The Lego Movie was the surprise hit of 2014. A film that everyone chalked up to marketing actually turned out to be a heartfelt, fun moviegoing experience, and a critical success (it currently holds a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes). So it came as no surprise when Warner Bros. announced a slate of Lego movies, including a direct sequel to the first and three spin-offs. The most notable title announced was undoubtedly The LEGO Batman Movie, with Will Arnett reprising his role as Batman.
This morning, the studio released the first teaser trailer for the upcoming film:
Lake Bell proved her talents didn’t lie squarely in front of the camera when she made her feature writing/directing debut In a World…., and it looks like the well-received 2013 Sundance hit won’t be the last time she hops into the director’s chair. Moving away from the world of voice acting, she’ll tell her own take on marriage with What’s the Point? (And Other Fair Questions About Marriage), an ensemble comedy she’ll write, direct and star in alongside Ed Helms.
Though details are relatively limited at the moment, The Playlist notes Bell’s newest film “investigates the concept that marriage should be a seven-year contract with an option to renew.” Insert several Rodney Dangerfield jokes here. In all seriousness, though, this sounds like a massively intriguing concept, one that could easily flourish from Bell’s observant, character-driven writing. While I felt her debut showed room for improvement, there was no denying the distinct voice and vision she brought to her first film. And I firmly believe she’ll only grow as a filmmaker with her next projects, including this one. There’s a lot of promise with this premise to make something truly unique, sweet and memorable, just as the best moments of In a World…. were.
Expect to see this one soon, as production begins next month with a Sundance 2017 debut more-than-likely. In the meantime, make a point to check out Man Up, a better-than-you’d-expect rom-com with Bell and Simon Pegg that came out last year, if you haven’t already. It’s on Netflix now, and it’s a nice little British comedy to watch with your significant other. I’m just saying. Meanwhile, Bell can also soon be heard in this summer’s The Secret Life of Pets, and seen in the crime drama Shot Caller, set for release sometime this year.
“Dark” in every sense of the term, unfocused in narrative terms and generally humorless, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, the long-desired meeting on the big screen of Warner Bros. and DC Comics’ “Big Two” superheroes, turns out to be lots of different “toos.”
Too long.
Too slow.
Too predictable.
Too much, too soon.
And perhaps for Warner and DC’s hopes of matching or least catching up to the gravy train of box office profits chugging along for rival Marvel Entertainment, too little, too late.
What’s it about? (SPOILER-FREE)
18 months after the events of 2013’s Man of Steel, in which Kal-El (Henry Cavill), who Earth’s people came to know as “Superman” after he stopped others of his race from destroying the planet and everyone on it, some still question whether or not his presence and his actions are for the best.
Among those is a deeply-disillusioned and distrustful Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). Wayne, a veteran crime fighter in his native Gotham City whose methods as Batman have grown more brutal as the man under the cowl aged and suffered yet more personal losses, sees in “the alien” a ticking time bomb. He views Metropolis’ so-called “savior” as someone who may not be a threat today or the next day, but who may one day show different colors and be the very death of the planet he recently saved.
So what does the Dark Knight intend to do? Against the sage advice of a grizzled and somewhat exasperated Alfred (Jeremy Irons), Wayne plans to destroy the alien personally. He even thinks he has the weapon to do it, thanks to a little digging done by one Alexander Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), who has his own reasons for seeing the flying guy in the red cape take a permanent tumble.
But is the Bat really the one setting the stage for this battle? Or is Wayne, with all his barely-contained rage and despair, merely a pawn against Superman? Who stands to gain from the savior and the night terror tearing into one another in a fight to the death? And just who is the mysterious, raven-haired woman with a seemingly similar interest in what Luthor has uncovered, the one who insists to Wayne she’s unlike any woman he’s ever encountered? What role will she play when Supes and Bats finally throw down?
Zack Snyder Strikes Again
For better or for worse, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice delivers precisely what discerning audiences have come to expect from director Zack Snyder. Lots of dark camera filters, CGI-enhanced action so stylized and bombastic that it can’t help but overload the senses, and pacing problems in terms of storytelling.
Snyder seems to truly struggle with balancing spectacle with substance. More often than not, character drama and genuine interaction are replaced with simple exposition to bridge the gap between the big money-shot laden set pieces, the eye-popping visuals that will make the promotional trailers sizzle but fail to carry the film when seen in their entirety.
That said, the action in Batman v. Superman has its moments of nerdgasm-inducing excitement. There are simply too few of these stronger action beats in the film to justify all the rest of what fills the film’s 151 minutes.
Too many moving parts
Batman v. Superman further exposes Snyder’s weaknesses as a director by needing to serve as a launch vehicle for an entire franchise of films. That Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have clearly pinned their hopes for successfully launching a viable, long-running and profitable superhero “shared universe” to BvS is painfully clear in just how much extra “stuff” the movie contains that’s utterly extraneous to the conflict in the title.
Having to include all those seeds for future films in the franchise – cameo appearances by heroes slated to get their own films, “easter eggs” for the fan base, etc – along with all the exposition necessary to give those elements context and tell the central story results in that bloated running time and the wildly consistent pacing. Looking back at Man of Steel, Sucker Punch, and Watchmen, it seems hard enough for the man to visually develop story threads for one film to their full potential, much less juggle the needs of one story with having to seed others.
Thus, the film disconnectedly wanders from scene to scene for almost an hour before the narrative gains any steam, and by then the film has telegraphed just about all of its remaining plot beats. By the time it gets around to actually pitting Batman vs. Superman, the film has lost just about all of its energy and momentum. It’s like the film’s first two acts serve as the worst undercard you could possibly imagine at a prize fight, with preliminaries so ponderous and dull that you’ve lost interest in the main event.
Cheers to the Power Couple
It’s not all terrible, to be honest. Credit where credit is due: Cavill, returning to the Superman/Clark Kent role from Man of Steel along with many of his co-stars from that film, simply looks the part, and that goes beyond simply the physique necessary to pull off the Super Suit. The British actor nails Clark’s earnestness, along with the weight of all that power and responsibility carried along with the red cape on those considerable shoulders. Even more so this time than in his previous outing, he makes you believe, especially during the moments when Superman himself is unsure of just what his role should be in a world where his presence alone seems to invite conflict and destruction.
Cavill’s handful of shared scenes with Amy Adams in the Lois Lane role are strong, as well. Thanks to the different Lois and Clark dynamic established at the end of Man of Steel, Cavill and Adams can explore a different sort of relationship on screen than in previous Superman films. That bond and how it came about felt rushed in Man of Steel, but here in Batman v. Superman it is a fully realized emotional thread running steadily throughout the film.
Gal Godot, in arguably the role fans are most curious and excited be finally brought to the silver screen, delivers on the faith director Zach Snyder had in her when he cast her. Fans of the character and comics in general should be pleased with what they get in terms of her part in the action, especially the entrance she makes in full battle regalia. If there’s a criticism here, it’s that she’s simply not in the film enough, and isn’t given much to do during Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice’s early acts.
And “Bat-Fleck”?
While Godot’s character is the one audiences may be most curious about seeing, it’s Affleck who they may, in fact, be dreading seeing most. Those concerns, unfortunately, turn out to be well-founded, although in fairness some of the blame should fall on the screenwriters here.
“Bat-fleck” is, for the most part, a one-note character very similar to the depiction of James Bond in Daniel Craig’s second outing as the super spy, Quantum of Solace, meaning the “one-note” is “angry.” Yes, that anger that informs Bruce Wayne’s every look and act takes on different shades throughout the proceedings. Sometimes he just seems bitter, while other times it seems that guilt is driving him.
The problem is that for a limited actor like Affleck, those nuances in emotion simply look and sound too similar. So for the long stretches of the film where Affleck isn’t in costume, he’s lumbering from scene to scene, looking sullen and glaring at people through his eyebrows, and that’s it. Anger, bitterness, guilt – it looks the same.
Alexander the Great
Of the entire ensemble, it seems the only one having any fun at all is Jesse Eisenberg. His ‘Portrait of the Millennial Unhinged’ take on Lex Luthor is an unnerving delight to watch. He’s a Snyder-stylized version of Eisenberg’s take on Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network: sociopathic, manipulative, twitchy, and fond of designer suits worn with Converse Chuck Taylors. Hopefully Eisenberg will have the opportunity to portray Luthor as a lead role in the future of DC Comics films, as the door has been opened wide now to the possibility of villain-centric superhero fare thanks to Deadpool and the upcoming Suicide Squad. A Luthor biopic, with Superman as the “villain” of the film, a la Brian Azzarello’s Lex Luthor: Man of Steel series in the comics from a years back – now that would be fun.
Quite unlike most of what you get in Batman v. Superman, sorry to say. It will be interesting to see if all those planned films whose seeds were planted in Dawn of Justice ever actually see the light of theaters. If BvS falls short of box office expectations the way it’s sure to fall short of audiences expectations, it’s hard to imagine Warner Bros. continuing to throw millions away on movies that fail to live up to hype.
But then again, they’ve been doing that with comic book movies outside of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy for years. Why stop now?
Batman v. Superman – Dawn of Justice
Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Gal Godot. Directed by Zack Snyder.
Running Time: 151 minutes
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action throughout, and some sensuality.
A quarter of the way through 2016 and another month down. This means it’s time for more new releases from Netflix. Though many of these titles are coming out on April 1st, we can safely say these shows will definitely be on their after March 31st without any worry of an April Fool’s Day prank.
2001: A Space Odyssey (April 1st)
The film which has been parodied eight ways from Sunday is coming back to Netflix. If you are a fan of Science Fiction, this movie has to be watched simply for scenes involving HAL, the evil super computer. It is one of director Stanley Kubrick’s finest films. Speaking of Kubrick…
A Clockwork Orange (April 1st)
A film about a sociopath who drinks milk and loves Beethoven and gets reprogrammed in an effort to cure him of these evil tendencies. What’s not to love? Probably the intense scenes of sex and violence. Still, this was another film which was parodied time and time again and is a necessary watch for all film buffs.
Bob’s Burgers: Season 5 (April 1st)
The 5th installment of this prime time animated darling opens with an episode featuring a Die Hard Musical. Basically if you haven’t sold your friends on this show yet, showing them the first episode of season 5 will definitely have them becoming fans. If it doesn’t you should probably give up because they are just beyond reason.
The Princess Bride (April 1st)
Featuring one of the best sword fights in the history of cinema, this film is the titular geeky romantic comedy. You owe it to yourself and your geeky partner to sit down and use this classic film to ward off those rainy April days. So have fun storming the castle.
The Running Man (April 1st)
This movie is an over the top spectacle of a dystopian future obsessed with television and featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger at his finest. If you are an action movie fan who hasn’t taken the time to watch this media gem, then now is the time. If not, then how will you know how to survive when the Stalkers come for you?
The Shawshank Redemption (April 1st)
This film is never far from the top of most “Top (Fill in the number) films of all time” lists and it shows. Featuring Morgan Freeman giving one of his finest performances as Red, a prisoner in Shawshank Prison who befriends a new arrival named Andy Dufresne. Together the two of them will come to understand the importance of never losing hope, especially while in prison.
V for Vendetta (April 1st)
Viola! Viewing this Very Vindicating Version of the V for Vendetta graphic novel will Verify Value and Vanquish boredom. The Verdict is the Vengeful Vigilante V, serving Visitation on Vanguards of liberty while they paint him as a Villain. Watch the movie and you’ll understand this description. It really is a fine adaptation of the original book by Alan Moore.
Ajin: Season 1 (April 12th)
Thought to be one of the best anime titles to come out of Japan this year, Ajin showcases the downside to being immortal. Those who cannot die are called Ajin and are regularly hunted for experimentation to see what makes them tick. But they have a dark power which may allow them to turn the tide.
Kong: King of the Apes:Season 1 (April 15th)
There have been previous animated series featuring King Kong but none of them are really worth tracking down, even the monster’s diehard fans don’t defend them. This show may prove to break the trend and become a must watch as it has Kong fighting against cybernetic dinosaurs and who doesn’t love cybernetic dinosaurs.
The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt: Season 2 (April 15th)
The story of a girl who was locked in a bunker and had to adjust to modern day New York was an instant comedy classic for many viewers. Now in the second season, Kimmie will have to deal with the fallout of the season finale, including helping Titus deal with his estranged wife finding out he is still alive and dealing with her crush, Dong getting married to stay in the country.
For those who aren’t familiar, PENCIL HEAD is a five issue arc from Image Comics written and illustrated by the self proclaimed, “Bastard Stepchild of the Comic Book Industry,” Ted McKeever. Issue #3 is a continuation, of McKeever’s combative outlook on the industry and struggle of the creative process. It’s honest, unapologetic, and flat out strange. It’s a glorious exploration of a mind who has an alternate style of art and it’s on full display. The story and prologues have made it clear that the themes, and situations are semi-autobiographical. It’s very meta, and refreshingly real.
The art however, is guano nuts. The characters are deranged, gross, or quirky, as they are weaved into a highly detailed black and white foreground and background. If you’re a fan of truly unique constructions with strange people, you’ll love this! It’s beauty comes from it’s oddity and rich, bold inking. Even if it’s not your “thing,” it’s still a fascinating blend that should be appreciated.
PENCIL HEAD’s main character, Poodwaddle, is in the midst of a publisher change going from Happy-Time Comics, to Cleverland Comics. We see him battle with his own art, force himself through meetings, and survive obnoxious people. The comic makes it evident that Poodwaddle doesn’t quite gel with society. He’s very critical of obtrusive editors, and of the industry itself. It’s an internal battle that almost anyone can relate to, especially creative professionals. McKeever is definitely expressing his frustration and even digs at how the “Big Two,” Marvel and DC, operate. It’s very interesting to see how an outcast sees this world, or even just an inside look at comic book publisher operate.
The story also has lurking creatures following Poodwaddle. I can only speculate, but they seem to represent the struggle of creating art and the encompassing negativity of Poodwaddle’s mental and physical environment. It’s almost as if we are prying into McKeever’s daily life, as well as his subconscious.
Now be forewarned, it is weird. I would elaborate, but I think it’s better to explore this on your own. There are inappropriate depictions, so I can’t say this is for everyone. Also, the arc is criticizing pop-culture, with the superhero as the money making norm. Poodwaddle and McKeever know their style isn’t liked by everyone, but they can still lament over it. Everyone wants to be appreciated and validated, and frequently we are own harshest critics. This book is a deep look into ourselves, our work, and how we manage it all.
McKeever may be digging at the comic book industry, but he is also evaluating himself. It’s as open, as it is strange, so give it a chance!
Eddie McClintock has had a twenty-year acting career, spanning such shows as Bones, Castle, My Boys (the under appreciated TBS show) and Witches of East End. Most sci-fi fans though know him as agent Pete Latimer, as he starred in Warehouse 13 on Syfy from 2009-2014. Now he will be Colonel James Haper on Supergirl. Last year, McClintock made a guest appearance on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. making him as he called himself “bi-comical.” There he played a Kree called Vin-Tak who actually allowed McClintock to use his comic chops. The very serious Harper was a bit of a different role for McClintock.
McClintock, who was a college wrestler, is known for playing macho guys with a sense of humor. In other words, he can often show up and be himself. Whereas Harper may be a tough marine and a future superhero, he certainly doesn’t have a sense of humor. I asked McClintock how he approached the role.
“I wanted to be firm and assertive without twirling my mustache. I tried to represent the marine core in a way that wouldn’t be embarrassing to myself or the core.” McClintock also laughed that this might have been the most acting he has done in his career. (McClintock can build on this experience as his next role will be a serious one on the new USA series Shooter.)
McClintock said that he wasn’t that familiar with James Harper. Which is understandable as Harper / Guardian isn’t one of DC’s more famous heroes. After mentioning that Harper is most likely to become Guardian, who is sort of DC’s version of Captain America McClintock answered, “cool.” McClintock did say that when approached about the role they asked if he, would be interested in doing an arc? McClintock said he would love to go back and do more.
I asked if the producers gave him any hint if James is a cousin to Arrow’s Roy Harper as in the later comics. McClintock replied, “They never mentioned that to me, no.” But the potential is there. It could make for a fun Arrow / Supergirl crossover.
You can catch of glimpse of McClintock here in the scene where he introduces himself to Supergirl. He is certainly a very no nonsense character. It will be fascinating to see how he eventually morphs into Guardian.
When talking about the mood on the set McClintock said, “Sure was a lot of fun to be on. I had worked with Jenna (Dewan Tatum, who plays Lucy Lane) before on Witches of East End. She saw me and ran over hugged me and said so nice to have you here! Makes it seem like you’re working with family!”
McClintock had also met Chyler Leigh (who plays Alex Danvers) before. Back in 2005, Entertainment Weekly ran a story “One Step Away” that featured McClintock with Chyler, Maggie Lawson, and Christopher Gorham. The article talked about actors that were just one right role away from being stars. The article was actually pretty dead-on. McClintock and Maggie Lawson both were featured in the ABC comedy Crumbs, which only lasted a season. But Lawson would later gain fame with USA Network’s Psych. Leigh would have a long run on Grey’s Anatomy before Supergirl. Gorham played a lead character on USA’s under-appreciated Covert Affairs. And of course, McClintock would land Warehouse 13.
Chyler gushed to McClintock. “Oh my God, we did that thing together so many years ago. Now we’re back together on this show!” McClintock thought it was great to be working with Chyler now being successful actors so many years after that article.
McClintock commented on his scenes with Supergirl herself Melissa Benoist.
“She’s a sweetheart. She is a down to Earth gal. She was great to work with. She doesn’t act like the star of a big show at all,” McClintock said.
While she did not show up for table reads in her uniform, McClintock did make sure to tug on her cape whenever she turned her back on him. (Yes, McClintock was familiar with the Jim Croce song and not tugging on Superman’s cape, but he noted Supergirl was not mentioned.) He made it clear to Benoist he was just being playful. Sadly, McClintock didn’t have scenes with Dean Cain. Well, maybe in the future, being in a science fiction you never know what twists and turns the future might bring.
McClintock talked about the chances of a Warehouse 13 reunion sho
“Not heard a single whisper. I certainly would be up for it. Would love a chance to be able to go back and hang out with everybody. I hope they do it. It would be fun,” McClintock said.
What can you say about your role in the new USA series Shooter?
“We start shooting April 24th. The show is based on the film of the same name starring Mark Wahlberg.” Wahlberg will be executive producer of the series. The movie was based on the book Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter. McClintock will be playing Jack Payne, a former marine core sniper who works for the CIA. “We have a great tech advisor on the set making sure we are doing everything by the book. Haven’t seen the pilot, but I hear it’s really good,” McClintock noted. The fact that USA ordered the show to series would seem to confirm that.
Since McClintock was at home doing this interview. I could hear his kids and dog in the background. It was dinner time on the coast; I let McClintock go with one final question: Okay Batman vs. Supergirl who wins?
“I would have to go with Supergirl. Because after all, he’s just a guy,” McClintock said without much hesitation.
My sentiments exactly.
It was nice to see actors are just regular people who happen to act for a living.
Shane Black is going to be talking Predator on his new press tour for The Nice Guys, which looks absolutely tremendous. Black spoke to the Thrillist about a lot of things, including how he was drawn back into the world of the Predator, and what sort of scope he’s aiming for in this new remake/reboot hybrid thing.
They called me and I was reluctant,” Black told Thrillist. “I said, ‘Look. You guys at Fox, I mean, I enjoy these movies, but we’ve been churning out these AVP whatever, they each cost a certain amount of money, they’re okay, but there’s no effort to elevate them or make them any kind of an event.’ They’re just sort of another Predator.” But the studio wants Predator to be an event once again, as it should be, and they referenced the new Alien/Prometheus pictures. “What if we said to you we want to reinvent this,” he said, “and really treat it with as much of an event status, or as much hoopla as we would the Alien prequel, which is coming out also? We really want to make this something. The kind of movie that people line up for. I said, ‘Really, you’ll spend a bunch of money?’ They go, ‘Yep.’ I go, ‘Make it really scale, spectacle?’ ‘Yep.’ ‘Shit, that sounds interesting.'”
That shit does sound interesting. Let’s go big.
Shane Black also dives into the history and mythos of Predator and what it deserves in this new film he’s working on. Talk about exciting:
“I think the first one was great, and it was contained, and it was a perfect little gem for what it was. I think there’s an expansion that needs to take place, and also just a love for that era, that movie, and the mythology of the Predator. I think that they came to me knowing pretty much that… they said, basically, if I wanted to make Predatorbut treat it like it was Iron Man 3 instead of just another little movie. I said, ‘Let’s really do it right this time.'”
And what about Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has been floating around this project for some time. Having Dutch back in the game could really elevate things, and could be something fans of the original would salivate over and line up to see. As for Arnie’s involvement, Black simply says they’re “still in talks” and the “script [is] still a secret.” Let’s make this happen.
Chris Pratt has a new video tour of the set of Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2. And it’s wonderful in all it’s Chris Pratt-ness.
Here’s the video:
As the video says, you can donate to Omaze, the platform hosting this tour from Pratt, and your donation will enter you to win a trip to Atlanta to hang out with Pratt and take an actual tour of the set. The donation will go to help the Lake Stevens Boys and Girls Club build a new teen center.
Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.
James Gunn’s sequel will hit theaters May 5, 2017.
Deepwater Horizon tells the (dramatized) true story of the cataclysmic BP oil spill which decimated the Gulf Coast and its ocean back in April of 2010. It remains the largest oil spill in United States history, thankfully. Mark Wahlberg stars as a worker aboard that oil rig during the moment of truth. This new trailer is compelling for its parallel narrative, and the fact so many stars pop up briefly as the tension builds.
A story set on the offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, which exploded during April 2010 and created the worst oil spill in U.S. history.
The cast includes Wahlberg, Kate Hudson, John Malkovich, Kurt Russell, and Dylan O’Brien among other recognizable faces. I especially liked the touch of Wahlber’s daughter and her innocent school report juxtaposed to the disastrous mid-sea explosion. Wahlberg can be hit or miss, but he looks manageable here surrounded by so much talent.
Peter Berg is directing this, so don’t expect too much scathing anti-jingoistic subtext here. His films tend to fall more on the side of ‘Merica in my opinion (Lone Survivor, anyone?). But as a straight dramatic thriller this looks promising.
The second trailer for Shane Black’s The Nice Guys might just distract you for a while as the scathing Batman v Superman reviews come pouring in, systematically killing your buzz. The Nice Guys isn’t a superhero movie, just a super-kickass movie judging by these trailers.
Here goes…
The quick synopsis: A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.
I can’t wait for this. Ryan Gosling looks like he’s having fun in a movie for a change, playing a hapless loser, and the chemistry between he and Russell Crowe is palpable. This is buzzing with fantastic energy and what looks to be a blend of action and comedy that might dwarf Black’s Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.
If you’re preoccupied wallowing in the despair of BvS reviews, just remember, this Nice Guys trailer is out there. And the movie isn’t far away (May 20).
When talking about the mood on the set McClintock said, “Sure was a lot of fun to be on. I had worked with Jenna (Dewan Tatum, who plays Lucy Lane) before on Witches of East End. She saw me and ran over hugged me and said so nice to have you here! Makes it seem like you’re working with family!”