Posted in: Contests, Expired Contests by Gino Sassani on August 4th, 2014
Arc Entertainment decided to turn up the heat this summer, and they want Upcomingdiscs readers to share in the action. They've sent over 3 copies of Jesse on DVD for us to give away. This one's got it all: corrupt cops, mafia guys and Stephanie Finochio in the middle of it all as Jesse, a rather troubled cop. The film also stars Eric Roberts, William Forsythe, and one of my favorites, Armand Assante.
To win just follow these instructions.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on July 31st, 2014
"Make no mistake. Blood will be spilled. Lives will be lost. Fortunes will be made. Men will be ruined. There will be betrayal and scandal and perfidy of epic proportions."
With a statement like that, how can you not want to check out AMC's newest drama series Hell On Wheels? I've been told the title sounds like it's about motorcycle gangs, and I couldn't agree more. The term refers to the mobile tent city that housed the workers on the Union Pacific Railroad and the support entourage the camp attracted. It was a virtual tent city that had all of the essentials: a church, bar, and whorehouse.
Posted in: Contests, Expired Contests by Gino Sassani on July 29th, 2014
Those real cool cats up at Nasser Entertainment must love you guys. They've given us 5 copies of Amber Alert: Terror On The Highway to give away to our Upcomingdiscs faithful. That means you've got 5 chances to dig your teeth into this dramatic thriller. It stars Tom Berener, Torri Higginson and Britt McKillip and produced by real reserve police officer Joseph Nasser. It's a rare look at the national Amber Alert System and an edge-of-your-seat thriller. It's out this week on DVD.
To win just follow these instructions.
Posted in: Contests, Expired Contests by Gino Sassani on July 28th, 2014
Our good friends over at Entertainment One what to give you some Hell... Hell On Wheels that is. We're giving away a copy of Hell On Wheels Season 3 on DVD to one lucky Upcomingdiscs fan. This one has it all. We're talking gritty action and wonderful characters. I'll be reviewing the series soon, Spoiler Alert: It's fantastic! It's all here in one place. This 3-disc set is a must have. To win just follow these instructions.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on July 22nd, 2014
It happens all the time. It's just as common on large-budget films as it is on the small films. Someone comes up with a great hook. It's a clever idea with all of the potential to be very good. It might even start off that way. Too many times the road traveled is a road to nowhere, and potential was lost somewhere along the path. That's exactly the issue with Open Grave. The opening sequence is one of those scenes that really sticks with you. A guy wakes up in a huge pit filled with dead and rotting human beings.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on July 22nd, 2014
"There are over 120,000 juveniles incarcerated in detection centers across the United States. Upon release 75% will either return to prison or die in the street. What follows is based on the true story of Camp Kilpatrick and the people there who tried to make a difference."
The Rock -- sorry, Dwayne Johnson, sure has come a long way from his melodramatic days as a WWE superstar.
Posted in: Podcasts by Gino Sassani on July 21st, 2014
A while back we reviewed the film Lucky Bastard. (Review) Since that time the film's creative folks have taken a little heat. The film is rated NC-17 but it's neither particularly violent or pornographic. Naturally, these guys have something to say. I ended up talking to Lukas Kendall, one of the co-writers. He had some really interesting things to say. He was great fun to talk with. This is one of our liveliest interviews. You don't want to miss what he has to say. Don't take my word for it. Bang it here to sit in on my chat with Lukas Kendall
If you're interested in checking out his petition to the MPAA make sure to bang it here, as well: Fix The MPAA Rating System
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on July 21st, 2014
Pacino and Depp in a mob drama about an undercover fed and his unknowing Mafioso mentor? Fuggedaboudit. Donnie Brasco is based on the true story of F.B.I. agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp, Blow), who spent six successful years undercover in the New York Mafia, as one Donnie Brasco. The film opens with Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino, Heat), an aging made man, connecting with Donnie about a diamond ring. Donnie’s cover is he’s in the jewelry “business”, and Lefty wants to unload a ring some guy …gave him as payment for a debt.
Posted in: Podcasts by Gino Sassani on July 20th, 2014
Once again I caught up with director Declan O'Brien. We talked with him after he had finished Wrong Turn 4. We reviewed Wrong Turn 5 where Declan continued to impress. He is one of the best when it comes to dealing with budgets. He makes sure every cent is on the screen. He did it again with Joy Ride 3. Yet another franchise saved. Most car crash films spend more on one stunt than Declan had for the entire film. Yet, he delivered again. Sit in with my latest talk with Declan O'Brien. Bang it here to join the conversation: Declan O'Brien
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on July 20th, 2014
"Let me know when the governor gets here."
Well, he's in the house, and I'm going to get a lot of razzing for this review of Last Action Hero. The person who thought I should see a shrink for looking forward to the next Saw film is going to be calling for my outright commitment to an institution dedicated to covering walls with nice padding so we won't hurt ourselves. I know this film is generally considered "bad" by critics and moviegoers alike.