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We♥Movies
The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard
We got a chance to see a sneak preview of Lionsgate’s upcoming action/comedy film The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard on Wednesday, at the ShowPlace ICON theater in St. Louis Park. We hadn’t seen the first film, but decided to see the sequel, mostly because we wanted the theater-going experience again, now that theaters are opened and operating again.
Personally speaking, I haven’t been to the movie theaters in well over a year, and was just really happy to be out of the house and attending a public showing of a film. Of course, a lot of things have changed, post-pandemic. For one thing, to buy movie tickets, at least at the ShowPlace ICON, you had to use a display and follow the instructions. The same for concessions, you’ll have to use a computer screen to order your food and drinks. Once you pay for it, you’re given an order number, which is fulfilled by the staff behind the counter. While this sounds good, especially if it works smoothly… the reality is that there were too many orders happening at the same time that the staffs could not keep up with the orders. This created a large “wait area”, where customers pooled very closely to each other waiting for their popcorn. As for assigned seating, again, this is just at our showing (it could be different at other theaters), they were operating at half-capacity. Seats were grouped by two, with one empty seat on each side. I actually really love that empty seat next to me, but I can’t really see this can continue - especially if the theater hope to survive. I know this is a lot of talk about the theater itself, but I felt it was really important to talk about all the changes as a result of the pandemic. I am hoping it’s just temporary, and am looking forward to a time when you can attend a 100% full theater room without any restrictions. As for the movie, I thought it was just a silly Summer film. Don’t really think too hard about the logic or the ridiculous plot of The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard and you’ll have a good time. The acting is what you would expect. Ryan Reynolds is doing that Deadpool dumb-thing. Samuel L is doing that foul mouth thing that made him popular… This all-star sequel also adds Salma Hayek, as the foul mouth Hitman’s wife, and Antonio Banderas as the villain. I’m also not a huge comedy fan, I have a specific taste, and a film like The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard isn’t my cup of tea. It has some moments, but most of the film’s humor wasn’t for me. I was somewhat surprised at how violent the film was (especially for a comedy), so I felt this film really is mean for the adults - not meant for children… and it’s reflected in the films rating of R (for Restrictive). I think if you enjoyed the first film, this is more or less the same film… only they advertised as “bigger, harder, less protection”, indicating that it’s everything you love in the original, only more of it. If there is one positive I can say about the movie, I laughed so hard when they introduced the Bodyguard’s father. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard will be out in theaters on June 16, 2021.
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88 Asia Collection
While U.S. companies have long abandoned re-releasing classic Shaw Brothers films in America (nobody will buy these Chinese films here), other countries, such as Hong Kong or the United Kingdom, they are still being re-issued. One of those UK companies, 88 Films (based in Lutterworth), have dedicated a whole line 88 Asia to important Hong Kong films.
Looking over their film library, it would seem that 88 Films is a company interested in releasing very specific genres, particularly Martial Arts, Horror, and Slasher. While there may be a small audience for these trashy genres, it’s a passionate fanbase. Personally speaking, I will be collecting most of these titles in the 88 Asia line, just because I love Shaw Brothers films. There is one non-Shaw Brothers film on this list below called Casino Tycoon (produced by Newport Entertainment Ltd.)… which I think may be a misstep for 88 Films. I’m probably not going to get it, however, for completist’s sake, I may probably end up buying the title just to complete my collection. So far, I have imported about 10 titles. Some titles are harder to get (or not listed on Amazon), and I may have to try and get it from specialty stores. If you’re interested in starting your UK collection, be aware that these titles were never meant to be sold in America (because of rights for distribution and legal contracts). These titles are restricted to Region 2, which mean that your Bluray player (set for Region 1) will not play these discs. There are non-region players out there, but for me, I just convert these movies to digital files using MakeMKV (free) and play them on my computer or local DLNA. To me, these Bluray discs, like my DVDs, are basically my “backup”. Plus, I love to display and represent my movie tastes on my shelves. Anyway, so far, here are all the 88 Asia Collection listed below. The latest releases are The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984) (Alexander Fu Sheng’s last film) and Clan of the White Lotus (1980) (which inspired much of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill).
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Dragon Dynasty Double Feature: Seven Swords / Battle of the Warriors
From Vu I recently purchased this Dragon Dynasty Double Feature, featuring Seven Swords and Battle of the Warriors. I had no idea they released this Double Feature. It's basically two original Blurays packaged together with a new paper slip showcasing both artwork. I did not own Battle of the Warriors on Bluray, but the price was so cheap ($8), that I didn't mind getting a second Seven Sword Bluray. I already own Battle of the Warriors on DVD, but having it on BD was just a bonus. Details: Seven Swords: In the early 1600's, the Manchurians have taken over sovereignty of China and established the Ching Dynasty. The newly set-up government immediately imposes a Martial Arts Ban, forbidding the practice of martial arts altogether in order to gain control and order. A group of soldiers travel the country seeking out those who would flout the law. A swordsman and his disciples decide to take the fight to the enemy, following a plea from a group of villagers. The SEVEN SWORDS is formed and their heroic journey begins. As they lead the entire village to the road of a safer place, they discover there is a trator amongst them. Between this narrow gap of life and death, the situation is further complicated by the blossoms of love. Battle of Warriors: Story centers on a battle during China's Warring States Period, a series of civil wars, which spanned from the 5th to the 3rd century B.C. Based on a popular Japanese manga, which was in turn based a Japanese novel inspired by Warring States history in China. Collects: |
Beware of current and future Lionsgate films
This is just a warning to movie lovers and a public service announcement: beware of new and future Lionsgate releases.
If you buy new Lionsgate movies, you are now required to download their Lionsgate VIP app to get access to your digital copy. Of course, the first thing I did was trying to bypass this by using their website … but it just won't work. You’ll need their app to scan a hologram and QR code. In my experience with it, it had a terrible time trying to scan in the code and I'm not the only one - just take a look at all the negative reviews. They all say the same thing, they just can't get it to work. And it's so frustrating, especially because there was nothing wrong with the original way of redeeming your movies (by typing in a long code). The biggest problem is that Lionsgate forces you to download and use their unwanted app. To add insult, you're also required to give them your email address and allow them access to your camera (to scan). I did eventually get the app to scan in my hologram code and it offered some redemption options: Vudu, iTunes, etc. I tapped on Vudu and it errored out. Thankfully, the link contained a reference to the one-time generated code - and I manually typed that into Vudu account on my computer to finally get a digital copy of John Wick 3. The whole experience left a very sour taste in my mouth, and like many of these negative reviewers (which is an overwhelming 90% negative reviews), I'm probably not going to buy another Lionsgate film in the future. This thing is a nightmare. I guess I can look on the bright side of things, I’ll save money from not buying John Wick 4. Here is a small sample of some reviews:
Totally worthless on a tablet. Lionsgate must be trying to get one over on the customer. You can redeem your digital code any other way that works.
If I could I would rate this app 0/5. Very shifty way to redeem your digital copy and even more tedious if the scan does not work. Having to contact their support(forces you to opt into email sub service) to get the code that should have just came in the box with the movie. This is app is just a way to seize a way into your personal data for them to collect and use at whatever discretion. Screw this app and the people behind it. Unnecessary app. Just adds extra steps to download. It's all a scam to collect your email as there is no option to opt out of marketing emails. On top of that app barely works as intended (unless it was intended to piss off its user and in that case bravo for this s#@!.) Not ready for prime time. Had to install it on 2 different devices to get it to work. And they force you to supply your email. Intrusive and unnecessary. It sucks. I tried to redeem a code for over an hour and couldn't redeem it. Go back to the goddamn code you used to have. Doesn't work for scanning codes at all. Bad move by Lionsgate. Prepare for a customer service nightmare. Does not work. There are images layered on top of the form that needs to be filled in. App also asks for location info to redeem a move you already bought. First of all, i do not need another app. I have plenty. I have a Vudu account and that is all i want. I just purchased John Wick 3, and i can not get the scan code to work for the Lionsgate app. So they lied. There is no digital copy. The app does not work. Agree with most other reviews. Absolutely worthless app. I was able to scan the code, but then it wouldn't allow me to redeem the movie. Absolutely horrible to FORCE customers to install your company app JUST TO GET WHAT THEY PURCHASED! I will never purchase another Lionsgate Title! Horrible app! Installed app, finally after 30 minutes got to scan. Then while trying to go to email it kept telling me password was incorrect. By the time I got into email, movie scan and app disappeared! No icon, nothing even though it says app installed. Probably have close to 500 digital movies. First & last time I will ever go through this, never again! Trash, imagine making something simple and fast, no longer simple and fast.... Have to download a stupid app, wasting space, JUST TO REDEEM A MOVIE TO WATCH ON A DIFFERENT APP. IDIOTIC!!!! 0/5 RATING IF I COULD..... DELETED |
We♥Movies: Christmas Week film reviews
We♥Movies: Christmas Week film reviewsWith Winter officially here (now according to the calendar) and temps staying frigid as the concert bookings slow around the holidays, it’s a perfect time to head inside and catch a movie. Here’s a few that we’ve managed to see, to help navigate your holiday viewing, and we’ll also make mention of the musical content in each--
Aquaman
This much-awaited entry from the DC Universe returns Jason (Game of Thrones, Conan) Momoa to the title role, with Amber Heard as love interest Mera, and Nicole Kidman as his mother, directed by James Wan, best known for Saw and the last couple Fast and Furious films. Told mostly chronologically, the movie opens with his origin (including Kidman in some heavy action scenes that rival her ex-husband Tom Cruise) and the plot involves the Atlantian taking the throne from his evil half-brother Orm (Ocean Master), played by a stoic Patrick Wilson. Less dark than any of the Zack Snyder DC films, it features a quick moving story (aided by comic book writer Geoff Johns on the script) but some sequences and dialogue come off as hokey or contrived, maybe better off staying in the comics, than on-screen. The third act amps up all the CGI and even features the voice of Julie Andrews (?!) as a monster guarding a sacred trident. Hit and miss, it has its moments, but is no Wonder Woman, or wouldn’t rank high if it was a Marvel Studios movie. Ocean Master and the other villain, Black Manta don’t seem too menacing, though Heard does look good in her green bodysuit. Musically, the film is well scored by Rupert (Wonder Woman) Gregson-Williams but also includes a Pitbull (ugh) remake of Toto’s “Africa”, snippets from Depeche Mode, Greta Van Fleet, Roy Orbison, and Sigur Ros, and a mostly forgettable end title song from Skylar Grey. Director Wan throws in some quick easter eggs (H.P. Lovecraft paperback, Anabelle doll, and other movie homages) to keep the attentive on their toes and a short mid-credits scene doesn’t add much to the continuing storyline. Not terrible, but often shallow. Aquaman is in theatres now ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (W♥M rating – 7 out of 10 hearts)
With a look that is part steampunk, part Terry Gilliam, part Neil Gaiman, this ambitious film directed by Peter Jackson protege Christian Rivers, is often a marvel to look at, but often weak in the storyline and dialogue. A post-apocalyptic tale of moving and dueling cities stars a conniving Hugo Weaving and outsider female hero Hera Hilmar, in her first studio film. The film (based on books by British author Phillip Reeve) is mostly a case of too much icing/ too little cake, with the Junkie XL soundtrack being one of the high points. Mortal Engines is in theatres now- ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (W♥M rating – 6 out of 10 hearts)
One of the only good things about seeing Venom in the theater recently, was the end-credit extended preview of this eye-poppingly good movie from Sony Pictures Animation, a movie that could have so easily been an over-confusing trainwreck, but instead is a hyper-fun rollercoaster ride. Armed with original looking animation and a strong voice cast (including Mahershala Ali, Lily Tomlin, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, and Liev Schreiber), it overcomes any negative feelings I had going in for mostly lame characters like Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, and even Spider-Ham. Musically, the soundtrack balances a Daniel (Oceans 8, Molly’s Game) Pemberton score with hip-hop tracks from Post Malone, Swae Lee, and Nicki Minaj (zzzz). Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse is in theatres now. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (W♥M rating – 8 out of 10 hearts)
This is the sixth film in the modern Transformers film series, the first without director Michael Bay and is a prequel that shows the robots’ first journey from their home planet of Cybertron, to Earth. Basically, a teen and her robot friend story, the action is more subdued than the previous films and there’s a little more script attention to character development than before. Hailee Steinfeld is tolerable in the lead tomboy role, with wrestler John Cena playing a Section 7 agent on her (and Bumblebee’s) trail while the Decepticons try to influence the humans to take their side. For a better version of a similar enough story, just re-watch The Iron Giant. With Bay out of the director’s chair, Travis Knight takes over, with his previous credits being the son of Nike founder Phil Knight and starting out as a wannabee rapper called Chilly Tee (ok, he helmed the good Kubo and the Two Strings as well), but I actually started to miss the trademark Bay over-the-top fighting and effects at some point. Musically, the film thinks because it’s set in 1987, that any familiar 80’s tune can be placed in randomly- from “Save a Prayer” (1982) to “Runaway” (1984) to “I Can’t Drive 55” (1984) and so on, whether it fits the year the film is set in, or not. Steinfeld proves her music street-cred by wearing Motorhead, Smiths, and Madonna tour shirts throughout and my colleague Vu will appreciate the numerous Smiths placements, from “Bigmouth Strikes Again” and “Girlfriend in a Coma” heard, to The Smiths’ album Strangeways, Here We Come being the first cassette tape inserted into Bumblebee- at least that one got the year right, released in 1987. Bumblebee is in theatres now ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (W♥M rating – 6 out of 10 hearts)
Christian Bale’s literally transformative performance as former VP Dick Chaney is the main (and maybe only) reason to see this film, which starts chronologically but eventually devolves into an over-opinionated skewed character study, often to the point of Michael Moore-like parody. Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush and Amy Adams as wife Liz Chaney are in fine form as well, but the problem lies in the script from director Adam (Anchorman, The Big Short) McKay which is as scattershot as Chaney himself was, when he accidentally shot his friend in the face while hunting in Texas, but Bale is worth the watch. Oscar winner (for Moonlight) Nicholas Britell provides the musical score for the film, which is effective and never too intrusive. Vice opens on Christmas Day ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (W♥M rating – 7 out of 10 hearts)
At its heart, this overdue adaptation of a James Baldwin novel set in Harlem in the early 70s, is a just a simple love story. KiKi Layne and Stephan James play the young couple, he soon incarcerated for a crime he likely did not commit. Both sets of parents play into the story with a particularly strong performance from Regina King, who plays Layne’s character’s mother and writer/director Barry Jenkins continues the subtle less-is-more style he showed first in the Best Picture Oscar-winning Moonlight, portraying a quiet elegance in a closeup of a face, or on a slow pan of a living quarters. Like Vice, Nicholas Britell provides the score, but it’s much more effective here, with slow jazz framing one scene, while mourning cellos help set another. Not quite as strong as Moonlight, it’s still a poignant and very literary film. If Beale Street Could Talk opens Christmas Day ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (W♥M rating – 8 out of 10 hearts)
With a familiar set-up of six supposedly random strangers put together in a situation where things soon go wrong, this Adam (forgettable Paranormal Activity and Insidious sequels) Robitel-helmed psychological drama starring Taylor (who?) Russell and Logan (Love, Simon) Miller is somewhat entertaining for the first two-thirds as the group try to unravel the keys of getting out of five different and deadly rooms. Where the train goes off the rails is the cheap and somewhat rushed ending, where the anticipated big reveal is underwhelming and the door is not only wide open for a sequel, it practically starts the next movie, over-confident that this franchise will continue. The musical score is by Brian Tyler and John Carey, Tyler coming hot off of Crazy Rich Asians and having worked on Avengers Age of Ultron and Iron Man3, and the music while reasonable, is ultimately as forgettable as the film itself. Escape Room opens in theatres on January 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (W♥M rating – 5 out of 10 hearts) |
Shaw Brothers titles available to stream for free on Amazon Prime
From Vu
If you have Amazon Prime, you can stream all their Shaw Brothers titles in HD for being a member. Amazon Prime is $120 and comes with free streaming videos and 2-day shipping. If you don't want to pay the annual fee, each title is $3.99 for SD and $6.99 for HD. In my opinion, since they remastered these titles for DVD, they look just fine on SD. If you want the best image quality, then pay a little more for HD, since Bluray version of these titles are rare. Many of these films never made the transition to Bluray (or finding the Bluray is a rarity), so HD Digital is your only option. Sample titles: |
Solo: A Star Wars Story (film review)
“It`s a losing proposition but one you can`t refuse, It`s the politics of contraband, It`s the smuggler's blues” – Smuggler’s Blues (Glenn Frey) Solo: A Star Wars Story is the latest effort in Disney’s master plan to schedule a new Star Wars film in theatres every year, with character-focused back story tales, supplementing the opposite-year’s main storyline. Set prior to the events of 1977’s Episode IV (A New Hope), a younger Han Solo (you find out a little history about his name along the way) finds adventure when he joins a team of galactic smugglers, including a 190+-year-old Wookie named Chewbacca. Indebted to the gangster Dryden Vos, the crew devises a plan to travel to the mining planet Kessel to steal a batch of valuable coaxium. In need of a ship that can make the journey, Solo meets Lando Calrissian (smartly played by Daniel Glover) the suave owner of the perfect vessel for the dangerous mission -- the Millennium Falcon. The film stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han, alongside Glover, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge (the voice of Lando’s co-pilot droid) , Joonas Suotamo (as Chewie), and Paul Bettany (as the villainous Vos). After originally being helmed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Lego Movie, Jump Street franchise), the studios removed the duo, in favor of director Ron Howard, with a screenplay by series veteran Lawrence Kasdan and his son, Jonathan. The end result is a mostly enjoyable, though seemingly over-safe chapter in the mythos,- one that never completely disappoints, but one that never completely thrills either. Howard is adept in delivering the action and pacing, but is not visually unique in his execution, though a few sign posts pop up along the way (Ron’s brother Clint in a cameo role, as well as Warwick [Willow] Davis) to remind you it is under his direction. Ehrenreich takes some getting used to in the lead role, he not as gruff as Harrison Ford, but still displays a lot of the characteristics that define the iconic character. Glover, however, fits immediately into the Lando role like a…err, glove, perfectly channeling the bravado, swagger, and eminent cool that Billy Dee Williams originally brought to the role. Harrelson seems to be enjoying himself as Solo’s mentor and fellow bandit Tobias Beckett and Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke plays Qi’ra, -part damsel in distress, part survivor who even works in a little GOT-style sword play in, towards the end of the movie. The problem (not an issue in Rogue One) is convincing the audience to embrace some of these new faces as the characters they know, and provide a story that leans somewhat on the past chapters but also stands on its own merits. More diehard fans of the series will revel in the backstory of how Solo made his fabled Kessel Run in record time, the deeper meaning behind the trinket given to Leia in The Last Jedi, and how Solo and Chewie meet for the first time, but it’s a given that all make it out of the adventure unscathed, as we know where their futures will take them. The female roles in particular, seem a little underused, as Clarke’s characters motivations are never clearly defined, Waller-Bridge’s L3-37 is mostly there for comic relief, and Newton’s Val doesn’t get enough overall screen time. Fans of the series will still have a fun time, and casual moviegoers will happily go along for the ride as well, though it seems like it could have been something much more. With the studio turmoil surrounding the film, it’s maybe a surprise it turned out as well as it did, though you can probably walk (instead of run) to see it on the big screen, or casual fans can easily wait until home video. Solo: A Star Wars Story opens in theatres Friday. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (WHM rating – 7 out of 10 hearts) |
Deals: Star Trek Enterprise Season One Blu-Ray for $7.55, plus digital comics
From Vu
Once in a while, you know I like to pass along really good deals.
As a big Star Trek fan, a close friend of mine told me about this really good deal for Star Trek: Enterprise Season 1 on Blu-Ray for only $7.55: amazon.com I couldn't believe it, I ended up buying the first three season for about $50. Let me tell you, I originally bought these on DVD for $50 each, so getting three seasons for the same price I paid for the DVD, I couldn't pass it up. Also worth noting: Enterprise is the first Star Trek they shot on HD, the other series were all shot and presented (originally) for Standard Definition for Television. While you're there, just a reminder that the Kindle Store has a massive Marvel and DC Comics sales (as well as other publishers). If you buy Kindle comics, they are also available on your Comixology, providing you link your two accounts. While all the DC digital trades are sold for $4.99, regardless of page count, the Marvel sale to scaled to release dates or discounts based on pricing. For example, Infinity Gauntlet is sold for $2.99 (256 pages), but Black Widow: Web of Intrigue is sold for $6.50 (176 pages). |
Alien: Covenant
There were plenty of options for us over the weekend, including Art-A-Whirl and Springcon
(MSP Comic-Con), but the weather wasn’t exactly cooperating. So we
actually spent our money on indoors, which included going to the
theaters to watch the new Alien: Covenant film.
This is the sixth Alien film, and it’s probably one of my new favorite, following the original Alien and Aliens, of course. I’ll start with the things I like: great acting from everyone on this film. Visually, everything looks spectacular. I love the Alien, its movement and look is very clean and fluid. All the acting is superb, especially during the frantic horrific scenes. James Franco briefly made an appearance in the film, but after digging into it - apparently he originally had a much larger role in the film, but was cut out of the released film. I think director Ridley Scott made the right choice, giving us the backstory to the captain and the ship (the Covenant) would have made the movie too long. If you’ve seen enough films, the Alien: Covenant plot is very typical of a sci-fi/horror film. They make a bad decision or wrong turn to investigate a nearby planet, not on their itinerary. Lead character (usually a girl), in this case, an unwanted leadership role by actress Katherine Waterston. The twist at the end, I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say that the group of people that saw this film with me all saw this coming. Despite all the tropes and clichés, I still fully enjoyed it. My one complaint is, and this isn’t a spoiler if you’ve watched the trailer, why didn’t the crew of the Covenant wear space suits or protective gear when they landed on the Alien planet? Even in Prometheus (the previous film), everyone wore space suits with helmets. It didn’t make sense why this crew wouldn’t follow protocols or common sense. Alien: Covenant
In Theatres May 19th, 2017 | © 2017 20th Century Fox
Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with ALIEN: COVENANT, a new chapter in his groundbreaking ALIEN franchise. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape. Director: Ridley Scott Actors: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollett, Callie Hernandez, Nathaniel Dean, Alexander England, Benjamin Rigby Genre: Action and Adventure, Science Fiction, Run Time: 2 hours 1 minute |