The Royals is a great TV show, and I reviewed season 1 last year, I believe. In general, the series is great. Elizabeth Hurley is the big star of the show and really brings a lot to the storyline. The entertaining aspect of the storyline is the fact that it is not real.
Love, Betrayal, and Royal Chaos Collide
The overall story is completely dramatized and over-the-top. The Royals have everything to make for a great series: mystery, murder, scandal, and love. You just enjoy it and don’t take it seriously. Set back, watch the royal family and all their fictitious tittle-tattles.
In the first season, I didn’t notice the soundtrack, but in season 2, it’s rather entertaining. The artists are new and worth looking into, like Midnight (Giorgio Moroder Remix) – Coldplay, Sirocco – Terry Blankenship, and Ragamuffin – Silversun Pickups. The music is pretty much Techno and Remixes.
Secrets Unfold Behind the Palace Walls
Season 2 has cast changes that might make some fans frown, with Sophie Colquhoun and Hatty Preston leaving the show. Still, the Liam and Ophelia relationship spins back and forth. Will they ever get together?
Alas, there are only 10 episodes, so milk it for all it’s worth because it is so much fun to watch.
Directed by talented Louie Psihoyos, who also directed The Cove, Racing Extinction focuses on Psihoyos as he reveals all the dark secrets of the illegal black market trade of animal parts. The footage is captivating, with vast underwater splendor at one end and vast human corruption of ocean life at the other. He also brings a message to the populace about the grandeur and beauty of animals.
Exposing the Global Wildlife Crisis
The movie follows Psihoyos as he treks to small villages, where we see local fishermen hunting and killing manta rays for their gills to make soup. With the help of his crew and other activists, he educates locals about how their fishing is affecting the entire ecosystem. Another topic taken on is the hunt for sharks. Their fins are a delicacy for shark fin soup. Hunting has caused shark populations to dwindle. Clearly and right so, the movie seizes the moment to stand against the destruction humanity has been heading toward in many environments.
Conservation Heroes Take on Global Wildlife Threats
Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, joins the crusade and mounts a projector on a Tesla car. Psihoyos drives around town so he can project beautiful animals on various buildings. The citizens see the images on the buildings and are amazed by the beautiful animals, instilling the importance of saving them from extinction.
A Thought-Provoking Environmental Investigation
The grand visual high point is when New York’s architectural representations of ocean life stop crowds from walking through the city. They are even recording beautiful images on their devices while we see children’s faces mesmerized. Psihoyos clearly states in the movie: a vital message for everyone. When people truly view the life of the sea, we can choose to “Do one thing” and protect species balance.
I recommend this movie for everyone to see, and teachers should play it in their classrooms because it is truly educational.
For home theater connoisseurs, the latest format for watching movies is 4K UHD Blu-ray. The public is calling it “ultra-high definition”.
Experience the Tension in Dolby Vision
Because I am interested in this phase of home movie viewing, the studio sent me both Sicario and Ender’s Game in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Before I share my opinion on the format, I think the two different genres are the best way to review this system. Movies like Ender’s Game are more enjoyable with better screen quality, while Sicario’s special effects were minimal.
The format is entirely about the technical enhancements that make movie viewing far better. Is it worth it to purchase the 4K TV, player, and movie?
Bonus Features and Collector’s Edition Breakdown
For some, I am sure it is a status thing, while others thrive on a better viewing pleasure. “Hey, come on over to my house. I have the new 4K player and TV Screen. Ender’s Game looks awesome on the new format!”
With that, here is my take on the format. Sicario’s HEVC/H.265 2160p transfer in 2.40:1 clearly shows improvements in detail, contrast and, particularly, color gradation. As I said earlier, Sicario does not have the eye-popping grandeur of Ender’s Game; there are, though, some really vivid differences in the 4K version.
Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin Shine
I noticed at the beginning of the movie that the facial features in the first SWAT scene are far better in texture. Surprisingly so, after Kate, played by Emily Blunt, is almost shot. Her face is bathed in red, but the fine detail comes through. I could almost feel the textures on each element, such as the curtains in Kate’s apartment. Before, I wouldn’t even have thought of noticing her curtains, but is that an important part of the movie?
The difference really shines with the dark scenes. The long scene with Kate in the bar is where the contrast and tones are so much more improved. Everything looks so much more vibrant and alive. However, I had to mention this, but it has come up with other sources. The 4K has recurring, rapid shaking in some scenes. I noticed it particularly with the pan shots. It is quite noticeable in the tracking across the landscape as the SWAT team drops in on the cartel house.
Rediscover the World of Ender Wiggin in Ultra HD
In Ender’s Game, the format shows the colors’ greater splendor and richness. Literally, each color stands out. Particularly, the different shades of blue of the spaceship and uniforms. They pop out at you from the screen. The spherical zero-gravity battle room scenes are more fun to watch now with the ultra-high-definition.
A Stunning Sci-Fi Epic in 4K UHD
I sound like I am repeating myself, but it is true. The format is all about the colors. Looking at the plants in the background is extraordinary with deep light blues, greens, and browns. Every element is so detailed with textures that I didn’t even notice them in the other formats. I have to mention the tattoos on Ben Kingsley’s face. They are so rich and alive, like 3D.
I didn’t notice any shaking on the pan shots compared to Sicario, which is interesting. The panning shots of the rocky terrain are gorgeous. I could go on and on, but you need to see and experience 4K for yourself. All in all, the 4K UHD delivers a heightened experience, but it costs more to enjoy it.
I have always been impressed with the documentaries produced by HISTORY. The Bible Collection is a fine example of a well-done production. The program covers everything you can imagine about the Bible and even more. The quality of reenactments and speculations brings more life to such a devoted subject.
Biblical Heroes, Prophets, and Kings
The 16-disc set, spanning over 38 hours of programming, examines both Judaism and Christianity. The series explores the mysteries and hidden facts of the Bible’s history. Three discs offer some of the most famous biblical stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Also featured are 12 programs about the most famous biblical figures, and the screen format is both widescreen and full screen.
Includes the following DVDs:
Bible Stories from The Old Testament – DVD#1
Bible Stories from The Old Testament – DVD#2
Bible Stories from The Old Testament – DVD#3
Christianity: The First Two Thousand Years – DVD#1
Christianity: The First Two Thousand Years – DVD#2
Banned from The Bible – DVD
Banned from The Bible II – DVD
History Classics: Mysteries of The Bible: The Bible’s Greatest Heroes – DVD1/2
History Classics: Mysteries of The Bible: The Bible’s Greatest Heroes – DVD3/4
History Classics: Mysteries of The Bible: The Bible’s Greatest Heroes – DVD5
Bible Secrets Revealed – DVD1
Bible Secrets Revealed – DVD2
Mysteries of The Bible FKA Collector’s Choice: Mysteries of The Bible – DVD1/2
Mary of Nazareth – DVD/Jesus His Life
The Execution of Jesus – DVD
God Vs. Satan – DVD
Faith-Based Entertainment for Families
I doubt anyone could watch all the programs in one sitting. I am sure most Sunday Schools would love this Set and would play the appropriate DVDs for children. Some adults might want to watch each video as it sparks their interest in a particular aspect of the Bible, such as Mary of Nazareth or where the Bible has been banned. No matter how the programs are viewed, I am sure each person will appreciate the value of the production and become better educated about such an ancient book.
I was going to post this review in the Kids section of Movie Roar since it really is safe for kids to watch and is really silly. I changed my mind when I realized it’s really funnier from an adult’s point of view.
A New Round of Farmyard Mischief
Shaun the Sheep: Season 2 is hilarious. The short episodes are not too long nor too short – about 7 minutes. They are just right for any rainy afternoon or boring evening with nothing to do. My favorite one is about the bagpipe. The sheep and dog think it is a goose. I have never laughed so hard in such a short amount of time.
The package comes with two DVDs. If you have a free moment or two, pop in the DVD and peruse the menu for an episode that catches your eye. The set contains 40 episodes. There are plenty of choices.
Memorable Moments Fans Still Love
Let’s face it. These cute little sheep and the dog are hilarious. Each episode has no dialogue, just music and some grunts here and there. It is so well produced that I didn’t even think about the lack of dialogue.
Timmy, Shirley, and the Rest of the Flock
Another funny aspect of the storyline is that the dog and sheep try to avoid the farmer, who is as blind as anyone wearing opaque eyeglasses. I laugh thinking about it.
I recommend the DVD set for the whole family. People of all ages will enjoy these short stories. Just thinking about the sheep, the dog, and the farmer puts a smile on my face.
Directed by Chris C. Miller, Extraction opens with CIA field operative Leonard Turner, played by Bruce Willis. The scene is an important part of the story because the bad guys kill his wife, and he prevents his son from being killed as well.
The Father-and-Son Dynamic Explained
Next, we see his son Harry, played by Kellan Lutz, and it is ten years later. He followed his father’s footsteps and is a CIA agent. He is training under the keen guidance of Leonard’s best friend, Ken, played by D.B. Sweeney. Harry wants to be a field agent like his father, but keeps getting turned down. He is assigned to a project involving a top-secret piece of electronic equipment called CONDOR. It is pretty powerful and can control anything electric.
Inside the High-Risk Rescue Mission
Leonard is sent on a mission to purchase CONDOR and gets captured. Harry learns of it and wants to save his father, but is told to stand down. Harry figures out who captured his father, but the CIA says he isn’t strong enough to help save his father and send him home with an armed escort. Harry breaks away and sets his sights on saving his father.
Victoria Phipps, played by Gina Carano, is assigned to the case. She is one of the best field agents, and to make the story more interesting, she is Harry’s former lover. She lets him join her and help track down CONDOR, find his father, and take down the bad guys. Time is the key to pulling this all off, and they have to work fast. The story has some twists and turns, and confusion occurs when trying to figure out who the bad guys are and who the good guys are.
How Extraction Blends Espionage and Action
Seems like a pretty good action movie, but in all honesty, it isn’t that great. Technical glitches with the overall sound and vocals are disconcerting. The odd edits and jumps prevent the flow of the story. On top of that, I enjoy watching Carano do her action stuff, which I have seen in her other movies. She’s great, but in this movie, she doesn’t do much. I mean, she is a former MMA fighter. Let her show her stuff.
All in all, I really wanted to like this movie, but it started great, but didn’t hold its momentum.
WGN’s Manhattan is clearly a great period drama since Madmen. In season 2, three new cast members are introduced. William Petersen plays Col. Emmett Darrow, who is not a nice guy. Mamie Gummer plays Nora, who is also very dark, and Neve Campbell plays Kitty Oppenheimer.
Love and Loyalty Under Extreme Pressure
If you watched season 1, then you might be bothered by the fact that Frank Winter, played by John Benjamin Hickey, doesn’t have as much screen time in season 2 as in season 1 because the story follows the other main characters more this time around.
The opening episode is a little confusing because it opens 45 minutes before the season finale and then flashes back to a year before the night they test the bomb. I had a hard time following the time frame, but hopefully it smooths out.
Science at the Edge of Destruction
More backstory is given to each character, which makes season 2 more interesting, and the acting is still strong and impressive. The history during this time is really interesting, with the music and some authenticity to the clothes. If you are sharp, you might notice some production flaws with modern pops here and there, or modern electric wires not fully erased from the film.
The Atomic Countdown Intensifies
All in all, Manhattan has a hard message as a social commentary. The Cold War existed, and these people were a large part of it.
Kit Harington plays a former MI-5 agent, Will Crombie, who investigates the disappearance of Harry Pearce, played by Peter Firth, when he is blamed for the escape of a ruthless terrorist. Harington is known for starring in Pompeii, and I’m happy to see him in a different role.
Directed by Bharat Nalluri, MI-5 is a very compelling spy thriller and conspiracy movie. I am amazed by all the twists and turns the storyline follows. Even the ending has a twist I didn’t expect.
Hidden Twists and Ending Explained
The movie kept me on my toes, trying to figure out who is who and who is now who. Just one betrayer after another carries the story. The characters in the movie are very real in the sense that they conflict with the spy work they do. Is it morally justified or for the greater good? Nice touch on ethical choices; refreshing. “You are responsible for your actions.”
I did notice the budget constraints of producing this movie, but still, the action scenes were skillfully done and not over the top. Just enough to hold my attention and believe the scenes were real. Some movies go way overboard with the action sequences, and I no longer believe what is happening because it is just too unreal.
The Connection Between the Movie and the Spooks TV Series
I heard that this movie is based on a British TV show called Spooks, and when the show was distributed to the States, the title was changed to MI-5. With that, if you are familiar with the TV show, you’ll recognize the characters in the movie and be able to follow the storyline much better than someone who hasn’t seen the television show.
Vin Diesel movies make money and entertain in a simple but direct way. The Last Witch Hunter is a little different and not a simple movie.
Directed decently by USC alumnus Breck Eisner, the movie is both large-scale and commendable. Eisner crafts a distinct urban fantasy-horror universe that stands out from other films in the genre.
Is The Last Witch Hunter Worth Watching Today?
The story begins in the past, with a group of silver-haired warriors on an important journey to slay the evil Witch Queen, played by Julie Engelbrecht, who has placed a curse on the whole countryside. The warriors fight bravely, in suspense and terror, as if they were facing a monster, not a witch. All in all, this part of the movie is very good.
Who Is Kaulder, the Last Witch Hunter?
The story moves forward to the present. We meet Kaulder, played by Diesel, an immortal hero with a very complex, angst-ridden personality. If you are familiar with Diesel’s characters, you know he is still sarcastic and badass as ever, making his dedicated fans over-the-top, hand-slapping happy.
Powerful Alliances and Dangerous Betrayals
He teams up with Axe and Cross, a group of priests. Dolan, played brilliantly by Michael Caine, works closely with Kaulder but retires and unexpectedly dies. Kaulder suspects his death is caused by “dark magic beyond evil,” meaning the Witch Queen.
Action, Fantasy, and Horror Collide
Eisner adds a lot of action scenes, some awesome scary scenes, a strong supporting cast, and plenty of really useful computer effects featuring vibrant monsters and crazy spells.
However, the story has no surprises, only clichés, yet it’s a Diesel movie, so no complaints either.
Elijah Wood’s Role Explained
Elijah Wood is excellent as Kaulder’s sidekick, a geeky priest in New York City. He adds a lot to the story and production. I like seeing him with Diesel because they are so different in real life. Yet they work well together on screen.
All in all, it is a pretty good movie and worth seeing if you are a Diesel fan.
Mountain Men is a decent reality TV show, and the DVDs are worth getting, so I believed, until Season 4. Season 4 DVD has only 8 episodes, and the other half of the season is not available yet. The earlier seasons are all in one DVD package. When I bought Season 1, 2 and 3, I got the whole season in each DVD package, so the change in packaging is confusing. It appears to be a bait and switch.
Seems a little confusing? It is for the consumer.
What Happens in Mountain Men Season 4?
The promotion isn’t clear about what I am actually buying, since it appears to be the whole season, even though there are only two discs. How can 8 episodes fill two discs?
Don’t get me wrong. It is a great program, but it is so disappointing to have only half the season on the DVD package. I looked at Amazon, and most of the reviews state the same thing. They are disappointed because they only received half the season.
The Harsh Realities of Mountain Living
Despite the packaging change, Mountain Men: Season 4 is a great show. My favorite episode is when Marty finishes his cabin in time for his family’s arrival.
Rich, in Montana, has dogs that are in danger after pursuing a bobcat too far. Then Tom gets the once-over after receiving a risky commission. In beautiful North Carolina, a mishap brings Eustace’s lumber operation to a sudden halt.
Snowstorms, Predators, and Isolation
Season 4 first aired in 2015. The series follows the cast as they battle extreme weather, predators, and isolation in remote regions of North America.
As an afterthought, some of you might be happier viewing the streaming episodes on History. If you do the math, you might find it a better deal with 14 seasons and 201 episodes.
