Movie Review: Captivity

Captivity sparked controversy earlier this year when a series of graphic billboards and posters popped up around Los Angeles. Producer Courtney Solomon claimed that it was a mistake, but I seriously have my doubts regarding that. It seemed to be the perfect way to drum up some mainstream press for this small film in the hopes of a box office spike. Well, it backfired and the film has become a box office dud. That is not to say i didn't enjoy it, which also not to say that it is good. This film is following on the coattails of the Saw and Hostel franchises, but they are toning down the story (?) and attempting to up the disturbing qualities of said films. The end result is a blend of seriously unsettiling imagery combined with a cast of characters I do not care one iota about. And still, I found myself enjoying it.

I enjoyed laughing at the ridiculous script, I enjoyed squirming at the torture sequences, I enjoyed the ridiculously shallow tale being spun. The fact that I found myself enjoying this beyond all reason is testament to my being a fan of horror movies, it can be hard to find the good ones, so I will occasionally find myself drawn into a bad one. Perhaps it was the more twisted elements that kept me captivated, because it sure wasn't the characters holding my attention.

We are given a taste of what to expect in the opening scene, as we watch our unidentified killer cover a victim in plaster of paris, poor something down a tube through his nose, while blood drains from his other nostril. This scene finishes with out killer taking a sledgehammer to the plaster encased head. Now, that should give you a clear idea of whether or not this is going to be a movie for you. Undoubtedly, many are of you will not go anywhere near it, while another segment have a smile on their faces while thinking this could be just what they are looking for. Well, it isn't quite as bad for the former, and not nearly enough for the latter.

As I sat there watching the film, the words morally bankrupt and misogynistic came to mind. Not that I believe the filmmakers are either, nor do I think those who enjoy this are either. It is, afterall, a movie, an exercise in creativity that happens to skew toward.s the darker side of life. If you watch the film, I am pretty sure the same words will come to your mind. That is until we get a finale that brings in an element of female revenge flicks like I Spit on Your Grave, but just a touch. The way the people are treated in this film is rather repulsive, even without caring about these paper thin characterizations, it was still pretty cruel the way people are dealt with.

Following the gruesome opening, we are introduced to Jennifer (Elisha Cuthbert), a shallow model with implied fame and fortune, and a not implied stalker problem. Our introduction comes partially through our stalkers POV through a camcorder, he likes to film his victims for awhile before making his move. In short order, he drugs her and takes her back to his lair. Next is a sequence of twisted little mind games in an attempt to break her down, including watching a tape of a prior victim getting an acid bath, will hers is prepared. There are a number of these sequences, and some are truly cringe inducing.

The problems arise pretty much whenever anyone opens their mouths, as no one really says anything important, or in any type of naturalistic way. Then Elisha's Jennifer discovers her co-captive, and a rather quick and goofy romance ensues. The situation is so unbelievable as to be laughable. By the time the killer is revealed, we already have a good idea of where it's heading.

Captivity is the kind of movie that defies reason, there really is no reason to like it. It does not have half of the story interest of the franchises that kicked off this latest so-called "torture porn" surge. We don't get to know any of these characters, the killer, the killers reasons, Jennifer, or her background. It is just a downright meanspiritied film. Fortunately, all we need is a mean movie once in awhile. At least we got to spend some time with the cat and mouse torture of one victim rather than the multitudes as in the other films, but a little depth would have been nice.

The creative team behind it actually has an interesting pedigree that would lead you to believe athat this would be better than it is. It was directed by Roland Joffe whose credits include the Oscar winning films The Killing Fields and The Mission, while it was co-written by Larry Cohen whose had a career in B movies including the It's Alive trilogy, the Maniac Cop trilogy, and more recently the Hollywood thrillers Phone Booth and Cellular. Seeing those titles, it would not be far fetched to think this would be better. Still it was trash, but entertaining trash.

Bottomline. Be warned, you will likely not like this movie. It strikes me like the kind of movie that a mere handful of people will enjoy. It is morally bankrupt, its soul is corrupt, and it is an affront to genuine torture porn. Go forth and enjoy. Well, at least try to.

Recommended to the select few.

Movie Review: Hairspray

In the vast landscape of the feature film, Hairspray really doesn't have much of a reason for being. It is a movie version of a broadway version of a movie, sort of the same path that The Producers took when the musical version hit screens back in 2005. Anyway, back to the reason for being, well it does not offer anything new storywise, nor does it bring anything new to the musical movie. So, why should anyone go see it? The answer is simple, it is an absolute blast of upbeat energy. Even if you are not a fan of musicals, and I am not their biggest champion, I dare you not to have a stupid smile plastered on your face while you tap your toes to the beat. I swear to you that it is quite infectious.

Even if you have not seen the 1988 John Waters film, or the musical, like me, you are likely already privy to what the story entails. It involves a rotund ball of energy, Tracy Turnblad (played by the inhumanly energetic and charismatic Nikk Blonsky), whose absolute bestest dream is to be a dancer on the Corny Collins Show, a local Baltimore based teen dancing show not unlike American Bandstand. Each day, Tracy and her best friend Penny Pingleton (Amanda Bynes) count down the minutes at school while attempting to stay awake, so that when that final bell rings they can rush home to watch the popular show, much to the chagrin of their parents.

One day, she gets a shot to try out for the show. Of course, Tracy's size proves to be a detriment, and she is laughed off the set. Then, back at school, she gets detention for cutting class (you know, so she could go to the tryout). When she arrives at that fated room, he is greeted by class full of black kids (you know, in these unenlightened days the black kids were a bad influence, as evidenced by their only time on the Corny Collins Show being the once a month Negro Day headed up by Queen Latifah). Here likable energy allows her to fit right in and learn some new dance moves, which she in turn takes to the studio (kinda like Elvis). She catches the eye of Corny and is put on the show.

Now that she is on the show, Tracy finds herself at the heart of the integration movement, beginning with the whitewashed dance show. Like I said, it does not offer anything new by way of the story, the fight for civil rights, the desire to dance, the want to be accepted for who you are, but it has so much energy. Hairspray is so bright, innocent, and happy, that it is nearly impossible not to get sucked in. Even if you recognize the story, where it is going, and how it will end, you will still float along as if it was the first time that you'd seen it.

In essence, the movie is pure pop. Musicals are not known for there basis in the real world, they are true fantasies. How else would you be able to explain why everyone knows the words and the dance moves? Well, they don't actually, but no matter. It is merely a conceit that you have to accept if you expect to get any enjoyment out of the genre. With that out of the way, you need to take a look at the songs contained within, and the songs here are fun. Many of them are big showstopping numbers that worm their way into your head and transport you to another, more innocent time. The music and delivery perfectly evokes a 60s fantasy world, an innocent time scene through innocent eyes with a desire to do what is right, a desire that comes as naturally as breathing to these kids.

The cast is filled with recognizable faces and up and coming talent. The most notable cast member would have to be John Travolta if, for nothing else, the fact that he is all bundled up in a fatsuit and a dress. This has been a point of contention for some groups considering Travolta's membership in the Church of Scientology, and their non-acceptance of gay lifestyles. I don't really have an opinion on that, but I am willing to give my opinion on his performance. He is not a convincing woman, you can see Travolta underneath all of that latex, however he does bring a sweet girliness to it as a woman trying to come to grips with herself. Then there is the Saturday Night Fever dancing, with the slight nod to Pulp Fiction's Vinnie Vega. The humor is increased by having him paired with Christopher Walken in the best display of dancing, the only way Walken can, since the "Weapon of Choice" music video. They are an unlikely couple, but the make it work. The other major adult role is filled by Michelle Pfeiffer, the villainous Velma Von Tussle. She may be manipulative, backwards thinking, and downright evil, but she is still looking good. Finally, there is James Marsden, Cyclops with a bleached smile, playing ringleader to the dancing kids as the aptly named Corny Collins.

The real stars are the kids. The kids are led by Nikki Blonsky, in her first role, and she makes the most of it. She has a strong voice, can dance well, and has such an exuberant screen presence that she really carries the film. Amanda Bynes is the adorable best friend who seems to be a perpetual state of amazement, and is never far away from a lollipop. On the other side of the gender barrier, you have the likes of Zac Efron and Elijah Kelly. Efron is an up and comer hot from High School Musical, here he plays Link Larkin, the dance shows heartthrob and the object of Tracy's affections. Now, Elijah Kelly, he is fantastic as Seaweed, son of Maybelle (Queen Latifah) and a fantastic dancer who shares his moves with Tracy while falling for Penny.

Bottomline. You know, this is not typically the sort of movie that is at the top of my list. That does not preclude me from enjoying this. I think that if I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't have a pulse. It is just so sunny in its disposition, I guarantee that you will smile. Despite not bringing anything new to the table, everything it does, it does right.

Recommended.

CD Review: Tomahawk - Anonymous

I cannot claim to have tried terribly hard, but it seems nearly impossible to keep up with all of the different projects that Mike Patton is or has been involved with over the years. The guy is, if nothing else, keeping himself busy. The ones I know of are Faith No More (obviously), Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, and now Tomahawk. I am also pretty sure that there are a couple of more. Besides keeping busy on all of these different projects, whichever ones find their way to my ears are always fascinating. They are not all great works of art, but there is always something that makes them stand out from a crowd, and Anonymous is no different. It is the third release from this trio, but the first I have heard, and it is a themed album that had so much potentially to go flying horribly off the tracks. Fortunately, it did not, and the result is a magical album that brings two worlds together in something that is wholly unique in my experience.

The project was born out of research being done by guitarist Duane Denison. During this period of research, he discovered books of transcribed Native American music. Denison, along with Patton, and drummer John Stanier took this music and interpreted it with a much more modern mindset, while respecting the origins of the music. Now, this is no New Agey Native American music, you know, the kinds of albums you find strewn throughout the New Age section that have about as much to do with Native American music and culture as Quentin Tarantino does with family movies. Rather, they took the darker compositions and worked them into a hard rock format while retaining all of which makes it Native American. This is not to be confused with a literal note for note, beat for beat replica of the music, it is truly interpreted and filtered through an imaginative and respectful, but distinctly off-kilter mind.

The Anonymous title comes as a show of respect to the original composers of the music, whose names are not known, lost to time. They may be making interpretations of the music, but they are not claiming ownership or creative credit for their origins.

The music is utterly immersive, and completely addictive. A collaborative effort, everything falls into place in a manner that I found it impossible to stop listening after just one time through. Duane Denison's guitar work is incredible, delivering heavily distorted sounds as well as clean vocal line doubles, and giving a wonderful atmosphere to the work. Likewise, John Stanier captures the drumming of a culture while also bringing in new textures to the mix. Then there is Mike Patton, love him or hate him, puts his fingerprints on the whole.

Simply put, this project is fascinating. It takes two worlds of music and bring them together in this union of the bizarre. It is the kind of album that you are either going to fall in love with, or hate, I do not see much of a middleground developing here. I am moving more and more into the love camp. There is an infectiousness to the music that gets under your skin and transports you into another world where music like this may be the norm rather than the exception. At no point did I feel bored of the idea, or left behind. It works as a beautiful whole that, as great as the parts are, the sum is that much better. Anonymous is a musical excursion that forges new ground.

I cannot say that any of the songs really standout. Although I love the atmospheric opening "War Song," and therather creepy "Cradle Song." "Ghost Dance" and "Red Fox" also deliver unique experiences. The album closes with a solo Duane Denison performance called "Long, Long Weary Day." It is completely different from the rest of tha album, due to its source not being Native American. I understand that it is another song from the same period, of American (non-Native origin).

Bottomline. This is one of the best albums I have heard this year. Completely unique, and gorgeous in its execution. I was caught off guard by just how fascinating the project was. It does not fall into the New Age traps, nor does it try to accurately replicate the music. It is respectful, and has the room to go in new directions. This is a wonderful album that deserves to be heard.

Highly Recommended.

DVD Review: The Dresden Dolls - Live at the Roundhouse, London

Last year, I remember picking up The Dresden Dolls album Yes, Virginia. To this day, I am not exactly sure what it was that compelled me to pick it up, much less buy it. At my heart, I am a metal guy. Sure, a metal guy who will take excursions into other genres and styles, but it is metal where I feel most comfortable. Anyway, I did buy the album, and when I listened to it, I knew it was something special. Not to say it is brilliance, or any other such hyperbole, but there was something about it that was different, it brought a more fringe style and brought it closer to the mainstream. By purpose, or by happy accident the music that it contained was different, alluring, and I just really liked it. Now they have released their second DVD, and it, much like my experience with the CD was something different and just a little bit magical.

I will be the first to admit that if given the chance to see them live, I would go, but I would also likely stick out like a sore thumb. I would likely be the only audience member in a Pantera t-shirt. The crowd that The Dresden Dolls draws is decidedly different than you would find at the shows that I typically frequent. Now this is by no means a bad thing, just different, no better, no worse. I only bring this up, as I am probably approaching them much differently than a fan would, not that I wouldn't consider myself a fan, but I think you know what I mean.

From the extensive notes contained in the included booklet, it seems like there is a good portion of the show that was not able to be included, or just did not make the cut. Fortunately, there is a documentary/interview section that includes some of this footage as well as interviews with some of the participants.

The Dresden Dolls are a musical duo that call their music and performance punk cabaret. It is not exactly punk in its sound, but the attitude is certainly there. It is probably the easiest way describing their music which brings a keyboard and drum sound together with a burlesque, avant garde performance together into one free flowing mash of expression and entertainment. The bottomline is that deliver more than a rock show, the bring the audience an experience which is much more than a mere concert, exposing them to an assortment of performers that they would likely not have seen otherwise.

The Roundhouse is a special place in the history of music, it is the place that was popularized by acts like The Who, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors in the 1960s. It was a place where all sorts of wild stuff went down at the forefront of those crazy rock and roll days. It had fallen into disrepair, and only recently was it restored. So, it came time for The Dresden Dolls to add their bit of artful insanity to the history of the building, and they came prepared. They were joined by a number of fringe performers to enhance the experience and take it all to the next level. Unfortunately, most are not present here, but what is here is am incredible 90 minute portion of this Punk Cabaret!

The set began with the same song as the Yes, Virginia album, "Sex Changes." It offered the perfect start to the set, following their introduction by comedian Margaret Cho (who also performs burlesque routines, glimpsed in the documentary section). This song included two of the Dolls crowd leaders and stage performers, as well as an aerialist performing while hanging from sheets suspended high above the stage, quite a sight! Throughout the show there would be guests coming out to add to the musical performance, and what they did was oftentimes quite odd to my eyes. At the same time it was stunningly different and a refreshing change of pace to what I am accustomed to. I can only imagine the energy that must have been coursing through that crowd.

Other highlights include "Mrs. O," "Coin Operated Boy," "Mandy Goes to Med School," "Backstabber," and "The Jeep Song." There is also the Tears for Fears cover, "Mad World," featuring a guest singer from a band called The Red Paintings. You know, when picking the highlights, I could have just listed the entire setlist, as they are all fantastic. The show is raw, Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione bring highly charismatic stage presences to bear. When they are on that stage, you cannot help but watch.

Audio/Video. The audio comes in three flavors, Dolby Digital 2.0, 5.1, and DTS 5.1. They sound great, the music is finely captured and represented here. The video also looks very good, capturing the energy of the show and giving everyone their screentime. There were no defects or problems that I found with the image. It is presented in anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen.

Extras. The main extra is a near half hour long documentary on the show featuring interviews with Amanda, as well as many of the performers who made the trip to be a part of this night. It is interesting to see the many faces that did not make the disk and what they had to offer. The other extra is a pair of songs that did not make the cut of the film, but were still worthy of includion. The songs are "Missed Me" (featuring Edward Ka-Spel) and "Delilah" (featuring Lene Lovich).

Bottomline. The Dresden Dolls are a truly original band, bringing fringe performances and styles to a new audience. Their performance is electric and they do not merely duplicate the album, rather bringing an energy and freeform flow to them. This is a very good performance. If you are a fan, you will not want to miss this.

Highly Recommended.


Check out a clip from the disk, this is "Coin Operated Boy":

Movie Media: Sunshine - Trailer

The more that I see of this movie, the more I am looking forward to it. Danny Boyle hasn't failed yet, from his Brit-gangster flick Trainspotting, to his revisionist zombie movie 28 Days Later, to his family film Millions. This time he takes on the science fiction genre. The story follows a space mission to restart the Sun, it is dying, and the world is frozen in an ice age. Of course, things do not go as planned, and the mission begins to fall apart. I sense a bit of Event Horizon, although I doubt this will have the horror element, but the feeling is there. The trailer is quite impressive, as are the other clips that have come out. Boyle has a strong cast that includes Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Batman Begins), Michelle Yeoh (Memoirs of a Geisha), Chris Evans (Fantastic Four), Hiroyuki Sanada (The Twilight Samurai), and Rose Byrne (28 Weeks Later, Marie Antoinette). It is open in limited release, hopefully will go wider soon.

An extended trailer has appeared over at the Quicktime site that gives a better idea of the story.

In a bit of an unorthodox approach, they have put together a sequence featuring deaths of crew members aboard the Icarus 2. Not sure that I agree with this particular marketing point, but I know some people like to see it. View, if you dare:


Here is one of the earlier trailers:

New Movies and Box Office Predictions: Hairspray, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

From last week's blockbuster opening weekend, we get a pair of films with prospects that a bit more dubious. One is likely to take the top spot, outduelling the boy wizard in a close race to the finish. The other is a little more spotty. It has the potential to do well, but I cannot say that I know many that are interested in it. I know, anecdotal evidence doesn't really doesn't mean much in the big picture, but sometimes that is all I have to go on. Anyway, I hope that this week's offereings at least offer up some worthy entertainment.

Hairspray. (2007, 107 minutes, PG, musical, trailer) In 1988, John Waters brought the story of Tracy Turnblad to the big screen, a heavyset teen with a love for dancing, and a desire to get on a dancing show. If you couldn't tell, I've never seen that film, nor have I seen the broadway musical that it spawned. Now, the musical has been translated back to the big screen, in a similar life cycle that The Producers followed. It will be interesting to see if it does any better. Director Adam Shankman (The Pacifier) has a pretty star studded cast to make a run for it, including John Travolta in the role made famous by Divine, along with Nikki Blonsky as Tracy, not to mention Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, James Marsden, Amanda Bynes, and Allison Janney.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. (2007, 110 minutes, PG-13, comedy, trailer) Are you ready for this one? Honestly, when I first heard about it last year I thought it was a joke. I also think that different names were being tossed around, I believe that Will Smith was attached at one point. In any case, the movie is nearly upon us and the stars are Adam Sandler and Kevin James. This is James first big shot at big screen fame, following his good notices for his supporting role in Hitch. This actually looks like it could be funny, no classic, but still funny. It is the story of a man (James) who needs to be in a relationship to get his kids on his pension, so he fakes a gay relationship with Sandler, who in turn falls for the woman (Jessica Biel) testing their validity. It was directed by Dennis Dugan (The Benchwarmers) from a script by Barry Fanaro, Alexander Payne (Sideways) & Jim Taylor.

Also opening this week, but not near me:

• Cashback
• Goya's Ghosts
• Sunshine

Box Office Predictions
This week will be a tough battle between an upstart comedy and a second attempt at the top by a boy wizard. Adam Sandler usually does well in his opening weekends, and is likely to make a strong attempt to usurp the throne. On the other hand Harry Potter may falter a bit as the Potter-heads will be home reading the new (and potentially final) novel which is released on Saturday. Still, it will likely end up a close, hard fought battle. Hairspray is a little harder to track, musicals haven't had a strong presence over the past year or so, with the last being the disappointing The Producers. Transformers will probably continue to do well, and hopefully Ratatouille will continue doing well.

Here is how I think the top ten field will play out:

Rank	Title	Box Office
1	I Know Pronounce You Chuck and Larry	$40 million
2	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix	$38 million
3	Transformers	$19 million
4	Hairspray	$17 million
5	Ratatouille	$11 million
6	Live Free or Die Hard	$7.5 million
7	1408	$3.5 million
8	Knocked Up	$3 million
9	Sicko	$3 million
10	License to Wed	$2.5 million

What are you seeing this weekend?

Movie Media: All the Boys Love Mandy Lane - Poster, Trailer

This looks like some trashy fun. The setup is pure old school slasher, and the trailer looks to deliver with acting/dialogue to the lower end of the scale, and hopefully a nice bloody bod count. The story has a girl mature over summer break and the boys take notice. She is invited to a party on a secluded ranch, where the participants start dropping. Amber Heard, of Hidden Palms, plays the title role in the movie directed by Jonathan Levine, making his feature debut. The film had been slated for release this summer by The Weinstein Company, who had picked it up at SXSW. However, as it is now post the scheduled July 20th opening, it turns out that they instead decided to drop the film. The big screen is still in its future, as Senator has picked it up with plans for a wide release in early 2008.

CD/DVD Review: David Bowie - The Best of 1980-1987

David Bowie has had a long and storied career that started way back in the late 1960's and is still going today. Love him or hate him, he has delivered memorable music while refusing to be categorized. He was at the forefront of glam rock in the 1970's, when he took on a number of sexually ambiguous alter egos, and went onto a lot of dance music through the 1980's. It is those 80's which are the focus of this collection. It is not one of his better eras, but there are still some good tunes to be found.

The Best of David Bowie 1980-1987 spans the years that Bowie himself has described as being a creative lowpoint. This collection is targeted at casual fans who may not have discovered the two disk Best of Bowie collection, or the three disk Platinum Collection, from which this disk was taken. That's right, this was originally part of a box set, three disks covering a different part of his career. The first disk covered 1969-1974 with hits like "Space Oddity," "Suffragette City," and "The Man Who Sold the World," while the second covered 1974-1979 with tracks such as "Young Americans" and "Heroes." Each of the disks was also released seperately, with this third disk being the first to find release in the US. As an added incentive it also includes a DVD with 15 videos from this era.

Deciding whether or not this disk is for you comes down to a number of factors. If you already own all of the studio albums, there is little use for the CD. Likewise, if you have the the Best of Bowie DVD, you have most, if not all of the videos included. As for the casual fan, you would probably be better served with the two disk Best of Bowie CD release. However, if you are a completist, or have a particular affection for this era and need a few songs or videos to pad out your collection, this may be right up your alley. This isn't to say that this is a bad collection by any stretch, weaker, definitely, but not bad. There have just been so many collections, compilations, and reissues over the years that it is hard for any of them to cover any new ground.

It's easy to look at the 80's era Bowie and say that it was his weakest. You'd probably be right, there was nothing in this time period that comes close to the likes of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, Space Oddity, or Station to Station. Still, there are some real gems during this four album cycle. Among the stronger tracks here are the "Ashes to Ashes," "Cat People," "China Girl," and "Loving the Alien." Also included is the instantly recognizable collaboration with Queen, "Under Pressure," whose famous bassline was famously appropriated, sans credit, by rapper Vanilla Ice (who insisted that he came up with it, and that it was "completely different" from this song).

While these songs are good, they fail to become great. If there is one thing that seems to define this era, it is that the songs all have a danceable groove. They are very easy to listen to, they are go down smoothly. Despite the often silly lyrics, and more mainstream stylings, this supremely pop version of Bowie is still a delight. I believe that, had he not set such a lofty bar through the prior decade, these songs would be held in much better regard. Again, I cannot say any of this is outright bad, it's not.

The most interesting track on the set, and one that I had never heard before, is Bowie's cover of "Alabama Song," previouslly recorded by The Doors. The song is from Bertold Brecht’s opera Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, of which Bowie is a fan. He recorded the song and released it as a single in 1982, with an acoustic version of "Space Oddity" as the B-side, all in an effort to get closer to the end of his RCA contract. The song is utterly bizarre, I cannot say I have heard anything quite like it, I love it. The odd timing, drums and guitar out of synch, whiel the vocals do their own things. Quite odd, and oddly, quite fitting.

The DVD contains some of the worst fashion the 80's had to offer. It's not that Bowie wasn't his own man, but the outfits worn by him and his band and video subjects are just absolutely goofy. Take, for example, the first video "Ashes to Ashes," he has the oddest clown getup, or "Let's Dance" with the red shoes, or the weird painted look in "Blue Jean." They are not all bad, I kind of like "China Girl," "Absolute Beginners," and "When the Wind Blows." The videos do not appear to have undergone much in the way of restoration, they are a little worn and faded looking, a quite distinctive 80's sheen. They are not awful, just showing the age a bit. The audio, by and large, is pretty good, presented in PCM stereo. They are nice to have as a bit of a throwback, but they are not what you would call "good" videos. It is a little funny to note that Bowie does not have much in the way of facial expressions outside of the occasional smile, he looks oddly botoxed in a number of the videos. The disk runs for a little over an hour.

Bottomline. This is a pretty good disk if you are looking for the cream of the 80's crop, plus the videos are fun little time capsule. Again, before snatching this disk up, you will probably want to take a look at what you already have, and what Bowie you need to fill in the holes. You could do a lot worse than this if you have an affinity for 80's music. There is no one quite like David Bowie.

Mildly Recommended.

DVD Review: Space Ghost & Dino Boy - The Complete Series

Oh, the memories. Sitting in front of the television on the Saturday mornings of my youth, a big bowl of sugary cereal in hand. This is something that must seem alien to today's kids. Honestly, what happened to the concept of the Saturday morning cartoon? Sure, there are a couple, but by and large you have to tune into the Cartoon Network to catch them, and even then they have some live action stuff on occasion. It used to be that you could turn on the television, and whatever channel you tuned into, it would be all cartoons all the time. Anyway, Space Ghost was one of the characters that I had an attachment to, and now Warner Brothers has delivered the complete Hanna Barbera series that ran from 1966-1968.

As I watch this series, something came immediately to mind, I think I have fonder memories of the character than I do for the series. The reason for that, I do not remember any of these stories, nor do I remember the accompanying show, Dino Boy in the Lost Valley. This is probably because I was more of a kid in the 1980's, and saw more of that run, with the likes of The Herculoids in tow, I wasn't alive during this run. Still, this is a fantastic collection of old chool toons from the early days of Saturday morning animated excursions. What is even better is watching the show the way it was originally presented, with each episode being comprised of two Space Ghost shorts with an episode of Dino Boy in between. Both shows were created by top animator Alex Toth.

I have to begin with Space Ghost. Each short delivers plenty of action as Space Ghost patrols the galaxy with his sidekicks, the brother/sister team of Jan and Jace, along with their pet space monkey Blip (I could have sworn it was Gleek, perhaps he was renamed for the 1980's series). Wherever they went, they were met with trouble, including recurring villains like the praying mantis Zorak, and the cat-like creature Brak, as well as an assortment of one-offs. The show had its share of humor, but it was predominately space faring science fiction themed action.

The titular character was designed with a sparse superhero costume. Primarily white with a black cowl and red arm bands and belt. His powers were delivered courtesy of the so-called power bands on his wrists, equipped with three buttons apiece, different combinations resulting in a variety of attacks, freeze beams, stun beams, fire beams, and all sorts of other uses. In addition to that, he has a force field, and an invisi-belt that gives out hero the power of invisibility. Additionally, Jan, Jace, and Blip have jet packs and their own invisi-belts. They cruise around in the Phantom Cruiser and are based on the Ghost Planet.

Squeezed in between each episode of Space Ghost was Dino Boy, a character that I had no prior knowledge of. There is also a strong reason why they never tried to revive this character. While the episodes are kind of fun, I found the characters to be much less interesting than their companions in each half hour. The series is kicked off by a young boy, Todd (aka Dino Boy), parachuting from a crashing plane and landing in this hidden valley of anachronism. It is populated with dinosaurs, cavemen, and all manner of other creatures (and most of them are not very nice). Shortly after landing, Todd is attacked by a saber tooth tiger, only to be saved by a caveman named Ugh, and his pet dinosaur Bronty.

Each episode features the trio facing off with creatures such as Treemen, Worm Men, Snow Beasts, and others. Typically, wither Dino Boy or Ugh will get into a tight squeeze necessitating the other to rescue them. Sure, fun, but not nearly as much fun as Space Ghost. So, the middle chapter was dropped in the brief second season, which ended with a two episode, six part serial "The Council of Doom."

In the six part finale, Space Ghost is faced with the combined might of his most nefarious villains: Metallus, Spider-Woman, Creature King, Brak, Zorak, and Moltar. Together, the six plan the demise of their foe, lining up to take their shot at weakening Space Ghost. This serial also features the appearance of other Hanna Barbera heroes. In the second episode, Mighty Mightor comes to Space Ghost's aid. Episode four features an appearance by the Herculoids. The final episode brings in Shazzan to aid our hero. Ultimately, our intrepid hero and his sidekicks were able to put a stop to the plans of the evil Council of Doom.

Audio/Video. Both are quite good. The video is presented in 1.33:1 full frame, and looks really nice. It looks old, but I would be willing to bet it has not looked this good since it's initial release over forty years ago. The audio is a perfectly serviceable mono track. It is fantastic to see studios treat these older shows with the respect they deserve.

Extras. There is a single extra on this two disk set, the feature length (96 minutes) documentary on creator Alex Toth: Simplicity: The Life and Art of Alex Toth. The creator is described as an artist's artist, someone looking to do the most with as few lines as possible. He is also described as a great friend and collaborator, as well as one of the most difficult guys they've ever had to deal with. It features interviews with contemporaries, those he influenced, as well as his children.

Bottomline. This is a great slice of old school toons, featuring an iconic character (with that great signature voice provided by Gary Owens) and plenty of action. Sure, Dino Boy isn't as good, but watching each episode is a blast. This is an esy recommendation for Space Ghost fans, or those who like the classic Saturday morning cartoons. With all the sets that are coming out, you could probably program yourself a Saturday morning that nearly replicates the days of old. Also, I am sure most of you are aware of Space Ghost's career change, in the late 1990's Space Ghost returned to television as a talk show host, quite funny, but a radical departure from the superhero roots of the character.

Recommended.

Movie Media: The Golden Compass - Poster, Trailer

"In 2001, New Line opened the door to Middle-Earth, this December they take you on another epic journey..." And so begins the trailer for The Golden Compass, the first part of the His Dark Materials cycle. With the success that fantasy has had in the November/December frame with Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, it looks like New Line wants to keep it going. This is definitely fantasy, but it fortunately looks distinctly different than those other films. It is a fantastical world that I look forward to seeing more of. It has a good cast including Nicole Kidman, Sam Elliot, Dakota Blue Richards, Eva Green, and Daniel Craig. The poster below has four other variants which are the four quadrants broken into separate images. This looks like it will be good. One can hope.

Press Release: HOUSE ANNOUNCES CASTING NEWS

Olivia Wilde, Kal Penn, Peter Jacobson, Anne Dudek and Edi Gathegi
To Make HOUSE Calls During Season Four

Five actors have been cast in Season Four of the Emmy Award-winning series HOUSE, which premieres Tuesday, Sept. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.


Olivia Wilde (The Black Donnellys, The O.C.), Kal Penn (24, The Namesake, Harold &Kumar Go To White Castle), Peter Jacobson (The Starter Wife, Law &Order), Anne Dudek (Big Day) and Edi Gathegi (Lincoln Heights, Gone Baby Gone) play candidates for a fellowship opportunity with Dr. House. The actors have been cast for an undetermined number of episodes.


HOUSE stars Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant diagnostician who thrives on the challenge of solving medical puzzles to save lives. In the Season Three finale, the set-in-his-ways House was confronted with a series of major changes to his team neurologist Dr. Eric Foreman (Omar Epps) left Princeton Plainsboro because he didnt want to turn into House; House randomly fired old-money intensivist Dr. Robert Chase (Jesse Spencer), claiming he learned everything hes going to learn during the past three years, or nothing at all; and immunologist Dr. Allison Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) resigned, knowing House will be completely unaffected by her decision. But any effects of this house-cleaning on House, or the changes it may bring to House professionally or personally, remain to be seen


During the recently completed 2006-07 season, HOUSE ranked as the No. 1 scripted series in Adults 18-49 and the overall No. 3 show in Adults 18-49 (behind only the Tuesday and Wednesday airings of AMERICAN IDOL). HOUSE ranks as FOXs No. 1 scripted program across the majority of key demos, including Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 and Teens; ranks No. 1 in its Tuesday 9:00 PM time period among all key demos; and is the only scripted series to rank among primetimes Top 5 programs across Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 and Teens.


Emmy Award-winning HOUSE is from Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions and Bad Hat Harry Productions in association with Universal Media Studios. Katie Jacobs, David Shore, Paul Attanasio, Bryan Singer, Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner and Thomas L. Moran are executive producers.

Press Release: Between The Buried And Me Releases In-Studio Video on YouTube, Touring The East Coast

Between The Buried And Me Releases In-Studio Video on YouTube, Touring The East Coast and Canada With The Red Chord, and Cephalic Carnage!


Musical genre-benders Between The Buried And Me unveiled a new in-studio video that is viewable now on youtube! The band just wrapped up recording their new studio album, Colors, with Jamie King (the man responsible for BTBAM's S/T album, Alaska, and The Anatomy Of ) in North Carolina last month. This new album will be over 65 minutes long and chock full of Opeth/Dream Theatre-inspired metal with lots of breakdowns and surprises (not to divulge too much information, but the band said the songs will be "all over the place... in a good way" and will feature songs tinged with bluegrass, hardcore, grindcore, and SO much more.)



This is BTBAM's first full-length of original material since Alaska was released in September of 2005. Since then, the band has released The Anatomy Of , which was an album of cover songs featuring tracks by Queen, Pantera, Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, and many more. Additionally, BTBAM has toured the United States relentlessly with bands like Bleeding Through, Converge, The Red Chord, and SO many more, in addition to playing the second stage on Ozzfest 2006.



In case you aren't familiar with the band, BTBAM started in the year 2000 as an effort to create music that explored beyond the barriers of their previous hardcore efforts. BTBAM started playing shows around North Carolina, then unleashed their critically acclaimed self-titled debut upon the unprepared world, mesmerizing listeners. Between The Buried And Me took their show to the road and won over multitudes of fans before recording one of metalcores finest opuses, The Silent Circus, and began to reach underground cult status. Later, the band released the critically acclaimed album Alaska and spent that summer touring on Ozzfest. Now, with a new album in progress, 2007 is going to be Between The Buried And Mes best year yet!


July:
27 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theatre w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End
28 - Buffalo, NY @ The Buffalo Icon w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End
29 - Hamilton, ONT @ Underground w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, Arise and Ruin
30 - St. Catherines, ONT @ L3 w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, Arise and Ruin
31 - London, ONT @ Call the Office w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, Arise and Ruin

August:
1 - Ottawa, ONT @ Babylon w/ Cephalic Carnage, Arise and Ruin
2 - Quebec City, QC @ Anti w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, Arise and Ruin
3 - Portland, ME @ The Station w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End
4 - Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnagea, The End
5 - Troy, NY @ Revolution Hall w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End
7 - Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End
8 - Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End
9 - Huntington, WV @ Monkey Bar w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End
10 - Richmond, VA @ Alley Katz w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End
11 - Wilmington, NC @ Soapbox Laundro-Lounge w/ The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, The End

Press Release: VELVET REVOLVER ROCK ONTO THE ALBUM CHARTS

VELVET REVOLVER ROCK ONTO THE ALBUM CHARTS
WITH SOPHOMORE CD LIBERTAD DEBUTING AT #5

VR Confirm Extensive U.S.A. Tour Dates Starting Aug. 8 with Virgin Fest


Velvet Revolver ushered visceral rock back into the top of the Billboard
album charts this week with the July 3 release of their second CD
Libertad (RCA Records). The album debuts at #5 on the Billboard Top 200
Album chart amidst a field of rap, pop and country music. This is the
second Top 5 debut for the band and the first single, "She Builds Quick
Machines," has been dominating the rock charts, hitting the Top 3 at
Active Rock and Top 4 at Mainstream Rock.



"Libertad proves that big rawk is alive and well; it's the perfect
soundtrack for cruising to the beach with the windows down and the knob
cranked to 11," reviewed Time Out New York. "...break out your air
guitars, and bask in the glory of Libertad," advised Entertainment
Weekly.



"Libertad might just be THE rock record of the summer," declared
Associated Press.



The band is Scott Weiland (lead vocals), Slash (guitars), Dave Kushner
(guitars), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums). The members each
bring a wealth of rock history to the band: Weiland fronted Stone Temple
Pilots, Slash, McKagan and Sorum were the heart of Guns N' Roses, and
Kushner hails from the LA rock scene, including Wasted Youth.



Produced by Brendan O'Brien, Libertad is the follow-up to Contraband,
VR's debut album, released in June 2004, which earned three million in
sales worldwide and was awarded a Grammy for the lead track, "Slither."



Libertad is the Spanish term for both liberty and freedom. It reflects
the album's lyrical nod to the eternal struggle for both personal and
social freedoms.



"She Builds Quick Machine" is supported by a video directed by Dean Karr
and produced by Arthur Gorson. Monte Hellman, well known for his early
westerns, "Two Lane Blacktop" and his involvement in "Reservoir Dogs,"
also consulted on the ambitious production. In the spaghetti
western-styled video VR Velvet Revolver rescue the Angel of Liberty from
evil.



"They're fresh and fierce," declared Los Angeles Times. "...thoroughly
vital enterprise," added USA Today.



"Velvet Revolver proved to a sold-out crowd that, in just three years
of existence, it's outgrown the 'Supergroup' label and deserves to be
recognized as a blistering rock band on its own terms," noted The
Washington Post.



Inveterate road warriors, Velvet Revolver performed in South America,
Europe and on theater trek across the US to warm up before the release.
They will take off on a more extensive tour of the U.S.A. starting
August 5 in Baltimore for Virgin Fest, running through to October.

Alice in Chains will provide support for Velvet Revolver dates except
August 5, 6 and 8. Tour dates are:

Aug. 5 - Baltimore, MD @ Pimlico Race Course
Aug. 6 - Verona, NY @ Turning Stone Resort &Casino
Aug. 8 - Sturgis, SD @ Buffalo Chip Campground
Aug. 11 - Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
Aug. 12 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Amphitheatre
Aug. 14 - Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center
Aug. 16 - Darien, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Aug. 17 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug. 18 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach
Aug. 20 - Camden, NJ @ Tweeter Center at the Waterfront
Aug. 21 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Aug. 23 - Saratoga, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Aug. 24 - Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion
Aug. 25 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Hotel and Casino
Aug. 27 - Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 28 - Tinley Park, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 29 - St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
Sep. 8 - Vancouver, BC @ Pacific Coliseum
Sep. 11 - Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
Sep. 12 - Fresno, CA @ Selland Arena
Sep. 14 - Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord
Sep. 15 - Marysville, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sep. 16 - Chula Vista, CA @ Coors Amphitheatre
Sep. 18 - Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Pavilion
Sep. 20 - Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sep. 21 - Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Evens Center
Sep. 22 - Tucson, AZ @ Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre
Sep. 24 - Englewood, CO @ Coors Amphitheatre
Sep. 25 - Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion
Sep. 27 - Dallas, TX @ Smirnoff Music Centre
Sep. 28 - Spring, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Oct. 2 - Pelham, AL @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
Oct. 3 - Atlanta, GA @ HiFi Buys Amphitheatre
Oct. 5 - Mobile, AL @ Bayfest
Oct. 6 - Tampa, FL @ Ford Amphitheatre
Oct. 7 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Sound Advice Amphitheater
Oct. 9 - Southaven, MS @ Snowden Grove Park



Check Velvet Revolver's website for more tour details:
www.velvetrevolver.com

Press Release: The Muppet Show The Complete Second Season Special Edition DVD

Its Time to Raise the Curtain on the Most Sensational,
Inspirational, Celebrational, Muppetational DVD of 2007!

The Muppet Show
The Complete Second Season
Special Edition DVD


Rarely-Seen Muppets Valentine Special and Guest Stars Steve Martin and Elton John Will Make Fans Gonzo August 7th

BURBANK, Calif., May 4, 2007 Muppet news flash!One year after Walt Disney Home Entertainment raised the curtain on The Muppet Show: Season 1 DVD, The Muppet Show: Season 2 Special Edition will debut on DVD for the first time on August 7, 2007. The 4-disc set features all 24 digitally remastered and restored episodes from season 2.

Rediscover the clever writing and irreverent comedy of The Muppet Show with the DVDs famous and outrageous skits, songs and silliness, and catch your favorite, legendary guest stars: Bob Hope, Elton John, Peter Sellers (The Pink Panther), George Burns (Oh God), Julie Andrews (The Princess Diaries, The Sound of Music) and Steve Martin (Cheaper By the Dozen, Shop Girl).

The Muppet Show: The Complete Second Season Special Edition includes collectible, flocked Muppetational Piggy packaging as well as hours of bonus features, outtakes and exclusive interviews. Having aired only twice in the last 34 years, the extremely rare and collectible The Muppets Valentine Special has never been released on DVD or VHS.. The Muppets on the Muppets gives fans the real scoop in personal and revealing interviews, Weezer takes on Miss Piggy in their video Keep Fishin and even the brand new menus will keep you laughing!

Muppets creator, the late Jim Henson, lends his incredible voice talents to Kermit and the Swedish Chef. Frank Oz speaks for Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear, with veteran puppet designer Dave Goelz (Fraggle Rock) as the larynx behind the Great Gonzo. The Muppet Show garnered eight Emmy Awards during its 1976 to 1981 primetime run on ABC-TV and produced a series of Muppet films including The Muppet Movie and The Muppets Take Manhattan. Hensons creative mind was also responsible for two non-Muppet Show related movies, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.

Bonus Features:
The Muppets Valentines Special
Starring a young Mia Farrow, Kermit, and some Muppets you might not recognize, this extremely collectible special has aired only twice since 1974, and never before been released on DVD.
Weezer and the Muppets
The music video for Keep Fishin featuring Weezer backstage at The Muppet Show.
The Muppets on the Muppets
Personal and revealing interviews from Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo, and others that will make you laugh, and may even make you cry.

Hensons enormously successful career began in the 1950s with Sam and Friends, a late night TV show broadcast in the Washington, D.C. area. Before unexpectedly passing away in 1990, Henson created characters for a variety of TV programsfrom Sesame Street to Saturday Night Liveand films such as Yoda from The Empire Strikes Back.

The Muppet Show: The Complete Second Season Special Edition DVD is priced at $39.99 in the U.S. and $59.99 in Canada.

STREET DATE: AUGUST 7, 2007
Direct prebook: June 12, 2007
Distributor prebook: June 26, 2007
Suggested retail price: $39.99 U.S./$59.99 Canada
Feature run time: 612 Minutes
Rated: G. Bonus materials not rated, and subject to change.
Aspect ratio: Fullscreen (1.33:1)
Sound: Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Languages: French Language Track
Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc and electronic distribution. Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment is a division of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Press Release: DARWIN AWARDS on July 31,2007 from 20th Century Fox

“Downright hilarious!” –Film Threat
THE AWARD PEOPLE ARE DYING TO WIN!

THE DARWIN AWARDS
All-Star Cast Includes Winona Ryder and Joseph Fiennes,
Plus Funny Cameos From David Arquette, Julianna Margulies,
Wilmer Valdarrama, Lukas Haas, Chris Penn and More!
Inspired by the Best-Selling Books Featuring Some Outrageous
True-Life Cases Of “Enterprising Demises”

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Honoring the betterment of the human race by saluting those whose ill-advised folly removes them from the gene pool, The Darwin Awards makes the leap from the pages of the cult favorite books to comedic satire feature film directed by Finn Taylor (Dream with the Fishes), debuting on DVD July 31st from Fox Home Entertainment. Inspired by the four best-selling investigative books and website featuring over 700 cases of hysterically cringe-worthy stories of self-destruction, The Darwin Awards stars two-time Oscar®-nominee Winona Ryder (Little Women, Reality Bites) and Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare In Love, Running with Scissors), as an insurance claims investigator and a forensic detective, respectively, who team up to examine the cases of potential “Darwin Award” candidates.

Featuring re-enactments of some of the most famous entries to the “Darwin Awards” roster, The Darwin Awards is a comedy about the extremes only a few human beings dare to pursue to achieve fame. Premiering at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, the film is highlighted by an all-star cast of celebrity cameos including David Arquette (Scream trilogy), Lukas Haas (Alpha Dog), Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers), Juliana Margulies (“ER”), Tim Blake Nelson (O, Brother Where Art Thou?), Chris Penn (Reservoir Dogs), Robin Tunney (“Prison Break”), Josh Charles (“Sports Night”), D.B. Sweeney (The Cutting Edge), Nora Dunn (“Saturday Night Live”), Judah Friedlander (“30 Rock”) and Wilmer Valderamma (“That ‘70s Show”). The Darwin Awards DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98 U.S. / $25.98 Canada.

DVD Features:

The Darwin Awards DVD is presented in widescreen (1.78:1 aspect ratio) with English Dolby 5.1 plus English and Spanish subtitles; bonus features include a behind-the-scenes featurette, cast/crew interviews and trailers.

Synopsis:
Detective Michael Burrows (Fiennes) is obsessed with “The Darwin Awards,” which are presented to people who accidentally kill themselves in incredibly stupid ways. So when he’s fired for bungling an arrest, he offers his profiling services to a life insurance company. Now, with the help of a tough claims investigator (Ryder), he’s determined to learn how to identify these idiots…before they die!

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.
# # #

THE DARWIN AWARDS
Street Date: July 31, 2007
Price: $19.98 U.S. / $25.98 Canada
U.S. Rating: R
Total Run Time: 94 minutes
Closed Captioned: Yes

Movie Media: Death Sentence - Poster, Trailer

James Wan, director of Saw and Dead Silence, has another film coming out this year, and it looks pretty intense. It is not a horror film, yet the trailer looks like the film retains some of the grittiness of his debut feature. It is called Death Sentence and is cut from the same cloth as Death Wish. Both films are based off of novels by Brian Garfield. This one stars Kevin Bacon as a father whose son is killed during a robbery. After the killer gets off, Bacon starts a war. Lots of fights and bullets in this one! The poster is eye catching with a small Bacon in the center of a field of red reading "Protect What's Yours." Combined with the excellent trailer, I am looking forward to this one.

CD Review: The Simpsons Movie - The Music

The The Simpsons Movie is right around the corner. After eighteen (soon to be nineteen) seasons on television the yellow family will be making the jump to the big screen. In addition to getting a bigger budget, better animation, a longer running time, and a widescreen aspect ratio, they are also getting a big screen composer. I know, blasphemy, longtime composer Alf Clausen should have been tapped for the job, having worked on so many cues and pieces over the years. Heck, even Danny Elfman would have been a viable choice, after all, he did pen the classic theme music, and he has a great resume of quirky big screen scores. But no, neither of them was given the job. Rather, the job has come to rest on the shoulders of Hans Zimmer, who was also behind the memorable music for Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End earlier this year.

DVD Review: King Boxer (Five Fingers of Death)

The year was 1973, kung fu flicks were still not all that popular in the States, unless your name was Bruce Lee. Along comes King Boxer, under the flashier, more exploitive sounding title of Five Fingers of Death, people went to see it, not knowing what to expect. They walked out of the theater stunned, shocked, amazed, and highly entertained. The end result was the first hit kung fu flick in the West, and the floodgates were opened to many Shaw Brothers classics to come to the States, and the chop-socky era was under way. This was my first exposure to the movie, and while I liked it, I did not have the same reaction I did to other recent viewings of The One-Armed Swordsman or The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, both of which I consider to be superior to this. Although, there is no denying the impact that it had on the international market for martial arts films.

The sory is a straight forward affair, although there are moments and characters that exist in the gray area between good and bad. Lo Lieh stars as Chi-hao, a student of moderate talent, but with great potential. One day his teacher is attacked, and decides that his top student would do best to go study under another master in order to prepare for an upcoming tournament. Reluctantly, Chi-hao travels to study under Shen Chin-pei (Mien Fang). It is here where he learns humility, being forced to perform menial labor before being allowed to enter any lessons. This pays off, as Chi-hao continues to demonstrate his skill which convinces Chin-pei to teach him the art of the Iron Palm (or Iron Fist). This news does not go well on the other side of town.

While Chi-hao's studies continue, Ming Dung-shun (Feng Tien), leader of a rival school, is willing to go to any lenght to ensure that his son coems out on top at the tournament. His students, and some hired Japanese thugs, set out to kill/maim, or otherwise incapacitate the competion. So, when he learns of the potential teaching of the Iron Palm, he sends out the troops. This results in an attack which breaks the hands of our hero, not to mention his spirit.

Now, if you don't know where this is going, or how it may end, you just have not seen enough movies. It may be martial arts, it may be centered on another culture, but the basic thrust of the story is pretty common throughout film in general. It goes through themes of honor, revenge, love, and betrayal, with a liberal does of bloody martial arts action.

In the great pantheon of kung fu flicks of this era, this is a decent example, but I believe it is more respected for its status of kicking off the craze than for its quality of film. That is not a knock, it is more a personal observation as I have found other films that I enjoy much more. Still, Five Fingers of Death is a fantastic example of martial arts action. The action is good, although I did get a little bored with all of the trampoline jumps. There is plenty of blood spurting, culminating in the famous eye-gouging scene. Any fan of martial arts films, or someone looking to make an entrance into the genre, this is definitely a film that you will want to check out.

Audio/Video. Both are very good, although its age does show through. Some of the colors are a but worn, and the audio is a bit hollow. Still, this is likely the best it has looked since it was made over thirty years ago.

Extras.

• Commentary. Features Scholars David Chute and Elvis Mitchell, accompanied by director Quentin Tarantino. Anything with Tarantino is entertaining, and this track is no exception, as the trio talk about the film, their experiences seeing them during the initial release. It is a good track.
• Interview: Director Chang-Hwa Jeong. The interview is a little dry, but it goes into how much of what is in this movie was new to China.
• Interview: Action Director Lau Kar-wing. This interview goes into how he got into movies and his involvement with designing the action.
• Interview: David Chute and Andy Klein. They go into how revolutionary and different this movie was for its time. The violence and the content all inclusive.
• Stills Gallery. A collection of production stills.
• Trailer Gallery. Includes King Boxer as well as other Shaw films.

Bottomline. This is definitely a classic film. Plenty of action, and a lot of history behind it. It is great to have a quality release of it finally available. Lo Lieh portrays a quietly charismatic hero, and really carries the film. If you haven't seen it, make sure you do. Also, make sure to listen for, and react to the Ironside theme, reused here before Kill Bill got to it.

Recommended.

Press Release: FUEL TO RELEASE FOURTH ALBUM ‘ANGELS AND DEVILS’

FUEL TO RELEASE FOURTH ALBUM ‘ANGELS AND DEVILS’
AUGUST 7 VIA EPIC RECORDS;
FIRST SINGLE ‘WASTED TIME’ WAS #1 MOST-ADDED ITS FIRST WEEK

FUEL return August 7 with ANGELS AND DEVILS, which opens up an exciting new chapter for a band that has sold over 3.5 million albums in the U.S. and scored a trio of top 5 singles--“Shimmer,” “Innocent” and “Hemorrhage (In My Hands”), the latter of which remained at #1 for 12 weeks--and toured with Aerosmith, Kid Rock and 3 Doors Down. For the new Epic CD, featuring the first single “Wasted Time,” founding members CARL BELL (guitarist and primary songwriter) and JEFF ABERCROMBIE (bass) welcome new singer TORYN GREEN to the group. In addition to Green, FUEL has a powerhouse new drummer, Tommy Stewart, formerly of Godsmack.

The #1 most-added song on rock radio its first week, “Wasted Time” starts with acoustic guitars, evocative strings and weary vocals before blossoming into a beautifully melancholy song driven by strong hooks and an undeniable chorus. “I don’t have the most optimistic view of relationships,” Bell admits. “On a planetary scale, divorce rates are the highest they’ve ever been, and it just seems inevitable, almost. Maybe men and women aren’t supposed to live together, I don’t know?”



A live concert and rock radio staple since their 1998 full-length debut, FUEL are primed to build on their already formidable list of achievements with ANGELS AND DEVILS, which showcases the powerful vocals of Green, whom the band found via an open internet search. “When we heard his stuff and met him, we knew he was everything we were looking for,” says Bell.



With producer Scott Humphrey (Rob Zombie, Tommy Lee), FUEL began recording the CD last August and quickly had 30 songs to choose from. “Toryn picked up the vibe of what we were doing so quickly,” says Bell, known for his driving guitars and subtly poignant lyrics. “After just a few practices, it was like he’s always been with us.”



Stepping into his new role as lead singer of FUEL, Toryn says: “Having the opportunity to get in there and work with these guys who are pros and have done such great records--I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They pushed me, but that’s where I feel the most comfortable. I wanted to take myself to the limit…”



Look for FUEL to perform at the following radio festivals in July before announcing their further tour plans in connection with ANGELS AND DEVILS. Catch up with them at www.FUELweb.com.



Date City Venue

w/Godsmack, Daughtry, Gov’t Mule

Fri 7/20 Cadott, WI Chippewa Valley Music Festival

w/Incubus, Simon Daws, Papa Roach, Hinder, Buckcherry, The Exies

Sat 7/21 Council Bluffs, IA WestFair Amphitheatre

w/TBA

Fri 8/31 Charleston, WV Charleston Sternwheel Regatta

w/Hinder, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Tesla

Sat 9/15 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach

w/Hinder, Papa Roach, Revelation Theory

Sun 9/16 Winston-Salem, NC Lawrence Joel Vet. Memorial

Coliseum

Movie Media: Eastern Promises - Stills, Trailer

The closer we get to the September opening of Eastern Promises, the more promo materials are starting to appear. Rather, starting to trickle out. So far, we have two stills and a trailer, no poster or any really cool stills yet. However, the trailer looks pretty good. The story concerns a ruthless member of a London crime family whose life takes a complicated turn when a midwife, attempting to right a wrong, enters his life. This is David Cronenberg's followup to A History of Violence, and has assembled a fine cast that includes Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel, and Armin Mueller-Stahl. The script was written by Steven Knight, whose work includes Amazing Grace and Dirty Pretty Things.

Box Office Update 7/13-7/15: Harry Potter Heads to the Front of the Class

The weekend was ruled by the boy wizard. The fifth Potter film, Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, easily topped the box office with its take of north of $77 million. It replaced the rock'em sock'em robots that sat at the top last week. It actually opened mid week, where it began by setting a Wednesday record taking in over $44 million. The series is going stronger than ever with its second shot at the summer. The movie itself was actually pretty good, easily better than The Goblet of Fire, at least in my estimation. I suspect that it will have a strong second week as well, possibly retaining the top spot.

Harry Potter was the only new film to enter the top ten. The other lone wide release, Captivity, failed to make much of a splash, finishing in twelfth place. The little bit of attention garnered from the poster controversy from earlier this year failed to help it at the box office. It even had its planned 1500 theater opening slashed to a little over 1000. Unfortunately, that cut took it out of my town completely, though they claim that it will arrive next week. Time will tell if I get to see if it is as bad as most seem to think it is.

As for the rest of the top ten, it was mostly strong from top to bottom with many of the films having strong holds. Transformers suffered the biggest blow, but even it held onto more than half of last week's take. Not bad considering the sizable dips that the big three thirds had in their second frames back in May. That is a good sign for the movie, it looks like it will have no problems cracking the $300 million mark, and with talk that the second and third outings have already been greenlit, the future is bright for Michael Bay and the newly formed film franchise.

The best hold among the returners was Michael Moore's healthcare expose Sicko, slipping less than 28%. Say what you will about him or his work, he is the only documentary filmmaker who can open a documentary on a wide scale. Not that many have gotten the chance at such a title, but the fact remains.

Among the films whose performance I am happy to see, Ratatouille did quite well, as did Knocked Up. Both of those are in the upper echelon of summer movies, and for the year in general. They both succeed exceedingly well for vastly different reasons, and vastly different ways. Hopefully their success will continue. So, if you haven't seen them, do so, and if you have seen them, go see them again! Another pleasant surprise is 1408, showing that it is possible to turn a Stephen King tale intoa successful big screen movie. It seem slike forever since a King tale has seen big screen success.

Next weekend has a pair of new films entering the competition. First is I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, the Adam Sandler/Kevin James comedy that is going to give Harry Potter a run for its money at the top of the list. The other is Hairspray, a musical remake featuring a creepy John Travolta in drag.

Only one movie dropped off the top ten this week: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (11).

This Week	Last Week	Title	Wknd Gross	Overall	Week in release
1	N	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix	$77,108,414	$139,715,157	1
2	1	Transformers	$37,027,901	$224,009,583	2
3	2	Ratatouille	$18,012,196	$142,997,082	3
4	3	Live Free or Die Hard	$11,279,135	$103,322,580	3
5	4	License to Wed	$7,311,297	$30,379,749	2
6	6	1408	$4,934,516	$62,127,222	4
7	5	Evan Almighty	$4,895,055	$87,790,505	4
8	7	Knocked Up	$3,676,500	$138,217,270	7
9	9	Sicko	$2,604,139	$15,830,046	4
10	10	Ocean's Thirteen	$1,984,323	$112,506,702	6

Box Office Predictions Recap
Well, not too bad. I am actually surprised at how close I was able to get a good number of the box office gross predictions. Sure, I was a bit pessimistic in my guess for Transformers, I thought it might drop a bit more in week two, but it did well in its hols, especially compared to the holds of the earlier blockbusters of this summer. On the placing I was able to get the top 8 correctly, which is the closest I've been to perfect in a long time, not that I think the success will last. It's fun when it happens!
Anyway, here is how I picked the field:

Actual	Prediction	Title	Wknd Gross	Prediction
1	1	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix	$77,108,414	$74 million
2	2	Transformers	$37,027,901	$30 million
3	3	Ratatouille	$18,012,196	$18 million
4	4	Live Free or Die Hard	$11,279,135	$9 million
5	5	License to Wed	$7,311,297	$5 million
6	6	1408	$4,934,516	$4.5 million
7	7	Evan Almighty	$4,895,055	$4.25 million
8	8	Knocked Up	$3,676,500	$3.5 million
12	9	Captivity	$1,429,100	$3 million
11	10	Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer	$1,633,612	$2 million

DVD Pick of the Week: The Hills Have Eyes 2

As I looked over the titles I plucked from this week's new release list, I realized that there were a number of desirable titles, but nothing that truly screamed "Buy Me Now!" Still, it was nice to have a selection of titles to choose from, as the past couple of weeks have been a little slim. This week brings music, horror, cartoons, thrillers, dramas, and foreign titles to sift through. I was tempted to go with one of the promising titles that I have not seen, but in the end I chose to go with a title that I have seen theatrically. It may not be the best, heck, it may not even be good, but I enjoyed it for some strange reason.

This week's pick is The Hills Have Eyes 2 (the film itself uses "II"). It is one of those horror movies that in order to call yourself a horror fan, you have to put up with. You will either have fun with it, or you will despise it to the point of cursing those involved and those who enjoy it. It is a sequel to a remake which is in no way connected to the original remake, and is really only a sequel in title only.

The film was penned by the creator of the original, Wes Craven, along with his son Jonathan. It is not there finest moment. Sure, it makes a comment on the current situation in the Middle East, but the characters are thin, much of the dialogue is hokey, and the poor acting doesn't help. I am sure that you are asking yourself why I like it to begin with.

I liked the movie because it is fun, pure and simple. It is bloody, trashy, horror enjoyment. You can place your bets on who is going to die first, and you would probably get pretty close. I enjoyed the over the top atmosphere. It delivered some nice atmosphere, and enough blood to keep me satisfied. It is not really "good" but it is thoroughly enjoyable.

Also out this week:

• Premonition. I remember seeing this when it first came out, I went and saw it, and liked what it was trying to do even though it failed to that end. It is worth a rental.
• Ace in the Hole. Being released by Criterion, this is a film that was ahead of its time, based on what I have read. Media manipulating a tragic situation to their favor? No.
• Space Ghost and Dino Boy: The Complete Series. I have not seen Space Ghost in years, I remember watching this when I was a kid, oh the memories.
• Factory Girl. Been wanting to see this one. It is the story of Edie Sedgwick, who would become Andy Warhol's muse. It stars Sienna Miller as Edie, and Guy Pearce as Warhol.
• Avenged Sevenfold: All Excess. I love this band, I have not heard anything bad from them, they also put on a great live show. This is a dosumentary on the band that includes some videos and live performances.
• Birdman and the Galaxy Trio: The Complete Series. Before he became an attorney at law, he was a hero in an old cartoon series. I don't have many memories of this one.
• Masters of Horror: The Black Cat. Jeffrey Combs and Stuart Gordon. Hard to go wrong with that combo.
• Showgirls: Full Exposed Edition. This is a disk only release of the version included in the boxset, you remember, the one with shot glasses and pasties.
• Perfect Creature. A new take on the vampire movie is ambitious, and offers up much to think about, but relies on a generic plot.
• Yo Yo Girl Cop. A girl cop whose weapon is a yo yo goes undercover to catch lesbian criminals. Sounds good to me!
• Dynamite Warrior. From the makers of Ong-Bak comes another big martial arts flick. Looks like it could be good.
• Mr. Halloween. The cover looked good, a clown and a bloody knife. It is the story of a haunted house that uses real body parts. Allegedly.
• Triple Feature: Skeeter, Xtro, Xtro 2: The Second Encounter. Why settle for one cheesy horror flick, when you can get 3?
• Forest of the Dead. I thought the cover looked cool. A group of campers are hunted and turned into cannibalistic creatures of the night!

So, anything for you?

Press Release: BVHE to Release Renaissance 7/24/07

In the Tradition of Blade Runner, Minority Report and Sin City: Renaissance
Award-Winning, Groundbreaking Animated Sci-Fi Thriller Will Be Born on DVD July 24th


BURBANK, Calif., April 13, 2007 – The groundbreaking digitally animated sci-fi crime thriller Renaissance will breathe new life into your DVD collection July 24th from Miramax Home Entertainment.

A “Visually Wondrous Experience...a dark joy” according to the Los Angeles Times, Renaissance was crowned Best Picture at the 2006 Annecy International Film Festival, the world’s preeminent animated film festival, and was an Official Selection at last year’s Toronto Film Festival.

Set in the labyrinthine underworld of 2054 Paris, the black-and-white thriller in the vein of “Blade Runner” and “Minority Report” paints a bold vision of a stark, not-so-distant future where all life is monitored, recorded and regulated thanks to the city’s largest corporation, Avalon. Detective Barthelemy Karas, voiced by Daniel Craig (“Casino Royale”) has a reputation for finding anyone at any cost, but while tracking down a kidnapped scientist, he ultimately finds himself buried beneath Renaissance’s illicit world of corporate malfeasance and soulless genetic
research. Critically celebrated actor Ian Holm (“Lord of the Rings”), “Braveheart” actress Catherine McCormack and Tony Award®-winner Jonathan Pryce (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) also voice roles.

Bonus features include “The Making of Renaissance”, an exclusive look at the making of the cinematic wonder.

Renaissance is priced at $29.99 (suggested retail price).

BONUS FEATURES
• “The Making of Renaissance” Featurette
Explores how the filmmakers brought the digitally animated noir tale to life

Shot using motion capture technology by innovative director Christian Volckman, Renaissance was five years in the making. Alexandre De La Patelliere, Matthieu Delaporte, Jean-Bernard Pouy and Patrick Raynal share Renaissance screenplay credit.


STREET DATE: JULY 24, 2007
Direct prebook: May 29, 2007
Distributor prebook: June 12, 2007
Suggested retail price: $29.99 U.S.
Feature run time: 105 minutes
Rated: “R.” For some violent images, sexuality, nudity and language
Aspect ratio: 2:35:1
Sound: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Languages: French and Spanish subtitles. French Audio Track.
Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc and electronic distribution. Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment is a division of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Press Release: Made Out of Babies announces summer tour , band led by the singer Decibel calls Metal's Most Riveting Frontwoman

Made Out of Babies announces summer tour, band led by the singer Decibel calls Metal's Most Riveting Frontwoman and Revolver picks among the Hottest Chicks in Metal brings intense, volatile live show to the masses.

Made Out of Babies -- the New York City quartet that looks like renegade fashion models and sounds like a ferocious hybrid of PJ Harvey, Jesus Lizard, Babes In Toyland and Big Black -- has announced tour dates throughout the east coast and midwest in July. See complete tour dates below.

The band's sophomore Neurot Recordings album, Coward (E-CARD) received an 8 out of 10 rating from Decibel Magazine and ranked in that publication's Top 40 Best Albums of 2006. Likewise, Revolver Magazine currently features vocalist Julie Christmas in its Hottest Chicks in Metal issue. And, despite the group's menacing sound and intimidating glamour, much of the mainstream music media has embraced MOoB's dark portents.

Metal's Most Riveting Frontwoman might be the type of accolades awarded in a construction industry trade magazine, but we double-checked and such high praise for Made Out of Babies and Battle of Mice wailer Julie Christmas is indeed that of the esteemed rock monthly Decibel Magazine (which also awarded the Battle of Mice debut a perfect 10 out of 10!) Likewise, several other publications have sung the praises of Coward since its release in October, 2006.

Made Out of Babies first captured the attention of the underground punk/metal scene with its Neurot Recordings debut Trophy in 2005. On stage, caterwauling front-woman Julie Christmas paces the floor, yelping with a bewitching intensity that defies her charming beauty and occasionally cherubic whispers. Meanwhile, towering guitarist Brendan Tobin coolly strangulates leaden sheets of guitar strata from his battered six-string, bassist Cooper lunges in time as his instrument rumbles and slithers around Matthew Egans relentlessly churning rhythms and blood-splattering drum fills.

Theres no rock machismo in the sounds of Made Out of Babies, which just might be what makes it so unsettling and unique. Instead, the group bears a mysteriously unified all-out visual and aural aesthetic assault reminiscent of mid-period Black Flag. And yet, theres a certain curious glamour to MOoB that gives it a monolithic appeal.

MOoBs sophomore album was recorded with the equally intimidating Steve Albini at Electrical Audio in Chicago, which could only be described as a match made in loud. Where its previous album condensed its songs into a single psychotic impulse, Coward blasts its sound inward as well as outward, like a cathartic supernova from a band driven beyond any point of being rational.

From the very first throat-searing yowl that opens the album, Coward is, quite simply, bigger that you. Proud To Drown lurches with Coopers staccato bass line tugging at Eagans pulsating 6/8 drum pattern while Tobins Middle Eastern tinged riff winds it all up to erupt. While Fed temporarily cools the bands frenetic energy to greasy throb, it seems primarily to highlight the fact that Julie can really sing not that any of us are likely to coax a sweet lullaby out of her anytime soon. But, her vocal acrobatics -- leaping effortlessly from a demure whisper to a note-perfect murderous scream -- are in finest form here, reminiscent of Leslie Rankine of Silverfish and/or a more demented Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Throughout, the album Made Out of Babies remains evocative, intimidating, brutally frank and -- as the International rock press shouted with glee over the bands stunning debut by far Neurot Recordings' most unabashedly rocking outfit.

Made Out of Babies Live
07/10 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
07/11 Columbus, OH Ravari Room
07/12 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
07/13 Columbia, MO Mojo's
07/14 Little Rock, AR Downtown Music
07/15 Denton, TX Hailey's
07/16 Austin, TX Emo's
07/18 Mobile, AL Cell Block
07/19 Orlando, FL The Social
07/20 Tampa, FL Transitions Art Gallery
07/21 Savannah, GA The Jinx
07/24 Washington DC DC9
07/25 Baltimore, MD Ottobar
07/26 Boston, MA Baseball Tavern
07/27 Providence, RI AS220
07/28 Brooklyn, NY Southpaw


Coward Tracklisting:

Stream The Album HERE
01. Silverback
02. Proud To Drown (MP3)
03. Fed (MP3)
04. Mandatory Bed rest
05. Death In April
06. Out
07. Lullaby 3
08. Mr. Prison Shanks
09. Gunt

On The Web:
www.madeoutofbabies.com
www.neurotrecordings.com
www.fanaticpromotion.com/current/made_coward.html

Subscribe to Fanatic:
www.fanaticpromotion.com
www.fanaticpromotion.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/fanaticpromotion
www.myspace.com/fanaticnewmedia
www.itunes.com/podcast?id=253103575
www.last.fm/user/fanaticpro
www.youtube.com/fanaticpromotion

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Movie Media: The Simpsons - Poster, Stills

The closer we get, the more promo materials keep coming out. This round has some new stills, a poster, and the launch of the website. I still wonder how much staying power this will have. I have no doubt it will open strong, and the trailers have looked good, but there is just so much Simpson stuff out there, season upon season worth of episodes. Is there a desire for this movie? Well, I know I want to see it. The movie site looks pretty good, with some games, a tour of the town, and an avatar maker so you can see what you would look like as an animated yellow person. There is also a ton of stuff at the Simpsons shop, just in case you need a new poster, bobblehead, shot glass, or whatever.

Be sure to visit the movie site, SimpsonsMovie.com, and explore the town.
Also, pay a visit to The Simpsons Shop, and if you do enter "HOMER" during the checkout to save 10% on your purchse.