Tag Archives: Ant-Man

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 21st Critics’ Choice Awards Nominees

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After last week’s nominations were revealed for the 22nd Annual SAG Awards and 73rd Golden Globes, it feels like it could be anyone’s game at this point. This morning the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) and Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA) announced their 21st Critics’ Choice Awards nominees with George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road leading the charge with 13 nods. Hosted by T.J. Miller, the winners will be revealed during a live broadcast from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on A&E, Lifetime, and LMN on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST.

Mad Max: Fury Road has undoubtedly become the underdog favorite of this awards season, as it has become one of the most revered features of the year by critics, myself included – my review. The big topic of conversation, aside from gaining Best Picture recognition, is Charlize Theron’s nods for both Best Actress and Best Actress In An Action Movie. Tom Hardy, of course, is nominated for Best Actor In An Action Movie, but it’s George Miller for Best Director that has really invested my interest into whether he could be a contender come Oscars. The film has also garnered nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Hair and Makeup, Best Visual Effects, Best Action Movie, and Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie.

Trailing behind the whirlwind, critically acclaimed hit is Carol, The Martian, and The Revenant with nine nominations each. While this year’s big favorite, Spotlight, has earned itself eight nominations from critics, followed by The Big Short and The Hateful Eight with six each. Bridge of Spies, Brooklyn, The Danish Girl, Jurassic World, and Sicario each earned five nominations and Room obtained four. Charlize Theron isn’t the only actress up for multiple Best Actress categories, as Jennifer Lawrence is up for three for her work in Joy and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, while Rachel McAdams is up for two awards for Spotlight and True Detective.

And while the film categories are all up in the air, the television categories prove that the increasing output of excellent programming continued this year with FX, ABC, and HBO both gaining 14 nominations each; FOX is close on their heels with 12 nods. The big standout series this year, as determined by critics, is FX’s Fargo with eight nominations. The Leftovers (HBO) and Transparent (Amazon) are not far behind with five nominations each; Black-ish (ABC), Mr. Robot (USA), and Penny Dreadful (Showtime) each earned four.

So what can we takeaway from this year’s 21st Critics’ Choice Awards nominees? For starters, no other awards group has seen more movies this year than the critics, assumably. It’s their jobs to assess the year in film. Who better has a sound voice of reasoning than those who sit in dark rooms and watch movies multiple times per week? In the long run, sure, all awards are practically meaningless gold statues, and the varying award categories the BFCA and BTJA have set have little influence when it comes to the Oscars, but if these voices of reason can help sway voters to at least make an earnest decision at the polls we can be safe in knowing we won’t have another year where a Shakespeare in Love wins against a Saving Private Ryan.

21st CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS NOMINEES – THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES

BEST PICTURE

  • The Big Short
  • Bridge of Spies
  • Brooklyn
  • Carol
  • Mad Max: Fury Road
  • The Martian
  • The Revenant
  • Room
  • Sicario
  • Spotlight
  • Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

BEST ACTOR

  • Bryan Cranston – Trumbo
  • Matt Damon – The Martian
  • Johnny Depp – Black Mass
  • Leonardo DiCaprio – The Revenant
  • Michael Fassbender – Steve Jobs
  • Eddie Redmayne – The Danish Girl

BEST ACTRESS

  • Cate Blanchett – Carol
  • Brie Larson – Room
  • Jennifer Lawrence – Joy
  • Charlotte Rampling – 45 Years
  • Saoirse Ronan – Brooklyn
  • Charlize Theron – Mad Max: Fury Road

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

  • Paul Dano – Love & Mercy
  • Tom Hardy – The Revenant
  • Mark Ruffalo – Spotlight
  • Mark Rylance – Bridge of Spies
  • Michael Shannon – 99 Homes
  • Sylvester Stallone – Creed

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

  • Jennifer Jason Leigh – The Hateful Eight
  • Rooney Mara – Carol
  • Rachel McAdams – Spotlight
  • Helen Mirren – Trumbo
  • Alicia Vikander – The Danish Girl
  • Kate Winslet – Steve Jobs

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

  • Abraham Attah – Beasts of No Nation
  • RJ Cyler – Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
  • Shameik Moore – Dope
  • Milo Parker – Mr. Holmes
  • Jacob Tremblay – Room

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

  • The Big Short
  • The Hateful Eight
  • Spotlight
  • Straight Outta Compton
  • Trumbo

BEST DIRECTOR

  • Todd Haynes – Carol
  • Alejandro González Iñárritu – The Revenant
  • Tom McCarthy – Spotlight
  • George Miller – Mad Max: Fury Road
  • Ridley Scott – The Martian
  • Steven Spielberg – Bridge of Spies

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

  • Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen – Bridge of Spies
  • Alex Garland – Ex Machina
  • Quentin Tarantino – The Hateful Eight
  • Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley – Inside Out
  • Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy – Spotlight

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

  • Charles Randolph and Adam McKay – The Big Short
  • Nick Hornby – Brooklyn
  • Drew Goddard – The Martian
  • Emma Donoghue – Room
  • Aaron Sorkin – Steve Jobs

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

  • Carol – Ed Lachman
  • The Hateful Eight – Robert Richardson
  • Mad Max: Fury Road – John Seale
  • The Martian – Dariusz Wolski
  • The Revenant – Emmanuel Lubezki
  • Sicario – Roger Deakins

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

  • Bridge of Spies – Adam Stockhausen, Rena DeAngelo
  • Brooklyn – François Séguin, Jennifer Oman and Louise Tremblay
  • Carol – Judy Becker, Heather Loeffler
  • The Danish Girl – Eve Stewart, Michael Standish
  • Mad Max: Fury Road – Colin Gibson
  • The Martian – Arthur Max, Celia Bobak

BEST EDITING

  • The Big Short – Hank Corwin
  • Mad Max: Fury Road – Margaret Sixel
  • The Martian – Pietro Scalia
  • The Revenant – Stephen Mirrione
  • Spotlight – Tom McArdle

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

  • Brooklyn – Odile Dicks-Mireaux
  • Carol – Sandy Powell
  • Cinderella – Sandy Powell
  • The Danish Girl – Paco Delgado
  • Mad Max: Fury Road – Jenny Beavan

BEST HAIR & MAKEUP

  • Black Mass
  • Carol
  • The Danish Girl
  • The Hateful Eight
  • Mad Max: Fury Road
  • The Revenant

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

  • Ex Machina
  • Jurassic World
  • Mad Max: Fury Road
  • The Martian
  • The Revenant
  • The Walk

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

  • Anomalisa
  • The Good Dinosaur
  • Inside Out
  • The Peanuts Movie
  • Shaun the Sheep Movie

BEST ACTION MOVIE

  • Furious 7
  • Jurassic World
  • Mad Max: Fury Road
  • Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
  • Sicario

BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE

  • Daniel Craig – Spectre
  • Tom Cruise – Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
  • Tom Hardy – Mad Max: Fury Road
  • Chris Pratt – Jurassic World
  • Paul Rudd – Ant-Man

BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE

  • Emily Blunt – Sicario
  • Rebecca Ferguson – Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
  • Bryce Dallas Howard – Jurassic World
  • Jennifer Lawrence – The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2
  • Charlize Theron – Mad Max: Fury Road

BEST COMEDY

  • The Big Short
  • Inside Out
  • Joy
  • Sisters
  • Spy
  • Trainwreck

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY

  • Christian Bale – The Big Short
  • Steve Carell – The Big Short
  • Robert De Niro – The Intern
  • Bill Hader – Trainwreck
  • Jason Statham – Spy

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

  • Tina Fey – Sisters
  • Jennifer Lawrence – Joy
  • Melissa McCarthy – Spy
  • Amy Schumer – Trainwreck
  • Lily Tomlin – Grandma

BEST SCI-FI/HORROR MOVIE

  • Ex Machina
  • It Follows
  • Jurassic World
  • Mad Max: Fury Road
  • The Martian

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

  • The Assassin
  • Goodnight Mommy
  • Mustang
  • The Second Mother
  • Son of Saul

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

  • Amy
  • Cartel Land
  • Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
  • He Named Me Malala
  • The Look of Silence
  • Where to Invade Next

BEST SONG

  • Fifty Shades of Grey – Love Me Like You Do
  • Furious 7 – See You Again
  • The Hunting Ground – Til It Happens To You
  • Love & Mercy – One Kind of Love
  • Spectre – Writing’s on the Wall
  • Youth – Simple Song #3

BEST SCORE

  • Carol – Carter Burwell
  • The Hateful Eight – Ennio Morricone
  • The Revenant – Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto
  • Sicario – Johann Johannsson
  • Spotlight – Howard Shore

Continue Reading to see the the Television Category Nominees–>>

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Now Available to Own: Ant-Man, Minions, Under the Dome, 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 December 8, 2015. Every Tuesday we run down new movie and television releases that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, as well as some slick deals that can help save you some coin. New on shelves this week are Ant-Man, Minions, Under the Dome, Knock Knock, The X-Files, and more.

Ant-Man Shrinking

Source: MTV

Movies on Blu-ray

Ant-Man (Peyton Reed) Rated PG-13 [117 min] – Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world. Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly, and Michael Peña [Watch the trailer]

Ant-Man should have joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe sandbox sooner. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the weighty sequels where the Earth always seems to be in danger for some reason. And the fact that Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, two of the founding members of the Avengers in the comics, didn’t get their moment to shine until now is unfortunate. Despite all the ugly behind the scenes debacles and the prolonged production history, Ant-Man turned out to be a very fun entry into the MCU that proves it can hang with the big boys.

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary with Peyton Reed and Paul Rudd
  • Making Of An Ant-Sized Heist: Set your watch and count down the action in this behind-the-scenes look at how to pull off a heist movie, including Scott Lang’s heist “family,” Ant-Man’s costume, plus amazing stunts and effects.
  • Let’s Go To The Macroverse: Shrink down to size in this fascinating look at creating the world from Ant-Man’s perspective, from macro photography through the subatomic.
  • WHIH NewsFront: A collection of content, including a glimpse at the future of Pym Technologies with Darren Cross, anchor Christine Everhart’s interview with soon-to-be-released prisoner Scott Lang on his notorious VistaCorp heist, and more.
  • Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
  • Gag Reel

Knock Knock (Eli Roth) Rated R [99 min] – When a devoted husband and father is left home alone for the weekend, two stranded young women unexpectedly knock on his door for help. What starts out as a kind gesture results in a dangerous seduction and a deadly game of cat and mouse. Starring Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, and Ana de Armas [Watch the Trailer]

A remake of the 1977 thriller, Death Game, Eli Roth’s Knock Knock doesn’t quite have the oomph I was expecting or hoping for. Premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival it sounded like there was some decent buzz for the film, so I was intrigued. Having the chance to see it now, I have to say I’m not very impressed. It’s beautifully shot in the closed quarters of the ritzy LA home, but the plot is rather thin and the characters are very weak. The cast come off cartoonish, playing to their characters extremes, which skews the dark tone of the film. Knock Knock wants to be this disturbing thriller with a hard message and yet it borders on parody because it doesn’t take itself that seriously. Not even the audio commentary helps put perspective on where Roth was going with it.

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary by Eli Roth, Lorenza Izo, Nicolás López and Colleen Camp
  • Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary by Eli Roth
  • “The Art of Destruction: The Making of Knock Knock” Featurette
  • Still Gallery

The Transporter Refueled (Camille Delamarre) Rated PG-13 [96 min] – In the south of France, former special-ops mercenary Frank Martin enters into a game of chess with a femme-fatale and her three sidekicks who are looking for revenge against a sinister Russian kingpin. Starring Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol, Ray Stevenson, and Lenn Kudrjawizki

It’s not going to refuel The Transporter franchise if that’s what you’re thinking. There are some decent action set pieces, but everything else is pretty much a complete embarrassment. From the dialogue to the acting to the plot, nothing about this reboot justifies its existence. The charisma of the Statham Transporters is lost in translation.

Special features include:

  • Frank Martin: The Reluctant Hero
  • The Coeur Brise: Les Femmes of Refueled (Blu-ray Only)
  • Rocketing from 0-60 (Blu-ray Only)

One Eyed Girl (Nick Matthews) Unrated [102 min] – Travis, is a thirty-something psychiatrist haunted by the death of a former patient. On the brink of a nervous breakdown he stumbles across a group run by a charismatic leader, Father Jay. In search of answers, Travis is led deeper and deeper into the underworld of a Doom’s Day cult where he meets Grace, a mysterious teenage girl. When the cult comes under attack from the outside world, Travis must risk his life to free a girl, and save his soul. Starring Sara West, Steve Le Marquand, and Tilda Cobham-Hervey

I didn’t really know what to expect when I popped One Eyed Girl into my over-priced Blu-ray machine that I haven’t even used to play games on yet PS4. I hadn’t watched the trailer nor did I pay any attention to the synopsis. I just dove right in. What it lacks in energy, personality, and good pacing, One Eyed Girl makes up for in thought proving melodrama and layered characters. It’s a slow burn that doesn’t quite bring a return on your time investment, but it shows a lot of promise for the first time director, Nick Matthews.

  • No special features included

DVD Only

The Unauthorized Full House Story (Brian K. Roberts) Rated TV-PG [88 min] – From its start as an unassuming family comedy in 1987 to its eventual wildly popular 192-episode run, the film centers on the rise of the cast of one of America’s most beloved family sitcoms and the pressures they faced in balancing their television personas with their real lives. Starring Garrett Brawith, Justin Mader, and Justin Gaston

This unauthorized Lifetime dramatization of the behind the scenes of Full House is absolutely bizarre. I’m not quite sure those involved were thinking clearly enough to realize how bad it would turn out. It’s a trainwreck. The dialogue is beyond comprehension while the cast delivers enough cheese to kill the lovable pizza rat.

  • No special features included
Under the Dome Season 3

Source: TV.com

TV Show Releases

Under the Dome: Season 3 (Brian K. Vaughan) Rated TV-14 [43 min] – An invisible and mysterious force field descends upon a small fictional town of Chester’s Mill, Maine, USA, trapping residents inside, cut off from the rest of civilization. The trapped townsfolk must discover the secrets and purpose of the “dome” and its origins, while coming to learn more than they ever knew about each other. Starring Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre, Alexander Koch

Under the Dome is what Lost would have be if audiences actually didn’t care about the many unanswered questions it decided to carry on its shoulders throughout the show’s lifespan. The third and final season of Under the Dome isn’t the ending we needed, but the one we deserve because who thought a plot point from The Simpsons Movie could be dragged out for 39-episodes? Stephen King obviously did, and it worked in his favor since it became a TV show. The best thing that we can say Under the Dome helped accomplish is provide people work to help feed their families.

Special features include:

  • Extended and Deleted Scenes
  • Return To The Dome: A Look At Season 3
  • Life Under The Dome: Behind-The-Scenes of Season 3
  • The Season Finale
  • The Device
  • Meet Indy The Dog
  • Gag Reel

The X-Files: The Complete Series (Chris Carter) Rated TV-MA [44 min] – Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts. Starring David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, and Mitch Pileggi

I didn’t get this sent to me to review, but I’d love to revisit this show one of these days. This box set has EVERYTHING.

Special features include:

 

Family Guy Season 13 [DVD Only] (Seth MacFarlane) Rated TV-14 [22 min] – In a wacky Rhode Island town, a dysfunctional family strive to cope with everyday life as they are thrown from one crazy scenario to another. Starring Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis, and Mike Henry

When will this show die? Sure, Family Guy had an amazing come back after it was cancelled and then brought back, but it’s witticisms and immaturely crude humor has become stale. And the 13th season of this series proves it. There’s nothing about Family Guy that makes me want to return to the Griffins, they have no redeeming qualities and the rest of the town of Quahog is incomparable to South Park or Springfield.

Special features include:

  • On the Road to Springfield Featurette: The Making of “The Simpsons Guy”
  • Commentary on “The Simpsons Guy”
  • Commentary on “Turkey Guys”
  • Commentary on “The 2000 Year-Old Virgin”
  • Commentary on “Stewie, Chris, & Brian’s Excellent Adventure”
  • Commentary on “Once Bitten”
  • Commentary on “Roasted Guy”
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Baby Ways
  • Who Let the Dog Out

 

Additional Releases this Week

  • Minions
  • Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 2
  • Hannibal: Season 3
  • The Wild Thornberrys (DVD Only)

Blu-Ray Deals and Steals

  • Iron Man 3 – $9.99
  • Spy – $9.99
  • The Avengers – $9.99
  • Despicable Me – $8
  • Despicable Me 2 – $10
  • Arrow: Season 3 – $24.99
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: The Complete Series – $31.49
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas – $9.96
  • Megamind – $5.99
  • The Little Mermaid – $19.99
  • Cars 2 – $11.99
  • Ted – $9.96
  • Mad Men: Season 5 – $7.99
  • Toy Story 3 – $17.99
  • WALL-E – $14.99

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!

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

All plot synopses come courtesy of IMDb.com

Coming Soon to Blu-Ray and DVD: Ant-Man, The Man from UNCLE, Ted 2, 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 October 17, 2015 we have Ant-Man, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Ted 2, and more. Find out when they’ll be out and what special features movie fans can expect below.

Ant-Man Blu-ray Box Cover Art

Available on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD December 8

Ant-Man (Peyton Reed) Rated PG-13 [117 min] – Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world. Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly, and Michael Peña [Watch the trailer]

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary with Peyton Reed and Paul Rudd
  • Making Of An Ant-Sized Heist: Set your watch and count down the action in this behind-the-scenes look at how to pull off a heist movie, including Scott Lang’s heist “family,” Ant-Man’s costume, plus amazing stunts and effects.
  • Let’s Go To The Macroverse: Shrink down to size in this fascinating look at creating the world from Ant-Man’s perspective, from macro photography through the subatomic.
  • WHIH NewsFront: A collection of content, including a glimpse at the future of Pym Technologies with Darren Cross, anchor Christine Everhart’s interview with soon-to-be-released prisoner Scott Lang on his notorious VistaCorp heist, and more.
  • Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
  • Gag Reel

The Man from UNCLE Movie Blu-ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD November 17

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Guy Ritchie) Rated PG-13 [116 min] – In the early 1960s, CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization, which is working to proliferate nuclear weapons. Starring Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, and Elizabeth Debicki

Special features include:

  • Spy Vision: Recreating ’60s Cool
  • A Higher Class Of Hero
  • Metisse Motorcycles: Proper-And Very British
  • The Guys from U.N.C.L.E.
  • A Man of Extraordinary Talents
  • U.N.C.L.E: On-Set Spy

Ted 2 Blu-ray Box Cover Art

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

Ted 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 [Watch the Trailer]

Special features include:

  • A Giant Opening Dance Number (Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Deleted Scenes (Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Gag Reel (Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Cameo Buddies (Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Thunder Buddies 4 Lyfe
  • Roadtripping
  • Creating Comic-Con
  • Feature Commentary with Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin & Wellesley Wild and Jessica Barth

No Escape Blu-ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD November 24

No Escape (John Erick Dowdle) Rated R [103 min] – In their new overseas home, an American family soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup, and they frantically look for a safe escape in an environment where foreigners are being immediately executed. Starring Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson, Thanawut Kasro

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary with Writer/Director John Erick Dowdle and Writer/Producer Drew Dowdle
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Behind-the-Scenes Gallery

Knock Knock Blu-ray Box Cover Art

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

Knock Knock (Eli Roth) Rated R [99 min] – When a devoted husband and father is left home alone for the weekend, two stranded young women unexpectedly knock on his door for help. What starts out as a kind gesture results in a dangerous seduction and a deadly game of cat and mouse. Starring Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, and Ana de Armas [Watch the Trailer]

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary by Eli Roth, Lorenza Izo, Nicolás López and Colleen Camp
  • Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary by Eli Roth
  • “The Art of Destruction: The Making of Knock Knock” Featurette
  • Still Gallery

Goodnight Mommy Blu-ray Box Cover Art

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

Goodnight Mommy (Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz) [Limited] Rated R [99 min] – Twin boys move to a new home with their mother after she has face changing cosmetic surgery, but under her bandages is someone the children don’t recognize. Starring Susanne Wuest, Lukas Schwarz, Elias Schwarz, and Hans Escher

Special features include:

  • “A Conversation with Filmmakers Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala”

Inside Llewyn Davis Criterion Blu-ray Box Cover Art

Available on Criterion Blu-ray January 19

Inside Llewyn Davis (Ethan Coen and Joel Coen) A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, and Justin Timberlake

Special features include:

  • New 4K digital transfer, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
  • New audio commentary featuring writers Robert Christgau, David Hajdu, and Sean Wilentz
  • The First Hundred Feet, the Last Hundred Feet, a new conversation between filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and directors Joel and Ethan Coen about the evolution of their approach, from Blood Simple to Inside Llewyn Davis
  • Inside “Inside Llewyn Davis,” a forty-five-minute 2013 documentary
  • Another Place, Another Time (2014), a 101-minute film documenting an Inside Llewyn Davis tribute concert, featuring Joan Baez, Mumford & Sons, Punch Brothers, Gillian Welch, Jack White, and others
  • New piece on the history of “Fare Thee Well (Dink’s Song),” featuring music producer T Bone Burnett and the Coens
  • New piece about Dave Van Ronk and the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early sixties, featuring music writer and historian Elijah Wald
  • Sunday, a short 1961 documentary by Dan Drasin about the riots that took place in Washington Square Park after folk musicians were prevented from gathering and playing there
  • Trailers
  • PLUS: An essay by film critic Kent Jones

Teen Wolf Season 5 Part 1 DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD and Digital HD December 15

Teen Wolf (Season 5 Part 1) (Jeff Davis) 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

Special features include:

  • Gag Reel
  • Special Effects Breakdown: Jeep Flip
  • Special Effects Breakdown: Building a Character
  • Special Effects Breakdown: Building a Scene

Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD and Digital HD December 1

Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos (Gabriel Riva Palacio Alatriste and Rodolfo Riva-Palacio Alatriste) Rated PG-13 [98 min] – Toto, a young chick born the run of the litter, rises to the occasion when a rancher threatens his home and his family. Starring Bruno Bichir, Carlos Espejel, and Angélica Vale

Special features include:

  • Behind-the-Scenes Featurette (English-language cast)
  • Behind-the-Scenes Featurette (Spanish-language cast)

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

Coming Soon to Blu-ray and DVD

Click here for more home video announcements

Box Office Battlefield: Ant-Man vs. Trainwreck

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Every week, movie studios select candidates to enter the glorious battlefield for your hard-earned dollars. The weekend warriors of July 17, 2015 includes Ant-Man and Trainwreck, as well as three limited releases. 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, Minions were the clear winner, overshadowing its competition with a $115 million opening gross. Jurassic World came in second with only $18 million in its fifth weekend out, and Inside Out in its fourth weekend came in third with $17 million.

The kids had their fun, but two new challengers attempt to claim the top spot at the cinemas. With how hot of a streak Amy Schumer is on, can Judd Apatow walk away with the big W, or will Marvel Studios completely dominate the weekend per usual? I know a guy… This is the Box Office Battlefield:

ant-movie-movie-title-logo-2

Ant-Man (Peyton Reed) Rated PG-13 [117 min] – Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world. Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly, and Michael Peña [Watch the trailer]

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 80% • Audience – 91%

My review:

It feels like forever since we’ve had an origin story from Marvel Studios. Guardians of the Galaxy was released only a year ago, but that seemed more like a team up movie than how small and intimate Ant-Man feels in comparison – literally and figuratively. With Ant-Man, you get those origin story tropes. There’s a lot of setup, but director Peyton Reed and co. do a swell job establishing character and building the science behind a very difficult hero to market. Which is why I like the tone they’ve established to introduce Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Scott Lang (Paul Rudd).

The biggest gripe I have is the fact that Marvel continues to provide weak villains. Not since Loki have we had a complex bad guy that we can understand their plight and reasoning behind their madness. Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) is such a throwaway villain in that there’s very little surprise as to how this story will end.

I do believe that this is Marvel’s best foot forward in utilizing 3D as a fun inclusion into the movie going experience. The resizing animation of Ant-Man and creating the environments to show him to scale in large environments is really cool to see play out on the big screen in 3D. Also, not since Honey, I Shrunk the Kids will you ever feel so fondly for an ant. MATINEE IT IN 3D!

Trainwreck 2015 Movie Title Logo

Trainwreck (Judd Apatow) Rated R [125 min] – Having thought that monogamy was never possible, a commitment-phobic career woman may have to face her fears when she meets a good guy. Starring Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Lebron James, Tilda Swinton, and Colin Quinn

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 85% • Audience – 83%

My review:

After Judd Apatow’s lackluster attempt at a spin-off sequel, This is 40, the director has been more focused on the small screen with Lena Dunham in Girls. I have not seen an episode of it yet, but he’s been crushing it as far as I can tell. Returning to the silver screen, this is the first feature film Apatow has not written himself. In fact, Trainwreck was written by funny lady and now actress, Amy Schumer. One would assume the pairing of Schumer and Apatow would be a match made in comedy heaven, but the end result is not as progressive as you’d think.

From my experience, Trainwreck is a pretty funny movie. I laughed entirely throughout the course of its overly long run time. The story behind the romantic dramedy is too generic. I think it’s played too safe, with each plot point checking off a box from the rom-com tropes list. I was never surprised by anything I saw in Trainwreck, and ultimately despite how hilarious the jokes are, this movie is pretty unmemorable to me. The relationship between Amy and Aaron (Bill Hadar) is cute with decent chemistry and the supporting cast is good, especially Tilda Swinton. But really there is nothing I took away from this movie that differentiates itself from any other of its kind. MATINEE IT!

Irrational Man 2015 Movie Title Logo

Irrational Man (Woody Allen) [LIMITED] Rated R [96 min] – A tormented philosophy professor finds a will to live when he commits an existential act. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Parker Posey, and Joe Stapleton

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 48% • Audience – 70%

Their reviews:

“In its own strange, deliberate way the film does wind up feeling surprising, fresh even, as Allen finds new ways to explore some of his most longstanding preoccupations.” – Mark Olsen (Los Angeles Times)

“It’s a Woody Allen film that the next one will make us forget.” – Joe Morgenstern (Wall Street Journal)

My take:

Another year, another Woody Allen movie. I am highly fond of the director and impressed that he can churn out a movie each year at his age, 79. Each of his films do feel inherently unique, but also kind of bland. They all have their own magic, which set them apart from one another to create a charming playfulness. However, the stories themselves he tells don’t feel as well crafted as the premise they’re based on. I would love to see what Woody could do if he took a little more time to knock out any kinks his films may have and give us something that we can be blown away by. I love what he can do with his actors and strong dialogue, I just would like more from his stories. And based on the reviews, Irrational Man isn’t his best work. RENT IT!

Mr. Holmes 2015 Movie Title Logo

Mr. Holmes (Bill Condon)  [LIMITED] Rated PG [104 min] – An aged, retired Sherlock Holmes looks back on his life, and grapples with an unsolved case involving a beautiful woman. Starring Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Hattie Morahan

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 85% • Audience – 70%

Their reviews:

“Mr. Holmes is a solid (if unremarkable) period drama that is anchored by a great Ian McKellen performance as an old Sherlock Holmes.” – Sandy Schaefer (ScreenRant)

“The film’s plots are soft and flimsy, and they don’t mesh as gracefully as they might, but they do serve as an adequate trellis for Mr. McKellen’s performance, which is gratifyingly but unsurprisingly wonderful.” – A.O. Scott (New York Times)

My take:

Now this is an interesting concept when approaching Sherlock Holmes. I find it to be refreshing to see the character beyond his prime and reflect back on his crime solving days. And given that Ian McKellen is in front of the camera makes it all the more wondrous and captivating. Based on the reviews, I would say Mr. Holmes is fairly average with a strong performance that keeps your attention drawn to the screen. MATINEE IT!

The Stanford Prison Experiment 2015 Movie Title Logo

The Stanford Prison Experiment (Kyle Patrick Alvarez) [LIMITED] Rated R [122 min] – Twenty-four male students out of seventy-five were selected to take on randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards in a mock prison situated in the basement of the Stanford psychology building. Starring Ezra Miller, Tye Sheridan, Billy Crudup, and Olivia Thirlby

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 78% • Audience – 81%

Their reviews:

“Disturbing, honest and compelling, The Stanford Prison Experiment turns a well-known story into must-see storytelling, depicting the ugly truth through gorgeous filmmaking.” – James Rocchi (The Wrap)

“Even with some familiar faces, The Stanford Prison Experiment feels like an honest-to-goodness documentary – a high compliment for a movie based on an infamous college project.” – Brian Truitt (USA Today)

My take:

Based on the cast alone I am intrigued to see The Stanford Prison Experiment. I had never heard of this true tale before, but the idea of turning it into a film does captivate my imagination. Rarely do I find these kinds of films intriguing, but the experiment and the results sound fascinating. Based on the reviews, I would expect a very thrilling, chilling, and tension-filled two hours. MATINEE IT!

As we know, Minions absolutely dominated the box office last weekend despite its very low response critically. I think that may come back to bite them in the arse after many families enjoyed such a heartfelt tale in Pixar’s Inside Out. I’m sure there will be outliers who waited a weekend to avoid crowds, but Inside Out delivered a superior product and families will return to something original and strong rather than something played out and stale. Trainwreck is a hard, Rated-R adult comedy that isn’t quite targeted toward all audiences. It’s definitely going to draw in the female demographics, but men may stray away if they aren’t familiar or do not like Schumer’s blunt and honest humor. And then there’s Marvel’s Ant-Man, which is rated PG-13. It’s pretty light and funny, a strong female supporting star in Evangeline Lily, and it has a different vibe compared to the other big movies within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So as it stands, I believe the victor for this weekend will be:

Winner: Ant-Man

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

Marvel’s Full-Length ‘Ant-Man’ Trailer Boasts Sizable Fun (157 Screenshots)

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For those naysayers who thought Ant-Man wouldn’t live up to an Avengers-caliber hero based on its first teaser trailer, Marvel has now released a full-length trailer to put those fears to rest. Premiering a slew of new footage featuring title star in action, this final film to bookend Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe looks to be a lot of fun.

I like it. And I wouldn’t be ashamed to say that the end of the trailer with Thomas the Tank Engine tickled my tummy. With all the Avengers running wild in Phase 2, this is only the second and final origin story fans will receive this round. There will be a whole batch of new characters to meet in Phase 3, but Hank Pym and Scott Lang are closing it out, taking a bow, and providing the encore to Avengers: Age of Ultron. But what a strange note to end it on?

The dynamic of comedy and action is a bit of step back in tone compared to Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It’s like Ant-Man is here to cleanse our pallet between Age of Ultron and Civil War. Based on this trailer, Ant-Man is a more intimate story on a literally smaller scale, and I kind of like that. After a high-stakes, action blockbuster like Age of Ultron, which I cannot wait to see, it will be interesting to gain Scott Lang’s perspective on the aftermath of it all.

The trailer shows a decent amount of the story and some of the fun action. Those who are unfamiliar with the character can get a good understanding of his capabilities – and they even play on the humor of those who agree his name is quite silly. With team Feige watching over Peyton Reed’s direction, I’m sure this film will fit adequately into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and we’ll all give a warm welcome to Paul Rudd just like we did Chris Pratt.

One spoiler note (highlight the text to unveil my thoughts): I’m sure I’m not the only one who assumes this, but I believe Marvel is playing down Ant-Man’s powers because in the comics not only can he shrink down to the size of an ant, but he can also grow to the size of a tall building. And I’m guessing him growing to that large scale size will be the big finale they’re keeping out of the promotions. End Spoiler.

(Click on the thumbnails below to begin the image gallery)

Here’s the official plot synopsis from Marvel:

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Directed by Peyton Reed, Ant-Man stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket, Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Michael Peña as Luis, Judy Greer as Maggie, Tip “Ti” Harris as Dave, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, Wood Harris as Gale, Jordi Mollà as Castillo and Michael Douglas as Hank Pym. This film is set to be released in theaters on July 17, 2015.

Source: Marvel Entertainment

First ‘Ant-Man’ Trailer Aims Big for Marvel Studios (65 Screenshots)

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First 'Ant-Man' Trailer Aims Big for Marvel Studios

The first full-length trailer for the much awaited debut of Ant-Man made its presence known during the premiere episodes of Marvel’s Agent Carter. Not only did we get our first peek at what fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be privy to come July 17, but how about those Paul Rudd abs? Am I right? Look out Chris Pratt, you’ve got yourself some competition. Watch the trailer after the break. Continue reading →

New ‘Jurassic World’ Trailer to Air During Super Bowl XLIX; New ‘Age of Ultron’ Trailer Coming Next Week

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Jurassic World Trailer Super Bowl XLIX

One of the most anticipated films of this year is Jurassic World. Now the franchise is making its way back to the big screen after 22 years, and a new trailer is set to premiere during Super Bowl XLIX. Even more exciting news, the date for the next trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron has also been announced. Hit the jump to learn more. Continue reading →

Marvel Studios Has Begun Production of ‘Ant-Man’; Plot Synopsis and Full Cast Revealed

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Marvel Begins Ant-Man Production

Despite some speed bumps, Marvel Studios has begun principal photography on Ant-Man. Director Peyton Reed and team are up in San Francisco today to embark on the important task of introducing Ant-Man to mass audiences. The production will also be shooting in Atlanta, Georgia. Check out the official plot synopsis and cast after the break. Continue reading →

Comic-Con 2014 Cosplay Photo Gallery [Over 300 Awesome Cosplayers Featured!]

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Comic-Con 2014 Photo Gallery

San Diego Comic-Con, the mecca for cosplayers from around the globe has sadly come and gone. But we’ve got just the treat for you to relive that special time of year whenever you would like. We met with hundreds of wonderful cosplayers this past SDCC weekend who were kind enough to stop and pose for a picture, and we’d like to share them all with you of course. Check out our full Comic-Con 2014 cosplay photo gallery after the break. Continue reading →

Comic-Con 2014: Marvel’s Booth Provides ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Hints of Things to Come

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Comic-Con 2014 Marvel Studios Booth Age of Ultron

All week Marvel Studio has been teasing bits and pieces of the culmination of Phase 2 of their cinematic universe. On display at their booth at Comic-Con were an array of different props from upcoming films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man. What do these teases mean? Find out after the jump as we discuss the possibilities. Continue reading →