"Blade Runner 2049" Review by Tim Hellman

'BLADE RUNNER 2049': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A sequel (35-years later) to the 1982 neo-noir sci-fi classic 'BLADE RUNNER'; which was based on the short story 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?', by Philip K. Dick. This film takes place 30-years after the original, and it revolves around a new Blade Runner, who discovers a long hidden secret which threatens their future society's way of life. He must seek out a retired Blade Runner (Harrison Ford, reprising his role from the original film), who's been missing for 30-years, in order to stop this new threat. This new chapter stars Ryan Gosling, Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Dave Bautista and Jared Leto. Sean Young and Edward James Olmos also have cameos in the movie, reprising their roles from the original film as well. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve (who's also helmed such critically acclaimed hits as 2013's 'PRISONERS', 2015's 'SICARIO', and 2016's 'ARRIVAL'), and it was scripted by Hampton Fancher (who also wrote the original) and Michael Green (who also co-wrote 'ALIEN: COVENANT' and 'LOGAN', from earlier this year). Scott Free Productions (ran by the original film's director, Ridley Scott) co-produced the movie. It's received rave reviews from critics (unlike the original, which was snubbed by critics when it first came out) and it's expected to be a big hit at the Box Office as well (also unlike the original, which bombed in theaters when it was released too). Some are calling it one of the best sequels ever, and one of the best films this year. I think it was really well made, and a fitting tribute to the cult classic original, but I also think it's just a little overrated too.

In the year 2049, new 'replicants' are obedient, and they serve humanity well. The old 'replicants' (from the first movie) are still rebelling against society, and they're also still being hunted down by 'Blade Runners'. While executing one 'replicant', LAPD 'Blade Runner' Officer K (Gosling) discovers a long hidden secret, that threatens their new society's way off life. He's tasked with stopping this new threat, and in order to do so he must also locate a retired 'Blade Runner', named Rick Deckard (Ford), who's been missing for 30-years.

The movie is beautifully shot, and masterfully directed. It's amazing how well Villeneuve recreates the original film's feel and style (I doubt even Ridley Scott himself could have done a better job). It's also filled with decent performances; especially Ford (reprising one of his most popular roles) and Hoeks (who makes a great cold hearted villain in it). I can definitely understand why the critics are raving about it, and it does feel like a classic sci-fi movie, but it's also extremely slow-paced; and at 2 hours and 43 minutes, it's somewhat painful to sit all the way through (in one sitting). Still, the first movie is equally slow-paced (although not nearly as long), and I know multiple people that hate the original for that reason. I think those people will also dislike this sequel, for the exact same reason. Fans of the original will all (most likely) like it though. I think it's almost as good as the 1982 classic, but not quite.

"Star Wars: The Forces Awakens" Review by Tim Hellman

'STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The seventh installment in the immensely popular space opera film series; and the first chapter in over ten years. It takes place 30 years after the events of 'RETURN OF THE JEDI'; when the Galactic Empire has now become 'The First Order', and the rebel alliance has now become the 'Resistance'. The story deals with a First Order stormtrooper, named Finn, who's looking for redemption; after gaining possession of a map, to Luke Skywaler's whereabouts. The film was directed by J.J. Abrams; and it was written by Abrams, Michael Arndt and Lawrence Kasdan (who also co-wrote 'THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK' and 'RETURN OF THE JEDI'). Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker all reprise their roles, from the original trilogy; and they're joined by newcomers Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac. The series creator, George Lucas, returned as a creative consultant; and John Williams once again scored the music (as he did all six previous chapters, in the franchise). I think it's the most entertaining movie, I've seen, in 35 years!

We first learn that Luke Skywalker (Hamill) has gone missing; and due to his absence, the ruthless First Order has gained power, and control, over the galaxy. Princess Leia Organa (Fisher) is now a general, of the Resistance, and she believes finding Luke is humanity's only hope. She sends her best X-wing fighter pilot, named Poe Dameron (Isaac), to the desert planet of Jakku; in order to locate a map, which can lead to her brother's whereabouts. On his mission Poe meets a stormtrooper, looking for redemption, named Finn (Boyega). Finn joins Poe in his adventure; he also later teams up with a scavenger, named Rey (Ridley), and a veteran war hero, named Han Solo (Ford).

The film is definitely the best written, of the entire franchise; with clever, witty dialogue (for the first time, in the series). It also has the most humanity, and thoughtful drama (I cried multiple times). It's surreal seeing Han, Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, and other original cast members, on the big screen again (in a new movie); and I think it was justifiable asking Fisher and Hamill to lose weight, for their parts (it's necessary to the roles they're playing). The new characters are also extremely likable, and soon to be classic, as well. Ridley is a revelation, and I think she rivals Jennifer Lawrence; for one of the best performances of the year! Driver, Boyega and Isaac are all fantastic as well; and Ford is, once again, classic! The movie (without question) deserves several Oscar nominations; for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, acting and more. The approach Abrams takes, to the material, is exactly right (it's traditional, old fashioned filmmaking). The film is everything you could possibly expect (or want) from a 'STAR WARS' movie; it's funny, heartfelt, touching and action-packed. All of the best parts of the previous installments, with none of the cheese! It's at least the best in the series since 'THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK'!

"Adaline through the Ages" Character Posters for "The Age of Adaline"

Lionsgate recently released "Adaline through the Ages" character posters for their upcoming release of "The Age of Adaline". The upcoming film stars Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Kathy Baker, Amanda Crew, with Harrison Ford, and Ellen Burstyn. "The Age of Adaline" hits theaters on 4/24/2015.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: www.TheAgeOfAdalineMovie.com.

Plot Synopsis:

After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever.

Official Trailer and Poster for the Upcoming Romantic Drama "The Age of Adaline"

Lionsgate recently released the official trailer and poster for their upcoming release of "The Age of Adaline". The upcoming film stars Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Kathy Baker, Amanda Crew, with Harrison Ford, and Ellen Burstyn. "The Age of Adaline" hits theaters on 4/24/2015.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: www.TheAgeOfAdalineMovie.com.

Plot Synopsis:

After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever.

"The Age of Adaline": Official Trailer

"The Expendables 3" Blasts Its Way to DVD and Blu-Ray

Lionsgate recently released information for the upcoming DVD and Blu-Ray release "The Expendables 3". The film stars  Sylvester Stallone (Rocky franchise, Rambo franchise), Jason Statham (Crank, Snatch), Jet Li (Hero), Antonio Banderas (The Legend of Zorro), Kelsey Grammer (X-Men: The Last Stand), Wesley Snipes (Blade), Dolph Lundgren (Universal Soldier), Randy Couture (The Expendables franchise), Terry Crews (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Kellan Lutz (The Legend of Hercules, The Twilight Saga franchise), Ronda Rousey (UFC Champion, Fast & Furious 7), Glen Powell (The Dark Knight Rises), Victor Ortiz (WBC World Welterweight Champion), Robert Davi (Die Hard, The Goonies), with Mel Gibson (Braveheart, Mad Max), with Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones franchise) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator franchise).

The Blu-Ray combo pack will also contain the never-before-seen unrated edition of the film along with "The Expendables 3" Documentary, “New Blood: Stacked and Jacked” Featurette, “The Total Action Package” Featurette, “Christmas Runs the Gauntlet” Extended Scene and Gag Reel. "The Expendables 3" hits stores on November 25th.

Press Release:

The Expendables return tougher and faster than ever as old friends face off in the exclusive unrated edition of The Expendables 3, arriving on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus Digital HD) and On Demand November 25 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The Blu-ray Combo Pack will include the never-before-seen unrated edition of the film – featuring more action, more explosions, more fights – and a higher body count – everything fans have come to love in the franchise! And now, with the immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack experience, audiences will feel like they’re at the center of the action. The Blu-ray Combo Pack will also feature the original theatrical movie. Full of “testosterone-fueled fun” (IGN), both versions of the film will be available two weeks earlier on Digital HD November 11. Also available November 25, The Expendables 3 DVD (plus Digital) will include only the original theatrical version of the film.

The Expendables 3, “the best Expendables yet” (Crave Online), features an all-star cast of iconic action veterans and new recruits including Sylvester Stallone (Rocky franchise, Rambo franchise), Jason Statham (Crank, Snatch), Jet Li (Hero), Antonio Banderas (The Legend of Zorro), Kelsey Grammer (X-Men: The Last Stand), Wesley Snipes (Blade), Dolph Lundgren (Universal Soldier), Randy Couture (The Expendables franchise), Terry Crews (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Kellan Lutz (The Legend of Hercules, The Twilight Saga franchise), Ronda Rousey (UFC Champion, Fast & Furious 7), Glen Powell (The Dark Knight Rises), Victor Ortiz (WBC World Welterweight Champion), Robert Davi (Die Hard, The Goonies), with Mel Gibson (Braveheart, Mad Max), with Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones franchise) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator franchise).

In the latest edition of the popular franchise, Barney (Stallone) faces off with an old enemy and must fight old blood with new blood, bringing in a new era of Expendables who are younger and faster. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise when The Expendables find themselves in their most personal battle yet.

The Expendables 3 Blu-ray Combo Pack is loaded with bonus material that includes The Expendables 3 documentary, two featurettes that delve deep behind-the-scenes with the incredible cast and crew, an extended scene and a gag reel. The Blu-ray features a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack encoded with Dolby TrueHD for Dolby Atmos-enabled systems. Dolby Atmos provides captivating, multidimensional sound to bring consumers deeper into the story by delivering an experience that moves sound throughout the room with amazing clarity and true-to-life detail. The Expendables 3 Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES*
• The Expendables 3 Documentary • “New Blood: Stacked and Jacked” Featurette • “The Total Action Package” Featurette • “Christmas Runs the Gauntlet” Extended Scene • Gag Reel

Official Character Posters for the All-Star Action Film "The Expendables 3"

Lionsgate recently released the first character posters for upcoming action sequel "The Expendables 3". The upcoming film stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Dolph Lundgren, Kelsey Grammer, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Kellan Lutz, Ronda Rousey, Glen Powell, Victor Ortiz, Robert Davi, Mel Gibson (Conrad Stonebanks), Harrison Ford, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. "The Expendables 3" hits theaters on 8/15.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team come face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables -- but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.