Dwayne Johnson Teases Black Adam/Superman Crossover in New Image

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December 27, 2016

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has posted an Instagram photo which shows he and Henry Cavill sharing a drink, captioned: “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Black Adam and Superman”, with the hashtag #DCWorldsCollide among others.

After announcing that he would play Black Adam as long as two years ago, this tease comes as a welcome reminder of what the future has in store for DC fans.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOc6cm-jYpV/

Black Adam’s first appearance is reported to be as the villain in the standalone movie Shazam!, currently scheduled for release in April 2019. The film is expected to follow Billy Batson, an orphan who is given the ability to become an adult superhero with a single magic word.

Although a finished script is in place, according to ComicBook, Johnson is the only confirmed cast member so we still can’t be sure how or when he and Cavill will meet on screen. We can however be confident that in his anti-hero/villain capacity, Dwayne Johnson will bring some winking humor to future DC movies. Not forgetting a physique that was without doubt made for involvement in the DC Cinematic Universe.

Are you excited for Black Adam’s live action debut? Let us know your expectations in the comments.

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Adam Driver Praises Rian Johnson’s ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ Script

By

Aric Sweeny

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December 27, 2016

In a recent converation with The Daily Beast, Kylo Ren actor Adam Driver gave Rian Johnson and the Star Wars: Episode VIII script high praise.

“He’s a brilliant filmmaker. And he wrote the script also, and he understands the importance of ambiguity and nuance. He wrote something that I think is remarkable.”

Additionally, the actor talked about what it feels like, as a fan, to be part of the Star Wars films.

“I’ve been lucky to get these opportunities. It’s very surreal to me. In working on the jobs—and actually doing the thing—I block that stuff from my mind as much as possible, because it’s not good to get nostalgic or overthink it. That might be a good strength of mine: not thinking a lot.”

Did you enjoy Driver’s performance in The Force Awakens? Let us know in the comments!

The so far untitled Star Wars: Episode VIII hits theaters in less than a year, on December 15, 2017.

Source: The Daily Beast.

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The CW Releases New ‘Arrow’ Mid-Season Trailer

By

Emma Nicholson

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December 27, 2016

The CW have released a mid-season extended promo trailer for the return of Arrow on 25th January which promises to keep fans guessing after the fall finale’s unexpected twist (spoiler alert!).

Arrow signed off with the reveal of a surprise visitor before the winter break. The last episode, entitled “What We Leave Behind”, ended when Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) entered the Arrowcave to find none other than Laurel Lance (Katie Cassidy), a.k.a. Black Canary, standing before him, a character everyone thought was dead.

To feed fans’ curiosity up until the end of January, the teaser offers a few hints about the return of the familiar face. Watch it below.

Starring Stephen Amell in the title role alongside Emily Bett Rickards, David Ramsey, John Barrowman and Willa Holland, Arrow’s fifth season returns to CW on 25th January.

Do you think we should be excited or concerned about Laurel’s unlikely return? Let us know your theories in the comments below.

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Review: ‘LOVE IS LOVE’ IS POWERFUL!

By

Anthony Wendel

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December 27, 2016

The comic industry comes together in honor of those killed in Orlando. Co-published by two of the premiere publishers in comics—DC and IDW, this oversize comic contains moving and heartfelt material from some of the greatest talent in comics, mourning the victims, supporting the survivors, celebrating the LGBTQ community, and examining love in today’s world. All material has been kindly donated by the writers, artists, and editors with all proceeds going to victims, survivors, and their families. Be a part of an historic comics event! It doesn’t matter who you love. All that matters is you love.

Writing

This won’t be a standard review because this isn’t a standard comic. It’s a memorial to all those who perished during the slaying at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando early in 2016. There is no plot or story only a simple subject: Love. Love told through poems, one page stories, splash pages, and written words from all different viewpoints. Not only about the shooting or about the LGBTQ community but about being human and the pain others inflict sometime without rhyme or reason.

This book is powerful. Few comics require breaks and breathers because it’s so heavy with emotions. You will feel something different with every turn of the page. This is not a light read but sometimes people need to come out of their comfort zone to truly understand what is happening in the world around them.

Artwork

The book is backed by an all-star cast of different creators from all across comics. Artists and writers such as Jason Aaron, Dave Acosta, Robert Aguirre-Sacasa, Rafael Albuquerque, Jason Shaw Alexander and Laura Allred just to name a few as this is only the first row in a massive sheet of talent which went into creating this book. Each brings a unique and original style to this book which blends together to create a work which is truly a marvel to behold.

Conclusion

This book, much like Heroes: The World’s Greatest Super Creators Honor The World’s Greatest Heroes 9-11-2001, sets out to continue a never ending task. It tries to find hope and make sense in a world which is full of fear and intolerance. All of the profits of this book will go to help the victims and families who were scared by the tragedy which occurred on June 12th, 2016. Buy a copy and maybe even get one for the person in your life who didn’t know how to feel or responded to the event in a negative way. Maybe this book will help to open their eyes and understand the world a little better. Just keep a box of tissues handy. You will need them. I sure did.

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Looking Ahead – 2017 Comic Book Films

By

Aric Sweeny

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December 27, 2016

A few weeks back I looked ahead at the animated films hitting theaters in 2017. Now it’s time to break down what comic book movies we’ll be seeing in the new year.

March 3 – Logan

Hugh Jackman will be giving his last performance as Wolverine, with Patrick Stewart likely also portraying Charles Xavier for the last time. Appearing as a dark, grim western film, Logan looks to be a proper send off for the legendary X-Men actors.

March 31 – Ghost in the Shell

Although it dealt with controversy over casting Scarlett Johansson in a role that most assumed would go to an Asian actress, this movie was still made and dropped a unique teaser trailer.

May 5 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The gang’s back together once again. Join Rocket, Baby Groot, Gamora, Drax, and Star-Lord on another space adventure filled with classic songs.

June 2 – Wonder Woman

Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman looks to set the DC Extended Universe straight and give fans hope for the future.

July 7 – Spider-Man: Homecoming

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is giving us its first high school drama with Spider-Man: Homecoming. Called a “John Hughes”-esque tale, the first trailer dazzled and got fans hyped for another reboot of the character.

October 6 – Kingsman: The Golden Circle

There’s no doubt that the original Kingsman caught audiences by surprise. Including great performances, action, and writing, can the sequel live up to expectations set by the first?

November 3 – Thor: Ragnarok

This isn’t your average Thor film. The first two are generally looked at as the weaker of the MCU movies, and Marvel took note. Pairing Thor with Bruce Banner himself, Hulk, was just the start. Jeff Goldblum will be portraying The Grandmaster, with Cate Blanchett playing Hela and Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie; Taika Waititi is the director.

November 17 – Justice League

The culmination of the DCEU – on November 17, Justice League hits theaters. This is the first time we’ll see the heroes working together in live action on screen. With the divisiveness of Batman v Superman, we’ll have to wait and see if Zack Snyder can win audiences over.

What 2017 comic book movie are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments!

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Review: ‘G.I. Joe’ #1: The Ultimate Team of The Hasbro Universe Reborn

By

Wesley Messer

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December 27, 2016

The tagline for G.I. Joe is “The Crown Jewel of the Hasbro Universe,” and that sets expectations high. T personal story behind me and G.I. Joe is that I’ve been hyped for this book for months now. After reading Aubrey Sitterson’s interviews about the series, I knew he was writing the G.I. Joe series I’ve been looking for. The toys and animated series were some of my favorite things as a child, and this series looked to capture my childhood love of the franchise. After the G.I. Joe: Revolution one-shot hit and succeeded, I was sold on this series hook, line, and sinker. I’ve been clamoring for the first issue ever since. Now it is here, but will the regular series hold my attention? Time to find out as I start my adventure into G.I. Joe #1.

G.I. Joe #1, Let the journey to see if this really is “The Crown Jewel of the Hasbro Universe” start now.

Let’s just play my hand now: G.I. Joe #1 is fun, pure and simple. To say this book is up my alley is an understatement. I try not to play my hand on my liking a book this early on but, this is worth it. If you grew up with G.I. Joe or have any other favorite toy line or toys, G.I. Joe is the best representation of childhood playtime unleashed. Think classic G.I. Joe cartoon and take it to the next level, that’s the best way to describe this comic. The comic starts out with a robot ninja fight for goodness sake; that’s cool. Aubrey Sitterson’s writing on this book screams, “Hi, I’m having a lot of fun writing this,” and it shows with every page. You can’t help but appreciate a comic that cuts loose embraces the fun of this world.

G.I. Joe is also where you see all the aspects of the Hasbro Universe post-Revolution come to life. From having a Transformer on the G.I. Joe team and in other ways all across the book. Sitterson breathes life into this wonderful world and all the characters that populate it. I find myself liking all the characters at this point, even cooler that Scarlett is the leader and she rocks. Every single character has a moment and from serious to laugh out loud hilarious, there’s a lot to love here. It was a smart idea on Sitterson’s part to make this issue action packed and then letting it breathe to get to know everyone. By the end of the issue, you have a good feel for every character.

Let us not dare forget the sublime art team on G.I. Joe because, wow are they awesome.

I don’t dare forget the artist on this book. Giannis Milogiannis is phenomenal. If you’ve ever seen Milogiannis’ work on Prophet and Old City Blues, you know you’re in for a treat. Giannis is doing some amazing work here. It’s got such life and energy to it and like I said earlier, this truly feels like an old G.I. Joe cartoon in the best way possible. I don’t want to forget the coloring of Lovern Kindzierski either. It’s so bright and wonderful, it compliments Giannis’s work well. Then you get right down to the lettering from Chris Mowry. It’s so splashy and cool and fits the entire atmosphere wonderfully. Sitterson’s script comes to life with this amazing art team. If Sitterson is having fun, this art team is having as much fun as he is.

There is a lot to dive into with this first issue, but in trying to keep this spoiler free, this hits all the right beats of what I dig about this. If you’re even remotely interested in the Hasbro Universe from IDW, this is definitely a must buy. This truly earns “The Crown Jewel of The Hasbro Universe” tagline in the best way possible.

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The UnPOP Podcast Discussion with Krampus Director, Michael Dougherty

By

Curtis Waugh

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December 26, 2016

The UnPOP Podcast brings you their first holiday Krampusnacht extravaganza! The Shadow of St. Nick was good to the guys this year as we were fortunate enough to talk Krampus in the home of Michael Dougherty, the writer and director of that film as well as Trick ‘r Treat and screenwriter of the upcoming sequel to 2014’s Godzilla!

We’re also joined by Bill Farmer the voice of Disney’s Goofy and executive producer of our show and Austin’s life (he’s his father).

We’re rotten with bonuses in this episode as we get EXCLUSIVE detail that links the worlds of both Trick ‘r Treat and Krampus as well as audio from the lost Rankin/Bass classic “Rudolph’s Very Krampus Christmas”.

Enjoy and Happy Krampusnacht!

Have a topic you’d like to hear UnPOPPED? Send any comments/love/vitriol to unpopentertainment@gmail.com

The UnPOP Podcast is on iTunes! Check us out there!

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Best Anime of 2016

By

Logan Peterson

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December 26, 2016

With another year of Anime concluding I have to reflect and realize that 2016 was probably one of the weakest in the 2010’s. I found most of the popular shows either not for me or plain bad. However I do think there has been a plethora of mediocre shows this year. A lot of 7/10, but not nearly enough favorite worthy shows like from 2015. As always though there will always be cream of the crop that is worth remembering and recommending once the year is over. Perhaps as time goes on my list for 2016 will chance but for now the best are as followed.

5. Planetarian (Chiisana Hoshi no Yume)

A five episode series that had more heart and character development than most of the popular shows this year, specifically Re;Zero. Follow along with the peppy robot Yumemi and Stoic Kuzuya as they repair a planetarium in the middle of a rain covered apocalypse. This show is very slow-moving and mythical with how it treats its themes and how its characters interact. Even though there’s only two characters, Yumemi and Kuzuya dealing out coming to terms with the end of the world is rather engaging. Yumemi’s building optimism which will be inevitably broken by the reality of the world is almost too much to bear for the invested viewer. And Kuzuya’s hopeful revelation through her ignorant optimism is enough to fill even the coldest heart with hope. I think we could use more Anime like this that aren’t afraid to push out the filler and just let the story be as long as it needs to be.

4. Konosuba -God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World

A fresh take on the trapped in a video game scenario. Konosuba gives us a more realistic approach of how an Otaku would fair if they were dropped in a magical world. They would fail, lead a less than heroic life and always be opposed to danger. While Konosuba deals almost entirely with cynicism, its characters have enough heart where you can just barely see rooting for them and hope for them to get better. Accompany that with twists on Anime and gaming stereotypes and you have enough jokes to endear even the most deplorable cast. Sometimes the humor doesn’t hit home and comes off as a little try-hard but the pace is fast enough to where even the worst joke can be brushed off by comedy gold. To top it off if you haven’t had enough a second season is just around the new year and I can’t wait.

3. Yuri!!! On Ice

A show that still proves that Madhouse can deliver an Anime original powerhouse. Follow the hardcore drama of two skaters who have both lost their way. Yuri, the failing skater who has had his self-esteem knocked into the dust after a humiliating season, and Victor, the champion who will take a risk on Yuri both romantically and professionally. The melodrama is real as these two men help each other figure out that what they need to be happy is each other, even if it isn’t easy. Probably one the most realistic and relatable love stories to come out this year. Added with some incredible skating animation and a thrilling pseudo sports plot will keep you invested on how these two men face the odds in both love and professional ice skating. The only shortcoming is that the supporting cast feels shoehorned in sometimes and the show sort of blows its emotional load too early. Yuri!!! On Ice should have taken a lesson from Planetarian and only been half its runtime. Also there’s plenty of gay politics if you’re into that sort of thing.

2. Amanchu!

The pinnacle of Iyashikei shows, Amanchu! delivers on the serene atmosphere while having intense feeling of love strung out through its twelve episodes. Not unlike a similar show this year Flying Witch, Amanchu! will mellow your soul in the happy on goings of these beautiful divers as they find love and themselves. Don’t be put off by the snail pace because this show has plenty to say about love, loss, growing up and accepting change. Not to mention some of the most attractive character designs I’ve seen in Anime ever. Our main character couple is defiantly one who you want to root for and at the end we get a satisfying beginning to where their relationship will go. it also shows the realistic joy of experiencing and falling in love with a hobby, making friends and sharing those things. Never has a show gotten me as wet as the characters in the show. A show about even if life knocks you down, good friends will always be there you pick you back up.

And the best show of the year is

Space Patrol Luluco

Finishing of the list with another unconventional show is the half-length Hiroyuki Imaishi love child. I’ve always loved how Imiashi can take the most mundane feeling like a middle schoolers love and make it so important and relatable. Space Patrol Luluco fits a zany premise and zany character and spirals them all into probably the most uplifting message of the year. You’re feelings are powerful enough to cross dimensions, no matter what anyone else says. And even though your feelings may be fleeting, they’re still important because they help make up who you are. Such great references and staple Imaishi framing and animation make Luluco the shining beacon of what the Medium of Anime can bring to the table. Also has one of the most surprising anime couples to root for I’ve seen in a while. Like it came out of nowhere but by golly did the show sell it to me. Luluco will sell you and entertaining experience with a ton of heart, literally. It’s definitely the best Anime this year had to offer.

What we’re your favorites this year? Anything to make your favorites list, or just shows that surprised you on how good they were?

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Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne Reunite in ‘John Wick: Chapter Two’ Photo

By

Will Ashton

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December 26, 2016

If you’re familiar with your sci-fi franchises, you’ll know that Laurence Fishburne and Keanu Reeves have a history together. The Matrix stars have gone their separate paths since the Wachowskis put their futuristic series to rest, but they’ll reunite again next year. Both are set to star in John Wick: Chapter Two, and a newly-released still highlights their impending reunion.

Granted, this photo isn’t the first time we’ve seen them together in this new action sequel, as the trailers have showcased the two actors together again on the screen. But now we’ve gotten a few more details regarding Fishburne’s relatively-unknown character. He’ll play the Bowery King of New York. Like the titular Wick, he likes his fair share of weapons and fine suits, which is seen in this new image. Other than that, this photo doesn’t provide a lot to discuss, but it did give Reeves a chance to talk with EW about his excitement towards working with Fishburne again.

It was so cool to have a chance to work with Laurence Fishburne again, with the history that we have professionally and personally. I ran into him, and he was saying that he was a fan of the first film, and was there anything in the second film. I said, ‘As a matter of fact there is!’ So, we sent him the project and he responded to the role. Lawrence is playing a character called the Bowery King. He is a leader of this underworld in New York City. He knows everything about everything and he helps John in his mission. It was cool to act with him again and hopefully people will enjoying seeing us reunited.

If this sequel is as well-received (and well-made) as the first one, there should be no problem about that, Keanu. Hopefully, John Wick: Chapter Two will treat these stars better than The Matrix sequels ultimately did. We’ll find out when it hits theaters on February 10, 2017.

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Oscars 2017: Predicting Best Supporting Actor

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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December 26, 2016

Best Supporting Actor often times harbors the most fascinating, pivotal performances of the year. Sometimes there is an obvious frontrunner (Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men, for example), and other times a surprise winner comes out of nowhere (Jack Palance, City Slickers). Regardless of who wins, however, the supporting actor category always seems loaded with unforgettable work.

This year is no different, with a handful of greats vying for one of the five spots, and the winner looks to be a two-horse race between a newcomer and an old-hat Academy favorite.

Who doesn’t love Jeff Bridges? The Dude finally won an Oscar back in 2009 for his performance as a hangdog country singer in Crazy Heart, and he looks poised to grab what would be his seventh nomination for a near perfect turn in Hell or High Water, the surprise hit of 2016. Hot on his heels though is relative unknown Mahershala Ali. Ali plays Juan, the drug dealer with a soft spot for young Chiron (or Little) in Moonlight, and his empathetic role as a surrogate father figure seemingly sets the events of the entire film in motion.

Manchester by The Sea continues its momentum towards Oscar night, which means Lucas Hedges should certainly get a nomination for his role as Patrick, the fiery teenager who butts heads with Casey Affleck’s Lee, and is the heart of the entire story. That leaves two spots, for so many hopefuls.

The longest of long shots – though it shouldn’t be the case – is Ralph Fiennes for his brilliant turn in A Bigger Splash. It’s the sort of role Best Supporting Actor was made for. But the film is too far off the radar. Peter Sarsgaard is another outlier for his Bobby Kennedy portrayal in Jackie, as is Stephen Henderson in Fences. But they will most likely all be on the outside looking in at Dev Patel for Lion, and the surprise nomination of Issei Ogata for Silence. And don’t be surprised if Ogata – and Silence – picks up enough steam from now until Oscar night to sneak away with several unexpected statues.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR PREDICTIONS

Jeff Bridges – Hell or High Water

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

Lucas Hedges – Manchester by The Sea

Dev Patel – Lion

Issei Ogata – Silence

Up Next – Best Actress

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Best Supporting Actress Predictions

Predicting the Screenplays

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