Iron Fist dropped a full length trailer today that included an in-depth look at the tone of the series, and its characters. The Marvel, Netflix production is the fourth series to come from their “Defenders” universe. In this trailer we can see more of Danny Rand, what his quest is, and the characters he’ll interact with. There’s also a ton of action in this trailer, as well as a fair bit of humor. The plot indicates that Danny Rand’s return will be full of challenges and conflicts from some questionable characters. (Madame Gao, anyone?) Check out the trailer below.
Fifteen years after being presumed dead in a plane crash, Danny Rand (Finn Jones) 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. Marvel’s Iron Fist premieres March 17, 2017 exclusively on Netflix.
Set aside sports fans! Us comic geeks are getting our own man fan cave style light up signs. Check them out below and comment what you think!
InLightz, the exclusive designer of LED logo boxes for fans and enthusiasts, is proud to announce a new partnership with Valiant Entertainment. For the first time ever, the renowned publisher’s line-up of critically acclaimed superheroes including X-O Manowar, Faith, Bloodshot, Shadowman, and Harbinger, will shine like never before in three-dimensional LED light boxes that will power up your home, office, and everywhere in between! Hitting comic shop shelves everywhere beginning Second Quarter 2017, no collection will be complete without these superheroic display items!
The new InLightz logo box was developed by company founder Mathew Cianchino, a lifelong comic book, movie and gaming enthusiast. He was inspired to create this product as he searched for a way to showcase his favorite superheroes at his desk. Since there was nothing like this on the market, he designed a back-lit, three-dimensional LED box that could display fun, colorful logos.
In collaboration with Michael Chiriac, InLightz has produced a product that fits enthusiast’s many passions. Fans of all ages will have the ability to interchange logos as they hunt to collect the entire Valiant Universe.
Russell A. Brown, Valiant’s President, Consumer Products, Promotions & Ad Sales said:
Valiant is home to some of the most iconic superheroes in comics. From Bloodshot to Harbinger to Shadowman to X-O Manowar, our characters are becoming increasingly recognized by comics and pop culture enthusiasts across the country. InLightz is a truly innovative way to display the bold iconography of the Valiant Universe, and we’re thrilled to partner with them for this fun and interactive product that will catch the eye of fans everywhere.
The LED logo box features include:
Officially licensed artwork from Valiant, including logos for Bloodshot, Faith, Harbinger, Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and Valiant Entertainment
Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.25 x 1.5 (WxHxD)
Interchangeable parts that are quick and easy to use
A single, super bright LED with long battery life
Two LED modes: Always On or 4-Hour Timer
Patent pending design
About InLightz:
InLightz is dedicated to providing a totally unique way for fans to showcase their enthusiasm for what they love. It is the first and only company to offer collectible, illuminated logo boxes that can be transported anywhere. Whether it be superheroes or villains, sports teams, automotive, games or movies, we want to make sure that our products light up our customers’ passions. Find more information at www.InLightz.com or follow us on Facebook (InLightz).
About Valiant Entertainment:
Valiant Entertainment is a leading character-based entertainment company that owns the largest independent superhero universe in comics. With more than 80 million issues sold and a library of over 2,000 characters, including X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman, Archer & Armstrong, and many more, Valiant is one of the most successful publishers in the history of the comic book medium. Today, the company’s characters continue to be forged in publishing, licensing, film, video games, and beyond. Valiant consistently produces some of the most critically acclaimed comics in the industry and has received numerous industry awards and accolades, including a Diamond Gem Award for Comic Book Publisher of the Year. Visit them online at ValiantUniverse.com.
This week, John Wick: Chapter 2 hits theaters. It marks another successful action franchise for the always marginalized, never fully appreciated Keanu Reeves. Sure, these days, Reeves has finally been canonized by a few pockets of self-respecting movie nerds, but general consensus out there is he’s just a bad actor.
False.
Even outside John Wick and the Matrix Trilogy Reeves has, more often than not, managed to find the perfect vehicle for his unique acting chops. And his decisions have been consistently interesting over the years, rarely boring moves outside that Bullock lake movie. Even when his movies fail (late 90s crap like Johnny Mnemonic and Chain Reaction), the movies aren’t boring. Just bad. After all this is the dude who was awesome in Speed, and smart enough to pass up on Speed 2.
To celebrate Wick Week, let’s have some fun looking back at Reeves’ 10 best roles, or best movies, however you’d like to couch this thing. Enjoy…
In the same year Point Break came out, Keanu Reeves also managed to sneak in his best, most subtle, most emotionally textured performance in Gus Van Sant’s Portland street hustler adaptation of Henry IV. In a way then, this is Reeves’ first foray into Shakespeare. He plays Scott, the rich street hustler and the object of River Phoenix’s affection. Private Idaho is a film thriving on its own brilliant idiosyncrasies, and it’s the best pure acting in Reeves’ career.
As if the marketing for The Lego Batman Movie couldn’t get any better, they drop this video for the world to see. Yes, you read that headline right. Down below, watch Lego Batman interact with The CW DC heroes in a new video.
What are your thoughts on this funny new piece of marketing? Are you planning to see The Lego Batman Movie in theaters this weekend? Comment below!
Plot synopsis:“In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure: “The LEGO Batman Movie.” But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.”
The Lego Batman Movie stars Will Arnett as the Caped Crusader, Ralph Fiennes as Alfred Pennyworth, Zach Galifianakis as The Joker, Rosario Dawson as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, Billy Dee Williams as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Mariah Carey as Mayor Grange, and Michael Cera as Dick Grayson/Robin.
Are you looking forward to seeing the actor in Pacific Rim: Uprising? What did you think of the first?
Pacific Rim: Uprising is directed by Stephen DeKnight and stars Boyega, Charlie Day, Cailee Spaeney, Jing Tian, Rinko Kikuchi, Burn Gorman, Levi Meaden, Adria Arjona, Scott Eastwood, Karan Brar and Nick E. Tarabay.
Earlier today, Friday the 13th was pulled from Paramount’s slate of upcoming movies. The World War Z sequel was removed as well, but that’s probably the best for everyone.
As for the Friday the 13th reboot, round two, it might be time to give up on this thing. Originally slated for a meaty June release, the murderous misadventures of everyone’s favorite undead goalie has been sputtering for years trying to get going. There’s been no reason given for the removal yet, but perhaps it’s because nobody cares about a reboot?
The original Friday the 13th series is fun and entertaining mostly for nostalgic reasons. Let’s not kid ourselves, they are trashy movies and more of them are unwatchable than even halfway decent. That being said, when the original franchise works, it works really well. Also, call me crazy, but that 2009 reboot was one of the better Jason movies… ever made? That sounds weird but, yeah, it benefited from an actual production budget.
Maybe nobody really cares about slasher films anymore. Or maybe just not right now. Horror junkies might be able to correct me here, but has their been a stalker/slasher film to come out this decade that wasn’t some tired retread or sequel intent on dragging a dead franchise through the mud and the blood? I’m looking at you, Saw.
Anywho, R.I.P. Friday the 13th. If anything changes we will let you know.
Season two of Attack On Titan is just around the corner!
Initially slated with a “Spring 2017” release date, it’s now been confirmed that the show’s second season will premiere on Saturday, April 1.
Plot synopsis:“Eren Jaeger swore to wipe out every last Titan, but in a battle for his life he wound up becoming the thing he hates most. With his new powers, he fights for humanity’s freedom facing the monsters that threaten his home. After a bittersweet victory against the Female Titan, Eren finds no time to rest—a horde of Titans is approaching Wall Rose and the battle for humanity continues!”
Are you looking forward to more Attack On Titan? Let us know in the comments below!
Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going since 2008’s smash-hit Iron Man, we have yet to see “the purple guy”, better known to comic book fans as Thanos, cause any destruction. However, in next year’s Avengers film, that is all going to change.
Collider recently talked to Marvel President Kevin Feige regarding Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, and he briefly talked about how big of a role Thanos plays in the movie. We’ve all known Thanos will be an integral part of the plot, but just how much time will the character have on screen?
“Thanos in Infinity War is – in a movie that has a lot of characters, you could almost go so far as to say he is the main character, and that’s a bit of a departure from what we’ve done before, but that was appropriate for a movie called Infinity War.”
Considering that Avengers: Infinity War is one of the largest casts ever put to screen, that’s a bit responsibility to hold for Josh Brolin’s Thanos.
Are you looking forward to finally seeing Thanos take on the Avengers? Why or why not? Leave us your comments below.
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.
Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018.
Monkeys Fighting Robots’ Black History Month celebration continues! The movie-making business is a mechanism of moving parts that can get complicated and confusing. Imagine the muddled robot effects of any Transformers movie and apply it to real life. The process of getting a film from concept to completion is a long, twisting road. Now imagine being African-American in a white-dominated industry and things get even more complex. However, some brothers and sisters, like the ones on our list, have conquered any and all hurdles to make some fantastic pieces of motion picture brilliance.
Black History Month Tribute To
Great African-American Directors
When it comes to black history and film, Spike Lee is the directorial equivalent of Sidney Poitier with a dash of MLK and Malcolm X. Love him or hate him, you don’t make a list like this without Spike Lee. Financially he’s one of the highest grossing African-American director of all time. Critically, Spike’s made too many acclaimed films to mention here. The outspoken director is an ardent activist who’s earned the ire of right-wingers all over the United States. Spike also appears regularly at Madison Square Garden harassing opposing players on behalf of the New York Knicks.
Films To Watch: Do The Right Thing – 1989 Inside Man – 2006 Chi-Raq – 2015
2. Ava DuVernay
You might want to call her “Ms. First.” DuVernay was the first black female nominated for Best Director at Sundance (she won) and the Golden Globes. Selma was the first film directed by a female African-American nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. DuVernay is a bold director who turned down a sure-hit offer from Disney to direct Black Panther. Instead, DuVernay tackled the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in the acclaimed Netflix documentary 13th.
Films To Watch: Middle of Nowhere – 2012 Selma – 2014 13th – 2016
3. John Singleton
Singleton isn’t a household name like Spike Lee, but the American director has a potent filmography. The first African-American ever nominated for a Best Directing Oscar (Boyz n the Hood), Singleton spent the 90s making critically acclaimed films. In 2003, he put his touch on the Fast and Furious franchise when he directed 2 Fast 2 Furious. Singleton has not directed a feature since the ill-conceived Abduction in 2011. But the director remains involved in television as a director on shows like Empire, American Crime Story, and Rebel.
Films To Watch: Boyz n the Hood – 1991 Higher Learning – 1995 Rosewood – 1997
4. F. Gary Gray
Few directors have a streak of hits like F. Gary Gray. The director debuted with the indie urban comedy Friday then made Set It Off and The Negotiator. But wait, there’s more! Gray followed all that up with The Italian Job. Sure, since then, Gray’s choices have been less than spectacular like A Man Apart. But in 2015, Gray returned to form and mainstream success with the biographical drama Straight Outta Compton.
Films To Watch: The Negotiator – 1998 The Italian Job – 2001 Straight Outta Compton – 2015
5. Kasi Lemmons
One thing that makes Kasi Lemmons unique on this list is her long career as an actress dating back 1979. In 1997, Lemmons directed Eve’s Bayou, and her career behind the camera began. Lemmons’ passionate eye for directing was described as “an ongoing testament to the creative possibilities of film.” She last directed Black Nativity in 2013 but is set to lead two projects for release in 2017 and 2018.
Films To Watch: Eve’s Bayou – 1998 The Caveman’s Valentine – 2001 Talk To Me – 2007
6. Antoine Fuqua
The hit-or-miss Fuqua mades duds like 2004s King Arthur and Brooklyn’s Finest. However, the director tips the scales back firmly in his favor with the underrated The Equalizer and Oscar-winning Training Day. And though his Magnificent Seven wasn’t all that magnificent, the entertaining, star-studded action movie earned nearly 200 million dollars worldwide.
Films To Watch: Training Day – 2001 The Equalizer – 2014 The Magnificent Seven – 2016
7. Gordon Parks
Before Gordon Parks made an impact on the world of movies, he was an acclaimed photojournalist. Parks became the first African-American to direct a major Hollywood production in 1969. That year, Parks directed The Learning Tree, a film based on his semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. But to cinephiles, Parks is best remembered as the father of 70s “blaxploitation” films.
Films To Watch: The Learning Tree – 1969 Shaft – 1971 Leadbelly – 1976
8. Dee Rees
Black history leads us to the award-winning Dee Rees. A graduate of NYU Film, Rees began her career as a protégé of legendary director Spike Lee and worked on Spike’s films Inside Man and When The Levees Broke. After winning praise for her short film Pariah, Rees made a feature film version which went on to earn a host of accolades as well. Rees is the youngest director on this list but continues to add strong films to her burgeoning legacy.
Films To Watch: Pariah – 2011 Bessie – 2015 Mudbound – 2017
9. Honorable Mention: Oscar Micheaux
Any Black History Month tribute to filmmakers without Oscar Micheaux is only a faux celebration. Before there was much of a Hollywood to speak of, son of a slave and author, Oscar Micheaux became the first African-American to direct a major motion picture. Micheaux also ran a production company and wrote, directed, and/or produced 44 films, even effortlessly transitioning from silent to spoken films as the industry evolved. It would take a long while after Micheaux died in 1951 for black directors to gain notoriety, but it would’ve taken even longer without the cinematic pioneer.
