DVD Review “Tom and Jerry: Around the World”

MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Running Time: 170 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Watching Tom and Jerry cartoons is something I can just never turn down.  With this new DVD collection of episodes, it focuses on an “Around the World” theme.  Although it isn’t just traveling without our planet, there is a lot of adventures in outer space as well, which I enjoyed.  With the 22 episodes included, there is plenty of fun and crazy antics going on between our famous feline and mouse.

This collection like past ones are a mix of classic and new episodes.   Tom and Jerry cartoons are just so timeless that this show will never not be relevant.  Especially with the new “The Looney Tunes Show”, I would love to see a new reboot of “Tom and Jerry” as well. I love the fact that Warner Home Video has continuously been releasing these in themed packages.  I am curious to see what they are going to come up with next.

The episodes included are:  “Way-Off Broadway”, “Martian Mice”, “Medieval Menance”, “Abracadumb”, “The Million Dollar Cat”, “Din-O-sores”, “Invasion of the Body Slammers”, “I Dream of Meanie”, “Neapolitan Mouse”, “Kitty Hawked”, “Flamenco Fiasco”, “You’re Lion”, “Kangadoofus”, “Monkey Chow”, “Freaky Tiki”, “Monster Con”, “Royal Cat Nap”, “Spaced Out Cat”, “The Two Mouseketeers”, “Tom & Jerry in the Hollywood Bowl”, “Johann Mouse” and “Treasure Map Scrap”.

Premise: Tom and Jerry travel the globe by land, sea, and air in this collection of 22 hilarious adventures. From Broadway to outer space, hitch a ride with your favorite cat and mouse for non-stop fun and action. Whether the furry duo is running from an erupting volcano on a tropical island or conducting an orchestra in Hollywood, you can count on laughs the whole way. Sword fights, magic spells, and treasure maps fill these delightful escapades and will have you climbing on board for more expeditions. So grab your luggage and bring the entire family along for a boisterous trip around the world and beyond.

Tom and Jerry: Around the World available on DVD 5/1 http://bit.ly/HYoyUl
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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, jerry, review, tom, world

Media Mikes joins The Hangover Morning Show

Jake “Dyno-Mite” Turner and Loaf have been bound by standard terrestrial radio for years. Now we have found a new home at The Grave Radio… and with that comes freedom the FCC would never allow!

The Hangover will help change the mornings on internet stations, we are ready to blow your mind and crush your funny bone. We team up with Cory “Doc” Amen and Breawna Nylen from Flaunt (As seen on TRU TV’s Full Throttle Saloon).  Breawna will be joining us when she isn’t cracking her whip across the country.

We will stumble out of the bed with interviews, weird and zany topics with a crude politeness. We want to give you that “WTF” moment you will be talking about all week. Plus we will have Nate Gonner from KKWK 100.1fm calling in to give you sports highlights, news and upcoming sports events.

The Hangover will be delivering the news from music, movies, and all the latest in the entertainment world. Tell your friends, that The Hangover is the internet radio show to be plugged into!

Click here to listen live to Media Mikes every Friday at 9:00am CST as we join the team for The Hangover Morning Show

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Media Mikes’ 2012 Summer Movie Preview

It’s almost summertime and, as the song says, the living is easy. Especially if you’re a superhero. Last year the summer movie season took off with a bang, helped by the giant hammer wielded by “Thor.” This year he’s back…and he’s bringing some friends with him. Hopefully if you’re reading this you’ve already seen (or plan to see again) “The Avengers.” Remember to sit through the credits next time.

Here is a list of some of the movies we’ll be talking about this summer. Some synopsis information courtesy of our friends at the Internet Movie Data Base. As always, release dates are subject to change at the whim of the studio.

MAY 4
THE AVENGERS
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: Joss Whedon
The best of the Marvel World…well, minus the X-Men and Spider-Man…team up to save the earth. Trust me, after this thing makes $100 million opening weekend (only it’s two and a half hour running time prevents me from predicting $125 million) Warner Brothers will team Whedon with Christopher Nolan for the ultimate “Justice League of America” film!

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
Starring: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy
Directed by: John Madden
A group of English retirees travel to India with the plans of staying in a fashionable hotel. What they find is the Marigold Hotel. Madden directed Dench to an Oscar in “Shakespeare in Love.” Look for our review when the film opens wide on May 11.

MAY 11
DARK SHADOWS
Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green
Directed by: Tim Burton
When I was 10 years old I would sprint home from school to catch the gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows.” The film finds Victorian age vampire Barnabas Collins loose in the late 20th century. Though the television series was quite serious, this looks more like a vampire-out-of-water comedy. Burton has hit and missed when he’s tackled previously known projects (“Planet of the Apes, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Look for original series star cameos from David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker and the original Barnabas, Jonathan Frid. Sadly, Frid just passed away last month, prophetically on Friday, April 13th.

THE DICTATOR
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris and John C. Reilly
Directed by: Larry Charles
According to Sacha Baron Cohen, he loosely based his script on “Zabibah and the King,”a novel reportedly written by former Iraqi Leader Saddam Hussein. Here the star of “Borat” and “Bruno” portrays General Aladeen, a proud oppressor of the people.

HICK
Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz, Blake Lively and Rory Culkin
Directed by: Derick Martini
A Nebraska teen gets more than she bargained for when she sets out for the bright lights of Las Vegas.

MAY 16
THE SAMARITAN
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson and Luke Kirby
Directed by: David Weaver
After serving 20 years in prison, a man tries to walk the straight and narrow path. But he soon learns the past isn’t something he can easily ignore.

MAY 18
BATTLESHIP
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson and Rhianna
Directed by: Peter Berg
Yes, the popular board game is now the film. And if my eyes don’t deceive me, there’s a little bit of Transformers thrown in for good measure. Ah, the power of the people at Hasbro!

HYSTERIA
Starring: Hugh Dancy and Maggie Gyllenhaal
Directed by: Tanya Wexler
What happened when Doctor Mortimer Granville invented the vibrator? I’m sure it’s pretty darn funny. Perhaps even hysterical!

VIRGINIA
Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Emma Roberts and Ed Harris
Directed by: Dustin Lance Black
A sheriff sees his state senate bid slide out onto the ice when his daughter begins to date the son of a charming but psychologically disturbed woman with whom the sheriff has engaged in a two-decade-long affair. Writer/director Black won an Oscar for his screenplay for “Milk.”

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez and Matthew Morrison
Directed by: Kirk Jones
Five intertwined stories focus on couples about to welcome their bundles of joy into the world.

MAY 25
CHERNOBYL DIARIES
Starring: Jesse McCarthy and Olivia Dudley
Directed by: Bradley Parker
On an “extreme tour” of the abandoned city of Pripyat, where the former workers of the Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor lived, six tourists discover they are not alone.

HIDE AWAY
Starring: Josh Lucas and James Cromwell
Directed by: Chris Eyre
In an attempt to reconnect with his life, a man buys and rehabs a used sailboat.

MEN IN BLACK 3
Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin
Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
To save Agent K from death by alien Agent J must travel back to the 1960s. Let me say here that when I saw “No Country for Old Men” I said that Josh Brolin reminded me of a young Tommy Lee Jones. Here, Brolin plays A YOUNG TOMMY LEE JONES!

MOONRISE KINGDOM
Starring: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton and Frances McDormand
Directed by: Wes Anderson
When a young couple flee their small town the locals form a search party to find them. After films like “Rushmore,” “The Royal Tannenbaums” and “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” I’ll follow Wes Anderson anywhere.

JUNE 1
HIGH SCHOOL
Starring: Adrien Brody and Michael Chiklis
Directed by: John Stalberg
When the pot loving high school valedictorian faces the consequences of a drug test he conspires to find a way to have the entire school fail the test.

KILLER JOE
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Matthew McConaughey and Juno Temple
Directed by: William Friedkin
In order to pay off a debt, a man puts a hit out on his mother so he can collect the insurance money. One of the greatest directors of his generation, Friedkin won an Oscar for “The French Connection” and gave us “The Exorcist” and “Sorcerer” in the 1970s.

PIRANHA 3DD
Starring: Danielle Panabaker and Ving Rhames
Directed by: John Gullagher
There were so many naked breasts in “Piranha 3D” that I joked in my review they should have called the film “Piranha 3DD.” I need to start copywriting my ideas. Since Lake Victoria is no longer friendly our fishy pals head to a nearby water park.

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth
Directed by: Rupert Sanders
In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

JUNE 8
BEL AMI
Starring: Robert Pattinson and Chrisina Ricci
Directed by: Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod
The chronicle of a young man’s rise to power in Paris via his manipulation of the city’s most influential and wealthy women.

MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE’S MOST WANTED
Starring the voices of: Chris Rock, Ben Stiller and David Schwimmer
Directed by: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and Conrad Vernon
While still trying to return to New York the animals become part of a traveling circus in Europe.

PEACE, LOVE AND MISUNDERSTANDING
Starring: Jane Fonda, Catherine Keener and Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Directed by: Bruce Beresford
An uptight NYC lawyer takes her two teenagers to her hippie mother’s farmhouse upstate for a family vacation.

PROMETHEUS
Starring: Michael Fassbinder, Charlize Theron and Noomi Rapace
Directed by: Ridley Scott
A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading themon a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. Is this the prequel to Scott’s “Alien?” If it is, he isn’t saying.

JUNE 15
ROCK OF AGES
Starring: Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Julianne Hough
Directed by: Adam Shankman
Based on the Broadway musical, the story follows two young people trying to make it big in Los Angeles while they sing some of the greatest songs of the 80s! I’m sure you’d agree with me when I say just seeing Tom Cruise belting out “Pour Some Sugar On Me” in ass-less chaps will be worth the price of admission.

THAT’S MY BOY
Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg and James Caan
Directed by: Sean Anders
As Adam Sandler’s favorite web site, we’re proud to announce this upcoming film which follows the adventures of a young man who has been separated from his father for some time. My son saw an early preview of this film a few months ago and told me that, if they keep it rated “R” and don’t cut anything, it would be the funniest Adam Sandler film EVER! Wow…that’s MY boy.

YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
Starring: Emily Blunt and Rosemarie DeWitt
Directed by: Lynn Shelton
Invited by a female friend to vacation with her family after the death of his brother, a young man must face the music after sleeping with her sister.

JUNE 22
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rufus Sewell
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
Possibly the greatest title for a movie EVER. When our 16th president learns that vampires are threatening to take over our country he decides to kick a little ass!

BRAVE
Starring the voices of: Kelly McDonald and Billy Connolly
Directed by: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman and Steve Purcell
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. PIXAR’s first film with a female lead has had a lot of behind the scenes problems while in production.

SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD
Starring: Steve Carell and Keira Knightley
Directed by: Lorene Scafaria
As an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart accompanied by a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.

TO ROME WITH LOVE
Starring: Penelope Cruz and Alec Baldwin
Directed by: Woody Allen
A series of vignettes showing people from all walks of life dealing with the predicaments of falling in love.

JUNE 29
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION
Starring: Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Framed for crimes against the country, the G.I. Joe team is terminated by the President’s order. Or a cross between “The A-Team” and “Mission: Impossible 4.”

MAGIC MIKE
Starring: Matthew McConnaughey and Channing Tatum
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
OK, I’ve officially declared June 29th as Channing Tatum day. Here he stars as a male stripper, which he used to be. It’s been three films since director Soderbergh announced his retirement from films. I’m expecting at least another three more.

PEOPLE LIKE US
Starring: Chris Pine and Olivia Wilde
Directed by: Alex Kurtzman
After his mother passes away a man must deliver a $150,000 inheritance to the sister he’s never met.

TAKE THIS WALTZ
Starring: Seth Rogen and Michelle Williams
Directed by: Sarah Polley
A happily married woman falls for the artist that lives across the street.

JULY 3
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
Starring: Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone
Directed by: Marc Webb
In this reboot of the story Peter Parker follows clues that may tell him more about his parents. Oh, and meets the Lizard!

JULY 6
THE MAGIC OF BELLE ISLE
Starring: Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen
Directed by: Rob Reiner
In an effort to tap into his original talent, a wheelchair-bound author moves to a rural town, where he befriends a single mother and her three kids.

SAVAGES
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Taylor Kitsch and Blake Lively
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Two pot growers team up to take on the leader of a Mexican drug cartel who has kidnapped their shared girlfriend.

JULY 13
ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT
Starring the voices of: Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguzamo
Directed by: Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier
Adrift on an iceberg, Manny, Diego and Sid find themselves dealing with everything from pirates to sea creatures.

RED LIGHTS
Starring: Cilian Murphy and Sigourney Weaver
Directed by: Rodrigo Cortes
When a psychologist and her assistant study paranormal activity, they are led to investigate a world-renowned psychic.

TED
Starring: Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis
Directed by: Seth MacFarlane
When a young boy wishes for his teddy bear to come to life he doesn’t realize that 20 years later he’s going to have to deal with the consequences of his wish. From the hysterical and twisted mind of “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, who also voices TED.

JULY 20
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
The final chapter in director/co-writer Christopher Nolan’s outstanding film series, featuring the mega bad guy Bane. And hello Cat Woman.

JULY 27
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Starring: Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn
Directed by: Akiva Shaffer
A group of neighborhood fathers form a group to keep their homes safe and unwittingly come up against a band of aliens.

STEP UP REVOLUTION
Starring: Ryan Guzman and Kathryn McCormick
Directed by: Scott Speer
Emily arrives in Miami with aspirations to become a professional dancer. She sparks with Sean, the leader of a dance crew whose neighborhood is threatened by Emily’s father’s development plans. Now that I read this again I realize this is pretty much the same plot as “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo!”

AUGUST 3
360
Starring: Jude Law, Anthony Hopkins and Rachel Weisz
Directed by: Fernando Meirelles
A look at what happens when partners from different social backgrounds engage in physical relationships.

THE BOURNE LEGACY
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz
Directed by: Tony Gilroy
Rachel Weisz fans rejoice! Two movies on the same day. In this one we learn that Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne wasn’t the only mysterious agent for the C.I.A.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS
Starring: Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron
Directed by: David Bowers
With school out for the summer, it’s time for Greg to decide what he’s going to do with his free time.

LITTLE BIRDS
Starring: Juno Temple and Kate Bosworth
Directed by: Elgin James
Two friends face a life changing event after they leave their home and follow two boys they’ve just met to Los Angeles.

TOTAL RECALL
Starring: Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale
Directed by: Len Wiseman
A revamping of the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic featuring a great supporting cast including Bryan Cranston, Ethan Hawke and Bill Nighy.

AUGUST 10
2 DAYS IN NEW YORK
Starring: Chris Rock and Julie Delpy
Directed by: Julie Delpy
A woman breaks up with her lover and takes their daughter to live with her in New York City.

THE AWAKENING
Starring: Dominic West and Rebecca Hall
Directed by: Nick Murphy
In early 20th Century England a hoax investigator checks into the story about the ghost of a child.

THE CAMPAIGN
Starring: Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis
Directed by: Jay Roach
Two rival North Carolina politicians with presidential aspirations tangle with one another. Director Roach has done two outstanding political films for HBO (“Recount” and “Game Change”) so he knows his way around the material.

HOPE SPRINGS
Starring: Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones
Directed by: David Frankel
After thirty years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship.

AUGUST 15
THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN
Starring: Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton
Directed by: Peter Hedges
After a childless couple bury a box in their backyard, which contains all of their wishes for an infant, a child is born.

AUGUST 17
THE EXPENDABLES 2
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger
Directed by: Simon West
Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat. West directed the action packed “Con Air.”

PARANORMAN
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee and Anna Kendrick
Directed by: Chris Butler and Sam Fell
A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.

SPARKLE
Starring: Jordan Sparks and Whitney Houston
Directed by: Salim Akil
Set in the 1960s, three sisters form girl group and soon become Motown sensations, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart. A remake of the 1976 film that introduced Irene Cara and Lonette McKee. Houston’s first acting role since 1996’s “The Preacher’s Wife” and, sadly, her last.

AUGUST 24
HIT AND RUN
Starring: Kristin Bell, Bradley Cooper and Dax Shepard
Directed by: David Palmer and Dax Shepard
A man jeopardizes his status in the Witness Protection Program to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles.

LITTLE WHITE LIES
Starring: Marion Cotillard and Jean Dujardin
Directed by: Guillaume Canet
A near-fatal accident leaves one friend in the hospital while the rest go on their annual vacation. But their secrets and personal grief threaten to drive them apart. A huge hit in its native France, the film should get extra attention thanks to its two Oscar winning co-stars.

PREMIUM RUSH
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Michael Shannon
Directed by: David Koepp
A Manhattan bicycle messenger is followed by a corrupt cop who is interested in his next delivery.

AUGUST 31
LAWLESS
Starring: Tom Hardy and Gary Oldman
Directed by: John Hillcoat

During the depression a group of bootleggers are threatened by the authorities that want a piece of their profits.

THE POSSESSION
Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick
Directed by: Ole Bornedal
A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl’s father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child.

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Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: 2012, media, mikes, movie, preview, summer, ...

Tom Hiddleston talks about playing Loki in “Marvel’s The Avengers”

Tom Hiddleston is known best for his role of Loki in “Thor” and the upcoming “The Avengers”. Media Mikes was able to attend a recent press conference and got a chance to ask Tom a few questions about the role and also what we can expect from “The Avengers”.

Mike Gencarelli: Loki traditionally doesn’t have as cool of a signature weapon as most of the super-heroes out there. What prop or weapon from the “Avengers” were you jealous of?
Tom Hiddleston: Well, if you’ve seen the new trailer, I do get to play with a rather wonderful toy in the film. But there was one day on the set when I managed to get a hold of Captain America’s shield and I went parading around with it. One of the producers stopped me and asked, “What are you doing with that?” (laughs)

Q: If you could put together your own team of super-heroes – let’s say – super-villains, who would be your evil super friends if you could choose from any characters in literature, comics, movies, etc
TH: Hmmmmmm (thinking) A little bit of help from Darth Vader, if I might. Hans Gruber from “Die Hard.” Scar from “The Lion King.” Robert Patrick from “Terminator 2” – the T-1000. Probably Schwarzenegger from “Terminator.” Iago, absolutely. That’s a pretty awesome group of people

Q: Since you brought it up, what was the “rather wonderful toy” you eluded to that you get to play with?
TH: It’s a kind of evolution of the staff that he played with at the end of “Thor.” But that’s Odin’s spear. So at the end of “Thor,” it’s Odin’s spear – this is his own makeshift staff of destruction.

Q: Will Odin be in “The Avengers?
TH: Odin won’t be in “The Avengers.”

Q: In the trailer it looks like all of the action takes place in New York. Is Loki coming to destroy New York or is he here to do damage on a global scale?
TH: Well, no…it’s not just one city. But inevitably Manhattan becomes the focus point, partly because that’s where Tony Stark lives. There’s one shot in the trailer where you can see, I think, the Quinjet flying towards Manhattan and in the middle of it is Stark Tower, which is in the fictitious world of the comics. Tony Stark has a huge interestingly-shaped tower opposite the Chrysler building, which is his base of operations. That’s where Stark Industries works out of. And so Stark Tower becomes a focus point for lots of reasons.

Q: What is Loki’s relationship with Stellan Skarsgård’s character in this movie?
TH: (laughing) This is where I can sense the red dot forming on my forehead. (laughs again) And the Marvel sniper in the corner on the roof over there — he’s got his eye on me. Working with Stellan…he’s amazing. He’s someone I’ve long admired as an actor. I really do think he’s an exceptional, exceptional actor and is really capable of bringing a level of complexity and truth to roles and performances which in another actor’s hands could seem dry or slightly invisible. So I loved working with him — he’s a real actor’s actor. He’s been doing it for so long. He plays the same character in “Avengers” that he played in “Thor”… Erik Selvig, who is a scientist. He’s employed by S.H.I.E.L.D. after his encounters with S.H.I.E.L.D. in “Thor,” to do some work for them. That’s all I can say.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: avengers, costar, hiddleston, interview, tom

New Trailer for “Step Up: Revolution”

“STEP UP: REVOLUTION” is the next installment in the worldwide smash “STEP UP” franchise, which sets the dancing against the vibrant backdrop of Miami. EMILY (Kathryn McCormick) arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and soon falls in love with SEAN (Ryan Guzman), a young man who leads a dance crew in elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs, called “The Mob.” When a wealthy business man threatens to develop The Mob’s historic neighborhood and displace thousands of people, Emily must band together with Sean and The Mob to turn their performance art into protest art, and risk losing their dreams to fight for a greater cause.

Starring RYAN GUZMAN, KATHRYN MCCORMICK, MISHA GABRIEL and PETER GALLAGHER. In theaters July 27, 2012.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: revolution, step, trailer

3D Blu-ray Review “Underworld: Awakening”

Directors: Björn Stein, Måns Mårlind
Actors: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, India Eisley, Stephen Rea, Theo James
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Running Time: 88 minutes

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

What is great about “Underworld: Awakening” is that even if you haven’t seen any films in series, you can still watch this film. The opening scene sums up the whole series and catches you up to speed. So what can you expect for the fourth film in the series? Well, surprising quite a bit. This film has more of everything vampires, werewolves, action and even adds 3D to the mix.  It is action packed and most important boasts the return of the sexy yet deadly Selene. In fact out of all the film in the series, this is easiest my favorite!! So if you are reading this Sony…let’s get started on “Underworld 5”!!

Kate Beckinsale returns to the role of Selene (after skipping “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”) and she is back with a vengeance.  She is honestly the most bad-ass female vampire/warrior ever to hit the screen.   In this installment, after being caught and confined for testing, she escapes only to find that the world has changed.  Humans have discovered about the existence of both the Vampire and Lycan clans.  The humans has started a war in order to remove both species. Things get a little more complicated when Selene finds out that she has a daughter that she didn’t know about during the time she was held and she is the target of both species.

Let’s focus for a second on the film’s 3D.  This is one of my favorite live action 3D Blu-ray’s that I have seen seen.  Most live-action 3D Blu-ray are said to be darker, this one puts that statement to rest.  The film itself just uses the 3D so well, holds a constant depth and also rocks out with the film’s constant action. This all goes along well with the film’s amazing 1080p transfer and 2.40:1 aspect ratio.  So, this film not only looks amazing it also sounds even better.  Sony packed this Blu-ray with a super impressive DTS-HD MA 7.1 track and really pushes the format to the max.  This film also comes with a standard Blu-ray and DVD of the film, as well as an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy.

The special features like the film are also very impressive. Firstly there is a massive commentary track with directors Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein, producers Richard Wright and Gary Lucchesi, executive producer and visual effects supervisor James McQuaide.  Everything is covered her from proudction to effects, very highly recommended.  “Selene Rises” focuses on the return of Kate Beckinsale playing Selene. “Casting the Future of Underworld” looks at the series new player, Theo James and India Eisley and plans for future installments. “Resuming the Action” talks about shooting in 3D and creating the film’s amazing action sequences.  “Building a Better Lycan” showcases the plans to create better werewolf visuals for this installment.  “Awakening a Franchise, Building a Better World” is a general making-of featurette and also touches on revamping this series. “Previsualization Sequences” are exclusive to the Blu-ray 3D release and includes six scenes.  Lastly there is a Blooper Reel and Music Video for “Heavy Prey” by Lacey Sturm Feat. Geno Lenardo.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, awakening, bluray, review, underworld

Matt Skiba and the Sekrets “Babylon” CD 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 release of Matt Skiba and the Sekrets debut album “Babylon” Media Mikes and Century Media Records want to giveaway 2 copies of the album and 1 signed poster. If you would like to enter to win one of these great prizes leave us a comment below or send us an email telling us the first album you ever owned. The giveaway will be open until Monday May 15th 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 select one of the winners and notify them via email.

“Babylon” is the album debut from Alkaline Trio founding member Matt Skiba’s solo venture. With a large variety of musical influences contributing to the impeccable album, similarities to Alkaline Trio’s trademark sound are highlighted and combined with 80’s post punk elements. The result being a ten-track offering of addictively dancy rock and sing-a-long melodies. The Sekrets are made up of AFI bassist Hunter Burgan and My Chemical Romance Drummer Jarrod Alexander who both played on the album.

 

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Tribeca Film Festival Review “One Nation Under Dog”

Directed by: Ellen Goosenberg Kent, Amanda Micheli, Jenny Carchman
Producers: R.J. Cutler, Julie Goldman, Allyson Luchak, Danielle Renfrew, Ellen Goosenberg Kent
Tribeca Film Festival
Running time: 73 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It’s difficult to say who One Nation Under Dog, which screened last week at the Tribeca Film Fest, will appeal to when it makes its debut this summer on HBO. Dog lovers, of which I include myself, will undoubtedly find it at times unbearable and those who swap over channels when they see Sarah McLachlan’s SPCA ad starting up might mistakenly do so again. However, to do so would be needlessly dismissive to an extremely well made look into the conflicting relationship this country has with man’s best friend.

In three parts derived from the doc’s subtitle, ‘Stories of Fear, Loss and Betrayal,’ directors Kent, Micheli and Carchman show the various ways in which a population so obviously in love with dogs comes to euthanize millions of them every year. ‘Fear’ gives a fascinating view at the ins and outs of how dogs, in this case a New Jersey family’s pack of Rhodesian Ridgebacks with a history of violence, come to be legally defined as ‘dangerous’, ‘potentially dangerous’ and ‘vicious.’ The distinctions sound small but they do determine whether a dog lives or dies after biting a human. ‘Loss’, arguably the most sensitive third of the film, delves into how people cope with their pets’ passing. It may surprise some to watch an adult dog-loss support group in progress, but to anyone whose lost a significant pet it’s not hard to see the benefits of such a place and the filmmakers never once look down on them. Neither is the funeral of a terrier at a pet cemetery treated with any less sincerity than that of a human friend.

It’s in the last third of the doc, ‘Betrayal’, where the film turns from the stories of individual lost pets to the outright slaughter that occurs on a daily basis for preventable reasons. Betrayal hammers home the importance of spaying or neutering pets and the merits of adopting the shelter dogs so desperately in need of homes. Some of the footage in this chapter comes with a warning about its graphic nature and it is indeed brutal to the point I felt physically unsettled but ultimately a documentary on this subject would have been incomplete without going this far.

To those who watch this documentary, you will need tissues at the ready for the obvious lost dogs but thankfully, also for the inspiring stories of dogs saved from the brink of death by the numerous rescuers who stand up for those who can not for themselves. Watching one such trainer turn some left for dead, terrified animals into loving members of new family’s was one of the most astonishing things I saw amongst Tribeca’s docs this year.

One Nation Under Dog: Stories of Fear, Loss and Betrayal premieres on HBO June 18th at 8pm

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Bruce Campbell chats about “Evil Dead” Remake and “Burn Notice”

Bruce Campbell is one of my favorite actors of all-time. His films like “The Evil Dead” series have such a cult following behind them. Bruce is also a series regular on the hit show “Burn Notice”, entering its six season this summer. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Bruce again about the upcoming “Evil Dead” remake to “Burn Notice” to hanging out on Twitter.

Mike Gencarelli: We are all anxious for a sequel to “My Name is Bruce”, what is the current status of “Bruce Vs. Frankenstein”?
Bruce Campbell: On hold. Not sure if I want to make another “meta” movie. I think fans want real action, not “fake” action.

MG: You mentioned it would be the “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World of horror”, can you let us know who are looking to get in the film?
BC: If we make it, I would try and get as many old/new horror icons as possible.

MG: Season 6 of “Burn Notice” is expected to begin Summer 2012, what can we expect from Sam Axe?
BC: More of the same bad ass action. I don’t know the upcoming plots, but the basic stuff I have been told is really cool.

MG: Anymore spin-off movies planned after “The Fall of Sam Axe”?
BC: Not sure. None planned now, but the ratings were great, so…

MG: Tell us about your experience working on “Cars 2” voicing Rod ‘Torque’ Redline?
BC: It was very enjoyable working directly with John Lasseter, but very short. I just did one session since, technically I get killed off early.

MG: We all know that “Ash” isn’t going to be in the “Evil Dead” remake, why did you decide to assist in producing the film?
BC: I’m a producer on all the Evil Dead films, so it’s only natural. This way, we can stay involved and make sure the fans dig the end result.

MG: Will you having a cameo the film in any sense?
BC: Can’t say.

MG: Since joining twitter as @GroovyBruce, what do you enjoy most about using the social network?
BC: It’s a great way to see who’s out there, what they like, what they want to know – and it’s also a way to let them know what’s coming up.

MG: Tell about your involvement with Oregon Cultural Trust?
BC: I’m just a big fan of Oregon and a big fan of culture, so it seemed like a good fit.

MG: Can we expect you to make a cameo in Sam Raimi’s latest film “Oz: The Great and Powerful”?
BC: Heck yeah – filmed it last fall. Stay tuned on that!

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Tribeca Film Festival Review “Burn”

Directed by: Tom Putnam, Brenna Sanchez
Producers: Tom Putnam, Brenna Sanchez
Tribeca Film Festival
Running time: 85 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Burn”, winner of the Heineken Audience Award for Documentary at TFF, takes a look at the firefighters of Detroit, a city where abandoned buildings are everywhere and arson is rampant. More specifically, directors Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez, reveal the ups and downs of fire fighting in the Motor City through the eyes of Engine 50. Ultimately Burn is a heartfelt and character driven documentary, that doesn’t lose sight of the larger picture of a struggling US city.

The directors of “Burn” introduce us into the company through a good cross section of figures within it. We first meet Dave Parnell, a field engine operator on the eve of his retirement after 33 years of driving the truck. He opens the film with the sage sounding “I wish my mind could forget what my eyes have seen.” It’s a beautiful and sincere statement but also brilliantly connects him to his younger colleagues who in quick edit repeat this mantra they’ve obviously heard during Parnell’s many years. The camaraderie among the ladder company is immediately recognizable here and the directors smartly establish the whys of these men’s chosen occupation when the risks are so great. The ladder company is their home away from home, they bicker and eat together like family and when the time comes they admittedly get an adrenaline kick from the actual fire fighting. Burn includes footage actually shot from the firemen’s helmets that is incredibly impressive.

Being able to capture the bonds between Engine Company 50 early on is crucial to the rest of the film, as we turn to how many sacrifices these men make and just how much help they still need. For all the dedication of the firemen, they are severely underfunded and often their equipment is in need of repair that’s not in the budget. In a city full of abandoned buildings, an ethical dilemma arises in the form of deciding whether or not it’s worth the hazards of saving a building “designed to kill firemen” or to just let it burn. The latter option is brought in by a new executive fire commissioner, Donald Austin, who to the film’s credit is treated really fairly despite clearly being seen by the Engine 50 men, as an outsider. Austin was born in Detroit but spent 30 years in Los Angeles. The let-it-burn policy will of course save on the company’s equipment but it reveals to us the dedication of the E50 men whose instincts it goes against. It’s hard to choose either well meaning side and the film rightly doesn’t try to.

A third focus shows explicitly what these men can face when we meet Brendan “Doogie” Milewski who at age 30 became paralyzed from the waist down after a wall in an arson fire collapsed on him. Putnam and Sanchez get an intimate look into his physical therapy process and he is completely candid about the struggles he now faces both physically and mentally. Doogie is grateful to have survived but neither him nor the filmmakers downplay the lost plans for his future.

At 85 minutes, “Burn” moves swiftly and yet in an amazing balancing act still manages to engage us in so many personal amongst the story of a city in need. These men give so much to the city they care about, it’s about time this dedication was shown to a larger audience.

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Media Mikes rave about “The Avengers”

Get ready for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to assemble on the big screen for the very first time in “Marvel’s The Avengers,” only in theaters May 4th!

“The Avengers” will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters for the first time ever, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and more, as they are forced to band together to battle the biggest foe they’ve ever faced.

When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.

Click here for Mike Gencarelli’s review

Click here for Mike Smith’s review

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Film Review #2 “The Avengers”

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: Joss Whedon
PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 22 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Phew! That is the sound I made at the end of “The Avengers.” After two plus hours of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and their pals, I was able to take a breath and say to myself, “he did it…he pulled it off.” Of course, in the capable hands of Joss Whedon did I really need to worry?

The story concerns an evil plot to take over the Earth hatched by the very jealous Loki (Tom Hiddleston), brother (kind of) of Thor (Chris Hemsworth). Loki seeks an object called the Tesseract, an almost endless source of energy currently in the hands of S.H.I.E.L.D. and under the watchful eye of Nick Fury (Jackson). After infiltrating S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters Loki steals the Tesseract, intending to turn it over to a race of beings that want to destroy earth and, seemingly, put Loki in charge. After learning that one of his best men has turned on him, Fury summons a little help. Avengers assemble!

A roller coaster ride of non-stop action, “The Avengers” manages to take the different tones set by the previous films and fashion them into one strong voice. Each character remains true to him/her self, clashing with the others at first but eventually finding a common goal to unite.

My biggest fear for the film was that some of the actors would just walk through their roles, hoping to get lost in the crowd. But instead they deliver strong performances across the board as if they were worried they WOULD get lost in the crowd. Downey sets the tone perfectly as Tony Stark/Iron Man. His sarcastic style is still around (he refers to Thor as “Point Break”), but behind that self assuredness lies a man who longs for more than a flashy suit. The other characters are involved in their own things. Besides Iron Man and Thor, we meet Captain America (Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Dr. David Banner (Mark Ruffalo), who has a habit of getting angry and becoming the Hulk. Each maintains the characters they brought to life in previous films, with the exception of Ruffalo. Taking over from Eric Bana and Edward Norton, Ruffalo gives Banner just the right amount of humanity needed to make us care about him. Sure, we want to see him get big and green, but we also know the toll it’s going to take.

The on screen battles are well choreographed and, though they sometimes seem to go on forever, manage to build in excitement. The script, by Whedon and Zak Penn, is clever and full of comments that seem to have been lifted directly from the comic pages. The 3D effects were well rendered and, more importantly, well utilized. And, like in other films, there are a few surprises left over for after the credits.

 

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Film Review “The Avengers”

Directed by: Joss Whedon
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
Running time: 143 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“The Avengers” was a project that was simply destined to be something amazing. With the brilliant mind of Joss Whedon, writing and directing, it was a sure bet. Of course there was still concerns. “Iron Man 2” was not up to par with the first film and of course everyone has seen the films focusing on The Hulk. “The Avengers” is the best superhero film, might I say ever?! I have never been to a screening where the audience is as engaged in the film. Five times, at least, there was rampant cheering,  clapping and even standing ovations…and that was only during the film let alone when it ended.

Now let’s get to our superheros in “The Avengers”. I was wondering how they were going to split this film over all the superheros that it complied. Well let me tell you they did it perfectly. I would say that Captain America (Evans) was the lead focus in the film, which is ok with me, with Iron Man (Downey Jr.) following in close second.  Both were perfectly in their roles and delivered the best performance yet for their respective characters. I gotta give it to the Hulk (Ruffalo) though for completely stealing the entire movie. I wouldn’t imagine after two disappointing films, but damn was I pleasantly impressed. Chris Hemsworth is just bad-ass as Thor and holds his own. Smaller less-known characters like Scarlett Johansson, playing Agent Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, and Jeremy Renner, playing Clint Barton aka Hawkeye, definitely play well with the others and kick some ass. Lastly major props need to go to Tom Hiddleston, playing Loki, for sealing the deal as the film’s major villain.  He is one bad son-bitch. Overall though, this cast just shined and really worked as a team.

Joss Whedon is known for his amazing TV work like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel” and “Firefly” but he has never had major success theatrically. This film will change all that, he is now a superstar. I really hope that Marvel/Disney allow Joss to follow-up with “The Avengers 2”. He has such a fantastic handle on the series and know exactly what the fans wants to see and delivers it…and more.  The film also run impressively long at almost 2.5 hours, which I wouldn’t have wanted it a minute shorter.  “The Avengers” also not only sums up some of the best visual effects, I have seen in the last few years, it is also FUNNY AS HELL!  That’s right, I mean belly laughs. If the audience wasn’t cheering or sitting on the edge of the chair, they were laughing out loud.  Great job again of perfectly blending the action and comedy of the series.

Let me tell you one thing, whether you like this film or not, if you are a fan of the Marvel Universe you better stay through the credits!!! Holy crap what a great lead-in the the next project in the ever-expanding world that Marvel is creating. Get ready for next year with sequels to both “Iron Man” and “Thor”. This Marvel superhero franchise shows no signs of slowing down and as long as they follow from the lead of “The Avengers”, they will not be able to fail. Thanks again Joss Whedon, you are a God!

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Blu-ray Review “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”

Directed by: Joe Dante
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover, Robert Prosky, Robert Picardo
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Running Time: 106 minutes

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

Warner Brothers definitely made up for their mistakes with the first “Gremlins” and delivers a very impressive release for “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”. This time around, the ante is upped and the gremlins are more out of control. I remember the first time I saw this film in the theaters, I was completely blown away but its satirical humor and over-the-top action. Although not this film doesn’t excel for this series but still is a damn fun time, especially in high-definition.

Like I said, the Blu-ray presentation is a real step up from “Gremlins”. It’s MPEG-4 AVC 1080p transfer looks almost perfect and very sharp in its 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track is also very impressive and works well with Goldsmith’s score and the special effects. Unlike “Gremlins” though, this Blu-ray does not also contain an English 2.0 track as well. Overall, this is a very impressive Blu-ray.

The special features are only in standard definition but overall not bad. There is an audio commentary with director Joe Dante, writer Charlie Haas, producer Michael Finnell and actor Zach Galligan. Worth checking out if you enjoy this zany sequel. There is a short but decent feature “The Making of Gremlins 2: The New Batch”, which plays like a spoof mockumentary. There are over 20 minutes of deleted scenes included with Optional Commentary. There is a few good ones overall and worth checking out. Since this film is a real romp there is an excellent gag reel running about 6 minutes. There is an “Alternate Home Video Sequence”, which includes a fun scene made for the home video release, remember home video? Lastly, there is the theatrical trailer included.

Synopsis: Billy Peltzer and Kate Beringer move to New York City and meet up with their Mogwai friend, Gizmo, when a series of accidents creates a new generation of diverse gremlins. Billy, Kate, and Gizmo must once again use all their experience to prevent another catastrophe.

Buy It 5/8 on Blu-ray™
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Blu-ray Review “Gremlins: 25th Anniversary Edition”

Directed by: Joe Dante
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, Frances Lee Mccain
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: December 1, 2009 / May 8, 2012
Run Time: 106 minutes

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

This Blu-ray release was for the film’s 25th Anniversary, so nothing new hear besides a release to support the release of “Gremlins 2” Blu-ray. There has been some really terrible talk about this Blu-ray but I didn’t see any may issues and quite enjoyed it. I grew up watching “Gremlins” and my wife got to experience this film for the first time on Blu-ray.  We were both whistling the theme song for days following.

The Blu-ray, while not the best transfer ever, was not the worst either.  Have you ever seen “Black Christmas” on Blu-ray?…Yikes! The VC-1 encoded 1080p transfer looks fine for me in its aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Like I said not the best but definitely not the worst. The audio was definitely impressive and worked well with Jerry Goldsmith’s classic score.  There are two audio tracks included boasting a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and an Dolby Digital 2.0 track.

The special features included are a bit lacking but worth checking out.  There are two audio commentaries included.  The first includes director Joe Dante, producer Michael Finnell and special effects artist Chris Walas. The second commentary track features director Joe Dante, and actors Phoebe Cates, Zach Galligan, Dick Miller and Howie Mandel.  Both tracks are equally decent, one focusing on production and one shooting stories.  “Gremlins: Behind-the-Scenes” is a 1983 vintage featurette featuring footage from the shoot.  It is dated but fun to take a trip back to 1983.  There are also over 10 minutes of additional scenes included, which definitely add some fun scenes and more Judge Reinhold.  Lastly, there is a photo gallery and trailers for “Gremlins” and “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”.

Synopsis: A man buys a Mogwai as a Christmas present for his son. The young boy is told to keep the pet away from water, out of the light and never to feed it after midnight. Inadvertently, the creature is dampened and almost instantly, produces half a dozen furry replicas of itself –which continue to multiply and turn the small town upside-down.

Buy It 5/8 on Blu-ray™
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