Blu-ray Review “Come Out and Play”

Actors: Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vinessa Shaw
Directors: Makinov
Rated: Unrated
Studio: New Video Group
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

When I first saw “Come Out and Play”, I was blown away. I thought that it was a slow-burn horror film that really grabbed you. The second viewing of it was still impressive but I feel that the shock and wow factor have passed. Still the third act really packs a solid punch and will leave you mouthing the words “What the f***k, no question. This is directed by Makinov, who we know little about personally except that he is known for wearing a mask. This is based on Juan José Plan’s 1976 Spanish horror classic, “El Juego De Niños”. Think “Children of the Corn”, hold the corn and taking place on an island. I would easily recommend for any horror fan!

Official Premise: Beth (Vinessa Shaw) and Francis (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) decide to take a vacation before the birth of their child. Francis insists on venturing to a more serene island; Beth hesitantly agrees. Soon they discover the island is mysteriously abandoned, populated only by children. Beth and Francis are left to uncover the mystery of the disappearances, as a day in paradise quickly turns into a struggle for survival.

“Come Out and Play” comes with a very sharp presentation, thanks to New Video Group. The 1080p transfer comes with a unique aspect ratio of 2.24:1 but it still works very well. Makinov himself also took on the role of Cinematographer on this film and had a very specific approach to his vision. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sounds great and holds the suspense well as hoped. Again Makinov also scored this film himself, which sounds amazing and I would love to get my hands on a copy. The special features though a a little light with a few short deleted/extended scenes, a short EPK with two interviews, a making of featurette focusing on the kids stunts and finally a trailer is included.

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Theater Review “Catch Me If You Can” Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO

Catch Me If You Can
Starlight Theatre
Kansas City, MO

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Catch Me If You Can” is a true story based on Frank Abagnale Jr (Stephen Anthony), a quick talking fast learning teenager who, in the 1960’s, was an airline pilot, doctor, and a lawyer, all before the age of 21! Frank spends the majority of the story being tailed by FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Merritt David Janes), a devoted and stubborn man who has made catching Abegnale his number one priority.

Following the divorce of his parents and the loss of his father, Frank Sr. (Dominic Fortuna), Frank Jr, decided being on his own is better than living in a broken home. He starts out by faking a Pan Am Pilots badge. He flies to over 26 different countries and helps copilot over 250 flights. He cashes his fake Pan Am checks all over the world under different aliases to stay a step ahead of the feds. This catches the attention of Agent Hanratty who is the only agent in his department who really feels this “shadow” pilot is trouble. He doesn’t realize that his cat and mouse game will one day land one of the most notable imposters of the 20th Century. While on the run from Hanratty, Frank decides to drop the pilot job and starts practicing medicine as an overnight ER physician. Here he meets Brenda Strong (Aubrey Mae Davis) who not only steals his heart but makes him think about dropping the whole charade he has been living and be an honest husband. Well that doesn’t go just as planned when, while meeting Brenda’s parents, he decides to announce that he will be practicing law thus starting another career as lawyer.

Frank will eventually be caught but the relationship that Abagnale and Hanratty have developed over the years does not let the story end with Frank’s capture. Abagnale was arguably the greatest ever at forgery and impersonation so, after a short stint in prison, he ishired on by the FBI and today is still very good friends with Agent Hanratty.

If you have read the book or seen the movie you know that “Catch Me If You Can” is nothing short of a brilliant story. Unfortunately the stage performance I witnessed was far from brilliant. I felt that Frank’s cracking voice was just unnecessary. I understand that he was a teen but short of a having a deep baritone voice the performance would have been much more believable if he (Anthony) would have just used his real voice. The jokes were corny, the songs sub par, and only a couple actors were not guilty over completely over acting.

That being said Hanratty (Janes) and Frank Sr. (Fortuna) kept me in my seat while watching this play. They give great performances and are really the only good performers I saw on stage. Both actors have experience on Broadway and it showed. Their actions matched their characters and emotions and their performances were effortless in a good way.

“Catch Me if You Can” is truly is great story and Starlight is a great venue to experience musical theater but if you would like to know the story of Frank Abagnale Jr. I would advise you rent the movie or read his book.

 

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CD Review: Queensrÿche “Queensrÿche”

Queensrÿche
“Queensrÿche”
Century Media
Tracks: 11
Total Running Time:
35:09
Release Date:
June 25, 2013 (USA/Canada);
June 24, 2013 (Europe)

Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

“I don’t know. We don’t really have a plan right now. Honestly, this has been a really long tour and everybody’s just kind of burnt out… It’s probably just time to get home and chill and recharge the batteries. And then we’ll start talking in a couple of months about ‘Oh, do you wanna do something?’ and we’ll see what happens.”
~ Geoff Tate’s response to me on November 12, 2011 after being asked what the near future might hold for Queensrÿche (click here for full interview)

Of course, what did happen soon after my interview with the now-ousted lead singer has now become the stuff of tabloid fodder and rock and roll infamy. The sordid details – including Tate allegedly spitting on, punching, and perhaps even wielding a knife on his former band mates – will be hashed out in a courtroom sometime later this year when Tate and company battle to see who legally has the right to carry on using the band’s moniker. Until then, there are actually two Queensrÿches: in the red corner, there’s the one comprised of Geoff Tate and a seemingly ever-changing backing band comprised of hired heavy metal heavies and, in the blue corner, there’s the one that includes the rest of the Rÿche’s instrumentalists with new front man, Todd La Torre, formerly of Crimson Glory.

Tate’s camp has already released a hastily-produced album’s worth of new material, “Frequency Unknown” – or “F.U.”, for short (subtle, eh?) – that has been lambasted by fans and critics alike for doing nothing but tarnishing the already-damaged Queensrÿche name even further.

The Todd La Torre-led band’s album sets a markedly different tone from the onset. Rather than responding to Tate’s pugnaciously-titled “Frequency Unknown” by calling it “See Tate’s Fallacy Unfold” or some such, they’ve simply emblazoned the LP’s jacket with the band’s iconic “Tri-Ryche” logo and entitled it “Queensrÿche.” It’s a perfect choice because this eponymous release finds the group musically reconnecting with its roots, rebuilding its self-identity, and – ultimately – reclaiming a legacy.

“Queensrÿche” is an amazing return to form that (gasp!) actually sounds like a Queensrÿche album – and producer James “Jimbo” Barton, the man behind the mixing desk of the band’s biggest and best albums, “Operation: Mindcrime”, “Empire”, and “Promised Land”, undoubtedly has a lot to do with that. He knows how to blend all of the amazing musicianship at his disposal into an aural atmosphere that is unique and immediately identifiable as Queensrÿche.

The album opens with the foreboding instrumental “X2”, one that harkens back to the sonic collage that led off 1994’s “Promised Land” LP. From there, the band launches into a percussive and dual-guitar driven array of songs that firmly plant themselves in the sonic splendor of QR classics like “Screaming in Digital” and “Best I Can.” There’s no question that La Torre’s dynamic pipes are a major component behind why the songs work as well as they do. Vocally, his delivery is often similar to Tate’s, ranging from low baritone whispers to blistering highs, but he’s much more than just a sound-alike. He’s often more aggressive than Tate and that seems to have brought the best out of all of the other Tri-Rychers backing him – especially drummer Scott Rockenfield. He hasn’t sounded this pumped since the days of the glorious “Empire.” Indeed, it’s been a long time since we’ve heard the ‘Rÿche fire all thrusters and blast out satisfying crunchers like these.

My only minor complaint is that, after 35 minutes, the disc spins to a halt. Luckily, the album is so good that it’s worth listening to again – something that hasn’t been true of a Queensrÿche release for the better part of a decade. Does the new album have the power or majesty of their 1988 masterpiece “Operation: Mindcrime”? No – but that’s a lot to ask of a band that’s just undergone a major line-up change and is still in the midst of the biggest rock and roll drama since the Roger Waters / David Gilmour “which one’s Pink?” debacle. But it’s damn good and – perhaps more significantly – it’s now once again possible to imagine Queensrÿche making a record as good if not better than that seminal album because, like “Mindcrime’s” protagonist, Nikki, they seem to remember how it started and are no longer dedicated to chaos.

 

Track list:
1) X2 (1:09)
2) Where Dreams Go to Die (4:26)
3) Spore (3:25)
4) In This Light (3:24)
5) Redemption (4:16)
6) Vindication (3:26)
7) Midnight Lullaby (0:56)
8) A World Without (4:11)
9) Don’t Look Back (3:13)
10) Fallout (2:46)
11) Open Road (3:54)

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Blu-ray Review “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone”

Actors: Steve Carell, Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin
Directors: Don Scardino
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: New Line Home Video
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi AND Jim Carrey…that is comedy talent overload for me. How could you go wrong? Well if you make this the Steve Carell show (who has never impressed me post “Anchorman”). Jim Carrey is barely in the film and yet is played like a star. He is also not funny at all either given the boring character he was given to play. The best part of the film was easily Alan Arkin, who steals the show (as always). See clip below! One thing I have to give to this film is that it gets better in its third act but unfortunately by then you have already lost all interest in the characters and the story. This film just ends up adding another reason why I am not a Steve Carell fan (I really hope he doesn’t ruin “Anchorman 2” for me).

Official Synopsis: Superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone (Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Buscemi) have ruled the Las Vegas strip for years, raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt’s growing ego. But lately the duo’s greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly they’ve grown to loathe each other. Facing cutthroat competition from guerilla street magician Steve Gray (Carrey), whose cult following surges with each outrageous stunt, even their show looks stale. But there’s still a chance Burt and Anton can save the act, both onstage and off, if Burt can get back in touch with what made him love magic in the first place.

Even though the film is not perfect, Warner Bros. continues to deliver fantastic Blu-ray releases. This combo pack includes a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy with iTunes and UltraViolet. You get all the options available here to choose from. The 1080p transfer is clear and shines like Las Vegas’ strip. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works with few jokes and music throughout the film.  The special features are light in terms of content like the film itself.  There is about 20 minutes of Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes included as well as a Gag Reel, which is basically just improv-o-rama. There is a short featurette “Making Movie Magic with David Copperfield”, with the magician talking about magic. Lastly there is “Steve Gray Uncut” with raw, never-before-seen extra footage with Jim Carrey.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is available on Blu-Ray 6/25/2013 at the WB Shop http://bit.ly/18zuOvQ

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Blu-ray Review “The Last Exorcism Part II”

Actors: Ashley Bell, Julia Garner, Spencer Treat Clark, David Jensen, Tarra Riggs
Directors: Ed Gass-Donnelly
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Man did I really want to love this movie.  I thought the first “The Last Exorcism” (that just sounds wrong BTW) was pretty kick ass, not perfect but definitely cool flick.  This unnecessary sequel (hello, “Last Exorcism”) steps away from the found-footage angle but doesn’t add any scares.  In fact there are little to no good scares in this film.  The film runs 88 minutes and yet I didn’t feel that anything useful happens until just past the one hour marks and then they rush and realize this film needs to actual be about an “exorcism”.  Ashley Bell repeats her good performances from the first film but doesn’t add anything new here.  I would skip this film and keep you good or at least decent memories of the first film.

Official Premise: Continuing where the first film left off, Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell) is found terrified and alone in rural Louisiana. Back in the relative safety of New Orleans, Nell realizes that she can’t remember entire portions of the previous months only that she is the last surviving member of her family. Just as Nell begins the difficult process of starting a new life, the evil force that once possessed her is back with other, unimaginably horrific plans that mean her last exorcism was just the beginning.

Sony released thisd Blu-ray as an “Unrated Edition” but they forgot to actually also include the PG-13 theatrical version as well (not that I would have watched it anyway). Along with the Blu-ray, there is also an Ultraviolet digital copy included. The 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track are good enough for a low budget film. I wish they would have taken advantage more of New Orleans and used it as a character that it can be. The special features are not great either.  There are three featurettes including “Shooting in New Orleans”, “Hair Salon Scare – The Last Exorcism Part II goes Viral” and Nell’s Story. Lastly there is a audio commentary track with Ed Gass-Donnelly and Eli Roth.

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Film Review “Man of Steel”

Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 23 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Let me get it out in the open. Just like to some fans Sean Connery will always be James Bond to me the late Christopher Reeve will always be Superman. I’ll also admit that I teared up the first time I saw Brandon Routh sporting the cape. That being said I was more than ready to see Henry Cavill take his turn as the Man of Steel. And he doesn’t disappoint.

In the tradition of many recent “new origin” films, “Man of Steel” takes the familiar tale of the last son of Krypton and turns it into an exciting film that, like many of this summer’s movie fare, goes on way too long.

The story begins on the planet Krypton. For centuries the new-born of the planet have been genetically created, with each baby predetermined as to what their career will be (scientist, soldier). Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and his wife, Lara (Ayelet Zurer) have decided to forego science and have just had a naturally conceived baby, who they name Kal-El. Due to the constant mining of the planet’s core, Jor-El continually tries to convince the planets ruling body that the planet will soon be no more. He is rebuffed by the powers that be. As he continues to press his case, Jor-El is interrupted by a visit from General Zod (Shannon, in full Bruce Dern/Christopher Walken mode). Zod is attempting a military coup, which fails. He and his followers are sentenced to 300 cycles in the Phantom Zone. As their punishment is being meted out the planet begins to implode. Despite Lara’s reservations (“he will be a freak”), Jor-El (“he will be a God”) puts his son in a rocket and sends him to the only planet with a yellow star. Earth.

Give credit to Zack Snyder. He willingly took on one of the most iconic characters in popular fiction and added his own touches. Fans will have to forget “Smallville” or the old “Superboy” comics. Here young Clark Kent is pretty much forbidden to use his powers. His adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane) have raised him to never reveal what he can do for fear he will be taken away from then. And those powers are sometimes overwhelming. When you have super-hearing you basically hear EVERYTHING that’s happening around you. Clark learns to focus, but it isn’t easy. It also isn’t easy NOT using his powers. Seems like every time Clark turns around someone needs rescuing! After high school he becomes a nomad, wandering the continent and taking odd jobs. However, just like in his hometown of Smallville, Kansas, people need help, meaning that Clark is constantly on the move. A chance meeting with reporter Lois Lane, who is investigating a government project, sets him on the path of action and discovery.

Though the film is packed with action, almost to its detriment, it is the characters that make it interesting. Cavill is solid as Clark/Kal-El (he is only referred to once, in passing, as Superman). It took a brave actor to step into those boots and he acquits himself well. Adams makes Lois a woman of the 21st Century. She’s not smitten by Clark at first…she’s not doomed to be a damsel in distress, which makes her more interesting. Shannon is just plain evil, even outdoing Kevin Spacey’s Lex Luthor in “Superman Returns.” (speaking of Lex Luthor, keep an eye out for a couple of tanker trucks brightly painted LEX CORP). Like Robert Shaw in “From Russia With Love,” Shannon comes across as a villain who can actually kick the Man of Steel’s butt! The supporting cast does just as well, including Laurence Fishburne as Daily Planet Editor Perry White and Christopher Meloni as a high ranking Air Force officer. Last but not least, Clark’s two dads. Both Crowe and Costner add real emotion to their characters and, with this role and his work in “The Company Men,” Costner continues to make the transition from star to first rate character actor.

The visual effects are strong, with not a budgetary dollar left unspent. As I noted above, the film IS exciting, but there’s just SO MUCH going on that sometimes you lose track. After the third eight-minute sequence (yes I timed it) of Clark and General Zod throwing each other around you might think you stumbled into “Superman II.” The script and story are clever at times. When asked if he means any harm to America he reminds the interrogator that he was raised in Kansas, which made the Kansas-fied audience at the screening cheer. And this is obviously a fantasy film because when Clark tunes in the University of Kansas football game on television KU is winning!

Still, all in all, if you’re having reservations about seeing “Man of Steel” I urge you to put them away. How can you not like a man from Kansas?

 

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Film Review #2 “Man of Steel”

Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 23 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Warner Brothers has brought Superman back with the “Man of Steel” and it is better than ever. This movie will definitely revitalize the franchise. They obviously think so being that they already have “Man of Steel 2” in the works.

The movie starts out on Krypton with the birth of Kal-El. His father Jor-El (Russell Crowe) warns the planets elders of the destruction of their world which General Zod (Michael Shannon) interferes with. They did a great job showing more of life on Krypton and its technology. General Zod tried to convince Jor-El to join him but of course Jor-El refuses which leads to a good confrontation and build up.

Kal-El is sent to Earth to survive and give hope to the human race. We are now seeing a mature Kal-El aka Clark Kent living on earth trying to just blend in. Of course he gets pulled into doing some heroics which eventually leads him to look back on his life and the meaning of his existence. The way the mix the story of the young Clark Kent to the man he is in the film is very well done that it did not matter that we knew what was going to happen. Kevin Costner did an excellent job as Jonathan Kent even he didn’t have much screen time. It was just enough and not too much but did lay the ground work for Clark’s upbringing.

Lois Lane (Amy Adams) gets word of a mysterious person who saved people and follows the trail that will eventually lead to the Man Of Steel. I feel that their relationship was quick and didn’t build on it much and could have used more time. Now let’s get to Michael Shannon as General Zod. He did an amazing job and was very scary. You can reason with and see why he is so angry. After all he just wants to preserve the Kryptonian way of life.

Last but not least let’s talk about Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel. He has a very good strong presence about him and showed some good emotion as a being from another planet just trying to blend in with the world. Throughout the movie he is called Clark Kent or Kal-El. They did not call him Superman except for once in the movie.

The fights scenes were great and definitely worthy of the Man of Steel. They were fast, strong, and powerful. The special effects were great and smooth. I was able to see it in 3D and felt that it didn’t add anything to the movie but it didn’t take away from it either. At the end of the movie after the final confrontation my mouth just dropped and didn’t believe what I saw. This is a must see and I do not believe that the Superman fans will be disappointed.

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CD Review: Jimmy Eat World “Damage”

Jimmy Eat World
“Damage”
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Number of Discs: 1
Label: RCA
Running Time: 37 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I am not the biggest Jimmy Eat World fan. I am a huge though a fan of their 2001 release “Bleed American”, with hit tracks like “The Middle” and “Sweetness”. I have yet to see them replicate that success since. “Damage” is the band’s seventh studio album and their follow up to 2010′s critically-acclaimed “Invented”. I have to admit even though it doesn’t have the pop and energy of “Bleed American”, it packs some good songs and certainly grows on you over time. I recently listened to the new Black Sabbath album “13″ and I liked it but after they were over I couldn’t see myself listening to them over and over. That is not the case with “Damage”. I have a feeling that this album is going to become an indie hit over this summer for sure.

This new album was produced by Jimmy Eat World and Alain Johannes. Some of the tracks on the album are better than others but all together it is a pretty well-rounded pop album. My favorite track on the album is the title track “Damage”, it is catchy and packs a great chorus. I can see this becoming quite popular for them. Their first official single “I Will Steal You Back” is another great song and like I said, I see this one becoming a summer hit. All the tracks add up to just under 40 minutes, which is not incredibly long but they are short, sweet and to the point. If you are a long-time fan, you should definitely enjoy this. I just wish they added a little more energy into some of the tracks. But like I said, after listening looping it over a few times, the album is starting to grow on me more and more.

Track Listing:
1. Appreciation
2. Damage
3. Lean
4. Book of Love
5. I Will Steal You Back
6. Please Say No
7. How’d You Have Me
8. No, Never
9. Byebyelove
10. You Were Good

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CD Review: Queens of the Stone Age “…Like Clockwork”

Queens of the Stone Age
“…Like Clockwork”
Release Date: June 4, 2013)
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Matador Records
Running Time: 46 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“…Like Clockwork” is Queens of the Stone Age’s first album since 2007’s “Era Vulgaris”. I was a huge fan of 2002’s “Songs For The Deaf” but I never felt that they really topped that album since. Well “…Like Clockwork” is a great revival for the band and they have never sounded better. Each track is epic and very kick-ass, with each one out doing the next. The drumming role has been split with Joey Castillo tackling tracks 1-3 & 6 and Dave Grohl on 4-5 & 7-9.  This has been the first time that Grohl has returned since “Songs for the Deaf”, so I was super excited about that as well. “…Like Clockwork” also delivered the band their first number one debut on the Billboard 200, making it the highest U.S. chart position to date and their first album to top the charts in the United States. So these guys are on FIRE!

Besides Grohl drumming in, “…Like Clockwork” has tons of great guest appearances line-up, some of which were really surprising. Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor lends some vocals on tracks “Kalopsia” and “Fairweather Friends”. Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears pops in on the vocals for “Keep Your Eyes Peeled” and “Smooth Sailing”. Alex Turner from Arctic Monkeys appeared with vocals and guitars on “If I Had a Tail”. Brody Dalle, who also appeared on “Lullabies to Paralyze” and “Era Vulgaris”, sings also on the track. Lastly keep an ear out for Elton John, who plays his piano and sings on the track “Fairweather Friends”. So in terms of guest appearances this album easily scores a 5 out of 5 stars.

The album was produced by Joshua Homme and QOTSA, recorded by Mark Rankin with additional engineering by Alain Johannes and Justin Smith, at Josh’s studio, Pink Duck, in Burbank, CA. So I think it is save to that that “…Like Clockwork”, the bands sixth album that they are back and with a vengeance with some of their best material to date. So after debut at the top spot on the charts with more than 90,000 copies sold in the first week. The band, including founder Josh Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Dean Fertita, Michael Shuman and Jon Theodore will hit the roads of North American with a huge world tour in support of “…Like Clockwork”. So be sure to show your support and catch them live this summer! I am sure it is going to be epic just like the album!

Track Listing:
1. Keep Your Eyes Peeled
2. I Sat By The Ocean
3. The Vampyre Of Time And Memory
4. If I Had A Tail
5. My God Is The Sun
6. Kalopsia
7. Fairweather Friends
8. Smooth Sailing
9. I Appear Missing
10. …Like Clockwork

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Film Review “This Is The End”

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogan and James Franco
Directed By Evan Goldberg & Seth Rogan
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 47 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The directorial debut of Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogan gives us a clever and interesting combination of a comedy and action movie. With so many movies made every year, very rarely does an original one come along that isn’t a sequel or based off of a book or comic strip. This film, in my opinion, is a truly original and well made comedy.

When old friends Jay and Seth get together to take a long needed vacation from their normal Hollywood lives they experience something neither of them ever expected. After a day comprised of “stoner” activities, Seth invites Jay along with him to a party at James Franco’s house. Though Jay is at first reluctant to attend he gives in a tags along.

At the party is Jason Segal, Emma Watson, Rhianna, and a cocaine snorting Michael Cera. We’re also introduced to pretty much everyone who appeared in “Superbad,” “Pineapple Express” and “Knocked Up.” As with most gatherings of friends, soon the time comes to cut on each other and there are some great one liners through out the whole party. Still feeling a little out of place Jay asks Seth to run with him to the gas station to get a drink. What they witness on their journey will change their lives. After feeling what they think is an earthquake, they are surprised by blue lights that come from the sky. They are genuinely frightened when the witness people being sucked up into Heaven. The Rapture has begun. Freaked out they run back to the party to explain what they have seen and to see who has been “taken” at the party. They are surprised to see that the party is going on and no one knows what they are talking about. It’s Hollywood, so of course there aren’t any pure souls at the party. Soon an actual earthquake opens up a hole into hell where all perish except our group of main characters.

Now barricaded in Franco’s house tensions are high and survival is the mine set. With the end of the world upon them they reason that things can’t get any worse. Enter Danny McBride. His on-screen appearance is one of the funniest scenes I have witnessed in recent memory. We learn alot about the characters here from a quick rundown of what Danny thought happened the night before. Being the badass he is, McBride relates that he was in a drunk and stoned oblivion and is completely ignorant of the previous night’s events. Now with the full crew here we get a lot of “Funny or Die” scenes based on booze, foul language, sex jokes and getting high. One would think after a disaster like this you would want to find help and get rescued. But, for this group of guys, it becomes a reason to make their own drug induced sequel to “Pineapple Express.”

This film is all comedy, some action, a little faith and a lot of laughs. The relationships we see through out the film are part of the laughs. James Franco has a weird bro love for Seth Rogan, where Rogan wants to be the best he can be for Franco because, well, he IS James Franco. Jay is a small town actor who likeed Seth the way he was while Jonah Hill and Jay, the two most likeable people in the group’s circle, absolutely hate each other. With a passion I might add.

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Blu-ray Review “The Last Ride”

When you Starring: Henry Thomas, Jesse James, Fred Dalton Thompson, Kaley Cuoco, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ray McKinnon
Director: Harry Thomason
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

When you think of country music, it is hard not to think about Hank Williams. He will always be considered one of the most legendary country artists of all-time.  This little indie features a pretty impressive cast including Henry Thomas (“E.T.”), Jesse James (“Jumper”), Kaley Cuoco (“The Big Bang Theory”), Fred Dalton Thompson (“Law & Order”) and Stephen Tobolowsky (“Groundhog Day”). The cast does what they can from the fairly weak script. I don’t think that this is going to convert people to listen to country music but definitely worth checking out if you are a fan.

Official Premise: Based on the controversial life story of singer-songwriter, Hank Williams, THE LAST RIDE tells the powerful tale of country music’s original bad boy. The man, the myth and the music come together when Williams travels from Alabama to a series of New Years shows in West Virginia and Ohio. This remarkable journey leads straight into the heart and soul of the legendary performer…as he takes one last shot at redemption. Featuring all-new versions of Hank Williams’ greatest songs, this emotional tale of hope and truth is one you’ll never forget.

The Blu-ray presentation is impressive despite the low-budget of the film.  The 1080p transfer is not going to win any awards but its delivers a clear presentation.  Of course when it comes to Hank Williams, the music is key.  So the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is quite impressive and delivers the tunes quite well. In terms of special features there is only one extra included, which is a short featurette titled “A Look Inside The Last Ride”. I would have loved to seen more in this department. Commentary tracks would have been a nice bonus.

 

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Blu-ray Review “The Doobie Brothers: Live at Wolf Trap”

The Doobie Brothers: Live at Wolf Trap
Blu-ray (also available on DVD, CD, and vinyl)
Eagle Vision
Total Running Time: 166 minutes (including extras)

Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

From the opening motorcycle revving to the closing bows, “The Doobie Brothers: Live at Wolf Trap” makes a solid two-hour case for why the Doobies stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest bands of the classic rock era. The two-hour show is packed with iconic hits that never seem dated: “Long Train’ Runnin’”, “Take Me In Your Arms”, “Jesus is Just Alright”, “Black Water” – the list goes on and on. Filmed in 2004 at Virginia’s Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the band immediately launches into a groove that combines elements of rock, country, bluegrass, blues in a way that is always appealing and flat-out fun. And, as the closing credits roll, one question is clear: Why aren’t the Doobie Brothers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?  They’re looooong overdue.

The 2004 Tommy Johnston-led line-up draws almost exclusively from the band’s LPs from the 70’s that featured Johnston on lead vocals and guitar. Songs from the considerably mellower Michael McDonald era of the 1980’s are almost entirely absent – a respectable move given that McDonald’s “ya mo’ be there” vocal is such an inseparable earworm trademark. The sole McDonald track performed at the Wolf Trap – “Takin’ It to the Streets” – is handled vocally by founding Doobie, Pat Simmons, and the Brothers’ touring bassist, Skylark. The result is a live version that is equally as good if not better than the original version. It also provides the energetic bassist some center stage time that he so richly deserves. In fact, if there’s an intoxicatingly awesome performance to watch on this disc, it’s his.

Despite the fact that the concert is from almost a decade ago and has been available on DVD for  nearly as long, it truly shines on this first-ever Blu-ray issue given that the show was filmed using 10 high-definition cameras. While the overall program does suffer some from rapid-fire editing, the picture is always crisp and clean and the colors are perfectly balanced. The disc defaults to a LPCM stereo audio track that often buries the lead vocals so much that they’re almost inaudible in various spots. Switching over to the vastly superior DTS Master HD mix provides a much more even mix that utilizes the surround channels very effectively.

The disc also suffers from other technical issues that should have been corrected before this disc made it to market. The biggest problem is the extreme difference in sound levels between the live concert itself and the bonus features that are included, which include “backstage pass interviews” (which is more-or-less a sampler from the “Listen to the Music” documentary released late last year) and interactive links that appear during the concert that allow the viewer to jump into interview segments that directly pertain to the song being performed. While this audio glitch isn’t a big deal for the former, it’s hugely frustrating to have to crank up the volume to hear what Johnston and Simmons are saying and then, as a result, return to the concert footage now at deafeningly-loud sound levels. Some simple equalization and basic mixing would have gone a long way. It’s also somewhat annoying that the distracting talking head icons that appear at the bottom left corner of the screen to indicate the availability of the in-concert interview clips can’t be turned off completely.

Technical issues aside (they’re the only reason I’m docking this one by a full star), this is an amazing disc that showcases a legendary band in peak form. Now 40+ years on down the track, the Doobie Brothers’ long train is still runnin’ as strong and as powerful as ever.

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DVD Review “Fat Albert And The Cosby Kids: The Complete Series”

Actors: Bill Cosby
Number of discs: 15
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: June 25, 2013
Run Time: 2340 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you were an adult or kid in the 70-80′s then you should be aware of “Fat Albert” and the man behind the show Bill Cosby. And no I don’t mean the terrible 2004 live-action film. Bill Cobsy is one of the greatest comedians of our time. Kids these days most likely will not recognize him since he hasn’t done much in the last decade or so. Well, I remember the “Fat Albert” original animated series growning up and it is a riot. Finally, thanks to Shout! Factory we can own the complete series, which includes the best original 36 1972-75 Episodes, all 24 1979-81 episodes and all 50 1984 episodes. If you are a fan of this show and looking to take a trip down memory lane then this would be the set for you to purchase.

Official Premise: Premiering in 1972 on CBS this classic animated series was created, produced and hosted by comedian Bill Cosby, who also lent his voice to a number of characters, including Fat Albert himself. The show, based on Cosby’s remembrances of his childhood gang, focused on the lovable, oversized Albert and his friends. The show always had an educational lesson emphasized by Cosby’s live-action segments, and the gang would usually gather in their North Philadelphia junkyard to play a rock song on their cobbled-together instruments at the end of the show.

“Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” Season 1 from 1972 contains the following 16 episodes: “Lying”, “The Runt”, “The Stranger”, “Creativity”, “Fish Out of Water”, “Moving”, “Playing Hookey”, “The Hospital”, “Begging Benny”, “The Hero”, “The Prankster”, “Four Eyes”, “The Tomboy”, “Stagefright”, “The Bully” and “Smart Kids”. Season 2 from 1973 contains the following 5 episodes: “Mister Big Timer”, “The Newcomer”, “What Does Dad Do?”, “Mom or Pop” and “How the West Was Lost”. Lastly, we get season 3 from 1975 contains 15 episodes including “Sign Off”, “The Fuzz”, 3 Ounce of Prevention, “Fat Albert Meets Dan Cupid”, “Take Two, They’re Small”, “The Animal Lover”, “Little Tough Guy”, “Smoke Gets in Your Hair”, “What Say?”, “Readin’ Ritin’, and Rudy”, “Suede Simpson”, “Little Business”, “TV or Not TV”, “The Shuttered Window” and “Junk Food”.

Next up we have “The New Fat Albert Show” season 1 from 1979 with 8 episodes, including “In My Merry Busmobile”, “The Dancer”, “Spare the Rod Bucky, Weird Harold…”, “Sweet Sorror”, “Poll Time”, “The Mainstream”, “Free Ride” and “Soft Core”. The second season from 1980 is next with 8 episodes including “Pain, Pain Go Away”, “The Rainbow”, “The Secret”, “Easy Pickins”, “Good Ol’ Dudes”, “Heads Or Trails”, “Pot Of Gold” and “The Gunslinger”. The last was season 3 from 1981 with another 8 episodes, including “Habla Espanol”, “Two By Two”, “Barking Dog”, “Water Are You Waiting For?”, “The Father”, “Double Cross”, “Little Girl Found” and “Watch That First Step”

The last series included for this show is “Bill Cosby’s Fat Albert” from 1984 with another 50 episodes including “Have a Heart”, “Watch Thy Neighborhood”, “Cosby’s Classics”, “Justice Good as Ever”, “Rebop For Bebop”, “Sinister Stranger”, “Handwriting On the Wall”, “Busted”, “It All Ads Up”, “Never Say Never”, “Don’t Call Us”, “The Runner”, “Video Mania”, “You Gotta Have Art”, “Long Live the Queen”, ”The Joker”, “Second Chance”, “Kiss and Tell”, “Teenage Mom”, “Film Follies”, “Harvest Moon”, “Read Baby Read”, “The Whisky Kid”, “Millionaire Madness”, “Call of the Wild”, “Funny Business”, “Three Strikes and You’re In”, “What’s the ID?”, “Rules Is Cool”, “The Birds, the Bees, and Dumb Donald”, “Double Or Nothing”, “Hot Wheels”, “No Place Like Home”, “Not So Loud”, “The Jinx”, “You Don’t Say”, “Amiss With Amish”, “Gang Wars”, “Computer Caper”, “We All Scream For Ice Cream”, “Superdudes”, “Painting the Town”, Rudy and the Beast”, “Wheeler”, “Faking the Grade”, “Write On”, “Cable Caper”, “Say Uncle”, “No News Is Good News” and “Attitude of Gratitude”.

For episodes that range from 30-40 years old, these episodes looks damn good. They are presented in full frame and are well represented by Shout! Factory. If you didn’t think that 110 episodes were enough to leave you satisfied, there is still more in the special features. “Hey, Hey, Hey . . . It’s The Story Of Fat Albert” is solid hour long documentary on the show and it’s legacy. There are audio commentary tracks with Show Creator Bill Cosby, Storyboard Artists Michael Swanigan And Tom Tataranowicz, Writer Robby London And Host Wally Wingert, which are definitely worth checking out. Lastly there is a Still Gallery included, as well as DVD-ROM content with Script And Storyboards.

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CD/DVD Review “Richard Pryor: No Pryor Restraint – Life In Concert”

Richard Pryor
“No Pryor Restraint – Life In Concert”
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Number of Discs: 9
Label: Shout Factory!

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Wow! If you are a Richard Pryor fan, you cannot honestly ask for more here. “No Pryor Restraint – Life In Concert” is a superb seven CDs and two DVDs collection that includes over 12 hours of Pryor in his prime from 1966 to 1992. Since it is titled “Life in Concert”, that is not just a title, it literally comes his early years right through his final onstage performances. Some people might have been able to take Richard Pryor all the time but I always though that he was very unique and always funny. If he was raunchy, there was a reason to be raunchy. Besides the CDs and DVD, this amazing set also includes a deluxe book with rare photos, multiple essays, exclusive celebrity tributes, a discography, a filmography, and a personal note penned by Richard’s widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor. The presentation of this release is very impressive by Shout! Factory.  They must be big fans of Pryor because they deliver him a lot of love and respect here.

The following CDS included are “Richard Pryor (1968)”, “‘Craps’ (After Hours) (1971)”, “That Nigger’s Crazy (1974)”, “…Is It Something I Said? (1975)”, “Bicentennial Nigger (1976)”, “Wanted/Richard Pryor – Live In Concert (1978)”, “Live On The Sunset Strip (1982)” and “Here And Now (1983)”. This is his best material available in one release. Also includes are nearly two hours of previously unreleased material, including “…And It’s Deep Too! The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings (1968-1992)” and “Evolution/Revolution: The Early Years (1966-1974)”. This is a collection of great rare recordings. Still want more…well you got it! Top that with three complete concert films on DVD. “Richard Pryor Live In Concert (1979)”, “Richard Pryor Live On The Sunset Strip (1982)” and “Richard Pryor… Here And Now (1983)”. Pryor had such a presence on stage and there is nothing like seeing him mesmerize his audiences live. Like I said easily one of the best compilation sets ever decided to this great comedian.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Enter the Dragon: 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition”

Actors: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Ahna Capri, Bob Wall, Shih Kien
Directors: Robert Clouse
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

Bruce Lee is one of our most well-known martial arts icons.  “Enter the Dragon” was one of Bruce Lee’s last films but one that made him the international star that he has become. To celebrate it’s 40th Anniversary, Warner Bros is releasing this Ultimate Collector’s Edition giftset, which includes collectible art cards, lenticular card and an embroidered patch. Top that with a new transfer and some amazing new extras and this release is instant purchase for any martial arts or Bruce Lee fan! It is crazy to believe that this film is actually 40 years old but it still holds up today and has never looked better.

Official Premise: Recruited by an intelligence agency, outstanding martial arts student Bruce Lee participates in a brutal karate tournament hosted by the evil Han. Along with champions Roper and Williams, he uncovers Han’s white slavery and drug trafficking ring located on a secret island fortress. In the exciting climax, hundreds of freed prisoners fight in an epic battle with Lee and Han locked in a deadly duel.

“Enter The Dragon” is not new to Blu-ray as it has been previously released back in 2007 in the early days of Blu-ray.  If you own that release this one is a real improvement.  The new transfer looks much sharper and clear. Really hides the fact that this film is 40 years old. The real star of this release though has to be the audio track which was upgraded from a wimpy Dolby Digital 5.1 last time to a powerful DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The track really delivers the punches and the action overall quite well.

The special features are in line with what should be included with an Ultimate Collector’s Edition. There are three new featurette including “No Way As Way”, “The Return to Han’s Island” and “Wing Chun: The Art that Introduced Kung Fu to Bruce Lee”. These are worth the purchase alone of this release. There is a nice commentary track with producer Paul Heller. There is an a few interviews with Lee’s wife, Linda Lee Caldwell compiled together. “Curse of the Dragon” is a excellent extensive documentary looking into Lee’s legacy and death, narrated by George Takai.

“Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon” focuses on the shooting locations. “Blood and Steel: The Making of Enter the Dragon” is a typical behind-the-scenes that runs 30 minutes and dives into the films stuntwork and fight choreography.”Personal Profile Bruce Lee: In His Own Words” is a rare interviews with Lee pieced together with film clips. There is a vintage featurette from 1973 included, which I always enjoy watching.  There is a personal B&W featurette called “Backyard Workout with Bruce Lee”, nice but runs only two minutes. Rounding out the extras are five trailers and seven TV spots.

Enter The Dragon 40th Anniversary is Available on Blu-ray 6/11/2013 at the WB Shop http://bit.ly/ETD-40
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