Archive Page 473
April 25th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is now time for me to get very busy again, as the Newport Beach Film Festival has returned. From April 25th to May 2nd, the 14th annual Newport Beach Film Festival will be in full swing and I will be there to provide whatever coverage I can. As always, the festival takes place in beautiful Newport Beach, right along the coast. Over 350 films from over 50 countries will be screened during the week with special nightly events, galas, seminars, and more. Additionally, the Newport Beach Film Festival offers film goers the opportunity to meet the filmmakers. Directors, screenwriters, actors, and more are all eager to share their work and will provide an exclusive inside look at the industry during post-screening Q&A’s. That is a lot going on in the world of film for Orange County this coming week.
Continue reading ‘The 2013 Newport Beach Film Festival Begins’
April 24th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
One of the most meaningful films of our generation, Schindler’s List tells an extraordinary true story of courage and faith that continues to inspire. The film’s restoration from the 35mm film original negative was supervised by Steven Spielberg and includes bonus features that shed unprecedented light on the story of Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi party who risked his own life to save more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. With its initial release in 1993, Schindler’s List rapidly became one of the most honored films of all time, garnering twelve Academy Award nominations and taking home seven Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture for Spielberg. Liam Neeson (Taken, Gangs of New York) received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler. Ralph Fiennes’ (The English Patient) star-making performance as the cruel Nazi commander, Amon Goeth, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, as was Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Hugo) in the role of Schindler’s Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern. The film also earned Oscars for composer John Williams (E.T., Star Wars), screenwriter Steven Zaillian (Gangs of New York, Mission: Impossible) and director of photography Janusz Kaminiski, as well as art directors Allan Starski and Ewa Braun, editor Michael Kahn and producers Gerald R. Molen and Branko Lustig. Continue reading ‘Schindler’s List: 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
April 24th, 2013 by David Freedman
In honor of the remake of The Great Gatsby, Leah, Kevin and Liz offer a retrospective on the movies of director Baz Luhrmann and a preview of his next film – The Great Gatsby.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Baz Luhrmann Retrospective and The Great Gatsby Preview – Just Seen It’
April 24th, 2013 by David Freedman
Salim, Aaron and guest reviewer Jami Philbrick discuss this new drama about corporate farming.
Henry wants his son Dean to take over the family’s farming business. But Dean prefers the thrill of being a race car driver. As Henry comes under investigation, the two unite to save the farm.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘At Any Price Movie Review – Just Seen It’
April 23rd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Pain & Gain is what it looks like when Michael Bay decides he wants to make a little movie, as opposed to another action epic. The director known for making bombastic action blockbusters has taken a step back to make a smaller film based on a true story, but it does not mean he put his signature style in check. Pain & Gain is very glossy film, gorgeous at times, and certainly not subtle. It is also an incredibly dark comedy, with a story so ridiculous that it has to be true, and it is. Based on a true crime story, this film does its best to depict what happens when seemingly good-natured crooks get in way over their heads and resort to drastic measures to achieve their American dream. While Bay’s style can be grating for some, the mix of a strong cast and a messy, but compelling story makes this a film with a lot more going on than the standard Bay blockbuster.
Continue reading ‘‘Pain & Gain’ Is A True Story Of Bodybuilding Kidnappers Filmed Bay-Style (Movie Review)’
April 23rd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
House of Cards is the Neflix Original series that held many people’s attention during it exciting new release period onto Netflix a couple months ago. Originally released in its entirety, complete with the involvement of a star-studded cast and crew, I was really happy to dive right away into this series and was even given the chance to talk about it with the crew from Just Seen It (found HERE). Here is a brief synopsis of the series: Ruthless and cunning, Congressman Francis Underwood (Spacey) and his wife Claire (Wright) stop at nothing to conquer everything. This wicked political drama penetrates modern Washington D.C.’s shadowy world of greed, sex, and corruption. Kate Mara and Corey Stoll costar in the first original series from David Fincher and Beau Willimon. Now everyone who does not use Netflix’s Instant service will have the chance to check out the series on Blu-ray, come June 11th. Read on to learn more about this upcoming Blu-ray release.
Continue reading ‘House Of Cards: The Complete First Season Arrives On Blu-Ray This June’
April 23rd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
The mighty Thor returns to the big screen this November, but right now we have the first trailer. We at Why So Blu disagree about the merit of a lot of movies, but Thor seemed to be the film that we could all agree was good (some argue great). Now Thor 2: Still Thor is on its way, which has many excited. Here’s a brief plot synopsis: Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. Continue on the view the all new teaser trailer for Thor: The Dark World, as well as the new poster and first official images. Updated with a couple more images and YouTube Trailer Link.
Continue reading ‘The Trailer Debut Of Thor: The Dark World’
April 22nd, 2013 by Brian White
I’m not sure where I’ve been since 1997, but I’ve never heard of the name Jack Reacher until I heard news of the film being developed some years back. Turns out Jack is quite the popular character from literary author Lee Child’s wildly “popular” series of novels. Heck, this August will see the released of the eighteenth novel in the series. Wow! Again…where have I been? So when I was asked if I wanted to see this film with a friend last December, I kindly turned down the many offers because I simply had no prior insight as to what the film was about nor did I have any interest really in spending hard earned money on something I felt unsure of. And I never really been the biggest fan of Tom Cruise (although I do respect and there’s no denying his legacy and his many body of works), but that all changed this this past week when I saw him in Oblivion and upon arriving home from a business trip I found this title on my desk ripe for reviewing on the Blu-ray format. So needless to say…hoorah…I jumped at the chance. I want to see what I have been missing out on all this time and more importantly…who is this Jack Reacher guy? My inquiring mind wanted to know. And now I’m here to tell you all about him. And while you are at it…check out the 1080p screenshots below too! Continue reading ‘Jack Reacher (Blu-ray Review)’
April 21st, 2013 by David Freedman
We review the new original Netflix series, Hemlock Grove.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Hemlock Grove Review – Just Seen It’
April 21st, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a dazzling blend of live action and animation that’s a four time Academy Award Winner (1988) for Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing and a Special Achievement in Animation Direction. Bob Hoskins (Hook, Brazil) stars as Eddie Valiant, a toon hating detective is a cartoon rabbit’s only hope to prove his innocence when he is accused of murder. Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future trilogy) is Judge Doom, Joanna Cassidy (Blade Runner, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dead) appears as Dolores, and Charles Fleischer (Back to the Future Part II, A Nightmare on Elm Street) plays several roles including Roger Rabbit, Benny the Cab, Greasy & Psycho .
Continue reading ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 25th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
April 20th, 2013 by David Freedman
Kevin, Leah and Sean review this new sci-fi action thriller starring Tom Cruise.
Jack is a repairman on a war-ravaged Earth. When a spacecraft crashes, he rescues a mysterious woman from his past. They find themselves caught in a battle between humans and aliens.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Oblivion Movie Review – Just Seen It’
April 19th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Jack the Giant Killer tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend—and gets the chance to become a legend himself.
Continue reading ‘Jack the Giant Slayer Arrives on Blu-ray 6/18!’
April 18th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Rediscover the majestic musical adventure of The Hunchback Of Notre Dame and The Hunchback Of Notre Dame II – together for the first time in stunning Blu-ray High Definition. Bring your family together for the extraordinary tale of Quasimodo in a soaring celebration of the beauty inside all of us! Join the world’s most unlikely hero as he meets his first real friend, Esmeralda, while fighting to save the people and city he loves. The legendary story continues as Quasi reunites with his gargoyle friends to protect the cathedral’s most famous bell and find true love. The Hunchback of Notre Damesoars with a magnificent score by renowned composer Alan Menken (Beauty And The Beast, Aladdin). Enjoy both magical films, bursting with brilliant animation and unforgettable characters, together on Disney Blu-ray.
Continue reading ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame I & II 2-Movie Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
April 17th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
The Collective, a leading entertainment management and production company, and top horror website BloodyDisgusting.com, present the mind-tripping blood-soaked thriller Alyce Kills as part of their Bloody Disgusting Selects film series. And I don’t know about you, but this cover art had me at hello right from the start. There’s nothing sexier than a girl holding a bloody baseball bat, is there? Come on! That was a rhetorical question. But is there? Now I got you thinking, huh? Let’s take a closer look at the press release my favorite PR lady sent over. Ready? Continue reading ‘Bloody Disgusting’s ‘Alyce Kills’ on VOD’
April 17th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
On July 30th, everyone will get a chance to see an all new DC Universe Animated Original Movie. I already had the chance to see the upcoming Superman: Unbound, which I found to be quite good (Review HERE) and frankly, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has been putting out some quality features in this department for quite some time now. Getting a chance to see a story that revolves around Flash and fellow members of the Justice League already has me excited. Here is some of the press release: The world is turned upside down as one of earth’s greatest super heroes – Flash – wakes up devoid of his super powers in the all-new Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox – the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies. Produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, this all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives July 30, 2013 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-Ray, DVD. and Digital Download. Read on to learn more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox Teams Up For A Blu-ray Release This July’
April 17th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
On June 4th Escape from Planet Earth makes its Blu-ray debut. I did not catch this film in theaters and I do not believe I have actually seen a recent animated film in theaters so far this year. It is still early, of course, with Monster’s University and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (yes!) looking quite promising, but there hasn’t been a whole lot in the way of animated, family-friendly features. Not sure about this movie, but here is a press release about: This fantastic, comedy- adventure crosses all galaxies to entertain the entire family with an all-star vocal cast including Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara, Jane Lynch, Steve Zahn, Chris Parnell, Brendan Fraser, Rob Corddry and Ricky Gervais. Read on to learn more about this film and its upcoming Blu-ray release.
Continue reading ‘ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH CRASH LANDS ON BLU-RAY THIS JUNE’
April 17th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
To speak about Oblivion to those who have not yet seen the film and do not want to be spoiled on what is in store for them, I have to not mention the many different films and sci-fi concepts that it lifts from. A film I can mention, in comparison, would be Prometheus. It is not because the films are related from a story standpoint in any way, aside from them both being gorgeous sci-fi features, but more due to expectation versus results. While Ridley Scott returning to sci-fi, via Alien, to a loose degree, was much more exciting in concept, both Prometheus and Oblivion set up a certain level of expectation, only to both fall victim to familiar plot devices and concepts not as fresh as some may have hoped. That said, Oblivion manages to accomplish a number of things that are quite refreshing to see. It looks great (in 2D!), it is strongly acted, and it works as a standalone film, as opposed to one expecting to be a new franchise. This ‘original’ sci-fi property may not feel excitingly new, but it still delivers in many areas where it really counts.
Continue reading ‘‘Oblivion’ Is Gorgeous And Engaging, But Familiar (Movie Review)’
April 16th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Earlier today, Aaron Neuwirth posted the final Star Trek trailer before next month’s spectacle and if that wasn’t crowd pleasing enough, moments ago on the Why So Blu chat line we all received a text from Gerard Iribe saying he was sitting in warm poo after watching the just released trailer #3 of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, debuting in June. So naturally, when someone tells me they are sitting in warm poo I go into a state of alarm and my mind instantly wants to know why and what caused that. So I immediately checked out the trailer, and while I can’t say that I feel the same pooish way that G does, I can say this. I’ve never been more excited before in my life about a Superman flick since Superman 2 in my childhood. So rah rah! I’m ready to kneel before General Zod this June and you will be too after you check this trailer out below.
Continue reading ‘Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel: Trailer #3′
