Fans all over the world are currently still clamoring to movie theaters to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens, quickly making the film the highest grossing picture in North American history. While Disney is still counting all the money that they are getting from Episode VII, Lucasfilm is preparing for the next step in the franchise’s future. Director Rian Johnson is gearing up to start principal photography on the currently untitled Star Wars: Episode VIII, slated for release in May 2017.
Episode VIII already has Benecio del Toro on board and Lucasfilm is allegedly looking to add two more female characters. Gugu Mbatha-Raw was reported to secure one of those two female roles, but now it look like she’s out.The Wrap’s Jeff Sneider stated (while on the Meet The Move Press Podcast) that Mbatha-Raw will no longer appear in Episode VIII, and Bel Powley (star of Sundance hit Diary of a Teenage Girl) is in the running to replace her. What is your reaction to this news?
Matthew McConaughey is harnessing is inner 90s Mel Gibson in the trailer for his latest film, Free State of Jones.
Written and directed by Gary Ross, Free State of Jones is an epic set during the Civil War and tells the story of a defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy.
Banding together with other small farmers and local slaves, Knight launched an uprising that led Jones County, Mississippi to secede from the Confederacy, creating the Free State of Jones. Knight continued his struggle into Reconstruction, distinguishing him as a compelling, if controversial, figure of defiance long beyond the War.
The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, and Keri Russell.
Free State of Jones will be in theaters on May 13, 2016.
Breaking Down Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens:
It’s hard not being a fan of Star Wars or the new film Force Awakens.
While I find them to be well made films with promising scripts, the product is marketed and branded towards something that doesn’t match my particular cinema taste. But I love watching movies so I have sat through the ‘Midi-chlorians’ and the land of the Ewoks in order to stay up-to-date with what’s going on in pop culture. So here comes the newest Star Wars film, you may have heard of it…it’s a little piece called The Force Awakens. From toothbrushes to car commercials, the record-shattering flick is everywhere!
I just had to see what all the fuss was about!
While I didn’t hate the movie, I felt like I was hanging out with a new group of friends with all these inside jokes that I couldn’t join in on. It’s a culture that I am not a part of but that doesn’t mean I don’t have thoughts on the film.
Not wanting to labeled “hater” by people on the Internet, these 5 observations below are some of the personal feelings I had about the film purely as a moviegoer. It is in no means an attack on the film and/or its fans.
1. What Would The Films Be Like From An ‘Adult’ Perspective?
My taste in movies tends to lean towards that have an R or NC-17 rating. I’m just a cynical bloodhound who loves bad words & some sexuality, what can I say? But this makes me wonder…what would Star Wars be like if it went fully to the dark side?
The film franchise has a sick love of dismemberment & already touched on almost incest, why not get more twisted? While the movies are mostly for families with their adorable wise cracking characters, there have been some rather messed up moments. From Anakin Skywalker killing a bunch of kids to the Wampa having a bloody meal, it gets brutal at times but not to the point to make a real difference. The Force Awakens was never going to the gritty reboot that seems to be so popular but under the Disney umbrella, it was more accessible to children than ever before.
Much like A New Hope, The Force Awakens keeps the tone rather light for the most part. With one spoiler filled death & some torture moments, the movie does try to darken it up but doesn’t hit the lows that Empire Strikes Back did. Imagine how brutal Kylo’s lightsaber would have been with a more sadistic space-loving director like Ridley Scott or Christopher Nolan. Taking out some of the more marketable moments from the film, Force Awakens could have been a move to a more experimental time in the franchise’s history.
2.Look! Diversity!
This new film is more focused on diversity this time around. The Force Awakens has 3 leading heroes; none of which are a white males. To go even further, other than the original heroes & Adam Driver…the cast is made up of foreign actors ranging from places like Europe, Africa, and South America.
This film also features a leading female. The hero for our hero’s journey is a girl this time around. Since playing second fiddle to mumbling moronic men like Luke & Anakin, the women of Star Wars have always been shining stars in a dim galaxy. This time around, Rey is already badass before we meet her. It doesn’t take her long before she picks up on her newfound power. It’s a refreshing change of pace after seeing two sets of films with dopey leading men trying to find themselves.
I’m not saying the older films or the much hated prequels didn’t have an array of diversity but The Force Awakens has something for just about everyone. It’s important for people to have representation in media, especially in sci-fi. The film reached out to many different walks of life; the diversity is a small portion of what I think led to its success. Star Wars is now more relatable than ever.
3. Star Wars: The Hero’s Journey Star Wars has always been the simplest retelling of ‘the hero’s journey’. For those of you who don’t know what the term is, I’ll quickly sum it up. Our hero goes on an adventure where they face adversity and they are forever changed in the process. That’s ‘the hero’s journey’ and basically the plot to any kids movie.
The Force Awakens is no different; our darling kick-ass Rey is thrust into a world she knows little about and quickly learns she is even more important then she ever imagined. Much like Luke Skywalker and young Anakin in Phantom Menace, Rey is just a seemingly ordinary person who is now part of the world of Jedi & Siths.
Is ‘the hero’s journey’ the easiest way to tell a story with such an expansive universe & epic family drama surrounding it or could we get a more complex story to match the complexity of the world we are in?
4. Can The Real Bad Guys Please Stand Up?
I’ve always had an issue with the villains in the Star Wars films. The main villain, this time Kylo Ren, is an easily manipulated attention seeking baddie; much like his beloved Darth Vader. There is this higher power with a much more evil intent pulling the strings but the weaker villain is usually given more screen time.
You can already see the seeds being planted in The Force Awakens where Kylo Ren will be able to redeem himself, even if it’s just before death like Vader before him. It would refreshing to see someone with the hatred of Emperor Palpatine be the lead villain, someone too deep in the dark side to ever be redeemed.
5. You Let Robotic Beach Ball Steal The Show! And The Oscar For Best Supporting Role Goes To…BB-8!
We all know the real shining star of The Force Awakens is the round droid that seems to be loved by everyone in the film. You could feel R2-D2 fume with anger as BB-8 surpassed R2’s adorableness and became an overnight star in the process.
I hope to see the loveable droid on the red carpet this award season!
Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice stars Henry Cavill, reprising his role as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. The film also reunites “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, and Diane Lane.The film is set to open worldwide in March. The Superman was created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, Batman characters created by Bob Kane, and Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.
“Titans, NO!” should have been the phrase shooting around social media since it’s official, Titans will not be gracing our television screens after all.
The live action adaptation of DC Comic’s band of teenage superheroes has officially been dropped, despite being a pilot episode being ordered by TNT. Focused around a band of young superheroes, Titans was definitely coming into the fold at the right time. With fellow DC Comics shows like Arrow, Flash, Supergirl and Gotham gaining major ground in the age of comic book TV, Titans was met with some hesitation, but a lot of anticipation.
With Warner Bros. constantly introducing new shows revolving around it’s print counterparts, Titans would have been inserted directly into a hard competition of the DC TV Universe.
From 2003-2006, Cartoon Network was the stop for Teen Titans, a cartoon adaptation of the comic book team dealing with darker tones and revered for it’s great character development around the team. Also, their new interpretation, Teen Tiatans Go! has been running on Cartoon Network and is currently in it’s third season.
Titans was rumored to be consisting of Robin, Cyborg, Beast Boy, Raven and Starfire, the live-action show seemed to enlist similar characters, rumored to be Nightwing, Oracle, Hawk, Dove, Starfire and Raven. With a very Birds of Prey feel to it, it remained uncertain if we would see other key members of the team, with some of the more obscure members playing cameos.
The main focus was clearly around Dick Grayson/Nightwing, who’s character was rumored to be just emerging from mentor Bruce Wayne/Batman’s shadow and stepping into his role as a titular hero, tasked with now leading this group of young superheroes-to-be.
Alongside the reports of the show coming into fruition, a poster was released, showing a solo Nightwing standing with his escrima sticks, shown to the right.
Announced just over a year ago, Titans didn’t make much of a splash after the initial buzz, and then seemed to root itself out of mind and out of sight before officially getting the plug pulled by TNT president Kevin Reilly, who delivered the hard news in a TCA press conference, stating that “It is not [still in development], We just decided it wasn’t quite where we wanted to go.” His words now are drastically different from his stance in the summer, where he is quoted as saying that “It is going to be excellent.”
What are your thoughts? Was TNT’s decision to stop Titans in it’s tracks a good move or will we be left with a bad taste of what could have been? Share your thoughts!
It was announced today at the TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour that Fear the Walking Dead will air its second season of 15 episodes in two parts. The new season will start the first of seven new episodes on April 10th at 9:00 pm ET/PT. The remaining eight episodes will air later in 2016. The remaining eight episodes will air later in 2016. The series, which delivered the highest-rated first season of any series in cable history among total viewers and all key demos in live+3 ratings, is executive produced by showrunner Dave Erickson, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Greg Nicotero and David Alpert. The series stars Kim Dickens as Madison, Cliff Curtis as Travis, Frank Dillane as Nick, Alycia Debnam-Carey as Alicia, Ruben Blades as Daniel, Mercedes Mason as Ofelia, Lorenzo James Henrie as Chris and Colman Domingo as Strand. The series began shooting its second season last month on the Baja peninsula in Mexico at Baja Studios, home to some of the greatest ocean-set films in recent years. Season one left off with Madison, Travis and their extended family taking temporary shelter in Strand’s gated estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean. As civil unrest continues to grow and the dead overrun Los Angeles, Strand prepares to escape to “Abigail,” his large yacht moored offshore.
SPOILER ALERT Summary:Steven listens to Peridot’s audio diary which narrates her time bonding with the Gems, particularly Garnet.
After the events of the previous episode (where she solidified she would be on an Earth for a long time), Peridot reacts to this news the best way she can by having a nervous breakdown which is hilarious to watch. Afterward, Steven takes the time to listen to her audio recordings and hears about Peridot’s attempts to adjust to Earth life.
The attempts to adjust range from her studying the ecosystem, reading a joke book, and fangirling over a show. The later is is probably one of the most hysterical things the show has ever presented. After watching just episode (on repeat) Peridot creates fan theories and explanations which seem to go on forever. It’s a jab at the fan community but you know the creators are doing it all in good fun.
Afterward, Peridot tries to understand Garnet. The two of them attempt fusion but are unsuccessful but Garnet appreciates the effort. It’s not as grand as the episodes where she tried to connect with Pearl and Amethyst but still it’s cute. Also, the hint of even attempting fusion may lead to something more in the near future. Which is probably what a lot of fans are hoping for. Who will Peridot fuse with first? Sadly this a questions for another time and place.
So ends the Steven’s Birthday Week of new episodes. It was good to have the show back and firing on all cylinders as usual. Hopefully, there will not be another three month gap between new episodes because frankly, the fans can’t stand the wait for such quality entertainment. Now all there is to worry about is the community getting spoiled by having too many leaked photos and videos of coming episodes.
This afternoon, Netflix released the first photos of the Netflix series Fuller House (a revival of that T.G.I.F. staple). In the first pictures, we get a glimpse of D.J., Stephanie, and the rest of the Tanner Clan back to together again.One photo shows D.J. (Candace Cameron-Bure) embracing Kimmy (Andrea Barber) and Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin). While, the other images introduce D.J.’s sons and Kimmy’s daughter.
In Fuller House, the adventures that began in 1987 on Full House continue, with veterinarian D.J. Tanner-Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure) recently widowed and living in San Francisco. D.J.’s younger sister/aspiring musician Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin) and D.J.’s lifelong best friend/fellow single mother Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber), along with Kimmy’s feisty teenage daughter Ramona (Soni Nicole Bringas), all move in to help take care of D.J.’s three boys. The spinoff will have guest appearances by John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis), Bob Saget (Danny Tanner), Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone), Lori Loughlin (Becky Katsopolis) and Scott Weinger (Steve Hale).
Fuller House is from Miller-Boyett Productions and Jeff Franklin Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television for Netflix. Robert L. Boyett, Thomas L. Miller and Jeff Franklin are the executive producers of the series, which was created by Franklin. John Stamos is a producer.
Amazon released the trailer for Elvis & Nixon starring Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey Friday afternoon.
The untold true story behind the meeting between the King of Rock ‘n Roll and President Nixon, resulting in this revealing, yet humorous moment immortalized in the most requested photograph in the National Archives.
The film is directed by Liza Johnson and also stars Colin Hanks, Evan Peters, Ashley Benson, Alex Pettyfer, Tate Donovan, and Johnny Knoxville.
Elvis & Nixon will be in theaters on April 15.
This could be the greatest thing you watch all day!
Monkeys Fighting Robots kicks off the second season of our podcast with Michael Ian Black.
The comedian, writer, and actor stopped by to talk about his new book – Navel Gazing – True Tales Of Bodies, Mostly Mine (but also my mom’s, which I know sounds weird).
Black delivers a frank and funny memoir about confronting his genetic legacy as he hits his forties.
On the second half of the show, we discuss the Darth Vader is Supreme Leader Snoke rumors.
ABOUT MICHAEL IAN BLACK
Michael Ian Black is a writer, comedian, and actor who currently appears on Another Period, The Jim Gaffigan Show, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. He created and starred in many television series, including Michael and Michael Have Issues, Stella, and The State. He wrote the screenplay for the film Run, Fatboy, Run and wrote and directed the film Wedding Daze. Michael regularly tours the country as a stand-up comedian and is the bestselling author of the book My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face), the memoir You’re Not Doing It Right, and the children’s books Chicken Cheeks, The Purple Kangaroo, A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea, I’m Bored, Naked!, and Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Bop. Michael lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.
