Mon
13
Jun

Totally Stripped of Hype, This Rolling Stones Set is Awesome!

Rolling Stones Totally Stripped Eagle Rock Music Review Dennis Russo Critical Blast

THE ROLLING STONES: TOTALLY STRIPPED from Eagle Rock Entertainment is available in many different configurations: as A DVD or SD BluRay, on DVD+CD, or on DVD+LP as well as a deluxe edition that contains a 60-page hard book set containing 5 Discs (4bluRay and 1 CD) or (4DVD, 1 CD for slightly less money).

The set I am reviewing here is the DVD/CD set.

TOTALLY STRIPPED may sound familiar to a lot of Stone’s fans, since the album STRIPPED was released in 1995 following the VooDoo Lounge tour. But don’t be thinking this is just a repacking of that release. Nay, nay, I say! TOTALLY STRIPPED itself is a brand new version of the documentary of the same name, which tells the stories of the studio sessions and three live shows that make up this project. (The Deluxe editions contain DVDs of each live show in its entirety!)

Fri
10
Jun

Gore Galore Once More with Bride of Re-Animator

Bride Reanimator Dennis Russo Lovecraft review Critical Blast

Back in the day (I’m talking about the 80’s here), there were several movies that came out that were over the top in gore and humor (okay, sick humor); movies such as RE-ANIMATOR, FROM BEYOND, FRANKEN HOOKER, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD -- just to name a few. Included among that select group is the title of the DVD on review here: 1989’s BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR, the first sequel to the cult classic RE-ANIMATOR, and a bona fide cult classic in its own right.

In this day of serious gore movies, watching this remastered 3-disc set from Arrow Video was a breath of fresh air -- fresh, because these movies allowed creativity to be absurd as well as shocking. I mean, when the first billed special effects artist is named Screaming Mad George -- the man behind the infamous “shunting scene in SOCIETY, which, if you have never seen, gives new meaning to the term “over the top”! You can imagine right off the bat some “interesting” special makeup effects to say the least.

Fri
10
Jun

Enter to win HATTER MADIGAN: GHOST IN THE H.A.T.B.O.X.

Hatter Madigan Ghost Hatbox Frank Beddor

Something different for those of you who check our contests page regularly! We have a contest up, but we're hosting this one on Facebook. So if you want to enter for your chances (yes, chances!) to win, head on over to our Facebook Giveaway page!

Fri
10
Jun

Calling All Cosplayers, Critical Blast Wants You!

Critical Blast will be launching a new series that shines the spotlight on talented and creative individuals that are dedicated to cosplay.

For years, cosplay has been a big part of conventions. From the young to the elderly, people of all ages and skill levels dress up as their favorite characters in entertainment and pop-culture. Some costumes are thrown together, others take months of planning and preparation to create something that would make Hollywood costume designers swoon.

Thu
09
Jun

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 Is Fun But Not As Clever As The Original

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 in theaters June 10, 2016.

Some films simply don't need sequels. When NOW YOU SEE ME hit theaters in 2013, it was something of a surprise hit. The premise was interesting enough: four magicians rob greedy, unscrupulous businessmen blind--live on stage! It featured a nice mix of up and coming actors (Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher) and familiar television stars (Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson) in important roles, surrounded by veteran talents such as Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. I thought it was one of the best films of the year and I would have been perfectly happy if it all ended there. Of course, they left room to turn it into a franchise, and Hollywood never passes on that kind of opportunity.

Thu
09
Jun

DC Super Hero Girls Animated Movie Arrives on DVD this August!

If you've been following along, you'll know that we here at Critical Blast are big fans of DC Super Hero Girls. Having an animated show specifically tailored for girls (while still able to be enjoyed by all) is something that's was long overdue. Now, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announces that you can bring the world's most powerful female super heroes, DC Super Hero Girls, home on DVD on August 23rd, 2016!

After a series of YouTube videos launched on their channel, it didn't take long before they launched a toyline that includes dress-up kits, action figures and dolls. There is also a clothing line that features many of the characters sporting themes of girl power and togetherness.

Thu
09
Jun

[VIDEO] The Pilots of Voltron Get New Weapons/Armor!

In a clip released on its Facebook page, the pilots for VOLTRON: LEGENDARY DEFENDER receive new weapons; of which were not seen in the original series.

I absolutely love the idea of modding out their flight suits with weaponized tech. It adds to the science fiction of the show and offers the pilots more flexibility in what they can do, when separated from their Lions. They will need to leave their Lions behind at some point and allowing them to have the tech to support their efforts, when they do so, was a good choice by the shows producers.

Thu
09
Jun

Front Lines - Mini-Reviews (Week of June 1) - DC Rebirth, Civil War II, Spider-Woman, Punisher, Paper Girls, and more

Civil War II #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez

Summary: In New York, several heroes have gathered to stop a Celestial from bursting into our reality.  The heroes plan (which was developed by the Inhumans) is flawless and they are able to stop the Celestial with no problem.  Several of the heroes are curious about how the Inhumans came up with such a perfect plan.  Medusa introduces them to Ulysses, a new Inhuman who can see the future (and is immune to telepathy).  Stark is very concerned by the implications of what this could lead to, but Carol Danvers sees this as a way to stop all the bad things that can happen.

Thu
09
Jun

Open Mike Night: The Revisionist #1

The Revisionist #1

Written by: Frank Barbiere
Art by: Garry Brown
Colored by: Lauren Affe
Lettered by: Dave Sharpe

Published by: Aftershock
Cover Price: $3.99

Wed
08
Jun

Open Mike Night: Green Arrow Rebirth #1


Green Arrow: Rebirth #1

Written by: Benjamin Percy
Art by: Otto Schmidt
Colored by: Otto Schmidt
Lettered by: Nate Perkins of Blambot

Published by: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Wed
08
Jun

Gold Key: Alliance Still Forming After Three Issues

Gold Key Alliance Dynamite Third Issue Phil Hester Brent Peeples Morgan Hickman Critical Blast

Dynamite's reimagining of the Gold Key heroes -- Magnus, Robot Fighter; Turok, Son of Stone; The Mighty Samson; Solar -- reaches its third chapter in GOLD KEY: ALLIANCE. And while there's not an alliance to be had as yet, as none of the characters has even met, let alone have been proven to co-exist in the same story universe, Phil Hester has still set up some interesting plots that are starting to make the separate adventure have a cohesion.

When Magnus hunts down the kidnapped Leeja, he has to battle past a giant android. During the battle, he begins to see himself as a robotic prize fighter in a ring, not an agent in a street fight. His reality returns to him just in time to find Leeja at the mercy of the Mekman -- but what was this vision about?

Wed
08
Jun

Villains Spotlight for Voltron: Legendary Defender (With BONUS Video Clip)

Every hero needs a villain, and with VOLTRON launching on Netflix this Friday, we spotlight the antagonists for the 'Legendary Defender'.

*     *     *

While 'Robeasts' are more popular and marketable, they tend to be throwaway creatures. Created to battle Voltron, they would not have a purpose if it weren't for these three ruthless baddies:

EMPEROR ZARKON – voiced by Neil Kaplan (“Power Rangers,” “Naruto”)

Tue
07
Jun

Titan Brings Sherlock: A Study in Pink Manga to Western World

Sherlock Holmes Study Pink Manga Titan Comics Critical Blast

The BBC instant hit series, SHERLOCK, has already seen adaptation into manga. However, unless you can read Japanese, you probably did not know this nor did you care.

But now Titan Comics has released the English language version of the story for the first time in the US and the UK -- and the game is afoot. Okay, technically it's a comic, not a foot, but you get the idea.

SHERLOCK: A STUDY IN PINK is a straight up adaptation of the television pilot episode, released in chapter format. The script by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss loses none of its urgency under the adaptive care of Jay (just Jay). The minimalistic manga rendition of the characters nonetheless manages to completely capture the likenesses of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in their roles of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in crisp, bold lines.

Tue
07
Jun

The Longbox Short-List - Week of June 8, 2016

Welcome back to Critical Blast’s weekly look at what new comics you should check out each week.   Just a warning, I make these picks pretty much a week BEFORE I actually get to read any of these comics, so if something is a stinker, I take no blame on that.  Let's get to it!

Comics shipping this week


Wacky Raceland #1 - Wasn't expecting to put this on my list, but I really enjoyed Future Quest and Scooby Doo, so figured why not give it a shot. Take Wacky Races, set it in a Mad Max like future, and you have one hell of a strange concept for a comic. 

Mon
06
Jun

Con-Tamination Returns to St. Louis for 2016

Con-tamination Saint Louis 2016 convention horror sci-fi pop culture

Saint Louis's premiere horror, sci-fi and pop culture convention, Con-Tamination, returns for another spine-tingling, hair-raising, jaw-dropping year, this June 17 through 19th at The Stratford Inn, 800 S. Highway Drive, Fenton, Mo 63026.

Among the many guests this year are BATTLESTAR GALACTICA original cast members Dirk Benedict (Starbuck), Richard Hatch (Apollo), Herbert Jefferson Jr. (Boomer), Anne Lockhart (Sheba) and Jack Stauffer (Bojay). They'll be joined by Gary Graham (STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE, ALIEN NATION) and STAR TREK: ORIGINAL SERIES legend, The Gorn Commander (Bobby Clark).

Wrestling superstars Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Atomic Dog will be flexing muscle and signing autographs. Fans can also meet screen sirens Kayla Perkins, Kristina Klebe, and Seka in her last U.S. appearance.

Mon
06
Jun

Superman to ACTUALLY appear in CW's Supergirl!

According to TV Guide's "TV Insider:"

Proving once again that she can pull off the impossible, Supergirl has landed the Guest Star of Steel: Superman! Speaking on behalf of fellow executive producers Greg Berlanti and Ali Adler, Andrew Kreisberg says in a statement just released by Kara Zor-El's new home planet, The CW, that "Greg, Ali and I are beyond thrilled to welcome Clark Kent and his slightly more-famous alter ego to the world of Supergirl. Superman will be appearing in the first two episodes of the new season and we cannot wait to see who next dons the red cape!"

Source: TV Insider

Mon
06
Jun

Cheap Pops - Wrestling News & Views - June 6, 2016

  • NXT: THE END Predictions
  • Does Goldberg belong in the WWE Hall of Fame?
  • Zach Gowen - American Ninja Warrior

NXT: The End Predictions

Sun
05
Jun

New Line Theatre's ATOMIC Is The Bomb!

Jeffrey M. Wright and Zachary Allen Farmer in New Line Theatre's ATOMIC. Photo Credit Jill Ritter Lindberg

When I saw the lineup for the 25th Anniversary season of New Line Theatre, I immediately noted ATOMIC as the one that interested me the most. Why, you ask? I knew HEATHERS from the 1988 film, I knew AMERICAN IDIOT from Green Day’s music, and I knew TELL ME ON A SUNDAY from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s pedigree. ATOMIC I knew nothing about. Heck, this is only the fourth time anyone has ever staged this show, and the first in the Midwest. I assumed it would have something to do with bombs—maybe a rock opera about the Reagan years, or perhaps a declaration against nuclear power in favor of safer, greener, renewable forms of energy? As it turned out, it was a biography of one of the lost names of the Manhattan Project, presented as a moving and tense rock musical from Danny Ginges (book and lyrics), Philip Foxman (music and lyrics) and Andy Peterson (orchestrations).

Fri
03
Jun

Dooky and Toot Jokes (and Humor, Too) in Teen Titans Go: Eat, Dance, Punch!

Teen Titans Go Eat Dance Punch

When there's trouble, you know who to call. From their tower they can see it all.

That better be the Justice League you're thinking of these days, because this Teen Titans team is a different breed of superhero, far more interested in leaving butt-impressions on the couch, raiding the fridge, and putting up with Robin trying to impart his questionable wisdom.

By now anybody familiar with DC Comics related animation knows that TEEN TITANS GO is basically a stiffly animated Looney Tunes using familiar superhero faces. It isn't the TEEN TITANS, it certainly isn't YOUNG JUSTICE, and yet the younger viewers -- those whose ages haven't crossed the double-digit line -- can't get enough of dooky and toot jokes (as appalling as it may be to parents to see Beast Boy shaking his tighty whities at the screen, to be later emulated by their child; believe me, I know of where I speak).

Fri
03
Jun

Death Cab for Cutie, Chvrches Will Play NC Despite Opposition to 'Bathroom Bill'

Death Cab Cutie Chvrches

While several artists have cancelled appearances as an expression of dissent over North Carolina's House Bill 2, aka the "bathroom bill" established as a protection from potential predators posting as transgendered people, pop bands Death Cab for Cutie and Chvrches have released a statement that, while they oppose the sentiment of the bill, they will honor their commitment to fans and play the venues in North Carolina for which they have been booked -- but that these would be the last concerts played so long as HB2 remains the law.

In their statement today, released through Atlantic Records, the groups collectively state:

Pages

Subscribe to Critical Blast RSS