Enter to Win a Copy of “Promising Young Woman” Blu-ray Combo Pack!

To celebrate the Blu-ray Combo Pack release for “Promising Young Woman”, Media Mikes would like to give our fans a chance to to win one Blu-ray combo pack. If you want to win this great prize, please leave a comment below or email us with your favorite revenge thriller. This giveaway will remain open until March 19th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Driven by a mysterious and tragic event in her past, a young woman seeks out vengeance in this thrilling and wildly entertaining story about a delicious new take on revenge in PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, available to own for the first time on Digital on March 2, 2021 and Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on March 16, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Proclaimed as “absolutely brilliant” (Matt Goldberg, Collider) PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is the riveting, genre-bending must-own dark comedy of the year that combines masterful filmmaking with an unapologetic look at female empowerment and social justice with a deeply powerful twist. Hailed as “a game-changing masterpiece,” (Scott Menzel, We Live Entertainment) and “revenge, served red hot” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone), the edgy thriller is the directorial debut of groundbreaking filmmaker Emerald Fennell (“Killing Eve,” “The Crown”) who wrote the vibrant, twisted and suspenseful story. Showcasing an incredible ensemble cast lead by Academy Award® nominee Carey Mulligan (An Education, Drive) and with an iconic soundtrack, fans can now go behind-the-scenes of the provocative and sensational film with exclusive bonus content on the Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital including featurettes with the cast and crew taking fans deeper into the edge-of-your-seat story that has everyone talking.

Dazzling critics and audiences alike, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN offers a gripping and foreboding comedic look at toxic culture norms that permeate throughout society and has earned an extraordinary 91% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes®. Hailed as “the best film of the year” (Mara Reinstein, US Weekly), the captivating film has won over an impressive 48 awards to date and has racked up over an astonishing 165 award nominations to date. Garnering four Golden Globe® nominations including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama and Best Screenplay, the film has also earned six Critics Choice Award nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay, BAFTA longlisted in 13 Categories including Best Film Outstanding British Film, Director and Original Screenplay, a 2021 SAG Award® nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, a 2021 Writers Guild Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, nine Hollywood Critics Association Award nominations and was named one of the Top Ten Films of the year by the National Board of Review.

Everyone said Cassie (Mulligan) was a promising young woman…until a mysterious event abruptly derailed her future. But nothing in Cassie’s life is what it appears to be: she’s wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she’s living a secret double life by night. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs of the past in this thrilling and wildly entertaining story. Featuringincredible must-see performances from the entire cast, the bold and gritty PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is led by critically acclaimed Mulligan who received the Los Angeles Film Critics Best Actress award for her role and has a phenomenal supporting cast including Bo Burnham (Eight Grade, The Big Sick), Alison Brie (Sleeping With Other People, “GLOW”), Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption, Thor: Ragnarok), Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde, American Pie), Laverne Cox (“Orange Is the New Black,” Grandma), Connie Britton (“Dirty John,” “Friday Night Lights”), Alfred Molina (Frida, Spider-Man 2), Adam Brody (Shazam!, “The OC”), Max Greenfield (“New Girl,” The Big Short), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad, Kick-Ass), Chris Lowell (The Help, Up in the Air), Sam Richardson (“Veep,” “New Girl”), and Molly Shannon (“Divorce,” Superstar).

By turns darkly hilarious and heart-wrenching, the astonishing film is packed with daring and thought-provoking moments from beginning to end by writer-director Fennell delivering a “delicately-wrapped bonbon laced with arsenic” (Keaton Bell, VOGUE). From Academy Award®-winning production company FilmNation Entertainment and the filmmakers behind The King’s Speech, Arrival and The Big Sick andalongside LuckyChap Entertainment producers Margot Robbie (I, Tonya, Dreamland), Tom Ackerley (Dreamland, Terminal) and Josey McNamara (Dreamland, Terminal) the “funny, sexy, smart and absolutely terrifying” (Kate Erbland, IndieWire) PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is a must-own film with a profound message for all.

With the purchase of PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN on disc or digital, fans are eligible to earn points towards special rewards via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Members can redeem their points for digital movies, signed collectables, box sets, win exclusive prizes and more! For FREE registration and details please visit www.MyUniversalRewards.com.

BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

  • A Promising Vision – Writer/Director Emerald Fennell discusses her inspirations for writing this bold, genre-bending film.
  • Two-Sided Transformation – A look at why Carey Mulligan was the perfect choice to play “Cassie” and how filmmakers used wardrobe, hair, and makeup to express the balance between light and dark.
  • Balancing Act – Cast members discuss their unexpected reactions to the careful balance of levity and tragedy in director Emerald Fennell’s take on female revenge.
  • Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Emerald Fennell

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN will be available on Blu-rayTM, DVD and Digital.

  • Blu-rayTM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
  • Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
  • MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app thatsimplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-rayTM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.

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Film Review: “Promising Young Woman”

  • PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN
  • Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham
  • Directed by: Emerald Fennell
  • Rating: Rated R
  • Running Time: 1 hr 53 mins
  • Focus Features 

Former Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan (“An Education”) delivers the performance of her career in the inventive crime drama “Promising Young Woman.” Written and directed by British actress Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman,” which marks Fennell’s first attempt as the creative force behind a feature length film, is a well-crafted tale of revenge by a woman scarred by the tragic loss of her best friend.

 The night is getting late at a local bar where three single men spot Cassandra “Cassie” Thomas (Mulligan) sitting alone at a booth. She appears to be so drunk that she cannot sit up or see straight. The supposed “nice guy” of the three jumps in to save her but betrays who he pretends to be by taking Cassie to his apartment where he attempts take advantage of her. Much to his shock and fear, Cassie suddenly reveals she has been faking inebriation. What she does to him exactly we do not know, but we do see her make a mark in a ledger she keeps that also contains the names of predatory men she has turned the tables on.

 We soon learn that 30-year-old Cassie lives with her parents (Jennifer Coolidge, “2 Broke Girls” and Clancy Brown, “The Shawshank Redemption”) and that she has worked at a coffee shop ever since she dropped out of medical school several years earlier. Her decision came in the wake of her best friend, Nina being raped in school and no one believing her, which ultimately led to her friend’s suicide. Cassie is clearly a broken soul full of rage against most of humanity, especially anyone male excepting her doting father.

 During the process of going after those who she most blames for her best friend’s death, Cassie meets Dr. Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham, “The Big Sick”), a former medical school classmate who awkwardly asks her out on a date. Things move slowly at first, but a romance does unexpectedly develop. It goes so well, that Cassie decides to move on with her life, especially after a conversation with Nina’s mother. However, a ghost from the past reveals an old bit of information that turns the story on its head. 

“Promising Young Woman” made its world premiere on January 25, 2020 at the Sundance Film Festival but its release had to be postponed until this past Christmas weekend thanks to COVID-19. Except for a couple of brief, poorly done supporting performances near the climatic end, the cast surrounding Mulligan does a solid job with the script and Fennell keeps us wondering where exactly she is going to take us. The material is dark yet remains engrossing.

 

Film review: “Promising Young Woman”Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bo BurnhamDirected by: Emerald FennellRating: Rated RRunning Time: 113 minutesFocus Features Former Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan (“An Education”) delivers the performance of her career in the inventive crime drama “Promising Young Woman.” Written and directed by British actress Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman,” which marks Fennell’s first attempt as the creative force behind a feature length film, is a well-crafted tale of revenge by a woman scarred by the tragic loss of her best friend. The night is getting late at a local bar where three single men spot Cassandra “Cassie” Thomas (Mulligan) sitting alone at a booth. She appears to be so drunk that she cannot sit up or see straight. The supposed “nice guy” of the three jumps in to save her but betrays who he pretends to be by taking Cassie to his apartment where he attempts take advantage of her. Much to his shock and fear, Cassie suddenly reveals she has been faking inebriation. What she does to him exactly we do not know, but we do see her make a mark in a ledger she keeps that also contains the names of predatory men she has turned the tables on. We soon learn that 30-year-old Cassie lives with her parents (Jennifer Coolidge, “2 Broke Girls” and Clancy Brown, “The Shawshank Redemption”) and that she has worked at a coffee shop ever since she dropped out of medical school several years earlier. Her decision came in the wake of her best friend, Nina being raped in school and no one believing her, which ultimately led to her friend’s suicide. Cassie is clearly a broken soul full of rage against most of humanity, especially anyone male excepting her doting father. During the process of going after those who she most blames for her best friend’s death, Cassie meets Dr. Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham, “The Big Sick”), a former medical school classmate who awkwardly asks her out on a date. Things move slowly at first, but a romance does unexpectedly develop. It goes so well, that Cassie decides to move on with her life, especially after a conversation with Nina’s mother. However, a ghost from the past reveals an old bit of information that turns the story on its head. “Promising Young Woman” made its world premiere on January 25, 2020 at the Sundance Film Festival but its release had to be postponed until this past Christmas weekend thanks to COVID-19. Except for a couple of brief, poorly done supporting performances near the climatic end, the cast surrounding Mulligan does a solid job with the script and Fennell keeps us wondering where exactly she is going to take us. The material is dark yet remains engrossing. Mulligan is nothing short of spectacular in a role that requires her to dwell in a painful place filled with darkness and anguish. She deftly switches between her character’s wide-ranging emotions with the ease of someone who has become an expert at their craft. Mulligan is nothing short of mesmerizing as she elevates “Promising Young Woman” to a different level.

She deftly switches between her character’s wide-ranging emotions with the ease of someone who has become an expert at their craft. Mulligan is nothing short of mesmerizing as she elevates “Promising Young Woman” to a different level.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, promising, review, woman, young

Film Review: “Wonder Woman 1984”

  • WONDER WOMAN 1984
  • Starring:  Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Kristen Wiig
  • Directed by: Patty Jenkins
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time:  2 hrs 32 mins
  • Warner Bros.

FINALLY!!

Originally scheduled to be released LAST December, Wonder Woman has

finally returned to the big screen.  And after more than eight months of dark times, moviegoers (and theatre owners) will be glad to see her.

We find ourselves on the Island of Themyscira.  An event to rival the Olympics is about to begin.  Among the participants is the young girl Diana (Lilly Aspell), anxious to compete against the older contestants.  Diana is leading the race when a mishap slows her down.  She tries to “Rosie Ruiz” her way to victory but is stopped.  Upset at losing she is comforted with the words, “Your time will come.”

1984.  A strange time in the world.  A time of popped collars, fanny packs, video arcades and pay telephones.  We meet a now adult Diana Prince (Gadot) at her job at the Smithsonian.  We also meet a new employee, meek Barbara Minerva (an amazing Wiig), so unassuming that she literally has to introduce herself to the supervisor that hired her.  A recent robbery attempt – which Diana as Wonder Woman foiled – has led the F.B.I. to a cache of stolen ancient artifacts which were being sold on the black market.  They have asked the Smithsonian to identify some of the pieces, including an odd piece that is referred to as “the Wishing Stone.” Sounds like a cool item but remember the old adage: be careful for what you wish for.

Jam packed with action as the film travels the world, from Washington D.C. to Egypt, “Wonder Woman 1984” is a thrill-ride of a film guaranteed to get your heart racing.  Gadot continues to bring new aspects of the character to the forefront, here showing the longing and sadness she has endured since her boyfriend Steve Trevor (Pine) died at the end of 2017’s “Wonder Woman.”  As you can see above, Chris Pine is in this film (he’s also in the trailers so I’m not giving anything away) but I’m not going to say anything about how he got here.  I will say that, with his wide-eyed astonishment at what he sees 70 some years after his death (when trying on parachute pants he inquires if everyone parachutes), Pine is perfect in the role.  Wiig is a revelation.  Sure she can be funny, but here she is also vulnerable as well as downright nasty.  As scamming oil dealer Max Lord, Pedro Pascal chews the scenery like Gordon Gekko on speed.

The film is beautifully shot and Ms Jenkins’ direction flows smoothly, though at two and a half hours the film could have used some trimming.  Hans Zimmer’s score sets the mood of the film and energizes the action scenes. 

We missed out on this one last December.  Thankfully Santa thought we were nice enough this year to drop Wonder Woman in our stockings! 

P.S. – Sit through the end credits – you won’t be disappointed that you did! 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 1984, film, review, woman

Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection First Time Ever on Blu-ray!

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, A LANDMARK COLLECTION SHOWCASING THE LEGENDARY MONSTERS IN MOTION PICTURE HISTORY

UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS: COMPLETE 30-FILM COLLECTION AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY™ ON AUGUST 28, 2018 FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Universal City, California, August 22, 2018 – Thirty of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces starring the most famous monsters of horror movie history come together on Blu-ray™ for the first time ever in the Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection on August 28, 2018, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Featuring unforgettable make-up, ground-breaking special effects and outstanding performances, the Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection includes all Universal Pictures’ legendary monsters from the studio that pioneered the horror genre with imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror in unforgettable films from the 1930s to late-1950s.

From the era of silent movies through present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters. The Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection showcases all the original films featuring the most iconic monsters in motion picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Starring some of the most legendary actors including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester in the roles that they made famous, these films set the standard for a new horror genre and showcase why these landmark movies that defined the horror genre are regarded as some of the most unforgettable ever to be filmed.

Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection includes a 48-page collectible book filled with behind-the-scenes stories and rare production photographs and is accompanied by an array of bonus features including behind-the-scenes documentaries, the 1931 Spanish version of Dracula, Featurettes on Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., and Jack Pierce, 13 expert feature commentaries, archival footage, production photographs, theatrical trailers and more. The perfect gift for any scary movie fan, the collection offers an opportunity to experience some of the most memorable horror films of our time.

The Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection includes Dracula(1931), Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), The Invisible Man (1933), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Werewolf of London (1935), Dracula’s Daughter (1936), Son of Frankenstein (1939), The Invisible Man Returns (1940), The Invisible Woman (1940), The Mummy’s Hand (1940), The Wolf Man (1941), The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), The Mummy’s Ghost (1942), The Mummy’s Tomb (1942),Invisible Agent (1942), Phantom of the Opera (1943), Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), Son of Dracula (1943), House of Frankenstein (1944), The Mummy’s Curse (1944), The Invisible Man’s Revenge (1944), House of Dracula (1945), She-Wolf of London (1946), Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954, and includes a 3D version), Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955), Revenge of the Creature (1955 and includes a 3D version) and The Creature Walks Among Us (1956).

 

BONUS FEATURES:

  • Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries
  • 3D Versions of Creature from the Black Lagoon and Revenge of the Creature
  • 1931 Spanish Version of Dracula
  • Featurettes on Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., and Jack Pierce
  • 13 Expert Feature Commentaries
  • Archival Footage
  • Production Photographs
  • Theatrical Trailers

 

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: 13, 1930s, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1935, ...

Blu-ray Review “Wonder Woman: Commemorative Edition”

Actors: Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Alfred Molina, Rosario Dawson, Marg Helgenberger
Directors: Lauren Montgomery
Number of discs: 2
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: May 16, 2017

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

“Wonder Woman: Commemorative Edition” is a cash-in re-release of the 2009 animated film from Warner Brothers to ride in on the release of the new live-action “Wonder Woman” movie. This was the fourth film in the DC Animated Universe that is now up to twenty-eight films and counting. The new “Commemorative Edition” isn’t the WOW release that I was hoping for. It packs the same video as the 2009 Blu-ray and a slightly upgraded audio track. There are few new extras but also some missing from previous release. Also I would have loved them to include an exclusive action figure or something to make this extra special.

Official Premise: On the mystical island of Themyscira, a proud and fierce warrior race of Amazons have raised a princess of untold beauty, grace and strength – Diana. When U.S. fighter pilot Steve Trevor crash-lands on the island, the rebellious and headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law by accompanying Trevor back to civilization. Meanwhile, Ares (the God of War) has escaped his imprisonment at the hands of the Amazonians and has decided to exact his revenge by starting a World War that will last for centuries and wipe out every living being on the planet, starting with the Amazons. It is up to Diana to save her people and the world – by using her gifts and becoming the ultimate Wonder Woman!

“Wonder Woman: Commemorative Edition” comes as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet copy included. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is a step up from the previous Blu-ray release. There is really only one new short special feature included here: “What Makes a Wonder Woman” which dives into the overview of the character. The only new extra is a “Sneak Peek at Batman and Harley Quinn”, which is an upcoming DCU Animated feature.

Other special features taken from previous release are “Wonder Woman: A Subversive Dream”, which runs nearly 30 minutes as does “Wonder Woman: Daughter of Myth”, which go deeper into the mythology of the character. Lastly there is a a commentary track from the creative team on this film. Sadly though we lost the two bonus Justice League Episodes (“Paradise Lost” parts 1 and 2, “Hawk and Dove”, and “To Another Shore”) from the last release. So its a toss up for me. If you have never seen this film and looking to get the digital copy, this might be for you if you own it already, no need to repurchase.

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Blu-ray Review “The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death”

Starring: Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine, Adrian Rawlins, Oaklee Pendergast, Ned Dennehy, Hayley Joanne Bacon
Director: Tom Harper
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 14, 2015
Run Time: 98 minutes

Film: 2,5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I am nothing but excited Hammer Films is back in business making new horror. I was a big fan of the first “The Woman in Black”. Honestly though, “The Woman in Black” wasn’t a film that I was screaming for a sequel but the trailer for “Angel of Death”, looked creepy as well. Too bad, the film didn’t pan out at all. The scares were so tame, you barely even noticed them. The pace was way off and the story was didn’t draw me in at all.

Official Premise: The supernatural terror returns and unspeakable evil sets its sight on new prey when a group of orphaned children are forced to move into the abandoned Eel Marsh House with their caretakers, Eve and Jean. As the children begin to mysteriously disappear, Eve makes a shocking discovery…it may not be a coincidence that she has come to reside in a place inhabited by the murderous Woman in Black.

“The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death” was released as a combo pack with a BLu-ray and Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer worked with the dark and dreary conditions. Like the first film, the shooting locations have that certain Hammer charm today and look great on Blu-ray. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks delivers everything that you would expect from a horror film.

Like the film itself, the special features are quite the let down as well. First off is “Pulling Back the Veil: The Woman in Black 2”, which includes behind-the-scenes footage with interviews mixed in. There is also “The Woman in Black 2: Chilling Locations”, which briefly looks into the shooting locations for the film. Lastly there is a deleted scene and trailer included.

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Film Review “Woman in Gold”

Starring: Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds
Directed by: Simon Curtis
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 49 mins
The Weinstein Company

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

It’s amazing the things you never know, even when you know some things. As someone with a vague interest in art, I was familiar with the famous painting referred to as “Woman in Gold” (actual title – “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer 1”) painted by Gustav Klimt. What I found amazing about the painting is that the artist not only used oil paints, but actually used thin pieces of actual gold. But it’s the story that takes place after the painting is completed that makes up the well-crafted “Woman in Gold.”

The film, through flashbacks and the periods’ modern day, tells the story of Maria Altman, an Austrian girl who is forced to leave her home country as the Nazi’s come to power. Maria has a favorite aunt, Adele (Antje Traue), who dotes on her constantly. Maria loves her and loves admiring the painting of her, which hangs in their home. We also meet modern-day Maria (Mirren, in a performance that should be remembered come Oscar time). Maria is hoping to have the painting returned to her. It currently hangs in the Austrian State Gallery, having resided there since it was stolen by the Nazi’s in the 1940’s. When the country’s Minister of Arts refuses to return it, Maria asks the attorney son of a friend of hers (Reynolds) to help her. The rest, as they say, is history.

Sharply directed by Simon Curtis, the film is an intriguing mystery as, little by little, more and more information comes across the viewer’s desk. As we watch Maria (both of them) we learn what events made them the woman they are. We learn of the injustices felt not only by Maria but by the family she left behind. We also learn of her plight in the United States. With her attorney’s help, Maria finds a way to sue the Austrian government in the hopes of righting a 60 year wrong. Mirren is at the top of her game here, making you understand with only a few words or gestures the horrors Maria felt about those times and still feels today. The only drawback of the film is Reynolds, who is almost TOO subdued in his portrayal. But don’t let that opinion detract you from seeing it. The story the film tells is too important to miss.

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Film Review “The Other Woman”

Starring: Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann
Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 41 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

She’s often been among the best things in films directed or produced by her husband, Judd Apatow. “Knocked Up.” “Funny People.” “This is 40.” But with her performance in “The Other Woman,” Leslie Mann becomes a star.

Carly (Diaz) and Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) meet and immediately hook up. Eight weeks later, things are going good. Good enough for Carly to want to introduce Mark to her dad. Well, ALMOST good enough. Mark begs off from the meeting due to a broken pipe at home. When Carly decides to surprise him she herself is surprised when the door at home is answered by Kate (Mann). Mark’s wife.

A fun, slapstick comedy, “The Other Woman” is not only a showcase for Mann, but the film lets Cameron Diaz do what she does so well, yet not so often…be funny. Here she’s almost a supporting character, but she’s so good it doesn’t matter. This is the Cameron Diaz of “There’s Something About Mary” and “The Sweetest Thing.”

The film is really a series of mishaps, as Kate conflicts with Carly (and herself) as to how to deal with Mark. Things get even more complicated when the girls meet Amber (Kate Upton), who it turns out is the OTHER “other” woman and Mark’s latest honey. The three decide to join forces to teach the wayward hubby a lesson in life and love. “Tough Love” style.

If I have a quibble with the film, it has to do with some of the story line. My understanding was that this film was planned and filmed as an “R” rated, “Bridesmaids” type of movie. But, somewhere along the line, the filmmakers decided to trust what they had (script and actors). The results are funny without being raunchy. Despite the three leading ladies listed above, a tip of the cap also to Coster-Waldau (“Game of Thrones”), who is not only charming but a really good sport, having to endure some rather embarrassing situations. Director Cassavetes, son of the late, great filmmaker John Cassavetes and his wife, the lovely Gena Rowlands, has done a fine job of crafting together a true “screwball” comedy, one that should keep you still laughing long after the film is over.

 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, review, woman

Blu-ray Review “Frankenstein Created Woman”

Starring: Peter Cushing, Susan Denberg, Thorley Walters, Duncan Lamont, Barry Warren
Director: Terence Fisher
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Millennium/Hammer
DVD Release Date: January 28, 2014
Run Time: 92 minutes

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

Personally, when I think about Peter Cushing, I think about him as Baron Frankenstein. He became well-known for playing that role through six films spanning from late 1950’s through the 1970’s under Hammer Studios. “Frankenstein Created Woman” is the fourth film in Hammer’s Frankenstein series. The film is such a classic and thanks to Millennium Films, the film is getting Blu-ray treatment for the first time ever. They have big proprietor of Hammer Films and I hope that this trend continues because it great to see classics like this get the spotlight again. A must have for any true horror fan!

Official Premise: A tormented girl (Susan Denberg) drowns herself after her lover is framed for her father s murder and guillotined. Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing), experimenting with the transfer of souls, places her lover s soul into her body, bringing Christina back to life. With no memories of her past life, she becomes driven by a ghostly revenge and carries out a violent retribution on those responsible for both deaths.

It is crazy to this that this film is nearly 50 years old…but it is true. Millennium delivered a solid 1080p transfer. It is clean and really sharp looking. I thought it really packed a visual punch. The same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which really captures the essence of what a Hammer film should sound like.  This Collector’s Edition Blu-ray also includes limited edition exclusive collectible cards. They are basically smaller reproduced lobby cards for the film and a must have for any collector.

In terms of special features, this release scores again. There is a fantastic audio commentary track with Derek Fowlds (“Johann”), Robert Morris (“Hans”) and Jonathan Rigby (Hammer Historian). There is also a brand new documentary called “Hammer Glamour”. This is a must watch for any Hammer fan. There are also two “World of Hammer” episodes included. The first is “The Curse of Frankenstein” and “Hammer Stars: Peter Cushing”. Great extras. Lastly, there is an Animated Stills Gallery and trailer included.

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William Shockley reflects on roles in “Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman” and “Showgirls”

William Shockley (born September 17, 1963) is an actor and musician. Shockley was born in Lawrence, Kansas. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in political science. Shockley has appeared in many movies and TV shows including Welcome to Paradise, In Justice, Showgirls, The Joyriders, and most notably Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman in which he played Hank Lawson. He also appeared in the 2007 film Treasure Raiders.

Mike Smith: You led a rather nomadic lifestyle as a young man. Did that experience help prepare you for the different roles you’ve played as an actor?
William Shockley: Moving around all the time during my childhood actually proved to be a huge plus. I can pretty much travel anywhere and feel comfortable with my surroundings. I was forced to learn how to acclimate and get along with strangers. I’m sure that living in different parts of America and living abroad in Europe gave me insight and perspectives that I have woven into various characters.

MS: You’ve done a lot of episodic television, most notably “Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman.” Is there a comfort as an actor when you’re adding to the same character each week as opposed to a one-shot film character?
WS: Being a series regular on a television show like “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” was a true gift. I loved the privilege of developing a character over a 6-year run. I became very attached to the role of “Hank Lawson”. He was a complex character… lots of layers, which is wonderful. He was one guy on the surface, and a totally different person in his heart. The great writing on “Dr. Quinn” was a huge bonus. I’ve done many films as well, and I seem to always want to do a sequel to a film when I have a character that I connect with and enjoy portraying. I feel this way about “Born Wild”, a film coming out this summer, where I co-star with Barry Corbin, Kix Brooks (of “Brooks & Dunn”), Tanya Clarke, Joe Lando and Justin Deeley. The role in “Born Wild” is “CJ Jennings”… a guy with a wayward, troubled past, who goes back home to reconcile his future. “CJ” has so many issues and so much baggage, yet at the end of the day, he finds redemption. I also got to reunite with Joe Lando, from “Dr. Quinn”, on this film. Joe is a dear friend and it was great to be back on a set with him.

MS: You’re upcoming film, “Reaper,” teams you up with “Starship Troopers'” Jake Busey. Did the two of you get to trade any Paul Verhoeven stories?
WS: I actually didn’t have any scenes with Jake. I worked with Danny Trejo and Vinnie Jones, both great actors and a lot of fun to be around.

MS: In the almost 20 years since it’s release, “Showgirls” has blossomed into a cult hit, with midnight showings ala “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Did you have any idea when you were making the film that it would still resonate all of these years later?
WS: I don’t ever have a preconceived idea of how a film will resonate with the audience. As an actor, all I can do is prepare to the best of my ability, show up on the set, and deliver the goods. The rest is up to the director and producers and other actors in the film. You can only control yourself in this type of setting, and then, anticipate the best.

MS: What do you have coming up next?
WS: I actually have several films coming out in 2014. “Ambush at Dark Canyon”, a western that Team Two Entertainment produced (my production company) starring Kix Brooks and Ernie Hudson, was released January 14 and is available on DVD at Walmart. This summer I’m in two films, “Born Wild” and “Dug Up”, a redneck-stoner-zombie-comedy. Later in the year “Reaper” will come out, followed by “Finding Harmony” with Billy Zane and Allison Eastwood, and a western, “Hot Bath ‘An A Stiff Drink”, with Ronnie Blevins and Grainger Hines. My partners in Team Two Entertainment are Kix Brooks, Dustin Rikert and Eric Brooks. We have a big announcement being made this Spring. There’s a really awesome deal being set up that I’m very excited about. Stay tuned for those details.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: dr, medicine, quinn, reflects, roles, shockley, ...

Blu-ray Review “Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine – Complete Series”

Actors: Brina Palencia, Josh Grelle, Christopher R. Sabat, Sonny Strait
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Run Time: 320 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” is a new Japanese anime series from 2012 that is based on Monkey Punch’s “Lupin III” manga. I have always been a huge fan of the original animated series as well. So I am excited to see the franchise come back with a new series. There are over 200 episodes of “Lupin the Third” over it’s past three series, so I am a little upset that there are only 13 episodes included but they are still 13 fantastic episodes. I haven’t seen this show in year and yet picking up with this series it is like I just finished watching series three yesterday. FUNimation is behind this Blu-ray release and I hope they know that they NEED to be releasing the first three “Lupin the Third” series after this. This is a must for any fan of this great franchise.

Official Premise: She’s a thief. A killer. A saint and a scandal. She’s whatever you need her to be to get the job done. After sizing you up with one sinful glance, she disarms you with a touch. You’re powerless to resist. She’s walking seduction, with an insatiable itch for the priceless and a fetish for mischief. She takes your breath away to get what she wants. She takes everything else just because she can. It’s all in a night’s work for the woman called Fujiko Mine. She’s the slinky, sultry thread that holds Lupin III’s crew together – and this is the heist that started it all.

The episodes included in this series are “Master Thief vs. Lady Looter”, “.357 Magnum”, “The Girl and the Samurai”, “Living in Love, Living in Song”, “Blood-Stained Pyramid”, “Prison of Love”, “Music and Revolution”, “Death Day”, “Steamy Desire”, “Dead City”, “Feast of Fools”, “The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Part 1”, “The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Part 2”.

Funimation delivers “Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” with two releases, a standard version and a limited edition version also including an art book. Both versions are 4-disc BD/DVD combo releases. I love how Funimation always delivers both a Blu-ray and DVD release for their shows.  This series comes with both Japanese and English audio tracks.  Having found this show on Adult Swim many years ago, I am a fan of the English track the most. The special features are worth checking out as well after you finish watching this series.  There are commentary track for episodes 6 & 9. There is a “Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” Cast Reunion. “Fujiko Mine at OkraTron 5000” is a look into the show at the audio production company.  There is also an Textless Opening & Closing Songs and trailers included.

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, called, complete, fujiko, lupin, review, ...

Phillip Friedman talks about transforming into the Old Woman in “Insidious”

Phillip Friedman is best for his wonderful transformation as the Old Woman in the terrifying horror film “Insidious”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Phillip about his role in the film and how he feels about spreading fear into 30 year old men!

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get the role of Old Woman in “Insidious”?
Phillip Friedman: I had never thought I would be playing an old woman. (Laughs) having said that it was one of the most fun roles I have ever done. I generally like playing characters that are far away from my own personality and it makes things more interesting. I auditioned for the role and also met with James Wan. He wanted to know how comfortable I would be dressed as a woman. He really wanted to know how comfortable I would be on the set and if I could do the job.

MG: Can you tell us about the transformation process of the character?
PF: Make-up took somewhere between 2-3 hours to put it all on. It wasn’t to challenging as the make-up people were great. It wasn’t the most fun part of the shoot but it really wasn’t too bad. Taking it off was a little bit more challenging than putting it on. It took a little over an hour to get the makeup off. It was a process.

MG: Are there any moments from shooting that stick out for you?
PF: Just working with Patrick Wilson and Lin Shaye for the last scene was great. I enjoy playing and for me working is playing. It is very enjoyable and satisfying. Even more so when you are working with people who you respect and you are making something that people want to see.

MG: How does it feel to promote fearish nightmare into a 30 year old man? Umm, I mean a friend of mine of course!
PF: [laughs] I have been attending some fan conventions lately and have had so many people come over to me and tell me they are glad to meet me and that they don’t have to have nightmares anymore. That has been a fun part of things. It’s great to see that regular folks like to get scared. I am glad that I can help them.

MG: With “Insidious 2” on the way, any word if the Old Woman will be returning?
PF: I probably only know as much as everyone else. I believe there was an interview with Lee and James where they stated that a screen play was in fact done. I have heard that it may start shooting this year and be released next year but you never know. There is never a way of knowing until it actually happens.

MG: What other plans do you have for this year?
PF: My representation is currently working on getting me some roles while I myself am also always looking for roles. You never know what is just around the corner. Sometimes things that you would never expect come right out of the blue. It’s definitely not like having a regular day job where you know what’s coming.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: friedman, phillip, talks, transforming, woman

DVD Review “The Woman in Black”

Directed by: James Watkins
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciarán Hinds, Janet McTeer
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Sony Picutres Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 95 minutes

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

“The Woman in Black” is Daniel Radcliffe’s first major role since the “Harry Potter” series and really gives him a chance to shine. The film is very dark and atmospheric. It is released by Hammer and resembles its charm and very well. Since it was PG-13 though, a few of the good scare moments are tamed a little but there are still some decent spooks. The film’s score is so fantastic and really helps drive the film. Overall, if you are fan of classic Hammer films, this is as close as you are going to get and you should not be disappointed.

Daniel Radcliffe plays as Arthur Kipps, a lawyer, who travels to the English countryside in order to manage the estate of a newly deceased woman, while also still grieving the loss of his own wife. Arthur realizes that their is a deadly secret that is plaguing the local villagers and does not get a warm welcoming. While in the estate, he seems the ghost of the woman and tries to figure out what happened to her in order to help and stay alive.

The DVD comes with some decent but not spectacular extras. There is a commentary track from director James Watkins and screenwriter Jane Goldman, worth checking out. Lastly, there two behind-the-scenes featurettes. The first is called “Inside The Perfect Thriller: Making The Woman in Black”, it is worth checking out if you enjoyed the film. “No Fear: Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps” is self-explainatory and focuses on the film’s role.

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: black, dvd, review, woman

Film Review “The Woman in Black”

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds and Janet McTeer
Directed by: James Watkins
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 35 mins
CBS Films

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

England in the 1900s. Three little girls are playing in the attic. They are suddenly joined by a ghostly vision. Without hesitation, the three children climb up onto the windowsill and jump to their deaths.

Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe) is a young attorney whose about to lose his job. A single father (his wife having died giving birth – which really seemed to happen a lot back then if you believe Hollywood), he is sent to settle the accounts of a recently deceased client. Seeing some quality time with his son may be available, he arranges for the boy and his nanny to join him later in the week. Perhaps this will improve his son’s image of him, as he is currently drawing pictures of his father with big frowns on his face. Upon his arrival, he is given a lift to town by the very wealthy Mr. Daily (Hinds). We know he’s wealthy because he owns the only automobile in town. Upon his arrival at the local Inn Kipps is told that the room he had reserved is no longer available. Despite the innkeeper’s protests, he is allowed to stay the night. In the attic. BOO!

Heavy on the atmosphere but also on the “scares” horror fans have learned to rely on (loud music, hand on the shoulder, the occasional bird that shows up out of nowhere), “The Woman in Black” is still a satisfying re-make of the well received 1989 film of the same name. Co-produced by Hammer Films, the film is a throwback to that studio’s heyday, when horror greats like Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee wandered through the fog in search of things. Radcliffe does the wandering here, roaming from room to room in the deceased client’s oversize house. “Don’t go chasing shadows,” he’s told. But if he didn’t, there wouldn’t be a movie. He learns that many years ago a young boy drowned in the marshlands after a wagon accident. Despondent, his mother went slowly crazy, blaming others for his death. Kipps finds some of her old letters, many of them including the words “you could have saved him!” He also finds himself blamed when other children in the town begin to die horribly. As he learns more about the past he realizes he must do something before his own son arrives.

In only the second film he’s starred in that didn’t have the words Harry or Potter in the title, Radcliffe gives a strong performance. He has grown into a good looking young man and should be able to prove to those that only think of him as the Boy Wizard that there is much more talent to be revealed. Hinds is fine as pretty much the only townsperson who believes Albert has seen…things. The direction is solid with the only drawback being the constant relying on the things that go bump in the night to make us jump. And for you fans of trivia, the role of Albert in the original film was played by actor Adrian Rawlins, who played Radcliffe’s father, James, in the “Harry Potter” films.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: black, film, review, woman

Blu-ray Review “The Doors: Mr Mojo Risin’ -The Story of L.A. Woman”

Directors: Martin R. Smith
Starring: The Doors
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Run Time: 94 minutes

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

“Mr Mojo Risin’” focuses on Jim Morrison’s last album “L.A. Woman” with The Doors. The special itself run about 60 minutes and feels a little short but still entertains. This goes into great depth on the band, how the album was made track by track and also about its recording. 2011 was actually the 40th anniversary of the album’s release and Morrison’s death, so it is definitely relevant. If you are fans of The Doors this definitely leave you satisfied.

Some of tracks included in the special are “The Changeling”, “Love Her Madly”, “Hyacinth House”, “Crawling King Snake”, “Riders On The Storm”, “Light My Fire”, “People Are Strange” and “Hello, I Love You”…plus many more. This film included new interviews with the three surviving members of the band included Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger and John Densmore. There are also new interviews from Jac Holzman (founder of their label Elektra Records), Bill Siddons (ex-manager), Bruce Botnick (co-producer of the album). I also enjoyed the archive footage of the Doors performing, as well as new musical performances from the remaining members.

The special features included about 30 minutes of additional interviews. Not sure why they were not cut back into the film, since I think it would have enhances the film. Some of the extra footage includes John Densmore talks further L.A. Woman, more on the making of “Riders On The Storm” and “Crawling King Snake”, live performance of “Thoughts On Performing” and The Doors Guide To LA. Overall the extras are impressive and worth checking out.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, doors, la, mojo, review, risin, ...
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