Archive Page 481
February 15th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is very satisfying to see a documentary that can elicit a very positive reaction by the time that it is over. Not to be confused with liking a movie because it is good, I am referring to how a film is satisfying not only because it is very good, but because it feels like I was rewarded by its quality, messages, and the people involved in its making. Undefeated, last year’s Oscar winner for Best Documentary, is a fantastic film that really delivers in terms of its story structure, the people we learn about, and the genuine emotion that comes from how things play out over the course of the film. When it comes to documentaries, I have always been one to appreciate those that focus on strong, personal stories, rather than ones with big messages to deliver, so it was not much of a surprise for me to have really loved this movie. Continue on to learn more about this wonderful documentary and how the Blu-ray stacks up.
Continue reading ‘Undefeated (Blu-ray Review)’
February 15th, 2013 by David Freedman
To escape a mysterious past, Katie moves to a small Southern town. There she falls for Alex, a widower raising two children. But their love is threatened when Katie’s secret come back to haunt her in.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Safe Haven Movie Review – Just Seen It’
February 15th, 2013 by Gerard Iribe
Praised by critics and moviegoers of all ages, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) spectacular and heartfelt adventure RISE OF THE GUARDIANS soars onto Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D™ and DVD on March 12, 2013. Hailed as “brilliant” and “the best family film of the year” (Joel Amos, MovieFanatic.com) with “spellbinding power” (James Verniere, Boston Herald) and “dazzling animation” (Tom Long, Detroit News), RISE OF THE GUARDIANS received outstanding audience reactions and a coveted ‘A’ Cinemascore. DreamWorks Animation’s newest animated adventure has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with a fun-filled and magical story about the legendary guardians—Jack Frost, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Sandman—together for the first time! When the evil Pitch threatens to take over the world, it’s up to our beloved heroes to protect the hopes and dreams of children everywhere. Filled with non-stop action and laughs, it’s a dazzling family film that’s being hailed as “an instant classic” (Nancy Jay, Daybreak USA). Continue reading ‘‘Rise of the Guardians’ on Blu-ray March 12th!’
February 15th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Warner Brothers is celebrating its landmark 90th anniversary with a year-long initiative to release seven new major home entertainment collections. The campaign’s flagship release, The Best of Warner Bros. 100 Film DVD Collection, showcases 100 movies from the studio’s historic, hallowed archives — the largest film library in the world. The limited and numbered box set includes all 22 of the Warner library’s Best Picture winners, and a new full-length documentary, “Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot.” The collection is also available as a 50 Film Blu-ray box set. In addition, the Best of Warner Bros. 20 Film DVD Collections such as this one will be released throughout the year in five separate sets, each showcasing twenty essential titles in five major genres. This week marks the release of this Best Pictures box set, which includes twenty of the studio’s Best Picture winners from Academy Award history. Continue reading ‘Best of Warner Bros. 20 Film Collection: Best Pictures (DVD Review)’
February 15th, 2013 by David Freedman
Liz, Sean and Brenna review this fascinating documentary about the heads of the Israeli Secret Service.
As Israel’s secret service, SHIN BET is charged with the fight against terror. In this documentary, director Dror Moreh interviews six former heads of the revered agency. Together, they look back at decades of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Continue reading ‘The Gatekeepers Movie Review – Just Seen It’
February 14th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Not a huge development, but something as simple as a poster for a new Pixar animated short caught my eye and it was enough to make me want to post about it. Many people are quite fond of the animated shorts that always precede the latest Pixar film, as well as the new shorts that tend to be packaged with Pixar and Disney films that serve as a mini spin-off for certain characters. Why So Blu reviewer Sean Ferguson has actually reviewed the most recent Blu-ray collection of Pixar’s shorts, which can be found HERE. The Blue Umbrella will be the short that precedes Monsters University, which opens in theaters on June 21st. Continue on to take a look at the poster and catch up with some other recent shorts.
Continue reading ‘The Blue Umbrella – The Next Pixar Animated Short’
February 14th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
If Twilight has paved the way for movies like Warm Bodies and Beautiful Creatures to be made, then I am all for it at this point. I am not actively seeking out paranormal teen romance movies, but the fallout from one self-serious franchise has led to a couple, more accessible and enjoyable features that I have quite liked. Beautiful Features is a mix of melodramatic narrative beats and campy, witch-related supernatural drama, all set in a Southern Gothic horror location, but the film is a lot of fun. The young leads are very likable and have great chemistry, therefore making the key romance work overall. The adult actors are all having a ball chewing up the scenery, making the movie practically aware of itself, short of winking at the camera. A good majority of this film is really effective, as the charisma of this cast, the strength of the dialogue, the moments of humor, and the great visuals do plenty to keep it entertaining. It is only when the film forces the exposition and attempts to link it to the rest of a presumed franchise that the story suffers overall. It comes with the territory, but the film better than just another Twilight clone.
Continue reading ‘Beautiful Creatures Is Campy, Melodramatic, And Fun (Movie Review)’
February 13th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Imagine you are watching a generically plotted action film, with a pretty bland hero, and all of the sudden that hero’s goofy dad, who has a knack for killing terrorists, shows up to tag along and do some bonding, while terrorizing Moscow. This is what A Good Day to Die Hard boils down to; as it removes itself even further from what the franchise once meant. Die Hard has certainly never been shy about going bigger with its sequels, but this time around the series really does feel like a shadow of its former self, with problems that people may have had with the last film, Live Free or Die Hard, feeling even more amplified this time around. As a result, there is some decent action and a lot of explosions, but I would be hard-pressed to call this a Die Hard film, rather than just an action film with Bruce Willis. Continue reading ‘‘A Good Day To Die Hard’, A Bad Day To Visit Russia (Movie Review)’
February 12th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
It seems to be the most irritating to write about films like this. I do not have anything against the idea of a romantic drama that is timed to come out around Valentine’s Day, because it is of course the type of film certain people would want to see around then, let alone by those who enjoy this genre in general. My issue is the fact that the majority of these films, which as of late have been adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, barely rise above being the same level of quality as movies on the Lifetime channel. Safe Haven is a predictable romance story, which cuts away real drama and character investment in favor of various mushy and drama moments that would provide the same instant reaction as something in a horror movie popping up and saying boo. It is also a film that benefits from decent performances and nice visuals, making it a film that certainly doesn’t deserve hate, just one that leaves me having to only recommend it to a select group of people, rather than being able to directly say yay or nay. Continue reading ‘‘Safe Haven’ Is A Romantic Pit Stop From Better Films (Movie Review)’
February 12th, 2013 by Sean Ferguson
Cabaret, Bob Fosse’s ground-breaking Oscar-winning musical drama starring Liza Minnelli (Arthur, The Sterile Cuckoo), Michael York (the Austin Powers films), Joel Grey (TV’s “Oz”), Helmut Griem, and Marisa Berenson (I am Love), celebrated its 40th anniversary with its debut on Blu-ray on February 5, 2013. Remastered for the first time in over 20 years, Cabaret is presented in its original aspect ratio (16 x 9 format). Winner of eight Academy Awards, including Director (Fosse), Actress (Minnelli), and Supporting Actor (Grey), the film arrives in a premium Blu-ray Book format, which contains 40 pages of insightful photos and text. A new documentary, “Cabaret: The Musical That Changed Musicals” will be featured, along with vintage documentaries “Cabaret: A Legend in the Making,” “The Recreation of an Era,” a multi-part memory gallery and more. Continue reading ‘Cabaret: 40th Anniversary Blu-ray Book (Blu-ray Review)’
February 11th, 2013 by David Freedman
Kevin, Liz and Sean discuss their picks and predictions for Best Actor and Best Actress for the 2013 Academy Awards and pick who SHOULD win and predict who WILL win.
Continue reading ‘OSCARS 2013 Best Actor and Actress Predictions – Just Seen It’
February 11th, 2013 by David Freedman
Sean, Liz and Aaron discuss their picks and predictions for Best Picture for the 2013 Academy Awards and pick who SHOULD win and predict who WILL win.
Continue reading ‘OSCAR 2013 Best Picture Predictions – Just Seen It’
February 11th, 2013 by David Freedman
Leah, Kevin and Brenna discuss their picks and predictions for Best Director for the 2013 Academy Awards and pick who SHOULD win and predict who WILL win.
Continue reading ‘OSCARS 2013 Best Director Picks and Predictions – Just Seen It’
February 11th, 2013 by David Freedman
A hit man and a cop have their partners viciously murdered. So they team up to find out who ordered both hits. But seeking revenge is never easy.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Bullet To The Head Movie Review – Just Seen It’
February 11th, 2013 by David Freedman
Liz, Sean and Aaron Neuwirth do a quick review on Arnold’s return to action. Starring Liz Manashil, Sean Wright and Aaron Nuewirth. Directed by Jude Perrin.
Synopsis: The leader of a drug cartel busts out of a courthouse and speeds to the Mexican border, where the only thing in his path is a sheriff and his inexperienced staff.
Continue reading ‘The Last Stand Movie Review – Just Seen It’
February 11th, 2013 by David Freedman
Leah, Liz and Sean review this new action movie starring with Jason Statham.
Continue reading ‘Parker Movie Review – Just Seen It’
February 8th, 2013 by David Freedman
Rachel, Salim and David review this new comedy starring Jason Bateman, and Melissa McCarthy.
Sandy’s life is ruined after Diana steal his identity. To save his job, Sandy must travels to Florida to apprehend her. But the journey back to justice is fraught with roadblocks. Continue reading ‘Identity Thief Movie Review – Just Seen It’
February 8th, 2013 by David Freedman
Aaron, Brenna and Guest Reviewer Aaron Neuwirth take on this highly unusual romantic comedy.
After a zombie epidemic, R recues Julie from a zombie attack. Seeing he is different, they become unlikely friends. But falling in love appears to transform R.
Continue reading ‘Warm Bodies Movie Review – Just Seen It’
