Archive Page 536
December 29th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
About 45 minutes into this Russian-set alien invasion movie I realized that I had no idea what the names of the characters I had been following were. That probably sums up the character work done in this film to keep you hoping for their survival, even though the leads are fairly likable. I should also note that at this point, I’ll only refer to the actors by their real names. Nothing makes this badly timed release (Christmas Day, really?) an abysmal film, it just feels like an incompetent one, with a noticeably bad handle on its editing. As a result, The Darkest Hour is not as laughably bad (making it almost good, but not really) like Skyline, but it’s also not full of serviceable grit and over-the-top (but still kinda enjoyable) gusto like Battle: LA. It just sits in the “this will soon be available for $4 in a bargain bin” territory. But hey, at least it was shot in 3D, right? Continue reading ‘‘The Darkest Hour’ Didn’t Quite Brighten My Day’
December 28th, 2011 by Gregg Senko
I was kind of worried throughout the first half of the year that it wasn’t going to be a pleasant 2011 as far as theater viewings went. There were more than a few flops at the cinema by the time June came to a close with a sparse picking of films that had some ‘wow’ factor. Thankfully, the second half of 2011 made up for it in just about any genre you can think of, and as December winds down, I waited until seeing War Horse before releasing this list. However, that potentially epic film fell short and didn’t come close to making the list. So without any more delay, here are some of the best and worst films we’ve had the opportunity (or displeasure) of experiencing since January…
Continue reading ‘Gregg’s Top 10 Cinema Films of 2011 (and some duds too)’
December 27th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
It’s been about three years or so since Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark began principle photography. All was fun and games until Miramax was bought out by Disney and several films in the Miramax slate were shelved. Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark was one of these films. At long last the film saw a wide release a few months ago, through different distributors, and we now have the latest Guillermo Del Toro produced picture on Blu-ray. Yes, it so happens that this version of Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is also a remake of a cult horror favorite. Since Guillermo Del Toro is spearheading the project, it can only be good, right? Don’t be afraid of this review and come on in… Continue reading ‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (Blu-ray Review)’
December 27th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
From director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg, in association with Hasbro, Paramount Pictures’ global smash hit Transformers: Dark of the Moon returns to Earth January 31, 2012 in a four-disc Ultimate Edition Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD combo pack with UltraViolet™ and a Digital Copy. A must-own film for every home media collection, Transformers: Dark of the Moon features “jaw-droppingly amazing 3D” (Harry Knowles, AintItCool.com) and fan-favorite characters OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE and Sam Witwicky amidst bigger and more spectacular action in an adventure that surpassed its predecessors to earn over $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office and become the #4 biggest movie of all time at the global box office. Bursting with nearly four hours of sensational behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interviews and more, the Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD combo pack delivers blockbuster entertainment. “This Blu-ray 3D of Dark of the Moon will blow you away. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get a 3D television, this is it,” said director Michael Bay. “For fans who’ve been waiting patiently to bring Dark of the Moon home, this Ultimate Edition release delivers the goods.” Continue reading ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon 4 disc Ultimate Edition Blu-ray released on January 31st’
December 27th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
To me, 2011 was a pretty unusual year. I say that because I found there to be an unusual amount of great films that came out in both the realm of mainstream feature films and the realm of art house and independent features. This year, like any year, had its share of duds as well, but in looking back at the 120+ films I saw theatrically (yep), I can say that it was a pretty strong percentage of good to great films. So much so that the following list was practically too much for me to contain to a simple top ten, so I have listed a number of honorable and special mentions, as well as provided a few other odds & ends. Enjoy. (I left a ton of Easter Eggs linked within a lot of the pictures)
Continue reading ‘Aaron’s Top 10 Films of 2011 & Other Yearly Wrap-Up Stuff’
December 26th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Up next is the independent film Catch .44 starring Bruce Willis, Forrest Whitaker, Malin Akerman, Nikki Reed, Deborah Ann Woll, and Brad Dourif. The film was picked up by Anchor Bay for release on Blu-ray and DVD. Catch .44 is being marketed, or at least the back of the box says, it’s Reservoir Dogs meets The Usual Suspects. I’m not really a fan of that type of marketing, because I usually like to let the film stand on its own two legs instead of comparing it to previously published material. I mean with a cast like the one in Catch .44, why would you need to compare it to something else? Is Catch .44 any good, though? In doing some research, meaning that in reading other people’s reviews on the film, I do believe that most of them missed the point. This may or may not be a controversial review depending on what your feminist stand points may be. That or if you think Quentin Tarantino is the only human being that can make caper films. With that teaser out of the way let’s get to the review. Continue reading ‘Catch .44 (Blu-ray Review)’
December 26th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
Just like our fellow reviewer Brian White, I waited to see the highly anticipated The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (you can read my review HERE). Turns out I could have written it a week ago and not much would have changed. Anyway, I’m injecting some spice into thee ol’ top ten list; with a mini “Why So Blu Awards” included. I can only imagine the reactions I am going to receive from this list. What some may call “forgettable”, I call “instant classic”. While there are four major films I would have loved to see before making this list (Young Adult, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Martha Marcy May Marlene, and The Artist), I guess we’ll do with what we have. So sit back, relax, and enter Matt’s top ten films of 2011. Continue reading ‘Matt’s Top Ten Films of 2011 and Awards’
December 25th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
Usher OMG Tour Live From London opens with a black screen, where multi-million dollar R’n’B artist Usher is praying to some sort of bible passage. Immediately after, his first song entitled Monstar plays, followed by an astounding, very well-choreographed dance number. Aside from the catchy song Yeah, I have never been a huge fan of Usher. I found his music almost as annoying as hearing the Black Eyed Peas singing Boom Boom Pow for the hundredth damn time. However, that is not the case here. I quite enjoyed Usher OMG Tour, I didn’t find it too irritating (aside from a few songs towards the end) and the film had really good technical aspects about it, which I’ll get into soon. If you are a fan of Usher, this is a must-buy. Continue reading ‘Usher: OMG Tour, Live From London (Blu-ray Review)’
December 24th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Kung Fu Panda 2, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s popular follow up to the Academy Award-nominated original debuted on Blu-ray and DVD on December 13, 2011. Combining non-stop action, a fantastic cast, and stunning animation, this sequel delighted viewers of all ages with its engaging story and colorful visuals. Featuring an all-star cast of voice talent including Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Michelle Yeoh, Danny McBride and Jean-Claude Van Damme, the film earned more than $650 million at the global box office, making it one of the top five films of the year worldwide. Continue reading ‘Kung Fu Panda 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
December 23rd, 2011 by Lauren Pacheco
Before I start to tell you about what I have discovered about Charlie O’Connell let’s rattle off some of what Charlie has done in his career thus far. First film that pops into my head is he’s the “Stoner BashingTime” guy in Dude Where’s My Car, his line in that film gets me every time. Then there is The New Guy where he gets to play along side brother, Jerry O’Connell. Later To Kill a Mockumentary came about where he played Judas. Oh and there was The Gentleman’s League which I really took a liking to but that only lasted two episodes. All these roles are comedy roles. Nothing stuck out to me that was super serious or suspenseful like we are all about to see in Huff. Continue reading ‘Huff: The New Villian on the Street’
December 23rd, 2011 by Lauren Pacheco
In this gory-tale film, Huff, the big bad wolf has three step-daughters and the youngest of the three is Shay played by newbie actress Elly Stefanko. On my way up to Santa Clarita I was doing some research on her to see who she was. Little did I know that googling her would lead me to her website where I shockingly found out she is a pop diva. Well, as you will find out ‘Diva’ is not even in Elly’s makeup. Her latest song, “Spoiled” has a great video that spoofs the Jersey Shore kids. As you listen you may think she only sounds good due to the synthesizers and auto-tune on this track but as you click to her other songs, especially her renditions of various Christmas favorites, that is not the case. No auto-tune, no track laid behind her, just a piano and her voice. I am overly impressed. Continue reading ‘Huff: Rising Star Elly Stefanko’
December 23rd, 2011 by Lauren Pacheco
When I saw that Clint Howard was on the call sheet for the day I was to visit the set of Huff I got a little bit of extra giddy in my step. With over 200 titles to his credit he is without a doubt engrained in your memory. Son of Rance Howard and brother to Ron Howard he rounds the family out in true talent. A few titles from memory would be when he played Stanley in Evilspeak which at the time frightened me to see Clint turn into what can only be described as a demonized hog with horns that decapitates people with a sword. Later roles in Austin Powers, Water Boy, Little Nicky, and Apollo 13 all float in my head as I rack my brain. Star Trek, Cinderella Man, Halloween, The Dilemma and a flurry of television shows. The list just doesn’t quit. Continue reading ‘Huff: Interview with Clint Howard’
December 23rd, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
We Bought a Zoo is a movie made to make you feel good. There is no other way around that. It features nice performances, a nice score, stakes that are enough to keep you involved, but never to really put you in a tense place, and an overall sweetness that is enough to make your teeth fall out. It is certainly nothing I hold against the film, especially given that it is based on a true story, but the joyful optimism seen in this film can only take one so far, before the level of interest starts to fade. Still, We Bought a Zoo is perfectly acceptable for families to watch together during the holiday season and at least possesses a confidence in the acting and filmmaking to keep it ahead of other, similar family friendly features. Continue reading ‘‘We Bought A Zoo’ Sure Is Sweet…’
December 23rd, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
As promised, here is my Top 10 FILM list for 2011. I actually had to scramble in compiling this list, because there was one movie that I needed to see before my deadline and I was confident that it would go on my list. Did it, though? That’s what you’re going to have to read to find out. These films are all films that opened in limited or wide release, but that exhibited in 2011. Not all of these films were actually seen at the theater, some were seen on Blu-ray – the point is that they were all seen this. year. With that out of the way, enjoy what I have to offer you in my Top 10 list of 2011 at Why So Blu. Continue reading ‘Gerard’s Top 10 FILMS of 2011′
December 22nd, 2011 by John Hitch
David Fincher’s newest flick, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, features an unforgettable opening sequence reminiscent of star Daniel Craig’s other franchise, which coincidently, is also filled with sex, spy gadgets and wealthy super villains. This movie begins by flashing sort-of-nude dancers writhing to a tune related to the movie, like Octopussy or Goldeneye did before it. Here it’s Trent Reznor and Karen Oh’s industrial update of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” which appropriately gears you up for the craziest events ever to befall Sweden, a tedious land of ice and snow, or more recently, IKEA and Volvo. The song choice, along with the assault of slick effects and rapid-fire editing, remind you this is going to be much more like Se7en than 007. Continue reading ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Movie Review)’
December 22nd, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of director Joe Johnston’s (Captain America: The First Avenger) action-filled and witty movie known as The Rocketeer. Now with state-of-the-art digital restoration and enhanced high definition sound, experience it as it jets off for the first time on Disney Blu-ray. The discovery of a top-secret rocket pack hurls test pilot Cliff Secord into a daring adventure of mystery, suspense, and intrigue! Cliff encounters an assortment of ruthless villains, led by a Hollywood screen star who is a secret Nazi spy. With the help of his actress girlfriend, the young pilot battles enormous odds to defeat his foes who are anxious to use the device in an evil plan to rule the world. The dangerous mission transforms the ordinary young man into an extraordinary hero. Continue reading ‘The Rocketeer: 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
December 22nd, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
The problem I have with a lot of films that are adapted from plays is how they tend to feel a bit too theatrical, yet limited scope. They are movies that feature big performances from the cast, complete with many key monologues, yet only feel like an expansion from the stage into a larger arena, as opposed to a whole new experience brought to a more cinematic format. There are many exceptions to this, with 12 Angry Men and Glengarry Glen Ross standing out as obvious ones, and I think director Roman Polanski’s adaptation of the play God of Carnage stands on sure footing. It is almost entirely contained in one setting and functions as a scathing comedy. While very limited in scope and possessing very little in the way of a true story arc structure, the film features strong performances from the four leads and is quite funny in a fittingly European way, with tinges of Curb Your Enthusiasm-inspired looniness. Carnage is an interesting departure for Polanski, but entertaining all the same. Continue reading ‘Sink Your Teeth Into Comedic ‘Carnage’’
December 22nd, 2011 by Brian White
It’s that time again. Another year has flown by and I’m still proverbially in the same place and physically in the same chair as I was last year. My how things don’t always change like you want them to, but that’s the beauty of looking forward to next year and all the endless possibilities dreams, hopes and endeavors may bring you. Here’s looking to 2012! But before I “turn the page” (a nod to Bob Seger, not Metallica), it wouldn’t be right without first recapping my favorite movies of the year and cramming down your throat why I think the way I do. Who’s right and who’s wrong when it comes to these? Absolutely no one is. We each have our own opinion, beliefs and value systems. That’s what makes us individuals. But when it’s your day to shine here on Why So Blu, your Top 10 list becomes as powerful as the almighty scriptures of the past. So for today, December 22, 2012…this is the new law being enforced upon you around here. Follow you will! Continue reading ‘Brian’s Unquestionable TOP 10 Films of 2011′
About 45 minutes into this Russian-set alien invasion movie I realized that I had no idea what the names of the characters I had been following were. That probably sums up the character work done in this film to keep you hoping for their survival, even though the leads are fairly likable. I should also note that at this point, I’ll only refer to the actors by their real names. Nothing makes this badly timed release (Christmas Day, really?) an abysmal film, it just feels like an incompetent one, with a noticeably bad handle on its editing. As a result, The Darkest Hour is not as laughably bad (making it almost good, but not really) like Skyline, but it’s also not full of serviceable grit and over-the-top (but still kinda enjoyable) gusto like Battle: LA. It just sits in the “this will soon be available for $4 in a bargain bin” territory. But hey, at least it was shot in 3D, right? Continue reading ‘‘The Darkest Hour’ Didn’t Quite Brighten My Day’
