Remember That Time Ben Affleck Played Superman?

Batman isn’t Ben Affleck’s first portrayal of a DC Comics super hero. Many people were so put off by his role as blind lawyer-turned-costumed crime fighter Matt Murdock in the ill-received “Daredevil” that they forget he starred in the role of Superman as well. Okay, so technically he was performing as actor George Reeves playing the Man of Steel in the biopic “Hollywoodland.” It still showed Affleck can transform himself into any character he puts his mind to.

George Reeves played the Man of Steel for the television series “The Adventures of Superman” for six seasons running from 1952 to 1958. “Hollywoodland” tells the story of a detective (Adrien Brody) who uncovers unexpected links to his own personal life as he probes the mysterious death of Superman actor Reeves (Ben Affleck) in 1959. A possible affair between the actor and Toni Mannix (Diane Lane), the wife of a studio executive (Bob Hoskins), might reveal the truth.

In the scene from “Hollywoodland,” Affleck transforms himself from chummy drinking buddy backstage to charming and heroic Superman in the blink of an eye. In a matter of two minutes, he goes from jovial to indestructible to frightened as a child from the audience points a real gun at Reeves and asks if he can shoot him. That’s a short time span for any actor to change his attitude and demeanor in. You can see the video clip right here.

Many people have a problem with Ben Affleck portraying the Dark Knight in “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” I think he’s more than proven himself as a worthy successor to take up the cape from Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and Christian Bale. His dramatic turns in movies like “Argo” and “Hollywoodland” stand as proof he has the acting chops to take on a serious character. His physique in both “Daredevil” and Superman costumes show he has the build for the role as well.

"Hollywoodland" is available on DVD and as a Digital Download.

Remember That Time Ben Affleck Played Superman?

Batman isn’t Ben Affleck’s first portrayal of a DC Comics super hero. Many people were so put off by his role as blind lawyer-turned-costumed crime fighter Matt Murdock in the ill-received “Daredevil” that they forget he starred in the role of Superman as well. Okay, so technically he was performing as actor George Reeves playing the Man of Steel in the biopic “Hollywoodland.” It still showed Affleck can transform himself into any character he puts his mind to.

Sex Traffic Film "8 Days" Hits Studio Movie Grills This Weekend

Child and teen sex trafficking is a real problem in the United States. Whether you want to turn your head to it or not, it is happening in your community. If you don’t believe me, just do a Google search with the keywords “sex trafficking united states statistics” and a whole new world of tragic information will be at your fingertips.

The subject of sex trafficking is becoming more and more visible in the media. Much of this newfound exposure is thanks to some unlikely partners in the battle against the deplorable $9.5 billion industry. Hollywood has taken a step to help reveal the problem through movies like “Taken,” “Catwoman,” and others. Comic books even started bringing the epidemic to the forefront with stories included in high profile titles like “Huntress” and “Before Watchmen.”

Director Jaco Booyens takes measures to make sure everyone in earshot will be exposed to the national tragedy that is child and sex trafficking with his film “8 Days,” which is inspired by actual events. The movie is a hard and graphic look at one girl’s horrific experience as she is imprisoned in a world of prostitution, slavery, and drugs.

The film revolves around sixteen year old Amber Stevens. After sneaking to a party with her friends, she goes missing. Forced into the world of sex trafficking, her family and community fight to get her back. So much can happen in “8 Days.”

Seeing “8 Days” is guaranteed to open the eyes of anyone who is in the dark about or denies the existence of a teen and child sex trafficking problem in our own backyards. It’s a perfect way to make adults and their kids think about the company they keep and the strangers they trust in everyday life. They’ll take it to heart and realize it can happen to anyone anywhere at any time.

“8 Days” is hitting Studio Movie Grills this weekend for a limited run. The movie will be showing at select locations in Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida. It’s playing at two theaters in the Dallas, TX area where it premiered to packed houses at the end of last year. Click here to view theaters and get tickets.

You can read my review of "8 Days" right here.

Visit "8 Days" official website here.

Sex Traffic Film "8 Days" Hits Studio Movie Grills This Weekend

Child and teen sex trafficking is a real problem in the United States. Whether you want to turn your head to it or not, it is happening in your community. If you don’t believe me, just do a Google search with the keywords “sex trafficking united states statistics” and a whole new world of tragic information will be at your fingertips.

You've Been Warned... Don't Watch or Play With "Ouija"

“Ouija” is somewhat of a paradox of a film. Imagine a movie made by the makers of a game warning you not to play the game. Now imagine the makers of a game warning you not to play it, but double-dog daring you to play it. I’ve pretty much just described Hasbro’s supernatural horror dud “Ouija.”

A girl is mysteriously killed after recording herself playing with an ancient Ouija board. A group of her friends investigate the spirit board. They soon find out some things aren't meant to be played with when they awaken the dark powers of the “other side.”

“Ouija” is one of those movies where the kids involved do incredibly stupid stuff, make all the wrong decisions, and then die because of their bad choices. Unlike most teen slasher films, there’s nothing fun or humorous here to be found. It’s just one predictably bad action after the next resulting in death for whoever committed the transgression against the dead.

Set up like a visual instruction manual, “Ouija” teaches you how to play the board game you know you shouldn’t. It’s like they’re taunting you to play with fire. Imagine someone telling you not to do something, but then giving you exact guidelines on how to do it. The actors say the words they’re supposed to and follow the rules to communicate with the dead… which is never a good idea, by the way. It all plays out like an over-extended TV commercial to sell the game.

The ultimate message of “Ouija” is you shouldn’t play with the occult. Unfortunately, the message gets a little jumbled up when the friends use it to do battle against the spirits. Okay… so don’t use it unless you need to use it to fight the bad guys? Am I getting this right?

“Ouija is rated PG-13, of course. Why wouldn’t it be since its target demographic is plainly teens looking for mild scares. It includes disturbing violent content, frightening horror images, and thematic material.

The only special features included for “Ouija” is a bland “Making of” featurette. It’s around three minutes long and consists of the cast and crew yammering about being scared on the set. They also talk about playing with the board for a movie that tells you not to play with the board while being a commercial for it. I digress… much like the movie.

Any Christian is going to have problems with watching “Ouija.” We’re all warned from childhood not to play with the occult or communicate with the dead… and with good reason. It’s pretty cut and dry in the Bible. When my wife found out I watched the movie in our home, she made me immediately take it out of the house and put it in the car. The film really does send a mixed message to younger viewers.

“Ouija” is obviously an attempt at both promoting a Hasbro board game and creating a teen version of “Insidious” or “The Conjuring.” However, there’s nothing to be found here that is even half as endearing or memorable as either of those two films. Even the little twist during the climax can’t save the movie in the end.

If you want to buy “Ouija,” you know where to find it. I’m not going to have providing a link to purchase it on my conscious.

You've Been Warned... Don't Watch or Play With "Ouija"

“Ouija” is somewhat of a paradox of a film. Imagine a movie made by the makers of a game warning you not to play the game. Now imagine the makers of a game warning you not to play it, but double-dog daring you to play it. I’ve pretty much just described Hasbro’s supernatural horror dud “Ouija.”

Daniel Radcliffe Shakes Off Harry Potter in Supernatural "Horns"

Anchor Bay brings us the supernatural thriller “Horns” to Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital Download. Based on author Joe Hill’s critically acclaimed 2010 book, the movie comes across as a dark comedy blended with a murder mystery set to the backdrop of a YA novel if written by Stephen King or Anne Rice.

Ig Perrish (Daniel Radcliffe) is the number one suspect for the murder of his girlfriend, Merrin (Juno Temple). Hung over from a night of hard drinking, Ig awakens one morning to find horns growing from his head. He soon realizes their power drives people to confess their sins and give in to their most selfish and unspeakable impulses – an effective tool in his quest to discover what happened to his girlfriend and exact revenge on her killer.

On first viewing, it seemed ridiculous that most of everyone’s secret desires and sins were based around sex. It then dawned on me that “Horns” really hit the nail on the head. If you think about it, we are a culture obsessed with sex. The proof is evident in everything from what we watch and read to what we wear. I don’t think it needed to be so graphic in getting that point across to audiences, however.

The murder mystery in “Horns” is handled quite well. You really don’t know who the killer is until they’re revealed. The movie keeps you guessing up to the very moment the audience is let in on the terrible secret. Along the way, we’re led in several different directions to throw us off the scent.

Most Christians will have a hard time with “Horns.” Although the movie ultimately shows a man doing everything he can to redeem himself, it still could be seen as morally ambiguous. Should we embrace the powers of the Devil to do battle against evil? I think not. I do see what the film is trying to say: “You do what you have to do with the hand your dealt.” Ig didn’t make a deal with the Devil to get his demonic powers. He woke up with them.

“Horns” is rated R for sexual content, some graphic nudity, disturbing violence including a sexual assault, language, and drug use. The rape scene, although not too visual, might be uncomfortable or distressing for some to watch.

Special features for the Blu-ray and DVD editions are rather sparse. Both only include the featurette “The Making of ‘Horns.’” Some commentary from author Joe Hill or Director Alexandre Aja would’ve been nice.

“Horns” will make you forget Daniel Radcliffe ever played Harry Potter. Gone is the sophisticated English accent he’s become known for through the eight magical entries in the film series and his turn in “The Woman in Black.” He’s just as convincing as a tormented American crudely storming through life using any means necessary to find out who killed his girlfriend.

“Horns” is available now on Blu-ray, DVD, and as a Digital Download.

Daniel Radcliffe Shakes Off Harry Potter in Supernatural "Horns"

Anchor Bay brings us the supernatural thriller “Horns” to Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital Download. Based on author Joe Hill’s critically acclaimed 2010 book, the movie comes across as a dark comedy blended with a murder mystery set to the backdrop of a YA novel if written by Stephen King or Anne Rice.

"Superman: Earth One Volume 3" Gives Fresh Look at Hero

The "Earth One" series offers a unique view into the lives of our favorite superheroes: from Batman and Superman to Teen Titans. "Superman: Earth One" is by far my favorite. Earth One is part of the 52 Multiverse spectrum, which makes this one of many alternate realities. It gives us a very human view into the Man of Steel's life.

"Superman: Earth One Volume 3" shows how tough certain decisions are for our hero to make. The Man of Steel is much more inexperienced. Compared to Earth Prime (our Earth), Superman is more aggressive toward hostile enemies. He makes faulty decisions. The third entry in the graphic novel series focuses on our hero confronting General Zod and Lex and Alexandria Luthor.

Sandra Hope and Ardian Syaf's art for "Superman: Earth One Volume 3" is top notch. It's some of the best I've seen from DC Comics. Writer J. Michael Straczynski captures the essence of the Last Son of Krypton like none before.

Straczynski's interpretation of Zod is unique and brings new material to the table. Zod is Kal-­El’s uncle and is as human as he can be. He helps Kal-El and teaches him things. Little does Kal know, Zod is testing his limits and powers. Once he finds those limits, he reports to the United Nations and promises to kill Superman. At the same time, Lex and Alexandria Luthor are working on a device that will weaken the Man of Steel.

"Superman: Earth One Volume 3" was sensational. I can't wait for Volume 4 in this great graphic novel series. It brings readers a fresh look at the Man of Steel and succeeds with a grand story. (Review written by Everett Shirey)

"Superman: Earth One Volume 3" is available now in print and Kindle editions.

"Superman: Earth One Volume 3" Gives Fresh Look at Hero

The "Earth One" series offers a unique view into the lives of our favorite superheroes: from Batman and Superman to Teen Titans. "Superman: Earth One" is by far my favorite. Earth One is part of the 52 Multiverse spectrum, which makes this one of many alternate realities. It gives us a very human view into the Man of Steel's life.

"Gnome Alone" Tries Hard to Join Iconic Ranks of "Leprechaun"

It was pretty evident from the moment I gazed upon the packaging for “Gnome Alone” what Lionsgate was trying to do. They wanted to launch a low-budget indie horror franchise in the vein of “Leprechaun.” The only problem is the charm and black humor which awarded our little green friend’s movies annual viewings at St. Patrick’s Day is covered here in a layer of raunch that will detract many viewers from giving it the same respect.

Just when Zoe (Kerry Knuppe) thinks she's all alone in this world, an old woman (Willow Hale) passes on her bewitched Gnome (Verne Troyer), who is bound by magic to protect his master. Zoe quickly realizes that he isn't your garden variety gnome, when he begins eliminating her enemies in extravagant displays of revenge. Zoe must find a way to stop this mischievous gnome, before Zoe and her friends become victims of his trickery.

I know what the makers of “Gnome Alone” are shooting for. They are looking for a chance to connect to an audience seeking holiday horror movies to add to their list of yearly programming. People will pick it up mistakenly thinking it’s a genre Christmas tale because of the title’s resemblance to “Home Alone.” After getting into it, they’ll find ties to leprechauns, which will lead viewers to link it to St. Patrick’s Day.

“Gnome Alone” has some entertainingly gory kills, but nothing that will stick in your mind the way the ones in the “Leprechaun” movies do. How can you top being pogo-sticked to death or having a weird little green creature climb out of your stomach? I can’t even remember one of the death scenes from this movie right off-hand.

What I do remember is a lot of sexual situations that seemed like they were trying to one-up their 1980s horror / slasher counterparts. I don’t particularly like nudity or adult situations even being in genre films. “Gnome Alone” definitely takes it to a whole other level of smut.

Verne Troyer plays the little monster in “Gnome Alone” giving the title character an air of creepiness and a pinch of sleaziness. Most folks will identify him as Mini-Me from the “Austin Powers” movies. The only other noticeable face for me was that of Bill Oberst, Jr. He’s had roles in several grade B and Z horror films like “Krampus: The Christmas Devil,” “Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies,” and “A Haunting in Salem” to name a few.

Special features for "Gnome Alone" include a behind-the-scenes featurette with cast and crew interviews. The movie is rated R for sex and nudity, violence and gore, profanity, alcohol / drugs / smoking, and frightening and intense scenes.

“Gnome Alone” will no doubt find an audience who doesn’t mind its descent into raunchiness. It goes too far in that direction for my tastes. I prefer holiday and creature feature slashing and bloodletting that doesn’t make me feel like I need to take a shower afterwards.

"Gnome Alone" is available now on DVD and as a Digital Download.

"Gnome Alone" Tries Hard to Join Iconic Ranks of "Leprechaun"

It was pretty evident from the moment I gazed upon the packaging for “Gnome Alone” what Lionsgate was trying to do. They wanted to launch a low-budget indie horror franchise in the vein of “Leprechaun.” The only problem is the charm and black humor which awarded our little green friend’s movies annual viewings at St. Patrick’s Day is covered here in a layer of raunch that will detract many viewers from giving it the same respect.

Heroes Battle Gods; Travel to Bury Kal-El in World's End #16

Earth 2: World’s End #15 killed off the Man of Steel. This single event triggered massive amounts of fury and vengeance. Issue #16 has fantastic writing and great pacing provided by Mike Johnson, Marguerite Bennett, and Daniel H. Wilson. Jorge Jimenez, Eduardo Pansica, Eddy Barrows, Jack Herbertart artwork is extremely crisp and phenomenal.

Issue #16 opens with our heroes attempting to unleash the Avatar of the Red from the prison which Desaad put her in. They need her assistance in returning to the surface of Geneva to bury Kal-El’s corpse. Val-­El, Kara-­El, Lois Lane, Thomas Wayne, and Helena Wayne (aka Huntress) go to battle with the Apokolyptic gods. The issue ends with Death going into labor with her unborn child.

Earth 2: World’s End has delivered a very successful storyline so far. All the action in issue #16 takes place back to back and keeps you entertained throughout. How will the heroes prevail in this time of crisis? Only time will tell. (Review written by Everett Shirey)

Earth 2: World’s End #16 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Heroes Battle Gods; Travel to Bury Kal-El in World's End #16

Earth 2: World’s End #15 killed off the Man of Steel. This single event triggered massive amounts of fury and vengeance. Issue #16 has fantastic writing and great pacing provided by Mike Johnson, Marguerite Bennett, and Daniel H. Wilson. Jorge Jimenez, Eduardo Pansica, Eddy Barrows, Jack Herbertart artwork is extremely crisp and phenomenal.

Bat-Family Confronts Joker / Batman Cyborg in Futures End #38

The New 52: Futures End really shaped up this issue. It’s still jumbled around and unfocused on a single plot, but managed to complete a minor story issue before leaving us clueless. Issue #38 focuses more on Batman Beyond, Dick Grayson, and the new Firestorm. The main villain is a Joker/Batman cyborg. The comic also centralizes on the Firestorm duo which now is composed of Jason Rusch, and Madison Payne.

Issue #38 captures the essence of what a universe-wide event is by incorporating minor heroes and major heroes. This week’s release resumes right where #37 left off. Batman Beyond, Batman, and Tim Drake team up to fight an evil cyborg combination of Joker and the Dark Knight.

After a short round one, the comic jumps to see Firestorm confronting the evil scientist who fused Madison and Jason together. It then switches to Frankenstein being brought back to his castle to be repaired. The last page of the book features a shocking reveal that will have classic monster fans salivating.

Andy McDonald’s art for issue #38 was magnificent. Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, and Brian Azzarello’s writing was a remarkable change from last week’s issue. Overall, The New 52: Futures End #38 is still aiming high for a massive conclusion that will shake the DC Universe. Tensions are high as these superheroes are being pushed to their limits. We continue into the Future and on to the End. (Review written by Everett Shirey)

The New 52: Futures End #38 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Bat-Family Confronts Joker / Batman Cyborg in Futures End #38

The New 52: Futures End really shaped up this issue. It’s still jumbled around and unfocused on a single plot, but managed to complete a minor story issue before leaving us clueless. Issue #38 focuses more on Batman Beyond, Dick Grayson, and the new Firestorm. The main villain is a Joker/Batman cyborg. The comic also centralizes on the Firestorm duo which now is composed of Jason Rusch, and Madison Payne.

"The Hobbit: The Tolkien Edit" Gives Fans the ONE Movie They Deserve

It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me or reads my reviews that I’m no fan of “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings” movies. I find them to be bloated messes which could easily be edited down from their existing theatrical and extended editions into something watchable. There are aspects of every film in the two trilogies that I like. However, as whole movies I struggle to get through any of them in one sitting.

One fan of Peter Jackson’s epic and overly long “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies has done what anyone working directly with Jackson has been afraid to do. An individual identified simply as the Tolkien Editor has taken it upon themselves to join “An Unexpected Journey,” “The Desolation of Smaug,” and “The Battle of the Five Armies” into one seamless four and a half hour film.

Highlights of what is dubbed “The Hobbit: The Tolkien Edit” will make diehard fans of the novel much happier. Three hours and twenty minutes of what many would call useless and unnecessary material is cut out in order to get back to the heart of the source material. A list of a few of the changes comes directly from the website the edit is posted at. Check them out in the Tolkien Editor’s own words:

“The investigation of Dol Guldor has been completely excised, including the appearances of Radagast, Saruman and Galadriel. This was the most obvious cut, and the easiest to carry out (a testament to its irrelevance to the main narrative). Like the novel, Gandalf abruptly disappears on the borders of Mirkwood, and then reappears at the siege of the Lonely Mountain with tidings of an orc army.

The Tauriel-Legolas-Kili love triangle has also been removed. Indeed, Tauriel is no longer a character in the film, and Legolas only gets a brief cameo during the Mirkwood arrest (thankfully!). This was the next clear candidate for elimination, given how little plot value and personality these two woodland sprites added to the story. Dwarves are way more fun to hang out with anyway.

The prelude with old Bilbo is gone. As with the novel, I find the film works better if the scope starts out small (in a cozy hobbit hole), and then grows organically as Bilbo ventures out into the big, scary world. It is far more elegant to first learn about Smaug from the dwarves’ haunting ballad (rather than a bombastic CGI sequence). The prelude also undermines the real-and-present stakes of the story by framing it as one big flashback.

A lot of filler scenes have been cut as well. These are usually harder to spot (and I’ve probably missed a couple), but once they’re gone, you’ll completely forget that they ever existed. For example, the four-minute scene where Bard buys some fish and the dwarves gather up his pay.”

The good news is there’s way less Legolas. The bad news is we don’t see Christopher Lee / Saruman at all. You have to take the good with the bad, I guess.

With the exception of one awkward cut I specifically remember, the new editing job is phenomenal. You’d never know an amateur with access to iMovie or whatever this person used could put something this professional and satisfying together. The lower picture resolution even makes most of the janky CGI look smoother and easier to digest visually.

The Tolkien Editor posted an update stating that they made a six GB version available for download. The quality is somewhere in between DVD and Blu-ray. The copy I saw online was two GB and “The Battle of the Five Armies” footage was a little herky-jerky from being compressed. It was still worth a watch, however.

Do yourself a favor and go watch “The Hobbit: The Tolkien Edit” online as soon as possible. It’s not “official,” if you know what I mean. You never know how long the links will stay up. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how great this version of all three films far outdoes Peter Jackson’s overstuffed messes.

"The Hobbit: The Tolkien Edit" Gives Fans the ONE Movie They Deserve

It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me or reads my reviews that I’m no fan of “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings” movies. I find them to be bloated messes which could easily be edited down from their existing theatrical and extended editions into something watchable. There are aspects of every film in the two trilogies that I like. However, as whole movies I struggle to get through any of them in one sitting.

Interview with Michael Ironside for "Turbo Kid"

Michael Ironside is one of the most recognized faces among genre fans. He’s become known as the fearsome baddie who gives everyone’s hero a run for their money. Among his 229 film credits, many of those include appearances in sci-fi and horror productions like “Scanners,” “Total Recall,” “Highlander II: The Quickening,” “Terminator Salvation,” and many more.

The Canada-born actor has also racked up a number of roles in mainstream Hollywood fare. He starred in “Top Gun,” “The Next Karate Kid,” “Free Willy,” and others. His many appearances on television include, “ER,” “The A-Team,” “V,” “SeaQuest 2032,” “Vegas,” “Community,” and many more.

One of Ironside’s latest projects was an apocalyptic sci-fi gore fest entitled “Turbo Kid.” He plays the sadistic and self-proclaimed leader of the Wasteland named Zeus. The movie revolves around the Kid, a young solitary scavenger obsessed with comic books that must face his fears and become a reluctant hero when he meets a mysterious girl named Apple. Despite their efforts to keep to themselves, Zeus plagues the Kid and Apple. Armed with little more than blind faith and an ancient turbocharged weapon, the Kid learns of justice and friendship and embarks on an incredible journey to rid the Wasteland of evil and save the girl of his dreams.

I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Ironside as he relaxed between projects. The extremely friendly actor held no air of Hollywood around him as we discussed his role in “Turbo Kid" and “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone 3-D.” The 1980s cult classic came up in conversation because of its recent re-release on DVD coupled with "Krull."

Listen up as Mr. Ironside shares his experiences on filming “Turbo Kid” and “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone 3-D.” You’ll hear him explain how charming the hyper-violent 2015 Sundance Film Festival Selection is. He also reflects on his time as the villain Overdog and part-time wise old monk on the set of the 1983 sci-fi adventure.

Get more information on "Turbo Kid" at the movie's official Facebook page.

Interview with Michael Ironside for "Turbo Kid"

Michael Ironside is one of the most recognized faces among genre fans. He’s become known as the fearsome baddie who gives everyone’s hero a run for their money. Among his 229 film credits, many of those include appearances in sci-fi and horror productions like “Scanners,” “Total Recall,” “Highlander II: The Quickening,” “Terminator Salvation,” and many more.

Can the Phantom Stranger and His Gang of Superheroes Fix the Crack in Creation?

All it took for me to pick up “Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 3: The Crack in Creation” was the presence of Swamp Thing on the cover. DC Comics knew exactly what they were doing and I fell for it. I’m a sucker for anything that features Bernie Wrightson and Len Wein’s mossy creature. Unfortunately, he didn’t figure into the story as much as I would’ve hoped. That’s not to say the book wasn’t compelling.

With the Justice League missing and the villains in control, Phantom Stranger must destroy evil itself! But to stop the Crime Syndicate, Deadman must take control of Aquaman’s body!

The official synopsis provided by DC is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to “Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 3: The Crack in Creation.” There’s so much more here than just what they describe. The Phantom Stranger must save his guardian angel, partner with the Spectre to do battle against the Sin Eater and his evil minions, and face his day of judgment against a council made up of his most dangerous enemies.

He does all of this while battling his own will to rebel against his Maker and take things into his own hands. The fact that so much of the book deals with spiritual battles within ourselves is part of what kept me interested in “Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 3: The Crack in Creation.” Granted, there are a lot of religious ideologies mixed together here. Although much of it is based in Christianity and the teachings of the Bible, other world religions end up being blended in and create a hodge podge of New Age mumbo jumbo in the end.

The concept of the Phantom Stranger being Judas Iscariot atoning for his betrayal of Jesus Christ intrigued me immediately. His is a story about the road to redemption and his constant struggle to keep the faith and blindly follow the Will of God wherever it takes him. J.M. DeMatteis, Len Wein, and Dan Didio do a good job combining forces to keep readers engaged through this collection of issues 12 through 22 of the Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger and Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Future’s End #1.

One problem I had with “Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 3: The Crack in Creation” is the way the different issues skip ahead in the story, leaving out major events talked about but never witnessed on the page. It felt like most of the action took place in other issues of different comic book titles. That’s one of the problems of having a combined universe. Things happen to characters in another issue of another series that affects the book you’re invested in. There’s too much interweaving of storylines between the different character titles. The only way you could keep up with it all is if you won the lottery and had a few hundred dollars a month and 24 hours a day to dedicate to comic book reading.

“Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 3: The Crack in Creation” is rated “T” for Teens. There’s the usual comic book violence, some mild language, and partial nudity. I don’t know which artist or artists it is, but someone has an obsession with naked bodies of all types. Whether it’s lost souls or our superheroes being stripped (literally) of their costumes and powers, you better believe they’re three-quarters naked.

I do have my problems with the religious aspects of “Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 3: The Crack in Creation” being all jumbled together. However, if you treat the book as a work of fiction influenced by the Bible and other religions, it’s an entertaining read that blends together love, loss, regret, and redemption with a healthy dose of action and adventure. The inclusion of John Constantine, Swamp Thing, the Spectre, and Superman is an added bonus.

“Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 3: The Crack in Creation” is available now in paperback and Digital editions.

Can the Phantom Stranger and His Gang of Superheroes Fix the Crack in Creation?

All it took for me to pick up “Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 3: The Crack in Creation” was the presence of Swamp Thing on the cover. DC Comics knew exactly what they were doing and I fell for it. I’m a sucker for anything that features Bernie Wrightson and Len Wein’s mossy creature. Unfortunately, he didn’t figure into the story as much as I would’ve hoped. That’s not to say the book wasn’t compelling.

"Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse" Makes the End of the World Boring

It’s hard to do anything new when you’re making a disaster film these days. That means the effects better be good and the calamities happening onscreen should be of epic proportions. When putting together a B or C-type movie in the genre, it needs to be as ridiculous and humorous as can be (think “Sharknado”). SyFy Channel and Anchor Bay’s newest offering, “Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse,” doesn’t meet either of these criteria.

When a primitive astrology carving is unearthed in Peru, it triggers explosive meteor storms around the world. But this is only the beginning: Tsunamis, lightning storms, lava geysers, and giant waterspouts erupt globally, each disaster corresponding to a specific sign of the zodiac. Will a mysterious government agency now kill to hide a shocking planetary secret, or can a group of rogue scientists race against time and carnage to activate an ancient civilization’s Armageddon machine?

“Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse” takes itself way too serious to be looked at as a fun escapist disaster film. There’s no giant piranha or wacky hipsters to add a level of fun to the events transpiring onscreen. All we get is a group of somber scientists running around while trying to keep from getting wiped out by CG walls of water and raining meteorites.

The special effects make it hard to fully immerse yourself in “Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse.” They look even worse than the typical Asylum films… and that’s bad. Sometimes, bad effects can work when they’re meant to be funny. The filmmakers made “Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse” way too solemn for that to be the case.

The typical mix of genre actors that help lure fans in star in “Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse.” Aaron Douglas from “Battlestar Galactica” plays a government agent. I did snicker when he used the word “frakkin’” as a tribute to his character on the epic sci-fi series. Christopher Lloyd plays an eccentric inventor (sound familiar?) who gets about five minutes of screen time before being killed off. Upon experiencing one of Lloyd’s inventions in the movie, a character wittily exclaims, “Great Scott!” These precious moments made my viewing experience at least partially tolerable.

“Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse” is unrated because it premiered on the SyFy Channel. The movie is tame and relatively family-friendly. There’s some violence, profanity, and frightening and intense sequences. It never gets too graphic or gory and I would recommend it for anyone 12 or over who know the difference between real life and make believe.

Some religious folks might be put off by the movie being based on the Zodiac signs. They’re never referred to in the astrological sense. The actual shapes of the symbols and their order are used to pinpoint the different disasters coming next. A couple of the characters insinuate their agnostic or atheistic views as well.

Most sci-fi enthusiasts will find “Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse” to be a waste of their precious time. It would be better spent re-watching “2012” or “Armageddon.” As far as SyFy films are concerned, they’ve made better and wittier ones in the past. “End of the World” comes to mind immediately.

“Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse” is available now on DVD and as a Digital Download.

"Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse" Makes the End of the World Boring

It’s hard to do anything new when you’re making a disaster film these days. That means the effects better be good and the calamities happening onscreen should be of epic proportions. When putting together a B or C-type movie in the genre, it needs to be as ridiculous and humorous as can be (think “Sharknado”). SyFy Channel and Anchor Bay’s newest offering, “Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse,” doesn’t meet either of these criteria.

Cluttered New 52: Future’s End #37 Takes Us from Gemworld to Watchtower to Smallville to New York City

The New 52: Future’s End was one of my favorite storylines of last year. It was a solid concept. Lately, not so much. DC seems to be jamming too many stories into one comic. Issue 17 alone shoves five scenarios into one book.

The War changed everyone, and not for the better. After last issue’s shocking ending made one hero a murderer, find out how far Constantine went to win, and how Amethyst lost her magic! Don’t miss the return to Gemworld!

The New 52: Future’s End #37 is a hit and miss comic. This issue was a miss… or should I say mess. For example, it opens on a team performing some sort of ritual with Constantine. What this ritual will do, it does not say. The writers don't do a good job conveying what happened in the past issue for those who might just be jumping in.

The art by Art Thibert and Aaron Lopresti is quite impressive. Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, and Brian Azzarello’s writing, however, is atrocious. They jump all over the place from Gemworld to Watchtower to Smallville to New York City. These random leaps all around leave the reader wondering what will happen back at those locations when it’s revisited. However, the constant unfocused writing gets old really fast. Otherwise, the overall characters and development lend a level of humanity to it, as the superheroes are being tested to their limit.

The New 52: Future’s End #37 is a decent issue for the most part. However, as we read the last page we realize that (once again) DC uses another villain who is all too familiar. Instead of Darkseid, it’s the Joker. The Joker is now a cyborg of some sort, though. Future’s End is a story arc that could be legendary in the grand scheme of comic book events. Still, Issue #37 falls short due to its constant messiness. (Review written by Everett Shirey)

The New 52: Future’s End #37 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Cluttered New 52: Future’s End #37 Takes Us from Gemworld to Watchtower to Smallville to New York City

The New 52: Future’s End was one of my favorite storylines of last year. It was a solid concept. Lately, not so much. DC seems to be jamming too many stories into one comic. Issue 17 alone shoves five scenarios into one book.

Superman Faces His Fate in Earth 2: World’s End #15

Final Days. This title alone caught my eye when I began reading Earth 2: World’s End #15. It seems most comics we see nowadays promise new content. Earth 2 does that. It gives you unpredictable content.

Earth 2, as I put it, is DC’s sandbox for storylines they are too scared to publish in regular continuity. Issue 15 makes a bold statement by killing the original Superman. He dies about as heroically as he can. The Man of Steel sacrifices himself to end a cloning experiment that would make evil Supermen. This issue is also strongly influenced by Dick Grayson’s search for his son. It shows how far Grayson is willing to go to save him, as he eliminates a few street thugs with no problem whatsoever.

The art and writing for this comic are incredibly good. My one problem is that there are currently three writers and four artists for this one comic. The illustrations are phenomenal and the writing is solid. However, why do we need four artists and three writers for a 20-page comic (excluding all advertisements)?

Overall, this comic is a definite read for any Earth 2 or Future’s End readers. The World’s End team does a great job keeping comic book fans engaged. When it comes to just wanting a good storyline that can do whatever it wants, this series is a must read.

Earth 2: World’s End #15 is written by Mike Johnson, Marguerite Bennett, and Daniel H. Wilson. Art is provided by Paulo Siqueira, Jorge Jimenez, Eduardo Pansica, and Eddy Barrows. The cover was illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino. (Review by Everett Shirey) 

Earth 2: World’s End #15 is available now in print and digital editions.

Superman Faces His Fate in Earth 2: World’s End #15

Final Days. This title alone caught my eye when I began reading Earth 2: World’s End #15. It seems most comics we see nowadays promise new content. Earth 2 does that. It gives you unpredictable content.

“Krull" and "Spacehunter” Join Forces to Battle Evil Again on DVD

Mill Creek Entertainment gives children of the 1980s and their offspring a double dose of sci-fi fun with the “Krull / Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” Combo DVD release. “Krull” recently had its Blu-ray debut. “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” hasn’t seen the light of day since hitting DVD back in 2001. The two movies put together in one package is a great way for genre fans to pick them up.

I recently reviewed the “Krull” Blu-ray when it was released through Mill Creek Entertainment. If you’re interested, you can read my review right here. In a nutshell, it’s an epic hero’s journey that mixes together “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings.” However, modern audiences might find its pacing a bit slow in places.

“Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” is a blend of a couple different influences on science fiction flicks of the 1980s. Imagine if a reluctant hero-for-hire in the vein of Han Solo traveled to a planet where the inhabitants live in a society that resembled the dystopian world of “The Road Warrior.” It comes complete with scavengers, mutants, and a makeshift city whose citizens enjoy watching people fight for their lives in a deadly maze. It all sounds a little familiar, eh? It also sounds like a lot of fun!

In the year 2136, Wolff (Peter Strauss), a wily salvage pilot and intergalactic bounty hunter, answers a distress signal on Terra Eleven. Agreeing to pick up three women who've been shipwrecked, he lands on the planet only to discover they've been kidnapped. Following their trail, Wolff soon encounters Niki (Molly Ringwald), a spunky orphan who agrees to guide him across the Forbidden Zone, a vast wasteland populated by plague-infested mutants. After many battles, Wolff and Niki finally reach the lair of Overdog (Michael Ironside), the planet's half-man / half-machine ruler. Discovering the women are held captive in Overdog's slave pens, Wolff's rescue mission finally begins.

“Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” was originally released during the 3-D craze of the early 1980s. “Jaws 3-D,” “Friday the 13th, Part 3-D, and “Amityville 3-D” are other movies which are more identifiable from this era. The film is presented in 2-D on DVD, but you can definitely tell where the 3-D would’ve played a part at times.

The cast of “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” was made up of some familiar 1980s faces. Peter Strauss is known for his many roles in television shows and movies. Ernie Hudson is best known for his character Winston Zeddemore in “Ghostbusters” and “Ghostbusters II.” When the movie came out in 1983, Molly Ringwald’s only major parts were in “Diff’rent Strokes” and “The Facts of Life.” She comes off as an annoying tag-along here until the end of the film, where she makes an attempt at redeeming herself by facing down her fear and working hard to stay alive. Michael Ironside fully embraced his role as the cyborg tyrant Overdog.

Both “Krull” and “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” are rated PG. “Krull” features mild violence and gore, and frightening / intense sequences. “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” includes mild violence and gore, profanity, and frightening / intense scenes. One of the bat creatures in the film is shown topless, but it’s not known whether the monster is male or female. There’s definitely nothing sexy about the scene.

“Krull / Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” Sci-Fi Double Feature is a bare-bones release. There aren’t any special features to be found. Most fans of the films won’t even care. It’s the first time either one has been available in over 10 years.

Newer viewers might find the “Krull / Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” Sci-Fi Double Feature a bit heavy on the cheese and slow in stride. The special effects are all practical as well. It’s nice to see all the hard work the crew put into the visual look of the film. If you love the original “Star Wars,” then you’ll no doubt enjoy these two offerings from Mill Creek Entertainment. Watch them through the eyes of a 10 year old in 1983 and everything will be fine.

“Krull / Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” Sci-Fi Double Feature is available now on DVD.

“Krull" and "Spacehunter” Join Forces to Battle Evil Again on DVD

Mill Creek Entertainment gives children of the 1980s and their offspring a double dose of sci-fi fun with the “Krull / Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” Combo DVD release. “Krull” recently had its Blu-ray debut. “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone” hasn’t seen the light of day since hitting DVD back in 2001. The two movies put together in one package is a great way for genre fans to pick them up.

Bradley Cooper Visits Dallas, TX for the Benefit Red Carpet Premiere of “American Sniper”

Actor Bradley Cooper landed in Dallas, TX to be a part of the Red Carpet Premiere for “American Sniper” to benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. I was invited to take part in the event, which was absolute pandemonium from the second the celebrity walked in the front doors through a line of military veterans. He was accompanied by Taya Kyle, the widow of the soldier whose life the movie is based on.

“American Sniper” tells the true story of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), whose skills as a sniper made him a hero on the battlefield. But there was much more to him than his skill as a sharpshooter. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname “Legend.”

However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front: striving to be a good husband and father from halfway around the world. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, personifying the spirit of the SEAL creed to “leave no one behind.” But upon returning to his wife, Taya (Sienna Miller), and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.

The aim of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation is to provide meaningful, interactive experiences to service members, first responders and their families, aimed at enriching their family relationships. Its goal is to help the members, first responders and their families work through many of the difficulties he and Taya had experienced post-deployment. The pressures that come naturally with carrying out service to our country can lead to a negative ripple effect among family units, which flows into the communities within which they serve, work, and live.

Cooper and Kyle greeted veterans and fans as they hurriedly made their way down the red carpet amidst a sea of photographers. The two made a few stops along the way to answer brief questions about their involvement in the making of the movie and the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. A few onlookers were lucky enough to get a photo or autograph from Cooper and Kyle’s widow before they headed into the packed auditorium to introduce the film.

You can see the interviews and introductions for “American Sniper" right here.

Pictures of the event can be found here.

For more information on the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, you can visit the official website.

Bradley Cooper Visits Dallas, TX for the Benefit Red Carpet Premiere of “American Sniper”

Actor Bradley Cooper landed in Dallas, TX to be a part of the Red Carpet Premiere for “American Sniper” to benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. I was invited to take part in the event, which was absolute pandemonium from the second the celebrity walked in the front doors through a line of military veterans. He was accompanied by Taya Kyle, the widow of the soldier whose life the movie is based on.

"Twilight," "New Moon," and "Eclipse" Extended Editions Released In One Collection

You say you haven’t had enough of Edward and Bella? You need more of Jacob Black’s pecs in your life? You prefer glittering fangless vampires to the nasty, messy, and unattractive ones found in “30 Days of Night?” Summit Entertainment heard your cries and fulfills yours deepest wishes with “The Twilight Saga Extended Editions.”

“The Twilight Saga Extended Editions” includes “Twilight,” “New Moon,” and “Eclipse.” Don’t ask me why they didn’t throw in “Breaking Dawn” Parts 1 and 2. Part 1 already has an extended edition and would’ve been rather painless for the studio to include. Why didn’t they just piece together an extended version of Part 2 and make this release a fan’s ultimate dream package? We’ll probably never know.

“Twilight” features 4 extra minutes of romance and drama. “New Moon” is extended from 130 minutes to 137 minutes. “Eclipse” is bumped up from 124 minutes to 129 minutes. Basically, you’re buying all 3 movies again for 16 minutes of added footage. If you’re one of the legions of enthusiasts who adore this franchise, it’ll be worth every penny.

“The Twilight Saga Extended Editions” come together in one regular sized Blu-ray amaray case. It’s pretty darn nice when it comes to storage. The new packaging sure beats the heck out of the bulky “Twilight Forever” behemoth. There’s only one problem: it doesn’t include either of the “Breaking Dawn” movies or the special features! If you’re a completist, you have to find space on your shelf for both sets.

Let me jump up on my soap box for a minute now. Although “The Twilight Saga” does send some negative messages to girls out there, it also has some good ones I enjoyed seeing as well. Bella is weak and way too obsessed with a guy to the point that she will do anything for him. It makes her sort of pathetic. However, I did appreciate the fact that Edward and Bella kept from having pre-marital sex in a day when not much thought is put into giving yourself away to anybody who comes along. Even though it’s not part of the set, I liked the fact that Bella wouldn’t kill her baby in “Breaking Dawn,” which directly or indirectly (if you ask Director Bill Condon) promoted pro-life.

If you can settle for just the first three movies with no special features in one handy set and already have the “Breaking Dawn” Blu-rays, “The Twilight Saga Extended Editions” will satisfy you. I’m one of the ten guys on the planet Earth that actually like this series and I was a bit annoyed when I received it not to see all the movies included. Some folks might feel like they’re being taken advantage of after buying the movies multiple times by now.

“The Twilight Saga Extended Editions” is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.

"Twilight," "New Moon," and "Eclipse" Extended Editions Released In One Collection

You say you haven’t had enough of Edward and Bella? You need more of Jacob Black’s pecs in your life? You prefer glittering fangless vampires to the nasty, messy, and unattractive ones found in “30 Days of Night?” Summit Entertainment heard your cries and fulfills yours deepest wishes with “The Twilight Saga Extended Editions.”

KISS Comes Alive For The First Time As 3 3/4-Inch Action Figures

Toymaker Bif Bang Pow is bringing the first ever 3 3/4-inch KISS action figures to life. The Rock ‘N Roll super heroes will join the ranks of thousands of comic book and movie characters who’ve been preserved in the classic plastic form. “Star Wars” and Kenner made the size and style the norm in 1978.

KISS has been immortalized in the past on posters, coffee mugs, glasses, lighters, t-shirts, hats, underwear, lunch boxes, and even a coffin. Pantera guitar player Dime Bag Darrell was buried in one. They’ve even had several other sizes of action figures manufactured for them. If you were a child in the 1970s, there’s no way you don’t remember their first line of 12-inch dolls which featured synthetic hair and clothing. Let’s just say Ken had no chance with Barbie after she’d seen these rock icons.

The Starchild, Demon, Spaceman, and Catman all come dressed in their costumes from the KISS “Alive II” album. They’ll also come with guitar, bass, and drumsticks as accessories. I can’t think of a better era to preserve in 3 3/4-inch plastic than this one. I spent many hours listening to that record while gazing at the gatefold cover and wishing I was at one of their concerts.

No release date for the action figures has been set. Bif Bang Pow did release an image of the concept artwork for them. I’ll finally be able to pit Darth Vader and Boba Fett against Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley in an epic battle my six-year-old self would’ve smiled in glee over.

KISS Comes Alive For The First Time As 3 3/4-Inch Action Figures

Toymaker Bif Bang Pow is bringing the first ever 3 3/4-inch KISS action figures to life. The Rock ‘N Roll super heroes will join the ranks of thousands of comic book and movie characters who’ve been preserved in the classic plastic form. “Star Wars” and Kenner made the size and style the norm in 1978.

"Supernova" Still Sputters Out In Its Scream Factory Blu-ray Debut

I remember seeing “Supernova” back in 2000 when it originally came out on DVD. Like most people, I thought it looked great at the time, but really didn’t have much else going for it. My opinion hasn’t really changed since re-visiting it after the movie’s recent Blu-ray upgrade by Scream Factory. The special effects and design are still the highlight of a sci-fi film that suffers from simply maintaining the status genre quo and offering nothing new.

The medical ship Nightingale 229 travels through deep space in the early 22nd century taking on search and rescue missions it’s assigned to. Its six-member crew includes a Captain and Pilot (Robert Forster), a co-pilot (James Spader), a medical officer (Angela Bassett, a medical technician (Luo Diamond Phillips), a search and rescue paramedic (Robin Tunney), and a computer technician (Wilson Cruz). When their vessel, the Nightingale 229, answers an emergency distress signal from a comet mining operation in a distant galaxy, the crew soon finds itself in danger from the mysterious young man they rescue, the alien artifact he's smuggled aboard, and the gravitational pull of a giant star about to supernova. The resulting explosion will be the most massive explosion in the universe.

What was originally planned as a low-budget study of human relationships amongst the stars quickly mutated into a rather lackluster action yarn about picking up a stray and his alien artifact. Of course we all know the object can’t be good and the whole situation goes south very quickly in a matter of 90 minutes. It’s evident by the way the movie progresses in a very choppy and rushed pace that there was more to the story than what we get here. There were 15 minutes of deleted scenes for the movie included, so I can only imagine there has to be even more footage lying in a box somewhere out there.

The cast would be considered an ensemble these days since most of the actors have gone on to do bigger and better things since “Supernova.” James Spader, Lou Diamond Phillips, Robert Forster, and Angela Bassett were already established stars at the time of this movie’s release. Peter Facinelli went on to play the patriarch of the Cullen vampire clan, Carlisle, in “The Twilight Saga.” Robin Tunney worked on “Prison Break” and continues as a member of the cast of “The Mentalist.” Here they just walk around angry with grim looks on their faces.

“Supernova” is rated R for sci-fi action violence and sensuality / nudity. There are at least two topless shots of Robin Tunney and a rather explicit love scene. Director Walter Hill (operating under the pseudonym Thomas Lee) was definitely fascinated with the human body. He stalls on one shot of Peter Facinelli’s backend for what seems like an eternity. Angela Bassett gets her opportunity to bare all, albeit in the shadows, as well. There’s an acceptable amount of gore as Facinelli’s character continuously gets beat upon. However, even this aspect of the film seems uneven. Sometimes we get to see the carnage, while at others it’s edited out nice and neat.

Although there really isn’t much going on here in a spiritual sense, one line of dialogue that James Spader utters stood out to me. When the crew is coming to grips with the chain of events Peter Facinelli’s character has unraveled, he makes a bold statement. Spader proclaims, “What if they didn't crucify Christ, but they did!" He uses such an extreme example to explain that it doesn’t matter what could’ve been. What’s more important is dealing with what is. Angela Bassett’s character also dramatically makes a comparison between aliens and God when she says, “Whoever they are, they're as smart as God and a lot less nice.” I don’t think so.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray debut of “Supernova” is presented in 1080p Widescreen (2.36:1) with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Special features include a “Making of ’Supernova’” feature, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, and theatrical trailer.

“Supernova” isn’t completely void of any entertainment value. It just lacks the endeavor to be anything more than a slick sci-fi action yarn. It will remind you of the awkward era of filmmaking when studios were transitioning from working with real models and sets and moving into the arena of CGI effects. If you’ve ran out of other alien encounter movies, this will tide you over until something new and bolder comes along.

"Supernova" is available now on Blu-ray.

"Supernova" Still Sputters Out In Its Scream Factory Blu-ray Debut

I remember seeing “Supernova” back in 2000 when it originally came out on DVD. Like most people, I thought it looked great at the time, but really didn’t have much else going for it. My opinion hasn’t really changed since re-visiting it after the movie’s recent Blu-ray upgrade by Scream Factory. The special effects and design are still the highlight of a sci-fi film that suffers from simply maintaining the status genre quo and offering nothing new.

Scream Factory Dares You To Invite Him In With “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh”

Although its roots lie in the legend of Bloody Mary, the “Candyman” franchise built a mythos all its own in the span of three movies. Actor Tony Todd would argue that the entire series revolves around a tragic story of unrequited love and the vengeance rained down upon those who dare disturb the tortured soul of the title character. I would absolutely agree with him, especially after “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” expands on the backstory of our antagonist.

Candyman (Tony Todd) moves on to New Orleans and starts his horrific murders once more. This time, his intended victim is a school teacher (Kelly Rowan). Her father was killed by Candyman, and brother (William O'Leary) wrongly accused of the murders.

Instead of the usual horror film retread we get when it comes to sequels, “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” actually expands on the history of the character by visually telling his tale onscreen. It pounds home the tragedy surrounding Candyman and brings more of a sense of humanity to the “villain” of the story.

Tony Todd brings Candyman to life and makes you both feel sorry for and fear his character. He brings an air of refinement to what could have been just another slasher icon. Veronica Cartwright plays a widowed southern belle who has a secret of her own to keep. Even in 1995, she was already a veteran of the horror genre because of roles in “Alien,” “The Birds,” “The Witches of Eastwick,” “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” and more.

I’m fascinated by writer and atheist Clive Barker’s attraction to Christian religion and Catholic imagery as showcased once again in “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh.” This time it’s exemplified through the events of Mardis Gras in New Orleans and the religious meanings behind the celebration. I also found it interesting that one of the main focuses of the lynch mob was a middle-aged lady carrying her Bible and encouraging the torture of Candyman.

“Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” is rated R for violence and gore, and for some sexuality and language. There’s the expected amount of blood and onscreen butchering you would expect from a horror movie. A couple are shown having sex in public on two occasions. They’re nude and shown from the side, but no actual privates are shown.

Special features for Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” includes audio commentary by Director Bill Condon, “The Candyman Legacy with Tony Todd” featurette, “Down Memory Lane with Veronica Cartwright” featurette, and a theatrical trailer.

“Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” rises above what could have been just another pedestrian follow-up to a slasher flick. Instead of simply lining up new faceless victims for the killer to take out with his hook hand for no reason, our dreadful anti-hero is given substance and motivation for his actions. An air of mystery and a dark family secret add another level of elegance to the movie.

“Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” is available now on Blu-ray.

Scream Factory Dares You To Invite Him In With “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh”

Although its roots lie in the legend of Bloody Mary, the “Candyman” franchise built a mythos all its own in the span of three movies. Actor Tony Todd would argue that the entire series revolves around a tragic story of unrequited love and the vengeance rained down upon those who dare disturb the tortured soul of the title character. I would absolutely agree with him, especially after “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” expands on the backstory of our antagonist.

“Star Trek: The Next Generation – All Good Things” Brings Series To A Satisfying End

I love “Star Trek.” I wish I could watch an episode of the original series, “The Next Generation,” or “Enterprise” every single day of my life. However, my wife hates the entire franchise. I’m forced to catch a movie or episode any time she’s at least a thousand feet from the house and can’t hear the theme music or the voices of the actors.

CBS Blu-ray makes it easy on folks looking for the brighter spots by putting out the most important and popular two-part episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” flawlessly seamed together into feature length films. They remind me of the key adventures I need to re-visit on a regular basis. In celebration of the release of the seventh and final season, we get the series’ epic swan song “All Good Things.”

Past, present and future collide for Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) as he finds himself bouncing around through three different time periods -- the Farpoint mission, the present, and the future in which many changes have affected the Enterprise-D crew. Meanwhile, the mischievous Q (John de Lancie) is back for his last time trying to help Picard figure out the meaning of a spatial anomaly... or is he only making things worse?

One section of the episode is reminiscent of “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.” The aged crew must come together and follow their former Captain on an unauthorized mission to save the entire universe. It also gives everyone a chance to see what the crew is up to and will look like as they grow older. Of course, things can change if the timeline is screwed with.

The only part of “Star Trek: The Next Generation – All Good Things” I had an issue with is its nods to evolution. Q takes Picard to the area where France will be billions of years in the past and shows him a puddle of primordial ooze we’ll form from. Any Creationist is going to have an issue with this sequence.

Special features for “Star Trek: The Next Generation – All Good Things” include audio commentary by Michael D. Moore and Brannon Braga, “The Unknown Possibilities of Existence: Making ‘All Good Things’” featurette, episodic promos (Parts 1 and 2), and deleted scenes.

“Star Trek: The Next Generation – All Good Things” ends the series with a cataclysmic danger to humanity which trumps anything the crew has ever faced. It brings the series full circle through picking up with the trial which began in the first episode of the show, “Encounter at Farpoint.” Q became such an iconic figure it only seems fitting that the series ends with a universal threat brought on by the godlike being and his judicial court.

“Star Trek: The Next Generation – All Good Things” is available now on Blu-ray.

“Star Trek: The Next Generation – All Good Things” Brings Series To A Satisfying End

I love “Star Trek.” I wish I could watch an episode of the original series, “The Next Generation,” or “Enterprise” every single day of my life. However, my wife hates the entire franchise. I’m forced to catch a movie or episode any time she’s at least a thousand feet from the house and can’t hear the theme music or the voices of the actors.