Remembering Robin Williams – Our Favorite Uncle

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August 13, 2014

Over the last forty eight hours, we’ve reeled, cried, and mourned, while coming to the crippling realization that comedian, actor, and legend Robin Williams died at the age of 63 this past Monday morning, August 11, 2014. While so many people keep focusing on the way Williams died, that’s not what’s important. The fact of the matter is, a family just lost a husband and a father, friends lost a part of themselves, and the entire entertainment industry lost a colossal giant. It’s heartbreaking, but a sobering realization for many, that as immortal as many of these great entertainers we get to know and love, they’re just as human as the rest of us, and will be handed the same final clock out card we all eventually are given. Focusing on Williams’ death is the easy thing to do, but it’s time to look past that. Instead, I took the last two days to think, reflect, and come up with something that was as much as a tribute to him, as it was closure for me, a huge fan, who saw Williams much more like a family member.

How do you sum up the career of a man who has over one hundred television and film roles over almost forty years to his resume? That’s not on top of the many hours of stand up comedy routines that really helped show the world his real talent. It’s nearly impossible. There’s just so much to say, to look back on, and to love. Growing up, I enjoyed a healthy dose of re-runs of his ABC TV show, Mork and Mindy, which played frequently on Nick at Nite, as well as his family films such as Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire. At the time, I had no idea that the Williams I knew and loved, was also a man behind some of the most insane, over the top, and hilariously vulgar comedy routines I’d ever get to listen to. But one Christmas, my cousin pulled me aside from the rest of my family, and handed me a gift he didn’t want anyone else to see. You’d swear he was giving me drugs of some sort, but the fact was we grew up in a very Christian family, and he was afraid someone was going to be upset when they saw he was handing me not only my first Parental Advisory CD, but my first stand up comedy album. The album in question was Robin Williams: At the Met, a live recording of his 1986 show in New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House, and it completely turned my whole world upside down. While much of the content at the time would go over my head, I spent many months just listen to the album on a loop, showing it to all my friends, gut bustlingly laughing, sharing a very communal experience over Williams’ oddball brand of comedy, impersonations, and outlooks on life.

That album forever changed me, and to this day, I still quote it any chance I get. Williams introduced me to stand up comedy, and for that, I’ll always be appreciative. If it wasn’t for that album though, I may have never begun looking into the rest of his career, at least at that young age. I started to realize I needed more of his work, and began seeking out his R rated comedies and dramas, and the films that I never really thought about watching. The thing is, he was always Al’s Genie, Mrs. Doubtfire, or Mork from Ork to me. So I sure was surprised to see just how funny he could be, but just how talented he really was in many of these other films. The one that really made me start to realize, and the one I think many of us started to see the same thing, was Good Morning Vietnam, the 1987 period dramedy where Williams played a radio personality named Adrian Cronauer. That film, which has some of his best improv work on film, was also one of the most dramatic works of his at the time. There’s a real intensity in his role, and so much raw emotion, that it was hard to believe the same many who was delivered to us in an egg from Ork could really be the same man we saw on the screen. That film was so eye opening, and I realized that Williams was not only wickedly funny, but the man was a true artistic genius. It didn’t stop after that though, as his career continued to have some of these wonderfully dramatic performances from him, really giving him a chance to shine. It really turned his career around, and while he was doing the family films so many of us grew up on, he would counter that with the likes of The Fisher King, Dead Poets Society, What Dreams May Come, and of course the film that would finally earn him his Academy Award, Good Will Hunting.

It was the humanity in those roles that instantly made me love him more as the years went on. Not only did this guy hit my funny bone at just about every turn, but he had also found a way to unlock the gate on my soul, making me really feel things I’d never thought possible. It was that intensity, that talent, and that real genius that made him so beloved for many. If you ask anyone, they’ll have a different favorite dramatic role that he did, because each one meant something special to every person. For me it was the film, Dead Poets Society. His role as John Keating, a teacher at an uptight prep school who shows up and completely reshapes their lives, really stayed with me in a big way. His humility, and his words of wisdom throughout the film made him seem so real and relatable, and when he would speak, it felt like he was talking straight to me. High school is a really rough time for many of us, and we always feel lost and alone, just floating through life as we’re being told this is the time of our lives where we need to figure out what we’re going to do once we graduate. But Williams made me feel like seizing the day, and doing what I wanted to do with my life, was what was important. Not giving in to what everyone else told me to do. Seeing that movie my sophomore year really pushed me to decide to write and talk about film, focusing on something I love. It was that role, and his performance, that set me on a path to do this thing that I enjoy so much, and for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.

People say that we shouldn’t mourn someone we didn’t know, because “they’re just actors, they aren’t that important.” But honestly, that couldn’t be farther from the truth, especially in the case of the passing of Robin Williams. When I turned on my computer Monday afternoon, I had just come home from the movies, and I almost dropped my macbook when I saw the headline on yahoo. My heart sunk, and my eyes began to well up, as I sat looking at a picture of Robin’s face, and the headline that he was dead. The pain felt so real, and this one really hurt. I began texting and calling friends and family, as we all tried to come to terms to the fact that he was gone. This wasn’t a hoax. This was real. People can scoff at the fact that we felt something like this for this man, a man we didn’t know, but one of my friends said it best as we talked about: “Robin was like that favorite uncle you had in your family. He would come around every few years, bringing you presents, telling you funny stories, and just making you smile and feel good. But when it came time to be serious, he had your back, and he was willing to talk about life with you, hoping to set you on the right path.”

That last statement couldn’t be anymore true, and it’s that very reason so many of us are mourning him this week. It’s not because an actor died. It’s because we lost a family member. Before I was born, my parents grew up watching Williams on TV. He was someone my grandparents enjoyed as well. He spanned generations, bringing laughter and tears to all of us, as he we opened our homes and our hearts to him. That’s what made him so special. This wasn’t just any actor, this was our favorite uncle, the man who knew how to move us when we needed it most, and brought us laughter when we needed it too. He made the world a much brighter place, and made our lives so much more colorful. He was an enigma.

Over the last two nights, I’ve managed to watch eight of his films, as I continue to re-watch and re-discover many of his classic films. Even if the films weren’t great, he was always so good in them, that the film was worth watching for his performance. Last year, many of us thought that his new show on CBS, The Crazy Ones, could be his huge career comeback, and there’s no way we could know then that it would be one of the last new things we’d ever see him do. This man, this beautifully gifted genius, did so much for the world, and it’s too bad we weren’t able to give him enough back. It’s sad, but instead of focusing on that, I want to remember the good things he did for my life, the lives of those around us, and the joy and happiness that he brought to so many of us.

Thank you, Mr. Williams, for helping me cope through many of my hardest times, making me laugh, making me cry, and helping me realize I needed to follow my own dreams. You put me on a wonderful path, and I wish there was a way I could have told you this in person. I had always hoped one day I’d get to meet you at a press junket, or just by accident on the street, and I could stop to talk to you, and tell you what you had done for me. The truth is, without you, I may not be the man I am now, and you shaped my life in a way that you never knew you would. As I sit here now, writing this article, and listening to Robin Williams Live 2002 for what seems like the two hundredth time, I can’t help but feel peace and sadness all at once. I know you’ve found peace, and I hope you’ve seen the outpouring of love that the world has sent you the last two days. While you may be gone, you won’t be forgotten. My children will grow up with you in the same way I did, and I hope that many generations to come will as well. I’ve lost my favorite uncle this week, and so has the world. But it’s no longer time to mourn, but to celebrate what you gave us, and all the brightness you brought to this dark world. Goodnight, Mr. Williams. I’ll keep the stage lights on for you.

Movie Review "A Most Wanted Man"

By

Daniel Shutler - Film Critic

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August 11, 2014

With chaotic war zones arising all over the Middle East amidst widespread constitutional violations of illegal spying by the United States Government, the War On Terror has left incredulous citizens wondering if the world actually is actually a safer place. A film like Zero Dark Thirty illustrates the conflicted nature of bringing peace through violence and torture, but ultimately justifying the cause (in a narrative sense) by killing the big bad, Osama bin Laden. Yet, between Iraq, Syria and Gaza, we’ve only seen the violence and turmoil increase since Osama’s death. I’m not saying killing bin Laden wasn’t justified, but that killing bin Laden wasn’t the solution to making the world a safer place. But rather, American intervention and the resulting violations of human rights sanctioned by Congress via the Patriot Act have created the tumultuous world that we live in today.

Based on John le Carré’s 2008 novel of the same name, A Most Wanted Man puts us in the middle of the convoluted world of post-9/11 espionage. Although the mission is distinctly American, we follow a small off-the-grid division of the UK’s MI-6 (the British CIA), as they pursue a wanted terrorist in Hamburg, Germany. Of course, finding the half-Chechen, half-Russian Muslim known as Issa Karpov played by Grigoriy Dobrygin is just impetus for untangling the complicated web of international interests and deceit that accompanies such shadowy diplomacy.

In the broad scheme of history, A Most Wanted Man will be analyzed for its fictionalized representation of the War On Terror that’s still shaping our world today, but as a Hollywood film, it will be remembered as Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s final leading role. Though never considered a “leading man” that opened blockbuster hits, Hoffman had reached the top of the acting echelon. With an Oscar to his name for portraying Truman Capote and a prolific body of work that would rival any contemporary actor, the end of his masterful career is a solemn one. Here, Hoffman portrays Gunter Bachmann, a maligned British spy, whose tunnel vision has him devoted to his work rooting out international terrorism. Despite Hoffman’s amazing range as an actor, he’s an odd choice to play the British operative. His steadfast commitment to the manhunt is implicitly rooted in a past failure in Beirut, but Hoffman’s failed attempt at a British accent makes the character feel out of place. Unlike our Hollywood notion of a suave British spy, Gunter gets down and dirty with surveillance, intimidation, and political manipulation. While the minute-by-minute task mastering of espionage has its thrills, A Most Wanted Man is far more concerned with the execution of getting its target than exposing its morally dubious characters.

It does not take Gunter long to track down Issa in Hamburg, which should be a victory on its own according to the higher-up diplomats. However, Gunter sees Issa as just the small fish to catch the barracuda and the barracuda to catch the shark; a loose metaphor he uses to convince the American, Martha Sullivan played by Robin Wright, to let him continue to operate. Following the low-level street thug to catch the kingpin is a tried and true plot device in mystery-thrillers, but Issa’s murky past and mysterious motives makes him a tragic target. When we delve into the complications of Issa’s past connections and current situation, we’re forced to ask ourselves thought provoking questions regarding war and terrorism. However, we spend far too much of our time on the nitty gritty pursuit of the target. Sure, these characters are realistically pre-occupied with the task at hand, but it’s the fleeting moments of humanity when they’re forced to acknowledge, albeit implicitly, their morally unsound actions. Both Wright and Hoffman proclaim they do what they do in order to make the world a safer place, but do they really believe in their own cause?

I believe that this is the type of moral dilemma that characters in great films about war have to deal with. Rick in Casablanca and the Algerians in The Battle Of Algiers fill the area between right and wrong with the grey area that we try to ignore in real life. A Most Wanted Man is too preoccupied with its manhunt to explore that grey area in a meaningful way. I’m sad for Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s final bow to be underutilized on an unspectacular thriller that aims to be much more.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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August 11, 2014

“Cowabunga.”

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have had a very interesting cinematic history. After being launched as a black and white comic book series in 1984, the characters than moved into a continued animated form in the 1987 cartoon series, and then into live action in the 1990’s for a trilogy of films. Coming full circle, the Turtles returned to animation in 2007. Now, in 2014, the Turtles are back in live action form for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but as the times have changed, so have the Turtles, or at least the film they’re in. Produced by blockbuster director Michael Bay, and directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the next film looks to update everyone’s favorite heroes in a half shell, but maybe not for the better.

The film opens in a cool, stylized, animated form explaining the history of the turtles, Master Splinter, and the Foot Clan. But as the stilted dialogue begins, something begins to feel off about the film…We’re told the Foot Clan is called that because they walk all over people, stepping on them, and it quickly becomes apparent that this version is going to be a more modern, straight forward take on the mythology. We quickly learn that the Turtles were actually April’s pets, and they were engineered by her father and his partner, the film’s main villain. From there, the story becomes the basic set up of the villains trying to make lots of money, while controlling the country, and then the world.

If that all sounds very rinse, wash, and repeat, that’s because it is. The film feels completely void of any real fun, and doesn’t really have any sense of character or purpose. There’s no passion behind this film, and it feels like a movie made to cash in on the comic book craze, without any real afterthought to what they were making. Michael Bay, the film’s producer, seemed to have been very hands on with the film, and it shows. All his trademarks are here, including his often off kilter humor, and zest for action over story. In fact, the film really feels like he ghost directed it, with Jonathan Liebesman doing nothing more than lending his name to the credits, hoping to take some heat off of the film for Bay’s name being attached. The whole thing just feels dodgy, boring, and really gives us no reason to invest in the proceedings.

Megan Fox plays April O’Neal, the famed reporter from the comics, and she’s as boring and uninterested as she’s ever been here. Fox just doesn’t seem to have much of a personality, and it really holds back the film. She’s supposed to be our eyes and ears into the universe, but she’s so inept in her acting, that you grow tiresome of her being on screen. It doesn’t help that Will Arnett, who is usually at least fun to see on screen is frustrating and downright annoying. His character Vernon has no purpose than to be the creepy older guy who hits on April, wanting to be with her. It’s about as unnecessary as subplots come, and he’s a horrible character who didn’t need to be in the film.

The semi-saving grace of the film comes from three of the four turtles, and Master Splinter. Tony Shaloub voices Splinter, and his voice fits the character well enough. He adds some needed class to the film, but he’s underutilized. Then there’s Raphael, Leonardo, and Donatello, who are all fun to watch. Jonny Knoxville voices Leonardo, and he’s actually not bad in the role, and it works fine. The others work fine, but there’s nothing incredibly memorable about them, but at least the turtles come off as fun. But the weak link is Mikey, who is horribly handled. He’s annoying, used as a wannabe gangster at times, and as a lovesick puppy others, and the character grates on the film. Every time he’s on screen, save for a few of the better action beats, he just doesn’t work, and his character just feels like he was handled clumsily.

Leibesman’s direction is, in short, unspectacular. He doesn’t have a real presence, or really do anything exciting. It just feels vapid and bland. The action in particular feels wholly unsatisfying, with a real empty feel, all feeling way too familiar. The one standout scene is a downhill chase with some hummers, but it’s not enough to really make the film better. His frequent use of shaky came hinders the film as well, especially in the darker action sequences, making it near impossible to tell what’s going on. But when he finally sets the camera still, we begin to see how cheap and claustrophobic the film really feels, as we really don’t spend much time outside of dark, dank buildings. There’s never a sense of the Turtles really living in New York City, because we spend so much time in warehouses and inside buildings, you’d never know you’re in the greatest city on earth.

Once we finally get to the grand finale, it doesn’t feel special at all. In fact, it’s boring, and ultimately forgettable, taking place on a sky scrapper over the city, as Shredder tries to poison New York, pulling right out of The Amazing Spider-Man. There’s no tension, and Shredder has no personality, and we never learn anything from his a villain, which makes the final showdown pointless. But the whole thing just feels half baked, with no real of wonder or awe. We’re left cold and numb to something we’ve seen many times before, but done much better. It’s a very frustrating experience, and it’s too bad it all comes together that way. There’s so much potential of what to do with these characters, yet it all seems so squandered. The real problem comes down to the fact the film doesn’t know what it wants to be, or who to aim at. It’s too dark and violent at times for kids, but too childish for adults. There’s no middle ground, which really ends up making the film feel uneven. That’s especially suprising considering it’s a film produced by Nickelodeon.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is bland, boring, and incredibly uninspired. There’s not a single ounce of passion In the project, which makes it feel completely tone def. The personalities of the Turtles are handled more or less correctly, thankfully, though Mikey is so annoying and irritating. For a large summer blockbuster, the movie feels tiny and cheap, using the same sets over and over, and we never feel like the Turtles really live in New York City. Shredder is poorly handled, and the action is hit and miss. Megan Fox can’t act, her April is horrible, and it’s really disappointing they didn’t get someone else to do the part. Honestly, it’s just bad. Very, very sad seeing the Turtles once again mishandled.

[review]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 Coming June 3, 2016

By

Patrick Campbell

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August 11, 2014

Hot off the surprisingly strong commercial of success of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this last weekend, Paramount was quick to announce a sequel to the Jonathan Liebesman helmed film. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 is now set to hit theaters on June 3, 2016. Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec, the writer’s are the first film, are set to return for the second go around, with Michael Bay once again producing. There’s no word if Liebesman will return to direct the second movie.

Deadline broke the news, with a quote from Paramount Film Group President Adam Goodman:

Launching a new take on the Turtles into the feature film world was a daunting task because as fans of them ourselves, we felt a great responsibility to ensure audiences were going to experience everything they loved about the Turtles, while also getting to see them brought to life in a way they had never been seen before. The result exceeded our high expectations and the response to the film is beyond great, making it all the more fun to get started on the continuation of their story.

It’ll be interesting to see what comes with the next film. While the film did well commercially this weekend, it wasn’t critic proof. The film currently sits at a 19% rotten rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the audience rating continues to fall as well, with a rating of 63% approval rating from audiences at the time of this writing. It makes me wonder how well the film will holdover next weekend, and how good the word of mouth is going to be. If the film falters, it won’t stop Paramount from moving forward with a sequel, but it should make them consider the direction they go next. They don’t want this to become a “fool me twice” scenario.

We won’t know more until the production starts to move forward, so for now, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 is set for June 3, 2016. Are you excited for the sequel? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Blu-Ray Review: Need For Speed

By

Shaun Beckerman

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August 10, 2014

Need for Speed is somewhat of a modern marvel. Here is a film that is centered around extreme car racing, a very visual concept, but with a complete lack of computer generated imagery. It’s propulsive filmmaking, driven by a passion for in-camera effects. Unfortunately, this is about all the film has going for it. Based on a videogame, the story amounts to getting from Point A to Point B, with far less concern over narrative momentum with sensory momentum.

Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul stars as Tobey Marshall, whose defining characteristics involve being good with cars, and um…I think that’s about it. After being wrongly convicted of killing one of his best friends, Tobey spends two years I prison, only to immediately find himself in a precarious financial position on release. This leads to him attempting to get from New York to California in just under two days so that he can enter a legendarily impossible race. Sprinkle in a quest for revenge for the murder he didn’t commit, along with some wacky antics involving his team, and that’s the movie.

Borrowing from the Fast and Furious playbook, Tobey’s team is like a family to him. They are all likeable people, but almost entirely ciphers. They exist to serve as plot mechanics, and nothing more. As the film progresses, his team all end up playing their parts in some incredible action sequences, but none that truly exist in service of a plot. Highlights of the film involve filling the gas tank while driving, jumping four lanes of traffic, and having an entire vehicle airlifted across a giant chasm. While amazing on a technical level, none of these are crucial to the already thin story being told.

I know that it sounds like I didn’t enjoy the movie, but I really did. There is something to be said for watching a movie strictly to experience the whiz-bang spectacle of it all. With every rev of the engine, every car spinout, and every impeccably choreographed car chase, I found myself on the edge of myself, caught up in this world of vehicular mayhem. There are stunts in this film unlike anything you have ever seen, and are unlikely to see again for a very long time.

In watching the Blu-Ray extras, it is extremely apparent that all involved knew and understood what kind of movie they were making. There is no discussion about any narrative decisions in any of the bonus features, and strictly detailed analysis on the in-camera nature of the shoot. Like Tobey’s story, the filmmakers were on a journey, filming these amazing sequences all on location across the country. It’s a beautiful film to watch, using multiple locations to keep the locations around the cars just as visually interesting. While none of the extras are particularly long, they demonstrate the technical wizardry that went into creating these stunts.

In addition to detailed looks at the making of some of the most memorable stunts, there is a short feature on the family of stuntmen that performed the amazing 4-lane jump, a look at the creation of sound for the film, deleted scenes, an audio commentary, and more. It’s a solid set of features, and I was glad to have the opportunity to learn more about the making of the film. In watching this film, it becomes really obvious how much we are losing by modern filmmaking’s ability to cheat the creation of practical moments in film. I am a huge fan of all special effects artistry, including Computer Generated Imagery, but it is refreshing to see a film shy away from that crutch.

Overall, this isn’t a great movie, but it’s worth seeing on a visceral level. The acting is all adequate at best, and the story is generic and predictable, but the experience of watching is fantastic. This is the movie you are expecting. There are no surprises, but if the above sounds appealing, then strap in for a cinematic rush the likes of which we seldom see anymore.

Movie Review "The Hundred Foot Journey"

By

Loretta Garcia - Contributing Writer

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August 8, 2014

The Hundred Foot Journey is Dreamwork’s newest movie to be released on Friday, August 8, 2014. Producers Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake, bring us a journey based on the novel by Richard C. Morais. The Hundred Foot Journey is the story of the Kadam Family living in Mumbai, India. A family tragedy and subsequent events send the family to Europe where they finally settle in France. After a chance meeting with the beautiful Marguarite, a sous chef at the famous Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin-starred, classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (Academy Award®-winner Helen Mirren), the family finds the perfect location for their new restaurant, Maison Mumbai. The fact that it is only 100 feet across the road from the famous Le Saule Pleureur, the French restaurant belonging to Madame Mallory leads to conflict and chaos among the two restaurant owners. Madame Mallory takes pride in running the beautiful and classy restaurant which caters to the high society and includes only the best cuisine and top kitchen staff, while Maison Mumbai, is a family owned and run restaurant, where every member of the family pitches in to prep, cook and run the establishment under the direction of Papa.

Son, Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) is the head cook and a culinary genius who was trained by his mother in the art of not just cooking, but feeling the food and knowing how to work magic in the kitchen. His love of food and his expertise, lead to the culinary creations of Indian and French foods that will have the audience hungry and ready to try new receipes.

Papa Kadam and Madame Mallory, clash from the moment they meet and what starts out as a slow battle turns into a full out war in an attempt to outdo each other, win the customers and disrupt one another’s businesses. Madame Mallory and many of the town residents are reluctant to welcome the Kadams, until she samples Hassan’s dishes and realizes his potential. This results in a friendship between Madame Mallory and Hassan and an offer of the opportunity to work and tune his skills at her establishment. Hassan’s work at the Le Saule Pleureur, gives him the opportunity to grow his skills and earns him and the restaurant recognition. An offer to work in Paris, sends Hassan on the journey of a lifetime, and earns him a reputation as a famous chef, but the love of family and his feelings towards Marguarite, bring him home and back to the place where his skills are best expressed.

The Hundred Foot Journey is filled with the perfect ingredients for success. Mixing family traditions and loyalties with new beginnings, feuds and friendships and the love of food, the movie will have the viewers cheering for the success and happy ending for all. Don’t miss The Hundred Foot Journey, now playing in a theater near you.

My name is Loretta Garcia. I am a writer for SoCalthrills.com and Travel Specialist for Destinations in Florida Travel. Follow me on Facebook for news, travel promotions and more!

"Into the Storm" Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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August 7, 2014

The disaster genre has been a place of somewhat disposable comfort cinema for movie goers since the early 1970s, with the release of Earthquake. The film would set into motion the big ensemble casts, massive destruction, and human drama that many of us would come to associate the genre with, something that director Roland Emmerich would become best known for his many takes on the genre from Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012. For whatever reason, audiences have latched onto the genre, mostly because it offers some over the top fun and adventure, usually with rather likable, albeit one dimensional, characters. But unfortunately, for Warner Brother’s pictures, their new film into the genre, Into the Storm, will not be remembered in the pantheons of great disaster films. Instead, it’ll likely go down as one of the most boring, dull, and lifeless films of the genre.

The film is about as cliche as they come, with a very frustrating and boring script that really makes sitting through the film feel like a chore. John Swetnam, the film’s writer, has crafted such a generic script, it feels like it came off an assembly line. The story follows a father named Gary (Richard Armitage), who in the middle of a freak storm teams with a team of storm trackers to save his son, Donnie (Max Deacon). The film literally goes through every trop you can possibly fall into, making for an unpleasant viewing experience.

What makes things worse is the film is done in a found footage style, which makes the already chaotic film even more jarring. The opening alone is almost unwatchable, and actually adds nothing to the film, and in a way doesn’t make sense to the overall narrative. But the worse offense of the film is for being found footage, there’s times where there’s no understanding of how the movie is being shot, because no one could be shooting certain scenes we’re witnessing. It’s a slap in the face to audiences, with the filmmakers hoping we don’t notice. If you’re going to go the found footage route, you need to make sure you do it correctly, don’t take liberties and hope for the best. Movies like Chronicle and Cloverfield at least leave us in the point of view of the characters, but this never once happens here. It jumps around so often, it’s hard to keep up with what’s happening, and it really only does the first person view when it’s convenient.

The characters are incredibly paper thing, making them bland and useless, giving them no weight or anything to attach on to. Armitage’s character Gary is the brooding father, whose family has been torn apart by divorce, and his sons are rebellious towards him. We’ve seen these characters a hundred times before, and there’s nothing new added to them at all. Then there’s Sarah Wayne Callies’ Allison, the storm tracker with the heart of gold, and a longing to see her daughter who she has been away from so long. It causes the film to have cloying moments of forced emotion, to the point she and her daughter have a fight, and Allison turns to the camera and asks, “Did you get that?” These characters don’t do anything to break the mold, and worse, the actors can’t handle the stilted dialogue and make them likable. The fact that they fall through the tropes often, you unfortunately find yourself rolling your eyes at the things they’re saying and doing, instead of being worried about what peril they may be in. They just feel incredibly fake, with no real drive or personality, which really hurts the overall film.

The film’s biggest offense though, through everything, is the fact that even amidst the disaster, is that it’s just flat out boring. It’s too bad, really, because even with the paper thin plot and characters, the storm scenes could have made the film at least fun to watch, but there’s no drama here. Instead, it’s just loud, chaotic, boring, and just lifeless in the way it’s handled. There’s only one really cool moment, that’s over far too soon, that involves a fire tornado, and it’s a rather frightening and intense image. But outside of that, the film just falls flat. Even the final tornado doesn’t really seem that scary, and we know how this ends, with the survivors safe, back with their families and loved ones, and that sucks all the drama and tension straight out of the film.

Into the Storm is a messy, frustrating experience. Told through the lends of found footage, the disaster film falters due to a boring script, one dimensional characters, and bad acting across the board. Even when the storm finally hits, the film never picks up, and comes off as boring. Disaster films are a dime a dozen, and unfortunately that falls under that batch of the genre. This is a film that could have been special, but instead, it’ll be forgotten quickly. Director Steven Quale has good intentions, but it never comes to fruition, and in the end it’s just another disaster film, which is the worst thing that could happens.

[review]

Marvel Launches Out-of-This World Assortment of Products Inspired by “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy”

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 4, 2014

Marvel Entertainment in conjunction with Disney Consumer Products (DCP) unveils an action-packed product collection to celebrate Marvel’s epic space adventure, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, in theaters August 1, 2014. Best-in-class licensees including Hasbro, LEGO, Disguise, Her Universe, Café Press, Mad Engine, Just Play, KidDesigns, Hot Wheels, Rubie’s, C-Life and Jay Franco as well as The Disney Store and more have teamed up for an assortment of action figures, plush, playsets, role-play, costumes, and 80’s nostalgia-inspired lifestyle products that leverage the unique storytelling in the new Marvel franchise. From authentic character voices that bring electronic figures to life along with custom spacecraft builds and interactive battle gear, guardians of all ages will be able to immerse themselves in the intergalactic action.

“Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy introduces exciting characters and vehicles unlike anything seen in previous Marvel films. These elements were embraced by partners who immediately saw the potential to create out-of-this-world products that appeal to fans of all ages,” said Paul Gitter, senior vice president, Marvel Licensing.

An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits—Rocket, a raccoon with a space-blaster, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand—with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, which first appeared in comic books in Marvel Super Heroes, Issue #18 (Jan. 1969), stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot, Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, with John C. Reilly, Glenn Close as Nova Prime Rael and Benicio del Toro as The Collector.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy products are available now at national retailers, specialty stores, Marvel.com, Disney Store locations nationwide and DisneyStore.com.

Highlights from the product line include:

Figures, Plush & Playsets:

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Battle FX Star-Lord Action Figure by Hasbro ($19.99): The leader of Marvel’s new super-team is geared up for battle in this 12-inch scale electronic figure – voiced by Chris Pratt!

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Big Blastin’ Rocket Raccoon Action Figure by Hasbro ($29.99): When Rocket Raccoon starts blasting, stand back or hang on for the ride. His blaster carries quite the punch with a spinning light-up barrel that shakes Rocket with its powerful recoil! With multiple weapon sounds and an entire galaxy to protect, Big Blastin’ Rocket Raccoon won’t be finished fighting for a very long time!

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon Plush by Just Play ($24.99): Rocket Raccoon is sure to be the new breakout Super Hero from Marvel’s upcoming film Guardians of the Galaxy. This super soft plush truly brings him to life in his unique uniform and styling.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Playsets by LEGO ($19.99- 74.99): Help Star-Lord fend off Ronan in the The Milano Spaceship, team up with Groot and Rocket Raccoon to plot an escape from Knowhere, or launch into battle against the Sakaaran’s Necrocraft in the Starblaster with these action-packed LEGO playsets.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket’s Tailspin Takedown by Hot Wheels ($14.99): Race the Rocket Raccoon-inspired character car down the mega drop and hit the lever to spin out and defeat Ronan and his two henchmen!

Role-Play:

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Star-Lord Quad Blaster by Hasbro ($19.99): Lead the galaxy’s newest team of Super Heroes with the blaster based on Star-Lord’s signature weapon in the film. The Quad Blaster expands to reveal double blasters and fires four included NERF darts.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon Action Mask by Hasbro ($19.99): Enhance your role-play adventures with the Rocket Raccoon Action Mask – you can make the mask’s mouth, eyebrows and ears move for fun with the galaxy’s fiercest and funniest raccoon!

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Star-Lord Costume by Disney Store ($49.95): The intergalactic action will be epic with the Star-Lord costume – complete with coat, mask, gloves and pants available exclusively at the Disney Store and disneystore.com.

Lifestyle Products:

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Tees by Mad Engine (Varies): Men and boys alike can rock out with these vintage-inspired Guardians of the Galaxy cotton tees that are out-of-this-world!

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Hoodie by Disney Store ($29.95): Young heroes will be dressed for action in this smart, warm hoodie, featuring detailed appliqués of Rocket, Groot, Star-Lord, and a portable tape player complete with headphones on the hood.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon Headphones by KidDesigns ($19.99): Rock out to your favorite tunes with these Rocket Raccoon headphones that feature an adjustable headband – including raccoon “ears” and “fur” – and incredible acoustic capabilities.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy iPhone Covers by Café Press ($24.50-35.00): Carry your favorite Guardians of the Galaxy character wherever you go with these extremely lightweight cases that provide both style and protection for your iPhone.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Tank by Her Universe ($28.00): This 80’s inspired Guardians of the Galaxy tank top was designed to celebrate all of the nods from the decade of rock.

New Collection of Sophisticated Children’s Graphic T-Shirts Features Walt Disney Quotes

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 1, 2014

Peek, Aren’t You Curious, Inc. drew inspiration from the wisdom of Walt Disney and beloved classic Disney characters to create the first Disney collection from Peek. Available now, this high quality, sophisticated and inspirational collection of graphic t-shirts for girls, boys and baby, sizes 0-14, feature classic 1928-1930 Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs, and inspirational quotes from Walt Disney.

Disney and Peek share many characteristics that are evident throughout the collection. Both brands focus on sophistication, nostalgia and wit and deliver engaging product experiences enjoyed by adults and kids. Peek, a premium children’s clothing designer and manufacturer, known for creating educational graphic tees highlighting scientists, inventors and historical figures, extend the rich storytelling tradition that is at the foundation of Disney, through the creation of the Disney collection from Peek.

We attend a special launch event in Santa Monica to see the new T-Shirts and had a chance to meet the Designer and CEO of this new vintage line of clothing.

Tina Canales, CEO started Peek in hopes to create a place that could provide clothes that had sophistication and quality. When her kids were young, Canales, could not find kids’ clothing that was not too precious for everyday wear or that was well constructed with quality fabrics. Inspired by this and the way her three daughters live, learn and interact with their peers while drawing from careers of over 30 years in fashion and retail, Canales and two associates started Peek Kids in San Francisco in 2006.

“We never speak down to kids in anything we do.” said Canales at a recent Peek Kids event.

Canales was excited and honored to work with Disney. “We were given access to the Disney Archives to see all that rare artwork to help us in designing these precious t-shirts” added Canales. She continued by saying that Disney was welcoming and supportive of the new designs.

Check-out our extensive Photo Gallery of the collection below and some of the items in the Santa Monica store. And make sure to visit Peek to see the new Disney inspired t-shirts. You’re kids will want to wear them over and over again.

These t-shirts are perfect for Summertime fun and they are the perfect Holiday gift for that special Disney fan in your life. Disney quotes are inspiring and motivational.

The Disney collection from Peek include the following classic tees:

Minnie Mouse Short-Sleeve Tee: A short-sleeve ringer t-shirt in red heather featuring the vintage full-color 1928 Minnie Mouse design on the front and a Minnie Mouse silhouette on the back together with “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” quote from Walt Disney. Priced at $34 for girls and $28 for baby girl.

Minnie Mouse Long-Sleeve Tee: A long-sleeve heather gray heavy-weight cotton t-shirt with a classic Walt Disney quote on the front, “Believe in the future, the world is getting better, there is still plenty of opportunity” and vintage water-based red silhouette of Minnie Mouse on the back. A white felt patch, inspired by the iconic Mickey Mouse ears hats from the Mickey Mouse Club of the 1950’s, is of a 1928 Minnie Mouse silhouette with red stitching on the sleeve. Priced at $42 for girls and $38 for baby girl.

Mickey Mouse Short-Sleeve Tee: A blue heather short-sleeve ringer t-shirt featuring the simple, yet powerful Walt Disney quote, “Whatever you do, do it well” on the front and a navy blue, water-base soft graphic silhouette of classic 1928 Mickey Mouse on the back. Priced at $24 for boys and $28 for baby boys.

Mickey Mouse Long-Sleeve Tee: A heavy-weight heather gray t-shirt, with raglan baseball-jersey-style long black sleeves, features a line-drawing of classic Mickey Mouse on the front. The quote, “When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do,” by Walt Disney is on the back in black, white and red block text. A red felt patch of a 1928 Mickey Mouse silhouette on the sleeve, sewn with red and white stitching, highlights the design. The “1928” used on the patch honors the year Mickey and Minnie appeared in “Steamboat Willie,” the short film directed by Walt Disney, often considered the debut of Mickey Mouse and his girlfriend Minnie Mouse. Priced at $42 for boys and $38 for baby boy.

New Original Short Series of The Muppets Now on Disney Movies Anywhere

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 1, 2014

Disney Movies Anywhere Debuts an All-New Original Shorts Series “Disney Drive-On with The Muppets”

Exclusively Available on Disney Movies Anywhere for a Limited Time Beginning Today, August 1, 2014

In celebration of the home entertainment release for Muppets Most Wanted, Disney Movie Anywhere (DMA) is debuting a six-part original series called “Disney Drive-On with The Muppets” for a limited time beginning August 1, 2014. With two new episodes releasing each Friday, “Disney Drive-On with The Muppets” brings you everything you’ve come to love and expect from The Muppets, including special celebrity cameos! Be sure to visit the Discover Section within DMA each week to view new episodes of the series at www.DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com.

Check out a trailer about “Disney Drive-On With The Muppets”

After being left in charge of the Muppets’ office by Kermit, Pepe the King Prawn takes on the responsibility of “mentoring” Walter on the business of Hollywood. Still considered the “new guy” with the Muppets, Walter is given low-level jobs working alongside his fellow Muppets at their office in the famed Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. He quickly learns there is a lot more to making movies than he thought! Developing projects may not always be so glamorous, but Walter is still excited to tackle new challenges, and discovers life on the Disney Lot is certainly a fun and funny adventure.

Check out a clip from “Disney Drive-On With The Muppets” Episode 1

Perfect for keeping you and the kids entertained on-the-go, download the free Disney Movies Anywhere app on your iPhone or iPad to find exclusive content, behind-the-scenes interviews and much more! And for a limited time, when you download Disney Movies Anywhere and link your iTunes account, you’ll get The Incredibles for free. Find out more about buying, watching, and collecting your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies anywhere and download the App at: http://di.sn/ij1

Disney's “Into the Woods” Teaser Trailer

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 1, 2014

“Into the Woods” is a modern twist on several of the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy)—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife (James Corden & Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch (Meryl Streep) who has put a curse on them.

Rob Marshall, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the Academy Award®-winning musical “Chicago” and Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” directs the film, which is based on the Tony®-winning original musical by James Lapine, who also penned the screenplay, and legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, who provides the music and lyrics. Produced by Marshall, John DeLuca, “Wicked” producer Marc Platt and Callum McDougall, “Into the Woods” will be released in theaters Dec. 25, 2014.

Starring Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine, “Into the Woods” is a humorous and heartfelt musical that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.

Incredible Special Effects in Ghost The Musical will leave you a believer

By

Joel Covey

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July 30, 2014

Who would have ever thought of turning the Acadamy Award-winning film GHOST into a full blown musical? Fortunately, the original writer BRUCE JOEL RUBIN jumped onboard and was able to deliver an incredible modern-day adaptation of this beloved film.

GHOST – THE MUSICAL has taken the core of this classic and turned it up a notch with dazzling special effects and illusions leaving the audience in awe while adding impressive dance numbers and new powerful songs that build upon this already heartfelt story.

This Broadway and West End production includes the direction by Tony Award-winner MATTHEW WARCHUS (Matilda, Boeing-Boeing) and choreography by ASHLEY WALLEN. Original music and lyrics was created by a team of Grammy Award-winners, including DAVE STEWART (Eurythmics) and GLEN BALLARD (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”. Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill”). Not to mention, the ever unforgettable “Unchained Melody” performed by THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS from the film, has made it on to the production in an all-new way!

The musical is set in modern day New York City yet remains a timeless fantasy tale about the power of love. The production makes this overly apparent with the overuse of some selfies the stars take onstage, but I digress. Walking back to their apartment one night after a romantic dinner and a show, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam dead on a dark street. Sam is trapped a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly, who he learns is in danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hopes of saving her life.

You may actually be unfamiliar with this relatively new musical. The musical has actually been seen by more than a million people worldwide starting with an original production from Britain and made its way to Broadway shortly thereafter.

The audience can be quickly thrown off by the new direction of Molly. That early 90’s look from DEMI MOORE may not have worked as well for the stage. Replacing the short brunette boyish haircut is a young curly haired blonde. By no means is this a complaint or something that really affected the show, but definitely duly noted.

Molly Jensen is played by the wonderfully cute KATIE POSTOTNIK (Rock of Ages) with her counterpart Sam Wheat being played by the talented STEVEN GRANT DOUGLAS (Rent, Aida, Avenue Q). The two really are the rock of the show with only a couple of supporting characters. Luckily these two are very strong and really carry the show along with who other than Oda Mae Brown, the psychic con-artist that has more talent than she realized, played by the hilarious CARLA R. STEWART (Ain’t Misbehavin’, Grease, Rent). The sleazy untrustworthy friend Carl is played a ROBBY HALTIWANGER whom was also in Rent. Both male leads played Roger once upon a time and I could totally see it, but their voices lend well in this show.

Molly was as adorable as ever and the character really gets to shine with some impressive ballads including “With You” and “Nothing Stops Another Day”. POSTOTNIK gets to some big solo attention and really captivates the crowd with some emotional songs. Sam as well has some strong solos with DOUGLAS really shining in the second act. However, it is their duet “Three Little Words” that helped get this musical going toward the beginning where they play over each other. It is more of song that helps progress the story rather than many of them that builds on the emotion.

In every musical though, there is always that one person that truly shines and helps the show to the next level. In GHOST it is no doubt CARLA R. STEWART as Oda Mae Brown. She’s outrageously funny with perfect timing and just the right amount of over-the-top laughs. She got more applause than anyone else out there. She also has some fantastic songs diving into that gospel sound that would have lent well to Whoopi Goldberg.

The film was highly reliant on many special effects, which created some challenges to creating a stage production of it. PAUL KIEVE has created effects for over 100 international productions. A top notch illusionist would be warranted for such an effect heavy show. This production pulls all the stops with incredible realistic effects including Sam walking through a door, inanimate objects floating around the stage, characters flying away and people disappearing and reappearing right before your eyes.

The difficulty of pulling off some of these effects includes some rather dark scenes and bright lights shining right at the audience in order to adjust their eyes so they can’t see as well. This is definitely something can cause some discomfort at points; it’s needed, but ye be warned.

With so many different large scenes needed, a great deal of the backdrops and effects use projections and screens. I am one that quickly gets frustrated when these are used often, especially with over use of scrims. However, it is done tastefully and it works perfectly for this show. Without them, I don’t know how they could have done this adaptation. You’ll be amazed at how fluid and impressive many of these effects are throughout the show.

Of course, special effects should be in support of the subject matter in which in this case they definitely are. Thankfully, this musical offers so much more. The musical numbers are big and welcomed except for a couple that are pretty out there. There is a solid musical consistency throughout, but there are a few songs mixed in between that made me question the necessity of some songs.

The second act remains strong with a great tempo even with the longer than usual running time. I felt for the characters, and I found myself quite emotional. It’s exactly what one should be looking for in an adaptation of GHOST. There are many memorable songs and moments in this show and I know I will be thinking about this one for a while.

GHOST – THE MUSICAL follows the film pretty closely with only small differences that doesn’t change the plot or characters in anyway, something that is difficult to accomplish in movie to stage adaptations. Fans of the film shouldn’t be disappointed. If anything, audiences should enjoy this new life that has been given to this classic. It’s a story that plays well to everyone that most can find relatable. I don’t mean with ghost encounters, but with the loss of a love one and not getting that last goodbye. It’s that important rule of life that I find is something that I cannot be reminded of enough; live in the now.

GHOST – THE MUSICAL is now playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall

It is recommended for ages 13+ for mild violence, mature themes and dialogue.

July 29th – August 10th, 2014
Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, August 2nd will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.

Tickets start at $25

For more information visit scfta.org

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