DVD Review “Drinking Made Easy: Season 2”

Actors: Zane Lamprey, Stephen McKenna
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 614 minutes

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

I was a fan of Zane Lamprey and his crazy drinking madness since the days of “Three Sheets”. “Drinking Made Easy” is a fun show but it definitely is not for everyone. This DVD contains all 24 episodes from the outrageous second season. I never thought I would say this is possible but after watching this show, I personally have no desire to drink ever again. If you are a fan of this show season three has already started on HDNet on October 3rd. There are thirteen new episodes airing from October 3rd. So the madness continues…if his liver can survive.

Official Premise: Join the “Indiana Jones of drinking”, Zane Lamprey, with his buddies Steve McKenna and Pleepleus as they tour the U.S. looking for the best drinks, drinkers, and watering holes. Each week Zane and Steve visit a new city and explore its history, nightlife, and the local drinking culture. They are on a mission to show what libations and drinking lifestyles this fine nation has to offer and, of course, to make drinking easy!

It is hard to believe that one person is able to do as much drinking as Zane does. This season he made stops in the following cities: Maui, Kauai, Monterrey, Key West, Miami, Tampa, St. Augustine, Savannah, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Newport, Cape Cod, Portland, Memphis, Nashville, Asheville, Charlotte, Charleston, Seattle, Vancouver, Spokane, Missoula, Santa Barbara and Aspen.

There is also no shortage of special features on this DVD.  There is a commentary track from Zane and the crew of the show.  There is the one-hour special included as a bonus episode, which is called “Ultra Premium Imperial Reserve Platinum Epsecial”.  Fun stuff, definitely worth checking out for sure.  Lastly, there are additional bonus scenes from a few episodes and also some extended interviews.

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3D Blu-ray Review “IMAX: Rescue 3D”

Directors: Stephen Low
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 46 minutes

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

There is something about the 3D in the film’s made for IMAX theatres. They really pop much more than the really theatrical 3D films. The only issue with this film is that it is only 46 minutes like all IMAX features. Nonetheless, this still packs a thrilling 46 mins and is really entertaining. If you are looking for some fantastic 3D mixed with an inspiring story and some great action, then this film is definitely a no-brainer purchase.  Since this was originally created for exhibition in IMAX theaters, you know the scale is just so amazing and perfect for 3D Blu-ray.

Official Synopsis: “Rescue 3D” plunges audiences into the grueling, highly technical work of saving lives in the face of a natural disaster and introduces a few of the heroes who step up to make it happen. The film follows first responders as they train at sea, in the air and on the ground preparing for the worst that can happen. And then it does… When a magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes the Caribbean nation of Haiti, emergency teams jump into action. Within days, a massive effort is launched that brings military and civilian responders and hardware from around the world, and then the real work begins.  “Rescue 3D” is an odyssey of real-world disaster and emergency response captured (in 3D) with unprecedented scale and impact.

Image Entertainment delivers this film beautifully on 3D Blu-ray, its 1080p transfer is flawless and really delivers the goods.  There is also a standard definition Blu-ray as well for those who don’t have 3D TV’s but I would highly recommend this experience in 3D if possible. The specia features included are not huge but good for what is included.  There are interviews with the Rescuers from the film.  We get a chance to hear their tales of inspiration and courage.  Lastly there are a few trailers included as well.

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Blu-ray Review “Maximum Conviction”

Actors: Steven Seagal, Steve Austin, Michael Pare, Bren Foster
Directors: Keoni Waxman
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

When I saw that Steven Seagal and Steve Austin were starring together in “Maximum Conviction”, I could request this faster to review.  I don’t care what people say but I think that Seagal can still kick some major ass.  Austin is also such a bad-ass.  The duo is also also behind-the-scenes producing on the film.  Steve Austin is executive producing, while Steve Seagal is producing.  You can tell that they are behind this film 100% and it is not just some cheesy action/thriller. If you are a fan of kick-ass action films, this is a no-brainer. Sit back, relax and get ready to have the Steve’s kick some ass!

Official Premise: When former black ops operative Tom Steele (Steven Seagal) and his partner Manning (Steve Austin) are assigned to decommission an old prison, they must oversee the arrival of two mysterious female prisoners. Before long, an elite force of mercenaries assault the prison in search of the new arrivals. As the true identities of the women are revealed, Steele realizes he’s caught in the middle of something far bigger than he had imagined. Fists will fly and bones will shatter as the situation escalates with every passing minute.

Anchor Bay is delivering “Maximum Conviction” as a DVD + Blu-ray combo pack. The Blu-ray looks sharp, especially with the action in the film. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track also sounds great on the Blu-ray. The special features are quite decent for this action/thriller. There is an audio commentary with Executive Producer/Director Keoni Waxman and Co-Executive Producer Binh Dang. There is a short but effective behind the scenes featurette. “Icons: Working with Legendary Action Stars” is a feature on these two get action stars Seagal and Austin working together. Lastly there is an interview with Steve Austin and Bren Foster.

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CD Review “Best of Bond…James Bond: 50 Years – 50 Tracks”

Artists: Various
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Number of Discs: 2
Label: Capitol/EMI

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic James Bond film franchise. While we are all highly anticipating the release of the 23rd Bond film “Skyfall”.  Capitol/EMI is releasing “Best Of Bond… James Bond”, which is a collection of 50 years of music over 50 tracks, all digitally remastered. If you are looking for all the memorable theme songs from all 22 official Bond films, then this is the release for you! I am not sure why Adele’s new song from “Skyfall” is M.IA., since it is being released during the 50th anniversary celebration.  I have always loved these themes, they also perfectly set the stage for the films and were always fun.  If you are a Bond fan this is a must though if you own these already from previous editions, then there is no real draw for this otherwise being a collector.

This release is available in a 23-track single-disc edition and 50 track deluxe edition.  Both editions feature all the themes  22 Bond films released since 1962.  The cover art is a really cool looking Bond “Golden Girl” and the official 50th anniversary logo.  The expanded edition adds several score pieces from The John Barry Orchestra and other original songs heard in the films by Dame Shirley Bassey, Marvin Hamlisch, The Pretenders, Moby, k.d. lang, David Arnold, and others. Honestly, I had a real issue with the second disc.  The tracks were not that sharp and overall the songs didn’t really put me in the mood for Bond. The first disc is really where the best tracks are for this release, I wouldn’t give the second disc even a second listen. But I am sure that mega-Bond fans would be excited to get all these tracks in one place for the first time.

 Track Listings: 

DISC ONE
1. James Bond Theme – The John Barry Orchestra [from Dr. No, 1962]
2. From Russia With Love – Matt Monro [from From Russia With Love, 1963]
3. Goldfinger – Shirley Bassey [from Goldfinger, 1964]
4. Thunderball – Tom Jones [from Thunderball, 1965]
5. You Only Live Twice – Nancy Sinatra [from You Only Live Twice, 1967]
6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – The John Barry Orchestra [from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 1969]
7. We Have All The Time In The World – Louis Armstrong [from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 1969]
8. Diamonds Are Forever – Shirley Bassey [from Diamonds Are Forever, 1971]
9. Live And Let Die – Paul McCartney & Wings [from Live And Let Die, 1973]
10. The Man With The Golden Gun – Lulu [from The Man With The Golden Gun, 1974]
11. Nobody Does It Better – Carly Simon [from The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977]
12. Moonraker – Shirley Bassey [from Moonraker, 1979]
13. For Your Eyes Only – Sheena Easton [from For Your Eyes Only, 1981]
14. All Time High – Rita Coolidge [from Octopussy, 1983]
15. A View To A Kill – Duran Duran [from A View To A Kill, 1985]
16. The Living Daylights – A-Ha [from The Living Daylights, 1987]
17. Licence To Kill – Gladys Knight [from Licence To Kill, 1989]
18. GoldenEye (Single Edit) – Tina Turner [from GoldenEye, 1995]
19. Tomorrow Never Dies – Sheryl Crow [from Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997]
20. The World Is Not Enough – Garbage [from The World Is Not Enough, 1999]
21. Die Another Day – Madonna [from Die Another Day, 2002]
22. You Know My Name – Chris Cornell [from Casino Royale, 2006]
23. Another Way To Die – Jack White & Alicia Keys [from Quantum Of Solace, 2008]

DISC TWO
1. Dr. No’s Fantasy – The Monty Norman Orchestra [from Dr. No, 1962]
2. Under The Mango Tree – Diana Coupland [from Dr. No, 1962]
3. 007 – The John Barry Orchestra [from From Russia With Love, 1963]
4. Opening Titles (Medley): James Bond Is Back/From Russia With Love/James Bond Theme – The John Barry Orchestra [from From Russia With Love, 1963]
5. Into Miami – The John Barry Orchestra [from Goldfinger, 1964]
6. The Laser Beam – The John Barry Orchestra [from Goldfinger, 1964]
7. Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang – Shirley Bassey [submitted for Thunderball but not included in film, 1965]
8. Switching The Body – The John Barry Orchestra [from Thunderball, 1965]
9. Capsule in Space – The John Barry Orchestra [from You Only Live Twice, 1967]
10. Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown – Nina [from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 1969]
11. Bond Smells a Rat – The John Barry Orchestra [from Diamonds Are Forever, 1971]
12. Fillet Of Soul-New Orleans/Live And Let Die/Fillet Of Soul-Harlem (Medley) – The George Martin Orchestra featuring B.J. Arnau [from Live And Let Die, 1973]
13. Underground Lair – The John Barry Orchestra [from Live And Let Die, 1973]
14. Hip’s Trip – The John Barry Orchestra [from The Man With The Golden Gun, 1974]
15. The Pyramids – Marvin Hamlisch [from The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977]
16. Cable Car And Snake Fight – The John Barry Orchestra [from Moonraker, 1979]
17. Make It Last All Night – Bill Conti featuring Rage [from For Your Eyes Only, 1981]
18. The Chase Bomb Theme – The John Barry Orchestra [from Octopussy, 1983]
19. Snow Job – The John Barry Orchestra [from A View To A Kill, 1985]
20. Where Has Everybody Gone – The Pretenders [from The Living Daylights, 1987]
21. If There Was a Man – The Pretenders [closing credits song from The Living Daylights, 1987]
22. The Experience Of Love – Eric Serra [from GoldenEye, 1995]
23. James Bond Theme – Moby (Moby’s Re-Version) [inspired by the UA motion picture Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997]
24. Surrender – k.d. lang [closing credits song from Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997]
25. Only Myself To Blame – Scott Walker [from The World Is Not Enough, 1999]
26. Vesper – David Arnold [from Casino Royale, 2006]
27. Time To Get Out – David Arnold [from Quantum Of Solace, 2008]

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Blu-ray Review “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Complete Season 7”

Actors: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito
Directors: Matt Shakman, Randall Einhorn
Rated: Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 286 minutes

Episodes: 4 out of 5 Stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

Official Synopsis: In season 7 see the Gang prepare for the apocalypse, hit the beach at the Jersey Shore, produce a child beauty pageant, and take a walk down memory lane at their high school reunion. As they say, some things never change. So prepare for more depraved schemes, half-baked arguments and absurdly underhanded plots to subvert one another.

First airing in 2005, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has never failed to tackle timely subject matters through the uniquely twisted eyes of the Paddy’s Pub gang. Season seven, which kicked off with a dead hooker (“Frank’s Pretty Woman”) and covered everything from social networks to child beauty pageants, was no exception.

If Sweet Dee’s (Kaitlin Olsen) pregnancy was the notable addition to the sixth season, season seven was the year of “Fat Mac.” Series creator and executive producer Rob McElhenney put on fifty pounds for the sake of trying out its comedic possibilities. While McElhenney has shed the weight in the current season which began on October 11th, the decision paid off in spades in episodes on this set such as “How Mac Got Fat” and “The Gang Goes to the Jersey Shore” (where Mac and Danny DeVito’s Frank introduced the world to getting drunk off of Rum Ham).

The Jersey Shore episode was definitely a season highlight in a year where the gang was so often found outside of their base at Paddy’s pub–a major leap forward for Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day), who up until this season just couldn’t seem to make it out of the city limits successfully. Other season highlights include “Chardee Macdennis: The Game of Games” featuring a twisted combination drinking-board-physical-challenge game that only the Always Sunny gang could devise, and the two part High School Reunion finale. The latter of which corralled, for all intents and purposes, the rogues gallery of Always Sunny nemeses from past seasons including guest stars Judy Greer, Jason Sudeikus and my personal favorite David Hornsby as downward spiraling Rickety Cricket.

This season does find some weaker moments than earlier years of Always Sunny such as the flashback-heavy “Frank’s Brother”, however I can’t think of another show that is as consistently hilarious and surprising, especially after seven years. As far as sitcoms go, it also has one of the highest rewatchability factors as the writers continue to flesh out this alternate universe Philly with supporting characters and callbacks to past plots.

The extras on the Blu-Ray set are not as extensive as some of the previous sets, featuring four episode commentary tracks (of thirteen episodes), an enjoyable blooper reel and a drunken tour of Philly with recurring character Artemis. One misses the behind the scenes featurettes from past releases. On FX, the show is aired in HD and continues to look and sound great on this Blu-ray transfer.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Rites of Passage”

Actors: Christian Slater, Stephen Dorff, Wes Bentley, Ryan Donowho
Directors: W. Peter Iliff
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

“Rites of Passage” packs a decent cast including Christian Slater, Stephen Dorff and Wes Bentley. Not A-list but definitely notable stars. The story itself takes too long to get started and ends up not delivers much before its close. There is some decent laughs, even though they are not really warranted. It ends me being a bit too formulaic for me, personally. I would say if you have nothing better to do on a rainy day, this might be worth a rent but its not special.

Premise: An anthropology student, invites a few of his classmates, and their professor to his family’s abandoned ranch – once a sacred Chumash burial ground – to recreate an ancient ceremony. There they meet Nathan’s psychotic older brother and his drug fueled friend. The students then embark on a rite of passage that no one will ever forget.

The Blu-ray presentation is good enough and holds up for the format. The 1080p video works well for the film. The audio included is a sharp DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The special features are lacking quite a bit. There is only a short “The Making Of” featurette and a trailer included. So if you are looking for commentary or anything decent to companion the film, you will be disappointed.

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Blu-ray Review “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial – Anniversary Edition”

Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton, K.C. Martel
Directors: Steven Spielberg
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Pictures
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 115 minutes

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

“E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and this film time being released on Blu-ray.  It has been digitally remastered from the high resolution 35MM original film elements,  supervised and approved by Spielberg himself. This release also only the original theatrical version of the film.  The 20th Anniversary edition version with the alternate cut is not present here.  Not sure the reasoning for that but the original is always the best especially for this classic.  I wish they would release the original cuts of the “Star Wars” trilogy.  E.T. reminds me of a time when Spielberg was at his best. Let’s just say this film’s today don’t have the charm that they once did.  Fans of this film should be thrilled with this high-def upgrade.

The Blu-ray presentation is honestly one of the best of the year.  The combo pack includes Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet.  I am very excited about the digital streaming copy since this is one of those films that I would want to watch whenever/wherever. The did a wonderful job on restoring this film in its 1080p transfer.  The real stare of this release has to be its DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track.  It sounds like it’s from another planet…and works perfectly with John Williams’ timeless score.  Overall, this film has honestly never looked or sounded better.

The special features are just as amazing as the film.  There is a new retrospective called “Steven Spielberg & E.T.”, which the director reflects on the film and its response through the years.  Another Blu-ray exclusive is “The E.T. Journals”, which runs about an hour consisting of original behind-the-scenes footage shot during the production.  To sup up the HD extras, there are two short deleted scenes, which are well cut.

The rest of the extras are presented in standard definition and ports from the 20th Anniversary Edition DVD. “A Look Back”  is a documentary on the production, which runs about 40 minutes. “The Evolution and Creation of E.T.”  includes some good interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. “The E.T. Reunion” is a reflections with Spielberg, Thomas, MacNaughton, Barrymore, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote and producer Kathleen Kennedy on the film. “The 20th Anniversary Premiere” is featurettes with composer John Williams and a full symphony orchestra. “The Music of E.T.” is an interview with the master composer John Williams. There are six images galleries including designs, photographs and marketing.  Lastly, there is Special Olympics TV Spot and Theatrical Trailer included.

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Blu-ray Review “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?: 50th Anniversary Edition”

Starring: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Victor Buono, Anna Lee, Maidie Norman, Marjorie Bennett
Director: Robert Aldrich
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 134 minutes

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

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were known for there feuding both on and off the screen during making “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”. After 50th years, they still deliver some great performances in this film. Warner’s is releasing this film in their trademark Digibook release and it is definitely worth the upgrade for fans of this classic film. Warner Brothers delivers a real nice 1080p video, within its new digital transfer taken from the original camera negative and restored audio elements. This really makes the picture pop off the screen and looks amazing in black and white still after all these years. The original DTS-HD Master Audio Mono also works well with the 50 year old film.

The special features are great but nothing new for this 50th anniversary release. There is a commentary track from Charles Busch and John Epperson Epperson, which is relatively funny. “Bette and Joan: Blind Ambition” looks back on the legendary careers of both iconic actresses. “Behind the Scenes with Baby Jane” is short but neat vintage featurette on the production. The is an excerpt from “The Andy Williams Show” on 12/12/1962, when Bette was a guest on the show. “All About Bette” is a TCM special focusing on Davis and hosted and narrated by Jodie Foster. There is a “Film Profile” on Joan Crawford, which runs just under 30 minutes. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer.

Synopsis: Two icons from the golden age of Hollywood, Oscar® winners* Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, take their famous feud onscreen in Robert Aldrich’s newly restored thriller. In fierce, no-holds-barred performances, Bette Davis portrays aging ex-child star Baby Jane Hudson while Joan Crawford plays Blanche, the crippled sister Jane torments psychologically. As the sisters descend into madness, the tension builds to a shocking ending in this unforgettable Academy Award®-winning classic.

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Film Review “Seven Psychopaths”

Starring: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell and Christopher Walken
Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 49 mins
CBS Films

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

In 2008, Martin McDonagh earned an Oscar nomination for his first full-length screenplay, the quirky mob film “In Bruges.” Expect to see him earn nomination number two for “Seven Psychopaths.”

While waiting to pull off a “hit,” two men are suddenly shot dead. Placed on their bodies is a single playing card – the Jack of Diamonds. This opening sequence begins the tale of what is surely the best quirky crime drama since “The Usual Suspects.”

A thriller interspliced with an uncanny insider look at Hollywood, “Seven Psychopaths” is the story of a story, one being written by Marty (Farrell), an Irish screenwriter whose dependence on the bottle has just cost him his girlfriend. Marty is constantly asking his friend Billy (Rockwell), about his career as a dog thief or, as Marty calls himself, a “dog borrower.” Marty tails wealthy dog owners out with their dogs, kidnaps them and, when the eventual WANTED poster offering a cash reward turns up, his partner Hans (Walken, still at the top of his game at age 69) returns the dog, having just recently “found” it. Billy shares some stories with Marty, who has only gotten as far as the title of his new script: “Seven Psychopaths.” Along the way we meet some of the best written characters in recent years: the man who used to travel the country with his girlfriend, tracking down and murdering murderers (“we were serial killer killers”), the vengeful father (Harry Dean Stanton) of a murdered daughter and a crazy crime boss (Woody Harrelson), whose Shih Tzu, Bonny, Billy has made the mistake of stealing. As these stories, and others, intertwine, you are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

The film is full of great performances but I must make the following clear:

IF SAM ROCKWELL IS NOT NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR I WILL SEND WOODY HARRELSON TO VISIT THE ACADEMY!

Rockwell gives a bravura performance here, creating a character who lives and breathes on many levels. In what could have been an over-the-top, one note performance Rockwell gives Billy a heart and, more importantly, a soul. You shouldn’t care about him but you can’t help yourself. And a special nod to Bonny, the shih tzu, who I predict will shortly become this year’s Uggie, the canine star of “The Artist.”

The script is packed with inside Hollywood references, with the comments often reflecting the film itself. The action is fast paced and the over-the-top violence is brought to life courtesy of KNB EFX Group partners Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger. McDonagh’s direction is sharp and the outdoor visuals are brought to life by cinematographer Ben Davis.

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Film Review “Argo”

Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman
Directed by: Ben Affleck
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I’ll say this for Ben Affleck – if this actor thing doesn’t work out he’s got a perfect job waiting for him behind the camera. With two Boston-set films (“Gone Baby Gone” and “The Town”) under his belt, Affleck moves his camera to 1979 Iran, where six members of the U.S. Embassy contingent are in hiding after the building was overrun by “students” protesting the United States giving asylum to the former Shah. How the six survived their ordeal is now featured in the new film, “Argo.”

Tony Mendez (Affleck) is among the best of the best in the C.I.A. He has made himself a “master of disguise” thanks to the help of another “master” – Academy Award winning make up man John Chambers (Goodman). In order to rescue the six citizens, who have found refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador, the agency suggests several ways to get them out of Iran. None make sense. Until Mendez suggests a phony film crew help sweep them away. However, in Hollywood, even the phony needs press!

Based on a true story, “Argo” is the first great film of the soon to be approaching Oscar season. Affleck and his “crew” manage to get the six hostages outside and, hopefully, wheels up back to America. To do this the C.I.A. hires film producer Lester Siegel (a very funny Alan Arkin) to help get the word out about the “film.” And Siegel goes all out. “If I’m going to have a fake movie,” he tells Mendez, “it better be a fake hit!” But while the jokes fly in Hollywood, on the other side of the world the smallest mistake could be the escapee’s last. Director Affleck has perfectly recreated the feel of 1979, pulling no punches in depicting the “students” and others who wish to kill us only because we have different beliefs. He has also filled the film with actors whose work takes us back three-plus decades, among them Goodman, Victor Garber as the Canadian ambassador and Cranston as Mendez’ immediate boss. “The whole world is watching you,” Cranston intones. “They just don’t know it yet.”

The film flows smoothly in an almost documentary style. During the end credits there are a selection of shots and scenes from the world in 1979 shown side-by-side with the same scenes in the film. The resemblance is uncanny. It’s obvious that Affleck has studied this subject. No, seriously. He majored in Middle Eastern Studies in college.
He has also studied well at film college. “Argo” helps cement his new reputation as a fine film maker, one who should hear his name called when Oscar nominations are announced.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Chernobyl Diaries”

Actors: Jonathan Sadowski, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Jesse McCartney, Nathan Philips
Directors: Brad Parker
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

When I first heard about “Chernobyl Diaries”, I thought it was just another Summer horror movie.  Then I saw that it came out of Oren Peli, the man behind “Paranormal Activity”, I became immediately interested. He serves as both co-writer and producer and this film. and the man known how to do reality-horror right! “Chernobyl Diaries” is not another found-footage film though and takes a different (and cool) route from the “Paranormal” series.  There are a few good jumps here and thought harshly criticized during its theatrical release is not as bad as everyone says.  Good watch for Halloween season.

Another cool aspect of this film is where it was shot, this they were unable to film in the real Pripyat since there is still-present nuclear dust from the Chernobyl disaster, they shot in  abandoned an Soviet Air Force Base and in underground tunnels used as Nazi headquarters in World War II under Belgrade, Serbia.  We also had the chance to chat interview quite a few people from this film including the director Brad Parker, co-writer/producer Oren Peli and star Jonathan Sadowski.  Click on their respective names, if you want to hear the inside scoop about the film.

Warner Bros’ delivers a really nice release, within its Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet Digital Copy combo pack.  The film looks sharp in its 1080p transfer in its 1.85:1 original aspect ratio.  This works really well with the film’s locations as well.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the score and the suspense. The special features on the disc are decent overall.  The main extra here is the alternate ending, which is pushed as a big deal on the cover of the box.  It is decent but I still prefer the theatrical ending…yes I do.  There is one deleted scene included, also nothing special.  The last two features are neat though, including a informerical for “Uri’s Extreme Tours” and a viral video for “Chernobyl Conspiracy”.

Official synopsis: The film follows a group of six young tourists who, looking to go off the beaten path, hire an ‘extreme tour’ guide. Ignoring warnings, [their guide] takes them into the city of Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, but a deserted town since the disaster more than twenty-five years ago. After a brief exploration of the abandoned city, however, the group soon…[realizes] that they are not alone.

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DVD Review “Supernatural Activity”

Actors: Andrew Pozza, Liddy Bisanz, Joey Oglesby, Donny Boaz, Devin Bonnée
Directors: Derek Lee Nixon
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 0 out of 5 stars

There has been no shortage of spoof’s since the genre became popular again after “Scary Movie”.  Unfortunately 95% of them are absolutely ridiculous. “Supernatural Activity” is absolutely no different and, in fact, probably the worst that I have ever seen.  There is maybe one joke in the whole film that warrants a laugh.  “Supernatural Activity” tries spoofs films like “The Last Exorcism”, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”, “Cloverfield”, “The Blair Witch Project” and of course the “Paranormal Activity Series”. With the overuse of the found-footage genre, there is plenty to spoof on, though this takes advantage of none of them. The DVD comes bare-bones with no extras besides the film. which doesn’t matter to me at all. If you are looking for a spoof just wait out for “Scary Movie 5” next year.

Official Synopsis: In the realms of reality TV, ghost hunting is big business. And the Supernatural Activity team is at the top of their game, debunking myths, ghouls, and spooky places, for freaked-out viewers everywhere. The world’s most beloved illusionist, accompanied by a crack team of paranormal investigators, embark on what might be their most terrifying assignment yet which works out great, since it s the last episode of the season. Besides, everyone knows there s not really such a thing as ghosts. What could go wrong? Terrorized at every turn, this witch-hunting, ghost-busting, creature-questing supernatural spoof-tacular is the funniest footage ever found! Turn the lights out. Watch with a friend you trust. Keep your eyes on the screen. Order me a sandwich. I m sorry what was I talking about?

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: activity, dvd, review, supernatural

Film Review “Grave Encounters 2”

Directed by: John Poliquin
Starring: Richard Harmon, Sean Rogerson, Stephanie Bennett, Dylan Playfair, Leanne Lapp, Howard Lai, Ben Wilkinson
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 99 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the film “Grace Encounters”, I thought I was in for just another shitty horror film.  I was really pleasantly surprised.  The film had a lot of good jumps and feels a lot bigger than it is.  The film is low budget though the quality seems a lot higher.  So now we have “Grave Encounters 2″, is this just another shitty sequel? That answer is definitely no.  This film takes a unique approach to the found-footage genre and even improves on the film before it.  There are bigger scares, a bigger (and clever) plot and bigger production. Don’t miss this one!

Official Premise: Grave Encounters” was a found-footage horror phenomenon that many people believed was just a movie. Film student Alex Wright is out to prove them wrong in “Grave Encounters 2”. Alex is as obsessed with the first film, as the 20 million people who viewed its viral trailer on YouTube. While he and his friends research the events and visit the real psychiatric hospital depicted in the original film, they find themselves face-to-face with unspeakable evil, banking on the hope that their knowledge of the original film will help them survive the sequel.

The first film was written and directed by The Vicious Brothers, read out interview with them here.  On the sequel, the duo stepped aside from directing and focused on writing.  This really worked well for the sequel, since they had time to focus on the script and make it really kick ass.  These guys are going to be huge, they really know how to setup a horror film and execute it well. John Poliquin steps in the director’s chair and he also really nails it. Tribeca Film is one of my favorite studios.  They have been releasing a lot of quality films and have become a force to be reckoned with distributed independent films. All I have to say is I want “Grave Encounters 3”!

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 2, encounters, film, grave, review

Blu-ray Review “Safety Not Guaranteed”

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Jake Johnson, Mark Duplass, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jeff Garlin, Kristen Bell
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 30, 2012
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

I forget which Blu-ray I was watching earlier this Summer but I saw this trailer and normally I would skip to the menu but this really captured my attention. It is just a simple dramedy but it looked like it would be really interesting. It is also from the Producers of “Little Miss Sunshine”, which only adds more points. It also helps that I am MEGA big fan of Fox’s TV series “New Girl” and this film co-stars Jake Johnson. This movie just really grabs you for the moment it begins and doesn’t let off. It is a nice mix of drama and comedy and delivers a great story. Highly recommended!

Official Synopsis: An unusual classified ad inspires three cynical Seattle magazine employees to go looking for the story behind it. They discover its author is a mysterious eccentric named Kenneth (Mark Duplass), a likeable but paranoid supermarket clerk, who believes he’s solved the riddle of time travel and intends to depart again soon.

The Blu-ray release both looks and sounds sharp with its 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Neither is really challenged much but still delivers. The special features are a little light and no commentary tracks. There are two featurettes included here. The first is called “A Movie Making Mission” which goes behind-the-scenes for the making of the film with director Colin Trevorrow and cast. “The Ad Behind the Movie” looks into the original ad that inspired the movie. Lastly there is “Time Capsule-Easter Egg” that wraps up the included extras.

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

3D Blu-ray Review “Disney’s Tinkerbell: Secret of the Wings”

Starring: Mae Whitman, Lucy Hale, Timothy Dalton, Lucy Liu, Megan Hilty, Anjelica Huston, Matt Lanter, Jesse McCartney
Directors: Peggy Holmes, Bobs Gannaway
MPAA Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Run Time: 75 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

The Disney Fairies brand and film franchise is one of the smartest moves that Disney has ever created.  Having a little daughter, I can’t wait to introduce her to these characters and these wonderful films.  What is really the best part is that these are actually getting better and better with each installment. Tinker Bell is such a cute character and this series just worked so well for her and her friends. The world of Pixie Hollow is so amazingly beautiful and now this installment introduces us to the Winter Woods, which is timed perfectly for the Winter season. “Secret of the Wings” is also the first in the Disney Fairies series to be featured in 3D.  Let me tell you this format works absolutely perfectly with this film.  If you are a fan of this series, there is still more to come! The next feature-length film, “Quest for the Queen”, is scheduled to be released in Spring 2014.

Official synopsis: Journey with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends into the forbidden world of the mysterious Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead Tink to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever.  “Secret of the Wings” features the vocal talents of Mae Whitman (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars), Anjelica Huston (The Darjeeling Limited), Timothy Dalton (Licence to Kill), Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (Dr. Dolittle), Megan Hilty (NBC’s Smash), Pamela Adlon (Tinker Bell) and Matt Lanter (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

This Blu-ray comes in a four-disc set with a Blu-ray 3D disc, a standard Blu-ray, DVD copy and a digital copy disc as well. The 1080 transfers just really shines on Blu-ray, especially in 3D.  The colors are beautiful and Pixie Hollow just really lights up on this film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works so well, especially with Joel McNeely’s score. The special features are decent but a little bit of a let down.  The main star is “Pixie Hollow Games”, which is TV special 22 Minute bonus adventure and only has aired on Disney Channel last November prior to this release. There is a Never-before-seen Pixie Preview: “Fright Light”.  Lastly there are two music videos “The Great Divide” from McClain Sisters and Zendaya’s “Dig Down Deeper” from “Pixie Hollow Games”.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, disneys, review, secret, tinkerbell, ...
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