Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness
Posted in No Huddle by Gino Sassani on February 17th, 2015
“Three years ago brash billionaire daredevil Sly Baron vowed to make space tourism a reality. Today his lucky passengers are boldly going where none of them have been before. No, not Delaware…space.”
It’s a new frontier for the Scooby gang, but not the final one to be sure. Scooby Doo has spanned generations and over 40 years. Since the 1960’s the name and conventions have become a part of the pop culture. The original cartoon series had a series of conventions.
Read More
Walker, Texas Ranger: War Zone
Posted in No Huddle by Gino Sassani on February 17th, 2015
There was a new cowboy in Dallas, and he wasn’t throwing touchdown passes. But Walker was almost gone before he could really get started. After just four episodes, the show’s production company suffered financial collapse, and the show was rescued at the last minute by CBS Productions, who would continue to run the show for its nearly decade-long run. For nine years Norris brought us the ultimate Texas Ranger in a formula cops-and-robbers show. The show often became a parody of itself, but maintained a solid viewership throughout. Hell, Norris even sings the theme song.
Read More
RPG (Real Playing Game)
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on February 16th, 2015
Imagine if in the not too distant future you could have the opportunity to be young again, and for the right price you could possibly never have to worry about ever growing old ever again. RPG looks into this possibility and the chances people are willing to take for this chance to indulge their youth once again. But like with anything that seems too good to be true, there is a catch, and in this game there are actually two catches. First you need to have the millions of dollars in your bank account to even play the game, and the second catch is that you have to be the lone survivor of the game to receive the award of lasting youth.
Read More
Olive Kitteridge (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on February 16th, 2015
“Why are you so hateful, Olive?”
Olive Kitteridge — Elizabeth Strout’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel —has been adapted into a four-hour HBO miniseries. It’s probably the best possible outcome for Strout’s story, which deals with the legacy of depression, along with several other box office-unfriendly themes that would almost certainly prevent any proper Kitteridge adaptation from sniffing a multiplex. The miniseries is well-made, and the acting is top-notch. The problem for me was that, even with that four-hour running time, we don’t get a ton of insight into why the title character is so hateful.
Read More
Fifty Shades Of Grey
Posted in The Reel World by Brent Lorentson on February 13th, 2015
I hope you have your fuzzy cuffs ready. Not only is this weekend Valentine’s Day, but it is also the release of the highly anticipated film Fifty Shades of Grey. It’s just about impossible to have not heard of the enormously successful book series that women across the globe have devoured and obsessed over since the books first hit the shelves. It’s a phenomenon that has sparked interest in women to think of new and creative ways to spice things up in the bedroom. On the other hand, since the announcement of the book being made for the big screen, men across the globe have dreaded the day that their wives and girlfriends would drag them to the theaters.
Read More
Kingsman: The Secret Service
Posted in The Reel World by Gino Sassani on February 13th, 2015
“Did you see the movie Trading Places?”
Well, this isn’t that movie. It can be as funny as Trading Places, though. There aren’t any shades of gray here either. It’s good old fashioned “good guys and evil genius” stuff all the way. It’s a thrill ride that we won’t have to wait in long lines to get on. This is like going to a summer movie and trudging through the snow to get there. Depending on where you live, of course. I’m talking about Kingsmen: The Secret Service.
Read More
Frankenstein vs. The Mummy
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on February 12th, 2015
The days of Lon Chaney and Boris Karloff are long gone, but Hollywood refuses to give up on the classic monsters these men and others once brought to live on the big screen. Despite how many years have passed since these monsters of the night first terrified audiences, filmgoers continue to fork over their cash to see these stories rehashed again and again. In the new release of Frankenstein vs The Mumny, we see the revival of two classic monsters and the opportunity to see them battle head to head. Without the big budget to support this monster smackdown, is it still worth watching, or is this a battle that should have remained dead?
Read More
Poker Night (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on February 12th, 2015
As far as I’m concerned, a filmmaker has to work pretty hard to screw up a poker game. (And for the record, I feel the same way about cinematic sniper fights and train heists.) It’s an inherently high-stakes situation that is both familiar and unpredictable, and in the hands of the right director a poker game can be either thrilling or funny. At various points, Poker Night manages to be both. But even though I certainly wouldn’t say writer/director Greg Francis screwed up this stylish horror-crime thriller, the movie is flush with flashbacks and subplots that distract from the really good stuff.
Read More
Nicolas Le Floch – Volume Two
Posted in No Huddle by Jeremy Butler on February 12th, 2015
This being the first foreign series that I’ve covered for the site, I couldn’t be happier with the results. Knowing nothing about Nicolas Le Floch, I naturally had a few reservations about the series. It wasn’t in English, so how was I intended to comprehend what the characters were saying (knew I should have taken French in college)? Being that I’m ignorant of the laws and traditions of their government, how difficult would it be to follow the storyline? Of course these reservations were in vain as the series proved its worth with great ease, displaying all the great characteristics of the mysteries I love.
Read More
101 Dalmatians: Diamond Edition (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Athena on February 11th, 2015
Athena here. That’s right, I’m the Siberian Husky that kind of runs things here at Gino’s house. Since I did such a great job doing the review on Snow Dogs, I decided to step in when I saw Gino watching yet another dog film. This time it was Walt Disney’s classic 101 Dalmatians. Naturally the film would have been better if it had been called 101 Siberian Huskies, but unfortunately the film was based on a popular children’s book by Dodie Smith who happened to have Dalmatians herself, so let’s not blame her; she didn’t know any better. Walt Disney himself discovered the story and took a personal interest in having it made into an animated film.
Read More
Marie’s Mind for Murder
Posted in No Huddle by J C on February 11th, 2015
“I see the crime a bit differently.”
American television hasn’t quite cornered the worldwide market on unconventional, endearingly quirky investigators. MHz Networks has just released a hearty helping of German cop drama in the form of Marie’s Mind for Murder. Despite the violent crimes being investigated, the show would’ve fit snugly alongside lighthearted whodunnits like USA Network’s Monk or Psych. You get to sample plenty of Murder with this DVD set, considering there are 10 episodes that each clock in at a shade under 90 minutes.
Read More
Exclusive Interview With Thomas Dekker Of Fear Clinic
Posted in Podcasts by Gino Sassani on February 10th, 2015
Anchor Bay is releasing Fear Clinic today. It stars Robert Englund and Thomas Dekker. While we didn’t get a chance to have an encounter with Freddy Kruger himself, we did catch up with Thomas Dekker. You might remember him as Picard’s young son in Star Trek: Generations. I loved him as the iconic John Connor in The Sarah Connor Chronicles television follow-up to the Terminator films. We had a great time talking about all of these cool projects. You won’t want to miss Fear Clinic on Blu-ray or DVD, and you sure won’t want to miss my conversation with Thomas Dekker. So, bang it here to listen to my chat with Thomas Dekker.
Crime Scene Cleaner
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on February 10th, 2015
Consider that we are in a golden age of television, where it is just about impossible to keep up with all the good television shows, even with the luxury of DVR. That being said, the notion of taking on watching a show that is broadcast overseas can seem a little daunting (yes, I know there are still legions of loyal Doctor Who and Sherlock fans, just to name a few). When the offer came along to check out a comedy from Germany I was more than a little hesitant, but upon hearing the title Crime Scene Cleaner, well, my interest was piqued.
Read More
Seventh Son
Posted in The Reel World by Brent Lorentson on February 7th, 2015
Riding on the coattails of the success of the The Lord of the Rings films and The Hobbit, studios have attempted to cash in on the revived interest in fantasy films. There have been many flops along the way; Game of Thrones seems to be the only series that has managed to not only be a success but break out as a hit with a legion of loyal fans. Universal now has stepped up to the table to hopefully embark on what they could hope to be a new successful fantasy franchise with Seventh Son.
Read More
Jupiter Ascending
Posted in The Reel World by J C on February 6th, 2015
“To live is to consume.”
Sometimes it feels like we’ve already consumed every conceivable type of Hollywood blockbuster. Besides movies adapted from comic books or, um, older movies, we’ve gotten mega-budget films based on board games and theme park rides. And that’s why I was so excited and intrigued by Jupiter Ascending, especially when The Wachowskis’ nutso space opera was slated to hit theaters during what seemed like a particularly sequel-heavy Summer of 2014. The movie, in theory, represented a wholly original vision
Read More
Exists
Posted in No Huddle by Jeremy Butler on February 5th, 2015
I definitely give the creators points for shying away from the usual cast of creatures that are associated with a cabin in the woods. However, the fact that scenario is a bit cliche does take away from some the points given: a cabin in the woods, seriously? It’s getting a bit old, don’t you think? Don’t get me wrong, it does provide an isolated area where controlling the chaos is easier, and I supposed there is something to be said for being cut off from the populace. I suppose when thinking about further, it does create a chill factor; however, my opinion remains the same.
Read More
The Best of Me: Tears of Joy Edition (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on February 5th, 2015
“You want me to fall back in love with you? How do I do that if I never stopped?”
Or, in my case, how do I do that if I never started? Nicholas Sparks’ fans love the author as passionately and unabashedly as the lead characters in his best-selling books fawn over each other. But even though I think The Notebook is the ideal sappy romantic drama, I’ve never been part of that club. In fact, his stories — and the movie adaptations they spawn — seem to be getting worse. And yet I was somewhat intrigued by The Best of Me…at least until the movie’s monumentally dopey conclusion, which likely inspired the release of this “Tears of Joy” mea culpa Edition.
Read More
Exclusive Interview With Harrison Smith Writer/Director Of Zombie Killers: Elephant’s Graveyard
Posted in Podcasts by Gino Sassani on February 5th, 2015
We told you that there was more coming from Anchor Bay’s Zombie Killers: Elephant’s Graveyard. We also told you there would be more on Harrison Smith, the film’s writer and director. What else can we tell you? How about we let Harrison give you the goods himself? I had a chance to talk to the filmmaker. Here’s your chance to hear what he has to say. Bang it here to listen in on my chat with Harrison Smith.
Exclusive Interview With Felissa Rose From Zombie Killers: Elephant’s Graveyard
Posted in Podcasts by Gino Sassani on February 4th, 2015
You’re going to be seeing a lot from Anchor Bay’s Zombie Killers: Elephant’s Graveyard. It’s a new and interesting zombie franchise from writer/director Harrison Smith. No, not the one who plays for my NFL Vikings. More on him later. (The director, not the football player). The film stars, among others Felissa Rose. You might remember her as the 13 year old baddie in Sleepaway Camp. She’s been busy lately. You can catch her in Zombie Killers. I caught up to her last week and I got to talk to her about both films…and more. The movie is out now. She was super excited to talk. Bang it here to listen in on my chat with Felissa Rose.
A Little Game
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on February 4th, 2015
I have to admit, seeing Ralph Macchio in any role other than in The Karate Kid is a bit jarring for me. Growing up in the 80’s, it’s hard to see Macchio and not hope for him to randomly balance on one leg and do a crane kick, but alas, decades have passed and Macchio has come a long way. Now we get to see Macchio all grown up step into the role of dad in his new film A Little Game. While Macchio may share the headlines of this all-star cast that includes F. Murray Abraham, Janeane Garofalo, and Olympia Dukakis, the real star of the film is a name many would be unfamiliar with, Makenna Ballard.
Read More
Maison Close: Season One (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on February 4th, 2015
“No woman dreams of entering this profession. But it is a real profession…”
In fact, it’s commonly referred to as “the world’s oldest profession.” We’re talking, of course, about practice prostitution. The profession also happens to be the focus of the soapy, serialized Maison Close, which is set in a 19th century Parisian brothel. And thanks to Music Box Films, Season 1 of the French prostitution drama is now making its U.S. Blu-ray debut.
Read More
Exclusive Interview With Robert Kline Director/Writer The Reagans: The Legacy Endures
Posted in Podcasts by Gino Sassani on February 3rd, 2015
This week Image Entertainment releases The Reagans: The Legacy Endures. It’s a documentary on the life and presidency of Ronald Reagan. He was the 40th US President and certainly left his mark on history. The sportscaster turned actor turned political icon oversaw a critical period in world history. The Cold War was ending and the war on terror was just beginning. Robert Kline wrote and directed this intimate look at the Reagan Years. I had a chance to talk with him about the project. Bang it here to listen in on my chat with Robert Kline.
Open Windows (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on February 3rd, 2015
“You like that stuff, but it’s kind of a tease.”
Give Elijah credit for taking some interesting chances with his acting choices since his long and successful run with the Lord Of The Rings trilogy and his subsequent cameos in the Hobbit films as well. No one can accuse the actor of resting on his laurels. His roles have been outside the mainstream.
Read More
Contest: Win A Copy Of RPG (Real Playing Game) From ARC Entertainment
Posted in Contests, Expired Contests by Gino Sassani on February 2nd, 2015
Rutger Hauer is the star of this latest giveaway thanks to our good buddies over at Arc Entertainment. We’re talking future world where money just might buy one man eternal youth…or maybe an endless nightmare. It’s a game played for your life. We’re talking RPG (Real Playing Game) and it hits stores on Tuesday Feb. 10th. But we have 3 copies to give away here at Upcomingdiscs.
- Fill out your name and email address in the comment form below – your email address will remain private and visible only to us.
- Do not post your address as an actual comment! Instead tell us – What is your favorite video game of all time?
- Only those comments that answer our question will be considered.
Contest is now closed Winners are Jim Gardner, Kelvin Hobson & James Coyne
Winners are notified by E-mail. If you did not get a confirmation E-mail from us, check your Spam filter and contact us. Any prize not claimed in 2 weeks will be forfeit and be placed in the end of year contests next Holiday Season.
Big Driver
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on February 2nd, 2015
Despite Stephen King’s place in modern literary history, Hollywood continues to be hit-or-miss at successfully adapting King’s work for the big screen and television. Personally The Mist is one of my favorite films based off of King’s work, but one can never forget The Shawshank Redemption. Unfortunately, though, there are many more duds than there are successes when it comes to adapting “the Master of Horror’s” work. Big Driver is the most current work to be brought to the screen.
Read More