Random Film of the Week: FRENZY

Posted on May 2, 2013 by geelw

FRENZY poster While the middle to late 1960’s weren’t too good for Alfred Hitchcock’s film output, his fantastic 1972 thriller, FRENZY saw the director return to fine form with a chilling blend of murder, “wrong man” plot, police procedural (of sorts) and black comedy. Between the solid casting of mostly imperfect-looking British actors, actual London locations blended perfectly with studio sets, a bit of nudity and one very unsettling (and lengthy) assault/murder scene that’s shocking but necessary to drive the plot, this is one of those films where you can feel the director’s complete confidence in himself, his cast and crew.

Right from the opening notes of Ron Goodwin’s somewhat regal (and intentionally pompous, I’ve always thought) main theme, the film doesn’t skip a beat before delivering its first corpse, a nude woman who washes up during a politician’s waterside speech about cleaning up the Thames River. Keep an eyeball peeled for Hitch’s requisite cameo and get your smile in, as things are going to get darker in Merry Olde London soon enough…
Continue reading →

Fast & Furious 6 (!) Trailer: Wishing For A “Thelma & Louise” Finale (Please)…

Posted on April 28, 2013 by geelw

Yeesh. I still can’t believe this crash cow franchise has run this damn long, but hey – I’m not the one buying up all those tickets. The last thing I heard, the “crew” split a big fat multimillion dollar payoff, which would in the real world, make ME disappear forever to some nice country that’s not sinking under riots and bad government with my stupidly large game collection so I can finally finish a bunch of games and reviews. “Fatima, peel me a grape!” and all that. Anyway, here we go again and yep, it’ll rake in another mint no matter what the critics say. Oh well, I guess it’s better than seeing a TV series popping up and becoming a big “hit” on cable or whatever. Then I’d need to write something snarky every seven days or so and burn out from all the bad car puns I’d need to come up with. Oh well… I guess one more go-round for this franchise is a good thing after all…

Despicable Me 2 Toy Profile of the Week (9): A Little Traveling Music, Please!

Posted on April 20, 2013 by geelw

When Minions need a quick get-around
and their feet can’t touch solid ground
You’d best believe that pound for pound
That Minon Mobile’s mighty sound

With Minion Tim right at the wheel
(he’s got a license he didn’t steal!)
He’s got that “get there fast!” appeal
(just listen to those tires squeal!)

Yep, Thinkway Toys has whipped this up
to blaze right past your cat or pup
Whether you’re a kid or young grownup
You’ll want this ride without holdup!

Shown:

Minion Mobile (9”)
Age: 4+; Approximate Retail Price: $39.99
• Includes Voice, Lights and Sounds
• 10+ Sayings
• Comes with Minion Tim Driver

Available at a toy retailer near you starting in May. Despicable Me 2 is in theaters on July 2, 2013.

Despicable Me 2 Toy Profile of the Week (8): New, Yet Nostalgic…

Posted on April 12, 2013 by geelw

This week’s peek’s not plush or plastic,
But two board classics quite fantastic.
And one old viewer from the past
(like older models, built to last).

Hasbro’s grand Monopoly
goes DM2-themed, as you see
The rules, the same, the fun, so great
That special box, you just can’t hate!

And Operation! – another winner,
Make sure to play it after dinner
poking that Minion may gross you out
(But that’s subject to quite some doubt)

That Viewmaster, yes, it’s so cute
That Minion’s mug is such a hoot
From Fischer-Price and Basic Fun
they’re teaming up for everyone.

You’ll want to buy all of these things
(I hope your car’s got mighty wings)
Your home will be packed to the roof
Big DM2 Fan? You’re THE proof!

Shown above:

Hasbro’s MONOPOLY: Despicable Me 2 Edition Game – The MONOPOLY game has never been this mischievous! Assemble the Minions! Gru is back with a villainous plan to take over the MONOPOLY game. Spin the Minion to make your move, collect Banana Bucks fast, and own all your favorite Despicable Me properties. Suggested retail price: $19.99

Hasbro’s OPERATION: Despicable Me 2 Edition Game– Whaaa’?! Stuart’s having a bad, bad day. He accidentally swallowed some unicorn fluff, his noggin’s gone nutty, and his tongue is toxic! What’s a Minion to do?! Operate! It’s the same classic OPERATION game fun, plus the wacky humor of Minions! Suggested retail price: $19.99.

Despicable Me 2 View Master® – See your favorite Despicable Me characters like never before – in vivid View Master 3D! In partnership with Fisher-Price, Basic Fun has developed the Despicable Me 2 View Master including a new internal design that provides a 50% brighter and larger image with a smoother operation and a new focus on 3D adventures featuring 21 images (across three reels) to tell the Despicable Me story. Suggested retail price: $9.99 (viewer), $4.99 (reel pack), $14.99 (gift set including the viewer, three reels and a branded case)

Despicable Me 2 toys and other licensed products will be available at retailers nationwide beginning in May 2013. Despicable Me 2 hits theaters on July 3, 2013.

Oblivion Trailer: Can We Just Send Tom Cruise Into Space Instead?

Posted on April 7, 2013 by geelw

OK, here we go. I’m really not much of a fan of the guy these days, as his real-life issues with real people get in the way of me enjoying anything he’s done over the past few years. He’s been in some good to great films, yes… but all I think when I see any character he plays is of someone who ~~thinks~~ KNOWS he’s better than all of us who aren’t him and he’s got all the best ideas bottled up in his perfect little head and even thought he’ll bend your ear off yakking about them, Nyah, Nyah, you can’t be like him at all because he’s got the bestest destiny in the world (or out of this world). Bleh. I’d rather give myself an eyewash with century old absinthe in a dirty bottle than see this one, but for those of you who want to, go right on ahead. If you DO go, I have an idea: I say ALL the proceeds from this latest soon to be released TC love-fest should go to getting that man onto the next rocket to Mars one way and that’s that. Pack in a few of his deluded pals for company and toss in a film camera or two so we can see the messy results of an ego trip gone haywire. So, yeah – that’s an endorsement from me to check this out.

Just think of it as helping out a really good charity at the end of the day…

Despicable Me 2 Toy Profile of the Week (7): Put Your Hands (And Minions) Together!

Posted on April 6, 2013 by geelw

Two more minions of nostalgic design
Can soon be yours (and perhaps mine)
They’re made in quite a famous shape
(I say “Potato!”, not “Egg!” nor “Grape!”)

Minion Carl, he’s that hot tater tot
Build him as you like (and don’t spare a part!)
Well, you can’t quite make him double-faced
That would be weird (and quite hard to place!).

And as for Minion Mr. Tim,
I’d say many will fall for him
He’s quite the master of disguise
With mustache, hat and beady eyes!

Both come to you from Thinkway Toys
And make great gifts for girls or boys.
And collectors with shelf space to spare
Will also want to grab this pair!

Shown above, Despicable Me 2 Build-A-Minion (7” Model Kits)

Build Mr. Tim Minion/Party Minion
Build Baby Carl/Party Minion

Age: 4+; Approximate Retail Price: $14.99

Available starting in May at a toy retailer near you. Despicable Me 2 hits theaters on July 3, 2013.

Kick-Ass 2 Trailer: Alternate Reality Check, Please…

Posted on April 5, 2013 by geelw

Well, I guess a world full of Iron Man suits zipping around is whole hell of a lot better thing to imagine than one where every super-powered wannabee was completely and unflinchingly NUTS, right? Imagine the “crimes” being dealt with by costumed crazies that thought the smallest offense was punishable by a beat-down or worse? Well, that’s been done a few times in comics, books and films, so I won’t cover that ground again. That said, Kick-Ass 2 looks like it’ll be a winner, provided the culture here isn’t too turned off by the ultra-violence. Fat chance on that, by the way, as we seem to LOVE being outraged by mass media more than actual violence in some cases. “This town NEEDS an enema!” Indeed. From the brain down, folks…

The Purge Trailer: Hmmm… There’s A Joke in There Somewhere…

Posted on April 4, 2013 by geelw

Joke, what joke? Oh, something about how binging on too many horror flicks can lead to tossing one’s cookies afterwards. And NOT because they’re particularly scary horror flicks, mind you. I’m actually not a big fan of these home invasion sub-genre nasties because they tend to be more mean-spirited than actually scary. Anyway, I guess a little star power and solid acting can help any project, but the premise here (and in the rest of this sub-genre) is usually more disturbing than freaky because we already have criminals who act like this running around in some places. Hmmm… I guess that IS scary to most folks at the end of the day. Lock your doors! Cloooooose your windows! Put a bear trap out as a welcome mat! And that’s so you don’t LEAVE your house to go see this one (har, har)…

Despicable Me 2 Toy Profile of the Week (6): Some New Grus to Grow on You…

Posted on March 29, 2013 by geelw

This week’s peek’s a big triple threat
All Grus to ogle (and for you to get).
Thinkway Toys is working quite hard
To make you work off that winter lard
By rushing to and from the store
(But for you that’s not some useless chore!)

The first Gru’s The Collector’s Edition
His cool features, they’ll have you wishin’
that your other flick figures moved so much
or responded to your very touch.

Gru number two’s the Talking Genius one
He’s packed with features that are quite fun
25 quotes, plus moving legs and arms
Are only a few of his smarty charms

The final Gru’s got an H20 Shooter,
that’s made to stop that Minion looter
(Well, if things work just as they should
and not if that water gun’s made of wood!)

All can be yours, and very soon
Just count the days ’til that weird moon
Or better yet, hit the stores in May,
and take home some great stuff for play!

Pictured above, three more Collectible figures from the upcoming Despicable Me 2 toy line: Age: 4+; Approximate retail pricing and details below the jump. All will be available starting in May at a retailer near you! Continue reading →

Riddick Teaser Trailer: Reasonable Follow Up, Or A Riddick-ulous Dim Weasel Production?

Posted on March 24, 2013 by geelw

Hmmmm… I guess this is good news, but I personally don’t know anyone who was dying to see a new Riddick flick. Granted, the best thing to come out of the films was the 2004 Xbox exclusive game from Starbreeze, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (which is NOT a traditional “licensed” game per se, as it’s an entirely original story that links into the narrative about the character’s history rather than tie into a specific film) and yes, Pitch Black was and is pretty cool after all these years. But that last film was kind of overblown to some degree and I’ve never been able to sit through it again after seeing it once. Eh, well perhaps the third time’s the charm, as it’s an interesting anti-hero and yes, some actors do get better as they mature. I’m just not holding my breath for greatness nor lining up early at this point, especially in this fast countdown to the home video release every new movie is on these days…

(or as usual, We Shall See…)