Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 15th, 2020
When Star Trek: Discovery was announced, I was quite happy to hear it. There had been a long gap since Star Trek had been on television, and I figured it was long past time to fly through the galaxy on a starship once again. The show finally aired after some real issues getting off the ground, and before I knew it I was back in a starship having a blast once again. Except it wasn't on Star Trek's Discovery I was having all of this fun. It was aboard Seth MacFarlane's Orville that the true spirit of Gene Roddenberry was exploring space once again. Who would have thunk it? Yes, The Orville is considered a comedy, and there are plenty of silly moments and ideas. But even with all of that spoof atmosphere, MacFarlane manages to capture the real spirit that Trek fans have come to feel for that franchise. Honestly, I'm not sure The Orville would have gotten through its first season if not for Alex Kurtzman destroying yet another beloved franchise. Trek fans turned to this show in droves out of frustration and desperation, and MacFarlane welcomed them aboard with a laugh and some alien adventures. It's a great example of that whole nature-abhors-a-vacuum thing. When Discovery went off the rails, The Orville filled the void left behind. If you missed the first season, you can get them now on DVD from Fox.
Ed Mercer (MacFarlane) was an up-and-coming officer in the Union Fleet when he walked in on his wife sleeping with a blue alien. It threw him and his career into a downward spiral. But the Union has thousands of ships, and they need captains, so he is finally offered a command of his own. It's going to be on a mid-sized ship with no real history of distinction, but he takes the command. There turns out to be something of a catch to the offer. His first officer is going to be Commander Kelly Grayson (Palicki), the now ex-wife he caught cheating. Apparently she's the only qualified officer available, so he's in a take-it-or-leave-it situation. What he doesn't know is that she's the one who petitioned for him to get a command because she felt guilty about causing his career to suffer.
Posted in: The Reel World by Gino Sassani on January 13th, 2020
For a while it was looking like 2019 was going to be a lackluster year for films. Once fall rolled around, we seemed to get bombarded with some quality award-worthy films, but aside from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, nothing jumped out at me as Best Picture. Sure, Joker was great, and I had a great time with Uncut Gems, but when 1917 rolled around, this was the film that left me in awe. Sure, there have been some great war films over the years. Platoon and Apocalypse Now are great Vietnam films; Saving Private Ryan is definitely a contender as the best film about WWII. Really, it would have been difficult to say what’s the best war film out there … well, that is, until now. It’s a bold statement, and I know many will disagree with me, but after two screenings of 1917, I’m feeling pretty confident when I say this is the best and my favorite war film. What’s even more impressive is how 1917 manages to stand out from the big blockbusters, sequels, and comic book films and stand alone as a film that can remind viewers about that magic that comes with seeing a movie on the big screen and in Dolby sound.
The film’s setup is relatively simple. Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) are tasked with the mission to cross into enemy territory to deliver a message to prevent an attack that will lead 1,600 men into a trap. The pair has to complete their mission before daybreak the next day; failure will pretty much mean certain death for Blake’s brother and most of the troops. No time is wasted in getting the story in motion, and once the two men set off on their journey, the film simply doesn’t slow down. The film takes along their journey from deep into the trenches, to across a blood-soaked, corpse-riddled battlefield, to boobytrapped dugouts, and cities in ruin from the war. I couldn’t help but think to myself the second time around how the journey that Blake and Schofield isn’t all too different from the journey the Frodo and Sam took on their adventure to destroy the ring by taking it to Mordor, only the distinct difference is 1917 is set during WWI.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 5th, 2020
Imprisoned on Blu-ray. Cinema Libre Studios has joined the list of contributors to our Christmas contests. We just made some new friends over there, and to celebrate they sent us over a copy of Imprisoned with Laurence Fishburne. Jeremy will be reviewing the disc soon, but now's your chance to jump on the last of our holiday contests. We all look forward to a brand new year of bringing you the best home theater coverage and beyond.
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Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 4th, 2020
Ralph Breaks The Internet on Blu-ray. We already set up the first film now you can take a shot at the sequel. This time Ralph has a mission and we get to see the world expand. It's a great family film that works for the kids with plenty of references to make adults smile. Thanks to our buddies at Disney.
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Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 3rd, 2020
Murdoch Mysteries: The Christmas Cases. You get a triple-dose of Detective Murdoch with three Christmas cases on DVD. The specially festive package includes A Merry Murdoch Christmas, Once Upon A Murdoch Christmas and Home For The Holidays. If you thought those Christmas shopping crowds were murder wait until you get your hands on this little package. It’s a decidedly British Christmas full of mystery and thrills. All from our pals at Acorn.
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Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 2nd, 2020
Widows on Blu-ray. What happens when a group of criminals get killed in a daring heist? The women take over. That's what happens in Widows featuring Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez and Liam Neeson. It all comes to one lucky winner thanks to our pals over at Fox.
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Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on December 31st, 2019
The Omen Collection: Deluxe Edition on Blu-ray. This is a big one, folks. Those friendly elves over at Shout Factory want to make you scream for the holidays. You get the original film The Omen and all three sequels: Damien: Omen II, The Final Conflict and The Omen IV: The Awakening. Then you get the remake film The Omen. There are a ton of features in this 5-disc Blu-ray collection.
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Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on December 31st, 2019
Veronica Mars (2019) The Complete First Season on DVD. Veronica is back with a revival series with all of the things you loved about the original run. You get the whole first season and a few extras sprinkled in just to make it more fun. You can thank our pals over at Warner Brothers.
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Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on December 30th, 2019
Stuber on Blu-ray. 20th Century Fox has joined the Disney family and that means a few buddies who are looking out for our family. Stuber stars Kumail Nanjiani and Dave Bautista in one of the most outrageous Uber ride ever. Now you can check out the fun.
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Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on December 29th, 2019
The Nutcracker And The Four Realms on Blu-ray. Our good friends down at Disney make it a hat-trick for our Christmas giveaways. This time it's the musical Holiday spirit of The Nutcracker And The Four Realms. It's filled with music and magic and could be heading your way in the new year.
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