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‘The Judge’ With Robert Downey Jr. Hits Blu-Ray In January

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0
Robert Downey Jr. & Robert Duvall in The Judge - (Credit: Claire Folger)
Robert Downey Jr. & Robert Duvall in The Judge – (Credit: Claire Folger)

The Judge, a drama headlined by Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall, hits Blu-ray and DVD on January 27 via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

The story centers on Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.), a highly successful defense attorney who returns to his hometown for his mother’s funeral. Hank’s reunion with his family is bittersweet due to his estranged relationship with his father (Duvall), who serves as the town’s judge. When his father’s accused of murder, Hank takes on the most important case of his life. Jeremy Strong and Vincent D’Onofrio play Hank’s brothers with Vera Farmiga starring as the lawyer’s former flame.

The Judge Blu-ray Combo Pack Special Features Include:

  • Commentary from director David Dobkin
  • The featurettes “Inside the Judge” and “Getting Deep with Dax Shepard” (he plays a well intentioned but inexperienced lawyer).
  • Deleted Scenes with optional commentary from David Dobkin

***The Standard DVD edition release has the “Getting Deep with Dax Shepard” featurette.

One of The Judge’s strengths lies in Downey Jr.’s innate chemistry with the ensemble cast. Hank Palmer is a lawyer who’s still living with a chip on his shoulder, only to have those edges slowly worn off by letting go of his past.

Since it clocks in at 141 minutes, The Judge thankfully doesn’t skimp on character development, and one wonders what David Dobkin left out of his final cut. Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl, Country Strong) is wonderful as a young girl who flirts with Hank at a local bar, but her character is understandably under developed (there’s a ton of story to tell in The Judge). Maybe Meester, as well as Samantha Powell’s (Vera Farmiga) relationship with Hank, will be given a bit more “screen time” with deleted scenes.

As it stands, The Judge is one of this year’s most underrated films, and it’s great to see Robert Downey Jr. in a dramatic role that has nothing to do with the Marvel Universe.

During The Judge press conference, Robert Downey Jr. talked about the universality of the film and the joys of working with Robert Duvall.

The Judge - Warner Brothers Home Entertainment
The Judge – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

 

 

 

 

 

Benedict Cumberbatch On Tolkien & The Hobbit’s Heroic Journey

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (opening December 17) is director Peter Jackson’s third and final installment of Bilbo Baggins’ (Martin Freeman) heroic quest against darkness and the evil dragon known as Smaug (voiced by Freeman’s Sherlock Holmes compatriot Benedict Cumberbatch).

Although J.R.R. Tolkien’s undertaking of Middle Earth towers above the fray with its sheer ambition, much of its resonance originates from the simple theme that each individual, no matter how big or small, can be the hero of their own story. In the quote below, Benedict Cumberbatch talks about Tolkien’s idea of heroism?

“With Tolkien you get the feeling it’s about proving that you don’t have to seem heroic. Heroic actions can come from small people. It’s about levels of sacrifice and that’s what is truly heroic – the small deed or the big deed done by the small person.”

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins - Warner Bros. Pictures & MGM (Photo Credit: Mark Pokorny)
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins – Warner Bros. Pictures & MGM (Photo Credit: Mark Pokorny)

To hear Benedict Cumberbatch talk about the “epic odyssey” that surrounds The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, click on the media bar below: 

TV Spotlight: American Masters: Bing Crosby Rediscovered Airs Tonight

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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It’ll be a “White Christmas” for millions of people this holiday season, and in celebration of the holidays (and a great artist), the documentary American Masters: Bing Crosby Rediscovered premieres tonight at 8 pm on PBS (check local listings).

The installment, which serves as the series’ Season 28 finale, centers on Crosby’s illustrious career and his family life (the movie is also available on DVD per PBS Distribution). The documentary also has a holiday encore presentation on Friday, December 26 on PBS at 9 pm.

Narrated by Oscar nominated actor Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), the project features interviews with Cosby’s widow Kathryn, daughters Mary and his sons Harry and Nathaniel.

(l to r) Nathaniel, Mary and Harry with their parents Kathryn and Bing Crosby as seen in "American Masters: Bing Crosby Rediscovered." Photo credit: Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises
(l to r) Nathaniel, Mary and Harry with their parents Kathryn and Bing Crosby as seen in “American Masters: Bing Crosby Rediscovered.” Photo credit: Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises

The project doesn’t sugarcoat the entertainer’s personal life, as it details his own struggles with his first wife Dixie and their sons Gary (he penned the 1983 memoir Going My Own Way), Dennis, Phillip, and Lindsay. Entertainers Michael Feinstein, Tony Bennett, biographer Garry Giddens, and record producer Ken Barnes are also interviewed for the doc.

“I’ve never seen an entertainer more comfortable in his own skin, more certain of who he was,” says Emmy-winning filmmaker Robert Trachtenberg, whose previous American Masters documentaries include Mel Brooks: Make a Noise, On Cukor, Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer and Cary Grant: A Class Apart. “With the new material I’ve found, I think the breadth, depth and candor of his story will hopefully allow people to see him in a new light.”

Photo credit: Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises
Photo credit: Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises

During his career, Crosby amassed almost 400 hit singles, starred in the popular “Road” films with comedian Bob Hope, and won the Oscar for the 1944 flick Going My Way.

For more info, check out the official site for American Masters.

Madden NFL 15 Holiday Edition Conjures Up “Ghosts of Madden Past”

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0
EA Sports
EA Sports

Football is ramping up with playoffs just around the corner, and EA Sports has released a Holiday Edition of Madden NFL 15 which contains over $20 worth of Ultimate Team content. The digitally exclusive iteration of the game is available on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network through January 12, 2015.

EASmadden15_LOGO_4CB_B&W

Gamers who download the title receive the full version of Madden NFL 15, 10 Pro Packs for Madden Ultimate team, and a Ghosts of Madden Past Pack that includes quarterback legend Dan Marino and former Super Bowl champs  Emmitt Smith (running back) and Ray Lewis (linebacker).

Madden NFL 15 is available for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, as well as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles. For more info, please go to http://www.easports.com/madden-nfl.

Madden NFL 15 - EA SPORTS
Madden NFL 15 – EA SPORTS

Jeff Beck Tour Dates, ZZ Top Reschedule, And New Album Announced

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

Jeff Beck - Mad Ink PR

Guitar god Jeff Beck hits the road early next year on a solo and co-headlining tour with ZZ Top. Beck’s run with ZZ Top are rescheduled dates from September, in which their double bill tour was cut short to an injury sustained by ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill.

“We’re so glad that Dusty made a full recovery and now, we are looking forward to getting back out there and finish what we started,” said Beck, a twice inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist (as a solo musician and as a member of The Yardbirds).

Tickets to Beck’s solo tour is on sale starting December 5. Vocalist Jimmy Hall, bassist Rhonda Smith, drummer Jonathan Joseph, and guitarist Nicolas Meier are joining Beck on the tour.

Along with his tour commitments, Beck is also working on his next solo album which is expected to come out in 2015.

Tour details are below:

April 16              The Paramount                                  Huntington, NY
April 17              The Paramount                                  Huntington, NY
April 18              The Capitol Theatre                         Port Chester, NY
April 19              Orpheum Theatre                              Boston, MA
April 21              Ulster Performing Arts Center       Kingston, NY
April 22              Bergen Performing Arts Center      Englewood, NJ
April 24              Count Basie Theatre                             Red Band, NJ
April 25              The Strand – Capital Performing Arts CTR  York, PA
April 26              The PalaceTheatre                                 Greensburg,PA

With ZZ Top:

April 30          Cedar Park Center                            Cedar Park, TX
May 1               Winstar Casino                                  Thackerville, OK
May 2               Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion  The Woodlands, TX
May 3               Concrete Street                                   Corpus Christi, TX
May 7               MidFlorida Credit Union Amph.    Tampa, FL
May 8               Cruzan Amphitheater                 West Palm Beach, FL
May 9               St. Augustine Amph.                     St. Augustine, FL
May 10            Verizon Wireless Amph.            Alpharetta, GA

Exclusive: ‘Starry Eyes’ Acting Lessons With Alexandra Essoe

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0
Credit: Jay Shaw
Credit: Jay Shaw

The blood red poster for Starry Eyes pretty much says it all, as Alexandra Essoe gives a disturbingly magnetic performance as Sarah, a Hollywood starlet who will do anything to land a promising movie role.

Starry Eyes - Alex Essoe
Starry Eyes – Alex Essoe

Echoing David Lynch’s classic Mulholland Falls and Brian De Palma’s psychological thrillers from the 1970s (Sisters, Carrie), Starry Eyes is as unsettling as the day is long, and if you love creepy, haunting journeys of the soul, Starry Eyes, which is now available on VOD and iTunes, delivers the goods.

I’ve seen a ton of this year’s awards driven performances, and though she won’t receive a huge Oscar campaign push from the major studios, Alexandra Essoe’s work in Starry Eyes is one of my favorite performances this year (she certainly gives Sissy Spacek and Jamie Lee Curtis a run for their money).

Living in the fringes of Hollywood, Sarah has “starry eyes” for A-list actresses of yesteryear, as her apartment wall is adorned with pictures of some of Tinseltown’s most alluring leading ladies. To prep for the role, Alexandra Essoe used Rita Hayworth’s iconic performance in Gilda as a form of inspiration.

Sarah, desperate to see her name in lights, makes the ultimate Faustian bargain in Tinseltown, and unfortunately landing a bigtime movie role leads to a devastating transformation.

During my sit down with Alexandra Essoe, she talked about the keys of staying in the moment as an actress:

For more info on the film, please go to StaryEyesFilm.com.

‘Ace Combat Infinity’ Festival Sale Ends December 2

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

 

For PlayStation 3 gamers yearning to save a bit of cash with their in-game purchases, the free to play title Ace Combat Infinity is holding its “Infinity Festival” sale through December 2.

The sale enables players to purchase the such in-game items as the Ace Combat Infinity Rookie set for $0.99 (its regularly priced at $1.99). If you want to purchase the Unlimited Campaign Play Tickets, you’ll shell out just $14.99 (regular price: $19.99).

Running until December 1, the “Defeat the Butterfly Master” online co-op missions ranking event has gamers competing to earn the most points from their missions. Winners of the event receive a “Butterfly Master” limited emblem and an “MiG-21bis-Sagittarius” limited special aircraft.

For more info the free to play combat flight simulator, go to Ace Combat Infinity official site: http://www.acecombat-infinity.com/.

Bandai Namco Games America
Bandai Namco Games America
Bandai Namco Games America
Bandai Namco Games America

 

 

‘Animal Hospital 3D Africa’ Hits App Store December 4

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

On December 4, publisher Tivola GmbH are publishing Animal Hospital 3D Africa for Apple’s App Store, the Amazon Appstore for Android, and Google Play.

Available in nine languages, the free to play title was nominated for “Best Mobile Kids Game 2014” by the German Game Developer awards jury.

Tivola will also release the apps Dog Hotel 3D, Hippo Sports, and Teddy the Panda in December. All of the titles are kid-centric and for adults who refuse to grow up.

Animal Hospital 3D Africa - Tivola GmbH
Animal Hospital 3D Africa – Tivola GmbH

The trailer for Animal Hospital 3D Africa is below:

 Animal Hospital - 3D Africa (Tivola)

Felicity Jones on ‘The Theory of Everything’ – And Acting

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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1

 

Felicity Jones delivers an inspired performance in The Theory of Everything as Jane Hawking, the woman who spent a substantial portion of her life as Stephen Hawking’s steadfast companion. The critically acclaimed film, now playing nationwide, is based on Jane Hawking’s memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.

Jones also did memorable work last year playing Charles Dickens’ mistress in the Ralph Fiennes directed drama The Invisible Woman (Fiennes played the author), and just from those performances, one would assume Jones’ acting path will continue to grow in a creatively sublime manner.

The Theory of Everything, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones. Credit: Liam Daniel/Focus Features
The Theory of Everything, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones. Credit: Liam Daniel/Focus Features

During The Theory of Everything interviews, I asked Felicity Jones what advice she’d give up and coming actors, and she noted that “stamina” and “determination” are two important qualities to in one’s tool set.

“You’re not acting unless you’re doing it. You’re not an actor unless you’re there doing it with other people. You can’t be an actor in isolation. And so wherever you can – I just started off (with) a local drama group and that’s such a useful way to start acting.” 

To hear Felicity Jones’ full answer to the acting question, please click on the media bar below:

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Trailer & Images Favors The Heart Side

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0
Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios

 

“There’s been an awakening – have you felt it?” – Star Wars: The Force Awakens VO provided by Andy Serkis

I’m still a bit annoyed by the Khan (Benedict Cumberbatch) plotline behind the disappointing Star Trek Into Darkness, but today’s release of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer reminded me that director J.J. Abrams is also a talented craftsman.

His coming of age, sci-fi tale Super 8 definitely tugged at the heartstrings (as well as displayed Abrams’ innate love for filmmaking), and hearing John Williams’ iconic score brought on years of nostalgia – feelings which almost got me choked up (I stayed the course, however and didn’t shed a tear).

Walt Disney Studios also released its first set of images from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, featuring a few new additions to George Lucas’ ever expanding universe. Here’s the set:

Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios

Actress Daisy Ridley feels the need for speed.  I have no idea if Ridley’s cruising around Tattoine or playing two point hit ’em up with a bunch of Sandcrawlers. Needless to say – it’s awesome.

Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios

John Boyega, best known for his work in Attack the Block, is having a very bad (but possibly elucidating) moment. If this picture could speak, I’d venture that Boyega’s storm trooper days are over after looking into what seems to be the face of terror. A switch to the Light Side perhaps?

Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios

I can’t seen anyone but Han Solo in charge of the Millennium Falcon, but one wonders if this rust bucket’s days are numbered. Still, don’t expect two measly TIE fighters to take this baby down!!

Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios

And the winner for most dangerous looking lightsaber goes to . . . Adam Driver. The Girls and What If star is rumored to be playing one of Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ major villains.  I’m guessing he’s a Sith – but I’ve been wrong time and time again.

As for John Williams (I count myself as one of the millions, thanks to his work on Brian De Palma’s horror/thriller The Fury), here’s a bit of good news:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens nationwide December 18, 2015.

So what are your thoughts on the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser and its first images? Did it live up to your expectations? Feel free to comment below!

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