Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts

Monday, March 5, 2018

COCO Blu-ray Review

PG; 105 minutes; Walmart
Now available on Blu-ray Combo Pack from Disney Home Entertainment is Pixar's latest animated blockbuster COCO, which recently won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Animated and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Directed by Lee Unkrich, the film features the talented voice-cast of
Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, and Edward James Olmos.
The set in Mexico, the film centers around a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a great musician, just like the famous entertainer Ernesto de la Cruz. However, his family won't let him become a musician; well, to more specific, none of his family are allowed to have anything to do with music. His great-great-grandmother, Imelda Rivera, was married to a musician who later abandoned her and their three-year-old daughter, Coco (Miguel's great-grandmother). Imelda banned music from their lives and later became a shoemaker. After her death, Coco and her family continued the shoemaker business. And of course Miguel is supposed to join the family's business one day.

Miguel plans on entering the Day of the Dead talent show, but he's quickly caught by his grandmother Elena, who breaks his guitar. Despite his family's rejection, Miguel sneaks out his home with the intention of entering the talent contest. There's only one little problem - he needs to find a new guitar. After accidentally knocking over a family photo of Imelda and Coco, Miguel begins to believe that his great-great-grandfather is the late Ernesto de la Cruz. Then he gets the idea of breaking into Ernesto's crypt to borrow his great-great-grandfather's famous guitar that's displayed there. 

However, things don't as Miguel had planned. The moment he stole the guitar, a curse was put upon him, making him become invisible to the living, but he can be seen by the dead and interact with them. The only way to return to the living is for him to get a blessing from his dead great-great-grandmother. She is more than happy to give him a blessing, but she refuses to give him permission to become a musician. That's when Miguel gets another idea. He goes on a search for his great-great-grandfather Ernesto in the Land of the Dead with the intention of getting his blessing.

Blu-ray Special Features include:

  • Deleted Scenes with Introductions - Director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina talk about the deleted scenes and the part they played in the development of “Coco.” 
    • Día de los Muertos - In this musical extravaganza, the colors and excitement of Día de los Muertos come to life as we meet superstar Ernesto de la Cruz. 
    • The Way of the Riveras - A musical number in which Abuelita and Miguel prepare their Día de los Muertos celebration while she teaches him Rivera family history and traditions. 
    • Celebrity Tour - Héctor, a Land of the Dead tour bus guide, agrees to help Miguel, revealed to be a living boy, on his quest to find de la Cruz. 
    • The Family Fix - After de la Cruz reveals his true colors, the Rivera family puts their dismay aside and comes together to repair the smashed guitar needed to send Miguel home. 
    • To the Bridge - As the Land of the Dead counts down to the end of Día de los Muertos, Miguel and de la Cruz come head-to-head on the marigold bridge.
  • Filmmaker CommentaryPresented by Lee Unkrich (director), Adrian Molina (co-director) and Darla K. Anderson (producer).
  • The Music of “Coco” - Collaborating with musicians of Mexico and some unique instrumentation, this documentary explores the beautiful fusion of music essential to the story of “Coco.”
  • Paths to Pixar: “Coco” - Explore how the film crew’s personal stories resonate with the themes of the movie itself.
  • Welcome to the Fiesta - A musical exploration of the skeletons that make the Land of the Dead in “Coco” so wondrous and intriguing.
  • How to Draw a Skeleton - Pixar artist Daniel Arriaga gives a lesson on the quick and easy way to draw skeletons using simple shapes.
  • A Thousand Pictures a Day - Join the “Coco” crew on an immersive travelogue through Mexico, visiting families, artisans, cemeteries, and small villages during the Día de los Muertos holiday.
  • Mi Familia - Developing the Riveras was a labor of love that took the cast and crew on a deep dive into the meaning of family.
  • Land of Our Ancestors Watch Pixar artists lovingly construct layer upon layer of architecture from many eras of Mexican history, bringing the Land of the Dead to life.
  • Fashion Through the Ages The cast of characters in “Coco” are from many different eras, making for some magnificent costuming opportunities.
  • The Real Guitar The majestic guitar that spurs Miguel on his journey through the Land of the Dead is a unique creation. Watch as it is initially designed by a Pixar artist and ultimately realized as a real instrument by a master luthier in this poetic ode to craftsmanship.
  • Dante - How the crew fell in love with the uniquely Mexican breed of Xoloitzcuintli (or “Xolo”) dogs that inspired Dante.
  • How to Make Papel Picado - Join Pixar artist Ana Ramírez González as we learn how papel picado is made traditionally, and then try your own approach to this beautiful art form.
  • Un Poco “Coco” - A montage of original animated pieces used to promote “Coco.”
  • “Coco Trailers” - Trailers include “Feeling,” “Dante’s Lunch,” “Destiny,” “Journey” and “Belong.”



Final Thoughts

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Blu-ray Review - Murder On The Orient Express

PG-13; 114 minutes; $34.99

Available today on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD is the suspenseful thriller Murder On The Orient Express. Produced by Kenneth Branagh along with Ridley Scott (Alien: Covenant), Simon Kinberg (Logan), Mark Gordon (Molly’s Game), Judy Hofflund (As You Like It) and Michael Schaefer (The Martian),   the film features the talented cast of Branagh (who also directs), Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise), Josh Gad (Frozen), Leslie Odom, JR., Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daisy Ridley (Star Wars franchise).

Based on the 1934 novel of the same name by late great mystery author Agatha Christie, the film centers on Hercule Poirot (played by Branagh), a Belgian detective who plans on taking a much needed vacation in Istanbul after solving a theft case in Jerusalem. However, Poirot's plans are interrupted when he receives a message to return immediately to London to work on another case. Luckily, he knows Bouc (played by Tom Bateman), the director of the Orient Express, who offers him a room aboard the train.

Shortly after the train departs, Poirot meets Edward Ratchett (played by Depp), a businessman who offers to hire Poirot as a bodyguard for the three-day train ride. Edward had received a threatening letter and now fears for his life. Poirot turns down the offer, as he wants to get a little bit of rest while aboard the train.

The next morning, Ratchett is found dead in his cabin. He had been stabbed multiple times. Coincidentally, an avalanche derails the train's engine, leaving Poirot no choice but to solve murder; which isn't an easy task to accomplish as there are no witnesses. After finding a burnt note, he learns that Ratchett was in fact John Cassetti, a child killer. 

Due to the avalanche, the murderer still has to be aboard, which means one of the passengers is the Ratchett's killer. One by one, Poirot interviews each suspect and uses his case-solving abilities to unravel the mystery.

4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD Special Features include:
  • Agatha Christie: An Intimate Portrait
  • Let’s Talk About Hercule Poirot
  • Unusual Suspects (Part One, Two and Three)
  • The Art of Murder
  • All Aboard: Filming Murder on the Orient Express Music of Murder
  • Deleted Scenes (with and without Commentary by Kenneth Branagh and Michael Green) 
    • Alternate Opening 
    • Newsreel (Extended) 
    • Breakfast 
    • Hotel Check-In 
    • Arasta Bazaar (Extended) 
    • Train Montage 
    • Departure 
    • Poirot Bedtime Rituals (with two alternates) 
    • Pierre Michel Interview 
    • Luggage 
    • Dreamscape 
  • Director commentary by Kenneth Branagh and Michael Green 
  • Theatrical Trailers 
  • Gallery




Final Thoughts

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Vice Versa Blu-ray Review

Mill Creek Ent., PG; 98 mins; $14.98


There have been many body switching comedies over the years, with the most famous being Freaky Friday, which was based on the 1972 children's book of the same name by Mary Rodgers. Believe it or not, that isn't the first switcheroo novel. Back in 1882, author F. Anstey published a novel called Vice Versa: A Lessons For Fathers, which tells the story of a business man switching bodies with his son. The tale was adapted into three feature films in the UK in 1916, 1937 and 1948, and was turned into a UK television series in 1981.

The last adaptation was 1988's Vice Versa. Directed by Brian Gilbert, the film starred Judge Reinhold, Fred Savage, Corinne Bohrer ("Prank" from the Flash) and Swoosie Kurtz. The film was released to Blu-ray last year by Mill Creek Entertainment. There are no special features or bonus extras on the disc.

Vice Versa centers on Marshall Seymour (played by Judge Reinhold), a vice president of a unnamed department store company who's on vacation in Thailand with his girlfriend Sam (played by Corinne Bohrer). Well, he's not really on vacation, as he purchases a bunch of exotic vases for work, and brings one sample vase back to Chicago with him. Unknowingly to him, an art thief does a switcheroo and replaces the vase with a skull statue. Let's just say the whole situation almost gets him fired, but luckily for him, he's contacted by the owner of the skull who wants to make an exchange. (Spoiler: the woman is in cahoots with the art thief.)

Anyhow, Marshall ends up taking the skull home with him on the same night that he gets stuck taking care of his eleven-year-old son Charlie (played by Fred Savage). To make a long story short, Marshall and Charlie touch the skull at the same time and "Alakazam," they end up switching bodies. 

Due to school tests and business meetings, Marshall and Charlie have to take over the other's life for a few days, outsmart the two art thieves, and find a way to switch back to their own bodies.





Final Thoughts

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Woody Woodpecker DVD Review

Universal Pictures; PG; 94 minutes

Yep! There's a Woody Woodpecker movie! Don't worry if you have never heard of it before, because most of us haven't. The live-action/3D animated film was released to theaters in Brazil last fall. It skipped the theaters in the United States and instead it's being released on DVD, Digital, and On Demand today from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on February 6th.

Directed by Alex Zamm, the film stars Timothy Omundson, Jakob Davies, Thaila Ayala, Graham Verchere, Jordana Largy, Emily Holmes, and Eric Bauza voices Woody Woodpecker.

Created by Walter Lantz and Ben Hardaway, Woody Woodpecker first appearance was in the 1940 animated short Knock Knock. The character's last appearance was in the short-lived animated series The New Woody Woodpecker Show (1999-2002).

The new Woody Woodpecker movie centers on Lance Walters (played by Tim Omundson), a lawyer who was recently fired from his job. To make some quick cash, he decides to travel to the Pine Grove forest in Pennsylvania, where he had inherited some land from his late grandfather. He plans on building and flipping a modern designed mansion. He travels to Pine Grove with his much younger girlfriend Vanessa (played by Thaila Ayala) and his son Tommy (played by Graham Verchere), who he got stuck with at the last minute after his ex-wife convinces him to spend more time with their son.

Let's just say the locals and the park ranger, Samantha Bartlett (played by Jordana Largy) don't care for the construction zone in their forest. And one the forest's inhabitants, Woody Woodpecker, doesn't care for the fact that the construction zone is near his home, and he will do everything it takes to protect it.

Special Features include:

  • Guess Who? The Evolution of Woody - Woody Woodpecker is one of the world’s most iconic animated characters. In this featurette, we explore how Woody’s look and personality have changed since his introduction in 1940.
  • The Making of Woody Woodpecker - Filmmakers and cast discuss why this version of the Woody character is so appealing and how his brand of physical humor translates across audiences.
  • Working with Woody - Filmmakers, cast and crew reveal the specific challenges of filming a movie whose main character is CGI.


Final Thoughts

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Sheena: Queen of the Jungle Collection DVD Review

PG; 29 hours 25 minutes; $14.98

I think I need to have my head examined, as I could of sworn that I had already written a review for Sheena: Queen of the Jungle Collection DVD set, but to my own dismay, I was completely wrong.

Anyway, the Sheena: Queen of the Jungle Collection DVD set was released to DVD last fall by Mill Creek Entertainment. The six disc set features the 1984 feature film Sheena and all 35 episodes from the 2000-2002 series. As added bonus, there are five episodes from the 1955-1956 series Sheena: Queen of the Jungle.

Created by Will Eisner and Jerry Iger, Sheena first debuted as a comic book character in by Fiction House during the late 1930s. The character was basically the female version of Tarzan. Sheena was forced to grow up in the African jungle after her parents were killed. she has the ability to communicate with animals, and spends most her time saving the jungle from bad guys.

Sheena was turned into a short-lived television series starring model Irish McCalla, which wasn't well received by critics or viewers. Sheena wouldn't get a feature film movie until 1984's Sheena, which was directed by John Guillermin and starred Tanya Roberts as the queen of the jungle. Despite a decent budget, the film was held down by a campy, uneven script. Upon it's release, it became a critical and box-office flop. It was even nominated for five Golden Raspberry Awards! However, like most films from the 1980s, Sheena has found a cult following over the years.

Sheena was revived as a television series in 2000 starring Gena Lee Nolin, but thanks to cheap special effects, bad scripts, and wooden acting, the series only lasted two seasons.





Final Thoughts

Thursday, December 21, 2017

LEATHERFACE Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate; Rated R; 88 minutes; Amazon


Available now on Blu-ray from Lionsgate Home Entertainment is the Texas Chain Saw Massacre prequel LEATHERFACE. Directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, the film stars Stephen Dorff and Lili Taylor.

The film centers on a young Jedidiah Sawyer (aka Leatherface) being sent to a mental hospital after being accused of killing the sheriff's daughter. Ten years later, a riot occurs at the hospital and Jedidah (played by Sam Strike) escapes along side three other patients, who have all kidnapped a nurse named Elizabeth. The group tries to escape the sheriff (played by Stephen Dorff), who is hellbent on tracking down and killing Jedidah.

Instead of getting a regular theatrical release, LEATHERFACE was released exclusive via DirecTV, before it released on video on demand and limited theaters back in October. It received mixed to negative reviews from critics.


Special Features include:

Deleted Scenes
Behind the Blood Mask: Making LEATHERFACE




Final Thoughts

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume One Blu-ray Review

RLJ Entertainment; Not Rated; 99 minutes; Amazon

Now available on Blu-ray and DVD from RLJ Entertainment is the science fiction flick The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume One. Written & directed by Shane Abbess, the film stars Kellan Lutz, Daniel MacPherson, Isabel Lucas, and Rachel Griffiths.

The film is set in the future where the government has colonized a new planet. After being assigned to the planet, Lt. Kane Sommerville (played by Daniel MacPherson) brought along his young daughter (played by Teegan Craft), so he could build a relationship with her. While she lives on the planet, he's up above in the military-style space station.

After several inmates escape a prison mining camp, the government's experiment "creatures" are also released, causing a bit of chaos. Against orders, Sommerville travels to the planet in search of his daughter. He teams up with one of the prisoners (played by Kellan Lutz) in the hopes of finding his daughter and getting her to safety before the government takes drastic measures.


Special Features on the Blu-ray are:

  • 5 Featurettes on the Making of The Osiris Child
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Music Video
  • Photo Gallery
  • Concept Art Gallery



Final Thoughts

Monday, December 4, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: Horror Hall of Fame: 26 Classic Horror Films DVD Set


Horror Hall of Fame: 26 Classic Horror Films DVD Set


Studio
Mill Creek Entertainment

Rating
NOT RATED / R

Running Time
35 hours 7 minutes

Discs
9

Retail
$49.98

Where to Purchase

Description

Classic tales of terror featuring performances by the masters of the macabre!

My Thoughts

Friday, November 17, 2017

CARS 3 Blu-ray Review

Disney/Pixar; G; 103 mins; Amazon

Now available on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack is Disney & Pixar's CARS 3, which includes the Pixar short film "Lou," and the mini-movie "Miss Fritter's Racing Skoool."

Directed by Brian Fee, the computer-animated film features the voice-talents of Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper, Armie Hammer, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Nathan Fillion, Lea DeLaria, and Kerry Washington.

CARS 3 opens up with the seven-time Piston Cup winner, Lightning McQueen, crashing on the race track, which leads to the rookie Jackson Storm to win the race. After mending his wounds in Radiator Springs, McQueen decides to enter the final race of the season in Florida.

Being sponsored by Sterling, the new owner of the Rust-eze racing team, McQueen is ready to train for the big race. Things don't exactly go as planned, as he has a new trainer, Cruz Ramirez, who prefers to use new technology to train him instead of the old-fashioned ways.

With determination, and encouragement from his friends, Lightning McQueen heads to Florida to prove to himself that he can still race.

Bonus Features on Blu-ray & Digital:
  • Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool (Exclusive new mini-movie)Enjoy blindsided testimonials from the Crazy 8’s, touting the transformative impact Miss Fritter’s Racing School has had in reshaping the direction of their lives.
  • Theatrical Short: “Lou” When a toy-stealing bully ruins recess for a playground full of kids, only one thing stands in his way: the “Lost and Found” box. (also on the DVD)
  • Let’s. Get. Crazy.Get schooled in the world of demolition derby, the “rules” of figure 8 racing, and how Pixar puts the crazy in the Thunder Hollow Crazy 8 race. This piece is hosted by Lea DeLaria.
  • Legendary a close, historical look at the racing legends Wendell Scott and Louise Smith, whose tenacity and perseverance got them into the race even when they weren’t invited.
  • Ready for the Race Disney Channel’s Olivia Rodrigo and NASCAR Racer William Byron check out the Hendrick Motorsports campus to showcase how real-world race training influenced the filmmakers.
  • World’s Fastest Billboard Blink and you will miss all of the graphics and “car-ified” advertisements created by Pixar’s Art team to make the ”Cars 3” world as believable as possible.
  • Cruz Ramirez: The Yellow Car That CouldJoin Cristela Alonzo and the filmmakers on their journey to create a race-car trainer turned champion racer.
  • Generations: The Story of “Cars 3” For the story team, creating Lightning McQueen’s next chapter didn’t involve just a tune-up, but a complete overhaul.
  • My First Car A collection of illustrated first-car stories as narrated by members of the “Cars 3” cast and crew. “A Green Car on the Red Carpet with Kerry Washington,” “Old Blue,” and “Still in the Family.”
  • 5 Deleted Scenes Each deleted scene is set up with an introduction as to why it was removed from the film. Deleted scenes include “The Boogie Woogie,” “The Jars of Dirt,” “Lugnut,” “The Bolt,” and “More Than New Paint.”
  • Cars To Die(cast) ForTake a look at the phenomenon of die-cast toy collecting and the more than 1,000 unique designs that exist in the Cars universe.
  • CommentaryBrian Fee (Director), Kevin Reher (Producer), Andrea Warren (Co-Producer) and Jay Ward (Creative Director). (Also On the DVD)
  • And more…


Final Thoughts

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Three Classic Films on DVD!


Earlier in the year, I had received five Fox Cinema Archives DVDs, which consisted of Woman's World (read my review here), Zane Grey's Western Union (read my review here), Coney Island, Sentimental Journey, and Sitting Pretty. I had watched the all the films back in May, but for some reason or another I never wrote the reviews for three of the titles. So instead of posting three separate reviews, I'm featuring my thoughts on all three DVDs in one post.


Buy Link: Amazon

Up first is the 1943 'Gay Nineties' Musical "Coney Island." Directed by Walter Lang, the film stars Betty Grable, George Montgomery, Cesar Romero, Charles Winninger, and Phil Silvers!

The film centers on Eddie Johnson (played by George Montgomery) arriving on Coney Island to find a way to make some quick cash. This is when he runs into his old friend (and rival) Joe Rocco (played by Cesar Romero), who is running a popular saloon. Throughout the film, Eddie and Joe fight and scheme for the affection of Kate Farley (played by Betty Grable), a saloon entertainer.


My Thoughts  

While I'm not the biggest fan of musicals, I enjoyed watching Coney Island. The plot reminds of Holiday Inn, where two friends are scheming to get the attention of a beautiful entertainer. While there are plenty of silly moments, the best thing about the film is the comedic chemistry between Cesar Romero and George Montgomery.


Buy Link: Amazon


Based on the short story The Little Horse by Nelia Gardener White that appeared in an issue of Good Housekeeping in 1944, Sentimental Journey (1946; directed by Walter Lang) tells the story of a dying actress, Julie Beck Weatherly (played by Maureen O'Harha), who takes in an orphaned girl named Hitty (played Connie Marshall), so her husband (played by John Payne) will have someone to take care of him after her death.


My Thoughts

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

The Glass Castle Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate; PG-13; 127 minutes; Amazon

Now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment is the emotional drama The Glass Castle. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film stars Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, Naomi Watts, and Max Greenfield.

Based on the memoir of the same name by Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle tells the story of Walls' real-life troubled childhood. Her father, Rex (played by Woody Harrelson), is an alcoholic who can't keep a job and her mother, Rose Mary (played by Naomi Watts), is an eccentric artist. Jeannette and her siblings (Lori, Josh, and Maureen) never had a normal life. They lived in poverty and were dragged from place to place, as their parents squatted in abandoned homes.

The film flips back and forth from the '80s where an adult Jeannette is trying to have a normal life in New York and then it flashes back to show what life was like during her childhood.

While the cast received great reviews for their performances, the same cannot be said for the film itself, as it was heavily criticized for the mishandling of the source material.

Special Features include:
  • Deleted Scenes
  • The Glass Castle: Memoir to Movie
  • A Conversation with Jeannette Walls
  • Making of "Summer Storm" by Joel P West
  • Scoring The Glass Castle


Final Thoughts

The Limehouse Golem DVD Review

RLJ Entertainment; Not Rated; 109 minutes; Amazon
Available today on DVD from RLJ Entertainment is the British horror-mystery The Limehouse Golem. Based on the book Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem by Peter Ackroy and directed by Juan Carlos Medina, the film stars Bill Nighy, Olivia Cooke, Douglas Booth, Daniel Mays, Sam Reid, María Valverde, Henry Goodman, Morgan Watkins, and Eddie Marsan.

Set in Victorian London, the film centers around Elizabeth Cree (played by Olivia Cooke), who is accused of poisoning her husband John (played by Sam Reid). At the time of John's death a coincidence occurs - the Limehouse Golem murders stop.

Someone has been brutally killing random people all over Limehouse and has been leaving behind cryptic messages written in the victim's blood. Scotland Yard has no clue to who is behind the killings. Due to pressure from the public, Scotland Yard assigns Inspector Kildare (played Bill Nighy) to solve the case.

After finding a diary at a library that is believed to have been written by the Golem, Inspector Kildare narrows the Golem down to four suspects - Dan Leno (played by Douglas Booth), Karl Marx (played by Henry Goodman), George Gissing (played by Morgan Watkins), and John Cree. Now it's a race against time to prove which suspect is the murderer, before Elizabeth Cree is hanged.


Special Features include:

  • Behind the Scenes Featurettes about the Cast, Locations, Look, and Making of The Limehouse Golem
  • Photo Gallery


Final Thoughts 

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Bushwick Blu-ray Review

RLJ Entertainment; Not Rated; 94 minutes; Amazon

Now available on Blu-ray and DVD from from RLJ Entertainment is the action thriller Bushwick. Directed by Cary Murnion & Jonathan Milott, the film stars Dave Bautista (Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy) and Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect).

Bushwick is set in a world where Texas have decided to secede from the United States, which brings the country to the brink of a second civil war.

The film centers on a college student named Lucy (played by Brittany Snow) traveling home with her boyfriend. Almost as soon as they step off of the subway train in Bushwick, New York, they enter into a world full of chaos. Her boyfriend is murdered right in front of her, but she doesn't have time to mourn, as she must out run a group of Texas mercenaries.

In order to survive, and possibly find her family, Lucy must rely on a war veteran, Stupe (played by Dave Bautista), who's trying to way out of the city, so he can travel to Hoboken, New Jersey to find his son. Unfortunately, getting pass the local residents and the militia is going to be a major problem for them.

Special Features include:
The Making of Bushwick
Photo Galleries
Poser Gallery




Final Thoughts

Monday, October 2, 2017

Review: Kung Fu Zombies: 7 Killer Movies

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mill Creek Ent., R / Not Rated; 10 hours 34 mins.
Now available from Mill Creek Entertainment is Kung Fu Zombies: 7 Killer Movies, featuring some of the greatest martial artists including Gordon Liu (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2), Siu-Wong Fan (Ip Man), Billy Chong (A Fistful of Talons), Eddy Ko (TV's Fist of Fury), and Panna Rittikrai (Ong Bak). There are no special features or bonus extras on the 2-disc set.

The 7 movies are:

Shaolin Vs. Evil Dead (2004; 94 minutes) - Directed by Douglas Kung, the film stars Gordon Liu as a Shaolin monk, who's trying to teach two young apprentice how to fight against evil zombies.

Shaolin Vs. Evil Dead 2 (2007; 100 minutes) - Once again directed by Douglas Kung, Gordon Lui returns in this sequel that pits the monks against DR. Magma, who plans on raising the dead.

Kung Fu Zombie (1981; 78 minutes) - Directed by Hwa I Hung, the film stars Billy Chong as as martial artist who must battle a deadly vampire.

We're Going To Eat You (1980; 90 minutes) - Directed by Tsui Hark, the film centers on a secret agent named Agent 999, who accidentally runs into a village full of cannibals while attempting to track a criminal.

Spirited Killer 2 (92 minutes) - A really weird movie about a dead grandfather, a criminal gang, and zombies!

Spirited Killer 3 (90 minutes) - The film's plot involves a mystical black egg, an evil sorcerer, and a bunch of minions from hell.

Kung Fu From Beyond The Grave (1982; 89 minutes) - Another movie starring Billy Chong. This time he plays Chun Sing, who must stop an evil priest and his army of the dead.


Sunday, October 1, 2017

Night of the Living Dead: 50th Anniversary Blu-ray Review

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mill Creek Ent., Not Rated; 96 minutes; $14.98

Being released on Blu-ray from Mill Creek Entertainment on October 17th is the Night of the Living Dead: 50th Anniversary. There are no special features or extras on the Blu-ray, but it does come with a Digital code that can be redeemed at: www.millcreekent.com/redeem.

Directed by the late George A. Romero, Night of the Living Dead is the granddaddy of zombie flicks. Filmed on a budget of $117,000, the movie begins with siblings Johnny (played by Russell Streiner) and Barbra Blair (played by Judith O'Dea) driving to a rural Pennsylvania cemetery to put flowers on their father's grave. Out of nowhere, a strange man (played by Bill Hinzman) attacks them. Johnny is killed when his head bounces off a tombstone.

Barely surviving the attack, Barbra stumbles upon a farmhouse, which is where she encounters Ben (played by  Duane Jones). They are quickly surrounded by zombie-like humans, forcing them to take shelter inside the farmhouse. With Barbra distraught over everything that has happened Ben takes charge and quickly boards up the windows and doors.

Hiding in the cellar, is a married couple Harry Cooper (played by Karl Hardman), his wife Helen (played by Marilyn Eastman), and their daughter Karen (played by Kyra Schon), who was bitten by one of the zombies. Also taking shelter in the farmhouse is a teenage couple, Tom (played by Keith Wayne) and Judy (played by Judith Ridley).

If they can't find their away to escape the chaos, the survivors plan on waiting it out inside the farmhouse until help arrives, that's if they don't kill each other first.

Friday, August 25, 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Blu-ray Review



Marvel; PG-13; 136 minutes; Walmart
Available now on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD from Marvel Studios is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. It's already available on Digital HD and Digital 4K Ultra HD.

Directed by James Gunn, the film stars stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot, Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Tommy Flanagan, Laura Haddock, with Sylvester Stallone, and Kurt Russell.

Based on the Marvel comic books of the same name created by by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 picks up shortly after the first film, where Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Baby Groot are now known around the galaxy as the Guardians of the Galaxy. After retrieving valuable batteries from a inter-dimensional monster, the leader of the Sovereign race agrees to hand over Gamora's estranged sister Nebula. Everything goes as planned, well, until Rocket insults the Sovereign race and steals a few batteries. The Guardians barely have to time hop into their spaceship, before the Sovereign unleashes their drones upon them.

After crash landing their starship, Quill, Gamora, and Drax are rescued by Quill's long-lost father, Ego, and an alien named Mantis, who take them to his "home" planet while Rocket and Groot both stay behind to repair the starship. Well, that is until a group of Ravagers tracks them down and takes them hostage

BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):
Blu-ray:
  • The Making of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” – A four-part, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, done in the style of classic-rock album liner notes. 

  • Visionary Intro – Director James Gunn provides context on how he continues and expands the storylines of these beloved characters in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Disney's Descendants 2 DVD Review


Disney; TV-G; 111 minutes; Walmart
Available today on DVD from Disney Home Entertainment is Descendants 2. Directed by Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical" franchise), the film stars Dove Cameron ("Liv and Maddie"), Cameron Boyce ("Jessie"), Sofia Carson ("Adventures in Babysitting"), Booboo Stewart ("X-Men: Days of Future Past"), Mitchell Hope, China Anne McClain ("A.N.T. Farm"), Thomas Doherty ("The Lodge"), Dylan Playfair ("Some Assembly Required"), and Anna Cathcart ("Odd Squad"). The DVD comes with a FREE Necklace with 5 Villain Icons.

Descendants 2 is the sequel to the hit musical fantasy television movie, Descendants, that aired on the Disney Channel in 2015. The original film centered on the teenage children of Disney's villains leaving the Isle of the Lost, so they can start anew in United States of Auradon. The sequel picks up several months later, where Mal, the daughter of Maleficent, (played by Dove Cameron) is having trouble adjusting to being a celebrity as King Ben's girlfriend. She's also having problems living a princess-like life. Eventually, she gives up, packs her bags, and runs away back to the Isle of the Lost. With a little help fro Dizzy Tremaine, Mal restores her purple hair, and returns to her villainous ways.

After learning Mal has left Auradon, Evie - the daughter of The Evil Queen (played by Sofia Carson), Carlos de Vil - the son of Cruella de Vil (played by Cameron Boyce), Jay - the son of Jafar (play by Booboo Stewart), and King Ben - the son of Beast and Belle (played by Mitchell Hope), sneaks into the Isle of the Lost to find her. Unfortunately, King Ben is spotted and is later kidnapped by Uma, the daughter of Ursula (played by China Anne McClain), and her gang of villains, who ransoms the king in exchange for the Fairy Godmother's wand.

Mal and her pals must come up with a way to save King Ben and defeat Uma and the other forgotten villains.

Bonus Features are:

  • Cast Secrets - Personal secrets are revealed by cast members Dove Cameron (Mal), Cameron Boyce (Carlos), Sofia Carson (Evie), Booboo Stewart (Jay) and China Anne McClain (Uma) during the filming of the movie. 


  • Bloopers - The cast cracks up on set during some crazy takes.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Popcorn & Coffee: Dragon Wars: D-War


Mill Creek Ent.; PG-13; 91 minutes

Do you like watching cheesy B-flicks? Well, you can find plenty of them in the $5 DVD bin at Walmart, including the recently re-released of Dragon Wars: D-War.

Based loosely on the 1989 role-playing video game, Dragon Wars: D-War was released to theaters in 2007. Directed by Hyung Rae Shim, the film stars Jason Behr, Amanda Brooks, Robert Forester, Craig Robinson, Aimee Garcia, and Chris Mulkey.

Ever since he was a child, Ethan Kendrick (played by Jason Behr) has known he has the ability to change an Imoogi into a Celestial Dragon. Now as an adult, working as a news anchor in L.A., he realizes his destiny will finally be foretold when an evil Imoogi, known as "Buraki," is unleashed and brings forth the "Atrox Army," an army of supernatural dragons and warriors, to destroy the world.

This is where Sarah Daniels (played by Amanda Brooks) comes into the story, a young woman who is an incarnation of Yuh Yi Joo. Before the dragon army can get to her, Ethan shows up in the nick of time and rescues her. Well, at least for the time being, as there a prophecy that needs to be fulfilled in order to destroy the Imoogi and the dragon army, so a sacrifice is needed.

The film earned nearly $100 million at the box-office, which isn't too bad considering the budget was round $35 million. However, it was later revealed the special effects went way over-budget, costing nearly $99 million.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Popcorn & Coffee: Warlock Collection: 3-Film Set Blu-ray Review


Lionsgate; Rated R; 296 minutes; Amazon

Now available Blu-ray from Liongate's Vestron Video Collection Series is the Warlock Collection, featuring all 3 films on a two-disc set, as well as a bunch of special features.

Filmed in 1988, but released in 1991 in the United States, Warlock centers on a Warlock (played by Julian Sands), who barely escaped death in 1691 by traveling through a portal to 20th century Los Angeles. Hot on his trail is the witch-hunter Giles Redferne (played Richard E. Grant), who travels through the portal on a revenge quest.

After quickly adjusting to the present world, the Warlock summons Satan, who gives him orders to find the The Grand Grimoire, a Satanic book that contains the true name of God. The twist is that the pages of the book have been hidden around the country, which sends the Warlock on his own quest to find them and assemble the book.

Meanwhile, upon arriving to the present day, Redferne befriends a young waitress, Kassandra (played by Lori Singer), who has been cursed to grow old quickly by the Warlock. With a only days left to live, thanks to the curse, Kassandra, helps Redferne collect parts of the Grand Grimoire, and find a way to kill the Warlock.

Julian Sands ("Warlock") stars in Lionsgate Home Entertainment's WARLOCK.

Lori Singer ("Kassandra") stars in Lionsgate Home Entertainment's WARLOCK.

The first sequel, Warlock: The Armageddon, was released in 1993, and it has nothing to do with the original except for the fact that it stars Julian Sands as the Warlock. The plot centers on a teenage couple, Kenny and Samantha (played by Chris Young and Paula Marshall), who are both killed and later resurrected to become Druid warriors, so they can protect the six magical rune stones and stop the Warlock from unleashing Satan from hell.

Friday, June 23, 2017

Popcorn & Coffee: Murder 101 Collection DVD Review


Mill Creek Entertainment; 174 minutes; $9.98

Now available on DVD from Mill Creek Entertainment is the Murder 101 Collection, featuring the made-for-television movies Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses and Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery. There are no special features or extras on the single-disc.

The Murder 101 was a series of made-for-television movies that aired on the Hallmark Channel between 2006 - 2008. The movies starred Dick Van Dyke and his son Barry Van Dyke, who both also played together in the long-running mystery series Diagnosis Murder. Instead of playing father and son again, Dick Van Dyke stars as Dr. Jonathan Maxwell, a criminology professor, who teams up with an old friend's private detective son, Mike Bryant (played by Barry Van Dyke), to solve murder cases. A total of four films were made - Murder 101, College Can Be Murder, If Wishes Were Horses, and The Locked Room Mystery.

Directed by David S. Cass Sr., Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses centers on the Barwley family's prize racehorse being kidnapped. Being a friend of the family, Professor Maxwell takes up it upon himself to investigate the kidnapping. Unfortunately, what starts out as a simple ransom, quickly turns to murder. Maxwell teams up with Mike Bryant to solve the mystery.

Once again directed by David S. Cass Sr., Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery (also known as Murder 101: New Age) centers on a spiritual "healer" named Samuel (played by Charles Shauchnessy) being murdered in a locked room with four students. The twists is that all the students were will in a deep trance while Samuel was murdered. Professor Maxwell, Mike Brant, and Mike's nephew Ben (played by Barry Van Dyke's son, Shane Van Dyke) team up to solve the mystery.