‘We Are the Flesh’ Movie Review: Post-Apocalyptic Horror Isn’t Dead Yet!

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‘We Are the Flesh’ Thursts Shock & Art Into A Dying Sub-Genre

If I were to describe ‘We Are the Flesh‘ as nauseating, it would honestly be a compliment to director Emiliano Rocha Minter. I believe the intention of the piece is to make you to feel uncomfortable. The plot is unhinged, the cinematography dizzies, and the acting performances are wild. But when it was all said and done, I love this movie.

The overall direction of ‘We Are the Flesh‘ is reminiscent to films from Takashi Miike, Lars Von Trier, and Gaspar Noé. I can see Emiliano Rocha Minter taking notes from those provocateurs but adding something different to the mix. Instead of any normal narrative, the newcomer gives puzzling moments that loosely tie together. Any sort of horror genre convention in these films is replaced with shock art and surrealism.

To say there’s never been a “post-apocalyptic” film like this would be an understatement. ‘We Are the Flesh‘ pushes the boundaries of decency a few times but to me, it never undercut the tension. It only added to how insanity of everything else happening. I applaud anyone who can tolerate the mayhem in this; arthouse horror fans know what to expect but it will scare off anyone expecting a straightforward genre piece.

Need an example of why it could bring some detractors? Within 30 minutes, the story decides to take a dark turn. The two siblings who stumble upon a crazy hermit are coerced into sex with each other. This moment isn’t even a quick scene, it’s a very graphic long segment with un-simulated sex. It doesn’t even happen once! In a very strange way though, it gives ‘We Are the Flesh‘ a distinct vibe.

Trying to quickly re-tell the story wouldn’t do it justice. After years of wandering around a ruined city, siblings (Maria Evoli and Diego Gamaliel) stumble upon a wild hermit (Noé Hernández) that lets them stay if they do EXACTLY what he says. I touched on the incest sub-plot but it goes further. ‘We are the Flesh‘ is something you have to see for yourself.

“Something like love doesn’t exist. Only demonstrations of love.”
–Maria Evoli

The centerpiece of the film is the wonderfully insane performance from Noé Hernández. He opens the film with a literal bang and has such an amazing on-screen presence. All of the acting was fine but Hernández brought something great to everything he did…even if it was gross or violent. It’s always a joy to see an actor give such a raw and revealing performance like this. Noé Hernández holds nothing back and I commend that.

Another star of this show is cinematography. From the beautiful camera work to the vibrant colors, the visuals of ‘We Are the Flesh‘ feels like a character in itself. Almost every shot in this film feels like artwork with so much to take in from a single frame. Work like this usually comes from seasoned pros but director Emiliano Rocha Minter and cinematographer Yollótl Alvarado seem wise beyond their years.

Final Thoughts:

I’m certain tons of people will be offended and yes, this is shock for shock sake but there’s no shame in that. I believe any of the nasty antics within ‘We Are the Flesh‘ are backed with amazing acting and masterful filmmaking. In film school, they told us “in order to break the rules, you have to know them first.” Well, director Emiliano Rocha Minter knew all the rules and tried to break every last one of them.

Not everyone film will be made for everyone and this is one of those films. But for the people who crave shock cinema, ‘We Are the Flesh‘ comes with a high recommendation!

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

Genre: Horror
Country: Mexico
Directed By: Emiliano Rocha Minter
Starring: Noé Hernández, Maria Evoli, and Diego Gamaliel

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X-23 Gets Her Claws Out in Latest ‘Logan’ Photos

By

Emma Nicholson

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January 24, 2017

A quartet of brand new Logan images have been released by Empire as Wolverine prepares to take his final bow. They are taken from the new issue of Empire magazine, on sale from Thursday.

The images show Laura (Dafne Keen), a.k.a X-23, claws unleashed, looking rabid and dangerously badass. There is also a moody shot of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, and another in which he is joined by Patrick Stewart’s Professor Xavier. Check them out below:

The film’s synopsis is as follows:

In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hideout 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.

Clearly the young mutant is Laura, and from the latest trailer it’s clear she is to be a force to be reckoned with. Her fierce and feisty, scowling visage will be joined by Wolverine and Professor X on a road trip like no other. Jackman described the unconventional superhero movie:

“It’s a darker version of Little Miss Sunshine, with the three of us on the road. Slightly more violence!”

The R-rated movie is directed by James Mangold, and alongside Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart and Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook will appear as mutant-hating cyborg Donald Pierce, Doris Morgado as Maria, Stephen Merchant as Caliban, Elizabeth Rodriguez as Gabriela and Richard E. Grant as Dr Zander Rice.

Logan is due on March 3rd, 2017.

How are you coping with the wait until release? Let us know in the comments.

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Martin Freeman is Making his Return to the MCU in ‘Black Panther’

By

Emma Nicholson

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January 24, 2017

Martin Freeman was caught on camera on the set of Marvel’s Black Panther in Atlanta over the weekend, confirming rumors that he will reprise his role as Everett Ross, whose first appearance was in Captain America: Civil War.

Also caught on camera were the film’s star Chadwick Boseman, as well as Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira, who are playing members of the Dora Milaje, personal bodyguards to the Wakandan king, according to Just Jared.

In Civil War, Martin Freeman was introduced to the MCU as Everett Ross, the Deputy Task Force Commander of the Joint Terrorist Centre. He is a recurring character in the original comic book series and serves as an ally both to Black Panther (a.k.a. T’Challa) and the United States. Freeman’s appearance in the upcoming film is no surprise then, and while any details regarding the plot are unknown, tie-ins with the end of Captain America: Civil War can definitely be expected.

Although the photos don’t seem to show the actors filming at the time, they are said to have been preparing for a scene involving a meeting with the United Nations, perhaps tying into the fact that Black Panther is harboring unwanted criminals in Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes.

The synopsis of Black Panther gives very little away:

T’Challa, the new ruler of the advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must defend his land from being torn apart by enemies from outside and inside the country.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler, and the cast listed above will be joined by Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Michael B. Jordan, Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Kaluuya and Florence Kasumba among many others. Andy Serkis and Stan Lee are also rumored to appear, the former returning to his role as Ulysses Klaue from Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Black Panther is set for release on February 16th, 2018.

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Archie Comics Releases Full April 2017 Solicitations

By

Manuel Gomez

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January 24, 2017

DARK CIRCLE COMICS

THE BLACK HOOD SEASON 2, #4
Greg Hettinger has traveled thousands of miles to end up back in Philadelphia, where his nightmare began—and where his adversaries are waiting, as well as another man wearing a black hood, who claims that Greg stole his life…
Script: Duane Swierczynski
Art: Greg Scott, Rachel Deering, Kelly Fitzpatrick
The Black Hood Season 2, #4 CVR A Reg: Greg Smallwood
The Black Hood Season 2, #4 CVR B Variant: Michael Walsh
Ship Date: 3/29
On Sale Date: 4/12
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

ARCHIE
ARCHIE #19
With Veronica Lodge back in town, everyone’s vying for her hand–from Archie to Toni to Reggie Mantle! Romance runs deep in Riverdale this issue!
Script: Mark Waid
Art: Pete Woods, Andre Szymanowicz, Jack Morelli
Ship Date: 4/5
On Sale Date: 4/19
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
ARCHIE VOLUME 3 (TR)
Introducing… Cheryl Blossom! The fiery red-head takes center stage as Archie and Veronica’s worlds are torn apart as the two are living thousands of miles away from each other. What will happen to the rest of Archie’s friends in Riverdale? And just what kind of havoc will Cheryl Blossom wreak? All the answers and more in the third volume of the SMASH HIT Archie series! Collects Archie issues 13 – 17.
Script: Mark Waid
Art: Joe Eisma, Andre Szymanowicz, Jack Morelli
Cover: Joe Eisma
978-1-68255-993-2
$19.99/$21.99CAN
TR
176 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 4/19
BETTY & VERONICA BY ADAM HUGHES #3 (RESOLICIT)
All Heck breaks loose in Riverdale as the final act of BETTY VERSUS VERONICA reaches its combustible conclusion! The streets of Riverdale run red under the rockets’ red glare and no one will ever be the same!
Script: Adam Hughes
Art: Adam Hughes, Jose Villarubia, Jack Morelli
Ship Date: 3/29
On Sale Date: 4/12
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
BIG MOOSE ONE-SHOT
Riverdale’s resident jock gets the spotlight in this special one-shot where everything’s Moose! Stories by Sean Ryan, Ryan Cady and Gorf with art by Cory Smith, Thomas Pitilli and Wilfredo Torres!
Script: Sean Ryan, Ryan Cady, Gorf
Art: Thomas Pitilli, Cory Smith, Wilfredo Torres
Ship Date: 4/12
On Sale Date: 4/26
48-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.
JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS #6
With the Pussycats arrested for plagiarism, Alexander Cabot is determined to put the band on trial! The girls are shipped to the Cabot family’s sovereign patch of Antarctica, where the Cabots’ word is law! How will the girls get out of this one? (Spoilers: Probably friendship.)
Script: Marguerite Bennett, Cameron DeOrdio
Art: Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
Ship Date: 4/5
On Sale Date: 4/19
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
JUGHEAD #14
When Juggie’s ruined everyone’s lives (BUT BY ACCIDENT, OBVIOUSLY) and also drawn the entire internet’s attention to Riverdale, can he fix it? And how can a man who only wants to eat burgers in peace have caused such problems? All these questions and more are answered in this issue!
Script: Ryan North
Art: Derek Charm, Jack Morelli
Ship Date: 3/22
On Sale Date: 4/5
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

LITTLE SABRINA ONE-SHOT
Little Sabrina encounters very colorful doppelgangers of her little kitty Salem! When she tries to use magic to whisk them back to wherever they came from she finds that their magic abilities are more than she bargained for!Script: Art Baltazar and Franco
Script: Art Baltazar and Franco
Art: Art Baltazar
Ship Date: 3/22
On Sale Date: 4/5
48-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.

RIVERDALE #1 (RESOLICIT)
From Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and the writers of the new CW series Riverdale comes the first issue of the MUST-READ, brand new, ongoing comic series. Set in the universe of the TV series, the Riverdale comic offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, Josie & the Pussycats and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade.
Script: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Various
Art: Joe Eisma
Ship Date: 3/22
On Sale Date: 4/5
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
ROAD TO RIVERDALE VOL 2 (TR)
READ THE STORIES THAT INSPIRED THE NEW CW TV SERIES! Road to Riverdale Vol. 2 presents to readers all of the second issues of each of our new series so far, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and the Pussycats, and Reggie & Me, timed to the release of the brand new CW series Riverdale.
Script: Mark Waid, Chip Zdarsky, Adam Hughes, Marguerite Bennett & Cameron Deordio, Tom DeFalco
Art: Fiona Staples, Erica Henderson, Adam Hughes, Audrey Mok, Sandy Jarrell, Andre Szymanowicz, Jose Villarrubia, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
Cover: Francesco Francavilla
978-1-68255-962-8
$14.99/$16.99CAN
6 5/8 x 10 3/16”
TR
136 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 4/26

ARCHIE CLASSIC

ARCHIE COMICS ANNUAL #278
This month, digests go global! In the NEW LEAD STORY “From India, with Love,” Archie’s friend Raj needs help with a movie he’s making, so Archie travels with him to India!
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
Ship Date: 4/12
On Sale Date: 4/26
192-page, full color comic
$5.99 U.S.
ARCHIE’S FUNHOUSE SPRING ANNUAL #26
In the NEW LEAD STORY “On the Road Again …and Against!,” the Archies go on tour in the Philippines, while at the same time a documentary is being filmed about them.
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
Ship Date: 3/22
On Sale Date: 4/5
192-page, full color comic
$5.99 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA COMICS S DOUBLE DIGEST #253
In the NEW LEAD STORY “Oh, Canada!,” Betty and Veronica are excited to go to a charity event in Canada—but they’re even more excited to meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau!
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
Ship Date: 4/5
On Sale Date: 4/19
160-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD AND ARCHIE SPRING ANNUAL #26
In the NEW LEAD STORY “You’re Cooked!,” Jughead wins a food channel contest where you compete in a cook off…in Paris, France!
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
Ship Date: 3/29
On Sale Date: 4/12
192-page, full color comic
$5.99 U.S.

RIVERDALE DIGEST #1
See how it all began with this digest-sized collection featuring stories from our recently relaunched New Riverdale titles, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and the Pussycats and Reggie and Me!
Script: Mark Waid, Adam Hughes, Chip Zdarsky, Marguerite Bennett, Cameron DeOrdio, Tom DeFalco
Art: Fiona Staples, Erica Henderson, Adam Hughes, Audrey Mok, Sandy Jarrell, Andre Szymanowicz, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
Cover: Francesco Francavilla
Ship Date: 3/22
On Sale Date: 4/5
128-page, full color comic
$5.99 U.S.

SABRINA 80-PAGE GIANT COMIC #1
This GIANT-SIZED collection features the best, classic stories filled with magic and mayhem, starring Sabrina the Teenage Witch! This is the perfect companion book to the BRAND new Sabrina the Teenage Witch One-Shot!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Sabrina 80-Page Giant Comic #1 CVR A Reg: Various
Ship Date: 3/22
On Sale Date: 4/5
80-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.

ARCHIE ACTION

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 5: CHAMPIONS (TR)
It’s a Sonic battle in a championship of fighters! Shady media mogul Breezie has gotten her hands on a Chaos Emerald Sonic needs to save the world. The only way he can get it is to fight in her televised battle royale against friends and foes alike! SONIC THE HEDGEHOG VOL. 5:
CHAMPIONS collects SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #268-271.
Script: Ian Flynn.
Art: Diana Skelly, Ryan Jampole, Terry Austin, Gabriel Cassata & John
Workman
Cover: Evan Stanley, Terry Austin & Ben Hunzeker
978-1-68255-892-4
$12.99/$14.99CAN
TR
120 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 4/5

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #294
“Memories”: Sonic reminisces with his buddies Mighty and Ray, but Sonic and Mighty disagree on how they met. Can their friendship survive their egos’ revisions? Then in “Baking Bad,” Bunnie and Antoine put their competitive cooking skills to the test! Featuring cover art by Tyson
Hesse and a “Kooky Kitchen variant” by Jennifer Hernandez!
Script: Ian Flynn and Aleah Baker
Art: Tracy Yardley, Terry Austin, Gabriel Cassata and John Workman
Ship Date: 4/12
On Sale Date: 4/26
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

SONIC UNIVERSE #97
“Freedom Fighters” Part Three: Amy Rose and Cream join Sally Acorn as they seek the components needed to repair Nicole’s systems, but during their quest an old adversary reemerges! Featuring cover art by Jamal Peppers and a “Sonic and the Freedom Fighters variant” by Tyson Hesse!
Script: Ian Flynn
Art: Adam Bryce Thomas, Jim Amash, Matt Herms and Jack Morelli
Sonic Universe #97 CVR A Reg: Jamal Peppers, Jim Amash & Matt Herms
Sonic Universe #97 CVR B Variant: Tyson Hesse
Ship Date: 3/29
On Sale Date: 4/12
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

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

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Academy Award Nominations: Surprises And Snubs

By

Jonathan Bruce

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January 24, 2017

The Academy Awards usually get lots of people talking, because there’s always a film that doesn’t get recognition.

Earlier today, the announcement brought a diverse group of nominations. This year’s ceremony will not be a “White Oscars” like last year.

La La Land leads the pack with 14 nominations. The film matches the record of James Cameron’s Titanic. Moonlight has eight nominations. Hacksaw Ridge earns six nominations. These include Best Picture and Best Director for Mel Gibson. Denzel Washington’s Fences lands four nominations.

On the other hand, Martin Scorsese’s Silence did not receive any major nominations. The only nod is for Best Cinematography. Then again, the film has been subject to mixed reviews and poor box office. Clint Eastwood’s Sully won a single nomination for Best Sound Editing.

In terms of Best Actor performances, the nominees are a solid bunch. Casey Affleck is in for Manchester By The Sea. Ryan Gosling is in for La La Land. Andrew Garfield continues his string of acclaim for Hacksaw Ridge. Denzel Washington has a nod for Fences. Finally, Viggo Mortensen is a surprise nominee for Captain Fantastic.

Michael Keaton’s performance in The Founder is not a nominee. While the film is in limited release, critics have been praising his turn as Ray Kroc. Sadly, it appears Keaton has slipped between the cracks. So did Tom Hanks for his work in Sully.

Emma Stone and Ruth Negga each score Best Actress nominations. Isabelle Huppert sneaks into the race for her work in Elle. Natalie Portman is there for her subtle performance in Jackie. Amy Adams did not receive a nod for her performance in Arrival. Somehow, Meryl Streep got into the Best Actress category for Florence Foster Jenkins.

New 'Arrival' Trailer Brings The Star Power: Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner — How can they ignore Amy Adams’ performance?

Dev Patel gets a nomination for his turn in the true story drama Lion. Mahershala Ali has a nod for his role in Moonlight. Lucas Hedges gets his first nomination for Manchester By The Sea. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is overlooked for his work in Nocturnal Animals. Instead, co-star Michael Shannon nabs a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

As for the technical categories, there is a wide range of nominations. Rogue One has two nominations for VFX and Sound Mixing. Doctor Strange also has a nomination for VFX. Civil War didn’t get any nominations. Deadpool didn’t land a nomination for Best Makeup.

One thing is certain, though. Everyone will be tuning in to watch on February 26th.

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AfterShock Comics Announces New Sci-Fi Title ‘World Reader’

By

Manuel Gomez

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January 24, 2017

AfterShock comics continues to announce exciting new releases with yet another new title. Check out the solicitation, cover, and images below!

WORLD READER #1 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / April 19, 2017
writer: Jeff Loveness

artist: Juan Doe

letters: Rachel Deering
cover: Juan Doe

Meet Sarah, an astronaut traveling from dead planet to dead planet, talking to the ghosts of the dead worlds…as she fights to discover the secret that’s killing the universe. But Death doesn’t give up its secrets so easily, and as Death hunts her from planet to planet, Sarah struggles to maintain the trust of her crew and her own sanity in the endless ocean of lives. Every world has a story, and if she can find the secret tying them all together, she can save Earth from being the next world to die.

From GROOT and JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE writer Jeff Loveness and AMERICAN MONSTER, ANIMOSITY: THE RISE artist Juan Doe, comes the chilling, epic new series that will be sure to appeal to fans of THE ARRIVAL, INTERSTELLAR, and THE EXPANSE.

Writer Jeff Loveness has this to say:

When Mike Marts and AfterShock offered me my first creator-owned series, I tried to pitch the biggest idea I could think of. Mike and the AfterShock team were completely on board and helped foster it from the beginning. I couldn’t have asked for a more open and exciting creative experience. I’ve always loved big, existential sci-fi that takes a swing at the Universe. Films like Tarkovsky’s “Solaris” and “2001”, mixed with modern ones like ‘Contact’ and Arrival’ and Ray Bradbury sci-fi were huge, huge influences on this story. AfterShock gave me the freedom to combine spirituality, sci-fi, and horror with Cosmogony and Apocalypse narratives in every issue. We’ve got a psychic astronaut traveling to dead worlds, talking to space ghosts and trying to figure out what’s killing life across the Universe… should have something fun and weird for everybody.

And on art, Juan Doe brings such intense stylization to this. I’ve been a fan of his work for years, so it’s great to finally collaborate with him. I am not worthy, and luckily he hasn’t figured that out yet. Please don’t tell him.

It’s been an absolute thrill to reach outside my comfort zone and swing for the fences with AfterShock, and I can’t wait for people to take that swing with us.

Artist Juan Doe added:

Working on ‘World Reader’ from Jeff Loveness has been a blast. It’s very different from my work on ‘American Monster’ and I’ve always wanted to do a story that takes place in outer space. Jeff’s framework for the story has some very cool, metaphysical narratives. It brings to the forefront the questions humans have had from the beginning of civilization, the questions of origins and why we were created and it is very much an operatic space thriller with some nice twists and turns.

World Reader #1 is out on April 17, 2017.

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Rooster Teeth Renews ‘RWBY,’ ‘Red vs Blue,’ and More for 2017

By

Jon Barr - TV Editor

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January 24, 2017

Rooster Teeth, the Austin-based production company, has a host of popular online shows. Among those are the beloved cartoons RWBY and Red vs. Blue. Both shows are 3-D action shows, involving a lot of motion capture and “machinimating“, in the case of the latter. While RWBY’s fourth season is currently running, the company has announced its renewal, among its other shows.

RWBY and Red vs. Blue are considered two of the flagship series for the production company. Red vs. Blue is notable for being one of the longest running web series of all time. “Red vs. Blue started us on this journey 14 seasons ago, and RWBY has skyrocketed us to where we are now,” said RT head of animation Gray G. Haddock.

While RWBY’s fourth season will end in early February, the fifth season will be back in the fall of 2017. Red vs. Blue will be coming back with its 15th season in April. Rooster Teeth also renewed RWBY Chibi, a RWBY spin-off, returning for a second season in May. Camp Camp, another Rooster Teeth original, will get a second season in June. This block of summer programming will continue the company’s “Summer of Animation” season, which it began last year.

Death Battle, a show created by fellow Fullscreen acquisition ScrewAttack, will return on February 1st. Additionally, Rooster Teeth has included the premiere date for its newest animated series Sex Swing. Created in part by Funhaus, a gaming channel under the Rooster Teeth banner, the series follows the adventures of an 80’s glam rock band. The new series will begin airing February 18th.

Missing from the animation slate is X-Ray & Vav. The parody superhero show followed an inept duo of superheroes. X-Ray & Vav was based off two personalities from Achievement Hunter, the Rooster Teeth gaming channel. The lack of a renewal date is likely due to one of the stars, Ray Navarez Jr, leaving Achievement Hunter. While it’s possible the series will still get a third season, it’s hard to say when it would happen.

Until the shows come back, you can catch up on all the episodes on Rooster Teeth’s YouTube page. New episodes will be on YouTube as well, but will come out first on Rooster Teeth’s website, exclusively for their FIRST members.

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The 89th Academy Awards: Full Nominee List, Snubs, Surprises, Thoughts

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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January 24, 2017

The Academy Awards are out!

This morning, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the Oscar nominees for their 89th ceremony. As is always the case, there were a few surprises, some notable snubs, and plenty of status quo to go around. Thankfully, however, the Academy learned from their mistakes last year (and too many years in the past to count), and the field is wonderfully diverse and full of terrific actor sand actresses who all deserve their moment in the sun.

It also helps that so many wonderful films from minorities came out in 2016. But don’t be confused, many if not all of these films were in some form of production prior to the Oscars So White controversy last year. This isn’t reactionary, it’s serendipitous.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Best Picture

Arrival

Fences

Hacksaw Ridge

Hell or High Water

Hidden Figures

La La Land

Lion

Manchester By the Sea

Moonlight

Best Cinematography

Arrival (Bradford Young)

La La Land (Linus Sandgren)

Lion (Grieg Fraser)

Moonlight (James Laxton)

Silence (Rodrigo Prieto)

Best Supporting- Actor

Mahershala Ali (Moonlight)

Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water)

Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea)

Dev Patel (Lion)

Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals)

Best Documentary Feature

Fire at Sea

I Am Not Your Negro

Life, Animated

O.J.: Made in America

13th

Best Foreign Language Film

Land of Mine, Denmark, Martin Zandvliet, director

A Man Called Ove, Sweden, Hannes Holm, director

The Salesman, Iran, Asghar Farhadi, director

Tanna, Australia, Bentley Dean, Martin Butler, directors

Toni Erdmann, Germany, Maren Ade, director

Best Actor

Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea)

Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge)

Ryan Gosling (La La Land)

Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic)

Denzel Washington (Fences)

Best Costume Design

Allied (Joanna Johnston)

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Colleen Atwood)

Florence Foster Jenkins (Consolata Boyle)

Jackie (Madeline Fontaine)

La La Land (Mary Zophres)

Best Original Score

Jackie (Micachu)

La La Land (Justin Hurwitz)

Lion (Dustin O’Halloran, Hauschka)

Moonlight (Nicholas Britell)

Passengers (Thomas Newman)

Best Original Song

“Audition” (La La Land)

“”Can’t Stop the Feeling!” (Trolls)

“City of Stars” (La La Land)

“The Empty Chair” (Jim: The James Foley Story)

“How Far I’ll Go” (Moana)

Best Sound Editing

Arrival

Deepwater Horizon

Hacksaw Ridge

La La Land

Sully

Best Sound Mixing

Arrival

Hacksaw Ridge

La La Land

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

13 Hours

Best Documentary Short

4.1 Miles (University of California, Berkeley)

Extremis (f/8 Filmworks in association with Motto Pictures)

Joe’s Violin (Lucky Two Productions)

Watani: My Homeland (ITN Productions)

The White Helmets (Grain Media and Violet Films)

Best Production Design

Arrival (Patrice Vermette)

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Stuart Craig)

Hail Caesar

La La Land (Sandy Reynolds-Wasco, David Wasco)

Passengers (Guy Hendrix Dyas)

Best Original Screenplay

Hell or High Water (Taylor Sheridan)

La La Land (Damien Chazelle)

The Lobster (Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou)

Manchester by the Sea (Kenneth Lonergan)

20th Century Women (Mike Mills)

Best Adapted Screenplay

Arrival (Eric Heisserer)

Fences (August Wilson)

Hidden Figures (Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi)

Lion (Luke Davies)

Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McRaney)

Best Animated Feature

Kubo and the Two Strings (Focus Features)

Moana (Disney)

My Life As a Zucchini (GKIDS)

The Red Turtle (Sony Classics)

Zootopia (Disney)

Best Animated Short

Blind Vaysha (National Film Board of Canada)

Borrowed Time (Quorum Films)

Pear Cider and Cigarettes (Massive Swerve Studios and Passion Pictures Animation)

Pearl (Google Spotlight Stories/Evil Eye Pictures)

Piper (Pixar)

Best Supporting- Actress

Viola Davis (Fences)

Naomie Harris (Moonlight)

Nicole Kidman (Lion)

Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures)

Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea)

Best Film Editing

Arrival (Joe Walker)

Hacksaw Ridge (John Gilbert)

Hell or High Water (Jake Roberts)

La La Land (Tom Cross)

Moonlight (Joi McMillon, Nat Sanders)

Best Actress

Isabelle Huppert (Elle)

Ruth Negga (Loving)

Emma Stone (La La Land)

Natalie Portman (Jackie)

Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins)

Best Director

Arrival — Denis Villeneuve

Hacksaw Ridge — Mel Gibson

La La Land — Damien Chazelle

Manchester by the Sea — Kenneth Lonergan

Moonlight — Barry Jenkins

A minor snub, at least for me, is no Arrival Original Score nomination. That was my favorite score of the year, as was the case with most of Arrival.
Glad to see Viggo Mortensen get a nod for Captain Fantastic.
The Golden Globe winner for Best Supporting Actor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is appropriately replaced here by Michael Shannon in the same film.
Love Meryl Streep, but this is getting a little ridiculous. She took Amy Adams’ spot.
Deadpool didn’t make it, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief.
I feel like everyone is overrating Hacksaw Ridge because, for whatever reason, they want Mel Gibson to be a star again.
Martin Scorsese’s Silence only gets one nom… Not that he cares.
Glad to see Moonlight get a cinematography nomination. Much deserved.
Suicide Squad… Oscar nominee.

The Academy Awards will air Sunday, February 26 at 8:30 ET.

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CW Casts Darren Criss as Music Meister for Flash-Supergirl Crossover

By

Jon Barr - TV Editor

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January 23, 2017

CW has announced the casting for the villain in an upcoming superhero crossover event. Hot off the heels of the “Heroes vs Aliens” event, Supergirl and The Flash will have a musical event. Darren Criss, known mostly for his work on Glee, has now been cast as the maniacal Music Meister. He will be going up against Supergirl and Flash in the two-episode crossover event.

CW executive Andrew Kreisberg told TV Line about the casting earlier today, singing Criss’ praises (though not literally). “With our Flash and our Supergirl being Glee alums, how could we not have them go up against another Glee favorite like Darren Criss?” said Kreisberg. “We have been blown away by his talent over the years and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the Music Meister.”

This event will also serve as a Glee reunion, as both heroes had recurring roles on the show. Gustin, in fact, played Sebastian, an antagonist-slash-ex-lover of Criss’ Blaine. Beonist, meanwhile, played the nicer Marley Rose. Along with these actors, the episodes will also feature the voices of Cisco (Carlos Valdes), Winn (Jeremy Jordan), and Joe West (Jesse L Martin). The event has also recruited CW songbirds Dr. Stein (Victor Garber) from Legends of Tomorrow, and Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman) from Arrow.

Darren Criss has been singing and acting for years, beyond his work on Glee. He’s played the leads in Starkid’s A Very Potter Musical, as well as the Broadway show Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Interestingly enough, Criss took over the roll from Neil Patrick Harris, who played Music Meister in the cartoon series Batman: The Brave and The Bold. While Criss has never played a flat-out villain before, he certainly has the chops for a potentially great performance.

Aside from the casting, it’s hard to say what can be expected of the CW event. Much like “Heroes vs Aliens,” the Supergirl episode won’t be as heavily involved in the crossover as The Flash. We don’t know much about the plot, or if the soundtrack will feature original tracks or pop song covers (a la Glee). The hope is that this Glee reunion won’t feel like a… well, like a Glee reunion. Not to say that Glee wasn’t good, but it certainly wasn’t an action-packed adventure show. Regardless, it will no doubt be fun to watch these former co-stars team up once again.

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A Reading List About America’s First Ladies, From Martha to Michelle

By

Jen Schiller

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January 23, 2017

Last week America swore in our 45th President. Whole libraries exist dedicated to the lives of our leaders. Indeed any bookstore worth its salt includes a biography section dedicated to our Presidents. But what about the other leadership position in the White House? No, not the Vice President–the title that comes with no description, but a whole lot of responsibilities: the First Lady.

The History of the First Lady

Not every President has taken his oath with a wife standing by. However, the role of First Lady is filled with every new leader, by nieces, sisters, or close family friends. Even if a First Lady enters the office along with the new POTUS, but dies while he is in office, a new person always fills the position for the remainder of his tenure. First Ladies have been everything from actresses to career politicians, advocates for social change and even once taking over when the Chief became too ill to fulfill his duties alone.

In honor of this diverse and oft-overlooked post, we’ve put together a reading list of books about our First Ladies, from Martha to Michelle.

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38. An Overview of the First Ladies

Still haven’t gotten enough the women that keep our country running? There are plenty of books that give a sweeping overview of the position. Pick up Margaret Truman’s First Ladies, Kate Andersen Brower’s First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies, and Cokie Roberts’ Ladies of Liberty: The Women who Shaped Our Nation for starters. For even MORE, you can visit the official First Ladies website, the White House History page, or the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

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‘We Are the Flesh’ Thursts Shock & Art Into A Dying Sub-Genre

“Something like love doesn’t exist. Only demonstrations of love.” –Maria Evoli

Final Thoughts:

In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hideout 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.

“It’s a darker version of Little Miss Sunshine, with the three of us on the road. Slightly more violence!”

T’Challa, the new ruler of the advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must defend his land from being torn apart by enemies from outside and inside the country.

The History of the First Lady

38. An Overview of the First Ladies

“Something like love doesn’t exist. Only demonstrations of love.”
–Maria Evoli