Thandie Newton

Blu-Ray Review: Vin Diesel’s Riddick Flicks Hit HD in Time For New Game

BrianTT — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:08:25 -0600

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Has one star ever had such an assault on their demographic as Vin Diesel is having in April 2009? He’s the star of two original video games (“Wheelman,” “The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena”), a blockbuster movie (“Fast & Furious”), and has two catalog titles in “Pitch Black” and “The Chronicles of Riddick” hitting Blu-Ray. And all of it happens in the span of two weeks.

We’ve already reviewed “Fast & Furious” and we’ll get to both of the Vin Diesel video games later this week, but we needed to step back and catch up with two Diesel flicks hitting Blu-Ray for the first time - one of his best movies by far and, well, a disappointment to say the least.

Universal has given 1999’s “Pitch Black” and 2004’s “The Chronicles of Riddick” their spectacular Blu-Ray treatment, complete with 1080P pictures, DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, excellent special features, and their super-cool “U-Control” functionality that allows behind-the-scenes details to be broadcast picture-in-picture as the movie plays.

Pitch Black and The Chronicles of Riddick were released on Blu-Ray on March 31st, 2009.
Photo credit: Universal

I’ll be blunt - “Pitch Black” rules. I think it’s Diesel’s most confident interesting performance and David Twohy expertly directs this sci-fi/action thriller. It’s just a thrill ride and if you haven’t seen it then you should do so as quickly as possible and anyone who has seen it and loves it has a new Blu-Ray release to add to their collection.

The official synopsis of “Pitch Black” from the Blu-Ray case - “When their ship crash-lands on a remote planet, the marooned passengers soon learn that escaped convict Riddick (Vin Diesel) isn’t the only thing they have to fear. Deadly creatures lurk in the shadows waiting to attack in the dark, and the planet is rapidly plunging into the utter blackness of a total eclipse. With the body count rising, the survivors are forced to turn to Riddick and his eerie eyes to guide them through the darkness to safety. With time running out, there’s only one rule: Stay in the light.”

Five years later, Twohy and Diesel brought Riddick back in an ambitious and elaborate film that its creator hoped would expand the franchise and mythology of this character but it actually did the opposite. “The Chronicles of Riddick” is a great example of bloated, confused filmmaking, the exact opposite of “Pitch Black”. Fans of the character and actor may want to include it in their collection, but most people don’t need to waste their time.

The official synopsis of “The Chronicles of Riddick” from the Blu-Ray case - “Vin Diesel stars in this electrifying, special-effects-fueled action spectacular! After years of outrunning ruthless bounty hunters, escaped convict Riddick suddenly finds himself caught between opposing forces in a fight for the future of the human race. Now, waging incredible battles on fantastic and deadly worls, this lone, relucantant hero will emerge as humanity’s champion - and the last hope for a universe on the edge of annihilation. Powered by groundbreaking visual effects and pulse-pounding, thrill-a-minute action!”

Both films are available unrated or rated on the same Blu-Ray discs. The unrated version of “Pitch Black” runs three minutes longer than the theatrical. The unrated version of “The Chronicles of Riddick” runs fourteen minutes longer than the theatrical.

“Pitch Black” includes “An Introduction by David Twohy,” “The Game is On,” “Johns’ Chase Log,” “The Making of Pitch Black,” “Dark Fury: Advancing the Arc,” “The Chronicles of Riddick Visual Encyclopedia,” “A View in the Dark,” feature commentaries with cast and crew, and the wicked-cool “Pitch Black Raw,” a “U-Control” feature that allows viewers to see side-by-side comparisons of the special effects from raw CGI to finished sequences, and raw dailies to final scenes.

“The Chronicles of Riddick” includes “An Introduction by David Twohy,” deleted scenes with commentary by David Twohy, “Virtual Guide to The Chronicles of Riddick,” “Toombs’ Chase Log,” “Visual Effects Revealed,” “Creation of New Mecca,” “Riddick Rises,” “Keep What You Kill,” a feature commentary by writer/director David Twohy and actors Karl Urban and Alexa Davalos, “Anatomy of a Fight” (available through “U-Control”), and the “Complete Chronicles,” another “U-Control” featuretette that details the history and mythology of the character picture-in-picture.

Both of these Blu-Ray releases give Riddick fans everything they could possibly ask for and more. The only thing holding them back from perfect scores is the weakness of the second film. Everything else is fantastic.

‘Pitch Black’ is released by Universal Home Entertainment and stars Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, and Keith David. It was written by Jim & Ken Wheat and David Twohy and directed by Twohy. It was released on March 31st, 2009. It is rated R and unrated.

‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ is released by Universal Home Entertainment and stars Vin Diesel, Thandie Newton, Karl Urban, Colm Feore, Linus Roache, Keith David, Alexa Davalos, and Judi Dench. It was written and directed by David Twohy. It was released on March 31st, 2009. It is rated PG-13 and unrated.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: Oliver Stone’s ‘W.’ Disappointing Film, Great Blu-Ray

BrianTT — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:08:08 -0700

Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – What happened to Oliver Stone? Despite strong performances by Josh Brolin, James Cromwell, and Elizabeth Banks, “W.” is one of the most inert, middle-of-the-road movies that this once-controversial auteur has ever made, helped on the home market by an excellent Blu-Ray release but still a little “eh” as a film.

The previews and advertising campaign for “W.” made it out to be a satirical jab at the most openly ridiculed President in the history of the United States. The satirical use of “What a Wonderful World” over footage of the last eight years and the tagline on the great posters - “A life misunderestimated.” - promised a no-holds-barred skewering by one of the best filmmakers of the last quarter-century.

W. was released on Blu-Ray on February 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Lionsgate

So why is “W.” so dull? The balance between the decisions that Stone and writer Stanley Weiser made that had a humorous angle - like recreating the infamous pretzel-choking incident - and the depressingly dramatic ones result in a film that too carefully walks the line. Stone and Weiser don’t find enough comedy in the story of the world leader who plunged a large section of the world into anarchy, but are clearly not interested in a straight-up drama either.

W. was released on Blu-Ray on February 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Lionsgate

The dramatic inertness of “W.” makes for one of Stone’s least powerful films. It’s still a decent movie because of the stellar ensemble and highly underrated lead, but it should have been great.

The lack of a narrative through line - most of “W.” plays like a greatest hits album of Bush moments from his first term - leaves Stone with nowhere to focus his passion. Whether you love him or hate him, Oliver Stone’s best work has always been a passionate filmmaker.

Stone and Weiser focus most of their piece on the days leading up to the war, especially the construction of the “Axis of Evil” speech, intercut with the more compelling story of a little boy lost always trying to impress his daddy. His early years are sketched out as a man who jumped from job to job and saw his family name as a burden more than a gift.

The scenes between George Sr. (James Cromwell) and his controversial son are easily the best in the film. We’ve all seen most of the dramatic beats of the White House material in “W.” but scenes like the one where his parents try to talk him out of running for Governor feel more refreshingly new. They are easily the strongest in the film.

The modern era material feels surprisingly underdeveloped, like a press secretary hitting key talking points but missing the meat of the story. I never felt like I was actually watching Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and Condoleeza Rice, always remaining aware of the good impersonation by Richard Dreyfuss, better one by Jeffrey Wright, and downright awful one by Thandie Newton.

W. was released on Blu-Ray on February 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Lionsgate

What is memorable about “W.” is in what Stone gets out of Josh Brolin and James Cromwell. These are two of the best performances of 2008 and it’s criminal how little Josh was mentioned in the Best Actor race. He’s better in this than Pitt in “Benjamin Button”. He gets underneath Bush’s skin, doing much more than an impression. A scene where he whines about his father giving him a gift because dad can only write kind words instead of saying them perfectly captures something about Dubya that hadn’t been before.

On one more positive note, master cinematographer Phedon Papamichael (“Walk the Line,” “Sideways”) shoots the film brilliantly. Like every Stone film, it looks great.

And it looks even better on Blu-Ray. Lionsgate is growing in the Blu-Ray market after releasing a few titles with excellent transfers including “The Midnight Meat Train” and “Saw V”. A studio that somewhat struggled last year in HD has moved to the forefront of the field with transfers that have very rich color palettes and crystal clear picture, even in the darker scenes.

“W.” is presented in 1080P with a perfect English 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio Track. A very good collection of special features include a commentary by Stone, “Dangerous Dynasty: The Bush Legacy,” “No Stranger to Controversy: Oliver Stone’s George W. Bush,” “W.” Filmmakers Research and Annotations Guide, deleted scenes with optional director commentary and the theatrical trailer.

A nearly flawless video and audio transfer and an excellent collection of special features. It’s starting to become a pattern with Lionsgate. If only the movie itself had lived up to expectations.

‘W.’ is released by Lionsgate Home Video and stars Josh Brolin, James Cromwell, Elizabeth Banks, Ellen Burstyn, Richard Dreyfuss, Scott Glenn, Toby Jones, Stacy Keach, Thandie Newton, and Jeffrey Wright. It was written by Stanley Weiser and directed by Oliver Stone. It was released on February 17th, 2009. It is rated PG-13
.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Hookup: 70 Admit-Two Passes to Chicago Screening of ‘RocknRolla’ With Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:23:29 -0600

CHICAGO – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 70 admit-two passes to the Chicago screening of “RocknRolla,” which stars Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Tom Wilkinson, Jeremy Piven, Gemma Arterton and Mark Strong. The film is directed by Guy Ritchie (“Snatch,” “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and 2009’s “Sherlock Holmes”).

To win your free pass to the advance screening of “RocknRolla” in Chicago courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is be one of the first 70 people to submit a comment in this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup. That’s it!

The screening will be held on Oct. 23, 2008 at 7 p.m. near downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

“RocknRolla” features Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Tom Wilkinson, Jeremy Oiven and Mark Strong.
Image credit: Warner Bros.

Here is the “RocknRolla” plot description (source):

When a Russian mobster sets up a real estate scam that generates millions of pounds, various members of London’s criminal underworld pursue their share of the fortune.

Various shady characters – including One Two (Gerard Butler), Stella the accountant (Thandie Newton) and druggie rock star Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell) – try to claim their slice.

To secure your free tickets now, make sure you’re logged into your HollywoodChicago.com account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having an account with a valid e-mail address is required.

Then, simply add a new comment in the form below. In your comment, include an answer to this simple question:

Have you ever scammed someone? If so, what’d you do?

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film is simple: The first 70 people to comment below win! We will be in touch with the 70 winners to distribute your passes. “RocknRolla” opens on Oct. 31, 2008.

Oct. 14, 2008 update at 1:37 p.m.: Due to popular demand, we have received authorization from the studio to increase the HollywoodChicago.com Hookup for “RocknRolla” from 50 admit-two passes to 70 admit-two passes.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Interview: British Cult Star Simon Pegg is Fish Out of Water in ‘How to Lose Friends & Alienate People’

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:14:36 -0600

CHICAGO – Simon Pegg (the British cult hero of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz”) was welcomed to a Chicago hotel where his press event was taking place with personalized water bottles that sported his face.

The star of the new film “How to Lose Friends & Alienate People” cradled the customized gift as if it were an Oscar trophy. He delightedly mocked the honor. It is good to be the king.

HollywoodChicago.com interviewed him from there in a free-wheeling forum about his rise to stardom, his coming to America and why everyone wants to join the Simon Pegg cult.

Megan Fox in “How to Lose Friends & Alienate People”.
Photo credit: MGM

“How to Lose Friends & Alienate People” is based on a memoir by British journalist Toby Young. It’s about his experiences coming to New York City to write for Vanity Fair magazine and legendary editor Graydon Carter. Pegg plays a fictionalized version of the author named Sidney Young while Jeff Bridges plays Carter as Clayton Harding.

“Toby Young – unlike the character – is fine. He’s not a complete idiot,” Pegg said.

“He just has a work ethic that doesn’t care what other people think. He employs that and makes a lot of enemies by being tenacious. Toby couldn’t understand Graydon Carter who had started Spy magazine. He was known for working for Vanity Fair, which was a magazine that celebrates what he was satirizing in Spy.”

Sidney is a fish out of water in America. He takes his British tabloid style to the extreme in trying to adapt to the more languid and worshipful American celebrity press scene. He disappoints Clayton, angers his co-worker, Alison (Kirsten Dunst), and slobbers over a starlet (Megan Fox) that the magazine is pursuing.

“How to Lose Friends & Alienate People” star Simon Pegg (left) in Chicago on Aug. 27, 2008 with Patrick McDonald.
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

Rating: 3.0/5.0

“Megan is mind-bogglingly beautiful. When she walks into a room, you almost have to look away,” Pegg said with a laugh.

He quickly added: “But she is really capable. The telling night was the pool scene where her character, Sophie, seems more than her two-dimensional character. When [director Robert Weide] called ‘cut’ during that scene, there was a palpable sense among the crew that she really can act.”

Pegg’s fish-out-of-water performance in the film is somewhat similar to his first experiences in America and especially with doing publicity for “Shaun of the Dead”.

When I was doing the extensive publicity tour for ‘Shaun of the Dead,’” Pegg said, “I suddenly realized I am a foreigner. [Because] we speak the same language, I think sometimes we think we’re from the same place. As you go deeper in the heartland, you realize we’re not. It’s fascinating.”

Megan Fox in “How to Lose Friends & Alienate People”.
Photo credit: MGM

Pegg also described the conflict between his goofy Sidney character and the more complex Clayton Harding character as played by Jeff Bridges.

“In the film, Clayton always has a matchbook. That matchbook represents Sidney,” Pegg related. “He expects Sidney to be the fired-up guy he was and still wants to be. But Sidney isn’t that guy. Sidney’s just an idiot.”

Pegg is a well-liked and sought-after actor mostly because of his very popular “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” films. The man himself commented on the cult of Simon Pegg.

“I’m trying to get as many followers as possible,” he said mockingly. “Seriously, what’s great is that you realize the film industry now is populated with film fans and people who appreciate the medium. I didn’t know what to quite make of it. I’m very pleased I’ve done something that has engendered that type of reaction.”

It was this kind of admiration that propelled Pegg into another plum par: the role of Scotty in the upcoming Enterprise prequel “Star Trek” from director J.J. Abrams.

“I am a fan of the first ‘Star Trek,’ but I specifically stayed away from trying to do James Doohan (the original Scotty),” Pegg said. “We were all trying to be those characters and not the actors. So I concentrated on playing Montgomery Scott. ‘Star Trek’ is about the story.”

When asked about “Shaun of the Dead” and Pegg’s relationship to the original “zombie master” (George Romero), the question was asked: “Are you and Romero part of a secret government advisory committee in case of the uprising of the undead?”

“Yes. We are,” Pegg deadpanned. “I can’t say anything more. It’s all about getting people used to the idea so we all know what to do.”

“How to Lose Friends & Alienate People,” which opened on Oct. 3, 2008, features Simon Pegg, Megan Fox, Jeff Bridges, Kirsten Dunst, Gillian Anderson, Thandie Newton and Max Minghella.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com