Box Office Battlefield: Ted 2 vs. Max

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Every week, movie studios select candidates to enter the glorious battlefield for your hard-earned dollars. The weekend warriors of June 26, 2015 includes Ted 2 and Max, as well as the limited release of A Little Chaos. Box Office Battlefield is here to help you decide which movie(s) will take priority over the others and determine who will be victorious. Should you see ’em, skip ’em, or rent ’em? Find out below!

Last weekend, Jurassic World continued to dominate cinemas, snubbing Inside Out and destroying Pixar’s track record for always coming in first on their opening weekends. And over the past week Jurassic World became the fastest film to gross $1 billion worldwide, breaking Furious 7’s record of 17 days and crossing the line in an astonishing 13. Will the joke be on previous contenders with Seth MacFarlane coming back with Ted for Round 2? Where’dya pahk the fahking cah Boo Boo? This is the Box Office Battlefield:

Ted 2 Movie Title LogoTed 2 (Seth MacFarlane) Rated R [115 min] – Newlywed couple Ted and Tami-Lynn want to have a baby, but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted will have to prove he’s a person in a court of law. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth, Giovanni Ribisi, Patrick Warburton, Sam J. Jones, and Morgan Freeman

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 45% • Audience – 75%

My review:

I liked Ted. Seth MacFarlane held nothing back with his foul-mouthed teddy bear comedy that had a clever mix of heartfelt bromance and disgusting fraternity humor. After that mess of a follow-up film, A Million Ways to Die in the West – my review, I wasn’t sure if the writer/director/star/producer could pull Ted of a second time. But when we look at comedies, it all comes down to the viewer’s sense of humor. To me, I very much enjoyed Ted 2. I believe the jokes are sharp, full of hilarious pop culture references, and built up with enough set up to where most are rewarding. Some of the humor can go over your head if you’re not a huge film or TV buff, but there’s plenty here to get you by. Sadly the message of the film gets stretched very thin and inherently lost at times. Ted 2 is cohesive and makes sense, but the emotions it wants you to feel aren’t as strong as the first. Ted is not essential viewing to understand this sequel, but there are a handful of jokes that relies on your knowledge of it. MATINEE IT!

Max 2015 Movie Title Logo

Max (Boaz Yakin) Rated PG [111 min] – A dog that helped US Marines in Afghanistan returns to the U.S. and is adopted by his handler’s family after suffering a traumatic experience. Starring Thomas Haden Church, Josh Wiggins, Luke Kleintank, and Lauren Graham

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 38% • Audience – 76%

Their reviews:

“Though the lead performance would do Lassie and Rin Tin Tin proud, the increasingly ludicrous, cliché-packed plot generates not an ounce of suspense.” – Sheri Linden (The Hollywood Reporter)

“Mr. Yakin opts for bullets, explosions and blood vengeance when handcuffs and perp walks would do the job. Not that “Max” has any clear or coherent sense of mission.” – A.O. Scott (New York Times)

My take:

Max looks like manipulative Hallmark dribble that could have been a decent inspirational film back in the ’90s. The twist that it looks to inject into the movie looks forced and overly cheesy. Based on the reception by critics, Max does not seem like a very fun nor entertaining piece of cinema worth your dollars. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

A Little Chaos Movie Title Logo

A Little Chaos (Alan Rickman) [Limited] Rated R [117 min] – Two talented landscape artists become romantically entangled while building a garden in King Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles. Starring Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci, and Matthias Schoenaerts

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 41% • Audience – 47%

Their reviews:

”While he shines in his supporting role as the satisfyingly complex king, it’s hard not to imagine what the film would have looked like with Rickman as the romantic lead.” – Kate Erbland (The Dissolve)

“It’s a shame such a talented artist couldn’t create a more memorable film, but the overlong “A Little Chaos” bogs down in a lackluster love story.” – Stephanie Merry (Washington Post)

My take:

As Alan Rickman’s second time in the director’s seat, this period piece looks very polished. However, there doesn’t seem to be a solid plot worth building a story around to capture any kind of attention. I’m not big on period pieces to begin with, although some do catch my fancy, but I find no intrigue here other than the star-studded cast. And based on what other critics are saying, I think there isn’t enough here to set it apart from other similar titles. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

This past week Jurassic World continued to defeat Inside Out, but that could be due to the fact that kids are in daycare and parents are working. Families cannot attend movies together except at night. And even then, both films were neck and neck. Ted debuted in 2012 with $54 million with a similar RT score to Ted 2. The film is very similar in tone, maybe even a little sillier. I found myself laughing more often this time around. I think audiences may latch onto this one more because it’s less about Mark Wahlberg’s character and more about Ted. But on the other hand, Ted 2 is rated R, which restricts many moviegoers from seeing it. I think it will open a little higher than its predecessor, but not by much. So as it stands, I believe the victor for this weekend will be:

Winner: Inside Out

Movie synopses courtesy of IMDb.com and Tomatometer Scores from Rotten Tomatoes

Selfie-Sticks Banned at Disney Theme Parks and San Diego Comic-Con

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Corporations have now reached their breaking point as the ever-growing popularity of selfies have rubbed the House of Mouse the wrong way. With a mighty decree that parted the heavens, overlooking the swamp lands of Florida, Disney World has officially placed a ban on selfie-sticks.

The happiest place on Earth may become a little happier as park patrons will no longer have to avoid getting hit by long metal poles. More so, the cause of concern at Disney World is the potential of risk as Kim Prunty, a spokeswoman from the park explains,

“We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately selfie-sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast.”

The Los Angeles Times reports this issue has been a hot issue at Disney. As a precaution to the growing risk, signs prohibiting selfie-sticks have been up at parks for particular rides. But only recently there was an incident that caused a roller coaster to stop for an hour due to a brilliant passenger pulling out a selfie-stick while riding on the attraction.

The ban at Disneyland Resort and Disney World theme parks will take into effect this Tuesday, June 30, which also covers Disney World water parks and DisneyQuest, an attraction at Downtown Disney. Tourists to Disney parks in Paris and Hong Kong will have an extra day to indulge in extended narcissism with the ban going into effect on July 1.

Similarly, over the past weekend, Comic-Con International issued a proclamation stating the ban of selfie-sticks on the show floor or anywhere on official San Diego Comic-Con events outside the convention center. As one of the largest, yearly gatherings of pop culture fans in the world, their cause of concern is valid as the congestion continues to worsen every year. Along with the selfie-stick ban, drones, flying devices, E-cigarettes, vaping products, and other smoking devices will not be allowed.

Here’s the official statement:

“We know you want that perfect photo of yourself and the gang at Comic-Con and your arms just aren’t long enough, but please be aware that selfie sticks, GoPro poles, or any device that extends your camera or phone away from your hand, are not allowed at Comic-Con. With so many people in attendance, protruding cameras or phones sticking up in the air are a definite hazard. If you’re caught with a selfie stick, you will be asked by security to put it away and not use it at Comic-Con. This includes all of the Convention Center: Exhibit Hall, Programming and Event rooms, etc., and on Convention Center grounds outside, and any official Comic-Con events outside the Center, including the Marriott Marquis, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, and Omni San Diego hotels, the Horton Grand Theatre, and the San Diego Central Library.”

Source: Comic-Con International / LA Times
Art created by Anderson Mahanski

Comic-Con 2015

Netflix Streaming Report: Louie, Cake, Beyond the Lights, and More

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Welcome to your Netflix Streaming Report for June 25, 2015. After the long week you deserve a relaxing staycation with a bowl of popcorn, a bucket of ice cream, and only your Netflix queue to judge you. This past week, Netflix Watch Instant has been kind enough to supply us with Louie (Season 2), Cake, Beyond the Lights, and more.

beyond the lights make up pop princess

Beyond the Lights (Gina Prince-Bythewood) Rated PG-13 [116 min] – A talented young musician on the brink of super stardom struggles with the pressure of her new-found success. Starring Minnie Driver, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Danny Glover, and Aisha Hinds

If you missed Beyond the Lights in theaters last year, I’m not surprised. It’s a pretty decent film that flew way under the radar. There’s a lot of unsubtle and realistic ties to the entertainment industry that really resonate. I’d say it’s a functionally honest film.

(Watch it now)

a most wanted man philip seymour hoffman

A Most Wanted Man (Anton Corbijn) Rated R [122 min] – A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Daniel Brühl

Did not catch this film, but it is one of Hoffman’s final performances before his passing. Heard mixed, but mostly positive things about it.

(Watch it now)

cake movi jennifer aniston

Cake (Daniel Barnz) Rated R [102 min] – Claire becomes fascinated by the suicide of a woman in her chronic pain support group while grappling with her own, very raw personal tragedy. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Adriana Barraza, Anna Kendrick, and Sam Worthington

Another film I missed last year. Aniston gained early praise for her performance, but it wasn’t enough for the Academy or other groups during awards season. It’s got Anna Kendrick, so that’s a plus.

(Watch it now)

louie fx

Louie (Season 2) (Louis C.K.) Rated TV-MA [22 min] – The life of Louis CK, a divorced comedian with two kids living in New York. Starring Louis C.K., Hadley Delany, and Ursula Parker

For some reason Season 2 of Louie was not on Netflix, which is kind of odd because the other three of four were. This show is incredible. If you haven’t seen it, watch it.

(Watch it now)

gasland movie documentary

GasLand (Josh Fox) Unrated [107 min] – It is happening all across America-rural landowners wake up one day to find a lucrative offer from an energy company wanting to lease their property. Reason? The company hopes to tap into a reservoir dubbed the “Saudi Arabia of natural gas.” Halliburton developed a way to get the gas out of the ground-a hydraulic drilling process called “fracking”-and suddenly America finds itself on the precipice of becoming an energy superpower. Starring Josh Fox, Dick Cheney, and Pete Seeger

I have not seen this documentary, but apparently it’s hard-hitting and important. I heard a recent interview with the writer/director/star of the film Josh Fox and he seems to be very legit. I’d check it out if you loourve documentaries.

(Watch it now)

Additional titles added to Netflix this week:

  • Twin Warriors
  • Supremacy
  • Some Assembly Required (Season 1)
  • Green Street 3: Never Back Down
  • Confessions of a Prodigal Son
  • Walking with the Dead
  • Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle
  • After the Ball

What will you be watching this weekend?

Look forward to more new titles from the Netflix Streaming Report every Thursday on TTRC.

All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com

Netflix Streaming Report Turn The Right Corner

NBC Reveals First ‘Heroes Reborn’ Trailer and Premiere Date

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NBC has unleashed the first Heroes Reborn trailer while also unveiling its premiere date. Starting Thursday, September 24, 2015, Heroes will return to NBC after five years for a 13-episode event series. While some old faces return, such as Hiro, Matt Parkman, and HRG, there will be many new characters with abilities I hope will be more exciting than someone’s tattoo displaying future events.

The first Heroes Reborn trailer is a nice set up for what’s to come, teasing just enough to bring back some interest in a show that was cancelled without a proper send off. (Those last two seasons were pretty horrendous. They were like Dexter final season quality  bad.) The footage bears some resemblance to the series’ first season, setting up an inspirational message of hope and advocating positive change through hidden potential.

Although the trailer itself doesn’t offer any kind of context about what we can expect plot-wise, NBC was kind enough to give us the official synopsis for Heroes Reborn:

A year ago, a terrorist attack in Odessa, Texas, left the city decimated. Blamed for the tragic event, those with extraordinary abilities are in hiding or on the run from those with nefarious motives.

Two such vigilantes include Luke (Zachary Levi, “Chuck”) and Joanne (Judith Shekoni, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2”), who are seeking to avenge a tragic loss.

Noah Bennet, aka H.R.G. (Jack Coleman, “Heroes”), has gone off the grid but conspiracy theorist Quentin Frady (Henry Zebrowski, “A to Z”) finds him and opens his eyes to the truth behind the Odessa tragedy.

While in hiding, some are discovering their newfound skills. Awkward teen Tommy (Robbie Kay, “Once Upon a Time”) just wants to be normal and win the girl of his dreams, Emily (Gatlin Green, “Criminal Minds”), but normalcy is virtually impossible after learning of a new ability that terrifies him. Coming from a very sheltered upbringing, a bold and ethereal teenager, Malina (Danika Yarosh, “Shameless”), has been told she is destined for greatness. In Tokyo, a quiet and unique young woman, Miko (Kiki Sukezane, “Death Yankee 3”), is trying to track down her missing father while hiding an extraordinary secret that will make her a force to be reckoned with. Elsewhere, a different type of hero is emerging through former soldier Carlos (Ryan Guzman, “The Boy Next Door”).

Meanwhile, Erica (Rya Kihlstedt, “Masters of Sex”), the head of the highly successful tech conglomerate Renautas, has an agenda of her own.

For better or for worse, some are fated to cross paths with assorted heroes of the past, including Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka), Matt Parkman (Greg Grunberg), Mohinder Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy) and the Haitian (Jimmy Jean-Louis), among others. Yet, together, their ultimate destiny is nothing less than saving the world and mankind.

Vague in terms of what abilities we can expect from this new crop of powered people, but at least we now have some sense of what’s at stake. My guess is that the vigilantes have been framed by the tech conglomerate and it’s up to Hiro and HRG to figure out how to sort out this mess.

Executive produced by Tim Kring, Peter Elkoff and James Middleton, Heroes Reborn will bring back original cast members Jack Coleman, Greg Grunberg, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Jimmy Jean-Louis, and Masi Oka. They’ll be joined by a few new faces, including Zachary Levi (of NBC’s “Chuck” and the Marvel franchise “Thor”), Ryan Guzman (“The Boy Next Door”), Robbie Kay (“Once Upon a Time”), Danika Yarosh (“Shameless”), Judith Shekoni (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2″), Kiki Sukezane (“Death Yankee 3″), Henry Zebrowski (NBC’s “A to Z”) and Gatlin Green (“Criminal Minds”). The new 13-episode “event” series is set to premiere this fall on NBC at 8 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2015.

Source: Heroes Reborn YouTube

Marvel Studios and Sony Cast Tom Holland as Spider-Man

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Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures have finally agreed on a Peter Parker with the casting of Tom Holland as Spider-Man for their collaborative reboot. Audiences will soon find out whether it’s “third times a charm” or “three strikes you’re out” because Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield haven’t gotten the job done. Not only have they cast Tom Holland as Spider-Man, but the studios have also selected Jon Watts to direct the film with a July 28, 2017 release date.

So who are Tom Holland and Jon Watts you ask? Well Tommy, 19, doesn’t have too many credits to his name, but he played the on-screen son of Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts in the Thai disaster film The Impossible. I’ve never seen How I Live Now, but have heard mixed things – you can watch it on Netflix now. Holland is also starring in the upcoming Ron Howard Flick, In the Heart of the Sea, which also features Marvel Studios’ the almighty Thor himself Chris Hemsworth. And as for Mr. Watts, he has directed a handful of videos for The Onion News Network, an indie horror entitled Clown, and Cop Car starring Kevin Bacon, which debuted at Sundance earlier this year.

Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group Chairman, says,

“It’s a big day here at Sony. Kevin, Amy and their teams have done an incredible job. The Marvel process is very thorough, and that’s why their results are so outstanding. I’m confident Spider-Man will be no exception. I’ve worked with a number of up-and-coming directors who have gone on to be superstars and believe that Jon is just such an outstanding talent. For Spidey himself, we saw many terrific young actors, but Tom’s screen tests were special. All in all, we are off to a roaring start.”

Feige also commented saying,

“As with James Gunn, Joss Whedon, and the Russo brothers, we love finding new and exciting voices to bring these characters to life. We spent a lot of time with Jon and find his take and work inspiring.”

And producer Amy Pascal added,

“Sony, Marvel, Kevin and I all knew that for Peter Parker, we had to find a vibrant, talented young actor capable of embodying one of the most well-known characters in the world.  With Tom, we’ve found the perfect actor to bring Spider-Man’s story into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”

As we set forth into the next chapter of the cinematic Spiderverse, keep in mind that Sony has cumulatively over the past 13 years earned more than $4 billion in world wide box office grosses for this property. And with the web-slinger entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I can only imagine that number intensifying immensely.

Again, the untitled Spider-Man reboot is set to hit theaters in 2D, 3D, and IMAX on July 28, 2017. Captain America: Civil War is currently in production and will be released on May 6, 2016, which Spidey will be a part of.

Source: Marvel

Now Available to Own: Batman: Arkham Knight, Workaholics, and More

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Brace your bank accounts, it’s time to see what’s Now Available to Own for the week of June 23, 2015. Every Tuesday we run down new movie, television, and video game releases that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, as well as some slick deals that can save you some coin. New on shelves this week are Batman: Arkham Knight, Workaholics (Season 5), Song One, and more.

song one anne hathaway

Movies on Blu-ray

The Forger (Philip Martin) Rated R [92 min] – A thief works with his father and son to forge a painting by Monet and steal the original. Together, they plan the heist of their lives. Starring John Travolta, Christopher Plummer, and Tye Sheridan

If ever there was a movie where a once famous actor showed signs of wear it would have to be The Forger. Not only does Travolta look tired, but so does his hairpiece. The Forger is wrought with too many subplots that don’t earn their keep and there is very little substance to grab hold of to keep you invested in the characters. SKIP IT!

Special features include:

  • Identifying The Forger: Creating Character and Conflict” featurette

Song One (Kate Barker-Froyland) Rated PG-13 [86 min] – A young woman strikes up a relationship with her ailing brother’s favorite musician. Starring Anne Hathaway, Johnny Flynn, and Mary Steenburgen

Releasing Blu-rays on a limited release must be a new practice because Song One is now available via wide release. The movie lacks depth that the actors, who all do a fairly stand up job, can’t compensate for. There’s little imagination in the film’s storytelling that keeps you one step ahead at all times. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

Special features include:

  • Behind-the-scenes recording of the soundtrack
  • Deleted scenes

’71 (Yann Demange) [DVD Only] Rated R [99 min] – A young and disoriented British soldier is accidentally abandoned by his unit following a riot on the deadly streets of Belfast in 1971.Starring Jack O’Connell, Sam Reid, and Sean Harris

Unfortunately I did not have the chance to catch this film, but I’ve heard it was OK and Jack O’Connell puts in a good performance.

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary with Director Yann Demange, Producer Angus Lamont & Writer Gregory Burke

workaholics season 5

Television Releases

Workaholics: The Complete Fifth Season (Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, Kyle Newacheck, Connor Pritchard, and Dominic Russo) Adam DeMamp, Blake Chesterfield Henderson, and Ders Torpin Holmvik return for another season of misguided schemes and non-stop partying. From schooling the competition in 80s trivia to crashing a DeMamp family funeral, these guys are fending off adulthood in style. Starring Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, Maribeth Monroe

I’m partially through the fifth season of Workaholics and still enjoy the wacky hijinks these three delinquents get themselves into. However, I wish that the creators would break away from the formula or at least change things up to give Adam, Blake, and Anders a little more drive or purpose to bring a little more depth. Other than that, this show continues to be hilarious and pretty witty. BUY IT IF YOU LIKE THIS SERIES! OTHERWISE WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

Special features included are:

  • Bloopers
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Uncensored Trailer
  • Behind the Scenes of the Trailer
  • #FreeTheButtCheeks
  • And More!

batman: arkham knight batmobile

Video Game Releases

Batman: Arkham Knight [Rocksteady Studios] (Warner Bros. Games Interactive) [Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC] In the explosive finale to the Arkham series, Batman faces the ultimate threat against the city he is sworn to protect. The Scarecrow returns to unite an impressive roster of super villains, including Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn, to destroy The Dark Knight forever. Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady’s uniquely designed version of the Batmobile, which is drivable for the first time in the franchise. The addition of this legendary vehicle, combined with the acclaimed gameplay of the Batman Arkham series, offers gamers the ultimate and complete Batman experience as they tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of the entirety of Gotham City. Be The Batman.

I am picking up my copy tomorrow. I’m very excited about it. Ever since I saw some gameplay that debuted at Comic-Con last year with the Batmobile I knew this would revolutionize the franchise. Sadly, this is the final installment in Rocksteady’s Arkham series, but I’m sure Warner Bros. Interactive won’t let something this big go. From review headlines, it seems as though this is another strong title for the Batman, but the game is a bit too dependent on utilizing its new toys and the Batmobile. I look forward to whatever this next adventure brings me.

Blu-Ray Deals and Steals

  • Toy Story 2 – $14.99
  • X-Men: Days of Future Past – $15.99
  • Unbroken – $13.99
  • John Wick – $12.99
  • Nightcrawler – $13.99
  • The Cat Returns – $21.91
  • Castle in the Sky – $17.99
  • Workaholics (Season 5) – $12.97
  • Top Five – $12.99
  • Breaking Bad: The Final Season – $14.99
  • Captain America: The Winter Soldier – $17.99
  • The DUFF – $18.85
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – $9.66
  • Cars – $15.79

All prices from Amazon.com. Best Buy, Frys, and Target all price match online prices.

What will you be taking home this week? Tell us in the comments section below!

All plot synopses come courtesy of IMDb.com

new movie tv video game releases on dvd and-blu-ray

Marvel Comics to Debut Doctor Strange #1 and Spider-Man #1 this Fall

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With Marvel Comics basically hitting the reset button after the culminating events “Secret Wars,” two iconic heroes will be getting new #1 issues: Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. Creators Jason Aaron (Star Wars, Thor) and Chris Bachalo (Uncanny X-Men, Avengers) will be spearheading Doctor Strange, while Miles Morales co-creators Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli will continue the new legacy of the younger, bi-racial Spider-Man.

Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, Axel Alonso, wants fans to expect the unexpected with this brand new Doctor Strange:

“Get ready for a brand new Doctor Strange for a brand new Marvel Universe. Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo have rebuilt Marvel’s ’Sorcerer Supreme’ from the ground up with an excitingly original take that redefines the character going forward.”

Co-creator Jason Aaron goes on to describe how Doctor Strange follows a different path from the heroes we know and love:

“None of Marvel’s other heavy hitters walk the same beat as Dr. Strange. None of them have to face the same sorts of repercussions whenever they use their powers. Being the Sorcerer Supreme is a unique responsibility. And it’s one that Stephen Strange embraces. Even though there’s no doubt that his job is one day going to leave him dead, damned or insane. So I want to celebrate all the weirdness that is Dr. Strange, while having him face a challenge unlike anything he’s ever faced before. One that rewrites the rulebook for what it means to be the Sorcerer Supreme.”

Here’s the official plot synopsis for Doctor Strange #1:

A dark new power is rising. One that will have repercussions for all magic users. The threat is growing, and Strange knows he won’t be powerful enough to stop it. If he is to have any kind of hope, it will take a different kind of Sorcerer Supreme. Because all magic comes with a price, and it’s high time Stephen Strange balanced the scales.

And as for Mile Morales, who made a big splash with fans when he debuted in the Ultimate Universe, he’ll be taking on whole new obstacles as he makes his way into Earth-616, the primary Marvel Universe. Alonso is also pleased to continue the adventures of Miles:

“Four years ago, we peeled back Spider-Man’s iconic mask to reveal a new and different face, and readers of all stripes have embraced him. I’m excited to announce that Miles Morales is here to stay – and this Fall, he’s going to be swinging through the heart of the Marvel Universe. Can new friends and enemies be far behind?”

Brian Michael Bendis recently gave an interview to Marvel.com, stating:

“This is a very big deal to [Sarah and I]. For [Miles] to have grown up and flat-out earned his place in the Marvel Universe, as Spider-Man, is frankly so much more than we could have hoped for when we first sat down to design him and his life. When it became clear that I was going to follow Miles into this new adventure I was really hoping that Sara would see the value in it being both of us that do this together. I was thrilled that she agreed immediately.”

Here’s the plot synopsis for Mile’s story as he enters uncharted territory:

A stranger in a strange land, Miles patrols the rooftops of a New York City that is very different from the one he knew. A world where countless heroes guard it’s skies and streets. A world where Miles is counted among the ranks of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers. A world where Peter Parker is still alive. Though their paths have crossed before the landmark series Spider-Men, with Miles now living in Peter’s universe – is this town big enough for two Spider-Men? More importantly – how did Miles come to be here in the first place?!

Check out the cover art for Spider-Man #1 created by Sara Pichelli and Doctor Strange #1 created by Chris Bachalo:

Both Spider-Man #1 and Doctor Strange #1 are set to release this fall 2015.

Source: Marvel

First Images of ‘Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension’ Tease the Franchise’s End

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After various delays that may have prolonged a beautiful disaster, the first images of Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension have finally materialized on the Internets. The latest and supposedly final installment of the found footage horror franchise that started a flurry of copycat films is set to debut this October.

The Paranormal Activity series has seen its ups and downs, but could The Ghost Dimension bring everything around full circle to offer horror fans with a satisfying conclusion? In a recent interview with USA Today, Blumhouse Productions founder Jason Blum believes so:

“We made this movie like it’s the end of this Paranormal line for sure. And that title promises quite a few revelations. It’s coming to an end. This is it, the finale. We’re saying it before the movie opens. We’re not going to grind this horror franchise into the ground. This will keep Paranormal Activity as part of this culture and this particular time in a really fantastic way.”

As the mythology around the series took shape, many questions have built a delicate house of cards for such a basic premise. Answers to those questions will hopefully be unveiled. Blum continues:

“We couldn’t go just teasing. All the questions that everyone has asked from the past Paranormal Activity films: What does Toby look like? What’s the backstory to the families? These questions have been teased out. Now they will be answered.”

Oren Peli, the creator of Paranormal Activity and producer of The Ghost Dimension says fans will get more than just answers, we’ll finally see what the demonic “Toby” looks like:

“We’ve done well without showing Toby, being able to create tensions and scares based on audiences’ imagination. But people are very curious.”

Toby, of course, is the paranormal presence that has haunted the lives of one little girl named Katie and her family up through her adult life. The series took a turn in the spin-off, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, but tied itself loosely to the events of the main story – read my review. To me, revealing Toby’s physical form could make or break this series for me. I’d rather be in suspense not knowing what horrifying figure he could be.

Here are the first images of Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension for your viewing pleasure (Click on any image to enlarge):

To date, the five previously released Paranormal Activity titles have cost Blumhouse Productions $18.015 million and have earned the studio a jaw-dropping $811.6 million. Blumhouse is ending the series with a bang by introducing a 3D element into the scares, which is a franchise first. The additional costs for the 3D will definitely send the film beyond the micro-budget productions Blumhouse typically shoots for. The average production budget for each Paranormal Activity entry goes for $3-5 million, aside from the original that cost an astonishing $15,000.

Here is the official plot synopsis for Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension centers on the Fleeges — father Ryan (Chris J. Murray), mother Emily (Brit Shaw) and their young daughter Leila (Ivy George) — who move into a house and discover a video camera and a box of tapes in the garage. When they look through the camera’s lens, they begin to see the paranormal activity happening around them – including the re-emergence of young Kristi and Katie. The video camera footage will be presented in 3D in theaters.

Directed by Gregory Plotkin, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension stars Katie Featherston, Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, and Ivy George. The last entry of the iconic horror franchise will hit theaters on October 23, 2015.

Source: USA Today

Coming Soon to Blu-Ray and DVD: The Flash, Arrow, The Age of Adaline, and More

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While we provide you with a list of available new releases Now Available to Own every Tuesday, Coming Soon to Blu-ray and DVD looks at all of the recent home video announcements. For the week of June 20, 2015 we have The Flash, Arrow, The Age of Adaline, and more. Find out when they’ll be out and what special features movie fans can expect below

The Flash Season 1 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 22

The Flash: The Complete First Season (Greg Berlanti, Geoff Johns, and Andrew Kreisberg) Rated TV-PG [43 min] – Barry Allen wakes up 9 months after he was struck by lightning and discovers that the bolt gave him the power of super speed. With his new team and powers, Barry becomes “The Flash” and fights crime in Central City. Starring Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes, Tom Cavangh, and Jesse L. Martin

Special features include:

  • The Fastest Man Alive!
  • Creating the Blur
  • The Chemistry of Emily and Grant Screen Test
  • Behind the Story: The Trickster Returns!
  • DC Comics Night at Comic-Con 2014 Presenting Gotham, The Flash, Constantine and Arrow
  • Audio Commentary
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Gag Reel

Arrow Season 3 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 22

Arrow: The Complete Third Season (Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, and Andrew Kreisberg) – Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow. Starring Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, and David Ramsey

Special features include:

  • Second Skins: Creating The Uniforms of Arrow
  • Nanda Parbat: Constructing The Villain’s Lair
  • Two Arrow Audio Commentaries
  • Arrow at Comic-Con 2014
  • The Man Beneath the Suit – Atom’s First Flight
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes

The Age of Adaline Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 8

The Age of Adaline (Lee Toland Krieger) Rated PG-13 [110 min] – A young woman, born at the turn of 20th century, is rendered ageless after an accident. After years of a solitary life, she meets a man who might be worth losing her immortality for. Starring Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Kathy Baker, Ellen Burstyn, and Amanda Crew

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary with Director Lee Toland Krieger
  • “A Love Story for the Ages” featurette
  • “Style Throughout the Ages” featurette
  • “Discovering Young Harrison Ford: Anthony Ingruber, An Online Sensation” featurette
  • Deleted Scenes

The Big Bang Theory Season 8 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 15

The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Eighth Season (Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady)  A woman who moves into an apartment across the hall from two brilliant but socially awkward physicists shows them how little they know about life outside of the laboratory. Starring Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, and Kunal Nayyar

Special features include:

  • Shooting Stars: BBT on BBT
  • 2014 The Big Bang Theory Comic-Con Panel
  • Constellation Prize
  • Here’s To You, Carol Ann Susi
  • It’s A Quark… It’s An Atom… It’s the #BBTSuperfans!
  • Gag Reel

Far From the Madding Crowd Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD August 4

Far from the Madding Crowd (Thomas Vinterberg) [Limited] Rated PG-13 [119 min] – In Victorian England, the independent and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak, a sheep farmer; Frank Troy, a reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood, a prosperous and mature bachelor. Starring Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, and Tom Sturridge

Special features include:

  • Deleted Scenes + Extended Ending
    • Smokey Caravan
    • Fanny and Troy at Barracks
    • Valentine Inquiry
    • Boldwood Learns of Elopement
    • Troy and Bathsheba in the Morning
    • Tears of Regret
    • Boldwood’s Ring
    • Troy’s Funeral
    • The Wedding (Alternate Ending)
  • Bathsheba Everdene
  • The Suitors
  • Adapting Far From the Madding Crowd
  • The Look of Far From the Madding Crowd
  • Gabriel Oak
  • William Boldwood
  • Sergeant Troy
  • The Locations of Far From the Madding Crowd
  • Thomas Vinterberg
  • Theatrical Trailer

A Room with a View Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Criterion Blu-ray September 29

A Room with a View (James Ivory) Unrated [117 min] – When Lucy Honeychurch and chaperone Charlotte Bartlett find themselves in Florence with rooms without views, fellow guests Mr Emerson and son George step in to remedy the situation. Meeting the Emersons could change Lucy’s life forever but, once back in England, how will her experiences in Tuscany affect her marriage plans? Starring Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, and Denholm Elliott

Special features include:

  • New 4K digital restoration, supervised by cinematographer Tony Pierce-Roberts, with 2.0 surround Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
  • New interviews with director James Ivory, Pierce-Roberts, costume designer John Bright, and actors Helena Bonham Carter, Simon Callow, and Julian Sands
  • Segment about Merchant Ivory Productions from a 1985 NBC television program
  • Trailer
  • PLUS: An essay by film critic Farran Smith Nehme

Scorpion Season 1 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 1

Scorpion: The Complete First Season Scorpion (Nick Santora) Rated TV-14 [43 min] – An eccentric genius forms an international network of super-geniuses to act as the last line of defense against the complicated threats of the modern world. Starring Elyes Gabel, Katharine McPhee, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Jadyn Wong, Ari Stidham, and Robert Patrick

Special features include:

  • Audio commentary by Nick Santora, Nick Wootton, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Jadyn Wong, Sam Hill and Don Tardino
  • Audio commentary by Nick Santora, Nick Wootton, Ari Stidham, Katherine McPhee, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Robert Patrick
  • Building Team Scorpion
  • Unlikely Heroes: The Making of Scorpion Season 1
  • When Hetty Meets Scorpion
  • Chasing the Plane
  • Meet Team Scorpion
  • Inside the Brain with Eddie Kaye Thomas
  • Stunts on Scorpion
  • Living On The Edge
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Gag Reel
  • Cast “Thank You”

The Town that Dreaded Sundown Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray September 8; Best Buy Release on Exclusive July 7

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (Alfonso Gomez-Rejon) Rated R [90 min] – 65 years after a masked serial killer terrorized the small town of Texarkana, the so-called ‘moonlight murders’ begin again. Is it a copycat or something even more sinister? A lonely high school girl, with dark secrets of her own, may be the key to catching him.Director: Starring Addison Timlin, Veronica Cartwright, Anthony Anderson, Travis Tope

  • No special features listed yet

The Leftovers Season 1 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD October 6

The Leftovers: The Complete First Season (Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta) Rated TV-MA [60 min] – Revolves around mysterious disappearances, world-wide, and specifically follows a group of people who are left behind in the suburban community of Mapleton. They must begin to rebuild their lives after the loss of more than 100 people. Starring Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, Chris Zylka, Margaret Qualley, and Carrie Coon

Special features include:

  • Pilot Audio Commentary
  • Making The Leftovers
  • I Remember: A Season One Conversation with Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta
  • Secrets of the Guilty Remnant
  • Beyond the Book: A Look Ahead at Season 2
  • Finale Audio Commentary

Jane the Virgin Season 1 DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD September 29

Jane the Virgin: The Complete First Season (Jennie Snyder Urman) Rated TV-14 [43 min] – Jane is a 23 year old hard-working, religious Latina woman, whose family tradition and vow to save her virginity until marriage to a long time boyfriend and detective, is shattered when her doctor mistakenly artificially inseminates her during a checkup. And to make matters worse, the biological donor is a married man, a former playboy, and cancer survivor who is not only the new owner of the hotel where Jane works, but was also her former teenage crush. Starring Gina Rodriguez, Andrea Navedo, Yael Grobglas, Justin Baldoni, Ivonne Coll, Brett Dier, Jaime Camil, and Anthony Mendez

Special features include:

  • Special features include:Jane the Virgin: Immaculate Creation
  • Getting to Know the Cast of Jane the Virgin
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes

Vendetta 2015 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray and Digital HD August 18

Vendetta (Jen Soska, Sylvia Soska) Rated R [90 min] – A detective pushed beyond his limits will stop at nothing for vengeance. When his wife is killed by a criminal that he put away, Mason, a hard-nosed detective, deliberately gets arrested in order to get revenge. While inside, Mason discovers a new criminal enterprise that those behind it would kill to protect. Starring Justin ShadyStars: Dean Cain, Paul Wight, and Michael Eklund

Special features include:

  • “The Making of Vendetta” featurette
  • “A Haunted Location” featurette
  • “A Big Transformation”featurette

Little Boy Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD August 18

Little Boy (Alejandro Monteverde) Rated PG-13 [100 min] – An eight-year-old boy is willing to do whatever it takes to end World War II so he can bring his father home. The story reveals the indescribable love a father has for his little boy and the love a son has for his father. Starring Jakob Salvati, Emily Watson, David Henrie, and Michael Rapaport

  • No special features announced yet

Where Hope Grows Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray and Digital HD August 25

Where Hope Grows (Chris Dowling) Rated PG-13 [95 min] – A baseball player whose professional career was cut short due to his personal problems is suddenly awakened and invigorated by a young-man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store. Starring Kristoffer Polaha, David DeSanctis, and Danica McKellar

Special features include:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • “Casting David DeSanctis” featurette
  • “Stop the R-Word” featurette
  • Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Chris Dowling and Actor David DeSanctis

The Man Who Wasn't There Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray September 8

The Man Who Wasn’t There (Joel Coen and Ethan Coen) Rated R [116 min] – A laconic, chain-smoking barber blackmails his wife’s boss and lover for money to invest in dry cleaning, but his plan goes terribly wrong.S tarring Billy Bob Thornton, Frances McDormand, and Michael Badalucco

Special features include:

  • Feature Commentary by Bill Bob Thornton and Joel and Ethan Coen
  • Deleted Scenes
  • The Making of The Man Who Wasn’t There
  • Interview with Cinematographer Roger Deakins
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • TV Spots

The Life of David Gale Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray September 8

The Life of David Gale (Alan Parker) Rated R [130 min] – A man against capital punishment is accused of murdering a fellow activist and is sent to death row. Starring Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, and Laura Linney

Special features include:

  • Feature Commentary with Director Alan Parker
  • Deleted Scenes
  • The Making of The Life of David Gale
  • Death in Texas
  • The Music of The Life of David Gale
  • Theatrical Trailer

Innerspace Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray August 4

Innerspace (Joe Dante) Rated PG [120 min] – A hapless store clerk must foil criminals to save the life of the man who, miniaturized in a secret experiment, was accidentally injected into him. Starring Dennis Quaid, Martin Short, Meg Ryan

Special features include:

  • Commentary with Director Joe Dante, Producer Michael Finnell, Costars Kevin Mccarthy and Robert Picardo and Visual Effects Supervisor Dennis Muren
  • Theatrical Trailer

 

Free Willy Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray August 4

Free Willy (Simon Wincer) Rated PG [112 min] – When a boy learns that a beloved killer whale is to be killed by the aquarium owners, the boy risks everything to free the whale. Starring Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, and Michael Madsen

Special features include:

  • Michael Jackson “Will You Be There?” Music Video
  • “Whale Ballet” Montage – A Conversation with Wildlife Cinematographer Bob Talbot
  • Theatrical Trailers

Blast from the Space Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray August 4

Blast from the Past (Hugh Wilson) Rated PG-13 [112 min] – A romantic comedy about a naive man who comes out into the world after being in a nuclear fallout shelter for 35 years. Starring Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, and Christopher Walken

Special features include:

  • Theatrical trailer

And that’s it for this week. What are you looking forward to picking up when they release?

Stay tuned for more Blu-Ray and DVD announcements every Saturday.

All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com

Click below for more titles:

Coming Soon to Blu-ray and DVD

BRAHMM! The First ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ Teaser Trailer is Here

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With the first Fear the Walking Dead teaser trailer debuting for AMC’s The Walking Dead spin-off series, it’s as if October has come early. That certain sense of dread that comes every fall/winter will now also take place later this summer, with a six-episode first season pick up followed by an already green-lit second season next summer.

Entitled “Nick’s Escape,” the Fear the Walking Dead teaser trailer depicts one of our main characters, played by Frank Dillane, fleeing for his life. Equipped with a very Hans Zimmer-esque score, this teaser doesn’t really offer much of anything new from what we know about The Walking Dead universe. Since this series will depict the beginning of the zombie outbreak, for all we know Nick could be running away from a very pissed off dad whose daughter he had just had steamy, sexual relations with – he is pulling up his pants in the video. I would have the same sense of fear on my face if I were him in both situations.

It’s a cop out not to show any aspect of the zombie apocalypse, but also a brilliant marketing ploy as a teaser. After inspecting the video a few times now, I do honestly believe they’re setting this clip up to be something it’s not. They’re playing on our expectations, believing our first response will immediately resonate with the re-animated. But remember, this is just the beginning of the virus. Fear the Walking Dead could be even more of a character driven show than The Walking Dead, which could eventually lead up to the first appearance of the undead.

Fear the Walking Dead Title Card Teaser Trailer

Here’s the plot synopsis for Fear the Walking Dead courtesy of IMDb.com:

What did the world look like as it was transforming into the horrifying apocalypse depicted in “The Walking Dead”? This spin-off set in Los Angeles, following new characters as they face the beginning of the end of the world, will answer that question.

Created by Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson, Fear the Walking Dead stars Kim Dickens, Cliff Curtis, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Mercedes Mason, and Rubén Blades. The series kicks off late summer 2015.

Source: AMC