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Review: HER INFERNAL DESCENT #1 Puts A Mother Through Dante’s Inferno

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Her Infernal Descent #1 is out April 18th from AfterShock Comics, and is written by Lonnie Nadler and Zac Thompson, with art by Kyle Charles. Colors are by Dee Cunniffe, and letters are by Ryan Ferrier.

The story is a modern retelling of Dante’s Inferno, where a middle-aged mother must traverse the nine circles of Hell to get her family back.

When we first meet the mother, she’s already lost her family. The narration fills us in on her situation, but Kyle Charles’ art is really all you need. She’s a broken woman, going through the motions of packing up her house but not truly “there.” Take the words away, and that’s still abundantly clear; Charles’ visual storytelling is crystal clear.

As she’s packing, the mother encounters the ghost of poet William Blake in her attic. She doesn’t so much as blink at the specter. Blake tells her about her chance to get her family back, and with only two panels of hesitation, she accepts the challenge.

Now this may be confusing and off-putting to some readers, how a person can so blindly accept a ghost in her attic telling her she can go to Hell and get her family back. It doesn’t feel realistic or relatable. However, it’s actually some very subtle character-building by Nadler and Thompson. First off, the mother is so numb to life at this point that seeing a ghost has no effect on her. Second, her love for her family is so strong, and in turn makes her so strong, that she will jump at the chance to go to Hell and get them back. And, really, what else does she have to live for at this point? Why not just take this chance?

In so little time, and with so little emotion, the reader knows exactly where this woman’s head is at the start of her adventure. That’s some strong, concise storytelling by Nadler and Thompson. They don’t dump a ton of unnecessary exposition on the reader. They let their story speak for itself and fill in the blanks.

As mentioned earlier, Kyle Charles’ art game is strong in Her Infernal Descent. The way he and colorist Dee Cunniffe form this world and distinguish the various areas of the afterlife is both interesting and fun to dissect. Cunniffe excels in particular. The way he plays with soft blues and purples, and fiery reds and yellows is beautiful, and it sets the stage perfectly. Again, you can take the words out of this comic and still get a sense of the changing tones. That’s a staple of good art.

Her Infernal Descent #1 lays the groundwork for a dark, interesting, and emotional series. While it can be a bit slow and dense to get through at times, its payoff is worth it for fans of the genre. The biggest emotional payoff will be for those with strong mothers, or for mothers themselves.

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What Indie Films On NETFLIX You Should Be Watching

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Netflix has been a one-stop destination for Indie film for quite some time. A quick search of “indie” and you’ll quickly see that Netflix even categorizes them for you. On the hunt for a new romantic comedy, because you’ve seen “Love Actually” one too many times (don’t judge), you are sure to find an Indie love story that will melt your heart. From quirky dramas to coming of age tales, here are some Netflix Indie films you should be watching.

5THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CARING

Written and directed by Rob Burnett, everyone’s favorite Ant-Man, Paul Rudd, stars in this touching, funny indie film alongside Craig Roberts. Rudd is a man who has hit rock bottom, he decides to become a caregiver, and it changes his life. Craig, a boy with muscular dystrophy, gets is Pauls first patient. The two embark on a road trip that opens their eyes to the fact that there is more to life than their little worlds.

4I DON’T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE.

Ruth (Melanie Lynskey) is done with the world treating her like dirt when her home is robbed, and the cops do nothing about it she takes matters into her own hands. Well, her hands and the hands of her disconnected from reality neighbor played by Elijah Wood. My jaw dropped a few times during this indie film, and that’s not easy to do. Think, what if dead pool went on his revenge quest but with no powers and in the real world, and you have this movie.

3CHRISTINE

Rebecca Hall stars in director Antonio Campos’ third feature film. One word describes this movie, chilling. Christine is the story of Christine Chubbuck, a 1970s TV reporter struggling with depression as she tried to do what we all try to do, advance her career. Knowing this film is based on a true story while watching the events unfold, will give you chills.

2TALLULAH

Is it me or does Ellen Page just work as a homeless girl up to no good? Ellen stars as Tallulah, a homeless con-woman who is abanded by her ex-boyfriend. With the urge to be with him to strong, she ends up heading to his mothers home to find him. Anyone else sees that not working out to well? The meat of this indie film starts when she is turned away by her ex’s mother and left with no choice but to go back to crime. The only problem is her new mark is an eccentric and intoxicated mother who could care less about her child. Written and directed by Sian Heder, Tallulah will have you rooting for the bad girl.

1THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES

Smart, witty and brave are just a few words that come to mind when describing this film. Jessica James, starring actress Jessica Williams, is an aspiring New York playwright who is recovering from a severe breakup. More than that she is funny, deep, and sees the world a bit different than most. The normal seems to frighten her while she embraces the weird, which she finds in Chris O’Dowd who is recently divorced. Written and directed by James C. Strouse, The Incredible Jessica James is an Indie film you don’t want to miss.

Have I missed any films that you recommend? Leave a comment below and let me know what indies you are watching.

Jordan Vogt-Roberts Wants To Direct a Marvel Film with No Superheroes

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Jordan Vogt-Roberts, director of Kong: Skull Island, is looking to direct a Marvel movie. There’s a caveat, however. Vogt-Roberts wants to create a film that utilizes no superheroes.

I want to direct a Marvel movie that features no superheroes. It would be an absurdist dramedy that follows a group of random humans who deal with that magic and aliens exist.

Although his pitch isn’t likely something I see Disney pursuing any time soon, it’s quite a creative idea. The perspective of regular people within the Marvel cinematic universe isn’t something we’ve seen much of, but Marvel has put the spotlight one non-superheroes in the past.

Item 47 is a one-shot, direct-to-video short film that follows a couple who stumble upon some alien technology left behind from The Avengers and proceed to rob banks. After a few robberies, S.H.I.E.L.D. is tasked to take the duo down. The film turned out great, which certainly gives credence for the idea of a feature film revolving around normal people among superpowered beings.

Item 47

What do you make of Vogt-Roberts’ idea? Would it serve as a unique take within the Marvel cinematic universe, or would it feel out of place? Comment below, let us know your thoughts.

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Geekflix – Top NETFLIX Picks For April 2018

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April showers may bring May flowers but we are much more concerned with what is coming to Netflix. It’s time to look at the releases for the month of April and see what titles are necessary viewing.

1. Bad Boys (April 1st)

There has been talk for a while about a third film coming out in this franchise. Even if it doesn’t get release the original film isn’t the worst way to spend a rainy afternoon. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are cops who have to investigate a drug smuggling operation and the explosions which come as a result of doing their job.

2. Battlefield Earth (April 1st)

Said to be one of the worst film ever made. It is. It really is. Don’t even have to apply a lot of thought into the deconstruction to find out how bad it is. Still, is you want to torture yourself with a bad movie, there is no worse way to do it. Unless you decide to watch The Emoji Movie.

3. Mortal Kombat (April 1st)

One of the best video game adaptations ever made. Watch as Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Liu Kang fight in a tournament to the death to stop the forces of Outworld from getting the right to invade Earth. When it’s all said and done you’ll be saying “Get over here!”

4. Scarface (April 1st)

“Say hello to my little friend!” This iconic line is only the tip of the entertainment which comes from this classic Al Pacino film. Watch as Tony Montana goes from a refugee to one of the powerful men in the underworld. Unfortunately, his journey is not for the faint of heart.

5. Speed Racer (April 1st)

One of the best live action adaptations ever made. The previous statement was not a joke. It is faithful to the source material, visually impressive and a lot of fun. Give it a chance. You might actually find yourself pleasantly surprised.

6. The Iron Giant (April 1st)

This film is a gem. Not only as an animated feature but a film overall. If you haven’t taken the time to watch this film then you owe it to yourself to check it out. What? You were expecting me to write more? I can only beg and plead so much.

7. The Lost Boys (April 1st)

Before there was Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, there was The Lost Boys. A film which proved using comic books to train against the forces of evil is a good idea. Also, where else are you going to find a film where Corey Feldman is a vampire hunter. Aside from the sequels to this film.

8. Despicable Me 3 (April 5th)

The third film in the trilogy which spawned the Minions. Though many don’t find this to be the best result, this film is still very entertaining. Watch as Gru meets up with his long lost twin brother and fights a villian who is stuck in the 80s.

9. Lost in Space: Season 1 (April 13th)

The Netflix exclusive reboot of the classic science fiction television series will finally arrive. Even if it doesn’t live up to the hype it still will be better than the film adaptation which came out in the 90s. Let’s just hope they don’t over use the line, “Danger Will Robinson!”

10. Aggretsuko: Season 1 (April 20th)

The charming little red panda from the company which brought us Hello Kitty is your standard 20 something office worker. She is underappreciated, overworked, and easily angered bit of adorableness. Watch as she tries to keep her temper and try even harder the next day.


Which title are you looking forward coming to Netflix? Leave a comment below and let us know.

DISNEYLAND California, Paris & Hong Kong Getting MARVEL Upgrades

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Chances are, by the year 2020, nearly anywhere you go in the world, you will be able to engage with Marvel superheroes.

Various Disney parks, both local and abroad, are looking to expand their respective Marvel-themed lands in just under two years.

Partaking in the expansions are Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disney. All lands at each of the parks will be developed in conjunction with both Marvel Entertainment and Marvel Studios.

California will build around its already-existing Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout, which opened in 2017 to replace the Hollywood Tower of Terror ride and is described as, “A completely immersive superhero universe.”

Paris already has plans of hosting a Marvel Summer of Superheroes live show this summer, but will build an area for riders to engage with the Avengers.

Hong Kong is ahead of the curve in developing its Marvel-themed expansions with its Iron Man Experience attraction, which opened in 2017. The new land will also feature a ride where parkgoers can team with both Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Find out more on what is in store for 2020 via the official Disney Parks Marvel Trailer.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcSpLJzcu1I[/embedyt]

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Review: GREEN LANTERNS #43 Concludes The Arc With Great Art But Not Much Else

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The conclusion of the recent Green Lanterns arc ends with a “meh” instead of a bang.

After the disappearances of several heroes on earth, the Green Lanterns find that they are all connected to a dating app. When they go to confront the developers, they find former Omega Man Scrapps snooping around as well. The trio works together to locate the kidnapped heroes, which leads them to a planet controlled by a cult, The Order of the Steed. When they confront the Order, they reveal the being they worship now controls all of the superhumans they kidnapped. How will the Lanterns save them all, including Simon’s Ex, Night Pilot?

Green Lanterns v heroes

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

The Green Lanterns and the Omega Man split up, each handling a task to take down the Order in one climactic battle. Scrapps takes on the head of the Order as well as a possessed Night Pilot. Simon corners the shape-shifting Durlan that has been kidnapping the heroes in the first place. While those two handle them, Jessica has the important job of deactivating the device controlling the superhumans.

Green Lanterns save the day

That’s basically the whole of the issue. The final part of the arc is essentially a giant fight scene. While it is a pretty one (we’ll get to that in the art section), I can’t help but think something feels wasted. When I looked at all the moments that brought us to this point, I see three potential storylines mashed into one mess. The dating app plot that pulled me into the arc has taken a far back seat, planet hellhole isn’t even mentioned, and the Order is dismantled and arrested as quickly as they were introduced. All of these could have been interesting if they weren’t forced together as they were.

The only positive that truly stands out is a sweet moment between the Lanterns in the epilogue. Simon essentially says that he’s proud of how far Jessica has come and she admits her appreciation. While it does tease the whole idea of them being a couple, it’s still a genuinely sweet scene.

green lanterns v durlan

Art:

As I mentioned before, this issue is one giant battle, which can be boring. Thankfully the art team’s skills made it look amazing to keep me hooked. V. Kenneth Marion is on pencils once again and he knocks it clean out of the park. The characters look fantastic, some even downright scary, but the highlight is definitely the powers. They are creatively illustrated, especially Jessica’s light construct for disabling the machines. Dinei Ribeiro is on coloring duty and he does a fantastic job. The colors masterfully helps the illustrations stick out, as well as give the readers the emotional tone of each scene. If there is any good that keeps this story from fading entirely into obscurity, it’s the fantastic art team.

Simon of the Green Lanterns

Conclusion:

While the art tries to save this story, it isn’t enough. The ending felt cobbled together as the past plot points were left behind. There was so much potential in the blocks of the story, it’s a shame they didn’t pan out. If you’re a fan of V. Kenneth Marion, while he has drawn something great here, you might want to find a better comic to see his skill.

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BLACK PANTHER Is King, Becomes Highest Grossing Superhero Film In US

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Black Panther has now become the highest grossing superhero movie in the United States, passing The Avengers‘ $623.4 million. Final weekend numbers for Black Panther won’t be revealed until tomorrow, but The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the movie has indeed passed the 2012 superhero team-up movie.

While I expected the film to be a hit, success on this level was almost impossible to predict. Black Panther presented such unique cultural differences from that of other Marvel movies, it’s no surprise the Ryan Coogler-helmed picture is such a box office titan.

Do the box office results of Black Panther surprise you? Comment below, let us know your thoughts.

“After the events of Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, King T’Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country. When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must team up with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakanadan special forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.”

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Andy Serkis, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Sterling K. Brown.

Black Panther is in theaters now!

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DAREDEVIL Showrunner Expresses Interest In a MOON KNIGHT Show

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When Daredevil premiered on Netflix, it truly blew people away. Audiences were excited to see a gritty take on street-level heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and showrunner Steven DeKnight gave us just that. DeKnight has been away from the MCU for a couple years now, but could it be time for him to return? It seems like he might, as he’s expressed interest in tackling Moon Knight next.

IGN caught up with DeKnight, who’s currently doing press for his film Pacific Rim: Uprising. The director mentions he’s love to tackle a Moon Knight show on Netflix, but notes scheduling might be an issue:

“I wouldn’t mind taking a crack at Moon Knight at some point. There are so many characters that I love in the Marvel universe. Really, for me, it would be about schedule. My schedule these days, as you imagine, is a little tight. God, you know, when I signed onto Daredevil, I expressed an interest in Iron Fist and the Punisher, which I both loved. I’d love to see Moon Knight get a little bit of love. Great, great character.”

Moon Knight, or Marc Spector, is often looked at as the “Batman” of the Marvel Comics universe. The character was introduced in his own comic back in 1980 and has been a fan-favorite since. The latest run for the comic is on Issue #193. While rumors of a Moon Knight Netflix series have floated around for years, it’s unclear if or when the series will happen.

Would DeKnight be a good choice to helm a Moon Knight series for Marvel? If not, what other characters should the Marvel Netflix universe introduce in the coming years? Chime in down below, in our comments section.

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Here’s Why JUSTICE LEAGUE Didn’t Feature Superman’s Black Suit

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When Justice League released last November, many fans were disappointed at the lack of Superman’s black suit. The character was revived in what seemed like a perfect time to include Henry Cavill wearing the classic costume. Turns out, the original plan was to feature the alternative design.

Speaking to Digital Spy on the topic, costume designer Michael Wilkinson recently discussed why Justice League didn’t ultimately utilize the unique design.

First, Wilkinson noted the original Justice League plan was to include Superman’s black suit, which was a decision by director Zack Snyder to remain faithful to the comics.

“The black suit is something that has fascinated us as filmmakers from the get-go,” Wilkinson told Digital Spy. “We saw a glimpse of it in the nightmare sequence from Man of Steel when Superman was wading through skulls, and also in the deleted scene from Justice League where you do see Clark walking through the spaceship and it’s teased in the background. When we were prepping Justice League, at first it seemed that it might be a logical choice for the look of Superman when he’s resurrected. Zack is extremely respectful and passionate about the depiction of Superman in comic books and graphic novels, and traditionally when he is resurrected, he is in the black suit.

As the film began to take form in pre-production, the decision to feature Superman’s alternative costume was scrapped.

“But as the tone of the film developed and we were in pre-production, the filmmakers felt that the classic red and blue suit seemed more appropriate to our story and our script. It seemed that a more positive, upbeat image of Superman was what was needed – the idea of hope and that the world could in fact be saved was important, so that’s the direction that we went.”

Were you disappointed that Superman’s black suit was absent from Justice League? How did you feel about the film overall? Chime in down below, in our comments section.

“Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.”

Justice League released in theaters on November 17, 2017. The film was directed by Zack Snyder/Joss Whedon and includes, along with Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, Jeremy Irons, JK Simmons, Amy Adams, Amber Heard, and Ciaran Hinds.

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THERE’S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE Coming to Netflix

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The New York Times best-selling novel by Stephanie Perkins, There’s Someone Inside Your House, will eventually be ready for your viewing pleasure via the team of director James Wan, producer Shawn Levy and Netflix, which purchased the rights.

The book tells the story of Makani Young, who is still adjusting to her new life in Nebraska, a year after her parents sent her away from Hawaii. She has managed to make some friends and has even dabbled in romance with the ‘school weirdo’, but is still drawn to her past life in Hawaii. A series of gruesome murders of students at her new high school begin happening and neither she, nor the local police, know who is next on the list.

Wan is known as a maestro in the horror community, having directed such gems as SAW, Insidious and The Conjuring. He also directed Aquaman, which comes out later this year, and will also produce The Crooked Man and the Mortal Kombat and Resident Evil reboots.

No news yet on a possible release date as the project is still in the infancy stage, but the film will be produced through Stranger Things producer Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment, in conjunction with Wan’s Atomic Monster Productions.

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