Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh” Blu-ray Giveaway [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

©Disney

Available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack + DVD + Digital Copy Tuesday, October 25th

Walt Disney Studios proudly invites families and audiences of all ages to return to the Hundred Acre Wood with some of the world?s most beloved characters, as “Winnie the Pooh,” the delightful all-new animated feature film comes home to Blu-ray Combo Pack for the very first time, as well as DVD and Movie Download on October 25, 2011. Reuniting audiences with Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore (who has lost his tail), “Winnie the Pooh” is a honey of an in-home release containing hours of immersive bonus features, including exclusive animated shorts “The Ballad of Nessie” and “Mini-Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Balloon;” a sing-along viewing option; an informative behind-the-scenes featurette for the whole family and deleted scenes with director commentary – all available on Blu-ray Combo Pack.

To celebrate Disney’s Blu-Ray™ release of “Winnie the Pooh”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 10 copies of the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray™ + DVD). If you would like to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite character from the 100 acre woods. This giveaway will be open until Monday October 31th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Movie Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Blu-ray ™Bonus Features:
1. Exclusive bonus short “Mini-Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Balloon” – In this charming short, Pooh comes up with a daring plan to get a hold of some honey by fooling a group of bees.
2. “The Ballad of Nessie” – The animated short film included in the theatrical release is the heartwarming tale of how Nessie found her new home in the Loch Ness.
3. “Winnie the Pooh and His Story Too” – A fun and informative behind-the-scenes look at the film, designed for the whole family. Hosted by John Cleese (narrator of the film), and with occasional help from Pooh himself, this featurette explores Winnie the Pooh?s history from his beginnings as a character in a book, to his continued life in the movies. The filmmakers reveal how they worked to keep the look of the characters and settings in this movie consistent with their first appearances on-screen in 1966. Pooh, being a bear of very little mind, finds much of this confusing, but the Narrator and the filmmakers make it all clear to Pooh – and you!
4. Deleted Scenes introduced by directors, Stephen Anderson and Don Hall – 5 deleted scenes including “The Tummy Song,” “”Rabbit?s Friends and Relations,” “Original Eeyore Intro,” “Original Tigger Intro” and “Pooh Searches for a Tail”
5. Sing-Along with the Movie – Follow the red balloon and changing word colors to seven song lyrics featured in the film.
6. Disney Song Selection – “Winnie the Pooh Theme Song,” “The Tummy Song, “A Very Important Thing To Do,” “The Backson Song,” “It?s Gonna Be Great,” “Everything is Honey” and “The Winner Song Finale”

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: bluray, disneys, giveaway, pooh, winnie

Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” Blu-ray Giveaway [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

©Disney

Available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack + DVD Tuesday, October 18th

The Walt Disney Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Films are proud to present the #1 worldwide box office success of 2011 – making over $1 billion globally – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, in stunning high definition Blu-ray™ on October 18, 2011.

To celebrate Disney’s Blu-Ray™ release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 10 copies of the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray™ + DVD). If you would like to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite film in this series. This giveaway will be open until Monday October 31th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Movie Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Film Synopsis:
From Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes all the fun, epic adventure and humor that ignited the original. Johnny Depp returns as 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. Directed by Rob Marshall, it’s filled with eye-popping battle scenes, mystery and all-out wit.

Special Features:
Disney Second Screen Bloopers of the Caribbean
Audio Commentary by director Rob Marshall
LEGO Animated Shorts: Captain Jack’s Brick Tales

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: bluray, caribbean, disneys, giveaway, pirates, stranger, ...

Interview with Christopher Moynihan & Dan Fogler

Christopher Moynihan & Dan Fogler are the stars of ABC’s new comedy “Man Up!”, playing the roles of Craig and Kenny (respectively).  Christopher is also the creator and writer on the show.  Dan Fogler is known best for his roles in films like “Balls of Fury” and “Fanboys”.  The show is one of the funniest shows on TV right now easily.  It airs on ABC on Tuesday nights and their second episode is “Star Wars” themed so check it out.  Media Mikes had the chance to chat with Christopher (again) and Dan about the show and what we can expect from their characters.

Mike Gencarelli: You have have been filming for a while now, would you say that you are comfortable with your characters?
Dan Fogler: I think it is growing. Each episode it gets more hysterical and we get more into our skin. As you can tell from the pilot right of the bat it looks like we have been going this for a while. Everyone was really cohesive.  The chemistry from day one was great and we are just having a great time. I think that is going to come through when you watch the show definitely.

MG: You both have love troubles in the pilot, are we going to see any new love interests from your characters?
DF: Yeah!
Chris Moynihan: It is a good question Mike, actually we are going to be seeing quite a few new love interest for me and Dan.  We actually have a new girl for both of us for each episode.  At one point we are dating the girls who work the money and food windows at the local drive-in.  I am dating the first girl and we call her money because she takes out money [laughs].
DF: I date the second girl.  We call her food because she give me my food [laughs].
CM: So every week we have a different set of girls we are going after.
DF: It is like “Three’s Company” in here man.
CM: But…it is like Two’s Company with two more women…like four.
DF: And it all CHRISSIE! [laughs]

MG: Every show has its challenges, what are some of yours for this show?
CM: The truth is from a creative stand point, the only challenge is making something that you like and I think we have done that.  Actually the big challenge is getting people to watch it and getting the network to give it an honest shot.  I think the pilot tracked well, people watched it and hopefully more people will tune it each week.  Hopefully the network will give us a little time while to get our legs.  I have no doubt that we could be a show that people will really dig.
DF: My concerns are that I am hairy like a werewolf. I am really concerned about continuity day to day.  There is a lot of shaving going on.  I think that is going to get weird on my skin after a while.

MG: Dan, what drew you to work on this show?
DF: My wife. She forced me.  No, I loved the show.  I read the script and I thought it was hysterical.  I have been doing a lot of film and I thought it was time for me to break into TV.  I think I picked a winner with this show. I am really excited.  It is my first TV venture and it is really hysterical.  They are really letting me play and I love coming to work.

MG: Tell us about the transition with the character Grant joining your group?
CM: It was tricky thing from a writing stand point.  This is a guy who is sleeping with Kenny’s ex-wife. It was hard bringing him into the group without a little bump. What we did was we had it that Craig and Will really like Grant. He is a good guy.  He is going to be part of the family because Bridgette is going be part of the family because she is the God parent to Will’s kids. That was out way in.  In the second episode, we all sit down to watch “Star Wars” because Grant never has seen it. We figure since he has never seen it, he will watch it and love it and him and Kenny will have something in common. Of course it all goes array.  Our job as writers is to make him part of the group and make it feel organic and natural.  By the third or fourth episode, it is the four of us together and you don’t even question whether Grant should be there.

MG: The promos that you guys have done have been killer, any more plans for those?
CM: We are going to be doing as much as we can.  If you do on YouTube, we have been shooting some fun behind the scenes stuff like Teri Polo naked.  Really if you go on YouTube you can see it. We are trying to get people to watch by lying to them [laughs].  We are going to try to shoot at least one a week and keep posting them and trying to make it go viral.

MG: Any cool guest stars coming up that you want to tell us about?
CM: The big one is Billy Dee Williams.
DF: Yeah, we had Lando come on.  It was awesome. I worked with on “Fanboys”.  We have this sweet scene with him and I together and my God he is one manly space scallywag [laughs] if I have ever seen one.  Working with him was like being on cloud city [laughs].
CM: And Billy does some great dialogue from “Empire Strikes Back”
DF: Yes, there is a lot of “Star Wars” love. So if you are fan…tune it in.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: christopher, dan, fogler, interview, moynihan

“Man Up!” Interview Series

Will Keen’s grandfather fought in WWII. Will’s father fought in Vietnam. Will plays Call of Duty on his PlayStation 3 and uses non-dairy hazelnut creamer. So what happened to all the real men? They’re still here — they just smell like pomegranate body wash now.

Meet Will (Mather Zickel). His evolved, sensitive nature is why his awesome wife Theresa (Teri Polo) married him. But Will and his friends find themselves wondering — in a world of body spray and manscaping — what does it really mean to be a guy anymore? Will is more interested in finding the perfect gift for his son Nathan’s (Jake Johnson) 13th birthday than in doing his job selling insurance, sensitive soul Craig (Christopher Moynihan) still pines for his college ex Lisa, and Kenny (Dan Fogler) clamps down on his anger and asks himself “What would Tobey Maguire do?” when his ex Brenda (Amanda Detmer) starts seeing a guy who is everything he’s not (Henry Simmons). And though it may not come naturally, each new day brings these lovable beta males another opportunity to Man Up and be like their forefathers.

In the vein of The Hangover, Man Up! is the virile new comedy from writer/producer/actor Christopher Moynihan (100 Questions), executive producer Victor Fresco (Better off Ted), and director Beth McCarthy-Miller (SNL, 30 Rock), that follows the struggles of three modern male archetypes as they search for their identities and try to prove that “real men” really can use hazelnut creamer.


Amanda Detmer
Christopher Moynihan
Christopher Moynihan & Dan Fogler
Mather Zickel

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: interview, man, series

“Fire of Conscience” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

To celebrate release of “Fire of Conscience”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 5 copies of film on DVD. If you would like to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and favorite foreign action movie. This giveaway will be open until Monday October 31th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Movie Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

From Indomina Releasing and Hong Kong’s premiere action-adventure director, Dante Lam (The Beast Stalker, Beast Cops), comes the non-stop thrill ride Fire Of Conscience.  Making its world premiere at the 2011 Hong Kong film festival, the film has been widely praised by critics and fans alike for its elaborate and heart-racing action sequences, distinct character development and stunning visual imagery.  The DVD, distributed by Vivendi Entertainment, will be available on October 25, 2011, at an SRP of $19.97

SYNOPSIS

In the tradition of Hard Boiled, Infernal Affairs and Reservoir Dogs comes this hard-hitting action-thriller from director Dante Lam.  Esteemed investigator Captain Manfred (Leon Lai, Bodyguards and Assassins) is at a crossroads in life when he’s assigned to the case of a lethal car accident and the death of a prostitute.  Working with him is aggressive Inspector Kee, who is determined to rise in the fast-paced world of Hong Kong law enforcement.  Opposites in every way, Manfred finds himself in the unexpected position of defending his partner when he’s linked to the crimes, and he’s soon swept up into a shadowy world of dirty politics, graphic murders and dangerous secrets.  Co-starring Vivian Hsu and Michelle Ye, it’s a daring and explosive entry into the “Asia noirs” genre with a no-holds-barred fight to the finish that will take your breath away.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

*               Five Original Featurettes

*               International Trailer

*               Aspect ratio: 16×9 2.35 Widescreen Version

*               Sound: Cantonese 5.1 Dolby Digital

*               Subtitles: English

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: conscience, dvd, fire, giveaway

Interview with Brad Neely & Daniel Weidenfeld

Brad Neely & Daniel Weidenfeld are the guys behind Adult Swim’s new show “China, IL”. Brad is the writer, producer and star of the show and Daniel is the executive producer. The show just started airing on Adult Swim every Sunday, be sure to check it out. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with the guys about the new show and what we can expect.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about the journey for “China, IL” starting as web series to airing on Adult Swim?
Daniel Weidenfeld: I had worked with Brad on the shows at Super Deluxe. We had been talking about doing a four part episode. We wanted to do a television show however Super Deluxe wanted it to be a web series. We had this super complex story where we had a  four part show but in each part there were three acts. It was a very confusing. About a year and a half later, Adult Swim came to Brad about doing the show. I came on a short time after. Together we did a pilot titled “Professor Brothers”. The show ended up being picked up for series and Adult Swim wanted to develop it further. We made the show more about the world and added pupils to the characters which gave them a little more life. We also changed the name to “China, IL” and that’s where we are today.

MG: Brad, you not only write and produce the show but also voice the main character, How do you juggle those roles?
Brad Neely: It’s fun! You have to just put on different hats. Of course it’s not all just me either. While I am in doing voicing, Daniel is on the other side of the glass directing me. We have a lot of people working on the show that have editorial input.
DW: The crew here adds a lot to each frame of the show. It’s really great and we are very lucky.

MG: How did you get involved with Titmouse and Tommy Blanca who voiced the Mayor?
DW: Shannon and Chris (Prynoski) have been friends for a long time. They have done a lot of work with Adult Swim. There was a time when it looked like the show was going to be picked up just based on the written scripts. They were the first people we called.
BN: They were actually the first people I ever met with. I couldn’t imagine doing the show elsewhere. They presented a studio that had a booth in house. They were also able to do revisions and pickups on the fly. We were able to make everything run like a well oiled machine.
DW: With Tommy for the episode “Dean vs. Mayor” we had initially wanted to get Macho Man Randy Savage to go head to head with Hulk Hogan. However we couldn’t find him at the time and that was prior to him passing away. The next person we called was Tommy who used to be the head writer for the WWE. We knew he could bring that spirit to the episode. The voice he brought killed it! You’re going to be seeing a little bit more of the Mayor in the future.

MG: Tell us how Hulk Hogan came aboard to voice The Dean?
DW: It was tricky but we got him. We had to appeal to him in a way where it wasn’t about the money. He cares about doing awesome stuff! We sent him the script and he told us it was the weirdest thing he had ever seen in his life and  he wanted to be a part of it. It took some massaging and to this day we are still massaging.
BN: He has a comedy personality in him. He doesn’t just come in and do his lines. Hulk is a funny performer.

MG: Any other guest voices to keep an eye out for this season?
DW: Oh yeah!
BN: One of our favorite things about the show is the voice talent. We have Jason Alexander doing a voice in episode four.  We have Jeffery Tambor playing Baby Cakes’ dad.
DW: We also have Natasha Leggero and Chelsea Peretti doing voices. We are trying to stack the deck as much as we can. It’s been awesome!

MG: How long does each episode take from script to screen?
BN: It’s different with each as the writing process is unique for each episode.
DW: We started production in October of 2010.
BN: Right now we are finishing the tenth episode. While everyone is working on the first episodes we are writing the second half.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: brad, daniel, interview, neely, weidenfeld

CD Review: Fallon Bowman “Human Conditional”

Fallon Bowman
“Human Conditional”
Social Unrest Records
Producer: Justin Johnson
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Human Conditional” is the first solo release by founding Kittie vocalist/guitarist Fallon Bowman. The album features 11 new tracks that cover a variety of musical genres. “Human Conditional was produced by Justin Johnson and is being released via Bowman’s own record label Social Unrest Records. The band consists of Fallon Bowman on Guitar/Vocals, Josiah Sherman- Keys, Keith Lowe- Bass, Brian Oaks- Guitars and Justin Johnson- drums, keys and back ground vocals. “Human Conditional” is the follow up release to Bowman’s previous band Amphibious Assault’s 2007 album “On Better Days and Sin-Eating”.

I was very surprised upon listening to “Human Conditional”. Until now I always had the picture of Fallon sporting bright pink/red hair screaming lyrics to songs like “Brackish”. However “Human Conditional” showed a side of Fallon that until now I don’t think I or many others had seen before. Songs like “Force Me Not To Breathe Again” and “Make Up Your Mind” sport catchy choruses that have you singing along on the first listen. While the synth infused “Mistake: Retake” combines heavy guitars with Bowman’s melodic vocal stylings. “Human Conditional” features a great mix making all the instrumentation contained on the album really enjoyable to listen to.

Fallon Bowman’s “Human Conditional” is a great listen from start to finish. Though much different than her previous releases the album is very fresh. “Human Conditional” might not be heavy enough for fans of Fallon’s previous work but for me “Human Conditional” had everything I look for in an album.

Track Listing:
1.)    Human Conditional
2.)    Force Me Not To Breathe Again*
3.)    In Your Room
4.)    Make Up Your Mind*
5.)    Laughing With me
6.)    Rio De Janeiro
7.)    Love Affair
8.)    Tales From The Fourth Floor
9.)    Mistakes: Retake*
10.)  Disappearance
11.)  The Empty Space

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: bowman, cd, conditional, fallon, human, review, ...

FREE Tickets to Advance FL Screening of “Martha Marcy May Marlene” [ENDED]

UPDATE 10/27/11 1PM EST – TICKETS ARE ALL GONE! THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US AND STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

To celebrate upcoming release of “Martha Marcy May Marlene”, Media Mikes is proud to hosting an advance screening in Orlando, FL area. If you would like to get tickets to this screening, head over to GOFOBO.com/RSVP and follow the instructions on the image below. Make sure to use the code in ALL CAPS. This giveaway is first come first serve. Once they are gone, they are gone. Good luck and thanks for supporting Media Mikes.

“Martha Marcy May Marlene” stars Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a damaged woman
haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, who struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing a cult.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: advance, fl, free, marcy, marlene, martha, ...

DVD Review “Yellowbrickroad”

Directed by: Jesse Holland and Andy Mitton
Starring: Cassidy Freeman, Anessa Ramsey, Laura Heisler
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 99 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

There has been many adaptions of “The Wizard of Oz” and this is another one but it takes a totally different angle. In this we find the themes of “Oz” used as just background and it actually makes the film get an interesting edge. I think that it is very creative and a very interesting take. The film does take a while to get started but has good character development and decent gore.

This film takes the found footage route about a group of researchers who set out to find out a 70 year old mystery of how the entire population of Friar, NH disappeared. The group set down an ancient trail down the “yellow brick road”. The group heads down this road which they may never return from.

If you are coming into this film looking for a slasher horror film, you will be left upset. There are no creatures and villains as this is more of a slow burning character driven thriller. Also unfortunately this film features no extras and only includes a directors audio commentary. It is worth a listen and definitely provides so good insight into the film.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, review, yellowbrickroad

DVD Review “South of Heaven”

Director: Jonathan Vara
Stars: Shea Whigham, Diora Baird, Jon Gries, Thomas Jay Ryan, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee
Distributed by: Synapse Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 97 Minutes

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

I almost turned this DVD off at least five times. I think this film wasted too much time trying to mimic a Quentin Tarantino film that it ended up failing terribly.  I appreciate when a film is inspired by another and is trying to copy its magic.  This film is not exciting at all and does not have anything interesting happening throughout. I swear I have no idea what was going on in story and it was very confusing. The only thing I liked was that it was very violent and had a certain cartooney feel to it. besides that I hated this movie.

The film focuses (I think) on Roy Coop coming home from Navy, gets mistaken for his brother Dale and gets attached by two violent criminals. He is visited again and again and ends up eight fingers less and burnt to a crisp. Somehow he survives and is set to have his revenge. There is another story being intertwined with another criminal Mad Dog Mantee, Roy’s brother Dale and Lily. Roy ends up in the final act meeting with with them and things go array. If the movie isn’t bad enough, the other extras on the disc are three audio commentaries and three short films from Director J.L. Vara. Nothing special at all and I wish I didn’t waste my time.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, heaven, review, south

Blu-ray Review “Maniac Cop”

Directed by: William Lustig
Starring: Bruce Campbell, Tom Atkins, Laurene Landon, Richard Roundtree, Robert Z’Dar
Distributed by: Synapse Films
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 85 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I remember seeing “Manic Cop” in the late 80’s and it scaring the crap out of me.  It doesn’t anymore but it is still a damn great film.  The genre cast is the film is so great and fits so well.  The gore in the film is fantastic and definitely holds up in today’s standards.  This release is the first time this film is being presented in high definition and is released from up-and-coming Blu-ray studio Synapse Films.

The film hits the streets of New York City where innocent people are being brutally murdered by police officer. A Young copy, Jack Forrest (Bruce Campbell) is being framed for the murders and had to clear his name.  With the help of his friends Theresa (Laurene Landon) and McCrae (Tom Atkins) they set to find who the killer is before he strikes again.  Bruce Campbell is fantastic in the film and genre favorite Tom Atkins is perfect for the role.  Robert Z’Dar also kicks some major ass and it is too bad you don’t get to see his face more until the end of the film.

I am very happy with the the Blu-ray transfer in 1080p and it looks really clear and crisp.  The soundtrack is really impressive boasting a fantastic DTS-HD MA 6.1.  If you are a fan of this film you will not be disappointed with this great release. The film is also packed with special features.  The first is “Maniac Cop Memories: Interview with Robert Z’Dar” which has him chat about his career and working on the film.  The next is “Out the Window:  Interview with Tom Atkins”, discussing his role in the role. “Three Minutes with Danny Hicks” talk about his role in the film as well.  There are three trailers, one being a French trailer, as well as two television spots and a Spanish radio spot.  There is also an series of images of promotional art backed from the film’s music.  Lastly included is additional footage filmed for Japanese TV, which focuses on the New York City Mayor character.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, cop, maniac, review

DVD Review “Gift of The Magi”

Director: Lisa Mulcahy
Starring: Marla Sokoloff, Mark Webber and Glynis Casson
Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
Rated: Unrated
Run Time: 85 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I am all for watching holiday movies year round as it is my favorite holiday. I will pretty much watch anything released it is Christmas themed. This film failed to hold on to any Christmas spirit at all. It is not cheerful and fun. The movie focuses more on lying and infidelities of our two main people. This film originated on the Hallmark Channel and it is easily one of the worst that I have seen recently.

The story two newlyweds Jim and Della Young, that do not have a lot of money and are having trouble finding the perfect gift for each out. The two sacrifice a lot for each other in order to make Christmas special. Though due to trying to keep it secret things the true meaning of their actions get lost. But if you are familiar with the gift of the magi, you know how it will end…and its a Hallmark movie, so come on it a happy ending.

The acting is nothing worth noting at all and the production value is low. Since this is a Hallmark film, I will cut Marla Sokoloff and Mark Webber a break. As if the film isn’t bad enough, there are no extras on this disc at all. If you are looking to get into getting into the Christmas spirit early this is not the film to do it with.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, gift, magi, review

Film Review “Janie Jones”

Directed by: David M. Rosenthal
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Alessandro Nivola, Brittany Snow, Elizabeth Shue,
Peter Stormare
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 107 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Well award season is just around the corner and and this one better be one of the films to get noticed. I think the only film I have seen Abigail Breslin in was “Zombieland” (no “Signs” doesn’t count she was 5). I never saw “Little Miss Sunshine” but I heard she could act…in this film she does that and even sings. I have been a big fan of Alessandro Nivola since 2000’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost”. This film is well paced and packed with great drama, superb acting and great music.

The film is inspired by a true story about a 13-year old girl, Janie Jones (Abigail Breslin) is abandoned by her former-groupie mother (Elizabeth Shue), and informs fading rock star, Ethan Brand (Alessandro Nivola), that she is his daughter. Janie is left on the road with her new found father and his world is falling apart himself. The two of them embarks on a journey that might lead them both to be find what they are looking for.

The acting in the film is phenomonal. We might even forgive Alessandro Nivola for doing “Jurassic Park III”, due to this role. Abigail Breslin is also really emotional and strong in the film, obviously we all know she has a bright future. The music in the film is so amazing!! It is original music created by Gemma Hayes and Eef Barzelay and actually sung and played by Abigail Breslin and Alessandro Nivola in the film. I will purchasing the soundtrack for sure!  This film better get recognized during award seasons.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, janie, jones, review

Film Review “The Woman”

Directed by: Lucky McKee
Starring: Pollyanna McIntosh, Angela Bettis, Sean Bridgers
Distributed by The Collective / Bloody Disgusting
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 101 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Jack Ketchum’s work is definitely not for the average person and specifically not for the faint of heart. This screener that I received even came in a vomit bag/case (smart marketing). Unfortunately it wasn’t even close to my built up expectations of have messed up this film was going to be. I thought it started off decent and showed potential but then it really lost me about half-way through and really dragged. The end was fantastic but it wasn’t enough to redeem the rest of the film.

The film follows Chris Cleek (Sean Bridgers), a successful lawyer, who captures and attempts to “civilize” woman (Pollyanna McIntosh). She has lives in the wild her whole life and is extremely violent. The family seems very normal at first but then things start to unravel and the secrets start to get revealed. It ends up showing if the woman needs the “saving” or does the family need it more.

Lucky McKee is definitely familiar with Jack Ketchum’s work have produced the film adapation of “The Lost” and directing “Red”. He is definitely a director who knows what he is doing and what he wants. If you are familiar with his work/films, this film is a sort of sequel to “Offspring” and Pollyana McIntosh reprises her role from that film. She is amazing and doesn’t speak at all (or at least not in English). Angela Bettis is deep and dark as usual, not a major stretch but definitely an intense role. Sean Bridgers is one fucked up son of a bitch in this film and really commits to this role and nails it. I would have to say acting wise this film scores high but overall doesn’t overcome the lacking story.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, review, woman

DVD Review “Ray Charles: Live in France 1961”

Directed by: Jean-Christophe Averty
Starring: Ray Charles
Distributed by: Eagle Vision Entertainment
Running Time: 111 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This DVD consists of concert footage from the 1961 Antibes Jazz Festival that has been lost for the last 50 years. These newly discovery concerts add up to about an hour and 45 minutes of footage. Just to be able to watch this is considered a treat. The footage was transferred and restored from its original 16mm and really looks great for what it is. I love Ray Charles and his music is just genius. This early concert with him is a great insight into his music prior to being a legendary star.

The concerts from the 1961 Antibes Jazz Festival are split over two days July 18th and July 22nd, 1961. Some of the tracks included are “Let the Good Times Roll”, “Georgia on My Mind”, “Sticks and Stones” and “Hallelujah, I Love Her So”. Since it is two different concerts over two days there are some duplicate songs from each day. There are also some bonus tracks includes on this disc from July 19th and July 21st, 1961, including “The Story”, “Yes Indeed”, “I Believe My Soul”, “What’d I Say”, “Wonder”. Also notable included on this disc is Nat King Cole track “With You On My Mind”, which is a song that Ray never recorded.

It is amazing getting to watch Ray Charles perform especially on the old black and white 16mm transferred film. His band is also really great to listen to especially the Raeletts. These concerts in France are the first time that Ray Charles has performed in Europe. The DVD case and inserts are very impressive as well. Lately these days little goes into the sleeve-art and pamphlet. The pamphlet is an informational and colorful 15 pages.  This is definitely worth the purchase and I recommend it for sure.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 1961, charles, dvd, france, live, ray, ...
« sdf
Previous
Page 19 of 69
Next
Next Page »