Inside Man Blu-Ray Review

Movie 4.5/5.0
Picture 5.0/5.0
Audio 4.5/5.0
Extras 3.0/5.0

Starring: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster
Directed by: Spike Lee

The film begins in medias res with Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) narrating his plight in the confines of an undisclosed cell, musing about the difference between a cell and a prison. Shortly afterwards, he begins in narration to describe the "perfect" plan for a bank robbery.

The robbery begins in flashback as robbers, dressed as painters and utilizing aliases under variants of the name "Steve," enter a bank, disable the security cameras, and seize control. All customers and bank employees are herded into the basement, where they are forced to surrender their keys and cell phones and change into painter uniforms and face masks identical to the robbers'. The hostages are locked into several rooms; periodically the robbers rotate them and sometimes place themselves in among the hostages at various points.

Meanwhile, the police surround the bank. Detectives Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) and Bill Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) introduce themselves to Captain Darius (Willem Dafoe) and briefly discuss the situation. Russell demands that the police provide food, and they provide pizzas with electronic bugs in the boxes. They overhear conversations in a foreign language identified as Albanian. Eventually, they discover that the conversations are in fact propaganda recordings of deceased Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha, implying that the robbers knew or guessed at the attempted surveillance.

After being informed of the robbery in progress, Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer), chairman of the board of directors and founder of the bank, hires "fixer" Madeleine White (Jodie Foster) to try to arrange for the contents of his safe deposit box at the bank to remain secret. White meets with the mayor, then manipulates Frazier to let her talk with Russell. Mentioning the special interests she wants to protect, she persuades Russell to let her enter the bank to talk. When White requests access to the safe deposit box, Russell shows her a document bearing a swastika symbol, suggesting that Case received money, enough to fund his bank, from the Nazis during World War II for unspecified services that resulted in Jewish deaths. Russell reveals his motivation, saying, "All lies, they stink; you can cover them up for a while but they don't go away." After assuring Russell that Case will make him a very wealthy man if he destroys or covers up this document, White leaves.

Attempting a bluff, Frazier informs Russell that the plane he demanded is ready but he needs to confirm that all the hostages are safe before permitting them to leave. Russell allows him to enter the bank, and escorts Frazier around the building. As they check the hostages, they discuss the situation, and also Frazier's desire to propose to his girlfriend, something which Russell suggests he should do regardless of finances. Upon exiting the bank, Frazier attempts to overpower Russell, but another robber comes to Russell's aid. Russell lets Frazier leave unharmed with seemingly no repercussion for his attack. Frazier tells his colleagues that he intentionally tried to provoke Russell, but as Russell failed to harm him, he believes Russell is not a killer. Soon after, the robbers call and direct the police to point their cameras to a specific second-floor window where a hostage is executed. An enraged Frazier confronts Russell again, demanding to know the robbers' true intentions. Russell simply replies that Frazier is, "too damn smart to be a cop".

The execution incident prompts the ESU team into action, and they plan to raid the building, using rubber bullets to knock everyone out. Frazier, however, discovers that the written message inside a drawer Russell sent contains a hidden transmitter. He orders Captain Darius to recall his men, but Darius ignores him.

Inside the bank, Russell overheard the conversation between Darius and Frazier and is alarmed that the police plan to move in. The robbers detonate smoke bombs throughout the bank and release the hostages, resulting in a horde of identically dressed people exiting through the smoke in mass confusion. The police detain and interrogate everyone. However, the police are unable to distinguish the robbers from among the hostages, even Russell. The hostage execution is revealed to have been faked, the robbers' weapons turn out to be non-working replicas, and nothing appears to have been stolen, prompting Frazier's superiors to order him to bury the case.

Frazier, however, searches the bank's records and finds that safe deposit box #392 has never appeared on any records since the bank's founding in 1948. He obtains a search warrant to open it. He is then confronted by White, who informs him of Case's Nazi dealings. She attempts to persuade Frazier to drop his investigation, reminding him that she has held up her end of their deal (guaranteeing his promotion and returning money he was implicated in stealing prior to the events of the movie). He refuses, pointing out that he never agreed to such a deal, and plays back their earlier conversation from a secret audio recording pen, ensuring he is protected.

White confronts Case about his Nazi connections, and he confesses everything to her. She correctly surmises that the safe deposit box must have contained diamonds and that these were the robbers' true objective; Case then specifies a Cartier diamond ring, belonging to a Jewish friend whom he betrayed to the Nazis in exchange for money. Case is remorseful over his past, and had since engaged in international philanthropy to try to assuage his guilt.

Russell's opening monologue is then repeated, but with the revelation that Russell is in fact hiding behind a fake wall erected inside the bank's supply room, thus revealing him as the titular "Inside Man", for he has been inside the bank all along. He emerges a week after the incident, with the contents of Case's safe deposit box (including the documents and numerous small bags containing diamonds) in his backpack. As he exits the bank, he deliberately bumps into Detective Frazier, who does not recognize him. Russell's associates meet him in an SUV outside the bank. Asked about the missing ring, Russell assures them he has left it "in good hands."

Frazier opens the safe deposit box and finds a gum wrapper, along with the Cartier ring and a message: "Follow the ring." Frazier confronts Case, informing him of his intention to investigate the ring. He finds White, telling her that the ring was linked to Case's past. He offers White the pen with the recording and gives her a card for the Office of War Crimes Issues at the U.S. State Department to request they investigate the situation.

After his final encounter with White, Frazier goes home and finds a loose multi-carat diamond in his pocket, realizing it must have been slipped to him by the man he bumped into in the bank, and that man must have been Russell. As the movie ends, it is implied that Frazier will use the diamond to propose to his girlfriend.

This 2006 bank robbery suspense film gets a great recommendation from me.
During the action scenes, you hear every detail there is; tires squeal as they drive up to the bank, the rustle of Washington's beard against his shirt. Every detail you can hear.
overall recommendation: 9/10

Anyone There?

is anyone out there actually reading my posts?

Happy New Year!

why do we celebrate it over and over and over again?!? seriously, we all know it's gonna be the same routine thru the new year as last year. we make new years resolutions and how many of us actually keep em?

as for me I'm gonna be working and doing nothing for the celebration. it's the same junk year after year. and it's a waste of money on fireworks. "Oohh ahhh, wow look at that one!" it's the same every time there's fireworks.
they're noisy, dangerous and a hell of a mess to pick up in the morning. that's if you're neighbors ever do pick em up. oh and how many house fires happen in the few hours that we can blow fireworks up?

New Years Eve/New Years Day are special as in the end of the year/beginning of the new year. but that's all. and why do we call it happy? how many of us are going to be truly happy throughout the entire year? seriously?

The Smell Of Success DVD Review

Movie 2/5
Extras 0/5

Starring:   Teà Leoni, Billy Bob Thorton & Ed Helms.
Directed By:  Michael Polish

When a tragic accident ends the life of Mr. Roses, the genius behind Roses Manure Company, his cosmetics salesgirl daughter Rosemary (Teà Leoni) must take control of a company that's about to go under. Determined to find a way to turn the foul into financial profits.

This movie was only entertaining just for the fact of who played in the movie. The story was ok, but could have been played out better.


*****I don't know about you, but his for me was a one time (ever) to watch this.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes Blu-Ray Review

Movie 5/5
Audio 5/5
Picture 5/5
Extras 4/5

Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Tom Felton
Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rise Of The best Planet Of the Apes since the original back in 1968.

An origin story set in present day San Francisco, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.

As the movies' title says.....it really is the Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes. the movie starts out slow and introducing you to the characters and then introducing you to Caesar , the future leader of the Apes.
When an unfortunate incident happens involving Caesar and escaping into the neighbor hood, he is put into sanctuary of other apes. After being with other apes for the first time, Caesar wants to stay with them. And that leads to the eventual escape of all of the apes.

And the start of The Rise Of The Apes.

In the end Caesar speaks to Franco, whispers " Caesar is home"

Caesar is played by the wonderful Andy Serkis. He has a great eye for playing computer generated characters. He previously play Gollum in the Lord of the Ring series.

****I give the blu-ray release my best recommendation possible. This is one of my favorite movies this year.

The Debt Blu-Ray Review

• Movie
• 4.5/5
• Picture
• 4/5
• Audio
• 4.5/5

The espionage thriller begins in 1997, as shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stefan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds). All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio (portrayed by Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas, and Sam Worthington) tracked down Nazi war criminal Vogel (Jesper Christensen) in East Berlin. At great risk, and at considerable personal cost, the team's mission was accomplished - or was it? The suspense builds in and across two different time periods, with startling action and surprising revelations.

Of the past few Spy thriller movies out there this is one that you must NOT miss!

SUPER 8 Blu-Ray Review

Picture - 9/10
Audio - 9.5/10
Movie - 10/10

SUPER 8 is superb!

There is a lot to tell about this movie but if pretty much if I tell anything it'll ruin the story. The trailers for the movie are about the only thing I can tell you without giving away any of the secrets this movie held.
Ever since the first teaser premiered last summer (2010). This project was so secretive that even the actors were only allowed a few pages of the script at a time. J.J. Abrams has done it again with that excellent mind of his. Cloverfield, Star Trek reboot and now SUPER 8; I'm giving this blu-ray release my SUPER recommendation to buy this ASAP.

Conan The Barbarian - 2011 Blu-Ray Review

Picture - 8.5/10
Audio - 9/10
Movie - 3/10

"BORN ON THE BATTLEFIELD"
rather
BORED ON THE BATTLEFIELD

My God, what's wrong with Hollywood? No originality these days?!? I was so bored and tired from this I HAD TO find something else to do to stay up through out this very slow, but full of action movie.
This remake by LionsGate, is full of action, and some not so great acting.
Of all the remakes/reboots, new imaginings all Hollywood does is just put a beautiful leading lady and and good looking lead actor.
With Conan, they got an unknown to play Conan (Jason Mamoa), Tamara, Conan's love interest (Rachel Nichols (G.I. Joe)), the bad guy Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang (Avatar)) & Conan's father (Ron Pearlman (Hellboy)).

If they do remake Conan The destroyer, I for the love of god, hope the acting is better, and it's not as boring as the first.

Final Word: Conan is one of those of those movies you'll watch once and probably not again for a long long time, unless you really have nothing else to watch. I will give props to the brave woman (only a couple in the movie, and including Rachel Nichols during a love-making scene) for showing their breasts. Thank You for that!

Whom To Contact?

Who knows someone or a company that can send out products for reviewing on my blog? I would like to review movies. Even electronics. Heck if LG or Sony or Panasonic or Samsung is reading this, I would review a 3DTV of theirs, mine is staring to go out, it's a 10yo old rear projection bulky tv. I have been dying to have a 3DTV since they came out. Like I said in a previous post, I'm blu-ray 3D combo packs, but I don't have a 3DTV.
Thanks in advance!

3D Star Wars Trailer

here is the trailer for the upcoming Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace


http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/fox/swepisodeone3d/

Blu-Ray 3D combo packs

Just bought the Cars 2 3DBD & Captain America 3DBD. I don't know why I buy them but I do. I don't even have a 3DTV yet, I guess in the back of my mind I know I'll have one, some day soon.
But what's cool is, it still has the Blu-Ray, DVD and digital copies. So I'm getting a good deal anyway.

Quick question for anyone?

Does anyone know If there is free local advertising out there, radio or even tiny tv spots?
I ask because right now my employer is only relying word of mouth.
Just reply and I'll contact you for more info

The Lion King (Diamond Edition) - Blu-Ray Review

tFirst off The Lion King is my favorite classic Disney film. When I heard they were re-releasing it 3D, I said they're just milking it for more money. Which they sorta did. But, When I went and saw it, I was mesmerized at how much I had forgotten.


Scale is on a 10 point scale
Movie    -    9.5
Picture   -    10
Audio    -    9.5
Extras    -    6.5
Average -   8.9/10

Upon entering into the main title screen, I saw a great presentation of the picture quality that was to come. I went through the menus and and finally went on to press play. There were options to play the movie with "Disney Second Screen", which I've never played with. And there was also a Sing-A-Long version of the film, that will defiantly be a hit with the kids.

The Lion King jumps off the screen with the amazing restoration given to this classic. Disney has updated this classic with an aspect ration of 1.85:1, a video codec of MPEG-4 AVC, and full 1080p presentation.
Now, I didn't get to experience the full experience of the 1080p presentation, because I have an older 720p rear projection. But I do stand by what I say, the picture/ restoration is outstanding, the full blow of the colors and bright images. 

The audio on the other hand of DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 Surround Sound, sounded magnificent even though I only had a 5.1 surround sound system. The action scenes as well as the song scenes were well beyond greatness.

I give Disney's latest my greatest appreciation and my overall Recommendation.

Here is a outline of all the features on the disc:

• Disney Second Screen (HD): Sync The Lion King and your computer or iPad with this downloadable app to enjoy content including interactive games, storyboards and concept art from the film, animation tests and more.
• Audio Commentary: Producer Don Hahn and co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff deliver a lively audio commentary sure to delight fans of the film. Don't look for it in the "Bonus Features" menu, though. It only appears as an option after selecting "Play Movie."
• Pride of The Lion King (HD, 38 minutes): This excellent recently produced Lion King retrospective features executive producer Thomas Schumacher, former chairman of Walt Disney Studios Jeffrey Katzenberg, former president of Walt Disney Feature Animation Peter Schneider, co-directors Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers, producer Don Hahn, composer Hans Zimmer and other notable members of the cast and crew discussing the film, its production and its legacy.
• The Lion King: A Memoir - Don Hahn (HD, 20 minutes): Don Hahn, circa 2011, takes a look back at Don Hahn, circa 1994, and charts the development, creation and release of The Lion King.
• Disney's Virtual Vault (SD, 109 minutes): While a variety of extras from the previously releases of The Lion King aren't housed physically on the disc, they are available via Disney's online "Virtual Vault." Treat yourself to "The Making of The Morning Report" (3 minutes); additional deleted scenes including "Bug Football," "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (5 minutes); six "Musical Journey" featurettes (20 minutes); a "Circle of Life" music video with Elton John (5 minutes); five "Stage Journey" featurettes (17 minutes); seven "Film Journey" featurettes (32 minutes); three "Story Journey" featurettes (12 minutes); a "Storyboard to Film Comparison" (4 minutes); two "Early Concepts," "Timon & Pumbaa Find Simba" and "Simba's Presentation" (7 minutes); and an abandoned scene, "Warthog Rhapsody" (4 minutes). It isn't as ideal as a second disc full of archive special features, but completists will appreciate its inclusion nonetheless.
• Deleted & Alternate Scenes (HD, 15 minutes): Allers and Minkoff introduce five deleted and alternate scenes: "Zazu Flatters Mufasa," "King of the Wild," "Scar Wants Nala As His Queen," "Simba and Nala Reunited" and "Zazu Flatters Scar."
• The Morning Report (HD, 3 minutes): This extended scene, created for the previously released Platinum Edition DVD, brings a song written for the musical stage to animated life.
• Bloopers & Outtakes (HD, 4 minutes): Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, Mufasa, Scar and the rest of the Pride Lands gang flub lines, pull hamstrings and miss their marks in this animated gag reel.
• Interactive Art Gallery (HD): Hundreds of images are spread across four galleries: "Character Design," "Visual Development," "Storyboards" and "Layouts and Backgrounds."
• Sing-Along Mode (HD): Sing along with the film's songs, karaoke style.
• Sneak Peeks (HD, 12:15): Trailers for Lady and the Tramp, The Muppets, Cars 2, African Cats, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, Tinker Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games, The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride, The Lion King 1½, Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice, Broadway's The Lion King, Treasure Buddies and Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings top off the package.

The Lion King is also available in the following releases:

- The Lion King, 3D Blu-Ray

       - Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy - The Lion King, DVD Packaging       - DVD + Blu-Ray - The Lion King 3D Trilogy       - Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy             - The Lion King (3D & 2D), The Lion King 2: Simbas Pride (2D), The Lion King 1 1/2 (2D)  

Movie Reviews

Starting Saturday 10/29, I will be reviewing new release movies, that are to be released the following Tuesday.
So stay tuned for
Cars 2
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Water For Elephants
Maybe more, oh and these will be Blu-Ray reviews

3D Televisions

WOW, ok i'm chatty this morning. This next topic is pretty cool, at lease i think so anyway.
How many of you out there have bought or are planning to buy a 3DTV. I bought one at the beginning when they first came out. They [Best Buy] told me that I was the 4th person to buy into it. The first set the LED inside was bleeding white blotches, 2nd set the 3D didn't work at all on it. So i just returned it and said i'd wait until the kinks were all worked out. Its nearly been 1 1/2 but i've been too broke to get another set.
I've still got the 3D player that came with it and have still been buying 3D Blu-Ray Combo Packs thinking that one day soon i'll get another 3DTV......nope that hasn't happened. I hope that since i'm waiting this long, that means when i'm ready to buy another tv, hopefully it'll be  3DTV that doesn't require the glasses, lol, i'm a dreamer i guess. But hey, who knows the future is got a lot in stock for us.....if the world doesn't go broke.

Needed: Top Quality Projector

If anyone has an old but still working projector or any company would like to donate one, I would gladly review it and blog about it. Reason Why i need a projector is because i'm building a multi-touch touch screen table. And one of the items need, yup you guessed it a projector. Oh and nothing like the Mini Eyeclops projector, i bought that thinking that would work......I was WRONG, that thing is crappy.

If there are takers, please comment back.
Thanks in advance

Thomas U.

TRON: LEGACY

Ok, its 5:30AM here and i'm watching Tron: Legacy for about the 1,000th time. Now don't get me wrong I LOVE this movie, and hate it at the same time. I'll tell you why, this 27 year later sequel is yes a brilliant idea, but at the same time its sorta absurd at the same time due to the fact that so many people can either relate to the story line or not.

Every time I watch this I get irritated and sometimes sad because when Sam (Kevin Hedlund) finds his dad, Kevin (Jeff Bridges) its supposed to be a happy moment. The reunion of father and son. I get frustrated and sad because my dad left me, and I do miss him (sometimes and sometimes not so much). I sometimes want there to a moment like that in the movie, when they meet back up after 27 years of not seeing each other. But I know that that'll never happen. My wishes and dreams never come true.

Star Wars/ Titanic in 3D?

I've been hearing and reading rumors of the Star Wars Saga to be release back into theaters in the 3rd Dimension. They're sorta pushing us on all this 3D lately. Jame Cameron Did really great with Avatar in 3D, but he recently been going about re-releasing Titanic in 3D next year.
In a way, I'm really looking forward to all these re-releases. But I hope they really don't take it too far and push movies that weren't meant for 3D into 3D.

link to Star Wars: Phantom Menace 3D Information

Ok, anybody seriously buy the Mini Eyeclops Projector? Well, I did and boy am I glad I didn't pay full price for it. In pictures and video previews of the device, they show it being very detailed, even in the woods against the camper. For me i've been trying to get it better picture and clearer. It has to be completely dark in the room and close to the wall for any good picture to show up.
Now I know this projector wasn't going to fully be in place of it, but i had plans to use it for my Mult-Touch Touch-Screen Table i was going to build. I guess i'm going to scrap those plans.
How did such a horrible product get into the products of americans? Seriously!?! I know i bought it just for the reason of it being a project for under $100, i've learned my lesson. Anyone have any suggestions for a better, and somewhat cheap (that actually works) projector? I'll make a deal with a company to install and review it? Any takers?

First Official Post - Unemployment Numbers In America

Ok so this one really pisses me off! On the new every day and almost on every channel they [the new anchors] are talking about how soo many people in America are unemployed. Each time they end the segment on it they always ask why so many?
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I know the answer to that very question. A plethora of companies are ONLY hiring those who are currently employed. Yea, ok I can sorta understand that. But seriously?!? Why not give those that have been recently laid off a chance? Or even newly graduated high school or college students? Oh I've got it.....how bout my giving my mom a chance at a job. She was forced to be a stay at home mom for 20 years. Once my dad left, she tried applying for job after job after job; all she got back was: "so what have you been doing for the past 20 years?" she'll say, "stay at home mom" and after that she gets no response. She's applied for a plethora of jobs to just get that answer. She doesn't even qualify for unemployment. So, that means I have to support her. With my one job and school that's not easy at all.
Living paycheck-to-paycheck is how I and probably half of America (probably more) is living. I believe Obama can change that, and that The United States will one day will not have to fear that we owe sooo much.
But for now.....it's just day-by-day and hoping for the best.