Blu-ray Review “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?: 50th Anniversary Edition”

Starring: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Victor Buono, Anna Lee, Maidie Norman, Marjorie Bennett
Director: Robert Aldrich
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 134 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were known for there feuding both on and off the screen during making “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”. After 50th years, they still deliver some great performances in this film. Warner’s is releasing this film in their trademark Digibook release and it is definitely worth the upgrade for fans of this classic film. Warner Brothers delivers a real nice 1080p video, within its new digital transfer taken from the original camera negative and restored audio elements. This really makes the picture pop off the screen and looks amazing in black and white still after all these years. The original DTS-HD Master Audio Mono also works well with the 50 year old film.

The special features are great but nothing new for this 50th anniversary release. There is a commentary track from Charles Busch and John Epperson Epperson, which is relatively funny. “Bette and Joan: Blind Ambition” looks back on the legendary careers of both iconic actresses. “Behind the Scenes with Baby Jane” is short but neat vintage featurette on the production. The is an excerpt from “The Andy Williams Show” on 12/12/1962, when Bette was a guest on the show. “All About Bette” is a TCM special focusing on Davis and hosted and narrated by Jodie Foster. There is a “Film Profile” on Joan Crawford, which runs just under 30 minutes. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer.

Synopsis: Two icons from the golden age of Hollywood, Oscar® winners* Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, take their famous feud onscreen in Robert Aldrich’s newly restored thriller. In fierce, no-holds-barred performances, Bette Davis portrays aging ex-child star Baby Jane Hudson while Joan Crawford plays Blanche, the crippled sister Jane torments psychologically. As the sisters descend into madness, the tension builds to a shocking ending in this unforgettable Academy Award®-winning classic.

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Sean Stone talks about his new film “Greystone Park”

Sean Stone is the son of well-known director Oliver Stone. Sean is not only directing but also writing and starring in his film “Greystone Park”, read our review here. Media Mikes had a chance to find out what it was like working on the film, with his father and what we can expect next?

Mike Gencarelli: How did the concept for “Greystone Park” come about?
Sean Stone: Well, it was about the same way that you see in the movie. I met Alex Wraith in October 2009 with my father, since he worked on “Wall Street 2”. We all had dinner one night and found that that Alex had been breaking into Greystone for like three years prior to meeting me. He would bring a camera to record his experiences; otherwise he said no one would believe him. He had an idea for a movie based on these experiences. The whole idea was based around that location itself, which was just so perfect. When he told me about it, I thought it sounded cool and had always wanted to have a ghost hunting experience, so I checked it out. When we went the first time, wee did get end up getting lost for real like in the movie but luckily we got out after an hour or so, once we found a door that wasn’t locked. But we said what would happen if we got lost inside and couldn’t get out. Then we kept writing the rest of the story based on that. That became the basis for about 80% of the film.

MG: How was it not only directing but also writing and starring?
SS: Challenging [laughs]. It is a big challenge to really immerse yourself into that world. In one sense it is easier if you are doing a documentary. But if you are operating the camera, giving lines and acting at the same time, it starts getting complicated. The hardest part was that there were certain things that we had to have staged. We had to make sure the camera was in certain places to hit right at a specific moment. That was really the tricky part from the directing point-of-view. Luckily, I was able to trust my actors to use the camera as their eye, for example. Then I would be able to be in a scene acting and still be able to cue, let’s say, a footstep or a door closing. I would have to be able to be conscious in and out of the scene. It is like a magician, having a  hand out and trying to setup a distraction for the reveal.

MG:What do you feel that the film brings new to the found footage genre?
SS: Well, ours is based on a true story. We actually broke in, went to these places and had these experiences. I have never been a big fan of the found footage genre. It is one thing to tell a story based on real events. It is another thing to just concoct a story and pretend it is real. I feel that “The Blair Witch Project” was the worst offender is that regard. Even the “Blair Witch” itself, I thought there was a real witch myself [laughs]. That was the age before internet, you didn’t know that stuff. But with “Greystone”, I don’t think we belong bunched in with films like those. We broke in, actually had these experiences and this is our story.

MG: How did you get your father, Oliver Stone, involved in this project as well?
SS: That grew organically out of the fact that I was going to play myself. Originally when we wrote it, I was going to have my friend play my character and just focusing on directing. But then the producers, Alex and a few other people I trust pushed me to play myself in the film. They said it would be more interesting. What happened next was that I called my father, their already was a character written for the father, and just asked him. At first he was hesitant, since he was thinking that people would say its nepotism or be extra critical about it due to that. But we decided just to do it anyway and he went with it. I think that there is a reality TV quality to that and I find it very interesting.

MG: Having worked with your father directing on numerous projects, tell us about your director style?
SS: What is interesting that before we even started shooting and just had the script, one of the investors said he told this project felt like “Natural Born Killers” meets “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. At first I didn’t understand that until we shot it and cut it. It does look like “Natural Born Killers”.  It is uses a lot of cuts, a lot of edits and even some stock footage. We used a couple different cameras on the shoot also to get a different feel. The overall effect has this hallucinogenic quality. It was not intended that way. The one thing that I learned from my father would be to shift styles depending on what kind of movie you are trying to tell. He has always been able to do that by telling one story in a classical shooting fashion and then tell another with a different avant-garde post-modern way.

MG: What do you have planned next?
SS: I am working on a martial arts comedy. It will be an homage to 70/80’s action hero cinema. It is called “Enter The Fist”. We have a website (http://www.fistthemovie.com/) up currently, you can check it out.

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Film Review “Seven Psychopaths”

Starring: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell and Christopher Walken
Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 49 mins
CBS Films

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

In 2008, Martin McDonagh earned an Oscar nomination for his first full-length screenplay, the quirky mob film “In Bruges.” Expect to see him earn nomination number two for “Seven Psychopaths.”

While waiting to pull off a “hit,” two men are suddenly shot dead. Placed on their bodies is a single playing card – the Jack of Diamonds. This opening sequence begins the tale of what is surely the best quirky crime drama since “The Usual Suspects.”

A thriller interspliced with an uncanny insider look at Hollywood, “Seven Psychopaths” is the story of a story, one being written by Marty (Farrell), an Irish screenwriter whose dependence on the bottle has just cost him his girlfriend. Marty is constantly asking his friend Billy (Rockwell), about his career as a dog thief or, as Marty calls himself, a “dog borrower.” Marty tails wealthy dog owners out with their dogs, kidnaps them and, when the eventual WANTED poster offering a cash reward turns up, his partner Hans (Walken, still at the top of his game at age 69) returns the dog, having just recently “found” it. Billy shares some stories with Marty, who has only gotten as far as the title of his new script: “Seven Psychopaths.” Along the way we meet some of the best written characters in recent years: the man who used to travel the country with his girlfriend, tracking down and murdering murderers (“we were serial killer killers”), the vengeful father (Harry Dean Stanton) of a murdered daughter and a crazy crime boss (Woody Harrelson), whose Shih Tzu, Bonny, Billy has made the mistake of stealing. As these stories, and others, intertwine, you are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

The film is full of great performances but I must make the following clear:

IF SAM ROCKWELL IS NOT NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR I WILL SEND WOODY HARRELSON TO VISIT THE ACADEMY!

Rockwell gives a bravura performance here, creating a character who lives and breathes on many levels. In what could have been an over-the-top, one note performance Rockwell gives Billy a heart and, more importantly, a soul. You shouldn’t care about him but you can’t help yourself. And a special nod to Bonny, the shih tzu, who I predict will shortly become this year’s Uggie, the canine star of “The Artist.”

The script is packed with inside Hollywood references, with the comments often reflecting the film itself. The action is fast paced and the over-the-top violence is brought to life courtesy of KNB EFX Group partners Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger. McDonagh’s direction is sharp and the outdoor visuals are brought to life by cinematographer Ben Davis.

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Film Review “Argo”

Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman
Directed by: Ben Affleck
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I’ll say this for Ben Affleck – if this actor thing doesn’t work out he’s got a perfect job waiting for him behind the camera. With two Boston-set films (“Gone Baby Gone” and “The Town”) under his belt, Affleck moves his camera to 1979 Iran, where six members of the U.S. Embassy contingent are in hiding after the building was overrun by “students” protesting the United States giving asylum to the former Shah. How the six survived their ordeal is now featured in the new film, “Argo.”

Tony Mendez (Affleck) is among the best of the best in the C.I.A. He has made himself a “master of disguise” thanks to the help of another “master” – Academy Award winning make up man John Chambers (Goodman). In order to rescue the six citizens, who have found refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador, the agency suggests several ways to get them out of Iran. None make sense. Until Mendez suggests a phony film crew help sweep them away. However, in Hollywood, even the phony needs press!

Based on a true story, “Argo” is the first great film of the soon to be approaching Oscar season. Affleck and his “crew” manage to get the six hostages outside and, hopefully, wheels up back to America. To do this the C.I.A. hires film producer Lester Siegel (a very funny Alan Arkin) to help get the word out about the “film.” And Siegel goes all out. “If I’m going to have a fake movie,” he tells Mendez, “it better be a fake hit!” But while the jokes fly in Hollywood, on the other side of the world the smallest mistake could be the escapee’s last. Director Affleck has perfectly recreated the feel of 1979, pulling no punches in depicting the “students” and others who wish to kill us only because we have different beliefs. He has also filled the film with actors whose work takes us back three-plus decades, among them Goodman, Victor Garber as the Canadian ambassador and Cranston as Mendez’ immediate boss. “The whole world is watching you,” Cranston intones. “They just don’t know it yet.”

The film flows smoothly in an almost documentary style. During the end credits there are a selection of shots and scenes from the world in 1979 shown side-by-side with the same scenes in the film. The resemblance is uncanny. It’s obvious that Affleck has studied this subject. No, seriously. He majored in Middle Eastern Studies in college.
He has also studied well at film college. “Argo” helps cement his new reputation as a fine film maker, one who should hear his name called when Oscar nominations are announced.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Chernobyl Diaries”

Actors: Jonathan Sadowski, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Jesse McCartney, Nathan Philips
Directors: Brad Parker
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 86 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When I first heard about “Chernobyl Diaries”, I thought it was just another Summer horror movie.  Then I saw that it came out of Oren Peli, the man behind “Paranormal Activity”, I became immediately interested. He serves as both co-writer and producer and this film. and the man known how to do reality-horror right! “Chernobyl Diaries” is not another found-footage film though and takes a different (and cool) route from the “Paranormal” series.  There are a few good jumps here and thought harshly criticized during its theatrical release is not as bad as everyone says.  Good watch for Halloween season.

Another cool aspect of this film is where it was shot, this they were unable to film in the real Pripyat since there is still-present nuclear dust from the Chernobyl disaster, they shot in  abandoned an Soviet Air Force Base and in underground tunnels used as Nazi headquarters in World War II under Belgrade, Serbia.  We also had the chance to chat interview quite a few people from this film including the director Brad Parker, co-writer/producer Oren Peli and star Jonathan Sadowski.  Click on their respective names, if you want to hear the inside scoop about the film.

Warner Bros’ delivers a really nice release, within its Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet Digital Copy combo pack.  The film looks sharp in its 1080p transfer in its 1.85:1 original aspect ratio.  This works really well with the film’s locations as well.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the score and the suspense. The special features on the disc are decent overall.  The main extra here is the alternate ending, which is pushed as a big deal on the cover of the box.  It is decent but I still prefer the theatrical ending…yes I do.  There is one deleted scene included, also nothing special.  The last two features are neat though, including a informerical for “Uri’s Extreme Tours” and a viral video for “Chernobyl Conspiracy”.

Official synopsis: The film follows a group of six young tourists who, looking to go off the beaten path, hire an ‘extreme tour’ guide. Ignoring warnings, [their guide] takes them into the city of Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, but a deserted town since the disaster more than twenty-five years ago. After a brief exploration of the abandoned city, however, the group soon…[realizes] that they are not alone.

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Veronika London talks about modeling and being an actress

Veronika London is a model and an actress. She has been called “The Megan Fox of Canada”. She recently co-stared in the film “Searching for Angels” with Vivica A. Fox. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Veronika about her work and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: You have been called “The Megan Fox of Canada”, what do you enjoy most being known as a sex symbol?
Veronika London: I have to admit the attention is fun and I find it rather interesting how marketing and sex can rule the world if played right. If anything I’m just happy that I’m comfortable and confident enough to play by my rules and exploit my desires. If the bi product is being a sex symbol- then so be it- lol

MG: Going from modeling in magazines like FHM and Maxim to TV/film, how do you compare?
VL: Longer hours and more of a mental, physical and emotional challenge. The best scenes are those when you open a personal can of worms that was locked in the vault and leak the raw emotion of the specific moment on camera for the first few times through a script (someone else words but ur truth) . Now that’s magic-

MG: Tell us about your role in film “Searching for Angels” with Vivica A. Fox?
VL: I played Angel who was an amnesiac heroin addict. My performance was tabbed as being similar to Angelina Jolie’s in Gia which was a great compliment. I am a fan of her. SFA became a form of therapy- I love dark intense roles.

MG: How did you prepare for this very intense role?
VL: I watched alot of intervention and associated with people with addiction, memory loss and those that worked the red light district before production to really pick up the mannerisms.

MG: What do you have planned next?
VL: I have recently finished working on the feature film called “No One Will Notice.” I’m starring in it with Joseph Cannata and Erik Fellows from Days of Our Lives. It’s very Dexter but with a bigger twist. My character lives in a dark world. She’s very detached, empty and damaged. (The usual heavy dramatic role). Also a clothing like called VKN is in the early pipeline stages for which the tagline is “Desire Inspired Elegance.” In addition a collaboration with Visalus has come about. I was first introduced to the product when I broke my ankle as a way to stay in shape and did it ever work. I did simple movements, did the 69/31 eating lifestyle and was able to keep shooting during the months that I was in a cast.

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DVD Review “Supernatural Activity”

Actors: Andrew Pozza, Liddy Bisanz, Joey Oglesby, Donny Boaz, Devin Bonnée
Directors: Derek Lee Nixon
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 0 out of 5 stars

There has been no shortage of spoof’s since the genre became popular again after “Scary Movie”.  Unfortunately 95% of them are absolutely ridiculous. “Supernatural Activity” is absolutely no different and, in fact, probably the worst that I have ever seen.  There is maybe one joke in the whole film that warrants a laugh.  “Supernatural Activity” tries spoofs films like “The Last Exorcism”, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”, “Cloverfield”, “The Blair Witch Project” and of course the “Paranormal Activity Series”. With the overuse of the found-footage genre, there is plenty to spoof on, though this takes advantage of none of them. The DVD comes bare-bones with no extras besides the film. which doesn’t matter to me at all. If you are looking for a spoof just wait out for “Scary Movie 5” next year.

Official Synopsis: In the realms of reality TV, ghost hunting is big business. And the Supernatural Activity team is at the top of their game, debunking myths, ghouls, and spooky places, for freaked-out viewers everywhere. The world’s most beloved illusionist, accompanied by a crack team of paranormal investigators, embark on what might be their most terrifying assignment yet which works out great, since it s the last episode of the season. Besides, everyone knows there s not really such a thing as ghosts. What could go wrong? Terrorized at every turn, this witch-hunting, ghost-busting, creature-questing supernatural spoof-tacular is the funniest footage ever found! Turn the lights out. Watch with a friend you trust. Keep your eyes on the screen. Order me a sandwich. I m sorry what was I talking about?

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Film Review “Grave Encounters 2”

Directed by: John Poliquin
Starring: Richard Harmon, Sean Rogerson, Stephanie Bennett, Dylan Playfair, Leanne Lapp, Howard Lai, Ben Wilkinson
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 99 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the film “Grace Encounters”, I thought I was in for just another shitty horror film.  I was really pleasantly surprised.  The film had a lot of good jumps and feels a lot bigger than it is.  The film is low budget though the quality seems a lot higher.  So now we have “Grave Encounters 2″, is this just another shitty sequel? That answer is definitely no.  This film takes a unique approach to the found-footage genre and even improves on the film before it.  There are bigger scares, a bigger (and clever) plot and bigger production. Don’t miss this one!

Official Premise: Grave Encounters” was a found-footage horror phenomenon that many people believed was just a movie. Film student Alex Wright is out to prove them wrong in “Grave Encounters 2”. Alex is as obsessed with the first film, as the 20 million people who viewed its viral trailer on YouTube. While he and his friends research the events and visit the real psychiatric hospital depicted in the original film, they find themselves face-to-face with unspeakable evil, banking on the hope that their knowledge of the original film will help them survive the sequel.

The first film was written and directed by The Vicious Brothers, read out interview with them here.  On the sequel, the duo stepped aside from directing and focused on writing.  This really worked well for the sequel, since they had time to focus on the script and make it really kick ass.  These guys are going to be huge, they really know how to setup a horror film and execute it well. John Poliquin steps in the director’s chair and he also really nails it. Tribeca Film is one of my favorite studios.  They have been releasing a lot of quality films and have become a force to be reckoned with distributed independent films. All I have to say is I want “Grave Encounters 3”!

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Blu-ray Review “Safety Not Guaranteed”

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Jake Johnson, Mark Duplass, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jeff Garlin, Kristen Bell
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 30, 2012
Run Time: 86 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I forget which Blu-ray I was watching earlier this Summer but I saw this trailer and normally I would skip to the menu but this really captured my attention. It is just a simple dramedy but it looked like it would be really interesting. It is also from the Producers of “Little Miss Sunshine”, which only adds more points. It also helps that I am MEGA big fan of Fox’s TV series “New Girl” and this film co-stars Jake Johnson. This movie just really grabs you for the moment it begins and doesn’t let off. It is a nice mix of drama and comedy and delivers a great story. Highly recommended!

Official Synopsis: An unusual classified ad inspires three cynical Seattle magazine employees to go looking for the story behind it. They discover its author is a mysterious eccentric named Kenneth (Mark Duplass), a likeable but paranoid supermarket clerk, who believes he’s solved the riddle of time travel and intends to depart again soon.

The Blu-ray release both looks and sounds sharp with its 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Neither is really challenged much but still delivers. The special features are a little light and no commentary tracks. There are two featurettes included here. The first is called “A Movie Making Mission” which goes behind-the-scenes for the making of the film with director Colin Trevorrow and cast. “The Ad Behind the Movie” looks into the original ad that inspired the movie. Lastly there is “Time Capsule-Easter Egg” that wraps up the included extras.

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Vicious Brothers talks about their sequel to “Grave Encounters”

Colin Minihan and Stuart Ortiz make up the Vicious Brothers.  They are the Writers/Directors of “Grave Encounters” and Writers of “Grave Encounters 2”. The first film has already become a cult classic after a very short time.  “Grave Encounters” is an awesome found-footage horror film and the sequel is twice as good as he first one. Keep an eye out for these guys because they are going to be huge. The guys took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about their sequel and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: Where you guys get the name the Vicious Brothers from?
Stuart Ortiz: When we were close to being done with “Grave Encounters”, we figured we should come up with a directing handle. Since if you have just two dudes names it is too much information for the audience to take in.
Colin Minihan: Dude, just tell him the honest answer. He was coming out of a huge bender…
SO: [laughs]
CM: …and he woke up one morning had the name in his mind and just wouldn’t shut up about it. I just went along with it. [laughs]

MG: Are you surprised with the quick cult status the the first film has achieved?
CM: Yeah it has been really cool to see all the different countries take to it. We are very excited for them to see the sequel?

MG: Why did you step aside on this film and let John Poliquin take over directing?
SO: The main reason was that right when “Grave Encounters 2” became a reality and we were going to move forward. We are also at the same time finishing up another project that is a sort of proof-of-concept trailer that we made for a film we are trying to get off the ground right now. It would have been too much having to go into production on “Grave Encounters 2” and then finishing up the other project. We just didn’t want to be able to commit 100% to it. We have known JP along time. He is a great director and we were friends with him anyway. After one conversation with us, he totally got the material. It really seemed to make sense.

MG: Tell us about the production on “Grave Encounters 2” and how it compares to the first film?
CM: The production definitely differed a fair bit [laughs]. On the first one, Stu and I just were just constantly writing and make “Grave Encounters” almost out of necessity almost with no money. It was literally Stu and I running around a mental institution with the actors. It became a success and allowed us to do the things we wanted to do on the first film but didn’t have the manpower or visual effects budget. I think as a result we really crammed this movie with as much stuff as we could. We stretched this budget way further than we thought we could, while still staying sane and pulling it off. I am definitely glad we didn’t pussy out and make something safe. We really pushed the limit and made JP’s life challenging for sure.

MG: Shooting at the mental institution, any things creepy happen during production?
CM: I definitely below in ghosts and have had a few weird occurrences in my life for sure. I am one of these people that can walk into a house and if I am not paying attention I can pick up a vibe.
SO: Colin has a radar for that shit. Down to the point if we go something I would ask “Yo, you getting a haunted vibe?” He will look around, squint his eyes and say yes or no”. We were just in London a few weeks ago and he was just freaking out the whole time saying “This whole city is haunted man!” [laughs].
CM: As far as the building goes, when there is so much energy and people on set, in order to experience something you really need to be alone and in a quiet place. Otherwise, there is too much distraction.

MG: Tell us about the decision to bring back Lance Preston?
SO: We kept a tight relationship with the actor, Sean Rogerson. We would hang out all the time. Even from the very beginning, after we finished “Grave Encounters”, we knew from the get-go that no matter what we did, Sean was going to be in it.

MG: The ghosts in the film are super creepy, tell us about how they were conceived?
CM: I think when you are writing it you just try and do to a dark place and find out what is going to scare ourselves. We tried to visualize it with some sketches and then just put on the makeup and hoped that when you turn the lights off and hit the night vision that it is as effective as it is in your head.

MG: “Grave Encounters 2” takes a real clever approach to found-footage genre, what were you concerned about most that you wanted to accomplish when writing the sequel?
SO: There was a couple of different things. We didn’t want to retrace our foot steps and it was important for us to do something different. There was so many possibilities especially if you are talking about a found-footage or mockumentary approach. You can go even farther than a convention film. It seemed like a waste just to do the same thing again. First and foremost was just to do something fresh. They Colin came up with this idea to be set in the “real world”, where people know about the movie and there is this conspiracy. That was the #1 priority. The #2 was that one we were in the building was to actually how that the building is a character and has an agenda and purpose of its own.

MG:What do you two have planned next?
SO: We are keeping very tight lipped on it now. But we are waiting on financing to close by the end of the year. We have a sci-fi horror movie called “The Visitors” that Colin and I wrote and will co-direct again. It is a lot different than “Grave Encounters”, it is not found footage in full but does have a little bit of found footage for the most part it is a classically cinematic film. We are hoping to get that started next year.

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3D Blu-ray Review “Disney’s Tinkerbell: Secret of the Wings”

Starring: Mae Whitman, Lucy Hale, Timothy Dalton, Lucy Liu, Megan Hilty, Anjelica Huston, Matt Lanter, Jesse McCartney
Directors: Peggy Holmes, Bobs Gannaway
MPAA Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Run Time: 75 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

The Disney Fairies brand and film franchise is one of the smartest moves that Disney has ever created.  Having a little daughter, I can’t wait to introduce her to these characters and these wonderful films.  What is really the best part is that these are actually getting better and better with each installment. Tinker Bell is such a cute character and this series just worked so well for her and her friends. The world of Pixie Hollow is so amazingly beautiful and now this installment introduces us to the Winter Woods, which is timed perfectly for the Winter season. “Secret of the Wings” is also the first in the Disney Fairies series to be featured in 3D.  Let me tell you this format works absolutely perfectly with this film.  If you are a fan of this series, there is still more to come! The next feature-length film, “Quest for the Queen”, is scheduled to be released in Spring 2014.

Official synopsis: Journey with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends into the forbidden world of the mysterious Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead Tink to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever.  “Secret of the Wings” features the vocal talents of Mae Whitman (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars), Anjelica Huston (The Darjeeling Limited), Timothy Dalton (Licence to Kill), Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (Dr. Dolittle), Megan Hilty (NBC’s Smash), Pamela Adlon (Tinker Bell) and Matt Lanter (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

This Blu-ray comes in a four-disc set with a Blu-ray 3D disc, a standard Blu-ray, DVD copy and a digital copy disc as well. The 1080 transfers just really shines on Blu-ray, especially in 3D.  The colors are beautiful and Pixie Hollow just really lights up on this film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works so well, especially with Joel McNeely’s score. The special features are decent but a little bit of a let down.  The main star is “Pixie Hollow Games”, which is TV special 22 Minute bonus adventure and only has aired on Disney Channel last November prior to this release. There is a Never-before-seen Pixie Preview: “Fright Light”.  Lastly there are two music videos “The Great Divide” from McClain Sisters and Zendaya’s “Dig Down Deeper” from “Pixie Hollow Games”.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, disneys, review, secret, tinkerbell, ...

DVD Review “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam – Live From Orlando”

Starring: Gary Owen, Capone, Lil’ Duval, Tony Roberts and Jay Pharoah
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 67 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam – Live From Orlando” is the fourth time that Shaq has presented these hilarious comedy specials. In the previous specials he has showcased the following amazing talent including, Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Hart, Tommy Davidson, Mo’Nique and D.L. Hughley. This time around Gary Owen known best for his roles in the film “Think Like A Man” and TV series, Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne”, hosts this latest installment. Shaq has also personally handpicked some of stand-up comedy’s most talented comedians including Capone, Lil’ Duval, Tony Roberts and Jay Pharoah. If you are looking for some laugh-out-loud laughs…look no further.

Media Mikes had the privilege to chat with Gary Owen and he is one of comedy’s best comedians, click here to check it out!  “All-Star Comedy Jam – Live from Orlando” was filmed at Hard Rock Live in front of a live audience in Orlando FL and you can just feel the energy during this show.  The only bad thing about this release is that it is just over an hour, I would have loved to see this expanded longer. I would have also expected extended sets on the extras.  Though they are also not available on the extras. The special features included are a “Backstage Jam” behind-the-scenes featurette, which is some fun stuff. Lastly there are also some trailers included.  Hey Shaq, when’s the next one coming out?

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: comedy, dvd, jam, live, oneal, orlando, ...

CD Review: Dethklok “The Dethlabum III”

Dethklok
“The Dethlabum III”
Label: Williams Street
Producer: Brendon Small, Ulrich Wild
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Tracks: 12
Running Time: 51 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of Adult Swim’s animated series “Metalocalypse”, then like myself, you should be eagerly anticipating this album. “Dethalbum II” was released all the way back in September 2009.  Dethklok is the virtual death metal band from the series “Metalocalypse” and contains music from the second, third and fourth seasons of the show. The music, like the past albums, is basically all performed by the show’s creator Brendon Small with some help from drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Bryan Beller. The deluxe edition CD/DVD includes a 32 minute behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of Dethalbum III, as well as music videos and more. If you are a fan of vinyl, like myself, the album will also be released on vinyl on November 6, 2012 (just like the first one).

Brendon had also released his first solo album earlier this year, “Brendon Small’s Galaktikon” and it could be anymore different that Dethklok (which is a good thing).  If you ever hear him speak in person, it is just a wonder how he is able to stay in character for Nathan Explosion and deliver these intense heavy vocals that he achieves so well.  So how does the album compare to “Dethalbum I & II”? Well, it is hard to say straight away.  I think it is a great continuation of what you should expect from Dethklok.  I feel that these albums are made to be played all three back to back, and just letting them tell their story out.  One thing I noticed is that the guitar work just seems so tight and really focused.  There are some riffs on these tracks that will literally throw you out of your chair, especially on “Starved”.

With Dethklok hits the road this Fall, it will be great to see Brendon and his band of virtual members really tear up the stages.  I can’t wait to hear the first single “I Ejaculate Fire” performed live and see the audiences reaction to that track live.  It will never cease to amaze me that Dethklok started out as  technical not a “real band”, yet fans have been growing and supporting this music and the band for going over five years now.  If you are a Dethklok/Metalocalypse/Brendon Small fan, doesn’t matter, you are going to be going back flips listening to this album.  I would say it is definitely worth the three year wait and in the words of Nathan Explosion, “It is totally BRUTAL”!

Track listing:
1. “I Ejaculate Fire” (from “Dethhealth”)
2. “Crush the Industry” (from “Renovationklok”)
3. “Andromeda” (from “Writersklok”)
4. “The Galaxy” (from “Doublebookedklok”)
5. “Starved” (from “Tributeklok”)
6. “Killstardo Abominate” (from “Dethsiduals” & “Rehabklok”)
7. “Ghostqueen” (from “Motherklok”)
8. “Impeach God” (from “Dethgov”)
9. “Biological Warfare” (from “Fertilityklok”)
10. “Skyhunter” (from “Rehabklok”)
11. “The Hammer” (from “Dethcamp”)
12. “Rejoin” (from “Fanklok”)

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, dethklok, dethlabum, iii, review

DVD Review “Airborne”

Actors: Mark Hamill, Alan Ford, Gemma Atkinson, Julian Glover, Billy Murray
Director: Dominic Burns
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 78 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I first heard about “Airborne”, I was thrilled to find out about this “Twilight Zone”-infused horror/thriller, which stars Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill (“Star Wars” Trilogy).  The film also reunited Hamill with his “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” co-star, Julian Glover, who played  General Veers. The film does well on the suspense but runs a little too short just when it starts to get good. The score also adds to that suspense. If you are looking for a turbulence filled wild ride, then check out “Airborne”. Did I mention Mark Hamill is in this BTW?

Official Synopsis: When a storm starts closing in, air traffic controller Malcolm (Hamill) sends one last plane into the sky – but after takeoff, the passengers aboard discover the pilots have been brutally murdered. Suddenly the plane disappears from radar, and one by one, the people aboard turn into dangerous, bloody psychopaths. With time running out, the survivors must unlock the deadly mystery in their midst – and find a way to land the plane before their ultimate nightmare is unleashed!

The film runs a very short 78 minutes but I liked the film overall but I just wish there was a little more Hamill delivered throughout the film. Though if you are looking for his best performance to date, be sure to check out “Sushi Girl”, which comes to VOD on November 27th.   Lastly, this DVD comes completely bare-bones, not even a trailer. The DVD cover is also a little bland as well, nonetheless, there are far worse horror/thriller’s out there than this and this is still worth checking out.

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

Blu-ray Review “Pete’s Dragon: 35th Anniversary Edition”

Actors: Mickey Rooney, Jim Dale, Sean Marshall, Helen Reddy
Director: Don Chaffey
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 128 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Pete’s Dragon” has always been a favorite of mine (and my wife). Disney’s classic musical adventure has some of the most memorable songs, including the Academy Award® nominated “Candle On The Water” and of course “Brazzle Dazzle Day”. This 1977 film was a nice mix of Disney’s tradition animation blended perfectly with live action. This 35th Anniversary Edition of “Pete’s Dragon” boasts an all-new digital restoration and boy does it look and sound great at 35! I look forward to sharing this film with my daughter and singing along with Pete and his green friend Elliot”

Official Premise: When Pete, an orphan, and his best friend Elliott – an invisible green dragon – wander into the seaside village of Passamaquoddy, the townspeople think he’s behind a slew of hilarious mishaps. But after a daring rescue, they change their tune and believe in Pete’s fire-breathing buddy.

Disney does not disappoint with this release. The new 1080p digital restoration high definition release really looks sharp. The animation in film looks aged a bit but still has a lot of charm. The film is presented in widescreen with an 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Like most of the recent Disney Blu-ray releases, this one includes both a Blu-ray and DVD of the film within.

The special features are good but not overly special. They include only a few extras from the 2009 DVD release (not all included, which is strange). “Brazzle Dazzle Effects: Behind Disney’s Movie Magic” looks into how Elliott was brought into the film. There is a Deleted Storyboard Sequence called “Terminus & Hoagy Hunt Elliott”. Lastly there isn the original song concept for “Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You, Too)”. I expect a little bit more from the “35th Anniversary Edition”.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 35th, anniversary, bluray, dragon, edition, petes, ...
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