The Best And Worst Films And TV/Web Shows Of 2014
The Best And Worst Films And TV/Web Shows Of 2014
2014 may have been a rather gloomy year in the world, but from a film and television perspective, there was much to admire.
As most people know, film studios traditionally save their best films for the end of the year, but 2014 was a strangely top heavy year. The box office may have been down in the summer, but most of my personal favorites came from that season (which is a real rarity to say the least). Likewise, a majority of the best new and returning TV series came early in the year with the fall primarily being filled with little more than network tripe.
Anyway, enough of my yammering, on with the list! Continue reading
Portland Retro Gaming Expo 2014 Review
Since the Portland Retro Gaming Expo started back in 2009, the event has steadily grown over the years. While the official attendance numbers have not yet been released, it’s safe to say that the 2014 show was the most successful to date. Continue reading
Ragamuffin Is Now Available On Blu-ray And DVD
For the faith based film fans out there, Millennium Entertainment has recently released a biopic about the late Christian music star Rich Mullins (best known for the hit song “Awesome God”) titled “Ragamuffin.” At 137 minutes, this sprawling film covers a lot of ground as it deals with Mullins’ childhood, demons, father issues, depression, romantic troubles, success, substance abuse, and his struggles with his own faith.
While “Ragamuffin” is certainly intended for a specific niche, it should be noted that the film’s content is significantly darker than the usual faith based movie which may turn off some viewers.
Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p.
Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. Sorry folks, no hi-def track here.
Extras:
* 2 deleted scenes.
* Millennium Entertainment trailers.
* “A Message From Dave Mullins”- Rich’s brother Dave talks about his late brother, “Ragamuffin,” and faith.
* “The Making of Ragamuffin” contains cast, crew, and musician interviews, discussions about Rich Mullins, behind-the-scenes footage, etc.
* Commentary by Dave Mullins and writer/director David Schultz.
The Movie Tie-In Edition Of Horns Is Now Available!
In honor of the film adaptation of “Horns” (now out on VOD and iTunes with a theatrical release to follow on October 31st), Harper Collins has released a new movie tie-in paperback edition that prominently features star Daniel Radcliffe on the cover.
Written by Joe Hill (the son of literary legend Stephen King), this 2010 horror novel is a murder mystery of sorts that revolves around the tragic and brutal death of a young woman named Merrin. Prior to her death, Ignatius Perrish (who goes by Ig for short) was the boyfriend of Merrin, and while he seems to be quite innocent, the small town locals believe he is guilty of the murder. A year after Merrin’s murder, Ig awakens to find that he has grown horns atop of his head. Stranger still, these horns seem to have powers over people. With this gift (or curse), Ig sets out on a dark path to find answers about who really killed Merrin.
The Fed Up Blu-Ray Is Now Available
If food activism is of interest to you, the newly released “Fed Up” will be right up your alley. Narrated by Katie Couric, this documentary film tackles issues involving the food industry, sugar, and obesity all while trying to promote healthy eating.
While the film’s messages and statistics may be relevant and beneficial, the content may be rather preachy and patronizing to some viewers. The film’s participants like to point fingers and tell people what they should be eating, but they don’t offer up many concrete solutions to problems or really acknowledge the fact that many people DO know what they are eating. Still, with all of that said, there’s no question that many food activists across the globe will embrace what this film has to say.
Specs:
Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p.
Audio Tracks: English and Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD.
The only extras are 5 deleted scenes and Anchor Bay/Radius TWC trailers.
Note: “Fed Up” is also available on DVD.
Halloween: The Complete Collection Blu-ray Set
Michael Myers Is Coming Home To Blu-ray! Continue reading
Coming Soon: RiffTrax Live!- Godzilla ’98!
If you’ve ever wanted to see the RiffTrax gang (Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy) mock the film that even Godzilla fans disown (myself included), now is your chance! On August 14, 2014, RiffTrax Live!- Godzilla ’98 will be broadcasting live in theaters across the country. If you are unable to make that showing, the event will be re-broadcasted on August 19th in select theaters. For a list of participating theaters and or showing times, head on over to http://www.fathomevents.com/event/rifftrax-live-godzilla
Fathom Events: Doctor Who- Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel Review
“Doctor Who” returns to the big screen thanks to Fathom Events. Continue reading
Pretty Little Liars Season 4 Is Now Available On DVD!
Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer are back for 24 more episodes of the hit ABC Family series “Pretty Little Liars.” In this fourth season, fans can expect to see stories involving Mona, A and the A team (no relation to “The A-Team”), Detective Holbrook investigating Wilden’s murder, Red Coat, Toby’s mother, texts (naturally), college, character deaths, A framing people for crimes, the ongoing Alison mystery, Black Hoodie, and supporting characters like CeCe Drake, Ashley, Caleb, Ezra, Melissa, Travis, Shana, Jessica, Toby, among others.
If you’ve been on board with “Pretty Little Liars” the previous three seasons, you should know what to expect from the fourth season of this “Twin Peaks,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Agatha Christie” esque young adult mystery TV series based on Sara Shepard’s novel. The writing staff dishes up plenty of the same buzz worthy twists and turns in this convoluted and repetitive, but oddly watchable trashy teen soap opera that has developed a rabid teen fanbase. It’s not hard to see why that demographic has flocked to the show as ‘Liars’ knows how to hook viewers into watching each and every episode.
If you can’t get enough “Pretty Little Liars,” it should be noted that season 5 is just around the corner as it will premiere on June 10th, 2014.
The episodes are presented in widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track.
Extras include deleted scenes from episodes 10, 12, 16, 18 and 20, a bonus episode titled “A LiArs Guide to Rosewood” which recaps the first 3 seasons, and 3 behind the scenes featurettes titled “Unhooding Redcoat: Alison Is Alive,” “Pretty Little Scenes” and “Confessions of “A” Lair” about Alison, costume and set design, and A’s lair.


















