Archive Page 484
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’
January 7th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
The year 2012 presented a number of harrowing situations on film, such as the plane crashes that took place in The Grey and Flight, along with the wrath of both Titans and Russell Crowe’s voice in ‘Les Mis.’ The Impossible presents what is literally a story of impossible survival, as a family deals with a horrific event. Based on a true story, this is a film about the struggle to survive during the catastrophic 2004 tsunami that ravaged the coast of Thailand. It features three very strong performances and top-notch direction, as it attempts to place a visual eye on the horrors suffered by people caught in a deadly fight against nature. Few issues regarding what is being ultimately presented aside, The Impossible is an intense film that certainly displays effective filmmaking techniques and powerful drama. Continue reading ‘‘The Impossible’ Surpasses Its Odds (Movie Review)’
January 6th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
House of Lies is a Showtime series based on the book by Martin Kihn, which presents a dark comedy focused on a management consultant and his team. Despite not receiving universal acclaim, the series was popular enough during its first season run, with the second season of the series debuting this January. I missed this show during its initial run, but have now had the chance to catch up on its first season. What I took away from watching this series is that Showtime essentially wanted to create their own version of HBO’s Entourage, by way of Glengarry Glen Ross. The solid cast and satirical style certainly helps in all of this, but the show is not without its flaws as well. Continue on to find out more regarding my thoughts on the series, as well as the quality of this DVD package of the complete first season.
Continue reading ‘House Of Lies: The First Season (DVD Review)’
January 6th, 2013 by Gregg Senko
On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake occurred on the floor of the Indian Ocean. This violent undersea action set forth a chain of events that caused an enormous amount of pressure and force upward and outward. The end product was a tsunami and resulting devastation unlike any the world had seen before. The casualties numbered over a quarter million spread over southeast Asia, destroying entire towns, lives and displacing the living from their relatives. In the case of one particular family, an immense natural disaster was not going to keep them apart. But without the use of computers, phone lines or radios, finding one another would seem like nothing short of The Impossible.
Continue reading ‘‘The Impossible’ Accomplishes the Improbable’
January 4th, 2013 by David Freedman
Liz, Sean and Salim do a quick review if this new crime drama with an all-star cast based on the novel Starring Liz Manashil, Sean Wright and Salim Lemelle. Directed by Jude Law.
Synopsis: Mobster Mickey Cohen runs the crime syndicate in 1940’s Los Angeles. So two police sergeants decide he must be stopped. Together with an elite squad they assemble, they battle Mickey and his thugs.
Continue reading ‘Gangster Squad Movie Reivew – Just Seen It’
January 4th, 2013 by David Freedman
What’s coming up on our next episode of JUST SEEN IT that will be airing starting Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013.
CHECK YOUR LOCAL PBS LISTING FOR DAY AND TIME! Continue reading ‘Just Seen It Episode 4 Promo’
January 4th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
Starting this year out on the right foot, the latest entry in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise manages to put Hollywood in a position to go nowhere but up. I do enjoy my share of horror films and was happy to enter into this film with an open mind, but man is it terrible. Given my love for the original film and my general fondness for the second, the idea of a film billed as a direct continuation of the original entry written and directed by Tobe Hooper was slightly intriguing. Even in a post-Cabin in the Woods world, where horror movies can be boiled down to words on a dry erase board, I went for it. The results were not good. Texas Chainsaw 3D is not just a bad film, it is an idiotic one that literally cannot do basic math. Read on to find out why. Continue reading ‘‘Texas Chainsaw 3D’ Tears Through The Floors And Hits Rock Bottom (Movie Review)’