The secret of the popularity of themed online games

Entertainment has always been an important part of leading a balanced, fulfilling life. These days, it seems as though more people than ever before are turning toward themed online games when they have free time. Why is this? We talked to expert John Smith to find out.

According to him, there are a handful of reasons why online games, such as virtual slot machines, have become so popular. The rise of online casino canada is certainly a factor. Keep reading to find out more.

 Free versions and paid play

Each of the contributing factors we discuss here hold equal weight in the success of themed online games. However, the cost of entertainment is usually front and center of most people’s minds. It’s for good reasons considering that everything carries a price.

Most everything, anyway – but not necessarily online games. Virtual slot machines, for example, can exist in both paid and free versions. The paid versions give you the chance to win real money that can be withdrawn and spent.

Free versions are more accessible though. If you’ve spent your gambling budget already or simply wish to play for free, you can continue your entertainment. Most online games have free or demo versions available for endless play.

 Quick-hitting fun

How much uninterrupted free time do you have on your hands? We’re willing to bet that there’s not nearly as much as you’d like. The truth is we live in a “go, go, go!” society. Whether you work full time, go to school, or raise kids, there’s always something else to do.

This is why more people are branching out from TV shows and movies. While they’re also enjoyable, not everyone can carve out one or two hours at a time to thoroughly enjoy themselves. You can pause, but it’s easy to lose track of where you are.

On the other hand, online games are purposefully simple and quick. You can get started playing slots almost immediately – just a quick look over the rules will do. Unlike console games, there isn’t a steep learning curve.

You also don’t have to commit nearly as much time at once. If you want to play a hand of poker or a game of blackjack, you just need a few minutes. On your lunch break, stuck in traffic, waiting for a phone call – entertainment is easy and quick.

 Endless themes available

Another big reason for the success of online games is the wide range of themes available. When it comes to online slots, there are literally thousands upon thousands of games out there. There’s guaranteed to be games available that suit your interests.

For example, say you’re really passionate about cooking or trying different foods. The number of food-themed slots available goes well into the upper hundreds. You can find themed games whether you’re interested in football, magic, gardening, or anything else.

 Trustworthy gaming sites

While there’s certainly room to praise software developers and providers for creating games, they’re not the only ones to thank. The popularity of themed online games wouldn’t be so high if it weren’t for trustworthy sites. Virtual casinos and similar platforms are booming.

This is coupled with a lot of helpful regulation. For example, the majority of countries require their citizens to gamble at licensed sites. This makes sure that everyone who is gaming can count on security and privacy.

There are also other avenues to developing trust and security. A lot of platforms support responsible gambling and link their members to helpful gambling addiction resources. There are also independent agencies evaluating sites for fair odds. This is particularly important for games who play with real money.

 Building on legacies

We’ve already mentioned the wide variety of themes just waiting to be discovered. Of course, it’s not just general themes like history or fantasy waiting to be played. In fact, many players turn to online games to extend their appreciation of franchises and legacies.

For example, there is an astounding number of slots related to popular movie series. A longstanding franchise that comes to mind is that of Rocky Balboa. Fans of Sylvester Stallone can log onto gaming sites and play the Rocky slot to continue their enjoyment.

Of course, this also lets you participate in your favorite worlds. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began as a comic book series, which has since transitioned to TV shows and Movies. If you don’t want to sit down and re-watch those movies, you can play any of the dozens of MCU games available. Battle alongside Iron Man, Loki, The Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, and more.

 Access them wherever you are

Finally, it’s important to recognize the accessibility of playing themed online games. We mean this in a couple of different ways. First, we can think back to the ability to play for free or for money. You have to buy console games, streaming services, movie tickets, and cable – but this isn’t the case for themed online games.

If you’re short on money or short on time, that doesn’t exclude you from enjoyable rest times. More people are likely to have a smartphone or computer than they are to subscribe to various game and movie services. This brings us to our next point: mobile access.

At this point in time, many online gaming sites are realizing just how important mobile access is. There’s a high demand from consumers for mobile-compatible games that can be played from anywhere. Developers are responding in earnest. This has led to a boon of themed games that can be played wherever.

And when we say wherever, we mean it. Themed online games have a worldwide fanbase. The popularity of slots isn’t limited to one country or even one continent. It’s become a universal form of entertainment that’s at the tips of everyone’s fingertips.

 Fun that’s here to stay

There’s no doubt that themed online games continue to soar in popularity, and that trend won’t peter out anytime soon. The truth is that everyone is looking for a chance to turn off their overworked brains and just kick back. Nothing accommodates this the way that online games do.

They’re easy to learn, highly accessible, mobile-compatible, suit anyone’s taste, and come in free and paid versions. This can’t be said of any other type of game or entertainment. Not only is this a unique medium for fun, but it already leads the pack. Even as other forms of entertainment strive to catch up, they’re already years behind this incredible curve.

Behemoth announces ‘In Absentia Dei’ immersive livestream event; watch the theatrical extravaganza broadcast from a secret church location; featuring special guests: Imperial Triumphant

Behemoth have announced In Absentia Dei, a groundbreaking immersive livestream spectacular which will broadcast on September 5th, 2020 from a secret church location in Poland. The event will be streamed in high definition 4K, with an immersive experience option, allowing viewers to choose from 8 different camera angles in the multi-camera shoot or watch the “Director’s Cut”. Tickets for this theatrical extravaganza are available now at https://www.behemoth.live. Parts of the performance may offend, so the footage is only recommended for fans 18+. Watch a trailer here: https://youtu.be/IgTJZg8YKDo

Special guests at the event will be mysterious black metal avant gardeists, Imperial Triumphant, whose set will come from The Slipper Room in New York City.

Behemoth front-man and visionary, Nergal informs us: “We bring a new offering for our faithful Legions! You’ve seen Behemoth in many places across the globe, but never before in the Holy Church. This is a truly innovative event of which the likes have not been seen before. There will be ritual, there will be sacrilege and all from the comfort of your home. A worldwide streamed event for A New Aeon indeed! In Absentia Dei.”

In Absentia Dei will also feature an hour long pre-show (which can be viewed for free at youtube.com/behemothofficial) commencing at 7pm CET / 6pm UK / 1pm EST / 10am PST, with the full 2 hour show beginning at 8pm CET / 7pm UK / 2pm EST / 11am PST, exclusively at https://www.behemoth.live

Ticket holders can watch the event up to 72 hours after the initial broadcast time. Reserve your ticket now at: https://www.behemoth.live. There is a 20% Early Bird discount on ticket prices until Midnight CET on 28th August and a run of limited edition event merchandise will also be available from https://www.behemoth.live, until 72hrs post-event, or until stocks last. Ticket and merch bundles are also on sale.

Film Review: “The Secret Life of Pets 2”

  • THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2
  • Starring the voices of: Kevin Hart, Patton Oswalt
  • Directed by:  Chris Renaud, Jonathan del Val
  • Rated:  PG
  • Running time:  1 hr 26 mins
  • Universal

If you are a pet owner, I’m pretty sure you’ve seen, and loved, “The Secret Life of Pets.”  It was uncanny how the creators captured the little idiosyncrasies that had many in the audience, myself including, thinking “that’s exactly what my dog/cat/bird/ferret, etc does.  And that insight carries over into the second chapter in the adventures of Max (Oswalt) and his furry and feathered friends.

Things are going well for Max.  His owner attends to his every need and all is right with the world.  Until the day she meets a gentleman.  Nothing wrong with that.  But as things progress, as they do in life, Max soon finds himself having to deal with a new person in his life…a baby.  At first he is wary of the new arrival, but as the boy grows, they form a bond that, anyone who had a dog as a child will know, can’t be broken.  Which makes Max frantic.  Where he used to enjoy going for walks, he now feels the streets, and the things encountered (steam grates, flocks of pigeons) are hazards for the boy.  This causes him to develop a nervous tic which sadly leads him to be encased in, what both my wife and I (and the film) call the cone of shame.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, Snowball the bunny (Hart) is also enjoying life.  His owner likes to dress him up as a superhero and he takes to the idea, proclaiming his prowess to his pet friends.  He is quick to jump – do you see what I did there – into action when he is asked by his Shih Tzu friend Daisy (Tiffany Haddish) to help save a tiger being held by a cruel circus worker.  What’s a bunny to do?

Cleverly written and fast paced, “The Secret Life of Pets 2” is the ideal early summer film.  The characters and their traits are spot on and the voice actors do their best to inflect some of their own personalities into the characters.  Oswalt, replacing original Max voicer Louis C.K., is well cast.  Of course, he was outstanding as the voice of Renny in “Ratatouille,” so this should come as no surprise.  Hart once again is the frantic Snowball and I’m happy to see he is no longer homicidal (my one big problem with the first film).  Other actors lending their voice include Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Nick Kroll, Ellie Kemper and Pete Holmes.  Even Harrison Ford shows up, marking his animated film debut.  But as great as they all are, the vocal star here is Lake Bell, who seems to inhabit the character of Chloe, a cat like no other and yet like every cat we’ve ever encountered!

My only fault with the film is the same one I had with the first.  Though obviously geared for kids (and the parents that accompany them), there are some scary moments here, including one (thankfully off camera) of the tiger being disciplined with a whip.  There is also a pretty intense pack of wolves that made at least one child near me at the screening hide her face in her mother’s side.  So parents with very young children, be warned.

All in all, though, “The Secret Life of Pets 2” is a welcome treat to begin the early days of summer.

Blu-ray 3D/4K Ultra HD Review “The Secret Life of Pets”

Actors: Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper
Directors: Chris Renaud
Rated: PG
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

From the moment I saw the first teaser for “The Secret Life of Pets“, I knew that Illumination Entertainment had another hit on there hands. The characters are amazing and the film is filled with laughs from beginning to end. It has jokes for kids and parents as well. In fact, my family (no lie) quote this film AT LEAST once a day since the first time that we have seen it. It packs a really solid voice cast including Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart and many others. I hope that they have some sort of plans to follow up with this series because they really have a winner here! Can’t wait to see what Illumination, home of the Minions, does next!

Official Premise: Comedy superstars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart make their animated feature-film debut that finally answers the question: what do your pets do when you’re not home? When their owners leave for the day, pets from the building gossip with their friends, satisfy their sweet tooths, and throw outrageous parties. But when a pampered terrier (C.K.) and his unruly new “roommate” from the pound (Stonestreet) get lost in the urban jungle of New York City, they must put aside their differences to survive the epic journey back home.

Universal released this film in in various formats i.e. Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and 4K Ultra HD. The animation and colors are so vivid and vibrant and this film looks extraordinary with it’s 4K transfer. I was blown away with this presentation. The 3D presentation on this film was also top notch. As we are whizzing through the streets of New York as well as close up encounters with fellow characters like Viper, the effects are spot on! If you can watch this film in either of those formats, I highly recommend it for sure! The audio tracks also are epic with a revolutionary Dolby Atmos track as well as wall shaking Dolby TrueHD 7.1. Universal delivered for sure with A/V presentation here for sure!

The special features are all short and sweet and worth checking out if you enjoyed this flick. Kids can enjoy as well. There are three mini-movies included. One we saw before the film in theaters “Minion Mowers”, which is hysterical. There are also two new ones set within the world of “The Secret Life of Pets”. First is NormanTV, which features the gerbil from the film crawling through the buildings vents. The last one is an animated musical tale of the hot dog brand that Max and Duke end up at. These are a great addition to the film itself and are also available if the film is redeem digitally as well, so that’s a nice bonus.

Next up, we have “The Humans That Brought You Pets” which feature interviews with Producers Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, Directors Yarrow Cheney and Chris Renaud, and Writer Brian Lynch. “Animals Can Talk: Meet the Actors” are speed chats with the cast talking about their roles. “All About the Pets” features cast joking on set with animal trainer Molly O’Neill. “Hairstylist to the Dogs” features Duke’s voice actor Eric Stonestreet talking grooming with Stylist Jess Rona. “How to Make an Animated film” and “Anatomy of a Scene” go behind-the-scenes. Lastly there is a nice collection of “The Best of Snowball” and some sing-alongs and trailers.

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Enter to Win Complimentary Passes to an Orlando, FL Screening of “The Secret Life of Pets”

If you would like to enter for a chance to win tickets to the following advance screening below, please leave a comment below with your favorite pet from this film? Winners will be chosen on a RANDOM BASIS on Sunday July 3rd. Winners will be awarded an ADMIT TWO passes and will be notified via email. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Only one entry per person/per household. Must be 13 years or older to enter to win. Employees of all promotional partners and their agencies are not eligible.

Theater: AMC Altamonte
Date: Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Time: 7:00 PM

For their fifth fully-animated feature-film collaboration, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day.

Comedy superstars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart make their animated feature-film debuts in The Secret Life of Pets, which co-stars Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan, Steve Coogan and Albert Brooks.  Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy produce the film directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2), codirected by Yarrow Cheney and written by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio and Brian Lynch. 

http://www.TheSecretLifeOfPets.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SecretLifeOfPets
https://twitter.com/PetsMovie
https://www.instagram.com/SecretLifeOfPets/
https://www.youtube.com/user/DespicableMeMovie

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Film Review “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi”

Starring: John Krasinski, James Badge Dale and Pablo Schreiber
Directed by: Michael Bay
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 24 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

There is a great sketch by Monty Python called “The Bookshop” where a man tries to buy books by authors with familiar names. But instead of Charles Dickens, he’s looking for Charles Dikkens (“Dickens with two k’s, the well-known Dutch author”). This sketch immediately came to mind as I watched “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” which is credited as being directed by “Transformers” helmer Michael Bay. Surely, I thought, it must be Michael Baye (the well-known Dutch filmmaker).

Libya. Since the death of Dictator Muammar Gaddafi, the country has been in turmoil. Rival groups infiltrated and raided the various weapons warehouses that Gaddafi had well stocked and the country has become the 21st Century version of the Wild West. In the town of Benghazi there is a compound that holds 26 members of the C.I.A. They put their safety in the hands of a small group of men, contracted by the US government. Things start going crazy when it’s learned that the US Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, will be visiting and staying at a nearby compound. The date is September 11, 2012.

Inspired by, and based on the stories of, several of the contractors that endured 13 hours of hell, “13 Hours” ranks with “Platoon” as a true depiction of what war really is. As the film begins we meet our heroes: Jack Silva (Krasinski), a real estate agent back for a much needed payday; Tyrone “Rone” Woods (Dale), a grizzled veteran of over a dozen missions hoping to make a better life for himself and Mark “Oz” Geist (Max Martini), a hulking man with a kind heart. With their fellow “brothers” they are prepared for anything and everything. Nothing is easy in Libya. Not going for a ride or taking a short walk. They share their duties with members of 17 Feb, an Islamist group that took up weapons after the fall of Gaddafi in hopes of saving their country. However, in a country where automatic weapons and rocket launchers have replaced vegetables at the outdoor market it’s hard to tell who your friend is and who your enemy is. Especially when your “friends” are “making $28.00 a day and have to bring their own bullets.”

Hats off to the cast. They were instructed by either their real-life counterparts or those that knew them and, like Bradley Cooper’s Chris Kyle in “American Sniper” or Mark Wahlberg’s Marcus Lutrell in “Lone Survivor,” they strive for realism in honoring the men they are playing. In fact one of the men, Glen “Bub” Doherty, was close friends with Brandon Webb, the sniper who trained both Kyle and Lutrell. There are no phony heroics here. War is scary as hell and the cast makes sure that mask of horror is front and center.

While the camaraderie of the men is the message of the film, it is the amazing 13-hour battle which is what you will remember. Each round of fighting, escalating and easing up, only to get steadily worse as the night goes on, is a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat moment. And kudos to director Bay for not making this a typical “Michael Bay” film. There are no shots of men walking in slow motion through a cloud or fog. In fact, there is very little use of slow motion here at all. Only when he cribs the “money shot” from “Pearl Harbor”, following a mortar shell from the sky and all the way down until it hits its target, does he seem to be going for a little flash. Bay also leaves out a lot of the unnecessary politics that still surround this event. If there is fault to be assigned, there is plenty to go around, and Bay allows you to make up your own mind as to who to point your finger at.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Kingsman: The Secret Service”

Starring: Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, Mark Strong, Taron Egerton, Mark Hamill
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Run Time: 129 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

After “Kick-Ass”, I was pretty much on board for anything from the minds of Matthew Vaughn and Mark Millar. Honestly though, I did have much interest in “Kingsman: The Secret Service” during it’s theatrical run but I did here a lot of good praise. Well, damn was I missing out. This movie is a real trip. Bond meets Kick Ass except a little more edgy. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” is a blast to watch with great performances from Colin Firth and even a nice cameo from Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill. The church scene is worth watching the film alone. Easily of the best fight scenes since Kill Bill’s Crazy 88 battle. One of the best surprises I have seen so far this year, don’t miss it.

Official Premise: Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn (“Kick Ass“, “X-Men First Class”), Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

The Blu-ray is outstanding with an exceptional 1080p transfer. The action is captured and shot beautifully. The visual effects are sharp and the colors are crisp. The star of the film is the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, which is outstanding. This track works perfectly with the film’s music and score. Also the action sequences literally were shaking my picture frames, which was super cool. The special features are decent but a little light. “Kingsman: The Secret Service Revealed” runs about 90 minutes and is split into six featurettes covering the film’s production. There is also a Gallery focusing on the sets and props. Lastly there is a Theatrical Trailer.

Enjoy the “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Game”! Available now

To celebrate the release of “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Game” next week, we wanted to share you with a fun digital game called “Knight Flight”. The object of the game is to help Larry collect as many artifacts as you can find while racing through the staircase maze.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings back to life your favorite museum heroes in NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB available on Blu-ray and DVD March 10. Families around the globe have come out to see the hysterical third and final installment in the franchise, which has grossed more than a billion dollars. Now, parents and kids can not only enjoy the best ‘Night’ ever, but also get their hands on a bonus Digital HD movie: their choice of either Night at the Museum or Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

Film Review “Kingsman: The Secret Service”

Starring: Colin Firth, Teron Egerton and Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 9 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

1997. Several members of an elite British spy organization are interrogating a terrorist suspect. Refusing to answer the bad guy produces a previously hidden grenade. In a split second, one of the Brits jumps on the grenade, taking the brunt of the blast and saving his comrades. Back in Britain the young hero’s wife and small son are presented with a medal for valor, with a number engraved on it. Should they ever need anything, they only have to call.

2014. Following the kidnapping of a climate professor (Mark Hamill) and the brutal murder of another spy, the agency known as Kingsman begins a hunt for a new member. At the same time we meet Gary “Eggsy” Unwin. Gary was the young boy who lost his father seventeen years ago and has run afoul of the law. Asking to make a phone call, he pulls a chain from around his neck on which hangs his father’s medal.

A curious mix of comedy and drama, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” starts out well when it introduces Harry Hart (Firth), code name Galahad, a suave, sophisticated spy with all of the coolness of James Bond and the badness of Jack Bauer. Harry reports to Arthur (Michael Caine) and informs him he’d like to submit Eggsy (Egerton) to fill the position that is open. When the candidates assemble, it’s obvious that Eggsy will have his work cut out for him. The other young men in attendance have proper names like Rufus and Digby. There are also two young ladies in the class. They are met by the course leader (Mark Strong) and informed that their first task is to write their names and next of kin on a provided body bag. Failure to succeed is pretty severe.

While the kids are playing spy, the organization is dealing with stopping a crazy billionaire who is offering the world free cell phone service and internet through an item he is giving away. Named Valentine (Jackson), he’s the stereotypical movie bad guy, though Jackson makes him interesting by playing him as a lisping Mars Blackmon. When Harry discovers that Valentine’s product will cause people to literally kill each other he decides to intervene. And here is where the film goes off the tracks. Harry attends services at a white-supremacist church and soon finds himself in a battle for his life. In an amazingly filmed, but so over the top that you don’t care, scene, Harry literally kills EVERYONE in the church, but every means available. Gunshots to the head and a flag pole in the chest are two of the many interesting and gory ways the parishioners die. While a great display of some nice visual effects, this scene, which seems to go on for 30 mins, just takes you out of the film totally. Any sense of believability runs out the exit door. Which isn’t good when there’s still a lot of movie left to go. Firth does a good job as the proper English spy and looks like he’s having a good time. Sadly I couldn’t say the same.

Win Passes to the Kansas City Screening of “Kingsman: The Secret Service” [ENDED]

Media Mikes has teamed up with 20th Century Fox to give (50) lucky readers (and a guest) the chance to be among the first to see the new film “Kingsman: The Secret Service” in Kansas City.

The screening will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at the Screenland Armour Theatre in North Kansas City. The film, which stars Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson, will start at 7:30 p.m.

Just go to http://www.gofobo.com/kingsmedia and register. On Sunday, February 8th, (50) random winners will be selected from all entries. Those chosen will receive a pass for two to this advance screening. Good luck!

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” opens nationally on Friday, February 13, 2015

Official Site: KingsmanMovie.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KingsmanMovie
Twitter: @KingsmanMovie #Kingsman
Rating: Rated R for sequences of strong violence, language and some sexual content.

Synopsis:
Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick Ass, X-Men First Class), Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

Win Passes to the Kansas City Advance Screening of “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” [ENDED]


Media Mikes has teamed up with 20th Century Fox to give (25) random readers (and three guests) a chance to attend the advance screening of “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

The screening will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the Legends 18 theatre in Kansas City, Kansas. The screening begins at 10:00 a.m.

All you have to do is go to http://www.gofobo.com/main/sweepstakes/medianight and register. On Thursday, December 11, 2014, (25) random entries will be selected and those selected will receive a pass for (4) to attend this special screening.

“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams, opens on Friday, December 19, 2014

Official Site: www.NightAtTheMuseumMovie.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NightAtTheMuseumMovies
Rating: Rated PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language.

Synopsis:
Get ready for the wildest and most adventure-filled Night At the Museum ever as Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever

 

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Cradle of Filth’s Dani Filth talks about debut album “The Great and Secret Show” with Devilment

Dani Filth is best known as the founder and lead vocalist of the metal band Cradle of Filth. Filth’s newest musical endeavor goes by the name Devilment whose debut album title “The Great and Secret Show” will be released on October, 31st via Nuclear Blast Records. Media Mikes spoke recently with Dani about the new release, working with Bam Margera and the group’s upcoming tour with Motionless in White.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us some background on the formation of “Devilment”?
Dani Filth: A couple of years ago I met up with Daniel Finch and he asked me if I would be interested in working on a project with him. Over the course of those years the project has sort of grown and grown and flourished into a full blown band. All the members of the band live in pretty close proximity of one another and we are now set to release our first album. Scott Atkins who worked on the last Cradle of Filth album jumped on board helping with the recording process and we have been picked up by Nuclear Blast Records. Paul Ryan who was the original guitarist for Cradle of Filth is our manager/booking agent. He also is booking for Cradle of Filth now as well. We are keeping a lot of things in house with this project.

AL: What is it that you want to accomplish with this new album/band?
DF: It’s vastly different than Cradle of Filth. It’s a totally different entity in that’s its completely original. Each of the band members has their own unique perspective on metal and music in general. Our keyboardist Lauren doesn’t come from a metal background at all though she has come to appreciate it. Six of us have come together to create this unique thing. It is more riff driven and somewhat in the vein of Rammstein or White Zombie. The songs have more of a heavy groove to them. Lauren has brought this John Carpenter type vibe to the whole thing which is really great. The music is definitely in the realm of horror.

AL: With the music being different from your work with Cradle of Filth did you take a different creative path during the writing/recording process?
DF: Not overly. Cradle does a lot of stuff via the internet and then we all get together when needed for touring and such. With Devilment everyone lives locally unlike Cradle where members are literally spread across the world. Having everyone so close has made the experience different, as has writing in a lower key. Though I still write the same way as I always have I do approach the Devilment material a bit differently. I am a little more contemporary with the choruses and such. I don’t like to say it but the material has almost a pop sensibility.

AL: For the digi-pack release of the album you recorded a cover of Midnight Oil’s “Beds are Burning” can you tell us about that and, how Bam Margera ended up also on the track?
DF: That song comes wasn’t meant to be included on the 10 track version of the album. This song will be included on the special version along with two other songs. It sounds a little odd just because of the nature of the song. The original is a fucking awesome song and just very catchy. We have made it a bit heavier and added some keys to it as well. It has this “Exorcist”/”Tubular Bells” vibe to it. I chose Bam to sing on it because he actually owed me a favor. I sang at his wedding in Iceland last year so I thought I would return the favor. He went in to the studio with a producer in Philadelphia and his parts sound really great. The song has these kind of call and response portions to it. Bam sounds a lot like Pete Steele. It’s a very interesting and powerful track.

AL: Can you tell us about the upcoming video for the song “Even Your Blood Group Rejects Me”?
DF: The video is black and white with a splash of red every now and then. We worked with a photographer/video director named Scott Hunter. The video has a very cool fashion shoot vibe to it. It looks very contemporary and fresh. There is a lot of performance based elements that look really great. The way everything came together makes it one of those videos you have to watch a couple times just to be able to see everything.

AL: What type of tour plans do you have in place thus far?
DF: Cradle of Filth is heading out on the road prior to heading in to the studio in December. We will be in Russia for about a month then I have a few days off before hitting the road with Devilment. We will be out supporting Motionless in White and Lacuna Coil. That’s going to be a fresh experience for me being that we are not the headlining act. It’s going to be a big tour. This is Motionless in Whites first time in Europe.

AL: You just did a track with Motionless in White for their new album correct?
DF: Yes. That was actually unrelated and happened prior to the tour being announced. I suppose it garnered some favor. The song is called “Puppets 3” and it’s quite brutal. I was quite surprised because I knew of Motionless however I hadn’t really heard them. When I heard the track I thought it was a cross between early Cradle and At the Gates.

AL: Do you find it hard balancing your two groups due to them being quite different from one another?
DF: At the moment yes. The time factor has made things a bit tricky as we will be heading to Russia with Cradle, then I go out with Devilment and then come back to work with Cradle in the studio. There’s a lot of hard work ahead. Nuclear Blast has done a great job keeping me busy with press for Devilment it’s really great. It’s a bit hectic but it’s better than sitting around being bored.

Blu-ray Review “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”

Actors: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott
Director: Ben Stiller
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 15, 2014
Run Time: 115 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” was released last holiday season and basically lost in a sea of films. The film boasts an incredible cast. Ben Stiller is fun yet also inspiring in this film, also takes on director duty as well. I love his more dramatic work. Kristen Wiig is also growing on me quite a bit recently. When you watch this film you are just blown away by the shooting locations. When you find out that this costed $90+ million you easily understand why. For those people that are daydreamers wishing for an adventure daily, this is a great film to check out. It may not be for everyone since it isn’t your typical film but I really enjoyed it and I have a feeling this is going to have a life after theaters.

Official Premise: With sweeping cinematography and stellar performances “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, tells the story of a timid magazine photo manager who lives life vicariously through daydreams and when a negative goes missing must embark on an incredible true-life adventure. With stand-out performances from Ben Stiller (“Night At The Museum”, “Meet The Parents”), Kristen Wiig (“Saturday Night Live”, “Bridesmaids”), Adam Scott (“Parks and Recreation”) and Shirley MacLaine (“Wild Oats”).

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is released as a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD Ultraviolet copy. The 1080p transfer on this film is absolutely stunning. They really shot this in some amazing locations and it really transfer well to Blu-ray (though I am sure it was more beautiful in theaters). The DTS-HD-MA 7.1 is a nice surprise as well and really adds a lot to the film’s experience. Between the action and the score, I was in love with this track. Also included inside this combo pack is a special gift of a Shutterfly 20-page 8×8 hardcover photo book which is valued at $29.99. Honestly, love the movie or hate it but if you can pick this up cheap at Target or Amazon, it is worth the purchase alone.

In the special features section, there is a nice in-depth look on the behind-the-scenes of the film. It is split up into nine different sections including a look into the following “The History of Walter Mitty”; “The Look of Life”; “That’s A Shark” (my favorite); “The Music of Walter Mitty”; “Icelandic Adventure”; “Nordic Casting”; “Titles of Walter Mitty”; “Sights and Sounds of Production” and “Pre-Viz”. There is also a collection of five deleted scenes, two extended scenes and two alternate scenes. For photo buffs there is an amazing Reference Photography Gallery included. Then wrapping up the extras is an Music Video for “Stay Alive” by José González and a Theatrical Trailer.

Enter to Win “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” on Blu-ray [ENDED]

To celebrate the release of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” on Blu-ray, Media Mikes is excited to giveaway one (1) copy of the film on Blu-ray. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of this prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite Ben Stiller film. This giveaway will remain open until April 25th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

With sweeping cinematography and stellar performances “THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY”, tells the story of a timid magazine photo manager who lives life vicariously through daydreams and when a negative goes missing must embark on an incredible true-life adventure.

With stand-out performances from Ben Stiller (*Night At The Museum, Meet The Parents) *Golden Globe** and six-time Emmy Award*** nominated actress Kristen Wiig (*Saturday Night Live, Bridesmaids, How To Train Your Dragon*), Adam Scott (*Step Brothers*) and Shirley MacLaine (*Wild Oats*), the THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY Blu-ray and DVD is loaded with more than an hour of behind-the-scenes special features, including deleted, extended and alternative scenes, featurettes that dive into filming in Iceland and Walter Mitty history, a gallery of exclusive reference photography, and music video “Stay Alive” by José González, and more.

Film Review “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”

Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, and Shirley MacLaine
Directed By: Ben Stiller
Rated: PG
Running Time: 114 minutes
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Walter Mitty (Stiller) has lived a dry life. His dating profile is barren. Not because he’s shy, but because he draws a blank when asked if he’s ever gone anywhere or done anything exciting. Ironically he is a long time photo department employee for the magazine “Life”. He’s lived a longer and more fulfilling life in his head. As his sister says, he zones out and begins to image a complex fantasy sprawl out in front while blocking out the real world. He sees himself as a true hero, constantly in the throes of battle or immersing himself in a wild adventure. Instead he’s spent years developing the photos of world traveler Sean O’Connel (Sean Penn) in the basement of the “Life” building.

Today he learns that “Life” has been acquired and will become an all online magazine. The company has brought in a new smug boss, Ted (Adam Scott). He’s a hot shot who’s clueless about how the company is run. Ted says the magazine’s final publication will feature an image that Sean has deemed as the quintessence of life. What is that image? Don’t know. Mitty has lost the negative and is quietly scrambling to find it. The beginning may not sound exciting, but the tapestry that is Walter’s imagination, is a saving grace. He saves animals from exploding buildings and in a light hearted moment, skews Benjamin Button.

His love interest in the movie, Cheryl (Wiig), seems to be the driving factor behind Walter’s sudden change of direction. Instead of accepting defeat, he pushes himself to globe trot in order to find Sean and ask what his final negative was. The film does begin to lose a major component of storytelling when Walter’s vivid imagination begins to phase out as he begins to encounter his own fanciful situations. How many people can say they’ve fought a shark in the water or sped away from a volcanic cloud of ash? As neat as though actual adventures are, I’d much rather watch Walter surf on gravel and duel Ted over a Stretch Armstrong.

Give ample credit to Ben Stiller for painting such a beautiful world for Walter, real and fake. Behind the camera, Stiller is smart enough to let the beautiful countryside of Iceland speak for itself in multiple scenes, but fails to give Walter a big enough playground even in the realm of his own visions. In front of the camera, Stiller puts his usual movie goofyness aside and plays the humble Walter well. Kristen Wiig is equally charming in her role as a single mom willing to let Walter into her life. One of my favorite parts of this movie is the fantastic indie soundtrack. The music meshes well when used as a simple bed for the scene to nestle on or when it overtakes the sound of everything.

Walter’s a likable guy and he’s very relatable since we’ve all had our fair share of daydreams. Who doesn’t wanna show up their boss in front of their co-workers? It’s easy to become disinterested and tired of the story as it stumbles beneath it’s frantic feet, but if your hearts in the right place, you’ll have a smile on your face as you exit the theater.

 

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