Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 25th, 2018
"The games have begun again, and they will not stop until the sins against the innocent are atoned for."
It has been about seven years since last we heard Tobin Bell ask if we wanted to play a game. From 2004 until 2010 we were treated to seven films in quick succession, with The Final Chapter apparently bringing the popular franchise to an end. But most of us were pretty sure that the end wasn't quite so near. The films brought in billions of dollars and even inspired a new escape room industry around the globe where people could work out puzzles and attempt to beat a ticking clock to get out of a themed room.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 24th, 2018
Lynda La Plante is quite a fixture in the British television landscape. She has been a television writer since the 1970's and has been producing her own creations since the 1990's. Her shows often feature a woman in some kind of authority position fighting the good fight in a law enforcement tradition that leans heavily in the male department. Likely American audiences know her best from her more recent Prime Suspect series which has enjoyed some success here in the States. It wasn't long before that show that she was writing and producing a series of television movies with the overall title of The Commander. The films ran from 2003 until about 2008 when the final film was released as a three-part show. Acorn has put together a 7 disc DVD collection of the show's entire run.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 24th, 2018
"Lion’s Guard, let's go!"
For many years The Lion King was the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It remains one of the most beloved films in history. It marked the last of the Disney classic animation triumphs. Combined with the Elton John and Tim Rice songs, it is one of those generational films. While there has never been a feature film follow-up at the box office, there have been a few attempts to keep the franchise alive, and why not? A direct- to-video film told the same story from the unique point of view of the popular characters Timon and Pumbaa.
Posted in: The Reel World by Gino Sassani on January 21st, 2018
"We just shoot you. Less paperwork."
Most of us like a good heist film. It's fun to watch clever crooks work out complicated plans and then execute them. It's not hard to root for the crooks if they're likable enough characters. With me I almost have a kind of reluctant respect for criminals who are able to outsmart sophisticated systems. There's something about the perfect crime that fascinates a film lover like me. Logan Lucky was one of the better heist films I've seen in years, and I was ready to spend an hour and a half being impressed by ingenious crooked plan that runs like clockwork once again.
Posted in: The Reel World by Gino Sassani on January 19th, 2018
"Afghanistan is the graveyard of empires."
You will hear it said several times throughout 12 Strong: For over 2000 years invaders and conquerors throughout history have attempted to bring the mountainous country under a foreign flag. The Russians had been the latest power to attempt to fight there, and in the 1980's that war quickly became their own Vietnam. Such was the plight of the American armed forces after Bin Laden sent planes crashing into buildings on September 11, 2001.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 17th, 2018
"Believe it or not, anyone can be famous. And you don't really need God-given abilities to do it. That doesn't mean you go out and shoot up a crowded theater. That's wrong. If you're motivated you can get yourself on a reality TV show or jump cars on a motorcycle, or marry a movie star. Or simply find a wife willing to have 20 kids. As for myself, my best shot at the limelight is to buddy up to the President. I just need the attention of the media first."
It was artist Any Warhol who said that in the future everyone would be famous for 15 minutes.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 6th, 2018
That's right Lucky 13th Day Of Christmas. Ok it turns out our pals over at Film Movement might not know how to count. But that's good news for you guys. it looks like we have 4-film grab bag from Film Movement. And we have 3 of these to give away. Each winner gets: The War Show ( a group of artists and activists in Syria live the nightmare of that country's bloody civil war), The Settles(see what life is like for the Jewish settlers who live in the occupied territories of The West Bank), Be Right Back (Meet one of the most controversial artists of all time) and Karl Marx City (a filmmaker visits the what was the German Democratic Republic 25 years after the collapse seeking answers to her father's suicide). These films represent groundbreaking foreign films and you can win all 4 with just one entry. We're giving away 3 sets. Enter today before somebody over there finds out these DVD's are missing.
Contest is now closed Winners are Bill Norris, Jim Gardner & Carol
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 5th, 2018
The Red Skelton Hour In Color: Deluxe Edition on DVD. Time-Life started this whole 12-day celebration with a mega-set of Bob Hope. Now they're closing it out with another super collection. This one will have you seeing Red -- Red Skelton, that is. Fans of this classic show will be wanting to get their hands on this mega-set. This is a 22-disc set that includes the rare color episodes and tons of bonus material. Everything fans want? This set's got it. And we've got one to give away thanks to our best buddies at Time-Life.
Contest is now closed Winner is Ronald Oliver
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 4th, 2018
The longest running show in prime time doesn’t feature cops, doctors, or lawyers. It’s hard to believe that The Simpsons have existed as long as the Fox network. While the series didn’t really begin until Fox’s second year, the characters were part of The Tracey Ullman Show, which did start the first year of Fox. Who could have guessed that an animated short from an otherwise horrible and doomed variety show would explode into such a phenomenon? The Simpsons have not only dominated the pop culture; they have placed everything else into context with their show. Like Doonesbury, it could be said that the only thing worse than being made fun of on The Simpsons is not being made fun of on The Simpsons. With that said, you’ll understand my warm feelings and appreciation for this show.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on January 4th, 2018
The Boss Baby on Blu-ray. Universal didn't want to get left out of our giveaways so they sent over The Boss. No, it's not Bruce, it's Alex Baldwin voicing that lovable Boss Baby. Remember that cookies are for closers, and I've had more than enough cookies in the last month. So put down that extra cookie and enter to win The Boss Baby on Blu-ray.
Contest is now closed Winner is Pauline Milner
