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Film Review “Run All Night”

Starring: Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman and Ed Harris
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 54 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When we first meet Jimmy Conlon (Neeson) he’s flat on his back with a bullet in the side, trying to explain how he got that way. Though the story is a little long, it’s well worth learning.

Jimmy and Shawn Maguire (Harris, in another outstanding character role) have been friends for almost five decades. Doing what they needed to do to earn a living, they both found themselves on the wrong side of the road. However, while Shawn has become a very successful “businessman,” Jimmy likes to drink and play cat and mouse with a police detective (Vincent D’Onofrio), who is trying to pin no less than 17 murders on Jimmy. Both men have sons – Shawn’s boy, Danny (Boyd Holbrook) is a chip off the old block while Michael Conlon (Kinnaman) has distanced himself from his father, earning money as a limo driver while teaching inner-city youths how to box. When a deal Danny organizes, against his father’s wishes, goes bad, Michael inadvertently finds himself on the wrong side of things, causing him to reluctantly have to rely on his pop.

Gorgeously filmed (director Collet-Serra and cinematographer Martin Rhue give New York City its own starring role in the film) and strongly acted, “Run All Night” is another in a long line of “bad ass with a heart of gold” roles for Liam Neeson. Here he plays a tough Irishman who drinks, which I’m pretty sure wasn’t much of a stretch. And while he’s very good here, as he is in pretty much everything he does, I miss the romantic Neeson…the “Love, Actually” Neeson. Here he gets to mete out some fatherly advice while constantly making sure that Michael never fires a shot, afraid he will follow him down hell’s path. The best part of the films are when Neeson and Harris meet up and talk about their lives and their plans. Both men are mesmerizing on screen and they’re fun to watch. They know that their sons are suffering because of them and when they’re in the same room together, the tension grows so fast you may need to take a breath on occasion. The film does manage to run a little long, and an almost “forced” reminder of the New York Rangers hockey team take a little glow off of the film, but all in all, it’s a well recommended film!

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, night, review, run

Product Review “Reebok Shaq Attaq IV”

Growing up being an Orlando Magic fan, you gotta give it to Shaquille O’Neal man. The guy is long retired from the game of basketball and yet his presence is no less important in the business. Like Air Jordan’s the Shaq Attaq is back and still just as cool. The shows are just slick looking. No BS either. They are blank and simple black and white and they own it. It is a bold shoe for a bold person.

I love the high-top look and I am happy that it has never gone away. These sneakers are Insta Pump-equipped with leather and mesh upper for comfort, support, and breathability. The Pump P107 collar technology is a nice way to add custom fit for the shoe and I really enjoy this feature. These also have a hexalite cushioning system for supreme underfoot comfort.

I am usually not huge on signature sneakers but Reebok really delivers these with a good price of around $140 bucks, which ain’t too bad. They also sport the retro Shaq’s signature “dunking” logo on the tongue and the Reebok logo on the ankle as well. These are shoes that will be you some attention I guarantee it. I have never or will never be a basketball player but these shoes are hot and I can’t wait to show them off.

Theatre Review “Slava’s Snowshow” Orlando FL, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Tuesday, February 17, 2015–Sunday, March 1, 2015
Walt Disney Theater
120 minutes (2 hours)

“Slava’s Snowshow” is like nothing I have ever seen before on the stage. I have seen a dozen of the Cirque du Soleil shows and since Slava is the original Cirque du Soleil clown, I knew sort of what to expect. Still I haven’t been to a show that literally it has almost been a week since I saw it and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. This award winning international clown show has been touring for 20 years and I hope it goes for another 20 years. Even though this is a circus show, it is really magical. The set is extremely simple yet so effective. There is so much done with so little. The colors are so vibrant and the use of music blends in so beautifully.

Since this show is called “Snowshow”, I also expected the use of snow but never like this. Watch the 30 second clip below to just get a glimpse of what you can expect. You literally have snow exploded at you like a avalanche and it is breathtaking. Before the break, there is also a part with a spider web that takes over the entire theater. Words connect explain how terrifying yet at the same time exhilarating experience it was. to top it off it end with dozens of balls flying into the audience and the kids went crazy for that!

This was the first time that I got to visit the brand new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, FL and it is a marvel it is own. The parking situation is not great at all though and the staff was also quite nasty and rude. I don’t just mean one person either, I mean every single employee that we encountered was unpleasant. Luckily it got overshadowed by this amazing show. If it comes to your city, I highly recommend.

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Film Review “Unfinished Business”

Starring: Vince Vaughn, Tom Wilkinson, and Dave Franco
Directed By: Ken Scott
Rated: R
Running Time: 91 Minutes
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

I would have really liked to enjoy “Unfinished Business”. I really would have. I like Vince Vaughn and believe that his mere presence can perk up the lamest of scripts and that his demeanor can bring life into the dullest of ideas. He’s managed to polish up some of Hollywood’s comedic turds into something that’s passable, but maybe he’s finally hit that wall where he can’t save a script. Or that charm has finally run out for me. Either way, “Unfinished Business” is the low point of Vince Vaughn’s career.

Dan Trunkman (Vaughn) has started his own small sales business and his only employees are Timothy McWinters (Wilkinson) and Mike Pancake (Franco), and that last name is not a typo. His last name is Pancake. If that didn’t make you laugh, then I hate to tell you that that’s a reoccurring that joke that wears thin after the first time, much like most of the humor in this movie.

Dan is the only character with any form of depth or range. He’s a family man who’s struggling to keep his tiny firm above water and worries about whether his children can continue going to private school. There’s also the struggle of being a role model for those kids and the two incompetent employees he’s ended up with. As for Tim, he’s just a dirty old man. Mike is the opposite. He’s a naive boy who apparently hasn’t lost his virginity until all three men need to make a business trip overseas to Europe. Tim and Mike play as one note jokes with Tim constantly talking about how much he wants to wheelbarrow (look it up) a girl and Mike who constantly gives a goofy grin and schoolboy chuckle, followed by an ingenuous question. I honestly can’t think of any other jokes that this movie attempted.

There is this plot about Dan having to land a deal with a company and facing off against his former boss/colleague, but it’s never played out and adds to the general incomplete feeling this movie finds itself in. It pitches itself as a debauchery filled trip for the little guy in corporate America, but there’s only about two to five minutes dedicated to the actually vulgarity of partying and half of that is montages. As for the little guy sticking it to the big bad businesses they find themselves competing with, that’s a missed opportunity heaped upon other missed other opportunities. Most of “Unfinished Business” finds itself stumbling into lazy gags and foreign scenery.

When I heard that Vince Vaughn would be on the second season of HBO’s “True Detective”, I was excited because Vaughn has so much thespianism to offer, but consistently finds himself biting on low hanging fruit. After watching “Unfinished Business”, I’m not as excited and worried that he may be relegated to a secondary character that’s still unbecoming of his acting gift.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: business, film, review, unfinished

Film Review “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

Starring: Dev Patel, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith
Directed by: John Madden
Rated: PG
Running time: 2 hours 2 mins
Fox Searchlight Pictures

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The irony about being a film critic is that, sometimes, I’m the one that gets criticized for what I’ve written. I know what to expect when I recommend an Adam Sandler film. Sue me, I’m a 13 year old boy in an old man’s body. But this afternoon, as I was preparing this review, I saw a criticism I never would have expected. While going back to see what I had rated the original “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” I noticed a comment had been left. Basically it read:

There is NO WAY English senior’s immune, digestive system can handle Indian foods, whatsoever. Yet again this is nothing but another nonsensical story set in a place which Western senior-transplants haven’t ANY possibility of surviving. (sic)

Wow! Someone sure had a lot of time on his hands. As well as a much better understanding of the British digestive system then I do. Anyway, I thought I’d share that. And now, on with the show.

When we last left our over enthusiastic innkeeper Sonny Kapoor (Patel), he had just convinced a group of elderly British citizens to call his burgeoning hotel “home.” Today we find him visiting the United States, speeding down the historic Route 66 with the barb-tongued Mrs. Donnelly (Smith) by his side. They meet with the owner of a large international hotel chain (David Strathairn) in the hopes of having him finance Sonny’s dream of another hotel and the beginnings of an empire. Sonny is soon due to marry the lovely Sunaina (Tina Desai) and he wants a new hotel to be a wedding gift to his bride. Sonny and Mrs. Donnelly return to India assured that an inspector from the hotel chain would visit to see how Sonny runs his operation. But when more than one new guest shows up to register for a stay, it is obvious that the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel can use some expansion help.

Cleverly written and expertly acted, “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a welcome, sunny treat during these final weeks of winter. Bolstered by Patel’s exuberance and a first rate cast of British acting veterans, the film sometimes returns to the same situations that occupied the first film but with enough charm that it survives on its own merits. Joining the returning cast is Richard Gere, a recently divorced man looking for a quiet place to write a novel. He is smitten with Sonny’s mother (Lillete Dubey), who is unsure how to accept this Western man’s advances. As for the returning residents, we find Evelyn (Dench) now gainfully employed while Douglas (Nighy), continues to silently pine for her. And of course, Mrs Donnelly is as feisty as ever, delivering such lines as “just because I’m looking at you when you’re speaking doesn’t mean I’m paying attention to you,” with the timing of Groucho Marx. These stories, and others, once again intertwine as the wedding day gets closer. Gere is especially good here, doing what he does best, romance. Even at age 65, Gere is, as Sonny points out, “so handsome that even I question my own sexuality.”

Director John Madden, who also helmed the first film as well as “Shakespeare in Love,” has reteamed with writer Ol Parker to bring old friends back together and introduce us to new ones. Not sure if there’s a third story on this hotel, but it’s certainly one I’d be more than happy to visit.

CD Review: Rob Zombie “Spook Show International Live”

Rob Zombie
“Spook Show International Live”
T-Boy Records
Produced by: Rob Zombie
Tracks: 19

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Spook Show International Live” is the latest release from Rob Zombie and his make-up clad crew of homicidal maniacs. The first live release from Zombie in 8 years consists of 19 pounding tracks that contain enough power to wake the dead. Recorded during the “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” tour Rob and his band deliver their signature show right to your living room.

This is the way Rob Zombie should be heard! Yes all the studio versions of the songs contained on “Spook Show International Live” good in their own right but this is how they should really be heard. Each of the 19 tracks are vibrant and clear allowing the listener to experience the power of the band as if they are standing in the front row of a live show. Signature RZ tracks like “Living Dead Girl” and “Never Gonna Stop” blend in perfectly with newer tracks such as “Sick Bubblegum” and “Dead City Radio” while White Zombie classics such as “Thunderkiss ‘65” and “More Human Than Human” round out an already impressive set list along with some other really special numbers. Even the background vocals can be heard clearly through the heavy distortion and bombastic drums and bass adding to the albums appeal.

Whether you have seen Rob Zombie multiple times or never had the chance you need to get this album. Very rarely can the true essence of a live performance be captured and then transferred for personal listening however “Spook Show International Live” goes the extra mile and then some giving listeners something they can listen to time and time a again.

Track Listing:
1.) Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
2.) Superbeast
3.) Living Dead Girl
4.) Dead City Radio
5.) Drum Solo
6.) More Human Than Human
7.) Sick Bubblegum
8.) House of 1000 Corpses
9.) Meet the Creeper
10.) Never Gonna Stop
11.) Blitzkrieg Bop
12.) Thunder Kiss ‘65
13.) Jesus Frankenstein
14.) Were An American Band
15.) Dragula
16.) Demonoid Phenomenon
17.) Pussy Liquor
18.) Demon Speeding
19.) Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga

CD Review “Immortal Randy Rhoads- The Ultimate Tribute”

“Immortal Randy Rhoads- The Ultimate Tribute”
Various Artists
Produced by: Bob Kulick
Label: UDR
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

“Immortal Randy Rhoads- The Ultimate Tribute” is a collection of 11 classic Rhoads co-written songs. Twenty top contemporary artists including old friends and former band mates make up the roster of performers and include Serj Tankian, George Lynch and Frankie Banali to name just a few. Produced and compiled by Grammy Award winning producer Bob Kulick the album certainly lives up to its title.

Right off the bat fans are greeted with what is undoubtedly Randy’s best know track, “Crazy Train”. Helmed by System of a Down” Front man Serj Tankian and former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello along with Rudy Sarzo and drummer Vinnie Appice the track remains virtually unchanged with the exception of Morello’s signature toggle switch stutter solo which certainly gives a modern day feel to a staple in guitar wizardry. Chuck Billy steps in lending his growling vocals to “Mr. Crowley” while Children of Bodom shredder Alexi Laiho lays down some flawless solo work that could easily be confused for the original.

This is not just another tribute album made up of the most well know songs of Randy’s career as it is much more than that. Songs such as “Back to the Coast” and “Killer Girls” originally performed by Quiet Riot appear on this album as does the song “S.A.T.O.”. A deep cut from Randy’s Ozzy era material. As if the star studded line up was enough these three songs alone will have music fans clamoring for a copy of this album. Grammy Award winning producer Bob Kulick lends his production stamp to this release further solidifying that this release is worth its weight in gold.

If you still need further proof that this is not just another fly by night tribute release then how about the fact that Randy’s own brother Kelle Rhoads appears on two of the albums tracks! Randy is often imitated however never duplicated but if he could be “Immortal Randy Rhoads- The Ultimate Tribute” is the closest yet.

Track Listing:
1.) Crazy Train
2.) Over the Mountain
3.) Mr. Crowley
4.) Believer
5.) Back to the Coast
6.) I Don’t Know
7.) S.A.T.O.
8.) Killer Girls
9.) Goodbye to Romance
10.) Suicide Solution
11.) Flying High Again

CD Review: Bumblefoot “Little Brother is Watching”

“Little Brother is Watching”
Bumblefoot
Produced by: Bumblefoot
Label: Bumblefoot Music
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Little Brother is Watching” is the latest solo release from guitarist/producer/songwriter Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal. The 10th solo release in a career dating back to the late 1980’s “Little Brother is Watching” is an eccentric, upbeat collection of modern rock that incorporates haunting melodies, huge choruses and witty lyrics about life in the digital age. Bumblefoot takes you on a musical journey that will light up your senses.

Tracks such as the albums opener “Clots” come roaring through the speakers with Bumblefoot’s signature frantic approach and instantly set the stage for what’s to come. On tracks such as “Little Brother is Watching” Bumblefoot enlists the help of a 100 voices to carry out the haunting background. The various voices which were recording during a special listening session add a unique appeal to the album as you never know when these elements might creep in. Probably my favorite track off the album is the laid back “Don’t Know Who to Pray to Anymore”. The track opens up with a George Harrison esque guitar solo reminiscent of “My Guitar Gently Weeps” before traversing down a more bluesy avenue which ultimately explodes into a full on rock ballad. This song alone makes the album worth giving it a listen. Other notables that I enjoyed were carnival tinged “Cuterebra” and the straight forward chugging power of “Never Again”.

Though the album might lack cohesiveness it makes up for it with its energy as the chaotic styling’s of Bumblefoot and company will certainly be appreciated by long time fans and the uniqueness of the albums 11 tracks could be enough to grab the attention of new listeners.

Track Listing:
1.) Clots
2.) Little Brother is Watching
3.) Argentina
4.) Don’t Know Who to Pray to Anymore
5.) Livin’ the Dream
6.) Cuterebra
7.) Higher
8.) Women Rule the World
9.) Sleepwalking
10.) Eternity
11.) Never Again

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: brother, bumblefoot, cd, review, watching

Book Review “Marvel: The Avengers Vault”

Author: Peter A. David
Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Thunder Bay Press

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

For those wanting to brush up on all things Avengers prior to the release of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” the lasts release from author Peter A. David and Thunder Bay Press should do the trick. “Marvel” The Avengers Vault” is a 176 page hardcover release that is as the title suggests a vault of information related to each of the core Marvel Avengers. The book is broken down by chapter with each chapter being dedicated to one of 4 characters Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk. Each page of the book features beautiful full color art work printed on high quality paper. Another plus, the book is laid out very much like a comic book as each chapter delves deep in to the characters origins. If that alone isn’t enough separating each chapter are numerous envelope pages which include some really cool collectibles such as Iron Man concept art, (reproduction) Jack Kirby art and Captain America’s Sentinels of Liberty membership card to name just a few of these great extras.

Though the book appears to be aimed at hardcore Avenger collectors I found it to be very accessible and fun for all ages. Even if you skip the text readers can enjoy all of the really great art work from the four characters comic history all in one place. To close out the book readers are a treated to a glimpse of other upcoming Marvel heroes (Ant Man, Captain Marvel and Black Panther) who will be making their way to the film screen very shortly. Author Peter A. David really hit a home run with this book so if you are looking for something that can hold you over until the May release of “Age of Ultron” this book will certainly do the trick.

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Blu-ray Review “Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast”

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Mae Whitman, Rosario Dawson, Lucy Liu, Raven-Symoné, Megan Hilty
Director: Steve Loter
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Run Time: 76 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of the Disney Fairies franchise since the first Tinker Bell movie. They have all been very cute and honestly, each one is better than the next…until this one. “Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast” is easily the weakest in the franchise. The title is misleading as Tinker Bell takes a back seat to her fairy friend Fawn (who was voice re-casted by Ginnifer Goodwin). Unlike the previous films, the one is quite dark and a bit scary for the little ones. It doesn’t have that fairy charm of the previous films either. Plus Gruff aka the NeverBeast is not a likable character at all. I hope Disney resolves this with the next Tinker Bell film.

Official Premise: Return to Pixie Hollow for a heartwarming adventure, Disney’s Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast. An ancient myth of a massive creature sparks the curiosity of Tinker Bell and her good friend Fawn, an animal fairy who’s not afraid to break the rules to help an animal in need. But this creature is not welcome in Pixie Hollow — and the scout fairies are determined to capture the mysterious beast, who they fear will destroy their home. Fawn must convince her fairy friends to risk everything to rescue the NeverBeast.

Disney is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy with access in Disney Movies Anywhere. The 1080p transfer is quite impressive still and you can tell the film was made with 3D in mind but, of course, Disney neglected to release on 3D Blu-ray. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track is absolutely amazing and very impressive. Singer/songwriter KT Tunstall performs three news songs in the film, including “Float,” “Strange Sight” and “1000 Years” with singer/songwriter Bleu, but it is not the most upbeat song played during the film’s end credits.

The special features like the film is are not very entertaining. “5 Essential Ingredients to Getting Gruff” is a quick chat with Director Steve Loter and crew about the film’s development. “My Dad’s Movie: The True Story of The NeverBeast” features Loter again with his daughter discussing the film. “Jeff Crowin’s Guide to Real-World NeverBeasts” features the well know animal and nature conservationist as he discusses the title character and talks about other “NeverBeast” like characters in real-life. There are four deleted scenes with optional director intros. Lastly “Gruff Love” is a long promo for the film.

Blu-ray Review “The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown”

Actors: Jeff Bergman, Kevin Michael Richardson,
Tress MacNeille, Grey Griffin, Eric Bauza, John O’Hurley, Russi Taylor, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Daniel Bryan, John Cena
Directors: Spike Brandt, Tony Cervone
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: March 10, 2015
Run Time: 50 minutes

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

WWE and Warner Bros have been teamed up on there animated film, “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” last year, which was a fun time. There follow up to that film is “The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown”. This is exciting because there hasn’t been new “The Flintstones” content in 15 years and it is very welcome. This film includes various WWE Superstars including John Cena, Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker and even Vince McMahon himself. I only wish that this was longer than 50 minutes because I wanted so much more or at least lets hope that they have future installments of new “The Flintstones” very soon.

Official Premise: When Fred loses his family’s vacation money, he hatches one of his hair brained plans to get it back. It’s a sports entertainment spectacle that involves throwing his best bud, Barney into the wrestling ring with the likes of John Cenastone (John Cena), Rey Mysteriopal (Rey Mysterio) and even The Undertaker, with Fred himself as event promoter! The crowds roar, the “clams” are pouring in from ticket sales and even Mr. McMagma (Vince McMahon) is taking notice of all the hoopla. Including all-star appearances from The Boulder Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) Marble Henry (Mark Henry) and Daniel Bry-Rock (Daniel Bryan), it’s time to get the whole family together for hard-hitting, side-splitting laughs from the most epic event in all of prehistory!

Warner Bros is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy included. The Blu-ray transfer is solid. The animation looks great and the colors are vibrant. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also sounds great with the voice work and the rope slamming fun. There are also some great special features included as well. There are two featurette included here. The first is “The Superstars of Fred Flintstone Entertainment (FFE)” and the second one is called “How to Be a Stone Age Superstar”. Both are worth checking out for sure. There are also two bonus cartoons included, which are fun to watch as well.

Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo, DVD & Digital HD March 10

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: age, bluray, flintstones, review, smackdown, stone, ...

Blu-ray Review “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1”

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore
Director: Francis Lawrence
Number of discs: 2
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: March 6, 2015
Run Time: 122 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Unlike the rest of the world “The Hunger Games” franchise, hasn’t delivered for me at all. The first one was just one. I thought that “Catching Fire” was awful and “Mockingjay Part 1” is another long drawn out lead in for the final film. Personally, I love Jennifer Lawrence much more than I did after the first Hunger Games and her character is more likable but the film is not. I will definitely watch the second part of this film to finish the series but expectations are low. I think the whole “Part 1” and “Part 2” business of these epic films are really getting old.

Official Premise: The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.

Lionsgate is delivering this release as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy included. Even though, I am not crazy about the film, the Blu-ray merits are very impressive. The 1080p transfer is gorgeous. The CGI in the film is well-blended. I was most impressed with the audio tracks. First we get a Dolby TrueHD Atmos, which basically translates to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 for those units that are not compatible. It is an amazing track that delivers the epic feel that the film aims for. There is also an interesting track, which is a 2.0 Dolby Digital Optimized for Late-Night Listening, not very epic but still a neat option.

The special features are also quite impressive. “The Mockingjay Lives: The Making of Mockingjay – Part 1”: is an eight-part feature-length documentary. If you love these films, this is a must watch. There are two featurettes included. The first is “Straight From the Heart: A Tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman” and the second is “Songs of Rebellion: Lorde on Curating the Soundtrack”. There is also a music video for “Yellow Flicker Beat” from Lorde. Lastly there is an Audio Commentary from Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson and some deleted scenes.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 1, bluray, games, hunger, mockingjay, part, ...

Product Review “Ray-Ban New Wayfarer”

I don’t know what it is but myself (and my entire family) have always been a fan of Ray-Ban sunglasses. I think it was the durable and reliable. The latest Ray-Ban model, New Wayfarer (RB2132 52), really interested me. They are very simple and yet so elegant and sleek. When you look at they they aren’t fancy at all yet, I could see some heads turn when you are wearing them.

There are two different color options available Black/Green and Brown/Green. I would, no question, prefer the Black/Green. I have never been a big fan of Brown sunglasses. The frame material is plastic and the lens are glass, so they hold up well to wear and tear. I give my sunglasses quite the challenge, so I trust that these will not let down.

The new model is a slightly smaller interpretation-size 52mm- take on the well known style. The Ray-Ban logo is displayed prominently for those that care about branding. One of the real sellers for this updated model is that they come with polarized lenses, which allow for ultimate clarity and enhanced vision. I rely on my sunglasses a lot and these are worth every penny.

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Filed Under: Style Tagged With: product, rayban, review, wayfarer

Product Review “Nike Air Max 2015”

The last time that I owned a pair of Nike Air Max sneakers, it was probably back in 2013. They were good shoes that latest me a very long time. Everyone knows the Nike brand. They are a trusted brand and very recognizable. The latest 2015 honestly to me aren’t a drastic update from what I remember in my last pair. I can say for sure that they have some really crazy color options this year.

I settled for typical black with the white swoosh but I was also quite found of the pair that blends “Black/Bright Crimson/Blue Lagoon/White”, which is quite the fashion statement for sure but look cool. Honestly for the price, I wouldn’t really think that these are the best shows on the market for running. I mean nearly $200 dollars seems a bit much for me.

Some of the specs for these sneakers are that they are come equipped with engineered mesh upper for light weight and breathability. One of the other features is the “Free-laying Dynamic Flywire”, which provides a very natural-motion feeling for the foot. I don’t have the best heel and these definitely assist in giving a bit of ease on both of that with the padded heel counters.

The rubber outsole with the BRS 1000 carbon rubber pods in the heel and forefoot work well for traction but honestly feel a little thin. I am wondering how long these are going to last. I walk over five miles a day and I will be revisiting these over time to see how they hold up. So for money, I will leave these up to your preference. I feel like if you have purchased Air Max before you should be happy with them.

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Filed Under: Style Tagged With: 2015, air, max, nike, product, review, ...

Blu-ray Review “Musicals 4-Movie Collection”

Starring: Howard Keel, Cyd Charisse, Douglas Fowley, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ann Miller
Directors: Stanley Donen, Vincente Minnelli, George Sidney, David Butler, Gene Kelly
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: March 3, 2015

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

There is something about old time musicals. 1952 and 1953 were big years for musicals. This latest 4-Movie Collection includes “Calamity Jane” (1953) / “The Band Wagon” (1953) / “Kiss Me Kate” (1953) / “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952). Other than “Singin’ in the Rain”, the rest of these three films are making their Blu-ray debut in this collection. Personally, the real draw here is the fact that “Kiss Me Kate” is being released in 3D. That’s right, 3D as the film was original made to be seen. Along with these movies, this also includes collectible art cards. If you love musicals, this a must own.

“The Band Wagon” Official Premise: Tony Hunter, a fading film star decides to return to his former glory, the Broadway stage. His playwright-songwriter friends hook him up with Broadway’s hottest director, Jeffrey Cordova, who proves that the “new” theater traditions can be an awkward fit with the old.

“Calamity Jane” Official Premise: When she isn’t tearing up the town, Jane spends her time cussing out Wild Bill Hickok. The plot gets under way when Jane promises the citizens of Deadwood that she can persuade classy Chicago stage star Adelaide Adams to perform at the local opry house. Through a case of mistaken identity, Jane brings Adelaide’s maid Katie back to town. Katie proves to be a success all the same, and out of gratitude promises to make a lady out of Jane, who is sweet on handsome Lt. Gilmartin.

“Kiss Me Kate” Official Premise: At his New York apartment, actor Fred Graham and composer Cole Porter discuss plans to recruit Fred’s ex-wife, actress Lili Vanessi, to star in their new show, Kiss Me Kate , a musical version of William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Lili arrives, and after singing the love duet with Fred, agrees to consider taking the role of Katherine. They are interrupted by the arrival of flashy dancer Lois Lane, who has used her wiles on Fred to secure the role of Bianca. Jealous words fly between the two women, and Lili prepares to leave, after informing Fred that she is going to be married soon.

“Singin’ in the Rain” Official Premise: Silent movies are giving way to talking pictures – and a hoofer-turned-matinee idol (Gene Kelly) is caught in that bumpy transition, as are his buddy (Donald O’Connor), prospective ladylove (Debbie Reynolds) and shrewish costar (Jean Hagen). Rediscover the musical masterwork, “Singin’ In The Rain”, with a downpour of celebratory special features that salute not just this all-time favorite but also the musical legacy of its producer, songwriter Arthur Freed.

The 1080p transfer for look great for each of the films. I really enjoyed the 3D transfer for “Kiss Me Kate”. This is cool to see since it has never before seen in this format since its theatrical release. So this is real treat. “The Band Wagon”, “Kiss Me Kate 3D” and “Singin’ in the Rain” have equal DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks. They are all equally impressive. The music really works well and sounds very impressive. “Calamity Jane” only carries a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. It is still solid but lacks the pop of its fellow films.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 4movie, bluray, collection, musicals, review

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