Archive Page 493
September 27th, 2012 by Brian White
This is going to be a very easy review for me to blow through simply because both the monster horror fan AND the kid in me had an absolute ghoulishly good time with this one. Of course I’m referring to the 3-D computer animated comedy from Sony Pictures Animation, Hotel Transylvania, hitting theaters this Friday, September 28th. The feature, helmed by Samurai Jack’s creator, Genndy Tartakovsky, features the voices of Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Kevin James, Fran Drescher, Jon Lovitz, Cee Lo Green, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon and David Spade. I wonder how many more movies the “Dream Team” of Adam, Kevin and David will do together? But nonetheless, like 2010’s Grown Ups, the chemistry mixed monstrously well here. So let’s take a closer look under the microscope and find out why I feel the way I do. Continue reading ‘For a Ghoulishly Good Time: Hotel Transylvania (Movie Review)’
September 26th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
It can be stated as an “art house romantic comedy,” but it is still a regular romantic comedy. Lola Versus may play out in its own sort of way, but it very much follows a lot of the same patterns that these types of films tend to have. That does not make it bad, as I liked a lot of the film, save for some issues I had with the third act. Despite the disastrous nature of some of the romantic follies Greta Gerwig’s character becomes involved with, the film had enough going for it to make it work for me. Now the film has arrived on Blu-ray, so continue on to hear more about Lola’s battle against everything and how good the film looks and sounds. Continue reading ‘Lola Versus (Blu-ray Review)’
September 26th, 2012 by David Freedman
Liz and Sean chat with director Valerie Weiss about her new romantic comedy, Losing Control. Starring Valerie Weiss, Liz Manashil and Sean Wright. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Samantha is a scientist seeking a mate. But her scientific approach to find the ideal mate proves maddening. It is only after her boyfriend Ben proposes, that she must decide between science and matters of the heart.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Valerie Weiss Interview – Losing Control – Just Seen It’
September 25th, 2012 by Robert Graziosi
Picture this: You are sitting at work one day and the phone rings . It’s the police. One of your employees is being accused of theft. Not just any employee . The cute teen age blonde. They want you to detain her. Okay. No problem. They want you to search her personal effects. A little more uncomfortable but, c’mon, it’s the police. Okay. We do the search. Still didn’t find that money. Gonna have to do a strip search. Say what? Somebody smack the guy that just yelled “hell yeah”. What if they told you to go even further? Where would you draw the line? Continue reading ‘Exclusive Interview with ‘Compliance’ Producer Tyler Davidson’
September 25th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Academy Award-winning Director and master storyteller, James Cameron journey’s back to the site of his greatest inspiration – the legendary wreck of the Titanic. With a team of the world’s foremost historic and marine experts and friend Bill Paxton, he embarks on an unscripted adventure back to the final grave where nearly 1,500 souls lost their lives almost a century ago. Using state-of-the-art technology developed expressly for this expedition, Cameron and his crew are able to explore virtually all of the wreckage, inside and out, as never-before. With the most advanced 3D photography, moviegoers will experience the ship as if they are part of crew, right inside the dive subs. In this unprecedented motion picture event, made especially for IMAX 3D theatres and specially outfitted 35MM 3D theaters across the country, Cameron and his team bring audiences to sights not seen since the sinking 90 years ago and explore why the landmark vessel – more than any shipwreck – continues to intrigue and fascinate the public. Continue reading ‘Ghosts of the Abyss 3D / 2D (Blu-ray Review)’
September 25th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
Dangerous and decadent, “Magic City” begins in 1959, in Miami’s Miramar Playa Hotel where hotelier Ike Evans (Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Watchmen, Texas Killing Fields) is conjuring up ways to finance his dream. He has essentially sold his soul to the devil: mob boss Ben “The Butcher” Diamond (Danny Huston, The Kingdom). Ike’s wife Vera (Olga Kurylenko, Quantum of Solace), a former showgirl, and his three children think he is an honorable man, but he just can’t break his pact with the most notorious criminal in town. So Ike’s life is a façade: his home and his business must be kept separate – but does he have the sleight of hand to pull it off? You can find out for yourselves with our exclusive Blu-ray giveaway contest thanks to the good folks over at Anchor Bay Entertainment. And did I mention Olga Kurylenko is in it? Check out the full details below on how you can win! Continue reading ‘Magic City: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Giveaway’
September 24th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Talk about surprises! End of Watch is maybe the best cop drama I have seen since The Departed, let alone the best cop film I have seen in quite some time that does not involve corrupt or undercover officers who get in too deep. This seems like a film that could have been incredibly generic, serving as just another entry in a line of crime dramas and buddy cop movies, while only bringing the notion of found footage to the table as a new take on the genre. Instead, End of Watch turned out to be an incredibly engaging film, depicting too good cops who get in over their heads, after working too effectively. The film works due to the strength of these two lead performances and the sense of urgency that is utilized given the filming style. It is intense when it needs to be, but also quite enjoyable because of how well we come to know the relationship between these two cops who are partners that work hard to stop crime. Continue reading ‘Two Good Cops Work Until The ‘End Of Watch’’
September 24th, 2012 by Gregg Senko
With the vast array of music that’s out there, it’s often difficult to find something that sets itself apart from the incessant library of songs and tunes. One dilemma facing music today is originality…or lack thereof. So many tracks come across studio-heavy, burdened with a bad case of being over-produced. Such is not the case with Shishonnah and their debut album, Elysian Dreams.
Continue reading ‘Shishonnah Brings Vocal, Instrumental Grace’
September 21st, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
For a movie that is about brutal violence and maintaining a dark and nihilistic tone throughout, Dredd sure was a pretty film. This second attempt on a theatrical feature about the futuristic cop who serves as judge, jury, and executioner is an exercise in grit and violence, with just a hint of self-satire to keep the whole thing quite entertaining throughout, but its best asset is the visual aesthetic, which makes the ugly world that we find these characters in look quite striking. This seems especially notable, given that the film utilizes simplicity in its structure to keep from feeling to empty overall, but as a fairly non-complex action picture, it has plenty of time to look and feel like a well-made, stripped down genre flick, with plenty of thrills and gunplay to keep up the excitement. For what Dredd has attempted to do, it does it well enough to satisfy the law that Dredd swears by. Continue reading ‘Dredd Is The Law, And He Brings Proper Judgment’
September 20th, 2012 by David Freedman
Rachel, Aaron and Salim review this independent ‘dramedy’ about the cut-throat world of butter-carving competitions. Really – we’re not kidding. Starring Rachel Appelbaum, Aaron Fink and Salim Lemelle. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: After years as butter-carving champion, Bob is forced to retire. So Bob’s wife Laura decides it is her time to enter the contest. But when three formidable opponents enter the fray, Laura vows to win at any cost.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Butter Movie Review – Just Seen It’
September 20th, 2012 by David Freedman
Teresa, Leah and Sean have some differing opinions on their review of this inner city drama about school reform. Starring Teresa Lo, Sean Wright and Leah Aldridge. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Jamie is a single mother who works two jobs. Nona is a teacher who has lost her drive to inspire students. Fed up with the neglect of their students, they decide to take over their school.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Won’t Back Down Movie Review – Just Seen It’
September 20th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
So a WWII Vet and the leader of a cult walk into a bar…One has no idea where to go and the other appears to have all the answers. A main character finding comfort and solace from a new and enigmatic person in their life has been a theme in other films from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson. Hard Eight (Sydney) has John C. Reilly learning from a much classier Phillip Baker Hall. Boogie Nights features Mark Wahlberg being taken in as a new, bright shining star by the patriarch of a porn-associated family, played by Burt Reynolds. Punch-Drunk Love has Adam Sandler’s introverted Barry completely changing his life around, as he decides to pursue Emily Watson’s character, as the two seem to be kindred spirits. Anderson’s latest film, The Master, finds Joaquin Phoenix’s character being absorbed into the world of a charismatic intellectual played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The result is a film that is ambitious, greatly acted, expertly filmed, but also challenging to fully embrace. Continue reading ‘‘The Master’ And His Cause Requires Some Processing’
September 20th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
So Clint Eastwood has returned to the big screen for a movie that does not require a whole lot of effort from him. Trouble with the Curve is a fairly slight film about a number of old American chestnuts, such as baseball, getting older, trusting your instincts, and the father-daughter relationship. It is not necessarily bad, it is just nothing that is all that special, as everything about the film is predictable, lacking in subtlety, and tied up in a nice little package at the end. The reason to show up is for Clint of course, but how much you appreciate him depends on how much you want to put up with his grumpy old man shtick. The likability of Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake add a bit to the film, but overall, it is a fairly slow walk through the ballpark. Continue reading ‘Grumpy Old Clint Finds ‘Trouble With The Curve’’
September 19th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
Oh God! I can’t tell you how excited I am for this one! On October 23rd, Anchor Bay Films presents a claustrophobic horror film that gives you no choice but to sweat with 247°F on Blu-ray , starring such genre favorites as Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombie’s Halloween & Halloween II), Christina Ulloa (“Californication,” “Charmed”), Travis Van Winkle (“Happy Endings,” Friday the 13th remake, Transformers), and Tyler Mane (Rob Zombie’s Halloween & Halloween II, X-Men). Check out the film’s synopsis below and an exclusive clip as well…done.
Continue reading ‘Anchor Bay Leaves You 2 Degrees From Death with 247°F on Blu-ray’
September 19th, 2012 by David Freedman
Leah, Rachel and Teresa hit a high note on this musical comedy. Starring Leah Aldridge, Rachel Appelbaum and Teresa Lo. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: Freshman Beca is cajoled into joining a woman’s acapella group. But she discovers that the groups song and dance routines are sorely out of date. Finding the competition fierce, Beca inspires the group to new heights.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Pitch Perfect Movie Review – Just Seen It’
September 19th, 2012 by David Freedman
Rachel, Liz and Sean comment on this found-footage horror anthology. Starring Rachel Appelbaum, Liz Manashil and Sean Wright. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: A group of misfits are hired to burglarize a desolate house. Their mission is to retrieve a rare video tape. But when they break in, they find a dead body and more than they imagined.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘V/H/S Movie Review – Just Seen It’
September 19th, 2012 by David Freedman
Sean, Leah and Salim review this action thriller re-make based on the graphic novel. Starring Sean Wright, Leah Aldridge, and Salim Lemelle. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Dredd is one of the most feared cops in a post-apocalyptic metropolis. When a powerful new drug hit the streets, Dredd and his team try to stop its spread. But when a vicious drug lord discovers his plan, an all out urban war ignites.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Dredd Movie Review – Just Seen It’
September 19th, 2012 by David Freedman
Salim, Rachel and Greg review the newest period piece drama from Director Paul Thomas Anderson. Starring Salim Lemelle, Rachel Appelbaum and Greg Karber. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: Freddie is an alcoholic drifter dealing with the trauma of World War Two. By chance, he meets Lancaster, the charismatic leader of The Cause. As Freddie adheres to Lancaster’s religious teachings, the cult’s inner circle sees him as a threat.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘The Master Movie Review – Just Seen It’
