CD Review: Volbeat “Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies”

Volbeat
“Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies”
Vertigo/Universal
Producer: Rob Caggiano
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The Danish metal band Volbeat are back with a brand new full length studio album titled “Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies”. The album features 14 new tracks that were produced by former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano. “Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies” is the groups 5th studio album and the follow up release to the 2010 album “Beyond Hell/Above Heaven”.

I first heard Volbeat when I saw them open for Metallica on the “Death Magnetic” tour. The band had this sound that was part Social Distortion part Godsmack. The bands performance really blew me away and I instantly became a fan. “Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies” was an album that I really wanted to like however I think the band has drifted too far from their earlier sound which I loved. Each song on the album seems to feature a mix that is very layered and digital sounding. For me the album listens more like a pop/rock album than a metal album. Songs such as “Lola Montez” and “Cape of Our Hero” are perfect examples of this. Though there was an element of pop on the bands last album however it wasn’t as nearly prevalent.

Don’t get me wrong “Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies” is not a bad album per say. However it caught me a little off guard as I was not expecting such a fluffy, pop laced album. After a few listens through there were a few tracks such as “The Nameless One” and “Room 24” which features a guest appearance buy metal legend King Diamond that I could see myself listening to more than once but as a whole I was a little underwhelmed by the album.

Track Listing:

1.)    Let’s Shake Some Dust

2.)    Pearl Hart

3.)    The Nameless One

4.)    Dead But Rising

5.)    Cape of Our Hero

6.)    Room 24 (Featuring: King Diamond)

7.)    The Hangman’s Body Count

8.)    My Body

9.)    Lola Montez

10.)  Black Bart

11.)  Lonesome Rider

12.)  The Sinner Is You

13.)  Doc Holliday

14.)  Our Loved Ones

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Concert Review: Hatebreed “Divinity of Purpose 2” Tour

“Divinity of Purpose 2 Tour”
Hatebreed, Every Time I Die, Terror, Job For A Cowboy, This Is Hell
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2013
Venue: Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The Water Street Music Hall in Rochester, NY was the second to last stop on Hatebreed’s “Divinity of Purpose 2 Tour”.  Along with the veteran hardcore band were special guests Every Time I Die, Terror, Job For A Cowboy and This Is Hell. Though the show was at the end the tours second leg each band appeared to be somewhat dedicated to putting on a solid performance.

This Is Hell from Long Island, NY opened up the night with solid performance that was pure NY hardcore. Fans still making their way into the venue quickly moved towards the stage providing the band with ample applause. Job For A Cowboy would take the stage next for a brief set that for me fell flat. The band appeared stiff and offered little to no interaction with the crowd. Victory Records artist Terror would be next and were intense from start to finish. Vocalist Scott Vogel commanded the audience often joining them by jumping the security barrier or by giving them the microphone to sing several notable lines of the band’s songs. Terror’s 30 minute set seemed to be the turning point for the night igniting the crowd’s energy. Nearby Buffalo, NY natives Every Time I Die would take the stage next to chants of “Let’s Go Buffalo” and proceeded to destroy anything that got in their way. Midway through the set guitarist Andy Williams and company launched into a thunderous breakdown of Pantera’s “Domination” which was just spot on. Tour headliner Hatebreed would close out the night performing songs from their vast catalog including “Last Breath”, “Perseverance” and the always popular “This Is Now”. Early on in the set lead singer Jamey Jasta halted the show due to several fights taking place in the middle of the floor. Jasta spoke harshly to the crowd telling them that everything spoken during the night was about “positivity” and respecting one another. No other stops were required and those in attendance seemed pleased with the bands 17 song performance which wrapped up shortly before midnight.

Though most of the sets were brief the night still proved to be a good time.  When the band on stage may have been at a bit of a lull in their sets the audience made up for it. At times I felt the crowd was just as, if not more entertaining to watch than the band on stage. Fans overseas wanting to catch the show will have the chance when the band is in Europe from April 27-August 6.

Hatebreed Set List:

1.)    Put It to the Torch

2.)    Doomsayer

3.)    Tear It Down

4.)    Everyone Bleeds Now

5.)    In Ashes They Shall Reap

6.)    Last Breath

7.)    Indivisible

8.)    Smash Your Enemies

9.)    Empty Promises

10.)  Dead Man Breathing

11.)  Perseverance

12.)  A Call for Blood

13.)  Honor Never Dies

14.)  This Is Now

15.)  Live for This

16.)  Under the Knife

17.)  I Will Be Heard

 

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Concert Review: Steel Panther “Spreading the Disease” Tour

“Spreading the Disease Tour”
Steel Panther w/ special guest Hillbilly Herald
Date: Friday, April 19th, 2013
Venue: Upstate Concert Hall, Clifton Park, NY

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

The 80’s were alive and well in Clifton Park on April 19th as the spandex clad Steel Panther brought their own brand of hair metal to the intimate Upstate Concert Hall. The band along with special guest Hillbilly Herald are currently on the road for Steel Panthers first full length tour which is being billed as the “Spreading the Disease Tour” (STD). Both bands proved that this is a legitimate tour and even though Steel Panthers on stage antics and subject matter is anything but serious the group’s performance was top notch.

Elkhart, Indiana’s own Hillbilly Herald would kick off the night with an energetic sound that could be described as AC/DC meets ZZ Top. The bands 45 minute set was a mixture of original material and a few notable covers that  included a unique take on the John Denver classic “Country Road”. The band received a large amount of praise from the near capacity crowd and seemed to be a fitting act for the opening slot. After a brief intermission the house lights would come down and the intro from the bands most recent album “Balls Out” blasted over the PA. Guitarist Satchel would take the stage first launching in to the opening of “Super Sonic Sex Machine”. Lead singer Michael Starr worked the crowd like a pro paying especially close attention to several scantily clad women in the front row. As the night moved on the band treated the crowd to songs off both of their albums such as “Asian Hooker” and “Turn Out the Lights”. In between songs the band would take comedic jabs back and forth at each other while propositioning the women in attendance with sexual explicit banter.

It was great to see the band which has been around since 2000 finally take their show outside of their weekly Los Angeles and Las Vegas shows. The band’s look is straight out of 1985 but the performance is fresh and fun. Though it may not be a show you want to take your children to it’s definitely a night full of great music and laughs. Don’t let the bands look fool you as they are all accomplished musicians who despite their wild/funny personas are serious players who like to go out and have fun while entertaining the crowd. If you have a chance to check out the “Spreading the Disease Tour” make sure to get your tickets early, tease up your hair and throw on your favorite pair of spandex as this is a tour you won’t want to miss.

 Steel Panther Set List:

1.)    Super Sonic Sex Machine

2.)    Tomorrow Night

3.)    Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)

4.)    Asian Hooker

5.)    Just Like Tiger Woods

6.)    Turn Out the Lights

7.)    If You Really Really Love Me

8.)    Guitar Solo

9.)    It Won’t Suck Itself

10.)  Girl From Oklahoma

11.)  Community Property

12.)  Eyes of the Panther

13.)  Death to All but Metal

Encore

14.)  Party All Day (Fuck All Night)

15.)  17 Girls in a Row

 

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“Not Fade Away” Blu-ray & Signed Vinyl Soundtrack Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

From David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, comes “Not Fade Away” – a gritty, graceful salute to Rock & Roll and music in the 60’s, Media Mikes would like to giveaway FIVE (5) Blu-Ray combo pack of the film. We are also giving away ONE (1) vinyl copy of the SOUNDTRACK signed by DAVID CHASE. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email indicating your favorite track from the 60’s. This giveaway will remain open until May 10th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to all fans of Media Mikes, worldwide!! One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

From the creator of The Sopranos, comes NOT FADE AWAY available now on DVD and Blu-ray. Follow Douglas as he’s forced to choose between listening to his father, played by James Gandolfini, or following his dreams of being a 1960’s rock star in this gritty, graceful salute to Rock & Roll. Rated R”

The track listing to the soundtrack is as follows:

1. There Was a Time – James Brown
2. Tell Me – The Rolling Stones
3. Ride On Baby – The Twylight Zones
4. Bo Diddley – Bo Diddley
5. Bo Diddley – The Twylight Zones
6. Subterranean Homesick Blues – The Twylight Zones
7. Parachute Woman – The Rolling Stones
8. Go Now – The Moody Blues
9. Time Is On My Side – The Twylight Zones
10. Dust My Broom – Elmore James
11. I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart – The Rascals
12. Good Morning Blues – Lead Belly
13. Train Kept A Rollin’ – Johnny Burnette & The Rock N’ Roll Trio
14. Train Kept A Rollin’ – The Twylight Zones
15. Pretty Ballerina – The Left Banke
16. Down So Low – Mother Earth
17. Itchycoo Park – The Small Faces
18. Me and the Devil Blues – Robert Johnson
19. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre – The Twylight Zones
20. T.B. Sheets – Van Morrison
21. Some Velvet Morning – Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood
22. Bali Ha’i (From South Pacific) – Original Motion Picture Cast
23. Road Runner – The Sex Pistols
24. Pipeline – The Twylight Zones
25. She Belongs To Me – Bob Dylan

Official Website: http://www.notfadeawaymovie.com/

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CD Review “Mark Twain: Words & Music”

Performed by: Clint Eastwood, Garrison Keillor, Jimmy Buffett
Release Date: September 21, 2011
Label: Mailboat Records
Tracks: 27 – 14 Disc one / 13 Disc two

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Normally, I wouldn’t think that I would ever listen to a CD about Mark Twain’s life. This CD is being released by Mailboat Records, which is backed by Jimmy Buffett.  Yes, that is all I need to have in order to listen to a CD about Mark Twain. “Mark Twain: Words & Music” is a double-CD which tells the story of Twain’s life in spoken word and song. Voices on this project include Jimmy Buffett (as Huck Finn), Garrison Keillor (as the narrator), Clint Eastwood (as Mark Twain) and Angela Lovell (as Susy Clemens). Yes, I did mean that Clint Eastwood.

This is not just a typical spoke word album. There are perfect blend of 14 story segments with 13 corresponding songs performed by Emmylou Harris, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent, Bradley Walker, Carl Jackson, The Church Sisters, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, Marty Raybon, Val Storey, Vince Gill, Joe Diffie, and Ricky Skaggs. Is that enough talent for you to handle on on CD? This project was produced by Grammy Award-winner Carl Jackson in order to benefit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, Missouri to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Twain’s death and 175th anniversary of his birth back in 2010.

This CD doesn’t just stop at the tracks on both discs, also includes is a very detailed 40-page linear notes included, which complements this album very well.  The liner notes are great and even include pictures of Twain along with the text. I recommend listening to the album and then checking out the book. If you are a history buff, this gives a unique approach to the life of one of our greatest scholars.  If you are a Jimmy Buffett fan, then you are going to love getting to hear him put his spin on Huck Finn, it is awesome. Clint Eastwood also channels his inner Dirty Harry once again for his role of Mark Twain. Lastly, if you are a fan of bluegrass/country music then you will definitely dig this.

Track Listing:
Disc 1
1. Hello yourself, and see how you like it… – Jimmy Buffett, Clint Eastwood, Garrison Keillor
2. When Halley Came To Jackson – Emmylou Harris
3. Hannibal, Missouri, where my boyhood was spent… – Garrison Keillor, Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Buffett
4. Better Times A’ Comin’ – Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
5. He agreed to teach me the Mississippi River… – Garrison Keillor, Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Buffett
6. Run Mississippi – Rhonda Vincent
7. Several years of variegated vagabondizing… – Clint Eastwood, Garrison Keillor, Jimmy Buffett
8. A Cowboy In His Soul – Bradley Walker
9. It liberates the vandal to travel… – Garrison Keillor and Clint Eastwood
10. Safe Water – Carl Jackson
11. You ain’t ever to love anybody but me… – Garrison Keillor and Clint Eastwood
12. I Wandered By A Brookside – The Church Sisters
13. It was a mighty nice family… – Garrison Keillor, Clint Eastwood, Angela Love
14. Beautiful Dreamer – Sheryl Crow

Disc 2
1. Don’t scrunch up like that, Huckleberry… – Garrison Keillor, Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Buffett
2. Huck Finn Blues – Brad Paisley
3. The crows would gather on the railing and talk about me… – Garrison Keillor and Clint Eastwood
4. Huck Finn Blues – Marty Raybon
5. So wounded, so broken-hearted… – Garrison Keillor and Clint Eastwood
6. Love Is On Our Side – Val Storey
7. Wheresoever she was, there was Eden… – Garrison Keillor and Clint Eastwood
8. I Know You By Heart – Vince Gill
9. My concsience got to stiring me up hotter than ever… – Garrison Keillor, Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Buffett
10. Ink – Joe Diffie
11. The report of my death was an exaggeration… – Garrison Keillor, Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Buffett
12. Comet Ride – Ricky Skaggs
13. The truth, mainly… – Garrison Keillor and Jimmy Buffett

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CD Review: Michael Bublé “To Be Loved”

Michael Bublé
“To Be Loved”
Produced by: Bob Rock
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Label: Reprise Records
Tracks: 14
Running Time: 44 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Michael Bublé is a singer with a voice that just mesmerizes you with each word. There are very few singers around right now that have the class and presence that he has. His voice with big band behind him is a thing of beauty. This type of music is very rare in the age of “fixing it in the studio” crap that we are getting today. Michael’s voice on the album is what it sounds like it he was sitting right in your living room next to you. “To Be Loved” is his sixth official studio album and features 4 original songs, which are co-written by Bublé himself and 10 covers, which are new interpretation of classic songs. I am in love with this album and I foresee this being on my iPhone for many years to come (or at least until the next album).

The originals tracks are “After All” with Bryan Adams, “Got It Easy”, “Close Your Eyes” and “It’s A Beautiful Day”. All four tracks are absolutely amazing. I have to admit It’s A Beautiful Day” has this certain charm that gets me everytime. The classic covers are the Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody”, Dean Martin’s “Nevertheless (I’m In Love With You)” with The Puppini Sisters, The Miracles’ “Who’s Lovin’ You”, Jackie Wilson’s “To Be Loved”, Elvis Presley’s “Have I Told You Lately”, Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” from “Toy Story” and of course what is a Bublé album without some Frank Sinatra songs including “Young At Heart”, “You Make Me Feel So Young”, “Come Dance With Me and “Something Stupid”, which features Reese Witherspoon on vocals taking over for Nancy Sinatra.

What I love about this album most is that you are easily able to just get lost in the music. From the moment the album starts you find yourself immediately singing along and you don’t stop until ends. Even with the new tracks, they are so catchy and after a listen or track you will find that you already know them and can’t get them out of your head. If you are a fan of Bublé, you will not be disappointed at all. If you are new to his music, this would be an excellent way to get introduced. Now if we can only get Bublé can get his butt to Orlando, FL to tour, I will be a very happy camper!

Track Listing:
1. You Make Me Feel So Young
2. It’s A Beautiful Day
3. To Love Somebody
4. Who’s Lovin’ You
5. Something Stupid (feat. Reese Witherspoon)
6. Come Dance With Me
7. Close Your Eyes
8. After All (feat. Bryan Adams)
9. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (with Naturally 7)
10. To Be Loved
11. You’ve Got A Friend In Me
12. Nevertheless (I’m In Love With You) [feat. The Puppini Sisters]
13. I Got It Easy
14. Young At Heart

 

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Book Review “The Art of Epic”

Author: Tara Bennett
Hardcover: 143 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: April 23, 2013

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Titan Books is really on fire this year, after also recently releasing the impressive “The Art of The Croods”. “Epic” is the latest film from 20th Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios, the creators of “Ice Age” and “Rio”. I haven’t heard much of this film before reading this like I did with “The Art of the Croods”, but this book makes me really want to see this movie right now!

“The Art of Epic” is really sharp art book with over 300 pieces of concept art, character sketches, storyboards and digital paintings spread out over the 140+ pages. Top that with some great interviews from the very talented animation talent that are behind the film and we’ve got a winner. The art is very detailed and very colorful. It really captures this world that was created for this film. I love the breakdown of each character and environment that we get introduced to throughout this film.

Official Premise: “Epic” tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and the forces of evil. When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world — and ours.

The film is director by Chris Wedge, (“Ice Age”) and stars the voices of Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Christoph Waltz, Aziz Ansari, Chris O’Dowd, Pitbull, Jason Sudeikis, with Steven Tyler and Beyoncé Knowles. So there is no shortage of talent here for sure.

The author for this book, Tara Bennett, is no stranger to “The Art of” books. She has worked on several movie and TV companion books including “The Art of 300”, “The Art of Terminator Salvation” and “The Official Firefly Companions Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3”. She really knows how to give an inside look behind-the-scenes on a project and she does it very well here. She has me hook, line and sinker. I will be first in line for “Epic”. I look forward to future releases from both her and Titan Books.

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Blu-ray Review “A Haunted House”

Actors: Marlon Wayans, Essence Atkins, Cedric the Entertainer, Nick Swardson, David Koechner
Directors: Michael Tiddes
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1/2 out of 5 stars

Ever since I saw “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice”, I have been a fan of Marlon Mayans. And who doesn’t love “Scary Movie”? With found-footage films taking over Hollywood in recent years thanks to “Paranormal Activity”, it paved the way for this latest parody from Wayans. This film does parody but plays out more like a film that a bunch of stupid skits. The film also co-stars the very funny Cedric the Entertainer, Essence Atkins, Nick Swardson and David Koechner. They all give some great performances each with some great laugh of loud moments. Overall, I really enjoyed this film and it was filled with some great laughs. Can’t wait for next winter for “A Haunted House 2”. Bring it!

Official synopsis: When overactive man-child Malcolm (Marlon Wayans) takes the plunge and lets girlfriend Keisha (Essence Atkins) move into his house, he quickly senses they’re no longer alone. Videotaping a series of paranormal events, Malcolm is shocked to discover the love of his life carries more than your average relationship baggage: she’s possessed by an evil spirit. Malcolm enlists the help of priest/ex-convict Father Williams (Cedric the Entertainer) to exorcise the demon from his girlfriend before it ruins his relationship… and his sex life.

Universal has release yet another impressive release. “A Haunted House” comes as a Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet. Universal never cuts corners with giving their viewers options and always comes through with great releases like this one. The film is low budget yet the 1080p transfer really looks sharp and clear. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also delivers for the laughs and lands the jokes well. The worst part of this release is the special features or features, I should say. There is only one short extra called “How to Survive a Paranormal Presence”. I would have figured a production like this would have been able to drum up a ton of great extras. I mean not even a blooper reel?

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Blu-ray Review “WWII From Space”

Studio: History Channel
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Run Time: 94 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

There has been countless programs about WWII over the years and thanks to The History Channel they have been behind most of these. I am a sucker for these programs and a downright History buff. When I heard about viewing the events of “WWII from Space”, I have to admit I was extremely interested. I mean who isn’t curious about anything to do with space. Of course, there is nothing new here in terms of content but this special does feature some really stunning CGI mixed with historical facts, which gives us a interest look into America’s part in World War II from a new angle. A must for all History buffs.

Official Premise: WWII FROM SPACE delivers World War II in a way you’ve never experienced it before. This two-hour HISTORY special uses an all-seeing CGI eye that offers a satellite view of the conflict, allowing you to experience it in a way that places key events and tipping points in a global perspective. By re-creating groundbreaking moments that could never have been captured on camera and by illustrating the importance of simultaneity and the hidden effects of crucial incidents, HISTORY presents the war’s monumental moments in never- before-seen context. And with new information brought to the forefront, you’ll better understand how a nation ranked 19th in the world’s militaries in 1939 emerged six years later as the planet’s only atomic superpower.

History Channel delivers nothing but a stunning Blu-ray release. The 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 is very sharp. This works very well with the CGI effects, I would have loved to seen them release them in 3D as they have done with some specials. I have a feeling that this could have made this even cooler. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is also very impressive. It features a stronger narrative and a powerful score. There are no additional special features included with this release, but that is typical with specials like this.

 

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Tribeca Film Festival Review “A Single Shot”

Director: David M. Rosenthal
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Jeffrey Wright, Kelly Reilly, Jason Isaacs, Joe Anderson
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 116 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 Stars

 A Single Shot begins with West Virginian hunter John Moon (Sam Rockwell) accidentally shooting a woman dead while hunting deer. As if this weren’t enough cause for alarm, John discovers both a hand gun and a suspicious stash of cash in her makeshift camp. Moon hides the body and takes the money. Never the best plan. What follows is a tense backwoods cat and mouse game held together by a strong lead in a terrifying setting.

Moon, it turns out, has already been in trouble with the law as a poacher and sees the money as a means to get back his estranged wife (Kelly Reilly) and son. It doesn’t forgive Moon for his actions but reveals him as a desperate fool for thinking his plan has any chance of succeeding. He’s not unfamiliar with breaking the law, but not on the scale of the men whose threats start with phone calls and escalate. Rockwell does an amazing job at taking John through all the levels of fear. Whether he’s trying to remain calm as his phone rings in the presence of an old friend (Jeffrey Wright) or outright challenging unseen attackers in the woods, you can really feel the panic of a man realizing he’s in way over his head. The forrest surroundings John was so familiar with at the start of the film suddenly turn on him and it seems as though violence can, and in fact does, break out anywhere around him. Often shockingly so. The woods are beautifully shot in all their ominous foggy glory by Eduard Grau, and manage to seem expansive and claustrophobic at the same time.

The strong ensemble cast is perhaps too large to be sustained by a film whose focus must remain solidly on Moon’s dilemma. For example, as Waylon, the thug behind the money, Jason Isaacs isn’t given as much screen time as you would like considering he’s supposed to be the big bad of the movie. Consequently he is out-menaced early on by lackey Obadiah (a magnetic, psycho Joe Anderson) and Moon’s divorce lawyer played by William H. Macy (wearing a crime against toupees). Similarly, Moon and his wife’s relationship could have been strengthened to get at the heart of Moon more than the flirtations we wind up seeing with his neighbor’s daughter. Ultimately though this is Rockwell’s movie and there’s no doubt he’s an expert at isolation. His Moon is reason enough to wander into these woods.

 

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XBOX 360 Review “Star Trek: The Game”

Format: XBOX 360
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Developer: Digital Extremes
Release Date: April 23, 2013

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of “Star Trek”, especially the new reboot from J.J. Abrams. When it comes to video game adaptations of films, things never usually turn out well. Unfortunately, “Star Trek: The Video Game” is no different at all. You are able to play as either Kirk or Spock or together as a co-op duo. 2009’s “Star Trek” cast is on-board reprising their voices for the game, including Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock. Despite that though, this the game has poor controls, lacking animation and filled with a whole mess of bugs. While playing, I was just left repeating the same thing over and over…”Was this game ever tested before being released”. I guess with the release of “Star Trek Into Darkness” this summer, they were anxious to get it out there. Unless you are a die-hard Trekkie and need to own everything “Star Trek” as a collector, then I would recommend steering clear from this game.

The game itself was developed by Digital Extremes, who are known for games like “Bioshock 2”, “Dark Sector” and “The Darkness 2”. The story is set after events of “Star Trek” (2009) and is written by BAFTA award winner and “God of War” writer, Marianne Krawczyk, along with close collaboration with the writer/producers of the new “Star Trek films”, Bob Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof. The story is decent but not enough to balance out the negative. You are able to explore new areas on the Enterprise and other ships, as well as never-before-seen sectors throughout the galaxy. I have to admit that I was very curious about how the co-op experience was going to be turn out and I was left very unsatisfied. I felt that it was very annoying, especially having to wait for the character to catch up when in one player mode. On the positive, you do get two different characters to explore, if you can deal with the bugs. I would have been happier to settle with one character backed with really good game play over what we got here.

For XBOX 360, I have certain expectations in terms of graphics and general animation. From the moment this game started, I was looking at Kirk and Spock and I just said out loud “Eww, they look terrible”. The graphics are very poor and not polished at all. I feel like this final product should have been like the first beta for this game before they cleared the bugs and polished it up. Same goes for the controls, which are all over the place and will have struggling to get a grasp on your characters. Also even though we get the original cast returning, there is also issue with terrible lip-syncing. The game clocks in at around 10 hours, which is pretty good for a film adaptation but that is not 10 hours of pleasure, more like aggravation. It is also 10 hours that you will never get back. “Star Trek: The Game” will leave you wanting more and wishing you didn’t just spend $60 on this game. I might recommend to check it out if when it drops to under $20 bucks, just if you are a die-hard fan.

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DVD Review “Doc McStuffins: Time For Your Checkup”

Actors: Kiara Muhammed, Lara Jill Miller, Robbie Rist, Loretta Devine, Jess Harnell
Created by: Chris Nee
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Rating: Not Rated
DVD Release Date: May 7, 2013
Run Time: 120 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The minute I gave this DVD to my 11 month daughter, she put smiled ear to ear and put it right in her mouth. So in baby terms that is as good as you can get. Whenever she sees this show on she stops whatever she is doing and just stars and jumps up and down. We watched this DVD multiple times on loop over the weekend and we just can’t seem to get enough of this show. Doc McStuffins is a fantastic show from Disney Junior. It is cute, teaches great lessons for kids and packs some fun and catchy music as well. It even has daddy singing along and waking up with it in my head :-). I know this release is going to be re-watched quite a bit and I can’t wait to see new releases for this show. The Doc is in!

Official Premise: Get ready to start your day in a wonderful way! Doc McStuffins: Time For Your Checkup is all about helping to keep toys – and little ones – happy and healthy. Join Doc and her trusty team of lovable toys as every new checkup leads to miles of smiles. Laugh along when Doc cures Gus the Gator’s “Stuffedfulliosis.” Blast off with Star Blazer Zero as Doc shows him how to play it safe from launch through landing. Whether it’s eating right, getting enough rest, or getting an annual physical check-up, this delightful and nurturing program combines music, humor, and surprises in five fun-filled adventures that inspire friendship, hugs, and stay-healthy habits every day!

This DVD has five really fun and cute episodes that I am sure my daughter will be wearing out on loop. The episodes included are: 1. “Gulpy, Gulpy Gators!/ One Note Wonder, 2. “Tea Party Tantrum/ Blast Off!”, 3. “Arcade Escapade/ Starry, Starry Night”, 4. “Bronto Boo-Boos/ Brontosaurus Breath” and 5. “Doctoring The Doc/ Hot Pursuit”. Personally, I am a fan of “”Gulpy, Gulpy Gators!”, as it brings back childhood memories for myself with “Hungry Hungry Hippos”. Along with the episodes, there is also an activity growth cart and stickers included for all your little inspiring doctors to enjoy.

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DVD Review “Fraggle Rock: Meet The Fraggles”

Created by: Jim Henson
Distributed by: Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment
Rating: Not Rated
Street Date: May 14, 2013
Episodes: 6
Running time: 132 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Dance your cares away
Worry’s for another day
Let the music play
Down at Fraggle Rock”

“Fraggle Rock” has always been one of my favorite shows growing up. It also had one of my favorite theme songs from the 80’s, I still have a vinyl record from the show. This release is a great show to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jim Hensen’s classic children series. The series originally aired from 1983 to 1987 and still captures the hearts of its fans today. Watching this show again just makes me yearn for more shows like this again. I am looking forward to showing this show with my daughter as she grows up. Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment is also releasing “Fraggle Rock: The Complete Series Collection” on DVD. Hardcore fans should definitely check that out.

Official Premise: Dance your cares away with this collection of 6 episodes highlighting everyone’s favorite fun-loving furry creatures Fraggles! Get to know Gobo, Red, Boober, Wembly and Mokey as they explore outer space, dodge the Gorgs and learn about themselves and the world around them in this silly compilation.

“Fraggle Rock: Meet The Fraggles” includes the series pilot, as well as five excellent episodes introducing us to each of the series main characters. The episodes included are: “Beginnings”, “We Love You Wembley”, “Boober’s Dream”, “Red’s Club”, “Mokey and the Minstrels”, “Gobo’s Discovery”. These episodes good look a little aged. I do not feel that much work went into restoring these episodes for their 30th anniversary. They are still fun to watch and relive your childhood and for those that are not too familiar with this series, this is a great way to introduce “Fraggle Rock” to a new generation of fans. Besides the episodes, there are no special features included on this DVD.

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DVD Review “Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection”

Directed by: James Plumb
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Release Date: April 30, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

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

I understand that “The Walking Dead” has made zombie’s hot again but can’t we come up with a new idea here.  Why does everyone have to mess with George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead”. If you are going to deliver a “Brand new take on the horror classic”, then I suggest you actually have seen the original film first. I have seen hundreds of rip-offs, remakes or related zombie films and yet I have never seen a more boring and poorly made film as “Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection”.  I was literally twiddling my thumbs. The zombies are terrible and laughable.  All around I won’t be recommending this to any Romero or horror fans and I will burning this DVD after this review.

Official Synopsis: Based on George A. Romero’s classic “Night of the Living Dead”. In 2012 the deceased have risen from their graves once again with the instinct to feed on the living. As academics speculate on the scientific cause of this phenomenon theologians point to the Armageddon foretold in the Book of Revelation. As the cities are overrun and civilization crumbles a family takes refuge from the undead army in an isolated farmhouse in West Wales. But the greatest threat is already among them as they fight to stay alive.

“Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection” is only being released on DVD and I understand why.  The transfer on the film looks like it was shot on a broken iPhone.  It is blurry and out of focus in various parts. The transfer is in widescreen with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track is nothing special. The film features barely any underscore, which only adds to the the film dragging. There is no suspense added at all.  The special features are nothing special either.  There is a cast and crew commentary track, which I wouldn’t recommend unless you love the film.  There is also a trailer gallery included. Terrible extras for a terrible movie. You’ve been warned.  Don’t let the title of  “Night of the Living Dead” draw you in.

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Blu-ray Review “Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Collection One & Two”

Actors: Maxey Whitehead, Vic Mignogna, Christopher Sabat, Caitlin Glass
Directors: Mike McFarland
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: FUNimation
DVD Release Date: April 24, 2012 / July 17, 2012
Run Time: 825 minutes / 775 minutes

Series: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When “Fullmetal Alchemist” ended its original series run in 2004, I was left wanting much more. Then shortly after in 2005 “Fullmetal Alchemist- The Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa” was released and delivered a good ending to the show. But that wasn’t the last we saw of this series, in 2009 “Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood” started. This series, unlike the first anime which had an original story, follows the story of the manga series. So it is not a sequel or prequel. It is a new series. FUNimation is behind this release and is bringing this fantastic series to Blu-ray in two collections. “Collection One” contains episodes 1-33 and “Collection Two” finishes out the series with episodes 34-64. If you are a fan of “Fullmetal Alchemist” this is a fantastic series that even rivals the original…there I said it. I love originals series but if you read the animes, it is even cooler to see the stories come to life.

Collection One Official Premise: Edward and Alphonse Elric’s reckless disregard for alchemy’s fundamental laws ripped half of Ed’s limbs from his body and left Al’s soul clinging to a cold suit of armor. To restore what was lost, the brothers scour a war-torn land for the Philosopher’s Stone, a fabled relic which grants the ability to perform alchemy in impossible ways. The Elrics are not alone in their search; the corrupt State Military is also eager to harness the artifact’s power. So too are the strange Homunculi and their shadowy creator. The mythical gem lures exotic alchemists from distant kingdoms, scarring some deeply enough to inspire murder. As the Elrics find their course altered by these enemies and allies, their purpose remains unchanged – and their bond unbreakable.

Collection Two Official Premise: In the shadows beneath Central, the Elrics encounter Father, the creator of the Homunculi. His face is familiar – as is the new face of Greed – but his alchemy is unlike anything the brothers have ever seen. As Father’s dark plot takes shape, Ed and Al brave the frigid north to meet the top officer of the fortress Briggs: General Olivier Armstrong. With icy nerve and burning intensity, she commands the hardest soldiers in the land. When you witness her leading the warriors of Briggs in battle against the unstoppable, rampaging Sloth, you’ll know – the stakes are higher than ever

Collection One includes: 1. Fullmetal Alchemist, 2. The First Day, 3. City of Heresy, 4. An Alchemist’s Anguish, 5. Rain of Sorrows, 6. Road of Hope, 7. Hidden Truth, 8. The Fifth Laboratory, 9. Created Feelings, 10. Separate Destinations, 11. Miracle in Rush Valley, 12. One Is All, All Is One, 13. Beasts of Dublith, 14. Those Who Lurk Underground, 15. Envoy from the East, 16. Footsteps of a Comrade-in-Arms, 17. Cold Flame, 18. The Arrogant Palm of a Small Human, 19. Death of the Undying, 20. Father Before the Grave, 21. Advance of the Fool, 22. Back in the Distance. 23. Girl on the Battlefield, 24. Inside the Belly, 25. Doorway of Darkness, 26. Reunion, 27. Interlude Party, 28. Father, 29. Struggle of the Fool, 30. The Ishvalan War of Extermination, 31. The 520 Cens Promise, 32. The Fuhrer’s Son, 33. The Northern Wall of Briggs

Collection Two includes: 34. Ice Queen, 35. The Shape of This Country, 36. Family Portrait, 37. The First Homunculus, 38. Conflict at Baschool, 39. Daydream, 40. Homunculus (The Dwarf in the Flask), 41. The Abyss, 42. Signs of a Counteroffensive, 43. Bite of the Ant, 44. Reviving at Full Throttle, 45. The Promised Day, 46. Looming Shadow, 47. Emissary of Darkness, 48. The Oath in the Tunnel, 49. Filial Affection, 50. Upheaval in Central, 51. The Immortal Legion, 52. Combined Strength, 53. Flame of Vengeance, 54. Beyond the Inferno, 55. The Adults’ Way of Life, 56. The Return of the Fuhrer, 57. Eternal Leave, 58. Sacrifices, 59. Lost Light, 60. Eye of Heaven, Gateway of Earth, 61. He Who Would Swallow God, 62. A Fierce Counterattack, 63. The Other Side of the Gateway, 64. Journey’s End

FUNimation (like usual) really gave “Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood” a wonderful presentation. The 1080p transfer for each episode is near perfect and very impressive within its 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The colors are extremely vibrant and sharp. The line detail is also notable and transfers well onto the screen in high-def. These series on both collection are presented with the show’s original Japanese language and also an English dub. The Japanese audio only includes a Dolby True HD 2.0 track, while the English dub gets a more meaty Dolby True HD 5.1 track. I am usually gung ho for the original language track but I have to go with the English track for this series. I just love the voice actors and top that with a better audio track and it easily wins me over.

The special features may not be the greatest in terms of featurettes but there is sure a nice collection of audio commentary tracks for various episodes. Collection one contains audio commentaries on episodes 1, 10, 14, 23, 28. Collection two contains audio commentaries on episodes 36, 40, 46 and 64. The commentaries are focuses on key episodes and are a must for die-hard fans! Both Collection one and two have textless opening songs – “again”, “Hologram”, “Golden Time Lover” and textless closing songs – “Let it Out”, “ISO”, “Tsimaoda Te”. Collection two includes some outtakes, which are also fun and worth checking out. Lastly wrapping up the extras are trailers included on both collections.

 

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