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It's been reported that Ridley Scott is currently in negotiations with Disney to direct "The Merlin Saga". He is also said to be in talks to produce the film through his company Scott Free, along with Gil Netter."The Merlin Saga" will be based on the books by T.A. Barron. They follow a young Merlin who eventually becomes mentor to King Arthur. The saga will be comprised of two films. In addition to the saga films, the studio is also working on a live-action "Sword in the Stone". Scott is said to be in talks about this project as well.
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Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment are bringing us the third movie in the Despicable Me franchise this holiday season. This is clearly not the last movie, as the fourth is scheduled to be released in 2024, which after watching number 3, is exciting. Despicable Me 3 built upon the franchise, introduced new characters and further developed the characters it had already introduced us to and that we have come to know and love. One thing that really shines with this franchise is that every movie adds new characters to keep the audience's attention but never too many that overwhelms the storyline. Every character has a purpose and their purpose assists in keeping a cohesive and easily followed plot.
In Despicable Me 3, Gru (Steve Carell; Despicable Me) loses his job with the Anti-Villain League and, in turn, loses perspective on his identity. Out of the blue, Gru finds out that not only does he have a brother he never knew about but that he is one half of a twin set! To complicate matters, Gru's brother, Dru (also voiced by Steve Carell) flies Gru's family to his estate on Freedonia, where it is clear that Dru is extremely wealthy and appears to be successful - two characteristics that Gru is presently struggling with in regards to his own identity. It turns out that Dru isn't as successful as he presents and desperately needs Gru's help. Love ultimately trumps everything and Gru finds himself again, with the help of his family, now one member bigger when he leaves Freedonia than when he started his self-reflection journey.
While the film centers around Dru and Gru, there is another storyline that is presented with amazing details that comes across just right and that is the story about the sisters and the stepmom. Kristin Wiig (The Martian) voices Lucy, wife of Gru and step-mother to Margo, Edith, and Agnes. Agnes (Nev Scharrel; Fun Size Horror: Volume One) only wants a unicorn as a pet, while Margo (Miranda Cosgrove; iCarly) ends up unknowingly engaged and all the girls are having a really hard time acknowledging Lucy as their mom. Luckily, Lucy is able to handle all the girls' situations by herself (as Gru is too busy playing the bad guy with Dru) and the relationship between girls and stepmom becomes one of daughters and mom.
The cast brings their all when providing voices, intonation, and emotion to their characters but Steve Carell is absolutely entertaining as the voices of both Gru and Dru. The difference in each character's tone is brilliant and, yet, Carell kept a similarity in each character so that the audience can recognize a biological bond, not just the physical resemblance. The reset of the cast compliment him well and the combination is enjoyable and aurally pleasant.
The video is presented in 4K Ultra HD 2160p, with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The details are much finer and clearer than on the HD disc. The High Dynamic Range (HDR) of colors is always enhanced on the 4K UHD Blu-rays, but on an animation, especially Despicable Me 3 with the yellows of the Minions, the contrast of the black and white of the Gru brother's outfits, and the crisp bright colors in the scenery, artwork, and landscape, the colors just pop out of the screen. You can see the shine in Lucy's strawberry-blonde hair that isn't quite present on the HD version. The blacks aren't as inky as they probably could be but they are certainly deeper and darker than on the HD version.
Audio is presented in Dolby DTS-X, which is amazing quality, especially in a movie in where sound effects are so important. Audio is crisp and clear. The sound effects, such as the car engine revving, water splashing, and luggage closing, are all heard clearly. Background noise is minimal to non-existent and there is no struggle to hear the dialogue. The pop songs scattered throughout the movie provide an energetic vibe for the movie.
Bonus features can be found on both the 4K UHD and the HD Blu-ray. You very rarely find a 4K UHD extra features, so Universal has provided such a treat with the mini-movie The Secret Life of Kyle. This mini-movie can also be found on the HD Blu-ray, along with Minions Moments (two micro-movies about the Minions); a deleted scene about Edith; and Character Profiles (cast sharing their feelings on the characters they voice); The Making of Despicable Me 3; Developing Dru; The ACL Files (interactive bonus feature- choose who you want to learn more about!); Freedonia Visitors Guide (another interactive bonus feature allowing you learn more about setting locations); Despicable Me TV; "Doowit" Sing Along; Music Video "Yellow Light"; Minion Mug Shots; and Wanted Posters (for the Minions). Very few studios include as many- and as meaningful- bonus features as Universal/Illumination presents on Despicable Me 3. In addition, this version also comes with a Digital Code so you can watch the movie on the go.
Despicable Me 3 is a highly entertaining movie for the entire family. Between the actual movie itself, both in script and picture/audio, as well as the amazing bonus features provided, there is no reason to miss the purchase of this home release. It is a welcome addition to every home.
Grade: A
About Jennifer Broderick
A graduate of The George Washington University and Nova Southeastern Law School Jennifer Fischer Broderick’s fascination with the movie world started when she first saw Snow White on the big screen as a young child. When the producers of the movie Annie held auditions in NYC, Jennifer stood on line in the cold to try out for a part and actually made it past the first few try-outs. A vivacious reader, she is fascinated watching books and stories brought to life on the big screen. Jennifer has passed her love of movies onto her children and they are often found planning their weekends around opening premieres.
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Over the years the entertainment industry has given birth to some very beguilingly comedy duos. I'm sure you know some of them; they crop up every decade. Some disappear as quickly as they arrived, others leave behind them a vague memory, but a few brilliant ones leave behind an enduring legacy.
Unless you've lived under a rock somewhere, you'll know instantly when the "coo coo" music theme begins, you're about to laugh at the misadventures of the little thin guy with perfect timing who constantly messes things up for the long-suffering big hulking guy. The team of Laurel and Hardy were quite simply magical. Through over 100 films the on-screen relationship of these two beloved buffoons has brought audiences huge laughter and melted hearts with their innate pathos.
What no one ever saw though was the actual behind the scenes lives of the duo. The relationship that made up the hard work and long hours it took to make their antics look natural and hilarious. This sweet, gentle true tale about them successfully addresses that relationship, not at the height of their fame, but rather at the end of it, and it's drawn to perfection by the inspired performances of Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly.
Here's The Storyline…
In 1953, Laurel (Coogan) and Hardy (Reilly) facing a fading future and problems of age and money are convinced to reconnect with their fans and entice a producer to make a new film, by touring variety halls in Britain. After a scary slow start, the show becomes a huge hit, however buried tensions threaten to destroy their life-long relationship.
With the support of their wives Lucille (Henderson) and Ida (Arianda), who aren't particularly fond of each other, the boys re-discover their love of performing, as well as for each other, eventually securing their place in the hearts of an adoring public
Director Jon S. Baird succeeded here in creating as genial and touching a portrait of these legendary comics as is humanly possible. My hat's off to him, he should be recognized for this work. However, as good as Baird is on this film, it pales in comparison to the amazing spot-on performances by Coogan and Reilly. Their seamless performances never for a moment betrayed the monumental effort it must have taken to bring their characters to totally believable life. The two actors weren't there, Stan and Ollie were. That's brilliance.
Add to that some big laughs and some very touching moments and you have a very entertaining film that anyone can enjoy.
My take… This is a wonderful film filled with humor, joy, triumph, pain, and the glory of friendship. It deserves to be seen and enjoyed. Don't miss it.
Grade: B+
About Alyn Darnay
Alyn's acclaimed book, entitled "The Script…A Breakthrough Guide to Scriptwriting", has sold over 16,500 copies nationwide, is currently being translated into several languages, and has the honor of being included in The Library of France in Paris. He has written and sold five original film scripts and been published in Newspapers and National Magazines. In addition, he is a frequent guest lecturer at Film Festivals, Colleges, and Universities, holds scriptwriting and acting seminars for professionals several times a year, and has been a staff professor at both the Miami Film School, and the Florida Film Institute.
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M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense) is known for his dramatic thrillers that offer a twist. He usually keeps the audience guessing as to what is really going on and reveals the truth at the end, often to the surprise of the viewers. In 2000 he presented fans with a different type of "superhero" story in Unbreakable starring Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight) and Bruce Willis (Die Hard) and sixteen years later he gave us James McAvoy (Atonement) in Split, a film about a man with multiple personalities and super human strength. This month he ties the two films together with the next installment simply titled Glass.
As the film opens we see Kevin (McAvoy) toying with four teenage cheerleaders while David (Willis) is crusading vigilante style while working with his son, Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark; Animal Kingdom), in their security business. At the police try to narrow into exactly who the green raincoat "savior" is forces are at work to bring both men to justice. As David finds Kevin and frees the hostages, they suddenly find themselves surrounded and commandeered to a mental health facility. I ronically, it is the same facility that is home to Elijah Price/Mr. Glass (Jackson). Here they meet Dr. Ellie Staple (Sarah Paulson; American Horror Story) who specializes in treating people with delusions of trying to be superheroes.
Dr. Staple explains that she has the next three days to make these individuals understand that they are not superheroes but simply have some brain damage and astute observation skills making them believe they have superhero like qualities. As the movie progresses though we come to find out that Mr. Glass, who seems catatonic for the most part, really is very aware and alert and is plotting to execute his plan with the help of Kevin and David. Ironic and convenient that they all ended up in the same place, isn't it? In the end Elijah gets what he wants and we come to find out that maybe these individuals aren't quite as crazy as they seem and that comic books aren't necessarily all fiction.
The strength of Glass is hands down the cast. Jackson and Willis already proved they had chemistry 19 years ago and time has not diminished that bond at all it seems. I previously stated in my review of Split that McAvoy was excellent and talented as he switched from one personality to another so seamlessly and he continues that here with Kevin and his 22 other "characters". Watching him work is a pleasure and I still believe he should be nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of this young man with multiple personalities. Paulson is the new element in this group but she fits in well. She always seems to have a way of speaking that is just on the edge of craziness yet clinical all at the same time. This combination works well here as she is a Doctor who doesn't reveal all her secrets at once.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the script as somethings left unexplained or underdeveloped. The beginning offers a slow build, then the middle sucks the audience in but the third act is just lacking in action as well as leaving loose ends lying all over the place. It is also a little too "convenient" how everything fits into place. Of course, there is that Shyamalan twist that comes in at the end but in this case, it doesn't offer that much of an interesting point to make it all that worthwhile. What it does though is leave the door slightly ajar for a possible fourth movie albeit with new characters.
Shyamalan does what we expect him to do with this film and it wraps up these storylines though I don't know if it was worth the 19-year wait. Fans of Unbreakable will go to see it anyway and if you are unfamiliar with the first two films you should definitely see them before heading to the theater for Glass.
Grade: B-
About Allison Hazlett-Rose
Mrs. Hazlett-Rose attended Hofstra University where she earned her bachelor's degree in communications and is Vice Chair of the Florida Film Critics Circle and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. She can be found in print, online, and on talk radio, WENG 107.5 FM.
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Steven Spielberg's remake of the classic love story West Side Story has now been cast and includes a 17-year old newcomer, Rachel Zegler, as Maria. When we began this process a year ago, we announced that we would cast the roles of Maria, Anita, Bernardo, Chino and the Sharks with Latina and Latino actors. I'm so happy that we've assembled a cast that reflects the astonishing depth of talent in America's multifaceted Hispanic community. I am in awe of the sheer force of the talent of these young performers, and I believe they'll bring a new and electrifying energy to a magnificent musical that's more relevant than ever", said Spielberg."I am so thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast. West Side Story was the first musical I encountered with a Latina lead character. As a Colombian-American, I am humbled by the opportunity to play a role that means so much to the Hispanic community", said Zegler.The cast also includes veteran actress Rita Moreno, who starred in the 1961 film as Anita. In this version, she will play a version of the character Doc, who owns the store Tony works in. Playing the new Anita will be Tony Award nominated actress Ariana DeBose.Tony will be played by Ansel Elgort (Divergent, The Fault in Our Stars), Bernando will be played by Tony Award winner David Alverez and Chino will be played by Josh Andrés Rivera.Spielberg will produce and direct the film which was written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner.Filming is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2019.
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Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) has signed on to star in the upcoming Dune film. Bautista will be joining castmembers Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson.This will be a reunion for Bautista and Dune director Denis Villeneuve, as they worked together on Blade Runner 2049.In the film, Chalamet plays Paul Atreides, in a world where a drug called Melange is causing many feudal families to compete for control over the substance. The drug elongates your life span and gives you a heightened consciousness as well as making interstellar travel possible; however, it also is extremely addictive and deadly. The planet of Arrakis, or "Dune", is the only place where you can find it.Bautista can next be seen in Marvel's Avengers: Endgame in April.
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Disney will be releasing a new live-action musical, Hunchback, based on the Victor Hugo novel. The company released an animated version of the film back in 1996. David Henry Hwang will be writing the script with Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz writing the music. Hwang's credits include Disney's Tarzan as well as the plays Chinglish, Yellow Face, Kung Fu, Golden Child, and The Dance and the Railroad. His musical resume includes Aida and Flower Drum Song. Schwartz's credits include Wicked, Godspell and Pippin and Menken's credits include Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and the original score for the 1996 Disney Hunchback animated film.Josh Gad will produce alongside Mandeville, who also produced Beauty and the Beast.
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Jason Reitman will be directing the next Ghostbusters film, which is due out in the summer of 2020. Reitman's father, Ivan, directed the original film.There's no word on exactly what the plot will be but we do know that it will be based on the 1984 original and not 2016's all-female cast version which starred Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. There's also no word on whether or not actors from the original cast, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and the late Harold Ramis, will be in the film. Reitman, along with Gil Kenan, also wrote the screenplay. Production is slated to begin this summer.
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When one thinks of comic books, they normally think of superheroes and villains battling it out over the fate of the world. With Rick Remender's (Fear Agent) Deadly Class though this is far from the case. In this instance, we watch as would be assassins navigate the treacherous hallways of King's Dominion, a high school designed to teach them the ways of the deadly arts (think Hogwarts for the depraved). It was only a matter of time before this subject matter was adapted into a different media and this month that becomes a reality when Deadly Class premieres on SyFy channel.María Gabriela de Faría (Yo Soy Franky) plays Maria, a manipulative and disturbed young lady with a troubled past and Michel Duval (Lady of Steel) is her boyfriend, Chico, the head of the Soto Vatos gang. Duval revealed he relates to his character because of Duval's famous mother. " It's hard growing up in the shadows. There are expectations to live up to and Chico has to live up to his father's reputation". This makes Chico a somewhat ruthless character but Duval promises we will see a different side of him as the season progresses. "You will want to root for Chico by the end".De Faria discussed the complexity of the show and her character. "The show puts a spotlight on mental health issues and whereas Marcus ( Benjamin Wadsworth; Teen Wolf) tries to understand and move past his issues Maria Buries hers and goes to a dark place". She also loves Maria's costumes and Dias de Los Muertos vibe. She seems more confident with the makeup on and it gives her strength.The diversity of the cast isn't lost on the pair as they disc their roots. Duval is from Mexico and De Faria is Venezuelan. "There is a responsibility to portray them authentically because there aren't many roles out there," says Duval. De Faria explains, " The show isn't diverse because it has to be. It's diverse because that is the world that Rick [Remender] grew up in."Set in the 1980s the show is also authentic to that time period with the costumes, set design, and music. " The music is its own character. It takes you back and is authentic" Duval explains. Remender, who grew up in the '80s was heavily involved with that aspect and even picked some of the music showcased on the series. For those who grew up in that era, it is sure to be a walk down memory lane.As for Maria and Chico, they have a love/hate relationship. " They grew up together and Chico only knows how to love Maria", insists Duval. Meanwhile, de Faria explains " Maria doesn't know how to love anyone but Chico is all she knows." These two have a volatile and complicated past and the addition of newcomer Marcus stirs things up a bit. As for Duval and de Faria, they have a playful banter and clearly seem to enjoy each other's company." This whole cast is great to work with. We all get along so well" gushed de Faria. That chemistry comes across in the pilot episode even though much of the cast is at one another's throats. The group are all angry with their own issues to deal with. De Faria continued that while there are a lot of shows involving teenagers, Deadly Class is different because " it is human and real". It will be interesting to see the reception the series gets with the pilot and if it can sustain the storyline throughout the ten episode season.Deadly Class premieres on SyFy on today, Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 10 pm but the first episode is available for viewing right now at syfy.com/deadlyclass.
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Apple and A24 will be releasing a new Sofia Coppola film that will star Bill Murray. This will be the first film since the two companies partnered up last year.The film will be titled "On the Rocks" and will also star Rashida Jones. It will follow the story of a young mother while she reconnects with her charismatic playboy father.Production on the film is set to begin next month, with Apple's streaming service launching sometime this year.
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Netflix has announced that they will be raising their fees for their streaming plans. The Basic plan will go from $7.99 to $8.99 per month, the Standard plan, which is the most popular plan, will go from $10.99 to $12.99 per month, and the Premium plan will go from $13.99 to $15.99 per month.A company spokeswoman said in a statement, "We change pricing from time to time as we continue investing in great entertainment and improving the overall Netflix experience." This will be their biggest price hike to date and will take place over the next few months.The streaming giant has become a major force in the world of entertainment, not only offering existing content from various studios but original award-winning programming that includes both TV series and film.
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When Deadpool made its way to theaters on 2016 it did so with a hard R rating much to the studio's and parents' chagrin. It was only natural when the sequel arrived that it too would have that same R rating and be inappropriate for children. In fact, part of what audiences like so much about the films and the character is his crass demeanor that is so uncharacteristic of a superhero.
Unfortunately, that same inappropriateness also alienated a segment of the populations that would want to bring their children to a superhero film. This past December, Fox seemed to remedy this flaw with Once Upon A Deadpool – a PG-13 rated version of the film. With the success of the cleaned up film, it was only natural that it would be released for home entertainment and everyone can rejoice because that time has finally arrived.
For the uneducated, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds; X-Men Origins Wolverine) a.k.a Wade Wilson is a former special ops soldier turned mercenary who finds out he has cancer. In an attempt to discover a cure he undergoes experimentation that leaves him physically disfigured but with superhero powers. In Deadpool 2 the love of his life, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin; Gotham), is murdered and Wade finds himself with no desire to live. That is, of course, until he finds himself on a mission to save a mutant, teenage boy, Firefist (Julian Dennison; Hunt for the Wilderpeople), from the half human/half cyborg Cable (Josh Brolin; No Country for Old Men) who shows up from the future to stop the kid before he becomes a vicious killer.
While the original movies lend themselves to an R rating, they missed out on a large segment of the population. In order to be more inclusive Reynolds and writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Zombieland) enlisted Fred Savage (The Wonder Years) to recreate his character from The Princess Bride to help tell a cleaner version of the story. The combination works in theory with a few hiccups along the way.
Once Upon a Deadpool is more of a companion piece rather than a replacement for Deadpool 2 as it doesn't easily explain several of the plot points which are glossed over in this family-friendlier version. It also doesn't make all that much sense to a younger generation that probably isn't familiar with the character a young Savage played in The Princess Bride. However, it does give parents what they want – a cleaner version of an R rated film that they can take their kids to see. Though, that isn't saying much as the PG-13 rating still leaves plenty of leeway for curse words to fly and to include inappropriate references throughout.
The Blu-ray disc is the standard fare quality wise with a 1080p resolution and a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Everything looks pretty much clean but at the end of the film, the color palette seems to be more muted than I remember especially when the team tries to save fire fist from killing the headmaster. Deadpool's red costume looks darker bordering towards a reddish black hue. The audio is a little stronger since it is DTS-HD Master audio 7.1. The dialog is crisp and the eclectic soundtrack comes across nicely. The combo pack does not offer any extras though which is a little disappointing. A few short features describing the concept for this version and perhaps an interview with Fred Savage would have been a fun addition.
I think the thing I love most about this film is that it benefits charity. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will be donating $1 from every Blu-ray™ Purchase or Digital Buy or Rent from January 15 to January 28, 2019, to Fudge Cancer (US only. Minimum donation of $100,000). Fox also donated $1 for each ticket purchased during the film's festive theatrical release.
It also offers younger audiences to get an idea of what Deadpool is without being subjected to the R rated version. However, this "tamer" version lacks some of what I originally loved about Deadpool with the filthy mouth and the graphic violence (shooting someone in the head just doesn't have the same impact thought the blood splatter). As I said earlier this would make a nice companion piece to the original film so if you own one you should definitely own the other. If you already have Deadpool 2 at home, go buy this one. If you do not, invest in both movies.
Grade: B
About Allison Hazlett-Rose
Mrs. Hazlett-Rose attended Hofstra University where she earned her bachelor's degree in communications and is Vice Chair of the Florida Film Critics Circle and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. She can be found in print, online, and on talk radio, WENG 107.5 FM.
Read more reviews and content by Allison Hazlett-Rose.
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Fifty years ago the United States landed a man on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history with one historic space flight. Their journey has been the subject of many articles, books, documentaries, television shows, and movies. This past year Universal Pictures added to that list with their film, FIRST MAN. IN celebration of the film on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download, FlickDirect and Universal Studios want to give one person the opportunity to win a Blu-ray copy of the film.To enter simply subscribe to Movie Hype on Instagram and send an email to [email protected] (Subject: FIRST MAN Blu-ray Contest) with your username for verification. We will choose one entry at random to win a Blu-ray combo pack courtesy of Universal Pictures and FlickDirect.On the heels of their six-time Academy Award®-winning smash, La La Land, Oscar®-winning director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling reteam for Universal Pictures' First Man, the riveting story of NASA's mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the years 1961-1969. A visceral, first-person account, based on the book by James R. Hansen, the movie will explore the sacrifices and the cost-on Armstrong and on the nation-of one of the most dangerous missions in history.Rated: PG-13 The contest is open to all US Residents in the contiguous 48 states. The winner will be asked to provide your full name and a valid mailing address via Private Message, but their personal information will not be shared or retained in any way.No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Contest ends January 22, 2019, at 11:59 PM EST. Be sure to also download the free Movie Hype App for more great contests and giveaways!
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NBCUniversal has begun to move forward with the development of its new streaming service. They announced today that they were reorganizing their executive team and has put Bonnie Hammer in charge of overseeing the project. "NBCUniversal has some of the world's most valuable intellectual property and top talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Many of the most-watched shows on today's popular streaming platforms come from NBCUniversal. Our new service will be different than those presently in the market and it will be built on the company's strengths, with NBCUniversal's great content and the technology expertise, broad scale and the wide distribution of Comcast Cable and Sky", said NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke via the company's statement.The streaming service's content will include NBCU's film and TV properties as well as original content. It will be a free, ad-supported direct-to-consumer service for those who are pay TV subscribers. An ad-free version will also be available to consumers but no price was released for that option yet.NBCUniversal is planning for a 2020 launch of the project.
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Looks like Sony's big screen adaptation of the Uncharted video game is moving along again.Sony has hired Dan Trachtenberg to direct the film after Shawn Levy left the project. The film has been in development since 2008 with various directors attached but now they are hoping for filming to begin sometime later this year.The film will be a prequel to the storyline of the game, following the story of Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter. Tom Holland will star in the lead role.Photo Credit: allthingsuncharted Countdown to the release of Uncharted, with The Movie Hype App.
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Sylvester Stallone (Rocky) had a string of hit action movies in the 1970s and 1980s but those hits waned by the latter part of 1980s and he didn't make movies for a few years. Then in 1993, he starred in another action film called Cliffhanger. Based in the mountains of the Northwestern United States and filmed in the Italian Alps, the Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2) directed movie had audiences thrilled to see Stallone back to the action hero he was before. Twenty-five years later Sony Pictures has decided to release the film on 4K so it is headed to stores the middle of this month.
Gabe Walker (Stallone) is a mountain ranger with a skill for climbing and rescues. HIs girlfriend Jessie (Janine Turner; Northern Exposure) is a helicopter pilot who works with him and his best friend Hal (Michael Rooker; Guardians of the Galaxy) making rescues. When Jessie and Gabe find themselves rescuing Hal and his girlfriend, Sarah (Michelle Joyner; Outbreak), things go terribly wrong and Sarah ends up falling to her death. Hal blames Gabe for the tragedy fracturing their friendship forever.
Eight months later we see Gabe returning to the mountain simply to get the rest of his things from Jessie and severing ties with his past. While there a distress call comes into the ranger station and Jessie begs him to help since he knows those mountains better than anyone. When Gabe reluctantly agrees finally, he finds himself with Hall caught up in something much more than they ever could have imagined. It turns out there weren't any lost hikers in need of rescuing but a group of plane hijackers in need of someone to help them find their lost money. Playing a deadly game of cat and mouse Gabe must find the money before they do and save his friends from the robbers headed by Eric Qualen (John Lithgow; 3rd Rock from the Sun).
There is no denying that Stallone is one of the true action heroes of our generation and Cliffhanger reminds us why that is. Physically he was in top shape for this movie and the scenes of him climbing the mountains were impressive. Turner is an excellent compliment to him and they seem to have an easy that would make it believable that they had been romantically involved. Rooker completes this triangle nicely and Lithgow is strong as the villain in this tail.
Unfortunately, the 4K upgrade isn't exactly kind to the film as the heightened detail makes some of the backgrounds look fake. Conversely, the colors are spectacular and when the views are real they are magnificent. However, the Dolby Atmos audio fares much better with the sounds surrounding the viewer from all sides. The 4K disc doesn't house any of the extras and the Blu-ray has the same extras that were released eight years ago. These include: Audio Commentary with Director Renny Harlin and Actor Sylvester Stallone, Audio Commentary: Technical Crew including Editor Frank Urioste, Co-Visual Effects Supervisors Neil Krepela and John Bruno, and Production Designer John Vallone., A Personal Introduction from Renny Harlin, Deleted Scenes, Stallone on the Edge: The Making of Cliffhanger, Special Effect, Storyboard Comparisons, Original Theatrical Trailer, and Previews: Additional Sony titles.
If you are a Stallone fan and enjoy watching him as the action star he generally is then you would want to own this title in 4K. While the dialogue is cheesy and the story little too far fetched for my taste, Cliffhanger offered some great actions sequences and an always excellent performance from Lithgow.
Grade: B-
About Allison Hazlett-Rose
Mrs. Hazlett-Rose attended Hofstra University where she earned her bachelor's degree in communications and is Vice Chair of the Florida Film Critics Circle and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. She can be found in print, online, and on talk radio, WENG 107.5 FM.
Read more reviews and content by Allison Hazlett-Rose.
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