Blu-Ray Review “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop”

Directed by: Rodman Flender
Starring: Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter, Jimmy Vivino, Scott Healy, Mike Merritt, James Wormworth, Jerry Vivino, Mark Pender, Richie Rosenberg, Rachael L. Hollingsworth, Fredericka Meek
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 89 minutes

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

So before I get into the review, I should note that I am not really a major Conan O’Brien fan. Don’t hate him…just don’t follow him. Growing up in New York, I have though attended numerous tapings of the Late Night show and have even met Conan personally. I thought this would be a chance to catch up and see what he has been up to. I really enjoyed the ride and his journey through his post-Late Night concert tour. Conan really knows how to entertain but this documentary is not just jokes. It really shows his struggles and hardships about being on tour and constantly being “on”. This is definitely worth a purchase for fans of Team Coco and also non-fans to get a look at the “real” Conan.

Obviously everyone knows about the battle of the Late Night TV hosts Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno…blah blah Jay Leno (aka asshole) bullied Conan off TV…in so many words. When Conan was paid off, he was told he couldn’t appear on TV for six months. He then came up with this idea to go on tour with a band and spread the word to his fans. This film documents that trip and covers a lot of the stops on his tour from Radio City in New York to his hometown of Boston. You really get to see a different side of Conan in this film. You always see him “on” like I said earlier and always funny. He is funny in this for sure but you see a more human side to him and get a glimpse of what really goes on behind the scenes.

Can’t really say much about the video since it is documentary but it was quite clear and crisp on Blu-ray. The sound is notable since most of the film is songs and music. The special features on the disc are great and definitely worth checking out. If you are fan of commentary, then this disc delivers with director Rodman Flender, Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter, Mike Sweeney, and Sona Movsesian. It is very funny and entertaining. There are also over 40 minutes of additional footage and the bulk of the footage is focused on the comedy between O’Brien and his assistant and writing staff. It is rare that this happens but some of it is better than what is in the film and not sure why it was not included. There is an interview with Conan O’Brien for AT&T U-Verse, which runs about 14 minutes and really digs deep into his life. Lastly there is interview outtakes which is always fun with Conan’s adlibbing.

Film Review “Conan The Barbarian”

Directed by: Marcus Nispel
Starring: Jason Mamoa, Ron Perlman and Rose McGowan
Distributed by: Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 112 min

Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This modernized and cinematographic version of “Conan the Barbarian” is beautiful, colorful and more dramatic in contrast than it’s earlier predecessor. The character Conan is given a stronger personality, and the supporting cast stands out much better than they did in original movie. The story line is strong in action, adventure, fantasy and has terrific dramatic scenery. While the movie converted to 3D in post production, it was still well done and really draws you in to the story.

Jason Mamoa is brilliant as a stoic and yet charming version of Conan. My first impression was of slight disappointment, having viewed Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan; a silent, intimidating and deadly barbarian. Then I had to remind myself that Schwarzenegger probably only lacked speaking lines due to his limited English at the time. He was also hired for the part because they wanted Mr. Universe to play the role of Conan. In this updated rendition, Conan is suave and plays both comic and sexy well. He is able to make his cave-man treatment towards the beautiful monastery maiden Tamara, our token barbarian love interest.

Ron Perlman, plays Corin, Conan’s father and also the leader of the Cimmerians. This role might have been type-cast, but as usual he portrayed the strong Barbarian leader with strength and presence, even though his part was short. Rose McGowan, as the evil witch daughter Marique, doesn’t stand out much when it comes to the strength of character in terms of acting. I felt that the actress who played the younger witch daughter was more convincing. Marique’s costumes though were fantastically dramatic in concept and line. As much as I assume they want you to hate her, I didn’t really find myself hating her so much as feeling rather nonplussed. Stephen Lang does his job well as the main baddie Khalar Zym. Lang is also rather type-cast, however he still manages to take a character and make it an antagonist you like to hate.

The movie definitely has replay value and I look forward to hopefully seeing an extended cut on Blu-ray. The music wasn’t that memorable but it think it did a good job complimenting the movie. Overall the movie was beautiful, strong and memorable, and I think Jason Mamoa did an exceptional job filling some pretty big shoes. He met and exceeded my expectations and I look forward to any possible sequel that may come about.

“Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” Hits Blu-Ray/DVD on September 13th

HIS UPROARIOUS “LEGALLY BANNED FROM TV” TOUR

CONAN O’BRIEN CAN’T STOP

Featuring Appearances by Jim Carrey, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Others, DVD and Blu-ray™ Debut September 13 Loaded with Deleted Scenes,
Commentary by Conan, Behind-the-Scenes Footage and More

“Hilarious and surprisingly moving.”
– Film.com
A “highly entertaining cross-country extravaganza” (Variety), Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop documents the lauded comedian’s triumphant 32-city music and comedy show, which followed his much-publicized departure from hosting NBC’s “Tonight Show.” Debuting on DVD and Blu-ray September 13, 2011 from Magnolia Home Entertainment, the critically-acclaimed film captures O’Brien’s answer to a contractual stipulation that banned his appearance on television, radio and the internet for six months following his last show.
Featuring O’Brien’s unique brand of off-beat comedy during his live performances along with “behind-the-scenes gold” (Entertainment Weekly), Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop showcases both the funnyman’s prodigious talent as well as his humor and grace during a challenging time in his professional career. Directed by fellow Harvard Lampoon member Rodman Flender, Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop also stars Andy Richter and features appearances by Jim Carrey, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Jack McBrayer and
Eddie Vedder. The DVD and Blu-ray are loaded with a wealth of bonus features including deleted scenes and extra footage, commentary with Conan and crew members, a music video and a Q&A and will be available for the suggested retail prices of $26.98 and $29.98 respectively.

Synopsis
After a much–publicized departure from hosting NBC’s “Tonight Show,” O’Brien hit the road with a 32-city music-and-comedy show. The “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour” was O’Brien’s answer to a contractual stipulation that banned his appearance on television, radio and the Internet for six months following his last show.

Bonus Features
Deleted Scenes and Extra Footage
Commentary with Conan and Crew
Music Video
Q&A

FREE FL Advance Screening of “Conan The Barbarian”

THANKS FOR ENTERING ALL TICKETS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED! TICKETS WERE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. IF YOU HAVE BEEN EMAILED BY US YOU HAD A CHANCE TO GET TICKETS IF NOT CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR OTHER GREAT PRIZES!

Lionsgate is releasing CONAN THE BARBARIAN starring Jason Momoa on Friday, August 19th. Media Mikes is happy to be hosting an advance screening in Winter Park, FL.

The screening will take place on Tuesday, August 16th at the Regal Winter Park at 7:30pm. The tickets will be distributed through GOFOBO and winners will be emailed a code on August 15th.

THANKS FOR ENTERING ALL TICKETS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED! TICKETS WERE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. IF YOU HAVE BEEN EMAILED BY US YOU HAD A CHANCE TO GET TICKETS IF NOT CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR OTHER GREAT PRIZES!

Premise:
A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil.

http://www.conanthebarbarianin3d.com/

Please take a look at the trailer below: