Posted in: Uncategorized by Gino Sassani on June 22nd, 2012
It's been a busy weekend for movies. We also caught Pixar's new film Brave. A review is coming. It's another fun adventure. While you're waiting go behind the scenes for some Pixar magic
Posted in: The Reel World by Gino Sassani on June 22nd, 2012
Expectations can mean everything when you go into a film. That's usually a problem for that certain class of movie which defies definition at almost every turn. It's the kind of movie that often flows from a first-time director and writer. It's also the kind of film that plays best in the festival circuit where the audience isn't really looking to so much pigeonhole a movie as much as a mainstream audience does. When Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World decided to join a crowded summer of blockbuster anchor films, it invited such expectations. I won't deny that I had them. And this is a case where I walked away from a film very much unlike what I expected...for the better.
The world is about to end. An asteroid named Matilda (huh?) is careening toward the Earth, and the last effort to pull an Armageddon-style rescue plan has failed. Mankind has about three weeks until the next extinction event on planet Earth. People react differently to the news. There are the expected riots and chaos, of course. Some use the news as an excuse to party, as if they really needed one. Some reexamine their lives, while others turn to spirituality. Some just want someone to spend the end with.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on June 20th, 2012
Our friends at A&E & Lifetime have given us two movies to give away to a couple of lucky readers. We have Girl Fight with Anne Heche and James Tupper along with The Bell Ring Yn Chang and Austin Butler.
To win just follow these instructions.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on June 20th, 2012
"I'm a consulting detective of some repute. Perhaps you've heard of me? My name is Sherlock Holmes."
In 1887, readers of the popular periodical Beeton’s Christmas Annual were to receive quite a special treat. There wasn’t much fanfare or hype to the event. Inside the pages of the magazine was a story called A Study In Scarlet. It was a detective story, perhaps like many published before, except for the detective himself, a certain Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Together with his faithful companion and chronicler Dr. Watson, Holmes would win the hearts of those holiday readers. It might have been an ordinary day, but the world was about to change. Sherlock Holmes would become the most famous detective in the world. His stories would remain in print nearly 130 years later. Over 100 films would be made featuring the character. There would be television shows and cartoon spoofs. No other character has appeared in more productions. When his creator dared to kill the beloved detective in order to move on to newer stories, his very life was threatened. It would seem that Doyle was on the verge of becoming a victim much like those in his stories. There was only one man who could save him from such a grim fate, and he did just that. It was Sherlock Holmes himself.
Posted in: Podcasts by Gino Sassani on June 18th, 2012
In celebration of the release of Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp coming out on DVD, I had the chance to talk to Bernie Kopell. Most of you might remember him as Siegfried, Max's archenemy on Get Smart or Doc from The Love Boat for 250 episodes. Bang it here to listen in on the conversation: Bernie Kopell Interview
Proceeds from the release go to the Wildlife Waystation where Lance is enjoying his retirement. Bank it here to see what they're up to: Wildlife Waystation
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on June 16th, 2012
Our wonderful friends at A&E and History have given us a monster Father's Day package to give away. It's a wonderful chance to share some great A&E titles with your pop. Here's what you'll get:
WWII IN HD on Blu-ray. This 4-disc collection is the sharpest footage ever of WWII and in color.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on June 14th, 2012
It's the next shocking release in the Bloody Disgusting Selects Series. very cool friends at Salient Media have given us a copy of Exit Humanity on DVD to give away. It's been 10 years since the American Civil War and now the place is crawling with Zombies.
To win this DVD just follow these instructions.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on June 13th, 2012
"In the 19th century Jules Verne wrote some of the greatest adventure stories ever told. Novels such as 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Journey To The Center Of The Earth and The Mysterious Island. Most consider these works of science fiction. Vernians know otherwise."
In 2008 Brendan Frasier had himself a rather unexpected hit with Journey To The Center Of The Earth. That film posed the fantastic question: What if the works of Jules Verne were not based on fantasy at all, but rather actual events, people and places. Frasier's Trevor Anderson was part of a family whose tradition for generations was to safe keep these Verne secrets. The film was intended as a nice 3D romp and pulled in a respectable amount at the box office. We knew that meant more. The only question was: Would we continue with that story or strike out on an entirely new Jules Verne adventure? With an almost entirely new cast, the studio decided on taking the later road. Enter Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on June 12th, 2012
"Before my father died, he said that the worst thing about growing old was that other men stopped seeing you as dangerous. I've always remembered that, how being dangerous was sacred, a badge of honor. You live your life by a code, an ethos. Everyone does. It's your shoreline. It's what guides you home. And, trust me, you're always trying to go home."
It would be easy to dismiss Act Of Valor as either a recruiting tool piece of propaganda or yet another in an endless line of war films attempting to capture some form of authenticity. It would be easy, if you haven’t seen the film. I can promise you that no matter what your views on war or the military in general, the one thing you simply won’t be able to do is dismiss Act Of Valor.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on June 12th, 2012
"I'm Rick Harrison, and this is my pawn shop. I work here with my old man and my son, Big Hoss. Everything in here has a story ... and a price. One thing I've learned after 21 years? You never know what is going to come through that door."
Remember that PBS show where some old-stuff expert would come to your town and sift through a lot of junk that folks found in their basements or attics? Remember that he would give you a story about the items these people brought in? The idea was that once in a while someone discovered valuable treasure in those dusty rooms. Remember that show? This isn't that show. It does, however, have some things in common with the old PBS program.
![WWII in HD [Blu-ray] dvd cover art](https://upcomingdiscs.com/ecs_covers/wwii-in-hd-blu-ray-large.jpg)
