Bad Ass. Smart Ass. Great Ass.
Deadpool is the directorial debut from Tim Miller and stars Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern, The Voices), Morena Baccarin (V, Gotham) and Ed Skrein (The Transporter Refueled, Ill Manors). "A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool". Deadpool has had one of the greatest marketing campaigns in recent years, can the film live up to the hype it has created for itself?
So I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of Hotel Transylvania 2 on Blu-Ray before its release. I thought I would review the bonus features the Blu-Ray comes with. If you are looking for a review of the actual film, you can read that here - http://aselenatorsview.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/hotel-transylvania-2-2015.html
In this post, I will give my thoughts on all of the bonus features that are included with the Blu-Ray release.
Sing Along with Monster Scary-Oke! - This bonus feature is definitely targeted at a very young audience and will be most effective with them. All of the songs are just spins on famous nursery rhymes - Hush Little Monster, Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat, Vlady Had A Little Drac. However, the changing of the lyrics is quite clever and it works quite well. I don't recommend using this bonus feature though if you are over the age of 5.
How To Throw The Ultimate Monster Party - I was actually really impressed by this bonus feature - all of the items would actually work well at any Halloween party - not just one for children. I liked the bat garland and thought it was a good DIY halloween decoration. The Frankenstein punch was also good and I could see myself using both the bat garland and frankenstein punch if I was ever to throw a Halloween party. The Mini Kakie Cakes weren't as good as the other two - this is because it is mainly about cake decorating rather than baking. This was kind of cheating and the end result didn't immediately remind you of Hotel Transylvania 2 - it was quite a loose connection. I don't know if I would serve these at a Halloween party. Overall though, I was really impressed with this bonus feature and will probably use it for future reference.
I'm in Love With A Monster - Fifth Harmony - I'm not a big fan of the song as I find it quite repetitive and annoying but I think the music video is very good. The setting and the costumes are very well suited to the film. Even though I don't like the song on its own, I do like it in the scenes it is used in the film. I think Fifth Harmony put a lot of effort into this song and video - usually, if a recording artist does a song for a film, it is usually quite low budget and not that great but these girls really have done a good job. There is choreography which is good and I love the moments where they are walking through corridor. I also thought the people who are dressed as zombies and werewolves are really good and I just think this song could easily become a Halloween anthem - even though it hasn't achieved any commercial success as of yet.
Deleted Scenes
Hotel T Commercial - I am pleased this wasn't included in the film. It is an alternative opening but I just think it doesn't set the film off as well as the wedding.
She's Home - I am also pleased this wasn't the opening for the film - it just doesn't start the story off very nicely. I am a big fan of the current opening so I am pleased this wasn't used.
Making The Hotel Safe - I don't really see the point in this scene so I am pleased it wasn't included. It would have just been too many short scenes glued together and I think the Hotel Transylvania films can do this but I think they do it in a particular way and this looks like it would have been odd.
The Crew Lands in Jail - This scene would have made the film a little too dark. I am happy with the way Mavis finds out about Dracula and Dennis' 'flying' fiasco via social media rather than via them being in jail. The new choice was much smarter.
Raising the Dead - I think this scene actually turned out quite funny - it was one of them jokes that works really well in this series. However, at the beginning, it makes Dennis seem a bit obsessed with the bad side which isn't really like his character.
Flashback to Drac's Camp - This is probably my favourite deleted scene so far. I think it would have worked really well in the film.
Meet Dad - This scene probably would have worked well but it would have made the film a little darker and I think the film works well the way it is. I also think the outcome of this scene was done much better in the actual film. I actually think this would of make the film quite scary and dark and not as kid friendly. The scene would have also extended the film by over 5 minutes and I think the films length works well as it is.
The deleted scenes in general are mostly alternative scenes and I pleased that the film turned out the way it was as I don't think these scenes work as well. However, it is interesting to see the different visions the team were having and how the actual film turned out.
Make The Scary And Silly Sounds of HT2 - I really liked this bonus feature - It was really clever and gave a good insight into how different sounds are made. I thought this one is more than just for kids but for film enthusiasts.
The New Guys - This feature gave a really good look at how the new characters were developed. It was cool to see what parts of Mavis and Johnny was used to make Dennis. I also thought the elbow-reflexes were interesting and the animation of Mel Brooks' character and how he never moves fast. This feature was just very interesting and will appeal to most.
How To Draw Your Favourite Characters - This is another very child-targeted feature that will keep them busy and they will enjoy. However, older fans of the films may also be interested in this as they may want to create their own Hotel Transylvania art.
The bonus features for this film on the Blu-Ray are generally pretty good. It took me over an hour to get through the ones mentioned and I haven't even watched everything (the commentaries). A lot of the features are targeted at children and give them activities to do to keep them busy - drawing, party planning, making sounds and singing. The film may be just over 80 minutes, but your children could be busy for a whole afternoon if you bought this blu-ray. If you are a family household, I would recommend this but if you are not, I would just go with the DVD or digital copy. I think this would be a great activity session for during half term!
Film - 4/5
Bonus Features - For Children: 4.5/5, For Everyone: 2/5
In this post, I will give my thoughts on all of the bonus features that are included with the Blu-Ray release.
Sing Along with Monster Scary-Oke! - This bonus feature is definitely targeted at a very young audience and will be most effective with them. All of the songs are just spins on famous nursery rhymes - Hush Little Monster, Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat, Vlady Had A Little Drac. However, the changing of the lyrics is quite clever and it works quite well. I don't recommend using this bonus feature though if you are over the age of 5.
How To Throw The Ultimate Monster Party - I was actually really impressed by this bonus feature - all of the items would actually work well at any Halloween party - not just one for children. I liked the bat garland and thought it was a good DIY halloween decoration. The Frankenstein punch was also good and I could see myself using both the bat garland and frankenstein punch if I was ever to throw a Halloween party. The Mini Kakie Cakes weren't as good as the other two - this is because it is mainly about cake decorating rather than baking. This was kind of cheating and the end result didn't immediately remind you of Hotel Transylvania 2 - it was quite a loose connection. I don't know if I would serve these at a Halloween party. Overall though, I was really impressed with this bonus feature and will probably use it for future reference.
I'm in Love With A Monster - Fifth Harmony - I'm not a big fan of the song as I find it quite repetitive and annoying but I think the music video is very good. The setting and the costumes are very well suited to the film. Even though I don't like the song on its own, I do like it in the scenes it is used in the film. I think Fifth Harmony put a lot of effort into this song and video - usually, if a recording artist does a song for a film, it is usually quite low budget and not that great but these girls really have done a good job. There is choreography which is good and I love the moments where they are walking through corridor. I also thought the people who are dressed as zombies and werewolves are really good and I just think this song could easily become a Halloween anthem - even though it hasn't achieved any commercial success as of yet.
Deleted Scenes
Hotel T Commercial - I am pleased this wasn't included in the film. It is an alternative opening but I just think it doesn't set the film off as well as the wedding.
She's Home - I am also pleased this wasn't the opening for the film - it just doesn't start the story off very nicely. I am a big fan of the current opening so I am pleased this wasn't used.
Making The Hotel Safe - I don't really see the point in this scene so I am pleased it wasn't included. It would have just been too many short scenes glued together and I think the Hotel Transylvania films can do this but I think they do it in a particular way and this looks like it would have been odd.
The Crew Lands in Jail - This scene would have made the film a little too dark. I am happy with the way Mavis finds out about Dracula and Dennis' 'flying' fiasco via social media rather than via them being in jail. The new choice was much smarter.
Raising the Dead - I think this scene actually turned out quite funny - it was one of them jokes that works really well in this series. However, at the beginning, it makes Dennis seem a bit obsessed with the bad side which isn't really like his character.
Flashback to Drac's Camp - This is probably my favourite deleted scene so far. I think it would have worked really well in the film.
Meet Dad - This scene probably would have worked well but it would have made the film a little darker and I think the film works well the way it is. I also think the outcome of this scene was done much better in the actual film. I actually think this would of make the film quite scary and dark and not as kid friendly. The scene would have also extended the film by over 5 minutes and I think the films length works well as it is.
The deleted scenes in general are mostly alternative scenes and I pleased that the film turned out the way it was as I don't think these scenes work as well. However, it is interesting to see the different visions the team were having and how the actual film turned out.
Make The Scary And Silly Sounds of HT2 - I really liked this bonus feature - It was really clever and gave a good insight into how different sounds are made. I thought this one is more than just for kids but for film enthusiasts.
The New Guys - This feature gave a really good look at how the new characters were developed. It was cool to see what parts of Mavis and Johnny was used to make Dennis. I also thought the elbow-reflexes were interesting and the animation of Mel Brooks' character and how he never moves fast. This feature was just very interesting and will appeal to most.
How To Draw Your Favourite Characters - This is another very child-targeted feature that will keep them busy and they will enjoy. However, older fans of the films may also be interested in this as they may want to create their own Hotel Transylvania art.
The bonus features for this film on the Blu-Ray are generally pretty good. It took me over an hour to get through the ones mentioned and I haven't even watched everything (the commentaries). A lot of the features are targeted at children and give them activities to do to keep them busy - drawing, party planning, making sounds and singing. The film may be just over 80 minutes, but your children could be busy for a whole afternoon if you bought this blu-ray. If you are a family household, I would recommend this but if you are not, I would just go with the DVD or digital copy. I think this would be a great activity session for during half term!
Film - 4/5
Bonus Features - For Children: 4.5/5, For Everyone: 2/5
Hotel Transylvania 2 is On Digital HD February 8th.
Hotel Transylvania 2 is available on Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray 3D, DVD and Blu-Ray Steelbook on February 15th.
See You Soon!
Lose Your Way. Find Your Manhood.
Dirty Grandpa is directed by Dan Mazer (I Give It A Year) and stars Robert De Niro (let me just remind you of what this man usually makes - Goodfellas, The Godfather, The Intern), Zac Efron (17 Again, High School Musical), Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation, Safety Not Guaranteed) and Julianne Hough (Rock of Ages, Safe Haven). "Right before his wedding, an uptight guy is tricked into driving his grandfather, a lecherous former Army Lieutenant-Colonel, to Florida for spring break". Hollywood's hottest actors of the past and today in a movie together - surely this is a perfect collaboration?
Dirty Grandpa is directed by Dan Mazer (I Give It A Year) and stars Robert De Niro (let me just remind you of what this man usually makes - Goodfellas, The Godfather, The Intern), Zac Efron (17 Again, High School Musical), Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation, Safety Not Guaranteed) and Julianne Hough (Rock of Ages, Safe Haven). "Right before his wedding, an uptight guy is tricked into driving his grandfather, a lecherous former Army Lieutenant-Colonel, to Florida for spring break". Hollywood's hottest actors of the past and today in a movie together - surely this is a perfect collaboration?
Box Office Report
UK Box Office January 29-31: THE REVENANT Stays On Top, DIRTY GRANDPA Cleans Up
1:34 PM
The Revenant spent a third week on top of the UK box office with another solid hold. Dirty Grandpa did pretty solid business, taking second place with just shy of $3 million. Spotlight was also able to crack the top 5, opening in 5th with a strong $1.5 million.
Capture The Flag opened in 7th with $1.1 million - weak taking into account that this includes a weekend of previews. The Met Opera 2016 took 10th place with $540,000.
The Brothers In-Law Are Back
Ride Along 2 is directed by Tim Story (Ride Along, Think Like A Man) and stars Ice Cube (21 Jump Street, Barbershop), Kevin Hart (The Wedding Ringer, Get Hard) and Olivia Munn (Magic Mike, Deliver Us From Evil). "As his wedding day approaches, Ben heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brother-in-law James to bring down a drug dealer who's supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product". I absolutely despised the first Ride Along - it was my second least favourite movie of 2014! - could this one be any worse?
Ride Along 2 is directed by Tim Story (Ride Along, Think Like A Man) and stars Ice Cube (21 Jump Street, Barbershop), Kevin Hart (The Wedding Ringer, Get Hard) and Olivia Munn (Magic Mike, Deliver Us From Evil). "As his wedding day approaches, Ben heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brother-in-law James to bring down a drug dealer who's supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product". I absolutely despised the first Ride Along - it was my second least favourite movie of 2014! - could this one be any worse?
So 2015 has been and gone and we were provided with lots of good movies as well as many bad movies. In this post, I will be listing my 10 WORST 2015 films that I have seen. You may not agree with my list but that doesn't matter as everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Also, I didn't get to see every film in 2015 - I saw around 80 films in cinema and then more on other platforms (DVD etc). This list is based on the films that I enjoyed the least in 2015 - ratings do not matter here - if a 2 is higher than a 1 on this list then it is because the film has stuck with me more negatively in the long run. I have also decided to only include films that had their initial wide release in 2015 (some films came out in the UK in 2015 such as Serena which would be classed as a 2014 release).
For each film, I will include a profile of what other critics rated it (IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes and MetaCritic) and a summary for why I disliked the film.
But first, here are a few DIShonourable mentions - films that I had big problems with and weren't far from making the list: Pixels, Sinister 2, In The Heart of the Sea and three big disappointments for me this year were Tomorrowland, Spectre and Unfriended.
10. It Follows - This is definitely going to be my most controversial choice on this list as critics loved it - I absolutely didn't. It Follows was just too weird and I think that all of the creative choices didn't help to make a good horror film - who uses electronic music to create tension? I can understand how some people would find the concept scary but I just found it laughable - just a waste of time.
Bottom Line - "It Follows starts on an intriguing high but deteriorates up until the final scene. The few scares are laughable and I didn't really feel much psychological horror about it either. The score was annoying but the acting was brilliant "
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
9. Victor Frankenstein - This was a film where I left the cinema and just thought 'meh' - it wasn't anything special and I don't see any reason for why they bothered to make this film. It was a financial and creative flop. The acting was ok but I just think this is a film I will be glad to forget.
8. Pan - This was a film that had a lot of potential and the first trailer for it actually looked quite good. However, then we were told it got pushed back and my estimations hit rock bottom - they were right to! Pan is an awful film with some silly choices and visual effects that aren't even that great. The acting is annoying - Pan needs to walk the plank.
7. Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse - This film actually started out quite promising but it was probably the most stupid film of the year - there was nothing appealing about it. Nothing was special about this film - the acting, the directing - it was all not even mediocre. I think the name says it all and I think you should just avoid it. I left the cinema with a headache.
6. Fantastic Four - I actually had hope for this film from seeing the first couple of trailers. However, I was never a big fan of this superhero team in general and when I started to hear about all the issues they were having behind the scenes, I became vary wary. Fantastic Four is not fantastic, to be honest, it is far from it. This is probably the most unlikeable super hero team out there with some of the most uncharismatic acting from talented people! Horrible Four.
5. Terminator Genisys - Another awful awful film. I don't even see the appeal of this franchise - Arnold Schwarzenegger is an awful actor and he isn't supported very well by any of the newcomers in this. The film is just stupid and belongs in the trash.
4. Chappie - I first became aware of this film after seeing a trailer for it when seeing Jupiter Ascending (which I actually think is a very underrated film) - Chappie is awful. I don't know how some people liked this film - it was lazily made with bad acting and inconsistent camera qualities. I can see what they were trying to go for with Chappie but I just think it didn't work out very well at all - another extremely stupid film of the year.
3. The Boy Next Door - Out of the rest of the films on this list, I actually had hope for The Boy Next Door. I was in the mood for a solid thriller like The Call but this film just felt like it was made by an amateur. Jennifer Lopez can't save this movie and she is not helped out by some of the worst acting in film in 2015. The Boy Next Door would work well as a parody? It just can't be taken seriously - the tension is non existent and it just suddenly becomes extremely gory and gruesome towards the end. I have watched this film since seeing it at the start of 2015 and it didn't get any better.
2. Get Hard - Definitely the most offensive film of the year. I'm not usually someone who gets offended by a film but I think Get Hard steps way over the line - it doesn't matter who you are, this film will pick fun at you in a humiliating and unfunny way at some point. This film has established that if you see Kevin Hart is going to be in a movie - avoid it because he doesn't make good movies. If Hart and Ferrell are tolerable then their supporting cast are awful. Oh and just to point out, this is a directorial debut - Etan Cohen definitely hasn't started his directing career in the right direction.
1. Aloha - I had avoided seeing this film as it failed at the US box office so didn't get a very wide UK release. However, the film was part of inflight entertainment on my way back from holiday. I wish I hadn't have chosen to watch it. Aloha was awful - it was offensive, white-washed and just stupid and dull. None of this talented cast are put to good use. This is definitely the worst film of the year - a stupid love triangle of a story, offensive casting, acting that isn't special and just a really sloppy film all together.
For each film, I will include a profile of what other critics rated it (IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes and MetaCritic) and a summary for why I disliked the film.
But first, here are a few DIShonourable mentions - films that I had big problems with and weren't far from making the list: Pixels, Sinister 2, In The Heart of the Sea and three big disappointments for me this year were Tomorrowland, Spectre and Unfriended.
10. It Follows - This is definitely going to be my most controversial choice on this list as critics loved it - I absolutely didn't. It Follows was just too weird and I think that all of the creative choices didn't help to make a good horror film - who uses electronic music to create tension? I can understand how some people would find the concept scary but I just found it laughable - just a waste of time. Bottom Line - "It Follows starts on an intriguing high but deteriorates up until the final scene. The few scares are laughable and I didn't really feel much psychological horror about it either. The score was annoying but the acting was brilliant "
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
IMDB: 6.9/10
Metacritic: 83/100
Average: 83/100
9. Victor Frankenstein - This was a film where I left the cinema and just thought 'meh' - it wasn't anything special and I don't see any reason for why they bothered to make this film. It was a financial and creative flop. The acting was ok but I just think this is a film I will be glad to forget.
Bottom Line - "The chemistry between McAvoy and Radcliffe is solid but everything else is pure mediocre - from the lazy story to the lacklustre visual effects. If this was a pitch for a new scientific experiment, I don't think it would be approved "
Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
IMDB: 6.3/10
Metacritic: 36/100
Average: 42/100
8. Pan - This was a film that had a lot of potential and the first trailer for it actually looked quite good. However, then we were told it got pushed back and my estimations hit rock bottom - they were right to! Pan is an awful film with some silly choices and visual effects that aren't even that great. The acting is annoying - Pan needs to walk the plank.
Bottom Line - "The script is its major flaw with some of the most stupidest lines to come out of films this year"
Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
IMDB: 5.9/10
Metacritic: 36/100
Average: 40/100
7. Scouts Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse - This film actually started out quite promising but it was probably the most stupid film of the year - there was nothing appealing about it. Nothing was special about this film - the acting, the directing - it was all not even mediocre. I think the name says it all and I think you should just avoid it. I left the cinema with a headache.
Bottom Line - "Poorly directed, rude, offensive, crude, messy and averagely acted, this film was obviously aiming for the toilet and missed. I don't really have much more to say on this film other than - it's not worth your money or your time"
Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
IMDB: 6.3/10
Metacritic: 32/100
Average: 46/100
6. Fantastic Four - I actually had hope for this film from seeing the first couple of trailers. However, I was never a big fan of this superhero team in general and when I started to hear about all the issues they were having behind the scenes, I became vary wary. Fantastic Four is not fantastic, to be honest, it is far from it. This is probably the most unlikeable super hero team out there with some of the most uncharismatic acting from talented people! Horrible Four.
Bottom Line - "Fantastic Four isn't visually pleasing and is probably the slowest superhero film ever."
Rotten Tomatoes: 9%
IMDB: 4.3/10
Metacritic: 27/100
Average: 26/100
5. Terminator Genisys - Another awful awful film. I don't even see the appeal of this franchise - Arnold Schwarzenegger is an awful actor and he isn't supported very well by any of the newcomers in this. The film is just stupid and belongs in the trash.
Bottom Line - "Generally poor visuals, rocky acting, lack of originality and stupid characters"
Rotten Tomatoes: 25%
IMDB: 6.6/10
Metacritic: 38/100
Average: 43/100
4. Chappie - I first became aware of this film after seeing a trailer for it when seeing Jupiter Ascending (which I actually think is a very underrated film) - Chappie is awful. I don't know how some people liked this film - it was lazily made with bad acting and inconsistent camera qualities. I can see what they were trying to go for with Chappie but I just think it didn't work out very well at all - another extremely stupid film of the year.
Bottom Line - "Towards the end of the film a news report asks 'viewers' to report to the police if they see Chappie - I'd happily do so because I do not ever want to see this film or that robot ever again"
Rotten Tomatoes: 31%
IMDB: 6.9/10
Metacritic: 41/100
Average: 47/100
3. The Boy Next Door - Out of the rest of the films on this list, I actually had hope for The Boy Next Door. I was in the mood for a solid thriller like The Call but this film just felt like it was made by an amateur. Jennifer Lopez can't save this movie and she is not helped out by some of the worst acting in film in 2015. The Boy Next Door would work well as a parody? It just can't be taken seriously - the tension is non existent and it just suddenly becomes extremely gory and gruesome towards the end. I have watched this film since seeing it at the start of 2015 and it didn't get any better.
Bottom Line - "The Boy Next Door is dumb, unoriginal and hilarious (for all the wrong reasons)"
Rotten Tomatoes: 10%
IMDB: 4.6/10
Metacritic: 30/100
Average: 29/100
2. Get Hard - Definitely the most offensive film of the year. I'm not usually someone who gets offended by a film but I think Get Hard steps way over the line - it doesn't matter who you are, this film will pick fun at you in a humiliating and unfunny way at some point. This film has established that if you see Kevin Hart is going to be in a movie - avoid it because he doesn't make good movies. If Hart and Ferrell are tolerable then their supporting cast are awful. Oh and just to point out, this is a directorial debut - Etan Cohen definitely hasn't started his directing career in the right direction.
Bottom Line - "If you are at a DVD store and you have the choice to 'Get Hard' or Go Home...GO HOME - do not waste your money on this piece of garbage"
Rotten Tomatoes: 29%
IMDB: 6.1/10
Metacritic: 34/100
Average: 41/100
1. Aloha - I had avoided seeing this film as it failed at the US box office so didn't get a very wide UK release. However, the film was part of inflight entertainment on my way back from holiday. I wish I hadn't have chosen to watch it. Aloha was awful - it was offensive, white-washed and just stupid and dull. None of this talented cast are put to good use. This is definitely the worst film of the year - a stupid love triangle of a story, offensive casting, acting that isn't special and just a really sloppy film all together.
Bottom Line - "Aloha is in competition with Serena for being the dullest film of the year and they both have one common factor - Bradley Cooper. However, I don't believe Cooper is the problem as he and the cinematography are the best parts of the film. Stone's character is offensive and her acting is too much. McAdams fails to shine also. ALOHA (meaning goodbye)"
Rotten Tomatoes: 20%
IMDB: 5.5/10
Metacritic: 40/100
Average: 38/100
What were your least favourite films of 2016? - COMMENT BELOW
See You Soon!







