Blu-ray Review “The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fifth Season”

Created by: Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady
Starring: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik
Number of discs: 3
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 552 minutes

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

Right from the start whether you have seen this show before or not, you can tell that these show is amazing. I mean do you see the cover art? It  doesn’t get cooler than that.  These guys are nerdy comedy superstars and the cover art definitely reflects that. It is really rare that a show in its fifth season gets better and better with each episode. I always thought that the first few seasons where the funniest but after re-watching this season it is clear and the show’s best is it current episodes. This season also has cameos from Stephen Hawkins and Leonard Nimoy, can you ask for anything more?

The Blu-ray presentation is comparable to the past “Big Bang” Blu-ray releases. The 1080p video is a real treat for the show.  The color pop and overall looks very sharp.  The audio track included work well especially since the show is dialogue based.  You don’t miss a word of their clever smarty-pants dialogue.  This release of the season not only but with the show on Blu-ray but also DVD discs.  Also included is the entire series on Ultraviolet digital streaming, which is SUPER cool to be able to just pop on anytime, anywhere.

You can tell that the show changed a lot this season…in a positive direction. The characters are getting new arc and not only growing but also maturing. I think that the addition of Bernadette and Amy, amazingly played by Melissa Rouch and Mayim Bialik respectively, really compliments a lot more to the original cast with added depth. Mayim Bialik literally steals every single scene she is in and deserves a freaking Emmy…HELLO??!! It is rare that when a season ends that I am literally upset and dying for more, this was the case when this season ended. I actually had to go back to previous seasons and re-watch just to get my “Big Bang” fix.

The special features on this season are also the best of the series to date. There is some really great extras included in this release. “The Big Bang Theory @ 100” showcases the cast and crew as they celebrate the show’s 100th episode. “The Big Bang Theory’s Laws of Reflection” features interviews with the cast as they reflect on their favorite moments from season 5. “Professors of Production” is a behind-the-scenes look at the various section of the show that assist to bring this wonderful show together week after week. Lastly there is a terribly funny “Gag Reel” included.

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Blu-ray Review “The Babymakers”

Directed by: Jay Chandrasekhar
Starring: Paul Schneider, Olivia Munn and Kevin Heffernan, Jay Chandrasekhar
Distributed by: Millennium Entertainment
Release Date: September 18, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 93 minutes

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

When I saw Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan and Olivia Munn attached to this film, I was immediately interested. I am a big fan of Broken Lizard and G4’s “Attack of the Show”. This film is laugh-out-loud funny but takes a more mature route than past work from Jay and Kevin. Although Kevin said during an interview with us that he feels that his character is similar to his past Broken Lizard roles. Jay also has an acting role besides directing, playing Ron Jon and easily steals the show. This is own of those films that grows on you with each viewing. I have seen this film three times already now and it only gets better.

“The Babymakers” follows a married couple whose main objective is to have a baby. But after 9 months of trying, Audrey (Munn) and her husband Tommy (Schneider) are unable to get pregnant. After finding out that his sperm is lacking in the baby department, Tommy recruits his pals in order to steal a deposit he made at a sperm bank years earlier. Simple plot though this is not a one-joke comedy and does manage to entertain throughout.

Fans of Broken Lizard should keep an eye out for alums like Nat Faxon, M.C. Gainey and Philippe Brenninkmeyer. Also if you were a fan of Munn’s failed TV series “Perfect Couples” (like myself), keep an eye out for her co-star Hayes MacArthur who is a laugh riot in the film as well. Though if you are looking for another Broken Lizard film, you will be disappointed. I feel it still really delivers and “The Babymakers” is a simple yet very fun comedy. If you need something to do on a Saturday night, this is definitely worth checking out.

The Blu-ray presentation is good as well though since comedies aren’t typically intensive on the format. The 1080p is sharp and looks great. The audio included a 5.1 Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track, which works well with the dialogue. The special features included are a behind-the-scenes look into the production. There are also cast and crew interviews with are fun and worth checking out. Lastly, there is another featurette with more details on the film from the cast and crew.

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Blu-ray Review “Beyond the Black Rainbow”

Directed by: Panos Cosmatos
Starring: Michael Rogers, Eva Allan, Scott Hylands
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 110 minutes

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

“Beyond the Black Rainbow” is wow, just wow.  There is really no way to describe this film this sci-fi thriller.  If “2001: A Space Odyssey” met up with “Blue Sunshine”, this would be the result.  It is a visually beyond anything I have every seen.  It is extremely unique and overall such a trip.  The whole film is set in this very cool dystopian version of 1983. I was just speechless watching this film…until the end, which doesn’t fit with the rest of the film.  I am not sure for the reasoning behind it but it was a letdown from such a visual stunning film. Michael Rogers who played Quan Chi in “Mortal Kombat Legacy” last year gives such an amazing performance, check out our interview here.  He is a crazy mix between Norman Bates in “Psycho” and Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho”.  If you are looking for the new midnight cult classic film, look no further.

Synopsis: Set in the strange and oppressive emotional landscape of the year 1983, “Beyond the Black Rainbow” is a Reagan-era fever dream inspired by hazy childhood memories of midnight movies and Saturday morning cartoons. From the producer of Machotaildrop, Rainbow is the feature film debut of writer and director Panos Cosmatos. Featuring a hypnotic analog synthesizer score by Jeremy Schmidt of “Sinoia Caves” and “Black Mountain,” Rainbow is a film experience for the senses.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. The 1080p transfer works so well with the film’s use of colors and lights. You can also see like every pore on Rogers’ face, which adds to his creepy performance. The audio gets a 5/5 for being just absolutely perfect. It works perfectly with its hypnotic synthesizer score by Jeremy Schmidt of “Sinoia Caves” and “Black Mountain”. The special features are also great including an audio commentary with director Panos Cosmatos. There a few extended scenes, which are definitely worth checking out. There are also two great featurettes including “Behind-the-Scenes” look into the film and the “Making of Beyond The Black Rainbow”. Very informative and worth checking out. Lastly there is the trailer included.

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Blu-ray Review “The Magic of Belle Island”

Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Virginia Madsen, Madeline Carroll, Emma Fuhrmann, Nicolette Pierini, Kenan Thompson
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
Release Date: September 18th, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 109 minutes

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

“The Magic of Belle Island” is one of those rare gems that gets quietly released each year that no one has seen but everyone should.  It is easily one of my favorite films of 2012. It is also one of the best directorial efforts from Rob Reiner, who reunited with Morgan Freeman again after “The Bucket List”. The film just has this “Rob Reiner” feel to it, which is just so recognizable.  Freeman is so amazing in this film and really nails this role. He is funny yet very deep. Besides Freeman, Emma Fuhrmann really steals the show for me personally.  She is going to be big and real fast, mark by words. We had the chance to interview her earlier this year about this role, read her interview here.  I highly recommend this film to everyone in the family.

Synopsis: Freeman plays Monte Wildhorn, a famous Western novelist whose struggle with alcoholism has sapped his passion for writing. He takes a lakeside cabin for the summer inpicturesque Belle Isle, and befriends the family next door – an attractive single mom (Madsen) and her young daughters – who help him find inspiration again.

The Blu-ray presentation is very respectable and impressive.  The 1080p transfer looks clean and sharp but overall not really given much of a challenge since the film is a very simple straight forward dramedy.  Same goes for the audio track, it works perfectly with the notable “Reiner” music and score and delivers clean dialogue.  The special features are great as well as the film.  There is an amazing audio commentary track with both Rob Reiner and Morgan Freeman.  I highly recommend this fun track.  There are a few deleted scenes, nothing that would have made the film better but worth visiting.  There is a the typical EPK-style behind-the-scenes  feature “HDNet: A Look at”.  Lastly there is the theatrical trailer included.

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Film Review “Stolen”

Directed by: Simon West
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Josh Lucas, Danny Huston, Malin Akerman
Distributed by: Millennium Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 96 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Nicolas Cage, I never ask questions.  In the last few years his choice of scripts have been, well not the best, but he has never done wrong in my eyes.  “Stolen” is a film that came completely out of nowhere.  I had no idea at all it was being released.  But I was very glad to get a chance to check it out because it is a very well directed kick ass action film. The plot well…well…did I mention it is action packed? Simon West, who also recently directed “The Expendables 2”, reunites with Cage for the first time since “Con Air”. West knows action and delivers the goods in this film.  Cage also knows action, whether his acting is A-grade or not, he still knows how to tear shit up and kick some ass.

Here is the film’s official premise: “STOLEN” follows Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage), a master thief who has been sent to prison for 8 years after being double-crossed in a heist gone awry. Upon his release, he’s ready to leave his criminal past behind and rebuild his relationship with estranged daughter, Alison Loeb (Sami Gayle). Montgomery’s former criminal cohorts and FBI agent Tim Harlend (Danny Huston), are all convinced that the $10 Million dollars was hidden away by Montgomery before he was sentenced. In order to get his hands on it, former partner in crime, Vincent (Josh Lucas), kidnaps Alison and demands the missing loot as ransom; giving Montgomery one day to deliver. Montgomery is left with only one choice: To trust his instincts and join forces again with another old partner in crime, the beautiful, sexy and smart Riley Jeffers (Malin Akerman). Together they must pull off one more heist so he can get his daughter back… before its too late.

The Simon West and Nicolas Cage team-up is one smart move for this film, two for two! Honestly though major-major props needs to go to Josh Lucas for playing one crazy son-bitch.  I was shocked and very impressed with his performance. This was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana and definitely has that certain feel to it.  It is like an additional character in the film, which is always great.  I wish this film would have gotten more of a push because it definitely deserves it. You can thank Millennium Entertainment for at least putting this out.  They also released two other great films in the last month or so, like “Red Lights” and “The Babymakers”.  I am curious to see what they will have out next since they are three for three this year with me personally! If you are just looking for a quick and mindless action-packed thriller, I would recommend this film for sure.

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CD Review: Vision of Disorder “The Cursed Remain Cursed”

Vision of Disorder
The Cursed Remain Cursed
Candlelight Records
Producer: Will Putney
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of VOD since 1996 and I remember, like it was yesterday, listening to them on the school bus every single day on….cassette…that’s right kiddies. “The Cursed Remain Cursed” marks the bands first studio album in 11 years. It also marks the bands best album since the self-titled debut. Now before I get yelled out by the internet trolls, “Imprint” is a fucking amazing album don’t get me wrong but their debut has always been my favorite. And for that matter as much I like the first album, this release really gives it a hell of a challenge. It is mad, fast and fucking intense, exactly what VOD should be. If you are looking for a trip down memory lane, I highly recommend this album, VOD has never sounded better.

“The Cursed Remain Cursed” is the band’s first album from Candlelight Records, who recently have become a label to reckon with. The Long Island, NY guys teamed up with producer Will Putney (Shadows Fall) for these new eleven tracks.  Tim Williams really delivers a raw and true performance, his vocal tracks are just as angry and well-aimed as they were back in 1996. Guitarist Mike Kennedy really shreds heavy and brings back the hardcore.  The album’s lead single “Loveless” is easily one of my favorite tracks. “The Enemy” is also one fast and heavy track.  What I am dying to see is these songs performed live.  I hope that the band is planning on heading to the Orlando, FL area (hint, hint) these tracks will make for one hell of an amazing mosh-pit.  (Note to my wife: No I will be not be in the mosh-pit ;-), but I can still observe)

Since this band was one of my main influences into hardcore music, I highly recommend this to anyone looking to go fucking crazy.  If you are looking for the effect that this band has on people around them, I have a quick story for you.  Earlier this month, I driving to work listening the track “Watering Disease”. I was sitting at a red light with a car behind me and that car had its windows opened. With that song blasting, I look behind me and the lady was literally closing her window and was, no joke, holding her ears!! And that my friends is the power of VOD! “The Cursed Remain Cursed” drops September 18, 2012, be sure to pick that shit up! Easily one of my favorite albums of the year!

Track Listing:
1. Leveless
2. Set To Fail
3. Blood Red Sun
4. Hard Times
5. Annihilator
6. Skullz Out (Rot In Pieces)
7. The Enemy
8. The Seventh Circle
9. New Order of Ages
10. Be Up On It
11. Heart And Soul

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Film Review “Finding Nemo 3D”

Directed by: Andrew Stanton
Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Release date: September 14, 2012
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 100 minutes

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

“Finding Nemo” is one of Pixar’s best films to date.  It not only has heart but is action packed and has some of the best jokes ever. I mean the fine touching in this film are just amazing.  One of my favorite are after the mines explode, a little bubble comes up behind two bird sitting on the water surface and one says…”Nice!” and flies away.  Classic! I remember seeing this film in theaters back in 2003 and like a fine wine, “Finding Nemo” gets better with age. It is hard to imagine that this film came out almost 10 years ago now. With a child of my own now (4 months old), I just can’t wait to share this film with her. Watching the film on the big screen was just such a wonderful experience again, the film itself pops off the screen…literally (more on that in a little bit). But the highlight of seeing this film is sitting in the theaters again was watching it with all the kids that are seeing it for the first time.  Just listening to their reactions to the characters and laughing at the jokes was just priceless.  Oh BTW if that all isn’t enough, did I mention the film is in 3D now.

As with past Disney 3D re-releases like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast”, this film looks just amazing.  There are a few stand out scenes like the first encounter with Bruce the Shark.  I seriously got goose bumps, when this scene came on the screen.  The Deep Sea Angler scene was also very impressive as well, including a few great jumps from the audience. The 3D on the scenes are honestly worth the price of admission alone. Besides those the overall depth of the presentation looks very impressive overall. To be honest though, the 3D really wasn’t the main draw for me on this release.  I just wanted to experience this film on a big screen once more.  I think kids though are really going to be blown away and eat up the third dimension effects for sure.  They even have collectible kids 3D glasses that are mini orange swimming goggles. Trust me you will leave the theater quoting the film.  “Where I am going? I’m going to P. Sherman – 42 Wallaby Lane, Sydney.  If you can’t make it to theater to see this film in 3D, don’t worry the Blu-ray comes out for the first time on December 4th, 2012.

Albert Brooks as Marlin and Ellen DeGeneres as Dory are really such a wonderful cast together. There is just something so timeless about these characters. In fact that is one of the things that Pixar is so great at doing…creating memorable characters. They characters have changed everything.  Whenever you see a clownfish or a Pacific Regal Blue Tang, you always think now, it’s Nemo or Dory…sorry Marlin. Disney is very smart in re-releasing this film, especially in 3D and I highly recommend it. Next up we have the re-release of “Monsters Inc” in 3D this December and also if you are looking for more “Finding Nemo”, director Andrew Stanton recently announced there is a sequel currently in development and is to be released in 2016.  This will land the sequel 13 years after the first film, following the similar path of the 11 year span between “Toy Story 2 & 3”. I have a felling that they are going to do this sequel up real good.  But until then, don’t miss the opportunity to see this great film in theaters again and experience i for the first time in 3D.

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Book Review “The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania”

Author: Tracey Miller-Zarneke
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I am huge fan of the classic Universal monsters and films like Rankin/Bass’ “Mad Monster Party”. “Hotel Transylvania” feels like a 2012 new take on classic horror monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, Werewolf, and the Invisible Man. The film is directed by Genndy Tartakovsky (who also delivers a great foreword), creator of “Samurai Jack” and executive producer and director of “Star Wars: Clone Wars” animated series, so you know you are getting quality. “The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania” is a very fun and very informative look into the film and its production. Titan Books scores again for sure. When I honestly see that they are doing an Art/Making of book, I get psyched because they never you let down. This book also got me 100% more excited to see this film now. Fans of classics monsters, definitely check this out!

The film features the classic monsters but in more modern settings like Dracula owns a monsters-only hotel. I think that is a fun twist and should please both kids and parents alike. This book not only covers the beautiful art of this animated CG film but also dives deep into the production. There are over 400 pieces of concept art, character sketches, storyboards and digital art. It is nice to also include the digital aspect of the film since it really gives an insight into how much work went into this film. I am just a huge fan of concept art, I don’t know what it is but I love seeing the artists different conceptual designs. Besides all art there is also numerous interviews with filmmakers and crew chatting about the creating this film.

This book is authored by Tracey Miller-Zarneke, who has credited roles on the feature films “Meet the Robinsons”, “Chicken Little” and “The Emperor’s New Groove”. So this lady actually knows animation very well. If you still need more proof, Tracey has also written a bunch of other amazing “art of” books including “The Art and Making of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs”, “The Art of Kung Fu Panda 2” and “The Art of How to Train Your Dragon”. The book is very well presented and just looks amazing. The colors are very sharp and really pop off the pages. If their goal for this book was to really deliver us the world behind the film, “Hotel Transylvania”, (which I am sure it was) then they did their job very well. Highly recommended!

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DVD Review “The Revenant”

Directed by: Kerry Prior
Starring: David Anders, Senyo Amoaku, Chris Wylde
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Running Time: 117 minutes

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

What maker me curious about this film is where the hell has it been?  The horror-comedy was the Winner of the Best Feature, Best Director, Best Actor and Audience Choice at the 2009 New York City Horror Film Festival.  Did you catch that? 2009.  I am not sure what took so long to reach DVD but this was a pretty damn decent flick.  It is a sharp blend of horror and comedy. The main issue though I have is the nearly two hour running time. Horror films NEVER need to be over 90 minutes, no matter how good they think they are.  If this film was 30 mins shorter, it would have been a lot tighter and better executed.  Nonetheless, horror fans should definitely consider this release for a good laughs and some good gore.

SYNOPSIS: The breakout film centers on a fallen soldier who somehow finds he has joined the ranks of the living dead. Bart Gregory (Anders) has just recently been laid to rest – so why is he still up and walking around? The only way he can keep himself from diminishing to dust is to supply himself with a constant supply of fresh blood. He quickly decides to do law enforcement a favor by cleaning up the streets.

The DVD special features are actually quite decent for this little film. There are two audio commentary tracks included. The first is with the director Kerry Prior and the second is with the actors David Anders and Chris Wylde. Both decent and very listenable. There is a brief but also decent behind-the-scenes featurette caled “Revealing The Revenant”, as well as a few deleted scenes. The scenes aren’t anything special but if you enjoyed the film it is worth checking out. Lastly there is a photo gallery included.

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Blu-ray Review “Strippers vs. Werewolves”

Directed by: Jonathan Glendening
Starring: Robert Englund, Steven Berkoff, Martin Compston, Adele Silva, Ali Bastian, Barbara Nedeljakova
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by : Well Go USA
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Running Time: 93 minutes

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

“Stripping have never neen so hairy!”, can you say no to a tagline like that? I think not. “Strippers vs. Werewolves” is exactely what you would expect and nothing more. It a great mix of comddy and horror. The film does have an impressive cast with Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”), Steven Berkoff (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Sarah Douglas (“Superman II”), and Barbara Nedeljakova (“Hostel”). I heard about this tongue-in-cheek horror-thriller when I interviewed Barbara last year, check it out here, I was immediately interested. If you liked films like “Zombie Strippers” and “From Dusk Till Dawn”, then this is definitely worth checking out.

From Well Go USA’s official synopsis: “A war between strippers and werewolves ensues when a member of a bloodthirsty pack of werewolves is murdered in a famous strip club. The girls who work there have until the next full moon before the werewolves’ vicious leader sends his wolf pack to hunt down the killers and seek retribution. Problems arise for both parties when the wolf pack realizes the club owner is experienced in dealing with hostile lycanthropes and that one of their own is dating a dancer from the club.”

Well Go USA’s Blu-ray Blu-ray both looks and sounds great for a low budget film. It is nothing out-of-this-world but decent overall. The special features are lacking a bit though. They could have come up with some fun and entertaining extras for a film like this. There is a commentary with producers Jonathan Sothcott and Simon Phillips, decent but really a must listen. Would have loved to see the main three girls do a track. Lastly there is a Behind-the-scenes featurette. It is worth watching if you enjoy the film but runs way to short.

 

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Book Review “All-Action Classics No. 4: The Wizard of Oz”

Author: Ben Caldwell
Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books; Elibron Classics series edition
Release Date: September 4, 2012

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

There is never a shortage of new content for “The Wizard of Oz“.  L. Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz back in 1900.  Sterling Children’s Books’ is behind the new release in their fourth All-Action Classics installment with “The Wizard of Oz”. It is presented in the form of a graphic novel! I was not a mega fan of the animation style but it is bright and colorful and will sure to excite kids.  I have to give some credit to this take on L. Frank Baum’s classic fantasy, it is a unique retelling of this great story. Fans of “The Wizard of Oz” will definitely eat this up, at least until next year’s “Oz, The Great and Powerful” by Sam Raimi.

The author that adapted this book is Ben Caldwell, who is a former Marvel comic artist.  He tries his best to captures the charm of Baum’s work.  I just wasn’t a majot fan of his depiction of Dorothy and the Munchkins. The book is a decent quick read though and most importantly it was very simple for kids to jump right into. Caldwell also worked with Sterling on their first three adaptations as well in the All-Action Classics series like “Dracula”, “Tom Sawyer” and “The Odyssey”.  I am curious to see what Sterling is going to be coming up with next.

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Book Review “The Chappy Ferry Book: Back and Forth Between Two Worlds – 527 Feet Apart”

Written by: Tom Dunlop
Photos by: Alison Shaw
128 pages
Vineyard Stories
Release date: July 1, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When most people hear the word “Chappaquiddick” I would venture to guess that, if they have any knowledge of history, they think about the night of July 18, 1969. On that night Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy drove his car off of the narrow Dike Bridge into Poucha Pond. While Kennedy survived the accident, his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, drowned despite several attempts by Kennedy to rescue her. But Chappaquiddick is much more than a place in history. As I have in the past, thousands of people each summer make their way to the tiny island. And we all got there by way of the Chappy Ferry.

From a single row boat at the beginning of the 19th Century to the modern contraption that hauls both people and cars today, the Chappy Ferry has taken people from all walks of life the 527 feet from Edgartown, the main town on Martha’s Vineyard, to the tiny island that boasts less than 150 yearlong residents. Author Tom Dunlop has turned his almost lifelong fascination with the Ferry into an in depth look at how a 90 second voyage can turn into memories that last a lifetime.

Dunlop’s prose is beautifully accompanied by the dazzling photography of Alison Shaw. Many of her shots capture not only the workings of the Ferry but also the beauty of its watery highway. The Ferry has been used by fishermen, beach bathing enthusiasts, people looking to have their car repaired (the only business on the island is a combination general store/service station) and politicians (how do you think Senator Kennedy got his car TO the island. Incidentally, as he was heading to, and missed, the last scheduled ferry of the evening the Senator actually swam back to Edgartown). It’s also been used by Hollywood, co-starring in a key early scene in “Jaws.” And since I mentioned movies, an added bonus to this compendium is a 15 minute DVD entitled, of course, “The Chappy Movie.” The film, narrated by Dick Ebersol , was produced exclusively for the book by John Wilson.

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Event Review: Disney On Ice Presents Rockin’ Ever After – Amway Center, Orlando FL

Disney on Ice presents ROCKIN’ EVER AFTER
Sep 7 2012 at 7:30 pm
Amway Center, Orlando FL
Produced by: Feld Entertainment
Running Time: 2 hours with intermission

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been attending Disney on Ice events for about 30 years now and I still enjoy them every time. Now having a daughter of my own (only 3 months old though), I am looking forward to introducing her to this event next year, hopefully just like my parents did for me. “Disney On Ice Presents Rockin’ Ever After” was the perfect event for any little girl…oops sorry, I mean Princess. There were many little princesses all around the Amway Center, I just couldn’t help but thinking about my daughter in those costumes. This event honestly though has been my favorite in many years.  There was something about it that just really engaged the audience, yes even the adults too!  The songs are just amazing and timeless. I can’t wait to see what they do next with Disney on Ice. I am not sure how they will top this one though?!!

The basis story for the show features Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy introducing different talent as they “compete” to be the next superstar.  The princesses that take the spotlight in this show are Ariel, Rapunzel, Belle, and Merida from Disney•Pixar’s BRAVE in her ice debut!.  Like I said this show was amped up from last year.  There was something about the costumes that just really stood out and shined.  I really enjoyed the re-imagination of the characters wardrobe, especially for “The Little Mermaid” section. While on “Little Mermaid”, it stood out from the others being the only part of the show that used non-Disney music.  They had a nice blend of 80’s music including Madonna, with the classic songs.  “The Little Mermaid” also really stood out for its great use of black light on the environment and its skaters.

I am a huge Rapunzel fan personally, I feel that they did the “Tangled” portion up really well.  I thought the way they changed up the “The Ugly Duckling” scene into a dream sequence was very clever.  I also really enjoyed the way the lantern scene was presented. Merida from Disney•Pixar’s BRAVE was up next after the intermission in her ice debut!  They did a good job of working this section into a story being told by Mickey to his friends.  This way they were able to tell the story and leave out the witch and the bear aspects of the film.  It really flowed well.  Lastly, what better way to end then with “Beauty and the Beast”, one of my favorite films of all time.  This story is timeless and always warms your heart.  I should note it is also the only one out of the four that included the final showdown between good and evil, or Beast and Gaston in this case.  Of course then as usual Mickey and his friends closed the show and what an ending it was.  I had a hard time getting up, hoping that there would be more.  Oh well, have to wait till next year.

If you are interested in catching this great event while it visits the Amway Center in Orlando FL from September 7th-9th, 2012.  Click here for tickets and more details.

Here are a few pics that we were able to snap throughout the show, hope you enjoy!

For more information, visit us at: http://www.DisneyOnIce.com
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Filed Under: Theatre Reviews Tagged With: amway, center, disney, event, fl, ice, ...

CD Review: Francesca Battistelli “Christmas”

Francesca Battistelli
“Christmas”
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Tracks: 11
Label: Fervent Records

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Francesca Battistelli is one of the notable rising stars in music today. She only entered the spotlight in 2008 and has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Performance) and has over 700,000 in album sales to date. So what better than to make a Christmas album, since it is a gift that keeps on giving every years. This album is a real treat and is very simple yet powerful. Though this album is not the only album Francesca will be featured on this Fall, also including “A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth” and “A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary”. So be sure to support those albums as well. “Christmas” will definitely get you in the mood for the holiday season.

This 11-track album is produced by Ian Eskelin. It is a nice compilation of classics and some newly-penned Christmas songs. The traditional songs include: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Marshmallow World,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “The Christmas Song,” “What Child Is This? (First Noel Prelude),” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and “Joy To The World.” Battistelli co-wrote all of the new songs as well such as: “Heaven Everywhere,” “Christmas Is,” “Christmas Dreams” and “You’re Here.” They are really nice songs and the fact that she included original songs sets this aside from other Holiday albums.

Battistelli said been quoted saying “Christmas is my favorite time of year”. I personally share the same feelings as well. You can tell that she is not just trying to sell her album, you can literally hear it throughout each song. The words are so pure and really filled with Christmas joy. Francesca is just getting started in this business and she is going to have a lot more coming up. But sticking with this album, I suggest grabbing some hot chocolate, grabbing a blanket and get ready to welcome in the holiday season.

Track Listing:
1. The Christmas Song
2. Heaven Everywhere
3. Christmas Is
4. What Child Is This? (First Noel Prelude)
5. Marshmallow World
6. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8. You’re Here
9. Joy To The World
10. Christmas Dreams
11. Go Tell It On The Mountain

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: battistelli, cd, christmas, francesca, review

DVD Review “6 Bullets”

Directed by: Ernie Barbarash
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bianca Bree, Kristopher Van Varenberg, Joe Flanigan, Anna-Louise Plowman
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 115 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

Especially after seeing Jean-Claude Van Damme kick some ass in this summer’s “The Expendables”, I am gung-ho to watch him in just about anything I can right now, so this release is completely welcomed. Honestly, the film is quite decent for a direct-to-DVD release. Jean-Claude Van Damme even get in a few decent roundhouse kicks. The cast is also rounded out with Joe Flanigan from “Stargate: Atlantis”. But overall, “6 Bullets” packs some good action and one hell of an intense plot.

Official Synopsis: Veteran mercenary Samson Gaul (Jean-Claude Van Damme) knows that in the heat of battle, every bullet counts. He retired from combat when his actions resulted in the deaths of helpless victims, but now he’s the last hope for a desperate father. Mixed Martial Artist, Andrew Fayden (Joe Flanigan, Stargate: Atlantis) knows how to fight, but alone he’s unprepared to navigate the corrupt streets of a foreign city to find his kidnapped daughter. Together, these warriors will stop at nothing to tear apart a vile network of criminals that preys upon the innocent.

Fans of Van Damme are going to jump all over this release for sure. I  am not sure why though Sony decided to skip a Blu-ray release for this, which is basically the norm these days, especially for an action film.   If you prefer digital this film was also release in various VOD formats, so for $3.99 you honestly can’t go wrong. Though if you are looking for any special features, you will be disappointed since this is completely bare-bones.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 6, bullets, dvd, review
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