Archive Page 452
September 28th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Four years ago I was delighted to walk out of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with a giant grin on my face. I went into that film not knowing what to expect and was overjoyed to find that it was this wonderful animated comedy, complete with great imagination, animation, a sense of irreverence that fits of the style of humor The Muppets have exhibited in their show and films, with the way it balances the jokes for people of all ages. ‘Cloudy’ has since stood as one of my favorite animated comedies of the past several years. Now we have the sequel, which has the task of following up something that I hold quite high esteem. It is very fortunate that this sequel lives up to its predecessor, as it finds away to be creative in a new way, while continuing to maintain the same level of comedic spirit.
Continue reading ‘‘Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2’ Is Not Simply Overdone Leftovers (Movie Review)’
September 27th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
First thing first, while this heavy metal concert film shares its title with the name of one of Metallica’s albums, the actual song, “Through the Never” does not appear in this film. It does not matter much, because that is not the band’s best song and film features an awesome greatest hits collection for any fan of this hard rocking group, as they perform in front of legions of fans on an epic stage. It also happens to have a side story depicting a surreal, apocalyptic adventure. This is certainly different than most rock concert movies, as it does little to shed light on the actual band and serves as more of an extended music video. For the most part, this works. Through the Never will play best for fans, but those seeking a loud concert film with the IMAX 3D seal of approval should be pretty happy with what they get.
Continue reading ‘‘Metallica’ Attempts A Live-Action Metalocalypse (Movie Review)’
September 27th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Disney’s heartwarming family comedy, “PLANES,” revved up with high-flying action and adventure, lands in homes and mass retailers nationwide on November 19th. This endearing underdog story about a crop dusting plane named Dusty with sky-high dreams touches down on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On-Demand featuring a cargo hold full of exciting bonus features. Guaranteeing hours of fun, “PLANES” is the perfect gift for “ladies and gentle-planes” of all ages this holiday season. “PLANES” is propelled by a star-studded voice cast that includes Dane Cook (“Louie,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Dan in Real Life”) as Dusty, Stacy Keach (“The Bourne Legacy,” “Nebraska”) as Navy Corsair Skipper, Teri Hatcher (ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” “Coraline”) as say-it-like-it-is mechanic Dottie, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Seinfeld”) as Rochelle, John Cleese (Monty Python, “A Fish Called Wanda”) as Bulldog, Carlos Alazraqui (James Garcia on Comedy Central’s “Reno 911”) as El Chupacabra, Roger Craig Smith (Captain America in Disney XD’s “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble,” ) as the world champion racer Ripslinger, Val Kilmer (“Batman Forever,” “Top Gun”) as Bravo and Anthony Edwards (TV’s “ER,” “Top Gun”) as Echo. Continue reading ‘Disney’s Planes Arrives on Blu-ray November 19th!’
September 26th, 2013 by Jami Ferguson
Mitchell (Josh Duhamel) and Carter (Dan Fogler), life-long friends who have drifted apart, are on a road trip when their old pickup breaks down, leaving them stranded on an isolated desert road. Nobody can pick apart a man like his best friend, and as the relentless elements of the desert grind them down, they start to attack each other’s life decisions with unwavering brutality. As they question who they are and who they could have been, their agitation leads to physical confrontation and ultimately knife-wielding madness, and what begins as an inconvenience becomes a very real life or death struggle. Continue reading ‘Scenic Route (Blu-ray Review)’
September 26th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost reteam with director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) in this wildly entertaining thrill ride that completes their The Ultimate Three Flavors Cornetto Trilogy. Twenty years after their first epic pub crawl attempt, the “five musketeers” reunite in their home town to complete the ultimate challenge – one night, five friends, twelve bars – a boozy quest on which only the strongest will survive. But after a bizarre series of encounters with the out-of-this-world locals, they soon realize that reaching their final pub, The World’s End, may be the least of their troubles. They’re having the time of their lives, ready to take on the world… but tonight they may have to save it. Directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), The World’s End’s irresistible humor has made it the toast of film reviewers across the nation. This is the third and final film in Wright’s The Ultimate Three Flavors Cornetto Trilogy, which also features hits Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz starring Pegg and Frost, available exclusively on Blu-ray November 19th. Continue reading ‘Details for The World’s End and The Ultimate Three Flavors Cornetto Trilogy on Blu-ray!’
September 26th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
The story of the The Amityville Horror has spawned 11 films and many documentaries (including My Amityville Horror which I do highly recommend). Of those films, Scream Factory is boxing together The Amityville Horror Trilogy, consisting of the first three films in the series. They work as a trilogy, because of the original 8 canon films in the series, these were the only ones that featured and revolved around the house at 112 Ocean Ave. Other films in the series would focus on haunted objects from the house being put in other homes. Also, of note, these were the only three released theatrically. The next film would be a TV movie and the remainder would go straight to video. It wasn’t until the 2005 Platinum Dunes remake that the house would return to the big screen. Continue reading ‘The Amityville Horror Trilogy (Blu-ray Review)’
September 26th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
As if Joseph Gordon-Levitt has not done enough to rank as one of my favorite young actors (Brick, Looper, 50/50, etc.), he has now gone and written, directed, and starred in his first feature film. Having the story surround a real ‘Don Juan’ who also has a porn addiction is a bit of an interesting choice for one’s first film, but given that the last sex addiction-related film I saw was Steve McQueen’s Shame, a great film with a great performance from Michael Fassbender that I will likely never watch again, Don Jon gets points for being very entertaining and genuine in its approach. There are certainly aspects of the film that show where Gordon-Levitt can improve upon his future career as a filmmaker, but as far as a first feature goes, Don Jon is mostly breezy fun matched with NSFW content.
Continue reading ‘The Adventures Of ‘Don Jon’ New Jersey (Movie Review)’
September 25th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Baggage Claim has come from a long line of romantic comedies featuring impossibly beautiful women with problems finding love. It is annoying to have to say something like, “take my words with a grain of salt, as this is not my preferred genre,” but it is true. Baggage Claim is definitely a film that is made for an audience that is into these kinds of clichéd romantic comedies, which feature attractive casts and the bare minimum requirements to develop a premise that slightly differs from those that came before it. One can throw the “hypocrite” label at me all they want, when I recommend a horror movie that feels ever so similar to another one and does not do a whole lot new, but what can I say? Some movies just do not work for me, especially when I have examples of similar ones that do. Baggage Claim may work as easy entertainment for some, but there is very little here that had me legitimately enjoying the film.
Continue reading ‘Better Check Your Luggage And Avoid ‘Baggage Claim’ (Movie Review)’
September 24th, 2013 by Brandon Peters
Anchor Bay has released John Carpenter’s Halloween a lot of times. Each time they manage to successfully add just one ounce of something different that the fan just HAS to dip in again. Personally, I’ve owned this film countless times, as it’s my favorite film. I remember when Anchor Bay released a two VHS tape version. Both the tapes on that set where bright orange too. One time, they even released a version with the TV scenes inserted into the actual theatrical version of the film. Needless to say, Anchor Bay has had their fun with Halloween. This time, they are releasing their second Blu-ray iteration of it in time for the film’s 35th anniversary. So, is this like a Warner Bros deal where the same transfer and/or disc just gets swapped into a new box or just a bonus feature or two gets added? Nope, they’ve listened to the fanboy complaints about color timing and remastered the film for a new transfer. This time, they are determined to give you the original look and feel of the film. And who best to do that than the film’s cinematographer Dean Cundey. So, is this worth your double dipping? Is the image THAT much of a difference? Read on, and you’ll see! Continue reading ‘Halloween – 35th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
September 24th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Denzel Washington (Safe House, Flight) and Mark Wahlberg (Contraband, Ted) star in 2 Guns, an adrenaline-fueled picture that tracks two operatives from competing bureaus who must team up for their mutual benefit and survival. 2 Guns will be available on Digital HD starting November 5, 2013, two weeks before it’s available on store shelves. Fans can own the movie on Blu-ray™ and DVD as well as rent it On Demand starting November 19, 2013, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. When an attempt to take down a drug cartel blows up in their faces, two undercover operatives are forced to go on the run together, though neither knows that the other is a federal agent. Suddenly, everyone on both sides of the law wants them dead, and their only hope is to trust each other. Also featuring Paula Patton (Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol, Baggage Claim), Fred Ward (Sweet Home Alabama, Tremors), James Marsden (X-men series, The Butler), Bill Paxton (Apollo 13, “Big Love”), Andrew Cosby (“Eureka”), and Edward James Olmos (“Battlestar Galactica,” Blade Runner), 2 Guns will take you on one highly charged thrill ride. Continue reading ‘2 Guns Details Revealed for the Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD Releases’
September 24th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
The epic battle with Decepticons rages on as Optimus Prime leads his team of AUTOBOTS and three teenagers – Miko, Jack and Raf in a mission to defend earth and one day restore his home planet of Cybertron. But Decepticons’ power to reign over earth has never been greater. Megatron and his Decepticons have destroyed the Autobots’ base, scattering Optimus Prime and his heroic team to the wind and leaving them out of communication with one another. Transformers Prime: Season Three – Beast Hunters contains all 13 exciting episodes in perfect high-definition picture and purest digital sound available. Special bonus content highlights include Transformers Prime panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2013 and more! Brimming with captivating storyline packed with unforgettable characters and visually stunning CG animation, Season Three delivers entertaining adventures that the whole family will enjoy! Viewers will see Optimus Prime and his team face their greatest challenge yet in a new foe dedicated to the destruction of the Autobots — and potentially, planet Earth. This is an essential collection for every fan, collectors and entire family to complete their Transformers Prime home entertainment library. Continue reading ‘Transformers Prime: Season Three – Beast Hunters Arrives on Blu-ray This December’
September 24th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
The legendary teacher and Wing Chun grandmaster returns to the screen for the action-packed martial arts drama IP MAN: THE FINAL FIGHT, available on Blu-ray™ and DVD November 12th from Well Go USA Entertainment. The film depicts a realistic account of Ip Man’s later life in Hong Kong as he struggles against the vicissitudes of life: his pursuit of a romance with a young singer after his wife’s death (against the wishes of his disciples); his relationship with his elder son; and his thoughts on Bruce Lee, who would become his most celebrated student. Directed by Herman Yau (The Legend Is Born: Ip Man), IP MAN: THE FINAL FIGHT stars Anthony Wong (White Vengeance, Infernal Affairs), Eric Tsang (Infernal Affairs), Jordan Chan (White Vengeance), Gillian Chung (The Midas Touch), newcomer Marvel Chow, Anita Yuen (Thunderbolt), Xiong Xin-xin (Shaolin, Tai Chi Zero) and Wong Cho-lam (Beauty and the Seven Beasts). Bonus materials include a “Making of” featurette and interviews with the cast and crew. Continue reading ‘Ip Man: The Final Fight on Blu-ray and DVD November 12th!’
September 23rd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Homeland is an espionage drama series on Showtime that has received a lot of acclaim for the way it pulls together a lot of ideas surrounding counter-terrorism, paranoia, prisoners of war, damaged personas, and what it means to be a hero. Following the highly acclaimed first season, which was met with many awards to honor its success, the second season has now arrived on Blu-ray, with the tough task of following up what it has started. Fortunately, this season of the show was up to the task of providing another completely engaging experience, complete with strong performances from its lead characters, a twisty plot that keeps the viewer guessing, and a finale that has me very excited for what the upcoming third season has in store. Continue on to learn more about this second season Blu-ray release.
Continue reading ‘Homeland: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray Review)’
September 22nd, 2013 by Gregg Senko
Whenever I hear about a new IMAX film, my ears go up faster than a bloodhound’s on a fox hunt. The latest to arrive on Blu-ray, is Space Junk 3D. If you’re like me, you may have had a difficult time taking that title seriously at first. I mean, it has to be more “look at what we can do in 3D, here’s a satellite flying at your face” effect than anything else, right? Wrong. IMAX isn’t in the business of comedies and this was consistent with their history of a brief, but quality-created documentary. So what’s the big deal about space junk anyway?
Continue reading ‘Space Junk 3D (Blu-ray Review)’
September 22nd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
It’s time to enter the fifth season of the fifth dimension when The Twilight Zone: The Complete Fifth Season returns with all 36 episodes from the groundbreaking sci-fi/fantasy series’ final season. Submitted for your approval, is the wildest and (dare we say) weirdest season of Rod Serling’s iconic series, containing such memorable episodes as “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” “A Kind of a Stopwatch,” “Living Doll” and the Oscar nominated short film “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” This season also rolls out some great guest stars including Bill Mumy, George Takei, James Coburn, Lee Marvin, Martin Landau, Mickey Rooney, Shelley Fabares and William Shatner. Continue reading ‘The Twilight Zone: The Complete Fifth Season (DVD Review)’
September 21st, 2013 by Gregg Senko
It’s not secret that I’m a big fan of the Step Up franchise. No those movies are not going to win any awards for the acting or writing, but then again, that’s not what you watch them for. It’s the dancing that these films are built around that is jaw-dropping, inspiring, and if nothing else, entertaining as hell. With Step Up 5 a year away, what was I ever to do to get my dance fix at the movie theater?
Continue reading ‘‘Battle of the Year’ More Like a Skirmish (Movie Review)’
September 20th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Kino Classics will release
Night Tide, a landmark 1961 independent horror film by Curtis Harrington, on Blu-ray and DVD on Blu-ray and DVD on October 15th in new HD transfer from original 35mm film elements and featuring audio commentary with Curtis Harrington and Dennis Hopper.
Night Tide tells the story of a sailor on shore leave who becomes fascinated by a woman who poses as a mermaid in an oceanfront carnival. As their relationship blossoms, Johnny (Dennis Hopper) realizes that Mora (Linda Lawson) is more than a sideshow illusionist. She seems to be a descendent of the mythical sirens of the sea, and is under the mesmeric control of a mysterious woman (notorious occultist Marjorie Cameron) who beckons Mora to return to her home beneath the waves.
Continue reading ‘Night Tide Comes to Blu-ray this October’
September 20th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Prisoners does such a great job at providing many spooky possibilities for what could have happened to two innocent, little girls that it is a shame the ending does not quite pack more of a wallop. While certainly a dark and heavy kidnapping drama to get through, it is only able to accomplish so much before reaching a final act that settles for more conventional tactics. The film is very well acted by its two leading men, filled with other great actors doing fine work, and great to look at overall, making it the kind of adult-skewing feature that can garner a lot of attention, as it takes all those elements and works it into compelling subject matter. Prisoners is overlong and not a shining example of its genre, but it presents other interesting ideas, strong performances, and an overall tone that certainly makes it watchable, no matter how dark.
Continue reading ‘‘Prisoners’ Sets Its Sights On Terrifying Parents (Movie Review)’
Four years ago I was delighted to walk out of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with a giant grin on my face. I went into that film not knowing what to expect and was overjoyed to find that it was this wonderful animated comedy, complete with great imagination, animation, a sense of irreverence that fits of the style of humor The Muppets have exhibited in their show and films, with the way it balances the jokes for people of all ages. ‘Cloudy’ has since stood as one of my favorite animated comedies of the past several years. Now we have the sequel, which has the task of following up something that I hold quite high esteem. It is very fortunate that this sequel lives up to its predecessor, as it finds away to be creative in a new way, while continuing to maintain the same level of comedic spirit.
