Archive Page 542
October 20th, 2011 by Brian White
Like it or hate it, its Halloween season and you know what that means. No! It’s not another Saw movie. I think we all kind of had enough of those after the last stinker. Instead, it’s the new Saw-like franchise of the 10’s that took the world by storm in 2009, Paranormal Activity. That’s right ladies and gentleman. Paranormal Activity, aptly titled Paranormal Activity 3, is back with a vengeance, but this time around the third outing serves as a prequel, set some 18 years prior to the events of the first two connected films. The low budget, supernatural horror film hits theaters this Friday, October 21st, but you can read all about my first impressions below before heading out in this never-ending rainy weather, depending upon where you live of course. In hindsight, I suppose the dreary weather most of us are experiencing serves a purpose as a most righteous backdrop for horror films and Halloween. ‘Tis the season! Continue reading ‘‘Tis The Season: ‘Paranormal Activity 3’ (Movie Review)’
October 20th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
From Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes all the fun, epic adventure and humor that ignited the original. Johnny Depp returns as as the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. A tale of truth, betrayal, youth, demise – and mermaids! When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love or if she’s a ruthless con artist using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Forced aboard the ship of the most feared pirate ever, Jack doesn’t know who to fear more – Blackbeard (Ian McShane) or the woman from his past. The first movie in a proposed second Pirates trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides as directed by Rob Marshall, is filled with eye-popping battle scenes, mystery and all-out wit. Continue reading ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D/2D (Blu-ray Review)’
October 19th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
The feisty Late, Late Night host is bringing the laughs to your living room in this feature length comedy concert DVD that is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and plenty of other things. *snare* Craig Ferguson: Does This Need To Be Said is brisk in content running time, only a mere 65 minutes in length, but that’s more than enough time to get your laugh on. Craig Ferguson: Does This Need To Be Said is also NOT RATED, so you best believe the Scotsman will bring it all to the stage. Let’s keep it going. Continue reading ‘Craig Ferguson: Does This Need To Be Said? (DVD Review)’
October 19th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
When a newspaper offers Steve Coogan (24 Hour Party People, Tropic Thunder, and Around the World in 80 Days) the chance to review a series of fine restaurants in the English countryside, he thinks it will make for a lovely getaway with his girlfriend Mischa (Margo Stilley, the daring star of Winterbottom’s 9 Songs). When Mischa backs out, Rob Brydon (TV’s Little Britain, Oliver Twist) – Coogan’s best friend and source of eternal aggravation – fills in as a less-than-ideal travel companion. In semi-fictional performances using largely improvised dialogue from these two real-life friends (the co-stars of Winterbottom’s similar reality/fiction mash-up Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story), Coogan and Brydon can’t help but try to outdo each other as they endure long car rides between meal after meal. Continue reading ‘The Trip (DVD Review)’
October 19th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Led by the fiery Dr. Gillian Magwilde (Julie Graham), an intrepid team of archaeologists finds mud, blood, and death-defying adventure when they start digging. Combining historical mysteries with modern forensics, each episode focuses on a particular period in history, from the Crusades to Joan of Arc, King Arthur, and soldiers fighting in World War I. Set in the beautiful ancient city of Bath, England, the series blends modern forensics with historical mysteries for exciting entertainment. Broadcast on BBC, this 2008 action-adventure series follows a motley team of archaeologists as they unearth secrets from the past. The first-rate ensemble cast features Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Iris), Julie Graham (Survivors, The Bill, At Home with the Braithwaites), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Undercovers, Larry Crowne, Doctor Who), and Adrian Lester (Hustle, Primary Colors), with guest stars Eamonn Walker (Oz) and Burn Gorman (Torchwood). Continue reading ‘Bonekickers (Blu-ray Review)’
October 18th, 2011 by Blu-ray Brian
Here’s a movie that my jaw is still laying on the ground over and I STILL find myself grasping at straws when I try to describe just how powerful this film really is. Never in a million years would I have believed you if you told me in January that Rise of the Planet of the Apes would be my favorite film of 2011. NEVER! But here we are. And here I am. Not one film, in my opinion, has swayed my vote for #1 film of the year thus far. Sure, I’m not being ignorant and saying that there are not better films out there, but instead, I’m simply saying that you can’t change my mind no matter how hard you try. Whether it’s the beautiful leading lady, Freida Pinto, or the immense emotional stakes this movie tackles, I don’t care. I don’t have to defend myself. This is my post. And this is my film of the year and I am ecstatic to announce that the evolution becomes one with the Hi-Def revolution when the critically-acclaimed $432 million worldwide box office smash arrives and takes the Blu-ray world captive on December 13th. Continue reading ‘Bring Caesar Home on Blu-ray’
October 18th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
An actress, screenwriter and bestselling author (“Postcards from the Edge,” “The Best Awful” and “Wishful Drinking”), Carrie Fisher is the daughter of the late singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds, known as “America’s Sweethearts” in the late ‘50s. She became a cultural icon at age 19 after starring as Princess Leia in the first “Star Wars” trilogy in the 1970s. Despite growing up with “Hollywood royalty” and experiencing early fame of her own, Fisher’s life had its challenges, as she reveals in this uproarious and sobering account. Combining wry wit and raw facts, Wishful Drinking reveals her own hilarious slant on the not-so-glittering side of being a celebrity. It’s a show where she’s circling the drain singing. Continue reading ‘Wishful Drinking (DVD Review)’
October 17th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Who’s in the mood for some controversy, violence, brutality, gore, and a few other things? Getting The Woman screener in the mail was a pretty hysterical experience, because it actually came with a doggie bag just in case I wanted to have a vomit. C’mon, after watching Martyrs and A Serbian Film back-to-back was The Woman really going to make me throw up? Well, keep on reading to see if the doggie bag was utilized. Why So Blu? is proud to present: The Woman. Continue reading ‘The Woman (Movie Review)’
October 17th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
Full confession alert: I highly dislike the Pretenders. I believe they are a moronic, pretentious, and overall unentertaining band. I wasn’t totally engrossed with the idea of watching this on Blu-ray, but I sure wasn’t rejecting it. So I went in open-minded to this, and it ended on a disappointing note. After that, I had to watch the special features, which were just as dreadful as the film itself. On top of that, Pretenders Loose In L.A. features unimpressive video and audio quality. An all-around failure. Continue reading ‘Pretenders: Loose in L.A. (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
Amidst the many R-rated comedies of 2011, Bad Teacher managed to become a pretty decent sized hit. It crossed over the $100 mil mark and seemed to prove that Cameron Diaz can draw in a crowd. I still wish it was a better movie though. Instead of playing out as a clever satire about a teacher who does not care or as a spin on the teacher who comes into the lives of students and makes a difference in an unorthodox way, this movie is simply a feature-length sitcom. The film plays as an R-rated, raunchy comedy, where logic does not really apply and the overall plot is incredibly contrived and conventional. Still, I did laugh quite a bit, thanks to the efforts of the cast. While not adding a whole lot, the Blu-ray for the film does also provide an attempt to further lay out some laughs with all the outtake centric features. Continue reading to find out more. Continue reading ‘Bad Teacher (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Whysoblu.com in association with Comedy Central is offering THREE lucky readers the opportunity to win a copy of Craig Ferguson: Does This Need To Be Said? on DVD! To enter the giveaway, readers simply need to fill out the entry form in its ENTIRETY. To enter a second time in the contest, readers who have previously entered on the WSB website need only add the official Why So Blu? Facebook page to their list of “Likes.” Entrants must have a valid US address within the lower 48 states. Readers are eligible for a maximum of two entries in the giveaway (one via this contest post, one via Facebook “Like”). This giveaway will close on Sunday October 23rd at 11.59am EST, and THREE randomly selected winners will be chosen soon thereafter. Please remember that this contest is only open to readers within the lower 48 states. Good luck! Continue reading ‘WIN ‘Craig Ferguson: Does This Need To Be Said?’ on DVD!’
October 15th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Le Quattro Volte (The Four Times) is a peculiar little film from the folks over at Kino Lorber. I was initially a little skeptical about taking the job of reviewing it, because when it was initially described to me by another reviewer, it didn’t quite do anything for me. Then I decided to do a little bit of research and five minutes later I was ready to do it! Yes, the film is a foreign one, Italian, but considering it takes place in the Italian countryside, I knew it would look damn good. How was the film and Blu-ray, you ask? Let me tell you… Continue reading ‘Le Quattro Volte (Blu-ray Review)’
October 15th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
The Captains, is a feature-length documentary that “boldly goes where no man has gone before,” giving viewers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the most durable and profitable franchises in entertainment history, and the men and women who made the Star Trek brand an international phenomenon since 1966. Written and directed by William Shatner, The Captains chronicles one of the most engaging media personalities of our time on his quest to explore the impact that Star Trek has had on his life. Why, in spite of his voluminous stage, screen, and television credits, as well as his numerous Emmys and Golden Globe Awards, does one role in his career loom so large that it nearly eclipses all others? To find the answer, Shatner enlists the help of the elite group of actors including Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard), Kate Mulgrew (Captain Kathryn Janeway), Avery Brooks (Captain Benjamin Sisko), Scott Bakula (Captain Jonathan Archer), and Chris Pine (Captain James T. Kirk, Star Trek 2009) who also assumed the mantle of Starship Captain. In the process, coupling their own unique stories with their compelling insights, the five Captains give Shatner a better understanding of his own life. Continue reading ‘The Captains (DVD Review)’
October 15th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
A pointless retread, cleverly disguised as a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic. Sure it is set before the events of the previous ‘Thing’, but this film so wishes to be just like its predecessor, it’s just too bad no one wanted to concentrate on a decent script or finding what it takes to recreate the sense of dread and paranoia that made that film so rewarding. I could try to be less harsh with this movie, but what is the point? I did not enjoy it, found many problems throughout, and have very little praise to give to it. I guess I’ll keep going, but the gist of this thing is that anyone unfamiliar with the previous version of The Thing should go seek that film out right away and avoid this film. Continue reading ‘‘The Thing’ From Another Decade…Was Much Better’
October 15th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
So earlier in the week, before seeing the new update of Footloose, I watched the original 1984 Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon, for the very first time. Upon doing this, I found out something that I was not aware of – Footloose is a legitimately good movie and I was never aware of this fact. It rests on the silly logic of having a town under oppression when it comes to the subject of dancing, but the movie is quite enjoyable. With this remake, I can’t say I was excited for it, especially given my newfound appreciation for the original, but I was curious, as I learned it was under the direction of Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan), who has a good handle on films with a country setting. Fortunately, while it goes the carbon copy route, I found this modernized update of Footloose to be quite enjoyable as well. Continue reading ‘Beat For Beat, It’s The Old ‘Footloose’, But In New Boots’
October 14th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
One of television’s most influential and beloved programs, The Honeymooners first appeared in 1951 as a series of sketches on the DuMont network’s Cavalcade of Stars starring Jackie Gleason. The following year Gleason moved to CBS, where The Jackie Gleason Show featured numerous Honeymooners sketches and full length shows from 1952 to 1957. These shows aired live and were never rebroadcast. For decades, these early Honeymooners telecasts were lost until Jackie Gleason began releasing them from his private film vault. Now, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the very first Honeymooners sketches, MPI Home Video and Jackie Gleason Enterprises present the most complete collection possible of these rare gems, many of which have not been seen anywhere in 50 years or available previously on DVD. It’s a treasure trove of the hilarious antics of hapless Brooklyn bus driver Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason), his long-suffering but loving wife Alice (Audrey Meadows), Ralph’s neighbor and pal, sewer worker Ed Norton (Art Carney) and Norton’s wife Trixie (Joyce Randolph). Continue reading ‘The Honeymooners: Lost Episodes 1951-1957 – The Complete Restored Series (DVD Review)’
October 14th, 2011 by Matt Goodman
Before his untimely death earlier this year, Gary Moore went all out at his Montreux show in 2010. Moore is a legendary blues-rock guitarist and singer, and is one of my most beloved classic artists. If Moore were around today, he would be ecstatic to see himself on this dazzling Blu-ray disc, which has near-perfect sound and picture quality. It’s not all illustrious, as usual. With these Eagle Rock concert Blu-ray’s being released, not a bunch of special features have been included, and this is no exception. Hopefully in the future, more features can be at liberty, but for now, take the weight off your feet, unwind, and enjoy some pleasant music. Continue reading ‘Gary Moore: Live at Montreux 2010 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 14th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
A powerful and emotional film based on John Irving’s best-selling American classic, The Cider House Rules tells the story of Homer Wells (Maguire), an orphan who is eager to leave the confines of St. Cloud’s Orphanage to explore the world. A favorite of the orphanage director, Homer has been groomed to be successor to Dr. Larch (Caine), a doctor who provides safe, albeit illegal abortions. After meeting Wally (Paul Rudd) and Candy (Theron), the doctor performs the procedure on the pregnant Candy, and Homer leaves with them to work on Wally’s apple farm. Drawn in by her beauty, Homer falls in love with Candy, and learns powerful lessons about love, life and home. Starring Golden Globe nominee Tobey Maguire (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Brothers, 2010) and Oscar winner Charlize Theron (Best Actress in a Leading Role, Monster, 2003), the film also features Oscar winner Michael Caine in the role that won him his second statuette. The Miramax film was directed by three-time Oscar nominee Lasse Hallström. Continue reading ‘The Cider House Rules (Blu-ray Review)’
