Hugo
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Starring Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Chloë Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ray Winstone, Jude Law, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, Richard Griffiths
Paramount Pictures
Originally Released: November 23, 2011

With all the praise surrounding the immersive 3D experience of Hugo, I truthfully didn’t think I would enjoy watching the movie on the small screen in a streaming viewing experience. In fact, with the “kid’s movie” stigma attached to it, I’m fairly sure I wanted to dislike it.

But it is impossible to dislike a Martin Scorsese film.

Despite the deficiency of 3D immersion, Scorsese had my attention riveted from the very beginning of the movie. With several early sequences that embodies his trademark single-shot “how the hell did he film this” technique(s), connected with high standard acting from a stellar cast, Hugo stands well enough on its own without that 3D garbage, thank-you-very-much!

Actually, the coupling of Scorsese’s filming and direction techniques, with the excellent cast make this a superb movie experience. And when it comes to the cast, Scorsese most definitely has an eyeball for talent: Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Richard Griffiths, Jude Law, and more all favor the screen in Hugo, but it is Asa Butterfield‘s performance as the title character that tremendously grabs you.

The Geeks Of Doom Round Up continues with our 23rd episode. This week, Andy gives us the run-down of the upcoming movie, Jack The Giant Slayer, starring Nicholas Hoult, and directed by Bryan Singer. Later, Greg dives into the scene of the UK Thrash Metal movement, and with the release of the documentary A History Of A Time To Come directed by Josh Callis-Smith, we play "A Cautionary Tale" by metal legends Sabbat.

Later in the show, we take a look at the official synopsis of Star Trek Into Darkness, and speculate on who the villain may be that Benedict Cumberbatch is playing. We also take a look at the news surrounding Hugh Jackman being in talks for the upcoming film X-Men: Days of Future Past, where the worlds of First Class and the original X-Men movie collide.

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Exit Humanity
Netflix Streaming
DVD
Directed by John Geddes
Starring Brian Cox, Mark Gibson, Dee Wallace, Bill Moseley, Stephen McHattie, Jordan Hayes, Adam Seybold
Foresight Features and The Collective
Originally Released: September 18, 2011

So what does the zombie movie Exit Humanity have to do with my Thanksgiving celebration? Please endure (and indulge) me while I explain a little.

Several years ago, I found myself in a position where I was going to be alone for Thanksgiving. I decided rather than do nothing; I would create my own unique personal tradition for the November holiday: I would cook up some good quality Italian sausage in place of the stereotypical turkey, and watch some zombie movies.

This may not be traditional, but look at it this way: while you were putting up with Aunt Ethyl embarking on a diatribe about Obama being an Antichrist as she shovels bad stuffing into her pie-hole, I was escaping into a kick-ass zombie apocalypse set during the U.S. Civil War era.

That’s right: zombies through the Civil War era.

The Geeks Of Doom Round Up continues with our 22nd episode. This week, Andy gives us the run-down of the upcoming movie, Now You See Me, starring Jesse Eisenberg, and directed by Louis Letterier. Later, Andy brings on some touching music from Fiona Apple called "Paper Bag".

Later in the show, we follow up on the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy – with the news that Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg have been brought on board for scriptwriting and production duties.

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Memento
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior, Jorja Fox, Stephen Tobolowsky
Summit Entertainment
Originally Released: September 5, 2000

Christopher Nolan has a magnetic touch for filmmaking. His resultant products as director are always compelling viewing and – perhaps the more important aspect – make for incredible rewatchability. His movie, Memento, written by Nolan and based on a short story by his brother Jonathan Nolan, is no exception to this rule, and is conceivably one of the finest mystery and mindfuck movies ever made.

But where and how to start reviewing Memento…? I have lost count of the times I’ve watched this movie, but the convolutions throughout the plot make it exceptionally difficult to review without revealing key plot points, revelations, and, for lack of a better idiom, spoilers.

All I can really say at this point is that if you have not seen this movie before, cease reading right now and go and watch it. I mean it! Stop reading my drool here and get over to Netflix and watch the damn thing.

For those incredulous, read on, but be warned: there may be spoilers in these here waters…