Suicide Squad's Deadshot and Katana Enter the Age of Chaos

No one will be surprised to see a new Suicide Squad comic book hitting the shelves. The movie is only a few months away and the promotional machine is charged up and plowing along. One of the new comic book tie-ins to help whip everyone into a frenzy is Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot and Katana. The first issue establishes that the limited title will be made up of two separate tales in which each character experiences their own adventures.

The first part of Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot and Katana #1 has Floyd Lawton on the run, taking on a series of new contracts, and re-establishing himself as the world’s most deadly marksman. But things are about to get complicated for our anti-hero when a figure from his past threatens to expose a dark secret…and Deadshot gets word of his next target: Lex Luthor!

Writer Brian Buccellato (Detective Comics, The Flash) does a wonderful job engaging readers in a story that has Deadshot doing what he does best, but with the pain of an unwanted partner. Artist Viktor Bogdanovich (Batman: Arkham Knight) highlights all the violent and gory acts committed in his very own unique detail.

Part two of issue #1 opens with Katana needing to know more about Soultaker’s origin if she’s going to have any hope of controlling the sword instead of falling under its influence. Dr. Helga Jace, a Markovian astrophysicist, may be able to shed some light—but before Katana can get the info, Kobra’s forces attack!

Katana’s Co-creator Mike W. Barr returns to steer his creation into new exploits. It should come as no surprise that he’s very aware of what makes the character tick and how to make her attractive to an audience. Diogenes Neves (Demon Knights, Green Lantern) lends his ample artistic talents to the pages and panels of Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot and Katana #1.

Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot and Katana #1 is rated T for Teen. It contains violence and gore, profanity, adult situations, and frightening and intense sequences. Deadshot hits his targets right between the eyes and penciler Bogdanovich illustrated Buccellato’s narrative perfectly. Colorist Michael Spicer does his very best to accent each splash of blood.

It’s nice to be able to enjoy some Suicide Squad characters without the shadow of Harley Quinn clouding everything up. The two stories featured here give readers variety when it comes to their settings and characters. Both Katana and Deadshot let tragedy forge their paths in life, but their journeys are very different. Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot and Katana #1 is an explosive beginning to what looks to be an addictive six-part miniseries.

Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot and Katana #1 is available now in print and digital editions.

Suicide Squad's Deadshot and Katana Enter the Age of Chaos

No one will be surprised to see a new Suicide Squad comic book hitting the shelves. The movie is only a few months away and the promotional machine is charged up and plowing along. One of the new comic book tie-ins to help whip everyone into a frenzy is Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot and Katana. The first issue establishes that the limited title will be made up of two separate tales in which each character experiences their own adventures.

Go Back to the Future with Turbo Kid

I’ve literally been waiting an entire year to see Turbo Kid. From the moment I was approached to interview Michael Ironside for the film, I was instantly attracted to the description I was given. A movie where the hero is a BMX bike-riding teenager battling a one-eyed maniac in the wake of a nuclear war set in an alternate 1997? Count me in! I was never allowed to see a screener for the movie, which fueled my forbidden interest even more. Now the movie is on Netflix for everyone to see… and I have. Yes, indeed I have.

Turbo Kid takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The only means of transportation for the survivors is bikes. An orphaned teen (Munro Chambers) must battle a ruthless warlord (Michael Ironside) to save the girl (Laurence Leboeuf) of his dreams.

I can’t stress to you how much fun Turbo Kid is as a movie. Imagine seeing an unconventional blend of Rad, BMX Bandits, Mad Max, and any of Yoshihiro Nishimura’s many “gore effect” movies such as Tokyo Gore Police, Helldriver, or Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl. Yes, it really is as good as it sounds.

The soundtrack for Turbo Kid perfectly accentuates the world we enter. Electronic artist Le Matos gives each sequence in the film just the right amount of emotion and energy it needs to spring alive. The music resembles what we heard from Daft Punk in Tron Legacy if coupled with 1980’s New Wave. The title track, which regrettably doesn’t appear on the official soundtrack album, sounds like the stimulating rock themes we hear in Rocky IV, Footloose, and other inspirational movies.

Every last detail in Turbo Kid is well mapped out by an incredible script. Nothing is left unexplained and everything that happens does so for a reason. It’s one of the finest examples of the hero’s journey I’ve ever seen. The fact that it’s accomplished within the framework of an absurd independent film makes it even that much more enjoyable and smart.

I could literally go on for days how absolutely perfect every aspect of Turbo Kid is. From the direction to the editing all the way to the acting. Writers / Directors François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whissell have every right to be proud of their award-winning critical darling.

Turbo Kid is Unrated and for good reason. It contains graphic violence and gore, profanity, alcohol use, and frightening and intense scenes. I was surprised that there wasn’t any nudity in the film. Our hero finds a pen with a pin-up girl on it, but her bare bottom is actually blurred out. Most of the violence and gore is so over the top that it comes off as comical. However, I wouldn’t suggest the film to anyone under the age of 17.

Rarely do I watch a movie more than one time in the span of a couple of days and Turbo Kid achieved that honor. It’s such a thrilling blend of different genres that really shouldn’t work together but do. Just imagine an exhilarating concoction made up of equal parts coming-of-age story, post-apocalyptic tale, and extreme sports showcase. Add to that the visual stylings of what has come to be known as the "gore effect” as established by Japan’s Yoshihiro Nishimura and you have a spirited experience you’ll want to repeat over and over again.

Turbo Kid is available now as a digital download or on Netflix.

Go Back to the Future with Turbo Kid

I’ve literally been waiting an entire year to see Turbo Kid. From the moment I was approached to interview Michael Ironside for the film, I was instantly attracted to the description I was given. A movie where the hero is a BMX bike-riding teenager battling a one-eyed maniac in the wake of a nuclear war set in an alternate 1997? Count me in! I was never allowed to see a screener for the movie, which fueled my forbidden interest even more. Now the movie is on Netflix for everyone to see… and I have. Yes, indeed I have.

Don't Let The Guardian Into Your House

Scream Factory never ceases to amaze me with their choices in great cult classics to restore in high-definition. I had literally forgotten about The Guardian until the second I received the release announcement in my inbox. The movie really is a sadly forgotten modern fairy tale with a sense of originality to it missing in today’s horror offerings.

Optimistic about their future, well-off parents Kate (Carey Lowell) and Phil (Dwier Brown) hire the pleasant and lovely young Camilla (Jenny Seagrove) to live with them and care for their new baby. Though Camilla seems like an answer to their prayers, she proves to be more than she appears, and a diabolical plot involving the wellbeing of their child is uncovered. The young parents are forced to fight supernatural forces for the life of their vulnerable offspring in The Guardian.

Touted as his return to the horror genre, The Guardian was co-written and directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist). It was adapted from the novel The Nanny written by Dan Greenburg. What started out as a simple film about a live-in babysitter stealing children slowly morphed into a dark fantasy tale about a tree worshipping au pair who nabs babies for human sacrifice.

I was highly impressed with the practical effects for The Guardian. There’s plenty of blood and gore for genre fans. The kills are also quite delightful and rather graphic at times. We only get flashes of the carnage at times, but the editing and scene cuts give us just enough to thrill.

A cast of virtual unknowns make The Guardian easier to invest in. The fact that you’re not seeing familiar faces from Hollywood keeps you from getting distracted from the story unfolding on screen. That being said, some of the performances are a bit wooden, but saved by Jenny Seagrove’s disturbingly captivating portrayal of Camilla the nanny.

The Blu-ray edition of The Guardian is packed with bonus material that will thrill any fan of the movie. New interviews with actors Dwier Brown and Gary Swanson and Makeup Effects Artist Matthew Mungle give insight into the making of the movie. William Friedkin, Jenny Seagrove, and Co-Writer Stephen Volk also get their chances to provide commentary and share their experiences working on the film. A theatrical trailer is provided as well.

The Nanny is rated R for violence and gore, nudity, adult situations, alcohol use, and frightening and intense scenes. Jenny Seagrove’s nanny likes to walk around naked or covered in body paint quite a bit. There are also quite a few sequences of people being torn apart and eaten by a tree. Lots of great blood and gore for those who love that sort of thing.

The use of tree worshipping and paganism will no doubt steer many Christians away from The Guardian. The nanny is portrayed as the villain of the story, though. I took the movie as a cautionary tale warning viewers to be careful who they trust, especially with their children.

I’ve only seen William Friedkin’s horror movies, so all I can say is that The Guardian isn’t near the quality of The Exorcist. However, it’s an entertaining watch that will be even more frightening if you have children and ever want a date night with your spouse. The premise of the film is still something to admire as being unique at the time the movie was released. Keep that in mind before you instantly wave it away as a supernatural rip-off of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.

The Guardian is available now on Blu-ray.

Don't Let The Guardian Into Your House

Scream Factory never ceases to amaze me with their choices in great cult classics to restore in high-definition. I had literally forgotten about The Guardian until the second I received the release announcement in my inbox. The movie really is a sadly forgotten modern fairy tale with a sense of originality to it missing in today’s horror offerings.

A Sacrifice Made in Arrow: The Dark Archer #1

DC Comics’ Digital Firsts award us an in-depth look at one of the most fascinating figures from the hit television series Arrow. The secret life of Malcolm Merlyn is explored in the pages of Arrow: The Dark Archer. What makes the book even more interesting is the fact that the actor who portrays the character on the show is one of the writers of the title. John Barrowman partners with his sister, novelist Carole E. Barrowman, to bring the adventures of this complex character to the comics. Daniel Sampere (Green Arrow, Batgirl) provides pencils for issue #1.

In Arrow: The Dark Archer #1, Malcolm retreats from his duties as Ra's al Ghul to return to his secret research team in South America. When he arrives, he’s met by a figure from his past who's out for vengeance!

I can’t think of anyone better to bring Malcolm Merlyn to the world of comic books than the man who plays him onscreen. John Barrowman and Carole E. Barrowman perfectly capture the personality and charisma of the Dark Archer as we’ve come to know him on Arrow. He’s a man who is cautious in his narcissism as the seemingly immortal Ra’s al Ghul.

Artist Daniel Sampere helps readers immerse themselves in Arrow: The Dark Archer #1. His realizations of the key characters we encounter resemble their live-action counterparts almost to perfection. You truly believe you’re just delving into the world of Malcolm Merlyn in a different medium. A fine example of this is Sampere’s rendering of Nyssa, who really does mirror actress Katrina Law.

Issue #1 of Arrow: The Dark Archer is rated T for Teen. It contains violence, mild gore, and frightening and intense scenes. If you’re a regular viewer of the TV show, nothing you see here will surprise you.

As a long-time fan of the Arrow series, the character of Malcolm Merlyn has always been one that you knew had enough backstory to fill the pages of a rather thick novel or ongoing comic book. After four seasons of portraying him, John Barrowman proves he’s the right man for the job when it comes to filling in the missing details of his mysterious past. Partnered with an experienced writer like Carole E. Barrowman, we’re sure to get an entertainingly intricate tale that surprasses the high quality of Arrow: The Dark Archer #1.

Arrow: The Dark Archer #1 is available now in  digital editions.

A Sacrifice Made in Arrow: The Dark Archer #1

DC Comics’ Digital Firsts award us an in-depth look at one of the most fascinating figures from the hit television series Arrow. The secret life of Malcolm Merlyn is explored in the pages of Arrow: The Dark Archer. What makes the book even more interesting is the fact that the actor who portrays the character on the show is one of the writers of the title. John Barrowman partners with his sister, novelist Carole E. Barrowman, to bring the adventures of this complex character to the comics. Daniel Sampere (Green Arrow, Batgirl) provides pencils for issue #1.

Tensions Rise in Batman #48

Batman #48 sees us moving more and more towards the inevitable return of Bruce Wayne as the Dark Knight. I’ll be very sad if they decide to pull the plug on Batcop as it’s been an exciting journey for me and I look forward to more of Jim Gordon’s Capeless Crusader. Scott Snyder retains the action and drama while Artist Greg Capullo puts his narrative in visual form.

Mr. Bloom’s seeds have grown into an army that may turn all of Gotham City against its new Batman. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne meets a mysterious stranger who could start a chain of events no one can stop in Batman #48.

Writer Scott Snyder keeps readers in suspense as he cleverly runs Bruce and Jim Gordon's two storylines together side-by-side. We all know they're going to intersect at some point. The real question is, "How catastrophic will the collision be?"

Batman #48 is rated T for Teen. It contains violence and gore, profanity, and frightening and intense scenes. Gordon is covered in blood throughout the entire issue. Mr. Bloom's finger impales a person as well. A man points a gun at himself and another person, which might disturb younger readers.

I’m having a bit of an issue with Mr. Bloom being so fantastical. Plenty of the villains in Gotham City are supernatural or have super powers. However, there’s just something about Bloom being able to grow larger than buildings and toss helicopters around that goes beyond my suspension of disbelief.

I did enjoy the more personal story being told parallel to the one featuring Jim Gordon literally falling into the hands of his archenemy. I can’t say I’m mentally prepared for Bruce Wayne to return to the role of Batman, but the interaction between him and the unnamed stranger he’s conversing with is engaging. Instead of the conclusion of Batman #48 leaving me excited the way I’m sure others will be, I found myself dreading where the next issue might take us.

Batman #48 is available now in print and digital editions.

Tensions Rise in Batman #48

Batman #48 sees us moving more and more towards the inevitable return of Bruce Wayne as the Dark Knight. I’ll be very sad if they decide to pull the plug on Batcop as it’s been an exciting journey for me and I look forward to more of Jim Gordon’s Capeless Crusader. Scott Snyder retains the action and drama while Artist Greg Capullo puts his narrative in visual form.

Scream Factory Invites You to Attend Zombie High

Scream Factory takes us back to school with the release of 1987’s Zombie High on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. Director Ron Link helms a the horror / comedy written by Tim Doyle (Big Bang Theory), Independent Spirit Award Nominee Aziz Ghazal, and Elizabeth Passarelli. Actress Virginia Madsen (Candyman, The Haunting in Connecticut) and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks, Wild at Heart) are joined by Paul Feig, who went on to make a name for himself by directing Bridesmaids and the upcoming Ghostbusters reboot.

In Zombie High, it seems to Andrea Miller (Virginia Madsen) that the upperclassmen of her prestigious boarding school act like robots. They’re the perfect students: dedicated, involved and loyal. Their clothes are perfectly pressed and their hair is perfectly styled. It seems that the teachers have something to do with this ingratiating behavior. And when Andrea, the new kid at school, sees her friends turning into clones, she starts to suspect the worst.

The “zombies” in the movie resemble the unfortunate folks in The Stepford Wives and Disturbing Behavior more than the lumbering walking dead we associate with the use of the descriptive name. We don’t see anything resembling a zombie until the third act. Even then, the “monsters” aren’t mindless brain eaters. They’re just aging and decomposing at an increasing rate.

The biggest surprise for me was seeing Kay E. Kuter in Zombie High. After doing some research on the actor, I realize he was in quite a few genre films over the span of his career like Star Trek, Warlock, Charmed, and more. However, I’ll always remember him as the alien leader Enduran in one of my favorite sci-fi films of the 1980s, The Last Starfighter.

I was a bit disappointed in the lack of bonus material for Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of Zombie High. I’m so used to every one of their releases being packed full of bonus material, that when it doesn’t happen it’s a big letdown. All we get here is a theatrical trailer for the film.

Zombie High is rated R for violence, gore, profanity, sex-related dialogue, adult situations, smoking and drinking, and frightening and intense scenes. Surprisingly for a genre movie from the 1980s, no nudity or sex is found. Even the violence and gore is minimal. There are a few sequences where zombielike individuals decompose in an accelerated manner on screen and there’s some visual ooze and goo.

Although the title is a bit misleading, Zombie High is a fun trip back in time to the late 1980s. All the cheese and camp you could ever want in a cult classic horror film from the era is found here. It’s also a cautionary tale warning youth to avoid becoming one of the mindless consumers and taking your life into your own hands. There’s a lot more to the movie than what we get on the surface.

Zombie High is available now in a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack.

Scream Factory Invites You to Attend Zombie High

Scream Factory takes us back to school with the release of 1987’s Zombie High on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. Director Ron Link helms a the horror / comedy written by Tim Doyle (Big Bang Theory), Independent Spirit Award Nominee Aziz Ghazal, and Elizabeth Passarelli. Actress Virginia Madsen (Candyman, The Haunting in Connecticut) and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks, Wild at Heart) are joined by Paul Feig, who went on to make a name for himself by directing Bridesmaids and the upcoming Ghostbusters reboot.

Green Lantern Corps Reach the Edge of Oblivion

DC Comics tosses readers into another cataclysmic event with Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1. The debut issue kicks off a 6-part mini-series which features many of your favorite emerald saviors of the universe. Tom Taylor provides the rapid storytelling with Ethan Van Sciver supplying the intensive illustrations.

As the universe around them reaches entropy, the Green Lantern Corps must find a way home! Along the way, they’ll face dying gods, worlds torn asunder and a desperate group of survivors. There only hope is these cosmic heroes in Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1.

Writer Tom Taylor drops us right into the center of the action and drama from the second page of Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1. He doesn’t fool around with drawn-out establishing narrative or too much talking. Taylor gets directly to the point by mixing story explanations with thrilling battles and confrontations as the tale moves from one panel to the next.

The art for Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1 is beautifully realized by the talented Ethan Van Sciver. He gets the dream job of drawing all the many great characters fans know and love within the framework of one comic book. His style is precise and lends an air of realism to each scene.

The only thing I found slightly annoying was how it seems like B’Dg, the Green Lantern squirrel, is DC’s answer to Rocket Raccoon. A couple of examples of what I’m referring to are he’s hot-tempered and curses a lot. Much like Rocket in the Guardians of the Galaxy books, he seems to be constantly trying to prove himself to his comrades as well.

Issue #1 of Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion is rated T for Teen. It contains violence, mild gore, and frightening and intense scenes. One of the characters gets his hand cut off and there’s some blood. There are also some shrouded and possibly scary figures for younger readers. A character is also killed in a violent manner.

Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1 is a rather abrupt and fast-paced intro to the newest event within the world of the heroic guardians of the universe’s many worlds. While I’m sure there was some set-up in previous issues of the Lantern books, if you come into this cold-turkey you’ll feel a bit out of sorts or hurried into the narrative. Once you settle into the tale, you’ll find yourself drawn into its mystery and turmoil.

Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1 is available now in print and digital editions.

Green Lantern Corps Reach the Edge of Oblivion

DC Comics tosses readers into another cataclysmic event with Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1. The debut issue kicks off a 6-part mini-series which features many of your favorite emerald saviors of the universe. Tom Taylor provides the rapid storytelling with Ethan Van Sciver supplying the intensive illustrations.

"The Martian" Takes Viewers on a Gratifying Odyssey

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment takes us on a journey of survival with the release of “The Martian” on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download. The movie is directed by Ridley Scott and based on the award-winning novel by Andy Weir. It stars Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Michael Peña, and Kate Mara.

When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars, they leave behind Mark Watney (Matt Damon), presumed dead after a fierce storm. With only a meager amount of supplies, the stranded visitor must utilize his wits and spirit to find a way to survive on the hostile planet. Meanwhile, back on Earth, members of NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring him home, while his crewmates hatch their own plan for a daring rescue mission in “The Martian.”

The special effects and CGI for “The Martian” are breathtaking and convinces the audience that they’re really on another planet or in space. I don’t know right off-hand if the spacecrafts in the movie are models or animation, but either way they look real up against their backgrounds and environments. Wherever the landscapes were filmed, they stand in for Mars beautifully.

Matt Damon gives a command performance as the astronaut left for dead on the red planet. He takes the audience through all the emotions you would expect one to deal with as they struggle to not give up in the face of certain doom. His unstoppable drive to survive his plight is inspiring and desperate at times.

“The Martian” is rated PG-13 for some strong language, injury images, and brief nudity. We see Matt Damon’s bare backside at one point. He gets impaled by a piece of antenna. Quite a bit of blood is seen as he pulls it out of himself and then treats the wound.

The Blu-ray edition of “The Martian” is filled with loads of bonus material. Several behind-the-scenes featurettes include interviews with the cast and crew. We also get a gag reel and a production gallery. There’s a newly produced in-world retrospective, which takes a greater look at the “true story” behind Mark Watney’s courageous rescue seven years after the events in the film as well.

After the abysmal “Prometheus” and “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” I’m ecstatic to say “The Martian” redeems Ridley Scott in my eyes. It’s a thrilling and completely believable adventure to where no man has gone before. The hero’s journey we’re taken on is an emotional rollercoaster that will have you laughing one moment and stressing the very next.

“The Martian” is available on 3D Blu-ray, Standard Blu-ray, DVD, and as a digital download.

"The Martian" Takes Viewers on a Gratifying Odyssey

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment takes us on a journey of survival with the release of “The Martian” on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download. The movie is directed by Ridley Scott and based on the award-winning novel by Andy Weir. It stars Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Michael Peña, and Kate Mara.

The Bronze Age Begins in Detective Comics #48

DC Comics brings us past the Robin War and puts the spotlight back on Jim Gordon where it belongs with Detective Comics #48. Writer Peter J. Tomasi slowly unfolds the mystery of a killer obsessed with American history who craves the attention of Batman. Marcio Takara illustrates the 22-pages of story in his own breathtaking style.

In the wake of the Robin War and globe-hopping with the Justice League, Jim Gordon is looking forward to getting back to what he, and Batman, do best: taking out crime in Gotham City. But lurking in the shadows at home is a case from Jim’s past that may decide the future of Batman in Detective Comics #48.

One of my favorite elements of Detective Comics #48 is the enigmatic villain we’re introduced to. We’re shown only enough of his lair and shadowy figure to peak our curiosity and leave us needing to know more about this diabolical character. Is he an all-new rogue or someone new Tomasi dreamed up to tantalize us?

Issue #48 of Detective Comics is rated T for Teen. It contains violence and gore, profanity, partial nudity, and intense and frightening sequences. The villain of the story likes to walk around his lair in the nude. We’re not really shown anything in detail as he’s shrouded in shadows, but it’s still more than we usually see.

Detective Comics #48 puts Jim Gordon back where he belongs: in and above the mean streets of Gotham City fighting and solving crimes. It’s nice to see his investigative talents being put to good use as he and Bullock get their hands dirty in the local morgue examining a victim’s corpse for themselves. I also like the way Gordon has ditched the Robocop armor and chosen to go with the more practical, less bulky, and sleek Batsuit. The issue is a great start to a new story arc that has already grabbed my attention.

Detective Comics #48 is available now in print and digital editions.

The Bronze Age Begins in Detective Comics #48

DC Comics brings us past the Robin War and puts the spotlight back on Jim Gordon where it belongs with Detective Comics #48. Writer Peter J. Tomasi slowly unfolds the mystery of a killer obsessed with American history who craves the attention of Batman. Marcio Takara illustrates the 22-pages of story in his own breathtaking style.

Re-Visit Drac's Pack with "Hotel Transylvania 2" on Blu-ray, DVD

From the mind of Adam Sandler and Sony Pictures Animation comes the monstrously entertaining “Hotel Transylvania 2” on 3D and standard Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms. The movie is directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, who brought us the original and is famous for creating “Samurai Jack” and helming the “Star Wars: Clone Wars” shorts for Cartoon Network. As usual for anything Sandler is associated with, the voice cast is made up of a roster of his pals including Andy Samberg, Kevin James, David Spade, and Steve Buscemi. Selena Gomez returns as Drac’s daughter Mavis with Mel Brooks in tow as Grandpa Vlad.

Now that Dracula (Adam Sandler) has opened the Hotel Transylvania's doors to humans, things are changing for the better; however, Drac is secretly worried that his half-human grandson, Dennis (Asher Blinkoff), isn't showing his vampire side. So, while Mavis (Selena Gomez) and Johnny (Andy Samberg) are away, Drac enlists his friends to help him put the boy through a "monster-in-training" boot camp. But things really get batty when Drac's cantankerous, old-school dad (Mel Brooks) pays an unexpected visit in “Hotel Transylvania 2.”

As a big fan of classic horror films, “Hotel Transylvania 2” and its predecessor appeals to me as a tribute to the Universal Monsters I grew up with. The fact that it’s written and voiced by one of my favorite comedians and his posse of sidekick funny men just adds to my enjoyment. Every incarnation of early horror icons is lampooned here from Frankenstein’s Monster to the Wolf-Man and even the Creature from the Black Lagoon and the Blob. You can tell Sandler himself is a fan of the golden age of terror through little homages like naming the vamp gramp Vlad’s batty pal Bela.

The whole movie is a touching celebration of family set against the backdrop of the weird world of the Hotel Transylvania and its diverse guest list of ghouls and humans. Drac doesn’t want Mavis and his grandson and son-in-law moving away. He also wants very badly for Dennis to be the monster the Count craves to carry on the family legacy. The point of the film is to show the importance of keeping family together and accepting the differences of its members.

“Hotel Transylvania 2” is what I would consider a road movie. Much like the “Road to” films starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, the characters take dual journeys which lead them on adventures through new and exciting places. Drac packs up his pals and grandson into the family coach on a trek to teach grandson Dennis how to be the best monster he can be. Meanwhile, Mavis and Johnny travel to California to visit his parents. He’s supposed to convince Mavis that moving to the sunny state would be a mistake. Unfortunately, Mini-marts full of delicious treats and other distractions have the opposite effect on the sheltered vampire.

The movie is rated PG for some scary images, action and rude humor. Imagine a tamer version of Adam Sandler’s films and you’ll have an accurate picture of what you can expect watching “Hotel Transylvania 2.” If you enjoy the “Paul Blart” movies or Sandler’s foray into Disneyland with “Bedtime Stories,” you’ll most likely enjoy this.

The Blu-ray + DVD edition of “Hotel Transylvania 2” is jammed full of bonus material. Blu-ray exclusives include deleted scenes and instructional help like “How to Throw the Ultimate Monster Party” and “How to Draw Your Favorite Characters.” We’re also introduced to “The New Guys” and get to sing along with Dennisovitch in Monster Scary-oke. DVD special features contain the Fifth Harmony music video “I’m in Love With a Monster,” commentaries with Director Genndy Tartakovsky, Adam Sandler, Robert Smigel, and Allen Covert, and a character sketch gallery.

“Hotel Transylvania 2” is a worthy successor to the original animated hit. It’s a light-hearted comedy for everyone to enjoy. With an ensemble cast of Adam Sandler’s best buddies in tow like David Spade and Kevin James, you can bet there’s enough youthful humor to please parents as well. A strong sense of family values is at the heart of the film and gives the movie greater meaning above all its silly humor and pratfalls.

"Hotel Transylvania 2" is available now on 3D Blu-ray, Standard Blu-ray, DVD, and as a digital download.

Re-Visit Drac's Pack with "Hotel Transylvania 2" on Blu-ray, DVD

From the mind of Adam Sandler and Sony Pictures Animation comes the monstrously entertaining “Hotel Transylvania 2” on 3D and standard Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms. The movie is directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, who brought us the original and is famous for creating “Samurai Jack” and helming the “Star Wars: Clone Wars” shorts for Cartoon Network. As usual for anything Sandler is associated with, the voice cast is made up of a roster of his pals including Andy Samberg, Kevin James, David Spade, and Steve Buscemi. Selena Gomez returns as Drac’s daughter Mavis with Mel Brooks in tow as Grandpa Vlad.

The Dead Don't Sleep in Swamp Thing #1

DC Comics launches a new limited six-part series for the iconic Swamp Thing. The first 20-page chapter in the new tale sees a return to the horror and mystery roots of the character. Co-creator Len Wein pens the chilling yarn with Artist Kelley Jones channeling the great Bernie Wrightson to give the issue a classic touch while maintaining his own style.

In issue #1, Swamp Thing receives an ominous warning. He finds himself under attack from the forces of dark magic. These are more than just your average monsters—and there’s something much worse looming on the horizon for Alec Holland!

All the supernatural and occult elements we love about the original Wrightson / Wein Swamp Thing stories of the 1970s fills the pages of issue #1. Not to overuse a dangerous term thrown around these days, but I would almost call this a reboot of the series. It takes a few pages to give us the background on how the heroic creature was formed and then jumps into a new yarn spun by one of the men who knows the character best.

Kelley Jones’s artwork is heavily influenced by Bernie Wrightson’s illustrations and detail given to the original Swamp Thing books. There are classic monster movie moments which visually come to life on the page. The moments aren’t gory, but slimy and startling.

The only real complaint I have about Swamp Thing #1 is how decomposed the antagonist of the book becomes in a short amount of time. I know that in a supernatural tale, there can be many explanations as to why a dead person would take on the form of a long-dead zombie so quickly. However, for some reason it just doesn’t sit well with me and seems a bit too convenient. I will say that the design of the monster isn’t part of the problem and is well-executed, though.

Swamp Thing #1 is rated T for Teen. The book contains violence and gore, profanity, and frightening and intense scenes. Bloody body parts are seen strewn throughout a lab in a couple of panels. A few other spots show Swamp Thing getting torn in two and characters having their necks snapped.

The first issue of the new Swamp Thing limited series is a promising start for our plant-based hero. It has action, drama, supernatural charisma, and a sense of something sinister unfolding. You know there’s more to the story than meets the eye, and Len Wein gives us just enough to whet our appetites and bring on a craving for the next chapter.

Swamp Thing is available now in print and digital editions.

The Dead Don't Sleep in Swamp Thing #1

DC Comics launches a new limited six-part series for the iconic Swamp Thing. The first 20-page chapter in the new tale sees a return to the horror and mystery roots of the character. Co-creator Len Wein pens the chilling yarn with Artist Kelley Jones channeling the great Bernie Wrightson to give the issue a classic touch while maintaining his own style.

Are You Packed and Ready For "The Visit?"

Writer / Director M. Night Shyamalan gives longtime fans who gave up on him reason for celebration with "The Visit." His latest movie is a sort of modern day take on Hansel and Gretel, but with a somewhat predictable twist ending. The failed attempt at a surprise conclusion can be forgiven in a time where it's something we've grown accustomed to. This is particularly understandable when the man who brought us “The Sixth Sense” and “The Village” is attached to the project.

In "The Visit," Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and younger brother Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) say goodbye to their mother as they board a train and head deep into Pennsylvania farm country to meet their maternal grandparents for the first time. Welcomed by Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie), all seems well until the siblings start to notice increasingly strange behavior from the seemingly charming couple. Once the children discover a shocking secret, they begin to wonder if they'll ever make it home.

Besides Ana Gasteyer, the film's cast is made up of relative unknowns. The actors’ anonymity keeps you rooted in the story and not distracted through appearances by big name stars who would pull you out of the atmosphere and tale being told. The two who take on the roles of the grandparents are great in the parts and convincingly creepy and suspicious.

"The Visit" does a wonderful job of playing on the fears many of us have of the elderly and growing old. Those who work with and lobby for senior citizens will no doubt find the movie offensive and detrimental to their cause. Putting all that aside, there's a lot of disturbingly fun thrills and chills to experience here.

The movie is rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic material including terror, violence and some nudity, and for brief language. The grandmother likes to roam around the house at night in her birthday suit. Intense scenes build up as we’ve come to expect from Shyamalan as well.

The DVD version of “The Visit” includes bonus content many will find interesting. They include a “Making of” featurette. Deleted scenes and an alternate ending are found, too. Becca’s Photos expand on the events which unfold in the movie.

M. Night is back in fine form. I never had a problem with any of his films except “The Last Airbender.” I had the "surprise" ending figured out about ten minutes in unfortunately. However, here's the perfect example of a movie whose execution outweighs its predictability. I wish it wasn't shot in a found footage style. It’s what we’ve all come to expect from a movie produced by Jason Blum, though. Shyamalan does make the most out of the shooting style and uses it to his advantage.

"The Visit" is available now on Blu-ray, DVD, and as a digital download.

Are You Packed and Ready For "The Visit?"

Writer / Director M. Night Shyamalan gives longtime fans who gave up on him reason for celebration with "The Visit." His latest movie is a sort of modern day take on Hansel and Gretel, but with a somewhat predictable twist ending. The failed attempt at a surprise conclusion can be forgiven in a time where it's something we've grown accustomed to. This is particularly understandable when the man who brought us “The Sixth Sense” and “The Village” is attached to the project.