Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is set to be released in one month, and Paramount Pictures has dropped two brand new TV Spots for the film. See ’em both below.
The longer spot gives more story and plot details, while the shorter one shows action, and tries to get “Reacher” ringing in your mind.
Are you planning on checking out this sequel in theaters? Let us know in the comments section.
“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back follows the title character as he returns to Virginia to meet the head of his former unit. But she’s missing, he’s being charged with a crime committed nearly 20 years ago, and he may even have a daughter. Making things right will lead him on a cross-country chase to uncover the truth – and maybe even a family.”
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back hits theaters on October 21.
Friends, countrymen, lend me your long tails and ears for hats—the Pussycats are back! In this series kick-off, Josie’s getting the band together to help achieve her dreams of musical stardom. But for the group to last, it needs a strong foundation of friendship and trust. Can the girls get going, or will Alexandra’s plotting put a stop to the whole thing?
Writing
After the popularity the new Jem comic and increasing attention the different Archie series have been receiving recently, it’s no surprise they would eventually try to revamp this trio of kitty eared rockers. It’s interesting to see how they introduced the characters. For starters, they aren’t together at the start and haven’t been singing for years like with the movie version. Instead, Josie is the only one who has been dedicating herself to music, and her roommate Melody has dedicated herself to as many charities as possible and dating on a whim. It was impressive of writers Marguerite Bennett and Cameron DeOrdio to update her comically airheaded nature from the original series to something more believable such as her being an individual who gets distracted by animals.
There is something to be said about the new portrayals of Valerie and Alexandria and how extreme they come off. Valerie is portrayed as a living goddess, between being a Veterinarian and her ability to sing so good it calms the animals, she is appears to have no faults. Meanwhile Alexandria is portrayed as evil as possible, doing everything she can to ruin Josie’s chances at obtaining her dream of becoming a musician. Still, they are intriguing characters to watch and it will be interesting to see them become more human as the series progresses.
Artwork
Artist Audrey Mok and colorist Andre Szymanowicz employed some very emotional drawings to the characters with some expressive facial designs. They also took a page out of the Jem comic by showcasing the singing as a transcendental experience where the lyrics seem to wash across the audience. It’s a more effective way of showing the characters singing then simply having one panel and the character has a large balloon of dialogue with a note next to it.
Conclusion
This new book is a perfect way to introduce a new group of fans to these characters. It also is making great use of the Archie universe by having characters appear just enough for establishment, such as when Jughead was seen visiting the vet with his dog. It’s a good read and this may just become a comic for readers to look forward to as it keeps coming out.
Margot Robbie is taking over Hollywood. According The Hollywood Reporter the actress is staying loyal to Warner Bros. and has signed a first-look deal. The report also states that Robbie is officially working on a Harley Quinn spin-off movie, following the success of David Ayer’s Suicide Squad.
Among various other projects, Robbie will executive produce the Suicide Squad spin-off which has been in the works for months. It’s no major surprise that the studio will move forward, Suicide Squad has grossed over $700 million worldwide, and the character is a clear fan favorite in the DC Extended Universe. According to reports, a Harley Quinn movie will also feature DC heroes such as Batgirl and the Birds of Prey.
Robbie will produce alongside her LuckyChap partners Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara and Sophia Kerr. This is a major step for the young actress and solidifies hero position as one of the busiest women in Hollywood.
With a Harley Quinn movie in development, the female heroes of DC Comics are officially dominating the DCEU. Wonder Woman is scheduled for release in 2017 and it’s more than likely that more female heroes will pop up in the Suicide Squad spin-off.
With Deathstroke as the villain of Ben Affleck’s Batman movie, the Harley Quinn movie will be the next opportunity for fans to get a look at Jared Leto’s Joker. Harley and The Joker’s relationship was a key highlight of Suicide Squad and it would be difficult to pull off a solo Harley Quinn movie without involving The Joker. Not to mention Suicide Squad’s ending featured The Joker and Harley causing trouble together.
Are You Happy A Harley Quinn Movie Is Moving Forward? Be Sure To Let Us Know In The Comments Section Below.
In a longer version of the recent Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 4 promo that has been released on twitter, fans are introduced to the new Ghost Rider , Robbie Reyes (Gabriel Luna) in the first bit of dialogue from the character.
In the comics, Robbie is a high-school student working as a mechanic at an auto body shop who lives with his developmentally disabled brother Gabe and seeks to get away from the dangerous, gang-riddled streets of East Los Angeles before he is possessed by the spirit of vengeance. It is unclear how close the series will stick to the source material in that regard.
While fans have seen a few glimpses of Ghost Rider already, this teaser has a few more shots of the character than previously shown (albeit still more of a tease). The promo also features an intense exchange between Ghost Rider and Quake (Chloe Bennet).
The full trailer is expected to be released sometime this week as the series returns to small screen next week.
Ghost Rider was first played by Nicolas Cage as the adult Johnny Blaze and Matt Long as a teen.Cage reprised the role in a sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, released February 17, 2012 in 3-D. Here the character is recruited by a sect to save a boy named Danny from being possessed by Roarke (a form of Mephistopheles who is also his father) while fighting Blackout.
In May 2013, the film rights to Ghost Rider reverted to Marvel Studios from Sony Pictures, although it has been confirmed that there are no immediate plans to produce another film in the near future, it was announced that the Ghost Rider mantle would make its debut in the fourth season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Marketing had teased at the introduction of the Spirit of Vengeance, and the studio confirmed via San Diego Comic-Con, that the Robbie Reyes incarnation of Ghost Rider will appear in the upcoming season of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. He will be played by actor Gabriel Luna.
VENGEANCE COMES TO ‘MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.,’ ON THE SEASON FOUR PREMIERE ON ABC
Gabriel Luna Guest Stars as Robbie Reyes – aka Ghost Rider. In the season premiere episode, “The Ghost,” Ghost Rider is coming, and S.H.I.E.L.D will never be the same.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns Tuesday, Sept. 20 on ABC at 10 p.m./9 p.m. Central.
Director Zack Snyder is in the final stretch of filming ‘Justice League,’ and as he has before the filmmaker took to Twitter to give fans a behind-the-scenes look. The latest photo is a first-look at a new Tactical Bat-Suit.
We brighten up the image for more details.
What do you think of the new suit?
About ‘Justice League’
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
‘Justice League’ is directed by Zack Snyder, and stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Amber Heard, Jeremy Irons, J.K. Simmons, Willem Dafoe and Julian Lewis Jones.
Yes, I watched Stranger Things, The Get Down, Jessica Jones, and Jaws, but Netflix is a treasure trove of OTHER stuff a lot of people don’t even know exists. That’s a shame; there are many a hidden gem in the streaming service. And still much more on all the other various streaming services. But just like the end of the original Conan movies, that’s a story for another time. Sliding through “recently added” or “popular” will bring up some great entertainment. But clicking on genres and digging down into the Netflix library is supremely entertaining too! Here are five fun flicks all currently streaming on Netflix.
No beavers were harmed in the making of this film.
The Beaver Trilogy Part IV
A documentary about a peculiar series of films made by indie filmmaker Trent Harris. Brad Besser directs and SNL alum Bill Hader narrates a rollercoaster story about the desire for stardom. The Beaver Trilogy Part IV is must-see for cinephiles who want an inside look at indie filmmaking before YouTube and computers made it easier and wildly accessible. The Beaver Trilogy Part IV features two well-known Hollywood celebrities before they were household names.
This party won’t end well.
The Invitation
This slow-burn horror film mostly takes place inside a living room and ends with a touch of Twilight Zone. The enclosed setting makes the film close and personal while setting up that final punch. Karyn Kusama who directed Girlfight (2000), Aeon Flux (2005), and Jennifer’s Body (2009), handles the material with just the right mix of pace and paranoia. The Invitation will make you question the next invite to an old friend’s get-together.
Happy holidays … now die.
Holidays
An anthology film that features eight horror shorts. Each film revolves around a different holiday. A bit inconsistent from one film to the next, the overall experience is still fun for horror fans. The strongest entries are Christmas from director Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest) featuring Seth Green in a demented yarn about a trending toy. The other is Kevin Smith’s (Tusk, Dogma) Halloween starring his daughter Harley Quinn Smith which will make most men squirm.
The King of Hell’s life matters.
Last Shift
Low-budget horror done right-ish. Last Shift is a film about a young cop dealing with the loss of her father who was himself a police officer. Tasked with watching a retired police station all by herself, the film delves into psychological terror that reaches creepy for some scenes and head-scratching in others. The overall film is fun and carried by a strong performance from Juliana Harkavy (Alisha in season four of The Walking Dead).
Edgar Allan Poe refuses to die.
Extraordinary Tales
Former Disney Animator Raul Garcia (Lion King, Aladdin) directors this anthology series that brings five short stories from Edgar Allan Poe. Each short film is animated in a wildly different style that attempts to capture the mood and atmosphere of Poe’s literary works of art. The text of each story is narrated by a range of talents like Guillermo Del Toro and Roger Corman. The creepiest narration comes from Bela Lugosi in a recording from the 60s. Connecting the stories is a conversation between a statue which represents death and a raven that embodies Poe himself. These scenes look like origami come to life and are equally brilliant.
Find these films on Netflix and check in with Monkeys Fighting Robots for more streaming movies you might be missing.
Blair Witch, the latest follow-up to 1999’s The Blair Witch Project, returns to the original film’s style and concept so much that it’s more remake than sequel.
Yes, the tech in the film is updated, with GoPro cameras, GPS, and drones integrated into the story’s mechanics. But those additions simply make it easier for the filmmakers to plausibly pass off what plays out on screen as “found footage.”
That same tired gimmick, innovative and immersive sixteen years ago, fuels this would-be scream fest in the woods. The result is a film that delivers very few actual scares and grows tiresome very, very quickly.
What’s it about?
Blair Witch follows another group of twenty-somethings into the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland, this time in search of the group that went missing in the first film. James (James Allen McCune), who was four years old when his sister Heather disappeared in those woods, holds on to hope that she’s still out there.
Along for the search are James’s friends Lisa (Callie Hernandez), Peter (Brandon Scott), and Ashley (Corbin Reed). A student film maker, Lisa plans to shoot the trip as a documentary focused on James finding emotional closure.
The group starts their investigation by meeting with a pair of locals familiar with the woods and their haunting legend. Lane (Wes Robinson) and Talia (Valorie Curry) offer to act as guides for James and company, spurred by their own fascination with the Blair Witch legend.
Unlike Heather’s group years before, this group plans ahead for the possibility of getting lost. They bring two-way radios, GPS, and even a remote-controlled drone to fly above the trees for aerial perspectives.
But once the group ventures further into the woods, of course, all that planning proves to be for naught. The mysterious cairns and humanoid stick figures begin appearing around their camp, the nights seem to get longer, and then people start disappearing.
Sound familiar? It should.
Recreating the original
Director Adam Wingard (You’re Next) makes a supreme effort to recapture the sights, sounds, and feel of the original film. Teaming with the film’s original directors and producers, he accomplishes his goal too well. Blair Witch feels less like a return and more like a retread of where the first film went before.
There’s also a clear effort in the production to add more conventional visual elements of horror to the proceedings. There’s some gore here, some flashes of monsters in the dark, all to provide different kinds of jumps and scares.
But those elements feel shoehorned into the film. In fact, there are a number of plot and visual elements that end up feeling extraneous in Blair Witch, just because by the end of the film they appear to be left without deliberate purpose.
It’s one thing to leave unresolved questions in a story in order to spark imagination and debate after the experience. That’s what the original did all those years ago for those who were taken in by the film.
But here, all the unresolved plot threads just feel sloppy and gratuitous. If there’s any debate sparked by Blair Witch, it’s more likely to be started with questions like “What the hell was the point of that?” and “Did we really need another one?”
Acting? Well, sorta …
As for performances to be found in Blair Witch, credit must always go to trained performers trying to maintain the conceit that they’re not trained performers when acting right into the camera lens. It’s a challenge that seems to always get discounted, and the ensemble more or less meets that challenge here.
That said, the actors here just aren’t given very much to work with in terms of motivation. The barest of backstories are provided for each of the characters. There’s just enough to give context to their particular reactions once the scares start happening.
With so little to invest audiences into their plight, all their screaming and running about in the woods just becomes tiresome. We get it, guys — you’re desperate to get out.
Midway through the film’s 89-minute running time, audiences will likely be just as desperate to get out, too.
Worth seeing?
It should go without saying that if you have no taste for found footage-style films, steer clear of Blair Witch. And of course, if you didn’t like the original all those years ago, you’ll like this one even less.
However, those who were scared by the first film may be left wanting after this one, as well. It’s just too much like its predecessor, so even if you were taken in the first time around, it’s unlikely you will be again.
Blair Witch
Starring James Allen McCune, Brandon Scott, Corbin Reed, Callie Hernandez, Wes Robinson, Valorie Curry. Directed by Adam Wingard.
Running Time: 89 minutes
Rated R for language, terror and some disturbing images.
Rebecca Hall was one of the highlights of Iron Man 3, bringing in another character with whom Tony Stark could play against while giving viewers more insight into how Tony has changed since they last spoke.
Back in May, Director Shane Black revealed that the Iron Man 2 follow up originally showcased much bigger roles for both Stéphanie Szostak and Rebecca Hall, and Hall’s character, Dr. Maya Hansen, was actually going to be a major adversary for Iron Man. This all changed when Ike Perlmutter (The former Marvel boss infamous for his racist and sexist comments) became concerned that a female villain wouldn’t “sell enough toys”.
While speaking with Postmedia Network (Via Toronto Sun) before the TIFF premiere of her new film, Christine, Hall confirmed that this was “100% true”, going on to elaborate saying
“I signed on to do something that was a substantial role. She wasn’t entirely the villain – there have been several phases of this – but I signed on to do something very different to what I ended up doing.
Halfway through shooting they were basically like, ‘What would you think if you just got shot out of nowhere?’ I was meant to be in the movie until the end… I grappled with them for awhile and then I said, ‘Well, you have to give me a decent death scene and you have to give me one more scene with Iron Man,’ which Robert Downey Jr. supported me on.”
Despite this, Hall believes that with the announcement of Captain Marvel (To be played by Brie Larson), the studio has learned their lesson and wishes them the best.
About Iron Man 3: Plagued with worry and insomnia since saving New York from destruction, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), now, is more dependent on the suits that give him his Iron Man persona — so much so that every aspect of his life is affected, including his relationship with Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow). After a malevolent enemy known as the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) reduces his personal world to rubble, Tony must rely solely on instinct and ingenuity to avenge his losses and protect the people he loves.
Volcanic eruptions and political overtakings—the Kongs struggle against the horrors of Skull Island.
Writing
This issue doesn’t give anyone a moment to rest. After focusing more on the human drama in the previous book, this one mixes it in with the overall calamity which is befalling the island. The volcano isn’t going to settle down any time soon, which means the entire place has to be evacuated and they need to find a new home as soon as possible if they hope to survive. Writer James Asmus presents a perfect atmosphere which really captures the panic and terror of everyone as they scramble to find a way save themselves.
The human drama is still present as well, but doesn’t detract from the atmosphere. Ewata, having lost her husband to a political marriage is rightly unhappy with what is happening around her, but still is able to find a way to push through and do what is needed at the right time. She is really stealing the show and hopefully she will keep going strong as the mini-series continues.
Artwork
The art by Carlos Magno still remains at a level of impressive quality. Between the backgrounds filled with the island coming apart at the seams, and the anger, frustration, and fear which is gripping its inhabitants, the issue is captivating. It is possible to lose some of the characters in the panels but it’s also possible that this is what Magno was going for to help add to the confusion and intensity.
Conclusion
The series is going strong and doesn’t show any signs of letting up. The last few pages of the issue really leave the reader on the edge of their seat wanting more. With the series half over, all the team has to do is keep going with their current performance and this will become a series which not only appeal to fans of King Kong new and old but become an essential part of their collection.
Director Adam Wingard Updates The ‘Blair Witch‘ With This Sleek Sequel
‘Blair Witch‘ is exactly what I look for in horror, and in horror sequels specifically. It has elements from each sub-genre in horror, mixing in perfect harmony as well as upping the ante. While it follows the formula originally created with ‘The Blair Witch Project‘ in 1999, there’s so many great new additions as well. Director Adam Wingard is obviously a fan of the original because not only did he pay respect, but he expanded upon the ’99 phenomenon.
Awesome to see that a quick conversation between Wingard and the original directors grew into creating one of the most hyped horror sequels in years. Also, the marketing trick of promoting the film under a different name (‘The Woods‘) to-then do a big reveal was great. It allowed the buzz for the film to reach new heights.
Review:
‘Blair Witch‘ is a direct sequel to the original film. The story follows the search for Heather, the woman who was in the first movie. Her brother James sees a video that claims to be his sister who went missing more than a decade before. She is in the same house we last saw her in the finale of ‘The Blair Witch Project‘. Gathering a group of his friends, some of which are in a documentary filmmaking class, they go to the middle of the woods to look for her and learn about the Blair Witch.
What we get is a fun expansion of iconic scenes and all-new stand out moments. I expected the filmmakers to touch on scenes like the man in the corner or the iconic stick figures; they do, but from a different perspective now.
It’s simple things like the advancements in technology or the self-aware tone, and it feels so different compared to the previous entry. Seeing things like drones and ear-piece cameras broke up the camcorder monotony.
Writer Simon Barrett does an excellent job of expanding the mythos of this franchise without giving too much away. The first film and this sequel rely on teasing the audience. I never mind walking out of a horror film with more questions than answers; it allows me to let my mind wander and make up my own answers.
‘TheBlair Witch Project‘ directors Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sánchez only made a quick outline for their film, but Simon Barrett clearly took his time nailing down this script. Barrett also seamlessly allows space for organic humor. Never does a joke feel forced or out of place. It all comes out naturally and fits into the situation.
“There’s something evil hiding in the woods.”
Expanding the cast was also a smart move. This allows the body count to grow and for more action throughout. With more people the movie could feel less focused, but the filmmakers balance things well. Never does the story steer away from main character James (James Allen McCune) and his search for his sister Heather, but it does give other characters chances to shine. In particular, I love the crazed townies Lane (Wes Robinson) and Talia (Valorie Curry).
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting any graphic content at all in ‘Blair Witch‘ but boy I was totally wrong. The movie isn’t some ‘Hostel’-style gorefest but there was one moment that completely took me by surprise. Let’s just say…never snap those creepy Blair Witch stick figures! There’s also this amazing gross out sequence involving a leg. I love body horror and Wingard delivers on that front. Hearing the crowd’s disgust was like sweet music to my ears. That kind of reaction is exactly why filmmakers put things like that in their movies.
Final Thoughts:
There’s no doubt that ‘Blair Witch‘ is my favorite horror film of 2016. I’d go as far as saying this could be one of my favorite movies from any genre this year. I highly recommend you see this! Critics are seemingly not into it, but as a hardcore horror fan & Adam Wingard fan, I don’t see anything to dislike.
Let me know what you think of this sequel to ‘The Blair Witch Project‘ in the comments below!
