GHOSTBUSTERS - Review

PG-13 | 1h 56min | Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Review - Matt Mungle

*In select theaters July 15th 2016*

Synopsis: Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.

Review: I ain't afraid of no ghost and I am not afraid to say how much I liked this reboot of the famous flick, GHOSTBUSTERS. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I was never married to the first one or possibly how much I adore this entire cast. Either way, it was a load of fun. 

Erin (Kristen Wiig) is trying to put her paranormal past behind her but when some nasty ghouls start popping up around Manhattan she has no choice. She joins Abby (Melissa McCarthy), Jillian (Kate McKinnon), and Patty (Leslie Jones) to try and put the dead to rest. With sophisticated gadgets and a nose for the gnarly these women are up to the task and prove that even in fear you can be hilariously funny. 

All four of these ladies are able to deliver the one liners and humor effortlessly. Comedy is no stranger to them and they embrace what they are best at. Many may view this as repetitive norm but for others who expect a certain flair will be excited to see it here. The script stays true to the original and although at times cartoonish it is consistent.I can not imagine walking away from this one without any sort of admiration. 

Chris Hemsworth is as you have never seen him as the ditzy receptionist, Kevin. It is like a bizarro reverse world in which all stereotypes and gender roles from the 80s are turned upside down. There are many subtle, and not so subtle, jabs at the haters and those who think chicks can't chase ghosts. 

The effects are not stellar but never did they distract me from the on screen happenings. It is easy to pick this apart frame by frame but in the end it is just a story about ghost hunters. At what point is that not silly? It has loads of laughs, adventure, action, and a script that has fewer holes than most. 

GHOSTBUSTERS is rated PG-13 for supernatural action and some crude humor. For those who might scoff and say how the first was so clean and family friendly have either never seen it or only watched it edited for TV. This one is actually far cleaner and void of those 80's sex antics. Girls 11-16 will take the girl power to heart and like it more than anyone. I give it 3.75 out of 5 fish tanks. In fact I might be in the minority but I would rather watch it than the original. 

Win THE DARK HORSE on DVD

• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: 
   R 
   Restricted
• Studio: Broad Green
• DVD Release Date: July 12, 2016
• Run Time: 124 minutes

THE DARK HORSE on DVD, VOD and digital HD July 12

Enter to win a copy of this compelling film. Simply email giveaway@mungleshow.com with "DARK HORSE" in the subject line. No cost or obligation. Official rules apply (see below).

Synopsis:  Based on a powerful true story, The Dark Horse is the uplifting portrait of a man searching for the courage to lead, despite his struggles with mental illness. The film features a stunning, award-winning performance by Cliff Curtis (Whale Rider, Blow, “Fear the Walking Dead”) as Genesis “Gen” Potini, a brilliant but troubled New Zealand chess champion who finds purpose by teaching underprivileged children about the rules of chess and life.

 

After years in and out of mental institutions, Genesis is released into the care of his estranged brother Ariki (Wayne Hapi) and thrust into his volatile gang lifestyle. Seeking to escape this toxic environment, Genesis finds solace by volunteering at the Eastern Knights chess club and sharing his gift with the disadvantaged Maori children of his community. Charismatic and impassioned, Gen encourages the group to train for the upcoming National Chess Championships. But his teaching puts him at odds with his brother when Ariki’s son Mana (James Rolleston) shows an interest in the game – chess is considered a distraction from the teen’s imminent initiation into his father’s gang.

Genesis’s conflict with his brother and the violent gang, along with his ongoing battle with illness, threaten to ruin the hopeful progress Gen has made for himself and the young Eastern Knights. But Genesis’s positivity leads him to always search for light, even when the world seems at its darkest.

Criminal [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD]

• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: 
   R 
   Restricted
• Studio: LIONSGATE
• DVD Release Date: July 26, 2016
• Run Time: 113 minutes
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• Exploding onto 4K Ultra-HD™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack & DVD on July 26. Available on Digital HD on July 12
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Synopsis: Kevin Costner stars in this story of the right man in the wrong body. In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative’s memories, secrets, and skills are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous death-row inmate in the hopes that he will complete the operative’s mission.

 

Matt Mungle - This all star cast makes CRIMINAL a must own for your Blu-ray and digital collection. Wall to wall action trumps any pot holes that may spring up in the script. This film did not fair well in the box office but makes for a trustworthy renter. 

The Criminal home entertainment release special features include two featurettes, four deleted scenes, and a brand-new music video for “Drift and Fall Again” by artist Madsonik. Criminal will be available in the following formats on July 26: 4K Ultra-HD Combo Pack – $42.99 SRP Blu-ray Combo Pack – $39.99 SRP DVD – $29.95 SRP BLU-RAY / DVD/ DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES* “Criminal Intent” Featurette “Director’s Notes” Featurette Deleted Scenes Madsonik’s “Drift and Fall Again” Music Video

Green Room [Blu-ray + Digital HD]

• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: 
   R 
   Restricted
• Studio: LIONSGATE
• DVD Release Date: July 12, 2016
• Run Time: 93 minutes

Synopsis:  After witnessing a shocking crime, a young rock band is unexpectedly thrust into a life-or-death battle to escape the clutches of a diabolical club owner (Stewart) and his ruthless henchmen in this white-knuckle thriller.

 

Review:  - Matt Mungle - Writer/Director Jeremy Saulnier takes the psycho thriller to a new level with GREEN ROOM. Certainly  a step in the right direction for the genre and one that does not rely on cliche predictability. In fact it has elements that should be studied for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the horror market. 

Pat (Anton Yelchin) and his punk rock band mates are just trying to play some shows and spread their growling message to the moshing crowds. They never expected or planned to get caught up in a nasty murder involving white supremacists and backwoods vigilante justice. Now they find themselves being held captive by a venue owner (Patrick Stewart) and his militant militia. Pat and the gang are going to have to match brutal force with brutal force if they have any hope of survival.

The backdrop of the punk rock scene and the undercurrent of angst fuel this story in ways that make it unique. Even without the mayhem it is gritty and in need of a shower. But at the same time the protagonists are likable. These aren't bad kids. They just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. So you feel for them in a way that is human because they are not simply paying the consequences of some stupid action. The bad guys are easy to hate too which lends to a no-brainer when it comes to choosing sides. 

For the most part the film is set in a dark music club and even most of that in a single room. The Green Room is the place that talent hang out and relax when not performing. Every venue has them and they all serve the same purpose. Granted some are a tad cleaner or fancy. This one becomes a windowless cell and elevates the claustrophobic fear. 

The creepiness is thick and oozing from every scene. Not in that jump out and grab you but rather in a depraved humanity. Plus no one is safe in this one. The rules do not apply as the script changes on a dime. It is fresh and focused which keeps the audience on their curled up toes. 

Yelchin is joined by some solid supporters including Alia Shawkat and Imogen Poots. Alia fits the movie perfectly and is so realistic in the role. Poots is almost recognizable as the gritty ally. It is fun to watch her in this movie and deserves some kudos. 

Green Room is rated R for strong brutal graphic violence, gory images, language and some drug content. This is an adult thriller and not for the squeamish. There are several look away moments that make your skin crawl and your stomach turn. But it is so much fun. I give it 4 out of 5 band riders. This is certainly a headliner on the blood and gore tour.

BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

·         Audio Commentary with Director Jeremy Saulnier

·         “Into the Pit: Making Green Room” Featurette

*Subject to Change