Blu-ray Review “Beasts of the Southern Wild”

Actors: Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, Levy Easterly, Lowell Landes
Director: Benh Zeitlin
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 94 minutes

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

“…once there was a Hushpuppy and she lived with her daddy in The Bathtub“. 

Before getting into “Beasts of the Southern Wild”, I was not sure what to expect. This little indie keeps your attention from the moment it starts. It is extremely brutal and honest but that is the charm of this film. Quvenzhané Wallis really gives a wonderful performance playing Hushpuppy. She delivers such a fantastic performance that I wouldn’t be surprised to see award bells ringing in her future. Then Mix in some giant prehistoric beasts and you have yourself one enthralling film. Since this is Benh Zeitlin’s directorial debut, it is quite impressive. I am sure we will get some amazing things in the future. As we enter the end of the year, I would recommend checking out this little indie drama.

Official Premise: Teeming with magic, beauty and pure joy, this crowd-pleasing winner at the Sundance Film Festival has emerged as one of the year’s most acclaimed films. Newcomer Quvenzhan‚ Wallis delivers an “Oscarr-worthy performance” (Philadelphia Daily News) as Hushpuppy, the six-year-old force of nature in an isolated bayou community. When her tough but loving father Wink (Dwight Henry) succumbs to a mysterious malady, the fierce and determined girl bravely sets out on a journey to the outside world. But Hushpuppy’s quest is hindered by a “busted” universe that melts the ice caps and unleashes an army of prehistoric beasts.

The Blu-ray presentation from 20th Century Fox is no joke. It is being delivered as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD discs, as well as a downloadable digital copy. The film is low-budget but that doesn’t stop it from looking and sounding amazing. The 1080p transfer is extremely sharp and looks great. The audio included is a very impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This works well with the film’s scale and score. If you enjoyed this film be sure to check out the digital flipbook at http://www.comeseethewild.com/.

The special features are decent for this Blu-ray release. There are about 15 minutes of deleted scenes, each includes commentary from director Benh Zeitlin. There are the initial audition tapes for Quvenzhané Wallis and Dwight Henry. “The Making of Beasts of the Southern Wild” is a nice look into the production. It sort-of makes up for a lack of commentary track on the release. “Glory at Sea” is Ben Zeitlin’s first short film, from 2008 and in sort-of a lead into this film. There is a feature on the music with composer Dan Romer. “The Aurochs” looks into creation of the enormous beasts, I wish this was longer! Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

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Blu-ray Review “The Bourne Legacy”

Actors: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Joan Allen, Albert Finney
Directors: Tony Gilroy
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 135 minutes

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

When I think of Matt Damon, I always think about Jason Bourne. I have never really been though a huge fan of this series. I only saw “The Bourne Ultimatum” roughly days five years after its release and shortly before watching this film. And I only watched it since [semi-spoiler] I heard that it is connected to this film at various points. This is the first time that Jeremy Renner is taking over the franchise. After his key role in “The Avengers” as Hawkeye, he is does a decent job here but he can’t help the weak film overall. You are left with too many questions after watching this. I am very generous in my score, since I am still on a high from “The Avengers” and he is one my hot list right now. Also of course I do not think we have seen the end of the Bourne series either, so I assume there will be a fifth film soon.

Official Premise: The Bourne Legacy pulls back the curtain on a government secret even darker than Jason Bourne. When Bourne exposes Operation Treadstone at the end of The Bourne Ultimatum,he sparks a bonfire that threatens to burn down decades of research and development into the building of better spies and warriors. In The Bourne Legacy, audiences discover that there are actually a variety of covert intelligence programs – all of which now feel the threat of exposure. On the verge of having their conspiracy revealed, members of the government’s intelligence community will stop at nothing to erase all evidence of their top secret programs. With his life in jeopardy, agent Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) must use his genetically-engineered skills to survive the ultimate game of cat-and-mouse and finish what Jason Bourne started.

The Blu-ray releases comes with in a sweet combo pack with the Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy and Ultraviolet digital streaming. The 1080p transfer looks great for the film but I expected that honestly and nothing less. The star of this release though is easily its audio track. “The Bourne Legacy” packs a perfect DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, which really steals the show. It also gives quite a workout to your surround sound system.

The special features are decent but overall each one runs too short. There is an audio commentary track from Director/co-writer Tony Gilroy, co-writer Dan Gilroy, editor John Gilroy, director of photography Robert Elswit, second unit director Dan Bradley and production designer Kevin Thompson. It is very in depth and recommend for only fans of the film. There are three decent deleted scenes, which run about 7 minutes and each with optional commentary from the Gilroys and Elswit. “Re-Bourne” is a short features on continuing the series without Jason Bourne. “Enter Aaron Cross” is another short feature about Renner becoming the next super agent. “Crossing Continents” is a featurette about filming on location. “Moving Targets” focuses on Aaron and Marta with cast/crew interviews. “Man vs. Wolf” features Renner talking about wolves. “Wolf Sequence Test” is an animated storyboard reel for the wolf attack. Lastly “Capturing Chaos: The Motorbike Chase” looks the filming of the fast-paced action scene.

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DVD Review “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Adventures in the Crystal Empire”

Actors: Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Tabitha St. Germain
Directors: Jayson Thiessen
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 120 minutes

Release: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

When I showed this title to my wife, who grew up with the original 80’s series, the first thing she said is she hated the way the animation looks. I understand where she is coming from but I kind of like of the Japanese anime feel to this new rebooted series. Watching this show with my six month old daughter, she couldn’t take her eyes off the screen. It is like a color and noise explosion for the kids.

There are four episodes includes from “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” series, including “The Crystal Empire Part 1 & 2, Sonic Rainboom, Luna Eclipsed and “It’s About Time”. Though on the same day that this is being release “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic- Season One” is also being released, I would just recommend that one since you get 26 episodes of 5 for only double the price. At the time of writing this review they have aired 57 episodes and are into season three, so Shout Factory better get a move on releasing season two quickly!

Official Premise: In Adventures in the Crystal Empire, a magical empire has suddenly appeared in the arctic north of Equestria, and Princess Celestia needs Twilight Sparkle and her friends to find a way to protect it. While her friends try to keep the Crystal Ponies occupied at the Crystal Faire, Twilight Sparkle searches for the hidden Crystal Heart that is the key to keeping their empire safe from harm!

The show itself is extremely colorful and very eye-catching for kids. The DVD is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen and with 2.0 Stereo audio track. If you are looking for more “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic”, the series is currently airing on The HUB TV Network. So check it out! The special features are a little light for a kids release but include a coloring sheet and sing-along.

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Blu-ray Review “Forced to Fight”

Actors: Gary Daniels, Peter Weller
Directors: Jonas Quastel
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to mixed martial arts, I am big sucker for whatever is available. This film has a lot going for it including starring Peter Weller, known best for playing “Robocop” and also former world kick-boxing champion Gary Daniels (“The Expendables”). I have loved Daniel’s work going back to “Fist of the North Star”. The story is what you would expect from this type of film but it still works. The film is action-packed and features various fighting styles including wrestling, judo, jiu jitsu etc. There is something for everyone here in this non-stop thrill ride. Recommended for all MMA fans!

Official Premise: Once a legend in the brutal world of illicit underground fighting, Shane Slavin (Daniels) decides to turn his life around, promising his wife and young son he’s fought his last battle. But when his younger brother betrays a ruthless crime boss (Weller), Shane is forced back into the arena to pay his brother’s debts and to protect his family. Now Shane must confront a gauntlet of incredibly savage, no-holds-barred fights with no rules, no mercy and just two possible outcomes: win or die fighting.

“Forced to Fight” comes with a nice Blu-ray presentation. It looks damn impressive with its 1080p transfer and it’s aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track works well with the film’s action. You will find yourself dodging punches on your couch! The downside is that there are no special features included on this release. I also would have loved to see this released as a combo pack with a DVD, as well included.

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Blu-ray Review “V/H/S”

Actors: Calvin Reeder, Lane Hughes, Adam Wingard
Directors: Adam Wingard, David Bruckner, Ti West, Glenn McQuaid, Joe Swanberg
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 116 minutes

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

When it comes to anthology horror, “Creepshow” still holds my favorite chip. “V/H/S” though is easily one of my favorite horror films of 2012. It is unique and takes the POV genre to a new level. Plus, personally having grown up on VHS and 80’s horror, this film completely speaks to me. It is weird to think that my own daughter, who is only 6 months will not know what a VHS tape is. I don’t think these are terrifying but definitely get some good jumps and some “WTF” moments. If you are looking for some kick ass horror from some very talent young directors, do not miss “V/H/S”.

The film contains six different segments “Tape 56”, which also is the main arc; “Amateur Night”, “Second Honeymoon”, my favorite of them all; “Tuesday the 17th”, “The Sick Thing That Happened to Emily When She Was Younger” and “10/31/98”. They are all tied together yet completely different. Some of them are harder to stomach than others in terms of the brutal level. Some are better than the others but overall they work well as a team to kick some major ass!

This film packs some great directoral talent including Adam Wingard (“The ABC’s of Death”, “A Horrible Way to Die”), David Bruckner (“The Signal”), Ti West (“The Innkeepers”, “The House of the Devil”), Glenn McQuaid (“I Sell the Dead”), Joe Swanberg (“The Zone”) and Radio Silence. There is so much love for the horror genre here that this film is almost guaranteed not the fail. These guys love their 80’s horror and really deliver some great unique approach to the anthology POV horror genre.

Official Premise: V/H/S is a POV, found-footage horror film from the perspective of America’s top genre filmmakers. In V/H/S, a group of misfits are hired by an unknown third party to burglarize a desolate house in the countryside and acquire a rare tape. Upon searching the house, the guys are confronted with a dead body, a hub of old televisions and an endless supply of cryptic footage, each video stranger and more inexplicable than the last…

Here is the thing about this film, it is not meant to look perfect. It is very low-budget and made to look like it was on VHS tape. So the 1080p looks perfect for what is expected. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks works well with the dialogue and the jumps. There are some decent special features included here including cast and crew commentary tracks. There is also an alternate ending for “10/31/98”. There is some deleted scenes from “Tuesday the 17th” and “Amateur Night”. There are interviews with cast and crew including web cam interviews. The “Conceptual Design Gallery” for the character of Lily is worth checking out. “AXS TV: A Look at V/H/S” is a behind-the-scenes looks at the production of the segments. Lastly there are trailers included.

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Blu-ray Review “Gypsy”

Director: Mervyn Leroy
Cast: Karl Malden, Natalie Wood, Rosalind Russell
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Archive
Running Time: 143 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Release Date: November 20, 2012

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Growing up in New York and always traveling to the city, I have seen numerous different version of this Broadway classic over the years. The cast is so perfect for this film and Karl Malden, Natalie Wood, and Rosalind Russell all deliver their best. The film itself is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year and has never looked better.  Thanks need to go to Warner Archive for delivering this classic on Blu-ray for the first time. This is one of Warner Archive’s first go-round at Blu-ray and I can’t wait to see what they have planned next. I would highly recommend this release. It is being made via MOD, so be sure to get it before it goes out of print.

Official Synopsis: Ringing with the showbiz sass of its Jule Styne/Stephen Sondheim score, the film version of the Broadway hit Gypsy takes you on a grand vaudeville tour. It sweeps you up in the roller-coaster relationship of Louise (Natalie Wood), the wallflower later to blossom into sophisticated stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, and her ambitious mother, Rose (Rosalind Russell who’s performance won her a fifth Best Actress Golden Globe Award). Karl Malden scores as Herbie, the salesman who falls for Rose – to his exasperation. Full of terrific tunes (Everything’s Coming Up Roses and Small World among them), Gypsy will certainly entertain you and definitely make you smile.

For a film made back in 1962, this film looks very nice it’s brand new high-definition 1080p transfer and the original aspect ratio of 2.40:1. I was very impressive with the beautiful video presentation. The audio includes an DTS-HD MA 2.0 surround track. It sounds good but since the film is a musical, I was really hoping this was going to better than good. The special features are slim but at least there is something. Warner Archive usually deliver bare bones, so something is better than nothing. There are two outtake musical numbers for “You’ll Never Get Away from Me (Duet Version)” and “Together Wherever We Go”. Also there is the theatrical trailer included. Overall, for Warner Archive’s first go-round on Blu-ray it is very impressive and I look forward to future releases.

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Blu-ray Review “Deathtrap”

Director: Sidney Lumet
Cast: Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, Dyan Cannon
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Archive
Running Time: 116 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Release Date: November 20, 2012

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

“Deathtrap” is a fun mix of comedy and cat and mouse genre. The duo of Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve are brilliant and they work well together. Since the film is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary, it stills works and holds it own today. This release is one of the first from Warner Bros Archive on Blu-ray and it is quite impressive. If you are a fan of this little cult classic, I would highly recommend this release. It is being made via MOD, so be sure to get it before it goes out of print.

Official Synopsis: If you were a famed mystery playwright with a devastating string of recent flops, what would you do for a can’t-miss thriller script? Beg for it? Pay for it? Or would you kill for it? You would if you were Sidney Bruhl, the leading character in Ira Levin’s dazzlingly funny, deliciously scary, Broadway-smash-turned-movie-hit Deathtrap. Michael Caine starts as Bruhl and Christopher Reeve stars as Bruhl’s one-time student, who’s written a play so flawless “even a gifted director couldn’t ruin it” …and who requests Bruhl’s production help. And Dyan Cannon is Bruhl’s loving wife, who doesn’t want the student helped to an early grave. Sydney Lumet directs Deathtrap’s hairpin twists with such drop-dead wit and delightful dread that you’ll stop laughing only long enough to gasp in surprise.

For a film made back in 1982, this film looks very nice it’s brand new high-definition 1080p transfer and the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The audio includes an DTS-HD MA 2.0 surround track. It works for the film’s dialogue but don’t otherwise blow you away. When it comes to special features, unfortunately this release only comes with a trailer and nothing else. Hopefully this will change in the future, especially since Warner Archive’s Blu-ray for “Gypsy” includes some extras. Overall, for Warner Archive’s first go-round on Blu-ray it is very impressive and I look forward to future releases.

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Concert Review: Daughtry and 3 Doors Down – Binghamton, NY

“Daughtry and 3 Doors Down”
Daughtry, 3 Doors Down, Otherwise
Date: Saturday, December 1st, 2012
Venue: Broome County Veterans Arena, Binghamton, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The co-headlining tour of Daughtry and 3 Doors Down made their way to the quaint Veterans Arena located in upstate Binghamton NY, on Saturday, December 1st where they performed to a near capacity crowd. Those in attendance were treated to hit after hit as both acts put on a stellar show that had something for everyone.

Kicking of the night was the hard rock act Otherwise. Vocalist Adrian Patrick and company provided a high energy performance which did a great job setting the stage for what was to come later in the evening. The band performed songs off their latest album titled “True Love Never Dies” with songs such as “Soldiers” and “I Don’t Apologize” garnering the biggest applause. 3 Doors Down were up next and proceeded to take things up a notch by blasting out hit after hit. The band performed several new tracks such as “There’s a Life” and “One Light” which are both contained on the bands recently released greatest hits album. The set also featured a dual drum solo between vocalist Brad Arnold and Greg Upchurch during the performance of “Citizen/Soldier”. “American Idol” season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry closed out the night and had fans on their feet from the opening notes. Fans were treated to songs off Daughtry’s latest album “Break the Spell” as well as fan favorites such as “Feels Like Tonight” and “Over You” during which Chris brought one lucky fan on stage to sing with him. Other notable performances during the set were a great a duet between Chris and Brad Arnold from 3 Doors Down on the song “Tennessee Line” as well as a solid interlude performance of Pink Floyd’s classic “In the Flesh”.

The night was packed full of hits which kept the crowd’s attention and energy going throughout the night. Not only were fans treated to great sounding performances but they were all visually appealing as well. The lineup of Daughtry and 3 Doors Down offers the perfect blend of emotion and sound that transcends perfectly to audiences of all ages. Definitely get your tickets for this tour as there are still a few remaining dates left on this run.

 3 Doors Down Set List:
1.)    Time of My Life
2.)    It’s Not My Time
3.)    Duck and Run
4.)    The Road I’m On
5.)    Away From the Sun
6.)    Let Me Go
7.)    Goodbye
8.)    Loser
9.)    There’s a Life
10.)  Landing In London
11.)  One Light
12.)  Here Without You
13.)  Citizen/Soldier
14.)  Symphony of Destruction (Megadeth Cover)
15.)  The Better Life
16.)  Kryptonite
17.)  When I’m Gone

Daughtry Set List:
1.) Break the Spell
2.) Feels Like Tonight
3.) Outta My Head
4.) Crawling Back to You
5.) What I Want
6.) Start of Something Good
7.) Gone Too Soon
8.) Tennessee Line
9.) Over You
10.) No Surprise
11.) Every Time You Turn Around
12.) We’re Not Gonna Fall
13.) It’s Not Over
14.) Home
15.) September

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Film Review “The Art of Flight 3D”

Actors: Travis Rice, John Jackson, Mark Landvik, Scotty Lago, Jake Blauvelt
Directors: Curt Morgan
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Red Bull Media House
Running Time: 80 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“The Art of Flight 3D” not just another documentary film about snowboarding. It is much more.  The film was released prior back in September 2011 but was not in 3D.  Let me tell you that adding the third dimension to this film really makes the difference.  Like I said this is not just about snowboarding, the film is jam-packed with action, adventure and even drama. It follows the well-known snowboarder Travis Rice and his friends as it follows them over two years as they aim to experience the limit of snowboarding. The film is released from Red Bull film division…that’s right the energy drink.  This film is your average documentary on a bender of Red Bull.  I would highly recommend experiencing this film, especially in 3D.

Official Synopsis: Brace yourself for a new breed of action sports film as Red Bull Media House presents the re-release of Red Bull Media House’s acclaimed film now in 3D titled “The Art of FLIGHT 3D,” a Curt Morgan film. “The Art of FLIGHT 3D” combines meaningful storytelling and character development with sport progressing action, all captured on state-of-the-art filmmaking equipment, much of which has been custom designed just for this project. Equal parts stunning action and harrowing adventure mix with the inevitable drama encountered along the way, presenting viewers with an exclusive opportunity to experience these endeavors virtually firsthand. With unprecedented access, the audience will share in the experience as snowboarder Travis Rice, along with a cast of the best riders in the world, complete a two-year quest to redefine what’s possible on a snowboard.

First of all the cinematography in the film is extremely impressive, thanks to filming with the RED camera system. It really scales up the film and makes it feel much bigger. We get to experience the mountains in locations like Chilean Patagonia’s Darwin Range, Alaska’s Tordrillo Range, Wyoming’s Snake River Range, Aspen, Colorado, the Andes, as well as British Columbia’s Kootenay Mountains. The 3D really added a lot of depth to these wonderful landscapes. I am sure it looked amazing on Blu-ray without but I really enjoyed the depth added to the locations. When it comes to snowboarding films, you got to make sure to have a killer soundtrack and “The Art of Flight” does not disappoint. It features the music of The Naked and Famous, M83, Deadmau5, Sigur Rós and more.

“The Art of FLIGHT 3D” will be released exclusively in AMC Theatres on December 7th in markets including New York, Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, Spokane, Denver, Salt Lake City, Charlotte and Minneapolis.  The film will also be available via TUGG throughout December 2012 and Winter 2013.  TUGG is a web-platform that enables moviegoers to choose the films that play at their local theaters. Then hopefully Red Bull is planning a 3D Blu-ray release since I would love to own this film for repeat viewings.

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Book Review “Chu’s Day” by Neil Gaiman

Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Adam Rex
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: January 8, 2013

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors. Coraline is one of my favorite stories in the last decade. It may be a little too scary for some kids but I am a big kid, so it is ok. This book is aimed a much younger audience. On the book cover it says Newborn to 4 but Amazon is listing the book as 4 and up. I feel that this book is much more suited for under age 4. It may not be my favorite book from Gaiman but more important my daughter loved it and that is all that matter.

The story of Chu is short and sweet. It follows a a little panda that packs a big sneeze and as the book reads, “when Chu sneezes, bad things happen”. It is a very simple story and does get a few laughs even for the adults like myself that was acting out the lines. I felt like some of the words could have rhymed a bit better but overall it was still a cute and fun book.

Adam Rex has delivered some very colorful and interesting illustrations. As I was reading this book to my 6-month old daughter, she was literally grabbing the pages right out of my hand and turning them. The book itself is a little short in terms of quality but at least it has great replay value. I believe I ended up reading this book about 5 times in one sitting.

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Film Review “Back to 1942”

Starring: Zhang Guoli, Adrien Brody and Tim Robbins
Directed by: Feng Xiaogang
Rated: Not Rated
Running time: 2 hours 25 mins
China Lion Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In the winter of 1942 a terrible drought came over the Henan province in China. The drought, combined with a locust invasion and the continued war with Japan, eventually left 3 million people dead.

Based on the novel “Remembering 1942” by Zhenyun Liu (who also did the screenplay), “Back to 1942” is an epic telling of a story few people know. The story begins with a local village, run by the wealthy Mr. Fan (Guoli), being visited by a band of wandering “bandits.” But they’re not there to steal. They’re only looking for a meal. They are allowed in but Fan dispatches a lackey to bring back soldiers to arrest them. However his plan is discovered and a riot breaks out which transforms the village into a smoldering pile of rubble. Those not killed pack up their belongings and begin a trek to what they hope is salvation only to be slapped down repeatedly by everything from the weather to the Japanese Air Force.

Skillfully directed, “Back to 1942” is an unfiltered – and unflinching- look at the true perils of war. What amazes is that, in the more than two hour running time, there isn’t one moment of lightness. No sudden comic moment to help ease the story along. They say war is hell and this film doesn’t let you forget that. As their journey continues we are reminded via titles (“31 days, 76 miles”) how far they have traveled. By the end of the film you’re so emotionally drained that you feel as if you’ve walked every step as well.

The performances are strong, including those by a couple of Oscar winners. Brody plays “Time” magazine writer Theodore White, who covered China for many years and went on to write several “Making of the President” books. White, who was a college classmate of Joe Kennedy, Jr. would also later write an essay for “Life” magazine in which John F. Kennedy would forever be linked to Camelot. Robins has a smaller but just as important role as Father Thomas Megan, the first Divine Word Prefect in China. Production values are strong with special mention going to the bleak yet sharp photography courtesy of cinematographer Yue Lu.

“Back to 1942” is presented in Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles (the scenes with Brody and Robbins are in English) and is now playing in limited release in the following cities: Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington D.C.

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Film Review “Killing Them Softly”

Starring: Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins and James Gandolfini
Directed by: Andrew Dominik
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 37 mins
The Weinstein Company

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I’m sure it sounded like a great idea. You do a movie about the mob, throw in the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression then cast top notch actors like Brad Pitt and Ray Liotta. But you forgot to check the script. What do you do, hot shot? WHAT DO YOU DO?

It’s several weeks before the 2008 Presidential Election and the economy is bad for everyone. Even the petty thieves are down on their luck. Two of them – Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) – are about to try to change it. They’ve learned from their friend Squirrel (Vincent Curatola, probably best known as “The Sopranos” Johnny Sack) about a high stakes card game being hosted by local hood Markie Trattman (Liotta). It seems that some time ago Trattman arranged for one of his games to be robbed. The guys figure if it gets robbed again those inconvenienced will assume Trattman was up to his old shenanigans and he’ll be the one held responsible. They’re right. But they’re also wrong.

Visually interesting with some fine performances, “Killing Them Softly” suffers from a script that can best be described as Quentin Tarantino meets Kevin Smith. All of the fancy overlapping dialogue is there, with just a bit of raunch thrown in to make it interesting. Sometimes. The three top names seem committed to the story, though. Pitt is fun to watch as Jackie, a hit man brought in to correct the current situation. With his hair slicked back and goatee he bears more than a slight resemblance to the late Robert Goulet. If he can sing I may have just found his next project. As the mob lawyer trying to have things done under budget (he insists that any hit man flying in fly coach) Jenkins is his usual dry self. As a fellow hit man dealing with marital problems Gandolfini runs the gambit of emotions.

Writer/director Dominik previously gave us “Chopper” (where we first met a bad-ass Eric Bana) and “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (which also starred Pitt). With the exception of some fine visual effects he takes a step back here.

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Short Film Review “Familiar”

Director: Richard Powel
Cast: Robert Nolan, Astrida Auza, Cathryn Hostick
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 24 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Before I got approached to review this short horror film, I was unaware of it.  But after watching the trailer for “Familiar”, I couldn’t help but immediately plug in to watch this short.  The trailer is really sets the stage for one hell of a fucked up ride.  but only gives a taste of what to expect. The film’s star is Robert Nolan delivers such a fantastically unsettling performance. Definitely not the squeamish but I highly recommend this for all horror fans.

I don’t want to give anything away but here is a brief synopsis for the film:  “Through a series of tragic events a middle aged man grows to suspect the negative impulses plaguing his mind may not be his own…”. Most of the dialogue spoken over the film by John’s voice in his head (or maybe more than that…gotta watch) and really seals the deal on John Dodd’s insanity.  The inner torment for John is so intense, it literally leaves you forgetting to breath. The film itself is simple yet completely devious and rather disturbing. For a low-budget short, the make-up effects are extremely impressive and add a lot to this film.  I couldn’t help but relate this film to the earlier works of David Cronenberg with “Dead Ringers” and Naked Lunch”.

Personally, I feel that the poster gives away some of the shock factor but still ends up throwing you for a complete loop. I was unaware of the fact that “Familiar” is actually a sequel to the director’s previous short sequel called “Worm”, which stars the character John Dodd’s brother, Geoffrey. I look forward to seeing that short next. Richard Powell is hot on my radar now and I can’t wait to see what he has planned next.  I also hope that this short gets the attention that it deserves but people need to see this!

 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: familiar, film, review, short

Blu-ray Review “Silent Night”

Actors: Malcolm McDowell, Jaime King, Ellen Wong, Donal Logue, Brendan Fehr, Courtney Palm
Director: Steven C. Miller
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 94 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Lately, there has been a big huge flow of 80’s horror remakes.  The 1984 horror classic “Silent Night Deadly Night” is one of my favorites.  When it was released it was controversial and was protested.  “Silent Night” is a modern remake and packs a nice punch but I doubt it will have the same effect as the shocking original.  The kills are sharp, the gore is present and there is no shortage of gratuitous nudity. The film also rings in a wonderful cast including Malcolm McDowell (“Rob Zombie’s Halloween”) and Jaime King (“Sin City”) and Courtney Palm (“Sushi Girl”), who also has the best kill scene in the film! There is some decent nods to the original film but overall stands on its own.

Don’t get me wrong the 1984 original is a cult classic but it surely has its issues and is not a perfect film.  “Silent Night” takes what’s good in the original and sharpens it up a bit.  Steven C. Miller is a kick-ass director and he knows his horror.  This is a great follow-up to his last film, which I also enjoyed, “The Aggression Scale”. “Silent Night” is low-budget film but it has a larger scale to it. You can tell that Miller is a fan of the original himself and really delivers his unique look and feel to this film. This might be his most mature and sharpest film to date! As always, I look forward to what he has planned next. If you are a fan of the original, this is a nice companion to it.  It tries to compliment it more than it tries to replace it.

This time around the story follows on a small-town sheriff and deputy who are on the hunt for a murderous masked Santa Claus that terrorizing their community on Christmas Eve. As the town prepare for its annual Christmas parade, the streets full of Santas and the killer is hiding in plain sight. The killer is picking off the people that he judges as being “naughty”. He’s making his list, checking it twice, and the naughty are going to pay with their lives. Christmas is going to be bloody and brutal this year!

Anchor Bay is releasing a very nice Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for the film. It looks very sharp it is 2.40:1/16×9 1080p transfer. The audio is also very impressive with its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track. The special features are not the best but definitely worth checking out. There is a very short and non narrated collection of behind-the-scenes footage from the production, which runs just over six minutes. There are some deleted scenes, which run for just over five minute. They literally add nothing to the film and were rightfully deleted. I would have loved to see a commentary track from Miller and some cast chatting about the original and the production.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews, Film Reviews Tagged With: bluray, night, review, silent

Book Review “Whose Toes Are Those?”

Author: Sally Symes
Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Brdbk edition
Release Date: December 11, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Whose Toes Are Those?” is a very cute book, which let preschoolers keep guessing who’s hiding. Whether it is tails, toes, noses — it is short running 22 pages but has enough to keep the little reader interested throughout and also keep coming back to see which each animal is peeking out.  This is a really clever book and recommend for all parents looking to keep your little one entertained and also stimulated.

Premise: Whose tail? Whose toes? Whose twitchy nose? Who is that hiding behind a big hunk of cheese? What has a cold wet nose, a big pink snout, or a long gray trunk? In this lift-the-flap book for the very young, simple, repetitive text and bold, bright illustrations combine to make a funny guessing-game of a book.

The book is worded from author, Sally Symes.  It is repetitive like advertised but very effective and memorable.  She is also the author of “Yawn”.  The book is perfectly illustrated by Nick Sharratt, who also worked with Sally Symes on “Yawn” and also is the author-illustrator of “What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen?”, “Dinosaurs’ Day Out”, and “The Foggy, Foggy Forest”. The illustrations are sharp and very colorful. I look forward to the next installment!

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book, review, toes
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