"Power Rangers" Review by Tim Hellman

'POWER RANGERS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The third installment in the superhero film series, based on the popular kids' TV show (from the 1990s). This one is a reboot that features new cast members, playing the main characters of the original TV series, with a modern origin story. It was directed by Dean Israelite (who also helmed the 2015 teen sci-fi flick 'PROJECT ALMANAC'), and it was produced by the series creator Haim Saban. John Gatins, Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Michele Mulroney and Kieran Mulroney served as writers on the film; which also features a mostly inexperienced young new cast (including Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G and Ludy Lin). The supporting cast also features Elizabeth Banks (as the evil villain), the voice of Bill Hader, and Bryan Cranston (who also voiced characters on the original TV show). The film has been a hit at the Box Office, but it's also only received mixed reviews from critics. I think it's a big improvement over the source material, but it's still nothing too special.

The story begins on prehistoric Earth, when the Power Rangers (Earth's protectors) are betrayed by the Green Ranger, also known as Rita Repulsa (Banks). The Red Ranger, named Zordon (Cranston), hides the Rangers' powers coins (which are their power source). He then has his robot assistant, named Alpha 5 (Hader), cause a meteor strike; which wipes out Zordon, Rita and all of the dinosaurs (although Rita survives the blast, and so does Zordon's consciousness). In modern day, five misfit teenagers discover the power coins. They're then tasked with defending the planet, from Rita, by becoming a new team of Power Rangers, under the guidance of Zordon's consciousness.

The movie is the most interesting when it's developing it's five teenage lead characters; and it definitely gets a lot of points for being the first major superhero film to feature LGBTQ and autistic superheroes. The story, and cheesy action scenes, are definitely a lot less interesting, and inspiring, than the teenage drama though. Those scenes are still pretty cheesy as well; although they're a lot better done than they were in the ultra-corny kids' TV show. I'd say it's a good movie for kids, at the very least, and it shouldn't bore adults too much either.

Action Packed Stills and Official Poster for "Power Rangers"

Lionsgate recently released stills and the official poster for the upcoming action film Saban's "Power Rangers". The film stars Elizabeth Banks, Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin and Bryan Cranston.

"Power Rangers" hits theaters on March 24th, 2017.

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

Plot Synopsis:

SABAN’S POWER RANGERS follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove — and the world — is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.

Official Character Posters for "Power Rangers"

Lionsgate recently released official character posters for the upcoming family action film Saban's "Power Rangers". The film stars Elizabeth Banks, Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin and Bryan Cranston.

"Power Rangers" hits theaters on March 24th, 2017.

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

Plot Synopsis:

SABAN’S POWER RANGERS follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove — and the world — is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.

Official Zord Teaser Poster for Saban's "Power Rangers"

Lionsgate recently send us the official teaser posters for the upcoming family action film Saban's "Power Rangers". The film stars Elizabeth Banks and Bryan Cranston.

Saban's "Power Rangers" will be apart the Liongate panel which also includes Lionsgate's other film "John Wick: Chapter Two" at NY Comic Con where they will be a providing a first look at the film along with an all-star Q&A with the cast. The panel will take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, October 8 at 2:00 PM.

Saban's "Power Rangers" hits theaters on March 24th, 2017.

Press Release:

Lionsgate will host a power-packed panel that will feature the stars and filmmakers from the highly anticipated feature films John Wick: Chapter 2 and Saban's Power Rangers during New York Comic Con on Saturday, October 8. Fans attending the hour-long panel will be treated to Q&A sessions with the cast and producers of Saban's Power Rangers and John Wick: Chapter 2, as well as exclusive, never-before-seen footage from both films. Those who cannot attend will be able to watch the panel LIVE on Twitch.

Panel Title:
SABAN'S POWER RANGERS and JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2

Panel Summary:
Lionsgate presents a preview of two of 2017 most highly anticipated films, SABAN'S POWER RANGERS and JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 - - A must see for all, this panel will provide a look at the epic action-adventure, SABAN'S POWER RANGER'S followed by a Q&A with the cast and filmmakers bringing this new motion picture to the big screen. Attendees will also be shown footage from the return of everyone's favorite hitman in JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 and will be treated to a Q&A with the all-star cast.

Location: The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Date: Saturday, October 8
Time:2:00 PM

Two New Film Clips from "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2"

Lionsgate recently released two film clips for the anticipated "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two". The film stars Jennifer Lawerence, Josh Hutcherson,Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award®-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman and Donald Sutherland.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2" hits theaters on November 20th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow [Donald Sutherland] in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale [Liam Hemsworth], Finnick [Sam Claflin] and Peeta [Josh Hutcherson] – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her.  The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2": "Old Friends": Clip

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2": "Old Friends": Clip

IMAX Poster and Final Trailer for "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two"

Lionsgate recently released the IMAX poster and last trailer for the anticipated "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two". The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson,Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award®-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman and Donald Sutherland.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2" hits theaters on November 20th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow [Donald Sutherland] in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale [Liam Hemsworth], Finnick [Sam Claflin] and Peeta [Josh Hutcherson] – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her.  The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two": Official Trailer - The 76th Hunger Games

Final Poster and Latest Trailer for "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2"

Lionsgate recently released the final poster and latest trailer for the anticipated "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two". The film stars Jennifer Lawerence, Josh Hutcherson,Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award®-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman and Donald Sutherland.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2" hits theaters on November 20th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow [Donald Sutherland] in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale [Liam Hemsworth], Finnick [Sam Claflin] and Peeta [Josh Hutcherson] – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her.  The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two": Official Trailer "For Prim"

Official Trailer and New Teaser Poster for "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2"

Lionsgate recently released the newest teaser poster and official trailer for "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2". The film stars Jennifer Lawerence, Josh Hutcherson,Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award®-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman and Donald Sutherland.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2" hits theaters on November 20th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

The blockbuster Hunger Games franchise has taken audiences by storm around the world, grossing more than $2.2 billion at the global box office. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 now brings the franchise to its powerful final chapter in which Katniss Everdeen [Jennifer Lawrence] realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival – they are for the future.

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow [Donald Sutherland] in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale [Liam Hemsworth], Finnick [Sam Claflin] and Peeta [Josh Hutcherson] – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong and features an acclaimed cast including Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award®-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland reprising their original roles from The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The impressive lineup is joined by The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 co-stars Academy Award®-winner Julianne Moore, Mahershala Ali, Natalie Dormer, Wes Chatham, Elden Henson and Evan Ross.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2": Official Trailer

"Little Accidents" Review - Written by Abraham Phillips

Little Accidents 2014

This is a wonderful acted feature. The plot is dramatic and drama inducing. The characters are vivid and each one grows on you. The gloomy and depressing setting, weaves itself into an intriguing, and believable reality that plays on the emotional side of the watcher. This is a fabulous and wonderfully acted, stunningly directed, with amazing cinematography, and a brilliant story. The only fault that I have with it is the trailer, the preview to the film. I first saw the preview, and I was like, why did they just give the whole movie away. Something that I can't stand that happens with studios, is they get these people to do these trailers, and they put too much, giving half the movie away, and that’s what the preview did to this film, and that is way a lot of the movie is already known. Overlooking that reality the movie works in my viewpoint. It’s a well-crafted piece. It’s like a slice of Americana. The people and situation comes together into a setting that the watcher can understand, and be placed in the situation. A teenage boy goes missing in a small little town. Now the town is in shambles already, because there has been a mining accident that killed many. There is weaving of secrets and lies, and most of all the devastating grief of the community, and loved ones of those lost in the mine. Now, Diane, your main female lead is heartbroken and destroyed at the reality of her teenage son is missing. To make matters worse, her husband is in charge of the mining company that just collapsed, killing many. Add in a lone survivor of the mining accident and you have a twist and turning of the plot in a dramatic, intense and very intriguing film. I am sad that a lot of the story was given away in the trailer. But thankfully the movie still entertains and creates a touching piece, of a well-directed film, and a plot that is thick and utterly intense in nature. Equal parts, sensual, and equal parts dramatically disturbing. The direction by Sara Colangelo who also wrote it, is flawless. The story is brilliantly written. The story is brilliantly acted out. The atmosphere and small town setting is also something that is flawless to experience, and is captured in vivid detail on screen. This is pure story telling at its finest. I loved the characters, the plot and most of all the setting, gloomy, depressing and backwoods style Americana that only leaves more perfection in its ultimate setting. Sadly a lot of that anticipation was destroyed by the trailer to the film, but thankfully the tight direction, acting, and premise, still was able to hold me to enjoy the ultimate truths and conclusion to this dramatic, and at times, disturbing film. Emotionally moving. Beautifully brutal. The chemistry between Elizabeth Banks, Boyd Holbrook and Josh Lucas is amazing. They all three play off each other. Loved Chloe Sevigny, she is always a stand out actress that I have followed from the start of her career. She is always a treat to see in film. I think the shining star has to go to Jacob Lofland, who plays the character of Owen Briggs. He aced this part and is utterly fantastic. I have to mention this is Sara Colangelo’s first feature length film as director, and I think she did a fantastic job. She created a moving piece. The film lost a lot of its sparks through the trailer, but still was able to create a touching example of storytelling at its finest. I highly recommend this movie, DON’T WATCH THE TRAILER, GO INTO IT BLANK SLATE.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Review by Abraham Phillips

Anchor Bay Entertainment to Release Film Festival Favorite "Little Accident" on DVD

Anchor Bay Entertainment and Amplify Releasing recently send us over information for the upcoming DVD release of "Little Accidents". The film is a festival favorite at Sundance and MIFF, a winner at the Hamptons International Film Festival and Napa Valley Film Festival, and 2015 Independent Spirit Award nominee. "Little Accidents" stars Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games trilogy, “30 Rock”), Josh Lucas ("The Mysteries of Laura”, J. Edgar), and Boyd Holbrook (The Host).

No special features were announced at this time.

"Little Accidents" hits DVD on April 21st.

Press Release:

A town is reeling from a fatal mining accident. How much more can its shattered occupants take? On April 21st, Anchor Bay Entertainment and Amplify Releasing will release LITTLE ACCIDENTS, a story of what happens when battered truths and tangled emotions are the only bonds that hold a grieving populace together. A festival favorite at Sundance and MIFF, a winner at the Hamptons International Film Festival and Napa Valley Film Festival, and 2015 Independent Spirit Award nominee, LITTLE ACCIDENTS will be available on DVD for an SRP of $22.98.

A tragic mining accident has left a small town stunned and unwilling to cope with its aftermath. But when a teenage boy goes missing, three strangers find themselves drawn caught in a web of secrets and lies: feeding off the collective grief of the community. Diane (Elizabeth Banks, The Hunger Games trilogy, “30 Rock”) is desperate to find her son, yet at the same time is losing touch with her husband (Josh Lucas, “The Mysteries of Laura”, J. Edgar), a mining company executive whose role in the accident has made her family the prime target for the town’s anger. Then, when a union of tormented affection forms between Diane and the sole survivor of the disaster (Boyd Holbrook, “Behind the Candelabra”, The Host), revelations will be uncovered that threaten to tear open the wounds of a town that is just beginning its own tormented healing process.

Through Emmy™-winning cinematographer Rachel Morrison’s lens, LITTLE ACCIDENTS captures scenes of desolate beauty: the isolated loveliness of a small town in West Virginia. First-time director Sara Colangelo won at the Hamptons International Film Festival for this evocative story – an intuitive vision of grief at its deepest roots. Complex yet subtle, it is a testament that the “little accidents” can either destroy…or mend.

"Little Accidents": Official Trailer