Movie Geeks

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR – Blu Review

Review by Brandon Krzysztof
Films are being released in clusters lately each Tuesday and September 13th continues that trend with CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, one of many sequels released that day. It’s safe to say this was the most anticipated new release of the week. It was released on Steelbook at Best Buy, which was an exclusive. It also had a 3D version with a beautiful slip cover and a standard version without a slip cover which I believe was very weak for the price; it had no digital HD to go with no slip cover for $19.99.

THE SYNOPSIS
After an incident that kills innocent civilians, political interference in the Avengers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man.

THE REVIEW
I saw CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR twice in theaters; once in IMAX 3D on opening night and a second time which was a standard showing later that weekend. On both occasions I gave the film a 4.5/5. Even watching it for a third time in four months, I stand by that rating. Superhero films have been getting a little old for me but in this one I really enjoyed the tension and continuous conflict throughout the run time. The airport scene was gold. It was what everyone wanted to see and it delivered. My favorite parts of the film were definitely Black Panther, Bucky, and Spider-Man. And in case you were wondering… Team Cap all the way.
4.5/5
THE QUALITY
Once again Disney did not release this film with a 4K transfer but it really doesn’t matter because it sounds and looks immaculate on blu-ray. The dialogue is clear enough to hear and the bass on my subwoofer was booming. I felt like I was back in the theater. It is definitely a must own and makes any home theater better.

THE FEATURES

Just like The Jungle Book, the blu-ray is loaded with features, actually longer ones that The Jungle Book. I was very content.

The first featurette, United We Stand, Divided We Fall: The Making of Captain America: Civil War, is a two part behind-the-scenes look at the film at all stages through pre-production to post-production and everything in between. I love seeing how a film comes together and these two parts, which total 45 minutes, delivers. Cast interviews, transferring the comic to screen, shooting certain scenes, etc. Very informative feature.

The second and third featurette, Captain America: The Road to Civil War and Iron Man: The Road to Civil War, are both just over 4 minutes each and they both dive in to the character’s role in the split and performances by the actors.

The fourth featurette, Open Your Mind: Marvel’s Doctor Strange, is just over four minutes and is a quick sneak peak into Marvel’s next big film, Doctor Strange.

The audio commentary is with directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, along with writers, Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. They cover all sorts of information about the film, set design, characters, and the whole nine yards. It’s such a long movie so right after watching the film, I’d let it resonate before watching this; perhaps on a rainy day.

There also is funny gag reel and a few deleted/extended scenes that didn’t quite make it the film.

THE VERDICT

Captain America: Civil War is fun film that you can watch either by yourself or with a group of friends. You can put it on at any point and be invested it. The blu-ray looks and sounds great and is loaded with features. I’m sure Marvel fans rushed out this Tuesday to add this to their collection. I’m not a die-hard Marvel fan but I sure did.

QUICK BONUS REVIEW

Now You See Me 2 was released the week before and my girlfriend saw a screening of it and theaters and we decided to do a marathon of the two films and it was by far one of the most marathons I’ve endured. The first film was okay, I gave it a 2.5/5. But this second one was awful. It is a certified 1/5 for me. The 4K picture really wasn’t mind blowing and the plot and tricks and stuff were so far-fetched. If I offended you, I apologize but this film wasn’t for me.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @bksta
Instagram: @bksta
Letterboxd: @bksta
http://youtube.com/bek14

This Week’s WAMG Podcast – BRIDGET JONES BABY, SNOWDEN, MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, and More!

This week’s episode of our podcast WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS The Show is up! Hear WAMG’s Jim Batts and Tom Stockman talk movies. Our guest in the studio this week is Lynn Venhaus, film critic for The Belleville News Democrat and the Kirkwood/Webster Times. We’ll discuss the weekend box office and review SNOWDEN, MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, DISAPPOINTMENTS ROOM, BRIDGET JONES BABY, THE HOLLARS and QUEEN OF KATWE. We’ll talk about the CAPTAIN AMERICA CIVIL WARS Blu-ray and disccuss all the movie-related events going on in St. Louis.

Here’s this week’s show. Have a listen:

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN In St. Louis

Director Antoine Fuqua brings his modern vision to a classic story in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Columbia Pictures’ THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. With the town of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard), the desperate townspeople, led by Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett), employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns – Sam Chisolm (Denzel Washington), Josh Faraday (Chris Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), Jack Horne (Vincent D’Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Byung-Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier). As they prepare the town for the violent showdown that they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money.

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN is in theaters September 23rd.

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

Answer the following:

Name the seven cast members from the original 1960 film.

Name the composer of the original 1960 film.

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for Extended and Intense Sequences of Western Violence, and for Historical Smoking, Some Language and Suggestive Material.

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Win A Family Four Pack Of Passes To The Advance Screening Of STORKS In St. Louis

Get ready to bring the whole flock to the advance screening of STORKS!

Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for global internet giant Cornerstore. Starring Andy Samberg, Jennifer Aniston, Kelsey Grammar, Ty Burrell, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Danny Trejo, Stephen Kramer Glickman and Katie Crown, and from the studio that delivered THE LEGO MOVIE, see STORKS in theaters September 23!

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win FOUR (4) seats to the advance screening of STORKS on September 17 at 10AM in the St. Louis area.

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

Rated PG or mild action and some thematic elements.

http://www.storksmovie.com/

This Week’s WAMG Podcast – SULLY, COMPLETE UNKNOWN and More!

This week’s episode of our podcast WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS The Show is up! Hear WAMG’s Jim Batts and Tom Stockman talk movies. Our guest in the studio this week is Lynn Venhaus, film critic for The Belleville News Democrat and the Kirkwood/Webster Times. Michelle McCue will call in to discuss the weekend box office and we’ll review SULLY, BLAIR WITCH, COMPLETE UNKNOWN, and IMPERIUM. We’ll also take a look at all of the film events going on locally and we’ll pay tribute to the late Gene Wilder.

Here’s this week’s show. Have a listen:

STARVING THE BEAST – Review

Review by Stephen Tronicek

The closest movie that one could compare STARVING THE BEAST too is last years masterful comedy, THE BIG SHORT. They share very rapid fire pacing structures, feature interesting true to life characters, and both manage to be hilarious and at the same time completely terrifying. Starving the Beast is a great documentary, one that bombards you with opinions and information at such a pace that while much like in the aforementioned Short, you probably won’t be able to fully grasp the concepts at hand, the overall idea worms its way into your head and shocks you.

STARVING THE BEAST happens to be about the complex political dealings that come with public higher education reform, mainly the effects that have come with it at the University of Texas, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, and a variety of other schools.

The presentation of this information is the best thing that STARVING THE BEAST actually does. It’s less interested in a definitive truth and more in the tensions that arrive when the more liberal and conservative aspects of the reform argument collide over the issue, and in presenting both sides Starving the Beast gives itself the beautiful advantage of levity. There’s a certain level of intensity to the back and forths, that while somewhat confusing, is so palatable that you can’t help but almost laugh and gawk at the speed of it all. It helps that the film is cut fast blowing through heaps of information, and never really letting up as the speed of the pacing compliments the more heated aspects of the argument.

As entertaining as that is, the implications here are pretty terrifying. The impending doom that was bursting through the seams of THE BIG SHORT is present in this movie, but it’s in real time. This is a documentary, not a dramatic work. Higher education is important, higher education is a goal of many Americans. Starving the Beast shows us how the entire thing is falling apart under the strains of political and financial burdens. The propelling pace, for as much levity it provides, is tinged with the feeling of bottomed out terror that this perspective provides. This makes the film both compelling in its debate structure, but also in the twisting adrenaline that comes from the consequences just beyond the frame.

“Levity and terror” sounds like a broken up oxymoron, but the results are quite literally breathtaking. STARVING THE BEAST is a documentary about politics and dealings, yet feels just as intense and pulse-pounding as last years, Cartel Land. As a documentary, it jumps around a little too quickly for audience understanding, but it trades more complex understandings for the brisk pace that makes it a very good film.

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of BLAIR WITCH In St. Louis

A group of college students venture into the forest in Maryland to uncover the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of James’ sister who many believe is connected to the legend of the Blair Witch. At first the group is hopeful, especially when a pair of locals offer to act as guides through the dark and winding woods, but as the endless night wears on, the group is visited by a menacing presence. Slowly, they begin to realize the legend is all too real and more sinister than they could have imagined.

The film is directed by Adam Wingard and written by Simon Barrett.

BLAIR WITCH opens on September 16.

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of BLAIR WITCH on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

Answer the following:

What is the name of the forest from the original 1999 film?

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

Visit the the official site: www.blairwitch.com

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of BRIDGET JONES’S BABY In St. Louis

Oscar® winners Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth are joined by Patrick Dempsey for the next chapter of the world’s favorite singleton in BRIDGET JONES’S BABY. Directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’s Diary), the new film in the beloved comedy series based on creator Helen Fielding’s heroine finds Bridget unexpectedly expecting.

After breaking up with Mark Darcy (Firth), Bridget Jones’s (Zellweger) “happily ever after” hasn’t quite gone according to plan. Fortysomething and single again, she decides to focus on her job as top news producer and surround herself with old friends and new. For once, Bridget has everything completely under control. What could possibly go wrong?

Then her love life takes a turn and Bridget meets a dashing American named Jack (Dempsey), the suitor who is everything Mr. Darcy is not. In an unlikely twist she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch…she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby’s father.

BRIDGET JONES’S BABY Open In Theaters September 16.

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of BRIDGET JONES’S BABY on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

Answer the following:

What is your favorite romantic comedy?

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

RATING: BRIDGET JONES’S BABY has been rated R (Restricted – Under 17 Requires
Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) for language, sex references and some nudity.

Visit the official site: www.bridgetjonesmovie.com

WAMG Giveaway – Win A DVD Copy Of THE DARKNESS

In a story inspired by true events, a family accidentally unleashes an ancient terror when they return home from a vacation in The Darkness, on Digital HD now and on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand on September 6, 2016 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Starring Kevin Bacon (Black Mass, X-Men: First Class) and produced by Blumhouse Productions’ Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, Insidious, The Purge), The Darkness delivers spine-tingling chills as a father (Bacon) tries to save his family from the demonic forces that have invaded their lives.

The Blu-ray^™ and DVD showcase chilling exclusive bonus content including a shocking never-before-seen alternate ending and deleted scenes.

From the producers of The Purge and Insidious, comes this terrifying supernatural thriller starring Kevin Bacon (Black Mass, X-Men: First Class) and Radha Mitchell (London has Fallen, Silent Hill). When their young son (David Mazouz, TV’s Gotham) brings home five mystical stones he found on their family’s camping trip to the Grand Canyon, Peter (Bacon) and Bronny (Mitchell) begin to notice strange things happening in their house. Having awakened dark forces bound to the rocks, the family fights for survival as malicious demons feed off their fears and threaten to destroy them.

Bonus Features on Blu-ray^™and DVD

Deleted Scenes
Exclusive never before seen shocking alternate ending

Order it on Amazon HERE.

See our list for the Scariest Children in Horror Film HERE.

For a chance to win a DVD copy of the film:

ENTER YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW. WE WILL CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE A WINNER.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.

2. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.

No purchase necessary.

www.uphe.com/movies/the-darkness

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – DVD:
Street Date: September 6, 2016
Copyright: 2016 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 61164368 (US)/ 61164372 (CDN)
Running Time: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Layers: Dual Layer
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Rating: Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some disturbing violence, brief sensuality and language
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1/DVS Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles

(Photo Credit: Universal Home Entertainment)

Scariest Children in Horror Film

In honor of upcoming film THE DARKNESS, we’ve put together a list of some of the scariest and down-right horrifying children in film!

When a family’s young son brings home five mystical stones he found on their family’s camping trip to the Grand Canyon, they begin to notice strange things happening in their house. Having awakened dark forces bound to the rocks, the family fights for survival as malicious demons feed off their fears and threaten to destroy them.

From the director of the cult classic, WOLF CREEK, Greg McLean, comes the supernatural thriller THE DARKNESS.

THE DARKNESS stars Kevin Bacon, Radha Mitchell, David Mazouz, Lucy Fry, Matt Walsh and Jennifer Morrison. Directed by Greg McLean and written by McLean, Shayne Armstrong and S.P. Krause, the film was produced by Jason Blum, Bianca Martino and Matt Kaplan.

THE DARKNESS will be released on DVD, Blu-Ray and VOD on September 6th.

For your viewing pleasure here’s a list of scariest children in horror film, starting with Michael in THE DARKNESS!

(Photo Credit: Universal Home Entertainment)

THE DARKNESS

In THE DARKNESS, young Michael beings to act strange. With odd occurrences in the house and his unusual behavior it is clear something is not right. What sort of supernatural forces did Michael awaken and can the family survive?

(Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment)

THE EXORCIST

Caption: As one of the most horrifying movies in history The Exorcist had to make our list! Though Reagan herself is an innocent and sweet child, after being possessed by a demon she is truly what nightmares are made of. From Reagan’s head spinning to her chilling voice, this iconic character will haunt viewers for years to come.

(Photo Credit: STX Productions)

THE BOY

Not exactly a real child, THE BOY is still terrifying in his own right. An American nanny is shocked that her new English family’s son is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive!

(Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox)

THE OMEN

Damien is definitely one the scariest children of horror. After mysterious deaths, an American official fears the worst, that the child he is raising may actually be the Antichrist. Damien’s piercing stare alone could give us nightmares!

(Photo Credit: DreamWorks Distribution)

THE RING

Caption: Samara from The Ring scared audiences far and wide! Promising her victims only seven days to live, Samara evokes true terror. The horror only grows as we learn the truth of Samara’s past and where she came from.

(Photo Credit: A24)

THE WITCH

It’s 1630 and Thomasin is the eldest daughter of a New England family. When the family’s infant son mysteriously vanishes and their crops fail the family beings to turn on each other. Are witch craft and sorcery to blame? When the family beings to suspect Thomasin are their fears simply paranoia or is she really as evil as they believe her to be.

(Photo Credit: Dark Castle Holdings)

ORPHAN

Nine-year old Esther is adopted into a loving family, but soon her adoptive mother brings to feel she is disturbed and causing havoc in their household. Esther scares us even more when we learn her troubled history and being realizing she is not all she pretends to be.

(Photo Credit: Warner Bros.)

THE SHINING

“Come play with us, Danny.” An iconic line that sends chills up our spine every time! The Grady twins from The Shining are iconic horror figures for a good reason. Creepily asking young Danny to play with them “forever, and ever” is one of the most haunting and unforgettable moments in horror movie history.

(Photo Credit: MGM Home Entertainment)

CARRIE

Stephen King’s stories always fill us with fear! Adapted from the novel, Carrie is a social outcast in high school, but soon her classmates and mother unleash a power within her that turns prom night into a deadly affair.

(Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures)

CHILDREN OF THE CORN

In another Stephen King classic, this group of children is terrifying, but their leader Isaac is especially scary. His power of manipulation and loyal followers endanger anyone who comes near.

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