Directed by: Michael Rymer
Starring: Stuart Townsend, Aaliyah, Marguerite Moreau, Vincent Pérez, Paul McGann, Lena Olin
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Running Time: 101 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Interview with the Vampire” is a very hard film to follow-up.  “Queen of the Damned” had high expectations surrounding it, especially for an Anne Rice adaption.  It’s also took a risky move of casting R&B singer,  Aaliyah, to lead the film.  Unfortunately, then she end dying in a plane crash months before the film’s release, which added to it’s issues.  The film is very ambitious and Gothic but it’s overall end product has too many issues.  What the film does have doing for it is one of the best soundtracks in a horror film.  The film’s music is also created by Korn’s Jonathan Davis and is nothing short of amazing!  Not the best film ever but definitely worth the HD upgrade.

Warner’s definitely delivers a very impressive Blu-ray.  It’s 1080p transfer comes with a lot of love.  It is presented a sharp picture and works well with the dark scenes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track works perfectly in sync with the score and the heavy metal tunes in the film.  The special features are ported from the DVD release and do not disappoint at all.  First we have a decent commentary track with director Michael Rymer, producer Jorge Saralegui, and composer Richard Gibbs. Next up, there are 13 deleted scenes that are decent also cut for a good reason.  There are three documentaries focusing on the behind-the-scenes aspect of the film.  “Creating the Vampires” features cast/crew talking about their roles in the film. “Aaliyah Remembered” is a memorial for the late singer.  Lastly “The Music of Lestat” has interviews with composer Richard Gibbs and lyricist Jonathan Davis. To compliment that feature, there are three music videos for Lestat (“Redeemer,” “Forsaken,” “System”), a music video by Static X’s “Cold,” and also extended Lestat’s concert footage. Lastly there is a gag reel, photo galleries and a theatrical trailer for the film.

After years of slumber, the legendary vampire has awakened and found acceptance in a tattooed, pierced and black-clad world. He’s a rock star. And his awesome goth-riffed sound has echoed around the globe…and stirred to life the fearsome Mother of All Vampires. Based on “The Vampire Chronicles” by Anne Rice, whose work previously came to the screen in “Interview with the Vampire.”

Buy It 9/18 on Blu-ray
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Created by: Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady
Starring: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik
Number of discs: 3
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 552 minutes

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

Right from the start whether you have seen this show before or not, you can tell that these show is amazing. I mean do you see the cover art? It  doesn’t get cooler than that.  These guys are nerdy comedy superstars and the cover art definitely reflects that. It is really rare that a show in its fifth season gets better and better with each episode. I always thought that the first few seasons where the funniest but after re-watching this season it is clear and the show’s best is it current episodes. This season also has cameos from Stephen Hawkins and Leonard Nimoy, can you ask for anything more?

The Blu-ray presentation is comparable to the past “Big Bang” Blu-ray releases. The 1080p video is a real treat for the show.  The color pop and overall looks very sharp.  The audio track included work well especially since the show is dialogue based.  You don’t miss a word of their clever smarty-pants dialogue.  This release of the season not only but with the show on Blu-ray but also DVD discs.  Also included is the entire series on Ultraviolet digital streaming, which is SUPER cool to be able to just pop on anytime, anywhere.

You can tell that the show changed a lot this season…in a positive direction. The characters are getting new arc and not only growing but also maturing. I think that the addition of Bernadette and Amy, amazingly played by Melissa Rouch and Mayim Bialik respectively, really compliments a lot more to the original cast with added depth. Mayim Bialik literally steals every single scene she is in and deserves a freaking Emmy…HELLO??!! It is rare that when a season ends that I am literally upset and dying for more, this was the case when this season ended. I actually had to go back to previous seasons and re-watch just to get my “Big Bang” fix.

The special features on this season are also the best of the series to date. There is some really great extras included in this release. “The Big Bang Theory @ 100” showcases the cast and crew as they celebrate the show’s 100th episode. “The Big Bang Theory’s Laws of Reflection” features interviews with the cast as they reflect on their favorite moments from season 5. “Professors of Production” is a behind-the-scenes look at the various section of the show that assist to bring this wonderful show together week after week. Lastly there is a terribly funny “Gag Reel” included.

Directed by: Jay Chandrasekhar
Starring: Paul Schneider, Olivia Munn and Kevin Heffernan, Jay Chandrasekhar
Distributed by: Millennium Entertainment
Release Date: September 18, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 93 minutes

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

When I saw Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan and Olivia Munn attached to this film, I was immediately interested. I am a big fan of Broken Lizard and G4’s “Attack of the Show”. This film is laugh-out-loud funny but takes a more mature route than past work from Jay and Kevin. Although Kevin said during an interview with us that he feels that his character is similar to his past Broken Lizard roles. Jay also has an acting role besides directing, playing Ron Jon and easily steals the show. This is own of those films that grows on you with each viewing. I have seen this film three times already now and it only gets better.

“The Babymakers” follows a married couple whose main objective is to have a baby. But after 9 months of trying, Audrey (Munn) and her husband Tommy (Schneider) are unable to get pregnant. After finding out that his sperm is lacking in the baby department, Tommy recruits his pals in order to steal a deposit he made at a sperm bank years earlier. Simple plot though this is not a one-joke comedy and does manage to entertain throughout.

Fans of Broken Lizard should keep an eye out for alums like Nat Faxon, M.C. Gainey and Philippe Brenninkmeyer. Also if you were a fan of Munn’s failed TV series “Perfect Couples” (like myself), keep an eye out for her co-star Hayes MacArthur who is a laugh riot in the film as well. Though if you are looking for another Broken Lizard film, you will be disappointed. I feel it still really delivers and “The Babymakers” is a simple yet very fun comedy. If you need something to do on a Saturday night, this is definitely worth checking out.

The Blu-ray presentation is good as well though since comedies aren’t typically intensive on the format. The 1080p is sharp and looks great. The audio included a 5.1 Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track, which works well with the dialogue. The special features included are a behind-the-scenes look into the production. There are also cast and crew interviews with are fun and worth checking out. Lastly, there is another featurette with more details on the film from the cast and crew.

Directed by: Panos Cosmatos
Starring: Michael Rogers, Eva Allan, Scott Hylands
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 110 minutes

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

“Beyond the Black Rainbow” is wow, just wow.  There is really no way to describe this film this sci-fi thriller.  If “2001: A Space Odyssey” met up with “Blue Sunshine”, this would be the result.  It is a visually beyond anything I have every seen.  It is extremely unique and overall such a trip.  The whole film is set in this very cool dystopian version of 1983. I was just speechless watching this film…until the end, which doesn’t fit with the rest of the film.  I am not sure for the reasoning behind it but it was a letdown from such a visual stunning film. Michael Rogers who played Quan Chi in “Mortal Kombat Legacy” last year gives such an amazing performance, check out our interview here.  He is a crazy mix between Norman Bates in “Psycho” and Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho”.  If you are looking for the new midnight cult classic film, look no further.

Synopsis: Set in the strange and oppressive emotional landscape of the year 1983, “Beyond the Black Rainbow” is a Reagan-era fever dream inspired by hazy childhood memories of midnight movies and Saturday morning cartoons. From the producer of Machotaildrop, Rainbow is the feature film debut of writer and director Panos Cosmatos. Featuring a hypnotic analog synthesizer score by Jeremy Schmidt of “Sinoia Caves” and “Black Mountain,” Rainbow is a film experience for the senses.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. The 1080p transfer works so well with the film’s use of colors and lights. You can also see like every pore on Rogers’ face, which adds to his creepy performance. The audio gets a 5/5 for being just absolutely perfect. It works perfectly with its hypnotic synthesizer score by Jeremy Schmidt of “Sinoia Caves” and “Black Mountain”. The special features are also great including an audio commentary with director Panos Cosmatos. There a few extended scenes, which are definitely worth checking out. There are also two great featurettes including “Behind-the-Scenes” look into the film and the “Making of Beyond The Black Rainbow”. Very informative and worth checking out. Lastly there is the trailer included.

One of my favorite movie moments ever occurred in the summer of 2006. In Dyersville, Iowa, on the same corn surrounded baseball field used in the film, I sat with 3,000 other fans and watched “Field of Dreams” outdoors on the big screen, part of that summers Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow. As fall approaches, the new Alamo Drafthouse in Kansas City is sponsoring four different outdoor screenings. Imagine watching one of your favorite films under the stars. Now add the bonus fun

Alamo provides with it’s pre-show activities and contests and you’ve got a night to remember. Here is a schedule of the films slated to screen in the next few weeks:

September 14, 2012

Title: PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE
Location: City Market Park
20 E. 5th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106

Time: Gates open at 7:00PM / Movie at 8:00PM

For the young, and the young at heart, the Alamo Drafthouse presents “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” When his beloved Schwinn bicycle is stolen, Pee Wee sets out on a zany cross-country journey to get it back. Come early and get in on the pre-screening fun by competing in the Pee Wee Dance Off before the film.

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September 15, 2012

Title: SPIRITED AWAY
Location: City Market Park
20 E. 5th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106

Time: Gates open at 7:00PM / Movie at 8:00PM

The Alamo Drafthouse invites you to a beautifully animated, yet mind boggling visual experience, as it presents “Spirited Away.” This Japanese anime cartoon captured the imagination of adults and children alike on it’s way to becoming a critically-acclaimed worldwide box office hit. We’ll re-create one of the film’s memorable moments when we invite audience members to compete in our noodle eating contest prior to the film. Come early and bring a big appetite for fun!

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October 12, 2012

Title: PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES
Location: National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial (North Lawn)
100 W. 26th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
Time: Gates open at 6:00PM / Movie at 7:00PM

The Alamo is ready to tickle your funny bone as it presents the 1987 comedy classic “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” This powerhouse comedy about two strangers who share a three-day odyssey of road trip misadventures will have you laughing ’til it hurts. Especially when you realize, “Those aren’t pillows!” Well these actually are – if you compete in our pre-show pillow fight!

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October 13, 2012

Title: JURASSIC PARK
Location: National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial (North Lawn)
100 W. 26th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
Time: Gates open at 6:00PM / Movie at 7:00PM

The Rolling Roadshow series wraps up with a pre-historic crowd pleaser as Alamo Drafthouse presents “Jurassic Park.” What could possibly go wrong at a theme park with real life cloned dinosaurs? Luckily for us, we get to find out! Come out for dinosaurs running amok and trying to take a bite out of everything and everyone in sight. You can take a bite out of the action by joining the Carnivore/Herbivore Eating Contest before the movie!

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To view the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow promo video click here:

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Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Virginia Madsen, Madeline Carroll, Emma Fuhrmann, Nicolette Pierini, Kenan Thompson
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
Release Date: September 18th, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 109 minutes

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

“The Magic of Belle Island” is one of those rare gems that gets quietly released each year that no one has seen but everyone should.  It is easily one of my favorite films of 2012. It is also one of the best directorial efforts from Rob Reiner, who reunited with Morgan Freeman again after “The Bucket List”. The film just has this “Rob Reiner” feel to it, which is just so recognizable.  Freeman is so amazing in this film and really nails this role. He is funny yet very deep. Besides Freeman, Emma Fuhrmann really steals the show for me personally.  She is going to be big and real fast, mark by words. We had the chance to interview her earlier this year about this role, read her interview here.  I highly recommend this film to everyone in the family.

Synopsis: Freeman plays Monte Wildhorn, a famous Western novelist whose struggle with alcoholism has sapped his passion for writing. He takes a lakeside cabin for the summer inpicturesque Belle Isle, and befriends the family next door – an attractive single mom (Madsen) and her young daughters – who help him find inspiration again.

The Blu-ray presentation is very respectable and impressive.  The 1080p transfer looks clean and sharp but overall not really given much of a challenge since the film is a very simple straight forward dramedy.  Same goes for the audio track, it works perfectly with the notable “Reiner” music and score and delivers clean dialogue.  The special features are great as well as the film.  There is an amazing audio commentary track with both Rob Reiner and Morgan Freeman.  I highly recommend this fun track.  There are a few deleted scenes, nothing that would have made the film better but worth visiting.  There is a the typical EPK-style behind-the-scenes  feature “HDNet: A Look at”.  Lastly there is the theatrical trailer included.

Directed by: Simon West
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Josh Lucas, Danny Huston, Malin Akerman
Distributed by: Millennium Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 96 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Nicolas Cage, I never ask questions.  In the last few years his choice of scripts have been, well not the best, but he has never done wrong in my eyes.  “Stolen” is a film that came completely out of nowhere.  I had no idea at all it was being released.  But I was very glad to get a chance to check it out because it is a very well directed kick ass action film. The plot well…well…did I mention it is action packed? Simon West, who also recently directed “The Expendables 2”, reunites with Cage for the first time since “Con Air”. West knows action and delivers the goods in this film.  Cage also knows action, whether his acting is A-grade or not, he still knows how to tear shit up and kick some ass.

Here is the film’s official premise: “STOLEN” follows Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage), a master thief who has been sent to prison for 8 years after being double-crossed in a heist gone awry. Upon his release, he’s ready to leave his criminal past behind and rebuild his relationship with estranged daughter, Alison Loeb (Sami Gayle). Montgomery’s former criminal cohorts and FBI agent Tim Harlend (Danny Huston), are all convinced that the $10 Million dollars was hidden away by Montgomery before he was sentenced. In order to get his hands on it, former partner in crime, Vincent (Josh Lucas), kidnaps Alison and demands the missing loot as ransom; giving Montgomery one day to deliver. Montgomery is left with only one choice: To trust his instincts and join forces again with another old partner in crime, the beautiful, sexy and smart Riley Jeffers (Malin Akerman). Together they must pull off one more heist so he can get his daughter back… before its too late.

The Simon West and Nicolas Cage team-up is one smart move for this film, two for two! Honestly though major-major props needs to go to Josh Lucas for playing one crazy son-bitch.  I was shocked and very impressed with his performance. This was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana and definitely has that certain feel to it.  It is like an additional character in the film, which is always great.  I wish this film would have gotten more of a push because it definitely deserves it. You can thank Millennium Entertainment for at least putting this out.  They also released two other great films in the last month or so, like “Red Lights” and “The Babymakers”.  I am curious to see what they will have out next since they are three for three this year with me personally! If you are just looking for a quick and mindless action-packed thriller, I would recommend this film for sure.

Directed by: Andrew Stanton
Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Release date: September 14, 2012
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 100 minutes

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

“Finding Nemo” is one of Pixar’s best films to date.  It not only has heart but is action packed and has some of the best jokes ever. I mean the fine touching in this film are just amazing.  One of my favorite are after the mines explode, a little bubble comes up behind two bird sitting on the water surface and one says…”Nice!” and flies away.  Classic! I remember seeing this film in theaters back in 2003 and like a fine wine, “Finding Nemo” gets better with age. It is hard to imagine that this film came out almost 10 years ago now. With a child of my own now (4 months old), I just can’t wait to share this film with her. Watching the film on the big screen was just such a wonderful experience again, the film itself pops off the screen…literally (more on that in a little bit). But the highlight of seeing this film is sitting in the theaters again was watching it with all the kids that are seeing it for the first time.  Just listening to their reactions to the characters and laughing at the jokes was just priceless.  Oh BTW if that all isn’t enough, did I mention the film is in 3D now.

As with past Disney 3D re-releases like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast”, this film looks just amazing.  There are a few stand out scenes like the first encounter with Bruce the Shark.  I seriously got goose bumps, when this scene came on the screen.  The Deep Sea Angler scene was also very impressive as well, including a few great jumps from the audience. The 3D on the scenes are honestly worth the price of admission alone. Besides those the overall depth of the presentation looks very impressive overall. To be honest though, the 3D really wasn’t the main draw for me on this release.  I just wanted to experience this film on a big screen once more.  I think kids though are really going to be blown away and eat up the third dimension effects for sure.  They even have collectible kids 3D glasses that are mini orange swimming goggles. Trust me you will leave the theater quoting the film.  “Where I am going? I’m going to P. Sherman – 42 Wallaby Lane, Sydney.  If you can’t make it to theater to see this film in 3D, don’t worry the Blu-ray comes out for the first time on December 4th, 2012.

Albert Brooks as Marlin and Ellen DeGeneres as Dory are really such a wonderful cast together. There is just something so timeless about these characters. In fact that is one of the things that Pixar is so great at doing…creating memorable characters. They characters have changed everything.  Whenever you see a clownfish or a Pacific Regal Blue Tang, you always think now, it’s Nemo or Dory…sorry Marlin. Disney is very smart in re-releasing this film, especially in 3D and I highly recommend it. Next up we have the re-release of “Monsters Inc” in 3D this December and also if you are looking for more “Finding Nemo”, director Andrew Stanton recently announced there is a sequel currently in development and is to be released in 2016.  This will land the sequel 13 years after the first film, following the similar path of the 11 year span between “Toy Story 2 & 3”. I have a felling that they are going to do this sequel up real good.  But until then, don’t miss the opportunity to see this great film in theaters again and experience i for the first time in 3D.

Hanna Hall is known for her roles like Young Jennie in “Forrest Gump” and Judith Myers in Rob Zombie’s “Halloween”. She also starred in the new psychological thriller “Scalene”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Hanna about her new film and her character.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with the film “Scalene” and playing Paige Alexander?
Hanna Hall: I got contacted by the director about doing the film. I read the script and really loved it. It also seemed like a challenge, so I was interested. I mean it is such an original idea. It was very well executed. The film really requires the strength and vision of the director and the actors to understand the nuance of the roles.

MG: How did you prepare for the character?
HH: I spent a lot of time of the psychology of the character. I just tried to pull something from my life and tried relating it to that character.

MG: Since the film is told within three different perspective, was it difficult shooting the film that way?
HH: No, from a production aspect it didn’t pose any challenges. Believe it or not it was a really fun shoot.

MG: How was it working with the amazing Margo Martindale?
HH: We had such a good time. We got to laugh a lot, which is good since most of our scenes are spent being mean to each other.

MG: Looking back on your past film work, how would you compare?
HH: When I chose a role, I like it to be a challenge or have to access a dark place in order understand an aspect of the character. So that is why I choose roles that are usual darker.

MG: Planned next you have “Visible Scars”?
HH: Yeah, that was a fun project. It is a short role, one scene in the beginning. But I get to play someone trashy which is really cool. I always enjoy working in this genre.

Directed by: Kerry Prior
Starring: David Anders, Senyo Amoaku, Chris Wylde
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Running Time: 117 minutes

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

What maker me curious about this film is where the hell has it been?  The horror-comedy was the Winner of the Best Feature, Best Director, Best Actor and Audience Choice at the 2009 New York City Horror Film Festival.  Did you catch that? 2009.  I am not sure what took so long to reach DVD but this was a pretty damn decent flick.  It is a sharp blend of horror and comedy. The main issue though I have is the nearly two hour running time. Horror films NEVER need to be over 90 minutes, no matter how good they think they are.  If this film was 30 mins shorter, it would have been a lot tighter and better executed.  Nonetheless, horror fans should definitely consider this release for a good laughs and some good gore.

SYNOPSIS: The breakout film centers on a fallen soldier who somehow finds he has joined the ranks of the living dead. Bart Gregory (Anders) has just recently been laid to rest – so why is he still up and walking around? The only way he can keep himself from diminishing to dust is to supply himself with a constant supply of fresh blood. He quickly decides to do law enforcement a favor by cleaning up the streets.

The DVD special features are actually quite decent for this little film. There are two audio commentary tracks included. The first is with the director Kerry Prior and the second is with the actors David Anders and Chris Wylde. Both decent and very listenable. There is a brief but also decent behind-the-scenes featurette caled “Revealing The Revenant”, as well as a few deleted scenes. The scenes aren’t anything special but if you enjoyed the film it is worth checking out. Lastly there is a photo gallery included.

Directed by: Jonathan Glendening
Starring: Robert Englund, Steven Berkoff, Martin Compston, Adele Silva, Ali Bastian, Barbara Nedeljakova
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by : Well Go USA
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Running Time: 93 minutes

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

“Stripping have never neen so hairy!”, can you say no to a tagline like that? I think not. “Strippers vs. Werewolves” is exactely what you would expect and nothing more. It a great mix of comddy and horror. The film does have an impressive cast with Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”), Steven Berkoff (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Sarah Douglas (“Superman II”), and Barbara Nedeljakova (“Hostel”). I heard about this tongue-in-cheek horror-thriller when I interviewed Barbara last year, check it out here, I was immediately interested. If you liked films like “Zombie Strippers” and “From Dusk Till Dawn”, then this is definitely worth checking out.

From Well Go USA’s official synopsis: “A war between strippers and werewolves ensues when a member of a bloodthirsty pack of werewolves is murdered in a famous strip club. The girls who work there have until the next full moon before the werewolves’ vicious leader sends his wolf pack to hunt down the killers and seek retribution. Problems arise for both parties when the wolf pack realizes the club owner is experienced in dealing with hostile lycanthropes and that one of their own is dating a dancer from the club.”

Well Go USA’s Blu-ray Blu-ray both looks and sounds great for a low budget film. It is nothing out-of-this-world but decent overall. The special features are lacking a bit though. They could have come up with some fun and entertaining extras for a film like this. There is a commentary with producers Jonathan Sothcott and Simon Phillips, decent but really a must listen. Would have loved to see the main three girls do a track. Lastly there is a Behind-the-scenes featurette. It is worth watching if you enjoy the film but runs way to short.

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Ronny Cox is best known for playing the villain in film’s like “Robocop” & “Total Recall”.  You may also know his from the Dueling Banjos scene in “Deliverance”, which was his first feature film.  Ronny took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about his new book which revisits his work on Deliverance” and also playing the villain.

Mike Gencarelli: What was it like revisiting the film” Deliverance” in your book “Dueling Banjos”?
Ronny Cox: It meant the world to me. That was my first time in front of a camera and it opened a lot of things for me. In lots of ways that film meant more to me than any other.

MG: What was the idea behind putting the book together?
RC: I didn’t want the book to be a literary work. I wanted it to read like we were sitting down and telling a bunch of stories. I think we were successful with that and a lot of people have said that they felt like the book let them on the inside. Oddly enough people have started saying they want to go back and look at the film again. The book kind of gives you some insight on a number
of the scenes in the film like we actually did all the canoeing.

MG: What was the most challenging part of the writing process?
RC: I did everything orally for this book. I was going on a long trip and got a recorder to take with me. I had someone with me that I was telling the stories to and we recorded those conversations. This was how I always envisioned the book being done where it was just two people sitting down and talking. It was very daunting trying to make sure we didn’t lose any of that feel. I often would tell the same stories over but in a different direction as repetitions like that I feel are important. We had to make sure we got the story told the way I wanted it told without making it incomprehensible.

MG: What do you enjoy most about playing bad guy roles?
RC: They are about 10 million times more fun to play than the good guy roles. Playing the good guy is pretty easy and predictable. The bad guy is the one making the interestingchoices. Those are the guys I love to play. I try to be a good person every day of my life and playing those roles allows me to step out of that. (Laughs)

MG: What are your thoughts on the recent “Total Recall” remake and the upcoming “Robocop” remake?
RC: Personally I am not a fan of remakes. I thought both of those original movies were pretty damn good! I was given a description of remakes and sequels once and I have really subscribed to that thought. Remakes are like putting on a wet bathing suit.

MG: What do you enjoy most about touring and performing live?
RC: I love playing music. I almost love music more than acting. With any type of acting there has to be that imaginary fourth wall between you and the audience. You can’t step through the camera. When I’m up performing music and telling stories I get to use all of the arrows in my quiver. It is almost a one on one sharing experience that you can have with the audience.

Matt Bush has had a busy year so far in 2012 working on films like “HIGH School” & “Piranha 3DD”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Matt about those films and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: How was it working with such a great cast like Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis and Colin Hanks on “HIGH School”?
Matt Bush: These are great guys. These are people I respect. It was great getting to act and have fun with them. It was overall such a great experience. It was an education that I couldn’t get anywhere else.

MG: What was your biggest challenge on this project?
MB: We shot it a couple of years ago, and at the time it was the first film where I had the lead. It was certainly a lot more responsibility. When you are in that role you have to take on more of a leadership role. So I wouldn’t necessilarily call it a challenge but it was new experience and was fun. I am grateful it was my first.

MG: Both being released by Anchor Bay, how was it going from “HIGH School” to “Piranha 3DD”?
MB: [laughs] It was definitely a weird year. I didn’t jump from “HIGH School” to “Piranha 3DD”, I had a few things in between there but they came out the same time. “Piranha 3DD” was a fun time and it certainly doesn’t take itself seriously.

MG: Was the 3D a difficulty at all during shooting?
MB: No, really it wasn’t. You would think so since you have a whole other dimension to worry about. It was just a larger rig with two lenses next to each other. There were certain things you have to keep in mind when shooting. One day wanted to showcase the trident/trash picker as a 3D effect, like it was coming ot the camera. So they asked me to throw it literally at the camer…but don’t hit the camera. [laughs] I didn’t have trident through class during gym class. So I did my best. For the most part it was like a regular shoot.

MG: What else do you have in the cards upcoming?
MB: I got an indie called “The Kitchen”. We just had our premiere at the 2012 Gen Art Film Festival. I am actually very proud of that. I got a film called “Trouble with the Curve”, which is Clint Eastwood’s newest film. I have a small role but it was an amazing experience to work with such a legend. I am really grateful for that.

Be sure to follow Matt on Twitter – @ItsMattBush

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Directed by: Ernie Barbarash
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bianca Bree, Kristopher Van Varenberg, Joe Flanigan, Anna-Louise Plowman
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 115 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

Especially after seeing Jean-Claude Van Damme kick some ass in this summer’s “The Expendables”, I am gung-ho to watch him in just about anything I can right now, so this release is completely welcomed. Honestly, the film is quite decent for a direct-to-DVD release. Jean-Claude Van Damme even get in a few decent roundhouse kicks. The cast is also rounded out with Joe Flanigan from “Stargate: Atlantis”. But overall, “6 Bullets” packs some good action and one hell of an intense plot.

Official Synopsis: Veteran mercenary Samson Gaul (Jean-Claude Van Damme) knows that in the heat of battle, every bullet counts. He retired from combat when his actions resulted in the deaths of helpless victims, but now he’s the last hope for a desperate father. Mixed Martial Artist, Andrew Fayden (Joe Flanigan, Stargate: Atlantis) knows how to fight, but alone he’s unprepared to navigate the corrupt streets of a foreign city to find his kidnapped daughter. Together, these warriors will stop at nothing to tear apart a vile network of criminals that preys upon the innocent.

Fans of Van Damme are going to jump all over this release for sure. I  am not sure why though Sony decided to skip a Blu-ray release for this, which is basically the norm these days, especially for an action film.   If you prefer digital this film was also release in various VOD formats, so for $3.99 you honestly can’t go wrong. Though if you are looking for any special features, you will be disappointed since this is completely bare-bones.

Director: Peter Sasdy, Tom Clegg, Alan Gibson
Starring: Peter Cushing, Denholm Elliott, Pierce Brosnan
Distributed by: Synapse Films
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 702 minutes

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

If you are wondering who to so thank you for this great release, all the praise needs to go to Synapse Films. They are the ones behind this complete series of “Hammer House of Horror”, which is presented in their original airdate order, with all-new introductions. Even those this show is from the 1980, the episodes are still creepy and feel rather timeless. The episodes presentation…well that’s another story, which I’ll cover more below. I just wish that this series ran longer than 13 episodes. Nonetheless hardcore fans will be doing back flips for this release.

There is plenty of Hammer regulars, including Peter Cushing (Twins of Evil, Star Wars) and Denholm Elliot (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Patricia Quinn (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) and even Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye) shows up. Like other anthology shows like “The Twilight Zone”, each episode of this series takes us on a completely new tale of horror and suspense. Being a die-hard fan of Hammer, this release is truly the shit. It carries the Hammer name with pride and makes sure to include plenty of gore, boobs, and plain ole gothic macabre, which is what made Hammer so great.

The episodes are presented it full frame with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. This is exactly how the show was originally filmed and broadcasted. Don’t worry though these episodes look damn good. There is some fuzzy spots and print flaws pretty but overall nothing that affects the viewing experience. All of the episodes are pumped with Dolby Digital mono tracks, which of course is true to the original airings over 30 years ago. The special features are decent but not amazing. Like i said above their are episode introductions from Film Historian Shane M. Dallmann. There are two featurettes included as well. The first is called “Grave Recollections: A Visit with Kathryn Leign Scott and the second is called “Hammer Housekeeping: A Visit with Mia Nadasi. Both are short but sweet. Lastly there is a decent “Animated Still Gallery”, which Hammer always deliver on stills.

EPISODE LISTING:
Witching Time
The Thirteenth Reunion
Rude Awakening
Growing Pains
The House That Bled to Death
Charlie Boy
The Silent Scream
Children of the Full Moon
Carpathian Eagle
Guardian of the Abyss
Visitor from the Grave
The Two Faces of Evil
The Mark of Satan

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