Author: Jason Zingale (Page 55 of 154)

The Spectacular Spider-Man: Volume Two & Volume Three

March 16, 2009 /

Spider-Man fans may have to wait until 2011 for the next installment in the popular film franchise, but until then, they’d be wise to check out the web-slinger’s latest animated series, “The Spectacular Spider-Man.” Though the show is gearing up to begin its second season on March 23rd, those who missed the first batch of episodes can catch up with the release of the second and third volumes on DVD. Volume One’s “Attack of the Lizard” may have already set up the overarching story of the first season, but Volumes Two and Three are far more entertaining thanks to the inclusion of so many classic Spidey villains. After numerous appearances as a pair of petty thieves, Flint Marko and Alex O’Hirn are finally transformed into Sandman and Rhino, respectively, while Dr. Octavius assumes his own supervillain alter ego after the Green Goblin lures him into a trap. And just who is the Green Goblin? All I’ll say is that it’s not who you think it is, making his real identity the first major shake-up from the official canon.

Reminiscent of the great Marvel shows of the 1990s, “The Spectacular Spider-Man” is hands down the best superhero cartoon on the air. An interesting blend of the comics (both old and new) and the Sam Raimi-directed movies, purists may be irked by some of the changes that have been made, but kids will love it nonetheless. Unfortunately, the series can currently only be purchased in these silly three-episode volumes, so unless you have the money to spend on all four Season One DVDs (which will run you about $60), you’ll want to hold off for the inevitable complete set.

Click to buy “The Spectacular Spider-Man: Volume Two and Three”

External TV, TV, TV Cartoons, TV DVD Quicktakes, TV DVDs

Sneak Peek: “I Love You, Man”

March 11, 2009 /

As a film critic based in Ohio, it’s not very often that I get to see movies earlier than the week of release, but when I do, I’m usually not allowed to say anything about it. Case in point: Paramount Pictures’ “I Love You, Man.” Though I’m pretty sure there’s no review embargo preventing me from talking about the film, I’m going to play it safe and just say that I really liked it. This is one of the best buddy comedies I’ve seen in awhile (think “Swingers,” only a little rauncher), and though my review won’t officially go live until the night before release, Paramount has provided me with an exclusive clip to share with our readers. Check it out below and don’t forget to see “I Love You, Man” when it hits theaters on March 20th.

Movie Comedies, Movies, Video

Blu Tuesday: Pinocchio, Let the Right One In and The French Connection

March 10, 2009 /

Welcome to the latest column on Premium Hollywood, Blu Tuesday, where I’ll be covering some of the best and biggest high-def titles of the week. For those hoping this was a post about a New Order/Rolling Stones tribute band, I apologize, but you’ll have to keep holding your breath for that one, whoever you may be.

You see, when Blu-ray first hit the market, there weren’t very many titles to talk about other than the new releases that were already coming out on DVD. Now that the format is more popular with studios, however, my office has become overrun with high-def titles, and well, I just don’t have the time to cover every one in as much detail as I’d like. That doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be covered at all, however, and so I’ve created this column to help cleanse my conscience (and some office space) and keep you all in the know on some Blu-rays you might be looking forward to, as well as a few others you should add to your shopping list.

“Pinocchio” (Walt Disney)

One of my least favorite Disney classics after “Dumbo” and “Bambi,” “Pinocchio” is still a no-brainer when it comes to diehard collectors and fans of animated films. It’s been years since Disney last released this from their ominous vault and so they’ve not only put out a new DVD edition to celebrate the occassion, but a high-def version as well. As expected, the new digital restoration is incredible. The colors pop off the screen like they were freshly painted, and were it not for the fact that hand-drawn animation is virtually extinct, you’d swear this was made yesterday. The best part about the three-disc set, though, isn’t the new transfer or the fact that you get three different versions of the movie (Blu-ray, DVD and a digital copy), but the hours of bonus material that have been lovingly crammed onto the disc. You get all the usual stuff that you’d expect from a typical new release (audio commentary, making-of, deleted scenes), but somehow they just feel more special on a movie this old.

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Action Movies, External Movie DVDs, Horror Movies, Movie Comedies, Movie Dramas, Movie DVDs, Movies

Baccano!: Volume One

March 10, 2009 /

Anime has become so saturated with ninjas, vampires, mechs and schoolgirls that when a truly unique series like “Baccano!” comes along, it’s hard not to stand up and take notice. A gangster-inspired crime drama with traces of the supernatural, “Baccano!” isn’t just the most original anime I’ve ever seen, but it’s also the most fearless. How fearless, you might ask? Well, for starters, there are no less than 18 different main characters (and several more supporting ones), none of which could be considered the lead protagonist. Furthermore, the story jumps back and forth between each character’s individual stories (which take place over the course of the early 1930s) as they weave in and out of the other characters’ lives.

Baccano 1

If you’re not confused yet, you will be as the show opens with a girl named Carol and the vice president of the Daily Days newspaper breaking the fourth wall as they discuss what character they should be focusing on in order to tell the best version of their tale. The story in question has something to do with a bloody mob war taking place in New York City, a mysterious elixir of immortality, and a train crash involving a serial killer, a fanatical cult, a group of gangsters, and a pair of thieves. That’s just a slice of what’s really happening, of course, but it’s all the viewer is told during the first four episodes. Some people might be intimidated by the show’s brazen approach to storytelling, but you’d be wrong not to give “Baccano!” a chance. After all, shows this good only come around once in a lifetime.

Click to buy “Baccano!: Volume One”

TV, TV Anime, TV DVD Quicktakes, TV DVDs

Chocolate

March 6, 2009 /

Following the unprecedented success of “Ong-Bak” and “The Protector,” director Prachya Pinkaew was probably looking to get away from working with Tony Jaa on his next feature. Dropping one martial artist for another may not sound like much of a difference, but while new leading lady JeeJa Yanin doesn’t have the talent to match Jaa’s acrobatic fighting style, she’s a far better actor. It’s a trade-off that serves the movie well, because even though “Chocolate” is 90% action, the dramatic scenes that do exist work better as a result of her involvement. Yanin stars as Zen, an autistic girl who has learned to fight exclusively from watching martial arts movies. When her mother gets sick and can’t afford treatment, however, Zen sets out to collect payment from the various gangsters that owe her money. Desperate as it may be to inject some hint of character development into the proceedings, “Chocolate” is little more than a demo reel of some of the best action sequences that Asian cinema has to offer. Yanin may not be able to pull off some of the more impressive moves in Jaa’s arsenal, but she’s still a surprisingly capable fighter whose finest moment comes during a fight where she mimics Bruce Lee. It’s not the best action scene in the movie, but it’s exactly what makes “Chocolate” so much fun to watch.

Click to buy “Chocolate”

Action Movies, External Movie DVDs, Movie DVD Quicktakes, Movie DVDs, Movies

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