Book Review “Gonzo: A Graphic Biography of Hunter S. Thompson”

Author(s): Will Bingley, Anthony Hope-Smith
Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: April 1, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been fascinated with Hunter S. Thompson’s work for many years. He has such a unique perspective on the world and will not be able to be replaced by anyone. This book is really an amazing look into this life from the birth of Gonzo Journalism to “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” to his sad death. If you are a fan of HST, this is an much purchase.

By the way, did I mention it is actually an illustration biography. Thanks to the amazing illustrations of Anthony Hope-Smith, HST’s life to death is presented to you in this wonderful format. The book itself is presented in soft cover and its pages compliment the very crisp and sharp illustrations very well. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this biography but it was very intimate and enjoyable. I recommend this graphic illustration very highly.

This book is one of those books that you just have to revisit over and over. I have a feeling as well, I will be passing this book around to many of my friends to enjoy as well. Be sure to check out the beautiful and honest foreword from HST’s editor Alan Rinzler. Lastly, I commend Abrams for publishing this fantastic book and I would love to see future volumes like these as well. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Hunter S. Thompson “No sympathy for the Devil, keep that in mind.  Buy the ticket, take the ride”.

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Blu-ray Review “Shogun Assassin – 5 Film Collector’s Edition”

Director(s): Robert Houston, Kenji Misumi, Buichi Saito, Yoshiyuki Kuroda
Actors: Kayo Matsuo, Masahiro Tomikawa, Tomisaburo Wakayama
Distributed by: AnimEigo
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Running Time: 427 minutes

Box Set: 3 out of 5 stars
Films: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Let me start with that fact that I have been a long time fan of the “Lone Wolf and Cub” series, which are the films that “Shogun Assassin” series has been morphed into.  This series is so influential for recent films like “Kill Bill” and artists like RZA. AnimEigo is the team behind the Blu-ray box set and they did a pretty decent job overall.  For “Shogun Assassin”, they completely reconstructed the movie using pristine masters of the original two “Lone Wolf and Cub” films. Basically every frame has been restored using uncompressed 24p 1080p 2.35:1 anamorphic source materials.  So that is very impressive but the rest of the films, I can’t really say the same.

This set does not only include “Shogun Assassin” but also its 4 sequels, “Shogun Assassin 2: Lightning Swords of Death”, “Shogun Assassin 3: Slashing Blades of Carnage”, “Shogun Assassin 4: Five Fistfuls Of Gold” and “Shogun Assassin 5: Cold Road to Hell”. It is a fantastic to be able to get all these films released on Blu-ray in once box set for the first time. The box set itself seems a little cheap though and low production, with repeated artwork and lacks of documentation on the restoration process. The first film is included on its own Blu-ray, which honestly does looks amazing. But I do not feel that the same TLC really went to the following four films, which are crammed onto the second Blu-ray disc.  For the price of this box set it just seems like you would get a little more on presentation of the discs.

The special features on the disc are not out of this world but does included some new material.  There is an exclusive interview with Samuel L. Jackson, which I can listen to him talk about just anything.  There is a new commentary included which features producer David Weisman, illustrator Jim Evans, and Gibran Evans (narrator of Daigoro).  It is very informative and fun to listen to, I recommend this.  Lastly there is also another audio commentary by film scholar Ric Meyers and martial arts expert Steve Watson.  Let’s just say I prefer the first commentary more.  I would have also love to seen more production special features from these films.

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DVD Review “Shazzan: The Complete Series”

Created by: Alex Toth
Voices of: Jerry Dexter, Janet Waldo, Barney Phillips, Don Messick
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Episodes: 36
Running Time: 389 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Warner Archive does it again! They have revived another great Hannah-Barbara series called “Shazzan”.   “Shazzan” is not to be confused with “Shazam!”, the 1970’s super hero Captain Marvel TV series. This release contains the complete series of this fun show.  All 36 episodes are included in this set.  I really enjoyed this show and the episodes look great and especially for a show that premiered in 1967.  Either way, fans of Hanna-Barbara and animation alike will want to pick up this fantastic set immediately.

The series follows the adventures of brother and sister team, Chuck and Nancy, who travel around a mystical Arabian world on a flying camel, named Kaboobie. The couple also seem to find themselves in some sort of  dangers.  In the time of need, they put together their magic rings and summon a magic genie, Shazzan.  With the help of Shazzan, the twins seeks the wizard who lives “behind the beyond” in order to return them home.

“Shazzan” has even popped up in one of my favorite shows “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law”, in the episode “Mufti Trouble”.  The episodes are presented in 4 X 3 Full-Screen and also in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The audio includes a Dolby Digital Mono track. Besides the 36 episodes, there is also a special feature included called  Saturday Morning Collection “The Power of Shazzan”.

Shazzan: The Complete Series is now available from Warner Archive at http://bit.ly/Hf1V8b

Synopsis: When two adventurous, twin teenagers, Chuck and Nancy, recombine the halves of a mysterious ring, they are instantly transported to ancient Egypt…as masters of an all-powerful genie named Shazzan. Now, with the help of the mighty Shazzan, the twins seek the wizard who lives “behind the beyond,” the only person able to help them return home. But even as the teenagers pursue their quest, every evil sorcerer in the desert kingdom desires the twins’ magic ring and will stop at nothing to gain the power it grants over Shazzan.

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Thomas Ian Nicholas talks about “American Reunion”

Thomas Ian Nicholas is currently appearing in the 4th film in the “American Pie” series, “American Reunion”. This film marks the complete return of the original cast from the first film. Thomas also is currently touring with his band, TNB. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Thomas again about “American Reunion” and also his music.

Mike Gencarelli: What was it like the first day when you got to set and the entire group was there?
Thomas Ian Nichols: Filming is always like a jumbled group of actors and it’s something you don’t have any control over. The first time that we got together was prior to shooting. We did some table readings and screen tests that everyone was at. When I first walked into the room it was a trip. On one hand I had thought I matured as I am married now and had a child on the way. As soon as I walked into that room I reverted back to my youth. We started talking and during the table read it felt like no time had passed at all. It was very surreal.

MG: Was there any particular highlights for you from filming?
TIN: Each film has been subsequently more fun to make. I think each time we know each other a little more and we have history together. The first film we were kids and I was just happy to have a job. The second film was a giant party, and the third film was just a big celebration. This film being 10 years later and also the first one to be shot on location was just nuts! All the other films were shot in Los Angeles so at the end of the day we would all just go home. When you are on location you are away from your friends and family. We spent a lot of time just hanging out.

MG: Can you tell us about how your character Kevin has been up to?
TIN: I had never really considered a reunion. Jon and Hayden I think chose wisely for Kevin. He is doing what we would expect him to be doing. He has gotten married and moved on from Vickie. He has kept in touch with everybody and is working as an architect. Kevin is also a good cook and there is a line in the film about him being Jim’s favorite house wife. Kevin acts as the ring leader to bring everyone back together again.

MG: What does this film bring new to the table?
TIN: I think what it brings new is also what it brings old. Jon and Hayden are really big fans of the original film and the franchise. They really sought out to capture the heart of the first movie. When I first saw the film I thought they achieved that and so much more. I kind of consider “American Reunion” to be the perfect sequel to the first movie.

MG: Can you tell us about your song on the soundtrack?
TIN: I have tried to pitch songs to be on all of the “American Pie” films. This time I recorded a song that I knew was going to be on the soundtrack already and pitched the idea to Jon and Hayden. I ended up playing the wrap party for the film which was something I had never done before. After hearing me they asked to include one of my songs on the album. They didn’t use the cover I did of “Laid” as they chose to go with the original James version. They ended up going with an original song of mine that is off my new album titled “My Generation”.

MG: Can you tell us about the “American Reunion” college tour?
TIN: During the month of February I traveled around to 20 different colleges playing concerts and promoting the movie. I wanted to make sure that the next generation was aware of the film so I came up with this idea to spread the word.

MG: What other projects do you have planned?
TIN: My new album will be coming out so I plan to be out supporting that. As far as films “The Chicago 8” where I play Abbie Hoffman should be coming out hopefully later this year. I also have a few other projects I am working on. I am always keeping busy.

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PJ Byrne Wrote and Directed New Short on Funny of Die


PJ Byrne had a busy year last in 2011 with co-starring in both “Horrible Bosses” and “Final Destination 5”.  Stealing the show in both film’s easily. PJ is heating up the small screen in 2012, recently joining up on Martin Lawrence’s CBS Comedy Pilot and also voicing Bolin on Nickelodeon’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” spin off “The Legend of Korra”.

Check out his directorial debut below for Funny or Die called “The Last Supper”.  PJ also wrote this short film as well.  Check it out below and enjoy!!

Click here for our interview from last year with PJ Byrne.

Premise: Jesus and the Apostles fight over the check at The Last Supper and end up stiffing the wrong waitress.

 

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Film Review “American Reunion”

Starring: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott and Eugene Levy
Directed by: Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 1 hour 53 mins
Universal

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Ah, high school. So many memories. And what better way to relive those fond memories then at a reunion. The kids at East Great Falls High are getting together to celebrate their 13th year (don’t ask) out of high school. And they’ll find that those memories can make you cry as much as laugh.

Pretty much an “American Pie” retrospective, “American Reunion” gives us a look into the lives of the senior class of 1999. All of the familiar faces are there. Jim (Biggs) is married to Michelle (Alyson Hannigan). They have a two year old son and apparently no time for each other. Oz (Chris Klein) is a popular television sportscaster who is even more renowned for his appearance on a “Dancing With the Stars”-like show. Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) has become a world traveler. Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) is a happily married stay at home husband. And Stifler (Scott)…well, Stifler is Stifler.

Written and directed by the same duo that brought us the “Harold and Kumar” films (which would make sense since Thomas, John Cho and a cameo-ing Neil Patrick Harris appear here), “American Reunion” is like one of those flashback television shows. Except here when someone says, “remember when we” there is no actual flashback. Just a lot of reminiscing. Mostly it’s about love lost. Whether it’s no time for love, not loving the one you’re with or wishing you’re first love had really been forever, love seems to be the story here. Of course there is also sex and beer and the forever-eighteen Stifler to brighten the mood. As played by Scott, Stifler is as obnoxious as ever. But you can’t help but love the guy because, whether he’s getting revenge on a couple of teen age pranksters or setting up the party of the year, you know his heart is in it.

The rest of the cast have obviously become comfortable in their roles and their comradeship is evident on screen. Klein has a few scenes that let him show some range and he handles them well. Biggs has always played hang-dog well and he does it here. Levy, as Jim’s dad, has always been a high point in the “Pie” film series. The best scenes in the film are of Jim and his pop just talking like countless fathers and sons have done in the past. Hannigan is pretty much wasted here, spending a lot of the film “visiting friends.” “American Pie” fans will be happy everyone from the first film makes an appearance, though some of them are in “blink or you’ll miss them” cameos.

The script is full of jokes capitalizing on the fact that life moves pretty fast. When Jim meets Kara, the little girl next door he used to babysit, he is shocked to see that she has grown into a full blown hottie. The fact that she refers to a Spice Girls song on the radio as “classic rock” only shocks him more. Time surely does fly, whether you’re having fun or not.

 

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Book Review “Garbage Pail Kids”

Author: The Topps Company
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Abrams ComicArts
Release Date: April 1, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I grew up like most kids in the 80’s collecting these amazing trading cards.  Actually, I should say secretly collecting, since I wasn’t allowed to have them during my pre-teen days.  This book is a great collection of these collectible stickers produced by Topps in the 1980s.  It is a must purchase for anyone that was a collector of these cards. The book overall is so amazing and brings back such amazing memories of growing up.  To make it even better the wax-paper dust jacket and the illustration of the shattered stick of gum on the back cover easily makes this book a must have.

This book includes artwork from avant-garde cartoonists and humorists including Art Spiegelman, Mark Newgarden, John Pound, Tom Bunk, and Jay Lynch.  For the first time ever in one place, all 206 rare and hard-to-find images from Series 1 through 5  are included in this collection.  The images are so crisp and colors are well presented.  Also included is a physical set of four limited-edition, previously unreleased bonus stickers. If you are a fan of this book reach out to Abrams and let them know we want more. It is absolutely amazing that fans continues to embrace this pop-culture phenomenon, in fact Garbage Pail Kids stickers are still being published today.

Garbage Pail Kids do not seem to be going anyway in the future.  According to Deadline, Michael Eisner’s The Tornante Company is set to finance and produce the development of a new Garbage Pail Kids movie.  Also I need to give some respect to the Art Spiegelman for kicking off this amazing book with an even better introduction and  John Pound is responsible for closing this book with a proper afterword.  If you are reading this Abrams ComicsArts, we want MORE volumes!!

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Blu-ray Review “IMAX: Born to Be Wild”

Directed by: David Lickley
Starring: Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas, Dr. Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick
MPAA Rated: G
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Running Time: 45 minutes

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

“Born to Be Wild is such an uplifting story and packs a really important message of the bond that occurs between animals and humans. If you are a fan of nature movies are guaranteed to enjoy this.  If that is not enough there is always Morgan Freeman…he is the narrator for the film.  The film was originally presented in 3D but the 2D version also works well, although I prefer the 3D version much more. This film was released on Earth Day in 2011 and its seems Warner Bros is taking a page from Disneynature and releasing a new film every year.  2012’s entry is called “IMAX: To The Arctic” and it looks even better.  I recommend this film very fun and my only major complaint is that it is only 45 minutes, I would have love to seen this in a full length format.

The film follows various orphaned jungle animals like the orangutans and elephants in their day-to-day behavioral interactions with the individuals who rescue them and raise them to adulthood. The film is split two sections.  The first follows Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas through the rainforests of Borneo as she is helping the orangutans.  The second story takes place in the Kenyan Savannah with Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick and her elephants.

The Blu-ray presentation is simply beautiful even though it is not in 3D.  The video includes a wonderful 1080p transfer, in a slightly changed aspect ratio of 1.78:1.  The audio is very impressive boasting a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.  It works really well with the score and music in the film.  This releases comes with a two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy.  The special features a little light but still enjoyable.  There six amazing webisodes including the following: “Borneo”, “Kenya”, “Camp Leakey”, “Coming Home to Tsavo”, “‘Wild’ Filmmaking” and “Caregivers”.  Definitely a must buy overall.

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Synopsis: Narrated by Academy-Award® winner Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild 3D is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them?saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick, as they and their teams rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild. Born to be Wild 3D is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and IMAX Filmed Entertainment. Directed by David Lickley and written and produced by Drew Fellman, the behind the scenes team includes supervising line producer Diane Roberts, associate producer Jill Ferguson, director of photography David Douglas and editor Beth Spiegel. Music is composed by Mark Mothersbaugh.

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Blu-ray Review “The Iron Lady”

Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd
Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Running Time: 105 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Well it’s very clear why Meryl Streep won the Oscar for her role in this film. It is also quite clear why it also won for Best Makeup, such a phenomenal job. Look at DiCaprio’s makeup hack job in “J. Edgar” and this look at this fantastic film for both Meryl Streep and Jim Broadbent, but very stunning. There were talks about this film that it didn’t show Margaret Thatcher in the best light. Instead of focusing on her wonderful political career and accomplishments, the story is said to focus on an older, senile and hallucinatory Thatcher. I actually really enjoy it, nonetheless. I feel it worked better as a film and less like a biopic. We all know her life story, I was excited to see Meryl Streep nail her as a character and tell an interesting story.

The story switches between an old Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep) and the confident Prime Minster and even a young adult Thatcher.  We focus on Thatcher dealing with today’s world, which is much more different socially and technologically than she is familiar with.  She spends time reflecting back to her past and and fighting with herself as she get spends time talking with her deceased husband (Broadbent).  It also shows her rise to Prime Minster and some of the events with her in office.  They don’t spend a lot of time in the politics but that is what I like most about this movie.  It would have been safe to stick with politics but more risky to take another route.  I commend them.

The Blu-ray presentation itself is also a thing of beauty. It features a wonderful 1080p high definition transfer, just looks fantastic. The audio is also very fantastic, where it is from the subtle dialogue to the explosions with its superior DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. Besides the Blu-ray disc, the release itself comes jam back with a DVD copy of the film and also a digital disc. I wish they would have left out the digital copy disc for an streaming Ultraviolet copy.

Unfortunately, the special features are not so glorious. I enjoyed them all but they are also are only in standard definition and run very short.  The first extra is called “Making The Iron Lady” which features cast and crew as they talk about bringing Margaret Thatcher to the film. “Recreating the Young Margaret Thatcher” is a short feature that focuses on the role taken on by Alexandra Roach.  “Denis: The Man Behind the Woman” is feature on Jim Broadbent.  “Battle in the House of Commons” talk about shooting in locations.  “Costume Design: Pearls and Power Suits” focuses on the work of Consolata Boyle.  Lastly “History Goes to the Cinema” is a look into the following films and their real life stories “My Weeks with Marilyn”, “W.E.”, “Coriolanus”, “The Iron Lady”, and “The Artist”.

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Film Review “ATM”

Directed by: David Brooks
Starring: Alice Eve, Josh Peck, Brian Geraghty, Ashvin Singh
Distributed by: IFC Midnight
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Who knew that a film focusing around being stalked in an ATM booth would work as a premise for a film. Well it does…more the most part. This film is a billed a horror yet falls more in the line of thriller. If you are aware of the film “Buried”, starring Ryan Reynolds, where he spends the whole film in a coffin, well this film is written by the same guy Chris Sparling. Well either way, the idea works and definitely creates some great suspense for the first 40 minutes or so. As the film goes on though, it seems like to loose its draw and doesn’t really pack a strong pay-off at the end.

The premise for this film is extremely simple. It follows three co-workers who stop at an ATM on the way home from an office party. The three co-workers soon find that they are unable to leave this ATM booth since they are being stalked by a crazy man in a hoodie. They end up fighting for their lives and search desperately for a way to escape this booth before it is too late.

“ATM” is the directorial debut from David Brooks and definitely shows potential for him. Going back to “Buried” for a minute, this film packs a lot less terror than being buried alive. This is what the film lacks…the terror. The performances from Josh Peck, Alice Eve And Brian Geraghty are decent though and since the film is just them, they definitely carry the film well. I wish there was more back story revealed throughout the film, I think it could have given the characters more depth. Overall it is worth checking out if you are a horror fan. Kudos to IFC Midnight for giving this film a theatrical release.

 

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Blu-ray Review “A Streetcar Named Desire: The Original Restored Version”

Directed by: Elia Kazan
Starring: Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter, Karl Malden
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Warner Brothers
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Running Time: 122 minutes

Restored Version: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Who hasn’t seen the cinematic masterpiece called “A Streetcar Named Desire”. Thanks to Warner Bros for bringing us this wonderful celebration of the 60th anniversary and including the Original Restored Version.  Due to the 1951 Legion of Decency censorship, there was three minutes of previously unseen footage including the sexual tension between Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh) and Stanley Kowalski (Marlon Brando). Watching this film always leaves me yelling “Hey, Stellaaaaaa!” the rest of the day.  This is a wonderful release and is highly recommended for all fans of the film to experience this amazing film on Blu-ray.

This is the first time that this classic is making its way onto Blu-ray with a really stunning restoration.  It looks wonderful in its digitally remastered 1080p transfer in its original aspect ratio: 1.37:1.  The audio track included is an DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track, which preserves the original charm. I really enjoyed the fact that this book was released as a Digibook.  It comes with a 40-page book format with behind-the-scenes photography, production notes and biographies.  I really love these edition, instead of a boring empty case.

The special features are a bit disappointing for the Blu-ray debut.  This is not due to content but since the extras are presented in standard definition and not high definition.  There is a commentary track featuring producer Laurent Bouzereau with comments from co- star Karl Malden and historians Rudy Behlmer and Jeff Young.  This is highly recommended, Laurent Bouzereau knows so much about film and is fantastic to listen to.  There is a great documentary, which runs about 75 minutes, “Elia Kazan: A Director’s Journey”.  It is narrated by Eli Wallach and looks into Kazan’s career in depth.  “A Streetcar on Broadway” focuses on the original Broadway version. “A Streetcar in Hollywood” features Kazan’s chatting about the film’s road from the stage to the screen. “Censorship and Desire” is a big topic with this film and focuses on its dealings during time of release with Rudy Behlmer.  “North and the Music of the South” is a focus piece on composer Alex North. “An Actor Named Brando” is short feature on the legendary actor. “Marlon Brando Screen Test” is a really amazing rare behind the scenes look. There Outtakes that run about 15 minutes and also Audio Outtakes, which run about 17 minutes.  Lastly there are a bunch of trailers including original 1951 Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox 1958 Reissue and United Artists 1970 Reissue.

Synopsis: “A Streetcar Named Desire: the Original Restored Version” is the film moviegoers would have seen in 1951 had not Legion of Decency censorship occurred at the last minute. Making its Blu-ray debut, stunningly restored and digitally remastered to brilliant 1080p clarity, this classic is presented in a collectible, premium 40-page Blu-ray book format, with behind-the-scenes photography, production notes, biographies and more! Elia Kazan masterfully directs Tennessee Williams? masterpiece starring Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Karl Malden and Kim Hunter. Nominated for an unprecedented 12 Academy Awards,® including Best Picture, and winner of 4,* its contributions to film continue to be celebrated, holding its place on the AFI’s list of Top 100 Films.

In celebration of the 60th Anniversary, “A Streetcar Named Desire” will debut on Blu-ray Book on April 10th, 2012.
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David Brooks talks new horror/thriller “ATM”

David Brooks is the director of the new horror/thriller “ATM”. The film is also David’s feature directorial debut. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with David about the film and what he has planned next.

MS: You’ve done a couple of short films but “ATM” is your first feature. How did you get involved with the project?
DB: I’m good friends with Peter Safran, who co-produced “Buried,” which was (writer) Chris Sparling’s other feature. He had seen the short I had done coming out of NYU called “Gone.” He really liked it. He was working on the post-production of “Buried.” I read the (“ATM”) script and really just started badgering him. I then started working on a draft of the script with Chris…that was the gestation of it.

MS: “ATM” takes place pretty much AT an ATM. How were you able to build and sustain the suspense in what is pretty much a one set film?
DB: It’s certainly a challenge for sure. But I think that was one of the things that brought me to the project…to have to figure out how to do that. For me it was about getting the right amount of balance between the perspectives. Essentially we have three characters inside a vestibule and a man outside. So a lot of the tension comes from playing between the perspectives. Them inside. He outside. Then within those I try to play with who is seeing what at what moment. At times you may think you’re looking through the man’s purview from outside and then he steps through the frame. It’s just a matter of continually finding ways to keep the audience unsettled. That was the goal and we do that with the shifting perspectives.

MS: You’re working with a pretty young cast. How were they to work with?
DB: Really, really fantastic. I was really lucky to cast all three of them. It was really great for me as a first time feature director to be working with such talents. They were all very special…they all brought something unique to their characters. We all decided that we would work hard and they answered the challenge.

MS: You edited commercials as well as most of your earlier film work. Editing seems to be, from Robert Wise to Martin Scorsese, an almost perfect segue into directing. Did that experience help you when you set up your shots and planned on where to put the camera?
DB: It was a natural progression. Working on a low budget film, especially one as intimate as this one, it was a great opportunity for me to bring my comfort in the editing room to the table. That definitely was a big part of it.

MS: The film is currently available on Video on Demand and opens on April 6th. What is the release schedule like? Are you opening wide or just hoping to start small and build on word of mouth?
DB: We’re going to start limited and hopefully grow from there. We’re getting great response on the VOD. People are getting a chance to see the film. I believe we’re starting out in six cities, expanding to six more the following week and hopefully growing from there. I think for a small movie that people are able to see it on VOD. But I want people to get that big screen theatre experience…I hope they decide to see it in the cinema as soon as possible!

MS: Do you have your next project lined up?
DB: That’s a good question (laughs). I’m working on a few things but for the most part really I’m just reading scripts and trying to find my next thing. The short answer is I’m not sure but hopefully I’ll know soon enough.

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DVD Review “Merrell Fankhauser’s ‘Best Of Tiki Lounge’ Volumes 1 & 2”

Starring: Merrell Fankhauser
Best Of Tiki Lounge Volumes 1 & 2
Distributed by: Gonzo MultiMedia
1 DVD, 1 CD / Per Volume
DVD Running Time: 180 minutes / Per Volume
CD Running Time: 40 minutes / Per Volume

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Surf music legend Merrell Fankhauser has released two volume DVD’s with his ‘Best Of Tiki Lounge’.  Tiki Lounge is Fankhauser’s TV show and each volume contains three-hours for some of the best episodes of the series. The DVD’s really scream 90’s production, they are really low quality including the menus.  Obviously this was self-produced, so I will give it some leeway.  The interviews are definitely dated as well especially since these episodes aired along time ago.   Fans of Fankhauser though will enjoy the flashback to that period and his music with many cool guest stars.

Merrell Fankhauser is known best for being on the main innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock.  He was also the leader of the instrumental surf group The Impacts who had the international hit “Wipeout”. Merrell’s credits include over 250 songs published and released. The first volume includes the following episode content “Instrumental Surf Show”, “Merrell Fankhauser and Friends”, “Fast Cars and Rock and Roll”, “In Concert with Willie Nelson and Friends”. “Show with the Stars from the 50’s and 60’s” and “Spirit Tribute”. The second volume includes the following episode content “Road to Oregon”, “Nevada Desert Show (UFO Special)”, “A Night of Classic Rock”, “Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs”, “Rhino Event: L.A. Nugget’s Release”, “Fourth of July Show”.

The first volume is definitely my favorite of the two.  I am not a big fan of his UFO inspired work.  I do enjoy his surf music though quite a bit.  The DVD quality of the programs are very home video recordings but again, I am really listening for the music so I can give a little bit back.  Also these programs are from the 90’s, so there was obviously no high definition recording.  If each three hours volume DVD is not enough for you, the package also includes a 40-minute audio CD that has music from the Tiki Lounge program.

Tiki Lounge Volume 1 CD Tracks: 1. Tiki Lounge , 2. We Love Tikis , 3. Island Life , 4. Excited , 5. Race Night , 6. Stolen Guitar Blues , 7. Since I Don’t Have You , 8. Magic Chorus Line , 9. Lucille , 10. Dont Give Up The Rock .
Tiki Lounge Volume 2 CD Tracks: 1. Show 1 – Road Trip to Oregon , 2. Show 2 – Nevada Desert Show (UFO Special) , 3. Show 3 – Merrell Fankhauser and Friends: A Night of Classic Rock , 4. Show 4 – Mary Ramsey of ‘10,000 Maniacs’ , 5. Show 5 – Rhino Event For The Release of ‘Where The Action Is! L.A. Nuggets 1965-1968’ , 6. Show 6 – 2010 Fourth of July Show .

To purchase Merrell Fankhauser ‘Best Of Tiki Lounge’ DVDs www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15360

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 1, 2, dvd, fankhausers, lounge, merrell, ...

Blu-ray Review “Grimm’s Snow White”

Directed by: Rachel Goldenberg
Starring: Jane March, Eliza Bennett, Jamie Thomas King, Otto Jankovich
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: The Asylum Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 90 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Mirror Mirror on the wall, what is the worst Snow White movie ever ? Wow, I love most if not all of Asylum’s films but this was just absolutely painful to get through. It turns the story of Snow White into a mix between “The Lord of the Rings and “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Running only 90 minutes, I thought this felt like a two hour movie. The special effects are decent for Asylum. Of course this isn’t “Avatar”.  The dragons were decent, but those damn dogs are just so terrible looking. I would avoid this bad apple like it was really poisoned.

This film takes the story of Snow White and turns it on its head. It turns the seven dwarfs into elves and gives them cheesy Spock ears. It follows Queen Gwendolyn (Jane March), who, of course, has to be the fairest of them all until the beautiful Snow White (Eliza Bennett) returns to town. The Queen recently seized power in the kingdom following the death, I mean murder, of Snow White’s father. After being attempted to be killed, Snow White hides in the Enchanted Forest with the elves and finds a way to defeat the evil Queen and win the Prince.

The Blu-ray itself is not bad though for a low-budget film. The video looks good in its 1080p transfer. The audio comes with an Dolby Digital 5.1 track and works decent with the film but gets overpowering with the score at points. The disc itself has a lot of menu issues though with choosing scene selection or playing the film. The special features are terrible like the film itself. There is a very short “Making of Featurette” featuring the cast and crew talking about the film. There is a short gag reel and additional Asylum trailer included as well.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, grimms, review, snow, white

Film Review “Keyhole”

Directed by: Guy Maddin
Starring: Jason Patric, Isabella Rossellini, Udo Kier, Kevin McDonald
Distributed by: Monterey Media
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 93 min

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Wow. Wow is about all I got after viewing this film for the first time. I am a sucker to the horror/thriller genre in particular but this takes it on a whole new level. “Keyhole” is such a trip and leaves you with your mouth open the whole film. It reminds of a bizarre mix between F.W. Murnau meets David Lynch. It is definitely one of those movies that really needs a few viewings to really grasp. It definitely is interesting though and worth checking out. It has this horror mixed with comedy mixed with film noir. It is set in the 1930’s and has a existential feeling. It mixes a ghost story with a gangster story. If you are familiar with Guy Maddin and his work, they you wouldn’t expect anything less from him. I could have done without all the old man frontal nudity, just sayin’.

The story itself takes place in a house that is haunted by its memories.  We meet Ulysses Pick (Patrick) who is returning home to this house filled with ghosts along with a drowned girl and a bound-hostage teenage boy.  He meets up with a group of gangsters that are holding up from the law after a shoot out.  While exploring the house room by room Ulysees finds out a lot of secrets that the house is holding, including his wife (Rossellini) that is awaiting him.

The cast itself is extremely notable and has some great range. We go from Jason Patri (“The Lost Boys”) to Isabella Rossellini (“Blue Velvet”) to horror genre legend Udo Kier (“Blood of Dracula”) to “Kids in the Hall” member Kevin McDonald. Either way the film seems to have a little bit of everything. It is just so bizarre and out there, it feels like an out-of-body experience just watching it. Prior to reviewing this film, I had to watch it twice and I liked it more the second time but still was completely amazing with each shot. The film is also shot in black and white and really adds so much to its charm, I do not think it would have worked at all being in color.

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