Archive Page 568
May 22nd, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
All movies related to exorcisms will undoubtedly have to answer to one question – was it as good as the Exorcist? In this case, the answer is definitely no, but it’s not a complete waste of time either. I’m glad I got the chance to watch it and I enjoyed the film. I really liked the overall feel and atmosphere of the movie. It was serious, dark, Catholic, and it’s set in Rome. As a Catholic myself, I find all things Roman Catholic to be solemn and to be respected. Maybe that’s why I’m willing to buy into this film more than many other reviewers might. As a Catholic child I was often told that movies related to exorcism were not to be watched as it would make a person more susceptible to possession. It’s possible that the lingering fears from an admittedly lapsed Catholic have me thinking this film is creepy even before it starts. Continue reading ‘The Rite (Blu-ray Review)’
May 21st, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
It’s DTV (Direct to Video) week here at Why So Blu where we bring you more than just your average popular release on Blu-ray; we’ve got DTV material too! In this installment we will bring you Sniper: Reloaded which is the fourth film in the Sniper quadrilogy that started with actor Tom Berenger in the lead way back in 1993. To be completely honest I have not seen parts two and three, so I can’t comment on those. In fact I don’t remember much about the original Sniper film either. How will the latest installment in the dueling sniper franchise stack up to the original? Stay down, watch your step, and come on in. Continue reading ‘Sniper: Reloaded (Blu-ray Review)’
May 21st, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
The last thing you want in a summer blockbuster is to be bored. Unfortunately, the fun that has previously been a driving point in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise seems to have just about run out. I suppose giving an opinion on the franchise seems appropriate, given that this is supposedly a new start for the series. As far as I am concerned, the previous ‘Pirates’ films have not steered me wrong. They all share the same problems (overlong and overly plotted), but there is a sense of fun and imagination that I have greatly admired throughout. This latest installment of the series manages to just feel long, without the benefit of being much fun. Continue reading ‘‘Pirates’ Set Sail On Dull ‘Tides’’
May 21st, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
The Usual Suspects was released May 10th as a Blu-ray Book. I haven’t yet made up my mind about this new case, which is basically a book with a slot in the back to stick the Blu-ray disc in. As our movies shelves are beyond capacity I like the idea that these digibooks are thinner than the usual Blu-ray case, but I wonder how safe the disc is in the slot. Would it get scratched if this were one of my favorite movies that gets watched on a weekly basis? That remains to be seen, but I did learn some interesting things from the book portion of the set like the fact that The Usual Suspects was made for less than 7 million dollars, it’s been voted as one of AFI’s 10 great mystery films, and that it won two Oscars.
Continue reading ‘The Usual Suspects (Blu-ray Review)’
May 20th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
In this star-studded, black-hearted spy thriller directed and co-written by the legendary John Huston (The Maltese Falcon, The African Queen), a potentially catastrophic diplomatic letter from the CIA must be recovered at all costs. Drafted in is Rone (Patrick O’Neal), a young agent with a photographic memory, to make his way through a treacherous maze of shadowy cities and shady characters. Based on the acclaimed novel by Noel Behn, drawn from his work within the U. S. Army Counterintelligence Corps, The Kremlin Letter is a brutal, level-headed examination of espionage, leaving behind any trace of gadgetry or glamour. Continue reading ‘‘The Kremlin Letter’ is released in the UK on DVD on July 25th, 2011′
May 20th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson
Like most men, I’m a big fan of John Wayne and his movies. My father introduced Wayne into my life with movies like North to Alaska, The Alamo, Rio Bravo and more. Despite being a huge fan of the man, I still haven’t seen all of his movies since he made so many during his long career. The Horse Soldiers was one of those movies that I had never seen until now. The film is based on the true-life raid by Col. Benjamin Grierson who, began his rampage through the South (known as Grierson’s Raid) from LeGrange, Tennessee, in April of 1863. Directed by the legendary John Ford and co-starring the great William Holden, I was really looking forward to this one. Did this movie live up to my expectations? Read on and find out… Continue reading ‘The Horse Soldiers (Blu-ray Review)’
May 20th, 2011 by Mary Welms
Johnny Depp is back as my favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, in the fourth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. I know a lot of people would rather that they stopped making more sequels after the third movie, but why? Everyone old and young loves the Pirates movies. And even though the third movie wasn’t the critics’ favorite, it still made almost a billion dollars worldwide. So if the franchise is making money, the audience keeps turning out and Johnny loves playing the character…I say why jump ship now? Why not make them last. I can see it now…Pirates of the Caribbean 28: Captain Jack Goes to the Pirate Home. Continue reading ‘Captain Jack is Back in Another Swashbuckling Adventure!’
May 19th, 2011 by Jami Ferguson
I would like to think that I have a completely open mind when it comes to reviewing movies. Don’t get me wrong, I try very hard to have an open mind, I just don’t often succeed. The honest truth is that expectations are everything. If I expect too much from a movie, an otherwise decent film is disappointing. When I expect terrible and see a mediocre film I’m pleasantly surprised. In the case of I Am Number Four, my expectations weren’t that high, and I ended up kind of liking it. Continue reading ‘I Am Number Four (Blu-ray Review)’
May 19th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Following on the heels of the original Street Kings film starring Keanu Reeves is this DTV (direct to video) sequel that has absolutely nothing to do with the original. Viewers don’t have to worry about having to watch the earlier film to get this one. It’s only in the title that Street Kings 2: Motor City shares any sort of similarities. Locales have been changed and moved over to the Motor City known as Detroit, but the levels of police corruption have stayed the same. Ray Liotta stars along with Shawn Hatosy. So how will this low budget direct to video non-sequel-sequel stack up on Blu-ray? Enter the Motor City. Continue reading ‘Street Kings 2: Motor City (Blu-ray Review)’
May 19th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
Richard Hughes’ classic 1929 novel is transformed into a magnificent film adaptation by revered director Alexander Mackendrick (Sweet Smell of Success, The Ladykillers, Whisky Galore). Two British parents living in the West Indies in the 1870s decide to send their children home to be schooled in England. However, when their ship is attacked by pirates and the children are accidentally transferred onto the enemy vessel, their presence begins to stir up trouble amongst the superstitious crew. Featuring wonderful turns from Anthony Quinn (La strada, Lawrence of Arabia, Zorba the Greek), James Coburn (The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape), and Deborah Baxter (The Wind and the Lion) in a remarkable debut performance as Emily, this is a thrilling adventure classic and a subtle, captivating look at the boundaries of childhood perception. Continue reading ‘‘A High Wind In Jamaica’ is released in the UK on DVD on July 25th, 2011′
May 18th, 2011 by Kori Kemerer
Leave it to the folks over at IFC Films to deliver yet another film I wouldn’t mind seeing this May. So who doesn’t love vampires and sexy women? I don’t hear anyone objecting. LOL! From acclaimed German director Dennis Gansel, We Are The Night, a sexy and suspenseful thriller about a young woman initiated into a trio of beautiful female vampires will be released on May 27, 2011 at the prestigious ReRun arthouse theater in New York. Additionally, the film will be available nationwide on video-on-demand in more than 50 million homes across the country on the IFC Midnight platform which has launched other successful VOD releases such as The Human Centipede. Hell yeah! Check out the trailer and short press release below. Enjoy! Continue reading ‘All-Girl Vampire Thriller “We Are The Night” Trailer’
May 18th, 2011 by Gregg Senko
Some called this film a strong parallel to 1992’s Single White Female. Since that film has yet to grace my viewing attention, I went into The Roommate with an open mind. The man calling the shots here is Danish director Christian E. Christiansen, more widely known for his works abroad than those here in North America. His talents were lauded by the creative minds behind The Roommate‘s script, so take that and bring in an aesthetically pleasing cast and you’ve got the makings of a strong hit, right?
Continue reading ‘The Roommate (Blu-ray Review)’
May 17th, 2011 by Aaron Neuwirth
This week’s episode of the Mortal Kombat: Legacy web series is a return to form for what many people were expecting upon first seeing the short film, Mortal Kombat: Rebirth, which debuted last year online. It is a gritty portrayal of one of the most popular Mortal Kombat characters, set within the confines of the real world, despite having some fantastical elements. This episode is all about Raiden, god of thunder, who arrives on earth, within the walls of a mental institution. What follows is a pretty effective and dramatic 10 minutes (minus credits), which has Raiden going through some rough treatment as he is forced to suffer at the hands of doctors who think he is crazy. Probably my favorite episode yet in this oddly intriguing series. Enjoy: Continue reading ‘Mortal Kombat: Legacy – Ep. 6 – Raiden’
May 17th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
I almost passed on this one thinking it was one of those vapid films about girls and shopping and superficiality, etc. Well, I was only half right and not to mention I wasn’t paying any attention to the actual title but to the two hottie actresses on the cover of the box. Then I read the title and got a chuckle, because that is a funny title. The fact that I am also Mexican may have contributed to me wanting to see it. I’m always up for a laugh when it comes at my people’s expense. I like George Lopez, so what can I say? Will From Prada to Nada pass the muster or will it be a stereotypical snoozefest at the Latino community’s expense? Continue reading ‘From Prada to Nada (Blu-ray Review)’
May 17th, 2011 by Blu-ray Brian
Need I say more? Or does the title speak for itself? Yes, I think probably for all guys out there…the title alone is enough to suffice and warrant a Blu-ray purchase. What say you? The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2011: The 3D Experience will makes its Blu-ray debut on June 7th. Are you ready to escape to the Hawaiian paradise with all the girls? Doesn’t that sound terrible? LOL. Pre-order your copy right now and learn more about this eye-popping Blu-ray release courtesy of the short press release below from Sony Home Pictures Entertainment. Enjoy! Continue reading ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2011: The 3D Experience on Blu-ray 3D’
May 17th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
One of the best films from Italian genre master Sergio Sollima (The Big Gundown), Faccia a Faccia (Face to Face ) is a gangbusting western saga and a gripping parable of the rise of fascism. Upstanding history professor Brad Fletcher (played by the incomparable Gian Maria Volonte) is forced into retirement by his poor health and moves west for the warmer climate. Almost as soon as he arrives, however, he is taken hostage by famed bandit Solomon Bennett (the great Tomas Milian) in an accidental confrontation, and by necessity is forced to take up with his cohorts. But the learned man’s growing identification with the gang encourages him to stage a takeover from Bennett, and a new crueller system of leadership is put into place. Continue reading ‘‘Faccia A Faccia,’ a film by Sergio Sollima is to be released on DVD ONLY on June 20th, 2011 (UPDATED)’
May 17th, 2011 by Blu-ray Brian
More so than often press releases pass my desk about titles I seemingly never knew existed or even heard about. One such title is the upcoming Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Blu-ray release, Winter in Wartime. Hailed and raved as both a haunting and powerful film, Winter in Wartime will make its Blu-ray debut this summer on July 26th with a Blu-ray/DVD Combo package. There is no Amazon pre-order info up for this title as of yet, but check out the full press release below for more information. Continue reading ‘Winter in Wartime Gets a July Blu-ray Release Date!’
May 16th, 2011 by Gerard Iribe
To commemorate the one year anniversary of legendary frontman Ronny James Dio’s death Why So Blu has gone ahead and prioritized this Blu-ray review of Heaven & Hell: Live Radio City Music Hall to be be posted as soon as possible. When Ozzy Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath back in the late 70’s the remaining members re-formed as Black Sabbath with Ronny James Dio as the new lead singer. Heaven & Hell was their first album together and nearly thirty years later they would tour under the name Heaven & Hell. This is a review of their 2007 concert in New York at Radio City Music Hall. Please take note that this will not be one of those reviews where we start picking sides on which line up was the best. Regardless of who you prefer let’s all agree that Dio was an awesome singer and musician. Continue reading ‘Heaven & Hell: Live Radio City Music Hall (Blu-ray Review)’
