Blu-ray Review: "The Island"

Shout! Factory continues its unending service to the cult film fan by releasing 1980's "The Island" on Blu-ray. It is hard to believe this did not do well when it came out three decades ago. You would think that audiences would have clamored to see it after the huge successes of "Jaws" and "The Deep," which was author Peter Benchley's other big screen adaptations.

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Blu-ray Review: "The Island"

Shout! Factory continues its unending service to the cult film fan by releasing 1980's "The Island" on Blu-ray. It is hard to believe this did not do well when it came out three decades ago. You would think that audiences would have clamored to see it after the huge successes of "Jaws" and "The Deep," which was author Peter Benchley's other big screen adaptations.

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Blu-ray Review: "Looper"

It's rare these days to find a truly exciting and thought-provoking science fiction film. When one does come along, it should be cherished and talked about among genre fans so the joy of viewing it is spread throughout the community. "Looper" is one of those prized treasures that deserve to be talked about and doted on.

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Blu-ray Review: "Looper"

It's rare these days to find a truly exciting and thought-provoking science fiction film. When one does come along, it should be cherished and talked about among genre fans so the joy of viewing it is spread throughout the community. "Looper" is one of those prized treasures that deserve to be talked about and doted on.

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Blu-ray Review: "Resident Evil: Retribution"

I always find it interesting when an action film feels weighted down in tedium. No matter how many things explode onscreen or how much people jump around shooting with semi-automatic rifles, it just can't rile up any sense of excitement. These were my thoughts when reflecting on "Resident Evil: Retribution" after weathering through an hour and a half of tired action movie clichés, slow motion cinematography, and 3D gimmicks.

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Blu-ray Review: "Resident Evil: Retribution"

I always find it interesting when an action film feels weighted down in tedium. No matter how many things explode onscreen or how much people jump around shooting with semi-automatic rifles, it just can't rile up any sense of excitement. These were my thoughts when reflecting on "Resident Evil: Retribution" after weathering through an hour and a half of tired action movie clichés, slow motion cinematography, and 3D gimmicks.

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"The Batman / Judge Dredd Collection" Graphic Novel Review

I know I say this at least twice a month, but DC Comics has a great planning committee. They must have five or six people who do nothing but keep up with when movies, games, toys, and everything else product wise is being released. In the perfect way the publishing giant does everything, they've systematically dropped "The Batman / Judge Dredd Collection" almost smack dab in the center of the releases of "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Dredd" on Blu-ray and DVD.

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"The Batman / Judge Dredd Collection" Graphic Novel Review

I know I say this at least twice a month, but DC Comics has a great planning committee. They must have five or six people who do nothing but keep up with when movies, games, toys, and everything else product wise is being released. In the perfect way the publishing giant does everything, they've systematically dropped "The Batman / Judge Dredd Collection" almost smack dab in the center of the releases of "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Dredd" on Blu-ray and DVD.

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"Birds of Prey Volume 1: Trouble in Mind" Graphic Novel Review

In what I'm sure gets many a womanless fanboy's blood boiling, DC Comics has combined the technical and physical strengths of a group of powerful females to relaunch the crime-fighting team known as the Birds of Prey. The New 52 incarnation of the team is made up of Dinah Lance (Black Canary), Katana, Poison Ivy, and a vigilante with a taste for firearms named Starling. Batgirl helps out every once in a while when needed. The first New 52 graphic novel collection features issues #1 through #7 entitled "Birds of Prey Volume 1: Trouble in Mind."

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"Birds of Prey Volume 1: Trouble in Mind" Graphic Novel Review

In what I'm sure gets many a womanless fanboy's blood boiling, DC Comics has combined the technical and physical strengths of a group of powerful females to relaunch the crime-fighting team known as the Birds of Prey. The New 52 incarnation of the team is made up of Dinah Lance (Black Canary), Katana, Poison Ivy, and a vigilante with a taste for firearms named Starling. Batgirl helps out every once in a while when needed. The first New 52 graphic novel collection features issues #1 through #7 entitled "Birds of Prey Volume 1: Trouble in Mind."

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"Superman / Batman: Sorcerer Kings" Graphic Novel Review

One of the greatest team-ups in the world is unarguably the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. The "Superman / Batman" monthly series gets the graphic novel treatment again with this new collection of issues #78 through #84. The book is entitled "Superman / Batman: Sorcerer Kings" and includes four different stories.

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"Superman / Batman: Sorcerer Kings" Graphic Novel Review

One of the greatest team-ups in the world is unarguably the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. The "Superman / Batman" monthly series gets the graphic novel treatment again with this new collection of issues #78 through #84. The book is entitled "Superman / Batman: Sorcerer Kings" and includes four different stories.

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Blu-ray Review: "Snowmageddon"

The only thing I can think of when it comes to Christmas movies that could be better than ones about killers dressed in Santa Claus outfits are disaster films centered around the holiday. I don't know if it's just coincidence or if Anchor Bay Home Entertainment is trying to start a new tradition, but last Christmas they gave us "Ice Quake" and now this year we get the gift of "Snowmageddon." SyFy Channel does deserve some of the credit for these entertaining low-budget time-wasters since they originally aired there first.

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Blu-ray Review: "Snowmageddon"

The only thing I can think of when it comes to Christmas movies that could be better than ones about killers dressed in Santa Claus outfits are disaster films centered around the holiday. I don't know if it's just coincidence or if Anchor Bay Home Entertainment is trying to start a new tradition, but last Christmas they gave us "Ice Quake" and now this year we get the gift of "Snowmageddon." SyFy Channel does deserve some of the credit for these entertaining low-budget time-wasters since they originally aired there first.

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Merry Christmas to Everyone!

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

Blu-ray Review: "The Bourne Legacy"

What do you do when the original director and actor of a successful franchise you're building backs out of the upcoming sequel that's already planned? It's really quite simple. You either replace the lead actor and continue on or you somehow shift the focus of the movie onto another character. How hard can it be to find a director to replace another when the series is already a guaranteed payday?

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Blu-ray Review: "The Bourne Legacy"

What do you do when the original director and actor of a successful franchise you're building backs out of the upcoming sequel that's already planned? It's really quite simple. You either replace the lead actor and continue on or you somehow shift the focus of the movie onto another character. How hard can it be to find a director to replace another when the series is already a guaranteed payday?

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Blu-ray Review: “Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection”

Disney spreads their holiday cheer this Christmas by releasing "Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection" on Blu-ray. You get both of these witty and hilarious adventures on one Blu-ray disc with the DVD edition accompanying it as well. If you aren't familiar with "Prep & Landing" I'd say it's time you did so. Santa's little helpers have never been so much fun.

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Blu-ray Review: “Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection”

Disney spreads their holiday cheer this Christmas by releasing "Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection" on Blu-ray. You get both of these witty and hilarious adventures on one Blu-ray disc with the DVD edition accompanying it as well. If you aren't familiar with "Prep & Landing" I'd say it's time you did so. Santa's little helpers have never been so much fun.

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Movie Review: "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

I'm not a huge fan of the three "Lord of the Rings" films so my expectations were pretty low walking into "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." I'm not saying that I don't acknowledge J.R.R. Tolkien's genius and the fact that the movies do look great. I just think that they could have been half the length in their theatrical releases, much less their extended editions.

With all that being said, I must admit this wasn't nearly as painful to sit through as I expected.

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Movie Review: "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

I'm not a huge fan of the three "Lord of the Rings" films so my expectations were pretty low walking into "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." I'm not saying that I don't acknowledge J.R.R. Tolkien's genius and the fact that the movies do look great. I just think that they could have been half the length in their theatrical releases, much less their extended editions.

With all that being said, I must admit this wasn't nearly as painful to sit through as I expected.

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Blu-ray Review: "The Dark Knight Rises"

Warner Bros Home Entertainment brings "The Dark Knight Rises" home for the holidays. I can honestly say that the epic last chapter in Christopher Nolan's trilogy loses nothing in a home viewing environment. It moves along quicker than I remember when seeing it in the theater. That says a lot since I saw it three times before watching it again on Blu-ray.

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Blu-ray Review: "The Dark Knight Rises"

Warner Bros Home Entertainment brings "The Dark Knight Rises" home for the holidays. I can honestly say that the epic last chapter in Christopher Nolan's trilogy loses nothing in a home viewing environment. It moves along quicker than I remember when seeing it in the theater. That says a lot since I saw it three times before watching it again on Blu-ray.

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"Batman Live" Review - Dallas, TX

From the moment I saw the first advertisement about "Batman Live" in mid-2011, I knew I wanted to see it. I kept waiting and hoping the show would make it to the United States. When it was announced a few months back that it was finally making its way over here, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to attend. My whole family loves Batman and I knew it would be an unforgettable experience to see a live stage presentation centering on the iconic DC Comics character.

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"Batman Live" Review - Dallas, TX

From the moment I saw the first advertisement about "Batman Live" in mid-2011, I knew I wanted to see it. I kept waiting and hoping the show would make it to the United States. When it was announced a few months back that it was finally making its way over here, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to attend. My whole family loves Batman and I knew it would be an unforgettable experience to see a live stage presentation centering on the iconic DC Comics character.

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Movie Review: "12/12/12"

The year 2012 sure is getting a raw deal when it comes to being associated with catastrophic events. First, we're speeding towards the end of the Mayan calendar which supposedly signifies the coming of the apocalypse. Now the Asylum marks the actual beginning of the end as "12/12/12."

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Movie Review: "12/12/12"

The year 2012 sure is getting a raw deal when it comes to being associated with catastrophic events. First, we're speeding towards the end of the Mayan calendar which supposedly signifies the coming of the apocalypse. Now the Asylum marks the actual beginning of the end as "12/12/12."

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Blu-ray Review: "Silent Night"

I love when a reboot of a cult classic does justice to the original. It's a beautiful thing when it doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth or a sense of regret that the memory of the first version is now tarnished in some way. I felt that sense of satisfaction as I watched the wickedly fun and brutally graphic "Silent Night."

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Blu-ray Review: "Silent Night"

I love when a reboot of a cult classic does justice to the original. It's a beautiful thing when it doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth or a sense of regret that the memory of the first version is now tarnished in some way. I felt that sense of satisfaction as I watched the wickedly fun and brutally graphic "Silent Night."

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DVD Review: “Silent Night, Deadly Night Christmas Survival Double Feature”

Anyone who knows me or has read my articles for the last couple of years knows my love of Santa Claus slasher films. Every year a couple of my buddies and I get together and watch these exquisite gems. I can almost guarantee you I've seen the movie if it has anything to do with a crazy guy dressed up in Jolly Ole Saint Nick's duds while taking an axe to both the naughty and nice. "Christmas Evil?" Seen it. "Santa's Slay?" Seen it. "Sint?" Seen it. That episode of "Tales from the Crypt" starring Dr. Giggles dressed up as Kris Kringle? Seen it.

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DVD Review: “Silent Night, Deadly Night Christmas Survival Double Feature”

Anyone who knows me or has read my articles for the last couple of years knows my love of Santa Claus slasher films. Every year a couple of my buddies and I get together and watch these exquisite gems. I can almost guarantee you I've seen the movie if it has anything to do with a crazy guy dressed up in Jolly Ole Saint Nick's duds while taking an axe to both the naughty and nice. "Christmas Evil?" Seen it. "Santa's Slay?" Seen it. "Sint?" Seen it. That episode of "Tales from the Crypt" starring Dr. Giggles dressed up as Kris Kringle? Seen it.

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Blu-ray Review: "Death Valley"

I don't know how the timing could be more perfect for Shout Factory to release the 1980's thriller "Death Valley" on Blu-ray. This is the film that introduced the world to little Peter "Ralphie" Billingsley of "A Christmas Story" fame. Is it destiny or great marketing foresight that brings this lesser-known gem to store shelves during the very season the actor is seen the most in?

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Blu-ray Review: "Death Valley"

I don't know how the timing could be more perfect for Shout Factory to release the 1980's thriller "Death Valley" on Blu-ray. This is the film that introduced the world to little Peter "Ralphie" Billingsley of "A Christmas Story" fame. Is it destiny or great marketing foresight that brings this lesser-known gem to store shelves during the very season the actor is seen the most in?

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"Penguin: Pain and Prejudice" Graphic Novel Review

It's a shame that when most normal people think of Batman's nemesis the Penguin, they immediately visualize Burgess Meredith in the 1960's television series or the kooky animated version made popular in "The New Scooby-Doo Movies" of the 1970s. Don't get me wrong. I love and respect both of those depictions of the famous character. I also give props to Danny DeVito for bringing some true menace and a mean streak to the cold-blooded bird man in "Batman Returns."

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"Penguin: Pain and Prejudice" Graphic Novel Review

It's a shame that when most normal people think of Batman's nemesis the Penguin, they immediately visualize Burgess Meredith in the 1960's television series or the kooky animated version made popular in "The New Scooby-Doo Movies" of the 1970s. Don't get me wrong. I love and respect both of those depictions of the famous character. I also give props to Danny DeVito for bringing some true menace and a mean streak to the cold-blooded bird man in "Batman Returns."

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Blu-ray Review: “Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups”

Disney continues their "Air Buddies" franchise with "Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups" this Christmas. After sitting through several of these movies, I can tell you that most of the time they aren't made for parents at all. I refer to these types of movies as "babysitters." You play them for the kids and exit the room immediately. That being said, I found this holiday entry into the series tolerable and easier to watch.

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Blu-ray Review: “Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups”

Disney continues their "Air Buddies" franchise with "Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups" this Christmas. After sitting through several of these movies, I can tell you that most of the time they aren't made for parents at all. I refer to these types of movies as "babysitters." You play them for the kids and exit the room immediately. That being said, I found this holiday entry into the series tolerable and easier to watch.

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"Batman Live" Comes to Dallas, TX for the Holidays

It is indeed a great time to be a Batman fan in the Dallas, TX area. November gave Dark Knight enthusiasts the opportunity to see the different Batmobiles from the TV series and the Batpod when they were showcased at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. December not only holds the much-anticipated release of "The Dark Knight Rises" but the arrival of "Batman Live" to the American Airlines Center for a four night engagement.

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"Batman Live" Comes to Dallas, TX for the Holidays

It is indeed a great time to be a Batman fan in the Dallas, TX area. November gave Dark Knight enthusiasts the opportunity to see the different Batmobiles from the TV series and the Batpod when they were showcased at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. December not only holds the much-anticipated release of "The Dark Knight Rises" but the arrival of "Batman Live" to the American Airlines Center for a four night engagement.

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Val Kilmer Honored by Dallas Film Society

Val Kilmer is a versatile actor who's been in his fair share of Hollywood blockbusters and bizarre indie films. Some would say he's made some questionable career choices while others chalk it up to the man wanting to work in different genres and take on eclectic roles. I choose to believe Kilmer likes to challenge himself and doesn't care what the critics think.

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Val Kilmer Honored by Dallas Film Society

Val Kilmer is a versatile actor who's been in his fair share of Hollywood blockbusters and bizarre indie films. Some would say he's made some questionable career choices while others chalk it up to the man wanting to work in different genres and take on eclectic roles. I choose to believe Kilmer likes to challenge himself and doesn't care what the critics think.

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DVD Review: “Scooby-Doo: 13 Spooky Tales – Holiday Chills and Thrills”

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment found a way to combine two of my favorite things together this holiday season. "Scooby-Doo: 13 Spooky Tales - Holiday Chills and Thrills" features 12 Christmas-centric episodes spanning the different shows starring the crime fighting canine and his sleuthing crew. Unfortunately, Scrappy-Doo even makes an appearance. There's also an all-new Christmas episode to get fans in the mood for the season.

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DVD Review: “Scooby-Doo: 13 Spooky Tales – Holiday Chills and Thrills”

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment found a way to combine two of my favorite things together this holiday season. "Scooby-Doo: 13 Spooky Tales - Holiday Chills and Thrills" features 12 Christmas-centric episodes spanning the different shows starring the crime fighting canine and his sleuthing crew. Unfortunately, Scrappy-Doo even makes an appearance. There's also an all-new Christmas episode to get fans in the mood for the season.

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"Batman: Arkham City" Graphic Novel Review

I'm not a video game player. I never have been and probably never will be. However, the concept and character design behind the "Batman: Arkham City" video game was enough to get my attention when ads started popping up in various places. When I found out DC was doing a five issue prequel comic leading into the game, I immediately knew I had to get a hold of it and read it. I'm happy to report I wasn't disappointed.

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"Batman: Arkham City" Graphic Novel Review

I'm not a video game player. I never have been and probably never will be. However, the concept and character design behind the "Batman: Arkham City" video game was enough to get my attention when ads started popping up in various places. When I found out DC was doing a five issue prequel comic leading into the game, I immediately knew I had to get a hold of it and read it. I'm happy to report I wasn't disappointed.

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Blu-ray Review: "Vamps"

Amy Heckerling's name on a film as director is usually enough to get me to watch it. She has an undeniable talent for presenting life lessons through her work while capturing a snapshot of a certain cultural time period, whether it be the 1980s through "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," the 1990s with "Clueless," or the 2000's with "Loser" and the CW's successful "Gossip Girl." "Vamps" is Heckerling's latest movie and continues the trend.

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Blu-ray Review: "Vamps"

Amy Heckerling's name on a film as director is usually enough to get me to watch it. She has an undeniable talent for presenting life lessons through her work while capturing a snapshot of a certain cultural time period, whether it be the 1980s through "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," the 1990s with "Clueless," or the 2000's with "Loser" and the CW's successful "Gossip Girl." "Vamps" is Heckerling's latest movie and continues the trend.

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Blu-ray Review: "The Apparition"

I'm always interested in a good ghost story which takes a unique look at the subject of the supernatural. Although I wouldn't necessarily call "The Apparition" completely original, it's an interesting enough blend of different ideas that makes it engrossing. There's a little Asian horror ala "The Grudge" and "Pulse," a very small pinch (thankfully) of "Paranormal Activity," and a bit of "Poltergeist" to top it off.

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Blu-ray Review: "The Apparition"

I'm always interested in a good ghost story which takes a unique look at the subject of the supernatural. Although I wouldn't necessarily call "The Apparition" completely original, it's an interesting enough blend of different ideas that makes it engrossing. There's a little Asian horror ala "The Grudge" and "Pulse," a very small pinch (thankfully) of "Paranormal Activity," and a bit of "Poltergeist" to top it off.

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"Superman: Earth One Volume Two" Graphic Novel Review

Sometimes I think I expect too much when diving into a book written by a renowned scribe like J. Michael Straczynski. Is it fair to have higher expectations just because the author won Hugo, Eisner, and BAFTA awards? "Superman: Earth One Volume Two" is evidence that a person can't hit the lottery every time they play. While the graphic novel isn't a complete disappointment, it just doesn't live up to its hype.

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"Superman: Earth One Volume Two" Graphic Novel Review

Sometimes I think I expect too much when diving into a book written by a renowned scribe like J. Michael Straczynski. Is it fair to have higher expectations just because the author won Hugo, Eisner, and BAFTA awards? "Superman: Earth One Volume Two" is evidence that a person can't hit the lottery every time they play. While the graphic novel isn't a complete disappointment, it just doesn't live up to its hype.

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