Scott Mendelson
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
Trailer: Dwayne Johnson vs. the 'War on Drugs' in Snitch.
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The best documentary I saw in 2012 is Eugene Jarecki's The House I Live In. I'll review the film closer to its actual January 15 VOD release date, but it's an all-encompassing detailing on the generational and often racial genocide that is our 'war on drugs'. But it's also likely to not make one bit of difference in combating the outwardly insane drug policies in this country, if only because most people already know most of the outrages contained within and don't seem to care all that much. Does a Dwayne Johnson action thriller have more hope of 'making a difference'? I can't say, but the fact that far more people will surely see this policy discussion disguised as a B-movie action thriller perhaps automatically makes it a more worthwhile piece of proactive art. The film itself looks pretty solid, most importantly seeming to keep the policies it critiques front-and-center even when the cars start blowing up. The cast (Nadine Velazquez, Susan Sarandon, Michael Kenneth Williams, Harold Perrineau, Barry Pepper, Benjamin Bratt, and Melina Kanakaredes) looks solid and the film now has my complete attention. Will it actually live up to its potential as a genuine piece of social examination? Well, Snitch opens on February 23rd from Summit Entertainment. As always, we'll see.
Scott Mendelson
Scott Mendelson
Brandon Peters returns! Brandon Peters dissects the Dirty Harry franchise IV: Sudden Impact (1984).
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Sudden Impact
Go ahead, make my day
That quote is what most people even know about at all aboutthe Dirty Harry series. Eastwood returnsand takes on the director’s chair (as well as 60% of the film’s profits) forthe biggest, most successful film in the Dirty Harry franchise. While not close to being the best of theseries, its nowhere near as boring and dull as the previous entry. Its almost a completely mindless, satisfyingwatch akin to that of Rocky IV. In order to get some reliable bread winners into thetheaters in the early 80's, Warner Bros coaxed the magnum back into Eastwood’shand to continue the series. Reportedlyhe got the lay of the land at Warner with guaranteed future projects to direct andpoints on box office totals. And withthat, Dirty Harry returned.
Eastwood’s domestic partner at the time, Sondra Locke, had ascript at Warner Bros for her that was restructured to become a Dirty Harryfilm. This would be the final of six filmsthe partners did together. Sudden Impact’s story is one that is relegated mainly to procedural dramason network television nowadays and rarely pumped into feature lengthblockbusters. It's the basic tale ofrape-revenge, in which the victim strikes back after ten years. Using a .38 snub nose revolver, Locke’s characterleaves one bullet in the genitals and one in the head. Is it just me, or are Sondra Locke’scharacters raped in just about every film her and Eastwood have done together? The film is another story of vigilantism in the series, butall three have had different aspects. Thefirst was about Harry’s methods to solve a case in time to save a life, the second is stopping vigilantes for killing people where they believe the courts failedand Sudden Impact brings raperevenge. In this one Harry decides tolet the vigilante walk, believing what she did was for the greater good.
Harry racks up another corpsed partner in this one. The partner is quite notable. Horace is played by Albert Popwell,graduating from his steady increase in screen time per film. In the original, he was the bank robbing thugwho received the famous “Do you feel lucky?” speech. He played the pimp in Magnum Force, and the leader of the Black Panther-like group in The Enforcer. Of note, Popwell died in both even numberedfilms. Popwell was to appear in the nextfilm, The Dead Pool, but had to backout due to some scheduling conflicts. The film’s famous line “Go ahead, make my day” was made evenmore prolific when Ronald Reagan used it in a speech in 1985. Eastwood himself also used it in politicswhen running for mayor in Carmel, CA (“Go Ahead – Make Me Mayor”). AFI also posted the line as the sixth mostfamous film line of all time.
Sudden Impact isn’t incredibly dumb, its just kind of verybasic, but popping. Eastwood prevents itfrom ever being boring by forcing action sequence at every sign of a possible lagin the film. Some are over the top, someare silly, some work really well. Itsnever dull. The character of HarryCallahan is also pretty much played as a characature of what he truly was inthe first three films. That said, itsactually a fun watch. Most of thesupporting cast is colorful enough (Audrie Neenan is so good, you’ll want tosmack her yourself), even if Sondra Locke can’t quite pull her scenes in thefilm. If you've seen films like Rocky IV, and you enjoy it for what itis, you’ll have no trouble taking a liking to Sudden Impact.
Next Up: THE DEAD POOL
Follow me on Twitter – www.twitter.com/@btpeters
Sudden ImpactGo ahead, make my day
That quote is what most people even know about at all aboutthe Dirty Harry series. Eastwood returnsand takes on the director’s chair (as well as 60% of the film’s profits) forthe biggest, most successful film in the Dirty Harry franchise. While not close to being the best of theseries, its nowhere near as boring and dull as the previous entry. Its almost a completely mindless, satisfyingwatch akin to that of Rocky IV. In order to get some reliable bread winners into thetheaters in the early 80's, Warner Bros coaxed the magnum back into Eastwood’shand to continue the series. Reportedlyhe got the lay of the land at Warner with guaranteed future projects to direct andpoints on box office totals. And withthat, Dirty Harry returned.
Eastwood’s domestic partner at the time, Sondra Locke, had ascript at Warner Bros for her that was restructured to become a Dirty Harryfilm. This would be the final of six filmsthe partners did together. Sudden Impact’s story is one that is relegated mainly to procedural dramason network television nowadays and rarely pumped into feature lengthblockbusters. It's the basic tale ofrape-revenge, in which the victim strikes back after ten years. Using a .38 snub nose revolver, Locke’s characterleaves one bullet in the genitals and one in the head. Is it just me, or are Sondra Locke’scharacters raped in just about every film her and Eastwood have done together? The film is another story of vigilantism in the series, butall three have had different aspects. Thefirst was about Harry’s methods to solve a case in time to save a life, the second is stopping vigilantes for killing people where they believe the courts failedand Sudden Impact brings raperevenge. In this one Harry decides tolet the vigilante walk, believing what she did was for the greater good.
Harry racks up another corpsed partner in this one. The partner is quite notable. Horace is played by Albert Popwell,graduating from his steady increase in screen time per film. In the original, he was the bank robbing thugwho received the famous “Do you feel lucky?” speech. He played the pimp in Magnum Force, and the leader of the Black Panther-like group in The Enforcer. Of note, Popwell died in both even numberedfilms. Popwell was to appear in the nextfilm, The Dead Pool, but had to backout due to some scheduling conflicts. The film’s famous line “Go ahead, make my day” was made evenmore prolific when Ronald Reagan used it in a speech in 1985. Eastwood himself also used it in politicswhen running for mayor in Carmel, CA (“Go Ahead – Make Me Mayor”). AFI also posted the line as the sixth mostfamous film line of all time.
Sudden Impact isn’t incredibly dumb, its just kind of verybasic, but popping. Eastwood prevents itfrom ever being boring by forcing action sequence at every sign of a possible lagin the film. Some are over the top, someare silly, some work really well. Itsnever dull. The character of HarryCallahan is also pretty much played as a characature of what he truly was inthe first three films. That said, itsactually a fun watch. Most of thesupporting cast is colorful enough (Audrie Neenan is so good, you’ll want tosmack her yourself), even if Sondra Locke can’t quite pull her scenes in thefilm. If you've seen films like Rocky IV, and you enjoy it for what itis, you’ll have no trouble taking a liking to Sudden Impact.
Next Up: THE DEAD POOL
Follow me on Twitter – www.twitter.com/@btpeters
In defense of... Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning.
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With yet another would-be remake/reboot/sequel of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre arriving in theaters tonight night at 10pm (this time merely titled Texas Chainsaw 3D), I thought now would be as good a time as any to offer my thoughts on my favorite entry in the very long running series. No, I'm not talking about the admittedly groundbreaking Tobe Hopper original, nor the surprisingly good 2003 remake, nor even one of the wacky 'official' sequels. No, truth be told, my favorite variation on the adventures of Leatherface and his cannibalistic family remains the last one. I'm speaking of course of Jonathan Liebesman's 2006 prequel to Marcus Nispel's 2003 remake (complicated, I know), entitled merely Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. The film was a moderate box office success ($19 million opening weekend, $51 million worldwide off a $16 million budget) but was roundly panned by most critics and even a large number of would-be hardcore horror fans. To this day, I'm not sure why. Yes, it can be argued that we don't need an origin story for Leatherface and his murderous clan. We don't need to see how he was born, how he got the chainsaw, or how a certain villain from the prior entry happened to have lost his legs. But perhaps too well hidden in the minutiae of its origin stories and mythology building is nothing less than a top-flight horror film.
If it can be said that a good horror film is partially defined by the audience wanting the film's would-be victims to actually survive their ordeal, then this picture is an unmitigated triumph. It quickly and efficiently introduces its four young protagonists (Jordana Brewster, Taylor Handley, Diora Baird, and Matt Bomer) and instantly plunges us into their all-too real moral dilemma While the original Tobe Hopper film (and any number of iconic 1970s horror films) served as a metaphor for Vietnam-era slaughter, this film takes that subtext and successfully makes it text. We are presented with two young couples, with Handley and Borner heading off on one last road trip with their respective girlfriends before they reenlist in the overseas war effort. The choice of whether to plunge into (or in the case of Boomer, rejoin) the overseas foreign policy blunder is treated with all the gravity and respect it deserves. Of course, the question of fight or flight is rendered naught when they are involved in a car accident that brings them to attention of Sheriff Hoyt, again played with scenery-chewing malice by R. Lee Ermey. One smart decision that the film makes straight off the bat is to not use Leatherface as the primary force of terror in the picture. He is the muscle of the family, called in when his services are required, but Sheriff Hoyt is the primary evildoer and it is Ermey who makes us squirm.
Unlike the 2003 remake, which only flirted with the idea of cannibalism, this prequel dives right in, blatantly showing off the Hewitt family's penchant for devouring human flesh. For those who like their horror films literally swimming in gore, you certainly get that here, in spades. I've seen both the R-rated cut and the NC-17/Unrated version, and both are genuinely disturbing in their blood-drenched visuals (obviously the unrated cut is the preferred version, running six minutes longer and containing about 30 seconds of censored gore). What's impressive is how the film doesn't relish its violence or its gore. The violence is not to be cheered or celebrated but feared and/or mourned. Good people die horribly with no real rhyme or reason, with the added (if obvious) irony of fleeing one killing field for another giving it weight.. Also of note, Liebesman and writers Sheldon Turner and David J Schow ratchet up the suspense in the simplest manner possible: they keep as many of the would-be victims alive for as long as possible. A major character is horribly dispatched in the first act, after which we wait. We wait and worry even while we sit there wondering, nay hoping that maybe some of them might get out alive. We are indeed treated to a variation of the iconic dinner sequence, which horrifies in its own special way. The film is scary and unsettling because the character groundwork has been laid. Whether its Jordana Brewster's would-be 'final girl' or the two brothers torn between family loyalty and self-preservation, the film is terrifying because we like these people and don't want them to die.
Yes, I will be the first to admit that there film has a few too many 'here's how this character found this item' moments, but frankly the film itself is so compelling that they don't stick out as much as they otherwise would. Putting aside the obvious profit-minded motive for making a prequel to a successful remake, this picture is an under-appreciated piece of genre art. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning is simply a terrific example of gruesome grindhouse horror, made compelling and unsettling by Jonathan Liebesman's commitment to a kind of real-world plausibility. It's the 'if this happened, here's how it would really go' feeling, which also added surprising gravity to lesser genre entertainments such as Battle: Los Angles and Wrath of the Titans, that gives this film its brutal kick (it's also what makes him very wrong for the would-be Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, since we already got our 'realistic' film version back in 1990). I can't speak to the quality of John Luessenhop's new 3D-enhanced series entry (I may or may not catch it tonight at 10:00pm, depending on my schedule and my personal disposition), but I will take this moment to encourage those who never tried it, as well as those who wrongly knocked it, to give the vastly underrated Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning a chance. It does its genre proud and it's still my favorite Texas Chainsaw Massacre film of all.
Scott Mendelson
With yet another would-be remake/reboot/sequel of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre arriving in theaters tonight night at 10pm (this time merely titled Texas Chainsaw 3D), I thought now would be as good a time as any to offer my thoughts on my favorite entry in the very long running series. No, I'm not talking about the admittedly groundbreaking Tobe Hopper original, nor the surprisingly good 2003 remake, nor even one of the wacky 'official' sequels. No, truth be told, my favorite variation on the adventures of Leatherface and his cannibalistic family remains the last one. I'm speaking of course of Jonathan Liebesman's 2006 prequel to Marcus Nispel's 2003 remake (complicated, I know), entitled merely Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. The film was a moderate box office success ($19 million opening weekend, $51 million worldwide off a $16 million budget) but was roundly panned by most critics and even a large number of would-be hardcore horror fans. To this day, I'm not sure why. Yes, it can be argued that we don't need an origin story for Leatherface and his murderous clan. We don't need to see how he was born, how he got the chainsaw, or how a certain villain from the prior entry happened to have lost his legs. But perhaps too well hidden in the minutiae of its origin stories and mythology building is nothing less than a top-flight horror film.If it can be said that a good horror film is partially defined by the audience wanting the film's would-be victims to actually survive their ordeal, then this picture is an unmitigated triumph. It quickly and efficiently introduces its four young protagonists (Jordana Brewster, Taylor Handley, Diora Baird, and Matt Bomer) and instantly plunges us into their all-too real moral dilemma While the original Tobe Hopper film (and any number of iconic 1970s horror films) served as a metaphor for Vietnam-era slaughter, this film takes that subtext and successfully makes it text. We are presented with two young couples, with Handley and Borner heading off on one last road trip with their respective girlfriends before they reenlist in the overseas war effort. The choice of whether to plunge into (or in the case of Boomer, rejoin) the overseas foreign policy blunder is treated with all the gravity and respect it deserves. Of course, the question of fight or flight is rendered naught when they are involved in a car accident that brings them to attention of Sheriff Hoyt, again played with scenery-chewing malice by R. Lee Ermey. One smart decision that the film makes straight off the bat is to not use Leatherface as the primary force of terror in the picture. He is the muscle of the family, called in when his services are required, but Sheriff Hoyt is the primary evildoer and it is Ermey who makes us squirm.
Unlike the 2003 remake, which only flirted with the idea of cannibalism, this prequel dives right in, blatantly showing off the Hewitt family's penchant for devouring human flesh. For those who like their horror films literally swimming in gore, you certainly get that here, in spades. I've seen both the R-rated cut and the NC-17/Unrated version, and both are genuinely disturbing in their blood-drenched visuals (obviously the unrated cut is the preferred version, running six minutes longer and containing about 30 seconds of censored gore). What's impressive is how the film doesn't relish its violence or its gore. The violence is not to be cheered or celebrated but feared and/or mourned. Good people die horribly with no real rhyme or reason, with the added (if obvious) irony of fleeing one killing field for another giving it weight.. Also of note, Liebesman and writers Sheldon Turner and David J Schow ratchet up the suspense in the simplest manner possible: they keep as many of the would-be victims alive for as long as possible. A major character is horribly dispatched in the first act, after which we wait. We wait and worry even while we sit there wondering, nay hoping that maybe some of them might get out alive. We are indeed treated to a variation of the iconic dinner sequence, which horrifies in its own special way. The film is scary and unsettling because the character groundwork has been laid. Whether its Jordana Brewster's would-be 'final girl' or the two brothers torn between family loyalty and self-preservation, the film is terrifying because we like these people and don't want them to die.Yes, I will be the first to admit that there film has a few too many 'here's how this character found this item' moments, but frankly the film itself is so compelling that they don't stick out as much as they otherwise would. Putting aside the obvious profit-minded motive for making a prequel to a successful remake, this picture is an under-appreciated piece of genre art. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning is simply a terrific example of gruesome grindhouse horror, made compelling and unsettling by Jonathan Liebesman's commitment to a kind of real-world plausibility. It's the 'if this happened, here's how it would really go' feeling, which also added surprising gravity to lesser genre entertainments such as Battle: Los Angles and Wrath of the Titans, that gives this film its brutal kick (it's also what makes him very wrong for the would-be Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, since we already got our 'realistic' film version back in 1990). I can't speak to the quality of John Luessenhop's new 3D-enhanced series entry (I may or may not catch it tonight at 10:00pm, depending on my schedule and my personal disposition), but I will take this moment to encourage those who never tried it, as well as those who wrongly knocked it, to give the vastly underrated Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning a chance. It does its genre proud and it's still my favorite Texas Chainsaw Massacre film of all.
Scott Mendelson
SDCC'12 Standouts Pt.1: Marvel Legends
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The 2012 San Diego Comic-Con has come and gone over the weekend and since Thursday night to this afternoon I have been scrolling through pictures of the new unveiled action figures.
Marvel Legends Series 3: Epic HeroesFirst time seeing Mystique and Moonstar in plastic, and a five o'clock looks to have been added to the Punisher. Deadpool and Dr. Doom both revealed to have variants/running changes, proud to see Hasbro giving us Deadpool in his classic colors since the two-pack he was in is rare and expensive. The last series of the year will not have a build-a-figure.
Marvel Legends Series 4: Hit Monkey Series (2013) This series looks awesome, not too excited for Protector and also highly disappointed that Iron Fist still has Spider-Man's web-shooting hand, what the hell Hasbro? Didn't expect to see Ultimate Captain America getting a new figure, his original figure was and still is a superb example of Marvel Legends greatness, while a comic accurate Sentry has been long awaited, but Hyperion is the absolute must have for me and a personal check off my want list. Extremely glad to see Archangel in both his 90's and X-Force colors and X-Force Wolverine in this series, meaning if you miss out on the Con exclusive X-Force three-pack your only short Psylocke, perhaps she'll get a single card release later too. Can't say I am in any way happy what so ever for the new micro build-a-figures initiative for the 2013, or the choice of Hit Monkey, never saw his appeal, think he's stupid as hell personally.
Marvel Legends Series 5 (2013) Sneak PeekBehold the final member of the 90's Jim Lee X-Men Blue & Gold Teams finally made. Jean Grey has long, long, been on my and every other X-Men loving Marvel Legend collectors wishlist, soon the team shall complete. Wrecker looks good, a lot of collectors have been waiting for him and the complete Wrecking Crew for a long time as well.
Marvel Legends Series 3: Epic HeroesFirst time seeing Mystique and Moonstar in plastic, and a five o'clock looks to have been added to the Punisher. Deadpool and Dr. Doom both revealed to have variants/running changes, proud to see Hasbro giving us Deadpool in his classic colors since the two-pack he was in is rare and expensive. The last series of the year will not have a build-a-figure.
Marvel Legends Series 4: Hit Monkey Series (2013) This series looks awesome, not too excited for Protector and also highly disappointed that Iron Fist still has Spider-Man's web-shooting hand, what the hell Hasbro? Didn't expect to see Ultimate Captain America getting a new figure, his original figure was and still is a superb example of Marvel Legends greatness, while a comic accurate Sentry has been long awaited, but Hyperion is the absolute must have for me and a personal check off my want list. Extremely glad to see Archangel in both his 90's and X-Force colors and X-Force Wolverine in this series, meaning if you miss out on the Con exclusive X-Force three-pack your only short Psylocke, perhaps she'll get a single card release later too. Can't say I am in any way happy what so ever for the new micro build-a-figures initiative for the 2013, or the choice of Hit Monkey, never saw his appeal, think he's stupid as hell personally.
Marvel Legends Series 5 (2013) Sneak PeekBehold the final member of the 90's Jim Lee X-Men Blue & Gold Teams finally made. Jean Grey has long, long, been on my and every other X-Men loving Marvel Legend collectors wishlist, soon the team shall complete. Wrecker looks good, a lot of collectors have been waiting for him and the complete Wrecking Crew for a long time as well.
SDCC'12 Standouts Pt.2: More Marvel, DC, and MotU
To contact us Click HERE
All right sorry for the delay, here's is the other part of my personal favorite unveils of SDCC'12.
Marvel Universe:90's Rogue! Yes! Can not wait to get this 3-pack, Longshot is a plus, don't mind the Wolverine at least it a mold I don't already have. Wonder if Cyclops is the first in more X-Babies to come.
Marvel Select:
VENOM! Coming out in January next year we are getting the original Eddie Brock Venom, an according to a press release with photo he'll be coming packed with multiple interchangeable heads and hands to display him with. Definitely a must own for me.
DC Universe Signature Collection:Finally being made available as a Matty Collector Club Infinite Earths monthly exclusive available in May 2013 next year, the long fan demand Wally West Flash. Now we just need 90's original costume Green Lantern Kyle Rayner and long haired harpoon hand Aquaman and we can complete the Morrison-era JLA.
Watchmen: Wow! Something I thought would be cool, but never thought would happen has happened, DC Universe Classics scale and style Watchmen. My only dislike is only one figure is released every other month in 2013 thru Matty Collector, so it'll take toward the end of the year to get all six main characters, talk about dragging it out.
Masters of The Universe:Some cool figures revealed, but the only real surprise for me was seeing Keldor's/Skeletor's split-blade sword from the 2000 MotU series made in the "Classics" style coming out in a Weapons Pak in October. Also in the set will be Man-At-Arms' 2000 series blaster to give him an additional weapon to his arsenal.
Marvel Universe:90's Rogue! Yes! Can not wait to get this 3-pack, Longshot is a plus, don't mind the Wolverine at least it a mold I don't already have. Wonder if Cyclops is the first in more X-Babies to come.
Marvel Select:
VENOM! Coming out in January next year we are getting the original Eddie Brock Venom, an according to a press release with photo he'll be coming packed with multiple interchangeable heads and hands to display him with. Definitely a must own for me.
DC Universe Signature Collection:Finally being made available as a Matty Collector Club Infinite Earths monthly exclusive available in May 2013 next year, the long fan demand Wally West Flash. Now we just need 90's original costume Green Lantern Kyle Rayner and long haired harpoon hand Aquaman and we can complete the Morrison-era JLA.
Watchmen: Wow! Something I thought would be cool, but never thought would happen has happened, DC Universe Classics scale and style Watchmen. My only dislike is only one figure is released every other month in 2013 thru Matty Collector, so it'll take toward the end of the year to get all six main characters, talk about dragging it out.
Masters of The Universe:Some cool figures revealed, but the only real surprise for me was seeing Keldor's/Skeletor's split-blade sword from the 2000 MotU series made in the "Classics" style coming out in a Weapons Pak in October. Also in the set will be Man-At-Arms' 2000 series blaster to give him an additional weapon to his arsenal.
2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba
SDCC'12 Standouts Pt.2: More Marvel, DC, and MotU
To contact us Click HERE
All right sorry for the delay, here's is the other part of my personal favorite unveils of SDCC'12.
Marvel Universe:90's Rogue! Yes! Can not wait to get this 3-pack, Longshot is a plus, don't mind the Wolverine at least it a mold I don't already have. Wonder if Cyclops is the first in more X-Babies to come.
Marvel Select:
VENOM! Coming out in January next year we are getting the original Eddie Brock Venom, an according to a press release with photo he'll be coming packed with multiple interchangeable heads and hands to display him with. Definitely a must own for me.
DC Universe Signature Collection:Finally being made available as a Matty Collector Club Infinite Earths monthly exclusive available in May 2013 next year, the long fan demand Wally West Flash. Now we just need 90's original costume Green Lantern Kyle Rayner and long haired harpoon hand Aquaman and we can complete the Morrison-era JLA.
Watchmen: Wow! Something I thought would be cool, but never thought would happen has happened, DC Universe Classics scale and style Watchmen. My only dislike is only one figure is released every other month in 2013 thru Matty Collector, so it'll take toward the end of the year to get all six main characters, talk about dragging it out.
Masters of The Universe:Some cool figures revealed, but the only real surprise for me was seeing Keldor's/Skeletor's split-blade sword from the 2000 MotU series made in the "Classics" style coming out in a Weapons Pak in October. Also in the set will be Man-At-Arms' 2000 series blaster to give him an additional weapon to his arsenal.
Marvel Universe:90's Rogue! Yes! Can not wait to get this 3-pack, Longshot is a plus, don't mind the Wolverine at least it a mold I don't already have. Wonder if Cyclops is the first in more X-Babies to come.
Marvel Select:
VENOM! Coming out in January next year we are getting the original Eddie Brock Venom, an according to a press release with photo he'll be coming packed with multiple interchangeable heads and hands to display him with. Definitely a must own for me.
DC Universe Signature Collection:Finally being made available as a Matty Collector Club Infinite Earths monthly exclusive available in May 2013 next year, the long fan demand Wally West Flash. Now we just need 90's original costume Green Lantern Kyle Rayner and long haired harpoon hand Aquaman and we can complete the Morrison-era JLA.
Watchmen: Wow! Something I thought would be cool, but never thought would happen has happened, DC Universe Classics scale and style Watchmen. My only dislike is only one figure is released every other month in 2013 thru Matty Collector, so it'll take toward the end of the year to get all six main characters, talk about dragging it out.
Masters of The Universe:Some cool figures revealed, but the only real surprise for me was seeing Keldor's/Skeletor's split-blade sword from the 2000 MotU series made in the "Classics" style coming out in a Weapons Pak in October. Also in the set will be Man-At-Arms' 2000 series blaster to give him an additional weapon to his arsenal.
To Rome with Love: Movie Review
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Cast: Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Penelope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Greta Gerwig
Director: Woody Allen
After his recent fantastical offering in Paris, Woody Allen returns.
This time, he and an ensemble cast head to la bella Italia, Rome, for another fantasy magical comedy offering - To Rome With Love.
Visitors to and residents of Rome find their lives changed by the adventures and predicaments they find themselves in.
From Jesse Eisenberg's trainee architect, Jack, who's tempted by his girlfriend's best friend Monica (Ellen Page) to Roberto Benigni's Leopoldo, who awakes one day to find his life has been turned into that of a celebrity, chased at every turn by the paparazzi, this is a mix of farcical and the comedic, with a pinch of the serious thrown in.
Allen himself is back in his usual neurotic form as a frustrated former opera director whose daughter is engaged following a whirlwind romance to one of Rome's locals. When he heads there, he discovers his daughter's father-in-law is a talented singer - but only when he sings in the shower...
It's full of whimsy, fantasy and light heartedness - but it didn't half rub me up the wrong way. Allen seemed to be a parody of himself and all his neuroses wound up to 11; with comments like "I have an IQ of 150 - you're thinking in euros, in dollars, it's a lot less" and "Don't psychoanalyse me! Many have tried. All have failed.", it's like he's rolling out his best lines.
Like any series of stories, some fly, whereas others falter and fail, proving their flimsy coincidence is all a little too much to bear - from the farce of the newly married husband whose wife wanders off only for him to be left with Penelope Cruz's call girl and his parents thinking that's his wife, it's an intriguing mix which doesn't quite work out as well as perhaps it should.
It's a shame because Allen's eye for the beauty and majesty of Rome from behind the camera is once again magnificent - even if his writing is stereotyped and a little too farcical and fantastical to take seriously. But then, perhaps that's some of the reason for To Rome With Love - it's a postcard and declaration of amour for the city and one which will resonate with those looking for light and flouncy Woody Allen.
Rating:
To Rome with Love: Movie Review
Cast: Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Penelope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Greta Gerwig
Director: Woody Allen
After his recent fantastical offering in Paris, Woody Allen returns.
This time, he and an ensemble cast head to la bella Italia, Rome, for another fantasy magical comedy offering - To Rome With Love.
Visitors to and residents of Rome find their lives changed by the adventures and predicaments they find themselves in.
From Jesse Eisenberg's trainee architect, Jack, who's tempted by his girlfriend's best friend Monica (Ellen Page) to Roberto Benigni's Leopoldo, who awakes one day to find his life has been turned into that of a celebrity, chased at every turn by the paparazzi, this is a mix of farcical and the comedic, with a pinch of the serious thrown in.
Allen himself is back in his usual neurotic form as a frustrated former opera director whose daughter is engaged following a whirlwind romance to one of Rome's locals. When he heads there, he discovers his daughter's father-in-law is a talented singer - but only when he sings in the shower...
It's full of whimsy, fantasy and light heartedness - but it didn't half rub me up the wrong way. Allen seemed to be a parody of himself and all his neuroses wound up to 11; with comments like "I have an IQ of 150 - you're thinking in euros, in dollars, it's a lot less" and "Don't psychoanalyse me! Many have tried. All have failed.", it's like he's rolling out his best lines.
Like any series of stories, some fly, whereas others falter and fail, proving their flimsy coincidence is all a little too much to bear - from the farce of the newly married husband whose wife wanders off only for him to be left with Penelope Cruz's call girl and his parents thinking that's his wife, it's an intriguing mix which doesn't quite work out as well as perhaps it should.
It's a shame because Allen's eye for the beauty and majesty of Rome from behind the camera is once again magnificent - even if his writing is stereotyped and a little too farcical and fantastical to take seriously. But then, perhaps that's some of the reason for To Rome With Love - it's a postcard and declaration of amour for the city and one which will resonate with those looking for light and flouncy Woody Allen.
Rating:
Jackpot: DVD Review
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Rating: R16
Released by Vendetta Films
Another Scandanavian crime thriller, Jackpot is yet further proof that the Nordic way of looking at life is somewhat skewed.
After a violent shoot out at a porn shop, one survivor, Oscar remains. Surrounded by eight bodies, and the police and clutching a shotgun, Oscar's immediately hauled into the cop shop to be interrogated as to what exactly he knows about the shooting....
However, while the investigating detective Solør is convinced Oscar's guilty, Oscar begins to explain what happened - and how it all came from the winning of a football pool which netted four men over 1.7 million kroner and caused all manner of divisions.
Jackpot is as dark a black humoured story as they come - it's also incredibly amusingly dry throughout.
Oscar's choice of colleagues for the football pool happens to be three ex-cons, Billy, Thor and Dan who are particularly inept at division (a running gag centres on how they're unable to work out exactly how much money each of them will get) but whose propensity for mistrust and paranoia outweighs the benefits of the win.
But there's a very tongue in cheek feel to some of the extreme violence throughout; when one ganglord's killed in the shoot-out, his final words to a co-worker in the porn shop is to plead with him to go and pick up his son. To which, the co-worker asks if he'll need written permission to do that.
It's that kind of off-kilter, slightly left-field view which permeates the slickly produced piece and thanks to a snappy running time, touches of Fargo (think chippers) Jackpot is a twisty, albeit slight shaggy dog story with a fun pay-off that's as pulpy and in keeping with the genre as you'd expect.
Rating:
Jackpot: DVD Review
Rating: R16
Released by Vendetta Films
Another Scandanavian crime thriller, Jackpot is yet further proof that the Nordic way of looking at life is somewhat skewed.
After a violent shoot out at a porn shop, one survivor, Oscar remains. Surrounded by eight bodies, and the police and clutching a shotgun, Oscar's immediately hauled into the cop shop to be interrogated as to what exactly he knows about the shooting....
However, while the investigating detective Solør is convinced Oscar's guilty, Oscar begins to explain what happened - and how it all came from the winning of a football pool which netted four men over 1.7 million kroner and caused all manner of divisions.
Jackpot is as dark a black humoured story as they come - it's also incredibly amusingly dry throughout.
Oscar's choice of colleagues for the football pool happens to be three ex-cons, Billy, Thor and Dan who are particularly inept at division (a running gag centres on how they're unable to work out exactly how much money each of them will get) but whose propensity for mistrust and paranoia outweighs the benefits of the win.
But there's a very tongue in cheek feel to some of the extreme violence throughout; when one ganglord's killed in the shoot-out, his final words to a co-worker in the porn shop is to plead with him to go and pick up his son. To which, the co-worker asks if he'll need written permission to do that.
It's that kind of off-kilter, slightly left-field view which permeates the slickly produced piece and thanks to a snappy running time, touches of Fargo (think chippers) Jackpot is a twisty, albeit slight shaggy dog story with a fun pay-off that's as pulpy and in keeping with the genre as you'd expect.
Rating:
This Is England '88: DVD Review
To contact us Click HERE
Rating: R16
Released by Madman Home Entertainment
Christmas - a time of hope, forgiveness and starting again.
And in This Is England 88's world, a time of misery and abuse dealing with what happened a couple of years ago.
Brilliant.
Shane Meadows' spin off series from This Is England continues with this four part drama and sees Woody and Lol (all from working class England) growing apart from each other and Woody (Joseph Gilgun from Misfits) leaving the gang.
Themes of separation, family, depression and general misery pervade this release - and it's a little unrelenting to be honest with the malaise of unhappiness from the past few series continuing to drip through. It's only thanks to an extremely talented cast that you really stick with it - because the continual unhappiness, is to be honest, a little draining after a few series. I know working class Britain is a bit rough, but it would be good to bring in a little light occasionally.
That said, the series won BAFTA nominations and it does beat the pants off a lot of other mini series - so stick with it and you will be rewarded with some of the best acting on the box. But don't expect, sunshine and rainbows all the way through.
Extras: Commentary on ep3 with Joe Gilgun and Vicky McClure, interviews and deleted scenes
Rating:
This Is England '88: DVD Review
Rating: R16
Released by Madman Home Entertainment
Christmas - a time of hope, forgiveness and starting again.
And in This Is England 88's world, a time of misery and abuse dealing with what happened a couple of years ago.
Brilliant.
Shane Meadows' spin off series from This Is England continues with this four part drama and sees Woody and Lol (all from working class England) growing apart from each other and Woody (Joseph Gilgun from Misfits) leaving the gang.
Themes of separation, family, depression and general misery pervade this release - and it's a little unrelenting to be honest with the malaise of unhappiness from the past few series continuing to drip through. It's only thanks to an extremely talented cast that you really stick with it - because the continual unhappiness, is to be honest, a little draining after a few series. I know working class Britain is a bit rough, but it would be good to bring in a little light occasionally.
That said, the series won BAFTA nominations and it does beat the pants off a lot of other mini series - so stick with it and you will be rewarded with some of the best acting on the box. But don't expect, sunshine and rainbows all the way through.
Extras: Commentary on ep3 with Joe Gilgun and Vicky McClure, interviews and deleted scenes
Rating:
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World: DVD Review
To contact us Click HERE
Rating: M
Released by Roadshow Home Ent
Those pesky Mayans, eh?
Predicting the end of the world and then some.
Well, this comedy-drama with Steve Carell and Keira Knightley is a tender piece which looks at what people would do if a massive asteroid was coming on collision course with the world. It's no Armageddon with the disaster scenario living up to expectations and when the plan to destroy it fails, then the end of the world is really coming.
Carell plays Dodge, whose wife leaves him when the news hits. Realising his life's not gone to plan, Dodge ends up befriending Knightley's Penny, who just wants to see her family in England. And when Dodge receives a letter telling him his first love always loved him, he decides that's the push he needs to go and find her.
So the pair end up on a road trip - and I'm sure you can guess the rest.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is a quite sweet, tender piece which is all about the two leads rather than everyone else. Carell does a morose, downbeat turn as Dodge and gives it a feeling of quiet desperation and reality; equally, Knightley works well off of him and gives the film a bit of heart. It may ultimately affect you more than you'd expect as well.
While it's a little predictable as to how this will end, the journey is a good one and a quirkier one than you'd expect despite a bit of meandering and uncertainty over where it's going next narratively.
Extras: Making of, trailer, commentary
Rating:
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World: DVD Review
Rating: M
Released by Roadshow Home Ent
Those pesky Mayans, eh?
Predicting the end of the world and then some.
Well, this comedy-drama with Steve Carell and Keira Knightley is a tender piece which looks at what people would do if a massive asteroid was coming on collision course with the world. It's no Armageddon with the disaster scenario living up to expectations and when the plan to destroy it fails, then the end of the world is really coming.Carell plays Dodge, whose wife leaves him when the news hits. Realising his life's not gone to plan, Dodge ends up befriending Knightley's Penny, who just wants to see her family in England. And when Dodge receives a letter telling him his first love always loved him, he decides that's the push he needs to go and find her.
So the pair end up on a road trip - and I'm sure you can guess the rest.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is a quite sweet, tender piece which is all about the two leads rather than everyone else. Carell does a morose, downbeat turn as Dodge and gives it a feeling of quiet desperation and reality; equally, Knightley works well off of him and gives the film a bit of heart. It may ultimately affect you more than you'd expect as well.
While it's a little predictable as to how this will end, the journey is a good one and a quirkier one than you'd expect despite a bit of meandering and uncertainty over where it's going next narratively.
Extras: Making of, trailer, commentary
Rating:
1 Ocak 2013 Salı
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter: Blu Ray Review
To contact us Click HERE
Rating: R16
Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
The world of vampires mashed up with one of America's most famous presidents....
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How is that even possible? Well, that's the thesis of this new release which posits that, as a youngster, Abe Lincoln's mum was dispatched by a mysterious force so evil that he can't begin to fathom what exactly it was. Thankfully, Dominic Cooper's Henry Sturges helps explain the vampiric ways of the world, opening his eyes to the omnipresent threat around him.
So, when Lincoln becomes president and discovers a threat by vampires to turn the USA into a nation of bloodsuckers, he has no choice but to make it his mission to take them all out.
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter is a film which is based on a mash up book and unfortunately takes itself a little too seriously. If it pricked a bit of that pomp and pomposity and infused it with a vein of a bit more self knowing fun, it would be a slightly better film. As it is, it's not a bad night's entertainment, just one of those popcorn films where the overall feel is that you're indifferent when it's over.
The acting's solid from a cast which has a few names here and there - Benjamin Walker gives a good turn as the vengeful president and Rufus Sewell brings a degree of menace to the leader of the bad guys. Sure, there's plotholes aplenty throughout but after a while, your mind starts to forego logic in favour of just watching the film.
And that's really where the benefits of this film lie. From Wanted director Timur Bekmambetov, it's a stylish piece which oozes slow mo shots, things flying out of the screen and a healthy amount of cool horror FX action.
Maybe if it had been a bit more tongue in cheek, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter would have you a bit more fangful for its qualities. As it is, it's a disposable piece of night in entertainment - nothing more, nothing less.
Extras: making of,commentary
Rating:
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter: Blu Ray Review
Rating: R16
Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
The world of vampires mashed up with one of America's most famous presidents....
How is that even possible? Well, that's the thesis of this new release which posits that, as a youngster, Abe Lincoln's mum was dispatched by a mysterious force so evil that he can't begin to fathom what exactly it was. Thankfully, Dominic Cooper's Henry Sturges helps explain the vampiric ways of the world, opening his eyes to the omnipresent threat around him.So, when Lincoln becomes president and discovers a threat by vampires to turn the USA into a nation of bloodsuckers, he has no choice but to make it his mission to take them all out.
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter is a film which is based on a mash up book and unfortunately takes itself a little too seriously. If it pricked a bit of that pomp and pomposity and infused it with a vein of a bit more self knowing fun, it would be a slightly better film. As it is, it's not a bad night's entertainment, just one of those popcorn films where the overall feel is that you're indifferent when it's over.
The acting's solid from a cast which has a few names here and there - Benjamin Walker gives a good turn as the vengeful president and Rufus Sewell brings a degree of menace to the leader of the bad guys. Sure, there's plotholes aplenty throughout but after a while, your mind starts to forego logic in favour of just watching the film.
And that's really where the benefits of this film lie. From Wanted director Timur Bekmambetov, it's a stylish piece which oozes slow mo shots, things flying out of the screen and a healthy amount of cool horror FX action.
Maybe if it had been a bit more tongue in cheek, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter would have you a bit more fangful for its qualities. As it is, it's a disposable piece of night in entertainment - nothing more, nothing less.
Extras: making of,commentary
Rating:
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