Bull: Season One
Posted in No Huddle by Gino Sassani on August 29th, 2017
“I’m Dr. Jason Bull. I’m not a lawyer. I’m an expert in what’s called trial science. I study the jury’s behavioral patterns. I know what they’re thinking before they do. Everything my team learns gets plugged into a matrix, which allows us to assemble a shadow jury that is scary in its predictive efficiency. The verdict you get depends on me, and that’s no bull.”
When Michael Weatherly left NCIS after 13 seasons, it’s not like he didn’t have a pretty wide safety net.
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The Lion King: The Circle Of Life Edition (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on August 29th, 2017
“From the day we arrive on the planet and blinking, step into the sun, there’s more to see than can ever be seen. More to do than can ever be done. There’s far too much to take in here. More to find than can ever be found…”
There’s a period in the 1990’s that has often been referred to as the second golden age of Disney animation. The studio had fallen from its once mighty perch, and most film historians tend to agree there was a creative dark ages through the 1980’s.
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Tuesday Round Up: August 29, 2017
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on August 29th, 2017
With school back in session and summer pretty much in the rearview mirror, this seems like an odd time to head back to the beach. Well thanks to Paramount, the beach is coming to us! This week, we’ll be analyzing the gleaming abs, heaving bosoms, and schlocky special effects of Paramount’s Baywatch (4K). Meanwhile, Universal has its sights set on the cheesy TV show’s original star with Killing Hasselhoff, and RLJ Entertainment confronts the Evil in Us. Warner Bros. vamps it up with The Originals: Season 4 and checks in with Charlie Brown and Co. thanks to Peanuts: School Days. Warner also brings us a double dose of everyone’s favorite Caped Crusader with Gotham: Season 3 and the animated flick Batman and Harley Quinn. Elsewhere, CBS is on the case with Elementary: Season 5 and NCIS: Season 14. Finally, Disney gets in touch with its wild side thanks to nature doc Born in China and transports us to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars Rebels: Season 3.
Before signing off for the week (and for August), here’s the usual reminder: if you’re shopping for anything on Amazon and you do it through one of our links, it’ll help keep the lights on here at UpcomingDiscs. See ya next week!
Oxenfree
Posted in No Huddle by Jeremy Butler on August 28th, 2017
Tragedy has a way of tearing families apart, and that is the case in Oxenfree, a story about three foster brothers who reunite at their family’s vacation lodge. As expected, their reunion is not a happy one, as old wounds are reopened and differences are brought to the forefront. But beyond that, Oxenfree displays a childlike wonder that you cannot help but enjoy as the three embrace the better parts of their childhoods via the retelling of a ghost story passed down from generation to generation, as well as an epic battle for a makeshift fort. It is definitely a film worth seeing, and a wholesome experience that the entire family can enjoy.
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Lucifer: The Complete Second Season
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on August 24th, 2017
It seems there is no end in sight for comic book properties being bought and turned into movies or television series. Lucifer is one of the newer properties getting the television treatment, and personally this was a title I was looking forward to. With Tom Kapinos (Californication and Dawson’s Creek) at the helm, this seemed like it would be a good fit, though one thing did nag at me. When you have a show called Lucifer and it is about the devil taking a vacation on Earth, is broadcast television really the proper outlet? As a fan of Californication I was excited to see what Kapinos would do with the material and for the most part the show doesn’t disappoint.
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I Am the Blues
Posted in No Huddle by Dan Holland on August 24th, 2017
The blues has had a tremendous impact on our contemporary popular culture, as it is largely the foundation of what we have come to understand as “pop music.” Without the blues, cultural phenomena such as Rock N’ Roll, Beatlemania, the British Invasion, heavy metal, hip-hop, gangsta rap, grunge, and contemporary pop would have evolved much differently. Even as I look over that list, I can’t make an argument for any one of those cultural shifts to be as impactful or as lasting as the blues. Perhaps I am a little biased as a rock enthusiast and musician, but every good guitar player knows that most of their stylistic flair can be traced right back to the Deep South.
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Wolves
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on August 23rd, 2017
I used to be a basketball fan back in the ’90s when Michael Jordan was a God on the court and you had Larry Johnson as “Grandmama” before Madea was ever a thing. Every year, some sort of inspirational sports story seems to come out. And for the most part it seems, whether it’s basketball or another sport, it’s generally the same story. But every once in a while one of the films will break the mold and give us something special. Don’t get to excited: I’m not saying Wolves is one of those films, but it is at least better than most of the other films of its ilk.
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Tuesday Round Up: August 22, 2017
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on August 22nd, 2017
It was almost 40 years ago that director Ridley Scott brought the first film in the Alien franchise to theaters and taught us that in space no one can hear you scream. Then again, maybe all they need in space to hear us is the latest Oppo player and a sweet UHD home theater set-up. Fox delivers some out-of-this-world thrills with Alien: Covenant (4K). On top of that, Warner Bros. looks up in the sky for Supergirl: Season 2 and goes down below for a devilishly good time with Lucifer: Season 2. Finally, CBS is on the case with NCIS: Los Angeles — Season 8 and keeps it in the family with Blue Bloods: Season 7.
Before you run off until next week, here’s for your customary reminder: if you’re shopping for anything on Amazon and you do it through one of our links, it’ll help keep the lights on here at UpcomingDiscs. See ya next week!
Congratulations to Brent Lorentson on 500 reviews
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on August 21st, 2017
If you’ve visited our site at any point throughout the last five years, you know who Brent is. Besides being our resident gorehound and an invaluable contributor to this website, Brent is also the fifth member of the 500 club here at Upcomingdiscs! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out his past reviews…and keep an eye out for what he has to say about your favorite movie in the near future.
Please join us in wishing congrats to Brent.
Here’s to the next 500 reviews!
Chuck (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on August 21st, 2017
“My name is Chuck Wepner. You don’t know me…well, you do know me, but you don’t know you know me.”
Unless you’re a hardcore boxing fan (or a Jersey boy/girl), chances are you don’t know the name Chuck Wepner. On the other hand, you don’t have to be a sports buff or a movie buff to know the name Rocky Balboa. Wepner is a former heavyweight boxer, and his 1975 title bout with Muhammad Ali served as the inspiration for Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar-winning classic. Originally titled The Bleeder (my two cents…they should’ve stuck with that title), Chuck is the story of “The Real Rocky.”
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The Hitman’s Bodyguard
Posted in The Reel World by Jeremy Butler on August 18th, 2017
– “It’s my job to keep you out of harm’s way.”
– “I am harm’s way!”
In The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Samuel L. Jackson is the very definition of badass as contract killer Darius Kincaid. Which begs the question: why would a prolific hitman need a bodyguard? That question is a great source of entertainment throughout the film’s duration. Needless to say, the bodyguard is not necessary, but no one could ever doubt that the pairing of Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds is comedic gold. The Hitman’s Bodyguard is without question one of the best films of the summer.
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Snatched (UHD Blu-ray) (4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on August 18th, 2017
It’s not that hard to understand why Hollywood icon Goldie Hawn came out of semi-retirement to star in Snatched alongside comedian Amy Schumer. The South American-set mother/daughter comedy filmed in picturesque Hawaii, and Schumer was a hot box office commodity coming off the successful Trainwreck. (Holy oxymoron!) I just wish Hawn’s first movie in 15 years — a co-headlining gig, no less! — wasn’t such a wildly uneven effort. Because even though Snatched doesn’t fully utilize the talents of its legend, it’s apparent that Goldie’s still got it.
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on August 18th, 2017
Reboots are all the rage in Hollywood, in case you haven’t heard. Even a relatively low-key property like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cinematic Universe series isn’t immune. Based on the wildly popular books by author Jeff Kinney, the first three movies featured the same core group of likable actors and become rock solid hits made on modest budgets. So you can understand why Fox would want to keep the series going, even if original star Zachary Gordon became too old to play the perpetually put-upon (and middle school-aged) Greg Heffley. This latest offering features an all-new cast, but too much of the same cringeworthy and juvenile humor; it’ll make you wish someone had hidden the reset button from this franchise.
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (UHD Blu-ray) (4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Brent Lorentson on August 17th, 2017
“Of course I have issues; that’s my father.”
When I walked out of the theater in 2014 after seeing Guardians of the Galaxy, I knew I had just seen something special, and knowing a sequel was already guaranteed had me excited to see what was next for this band of misfits. Since the release in 2014 the film hasn’t just become my favorite Marvel film; it is one of my favorite films, period. So as photos and trailers began to trickle out, I began to wonder if Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 could actually hold up to the first.
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Exclusive Interview With Daniel Cross Director Of I am the Blues
Posted in Podcasts by Gino Sassani on August 17th, 2017
There is a dying breed of musicians in the deep south that are the last remnants of the roots of the Blues. Many of them are gone and those that do remain are in their 80’s and 90’s. Someone needed to get down there and capture this treasure before it’s gone forever. That somebody turns out to be Daniel Cross, who put together the visceral and emotional documentary I Am The Blues. He spent time with these musicians. He listened to their stories and their songs. I had the opportunity to talk with Daniel and he shared those experiences. You really have to hear what he discovered. Bang it here to listen in on my chat with Daniel Cross
You can also find out more about the film and see extra footage by banging it here: I Am The Blues
Union Furnace
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on August 17th, 2017
A few minutes of watching the news lately will reflect an ongoing division in race, but the one divide that seems to be more prevalent is the one between blue- and white-collar Americans. The Purge franchise has tapped into this and the exploitation of the classes being ramped up to a high degree. But personally I feel that’s a franchise that still is missing a rawness that never quite allows you to feel that it is real; it’s like a dark fairytale of what may come in the distant future. Union Furnace, instead, takes a more grounded approach to the upper class taking advantage of those in need and presents what could be a terrifying reality going on in small town America.
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Exclusive Interview With George Schlatter Creator Of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In
Posted in Podcasts by Gino Sassani on August 15th, 2017
It was 50 years ago this year that Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In first appeared on NBC. It quickly took the country by storm. The show added such pop culture staples as Sock It To Me, You Bet Your Bippy and Here Comes The Judge. The show managed to attract the biggest names in entertainment of the era. The cast have gone on to become household names. It’s where stars like Goldie Hawn, Arti Johnson and Lily Tomlin got their starts. And it all started with the mind of George Schlatter. After all of those years George still has quite a bit of spunk left. I had the honor to spend nearly a half hour talking to him. Now you get to hear what he had to say. Bang it here to listen to my chat with George Schlatter.
You can also find out more about the complete series of Laugh-In by going Here.
Look for our review of the complete series coming in the weeks ahead.
Billions: Season Two
Posted in No Huddle by Gino Sassani on August 15th, 2017
In one corner you have U.S Attorney Chuck “The Scholar” Rhodes, played by Paul Giamatti. He’s the reigning world champion with a record of 80+ to 0. In the other corner is Bobby “Axe” Axelrod, played by Damian Lewis; he could also be considered undefeated. He runs a sexy brokerage firm. Both of these guys walk and talk like champs. There’s a lot of trash-talk between them, but both have very lurid and potentially devastating skeletons in their perspective closets. This season finds them each willing to risk anything just to get to the other.
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NCIS: New Orleans: The Third Season
Posted in No Huddle by Gino Sassani on August 15th, 2017
“Welcome back to New Orleans.”
The most recent member of the NCIS family enters its third season. There are some changes, but not just in the show’s cast. I have noticed a concerted effort to use the term NOLA by both the characters and various signs and symbols displayed throughout the new season. It’s a bit odd, because at one point a character chastises an outsider that the locals prefer New Orleans. Minutes later that same character uses the term NOLA. The crew now even wear lanyards that say NCIS:NOLA on them. I have not been to New Orleans post-Katrina, so I’m not up on whatever local thing might be going on with the name.
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Tuesday Round Up: August 15, 2017
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on August 15th, 2017
Everyone’s favorite rag-tag team of rollicking a-holes is back for another adventure. And no I’m not talking about myself and the rest of the UpcomingDiscs staff…Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 arrives in 4K! But that’s not the only ultra-HD title we’re bringing you this week: Warner Bros. reboots one of the world’s most famous stories with King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (4K). Meanwhile, Lionsgate hops in the backseat with The Lincoln Lawker (4K), while Cinedigm shoots straight with Hickok (4K). Paramount steps into the ring with Chuck, CBS visits the Big Easy with NCIS: New Orleans — Season 3, and Showtime goes for broke with Billions: Season 2. Meanwhile, Metropol Pictures turns up the heat with Union Furnace, while Fox pages through the Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul and visits South America for the Amy Schumer/Goldie Hawn kidnapping caper Snatched.
But wait…there’s more! Friday brings a pair of new theatrical releases for us to review: we’ll let you know if it’s safe to check out The Hitman’s Bodyguard and spend a day at the races with Logan Lucky, Steven Soderbergh’s new heist comedy. One last reminder before signing off for the week: if you’re shopping for anything on Amazon and you do it through one of our links, it’ll help keep the lights on here at UpcomingDiscs. See ya next week!
The Lincoln Lawyer (UHD Blu-ray) (4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by John Delia on August 15th, 2017
Suspenseful, intriguing, and exciting, The Lincoln Lawyer makes the legal system entertaining. With all the TV attorney shows pushing for top ratings, this film comes at the right time. A strong cast, excellent direction, and a riveting storyline make The Lincoln Lawyer a must-see. Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) keeps his legal business close to him, in his car. Defending the lowlifes or whoever desperately needs legal assistance, Mick turns down very few clients. While working on a questionable case, his confidant Val Valenzuela (John Leguizamo) gives him the name of Beverly Hills playboy Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe).
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John Wayne Double Feature Rio Lobo/Big Jake (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on August 15th, 2017
“It is, I think, going to be a very harsh and unpleasant kind of business and will, I think, require an extremely harsh and unpleasant kind of man to see to it.”
That man, of course, is John Wayne. They called him The Duke, and he was indeed western cinema royalty for six decades. He represented the American ideal of the tough guy who stood up for the weak and didn’t shy away from a fight. His characters usually worked hard, and they played just as hard. He had a unique way of turning a phrase and has been one of the most widely impersonated Hollywood voices. By the time the 1970’s rolled around, Wayne was coming to the end of a long career.
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King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (UHD Blu-ray) (4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Jeremy Butler on August 14th, 2017
“For centuries man and mage lived side by side in peace until the rise of the mage sorcerer Mordred. Turning his dark ambition against man, he marches on the last remaining stronghold: Camelot.”
So it finally happened: I found a Guy Ritchie film that I didn’t enjoy. I wasn’t expecting much from King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, but it is worth noting that I got even less than I expected. I know that sounds cruel, and I will admit that there were a few things that I did enjoy, but the number of things that went wrong versus what went right is not a close margin.
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Annabelle: Creation
Posted in The Reel World by Brent Lorentson on August 10th, 2017
Following the success of The Conjuring, it was no surprise that sequels would follow, but I have to admit seeing an Annabelle film was a bit unexpected. While The Conjuring was based on true events (as true as one may or may not wish to believe in the paranormal), Annabelle was mostly a work of fiction. I’ll admit I’m a bit of the fan of the Warrens and have read plenty about their investigations, and I certainly feel their life is ripe for the Hollywood treatment along with the hundreds of case files they developed over the years. While the first Annabelle did well at the box office, it took a beating by critics, but those involved at the studio see that there is still money to be made as they continue to expand the franchise.
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Big Little Lies (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on August 10th, 2017
Big Little Lies — HBO’s star-studded and (deservedly) Emmy-nominated limited series — is structured like a typical murder mystery. We know someone has been killed, but we don’t know the perpetrator or even identity of the victim. On top of that, the limited series format promises that we’ll actually have an answer by time these episodes wrap up (**cough** The Killing). But the reason Big Little Lies shines— other than top-notch performances and stellar direction — is because beneath the murder-mystery veneer lies a darkly funny drama about all manner of adult relationships: husband/wife, ex-husband/ex-wife, mother/daughter, mother/fellow-mother, and so on.
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