The Nice Guys, writer/director Shane Black’s latest L.A. detective caper flick, features many of the tropes the director has used in the past to craft his more memorable action comedies.
Only this time, all but the most outrageous gags fall flat, and the film is mostly a bore. The fault lies in casting — while Russell Crowe proves to be a capable ‘straight man’ carrying his end of the film’s oddball partnership, Ryan Gosling’s work here stands as proof that effective on-screen goofiness doesn’t come easily to everyone.
What’s it about?
Crowe plays Jackson Healy, a guy who makes no bones about the fact that he beats people up for a living. Healy crosses paths with Holland March (Gosling), a unscrupulous private eye with a teenage daughter, Holly (Angourie Rice) and a propensity to drink on the job, when he’s hired to “discourage” March from tracking down a girl named Amelia (Margaret Qualley).
That first meeting, which is of course rather painful for March, leads to an unexpected business opportunity. After a run-in with a couple of hitmen (Keith David, Beau Knapp) also looking for Amelia, he hires March to help track her down and keep her from harm.
The search leads Healy, March, and Holly into a much larger conspiracy involving environmentalists, pornographers, the Department of Justice, and the Detroit auto industry, and why wouldn’t it? All in a day’s work for an L.A. gumshoe, right?
The old tricks just feel old
A grizzled, world-weary detective working with an unlikely partner. A female lead tagging along on the case that most of the time is smarter and more capable than the boys. Swanky parties in the Hollywood Hills, conspiracies, and creepy, skinny bad guys who genuinely enjoy hurting people.
From Lethal Weapon to The Last Boy Scout to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Shane Black has used and re-used these same elements to concoct engaging film noir style capers featuring memorable characters and hilarious situations. No doubt, The Nice Guys must have looked and sounded on paper like more of what’s worked so well before – it’s all there, and it’s all rather timeless, if it’s done right.
But in the execution, almost none of it works this time. Yes, the snappy, profanity-laden dialogue is here, but it lacks punch. Yes, the would-be hilarious situations are here, but only a handful of them actually hit home. Watch for scenes involving interrogating mermaids, a giant, talking bee complaining about L.A. smog, and Richard Nixon to enjoy the film’s biggest laughs
But those few moments are only momentary distractions from a listless plot that in the end comes off as needlessly complicated and drawn out. There’s very little satisfaction in the resolution of the mystery and where it leaves the film’s intrepid trio. It all just feels rote and rehashed.
Casting is key
Looking back at the leading men who have been at the forefront of those previously mentioned Shane Black action comedies, you find names like Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans, Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. All performers who throughout their careers, and in some cases for the majority of their careers, displayed an understanding and mastery of comic timing, delivery, and expression. It ain’t easy, and it’s not a natural fit for everyone.
Nowhere is that more evident than here with the casting of Ryan Gosling. In all fairness, part of the problem is what the script gives him to work with — in writing the character of Holland March, Black seemingly couldn’t decide if he was a deductive genius or a buffoon. One minute he’s seeing the piece of the puzzle no one else even realizes is a piece, and the next minute he’s channeling Inspector Clouseau and can’t see the forest for the trees.
For a performer to whom comedy is a more natural fit, perhaps that disparity might not be such an insurmountable obstacle. Or, conversely, a different director with a more objective vision of how the character might better work could’ve helped tweak the script to better fit Gosling’s strengths.
Either way, it just doesn’t work. So many scenes in The Nice Guys that you know sounded sounded funny on paper just land with a thud on screen, and it just leads you to wonder if it might have worked with a different actor behind the Magnum mustache and soul patch.
Worth seeing?
Sadly, The Nice Guys is worthy of a Saturday night rental, at best. Better to spend your time enjoying Shane Black’s glorious past than losing two hours with his present. The precious few comedic beats that do work just aren’t worth the price of admission.
The Nice Guys
Starring Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Margaret Qualley, Keith David, Beau Knapp, and Kim Basinger. Directed by Shane Black.
Running Time: 116 minutes
Rated R for violence, sexuality, nudity, language and brief drug use.
Male camaraderie has found its way into film and television programming for as long as programmatic television has existed. Shows like the Lone Ranger, Wagon Train, and Bonanza were very popular representations of the guy-love phenomenon, but because these men were depicted as rugged cowboys on the plains no one discussed the gravitas of their bonds. It is only recently that a term was coined to adequately/accurately capture the true nature of this male bonding/love being exhibited for our viewing pleasure. It has since been dubbed BROMANCE! And who doesn’t love a good bromance?
Two guys who are each other’s “person.” The guy they spend the most time with and bond with on special level. The guy that gets him like none other. All dudes have ’em, but they don’t rarely discuss that level of intimacy that they have with another man. So, when we get a glimpse of it on the “big” or “small” screen it’s fun to watch them unfold.
Here is a list of the very best bromances out there! Enjoy!
Although this is somewhat of a sad film, who can forget crotchety, rich old Edward (Jack Nicholson) and mild-mannered, unassuming Carter (Morgan Freeman) from the film the Bucket List. Edward is the owner of communal style hospitals that doesn’t support the perks, like private rooms, of regular hospitals because they are not cost efficient. When he falls ill and is diagnosed with cancer, he is admitted to one of his hospitals for treatment. He finds himself sharing a room with Carter, an old car mechanic, even though he would prefer a private room, because those are the rules that he has set into place. A bond develops between these two cancer battlers and imminent death unites them on a journey to complete each others “bucket list.” And rich old Carter has the means to do it.
This silly comedy about a newly engaged man, Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd), who has no friends and needs to have a relationship outside of his romantic one is hilarious. When Peter hosts an open house he meets Sydney (Jason Segal) who is just attending the showing for the snacks and to pick-up women. Although Sydney thinks Peter is weird he still gives him a chance. They get together and a full-on bromance blossoms. Every minute that Klaven isn’t working or with his fiance he’s hanging with his new friend. Peter realizes that he has been lacking that outlet in life. He has never had someone to share those moments of utter silliness and stupidity that you cannot always have with you significant other. With the Sydney’s help Peter finds an identity outside of his “ordinary life.” They spend lots of having ‘jam session’ in Syd’s man-cave, drinking too much, and going to Rush in concerts. These two pals are inseparable! I love you, Bro Montana.
Ah the bond between inmates. This story could have gone in so many different ways, but the quiet, supportive relationship between two decent men in prison is the best story of all. Andy DuFresne, the formerly successful banker who is jailed and falsely convicted of the murder of his unfaithful wife and her lover. Red, well he committed the crime he was jailed for and makes not bones about it, but at his core is also a decent person. He is also the guy that can get you what you need in prison. He had been a resident of Shawshank Prison so long and his ‘dealings’ were overlooked by the guards – sort of look away to keep the “wild animals” at bay and slight satiated. The two men become friends because they each see something of substance is lurking beneath the surface of the other person. Over the years their friendship deepens and they began to look upon each other as allies. They trust the other with their lives. During their time together inside they have many lengthy conversations and when Andy escapes from prison he contacts one person…Red. Defresne knows that Red is his one true friend and he hopes to be reunited with him one day.
These two best-friends have taken us on some journeys since they burst onto the scene. They formed a friendship based on survival and a mutual understanding of being he misunderstand Asian in the crowd. Their bond was solidified through their love of marijuana. Harold and Kumar are the perfect hetero life-partners. Kumar is the Yin to Harold’s Yang. Where Harold is steady and responsible, Kumar is a self-assured slacker, pot-head that helps his buddy relax and enjoy life a little bit. They are united in the their love of ganja and their ever need to balance each other’s shortcomings…AND let us not forget their craving for…White Castle.
Ah, adolescent guy-love. Cory Matthews and Shawn Hunter are our only representatives of adolescent bromance on the list. The young pair met in kindergarten on a zoo trip. Shawn asked Cory to have lunch with him, but he refused. During that same trip Cory fell into the llama cage and Shawn jumped in when all the rest ran away and that day formed a friendship for life. Their friendship endured through high school, into college, and even after marriage. This bond is one that lasts forever. In later seasons of the show is revealed that Shawn has a brother that he never knew about. Eventually the two brothers would become close, but it never held a candle to the bond shared by Cory and Shawn. Their shared experiences and deep understanding, and support of each other makes them the longest lasting bromance on the list.
Bad boys, bad boys; Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey are a hilarious duo. One is a goofy, whipped family man [Marcus] and the other a smooth, sexy ladies man about town [Mike]. This pair grew up together, became cops, and have been partners on the LA Police Force for many years. Mike and Marcus know more about each other than any woman will ever hope to know – they know each other’s deep dark secrets. This pair fight like a married couple, but when push comes to shove they have each other’s backs no matter price. The love and camaraderie between these two is not easily rivaled and the bromance between to the two cannot be broken. Their brotherhood will live forever.
Who would have thought that a show about a zombie apocalypse would produce a good bromance? Now it is safe to assume that if you put a bunch of people together and have them navigate their way through constant life or death situations strong bonds will form. But a to think that a such a bond would form between a straight and arrow cop and redneck outlaw in not one that your thought would immediately stray to. When Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon met it was NOT a bro-at-first-sight. Actually, Mr. Dixon tried to kill Grimes after he handcuffed his brother, Merle, to pipe on rooftop of a building when he wouldn’t play well with others. Many of us thought that their relationship was doomed from the get-go, but with the absence of big-brother Merle, Daryl was able to grow and develop healthy – well as healthy of a relationship as you can get in zombie apocalypse – with another man and others. His place within the group became less adversarial and more of a supportive member of the group. Where Rick is clearly the leader of group, he relies on Daryl as his second in command to provide consensus, support, a sounding board, and to call him out when the need arises. This bromance is important and works or more levels than either of them realize.
10. Alan Shore and Denny Crane from Boston Legal
Holy Star Trek! Do you remember William Shatner on a little show entitled, “Boston Legal?” We do! It was a fantastic series starring the “Shat,” James Spader, Candice Bergman, and many others. This quirky show about an upscale law firm and their motley cast of attorneys that inhabit the place. The two strangest birds, and one the best reason for watching the show, is the bromance between Denny Crane – a named Senior Partner of Crane, Poole, & Schmidt – and Alan Shore – a brilliant, plucky lawyer with a strong moral compass who is not afraid to get his hands dirty for ethical outcomes. This bromance is built on mentorship [Denny to Alan] and recognition of each other’s brilliance in practicing and cultivating the law to best suit there needs. Denny is a staunch Republican and is the perfect foil for Alan’s heavily left-leaning political ways. This duo is a wonderful Yin to the other’s Yang. In the end, what makes this bromance worthy of inclusion to this list is that fact that at the series end Denny is diagnosed with Alzheimer/Dementia and in order to appoint Alan as his heir and give him medical power of attorney, the two hetero-life-partners marry.
Who’s bad? These two lovable geeks, that’s who! Evan and Seth have been attached at the hip for so long that no one at their high schools thinks of one without the other. This hetero partnership has been in effect since childhood and they do virtually everything together and like it that way. Where Seth is slovenly, rude, obscene mess of young man, Evan is the a precocious, sweet, and thoughtful person that you can’t help but love. This bromance is born out of mutual like and sustains itself bey commonalities of not quite fitting in, their unsuccessful turns with the fairer sex, and their life-long shared experiences. If the cops broke up your underage party would you be willing to carry your best bud to safety and out of the clutches of cops? Even if your mad at him? Seth will to do it.
Never have four bros experienced so many wrong turns, missing teeth, bad tattoos, tranny experiences, and kidnappings and held on to their bromance so strongly. When we first meet this foursome we learn that Doug, Stu, and Phil are three best friends who wanted, like many prenuptial men, to celebrate the upcoming marriage between Doug and his fiance Tracy. When Tracy persuades the guys to take her idiot savant brother-in-law-to-be Alan along for the weekend in order to make him feel some sort of camaraderie. With this one act EVERYONE’S life was forever changed. Alan, always the well-meaning dullard, drugs the guys and blackout madness ensues. Throughout all of the films Alan is the at the epicenter of the of how things go sideways during their adventures together. His attempts to form a strong bond with guys leads them down a path of destruction and mayhem. Whether in Las Vegas, Thailand, Mexico, or back to Vegas, these guys will give anyone a run for their money in accumulating things that must never be mentioned again. And let us not forget Mr. Leslie Chan’s part in the debauchery.
Two life-long friends, John Beckwith (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn) band together in business and the pursuit of no-strings attached womanizing. Jeremy and John are both divorce mediators who have seen the joy that weddings can bring and what can happen when the end of a marriage comes firsthand. What these guys have done that no one else has is capitalize on the industry on both ends. These two spend the height of the wedding season crashing big weddings and reaping the benefits of the drunk, desperate, unmarried, single women in attendance. With made-up names, back-stories, and occupations, they clean up like bandits with women longing – and envious of those who have – to take that trip down the aisle. The hopeful, unsuspecting women fall prey to their good looks, abundant lines, tricks of the trade, and charm. John and Jeremy are the perfect guests to liven up a wedding celebration and to capitalize on romantic dreams of one day wedded bliss.
Kevin Ryan and Javier “Javi” Esposito are the best of friends and NYPD homicide detective partners. While Javi puts on the act as a tough NYC born and raised detective, Kevin in a seemingly polar opposite mild-mannered Irish-Catholic boy. They pair fight light an old married couple and are constantly competing to best the other at silly tasks. Although these bros are constantly competing, it is also evident that they have a great love and respect for each other and will have his partner’s back whatever may come. In the “Phantom” episode RySpo – a fan pet-name for the duo – find themselves trapped in an arsonist’s workshop with building burning and coming down around them. The partners are uncertain that they will make it out alive and Ryan’s thoughts stray to his very pregnant wife Jenny and their unborn child. The Ryans did not know the sex of the baby, and when asked what they would name male child, Kevin reveals…Javier. Esposito, not to be bested retorts, “Javier? You’re going to name a white Irish kid Javier?” Yeah. The actors, Seamus Dever & Jon Huertas, that star in these roles are good friends off the set and they even have a single, “The Definition of Love,” together.
Schmidt and Jenko are an unlikely team that just works. Jenko is a the sexy, strong, dumb jock who can climb buildings and attract any girl he wants. Schmidt is the geeky, tubby kid with no game and a head full of knowledge. “Schmenko” were high school adversaries, but the desire to be cops leveled their respective playing field. Put any physical test in front of Jenko and he can sail right through it, but the academics of police work he fails miserably. Schmidt is the complete opposite. If he is presented with a physical task he fails, but his academic prowess is off the chart. Realizing that they needed each other, the two combined forces to help each other with their shortcomings and a bromance blossomed. Jenko even takes a bullet for his old pal. Now that’s love.
If you don’t know who Troy and Abed are you should. NBC’s comedy series, “Community,” produced one of the best bromances EVER! Check out “Troy and Abed in the Morning,” and you will have an idea of nerdy awesomeness of these two. Abed, who clearly has Asperger’s Syndrome, does not express emotions very well, he rarely makes eye contact with people, he constantly lives his life in a fantasy world, but he sees through all the BS and posturing and to the heart of every matter. Even though Troy was a big shot in high school, he is still a bit of an awkward nerdy thing. These two pals gel really well together. This unlikely pair fantasize about alternate dimensions, build massive blanket forts, have paint ball battles against other clicks, invented their own special handshake, and hosts their own morning show at Greendale Community College. Troy and Abed will eventually become roommates and their collective weirdness will only deepen. The best thing about their bromance is that it is endearing to us all. Two weirdos finding each other is the world is not that easy.
Although their friendship was built on deception and lies, you cannot deny the connection that these two men shared. We’re not talking about the new iteration of this story, we talking about the original Point Break circa 1991. Keanu Reeves and the late, great Patrick Swayze‘s onscreen portrayal of Johnny Utah – former college football star turned FBI agent – and Bodhi – surfing guru turned seasonal bank robber extraordinaire – is cult classic bromance for the ages. As Johnny learns have how to surf, he also falls in love with the sport and the adrenaline rush that he feels when he’s out on the waves. Utah is also drawn to Bodhi’s philosophies about life and world. The two were kindred spirits on different sides of the law. They are each drawn towards the intellect and wildness in each other. When Johnny has his first chance to stop Bodhi after a foot chase, he cannot bring himself to shoot him in order to stop him. Nine months later when Utah has finally had a chance to catch up with Bodhi to arrest him Johnny lets him go again, but this time it off into the stormy sea where he is never to return. A bond built on mutual respect and adrenaline does a good bromance make.
No one can deny that Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani have a connection. These two long-time housemates that supported each others shenanigans and argued like siblings. When the pair met it was not “love at first sight.” Actually, Joey thought that Chandler was gay, which was an assumption made by quite a few of the passing guest characters during the duration of the series. Once “Trib-Bing” became a twosome they were inseparable. Chandler often paid all the bills, purchased food, and footed the bills for head-shots for the often out of work actor. In this relationship Bing is obviously the more adult of the two and he brings a softer side to the duo. Tribbiani is his gruffer, more masculine counterpart that brings confidence and real “know-how” with the ladies. This domestic partnership also extended to pet ownership when the two adopted a duckling (The Duck) and a chick (The Chick) that lived in their bathroom tub. Joey and Chandler’s bromance is legendary and never-ending.
And now, the most fun of ALL bromances: John “JD” Dorian (Zach Braff) and Christopher “Turk” Turk (Donald Faison). They are the best of friends. John and Turk met at the College of William and Mary in Virginia where they were roommates. John and Chris both attended medical school and become doctors – all the while remaining roommates – and they even served their residencies at the same facility, Sacred Heart Hospital.Their friendship is sustained by their brother-like, and sometimes co-dependent, relationship that is fed by their shared quirky sense of humor. They enjoy doing almost everything together including “dramatic slow running” sequences, pretending to be multi-ethnic Siamese doctors, and robot dancing. JD and Turk have also been known to stage themselves as the world’s tallest doctor. When J.D. is unable to spend time with Turk is prone to bouts of depression until they can be together again. When Chris returned from his honeymoon with Nurse Carla their reunion was epic. Carla is remarked, “One Day he’ll love me like that.” She also refers to John as Turk’s boyfriend. Even though J.D. will eventually marry Elliot, his bond with Turk is forever strong. What makes this the best BROMANCE of them all is that these two are a self-professed bromnance and they explained and immortalized their relationship in the duet, “Guy Love.” “It’s Guy Love/That’s all it is/It’s Guy Love/he’s mine, I’m his/There’s nothing gay about it in our eyes.”
Check “Chocolate Bear” and “Vanilla Bear” and their “guy love.”
After the commercial and critical failures of the Sony-produced, Ghost Rider (2007) and its sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012), the film rights reverted to Marvel Studios. Marvel has stated that they’re in no rush to reboot Ghost Rider in their interconnected MCU, but he remains a character they’re interested in revisiting at some point. Many rumours have circulated that Ghost Rider could find a home in a Netflix series rather than the big screen. Over the years since the first Ghost Rider (Excluding the character now known as Phantom Rider) appearance in 1973 there have been three significant characters to hold the mantle of the Ghost Rider; Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, and Robbie Reyes, but who should play each of these Ghost Riders?
Norman Reedus as Johnny Blaze
Johnny Blaze was the original Ghost Rider, who debuted in 1973 as the dark and sombre hero who made a deal with the devil. Blaze was the focus of the two Sony-produced movies and starred Nicolas Cage in very strange and forgettable portrayals of the titular character, however, this did make Johnny Blaze more familiar with wider audiences. Norman Reedus would be an ideal casting for Johnny; he could nail his bitter, gruff exterior of a man with the heart of a hero inside. Reedus is best known as biker/Zombie-killer, Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead. Reedus is a quality actor who has shown in 6 seasons of The Walking Dead that he is more than equipped to portray the complex and dark history of the Ghost Rider. Blaze not only had to deal with selling his soul to the Devil but also his own personal demons such as alcoholism, his mother abandoning him and the deaths of both his father and later surrogate father-figure.
Robbie Amell as Danny Ketch
Introduced in the 1990s as a more contemporary Ghost Rider, Danny Ketch took over the role for eight years in Marvel Comics, and also featured in many Marvel cartoon series throughout the decade. Ketch was later revealed to be the younger half-brother of original Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze. In revisiting this character, Marvel may want to include Ketch as a second Ghost Rider or distance themselves from Johnny Blaze due to reception of Nicolas Cage’s performance. Robbie Amell best known for appearances on both The Flash and The Tomorrow People, could take on the part of Ketch as either a lead or supporting character.
Lorenzo Henrie as Robbie Reyes
The latest character to take on the role of Ghost Rider is Robbie Reyes, part of Marvel’s all new, all different take on some of their classic characters. Reyes is very different from Blaze and Ketch; he is a Mexican-American boy in high school who while in his Ghost Rider-form drives an empowered dodge charger rather than the traditional motorcycle. It would be a surprise if Marvel took this route rather than the more well-known versions of the characters but if so, Lorenzo Hendrie from Fear the Walking Dead could take on this brand new character.
What direction do you think a new Ghost Rider in the MCU will take?
In case you haven’t noticed, Cinematic Universes are all the rage out in Hollywood. It seems franchises are no longer good enough for studios, and universes open up practically endless possibilities. Enter Dwayne Johnson, who is teaming up with Universal and screenwriter James Vanderbilt to bring us the Robert Ludlum Cinematic Universe.
Ludlum is the author behind the Bourne series, and Dwayne Johnson is kicking off this extended universe with The Janson Directive, which Johnson called “classic Robert Ludlum.” The film centers on a former CIA operative who is being hunted by the agency who hired him after being framed for a murder.
“[The story is full of] Sharp, edgy and layered storylines,” Johnson said. “The character is complex, conflicted, bad ass and lethal — I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this and bring him to life. Between Jamie, Akiva [Goldsman], Captivate and Universal, it’s an exciting time to help produce and build out this awesome Ludlum universe.”
The Janson Directive will kick off a new series of Robert Ludlum adaptations, which will all have thin connective tissue so this can qualify as a shared universe. This is Universal’s second Cinematic Universe; their monsterverse kicking off next year with Tom Cruise in The Mummy.
It seems networks are dead set on dragging great cop films through the mud with shitty series reboots. First was that Lethal Weapon abomination from FOX, and now here is the pointless, on-the-nose, CBS adaptation of Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day. The film was excellent, this TV show is going to be not excellent.
Here is the series preview, grab some aspirin and “enjoy”:
Seriously this looks like one of the worst television shows of all time. Or at least of the last six months or so. But, hey, it’s on CBS so your parents will probably love it and it’ll probably be the number one show on the tube for a decade. Get ready for Training Day: New York, or some ridiculous spinoff.
And I am all for Bill Paxton. He’s great… in movies. He is an extreme over-actor and having him headline a show on CBS is almost performance art level hamminess. But CBS is really mixing things up by switching the races of the bad guy and the good guy from the movie! That should be great.
Anyway, Training Day the TV show comes to CBS some time in the future of the world. 2017 apparently.
Making an art house film is a balancing act. If handled properly, the picture can come out looking like a beautifully crafted, poignant work of art. But there’s a thin line between being brilliant and being silly, pretentious, and (worst of all) forgettable. The Lobster walks that very line, but ultimately falls on the side of brilliance.
The Lobster is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (his English language feature film debut), and stars Colin Farrell as recently divorced David. It takes place in a future where single people are sent to a hotel and given 45 days to find a partner. If they fail to find a partner during their stay, they are turned into an animal of their choosing.
David’s brother didn’t make it – that’s him in the corner.
Lanthimos tries his hardest to make his audience feel depressed while watching this movie. From the way it’s shot, to the score (or lack thereof), to the set design, the Greek director creates a very distinct atmosphere. The Lobster looks like a deeply serious drama. Moreover, it feels like a tragedy.
Now if that sounds a little too broody for your liking, don’t worry – this film is actually hysterical. Granted, it’s extremely dark humor, but it doesn’t get any better than this if that’s your thing. Between the witty dialogue and the comical situations, this picture is bitingly funny without having to tell a single joke. But just be aware that it’s a very awkward and internal kind of funny, not the kind that makes you laugh out loud.
Though as absurd as the overall premise may be, the most ridiculous details are the ones pulled straight from real life. Lanthimos’ script, co-written with Efthymis Filippou, shines a light on just how warped our world’s outlook on love has become. It’s all on display here: the stigma placed on singles, the lies people tell to make a relationship work, and (for the sake of fairness) the feelings of superiority that “loners” have over couples. The story is a brutally honest take on societal problems that are only getting worse; it just had to create this totally fantastical world to make them apparent.
The performances in this flick are interesting, to say the least. To some, the acting may come off as stilted and the dialogue phony. It works perfectly in the context of this particular film though, and somehow feels totally earnest.
Colin Farrell does a terrific job as sad and confused David, but Rachel Weisz truly steals the show as his unnamed love interest. The movie is at its deepest and most true when these two share the screen; they’re what gets you to actually believe this farcical scenario.
Truthfully, The Lobster isn’t for everyone. It requires an open mind, and what can only be described as “an acquired taste.” Nonetheless, it’s intelligent, sharply funny, and it has a message the world needs to hear. So while it’s not designed for mass appeal, it’s still a picture that everyone should see.
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The Lobster is in select theaters now. Watch the trailer below and see if it’s up your alley!
Marvel’s Moon Knight character has been rumoured to be joining the MCU since Daredevil debuted on Netflix in 2015 and as the Netflix side of the cinematic universe has grown the rumours have only increased. Moon Knight is the story of Marc Spector, a former mercenary who becomes empowered by the Egyptian Moon God, Khonshu. The dark and incredibly violent character would be a perfect fit in this gritty and grounded side to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s safe to say its only a matter of time for when Moon Knight makes his debut on screens but how should Marvel/Netflix approach adapting this complex character.
Los Angeles Setting Much like the majority of Marvel’s characters in the comic books Moon Knight has been predominately located in and associated with New York City. However he has also been based in LA after being a West Coast Avenger in the 1980s and more recently in the Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev run from 2011-2012. LA has only been used as the home of Tony Stark and the base of operations for Peggy Carter in the 1940s (see Agent Carter Season 2) so Moon Knight would present the opportunity to a explore a new city and new threats.
Embrace the crazy One of the most individual aspects of Moon Knight has been his sanity, or lack there of. Throughout his many years in the comic books he has been portrayed as having varying forms of DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). This has gone on to show Moon Knight interacting with various different personalities within his own head from other Marvel heroes to slain enemies to the embodiment of the God, Khonshu.
Make it violent Moon Knight is one of Marvel’s most violent characters, with only the Punisher tipping him to the number one spot. Empowered by a God of vengeance, Moon Knight tends to viciously attack criminals and villains. This aspect of the character supports the belief that his mental state is not stable. Marvel’s Netflix shows have not shied away from embracing violence and gore proving the streaming service is the ideal home for any Moon Knight adaptation.
Dial back the Batman Moon Knight is often compared to and cited as Marvel’s answer to Batman, although many comic creators and fans would argue there are many differences, one cannot deny the similarities. If Marvel are to proceed with any Moon Knight adaptation they should be wary of elements that will remind viewers of the Caped Crusader himself. Marvel would be wise to the remove the fact that Marc Spector is a multi-millionaire with Moon themed weapons, vehicles and paraphernalia, instead focusing on his sanity and the ties to Egyptian mythology
How do you think Marvel should adapt Moon Knight for the MCU?
Just like America in 1865, the UnPOP Podcast must go through a Reconstruction after the dividing effects of last week’s Captain America: Civil War discussion. Luckily, they’ve brought a Hulk to the battle this time as a former Marvel insider uses his vast comics knowledge to explain why Chris Evans is the perfect Steve Rogers and why Iron Man Three is an amazing film.
In the main event, the UnPOP guys go back to war in MCU Madness, pitting each film against each other to determine which is the greatest (hint: it ain’t Iron Man 2).
Check out the final results, learn which sci-fi classic Curtis (me… hey there, thanks for clicking and/or listening) watched for the first time ever this week and discover what The Rock’s been cookin’ in his kitchen in this episode of the UnPOP Podcast!
7:44 Movie News
23:09 What’s Cookin’ in The Rock’s Kitchen?
28:44 “I’ve brought a Hulk.” Chris Evans and Captain America: The First Avenger Defense
47:22 Iron Man Three Discussion & Battle
50:57 Marvel Comics Trivia Challenge
1:02:20 MCU Madness Bracket Showdown
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On the heels of his recent promotion to co-head DC’s film division, Geoff Johns stated two themes he wants to add to the tone of the DCEU. Saying the brand needs hope and optimism, he will make these a focal point to future films.
In both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, these were anything but a part of the stories. Going directly against what the DC pantheon stands for in the comic books. Representing the finer qualities of what it means to be heroic and a person.
Even figures like Batman demonstrate the desire to rise above adversity and achieve greatness. The Dark Knight trilogy, which had a major influence on the current film franchise, carried messages of hope to reinforce why one should rise up after suffering horrendous setbacks and loses.
And it was even written by the same screenwriter as Batman v Superman.
This might make the previous entries of DC’s cinematic universe somewhat redeemable in that the upcoming Justice League film, slated for release next year, may convey the two themes in a manner that shows how despite terrible odds and sacrifices, there are still reasons to fight the good fight.
Geoff Johns, having a long and respected career with superheroes in the comic book and television medium, is already taking strides to rehabilitate the damage done by both Zack Snyder and David Goyer, both of whom have been accused by fans to not understanding what heroes like Superman represent.
As Youtube celebrity and comic book expert, Comic Book Girl 19, aptly put it in her review of BvS, Superman is the avatar of absolute power not corrupting absolutely. He represents how we should always strive to do good with our talents and abilities. Not some angst-ridden adult who mopes all day.
I’m eager to see how the DCEU will develop now that Geoff Johns is in his new position. And many are hoping this is a turning point for the franchise.
CBS has unveiled the first teaser trailer for their upcoming revival of Star Trek, along with a look at the new logo for the series. Focusing on the events taking place between of the sixth Star Trek movie, “The Undiscovered Country,” but before “The Next Generations”, the video promises: “New Crews. New Villains. New Heroes. New Worlds.”
The series will be under the tenure of Bryan Fuller and Nicholas Meyer. Mr. Fuller is better known for developing and show running the television series “Hannibal,” as well as working on two previous Star Trek projects, Deep Space Nine and Voyager.
Meyer is known for what is still considered the finest films of all time, The Wrath of Khan. Even the recent “Star Trek Into Darkness” was heavily influenced by this monumental film. Having these two powerhouses as show-runners will assuage concerns that the series will lose much of the heart and soul of the original series.
Nothing was revealed in relation to cast or general plot, as the footage showed several planets and celestial bodies in space. Though the quality of the special effects for these particular locations do offer some insight into what viewers will experience once the show is underway.
The show will be set to premier around January of 2017, and will be available exclusively online on CBS’s All Access streaming platform.
