Now on Blu-ray 08-04-15

SYNOPSIS: After a friend’s son is found dead, Soviet secret-police officer Leo Demidov (Hardy) suspects his superiors are covering up the truth.  When Leo dares to raise questions, he is demoted and exiled to a provincial outpost with his wife (Rapace).  There, Leo soon discovers other mysterious deaths with similar circumstances and convinces his new boss (Oldman) that a deranged serial killer is on the loose—and must be stopped before he strikes again in this electrifying thriller.

The home entertainment release of Child 44 will include a “Reflections of History” featurette that looks behind-the-scenes at the film crew’s work recreating the 1950s Soviet Union. 

Also available on Blu-ray

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - Review

PG-13  |  131 min  |  Action, Adventure, Thriller
Review - Matt Mungle

**In theaters July 31, 2015**

Synopsis: Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.

Review:  The right formula is key. Mathematics is based on correct formulas working precisely. You can figure out the most intricate equation if you have the right formula. That seems to be why the Mission Impossible franchise is so successful; they have a fantastic film formula.

Ethan (Tom Cruise) may have met his match this time in super villain Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) who always seems to be one step ahead of Hunt. The IMF has its own problems though as the head of the CIA (Alec Baldwin) is trying to get it disbanded. William Brandt (Jeremy Renner) to deal with all of this while his main agent, Hunt, is out trying to get Lane. In the mix is a British rouge agent, Ilsa Faust, (Rebecca Ferguson) who may or may not be working for Lane. Hunt has to trust her though if is he going to pull off this near impossible mission.

The formula I referred to has to do with the mix of action, fast paced chase scenes, eye rolling stunts, comedy, and a solid script. Very seldom do you find all of these working in harmony so effectively; but you do here. Also the script is well thought out and weaves the multiple story lines in a way that keeps it moving clearly. There are no plot holes and everything ties up perfectly.

High five to Cruise on keeping Hunt lean and mean. You never feel like Tom is phoning it in or doing something that is unbelievable. He gives 110% in every frame. He dives in to the action full force. Faust is another solid addition. In past MI films the female character is undefined, unnecessary, and unqualified. Ferguson leaves no doubt as to her ability as a kick butt spy. She carries herself with an inner strength masked by a beautiful exterior. This is a double weapon that keeps all the other characters on high alert.

Much of the comedy comes from, obviously, Simon Pegg as tech savvy Benji Dunn. Pegg doesn't stray far from what we normally see him doing but it works great here. He even gets into the action a few times. Renner steps away from the Hawkeye persona to put on an IMF suit and tie. Like everyone else in this film he nails the performance. Harris as a bad guy is a good call. He is an intelligent, soft spoken, sophisticated villain; which are the scariest of all.

All of the elements you liked from the earlier MI films are in this one. The gadgets, effects, and spy gear all take a seat of honor in this new installment. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, and brief partial nudity. As far as action films go you will find very little to be offended by in this one. The fighting and gun play being the most intense. I give it a strong 4 out of 5 water mains. A perfect addition to the MI franchise.

Now on Blu-ray 07-28-15

Featured

SYNOPSIS: When young Lili is forced to give up her beloved dog Hagen because its mixed-breed heritage is deemed “unfit” by The State, she and the dog begin a dangerous journey back towards each other. At the same time, all the unwanted, unloved and so-called “unfit” dogs rise up under a new leader, Hagen, the one-time house pet who has learned all too well from his “Masters” in his journey through the streets and animal control centers how to bite the hands that beats him.

Holding a new world record for the staggering amount of dogs used during filming, WHITE GOD is Hungary’s official submission for the 2015 Academy Award® for Best Foreign Language Film

Bonus Features
• Behind The Scenes Of White God
• Interview With Writer/Director Kornél Mundruczó
• Interview With Animal Coordinator/Technical Advisor Teresa Ann Miller

____________________________________________________________

WIN KUNG FU KILLER on Blu-ray

SYNOPSIS: A vicious killer stalks the streets of Hong Kong, methodically executing top martial arts competitors. Xia (Donnie Yen), a convicted killer and kung fu expert, offers to help police find the killer and put him behind bars – in return for his own freedom. The killer eludes them again and again, taunting the cops - and Xia, his new target - to discover his next moves. Xia refuses to play his lethal game…until the killer threatens the woman he loves most.

Language: Cantonese

Subtitles: English

Region: Region A/1 (Read more about DVD/Blu-ray formats.)

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Well Go USA

DVD Release Date: July 21, 2015

To enter simply email giveaway@mungleshow.com with "Kung Fu Killer in the subject line. No cost or obligation. Normal Contest rules apply. 

Also on DVD/Blu-ray

Screening pass - The End of the Tour

BE THE FIRST TO SEE A SCREENING OF:
THE END OF THE TOUR

DATE AND TIME:
August 03, 2015
Monday @7:30pm
(Have your pass ready to show at the door)

gofobo.com

Code: MungleTour
URL: http://www.gofobo.com/MungleTour

The Stanford Prison Experiment - Review

R  |  122 min  |  Drama, Thriller
Review - Matt Mungle

**In select theaters July 31, 2015**

Synopsis: Twenty-four male students out of seventy-five were selected to take on randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards in a mock prison situated in the basement of the Stanford psychology building.

Review:  The 1970's were a time of change, growth, and social exploration in America. The pre-internet age was more personal and communal. Bottom line people were more trusting and less entitled than the current age. The Stanford Prison Experiment would not work today and that is what makes the film not only intriguing but far more disturbing. True life usually is.

Stanford University psychology professor Dr. Philip Zimbardo (Billy Crudup) had what he thought was a fantastic idea. Twenty-four young students answered a help wanted ad for a 2-week job paying pretty decent 70's money. The experiment seemed straight forward enough. 12 guards and 12 "prisoners" in the deserted halls of the psych building. 14 days with constant monitoring by Zimbardo and his colleagues to study how individuals deal with power and authority. What they didn't anticipate was how quickly the situation would escalate. What they thought would be a dull two weeks is at a breaking point in 48 hours.

The tension in the film is a constant pulse that builds and intensifies with each tick of the clock. We watch along with Zimbardo as the young men take their roles to the extreme. Disturbing does not quite sum up the feeling that creeps over you as you watch. You have to wonder when someone on staff will step in and let them off the hook. But at the same time this is what the study was to show. No one knew that the reactions would be as they are.

Casting in this movie project was as important as the choosing of the original subjects back in 1971.  It is a who's who of young, up and coming indie film talent. Ezra Miller, Nicholas Braun, and Johnny Simmons (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Thomas Mann (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), and Tye Sheridan (Mudd/Joe) are just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone gives 110% to deliver earth shattering roles. They breath not only the essence of the 70's but also the mindset of young men of that decade. Tim Talbott's script is elevated and enhanced but the ensemble cast.

I am not sure how much actual footage of the real experiment exists today but it would have been an added benefit to see some of that in this. If nothing else as the credits were rolling. This would have solidified the story and helped to wrap up the emotional journey. Dr. Zimbardo is still lecturing and to hear from him would also have given more merit. It is hard to believe that all of the recordings of the experiment were lost or destroyed.

As mentioned earlier this story is disturbing and intriguing due to how the "prisoners" allowed the "guards" to say ad do what they did. The rational of the students was one of acceptance and doing what they were hired to do. It is safe to say that in this day and age the sense of entitlement that possess many young people in our country would have led to much different results. Many would have quit or simply walked away; feeling their rights were being in some way mangled.

The Stanford Prison Experiment is rated R for language including abusive behavior and some sexual references. It is a highly adult film with strong language and themes. Many will be a bit shocked and want to turn away from the content. That alone speaks volumes to the experiment as a whole, and why it ended as it did. I give it 4 out of 5 pair of sunglasses. Look for this one around award season, especially for this young cast.