“Batgirl Volume 2: Knightfall Descends” Graphic Novel Review

DC Comics delivers more excitement with "Batgirl Volume 2: Knightfall Descends." The graphic novel collects issues #0 and 7 through 13 of the monthly title. It's written by series regular Gail Simone and illustrated by Ardian Syaf, Ed Benes, Alitha Martinez, and Vincente Cifuentes.

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“Batgirl Volume 2: Knightfall Descends” Graphic Novel Review

DC Comics delivers more excitement with "Batgirl Volume 2: Knightfall Descends." The graphic novel collects issues #0 and 7 through 13 of the monthly title. It's written by series regular Gail Simone and illustrated by Ardian Syaf, Ed Benes, Alitha Martinez, and Vincente Cifuentes.

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Experiencing Depression After Viewing "Jurassic Park 3D"

The 20th anniversary of "Jurassic Park" is a milestone that I agree needs to be celebrated. The movie marks the first really successful use of CGI that looked realistic. Even by today's standards, the dinosaurs still appear lifelike. With the theatrical release of the 1993 blockbuster in 3D and IMAX, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to take my six-year-old so to see it the way it was meant to be - on the big screen.

I hadn't seen "Jurassic Park" in a theater since its release in 1993. My son had never seen it in its entirety. I was mildly curious as to how it would look in 3D, while he was ecstatic to see dinosaurs pop out at him. Honestly, I was underwhelmed with the experience. It appeared to me that the same process used to convert "Star Wars - Episode I: The Phantom Menace" was utilized. Instead of objects coming out of the screen at you, it just added depth.

"Jurassic Park" is a good movie. There's no denying that. It has a classic pace which sets up the story and characters and doesn't just throw a bunch of senseless action at the audience. Some new viewers might feel the pace is uneven, with long periods of dialogue sandwiched in between scenes of dinosaur carnage. Audiences today aren't used to gaps in the action and slow-boiling films. They're used to what we got in 2003 with "Jurassic Park III." That entry had 15 minutes of plot set-up and 75 minutes of non-stop action.

I walked out of "Jurassic Park 3D" depressed. I found myself reflecting on how similar movies used to be special. They were a spectacle to behold. The last film that used CGI effects as heavily as "Jurassic Park" was released two years before it. The movie was James Cameron's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," which was released in summer of 1991. Two or three movies like "Jurassic Park" come out a week now. There's nothing special about them anymore and that's disheartening.

I know technology can't stop. Filmmakers aren't going to quit using CGI. It's less time consuming and cheaper than making models or working with animatronics. However, I can still mourn the loss of excitement I used to feel seeing a movie like "Jurassic Park" or "Oblivion" in a movie theater and wondering, "Wow! How did they do that?"

I know how they do it now. Twenty or thirty artists sitting behind computers mess with the sequences until either the studio stops paying them or it looks the way producers and the director want it to. I'm not saying that it doesn't take any skill to be a CGI artist. I want to clarify that very loudly! I just miss seeing practical effects sometimes.

To end on a positive note, if you or your children have never seen "Jurassic Park" in the theater, it's an experience you don't want to miss. If it's not playing around you in theaters, do yourself a favor and pick it up on Blu-ray. It's a must-have for every home entertainment library.

"Jurassic Park 3D" is available now in a 3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet edition.

Experiencing Depression After Viewing "Jurassic Park 3D"

The 20th anniversary of "Jurassic Park" is a milestone that I agree needs to be celebrated. The movie marks the first really successful use of CGI that looked realistic. Even by today's standards, the dinosaurs still appear lifelike. With the theatrical release of the 1993 blockbuster in 3D and IMAX, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to take my six-year-old so to see it the way it was meant to be - on the big screen.

DVD Review: "The Bay"

I can't begin to tell you how much I detest a majority of the "found footage" films. Every time I see a new released, my eyes roll into the back of my head and I sigh heavily. The only reason I picked up "The Bay" when I saw it was the box and tagline caught my attention. If it wasn't for Director Barry Levinson's name attached to it, I would have put it back. After watching it, I'd say it's definitely one of the better films using the shtick.

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DVD Review: "The Bay"

I can't begin to tell you how much I detest a majority of the "found footage" films. Every time I see a new released, my eyes roll into the back of my head and I sigh heavily. The only reason I picked up "The Bay" when I saw it was the box and tagline caught my attention. If it wasn't for Director Barry Levinson's name attached to it, I would have put it back. After watching it, I'd say it's definitely one of the better films using the shtick.

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Movie Review: "Oblivion"

Tom Cruise never ceases to amaze me. People can go on and on about his crazy behavior and couch-jumping antics all they want. The bottom line is the guy is a good actor and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. It's obvious he loves his job and goes to great lengths to do it, which includes doing his own stunts as much as a director or producer will allow. "Oblivion" is another excellent example of Tom Cruise at his finest.

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Movie Review: "Oblivion"

Tom Cruise never ceases to amaze me. People can go on and on about his crazy behavior and couch-jumping antics all they want. The bottom line is the guy is a good actor and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. It's obvious he loves his job and goes to great lengths to do it, which includes doing his own stunts as much as a director or producer will allow. "Oblivion" is another excellent example of Tom Cruise at his finest.

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“Catwoman Volume 2: Dollhouse” Graphic Novel Review

"Catwoman Volume 2: Dollhouse" consists of issues #7 through 12 of DC Comics' New 52 monthly title. Writer Judd Winick continues penning the tales with artist Adriana Melo favorably handling a majority of the penciling. Guillem March steps in to illustrate for a couple of issues in the middle.

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“Catwoman Volume 2: Dollhouse” Graphic Novel Review

"Catwoman Volume 2: Dollhouse" consists of issues #7 through 12 of DC Comics' New 52 monthly title. Writer Judd Winick continues penning the tales with artist Adriana Melo favorably handling a majority of the penciling. Guillem March steps in to illustrate for a couple of issues in the middle.

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Blu-ray Review: "The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia"

First off, let's just get something out of the way. "The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia" never had a chance to succeed. With a paradoxical title like that, audiences are given a red flag immediately. If the producers of a movie can't decide on a better name for a film, then how could they make bigger decisions during production? Just pick a name! Was "Ghosts of Georgia" any more generic than "The Haunting in Connecticut?" The reason I sound so frustrated is because it deserves better.

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Blu-ray Review: "The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia"

First off, let's just get something out of the way. "The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia" never had a chance to succeed. With a paradoxical title like that, audiences are given a red flag immediately. If the producers of a movie can't decide on a better name for a film, then how could they make bigger decisions during production? Just pick a name! Was "Ghosts of Georgia" any more generic than "The Haunting in Connecticut?" The reason I sound so frustrated is because it deserves better.

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Interview: Actress Meg Foster Travels Through the Labyrinth of "The Lords of Salem"

Looking at actor Meg Foster's resume brought on a feeling of disbelief for me. I know her as a sci-fi and horror genre icon. Most people in my circle know her from such films as "They Live," "Masters of the Universe," "Stepfather II," and "Oblivion" as well as TV shows like "Xena: Warrior Princess," "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," and "Sliders."

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Interview: Actress Meg Foster Travels Through the Labyrinth of "The Lords of Salem"

Looking at actor Meg Foster's resume brought on a feeling of disbelief for me. I know her as a sci-fi and horror genre icon. Most people in my circle know her from such films as "They Live," "Masters of the Universe," "Stepfather II," and "Oblivion" as well as TV shows like "Xena: Warrior Princess," "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," and "Sliders."

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"The Lords of Salem" Movie Review

Rob Zombie films are very hard for me to review. They're full of bad people doing even worse things to other people. The entire time I'm watching them, they bring out this disgust and realization that there are individuals out there as twisted as the ones onscreen. Some horror flicks are fun to watch, but Zombie's movies are devoid of humor for the most part and just feel depraved. It's what he does as a director and he's good at it. He continues this trend with "The Lords of Salem."

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"The Lords of Salem" Movie Review

Rob Zombie films are very hard for me to review. They're full of bad people doing even worse things to other people. The entire time I'm watching them, they bring out this disgust and realization that there are individuals out there as twisted as the ones onscreen. Some horror flicks are fun to watch, but Zombie's movies are devoid of humor for the most part and just feel depraved. It's what he does as a director and he's good at it. He continues this trend with "The Lords of Salem."

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Interview: Director / Writer Rob Zombie Talks About "The Lords of Salem"

Being a fan of Rob Zombie since hearing White Zombie's first major label album in 1992, I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I was to get the opportunity to interview him. The guy has impeccable timing, simultaneously releasing his new film, "The Lords of Salem," and his new album, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor," within days of each other. Having just seen "The Lords of Salem," I had several questions for Zombie about his inspirations for the music, dialogue, and other aspects of what I would consider his best film to date.

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Interview: Director / Writer Rob Zombie Talks About "The Lords of Salem"

Being a fan of Rob Zombie since hearing White Zombie's first major label album in 1992, I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I was to get the opportunity to interview him. The guy has impeccable timing, simultaneously releasing his new film, "The Lords of Salem," and his new album, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor," within days of each other. Having just seen "The Lords of Salem," I had several questions for Zombie about his inspirations for the music, dialogue, and other aspects of what I would consider his best film to date.

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"Swamp Thing Volume 2: Family Tree" Graphic Novel Review

"Swamp Thing Volume 2: Family Tree" is the perfect example of DC Comics' dedication to the world of horror comics. It collects issues #0, 8 through 11, and the first annual of the series. There are times I wonder what this intensely graphic and gory book is doing on DC instead of Vertigo.

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"Swamp Thing Volume 2: Family Tree" Graphic Novel Review

"Swamp Thing Volume 2: Family Tree" is the perfect example of DC Comics' dedication to the world of horror comics. It collects issues #0, 8 through 11, and the first annual of the series. There are times I wonder what this intensely graphic and gory book is doing on DC instead of Vertigo.

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Blu-ray Review: "Futureworld"

Shout! Factory is always ready to pounce on a great opportunity. They show their smarts again by following up Warner Home Video's release of "Westworld" on Blu-ray with their very own high definition version of its 1976 sequel, "Futureworld." Although the film is considered by many to be a poor excuse for a sequel,it has its own cult followers who are more than happy to see it getting an upgrade.

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Blu-ray Review: "Futureworld"

Shout! Factory is always ready to pounce on a great opportunity. They show their smarts again by following up Warner Home Video's release of "Westworld" on Blu-ray with their very own high definition version of its 1976 sequel, "Futureworld." Although the film is considered by many to be a poor excuse for a sequel,it has its own cult followers who are more than happy to see it getting an upgrade.

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“Batman: Detective Comics Volume 2: Scare Tactics” Graphic Novel Review

"Batman: Detective Comics Volume 2: Scare Tactics" collects issues 8 through 12, 0, and the annual for the Dark Knight's flagship monthly title. Unlike most of the past collections, this one is comprised of several stories penciled by many different artists. We usually get two or three different story arcs, but this time there's a few one-shot stories and one tale that stretches across multiple issues.

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“Batman: Detective Comics Volume 2: Scare Tactics” Graphic Novel Review

"Batman: Detective Comics Volume 2: Scare Tactics" collects issues 8 through 12, 0, and the annual for the Dark Knight's flagship monthly title. Unlike most of the past collections, this one is comprised of several stories penciled by many different artists. We usually get two or three different story arcs, but this time there's a few one-shot stories and one tale that stretches across multiple issues.

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Blu-ray Review: "H.P. Lovecraft’s from Beyond:Collector's Edition - Unrated Director's Cut"

"H.P. Lovecraft's From Beyond" marks the second entry in Director Stuart Gordon's slate of films based on the writer's works. Shout! Factory delivers another cult classic on Blu-ray for the first time packed with extra features and consisting of an Unrated Director's Cut. It's just the sort of royal treatment this piece of 1980's horror history deserves.

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Blu-ray Review: "H.P. Lovecraft’s from Beyond:Collector's Edition - Unrated Director's Cut"

"H.P. Lovecraft's From Beyond" marks the second entry in Director Stuart Gordon's slate of films based on the writer's works. Shout! Factory delivers another cult classic on Blu-ray for the first time packed with extra features and consisting of an Unrated Director's Cut. It's just the sort of royal treatment this piece of 1980's horror history deserves.

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Blu-ray Review: "Phantasm II: Collector's Edition"

"Phantasm II" is one of the best representations of the Hollywood horror movie boom of the 1980s. After years of genre filmmakers scrambling for cash to get their productions up and running, many studios were looking to cash in on the terror craze. Universal chose to throw money at "Phantasm" and give it the opportunity to go bigger and better.

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Blu-ray Review: "Phantasm II: Collector's Edition"

"Phantasm II" is one of the best representations of the Hollywood horror movie boom of the 1980s. After years of genre filmmakers scrambling for cash to get their productions up and running, many studios were looking to cash in on the terror craze. Universal chose to throw money at "Phantasm" and give it the opportunity to go bigger and better.

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"Smallville Season Eleven Volume One: Guardian" Graphic Novel Review

What better place for a TV series like "Smallville" to continue past its actual run than the pages of comic books. The concept worked for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," so why wouldn't it work for a super hero who started out there in the first place? Things can be done in the pages of comics you could never pull off onscreen without going over budget. The medium opens up a whole new level of story possibilities and can go on way past the actors have outgrown their parts. "Smallville Season Eleven Volume One: Guardian" is a near-perfect example of the points I made above.

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"Smallville Season Eleven Volume One: Guardian" Graphic Novel Review

What better place for a TV series like "Smallville" to continue past its actual run than the pages of comic books. The concept worked for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," so why wouldn't it work for a super hero who started out there in the first place? Things can be done in the pages of comics you could never pull off onscreen without going over budget. The medium opens up a whole new level of story possibilities and can go on way past the actors have outgrown their parts. "Smallville Season Eleven Volume One: Guardian" is a near-perfect example of the points I made above.

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"American Vampire Volume 5" Graphic Novel Review

In the world of vampire comic books, there are really only two players right now. You've got Steve Niles' "30 Days of Night" series and Scott Snyder's "American Vampire." Both are the antithesis of what movies and novels are feeding us when it comes to the undead bloodsuckers. The nocturnal creatures in Niles' and Snyder's worlds don't sparkle in the sun and remain beautiful when they change into their ravenous forms. "American Vampire Volume 5" shows Snyder is still at the top of his gory and gratifying game.

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"American Vampire Volume 5" Graphic Novel Review

In the world of vampire comic books, there are really only two players right now. You've got Steve Niles' "30 Days of Night" series and Scott Snyder's "American Vampire." Both are the antithesis of what movies and novels are feeding us when it comes to the undead bloodsuckers. The nocturnal creatures in Niles' and Snyder's worlds don't sparkle in the sun and remain beautiful when they change into their ravenous forms. "American Vampire Volume 5" shows Snyder is still at the top of his gory and gratifying game.

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Blu-ray Review: "Escapee"

I love a good slasher movie just as much as the next horror fan. The sub-genre is so hit-and-miss these days. For every "Cold Prey" or "Laid to Rest," we're given 10 more entries that leave you feeling mentally drained by the time the credits roll on them. Anchor Bay Entertainment's "Escapee" is just lucky enough to fall right in the middle of good and bad in the realm of watchable mediocrity.

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Blu-ray Review: "Escapee"

I love a good slasher movie just as much as the next horror fan. The sub-genre is so hit-and-miss these days. For every "Cold Prey" or "Laid to Rest," we're given 10 more entries that leave you feeling mentally drained by the time the credits roll on them. Anchor Bay Entertainment's "Escapee" is just lucky enough to fall right in the middle of good and bad in the realm of watchable mediocrity.

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Number 5 Runner-Up for Rondo Awards Best Reviewer!

I just want to thank everyone who voted for me for Best Reviewer for the Rondo Awards. I was the Number 5 Runner-Up. Thanks!

Number 5 Runner-Up for Rondo Awards Best Reviewer!

I just want to thank everyone who voted for me for Best Reviewer for the Rondo Awards. I was the Number 5 Runner-Up. Thanks!

Movie Review: "Evil Dead"

The day Sam Raimi fans have been either anticipating or dreading for 30 years is upon us. The remake of "Evil Dead" has taken over theaters. Most enthusiasts of the original horror trilogy wanted another sequel. That's definitely not what we get in this gore fest.

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Movie Review: "Evil Dead"

The day Sam Raimi fans have been either anticipating or dreading for 30 years is upon us. The remake of "Evil Dead" has taken over theaters. Most enthusiasts of the original horror trilogy wanted another sequel. That's definitely not what we get in this gore fest.

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Movie Review: "G.I. Joe: Retaliation"

There were many fans upset by Stephen Sommers' first live-action entry in the "G.I. Joe" series. Some complained about the fact that the "Real American Hero" tagline was removed. Others felt the actors chosen for the parts were miscast. A few felt the movie relied on gadgets and CGI too much. Whatever the reasons were, director John M. Chu felt the need to make it up to the disappointed masses with "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."

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Movie Review: "G.I. Joe: Retaliation"

There were many fans upset by Stephen Sommers' first live-action entry in the "G.I. Joe" series. Some complained about the fact that the "Real American Hero" tagline was removed. Others felt the actors chosen for the parts were miscast. A few felt the movie relied on gadgets and CGI too much. Whatever the reasons were, director John M. Chu felt the need to make it up to the disappointed masses with "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."

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Blu-ray Review: "The Vampire Lovers"

Shout! Factory is quickly becoming one of my favorite outlets for hard to find classic horror titles. Their Scream! Factory line collects these rare films and gives them the high-definition treatment and attention to detail they deserve. They continue their ongoing mission with Hammer's 1970 film "The Vampire Lovers."

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Blu-ray Review: "The Vampire Lovers"

Shout! Factory is quickly becoming one of my favorite outlets for hard to find classic horror titles. Their Scream! Factory line collects these rare films and gives them the high-definition treatment and attention to detail they deserve. They continue their ongoing mission with Hammer's 1970 film "The Vampire Lovers."

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“Batman Volume 2: The City of Owls” Graphic Novel Review

DC Comics continues its collection of the Dark Knight's self-titled monthly adventures with "Batman Volume 2: The City of Owls." The book contains issues 8 through 12 and the first annual. Many of them were already published in "Batman: Night of the Owls." However, this chronological combination helps to give you a better understanding of the entire Court of Owls saga.

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“Batman Volume 2: The City of Owls” Graphic Novel Review

DC Comics continues its collection of the Dark Knight's self-titled monthly adventures with "Batman Volume 2: The City of Owls." The book contains issues 8 through 12 and the first annual. Many of them were already published in "Batman: Night of the Owls." However, this chronological combination helps to give you a better understanding of the entire Court of Owls saga.

Read more

Blu-ray Review: "Earth's Final Hours"

If you've seen one SyFy Channel Original Movie, then you know what to expect from all of them. The simple formula consists of a couple of familiar television or genre actors, some type of otherworldly threat or attack, and some budget special effects that aren't quite as bad as what we get with The Asylum's movies. However, they still don't quite live up to the expectations set forth by years of watching films crafted with the help of ILM.

"Earth's Final Hours" is no different except for a premise that isn't quite as hard to swallow as an alien attack or over-used as a giant asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Don't get me wrong; matter from an asteroid figures into the story. It's just not the size we're used to from years of movies like "Meteor," "Armageddon," and "Deep Impact."

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Blu-ray Review: "Earth's Final Hours"

If you've seen one SyFy Channel Original Movie, then you know what to expect from all of them. The simple formula consists of a couple of familiar television or genre actors, some type of otherworldly threat or attack, and some budget special effects that aren't quite as bad as what we get with The Asylum's movies. However, they still don't quite live up to the expectations set forth by years of watching films crafted with the help of ILM.

"Earth's Final Hours" is no different except for a premise that isn't quite as hard to swallow as an alien attack or over-used as a giant asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Don't get me wrong; matter from an asteroid figures into the story. It's just not the size we're used to from years of movies like "Meteor," "Armageddon," and "Deep Impact."

Read more