Every week, movie studios select candidates to enter the glorious battlefield for your hard-earned dollars. The weekend warriors of June 12, 2015 includes Jurassic World as well as a two limited releases. Box Office Battlefield is here to help you decide which movie(s) will take priority over others and determine who will be victorious. Should you see ’em, skip ’em, or rent ’em? Find out after the break. Continue reading
Welcome to your Netflix Streaming Report for June 11, 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 Orange is the New Black (Season 3), Nightcrawler, Sense8, Mortal Kombat, Primer, and more.
Orange is the New Black (Season 2) (Jenji Kohan) Rated TV-MA [55 min] – From the creator of “Weeds” comes a heartbreaking and hilarious original series set in a women’s prison. Piper Chapman’s wild past comes back to haunt her, resulting in her arrest and detention in a federal penitentiary. To pay her debt to society, Piper trades her comfortable New York life for an orange prison jumpsuit and finds unexpected conflict and camaraderie amidst an eccentric group of inmates. Starring Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Michael Harney, Kate Mulgrew, Natasha Lyonne, Danielle Brooks, Taryn Manning, and Uzo Aduba
Netflix has released the third season of Orange is the New Black early! If you haven’t indulged in this series yet, you need to get on it! It’s a very humorous, poignant, and raw look at the world of a female penitentiary. The cast is incredible and the stories surrounding their characters are just as wonderful to behold. I know what I’ll be doing this weekend.
Nightcrawler (Dan Gilroy) Rated R [117 min] – When Lou Bloom, a driven man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story. Aiding him in his effort is Nina, a TV-news veteran. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, and Riz Ahmed
Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance alone is worth the look into the strange and surreal craziness that is the life of a nightcrawler.
Sense8 (Season 1) (Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski) Rated TV-MA [60 min] – A group of people around the world are suddenly linked mentally, and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world’s order. Starring Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Doona Bae, Aml Ameen, Tina Desai, Jamie Clayton, Freema Agyeman, and Tuppance Middleton
I haven’t seen this new original Netflix series yet, but knowing it’s from the Wachowski’s doesn’t really have me in a hurry to check it out. They’ve pretty much dried up their good will after The Matrix, seeing how Cloud Atlas is so-so, Speed Racer is whatever, and Jupiater Ascending is just atrocious. I’ve heard Sense8 is decent, but I’m not going to hold my breath.
Agents of SHIELD (Season 2) (Joss Whedon, Jed Whedonm and Maurissa Tancharoen) Rated TV-PG [45 min] – The missions of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. Starring Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, and Elizabeth Henstridge
If you were looking for Agents of SHIELD to really ramp up the action, season 2 definitely gets into a nice groove. There’s a lot of playfulness that teases the Marvel Cinematic Universe without relying on it and it really stretches its legs in terms of being its own series. True Marvel Comics fans may disagree with the treatment of how they’re leading up to the Inhumans, but I like what they’ve been doing thus far.
Mortal Kombat (1995) (Paul W.S. Anderson) Rated PG-13 [101 min] – Three unknowing martial artists are summoned to a mysterious island to compete in a tournament whose outcome will decide the fate of the world. Starring Christopher Lambert, Robin Shou, Linden Ashby, Cary-Hroyuki Tagawa, Brigdette Wilson-Sampras, and Talisa Soto
Who wouldn’t want to watch the film that single handedly gave us one of the best theme songs of all time.
Primer (2004) (Shane Carruth) Rated PG-13 [77 min] – Four friends/fledgling entrepreneurs, knowing that there’s something bigger and more innovative than the different error-checking devices they’ve built, wrestle over their new invention. Starring Shane Carruth, David Sullivan, and Casey Gooden
Since it’s 2015, and if you love time travel movies, Primer is the mother of all time travel movies.
Rosewater (Jon Stewart) Rated R [103 min] – Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari is detained by Iranian forces who brutally interrogate him under suspicion that he is a spy. Starring Gael García Bernal, Kim Bodnia, Dimitri Leonidas, and Haluk Bilginer
I have not seen Jon Stewart’s little film about Bahari. I have not read or heard whether or not it’s good. But I’m just throwing it out there because it was directed by Jon Stewart of The Daily Show fame. I’m curious to see if he’ll make for a good director down the line.
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
Welcome to your Netflix Streaming Report for June 11, 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 Orange is the New Black (Season 3), Nightcrawler, Sense8, Mortal Kombat, Primer, and more, which you can find after the jump. Continue reading
Introduced at D23 Expo 2013, Walt Disney Animation Studios has now released its first Zootopia teaser trailer. Inviting audiences of all ages to explore the vast world of this new animal kingdom concocted by the House of Mouse, the concept bares similarities to Lisberger Studios’ 1980 film Animalympics. You know, that one movie where the animals were also anthropomorphic and competed against each other in their own Olympic games to show that although we are different, we can celebrate life and the importance of mutual respect.
And the Zootopia teaser trailer basically acknowledges the same direction. Proving that being different does not mean we must hate or fight one another, but it can bring us together to solve bigger problems. A message many of us could bear to comprehend more often.
The video is cute and playful, though it doesn’t provide any kind of story; just the conflict. Looking closely at each animal as they pass by, it’s funny to see a lion in a business suit or a rhino in full police gear or a sloth making its way to work – business must be slow for them.
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Disney released early concept art of the Zootopia metropolis back in March:
A closer look (click to enlarge):
Here’s the official plot synopsis for Zootopia, courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios:
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.
And here’s the original plot synopsis that was provided during D23 Expo; it adds a little more context to the one above:
In the animal city of Zootopia, a fast-talking fox who’s trying to make it big goes on the run when he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Zootopia’s top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they’re forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends.
Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, Zootopia stars the voices of Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin. The film is set to release in theaters on March 4, 2016.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Brace your bank accounts, it’s time to see what’s Now Available to Own for the week of June 9, 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 The DUFF, Kingsman, Teen Wolf, and more which you can find after the jump. Continue reading
First footage of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 has arrived with the release of a new teaser trailer; the previous teaser was only a flaming mockingjay symbol with excellent voice over. Adapted from the popular Suzanne Collins novels, the highly anticipated showdown between the Districts and The Capitol will hit theaters November 20; or as Finnick Odair says, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 76th Hunger Games.”
As we descend upon the months leading up to the conclusion to Katniss Everdeen’s story, there are still many unanswered questions. What will become of Peeta? (We see him in the Mockingjay Part 2 teaser hugging Katniss instead of strangling her.) Does Coin have a nefarious end game? Katniss is very adamant that Snow pays for what he’s done, but what will that mean to her if she takes him down? (It would appear they come face to face at some point.) What is that black ooze pouring out from the buildings set off by that booby trap?
I, myself, know the answers to these questions as I have read “Mockingjay,” a fairly horrendous end to the trilogy. However, Francis Lawrence and screenwriters Peter Craig and Danny Strong did a pretty spectacular job with Mockingjay Part 1 by weeding out all the BS that plagued the novel. In the book, when Katniss and Co. return to The Capitol with the intent to end President Snow’s tyranny, everything becomes a bit chaotic. We can’t tell from this Mockingjay Part 2 teaser how well everything will turn out, but I have faith in Lawrence and his team that they won’t muck it up.
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Here is the official plot synopsis for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, courtesy of Lionsgate:
With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow [Donald Sutherland] in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale [Liam Hemsworth], Finnick [Sam Claflin] and Peeta [Josh Hutcherson] – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, from a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore, Mahershala Ali, Natalie Dormer, Wes Chatham, Elden Henson, and Evan Ross. The film is set to arrive in theaters on November 20, 2015.
Source: The Hunger Games YouTube
Brace your bank accounts, it’s time to see what’s Now Available to Own for the week of June 9, 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 The DUFF, Kingsman, Teen Wolf, and more which you can find after the jump.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (Matthew Vaughn) Rated R [129 min] – A spy organization recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius. Starring Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, and Michael Caine (Watch the trailer)
Not Matthew Vaughn’s best, but still a decent amount of fun. The second half plays it kind of loose and wild, but the cast is too great to see it as just your average spy thriller. RENT IT! Special features included are:
The DUFF (Ari Sandel) Rated PG-13 [101 min] – A high school senior instigates a social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been labeled the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier more popular friends. Starring Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne, Robbie Amell, Bianca Santos, Skyler Samuels, Ken Jeong, Nick Eversman, Allison Janney, and Romany Malco
Yes, The DUFF is practically your modern take on She’s All That, however, it’s so witty and quirky that you will be pleasantly surprised by how much enjoyment you’ll get out of it. I’D BUY IT, BUT DEFINITELY RENT IT! Special features include:
Project Almanac (Dean Israelite) Rated PG-13 [106 min] – A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control. Starring Amy Landecker, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Virginia Gardner, and Jonny Weston (WATCH THE TRAILER)
As far as time travel films are concerned, Project Almanac gets points for trying. The characters are very unlikable, but the hijinks and the way time travel is used is definitely different than what we’ve seen before. Squandered potential. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX! Special features included are:
Serena (Susanne Bier) Rated R [109 min] – In Depression-era North Carolina, the future of George Pemberton’s timber empire becomes complicated when he marries Serena. Starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Rhys Ifans, and Toby Jones
I have not seen this film, and I have not anything good about it. It’d be interesting to see what kind of disaster it is. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX! Special features included are:
The Last Ship: The Complete First Season (Steven Kane and Hank Steinberg) Rated TV-14 [45 min] – The crew of a naval destroyer is forced to confront the reality of a new existence when a pandemic kills off most of the earth’s population. Starring Eric Dane, Rhona Mitra, and Adam Baldwin
I’ve never seen this show, but the previews when I sit in theaters waiting for movies to start make the show look really interesting. Special features included are:
Teen Wolf: The Complete Fourth Season (Jeff Davis) [DVD ONLY] Rated TV-14 [41 min] – A somewhat awkward teen is attacked by a werewolf and inherits the curse himself, as well as the enemies that come with it. Starring Tyler Posey, Dylan O’Brien, and Tyler Hoechlin
If you prefer teen werewolf angst over teen vampire angst, MTV’s Teen Wolf definitely holds its own against popular young adult series like The Vampire Diaries or The Originals. I’d say it’s better because the characters are more human and realistically better written. Special features included are:
The Strain: The Complete First Season (Collector’s Edition) (Guellermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan) When a freak virus kills all but four passengers on an airplane at JFK, Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), head of the Center for Disease Control’s “Canary Team,” is immediately called to the scene. With help from a mysterious Holocaust survivor (David Bradley), “Eph” and his colleague (Mía Maestro) uncover the outbreak’s ties to vampirism. Now, the only way to stop the terrifying disease from wiping out mankind is to face its source – a sinister supernatural creature known as “The Master” – whose evil intent seems more powerful than any other force on Earth! Starring Kevin Durand, Corey Stoll, and David Bradley
I have not seen this show, and haven’t heard much of anything good or bad about it. Special features included are:
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
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 6, 2015 we have Gotham, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, and more. Find out when they’ll be out and what special features movie fans can expect from them after the break. Continue reading
Every week, movie studios select candidates to enter the glorious battlefield for your hard-earned dollars. The weekend warriors of June 5, 2015 includes Insidious: Chapter 3, Spy, and Entourage as well as a slew of limited releases. Box Office Battlefield is here to help you decide which movie(s) will take priority over others and determine who will be victorious. Should you see ’em, skip ’em, or rent ’em? Find out after the break. Continue reading
Welcome to your Netflix Streaming Report for June 4, 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 Hot Girls Wanted, Roman Holiday, Best of Me, Dead Snow, and many many more, which you can find after the jump. Continue reading
Turn The Right Corner 