New Releases Nov 12th-19th--Review-The World's End--About our Scavenger Hunt

The last two weeks have been a boon for movie lovers with great titles in a number of genres. Leading the pack from November 12th is Man of Steel.

With the recent bombardment of superhero movies, it seems renters are less receptive to this movie than they should be, possibly because previous Superman attempts have had dated special effects. Imagine the improvement in CGI in the upcoming installment of the Star Wars saga over the original--the same leap this version of Superman takes. The action is exhilarating. Rotten Tomatoes viewers gave the movie 76%--a very respectable score. Well worth renting for an entertaining evening.

                                                               Watch a Trailer of 2 Guns

2 Guns is a much anticipated release starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. This shoot-em-up features non-stop action. The two are undercover agents who are forced to go on the run together when a drug cartel bust goes south. Adding a comedic element is that neither is aware that the other is also an agent. They find themselves in a position where both sides of the law are pursuing them and must put their trust in each other. This one is a crowd pleaser and the actors shine.

Two releases from Disney and Dreamworks, respectively, will delight the kids and are great family entertainment. First, Planes, from the creators of Cars, follows their tried and true formula of humanizing vehicles. They add 15 new characters to the Disney stable, some of which will remind the viewer of their Cars equivalents. Dreamworks enters Cars territory with Turbo, a classic underdog story of a snail who loves car racing and dreams of competing in the Indy 500.

We're The Millers is a yarn about a small-time drug smuggler who aspires to hit the big time by convincing his deviant neighbours (consisting of an exotic dancer, loser and runaway) to pose as his family in order to smuggle a quantity of pot over the border in an RV. Comedic misadventure ensues. The cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts and Nick Offerman, gravitate to their roles and make this a good laughfest. 

A couple dark comedies will please fans of the genre; All is Bright and The World's End. The former stars veteran actors Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd as an ex-con and a fast talker who try to make a quick buck selling Christmas trees during the holiday season. One of the pals is trying to raise money to buy a piano for his estranged daughter for Christmas, while the other is trying to woo his friend's ex-wife. Comedic misadventure and twists. A good movie to gain a different perspective of the holiday season. 

                    

                               Watch a Trailer of The World's End

 

                               Movie Review: THE WORLD'S END

 

 Fans of British dark comedy are already fans of Simon Pegg. His previous portrayals of loveable losers in films like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Run, Fatboy, Run have endeared him as the hard-luck everyman in the UK and beyond. 

This film is the final installment of the Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, the brainchild of Pegg and co-writer and director Edgar Wright, that encompasses SOTD and Hot Fuzz as segments one and two. The third segment is a nod to aliens and science fiction, the former two, gore movies and police movies.

The World's End casts him, once again, as the ultimate sad sack. Everyone has had a friend like Gary King, Pegg's character. He exists permanently reliving his past. Growing old without growing up. Still single, partying and adolescent-like, Gary carries on his friends have moved on to families, careers and success.

The movie revolves around a legendary hometown pub crawl King and his cohorts tried to complete, unsuccessfully, in their youth. The last pub on the crawl is, appropriately, called The World's End. King, desperate to finally achieve something in his pathetic life, goes to work painfully recruiting his former pals to take one more shot at the legend. 

Ironically, I mentioned to my wife it felt like a bit that was stolen from The Blues Brothers, and laughingly realized the homage was intentional when Pegg recites the line "we're putting the band back together". 

The boys take another shot at the crawl but soon an unexpected obstacle ensues. 

Parts of this movie are intentionally campy. Those who understand that this is intentional should thoroughly enjoy it. The entire escapade is simply a surreal vehicle for great comedic dialogue and the enjoyment of Gary King's complete suspension of reality.

This is one of those love it or hate it movies. If you liked  SOTD, Hot Fuzz and RFR, you will love this romp. 

                                     MOVIE SCAVENGER HUNT

                                                WIN ME!

 

If you haven't already started, come play our Movie Scavenger Hunt. Each week we provide 10 clues. They can also be found on this blog, our facebook page or in both locations. Entry ballot boxes are at both stores.

Match the clues to recently released DVD/Blu-Rays. If you match 6/10 in each period, you win a 2 for 1 rental card. 10/10 wins you a free rental. Over the 11 week contest, the person who has the most correct answers will win an HD Sony Smart Blu-Ray player with internet capability. More prizes to come!

Complete rules available in-store.

Next week features the long awaited sequel, RED 2. Don't miss it!

Movie Scavenger Hunt Week 2

 

Scavenger Hunt items for the Week of November 15 (Week 2)

Choose a recent movie for each of the following 10 places, persons and things listed below:

Vinnie Jones
Victoria Gross
PEOC
MU
Red Blind Fold
S=Hope.
Gypsy Danger.
12 Hours Anything Goes
Debbie Sue...

106 Days Accident Free

Entry forms are available at both Gone Hollywood Video stores:  

115 First Street, Collingwood 293-4448 and

707 River Road West, Wasaga Beach  429-1234.

We will post a new list of 10 each week for 11 weeks. Get 6 or more correct from any week gets you a 2 for 1 Rental, Get 10 correct any week and get a FREE movie rental. Get the most correct over the 11 weeks and you get a Blu-Ray Player FREE. And there will be other prizes at the end of the 11 weeks so participate every week to increase the probability of you earning a prize.

Rules have been modified so you can now submit your answers for any week at anytime between now and when the contest ends on Sun. Jan. 19, 2014.

See us in either store if you have any questions.

P.S.  We carry a variety of credit cards, game cards and gift cards at both stores for that someone special on your "BEEN GOOD" list.

Movie Lovers, You are invited to join in our Movie Scavenger Hunt.

Entry Ballots available at both Gone Hollywood Video stores:    115 First Street, Collingwood and 707 River Road West, Wasaga Beach

 

NEW MOVIES FOR NOV. 5, R.I.P.D. REVIEW, SNEEK PEEK AT OUR UPCOMING MOVIE TRIVIA SCAVENGER HUNT FOR GREAT PRIZES...

This week we begin with Grown Ups 2, which reunites Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade--back in the town they were childhood friends in. The usual gags, and comedic situations ensue. Fans of the first film should be satisfied with the sequel. 

Clear History stars Larry David, the creator of Seinfeld and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, who gives up his 10% share in the fledgling company he works for, only to watch it go on to make billions of dollars. His character, Nathan Flomm's name becomes synonymous in society for "idiot". The ensuing life he lives is one of bitterness and hunger for revenge. The supporting cast of Bill Hader, Jon Hamm, Kate Hudson, Michael Keaton, Eva Mendes and more, give him the diverse veteran cast to allow David to play the role he plays best--the scornful, agitated, misunderstood guy. This will please fans of David's quirky style of humour.

                                                             OFFICIAL TRAILER


White House Down stars Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum. If you have watched Olympus Has Fallen, you may get a strong sense of Deja Vu. Once again the White House is being attacked by an enemy--this time it is a domestic, rather than foreign, threat. Once again, one of the heroes is a black sheep trying to make good. Once again, lots of action and gunplay. Should satisfy the action fans who may want to do their own comparison to OHF.

Lovelace is a biopic of Linda Lovelace a pioneer in the porn industry. It documents her path from a strict religious background, to her marriage to hustler Chuck Traynor, under whose control she was turned into "Linda Lovelace" porn star. The story chronicles her struggle to break free from his abuse and metamorphosis into a champion in the movement to fight violence against women. Lovelace features a talented with Amanda Seyfried as Lovelace, Peter Sarsgaard, Hank Azaria, Adam Brody, James Franco and other strong supporting members. A difficult topic for some but a compelling story.

Girl Most Likely is a comedy with the tagline "insanity runs in the family". It follows Imogene (Kristen Wiig of Bridesmaids fame) as she fakes a suicide attempt in a desperate move to recapture the affection of an ex-boyfriend. This causes her to move back in with her mother (Annette Benning) , a gambling addict, and other equally dysfunctional family members. Throw in Matt Dillon as Benning's equally deranged boyfriend and laughter ensues. 


                           MOVIE REVIEW: R.I.P.D.

Q. What do you get when you throw Men In Black, Ghostbusters and Ghost in a blender?

A. R.I.P.D.

When you watch RIPD--the acronym for Rest In Peace Department--you will feel something is vaguely familiar. It will feel like someone has taken pieces from different puzzles to make something new--but not. The Men In Black similarities are obvious. A secret police force with a special mission. A grizzled veteran (Jeff Bridges is the Tommy Lee Jones) and a green rookie (Ryan Reynolds plays the Will Smith part). This secret force hunts, not escaped Aliens, but unruly spirits causing trouble in the human world. 

These spirits have a plan to open a gate and unleash the underworld on earth...(Hello, Ghostbusters plot). In the mix is the love story between Reynold's character, a cop trapped in the nether and recruited to the R.I.P.D. and his grieving wife. The two partners are forced to inhabit very different bodies in the live world, leading to many humorous situations. They are there in pursuit of the spirits, racing to capture them before they complete the gateway. The spirits are very reminiscent of MIB. The CGI animation is reminiscent of all three movies this play homage to. 

R.I.P.D. is a fun action fantasy that will remind you a little too much of some other predecessors but is a fun ride for fans of  sci-fi, action and comedy.



GONE HOLLYWOOD MOVIE SCAVENGER HUNT--WIN A BLU-RAY, FREE MOVIE RENTALS AND MUCH MORE...
DETAILS COMING SHORTLY...


 

NEW RELEASES, MONSTERS UNIVERSITY REVIEW AND WHY WE'RE BETTER THAN A MOVIE RENTAL MACHINE...

NEW THIS WEEK:

 DOWN THE SHORE, a gripping drama about shattered dreams, shocking crimes and final chances. This film features recently deceased James Gandolfini, of The Sopranos fame, in one of his last starring roles. Variety calls Gandolfini's performance, his "most substantial role to date."

BYZANTIUM, a vampire movie, just in time for Halloween directed by Neil Jordan, who also directed Interview With The Vampire. Twists, turns and drama as secrets of 200 years of shared history unravel as two female vampires wreak havoc in a UK seaside community.

MOLLY MAXWELL, a romantic drama that is reminiscent of The Police's "Don't Stand So Close to Me," with a younger male teacher and female student and drawn into a complicated relationship. The film is set in the backdrop of Toronto, debuting local writer and director Sara St.Onge is her feature debut.

R.I.P.D., or Rest In Peace Department is a supernatural action adventure in the spirit (pun intended) of the Men In Black Ghostbusters franchises. It pairs Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds as a pair of cops charged with protecting the living from increasingly destructive spirits hiding among them on Earth. When they discover a plot that potentially threatens life as we know it, the fun begins. 

I GIVE IT A YEAR, is a Rom-Com from the producers of Love Actually, Notting Hill and Bridget Jone's Diary. The story is one of opposites attract, but can they last? GQ magazine calls it "Absolutely brilliant, the funniest film in years".



               MONSTERS UNIVERSITY REVIEW

                                        WATCH A TRAILER...


In 2001, Disney/Pixar introduced us to two animated loveable--yes, loveable--monsters named Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan. Mike, voiced by Billy Crystal, and John Goodman as Sulley, taught us all about the monsters in our closets and under our beds. They were endeared by children and parents alike. As Disney/Pixar continued to crank out sequels to the hit Toy Story, poor Mike and Sulley sat like the unwanted toys in the attic.

When all hope seemed lost, we are treated, not to a sequel, but a prequel. Since the Star Wars disappointment, I have been weary of the word prequel; however, Monsters University has renewed my faith.

This could have been titled When Mikey Met Sulley (Billy Crystal reference intended). It follows a young Mike and Sulley attending Monsters University, each vying to gain entry to the coveted Scare School program. There is the typical jock/nerd rivalry that tends to surface in college movies. 

The writing is strong and driven. This is one of those rare films that children and adults of all ages can truly enjoy together. It is reminiscent of The Flintstones, which I loved during my childhood. I was unaware of a whole different level of humour that the adults were simultaneously enjoying that was "over my head".

Monsters University is an instant classic that is worthy of spurring additional sequels in the future. It is truly a "family" movie that all will enjoy.


In homage of David Letterman...

10 REASONS WE'RE BETTER THAN A MOVIE RENTAL MACHINE...

10. NO CREDIT CARD REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT

9. MUCH GREATER SELECTION OF TITLES (US 3000, THEM 200)

8. LOWER EXTRA NIGHT CHARGES (AND OUR 5 FOR $10 ON 7 DAY  
     RENTALS SAVES YOU EVEN MORE FOR EXTENDED RENTALS)

7. NO RISK OF MALFUNCTION/FALSE BILLING/CARD SKIMMERS

6. YOUR ONLINE RESERVED MOVIES ARE HERE...GUARANTEED!

5. LOTS OF COUPON AND SPECIAL OFFERS (LIKE OUR 50% OFF CARD)

4. CUSTOM ORDERS AND PRE-VIEWED MOVIES FOR SALE

3. WE CARRY LOTS OF TV SERIES

2. WE GET MANY NEW RELEASES 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE BOXES 
     (DUE TO MOVIE STUDIO RESTRICTIONS)

 

                             1. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FREE SMILES

                          THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED PATRONAGE!
                      YOU SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT


                  
 


 HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING...
                         
 
COME RENT A SCARY MOVIE!



 

LATEST RELEASES, MAKING YOUR OWN MOVIE, GHV WEBSITE IMPROVEMENTS...

RECENT AND NEW FILM RELEASES:

The Heat, starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, a raunchy good cop/bad cop becoming buddies comedy from Paul Feig, the director of Bridesmaids. 
 

The Frozen Ground, with Nic Cage, John Cusack and Vanessa Hudgens, is a suspense/Thriller inspired by the true story of an Alaskan State Trooper on the hunt for Alaska's most prolific serial killer.



The Way, Way Back is a feel good coming of age movie from the studio that produced Juno and Little Miss sunshine.
It features a strong ensemble including Canadian Liam James in his biggest feature role, supported by Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, Amanda Peet and more. It is "certified fresh" by Rotten Tomatoes and Peter Travers, of Rolling Stone, calls it "Bracingly Fresh and Funny".

Pacific Rim is an over-the-top action movie from director Guillermo del Toro. It is reminiscent of the Transformer series of movies--featuring huge Alien creatures potted against emormous robots called Jaegers that humans have devised to battle them. Del Toro has recruited Ron Perlman, who starred his Hellboy movies and chosen Perlman's co-star on TV's Sons of Anarchy, Charlie Hunnam, to star. 

                                     OFFICIAL TRAILER HERE

Also this week comes The Internship pairing up comedy veterans Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as two old-school salesmen who try to reboot their careers by taking an internship with Google, with hilarious results.

Just in time for Halloween, from the director of Saw and Insidious, is The Conjuring. This story is based on true events and will satisfy the most hardcore horror fans.




Newly released, great for the whole family is Return to Nim's Island, the sequel to the smash hit.


  





MAKE YOUR OWN SHORT FILM!

There are still a few spots left for the Mountain Goat Film Company's Fall Workshop, run by veteran filmmaker Tom Strand, starting Saturday November 2nd and running for 5 consecutive Saturdays. Details are in my last blog. To fill the last spots, Tom is offering 50% off the $500 course fee!!!! You can get a last minute spot for only $250 plus HST...only until Sunday October 27th or all spots are filled.

During the course you will learn all aspects of making a short film (see last blog) and will actually be making your own complete short film on the subject of your choice. 

You can also enter your short film in the Wasaga Beach Short Film Fest whose deadline is December 2nd, shortly after the course ends and after you have completed your short film. The Film Fest has first prizes of $500 in each of 9 catagories! For more details, including rules, regulations and entry requirements, check out the Wasaga Beach Short Film Fest Website.



GROWING PAINS

As some of you know, we have had a couple of compatibility issues with our cutting-edge software. We are pleased to announce our tech team have worked out these bugs and our system should now be universally compatible. If you continue to experience any problems, LET US KNOW!

 THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE! 

We will continue to work hard to improve your movie renting experience,

Sincerely,

Your Gone Hollywood Team

ZOMBIES, PARENTS RESOURCES, GH POINTS PROGRAM and MUCH MORE...

NEW RELEASES OCT. 8 

This Tuesday, there are movies that appeal to a wide range of tastes:

Hangover III,  Barbie: A Pony Tale, Curse of Chucky, The Horses of McBride (a true story of a young girl’s passion to save two horses stuck in snow in B.C.), Much Ado About Nothing, The Purge, Stuck in Love, and After Earth (a Sci-Fi starring Will and Jaden Smith).

ZOMBIES GO "A LIST"

Since George Romero brought zombies to the forefront of B-movies, they have cemented their place at the forefront of cult movie favourites. A new era of Zombies has emerged--and this time they have invaded the Red Carpet. TV's The Walking Dead has ushered in a new resurgence of zombie mania. This time, instead of a cult following, zombies have infiltrated the mainstream. Despite being snubbed at the Emmys by peers, The Walking Dead continues to dominate viewer-wise.

"(The) season-three finale shattered the zombie drama's own ratings record yet again, scoring 12.4 million total viewers in its initial 9 p.m. broadcast and 8.1 million in the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic. The numbers represent series bests in total viewers and the demographic".

Not since an all-star ensemble including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Benning, Pierce Brosnan, Danny DeVito, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Sarah Jessica Parker, Natalie Portman, Jack Black and many more, appeared in MARS ATTACKS, has so much attention been focused on B-Movie territory.

ABOUT MY REVIEWS

As this is my first review, just an advisement that I intend to strategically review movies without revealing vital plot information. I will always attempt to disclose no more than one would learn from a trailer or the synopsis that accompanies the movies on our website. Any review is an opinion and I will try to give mine in as unbiased a fashion as possible, while providing useful insight.

WORLD WAR Z--REVIEW

Riding the coattails of The Walking Dead's success comes World War Z, a futuristic horror set in a post-apocalyptic world where, for unknown reasons, the population is rapidly being infected and becoming Zombies. Caught in the foray is Hollywood's golden boy, BRAD PITT.  Pitt, at the pinnacle of his career, immediately lends credibility and marketability to the film. Mainstream viewers are hungry for more Walking Dead style action--combining strong characters, suspense, plot twists, fast paced action, combined with the standard shock and gore. Casual movie goers are drawn by the allure of Pitt and many are making their first foray into the world of the macabre. In either case, World War Z should satisfy all.

Any movie of this genre, whether horror, futuristic, or science fiction, requires a suspension of disbelief. World War Z requires a little more than many. There are holes in the script that one must ignore. The action and edge of your seat excitement allows one to overlook these more easily. Pitt's character Gerry Lane is caught in a vulnerable urban setting with his family when they confront the crisis for the first time. Here, the survival rollercoaster begins. The viewer begins to realize Lane is no Average Joe. His actions foreshadow there is more to him than meets the eye.

Action is interspersed with scenes created to give a background and global perspective to the crisis. These serve to give the viewer a sense of the enormity of the pandemic. As events unfold, Lane, attempting to ensure the safety of his family, is drawn back into a life he had left behind. This world intersects those desperately looking for the cause and possible cure for this plague. Thus, the stage is set.

The zombies in World War Z, are not those of Night of The Living Dead or The Walking Dead. They are not slow moving and lacking any discernible thought. They are ravenous, fast moving, rabid creatures. This allows the adrenaline rush and jump moments for the audience. It also creates the air of an action movie--appeasing the non-horror fans. There is a resemblance to the horde in I Am Legend, starring Will Smith. In fact, there are many parallels between the storyline of the two movies. It is also reminiscent of the War of the Worlds remake, starring Tom Cruise.

In the end, I recommend World War Z for it's thrilling action, great CGI effects and general captivating entertainment factor. This is NOT for young children or those who dislike gore or frighten easily. 

ZOMBIES FOR KIDS?

For children--much more mild--I recommend Daddy, I'm A Zombie. It is a great claymation feature just in time for Halloween. It is rated PG for scary images, thematic elements and some rude humour.

PARENT'S RESOURCES

I am often asked by parents if a certain movie is appropriate for their children. The fact is you know your kids best--what they can handle and what suits the way you want them raised. What I recommend when making these choices are two websites:

1) Kids In Mind

This site contains its' own search bar where you can look for the title you want to know about.

This website rates most movies in terms of three areas--each rated separately: Sex and Nudity, Violence and Gore, and Profanity. It rates each of these areas on a score of 1 to 10. It also describes the scenes for each sub-category, so you know exactly what happens in those scenes. It also denotes any drug or alcohol use, suggests discussion topics you can have with your kids and conveys the general message of the movie. All of this is available when you click "complete content analysis" that accompanies the general description of the movie.

2) Common Sense Media

This website is run by a group whose mission statement is as follows:

“Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

We exist because our nation's children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development.   As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume.”

This website not only addresses movies, but also, tv, books, video games and more.

All media are given an age appropriate rating by the website board--with appropriate explanations.  Parents and kids are also encouraged to write their own reviews and assign an age appropriation themselves. The combination of kids' perspective, parents'

perspective and the board’s recommendation should be very helpful in making a decision.

HALLOWEEN CONTESTS

Come into either location with the answer to the question for a free 7 day rental!

Kids: Who is the Friendly Ghost?

Adults:There are 2 horror giants who both spawned a number of sequels and faced off in two crossover movies--who are they?

BONUS QUESTION: The first right answer at each location gets a free new release horror movie: Which of the two compiled more kills in their entire franchise?

FYI:

The Walking Dead Seasons 1&2

World War Z

I Am Legend

and Daddy, I'm A Zombie are available for rent at both locations

Mars Attacks and War of the Worlds (2005) are available from the WB location and can be rented at Collingwood by request.

Various movies starring (answer the adult trivia question) are available at both locations.

FALL FILMMAKING WORKSHOPS

Our Collingwood location, in conjunction with Mountain Goat Film Company, will be hosting a five week workshop for aspiring novice filmmakers. You can learn the art of film creation including; Screenwriting, Cinematography, Direction, Producing, Editing, Visual effects, and Sound Mixing from Tom Strnad, an award winning filmmaker whose credits include Feature Films and TV shows on YTV and HGTV.

This is a great course for both those who want to learn the basics, no experience necessary, and cinephiles who crave a deeper understanding of the craft they are so passionate about. 

Each week focuses on different aspects of filmmaking:

Week 1 is all about screenwriting and writing a short film script

Week 2 introduces camera angles and composition along with an intro to editing

Week 3 covers a production where each student will film their script and bring words into action

Week 4 examines editing and working on a first cut of the short film

Week 5 introduces sound editing and design and final edited films are screened by all the students

Classes run 5 consecutive Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm, beginning November 2, 2013. The cost, including access to the newest equipment such as a Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera and materials, is $500.  EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Book before October 15th and SAVE 25% (only $375).

To enroll, contact either Gone Hollywood Video location or tom@mountaingoatfilm.com

COMING SOON: GONE HOLLYWOOD POINTS PROGRAM

An exclusive new Gone Hollywood Points program. Collect points on everything you purchase--rentals, PV movies, munchies and merchandise. Redeem points on all of these things or bank them and save for a NEW HD BLU-RAY PLAYER...details soon.