Queens Of The Stone Age Take You On A Haunted House Ride With Their Video For “Head Like A Haunted House”

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE TAKE YOU ON A HAUNTED HOUSE RIDE
NIGHTMARISH NEW VIDEO “HEAD LIKE A HAUNTED HOUSE” CREATED, DIRECTED AND ART DIRECTION BY LIAM LYNCH

VILLAINS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR RESUMES WITH SOLD OUT MARCH 21 & 22 SAN DIEGO SHOWS

Step right up and take a trip through the eerie and macabre with Queens of the Stone Age as your tour guide —in their latest video, that is. The band has unveiled the latest creation for their “mile-a-minute Cramps-style rave-up” (UPROXX) “Head Like A Haunted House,” off their Grammy-nominated seventh album Villains (Matador).

Created, directed and art direction by frequent collaborator Liam Lynch, the video is a ghastly animated carnival ride through your worst fever-induced nightmares. Accompanied by disembodied hands, UFOs, smoldering hellscapes and grooving skeletons, Joshua Homme leads the way as he and his pack of mischief-makers sail through the nighttime sky on what else but flying coffins. Step right this way, if you dare:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9byydi6cns

After a triumphant South American jaunt with brothers in arms Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age will make their return to the US later this month with stops including Austin (Austin360 Amphitheater) and Irving (The Pavillion at the Irving Music Factory) as well as Miami’s Bayfront Park Amphitheater, but not before kicking it all off with two sold out nights at San Diego’s Observatory North Park. Tickets are flying like bats out of hell, grab them now while you still can: http://www.qotsa.com

In addition to the slew of upcoming North American and European dates, Queens of the Stone Age will be headlining this summer at London’s Finsbury Park on June 30th—and they’re bringing friends. The band has curated a special lineup with guests including Iggy Pop, Run The Jewels, The Hives, Brody Dalle, and more.

See below for a full list of dates and visit http://www.qotsa.com for more info.

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
VILLAINS TOUR 2018
03/21/18 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park SOLD OUT
03/22/18 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park SOLD OUT
03/23/18 – Tempe, AZ – Innings Festival
03/25/18 – Houston, TX – In Bloom Music Festival
03/28/18 – Honolulu, HI – The Republik SOLD OUT
03/29/18 – Honolulu, HI – The Republik
04/20-21/18 – Monterrey, MX – Pal Norte Festival
04/24/18 – Austin, TX – Austin360 Amphitheater *
04/25/18 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at the Irving Music Factory *
04/26/18 – Shreveport, LA – Municipal Auditorium *
04/27/18 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre * SOLD OUT
04/29/18 – Jacksonville, FL – Welcome to Rockville
05/01/18 – Miami, FL – Bayfront Park Amphitheater *
05/02/18 – Saint Petersburg, FL – Mahaffey Theater * SOLD OUT
05/04/18 – Memphis, TN – Beale Street Music Festival
05/05/18 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Music Festival
05/06/18 – Concord, NC – Carolina Rebellion
05/17/18 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome +
05/18/18 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place +
05/20/18 – Winnipeg, MB – Bell MTS Place +
05/22/18 – Madison, WI – Breese Stevens Field +
05/24/18 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens +
05/25/18 – Rochester, NY – Rochester Dome Arena +
05/26/18 — Boston, MA – Boston Calling
06/08/18 – Aarhus, Denmark – Northside Festival
06/09/18 – Gothenburg, SE – Liseberg
06/10/18 – Stockholm, SE – Gröna Lund
06/12/18 – Bergen, Norway – Bergenfest
06/15/18 – Luxembourg – Rockhal
06/16/18 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Open Air Im Kulturpark
06/19/18 – Warsaw, Poland – Torwar Arena
06/20/18 – Prague, Czech Republic – Forum Karlin
06/21/18 – Budapest, Hungary – Budapest Park Open Air
06/23/18 – Lucca, Italy – Lucca Summer Festival 2018
06/24/18 – Monza, Italy – I-Days Festival
06/25/18 – Zagreb, Croatia – Inmusic Festival
06/28/18 – Dresden, Germany – Elbufer
06/29/18 – Beuningen, NL – Down the Rabbit Hole
06/30/18 – London, UK – Finsbury Park
07/05/18 – Werchter, Belgium – Rock Werchter
07/06/18 – Arras, France – Main Square Festival
07/07/18 – Belfort, France – Eurockeennes Festival
07/13/18 – Lisbon, Portugal – Nos Alive
07/14/18 – Madrid, Spain – Mad Cool
08/18/18 — Tokyo, Japan – Summer Sonic

+ Royal Blood supports
* w/ Wolf Alice

 

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Film Review “Ride Along 2”

Starring: Kevin Hart, Ice Cube, and Olivia Munn
Directed By: Tim Story
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 101 minutes
Universal Pictures

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

It was destined to happen. The first “Ride Along” made over $150 million on a meager 25 million dollar budget. So “Ride Along 2” seemed like a financial inevitability, especially with the recent star power behind Ice Cube’s name and the popularity of Kevin Hart at the box office. 2015 was the year of Hart and Cube helped put together the Oscar-nominated “Straight Outta Compton”. That’s enough praise, because now I’m going to talk about “Ride Along 2”, the laziest follow-up the duo could have done.

Ice Cube and Kevin Hart just can’t work well for a second straight time. Maybe they can’t find the right balance of chemistry or maybe everyone else involved was too busy seeing dollar signs. If you’re going to see “Ride Along 2”, you know the shtick and the comic routine, and by now it’s getting old. Hart plays Ben, a goofy, loveable guy that squeals a lot, is the butt of short jokes, and is about as useful as a Keystone cop. Then there’s Cube, who plays James, a rough edged, no games cop that merely reacts to Ben’s ineffectiveness. We’ve seen this before. It only gets worse.

Ben is no longer trying to be a cop, he is a cop; kind of. He’s in training, but still manages to bungle a sting operation and still applies random useless video game knowledge to real life scenarios. James still gets frustrated and still doesn’t believe Ben is a real cop. James hopes to bring down a drug Lord that’s supplying dealers in Atlanta with supplies; while once again, Ben hopes to tag along. James gets the idea of scaring Ben straight, or at the very least getting him to give up on his dream, by bringing him along to Miami to chase down a mysterious kingpin. I contemplated copying and pasting my review from two years ago since this is the regurgitated plotline of the first.

Overall, “Ride Along 2” isn’t insultingly bad, but it’s biggest problem is that it’s indolent. It never fixes the problems that were seen in the previous installment, nor does it try to do anything new. Not even the smallest of endeavors is seen in the 101 minute runtime. The appearance of Olivia Munn and Ken Jeong are much appreciated, especially Jeong who appears to be the only one who’s willing to have a fun with his bits. Munn simply appears as eye candy, another person who can physically hurt Ben and a love interest for James.

I hate to say it, but I now reflect back on the first movie in a more gentle tone. If you haven’t seen the original, just ignore everything I just said and go about your merry life, not knowing about the trivial attempt at a sequel this movie was. But if you did see the original two years ago and enjoyed it to some extent, steer clear if this cash grab. Nearly everything in this movie is a rehash, except the salary for our leading stars.

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Film Review “The Longest Ride”

Starring: Britt Robertson, Scott Eastwood, and Alan Alda
Directed By: George Tillman Jr.
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 139 minutes
20th Century Fox

Our Score 1.5 out of 5 stars

The mere mention of Nicholas Sparks when heading to the theater will make any guy consider cancelling his date night or drive off the nearest overpass. Luckily for me. I have never actually watched a movie based off a Nicholas Sparks book. I guess I’ve been fortunate, but I’ve heard the horror stories. Generally my male counterparts recount the tales of being dragged by their significant other to the movies to watch them like war veterans recount a bloody dog fight in a foreign country. Well I’ve come back from battle and I’m here to tell you my tale.

“The Longest Ride” could be broken down into two stories. One is a legitimate love story that I actually wouldn’t have minded following and the other is simply, wishful thinking. Let’s go over the abysmal second story that has given me the most war scars. Luke (Eastwood) is a good old fashioned country boy dingleberry. He’s good hearted, but thick headed. He nearly dies while bull riding, but despite the doctors warnings, his mother’s wishes, and a handful of people shaking their head, he continues participating in the “sport”. His caution to the wind attitude towards death because he simply wants to spend eight second riding a creature that has just a few less brain cells than him has earned him the nickname Dingleberry for the rest of this review.

Painfully wooing this rugged Southern charmer, is Sophia (Robertson). She has a promising future; she’s very creative and level-headed, but once again, thick headed to the obvious. Against her best judgement, she’s dragged to a professional bull riding event by her sorority sisters who simply want an excuse to drink commercial beer and hopefully hook up with one of the cowboys. The phrase, “I want a cowboy,” is uttered so much, you’ll wish the ticket taker had given you a doggie bag to vomit in.

So why do these two different people become smitten with each other? The heuristic process of deduction would conclude that it’s simply because they’re both physically attractive to one another. Their “deep” conversations in which they bond on an intellectual and emotional level mainly consist about their favorite comfort food. The chemistry between them, as well as our actors portraying them, is non-existent. Unless giggling, remarks about each other naked and lots of staring each other up and down is considered a form of meaningful bonding in Sparks stories.

The other story that enters the fray, luckily, is the one surrounding Ira (Alda). He’s rescued by our two nitwits after his car goes off the road. In his concussed state, he asks Sophia to grab a box from his vehicle. Because she’s just a nosy young adult, she snoops through it and finds stacks of letters written to Ruth, the love of Ira’s life. Their relationship is the stereotypical love at first sight, but their relationship and love has never been easy. Each makes personal sacrifice after personal sacrifice to keep their enduring love going. This story is there to help create this idea that if Ira and Ruth can work even though they were completely different, so should Sophia and Dingleberry. That’s just not the case at all.

What makes Ira and Ruth’s relationship believable is that they both want the same things, but the challenges that life throws at them individually is what causes them to falter, but they continuously refocus on the rewards of their marriage. As for Sophia and Dingleberry, they’re just not meant for each other. Sophia is ambitious, caring and has a career that can fulfill her wild fantasies. Dingleberry, on the other hand, is obsessed with rising to the top in a sport that could kill him and harbors the secret that his doctors have told him to stop from Sophia. Dingleberry is just pompous and selfish. There are no sacrifices on his end. He simply smiles and caresses Sophia hoping that his good looks will simply whitewash the fact he’s a bumbling Neanderthal.

“The Longest Ride” is the most painfully long romance movies I’ve seen. While the themes and ideas behind what Ira speaks ring true, they don’t ring true for the predicament in which Dingleberry is involved. Maybe Sparks should have just cut out the one good story and let it be a standalone. So. That’s my war story. I’ve done my time. Now heed my warning. You’re better driving off the overpass on your way to the theater.

 

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CD Review: Motor Sister “Ride”

Motor Sister
“Ride”
Metal Blade
Produced by: Jay Ruston
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Ride” is the debut offering from the newly formed rock group Motor Sister. The band which consists of Pearl Aday, Scott Ian, Jim Wilson, John Tempesta and Joey Vera came together after a one off performance by 90’s rock band Mother Superior for guitarist Scott Ian’s birthday party. All parties involved were huge fans of the original band and are now together breathing new life into some of the member’s favorite Mother Superior tracks. Veteran producer Jay Ruston grabbed the reigns acting as the icing on the cake doing what he does best. Coincidently Ruston’s r relationship with Mother Superior goes back to some of the bands earliest recordings which only adds to the story of this unique group.

Though there is no new material contained on “Ride”, the new versions of songs like “Beg Barrow Steal” and “Fork in the Road” blast our your speakers. While more subtle rock tracks like “Head Hang Low” and “Devil” provide an even mix to the albums straight forward rock and roll approach. “Ride” does a great job of showcasing the diversity of Mother Superiors catalog with new enthusiasm that transfers seamlessly to the listener. “Ride” is not just for rock fans as there is certainly something for everyone on this album

Track Listing:
A-Hole
This Song Reminds Me of You
Beg Barrow Steal
Fool Around
Get That Girl
Head Hanging Low
Fork in the Road
Little Motor Sister
Pretty in the Morning
Whore
Doghouse
Devil Wind

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Marvel and Disney Kingdoms Take You for a Ride with “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad”!

New York, NY—October 23rd, 2014— Coming in spring 2015, the world famous, thrill-packed Disney attraction – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – roars to life as an all-new Marvel and Disney Kingdoms comic book bursting with action, romance, mystery and adventure. The new series, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, continues the unique collaboration between Marvel Comics, Disney Kingdoms, and Walt Disney Imagineering. This five-issue series, created by rising star writer Dennis Hopeless (Spider-Woman, Avengers Arena), fan-favorite artist Tigh Walker (Avengers Undercover), invite readers all aboard an all-new adventure that reveals the never-before-told saga of how the gold mine in Big Thunder Mountain became the haunted legend it is today!

A mainstay of Disney Parks since 1979, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has entertained countless guests on this classic attraction in four Disney theme parks around the world. Now, Disney Kingdoms is proud to add ‘the wildest ride in the wilderness’ with an all-new tale of mystery and adventure set in the wild Frontier!

“Building on the momentum of the sold out Figment series, we are excited to embark upon what may be our wildest adventure yet,” says editor and Creative Director Bill Rosemann. “As one of the most famous Disney attractions, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is packed with a combustible combo of drama, humor, and thrills that will explode across the page and deliver all the action and surprises that the Disney Kingdoms imprint has quickly become known for.”

Series writer Dennis Hopeless continues, “Everybody knows Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as a rumbling, tumbling runaway train car attraction through an exploding gold mine. But it’s always been more than that. It’s a trip back in time to a Gold Rush town where daring men and women risked their lives in the daily battle between man and mountain. And let’s be honest, it’s the perfect setting for an adventure comic.”

Earthquakes! Floods! Dynamite-chewing goats! Can the denizens of Rainbow Ridge survive the clash between mankind’s greed and nature’s fury? And what is the protective power that dwells deep within the mysterious mountain? Surprises await you in the latest Disney Kingdoms saga coming in spring 2015.

BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD #1 (OF 5)
Written by DENNIS HOPLESS
Penciled by TIGH WALKER
Elements based on Big Thunder Mountain © Disney
32 PGS./All Ages …$3.99

About Disney Kingdoms:
Created as a collaboration between Marvel Comics and Walt Disney Imagineering’s designers, producers and creative directors, the Disney Kingdoms line is home to exciting new comic stories expanding upon already beloved lands, attractions, characters and worlds of Disney Parks and Resorts. Launching in 2014 with Seekers of the Weird, Disney Kingdoms showcases some of the best and brightest Marvel creators as they craft new adventures that can be enjoyed by Disney and Marvel fans of any age.

About Marvel Entertainment:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2014 MARVEL

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Texas Hippie Coalition talks about album “Ride On” and Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival

The southern heavy metal band Texas Hippie Coalition are set to release their fourth studio album titled “Ride On” in mid October of this year and are currently out on tour as part of this summer’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Media Mikes was able to catch up with the leather vested 4 piece backstage in Scranton, PA recently to discuss the bands upcoming album and the bands progression since their debut release in 2008

Shawn Meas: What can you tell us about the bands upcoming album?
Texas Hippie Coalition: It’s going to be bad ass! We went back to more of our roots on this album and it’s going to be really hard hitting. We went and worked with Skid Mills at the Sound Kitchen and it turned out really well. We are anxious to hear what everyone thinks. We definitely went back to the format of the first record while spending more money. (Laughs)

SM: What type of process do you guys take when starting to record a new album?
THC: We start off by drinking a little moonshine and smoking a little weed. Then we cuss a little bit and things start to work. (Laugh) Cord Pool and I (Big Dad Ritch) are the only guys in the band who can really do math so song structure is pretty easy to come out. (Laughs) I think if we really used any true written format that it was the same every time we wouldn’t have as good of a creative flow as we did. Things are never the just as long we are all in good spirits and have positive energy around us we can write good tunes together. This time we flipped things and worked on the album early in the morning as opposed to late at night because you could never get all of us in the same room at the same time when it comes to working at night. (Laughs)

SM: How do you feel the band’s sound has evolved from your debut album “Peacemaker” to your upcoming release “Ride On”?
THC: I think we have evolved as players. With the new record we certainly tapped into our roots but we are all better players these days. With this band you get what you came for. We try and keep things real and carry out that theme from album to album.

SM: The band has gone through a number of lineup changes to get to where it is now. What do you guys feel each of the new members bring to the band?
THC: This is actually Timmy Braun’s second album with us. He left for awhile to do some side projects that he has and now he back. We are happy to have him back 100% now. Cord has actually been with us since the release of “Peacemaker” however he joined just after we finished recording that album. We have a pretty good team of guys and we are all having a lot of fun. Cord does seem to be everyone’s favorite though and he has said that if he was ever fired he would still show up anyways. (Laughs) Getting out here is like a bull ride with the music business being the bull. It can take a lot out of you and all four of us can take it while some of our previous members couldn’t stay on for the full 8 seconds. This crew is going to be there at the end to get our buckle!

SM: What are the bands plans for the rest of 2014?
THC: The first single off the new album just got released and is titled “Monster and Me”. The full album titled “Ride On” comes out October 7th and we have a lot of stuff going on leading up to that release date. We are going to be making stops at Gas Monkey Garage in Texas and also playing at this year’s Ride for Dime. Once this album comes out we are going to be going through some tires! There are still a lot of people who aren’t familiar with us so we want to get out there and try to get in to as many homes as possible.

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Blu-ray Review “Joy Ride 3: Road Kill”

Actors: Jesse Hutch, Ken Kirzinger, Dean Armstrong, Ben Hollingsworth
Director: Declan O’Brien
Number of discs: 2
Rated: Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Run Time: 96 minutes

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

Rusty Nail has really become a great icon in the horror world. He is not at the level of Freddy Krueger but he definitely kicks some ass. I am sure this wasn’t planned (I hope) but since the death of Paul Walker (who starred in the first “Joyride”) was only a few months ago, it feels a little odd for this to be coming out right now. After the terrible follow up “Joy Ride 2: Dead Ahead”, “Joy Ride 3: Road Kill” is action-packed, entertains and is worth checking out if you enjoy this character and the series.

Official Premise: This third hellish installment in the bloody series finds director Declan O’Brien in the driver’s seat for another deadly detour. The nightmare begins when a group of young street racers take a desolate shortcut on their way to the Road Rally 1000. But a chance encounter with Rusty soon turns deadly as he stalks, taunts, and tortures his next victims with deranged delight. It’s a full-throttle, pedal-to-the-metal chill ride packed with killer twists and turns!

Fox is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray, DVD and Ultraviolet Digital Copy. It is also releasing it with a Limited Edition Killer Packaging. The 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works for what the film is, which is a low-budget gritty horror sequel. There are some decent special features including some Pre-Vis Sequences. “Road Rage: The Blood, Sweat and Gears of Joy Ride 3” is a look into the production. “Riding Shotgun with Declan: Director’s DIE-aries” is a chat with the director Declan O’Brien. Lastly, we have a featurette “Finding Large Marge” and an audio commentary track.

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Blu-ray Review “Ride Along”

Starring: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Laurence Fishburne, Jay Pharoah
Director: Tim Story
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: April 15, 2014
Run Time: 99 minutes

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

Kevin Hart is no question of the biggest up and coming actors in the business right now. He started off with his stand up work but has really broken out in films in the last year. Partner him up with veteran Ice Cube and you have a no brainer buddy cop action comedy. This film is very funny and brings out the best in both of the two stars. I only wish it wasn’t PG-13 because I could see this being much more fun with a little less restriction. I am sure we never saw this coming but this film is being turned into a franchise with “Ride Along 2” set for release in January 2016 already! Can’t wait!

Official Premise: For the past two years, high school security guard Ben (Kevin Hart) has been trying to show decorated detective James (Ice Cube) that he’s more than just a video game junkie who’s unworthy of James’ sister. When Ben finally gets accepted into the police academy, James invites him on a ride-along designed to scare the hell out of him and ultimately demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister. But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious criminal in the city, James will find that his new partner’s rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it.

Universal Studios, personally, always delivers some of the best Blu-ray releases. “Ride Along” comes as a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy combo pack. The 1080p transfer is solid and works well with the film’s buddy cop setting. Same goes to the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which lines up well with the film’s action and Hart’s fast talking. Universal also delivered some decent extras including a great solo commentary track from directory Tim Story, who is quite passionate and enjoyed this film and everyone who worked on it.  There are six deleted scenes along with an alternate take for the film’s PG-13 rating and a slightly different alternate ending. There is a decent gag reel included also.

There are six short featurettes included giving a brief behind-the-scenes moments. “It Was a Good Day: On the Set of Ride Along” is the longest just over 10 minutes and features interviews with cast and crew. “Kev & Cube’s Wild Ride” features the duo talking about their work together. “You Gonna Learn Today” is a lesson in improv from Hart. “Atlanta: The Character” briefly shows the about the city in which the film was shot. “Anatomy of the Big Blast” dissects the film’s key scene. Lastly “An Explosive Ride” looks into the stunts, gunfights and action choreography.

 

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Film Review “Ride Along”

Starring: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart and Tika Sumpter
Directed By: Tim Story
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 100 minutes
Universal Pictures

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Laughter can only go so far. I’ll admit I laughed a few times during “Ride Along”, but they were short lived. Every once and a while there appeared to be the rumblings of chemistry between Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, but the man behind the camera failed to pick up on it. You could see it, but there never was a payoff. It almost felt like Hart and Cube had to stick to the garbage script and were forced into the comedic stereotypes audiences expect them to play. Laughter can be a cure in a weak movie. We can overlook its flaws when the humor is hearty and consistent. “Ride Along” is not one of those movies.

Ben (Hart) is a video game junkie who applies his first person shooter knowledge to his supposed cop instincts and skills. He’s a school security guard who garnishes respect by being verbally persuasive with the students. He’s currently seeing Angela (Sumpter), a curvy woman who is way out of his league. Seriously. There are moments you question what she even sees in him. He seems slightly unhappy in life, but hopes to change that after being accepted into a police academy. Enter our obligatory problem: He has to impress his potential, future brother-in-law James (Cube) by going on a…you guessed it…a ride along. This allows James two opportunities. One is to ruin Ben’s dreams of being a cop and the other is to hopefully get rid of the man, who refers to his penis as the “Black Hammer,” from his younger sister’s life.

OK. I will concede. That’s not a bad set-up for a potential string of funny scenes and jokes. But the movie has put Cube’s foul mouth in check and whittled Hart’s character down to the goofy guy who screams like a girl and falls a lot. It gets dull watching Hart act crazy and hysterical to fill the void of humor. Of course halfway through the movie the main “plot” is abandoned for a predictable side story that involves James going against his Lieutenant’s orders and chasing down Omar. Omar is an elusive, dangerous and never before seen criminal that James has been tracking for years.

The writer’s for “Ride Along” really must have relied on the preconceived notion that anyone entering the film will already love Kevin Hart and Ice Cube. Which for most of the audience I was with, was true. If you’re not a fan of either or a half-hearted follower, then you’re going to be greatly disappointed. You’re going to be waiting for that over the top moment followed by a wink at the screen from Ice Cube. But it never comes. You’re going to be waiting for at least one memorable liner you can quote to your friends in the parking lot. It fails to materialize. Simply put, this movie fails at being a comedy and falls apart when trying to be a cop action movie.

“Ride Along” steals all the typical cliches without injecting any ingenuity or originality into them. This movie never settles on what it wants to be or allows our actors to dictate what it will be. After going home and letting what I just saw soak in, I read that they had already greenlighted a sequel. Let’s hope the writers can man up to some constructive criticism because I’d like to see these two in a fresh, fluid cop movie. I actually want to have fun with ride along instead of feeling like I’m being dragged along.

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Blu-ray Review “The Last Ride”

When you Starring: Henry Thomas, Jesse James, Fred Dalton Thompson, Kaley Cuoco, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ray McKinnon
Director: Harry Thomason
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

When you think of country music, it is hard not to think about Hank Williams. He will always be considered one of the most legendary country artists of all-time.  This little indie features a pretty impressive cast including Henry Thomas (“E.T.”), Jesse James (“Jumper”), Kaley Cuoco (“The Big Bang Theory”), Fred Dalton Thompson (“Law & Order”) and Stephen Tobolowsky (“Groundhog Day”). The cast does what they can from the fairly weak script. I don’t think that this is going to convert people to listen to country music but definitely worth checking out if you are a fan.

Official Premise: Based on the controversial life story of singer-songwriter, Hank Williams, THE LAST RIDE tells the powerful tale of country music’s original bad boy. The man, the myth and the music come together when Williams travels from Alabama to a series of New Years shows in West Virginia and Ohio. This remarkable journey leads straight into the heart and soul of the legendary performer…as he takes one last shot at redemption. Featuring all-new versions of Hank Williams’ greatest songs, this emotional tale of hope and truth is one you’ll never forget.

The Blu-ray presentation is impressive despite the low-budget of the film.  The 1080p transfer is not going to win any awards but its delivers a clear presentation.  Of course when it comes to Hank Williams, the music is key.  So the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is quite impressive and delivers the tunes quite well. In terms of special features there is only one extra included, which is a short featurette titled “A Look Inside The Last Ride”. I would have loved to seen more in this department. Commentary tracks would have been a nice bonus.

 

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DVD Review “I Ride”

Directed by: Daron Ker
Distributed: Water Buffalo Pictures
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 82 min.

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars/strong>

“I Ride” directed by Daron Ker is a documentary about The Fryed Brothers Band which is a country rock band that formed in 1982. The band has been dubbed “The Most Dangerous Biker Band in the World” due to their affiliation with several outlaw motorcycle groups. “I Ride” documents the band from their beginnings as well focusing on their place within the motorcycle ranks.

“I Ride” is an interesting film on motorcycle culture. The film doesn’t solely look at the people who ride motorcycles but it focuses on a band that is followed by motorcyclist. Filming this way I think allowed Director Damon Ker to show an interesting perspective that until now has not been seen by anyone outside of the groups featured in the film. The Fryed Brothers Band has a great story and the film helps show that story. They were a great choice making Ker’s decision to focus the film around them a great one! If you have a chance check out “I Ride”.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: film, review, ride
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