Funny People

Apatow’s third film kind of flopped, despite being decent. A mature departure for him, but still in his style. Donny dug the heck out of it. (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Rent    Donny says: Buy

Angels and Demons

If you are an insomniac, buy this and bring a pillow. Boring and I don’t think this extended cut will help. I can’t believe people and the Church got all worked up of it. It’s pro-religion people! (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Avoid    Donny says: Rent

Gormorrah: Criterion Collection

This near brilliant Mafia, gang film was brought to the States with the help of Scorsese. Nominated for Best Foreign Film at the past Oscars, it’s a brutal and unrelenting tale of some sick violence that is happening now in Italy. A little long and drags slightly in the middle, but worth seeing ASAP. (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Buy    Donny says: Buy

Shorts

Did anyone see this damn awful thing from a “you should be directing Sin City 2 now” Robert Rodriguez. (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Avoid   Donny says: Rent

Santa Buddies

Something in me says “Hate it” but I just can’t. Silly dog lover I know, I know… (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Rent   Donny says: Rent

Four Christmases

Damn near forgot about this flick. Oh, you cheesy Xmas comedy, why must you exist? (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Avoid   Donny says: Rent

New to Blu

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Cujo

Monster Squad

The Way of the Gun

As always, keep it here to Killer Film, for reviews of these discs and more!

Disney annouced Fantasia, Fantasia 2000, and  Beauty and the Beast for release in 2010. I’m thinking March and October for these, we’ll keep you posted.

Angles and Demons comes to you November 24th.

Sex, Lies, and Videotape streets November 17th from Sony.

Orphan, Dark Castle’s summer horror hit comes early in October right before Halloween on the 27th, from Warners.

Speaking of Warners, expect salvation on December 1st with Terminator: Savlation in a huge 3-disc set.

Leon: The Professional comes from Sony on November 17th also.

Sadly, Warner annouced that the November release of the entire Lord of the Rings triology will be pushed back to Spring 2010.

Finally, the John Wayne war film, The Green Berets, will street January 5th, 2010 from Warners.

Look for more news soon as well as reviews. Most of these, you can re-read our theatrical reviews.

Source: Blu-ray

For the full list of errors in the film head HERE to MovieMistakes

San Francisco, CA (June 18, 2009) – Sony Pictures Home Entertainment today announced the launch of MovieIQ, a new Blu-ray Disc feature powered by Gracenote® that offers viewers access to a real-time movie database. With a movieIQ-enabled Blu-ray Disc and an internet-connected Blu-ray™ player, movie fans can immediately access continuously-updated information on cast and crew and explore relevant trivia such as production facts, music and soundtrack information all tied to scenes within the movie. SPHE will feature movieIQ on upcoming Blu-ray Disc titles starting in September and will offer it on all major catalog titles and new releases including Angels & Demons, Easy Rider, Punch Drunk Love, The Quick and the Dead, Silverado and sex, lies, and videotape.

“It has always been our goal at Sony Pictures to offer fans the ability to truly connect with their favorite movies using BD-Live,” said Lexine Wong, Senior Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. “We know many people interrupt their movie-watching experience to look up the filmography of an actor or to find out more about a song playing in the background. Now through movieIQ, movie lovers can dive into constantly-updated information about the movie they are watching without leaving their sofa, further enhancing the experience of watching movies in this always-connected age.”

movieIQ takes advantage of Gracenote’s Video Explore solution, which brings powerful search and navigation capabilities to connected consumer electronic devices. Video Explore allows users to search the online Gracenote video database, linking together related cast, crew, movies, TV episodes, franchises, seasons, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Gracenote’s global Video database contains rich video information for North America, Europe, and Japan, including factual metadata, synopses, credits, and detailed descriptive elements.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Sony Pictures to deliver movieIQ, a feature that takes full advantage of the Blu-ray format’s internet connectivity and truly demonstrates that Blu-ray is the future of home entertainment,” said Ross Blanchard, VP of Business Development at Gracenote. “Now, movie lovers will have access to an incredible new service where they can explore and discover all the rich details on their favorite actors, directors and movies.”

The movieIQ feature is the latest addition to SPHE’s BD-Live portfolio, which also includes social networking through cinechat, multiplayer games, and a customizable music video editor, as well as soundtrack playlists, e-movie cash, downloadable featurettes, and more, available on over 100 Sony Pictures Blu-ray titles worldwide since the technology launched in spring of 2008.

Source: Engadget

That’s a pretty solid no for those of you looking forward to the gang to reunite, but head on over to moviefone for the full interview to which he further discusses Angels and Demons as well as his tendency for on screen nudity.

Source: Moviefone

Angels and Demons acts as a sequel to The Da Vinci Code in the movie world, in the book form it was a prequel, however. I’m not sure if that matters that it was flipped flopped for Ron Howard’s adaptation to film. You can say whatever you’d like about Dan Brown’s bestsellers, I thought The Da Vinci Code was a bit of a bore. The subject matter was highly fascinating, but the film failed to excited when Robert Langdon went off looking for clues. Plus, I’ve seen some gripping documentaries on the film’s subject that interested me more than the fictional film.

So, another good cast, Ron Howard‘s back for this sequel after critical praise for Frost/Nixon, and had hoped that this would be a more gripping thriller than The Da Vinci Code, and yet it’s probably more boring. This is a fairly predictable film too, which I’ll just blame on the screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, the man solely blamed for ruining Batman. It took years for that character to be resurrected properly, but it’s still a stain on my retinas. While these two Dan Brown adaptations aren’t as bad as that abomination, the fact that they’re overly long, boring to the extent that each scene happens slowly, predictably, makes me wonder if he’s turning these puppies out in first draft form.

Okay, I understand what’s boring to someone is just a matter of taste, but I don’t think I’m alone. We’re quickly lectured via narration in the opening scene about the nature and tradition of how the Catholics go about choosing a new Pope. Play this out within the film. From there on out, you better know a lot of Catholic tradition, because this mysterious narrator disappears.

And to think, early on the Church was peeved at this film. Really? I see no blasphemy here. The film tackles the nature of religion versus science, a touchy subject among the faithful, but it’s surface level mumbo jumbo. I think there could’ve been a good discussion to hinge the film on, but Goldsman script is to concerned with moving Langdon from here to there, randomly solving clues long thought buried, and throwing false leads on us. He always seems to figure out what to do right before the clock stops ticking. The Illuminati is another interesting subject, but handled here, its corny. Just an old fable trying to distract us from falling asleep. The actors do a good job, but nobody’s giving much to do, and that a huge shame because we got Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, and Stellan Skarsgaard.

For the story this film tells, 135 minutes is to dangerous to have. It’s too long, uninvolved, and those looking to see why the Church was up in arms (at first, they said it was no big deal), you’ll just find that the film wasted their time.  

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Maybe next time certain people will view the film prior to damning it.

Source: THR

May 1st

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Jon: I really disliked X-Men III for a few reasons, and after I finally saw the full trailer for this, I feel as if its just X-Men 4. I know it deals with Wolverine, his origins, and Weapon X, but why are there so many other mutants in here? My hype is reserved, but I am excited to see this. I like Hugh Jackman and he looks ripped in this. Gavin Hood is a decent director, and Schrieber as Sabretooth looks to be pitch-perfect. I think this film, despite its work print being leaked onto the internet, will be a big hit for 20th Century Fox and they need it. I hope this plays out as good as its trailer promises, but Deadpool not in his comic book attire might signal an epic fail to the fan boys. See it.

Donny: I am really stoked to see this picture.  While I agree with Jon that the third X-Men installment was pretty weak, and the fact that this flick is loaded with mutants kinda scares me a little, I still really want to see this one.  I’m a huge fan of Schrieber and am ready to see him kick ass alongside Jackman.  See it.

Battle for Terra

Jon: A big name cast, but anything outside of DreamWorks or Disney seems to fail in the animation world, despite there being a few decent flicks out there. The trailer didn’t do much for me, until I saw it in the Real-D 3-D thing, and with all the explosions and space battles, I almost want to recommend this just on that angle alone. Weak, I know, but if a film needed any angle to sell itself to a public that is wish-washy on 3-D, its this film. It could be a dud though. Skip it.

Donny: I don’t know much about this flick other than I didn’t care for the trailer, and I didn’t get to see the Real-D 3-D one that Jon did.  So I’m going to keep it short and sweet and say, skip it.  

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Jon: Yes, this film isn’t aimed at me or my friends, but the trailer makes this seem all romantic-cheesy. This is you’re counter-programming of this week as all the guys will be seeing Wolverine. I like the cast, but the premises seems like it treads old, well-worn ground. Skip it.

Donny: Romantic flicks are a necessity for anyone in a relationship.  With that said, I don’t necessarily like seeing them.  Some of them aren’t bad, but this one looks like a terrible Scrooge knock off.  The actors are solid, but I’m not sure they can rescue this sinking ship.  Skip it. 

May 8^th

Star Trek

Jon: J.J. Abrams track record isn’t proven yet in theaters, although he’s a TV God and crafted a solid action film with Mission Impossible III, the big hesitant thing that is keeping me from geeking out, is to me, it still looks like Baby Trek. I know this film will be more action-oriented than Star Trek is known for, but the casting of some characters just seems off. But when the lights dim, I’ll be there with an open-mind (I promise) and I hope to see the resurrection of this franchise. I always preferred their strong stories of science-fiction and characters than over-the-top action, but I hope J.J. brings them both. See it.

Donny: Hell to the yes!  I have been waiting for this forever.  I love Abrams and am willing to forgive him for Cloverfield.  Unlike Jon, I like the cast and am glad that they used young actors.  That way if it kicks ass we get Star Trek goodness for years to come.  See it.  

May 15^th

Angels and Demons

Jon: I was not a fan of the first film, Da Vinci Code. I don’t care how good the book was, the film was boring. Add Ewan McGregor to the mix, have the church get upset over its story, and after Frost/Nixon, I’m ready to ease up on Ron Howard. This film just doesn’t have that big, summer film feel, but it’ll bring out the older crowd, who enjoy Tom Hanks and dramas, over the high octane action of the this month’s other releases. See it.

Donny: I have no interest in seeing this flick.  But the fact that the church is flexing their muscle makes me want to spend a whole paycheck on tickets just to piss off the sheep.  Think for yourselves and see it if you want to, and avoid it if you don’t, but my recommendation is to see it (see sheep in previous sentence).  

The Brothers Bloom

Jon: You’ve been seeing the trailer for this a lot, and the studio has been shuffling this around. Also, if you read our article on what we’re seeing (here) you’ll know I’m personally excited for this. Good cast, Johnson’s follow-up to Brick, and it’s a caper? What’s not to love here? See it.

Donny: I’m going to agree with Jon for once.  I’m really excited about this flick.  Great cast, interesting director, and a caper to boot.  I’m there.  See it.

May 22^nd

Terminator Salvation

Jon: This is the summer movie I’m geeking for. Why? It’s a new Terminator film, Christian Bale as John Connor, Linda Hamilton and Arnold cameos, fantastic special effects, and its a dark, dystopia themed sci-fi film, with lighting issues. Sold, absolutely sold. I promise a fair review, but I’m all excited for this film. I have a feeling that this might be huge, in terms of box office returns and a new franchise starter. Yes, blasted McG is directing, but why am I not that up in arms over it? Jonathan Nolan, screenwriter of Memento and The Dark Knight, gave the script a rewrite on Bale’s request. See It

Donny: Well good for you Jon, we are done professionally.  See it.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Jon:  Yawn, but I guess this sequel had to come since enough people saw the first to make it go over $200mil. It’s all for the kids, but trust me, there’s better films out there for them this summer than this. It should be just more of the same as the first film. Better special effects and a new character maybe, whoopie-doo. Skip It

Donny: Jon just said everything I wanted to say, only I have a kid that loved the first one so I have to see it.  Skip it.

Dance Flick:

Jon: My retinas are burning! Sure, the Wayans used to be funny, key word “used to be”. I pity those who see this dreck, I really do. Skip It

Donny: I’m not going to justify this crap with an opinion.  

May 29^th

Pixar’s Up

Jon: Hey, Pixar is on a roll, so why count this one out? I think its one of their more off-beat ideas, and the current trailer doesn’t offer much to get the feeling of it, but have they stirred us wrong? I don’t expect this to light up the box office though, mainly because of the main character being an old man, and not a cute, talking animal. Trust me on this. But if Ratatouille can make $200mil, with a mature film about culinary arts and food criticism, I can be proven wrong again. This is Pixar’s first 3-D movie, too, so I expect that will bring in families that are hesitant at first. See it.

Donny: The trailer for this one is Michael Bay awesome!  I really love Pixar, they don’t really make bad flicks.  If the trailer is any indication of how this one is going to play out I’m totally there.  See it.

Drag Me to Hell

Jon: Horror has typically not done well in the summer, but this is Sam Raimi’s return to horror for the first time in a decade plus. It’s PG-13 (boo!) and has a decent young cast, but to me it looks like a horror version of Yes Man. Will anyone outside of Evil Dead fans care about his return to horror or is this just a time-waster till Spider-Man 4? See it.

Donny: Not really looking forward to this one.  The trailer looks weak to me.  In the trailer the old lady has staples in her head.  What was Raimi thinking?  Let me break it down for you:

Raimi: You don’t look creepy enough.  I mean, your old and that in itself is sort of creepy, but something is missing.  

Old Woman:  What could it be?

Raimi:  I know.  If we put staples in your forehead you would look super creepy.  PROP DEPARTMENT! 

Now I could be totally wrong and this flick could totally kick ass.  In fact I hope it does kick ass.  I hope it kicks major ass, because horror needs a jolt.  But if it does kick ass I’m gonna start a petition to stop the spread of forehead staples so that we don’t get a repeat of what happen with the chick from The Ring.  Just say no to creepy for the sake of creepy.  

That’s May and it looks stacked. Keep it here for news and our reviews on these films and more, can’t forget about the indies this month, only on Killer Film!

Agree or disagree? Leave a comment or contact us at jon@killerfilm.com and donny@killerfilm.com

Source: THR

While the Catholic Church many times tries to stay outside of popular media, many times they have also tried to recoup a bit of the spotlight as was done back in 1995, when during the 100th anniversary of motion pictures, the Catholic Church decided to announce their list of the 45  ’great films’ which they conveniently broke up into three categories: Religion,Values and Art.  Some of the films put on the list include: The Seventh Seal, Ben Hur, Nosferatu, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Ghandi. 

You can also access the full list of the 45 films HERE

Some of the films in the past that have been boycotted by the Catholic Church include: The DaVinci Code (for ‘slanderous’ offenses against Catholicism), The Golden Compass ( due to its ‘atheist agenda’ ) and The Last Temptation of Christ Christ (for being “historically false”). Now aside from the actual boycotts from the Vatican itself there are even those in The Catholic League who try to boycott everything under the sun from such films as Priest and Dogma to that of Rosie O’Donnell herself ( we can only assume the distaste for O’Donnel resulted from the film Last Exit to Eden.)

With the films mentioned do you think an actual boycotting of the film will do more good than harm? Check out the box office count for the boycotted films.

The Last Temptation of Christ-8.3 Million (only released in 123 theatres at its highest theatre count)

The Da Vinci Code- 758 Million

The Golden Compass- 372 Million.  This film is rather interesting in that there was a huge onslaught of controversy and ‘boycotting’ of the film by the catholic league discussing how unsuccessful the film was HERE,yet of course with a budget of 180 million and a worldwide gross of 372 million, you have to wonder who is really to blame for the films success. The boycott or the actual popularity of the film.

Now I certainly am not against the practices the church and its subsidiaries attempt to do with the films.  I just wonder if all the negative word on the films will in the end come back and make the film even more money in the end regardless on the films actual merits.  As they say in the end, all press is in fact good press.

Don’t forget The Catholic League once tried to boycott Miller Beer, so a little perspective must be taken when film boycotts such as these have take place.

Angels and Demons was written by Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman and directed once again by the Oscar winning director of A beautiful Mind, Ron Howard.  

Angels and Demons premiers in theatres this May 15th.

Check out the latest trailer HERE

Source: MSN

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we finally saw a trailer for James Cameron’s Avatar?!

Source:Fs.net