Idris Elba

Blu-Ray, TV Review: ‘The Office’ Never Better With Amazing Blu-Ray, Season Premiere

BrianTT — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:22:27 -0600

CHICAGO – The Blu-Ray release of the fifth season of “The Office” is a thing of beauty. It is one of the best comedy on Blu-Ray releases to date, not only because the show has arguably never been better but because everything about the season set has been crafted with the fan’s best interests in mind. After you watch the very funny season premiere tonight, go back and pick up a must-own Blu-Ray set.

Television Rating: 4.5/5.0

Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

I’m a huge “30 Rock” fan but going back over the best of the fifth season of “The Office” on Blu-Ray and watching the sixth season premiere, it’s definitely a close call as to which one has been more consistent in the last twelve months or so. There were SO many highlights in the fifth season of “The Office” that I don’t think the show has ever been better.

The Office
Photo credit: Universal

With great guest turns by Amy Ryan and Idris Elba book-ending the season, what I truly loved about the fifth season of “The Office” was the effort to turn the show away from being just “The Jim and Pam Story”. Of course, everyone’s favorite workplace love birds were still a major part of the show but Ed Helms, Mindy Kaling, B.J. Novak, and, honestly, the entire ensemble cast worked with better comic chemistry than ever before.

All of the arcs of season five including the Michael & Holly affair, the Angela/Andy/Dwight triangle, and the founding of The Michael Scott Paper Company worked perfectly and stand among the funniest plotlines in the history of the show.

It doesn’t hurt that the Universal Blu-Ray release of “The Office” is perfectly designed for comedy fans. Just the commentary tracks alone make it so. Every single episode includes a commentary track by writers, cast members, and directors, including a great one with Stephen Merchant, who discusses the differences between the original British show and this one on an episode he directed. “One-Liner Soundboard” allows viewers to string together one-liners and quotes from the show in a Soundboard to create their own character audio mix to be shared with friends via BD-Live.

Deleted scenes, a gag reel, promos, webisodes, “100 episodes, 100 moments,” and “Academy of Television Arts & Sciences presents The Office” round out a perfect collection of special features. The episodes themselves look even better than their original HD broadcast. It’s a flawless TV on Blu-Ray release.

The Office
Photo credit: Chris Haston/NBC

“Gossip,” the sixth season premiere of “The Office” does nothing to suggest that the perfection of season five is going to falter any time soon. It’s not as gut-busting as last year’s “Weight Loss” or the best of season five, but it is consistently clever and important to the arc of the show.

Last season ended with the revelation that Pam (Jenna Fischer) is pregnant and the sixth season opens with Jim (John Krasinski) and his baby mama trying to keep it a secret from a gossip-crazy office. Michael (Steve Carell) becomes obsessed with gossip after being the last one to know a few juicy office rumors and so he starts to invent a few of his own to share. In a hilarious twist, a few of the rumors that Michael makes up might even be right, including a tale about a bun in the oven and a guess that Andy (Ed Helms) might struggle with his heterosexuality.

A lot of sitcoms struggle by their sixth season, having pounded the same character tics and jokes for years. You start to get the feeling that even the writers don’t find their characters interesting any more. “The Office” shows no signs of such comedic exhaustion. With pitch-perfect writing and one of the best ensembles in the history of the form, we should consider ourselves lucky that “The Office” is not only as good right now as it’s ever been but arguably better.

The sixth season premiere of ‘The Office,’ which airs on NBC, stars Steve Carell, Ed Helms, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton, Paul Lieberstein, B.J. Novak, and Ellie Kemper. The show was created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. The series returns on Thursday, September 17th, 2009 at 8PM CST.

‘The Office: Season Five’ is released by Universal Home Video. It was released on September 8th, 2009. It is not rated.

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

Blu-Ray Review: Predictable Thriller ‘Obsessed’ Should Be Better

BrianTT — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:23:51 -0600

CHICAGO – Steve Shill’s “Obsessed,” now on Blu-Ray and DVD, nearly works as a guilty pleasure thriller with some talented stars, but it’s so shockingly predictable and by-the-numbers that what starts promising quickly gets generic and dull. By the time the film gets to its explosive climax, most viewers will be too bored to care and a sub-par Blu-Ray release doesn’t help the overall package.

Blu-Ray Rating: 2.0/5.0

“The Wire“‘s Idris Elba does good work as Derek Charles, a successful financial advisor who gets the worst temp hire in the world when Lisa (Ali Larter) joins the company. Lisa immediately becomes sexually obsessed with Derek, trying to molest him at the Christmas holiday party, sending him dirty pictures, and even tracking him down on a work retreat. Beyonce Knowles plays Derek’s loving wife Sharon, a character who everyone who has ever seen a movie before knows is going to kick some temp ass by the time the credits roll.

Obsessed was released on Blu-Ray on August 4th, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony

And that’s the problem with “Obsessed”. The script by David Loughery throws absolutely no curve balls at the audience, playing it about as by-the-numbers as conceivably possible. Larter’s Lisa is clearly missing a few cards from her deck, Elba’s Derek is clearly not going to screw up his perfect life by fooling around with her, and Knowles’ Sharon is clearly going to be involved in a cat fight in the last reel.

Obsessed was released on Blu-Ray on August 4th, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony

“Obsessed” could have been written by a computer and, ultimately, its lack of spontaneity drains the potential to be actually thrilling. There’s nothing tragically wrong with “Obsessed” - none of the performances are bad and the dialogue is above-average for the genre - but that doesn’t mean it does anything right either.

Even less praise could be directed at a Blu-Ray release that feels like an afterthought. The video transfer, the best thing about the release, is presented in 1080P High Definition with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The video is crystal clear but the audio track, in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 is merely so-so with some dialogue mixed lower than it should be in comparison to the score and sound effects.

Special features? There aren’t many. All fans will find are a digital copy of the film and a few brief behind-the-scenes featurettes. In fact, the only featurette even advertised on the back is “Girl Fight! An Inside Look at the Climactic Fight Sequence Between Beyonce Knowles and Ali Larter”. How thrilling can a movie be when the back of the Blu-Ray release gives away the climax? See “Obsessed” and find out for yourself.

‘Obsessed’ is released by Sony Pictures Home Video and stars Idris Elba, Beyonce Knowles, Ali Larter, Jerry O’Connell, Bruce McGill, and Christine Lahti. It was written by David Loughery and directed by Steve Shill. The Blu-Ray and DVD were released on August 4th, 2009. It is rated PG-13.

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

Slideshow: 19-Image Gallery From ‘Obsessed’ With Ali Larter, Beyonce Knowles

BrianTT — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:01:39 -0600

CHICAGO – This 19-image slideshow contains the official press images from Sony’s “Obsessed,” starring Beyonce Knowles, Idris Elba, Ali Larter, and Jerry O’Connell. The film, written by David Loughery and directed by Steve Shill, opened on April 24th, 2009.

Synopsis:

“Derek Charles (Idris Elba), a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion, is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage to the beautiful Sharon (Beyoncé Knowles). But when Lisa (Ali Larter), a temp worker, starts stalking Derek, all the things he’s worked so hard for are placed in jeopardy.”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Sony/Suzanne Tenner. All Rights Reserved.

Obsessed_01: Beyoncé Knowles stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_02: Beyoncé Knowles stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_03: Beyoncé Knowles stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_04: Ali Larter stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_05: Ali Larter stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_06: Ali Larter stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_07: Idris Elba stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_08: Idris Elba stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_09: Idris Elba stars in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_10: Jerry OConnell in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_11: Ali Larter and Idris Elba (right) in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_12: Ali Larter and Idris Elba (right) in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_13: Beyoncé Knowles and Idris Elba star in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_14: Beyoncé Knowles and Idris Elba star in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_15: Beyoncé Knowles and Idris Elba star in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_16: (l to r) Idris Elba, Ali Larter and Beyoncé Knowles star in Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_17: (l to r) Director Steve Shill, Beyoncé Knowles and Idris Elba on the set of Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_18: (l to r) Producer Will Packer, Idris Elba and Beyoncé Knowles on the set of Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.
Obsessed_19: Director Steve Shill (left) and Producer Will Packer on the set of Screen Gems thriller Obsessed.

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

Video: Viral Message For Film ‘Obsessed’ With Ali Larter, Beyoncé Knowles

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:50:21 -0600

CHICAGO – We have just received from Screen Gems a new viral video for the upcoming film “Obsessed” with Ali Larter, Beyoncé Knowles, Idris Elba, Jerry O’Connell, Scout Taylor-Compton, Bruce McGill, Richard Ruccolo, Christine Lahti and Candice Cunningham.

The viral message calls for you to “get obsessed with Ali” at a new Web site for the film. To find out which Web site, watch the new viral video below! “Obsessed” will hit theaters on April 24, 2009.

Here is the “Obsessed” plot description:

Derek Charles (Idris Elba) – a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion – is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage to the beautiful Sharon (Beyoncé Knowles). But when temp worker Lisa (Ali Larter) starts stalking Derek, all the things he’s worked so hard for are placed in jeopardy.

Watch more HollywoodChicago.com-hosted A&E videos.
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By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

David S. Goyer’s ‘The Unborn’ is Unoriginal, Uninspiring Mess

BrianTT — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:21:09 -0700

CHICAGO – Odette Yustman stars in David S. Goyer’s “The Unborn,” a poorly conceived and produced horror movie that could have just as easily been called “The Un-scary,” “The Uninspiring,” “The Unoriginal,” or “The Unexciting”. Whatever you do, just un-plan to see it this weekend.

Rating: 1.0/5.0

After his similarly superstitious and sloppy “The Invisible.” it’s surprising that David S. Goyer would go back to a storytelling well that failed him the first time. That film was an ineffective trip to the other side and “The Unborn” is an ineffective film about a trip back.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “The Unborn” in our reviews section.

The poor girl haunted by a visitor from the other side in “The Unborn” is the gorgeous Casey Beldon (Yustman). This Megan Fox doppelganger is haunted by dreams of a young boy, a creepy dog, and a buried fetus. One night, she’s attacked by a neighbor child she’s babysitting and warned that “Jumby is waiting to be born.” “Jumby” was the nickname for the twin that died while Casey was still in utero. And he’s angry about more than just being given a stupid nickname before he was even born.

After the babysitting night from Hell, Casey is haunted by an increasing series of nightmarish events, including ghostly children, waves of potato bugs, and terrifying dreams. And that damn neighbor kid likes to hang out in her yard and look creepy.

‘The Unborn’ stars Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman, James Remar, Carla Gugino, Cam Gigandet, Meagan Good, Rhys Coiro, and Idris Elba. ‘The Unborn,’ which was written and directed by David S. Goyer, opened in Chicago on January 9, 2009.

Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “The Unborn” review.

Rabbi Sendak (Gary Oldman) and Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) attempt an exorcism.
Photo credit: Rogue Pictures

Slideshow: 20-Image Gallery For ‘The Unborn’ With Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman

BrianTT — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:48:02 -0700

CHICAGO – This 20-image slideshow contains official press images for Universal’s “The Unborn,” which stars Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman, Cam Gigandet, Meagan Good, Jane Alexander, Idris Elba, Rhys Coiro, Carla Gugino, and James Remar from writer/director David S. Goyer. The film opens on Jan. 9, 2009.

“The Unborn” is a horror film from the writer of “Batman Begins” and “Blade” about a young woman slowly being possessed by a spirit and her attempt to fight it. The R-rated film opens on Friday, January 9th, 2009.

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Rogue Pictures Copyright: © 2008 Rogue Pictures. All rights reserved.

Unborn01: (L to R) Rabbi Sendak (Gary Oldman), Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) and her boyfriend, Mark Hardigan (Cam Gigandet), investigate an abandoned mental hospital in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn02:Rabbi Sendak (Gary Oldman) and Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) attempt an exorcism in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn03: Odette Yustman as Casey Beldon in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn04: Cam Gigandet as the boyfriend of Casey, Mark Hardigan, in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn05: Gary Oldman as Rabbi Sendak in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn06: Meagan Good as the best friend of Casey, Romy Marshall, in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn07: Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) is rescued from her exorcism by boyfriend Mark Hardigan (Cam Gigandet) in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn08: Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) questions Matty Newton (Atticus Shaffer) about his odd behavior toward his baby sister in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn09: An unspeakable evil has possessed Eli Walker (Michael Sassone) in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn10: Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) studies the ancient Book of Mirrors in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn11: Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) tells her boyfriend, Mark Hardigan (Cam Gigandet), there is something behind the mirror in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn12: Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) swears she is not alone in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn13: (L to R) Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) tells best friend Romy Marshall (Meagan Good) about her nightmares in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn14: (L to R) Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) is rescued by boyfriend Mark Hardigan (Cam Gigandet) and best friend Romy Marshall (Meagan Good) in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn15: Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) sees unspeakable evil in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn16: Rabbi Sendak (Gary Oldman) reads from the Book of Mirrors while Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) hangs on for dear life in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn17: Casey Beldon (Odette Yustman) convinces boyfriend Mark Hardigan (Cam Gigandet) evil is near in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn18: (L to R) Gary Oldman as Rabbi Sendak and writer/director David Goyer on the set of a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn19: Barto (Ethan Cutkosky) unleashes his evil rage in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.
Unborn20: Barto (Ethan Cutkosky) possesses Father Arthur Wyndham (Idris Elba) in a supernatural thriller that tells the story of a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves: The Unborn.

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