‘Venom’ Sequel Is Lean, Mean, and More of the Same (Movie Review)
September 30th, 2021 by Peter Paras
Exactly three years after the original film made a whopping $856 million at the global box office, Spider-Man’s gooey nemesis returns to the big screen. Venom: Let There Be Carnage opens after numerous delays and finally, a confidant “let’s open this early!” from Sony. The original was dismissed by critics, but what the heck do they (or yours truly) know about appreciating Marvel’s take on body horror. I, for one, did appreciate Tom Hardy’s double duty as lunkhead human Eddie Brock and as the voice of the funny symbiote from another world, Venom. Is more of what worked in the first installment enough to sustain an 82 min follow-up? Read on…
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America’s favorite crazy scientist and his grandson return for their long-awaited and highly anticipated misadventures when the latest season of Adult Swim’s hit series Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season arrives on Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray and DVD on December 7, 2021. From creators Justin Roiland (“Solar Opposites”) and Dan Harmon (“Community”), get ready to binge on one of cables #1 watched comedies featuring all 10 episodes from Season 5, and outrageous bonus content including the never-before-seen featurette – “Fighting Gravity”: The Making of Season 5. Exclusive to the set, follow co-creator Dan Harmon and the crew as they reflect on the challenges of completing this season in the middle of a pandemic. Additional special features include “Inside the Episode” segments for every episode, numerous featurettes, and more. Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season is priced to own on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray Steelbook. Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers. 
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that The Mad Max Anthology, featuring 1979’s acclaimed post-apocalyptic action film Mad Max, 1981’s Mad Max The Road Warrior, 1985’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and 2015’s Mad Max Fury Road will be released together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital HD on November 2. Created by George Miller and Byron Kennedy, Miller directed or co-directed all four films. 
From legendary director Akira Kurosawa (Rashomon, Seven Samurai) comes his sweeping action epic RAN. Ran arrives November 16th on 4K Ultra HD™ Steelbook from Lionsgate, exclusively at Best Buy. Akira Kurosawa’s RAN is a visually dazzling samurai epic that blends King Lear, 16th-century feudal Japan, and Kurosawa’s own notions of loyalty and honor to tell the story of aging Lord Hidetora, whose decision to bequeath his kingdom to his three sons sparks a power struggle that leads to chaos and madness. Hailed as a masterpiece by filmmakers and cinephiles alike, and winner of the 1985 Oscar® for Costume Design, Ran is a sumptuous 4K feast. Featuring all new artwork from artist Zi Xu, Ran will be available on 4K Ultra HD™ Steelbook at Best Buy on November 16th. 
Directed by Hal Ashby and written by Colin Higgins, the critically acclaimed cult classic HAROLD AND MAUDE arrives on Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line December 7, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Originally released on December 20, 1971, HAROLD AND MAUDE celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and has been beautifully restored and remastered for this Limited-Edition release. For the restoration, the original negative was scanned in 4K and careful color correction and cleanup were undertaken to pay homage to director of photography John Alonzo’s memorable work and honor the look of the film. In addition, the incredible soundtrack was completely remixed using recently discovered tracks to add clarity and depth.
The Marx Bros are one of cinema’s greatest comedic groups of all time. In fact, their work comes so early in the history of the medium that they very much are pioneers of comedy. In an important way, they were sort of a bridge between silent films and talkies. Universal released a nice set years ago on Blu-ray, but that was only roughly have of the catalog. The other half remained in a set over at Warner Bros. With the September 28th release of A Night At The Opera, Warner Bros begins the march through that set. It includes all the bonus materials that were previously released on the DVD disc. One can hope this becomes an almost monthly endeavor like the Michael Curtiz films or at least at the pace of the Thin Man series. You can order yourself a copy of the hilarious A Night At The Opera on Blu-ray by using the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.
I’ll probably sound like a very broken record here, but one of my favorite things to look out for in the Warner Archive monthly set of catalog releases is a new one from the filmography of Michael Curtiz. The director has a ton of movies to his name, so there is a lot still out there (Including Captain Blood, dangit!). With almost a once a month spot for him in the schedule, September has landed on Santa Fe Trail. This one is another of his collaborations with actor superstar of the time, Errol Flynn. Also appearing in the film is former President of the United States Ronald Reagan. You be able to take a beautiful, new high definition look at the film when you order it. Santa Fe Trail was released on September 14th. You can use the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review if you’d like to do so and help out the site.
The 1970s were not short on films serving as character studies of some of the more ruthless individuals. The anti-heroes as we like to call them. 1978 saw Dustin Hoffman playing an ex-con freshly released from prison who just couldn’t keep away from the people and the life in Straight Time. As heralded as the film was upon release (Roger Ebert’s top film of that year), it seems to have drifted far from the conversation in terms of classics and films to study from the cinematic yesteryear. Judging by it finally coming to Blu-ray in 2021, that basically confirms its importance in the studio catalog. No matter, Warner Archive Collection is finally putting out the film. It was released on Blu-ray on September 21sth. In addition to an upgrade in sound and picture quality, the disc also features a commentary from Dustin Hoffman and the director. You can order yourself a copy to own (You really should check this one out) from the paid Amazon Associates link below the review.
Batwoman just wrapped up its second season as it heads into a third one coming very soon. The second season was largely noted as Ruby Rose dropped a bombshell that she wouldn’t be returning. Not the first time a big star has left a show. But, in today’s superhero climate, how would that be handled. My thoughts on that make up the bulk of my review, but its important. The second season gets some extras in the form of a gag reel, deleted scenes and two featurettes for the Blu-ray release. It will be available on September 21st, which you can order yourself a copy by using the glorious paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.
When Night of the Animated Dead was announced about a month ago, it rather took me by surprise. I had no idea this project existed, let alone was being worked on. George Romero’s legendary film has been remade a few times over the years to vary degrees of intrigue and success (I do like the Tom Savini directed HBO movie quite a bit). An animated take is an interesting spin if done right. The film boasts a casts of notables including horror queen Katharine Isabelle in a role as well as the likes of Josh Duhamel, Dule Hill and Jimmi Simpson. There’s a featurette on making it included in this release as well as a digital copy. Night of the Animated Dead will arrive on Blu-ray on October 5th, giving you plenty of time this Halloween season to add it to your roster of spooky movies to marathon through.
Paramount Presents continues to do good on bringing out films that haven’t been on Blu-ray before in such exciting and classy fashion. And they bounce around all different eras, genres and decades in their historic catalog. While not the first time on Blu-ray, the United States is getting treated to its first release of Jonathan Mostow’s Breakdown starring Kurt Russell. This rather loved cult film (though it was #1 opening weekend) arrives with a brand new 4K restoration of the film. There is also a nice list of new bonus features that include interviews (Jonathan Mostow, Kathleen Quinlan, Martha De Laurentis), an alternate opening and Kurt Russell on a commentary track. Its a very exciting package for this film to have, making the wait on it well worth it. The film arrived on Blu-ray on September 21st, and you may order it using the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.
One of the most demanded for Blu-ray horror films from the 1980s for many years has been 1982’s Alone in the Dark. Heck, it even made my Wishlist one year, and that was rather late as I’d been forgetting it since the first one I did 8 years ago. This early New Line Cinemas movie has been a cult favorite for many years, even receiving a special edition back in the DVD days. Luckily it has wound up in the caring hands at Scream Factory for its debut on the Blu-ray format. It features some new bonus material and the old stuff as well as new 2K transfer. Alone in the Dark was released back on September 14th, but there was a delay in the distribution facilities getting them out. This title wasn’t alone in that, as many have seen delays or late shipping in production. To grab yourself this wonderful horror collector’s item, use the paid Amazon Associates link below to secure yourself a copy!
For the past 4 years, Warner Bros has been gifting us one pristine restoration of a Stanley Kubrick film in the September/October frame. Staring with 2001: A Space Odyssey and movie through The Shining and Full Metal Jacket, we now arrive on 1971’s A Clockwork Orange. A film notable for making quite a statement, finding itself to be a controversial piece of cinema in response to its release, later becoming a staple of college dorm room posters and angsty teen imagery. With the pattern set of the 3 previous releases on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray, it was a foregone conclusion that A Clockwork Orange would be this year’s. That makes it look very much like Eyes Wide Shut will be for 2022. A Clockwork Orange is out now, having released on September 21st. You can order yourself a copy from the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review.
Universal’s big-screen adaption of the Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen opened at this year’s Toronto International Film Fest earlier this month. The reception was mixed, to say the least. Then again, the studio’s last foray into song and dance was 2019’s disappointing Cats, so “mixed” is definitely a step up, right? The story concerns a teen who struggles with depression and anxiety (Ya know, THAT kind of musical). However, Ben Platt, who originated the role when it debuted off-Broadway in 2016, is now twenty-seven. Social media has tossed a fair amount of shade at the actor for being too old for the role in 2021. Sometimes advance buzz is exciting, other times less so. As someone who still watches CW teen shows starring actors in their twenties (and thirties!) Platt’s age is hardly a reason to toss out such an affecting albeit flawed production. As the performers take their places, let’s dive in…
Steve Martin’s warm, witty love letter to Los Angeles comes to Blu-ray for the first time in the U.S. Featuring new art and bonus features, L.A. Story arrives on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital) November 9 from Lionsgate. Golden Globe® nominee Steve Martin (1996, Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, Father of the Bride Part II) stars as TV weatherman Harris Telemacher, who decides to follow his heart — and digital messages on freeway signs — on a quest for true love in the City of Angels. With an all-star cast that includes Golden Globe® nominee Victoria Tennant (1984, Best Supporting Actress — Television, The Winds of War), Academy Award® nominee Richard E. Grant (2019, Best Supporting Actor, Can You Ever Forgive Me?), Golden Globe® nominee Marliu Henner (1983, Best Supporting Actress — Television, “Taxi”), and Golden Globe® winner Sarah Jessica Parker (2004, Best Television Actress — Musical/Comedy, “Sex and the City”), L.A. Story will be available on Blu-ray™ + Digital November 9th! 
One of M. Night Shyamalan’s most beloved films, Unbreakable, turns twenty whole years old this year. A film that was quite a bit ahead of its time in bringing the comic book superhero into a more grounded nature, its interesting to see it in light of what came in the twenty years since release. To honor its age and legacy, Disney is giving the film a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray release. No new extras or audio, but the film’s picture is getting the boost. You’ll also be able to complete the trilogy to have it join the 4K releases of Split and Glass. You’ll eventually be able to order the film on Amazon at some point, and I may update this review with a paid Amazon Associates link, but right now there is no active or visible listing. Unbreakable arrives on the format September 21st.
In what seems like an incredibly perfect match, Shout! Factory will be releasing new digitally remastered versions of the first four films from the wonderful stop-motion animation studio, LAIKA. Those films include Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings. In addition to the new restorations, every release will feature new bonus features while carrying over the old ones. Also, a booklet is included inside the packaging. For today’s review, we’ll be taking a look at their fourth feature Kubo and the Two Strings, which found LAIKA taking aim at crafting something out of the samurai lore. ParaNorman and Kubo and the Two Strings are the second wave of these LAIKA Blu-rays arriving from Shout! Factory on September 14th. The other two films were released back in August. You can land yourself a copy of Kubo and the Two Strings by clicking the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review. 
