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Blu-ray Review “War on Everyone”

Actors: Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Peña, Theo James
Directors: John Michael McDonagh
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: April 11, 2017
Run Time: 98 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

“War on Everyone” has what should be considered a hot young cast. Alexander Skarsgård is hot fresh off the heels of “The Legend of Tarzan” and Michael Peña is everywhere after his small role in “Ant-Man”. Pena has been making some bad choices with his last few movies. With this and recent “CHiPS”, he has been falling out of the spotlight. This film is fun and the cast is great like I said but it is lacking that theatrical value that you would want in a film like this. And its choice of casting Caleb Landry Jones just ruined it for me.

Official Premise: Terry (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bob (Michael Peña) are two crooked cops who frame and blackmail criminals all over town. Looking for the ultimate pay-off, they try to extort a strip-club manager (Caleb Landry Jones) and his eccentric, junkie boss (Theo James), but get more than they bargained for when their hair-brained scheme uncovers a bigger, darker secret.

“War on Everyone” seems like it should have been a big theatrical film but the studios didn’t expect a mega fortune from this and took a gamble releasing it limited and direct-to-Blu-ray. I have no complaints with the Blu-ray presentation. The A/V is on par for the type of film and delivers a great experience. On the downnote, there is only one featurette included in the special features called “Everyone Sounds Off: The Quirky Cast of War on Everyone”, which features the cast talking about the movie.

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Album Review: Anthrax “For All Kings 7-Inch Box Set”

“For All Kings 7-Inch Box Set”
Anthrax
Megaforce Records
Tracks: 20

Our score: 3 out of 5 stars

Available exclusively in North America via Megaforce Records is the limited edition “For All Kings 7-Inch Box Set” (Megaforce Records). Released in conjunction with the band’s upcoming Spring co-headline tour with Killswitch Engage the set box set includes 10 7-inch vinyl discs featuring 20 songs – the 11 finished album tracks, two brand new covers (The White Stripes’ “Black Math” and the classic Kansas song “Carry On”), six demos from the “For All Kings” track listing, and “Vice of the People,” a bonus track previously released only in Japan.

Anthrax fans still clamoring for more after the 2016 release of “For All Kings” are certainly in for a treat with this limited edition box set. Not only do you get all the “For All Kings” tracks but you also receive the demo version of the songs contained on the flip side of each seven inch. This was a feature I really enjoyed because you could compare the finished album track with the bands initial idea. Pretty neat if you’re a hardcore music nerd like me. If that wasn’t enough the band made sure to throw in some new material as well including a covers seven inch which contained easily my favorite track from the set a cover of Kansas’s “Carry On” which was paired with a unique rendition of the White Stripes track “Black Math”. That’s still not all as the band chose to also include “Vice of the People” a song originally not released in the States along with a bunch of great artwork by Douglas Heusser and Stephen Thompson, as well as band photos by Jimmy Hubbard.

The big question you might ask “is this worth the $79.99 price tag?” To that I have to say if you already have the “For All Kings” album and are happy with that you may want to save your cash and get a ticket for “Kill-Thrax” spring tour as they might not be enough “new” material here for you. However if you loved the album and want to revisit it in seven inch vinyl formatting, check out the new exclusive art work and add an extremely rare edition to your collection of metal vinyl then Yes! Clean out that bank account and purchase yourself a copy of the “For All Kings 7-Inch Box Set”.

Track Listing:
Disc 1
Breathing Lightning (album version)
Breathing Lightning (demo)

Disc 2
Monster At The End (album version)
Monster At The End (demo)

Disc 3
Suzerain (album version)
Suzerain (demo)

Disc 4
Black Math (White Stripes cover)
Carry On (Kansas cover)

Disc 5
You Gotta Believe (album version)
For All Kings (album version)

Disc 6
Evil Twin (album version)
This Battle Chose Us (album version)

Disc 7
All Them Thieves (album version)
Vice of the People (previously unreleased in North America)

Disc 8
Zero Tolerance (album version)
Zero Tolerance (demo)

Disc 9
Blood Eagle Wings (album version)
Blood Eagle Wings (demo)

Disc 10
Defend Avenge (album version)
Defend Avenge (demo)

CD Review: Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo

Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo
Michael Schenker
inakustik
Tracks: 18

Our score: 3 out of 5 stars

Michael Schenker, one of music’s greatest rock guitarists has just released a new live album titled “Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo”. Recorded at Tokyo’s International Forum on August 24, 2016 via inakustik this historic concert features guest appearances from some of the greatest rock vocalists who have worked with Schenker over the years including M.S.G.’S Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley of the McAuley Schenker Group.

For Michael Schenker fans not fortunate enough to have been able to attend the “Michael Schenker Fest” last year in Tokyo, Japan the latest live offering from the prolific guitarist has you covered. Together with inakustik the listen is instantly catapulted front and center for a barrage of riff-tastic goodness courtesy of Schenker and, a bevy special guests from Michael various groups. Tracks like “Attack of the Mad Axeman” featuring Gary Barden, “This Is My Heart” featuring Robin McAuley and probably my favorite track off the release “Doctor Doctor” which features Gary Barden, Graham Bonner and Robin McAuley all side by side with Schenker and his band.

Though I found the albums overall mix to be a touch thin the performances on each of the albums 18 tracks more than made up for any audio short comings as each performance was quite enjoyable. I also liked that the release is available in a variety of formats (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray) allowing you to have two different experiences with the same release. Long time Schenker fans will certainly want to pick this up for their collection.

Track Listing:
CD 1
1.) Intro: Searching For Freedom
2.) Into the Arena
3.) Attack of the Mad Axeman
4.) Victim of Illusion
5.) Cry for the Nations
6.) Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
7.) Armed and Ready
8.) Coast to Coast
9.) Assault Attack
10.) Desert Song
11.) Dancer

CD 2
1.) Captain Nemo
2.) This Is My Heart
3.) Save Yourself
4.) Love Is Not a Game
5.) Shoot Shoot
6.) Rock Bottom
7.) Doctor Doctor

Blu-ray Review “Patriot’s Day

Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, J.K. Simmons, Michelle Monaghan
Directors: Peter Berg
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Run Time: 133 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Patriot’s Day” featured the teaming up (AGAIN) of Mark Walhberg and director Peter Berg. There first team up was “Lone Survivor”, which had great success…but followed up by “Deepwater Horizon”, which was not. This film really didn’t draw any interest at all to see it despite the cast and director and hence was a big disappointment the box office. I remember the events that the film showcases here and did I think it would benefit from a dramatic movie? No. Is the movie terrible? No. But not something that I am going to re=watch probably ever again.

Official Premise: In the aftermath of an unspeakable attack, Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) joins courageous survivors, first responders and investigators in a race against the clock to hunt down the bombers before they strike again. Weaving together the stories of Special Agent Richard DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon), Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman), Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese (J.K. Simmons) and nurse Carol Saunders (Michelle Monaghan) this visceral and unflinching chronicle captures the suspense of one of the most sophisticated manhunts in law enforcement history and celebrates the strength of the people of Boston.

The 1080p transfer looks solid. Director Berg knows how to use scale in his films to make them seem grander and this one looks big. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 also delivers the action perfectly. I would be interested to see how the 4K presentation steps up this Blu-ray. The special features are worth checking out made mostly of featurettes. “Boston Strong: True Stories of Courage Vignettes” feels like a TV special on the events. “The Boston Bond: Recounting the Tale” has a generic EPK feel with interviews, with included within “The Cast Remembers”. Lastly, “Actors Meet Real-Life Counterparts: A 2-Part Series” brings the cast together with real-life people.

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Blu-ray Review “Office Christmas Party”

Actors: Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, Jillian Bell, Courtney B. Vance, Rob Corddry, Kate McKinnon, Jennifer Aniston
Directors: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Run Time: 105 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 star
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Office Christmas Party” packs some serious talent including Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, Jillian Bell, Courtney B. Vance, Rob Corddry, Kate McKinnon, Jennifer Aniston. Kate McKinnon steals the show again like with this year’s “Ghostbusters”. The movie is rude, crude and in your face! Jokes filled through making this raunchy comedy a well rounded experience. Even though Christmas is nine months away, this film can be watched anytime and delivers some fun anti-holiday cheer.

Official Premise: When an overbearing CEO (Jennifer Aniston) decides to close her hard-partying brother’s failing branch, he (T.J. Miller) and his fired up co-workers (Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, Kate McKinnon) decide to throw an epic office party to land a big shot client and save everyone’s jobs. Fueled by booze and bad decisions, things quickly spiral out-of-control in one of the craziest nights of their lives.

There are two versions of the film available to check out. There is the Unrated version of the film as well as the Theatrical. I watched the Unrated and enjoyed it thoroughly. More raunchy jokes throughout. “Office Christmas Party” comes with a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy. The special features are solid and worth checking out. There is a fun commentary track from the directors Josh Gordon & Will Speck. The provide some fun stories from the production. “Throwing an Office Christmas Party” is a fun behind-the-scenes look into the film. Lastly there are some more Outtakes and Deleted & Extended Scenes included.

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CD Review: CJ Ramone “American Beauty”

“American Beauty”
CJ Ramone
Fat Wreck Chords
Tracks: 12

Our score: 4 out of 5 stars

Out of the seven billion or so people on the planet, only seven men have been lucky enough to be gifted with the Ramone surname. As of 2017, four have already headed off to that great gig in the sky. Thankfully, CJ Ramone has no plans to leave any time soon and his latest album “American Beauty” is sure to solidify that statement. The album which is being released via Fat Wreck Chords features twelve brand new tracks and is the follow up to Ramones 2013/14 album “Last Chance to Dance”.

Though the original Ramones lineup is no longer with us thankfully guys like CJ Ramone who was a member of the band from 1989 to 1996 when the band officially retired are still around and making music to fill that empty void. “American Beauty” is the latest offering from CJ and his band who continue to wave the flag for the originators of pop infused punk rock. With subtle nods to his former band mate’s tracks like “Let’s Go”, “Girlfriend In a Grave Yard” and “Run Around” all tap into that same appeal vintage Ramones tracks have but with a modern and somewhat updated twist. Tracks like “Without You” which features a guest appearance by Big Eyes front-woman Kate Eldridge is a catchy back and forth love song about being apart while the track “Tommy’s Gone” is a somber acoustic driven number paying tribute to original Ramones drummer Tommy Ramone (Erdelyi) who passed away in 2014.

Whether you’re a casual listener or a devoted Pinhead CJ Ramones’s “American Beauty” has something for you. From catchy vocal lines and pogo inducing choruses to overdriven guitars and thumping drums and bass the latest offering from a this true punk veteran is worth a listen.

Track Listing:
1.) Let’s Go
2.) Yeah Yeah Yeah
3.) You’ll Never Make Me Believe
4.) Before the Lights Go Out
5.) Girlfriend in a Graveyard
6.) Tommy’s Gone
7.) Run Around
8.) Steady as She Goes
9.) Without You
10.) Be a Good Girl
11.) Moral to the Story
12.) Pony

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Blu-ray Review “Assassin’s Creed”

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Michael Kenneth Williams, Matias Varela
Director: Justin Kurzel
Rated: PG-13
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 21, 2017

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Assassin’s Creed”, which first started as a video game, was a game that I liked but never really loved. Cool idea, deep mythology behind the characters and events of the games. Unfortunately nothing I just mentioned there was transferred into the feature film version of the game. Very disappointing in fact. I was not only uninterested in the film but flat out bored at parts. Usually, Fassbender’s roles interest me much more but this was a lame attempt all around. Who knows, if you are a die hard fan of this game, you might dig this (or hate it much more than me) but it was long and yet at the same time didn’t deliver anything worthwhile to fill that time well.

Official Premise: Cal Lynch travels back in time to 15th-century Spain through a revolutionary technology that unlocks the genetic memories contained in his DNA. There, he lives out the experiences of Aguilar de Nerha, a distant relative who’s also a member of the Assassins, a secret society that fights to protect free will from the power-hungry Templar Order. Transformed by the past, Cal begins to gain the knowledge and physical skills necessary to battle the oppressive organization in the present.

Blu-ray presentation is impressive for sure. The 1080p transfer looks solid with the visual effects but I believe that the 4K presentation would be the better way to go if you truly need to see this film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track also delivers the goods with action scenes, when they show up. Special features are light in addition. First up is “Take the Pledge: Behind the Scenes of Assassin’s Creed”, which is a complete behind-the-scenes coverage of the film. Fairly in-depth. Lastly there is a feature called “Conversations with Director Justin Kurzel” and a large amount of deleted scenes included.

Blu-ray Review “Miss Sloane”

Starring: Jessica Chastain, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong, Alison Pill, Jake Lacy, John Lithgow
Director: John Madden
Rated: R
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 21, 2017
Run Time: 129 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I am not sure what is going on with Jessica Chastain recently. “Miss Sloane” is a film that I didn’t even hear about much until it hit Blu-ray. I mean this woman is easily one of my favorite female leads. I love her range and she just really act. Chastain’s performance in “Miss Sloane” is on par with that except the film overall didn’t interest me at all. But not honestly surprised with a topic like lobbying…zzzz. I guess that’s why you have to look for films with content not just good roles cause this film will become forgotten in no time flat.

Official Premise: Jessica Chastain gives a Golden Globe®-nominated performance in this suspenseful story set in the high-stakes world of American politics. Brilliant, ruthless Elizabeth Sloane (Chastain) is Washington’s most sought-after lobbyist. But when she faces her most formidable opponent yet, she risks everything – even her career – in this illuminating story about power and the desire to win at all costs.

Te film is well shot, so the 1080p transfer looks solid for what it is. Same goes for the audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Both solid. The special features are lacking and flat like the film. There is only one featurette included called “Lobbying: Winning at Any Cost”, which features behind-the-scenes content and interviews. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

Blu-ray Review “Silence”

Actors: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson, Tadanobu Asano
Directors: Martin Scorsese
Rated: R
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Run Time: 160 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I feel for the movie “Silence”. It was Scorsese’s big film that he’s been trying to get made for a decade. It packs a solid cast including Liam Neeson, Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver.Scorsese is a directing genius and a legend but the film never grabs the audience. Obviously everyone is aware that this film is nearly 3 hours long and since the film is titled “Silence” don’t expect any dance/musical sequences in here or pretty anything a lot of anything. It is well done don’t get me wrong. It looks beautiful and the acting is superb but not a film that audiences want to see cause the enjoyment level is not high here, folks.

Official Premise: Silence tells the story of two Christian missionaries (Adam Driver and Andrew Garfield) who travel to Japan in search of their missing mentor (Liam Neeson) at a time when Christianity had been outlawed. Captured and imprisoned, both men are plunged into an odyssey that will test their faith, challenge their sanity and, perhaps, risk their very lives.

“Silence” comes as a combo pack with a UV digital copy and definitely carries Scorsese’s signature look to it and the 1080p transfer shines in terms of visual aspects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 also carries the rather quiet film well and gives it a good narrative. The special features are a let down for sure, like I am sure the film ‘s success was to Scorsese. There is only one extra included. “Journey Into ‘Silence” is a 20+ minute trip into the production and road to getting this film made over the decade Scorsese was trying.

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Blu-ray Review “Sing”

Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton
Directors: Garth Jennings
Rated: PG
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 21, 2017
Run Time: 108 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Sing” is a film that like a fine wine has grown better with age. When I saw this in theaters from the makers of “Despicable Me”, I was quite disappointed. I wanted more, more, more from them…but my four year old loved it in fact. She kept asking to listen to the soundtrack non-stop and after a few more viewings of the film. I have to admit, I am big fan now. I love the tunes and I have grown to love this film. It is not the best picture to come out of Illumination Entertainment but it is still certainly better than turds like “Hop”, ouch. Get your families together, cook up some popcorn and make this film your Saturday night movie night choice and you will not regret it.

Official Premise: From Illumination Entertainment, the studio that brought you The Secret Life of Pets comes an animated comedy about finding the music that lives inside all of us. Sing stars Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, an eternally optimistic koala who puts on the world’s greatest singing competition to save his crumbling theater; Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon as Rosita, an overworked and underappreciated mother of 25 piglets desperate to unleash her inner diva; Scarlett Johansson as Ash, a punk rock porcupine with a beautiful voice behind her prickly exterior; and Taron Egerton as Johnny, a young gangster gorilla looking to break free of his family’s felonies. Sing is the musical comedy event of the year!

The 1080p transfer is beautiful with the CG animation and vibrant colors. The Dolby Atmos works perfectly with 85 hit songs that the film has throughout. I loved music in this film. Just so much fun and the track works so well with it. To kick off the special features, there are three new mini-movies, which has become a staple for Illumination Blu-rays. The first focuses around Gunter, the next around Miss Crawly and the last around Eddie. Honestly, these are fun and worth checking out for sure if you like the film. There is also a short featurette called “The Making of the Mini-Movies” included.

Other than the shorts, there are a few short featurettes included. The first is a behind-the-scenes look into the film in “The Making of Sing”. “Finding the Rhythm: Editing Sing” focuses on the editing process. There are Character Profiles for each character. There are a ton of music videos including some lyric videos. Lastly there is a five-part collection of promos called “The Sing Network” and a clip collage called “The Best of Gunter”, which I believe the studio realized is the fan-favorite character in the entire film. Gunther is definitely our household’s favorite.

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Blu-ray Review “Live by Night”

Actors: Ben Affleck, Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson, Chris Messina, Sienna Miller
Directors: Ben Affleck
Rated: R
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: March 21, 2017

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I was flat out surprised with the lack of success around Ben Affleck’s “Live by Night”. Personally, I think it was affected by his nonstop headlines with his role of Batman. Fans are torn on him now between popularity. This film I enjoyed. I love Affleck in it as well as his script and his direction. Affleck does best when he is in control of his story and shots. I also loved the supporting cast including Elle Fanning and Brendan Gleeson. This film also came out a tough time of the year during award season. The studio wasn’t pushing this film for awards hard enough and it ended up hurting the film as it disappeared like other missed attempts like “Silence”.

Official Premise: Taking fatherly advice is not in Joe Coughlin’s nature. Instead, the WWI vet is a selfproclaimed anti-establishment outlaw, despite being the son of the Boston Police Deputy Superintendent. Joe’s not all bad, though; in fact, he’s not really bad enough for the life he’s chosen. Unlike the gangsters he refuses to work for, he has a sense of justice and an open heart, and both work against him, leaving him vulnerable time and again—in business and in love. Driven by a need to right the wrongs committed against him and those close to him, Joe heads down a risky path that goes against his upbringing and his own moral code. Leaving the cold Boston winter behind, he and his reckless crew turn up the heat in Tampa. And while revenge may taste sweeter than the molasses that infuses every drop of illegal rum he runs, Joe will learn that it comes at a price.

Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Richardson (“The Aviator”, “Hugo”) captures the film’s time setting perfectly within its 1080p transfer. Surprisingly this film has a Dolby Atmos available to choose from, which don’t get me wrong is amazing but seems overkill. There is also a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. The special features are lacking including the rather boring of the audio commentary track with Ben Affleck, Director of Photography Robert Richardson and Production Designer Jess Gonchor. There are three featurettes focusing on the characters, cast interviews and the car chase scene. Lastly there are some deleted scenes included optional commentary.

CD Review: The Bombpops “Fear of Missing Out”

“Fear of Missing Out”
The Bombpops
Fat Wreck Chords
Tracks: 12

Our score: 4 out of 5 stars

San Diego punkers The Bombpops are set to explode with their first full-length album titled “Fear of Missing Out”. Released via Fat Wreck Chords the 12 track album is the follow up to the bands 2015 self released EP titled “Can of Worms” and hits with a sound and energy that harkens back to punks resurge in the 90’s.

Fat Wreck Chords has a long and fabled history as one of the independent leaders of punk rock music so whenever I get a chance to check out a new release from them I jump at the chance. Right from the albums opening track “Capable of Lies” to the closing notes of “All in a Day’s Lurk” the album is two parts nostalgia and two parts new as the 4 piece band consisting of Poli van Dam, Jen Razavi, Josh Lewis and Neil Wayne provide listeners with 90’s styled pop-punk fueled with modern day angst. Tracks like “CA in July”, “Watch Me Fold” and “Sweet for Sorrow” are definitely worth noting as they provide a perfect example of my previous statement.

If you were ever into bands like Dance Hall Crashers or Save Ferris then you definitely owe it to yourself to check out The Bombpops and their latest release “Fear of Missing Out”. Not only does the band/album provide a new take on a familiar sound each track’s catchiness is through the roof making it an album you can throw on repeat and listen to multiple times.

Track Listing:
1.) Capable of Lies
2.) CA in July
3.) Be Sweet
4.) Sweet for Sorrow
5.) Jerk
6.) FOMO
7.) I Can’t
8.) Watch Me Fold
9.) Forever Since
10.) Brake Lights
11.) Marry. Fuck. Kill
12.) All in a Day’s Lurk

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CD Review: John5 “Season of the Witch”

“Season of the Witch”
John 5 and the Creatures
60 Cycle Hum
Producer: John 5
Tracks: 13

Our score: 4 out of 5 stars

World-Renowned guitarist John 5 and his band The Creatures are back with a brand new 13 track album titled “Season of the Witch”. The album (John’s 8^th as a solo artist) is being released via 60 Cycle Hum is the follow up to his 2014 release “Careful With that Axe”.

John 5 seems to be one of those guys who is constantly going and perfecting his craft. From his work with Rob Zombie and Rod Stewart to scoring films and appearing as a guest performer on dozens of albums each year the guy always seems to be playing. John’s latest offering “Season of the Witch” blends, twists and smashes a variety of genres leaving practically no musical stone unturned over the course of its 13 track, 37 minute run time. From the sample laden opener “Book of Spells”, to the Rush-esque “Guitar, Tits and Monsters and the layered back twang filled echoes of “Behind the Nut Love” listeners are take on a rollercoaster ride of sound and emotion as the virtuoso lets his guitar do all of the talking. Backed by an equally impressive band known as “The Creatures” consisting of bassist Ian Ross and drummer Rodger Carter the trio connects flawlessly providing an enjoyable listening experience.

Don’t let the albums brief runtime fool you as John 5 and the Creatures pack every ounce of musicality they can in to each and every second of “Seasons of the Witch”. Easily his most diverse solo effort to date John 5 showcases his ability and diverse tastes by blending country, funk, rock and metal with his love for the macabre into one cohesive package that provides listeners with something new each time you listen.

Track Listing:
1.) Book of Spells
2.) The Black Grass Plague
3.) Guitars, Tits and Monsters
4.) Now Fear This
5.) Behind the Nut Love
6.) Making Monsters
7.) Cr. Evil’s Spookshow
8.) Here’s to the Crazy One’s
9.) The Macabre
10.) Ddd
11.) Hell Haw I.G.R.
12.) Ode to Jasper
13.) Season of the Witch

Blu-ray Review “Man Down”

Actors: Kate Mara, Shia LaBeouf, Jai Courtney, Gary Oldman, Clifton Collins Jr.
Directors: Dito Montiel
Rated: R
Studio: LIONSGATE
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

How did a film like “Man Down” sneak onto Blu-ray with no one really knowing. This film packs a solid cast with Jai Courtney, Gary Oldman, Kate Mara, and Clifton Collins Jr…and yeah I guess Shia LaBeouf is the star but he just honestly urks me these days and he is just too damn weird. The only thing that interested me in this is because it is set in a post-apocalyptic America but neither the talent or the setting can save this rather bland/boring film.

Official Premise: When U.S. Marine Gabriel Drummer (Shia LaBeouf) returns home from his tour in Afghanistan, he finds that the place he once called home is no better than the battlefields he fought on overseas. Accompanied by his best friend Devin Roberts (Jai Courtney), a hard-nosed Marine whose natural instinct is to shoot first and ask questions later, he searches desperately for the location of his estranged son, Johnathan (Charlie Shotwell), and wife Natalie (Kate Mara). In their search, the two intercept Charles (Clifton Collins Jr.), a man carrying vital information about the whereabouts of Gabriel’s family. As we revisit the past, we are guided in unraveling the puzzle of Gabriel’s experience and what will eventually lead us to finding his family.

The combo pack comes with a Blu-ray + Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer looks good enough for this film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works well with the action/suspense. The special features are boring and empty like the film. There is only an audio commentary included with the director Dito Montiel and Military Advisor Sergeant Nick Jones Jr.

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Blu-ray Review “Solace”

Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Abbie Cornish, Colin Farrell, Matt Gerald
Directors: Afonso Poyart
Rated: R
Studio: LIONSGATE
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Run Time: 102 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“Solace” was originally supposed to be a sequel to the 1995 film “Se7en”. I guess when they realized that it wasn’t up to the par of its predecessor they dropped the connection. They are only giving it a push now because of the fame that Jeffrey Dean Morgan brings from “The Walking Dead”. Anthony Hopkins and Colin Farrell co-star and along with Morgan they all give great performances but the film itself isn’t very memorable.

Official Premise: When FBI Special Agent Joe Merriwether (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is unable to solve a series of homicides, he enlists the help of a former colleague, Dr. John Clancy (Anthony Hopkins), a retired physician with psychic powers. Soon, Clancy realizes that his exceptional intuitive powers are no match for the extraordinary powers of the vicious murderer (Colin Farrell) on a mission.

The combo pack comes with a Blu-ray + Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer presented with an aspect ratio of 2.41:1 looks perfect for this cat/mouse thriller. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 also nails the suspense down pat! The special features are a bit of let down only featuring an audio commentary track with Director Afonso Poyart and a short featurette called “Visions and Voices: The Making of Solace” and a trailer.

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

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