The Exorcist, like many film properties these days, is getting the Tv treatment. And now, we have a first glimpse/promo sneak peek thing to take a look at. The cast looks interesting, namely Geena Davis taking over in the Ellen Burstyn role, and the action moves from D.C. to Chicago.
We also get executive producer Jeremy Slater talking about the project, and the impact of the William Friedkin movie. Take a look:
https://youtu.be/CPq411a1LkU
The Exorcist will hit FOX this fall, around the same time their abhorrent-looking Lethal Weapon adaptation should vomit all over America. This, in comparison, looks miles better than that awful abomination.
I appreciate Slater talking up the film, and the motivations, and the desire to generate scares. And it could be possible on FOX, but the fact t’s on the Network is going to make things difficult. I just can’t imagine we get a crucifix masturbation scene anywhere in there. Also, was that Alan Ruck I saw?
The “All-Star” moniker is both a blessing and a curse. With All-Star Superman, Morrison and Quietly managed to transcend the traditional conceptions of Clark Kent and create a modern classic. On the other hand, with the former All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder, Lee and Miller created an embarrassment to the medium. This latest book quickly turned into one of the most hyped titles to come from the DC Rebirth project. How could it not be? Scott Synder is one of the architects behind the great modern Batman run. At this point, Synder could claim to be the Dark Knight himself and people would buy into it. Thankfully, the extensive creative team of All-Star Batman ensure that the title lives up its potential.
This time around the main story focuses on a much discussed road-trip wherein a lucid message from Harvey Dent compels Batman to take Two-Face across the country and deliver him to an unspecified location. Bruce’s reasoning is as much as mystery to his allies as it is the readership, though it’s hinted that the trip may allow Dent to resurface full-time. Two-Face, to make things interesting, puts out a bounty on the Bat to ensure that they never reach this mysterious end-goal. Villains clash like a scene from Rat Race as the secrets that others would rather remain hidden are threatened. The nature of secrets is that they can have a corrupting power over us, and, as one twist demonstrates, those closest to us can be fundamentally changed by them. All-Star Batman is the tragic story of a man trying to help a friend lost within himself as the world slowly turns against him.
John Romita Jr., one of my artist crushes, does a superb job in illustrating the imposing figure of Batman. Romita’s Batman is a powerful and intimidating presence with a seemingly inhuman speed for a man of his size. The infamous “deadline style” is in full effect, but that doesn’t take away from the emotion that each panel conveys. Indeed, the dynamic setting of this comics allows for Batman to be placed in unique situations which provide a fascinating visual comedy to the story. This is contrasted with the horrifying visage of Two-Face.
Following the main feature, a back-up switches perspective to Duke Thomas, the not-Robin, as he engrossing himself in Batman’s training. It’s short and sweet like a serialised British comic, but it offers our first real glimpse into how Duke views his new partnership with Batman. Duke is struggling to come to terms with what he wants from their relationship. This instruction gives him the opportunity to be a hero, but it could also lead him down darker paths if he lets it. Leading to the central question this issue presents, “why you?” Synder goes to great lengths to emphasis that Duke is different from the Robins of the past, but whether that is a good thing remains to be seen.
The always wonderful Declan Shalvey provides the interior artwork for this backup, which is highly reminiscence of his Moon Knight work were it to be inverted. Shalvey, like the Caped Crusader, is the master of shadows and silhouettes. Yet, it is made more effective thanks to the fantastic colouring of Jodie Bellaire which commands your respect. This striking imagery, those piercing white eyes, show that one of the super-stars of the Irish creative scene is more than up to the task ahead.
Loaded with heart-wrenching twists and stunning visuals, this all-star creative team demonstrate that standalone books can be just as compelling as their continuity heavy cousins. All-Star Batman is the comic you need and the one you deserve.
A review copy was kindly provided by the publisher.
The all-female cast of ‘Ocean’s 8’ starts production in October, and according to Deadline, Warner Bros. has cast seven of the eight leads.
The cast includes Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina. Gary Ross will direct ‘Oceans 8.’
Bullock plays the ex-con sister of George Clooney’s Danny Ocean in a film in which she assembles a team of thieves to steal a necklace from the Met Ball in order to frame a duplicitous gallery owner. Blanchett plays her right-hand woman.
Expect plenty of cameos from the original cast. No release date was announced for ‘Ocean’s 8.’
Everyone’s favorite trickster Loki is finally on Instagram. Tom Hiddleston posted his first photo yesterday on his shiny new Instagram account. In the photo, he’s in costume for Thor: Ragnarok, the third in the series.
Who showed him how filters work?
What Tom Hiddleston’s Insta has to do with Taylor Swift
Some folks guess that this new account is proof of Swift’s influence on Hiddleston. Others, noting that he is not following her, argue that they’re unrelated. In fairness, Swift isn’t following him yet, either. We’re much more looking forward to further behind the scenes photos from Ragnarok than any Hiddle-Swift pics.
Hiddleston was already active on his Twitter account, which he uses largely as a promotional tool. However, he’s hooked the two profiles together, which is how a lot of fans found his instagram so quickly.
The Flintstones #1 was a genuine delight to read, because it’s so different than anything else on the market. It’s a dark, satirical look at modern culture through the lens of the famous Stone Age family. It nods to the original series with puns and character dynamics, but it also has a twisted sense of humor. I recommend it to anyone looking for a different type of comic book.
So, how does the second issue expand on the concept, characters, and story? First, it doesn’t have the element of surprise on its side. So, audiences now know what to expect from the upcoming issues. Second, it’s still finding its footing on what it wants to satirize.
The issue centers around The Flintstones trying to adapt to the changing times with the right appliances. The issue focuses on all those cute animals that help around the house, an octopus dishwasher, a rabbit neck pillow, a goat lawnmower etc. Fred is trying to be a good provider for his family by getting the latest new stuff. He even takes a side job selling vitamins to try and pay for everything, which becomes more of a hassle.
There are some great jokes and ideas that really put this issue over the top. For example, have you ever wondered what happens to an animal appliance after you’ve returned it? Another great moment is watching how Fred and Barney sell their vitamins.
But the comic has a hard time focusing on what to comment on. If it were just about the daily hassles of common appliances, that would be enough for a full issue. But we also get a weird subplot about their religious leaders trying to find a new God for the people to worship, which just ends in a pretty obvious punchline.
I don’t want to spoil any of the jokes here, so here’s the town of Bedrock in all of its punniness.
The comic does struggle with tone. There’s a sense that this wants to be as clever and subtle as The Simpsons. But it’s use of hyperbole, and dark humor finds itself gravitating toward Family Guy. The comic is still new, and so writer Mark Russell has time to experiment, but he definitely needs to find the proper voice for the series.
What makes this comic enjoyable to read, however, is how Russell portrays Fred Flintstone. From his TV days, Fred was one of the archetypes of the loveable screw up father. He’d make mistakes, but eventually learn his lesson until the next episode. Fred was not a very developed character. But, in this comic he feels much more vulnerable and honest, which makes us more empathetic toward his struggle. He does want to provide for his family, and he does want to be the best he can be, but he has limits that feel real. Fred Flintstone has become a character that I feel a genuine connection to as a reader, and I want to see more of him. In fact all the characters are written well, even when they only have a few lines.
Steve Pugh’s artwork stuns with a detailed cartoon style that’s reminiscent of the show. It allows for the shocking brutality of this world stand out. The animals in particular were all fun to look at with great designs. The “powergoat” in particular got a great chuckle out of me.
The Flintstones continues to be a funny book with great moments and jokes. I have confidence that it will eventually find its footing and create a more consistent satire. DC Comics deserves a commendation for putting faith in a dark, unique, and funny series.
Although he handed the Batman reigns to Tom King, Scott Snyder still has Dark Knight stories left to tell. He’s teamed up with comics rockstar John Romita Jr. to start All-Star Batman and explore villains that he didn’t get around to in his previous run.
Issue one is out this week, and it’s everything that fans hoped it would be, further cementing Snyder’s place among the greatest Bat-scribes in Bat-history. The whole book is outstanding, but let’s do the impossible and try to break down the five best moments.
Batman Swats Some Bugs
The series opens up with a bang as Firefly and Killer Moth (“Hired Gun” and “Other Hired Gun,” respectively) have the Caped Crusader on the ropes. Except they really don’t, obviously, because he’s Batman. Bats uses his patented quick thinking to lay the smackdown on this pair of non-threats, both physically and verbally.
This scene sets the tone for the series, showing that Snyder intends to thrill the reader and have some fun along the way.
Two Faced Philosophy
There’s a lot of great action packed into this issue, but it’s matched by sharp, dramatic dialogue scenes. Case in point, Snyder writes in a conversation between the World’s Greatest Detective and Two Face where our hero expresses his belief in people’s good nature. Harvey counters, claiming that people “all have a side of their face they hide.”
What follows is a poignant and disturbing monologue that dissects the true nature of man, and adds yet another layer to the rogue’s twisted psychology.
“I’m Good”
Batman makes quick work of Firefly and Killer Moth, but barely gets to catch his breath before Black Spider joins the fray. He chucks Batsy through the side of a building and unloads a fury of ammunition into what he thinks is the hero’s body. Only after realizing his error does Spider look up to see the scariest thing a person can see – Batman holding a running chainsaw.
This moment is actually a twofer, because it leads directly into the Dark Knight scaring off Firefly with merely a look.
Alfred’s Apology
E tu, Alfred?
This first issue ends with the revelation that Alfred – Batman’s #1 confidant – shot down the Batplane earlier in the story, stranding Bruce and Harvey in the middle of nowhere. This cliffhanger raises so many questions, starting with “what the *$@!?” Was it of his own volition? I don’t know, and I can’t wait to find out, but the tears on Mr. Pennyworth’s face are heartbreaking regardless. If you say you had to do it Al, I believe you.
“Why You?”
Declan Shalvey (pencils) and Jordie Bellaire (colors) make one of today’s best art teams. Their visuals alone make the backup story in All-Star Batman worth checking out, and the script by Snyder puts it over the top.
It has nothing to do with the main story, revolving instead around Bruce training Duke Thomas. It’s brief, but in just eight short pages it pulls in the audience and leaves them wanting more. From the looks of it, we’ll be getting a much different look into the psychology of being Batman’s protégé that we’ve ever gotten before.
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All-Star Batman issue one is in comic shops today.
DC’s number one mercenary is back. His mission is still being explained, but one thing is clear: he’s looking for answers and he’s willing to kill anyone to find them. Deathstroke: Rebirth, the prelude to his new series, takes a look into how everything ties together on with his mission for the truth and these are the top five moments to come out of the issue.
5. Business Negotiations
The old saying goes, “You are the company you keep.” Here, Deathstroke takes the time to work out business details with his client, a man who is disposing of a mountain of bodies. Seeing them talk so nonchalantly about business while a mass grave is being filled nearby is disconcerting to say the least, and shows the kind of individuals Slade deals with on a regular basis.
4. The Bear
When villains are shown interacting with their children, it usually serves as reminder to show they are still human. How their methods are a way to help make the world a better place for their kids. Instead, this issue shows Slade was a terrible dad and was hard as hell on his sons. After shooting a bear which tried to eat his son Grant, Slade proceeds to guilt trip the kid about not being strong enough. The Wilson’s aren’t exactly a hugging family.
3. This is a contract
Seeing his companions are afraid of what might happen, Deathstroke makes them hand over all their money. He then calls it a contract and says they have hired him to protect their families. It’s one of those odd moments where a despicable character does something odd to show they still have something of a soul somewhere under all the kevlar they wear.
2. The River
What do you do when you can’t kill someone? Just keep trying. The Clock King now resides seven seconds outside of time and thereby away from any of Deathstroke’s conventional weapons. This doesn’t sway Slade who proceeds to try and kill the old man with a mixture of different weapons, all while Clock King stays just outside his reach and mocks him. Its an interesting moment to say the least.
1. Gifts
There’s hardcore and then there is getting so injured you are thought to be dead. This is how far Deathstroke is willing to go to get into an enemy camp and then uses his healing factor to rest up. Once he’s healed he takes everyone by surprise and makes his way through the camp and towards his target. This intense scene of action easily became the number one moment of the issue.
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What were your favorite moments from Deathstroke: Rebirth #1? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Miles Teller is out promoting his latest film, War Dogs. In an interview with Eric Walkuski, Teller talked about his interest in reprising the role of Reed Richards in a Fantastic Four sequel.
“Yeah, for sure. I loved the cast, I loved the characters. I think it’s such an interesting dynamic. I love how much they really need to rely on each other. This Avengers thing, they’ve kind of created their own Fantastic Four in a way, Marvel’s first family. Their powers can’t just exist on their own; you need Thor to do this, the Hulk to do his thing. So yeah, absolutely, I would do another one,” said Teller.
It will be interesting how this plays out over time as FOX will need to make another film to retain the rights and Teller’s star is on the rise. ‘Bleed For This’ which comes out November 23, could be Teller’s ticket back to the Oscars.
Hugh Jackman announced that the next Wolverine film will be his last and he will retire from the character. This may also be the end for Patrick Stewart as Professor X as well.
In an interview with ITV News, Stewart understands that this could be his last appearance.
“I would imagine this is probably the end of this franchise for me. But the thing about science fiction and fantasy is that you can never, ever say it’s the end, it’s over… [It’ll be] a very different Charles Xavier… nothing like the Charles Xavier you’ve seen in the past,” said Stewart.
The untitled Wolverine film is directed by James Mangold and stars Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Richard E. Grant, Eriq La Salle, Elise Neal and Elizabeth Rodriguez.
The film is expect to hit theaters on March 3 2017.
After the last action packed episode, the story scales it back a bit to have some old friends return. Yes the Rubies have returned and thanks to Steven they all get named which helps to flush out their personalities a bit. Army is the angry one, Leggy is dim, Navy is shy, Eyeball is a stubborn soldier, and Doc, the is the captain and leader of the group. Unfortunately they are still as clueless as they ever were which is why Amethyst is able to fool them so easily by impersonating Jasper.
Amethyst using her shape shifting to try and fool the Rubies really helps to show how she is recovering. After getting defeated by Jasper, she didn’t really act like herself and instead preferred to just sulk around for the last few episodes. Here she is back in full force, impersonating someone and trying to play a prank. This is Amethyst as she is supposed to be.
There is also a major reveal this episode as it turns out Rose Quartz didn’t simply defeat Pink Diamond. Instead she shattered her, the Gem equivalent of murdering a person. This is a bit too much for Steven to handle as he always assumed his mother was someone who fought defensively only. None of the Crystal Gems make an attempt to try and correct them and Pearl even looks absolutely traumatized by the announcement as if she was there and the horrible memories were only now starting to come back to her.
Hopefully in the future more will be revealed and we’ll get a flashback to the fight. One where we see in detail what happened between Rose Quartz and Pink Diamond. For now though the season is winding down with a nice set of plot driven episodes which are simply astonishing.
