘Riddick and Riddick: The Complete Collection Arrives on Digital HD in December and Blu-ray this January!’
November 12th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Who doesn’t like escaping everyday life and being someone else?! Cosplay is flourishing at Wizard World events, and groups showing off their affinity for all-time classics like Star Wars, “Star Trek,” Ghostbusters and many other movies, TV shows, comics and other characters will be on hand at Wizard World Austin Comic Con, November 22-24 at the Austin Convention Center. Famed cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty will lead the way as thousands dress the part in a celebration of ultimate fandom all weekend. Not to be outdone, “Doctor Who,” “Battlestar Galactica” and steampunk organizations will also represent their favorite genres well during the event. Check out the full details in the rest of the press release below (and wait until you get a gander at this “full” list)! Continue reading ‘Austin Comic Con 2013: Groups, Cosplayers And Fan Communities!’
November 12th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
The Bard once wrote: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Shakespeare, hang on to your plume because you’re about to meet Sadie… On February 4, 2014, Anchor Bay Films releases Scorned, a story guaranteed to make any man eternally faithful! Directed by Mark Jones, director and writer of the cult favorite Leprechaun series, Scorned will be available On Demand across select cable providers and for digital download across iTunes, Xbox and VUDU. Continue reading ‘‘Scorned’ on Blu-ray and DVD February 4th!’
November 12th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
As promised, we are keeping it rockin’ and rollin’ with our flashback coverage of the entire Sounds catalog. We’ve already covered their latest release Weekend (HERE) and their first two albums, Living in America (HERE) and Dying To Say This To You (HERE). Part three of our flashback series brings us to the band’s third album entitled: Crossing The Rubicon. This should be an interesting read, mainly due to me not even having any awareness about the album, which was released in 2009. There’s a blank spot there in my memory banks. Crossing The Rubicon slipped under my radar but I’m here to rectify that. Shall I pour you a drink? Continue reading ‘The Sounds: Crossing The Rubicon (Album Review)’
November 11th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
Hailed as “Goodfellas on steroids” (Kyle Smith, New York Post), director Michael Bay’s “hilarious, smart, clever and fresh” (Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly) dark comedy PAIN & GAIN arrives December 3, 2013 in a Special Collector’s Edition Blu-ray bulked up with brand new bonus material from Paramount Home Media Distribution. Based on an unbelievable true story, PAIN & GAIN stars Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie as a group of personal trainers in 1990s Miami who, in pursuit of the American Dream, get caught up in a criminal enterprise that goes horribly wrong. Continue reading ‘‘Pain & Gain’ Special Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray December 3rd!’
November 11th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
Director David M. Rosenthal (Falling Up, See This Movie) assembles an all-star cast including Sam Rockwell (Iron Man 2, Moon), Academy Award® nominee William H. Macy (Best Supporting Actor, Fargo, 1996), Ted Levine (TV’s “The Bridge”), Kelly Reilly (Flight, TV’s “The Black Box”), Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter franchise), Joe Anderson (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2) and Jeffrey Wright (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, TV’s “Boardwalk Empire”), for the tense thriller A SINGLE SHOT, debuting on Blu-ray™ and DVD January 14th from Well Go USA Entertainment. The tragic death of a beautiful young girl starts a tense and atmospheric game of cat and mouse between hunter John Moon (Rockwell) and the hardened backwater criminals out for his blood. A SINGLE SHOT comes loaded with more than two hours of bonus features, including on-set interviews with the cast and crew and an in-depth featurette, “The Making of A Single Shot,” which takes viewers behind-the-scenes of the gothic drama. Continue reading ‘‘A Single Shot’ on Blu-ray and DVD January 14th!’
