Monthly Archives: June 2016

QUICK TAKE: Independence Day: Resurgence

Title: Independence Day: Resurgence | Rated: PG-13 | Runtime: 120 min | Theaters nationwide

There are certain movies that I’ll watch if they happen to be playing on TV. Independence Day is one of those, and I’ve caught it quite a number of times over the years. I haven’t seen it for a while since I don’t have cable, but I never had to try hard to remember its sheer entertainment value. However, that’s all I tended to remember about the movie – for a while, I only thought of it as great popcorn entertainment and nothing more. It was only when I recently watched the sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, that everything about Independence Day started coming back. In my nonchalant attitude towards that movie, I had forgotten just how well crafted it really is. Remembering that not only made me appreciate the 1996 film a helluva lot more, it also emphasized how much of an inferior movie its follow-up is. Hoping to cash in on ’90s nostalgia, this bland flick feels smaller than its predecessor in almost every way.

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Trade Review: Ibaka and the KD Question

Last night the Thunder traded Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Illyasova, and the 11^th Pick in the draft, Domantas Sabonis. While I was initially apprehensive of the Thunder shopping Ibaka, this trade helps provide the Thunder with more salary flexibility as Steven Adams looks prime for his raise, and it was clear that Ibaka was growing unhappy with his role. With the ability to walk next year, I think OKC ended up making the right decision and it surprises me that Orlando gave up so much for a guy they might be renting for a year. Continue reading →

Review: The Night Manager

If you missed it while it was airing on AMC I’d very quickly hop on Amazon and pay the $15 to purchase this six episode mini-series. With an incredible cast, a well-paced story, and beautiful backdrops, The Night Manager has been one of the more engaging television experiences I’ve had in quite some time. It has also further solidified my love for the magnificent Hugh Laurie and further strengthened Tom Hiddleston’s case for being one of the most talented actors currently on screen. MILD SPOILERS AHEAD. Continue reading →

THE HIGH-LOW REPORT: Finding Dory

Title: Finding Dory | Rated: PG | Runtime: 97 min | Theaters nationwide

Hello, faithful readers! Do we have a treat for you – today marks the debut of MediaBrewPub’s The High-Low Report!

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Netflix Nugget – Voltron Legendary Defender

A few weeks ago Dreamworks and Netflix released all eleven episodes of the inaugural season of Voltron: Legendary Defender. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I loved Voltron. It was less for the show itself and more for the cool toy from Japan as well as the concept of five smaller robots combining together to make one larger one. I detested the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers because I felt like Voltron was the original multi-piloted giant robot and it pissed me off that it had been so blatantly ripped off. Interestingly enough, both Voltron and the Power Rangers could technically be considered rip-offs of a far less popular Japanese show called Super Sentai. Now as an adult, I’m far less emotional about the issue but Voltron still holds a special spot in my heart. When I learned of this reboot, I was immediately drawn to the show. As per usual, SPOILERS AHEAD. Continue reading →

NBA Finals: It’s Over

LeBron’s joyful weeping made the Dubs loss less painful. A huge weight is lifted off this man’s shoulders.

That was a great finish. Unfortunately for me, the wrong team won. But both teams came out and for the first time in these Finals, we had a close game. I remember the moment I knew the Warriors just didn’t have it. When LeBron chased down Andre Iguodola’s lay-up, I texted a friend of mine, “that’s game.” The score was still tied but you could see the writing on the wall. A few minutes later, LeBron was crying on the floor, celebrating the Cavs’ first NBA championship. How did the Cavs take down the 73-9 juggernaut, here are what I think are key elements to the Cavs historic comeback: Continue reading →

NBA Finals: How LeBron Gained Control of the Finals

LeBron is amazing to watch. Even when he’s killing my team I can’t help but marvel at how good a basketball player he is. His shooting is better, his passes are on point, and his defense is intimidating. But it’s how smart he is, how aware, that sets him apart from his peers. Continue reading →

NBA Finals: Your Finals MVP is LeBron James

At this point in the NBA Finals, it should be obvious: LeBron James is the MVP. Steph Curry was the best player during the regular season but a locked-in LeBron James is still the most dominant force in the NBA. The Cavs have an uphill climb to win their first title but even if they come up short (but count a LeBron-led team out at your peril) LeBron should be declared the MVP. He should have been MVP last year and he should be even more so this year. Last year is said and done but let’s build the argument for this year: Continue reading →

REVIEW: Warcraft

Title: Warcraft | Rated: PG-13 | Runtime: 123 min | Theaters nationwide

Movie adaptations of video games must be cursed. Okay, I may be exaggerating, but there’s something to say about the genre when there isn’t a single film that critics, fans, and general audiences like. You can come up with so many reasons why this is the case: some are poorly made; some are made for fans; some bastardize the source material; some video games feel like movies in the first place; some video games aren’t meant to be made into movies because there’s nothing to adapt. The odds seem stacked against the genre, and yet, it pumps out films fairly regularly, with some being lost causes looking for easy cash, and others actually wanting to prove that there is hope in making such pictures. Warcraft belongs in the latter category, and while it’s up to the challenge of being a good film, it unfortunately falls short of its mark. The film is clearly a project from the heart that ultimately sinks under the weight of adapting its lore.

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NBA Finals: Thoughts from Game 5

The head was right, the heart was wrong. The Cavs, riding two of the most exhilarating Finals performances in NBA history from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, stole the game and the celebration from Oracle Arena last night. However, if I’m the Warriors, I don’t start panicking. They are still up 3-2 and have won convincingly in Cleveland as recently as last Friday. Also, as poorly as they played, they were still down only six points with an opportunity to win late in the fourth. Here are some observations from game 5 and what they mean for game 6. Continue reading →