CD Review: Redemption “This Mortal Coil”

Redemption
“This Mortal Coil”
Inside Out Music
Producer: Neil Kernon
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3 out of 5

“This Mortal Coil” is the 7th release by the progressive metal band Redemption. The band features Nick van Dyk , Bernie Versailles, Sean Andrews, Chris Quirarte and former Fates Warning vocalist Ray Alder. “This Mortal Coil” is being released via Inside Out Music and is the bands follow up release to their 2009 album titled “Snowfall on Judgment Day”. “This Mortal Coil” features 11 new progressive metal tracks produced by legendary producer Neil Kernon.

“This Mortal Coil” at first seemed like just another progressive heavy metal release. However after researching the album further and reading that prior to the recording of the album guitarist/keyboardist Nick van Dyk was diagnosed with blood cancer and given only a few years to live made me dig a little deeper into the songs. Tracks such as “No Tickets to the Funeral” and “Let it Rain” seem to speak volumes about what was going through Nick’s mind during the writing of the album. “This Mortal Coil” contains some really solid playing and appears to be the bands strongest album yet. A personal favorite of mine was the song “Dreams from the Pit”.  Clocking in at just over 9 minutes the track has an immensely dark and eerie feeling combined with blazing guitar passages that just wowed me from start to finish.

Redemptions newest album “This Mortal Coil” is easily the bands best work yet. The album seems to have a little something for everyone. Even if you are not a heavy metal fan or are just looking to test the waters of progressive metal listening pick up Redemptions “This Mortal Coil”!  I can almost guarantee that you will become an instant fan of the band and the progressive metal genre.

Track Listing:
1.)    Path of the Whirlwind
2.)    Blink of an Eye
3.)    No Tickets to the Funeral
4.)    Dreams from the Pit
5.)    Noonday Devil
6.)    Let it Rain
7.)    Focus
8.)    Perfect
9.)    Begin Again
10.)  Stronger Than Death
11.)  Departure of the Pale Horse

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, coil, mortal, redemption, review

CD Review: Myrath “Tales of the Sands”

Myrath
“Tales of the Sands”
Nightmare Records
Producer: Kevin Kodfert
Tracks: 11

Our Score:  3.5 out of 5 stars

“Tales of the Sands” is the follow up album to Myrath’s 2010 release “Desert Call”. The North American release of “Tales of Sands” features 11 new tracks that were produced by Kevin Kodfert. The album is being released via Nightmare Records and continues to break new ground in what listeners have dubbed “Oriental Metal”.

“Tales of the Sands” features a variety on non traditional instrumentation that makes each of the 11 tracks quite interesting to listen to. Zaher Zorgatti’s vocals reminded me of a young Dave Draimen. With all the layers of instrumentation it was hard at times to decide what parts of the tracks I really wanted to listen to. This however was not a bad thing as producer Kevin Kodfert did a spectacular job as did Frederik Nordstrom who mixed the album. Each song in my opinion was crafted to showcase each instrument. Being of fan of melodic metal music “Tales of the Sands” has definitely made me a fan of Myrath. Songs such as “Dawn Within”, “Apostrophe for a Legend” and the album’s title track “Tales of the Sands” were tremendous pieces of work.

Myrath’s “Tales of the Sands” I felt was a really great album! Though the songs might be a little too involved to garner the attention of fans outside of the genre “Tales of the Sands” is still a great album that is definitely worth checking out.

Track Listing:
1.)    Under Siege
2.)    Breaking the Seas
3.)    Merciless Times
4.)    Tales of the Sands
5.)    Sour Sigh
6.)    Dawn Within
7.)    Wide Shut
8.)    Requiem for a Goodbye
9.)    Beyond the Stars
10.)  Time to Grow
11.)  Apostrophe for a Legend (Bonus Track- North America Only)

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, myrath, review, sands, tales

CD Review: Vangough “Kingdom of Ruin”

Vangough
“Kingdom of Ruin”
Nightmare Records
Tracks: 15

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Kingdom of Ruin” is the newest release from the Oklahoma City based band Vangough. “Kingdom of Ruin” will be the bands 3rd release which features an interesting concept related to a man stepping between two realities and his link to the newly discovered world. The album is a follow up to the bands two previous albums “Manikin Parade” and “Game On!”.

Vangough’s “Kingdom of Ruin” was an odd listen to say the least. The album screams concept album as each track spirals down a different path in an effort to tell the underlying story. For me as a listener there was just too much going on making it hard to decipher what I was listening to. The songs  on “Kingdom of Ruin” all had very solid instrumentation however I do question the structure in some of the songs. I did find a few highlights such as “Requiem for a Fallen King” which was a pretty straight forward rock tune that featuring and very Santana-ish inspired solo. I also really enjoyed the softness of the song “Alice”.

Not being a huge fan of concept albums did sway my opinion of Vangough’s “Kingdom of Ruin”. I will say though that the album is not a bad album by any means. If concept albums are your thing then this album would surely be a great addition to your music collection. However if you are looking for an album that is easily accessible and straight forward then Vangough’s “Kingdom of Ruin” may not be the best choice.

Track Listing:
1.)    Disloyal
2.)    Choke Faint Drown
3.)    Abandon Me
4.)    Drained
5.)    Kingdom of Ruin
6.)    Frailty
7.)    The Transformation
8.)    The Rabbit Kingdom
9.)    Stay
10.)  Sounds of Wonder
11.)  A Father’s Love
12.)  Requiem For a Fallen King
13.)  An Empire Shattered
14.)  Alice
15.)  The Garden Time Forgot

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“Madison County” Interview Series

Media Mikes had the priveldge to interview some of the cast from the upcoming indie horror film called “Madision County”. The film is directed by Eric England and stars Ace Marrero, Colley Bailey, Adrienne Harrell, Matt Mercer,  Joanna Sotomura and Nick Principe (“Laid to Rest”) with the film’s makeup effects done by Almost Human (“Paranormal Activity 2”, “Devil”).


Ace Marrero
Joanna Sotomura

Synopsis:
“Madison County” is about a group of college kids that travel to a remote, mountain town called Madison County to interview the author of a tell-all book on the accounts of the grisly murders that happened in the town over two decades ago. Upon their arrival, the author is no where to be found and the townspeople state that they’ve “not seen him in years.” They also deny that Damien Ewell, the notorious murderer, ever existed and that the murders never happened. As the kids start to dig around to get their own answers, they come to find that the stories, and Damien, maybe more real than the townspeople are letting on

 

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Interview with Ace Marrero

Ace Marrero is co-starring in the new film “Madison County”, directed by Eric England. Ace has worked with Eric on three projects now and no sight of slowing down. “Madison County” is premiering at this year’s Screamfest and is going to a real breakout film. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Ace about the new film and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you become involved with both acting and producing the film?
Ace Marrero: I had worked with Eric England on his college thesis film. I also worked with him on “Hostile Encounter”. Eric had been trying to get “Madison County” made and had a few different groups of investors involved at various times. After getting fed up with the way things were going Eric decided to take matters into his own hands. Eric wrote “Hostile Encounter” with me in mind to be in the film. It was done on a micro budget that was even smaller than what was budgeted for “Madison County”. We shot in Arkansas for a few days and then we did some shooting in Los Angeles as well. The DP on “Hostile Encounter” was really impressed with what Eric had done. He mentioned that he might be able to get some money together to do another film. Eric mentioned “Madison County” and after reading through the script Eric’s friend loved it and wanted to produce the film. He had one stipulation though and that was that I had to be in the film. I had also wanted to get into more of the producing side of things, so I just started helping out. I was setting up meetings and doing some other as well. Before I knew it I was a producer on the film.

MG: Can you tell us about your character in the film?
AM: I play the role of Kyle who is the brother of Brooke played by Joanna Sotomura. I go out with the group to kind of protect my sister from her ex-boyfriend. I don’t really fit in with the group so I am the outsider/protagonist.

MG: What do you think was the most challenging part for you working on the film?
AM: I would probably say juggling my roles as an actor and producer. First and for most I am an actor. I wanted to make sure I was doing a good job while at the same time keeping everything else going and making sure things were set for the next day. My producer role kind of over shadowed my acting role in the film and it made me forget a little that I also have a role in the film.

MG: How was it working with the other cast members?
AM: Nick Principe was great and we were really happy to have him be involved with the film. Eric had wanted Nick from the start to be part of the film and to play the killer. Nick also did the stunts for the film. He was great. Joanna was great as well! I have always been impressed with her work. Her part in “Madison County”, I think is really going to get her a lot of attention.

MG: Can you tell us about another film you have been working on “Roadside”?
AM: This is my third film with Eric England in 17 months. He is just a really great, young director. I think he just turned 22 or 23. Eric is incredible! The script for this film is really great. Eric actually completed it in I think a week and a half. I think it’s one of the best scripts I have ever read. I play the lead in the film and it’s an amazing role for me. This film is the type of thing I love to do. I think we are all going to take off from these films. We knocked “Madison County” out of the park but “Roadside” I feel is out of the field!

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Filed Under: Film Interviews Tagged With: ace, interview, marrero

Interview with Melissa Cowan

Melissa Cowan is known best for her role of the Bicycle Girl zombie in season one of “The Walking Dead”.  Melissa became the poster girl for season one and her zombie is put on the same shelf as the greats. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Melissa about the role and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you come to get the role of the Bicycle Girl zombie in “The Walking Dead”?
Melissa Cowan: I had been doing a lot of work for a casting company here in Atlanta.  They just randomly called me one day looking for pictures from me.  I sent the pics and two weeks later I got a called that Frank Darabont wanted me to come in and do an audition.  It pretty much took off from there.  At the time I didn’t know what it was for or what the role was about?

MG: Can you believe that with only one episode your character has had such an effect?
MC: It was something I wasn’t expecting but it is very exciting.  It is also somewhat of any honor that out of all the zombies on the show, they choose me.  The zombie that I did became the poster child for the show.  It became an iconic zombie and compared to Bill Heinzman from “Night of the Living Dead” and other classic zombies.  It is an honor and a blessing.

MG: Tell us about working with Greg Nicotero and Frank Darabont?
MC: I met Greg went I flew out to LA for the last casting process.  Greg is a good guy and he has a good vision.  He knows what he wants and knows how to do it.  I think the fact I got to work with Greg and Frank Darabont in the same project was mind blowing.  It was very cool.

MG: Tell us about the makeup process for that role?
MC: The actually day we filmed it took probably 4-4 1/2 hours and 2 1/2 to take it off.  I had a lot of people asking how did I sit there for that long?  You have anywhere from 2 to 7 people working on you, so we were just having fun with it.  It didn’t seem long at all.

MG: What did you think when you first saw yourself in full costume?
MC: I was like a child at Christmas when you got that giddy feeling.  It was like that.  I have this visual in my head of what I thought it was going to look like was nothing like it ended up.  You really can’t put words on it, you just stare and ask “Is that really me?”  That is when I realized that it was going to be more than just another role.

MG: How was it working on various episodes of “The Vampire Diaries”?
MC: I originally started doing full time extra work for the show.  Towards the end of the first season the casting director called and said we have some vampire roles coming up.  So I went in and did an audition and they hired me on the spot to be a vampire.  I was one of the tomb vampires and I was also another vampire later in the season when they go into the vampire house.  It was so dark and cloudy that you can’t really see me.  I am hopefully that when they are filming the third season that there is some opportunity for me to come back and have a bigger role.

MG: What else do you have planned upcoming?
MC: I got some other films I actually can’t talk about yet.  There are two guys from Orange County Choppers that are creating a clothing line called Rotten Layer and it is all zombie related.  I will be one of the head models for that.  That is pretty cool.

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: melissa, metler

CD Review: Thomas Dolby “A Map of the Floating City”

Thomas Dolby
“A Map of the Floating City” (single-CD edition)
Lost Toy People Records
Producer: Thomas Dolby

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“She Blinded Me With Science”.  It’s a song that is included on so many greatest hits of the 80’s compilations that one could easily view Thomas Dolby as being the definitive MTV one-hit wonder boy in an era known for flash-in-the-pan artists.  But to know Dolby only for “Science” is to ignore a career that includes five albums that consistently explored a broad range of musical styles and thematic content .  And then, after 1992’s “Astronauts and Heretics”, he effectively disappeared.

“A Map of the Floating City” – Dolby’s first album of original material in 20 years – finds him once again refusing to be tied down to any one genre of music.  And, for the most part, it works so well that it’s hard to believe he’s been absent for so long.  On it, he combines two of his innate abilities – instrumental virtuosity in a wide variety of genres and superlative storytelling .  Biographical in nature, the album itself is comprised of three musical novellas: “Urbanoia”, “Amerikana” and “Oceanea” and while the album as a whole is cohesive as a complete work, the mood varies as each of its chapters unfold.

The four songs that comprise “Urbanoia” are easily the most brash.  The opener, “Nothing New Under the Sun”, with its staccato snippet lyrics, anchoring drum line and guitar accentuation, is as close as “Floating City” gets to including a straightforward rocker.  Although not mind-blowing, it’s a solid track that serves to whet the palate.  Similar in its simplicity, “A Jealous Thing Called Love” plays as an upbeat version of “I Scare Myself”, a Dan Hicks crooner classic that Dolby covered on 1984’s “The Flat Earth”.

But not everything that Dolby touches turns into sonic gold.  “Spice Train” is the City’s most synth-laden resident.  It’s fun but by the time the ever-clever Dolby tries to prevent the track from succumbing to being a mere piece of danceteria fart-funk fluff by infusing it with wafting eastern-derived musical strains, it’s been derailed by its own popish simplemindedness.  “Evil Twin Brother” is basically Sting’s “An Englishman in New York” after it’s been seduced by the dark side.  Edgy and occasionally dissonant, it’s the first track where we hear Dolby’s unflappable ability to tell a vivid story through simple imagery but the herky-jerky alternating musical dynamics are so jarring that the song itself winds up being the album’s weakest link.

The mid-section of the album demonstrates Dolby’s ability to roll the dice by working in multiple musical genres and repeatedly coming up a winner – although, lyrically, he always seems to bet on black within “Amerikana” as the stories always have a somber tone either consistently throughout or as a sudden turnaround at the song’s end (in the case of “Love is a Loaded Pistol”, said weapon winds up being an actual firearm).   Even “The Toad Lickers”, a country/bluegrass romp that would make any good ole’ boy jingle and jangle his spurs, can be seen as a biting satire of pugnacious backwoods culture.  The epic “17 Hills”, featuring guest guitarist Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, finds everything that works well within the boundaries of “Floating City” in perfect harmony.  Playing like an everyman drama in three acts, Dolby’s songwriting talents in tandem with his ability to evoke emotion through music have never been better displayed than within this lover’s tale of a jailbreak gone wrong.  It’s a story so engrossing it would even cause the ever-esteemed master of melancholy, Richard Thompson, to shed a tear.

“A Map of the Floating City”s final destination is the often tranquil “Oceanea”.  In the sub-section’s title track, Dolby creates an atmosphere so lush and soothing that one cannot help wanting to stay there longer than its short three-minute runtime allows even if his lead vocal is drenched in the most overused and annoying vocal effect in recent memory, Auto-Tune – something that was not true of the track when it was included on the “Oceanea” EP that was released earlier this year.  Why the track has been modified in this way for the full-length album is as mysterious as the Bermuda Triangle.  It’s still a great song, though, and the guest vocals by Eddi Reader send it soaring.

The remaining tracks, “To the Lifeboats” and the Brazilian-flared “Simone”, are fine examples of Dolby’s ability to generate great music in a myriad of styles.  The mid-section of “Lifeboats” rocks out so hard with power chords and fuzzbox vocals that it’s easy to visualize Dolby himself clad in heavy metal garb while a small Stonehenge monument slowly descends into his recording studio.  But in its closing third, the song settles into the quieter aural landscape that makes the album such a worthwhile journey.  The roads through Dolby’s “Floating City” aren’t completely devoid of potholes but when it truly sails, it’s poetry in motion.

“A Map of the Floating City” will be released on October 25th, 2011.
For more information about Thomas Dolby, visit www.thomasdolby.com

 

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, city, dolby, flat earth society, floating, golden age of wireless, ...

“Jurassic Park” Ultimate Trilogy 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!

To celebrate one of the most antipicated Blu-Ray™ releases of the year “Jurassic Park” Ultimate Trilogy, Media Mikes would like to giveaway THREE copies of the Blu-ray + Digital Copy set. 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 dinosaur from the series. This giveaway will be open until ALL MONTH until November 3rd 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.

One of the most anticipated motion picture trilogies of all-time, Jurassic Park, is now available on Blu-ray!  Welcome to ‘Jurassic Park’ – a remote island where an amazing theme park with living dinosaurs becomes a game of survival.  From filmmaker Steven Spielberg, the action-packed trilogy features groundbreaking visual effects showcasing dinosaurs coming to life like never before and the lush scenery of tropical jungle.  This ultimate Jurassic Park Trilogy boasts beautiful digitally restored pictures, 7.1 surround sound, new bonus features and digital copies of all 3 films. Also available on DVD.

Special Features:

  • The Making of Jurassic Park featurette
  • The Making of The Lost World: Jurassic Park featurette
  • The Making of Jurassic Park III featurette
  • Steven Spielberg Directs Jurassic Park featurette
  • Early Pre-Production Meetings
  • The World of Jurassic Park featurette
  • The Magic of Industrial Light & Magic featurette
  • Location Scouting
  • Phil Tippett Animatics: Raptors In The Kitchen featurette
  • The Jurassic Park Phenomenon: A Discussion with Author Michael Crichton featurette
  • Industrial Light & Magic and Jurassic Park: Before and After The Visual Effects featurette
  • Industrial Light & Magic and The Lost World: Jurassic Park Before & After featurette
  • The Industrial Light & Magic Press Reel
  • A Visit to Industrial Light & Magic featurette
  • Hurricane in Kauai featurette
  • Dinosaur Turntables featurette
  • The Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park III featurette
  • Montana: Finding New Dinosaurs featurette
  • Animatics: T-Rex Attack featurette
  • The Special Effects of Jurassic Park III featurette
  • The Sounds of Jurassic Park III featurette
  • The Art of Jurassic Park III featurette
  • Tour of Stan Winston Studio featurette
  • Feature Commentary on Jurassic Park III with Special Effects Team
  • Production Archives: Storyboards, Models, Photographs, Design Sketches, and Conceptual Drawings
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Theatrical Trailers

 

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: bluray, giveaway, jurassic, park, trilogy, ultimate, ...

Interview with Joanna Sotomura

Joanna Sotomura is starring in the new horror film “Madison County”. She also recently appeared on the TV series “Criminal Minds”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Joanna about her new film and what she looks for in a role.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with “Madison County”?
Joanna Sotomura: I got an audition for the part of Jenna. I had seen that Ace Marrero was a producer on the film.  I have known Ace for quite some time. I went into my audition and Eric England felt I would be a better fit for the role of Brooke. I went back for a second audition this time for Brooke and, I fell in love with the character. I don’t think I had ever wanted a part that bad. We shot the whole month of September 2010 and it was a great experience.

MG: Can you give us some background on your film and character?
JS: The film was something the director Eric England had wanted to do for quite some time. It’s about a group of kids who go to Madison County, Arkansas to interview an author about a book he wrote. My character Brooke is the bubbly, social butterfly type that is kind of scared to go into the town but she thinks it will be a fun time. Brooke is sort of the tie that brings the group together.

MG: What do you think was the most challenging aspect of the production?
JS: Having to snap into a horrified moment for a second and then having to stop go back to normal and do it all over again. That jump was a bit challenging. In order to get to that place you really have to put yourself in that terrifying situation. Running for your life to laughing with your friends was a bit difficult.

MG: What was it like working with Nick Principe and the rest of the cast and crew?
JS: Nick came to shoot his scenes a few weeks after the rest of us. He was fantastic! We didn’t get to talk to Nick or see his mask prior to the scenes so there was an element of surprise. I remember one scene where he let out this yell and we were truly scared.

MG: Can you tell us about working on “Criminal Minds” and how does it compare working on film and television?
JS: I booked “Criminal Minds” a few weeks after I wrapped “Madison County”. It was night and day. We went from shooting this independent film in the woods to a beautiful set in Burbank. T was definitely a change. I got to work with Janeane Garofalo who was a childhood idol of mine.

MG: What other projects do you have coming up?
JS: We are gearing up for the premier of “Madison County” which is being held on Oct. 17th. Besides that I am shopping around looking for some other great roles. I would love to work with Eric again.

MG: What do you look for when choosing a role?
JS: I like the character to have depth. I would have a hard time playing a one dimensional character. I like to do comedic things as well. I tend to fall more towards the bubbly girls.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews Tagged With: interview, joanna, sotomura

Film Review “The Thing”

Directed by: Matthijs van Heijningen, Jr.
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton and Ulrich Thomsen
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 43 mins
Universal

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Antarctica. 1982. As they track an unknown signal, a group of Norwegian scientists suddenly find themselves swallowed up by a sinkhole in the ice. They discover, buried far below the ice, what appears to be an alien craft. And a survivor.

True in tone to John Carpenter’s version, which was actually a retelling of the 1951 film “The Thing From Another World,” “The Thing” is a suspenseful story that benefits from some outstanding visual effects. The story is familiar. A group of scientists and assistants find themselves among a creature that has the ability to replicate living tissue. It’s not long before fingers are pointed by and at each other as the Thing infiltrates the base camp. Among the inhabitants, no one is safe. Not even the dogs.

A little gorier and not as fun as the 1982 version, “The Thing” is a visual effects fans dream. Once it is established that “something” is trying to eat everyone, the film jumps into overdrive, with the special effects crew outdoing themselves. Where the Carpenter version featured effects by the great Rob Bottin, here the crew gives us the nastiest of alien creatures in all of their bloody glory.

The cast, mostly Norwegian, is led by Winstead’s Kate Lloyd, a paleontologist who is whisked off by Dr. Halvorson (Ulrich Thomsen) to investigate and autopsy the ice- enclosed survivor. They are flown to the continent by Carter (“Warrior” co-star Joel Edgerton), who soon finds things, and people, aren’t what they seem. First time feature director Heijningen sets up some good scares and the special effects crew go above and beyond the call of duty, introducing a new generation of “Thing” fans to some really gruesome sights.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 2011, film, review

Film Review “Footloose”

Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough and Dennis Quaid
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 53 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have two very vivid memories of the original “Footloose,” released in 1984:
1. I got busted trying to sneak a Dr. Pepper into the theatre. Six months later I was not only running the theatre but I dated the employee who caught me for almost five years.
2. I thought it odd that, for a town where dancing was forbidden, all of the kids danced a hell of a lot better than Kevin Bacon.

It’s 2011 and things are a lot different. First, I successfully snuck a DIET Dr. Pepper into the theatre. Second, Kenny Wormald can dance his ass off!

A pretty faithful remake, “Footloose” is best appreciated when not compared to the film that inspired it. As the film opens, we find ourselves among a group of kids dancing up a storm (to Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” of course). One of the cluster of kids leaves the dance and pile into a car driven by Bobby Moore (Blair Jasin). In a severe case of un-attention, Bobby takes his eyes off the road, causing a crash that kills all five people in the car. Stunned with grief, the small town of Bomont, Georgia, led by Bobby’s preacher father (Quaid), pass a series of laws intended to protect the young people of the town. Among them: no playing of amplified music and, with the exception of a yearly church gathering, no public display of dancing.

Enter Ren MacCormack (Wormald). Following the death of his mother, Ren has been sent to Bomont to live with his uncle and his family. He soon finds himself pulled over by the local police, having blasted Quiet Riot a little too loudly in his Volkswagon. Ren also possesses what is referred to as “Yankee sarcasm,” which doesn’t endear him right away to the locals. In church he is introduced to Reverend Moore’s daughter, Ariel (Hough), who has done her best to avoid being the proper “preacher’s daughter.” She and Ren have nothing in common, except for a desire to dance. Anytime. Anyplace.

I have to give director and co-writer (he shares credit with original “Footloose” scribe Dean Pitchford) Brewer credit. He has managed to update the story well while still keeping the familiar. Ren’s VW bug. His “angry” dance at the mill. Even that awful maroon tuxedo jacket. But he also gives the film an energy the first film didn’t have. And this is thanks to the cast. A former backup dancer for Justin Timberlake, Wormald shines, both on the dance floor and off, as Ren. “Dancing With The Stars” veteran Hough, resembling Jennifer Anniston’s little sister, makes the most of her screen time as Ariel. She has some of the films more dramatic moments and she pulls them off admirably. Quaid is his usual strong self as Rev. Moore. But the breakout performer here is Miles Teller, who plays Willard, the cowboy with two left feet. Played so winningly by the late Chris Penn in 1984, Teller gives Willard a sweetness Penn only hinted at. The only false note in the cast is Patrick John Flueger, who plays Ariel’s car racing boyfriend, Chuck. Not only is he about 20 years too old for Ariel, his character is strictly “bad boyfriend 101.” Fans of the original film (and soundtrack) will enjoy new versions of some old hits, including a rendition of “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” that’s as sweet as it is catchy.

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Mark Hamill Joins “New-Gen” Comic Book & Movie Franchise as Creative Consultant

MARK HAMILL JOINS “NEW-GEN” COMIC BOOK & MOVIE FRANCHISE AS CREATIVE CONSULTANT

“NEW-GEN” Names Powerhouse Production Team To Include Mace Neufeld, Kim H. Winther, David Tattersall, Jeffrey A. Okun, John H. Starke, Oliver Scholl and Christopher Young

From New York Comic-Con, “NEW-GEN” Debuts Graphic Novel and Film Sneak Peek, With Book Signings and Panel Featuring Mark Hamill

NEW YORK, NY (Comic-Con) – October 13, 2011 – A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. (Association for the Protection of the New Generation), creators of “NEW-GEN,”® the epic superhero comic book series, today announced Mark Hamill as creative consultant for the franchise, including the upcoming live action feature film production. Originated as a comic book series printed and distributed by Marvel Comics, “NEW-GEN” is a transmedia property with characters and a storyline that reach across platforms, from movies to merchandise, television, mobile, video games and beyond (www.newgenuniverse.com).

Mark Hamill joins J.D. Matonti, Chris Matonti and Julia Coppola, creators of “NEW-GEN”®, as creative consultant, contributing to the multiplatform evolution of the saga of twin brothers with extraordinary abilities seeking to discover their true origins.  During NY Comic-Con this week, A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. will release a special six-issue graphic novel, “NEW-GEN: Volume One,” featuring a “forward” from Hamill who shares his thoughts on this next-generation comic franchise that evolves around the battle over nanotechnology.

“’NEW-GEN’ is a fresh and powerful new story that will surely resonate with audiences across multiple platforms,” says Mark Hamill, legendary actor and voice artist. “I’m honored to join the franchise and upcoming feature film as creative consultant and aim to evolve this compelling universe for fans to enjoy with the A.P.N.G. Enterprises’ team.”

Also joining the “NEW-GEN” team for the upcoming live action feature film are renowned Producer Mace Neufeld (“The Hunt for Red October”), Co-Producer and First Assistant Director Kim H. Winther (“X-Men: First Class”), Director of Photography/Cinematographer David Tattersall (“Star Wars: Episodes I, II, III”), Visual Effects Supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun (“The Day the Earth Stood Still”), Production Manager John H. Starke (“The Punisher”), Production Designer Oliver Scholl (“Jumper”) and Composer Christopher Young (“Spider Man 3”). “NEW-GEN” founder and creator J.D. Matonti will helm the production as the feature’s Director, with the franchise’s Julia Coppola and Chris Matonti rounding off as the film’s Executive Producer and Producer respectively.

“’NEW-GEN’ is making its move into live action feature films with the perfect team, bringing experience from some of the greatest blockbuster films of our time,” said J.D. Matonti, “NEW-GEN” creator and director. “What started as a simple comic book in 2008 has quickly expanded into a full-blown universe that injects a fresh spin into superhero storytelling. We’re thrilled to introduce our characters and world with Mark Hamill and these immensely talented professionals taking the lead.”

Hamill will also support “NEW-GEN” from the convention with two graphic novel signings, on Oct. 14 and 16, and a panel on Oct. 15 alongside franchise creators J.D. & Chris Matonti, comic artist behind the series Abdul H. Rashid, and transmedia expert Jeff Gomez of Starlight Runner Entertainment, who provided support in developing the “NEW-GEN” story world.

Along with the graphic novel which features the first six issues of the comic book, A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. debuts issue number one of a five-issue miniseries, “NEW-GEN: NEW-DAWN,” in addition to a preview of “NEW-GEN: AWAKENING,” an upcoming series for 2012 introducing Carmen, a driving character in the live action feature film.

About “NEW-GEN”
A.P.N.G. Enterprises. Inc. (Association for the Protection of the New Generation) (www.newgenuniverse.com) launched “NEW-GEN” ® as an epic superhero comic book series, printed and distributed by powerhouse Marvel Comics. “NEW-GEN” ® issue #1 debuted at New York Comic-Con 2008 at the Marvel booth, introducing a nanopowered future world. Creators J.D. Matonti, Julia Coppola and Chris Matonti have transformed the “NEW-GEN” ® universe into a global transmedia franchise featuring characters within a storyline made for live action feature films, television series, mobile and video games, toys, merchandising and beyond.

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Filed Under: Art/Theatre Tagged With: book, comic, consultant, creative, franchise, hamill, ...

“Fright Night” Heads Home For The Holidays

Bring Home the Action-Packed, Blood-Sucking Thriller with Bite On Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On-Demand, December 13, 2011

“…. Colin Farrell really gets the blood pumping.”

— Alynda Wheat, People

Complete with never-before-seen, UNRATED bonus features that add to a bloody good time

 BURBANK, Calif., October 14, 2011 — DreamWorks Pictures’ Fright Night, starring Colin Farrell, arrives on December 13, 2011 just in time to take a bite out of the holidays on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On-Demand.  Inspired by the 1985 gothic horror cult classic and directed by Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl, Mr. Woodcock), all hell breaks loose when High School Senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) discovers his charming new neighbor Jerry (Farrell) is a Vampire preying on his neighborhood.

Packed with un-rated bonus features, the Blu-ray release includes a fang-in-cheek mockumentary “Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind,” a hilarious satirical look at David Tennant’s egocentric “rock star” anti-hero character, Peter Vincent; “The Official How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie Guide;” “Squid Man: Extended and Uncut;” “Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia;” “Deleted Scenes;” and a “Gag Reel.”  Also included is the uncensored “No One Believes Me” music video directed by Fright Night’s director Craig Gillespie and performed by hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi.

Proclaimed, “A Bloody Good Time” by Trey Alexander (Fandango.com), Fright Night features an all-star cast including: Colin Farrell (Horrible Bosses, Crazy Heart), Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Terminator Salvation), Toni Collette (Academy Award® nominee for The Sixth Sense, and Golden Globe® winner for United States of Tara), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Kick Ass, Superbad), David Tennant (Dr. Who, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and Imogen Poots (Jane Eyre, 28 Weeks Later).

Charley (Anton Yelchin) is a high school senior who’s on top of the world—he’s running with the popular crowd and dating Amy (Imogen Poots), the most coveted girl in school. But trouble arrives when Jerry (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. He seems like a nice guy––at first. But there’s something not quite right, and no one else, including Charley’s mom (Toni Collette) seems to notice. After his classmates start to mysteriously disappear without a trace, Charlie discovers that there is more to his new neighbor than meets the eye. Now he must do all he can to protect his mom and girlfriend Amy from meeting the same fate as his best friend Ed Thompson (Christopher Mintz-Plasse).

Fright Night will be available to own and for in-home viewing as follows:

3-Disc Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack (1 Blu-ray 3D + 1 Blu-ray + 1 DVD with Digital Copy)

Suggested Retail Price:  $49.99 U.S./$56.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

  • Gag Reel (unrated)
  • Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) “No One Believes Me”
  • Squid Man – Extended & Uncut
  • Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind
  • The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide
  • Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia
  • 5 Deleted Scenes with intros by Director Craig Gillepsie (Ride to School; Neighborly; Once A Freak, Always A Freak; Midori & Kerosene; and Back at the Penthouse)

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (1 Blu-ray + 1 DVD)

Suggested Retail Price:  $30.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

  • Gag Reel (unrated)
  • Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) “No One Believes Me”
  • Squid Man – Extended & Uncut
  • Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind
  • The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide
  • Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia
  • 5 Deleted Scenes with intros by Director Craig Gillepsie (Ride to School; Neighborly; Once A Freak, Always A Freak; Midori & Kerosene; and Back at the Penthouse)

1-Disc DVD (1 DVD)

Suggested Retail Price:  $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

  • Gag Reel (unrated)
  • Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) “No One Believes Me”
  • Squid Man – Extended & Uncut

Digital (3D, High Definition & Standard Definition)

Suggested Retail Price:  3D & High Definition = $39.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

Standard Definition = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

  • Gag Reel (unrated)
  • Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) “No One Believes Me”
  • Squid Man – Extended & uncut
  • Live in Las Vegas: An Interview with Peter Vincent
  • The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide

On-Demand

For additional information and pricing, please contact your television provider or favorite digital retailer. Bonus features are not offered with On-Demand.

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

STREET DATE: December 13, 2011 (Direct Pre-book: 10/18 / Distributor Pre-book 11/1)

Feature Run Time: 106 minutes

Rating:   U.S.: R/Canadian: CE: 14A (Bonus Material Not Rated)

Aspect Ratio:  Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray: 1.78:1 (Feature Film)

DVD: 16×9 Widescreen (Feature Film)

Audio:    Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray: 7.1 DTS-HD MA (English)/ 5.1 Dolby Digital (French & Spanish)

DVD:5.1 Dolby

Languages& Subtitles:   English and French

Film Synopsis:

Senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) finally has it all. He’s running with the cool kids and dating the hottest girl in high school (Imogen Poots). But all hell breaks loose when charming Jerry Dandridge (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. Charley thinks there’s something odd about him, although no one – including his mom (Toni Collette) – seems to notice. But after too many of his classmates vanish under bizarre circumstances, Charley comes to an unmistakable conclusion: Jerry is a vampire preying on his neighborhood!

Social Media:

Those who would like to stay connected with the exciting “Fright Night” release are encouraged to:

About DreamWorks Studios:

DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.  The company recently released “The Help,” which has resonated with audiences around the country and has earned over $100 million at U.S. box office.  Upcoming releases include Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse.”  DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: fright, heads, holidays, home, night

Darth Maul Returns for “Star Wars: Clone Wars” and First Poster for “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3D”

Darth Maul returns to the Star Wars Saga this spring!

Darth Maul, the sinister Sith Lord who amped up the dark side in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, returns to the Saga this spring in Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

Revered by fans for his striking red and black tattooed-face, graceful but lethal fighting style, and signature double-bladed lightsaber, Maul was believed killed by Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi at the end of Episode I. In the Star Wars universe, however, one must never underestimate the power of the dark side!

“The decision to continue Darth Maul’s story was something that came directly from George,” says Dave Filoni, Supervising Director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “We all agreed that his return needed to be unique, unexpected and revenge filled. We don’t know what his outcome will be, and as a fan – that’s exciting.”

While fans await Darth Maul’s return to The Clone Wars, they’ll soon be able to experience the excitement of his original introduction to the Star Wars Saga when Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is released in theaters on February 10, 2012 in spectacular 3D!

The trailer for Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3D will be attached to The Three Musketeers on October 21st and on select films throughout the holidays.

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Filed Under: TV Interviews Tagged With: 3d, clone, darth, episode, hits, maul, ...

Official Trailer for “Act of Valor”

MediaMikes and Relativity Media is pleased to present the Official Trailer for their upcoming action-packed thriller ACT OF VALOR, starring active duty Navy SEALs. 

ABOUT ACT OF VALOR

Directors: “Mouse” McCoy, Scott Waugh
Writer: Kurt Johnstad
Cast: Active Duty Navy SEALs, Roselyn Sanchez, Alex Veadov, Jason Cottle, Nester Serrano
Producers: Mike “Mouse” McCoy, Scott Waugh
Executive Producers:  Jason Clark, Max Leitman, Michael Mailis, Jay Pollak, Lance Sloane, Benjamin Statler, Thomas Tull
Official SIte: http://actofvalor.com/
An unprecedented blend of real-life heroism and original filmmaking, Act of Valor stars a group of active-duty Navy SEALs in a powerful story ofcontemporary global anti-terrorism. Inspired by true events, the film combines stunning combat sequences, up-to-the minute battlefield technology and heart-pumping emotion for the ultimate action adventure.

Act of Valor takes audiences deep into the secretive world of the most elite, highly trained group of warriors in the modern world. When the rescue of a kidnapped CIA operative leads to the discovery of a deadly terrorist plotagainst the U.S., a team of SEALs is dispatched on a worldwide manhunt. As the valiant men of Bandito Platoon race to stop a coordinated attack that couldkill and wound thousands of American civilians, they must balance their commitment to country, team and their families back home. 

Each time they accomplish their mission, a new piece of intelligence reveals another shocking twist to the deadly terror plot, which stretches from Chechnya to the Philippines and from Ukraine to Somalia. The widening operation sends the SEALs across the globe as they track the terrorist ring to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they engage in an epic firefight with an outcome that has potentially unimaginable consequences for the future of America. 

Be sure to visit ACT OF VALOR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ActOfValorMovie and Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/actofvalorfilm

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: act, official, trailer, valor
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