Blu-ray Review “Tom and Jerry’s Giant Adventure”

Actors: Tom Wilson, Garrison Keillor, Paul Reubens, Grey DeLisle, Jacob Bertrand
Directors: Spike Brandt, Tony Cervone
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 57 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

Who doesn’t love Tom and Jerry? I recently just took a flight on JetBlue and I found myself watching Tom and Jerry marathon the whole trip and just laughing. Warner Bros. has done a good job of keeping this franchise alive and fresh with new original movies, even now and then. “Tom and Jerry’s Giant Adventure” is a new animated adaptation of classic story “Jack and the Beanstalk”. It features some great voice talents including Tom Wilson, Garrison Keillor, Paul Reubens, Grey Delisle and Jacob Bertran. If you are a fan of Tom and Jerry, this is a must purchase. It is clever, funny and great for the whole family!

Official Premise: In this all-new original movie, Tom and Jerry are among the last animals living in Storybook Town, a fairy tale-inspired theme park “where dreams come true, if you believe.” Young Jack is desperate to save the park from the hands of a greedy billionaire, setting out with his loyal cat and mouse friends to sell his prize cow for… some magic beans?! What follows is a journey up a beanstalk to a magical land ruled by a massively mean and hungry giant, and home to fun, fabled fellows like Droopy, Spike and even a golden goose! Will Tom and Jerry put an end to their furry feud long enough to save Storybook Town? You don’t need to wish upon a star. Join Tom and Jerry on their amazing adventure and find out.

Warner Bros. delivered this animated feature in a nice combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD and Ultraviolet digital copy. The 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 looks fantastic, as it has with past Tom and Jerry feature film releases. The colors are very sharp and pop nicely. My daughter really enjoyed this film due to that and also the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, which wraps up the complete package very well. One thing, I am a disappointed about in this release is the lack of special features. I would have even settled for some classic or even new cartoons to accompany this all-new feature film.

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DVD Review “Teen Beach Movie”

Actors: Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Grace Phipps, Garrett Clayton, John DeLuca
Director: Jeffrey Hornaday
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: July 30, 2013
Run Time: 91 minutes

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

Ever since “High School Musical” aired on Disney Channel seven years ago, it has brought back the musical and delivered it to a younger audience. I grew up watching musical like “Grease” and I cannot say not to a fun and excited film with great music. Well “Teen Beach Movie” definitely delivers some major fun for the entire family. I watched this film with my 14 month old daughter and she literally had a blast and was running around screaming. It may be cheesy and but I feel that it is exactly what it should be. Ross Lynch is known best for his role in Disney Channel TV series, “Austin & Ally” and really does great singing and dancing. Maia Mitchell is an Australian newcomer, who is going to be very big in the coming years. It delivers some really catchy fun musical, along with a cute young very talented cast and comes together into a very entertaining 90 minutes. Most importantly the film also packs an important message for kids. Highly recommended.

Official Premise: “Teen Beach Movie” centers around two teen surfers, Brady and Mackenzie, who are magically transported into a 1960’s beach movie where they must try to blend in until they can find their way out. They soon discover that there is an intense rivalry between the local surfers and bikers. Things don’t go according to plan when our modern-day duo accidentally change the plot of the movie, and the two lead characters fall for them instead of each other! As everyone around them starts singing and dancing, and a fight between the bikers and surfers breaks out, Brady and Mack must attempt to get out of the movie and back to present day.

There twelve brand new songs within for this film with each one being more fun than the next. Sure they are cheesy but still fun. “Surf Crazy” is a great energtic song. “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin'” is easily my favorite.  I love the dance choreography during this song.  Same goes for “Like Me”, which is ultra catchy and really fun. All I can say is that the minute, we finished watching this movie, I immediately when on iTunes and purchased the soundtrack and I am sure that you will be doing the same. Speaking of “Grease” BTW, fans of the Broadway production, should keep an eye out of stage veteran Barry Bostwick (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), who plays Maia’s uncle. I only wish he could have gotten a few line in during a song.

The biggest thing that I am disappointed with this release is the lack of a Blu-ray release.  Come on Disney, I know DVDs are still marketed primarly towards kids but this film would have really benefited with its music and colors sets on a Blu-ray disc.  The DVD does include some decent special features. There is exclusive Rehearsal Footage, which is fun to watch.  I saw a spot for the film on Disney Channel and they said that actors make the best dancers and these kids really have a lot of life in them. I would love to been able to move like they do. There is also a Never-Before-Seen Song included, which is a must for any fan of the film. Lastly, I would have loved to seen a sing-along version available but we can still hold our breath if they ever come out with a Blu-ray release. Can’t wait till “Teen Beach Movie 2”!

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CD Review: Five Finger Death Punch “The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell – Volume 1”

Five Finger Death Punch
“The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1”
Prospect Park
Producer: Kevin Churko
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Los Angeles metalers Five Finger Death Punch are back with the first of two new albums titled “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1”. The album is the follow up to the bands 2011 release “American Capitalist” which was certified gold in September of 2012. “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” is being released via Prospect Park and features 14 hard rocking songs produced by Kevin Churko.

Prepare to have your fillings knocked loose as the boys in Five Finger Death Punch pull no punches with the first of two new releases slated for 2013. “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” Immediately amps things up with probably my favorite song off the album titled “Lift Me Up” which features a stellar guest performance by the Metal God himself Rob Halford. The album takes you on a roller coast ride of emotion as singer Ivan Moody seems to be venting his inner most demons on tracks such as “Burn MF” and “Dot Your Eyes”.

Moody’s vocal presentation combined with the thunderous bottom end of bassist Chris Kael and drummer Jeremy Spencer and the searing tandem guitar attack of Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook the album sounds amazing! Though I’m not a big fan of albums that feature different version of the same song FFDP was able to make it work with the addition of guest vocalists Maria Brink, Jamey Jasta and Max Cavalera. Each guest performer seemed to not only give the track a breath of fresh air but also elevate them to a higher performance level.

Solid from start to finish “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” delivers. If the bands 13 original tracks weren’t enough for you the guys in FFDP take things a step further by throwing in a rocking rendition of the LL Cool J classic “Mama Said Knock You Out”. Whether you are a fan of heavy metal or not the latest release from Five Finger Death Punch is a must have.

Track Listing:
1.) Lift Me Up (feat. Rob Halford)
2.) Watch You Bleed
3.) You
4.) Wrong Side of Heaven
5.) Burn MF
6.) I.M.Sin
7.) Anywhere But Here (feat. Maria Brink)
8.) Dot Your Eyes
9.) M.I.N.E. (End This Way)
10.) Mama Said Knock You Out (feat. Tech N9ne)
11.) Dairy of a Deadman
12.) I.M.Sin (feat. Max Cavalera)
13.) Anywhere But Here
14.) Dot Your Eyes (feat. Jamey Jasta)

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DVD Review “Olympus Has Fallen”

Actors: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Robert Forster
Directors: Antoine Fuqua
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment
DVD Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 120 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When you watch a film like “Olympus Has Fallen”, you have to go in just expecting a mindless kick-ass action thriller and that is exactly what you get. The director Antoine Fuqua has delivered us great films in the past like “Training Day” and delivers here again.  It packs a powerful cast including Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Dylan McDermott, Angela Bassett, and Melissa Leo. The talent is there, the action is there.  This film is plain and simple fun.  I am not sure why though Hollywood has this obsession with destroying the White House but it makes for an entertaining film, no doubt.

Official synopsis: When the White House (Secret Service Code: “Olympus”) is captured by a terrorist mastermind and the President is kidnapped, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning finds himself trapped within the building. As our national security team scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning’s inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President, and avert an even bigger disaster.

“Olympus Has Fallen” is a film that needs to be seen on the biggest screen and in with the best audio/video quality. I feel that besides theatrical, Blu-ray is the only way to really watch this in my opinion. Despite the audio/video, aspect, my biggest issue with DVD’s today is that they lack a lot of the extras that Blu-ray contains.  There are tons of great special features included on the Blu-ray and yet we get nothing on the DVD release. It is completely bare-bones and that to me is very disappointing.  The only positive is that there is an Ultraviolet digital copy. I definitely would recommend going Blu with this one!

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Blu-ray Review “The Sapphires”

Actors: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell
Directors: Wayne Blair
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 99 minutes

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

After first glance I was really wasn’t interested in the film “The Sapphires” but it has since attracted some very impressive buzz and great reviews, so I gave in…and was that a good decision! You man recognize the lead star Chris O’Dowd from his role in “Bridesmaids”. He really steps up in this role and shows off what he can really do…including singing. The film itself is very entertaining. It packs a solid mix of emotions, music and all while manages to touch on an important message. Also be sure to have a few tissues handy. I would recommend this to anyone looking for some great tunes and a movie that actually comes with a great message of equality.

Besides Dowd, “The Sapphires” aka Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens & Miranda Tapsell are all just as equally amazing. They really all work together and deliver a fantastic collaborative cast. They also get to sing their hearts out…and sound amazing! There are 16 songs included in the film from the time period, including “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “What A Man,” “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch,” “Soul Man,” “Today I Started Loving You Again,” and “In the Sweet Bye and Bye.” They are great songs that we all know and love and due to that it adds a lot of energy to this film. You will it very hard not to be singing along.

Official Premise: Four smart, gutsy young Australian Aboriginal women become unlikely stars in the most unlikely of places, with the most unlikely of allies, in The Sapphires. Set in 1968, the film follows Gail (Deborah Mailman), Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Kay (Shari Sebbens) as they seize a risky, but irresistible, chance to launch a professional career singing for U.S. troops in Vietnam. Under the guidance of an R&B-loving Irish musician, Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd), the girls transform themselves into a sizzling soul act and set out to make a name for themselves hundreds of miles from home. Inspired by a true story, The Sapphires is a celebration of music, family and self-discovery.

The Blu-ray is being released as a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. The 1080p transfer really shines with the film’s period and the musical numbers. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is the star of this release and really shines due to the collection of great music throughout. The track really gets a work out for sure and delivers these great vocal tracks perfectly balanced. The special features are good but not as spectacular as the film itself. There is a decent behind-the-scenes look in “The Making of The Sapphires”. There is an “Interview With The Original Sapphires”, which is a cool to see. Lastly there is a focus on the film’s music in “The Music of The Sapphires with Jessica Mauboy”.

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Film Review “The To Do List

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons and Bill Hader
Directed by: Maggie Carey
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 44 mins
CBS Films

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

From “Porkys to “American Pie” to “Superbad,” movies about youngsters trying to lose their virginity have seemed to strike a vein in pop culture. That trend continues in the new film “The To Do List” but with a small twist. Instead of the guy looking for that one loose girl the film follows a girl looking to become loose. The laughs are there, as is the raunch. But without an underlying sweetness to the main character, you may or may not care if she achieves her goal.

Brandy Klark (Plaza) is the valedictorian of her Boise, Idaho graduating class of 1993. Sure of herself to the point of being obnoxious, she goes as far as to write the principal’s opening notes of her introduction. But when someone yells “Get off the stage, Virgin,” she begins to contemplate the summer ahead of her, which will lead to her first year in college. Confiding in her best, and more experienced, friends Fiona (Alia Shawkat) and Wendy (Sarah Steele), Brandy begins to make a list of everything she’s ever heard of and hasn’t done, from her first French kiss to, well, let’s just say that three of her goals end in the word “job.”

The more I thought about why I didn’t fall in love with this film, which is obviously trying to be another “Bridesmaids,” the more the reason why hit me. This is writer/director Carey’s first fictional feature and she hasn’t gotten down the little things that extend a joke and add some talent behind it. It’s almost as if she thought that dirty language and over the top hijinx makes a film appreciable. It doesn’t.

Plaza does a fine job leading the cast. Besides her two friends she spends a lot of time with Cameron (Simmons) a fellow graduate and former lab partner who likes Brandy as more than a friend. As she begins crossing things off her list, Cameron unwittingly becomes her test dummy. Of course, these actions confuse him emotionally. Brandy has set her eyes on Rusty Waters (Scott Porter), the blonde and buffed, guitar-playing older boy she accidentally kisses at a party. A lot of her lusting takes place at the neighborhood pool, where Brandy has started work as a life guard. A lot of the fun happens here thanks to Bill Hader, who plays Willy, the non-swimming manager of said pool. Willy is the emotional equivalent of Bill Murray’s Carl Spackler in “Caddyshack” and is the highlight of every scene he’s in. The film is actually well cast from top to bottom. Plaza brings her deadpan comedic style that she uses in television’s “Parks and Recreation” to Brandy and does well. Also funny are Clark Gregg and Connie Britton, who play Brandy’s folks.

As for the raunch quotient, there are things done and discussed here that would make Jason Biggs violating a pie look like a scene out a Disney Channel special. Some of the gags (literally) are funny, but in my opinion director Carey needs to work on her timing. Many of the bits go on just a bit too long, turning something FUNNY into something less. The script is full of mid 1990s gags, from wanting to watch “Home Improvement” to Brandy’s obsession with Hillary Clinton. You also get to hear 2 Live Crew’s 1989 song “Me So Horny” in all its uncensored glory, which pretty much sets the tone for the next hour and a half.

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Blu-ray Review “Trance”

Actors: James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel, Danny Sapani, Matt Cross
Directors: Danny Boyle
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: July 23, 2013
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

When I saw the trailer to “Trance”, I knew that I would be in for a trip of a movie! The film is fast, visually amazing and jam-packed with great twists…all from the wonderful mind of Danny Boyle. Plus top that off some amazing performances from James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel and this is one crazy-fun movie. This is a film that actually makes you think and may not be for everyone. If you are looking for a no-brainer action film then look somewhere else. This challenges you and when you think you got it, it does a 360 degree turn. So if you are looking for something unique, then I would definitely recommend checking this out for sure.

Official Premise: Danny Boyle helms this psychological thriller about an auctioneer falling foul of a gang of ruthless art thieves. When upmarket art auctioneer Simon (McAvoy) double-crosses the gang responsible for the daring daylight robbery of a priceless painting by Goya, he incurs the wrath of the gang’s violent leader, Franck (Cassel). In the aftermath of a beating where he is knocked unconscious, Simon claims to be suffering from amnesia and is therefore unable to remember where the painting is, provoking Franck into hiring female hypnotist Elizabeth (Dawson) to find the answer. But as Elizabeth delves ever deeper into Simon’s subconscious, the lines between fantasy and reality converge, threatening to consume all as a series of shocking events spiral violently out of control.

20th Century Fox is delivering this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and HD Digital Copy including UltraViolet streaming. The 1080p transfer is very impressive and shot with a certain hypnotic feel (pun intended). It is framed with a nice aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The star of the release though is the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio track. It is very impressive and honestly a bit of a shock from this little film.  The music and dialogue benefit very well for this mix.

The special features are impressive as well but I would have loved to see a cast/crew commentary track.  There are seven deleted scenes, which run just over 15 minutes total. “The Power of Suggestion – Making Trance” is a really sharp 30+ minute in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production. “Danny Boyle: A Retrospective” is a basic rundown on the director’s career to date. “Eugene” is a short film created by Spemcer Susser, which follows the film’s main character coming into the possession of a magic lamp laptop. Lastly there is a trailer and also an easter egg included called “Trance Unraveled”, but you have to find it yourself.

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Blu-ray Review “My Little Pony: Equestria Girls”

Starring: Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain, Cathy Weseluck, Rebecca Shoichet
Directors: Jayson Thiessen
Rated TV-Y
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 72 minutes

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

I have to admit, love it or hate it “My Little Pony” is very popular since the TV series “Friendship is Magic” really took off with fans of all ages. The brand has never been popular and now Hasbro got even more and decided to expand in this universe. “My Little Pony: Equestria Girls” shows our favorite ponies being transformed in teenage girls. This gives Hasbro another opportunity to continue producing more toys, apparel, publishing and accessories for this franchise. I think this was a very smart idea. And to be honest the movie is quite fun, especially for young girls. My daughter enjoyed it quite a bit between the music and the bright colors. A must watch for any fan of the show, whether you are a young girl or even an adult you will enjoy this.

Official Premise: When Twilight Sparkle’s crown is stolen from the Crystal Empire, she pursues the thief, Sunset Shimmer, into an alternate world where she finds herself turned into…a teenage girl! To regain her crown and return to Equestria, Twilight must learn how to fit into this strange, new world and defeat Sunset Shimmer in a competition to become crowned Princess of the Fall Formal at Canterlot High. Luckily, she will have the assistance of Spike and five teenage girls who remind her of a certain group of ponies back home.

If you are a fan of the series, then you will be happy to know that this full-length movie follows the events of “Magical Mystery Cure”, which was the final episode of the third season of “Friendship is Magic”. So it continues the story line and holds us off until season four comes this November. I also like that it has a certain “Alice Through the Looking Glass” feel to it as well.  I noticed that from the moment I saw the box and it peaked my interest. Comparing this to the TV series, it is a little more mature since the ponies are turned into high school girls but it is nothing that a young girls will not be able to watch. Also the end monster is a little scary for younger kids.

Shout! Factory really has given a lot of love to the “My Little Pony” over the last few years. I also should point out that this is the first time that the ponies have been given a high-def Blu-ray release. So the 1080p transfer really shines (or should I say sparkles, maybe?). The colors are really sharp and the animation style looks fantastic. Like I mentioned there is some fun movie in the film with six new songs from Dan Ingram, but it is more pop music and quite different from the original series but that is a good thing also. The special features are also fun including a featurette called “Through The Mirror Of Equestria Girls”. There is karaoke versions of the songs in the film. There is an option to “Pony-fy Yourself” and lastly there is a Printable Movie Poster included.

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Film Review “The Wolverine”

Starring: Hugh Jackman and Rila Fukushima
Directed by: James Mangold
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 6 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Wow, *the* Batman – or is it just “Batman”?

As you can see, there is something to be said about the word “the.” In “Batman Returns” it was a way of identifying a hero. On the flip side, that single word drove the Knights That Say “Ni!” into a rabid tizzy. So does the inclusion of “the” make this film better than 2009s “Wolverine?” In a word, yes.

August 9, 1945. In a prisoner of war camp outside of Nagasaki, Japan, we find the man Logan (Jackman) being kept in an underground prison cell. An imminent air attack has frightened the leaders of the camp, causing one of the guards, named Yashida (Ken Yamamura) to set the prisoners free. He frees Logan last then is called to join his fellow guards as they perform hari kari. As Yashida pulls his sword his eye catches a sight across the water that he will never forget. A single plane dropping a single bomb. Suddenly he is picked up and dropped into the cell Logan once occupied. Logan covers Yashida’s body as the city erupts into a giant ball of flame. Six days later, the Great War is over.

Present day. We join Logan as he sleeps. But his sleep is not easy. Visions of his late love, Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) fill his dreams. Dreams that do not end well. One day he is approached by a young woman named Yukio (Fukushima). She has been sent to find Logan by her master, a man that wants to thank him for a great deed. That man is Yashida. Logan consents to fly to Japan, noting that he’ll only be there long enough to say “hello” and “goodbye.” You would think by now he would know better!

Full of kick-butt action and some incredible stunts, “The Wolverine” joins this summer’s “Iron Man 3” and “Man of Steel” as a worthy member of their respective series. As embodied by Jackman, Logan/Wolverine is a decent man who has accepted the fact that he will always be different. When we meet him in the future he is living in the woods outside a rural town. When he goes into town to buy some batteries for his radio the clerk asks him if he, like most of her customers, is a hunter. “Not anymore,” is the reply. But like the creature he is named after, Logan is constantly on the hunt, though at times he doesn’t seem to know what for.

While in Japan we are introduced to a now very old Yashida (Haruhiko Yamanouchi), who acknowledges his debt to Logan and asks him if he had the chance, would he trade his immortality for a normal life. Logan understands the question. Yashida is willing to do what is necessary to gain the power hidden behind inside Logan’s body. But is Logan ready to provide it? That is one of the many problems confronting our adamantium-clawed hero. Others include battles with ninjas, the Yakuza and an eight foot metal warrior. Piece of cake.

Here’s some trivia for you fans: Hugh Jackman was not originally cast as Wolverine in the first “X-men” film. Director Bryan Singer wanted Russell Crowe and settled for Dougray Scott. Scott left the film to join Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible 2,” giving the role, and an incredible career, to Jackman. I tell you this because I can’t for the life of me see anyone else playing this character. Jackman IS Logan/Wolverine. He inhibits the role and gives what could easily be a one-dimensional comic book character a soul, albeit a tortured one. On the production side, who knew that James Mangold, the director of films like “Cop Land” and “Walk the Line,” had a comic book movie in him? Like Kenneth Branagh and “Thor” he was a surprising choice but he delivers the goods here in spades. The Japanese locations, both in the city and country, are breathtakingly beautiful. The visual effects are outstanding, including a rooftop fight on the top of a Bullet Train traveling over 300 mile per hour. To call it exhilarating is truly an understatement. If I had to find a problem if would be the time. The film ends with a group of “ninjas” giving Logan and his talents a hard time in what appears to be another film that feels it must present a long and rousing final battle. It isn’t needed here and the film could easily lose 20 minutes and still play as well.

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CD Review: Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals “Walk Through the Exits”

Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals
“Walk Through the Exits”
HouseCore Records
Producer: Philip Anselmo/Michael Thompson
Tracks: 8

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Pantera/Down/Super Joint Ritual front man Phil Anselmo is back with his first ever solo project “Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals. The group’s debut CD titled “Walk Through the Exits” was just released via HouseCore Records and features 8 tracks produced by Anselmo and Michael Thomson.

Having been a huge Pantera fan since the group’s first album I have always tried to keep up with Phil’s various side projects since the group disbanded in 2003 however that has proved to be somewhat of a full time job. From Super joint Ritual and Down to various other off shoots you never seem to know when the chameleon like front man will appear. Upon hearing that he would be released his first solo album I was quite interested in hearing what he had to offer. After my first run through of the 8 tracks that make up “Walk Through the Exits” I was left extremely confused and a bit disappointed. Every song seemed to lack direction and structure leaving nothing but a chaotic mess of noise. That’s not to say there were several riffs that started off great however those quickly disappeared in to the abyss of clutter. If I had to choose a favorite track off the album I would have to say that “Bedroom Destroyer” would be it. The song still was a bit of a cluster however I felt it had the most solid structure of the 8 tracks and was fairly accessible.

For those interested in something completely different and don’t mind music that is a little more free form then the debut release from Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals may be right up your alley.  But for those looking to find something in the vein of Phil’s previous work this might not be the best choice for you or someone looking for a new favorite group.

Track Listing:
1.) Music Media Is My Whore
2.) Battalion of Zero
3.) Betrayed
4.) Usurper’s Bastard Rant
5.) Walk Through the Exits
6.) Bedroom Destroyer
7.) Bedridden
8.) Irrelevant Walls and Computer Screens

 

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Book Review “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Heaven: (Or, How I Made Peace with the Paranormal and Stigmatized Zealots and Cynics in the Process)” by Corey Taylor

Author: Corey Taylor
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Heaven” is the second book release from Slipknot/Stone Sour front man Corey Taylor. After the success of Taylor’s New York Times best selling tell all titled “Seven Deadly Sins: Settling the Argument between Born Bad and Damaged Good” Taylor and Da Capo Press are back with “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Heaven”. The book recounts Taylor’s personal experiences with the paranormal and his relentless approach to better understand the unexplained.

If the interesting title doesn’t grab you the stories contained within Corey Taylor’s new book “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Heaven” will certainly hold your attention. At several points throughout the reading of this book the hair on my arms was standing completely straight up. From the story of “Cold House” to the paranormal events that plagued Slipknot recording sessions there were definitely points where I should have put the book down but couldn’t. Though the more technical chapters contained in the book were at times lengthy and somewhat dry forging through that material proved fruitful as Mr. Taylor made sure to deliver with the following chapters.

Fans of Taylor’s previous works may be a little disappointed that “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Heaven” is not the second installment to “Seven Deadly Sins” as this new book at times skirts around some of the debauchery Taylor and his fellow band mates are known. However those looking for that type of material are for warned in the opening paragraphs that the book is not designed to be a tell all. Taylor clearly delved in to the depths of his haunted mind to bring some of this material to light and that alone will surely entice readers to pick up this book.

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Theatre Review “The Little Mermaid: The Musical” Starlight Theater – Kansas City, MO

The Little Mermaid The Musical
Starlight Theater
Kansas City, Missouri
July 23, 2013

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Any time you’re hoping to replicate the success of a Disney production, you’re going to be automatically met with how well you stack up against the original. Even with a hazy memory of how the story to “The Little Mermaid” went, I still had a fairly good idea what to expect and I’m glad to report that not only does this Broadway-style production stays true to the 1989 classic, it is a delight to watch.

For those readers whose memory may be equally fuzzy, let me catch you up to speed. Ariel (Jessica Grove) is a mermaid and also the youngest daughter of King Triton (Edward Watts). Much to his dismay, she constantly visits the ocean’s surface and dreams of not only walking on the shore but living on dry land with the other humans. It doesn’t help when she rescues and falls in love with a Prince Eric (Nick Adams). Anymore information and I will have ruined the first half for those of you who haven’t seen the 1989 film or read the children’s story by Hans Christian Andersen.

The show gets off to a slow start with a song written for the production, but kicks into gear with the song everyone should know, “Part of Your World”. Grove is definitely talented and easily hits the high notes in the song. In fact everyone in the show is well cast in their roles. Still there are some low moments. The film’s most popular song, “Under the Sea”, doesn’t feel as epic or magical as it should in my opinion. My memory may have been blurry but I distinctly remember that song. I will add, in the show’s defense, that I’m sure it’s hard to create a sea alive with song and dance on stage. You could say it’s a tad villainous, but Ursula (Liz McCartney) almost steals the show. Any time she’s on stage, her presence is definitely felt and McCartney really belts out the lyrics in grand style, especially during the songs “Daddy’s Little Angel” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls”.

Major props to the men and women behind the scenes of this production. To add to the effect that they’re underwater and swimming the cast is literally whisked into the air and across the stage. One man who certainly deserves a lot of credit is John MacInnis, who choreographed the show. One of the best instances of perfectly matched movements is during “Sweet Child” when the eels, Flotsam and Jetsam (Scott Leiendecker and Sean Patrick Doyle), move as one entity. Though “The Little Mermaid” lacks a lot of big dance numbers, one thing that really impressed me was watching the the actors constantly “swimming” in place, even when they don’t speak a single word during the scene. On the negative side, someone should send a note to the sound guy. Often times the music was much louder than the singing and I often saw parents covering their children’s ears because of how loud the volume was. I even found myself wincing at the volume a couple of times.

I haven’t seen the animated film in almost 20 years but I may have to after seeing this show. There may be a few things from the film that the production didn’t do justice, but I can guarantee there are plenty they triumphed on. The cast of “The Little Mermaid” should be proud they did the original justice while creating new memories for children of all ages.

This production runs at Starlight Theater until July 28th. For tickets visit www.kcstarlight.com

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Filed Under: Theatre Reviews Tagged With: city, kansas, mermaid, mo, musical, review, ...

Blu-ray Review “Under the Bed”

Actors: Jonny Weston, Gattlin Griffith, Peter Holden, Musetta Vander, Kelcie Stranaha
Directors: Steven C. Miller
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Xlrator
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

I have been a fan of Steven C. Miller’s films since I first saw “Automaton Transfusion” years ago. His latest projects like “The Aggression Scale” and “Silent Night” are showing him getting better and better as a director. Steven has a love for the classic horror scares and he set out to do that with “Under the Bed” and succeeds. The film has some nice jumps and also well shot. It is also feels very original and not like another tired low-budget horror film. The scale of the film feels quite large, which is another thing that I believe that Steve has mastered with his film. I would easily recommend this to any horrorhound and if you like it, be sure to also check out his other films as well.

Official Premise: Every child knows about the monster under the bed Neal Hausman’s mistake was trying to fight it. Neal (Jonny Weston, Chasing Mavericks) has returned from a two-year exile following his tragic attempt to defeat the monster, only to find his father ticking ever closer to a breakdown, a new stepmother who fears him, and his little brother Paul (Gattlin Griffith, Green Lantern, Changeling), terrorized by the same monster. While Neal and Paul work together to try and fight the nocturnal menace, their parents are taking desperate measures to get the family back to normal. With no support from their parents, the brothers have nothing to rely on but each other, and courage beyond belief.

The film also packs a pretty decent cast including Jonny Weston (“Chasing Mavericks”), Gattlin Griffith (“Green Lantern”) and Peter Holden (The Social Network). The Blu-ray itself looks sharp with its 1080p transfer and its audio track does well with the creepy score to set the scene for the jumps. The one part that I was the most upset with was there is zero special features included. I am seeing a bit of a trend with recent Xlrator releases and I hope that this doesn’t continue on this trend. I would have loved to see a commentary and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bed, bluray, review

Blu-ray Review “Heavy Traffic”

Actors: Joseph Kaufmann, Beverly Hope Atkinson
Directors: Ralph Bakshi
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 77 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

“Heavy Traffic” is writer-director Ralph Bakshi’s follow-up to his controversial animated adult film “Fritz the Cat”, which is a hard act to follow. It is quite an odd and spacey film, definitely something that came out of the 70’s for sure. It is definitely not for everyone but is still super entertaining for fans of Bakshi’s work and like most of his films it is chock full of sex and violence. Bakshi really has a unique visual style to his animated projects.  They are like nothing else that I have ever seen.  This is the first time that this film has ever been on Blu-ray, thanks to Shout! Factory. It is not the perfect release we are all hoping for after the fantastic recent release of Bakshi’s “Wizards” on Blu-ray but I would recommend for those hardcore animation fans.

Official Premise: Heavy Traffic, the second feature from writer/director Ralph Bakshi (Fritz the Cat), combines a quick-edit pace, a frenetic story line and an array of eye-popping animation and live-action styles. Michael, a young artist who lives with his neurotic mother and two-timing father, escapes the absurd and often ugly side of life on New York’s tough streets by satirizing its rich yet wacky characters in wildly entertaining cartoons. From the gruff homeless and wisecracking prostitutes to gun-toting gangsters and corrupt cops, Michael’s world becomes an outlandish kaleidoscope of shocking images and horrifying events that are either a testament of his wild imagination or a reminder of the strangeness of reality.

Shout! Factory is releasing “Heavy Traffic” on Blu-ray with a pretty decent 1080p transfer in 1.67:1 aspect ratio.  The film doesn’t look perfect but that is the feeling that I get from Bakshi’s films.  They are not perfect.  They are low budget and it looks as good as it can.  The mix of animation and live action is presented well and the colors are sharp. The audio track comes with an also decent  DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track.  It works for the dialogue and the film’s music. Doesn’t blow you away but does the trick. Unfortunately, there are zero special included to complement this Blu-ray release. I would have loved to seen Ralph Bakshi do up a commentary track on this release but I doubt he had any involvement at all.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, heavy, review, traffic

Blu-ray Review “Great White Shark – A Living Legend”

Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: July 23, 2013
Run Time: 50 minutes

Special: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Anything related to shark, count me in.  With Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” right around the corner, “Great White Shark – A Living Legend” arrives at the perfect time. This episode was originally filmed for “Natural World” on BBC. If you can’t get that from the cover art we get to go up close and personal one of our most feared predators in our oceans. I mean who doesn’t love shark.  I am absolutely fascinated and eat up anything I can get on these amazing creatures. My main concern is that this only runs 50-minutes but it is entertaining and there is a bit of knowledge shared here but nothing out of this world.  If would recommend this for hardcore shark fan. Come on in the water!

Official Premise: Get up close and personal with one of the most vicious predators of our oceans, the Great White Shark! We think of great whites as fearsome aquatic killers, but do we know them as well as we think? In this presentation from BBC’s acclaimed Natural History Unit, Mike Rutzen, the world’s foremost great white shark diver, follows great whites as they feed, at proximity never before achieved. Mike’s unique ability to communicate with them using his body language allows him to swim amongst them unscathed. Mike explores why occasionally attack people. He also challenges the view that their feeding is unstructured and frenzied, to prove instead that they obey the subtle rules of a complex form of social hierarchy.

Even though it is short, BBC still delivered a very nice Blu-ray presentation for “Great White Shark: A Living Legend”. The episode looks amazing with its 1080p high definition in 1.78.1 widescreen.  The colors are sharp and the detail is very impressive. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is also quite great. Since there is no action in this film, the score and music still delivers  a great surround experience and takes advantage of this track. In the special features department, there is only one extras included, called “Smart Sharks: Swimming With Roboshark”. This 50-minute documentary is narrated by David Attenborough and looks into the life sized mechanical shark designed by Andrew Sneath. This as a good companion to “Great White Shark – A Living Legend”.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, great, legend, living, review, shark, ...
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