Zack Snyder Releases Aquaman Footage

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March 1, 2017

Today is Zack Snyder’s birthday, but the filmmaker is hard at work putting the pieces together that are ‘Justice League.’

Snyder gave fans a birthday present when he released test footage of Aquaman swimming up to the throne of Atlantis. The person recording the footage with a cell phone makes the footage look like an episode of ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000.’ Poor Aquaman, the guy can’t catch a break.

What do you think of the test footage? Comment below.

Working on my birthday 🎉 pic.twitter.com/tLidlUrcyn

— Zack Snyder (@ZackSnyder) March 2, 2017

About ‘Justice League’

“In ‘Justice League’, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.”

The films stars Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, Willem Defoe as Vulko, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, Amber Heard as Mera, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.

‘Justice League’ hits theaters on November 17, 2017.

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‘Royal City’ Is A Powerful, Haunting, And Beautiful Must-Read Comic

By

Manuel Gomez

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Royal City #1
Written and Drawn by: Jeff Lemire
Published by: Image Comics

The past can sometimes be a ghost, haunting us; appearing in places unexpected and unwanted. It creeps and crawls, and it can take over a house, a family, and even a town. In Jeff Lemire’s latest comic book from Image, Royal City, the talented writer and artist tackles the dual themes of family and origin with a rawness and intensity that I have seldom seen in any medium. It’s a beautiful and poetic portrait of a family, and by extension, a town grappling with the passage of time and loss. And like all of Lemire’s early work (specifically Tales of Essex County), it is delicate in words and art, yet no less powerful in impact.

The story begins with simple and quite moments. An old man, restless and unable to sleep, rummages around at night. A writer drives back to his home town, anxious with deadlines and family reunions. A desperate woman takes a solitary gambit at a meeting in order to hopefully initiate change. A young man struggles with obvious depression, self-destruction, and addiction. All these people are tied together, by one singular event. They are family and they are all haunted by the past. Everyone suffers from lingering, emotional pain.

The narrative is bringing all this to a seemingly powerful confrontation, and the last page might even be making the hauntings very real and literal. Only time will tell on that. Either way, this family is being set up to confront their own demons.

The town of Royal City is also a character. A slow dying, hesitant to change industrial town in a modern world. There is an eeriness present that, although not as surreal, invokes the kind of feeling I would get watching Twin Peaks. It has that atmosphere and feeling.

Lemire’s art here is gorgeous. It looks like it was drawn with colored pencils, and has the feel of memory and the past. Everything is drawn in soft lines and muted colors. The art is the prefect compliment to the writing. It’s a reminder that although Lemire has of late been one of the medium’s most in-demand writers, he is a cartoonist of the highest caliber, and I wish he was drawing more.

Royal City, like all the best works of literature, stays with you and lingers long after you finish it. It other worlds, it haunts you, much like the characters you just read about. I don’t want to say this is not an easy read because as a piece of storytelling it’s perfect. But it’s not the kind of reading experience you toss aside and go onto the next item on your pull list. This title will give you pause. It will leave you moved. Royal City comes with the highest of recommendations. It needs to be read.

You can pick up Royal City directly from Image Comics or at your local comic shop.

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David Fincher’s New Netflix Series, ‘Mindhunter,’ Gets a Tantalizing New Teaser

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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March 1, 2017

David Fincher has made two of the greatest, most polar opposite serial killer films in the history of cinema. And his new Netflix series, Mindhunter, gives us the master back in that space.

The series is based on John Douglas’ book Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit, and if this first teaser is any indicator this could be pretty amazing. Check it out:

Here is the extended synopsis of the book to give you perhaps an idea of what the series will entail:

In chilling detail, the legendary Mindhunter takes us behind the scenes of some of his most gruesome, fascinating, and challenging cases—and into the darkest recesses of our worst nightmares.

During his twenty-five year career with the Investigative Support Unit, Special Agent John Douglas became a legendary figure in law enforcement, pursuing some of the most notorious and sadistic serial killers of our time: the man who hunted prostitutes for sport in the woods of Alaska, the Atlanta child murderer, and Seattle’s Green River killer, the case that nearly cost Douglas his life.

As the model for Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, Douglas has confronted, interviewed, and studied scores of serial killers and assassins, including Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Ed Gein, who dressed himself in his victims’ peeled skin. Using his uncanny ability to become both predator and prey, Douglas examines each crime scene, reliving both the killer’s and the victim’s actions in his mind, creating their profiles, describing their habits, and predicting their next moves.

Mindhunter will hit Netflix this October.

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Another LOST Actor In Contention For Marvel’s Inhumans Role

By

Jonathan Bruce

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March 1, 2017

Marvel’s Inhumans just might gain yet another LOST cast member, according to reports.

It’s not clear who this actor is, though. Anson Mount- who had a bit part on LOST- is already playing Black Bolt.

A former cast member is up for an Inhumans role, as per Meet The Movie Press.

Iwan Rheon is playing Maximus the Mad, and Anson Mount will play Black Bolt. There are five main roles still left to be cast. They are Medusa, Gorgon, Triton, Karnak and Crystal.

As an ensemble drama, LOST is known for its large cast. This includes actors such as Terry Quinn, Daniel Dae Kim, Josh Holloway, and Michael Emerson. Maggie Grace, Elizabeth Mitchell, Emilie de Ravin, and Yunjin Kim are some of the series’ actresses.

Since Mount and Rheon are cast, it remains to cast three male roles. Karnak, Gorgon, and Triton are still up for grabs. It is doubtful LOST star Matthew Fox is up for a part, because he’s not keen on filming another series.

Assuming Grace, Kim and Riva are in contention, they could be up for the role of Medusa. It would be unlikely they’re going for Crystal, because she is between 18 to 25.

Marvel’s Inhumans will debut in IMAX theatres on Labor Day. After the two-episode, big screen premiere, the show will be airing on the ABC network. Scott Buck will be the showrunner, while Jeph Loeb will serve as executive producer on the series.

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Nightwing & Robin, A Grant Morrison Reunion

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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March 1, 2017

Damian Wayne. You either love him or really hate him. He was created by writer Grant Morrison and became the next Robin after Bruce Wayne had “died.” This is when Dick Grayson donned the cape and cowl, with Damian as his boy wonder. Their Batman & Robin run is some of Grant’s best work. Nightwing #16 reunites the dynamic duo for a Grant Morrison reunion of sorts.

In the last issue of Nightwing, Dick’s romance was explored in great detail. As he’s still settling in as the protector of Bludhaven, he already finds himself in a compromising relationship. A mysterious enemy emerges and exploits this weakness. “Nightwing Must Die!” Part I reveals some even more compromising details about Grayson’s new love interest. Throw in a Nightwing/Robin team-up, with callbacks to their previous partnership, and we’re off!

Writer Tim Seeley has completely revitalized the characterization of Dick Grayson. This series has been a return to form, reigniting the passion that fans have always had with the character. Nightwing is very important to Batman and DC faithful alike. The success of this series is a crucial sign of DC Rebirth’s appeal.

Nightwing does his super hero duties like no other. Always with a smile and light commentary, he legitimately has fun being the acrobatic bad ass that he is. That translates into readers having just as much fun seeing Dick dismantle even the lowest level of criminal force. Regardless of your personal feelings towards him, Damian Wayne is almost the complete opposite.

Personally, I adore Damian Wayne. He may not be my favorite Robin, but I care deeply about him like a pesky little brother. Which is pretty much what he is to Dick as well. Their relationship is the most human feeling exchange in all of the Bat-Family.

Grant Morrison’s Batman & Robin was a really special run, having Robin be the brood and Batman carry a smile. His examination of their dynamic, and the Batman & Robin dynamic in general, is highly compelling. Seeing Tim Seeley dip into that and revisit these elements is an absolute joy. Dick and Damian’s relationship has come full circle, they even use their old Batmobile!

Javier Fernandez and Chris Sotomayor combine their efforts to deliver another visually stunning comic book. Every flip and acrobatic action by Nightwing lands and flows so lightly and precisely. There are some major emotional themes throughout this issue and they scream at readers through the art. The design of this new mysterious villain, repurposing the Nightwing look from New 52, is a creative effort I really appreciate. As if the Grant Morrison reunion wasn’t nostalgic enough for fans, we’re also revisiting the previous red and black era.

All together, this is a really solid experience. Although the pace of Dick’s new romance seems to be faster than Barry Allen, it’s not completely underwhelming. I’m not heavily invested in Shawn Tsang as Dick’s love interest, but that gets completely overshadowed by how entertaining he and Damian are. Nightwing and Robin collaborations will always keep me invested in a story.

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We Have a Dynamic And Colorful New Poster For ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2’!

By

Manuel Gomez

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March 1, 2017

So last night we got a brand new trailer for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2. And now, director James Gunn has Tweeted the brand new poster for the upcoming film.

Because we love you. New #GotGVol2 poster. pic.twitter.com/tWWOT4T9Xh

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 1, 2017

The poster seems to really capture the colorful and dynamic world Gunn is creating with these films.

What do you guys think? Comment and discuss below.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film stars Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. Newcomers to the cast include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and the legendary Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is due out in theaters May 5, 2017.

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Today In Film History: March 1st, 1998 – Titanic Becomes First Film To Gross $1 Billion Worldwide

By

EJ Moreno

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March 1, 2017

Love It or Hate It, ‘Titanic’ Is A Major Part Of Film History!

Throughout the years, the public opinion of James Cameron’s ‘Titanic‘ wavered. Some roll their eyes at the “pointless” love story and some find it to be the best movie ever. But this film without any doubt found a place in the history books.

On March 1st in 1998, the epic romantic drama became the first film to gross over $1 Billion worldwide. This was an outstanding feat at the time!

BoxOfficeMojo.com estimates that 128 million tickets were sold in the first run. Crazy to think some critics felt this was going to be a box-office bomb! Even critics who expected good things never saw what a behemoth ‘Titanic‘ would become. By the time it left theaters in October 1998, the film had a worldwide total of $1,843,201,268.

For 12 years, it was the highest grossing movie ever. The reign seemed unbeatable but James Cameron found a way to overcome his own monster. ‘Avatar‘, another Cameron film, knocked it off the top spot with an meteoric rise to over $2 Billion.

In April of 2012, ‘Titanic‘ was re-released in 3D. This made the film only the second to pass the $2 Billion worldwide mark so the history making didn’t stop in 1998.

What do you think of historic legacy James Cameron’s ‘Titanic‘ created?

Do you know a film fact that happened on March 1st? Let me know in the comments!

Fun March 1st facts are the births of famous directors Ron Howard in 1954 and Zack Snyder in 1966. Films ‘Tank Girl‘ and ‘The Jazz Singer‘ were released on March 1st.

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Happy Birthday, Zack Snyder! Relationship Status: It’s Complicated

By

Ruben Diaz

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March 1, 2017

What is a great director? Is it Stanley Kubrick using the language of film in a way that makes his movies a delight to understand but not-so-great at the box office? Perhaps it’s the anti-Kubrick, Michael Bay, who makes movies that seem motion captured from kids playing with toys but make a billion dollars? Or maybe Spielberg who exists as both a critical and commercial mastermind? The work required to direct a film is not easy, so anyone who completes even one film is a great director in my book. So, on this day of his birth, we look at the films of Zack Snyder, a great director in his own right. What makes him great? The fact that most people reading this either love him or hate him, for starters.

One of our great critics here at MFR, EJ Moreno, sums up Zack Snyder in a way that I completely agree with. Zack Snyder is Michael Bay after a stint at art school. It’s true, Snyder presents all the stunning, visceral visuals of a Bay movie with the slick design and composition of a graphic designer. Even the biggest haters of Snyder’s work have to admit that the man’s movies are beautiful.

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7. Man of Steel, Batman Vs. Superman, and Beyond!

Snyder’s last two films are Man of Steel and Batman Vs. Superman. Man of Steel released in 2013, which I call the year that broke me as a movie fan. It was clear that year that the Save the Cat formula and Michael Bay-esque films were the rule, not the exception. Snyder is another reinforcement of that reality. Like during the late 40s and 50s, Hollywood is back around to going full steam ahead on big, studio sanitized movies.

We’ve reached the most polarizing film of recent memory; Batman vs. Superman features all the best (and worst) of Zack Snyder. As much as I hate that the movie wasted time on Batman’s origin, I also love it because that sequence with the pearls is filmmaking porn to cinephiles. Snyder’s undeniable style exists in every frame. Some scenes bristle with that same level of cinematic porn as the pearls. But, movies aren’t just supposed to be pretty moving pictures. The pictures are supposed to connect for a greater whole. In our modern age of “talkies,” the pictures should connect and dance with dialogue and music, again, for the greater whole. As Snyder’s visuals continue to reach new heights, his desire or ability to make those connections seems unbending.

So, is Snyder a great director? The simple answer is yes. One of the hallmarks of truly great directors is having a style or signature. Like a painter whose works are unmistakable, Snyder’s films are undeniably his. Snyder’s signature is gorgeous and flawless like an airbrushed supermodel. Dominant signatures like Snyder’s or Kubrick’s, or Spielberg’s are also often polarizing which means they’re also unforgettable.

Happy birthday, Zack Snyder!

I love your work, for better and worse. I do enjoy our director/viewer relationship, though, even if it is complicated.

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‘Logan’ To Receive Black And White Version?

By

Aric Sweeny

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March 1, 2017

For one reason or another, black and white versions of films seem to carry a different atmosphere than their colorozed counter-parts. What pops into my head when I think of a movie seeing a colored version and black and white version is 2015’s Mad Mad: Fury Road, where fans were clamoring to see it.

Now, it seems as though we might have another black and white version of a movie on our hands: Logan.

A fan asked the director about it on Twitter, and he responded with:

Workin' on it.

— Mangold (@mang0ld) March 1, 2017

Would you watch a black and white release of Logan? Why or why not? Comment below!

“In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.”

Logan stars Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/ Logan, Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, Dafnee Keen as Laura Kinney/X-23, Boyd Holbrook as Donald Pierce, Doris Morgado as Maria, Richard E. Grant as Dr. Zander Rice, Stephen Merchant as Caliban, Elizabeth Rodriguez as Gabriela, and others.

The film hits theaters on March 3.

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In ‘Batman’ #18, Tragedy Rules Both Hero And Villain

By

Manuel Gomez

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Batman and Bane. Finally, they are face to face. In the middle of a downpour of rain, these dual forces of nature will clash. And we will learn that these two bitter enemies have much more in common than they think; personal tragedy. And that tragedy drives a rage that fuels them both. It is this rage that will bring Batman and Bane into an epic showdown that might just leave only one of them alive.

Batman #18
“I Am Bane part 3”
Publisher: DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Penciled by: David Finch
Inked by: Danny Miki
Colored by: Jordie Bellaire

Damn. I think Tom King might have just written one of the most intense and adequate uses of parallel storytelling I have ever read. Just when I thought I’d seen just about every angle of Batman’s origin possible, King uses the inventive structure to tell not only Batman’s but Bane’s as well. It even goes farther than that; he’s turned Bane into the true antithesis of Batman. These are two men ruined by familial death. He’s even found a way to give the villain, as relentless and terrifying as he is, a sense of deep tragedy. He’s elevated Bane. And, as classic as he has become in years, this is on a whole new level. I don’t think I have ever seen a better Bane.

He’s found a way to give the villain, as relentless and terrifying as he is, a sense of deep tragedy. He’s elevated Bane. And, as classic as he has become in years, this is on a whole new level. I don’t think I have ever seen a better Bane.

With this story arc, King has pushed Batman to his limit and also shown us how Bane is as much a psychological threat as he is a physical one. Bane, like this story, assaults on all fronts and has maximum impact.

Where David Finch got to showcase subtlety last issue, here he brings about intense emotional scenes, and dynamic, powerful action beats. The teary-eyed close-ups will make you pause; the fistfights will make you sit back.

He also draws the best rainstorm I have seen in ages.

But even with all the big moments in this issue, the details are not overlooked. There’s emotion in the faces as always, made all the more moving by the side by side panel juxtaposing of Bane and Bruce as children. This, the longest sequence in the book, focuses on the pivotal and defining moments for both the hero and villain. It’s beautifully written, illustrated and designed.

Danny Miki and Jordie Bellaire swing for the fences here with all their combined might, and it’s a home run of color and atmosphere. Not only are the palette nuances different within Batman and Bane’s flashbacks, the rain sequences would not have the impact they do without the ink and colors. It’s like the pages are wet. You can hear the water falling. It’s combined art assaulting your senses.

It’s not too early at all to rule this new run of Batman as a classic. If you loved everything Scott Snyder did with Greg Capullo in recent years, then do yourself a favor and read this title. That great work is being continued. King and his revolving door of fantastic and varied artistic collaborators are making classic comics here. Do not sleep on this.

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