Archive Page 478
January 26th, 2013 by Brian White
So Taken 2, huh? You think they could have came up with a “better” name like Taken Again, Retook, Taken Aback, Retake or whatever else you’re clever enough to come up with. But regardless, when I first sat down in the theater to “take” in Taken 2, I was just overjoyed to have Liam Neeson back in the 2008 bada$$ action role that redefined his career after Jedi Master Qui Gon Jin nearly did him in. I remember 2008’s Taken very fondly. I remember vacationing down in Mexico and seeing Taken’s name plastered around every theater down there. I had no idea what it was. It wasn’t until I came back to the States that one of my friends said I just watched the most amazing action movie that had me on the edge of my seat. When I asked him what movie he was referring to I nearly fell off my own rocker (literally speaking). Continue reading ‘Taken 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
January 26th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Yesterday, the internet practically suffered a hemorrhage after hearing word that J.J. Abrams had most likely been signed on to direct Star Wars: Episode VII. This evening, Disney has finally sent the official press release to confirm this report. This is certainly interesting news to say the least, given that J.J. Abrams is now essentially responsible for the two biggest sci-fi properties of all time, Star Trek and Star Wars. Surely there are those who are plenty excited about this news, just as much as there are those who are not so excited. Regardless, this does bring us another step closer to the arrival of a brand new generation of Star Wars films, which I do think to be an exciting development, regardless of who is involved. Continue on to read the official press release concerning J.J. Abrams involvement as director.
Continue reading ‘It’s Official: J.J. Abrams to Direct Star Wars: Episode VII’
January 25th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
A co-worker first told me about this film some months back, of which I thought he was joking. When he persisted that there really was a Hansel & Gretel movie coming out, I made a mad dash to my phone and checked out the trailer. My initial thought was, “What’s this? The latest trend on the heels of Abe Lincoln hunting vampires? What’s next? Napoleon: Sasquatch Hunter?” The film’s preview didn’t exactly light my fire, but with Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner headlining the movie, I figured I’d give it a go.
Continue reading ‘Hansel & Gretel Need to Hunt Writer, Not Witches’
January 25th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the comedy team behind the Golden Globe-winning BBC series “The Office” and acclaimed HBO series “Extras” and “The Ricky Gervais Show”, bring another series to television with “Life’s Too Short”. Starring actor Warwick Davis (Willow) as a fictionalized version of himself, the series takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the travails of a little person who’s big on ego and a little short on everything else. Shot faux-documentary style, “Life’s Too Short” gleefully charts Davis’s every move as he tries to jump-start his waning career by opening his doors to a reality TV film crew while trying to maintain his pride and self-respect in a series of uncomfortable, often-humiliating situations. Along the way, he seeks advice from his old pals Gervais and Merchant (playing versions of themselves) in hopes that their A-list celebrity connections including Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell, Cat Deely (who all cameo) will aid his career. Continue reading ‘Life’s Too Short: The Complete First Season (DVD Review)’
January 25th, 2013 by David Freedman
Liz, Kevin and Sean reveal their top choices in movies and TV for 2012. Starring Liz Manashil, Kevin Taft and Sean Wright. Directed by Amy Taylor.
From blockbuster and independent movies to documentaries and the best of Television, enjoy our top entertainment picks of 2012.
Continue reading ‘Top Entertainment Picks of 2012 – Just Seen It’
January 24th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Featuring an all-star cast lead by Academy Award nominees Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson and Ed Harris, Game Change revisits a defining moment in U.S. politics with a searing, behind-the scenes look at John McCain’s beleaguered 2008 presidential campaign – from the decision to select Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a running mate to the ticket’s ultimate defeat in the general elections. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film examines the chain of events that determines the leadership of the country, ultimately offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of how we choose our leaders. It pulls back the curtain on the intense human drama surrounding the McCain team, the critical decisions made behind closed doors and how the choice was made to bring Palin on the ticket. Continue reading ‘Game Change (Blu-ray Review)’
January 24th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
The latest James Bond film, Skyfall, is arriving on Blu-ray this February and I am quite excited for it. Currently ranking as one of the most successful Bond films of all time, both critically (Great reviews all over and 5 Oscar Nominations) and commercially (One Billion Dollars *holds pinky to lip, Dr. Evil style*), this entry in the James Bond canon has pleased many everywhere, including myself (Review Here). I really enjoyed this action-packed feature for all its elaborate set pieces, style, and true Bond coolness, and I am truly excited to witness Roger Deakins’ gorgeous cinematography on the Blu-ray format. As is the case with all of the James Bond films, Skyfall looks to be packed with special features and I am sure they will cover almost every aspect of the film. Skyfall arrives on Blu-ray February 12th and you can read the press release below to learn more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘James Bond’s Newest Adventure “Skyfall” Hits Blu-ray This February’
January 22nd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
[Note: This is an essay that potentially spoils everything that has so far happened on Season 3 of AMC’s The Walking Dead.]
With just a few weeks left until The Walking Dead returns to TV screens with all new episodes, I decided to write a little something to help express my thoughts on the show thus far and what I hope can come from the rest of this season. Yes, there are concerns regarding the series’ budget, the number of remaining episodes, and possible behind-the-scenes drama, but while this may be more of a ‘wish list’ overall, I still think I have a reasonable number of ideas concerning how the show can be even better, considering that this current season has done so much to improve upon itself, as a whole, already. So now, here are five items that I believe can contribute to the show being better overall.
Continue reading ‘5 Things I Want From The Rest Of This Season Of The Walking Dead’
January 22nd, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
On April 9th, Season 2 of Boss debuts on Blu-ray and I am curious to see more of this strongly acted Starz series, starring Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer. I previously reviewed the first season (review HERE) and was left thinking that the second season could most likely be even better and more confident in presenting the type of show that it is. Now I will have a chance to see it, as the Blu-ray does arrive in April, as well as on DVD and in Digital Download form. As some may know already, Boss is a political drama series starring Kelsey Grammer as the mayor of Chicago. The previous season introduced me to the intriguing world of this series and had a very good looking and sounding Blu-ray presentation. Getting the chance to see what’s next has me looking forward to this release. Continue on to learn more about this upcoming Season 2 set.
Continue reading ‘‘BOSS: Season Two’ Arriving And Taking Power On Blu-ray In April’
January 22nd, 2013 by David Freedman
Brenna, Salim and Guest Reviewer Kevin Taft review the mid-season TV Pilots of FOX’s new crime drama – The Following and the ‘prequel’ to Sex in the City – The CW’s The Carrie Diaries. Starring Brenna Smith, Salim Lemelle and Kevin Taft. Directed by Jude Perrin.
Synopsis: In The Following, a brilliant and charismatic, yet psychotic serial killer communicates with other active serial killers and activates a cult of believers following his every command. In The Carrie Diaries, Carrie Bradshaw is in her junior year of high school in the early 1980s. She asks her first questions about love, sex, friendship and family while navigating the worlds of high school and Manhattan.
Continue reading ‘FOX’s The Following and The CW’s The Carrie Diaries TV Reviews – Just Seen It’
January 21st, 2013 by David Freedman
Brenna, Aaron, and David review the mid-season TV Pilots of NBC’s new crime drama – Deception and ABC’s new drama, Red Widow. Starring Brenna Smith, Aaron Fink, David Freedman. Directed by Cooper Griggs.
Synopsis: In Red Widow, after her husband is murdered by the Russian Mafia, a housewife seeking revenge and a desire to protect her family, becomes involved in organized crime.
Continue reading ‘NBC’s Deception and ABC’s Red Widow TV Reviews – Just Seen It’
January 21st, 2013 by David Freedman
Aaron, Salim and Guest Reviewer Kevin Taft review the mid-season TV Pilots of ABC’s new drama – Zero Hour and the show-within-a-show – The CW’s CULT. Starring Aaron Fink, Salim Lemelle and Kevin Taft. Directed by David Freedman and Matt Breault.
Synopsis: Zero Hour revolves around a bizarre twist of fate that pulls a man who’s spent 20 years as the editor of a skeptics magazine into one of the most compelling conspiracies in human history. Cult tracks the investigation of a string of mysterious deaths and disappearances surrounding the show-within-a-show.
Continue reading ‘ABC’s Zero Hour and The CW’s Cult TV Reviews – Just Seen It’
January 21st, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
One year ago, dirty cop Detective Callahan (Stephen Dorff) was shot in a drug bust gone wrong, and saved by an anonymous stranger who gave him a second chance to clean up his life. But when the stranger finally comes forward, seeking revenge against the men responsible for a string of assaults on young women at a local strip club, Callahan must go rogue to find the attacker, in an effort to hide how his past played a part in these crimes. His desperation to find the attacker, and cover his tracks, takes him down a violent road of deception, cover-ups and fraud. Can he play the ”good cop” and track down the assailant, while still keeping his reputation clean? Directed by Brian A. Miller and written by John Chase, Officer Down also stars Dominic Purcell, AnnaLynne McCord, David Boreanaz, Walton Goggins, Stephen Lang and James Woods. Continue reading ‘Officer Down (Blu-ray Review)’
January 20th, 2013 by Jami Ferguson
Academy Award Nominees Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) and Elisabeth Shue star in this edge-of-your-seat horror hit packed with heart-pounding thrills and gripping suspense. Newly divorced Sarah (Shue) and her teenage daughter Elissa (Lawrence) have just moved to the suburbs for a fresh start. But their hopes quickly shatter as they learn that, years earlier, a grisly murder took place next door when a deranged girl killed her parents and disappeared. The girl’s older brother Ryan (Max Thieriot) still occupies the house, and when he befriends Elissa, his secretive past could become her worst nightmare! Continue reading ‘House at the End of the Street (Blu-ray Review)’
January 20th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
From Disney and creative genius Tim Burton (Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas) comes the hilarious and offbeat Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town learn that getting a new ‘leash on life’ can be monstrous. Frankenweenie features an all-star cast including the voices of Emmy Award-winner Catherine O’Hara, Tony Award-winner Martin Short, Academy Award-winner Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Golden Globe-winner Winona Ryder. Continue reading ‘Frankenweenie 3D / 2D 4-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray Review)’
January 19th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have to say that I was not as taken by The Master as I wanted to be, but reading about it again has made me interested in revisiting it. Here is some of the press release for the Blu-ray release, coming this February: Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD release of THE MASTER, the innovative film that has won over audiences and critics alike. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood), the 1950s-set drama centers on the relationship between a charismatic intellectual known as “The Master” (Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Moneyball) who creates a belief system which catches on with other lost souls – and a young WW-II veteran (Joaquin Phoenix, Gladiator) who becomes his right-hand man. In addition to Hoffman and Phoenix, the film also stars Amy Adams (Doubt) and Laura Dern (Little Fockers). THE MASTER heads to retail on February 26, 2013. Read on to learn more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘‘The Master’ Will Be Processed And Ready For Blu-ray This February’
January 18th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
In 1993, Hong Kong film director John Woo made his American feature film debut with Hard Target, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. That film is not very good as a whole, but the action is solid and one can see Woo’s signature style lurking beneath what is essentially a studio-produced action film, with a bit more talent behind the lens. The Last Stand is the American feature film debut of South Korean director Kim Jee-woon and it is better than Hard Target. It also has its share of problems, given the type of film it is, but Jee-woon’s style is apparent and hopefully future American efforts from him are even more successful. The Last Stand also marks the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger in a leading role for the first time in ten years, proving that while he may be getting older, the one-liners haven’t much changed.
Continue reading ‘Stick Around And Watch Arnold’s ‘Last Stand’ (Movie Review)’
January 17th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
When a new movie that stars Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, and Catherine Zeta Jones comes out in January, some tend to wonder why. After having seen Broken City, the answer is clearer; it’s not a very good movie and doesn’t have much going on that would scream spring or fall release. This film has a very tired plot that does itself no favors by removing much of the dramatic tension based on the setup. It is an attempt at a neo-noir, but it is too large in scale to really nail that aspect and Wahlberg is no Humphrey Bogart. Despite all of this though, the film is pretty watchable thanks to its cast, which also includes a number of solid character actors. The film does not rise above any conventions, but it is also not a complete waste.
Continue reading ‘‘Broken City’ Has A Lot That Needs Fixing (Movie Review)’
