Saturday, June 30, 2007

$17 Dies Hard...

For those of you that may have forgotten, this next July 4th weekend will feature the 4th installment of the Die Hard series- a movie I honestly never thought would be made. While this isn't the opening of the discussion of the the REVIEW of what is a movie that is "required viewing" during a July 4th weekend, it IS the opening of a discussion showcasing a new and must-have DVD set.

While strolling through the friendly confines of Target yesterday after dropping off my wife at work, I found a 3-pack of the previous "DIE HARD" series - for the dandy low-price of only $17. I hadn't taken the time to buy "all three" of the Die Hard movies available, but I found it a great opportunity to finally have them in one-like collection. All of them are widescreen, THX, and feature special features of all kinds.

If you don't yet have the movies and don't wish to wait for the 4 movies to be provided together in one collection in 6-7 months, then you're target has been selected and it's time to DIE HARD!

Do you already own "DIE HARD?" Do you have the other DVDs yet? Which is your favorite and why? Chime in at the LunchTimeGab.Com and let us know what YOU think!

Monday, June 18, 2007

A Gladiator in the Rough

For those that aren't familiar with my work habits, I almost always toss in a DVD and through in a DVD and turn on a commentary track to have something working "behind me" in the background as I type, make notes, plan world domination - whatever. For my birthday in April, my wife got me a copy of the Gladiator Extended Edition which I'd wanted since it came out and thanks to SLACKERS (a second-hand DVD/music shop) and $17, I am now the proud owner of one.

So what's the big deal you say? Is it as awesome or even more so than the original release? Honestly I haven't "seen" enough of it to tell you that yet, but folks - there is a Gladiator Diamond in the Rough awaiting those of you that are commentary track feature phreaks or who are hard of hearing/Deaf.

Included in this edition, is a commentary track from Director Ridley Scott, and the Gladiator himself, Russell Crowe that is (drumroll) CAPTIONED!

That's right! For what I think is the first time ever in DVD history, the commentary track is captioned, which offers people like my (Deaf) wife, and others the opportunity to "hear" the great nuggets of movie-making an acting history in a grand movie like "Gladiator".

My personal kudos go out to the creators of this DVD set and i implore others to take on this (though decidedly expensive) task to offer even more people the golden magic that is commentary tracks for everyone.

The 2GuysTalking Podcast Review Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End!

Brian and I continue the great summer-long feature film reviews via the 2GuysTalking Podcast Network! Listen in and be sure to vote for us as the Best Podcast via the link below!

June 17th, 2007 Running Time: 47min.
Remember: Win a Jack's ManPurse by Voting for 2GuysTalking Podcast as the Best Podcast via The Blogger's Choice Awards!

Arrr, Matey! It's time for The 2GuysTalking Podcast Feature Film Review of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and YOU'RE INVITED aboard! Grab your peg leg, your compass pointing to the one thing you truly want and listen in!

-- Download It Now! --

Sunday, June 10, 2007

The Sopranos - Hold on to That Feeling - Streetlight, People...

This is literally the BIG ONE and the last - ever live blogging event for The Sopranos in Television Review Blog History! Remember that we’re having a “Commentary Contest” which can earn you YOUR FAVORITE DVD Season of your your FAVORITE TV SHOW! All you have to do is… That’s right! Just COMMENT! Each viable comment is an entry into a series of three drawings during the summer where you can win the aforementioned DVD set! Look for more details on that and START OFF by providing commentary to my Sopranos review of Episode 9! Read On!

Sopranos: The Reviews Conclude!
Episode Review - Final Season, Episode 9 of The Sopranos
by Mike Wilkerson - 2GuysTalking.Com
A 2GuysTalking TelevisionReviewBlog.Com Review:

Ah, another Sunday and it’s time for the Sopranos!! The rest that follows is a listing of random thoughts as they arrive inside my head and are then placed in to the categories provided below. Please feel free to chime in on any of them and be sure to tell your friends and family about our Commentary Contest!

========== BEWARE!! SPOILERS ABOUND! ==========

Bada-Bing! What It’s Done Right:

– The Pulsing Theme Song: Woke up this mawnin' never sounded so sweet and also never evoked so many great memories of moves, friends and times long gone by and I find it hard to contemplate that I won't ever hear it in front of a new episode of The Sopranos. It's been the literal pulse of a show that will be missed a great deal.

- Remembering a Clock Radio? There are days often when I forget to set the alarm clock that's in our bedroom much less having merciless, nameless old-school Italian assassins after me, so how on Earth did Tony remember to being along a portable alarm clock to the safehouse?

- A Cool, Brisk Winter: The depiction of winter in this episode is very well done. It's strange that we in real time approach the middle days of summer as the final show arrives for The Sopranos. Compliments to the people that conjured snow and what Im pretty sure were computer generated breath elements in this episode. Very well done.

- Q-104 Is that a real station? Those of you who are Television Review Blog readers in the greater New York/Jersey area: Is that a real radio station? How cool a "final" promotion that would have been to be "mentioned in the last-ever Sopranos episode.

- Who is She Gonna' Tell? In my readings over the last week about "who's going to be the one to turncoat on Tony Soprano, I found it interesting that not only was anyone inside the family "not safe" but that they made so many great seemingly innocuous moments for death or potential turncoating through the entire episode was great. I really had no idea how it was going to go, and that's how things are supposed to go in a finale.

- The AJ Gooney-Crap-O-Meter: I'm not certain if this scared me, shocked me, or make me laugh harder than ever, but AJs demeanour over the first and second act were something to behold. The scene at Bobby's Fineral was priceless and something I know I'll have trouble not remembering each time I see a funeral depicted on a television screen.
- The Reduction of Little Italy: Ahhh, symbolism at it's best. As goes The Sopranos, so goes the continual- decline of Little Italy.

- Holy Shit - It's Tony's Sister Janice?
I hadn't expected to see Janice again this episode much less see her in multiple scenes - and it's pulled off wonderfully with a sense of "huh" by not only that actress, but by those around her.
- The Feds Come Thorough for Tony - Or Do They? This is probably one of the strangest relationships that I've seen inside of a "mafia-related" series - and it continues to soar into uncharted territory with a little bit of spilt milk here as Tony receives a top from the Federales.

- Now That's a Hot Make-Out Session! Whomever they got to play AJs good friend - vavoom!! She's a hot number alright, and as soon as the knickers started coming off... The SUV goes up in flames??!! That's right! The writers write a red-hot love scene for AJ as they set his Xterra ablaze as he and his newfound hooch dive for cover narrowly escape being burned alive! Hot, folks, HOT! :)

- Tony Reaches Out:
I really have to tell you - I didn't expect Tony to be the one to help broker a peace between anyone, but what do my wandering eyes see? He's brokered a peace with Phil's lieutenant, the bug-eyed wonderboy, as he and his family move back home for the first time in what is apparently weeks.

- Paulie's Cat-hatred:
Snakes With Fur! Oh, of the characters that will tuly be missed, Paulie probably tops the heap. It is sad now to know that we won't see his demise in this series but it's entertaining to see him in his prime almost Roswell-level conspiracy best. Well done, writers, well done.

- The Wrap-Up on Jun: Is he crazy? Has he fallen into unrecoverable senility? What are your thoughts? I personally thing that his ship sailed long ago and the writers have been jerking our chain for at least a season in that regard.
- The Staring Cat: This entire line of story is wonderfully played out, not only by Paulie and the fellow goombahs in The Bing Backroom, but also by the CAT! That has to be one of the longest cats I've ever seen in my life! Is there an overall cat-hatred in the Italian homes across the nation and the world? I had no idea!

- Patrick Changed Out Actor?
Is that the same actor that played Patrick in previous episodes? The smarmy dude that's holding Meadows hand in Tony's living room?? I thought it was another guy completely?

- Paulie Gets the ATM - Is It Terminal Cliche'? Again, perfect simplicity from he who is a living contradiction and someone that lives with "the fear of living" everyday pulled off to its utmost. Again it will be TERRIBLE not being able to see Paulie anymore and he will be missed.

- I'm Going to Join the Army?
I wouldn't have seen this coming in a million years. It's a great piece of writing though, and it's hammered home when his interest is so quickly turned by Tony and Carms movie discussion. Ahhh, the attention span of a recently suicidal, medicated, allowed-to-drink adolescent...

- The Same Psychiatrist?
Would a therapist even share as much as this therapist does with Tony and Carm? What are the "rules" in therapy sessions" in regard to confidentiality like that Does anyone know?

- Phil Gets Popped - Twice?
Oh my goodness - this will go down in history in the same vein as any of the classic mob hit scenes - without question. The blocking of the scene was perfect, during the entire scene, including the actual shot being taken, the pedestrian viewpoints and shock value and of course, the watermelon-like crunch justice of the SUV filled with Phil's own grandchildren rolling over his noggin are the stuff of future legend. I would call that point and game, Soprano in the war, my friends. Stick a form in it.

- The Feds Come Through Like Its a Jets Game Tip:
The reaction to "finding out that Phil has been murdered" from the Federal Agent is so strange and comical that I'm not sure how best to describe it - internal jubilation perhaps?

- Sucked In to the Internet Through His Dataport:
Ahhh, the Virtual Prostitute Angle. I rewound this four times to listen to the description of the "movie script" that Tony got from "Danny Baldwin and y'know: After seeing some of the tripe on television recently, it's not a bad idea. I would watch it. That AJ gloms onto it almost like a knee-jerk-reflex is verrry entertaining and shows a kid not only in turmoil but the lack of stick-to-it-iveness we've always known has plagued all of the male Sopranos if not the entire family. Very well executed.

- Ohh, Sil: I doubt that a more powerful a scene will be filmed in the future where so few words will be said, but so much thought will be ushered to a viewer. That is NOT the way I wanted Sil "to go" but goddamn if it wasn't a powerful scene for Tony to be there, contemplating what might have been, what could have been and perhaps what SHOULD have been in his own mobster life? The wife doing a pedicure really socked it to me.

- Paulie Takes a Pass:
Another bookend scene that I absolutely love. I'm going to try to get a photo enlarged and put into the theater of the last scene here where the cat enters stage right and sits down as Paulie contemplates his future, knowing that there will always be something "different" in his life because he said "yes" to Tony.

- The Abstract Shapes or Something:
HA! Tony's explanation of "why the cat is starting" and Paulie's explanation of moving the photo and the staring continuing is wonderfully executed by both actors and the blocking and cinematography of the scene is so rich.

- The Last Shot of Paulie? Again, absolute bookend perfection here and my thanks go out personally for framing "the end" of this character in this light. It really is telling.

- Jun's Teeth Have Vanished with His Senses: Again, incredibly symbolic point here where Jun no longer has not only his senses, but he's a toothless aged tiger in his chair as he's spun to and fro by Tony in what will be their last visit, clearly. Kudos to the actor that portrays Jun and for Tony being able to somehow hold on to his bitterness. Few characters can wear that with pride but Tony pulls it off everytime.

What’s Been Whacked/Sleeps with the Fishes:

- They're Back in the House? The post-SUV Fire scene shows the family in the house. Why is this? Isn't there still a war on? What on Eath are they doing HOME? Tony's eating? Huh?

- Another Restaurant Scene? Again to speak to the potential-death-possibilities, there have to be at least 6 completely possible restaurant-death venues in this finale. It has me on the edge of my chair each time they brought in a new plate of food, anytime they panned to someone coming in a door - pretty well done, but hey - why aren't the people who get killed (ie the mobsters) watching the people that come in with more attention?

- Journey Does It All: What is one of my all-time favorite songs, "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey rings out at the episode and series ends. It's a great song, and I just so wish that some of the ambiguity that we see here "at the end" was most painted and fleshed out. While Journey has a song for every occasion, sadly it doesn't have a song that will complete this (what I consider to be) a missed opportunity to finish out what might have been one of the greatest finales in television history. Oh, the pain.

- A Simple Thought of nother Family Dinner Ending: There have been many a season of The Sopranos finished around the dining room table and I thought this would be another. Does the gentleman come out, gunning down Tony? Do the two almost completely out of place homies take shots at Tony and family in retribution for past deeds? What IS IT that we're supposed to continue "believing" as we end this final episode of The Sopranos? I look forward to your thoughts because honestly - I had started the tech support action thinking that my DirecTV box had failed in the final throes of the series. It was that strange an ending and left so completely open to interpretation that I have to wonder what YOU thought to get my opinions in order. Was that the creators plan perhaps? To have "buzz" of what you thought to watercooler over the next days and weeks as the series ends?

- Wha'? In what is a year of what I will call Sara Lee Finales this one doesn't quite hit the mark for me. Why you say? Sara Lee has some tasty desserts, but they're "boxed" store-bought desserts that fill the void but have much to be desired when you compare them to custom, homemade or specialty desserts, which is what I thought we'd be given in this last entry of The Sopranos. Perhaps it just needs some more discussion with friends, other critics and whatnot but I'm left a little in the "huh" category at the end of all things Soprano this evening. Are you?

‘Da Rest of ‘Da Story: (9/10 upside-down guns) The visuals in this episode alone had me from the word go, and I was very ready to seal this with a 10 set and was disappointed, if you can call it that, that I have to give it only a 9. Again, classic always to be remembered television but the Sara Lee factor took it down a notch on the ending that left me wanting something a bit more blunt -over-the-head.

What do YOU think? Tell us what YOU think and be entered into the drawing for YOUR favorite DVD Season of YOUR FAVORITE Television Show!

The WORST Worst Day of Jack Bauer's Life?

Be sure to chime in to the comments from YOU, the listeners this week! We look forward to your comments on this episode, as well as the shows we'll have all Summer long, that will showcase great feature films, DVD reviews and and much, much more!

Enjoy!

2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast Season 6 Wrap-Up Review
June 10th, 2007 Running Time: 53min.
Remember: Win a Jack's ManPurse by Voting for The 2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast as the Best Podcast via The Blogger's Choice Awards!

Mike and Brian a great listing of listener feedback, contemplative thought on this strange and gooney season of the hit Fox show, and talk speculation for next season as we enter into yet another 7 month hiatus. Give our show a listen and be sure to send feedback to us! We'll be featuring your comments this summer during out many feature film and DVD reviews coming up in the off-season!

Link to the 24-in-60+! for Season 6 Episodes of "24":
(ONLY The 2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast offers a humorous, audio breakdown of each and every episode of "24" in 60 seconds+! Tell your friends!)

Learn More About 2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast:

Visit the New 2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast Archive:

-- Download it Directly! --

Subscribe to 2GuysTalking: 24 via iTunes: (Don't forget to review/rate our show!)

Friday, June 08, 2007

The Sopranos - Marking It's Mark...

For those of you that might have forgotten because of the Paris Hilton News Blitz today, or because you're just ready enough to sleep with the fish, this weekend is the LAST SOPRANOS EPISODE EVER! That's right - this Sunday is it. In honor of this weekend's extravaganza, an assortment of articles have hit the web and I look forward to chronicling the ones I find here at the 2GuysTalking TelevisionReviewBlogs! Read on for details and please feel free to post the ones that YOU find.

Remember too, that I will be live-blogging The Sopranos Finale here at the 2GuysTalking TelevisionReviewBlogs.Com Sunday evening! Don't miss out on it and participate for your chance to win YOUR favorite season of your favorite television show on DVD! Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you! --Mike2GuysTalking

-- The Best Moments of the Sopranos:
Source:
MSNBC.Com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19037471/

-- Will the Finale of The Sopranos Mimic 'The Godfather?"
Source:
MSNBC.Com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19050720/

-- Sopranos Prepares to Go Out with a Bang:
Source:
MSNBC.Com
http://testpattern.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/04/212825.aspx

-- Soprano's Body Count:
Source:
MSNBC.Com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11728993/

-- Professor Bainbridge's Soprano Speculation:
Source:
ProfessorBainbridge.Com
http://www.professorbainbridge.com/2007/04/sopranos_specul.html

-- Going Throught the Motions:
Source:
SaraWaraClara.Com
http://tinymce.moxiecode.cp/mce_temp_url

Monday, June 04, 2007

The Only 24 Reference Books You'll Ever Need! 2GT Interviews DiLullo Again

2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast Interviews 24 Companion Author
It's the Season 3-4 & Season 5 24 Companion Guide!
June 3rd, 2007, Running Time: 34min.
Remember: Win a Jack's ManPurse by Voting for 2GT: 24
as the Best Podcast via The Blogger's Choice Awards!

Mike and Brian welcome one of the busiest writers on planet Earth, Tara DiLullo Bennett who is here to talk about the Season 3-4 and newly formatted Season 5 24 Companion Guide! A very special interview with a lady we love a lot! Don't miss out and tell your friend and family about the book! There's a great 2GuysTalking: 24 mention in them!

You send send YOUR questions to Tara by sending Email to:

tara@2guystalking.com now!

Check Out Tara's Work via Amazon Now!

Did You Miss Any 2GuysTalking 24 in 60+s this Season?
Link to the 24-in-60+! for All of the Season 6 Episodes of "24":
(ONLY The 2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast offers a humorous, audio breakdown of each and every episode of "24" in 60 seconds+! Tell your friends!)
http://www.2guystalking.com/24/#archive
Remember you can also now subscribe to The 24 in 60+! via iTunes!

Learn More About 2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast:
http://www.2guystalking.com/24

Visit the New 2GuysTalking: 24 Podcast Archive:
http://www.2guystalking.com/24#archive

-- Download it Directly! --

Subscribe to The 2GuysTalking: 24 via iTunes: (Don't forget to review/rate our show!)

Friday, June 01, 2007

2GuysTalking: Feature Film Review! Spider-Man 3!

The 2007 of the hit Fox show, "24" has ended and it's time to spread our collective review wings again an address the gathering horde of silver screen feature films that await!

First up this summer: The 2GuysTalking Podcast Review of "SPIDER-MAN 3", directed by Sam Raimi, starring Tobey Maguire and a returning cast of actors who welcome a new cast of villains and special effects into the current largest blockbuster of the 2007 Summer so far.

Join Mike Wilkerson and Ryan Parker (the Comicnaut Podcast Host, filling in for Brian Sirimaturos this week) as they review this special effects feast!