"Doctor Strange" Review by Tim Hellman

'DOCTOR STRANGE': Four Stars (Out of Five)

The 14th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is based on the Marvel Comics superhero character 'Doctor Strange'. Strange was a talented neurosurgeon that lost his skills in a horrible car accident. He seeks help from a Sorcerer, called The Ancient One, to heal himself; and in the process he gains mystic super powers. The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch, in the title role, and it costars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Scott Adkins and Benjamin Bratt. It was written by Scott Derrickson, Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill, and it was directed by Derrickson (Derrickson has previously directed, and co-written, such popular horror flicks as 'SINISTER', 'DELIVER US FROM EVIL', 'THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE' and 'HELLRAISER: INFERNO'). The movie has been a huge blockbuster at the Box Office (much like all Marvel Studio films), and it's also gotten mostly positive reviews from critics. I liked it.

Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is a very successful neurosurgeon, that's horribly wounded in a disastrous car accident; losing the use of his talented hands. In a desperate effort to try and heal himself, Stephen travels to Kamar-Taj; and meets a powerful sorcerer called the Ancient One (Swinton). She teaches Strange her powerful mystic abilities; and Strange also learns that the world is under attack, by other evil sorcerers. The doctor might also be one of the only people that can stop them.

The movie is just as fun, and entertaining, as most Marvel Studio superhero films. This one is cool because it's a little different; like they all are, but this one feels even more so. Despite it's fresh uniqueness, the film still suffers from a lot of the usual Marvel action film cliches; and overuse of CGI. It does always look cool, but it also loses a lot of it's freshness; in it's overuse of CGI. For the most part though, it's a well made (and fun) superhero action movie.

Action Crime Thriller "Triple 9" Blasts its Way to DVD & Blu-Ray

Universal Home Entertainment recently release information for the upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray release of "Triple 9". The film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

Special features on the DVD & Blu-Ray includes Deleted Scenes, Under the Gun (The acclaimed cast of Triple 9 offers an in-depth look at its characters and the pulse-pounding twists and turns at the heart of the film.) and Authentic World (Director John Hillcoat and the cast of Triple 9 discuss how their grounded approach to filmmaking helped highlight the film's gritty, authentic look and feel.).

"Triple 9" hits retail on May 31st.

Press Release:

When a veteran cop and his rookie nephew discover a shocking conspiracy that leads dangerously close to home, they'll stop at nothing to get to the truth in Triple 9, an action-packed tale of corruption and betrayal coming to Digital HD on May 17, 2016, and Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on May 31, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Propelled by John Hillcoat's (The Road, The Proposition) ferocious directorial style and a top-notch cast, Triple 9 races through a world where no one can be trusted in a "crime caper like no other" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). Triple 9 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD includes deleted scenes and a peek backstage at the making of the most original cop thriller in years.

Woody Harrelson ("True Detective," The Hunger Games series), Anthony Mackie (Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Hurt Locker), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Martian), Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad," Need for Speed), Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead," The Boondock Saints), Casey Affleck (Out of the Furnace, Gone Baby Gone) and Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs, Titanic) star in an explosive, action-packed thriller critics call "a twisty, terrific ride" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). A bank robbery is just the tip of the iceberg when two cops in Atlanta begin suspecting that members of their own team are involved. Not knowing whom to trust and how deep the corruption goes, the clock is ticking as they try to uncover the truth — before they become the target for the next deadly job.

Clifton Collins Jr. (Pacific Rim, "Westworld"), Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies, The Choice), Michael K. Williams (12 Years a Slave, The Road) and Gal Gadot (Furious 7, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) also star in what critics call "a modern-day heist thriller with a diverse, high-wattage cast" (Justin Chang, Variety).

"Triple 9" Review by Tim Hellman

'TRIPLE 9': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Gritty crime thriller; about a gang of criminals (including two corrupt cops) that are forced into performing two dangerous heists, for a Russian mob boss's wife. It was directed by John Hillcoat (who also directed the outstanding 'LAWLESS' and 'THE ROAD'), and it was scripted by first time feature film writer Matt Cook. The all- star cast includes Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Kate Winslet, Woody Harrelson, Clifton Collins, Jr., Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Teresa Palmer and Cal Gadot. I enjoyed it immensely.

The story takes place in Atlanta, Georgia; where Michael Atwood (Ejiofor) leads a team of criminals in a daring bank robbery. They're objective is to retrieve a safe deposit box; which contains information vital to freeing a convicted Russian Mafia boss. Michael takes the box to Irina Vlaslov (Winslet), the mob boss's wife, but she insists they perform another job for her. She next wants the gang to steal more important data (on her husband), from a secured government building. Irina kills one gang member, and threatens to take Michael's son; in order to get the criminals to cooperate. The group devises a plan to kill a cop (a Triple 9 police call), as a diversion. Gang member Marcus Belmont (Mackie), a corrupt cop, suggests they kill his new partner, Chris Allen (Affleck).

The movie is very dark, gritty and graphically violent; it also contains explicit sex, nudity, disturbing drug use and lots of foul language. It's definitely not a movie for everyone, but the right audience should get a big kick out of it. Some of it seems pretty intense and hard to watch; but it also feels like a movie (like a really good crime action flick). The pacing is great, the performances are all good and the dialogue is witty. The film definitely has it's flaws too though. It's an especially odd mix of genre pleasing action formula, and realistic crime thriller; but I really enjoyed it.

Official Stills for the Action Thriller "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released stills for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

Official Character Posters for the Action Thriller "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

Intense Official Trailer for the Upcoming Action Film "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

"Triple 9": Official Trailer

Crime Drama "Secret in Their Eyes" Heads to DVD & Blu-Ray

Universal Pictures recently released DVD/Blu-Ray information for Academy Award® nominee Billy Ray (Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games) latest film "Secret in Their Eyes". The film stars  Julia Roberts, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Nicole Kidman.

Special features on the DVD/Blu-Ray includes Adapting the Story for Today's World, Julia Roberts Discusses Her Most Challenging Role and Feature Commentary with Director/Screenwriter Billy Ray and Producer Mark Johnson.

"Secret of Their Eyes" hits retail on February 23rd.


Press Release:

After more than a decade, the unsolved murder of a young woman comes to a shocking conclusion in Secret in Their Eyes, coming to Digital HD on February 9, 2016, and Blu-ray™ combo pack, DVD and On Demand on February 23, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. From STX Entertainment (The Gift), Secret in Their Eyes is a powerful and unforgettable thriller based on the Academy Award®-winning film El Secreto de sus ojos (Best Foreign Language Film, 2010) that will have audiences riveted until the last mind-bending twist. With a star-studded cast and an Oscar®-nominated writer-director at the helm, Secret in Their Eyes on Blu-ray™ and DVD includes feature commentary by the filmmakers, a look behind the scenes at the making of the movie and an exclusive interview with actress Julia Roberts.

Academy Award-nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) and Academy Award-winners Nicole Kidman (The Hours) and Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich) star in this intense thriller that explores the murky boundaries between justice and revenge. A tight-knit team of investigators — Ray (Ejiofor), Jess (Roberts) and their supervisor Claire (Kidman) — is torn apart when Jess's teenage daughter is brutally and inexplicably murdered. After obsessively searching for the elusive killer every day for 13 years, Ray finally uncovers a new lead that he's certain will resolve the case. No one is prepared, however, for the shocking secret that will reveal the enduring, destructive effects of personal vengeance on the human soul.

Box Office Hit "The Martian" Launches on DVD & Blu-Ray

20th Century Fox recently released details for the upcoming DVD, Blu-Ray & 3D Blu-Ray release of "The Martian". The film stars Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara and Sean Bean.

Special features on the DVD and Blu-Ray includes Signal Acquired: Writing and Direction, Occupy Mars: Casting and Costumes, 5 Theatrical In-World Pieces, Ares III: Refocused, Gag Reel and Production Diary.

"The Martin" hits retail on January 12th.

Press Release:

Now everyone can “Bring Him Home” with the highly anticipated release of the stellar movie event of the year. Buckle up and brace for the thrilling journey that is Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s THE MARTIAN, arriving on Digital HD December 22 and 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray & DVD Jan.12, 2016.

From legendary director Ridley Scott (Alien, Prometheus) comes a gripping tale of human strength and the will to survive. During a mission to Mars, American astronaut Mark Watney (played by Academy Award winner Matt Damon) is presumed dead and left behind. But Watney is still alive. Against all odds, he must find a way to contact Earth in the hope that scientists can devise a rescue plan to bring him home. Based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, THE MARTIAN provides a realistic glimpse into life in outer-space that will have you on the edge of your seat! In addition to wowing audiences around the world, the film is one of best reviewed of the year and has been named one of the best movies of the year by such groups as National Board of Review, which also awarded top honors to Ridley Scott for Best Director, Matt Damon for Best Actor and Drew Goddard for Best Adapted Screenplay.

THE MARTIAN provides a realistic glimpse into life in outer-space that will have you on the edge of your seat! In addition to wowing audiences around the world, the film is one of best reviewed of the year and has been named one of the best movies of the year by such groups as National Board of Review, which also awarded top honors to Ridley Scott for Best Director, Matt Damon for Best Actor and Drew Goddard for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD release will have more than 90 minutes of special features including an exclusive newly produced in-world retrospective starring Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sean Bean covering the “true” story behind the daring rescue seven years after the events of the film occurred. The Martian also includes two making of documentaries, a gag reel and more. Now you can become part of the universal phenomenon that has taken the galaxy by storm in the comfort of your own home.

Official Poster for the Upcoming Thriller "Secret In Their Eyes"

STX Entertainment recently released the official poster of Academy Award® nominee Billy Ray (Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games) latest film "Secret in Their Eyes". The film stars  Julia Roberts, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Nicole Kidman.

"Secret of Their Eyes" hits theaters on November 20th.

Plot Synopsis:

Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Billy Ray (Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games), and produced by Academy Award® winner Mark Johnson (Rain Man, "Breaking Bad"), Secret In Their Eyes is an intense, powerful, haunting thriller starring Academy Award® nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Academy Award® winners Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts. A tight-knit team of rising investigators - Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Jess (Julia Roberts), along with their supervisor Claire (Nicole Kidman) - is suddenly torn apart when they discover that Jess's teenage daughter has been brutally and inexplicably murdered. Now, thirteen years later, after obsessively searching every day for the elusive killer, Ray finally uncovers a new lead that he's certain can permanently resolve the case, nail the vicious murderer, and bring long-desired closure to his team. No one is prepared, however, for the shocking, unspeakable secret that will reveal the enduring, destructive effects of personal vengeance on the human soul. Interweaving past and present, this deeply layered mystery explores the murky boundaries between justice and revenge, and asks the question: how far would you go to right an unfathomable wrong?

Official Stills and Trailer for the Upcoming Thriller "Secret in Their Eyes"

STX Entertainment recently released stills and the official trailer for their upcoming film "Secret in Their Eyes. The film is written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Billy Ray (Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games) and stars Academy Award® nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Academy Award® winners Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts.

"Secret in Their Eyes" hit theaters on October 23rd.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at:  Facebook.com/SecretInTheirEyes

Plot Synopsis:

Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Billy Ray (Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games), and produced by Academy Award® winner Mark Johnson (Rain Man, "Breaking Bad"), Secret In Their Eyes is an intense, powerful, haunting thriller starring Academy Award® nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Academy Award® winners Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts.

A tight-knit team of rising FBI investigators - Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Jess (Julia Roberts), along with their District Attorney supervisor Claire (Nicole Kidman) - is suddenly torn apart when they discover that Jess's teenage daughter has been brutally and inexplicably murdered.

Now, thirteen years later, after obsessively searching every day for the elusive killer, Ray finally uncovers a new lead that he's certain can permanently resolve the case, nail the vicious murderer, and bring long-desired closure to his team. No one is prepared, however, for the shocking, unspeakable secret that will reveal the enduring, destructive effects of personal vengeance on the human soul.

Interweaving past and present, this deeply layered mystery explores the murky boundaries between justice and revenge, and asks the question: how far would you go to right an unfathomable wrong?

"Secret in Their Eyes": Official Trailer