Gregory Alan Isakov talks about his music and upcoming album

Gregory Alan Isakov is a singer/song writer who has had songs featured on Showtime’s hit series “Californication”. Gregory’s song “Big Black Car” was part of a popular McDonalds Christmas commercial in Canada which helped propel the song to the #1 position on the Canadian iTunes chart. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Gregory recently about his work and about his upcoming album.

Adam Lawton: What was it that interested you in playing music?
Gregory Isakov: I was always playing songs growing up. I sort of was doing it for myself for a long time. I never thought I would be playing music for other people. I got out of school and started playing out here and there and now I am doing it a lot. It was just something I got into after high school.

AL: How did your music end up in the hands of a few different television and commercial writers?
GI: We put all of our records out ourselves and we have also been touring for awhile. It has never gotten too crazy or anything as we never signed on to a major label. We had thought about doing that but we decided to go the more DIY route. A lot of people we have connected with over the years have just heard our stuff at shows or on the radio. Everything has been pretty organic.

AL: What was your first thought when you were asked for the use of the songs?
GI: I am always really excited when film or television wants to use one of our songs. However there are times where I might not think what they want to do fits in with what I am after but, when I see the finished product it has always looked pretty cool.

AL: Has anything changed for you since having one of your songs be at #1 on the Canadian ITunes chart?
GI: It seems like when we go back to towns we have played before the crowd has always gotten a little bigger. The ITunes thing came out of us doing a show in Toronto and being asked if one of our songs could be used for a commercial spot. I was a little skeptical as I didn’t know if we wanted to do something like that. We were set to pass on it but then I started to think that we could use the money for a lot of cool stuff. We ended up donating all the money from that commercial to a number of charities that work on things such as organic farming. It was such a cool thing to be able to do. I am usually worrying about how we are going to pay for gas. (Laughs) I never thought people would care about a song in a commercial.

AL: Your last album release was in 2009. Are there any plays to record some new material in the near future?
GI: Yeah! I have been working on a new album for about a year and a half. It is pretty much done and will definitely be out this year. We were going to release it in the fall but we had been working on some new stuff and the record took a turn and went somewhere else. I think it will still be out this fall at the latest.

AL: Do you normally like taking quite a bit of time in between releases?
GI: I spend a lot of time writing in general. Sometimes our records consist of songs that we have had for a long time. At times we have songs that don’t record well and take more time while others record very easily. It is
something you kind of have to follow as you go along. We have wanted to do an anthem inspired Springsteen type record but it always seems to turn out differently. It’s funny because we will start out with an idea and then we start recording and things take on a life of their own. You want the songs to feel complete. A lot of stuff I write specifically for the record and don’t play it live.

AL: What are your plans for the rest of this year?
GI: We are on the road right now and we are going to be playing a lot of festivals. In the fall we will be heading to Europe after we have some time off to finish the new record. I don’t think we ever have more than 3 weeks off at a time.

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Filed Under: Music Interviews Tagged With: alan, gregory, isakov

Rich Eisen talks about TNT’s new reality series “The Great Escape”

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in communications, Rich Eisen is probably best known to sport fans as the face of the NFL Network, which he joined after seven years at ESPN. He has also added his commentary to several of VH1’s various “I Love the….” decade shows and last year appeared in the very funny short “Field of Dreams 2” on Funny or Die. He can also currently be seen (actually heard) as the marathon announcer in the new film “That’s My Boy.” Eisen’s latest project is as host of the new action/reality show “The Great Escape,” which debuts this Sunday evening on TNT. Rich took some time recently to speak with Media Mikes about his love for football, his reality show skills and how he hopes to follow Dan Patrick to “Sandler Stardom!”

Mike Smith: How did you get involved with “The Great Escape?”
Rich Eisen: Charlie Ebersol, who is one of the producers, and his partner, Justin Hochberg…they created the show. They sat me down about a year ago and showed me on his iPhone a demo reel for “The Great Escape” that was constructed by Ron Howard, whose production company he runs with Brian Grazer, Imagine Entertainment, is one of the show’s producers, as well as the creators and producers of “The Amazing Race.” And I decided that if they wanted to bring to life what they just showed me on their iPhone…what was leaping off of that small screen and snapping my lapels back…well, I told them “tell me more!” (laughs) And now here we are, about to show it to the fickle beast that is the American viewing public. I don’t want to jinx it but it’s got everything that appears to appeal to the folks that like to watch this kind of programming. I mean it’s got EVERYTHING in it that will push their buttons. I’m really excited for it.

MS: With NFL training camps starting up next month with your duties on the show interfere in your NFL Network gig?
RE: No. We’ll be done shooting this season’s shows by the end of this month (June). I’m ready for the NFL season. I’ll tell you that. It’s a great thing, too. I’m really involved in two of the greatest reality projects around. “The Great Escape,” obviously. And the NFL. THAT’S 22-26 weeks of drama. Each and every week.

MS: Besides “The Great Escape,” is there a reality show you wouldn’t mind appearing on?
RE: You know I’d really like to try “The Great Escape.” I’d love to see how I’d handle it. I’d choose Warren Sapp (former Tampa Bay Buccaneer great) to do it with me because he’d be able to handle both the physical and the mental challenges. I’d love to do that. That would be a lot of fun. And when folks see this show that’s going to be their general sense…they’re going to want to do this. It’s going to call to them from the television.

MS: I caught your work in the new Adam Sandler film “That’s My Boy” earlier this week. Any plans of following your buddy Dan Patrick into bigger roles on the silver screen?
RS: (laughs) Dan always makes it seem like he’s the gatekeeper but it’s still really Adam Sandler and his producing partner, Jack Garraputo, who call the shots. I’m working my way into the rotation. “That’s My Boy” is a double edged sword because, though I’m involved in the funniest scene in the film, most people don’t hear me because they’re rolling in the aisles! But, that said, I can only aspire to be what Dan is in the Sandler oeuvre’!

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: eisen, escape, great, reality, rich, series, ...

“My Big Break” Interview Series

Media Mikes had a chance to interview the director Tony Zierra, producer, Elizabeth Yoffe and star, Chad Lindberg of the documentary “My Big Break”. Check out what they had to say below and support the film!

Click here to read our review of “My Big Break”

Premise: This controversial documentary follows five roommates trying to make it in Hollywood who face the unexpected consequences of fame. When Tony Zierra, an aspiring filmmaker with no money, stars or crew, resorts to filming the lives of his four struggling actor roommates, he never imagined the incredible twists of fate he would end up capturing on camera. Things take an amazing turn when three of the actors, Brad Rowe (Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss, Shelter), Chad Lindberg (October Sky, The Fast And The Furious) and Wes Bentley (American Beauty, Ghost Rider) defy astronomical odds and quickly hit it big. Meanwhile, the fourth actor, Greg Fawcett, is nearly driven insane watching the others get famous. It doesn’t take long for the unsettling reality of stardom to set in. Lindberg’s hope of becoming a leading man is crushed when he s repeatedly told he doesn t have the right look; Rowe ends up typecast as a pretty boy and can’t break past his uncanny resemblance to Brad Pitt; while Bentley, who has the most explosive career launch in decades, uneasily retreats from his sudden, overwhelming fame. As the actors struggle with life in the public eye, Zierra deals with constant obstacles while he tries to complete his film – including being scrutinized and blocked by the actors’ nervous agents. While popular shows like Entourage offer a fun, fictionalized view into the workings of the film industry, My Big Break shows the good times along with the darker side of becoming a celebrity. The documentary is a rare, raw look at life in Hollywood that reveals what can happen if your dreams unexpectedly come true.


Chad Lindberg
Elizabeth Yoffe
Tony Zierra

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: big, break, interview, series

Chad Lindberg talks about “My Big Break” and upcoming “Alex Cross”

Chad Lindberg stars in the documentary “My Big Break”, which is directed by Tony Zierra and follows the early careers of himself, Wes Bentley, Brad Rowe and Gregory Fawcett. Chad is also known for his roles in films like “October Sky” and “The Fast and the Furious”. Chad is co-starring in the upcoming film “Alex Cross” and recently landed a guest star role on the TV series “Weeds”. Chad took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about “My Big Break” and what he is currently working on.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you tell us about “My Big Break”?
Chad Lindberg: It’s cool to have that time in my life documented. Not many actors can say they had their experience documented on tape. I always looked at it as a taping tool. I thought it would be good one day for actors, film makers, directors and people who wanted to get into the business. We are one story out of many. They are all kind of the same in a way. People make it and then fame happens and what that does to relationships. I still look at this as a tool. A lot of people are seeing it and enjoying it. I can’t ask for more than that.

MG: Do you feel the documentary will help your career since it has been finally released?
CL: I never looked at it like that. I thought it was just good to have it out there so people can learn from it. I get to plug it in 20 years from now and look back on it and go wow! It’s pretty cool. Hopefully it will help people somehow. They can watch it and think maybe I am not crazy or maybe I am crazy and it’s ok. (Laughs)

MG: Do you keep in touch with any of the guys from the film?
CL: I do. I see Wes every once in awhile. I talk to Greg all the time. Brad I haven’t seen or talked to in about a year. I also talk to Tony quite a bit.

MG: Can you tell us about your work on “MoniKa”?
CL: I worked a little bit on that film. I am a big fan of Steven Monroe who I worked with on “I Spit on Your Grave”. He asked if I would be in the film and I said of course. He is very talented. I shot a few days in Vegas playing a detective. We had fun.

MG: How did you prepare for your role in “I Spit on Your Grave”?
CL: I was cast about two weeks before we started shooting. I don’t know how we prepared for that. I just tried to keep things close to heart and represent the character the best I could. The character is mentally challenged and I wanted to do that role honestly. I also wanted the audience to feel compassion for the character as much as they could. When you are shooting material like that there is not a lot of acting involved. You are just reacting to the craziness that is going on around you. Everyone is just feeling each other. Hair was standing up on the backs of our necks. You don’t get that feeling every time you work on a project. We were highfrom the work.

MG: Can you tell us about your work on “Alex Cross”?
CL: Rob Cohen who directed “The Fast and the Furious” is the director of this film. I got to do a small part in the film where I worked with Tyler Perry, Mathew Fox and Edward Burns. I got to go and get my butt kicked a little bit. It’s going to be a big film. It was fun to work with Rob again as I had not seen him in about 10 years.

MG: Do you have any other projects you wanted to mention?
CL: I just booked a guest star role on “Weeds”. I am pretty excited about that.

 

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: chad, lindberg

Scottish comedy-horror “Attack of the Herbals” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

STICK THE KETTLE ON TO BOIL. DUNK HERBAL TEA BAG. ADD TWO LUMPS OF ZOMBIE. A SPLASH OF NAZI… AND WHAT DO YOU GET??

To celebrate the release of David Ryan Keith’s home-grown Scottish comedy-horror, ATTACK OF THE HERBALS, Media Mikes would like to giveaway TWO DVDs for this film.  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 zombie film. This giveaway will be open until Friday July 6th at Noon, Eastern Time and is open to anyone who wants to enter!! 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.

Nazis in gasmasks, a foul-mouthed kilt-wearing land-baron, zimmer-frame wielding flesh eating pensioners… what’s not to love?? Scottish comedy-horror ATTACK OF THE HERBALS is strangely charming and never takes itself too seriously!

Jackson McGregor has returned after years of exile to his grandparent’s home in a small sleepy Scottish village, a village where the daily routine consists of eating, sleeping, fishing and drinking tea. However the local’s way of life is under threat from a large corporate retail machine headed up by a monster named Bennett who wants to buy land for a new development.

After discovering a crate of herbal tea washed up on shore, Jackson hatches a plan to sell the tea and save the village. However the new lease of life the tea seems to give people soon turns into a nightmare, and Jackson finds himself in a village of Zimmer-frame wielding, flesh eating pensioners.

Can Jackson save the village, redeem himself and stay alive? Attack of the Herbals puts the Tea back into terror, an outrageously funny horror comedy that is quite simply Scotland’s answer to Shaun of the Dead….
ARRIVING ON UK DVD & VOD ON 25TH JUNE 2012

 

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: attack, dvd, giveaway, herbals

Elizabeth Yoffe talks about producing “My Big Break”

Elizabeth Yoffe is the producer on the recent documentary “My Big Break”, directed by Tony Zierra and follows the early careers of Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe and Gregory Fawcett.  Elizabeth took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about producing a documentary like “My Big Break”.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your involvement with documentary “My Big Break”?
Elizabeth Yoffe: Years ago, I was involved in a much smaller capacity with Tony’s documentary, “Carving Out Our Name”. When I saw that completed film in Toronto, I was completely taken with his abilities as a director and felt grateful to be part of it. Although there was a painful outcome for “Carving”, I believed that if Tony decided to start over and create a new project from his original footage it would result in something powerful and unique. I’ve been part of the process of making “My Big Break” from the beginning. My goal has been to be a partner in all aspects of it and to support the filmmaker’s creative vision in every way that’s needed. That covers a broad range of tasks and activities, from paperwork to marketing, creative input – when called upon, hiring additional crew, finding composers around the world, dealing with releases, research, financing, distribution decisions, marketing. It’s extremely hands- on and exhilerating because we’re completely independent.

MG: What is the most difficult task of producing a documentary?
EY: Raising its profile. It’s an interesting time for documentaries. There’s more and more interest in them and far more platforms and outlets to have the work seen than ever before – which is great. But, because there is so much content out there you’re also competing for audience interest, so marketing and raising awareness of an independent project can be challenging – as is monetization. But, all in all, I’d say this is one of the best times for indie docs-if you’re willing to put in the hands-on, intensive work.

MG: Where can everyone view or purchase this film today?
EY: Thanks for asking! The best way to view and purchase “My Big Break” is through our site www.mybigbreakmovie.com.There, you’ll have the option of streaming or downloading the movie or you can purchase the DVD through us or through Amazon.com.

MG: The special features are located on the website, tell us about this decision?
EY: We have so much footage that we want to include in the special features and making them part of a DVD limits the ability to change and add different features from time to time. This way, we have complete control over keeping the special features fresh.

MG: Have you ever considered this type of film with another group of actors, perhaps a series?
EY: No, because what makes “My Big Break” really one-of-a -kind is that fate had such a big part in bringing together that specific group of people and what they experienced – the struggles, the success, the spiral into frustration can’t possibly be duplicated. There’s plenty of fake reality out there now – too much – but the reality in “My Big Break” makes it unique and that much more interesting. If Tony wanted to do it, I know that he’d bring his unique creative eye to it, so that’s the only thing that would make me interested but without that – no. Although, I should add, it might intrigue me is to see how a group of young women handled a similar situation because the pressures on females in Hollywood is that much more intense and unsettling.

MG: What are currently working on next?
EY: I’m working in partnership with Tony on a fascinating documentary about Stanley Kubrick- I’m very excited about that, and also offering a certain level of technical support on his book, which tells a truly epic life story – talk about a film project! That’s the one story I’d consider going back to Hollywood to get done – if it could be done the way it should be. Who knows.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews Tagged With: big, break, elizabeth, producing, talks, yoffe, ...

New Her Universe Syfy Apparel debuts July 11, 2012

NEW FANGIRL APPAREL FOR BATTLESTAR GALACTICA AND WAREHOUSE 13 

HER UNIVERSE ANNOUNCES NEW SYFY SUMMER LINE FOR WOMEN

NEW YORK, NY – June 22nd, 2012 – Her Universe, a leader in female genre merchandise, announced today the latest releases in its Syfy branded collection of apparel and accessories for Geek Girls. Featured in the summer line are designs from the hit series, Battlestar Galactica and Warehouse 13.

The new line of Syfy fashion tops will premiere at San Diego Comic Con and online July 11th at www.heruniverse.com. Fans will be able to purchase new BSG designs at the Her Universe Comic-Con booth (2913-F in the Lucasfilm Pavilion) including a new design from well-known artist, Cat Staggs. Cat’s design will feature the fan favorite character Kara “Starbuck” Thrace and will feature original art designed specifically for this new v-neck top. Additional designs for BSG and WH-13 will be available at Syfy’s Comic-Con headquarters in the Rock Shop at The Hard Rock Hotel, across the street from the San Diego Convention Center.

“As a big Battlestar Galactica and Warehouse 13 fan, I am so excited to introduce new designs,” said Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein. “It’s also been a pleasure to work with Cat Staggs again. Cat is a fan favorite artist and I feel that she truly captured the essence of Starbuck with this new design.”

“I was very excited when Ashley asked me to design this shirt,” said artist Cat Staggs. “What I was trying to capture with this design was a balance of Starbuck’s strength and fragility, which is something that drew me to her character and I hope others will enjoy that as well.”

Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica. Her Universe will be announcing two new major sci-fi licenses this summer. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Twitter at Twitter and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

Photo credit: – Kelsey Edwards Photography

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Filed Under: TV Headlines Tagged With: 11, 2012, apparel, debuts, july, syfy, ...

Film Review “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”

Starring: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell and Dominic Cooper
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 45 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

History tells us that Abraham Lincoln was a great man. What it doesn’t tell us is that, long before he became President he had a little side job. Seems the old rail splitter put that handiness with an axe to good use and killed him some vampires! No, really.

While living with his parents in Indiana young Abe Lincoln (Lux-Haney Jardine) intervenes when a young black friend of his is being beaten. Abe gets a taste of the lash as well for interfering. After his father has words with the man with the whip, he is fired from his job. Later that night young Abe observes an odd sight but dismisses it. When he wakes up he learns that his mother has taken ill. She later dies and Abe realizes what he saw wasn’t imagined. He swears revenge on the man he holds responsible for his mother’s death but, after shooting him in the face is shocked to see the man keep coming at him. Something funny is going on here.

Told with a brilliant 3D canvas, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” is one of the most original ideas to ever hit the big screen. What makes the film so good is that it takes its story seriously. This is not a spoof or a comedy. It’s history. When Abe (Walker) learns that his intended victim is a vampire, he enlists the aid of Henry Sturgess (Cooper), a vampire killer who hides secrets of his own. Henry tells Abe that he will help him learn to destroy the undead and begins a training regiment right out of “The Matrix.” Along the way, Abe meets Mary Todd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who is currently dating Stephen Douglas (an unbilled Alan Tudyk – Pirate Steve from “Dodgeball”). True love blooms and Abe confesses his deeds. However, Mary thinks he’s pulling her leg and dismisses him. Of course, Abe eventually gets his law degree, runs for elected office and embarks on his journey to the White House. And that is where we find him when he learns of a planned vampire takeover of the United States. Not on his watch!

Thanks to a smart screenplay by Seth-Grahame Smith, who also wrote the original novel, the film never disappoints. If you allow yourself to get lost in the story you soon begin to believe that what you’re seeing on screen may have happened. Along with vampires Smith has peppered the film with other historical figures who play roles in the story, including Harriet Tubman and Jefferson Davis. Another plus is that the actors are truly immersed in their performances. No sly wink of the eye to the audience. Walker bears a strong resemblance to Liam Neeson who, ironically, was director Steven Spielberg’s initial choice to play the 16th President in his upcoming bio-flick (since replaced by Daniel-Day Lewis). As played by Walker, Abe is a 19th Century Bruce Wayne or Clark Kent, his mild demeanor a mask for a man of strength. Director Bekmambetov, who helmed not only the vampire flicks “Day Watch” and “Night Watch” but “Wanted,” gets to exhibit his skills as an action director. A scene where Abe fights a gang of vampires while jumping back and forth off of moving horses during a stampede is mind blowing, aided in a great way by the brilliant use of 3D. This is what 3D was made for! Couple the process with the outstanding cinematography of multiple Oscar nominee Caleb Deschanel (father of Zooey and Emily) and you’re on the edge of your seat. To be fair I should also note that, when the action stops, the film slows down noticeably. Towards the end it’s almost like a roller coaster, with occasional stops accompanying one hell of a ride. There is also a major continuity error at the beginning of the film that really bothered me. If you spot it please let me know.

 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: abraham, film, hunter, lincoln, review, vampire, ...

Blu-ray Review “Wrath of the Titans”

Directed by: Jonathan Liebesman
Starring: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Rosamund Pike, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Nighy
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Bros.
DVD Release Date: June 26, 2012
Run Time: 99 minute

Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Film: 3.5 out of stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the trailer for “Wrath of the Titans”, I thought it looked super cool and a real improvement from  “Clash of the Titans”. Well, I really did enjoy it but I feel like it stands as an equal with “Clash”.  It improved on somethings but also ran in a few issues of its own.  I would rate the 3D version of this film with 4 stars, as it was really improved since was shot in native 3D. The film’s visual effects, creature designs and action scenes are simply breathtaking. They are also completely amped up from “Clash” and looks perfect in the film’s 1080p transfer. Although I still prefer watching this film in 3D. The audio is also perfect with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  My Blu-ray surround sound is still feeling the pain from its wrath.

The special features are decent but are only available within Warner’s Maximum Movie Mode.  There are two different experiences including “The Path of Gods” and “The Path of Men”.  With the “Gods”, you learn about the mythology behind Wrath of the Titans.  With ‘Men” we go behind-the-scenes with the production team.  There are over 30 minutes of Maximum Movie Mode’s Focus Point featurettes included as well.  There are three unfinished deleted scenes, runs over 10 minutes and were decent.  Not sure why they weren’t included in the final product.  If you are fan of the first film, you will love this film easily.  If you are a hater of it, you will also appreciated the improvement.

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Premise: Sam Worthington, Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson star once again as gods at war in “Wrath of the Titans”, under the direction of Johnathan Liebesman. A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kaken, Perseus (Worthington) the demigod son of Zeus (Neeson) is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity’s lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades (Fiennes) and Poseidon (Danny Huston). The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld. Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus’ godly son, Ares (Edgar Ramrez), switch loyalties and make a deal, with kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans’ strength grows stronger as Zeus’ remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth. Enlisting the help of the warrior Queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike), Poseidon’s demigod son, Argenor (Toby Kebbell), and fallen gob Hephaestus (Bill Nighy), Perseus bravely embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.

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

DVD Review “Some Guy Who Kills People”

Directed by: Jack Perez
Starring: Barry Bostwick, Kevin Corrigan, Leo Fitzpatrick
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

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

“Some Guy Who Kills People” is one of those films that looks and sounds cool but you know its gonna suck. Then you watch it and it is damn decent, with great gore and a cool story…but then the last 10 minutes of the film happens which ruins it all. Great performances though from Kevin Corrigan and Barry Bostwick. The film is not a really a horror film and not really a comedy but still manages delivers for the most part.

The film follows Ken Boyd, a former mental patient, who now draws comics, lives with his mother and works at ice cream parlor. He also likes to fantasizes about killing people. The reason he was locked away was due to trauma from being beaten and tortured by his fellow basketball team members back in high school. Though suddenly his tormentors, one by one, start dying off viciously. This also happens while Ken finds out he has a daughter, who wants to be a part of his life, which makes things more complicated.

I would like to point out that this film is from the director of of “Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus”, Jack Perez. So I am definitely fan of his work. I wish they would have just followed through with the ending and this would have turned out a lot cooler. I also should note that this film is executive produced by John Landis, which is cool but doesn’t boast much for the film.

The special features included on this DVD are decent. We get a decent commentary track from director/co-producer Jack Perez and producer Ryan Levin. There is featurette focusing on the making of “Some Guy Who Kills People”. There is a cool short film that inspired this film called “The Fifth”. Lastly there is the theatrical trailer included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, guy, kills, people, review

Film Review “Stella Days”

Directed by: Thaddeus O’Sullivan
Starring: Martin Sheen, Stephen Rea, Amy Huberman, Tom Hickey
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
Running Time: 87 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Martin Sheen has taken on many amazing roles throughout his career ranging from military Captains to The President and can be seen soon playing Spidey’s Uncle Ben in “The Amazing Spider-Man”. With “Stella Days”, Martin can add priest to his line-up. This film has feel good aspects with a simple sleepy town feel. I enjoyed it overall and includes stellar (a little clever word play) performance from Martin Sheen.

In “Stella Days”, Martin Sheen plays Daniel Barry, a priest in a little Irish town of Borrisokane in the mid 50’s. When unable to return to his parish in Rome, Daniel goes up against his doubters including local Bishop Hegarty (Tom Hickey), who is more interested in raising money for a new church. Daniel instead plans to setup a cinema to spread his love for film within this little town.

The pacing of the film is a little off and Stephen Rea’s character seems to need direction. Director Thaddeus O’Sullivan direction is decent and shows off his love for film. If you are fan of religious films with themes of Catholicism, you should enjoy. The film is currently available to watch on VOD and will be released limited in New York this weekend.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: days, film, review, stella

Blu-ray Review “Barbarella: Queen of the Galaxy”

Directed by: Roger Vadim
Starring: Jane Fonda, David Hemmings
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: July 03, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 98 minutes

Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1/2 out of 5 stars

“Barbarella” may not be the best film ever but it is fun and really entertaining. Jane Fonda is so great in this film and the role. The film itself though does look aged, in the sense of its effects, but I think that is the charm that it holds today. Anyone watch “Star Trek: The Original Series” recently? 40 years has not kind to this film, luckily Paramount did an amazing restoration job and this film is stunning on Blu-ray. The release also comes in a nice slipcover that really is really cool for fans of the film.

I mean who would say no to a zero-gravity striptease, which is featured in the opening credits. You will quickly forget that PG-ratings in the 60’s are equivalent to R-ratings today. The film itself is based on a French comic strip from Jean-Claude Forest and takes place in the 41st-century or at least what the budget could afford for 1968. Still the film is a fantasy sci-fi cult classic that is filled with great camp and Jane Fonda, do you need anything else? She fights robots and monsters and is basically a female James Bond…you have me sold instantly.

The 1080p transfer on this release is near perfect and doesn’t at all look like it is from 1968. Really great job Paramount. The aspect ratio on the disc is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The audio included is an Dolby TrueHD Mono track, which seems to suite this film quite well. Unfortunately, the only special feature included is the film’s theatrical trailer, at least it is in HD. If you are a fan of the film though it is worth the purchase just for the high-def upgrade.

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

Tony Zierra talks about directing “My Big Break”

Tony Zierra is the director of the recent documentary “My Big Break”, which follows the early careers of Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe and Gregory Fawcett.  Tony took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about its 10 year journey to the public.

Mike Gencarelli: How do you feel that “My Big Break” has finally be released to the public?
Tony Zierra: Relieved. One of the great gratifications a filmmaker has is to see their work done and to know that it has a chance to find its audience I’m always deeply touched when I hear someone has seen “My Big Break ” and was affected by it and understood what it’s about.

MG: Was it worth it for the 10 years it took to make and release?
TZ: Was it worth it? Yes. Did I want it to take 10 years? No. Absolutely not. The one thing that I can say is that the length of time it took to take the movie gave me a deeper understanding of the business, the life of the celebrity, the reality of filmmaking and allowed me to convey that in the film. It would be impossible to grasp that in two or three years. As annoying as it is to take that long to do something, when it’s done you really do appreciate all the hard work. That kind of lengthy process creates layers that you can only accomplish with time. Also, time allowed me to follow what would happen to each individual, including myself, before during and after “their break” and created a natural arc for the characters and the film.

MG: What do you think was the most difficult aspect in this road?
TZ: Resources and people’s commitment or lack thereof to the project, and the industry’s fear of exposure.

MG: Do you still keep in contact with Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe and Gregory Fawcett?
TZ: Yes, but in varying degrees.

MG: Ever consider doing another documentary in another 10 years to follow-up on their careers?
TZ: I might, but if I wouldn’t do it if I were them. it’s very difficult for actors or any celebrity to put themselves in that position.This type of “real” reality, not the constructed reality we see on television, is too intense and revealing for them to willingly take part in. Probably the only reason they agreed to do it originally was because they were unknown.

MG: How does “My Big Break” compare to the tossed documentary “Carving Out Our Name”?
TZ: “My Big Break” is more revealing, layered and truthful. “My Big Break” is storytelling and “Carving” was filmmaking. “Carving” was honest to a certain degree, very visual, with a sense of “show-off” because I was hoping that it would be my ticket to working as a filmmaker in Hollywood. I was playing the game to get into the system. When you’re making a film in the business you’re already thinking about your next film so there’s a self-conscious aspect to it. True storytelling, though, is not affected by any of that. You’re only focused on the truth of the subjects as characters in the story. Also, “Carving” had a lot in it aboutrelationships each guy had with their then girlfriends and their friendship with each other but ‘My Big Break” is purely about the each one of us in relationship to the business. There was no narration in “Carving”, I never appeared in it at all. I put my story into “My Big Break” because I felt it was only fair to the actors to expose my own pain, vulnerability and disappointments if I was going to do that to them

MG: What are you currently working on? Ever plan on directing again?
TZ: I’ll always be interested in storytelling and there are different ways to do that outside of the system. For example, I’m working on a documentary about Stanley Kubrick but I don’t really see it as “making movies” in a standard way – I’m telling a story. I’m currently writing a book about my experiences that include, but are definitely not confined to, my time in Hollywood. And there are always other projects in the works.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews Tagged With: big, break, directing, talks, tony, zierra, ...

Blu-ray Review “Red Scorpion”

Directed by: Joseph Zito
Starring: Dolph Lundgren, M. Emmet Walsh, Al White, T.P. McKenna, Carmen Argenziano
Distributed by: Synapse Films
Release Date: June 12th, 2012
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 106 minutes

Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Synapse Films is the company behind this amazing new Blu-ray release for “Red Scorpion”, the action-packed controversial cult classic. This isn’t just your typical Blu-ray release, it is a very impressive 2K high-definition transfer featuring the uncensored version with new footage never before seen in the US. Dolph Lundgren really nails this performance along with M. Emmet Walsh, who is also great. The action in the film is so over-the-top and contains some amazing gore special effects from Tom Savini. If you are fan of 80’s action, this is a must purchase.

Dolph Lundgren plays Nikolai, a Russian Spetznaz agent, who is assigned to murder the leader of an African rebel movement. When he is sees what is going on with the guerrilla faction, he is sympathetic to their cause and falls through on the assassination plans. Due to this he is caught by the rebels and left for dead in the desert. He survives and seeks revenge against his former employers.

The Blu-ray presentation is incredible. Synapse has not let us down yet with their releases. The 1080p transfer is just amazing and also includes its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The audio tracks included are DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, which both are very impressive. This release also comes in a two-disc set, which a Blu-ray and a DVD of the film. Also like all Synapse films, there is a great liner notes included on the Making of “Red Scorpion” by Jérémie Damoiseau. There is also a reversible cover included, I had a hard time deciding which I wanted to display.

The special features are also very impressive. There is a fun and informative audio commentary with Director Joseph Zito and Mondo Digital’s Nathaniel Thompson. “Hath No Fury – Dolph Lundgren and the Road to Red Scorpion” is a basic behind-the-scenes featurette, which goes into the film’s production. “Assignment: Africa” is a decent video interview with Producer Jack Abramoff. “Scorpion Tales” is another video interview with Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini. There is also some really cool rare On-Set Behind-the-Scenes footage, great insight and trip back in time. There is an animated still gallery included. Lastly there is Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots included.

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

Blu-ray Review “Meatballs”

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Bill Murray, Harvey Atkin, Kate Lynch, Russ Banham, Kristine DeBell
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Release Date: Jun 12, 2012
Running Time: 92 minutes

Blu-ray: 3 out of 5 stars
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love Bill Murray, especially in his early days.  “Meatballs” is his first film and introduced us to his zany personality.  It is one of the best summer camp films ever made in fact, along with “Wet Hot American Summer”, which I am sure it influenced. The film still holds up after all these years and is funny and entertaining.  It is not a film I would necessarily rush out to buy on Blu-ray but for the low price, it is worth the purchase.

Bill Murray stars as Tripper, the over-the-top trainer of a motley crew of camp counselors.  Though  Tripper is just barely more mature than the kids he’s is paid to look after. Even though Tripper is a bit of a screw-up he proves to still have a heart of gold and takes a special interest in camper Rudy.  It will surely be a summer that they will never forget.

The Blu-ray presentation is decent but nothing to write home about.  The 1080p transfer looks good for a comedy from 1979 and is presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio.  The audio has a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which isn’t amazing but worth for the antics in the film.  The special features are lacking a bit with only including an audio track with Director Ivan Reitman and Co-Writer and Co-Producer Dan Goldberg.  It is fun and informative still but those looking for more will be disappointed.

 

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