DVD Review “Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine”

Starring: Kiara Muhammed, Loretta Devine, Robbie Rist, Lara Jill Miller, Jess Harnell
Creator: Chris Nee
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 120 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

From the moment we opened this DVD within in the next five minutes we were watching it. My daughter is so in love with Doc McStuffins and her lovable toys. She has her Doc bag of tools and literally gives her mom and dad a check up daily! Hey listen, if my daughter wants to play doctor, I am not going to stop her! This show is so sweet and one of my personal favorites as well on Disney Junior. The songs are short and sweet and easily get stuck in your head. If you and your kids love Doc McStuffins, I would definitely recommend this DVD.

Official Premise: “Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine” for five song-tastic episodes about staying happy and healthy, whether you’re a girl, a boy… or a toy! Share the fun as Doc teaches the toys to patch themselves up when they’re down, and shows them how visiting the dentist, seeing an optometrist and even getting an X-ray can work wonders! Banish the blurries as you help Professor Hootsburgh choose the perfect pair of glasses, get soccer star Johnny Foosball back in the game, and fix a friendly bath-time shark’s cracked tooth. Then, when Doc sprains her ankle, join the toys as they rush to her rescue. But don’t worry — with rest, patience, and plenty of cuddles, she’s back on her feet before you can say, “The Doc is in!”

There are five episodes included here, even though each one actually consists of two 15 minute episodes, so we actually get ten for this DVD. Here is the listing: 1. Chilly Gets Chilly / Through the Reading Glasses, 2. Disco Dress Up Daisy / The Glider Brothers, 3. Celestial Celeste / Run Doc Run! / 4. Hallie’s Happy Birthday / Shark-Style Toothache, 5. Think Pink / You Foose, You Lose. These are all very fun and educational episodes with a good message and some great and fun songs. The DVD set also comes with a Doc Dress-Up Play Set, which was also opened within minutes of receiving this DVD. Keep them coming Disney!

 

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Book Review “Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1”

“Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1”
Author: Paul Brannigan, Ian Winwood
Hardcover: 378 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1” written by former Kerrang! Editor Paul Brannigan and British rock journalist Ian Winwood is an in-depth look at arguable one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. The first in a two part series Vol.1 documents from the bands inception in 1981 up through 1991 and the release of the groups ground breaking “Black” album. “Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1” is being released via Da Capo Press and features 378 pages along with 8 pages of photos.

From the time I first saw Metallica’s video for “One” I was hooked. Anything and everything related to the band I had to check out (good or bad) and even though they had released 3 albums prior to “And Justice for All” the album spawning the single “One” and I was late getting to the party it didn’t hinder my quest for all things Metallica. Prior to reading this book my expectations were not very high as I had thought that I pretty much read everything about the band that was available. Upon delving in to the 378 pages you instantly realize that you are going to be in for a treat as the authors take you places normally off limits to the public. Weather they are talking with members of the band at their practice space known as “HQ”, Telling stories of speaking with Lars on a phone booth at 3am or covering the listening party for the “Black Album” “Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1” has a bit of everything. Even if you have heard some of these accounts before I found it quite interesting to hear different take. Along with some great writing are 8 pages packed with rare photos going back to when Dave Mustaine was in the band. I only wished that there had been a few more of these photo pages placed throughout the book to correspond with the subsequent chapters.

Fans of Metallica and or heavy metal music in general will surely enjoy “Birth School Metallica Death: The Biography Vol. 1”. Not only does it contain some really cool interviews and accounts but it’s a fairly straight forward and easy read. So even if you are terminally shaken from years of head banging and moshing I encourage you to put down your devil horns and stagger over to your nearest book store and pick up a copy of this book.

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Matt Bush talks about film’s “HIGH School” & “Piranha 3DD”

Matt Bush has had a busy year so far in 2012 working on films like “HIGH School” & “Piranha 3DD”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Matt about those films and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: How was it working with such a great cast like Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis and Colin Hanks on “HIGH School”?
Matt Bush: These are great guys. These are people I respect. It was great getting to act and have fun with them. It was overall such a great experience. It was an education that I couldn’t get anywhere else.

MG: What was your biggest challenge on this project?
MB: We shot it a couple of years ago, and at the time it was the first film where I had the lead. It was certainly a lot more responsibility. When you are in that role you have to take on more of a leadership role. So I wouldn’t necessilarily call it a challenge but it was new experience and was fun. I am grateful it was my first.

MG: Both being released by Anchor Bay, how was it going from “HIGH School” to “Piranha 3DD”?
MB: [laughs] It was definitely a weird year. I didn’t jump from “HIGH School” to “Piranha 3DD”, I had a few things in between there but they came out the same time. “Piranha 3DD” was a fun time and it certainly doesn’t take itself seriously.

MG: Was the 3D a difficulty at all during shooting?
MB: No, really it wasn’t. You would think so since you have a whole other dimension to worry about. It was just a larger rig with two lenses next to each other. There were certain things you have to keep in mind when shooting. One day wanted to showcase the trident/trash picker as a 3D effect, like it was coming ot the camera. So they asked me to throw it literally at the camer…but don’t hit the camera. [laughs] I didn’t have trident through class during gym class. So I did my best. For the most part it was like a regular shoot.

MG: What else do you have in the cards upcoming?
MB: I got an indie called “The Kitchen”. We just had our premiere at the 2012 Gen Art Film Festival. I am actually very proud of that. I got a film called “Trouble with the Curve”, which is Clint Eastwood’s newest film. I have a small role but it was an amazing experience to work with such a legend. I am really grateful for that.

Be sure to follow Matt on Twitter – @ItsMattBush

 

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Blu-ray Review “HIGH School”

Directed by: John Stalberg, Jr.
Starring: Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis, Colin Hanks, Matt Bush, Sean Marquette
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Anchor Bay
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running Time: 99 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

As I get further and further away from high school personally. I tend to find high school films less and less amusing. This film lucky point is its impressive cast. Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis, Colin Hanks all really steal the show in this film. “HIGH School” was on the shelf for a few years prior to getting released, so you know that there had to be a reason for it. If you are looking for a few brainless laughs and nothing much, this is worth at least one watch.

The day after valedictorian Henry Burke (Matt Bush) decides to try smoking weed for the first time his school principal (Michael Chiklis) institutes mandatory drug tests for all students. If Henry fails, he will lose his college scholarship. His other option is to team up with stoner friend Breaux (Sean Marquette) in order to try and beat the system. What is their master plan…try and steal a psycho drug dealer’s stash to get the whole school high. What can go wrong?

This film looks sharp on Blu-ray but nothing special. The 1080p transfer looks sharp and delivers a crisp presentation within its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The audio also packs a strong Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and works well with the film’s music. The special features are lacking a bit though. There is an audio commentary track with executive producer/writer/director John Stalberg, Jr., worth really checking out only if you REALLY liked this movie. Lastly there is a few never-before-seen deleted scenes, which are definitely worth checking out. I could think of a few things they could have cut in place of these.

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Book Review “CBGB Was My High School”

Author: G K Stritch
Hardcover: 246 pages
Publisher: Full Court Press

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“CBGB Was My High School” is a coming of age biography written by G K Stritch. The book is being released via Full Court Press and is more than just your normal biography. Not only does Stritch tell her story of growing up and details the trials and tribulations that come with that but she also incorporates the growth of the NY art/music scene during what I feel is one of the City’s most interesting periods.

This book is a fun and quick read that will have the reader not wanting to put this book down. The growth of places like Max’s Kansas City and CBGB’s are seamlessly interspersed with Stritch’s own accounts of her times at these places. Stritch’s words paint a picture that makes you feel like you are a fly on the wall taking it all in.

From abusive relationships to meeting a former first lady author G K Stritch covers it all. “CBGB Was My High School” is an honest look at 70’s/80’s New York told from the perspective of someone who was there. Even if biographies aren’t your thing give this book a chance. I don’t think you will regret it.

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FREE Tickets to Orlando FL Screening for “High School” [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!


Anchor Bay is releasing HIGH SCHOOL on June 1st and Media Mikes is proud to give you the opportunity to attend an advance screening in the Orlando FL area. The screening details are: Wednesday, May 30th at Regal Winter Park Village 20 – 7:00pm.

If you would like to attend this screening for this Wednesday’s advance screening of “HIGH SCHOOL”, please print the attached ticket and bring it to the theater to gain admittance.  Even if you have a ticket, we suggest you get there about 60 minutes prior to showtime since seating is not guaranteed as stated.

SYNOPSIS: The day after soon-to-be valedictorian Henry Burke (Matt Bush) takes a hit of the chronic for the first time, his school principal (Michael Chiklis) institutes a zero tolerance drug policy and administers a mandatory drug test for all students. Henry has two options: fail and lose his college scholarship, or team up with his stoner friend Breaux (Sean Marquette) to beat the system. They steal a high powered ganja from law student-turned-drug-dealer Psycho Ed (Adrien Brody) and spike the school’s bake sale brownies, getting the whole school—faculty included—completely stoned out of their minds. But with the student body getting higher and higher with every brownie, and a pissed-off Psycho Ed on their tails for stealing his stash, they must find a way to keep their half-baked plan from going up in smoke.

Directed by John Stalberg, Jr., with story by John Stalberg, Jr. and Eric Linthorst, and screenplay by Eric Linthorst and John Stalberg, Jr. & Stephen Susco, the cast of HIGH SCHOOL also includes Colin Hanks (Orange County, AMC’s “Mad Men”), Adhir Kalyan (CBS’ Rules of Engagement) and Yeardley Smith (Fox’s “The Simpsons”).

Official Site: http://www.highschool-themovie.com/

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CD Review: Nils Lofgren “Old School”

Nils Lofgren
“Old School”
Vision Music Inc.
Produced by: Nils Lofgren, Brian Christian
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Old School” is the newest solo release from Neil Young/E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren. The album is the being released via Vision Music Inc. and features 12 new original songs produced by Nils Lofgren and Brian Christian.  As the follow up to Lofgren’s 2008 solo album titled “The Loner”, “Old School” seems to have a little bit of something for everyone. Though I found the album to be a touch different from his work with Bruce Springsteen this proved not to be a bad thing.

The album features a variety of styles such as rock; blues and country which I feel only broaden the overall appeal of this album. Each song showcased not only Lofgren’s guitar playing but also his singing. Tracks like “60 Is the New 18” and “Ain’t Too Many of Us Left” were definite standouts as they were more along the lines of Nils more familiar works. Those looking for a Springsteen album minus the Springsteen will not find it here. Lofgren shines with his own unique style and “Old School” is a perfect example of that style.

Track Listing:
1.)    Old School
2.)    60 Is the New 18
3.)    Miss You Ray
4.)    Love Stumbles On
5.)    Amy Joan Blues
6.)    Irish Angel
7.)    Ain’t Too Many of Us Left
8.)    When You Were Mine
9.)    Just Because You Love Me
10.)  Dream Big
11.)  Let Her Get Away
12.)  Why Me

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