Episode 108: Obnoxious Oscars Debate

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January 27, 2017

The cast and crew of Monkeys Fighting Robots do their best to make a boring subject (The Oscars) more entertaining as they look at the off-beat angles of the award show. Managing Editor, Larry Taylor joins the conversation this week.

Best Picture
Arrival
Fences
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Hidden Figures
La La Land
Lion
Manchester By the Sea
Moonlight

Strap yourself in buckaroos! Episode 108 of the Monkeys Fighting Robots podcast is here.

Do you want to be our SUPER-FAN of the week? All you have to do is comment on this podcast to be eligible.

Do you have a question that you would like answered during the show?
Email your questions to matt@popaxiom.com.

If you are looking to sponsor the podcast email matt@popaxiom.com as well.

About the Monkeys Fighting Robots Podcast:

A Gen Xer and a Millennial debate the latest topics in pop culture. One guy is a filmmaker and the other is a journalist, but both are nerds. We make your slowest days at work better. Hosts, Matthew Sardo and EJ Moreno.

Never heard of Matt Sardo?
For starters, he made the Kessel Run in less than 11 parsecs. Prior to that, he gave Doc Brown the idea for the flux capacitor and led the Resistance to victory over SkyNet – all while sipping a finely crafted IPA. As a radio host, he’s interviewed celebrities, athletes and everyone in between. He’s covered everything from the Super Bowl to Comic-Con.

Who is EJ Moreno?
Is he a trained physician? No. Is he a former Miss Universe contestant? Possibly. But what we know for sure is he’s a writer, filmmaker, and pop culture enthusiast. Since film school, EJ has written & directed several short films. He’s used his passion of filmmaking to become a movie critic for MonkeysFightingRobots.com.

Reviews are greatly appreciated – How to Rate and Review a Podcast in iTunes

Thank you for listening!

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‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’ Review: Non-Stop Action Makes For A Dizzying Goodbye

By

EJ Moreno

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‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’ Feel Like An Expensive B-Movie

It’s amazing to think that the ‘Resident Evil‘ film franchise has been around for about 15 years now. The series has seen some highs and a fair share of lows but it’s always been a wild ride. With everything coming to a close, how would ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter‘ decide to end things? Well, giving the most ridiculous entry is their answer!

To say that this film is over-the-top would be the tip of the iceberg.

From start to finish, the action moves at a brisk pace and rarely, if ever, stops. Starting things off in the aftermath of a massive attack, Alice (Milla Jovovich) gathers herself and heads to Raccoon City for one last mission. She’s told there is a cure for all this mayhem beneath the city and she only has 48 hours to get it.

This simplistic plot allows for tons of extra baggage like untold backstories and plot twists. While I hate that the series waits till the last minute to fill in some major questions, at least most plot threads are resolved. Without giving too much away, there’s finally important information on Alice’s background and what came before the first film.

Below, I will breakdown the good & the bad from ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter‘.

The Good:

The action in this film is the franchise’s best ever. Other than zombie killing madness, there’s plenty of impressive hand-to-hand combat scenes. Milla Jovovich’s Alice has some great fights that show a different side to the action. It feels like Alice has a variety of threats as she takes on zombies, humans, and even winged beasts! Each of these fights feel distinct and end up being a big highlight throughout.

I enjoy that this strips away the sleek/futuristic feeling from the two previous films. These movies shine when it can feel dirty and grimy; ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter‘ provides that grittiness. Taking away the polished look from the last two helps blend any bad visual effects and more important, sets a moody atmosphere.

More so than any others in the franchise, this uses the R-rating to its advantage. Going with the film’s darker look, everything just feels more brutal. When a character falls into a giant fan blade, I expect the camera to cut, showing a reaction shot but we get a giant blood splat instead. Love seeing a mainstream horror franchise use the most of their gore!

The Bad:

It seems like the editing for this was there to cover up bad moments but it sadly distracts from some of the greatness as well. There’s scenes that are cut so jarringly with no real purpose that it leaves you wanting more. Or there is times where the action scenes are so choppy that I could hardly see what was happening. This style of editing is very early 00’s and worked in ‘Resident Evil: Apocalypse‘ but now feels very dated.

The side characters in this are some of the most generic throwaways ever. It felt like they’re basically “red shirts” from Star Trek. You know they’re just here to fill up the body count. I know this story needs to be about Alice and her final mission but fleshing out some of the people on the side would have given me a reason to care.

The script as a whole isn’t great. The film keeps referring back an betrayal in Washington by Wesker to Alice but we never see it. It starts after the attack and never flashes back. There’s been talk that the Sony wanted to wipe the slate clean but it comes off disjointed when an important piece of information is missing. Other than that, the film suffers from some pretty cliched dialogue but that’s never been what you go into these for.

Final Thoughts:

You know what to expect the second you walk into any of these films. ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter‘ is no exception. It’s loud, abrasive, and mindless fun, but I’d never want it to be anything less or more. There’s very clear flaws in the script and some of the editing but I still admire the insane nature of this franchise.

Fans of the other films will enjoy this but it won’t attract any new viewers. You should see this if you’re in the mood for shameless fun or if you’re a fan of the series!

Synopsis: After wandering a ruined city for years, two siblings enter a building and find a man who makes them a dangerous offer.

Genre: Action/Horror
Country: USA
Directed By: Paul W. S. Anderson
Starring: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Ruby Rose, and Iain Glen

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‘Riverdale’ Wears Its Influence On Its Lettermen Jacket Sleeve; Call It “Teen Peaks”

By

Manuel Gomez

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Since it’s announcement, Riverdale had been pushed on having a Twin Peaks vibe. Now that the show has finally arrived, that can indeed be confirmed. But if I had to call it anything, it would be “Teen Peaks”, as the CW drama is aimed directly at a young crowd. But that is not an insult. I just don’t know if I am the target audience.

The show opens with an evocative and creepy (think Flowers in the Attic) scene with Jason and Cheryl Blossom. The scene is dreamlike and ambiguous and ends with the revelation that Jason drowns under mysterious circumstances. The scene is an homage to the discovery of Laura Palmer in Twin Peaks. The influence doesn’t end there, as the entire hour is filled with call back images to David Lynch’s show. Work mills dot the scenery, eerie country roads lead everywhere, even Pop’s Chocolate Shoppe is garishly lit with neon lights in the dark.

The cast, in general, is solid, and the pilot does a serviceable job introducing all the main players. In this first hour, we meet Archie, Jughead (as our narrator), Betty, Kevin Keller, Dilton Doyle, Reggie, Moose, Ms. Grundy (now a hot thirty-something), and Josie and the Pussycats.

Everyone’s social hierarchy is also expressed and set up. The well-known classic relationships are formed and the story is on its way. It’s rather workman-like but it’s a structure usually done in most pilots. Still, it all feels like it is aimed at a younger crowd, even for the CW.

There are elements for adults, as some time and story arcs are paid to the parents and older denizens of Riverdale. Luke Perry is actually pretty engaging as Archie’s father, and the scenes between Perry and KJ Apa (as Archie) are some of the stronger ones.

The narrative is best when addressing the mystery at hand, and it feels like the show is still finding a way to balance that with the classic Archie tropes. It feels uneven at the moment.

The real strength of the show for me is Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, who narrates the story in a very strange and unique third-person form that opens and closes the episode. Jughead has always been a fan-favorite and pop-culture icon, so telling the story through his eyes is not a bad idea. His relationship with Archie is also tweaked, as it is hinted that they were close before but not so much now. Again the mystery there is good.

I guess I have to say that the jury is still out on Riverdale. The show still needs time to find it’s identity and play out all the storylines it has set up. Younger fans will find a lot to like, though, and perhaps this is all for them anyway. Classic Archie fans may be turned off, but I will still give it a chance.

Riverdale stars KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, Ashleigh Murray as Josie McCoy, Luke Perry as Fred Andrews, Molly Ringwald as Molly Andrews, Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom, Ross Butler as Reggie Mantle, Casey Cott as Kevin Keller, Mädchen Amick as Alice Cooper, and Marisol Nichols as Hermione Lodge.

It is written by Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and produced by Warner Brothers Studios and Berlanti Productions. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schecter, Jon Goldwater, and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa serve as executive producers.

The show airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.

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

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Beauty And The Beast Characters Come To Life In New Posters

By

Ashley Carter

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January 26, 2017

Walt Disney Studios has released a series of character posters for its upcoming Beauty and the Beast live-action reboot.

The elaborate posters give a closer look at each character, including the human forms of Beast’s servants. See each poster in the gallery below.

In addition to character posters, Disney released a slew of motion posters for the central characters.

As if that wasn’t enough, Disney also announced a final trailer will debut Monday.

Disney previously released two full-length trailers for the movie. The first one garnered 127.6 million views in just 24 hours of its release.

Beauty and the Beast is one of the most anticipated movies of 2017, and could be one of the first blockbusters of the year.

About Beauty and the Beast

Directed by Bill Condon, Beauty and the Beast is a live-action adaptation of the Disney animated classic. The movie includes classic songs, as well as new ones from original composer Alan Menken.

Beauty and the Beast stars Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, Josh Gad as LeFou, Kevin Kline as Belle’s father Maurice, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Stanley Tucci as Cadenza, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Audra McDonald as Garderobe, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts.

The movie opens in theaters March 17.

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Update: More News Regarding Marvel Entertainment ‘Avengers’ Video Game

By

Manuel Gomez

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January 26, 2017

More news has been released regarding today’s announcement of a new video game from Marvel and Square Enix, reveals ComicBook.com. According to a press release, the game will have a “completely original story”. Jay Ong the Senior Vice President of Games & Innovation for Marvel Entertainment said the following:

The Avengers project is a perfect example of how Marvel is making games a key part of the landscape for Marvel storytelling, alongside comics, television and film. We can only do this by matching our greatest Super Heroes with the world’s top developers, such as the creative minds at Square Enix.

Is Marvel going to put out their version of the hugely popular DC Injustice games? Seems like it! Tell us what you think of this developing story below!

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Don’t Forget To Watch The ‘Riverdale’ Premier Tonight On The CW!

By

Manuel Gomez

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January 26, 2017

The day is finally here.

Set your DVRs and grab your friends – ‘RIVERDALE’, the new one-hour live-action drama based on the classic Archie Comics characters, premieres TONIGHT at 9/8c on The CW!

The live-action ‘Riverdale’ series offers a bold, compelling take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade. The show will focus on the eternal love triangle of Archie Andrews, girl-next-door Betty Cooper, and rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and will include the entire cast of characters from the comic books—including Archie’s rival, Reggie Mantle, and his best friend, Jughead Jones.

Get the comics that inspired the show by visiting your local comic book shop or online at the Archie Comics Shop!

Read Archie Comics on your smart phone or tablet by downloading the Archie Comics App or on your desktop with ComiXology.

Join Archie Comics as they live-tweet the show from 9-10pm tonight!

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

ABOUT RIVERDALE

Based on the characters from Archie Comics, RIVERDALE is from Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, in association with Berlanti Productions, with executive producers Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (“Supergirl,” “Glee”), Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”), Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) and Jon Goldwater (Archie Comics).

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Marvel Announces New ‘Avengers’ Video Game Project

By

Manuel Gomez

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January 26, 2017

Marvel Entertainment announced a new video game project on their Twitter this morning by releasing a short video. The game is a joint project with SquareEnix, Crystal Dynamics, and Eidos Montreal. Not a lot of information was given, except the video and the hashtag #reassemble. Monkeys Fighting Robots will report as more news comes forward.

Check out the video below and tell us what you think!

Introducing The Avengers project from @SquareEnix, @CrystalDynamics, and @EidosMontreal! #Reassemble pic.twitter.com/0ppcquTIWi

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) January 26, 2017

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Mark Hamill Hints At Meaning Behind The Title ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

By

Manuel Gomez

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January 26, 2017

Mark Hamill discussed many things in a lengthy new interview with Uproxx. Regarding Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the always vocal actor had this to say:

“I think it’s very ambiguous. Is the last Jedi Leia? Is it me? Is it someone we’ve never met before? Or is it Rey? Because she seems to have the Force as well. So we’ll all wait and see.”

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, is written and directed by Rian Johnson and continues the storylines introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.It welcomes back cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis. New cast members will include Academy Award® winner Benicio Del Toro, Academy Award® nominee Laura Dern, and talented newcomer Kelly Marie Tran.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin and Tom Karnowski. Joining the production crew will be some of the industry’s top talent, including Steve Yedlin (Director of Photography), Bob Ducsay (Editor), Rick Heinrichs (Production Designer), Peter Swords King (Hair and Make-Up Designer), and Mary Vernieu (US Casting Director). They will be joining returning crew members Pippa Anderson (Co-Producer, VP Post Production), Neal Scanlan (Creature & Droid FX Creative Supervisor), Michael Kaplan (Costume Designer), Jamie Wilkinson (Prop Master), Chris Corbould (SFX Supervisor), Rob Inch (Stunt Coordinator), Ben Morris (VFX Supervisor), and Nina Gold (UK Casting Director).

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is scheduled for release December 15, 2017.

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Hugh Jackman Unveils Serious New ‘Logan’ Poster

By

Aric Sweeny

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January 26, 2017

Hugh Jackman, the actor who’s played Wolverine for over 15 years, has just unveiled a new poster for his last film as the character, Logan.

This poster is simple, yet effective. Showing the grit in just a single frame, it should entice viewers that either hadn’t heard of the film, or weren’t planning to see it.

How do you feel about not only this new piece of marketing, but the film as a whole? Do you plan to see Logan in theaters? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments section, down below.

Plot synopsis: “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. Click here for the full cast list.

The film hits theaters on March 3.

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5 Theories & Questions About The Shocking Ending Of M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Split’

By

EJ Moreno

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January 25, 2017

Below Contains Spoilers To Shyamalan’s ‘Split’, So Readers Beware

If you don’t know, now you know. M. Night Shyamalan has connected his iconic film ‘Unbreakable’ with the new release ‘Split‘. It comes as a surprise to viewers and raises some serious questions about what it all means.

With this “Shyamalan Cinematic Universe” building, this could mean a massive change for his career and his projects as a whole. ‘Split‘ has only been out for a few weeks but there’s been so many theories and questions going around already.

I’ll breakdown some of the major inquiries and give my thoughts on each mind-blowing concept from the budding ‘Split‘ and ‘Unbreakable‘ universe.

Reminder, I will go into detail about the finale of ‘Split‘ and the future of films so proceed with caution if you haven’t seen the movie yet!

What do you think of the twist ending to ‘Split‘ and the connections to ‘Unbreakable‘?

Let me know in the comments below!

11. Are All Of The Shyamalan Films Connected?

What if these aren’t the first two films in this “Shyamalan Cinematic Universe”? I started wondering if there’s more films in this universe.

Tying into my previous theory, what if the young boy’s ghost seeing ability in ‘The Sixth Sense‘ is one of these superpowers? Could the freakish grandparents in ‘The Visit‘ be included into this universe? ‘The Village‘ could even live in this universe, given that film’s infamous twist! Hell, this could be a better explanation of why the main characters in ‘The Happening‘ were immune to the plant attack…

Now that there is confirmation that two of Shyamalan’s films are connected, some fans are going insane trying to piece together pieces that might not even be there.

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