Archive Page 489
October 22nd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Opening night of Screamfest 2012, I was able to see the new horror film, The Collection. Horror fans may not have too much trouble remembering The Collector, which came out back in 2009, but others may struggle when realizing that The Collection is actually a sequel to that film. Now The Collection is not really a film that solely depends on knowledge from the previous entry and similarly it is a different sort of beast from the first film. The Collector was very much a cat and mouse thriller, set inside a house, which happened to incorporate a lot of deadly traps, labeling the film as a part of the ‘torture porn’ horror sub-genre. The Collection may have a similar setup, but this time the majority of the action is placed inside the hideout of the collector, which turns the film into more of a funhouse of horror traps and grizzly images, flipping the series on its head. It may or may not be worth your time, but it’s a mean, lean, horror flick that is a fun enough ride. Continue reading ‘Screamfest 2012: The Collection (Movie Review)’
October 22nd, 2012 by David Freedman
In anticipation of the new Bond thriller SKYFALL and a look back at 50 years of James Bond in the movies,Sean, Leah and David picked their 007 nemeses. Who is yours? Tweet is at @justseenit. NO, MR. BOND – I EXPECT YOU TO DIE! Starring Leah Aldridge, Sean Wright and David Freedman. Directed by Amy Taylor.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Our Favorite Bond Villains – Just Seen It’
October 22nd, 2012 by David Freedman
Salim, Brenna and Aaron give us their top drama picks on BBC America. Starring Salim Lemelle, Brenna Smith and Aaron Fink. Directed by Matt Breault.
Synopsis: Time for a tribute to our favorite shows from across the pond. We follow a complicated cop, an eccentric detective and a doctor who time travels in a police box. Enjoy these three British invasion dramas – all on BBC America.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘BBC Favorites: Dr. Who, Luther and Sherlock – Just Seen It’
October 21st, 2012 by David Freedman
Sean, Salim and Liz review the epic drama from the Wachowski siblings about the transient nature of humans. Starring Liz Manashi, Sean Wright and Rachel Appelbaum. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: In this six story anthology, all the character’s lives are connected. Spanning centuries, they confront the challenges of being human. Freedom, corruption and creativity are all linked across the history of humankind.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Cloud Atlas Movie Review – Just Seen It’
October 21st, 2012 by David Freedman
Liz, Sean and Rachel review this award winning Israeli documentary from Arnon Goldfinger about what happens when his grandparent’s secrets are revealed. Starring Liz Manashi, Sean Wright and Rachel Appelbaum. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: In this documentary from Arnon Goldfinger, he and his family clean out their grandmother’s apartment after she passes. But they discover letters from his grandparents that reveal a shocking past. Arnon tries to unravel the mystery of his family’s history.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘The Flat Movie Review – Just Seen It’
October 21st, 2012 by David Freedman
Aaron, Brenna and David review this visually stunning remake of the Tolstoy novel of passion and adultery. Starring Aaron Fink, Brenna Smith and David Freedman. Directed by Cullen Metcalf-Kelly.
Synopsis: Based on the Tolstoy novel, Anna Karenina is the story of a woman uninspired by her marriage and her life. But when a dashing officer seduces her, Anna finds she cannot resist his passion. Happy to be in love again, Anna is torn between her family, her lover and a disapproving society.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Anna Karenina Movie Review – Just Seen It’
October 21st, 2012 by David Freedman
Sean, Leah and Liz review this historical drama based on true events prior to World War Two.Starring Sean Wright, Leah Aldridge and Liz Manashil. Directed by Cullen Metcalf-Kelly.
Facing imminent war with Germany, the King and Queen of England pay a visit to FDR. The weekend grows more complex as the President considers American involvement in the war. FDR finds personal matters as challenging as world affairs.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Hyde Park on Hudson Movie Review – Just Seen It’
October 21st, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
John Cusack and Luke Evans star in this bloodcurdling tale of terror that’s as dark and haunting as the legendary master of the macabre who inspired it – Edgar Allan Poe. Baltimore, 1849. While investigating a horrific double murder, police detective Emmett Fields (Evans) makes a starling discovery: the killer’s methods mirror the twisted writings of Edgar Allan Poe (Cusack). Suspecting Poe at first, Fields ultimately enlists the writer’s help to stop future attacks. But in this deadly game of cat and mouse, the stakes are raised with each gruesome slaying as the pair races to catch a madman before he brings every one of Poe’s shocking stories to chilling life…and death. Continue reading ‘The Raven (Blu-ray Review)’
October 20th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Chernobyl, 1986: As the worst nuclear disaster in history unfolds, residents are driven from their homes in the nearby city city of Pripyat without enough tim eto grab even their most precious personal belongings. Over 25 years later, six young vacationers and their “extreme tourism” guide visit Pripyat to explore the ruins of a city now desolate and seemingly abandoned. But when they’re forced to stay the night , they soon discover that they may not be alone in this eerie shocker by coproducer/cowriter Oren Peli, creator of Paranormal Activity. Continue reading ‘Chernobyl Diaries (Blu-ray Review)’
October 20th, 2012 by David Freedman
Sean, Rachel and Liz review this thriller based on a true story from director Ben Affleck. Starring Sean Wright, Rachel Appelbaum and Liz Manashil. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Six Americans escape when militants take over the US embassy in Teheran. Taking refuge with the Canadian ambassador, if discovered, they will be executed. So CIA specialist Tony Mendez plans to rescue them by posing as a movie producer.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Argo Movie Review – Just Seen It’
October 19th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I can understand the ambivalence involved with caring about the fourth entry in a horror series, let alone one that has been churning out entries on a yearly basis. Paranormal Activity has been chugging along and providing yearly follow-ups that have been surprisingly effective for me. While the basic concept has not altered, I have admired the way these filmmakers have been able to find new tricks and creative ways to scare its audience. True, the structure of the films is simple and follows a formula that is only made distinct by the setting and characters involved, but I have enjoyed these films both for the tension they are able to create and the mythology that has come from it. This latest entry, unfortunately, does not so much raise the bar as it just sits in place. It forwards the story along, but in terms of creativity, does not quite pull off something that feels as ambitious. Still, for fans of the series and those who want a simple horror movie, Paranormal Activity 4 does provide that sort of fun experience audiences are expecting. Continue reading ‘‘Para4mal Activity’: The Voyage Home’
October 19th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Sessions is the kind of film that could easily be brushed aside, given the premise. You could boil it down to its basic parts: a crippled man meets someone new and overcomes some sort of adversity, and just think of it as plain Oscar bait. There is also the chance that someone could find the idea with a punchline set up pretty easily: A cripple, a catholic priest, and a sex surrogate walk into a bar, and so on. Fortunately, The Sessions does have more to offer, as it is a very likable film, with wonderful performances coming from all of the actors involved. It is still a movie ‘inspired by a true story’ and does follow the sort of plot structure that would be expected, but it gets by do to its strength in other areas. Continue reading ‘Take The Time And Enjoy ‘The Sessions’’
October 18th, 2012 by Brian White
When the press release for this one came across my desktop many months ago the subject matter was so sick and pictorially disgusting that I knew I had to have a piece of it. Of course I’m talking about the ever-popular world of zombie cat apocalypses. ZOMBIE CAT: The Tale of a Decomposing Kitty, from the creative and humorous mind of author Isabel Atherton, is the latest body of work tackling the zombie cat epidemic that’s currently afflicting our nation. Illustrator Bethany Straker brings the adult picture book to life courtesy of Skyhorse Publishing. Reminiscent of Adam Mansbach’s 2011 unforgettable children’s book, Go the F@#k to Sleep, ZOMBIE CAT is the perfect addition to any horror fan’s collection of truly unique, but equally disturbing and grotesque items. And I mean that in a good way. Continue reading ‘ZOMBIE CAT: The Tale of a Decomposing Kitty (Book Review)’
October 18th, 2012 by David Freedman
Salim, Leah and Aaron talk about their favorite ‘meth-maker’ and a look at the final episodes of the series. Starring Salim Lemelle, Leah Aldridge and Aaron Fink. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Diagnosed with cancer, Walter White cooks crystal meth to pay for his medical bills without his family’s knowledge. With his partner Jesse, the two quickly become drug kingpins, making both friends and enemies. Claiming to be retired, Walter attempts to lead a normal life.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Breaking Bad Retrospective – Just Seen It’
October 18th, 2012 by David Freedman
David, Sean and Rachel take a look at this new FOX Sitcom. Starring David Freedman, Sean Wright and Rachel Appelbaum. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Nat Faxon and Dakota Johnson star in this new Fox comedy about a responsible single mom and her trouble-making brother. When Ben shows up unexpectedly in Kate’s life, she braces for the worst. But Kate discovers that Ben really is looking out for her.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Ben and Kate – FOX Fall 2012 Pilot Review – Just Seen It’
October 17th, 2012 by David Freedman
Leah, Salim and Aaron, all big fans of his horror series, review the first few episodes of season three. Starring Leah Aldridge, Aaron Fink and Salim Lemelle. Directed by Matt Breault.
Synopsis: Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from coma to discover a world over-run by zombies. Finding his wife and son alive, they join a group of survivors seeking refuge. But the murderous hordes of zombies threaten them all.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘The Walking Dead Retrospective and Season 3 Preview on AMC – Just Seen It’
October 17th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Three-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone returns to the screen with the ferocious thriller
Savages, based on Don Winslow’s bestselling crime novel, one of
The New York Times’ Top 10 Books of 2010. Laguna Beach entrepreneurs Ben (Aaron Johnson) and Chon (Taylor Kitsch) raise and sell some of the best marijuana ever developed, while sharing a one-of-a-kind love with the extraordinary beauty Ophelia (Blake Lively). Their idyllic life is shattered when the Mexican Baja Cartel demands that the trio partner with them. But the cartel’s merciless boss, Elena (Salma Hayek), and her brutal enforcer, Lado (Benicio Del Toro), underestimate the unbreakable bonds among these three friends. Ben and Chon—with the reluctant, slippery assistance of a dirty DEA agent (John Travolta)—launch a seemingly unwinnable war against the drug lords that escalates into a savage, high-stakes battle of wills.
Continue reading ‘Savages Arrives on Blu-ray This November’
October 17th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Premium Rush was a somewhat surprising film to come out of the summer. Sure, it looked like it could be silly fun, but the movie was actually a lot more fun and exciting than it’s late August release date lead me to believe (Review). So with that said, on December 21st, people will get the chance to see this film on Blu-ray and DVD. It is a fast-paced action flick, centered around a cat and mouse chase between a bike messenger (Joseph Gordan-Levitt) and a corrupt cop (Michael Shannon). It is a fun film for sure and manages to have just the right tone for a movie of its type. To find out more about this upcoming release, read the full press release below. Continue reading ‘‘Premium Rush’ Rides To Blu-ray This December’
Opening night of Screamfest 2012, I was able to see the new horror film, The Collection. Horror fans may not have too much trouble remembering The Collector, which came out back in 2009, but others may struggle when realizing that The Collection is actually a sequel to that film. Now The Collection is not really a film that solely depends on knowledge from the previous entry and similarly it is a different sort of beast from the first film. The Collector was very much a cat and mouse thriller, set inside a house, which happened to incorporate a lot of deadly traps, labeling the film as a part of the ‘torture porn’ horror sub-genre. The Collection may have a similar setup, but this time the majority of the action is placed inside the hideout of the collector, which turns the film into more of a funhouse of horror traps and grizzly images, flipping the series on its head. It may or may not be worth your time, but it’s a mean, lean, horror flick that is a fun enough ride. Continue reading ‘Screamfest 2012: The Collection (Movie Review)’
