Book Review: Richard Castle “Storm Front”

Author: Richard Castle
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: May 21, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Are you a fan of ABC’s “Castle” starring Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic? Well if you are then you should know that the literary work of author Richard Castle has a life outside the show. “Storm Front” is the latest novel from Richard Castle following “Heat Wave”, “Naked Heat”, “Heat Rises” and “Frozen Heat”, which follow the character Nikki Heat. If you see the trend in the titles, you will notice that this one differs. Last summer we were introduced to world of Derrick Storm with the following short-format eBooks, “A Brewing Storm”, “A Raging Storm” and “A Bloody Storm”. They were great but like I said short. So “Storm Front” is a great way to experience this character in a full length story. What I enjoy most about these books they are a real treat for any fan of “Castle”. But what makes them even better is that if you’ve never heard of “Castle” you are able to pick up this series like it is any other novel.

Official Premise: There’s a storm front coming! Four years after he was presumed dead, Derrick Storm–the man who made Richard Castle a perennial bestseller–is back in this rip-roaring, full-length thriller. From Tokyo, to London, to Johannesburg, high-level bankers are being gruesomely tortured and murdered. The killer, caught in a fleeting glimpse on a surveillance camera, has been described as a psychopath with an eye patch. And that means Gregor Volkov, Derrick Storm’s old nemesis, has returned. Desperate to figure out who Volkov is working for and why, the CIA calls on the one man who can match Volkov’s strength and cunning–Derrick Storm. With the help of a beautiful and mysterious foreign agent–with whom Storm is becoming romantically and professionally entangled–he discovers that Volkov’s treachery has embroiled a wealthy hedge-fund manager and a U.S. senator. In a heated race against time, Storm chases Volkov’s shadow from Paris, to the lair of a computer genius in Iowa, to the streets of Manhattan, then through a bullet-riddled car chase on the New Jersey Turnpike. In the process, Storm uncovers a plot that could destroy the global economy–unleashing untold chaos–which only he can stop.

“Storm Front” follows after the Derrick Storm trilogy, “A Brewing Storm”, “A Raging Storm” and “A Bloody Storm”. So there is some good continuity between the series. The plot is very clever like all novels from Castle and the writing is extremely top notch. Obviously, we know that Nathan Fillion is not writing these books and that is ok with me because he also does not write the scripts to the TV series either. So I think it is safe to say that the ghost writer behind Richard Castle is the show’s own writers. They bring the same wit and sharp dialogue right out of the TV show and you can literally watch the stories action play out like an epic episode of the show. The character of Derrick Storm, our ruggedly handsome agent, is just so sly and you can literally visualize Fillion in his shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I love Nikki Heat, she is amazing but who can so no to a little James Bond-esque espionage thriller. So those looking for more from Richard Castle, don’t worry next up is “Deadly Heat”, which is the fifth book in the Nikki Heat series. It is set to be released September 17th timed with the start of the sixth season of “Castle”.

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Film Review “Star Trek Into Darkness”

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch
Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 12 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Captain’s log. Stardate 20130515. I’ve just come back from a screening of “Star Trek Into Darkness” and am troubled at how I will construct my review. If I give away too much I’ve ruined the experience. Not enough…well, the same thing. That being said I’ll just say, “It’s Amazing!”

We join the crew of the Starship Enterprise on their latest mission. On a planet containing a very primitive species we meet up again with Captain Kirk (Pine) and Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban). Well, meet is really the wrong word. More like glance as the pair are currently running for their lives, pursued by said primitive species. It’s like the opening of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” without those pesky snakes. The ship is here because of the pending eruption of a massive volcano that, when it blows, will destroy all life in the region. Some quick action by the crew stops the eruption but back on Earth the brass isn’t happy with the outcome of the mission and Kirk finds himself demoted. However, a new danger is on the horizon…one that will challenge Kirk and everyone he holds near and dear.

Packed with action, the film is the second in director Abrams successful attempt to reboot a tired franchise. The cast and crew from the first film are still going strong here and they’re joined by Cumberbatch as a villain who must rank among the best ever presented in ANY of the previous television shows or films. Meanwhile Kirk, Spock and company are worrying about their careers at Starfleet. Kirk would like his crew picked for the latest long-time mission, which would encompass exploring the galaxy for five years. Though now on better terms, Kirk and Spock still quibble, earning the Vulcan the nickname “pointy” on occasion. Familiar names and situations continue to appear, including the introduction of Dr. Carol Marcus (Alice Eve), and it’s always great to see steely-eyed Peter Weller, who plays Dr. Marcus’ father, on the big screen. Still it’s Cumberbatch that steals the film. As the mysterious John Harrison he is easily the baddest of the bad, and Cumberbatch portrays him with a chilling, often emotionless, performance.

The rest of the returning cast continue to grow familiar with their roles and excel in that familiarity, especially Urban, Simon Pegg as Scotty and Zoe Saldana, who is allowed to do a lot more than just mutter, “hailing frequency open” as chief communications officer Uhura. Filling the two biggest pair of shoes, Pine and Quinto hit their performances out of the park. Technically the film is dazzling, with the visual effects and make-up as Oscar worthy as the 2009 film. The script does a fine job of incorporating both new and more familiar “strange new worlds,” though it does lose a little steam towards the end. Still, this is one voyage that Enterprise fans will be happy to take.

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DVD Review “Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy”

Actors: Adam Sinclair, Kristin Kreuk, Billy Boyd
Directors: Rob Heydon
Rated: Unrated
Studio: New Video Group
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

I remember when I saw “Trainspotting” for the first time back in 1996. I had never seen anything like it. I couldn’t understand a damn thing they were saying but I freaking loved it. After that I also became interested in Irvine Welsh’s books. The next film adaption we got was in 1998 with “The Acid House”, good but not even close to “Trainspotting”. So its been 14 years since the last adaptation and we get “Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy”. Again not even close as good as “Trainspotting” but not terrible either. If nothing else this film easily kept my attention for the hour and 45 minutes. It doesn’t have the edge that I was really hoping. Overall, I would call this a one-timer.

From the mind of Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting) comes a pulse-pounding thriller set against the backdrop of Scotland’s drug-fueled dance scene. When free-spirited Lloyd gets in deep with the local kingpin after a drug deal gone bad, he decides to cut ties and kick old habits for the woman he loves. But when his old business partners come around looking to settle the score, Lloyd must do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if that means getting back in the game and risking it all to get even.

“Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy” packs a great cast including Adam Sinclair (“To End All Wars”), Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”), and Billy Boyd (“The Lord of the Rings”).  They all deliver great performances throughout.  The film features some great music form Paul Oakenfold, Coldplay and DJ Tiesto.  New Video only released this film on DVD and I feel that Blu-ray could have severed this film much better in terms of presentation.  Top that with that fact that there are zero special features included on this release. I will keep holding my breath for Danny Boyle to finally make “Porno”, the follow up to “Trainspotting”.

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Blu-ray Review “Safe Haven”

Starring: Josh Duhamel, Julianne Hough, Cobie Smulders
Director: Lasse Hallström
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Run Time: 120 minutes

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

Are you a female? Better yet are you a female Nicholas Sparks fan? If so you will like this film.  I have seen various film adaptations of his books and this is not the best and not the worst.  It comes with a little romance and some thrills.  For a guy it might be a bit of a nightmare to get through this but it is worth it to make your girl happy.  I mean who doesn’t love a good twist ending, even if it isn’t that good. Plus the men can enjoy looking at the gorgeous Julianne Hough, while the ladies are drooling at the handsome Josh Duhamel. So it could end up being a win-win for everyone.

Official Premise: Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough star in this spellbinding romantic drama based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook). When a mysterious, beautiful woman named Katie (Hough), moves to Southport, North Carolina, she sparks the interest of the locals, especially Alex (Duhamel), a handsome widower. Although she is attracted to Alex, Katie is reluctant to trust him – that is, until a new friend (Cobie Smulders) convinces her to give Alex a chance. But before long, a dark secret from Katie’s past threatens her happiness in this thrilling romance directed by Lasse Hallström.

20th Century Fox delivered a nice combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. But I was a little bit let down that this only includes an iTunes digital copy. I thought that Fox was full on the Ultraviolet band wagon…but not sure why they opted out for this release. The 1080p transfer looks stunning and definitely gives props to our leads and the beautiful North Carolina setting.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track also delivers as well.  Since the film is a romantic-thriller, it doesn’t blow you away but it works with what it has and does it quite well.

The special features are not great but at least they have given us something. There are five deleted and extended scenes, as well as an alternate ending including. This ending is not any better than the film’s original but still worth checking out. “Igniting the Romance in Safe Haven” is a short behind-the-scenes look into the production with interviews from director Lasse Hellström, author Nicholas Sparks and our leads. “Josh Duhamel’s Lessons in Crabbing” is what I like to call a “waste-of-time-filler extra, which shows Duhamel attempting to catch crabs, no pun intended…I think. There is a very short set tour with our author Nicholas Sparks, which this could have been longer.  Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

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DVD Review: GWAR “Electile Disfunction 08”

GWAR
“Electile Disfunction 08”
Slavepit Inc./Hypereal Productions
Chapters: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Continuing with the long tradition of GWAR films is the latest release from Slavepit Inc. and Hypereal Productions. “Electile Disfunction 08” was shot during the bands 2008 tour which featured the return of infamous GWAR manager Sleazy P. Martini. The DVD follows one of GWAR’s more popular story lines as head Scumdog Oderus Urungus and the other members of GWAR attempt to defend the Frank Sinatra Belts of Total World Domination against an interesting assortment of characters in the Intergalactic Championship Wrestling.

Classic GWAR from start to finish! The production may not be top notch but those familiar with GWAR’s previous films know what to expect and what may be lacking in production quality is made up tenfold with content and laughs. Though nothing beats seeing the band live “Electile Disfunction 08” does a great job putting you as close to the action as possible through a number of different POV camera angles. Watch from the safety of your home as GWAR hack and slash their way through a number of public figures before wrapping up the show with the always popular “Slaughterama”. If your anything like myself and have been stock piling the long list of previous GWAR films then you certainly won’t want to miss this one as it destine to become a classic.

Chapter Listing:
1.) Sleazy for Prez
2.) Wilco Chopped
3.) Bile Driver
4.) I Gotta Belt!
5.) BoneSnapper vs. McCain
6.) Murders Muse
7.) Hillary & Obama
8.) Drugs
9.) Destructo Express
10.) For the Belts!
11.) Ronnie’s Comeback
12.) Sleazy’s Encore

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CD Review: HIM “Tears on Tape”

HIM
“Tears on Tape”
Rise Above Records
Producer: Hiili Hiilesmaa
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Lead singer Ville Valo and the other members of the popular Finnish rock band HIM are back with their 8th full-length studio album titled “Tears on Tape. The album features 13 brand new tracks by the love metal band which burst on to the music scene in the late 90’s thanks in part to the help of “Jackass” star Bam Margera. “Tears on Tape” was produce by Hiili Hiilesmaa and is the first release by the band since signing to Rise Above Records. The album is the follow up release to the bands 2010 album titled “Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice”.

HIM has always been one of those bands that lay low in their off time and pretty much keeps things under wraps until they are good and ready. Then suddenly things explode! The band’s latest release “Tears on Tape” is a throwback to early HIM albums such as “Razorblade Romance”. The album has a much more streamlined approach while still capturing the dark and foreboding undertones fans have come to expect from the bands albums. Songs such as “I Will Be The End of You” and “All Lips Go Blue” blast out your speakers rocking your senses from start to finish while more subtle tracks like “Tears on Tape” and “Drawn & Quartered” do a great job of showcasing Valo’s unique vocal styling’s.

Both long time listeners and more casual fans of the band will easily be able to pick this album up and find something if not everything to like. From piano laced love songs to distorted rock tracks HIM’s “Tears on Tape” has it all. The album is available in a number of different formats including digital download, Limited Edition CD/DVD and Standard editions. Be sure to get out and grab one on your preferred media choice.

Track Listing:
1.) Unleash the Red
2.) All Lips Go Blue
3.) Love Without Tears
4.) I Will Be The End of You
5.) Tears on Tape
6.) Into the Night
7.) Hearts at War
8.) Trapped in Autumn
9.) No Love
10.) Drawn & Quartered
11.) Lucifer’s Chorale
12.) W.L.S.T.D.
13.) Kiss the Void

 

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Blu-ray Review “True Blood: The Complete Fifth Season”

Actors: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley
Creator: Alan Ball
Number of discs: 7
Rated: Unrated
Studio: HBO Home Video
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 720 minutes

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

Who doesn’t love HBO’s “True Blood”. The show has been going strong for five seasons now. When you start watching its is hard not to completed get sucked in. This season packs some great storylines i.e. Bill and Eric behind bars, Tara getting used to her new life as a vampire, Alcide turning his back on the wolfpack and a vampire civil war on the horizon. There is no shortage of action and drama this season. In fact this season is one of my favorite to date from the show, besides the first. You would think that after five seasons that this show would lose some steam but it only seems to get more interesting and entertaining. Season five also definitely can be considered a game-changer for the show and it was also creator Alan Ball’s final season. I am still looking forward to what happens next in the upcoming sixth season, coming this June! Bring it on!

The fifth season sees the return of our favorite True Blood cast members including Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgård, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley and Sam Trammell…just to name a few. They are all in fine-form and deliver some of their best performances of the series especially Ryan Kwanten, who has a fantastic arc. This season introduces various new cast members including Scott Foley as Patrick Devins; Christopher Meloni as Roman; Valentina Cervi as Salom; and Lucy Griffiths as Nora. I love the storyline surrounding the Authority and their affects on these characters. Each character their own arc, which works well for the most part, this season and the finale really brings it all together quite well.

HBO has delivered a very impressive DigiPack combo pack release for the fifth season of “True Blood”. Thanks to HBO Select, this release offers buyers the choice of three ways to watch in one set – Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy. The digital copy included is redeemable via iTunes, Vudu or Amazon and of course my favorite, UltraViolet. The 12 episodes are well represented with their 1080p transfers. The show has been given consistently impressive releases thanks to HBO and have continued to look very sharp and impressive. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks also deliver the mood for the show very well. I love composer Nathan Barr’s score for this show and as usual it is well represented here.

The special features are sure to leave diehard “True Blood” fans feeling very satisfied. “True Blood Episode Six: Autopsy” is an in-depth look behind-the-scenes with the cast and crew on that episode. “Authority Confessionals” gives you an inside look at the mysterious institution. There is an enhanced viewing option for the series allowing you to tap in Character Bios, Vampire Histories and fun facts while watching the show. There is a Flashback/Flash Forward option that will allow you to travel back through the show’s timeline and relive pivotal moments or Flash Forward to reveal the significance of a certain scenes. Lastly “True Blood Lines” is a fun guide to tap into secrets from relationships past and present.

Next up, the next batch of special features are available on the Blu-rays but are the only extras available on the DVDs. “Inside the Episodes” is an look into various back stories from each episode this season. There are five audio commentary tracks with cast and crew including creator/executive producer Alan Ball, Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Denis O’Hare, Carrie Preston and many more! There are also Previews & Recaps from the series, in case you need to play catch up. Lastly you are able to watch these episodes seamless, so they flow really well together especially if you feel like marathoning it.

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Blu-ray Review “Ultimate Gangsters Collection: Contemporary (Mean Streets / The Untouchables / Goodfellas / Heat / The Departed)”

Starring: Robert De Niro, Kevin Corrigan, Paul Herman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner, Al Pacino
Directors: Martin Scorsese, Michael Mann, Brian De Palma
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 21, 2013
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Running Time: 697 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love a good kick-ass gangster film? “Ultimate Gangsters Collection: Contemporary” includes a collection of gangster films from the early 1970’s through 2000’s including “Mean Streets (1973)”, “The Untouchables (1987)”, “Goodfellas (1990)”, “Heat (1995)”, “The Departed (2006)”. In the last couple of decades they are definitely some of the best. I am also a big fan of films like “Casino”, which was not included. I thought that “Heat” was good but a little overrated, but maybe that is from my dislike of Michael Mann. “Goodfellas” is one of my all-time favorites. This release is great if you do not own these films prior since there is nothing new here in terms of content besides a 32-page book featuring images and facts about each film.

These five films all comes with impressive 1080p transfers. Since “The Departed” is the most recent, it also looks and sounds the best with its PCM 5.1 audio track. “Mean Streets” comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track, which is great, while “Goodfellas” comes with a Dolby Digital 5.1 track which is the worst of the bunch. They both come with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. “The Untouchables” has a kicking DTS Digital Surround 6.1 track, as well as a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track. “Heat” comes with a nice Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and also a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. So these films range all over the place. All deliver for each film though, nothing terrible.

“The Untouchables” Official Premise: The critics and public agree. Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables is a must-see masterpiece – glorious, fierce, larger-than-life depiction of the mob warlord who ruled Prohibition-era Chicago… and the law enforcer who vowed to bring him down. This classic confrontation between good and evil and stars Kevin Costner as federal agent Eliot Ness, Robert De Niro as gangland kingpin Al Capone and Sean Connery as Malone, the cop who teaches Ness how to beat the mob: shoot fast and shoot first.

“Mean Streets” Official Premise: The future is set for Tony and Michael, owning a neighborhood bar and making deals in the mean streets of New York city’s Little Italy. For Charlie, the future is less clearly defined. A small-time hood, he works for his uncle making collections and reclaiming bad debts. He’s probably too nice to succeed. In love with a woman his uncle disapproves of (because of her epilepsy) and a friend of her cousin, Johnny Boy, a near psychotic whose trouble-making threatens them all, he can’t reconcile opposing values. A failed attempt to escape (to Brooklyn) moves them all a step closer to a bitter, almost preordained future.

“Goodfellas” Official Premise: Henry Hill is a small time gangster, who takes part in a robbery with Jimmy Conway and Tommy De Vito, two other gangsters who have set their sights a bit higher. His two partners kill off everyone else involved in the robbery, and slowly start to climb up through the hierarchy of the Mob. Henry, however, is badly affected by his partners success, but will he stoop low enough to bring about the downfall of Jimmy and Tommy?

“Heat” Official Premise: Neil McCauley is a thief — an expert thief. His philosophy in life – become attached to nothing in life that you can’t walk away from in 30 seconds if you spot the “Heat” around the corner. His crew of criminals is a high-tech outfit pulling off professional jobs that impress even the likes of Detective Vincent Hanna. But Hanna, a man driven through life only by his work, becomes obsessed, at the expense of his private life, with bringing McCauley down. As McCauley’s crew prepare for the score of a lifetime, and Hanna’s team tries to bring him in, the two find that they are challenged by the greatest minds on the opposite side of the law that either one has ever encountered.

“The Departed” Official Premise: Two just-graduated officers from Massachusetts State Police Academy follow opposite sides of the law: Billy Costigan is assigned to work undercover with the Irish mobster Frank Costello to get evidences to arrest him. His true identity is only known by his superiors Dignam and Oliver Queenan. The protégée of Costello, Colin Sullivan, is promoted in the Massachusetts State Police and is the informer of Costello. Each police officer gives his best effort trying to disclose the identity of the other “rat”.

The special features are not as impressive as the “Ultimate Gangsters Collection: Classics” release since these films have been released on Blu-ray prior and are missing quite a bit of there previously released extras. “Mean Streets” comes with a vintage featurette “Back on the Block”. “The Untouchables” comes with an extra called “The Script, The Cast”. “Goodfellas” comes with two commentary tracks with cast and crew and a featurette “Cop and Crook”. “Heat” comes with eleven additional scenes. Lastly “The Departed” also comes with nine additional scenes with intros by director Marty Scorsese.

The “Ultimate Gangster Collection: Classics” and “Ultimate Gangster Collection: Contemporary” are available on Blu-ray 5/21

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Blu-ray Review “Ultimate Gangsters Collection: Classics (Little Caesar / The Public Enemy / The Petrified Forest / White Heat)”

Starring: James Cagney, Leslie Howard, Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis, Virginia Mayo, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Directors: Archie Mayo, William A. Wellman, Mervyn LeRoy, Raoul Walsh
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Release Date: May 21, 2013
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 357 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of stars

Who can help but not love the classic B&W gangster films. The following films make up this “Ultimate Gangsters Collection: Classics” – “Little Caesar (1931)”, “The Public Enemy (1931)”, “The Petrified Forest (1936)”, “White Heat (1949)”.  These are all great films that I have seen many times and never grow tired watching.  Whenever I think “The Public Enemy”, I am transported to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios on The Great Movie Ride, one of my favorites.  These films are what made gangster films popular and paved the way for today’s films. If you are a looking for a great place to be transported to the origin of the gangster film then look no further than this Blu-ray release.

All of these films are appearing on Blu-ray for the first time ever, as part of Warner Bros. 90th Anniversary celebration.  Each of these films will also be available on May 21st individually on Blu-ray. But this box set collection is quite a think a beauty.  All the film comes in a nice slipcase and includes an additional 32-page book with images and facts about each of the film. The 1080p transfers are very impressive for these classic films the latest dating back to almost 80 years ago. They are all presented with an aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio tracks included are also DTS-HD Master Audio Mono for each film, which work very well. The dialogues are clear and just are held up so well.

“Little Caesar (1931)” Official Premise: The ambitious criminal Rico moves from the country to the big city in the east and joins Sam Vettori’s gang with his friend Joe Massara. Sooner he becomes the leader of the gangsters and known as Little Caesar, and gets closer to the great mobster Pete Montana. In a robbery of a night-club, he kills the Crime Commissioner Alvin McClure and his pal Joe witnesses the murder. When Rico orders Joe to leave his mistress Olga Strassoff, she takes a serious decision.

“The Public Enemy (1931)” Official Premise: Tom Powers and Matt Doyle are best friends and fellow gangsters, their lives frowned upon by Tom’s straight laced brother, Mike, and Matt’s straight laced sister, Molly. From their teen-aged years into young adulthood, Tom and Matt have an increasingly lucrative life, bootlegging during the Prohibition era. But Tom in particular becomes more and more brazen in what he is willing to do, and becomes more obstinate and violent against those who either disagree with him or cross him. When one of their colleagues dies in a freak accident, a rival bootlegging faction senses weakness among Tom and Matt’s gang, which is led by Paddy Ryan. A gang war ensues, resulting in Paddy suggesting that Tom and Matt lay low. But because of Tom’s basic nature, he decides instead to take matters into his own hands.

“The Petrified Forest (1936)” Official Premise: Gabby lives and works at her dads small diner out in the desert. She can’t stand it and wants to go and live with her mother in France. Along comes Alan, a broke man with no will to live, who is traveling to see the pacific, and maybe to drown in it. Meanwhile Duke Mantee a notorious killer and his gang is heading towards the diner where Mantee plan on meeting up with his girl.

“White Heat (1949)” Official Premise: Cody Jarrett is the sadistic leader of a ruthless gang of thieves. Afflicted by terrible headaches and fiercely devoted to his ‘Ma,’ Cody is a volatile, violent, and eccentric leader. Cody’s top henchman wants to lead the gang and attempts to have an ‘accident’ happen to Cody, while he is running the gang from in jail. But Cody is saved by an undercover cop, who thereby befriends him and infiltrates the gang. Finally, the stage is set for Cody’s ultimate betrayal and downfall, during a big heist at a chemical plant.

These “Classics” each come with their own set of extras.  “Little Caesar (1931)” comes with a commentary by film historian Robert Sklar. Leonard Maltin Hosts Warner Night at the Movies 1931 with Newsreel, Spencer Tracy Short The Hard Guy, Cartoon Lady Play Your Mandolin and Theatrical Trailers. There is also a featurette “Little Caesar: End of Rico, Beginning of the Antihero” included. “The Public Enemy (1931)” includes a commentary by film historian Richard B. Jewell. Leonard Maltin Hosts Warner Night at the Movies 1931 with Newsreel, Comedy Short The Eyes Have It, Cartoon Smile, Darn Ya, Smile! and Theatrical Trailers.  There is also a featurette “Beer and Blood: Enemies of the Public” included.

“The Petrified Forest (1936)” includes a commentary by Bogart biographer Eric Lax. Leonard Maltin Hosts Warner Night at the Movies 1936 with Newsreel, Musical Short Rhythmitis, Cartoon The Coo Coo Nut Grove and Theatrical Trailers. There is also a featurette “The Petrified Forest: Menace in the Desert” included and an Audio-Only Bonus: 1/7/1940 Gulf Screen Theater Broadcast. Lastly “White Heat (1949)” includes a commentary by Film Historian Drew Casper. Leonard Maltin Hosts Warner Night at the Movies 1949 with Newsreel, Comedy Short So You Think You’re Not Guilty, Cartoon Homeless Hare and Theatrical Trailers.  There is also a featurette “White Heat: Top of the World” included.

If all that is not enough there is still more.  There is a bonus DVD included with yet another feature-length documentary called “The Public Enemies: The Golden Age of The Gangster Film”.  Even though this is just on DVD, it is still a must-watch if you are a fan of this genre and only makes this release worth every penny.

The “Ultimate Gangster Collection: Classics” and “Ultimate Gangster Collection: Contemporary” are available on Blu-ray 5/21

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Blu-ray Review “Beautiful Creatures”

Actors: Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum
Directors: Richard Lagravenese
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 124 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Ever since “The Twilight Saga” has been done, Hollywood has been searching for the next “Twilight”. “Beautiful Creatures” is the latest in a long line of recent YA book adaptations to film. I have to admit, I have seen the “Twilight” films and I enjoyed them all (except “Breaking Dawn: Part 1”). Ever since I saw the trailers for “Beautiful Creatures”, I thought it was going to be very painful to watch…and I was right. The film runs over two hours long and it really drags hard. Jeremy Irons is always a pleasure to watch on the big screen but he hides his fantastic accent with a not so fantastic Southern one. The rest of the cast is a quite a bore, especially our two leads. Fans of the YA book series might enjoy and some female tweens but otherwise steer clear.

Official Premise: When newcomer Lena Duchannes arrives in the small town of Gatlin she quickly captures the attention of Ethan Wate, who only wants to escape what he views as a boring and dead end town. He quickly gets more than he bargained for, as Lena possesses strange powers that have long kept her at a distance from others in her life. Lena and Ethan are drawn together, but their budding romance is threatened by the dangers posed by Lena’s being a Caster and her family’s Dark powers, for upon her sixteenth birthday Lena must undergo the Claiming, a process that will decide her fate forever: Light or Dark.

I have to say no matter if I like the film or not Warner Bros delivered a nice Blu-ray presentation amongst its Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet digital copy combo pack. The 1080p transfer looks sharp and works well with the visual effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works with the action and the film’s score. The special features are not too bad either and are very featurette drive.  There are a few deleted scenes, but not sure how this film could have been longer.  The featurettes included are “Book to Screen”, “The Casters”,  “Between Two Worlds”,  “Forbidden Romance”, “Alternate Worlds” and “Designing the Costumes”.  There is nice coverage here over the whole production with cast and crew.  Lastly there are Theatrical Trailers and a Book Trailer: “Icons” by Margaret Stohl included.

Beautiful Creatures available on Blu-Ray 5/21/13 at WB Shop http://bit.ly/Xo9tAW

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Blu-ray Review “Stand Up Guys”

Starring: Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin, Julianna Margulies, Mark Margolis
Director: Fisher Stevens
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

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

In terms of talent in this film, I would give it an extra star just for the cast. Academy Award winners Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin are all amazing together. Al Pacino never stand out better, well maybe his role in “Jack & Jill” might top this 😉 They are very funny and these guys actually get into their characters. Actor Fisher Stevens, who I just watching this week in “The Burning” (Fun fact: which was his first acting role), continues to give directing a go and he does a great job with this crime comedy. The film itself is decent.  It is probably not something I would plan on revisiting in the future.  But nonetheless it is still worth a watch if you are a fan of the film’s cast.

Official Premise: “Stand Up Guys” stars Academy Award winners Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin as retired gangsters who reunite for one epic last night. But one of the friends is keeping a dangerous secret – he has to kill his friend, and his time to find an acceptable alternative is running out. As the sun rises on the guys’ reunion, their position becomes more and more desperate and they finally confront their pasts once and for all.

Lionsgate is delivering this film as a Blu-ray combo pack with an Ultraviolet digital copy.  This is becoming a trend with them recently and leaving out the DVD copy. The film itself both looks and sounds great on Blu-ray, especially with the exclusive music from Jon Bon Jovi.  The special features including an audio commentary with Director Fisher Stevens, which is worth checking out if you liked the film.  There are also three featurettes on the production including “The American Muscle: The Stand Up Stunt Driving Scenes”, “The Lowdown On Making Stand Up Guys” and “The Stand Up Songs Of Jon Bon Jovi”. Lastly there are few deleted scenes included as well.

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Blu-ray Review “Dark Skies”

Starring: Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton, Dakota Goyo, Kadan Rockett and J.K. Simmons
Directed by: Scott Stewart
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Run Time: 97 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I remember when I saw the trailer for this movie as I fast forwarded through the commercials while watching TV.  When I got to this trailer I stop short and just had to watch it (twice in fact)…but was that a mistake.  I had myself some great nightmares that night especially having a young daughter.  Also when you  flash the words “From the producer of Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and Sinister”, you immediately have my attention.  These are the types of horror movies, I love.  In fact “Insidious” is in my top five of all-time in fact.  “Dark Skies” is a real trip and packs some great scares.  I definitely recommend checking this our horror hounds!

Official Premise: From the producer of Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and Sinister comes Dark Skies: a supernatural thriller that follows a young family living in the suburbs. As husband and wife Daniel and Lacey Barret witness an escalating series of disturbing events involving their family, their safe and peaceful home quickly unravels. When it becomes clear that the Barret family is being targeted by an unimaginably terrifying and deadly force, Daniel and Lacey take matters in their own hands to solve the mystery of what is after their family.

“Dark Skies” comes as a  Blu-ray + DVD combo pack with an Ultraviolet digital copy. The 1080p transfer deliver with the mood of the film and looks sharp.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers the jumps and the eerie mood for the film very well.  Yes, if you are wondering it did make my wife jump off the couch at one point! Boom! I love my surround sound system!  The main disappointment with this release is the special features.  There is a nice commentary track with Writer/Director Scott Stewart, Producer Jason Blum, Executive Producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Editor Peter Gvozdas, which is worth checking out.  Lastly there are a few alternate and deleted scenes included. No featurettes 🙁

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Film Review “The Great Gatsby”

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan
Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 23 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I was in middle/high school (mid 1970s – yes, I’m old) there were several books we were required to read, among them “The Old Man and The Sea,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Great Gatsby.” Though they had all been made into films, because there was no home video I actually had to read them in order to write a report. Not sure if it’s still required reading but a new version of “The Great Gatsby” has hit the multiplex.

1929. We meet Mr. Nick Carraway, currently under the care of a local sanitarium. His diagnosis: Morbidly Alcoholic. While speaking with his doctor Nick begins talking of the most influential person he’s ever known. A man he refers to as Gatsby. Gatsby?

Dazzlingly eye-popping, “The Great Gatsby” is everything you’d expect from the director of “Romeo and Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge.” Beautiful people in glamorous settings with an eclectic selection of music that runs the gamut of classical to Jay-Z, all presented in numerous jump-cuts and, this time around, in 3D. Allow me to explain further, old sport.

Getting into the bond market as the country goes Dow-Jones crazy, Nick (Maguire) finds residence in the abandoned guest house next to an incredible mansion. Nick learns that his neighbor is a mysterious man named Gatsby (DiCaprio). Gatsby? (sorry. For some reason every time someone mentions Gatsby’s name for the first time someone else has to say in questioningly, which to me sounds like a perfect condition for a drinking game). Across the water is the even more opulent Buchanan estate, where Nick’s cousin, Daisy (Mulligan), now resides having married the devilishly handsome Tom (Joel Edgerton). At lunch they all gossip about Gatsby. Among the rumors: he’s a prince…a German spy…he’s killed someone. What isn’t discussed is that, five years ago, Gatsby fell in love with Daisy after a chance meeting, though he knew he could never marry her due to his financial circumstances. Now rich, and learning from Nick that he and Daisy are related, Gatsby invites the both of them to his home, which is normally filled each weekend with hundreds of people partying the night away. Add to this a background of cheating spouses, inebriation and jealousy and you’ve got yourself one heck of a ride.

The glamour on screen is matched by strong performances from the main cast. DiCaprio is sly and devious, spending most of his time on screen planting the seeds of a story he’s desperate to have known and shared. Maguire is fine as Nick. He spends some of his time narrating the film as the words of Fitzgerald are recited to us by Nick. They also appear on-screen, utilizing the 3D process that sadly doesn’t deliver what being in the hands of Baz Lurhmann promises. There is one brilliant scene here, one which features an elaborate fireworks display over the water cut to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” This one scene hints at the movie that could have been. Maybe it’s the source material or the early 20th Century setting. Either way, a lot of the magic is merely eye candy to a story that often plays like an overproduced episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” If it’s glamour you want you’ve come to the right place. If it’s story, stick to the book.

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Film Review “Java Heat”

Starring: Kellan Lutzm, Mickey Rourke, Ario Bayu
Directed By: Conor Allyn
Distributed by: IFC Films
Rating: R
Running time: 103 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Plain and simple, what drew me to “Java Heat” was the film’s stars, Kellan Lutz (“The Twilight Saga”) and Mickey Rourke (“The Wrestler”, “Iron Man 2”).  This film reunites the two actors after their roles in the film “Immortals”. “Java Heat” is a decent action thriller. The shooting locations are quite impressive as it was shot on location in Java, Indonesia. There is some impressive cinematography and it really takes you into the heart of Java.

“Java Heat” opens during the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Indonesia. The film centers around, Jake (Lutz), a reckless American who finds himself intertwined in a murder of the country’s Sultana.  While looking to take down the terrorists, he teams up with a Muslim cop (Indonesian star Ario Bayu) to stop a terrorist mastermind (Rourke).

Kellan Lutz really gets a chance to step  out from the shadow in “The Twilight Saga” and show what he is made of. He was able to take the lead in this action film and deliver. He also recently was announced as the lead role in “Hercules 3D”, so I am really looking forward to that as well.  Mickey Rourke plays himself basically with a different, not very impressive, accent. He pops in here and there as the main baddie but doesn’t really do much for the film besides lend his name. Good action, decent story. Worth checking out.

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Blu-ray Review “National Lampoon’s Vacation: 30th Anniversary Edition”

Actors: Beverly D’angelo, Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall
Directors: Harold Ramis
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” was a very important film of the 1980’s. It was a great kick-off for John Hughes, who then went on to making “The Breakfast Club”, “Ferris Bueller’s Day” etc. It was directed by Harold Ramis, who also gave us “Caddyshack”, “Groundhog Day” and of course starred in “Ghostbusters” series. But most importantly this movie introduced us to the Griswold family. I think that is the most important. There is not a year that go by that I do not quote this film or its sequel “Vegas Vacation”. Of course who doesn’t watch “Christmas Vacation” every Holiday! “Vacation” is where it all started and it is celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary with this new release. If you own the last Blu-ray from 2010, I wouldn’t recommend upgrading but if you don’t then this release is a must-own for any fan!

Official Premise: Everything is planned, packed… and about to go hilariously wrong. The Griswolds are going on vacation. In the driver’s seat is Clark Griswold (Chase), an Everyman eager to share the open road and the wonders of family togetherness, and his wife Ellen (D’Angelo). Myriad mishaps, crude kin (Quaid), encounters with a temptress (Christie Brinkley), financial woes, Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca) on the roof, one security guard (John Candy) and 2,460 miles later, it’s a wonder the Griswolds are together. There’s never been a family vacation like it. Except maybe yours. And that helps explain why the classic comedy remains so popular and so very funny.

“National Lampoon’s Vacation: 30th Anniversary Edition” includes the same transfer from the 2010 Blu-ray release which is quite impressive. The 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 is quite strong and hold up real well. The color are sharp and the even though the film is screaming 1980’s it still looks sharp. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track included works well with the dialogue and music in the film. I would have loved to seen this beefed up a little though to a 5.1 surround track for this anniversary release.

On the previous 2010 Blu-ray release, the special features were not anything to call home about. Well on this 30th anniversary edition, we are only getting one new featurette called “Inside Story: National Lampoon’s Vacation”. It is a nice 85-minute trip down memory lane with the cast/crew but I would recommend purchasing this Blu-ray just for this one featurette, especially if you owned the prior release. The rest of the extras are the roll-over from the 2010 Blu-ray including a brief introduction to the film with Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, and Matty Simmons. There is a fun audio commentary track with Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, and Matty Simmons. Fans should enjoy this track. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer.

 

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