A new promo for Marvel’s upcoming Iron Fist has been released via We Got This Covered on Youtube. Watch it below.
The promo offers a glimpse into who the character of Danny Rand really is. “The Last Defender” will surely light up the big screen to the same level as his partners Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage.
Plot synopsis:“Fifteen years after being presumed dead in a plane crash, Danny Rand mysteriously returns to New York City determined to reclaim his birthright and family company. However, when a long-destined enemy rises in New York, this living weapon is forced to choose between his family’s legacy and his duties as the Iron Fist.”
Iron Fist stars Finn Jones as the title character, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing, David Wenham as Harold Meachum, Jessica Stroup as Joy Meachum, Tom Pelphrey as Ward Meachum and Carrie-Anne Moss as Jeri Hogarth.
The show’s full first season hits Netflix on Friday, March 17.
In Rotation, a listicle for music lovers, and seekers of new and different things to listen to. So, if you’re looking for new music, something different, or maybe music to suit your mood this week, here is the place to get a diverse offering each week.
In Rotation this week, we have a Horror Rock/Punk/Metal/Prog. Rock operatic group, a Japanese shamisen/Surf Rock/’50s-’60s Rock Instrumental artist, an Indie Rock/Grunge group, a Psychobilly/Horrorbilly band, a popular ’80s/Rock N’ Roll/ Rock N’ Roll Revival group among soundtracks of the decade, a Horror Surf Rock/’50s-’60s Rock Instrumental group, an Experimental/Grunge/Indie Rock/Jazz band, and lastly, a Japanese Jazz artist.
You’re in for one mixed bag of treats, so get the insulin ready, and lets dig in!
1)
Artist: Schoolyard Heroes Album: Abominations
Horror rock music is nothing new, but a band that has occasionally been called the female lead version of My Chemical Romance proves to be something different entirely. Schoolyard Heroes started off in a mixed genre style, lyrically and instrumentally, but on this final album, they truly came into their own. Between the uber talented, operatic Ryann Donnelly that ranges from vibratos, screaming, and screeching, Steve Bonnell’s punk/Metal/Prog. Rock playing, and Jonah Bergman’s screaming coalesce into the unique sound that, sadly, only once was the band Schoolyard Heroes.
This album really shines as a Horror Rock Opera, but their past albums had more Hardcore, Riot Girl, and even some Fusion elements. Their whole catalog is recommended, but this one is this writer’s favorite. Take it for a spin.
To those who think of Surf Rock/’50s-’60s Rock Instrumental, and even if they have managed to overstep the narrow-minded view that The Beach Boys are emblematic of the genre, they still would never see Takeshi Kerauchi coming a mile away.
All the usual elements are in the mix within his music, but it is the Shamisen guitar playing and other traditional Japanese influences that really make this artist and his band much more than your average Surf Rock/’50s-’60s Rock Instrumental group. If you like, love, or even have a passing fancy about Surf Rock/’50s-’60s Rock Instrumental, you must listen to this album.
3)
Artist: Neutral Milk Hotel
Album: On Avery Island
Neutral Milk Hotel, a band that exists in obscurity at this point, other than to be covered and/or mentioned by the more popular band Brand New, kicks things off with On Avery Island. Whereas Grunge does not always bring you on an emotional ride like Emotive music does, Neutral Milk Hotel does with both musical genre styles. Distorted Acoustic guitars, trumpets, and shakers all add to this strong debut that too few people have heard. Look it up. Listen to it. Listen to it now.
4)
Artist: Koffin Kats Album: Self-Titled
Psychobilly has become a catch-all genre identity these days, and very few new things have come out that do not sound like their predecessors. Koffin Kats’ debut self-titled album is an eight track kick-off with horrifying lyrics and that Rockabilly, leather-clad, motorcycle driving attitude that gets a Punk Rock enhancement, and is pure bliss for anyone that loves anything in the -Billy suffix genre. Spin it immediately.
5)
Artist: Huey Lewis and the News Album: Greatest Hits
Huey Lewis & The News were never an acquired taste, but if VH1 is to be believed, they are now. Succinctly put, you can describe them as ” Rock N’ Roll,” but there is there is something “revival” about them that some Rockabilly Revival groups carried with them in their genre, and ultimately pulled them out of their overarching genre classification.
They owe their enduring R n’ R charm to films such as Back to the Future and American Psycho, due to the front and center exploitation of the band and their popular tunes. This album is a great starter and encompasses their best songs. This is likely why it is called their “Greatest Hits” album. Ignore VH1, give it a spin!
6)
Artist: The Terrorsaurs Album: Zillasaur
The Terrosaurs’ music is certainly in keeping with the traditional Surf Rock/’50s-’60s Rock Instrumental sound, but it deviates into the Metal and Horror realm often enough to give the band their own twist on the classic genre. They even managed to throw in the trumpet that is so often in a lot of early ’60s Rock music.
If you are a long time listener of Surf Rock and love anything Horror, then this album should already be playing in your CD Player, Record player, or digital music medium of choice. So, go forth and listen-eth.
7)
Artist: Menomena Album: I am the fun blame monster!
Menomena is an obscure, hard to genre identify or categorize band from the Pacific Northwest. Experimental/Grunge/Indie Rock/Jazz/Piano Rock all can, to some extent, explain this bizarre spin into the unknown. Menomena is actually on the same label as Say Hi, another band mentioned in this column in the past, and also Death Cab For Cutie. The Pacific Northwest appears to be home to some interesting music.
I am the Fun Blame Monster is a unique, eclectic entry into In Rotation, but it deserves to be listened to. At least once. So go listen to it. This writer can promise you that, at the very least, it is not boring.
8)
Artist: Ryo Fukui Album: Mellow Dream
If you did not know that Japanese artists played Surf Rock, then you might also not know that there are also Jazz musicians on the other side of the pond… that isn’t England. Some of Ryo Fukui is somewhat common, stereotypical, smooth Jazz music, but this particular album kicks it up a notch, and has the most going for it.
Well, of the two albums in his repertoire that this writer has listened to. Jazz fans should take it for a spin, but also those looking for something new should as well.
This concludes this week’s In Rotation music listing, and come back next week for another eclectic helping of the new, the old, and the weird in music.
[Images Courtesy Of The Respective Bands In This List]
After the devastating events of season 3, fans were left speculating about the fate of team RWBY. The team had broken up. Ruby decided to set out with what remained of team JNPR, Weiss returned home, Blake couldn’t face anyone, and Yang was left crippled after a battle with White Fang member Adam Taurus. The group was at a low point and it would take a lot to help them to rebuild themselves, Does this season help them to come back together?
No, not really. Instead, the entire season seems more focused on building the world around them more than it does on evolving the the main characters. There is development in these characters and they do change and grow. Still, this seems to take a back seat in order to expand the world and other events happening in the world of Remnant.
Story
As stated previously, the team is divided and are on their own missions. Ruby wants to make it to Mistral, hoping to find a way to warn against those who manipulated the conspiracy which brought down Beacon Academy. Her view hopes to showcase the damage the creatures of Grimm inflict on remote villages who didn’t have strong hunters to protect the residents. She also eventually runs into her uncle Qrow and the history of the Maidens is finally explained to them. Otherwise, not much actual growth other than Ruby simply being Ruby.
Fearing for her safety, Weiss’ family insists she returns home. There she serves more to help illustrate the ignorance of the the rich and powerful of Atlas. She fought at The Fall of Beacon and knows the pain and suffering everyone went through. She’s noticeable angry others don’t understand or even seem to care about the plight of others. This of course leads to a rift between her and her family. This doesn’t really come as a surprise though. Her father cut her off from the family fortune in the previous season and doesn’t little to give her a warm welcome back home. Its empowering to see the choices she makes in reaction to the ignorance of others but it was fairly obvious this was the course she would take.
Blake, overridden by guilt from Yang getting mortally injured protecting her returns home to the island nation of Menagerie. There she meets her mother and father as Sun Wukong tags along. Though there is a bit of character insight with watching her reconnect with her family and apologize for leaving, the main function of her story line is to focus on the White Fang and how they are viewed in the Faunus community. Again, she’s less a character and more serving as a way to explore the world.
The only character who truly gets the proper attention to character development from the main four is Yang. Given where she was left after the events of the third season she didn’t really have many options except making her story about growing. Left traumatized after the battle with Taurus, she spends the season growing stronger as a character and finding a new path. It is interesting to watch recover from such an intense battle but it took most of the season for her to recover her former skills.
Art
The entire production seemed to have gotten an upgrade this season. Whether it is from different creation software or simply taking more time to improve details, the proof is in the pudding. Small attributes like the hair on characters heads, objects in the background, and the scenery in general seem more appealing than they did in previous seasons. On top of this all the main characters get new outfits in an effort to illustrate things are much different than they were previously. All of these alterations come off as improvements and help to make the season more visually appealing.
Music
The music of the season is just as moving as ever. The opening theme, “Let’s Just Live” seems to recap the events of the previous season and how things are not as simple as good guys win and bad guys lose. Also, it helps to echo the message everyone needs to carry on despite their hardships and work towards surviving and growing stronger. Even if it only is one day at a time. A good lesson for not only this season but life in general.
Overall
It seems like a lot of harsh criticism is being weighed against this season but it should be noted it was a very entertaining installment to the RWBY series. The different side characters of the show including Jaune, Nora, and Ren all have a chance to shine and more about who they are and where they came from is explored. It’s just incredibly obvious how the shift this season was from the main team to working towards opening up the world they living in. Still, shift in tone aside, this series was worth following week after week and leaves off with a less brutal cliffhanger than the previous season did.
With Rings in theaters now, director F. Javier Gutiérrez talked with Monkeys Fighting Robots about the pressures of taking over a wildly popular horror franchise, horror inspirations, and the latest on ‘The Crow’ reboot.
What horror films have inspired you to go in this direction and create this piece?
Yes, well I am a huge fan of the first Rings movie, the one by Gore Verbinski. I am also a big fan of the one done by Hideo Nakata. So when I got a call from the producers to get involved with the Ring movie, I got pretty excited. I thought it’s pretty obvious that the major influences to come from those two movies. Right? The fear and surrealism of the Japanese movie and the weirdness and calmness of the Verbinski direction. I think it goes to having influential and different class … of course some of the background for me it comes from Spain.. from Directors like Buñuel. Things that I wanted and tried to input in the movie and some of the elements, unfortunately, they won’t seem significant. It’s just you won’t pick up all the influences in the movie .. probably.
Do you feel the pressure of creating a product that is as good if not better than the first two films?
Yeah, It’s like how do you say? On one side it’s exciting because you’re part of the franchise and the other one its a lot of responsibility. It’s not only my vision as a director but I try to please the new audience that likely hasn’t seen this film ever and I also to please those who have seen the first two films.. like myself. Keep the Fear and Keep the basic elements that make this movie so special. At the same time, you have to adapt it to the new times. Make it more contemporary and more relatable for the young crowd .. right? Like the new generation. It’s part of the pressure. The producer and the studio had been working on this forever and the script .. they were trying different directions. Till everyone sat down .. well this is probably the best direction .. so that we can represent the franchise and at the same time respect the key elements of the original.
Are you rebranding ‘The Ring’ franchise or are you taking it in a different direction?
It’s very respectable of the first movie, but we expand the Universe. We explore Samara origin and where does she come from.
Are we going to see more visually based horrors in this new intonation of ‘The Ring’?
What I’ve been doing is that I’ve been trying as much as I could to bring over my personal world like I did in Before The Fall, The colors, aesthetic, the composition. So in this movie, I don’t have full control like I did in ‘Before the Fall’ … right . I have been trying to push in my direction. So I have come up with a movie that can please the market but has a core from my personality.
I would be remiss if I didn’t at least ask you about ‘The Crow.’
Yeah, The Crow. The Crow is still going on. It has been unfortunately a movie that has had a lot of ups and downs in the last few years. That’s why I had to depart the director’s chair. But I think … I mean the producer he’s pretty stubborn, and he’s the one putting the pieces together so hopefully, we’ll see it come together pretty soon. Hopefully … Hopefully, we can see a new Crow movie that I always said it’s not a Crow movie for the sake of a Crow movie. It’s a movie that respects James O’Barr’s original vision. It’s complicated, but hopefully, it comes together real soon.
What is one thing you hope fans will take from the film when they go and see it this weekend?
I would say they go and see the movie with fresh eyes. I hope they enjoy the movie the way that you enjoyed the first Ring.
With new Marvel films hitting Digital HD, Blu-Ray and DVD comes a slew of extra features. Included in this new content is usually a gag reel, which Comicbook.com has posted up on their Youtube channel. Watch it below.
What are your thoughts on the bloopers for Doctor Strange? Will you be picking it up when it’s released for digital downloads, Blu-Ray or DVD? Comment below!
Plot synopsis:“Marvel’s Doctor Strange follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel cinematic universe.”
Doctor Strange hits Digital HD on February 14, and Blu-Ray and DVD on February 28.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has received a perfect 100/100 following a test screening, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Read an excerpt from the outlet’s post below.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has tested higher than any Marvel Studios movie in the company’s nine-year history. The movie’s score: a perfect 100.
Insiders confirm that extremely rare if not unprecedented score, saying the movie, which Disney is set to release May 5, bested the previous top Marvel scorers, Iron Man 3 and Avengers, both of which tested in the high 90s out of 100.”
Although the perfect rating should boost fan excitement, it comes with a caveat.
Marvel’s test screening policy allowes “families and friends” to view their upcoming films. Not only does this restrict potential spoilers from hitting the web, but it also makes their screening harder to compare to other studios’ releases.
What are your thoughts on Guardians 2 receiving a perfect score? Are you looking forward to the film? Comment below!
Plot synopsis: “Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.”
Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been underway for years now, we have yet to see Scarlet Johansson lead a Black Widow solo film. Speaking with Total Film magazine on the topic, the actress shared details on why Marvel has not created a Black Widow movie.
“I’ve talked to Kevin Feige about it. We’re creatively really compatible. I think we both agree that the character is right for a standalone, it’s just a case of timing at this point for both Marvel and myself. Marvel has a really huge roster. They’re looking four years ahead. I also have a lot of things that I want to do. If I did it, I would dedicate myself completely to making it amazing. It would have to be the best version that movie could possibly be. Otherwise, I would never do it.”
Johannson’s character of Natasha Romanova is set to appear next in Avengers: Infinity War.
Avengers: Infinity War stars Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Scarlett Johansson, Brie Larson, Cobie Smulders, Elizabeth Olson, Jeremy Renner, Sebastian Stan, Peter Dinklage, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Hemsworth, Karen Gillian, Bradley Cooper, Samuel L. Jackson, Paul Rudd, Josh Brolin, Paul Bettany, and Mark Ruffalo.
Although no official synopsis has been released at this point, we can safely assume that Avengers: Infinity War will follow a story that includes Thanos, with the Infinity Gauntlet, taking on the Avengers. A more detailed plot summary will be released as the film’s release date nears.
The director of ‘Cloverfield’ and ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ Matt Reeves, is in talks with Warner Bros. to direct ‘The Batman’ after Ben Affleck walked away from the director’s chair in January, according to sources at Variety.
Reeves has committed to directing the project but no official deal has been announced.
Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
Do you think Reeves is a good choice to direct ‘The Batman’? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.
‘The Batman’ is written by Geoff Johns and Ben Affleck, no plot details have been revealed. The film stars Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman, J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, Joe Manganiello as Slade Wilson / Deathstroke, and Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth.
Marvel Studios released a 3-minute short Friday, to explain the build-up to ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ with Robert Downey Jr., Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Anthony and Joe Russo. Kevin Feige announced the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy will team up in the film.
Friday evening, Downey Jr. held a Facebook Live with Holland, and looks like the dou is having a swell time pranking Pratt.
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ stars Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Scarlett Johansson, Brie Larson, Cobie Smulders, Elizabeth Olson, Jeremy Renner, Sebastian Stan, Peter Dinklage, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Hemsworth, Karen Gillian, Bradley Cooper, Samuel L. Jackson, Paul Rudd, Josh Brolin, Paul Bettany, and Mark Ruffalo.
Although no official synopsis has been released at this point, we can safely assume that ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ will follow a story that includes Thanos, with the Infinity Gauntlet, taking on the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy. A more detailed plot summary will be released as the film’s release date nears.
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ hits theaters on May 4, 2018.
Finally, the premise which was set up weeks ago arrives. While Steven was gone, Connie, Peridot, Lapis Lazuli, and Pumpkin had no choice but to step up and save the city. Unfortunately, the city doesn’t exactly need saving. Which is good because the team probably wouldn’t have been effective anyways.
How this episode plays out feels like a bit of a let down until you really think about it. Frankly, the fans expected too much. When they heard the setup of these characters coming together while the man team was away (they end up calling themselves “The Crystal Temps”) many imaged it would be epic. Like this would be the chance for them to finally show of Connie’s training and why it was a good idea to let Peridot and Lapis hang out around the barn. Instead what fans got is the group clumsily trying to work together to complete a basic task because they don’t have any experience as a team. Lapis doesn’t even remember Connie when she first sees her. There was too much hype behind this one and little pay off.
It’s not without its perks. The group recreating the original opening is cute enough and seeing more of the sentient dog like Pumpkin is adorable. Still, what fans really want and will keep hoping for until it pays off is to finally see the Lapis and Peridot perform fusion.
Ever since it was revealed the two would be sharing living space in the episode Barn Mates, fans have been hoping ever episode since will feature their fusion. Regrettably, it’s been over a year ago since the two became roommates and fans are almost giving up hope. Maybe they should. Frankly, it’s the episode which have little build up which usually turn out to be more epic in the end. Because the hype behind this one didn’t pay off at all.
