Archive Page 521
March 23rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is always nice to see the announcement of a few classic films making their way onto Blu-ray. Earlier today, Fox announced that they will be releasing The Grapes of Wrath and Zorba the Greek on June 5th. Both are award winning features that should be worked into the rotation of any cinefile who has been looking forward to catching up on either of these films. Personally, I’ll be quite happy to see Anthony Quinn dancing to Greek music in ‘Zorba‘, which has some wonderful (Oscar winning) cinematography, while ‘Grapes‘ is a good enough watch, if one is in the right mood (though Henry Fonda is great). Regardless, soon enough people will get to see this films in glorious High Definition. Read on to see Fox’s official press release. Continue reading ‘June Debut For Award Winners – The Grapes of Wrath And Zorba The Greek’
March 22nd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The final major movie-related panel that took place at WonderCon, in the main ballroom, on Saturday, March 17, 2012, was the presentation of a trio of films from Sony Pictures. This presentation included panels for Resident Evil: Retribution, Looper, and The Amazing Spider-Man. While two of the films listed will certainly spark a level of interest for many, the other film is definitely one to keep their eye on as well. Each panel provided a sneak peak at what is coming; some more extended looks than others, and the panel members involved all had a good time talking about the features they were a part of. There certainly seemed to be something for everyone at this panel. Read on to learn more about each film project and to see some trailers for them. Continue reading ‘WonderCon 2012: Sony: Resident Evil, Looper, and The Amazing Spider-Man’
March 22nd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Adding more to my series of WonderCon posts, there is something to be said for what Universal has in store for audiences this summer. This blockbuster studio’s presentations included panels for the upcoming films Snow White and the Huntsman and Battleship. There was much to enjoy from both in regards to the footage that we were treated to, even if one panel was way more awkward to watch than the other (Hint: one involves things blowing up real good, while the other has the awkwardness of Kristen Stewart at a comic convention). Regardless, in terms of providing a good case for both of these movies, I think the audience was able to learn enough about both upcoming blockbusters to make them much more interested than they might have been beforehand. Read on to learn more about these films, the panels, and to find more footage. Continue reading ‘WonderCon 2012: Universal Pictures – Battleship and Snow White and the Huntsman’
March 21st, 2012 by Brian White
Many film fanatics and critics hail 1942’s Casablanca as one of the greatest movies ever made filled with infamous lines of dialog, robust characters, an iconic soundtrack and many memorable scenes. But you want to know the real kicker here (not that staff writers Aaron Neuwirth and Gerard Iribe aren’t already making fun of me for it…they are mean in that way)? It’s the fact that I have NEVER seen Casablanca before. How does that happen? How does a person who calls himself a heralded member of the press and glorified film critic (I’m kidding about the glorified and heralded part…I kid…I kid…) never seen what is considered one of America cinema’s finest? How does that happen? I’ll tell you. It’s sheer ignorance. The blame is all on me. I’m usually too busy in life, especially in my current “situation,” to take the necessary time to view and appreciate the classics I have missed out on in my sheltered life. Continue reading ‘Casablanca: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
March 21st, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I have got to hand it to Will Ferrell. In recent times, it seems like some have soured on some of his antics, which can happen to a lot of comedic stars who make a lot of movies that can be generally categorized in a similar way. I like Will Ferrell quite a bit, he makes me genuinely laugh, but more importantly, while it may not seem immediately apparent to some, he takes a lot of chances with his films. One can point to some of his roles and see a lot of the same elements shining through, but beyond some of the goofiness that he exudes (which, again, continues to make me laugh), there are some interesting choices being made. The one that provides the subject for this review is his Spanish language film, Casa de Mi Padre, a passion project of sorts, which has been independently financed and put out in limited release. It is not a great film, but I did laugh quite a bit during it and admired this weird, experimental parody of telenovelas. Continue reading ‘Casa De Mi Padre Is A Decently Funny Experiment’
March 21st, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Really, this movie should just be called Space Jail, which will probably not be the last time I mention that in writing, as I am kind of excited to see this mindlessly fun-looking sci-fi/action flick. WonderCon presented a whole panel devoted to the upcoming release from Open Road Films, Lockout, which takes place in the future, set mainly aboard a prison located in space, outside of earth’s atmosphere. The premise is essentially Escape from New York in space, but the attitude this film seems to have, judging by its footage and trailers, indicates a film that has more of a desire of being silly fun rather than serious and bleak. Read on to learn more about this film, the panel, and to see some footage. Continue reading ‘WonderCon 2012: Lockout’
March 20th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Sink your teeth into the fourth season of True Blood when HBO Home Entertainment releases True Blood: The Complete Fourth Season on “Blu-ray with HBO Select,” DVD and Digital Download on May 29. Called “addictive” by The Washington Post, True Blood: The Complete Fourth Season finds Sookie embroiled in a love triangle and tangling with a charismatic witch; Lafayette, Tara, and Jesus get tempted with otherworldly powers; Jessica tries to adjust to domestic life, while Jason finds himself alone in werepanther territory, and Alcide is caught in the clutches of an old flame. As old alliances crumble and new relationships form, nobody’s safe when there’s magic in the air. Continue reading ‘True Blood: The Complete Fourth Season Comes to Blu-ray on May 29!’
March 20th, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
Okay. This one can go either way. I know some people that hated this film and some people that loved it. Put me down for pleasantly surprised. I went into the theatrical screening of this one with very low expectations and I came out liking it. Why? Because it was a hot, skin tight black leathered Kate Beckinsale and it was an a$$ kicking good time! True…it lacked the fundamentals of a truly great film, but like Gerard to Conan and Gregg (bless his heart) to Transformers 2, Sean to Troll 2 (LOL) and let’s not forget Aaron to whatever his flavor of the week is (I’m just busting your balls), everyone has their guilty pleasure. Underworld Awakening just might be mine this calendar year. It’s a new war, a new breed and a new hope. And the 3D battle between the ever clanging Vampires and Lycans resumes on May 8th with a Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD release. Oh yeah…there’s that UltraViolet stuff too. Continue reading ‘UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING Rises on Blu-ray May 8th’
March 20th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Liam Neeson stars as John Ottway, a sharpshooting wolf hunter who becomes an unlikely hero, leading a group of oilrig roughnecks on a death-defying backwoods trek through the Alaskan wilderness. When a plane transporting them to Anchorage crashes on a remote mountaintop, eight survivors must find their way back to civilization or perish in a frozen wasteland. With Ottway as their guide, the ravaged group faces hostile terrain with limited supplies. Most terrifyingly, they are stalked by a pack of fierce and cunning wolves. In order to survive, they will have to turn the tables on the ferocious predators in an unparalleled wilderness adventure.
Continue reading ‘The Grey Arrives on Blu-ray May 22 and is Available to Pre-Order!’
March 20th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
In a somewhat strange movie, before the Fox panel for Prometheus and Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Fox Searchlight was scheduled to present a panel for an upcoming film of theirs, Sound of My Voice. This is a film that premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, only now coming close to being released in theaters. The film is a psychological thriller that surrounds the concept of a mysterious cult-like group, led by a young woman, and discovering whether or not she is for real in her claims or leading an elaborate con. Given that this was an independent film with a different sort of premise, it felt kind of odd to put it on display in a room full of thousands of people more interested in panel’s for blockbuster films; however, at the same time, upon finding out the premise, there is a some logic as to why this film would be benefited by such a panel. Read on to find out more about this film and to see a trailer and clip from the film. Continue reading ‘WonderCon 2012: Sound of My Voice’
March 19th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Everyone fights. No one quits. During WonderCon, many arrived to the main ballroom (which holds around 4,000 people) early in order to catch some of the bigger panels that would be happening later on in the day. The first thing to actually occur in the ballroom that day was a series of trailers for many upcoming films. All of the trailers had been seen at this point, but the one exception was the trailer that played at the very end of this entertaining reel. This new trailer was for Starship Troopers: Invasion, an upcoming direct-to-Blu-ray and DVD CG-animated film. The film is apparently a sequel to the first Starship Troopers film and is set to arrive this summer. Little else is known so far, but read on to find out a bit more and to see the trailer. Continue reading ‘WonderCon 2012: Starship Troopers: Invasion’
March 19th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
The Three Musketeers is a modern retelling of Alexander Dumas’ timeless swashbuckling classic – arrived on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on March 13 from Summit Entertainment. This exciting adventure for the whole family stars Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & the Olympians), Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean films), Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil films) and Academy Award-winner Christoph Waltz (Best Supporting Actor, Inglourious Basterds). The Three Musketeers comes to life onscreen as Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson) and Aramis (Luke Evans), along with aspiring warrior, D’Artagnan (Lerman), embark on a dangerous and legendary mission across Europe to save both their King and country – “all for one and one for all.”
Continue reading ‘The Three Musketeers (2011) 2D / 3D (Blu-ray Review)’
March 19th, 2012 by Mary Welms
If you are looking for a movie with non stop laughs, crude humor, and down right goofiness, 21 Jump Street is guaranteed to make you laugh. This Cinematic version of the 80’s television series with the same name is the funniest movie I have seen this year, Tatum shows us his comedic side, while Hill continues to make us laugh. They play off each other well, and make a great team! Written by Jonah Hill and Michael Bacall, and directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) The original series starred Johnny Depp as Officer Tom Hanson; it turned him into a teen heart throb and launched his career. The movie does not follow the original characters of the series, but it is a continuation of the Jump Street program. Continue reading ’21 Jump Street (Movie Review)’
March 19th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
During the weekend of March 16-18, 2012, I was able to be a part of WonderCon 2012. WonderCon is normally located up in San Francisco, but this year, due to renovations taking place at the Moscone Center, WonderCon was relocated to the Anaheim Convention Center. 2012 marks the 26th anniversary of WonderCon and to kick things off for Why So Blu’s coverage, here is a post about the 20th Century Fox panel, which premiered new footage and trailers for two of their big summer movies, Prometheus and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and featured appearances from the cast and crew from both films. Continue reading ‘WonderCon 2012: 20th Century Fox – Prometheus and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’
March 19th, 2012 by Scott Wampler
Back when V/H/S (which, for brevity and sanity’s sake, we’re going to call VHS from here on out) premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, the word on the street was that directors Ti West, Joe Swanberg, Radio Silence, David Bruckner, Adam Wingard, and Glenn McQuaid had crafted one helluva found-footage horror anthology: reports had audience members vomiting in their seats, people fainting out of sheer terror, massive rounds of applause when the credits rolled, and so on. And so, it was with great anticipation that I decided to check out one of the film’s midnight screenings during this year’s SXSW Film Festival. Did the film live up to the hype? Find out below, folks. Continue reading ‘SXSW Film Festival: ‘V/H/S’ (Movie Review)’
March 16th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
So anyone that was hoping for the dark and gritty reboot of the 80s undercover cop drama 21 Jump Street in the same way that Michael Mann rebooted Miami Vice, they will be disappointed with what has actually been made. Instead, this is a delightfully funny and wild take on that material, which is like a crack-addicted blend between John Hughes and Lethal Weapon. This new take on 21 Jump Street maintains the same basic premise of assigning cops to undercover roles as high school kids, but ups the raunchy factor significantly. The film is at times crude, but also a lot cleverer and more self aware than one would expect. It is entertaining in a wonderfully over-the-top sort of way, with Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum making for a great comedic team. Continue reading ‘Sex, Drugs, Car Chases – It’s Not High School, It’s ’21 Jump Street’’
March 16th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
The sequel to Happy Feet, the Academy Award-winning animated smash hit, Happy Feet Two returns audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica. Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven – a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures – from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals – to put things right. Continue reading ‘Happy Feet Two (Blu-ray Review)’
March 15th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Town is a very fun bank heist/cops and robbers movie. The film is Ben Affleck’s second time in the director’s chair, a follow up to the excellent Gone Baby Gone, and this film continues to prove that he is quite capable behind the camera. The film is well made, wonderfully entertaining, and backed by a strong cast. Even as it follows some familiar beats of this genre, it manages to be both a crowd-pleaser and confident in its structure. Now The Town has been given a second release, dubbed the “Ultimate Collector’s Edition”, which contains a new cut of the film that features an alternate ending, among other new bonuses. While not the film I expected an elaborate double-dip from, at least it’s a very watchable and well assembled film to see an ultimate version of. Continue reading ‘The Town: Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
It is always nice to see the announcement of a few classic films making their way onto Blu-ray. Earlier today, Fox announced that they will be releasing The Grapes of Wrath and Zorba the Greek on June 5th. Both are award winning features that should be worked into the rotation of any cinefile who has been looking forward to catching up on either of these films. Personally, I’ll be quite happy to see Anthony Quinn dancing to Greek music in ‘Zorba‘, which has some wonderful (Oscar winning) cinematography, while ‘Grapes‘ is a good enough watch, if one is in the right mood (though Henry Fonda is great). Regardless, soon enough people will get to see this films in glorious High Definition. Read on to see Fox’s official press release. Continue reading ‘June Debut For Award Winners – The Grapes of Wrath And Zorba The Greek’
