Archive Page 525
February 25th, 2012 by Ken Johnson
Thursday is one of my favorite days covering the Oscars (along with the rest of them) because Thursday morning is the Governor’s Ball Food and Beverage Preview! The Governor’s Ball is a formal dinner held at the Hollywood and Highland Center immediately following the Oscars telecast. You have to remember the Oscars take place at 5:30pm Pacific time, so when the show is over three hours later, there is still plenty of time to party in Tinseltown! In our video for today, we had a chance to go one on one with Wolfgang Puck and get some of his perspective on throwing the official party of the Oscars. No pressure there! We also talked with Lauren Ashamalla from Sequoia Productions, who handles the logistics of the decorations and furniture for the Governor’s Ball. It is interesting to see the level of detail that goes into planning this one party! Continue reading ‘Oscars – Day 5’
February 25th, 2012 by Ken Johnson
In today’s video clip, CableSuite 541 Movie Critic and Star 97 DJ Jim Kulko and I opine about our favorites for the Oscar wins this year. Many people ask why the Oscars don’t more closely track the box office with the movie making the best money in the year winning best picture. Well, you have to remember, the folks who put on the Academy Awards is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the academics who promote and advance the movie-making craft. This means that they are concerned about the art form, not those movies us Midwesterners choose to spend our money to see. Continue reading ‘Oscars – Day 4’
February 24th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Last year my title for the film review of Battle: LA stated that you may need a video game controller in order to watch it. With Act of Valor, it seems more like a supplement to playing a video game. If you were to become tired of playing Modern Warfare or Battlefield, then Act of Valor is easily a way of keeping that emotional state alive. For a film that is based around authenticity of the actions taken by the actual active duty U.S. Navy SEALs, it is certainly just as concerned as looking like a slick video game come to life. The big difference is that this film is clearly working on a lower budget and lacks some of the visual panache that is more easily achieved by experienced action directors. Still, Act of Valor does contain a lot of harrowing action sequences, glued together by a plot that is a straight procedural and entirely inconsequential. Regardless of the intentions of this film (which started out as a recruitment film in early stages), if one desires a flurry of explosive action that is slightly more realistic than average, this is that film. Continue reading ‘‘Act of Valor’ – Rated M For Mature’
February 24th, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Catherine Deneuve’s porcelain perfection hides a cracked interior in one of the actress’s most iconic roles: Séverine, a Paris housewife who begins secretly spending her afternoon hours working in a bordello. This surreal and erotic late-sixties daydream from provocateur for the ages Luis Buñuel is an examination of desire and fetishistic pleasure (its characters’ and its viewers’), as well as a gently absurdist take on contemporary social mores and class divisions. Fantasy and reality commingle in this burst of cinematic transgression, which was one of Buñuel’s biggest hits. Continue reading ‘Belle de jour: Criterion Collection (DVD Review)’
February 23rd, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
2002’s Frida would be Salma Hayek’s passion project finally come to fruition after so many years of rejections. She obviously had to pay her dues and build herself up as an actress and producer to get this done. Just because you’re hot in this town doesn’t mean you can always get what you want. It also helps that the script for Frida was that good. Salma Hayek, in the role she was born to play, is artist Frida Kahlo who wasn’t always rich, famous, or an artist. Frida chronicles her story from adolescence and into her chance encounter with the already great and established artist Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina) who takes a fancy to her work, but later, towards her. The couple become inseparable, but what Frida doesn’t know, and will soon find out, is that Diego is a womanizer. He’s got women lining up left and right and even has a wife while courting Frida. Diego’s wife Lupe Marin is played Valeria Golino. After some disagreements, Golino shows Frida the ropes on how to deal with Diego and they become friends… Continue reading ‘Frida (Blu-ray Review)’
February 23rd, 2012 by Blu-ray Brian
I’ll tell you what. I just watched the below trailer a second time now and this film looks like a romping good time. Of course I’m talking about the feature Dennis Quaid, Aimee Teegarden and Tony Oller star in, the suspense thriller Beneath The Darkness, coming Blu-ray and DVD on February 28th from Image Entertainment. And guess what?! My very favorite PR person kindly set aside 2 copies of this title on Blu-ray to give away to 2 lucky winners. Check out the film’s trailer below and find out how you can enter today. Good luck! Continue reading ‘BENEATH THE DARKNESS Blu-ray Giveaway Contest!’
February 23rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
The summers of 2010 and 2011 have provided me with two films that, on the surface, have very little in common with one another; however, after some careful consideration, I have found many intriguing similarities between the two. I am speaking of 2010’s Inception, written and directed by Christopher Nolan, and 2011’s Midnight in Paris, written and directed by Woody Allen. These films are unlikely allies, because, in a broad sense, they are both very concerned with the concept of dreams. Both films contain a somewhat multi-layered approach to their concepts and story and were met with much success both critically and financially. It would seem audiences were on board for multifaceted thinking in the case of both a blockbuster film and a low key “art house” comedy. Regardless, I had a simple goal in mind, which I hope properly puts forth how I wanted to turn a single idea into an in-depth article concerning two films I greatly admire. [Major spoilers for both films, beyond this point] Continue reading ‘Midnight InCeption’
February 22nd, 2012 by Ken Johnson
Today is the big travel day to the Oscars. We woke up today in Ashtabula County, and before I get to lie down in pajamas to sleep again, we’ll drive to Pittsburgh to catch our flight, land in Las Vegas to rent a car, and then drive five hours over to Hollywood! As I think about the day today, my thoughts turn to the Sunday night Oscars broadcast. I for one am glad to see an old veteran anchoring the show again. And of course, by old veteran, I mean this year’s host, Billy Crystal. Last year, producers opted for a younger couple to host the show, no doubt as a way to lure younger audiences to watch the program. Continue reading ‘Oscars – Day 3’
February 21st, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
“War Horse,” the Academy Award-nominated Best Picture, is a story of incredible friendship, loyalty, courage, hope and tenacity. Based on the Tony Award-winning play, and set against the sweeping canvas of World War I, this deeply heartfelt tale begins with the remarkable friendship between a feisty colt named Joey and his young trainer Albert (Jeremy Irvine). When they’re forced apart by war, the film follows Joey’s extraordinary journey as he changes and inspires the lives of everyone he meets. No matter where they go or what they experience both boy and horse keep forging ahead, driven by devotion and the hope of returning home. Filled with spectacularly rich visuals, “War Horse” is one of the most powerful and moving stories of friendship and love ever filmed. Continue reading ‘War Horse Arrives on Blu-ray April 3! Check out the Details!’
February 21st, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
From visionary director Steve McQueen, one of the most talked about films of 2011 comes home to stunning Blu-ray from Fox Searchlight and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. A film festival powerhouse, SHAME has captivated viewers through its haunting depiction of the life of a sex addict and his emotionally troubled sister. Evocative performances from Golden Globe® nominee Michael Fassbender and Academy Award® nominee Carrie Mulligan make SHAME the must-have release of the year. Get your hands on SHAME on Blu-ray Combo Pack April 17 and see the movie everyone is talking about in the privacy of your own home. Available for pre-order now on Amazon. Continue reading ‘‘Shame’ on Blu-ray April 17th’
February 21st, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
Called “a powerful thrill ride that is simultaneously gritty and dazzling” (Claudia Puig, USA Today) the global smash hit MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—GHOST PROTOCOL explodes onto Blu-ray and DVD (both with UltraViolet™), On Demand and Digital Download April 17, 2012 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. Boasting “a bullet train of action and an arsenal of cool gadgets” (David Germain, Associated Press), MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—GHOST PROTOCOL delivers non-stop thrills and breathtaking stunts, including a dizzying ascent up the world’s tallest building that Roger Ebert called “one of the most spellbinding stretches of film I’ve seen.” The extraordinary Tom Cruise returns as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, along with an exceptional cast of actors including Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker), Simon Pegg (Star Trek), Paula Patton (Precious) and Michael Nyqvist (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo). With a worldwide box office take of more than $650 million, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—GHOST PROTOCOL is the must-own action-thriller of the year. Continue reading ‘‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ on Blu-ray April 17th’
February 21st, 2012 by Ken Johnson
Yesterday we laid out an ambitious plan of our Oscars coverage this year. The problem is though, that while you read the stories and watch the video, you are stuck at home while I’m enjoying the Oscar buzz in Hollywood. Doesn’t seem fair does it? Last year, I started the ground work to make it less unfair when I an arranged for the good folks at the ACMC Foundation to chat with my contact at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Yes, I am bragging a little bit and trying to take credit for a great event. But, remember, I did it for you! Continue reading ‘Oscars – Day 2’
February 20th, 2012 by Ken Johnson
Forget Groundhog Day! For me, the last week of February gets me through the cold, dark winter. This year is no exception. Once again, I’ll make my pilgrimage to the center of the entertainment world and bring back you sounds and images from the Academy Awards 2012. We need to say a special thank you to our sponsors for making this week possible: Ashtabula County Medical Center, The Geneva Lodge and Conference Center, Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Carlisle’s Home in the Harbor, Heather Johnson Independent Distributor of Premiere Designs Jewelry, Star 97.1 FM, Whysoblu.com, Magic Oldies 102.5, The Star Beacon, and 98.3 The Bull. Continue reading ‘It’s Time for Oscars 2012!’
February 20th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
It’s a bit of a Blu-ray music weekend here at Why So Blu and we’re gonna keep it going with our next review. DOORS Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman is our next musical review on the high definition format. This isn’t your average DOORS documentary. This Blu-ray focuses entirely on their legendary final album. The Blu-ray contains many interviews with surviving members and former collaborators. Get your mojo risin’ and keep reading to see if DOORS Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman makes the grade. Continue reading ‘DOORS Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman (Blu-ray Review)’
February 19th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
It’s funny that up until now I had no idea who Owl City was. Looking at the cover I initially figured it was some just some singer or whatever. I asked a friend if they had ever heard of that song Fireflies and I said no. Another friend said that if I was into computer music then I would actually dig him. Looks like I had to do a bit of recon before opening up the Blu-ray from Eagle Rock Entertainment for review. Was it everything I had hoped for? Was Owl City going to rock or suck? Keep reading to see if Owl City: Live From Los Angeles made the cut. Continue reading ‘Owl City: Live From Los Angeles (Blu-ray Review)’
February 19th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
From Israel’s most important filmmaker , Carmel is Amos Kitai’s deeply personal and resonant meditation on Jewish and Israeli identity. Using both fiction and documentary techniques, Gitai links his family history to ancient history. Through a series of long takes, he re-enacts the Jewish-Roman wars that began in 66 A.D., and contrasts to the young soldiers enlisting in Israel’s army today, including his own son. The cycles of violence are never-ending, but so are the bonds of family. Carmel is narrated by Jean Moreau. Continue reading ‘Carmel (DVD Review)’
February 18th, 2012 by Brian White
Ever been caught up in a “Bad Romance”? Nah. I didn’t think so. Neither have I. [cough…cough…bullsh1t!] Just when I was feeling blue and alone on Valentine’s Day this past week, Tim Sullivan made my day so much better! How you ask? Well I’ll tell you how. He provided members of the press an opportunity to check out and access the official soundtrack from his segment, I Was A Teenage Werebear, from 2011’s hit horror anthology Chillerama (see our Blu-ray review here and our theatrical Comic-Con 2011 review here), offering me an alternative kind of romance that I couldn’t have been happier about. Hey! Werebears need love too…especially this werebear. So now it’s time to purge my urge indeed as I talk about all things Chillerama: I Was A Teenage Werebear – The Original Soundtrack. Continue reading ‘‘I Was A Teenage Werebear’: The Original Soundtrack (CD Review)’
February 18th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Let’s start off with an obscure reference – The tagline for the mid-90s comic book film, The Phantom was “Slam Evil”. In Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Johnny Blaze, aka The Rider, doesn’t just slam evil, he literally sucks it in, chews on it, spits it out, then gives you the finger, as he drives off on his Hellcycle. Let it be said right now, if you’re seeking a film full of constant clarity and touches of nuance, this sequel to (the inferior) Ghost Rider will not be for you. However, if you want a film that has Nic Cage dialed to 11 and pissing fire, Idris Elba as a drunken French priest going on shooting rampages, and the Highlander himself – Christopher Lambert as a tattooed monk with a long scimitar, then this new Ghost Rider film, from the directing duo behind the Crank films, is one you may want to check out. Continue reading ‘‘Ghost Rider’ Blazes Through A Frenetic Sequel’
