Archive Page 469
May 31st, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have been fairly vocal about two films I have been looking forward to this year from filmmakers who have been written off by almost everyone. The first was Pain & Gain, which I found to be interesting, but director Michael Bay’s style was still a component that hurt the film overall. Now I have seen the second film I was surprised to find myself looking forward to, After Earth, the latest feature from director M. Night Shyamalan. I wish I could have found myself enjoying the film more, but there is a real lack of energy in this fairly somber coming-of-age/survival story about a father and son stranded on a foreign land (which happens to be Earth). The problem is pretty simple, for a movie that talks about fear being a choice, After Earth is afraid of doing anything truly radical, settling instead for minimalist concept that disregards being anything more than functional.
Continue reading ‘There May Be Danger Before Or After ‘After Earth’ (Movie Review)’
May 31st, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
I was just texting back and forth between reviewer Aaron Neuwirth the other day how excited I am about this movie. Bash me all you want, but the surprise hit for me thus far this year has been the sic-fi thriller Oblivion. I just can’t get enough of that gorgeous flick and can’t wait to knock down my neighbors’ walls when I finally have that Blu-ray release in my grubby, long-fingered hands. But like I said, falling head over heels for that film was VERY MUCH a surprise. I already got burned on my huge expectations I had for The Hangover Part III, but I have faith in producer Christopher Nolan to do the right thing and not to let me down as I have not been this pumped about a film since last year’s Dark Knight Rises. Of course, I’m talking about Man of Steel, which openes in just two mere weeks…less than that really. Can you believe it? Continue reading ‘Listen to WaterTowerMusic’s Exclusive ‘Man of Steel’ Soundtrack Preview’
May 31st, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Are you ready to experience full-throttle revenge and digital blood spray like none other, then get ready for the legendary Sylvester Stallone’s Bullet to the Head when it debuts on the Blu-ray and Digital Download formats this July from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group. Thinking back, I think this was the very last movie I saw up in Cleveland before moving down to Austin so I guess you can say this flick holds a certain nostalgia in my heart because of that. And on July 16th I get to re-live that moment all over again. And you can too! Pre-order your copy now and check out the full press release below. Happy weekend! Continue reading ‘The Blu-ray Format Takes A Bullet To The Head’
May 31st, 2013 by Brian White
I remember a title being thrown around called 1000 A.E.. However, I really never gave any though to what ever happened to it…that is until now. Why you ask? Well, I just found out that After Earth, the reason you are reading this review right now, was originally known as that. But I have to be honest folks. And I’d hope you feel the same way after you read this first paragraph. I went into this press screening with a heightened sense of uneasiness and uncertainty. I swore to myself that after I witnessed the abomination known as The Last Airbender, I would never see another M. Night Shyamalan film again for as long as I lived. So what was I doing here? I’m a liar. Haha. Jsut kidding. Quite honestly, I’m new to the Austin scene and I wanted to make a good first impression with the PR people who bring joy to my moviegoing life. But I guess it’s not the M. Night thing that made me so nervous. It’s the fact that it’s based on an idea by Will Smith and also co-written by him too, which also stars him and his Karate Kid son, Jaden Smith. Continue reading ‘Should You Take A Family Vacation To After Earth? (Movie Review)’
May 30th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Now You See Me is the kind of movie that is both a lot of fast-paced fun throughout and still annoying due to how clever it thinks it is. I can see a large audience enjoying this movie quite a bit, as everything is moving so quickly that there is rarely a chance to stop and consider what it took to achieve certain spectacles, if one were to apply logic. However, the annoying thing is that the movie acknowledges that it knows it doesn’t make too much sense if one were to look closely and encourages its audience to essentially look the other way, much like one does at a magic show. The pretty magician’s assistant is on one side, while the trick being performed is happening elsewhere, and as long as the viewer stares at the assistant, they should ideally have a fun time watching a story about a team of tricksters illusionists pulling off a series of heists.
Continue reading ‘Don’t Look Too Closely And You’ll Find Fun In ‘Now You See Me’ (Movie Review)’
May 30th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I was very happy to have recently seen the critically-acclaimed film Mud (Review HERE), the latest film from director Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter), which stars Matthew McConaughey in another one of his great in from the past two years (seriously, he’s been on fire). This is a coming-of-age story about two boys finding a mysterious man named Mud out on a deserted island in the Mississippi. It is a well-acted, well-told story, easily fitting as a nice slice of Americana. The film is headed to Blu-ray, among other formats, on August 6th and it is certainly worth checking out. Read on to learn more about this upcoming Blu-ray release.
Continue reading ‘Get Dirty With ‘Mud’ On Blu-ray This August’
May 29th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Here’s one that had me doing cartwheels today when this press release below hit my inbox. I’m guilty as charged of not being a big fan of the second season, and rightfully so. First you had to believe that Liam was the new Spartacus, but truly, can anyone ever replace Andy Whitfield in that role? Those are huge shoes to fill. And second…well I can’t really talk about the second reason because I don’t want to spoil it for the fans who have not yet seen the second season. I’ll just say it in one word. Mira! So anyway, today comes news that Anchor Bay Entertainment will be bringing the final chapter of Starz’s Spartacus: War of the Damned The Complete Third Season to the Blu-ray format on September 3rd. Happy happy joy joy! I only seen the first episode of this season so far, but if the rest of the season is anything like what I saw, you’re in store for something really really special. Pre-order your copy now and check out the trailer and full press release below. Enjoy! Continue reading ‘Spartacus: War of the Damned The Complete Third Season Dated For Blu-ray!’
May 29th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I would not have thought that a remake of The Evil Dead would have been one of my most anticipated films of the year, but Evil Dead had me very excited and I was very happy to really enjoy it in theaters (twice, review HERE) this past April. The film had a bold marketing campaign (“The most terrifying film you will ever experience”) and while it may not have been quite that horrific, it was awfully gorey and entertaining in a way that surely made producers Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Rob Tapert (Godfathers of the series) proud. On July 16th, everyone will have a chance to see the film on Blu-ray, complete with exclusive special features and what I assume is wonderful, practically achieved gore in gorgeous 1080p. Read on to learn more about this upcoming Blu-ray release.
Continue reading ‘‘Evil Dead’ Swallows Souls On Blu-ray This July’
May 29th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
The East is a low-budget thriller about espionage and eco-terrorism. It comes from writer/director Zal Batmanglij and co-writer/star Brit Marling, who previously collaborated together on 2012’s The Sound of My Voice. With that film, along with 2011’s Another Earth, I have been quite impressed with Marling’s work in features thus far, and The East continues that trend. Marling is quite good in this film, which has her playing a character living a dual life in order to infiltrate an anarchist collective. The rest of the film features some solid performances, interesting ideas, and a nice handle of its overall presentation as a sort of counterculture spy thriller. My only issue is how the film did not quite rise above anything like it. I can certainly appreciate a young director working with the goodwill he already has to make another original feature, but the film did not fully involve me in the same way the leader of The East was able to obtain full commitment from his crew.
Continue reading ‘‘The East’ Points You Towards Freegan Eco-Terrorists (Movie Review)’
May 28th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Trance hit theaters in limited release this past April and won me over (review HERE). As a big fan of Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) and his constant decisions to make every one of his films wildly different than his last in terms of plot, despite having a very distinct style, I enjoyed seeming him take a stab at making a neo-noir with the concept of hypnosis being a major factor. The movie had some issues, but I overall dug it thanks to Boyle’s direction, the film’s soundtrack (always a positive in Boyle films), and the core cast that includes James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, and Vincent Cassel. On July 23, everyone will have a chance to check out Trance, as that is the date the film’s Blu-ray hits shelves everywhere. Read on to learn more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘Danny Boyle’s ‘Trance’ Will Warp Minds On Blu-ray This July’
May 27th, 2013 by Brian White
When my friend Gregg asked me if I saw the trailer for Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters last year I promptly said no. But once I realized Miss Tamara Drewe, Gemma Arterton, was in it, my eyes were all over it a New York “second.” However, despite longing to see every body of work Gemma (including her own body) puts onto the big screen, I just wasn’t into what I saw, unfortunately. And yeah, I guess it’s no secret that it it didn’t win over any critics either. But guess what? It sure made a splash at the box office…the international one. So much in fact that Paramount has already announced a sequel is in the works. So what’s a guy to do? I was torn between watching 90+ minutes of one of the most gorgeous actresses out there today or taking the 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes seriously enough to stay the hell away. Continue reading ‘Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (Blu-ray Review)’
May 25th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
Comic books can be a thing of beauty, even in their darkest tales. Unfortunately one issue plaguing them today is lack of originality. That is certainly not to say it’s an issue across the board as there are great, unique titles like Chew and Punk Rock Jesus. Still, store shelves are often lined with watered-down stories and titles that are mere carbon copies of one another. It wasn’t until very recently that I came across one particular story that caught my eye. I discovered it on everybody’s favorite project-launching platform; Kickstarter. While Kickstarter is where dreams can be made, this book itself goes much deeper than someone’s hope to see their work in print.
Continue reading ‘Congo Conflict Leads to Artist’s Latest Work’
May 24th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
This is the year that the Fast & Furious franchise came to play. While 2011’s wonderfully entertaining (and superior) Fast Five had the safety of an April release date to ensure its spot as a box office smash, Fast & Furiou6 (which is my preferred title for the film) arrives in theaters on Memorial Day weekend and is a true spectacle film that has large scale action sequences, frantic car chases, over-the-top characters, and a true need to fire on all cylinders in order to stand up with the other huge films of the summer. I have made it no secret that I have a soft spot for this franchise and have been eagerly anticipating the next film in the series, but Fast & Furiou6 really delivers in many of the best ways. It may not have the same urgency in its plot that the previous film did and if you couldn’t get on board with that film, this one is definitely more of the same, but the effort put in to go really big, while still utilizing what I consider to be strengths of the franchise, is absolutely there. Vehicular warfare may be on display in full force, but the series has not lost sight of what a fun summer movie should be.
Continue reading ‘Fast & Furiou6: The Search For Letty (Movie Review)’
May 23rd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Hangover franchise is one of the best examples of diminishing returns. The first film in the series was a big success and generally well liked. Part II presented the same story in a different location, but had enough goodwill to make it a success anyway. Time has not been kind to Part II, as there are few that really want to stand up for it. Regardless, we now have Part III and it is awful. Some may want to commend the film for not rehashing the same plot again, which would be all well and good if this new take on the structure of the plot had something good or intriguing to offer. That really is not the case here. The Hangover Part III is a comedy that forgot to have good jokes. Do these actors and filmmakers with good comedic sensibilities know how to elicit a smile from their audience every so often? Of course, but it feels more than apparent that no matter how big this film wants to make itself seem, there is no real punch to it. It just sits there and the worst kind of movie for me is a comedy that isn’t funny.
Continue reading ‘‘Hangover 3’: The Legend Of Chow’s Gold (Movie Review)’
May 23rd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Given how 2013’s Memorial Day weekend is packed with action and comedy for adults with both Fast & Furiou6 and The Hangover Part III hitting screens everywhere, it is only right to have some counter-programming for kids and family audiences. I only wish that the film Epic lived up to its title. As it stands, Epic is perfectly acceptable as a fairly unchallenging film, with some wonderful animation, rousing action sequences, and humor, I just wish it had more to offer. The film feels like a friendly, but action-heavy take on The Borrowers crossed with FernGully: The Last Rainforest. It flirts with a few interesting ideas, but overall, Epic is merely an average and fairly traditional animated feature.
Continue reading ‘Blue Sky Studio’s Newest Animation Is Epically Average (Movie Review)’
May 23rd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Inspired by the true-life events confronting Abraham Lincoln and his monumental moral and political challenge to amend the United States Constitution to permanently abolish slavery, Lincoln is a rich and compelling historical and human drama that has been hailed as one of the best film of the year. In-depth bonus features on the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack takes viewers behind-the-scenes of director Spielberg’s life-long fascination with Lincoln and the 12 years it took to bring the story of one of history’s and mankind’s greatest triumphs to the screen. As a 2013 Oscar and Golden Globe Award-winner for his performance as America’s 16th president, Daniel Day-Lewis leads an all-star cast including Academy Award winners Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field. Also starring David Strathaim, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and James Spader, Lincoln is based on a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tony Kushner. The film is scored by multiple Oscar-winner John Williams. Continue reading ‘Lincoln (Blu-ray Review)’
May 23rd, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Academy Award winners Warren Beatty (Best Director, Reds, 1981) and Dustin Hoffman (Best Actor, Kramer vs. Kramer, 1979; Rain Man, 1988) star in writer/director Elaine May’s Director’s Cut of the legendary comedy Ishtar debuting for the first time on Blu-ray August 6th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Two terrible lounge singers get booked to play a gig in a Moroccan hotel but somehow become pawns in an international power play between the CIA, the Emir of Ishtar, and the rebels trying to overthrow his regime. The film also stars two-time Oscar nominee Isabelle Adjani (Best Actress, The Story of Adele H, 1975; Camille Claudel, 1988), Charles Grodin (Rosemary’s Baby, The Heartbreak Kid), Jack Weston (Wait Until Dark, Cactus Flower), Oscar nominee Tess Harper (Best Supporting Actress, Crimes of the Heart, 1986) and Oscar nominee Carol Kane (Best Actress, Hester Street, 1975). If you haven’t seen this film you should give it a chance! Avoid the bandwagon mentality! Continue reading ‘Ishtar Gets Another Chance on Blu-ray this August!’
May 22nd, 2013 by Brian White
Let’s see…where did we last leave off? Oh yeah! When we last saw the Wolf Pack, Alan (Zach Galifianakis) had just surprised Dr. Stu (Ed Helms), I mean the dentist, with Mike Tyson at his Thailand wedding (read all about the good times here and here if you need a quick refresher). Now I don’t know about you, but wow! What a friend Alan is! I need a friend like him, and of course the mad cash necessary to have an exotic wedding like Stu did in Thailand wouldn’t hurt either. And now that two years have separated us from Part II’s bitter reception in 2009, I hope a lot of the complainers will at least give this one a chance and come into this with an unbiased attitude. I know that’s a lot to ask for and I know I’m guilty of not doing that myself, but for Pete’s sake, not Christ’s, give this third and final installment of the franchise a chance. Continue reading ‘Different’s Not Always Good: The Hangover Part III (Movie Review)’