Month: May 2017

TV Reviews

The Originals | S4E7 |”High Water and the Devil’s Daughter” Review [podcast]

by Kristin4 Comments on The Originals | S4E7 |”High Water and the Devil’s Daughter” Review [podcast]

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What’s up, my fellow vampire lovers?!

Another episode of The Originals is in the books and this one was a special one! Episode 7 titled “High Water and the Devil’s Daughter” served as the directorial debut of our beloved Charles Michael Davis (aka Marcel) and it was fantastic!

Listen in as Mike and I rave about the episode and, as always, let us know what you thought! You can find us on Twitter @ThisIsKristin_ and @mikethemovieguy.

SYNOPSIS: When it’s discovered that The Hollow’s latest servant is on the loose, Freya places a protection spell on the compound, forcing Klaus, Hayley and Hope to remain inside. Meanwhile, Elijah takes matters into his own hands when Vincent is reluctant to perform a dangerous ritual needed to strengthen their defense against The Hollow. Finally, while Freya enacts a risky plan that brings her face to face with their latest threat, an unexpected twist leaves her life hanging in the balance.

Special shout outs to our friends over on Twitter this week: @theoriginalsaaf, @tvdfansonline and @trentontess!

Send us your thoughts, favorite moments and fan theories and we’ll try to answer you On Air!

Tune in to The CW Fridays at 8/7c for more of The Originals!

Movie Reviews

@Thisfunktional Movie Review: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOLUME 2

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GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOLUME 2 has a more Family Friendly Storyline

Written by Jesus Figueroa (@Thisfunktional)

Although “Guardians of the Galaxy” was light hearted and fun, Volume 2 has more family friendly visuals and family drama.

The storyline dealing with father-son relationships and the family dynamic makes Volume 2 different from the original, but it hits too many of the same marks as the first to really stand out.

Director James Gunn said he was very conscious of making the story different from the original and he felt they accomplished that.

The story isn’t the problem because it fills in the big questions left after the first.

The pacing, the insertion of comedic elements and the use the music feels much like watching the first movie.

The dramatic element of Volume 2 is more intense, but at the same time the comedy seems safe and can become repetitive, how many times can the audience laugh at Rocket being rude, Star-Lord being oblivious or Drax being well Drax.

Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper and physical stand in Sean Gunn, is a bigger part of the story as is Yandu, played by Michael Rooker.

Actress Zoe Saldana, who plays Gamora, said that it was fantastic having Sean Gunn be there as Rocket, it was also fascinating to see Sean compact himself to the Rocket size.

Producer Kevin Feige said that the editors had a much easier job with Rocket since Sean Gunn was physically there.

Sean Gunn said that the most difficult part came when he had to be in a scene with both Kraglin and Rocket, since getting down to Rocket’s size was difficult with Kraglin’s outfit.

Rooker was magnificent as Yandu and brought so much out of the character that from the moment audiences see him on screen they connect with his character.

Rooker said he was challenged with Yandu because when you first see him he’s vulnerable and it wasn’t an easy thing to do with such a strong character.

Continuing with the emotional story is Nebula, played by Karen Gillan.

Nebula has a complex role with hatred, sadness, confusion, revenge and so many strong emotions to play.

Gillan was great, beautiful, even as a bald blue half cyborg alien, and strong. Her evolution through the movie happens so subtle that it feels natural.

Everyone of the returning character’s and actors do fine, with the exception of Baby Groot who is thrown in there many times just cause he’s a cute distraction.

Marvel Studio’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2” is entertaining and seems like a good movie for the family, but falls short of being the attention grabbing movie that the first one was. The IMX 3D experience makes the movie more enjoyable.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2” is out now in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D.

Movies

Official Final Trailer for WONDER WOMAN Rise of the Warrior

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Official Final Trailer for WONDER WOMAN Rise of the Warrior

Written by Jesus Figueroa (@Thisfunktional)

The final trailer for Warner Bros. “Wonder Woman” has been released and it seems to show more of the rise of the Wonder Woman as a warrior, but in what seems to be a chronological trailer.

The events of the trailer seem to be step by step to where Wonder Woman reveals herself to the world.

There doesn’t seem to be any cameos by any of the rest of the Justice League, but I’m sure that will not be the case for the movie.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Entertainment comes the epic action adventure “Wonder Woman” starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright, directed by Patty Jenkins.

Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior.

Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat.

Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.

Follow #WonderWoman on social media:

Interviews, Movies

@Thisfunktional talks with Kate Tumanova AMERICAN EXORCISM

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@Thisfunktional talks with Kate Tumanova AMERICAN EXORCISM

Written by Jesus Figueroa

Before watching “American Exorcism,” actress Kate Tumanova talked with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, about the film and her leading role as Caroline.

Tumanova comes from a modeling background in Russia, but once she came to the United States she quickly got into acting school and soon started booking roles in different projects.

After this talk it was clear that “American Exorcism” was a film to look forward to. Not sure what to expect, the bad girl role Tumanova plays is shocking and fantastic.

“American Exorcism” has an unexpected fresh take on exorcism stories. The typical exorcist that comes from a religious background is still a part of the story, but a more physical and different kind of spiritual fighter is present as well.

Check out the interview above and read a full review of the movie here.
AMERICAN EXORCISM
Out on Video OnDemand 
Available on Amazon in Limited Edition DVD 
Available on Amazon in Blu-Ray

Available at Walmart

May 2
Music

New Music Friday! | #music #newreleases #tour

by KristinLeave a Comment on New Music Friday! | #music #newreleases #tour

 

YoursTruly

Good morning, music lovers!!

Ok . . . so I had to take a minute to compose myself after the influx of music releases and announcements over the past two weeks! How did you all hold up? lol . . .

So let’s talk tours first! Fans received announcements from some of their favorite artists regarding upcoming tours and, personally, I couldn’t be more excited! I’m hoping to make some contacts so I can keep up with all of them and get some show reviews posted for you all! Fingers crossed on that. Some of the artists who posted tour announcements include Fall Out Boy (dates posted below), Halsey (dates posted below), Janet Jackson, Harry Styles (dates posted below), Linkin Park, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, an extension of the current Kings of Leon tour, the list goes on and on! Not to mention the fact that some of our favorite artists are currently working on new music, which means (hopefully) even more announcements are sure to be on their way!

 

Also announced in the past two weeks are singles, singles, and more singles! Fall Out Boy released “Young and Menace,” Imagine Dragons released “Thunder,” OneRepublic released “No Vacancy,” Harry Styles released “Sweet Creature,” Halsey released “Eyes Closed,” Paramore released “Told You So,” Niall Horan released “Slow Hands,” X Ambassadors released “Torches,” etc., etc., etc.

In light of all of these announcements, we also got a few music videos to watch! Anyone else miss when MTV and VH1 used to play music videos? Do they even do it at all anymore? Let me know! Here are a few of the new ones:

 

 

 

Which artists are you more excited about? Are there any tours you’re planning on attending? Are there any new artists I should be listening to? Sound off in the comments or tweet me @thisiskristin_! I also would LOVE to know who’s planning on attending ‘Kinky Boots’ on Broadway this summer to see Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco playing Charlie? I know I am!  🙂

Movies

Saban’s ‘POWER RANGERS’ to Arrive on Digital HD, DVD & On Demand 6/2017 |#powerrangers

by KristinLeave a Comment on Saban’s ‘POWER RANGERS’ to Arrive on Digital HD, DVD & On Demand 6/2017 |#powerrangers

PowerRangers_3D_BD_O-CARD.pngFive Ordinary Teens Morph Into Extraordinary Super Heroes to Save the Planet in the Action-Packed Blockbuster Arriving on Digital HD June 13 and 4K Ultra HDTM Combo Pack, Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, and DVD on June 27 from Lionsgate

4K Ultra HD™ to include both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

 

The action-packed, coming of age feature film Saban’s Power Rangers will morph onto Digital HD June 13 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital HD), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD and On Demand June 27 from Lionsgate. As part of the 24-year-old global phenomenon and based on the five Rangers from the original TV series, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,”, the reimagined movie features a modern generation of Rangers including Dacre Montgomery (TV’s “Stranger Things”) as Jason the Red Ranger, Naomi Scott (The 33) as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) as Billy the Blue Ranger, Ludi Lin (Monster Hunt) as Zack the Black Ranger, and Becky G. (Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising) as Trini the Yellow Ranger, as they attempt to stop the evil and unpredictable Rita Repulsa (played by Elizabeth Banks, The Hunger Games Franchise) from destroying their city…and ultimately the world. Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) as Zordon, and Bill Hader (Finding Dory) as Alpha 5 train the Rangers to morph and master their powers as a united team.

The epic adventure, Saban’s Power Rangers follows five ordinary high school kids 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, the unlikely group of teenage heroes are the only ones who can save the planet but first, they have to band together in order to harness their super powers and become Power Rangers.

The Saban’s Power Rangers 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital HD releases feature never-before-heard audio commentary with director Dean Israelite and writer John Gatins, as well as a nine-part documentary featuring commentary from the actors and filmmakers including Power Rangers Creator, Haim Saban which looks behind the scenes of the film at the casting, training, special effects, and creation of Saban’s Power Rangers, with deleted/alternate/extended scenes and outtakes. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray will also feature Dolby Vision™ high-dynamic range (HDR), making it the first title from Lionsgate to feature both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos®. Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Together with the captivating sound of Dolby Atmos, consumers will experience both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound technology for a fully immersive entertainment experience.

The Saban’s Power Rangers DVD will include exclusive audio commentary with director Dean Israelite and writer John Gatins, and deleted/alternate/extended scenes and outtakes. Saban’s Power Rangers will be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.95, respectively.

Story by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Michele Mulroney & Kieran Mulroney. Screenplay by John Gatins. Directed by Dean Israelite.

4K/BLU-RAY/ DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Audio Commentary with Director Dean Israelite and Writer John Gatins
  • “The Power of the Present” Documentary
    • “Rangers Then to Now”
    • “Building the Team”
    • “Beyond the Rangers”
    • “Suiting Up”
    • “Rangers, Welcome to Training”
    • “Rangers in the Wild”
    • “It’s Morphin Time”
    • “Power Ballad: Music and Sound”
    • “This is Your Destiny”
  • Deleted/Alternate/Extended Scenes
  • Outtakes
  • Theatrical Trailer with Audio Commentary by Director Dean Israelite

 

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Audio Commentary with Director Dean Israelite and Writer John Gatins
  • Deleted/Alternate/Extended Scenes
  • Outtakes

 

 

Website: www.powerrangers.movie/
Facebook: facebook.com/PowerRangersMovie/
Instagram: @powerrangersmovie
Twitter: @ThePowerRangers

To view this information in Spanish, please click below:

Continue reading “Saban’s ‘POWER RANGERS’ to Arrive on Digital HD, DVD & On Demand 6/2017 |#powerrangers” →

Movies

One Sheet, Character Posters for VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on One Sheet, Character Posters for VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS

“VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS” is the visually spectacular new adventure film from Luc Besson, the legendary director of The Professional, The Fifth Element and Lucy, based on the ground-breaking comic book series which inspired a generation of artists, writers and filmmakers.

In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories.

Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha-an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other.

There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.

IN THEATERS JULY 21

#Valerian
TV Reviews

The Originals | S4E6 | “Bag of Cobras” Review [podcast]

by KristinLeave a Comment on The Originals | S4E6 | “Bag of Cobras” Review [podcast]

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What’s up, everyone??

Mike and I (finally) got together to talk about the latest episode of The Originals! I know, I know…but don’t blame him…he has his stud muffin son, Maddox, to take care of, so give the man some slack! lol…

Now down to business! Check out the podcast review below and let us know what YOU thought! You can find us on Twitter @ThisIsKristin_ and @mikethemovieguy.

SYNOPSIS: When it’s discovered that The Hollow has employed a mysterious servant to do its bidding, Klaus and Elijah host an elaborate party in order to lure the new threat out and uncover its identity. Feeling a sense of responsibility for The Hollow’s resurgence, Vincent uses his magic to help the Mikaelsons root out this latest threat. Meanwhile, after uncovering information about who may have been behind her parents’ death, Hayley turns to Freya to help unlock her memories from that fateful day.

 

Special shout outs to our friends over on Twitter this week: @theoriginalsaaf, @tvdfansonline and @trentontess!

Send us your thoughts, favorite moments and fan theories and we’ll try to answer you On Air!

Tune in to The CW Fridays at 8/7c for more of The Originals!

Movies

Vadhir Derbez returns to the big screen in 3 IDIOTAS

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Vadhir Derbez returns to the big screen in 3 IDIOTAS

Take a look at the official trailer of Pantelion Films’ upcoming comedy “3 Idiotas.”

The film opens in theaters on June 2 and stars Martha Higareda, Vadhir Derbez, Alfonso Dosal, Christian Vazquez, and Sebastian Zurita.

Two nerdy friends and their archrival from college days make an unlikely and hilarious team as they go in search of a long-lost buddy who disappeared without a trace on their college graduation day.

Through their quest, they relive college life and recall memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently even as the rest of the world called them idiots.

3 IDIOTAS
In Theaters June 2
Movie Reviews

@Thisfunktional Movie Review: AMERICAN EXORCISM

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@Thisfunktional Movie Review: AMERICAN EXORCISM

Fighting the Supernatural in a Different Way in “AMERICAN EXORCISM”

Written by Jesus Figueroa (@Thisfunktional)

When an all-American teenage girl begins to be too rebellious for her adopted father, the ex-exorcist father comes around to help make sure demons haven’t followed her in “American Exorcism.”

This may not be a movie for the entire family, but its an entertaining view with some horror, some action and some teenage angst.

Damon, played by Michael Filipowich, decides he will step away from his exorcist life with his partner Will, played by Braxton Davis, for his family.

Filipowich is strange and looks different from what is expected from a holy fighter of demons. He brings a good change to the typical religious exorcist.

Davis is the clean cut bible exorcist which contrasts the look of Filipowich. The two work well together as they play off each other well.

Tragic events separate Damon from young Caroline, played by Sicily Fontaine, until a teenage Caroline, played by Kate Tumanova, starts to take her rebellious behavior too far and her biological father comes back into her life.

Fontaine is a typical little girl who is enjoying her life with her parents. She’s not on screen too much, just about 5 minutes in the beginning of the film.

Tumanova comes in as the grown teenage Caroline and plays the rebellious, bad girl well. The young look to her gives her an innocent look which isn’t what you expect from her behavior. This performance is the best part of the movie.

The story revolves around Damon and his teenage daughter Caroline and the strange things happening in the life of Caroline.

The non-typical methinks that Damon uses to exorcise demons is an interesting method, which ads a more action element to the movie.

At points the things Damon does can come off as comical, but then the immediate suspense after adds to the scary supernatural element.

Caroline is fantastic at being a force to be reckoned with and a captivating character which can be manipulative and mysterious.

The ending is a good payoff. There’s a good twist which if the audience pays attention can see it coming.

AMERICAN EXORCISM
Out on Video OnDemand 
Available on Amazon in Limited Edition DVD 
Available on Amazon in Blu-Ray

Available at Walmart

May 2
Interviews, Movies

@Thisfunktional attends the RINGS Release Press Day, Party

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@Thisfunktional attends the RINGS Release Press Day, Party

Written by Jesus Figueroa

The third part to “The Ring” franchise, “Rings” brings a new modernized view into the mythology of Samara.

To celebrate the release on Blu-ray, DVD and On demand on May 2 as well as Digital HD now, a small press day with the two lead actors Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz and Alex Roe and director F. Javier Gutiérrez and party which included a visit from Bonnie Morgan who plays Samara in the film.

Checkout the interview with he lead actors above and the interview with the director below:

Out on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand May 2
TV

BEST.COVER.EVER. | New Competition Show to Premiere Exclusively on YouTube

by KristinLeave a Comment on BEST.COVER.EVER. | New Competition Show to Premiere Exclusively on YouTube

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BEST.COVER.EVER.

FROM RYAN SEACREST PRODUCTIONS & ENDEMOL SHINE NORTH AMERICA TO PREMIERE EXCLUSIVELY ON YOUTUBE

Competition Series Hosted by GrammyⓇAward-Winner Ludacris Features
Demi Lovato, Backstreet Boys, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth and Emerging Musicians Performing The Biggest Hits In Front of Superstar Artists

Winner to Get a Chance to Perform a Duet with Superstar Artist and Premiere it on YouTube

Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America today announced Best.Cover.Ever., a cutting-edge talent competition series hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris and featuring Demi Lovato, Backstreet Boys, Jason Derulo and Charlie Puth that will premiere exclusively on YouTube later this year.  Additional top artists to be announced in coming weeks.

Best.Cover.Ever. gives emerging musicians from around the world a chance for international fame. Throughout the series, a new superstar artist will challenge competing musicians to perform a cover of one of their favorite songs. The musicians can perform the song in their own unique style as they battle for the ultimate prize: the opportunity to perform a duet with the superstar artist that will premiere on YouTube!

Demi Lovato, The Backstreet Boys and Jason Derulo will kickoff the first submission phase, which begins today through May 19th, where fans are encouraged to upload a video to YouTube performing their creative cover of these superstar artists’ biggest hits: As Long As You Love Me (Backstreet Boys, video here), Confident (Demi Lovato, video here) and Trumpets (Jason Derulo, video here). Other superstar artists will encourage fans to record covers of their songs on future dates. Fans can upload their video, follow submissions, and watch the series by subscribing to the Best.Cover.Ever. channel on YouTube, and can learn more by going to TheBestCoverEver.com.

“YouTube is the best place for emerging musicians to be discovered, and Best.Cover.Ever. will encourage these artists to go for their dreams alongside the best in the business,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. “We’re thrilled that Ryan Seacrest will give new talent the opportunity to shine in front of over 1 billion fans around the world.” 

“We couldn’t be more excited to premiere this new talent music competition series exclusively on YouTube. Cover songs are a terrific vehicle to help discover fresh talent and YouTube is the perfect platform to do it,” said Ryan Seacrest, series Executive Producer and CEO of Ryan Seacrest Productions. “These new young artists will also have the chance to work alongside some of the most renowned musicians in the world, which we hope will generate some great experiences for the artists and contestants alike, and, in turn produce some memorable performances.”

“YouTube is the ideal home for ‘Best.Cover.Ever.,’ a ground-breaking competition format that will feature many of the top names in the music industry paired with emerging artists, all under the direction of Ryan Seacrest, Ludacris and our two experienced production teams,” says Eden Gaha, President, Unscripted Television, Endemol Shine North America.

In the upcoming weeks, each superstar artist will be sending out a call to action to the YouTube community, asking emerging musicians to record and upload a version of a specific hit song of theirs. Once he or she views the submissions, the list will be whittled down to a select few.  Of these few, two will be selected to appear in the series and put to the test by the superstar artist to see how they might be as a collaborator on another hit song.

The superstar artist will then pick the one lucky cover artist for a chance to perform a whole new song together. Viewers will witness every part of the planning, behind-the-scenes process as they mount this uniquely special music performance.

Visit thebestcoverever.com to learn how to submit. Follow and subscribe to Best.Cover.Ever. on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all future updates. 

The series is executive produced by Ryan Seacrest and hosted by Grammy Award-winner Ludacris, who will also serve as an executive producer.  Best.Cover.Ever. is produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America. In addition to Seacrest and Ludacris, Teri Kennedy (RSP), Rob Smith (ESNA), Georgie Hurford-Jones (ESNA) and Marilyn Wilson will also serve as executive producers.

Fun Facts:

Backstreet Boys Fun Fact:
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki came across a video of two guys in China lipsynching to As Long As You Love Me by the Backstreet Boys in 2006. It was in that moment Wojcicki realized that through YouTube, “people all over the world can create content” and encouraged Google to acquire the video service. The world famous video with over 1M views can be watched here. Reference source.

Demi Lovato Fun Fact:
While known for her own hits, Demi Lovato tunes have been a boon for other artists as well – a popular cover of “Heart Attack” by Sam Tsui & Chrissy Costanza has earned an impressive 77 million views while Boyce Avenue and Megan Nicole’s rendition of “Skyscraper” has been watched over 18.4 million times.

Jason Derulo Fun Fact:
While best known for his own chart-toppers — his recent video “Swalla” has garnered 108+ million views since dropping last month, setting a new personal best for the crooner — Jason Derulo is hardly a stranger to the covers world, having notably teamed up with A capella heavyweight Pentatonix for an all-vocal rendition of Shai’s soulful 90s hit “If I Ever Fall in Love.” Pentatonix’s 2016 video for the cover has earned Derulo and the quintet over 15 million views.

To view this information in Spanish, please click below:

Continue reading “BEST.COVER.EVER. | New Competition Show to Premiere Exclusively on YouTube” →