Box Office Breakdown: ‘Doctor Strange’ Dominates, Crosses $300 million worldwide

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November 7, 2016

This weekend saw the domestic opening of Marvel’s latest flick Doctor Strange. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the mystic character Stephen Strange, the film opened to 84.9 million. That is the 10th highest opening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the second best opening for a solo character debut flick behind the first Iron Man‘s 98.6 million. Doctor Strange started its international haul last weekend, and grew to 240 million this week. That means the film has already crossed 300 million worldwide.

The Marvel flick was not the only debutante this weekend, as Fox’s animated film Trolls entered theaters alongside it. Featuring the voices of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, and Russell Brand to mention a few, the film opened to 45.6 million. While the film carries a production budget north of 125 million dollars, Fox are unlikely to be worried as the film has already grossed over 150 million worldwide. So the film will likely give the studio a healthy profit by the time it leaves theaters.

The last nationwide opening was the war drama Hacksaw Ridge. The first directorial effort by Mel Gibson since 2006’s Apocalypto, the film stars Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector sent to battle in Japan. The film opened with 14.7 million, a respectable number compared with Gibson’s other directorial efforts. Given the film’s strong award buzz, it will likely hold quite well in the coming weeks.

In holdover news, last week’s champion Boo! A Madea Halloween dropped 54.7% to 7.8 million, while the Tom Hanks starrer Inferno rounded out the top 5 with a second weekend drop of 57.9%, for a cume of 6.2 million.

Next weekend will see the Amy Adams sci-fi flick Arrival open domestically, as well as the ensemble comedy Almost Christmas. Neither is likely to be able to topple Doctor Strange in its second weekend.

To get the full box office results, go to Box Office Mojo.

Top 10 Box Office Earners, November 4th-6th

Doctor Strange: 84.9 million, 325 million worldwide total.
Trolls: 45.6 million, 149.6 million worldwide total.
Hacksaw Ridge: 14.7 million, no international openings yet.
Boo! A Madea Halloween: 7.8 million, 65.6 million worldwide total.
Inferno: 6.2 million, 185.3 million worldwide total.
The Accountant: 5.9 million, 109 million worldwide total.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back: 5.6 million, 111.9 million worldwide total.
Ouija: Origin of Evil: 3.9 million, 64.4 million worldwide total.
The Girl on the Train: 2.7 million, 140.6 million worldwide total.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children: 2.1 million, 253.4 million worldwide total.

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New ‘Rogue One’ Teaser Spotlights The Rebellion

By

Ashley Carter

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November 7, 2016

Lucasfilm has released a new TV spot for the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

As the video begins, Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) says, “The Empire is building a terrible weapon.”

The sequences included in the latest clip underscore the film’s epic battle scenes.

The new TV spot isn’t the only thing that was released. The official Star Wars UK Twitter account posted two wide promo banners.

Rebels and stormtroopers clash in this new art for #RogueOne. Coming December 15 pic.twitter.com/UPpvZA4LlT

— Star Wars UK (@StarWarsUK) November 6, 2016

One banner features stormtroopers charging the waters of Scarif, while the other features the rebels.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story tells the story of rebels who decide to steal plans for the Death Star.

The film hits theaters on December 16.

Watch the new TV spot titled “Together” below:

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Iron Fist’s Colleen Wing Joins ‘The Defenders’

By

Ashley Carter

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November 7, 2016

Marvel’s The Defenders adds another superhero. Iron Fist’s Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick) joins the upcoming Netflix show, according to Cinemablend.

The Defenders official Twitter account made the announcement.

The teaser shows Wing fighting a man in a cage match. It ends with the tagline, “Those who surround us, define us.”

For @MarvelIronFist's @Jhenwick, this fight is just beginning. #Defenders pic.twitter.com/QpwzFsvdvf

— The Defenders (@TheDefenders) November 3, 2016

Wing is a skilled martial artist and frequent ally of Iron Fist. She’s also a comic book counterpart of Misty Knight, played by Luke Cage‘s Simone Missick.

The Defenders Cast So Far…

In addition to Colleen Wing, The Defenders brings Charlie Cox as Daredevil, Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, Mike Colter as Luke Cage and Finn Jones as Iron Fist.

Other cast members include Daredevil‘s Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple and Scott Glen as Stick.

From Jessica Jones, Rachel Taylor as Trish Walker, Carrie-Anne Moss as Jeri Hogarth and Eka Darville as Malcolm reprise their roles.

Sigourney Weaver will play the show’s villain.

The show does not have an official release date.

Netflix will release The Defenders in 2017.

Source: Cinemablend

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2017: Five Cartoons To Get Excited About

By

Aric Sweeny

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November 7, 2016

I’m a big animation and cartoon fan, but it seems like there’s nothing new to watch. Besides the brilliant season 20 of South Park, animation fans have been let down as of recently. Thankfully, however, 2017 is shaping up to be a great year for fans of cartoons, animation – especially if they grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s. Here are 5 cartoons you should watch for in 2017.

5. Mega Man.

Last on my list is the new Mega Man cartoon. Frankly, this is last because the image we’ve gotten of the character, seen above, is awful. It’s nothing like how the character should look. What gives me hope about this project, though, is its production company, Man Of Action Entertainment. They’re the team behind the original Ben 10, which was a favorite of mine when it premiered in 2005. I’m cautiously optimistic about this new take on the character.

4. Samurai Jack.

Next up on my list is the upcoming Samurai Jack series continuation. The brain behind the original seasons and Dexter’s Laboratory, Genndy Tartakovsky, is passionate about getting the upcoming season made. He’s pitched Samurai Jack as a movie for years, and although we aren’t getting that, it will still be fantastic to see the character brought to Adult Swim again.

3. Big Hero 6.

Big Hero 6 is getting a cartoon with the majority of the original voice cast back. The story takes place directly after the film from 2014 and will continue building the relationship between Baymax and Hiro, as well as the other members of their super-squad. The movie was great; I hope the show can mimic and replicate the same tone, humor, action, and flare.

2. Marvel’s Spider-Man.

The new Spider-Man cartoon should get fans excited. It’s said said to be diving into the roots of the character, bringing a fresh take on the classic story. The show is going to be led by Kevin Shinick, the mind behind Robot Chicken of all things – it’s a weird combination that intrigues me. I trust Marvel with their most popular and beloved character of all time.

1. Ducktales.

Now, onto my most anticipated animated show of 2017: Disney XD’s Ducktales reboot! The original show was before my time, but I’ve since went back and watched it, as well as played the game (queue Moon theme). Ducktales is a franchise that I appreciate despite the fact that the height of its popularity was was roughly 10 years before I was even born. The series’ first image shows fun, adventure, and mayhem, which exactly what I want from the show.

What shows did I miss? Do you disagree with any of my choices? Let me know in the comments.

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‘Casino Royale’: One Decade Later – A Retrospective Look Back

By

Ryan Malik

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November 6, 2016

When Daniel Craig was announced as the sixth actor to play James Bond in Casino Royale, one London paper ran with this headline: “The name’s Bland. James Bland.” People were furious that this short, blonde Brit was going to play cinema’s most enduring spy.

Their words must have tasted bitter when Casino Royale hit theaters on November 17, 2006. Craig defied expectations, reinvigorating a expiring franchise.

PUTTIN’ IT TOGETHER

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli (above) knew they had some rough work ahead of them. Pierce Brosnan’s latest outing as James Bond in Die Another Day did what Golfinger, Blofeld, and Rosa Klebb couldn’t: kill 007.

The movie’s reliance on CGI over minutely-planned stunts was just one knife slid into the series’ ribs. The convoluted script, schizophrenic theme song, and desperate attempts to throw in as many references to past Bond movies for the franchise’s fortieth anniversary were others.

To bring Bond back, the producers decided to reboot the franchise. This new series would have no ties to the original movies. It was an attempt to recapture the essential traits of the James Bond character. And there was no better way to do so than by adapting the very first 007 novel, Casino Royale.

Rumors persisted that Quentin Tarantino wanted to direct it, with Brosnan returning as Bond. Tarantino wanted to set the movie in the 1960s, which is a hard sell considering each movie in the series progresses from the one before.

So Tarantino was out. As was Brosnan.

Daniel Craig was filming Munich when Steven Spielberg played “The James Bond Theme” over the PA system on set. That’s how Craig learned he was the newest James Bond.

THE SCREENPLAY

Screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (above) were brought back to adapt the novel. Both writers wanted to make Bond more “real”, more like the calculating killer in the books.

Their idea was to show Bond in the early stages of his career. Make him an unpolished field agent uncertain of whom to trust. American screenwriter Paul Haggis was brought in to help. The script this writing trifecta conjured is an adaptation faithful to the book while updating it for the modern climate.

THE FILM ITSELF

Right from the very first scene, it’s evident Casino Royale is intended to be unlike any prior Bond movie. The black and white pre-credit sequence forgoes elaborate, slack-jawed stunts for a tense standoff between Bond and a bent MI6 operative. What’s unknown until the closing seconds of this scene is that it is the last objective Bond must execute to earn Double-O status.

The scene is masterfully staged and filmed by returning director Martin Campbell. Bond’s still-as-concrete face-off with the deceitful double agent is the perfect juxtaposition against flashbacks of Bond violently beating an evil-doer to death inside a bathroom.

Craig presents his Bond as a ruthless killing machine always one step ahead of his target. The cold, steely, non-objective look in Craig’s eyes is enough to kill.

The plot remains true to its literary origins. Bond is sent to break the bank of Le Chiffre, a terrorism financier. There are subtle changes, such as Le Chiffre now being a SPECTRE agent, instead of working for SMERSH; a series of suspenseful Texas Hold ‘Em poker games replaces the book’s game of baccarat; and for the torture scene, Bond is whacked with a balled-up industrial rope instead of being swatted with a bamboo cane.

Ian Fleming is possibly the only author who could craft such a page-turner of a card game. He did the same for golf in the Goldfinger novel; a scene perfectly adapted for the movie of the same name. Just proves million dollar stunts and explosions aren’t always necessary to entertain an audience.

The Bond Girl this time out, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green, above), is arguably the most fully-realized love interest since Tracy Bond (Diana Rigg) in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Want a masterclass in writing dialogue? Look no further than the initial meeting between Bond and Vesper aboard a train rocketing toward Montenegro. Their back-and-forth banter begins as confrontational and abruptly ends, with Bond desiring more. He’s in love, he just doesn’t know it yet. Or maybe he does. Either way, it’s a learning mistake.

Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen, above) may not be the most physically imposing villain Bond has ever fought, but he’s still memorable and formidable. What sets Le Chiffre apart is his growing desperation and paranoia. Like Bond, he doesn’t know whom he can trust. Not only is Bond after him, but if he doesn’t win back his client’s money, he’ll be on SPECTRE’s shit list. Le Chiffre is a candle burning at both ends. His demise is inevitable. But it’s fascinating and horrifying to watch this well-groomed, calm, capable numbers genius devolve into a brutish, sweaty thug who will plead for his life.

For this, the movie earned an “A” from Owen Gleiberman, film critic for Entertainment Weekly. In his review, Gleiberman writes Casino Royale:

“Turns Bond into a human being again — a gruffly charming yet volatile chap who may be the swank king stud of the Western world, but who still has room for rage, fear, vulnerability, love.”

A DECADE LATER

Casino Royale still holds up.

Why?

Because of its grounded story and its humanistic depiction of James Bond. Over the years, Bond had turned into a superhero who is overly reliant on Q Branch gadgets to pull his ass out of the fire. Casino Royale jettisons that aspect and brings back the essence of character originally conceived by Fleming, in a realistic spy story that will forever be among the best of the James Bond movies.

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DC on CW: Week in Review – ‘Arrow’ Proves its Worth

By

Jon Barr - TV Editor

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November 6, 2016

This series will be a brief, semi-comedic review of the CW superhero shows. You can check out last week’s review post here, or see the tally of winners below. The only shows discussed will be ‘Arrow’, ‘Flash’, and ‘Supergirl’. There WILL be some spoilers discussed, so only look at the reviews you’re up to date on!

Supergirl, “Survivors” (Oct. 31)

Supergirl introduces CW’s second form of Fight Club. It’s a fairly basic storyline for the form, which doesn’t necessarily mean terrible. Unfortunately, much like the alien immigration storyline from last week, it feels pretty basic. Supergirl doesn’t even do much this episode, outside of setting up a relationship with Mon-El. The parallels to Kara’s parents & her mistrust of Mon-El aren’t clear. J’onn wants to mind-meld with M’gann, but becomes preoccupied playing father to her. Alex plays the longing lover to the police officer, and Winn gets bullied. Roulette is too bland of a villain, and only stands out due to her clumsy Michael Vick reference. The twist of M’gann being the White Martian does not feel like a fully informed or earned choice. We’ll see if the show can evolve past stereotypes as the season progresses.

SCORE: 7/10 Champagne Flutes

The Flash, “Monster” (Nov. 1)

Flash Killer Frost — “No, Mom, ‘Sweaty Men’ is a MUCH better title than ‘Gladiator’!”

Although Zack Stentz wrote my favorite Flash episode last season, this one doesn’t hit the same way. The evolution of Killer Frost is nice, but comes about in a bad way. Caitlin’s mother is mean and unsupportive, but the exact reasoning behind it is unclear. Is she mad that Caitlin up and left her, or is she the uncaring mother who can’t remember Caitlin’s birthday? H.R. Wells is pretty annoying to listen to, but pleasantly distinct from the former Harrisons. We also get some background on Julian, whose jealousy of metas is a bit too similar to Wally’s speed-force jealousy. Also, the twist of the child controlling the monster/similarities to Julian/metaphor for bullying is too forced. Can’t he just play Pokemon Go like a normal boy? Hopefully, establishing all these characteristics will make for better conflicts from here on out.

SCORE: 6/10 Hologram Monsters

Arrow, “Human Target” (Nov. 2)

“Oh yeah, one of these sidekicks are DEFINITELY gonna die this season”

Arrow has a great episode, centered around Oliver as the source of action. The lack of attention to the new kids makes for more interesting conflict. Diggle & Rene bonding is far more interesting than the Oliver arguments. The death & departure of Church is a massive bummer. He brought the show back to its grittier roots, which set the show apart in a good way. At the very least, his final appearance is memorable, capitalizing off the villain very well. Arrow adds in Human Target, the Marvel/Netflix actor who mimics another CW character. He’s not integrated nearly as well as Constantine was, but works as a one-off cameo. Prometheus doesn’t feel like an overt threat yet, but maybe Susan Williams will prove to be a bigger threat. While the future of the show is unclear, this episode capitalizes off its strengths wonderfully this week.

SCORE: 8/10 Face Masks

WEEKLY WIN TALLY:

Supergirl: 1.5 Weeks

Arrow: 1.5 Weeks

The Flash: 1 Week

What show did you think won the week? Does Legends of Tomorrow take your vote? Do you think A.o.S. or Gotham outshines all the CW shows? Let us know in the comments below!

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Leonard Snart’s back, Anyone Else ‘Legends of Tomorrow’?

By

Devon Kenney

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November 6, 2016

Snart is back! Crossover of a lifetime! Can we expect to see anyone else on Legends of Tomorrow?

When Snart (Wentworth Miller) was killed off in the first season of ‘DCs Legends of Tomorrow’ fans, such as myself were not happy, to say the least. When word broke that Snart would be back in the new season, and add some more fun to the four part crossover special.

According to my source, not only is Snart returning, but four bad guys will be appearing during this time.

Captain Cold will make his entrance in the midseason finale, teaming up with Reverse Flash from The Flash, Damien Dahrk and Malcom Merlyn from Arrow. Together, they form the Legion of Doom.

Executice Producer Greg Berlanti chimes in.

“it’s the ultimate bad guy team up. We just finished the script for an episode we’ve been tentatively calling “legion of Doom” that’s all from the bad guys’ perspective.”

Unfortunately, because of the weird time travel, both Cold and Dahrk will be their younger selves. Captain Cold will come back to before he died, and Dahrk will be before he was married and had a kid.

Hearing that Captain Cold will be back tickles my happy bone, but I don’t know if ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ can handle all that is in store for them.

We have yet to hear an air date for this epic crossover event, but keep your eyes open!

‘Legends of Tomorrow’ stars Caity Lotz, Arthur Darvill, Brandon Routh, Ciara Renee, Dominic Purcell, Victor Garber, Franz Drameh, and Wentworth Miller as Captain Cold/Leonard Snart.

‘Legends of Tomorrow’ airs Wednesday nights 8/7c on the CW.

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Team Flash Shaken By New Villains In Crossover of a lifetime! Ask Danielle Panabaker!

By

Devon Kenney

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November 6, 2016

The crossover is coming! New villains and Team Flash is nervous! Danielle Panabaker gives her two cents on what’s to come!

With this season comes the epic crossover we have been waiting for. The four-show event, features The Flash, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl,

Based of the 1988 super sized comic books, ‘Invasion’, we see the Dominators making their way into Central City. They come to the earth because they see a danger, and their plans take some twists and turns along the way. It all starts on The Flash, and carries over to each of the shows.

According to my source, Danielle Panabaker, who plays Caitlin Snow, gives her take on what Team Flash is feeling. “The biggest fear for Caitlin and for Team Flash is how powerful they are and how much of an unknown they are,” Danielle Panabaker says of the Dominators. “We’re only getting used to dealing with metahumans with these powers that have generally come from the particle accelerator explosion, or Doctor Alchemy, and those are formulas we’re a little more used to. Having these guys come in from who knows where, the biggest question mark for all of them is starting to figure out how they’re going to battle them.”

Looks like the super hero gang will have their work cut out for them, and tougher fights ahead.

The Dominators want to ultimately erase the threat of unpredictable metahumans in the comic book limited series. Consequently, we can only imagine what happens when you get a bunch of metahumans together to fight some evil.

A release date has yet to be announced.

The Flash stars Danielle Panabaker, Candace Patton, Jesse L. Martin, Tom Cavanaugh, Carlos Valdez, and Grant Gustin as Barry Allen/The Flash.

The Flash airs on Tuesday nights, 8/7c on the CW.

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How Doctor Strange Delivers A Game-Changing Extravaganza

By

Jonathan Bruce

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November 6, 2016

Doctor Strange is the latest Marvel Studios movie. While a self-contained origin story, it offers a new look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Furthermore, the film examines how not everything needs to make sense.

Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a gifted neurosurgeon with a great memory. However, he also display arrogance and an inflated view of his own talent. This causes him to upstage fellow doctors, much to the chagrin of his colleague and former lover Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams).

While driving to a public event, Stephen ends up in a car wreck and suffers severe nerve damage to his hands. He tries various experimental surgeries without success, and it is clear that his medical career is over. Christine tries to get him to move on, but he rejects her efforts of help.

Desperate to recover, Stephen seeks out a man who recovered from paraplegia and learns about a place called Kamar-Taj. Upon traveling to Nepal, he meets the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) and learns the truth about her abilities. He wants to learn the mystic arts, but she rejects him after sensing his arrogant nature. Ultimately, it is Strange’s determination that prompts her to take him on as a student.

Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) worries about Strange, feeling he is not worthy to be a sorcerer. He also fears Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), a former ally engaging in the dark arts. Kaecilius and his band of zealots steal a spell belonging to the Ancient One and seek to obtain eternal life.

When Kaecilius attacks, Strange and Mordo have to work together to save the New York, London and Hong Kong Sanctums. Kaecilius wants to summon Dormammu from the Dark Dimension and take over Earth. Both Strange and Mordo discover the truth about the Ancient One, which has dire consequences for them. Strange must decide whether to return to his former life or become something greater.

Benedict Cumberbatch is compelling as Stephen Strange, and it feels as if he has just stepped out of the comic books. The actor is able to display intelligence, humor, and arrogance in depicting Strange’s character growth. As the film progresses, he goes from selfishness to becoming selfless. Some might compare him to a light version of Tony Stark, but Cumberbatch succeeds in making the part his own.

Ejiofor does a great job as Baron Mordo. He provides a stoic, mature counterpart to Strange’s arrogance, and their relationship is one of the film’s finest elements. Benedict Wong offers an impressive take on Wong, who proves to be a capable sorcerer. His self-assured nature makes him an ideal straight man and ally for Strange.

Swinton brings an aura of wisdom to the Ancient One, but she doesn’t get much more to do in the story. Much has been made about the race change, yet it doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things. Rachel McAdams does a nice job as Christine Palmer, and she has good chemistry with Cumberbatch. However, she is mostly sidelined for most of the film, and it would have been nice to expand her character arc.

Mads Mikkelsen succeeds in making Kaecilius a compelling antagonist. In contrast to other villains, he has a definite plan and seeks to achieve his goal. What’s unique is that he has legitimate grievances against the Ancient One. This allows for a more gripping plot and shakes things up for the characters.

The film does suffer from moments of placing bits of comedy at odd intervals. These examples include Strange spouting pop culture jokes about musicians and Wong listening to Beyonce. While there is nothing wrong with humor, one needs to use it carefully.

Director Scott Derrickson is surprisingly faithful to the source material. The film adheres close to Strange’s origin story, his training and growth as a sorcerer. Marvel fans will be pleased to see the hospital fight scene, because it adapts a sequence from The Oath miniseries. There is also a surprise cameo in the movie, and it is bound to set up the next part of Phase Three.

In terms of VFX, the movie is a delight to behold. The visual effects and CGI make Steve Ditko’s impressive 1960s-era artwork come to life. Specifically, Strange’s battles on the astral plane are one of the major highlights. While the revolving buildings may feel like Inception, the sequence is breathtaking to watch.

Doctor Strange is one of Marvel’s best films. It opens up wider possibilities for the franchise. Cumberbatch and cast do a great job with the material. Derrickson deserves praise for his focus on plot and characters.

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Doctor Strange Movie Teases Yet Another Cosmic Entity

By

Jonathan Bruce

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November 5, 2016

Doctor Strange is shaping up to be a great movie, but it hints a new direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Yes, the film sets up Baron Mordo as a villain, and Dormammu makes an appearance. According to Comicbook.com, there is a more subtle nod to yet another Marvel character.

During Stephen Strange’s training, he learns about mystical items. At one point, Baron Mordo teaches him about weaponry. One such item is his weapon, which he calls “The Staff of the Living Tribunal.” It may look like a wooden staff, but there is more than meets the eye.

Doctor Strange — This is no ordinary staff

Although the film doesn’t elaborate, the Living Tribunal is a big deal in Marvel lore. He serves as the guardian of alternate realities. His biggest role is in the Infinity Gauntlet storyline, during which Thanos attempts to become a god. As the story unfolds, the Tribunal decides to split up the Infinity Gems for safety reasons.

Doctor Strange villain — Could you see him appearing in the MCU?

The character’s existence could hint at a future appearance in the movies. We know Thanos will be the villain in Avengers: Infinity War. Assuming the movie follows the comic, the Living Tribunal could play a role in the plot. If not, it is quite possible the character could show up later on in Phase Three.

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