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Us Blu-ray Review

06/20/2019 By Hakan Can

Us Blu-ray review

Available this month on store shelves and online everywhere comes Us from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The Us movie Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital release date as well as that for the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray™ + Digital combo pack is set for June 18, 2019. List pricing has been set at $23 for the Blu-ray™ + DVD and $35 for the 4K Ultra HD combo pack. Of course if you shop at Amazon (links provided below), you’ll pay less than these prices. Now for the Us Blu-ray review.

Us Blu-ray review
Us (2019) Blu-ray Front Cover
Us Blu-ray review
Us (2019) Blu-ray Rear Cover

Universal’s Us Blu-ray Release Date is set for June 18

PRESS RELEASE

Per the press release: “Academy Award® winner Jordan Peele follows the success of his blockbuster hit, GET OUT, with the masterfully executed and viscerally terrifying US. Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 94%, the film is being hailed as “a colossal cinematic achievement” (Richard Brody, The New Yorker) and is “meant to be watched over and over” (Emily Yoshida, New York Magazine/Vulture). Fans around the world can now untether the truth with more than 50 minutes of bonus features delving deep into the mind of Jordan Peele, his filmmaking process and the symbolism behind US. The global sensation arrives on Digital on June 4, 2019, as well as on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on June 18, 2019.”

“Set along the North California coastline, Adelaide Wilson (Nyong’o) reluctantly returns to her beachside childhood home with her family and finds that she is haunted by unresolved trauma from her past along with a string of eerie coincidences. As darkness falls after a tense day at the beach, the Wilsons discover four figures standing in their driveway. They soon realize this is only the beginning of their troubles as they find that the four figures are terrifying and uncanny opponents: doppelgängers of themselves.”

“Featuring incredible must-see performances from Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o (Black Panther, 12 Years a Slave), Winston Duke (Black Panther), Emmy® winner Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Mad Men”) and Tim Heidecker (The Comedy, “Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories”), US is “the most out-of-the-box horror film of the past decade,” (Nathaniel Brail, Heroic Hollywood). Movie enthusiasts and horror fans alike can watch US again and again to unravel its darkest secrets. Doppelgängers. Hands Across America. The Nutcracker. Rabbits. 11:11. The key themes and imagery from US are unpacked and explained in exceptional bonus content such as The Duality of US featurette where Jordan Peele talks in-depth about many of the ideas behind the film.”

TRAILER:

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BONUS FEATURES on 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL:

  • The Duality of US – Jordan Peele goes in-depth on some of the key themes and imagery in US –including Doppelgängers, Hands Across America, The Nutcracker dance scene, rabbits and the infamous 11:11 coincidence.
  • The Monsters Within US – Examine how the great cast were able to find their characters, whether they were playing one of the Wilsons or their sinister doppelgängers.
  • Tethered Together: Making US Twice – Making of a movie is hard. Making a movie where all the main cast play dual roles can be downright mind-bending. In this piece, filmmakers, cast, and crew discuss some of the technical challenges to making the film, as well as some of the design choices for the characters.
  • Redefining a Genre: Jordan Peele’s Brand of Horror – In the space of two films, Jordan Peele has set himself apart as an invaluable artistic voice. Hear cast and filmmakers highlight what makes him so unique, as well as Jordan’s own thoughts on his inspirations and the relationship between horror and comedy.
  • Becoming Red – Using behind-the-scenes footage from between takes, we take a closer look at Lupita Nyong’o’s intense and mesmerizing performance as “Red.”
  • Deleted Scenes – I Am Not Even Near You, Rabbit Season, That’s Badass, Driftwood, The P is Silent, I Wanna Go Home
  • We’re All Dying – Hilarious outtakes from the conversation between Winston Duke and Tim Heidecker on the beach.
  • As Above, So Below: Grand Pas de Deux – An extended version of the dance sequence from the film, cutting between adolescent Adelaide at her recital to Red in the Underpass.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURE ON 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAYTM & DIGITAL:

  • Scene Explorations – The making of three iconic scenes from the film including the Tyler house massacre, Jason’s abduction and Adelaide’s underground flashback.
    • Seven Second Massacre, It’s a Trap, I Just Want My Little Girl Back

8-MINUTE TRAILER:

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FILMMAKERS:

  • Cast: Lupita Nyong’O, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, and Tim Heidecker
  • Music By: Michael Abels
  • Costume Designer: Kym Barrett
  • Editor: Nicholas Monsour
  • Production Designer: Ruth De Jong
  • Director of Photography: Michael Gioulakis
  • Executive Producers: Daniel Lupi and Beatriz Sequeira
  • Produced By: Sean McKittrick, p.g.a,, Jason Blum, and Ian Cooper, p.g.a.
  • Written, Produced, and Directed By: Jordan Peele
Us Blu-ray review
Us (2019) 4K Ultra HD Front Cover
Us Blu-ray review
Us (2019) 4K Ultra HD Rear Cover

TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K ULTRA HD:

  • Street Date: June 18, 2019
  • Selection Number: 61201558 (US) / 61201863 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD 100 / Aspect Ratio: 16.9 2.39:1 Widescreen
  • Rating: Rated R for violence/terror, and language
  • Video: 2160P UHD Dolby Vision/HDR10
  • Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
  • Languages/Sound: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby Digital 2.0, French and Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
  • Run Time: Sean McKittrick, p.g.a,, Jason Blum, and Ian Cooper, p.g.a.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™:

  • Street Date: June 18, 2019
  • Selection Number: 61201423 (US) / 61201427 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD 50 / Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Widescreen
  • Rating: Rated R for violence/terror, and language
  • Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
  • Languages/Sound: English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby Digital 2.0, French and Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
  • Run Time: 1 Hour and 56 Minutes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:

  • Street Date: June 18, 2019
  • Selection Number: 61200733 (US) / 61201426 (CDN)
  • Layers: DVD 9 / Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
  • Rating: Rated R for violence/terror, and language
  • Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
  • Languages/Sound: English, French, and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0
  • Run Time: 1 Hour and 56 Minutes
Us Blu-ray review
Us (2019) DVD Front Cover
Us Blu-ray review
Us (2019) DVD Rear Cover

All photos are the courtesy and property of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

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Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Film Reviews Tagged With: 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, DVD, Jordan Peele, Us Movie 06/20/2019

Silicon Valley Season 5 Release Date Announced for DVD

09/04/2018 By Hakan Can

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

Available this September on store shelves and online everywhere comes HBO’s Silicon Valley Season 5 on DVD. The Silicon Valley Season 5 release date is set for September 4, 2018. DVD pricing has been set around $28 for the 8-episode complete fifth season. Single episodes as well as the full season are available on Digital HD for $2.99 and $19.99, respectively. There’s no word on a Blu-ray™ release date just yet. This post will be updated when more information becomes available.

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

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Right now you can order Silicon Valley: The Complete 5th Season along with the previous four seasons at any of these digital stores:

  • Apple’s iTunes Store
  • Amazon
  • Google’s Play Store
  • Vudu

HBO’s Silicon Valley Season 5 Release Date is Set for September 4th

PRESS RELEASE

From the minds of Creator/Showrunner Mike Judge and Executive Producers Alec Berg, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Krinsky, and Tom Lassally comes HBO’s Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

Per the Home Box Office press release: “Change is afoot for Richard Hendricks and the rest of the Pied Piper gang as they bring in new staff, new digs, and new anxieties, while precariously teetering on the brink of success in Silicon Valley®: Season 5, available for Digital Download on June 11th. The latest release in this Emmy® Award-winning series includes eight, 30-minute episodes and explores new dynamics for the core cast, in a season that is “tighter and better than ever” (The Week).

“Nominated for more than 30 Emmy® Awards and two Golden Globes, Silicon Valley enters its fifth season with Pied Piper on an upswing as the platform’s new peer-to-peer internet garnering buzz and looking poised to make a splash. However, leadership challenges, new faces in a new office, and the looming rivalry with Hooli CEO Gavin Belson threaten to shake Richard’s confidence.”

SILICON VALLEY SEASON 5 TEASER

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SEASON 5 DVD/DIGITAL HD INFORMATION

  • Episode 39 – Grow Fast or Die Slow
  • Episode 40 – Reorientation
  • Episode 41 – Chief Operating Officer
  • Episode 42 – Tech Evangelist
  • Episode 43 – Facial Recognition
  • Episode 44 – Artificial Emotional Intelligence
  • Episode 45 – Initial Coin Offering
  • Episode 46 – Fifty-One Percent
  • Bonus Features: Season 4 Recap, Season 5 Trailer, Season 5 Sneak Peek, Inside the Hacker Hostel VR Sneak Peek, Hacker Hostel Gameplay Trailer, Pied Piper’s Highs and Lows

CAST INFORMATION

  • Thomas Middleditch as Richard Hendricks
  • T.J. Miller as Erlich
  • Josh Brener as Big Head
  • Martin Starr as Gilfoyle
  • Kumail Nanjiani as Dinesh
  • Zach Woods as Jared
  • Amanda Crew as Monica
  • Matt Ross as Gavin Belson
  • Suzanne Cryer as Laurie Bream
  • Jimmy O. Yang as Jian-Yang
  • Ben Feldman as Ron LaFlamme
  • Chris Diamantopoulos as Russ Hanneman
  • Alice Wetterlund as Carla Walton

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

  • Format: DVD/Digital HD
  • Rating: Not Rated
  • Run Time: 240 Minutes
  • Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Region: A
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
  • Studio: HBO Home Video
  • Release Date: September 4, 2018

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

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Summary

HBO’s Silicon Valley has been renewed for a 6th season. The Complete First through Fifth Seasons are currently available on HBO GO and HBO NOW.

All photos are the courtesy and property of HBO Home Entertainment.

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

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Filed Under: Digital Hollywood, Film Reviews Tagged With: Digital HD, DVD, HBO, Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley Season 5 09/25/2018

Fargo Season 3 DVD Review

03/15/2018 By Hakan Can

Fargo Season 3 DVD review

FX Networks, Fargo Season 3 aired from April – June 2017 with ten episodes depicting yet another version of the crime instilled, snow-ridden plains and thick northern accents that leave you wondering why on Earth anyone would live in such a place, right? So let’s jump right into this Fargo Season 3 DVD review.

Fargo Season 3 DVD review

Fargo Season 3 DVD Review

Rest assured and not depicted by “true events,” is any of this series accurate, but possibly geared to those who have never ventured to the north, felt the sweltering heat of the summer months, or can honestly say the “accent” even makes our heads spin.

That said and set aside, the series stars Ewan McGregor in a fantastic, dual role as sibling rivals, Ray and Emmet Stussy, David Thewlis as a dangerous business tycoon named V.M. Varga, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Nikki Swango, Ray Stussy’s sexy, parolee girlfriend and Carrie Coon as Gloria Burgle, Chief/Deputy Sheriff of the town Eden Valley.

Fargo Season 3 DVD review

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McGregor, Thewlis, and Winstead all had outstanding performances during the entire series which made it even tolerable to watch. Additionally, their costumes, hair, and makeup brought their characters to life and created an intensity and believability to the show’s audience. Mary Elizabeth Winstead who played Nikki Swango gave a less than subpar run and made it difficult to listen to, much less watch.

The story starts with Ray Stussy wanting to borrow money from his wealthier brother Emmet so he can purchase a ring for Nikki. Ray is Nikki’s parole officer. After Emmet declines to borrow Ray the money, Ray becomes upset and brings up a long-standing debate over their father’s inheritance. Ray disputes he was unfairly compensated with a Corvette rather than a very valuable stamp, currently in Emmet’s possession. Ray wants what he feels is rightfully his and blackmails one of his other parolees, Maurice, to break into Emmet’s home and take the stamp.

Along the way, Maurice forgets part of Emmet’s name as well as his address and ends up at Ennis Stussy’s house instead of in a nearing town. Maurice kills Ennis, ransacks the house, and does not locate the stamp due to the location mix up. Gloria Burgle arrives back home with her son to find her stepfather, Ennis Stussy, murdered in the house.

Fargo Season 3 DVD review

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Emmet is in trouble as he attempts to pay back a loan from a shady businessman, V.M Varga but little does he know what he signed up for was much more than a loan but a partnership with a corporation owned by Varga. Varga is not the negotiating type to allow Emmet to pay him off and exit the agreement. Meanwhile, Maurice seeks revenge on Ray over the murder that took place. Maurice attempts to blackmail him, which backfires when Ray and Nikki kill Maurice by pushing an air conditioner out the window on top of Maurice.

From there on and the rest of the season we see an influx of unfortunate events including more crazy murders, scandals and unanswered questions regarding random events. There are so many characters that appear out of nowhere, for a short period even and then leave without knowing their true place within the story.

Gloria spends the remainder of the series trying to solve Ennis’s murder, that she will untimely never uncover, due to a series of events that led nowhere.

Fargo Season 3 DVD review

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Emmet wants a continued relationship with his brother but is also in the midst of a major tax and business situation created by Varga and his shady crew which ultimately leaves his business partner in a life and death predicament and in the end things for Emmet don’t turn out as one would have previously thought.

Ray and Nikki continue to run into streaks of bad luck, and that is putting it mildly. They cannot catch a break and find themselves in the untimeliest of situations.

The series’ best episodes were the last three, and the first seven could have been cut and summed up in one. I wasn’t much of a fan, but many are sure to feel quite the opposite. If the slightest bit of curiosity is getting to you, please do watch it because you may have a different outlook on it than I did.

All photos used with the permission and are the property of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, FX Productions, and MGM Television © 2017-2018.

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Complete List of Extras

  • First Look
  • Ray and Nikki
  • Emmit Stussy and Sy Feltz
  • One Actor, Two Characters
  • Gloria Burgle
  • Varga
  • Anatomy of a Scene
  • The Digital Age
  • Connectivity and References
  • Locations
  • Noah Hawly

DVD Technical Information

  • Screen Format: Widescreen 16:9 (2.00:1)
  • Audio: English, French, German Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portoguese
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Closed Captioned: Yes

Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Film Reviews Tagged With: 20th Century Fox, DVD, Fargo, FX Networks 03/15/2018

The Complete Demolition Movie Review

04/09/2016 By Jonathan Dery

Demolition Movie Review Landing Page

Demolition Movie Review

Fox Searchlight’s Demolition is the story of a man numbed by monotony until he is thrust into disorder, provided a hammer, and told the only way to understand is to deduce by destruction. “If you want to fix something, you have to take it all apart and figure out what’s important.” Demolition is worth the effort. Welcome to our Demolition movie review.

Demolition movie review Images

The Look

There is nothing steady nor clean about Demolition, but that’s where the precision lies. A precision not so much targeted on the polish and caliber of the cinematography, but on the subjective state of the protagonist Davis Mitchell, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. He is uncertain, unstable, and unpolished. Due to his existential crisis, the death of his wife which he witnessed, every event, experience, circumstance, and relationship occupies his immediate proximity. Thus, the camera work emulates his state with a constant subtle tremble and a short range of spatial intimacy to Davis. Though I was initially skeptical of this film’s shaky style, I soon understood how compatible it was content-wise.

Davis’ self-unawareness and maddening incomprehension of himself yearn to escape from its tomb. The camera’s stubborn shake could not represent his interior any better. The downside of this stubborn shake is that opportunities for remarkable shots are sacrificed. However, they are sacrificed for the exact representation of Davis’ current state. It is plenty justified.

The cinematography is grounded in Davis’ subjectivity; it could not be anything but rumbling from Davis, in a straightjacket, ramming the walls of his emotional confinement.

Demolition Move Review Image

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The Charm

This film could have been titled Demolition: As a Matter of Fact.

There is a dark, dry humor that so provides comic relief and remembrance of the films tragic basis. Each laugh cuts through a preceding tear. It’s impossible to resist loving Demolition’s mild degree of facetiousness.

Contemptuous humor, however, is only a minor chunk of Demolition’s personality. The majority is occupied by Davis’ childlike disregard for the severity of the circumstances and emotional unintelligence. The result is an absurd, unavoidable fondness for the temperament of the film and Davis as a pretend adult.

Demolition handles the material’s mucky severity with Davis running through his pristine house, wearing filthy shoes, leaving muddy footprints. You hope he’ll clean them up though you can’t be sure. You can’t help but lower your face into your palm, chuckle, and peer through the slits between your fingers to see what mess will come next.

Demolition Move Review Image

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The Characters are the Content

Let’s get to Davis.

Davis is not only the protagonist of this film, he is the vanguard. Every event and consequence that occurs is either a direct or indirect result of his initial action. Davis does and all else react. This is a welcome contradiction for both Davis and the viewer. It’s clear from the onset that Davis subdued all his notions, personal aspirations, and pivotal emotions throughout his entire life. He did so because “it was easy.” He would go through the motions of his routine, do and see everything without ever paying attention. Attention to his surroundings, his circumstances, and ultimately, his dissatisfaction. Thus, he was never much of an influence or catalyst to anyone or anything, including himself.

For once in his life, Davis radically deviates from his detrimental numbing habits, and finally has a say in his behavior and his life. For once in his life, he is exposed, and he matters. All as a result of an immediate tragedy that shatters the lock on his dull cushioned cell, and frees him into a sensational reality. He can no longer silence his suppressed demand to feel. And feel, he does; as you do with him.

Davis is so unaware and disconnected from himself. Ironically, it’s logical how he can only divulge to some anonymous customer service worker, played by Naomi Watts. After all, she couldn’t be a danger to him, nor would her judgment towards him matter so heavily. Also, at the least, she is an obligated ear to vent to. This woman ends up being much more than just an ear. Avoiding spoilers, Karen, is a mirror of Davis’ true state: frantic, disorganized, and full of childlike charisma. Her radical, yet contemporarily normal son, Chris, played by Judah Lewis, fits their dynamic all the same. Karen and her son are both unexpected perfect matches for Davis’ disoriented search for understanding.

Demolition Move Review Image

Along the way, Davis gradually exchanges everything and everyone. As he jackhammers deeper into his true self, he inevitably strays from the false. He slowly discards his ostensibly disapproving father-in-law, Phil, played by Chris Cooper, for his liberation and Karen’s lifestyle. Phil is the asshole Davis would have become if he stuck to his monotonous path. Yet, Phil is not entirely bad. He’s only aggressive and hurtful because the emptiness left by his one irreplaceable love was filled with a disrespectful, unloving son-in-law.

You can’t blame him. He is Davis at the end of the wrong path. One of his two joys wasted her life on an inattentive man. And now, he’s left where he’s without that integral worth to his life. To top it off, the man that devastated that joy is either absent or laughing from across the room with a giddy smirk. It’s more difficult not to side with him at times.

Demolition’s characters are people. They all have a distinct personality, past, depth, and crushing hamartia. The plot does not progress in spite of them, it thrives because of them.

Demolition Move Review Image

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In Closing

Demolition is just that. It discreetly bashes at your sentimentality until your sympathy is impossible to subdue. Stellar actors who play complex characters deserving the title of Real People. Does Demolition have a lasting effect? Not so much. Yes, this film is subtly powerful and perfectly composed for the content it presents. However, the content is neither new nor outstanding.

Most will connect with the characters and enjoy the film as a whole. Will it be re-watched more than once or chiseled into the pillars and stones of film history? No. Demolition provides a meaningful experience that is well worth the emotional toll and withdrawal from your wallet. It’s unnecessary to tear Demolition apart to recognize its particular importance.

Rating: 7.5/10

Did you agree or disagree with our Demolition movie review? How do you feel about this film? Let us know your opinion(s) on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments section below. And don’t forget to use the Hashtag #DemolitionMovie.

All photos are the courtesy and property of FOX Searchlight Pictures.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: Demolition, FOX Searchlight 04/29/2016

Hardcore Henry: The Ultimate First-Person Shooter Movie Review

04/07/2016 By Jonathan Dery

Hardcore Henry Movie Review

First-Person Shooter: A New Genre of Film?

Take one of the most profitable game genres and project it across the silver screen. What do you get? Hardcore Henry. Let’s break this down in this Hardcore Henry movie review.

In our current point in time, vicarious observation dominates actual playing of the most profitable games. It was inevitable for a first-person movie to come out. The recent trend in gaming has been a sweeping transition from pure gameplay to a more narrative driven experience. It seems that Hardcore Henry could be the start of the opposite trend for filmmaking. Is this first-person shooter style of film backward compatible? Let’s see.

[envira-gallery id=”4259″]

Hardcore Henry Movie Review — Off The Bat

Even before the first frame of footage is projected on the screen, you know you’re in for a bloody, visceral time. Never before has a film’s opening credits scene so accurately foreshadowed its proceeding content. Guns, knives, bats, bottles, fists all softly illuminated through the darkness in red. They strike oh so methodically, oh so poetically, and oh so close up in slow motion. If there is one element of Hardcore Henry that cannot be missed, even with closed eyes, it would be the gruesome combat. It is clear how diligently the creators ensured you witnessed every moment and detail of the brutality.

[Tweet “it is impossible to reject the deceptive sensation of viewing the film’s events in first-person.”]

The Look

Hectic is one word to describe the pace. Consider for a moment that approximately 99% of Hardcore Henry is shot with a fish-eye GoPro lens attached to a stuntman’s head. The darting action scenes are bound to jar the audience. Some may feel nausea. Yet, this disorienting affect both suits the stylized content as well as renders the impact of slow motion even more powerful.

Once the viewer adapts to the initial jarring effect, the first-person method shines. After a short period of time, it is impossible to reject the deceptive sensation of viewing the film’s events in first-person. With the camera in the point of view of the protagonist and the sound amplifying around the audience, the viewer has no choice but to succumb. And it is thrilling. You may even find yourself feeling flickers of stimulus from other senses. The point of the film is to convince the viewer they are the protagonist, or at the very least, watching through his eyes. It is difficult not to feel pity for the pulverized antagonists and sore around your own body.

[envira-gallery id=”4261″]
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The Humanity

Here comes the bionic man with a human mind and an augmented heart. Is there any heart at all? Yes, but more to pump the story along than hydrate any waterworks; like the protagonist, the film’s heart is more machine than man. But that’s not such a bad thing. Viewers should predispose themselves to perceive the film in its appropriate context: purely light, raunchy, and naked fun.

Hardcore Henry is all mouth and no tears which ultimately keeps its pulse extreme yet steady. Like most first-person shooter games, the protagonist does not have a voice as to not impose one on the user. In this case, the charm is assumed by the film’s escort: Jimmy, played by Sharlto Copley. This often present tour guide/joke man does not relent, and you love his character for it.

Jimmy’s particular personality bleeds into the rest of the film’s humor. I refrain from disclosing any specific examples as to not spoil these jaw-dropping, gut busting, nut p___, I’ll leave it there. Just ensure to keep your head on straight and maybe wear a helmet. And a cup.

[envira-gallery id=”4267″]

The Meat

Adrenaline fueled and action packed at its core; what else could be expected?

Meaningful? No. Visceral? Yes. And that is clearly the goal of the film. The film was initially implanted with a lick of sentimentality, which then quickly dissolves into juvenile, vulgar charisma. However, this is all but a bad thing. In fact, this may be the film’s strong suit.

Presuming that the viewer enters the theater with the mind that they must disarm theirs to endure or, ideally, enjoy Hardcore Henry, they will undoubtedly have a blast. There is no Oscar to be won, nor are there tears to be shed; Hardcore Henry is not meant to triumph, it is meant to thrill. To replace the glasses from your eyes and intellectual from your mind with a dual-shock controller and a cheesy-fingered, Mountain Dew energized kid at the helm. Hardcore Henry may be rated R for adults though it is sure as hell not appropriate for them.

To like Hardcore Henry, the viewer must peel back their maturity to reveal their inner child. Fidgeting at the hilt of their seat, marveling up at the screen, rather than a jaded adult looking down on it. For those who choose to sit in the booster seat, have a blast. For those who cannot sacrifice their adult refinement for their inner kid, go read a book. Hardcore Henry is a bloody good time.

Rating: 7/10

What’s your opinion on Hardcore Henry? Did you like it? Did you hate it? Maybe you’re somewhere in between? Let us know what you think in the comments or via Facebook / Twitter.

All images and video are the copyrighted property of STX Entertainment.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: Film Review, Hardcore Henry, Sharlto Copley 04/11/2016

HBO Premieres Vinyl Episode 1 To Boston Audience

02/03/2016 By Hakan Can

HBO Vinyl Episode 1

Boston Gets A First Look At HBO Vinyl Episode 1

Last night, about a couple of hundred of us here in Boston were treated to something wonderful, courtesy of HBO. We had the pleasure of seeing HBO’s latest series Vinyl: Episode 1 on the big screen, nearly 2 weeks before it airs on cable. What a treat this was. And what an expensive show this must have been to produce.

This forthcoming series is the brainchild of Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger. The story has been in his head for 40 years. As having lived and indulged in the 1970s music industry in New York City, he would certainly be an authority on it. He may even be The Authority.

The series focuses on the life of Richie Finestra played by Bobby Cannavale. He’s the executive in charge of American Century Records, having created it from nothing. Although his ability to play or write music is weak, he’s got two great ears for it. Furthermore, he knows what he’s talking about. His music industry knowledge is second to none.

HBO Vinyl Episode 1The series is set in anything-goes 1973 NYC. Thanks to plenty of non-linear storytelling, we get to see how Richie got his start while bartending in the mid-1960s, working his way up at the Rondeley Records label, and then creating and running American Century.

We’re shown the seedy, dirty side of the 1970s record business as well. The payola machine is on full display, as are how the record labels screw the retailers. (I wish someone would walk into my office and hand me 5 Grand.) There’s even the silent, Italian mob connection. After all, there was money to be made in the 70s music industry.

HBO’s Vinyl brings we the viewer, a wide-array of music, amazing 70s wardrobe by costume designer John Dunn, plenty of foul language, prolific drug use, ethnic insults (primarily towards Germans), and some sex, mixed with more drugs, of course.

Off Screen

HBO’s Vinyl brings us two heavy hitters in the film/television business. First there’s Martin Scorsese, co-creator and executive producer of the series. Moreover, and unknown to me until the conclusion of the first episode, he directed it. When was the last time you saw his name attached to directing anything for television?

The second heavy hitter is Terence Winter, head writer of HBO’s The Sopranos. He’s the series showrunner. And he and his team of writers do an amazing job. Don’t be surprised when you hear his name announced during next year’s Emmy nominations.

Read:   Game of Thrones Season 5 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD

On Screen

The cast is made up of a handful of long-established actors and many others you may or may not recognize. You’ve got series lead Bobby Cannavale, followed by an almost unrecognizable Ray Romano, J.C. MacKenzie and P.J. Byrne at American Century.

There are a few stand-out performances in Episode 1 worth noting, along with plenty of great ad-libbed lines. How do I know about the latter? Well, P.J. Byrne told me while we chatted in Boston after the screening. I won’t spoil any of his character’s lines. I’ll just say I often whispered “Shut up, shut up …” when his character Scott Levitt spoke.

By the time this season is halfway through, there will probably be plenty of award talk. For one, Bobby Cannavale crushes it as Richie Finestra. The executive producers couldn’t have cast anyone better. It just wouldn’t be the same show without him.

There are three other performances to make note of.  The first stand-out performance goes to the “f***ing sandwich girl” played by Juno Temple. Her character, Jamie Vine, is actually an A&R assistant at American Century trying to move up the corporate ranks.

The second stand-out performance goes to Ato Essandoh who plays blues singer and guitarist Lester Grimes. Just terrific.

Rounding out the three is comedian Andrew Clay. You heard me correctly, “Dice.” He portrays radio station owner Frank “Buck” Rogers. While not spoiling anything, I will say his scenes are Amazing and Unforgettable! Casting him was a bold choice, but HBO hit a grand slam doing so. Trust me on this.

And regarding “Buck” Rogers, I’ll leave you with one thought: “Donnie F***ing Osmond!”

Smaller shoutouts go to James Jagger, Mick’s son, who plays The Nasty Bits frontman Kip Stevens, and Christopher Moser, who portrays Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant. [Tweet “HBO’s Vinyl Episode 1 is nothing short of terrific! The entire team involved created a masterpiece #VinylHBO”]

Having seen the pilot episode on the big screen, I can definitively say this series is larger-than-life. It’s worthy of the big screen. With the theater experience comes great sound. Music defines this series, and you hear plenty of it. The diversity of sound is from beginning to end.

If you’re an audiophile and/or happen to have a home theater, you are in for a treat. You’re going to love each episode’s soundtrack! If you don’t have a great soundbar or speaker system, now is the time you make the investment. Otherwise, be prepared to lower the volume on your television. Once you watch Vinyl Episode 1, you’ll say you should have taken this writer’s advice.

Additionally, every episode of Vinyl comes with a new soundtrack, which you can find at www.vinylcuts.nyc.

Final Thoughts on Vinyl

HBO’s Vinyl Episode 1 is nothing short of terrific! The entire team involved created a masterpiece, a higher gold standard for cable television, outdoing all of HBO’s previous endeavors. It’s more captivating than Boardwalk Empire and yes, even The Sopranos. I believe you’ll come to agree.

This HBO series has legs beyond its first season. And I for one, want to see the Vinyl keep spinning.

You can follow HBO’s Vinyl on social media here on facebook and Twitter.

Read:   Banshee Season 3 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD

Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: Episode 1, HBO, Vinyl 02/06/2016

The Man with the Iron Fists 2: The Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital HD Review

04/16/2015 By Hakan Can

The Man with the Iron Fists 2

Available Now on Blu-ray™/DVD/Digital HD

Universal Studios Press Release

Synopsis of The Man with the Iron Fists 2: Thaddeus (RZA) is back in this explosive action adventure inspired by kung fu classics. A reluctant villager joins forces with a mysterious outsider to fight off powerful evil forces, both earthly and otherworldly, in a 19th century Chinese mining town. When a stranger, Thaddeus, is found badly wounded near the village, miner Li Kung (Dustin Nguyen) and his wife Ah Ni (Eugenia Kang) offer him refuge. As he heals, he becomes entrenched in a conflict that pits the townsfolk against the evil Master Ho (Carl Ng), his nefarious Beetle Clan and the terrifying Lord Pi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa). With Thaddeus at his side, the mild-mannered Kung transforms into a deadly warrior in this martial arts epic.

The No Holds Barred Review

Let me first say that I’ve seen the original The Man with the Iron Fists a few times and enjoyed it very much. You can read my comments here. Now…this sequel is different from what I expected. The film begins with a flashback fight scene between Lord Pi, a renegade monk, versus Abbott, the head monk, and the Gemini Killers at the monks side. Lord Pi is after the mysterious chi which flows in the water supply of the monastery in order to gain immortality. Suffice to say Lord Pi is defeated, but not killed. This plot line comes full circle and plays into the final 15 minutes of the film. Watch and you’ll see. The fist we see of Thaddeus (RZA) is about 2 minutes into the film when he’s attacked by a half dozen or so thugs. It’s a decent fight scene where everyone ends up dead or severely injured. And then we don’t see Thaddeus until the half hour mark. See, this film isn’t about Thaddeus and his journey. It’s about Li Kung (Dustin Nguyen) and the other town folk of Tsai Fu village who work at the nearby silver mine. The village and mine are run by the thug Master Ho (Carl Ng) of the Beetle Clan. Villagers are being killed off by the Beetle Clan for disobeying orders, plus women are mysteriously being murdered. It isn’t until Li Guang (Charlie Ruedpokanon), brother of Li Kung is found dead and Thaddeus washes ashore at the village do the town folk lead by Li Kung rebel against the Beetle Clan.

The final 40 minutes of the film is full of action with plenty of fight scenes. The villagers finally revolt and characters are struck down, blown up and have their heads squashed. Evil is vanquished. I’m holding back on the specifics of what happens to who as I don’t want to spoil anything for you readers/viewers. You definitely want to see the unrated version for all of these action sequences. They’re quite graphic and not for the faint of heart. The film ends with Thaddeus on his way and the possibility of another sequel. I rate this film a B- and it’s worth watching. Enjoy.

The Man with the Iron Fists 2 is available for purchase at Amazon.com for $19.99 and rental via Redbox.

Features and Credits

FILMMAKERS:
Cast: RZA, Dustin Nguyen, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Eugenia Yuan, Pim Bubear, Simon Yin, Carl Ng
Directed By: Roel Reiné
Written By: Screenplay by John Jarrell and The RZA
Story By: The RZA
Produced By: Marc Abraham, Eric Newman, Ogden Gavanski
Production Companies: A Strike Entertainment, Arcade Pictures
Executive Producers: RZA, Eli Roth
Director of Photography: Roel Reiné
Production Designer: Chaiyan Chunsuttiwat
Edited By: Radu Ion, Chuck Norris
Music By: The RZA, Howard Drossin
Costume Designer: Waraporn Kaewnanjai

Bonus Features on Blu-ray™ and DVD
Deleted Scenes
Chi Warriors: The Making of Man With the Iron Fists 2 – a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Man with the Iron Fists 2 featuring the cast and crew including director Roel Reiné and star RZA
Feature Commentary with director Roel Reiné and executive producer and star RZA

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – Blu-ray™
Street Date: April 14, 2015
Copyright: 2015 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 63142653 / 63142589 (CDN)
Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes / 1 hours 31 minutes (Unrated)
Layers: BD-50
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Rating: R for strong bloody violence throughout / Unrated
Technical Info: English, Spanish and French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – DVD
Street Date: April 14, 2015
Copyright: 2015 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 63142654 / 63142587 (CDN)
Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes / 1 hours 31 minutes (Unrated)
Layers: Dual Layers
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Rating: R for strong bloody violence throughout / Unrated
Technical Info: English, Spanish and French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French.

All photos and videos are courtesy and property of Universal Studios.

The Man with the Iron Fists 2

Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital HD cover for The Man with the Iron Fists 2

FTC Disclosure: A press copy of the Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD release was provided to Beantown LLC for the purpose of this review.

Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: Blu-Ray, Digital HD, DVD, Iron Fists 2, RZA 04/16/2015

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