Details Announced For Classic Series’ Upcoming Box Set

Posted on June 13, 2014 by philspicks

Courtesy: StarVista Entertainment/Time Life Entertainment/20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Fans of the much revered TV series The Wonder Years will get to enjoy their favorite series once again later this year.

StarVista Entertainment will release The Wonder Years: The Complete Series in partnership with 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment later this year. The complete series set will be spread across a total of twenty-six discs. The discs will be contained in a replica Kennedy Junior High Locker complete with a specially-designed yearbook, custom Wonder Years magnets, liner notes from the cast and crew and much more.

Also included in the upcoming box set will be a pair of notebooks just like the ones carried by Kevin and Winnie. The notebooks will contain publicity photos taken during the show’s run and episode specific notes. The specially-designed yearbook will include signatures from the show’s cast, behind-the-scenes photos and classic show memorabilia. If that’s not enough for fans, the yearbook will also include liner notes from star Fred Savage, series co-creators Neal Marlens and Carol Black, and Executive Producer Bob Brush.

Jeffrey Peisch is Senior VP of Entertainment Programming and Marketing for StarVista Entertainment/Time Life. He said of the upcoming box set that the reason getting this set released took so long was that StarVista wanted to give fans of the show a release that would really make said fans proud. “We’ve worked long and hard to creatively package the show in a way that will resonate with Wonder Years fans, and I think we’ve done that with this complete series set,” he said. “The Kennedy Junior High locker was an important element of the series, and it really taps into a very nostalgic vein for many of us”.

Fans of The Wonder Years can find out when the box set will be released when they sign up for updates online at http://wonderyearsdvds.com/. More updates on the box set’s release is also available online via StarVista Entertainment’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/TimeLifeUs and official website, http://www.timelife.com. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

EOne’s New Horror Comedy Is Full Of Frights And Fun

Posted on April 29, 2014 by philspicks

Courtesy: Entertainment One

One part stoner flick, one part buddy comedy, and one part horror spoof, Entertainment One’s new horror comedy Knights of Badassdom (yes, that’s really its title) is an outrageously over-the-top story that any of today’scollege frat boy audiences will enjoy watching at least once. It’s obvious right from the story’s outset that it was not meant to be taken with a single grain of seriousness. It centers on a group of twenty-something friends that have to face off against a succubus from Hell after their obsession with live action role playing (LARPing)—yes, that is a real thing, not just something cooked up for this movie—goes a little bit too far. The completely outrageous script behind this story is central to its intended audiences being able to enjoy it. Equally important to the story’s enjoyment is the acting on the part of the cast. And of course, what home release is complete without its special features? There are actually some interesting tidbits shared through the movie’s bonus features that make the movie more interesting. Those tidbits, the cast’s acting and the outrageous, over-the-top story make this indie horror spoof a movie well worth watching at least once.

Co-writers Kevin Dreyfuss and Matt Wallhave crafted a story in Knights of Badassdom. Dreyfuss and Wall have done so much with so little that it is difficult to know where exactly to begin in examining their script. On the surface, Knights of Badassdom works because of its silly factor. It is just a good, fun, and slightly gruesome turn-off-your-brain flick. It’s one part stoner flick, one part buddy comedy, and one part horror spoof that has absolutely no intention of taking itself the least bit seriously. On a deeper level, one could argue that there’s a story of a group of men forced to grow up if only a little because they got what they’d always wished for and then some during their make believe games. That’s thanks to them having accidentally unleashMatted a succubus from Hell during one of their imaginary ceremonies. At first the five friends think that they’re just taking part in a weekend of LARPing (Live Action Role Playing)—yes it is in fact real and not something conjured up for this story. But when people start turning up dead, they start to realize that there is an evil force among them. The friends—Hung (Peter Dinklage), Gwen (Summer Glau), Eric (Steve Zahn), Joe (Ryan Kwanten), and Ronnie Kwok (Jimmi Simpson)—end up having to face that evil force and stop it once and for all, essentially allowing them to finally live out their make believe fantasies for real. Any viewer that can take this movie for the all-out nonsensical work that it is will appreciate all of the inanity (and insanity). Those viewers will agree in watching the story that it is funny enough that it is worth at least one watch.

The story behind Knights of Badassdom has so many different facets about it that even as intentionally nonsensical as it was, it was still entertaining. Helping the story’s entertainment was the acting on the part of the movie’s cast. Led by actor Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), the cast’s interaction with one another throughout the story made for more than a few laughs. And their portrayals of the stereotypical people in the role playing culture are just as entertaining. One can’t help but laugh watching Steve Zahn as the wanna-be wizard, casting his “spells.” And Jimmi Simpson’s portrayal of the controlling, somewhat egotistical “game master” Ronnie Kwok is a complete laugh riot. Both Summer Glau and Peter Dinklage add their own charm, to the mix, too. The whole cast together will have viewers laughing nonstop right to the final scenes.

The movie’s cast and its interpretation of the movie’s script work together to make it a surprisingly entertaining work. It’s the cast’s interpretation of the script that makes all of the total absurdity believable and entertaining all at once. There is still one remaining factor in this new release from Entertainment One that makes it the surprisingly enjoyable work that it is. That last factor is the movie’s bonus material. The interview with director Joe Lynch is the best of the bonus features. Lynch discusses in his interview his love of the classic 1980s horror flicks and how that influenced his direction on this movie. Even more interesting is his mention of special effects company Spectral Motion making the monster and handling all of the special effects for this movie. He discusses how he wanted to have an actual monster and real special effects versus the far too overused CG effects employed by Hollywood’s biggest studios. That devotion to using the physical versus the digital made a big difference in the movie. Sure the monster looked cheesy. But as Lynch notes in his interview, it was supposed to look cheesy. It was part of that homage to the 80s monster movies that Lynch grew up watching. Audiences will be amazed even more to learn that Spectral Motion is the company behind the creatures seen in Hellboy and Hellboy II. That such a well-known and equally respected company would offer its services for an indie horror flick—an indie horror spoof even—speaks volumes. And it paid off in a big way. Audiences will appreciate Lynch’s interview when they see it in its entirety. They will also appreciate the acting on the part of the movie’s cast and the script, penned by co-writers Kevin Dreyfuss and Matt Wall. Audiences will appreciate all of these factors and more that they will find for themselves when they order the movie on DVD and Blu-ray. It can be ordered online now via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Knights-Badassdom-Blu-ray-Peter-Dinklage/dp/B00HOGRJQG/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1398801394&sr=1-2&keywords=knights+of+badassdom.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Shout! Factory Announces Release Date For The Shadow Re-Issue

Posted on February 1, 2014 by philspicks

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/Universal Pictures

The Shadow is one of the most famed crime fighters of all time. He is the original caped crusader. His adventures amazed radio audiences long before Batman came along. Sadly, after Batman and his fellow comic book superhero friends came along, The Shadow seemed to be pushed aside. But in 1994, the world was re-introduced to The Shadow thanks to Universal Pictures. Two decades after The Shadow was introduced to a new generation of audiences, he is bring introduced to yet another new generation of fans thanks to a partnership between Universal Pictures and Shout! Factory.

The Shadow (Collector’s Edition) will be released on Blu-ray Tuesday, February 25^th. The movie, starring Alec Baldwin (The Hunt for Red October, 30 Rock) in the starring role, tells the story of how The Shadow came to be. It co-stars Penelope Ann Miller (The Artist, Awakenings, Kindergarten Cop), Peter Boyle (Young Frankenstein, The Santa Clause, Everybody Loves Raymond), Sir Ian McKellan (X–Men, X–2 X–Men United, X3 The Last Stand), and many others.

More information on this and other upcoming releases from Shout! Factory is available online at http://www.shoutfactory.com and http://www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Unfinsihed Song A Complete Joy

Posted on September 23, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Everybody knows the story of The little Engine That Could. Well now, people are going to start learning the story of the little movie studio that could. That’s thanks to Anchor Bay Entertainment’s latest home release, Unfinished Song. This latest release is one more from Anchor Bay that has found its way onto this critic’s list of the year’s best independent movies. The other is the recently released rom-com, Shanghai Calling. Unfinished Song is nothing like Shanghai Calling. It is also entirely unlike 20^th Century Fox’s geriatric drama, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Despite attempts by some to make a comparison, there is no comparison as the two are wholly separate stories. Unfinished Song is its own story. And it is a story that will both entertain and move audiences just as much as the aforementioned works.

Unfinished Song boasts so much heart throughout its roughly ninety-minute plus runtime. It is centrally a story about family. On a deeper level, one could argue that it is also a story about appreciating life. Throughout both story elements, writer/director Paul Andrew Williams throws in more than enough laughs to keep audiences of any age laughing, too. His ability to balance both the story’s dramatic and comedic elements is to be highly commended, especially considering the story’s length. Also to be considered in the success of Unfinished Song is the story’s casting. Terrence Stamp (Superman II, Get Smart, The Adjustment Bureau) was the perfect choice to fill the role of grumpy old Arthur Harris. And Vanessa Redgrave (Howard’s End, Mission: Impossible, Cars 2), was just as solid a choice to play Arthur’s wife Marion. The two play off of each other so well. Their interpretation of Williams’ scripts draws viewers in even deeper, and thus makes suspension of disbelief that much easier. The resultant effect of both of that acting prowess and the general writing make this movie one more surprise hit from Anchor Bay, and one of the year’s surprise hits.

The writing behind Unfinished Song is, as already noted, one of the keys to the movie’s success. Despite attempts by some to compare this movie to the likes of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the two stories are total opposites. The latter is centered more on the elderly acquaintances’ personal journeys of self realization. Unfinished Song is its own story in that it is more centered on family. Audiences are introduced in this story to Arthur Harris, a very Scrooge-like character that doesn’t want to have a good time or smile. He’s just a crotchety old man. But underneath that rough exterior, Arthur is very much the sympathetic character, as audiences will learn as the story progresses. The change that he eventually undergoes as the result of a tragic event completely envelops audiences and makes them cheer even more for him; perhaps even more than his fellow choir members. By the story’s end, Arthur’s transformation is complete so to speak. And audiences will realize just how deeply they have been pulled into the story thanks to Williams’ writing and by Stamp’s acting.

The acting on the part of the veteran Stamp was perfect from start to finish. Though, his wasn’t the only acting that audiences will appreciate. The passion in Redgraves’ voice when Marion sang ‘True Colors’ to Arthur will bring even the strongest person to tears. And his reaction to what happens after the fact is even more powerful. Of course there are some funnier moments that come from the supporting cast. Audiences will find themselves laughing uproariously as the members of the elderly choir perform Motorhead’s ‘Ace of Spades’ and Salt ‘N Pepa’s ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ to an audience made up of people of various ages. There is just something hilarious about a group of older people trying to rock out to Motorhead. And one would think that older people would be more conservative when approached with the idea of singing Salt ‘N Pepa seductive song. Yet, they were entirely open and enthusiastic about it. Their reactions are more than worth the laughs that are generated. And countered by Arthur’s view of the song, it makes this moment even funnier. Paul Andrew Williams has given audiences quite the story, as is evidenced here. He has written a story that boasts a perfect balance of comedy and heart. It is a story with equally excellent acting. Whether for the acting, the writing, or both factors, both work hand-in-hand to make Unfinished Song a story that will leave viewers feeling entirely complete. It will be available this Tuesday, September 24^th on DVD in stores and online. It can be ordered direct online from the Anchor Bay Home Entertainment website at http://www.anchorbayent.com/detail.aspx?ProjectId=3967a252-b0ce-e211-838a-d4ae527c3b65. More information on this release is also available here and through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AnchorBayEnt.

Inescapable A Nice Escape For Action Movie Fans

Posted on July 9, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/mpi media group

There is nothing more powerful in the world than the love of a parent for his or her child. This common theme has been used time and again throughout the history of motion pictures. A quick glance through the annals of movie history will show no fewer than at least a dozen films whose plots are based on this theme. One of the most recent films to use this theme comes from mpi media group. The movie in question is the action/thriller Inescapable. While it isn’t the first movie of its kind, it does have quite a bit going for it. The story itself offers viewers a different take on the classic theme that sets it aside from the likes of Liam Neeson’s Taken franchise. It also has going for it an all-star cast led by Alexander Siddig (Da Vinci’s Demons, Primeval, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). Most people are more apt to know the names of Marisa Tomei and Joshua Jackson. And most of all, it has some very interesting commentary courtesy of writer/director Ruba Nadda and cinematographer Luc Montpellier. These three factors offer so much more than can even be discussed within these confines; so much so that one would be best served to watch the movie by one’s self or with friends to really take in everything that the movie has to offer. Regardless of alone or with friends, it is a work that is worth at least one watch.

Inescapable offers viewers first and foremost a take unlike that of other movies within this vein. Something interesting to learn (as viewers will learn in watching this movie with additional commentary) is that writer/director Ruba Nadda in fact wrote this movie in 2005, three years before Taken premiered. This makes the comparisons to that franchise in question understandable. Sadly, this type of thing happens far more often than audiences realize both within the confines of the movie industry and the music industry. Understanding that this movie came years before the Taken franchise took off, it makes it easier to take in its differences from the franchise in question. This story does have its share of action. But the character development (again as noted in the commentary) of Siddig’s Adib is a big part of what makes the story progress. The story becomes just as much about learning about Adib’s past as it is about his journey to find his daughter.

Adib’s quest to find his daughter is the most obvious comparison that critics and audiences have made in discussing the story of Inescapable. His search for his daughter is entirely unlike that of Taken. The latter of the two films centered on human traffickers kidnapping a man’s daughter. Inescapable, on the other hand, centers on a group of figures that kidnapped a man’s daughter to use her as a political pawn of sorts. Why they kidnap her is typical movie fare. But the revelation of why they kidnapped her is revealed. And it is just enough of a twist to leave viewers guessing and cheering for Adib especially in the eventual happy ending. Yes, it does have a happy ending. That much will be revealed. Though, that is the extent of what will be revealed.

The script behind Inescapable should visibly unlike that of either of the movies in the Taken franchise by now. So from here, it would serve viewers best to move on and focus on the movie’s cast. Veteran actress Maris Tomei (Parental Guidance, Crazy Stupid Love, The Wrestler) and actor Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek, Fringe) are billed as major stars of the story. But the reality of the story is that much as in the case of Johnny Depp in Chocolat for example, Jackson and Tomei are really just lures to get viewers’ eyes. They are in fact just supporting cast. Alexander Siddig is the real star of this movie. And considering his personal background, he could not have been a better choice. For those that don’t know, Siddig was born in the Sudan in North Africa. Keeping that in mind, and adding in his professional resume, his was a natural choice. He looks and sounds every part the role of a Middle Eastern man. His experience with some of the U.K.’s most well-known acting schools and on the large and small screen made him even more the natural choice for the movie’s lead role. He had a real ability to take his character and bring such depth out of him. It makes Adid that much more of a believable character for viewers. That, along with the understanding of the story helps to make the movie even more worth the watch.

Audiences should see by now that despite early preconceptions about it, Inescapable has far more to offer viewers than they might have thought without seeing the movie. If what has been noted already is not enough, then perhaps the additional commentary by writer/director Ruba Nadda and cinematographer Luc Montpellier will change viewers’ minds. Their discussions range from politics of the Middle East and their effect on shooting, to shooting on location in Damascus, to so many other topics. It adds so much more depth to the story in a second watch. That second watch will hopefully prove to viewers that have yet to see this action/thriller just how underrated it is. Hopefully it will serve as one more example of the fact that indie flicks can be just as enjoyable and interesting as the big screen pieces to which they are so quickly and close-mindedly compared far too often. Inescapable is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from mpi media group and IFC Films.

Indie flick audiences and fans can keep up with all of the latest from IFC Films and mpi media group online at http://www.facebook.com/IFCFilmsOfficial, http://www.IFCFilms.com and http://www.mpimedia.com.

MPI, Cohen Media Group Making Their Name With Their Latest Uncovered Classic

Posted on July 7, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Cohen Media Group/mpi media group

The partnership between Turner Classic Movies and Warner Home Video has made the two companies leaders in re-issuing cinema classics. Universal Studios is a close second thanks to the recent re-issues of Cape Fear, its Alfred Hitchcock Essentials collection, and it Universal Monsters collection. Now two more companies are staking their claim in the classic movie world. Those companies are Virgil Films and Cohen Media Group. Early in 2013, the two companies partnered for the release of what is one of the single greatest classics of all time in the Thief of Bagdad. Now months later, they have released an even lesser known classic in Perfect Understanding.

The plot of Perfect Understanding rests in the agreement between Swanson’s Judy and Olivier’s Nicholas that could be equated to an open marriage. Right off the top, it’s obvious just how original this is, considering social norms and values of America in the early 1930s. The agreement between the couple is meant in order to break the trend that the couple sees among its friends. Neither wants to end up like their friends. Ironically enough, it is because of the agreement that the couple reaches the point of its friends. The ensuing story is unlike anything that fans of the rom-com genre have seen since. It’s obviously not just another typical boy meets girl-loses her-gets her back in the end story. It’s almost Shakespearian in a way when one really goes back through the story a couple of times and analyzes it at a much deeper level. It should also be noted here that despite a run time of an hour and half, the story actually moves along at a relatively easy pace. This, along with the largely original story is another positive to this unearthed gem of a classic film.

For a film of its era and its style, Perfect Understanding could very well have been much longer and less able to relate to viewers, even today. Luckily, it didn’t do that. And roughly eight decades after it premiered it’s still as funny today as it was in its premiere. Taking into account the film’s age, it’s incredible that it still sounds and looks as good as it does to this day. What audiences see and hear is largely what audiences heard when the film first premiered so long ago. It is a true testament to those charged with restoring the film to its original glory. And now thanks to those individuals, a whole new generation of film buffs can enjoy this rare classic.

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