Reviews Archives - Page 2 of 26 - Ringside Report & Wrestling Uncensored

Bret Hitman Hart Dungeon Collection DVD review

March 13, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart, one of the greatest Canadian icons of all-time, is back on home video with a brand new DVD collection featuring rare moments in his career even for diehard fans.

Bret Hitman Hart The Dungeon Collection is a near seven-hour journey with interviews by Hart and matches he hand-picked. Starting back from his days in Calgary to his WWE career and ending with two matches from his run with World Championship Wrestling, Hart took his time deciding what he wanted to showcase delivering a product he knew fans would want to see.

A few of the matches are so rare that the VHS tracking issues are still noticable. Hart’s bouts with Andre The Giant and Buzz Sawyer are not the best video quality, but the matches are so intriguing that it’s worth watching anyways. Sawyer and Hart have a very aggressive realistic wrestling fight and to see Hart battle Andre when Andre was near the end of his career felt like it was one of the last requested matches Andre wanted. This is not to say that all matches on this listing were not shown before as Hart’s matches with The Patriot, Jean-Pierre Lafitte and Diesel were all on WWE pay-per-view years ago. However, all the matches are still unique as they were either the only major encounter Hart had with the men or in the case of Diesel special because of the circumstances surrounding the match, with the IC champ challenging the WWE Champion with Shawn Michaels and Jim The Anvil at ringside.

The stories Hart tells are also worth picking the set up as Hart gives his candid thoughts on Dynamite Kid and the impact Dynamite had on Hart. Hart talks about his memories with The Islanders, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, his brother Owen, and many more. If you’re a fan of Bret Hart this is clearly a must get.

Bret Hitman Hart

Rated PG

eOne Films

Run time of 540 minutes

Released on Mar. 5, 2013

Filed Under: DVD, Reviews

Stratusphere Yoga For Men DVD review

March 11, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

Toronto Blue Jays legend Joe Carter is in a battle of the sexes against fitness guru Trish Stratus as they combat in a yoga war on the new Stratusphere Yoga For Men DVD.

The former record-setting 7-time World Wrestling Entertainment Women’s Champion has convinced the former five-time Major League Baseball all-star to take the challenge of her new 25-minute yoga workout. Although Carter, being an athlete and someone who never did yoga prior to meeting Stratus, believes he is going to be able to keep up with Stratus quite easily, “piece of cake.”

Carter doesn’t hit any home runs with his performance, just surviving is a struggle.

Albeit shorter than her first DVD release, Stratus has created an intense program that gets all the muscles in your body working. Poses such as the Lunging Warrior, where you take a lunge like a runner and then lift your hands up to the sky in a prayer for a few seconds, creates a burning sensation that has to be repeated several times on both your left and right legs. For Carter and the viewer of this fitness DVD, Stratus carefully explains each position and how to properly execute them.

Due to the male target audience, Stratus has incoporated more push-ups and a varation of squats to this session. She has focused more on strength and conditioning instead of featuring poses that guys would feel awkward in. Although trying the Flamingo pose for the first time is very difficult and can take several attempts to not only get into the right position but to fully execute one rep.

Given the hotel room setting, the use of a couch for parts of the workout, this was designed to show that even if you’re travelling or at home you can still get the most out of this regime. Stratus also took into consideration Carter’s inexperience and age so that even guys that have never done yoga before will not be frustrated by the level of diffculty, sore and blown up perhaps.

Unlike most instructional fitness DVDs this one has a story to it. The ongoing battle between Stratus and Carter adds a different element and enjoyment that is not seen on other yoga DVDs. The outtakes section is another rare find that is not seen on most and gives you a whole new outlook and appreciation for Stratus and her entire crew. Not since DDP Yoga has there been a funnier yoga DVD. DDP Yoga fans will not find anything radically different from their routines, but it’s another top quality one they can add for a change of pace.

As with any fitness DVD it is strongly recommended to consult with a doctor or fitness expert before starting an exercise program.

Stratusphere Yoga for Men

http://trishstratus.com/shop/dvds/

Filed Under: DVD, Reviews, Uncategorized

Oz: The Great and Powerful movie review

March 9, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

Before Dorothy landed in Oz killing a wicked witch, before Scarcecrow, Tinman, and Crowdly Lion became memorable figures in movie history, The Wizard of Oz came from Kansas first bringing trickery, greed, and hope in Sam Raimi’s Oz: The Great and Powerful.

James Franco stars as the magician known as Oz, a man from a poor background that did not want to be like his father, a good man. Oz wants to be a great man, and he believes by doing so he must use his hocus pocus magic that at times can wow audiences, however the gate he is drawing at a carnival is far from impressive.

Cue in the hurricane taking to him out of the back and white Kansas and into the 3D colourfilled world of Oz. Immediately after his crash landing, Oz meets the gorgeous Theodora (Mila Kunis), a witch, albeit a good one. She quickly believes Oz is the magician that has been foretolden by a prophecy who will save the kingdom from the Wicked Witch (Michelle Williams). Oz using his charm and ‘magic’ not only has convinced her of being a hero, but that he is the man she is destined to marry. While Oz enjoyed seducing her, a future with her was not his plan.

After meeting Theodora’s sister Evanora (Rachel Weiz) Oz discovers he will gain unbelievable wealth and the throne to Oz if he can kill the Wicked Witch. Despite doubt himself to be the chosen saviour, Oz’s desire to be a great man forces him into the dark woods. Along the way Oz collects companions, much like Dorothy did on her walk down the yellow brick road.

The visuals in the film are truly spectacular. The magical world of Oz has come to life like never before, and at the same time stays true to the original tale. The dedication and effort put in by Raimi pays off as the Emerald City, the munchkins, and the winged monkey army of the Wicked Witch, all are fantastic views.

Highly recommended for families, couples, and for fans that grew up idolizing the original flick. Although it is rated PG there is quite bit of violence and sexual innuedos, giving this edition a bit more of a mature feel compared to the classic.

Filed Under: Film, Reviews, Uncategorized

WWE: Royal Rumble 2013 DVD review

March 6, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

The most electrifying man in sports entertainment, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, made a triumphant return at this year’s Royal Rumble event defeating the 434 reigning WWE Champion CM Punk.

Relive the near 30-minute encounter that has been building for months with the DVD release of the annual January pay-per-view. Rock clearly showed that it was difficult for him to compete again WWE as his cardiovascular conditioning was highly questionable. Due to his Hercules-like shape, Rock is clearly blown up a lot quicker than he was 10 years ago. Punk took advantage of this by controlling the majority of the match. However, the will not die attitude of Rock kept in it and he looked like he was about to win with a People’s Elbow.

Then the lights suddenly went out.

Rock was left laying through the announcer’s table, believed to be another attack from The Shield. Vince McMahon got involved and was going to strip Punk of the championship, but Rock said, “you’re not going to take the title away from him, I am.” With that the match was started and Rock ended Punk’s incredible run as the road to WrestleMania started.

Rock’s opponent for WrestleMania 29 was also set as John Cena won his second Royal Rumble throwing out the rookie of the year in Ryback at the end of the match. Despite Cena’s win that was not the most shocking moment. Chris Jericho making his return to WWE as the no. 2 entrant in the Rumble took the entire wrestling world by surprise. Jericho, sporting new tattoos, had the crowd rooting for him nearly the entire match. After finishing second last year in the Rumble, Jericho was among the final participants, but sadly did not improve on his past performance.

The show starts off with the World Heavyweight Championship match as Big Show challenges Alberto Del Rio. After Del Rio stunned the world by defeating Show on Smackdown in the same match, not many believed Del Rio could do it again. Seeing is believing, and although Del Rio got help from his personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez, the match does not have DQs and Ricardo using duct tape on Big Show is completely legal.

Every year the Rumble match is the main attraction, but this year definitely Rock’s return to challenge for the WWE Title again was the biggest draw. Great buy for Rock fans, not so much for Punk fans.

WWE: Royal Rumble 2013

Rated PG

eOne Films

Run time of 180 minutes

Released on Mar. 5, 2013

Filed Under: DVD, Friday Night Smackdown, Pro Wrestling Uncensored, Reviews, WWE

Girls Against Boys movie review

February 24, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

Painful agony from a rejected love and the emotional scars from a violent rape pushes a girl over the edge in the movie Girls Against Boys as she goes on a vengeful killing spree.

Shae (Danielle Panabaker) is a lonely college student whom is told by her 35-year-old boyfriend that he is dumping her for his old family life. While weeping at her job, she stumbles into Lou (Nicole Laliberte). who starts off the flick seducing a police officer, cuffing him to a bed, and later shooting his genitals causing him to bleed to death.

Lou takes Shae out for a night to party away Shae’s misery. Unfortunately, Shae’s troubles continue as she meets a guy that does not accept Shae turning him away at her door. Despite attempting to escape, Shae is assaulted and receives little to no help from the male officer until Lou steps in. Lou helps Shae get revenge on all the men that wronged her by stealing a gun and shooting many of them.

After hunting down Shae’s attacker and brutally murdering him, they go after Shae’s ex-boyfriend, which causes her to doubt the revenge plan and why Lou is completely remorseless in every killing. There’s no elaborate back-story or terrible family memories, it’s all about the thrill and the rush that comes with tricking and finally ending a man’s life.

In a last attempt to move on with her life, Shae starts to see a new guy Tyler (Liam Aiken) who in a quick montage bonds with Shae like no one else before. However, this angers Lou who wants Shae to herself, resulting in a bloody end.

It’s very difficult to believe these two girls can kill so many people including a police officer and there is no investigation or fear of getting caught whatsoever. The soundtrack features timely and creepy songs that help build the insane character Lou is and the growing insanity of Shae. The commentary of director/writer Austin Chick and Panabaker gives a better understanding of the characters.

This is more of a drama than a horror flick, although the death scenes are extremely gruesome at times. Recommended for those that like to see women kill men with no legal consequences.

Girls Against Boys

Rated R

Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada

Directed and written by Austin Chick

Run time of 93 minutes

Releases on Feb. 26, 2013

Filed Under: DVD, Film, Reviews

UFC: Forrest Griffin The Ultimate Fighter DVD review

February 19, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

Forrest Griffin sucked at school, got beat up by bullies, didn’t grow up with his real dad, but fought through the obstacles to become a mixed martial arts star winning the first UFC Ultimate Fighter crown.

In Forrest Griffin: The Ultimate Fighter DVD, Griffin takes you back before he started in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He starts off with his move to Georgia as a kid, his high school football days headbutting his helmeted teammates with no helmet, his attempt at becoming a nurse, and his brief stint as a cop. Griffin, along with family and friends providing commentary, explain the type of person he was, unable to sit still and full of energy. Griffin found good use to that excessive life when he first watched Randy Couture battle Vitor Belfort in the UFC.

Immediately hooked to the sport, Griffin began training and went right into tough competition against Dan Severn. Mocking Severn on being a porn star only made Griffin’s beating worse. However, Griffin proved his skill and toughness that the UFC decided to select Griffin as one of the participants for the first ever UFC reality show.

Millions of dollars were invested by the UFC in an attempt to catching on to the mainstream audience. Failure would spell the end of the UFC. “Do you want to be a f#cking fighter?!” was a memorable powerful quote UFC president Dana White delivered that season. Griffin, along with Stephen Bonnar, created one of the most talked about, important, watched fights that allowed the UFC to grow into the fastest rising sport. Griffin, Bonnar, and White all give their take on the finale fight, giving fans a new perspective on a historic battle.

The documentary continues on documenting the pressure Griffin went under as The Ultimate Fighter, scoring convincing wins, until he made a step up in competition against Tito Ortiz where he lost via a questionable decision. It was the start of a feud that became a major part of Griffin’s career. Despite big losses, Griffin came back and won fights that he was the underdog against Shogun Rua and former UFC Lightheavyweight champion Rampage Jackson. Defeating Jackson for the title, was the fulfillment of all the sacrifices and making a living off of fighting.

Winning two straight fights against Ortiz, getting yelled at by his boss for leaving the cage after a fight, how he became a two-time best-selling author, harassing a woman until she gave him a chance and eventually became his wife, you get more than just Griffin’s career you get his personal life as well. To hardcore MMA fans this will feel like a trip down memory lane, for new fans it gives a greater appreciation for the contributions Griffin gave to the MMA world. This DVD set also includes his biggest wins, hours of bonus material including a sitdown interview with Bonnar. Whether you like Griffin or not, this is a fantastic release by UFC that is highly enjoyable.

UFC: Forrest Griffin The Ultimate Fighter

Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada

Run time 265 minutes

Released on Dec. 18, 2012

Filed Under: DVD, MMA, Reviews, UFC, Ultimate Fighter, Uncategorized

A Good Day To Die Hard review

February 15, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

Bodies, bullets, cars, buildings, and tons and tons of blood are flying all over Mother Russia in what you’d expect from Bruce Willis in A Good Day To Die Hard.

Willis (John McClane) “is on vacation” in the fifth installment of the classic action series as he travels to Moscow to find his estranged son Jack (Jai Courtney). Jack is awaiting trial for his involvment with former tyrant Yuri Komarov (Sebastian Koch). After the courthouse is attacked, Jack and Komarov are able to escape, expect from the eldest McClane. Following a long explosive car chase, the McClanes are forced to put their differences aside as they must team up in order to avoid Russian hitman trying to find Komarov’s hidden file.

Quite a bit of character development and setting up the plot of the film takes up the first 20 minutes, but after that you get blasted with exciting action scenes that live up to the Die Hard name. Regardless of Willis’ age he shows no sign of slowing down as he continues to deliver incredible stunts and a mean physical presence when needed. The humour is also intact as he teaches his son a few tricks along the way.

Compared to the last Die Hard, this one comes up short. Gone are the brilliant performances given by Justin Long and Kevin Smith and the wit that Smith provided with his rewrites. The R rating does allow for Willis’ catchphrase to be completely heard this time around.

Die Hard 5 is a straightforward new venture into foreign land for McClane where he gets a bit more help with his son being a great CIA operative. Their problems do not dwell deeper than the fact that John was always working. It’s a feud that can easily be resolved with a number of life saving moments.

For action lovers this delivers the Die Hard experience as the action alone is worth going to see this. Don’t expect to see the best Die Hard or the best Willis ever. The quality is the insane scenarios the McClanes have to somehow battle out of.

A Good Day to Die Hard

Rated R

20th Century Fox

Directed by John Moore

Run time of 97 minutes

In theatres now

Filed Under: Film, Reviews, Uncategorized

WWE: The Best of WCW Monday Nitro Vol. 2 DVD review

February 13, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

WCW Monday Night Nitro last aired in 2001, but the action, drama and characters live on again as popular demand has created The Best of Monday Nitro Vol. 2 with must-see new segments with host Diamond Dallas Page.

The former king of professional wrestling, World Championship Wrestling was the alternative wrestling brand to World Wrestling Entertainment. Nitro gave wrestling fans an option to watch two wrestling shows on Monday night starting in 1995. The second DVD volume restarts with a match that ended the first volume, Sting VS. Ric Flair, this time from the first Nitro.

DDP, along with plugging his yoga, delivers an emotional speech on the late Macho Man Randy Savage, his history with the late Bam Bam Bigelow, and a funny story on Bill Goldberg and Stacy Keibler. This set also revisits some of DDP’s biggest matches of his career, battling Sting, Chris Jericho, Perry Saturn and Jeff Jarrett.

While the first volume was heavy on historic moments, this set features a wider variety of wrestlers, more great cruiserweight action, and the beginning of Goldberg’s rise to fame. Raven, Vampiro, Hugh Morrus, Public Enemy, Silver King, and others are showcased this time around, giving you a better appreciation for the vast amount of stars WCW had at one point. Rey Mysterio VS. Juventud Guerrera for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship, Raven VS. Goldberg for the WCW United States Championship, and Public Enemy against The Steiner Brothers for the WCW Tag Team Championships are a few big title matches featured.

For fans that enjoy a trip down memory lane, there is a lot of revisiting through the near seven years Nitro existed. New fans get to experience a completely different product than what WWE gives out each week. If you’re a fan of the first release, this one is a fantastic follow-up.

WWE: The Best of WCW Monday Nitro Vol. 2

Rated PG

eOne Films

Run time of approx. 7 hours

Released today

DISC 1
WWE Best of WCW Nitro Vol 2 DVD
WCW United States Championship
Match
Sting vs. Ric Flair
4th September, 1995

Madusa trashed the
WWE Women’s Championship
18th December, 1995

Trashing the
Gold

Hulk Hogan vs. Arn Anderson
12th February, 1996

Steiner
Brothers vs. Road Warriors
11th March,
1996

Cruiserweights

Jushin “Thunder” Liger vs. Dean Malenko
6th
May, 1996

WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match
Rey Mysterio vs.
Juventud Guerrera
16th September, 1996

Rookie of the Year

Eric
Bischoff’s Biggest Regret
30th September, 1996

WCW United States
Championship Tournament Quarter Finals Match
Diamond Dallas Page vs. Jeff
Jarrett
9th December, 1996

The Lone Wolf

Kevin Nash patches up
potholes
21st April, 1997

Hollywood Hogan makes Sting worship
him
26th May, 1997

Through the Crowd

Ric Flair vs. Scott
Hall
2nd June, 1997

DISC 2

Celebrities

Hollywood Hogan
& Dennis Rodman call out Lex Luger & The Giant
16th June,
1997

Rey Mysterio vs. Kevin Nash
30th June, 1997

La Parka vs.
Randy Savage
7th July, 1997

Goldberg vs. Hugh Morrus
22nd
September, 1997

Homegrown

Booker T vs. Jeff Jarrett
6th
October, 1997

Street Fight for the WCW World Tag Team
Championship
Steiner Brothers vs. Public Enemy
3rd November,
1997

NWO sings “O Canada”
10th November, 1997

Booker T vs.
“Macho Man” Randy Savage
15th December, 1997

Remembering Macho
Man

Rey Mysterio, Juventud Guerrera & Hector Garza vs. Psicosis,
Silver King & La Parka
22nd December, 1997

WCW United States
Championship Match
Diamond Dallas Page vs. Chris Jericho
5th January,
1998

Spring Breakout

Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash & Scott Hall
vs. Sting, “Macho Man” Randy Savage & The Giant
9th March,
1998

WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match
Sting vs. Diamond Dallas
Page
23rd March, 1998

Raven’s Rules Match for the WCW United States
Championship
Raven vs. Goldberg
20th April, 1998

Birth of the
Wolfpac
4th May, 1998

DISC 3

NWO Divided

Kevin Nash
& Lex Luger vs. Hollywood Hogan & The Giant
1st June,
1998

Chris Jericho meets the real Goldberg
28th September,
1998

Nitro Parties

Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero
21st
December, 1998

Ladder Match for the Taser
Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Scott
Hall
25th January, 1999

WCW United States Championship Match
Bret
“Hit Man” Hart vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper
8th February, 1999

Jersey
Boys

WCW World Tag Team Championship Match
Perry Saturn & Kaynon
vs. Diamond Dallas Page & Bam Bam Bigelow
31st May, 1999

WCW World
Heavyweight Championship Match
“Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Hollywood
Hogan
12th July, 1999

Nitro Girls

WCW World Tag Team
Championship Match
Kevin Nash & Scott Hall vs. Goldberg & Bret “Hit
Man” Hart
13th December, 1999

House of Pain Match
Sting vs.
Vampiro
15th May, 2000

Shane Helms vs. Shannon Moore
26th February,
2001

WCW United States & World Heavyweight Championship
Match
Booker T vs. Scott Steiner
26th March, 2001

A Celebration of Nitro

Filed Under: DVD, Pro Wrestling Uncensored, Reviews, WWE

Identity Thief movie review

February 8, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

Sandy Patterson’s life was stolen, desperately he attempts to save his career, family and criminal record as he tries to find a violent cunning woman in the new comedy movie, Identity Thief.

Patterson (Jason Bateman) an underappreciated businessman was in the process of starting a new higher paying job when suddenly he realizes something is terribly wrong. One of his credit cards is declined and cut up right in front of him. Moments later his situation gets worse as he is arrested for an incident that occurred in Florida. The mugshot reveals the true criminal, but the police in Denver will not go get her. With Sandy’s bad credit rating it causes a lot of friction with his boss, whom suggests that Sandy might have to be fired. Sandy decides he will go to Florida and bring the thief to the police and confess to her boss.

Problem is when Sandy finds the woman Diana (Melissa McCarthy) she punches him in the throat, steals his car and rams the car into a stunned Sandy. Following another brawl between the two, Sandy is able to convince Diana to come to Denver by giving her a half-truth story about confessing only to his boss. However, another roadblock comes up as Diana has two sets of bounty hunters after her for credit fraud, Marisol (Genesis Rodriguez), Julian (T.I.P.) and Skiptracer (Robert Patrick).

Fans of the TV show Arrested Development will find a lot humour in the interactions between Sandy and Diana. You get the dry humour with Sandy and the off-the-wall never know what to expect chaos with Diana. From a weird three-way sexual encounter to a number of thrilling car chases, this movie definitely delivers a lot of bizarre yet exciting moments. Due to the number of villains and conflicts the flick does drag a bit, taking away from the excitement as it feels like the duo overcome far too much.

For those that want some deadpan Bateman as they wait for new Arrested Development, this watch is a good choice. McCarthy’s performance leaves one to wonder if she will star again in another leading role soon.

Identity Thief

Rated R

Directed by Seth Gordon

Run time of 112 minutes

In theatres today

Filed Under: Film, Reviews, Uncategorized

WWE: TLC – Tables, Ladders and Chairs 2012 DVD review

January 22, 2013 By Johnny North Leave a Comment

Send to Kindle

John Cena’s attempt to alter the World Title scene was thwarted by the unpredictable AJ Lee in a Ladder Match against Dolph Ziggler that capped off an exciting WWE: TLC 2012 event.

After an intense back and forth matchup, Cena seemed to have the victory after Vickie Guerrero was disposed of along with Ziggler. However, as Cena climbed the ladder to capture the Money In The Bank briefcase, AJ pushed him down, costing him his second Money In The Bank briefcase attempt of 2012. Everyone was left in shock on the last pay-per-view for WWE in 2012. Another shocking moment in the match saw Cena nail a frankensteiner on Ziggler through a table.

In one of the most hardcore matches in WWE last year saw Ryback team with Team Hell No against the new 3-man group known as The Shield. At Survivor Series 2012, The Shield cost Ryback the WWE Championship. With CM Punk unable to compete at TLC, Ryback got his chance for revenge against The Shield in a TLC match which had pinfalls and submissions as possible routes to victory. Punk does cut a promo on Ryback before the six-man match. From start to finish this was a brawl mainly dominated by The Shield, but a late comeback by Ryback gave them a scare. Brutal chair shots, shots with a ladder, and a major crash through a table is just a few of many great highlights in this match.

In a tables match to determine the no.1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Titles Team Rhode Scholars battled Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. Due to an injury Cara able to suffered during the match this might have been one of the last tag match the luchadors ever compete together in. Despite having difficulty running around Cara gutted it out and looked as if he was going to win the match for his team, until he took a spectacular fall from the top rope to the outside. Five other matches completed the card along with a home video exclusive with Dolph Ziggler.

If you missed TLC 2012 it’s well-worth the buy.

WWE: TLC – Tables, Ladders and Chairs 2012

Rated PG

eOne Films

Released today

Run time of 180 minutes

Filed Under: DVD, Reviews, Wrestling Uncensored Podcast, WWE