Bret Easton Ellis Clarifies His Statement About Script For ‘The Batman’

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November 7, 2016

The author Bret Easton Ellis recently sent house-bound fanboys into a tizzy by commenting during an interview with the ringer.com on the script for The Batman, to be directed by Ben Affleck. Ellis clarifies his speculation, according to his very own Facebook page.

Ellis writes:

“During a long interview with The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey we talked about reasons why studio movies are so bad now and touched on the global needs of the marketplace. I told him something I had heard about the new Batman movie as an example of what might be the problem: I was talking with two executives who have NOTHING to do with the Batman movie and who KNEW people who were involved with the production. The two executives I was having dinner with were relating the problems they had heard about the script from people working on the Batman project–that’s all. I know no one involved with the Batman movie and I didn’t realize that my comments would make it into The Ringer piece or else I wouldn’t have cited that particular movie–I have no idea what the Batman script is like and I regret that it came off as if I was disparaging the project. Another reason to be careful giving interviews.”

While trouble with the script is possible, it hasn’t reached final draft status yet. And knowing the movies Affleck has either written (Gone Baby Gone) or directed (The Town, Argo, the upcoming Live By Night), it’s a safe bet the script will be fine.

Little is officially known about the plot of The Batman. What is certain is the film’s villain: Deathstroke. True Blood actor Joe Manganiello will play the mercenary/assassin, marking the characters first ever big screen appearance.

Joining Affleck and Manganiello are Jeremy Irons back as Alfred Pennyworth and (presumably) JK Simmons as Commissioner James Gordon. Affleck will direct from a script written by himself and Geoff Johns. The movie tentatively scheduled for a 2018 release.

Until then, Affleck plays the Dark Knight again in Justice League. Zack Snyder directs from a screenplay by Academy Award-winning writer Chris Terrio. Justice League hits theaters November 17, 2017.

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Gal Godot Teases Possible Female Love Interest for ‘Wonder Woman 2’

By

Ryan Malik

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November 7, 2016

The first movie isn’t even out, but Wonder Woman star Gal Godot teases an idea she has for the sequel, according to Batman-news.com, Godot is all in for her character to have a relationship with another woman.

Godot sat down for an interview with Israeli talk show Good Night with Guy Pines. Talk eventually turns to speculation about whether or not Wonder Woman will pursue a same-sex relationship. Godot didn’t shy away from responding about that and which actress she would like to lasso into the perspective role. The interview is in Hebrew, but the helpful folks at batman-news.com offer a translation:

“I saw her the other day, Halle Berry. She’s so beautiful. Wow! She’s gorgeous! So… yeah, I could do it with her.”

Wonder Woman’s sexual preference is a hot topic of late, ever since the announcement to Comicosity.com by Wonder Woman comic book writer Greg Rucka believing the character to be queer. Here part of Rucka’s quote:

“This is inherently the problem with Diana: we’ve had a long history of people — for a variety of reasons, including sometimes pure titillation, which I think is the worst reason — say, ‘Ooo. Look. It’s the Amazons. They’re gay!’

And when you start to think about giving the concept of Themyscira its due, the answer is, ‘How can they not all be in same sex relationships?’ Right? It makes no logical sense otherwise.

It’s supposed to be paradise. You’re supposed to be able to live happily. You’re supposed to be able — in a context where one can live happily, and part of what an individual needs for that happiness is to have a partner — to have a fulfilling, romantic and sexual relationship. And the only options are women.

But an Amazon doesn’t look at another Amazon and say, ‘You’re gay.’ They don’t. The concept doesn’t exist.”

Of course any speculation about a love interest for the sequel (if, indeed, there is one) is pure speculation at this point.

Gal Godot made her debut as the Amazonian warrior in 2016’s Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and reprises the role in the character’s first solo film, Wonder Woman.
Not much is known about the plot, but judging by the trailer, it’s an origin story that takes place during World War I.

Joining Godot are Chris Pine (Steve Trevor), Robin Wright (General Antiope), Lucy Davis (Etta Candy), and Connie Nielson (Queen Hippolyta). Patty Jenkins directs from a screenplay written by Allen Heinberg and Geoff Johns.

Wonder Woman will hit theaters on June 2, 2017.

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Here’s Your First ‘Ghost in The Shell’ Footage

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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November 7, 2016

The Ghost in The Shell movie is inching closer, and now we have a teaser of the trailer (yeah, a little silly) that shows off Scarlett Johansson in the title role.

This has a Matrix vibe to it for sure, and as the teaser of the trailer promises, we’ll get a full version on the 13th. Or, I guess, Tokyo gets it first, so if you’re there be ready:

11.13 #GITSTokyo pic.twitter.com/SlIAzQqsGN

— Ghost In The Shell (@GhostInShell) November 7, 2016

Based on the internationally-acclaimed sci-fi property, “GHOST IN THE SHELL” follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology.

Not a lot to go with there, but I am sure it’s plenty for Ghost in The Shell fans to either salivate over or scrutinize and point out flaws. Much has been made of the Johansson casting for the Major role, as it should be. But in the end, I suppose these movies are more about U.S. dollars than human decency.

Along with Johansson, Ghost in The Shell also stars Michael Pitt, Michael Wincott, Juliette Binoche, Rila Fukushima, and is directed by Rupert Sanders of Snow White and The Huntsman fame. So, there’s that.

It opens March 31.

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Elodie Yung’s Elektra is Back For ‘The Defenders’

By

Aric Sweeny

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November 7, 2016

If you’ve watched the entirety of Daredevil season two you know that Elodie Yung’s character, Elektra Natchios, was killed at the hands of, no pun intended, The Hand. Now, however, the official Defenders Twitter has confirmed that the character will be back for the upcoming show.

pic.twitter.com/EPRASgJrCZ

— The Defenders (@TheDefenders) November 7, 2016

Did anyone really think Elektra died? It was pretty obvious that the character would return, so this confirmation isn’t surprising.

Along with Yung, The Defenders stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, Mike Colter as Luke Cage, Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, Finn Jones as Danny Rand, Simone Messick as Misty Knight, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Scott Henwick as Stick, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing, Rachel Taylor as Trish Walker, and Sigourney Weaver as the unnamed villain.

“Marvel’s The Defenders” follows Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal – to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together.”

The Defenders hits Netflix sometime in 2017.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBZtM8q2Z1g

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

By

Kris Solberg

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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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