Lone Survivor | Geekscape

Geekscape 396: Causing A Massive Disruption With Adi Shankar

by JonathanJanuary 26, 2016

Adi Shankar is a multiple threat creative: an actor, director, writer and producer whose work includes films like ‘The Grey’, ‘Dredd’, ‘Lone Survivor’ and more. But in Geek circles, he may be best known for his ‘Bootleg’ series of fan films, bold interpretations of beloved characters like James Bond, The Punisher, Venom, Power Rangers and more! This week, we’ve got him on Geekscape to talk about the Bootleg series and how he almost quit Hollywood. We also talk some Royal Rumble and Adi side-steps and counters my questions about ‘The Grey’s ending like a pro! Enjoy!

Subscribe to Geekscape on Soundcloud!

Subscribe to the Geekscape podcast on iTunes!

Subscribe to Geekscape TV on YouTube!

In Case You Missed It – June 2014

by MCDaveJune 22, 2014

As we cross over from the Spring to Summer season, we’re given a stellar crop of DVD releases this month. Normally, once May rolls around, no distribution company is looking to compete for money with the big blockbusters that arrive in theatres every weekend. However, this June we’re given some fine titles to choose from, including my number one choice from 2013’s Top Ten Films.

#1. Lone Survivor

As a college instructor and a movie critic, people who know me are aware that I’m far from an “easy A”. While many moviegoers and cinephiles labeled 2013 as an amazing year for movies, I’ll agree that there were an enormous amount of strong titles, but very few moved me and stirred my passion. Enter the late-year release, Lone Survivor, from director Peter Berg. Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster and Emile Hirsch star as members of a Navy Seal team sent into the mountains of Afghanistan on a mission to kill a high ranking Taliban leader. While doing their reconnaissance work the mission becomes compromised and the choices the soldiers make will effect whether they live or die, in this retelling of the true story behind Operation Red Wings. Lone Survivor is more than just a shoot-em-up war movie, it tells a truly amazing story that goes well beyond the battlefields. You definitely shouldn’t pass up on 2013’s most inspiring film. (June 3rd)

#2. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Although I’ve never been a huge outspoken fan of Wes Anderson’s earlier works such as Rushmore or Life Aquatic, the director has certainly elevated his game in recent years. With 2012’s indie success, Moonrise Kingdom, making a firm impression on his career, Anderson’s newest feature nearly matches the effort. Leading man Ralph Fiennes puts on his finest acting display in over 15 years with this light-hearted and wacky role. The film’s star is both charismatic and enchanting in his portrayal of the oddball concierge Gustave H. And in an expected trademark move by Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel boasts an extensive list of actors and actresses in varying roles such as Jude Law, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Bill Murray, Edward Norton and Tilda Swinton (just to name a few). However, no matter how fun it always is to spot these stars in random scenes, Fiennes is the glue that holds it all together. On the shoulders of a top flight lead performance and another fabulously written screenplay by Wes Anderson himself, The Grand Budapest Hotel makes for an entertaining source of laughs and intrigue.

#3. Alan Partrigde

Although actor/writer Steve Coogan broke onto the scene in a big way throughout 2013, thanks to his writing and supporting turn in the Best Picture Nominee, Philomena, the comedy performer’s return to a regularly assumed role as radio host, Alan Partridge, generated laughter world-wide. Named for its title character, Alan Partridge finally made its way to the states in late February. However, I had the pleasure of catching this little British comedy gem at the Philadelphia Film Festival back in October. Partridge stars as a egotistical disc jockey who learns that new management is coming to the radio station and planning to make some changes. Rather than risk his own job, Partridge desperately lobbies for upper management to terminate his colleague, Pat Farrell. The higher-ups follow Partridge’s suggestion and a disgruntled Farrell takes matters into his own hands by holding the entire radio station at gunpoint. Leaving only the dim-witted Partridge to save the day. Alan Partridge is an “out-there” British comedy filled with plenty of humor and outlandishness. If you have a sweet tooth for such films, it’s worth giving Alan Partridge a try. (June 10th)

Honorable Mention: My secondary choices are mostly filled with titles I haven’t seen myself, but ones that I’ve heard mixed-reviews about from friends of mine. The Robocop reboot (6/3) finds its way to DVD this month as well as other action titles such as Non-Stop (6/10) starring Liam Neeson and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (6/10) starring Chris Pine. The raved about family film The Lego Movie (6/17) also arrives this month, as well as the festival darling Joe (6/17) starring Nicolas Cage and Tye Sheridan. Fans of premium channel shows may also want to check out Showtime’s Ray Donovan (6/10) and HBO’s True Detective (6/10) which are both new to DVD this month as well.

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Lone Survivor

by MCDaveJanuary 10, 2014

Imagine this … you’re walking down a dark and desolate road when you’re approached by a stranger wielding a gun. How would you feel? Scared? Uncomfortable? Just the sight of such a deadly weapon would make almost anyone feel these types of emotions. Now, imagine the amount of fear our brave young soldiers must feel on a daily basis serving overseas in dangerous countries like Afghanistan, fighting against armed militants who don’t abide by the typical rules of war. Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor is for them. The strong men and women who protect our right to kiss our family goodnight and sleep safely in our beds. Perhaps no film has ever made me feel as proud and thankful for each and every member of our armed services. You are all heroes.

Lone Survivor tells the remarkable true story of a botched 2005 mission where four brave members of SEAL Team 10 found themselves under siege by an army of Taliban soldiers. Thankfully, someone lived to recount their harrowing tale of heroism and brotherhood. One that cuts right through the skin and penetrates straight to the center of your heart, where it belongs.

This isn’t Peter Berg’s first go-around with a middle east centered war film. The director already has 2007’s solid effort, The Kingdom, nestled away in his back pocket. However, his newest release, Lone Survivor, reaches insurmountable heights with an inarguably strong showing from its action-loving director and a relentless true story that goes far beyond anything you’d ever imagine. In a packed afternoon showing you couldn’t even hear the person next to you breathing, because chances are they weren’t. The feature’s intensity is numbing, almost paralytic. You don’t just watch these four soldiers combat against an army of dedicated religious fanatics, you experience it. Berg puts you in the center of the action, so much so that you feel every cut and you suffer with every gunshot wound. It’s mesmerizing and something you can only understand by witnessing first-hand.

Another impressive quality to the film is how expansive the story actually becomes. The most interesting facets of this real-life account exceed beyond what you’ll find in any trailer. There are moments of compassion and sympathy that play out in such a beautiful and earnest sequence. In addition to an exquisite story, Lone Survivor benefits from gutsy and respectful performances from all of its four main stars, Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Taylor Kitsch and Emile Hirsch. Without question, there’s pressure to taking on roles that hold as much important as these ones do. The entire cast does a dignified job of bringing them to life, and perhaps no one is better than the regularly overlooked Ben Foster. He’s just marvelous, and I’ll leave it at that. There’s plenty to appreciate across the board, making Lone Survivor my new top film of 2013.

Okay, I’ll finally stop with the outpouring of love and quickly address one of the few shortcomings surrounding the feature. For example, its title … completely unnecessary! My guess is most people are unaware of the story’s details going into a viewing, so why give away the ending right off the bat? There are some moments in the third act where Berg attempts to build some tension and anxiety, but they’re weakened by a predisposed knowledge garnered from the film’s title. Yet, we can easily look past this error in judgment and its effects on the progression of the movie to appreciate Lone Survivor for what it truly is, one of the most gripping and worthwhile true stories you’ll ever encounter.

GRADE: 5/5

Check out Movie Critic Dave’s Golden Globe Predictions and more HERE

Watch The First Trailer For Peter Berg’s ‘Lone Survivor’

by Derek KraneveldtJuly 31, 2013

Briefly: Universal Pictures today debuted the first trailer for Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor.

The film, based on the book Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 tells the story of a failed 2005 mission, where the team was set to capture and kill a prominent member of the Taliban.

The film spotlights a pretty stellar cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Ludwig, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Eric Bana, and plenty of others. Take a look at the film’s first trailer below, and let us know what you think! Lone Survivor hits theatres on December 27th!

‘Lone Survivor’ is the true story of four Navy SEALs on an ill-fated covert mission to neutralize a high-level Taliban operative who are ambushed by enemy forces in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, and Eric Bana