Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 8th, 2016
"The techniques change, the victims change but it's still a question, "How do these things happen? How are they institutionalized?"
“I was just following orders.” It was the plea heard by too many of the Nazi war criminals during their trials following World War II. It wasn't enough to spare them the consequences of their actions, of course. Six million people were exterminated, experimented on, or tortured. The excuse just didn't hold water. But was it at all valid? Could an otherwise "good" person be turned into something evil just because someone in authority told them to do it? Just how far would an average human being go toward hurting another person whom they have no provocation to hurt just because they are told to do so? These are the questions that Professor Stanley Milgram set out to answer in his controversial study in the 1960's. The debate in the world of psychology and sociology continues to this day. Every psychology class likely includes footage from the study. The methodology and results are required study in most sociology classes. This is the subject of the Magnolia Blu-ray release Experimenter.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 7th, 2016
"A good family business is not the same as a good family."
You can say that again. The television landscape is changing, at least on cable. Ray Donovan is the latest in the string of new shows that are attracting talent once thought out of reach for television. A show starring Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight: this Showtime series looked to be something very special... and it has gotten better... perhaps a lot better.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 6th, 2016
Between 2002 and 2008 Jason Statham made a name for himself playing Frank Miller in three Transporter films. Miller was a former special ops expert who became a high-end black market transportation expert. He used his skills to transport anyone or anything from point A to point B for a hefty fee. He had a few rules that governed his business: the deal never changes once it's made, no names, and he doesn't want to know what he is transporting. The business made for some nice action films that gave Statham a chance to show off that particular skill set. The films brought in a modest box office, averaging around $35 million each. It was barely enough to keep three films going in the franchise. It all ended in 2008, and Statham moved on to bigger and sometimes better things. That should have been the end of the story. It isn't.
Editor-turned-director Camille Delamarre decided to take a run at a reboot, of sorts. Game of Thrones actor Ed Skrein takes over the Frank Miller role, and the film picks up the character already established. It's a grey area on what to call Transporter: Refueled. It's not entirely a reboot. The character is established, as are the rules and general formula. But it is a rather new take on the material. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of heart in this attempt, and the wheels might have gone completely flat on this franchise.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 5th, 2016
1001 Movies To See Before You Die 2015 Edition. This book is huge and contains tons of photos and facts. We reviewed the book earlier and I’m not parting with my copy for anything. Lucky for you, our friends over at Barron's have decided to give a copy to one lucky reader. We saved one of the best for last. I hope you enjoyed our 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaways.
To win a copy of this prize, follow these instructions.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 4th, 2016
If you were a child in the 1960's or 1970's, you were around at the golden age of the Christmas television special. We just celebrated the 50th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas, and there were a ton of holiday charms that came and went each year. But there were a handful that became classics and found their way to the airwaves every year in December. Of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas became one of these, and it is indeed among the best. It was not the only special to become beloved by generations of viewers. Now Dreamworks has brought together seven of the most memorable of these classics. This was a wonderful trip down memory lane for me, as it will be for millions of children of all ages who looked forward to these event broadcasts each and every year. Now you can watch them whenever you want. And they might not be just for Christmas anymore.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 4th, 2016
"Let's be careful out there!"
The final season of Hill Street Blues arrives from Shout Factory. I think it's likely you already have the full series collection. If not, this isn't really the place to start. Over the course of seven years you really get a chance to get to know these characters. You see them evolve both as actors and characters. Yes, it all comes together with one of the better season finale episodes in television history. You just can't deny yourself a chance to see it all. Last year I took that journey once again and binged the entire seven seasons, and I'm up for it again. In case you missed what there was to say about the show...read on.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 4th, 2016
Hill Street Blues: The Final Season. It just might be one of the greatest shows in television history. It certainly changed the face of television drama. Shout Factory brings the season on home. Now we want to send the final season to your home.
To win a copy of this prize, follow these instructions.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 3rd, 2016
The Bible Collection. Our friendly little elf friends at history want to remind us all what Christmas is really about. It's not that small trees need love. This prize is a 16-disc collection of some of History's best Bible documentaries. You get episodes from Mysteries Of The Bible: The Bible's Greatest Heroes, Mysteries Of The Bible, The Execution Of Jesus, God vs. Satan: The Final Battle, Bible Stories From The Old Testament, Bible's Secrets Revealed, Mary Of Nazareth, Jesus: His Life, Christianity: The First Two Thousand Years and both parts of Banned From The Bible. All going to a lucky Upcomingdiscs follower.
To win a copy of this prize, follow these instructions.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 2nd, 2016
As soon as you see the opening credits to The Last House, you have a pretty idea that you're not in Kansas anymore, which was quite strange for me, since I'm supposed to be in Florida. Director Sean Cain lets you know up front that the film will challenge your ability to keep up. It doesn't help that you get an intercut of actor Ezra Buzzington spouting some kind of philosophy that makes no sense, partly because you can't understand everything he's even saying. Sadly, the film doesn't come with subtitles, so it appears that Cain just doesn't want you to get comfortable at all. Well... mission accomplished. So, is that a good thing or a bad thing?
As the film proper begins, we get to know a hooker named Love (Walsh). Yeah, typical hooker stage name, except Love is her real name, while her "hooker" name is Barbara. Already I think someone has seen way too many Kevin Smith films. She's fallen in love with one of her clients. Ned (Mewes) spends money for her time to give her a break from having to do what hookers do best. He finally convinces her to quit the sordid life and be with him full time. Of course, that isn't going to go over well with Sonny (Forcinito), her pimp. He has already committed her and two others to a private party for the night. So Love's going out on one last job before going straight. If that doesn't sound familiar, you're not watching enough movies.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 2nd, 2016
Duck Dynasty Seasons 1-8. Our friendly little elf friends at History want to give you the business. The Robertson family business, that is. Well...here it all is. Every episode of the first eight years including the Deck The Halls Christmas Special. You get 18 DVD's in all. It's our way of helping one lucky winner keep all their Ducks in a row. That means hours of Phil, Si, Willie and Jase. That also means hours of terrific guest stars and crazy antics.
To win a copy of this prize, follow these instructions.
