Like the description says, this comic is based on the game from Telltale studios and brought to life by original writer Bob Gale with Erik Burnham helping with the script. The pairs commitment to being faithful to the game based on the film really seems to shine through. Marty having to undertake a journey to the past to save Doc really captures the spirit of the film.
This time around, Marty meets more ancestors of the McFly and Tannen families. He again has no choice but to get the help of Doc Brown`s younger self. And once again Marty`s actions cause problems with the timeline. Kinda sounds like a lot of things are happening “again” aren’t they? This is the one main problem with this series, it’s a bit too formulaic to previous stories in the Back to the Future series.
The art by Alan Robinson updated the characters from the CG designs of the game and make them look more like other versions of the comic series. This is good because the game’s original CG models were a bit too cartoonish and probably wouldn’t have held up in a comic book miniseries. Robinson’s experience with doing issues of the currently ongoing Back to the Future series made it so he knew exactly how to present the characters to make the recognizable to the readers.
The issue feels a bit predictable but will probably pick up later. Hardcore fans of the franchise will want to make sure to check this one out and even those who are only casual to the series will find something to enjoy. It’s an adventure with Marty and Doc Brown, when is this ever a bad thing?
In a truly serene combining of talents in front of and behind the screen, Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky is being shopped around Cannes this year. It is set to star Michael Shannon, Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and now Riley Keough has joined the fray according to THR.
What. A. Cast.
Logan Lucky is a heist film, one that takes place during a high-profile NASCAR race. There are also some thoughts out there that these two brothers may be a little, shall we say… dimwitted?
And again, Steven Soderbergh remains the busiest man of all time who officially retired at a certain point. Though his last feature directorial effort came in early 2013 with Side Effects (also starring Tatum), he’s produced several projects and spearheaded The Knick on Cinemax. Of course, Logan Lucky still needs representation, but I would imagine someone at Cannes is smart enough to realize it’ll be great.
In an interview with Variety, Kevin Smith stated he would enjoy the opportunity to write an episode of the CW’s hit series, Arrow. Smith, whose credits range from writing and directing feature films (Mallrats, Dogma, Clerks, etc), comic books (Batman, Daredevil, Green Arrow, etc.), the reality series Comic Book Men, and the popular Youtube show “Fat Man on Batman”, has long established his place in various realms of Geekdom.
And given his experience in writing several series for DC, this would not be a major learning curve for Kevin Smith, if given the chance. This would certainly open up possibilities for interesting and unique story lines within the entire DC television universe.
Credit: CW Television
Having already directed an episode of CW’s Flash, Smith stated, “I prefer not writing the episode because what we were able to do with me not writing it was, at least for me, substantial and wonderful…just as a directing exercise, I was so happy with it…So I wouldn’t want to write on ‘Flash.’ I would, though, like to write on ‘Arrow.” Smith also stated he would love to make Onomatopoeia, a character he introduced as an enemy of Green Arrow and Batman, as the main villain of what would be a two-episode arc.
Credit: CW Television
Both Arrow and The Flash are a part of a growing television universe alongside CBS’s Supergirl and CW’s Legends of Tomorrow. One of three major continuities being cultivated by DC and Warner Brothers (along with DCMU and their recent animated films), the series have helped bring public interest to several key figures of the DC universe normally looked over by other popular staples of the company’s intellectual properties.
Given Kevin Smith’s prominence in Geek and Hollywood cultures, this could help introduce more talent in both sphere into DC’s television efforts. As such fans of the characters and of Smith’s own works would have much to look forward to if this went past mere speculation and hopes.
Kevin Smith Knocks It Out The Park With “The Runaway Dinosaur”
To be honest, ‘The Flash‘ on CW has been kind of stuck in a rut. The story hit a stand-still and we were just waiting for another big moment to shift the show in another direction. We finally got that shift when nerd legend Kevin Smith directed one of the most intriguing episodes of Flash to date.
I’m admittedly very intrigued by high concepts in DC like “The Speed Force“. There is a certain sense of mystery and magic to it; I never knew how going deeper into the speed rabbit-hole would translate to TV. Well, ‘Clerks‘ director Kevin Smith did a fine job with attempting to bring the “Speed Force” to mainstream audiences.
Borrowing heavily from the DC Comics limited series ‘Flash: Rebirth‘ from 2009, Smith and the team of ‘The Flash‘ wrapped up a 2 season long story with Barry and his mother as well as furthering the mythos of the show. It also brought some much-deserved heart to the show. That scene with Barry & Nora Allen was one of the most heartbreaking moments I’ve seen in years.
A problem with episodes like this is the main focus goes to the Barry’s Flash storyline while the secondary story gets lost in the shuffle. Maybe it was seeing the other characters get a chance to shine or the shoutout to ‘The Walking Dead‘ but I loved the mayhem of Zombie Tony. We got to see some stellar character development from Barry’s father Henry Allen as well the usual comedic moments from Cisco.
That’s not to take away from the main story as Barry’s self-discovering journey in the “Speed Force” was one of the most powerful things the show has done.
There is a term in cinema called “magic-realism”. It’s basically defined as “an unexpected alteration of reality”. In the world of superheroes, this happens quite often but it’s more than a simple label. It’s an entire art-form that this episode got right. The world of the “Speed Force” instantly felt off. The cinematographer of the episode gave the world a de-saturated look; we know this is the familiar Central City hangouts but why does everything look so different? It was a visual cue to show you that this reality has been altered. Once you met Joe West in this dimension, you know things are running completely different from the natural order.
“We pretty much invented trippy here”
– Speed Force (Joe West)
Maybe it was because he had the chance to work on a smaller scale but Kevin Smith really captivated me with this episode. I’ve always thought the man can make a fun film but to me, rarely has he shown this much raw passion for a project. The episode “The Runaway Dinosaur” hits all the notes you want if you are a Smithfan. His infamous natural dialogue, self-referential humor, and comic book love was all there. He even managed to not-so-subtly sneak his longtime friend and frequent collaborator Jason Mewes into the episode.
Showcasing his style wasn’t the only thing Kevin Smith did. He also furthered the story of ‘The Flash‘ to new heights. Now that we have Barry back and his speed batteries recharged, there might also be one (maybe two) new good speedsters as Jesse Quick woke from a coma very similar to the one that Barry Allen was in before he became The Flash. While the show tried to say that Wally West wasn’t affected by the particle accelerator, I don’t believe that for one second. I think we shall be seeing Kid Flash soon enough.
On top of a zombie version of a previous villain, Barry’s “Speed Force” journey, and the growth of different characters…we now know that Zoom is creating an army of meta-humans in order to take over the world! Oh and let’s not forget that Barry & Iris are finally on the path of love. What a jam-packed episode!
Kevin Smith didn’t hold back when it came to directing his episode of ‘The Flash‘. He’s is a huge-fan of all things comics but Smith rarely creates within the genre. With an episode as this strong, I want to see Smith work more with superheroes.
Cap vs. Iron Man. Steve vs. Tony. Curtis vs. Brock. The UnPOP Podcast battles it out over Captain America: Civil War, a Marvel Comics-themed binge, Michael Bay, questionable U.S. History and more in this VISIONary episode!
3:56 Civil War topics
19:49 This week in movie news
31:19 What’s Cookin’ in The Rock’s Kitchen
36:12 Captain America: Civil War review – Spoiler-free comments
39:00 Marvel Comics ‘Civil War’ binge challenge
51:40 Captain America: Civil War review – Full spoilers
Have a topic you’d like to hear UnPOPPED? Send any comments/love/vitriol to unpopentertainment@gmail.com
The newest entry into Netflix original content comes on June 10 with the release of Voltron: Legendary Defender. The original series Voltron: Defender Of The Universedebuted in 1984 and ran until 1986. A huge success, it spawned two follow-up animated series, comic books, and some tv specials.
This series seems to mix humor with a more serious tone than the original animated series. In the midst of a galactic civil war, 5 young pilots from Earth are dropped right into the middle of it, facing the invading Drule Empire, and the discovery of the greatest weapon in the universe, known as Voltron. A question that many fans have is the role of Princess Allura. In the original series, Allura would become the pilot of the Blue Lion when original pilot Sven was severely injured and then captured by Zarkon’s forces.
Dreamworks and Netflix have compiled an impressive voice cast for the new series which includes Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead), Bex Taylor-Klaus (Arrow), Tyler Labine (Tucker and Dale vs. Evil), and Rhys Darby.
While this is not the first animated entry from DreamWorks Animation and Netflix, it can likely be its first big success, and can add to the growing selection of original content.
Can a 20 year old property recapture the magic of the orginal series that other subsequent series failed to? The second Voltron series, Voltron: The Third Dimension, and Voltron Force, which aired on Nicktoons, were all met with middling response and only aired a single season.
Voltron: Legendary Defender will debut on June 10 with 13 episodes and exclusively on Netflix.
History will ultimately be the judge of whether or not the New 52 was a worthy endeavor, but needless to say many fans still have their gripes about the campaign. Much about the reboot was criticised with series either sacrificing some of their more interesting elements or simply re-threading character arcs that had been fully fleshed out decades before. Yet Batman by Scott Synder and Greg Capullo emerged as the bastion of comic story-telling in a post-New 52 world. From introducing new iconic characters and villains, to fundamentally revamping the Dark Knight’s definitive origin story, Synder and Capullo, told “THE” modern Batman story. Whereas some series fluctuated in quality, for over five years this creative team maintained a consistent quality and ingenuity befitting the legacy of the character. All good things must come to an end, however, and the aptly numbered issue 52 sees writer; James T. Tynion IV and artists; Riley Rossmo and Brian Level set the stage for what is to come.
Tynion’s Batman is very reminiscent of Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey’s run in that there is a whimsy to this version of the Dark Knight. While remaining a tragic figure, there is a palpable joy within this Batman as he takes to the streets. This isn’t a Bruce Wayne who just needs to be Batman, he actively wants to be that symbol. One gets the sense that this Bruce has developed to the point that he is no longer fighting for his parents per se. While they may be his inspiration, Bruce is finally donning the cowl for himself and because it’s what he feels is right. Tynion really channels the voice of Batman through this issue, almost as if Kevin Conroy is narrating it to the reader.
Story-wise, it features a dual narrative as Batman on the hunt for a new villain as flashbacks reveal various pivotal moments in his training. Thematically, this issue reflects the circular nature of the comic book industry itself. Runs ends, creators come and go, but the characters themselves and their narratives continue. Batman is a character whose entire motivation is around centered on that never-ending struggle against crime, corruption and a cavalcade of bad guys. This issue is an ending to one era for the Caped Crusader and a distinct beginning of another. Stylistically, it may fall into the latter category more so than the former as this issues lacks the feel of Synder/Capullo issue. The transition between creators isn’t as smooth as one might hope. This issue is more focused on defining the new direction and less about seamlessly blending the two styles to make the hand-over feel more natural. One wonders if this was an issue that could have been left until the re-launch and whether the temptation to have the series finish on #52 was too meta for the DC marketing department to ignore.
Fittingly, one of the panels (which can be seen in the preview below) contains a great visual callback to the phenomenal Batman: the Animated Series. The issue itself, both in terms of story and artwork is structured like a standalone episode of that show. Rossmo and Level use simplistic, but effect panel composition to bring the story to life. TFurthermore, the design of the new villain debuted in this issue is a refreshing contrast to Batman’s usual rogues gallery. he interiors themselves are just as Batman book should be; dark, gothic, but with a pulp affectation that makes Gotham City a character in and of itself.
Batman returns next month with Batman: Rebirth before the launch of another ongoing later this year written by Tom King. Until then this issues serves as a fond farewell to a legendary run, with the promise a more adventures to come. For as long as criminals remain a superstitious and cowardly lot, there will always be a Batman.
A review copy was kindly provided by the publisher.
There’s a pretty cool rumor floating around out there that the one and only Tom Hardy could be making a cameo appearance in Star Wars Episode VIII… Sort of.
The thing is, none of this is substantiated as of now. The rumor popped up on MakingStarWars.net, and it sounds a lot like the brief Daniel Craig “cameo” from The Force Awakens where Craig’s voice came from inside a stormtrooper in the middle of the film. But, hey, it’s Tom Hardy. I’ll take what I can get.
According to Making Star Wars, Hardy will appear as a First Order stormtrooper who is surprised to find that Finn made it out alive after the destruction of the Starkiller. It’s definitely a comedic moment according to the description, and I can almost see the interaction now.
Again, pure speculation based on a rumor on one site, but the details here are impressive if it isn’t true. And why wouldn’t Tom Hardy pop on the Star Wars set for a few hours (maybe less) to have some fun? Hardy will also appear in Christopher Nolan’s WWII drama Dunkirk in 2017, probably before the December 15 release of Star Wars Episode VIII. Who knows when Mad Max: Wasteland will truly become a thing.
Recently we looked at five actresses who could play the lead role of Elphba, The Wicked Witch of the West in a film adaptation of the musical Wicked. Elphaba would be a sought after role for any actress with a powerful singing voice. Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, would also be an in-demand role for any actor with an excellent soprano voice.
In the musical Glinda was originally named Galinda, a preppy, rich girl who is adored by the students of Shiz University and becomes Elphaba’s nemesis. But the two end up becoming friends but are forced to go their separate ways.
Besides from being a good singer the actress who plays Glinda needs to be glamorous and have an upbeat personality, a Queen Bee and well, a bit of a selfish bitch. So let us look at five actresses who could play the famous witch.
Kristen Bell
The first actress to make it onto this list is Idina Menzel’s Frozen co-star Kristen Bell. Bell is a prolific actress on film and TV and has shown herself to be a talented comedic presence. She is best known for playing the teenage P.I. Veronica Mars in her self-titled show. As Veronica Mars, Bell played a quick-witted, articulate young woman, who can mentally disarm her rivals. While in Frozen her character of Princess Anna was very naive, wide-eyed innocent. If Bell can combine the two personalities, she would be an excellent Glinda.
However Bell is 35-years-old, making her the oldest candidate on the list and it would be a stretch to play college age Glinda. Bell is known for her short stature, so she might be able to get away with playing the blonde witch.
Emily Browning
Hailing from Australia Emily Browning has been acting ever since she was 10 and has developed quite a filmography, featuring movies like Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, gangster flick Legend and the upcoming TV series American Gods.
Browning’s first displayed her singing voice in Sucker Punch, covers of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”, “Where is My Mind” and The Smith’s “Asleep”. The soundtrack was one of the few saving graces in Sucker Punch with Browning giving the songs a haunting quality. Browning also played a rising rock star in the Catherine Hardwicke’s Plush and led the British musical God Help the Girl.
Browning has soft facial features which gives her an innocent look that would fit Glinda. She has also played unlikeable characters like in the Aussie indie movie Sleeping Beauty.
Lily James
English actress Lily James is someone who is experienced at playing characters who come from privileged backgrounds, starring in Downton Abbey and the BBC miniseries War & Peace and was the embodiment of goodness in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Cinderella. She also played a spoiled rich kid in the British sports movie Fast Girls where she is initially hostile to the main character before they developed respect for each other – similar to Glinda and Elphba in Wicked.
James also sang “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Lavender’s Blue” in Cinderella – showing herself to have a soft, gentle singing voice.
There is no doubt that James is a beautiful woman, and she would look the part. She also showed herself to be a capable dancer in Cinderella so could replicate that for the big number “Dancing Through Life”.
Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick is the only actress who can play Elphaba and Glinda: even the original Broadway Glinda Kristin Chenoweth says it so. Kendrick would actually be a better fit to play Glinda – her singing voice is a higher pitch than what would be required to play Elphaba. This can be seen in her performances in The Last Five Years and Into the Woods.
Kendrick has developed a reputation for being the ultimate girl-next-door and having a lovely sweet screen persona. But this has not stopped her from playing bitchy characters. In the Twilight series Kendrick played Jessica, Bella’s outgoing friend, but in reality was a nasty character towards her friend. Kendrick also berated her onscreen brother in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The Maine-born actress could easily portray the duplicitous nature of Glinda.
Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried is an actress, a trained opera singer and has experience in performing in musical movies – starring as Cosette in Les Misérables and played Meryl Streep’s daughter in Mamma Mia. She can easily hit the high notes that Glinda has to sing like in “What is This Feeling.”
Seyfried is also a prolific actress – starring in comedies and dramas. She stole the show in her first film role as the dimwitted Karen Smith in Mean Girls and was made out to be a heavenly presence in Pan. She also played a selfish, self-centered woman, in the Western comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West – a movie that is better than the critical reaction suggests.
Seyfried is also known for her unique appearance, having lustrous blonde hair and wide expressive eyes. It would be easy to picture her in the glamorous clothes that Glinda would wear.
As previously reported Marvel Comics has decided to capitalize on the attention Black Panther / T’Challa has been drawing by his presence in Captain America: Civil War. This new monthly video series will attempt to bring in a new generation and introduction them to the Black Panther, Wakanda, and make the new comic series written by
Ta-Nehisi Coates and with art by Brian Stelfreeze.
Black Panther #1 was one of the best selling comics of April and this continues the excitement surrounding Marvel’s celebrated Super Hero T’Challa, the Black Panther. The first episode of this groundbreaking multi-artist hip-hop-inspired video series samples the unmistakable beat of Run The Jewel’s “Oh My Darling.”
“With the Black Panther capturing the hearts and minds of fans around the world, we are making an all-out press for their eyes and ears,” says Marvel Editor in Chief, Axel Alonso in a press release. “And who better to make our opening statement than the sonically groundbreaking duo, El-P and Killer Mike – A.K.A. Run the Jewels?”
Black Panther was one of the best part of Captain America: Civil War but he can be a bit confusing for new fans. Do you think this video series is a good way to bring in new fans? Let me know in the comments.
Images, quotes, and images provided by Marvel Comics in a press release.
