The Marshall Tucker Band Keeps on Rockin’ – Live Concert News in Orlando FL

The Marshall Tucker Band Keeps on Rockin’
Live Concert
Friday, April 13 at 8 p.m.
Intersection of SR 436 and 17-92 in the Orlando Jai-Alai Fronton
Tickets Start at $45; On Sale Now at www.OrlandoLiveEvents.com or 407.339.6221 x 100

Featuring a definitive blend of rock, rhythm & blues, jazz, country and gospel, The Marshall Tucker Band is proving to a new generation of fans that good music knows no boundaries. With hit singles like “Heard It In a Love Song,” “Fire On The Mountain,” “Can’t You See,” and “Take The Highway,” the band earned seven gold and three platinum albums as a Capricorn Records artist. Marshall Tucker Band’s debut album spawned numerous hits. Their latest CD, “Way Out West!”- Live from San Francisco 1973, is a time capsule from that period.

Still led by founding member and lead singer Doug Gray, The Marshall Tucker Band represents a time and place in music that will never be duplicated. Current members also include slide guitarist Stuart Swanlund, the highly respected drummer B.B. Borden, multi instrumentalist Marcus Henderson who also contributes lead and background vocals, Pat Elwood on bass guitar, and Rick Willis on lead guitar and vocals. Together, they present a powerful stage presence as they continue to tour the country and serve as a powerful force in the world of music.

Today, the band records new material on its own RAMBLIN’ RECORDS Label which is distributed by SONY by way of a joint venture with SHOUT! FACTORY.

The Marshall Tucker Band plays live on April 13, 2012 in the Orlando Jai-Alai Fronton, which offers free parking, spacious stadium seating, and dynamic sound for a unique and convenient entertainment experience in the heart of Seminole County.

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Filed Under: Music Headlines Tagged With: band, concert, fl, live, marshall, news, ...

MouseTrap Films Snaps up Four Pix for the Launch of Film Festival Flix & Redefines Indie Film Distribution

First appearing on the scene at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, newly launched MouseTrap Films has been rapidly snapping up films for distribution via its FILM FESTIVAL FLIX monthly theatrical series and ancillaries. Acquisitions include “Face to Face,” “The Calling,” “The Holy Land of Tyrol,” and “Rancid.” MouseTrap President / CEO, Benjamin Oberman, has teamed up with VP of Theatrical Distribution, Jill Gray Savarese, to roll out the films theatrically.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 29, 2012
First appearing on the scene at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, newly launched MouseTrap Films has been rapidly snapping up films for distribution via its FILM FESTIVAL FLIX monthly theatrical series and ancillaries. MouseTrap President / CEO, Benjamin Oberman, has teamed up with VP of Theatrical Distribution, Jill Gray Savarese, to roll out the films theatrically.

Early acquisitions include Michael Rymer’s (QUEEN OF THE DAMNED, BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA) “Face to Face” which won the Panavision Spirit Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress at the Newport Beach International Film Festival. The film, which is based upon a play by Australian Playwright, David Williamson, is frequently compared to “12 Angry Men.” Awarded Best of Fest at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Jan Dunn’s “The Calling” stars Oscar®-nominated actress Brenda Blethyn and was the last film of Oscar®-nominee Susannah York. “The Holy Land of Tyrol” (aka “Mountain Blood”) is a visually stunning German foreign language film by director, Philipp J. Pamer. Alastair Orr’s “Rancid” is a highly-anticipated sci/fi horror film. An additional 10 films are in negotiations and expected to close soon.

Oberman, who founded MouseTrap says, “MouseTrap Films was started to find the film festival gems that regularly fall through the cracks. The FILM FESTIVAL FLIX platform was created as a solution to the traditional challenge of marketing and branding a great film that lacks star power or other elements associated with a traditional campaign. We present great films and the film festival experience, monthly in your community, and make the films available to independent film enthusiasts on multiple platforms.”

The FILM FESTIVAL FLIX series will host actors and filmmakers for Q&A in 25 theaters nationwide, while simulcasting the events in up to 200 more. In an unprecedented move, filmmakers and actors may earn the right to screen their 5- minute short films theatrically before the features. Rewarding one local artist who coordinates the event-screening in their community, MouseTrap will screen their short film in that venue. The winner of the monthly online nationwide contest will be screened in all FFF theaters and distributed online at http://www.FilmFestivalFlix.com.

According to Savarese, who will establish and head-up the theatrical division, “My belief is that we, as distributors, can strengthen the reach of independent films by giving merit-based opportunities to new filmmakers and actors and by supporting the small exhibitors. To that end, we will strive to make our films available to even the smallest venues (including those without digital conversion) and offer them cross-promotional and grassroots marketing support.”

Branching out into film distribution is a natural progression for Oberman after 7 years of producing films, documentaries, and commercials. Savarese, who was a child performer and had a long career as an actor and producer on stage and film is also at home here. A curiosity that some don’t know, however, is the “consultant” parallel between them. Oberman, a former professional pairs figure skater who performed in the 2002 Olympic Games Opening & Closing Ceremonies, was a Figure Skating Consultant on Paramount / Dreamworks’ “Blades of Glory.” Savarese, a political interpreter who interpreted for President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair, was the Sign Language Consultant on the Fox Searchlight film, “The East.”

About Mousetrap Films:
MouseTrap Films offers an alternative releasing strategy, with FILM FESTIVAL FLIX functioning as a powerful new platform to launch and distribute Independent films. MouseTrap, via FILM FESTIVAL FLIX, plans to release 3 films a month in theaters across the US with day and date VOD/DVD. The films will be available for DVD Purchase, Download to Own, and Streaming Rental through the soon-to-be launched website http://www.FilmFestivalFlix.com and through additional partnerships and platforms.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: distribution, festival, film, films, flix, indie, ...

Trailer for “Madonna: Truth Or Dare” on Blu-ray Released

Go backstage and under the covers with the musical and pop culture icon, Madonna, as Lionsgate debuts Miramax’s Madonna: Truth or Dare on Blu-ray Disc April 3, 2012. See the Queen of Pop as never before – singer, dancer, sex goddess, businesswoman and den mother – in an up close and personal documentary chronicling Madonna’s 1990 “Blond Ambition Tour.” Presented for the first time with a stunning new 1080P High Definition transfer and 5.1 DTS Master Audio, Madonna: Truth or Dare premieres on Blu-ray Disc for the suggested retail price of $14.99, just as Madonna makes her way back into the spotlight. With a Super Bowl half-time performance, a new album, tour and the launch of her “Truth or Dare” lifestyle brand, 2012 is destined to be the year of Madge. Madonna: Truth or Dare will also be available on DVD for the suggested retail price of $9.98.

The top-selling female artist of all-time, Madonna has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide. Fresh off of her recent Golden Globe win for Best Original Song for her directorial feature film, W.E., Madonna has also previously won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Comedy/Musical) for her role as Eva Peron in Evita (1997), been named one of TIME’s “25 Most Powerful Women in the Past Century” and garnered countless other accolades. Madonna: Truth or Dare explores the icon as an artist and a person, from her dressing room to her bedroom.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: bluray, madonna, released, trailer, truth

Interview with Tony Todd

Tony Todd is a living legend in the film business.  He is known best for his role of Candyman in the horror series.  He has also working on high profile films like “Transformers: Rise of the Fallen” and “Final Destination” series.  Tony Todd is currently starring and executive producing a new film called “Sushi Girl”.  He believes it is his best work yet.  Media Mikes had a chance to sit down with Tony and chat with him about this new film and what we can expect.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got involved with the film “Sushi Girl”?
Tony Todd: It was a Godsend actually. I got the script about two years ago now. We got together and had a table reading with about 60% of the final cast. We all new it was magic. We got taken off track because we lost financing but we all had faith since we knew the script and cast were strong. Then n the beginning of last year, I got more involved and started setting up some meetings in order to move it forward. We met Spark Entertainment and luckily then we got our financing that we needed.

MG: Is that how you took on the additional role of executive produce?
TT: I suppose so. That was more an act of generosity on their part. I didn’t request it. I wouldn’t say no, of course. In terms of that, one of the things being the leader of this group is that I always checked in with the actors. I wanted to make sure that they were happy and that everyone was going to give 100%. I found that you are all as good as your weakest link. We got very lucky to land this wonderful set on Universal’s lot. I mean it had to be a million dollar set on its own. We had such a wonderful crew. I have done over a hundred films and the energy on this set was easily in my top three films ever.

MG: What can you tell us about your character Duke?
TT: Without giving away too much, we are a motley group of criminal disguising as businessmen. My character Duke fancies himself a businessman that happens to be involved with criminal enterprises. The general plot is we all gather together after 6 years to celebrate Noah Hathaway’s character Fish’s release from prison and that sets up our evenings events.

MG: How did you prepare for the character?
TT: I did a lot of research on what makes a sociopath. I found some very disturbing things. For sociopaths, just like you and I are sitting here outside and chatting and at the spur a moment things can change, like a snap of the finger. He is a wonderful character. But I couldn’t be Duke, unless everyone did there roles as good as they did.

MG: You are a legend acting in the horror genre, tell us about your plans to direct on “Catalytic”?
TT: It is a script that is already written. I didn’t a horror film to be my first directorial debut. I have another project called “Eerie, PA”, that is much closer to my heart but same group from “Sushi Girl” convinced me that it a good horror film. I do not contain any stupidity in the horror characters. It is about real shit and is very cool.

MG: You recently just appeared in “Final Destination 5”, how did the character come about?
TT: Well I had done “The X-Files” and James Wong and Glen Morgan were involved writing on that show. They remembered me and they had acquired “Final Destination”. It was original a proposal script for an “X-Files” episode by Jeffrey Reddick. They wanted me and I wanted it, so fortunately it worked out amd here we are five films later and going strong. I thought the fifth film was the best in the series.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: interview, todd, tony

Monkees singer Davy Jones dead at age 66.

On February 9, 1964, over 40% of America was tuned into the “Ed Sullivan Show.” There they were treated to an English musical guest that, a few years later, would become one of the biggest teen idols of all time. No, it wasn’t the Beatles (though they were on the show as well). It was 18 year old Davy Jones, who was appearing on the show along with the cast of the musical “Oliver!”

Born on December 30, 1945 in Lancashire, England, Jones began acting at the age of 11 and, in 1961, began appearing in the long running television soap opera “Coronation Street.” That was the first year of the show which is STILL running 51 years later. When his mother passed away he left acting and began training as a jockey. He was 14.

A friend of his trainer recommended Jones to a friend who was looking for young boys to appear in the musical “Oliver!” Jones was hired and soon found himself starring as the Artful Dodger. He later reprised the role when the show came to Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination. Based on his appearance on the Sullivan show Jones was signed to a contract with Screen Gems. A few television appearances followed as did a few independently released singles.

Being under contract proved helpful for Jones when, in 1965, the studio began a search for “Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series.” The studio already had Jones in mind. Musicians from all over came to audition. Among those who didn’t make it: Stephen Stills and Harry Nillson. It’s also been rumored that Charles Manson auditioned but later checking showed he was in prison at the time. Along with Mickey Dolenz, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork, Jones became a part of The Monkees, television’s attempt to cash in on the popularity of the Beatles. The show ran for only two seasons (it won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Program in year one) but the band kept recording, in various phases, until 1971. The Monkees sold more then 65 million albums and singles. Jones sang lead on such hits as “Daydream Believer,” “Valerie” and “I Wanna Be Free.”

After the Monkees disbanded Jones continued to act and record. He also reunited with the Monkees for several reunion tours. I saw the band, sans Nesmith, in 1986 and had the good fortune of meeting the band and having several albums signed. I also saw him on stage as Vince Fontaine in a touring production of “Grease.” Younger generations may know Jones from his vocal work on “Spongebob Squarepants” or his appearance in “The Brady Bunch Movie.” In the late 1960s another singer named David Jones decided to change his name to avoid confusion. We know him today as David Bowie.

Jones is survived by his third wife, Jessica, and four daughters.

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Filed Under: Music Headlines Tagged With: 66, age, davy, dead, jones, monkees, ...

BREAKING NEWS: “The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection” Announced!

ONLY ONE NAME DEFINES THE ULTIMATE HERO…

ONLY ONE FORMAT DELIVERS THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE…

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE COMPLETE INDIANA JONES

FILM COLLECTION COMES TO BLU-RAY!

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (February 29, 2012) – The man with the hat is back – and looking better than ever! The world’s favorite globe-trotting archaeologist is, at long last, embarking on his greatest adventure – when The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Media Distribution. The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection will be excavated in the fall of 2012 and will include all four of Indy’s thrilling adventures, using the highest possible high definition picture and audio presentation – along with a “best of” collection of documentaries, interviews, featurettes and a few new surprises.

We should be receiving cover art and further details on the collection shortly, so stay tuned and get ready for this amazing release!

About Paramount Home Media Distribution

Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment, digital and television distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.  PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and distribution across worldwide digital and television distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

Lucasfilm, Indiana Jones™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved.  All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

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Filed Under: Featured, Film Headlines Tagged With: announced, bluray, breaking, collection, complete, indiana, ...

HBO’s “Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season” 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 the Blu-ray release of HBO’s “Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season””, Media Mikes would like to giveaway ONE copy of the first season on Blu-ray. If you would like to win this great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite episode or character from the first season. This giveaway will be open until Tuesday March 13th 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, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Summers span decades. Winters can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun. It will stretch from the south, where heat breeds plots, lusts and intrigues; to the vast and savage eastern lands; and all the way to the frozen north, where an 800-foot wall of ice protects the kingdom from the dark forces that lie beyond. Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars, lords, and honest men…all will play the Game of Thrones.

 

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“Hugo” Blu-ray Giveaway [ENDED]

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To celebrate the release of Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award winning “HUGO”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway TWO copies of the film on Blu-ray. 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 Martin Scorsese film. This giveaway will be open until Tuesday March 13th 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, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

“Hugo” is an adventure drama film based on Brian Selznick’s novel “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” about a boy who lives alone in a Paris railway station and the enigmatic owner of a toy shop there. It is directed by Martin Scorsese and written by John Logan. It is a co-production of Graham King’s GK Films and Johnny Depp’s Infinitum Nihil. The film stars Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ray Winstone, Emily Mortimer, Jude Law and Christopher Lee.

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Interview with James Tupper

James Tupper is currently playing the role of David Clarke in ABC’s hit show “Revenge”. Last year, he co-starred with Jim Carrey in “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with James about working on “Revenge” and what we can expect this season.

Mike Gencarelli: What drew you to the character of David Clarke?
James Tupper: I had seen some of the pilot prior to my scenes being shot. Madeleine Stowe, who was nominated for a Golden Globe this year, is on the show and I realized that every scene required me to be in bed with her. I figured I could probably swing that [laughs].

MG: How much information did you receive about the show’s plot prior to working on it?
JT: We only get the script we are shooting at that time. We shoot our scenes and then piece all the details together. Phillip Noyce who has directed a bunch of great films actually directed some of the pilot. To be able to get that caliber of director was really great. Phillip is one of those guys that is on another level.

MG: Where you able to work with Emily VanCamp at all during the season so far?
JT: I get to work with her younger self. [Laughs] We haven’t crossed paths yet but I would be worried about her because she’s kick ass.

MG: What can we expect from the rest of season one?
JT: There is an incredible downhill crash and every character has something going on. I feel like when I am reading the scripts each episode feels like it’s a season finale. I wish I could tell you more of what is going to happen but I just can’t. I will tell you that some people end up in jail.

MG: How does working on “Grey’s Anatomy” compare to working on a show like “Revenge”?
JT: “Revenge” has all this energy going on and it feels like I am working with the next generation of actors. Everyone is young and full of energy. When I worked on “Grey’s Anatomy” the show had a real ensemble feeling led by Patrick Dempsey. The acting was very deep and everyone on that show really knows how to work a scene. It has a totally different feel.

MG: How was it working with Jim Carrey on “Mr. Poppers Penguins”?
JT: I had to go to set the day before just to meet Jim because I knew I would be nervous. He is an icon. He is a guy that is funny all the time. Jim really understands comedy. When I first met him he slapped me on the back and asked if I like to be called Jim or James? I figured because he was Jim Carrey, so I decided I would stick with James.

MG: What else do you have planned for 2012?
JT: I just finished shooting a film with Jessica Biel and Gerard Butler called “Playing the Field”. That should be out in a few months. It’s a really funny film. I play Jessica Biel’s lover. No one is going to believe that Gerard Butler can take a woman away from me. [Laughs] I don’t think America is ready to see that.

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: interview, james, tuppers

Book Review “Horror Cinema”

Author(s): Jonathan Penner, Steven Jay Schneider
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Taschen
Release date: April 18, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Horror is easily my favorite genre of film. When you thing of Taschen you this of high quality books and beautiful photos. Well, that is exactly what you get with this 2012 update of this fantastic look into the world of horror filmmaking. If you are a fan of horror films, this is a MUST purchase and it is available at a very reasonable price as well, only $14.99. This book is really an amazing visual journey.

The book itself is split into ten parts covering all different aspects of the genre. The categories covered are the following: Slashers & Serial Killers; Cannibals, Freaks & Hillbillys; Revenge of Nature & Environmental Horror; Science-Fiction Horror; The Living Dead; Ghosts & Haunted Houses; Possession, Demons & Evil Tricksters; Voodoo, Cults & Satanists; Vampires & Werewolves; and The Monstrous-Feminine. I mean is anything left out here!? Nope. They cover every single aspect of horror.

The films featured in this book have such range and do not focus on a specific time in the genre’s history. It ranges so well from 1920’s “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” to “Jaws” to “Gremlins” to “Creature from the Black Lagoon”. Of course there are also the classics like such as “Psycho”, “Alien”, “The Exorcist”, and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. I really enjoyed the rare behind the scenes look that this allows us to see a different side of our favorite films. For example, we get a look of H.R. Geiger holding an egg from “Alien” or Steven Spielberg sitting on Bruce the shark from “Jaws”.

Like I mentioned, Taschen is known for its high quality work. This book contains ridiculously high quality photos, some are even full page from our favorite horror movies. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere that the book develops ranging its photos from crisp black and white to glorious color. Horror fans will love the fact that this book is also no-holds barred. It is not afraid to show a ton of gore and nudity. This book will be prominently placed in my bookshelf and shown off to all my friends that also enjoy horror.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: cinema, horror

Blu-ray Review “National Lampoon’s The Legend of Awesomest Maximus”

Directed by: Jeff Kanew
Starring: Will Sasso, Ian Ziering, Kristanna Loken, Sophie Monk, Rip torn, Tony Cox
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Image Entertainment
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 91 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1/2 out of 5 stars

Recently when I see that a film that is presented by National Lampoon, I would steer clear. It definitely doesn’t have the same reputation it did back in the “Animal House” and “Vacation” series days. This film is different though and delivers some really funny laughs.  Don’t get it wrong it is stupid as shit but for some reason I found it entertaining, probably few will agree.  It also packs a reallygreat cast including Will Sasso, Ian Ziering, Kristanna Loken, Sophie Monk, Rip Torn and Tony Cox. Will Sasso is just so over-the-top, it is great and makes me count down the days till “The Three Stooges”. Ian Ziering known best for his role in “Beverly Hills, 90210”, really branches out playing the mighty warrior Testiclees…yes that’s this name.

In case you are wondering about the director, Jeff Kanew, he is known best for directing the classic comedy film “Revenge of the Nerds”. In case the cover art doesn’t describe it enough this film is a spoof of films like “Gladiator”, “Troy”, “Alexander” and of course “300”. The film is very raunchy and most of the jokes really land on their feet. If you are a fan of Will Sasso, then there is no way you won’t like this film as he gets a chance to shine in the starring role.

The film follows Awesomest Maximus (Will Sasso) who is a general of Troy but is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Awesomest gets put on duty to accompany King Looney’s (Rip Torn) only son Orlando (Gary Lundy) on a mission to Greece. Orlando ends up stealing the wife of King Erotic (Khary Payton), Princess Ellen (Sophie Monk) to be his wife.  Get it Ellen of Troy? This of course does not go well and provokes a war between Troy and Greece.

The Blu-ray presentation is decent but nothing special. The video looks clear and sharp. Though the audio track is lacking and is basically the equivalent for DVD standards. The special features are non-existent with only the theatrical trailer included. There is also a the bonus trailer for the another spoof film “Division III: Football’s Finest”.  Disappointing since this is a really funny film.  Would have loved to see a gag reel or at least some behind the scenes featurettes.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: awesomest, bluray, lampoons, legend, maximus, national, ...

Blu-ray Review “The Town: Ultimate Collector’s Edition”

Directed by: Ben Affleck
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively
MPAA Rating: R (Theatrical) / Not Rated (Extended)
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 125 minutes (Theatrical) / 153 minutes (Extended)

Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Before reading this review, if you have never seen this film…stop reading and go out to the store and by this release. It is simple as that. This film was one of my favorite films of 2010. This Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is the perfect set release for this amazing film. “The Town” is most definitely going to become a classic like other robbery films like “Dog Day Afternoon” and “The Italian Job”. Ben Affleck does a flawless job not only directing but also acting, easily the best work he has done to date.

This new 3-disc (2 Blu-ray, 1 DVD) release feature a a new cut of the film including an alternate ending with audio commentary available as well. It is actually the third cut of the film and is even different from the recent extended cut. There is also an amazing 30 minute documentary called “Director’s Journey”. If that is not enough this release comes with amazing packaging and really cool goodies. There is a 48-page book filled with high quality photos. There is a letter from director Ben Affleck.  There is a huge poster-size map of Charlestown with notes from the film.  Wait…there is still more…including a confidential folder packed with a fifteen-page FBI report, four mugshot cards, a Vericom employee file and a sheet of rub-on tattoos. I think they went above and beyond with these extras.  It is very impressive and a great collectable for fans.

The video quality of the Blu-ray are just perfect and so clear.  I think they really put a lot into this film and it shows for sure.   The audio also comes packed with a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  You literally feel like you are being caught in the gun fire throughout the film.  Really top notch.  Here is a break down of the discs included in this release. The first Blu-ray comes with the new extended cut with alternate ending on its own Blu-ray. The second Blu-ray has the other extended up and the theatrical cut. There is also a DVD included as well.  Also included is a streaming Ultraviolet digital copy, which will be added to my Flixster account immediately.

Let’s get to some of the special features now.  This release has no shortage of commentary tracks, in fact, it comes with three.  The first is for the theatrical cut of the film and Ben Affleck does a wonderful job of complementing the film in a very entertaining commentary.  The next is the extended cut audio commentary is similar to the theatrical cut but gets into the meat of the extra footage.  Like I mentioned above, this release also features a new commentary for the extended cut with alternate ending.  It is an extension of the extended commentary track.  Too much commentary for you? I do not think so.  Definitely at least give a listen to the commentary for the alternate ending for some great info about the changes.

“The Town: A Director’s Journey” is a new documentary for this release and it runs about 30 minutes.  It dives a lot into the film’s production and you get a lot of Ben Affleck but if you love the film then you would love this.  “Ben’s Boston” Focus Points run about 30 minutes spread out among six behind-the-scenes featurette. They are able to be played during watching the film.  The featurettes  include “Pulling Off the Perfect Heist,” “The Town,” “Nuns with Guns: Filming in the North End,” “The Real People of the Town,” “Ben Affleck: Director & Actor” and “The Cathedral of Boston.” The next feature is so simple but I really like it, which is an “Extended Cut Scene Indicator”.  It features an icon on the screen when there is new footage from the theatrical version of the film.  Lastly there is a theatrical trailer also included. Amazing features + Amazing movie = Amazing release.

Buy It 3/6 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet Digital Copy http://bit.ly/yMSmoe
Like us on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/TheTownFB
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Synopsis: Ben Affleck follows his acclaimed Gone Baby Gone directorial debut by directing, co-writing and starring in a taut thriller about robbers and cops, friendship and betrayal, love and hope and escaping a past that has no future. He plays Doug MacRay, leader of a Boston bank robber gang but not cut from the same cloth as his fellow thieves. When Doug falls into a passionate romance with the bank manager (Rebecca Hall) briefly taken hostage in their last heist, he wants out of this life and out of the town. As the Feds close in and the crew questions his loyalty, he has one of two choices: betray his friends or lose the woman he loves. Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper also star.

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Blu-ray Review “Neverland”

Directors: Nick Willing
Actors: Rhys Ifans, Charlie Rowe, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and Keira Knightley
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 13, 2012
Run Time: 169 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This film has a lot of positive traits right from the start.  It has one of the best casts in Syfy mini-series including Rhys Ifans (“Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1”, “The Amazing Spider-Man”), Anna Friel (“Pushing Daisies”), Bob Hoskins (“Snow White And The Huntsman”, “Hook”), Keira Knightley “Pride & Prejudice”, “Pirates Of The Caribbean” series). and Charlie Rowe (“Never Let Me Go”, “Pirate Radio”).  Secondly it is directed by Nick Willing, who’s recent work includes the fantastic mini-series “Alice” and “Tin Man”.  Lastly it is a never-before-told origin story based on J.M. Barrie’s beloved classic fairytale “Peter Pan”. This film delivers and takes you on a wonderful fantasy adventure for the whole family.

“Neverland” follows a young pickpocket named Peter (Rowe), his group of “lost boys”, and their leader Jimmy Hook (Ifans). The group is transported to a magical place called “Neverland” when they encounter a strange orb while on a hit. They meet the leader pirate, Elizabeth Bonny (Friel), who has ruled the seas of Neverland for nearly two centuries, who also wants her hands on the orb. Hook is enchanted by her ways and joins her team. Peter and his group are left to fight for what is right and ends up in a war Bonny and his friend Hook.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive and works well with the film’s special effects. The audio track is also great packing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  The special features are decent and start with a great commentary track from Nick Willing. “The Story Behind The Story” features a bunch of interviews Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Charlie Rowe, Raoul Trujillo, Bob Hoskins and director Nick Willing, “Green, Screen to Scene: Journey Into ‘Neverland” shows the films journey through production. “Art Gallery” includes various storyboards from the film. Lastly “Neverland: Access All Areas” takes us behind the scenes on this production.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, neverland, review

Interview with Chris Metzler

Chris Metzler is the co-director/writer of the documentary “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone”. The film chronicles the 30 year career of the band Fishbone a band considered to be one of the biggest bands to come out of early 80’s punk/ska movement. Media Mikes recently had the chance to speak with Chris about working on the film.

Adam Lawton: What prompted you to make a documentary about the band Fishbone?
Chris Metzler: Generally I don’t like music documentaries as they are a hard thing to get right. A lot of times they are made only for fans of the band or for promotional purposes. The thing I really liked about Fishbone was if we were able to do it right we might be able to break the mold of music documentaries. Fishbone makes really good music and they helped change the musical landscape in California. In reality this is a story of family and through a moment of serendipity these 6 guys met each other during a desegregation experience in Los Angeles. They all fell in love with punk rock and carved their own path. The guys as outsiders really attracted me to the project.

AL: Were there any difficulties in dealing with the variety of personalities the members have?
CM: The thing that was surprising with the film is that even though we did have some obstacles we had to get over everyone was really easy to work with. Working with the guys in the band and those who we interviewed outside of the band was essentially the easiest part about making the film. Everyone was very thoughtful and reflective. The biggest challenge in making the film I think was it being a very independent, do it yourself effort. My co-director Lev Andersen and our DP editor Jeff were like a 3 man band trying to take down 30 years of history. It was tough when we had to hit the road as one of us had to be on the bus and there was only one bunk space. The other two guys would have to follow behind in a van we rented. We were driving 500 miles a day and while trying to shoot the rock star life. There are a lot of endless hours and monotony. We drank a lot of Red Bull to keep up.

AL: Can you tell us how Lawrence Fishburne became involved with the project?
CM: We really lucked out there as Lawrence had been a fan of the band and is friends with the guys. Their friendship actually started in the early 80’s when Lawrence was a bouncer at some of the punk rock clubs the band played at. Lawrence really admired the band and their friendship has continued on since then. He was really excited to be a part of the film. The only thing he gave us a problem with is he was hoping to be interviewed for the film. Sadly we couldn’t have him be the narrator while being interviewed at the same time. Lawrence was very generous.

AL: What was the idea behind using a variety of art and animation in the film?
CM: The band has been around for 30 years. They have broken the mold on so many different genres and scenes. We thought using a variety of eclectic art would allow the viewer to not only see the events historically but throw them into the moment as well. We really wanted do what we could to put the viewer in that moment. With cartoons we could characterize the people which helped establish their personalities early on in the film.

AL: Will there be any deleted scenes or bonus material on the DVD release?
CM: Absolutely! The DVD will feature 100+ minutes of bonus features. That will include deleted scenes, interview outtakes, archival footage and some clips with Angelo’s character Doctor Mad Vibes. There also will be live footage of Fishbone playing CBGB’s the last week it was open. We really jam packed that portion of the DVD.

AL: Was it hard finding a lot of the older memorabilia and footage to include in the film?
CM: The band its self didn’t really have much as they tend to live their life in the present. A lot of the things we were able to find came to us by calling out to the larger community of fans. We were very patient as things trickled in. After being out on the road and telling people we were working on a documentary about the band we got some amazing leads. It took a lot of time and we were still finding things a couple weeks prior to releasing the movie. There are still some great things that are popping up that we wished we had gotten sooner.

AL: What other projects do you have in the works?
CM: Right now we are in the final stages of getting the DVD out there. There is a shorter version of the film airing on PBS and the full version is available on iIunes. The DVD will come out Feb. 21st. The band is on tour right now and they are also working on a new album. We are going to let the film live out there in the world at let people discover it. We have a few ideas for our next project as I am always out looking for cool ideas. I haven’t quite decided which one we are going to plunge into just yet.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: chris, interview, metzler

DVD Review “Like Crazy”

Directed by: Drake Doremus
Starring: Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“Like Crazy” starts off very well and draws you into the story and its characters but then leaves you very disappointed. I would have love to see more a better conclusion with this film. I am not sure if it just lost direction or focus. The romance is strong in the beginning but then looses its spark quickly. The acting though is superb and includes great performances from Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin.

The film follows the first real love between a British college student (Felicity Jones) and her American classmate (Anton Yelchin). During a short period the couple falls deep in love and are inseparable. When she violates her visa in order to stay a few more weeks before returning home, the real challenges are presented to the couple. They are unable to reunite due to issues with her re-entering the US due to visa issues. From there the couple needs to find how strong there relationship is and what they need to do to stay together.

The only special feature included on the DVD is a commentary track by director Drake Doremus, editor Jonathan Alberts and cinematographer John Guleserian. Worth a listen if you enjoyed the film otherwise passable. the Blu-ray contains a bunch more special features including deleted and alternate scenes both with pptional commentary.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: crazy, dvd, review
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