Archive Page 499
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’
September 19th, 2012 by David Freedman
Salim, Sean and David review this new sitcom about two buddy, one straight, one gay. Starring Salim Lemelle, Sean Wright and David Freedman.
Synopsis: Two lifelong friends, who are both architects, form a business partnership.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Partners – CBS Fall 2012 Pilot Review – Just Seen It’
September 18th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
Perhaps the most terrifying human relationship is the one between a serial killer and his target. But what if it starts that way, and becomes something…more? From the visionary mind of director Jennifer Lynch comes the dark fable Chained from Anchor Bay Films. With a stellar cast including Vincent D’Onofrio, Gina Phillips, Conor Leslie, Evan Bird, with Jake Weber and Julia Ormond, Chained is an unforgettable ride into the darkness that can reside in the human heart – no matter what your age. And I’m definitely looking forward to this one. Check out the film’s synopsis and bonus clips below! Continue reading ‘Two Disturbing Clips from Jennifer Lynch’s Horror Thriller CHAINED’
September 18th, 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? Check out some for the video clips below and find out for yourselves. Continue reading ‘Clips From Magic City: The Complete First Season Blu-ray’
September 18th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Men In Black 3 is coming November 30th to Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and DVD, so bust out your noisy crickets and get ready for some fun. When talking about surprises this past summer, Men In Black 3 easily stands out to me (Review HERE). The various production issues and concerns about its high budget could have easily turned MIB3 into a disaster. Instead, this film managed to be not only a lot of fun, but what I would consider the best of the series. It is a lot of fun, has a lot of creative visuals and creature effects, and packs a really strong finale, on multiple levels. Men In Black 3 ended up being quite the solid effort and this November, people can check out the film in a variety of formats, each packed with special features. Find out more about all that is going into this upcoming by reading on. Continue reading ‘Men in Black 3 Time Jumps Onto Blu-ray 3D™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™/DVD Combo Pack and DVD on 11/30’
September 17th, 2012 by David Freedman
Aaron, Greg and Liz review this new veterinary comedy. Starring Aaron Fink, Greg Karber, Liz Manashil. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: In this new NBC comedy, Justin Kirk stars as a George Coleman, a veterinarian who loves animals, but not their owners. He is soon horrified to discover that his ex-girlfriend Dorothy is taking over his clinic. George must decide how to do what he loves while surviving his ex-love.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Animal Practice – NBC Fall 2012 Pilot Review – Just Seen It’
September 17th, 2012 by David Freedman
Sean, Liz and Greg review this new supernatural thriller. Starring Sean Wright, Liz Manashil and Greg Karber. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: The Drake is the most exclusive residence in upper Manhattan. Owned by the mysterious Gavin Doran, he hires Jane and Henry as the building’s new managers. But they soon discover they may have made a deal with the devil.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘666 Park Avenue – ABC Fall 2012 Pilot Review – Just Seen It’
September 17th, 2012 by David Freedman
Aaron, Teresa and Rachel review this new drama with an all-star cast about the beginnings of Las Vegas. Starring Aaron Fink, Teresa Lo (@TeresaLo_Tweets) and Rachel Appelbaum. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: Ralph Lamb is a fourth generation rancher attempting to live a quiet life on the outskirts of Las Vegas. But when a young girl is murdered by the Mob, Lamb is forced to investigate. He quickly discovers a seemingly endless web of corruption.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘Vegas – CBS Fall 2012 Pilot Review – Just Seen It’
September 17th, 2012 by David Freedman
Liz, Leah and Sean review this morality tale and drama with an all-star cast. Starring Liz Manashil, Leah Aldridge and Sean Wright. Directed by David Freedman.
Synopsis: Rory Jansen is a struggling novelist who is unable to get a book published. He accidentally finds an unclaimed manuscript that contains some of the best writing he’s ever seen. Rory must deal with the temptation of stealing work that is not his own.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit Continue reading ‘The Words Movie Review – Just Seen It’
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’
