Monthly Archives: July 2014

• 1 Comment

•
King Kong
The original King Kong film from 1933

I've wanted to write about theme park refurbishments and expansions for a while now. It's a subject that interests me greatly. I create my own virtual theme park attractions in Second Life, but it does not begin to compare to the real thing. With the new Harry Potter expansions at the two Universal parks here in Orlando, the world saw a new and more immersive theme park experience, unmatched by anything else. I was excited to hear recently that an old friend may be returning to his rightful home. ...continue reading →

•

Wish_I_Was_Here_PosterI'm a big fan of Zach Braff's first film Garden State, but this one just didn't do enough to really grab me. The story is written well enough and the characters are acted well, especially Kate Hudson and Braff himself, but this film lacks the clever visuals that his first film had. Gone are the intricate camera rigs or well-thought out shot lists and in their place are locked cameras and stiff special effects shots meant to be endearing but end up being easily forgettable. The film often plays out as a melodramatic television show and not the heartfelt movie it's trying to be. I enjoyed it, but it was not great.

3 Stars (out of 5)

•

522299_182280381908981_351712626_nThe horror distribution company Scream Factory will be releasing The Battery on Blu-ray and DVD in the USA on September 16th! The Blu-ray will be jam-packed with Special Features, including audio commentary and a full-length making-of documentary (full list below). The video case features a reversible insert with new artwork on the front and the original movie poster on the reverse. You can display it how you prefer. Pre-order the film from the links below to secure your copy today!

Pre-Order:

TheBatteryBothCovers

Bonus features:

  • Audio Commentary with Writer/Producer/Director/Star Jeremy Gardner, Producer/Star Adam Cronheim and Producer/Director of Photography Christian Stella
  • TOOLS OF IGNORANCE: The Making Of The Battery A feature-length documentary featuring filmmaker interviews, behind the scenes footage, and deleted scenes. (90 minutes)
  • Outtakes Reel (10 minutes)
  • ROCK PLAZA CENTRAL AT THE PARLOR: The Music Of The Battery Featuring acoustic performances of songs from the film. (12 minutes)
  • Theatrical Trailer

 

•

dawn_of_apes_teaser_posterWhile I enjoyed Rise a little more, this was a competent and impressive film filled with big ideas and incredible acting, both in the flesh, and behind the "digital makeup". Once again Andy Serkis' Caesar steals the show, showing us what it really means to be human, through the eyes of an ape. The movie delicately threads the needle of how a war can start between two very different groups, who aren't really that different after all. Technically this film showcases the best special effects in film history, pushing motion-capture to a new limit and showing what a force it has become. At the end, as with many summer blockbusters, the intelligent story-driven film starts to devolve into a CG clusterfuck of action. It never gets too bad, and even has some interesting action set-pieces (the 360 degree tank shot comes to mind) but the last fifteen minutes of action come off as a little stiff.

3.5 Stars (out of 5)

•

obvious-child-(2014)-large-coverA little film that dares to tackle the big issue of abortion... And from a down-to-earth realistic approach. It does a good job of navigating this cinematic uncharted territory without sounding preachy, without going overboard, and without being cheesy. Jenny Slate carries the film as a likable and relatable young screw-up, but her talents alone are not enough to carry this thin story along as it meanders from one set-up to the next. Even with its short running time it still manages to drag on and feel long. Even though it's about a comedian, and filled with jokes, it's never really very funny. It has heart and it has true romance, but it didn't completely win me over overall.

2.5 Stars (out of 5)