Matt Bush talks about film’s “HIGH School” & “Piranha 3DD”

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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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: 3dd, bush, films, high, matt, piranha, ...

3D Blu-ray Review “Piranha 3DD”

Directed by: John Gulager
Starring: Danielle Panabaker, Matt Bush, David Koechner, Chris Zylka, Katrina Bowden, Gary Busey, Christopher Lloyd, David Hasselhoff
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running time: 83 minutes

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

When I saw “Piranha 3D” in the theaters back in 2010, I was blown away and had quite a lot of fun. After viewing this sequel for the first time, I was left rather disappointed, especially after seeing the completely over-the-top red band trailer. After immediately viewing the film again, I realized that this might be one to grow on me. Now with that all aside, there are a bunch of great gags, some including penises (double entendre, ha!). The gore is present but not over-the-top like I was hoping. The double DD’s are definitely present as well but get’s lost in the shuffle. Overall, this film definitely gets better with repeat viewings but still manages to miss the mark overall.

The best part of the film is the supporting cast. David Koechner is funny as always. Christopher Lloyd is always a favorite of mine and I am very happy he returned to the role of Mr. Goodman. Gary Busey’s role is way too short and not as effective of a kick-off as the Dreyfuss bit was in the first film. Ving Rhames is a laugh riot as well but I wish his role was expanded. How can you say no to a line like “Gimme ma legs”? The VIP of the film though has to be David Hasselhoff. He absolutely steals the show, as usual, and really has a good time poking fun at himself. Be sure to stick around for through the credits to enjoy some more fun and outtakes with The Hoff stealing it again! You go Hoff!

The Blu-ray presentation is sharp with its 1080p transfer and presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The 3D effects are present but don’t really top the first film. This a little disappointing especially since the first film was post-converted and this was actually shot in 3D. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also is decent but not really pushed either. “Piranha 3DD” comes in a three-disc set with two Blu-ray discs (3D & 2D), one DVD, a digital copy (as download).

The special features are over-the-top just like the film but actually do deliver some great content. There is a commentary with the filmmakers. I don’t know about anyone else but I am not a fan at of all John Gulager. There are three great Behind-the-scenes featurettes included as well. The first is called “The Story Behind the DD”, “The Hofftastic World of David Hasselhoff” and “Wet and Wild with David Koechner”. Anything with the Hoff is good in my book and Koechner really shines here more so than even in the film. “Busey’s Bloopers” is riot, as his opening scene was too short. Lastly there are a few deleted scenes included and also “Short film: A Lesson with John McEnroe”.

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

Film Review “Piranha 3DD”

Directed by: John Gulager
Starring: Danielle Panabaker, Matt Bush, David Koechner, Chris Zylka, Katrina Bowden, Gary Busey, Christopher Lloyd, David Hasselhoff
Distributed by Dimension Films
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 83 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I saw “Piranha 3D” in the theaters back in 2010, I was blown away and had quite a lot of fun. Of course that film left the ending wide open for a sequel. Though this sequel has not had an easy road, it was rushed to be released, them pushed back and then basically canned. If you are looking to watch “Piranha 3DD” in 3D in theaters…think again, since it is only being released in a sad 75 theaters in North America. Luckily it is also coming out in VOD on outlets like Amazon, iTunes and Vudu, of course those aren’t in 3D like the film is intended. Thanks to DirecTV for hooking this film up in 3D and for a very reasonable $7.99. But after watching the film was it even worth all this hassle?

I have been very eager to see this film, especially after seeing the completely over-the-top red band trailer. Let’s just say I enjoyed it but was disappointed. The film feels very rushed and has zero focus…though still tries to have fun. The scale of the film seems very tone compared to the first and the impact of the piranha attack seems to be very underwhelming and quick. Now with that all aside, there are a bunch of great gags, some including penises (double entendre, ha!). The gore is present but not over-the-top like I was hoping. The double DD’s are definitely present as well but get’s lost in the shuffle.

The best part of the film is the supporting cast. David Koechner is funny as always. Christopher Lloyd is always a favorite of mine and I am very happy he returned to the role of Mr. Goodman. Gary Busey’s role is way too short and not as effective of a kick-off as the Dreyfuss bit was in the first film. Ving Rhames is a laugh riot as well but I wish his role was expanded. How can you say no to a line like “Gimme ma legs”? The VIP of the film though has to be David Hasselhoff. He absolutely steals the show, as usual, and really has a good time poking fun at himself.

The effects in the film are decent and I give them credit for using a mix of CG and puppet piranhas as well. The 3D effects are present but don’t really top the first film. This a little disappointing especially since the first film was post-converted and this was actually shot in 3D. But despite all the negative, this film is still downright fun…stupid…but fun. Dimension Films, if you are reading this…I still want a “Piranha 3”, but you can keep John Gulager. I wouldn’t want him to turn this franchise into what he did with the “Feast” films.  Be sure to stick around for through the credits to enjoy some more fun and outtakes with The Hoff stealing it again! You go Hoff!

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 3dd, film, piranha, review
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