Archive Page 479
January 17th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Portlandia is a Peabody award-winning sketch comedy series that stars SNL’s Fred Armisen and musician Carrie Brownstein. The show is centered in and around the city of Portland, Oregon, with much of its humor acting as a sort of satirical take on alternative and hipster lifestyles. It features a variety of guest stars in every episode and has recently started its third season. I certainly believe that the show can be an acquired taste, given how dry some of the comedy can be and, to counterbalance this, how absurd or surreal some of the comedy is. Having watched only a couple episodes from the first season and finding them fairly humorous, I was happy to see what the acclaimed second season was bringing to the table. Continue on to learn more about my thoughts on Season 2 of Portlandia, as well as the quality of this Blu-ray package for the series. Continue reading ‘Portlandia: Season 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
January 15th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
Dynamic performances by Richard Gere and an all-star cast highlight this riveting, suspense-filled thriller about love, loyalty, and high finance. Robert Miller (Gere) is a New York hedge-fund magnate who appears to have it all – money, power, a loving wife (Susan Sarandon), and a devoted daughter (Brit Marling) working by his side. But behind the gilded walls of his mansion Miller is running on borrowed time, trying to unload his crippled trading company before his frauds are revealed. A deadly error throws Miller’s “perfect life” into a tailspin, raising the suspicions of a detective (Tim Roth) and threatening the future of his financial empire. As the line blurs bet ween what is right and wrong, legal and criminal, Miller is driven to desperate measures to protect the only thing more precious than his considerable fortune: his family. Continue reading ‘Arbitrage (Blu-ray Review)’
January 15th, 2013 by David Freedman
Sean, Salim and Aaron review this black and white, two story drama from Portugal. Starring Rachel Sean Wright, Salim Lemelle and Aaron Fink. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Gravely ill, Aurora asks her friends Pilar and Santa to contact a long lost lover. After she dies, they seek to uncover the mystery of Aurora’s past. Aurora’s lover reveals their heated affair from fifty years ago.
Continue reading ‘Tabu Movie Review – Just Seen It’
January 15th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy comes to life in this visually brilliant adaptation by Warren Beatty. The comic strip detective (Beatty) finds his life vastly complicated when Breathless Mahoney (Madonna) makes advances towards him while he is trying to battle Big Boy Caprice’s (Al Pacino) united mob. The film offers a who’s who of actors as Beatty was able to bring in big stars for even cameos based on his friendship with them. Dick Tracy was the winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Makeup and Best Music (Original Song for “Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)”).
Continue reading ‘Dick Tracy (Blu-ray Review)’
January 14th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Here’s one I never did catch in the theater, but looked oh so good. A real tear jerker if you ask me. I heard so many good things about this Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. March 5th can’t come fast enough. Why do I want to make myself cry? I have no idea. But I do! And it’s in French. The language of love. Even better! So what are you waiting for? Pre-order The Intouchables now on Blu-ray and check out the full press release below courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Continue reading ‘‘The Intouchables’ Touches Blu-ray on March 5th’
January 14th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
It seems like the last time anybody was talking about genies in the mainstream, Disney was releasing Aladdin on Blu-ray. Well, the age-old Middle Eastern mythos is back, this time on the pages of Jinnrise, a new mini-series from IDW comics. The title brings forth a concoction of sci-fi with the wish-granting super beings in what intends to be a high octane collision course.
Continue reading ‘IDW Opens the Bottle on Jinnrise’
January 13th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
New from Image imprint Top Cow Productions, Inc., a five-part mini-series titled Son of Merlin debuted its first issue on January 9th. The story has a bit of a Dresden Files experience to it, combining ancient magic with the modern day. The story ultimately focuses on a genius professor at MIT by the name of Simon Ambrose. A disciple of science, Ambrose puts little belief in anything else. It’s not until he encounters an un-openable book and a seemingly crazy but attractive female that his eyes start to see a world he was previously unaware of.
Continue reading ‘Son of Merlin Attempts to Make Magical Debut’
January 12th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
Warning: This review contains spoilers from The Amazing Spider-Man #700. Following quickly on the heels of its predecessor, the inaugural issue of The Superior Spider-Man made its debut this past week. It was the final issue of the long-standing The Amazing Spider-Man series that brought us to this point. Fans were in an uproar in what happened in that issue and the chain of events that brought us to the new, the improved, The Superior Spider-Man.
Continue reading ‘The Superior Spider-Man – Issue #1 Reviewed’
January 11th, 2013 by David Freedman
Rachel, Liz and Brenna review this new drama starring Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe. Starring Rachel Appelbaum, Liz Manashi and Brenna Smith. Directed by Sean Wright.
Officer Billy Taggart is disgraced after a high profile shooting. When the mayor hires Billy to investigate his wife’s infidelities, he sees a chance for redemption. But as he uncovers the mayor’s true intentions, his own life is threatened.
Continue reading ‘Broken City Movie Review – Just Seen It’
January 11th, 2013 by Brian White
I kind of feel sorry for my fellow reviewers here because for weeks now they had to hear me complain left and right about Zero Dark Thirty not being theatrically released within the calendar year of 2012 in the greatest city in the world, Cleveland, Ohio. So therefore, just about every critic in Los Angeles or New York City had Zero Dark Thirty in their Top Ten Films of 2012 lists and I had The Woman In Black. Woe is me, huh? Well that’s okay. Maybe one day I’ll be fortunate enough to live within the city of angels, but until that time comes I will take whatever I can get in the rustbelt capital of the world and enjoy my constitutional freedom by taking in the film that everyone in LA and NYC has been buzzing so loudly about…Katheryn Bigelow’s sure thing for Best Picture of the year, Zero Dark Thirty. So while the critics elite of the world already had their day in court, join me in taking up our Midwestern constitutional arms and let’s talk some more about it, shall we? Continue reading ‘‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Thrills & Satisfies The Hype (Movie Review)’
January 10th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Season 3 of Archer has hit shelves just as season 4 is about to begin, so anyone who is looking to catch up can do so now! As stated before, “Prepare to have all the fun you can with the animated series that is not afraid to cross any borders when it comes to the adventures of the super spy that is Sterling Archer, one of the most horrible, yet hilarious of men in the world. I have been a big fan of this series from the beginning and am happy to go over the third season in detail, as the style of the show is certainly in its prime right now. The best part is being able to watch the first three episodes of the season, the three-parter, “Heart of Archness,” as it is basically like Archer: The Movie. With the rest of this incredibly fun season and slightly more extras than the Season 2 set, continue on to learn more about this DVD package. Continue reading ‘Archer: The Complete Season 3 (DVD Review)’
January 10th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Gangster Squad is the R-rated, spiritual successor to Dick Tracy that nobody wanted. The film is a stylish exercise in action sequences, featuring a bunch of good actors that have decided not to do much acting, aside from Sean Penn, who attempts to devour every scene he is in and hopes to stop short of chewing on his own makeup. The film is exactly what I expected, stylish, “fun,” and terrible, all within the same breath. The good thing is that everyone is at least dressed quite nicely, but in the realm of gangster pictures, this one can simply sleep with the fishes, rather than sit on top of the world.
Continue reading ‘Crazy, Stupid, ‘Gangster Squad’ (Movie Review)’
January 9th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
On March 12, Fox Home Entertainment is releasing both the film, Hitchcock, starring Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren, along with a classic collection of Alfred Hitchcock’s films, which are being released onto Blu-ray in a 3-disc set. This collection includes Notorious, Rebecca, and Spellbound. Hitchcock was met with some criticism regarding the film’s plotting and style revolving around the making of Psycho, but I thought it was light, fluffy fun, with some fun work from the ensemble cast involved (review HERE). The collection of some of Hitch’s classic films, on the other hand, is great because, as stated, they are classic films. Now with both arriving on Blu-ray on the same day, be sure to continue on to read and learn more about these upcoming releases.
Continue reading ‘‘Hitchcock’, Old And New Versions, Arrive On Blu-ray This March’
January 9th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Mel Brooks. The name conjures up some of the most enduring comedic images in the history of American popular culture: The inimitable 2000 Year Old Man. Max Bialystock. Springtime for Hitler. Flatulent cowboys in Blazing Saddles. The bumbling Maxwell Smart. Young Frankenstein and his well-endowed monster. From stand-up to films to TV to Broadway, for 65 years, in every medium through which entertainment can possibly pass, Mel Brooks has conquered the world with laughter. A celebrated director, actor, producer, composer and writer, Brooks is one of only 11 people in history to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. And now, in a first-of-its-kind collection, this 5-DVD/1-CD set offers a veritable treasure trove of all things Brooksian, a laugh-filled celebration of his illustrious career. This box set takes viewers on a journey through time with performances, extensive interviews, film clips and rare archival television footage, as well as some never-before-seen photos, and special tributes. of Brooks’ television appearances, short films, documentaries, tributes, songs and genuine rarities.
Continue reading ‘The Incredible Mel Brooks: An Irresistible Collection Of Unhinged Comedy (DVD Review)’
January 9th, 2013 by Blu-ray Brian
Finally! It’s a movie that I want to talk about instead of the lackluster I ‘saw’ in the theater tonight (Gangster Squad). And it’s coming straight from the Top Ten list of my favorite films in 2012. Drum roll please… From the Twisted Writers of Saw IV, V, VI and VII comes The Collection arriving on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Download and Video on Demand March 26th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. While there’s no pre-order up yet on Amazon, make sure to check out the full press release below of everything you need to know about this most anticipated Blu-ray horror hit. Continue reading ‘‘The Collection’ Grows on Blu-ray This March’
January 7th, 2013 by David Freedman
Liz, Sean and Salim review this movie based on the hunt for Osama Bin-Laden and directed by Kathryn Bigelow. Starring Sean Wright, Liz Manashil and Salim Lemelle. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Since the tragedy of 911, the US government has been tracking its mastermind, Osama Bin Laden. But after a decade of searching, a CIA operative is convinced that she knows where he hides. So a Navy Seal team is sent to capture the world’s most wanted terrorist.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Zero Dark Thirty Movie Review – Just Seen It’
January 7th, 2013 by David Freedman
Salim Brenna and Liz review this new gangster dramedy starring Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin. Starring Salim Lemelle , Brenna Smith, and Liz Manashil. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: After years in prison, Val is set free. So he reunites with his partners in crimes, Doc and Hirsch. But Doc has secret orders to kill Val and must figure a way out of his dilemma.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Stand Up Guys Movie Review – Just Seen It’
January 7th, 2013 by David Freedman
Brenna, Liz and Salim review this road movie based on the famous novel by Jack Kerouac. Starring Brenna Smith, Liz Manashil and Salim Lemelle. Directed by Cooper Griggs.
Synopsis: Based on the novel by Jack Kerouac, Sal seeks inspiration for his writing. But his life is shaken up with the arrival of the free-spirited Dean and his young wife Mary Lou. Together, they travel cross-country on a personal quest for freedom.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘On The Road Movie Review – Just Seen It’
