http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ It's pretty obvious what Movies & TV blog is about. We churn out recaps, reviews and news on the stuff that interests us. Tony Black and Zack McGhee have been together for nearly 4 years. They spend altogether too much time watching movies and TV, and being glued to their computers. This blog combines all three at once, thereby gaining them maximum efficiency. en-us zmcghee@daytondailynews.com 2009-11-04T09:29:15-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/11/04/do_you_watch_th.html A recent New York Times article about the DVR cited a Nielsen study that “46 percent of viewers 18 to 49 years old for all four networks taken together are watching the commercials during playback.” Why? The Times quotes Brad Adgate, Horizon Media’s senior vice president for research, as saying, “It’s still a passive activity.” This statistic shocked me. Do you watch the commercials on your DVR’d shows? 15541403@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ TV 2009-11-04T09:29:15-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/29/michael_jackson_1.html If I could make four changes to Michael Jackson’s This Is It, it would become perfect: Remove opening studio credits Restore slow motion final frames to normal speed Remove closing MJ “Love lives forever” graphic and just end on a still frame of the man himself on stage Remove cheezy, post-credits “Heal the World” graphic Director Kenny Ortega and Sony Pictures strive with every edit to give us the closest thing to a final product, but it is the raw, incomplete nature of this footage that makes it so powerful. Watching Michael Jackson’s creative process unfold is the great value of this documentary. 15454803@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-29T11:11:58-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/23/what_will_you_s.html A bunch of movies open this weekend in Dayton. Saw VI, Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, and Astro Boy are the major releases. Though I will bow to tradition and see the latest in the Saw franchise, I’m most excited about Chris Rock’s documentary, Good Hair, and two new movies opening exclusively at the Neon: The September Issue and Lorna’s Silence. (Also at the Neon is It Might Get Loud, which has gotten good reviews, but isn’t really in my wheelhouse.) What will you see this weekend? P.S. Apologies for any appearance of impropriety from my blog post about the Little Art’s annual horror marathon. I can understand how it looks, but I also have to consider that it’s something I would’ve written about regardless of my involvement. How often, for example, do three classic films get 35mm screenings in the Dayton area? (Then there’s the area premiere of an upcoming and much anticipated horror title, plus the three digital screenings.) I’d also ask you consider that I’ve done work with the Little Art for almost three years in varying capacities, and this may be the first time I’ve ever touted the theatre on this blog. 15375703@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-23T14:50:45-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/22/allnight_horror.html For three years now, with the generous support of Jenny Cowperthwaite and several volunteers, I have planned the all-night horror marathon at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs. This year’s marathon features seven movies, plus more than 50 trailers, a costume contest, and other giveaways. It starts Saturday, October 24 at 9:30 p.m. (Doors open at 9 p.m.) Tickets are $20 each, and can be purchased online now. Tickets will also be for sale in person at the box office starting Saturday at 8 p.m. The lineup this year is pretty exciting. On 35mm, we have Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, the area premiere of The House of the Devil, Stuart Gordon’s cult classic Re-Animator, and Roman Polanski’s Repulsion. We’re also showing Shaun of the Dead, the original Friday the 13th and George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead in high-def digital projection. In addition to the films, we have the usual variety of popcorn and gourmet concessions, and we offer Domino’s Pizza. 15354103@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-22T13:06:09-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/21/watching_transf.html Sorry to be remiss in my usual roundup of the latest high-def releases during my extended wisdom teeth excursion. (To be honest, yesterday’s selection was pitiful, so I’m not too torn up about it.) I’m back now, though still heavily medicated. Perhaps it was this state that led me to pick up the critically reviled Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on Blu-ray disc yesterday. This was a blind buy for me (I skipped it in theaters), and I must be honest: I didn’t hate it. That said, I can’t really think of anything good to say about it. It has no quality, it was merely entertaining enough to hold my interest, even at an undoubtedly long two-and-a-half hours. There are, however, a number of bad things to be said that all jump immediately to mind, despite my mild affection for the movie as a whole. Its blatant racism, its vulgarity masquerading as “edge,” that makes-no-sense slutty girlbot (since when can the Transformers replicate human flesh???). All in all, however, I must say that I found this one slightly more coherent than the original. That is, I usually understood what was going on and who everyone was, which was not always the case when I first saw Transformers in theaters two years ago. 15333803@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-21T10:29:02-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/16/this_weekend_wh.html I’m still sore and swollen from Wednesday’s wisdom teeth adventure, but thought I’d check in with an update on what’s opening in Dayton theaters this weekend. I’m also curious about what (if anything) you’re planning to see in theaters or at home, so be sure to comment. One of the year’s most anticipated films opens this weekend: Where the Wild Things Are, adapted from the widely adored children’s book by Maurice Sendak by Dave Eggers and Spike Jonze, and directed by Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adapation.). Wild Things is getting rave reviews in many publications, but some critics have been underwhelmed. I hope to have a review for you on Monday. 15271203@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-16T11:42:47-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/14/at_home_sick_wh.html Hi, everyone. I’m checking in with a briefer-than-usual blog post, because I had my wisdom teeth out this morning. So far, I’m recovering fine, and everything went smoothly, but I don’t really have the energy for a proper blog post. I do, however, have the energy to nap and watch TV. Which leads me to pull out a blog post I wrote more than two years ago (!) asking readers of this blog to share their favorite movies to watch when they’re at home sick. Normally, I would opt for an old favorite like Clueless (as I did in the aforementioned blog post), Clue, The Princess Bride (itself book-ended by a home-sick Fred Savage), Mean Girls, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (also apropos), Rear Window, Star Trek IV: The One with the Whales, etc., etc. 15245303@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-14T17:50:05-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/13/drag_me_to_hell.html 15217703@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Home video 2009-10-13T08:53:12-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/12/paranormal_acti.html Paranormal Activity opens today, October 16, in Dayton, exclusively at the Greene. I reviewed it on Monday after seeing it in West Chester, where it opened a week ago. The usher walks up to the front of the theater and says, “Who’s ready to see Paranormal Activity?” The audience reacts mildly — half of them pumped, the other half just not quite willing to acknowledge this stranger. But we’re all excited about the potential of what we’re about to see. It’s palpable. The theater is packed, and we all want to be terrified. Suddenly, he corrects himself: “‘Who prepared themselves for Paranormal Activity,’ that’s what I should say.” Answering his own question, he says, “No one. “I saw this movie last night. This is the scariest thing I have ever witnessed.” If, he says, an hour into this movie, it’s too intense for you, feel free to collect your full refund. After seeing Paranormal Activity, I wanted to hunt this man down and ask him: “So, had you just never seen a movie before?” 15203803@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-12T11:06:51-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/09/what_movies_are.html Tragically, the only major release this weekend is the critically reviled comedy Couples Retreat, starring Vince Vaughn and Jason Bateman. (As of this writing, it has a toxic 9% rotten rating on Rotten Tomatoes.) The more favorably reviewed horror flick Paranormal Activity is opening in Cincinnati, West Chester, and Columbus, and it’s the only new film I’ll be out to see this weekend. Critics’ thoughts on these new releases — plus share your moviegoing plans — after the jump. 15172403@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-09T13:31:58-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/08/did_you_watch_t.html It’s been more than five seasons coming, but “The Office” wedding has finally come and gone. In an hour-long episode that aired earlier tonight, Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) tied the knot. Personally, I think it’s one of the best episodes in the show’s six seasons. Lighthearted and fun, with some perfect final moments. Although the climactic semi-twist closely resembled that of some other TV weddings (including, most recently, “How I Met Your Mother”), “The Office” team made it their own with elegant editing and good humor. Ultimately, it was a welcome reminder of why “The Office” has long been one of my favorite shows on TV. Share your favorite “Office” memories, quotes, and your long-held obsession with the Jim-and-Pam romance in the comments. P.S. In other Thursday TV recap news, Tony is guest blogging over at the Reality TV blog with a spoilertastic recap of tonight’s “Project Runway”. 15166503@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ The Office 2009-10-08T23:25:33-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/07/showgirls_seque.html Today, we learn from Dark Horizons (link slightly NSFW) that German news publication Extratipp (via JoBlo) is reporting a sequel in the works to Paul Verhoeven’s once reviled masterpiece, Showgirls, this one subtitled: A Story of Hope. Dreams really do come true. 15139703@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-07T13:39:44-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/06/playing_video_g.html Sony recently released its latest Action / Adventure game “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves” in select movie theaters around the country. Up to 10 people can play the game at a time on the big screen thanks to Sony’s 4K digital cinema technology which provides better resolution for video games versus standard digital projectors. 15130903@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Video games 2009-10-06T23:29:28-05:00 tblack@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/06/new_on_blu_snow.html For the second week in a row, today’s major high-def release is a family classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Walt Disney’s first feature is available exclusively in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. As of this writing, you can snag it for the unbelievably low price of $9.99 (or $4.99 after rebate) from Amazon. Find out how over at Here’s the Deal. In addition to the standard DVD included, the Snow White Blu-ray features: 1.33:1 image remastered in 1080p with 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; Disney View; Snow White Returns Storyboards; Audio Commentary featuring interviews with Walt Disney; Deleted scenes; Princess and the Frog Sneak Peek; Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Game; What Do You See Game; Jewel Jumble Game; Scene Stealer Activity; Hyperion Studios (An extensive breakdown of the making of “Snow White”); The One That Started It All- featurette (Walt’s Vision of a sequel); All New Music Video, “Someday My Prince Will Come”; and more. The rest of today’s high-def releases after the jump. 15116803@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Home video 2009-10-06T11:25:43-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/entries/2009/10/05/weekend_movies.html There was a whole slew of new releases this weekend: Zombieland, Whip It, The Invention of Lying, Capitalism: A Love Story, Toy Story 3D Double Feature, and Bright Star all made their debuts in Dayton theaters this weekend, and based on widespread critical reaction, they’re ALL worth seeing. Crazy, right? Unfortunately, I only had time to see three of these over the weekend, plus I caught up with the Oscar-winning foreign film Departures at the Little Art. And to think: Next week, the abysmal-looking Couples Retreat is the only major release. Feast or famine, let me tell you. Thoughts on Zombieland, Whip It, The Invention of Lying and Departures after the jump. 15097603@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/movies-tv/ Movies 2009-10-05T11:05:17-05:00 zmcghee@daytondailynews.com