Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones wants to be in Deadpool 2, as the actress made known on Twitter:
“I want to be in deadpool. I could be smart mouth side kick. And my power would be loudness!!”
Production on the sequel to 2016’s surprise hit comic book film has had its ups and downs. Director Tim Miller left the project over creative differences, with John Wick director David Leitch signing on to make the film instead. Deadpool 2 will feature Cable, who has yet to be cast.
The currently untitled Deadpool sequel hits theaters on January 12, 2018.
Would you like to see Jones make an appearance in the film?
The DuckTales reboot has been in the works for awhile, but today Disney XD released the cartoon’s first teaser. While it doesn’t show much, it gives us a tease of the classic theme that DuckTales fans know and love.
Matt Youngberg is the creator of this new series, with many of the stories being derived from Carl Barks’ work in the 1980s.
The cartoon will begin its run on Disney XD in the summer of 2017.
Are you looking forward to this reboot? Let us know in the comments section.
The Lego Batman Movie has gotten a new IMAX poster exclusive to Nerdist. Check it out below.
“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 title character, Michael Cera as Robin, Rosario Dawson as Barbara Gordon, Zach Galifianakis as Joker, Jenny Slate as Harley Quinn, and Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face.
Peter Vaughn, the actor who played Aemon on Game of Thrones, is dead. His watch is now over.
According to his agent, Vaughn passed away in his sleep on Tuesday. He was 93 years old at the time of his death.
Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman made a tribute to Vaughn on Twitter. “Rest in Peace to our own Maester Aemon, Peter Vaughan, who passed away this morning at age 93,” he writes. “Truly an honor to have known him.”
His filmography includes Straw Dogs, The French Lieutenant’s Woman and The Remains of the Day. He also had roles in Time Bandits and Brazil.
Vaughn is best-known as Aemon on Game of Thrones. He played the role for four seasons before the character died of old age. Although blind, Aemon provides wisdom and guidance to the Night’s Watch.
His mentorship to Jon Snow is one of the more poignant moments of the show. When Jon tries to leave the Wall, Aemon tells him this story about his past.
Batman, now alone, attempts to break into Arkham Asylum, in order to extract the Psycho Pirate. But Bane has seized control of the asylum and oversees all who enter and exit. In the middle of all of it, Punch, Judy, and Bronze Tiger all have their own agenda. And the deadly and addictive enhancement drug “Venom” is part of it all. So continues “I Am Suicide” the second arc of DC’s new Batman, part of the Rebirth relaunch of all of its books.
“I Am Suicide Part IV” Publisher:DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Penciled by Mikel Janin
Inked by Mikel Janin and Hugo Petrus
Colored by June Chung
Writing
Without a doubt, Batman continues to be my favorite of the all the Rebirthtitles from DC. This issue continues the “slow burn” pacing of the previous installment, but adds one of the deepest and darkest Batman voice overs I have ever read. The subtitle of “I Am Suicide” finally comes into play, and its true significance is finally made known. With this, writer Tom King reveals a side to the caped crusader that plunges him into even darker territory. SPOILERS – It seems that shortly after his parents’ death, a young Bruce Wayne held a razor to his wrist, seconds away from ending his life. And it was then that he had his revelation of fighting crime, something Bruce sees as some kind of long-form suicide. What this means to me is that Batman now has every intention of dying on his never ending mission. This notion also makes him much more dangerous to his enemies, and even perhaps his allies. It’s something that adds a new psychological depth to the character. END SPOILERS.
The narrative style of having all this revealed as a letter to Selina Kyle/Catwoman also makes it tragic and heartbreaking. The voice over makes up the bulk of the issue, which is juxtaposed with the action of Batman continuing his fight toward Bane and Pyscho-Pirate. That juxtaposition makes the narration stand out even more. I swear I could hear Bruce’s words in my head. This is excellent stuff.
Now, not a lot ties this issue to the over-all Rebirth event, save for the presence of the Psycho-Pirate. Since the Pirate has always been the one character who remembers ALL continuities, I do believe that is where the connection will play out. And from this issue’s ending, we can certainly see that revelation will be coming soon.
Art
Mikel Janin, Hugo Petrus and June Chung are simply destroying on this book. This is some of the best Batman art I have seen. It not only perfectly fits the somber, more serious mood of the story, it also is inventive as hell. The continuing use of single page backgrounds with multiple renditions of Batman moving throughout the page to convey action is simply stunning. The level of detail is incredible and begs for multiple readings and flipping through. And the panels where colorist Chung uses that shade of yellow to highlight moments of action are especially effective. They pop too, giving the feeling of a cinematic “quick cut”. And that’s the key word for the art here: cinematic. This book reads like a serious Batman film.
Conclusion
If you have been hesitant on picking up something from Rebirth, don’t be and start here. It’s not as deeply connected (at least not yet) as some of the other titles, and can be enjoyed on its own. I can tell you now that this run on Batman will go down as one of the greats for years to come. Do yourself a favor and read it as it happens.
Curse Words #1
By Charles Soule & Ryan Browne
With Jordan Boyd & Chris Crank
Charles Soule has already proven his ability to write action, drama, and sci-fi (sometimes all at once). Now he turns his attention to fantasy with Curse Words, a new series coming in January from Image Comics. It’s the story of Wizord, a sorcerer from another dimension who comes to Earth with nefarious intentions. But Wizord falls in love with Earth, so he changes his plans and decides to play hero. Will his happiness last, or will his sins of the past catch up with him?
Soule’s character development is his greatest strength, and Curse Words further proves his ability to create interesting, complex protagonists. Wizord is something of a jerk. He wants to be a hero, but he also wants the attention, fame, and fortune that comes with being Earth’s guardian wizard. Still, he’s the likable kind of jerk that will keep readers coming back. And Soule teases just enough of the mage’s tragic past to boost his mystique and make him sympathetic.
Also, Wizord’s sidekick is a talking koala named Margaret. ‘Nuff said.
Strange and compelling characters aside, Curse Words is simply a really well written story. It’s engaging, it’s mysterious, and it’s damn funny without resorting to slapstick. The mark of a good story is that it leaves you wanting more, and this comic does that with ease. It sets up countless questions, and promises to answer them in explosive fashion.
As with most fantasy comics, the artwork is a big incentive to pick up Curse Words. Ryan Browne’s pencils coupled with his and Jordan Boyd’s colors are a reflection of the story. Their art feels vibrant, yet it conveys a dark undertone that is a sign of things to come. Then, when an antagonist is revealed late in the issue, that gritty darkness takes center stage, showing that this series isn’t just going to be another fun magical romp.
It’s also worth mentioning that the layouts are unlike anything being done in comics right now. The designs and structure of the panels are wholly original, and cement how truly unique Curse Words is.
Curse Words #1 – The Bottom Line
Call your local comic shop ASAP and tell them to add this book to your pull list, even if fantasy isn’t typically your bag. Curse Words isn’t only for magic fans. It’s for fans of interesting characters, subtle humor, and intrigue. Plus it’s easy on the eyes. Why wouldn’t you read it? Don’t you like nice things?
Office Christmas Party is a balls-to-the-copier-machine (at times literally) Christmas bundle of inappropriate mayhem.
Yes, it follows a formula that’s become pretty standard for ensemble comedies. And yes, familiar actors fall back on familiar schticks here. No one’s really stretching themselves, acting-wise.
But the collection of characters is so funny and the performers so talented that it doesn’t matter. If you give it a chance, by the time the credits roll you’ll wish your workplace threw parties like this.
What’s it about?
The Office Christmas Party at Chicago’s branch of Zenotek used to be an epic affair. At least, that how current branch manager and son of the company’s late founder Clay (T.J. Miller, Deadpool) remembers it.
People got drunk, the office got trashed, and his dad dressed up in a Santa suit and threw gifts from the second floor balcony. What was important was that the boss treated his people like family.
Things are, of course, much tamer now, and morale is the worse for it. In fact, no one at the office looks forward to the harmless afternoon wine-and-cheese mixer that HR manager Mary (Kate McKinnon) has signed off on.
As if that wasn’t demoralizing enough, in walks Clay’s older sister Carol (Jennifer Aniston), the company’s interim CEO. Carol’s line is simple: the branch is failing. Thus, no bonuses, no Christmas party, and oh yeah, people will lose their jobs the day before Christmas.
One thing might save Christmas for Zenotek Chicago, however. If Clay can land a multi-million dollar account the branch is set to pitch to, nobody gets fired.
To orchestrate this holiday miracle, Clay calls on Chief Technical Officer Josh (Jason Bateman) and Lead Systems Engineer Tracey (Olivia Munn). When their pitch to their disillusioned prospective client (Courtney B. Vance) fails, however, true inspiration strikes.
The client thinks Zenotek is just another soulless corporate monolith. Why not show him that’s not the case with the party to end all parties?
So begins a night that will be forever remembered in company party lore. Encounters with live reindeer, Bed Bath & Beyond shopping, gun-toting pimps, and illicit substances shot out of snow machines are just a few of the evening’s highlights — the rest you’ll have to see for yourself.
Ensemble puts things over the top
Office Christmas Party benefits tremendously from its large cast of comedy veterans.
Leading the way are Bateman and Aniston, who have each carved out niches for themselves as “Designated Straight Man” and “Queen of Mean”, respectively in recent years. This is the fifth collaboration between the two (The Break-Up, The Switch, Horrible Bosses and Horrible Bosses 2), and that experience shows. Though the two only share a handful of scenes, their chemistry is undeniable.
Miller also shines as the charismatic man-child Clay, while Olivia Munn shows off her solid rom-com chops as Bateman’s partner-in-office-competence, matching him and his patented deadpan delivery step for step.
Arguably, though, the most memorable characters in Office Christmas Party are the folks in the background. McKinnon just gets funnier as the film goes on, while Rob Corddry, Jillian Bell (The Night Before, 22 Jump Street), and yes, Courtney B. Vance all deliver laugh-out-loud moments.
Put more simply, there’s not a weak link in this ensemble chain. By film’s end, you’ll wish you got to party with these people.
Formulaic? Oh, lighten up. It’s Christmas
Does Office Christmas Party hold up to really tight scrutiny as far as plotting and film making? Of course not.
The film’s structure is formulaic, sure. The plot, especially its third act, feels wholly contrived and artificial. And by the end it might feel, even at just 105 minutes, as though the party’s gone on too long.
Honestly, going into a movie like this, none of that should matter. In fact, much of those aforementioned “issues” don’t stand out unless you’re looking for them.
Worth seeing?
By all means, if you need a laugh or a lot of laughs to get through the holiday season, see Office Christmas Party. Like last year’s The Night Before, it earns itself a place on that “watch it every Christmas” list of movies.
That is, as long as you like your Christmas movies profane, boozy, and occasionally drug-addled.
If that’s not usually your thing, have a well-spiked egg nog and give it a try, anyway. You may regret it, but you’ll never forget it.
Office Christmas Party
Starring Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, Jillian Bell, Vanessa Bayer, Courtney B. Vance, Rob Corddry, Sam Richardson, Randall Park, with Kate McKinnon and Jennifer Aniston. Directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon.
Running Time: 105 minutes
Rated R for crude sexual content and language throughout, drug use and graphic nudity.
The All-Star Cast Helps ‘Office Christmas Party’ Shine When The Comedy Doesn’t.
I’m not complaining that ‘Office Christmas Party‘ is raunchy but more so, is that all that Hollywood thinks is shocking? Sure, some slightly homoerotic moments or gential gags can work but not even Kate McKinnon could land a lazy fart joke. That’s the biggest issue I have. The movie could be great but it falls back on too many tired comedy tropes. If you really want to shock people, change up the formula and make the humor refreshing.
‘Office Christmas Party‘ is the newest effort from comedy directing duo Josh Gordon and Will Speck. Their previous works ‘Blades Of Glory‘ and ‘The Switch‘ feel like the lead up to this. Taking the irrelevant humor from ‘Blades Of Glory‘ and the Jason Batman/Jennifer Aniston combo from ‘The Switch‘, Speck and Gordon up the ante with a much grander production. While it’s better than the previously mentioned movies, it still doesn’t have that extra magic to it.
Other than delivering some bad jokes, the amazing cast makes this enjoyable. The leads of Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, and Jennifer Aniston all do well but the supporting cast steals ‘Office Christmas Party‘. Everyone from Kate McKinnon’s insane H.R. lady to smaller roles like Fortune Feimster’s Uber driver get all the laugh-out-loud moments. One of the most surprising comedic acts in this movie is Courtney B. Vance. Coming off of playing Johnnie Cochran in the hit show ‘The People vs O.J Simpson‘, I would have never expected such an insanely funny performance from him. A pleasnt surprise and he held his own with some of most popular names in comedy right now.
“Renting a Baby Is Cheaper Than You Think”
-Clay Vanstone (T.J. Miller)
The story of the movie is fairly simple. Clay Vanstone (T.J. Miller) runs a unsuccessful branch of an Internet business run by his bitchy sister Carol (Jennifer Aniston). He is given the task of either landing a major client or his entire branch will be shut down. With the help of Chief Technical Officer Josh Parker (Jason Bateman) and bad-ass Tracey (Olivia Munn), they throw an epic party to impress the client Walter (Courtney B. Vance). A basic plot from ‘Office Christmas Party‘ allows for a lot of hijinks and it does feel like one of the most wildest on-screen parties in a long time. Sadly, most of that is wasted on cheap jokes and cliched plot points. While still better than some of the other comedic efforts this year, I can’t help but grow tried of predictable romances or the same “all is lost” moment in these comedies.
There is obvious growth from Josh Gordon and Will Speck as filmmakers but it’s hard to see them fall into bad habits. Truthfully though, it seems to work. The screening I attended was packed with a theatre that laughed at EVERY joke presented. Comedy gags used in movies like ‘The Hangover‘ or ‘American Pie‘ feel stale to me…there is still an audience for it. I believe that will allow for ‘Office Christmas Party‘ to be a box-office success this holiday season.
Final Thoughts:
‘Office Christmas Party‘ is harmless but I still want to see the genre pushed further. Shock comedy has been around for decades and to keep it going, films like this need to give a little more. Thankfully directors Speck & Gordon had a talented cast with some genuinely funny moments among the many duds.
Looking for a decent laugh this Christmas season? Check this out!
Archie Comics has announced its participation in the historic Love is Love anthology graphic novel honoring the victims of Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub tragedy with two stories featuring Archie Comics characters designed to show support for the LGBTQ community.
Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, artist Stephen Byrne, and Archie legend Dan Parent have crafted two heartfelt and moving pieces featuring Kevin Keller, Archie, and other Archie Comics characters as they stand with the victims of this national tragedy and the entire LGBTQ community.
“For as long as I’ve been steering the ship at Archie, we have striven to showcase the town of Riverdale as a welcoming, inclusive and friendly place for everyone,” said Archie Comics CEO/Publisher Jon Goldwater.
“It made perfect sense to join forces with our friends at IDW and DC Entertainment to include Kevin Keller, Archie, and his friends in Love is Love. We’re honored to be part of such an important book and will continue to strive for a real world that’s as safe as Riverdale.”
The Love is Love collection, curated by writer Marc Andreyko, and features artwork from dozens of collaborators in the comic book industry. The project is designed to send a powerful message of support to the victims, survivors, and their families. All materials for the book have been donations and all the proceeds will go directly to the families and victims via EQUALITY FLORIDA.
“When Marc Andreyko approached me and Archie about including a story in LOVE IS LOVE, I knew we had to be a part of it—and that we also had to approach it in a direct way,” said Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer and ‘Riverdale’ TV series showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
“It had to be in the more modern ‘New Riverdale’ style and obviously include our openly gay character, Kevin Keller. Marc then paired me with the supremely talented Stephen Byrne, who delivered gorgeous art. We often talk about how ‘Riverdale’ exists in the real world today, so we’re incredibly honored to be paying our respects to the terrible tragedy that happened in Orlando, along with so many of our colleagues in the industry.”
Kevin Keller was the first gay character in Archie Comics history. He was introduced in 2010 by longtime Archie writer/artist Dan Parent, whose contribution to Love is Love features a one-page pin-up with a message from Kevin Keller to the LGBTQ community about how to cope and respond to the tragic events that struck Orlando.
“It was an honor and a privilege to be included with all the talented creators in this book,” said Archie Comics writer/artist Dan Parent. “More importantly, to give back to the families and victims of such a tragedy is simply the right thing to do. Let’s help the healing process by contributing any way we can. And let’s remember to keep fighting!”
The Love is Love anthology graphic novel goes on sale December 21st at comic book shops and can be pre-ordered by clicking here.
“It had to be in the more modern ‘New Riverdale’ style and obviously include our openly gay character, Kevin Keller. Marc then paired me with the supremely talented Stephen Byrne, who delivered gorgeous art. We often talk about how ‘Riverdale’ exists in the real world today, so we’re incredibly honored to be paying our respects to the terrible tragedy that happened in Orlando, along with so many of our colleagues in the industry.”