Archive Page 522
March 24th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
It seems like The Hunger Games could have easily been a huge disaster waiting to happen, regardless of the monetary success it becomes in its opening weekend. The film is based on another popular book series, geared more towards a teenage audience, featuring a familiar narrative, with a romantic angle added on to boot. We are already seeing crowds go wild and chanting things such as, “Team Peeta,” which could easily come off as nonsense to those unfamiliar. Thankfully, this heavily anticipated film is pretty damn entertaining. Given the strong lead performance, solid handle on bringing the source material alive, and maintaining a certain level of excitement throughout, I was very happy to be thoroughly pleased by the results and more interested in reading the other two books in this series. Now regardless of whether or not one has read the books, I think there is a lot to enjoy in this film, especially given the crazy amount of hype it has to live up to. Some flaws aside, this could be the start of a new franchise that is both well crafted and worthy of such high fan reaction. Continue reading ‘The Hunger Games Are On Like Donkey Kong’
March 23rd, 2012 by Brian White
Come on! Show some love for the “Material Girl.” If Gene Siskel gave it “Two Thumbs Up!,” then you know this “rock doc” has to be good, right? Right! Madonna has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide and is the top-selling female artist of all-time. And it’s only befitting for me, being the biggest Madonna fan on this site, to not only enjoy this one on the Blu-ray format, but tackle the review too. I don’t think any of my fellow reviewers will argue that point. Mute! Drum roll please…Presented for the very first time in a stunning new 1080p High Definition transfer and 5.1 DTS Master Audio, Madonna: Truth or Dare premieres on Blu-ray April 3rd and thinking back, I remember the 1999 VHS tape like it was yesterday. Does that make me really old or just someone with a very good memory? I’m not sure. Continue reading ‘Madonna: Truth or Dare (Blu-ray Review)’
March 23rd, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
Cheers! In today’s news, Warner Home Video debuts a monumental box set for their devoted Harry Potter fans. Announcing the Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection, which boasts all eight movies on Blu-ray, DVD and UltraViolet Digital Copy on September 7th. This limited and numbered collection is the largest ever for Warner bros. The 31-disc collection features all previously released content plus 5 hours of never-before-seen exclusive material and is presented in gorgeous gift box packaging with eight must-have pieces of collectible movie memorabilia that can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t believe me? Check out the full press release below. Continue reading ‘Announcing The Blu-ray ‘Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection’’
March 23rd, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
The Mighty Mel Gibson returns! This time it’s in a film written, produced and starring himself. What more can you ask for? I just watched The Patriot this morning while eating breakfast…bad a$$…but that’s not why we are here. Get The Gringo is an explosive action filmed infused with dark comedy directed by Adrian Grunberg from a screenplay he co-wrote with Mel Gibson and produced by Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey and Stacy Perskie. Filmed in Mexico, the multi-lingual film also stars Daniel Gimenez Cacho, Jesus Ochoa, Roberto Sosa, Dolores Heredia, Kevin Hernandez, Fernando Becerril, Mayra Serbullo, Mario Zaragoza, Gerardo Taracena, Tenoch Huerta and Peter Gerety. Continue reading ‘Get The Gringo Gets a Trailer!’
March 23rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The beauty of director Tarsem Singh’s Greek Myth 3D action film, Immortals, is definitely the most interesting thing about it. At 2011’s San Diego Comic Con, Tarsem, known for his work in music videos as well as his two previous films, The Cell and The Fall, made a point of noting that story comes after the fact for him. His focus lies in the visuals and Immortals is a fine example of this in action. The movie is gorgeous to look at and the audience is certainly given enough opportunities to focus on the visuals, as there is not much to this story, which is treated deadly serious, even though it is just as silly as many of the sword and sandal fantasy films that have come before it. As long as the characters were in the midst of combat I was pleased enough, but the time for talk certainly slowed down the excitement. Guranteed thoughts during my first watch though – the Blu-ray would look great. Continue reading ‘Immortals (Blu-ray Review)’
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)’
It seems like The Hunger Games could have easily been a huge disaster waiting to happen, regardless of the monetary success it becomes in its opening weekend. The film is based on another popular book series, geared more towards a teenage audience, featuring a familiar narrative, with a romantic angle added on to boot. We are already seeing crowds go wild and chanting things such as, “Team Peeta,” which could easily come off as nonsense to those unfamiliar. Thankfully, this heavily anticipated film is pretty damn entertaining. Given the strong lead performance, solid handle on bringing the source material alive, and maintaining a certain level of excitement throughout, I was very happy to be thoroughly pleased by the results and more interested in reading the other two books in this series. Now regardless of whether or not one has read the books, I think there is a lot to enjoy in this film, especially given the crazy amount of hype it has to live up to. Some flaws aside, this could be the start of a new franchise that is both well crafted and worthy of such high fan reaction. Continue reading ‘The Hunger Games Are On Like Donkey Kong’
