The Little Hours is a comedic gem brimming with a who's who cast of comedic fan-favourites whose commitment to the material is crucial to the audience accepting the unusual but entirely entertaining premise. Writer and director Jeff Baena adapted the film's screenplay from The Decameron, a collection of novellas by Giovanni Boccaccio.
The film is loosely set all the way back in the 14th century, but viewers less inclined towards period pieces should still connect to the film with ease as the characters all maintain a more contemporary manner of speaking without making any blatant modern references. Much of the film is set at a covent full of nuns including those portrayed by Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, and Kate Micucci who engage in varying debauchery at one point or another throughout the film. Enter Dave Franco as Massetto, who goes on the run and also ends up at the convent after being caught having an affair with his former master's (portrayed by Nick Offerman) wife.
Much of the film's ensemble are utilised for their signature styles of comedy, such as Aubrey Plaza and Nick Offerman's deadpan delivery, but the overall product is a refreshing film that not only provides incidents and dialogue to make viewers laugh but offers commentary on the more archaic ideals and hypocrisy of certain religious rhetoric. The Little Hours is a film that work on multiple levels, ranging from the obvious laughs for the masses and the historical and sociopolitical implications of restrictive religious tendencies for the more intellectually-oriented viewers.
If the film's R-rating wasn't enough of an indication that the film is not for children, we will cosign on that by offering disclaimer warnings that there is profane language, sexual content, nudity, but also contains other forms of controversial content not included in the MPAA rating description. As previously stated, the film is one that if interpreted on a deeper level of analysis is offering commentary on the hypocrisy of certain religious tendencies. The more extreme religiosity can lead to bigotry which in the film manifests in the form of harmful language, or in more simple terms, hate speech. Those with greater sensitivity towards this type of language may be better off skipping it, or at the very least having a warning for it in advance and to use the more intellectual interpretation of the film's content.
The Little Hours is jam-packed full of comedic powerhouses that fully throw themselves into their characters, an absolute must for the audience to believe the delightfully absurd, heightened reality in which the film is set. There's laughs to be had from start to finish, and the chemistry of the leads along with their well-roundedness as actors leaves room for a surprisingly heartfelt resolution that's unexpected but still welcome after all the flashiness of the more outrageous plot points.
Burbank, CA, May 24, 2017 –See the origins of one of the most powerful monster myths of all when “Kong: Skull Island” arrives onto Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital. This compelling, original adventure from director Jordan Vogt-Roberts (“The Kings of Summer”) tells the story of a diverse team of scientists, soldiers and adventurers uniting to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific, as dangerous as it is beautiful.
“Kong: Skull Island” stars Tom Hiddleston (“The Avengers,” “Thor: The Dark World”), Oscar®nominee Samuel L. Jackson (Best Supporting Actor, “The Color Purple,” 1994, “Pulp Fiction,”), John Goodman (“Transformers: Age of Extinction,” “Argo”), Oscar winner Brie Larson (Best Actress, “Room,” 2015) and Oscar nominee John C. Reilly (Best Supporting Actor,“Chicago,” 2003).
Vogt-Roberts directed the film from a story by John Gatins and Dan Gilroy and a screenplay by Dan Gilroy and Max Borenstein. “Kong: Skull Island” is produced by Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni and Alex Garcia, with Eric McLeod and Edward Cheng serving as executive producers.
To fully immerse audiences in the mysterious Skull Island, director Jordan Vogt-Roberts and his team filmed across three continents over six months, capturing its primordial landscapes on Oahu, Hawaii, Australia’s Gold Coast and Vietnam, filming across multiple locations, some of which have never before been seen on film.
“Kong: Skull Island” will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack for $44.95, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $44.95, Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and DVD for $28.98. The Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the theatrical version in 4K with HDR and a Blu-ray disc also featuring the theatrical version. The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition and hi-definition; the Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray; and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition. The Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack include a digital version of the movie. Fans can also own “Kong: Skull Island”via purchase from digital retailers beginning June 20.
Additionally, all of the special features, including interviews with filmmakers, new original shorts, featurettes, and deleted scenes, can be experienced in an entirely new, dynamic and immersive manner on tablets and mobile phones using the Warner Bros. Movies All Access App, available for both iOS and Android devices. When a Combo Pack is purchased and the digital movie is redeemed, or the digital movie is purchased from an UltraViolet retailer, the Warner Bros. Movies All Access App allows users to watch the movie and simultaneously experience synchronized content related to any scene, simply by rotating their device. Synchronized content is presented on the same screen while the movie is playing, thus enabling users to quickly learn more about any scene, such as actor biographies, scene locations, fun trivia, or image galleries. Also, users can share movie clips with friends on social media and experience other immersive content. The Movies All Access app is available for download on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
The Blu-ray discs of “Kong: Skull Island” will feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar; however, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.
SYNOPSIS
This compelling, original adventure tells the story of a diverse team of scientists, soldiers and adventurers uniting to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific, as dangerous as it is beautiful. Cut off from everything they know, the team ventures into the domain of the mighty Kong, igniting the ultimate battle between man and nature. As their mission of discovery becomes one of survival, they must fight to escape a primal Eden in which humanity does not belong.
BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS
“Kong: Skull Island” Ultra HD Blu-ray, 3DBlu-ray and Blu-ray Combo Pack contain the following special features:
On June 20, “Kong: Skull Island” will be available to own for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, FandangoNow, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. On July 18, “Kong: Skull Island” will be made available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
ABOUT DIGITAL
*Digital movies or TV episodes allow fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital movies or TV episodes are included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. With digital, consumers are able to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster Video, Vudu and more. For more information on compatible devices and services go to wb.com/digitalmoviefaq. Consult a digital retailer for details and requirements and for a list of digital-compatible devices.
DVD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
BD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French, Canadian French
BD Subtitles: English, Latin Spanish, Parisian French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
Running Time: 118 minutes
Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief strong language
DLBY/SURR DLBY/DGTL [CC]
THE CREDITS
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
Part Nostalgia, part Apocalypse Now,
all action. The fabled Kong is heading back to the big screen as the
second entry of Legendary's Monsterverse, and it promises to leave an
impression. Granted you're first impression is the awe-inspiring
feeling of the first Jurassic Park, followed by a lingering Moby Dick
feeling, but Kong proves once more why he's King.
Scientists, soldiers and adventurers
unite to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean.
Cut off from everything they know, they venture into the domain of
the mighty Kong, igniting the ultimate battle between man and nature.
As their mission of discovery soon becomes one of survival, they must
fight to escape from a primal world where humanity does not belong.
Set in the 1970s, long before the
latest Godzilla, Bill Randa (John Goodman) puts together a team to
explore the uncharted Skull Island before the Russians or anyone else
finds out about its existence. The Island has stayed hidden for years
due to an odd storm pattern that has kept it off the maps until now.
Randa knows that there are monsters out there, and he's willing to
bet his life and everyone of his crew to prove their existence.
Among his group is Military Lt. Colonel
Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) who's itching for action, the
almost too posh to be believable mercenary James Conrad (Tom
Hiddleston), and war photographer (Brie Larson). Along the way they
find Capt. Marlow (John C. Reilly), the pilot who crashed landed on
the island nearly thirty years previously.
While Kong does have its issues, I'm
looking at you Samuel L. Jackson with your Captain Ahab tendencies,
what it does do well is in your face action. The film's first glimpse
of Kong is just enough to wet the palate and leave the audience
wanting more, and more they definitely get. The CG in the film is pretty mind-blowing, making Kong and the other monsters more impressive than ever before. And the camera work isn't too shabby either.
From slow motion shots of the
helicopter rotor blades to the Iwi Village to the fast pace chase by
the Skullcrawlers, there's no shortage of amazing shots. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts created an amazing world, where the God-like Kong
reigns supreme. Sure he's less lovable and human than he has been in
past iterations, but you still can't help but to root for him.
The
storyline is well-executed, and gruesome at times, and the scene
after the credits is the perfect bridge between Skull Island and
Godzilla. Now the only question left is how Tom Hiddleston can remain
in the franchise when the pair meet head on in the present day.
Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Riley, Léa Seydoux and Ben Whishaw
In Theaters March 11, 2016
WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER NOW:
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filippou
Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw
A love story set in the near future where single people, according to the rules of The City, are arrested and transferred to The Hotel. There they are obliged to find a matching mate in 45 days. If they fail, they are transformed into an animal of their choosing and released into The Woods. A desperate Man escapes from The Hotel to The Woods where The Loners live and falls in love, although it is against their rules.
Guardians of the Galaxy had a sequel commissioned simply due to buzz and through-the-roof merchandise sales, all before the film had even been released. While I still firmly believe that Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the best of the MCU films, comparing Guardians of the Galaxy to it is rather difficult since they are highly different in style and genre. Whereas Winter Soldier was darker and had more political espionage, Guardians utilises far more satirical comedy and falls more so into the science-fiction genre.
Guardians introduces us to Peter Quill, who fancies himself an outlaw named "Star Lord," who we see travelling through space, stealing objects to make money. Chris Pratt brings humour, Andy-Dwyer-lovability and a newly transformed physique to the part. The retention of his knowledge of Earth's pop-culture is a nice touch and allows audience members to relate even more to the character. Wouldn't you be inclined to teach aliens about your favourite films and tunes?
While some have been saying that this film is fun for the whole family, I have to respectfully disagree. Though I largely enjoyed Guardians and the laughter it supplied, there is an unnecessary inclusion of horrendously sexist "jokes" and "humour" that stall an otherwise enjoyable movie-going experience. Using words like "bitch" and "whore" without immediately teaching the impressionable young viewers in the audience that it's wrong to demean females in this way is an irresponsible and lazy move on the filmmaker/studio's part.
Visually, the film utilises a great deal of bright, neon colours. It's fitting, considering the camp, love-letter-to-the-1980s style used to bring the story to life. There's a large number of characters that are either transformed or computer-generated to be something other than a typical human being. Whether they're blue, green, pink, a talking racoon, or a giant tree, there is quite a variety. However, I can't help but roll my eyes at the fact that the only POC lead actors, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista, are both painted up to be different colours. The only other non-white actors in the films are either a talking tree, supporting characters, or background characters. It's as if being a colour or aesthetic other than white needs to be hidden. Even the vast majority of background actors are white. It's blatantly racist that they found a third white man named Chris to be the top-billing actor in an MCU film when there have still yet to be any projects with a POC as the main lead.
But putting aside the usual racism and sexism of Hollywood films, I did greatly enjoy Guardians. It had more humour than any other Marvel film, and they were impressively able to squeeze back stories in for most of their lead characters, despite only having two hours to do so. The story sets up enough points to carry on into sequels without leaving the film's plot feeling unresolved. There is also heart and depth that gives the film more weight and meaning. Lee Pace brought enormous gravitas to his part as Ronan the Accuser. If anything, they didn't utilise his skills enough. Groot is also proving to be quite the fan favourite and rightfully so, as the character embodies all the beauty, kindness, and power associated with nature.
Guardians of the Galaxy is playing now in theatres.
