DVD REVIEW: Dr Strange (1978) - Universal Pictures UK

Release Date: 17/10/16
Publisher:  Universal Pictures UK

SYNOPSIS:

Philip DeGuere writes and directs this fantasy adventure based on the Marvel comics character. After predicting the return to Earth of the evil sorceress Morgan LeFay (Jessica Walter), shaman Lindmer (John Mills) trains young psychiatry resident Dr Stephen Strange (Peter Wooten) in the ways of the mystic arts in order for him to take control of the elements and save the world.


REVIEW:

I've agonised over writing this review as to be honest I didn't want the Marvel fans to jump down my neck for slating a film that is utterly terrible, but with the soon to be Cinema Revamp release under the Marvel name coming in November, I was given the chance to view the original Tv movie so thought what the hell.

What occurs within is a sheer mess, its overly long for what little plot they have, the characters are poorly 2d and sadly never give you what you would expect of the character from the comic books as he has no personality what so ever as opposed ot being charismatic and a charmer.

The plot is drivel, written to bring in the Arthurian mythos and sadly doesn't make any sense when looked at from an outside point of view. Back this up with dire acting, character twists that were nonsensical alongside dialogue that had more wood in it than the Amazon and all round I was very disappointed. IT really is not a surprise that this didn't get a TV series from it.

DVD REVIEW: Dracula Untold - Universal Pictures UK

Release Date: 09/02/15
Publisher:  Universal Pictures UK

SYNOPSIS:

Gary Shore directs and Luke Evans stars in this fantasy horror origin story. The film follows Vlad Tepes (Evans) and his struggle to protect his family and his people from the malevolent Ottoman sultan Mehmed (Dominic Cooper), whose ever-expanding empire has put Vlad's homeland in danger of being conquered. Desperate to find a solution, Vlad seeks the help of a mysterious man (Charles Dance) who grants him the powers to defeat his enemy. But do these newly-gained powers come at too high a price?


REVIEW:

As a fan of the early Turtles cartoon it was pretty cool to hear that it was back for my nephew’s generation as a three d animation and whilst I missed the old villain characters like Beebop and Rocksteady, the new series had their own set of villains for the heroes to deal with.

So having been a fan of the Transformers franchise, when I heard Michael Bay was having a hand in dealing with the new film I thought it should be a pretty solid offering that would be fun for all. Yet originally upon release all I heard were negatives. It worried me and put me off, after all the cast looked solid enough, so I thought it could only be something to do with the script.

So when the DVD came out, I was lucky enough to get a review copy and settled myself in not expecting too much from this new release but actually I was pretty sold within the first few minutes. I liked the way that they poked fun at other hero franchises, loved the way that April O’Neal came across as the still sassy reporter and when added to the over villainy of William Fichtner really worked well for me.

All round a film that whilst not an Oscar winner, was something that not only entertained me but also gave me a good laugh, definitely worth watching with your kids and for me is something I look forward to watching with my nephews. Cowabunga.

DVD FEATURE: Luke Evan's: A Life in Pictures - Universal Pictures

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Here at Falcata Times we always love the chance to look back at things and with Dracula Untold having been released by Universal Pictures on DVD and Blu-Ray on Monday the 9th of February, we were asked by blog friend Mel to look back at the career of Luke Evan's.  So without further ado let us begin:

"The legendary actor Luke Evans was born and raised in Wales before he moved to London to harness his performing skills. He made a name for himself as a successful West End star before moving into pure acting roles on stage. When he was cast in the role of Vincent in the play Small Change at the Donmar Warehouse he gained recognition from film casting directors and this was to change his career. It was at this time when he took his chance on a Hollywood break.   

Luke Evans’ talent on screen has seen him rise from his smaller roles to fame and stardom playing lead characters such as the legendary Dracula in one of his latest works Dracula Untold.  

Clash of the Titans 

Following a successful career in the West End Luke Evans landed his Hollywood break after auditioning for the 2010 film Clash of the Titans, aged 30. He played the role of the Greek god Apollo which set him up for future starring roles. His Hollywood career had begun.  

Robin Hood 

Luke played the Sheriff’s thug in the 2010 film Robin Hood. Although he wasn’t yet the star he did work alongside big names such as Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett in this British-American epic adventure film. 

The Three Musketeers 

It was only the following year when Luke was cast as a musketeer in the film The Three Musketeers. His role as Aramis saw him working again with Matthew Macfadyen who had also worked alongside him in Robin Hood the previous year.  

Immortals 

In 2011 he played the lead role in the Greek epic Immortals, as Zeus King of the Gods. It was a 3D mythology fantasy film and was previously called ‘Dawn of War’ and ‘War of the Gods’ before the final title was officially decided. 

No One Lives 

Luke starred in the American horror film No One Live in 2012 directed by Ryuhei Kitamura. 

  

Fast & Furious 6 

Luke was cast as antagonist Owen Shaw in the sixth instalment of The Fast and the Furious franchise. This American-Spanish action film shows how the retired professional criminal gang from Fast Five, the previous film, are still wanted fugitives. A DSS agent offers to clear their names and allow them to return home if they help him take down a skilled mercenary organisation led by Owen Shaw, played by Luke Evans.  

The Hobbit Film Series 

Luke Evans was involved in all three of the Hobbit films which are based on the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. In the first film An Unexpected Journey out in 2012 Luke played the role of Giron Lord of Dale in the extended edition. For the following two films in the series  The Desolation of Smaug in 2013 and The Battle of the Five Armies in 2014 Luke played the role of Bard the Bowman.  

Luke Evans has climbed to success throughout his career and had a great end to 2014 playing the legendary character of Dracula in Dracula Untold. This gripping origin story unveils the beginnings of one of the most enduring and captivating figures of all time. This thrilling adventure, retelling the epic battle for one man’s soul, is out on Blu-ray and DVD now.     

AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL HD NOW 

DVD FORTHCOMING REVIEWS: Dracula Untold and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Today we reveal two films that are coming out shortly that we've chosen to review and we're getting pretty excited.  Lady Eleanor is grabbing the popcorn, I'm grabbing the drinks and we're preparing for a couple of nights of high screen entertainment.


 The first film that we'll be reviewing is the forthcoming Dracula Untold:

which is released on DVD, Blu-Ray on 9th February.

The second which we're currently awaiting confrimation on is the new Michael Bay Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which is released on DVD and Blu-Ray on 16th February:

We hope you'll join us soon to see what we think of these two films.




Gareth and Lady Eleanor

DVD REVIEW: Continuum - Universal Pictures UK

Release Date: 28/01/13

SYNOPSIS:

All ten episodes from the first season of the time-travelling Canadian sci-fi drama. Whilst attempting to stop eight terrorists, known as Liber8, from escaping execution, Vancouver law enforcement officer Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols) finds herself transported from the year 2077 to 2012. In her attempts to track down the terrorists and prevent them from changing the future, Keira joins the present day Vancouver Police Department, enlisting the help of 17-year-old tech geek Alec Sadler (Erik Knudsen) and local officer Carlos Fonnegra (Victor Webster). The episodes are: 'A Stitch in Time', 'Fast Times', 'Wasting Time', 'Matter of Time', 'A Test of Time', 'Time's Up', 'The Politics of Time', 'Playtime', 'Family Time' and 'End Times'.


REVIEW:

I caught the first couple of episodes on the Syfy Channel and whilst I was interested it wasn’t something that originally stuck with me enough to watch it all the way through. Now this isn’t a case of because I was bored, it was more to do with a lot of the subtle nuances within that whilst you remember it at the time, over subsequent weeks when others work their way though, you’ve forgotten what has gone before which is why a DVD release is a real joy to own.

What you get within this, is a top notch story that whilst following some of the conventions that other futuristic time travel series have utilised really works on the principle character trying her damnedest to not affect the current time and thus change the future as she or her family will change. It’s a solid premise and when you add the heroine chasing a group of villains all set on starting a war that will change events, really works on so many levels.

Add to this solid performances, some wonderful film trickery to help you get the emotional aspects (though the use of camera filters) and solid story arc linking all ten episodes and it’s a series that works very well for me as a viewer. Great stuff.