The Blogboard Jungle

The sequel to Contracted (2013) is available on  +Netflix US & Canada  for home video and while the first film had a great ending, the sequel was hard to sit through. The film did a good job of answering some questions left from the first film and that was enough to keep you interested if you enjoyed it, otherwise it seemed a little forced. When it starts they do a good job of keeping the continuity going from part one's ending. Such as Riley, the last man to be with Samantha before the virus turned her completely. They also do a good job of showing the transmission from the mysterious man in the beginning of the first film, elaborating on his back-story and why someone would spread a disease like the one in these films. However, some of the new characters and reasons for them making the decisions they make in the film were just poorly written. There's one scene in particular when the detective in the film is closing in on the antagonist and her superior tells he...

Dope (2015) available for purchase on Amazon Not many films are too deep these days. Dope (2015) does a good job of bringing up some pretty deep messages about how younger folks should contemplate about their futures and follow their passions without having to fit into what society says is cool. It also has one of best soundtracks a film could have, especially if you were into hip-hop in the 80s and 90s. The film follows Malcolm, a high school senior that has a lot of love for the hip-hop culture of the 90s played and superbly by Shameik Moore. Malcolm has a punk band and a lot of ideas about doing big things for the future, even though he has a deep love for the past. It is only in the culture of the past though as you will see he is well read on bitcoin, business, and online entrepreneurship when properly motivated. Without spoiling anything for you, Malcolm and his friends get into some trouble and find clever ways out. Keep in mind he still gets distracted by the regular ...

Photo: 20th Century Fox Deadpool (2016) kicked a lot of box office tail last weekend so it should come as no surprise that the movie is already available for pre-order on Amazon. Sometimes, a movie is so good you cannot wait for it come out for purchase and this seems to be one of them. If you have not seen it you should. If you need a spoiler free review, you can check out ours  here . If you want to get your pre-order on from Amazon you can do so below: An exact date is not available, all it says is that it will be "available Spring 2016". Is this normal? There has to be a special edition in the works.

It seems like not that long ago we were just telling you about the release for Netflix's latest Marvel series, Jessica Jones . Well we binge watched it over the long Thanksgiving weekend and it was worth knocking out in a weekend. They do just enough to keep all the Marvel films involved in their big picture but small enough to keep it in line with what they did with the Daredevil series. Jones is not so girly that she would annoy fans not inclined to enjoy a female protagonist, but not overly tough that it would annoy anyones macho idea of what a hero in the medium should be. There's a lot of heavy drinking and cursing in the series so this is definitely not for the kiddies. Luke Cage is introduced in this series, helping to build on what Marvel is expanding with these Netflix exclusives. The Jessica Jones series is not as good as Daredevil , but makes for a nice filler to bring it all together. If you like the whole Marvel universe on the big and little screen, t...

It is no secret that horror anthologies are a favorite here at  +The Blogboard Jungle  . One that has been out of print for a long time will soon be out on Blu-ray in time for the holidays. Nightmares (1983) starring a very young Emelio Estevez and Lance Henrikson is one of the first anthologies we got our little eyes on. The Estevez story in particular was memorable because it has a video game, releasing character from the game and attacking him in the arcade. If you ever played a game for hours in an arcade, you'll know how cool that sounds to old timers like us. Shocktillyoudrop news had details on what would be in the Blu-ray like commentary and the trailer. If you're an older, old school fan of horror, you probably saw it. Henrikson does battle with the Devil in his story-line who drives a pick-up that would be considered bad-ass by anyone that likes pick-ups. Check out the trailer below, pre-order on Amazon by clicking the above image. 80's Horror ...

"Based on the case files of the Warrens." The Conjuring (2013) was a summer horror film about one of the many cases Ed and Lorraine Warren had investigated. If you're not familiar with their name, you're definitely familiar with their cases, the Amityville Horror being their most famous one. Truth being scarier than fiction has been written about here before , but if it weren't for the truths, the works of fiction would not exist. The film is about as scary as any film nowadays from James Wan, goofy faced demonic ghouls bothering a family. It's the bare bones of any horror film but rarely does it intrigue more similar films that are worth watching. This one does something different though, and it is the basis of what could be a nice series of films. Focusing on the ghost fighting of the Warrens is a really nice touch and kept me interested throughout the film. The Warrens have tussled with the Amityville house, Anabelle , and many others that they...

Marvels next Netflix installment The date for the new Marvel series Jessica Jones on  +Netflix  is set for November 20, with all thirteen episodes ready for you to binge watch. The Netflix Marvel universe is supposed to tie in with DareDevil and the entire cinematic Marvel Universe. If you can't wait for "the man without fear"to return, this should make for some nice filler. The series stars Kristen Ritter as the title character and in her company, reportedly are David Tennant of Dr. Who and Broadchurch fame. See the trailer below: Photo from Netflix official site| Jessica Jones

Lucy (2104) was one of Luc Besson's recent films that featured  Scarlett Johansson as the title character. She does good work in most films she does, but the story for this one felt a little weak. Besson has mixed action and drama better than most but this film started somewhere different then where it ended. The beginning is done very well, showing the most primal form of man when he was using less than ten percent of his brain. The first ancestor of man found, "Lucy" is referenced a lot and the relationship between Johansson's character and the original human is brought up a lot. The story is based on the "what if" situation on the potential of using 100 percent of our brain capacity, as opposed to the ten percent we currently use. Lucy, accidentally has a drug entered into her system that allows her to slowly be able to use the full potential of her brain. In trying to find out more about what is happening to her and the potential dangers of the drug...

Amazon product photo Dwayne Johnson, best known as The Rock has made a lot film since stepping away from the squared circle. Most of his work is good enough to sit through once and this falls in that category. If you were a fan of the older Hercules films with Lou Ferrigno this may be a nice trip down memory lane for you. This film tends to make more of the legend of Hercules than what he actually is, a Hero with a lot of strength. Johnson seemed to bulk up a little more than normal for this film (as it that's possible). One thing that needs to be said about Johnson's film roles is that he gives 100% to his performances. That probably comes from the world of pro wrestling he was raised in. Many of the characters are interesting in his band of warriors that help Hercules and add to his legend. The attempt at giving him an inner struggle story about his past was a little weak, but in films like these it does not hurt it much. The action and special effects will more tha...

Retired magician and escape artist James Randi, best known as "The Amazing Randi", invites film makers into his life to tell the story of his mission of truth. An Honest Liar is a very well done documentary hosted by Randi where he takes viewers down memory lane of some of televisions biggest myths he helped bust. He does so while revealing some truths about himself.  Randi looked to help expose those that would deceive people out of greed. Faith healers, psychic frauds, and anyone else looking to take advantage of anyone by being untrue. Randi, a magician by trade truly believes in using his skills for entertainment only. Those that do otherwise are grifters and scam artists. If you are a child of the 70's and 80's you'll remember some of Randi's appearances on The Johnny Carson Show and some of the people he took on such as Uri Geller. What Randi reveals to those that watch this film may be a bit shocking as things that happen in his personal life...

Photo: Official Facebook page. This film stumbled onto  +Netflix  large collection of documentaries, and does a nice job of mixing comedy with some historical detective work on the origins of the popular dish. If you are not a vegetarian you have probably ordered the chicken dish in any Chinese restaurant near you. Photo: Official Facebook page. The Search for General Tso gives you some history on the famed General, and tracks the dish down to its inception on the culinary circuit as well as its influence on other dishes. Foodies will love watching this and want to run out and grab an order. However, there is a nice culturally historical lesson in the film. Other dishes and their origins are featured in the film and you'll be surprised that most Chinese food as you know it, is actually American. Do yourself a favor, in the upcoming dog days of summer if you can't get to the beach, check out this film. Then, go grab yourself some chicken. Official website| The ...

Photo: Official movie site Sometimes you need to see a movie about kicking butt. Man On Fire is that kind of movie , Leon: The Professional is that kind of movie, and so is John Wick . What do these films have in common?   For starters, they all star actors you don't expect in roles like this. Keanu Reeves has already had his share of action, martial arts themed, films so his performance is not that much of a surprise. +The Blogboard Jungle   loves a well written story but if the action in a film is as awesome as it is in John Wick . Liberties can be taken in the writing process and it won't matter. Are the days of martial arts stars over? Was Jet Li the last one of our time? John Wick shows that with a good stunt team, good director, and awesome fight choreography anyone can make a solid action film. By now you have probably heard a lot about John Wick .  Believe the hype and check it out. It's rated 'R' for violence and a lot of...

Photo: Marvel.com Season two of the  +Netflix  Marvel series Daredevil will bring in the vigilante according to Marvel . There was some speculation about bringing the character to the streaming service and even more about who might be playing the role. Tom Hardy may have wanted it but the role goes to Jon Bernthal of The Walking Dead on AMC. If the show is successful, maybe he'll get his own spin-off. Either way, fans of the show and comics will have to wait until 2016 for the final product. Filming is said to begin this summer. What do you think of the casting choice? Jon Bernthal Cast as Frank Castle in the Netflix Original Series Marvel's Daredevil | Marvel.com

Photo: rakontur.com This film is a difficult one to watch, especially if you're on the fence about MMA and the various roads to the big leagues. On one hand, the people that refer to unregulated combat sports as "human cock-fighting" will use this film to support their argument.  On the other, it does give a good look at an outlet human beings have always had to keep them from doing worse to each other. Dawg Fight looks at a culture of combat sports that can save lives, if the combatants choose to make the right choices. +The Blogboard Jungle  loves MMA .  This film  was a little hard to watch only because it could easily be made to put the sport in a negative light.  Mostly because, the sport in this film is unregulated and the bulk of the combatants are untrained. The focus of the film is on the promoter, Dhafir "DADA 5000" Harris. He and Kevin Ferguson, best known as "Kimbo Slice, are some of the people that found success through the events put to...

Photo: Magnet Releasing The fourth installment of the [REC] series brings back Adriana Vidal, the original protagonist reporter from the first film. This series has always been a favorite, it started with a found footage kick off and slowly went away from it. Vidal, played by Manuela Velasco returns as the focus of the film in [REC]4: Apocalypse . Photo: Magnet Releasing Originator of the first, and second films returns for this one. Juame Balagueró directs with an obviously bigger budget for effects. Make-up on the infected individuals looks better, there is a nice sequence with infected monkeys, and some really nice exterior shots of the ship everything takes place on. Even having left the third film in the hands of another film-maker, which is a parallel sequel to the original story, he manages to bring it all together in this film. Photo: Magnet Releasing Fans of the original three films would be doing themselves a favor catching the fourth film. Rarely does a seri...

Photo: IMDB Every horror film is the spin off some idea, or ghost story the writer may have heard of as a kid. It has been written about here before how truth can be scarier than fiction , this documentary film is based on that ideology. Killer Legends focuses on the true horrors that have inspired many films and urban legends. The film covers basis for The Town That Dreaded Sundown , Candyman, When a Stranger Calls , and the fear of clowns in general. Tracing the origins of the basis of the stories mentioned lead the film makers to horror that may be worse than what Hollywood tells us is scary. Without going into much detail, some of the true stories are left without having apprehended the killers. It's funny how a lot of horror films get released around the summer time, but many true life horrors, like the ones in this film happen around Halloween . This documentary is up on  +Netflix  if you care to check it out. If anything, it can add more films to your favorite...

Photo: Netflix.com Did you watch Daredevil on  +Netflix  this past weekend? If you did you probably lost some time from things you should have been doing. It looks like they actually did take notes from Arrow and took as far as Netflix would allow.  Which is pretty far for TV, but good enough for fans that grew up on Marvel comics. Photo: Netflix This show has action that borders on the level of The Raid films, they shoot in New York, not Canada like most comic shows do, and the story is really well written. It is kept gritty enough for adults to keep focused on while not straying away from what Marvel is building with The Avengers . Yes, Agents of SHIELD is doing that but not as good as this show is. Photo: Netflix.com Charlie Cox plays "the man without fear" and the main villain is played by awesome character actor Vincent D'Onofrio. If you are unfamiliar with the character's background, D'Onofrio plays The Kingpin, Wilson Fisk. He has neve...

  Favorite genres have been mentioned here before as well as all time favorites .  But, what will you watch this Halloween?  Will you run through your all time favorites or will you try a few new ones to add to a new list?   +Netflix  is always a good go to for a lot of choices in horror but how do you know what is worth your time?  Well, the Huffington Post went with a well know name and listed Eli Roth's six favorite or recommended films to watch.  Some I haven't seen so I'm going to check them out but others are ones I have never heard of. Roth's recommendations were: Dust Devil(1992) Hardware (1990) Galaxy of Terror (1981) Ichi the Killer (2001) Nightmare City (1980) I have seen Ichi the Killer and it's not a bad film.  Although I do not know what audio options you'll have on Netflix the subtitled version is probably there. So what will you watch? For the more details on why Roth recommended them follow the link below: The ...

     I caught this film on Netflix, it's an IFC release from last November so this isn't too late like the Better Late Than Never reviews that come up, well ... late, on this site.   Contracted is a pretty disgusting film, if you like gore you'll probably like this one as there are a lot of scenes in bathrooms that are gruesome enough to mess with that part of your head that makes you say "Yuck". Some spoilers may follow, so if you plan on seeing it you might want to stop reading now. Poor girl... I have to say I like that this is the first horror movie in my opinion disguised as a PSA for family planning, and being aware of your surroundings if you're a young lady who goes to parties like the one in this film.  The young lady, Samantha played by Najarra Townsend is a sexually confused girl who gets taken advantage of by a guy at the party in the film.  The guy whose face you never really see, seems to have a bit of necrophilia before he takes advan...

   I think this film is meant to be a horror film but it seems to fit thriller more. Either way it was film school project at best and another example of Hollywood's disconnect with what Americas youth does with its free time. not a video, just an image. First of all the title character, Mandy Lane was no more or less hotter than the other females that were around her in the film.  I couldn't see why "all the boys" were after her if equally hot options were available to them.  Second, the killer in the film is established pretty early, I would say within the first 20 minutes you will have an idea of who it will be.  There is a plot twist you might find interesting and it is not something I saw coming but the movie was pretty bad over all.  Anson Mount plays a good role in "Garth" the ranch hand left to watch these kids part on this ranch in the middle of nowhere.  Why this was a thing?  I have no idea. If you're home sick or doing laundry...