How I Met Your Mother's Charlene Amoia cast in 'Sniper: Special Forces'

Former How I Met Your Mother Star Charlene Amoia has been cast in Fred Olen Ray’s Sniper : Special Forces, starring Steven Seagal, shooting in Los Angeles.

Amoia, who is the female lead, recently won Best Actress for her performance in "Live-Evil" (which we reviewed) earlier this month. Her other credits include "American Reunion," "Seven Pounds" and on How I Met Your Mother, she played the recurring role of Wendy the waitress.

Sent to rescue an American congressman being held by the Taliban in the remote Afghan village of Matubakh, SFC Vic Mosby (Tim Abell) is dismayed when several of his team are killed -- but he suspects that there may be survivors who have been left behind. His commanding officer refuses to let him mount a rescue, but instead sends him and his team to retrieve a truckload of vital munitions. En route, Vic is shocked to learn he has a stowaay -- go-getting NATO correspondent Janet Conrad (Amoia), a "spoiled rich girl" who is out to get her story, no matter the risk. In direct violation of orders, Vic detours back to the village to ascertain the fate of his comrades. It's a virtual suicide mission, as he and his tiny team enter a town teeming with terrorists and face an uncertain fate...

Seagal plays SFC Jake Chandler, American Sniper.Rob Van Dam, Capt. Dale Dye, and Tim Abell help make up the cast of the war thriller.

Fred Olen Ray directs from his own script.

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Banshee Actor Joins Supernatural Offering 'Don’t Kill It'

Banshee’s Miles Doleac has joined the cast of director Mike Mendez’s Don’t Kill It, currently shooting in Canton, MS.

Actor, who joins Dolph Lundgren, Kristina Klebe, and Courtney Gains in the film, plays Agent Jackson, head of the FBI in the supernatural thriller.

Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s script fixes on an ancient demon that is accidentally unleashed in a sparsely populated Alaskan town, and the only hope of survival lies in the hands of a grizzled old demon hunter Jebediah Woodley and his reluctant partner FBI agent Evelyn Pierce.

Doleac, known for his recurring role on Banshee, will next be seen on the small screen in The CW’s "Containment" and on the big screen in The Hollow, which he also wrote and directed.

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Check out the New Trailer and Visit the Ladies of 'Lilin's Brood'

Brand New Official Trailer Out Now for 'Lilin's Brood'

A new official trailer for the upcoming film has been released and you can view it below. You can also read our review of the film. 
The film will be released February 16, 2016 on Amazon and ITunes.

Directed by Mansa Mojo Brothas, the film stars Martin Sensemeier (the upcoming MAGNIFICENT SEVEN), Maxine Goynes, Brent King, Melinda Milton, Alberto Barros, Catherine Paiz, James Wellington and Sandra Hinojosa.

Synopsis:
A "New Media" news coverage team that is stranded near a beleaguered brothel in the middle of nowhere encounter a group or women with a terrifying secret.

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Three New Stills From the Upcoming Thriller 'The Hollow'

Coming in 2016

Below you will find three new stills for the Miles Doleac directed thriller "The Hollow" which we previously reported on here. The film is due to come out in 2016.

THE HOLLOW

From Acclaimed filmmaker Miles Doleac and Academy Award Winning producer Lisa Bruce (The Theory of Everything), The Hollow fixes on a team of F.B.I. agents as they arrive in a small town in Mississippi to investigate the death of a U.S. congressman's daughter in a mysterious triple homicide.

The ensemble cast includes James Callus (TV's Battlestar Galactica, TV's Eureka),Christiane Seidel (Boardwalk Empire), William Sadler (TV’s Hawaii Five-0, Machete Kills), William Forsythe (TV’s Boardwalk Empire, Halloween) and Jeff Fahey (TV’s Lost, TV’s From Dusk Till Dawn : The Series).

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Cult Film 'Comin' At Ya!' is Coming to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital January 26th

MVD Celebrates the Cult Classic Movie 

COMIN' AT YA! 

With 35th Anniversary Re-release and Debut On Blu-ray 3D

To be released on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital formats on January 26th

MVD Entertainment Group has obtained the North American distribution rights to the cult classic film Comin At Ya!, the fan-favorite spaghetti western. The studio plans a 35th Anniversary re-release on home video that includes its debut on Blu-ray 3D. Directed by Ferdinando Baldi ("Get Mean," "Django, Prepare a Coffin") and written, produced and starring spaghetti western legend Tony Anthony ("Blindman," "Get Mean," "Treasure of the Four Crowns"), "Comin' at Ya!" is largely credited with the 3-D revival in the early 1980's (that spawned "Friday the 13th Part III" in 3-D, "Jaws 3-D", "Parasite," "Amityville 3-D" and many more).

The deal was negotiated by Eric Wilkinson for MVD and Robbie Little of The Little Film Company on behalf of the filmmakers.

Independently produced, "Comin' at Ya!" was originally released theatrically in 1981 by Filmways Pictures and went on to gross over $12,000,000 domestically in only 200 theaters in North America (over $30,000,000 in 2016 dollars when adjusted for inflation), long before independent films were a regular staple in multiplexes. Comin' at Ya! happily embraced the 3-D technology of its time, not only taking advantage of the depth that the technology provided, but also taking every opportunity possible to throw, shoot and point things at the viewer at every possible turn and created a cult classic movie as a result.

Writer, producer, and star of Comin' At Ya! Tony Anthony said about the movie's 35th anniversary...

"In the 80's Comin' At Ya! was the first 3D film distributed by a major company since the 50s and it went on to set box-office records and turned Hollywood and the world onto 3D once again", explained Tony. "Films are strange, live-for-ever works of art and as a producer and writer, this is a labor of love. To be able to restore this film with the new technology that's now available, I'm thrilled to finally be able the present this film the way is was meant to be seen."

The new home video version of Comin' At Ya! was supervised and produced by Tony Anthony himself and Tom Stern (In God's Hands), through his company Sternco 3D. Sourced from a new 4K master, Comin' At Ya! boasts a frame by frame digital conversion of the polarized over-and-under format of the original print, sourced from a brand new internegative into the MVC 3D format and new 5.1 surround sound.

Eric Wilkinson, MVD Entertainment's Director of Acquisitions and Sales shares Tony Anthony's excitement about the re-release of Comin' At Ya!...

"I remember this film from when I was a kid. I also remember my parents telling me I wasn't allowed to go see it due to the film's R rating. I finally did get to see this on home video in a less-than-desirable full frame transfer on VHS. I loved it, but always wanted to see this the way it was meant to be seen... in 3D. As a both an acquisitions executive and a fan, I chased this film for years. I'm thrilled to be working with Tony and Tom and bring this back to home video the way that it was meant to be seen. The 3D looks amazing! At one point during the film, I actually ducked!"

Comin' at Ya! makes is home video debut on January 26, 2016 on Blu-ray 3D/2D and 2D DVD and Digital / VOD from MVD Entertainment Group.

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The CBS Series 'Supergirl' adds George of the Jungle in 2016

Christopher Showerman, remembered for his role as George in Disney’s George of the Jungle 2, joins CBS series Supergirl this January.

Showerman makes his debut in the series’ January 4 episode ‘Blood Bonds’. He plays Tor, an offsider of the show’s villain Non (Chris Vance) in the Steve Shill directed episode.

It’s believed the character reappears throughout the season.

What’s interesting about the casting is that Showerman was one of the contenders for Supergirl’s famous cousin about ten years ago; the bodybuilder and actor vied for the title role in Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns.

This isn’t Showerman’s first foray into comic book fare; the actor played the caped crusader in the short film Batman: Personal Issues (2015).

Showerman also recently wrote and directed the independent drama Radio America, which was released in November.

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A Force Awakens in Space-Thriller 'Shockwave Darkside' out January 5

Aliens and Prometheus collide in visual effects showcase 'Shockwave Darkside'

Sci-fi mindbender Shockwave Darkside orbits VOD January 5 from Uncork’d Entertainment. 

Starring Bill Sage (Boardwalk Empire), Mei Melancon (Nightmare Code), Sonequa Martin-Green (The Walking Dead) and Rich Ceraulo (Supergirl), the “enjoyable and intelligent” (SFCrowsNest) mesh of visual effects and chair-gripping thrills was a ten year labour of love for writer-director Jay Weisman.

Five soldiers, shot down and behind enemy lines in a battle over water, frozen in the deep craters of the lunar surface, find themselves marooned on the dark side of the moon. With depleting air and supplies, they have no choice but to start a dangerous trek through hostile territory. As their numbers dwindle and nerves fray, they make an amazing discovery about the moon that just might save their lives, but destroy the very cause that they are fighting for.

Inspired by the storytelling of classic science-fiction literature from the 50's, but with a 21st century twist, Shockwave, Darkside is an exciting, thoughtful and timely exploration of the tense collision between faith and reason.

You can also visit the films official website and follow it on Twitter and Facebook. 

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Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. (1990) - Blu-ray Review - Troma Entertainment

The chopstick toting police officer makes his HD debut!

Released by: Troma Entertainment
Release Date: November 10, 2015
Production Year: 1990
Region Code: A 
Running Time: 1:45:04
Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None


THE FILM - [ 3 / 5 ]:

Meet NYPD Sgt. Harry Griswold (Rick Gianasi), a streetwise cop who becomes possessed with the spirit of a great Kabuki master, transforming him into the worlds most unusual super-human hero. Using a new arsenal including fatal sushi heat-seeking chopsticks and pyro projectile parasols, Sgt. Kabukiman must save the day!

In a surprise turn of events, New York police officer becomes the recipient of the power to become a super hero. Harry Griswold is not very accepting of his new appearance at first and when he is unable to transform into Sgt. Kabukiman but becomes something less desirable and beneficial, he seeks the help of the beautiful Lotus (Susan Byun). Through hard work and perseverance or as Lotus calls it, fear and pain, Harry is able to harness the power and become Sgt. Kabukiman. The two grow close which as you may expect, is used against Mr. Griswold later on in the film.  

In typical Troma fashion the acting is a bit over the top and hammy at times but it fits quite well considering the subject matter of the film. The film also features some cheap effects but also some good looking practical effects. The film was aided by a partnership with Namco who came on the help produce the film. Lloyd Kaufman talks more in depth about that in the commentary that is included. There are a number of nice shots of features of New York in the film including the Statue of Liberty appearing in the background during a transformation scene and also a nice aerial view (Troma purchased) of the Empire State Building. 

"Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D." features a number of funny gag scenes, some of which involve Sgt. Kabukiman's assortment of specialty weapons like chopsticks, fans or even turning criminals in to a giant sushi roll. The film also includes a few nude scenes which is sure to please some viewers. While a little light on gore effects there are quite a few comically, violent scenes. 

AUDIO - [ 2 / 5 ]:

The sole audio option on the Blu-ray is an English Dolby Digital 2.0 track. Generally speaking, the audio is serviceable. However there is a bit of a hiss present depending on the dialogue and words that end in an "s" sound. A fair amount of the scenes involving Lotus speaking, include some hissing. Otherwise the audio isn't too bad, with the dialogue, sound effects and score easy to hear and/or understand. The sound levels were consistent and well balanced. I did not notice any other audio issues other than the hissing.

VIDEO - [ 3 / 5 ]:

"Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D." sushi rolls its way on to Blu-ray courtesy of Troma Entertainment. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78 Aspect Ratio. I was pleasantly surprised by the video quality of this Blu-ray. At times the quality does fluctuate and the image looks a bit on the soft side here and there but I suspect the majority of that has to do with how the film was shot. For the most part the picture has a fair amount of sharpness and detail present. During the first fifteen minutes or so of the film you will notice an unruly hair at the bottom of the screen that pops up on occasion. There are some white specks that also appear sporadically throughout but they are few and caused no distraction. Colors look strong on this release with primaries looking very nice. Skin tones appear natural in color as well. Black levels looked fairly look also. Grain levels are fine and I never really found them to be overly heavy even in darker scenes. 

SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 3 / 5 ]:

Lloyd Kaufman Intro (6:27) - When the Blu-ray is inserted, an introduction by Lloyd Kaufman plays automatically. Lloyd introduces the film and its Blu-ray premiere. A short segment called "Behind the Chopsticks", a take on the "Behind the Music" show from VH1, plays and features Sgt. Kabukiman talking about his career highs and lows.

Audio Commentary - Mr. Troma himself Lloyd Kaufman appears on this commentary track. Mr. Kaufman provides a wealth of information from tidbits on members of the cast and crew to personal stories from the set including a scary story involving the lion and Toyota the monkey. As silly as Lloyd is in his comedy skits that appear on the various Troma projects, he provides a great, honest commentary for this release. Fans of Sgt. Kabukiman and/or Troma should definitely listen to this track. 

Interview with Rick Gianasi (6:45) - This interview takes places at the Megacon convention in Orlando Florida. Lloyd Kaufman interviews Rick Gianasi and asks questions from the fans about his role in the film and what he is doing now.

Kabukiman's Karaoke (2:35) - A room of fans singing the Sgt. Kabukiman theme song. 

Kabukiman's Cocktail Corner (12:08) - Sgt. Kabukiman is joined by Brian Quinn of TV's Impractical Jokers and Lloyd Kaufman. They all perform a brief scene from a film that Brian Quinn had once pitched to Troma. 

Stupid Moments in Troma History (2:50) - A look back at the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and a tape that shows Sgt. Kabukiman at the scene as it purports to implicate him in the crime with a single chopstick theory. 

Sgt. Kabukiman Original Trailer (3:35)

Tromadance 2015 Highlights (5:20) - Includes brief clips of interviews with attendees and film makers.

IN CONCLUSION:

A nice package by Troma Entertainment. It is a shame that the audio was not cleaned up a bit as it would have really improved the audio of this release. Otherwise the Blu-ray looks nice and features several extras including a really great commentary track with Lloyd Kaufman. If cheesy fun films are your thing then you are in luck as I would recommend giving this one a chance. If you prefer your super hero films more straight laced or dark and brooding, you may want to look elsewhere.


OVERALL RATING: [ 3 / 5 ]

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