Archive Page 516
June 22nd, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate. Brave follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, Brave is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor that audiences of all ages around the world have come to eagerly expect. Continue reading ‘Brave (Movie Review)’
June 22nd, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter explores the secret life of our greatest president, and the untold story that shaped our nation. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov (director of Wanted) bring a fresh and visceral voice to the bloodthirsty lore of the vampire, imagining Lincoln as history’s greatest hunter of the undead. Continue reading ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter – History/Vampire Mash-up’
June 22nd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is interesting how this year’s feature from Pixar is both somewhat of a departure, yet also a familiar story that they are attempting to tell. Brave, first and foremost, is an enjoyable film, which manages to provide a story that is humorous, exciting, and fitted with some emotional stakes that seem true to Pixar form. What makes it both different by Pixar standards, yet familiar as well, is the fact that it stands more closely to being a traditional Disney film, featuring a princess character who makes particular choices and is forced to tackle a life-changing adventure, to an extent. The result is a film that eventually heads down a path with an inevitable conclusion, while also meeting the acceptable requirements of servicing a strong, lead female character, and providing a strong mother-daughter relationship tale. Continue reading ‘Pixar’s Princess Learns How To Be ‘Brave’’
June 22nd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
There is a certain level of expectancy when seeing a movie like this. I was first made aware of this bizarre sounding mash-up idea a little over a year ago. The film is based on a book by Seth Grahame-Smith (who also served as the film’s screenwriter), which became a bestseller. I read the book based on recommendations and obvious intrigue, due to the fact that it’s called Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and I found it to be a really interesting read in the way it told a tale that involved vampires, while clearly being well-researched in the way it tied story elements into historical events. Unfortunately, the film represents little that was seen in the book, which would not be a bad thing, except for the fact that the movie is not very good on its own. There is some fun to be had in the campy/stylized way the vampire hunting action is portrayed, but all of the other clunky aspects make it feel like just another generic action movie that happens to be set in a particular time period, with a layer of the supernatural to help distinguish it. Continue reading ‘‘Lincoln’ Lincoln, What You Thinkin’, Those Vampires Have Blood They’re Drinkin’’
June 21st, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Did you know that 1% of the white noise you see on your television is actually background radiation from the Big Bang? From the formation of the earth and the emergence of life, to the advance of man and the growth of civilization, the CGI-driven special History of the World in Two Hours 3D offers viewers a rapid-fire view of 14 billion years of history – an epic story that reveals surprising connections to our daily lives. Featuring incredible graphics specially created for 3D, this 3D blu-ray – the latest release in A+E Networks Home Entertainment’s best-selling 3D line-up — will make a nice addition to the collection of any fan of history and science. Continue reading ‘History of the World in Two Hours 2D / 3D (Blu-ray Review)’
June 21st, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
It’s been 50 years since man first ventured into the unknown, and the heavens are only now yielding their greatest secrets. Season 6 of the pioneering series “The Universe” takes viewers further than ever, to the extreme edges of our solar system where chaos and catastrophe bring epic drama to the planets – including some of the most horrifying days on Earth. Through stunning CGI, witness the birth pangs of the solar system, shocked into existence by a nearby supernova, and enduring over 700 million years of brutal bombardment by deadly asteroids; colossal cataclysms that shaped the planets and transformed their climates forever; and startling new scientific discoveries revealing a hellish history of continuous devastation on Earth. And travel to the system’s very fringes to explore the possibility that the Sun has an evil twin, a monstrous star known as Nemesis suspected of causing every mass extinction in Earth’s history. In signature cutting-edge style, The Universe: The Complete Season Six, available in both blu-ray and DVD, features astounding NASA footage and the opinions of leading astrophysicists to probe even more deeply into the billion-years-old story of the world beyond Earth. Continue reading ‘The Universe: The Complete Season Six (Blu-ray Review)’
June 20th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Man on a Ledge is a silly film about a man perching himself outside of a building, with a heist-like situation occurring at the same time. It has a fairly strong cast and seemed like a film more fit for early autumn, rather than in the middle of January this past winter. After seeing it, it is clear why. As I said, the film is silly, but also wastes putting many of its best aspects to better use. There is certainly some enjoyment to be had, but not enough to look over the incredible amount of suspension of disbelief involved in taking the central scheme and plotting of this film seriously, let alone recommend the film. Now we have the Blu-ray release, which may show off a solid audio/video presentation, but still has the same forgettable thriller present, with a lackluster set of extras as well. Continue reading ‘Man On A Ledge (Blu-ray Review)’
June 19th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Eagle Rock Entertainment brings Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City to the Blu-ray format in what is to be the band’s first authorized home video release on the any format. The show is taken from their 2010 performance in Chicago at Riviera Theater in support of their latest (at the time) self-titled album. The Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City Blu-ray contains 18 tracks new and old for new and old fans alike. An interview with the band, full lossless audio, and high definition video are included on the Blu-ray. Keep it here to see if Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City is worth a look, or if you should turn a a deaf ear to the disc altogether. Continue reading ‘Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City (Blu-ray Review)’
June 19th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
I’m all for a good love story or two especially when they’re of the unconventional kind. Certified Copy comes to us from famed Iranian filmmaker (and jack of all trades) Abbas Kiarostami. The film stars the very lovely and talented Juliette Binoche (The English Patient, Chocolat) and baritone opera singer, in his big screen debut, William Shimell. The Criterion Collection has seen fit to bring out all the stops with regards to the Blu-ray; it even features one of Abbas Kiarostami’s forgotten films, in its entirety, as part of the supplements package. Seriously, when one of the special features is a feature length film, you’ve already gotten a great start. Let us see if Certified Copy makes the grade. Continue reading ‘Certified Copy: Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
June 19th, 2012 by David Freedman
Our first look at reality TV! Teresa talks about her favorite – Shark Tank, one that’s got away – America’s Next Top Model, and one to throw back – The Real Housewives. Shark Tank airs on ABC and is created and produced by Mark Burnett and stars Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Barbara Corcoran. America’s Next Top Model airs on Bravo and is created and produced by Tyra Banks, Ken Mok, and Kenya Barris and Stars Adrianne Curry, Yoanna House and Tyra Banks. The Real Housewives is also on Bravo and is created and produced by Scott Dunlop.Starring Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Barney and Gretchen Rossi.
Continue reading ‘Reality Roundup – Shark Tank, America’s Next Top Model and The Real Housewives’
June 18th, 2012 by David Freedman
The end of the world is truly at hand as a massive meteor speeds toward earth. So Dodge decides to seek out high school sweetheart with the help of his neighbor, Penny. Instead, Dodge decides to get Penny back to her parents. This dramedy starts Steve Carell, Keira Knightley and Melanie Lynskey. It was written and directed by Lorene Scafaria. Produced by Steve Golin, Joy Gorman, Steven Rales and Mark Roybal. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘Seeking a Friend for the End of the World – Just Seen It Movie Review’
June 18th, 2012 by David Freedman
After his estranged father dies, Sam is tasked with delivering 150 thousand dollars in cash to someone he has never met. He soon discovers that the someone is a sister and nephew he never knew he had. Torn between keeping the money, and telling his sister the truth, Sam must decide the right thing to do. This drama stars Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks and Michelle Pfeiffer. It is directed by Alex Kurtzman. Written by Alex Kurtzman, Jody Lambert and Roberto Orci. Produced by Bobby Cohen, Roberto Orci, and Clayton Townsend. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘People Like Us – Just Seen It Movie Review’
June 18th, 2012 by David Freedman
Show Runner David interviews the stars of Moonrise Kingdom Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, along with narrator Bob Balaban and director Wes Anderson. This dramedy adventure stars Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Frances McDormand. It is directed by Wes Anderson and written by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola. Produced by Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven M. Rales and Scott Rudin.Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit
Continue reading ‘Interviews with Moonrise Kingdom Cast & Director Wes Anderson’
June 18th, 2012 by David Freedman
Salim, Greg and Aaron talk about their favorite half-hour comedy – Community. After three seasons, the show has been renewed for a fourth season with a new show runner. Check out why they love this show so much and what they look forward to for the coming season. This half hour comedy airs on NBC and is created and Produced by Dan Harmon and stars Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Donald Glover, Gillian Jacobs and Chevy Chase.Follow us on Twitter:@justseenit
Continue reading ‘Community Retrospective – Just Seen It TV Review’
June 18th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Here’s a surprise of a film I was surprised to see get a Blu-ray release. It’s the 1968 sci-fi romp, Barbarella, starring Jane Fonda. Yes, that Jane Fonda. I believe this is the film that forever made her a sex symbol. It’s the film that focused on Fonda primarily, and kept her politics and personal viewpoints in the back burner. Keep in mind that the weird title of “Queen of the Galaxy” is only used for the cover art, but absent in the main feature. It’s almost an afterthought used in the marketing. The film is also rated PG, but by today’s standards, this would most likely garner a PG-13 or R. Still, the rating is harmless, but this is more of an “adult” themed sci-fi tale. If you’re okay with that, then I’m okay with you reading on to see if the Blu-ray is a worthy addition to your collection. Excelsior! Continue reading ‘Barbarella (Blu-ray Review)’
June 16th, 2012 by Gregg Senko
What do you do with a successful off-Broadway musical from 2005? You take it to Broadway. What happens after it’s a hit there? Why, make it a movie, of course! In its live production form, Rock of Ages debuted 7 years ago in Los Angeles and after eventually transitioning to Broadway, the much-heralded concept hit the big screen this past weekend with some serious name-dropping in the cast. But did the film’s pop equal it’s payroll?
Continue reading ‘‘Rock of Ages’ Rocks it Out’
June 16th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Around the globe, headlines break the news: a scandal takes down an Indian cotton tycoon; a Chinese opium trader dies of an apparent overdose; bombings in Strasbourg and Vienna; the death of an American steel magnate… no one sees the connective thread between these seemingly random events-no one, that is, except the great Sherlock Holmes, who has discerned a deliberate web of death and destruction. At its center sits a singularly sinister spider: Moriarty. Holmes’ investigation into Moriarty’s plot becomes more dangerous as it leads him and Watson out of London to France, Germany and finally Switzerland. But the cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead, and moving perilously close to completing his ominous plan. If he succeeds, it will not only bring him immense wealth and power but alter the course of history. Filmmaker Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) returns to direct Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, which stars two-time Academy Award nominees Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Jude Law (Contagion) along with Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes), Eddie Marsan (War Horse), Geraldine James (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Jared Harris (TV’s Mad Men), Stephen Fry (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), and Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). Continue reading ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Blu-ray Review)’
June 15th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Our good friends over at Revolver Entertainment USA are giving away THREE copies of the brand new companion piece to The Iron Lady film starring Meryl Streep. Here’s all you gotta to do: Fill out the attached form – you must have a U.S. mailing address (NO PO BOXES) to enter, and the name of the contest (The Iron Lady) and you’re automatically entered. It couldn’t be any easier! Three lucky winners will be picked on Thursday, June 21st, and notified via email. US entries only. Good luck! *** Any entries that don’t follow the rules set forth within this paragraph will be instantly dismissed *** Continue reading ‘DVD Giveaway for the Documentary ‘Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady’’
