Should 20th Century Fox Stop Making Classic ‘X-Men’ Movies

By

-

February 23, 2017

After the massive success of Deadpool and now the critical reaction to Logan I started to think about the X-Men Cinematic Universe. After a quick analysis of the franchise, I wondered if Fox should give up on making the classic and typical superhero movies. Don’t get me wrong, I love a lot of these films. I still believe that X2: X-Men United is one of the best comic book movies around. It helped to build what the genre has now become but it’s hard to ignore that Fox is finding a lot more success making these cheaper, grittier, and character-driven superhero movies.

ALSO READ: The New X-Men Movie Will Shoot This Summer, Working Titles Revealed

I just saw the news that Simon Kinberg is in talks to direct the next X-Men movie and I couldn’t help but wonder why? X-Men: Apocalypse wasn’t received as well as previous films and it didn’t do extremely well at the box-office, so why commit to another typical X-Men movie, especially when the studio is building a good reputation for making these smaller, character-driven projects.

Since Deadpool landed in theaters the online community has discussed the hope that Fox will hit refresh and have the Universe re-start with Deadpool. While I love this franchise and the majority of these films, the continuity has become extremely confusing. Most members of the audience can’t see how the Universe connects, so why not hit refresh on the franchise and restart with Deadpool.

We should also take into consideration the idea that not every superhero belongs in a shared universe. It’s possible that audiences and critics have responded so well to Deadpool and Logan because they barely connect to the larger universe. what if the smartest decision for Fox is to create superhero movies that don’t connect. With a less connected universe, we can simply sit down to watch a movie, without the need to watch an entire series of films beforehand. Not to mention, without the need to have so many connections, directors would have more control and would be able to tell a more personal and better-constructed story for the characters. Why lose focus on Deadpool 2 by setting up Deadpool 6.

Final Notes

I’m not saying stop making X-Men films. That will never happen they make too much money for the studio. But why not change the formula. Aren’t we tired of seeing the same movie with a different logo? If Fox decided to push the boundaries and make more films like Deadpool and Logan they would operate a niche in the genre and would build a unique brand. While the R-rated movies have been successful for the studio, not every X-Men film needs that rating. Fox can find writers and directors who know the material and are willing to focus on the characters rather than have a big CGI battle at the end of every movie. This is the studio’s chance to stop doing the same thing as every other company in Hollywood and to start creating something unique and enjoyable.

I think Fox as a studio and the X-Men as a franchise would benefit massively by taking a step back and changing the way that they do things. If the comic book genre wants to keep growing and maintain its position in the industry, it’s up to studios like Fox to stop creating the same film with different costumes and push creative movies that push the boundaries.

What do you guys think? Should Fox keep pushing out these X-Men movies? Or is now the right time for them to hit that refresh button and start telling unique stories? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Rob Zombie Back For ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2’

By

Manuel Gomez

-

February 23, 2017

Rob Zombie, a longtime friend of Guardians director James Gunn, is back for GoG Vol. 2.

Just check out the Instagram post below!

With @jamesgunn at Disney recording a voice for Guardians of the Galaxy 2! #robzombie #jamesgunn #guardiansofthegalaxy2 #godblesstinytim

A post shared by RobZombieofficial (@robzombieofficial) on Feb 22, 2017 at 6:12pm PST

In the first Guardians film, fans heard Zombie, the musician and horror filmmaker, when he voiced the Ravager’s GPS/navigation system. Zombie has voiced other characters in Gunn’s movies. He was a doctor in Slither and spoke as the voice of God in Super.

Who or what will Zombie lend his voice to this time? We’ll have to keep our ears tuned in closely during the film. But for now speculate and comment 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).

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Reviewing the Hot Picks Who Could Take Over As James Bond

By

Emma Nicholson

-

February 23, 2017

It has been well over a year since Bond’s 24th mission, Spectre, landed like something of a damp squib at the cinemas. It was praised for its nostalgic throwbacks to James Bond films of old but criticised for its clunky formulaic misery. That’s not to say that it wasn’t hugely lucrative, but given the gritty success of Skyfall three years previous, Spectre seemed like a fall from grace, exacerbated by Daniel Craig’s apparent loss of interest.

News relating to Bond 25 is well overdue and rumors have started trickling through. In recent weeks, we’ve discovered that shooting negotiations are underway in Croatia, a Vietnam-War vintage helicopter has been acquired (not airworthy but perfectly capable of being blown to smithereens) and there has been a flurry of activity at bookmakers. While Spectre has been consigned to the shelf labelled ‘underwhelming’, another Bond story has been playing out right under our noses: who will play Bond next?

While Daniel Craig’s ‘will he, won’t he?’ saga continues, let’s review the hot picks who could take over a vacated Bond role.

8Wild Cards

Rupert Friend

Possibly the most likely to upset the favorites is Homeland (Showtime) regular Rupert Friend, who has in fact turned down the role of James Bond once already. His critically-acclaimed performance as the taciturn and mysterious Peter Quinn in Homeland rings with allusions to 007 at every turn. And, as if that wasn’t enough, he’s also got a silky smooth English accent going for him. Would he turn it down a second time?

Henry Cavill

His physique and star status put Cavill firmly in the running, but if you ask me, I’d rather see the pre-Man of Steel Cavill as Bond. Before revealing his identity as Superman in 2013, his performances had a certain energy and fire that were not evident in his rather bored Clark Kent. Then he played pouty Napoleon Solo in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., a predictable gun show of a Bond audition tape if ever there was one.

Dan Stevens

A few years ago, Stevens wouldn’t even have registered on MI6’s radar. He starred in Downton Abbey (PBS) as the dapper and slightly podgy heir-to-fortune Matthew Crawley until his ‘untimely departure’ in 2012. And, thank the Lord!

Dan Stevens 2.0 put banquets and morning suits behind him and got ripped. He had something of a breakthrough in the neo-noir thriller The Guest and is currently gracing our screens in Marvel’s Legion (FX).

Gillian Anderson

Yes, Gillian. It’s unlikely, but if ever a woman were to take up the mantle, surely Anderson’s deadpan diligence in the face of villainy would be a frontrunner. She certainly has the character credentials with credits including The Fall (Netflix) and X-Files (Fox). And then of course there was that tweet:

It's Bond. Jane Bond.
Thanks for all the votes! (And sorry, don't know who made poster but I love it!) #NextBond pic.twitter.com/f8GC4ZuFgL

— Gillian Anderson (@GillianA) May 21, 2016

Daniel Craig

Before Bond, he was already an accomplished British actor who was pretty damn fine at moody, tortured souls with a propensity for espionage and violence. He’s played Bond four times already and is still attached to play the character in Bond 25. Despite what he said after finishing Spectre, money talks and we may yet see him pull on the tux one more time.

That concludes our comprehensive, and in places improbable, list of candidates for one of the biggest roles in pop culture. If the rumors are true that shooting is to commence imminently, we can surely expect the recent trickle of teasers to give way to torrents of news in the coming weeks. As fun as the speculation is, the chances are high that Craig will do good by his contract and graciously accept the reported $150million gig offered to him. If, however, he does hang up his tux, my money’s on James Norton.

With Sam Mendes passing on the baton after two Bond outings, rumors are now pointing at director of John Wick 2, Chad Stahelski, to helm Bond 25. Even with the titular character unconfirmed, MGM and Sony are aiming for an October 2018 release.

Who would you pick to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

BackNext

New Series Artist Pete Woods Joins ‘Archie’ With Issue #18!

By

Manuel Gomez

-

February 23, 2017

Pete Woods is one of the more underrated artists working in comics. He’s worked for both Marvel (Deadpool/Generation X Annual ’99/Excalibur) and DC (Robin/Legion Lost/Countdown), as well as many other publishers. He’s now coming to the town of Riverdale as the new artist on the modern on-going Archie series.

This is a great pairing, as Woods’ distinct, cartoony, and expressive style is tailor made for Archie and the gang.

It’s also the start of a new story arc, and a perfect jumping on point, if you have been wanting to check out the excellent work writer Mark Waid, has been doing on the title.

Get some information and preview images below and tell us what you think in the comments!

ARCHIE #18

NEW STORY ARC! The Blossom Twins have found out their father has been lying to them about why they moved to Riverdale. It’s up to Detective Jughead to learn the dark truth behind the Blossom Family! Join us as we welcome new Archie series artist Pete Woods (Deadpool, Robin).

Script: Mark Waid
Art: Pete Woods, Andre Szymanowicz, Jack Morelli
Cover: Pete Woods
Variant Covers: Elsa Charretier, Robert Hack with Kelly Fitzpatrick
On Sale Date: 3/15
32-page, full-color comic
$3.99 U.S.

For more information about everything Archie Comics, visit the official Archie Comics website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

BackNext

3. Art by Pete Woods, Andre Szymanowicz

BackNext

‘Get Out’ Review: A Brilliant Balance Of Horror, Humor, and Poignancy

By

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

-

‘Get Out’ is a brilliant balance of horror, humor, social commentary.

Summary

The story centers around Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) and his relationship with Rose Armitage (Allison Williams). They have been dating for several months now, and they have reached the point where Rose is ready to bring him home to mom and dad. Chris starts to feel a little nervous when Rose lets it slip that she’s neglected to tell her parents that he’s black. She plays it off like it shouldn’t matter, but understandably he’s concerned. Her parents live out in the middle of nowhere in a spacious country estate. Most of the family greets Chris very warmly (almost too warm), and everything seems to go well. Her parents Dean (Bradley Whitford) and Missy (Catherine Keener) spend lots of time in the beginning trying to convince Chris how progressive they are but just as he lets his guard down, things take a drastic turn.

What I Liked

What surprised me was the precision in which this narrative was crafted. Peele takes on the issue of race relations and effortlessly weaves it into a genre that wouldn’t appear to make sense. Instead of deriving the horror from a killer with 26 personalities, the horror inside Get Out stems from racism.

The film was impeccably paced. The director Jordan Peele has a great feel for building the tension in the narrative till it’s inevitable crescendo.

The film doesn’t overkill the audience with the amount of gore and blood. There’s just enough to enhance the story, but not enough that it somehow distracts.

Very rarely will you find a film that’s perfectly cast, but this one is pretty close.
Jordan Peele makes great use of actors Marcus Henderson and Betty Gabriel, who play two African American estate workers who appear to be a little off. I loved watching Alison Williams getting to show her range in this role. Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford were also both fantastic picks to play the parents. Each can project genuine warmth and at a moments notice pivot towards being something way more, creepier.

Nothing in this film felt forced. The humor was born out of normal circumstances (who wouldn’t laugh at a story of your ex-girlfriend collecting her toenail clippings). The scares were genuine and not artificially created.

Above all else, this was an example of a filmmaker taking a risk. I’m sure that Jordan Peele could have had his pick of any number of a comedic based project just based on how wildly popular Key and Peele are. However, he went in an entirely different direction, tackling a genre we would have never predicted and flourished. What’s not to like about that?

What I Didn’t Like

I wasn’t a huge of all the background knowledge we were given on Chris. All that was important is he’s dating Rose and going home to meet her parents who didn’t know his race. I didn’t need to know about his love of photography. Truthfully, didn’t need to know about his friend at the TSA. Most of what makes Get Out funny comes in the moment and not from his quirky friend.

Final Thoughts

Get Out is one of the most original films released in 2017. In an era of cookie-cutter narratives and Hollywood sequels being driven into the ground, it’s refreshing to see something this good so early in the year. Maybe this is a sign of things to come?

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Dan Slott Needs Help Closing Stories: Amazing Spider-Man #24

By

Brandon J. Griffin

-

Acting as the closing chapter of “The Clone Conspiracy”, Amazing Spider-Man #24 ties up a few loose ends. Writer Dan Slott‘s big Spider-Man event suffers the same fate as his other recent large-scale stories. Slott has been head writer for the title since 2010, but it may be time to start bringing in some support.

Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy was a big, bold Spidey tale. A mysterious new Jackal appeared and started resurrecting all the people Peter Parker has in some way let die. At first, this arc was everything it promised to be. Clones, betrayal, and a tour through Pete’s failures; what more could we ask for? Unfortunately, ever since the big reveal of Ben Reilly, it was all downhill.

Much like Spider-Verse, Slott’s initial groundwork is phenomenal, but he fails to stick the landing. His ambitious ideas do not match up with his execution in the final chapter. He is certainly capable of concocting these big and brilliant concepts, but could possibly use some help closing them out.

Amazing Spider-Man #24 focuses on Ben Reilly, clearly setting up his upcoming Scarlet Spider series. He battles Doctor Octopus in his lab, revealing that they both faked their deaths in Clone Conspiracy #5. Then there’s some Jackal-on-Jackal action as the real Miles Warren remains after all the clones died. It was nice to see Ben get some closure with his creator. Although, the excitement fans feel towards his solo comic might not meet Marvel’s expectations.

Giuseppe Camuncoli’s art is regularly a saving grace for Amazing Spider-Man issues that fall flat. Miles Warren donning his classic Jackal costume is the highlight of this issue. All clones experiencing Carrion side effects come across more like old and wrinkly; rather than the zombie approach they were going for.

What started out as a classic-feeling Spider-Man tale, ends feeling more like a not-so-clever marketing scheme. Whatever The Clone Conspiracy Omega is seems like overkill and another symptom of Slott not being to tie-up loose ends in a contained story. Any excitement drummed up for Scarlet Spider is thanks to nostalgia, not the events of this narrative.

Instead of feeling overly satisfied or altered, readers walk away from The Clone Conspiracy unfulfilled; and probably a bit confused. Slott sure does know how to set up tie-ins and future series, but his focus on the meat of the main story tends to blur.

Dan Slott has provided enough great Spider-Man material since 2010, but maybe it’s time to start flirting with other options. He’s already proved he has plenty to offer with other characters, his Silver Surfer work is great. Perhaps Marvel is approaching the same thought, with their announcement of Chip Zdarsky’s Spectacular Spider-Man ongoing series.

What did you think of Amazing Spider-Man #24? What about The Clone Conspiracy as a whole? How do you think Dan Slott will respond if Zdarsky’s book is well-received? Let us know in the comments!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

You Can Watch the Prologue for ‘Alien: Covenant’ Right Here

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

-

February 23, 2017

We are still about three months away from Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant, but after a cavalcade of set photos and a couple of trailers, you can now see the prologue to the Prometheus sequel right here. Right now.

If this prologue does anything, it sets up every major player in the cast. And it tells us who James Franco is playing, and the dynamic of the group in a quick four minute setup. There’s also that clever bit of meta filmmaking. Check it out…

The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discover what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.

This prologue is pretty good because 1) it shows us the cast, 2) it sets up the chemistry and 3) it really gives nothing away. Scott and his team have been saying this Prometheus sequel will hearken back to the original film more than Aliens or its own predecessor, and the vibe coming from this prologue validates it.

Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, James Franco, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, and Noomi Rapace (somewhere) star in Alien: Covenant. We can see the rest of the film May 19.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Drew Goddard Steps In To Write ‘Deadpool 2’

By

Aric Sweeny

-

February 22, 2017

It looks like the Deadpool sequel has found its new writer.

Collider is reporting that Drew Goddard, who’s known for The Martian and Season One of Marvel’s Daredevil, is set to pen Deadpool 2.

Both Collider and Ryan Reynolds confirmed Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are still heavily involved with the sequel.

Following the 2016 surprise that was Deadpool, this upcoming sequel stars Ryan Reynolds reprising his role as the “Merc with a Mouth”.

What are your thoughts on Goddard writing Deadpool 2? Comment below!

The film has no release date yet.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Rumor: ‘Aquaman’ Synopsis Released Online

By

Aric Sweeny

-

February 22, 2017

After putting out a casting call for Aquaman, Acting Auditions has revealed a potential synopsis for the film. Read it down below.

“Aquaman” will center on Aquaman as a reluctant ruler of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis who is caught between land dwellers that are always polluting the globe and his own people who are ready to invade the surface. Screen Actors Guild Award nominee Jason Momoa will play Aquaman. Also starring is Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Hollywood Film Awards winner Amber Heard as Mera, two-time Academy Award nominee Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko, two-time Golden Globe Award nominee Patrick Wilson as Orm/Ocean Master, New Zealand Film and TV Awards winner Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta.

Although there is no word on the authenticity of this summary, it very well could end up being the real deal.

What are your thoughts on this rumor? Comment below!

See the character next in November’s Justice League.

Aquaman hits theaters on October 5, 2018.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: ‘Blue Beetle’ Continues To Crackle With Energy

By

Manuel Gomez

-

High school, dating, parents, acne, figuring out what you’re going to do with your life after graduation… Let’s face it, it’s stressful being a teenager. The urge to fit in and live a normal life free of embarrassment is overwhelming. So it’s a fair bet that being targeted by an alien artifact that resembles a big bug to become a super hero known as Blue Beetle probably wasn’t high on Jaime Reyes’ playlist.

Blue Beetle #6
Story by: Keith Giffen & Scott Kolins
Script by: Keith Giffen
Art by: Scott Kolins
Colors by: Romulo Fajardo Jr.

Writing

We finally get to the big fight we have been waiting for, as Blue Beetle throws down with Mordecai! And although the issue is economical, and wastes no time in getting the confrontation, we still have some great scenes that continue the excellent characterization I have loved about this book since I started reading it. We get a great one in Ted Kord’s lab that expresses the relationship between Jaime, his mother, and Kord that features some fantastically humorous dialog. The talking makes you chuckle and drives the story forward. It’s great storytelling.

The cliffhanger here (as all the others have been) is perfect serialization. But this one leaves you with the Beetle armor, sentient, and Jaime-less, facing the very pissed off Dr. Fate! So yeah, kudos to Giffen and Kolins for that moment.

Art

The big fight scene in this chapter might be some of the most energetic art I have seen from Kolins. It practically shocks you with electricity and “Kirby krackle” effects. I swear it kind of felt like it could actually leap off the page and blow your hair back!

The faces continue to be expressive and detailed, giving you the right amount of emotion. Even Jaime’s masked face conveys feeling (not easy feat for an armor-clad character).

Coloring

Romulo Fajardo Jr. is adding a TON to Kolins’ pencils. The vibrancy of the pallet is simply a joy to take in and looks great on either digital or printed. It’s simply fantastic.

Conclusion

Blue Beetle is delivering one of the best classic and pure comic book storytelling experiences available today. Old school funny book fans, and new school DC Rebirth readers, pick this up, sit back, and just ENJOY reading a comic book.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube