Movie Info:
Writer: Masa Nakamura, Takashi Miike
Director: Takashi Miike
Cast: Quentin Tarantino, Yusuke Iseya, Kaori Momoi, Hideaki Ito
Rating: R
Studio: First Look Pictures

Release Info:
DVD Release Date: November 11, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $21.49

I am trying to think of a way to describe Sukiyaki Western Django. I have told myself that there has to be something nice to say about this film. Unfortunately when I thought about it, the only thing I could come up with are that the fight scenes are impressive and the video is spectacular. First off it’s a spaghetti Western. For those of you that have no clue what a spaghetti Western is (I didn’t know either) it’s basically a low budget Western that was produced by Italian studios. The main difference from these Westerns and any others were that the movie was done in the Italian language. Obviously, this makes this movie a little bit different as the core cast is Japanese and they speak incredibly broken English.

Additionally, I don’t believe this has the low budget feel of those old spaghetti westerns. The quality is impeccable and while the writing, directing, and acting could have used some work, the special effects and film quality were high enough to show that a good chunk of change was spent on this film. I actually opted to see this film for Tarantino. He has been amusing or worth watching in just about everything that I have seen him in. I knew I wasn’t a real fan of westerns, but I thought I would check it out for him. I swear on everything that is holy, I will never make such a mistake again. If there is ever a movie that only seems appealing for Tarantino, I will just suck it up and skip it. It will save me the trouble of having to sit through a soulless, bottom feeding movie with no purpose.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Ben Stiller, Justin Theroux, Etan Cohen
Director: Ben Stiller
Cast: Ben Stiller, Nick Nolte, Jack Black, Steve Coogan, Robert Downey Jr, Danny McBride, Bill Hader, Jay Baruchel, Brandon T. Jackson
Rating: PG 13
Studio: Dreamworks

Release Info:
Theatrical Release:
DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $26.99

I love Robert Downey Jr. He is the only reason I ever wanted to see this movie. Tropic Thunder is a comedy movie I wouldn’t expect to like. I’m not a big fan of comedy, anyway, but I ended up enjoying watching this movie. I guess I’m more into the movies that aren’t PC, because this movie is bound to offend most anyone who takes it the wrong way. You just can’t take Tropic Thunder out of context. Otherwise, you’ll be offended.

First, Robert Downey Jr. plays a method actor who has won five Academy awards. In Tropic Thunder, he is taking on the role of Kirk Lazarus, who is playing an African American in the memoir turned movie, also called Tropic Thunder. Lazarus has had controversial surgery to turn his skin darker, so he can become the role he plays. This seems almost offensive, but even the African American cast member in this movie (Brandon T. Jackson) was not offended by Downey Jr.’s performance. It’s amazing what he’ll have you believing by the end of the movie.

Next, Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), the former all time greatest action hero, who is stuck in a long series of movie flops, reflects on his role in Simple Jack, a movie about a mentally challenged man, akin to Forrest Gump. This moment makes use of the no-no “R-word” and it set off a hailstorm of criticism from disability rights activists. I don’t believe the intent in using this word was meant to be malicious. I believe the filmmakers were making a statement about how intellectual disabilities are portrayed in film.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Jim Reardon
Director: Andrew Stanton
Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, MacInTalk, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver
Rating: G
Studio: Disney/Pixar

Release Info:
DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.49

I have been a fan of Pixar movies from the beginning. Occasionally, there is one in the bunch that doesn’t do it for me, but the majority of films have been well worth watching and owning. I haven’t felt the same about the animated films carrying just the Disney name lately. I had a feeling I was going to like WALL-E, but there was one thing that really had me worried. I had been seeing promos, trailers, and marketing buzz on this for so long that it got to the point where I thought it could never ever live up to the hype that had been created. I experienced the same problem with a number of other movies and I was hoping that this would not happen with WALL-E.

Surprisingly enough, WALL-E managed to top all possible expectations. In fact, it is easily one of my favorite movies of the year. It’s not common that I pick an animated movie as one of my favorites of the year, but WALL-E has a way of making you love him. I am not sure what it is about him that I love so much. He’s cute. He’s funny. He’s perhaps one of the most adorable characters in a full length animated feature that I have ever encountered.

I think the most appealing thing (moms will love this) is the humanity in WALL-E. He’s just a little trash cleaning robot that wants to be loved. It’s completely amusing that he is obsessed with the musical Hello Dolly!. In fact, the opening scene begins with some music from the musical. If you’re not familiar with Dolly it might take you a while to figure out which musical is getting so much attention. Luckily, I have Dominick with me, who knows plenty about musicals thanks to time well spent in college. Without him, I would have had to Google it or would have lived without knowing what that special musical was.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Ann Brashares, Elizabeth Chandler
Director: Sanaa Hamri
Cast: Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Rachel Nichols, Tom Wisdom, Rachel Ticotin, Leonardo Nam, Michael Rady, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Blythe Danner, Jesse Williams, Lucy Kate Hale, Maria Konstadarou, Ernie Lively
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Warner Bros.

Release Info:
DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $21.99

I did not watch the first Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie. I don’t know why, but I am not a huge fan of the chick flick. So, the idea that four best friends of all different shapes and sizes could bond over a pair of pants that magically fit them all perfectly was not something I was rushing out to see. It sounded awful to me. Granted, I knew that it would probably be wildly successful, but still it sounded awful and I refused to watch it.

My mother, the lover of all things chick flick, demanded I see it. I didn’t tell her “no”. I just kind of put it off. I didn’t want to see it and the last time she forced me to watch a movie I didn’t want to see, all I got from it was something called “The Penis Song.” She gave up the regular pursuit of getting me to watch the original movie, but made sure to remind me when she saw it on television. Our conversation would go something like:

“So, have you seen that movie yet? You really should watch it. You’re going to love it.”

“The movie about the pants?”

“Yes that one. You will like it I swear.”

“Right and it’s about four girls that wear pants, right?”

“Oh nevermind!”

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Tom J. Astle, Matt Ember
Director: Peter Segal
Cast: Anne Hathaway, James Caan, Terence Stamp, Alan Arkin, Steve Carell, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Warner Bros.

Release Info:
DVD Release Date: November 4, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.99

Based on the original television series by the same name, Get Smart was in the works long before it actually made it to DVD or Blu-Ray. At one point, it looked as those Jim Carrey was going to play the lead. I have to say I am incredibly glad that Carrey wasn’t in the film. The main reason is that this type of comedy seems to be a much better suit for Steve Carell. The lead needed to be reserved and ridiculous all at the same time and Carell pulls that part off with a magic unlike any other.

The original series was created in part by Mel Brooks. If you’ve seen any Brooks’ films you will see a lot of the goofball similarities here, especially in the type of comedy that is commonly used. The jokes are reminiscent of some of Brooks’ tamer gags. If you mix this comedy with a hardcore Bond film, you have Get Smart. Of course, it’s funnier than it is serious and hard core. That being said, some of the funniest moments revolve around the fact that they try to be serious and tough. It’s a predictable film in many ways, but the good acting on the part of the major players in the film, make it worth watching, fun, and enjoyable.

I didn’t think I was going to like Get Smart. It’s a comedy and I’m more of a drama person. I prefer something deep and dark more than I do something lighthearted and funny. Still, I decided to take a risk and give this a whirl, for this review if nothing else. Other than knowing minimal things about the original series, I had nothing to compare this with as I haven’t actually seen the television show.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

THERE ARE NO RULES AND NO HOLDS BARRED WHEN POPEYE DOYLE CUTS LOOSE ON BLU-RAY

THE FRENCH CONNECTION & FRENCH CONNECTION II

Two-Time Academy Award® Winner Gene Hackman* Stars As The Gritty New York City Cop On Blu-ray February 24 From Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

–Loaded With All-New High-Def Bonus Material Including Exclusive Interviews

With Hackman And William Friedkin, Deleted Scenes, Featurettes Including A Ride-Along With Friedkin Reliving The Famous Car Chase And More—

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Doyle is bad news – but a good cop. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents one man’s tireless determination to break down a ruthless narcotics smuggling ring when The French Connection and French Connection II arrive in stunning high-definition Blu-ray on February 24. Gene Hackman (Behind Enemy Lines, The Royal Tenenbaums) stars as iconic New York City Police Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, a man who will stop at nothing to get his man. Directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist) and winner of five Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hackman), Best Director (Friedkin), Best Screenplay and Best Editing, The French Connection is a dramatic action-thriller featuring one of the most renowned car chases in cinematic history. The French Connection Blu-ray disc is loaded with all-new special features including an introduction and commentary with Friedkin, deleted scenes with optional commentary, seven behind-the-scenes featurettes with both Hackman and Friedkin and much more. The French Connection II Blu-ray disc includes commentary with seven-time DGA nominee for Best Director John Frankenheimer, two all-new behind-the-scenes featurettes including interviews with Hackman and more.

*1972: Best Actor in a Leading Role; The French Connection
**1993: Best Actor in a Supporting Role; Unforgiven

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Admin - Visit Website
I'm the Blu Ray Authoritay admin and I rock!

IT’S THE MAXIMUM TRIP…AT MAXIMUM SPEED Vanishing Point Speeds Onto Blu-ray Disc February 24 From Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

“A fascinating road movie with mystical overtones.” – TV Guide’s Movie Guide

“In a time when vacant retreads such as The Fast and the Furious are the problem, Vanishing Point is the answer.” – Peter Kenis, Rolling Stone

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Watch carefully because everything happens fast. The chase. The desert. The shack. The girl. The roadblock. The end. Take a death defying road trip across the American Southwest in high definition as Vanishing Point debuts on Blu-ray Disc February 24 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Director Richard Sarafian’s car chase classic comes to Blu-ray Disc delivering the ultimate high as ex-marine, ex-race car driver Kowalski (Barry Newman; “Petrocelli”) takes to the road in his 1970 Dodge Challenger. Vanishing Point follows the ride of a lifetime as Kowalski, the last American hero, races from Denver to San Francisco with the police on his trail. Attempting to reach “the vanishing point” where man and vehicle become one, he quickly becomes a media sensation thanks to a blind disc jockey with a police radio scanner.

Boasting powerful supporting performances by an all-star cast including Emmy® winner* Cleavon Little (Blazing Saddles) and Oscar® winner** Dean Jagger (Twelve O’ Clock High), the Vanishing Point Blu-ray Disc will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.99 U.S. / $37.99 Canada. Prebook is January 14, 2009

* 1989: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (“Dear John”)
**1950: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Twelve O’ Clock High)

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Admin - Visit Website
I'm the Blu Ray Authoritay admin and I rock!

Movie Info:
Writer: Brad Anderson
Director: Brad Anderson
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Emily Mortimer, Kate Mara, Ben Kingsley, Thomas Kretschmann, Eduardo Noriega
Rating: R
Studio: First Look Studios

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: January 18, 2008
DVD Release Date: November 4, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $18.99

Transsiberian has all the makings of a top movie except a proper chance. When I was watching this movie I kept asking myself why I had never heard anything about it. I might have heard a thing or two, because I think I remember saying that I wanted to see it, in passing, but this did not receive the media reception that it should have prior to the release of the film. This was treated as any other film might have been treated. Unfortunately that means some people will miss this and it will be a shame if they do.

The idea of this thriller is simple, but that doesn’t mean that it is boring or unimaginative. At the heart of things, there are elements of stories that have been told before. You have a middle-aged naïve couple traveling in a foreign country, cramped spaces, and the unknown looming all around. Drug dogs are sniffing out each area for drug traffickers and that’s just the beginning.

Transsiberian works because the direction and acting are solid. Brad Anderson has a way of making you feel closed in thanks to the train environment and the way in which he shoots each frame. The writing is handled in a way that makes some things so obvious, but leaves much sitting in the background until the time is right for it to be revealed. It is this that makes the movie worth watching. Even when you see something clearly and know it will happen you can bet that there is more to the story that you have yet to see.

Each actor seems to be perfectly cast for their role. Woody Harrelson stands out as the happy go lucky churchgoer, Roy. You feel the most empathy for him because it’s obvious that he is the best of the bunch and doesn’t deserve to be involved in all that occurs. Emily Mortimer plays Roy’s wife, Jessie. Unlike the happy Roy, Jessie appears incredibly somber. At one point you wonder why these two are together and if they will stay together much longer. Joined by Kate Mara who plays Abby and Eduardo Noriega (Carlos), a couple that seems shifty and yet welcoming to a degree, it is easy to see why this movie has been generally well received by critics and those that have had a chance to actually see it.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.

GOLDEN GLOBE®-NOMINEE WILL FERRELL AND TWO TIME OSCAR-® WINNER EMMA THOMPSON STAR IN

STRANGER THAN FICTION SPECIAL EDITION Available On Blu-ray December 2, 2008

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (XXX) – Two-time Golden Globe®-nominee Will Ferrell1 shines in the hilarious comedy Stranger Than Fiction Special Edition, arriving from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on Blu-ray Disc December 2, 2008. From celebrated director Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, Monsters Ball), comes the story of IRS Auditor Harold Crick (Ferrell), who lives a life of solitude and monotony, following the exact same routine from day to day. Harold’s life changes dramatically when he begins hearing a voice that narrates his every move, and he starts a journey towards self-discovery and a greater meaning of life. The film boasts an award-winning supporting cast including two time Oscar®-winner Emma Thompson2, two-time Oscar®-winner Dustin Hoffman3, Oscar®-nominee4 Queen Latifah and two-time Golden Globe-nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal5. Stranger Than Fiction Special Edition is filled with bonus features including deleted and extended scenes, funny on-set moments and more and is available for an SRP of $28.95.

Synopsis:
Author Karen Effiel (Thompson) is writing her latest novel about an unusual character named Harold Crick (Ferrell). What she doesn’t know is that her fictionalized character is real. The real Harold Crick is an IRS agent who has lived a monotonous, dull existence until one day he begins to hear Karen’s voice narrating his every move. Harold enlists the assistance of literary professor Jules Hilbert (Hoffman), to help him figure out what’s going on. Hilbert helps Harold change some of the mundane every day rituals in his life. However, trouble ensues and Harold’s life becomes fragile when he learns that Karen plans to kill him off and the events that follow become Stranger Than Fiction Special Edition.

(more…)

If you like this post, then buy me a latte!

--
Written by Admin - Visit Website
I'm the Blu Ray Authoritay admin and I rock!