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DVD Review “My Big Break”

Directed by: Tony Zierra
Starring: Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe, Greg Fawcett and Tony Zierra
Distributed by: MBB Group
MPAA Rating: Not Rating
Release Date: July 25, 2011
Running Time: 102 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This documentary is a real honest portrayal of what it takes it make it big in Hollywood. If you are able to get your big break, one minute you are in and one minute you are out. I was aware of all these actors documented in the film prior to watching but, besides Wes Bentley, was unaware of their struggle. Although at times a little crude and raw, this is just such a great inside look into these actors road to success or in some cases lack their of.

“My Big Break” was filmed over 10 years and follows five roommates who are trying to make it big in Hollywood: Wes Bentley, Chad Lindberg, Brad Rowe and Greg Fawcett. With Wes Bentley, it documents his success with “American Beauty”, with Chad Lindberg, it follows his success with “October Sky”, Brad Rowe, with his indie hit “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss” and Greg Fawcett, who was the least lucky in the group. It also focuses on Tony Zierra road to Hollywood himself and his work documenting his roommates over these years.

It is rare for a film to really show this side of an actor’s struggle. It is sometimes a little hard to watch and depressing but it is more importantly REAL. For many struggling actors, the road is not always paparazzi and parties. Overall, this is definitely one-of-a-kind and worth watching if not only to support these actors and their journey. The DVD does not include special features but they are available on the film’s website mybigbreakmovie.com. I will support this decision, especially since this was self-released with the assistance of no major studio.

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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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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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DVD Review “Animals United”

Directed by: Reinhard Klooss, Holger Tappe
Starring: James Corden, Stephen Fry, Dawn French, Joanna Lumley, Jim Broadbent and Vanessa Redgrave.
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Arc Entertainment
Release Date: Exclusively at Walmart, April 3, 2012, Street on June 5th, 2012
Running time: 93 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

If you feel like you have never heard of this film, don’t worry you haven’t. “Animals United” is Germany’s first RealD 3D Animated Feature Film. Although this English language version does not come with the 3D. I think that this is a very poor decision because I have seen an high def 3D version of this film and it works much better. I feel like it is a mix between “Madagascar” and “Ice Age”, except doesn’t really come close to their charm. Of course let’s not forget this film is aimed at kids and as long as it comes packed with action and talking animals they will be happy.

The film is based on the 1949 book with the same title by Erich Kästner and takes place in the African savannah where all of the animals are looking for water. Billy the Meerkat and his best friend, Socrates the Lion set out in search of water. They get help from their friends Angie the Elephant and Giselle the Giraffe and set out on an incredible journey. Along their way they meet a motley group of animals that are new to Africa like a rooster, polar bear, kangaroo, koala, Tasmanian devil and two turtles. They all team up to find what happened to the water and to get it back.

The US release voice cast is impressive. James Corden (“The Three Musketeers”) plays Billy the Meerkat, the amazing Stephen Fry (“Alice in Wonderland”) voices Socrates the Lion, Jim Broadbent (“Harry Potter” series) plays Winston the Tortoise , Vanessa Redgrave (“Letters to Juliet”) plays Winnie the Tortoise and lastly Andy Serkis (“Lord of the Rings” series) voices Charles the Rooster. Also if you are looking for special features, guess again, this is a complete bare-bones release.

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DVD Review “The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Season 1, Volume 2”

Created by: Doug Wildey
Directed by: Mike Milo
Starring: J. D. Roth, Michael Benyaer, Jesse Douglas, George Segal, Robert Patrick, Frank Welker, Quinton Flynn, Rob Paulsen, Jennifer Hale, John de Lancie
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Running Time: 286 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

If you are a boy and love cartoons, who doesn’t love Jonny Quest, seriously. It has adventure, action and plenty of thrill, especially for a cartoon. This series is revival of the 1960s Hanna-Barbera Jonny Quest franchise. It aired from 96-97, with only a mere 52 episodes produced. It does not pack the same thrill though that the original series had. This reinvention is more the “high-tech” upgrade of the series. Fans of the original Hanna-Barbera (like myself) might want to remember this franchise more like the original series, though this is not terrible overall.

This series still contains adventures with Jonny Quest, Hadji Singh, and Jessie Bannon as they follow Dr. Benton Quest and bodyguard Race Bannon to investigate strange phenomena, legends, and mysteries. This is where it differs a little bit, some of the action in this series takes place in the virtual realm of QuestWorld, which is 3D cyberspace land. So the series, takes a leap into CG but falls a little short. The late 90’s were a time in animation, where CGI was trying to make it’s presence known but was still a little premature.

In this volume two of episodes, it contains the next 13 episodes completing the first season…finally. Warner released the first thirteen episodes in volume 1 all the way back in February 2009. So fans had to hold their breath for a long time for this one. Luckily, Warner Archive Collection is great with releasing archive cartoon series but I am not sure how long fans are going to have to wait before the second season of 26 episodes is released.

The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Season 1, Volume 2 is now available from Warner Archive at http://bit.ly/GXOb0F

Synopsis: Team Quest is Back! In this pulse-pounding second volume, The Real Adventures reinvention of the classic animated adventure series Jonny Quest continues. Jonny, scientist father Benton Quest, bodyguard Race Bannon, paranormal pal Hadji and Race’s daughter Jessie, unravel mysteries and uncover strange phenomena while criss-crossing the globe. The scientific secrets of the dazzling virtual reality domain known as Questworld (rendered in CG sequences that broke ground for the era’s TV animation) receive the full Team Quest treatment as well in this 2-Disc Collection of The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, Season One’s second 13-Episodes. Strap in for suspense and thrills! Special Feature: “Journey into Questworld.”

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DVD Review “I’m Dickens…He’s Fenster: Volume One”

Directed by: Arthur Hiller, Norman Abbott
Starring: John Astin, Marty Ingels, Lee Meriwether
Distributed by: Lightyear Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: April 10, 2012
Running Time: 609 minutes

Volume One: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

Prior to reviewing this DVD, I have to admit I was unaware of “I’m Dickens…He’s Fenster”. I was though quite aware of John Astin, Marty Ingels and Lee Meriwether. This DVD marks the 50th Anniversary of 1960s TV sitcom and it is also the first time that these episodes have been released on DVD. The release contains a three-disc set which contains over 10 hours of content. It features the first sixteen episodes of thirty-two from the show’s only season. It is very sad that this show only latest one season because it is a riot. It is simple and subtle but extremely funny. The show is created by Leonard Stern who is responsible for hit comedy shows like “The Honeymooners” and “Sergeant Bilko”. I have to certainly thank Glass Onyon PR for allowing us to find this wonderful gem of a show. I look forward to sharing this series with my soon-to-be-born daughter. This DVD is highly recommended…simply wonderful.

“I’m Dickens… He’s Fenster” follows Harry (Astin) and Arch (Ingels) and their adventures being best friends and also working together as construction workers. Ingels easily steals the show and is just such a pleasure to watch. The two are absolutely hilarious and are backed but some amazing guest stars including: Yvonne Craig (Batgirl from “Batman”), Harvey Korman (“The Carol Burnett Show”), Sally Kellerman (“M*A*S*H”), Peter Lupus (“Mission: Impossible”), Lee Meriwether (“The Time Tunnel”), Ellen Burstyn (“The Exorcist”), Edy Williams (“Beyond the Valley of the Dolls”), and Jim Nabors (“The Andy Griffith Show”). The series looks great on DVD and the episodes look sharp and really clear for a show that is 50 years old. It is also presented in full frame with 1.33:1 ratio and original mono audio track.

The special features on this DVD release are jam packed. There are all-new interviews including stars John Astin and Marty Ingels, Directors Arthur Hiller, Norman Abbott, and Creator/Producer Leonard Stern. If you are fan of audio commentaries there are bunch feature John Astin and Marty Ingels, Yvonne Craig, Lee Meriwether, Dave Ketchum, Chris Korman (son of Harvey Korman) and creator/producer Leonard Stern. There is a funny featurette called “I’m Dickens…He’s Fenster Get Physical”. There is a very sweet video tribute to the late Leonard Stern. There are three funny featurettes including “The Joke”, “Love Me, Love My Dog” and “How Not to Succeed in Business”. There are old commercials including Bumpers, ABC TV Network Promo and Cast Commercial. Lastly there is a ‘Thank You’ slide show video featuring the dozens of people who helped make the 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition a reality.

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DVD Review “Stephen King’s Bag of Bones”

Directed by: Mick Garris
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Annabeth Gish, Anika Noni Rose, Jason Priestly, Melissa George and William Schallert.
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Sony Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 234 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Whenever a new Stephen King TV film comes up, they have been hit or miss. This four-hour adaption is definitely a hit and comes back with a great cast. The film packs all its horror in the first hour or so and then it becomes more of a supernatural murder mystery. I still enjoyed the evolution of the film and didn’t feel that it dragged at all throughout its long running time. I have actually read the novel by King years ago and I enjoy them both equally.

The film stars Pierce Brosnans as Mike Noonan, a novelist who suffers from writer’s block after the death of his wife, Jo (Annabeth Gish). Mike gets drawn to the couple’s lakeside retreat hoping to find answers but he is plagued by nightmares and ghostly visitations from Sara Tidwell (Anika Noni Rose). Sara is a blues singer who was murdered and her spirit is looking for help from Mike to solve her murder. While investigating these murders, Mike realizes that the small town has a few dark secrets of its own.

What I am most surprised about this release is that it wasn’t put out on Blu-ray. The film is available in HD but I do not know why they neglected to take advantage of the high-def release. The special features on the DVD are not impressive at all either. There are just two deleted scenes included with add nothing to the film.

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DVD Review “Tarzan – Season One, Part One & Two”

Starring: Ron Ely, Manuel Padilla Jr.
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1500 minutes

Season One: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

Warner Archive is responsible for bringing this classic 60’s TV series to DVD for the first time. Season one is split into two parts. The first part consists of a 4-disc collection and contains 15 episodes. The secon part also consists of a 4-disc collection and contains the remaining 16 episodes in the first season. Warner Bros did a great job of restoring this TV show and it is presented in full frame. For a show that has never been on DVD before and is nearing 40 years old, it looks really sharp.

I really enjoyed watching the first season of “Tarzan”. It is a fun show that doesn’t expect too much. It also includes some awesome guest stars as well such as Nichelle Nicholas from “Star Trek”, Woody Strode, Russ Tamblyn and even the former Tarzan Jock Mahoney. If you are a fan of this series, you are going to really enjoy the 25 hours of vine swinging adventures of our animal loving friend. My only major complaint about watching this series has nothing to do with Warner’s release or restoration but the terrible stock footage used in some scenes. I hope Warner Archive is planning on release further seasons of this as well.

You can purchase these DVDs at WarnerArchive.com – http://bit.ly/WAC_TarzanTV

Part One Synopsis:Premiering on NBC in 1966, Edgar Rice Burroughs’ immortal creation, Tarzan, took to the nation’s TV screens for the first time. Still in the capable hands of producer Sy Weintraub, the TV Tarzan (Ron Ely) continued the more recent (and more authentic) interpretation of Lord Greystoke as a sophisticated, articulate jungle adventurer as seen in the Tarzan films of Gordon Scott, Jock Mahoney and Mike Henry. Also carried over from the big screen was young actor Manuel Padilla (Tarzan and the Valley of Gold, Tarzan and the Great River), now playing the jungle lord’s kid sidekick alongside Cheetah, the simian one. The first half of his inaugural season finds Tarzan rescuing seeing-eye lions, endangered leopards, and pampered princes while battling man-eaters, despots and deadly arachnids in this 4-Disc, 15-Episode collection. Guest stars include former Tarzan Jock Mahoney, Star Trek’s Nichelle Nichols, Woody Strode, and Russ Tamblyn.

Part Two Synopsis:Ron Ely continues his memorable run as Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan in the second half of his first season. This 16-Episode, 4-Disc collection sees the Lord of the Jungle and his stalwart second bananas, Jai the jungle boy (Manuel Padilla) and Cheetah the chimp, facing off against some of their most formidable challenges alongside a bevy of powerhouse performer guest stars. Stage and screen legend Julie Harris makes her first appearance as the imperiled, imperious missionary Charity Jones and Maurice Evans makes his memorable debut as Sir Basil Bertram. And the action continues to heat up with volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, phantom dinosaurs and more fantastic jungle menaces. Adding their talents to the drama and the dangers are Susan Oliver, Chips Rafferty, Gia Scala, Sally Kellerman and Jack Elam.

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DVD Review “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)”

Directed by: David Fincher
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 158 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is one of the best novels released in the recent years. The series has spanned two sequels, both which have Swedish films already made. This film is a US remake of the Swedish film based on the novel…get all that. I am sure I don’t have to explain though because of America’s wide awareness of this film. Rooney Mara really does an amazing job taking the role of Lisbeth Salander from Noomi Rapace. Although Noomi’s portrayal just feels a little more rigid and brutal. Daniel Craig just a match up job with his role of Mikael Blomkvist. Very impressive job overall from both. The aspect of this film that I loved the most was easily the cinematography, some shots are just downright breathtaking. You really get Fincher’s vision coming through with the film and it adds a lot to the film itself.

My only issue with the film is that it felt a little too much like the Swedish films. I enjoyed them both equally in fact with this film. I really can’t compare the two because they are so a like. In fact, after viewing this film, I spent a lot of time comparing the two and I was able to pick out bits and pieces of each from each film that I really enjoyed. The score is by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (known for the Oscar-winning “The Social Network” score) is so stunning, haunting and really intense. “The Immigrant Song” cover by Trent Reznor and Karen O is truly an instant classic and will be used for many years following. It really drives this film and adds a lot of direction. The film is also 158 minutes but easily feels like it is only 90 minutes.

The only special feature available on the DVD is a commentary with David Fischer. It is a great feature in fact but I assume that the Blu-ray will have tons more features covering the film’s production more in depth. Also as I said that the film’s has such amazing shots, which would also looks much better on Blu-ray than DVD. Overall though this film is worth the purchase easily no matter what format you are able to view it on. I really hope that Fincher is able to make the other two books in the series because I would like to see how his vision is portrayed in them as well.

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DVD Review “Adventures in Lalaloopsy Land: Search for Pillow”

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: Lions Gate
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 70 minutes

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

With my daughter two months away from being born, I look at the film from a different stand point then I normally would. This is an instant hit with kids, especially girls, they will easily eat it up. Lalaloopsy dolls are one hot ticket and are extremely popular with kids. What better than to make a full-length film to cash in on the success. Growing up in the 80’s this reminds me of a modern day “Strawberry Shortcake”. I wouldn’t be surprised if this franchise makes its way to the small screen in a TV series any day now. Either way if you have kids, this will be a must purchase.

When Pillow Featherbed goes missing, the Lalaloopsy girls set out on an adventure to find their friend. This is the first (of I am sure many coming) full-length features and it definitely includes many surprises and challenges for our girls. It is also a very smart and makes the kids think while watching and figure out problems like dealing with a pending thunderstorm. Each girl uses their individual abilities and talents and they realize that working together is the best way to find their last friend in time.

For a kids film, I am impressed that there are special features included on this film. There is five additional mini adventures with the Lalaloopsy group. There is also a sing-a-long included. All of these features will easily provides kids busy for a while they hang out with favorites like Jewel Sparkles, Bea Spells-a-Lot, Crumbs Sugar Cookie, Spot Splatter Splash and many more.

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DVD Review “Betty White: Champion for Animals”

Directed by: Robert Kline
Starring: Betty White
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Distributed by: Image Entertainment
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Running Time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Alright, I know everyone thinks that Betty White is a national treasure but I don’t. Don’t get me wrong she is loveable and very entertaining, especially in her prime days. But I think recently she has been in the spotlight quite a bit, a little too much for me. To make it worse in the whole 90 minutes she is only it in maybe 10 minutes tops. It is mostly about animals and their conservation. It plays like a 90 minute infomercial.

Even though, I feel that Betty White is not my favorite, in this I think the best parts where when she shared her experiences about the animals and discusses her devotion to them. The rest of the film travels to national parks, zoos and aquariums without her just meeting different animals. It tries to teach about their conversation but just comes off as preachy and overall is barely watchable.

The release does not include any special features at all, not that I could honestly bare any more. I think that this could have actually succeeded if it was more like a travel program and we followed Betty from place to place and having her narrate the film. I believe this could have at least made this watchable. I won’t be able to get my 90 minutes back on this one. Instead I would suggest watching Discovery Channel and actually learn something.

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DVD Review “Evidence”

Directed by: Howie Askins
Starring: Ryan McCoy, Brett Rosenberg and Abigail Richie
Distributed by: Showbox Home Entertainment
Classification: 15
Release Date: March 12, 2012
Running Time: 76 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Found-footage movies are exploding in the horror genre and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Following in the like of recent films “Paranormal Activity” and “[REC]”, “Evidence” is a great combination of both films. It is a rare to actually see an original idea recently in Hollywood, especially in the found footage genre but this one does it well. It actually reminds me a little bit of the recent television series “The River”, due to its crazy twists. Ryan McCoy not only stars but only wrote the film and it is great to see this unique twist on the genre. It packs some great gore and also some good spooks.

The film follows four friends as they set out to film a documentary during a camping trip in the wilderness. When the group decides to camp out during the first night, that is when things take a turn for the worse. They hear screams and feel like something is lurking in the shadows. When one of their friends goes missing, the group realizes that they are being hunted…but by what? The group needs to find out a way to survive before it is too late.

Some films have twists but this film literally has a 360 flip! It feels almost like two different movies in the second half. Make sure that you watch ALL the way through the credits, this film keeps going and going. Once you think it is over it only get more crazy and fucked up. This film has only currently been release on DVD in the UK so be sure to pick it up if possible or you can try and win it during out DVD giveaway contest. Horror fans are going to want to see this film, it will definitely not disappoint.

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DVD Review “Tick…Tick…Tick…”

Directed by: Ralph Nelson
Starring: Jim Brown, George Kennedy, Fredric March
Distributed by: Warner Bros Archive
MPAA Rating: G
Running Time: 97 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Jim Brown is always known for being bad ass, this film just continues to prove it. I came into this career late experiencing “Original Gangstas” first, even then he was still awesome. This film focuses on a small town with a black sheriff that is taking over. Of course the racist town does not like the idea and set out to cause issues. Jim Brown is perfect for this role and really kick some major ass. Fans of “Naked Gun”, should enjoy this film for a truly amazing performance from George Kennedy. He is one tough son-bitch in this movie and joins up with Brown’s character to help keep the town in order.

I have no idea how this film is rated G because it deals with some real tough issues like rape and murder but it is not called “Tick…Tick…Tick…” for no reason. Once this film gets started it is a slow burn to the amazing conclusion. WB Archive is known best for their remastering of classics and releasing them on DVD. This film is not different and looks great on DVD. It also includes a great widescreen transfer 16×9 2.40:1 of the film. The audio is also very sharp and clear. Like all releases though from Warner Archive, there are no special features. But since this film is not currently available on DVD at all this is a real treat on its own. If you are fan of Jim Brown, this is a must purchase for sure. You can only get for the WBShop, here.

Synopsis: Ralph Nelson, director of Lilies of the Field, returns to the subject of race relations in America for a thoroughly different take in Tick…Tick…Tick…. Tensions are taken off the back-burner slow simmer and are placed on full boil in Tick…Tick…Tick…’s tale of a black Southern sheriff trapped between the rock and a hard place of two communities separated by skin color and decades of bigotry. Newly elected, Sheriff Jimmy Price (Jim Brown) offers no favors or privileges to either community, and quickly earns the ire of both. Warned by the mayor against consulting outsiders (the great Fredric March in his penultimate film performance), Price navigates the tensions until one arrest places him directly in the eye of a hurricane of hate. With only the former sheriff to support him (George Kennedy) Price must try to defuse the tensions before the town explodes.

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DVD Review “The Slams”

Directed by: Jonathan Kaplan
Starring: Jim Brown
Distributed by: Warner Bros Archive
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 91 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Jim Brown is one bad motherfucker…period. Everyone knows that. They do not make movies like this anymore like they used to back in the 70’s. It is not only extremely gritty but also very rough around the edges. I have seen plenty of prison movies and this one just takes the cake. It is a great combination of both between a heist movie and also a prison movie. It is also action packed and suspenseful, due to the fantastic score from Luther Henderson. I really enjoyed this and look forward to future viewings.

Fans of genre films needs to keep an eye out for Dick Miller, one of my favorites. WB Archive is known best for their remastering of classics and releasing them on DVD. This film is not different and looks great on DVD. It also includes a great widescreen transfer 16×9 1.85:1 of the film. The audio is also very sharp and clear. Like all releases though from Warner Archive, there are no special features. But since this film is not currently available on DVD at all this is a real treat on its own. If you are fan of Jim Brown, this is a must purchase for sure. You can only get for the WBShop, here.

Synopsis: $1.5 million cached in a secret stash. And only Curtis Hook (Jim Brown) knows where it’s at. The hitch? He’s tied up doing time in the stir, and his hidden kitty’s spot is scheduled for demolition. Looks like Curtis is going over the wall. Too bad for him there’s a legion of mooks and mugs anxious to know what Curtis did with the stolen mob moolah. And if he can survive his fellow cons, he still needs to get past the corrupt screws “guarding” the slam’s inmates. What good is a trunk full of bucks when your life ain’t worth a dime? The Slams was an early effort by prolific indie turned journeyman pro Jonathan Kaplan, whose many credits include the cult favorites White Line Fever and Over the Edge (featuring Kaplan’s discovery, Matt Dillon). His more mainstream accomplishments include directing Jodie Foster’s Oscar® winning performance in The Accused. The Slams also features a rare movie score from legendary Broadway arranger Luther Henderson.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, review, slams

“Footloose” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

To celebrate the DVD release of “Footloose”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway THREE copies of film on DVD. If you would like to win this great prizes, just go to our Facebook page, like us and then leave the comment “Footloose.” We will choose (3) random comments as winners of the DVDs. If you are already a MediaMikes Facebook fan, just go to our Facebook page and leave the comment “Footloose.” Contest is open until midnight EST March 27, 2012.

Writer/Director Craig Brewer delivers a new take of the beloved 1984 classic film, “Footloose.” Ren MacCormack (played by newcomer Kenny Wormald) is transplanted from Boston to the small southern town of Bomont where he experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed five teenagers after a night out and Bomont’s local councilmen and the beloved Reverend Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) responded by implementing ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalizing the town and falling in love with the minister’s troubled daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) in the process.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: dvd, footloose, giveaway

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