Blu-ray Review “The Three Stooges: The Movie”

Directed by: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Starring: Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos, Will Sasso
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Running Time: 92 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

The Farrelly Brothers are believed to be directors that really known comedy, especially since they created the classic “There’s Something About Mary”. Though honestly their last three films haven’t really impressed me at all. “Stuck on You” was lame. “Hall Pass” was a one joke movie. “The Three Stooges” could have been amazing when Jim Care, Benecio del Toro and Sean Penn were attached but they went the cheap route with it and got a lesser cast attached just for the sake of getting it made. Overall it does get a few laughs and it gives props to the classic humor of the original Three Stooges.  It even used some of the sounds from the original shorts but then they had to throw in the “Jersey Shore” cast, which was the last straw for me. Let’s just saw the film is far from poifect!

“The Three Stooges” follow Moe, Larry and Curly as they head out on a mission to save an Orphanage. Their back story is that they were left on a doorstep of that same Orphanage and raised by the nuns.  When the trio find out that the Orphanage is being forced to close its doors, they find a way to save it.  Of course it’s not that simple and hilarity, mischief and mayhem ensues.

The Blu-ray presentation unlike the film is pretty good.  The 1080p transfer looks sharp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track sounds good and works well with the Stooges’ finger-poking, nyuk-nyuking and woo-woo-wooing.  The release itself comes in a combo pack with a Blu-ray, a DVD disc and a digital copy of the film. Hardcore fans of the Stooges, should stay away from this film but new fans or causal fans of the comedy trio should get a laugh or two.

The special features on this release are decent but not amazing.  There are about ten minutes of deleted/extended scenes.  They seemed to fit well with the film and could have been really used.  “What’s the Big Idea? A History of The Three Stooges” feature the Farrelly Bros chatting about why they made the film. “Knuckleheads: Behind the Scenes of The Three Stooges” is a very short behind the scenes featurette on the production. “Did You Hear That? The Three Stooges Sound Effects” is a cool feature about how they used some original sounds from the early shorts. “Poifect! Casting The Three Stooges” talks with the three leads.  “The Three Stooges Mash-Up” is a montage of slapstick scenes, I enjoyed this a bit. “Original Screen Test” is the footage used to cast the films leads. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

 

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SyFy Kicks off Summer 2012 with Memorial Day Weekend Movie Festival

SYFY KICKS OFF SUMMER 2012 WITH MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MOVIE FESTIVAL

PREMIERE OF SUPER SHARK ON SATURDAY, MAY 26 AT 9PM

NEW YORK – May 18, 2012 – Syfy will kick off Summer 2012 with a four-day, Memorial Day weekend movie extravaganza highlighted by the dyn-o-mite premiere of Super Shark, starring classic TV stars Jimmy Walker (“J.J.” on Good Times) and John Schneider (Smallville, Dukes of Hazzard) on Saturday, May 26 at 9PM (ET/PT).

Syfy launches the holiday festival on Friday, May 25 with a Nightmare on Elm Street marathon. Creature features devour the Saturday, May 26 schedule, including Sharktopus and Lake Placid 2, the highest rated Saturday Original Movie ever.

On Sunday, May 27, Syfy unleashes a theatrical movie bonanza ranging from Serenity and Stealth to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Closing out the long holiday weekend on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, Syfy will present films such as Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace,starring Daniel Craig as 007.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

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Blu-ray Review “Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie”

Directed by: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim
Starring: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, John C. Reilly, Will Forte
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Running Time: 94 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Tim and Eric are definitely one of my favorite comedy duos. Ever since “Tom Goes to the Mayor, they have continued to make awkward comedy…cool! “Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!” was one of my favorites show on television and this movie is just a giant blown-up sketch and succeeds in all areas. The main and only real probably with this film is that it will not appeal to “non Tim and Eric” fans. It is mainstream to the point of production but not beyond that. I have seen this film many times and I find that each time I like it more and more. I look forward to seeing what they will come up with next…”Trillion Dollar Movie??”

“Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie’ is definitely the weirdest comedy of the year, no question. If you are a fan of long stretches of awkwardness and zany humor, this will be the film for you to check out. The basic premise for the movie is that they blow a billion dollars making a movie and escape Hollywood to go run a mall.  That’s about it. If you are looking for all the familiar faces from “Awesome Show”, you will see them but they are very minor. Palmer Scott playing the Shrim God, steals the show.  I don’t blame Tim and Eric for focusing on the bankable names in the movie like Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, John C. Reilly and Will Forte, especially since they all have worked with Tim and Eric before.

The Blu-ray presentation overall is impressive.  The video looks sharp but of course there is Tim and Eric’s trademark VHS-quality sketches as well. The sound is also good with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, but doesn’t really push it too much.   The Blu-ray combo pack also comes with a DVD and digital copy of the film.  I like this option in case I am at work and don’t have access to a DVD player or I am on the road and have the digital option.  I wish they would switch to digital streaming service, Ultraviolet though.

The special features are decent but I was hoping for a little more I think. There is a decent yet a bit restrained audio commentary track with Tim and Eric. There are eight deleted scenes, including a commercial for EZ Swords, and are worth checking out. There is about three improved extended scenes, which run about 20 minutes. “Good Evening S’Wallow Valley” is a basic behind-the-scenes promo but with a Tim and Eric twist. There is an incredibly awkward and long interview with Tim and Eric. “HDNet: A Look at Tim & Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie” is the typical Magnolia piece. The coolest feature has to be “Shim Dance Screensaver”, which runs content for almost five hours. Lastly there are a bunch of promo videos and trailers included.

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Media Mikes’ 2012 Summer Movie Preview

It’s almost summertime and, as the song says, the living is easy. Especially if you’re a superhero. Last year the summer movie season took off with a bang, helped by the giant hammer wielded by “Thor.” This year he’s back…and he’s bringing some friends with him. Hopefully if you’re reading this you’ve already seen (or plan to see again) “The Avengers.” Remember to sit through the credits next time.

Here is a list of some of the movies we’ll be talking about this summer. Some synopsis information courtesy of our friends at the Internet Movie Data Base. As always, release dates are subject to change at the whim of the studio.

MAY 4
THE AVENGERS
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: Joss Whedon
The best of the Marvel World…well, minus the X-Men and Spider-Man…team up to save the earth. Trust me, after this thing makes $100 million opening weekend (only it’s two and a half hour running time prevents me from predicting $125 million) Warner Brothers will team Whedon with Christopher Nolan for the ultimate “Justice League of America” film!

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
Starring: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy
Directed by: John Madden
A group of English retirees travel to India with the plans of staying in a fashionable hotel. What they find is the Marigold Hotel. Madden directed Dench to an Oscar in “Shakespeare in Love.” Look for our review when the film opens wide on May 11.

MAY 11
DARK SHADOWS
Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green
Directed by: Tim Burton
When I was 10 years old I would sprint home from school to catch the gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows.” The film finds Victorian age vampire Barnabas Collins loose in the late 20th century. Though the television series was quite serious, this looks more like a vampire-out-of-water comedy. Burton has hit and missed when he’s tackled previously known projects (“Planet of the Apes, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Look for original series star cameos from David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker and the original Barnabas, Jonathan Frid. Sadly, Frid just passed away last month, prophetically on Friday, April 13th.

THE DICTATOR
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris and John C. Reilly
Directed by: Larry Charles
According to Sacha Baron Cohen, he loosely based his script on “Zabibah and the King,”a novel reportedly written by former Iraqi Leader Saddam Hussein. Here the star of “Borat” and “Bruno” portrays General Aladeen, a proud oppressor of the people.

HICK
Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz, Blake Lively and Rory Culkin
Directed by: Derick Martini
A Nebraska teen gets more than she bargained for when she sets out for the bright lights of Las Vegas.

MAY 16
THE SAMARITAN
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson and Luke Kirby
Directed by: David Weaver
After serving 20 years in prison, a man tries to walk the straight and narrow path. But he soon learns the past isn’t something he can easily ignore.

MAY 18
BATTLESHIP
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson and Rhianna
Directed by: Peter Berg
Yes, the popular board game is now the film. And if my eyes don’t deceive me, there’s a little bit of Transformers thrown in for good measure. Ah, the power of the people at Hasbro!

HYSTERIA
Starring: Hugh Dancy and Maggie Gyllenhaal
Directed by: Tanya Wexler
What happened when Doctor Mortimer Granville invented the vibrator? I’m sure it’s pretty darn funny. Perhaps even hysterical!

VIRGINIA
Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Emma Roberts and Ed Harris
Directed by: Dustin Lance Black
A sheriff sees his state senate bid slide out onto the ice when his daughter begins to date the son of a charming but psychologically disturbed woman with whom the sheriff has engaged in a two-decade-long affair. Writer/director Black won an Oscar for his screenplay for “Milk.”

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez and Matthew Morrison
Directed by: Kirk Jones
Five intertwined stories focus on couples about to welcome their bundles of joy into the world.

MAY 25
CHERNOBYL DIARIES
Starring: Jesse McCarthy and Olivia Dudley
Directed by: Bradley Parker
On an “extreme tour” of the abandoned city of Pripyat, where the former workers of the Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor lived, six tourists discover they are not alone.

HIDE AWAY
Starring: Josh Lucas and James Cromwell
Directed by: Chris Eyre
In an attempt to reconnect with his life, a man buys and rehabs a used sailboat.

MEN IN BLACK 3
Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin
Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
To save Agent K from death by alien Agent J must travel back to the 1960s. Let me say here that when I saw “No Country for Old Men” I said that Josh Brolin reminded me of a young Tommy Lee Jones. Here, Brolin plays A YOUNG TOMMY LEE JONES!

MOONRISE KINGDOM
Starring: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton and Frances McDormand
Directed by: Wes Anderson
When a young couple flee their small town the locals form a search party to find them. After films like “Rushmore,” “The Royal Tannenbaums” and “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” I’ll follow Wes Anderson anywhere.

JUNE 1
HIGH SCHOOL
Starring: Adrien Brody and Michael Chiklis
Directed by: John Stalberg
When the pot loving high school valedictorian faces the consequences of a drug test he conspires to find a way to have the entire school fail the test.

KILLER JOE
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Matthew McConaughey and Juno Temple
Directed by: William Friedkin
In order to pay off a debt, a man puts a hit out on his mother so he can collect the insurance money. One of the greatest directors of his generation, Friedkin won an Oscar for “The French Connection” and gave us “The Exorcist” and “Sorcerer” in the 1970s.

PIRANHA 3DD
Starring: Danielle Panabaker and Ving Rhames
Directed by: John Gullagher
There were so many naked breasts in “Piranha 3D” that I joked in my review they should have called the film “Piranha 3DD.” I need to start copywriting my ideas. Since Lake Victoria is no longer friendly our fishy pals head to a nearby water park.

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth
Directed by: Rupert Sanders
In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

JUNE 8
BEL AMI
Starring: Robert Pattinson and Chrisina Ricci
Directed by: Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod
The chronicle of a young man’s rise to power in Paris via his manipulation of the city’s most influential and wealthy women.

MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE’S MOST WANTED
Starring the voices of: Chris Rock, Ben Stiller and David Schwimmer
Directed by: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and Conrad Vernon
While still trying to return to New York the animals become part of a traveling circus in Europe.

PEACE, LOVE AND MISUNDERSTANDING
Starring: Jane Fonda, Catherine Keener and Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Directed by: Bruce Beresford
An uptight NYC lawyer takes her two teenagers to her hippie mother’s farmhouse upstate for a family vacation.

PROMETHEUS
Starring: Michael Fassbinder, Charlize Theron and Noomi Rapace
Directed by: Ridley Scott
A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading themon a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. Is this the prequel to Scott’s “Alien?” If it is, he isn’t saying.

JUNE 15
ROCK OF AGES
Starring: Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Julianne Hough
Directed by: Adam Shankman
Based on the Broadway musical, the story follows two young people trying to make it big in Los Angeles while they sing some of the greatest songs of the 80s! I’m sure you’d agree with me when I say just seeing Tom Cruise belting out “Pour Some Sugar On Me” in ass-less chaps will be worth the price of admission.

THAT’S MY BOY
Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg and James Caan
Directed by: Sean Anders
As Adam Sandler’s favorite web site, we’re proud to announce this upcoming film which follows the adventures of a young man who has been separated from his father for some time. My son saw an early preview of this film a few months ago and told me that, if they keep it rated “R” and don’t cut anything, it would be the funniest Adam Sandler film EVER! Wow…that’s MY boy.

YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
Starring: Emily Blunt and Rosemarie DeWitt
Directed by: Lynn Shelton
Invited by a female friend to vacation with her family after the death of his brother, a young man must face the music after sleeping with her sister.

JUNE 22
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rufus Sewell
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
Possibly the greatest title for a movie EVER. When our 16th president learns that vampires are threatening to take over our country he decides to kick a little ass!

BRAVE
Starring the voices of: Kelly McDonald and Billy Connolly
Directed by: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman and Steve Purcell
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. PIXAR’s first film with a female lead has had a lot of behind the scenes problems while in production.

SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD
Starring: Steve Carell and Keira Knightley
Directed by: Lorene Scafaria
As an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart accompanied by a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.

TO ROME WITH LOVE
Starring: Penelope Cruz and Alec Baldwin
Directed by: Woody Allen
A series of vignettes showing people from all walks of life dealing with the predicaments of falling in love.

JUNE 29
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION
Starring: Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Framed for crimes against the country, the G.I. Joe team is terminated by the President’s order. Or a cross between “The A-Team” and “Mission: Impossible 4.”

MAGIC MIKE
Starring: Matthew McConnaughey and Channing Tatum
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
OK, I’ve officially declared June 29th as Channing Tatum day. Here he stars as a male stripper, which he used to be. It’s been three films since director Soderbergh announced his retirement from films. I’m expecting at least another three more.

PEOPLE LIKE US
Starring: Chris Pine and Olivia Wilde
Directed by: Alex Kurtzman
After his mother passes away a man must deliver a $150,000 inheritance to the sister he’s never met.

TAKE THIS WALTZ
Starring: Seth Rogen and Michelle Williams
Directed by: Sarah Polley
A happily married woman falls for the artist that lives across the street.

JULY 3
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
Starring: Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone
Directed by: Marc Webb
In this reboot of the story Peter Parker follows clues that may tell him more about his parents. Oh, and meets the Lizard!

JULY 6
THE MAGIC OF BELLE ISLE
Starring: Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen
Directed by: Rob Reiner
In an effort to tap into his original talent, a wheelchair-bound author moves to a rural town, where he befriends a single mother and her three kids.

SAVAGES
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Taylor Kitsch and Blake Lively
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Two pot growers team up to take on the leader of a Mexican drug cartel who has kidnapped their shared girlfriend.

JULY 13
ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT
Starring the voices of: Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguzamo
Directed by: Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier
Adrift on an iceberg, Manny, Diego and Sid find themselves dealing with everything from pirates to sea creatures.

RED LIGHTS
Starring: Cilian Murphy and Sigourney Weaver
Directed by: Rodrigo Cortes
When a psychologist and her assistant study paranormal activity, they are led to investigate a world-renowned psychic.

TED
Starring: Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis
Directed by: Seth MacFarlane
When a young boy wishes for his teddy bear to come to life he doesn’t realize that 20 years later he’s going to have to deal with the consequences of his wish. From the hysterical and twisted mind of “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, who also voices TED.

JULY 20
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
The final chapter in director/co-writer Christopher Nolan’s outstanding film series, featuring the mega bad guy Bane. And hello Cat Woman.

JULY 27
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Starring: Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn
Directed by: Akiva Shaffer
A group of neighborhood fathers form a group to keep their homes safe and unwittingly come up against a band of aliens.

STEP UP REVOLUTION
Starring: Ryan Guzman and Kathryn McCormick
Directed by: Scott Speer
Emily arrives in Miami with aspirations to become a professional dancer. She sparks with Sean, the leader of a dance crew whose neighborhood is threatened by Emily’s father’s development plans. Now that I read this again I realize this is pretty much the same plot as “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo!”

AUGUST 3
360
Starring: Jude Law, Anthony Hopkins and Rachel Weisz
Directed by: Fernando Meirelles
A look at what happens when partners from different social backgrounds engage in physical relationships.

THE BOURNE LEGACY
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz
Directed by: Tony Gilroy
Rachel Weisz fans rejoice! Two movies on the same day. In this one we learn that Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne wasn’t the only mysterious agent for the C.I.A.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS
Starring: Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron
Directed by: David Bowers
With school out for the summer, it’s time for Greg to decide what he’s going to do with his free time.

LITTLE BIRDS
Starring: Juno Temple and Kate Bosworth
Directed by: Elgin James
Two friends face a life changing event after they leave their home and follow two boys they’ve just met to Los Angeles.

TOTAL RECALL
Starring: Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale
Directed by: Len Wiseman
A revamping of the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic featuring a great supporting cast including Bryan Cranston, Ethan Hawke and Bill Nighy.

AUGUST 10
2 DAYS IN NEW YORK
Starring: Chris Rock and Julie Delpy
Directed by: Julie Delpy
A woman breaks up with her lover and takes their daughter to live with her in New York City.

THE AWAKENING
Starring: Dominic West and Rebecca Hall
Directed by: Nick Murphy
In early 20th Century England a hoax investigator checks into the story about the ghost of a child.

THE CAMPAIGN
Starring: Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis
Directed by: Jay Roach
Two rival North Carolina politicians with presidential aspirations tangle with one another. Director Roach has done two outstanding political films for HBO (“Recount” and “Game Change”) so he knows his way around the material.

HOPE SPRINGS
Starring: Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones
Directed by: David Frankel
After thirty years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship.

AUGUST 15
THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN
Starring: Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton
Directed by: Peter Hedges
After a childless couple bury a box in their backyard, which contains all of their wishes for an infant, a child is born.

AUGUST 17
THE EXPENDABLES 2
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger
Directed by: Simon West
Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat. West directed the action packed “Con Air.”

PARANORMAN
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee and Anna Kendrick
Directed by: Chris Butler and Sam Fell
A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.

SPARKLE
Starring: Jordan Sparks and Whitney Houston
Directed by: Salim Akil
Set in the 1960s, three sisters form girl group and soon become Motown sensations, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart. A remake of the 1976 film that introduced Irene Cara and Lonette McKee. Houston’s first acting role since 1996’s “The Preacher’s Wife” and, sadly, her last.

AUGUST 24
HIT AND RUN
Starring: Kristin Bell, Bradley Cooper and Dax Shepard
Directed by: David Palmer and Dax Shepard
A man jeopardizes his status in the Witness Protection Program to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles.

LITTLE WHITE LIES
Starring: Marion Cotillard and Jean Dujardin
Directed by: Guillaume Canet
A near-fatal accident leaves one friend in the hospital while the rest go on their annual vacation. But their secrets and personal grief threaten to drive them apart. A huge hit in its native France, the film should get extra attention thanks to its two Oscar winning co-stars.

PREMIUM RUSH
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Michael Shannon
Directed by: David Koepp
A Manhattan bicycle messenger is followed by a corrupt cop who is interested in his next delivery.

AUGUST 31
LAWLESS
Starring: Tom Hardy and Gary Oldman
Directed by: John Hillcoat

During the depression a group of bootleggers are threatened by the authorities that want a piece of their profits.

THE POSSESSION
Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick
Directed by: Ole Bornedal
A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl’s father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child.

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Steve Alten reports his novel “Domain” is being turned into movie before December 2012!

According to author Steve Alten in his May newsletter, he is reporting that his “Domain” series is being turned into a film set for release in November 2012, just in time for the ‘end’ on December 21, 2012.

Here is what Steve reported below:
“Three years ago I optioned the DOMAIN dramatic rights to a film company out of Columbia that has done a few low budget, hi-octane features. DOMAIN would be a big fish for them, but they do quality work. According to their lead producer, they’d film in June and release in November (English, no subtitles). Fingers crossed, updates in June.”

Here is the premise for Steve Alten’s “Domain”:
Archaeologist Julius Gabriel has devoted his life to studying the Mayan calendar, a 2,500-year-old enigma that ends abruptly on December 21, 2012. Many believe this foretells the end of the world. Julius is convinced it’s one of many pieces to a puzzle that could lead to the salvation of our species. He has passed on his knowledge to the only person who ever believed his theories—his son Mick.

It is now the fall of 2012 and Mick is still haunted by his father’s predictions. He’s been committed to a Miami asylum for paranoid schizophrenia, and the dawn of his most feared prophecies is upon him. When inquisitive psychologist Dominique Vazquez joins the team at the South Florida Treatment Center, Mick finds a new listener for his warnings of the coming Apocalypse. What Dominique doesn’t realize is that she is his last hope of saving humanity.

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Book Review “The Cabin in the Woods: The Official Movie Novelization”

Author: Tim Lebbon
Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: April 17, 2012

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Official novelizations have never really been my cup-of-tea. “The Cabin in the Woods” is really no different. The film is so unique and really has to be seen in experience. I am personally a very visual person anyway. If you still prefer to read, I would check out the Official Visual Companion. Read our review here, this book is worth reading immediately…once if you’ve seen the film of course.

Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard did such a great job with this story, changing the face of horror.  I just feel that changing it even so slightly for mass market paperback, doesn’t seem worth it.  The author, Tim Tibbons, is also known for this NY Times Bestselling novelization of the movie “30 Days of Night”. A friend of mine did an excellent job of describing this film as an onion, with each layer being peeled off slowly and reveals new surprises throughout.  I can only really experience this to be enjoyed having actually watched the film.

I can really see this book only appealing to MEGA fans of Joss Whedon, who need to have everything that he is related to.  This book also comes with unnecessary back story for the characters, which isn’t really unless needed as filler for this novel. But then again, like I said in general I am not a big fan of film novelizations. If you would like to experience “The Cabin in the Woods”, I would highly recommend just seeing the movie yourself. Just go see it! You won’t regret it.

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DVD Review “Ultimate Avengers Movie Collection”

MPAA Rating: PG-13 / PG
Distributed by: Lions Gate
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Running Time: 217 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

With “Marvel’s The Avengers” on the way this May, this is very hot content. The “Ultimate Avengers” series was made back in 2005 and “New Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow” was made in 2008. If you already own the “Ultimate Avengers” films, you don’t need to re-purchase this for the bonus film “Next Avengers”. If you don’t own any of these I would run out to the store and grab these, especially since they are being sold at a very reasonable price. If you have a Blu-ray player, I would recommend you grab this set

“Ultimate Avengers” is inspired by Marvel’s best-selling books, The Ultimates. It focuses on six heroes, lead by Captain America, who must fight as one to save the world. “Ultimate Avengers 2” forces our heroes to reunite in order to fight a rematch of heroic proportions in order to assist The Black Panther. “New Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow” focuses on the spawn of The Avengers taking the lead after their parents demise was met by Ultron.

To top off this impressive collection of movies, there is also a ton of bonus features included on this release. There are a few making-of featurettes, interactive games, concepts art gallery and more. The animation on this film are very colorful and sharp. The movies are just plain fun and if you are fan of Marvel’s work it is a no brainer. If you are looking to get more excited for “Marvel’s The Avengers” to hit theaters then this collection is a good way to brush up on your favorite superheros and get ready for May 4th.

 

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Titan Books to Publish “The Dark Knight Rises” Official Movie Novel

Novelization Based on the Final Chapter of Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Scheduled for July 2012 Publication

New York, NY; London, UK (April 16, 2012) – Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises,” the much-anticipated final chapter in writer-director Christopher Nolan’s film trilogy featuring the legendary DC Comics character Batman, will be adapted into an official tie-in novel written by award-winning author Greg Cox and published by Titan Books, under a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
Novelist Greg Cox is no stranger to Batman or the DC Comics Universe, having written the official novelizations for such major comic book storylines as Infinite Crisis (2006), 52 (2007), Countdown (2009), and Final Crisis (2010). He has produced numerous bestselling adaptations and original novels based on Star Trek, Underworld, Warehouse 13, and other popular properties. His original novel Terminator Salvation: Cold War won the 2010 Scribe Award for tie-in fiction, and CSI: Headhunter took the award in 2009.

“Batman is one of the most iconic characters of popular culture,” Titan Publisher Nick Landau said. “We’re tremendously excited to work with Warner Bros. on the novelization of ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ especially since it is the culmination of everything Christopher Nolan has done with his amazing trilogy. This is a part of motion picture history.”

The publishing of Titan Books’ The Dark Knight Rises is timed to reach consumers worldwide on Tuesday, July 24, to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures release of “The Dark Knight Rises,” which opens in theatres on Friday, July 20, 2012.

About “The Dark Knight Rises”
Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises” is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.
Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter”) again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake.

Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) reprises the role of Lucius Fox.
The screenplay is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on “Batman Begins” and the record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight.” The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. The film is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.
“The Dark Knight Rises” is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures. Slated for release on July 20, 2012, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

About Titan Publishing Group
Titan Publishing Group is an independently owned publishing company, established in 1981, comprising three divisions: Titan Books, Titan Magazines/Comics and Titan Merchandise. Titan Books’ rapidly growing fiction list encompasses original fiction and reissues, primarily in the areas of science fiction, fantasy, horror, steampunk and crime. Titan Books also has an extensive line of media and pop culture-related non-fiction, graphic novels, art and music books. The company is based at offices in London, but operates worldwide, with sales and distribution in the US & Canada being handled by Random House.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.

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Blu-ray Review “This Is Not a Movie”

Directed by: Olallo Rubio
Starring: Edward Furlong, Peter Coyote, Edi Gathegi
Distributed by: Kino Lorber
MPAA Rating: R
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 99 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

The title says it all this is not a movie, this is the Edward Furlong show. He plays not only one role but three. You need to have a real tolerance for him to enjoy this film. It deals with the end of the world but its scope doesn’t leave the hotel room where he is staying. I was very interested in the first 10 minutes with this film and then I realized it was going nowhere. The only thing that made this film watchable was its fake trailers like “The System Strikes Back”, “Regan Force” and “The Jesus Chainsaw Massacre”.

This movie is really about nothing, it is a surreal, psychedelic, apocalyptic trip into nothing. With the end of the world less than 48 hours away, Pete Nelson (Furlong) spends it inside a Las Vegas hotel with his alternate personalities. He spends it fighting with them and just wasting time but like I said overall doesn’t really do anything. Edi Gathegi from “Twilight” pops in as a ghost for a split second and I have no idea why he was necessary in the story.

The Blu-ray presentation was ok with not much really pushing its limits.  The video itself looks clear and well presented though overall. The audio track was also nothing special.  The music in the film was by Slash (former Guns ‘n’ Roses) but it isn’t mind-bending and doesn’t really stand out.  I expected this kick-ass soundtrack but was left disappointed.

The bonus features are nothing special either like the movie. There are a few few deleted scenes nothing that would have helped this movie though. There is an interview with Peter Coyote and Slash, worth checking out. Lastly there is a photo gallery and trailer for the film. I would have liked a see a directors commentary to get some back insight as to what the hell was the point of this film.

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Book Review “Crazy 4 Cult: Cult Movie Art”

Author: Gallery 1988
Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: June 21, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I am going to start this review, very simply, if you’re a film nerd…this is required for you to purchase. If you are unaware of the annual LA, Crazy 4 Cult art show, you are probably not a good film nerd. This event caters to thousands of visitors, including high profile buyers like Kevin Smith and Edgar Wright. This is jam backed with various of our favorite pop culture films and character re-imagined in various forms are art. Honestly this book contains some of the coolest movie based artwork I have ever seen.

This beautiful hardcover coffee table book showcases the best of the first four years of the show. It features art inspired by movies like “Jaws”, “The Big Lebowski”, “Edward Scissorhands”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “The Shining”, “Tron”, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, “Office Space” and “The Evil Dead” series. Those are just some of my favorites, but honestly if I would list every single one of my favorites this review would be ten pages long. Plus I really enjoyed just flipped through this book and discovering all these great images. I encourage

What I really like most about this book is that the images are not limited to just paintings, there are dolls and even matches dressed and turned into crazy cult art. I really want to commend each and every artist who contributed to these pieces of art because they are so creative and imaginative. It honestly gives a new and fresh perspective on our favorite cult films. I really look forward to the next release of art from Gallery 1988, in fact they have a yearly calender that is also released if you need more cult movie art.

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Book Review “Kick-Ass: Creating the Comic, Making the Movie”

Authors: Mark Millar, John Romita Jr, Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: February 23, 2010

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The movie “Kick-Ass” is easily one of the best comic book adaptions in the last few years. It is an originally idea with the recent remake Hollywood craze. The film is based on the bestselling comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.
The book plays like a giant comic book and really gives great details into the characters and the making of the film. It is very colorful and is a real page turner. My only major complaint is that is not hardcover, this would have made an awesome coffee table book.

The book starts with a great introduction from its creator Mark Millar.  It is split into three main parts: “The Beginning”, “The Movie” and The Future”.  “The Beginning” focuses on the film’s fast track from the comic page to the theater screen.  “The Movie” focuses on each of the character from the film individually including Dave Lizewksi, Marty & Todd, Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl, Big Daddy, Marcus, Frank D’Amico and Red Mist.  Also included in this section is focus on the production, the origin of Big Daddy & Hit Girl, and the films big ‘kick-ass’ finale.  The content in the book is so detailed and jam-packed that you almost need to go back and re-read it multiple times to make sure that you get everything.  Also there are so many pictures I found myself flipped through the book just to scroll through the art work.  Of course “The Future” section, talks about the second film as well as the follow comic to “Kick-Ass”.  I know the comic already was released following the book but I have a feeling we will be holding our breaths for a long time for a second film…(insert sad face).

“Kick-Ass: Creating the Comic, Making the Movie” goes into major details of this comic book superhero phenomenon went from the page to huge Hollywood movie.  The book showcases Mark Millar’s early comic book script pages.  Amazing artwork from John Romita Jr. are included throughout the book and even new pages drawn especially for the movie.  There are also a bunch of exclusive contributions from the cast and crew and that is what makes this book definitely than the normal making of/art book.  This feels really hands on and personal from the cast/crew.  Lastly there are also hundreds of movie photos, sketches, storyboards and pieces of production art.  If you are fan of this series it is a MUST to piece of this book.  If you no familiar, it is a great introduction to “Kick-Ass” and is guaranteed to turn you into an instant fan.

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Media Mikes’ Holiday Movie Preview

Once again it’s time to put the turkey in the oven, loosen our belts and plan our weekly trips to the multiplex. Its holiday time and the studios are pulling out some of the big guns to keep you entertained. Once again, MediaMikes is pleased to preview some of the films you can look forward to seeing in the next two months. As always, opening dates are subject to change at the studio’s whim.

THIS WEEK

A DANGEROUS METHOD
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen and Keira Knightley.
Directed by: David Cronenberg

It’s a battle of great minds when Sigmund Freud (Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Fassbender) duel over a disturbed patient (Knightley). Cronenberg and Mortensen have teamed up twice and produced some great films (“A History of Violence” and “Eastern Promises”). I’m expecting a hat trick here.
OSCAR CHANCES: Mortensen earned a Best Actor nod for “Eastern Promises” and Fassbender is coming off a career making performance in “X-men: First Class.”

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
Starring the voices of: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy
Directed by: Sarah Smith

When Santa Claus accidentally misses one child on his rounds his youngest son, Arthur, attempts to correct the problem.
OSCAR CHANCES: Don’t see it on the short list for Best Animated Feature.

THE ARTIST
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo and John Goodman
Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius

In the 1920s an actor (Dujardin) falls for an upcoming actress (Bejo). This film is silent and was nominated for the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where Dujardin was named Best Actor.

OSCAR CHANCES: The last silent film to win an Oscar was the first, “Wings.” Look for that to change soon.

HUGO
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Mortez and Christopher Lee
Directed by: Martin Scorsese

In 1930’s Paris, a young boy who lives in the train station hopes to unravel a secret involving his late father and an automatron. Scorsese plus 3D? Can’t wait.

OSCAR CHANCES: With a director like Scorsese you can’t count this film out.

THE MUPPETS
Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Chris Cooper
Directed by: James Bobin

A fan of the felt covered group (Segel, who also wrote the screenplay) tries to reunite the Muppets in an attempt to stop a greedy oil tycoon (Cooper) from buying and demolishing their old theatre. Some of the original Muppet performers, including Frank Oz, declined to work on this film. But Segel has been a lifelong fan and I don’t think he’d do anything to harm the franchise. Director Tobin is making his feature film debut after having helmed many episodes of “Da Ali G Show” and “Flight of the Conchords.”

OSCAR CHANCES: To quote Johnny Carson while addressing Miss Piggy, the only Oscar award she’d ever win would be from Oscar Meyer.

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
Starring: Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh and Eddie Redmayne
Directed by: Simon Curtis

A young man working on his first film is assigned to look after Marilyn Monroe.
Williams totally immerses herself in the role as does Branagh, who co-stars as Laurence Olivier.

OSCAR CHANCES: A possible nod to Williams for Best Actress.

DECEMBER 2

CORIOLANUS
Starring: Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler
Directed by: Ralph Fiennes

Fiennes makes his directorial debut with a modern-day retelling of the Shakespearean story of a Roman war hero who loses his power and must eam up with his enemy to lead an attack on those who betrayed him.

OSCAR CHANCES: Fiennes could be a double threat.

SHAME
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan and James Badge Dale
Directed by: Steve McQueen

A sex addicted man (Fassbender) has to come to terms with who he is when his younger sister comes for a visit. The film has been rated NC-17 so you may be hard pressed finding it. Director McQueen is English and no relation to the late actor.

OSCAR CHANCES: NC-17 means not a lot of theatres will be playing it so unless everyone in Hollywood gets a screener it doesn’t appear likely.

DECEMBER 9

I MELT WITH YOU
Starring: Thomas Jane, Rob Lowe and Jeremy Piven
Directed by: Mark Pellington

When four friends from college have a reunion they are reminded of an old pact they once made with each other.

OSCAR CHANCES: Mmmmmmmmmm NO.

NEW YEAR’S EVE
Starring: Lea Michelle, Jon Bon Jovi and Halle Berry
Directed by: Garry Marshall

From the people that brought you “Valentine’s Day” comes another celebration day. Can “Cinco de Mayo: The Movie” be far behind?

OSCAR CHANCES: Nada.

THE SITTER
Starring: Jonah Hill, Ari Graynor and Sam Rockwell
Directed by: David Gordon Green

Hill stars as a college student on suspension who is coaxed into babysitting the kids next door. Foolishly, he takes the kiddies with him to New York City. For fans of Hill, this is the last “chubby” film you’ll be seeing him in. If you’ve seen his video game commercial or the trailer for “21 Jump Street” you’ll notice he’s dropped some serious poundage.

OSCAR CHANCES: Unless they give them for weight loss, no.

TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY
Starring: Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy and Colin Firth
Directed by: Tomas Alfredson

Retired from Britain’s MI6, George Smiley (Oldman) embarks on a mission to expose a mole in the organization. Oldman takes over the role played by Sir Alec Guinness in the 1979 film.

OSCAR CHANCES: Oldman is always worth watching.

W.E.
Starring: James D’Arcy and Abbie Cornish
Directed by: Madonna

Madonna directs this romantic drama focusing on the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcée Wallis Simpson as well as a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard. Madge also wrote the screenplay with her “Truth or Dare” collaborator Alex Keshishian.

OSCAR CHANCES: Judging from the early reviews I’d have to say no. However, there’s always the Golden Raspberry awards.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly and Ezra Miller
Directed by: Lynne Ramsay

When her teenage son (Miller) goes on a killing spree at school, his mother (Swinton) must deal with her grief and her feelings of responsibility.

OSCAR CHANCES: Strong subject matter, which the Academy likes.

DECEMBER 14

LOOSIES
Starring: Peter Facinelli, Jaimie Alexander and Michael Madsen
Directed by: Michael Corrente

A New York City pickpocket learns he has a child from a long ago romance. Star Facinelli also wrote the screenplay.

OSCAR CHANCES: None

DECEMBER 16

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED
Starring: Alvin, Simon, Theodore
Directed by: Mike Mitchell

On a luxury cruise the boys and their Chipettes find themselves marooned on a not-so deserted island. Director Mitchell helmed the last “Shrek” film.

OSCAR CHANCES: Director Mitchell also helmed “Duece Bigalow: Male Gigolo.”

CARNAGE
Starring: Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, Jodie Foster and John C. Reilly
Directed by: Roman Polanski

The parents of two school boys, one family upscale the other middle class, meet to discuss their son’s schoolyard fights.

OSCAR CHANCES: Hell Yes! With the exception of Reilly, who was nominated for “Chicago,” everyone I’ve mentioned above has at least one Oscar on their mantle.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton
Directed by: Brad Bird

After the IMF has been disavowed by the government, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) leads a new group of agents to investigate a bombing of the Kremlin. Director Bird tries his hand with live action after having directed the animated masterpieces “The Iron Giant” and “The Incredibles.”

OSCAR CHANCES: Possibly in the technical areas.

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law and Jared Harris
Directed by: Guy Ritchie

Holmes does battle against his greatest nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Also stars the original “Girl in the Dragon Tattoo,” Noomi Rapace.

OSCAR CHANCES: Visual effects.

DECEMBER 21

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN
Starring the voices of: Jamie Bell and Daniel Craig.
Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Master Spielberg tries his hand at motion-capture animation, throwing in a little 3D for good measure. There are over 20 “TinTin” classic comics so if this is a hit I’d expect more.

OSCAR CHANCES: Since the Academy ruled recently that motion capture films don’t qualify for the Animated award, unless John Williams’ score gets a nod I’d say no.

ALBERT NOBBS
Starring: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska and Aaron Johnson
Directed by: Rodrigo Garcia

In order to make a living in 19th century Ireland, a woman disguises herself as a man. Thirty years later she is still living a lie.

OSCAR CHANCES: Critics who have seen this film call it Close’s greatest performance.

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Starring: Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig and Stellan Skarsgard
Directed by: David Fincher

The director of “The Social Network” and “Fight Club” takes on one of the most popular novel series in history. He’s also taking on the audiences pre-conceived ideas as to how the story will unfold.

OSCAR CHANCES: I haven’t read the books or seen the previous films. The trailer has had me excited for quite awhile. I’m saying at least two nominations. Do I hear three?

DECEMBER 23

IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY
Starring: Zana Marjanovic and Goran Kostic
Directed by: Angelina Jolie

Two people fall in love during the 1990s civil war in Bosnia. Not only is Jolie making her directorial debut she also wrote the script.

OSCAR CHANCES: None to speak of.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO
Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannson and Thomas Haden Church
Directed by: Cameron Crowe

A widower decides to purchase a run-down zoo and move his family to run it. Good news: from the director of “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous.” Bad news: from the director of “Elizabethtown.”

OSCAR CHANCES: Good pedigree but unusual subject.

DECEMBER 25

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE
Starring: Tom Hanks and Thomas Horn
Directed by: Stephen Daldry

After his father is killed on 9/11 a young boy finds a mysterious key and must find out where it goes.

OSCAR CHANCES: NEVER bet against Tom Hanks or Stephen Daldry.

WAR HORSE
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson and David Thewlis
Directed by: Steven Spielberg

An adaptation of the children’s novel and the currently running Broadway show, the story revolves around a farm horse sent into battle during World War I and the young boy who tries to get him back.

OSCAR CHANCES: Across the board.

DECEMBER 28

PARIAH
Starring: Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans
Directed by: Dee Rees

A Brooklyn teenager must deal with disappointing friends and family when she attempts to embrace her lesbian identity.

OSCAR CHANCES: This film has been raved about since it premiered at Sundance earlier this year. It could be this year’s “Precious.”

DECEMBER 30

ANGELS CREST
Starring: Thomas Dekker, Mira Sorvino and Lynn Collins
Directed by: Gaby Dellal

A small town father tries to care for his young son and alcoholic wife. Tragedy strikes when the young boy disappears in a snow storm.

OSCAR CHANCES: Maybe

THE IRON LADY
Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent and Richard E. Grant
Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd

A look at Margaret Thatcher, the former English prime minister.

OSCAR CHANCES: Streep holds the record with 16 previous acting nominations (two Oscars). Can number 17 be far behind?

 

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Mark Hamill Joins “New-Gen” Comic Book & Movie Franchise as Creative Consultant

MARK HAMILL JOINS “NEW-GEN” COMIC BOOK & MOVIE FRANCHISE AS CREATIVE CONSULTANT

“NEW-GEN” Names Powerhouse Production Team To Include Mace Neufeld, Kim H. Winther, David Tattersall, Jeffrey A. Okun, John H. Starke, Oliver Scholl and Christopher Young

From New York Comic-Con, “NEW-GEN” Debuts Graphic Novel and Film Sneak Peek, With Book Signings and Panel Featuring Mark Hamill

NEW YORK, NY (Comic-Con) – October 13, 2011 – A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. (Association for the Protection of the New Generation), creators of “NEW-GEN,”® the epic superhero comic book series, today announced Mark Hamill as creative consultant for the franchise, including the upcoming live action feature film production. Originated as a comic book series printed and distributed by Marvel Comics, “NEW-GEN” is a transmedia property with characters and a storyline that reach across platforms, from movies to merchandise, television, mobile, video games and beyond (www.newgenuniverse.com).

Mark Hamill joins J.D. Matonti, Chris Matonti and Julia Coppola, creators of “NEW-GEN”®, as creative consultant, contributing to the multiplatform evolution of the saga of twin brothers with extraordinary abilities seeking to discover their true origins.  During NY Comic-Con this week, A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. will release a special six-issue graphic novel, “NEW-GEN: Volume One,” featuring a “forward” from Hamill who shares his thoughts on this next-generation comic franchise that evolves around the battle over nanotechnology.

“’NEW-GEN’ is a fresh and powerful new story that will surely resonate with audiences across multiple platforms,” says Mark Hamill, legendary actor and voice artist. “I’m honored to join the franchise and upcoming feature film as creative consultant and aim to evolve this compelling universe for fans to enjoy with the A.P.N.G. Enterprises’ team.”

Also joining the “NEW-GEN” team for the upcoming live action feature film are renowned Producer Mace Neufeld (“The Hunt for Red October”), Co-Producer and First Assistant Director Kim H. Winther (“X-Men: First Class”), Director of Photography/Cinematographer David Tattersall (“Star Wars: Episodes I, II, III”), Visual Effects Supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun (“The Day the Earth Stood Still”), Production Manager John H. Starke (“The Punisher”), Production Designer Oliver Scholl (“Jumper”) and Composer Christopher Young (“Spider Man 3”). “NEW-GEN” founder and creator J.D. Matonti will helm the production as the feature’s Director, with the franchise’s Julia Coppola and Chris Matonti rounding off as the film’s Executive Producer and Producer respectively.

“’NEW-GEN’ is making its move into live action feature films with the perfect team, bringing experience from some of the greatest blockbuster films of our time,” said J.D. Matonti, “NEW-GEN” creator and director. “What started as a simple comic book in 2008 has quickly expanded into a full-blown universe that injects a fresh spin into superhero storytelling. We’re thrilled to introduce our characters and world with Mark Hamill and these immensely talented professionals taking the lead.”

Hamill will also support “NEW-GEN” from the convention with two graphic novel signings, on Oct. 14 and 16, and a panel on Oct. 15 alongside franchise creators J.D. & Chris Matonti, comic artist behind the series Abdul H. Rashid, and transmedia expert Jeff Gomez of Starlight Runner Entertainment, who provided support in developing the “NEW-GEN” story world.

Along with the graphic novel which features the first six issues of the comic book, A.P.N.G. Enterprises, Inc. debuts issue number one of a five-issue miniseries, “NEW-GEN: NEW-DAWN,” in addition to a preview of “NEW-GEN: AWAKENING,” an upcoming series for 2012 introducing Carmen, a driving character in the live action feature film.

About “NEW-GEN”
A.P.N.G. Enterprises. Inc. (Association for the Protection of the New Generation) (www.newgenuniverse.com) launched “NEW-GEN” ® as an epic superhero comic book series, printed and distributed by powerhouse Marvel Comics. “NEW-GEN” ® issue #1 debuted at New York Comic-Con 2008 at the Marvel booth, introducing a nanopowered future world. Creators J.D. Matonti, Julia Coppola and Chris Matonti have transformed the “NEW-GEN” ® universe into a global transmedia franchise featuring characters within a storyline made for live action feature films, television series, mobile and video games, toys, merchandising and beyond.

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Film Review “Fix: The Ministry Movie”

Starring: Al Jourgensen, Paul Barker, Trent Reznor, Maynard Keenan, Jonathan Davis, Dave Navarro and Lemmy Kilmister.
Studio: Gigantic Pictures
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 97 minutes

Our score: 3 out of 5 stars

Go backstage with the scariest band EVER, Ministry, in this latest rockumentary. I have followed Ministry music in the early-mid 90’s and they are definitely not your typical band, especially not during their live performance. If you are not aware of Ministry, they are responsible for taking the genre of industrial rock and bringing it mainstream. If you enjoy behind the scenes in the music films then this is for you for sure. This film had me enthralled by its events almost so that I could not turn away.

This movie follow Al Jourgensen, founder of Ministry and his struggles with drugs and touring. Besides interviews from Al Jourgensen and other members and ex-members of Ministry, this is packed with interviews from many notable bands like Trent Reznor (NIN), Maynard Keenan (Tool), Jonathan Davis (Korn), Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead) and Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction). They all talk about how they have been inspired by Ministry’s music at some point.

The film includes some really personal and up close interviews from Ministry’s tours in the mid-90’s. This really delves into the dark side of his music and his life. I am a big fan of Korn and its lead singer Jonathan Davis was quoted saying the following about Al, “When I first met Al he freaked me the fuck out… I had to leave.” This movie is not for the faint of heart as it is quite intense but is overall an interesting trip into the mind of Al Jourgensen.

CHECK OUT THE UPCOMING RELEASE SCHEDULE FOR THIS FILM:
09/23-29 @ The Clinton St. Theater, Portland, OR
09/28 @ The Regent Theatre, Boston, MA
10/01 @ Movies On The Mountain, Frackville, PA
10/03 @ The Echoplex, Los Angeles, CA
10/13 @ Riverview Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
10/19 @ CMJ – Clearview Cinema, New York, NY
10/24-25 @ Alamo Drafthouse Westlake, San Antonio, TX
10/26 @ Uptown Nightclub, Oakland, CA
10/27 @ Liberty Hall, Lawrence, KS
11/07 @ Alamo Draft House Ritz, Austin, TX
11/04-11/18 @ Alamo Draft House South Lamar, Austin, TX
11/11-11/12 @ Pickford Film Center, Bellingham, WA

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“Disney’s Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

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AVAILABLE IN STORES ON DVD + Digital Copy
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23TH

Just when you thought Phineas and Ferb had done it all (including winning an Emmy(R) Award), they take their adventures to a whole new dimension in their first full-length movie — PHINEAS AND FERB THE MOVIE: ACROSS THE 2ND DIMENSION — featuring exclusive deleted scenes and all-new bonus only on Disney DVD! When Phineas, Ferb and Perry follow Dr. Doofenshmirtz through his “Otherdimensionator,” they find themselves in an alternate universe where a second, truly evil Dr. Doof rules over his Tristate Area with an army of iron-fisted robots. To save his friends from certain doom, Perry makes the ultimate sacrifice by revealing his secret identity as Agent P. Phineas and Ferb escape, meet their 2nd dimension selves, and begin their own mission to rescue Perry. So begins an epic battle as our heroes try to save their home from the clutches of Evil Dr. Doof…and his sidekick Platyborg! Will Evil Doof succeed and achieve dual world domination? Will Candace finally bust her brothers? Find out in this action-packed, epic adventure — so huge that it crosses over time and space!

To celebrate the Disney release of “Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 10 copies of the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray™ + DVD). If you would like to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite character from the show. This giveaway will be open until Tuesday August 30th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Movie Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Bonus Features:
1. DVD Feature Film + Bonus
2. Digital Copy Of Feature Film + Digital Music Tracks
3. 8 Exclusive Deleted Scenes
4. Bonus Episode: “Attack Of The 50 Foot Sister” With Character Commentary And Creator Commentary
5. Animatin’ Music Video
6. Perry-Oke
7. Dr. D’s Jukebox-Inator
8. And More!

Label: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Genre: Animation
Running Time: 77
MPAA Rating: TV-G
Language: English, Spanish, French
Actors/Actresses: Vincent Martella; Ashley Tisdale; Thomas Sangster; Caroline Rhea; Richard O’Brien; Dan Povenmire; Jeff “Swampy” Marsh; Alyson Stoner; Maulik Pancholy; Bobby Gaylor; Mitchel Musso; Tyler Mann; Dee Bradley Baker; Kelly Hu; Olivia Olson; John Viener; Jack McBrayer
Directors: Dan Povenmire; Robert F. Hughes
Writers: Jon Colton Barry; Dan Povenmire; Jeff “Swampy” Marsh

Sound:
English (Dolby 5.1 Digital Surround Sound), French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: 2nd, dimension, disneys, dvd, ferb, giveaway, ...
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