LEGO celebrated May the Fourth (aka Star WarsDay) by dropping a new trailer for LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens that promises to “go beyond the movie”. The new game will feature several all-new, exclusive Star Wars stories just for this game.
The new adventures include:
Rathtar Hunting
Lor San Tekka’s Return
Poe to the Rescue
Crimson Corsair
Trouble Over Taul
Ottegan Assault
Previous LEGO Star Wars games have pretty much followed the movie scripts and that was great. But in recent years LEGO has created all new adventures for the DC and the Marvel Universes, so it only seems natural to combine source and original content into one game.
The best move LEGO made with its games over the past decade was adding dialogue. It gets even better with this game because the it’s the actual cast from the movie providing the voices. That means more Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, and of course Harrison Ford.
I’ve played and enjoyed pretty much every LEGO video game made so far (with the exception of Harry Potter, that one was awful). The best part about these games is that they are fun for the whole family. You don’t have to be a video game wizard to be able to play. My 6-year-old loved this movie and loves the LEGO games so this game will be a big hit in my house.
LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is available now for pre-order and will be available everywhere June 28.
The new trailer for the new shark thriller The Shallows starring a bikini-clad Blake Lively hit the internet today and it falls a little closer to Sharknado thanJaws.
It starts out fairly strong with shots of Nancy (Blake Lively) surfing in a place she describes as “taking forever to find, but perfect”. Sure, there are a couple of creepers that want her attention, but otherwise, this does indeed look like the picture of paradise.
But we all know it’s not paradise, and the trailer makers know we know. Using some creative editing they create a slow build up here for the first shark attack that is reminiscent of Jaws. The best example is the moment where you get a point-of-view shot approaching Lively’s surfboard and just when think the shark is about to chomp down on her… it cuts to her chomping down on an apple.
Even the scene where Lively finally gets attacked helps build the suspense because while we see her struggle and her eventual wounds, we don’t see the shark.
And then we see the shark…
…in all it’s CGI silliness. At least he took care of the creepers. If this is the only silly appearance of the shark in The Shallows it’s forgivable and probably even necessary, but why include this particular scene in the trailer? The GoPro wearing surfer being dragged under, the fins sticking out of the water, the overhead shot of the shark circling all while Lively is trapped hundreds of yards off shore would have and should have been enough to create the suspense this trailer is trying to build.
What made Jaws so brilliant (at least partially thanks to a faulty mechanical shark) was it proved what Steven Spielberg himself said that, “it’s what we don’t see which is truly frightening.” If Jaws would have featured the cross-eyed mechanical shark, the movie would have been laughable. It’s a lesson this trailer seemed to be following until it wasn’t.
The tagline for this movie is “not just another day at the beach” and even though the trailer started out well by the end it sure feels like just another killer shark movie with nothing original to speak of… not even a tornado.
We don’t know really anything about this Han Solo film other than Miller and his partner Phil Lord being the director, and the film focusing on the early days of Solo and Chewbacca. At least we now know shooting will be underway shortly, and the release date is set for Memorial Day 2018.
As ‘Captain America: Civil War’ hits theaters this week, it is time to look to the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo spoke with Uproxx about Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and 2.
“The movies are two very different movies.The intention is we will change it; we just haven’t come up with the titles yet. But, yes, we will change it. And, yes, that is a scoop: we will retitle them.” said Joe Russo.
‘Infinity War’ filming is expected to begin in fall of 2016.
‘Avengers: Infinity War – Part 1’ will be released on May 4, 2018, and ‘Avengers: Infinity War – Part 2’ will open on May 3, 2019.
This is a developing story, and we will have more details for you as they become available.
Ok, so we’ve all seen how the Ghostbusters 2016 reboot trailer is being heavily rejected across the internet. Literally the most disliked movie trailer in history rolling in at over 690,000 thumbs down on YouTube alone. Many are speculating because it’s an all woman cast, and that it’s a misogynist ideology for the massive hate towards the movie.
However, let’s be real here America. Did we not properly watch the trailer we have at hand?
#1. Terrible Creature Design
The original had some cheesy characters but in a fun way! It was appealing to children and the inner child alike, encouraging the demand for merchandising. None of these ghosts in the preview seemed remotely appealing. Yes we saw a minor hint of Slimer appearing however, there’s isn’t any other creature appearances apart from these blue mundane spirits. A whole city invaded by ghosts is a solid conflict, however if we’re going to use a major franchise with a plethora of paranormal imagery, why wouldn’t we spend a little more time on the creature design? What, was it all wasted on the cast? Not only did they have the 1984 Ghostbusters and the 1989 Ghostbusters II to work off of, they also had the 1986 Ghostbusters animated series to bounce ideas off as well! A huge opportunity to create some awesome new memorable spooky characters to add into the Ghostbusters’ franchise realm, but nope mediocrity will just do.
#2. Unappealing Casting
To be completely honest, I could completely careless about the headlining actresses involved in this film. I’m happy for the 3 out of the 4 women did great on SNL and kudos to Melissa McCarthy’s successful career with Gilmore Girls as well as the 2015 Spy movie, however none of this has any substantial weight in my personal interests. None of these actress participate in things that I actively seek for viewing pleasure. The only things I did could find upon further research is that Kristen Wiig did a voiceover for Madame Hagfish in Spongebob Squarepants back in 2011 and Leslie Jones made an in appearance in a Workaholics episode back in 2014, but still doesn’t motivate me whatsoever to see this remake. The only name that caught my personal interest was Chris Hemsworth, but only in the light of eye candy. Fantastic marketing ploy, or attempt to appeal to the female crowd, but still not something that’s going to make me cough up movie ticket money or even try to search the scurvy seas to download this movie.
#3. Pseudo Equality
One of the main issues I truly have with this film is the idea of trying to promote equality but in the worst way possible. Yes, we get it, not all “heroes” have to fit the standard of the Wonder Woman archetype but it doesn’t mean that we should downplay entertainment value. I mean who does this cast exactly appeal to apart from Middle America and close minded middle aged women? You have Melissa McCarthy with an unnamed role in the group but she of course is the “funny” plus sized one. Kristen Wiig is supposedly this huge quantum physics expert with a dry personality. Kate McKinnon appears to be the younger genius engineer who plays the role with minor sexuality but it’s accepted because she hints at the cool potential lesbian/bisexual and we have to be politically correct. And then we have Leslie Jones who doesn’t get the role of being a scientist or upper level of scholar intelligence… No, no, she’s the big black sassy woman who gets dubbed as having the street smarts. Who seriously came up with this character system? Even if we had different actresses to play the same roles, yet again nothing really interesting for viewers to strive and see. It’s not the all female cast that’s the problem, it’s truly the character roles provided.
As the well-known YouTube personality Comic Book Girl 19 stated in her reaction video:
“You know what’s more progressive? Having a team of both men and women ghostbusters who work together and they have their own unique talents and own unique skills.”
The 80’s Ghostbusters movies are far from perfect, however they have some many memorable elements that earn the title of being classics. From the casting, to the creature design to the overall fun vibe of a silly likeable crew, this remake shouldn’t have been in production in the first place. It’s unfortunate that people are mistakenly labeling the rejection of the trailer as primarily “straight white boys” but I am far from that description and I do not support this movie. I personally find this movie offensive as a woman of color who has worked in a male dominated environment and steadily looks for positive lights in HUMAN equality apart from just female rights. If they take the race labeling, mind-numbing female stereotyping, lack of character importance and sad attempts of humor out of the equation, maybe America could have potentially enjoyed this trailer a tiny bit better.
Blake Lively has a pretty big shark problem in the new trailer for The Shallows. The film seems like a mixture between Open Water and any number of lone survivor stories, and it continues our decades-long obsession with gigantic killer sharks.
Check out the shark jumping out of the water:
If you need a synopsis for some reason, here you go:
When Nancy (Blake Lively) is attacked by a great white shark while surfing alone, she is stranded just a short distance from shore. Though she is only 200 yards from her survival, getting there proves the ultimate contest of wills.
This looks solid. That shark jumping out of the water was a pretty cool moment, and it was fairly believable as far as CGI is concerned. These survival stories are always crazy intense when they’re filmed competently. The main question will be whether or not Lively can carry a film like this on her own, but let’s give her the benefit of the doubt.
The Shallows is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, (Orphan, Non-Stop, Run All Night), and it opens June 29.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is joining the action-comedy Why We’re Killing Gunther as none other than Gunther himself. The film also marks the directorial debut of SNL‘s most undervalued member of the current cast, Taran Killam.
The story revolves around a group of assassins who are fed up with Gunther, the arrogant, brash assassin who’s also a badass at his job and lets everyone in his profession know it. The group decides to take him out, but they find the task a little hard since Gunther is a step ahead of them at every turn. Expect a great deal of one liners.
The other assassins in Why We’re Killing Gunther include Killam himself, fellow SNL‘er Bobby Moynihan, Coie Smulders, Paul Brittain, and Kumail Nanjiani.
I want to see this now. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedy catalogue is spotty to say the least (Junior anyone?), but this seems to be blending his 80s/90s action persona with some comedy from a competent comedian in Killam. I have faith in his ability to mange the material, and perhaps this opens up a new avenue for him, since SNL seems dead set on not utilizing him to his fullest potential.
Captain America: Civil War brings with it expectations arguably higher than any Marvel movie to date.
All those characters, all those moving parts, so much at stake built up from the prior films plus new characters being primed to carry the Marvel Cinematic Universe into its next phase.
So much that could have gone wrong … and simply doesn’t.
With the exception of a slow-moving first act, the only way Captain America: Civil War fails is that it fails to disappoint. Full of imaginative, high-octane action, humor in just the right amount and heart from start to finish, the film meets all the aforementioned expectations … and exceeds them.
What’s it about? (Spoiler-free, unless you consider what’s been shown in commercials and trailers “spoilers.” In that case, jump to the next section.)
A year after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) leads the Avengers team assembled at the end of that film as they continue their mission to defend the world from evildoers near and far.
However, Rogers has his own continuing mission, as well, one that began 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He’s resolved to find his lifelong friend “Bucky” Barnes (Sebastian Stan), who the world recently came to know as the ruthless Cold War assassin Winter Soldier, and help him somehow regain the memories lost when Hydra turned Barnes into a weapon.
Rogers’ two missions come into conflict when another battle leading to collateral damage and innocent lives lost forces the Avengers to accept civilian oversight. Doing his best to sell the team on the plan is none other than Iron Man/Tony Stark, the one-time maverick superhero who once thumbed his nose at government control, but has now seen too much and suffered too many personal losses to ignore the fact that things must (in his view) change.
When Barnes seemingly resurfaces right at the center of another international incident that costs lives, it proves to be the flashpoint for a conflict years in the making: Cap versus Shellhead, with the Avengers and some new faces choosing sides and facing off. Stark and his team won’t stop until they bring the Winter Soldier to justice. Rogers won’t give up on his friend, or what he feels is the right course for the Avengers going forward.
In the past, when superhero films from either Marvel and Disney or DC and Warner Bros. have been burdened with the task of “seeding” new characters and plots for future films within a film that has its own story to tell, the juggling of priorities makes a mess of things.
Not so with Captain America: Civil War. Somehow, directors Anthony and Joe Russo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) manage to balance telling a character-driven, compelling chapter in Steve Rogers’ story (and Tony Stark’s, for that matter) while still providing meaty, memorable turns for the heroes who will carry the Marvel standard through the studio’s next “phase”: Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd).
Of the three, Boseman gets the most screen time here. A dynamic, magnetic performer who has yet to deliver anything less than stellar in his work on screen, Boseman proves the perfect blend of charisma, athleticism, and regal bearing to play T’Challa, a warrior born of royalty and possessed of fighting skills easily the equal of Captain America and his peers.
Boseman’s is a quietly compelling presence; Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, however, makes his entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a very talky splash, as well he should. Screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely provide Holland plenty of opportunities to show he can handle both Peter’s youthful earnestness and ol’ Webhead’s propensity to banter during fights, and handle them he does. Audiences may leave Captain America: Civil War wishing there had been more of Spidey in the film – not to worry, true believers: Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters next year.
As for Rudd, reprising his role from last year’s Ant-Man, it’s like picking up right where he left off. Rudd’s comedic actor chops serve him well in his non-action scenes here, but make no mistake: his character isn’t just here for comic relief. Anyone still unconvinced that Ant-Man is too campy a concept or a poor fit for Marvel films going into Captain America: Civil War will most likely walk away rethinking their opinion.
Cap’s film, or Iron Man’s?
Though Robert Downey Jr. gets quite a bit to do here, and the material the script gives him draws heavily from all his previous turns as the Golden Avenger, Captain America: Civil War is still without a doubt a “Captain America” film, driven wholly by the presence and character of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. Yes, Downey Jr.’s presence here makes for a compelling antagonist. After all, this is more or less the same flawed hero we all bought into back at the very beginning with 2008’s Iron Man, and the character still entertains thanks to the actor’s immeasurable skills.
But it’s Evans’ task to convey the personality aspects of Steve Rogers that take his story credibly in this direction. A lesser performer might get stuck on Rogers’ idealism and come off as sanctimonious, or his loyalty and steadfastness and deliver a wooden, stolid turn. Evans, as he has from the first time he picked up the shield, humanizes Rogers, makes him a likeable guy that audiences can cheer for as well as an ideal to be aspired to. None of this works if you don’t buy in to Evans as Cap – thankfully, he makes it pretty easy.
What about the action?
Credit the Russo brothers for showing that their vision and talent for comic book-style action wasn’t just a one-off with the last Captain America film. They bring that same style of sweeping camera work, fast-moving, gritty fight scenes and clever uses for the characters powers to inject energy into just about every set piece. The film’s centerpiece action sequence, when the two teams finally face-off in the knock-down, drag out audiences most likely came to see in the first place, should rate among the very best superhero action beats put on film yet. Everyone involved has a chance to shine, and considering how many performers are present here, that’s no mean feat.
Worth seeing?
All that said, Captain America: Civil War may just leave you cold IF you’re not a fan of these movies to begin with or you’re coming into the film without having seen the previous films in the Marvel franchise. Without a doubt, the Russo brothers and everyone involved here made a film that they were certain the fans would enjoy, but it does come with backstory and baggage without which a casual viewer might be lost.
But it may just be entertaining enough to win you over, if you let it.
As for all the fanboys and fangirls reading this? Those plans to see Captain America: Civil War on opening night? Stick to them.
Then buy tickets to see it again.
And again.
Yup, it’s that good.
Captain America: Civil War
Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, and Daniel Brühl. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.
Running Time: 147 minutes
PG-13 for extended sequences of violence, action and mayhem.
While being one of the few critics who liked ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice,’ seeing ‘Captain America: Civil War’ truly exposed just how flawed ‘Batman v Superman’ was. Zack Snyder attempted to create a story where humanity took center stage and instead it was gadgetry, hatred, and super abilities that were front and center. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely penned a screenplay that spotlighted the humanity of our characters ( something I’ve never seen in a Marvel film). The Russo brothers stay true to the fundamental roots of the story (based on the Mark Millar comic) as ‘Captain America: Civil War’ is less about abilities and more about the people involved.
The movie opens up in Nigeria, where the Avengers are on the trail of a terrorist named Cross Bones (Frank Grillo) who is trying to acquire a biological weapon. The team moves in, and all hell breaks lose. While the team thwarts the attempt by Cross Bones to obtain a weapon, The Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olson) accidently blows up 1/2 of a building filled with citizens from the nation of Wakanda (this becomes important later). Seemingly having enough of these collateral matters, the Sectary Of State presents The Avengers with a document that has been approved by 117 countries called the Sokovia accords. The accords outline how the Avengers can no longer just go and handle their business, they will now need UN approval for missions. Tony ( who is usually the wild-child of the bunch) declares that we need to be put in check, so he’s okay with the accords. Captain Rogers, however, is not. The Avengers split based on who did or didn’t sign the accords, and the battle lines are drawn.
The Russo brothers take on the theme of government oversite in ‘Captain America: Civil War.’ The film asks questions about how much government oversite is too much. Tony Stark represents those who want more government intervention, and Steve Rogers represents those who want it be another way. Perspective is key, and both sides believe that they are doing the right thing. Normally, most Marvel films attempt to tell the audience who’s perspective was the right one, but in Captain America: Civil War, that wasn’t the case. The Russo brothers leave that up to the audience to decide. One of my biggest gripes about certain Marvel films is that they force a resolution, but not everything has to have a clear resolution.
The Russo Brothers were able to highlight the humanity of these characters which allowed the film to manifest into something special. Instead of seeing the literal nature of Vision, we see him conflicted over allowing himself to be distracted during a battle. We see Clint Barton (Hawkeye) upset with himself as he came out of retirement to help Steve Rogers instead of taking his girls to a water park. We walk into the room of The Scarlett Witch and witness her anguishing over the deaths of some many of her people in Sokovia. Taking this approach allowed the audience to realize that our heroes are not perfect people. They are vulnerable just like everyone else and conflicted at times over the actions that he or she take.
The story certainly shines a bright light on the flaws of Steve Rogers and Tony Stark. Steve can be so literal that he can’t see the clear picture. Tony allows his emotions to cloud his judgment (and that plays a pivotal role later on).
Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) are featured heavily in the film and rightfully so. Each brought something very fresh to the Marvel universe. Boseman brought a level of physicality and martial arts skills that are unmatched. Spider-Man is young and naive, but you’ll just adore him. Tom Holland was a great find for Marvel and will excel in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming,’ next year.
Trent Opaloch showed off those cinematography skills he picked up in District 9 and did an excellent job. He allows the movement of his actors to enhance the shots in the film rather the shots enhance the action. The pacing of the film is brisk and light which is weird to say about a movie which is two hours and 27 minutes.
Whether you are #teamcap or #teamironman, we are all in for a treat as ‘Captain America: Civil War’ is the most human Marvel movie ever made.
Captain America’s films have become the turning points of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Winter Soldier completely changed the course of Phase Two, and made an impact that was arguably greater than that of either Avengers flick. Now, the Russo Brothers return to direct Captain America: Civil War, kicking off Phase Three and threatening to turn the universe on its head once more.
Civil War is a culmination of everything that’s happened in the MCU so far (minus Guardians of the Galaxy). The Avengers have done a lot of good for the world, but they’ve also caused a lot of collateral damage, and civilians have died in the process. Naturally people are scared. So world leaders have come together to form legislation that would provide oversight, and it splits the team into factions. Meanwhile, a new rogue has entered the fray, and he provides the perfect catalyst to make the two sides go to all out war with one another.
The key to a movie of this magnitude is balance. When you have this many characters and plot threads in play, things can easily get lost in the shuffle and the storytelling can become messy. Luckily, the Russo Brothers do a superb job of weaving everything together. The story flows beautifully, like a river on a sunny spring morn. It makes sense why everything is happening the way it is, and not once does it come off as jarring or disjointed. Plus each character gets the attention that he or she warrants, so put any fears about that to bed.
“The story flows beautifully, like a river on a sunny spring morn.”
Just like the comic series it’s based on, there’s actual weight to this movie; it’s not just a two-and-a-half hour punchfest. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely have penned another outstanding script, one that creates internal conflict in the viewer. Both sides of the battle have valid arguments, so audience members should never be fully for one team. They should be torn; they should walk out of the theater debating philosophy and which character was “more right.” Similar to The Winter Solider, Captain America: Civil War is forcing people to decide: how much freedom are they willing to give up for security?
To top off this jam-packed summer blockbuster, the filmmakers managed to introduce a couple of new faces. More impressively, they introduce them while blending them seamlessly into the plot, once again maintaining that precious balance. Black Panther’s a great addition to the Marvel Universe, and Chadwick Boseman is just another example of Marvel’s uncanny ability to cast superheroes. His solo adventure will absolutely be one of the most anticipated movies of 2018. And then there’s Spider-Man…
Tom Holland is the best on-screen Spider-Man to date. The hype is real, but he deserves to be seen in action, so the less said about him the better. Suffice it to say that he’s good enough to make a grown man cry tears of joy. [Author’s note: This point can’t be disputed, because I welled up a little. Don’t you dare judge me. His portrayal transported me, and all of a sudden I was 12 years old again reading comics in my parent’s basement.]
“Tom Holland is the best on-screen Spider-Man to date.”
As a final point of praise, a huge shout-out needs to be given to the Russo Brothers, the stunt coordinators, and anyone else that orchestrated the action sequences. These scenes are so stunning and intense without ever feeling old hat or repetitive. The airport scene in particular is worth mentioning, as it’s literally everything that a comic book fan has ever wanted to see on film.
Now if there is a weak spot to this picture, it’s the villain (unsurprisingly). Zemo is yet another generic bad guy with generic motivations, which seems to have become Marvel’s standard. But, that being said, he’s not as bland of a baddie as Malekith or the “Mandarin” were. There is at least some gravitas to his character, and he doesn’t detract from the story at all. Ultimately, he played the role that he needed to play in a story of this scope, and Daniel Brül did a fine job acting with the material he was given.
“It’s literally everything that a comic book fan has ever wanted to see on film.”
Captain America: Civil War is exactly what we as fans have come to expect from Marvel Studios, and more. It’s action packed, it’s witty and heartfelt, it’s intelligent, and it’s just a damn good time at the movies. There’s nothing else that can be said about it that wouldn’t be better seen in an actual theater.
Thank you Marvel. Thank you for making that awkward 12 year old boy reading in his parent’s basement very happy.
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Captain America: Civil War opens in the U.S. this Friday, May 6th.
