Category Archives: Movies

New Trailer for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Yep, the new trailer for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is out. This trailer gives us a closer look at the characters that will be featured in Episode VII, including Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac). Still no sign of Luke though?

Action, explosions, drama, and Industrial Light & Magic kicking it into overdrive – looks like everything STAR WARS should be. Let’s hope it’s good!

Watch the trailer and unleash your inner geek! What is your reaction to the trailer? Let us know in the comments!

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is directed by J.J. Abrams (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III, STAR TREK) and will be released on December 18, 2015. The film stars also Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong’o, Domnhall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Max von Sydow.

First Cast Photo from STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE!

The first cast photo from the upcoming STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE is out and features a very cool ensemble cast, not the least of which is… holy crap, DONNIE YEN!

Photo courtesy of StarWars.com.

Read more about the film here.

Donnie Yen is a veteran martial artist, actor, and badass, probably best known for playing my ancestor, the legendary IP MAN, in the film of the same name and its sequel. They are both great films and are currently available on Netflix; or you can get them at Amazon here.

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE is currently in production and is directed by Gareth Edwards. It is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2016.

Watch KUNG FURY Now for Free!

This is too cool not to share!

Director David Sandberg shot a short film, KUNG FURY, after successfully acquiring funding through Kickstarter’s fundraising platform.

Sandberg and his team managed to make the 30-minute film for just a little over $630,000. It features time travel, giant robots, Lamborghinis, tyrannosaurs, kung fu fighting Hitler, and more.

It’s a silly homage to action films of the 80s, with awesome music, bad dialogue/acting, and cheesy special effects. Very entertaining!

After debuting at Cannes, KUNG FURY made its way onto the internet, for free! Check it out below:

Deal: More Miyazaki / Ghibli Blu-rays on Amazon

In case you missed the last deal, Amazon has a good price on some more Blu-rays from Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. The selection of sale items is a little different this time.

I’ve mentioned this before, but if you aren’t familiar with Miyazaki’s work, you need to start catching up. I recommend starting with a feel-good classic – My Neighbor Totoro! If this movie doesn’t make you happy, you are not a human being…

Others on sale:

I’m embarrassed to admit I still haven’t seen a few of these. Might have to pick up a couple. For some reason, it is hard to get sale prices on these videos, so jump on the deal if you’re missing any from your library!

Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015)

Take a moment today to remember Leonard Nimoy. Seriously.

Nimoy died this morning at the age of 83. Iconic in the role of Spock in the original TV series, STAR TREK, he portrayed the character in its various sequels and spinoffs for over 40 years. He also skillfully directed a few of the films as well (including my personal favorite, STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME).

The relationship between Spock and Kirk sums up the definition of true, hard-earned friendship – never with emotional outpourings of bromance, but rather with dignified, even restrained, sacrificial love. When Spock, separated from Kirk by the radiation-proof glass of the warp core, deadpans, “I have been, and always shall be, your friend,” you know he means it.

A great loss of a bona fide legend. Live long and prosper!

The Unexpected Virtue of Slow Movies

You need to give slow movies a chance.

A long time ago, most movies were “slow,” at least by today’s standards. They took their time doing things silly things like investing in character development and establishing a believable world within the story.

Continue reading The Unexpected Virtue of Slow Movies

Deal: Studio Ghibli + Miyazaki Blu-rays on Amazon

Amazon has a smoking deal right now on a bunch of Blu-rays from Studio Ghibli and master filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. If you haven’t seen any of Miyazaki’s movies, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some of the greatest animated films in history. Or, if you’re already a fan, now is a good time to pick up some of his films that you’ve missed, since they rarely go on sale. They are definitely worth keeping.

A few of my favorites:

My Neighbor Totoro (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Princess Mononoke [Blu-ray]

The Wind Rises (2-Disc Blu-ray +DVD Combo Pack)

What is your favorite Miyazaki movie?

Deal: DREDD 3D on Blu-ray

This gun gets fired several times throughout the film.

If you haven’t seen DREDD 3D: it’s a wildly entertaining action movie that is extra fun in 3D. Amazon has it on sale for $6, a smoking deal. Free shipping with Amazon Prime.

DREDD 3D stars Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, and Lena Heady, and is directed by Pete Travis.

Now I kind of want to watch this again tonight.

Dredd [3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray + Digital Copy + UltraViolet] (Amazon)

Smaug on the Colbert Report

Last week, Smaug from THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES paid a visit to The Colbert Report on Comedy Central.

The impressive CGI was provided by WETA and the character was voiced once again by Benedict Cumberbatch.

See the video below. What do you think?