DC on CW: Week in Review – Earth-2 of the Apes

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February 27, 2017

This series will be a brief, semi-comedic review of the CW superhero shows. You can check out last week’s review post here, or see the tally of winners below. The only shows discussed will be ‘Arrow’, ‘Flash’, and ‘Supergirl’. There WILL be some spoilers discussed, so only look at the reviews you’re up to date on!

Supergirl, “Mr. & Mrs. Mxyzptlk” (Feb 20)

The week-late Valentine’s Day special sees Supergirl explore several love-centered storylines. After fighting aliens and cyborgs, the CW throws Supergirl her biggest threat yet – a… space genie? That’s also a classic Superman villain maybe? Mr. Mxyzptlk tries to woo Cara by destroying her city & role-playing as her cousin, as most Earth men do. Cara ends up hooking up with Mon-El, which is fine. Mxyzptlk is right, though, Mon-El is more bland than handsome. Maggie’s outburst at Alex makes no sense, and the dance seems more significant to her anyways. It’s actually kinda selfish. But Winn starts up a relationship with a hardcore alien woman, which was funny, and the main four lovebirds are still cute. All of these relationships are better than Julian and Caitlin, anyways.

SCORE: 7/10 Vera Wang Dresses

The Flash, “Attack on Gorilla City” (Feb 21)

For an intro for a two-episode event, not a lot seems to happen. A good portion of the episode was spent showing off CGI-gorillas, which looked fantastic. However, said gorillas kept needlessly jumping into human bodies in between conversations. As cool as the fight scene looks in the featured image here, it gets wrapped rather quickly. Solovar mattered for maybe a minute before Grodd showed his true colors. The Wally/Jessie relationship is kinda cute, but it’s cancelled out by Caitlin & Julian. Hopefully a lot of the action hinted in the cliffhanger makes this event feel more epic.

SCORE: 6.5/10 Flash Freeze Pops

Arrow, “The Sin-Eater” (Feb 22)

How come Quentin doesn’t have to wear a mask?

Arrow takes on the Starling City Sirens, who kicks ass but still feel barely present in the episode. Liza is somewhat central, as she has a personal vendetta against Quentin. But it proves to highlight one of the episode’s biggest faults – there’s no way to make “sin” sound natural in casual conversation. Susan not outing Oliver right away as the Green Arrow doesn’t totally fit her character. It seems like she’s been out to get him since they met. However, it was a compelling twist to watch, and shows good initiative from Thea. Even though she tries to downplay it and apologize, it was a cool quick turn from Thea and Felicity. Also, does Wild Dog believe in ghosts? Did anyone else catch that? When they got to the graveyard? That was weird.

SCORE: 7/10 Body Suits

WEEKLY WIN TALLY:

Arrow: 5.5 Weeks

Supergirl: 5 Weeks

The Flash: 3.5 Week

What show did you think won the week? Does Legends of Tomorrow take your vote? Do you think A.o.S. or Gotham outshines all the CW shows? Let us know in the comments below!

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Moonlight Wins Best Picture After Incredible Mixup

By

Eric Morales

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February 27, 2017

Updated

For about two minutes, La La Land was the Best Picture Oscar winner of the 89th Academy Awards. And then it wasn’t.

In one of the most astounding moments in Academy Award’s history, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway got up on stage to announce La La Land as the winner of Best Picture 2017. The producers, cast, and crew took the stage and began to read their acceptance speeches. Suddenly, La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz grabbed the mic and announced a mistake had been made. He tore the card from Beatty’s hand and produced it for the camera, clearly showing Moonlight as the winner.

Thanks to The New York Times, we now know is this: two partners from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the firm that handles the sealed envelopes containing the winners’ names, stood on either side of the stage during the ceremony. Each had a briefcase containing the winners’ envelopes, and the envelopes were the same in both cases. The envelope for Best Actress, containing Emma Stone’s win, came from one side. Its sister envelope was accidentally delivered to Beatty from the other side.

Beatty took several moments to read the letter. He saw Emma Stone’s name and thought that it was a misprint, so he handed it to Dunaway, who read out the film on the card: La La Land. As Team La La Land took the stage, the partners from PWC realized their mistake and contacted a stage manager. For those that watched, this is what led to the commotion of stage hands and security on stage asking for envelopes.

Horowitz realized something was wrong by the chaos, and handed his envelope to a stage hand, who showed him that the winner was Moonlight. At that point, Horowitz took the stage. The rest is history.

PWC has issued an apology to everyone involved, and has begun an investigation into exactly how this mistake was possible.

Want to know more about one of the greatest mistakes in live-televised history? Make sure to check back with Monkeys Fighting Robots as the situation develops!

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Still Sitting At 100% On Rotten Tomatoes, ‘Get Out’ Also Crushes The Box Office

By

EJ Moreno

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February 26, 2017

There Is Something Magical Happening With ‘Get Out’!

I can’t think of a horror film being received like this in quite some time. ‘Get Out‘ is taking over the film world! Not only is the film still at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with 135 reviews but the box office numbers are reportedly amazing.

According to BoxOfficeMojo, Jordan Peele’s hit horror film brought in over 12 million dollars on Saturday. Estimates say Sunday will bring in 6 million bringing the total to over 30 million dollars, including Friday’s box office.

With a budget of 4.5 million dollars, ‘Get Out‘ is now a critical and financial success!

I believe it deserves all the praise because ‘Get Out‘ is one of the best horror films ever. Every review on Rotten Tomatoes is great, while our site has two very glowing reviews as well. The horror genre rarely sees this much high praise from critics.

The credit goes to multiple people including Jordan Peele’s amazing direction and script but also the acting. Each performance is memorable and there’s so many layers that will only be unfolded with multiple viewings. There’s also a lot of subtle references and easter eggs that Peele said will be helped by seeing it more than once.

Will all of this positive buzz crossover to next weekend? Only time will tell but no matter what, ‘Get Out‘ is going to be on many “best of 2017” list!

Have you seen it or plan on seeing it? Let me know in the comments below!

“In Universal Pictures’ Get Out, a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of The Visit, Insidious series and The Gift) and the mind of Jordan Peele, when a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation. Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya, Sicario) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams, Girls), have reached the meet-the- parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy (Catherine Keener, Captain Phillips) and Dean (Bradley Whitford, The Cabin in the Woods). At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined.”

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In Remembrance: Bill Paxton’s Ten Best Roles

By

Devon Kenney

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February 26, 2017

With the news breaking of his death this morning, it only seemed appropriate to talk about the roles that made the man, Bill Paxton. He could play any role given to him, and even though he was known for the more serious roles, he really could do anything.

Let’s dive into some of his iconic roles that made him a household name.

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1. The Dad, Frailty

Back in 2001, Bill Paxton not only starred in, but directed one of the most low key brilliant horror films of the 21st century. Frailty is a quietly stunning piece of work, an absolutely chilling horror film about religion and possession. Paxton’s role as the patriarch, a man who thinks he can see the worst in people and therein must murder them on God’s behalf, is such a hypnotic performance. The way he so fully commits to the role showed just how far Paxton could go in the right film.

Let’s all have a Bill Paxton marathon today.

Our thoughts are with his family during this time.

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Neil Fingleton, Actor and Britain’s Tallest Man Passes Away at 36

By

Merinda Brayfield

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February 26, 2017

Neil Fingleton, the 7 ft 7 in actor, perhaps best known as Mag the Mighty in Game of Thrones, has passed away from heart failure.

Fingleton was born in England, but moved to the US to play basketball in high school. After college in North Carolina and Massachusetts he played professionally in several countries. He took to acting after an injury in 2007.

Besides Game of Thrones, Fingleton appeared in the films 47 Ronin and Jupiter Ascending. He was involved with X:Men: First Class and Age of Ultron. On a two-part episode of Doctor Who he portrayed The Fisher King. He also appeared in the programs Britain’s Tallest Men and Superhumans: Giants.

Fingleton told the Guinness Book of World Records, “I have always been taller then everyone since I can remember. My height really took off when I reached 11 and was touching 7 foot. By the time I was 16 I was 7’5 and stopping growing at 18 when I was 7’7.56.” He became Britain’s tallest man in 2007.

His family, those that worked with him and the fans will miss Neil Fingleton.

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Empire Magazine Releases Slew Of New ‘Wonder Woman’ Information

By

Aric Sweeny

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February 26, 2017

In the latest issue of Empire Magazine, a slew of new information from Wonder Woman was released.

Producer Deborah Snyder attributes the success of the female-driven The Hunger Games franchise to helping people realize there’s an audience for a movie like Wonder Woman

Director Patty Jenkins pitched a Wonder Woman movie to Warner Bros. 10 years ago. Unfortunately they were afraid to move forward in a male-dominated market, Jenkins said.

It was Zack Snyder’s idea to introduce Wonder Woman into the DC Films universe when he was developing the Batman v Superman story.

Gal Gadot was one of 5 finalists for the role of Wonder Woman. Deborah Snyder said that every single department was pulling for her during her chemistry test with Ben Affleck because they all loved her.

Gal Gadot didn’t find out she’d be starring in her own Wonder Woman movie until the very end of the Batman v Superman shoot. “I think they were still auditioning me while I was doing the movie,” she said with a smile.

When Patty Jenkins first signed on to Wonder Woman she was apprehensive about having her leading lady already cast, but quickly fell in love with Gal Gadot. “I don’t know that I ever would have thought to look all over the world, but thank God they did and thank God it’s her,” she said.

Although nothing huge was revealed, it’s interesting to go behind the production a bit and see what went into making Wonder Woman.

“Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.”

The film stars Gal Gadot as the title character, Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Lucy Davis as Etta Candy, Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta, and Robin Wright as General Antiope.

Wonder Woman hits theaters on June 2.

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Chris McKay Talks ‘Lego Batman’, Recently Announced ‘Nightwing’ Film

By

Aric Sweeny

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February 26, 2017

Shanlian On Batman caught up with Chris McKay, director of The Lego Batman Movie, and talked to him about the film, as well as the recently announced Nightwing solo project.

McKay on The Lego Batman Movie:

“There were a bunch of different hoops we had to go through with our relationship with Warner Bros., our relationship with LEGO and so we had to pitch. Obviously, everyone wanted to do LEGO 2…. The critics liked [The LEGO Movie], audiences liked it […] then we started talking about sequels and obviously everyone wanted to do LEGO 2. LEGO Batman was brought up by the then-president of Warner Bros., Greg Silverman, and he was like, ‘We gotta do [a LEGO Batman Movie]. LEGO Batman was such a breakout character, we have to do it.’”

He then briefly commented on the upcoming Nightwing film.

“There’s not much I can talk about about the movie. I don’t even have a contract. Anything can happen.”

Additionally, the director revealed that he believes Warner Bros. can make a “really interesting, intriguing, action-packed character movie [about Nightwing]”.

What are your thoughts on McKay’s comments? Did you enjoy The Lego Batman Movie? Drop your thoughts below!

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Five Potential Upsets That Could Happen At The 2017 Oscars

By

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

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February 26, 2017

With Hollywood’s biggest night finally upon us, the perception is that there won’t be much suspense as La La Land is expected to win big. However, if you are like me and love rooting for the underdog here are five potential upsets that could happen this evening.

1Best Picture

Hidden Figures

It’s largely expected that La La Land has this award locked in, but I’m not so sure. The Academy loves to make a statement and what better statement than to recognize this film. Hidden Figures tells a tale that empowers both African Americans and women as well. It’s packed with powerful performances and was recognized by SAG for Outstanding Performance By A Cast In a Motion Picture.

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Bill Paxton Dies At 61 Due To Complications From Surgery

By

Matthew Sardo

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February 26, 2017

Bill Paxton has died at the age of 61 due to complications from surgery, according to a report by PEOPLE.

“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery,” a family representative said in a statement. “A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”

In the nerd community, Paxton is most famous for his roles in The Terminator, Weird Science, Aliens, Predator 2, Tombstone, True Lies, Twister, Edge of Tomorrow, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

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‘Samurai Jack’ Season 2 Is A Mixed Bag Of Themes

By

Anthony Wendel

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As the premiere of the season five draws near, the journey through the full series of Samurai Jack continues into the second season. Was it a strong follow up to the first or does it pale in comparison?

Story

The interesting aspect of the second season of Samurai Jack is how uneven it is. Despite having episodes with great action and deep storytelling a quarter of the season were episodes more comedic in tone. In comparison this season only gave us two perfect episodes compared to the first season which was had at least four. There is a definite dip in quality this season.

The season isn’t bad though. It’s just the majority of the season comes off as good more than excellent. The season gave us Jack and the Spartans, one of the best episodes of the entire series. Debuting before the 300 movie, it presents a tone and atmosphere which at times puts the live action to shame. It feels like the movie’s creators may have taken inspiration from the episode when they were making the film. Can anyone confirm whether or not Zack Snyder saw this episode or not.

Unfortunately, the lighter episodes do start to drag the series down a bit. An episodes entitled, Jack and his Sandals was dedicated to Jack trying to find a new set of footwear after his sandals are destroyed. It does have some a uplifting moment at the end but it still feels like you watched an entire episode for just one good moment.

As for the three best of the season, Jack and the Spartans is lock as one. One is Jack remembers the past, where Jack reflects on growing up before Aku took his family away and features a cameo by Lone Wolf and Cub. The other is Jack and the Ultrabots, as Jack finds he must upgrade if he wants to be able to take down a threat specifically designed to defeat him.

Art

A lot of less than stellar character designs and backgrounds compared to the first season. More fantastic alien characters like the hunters or Demongo are very striking, but the episodes which didn’t feature such moments seemed to have less detail brought to it. The design of the Scotman’s wife for example seems done entirely for the joke of her being loud and overweight. Again, Jack and the Spartans though almost makes up any negative criticisms on the detail work. Almost is the keyword there.

Music

Much like the art, when the episodes were intended to be more action oriented, more effort was apparent. Not to beat a dead horse but the Jack and the Spartans episode featured music which seemed like it could have been sampled for the live action movie. The more humorous episode like Jack is Naked, used sound effects more heavily and had a less than impactful feel to it.

Conclusion

The journey of Jack continues to be one of great action and beautiful landscapes. Unfortunately, episodes like Jack and The Farting dragon throws off the idea of the series being without a bad episode. There is nothing wrong with episode which are more comical in tone but they still have to be enjoyable. The show became vulnerable and showed it’s flaws this season but didn’t disappoint in entertaining and leaving some lasting impressions.

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What are some of your favorite memories from Samurai Jack season one? Leave a comment below and let us know.

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