DC Comics Exclusive Preview: MISTER MIRACLE #5

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December 7, 2017

Mister Miracle #5 hits stores 12/13, and Monkeys Fighting Robots has your exclusive first-look at the book courtesy of DC Comics.

The series is written and illustrated by Tom King and Mitch Gerads respectively, with letters by Clayton Cowles and covers by Nick Derington.

Having been sentenced to death in issue #4 (remember the veggie tray?), Scott Free only has one night left to live. He and his wife Big Barda have one last date together, but as with every issue of this series, we have to wonder if everything is as it seems.

Issue 5 looks to be another surreal, trippy ride that blurs the line between reality and fiction. This preview sees Mister Miracle placing his hand in the cement handprint of his real-life creator Jack Kirby outside of the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. (For a serious gut punch, be sure to read the quote beneath the handprint.) We also see the return of Funky Flashman, Kirby’s parody of his former friend and colleague Stan Lee who first appeared in the original Miracle run back in 1972.

Check out the full preview here:

About the issue:
How do you spend your last night on Earth? Why, with the one you love, of course! Having been condemned to death by the new Highmaster, Mister Miracle is going to have to return to New Genesis for his execution. Before he does, he and Big Barda go on one last date. But if Scott Free truly is infected by Darkseid, as Orion says, you can bet some dark force will intervene—only to what end?

Mister Miracle has become one of the best-reviewed and best-selling comics of 2017. It’s already begun popping up on a number of “Best Of” lists for the year, and with three weeks left in the month, it’s sure to receive even more of the same recognition.

What’s been your favorite issue of the series so far? Sound off in the comments below!

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What’s Next for Jurassic Park?

By

Don Draper

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December 7, 2017

When Universal Studios released the movie Jurassic Park in 1993, based on the Michael Crichton novel, it changed the way films were made forever. There was something so cutting edge about the special effects in the movie that audiences were drawn to see it just for this factor alone and the subsequent franchise has gone from strength to strength.

The concept of dinosaurs being cloned from DNA found in a mosquito preserved in amber was captivating not only to children but adults as well. The fact that these creatures were extinct long before the emergence of man allows us, using the fossilized evidence, to create a movie largely devised through imagination. We know roughly what a T-Rex looked like because we have its skeleton but we can only guess at the colour and behaviour the animal exhibited. This fascination with these ancient creatures and modern special effects allowed Universal Pictures to create such a vivid picture of what they could have been like and how humans would have been in serious jeopardy should the species co-existed helped to make the film iconic.

T-Rex Skeleton by Connie Ma (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Such was the success of the first film the ideas feature within its narrative have become more important than a mere action movie but have seeped into popular culture in many different guises. You have theme parks and amusement parks based on the idea such as Jurassic Park: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, which is a water-based, dinosaur-themed amusement. There have been video games such as Lego Jurassic World, which allows players to traverse the story of the first trilogy and the fourth film in comic Lego style. 32Red casino have also released a Jurassic Park slot game which allows players to play for cash prizes in a dinosaur-themed, online environment.

So far, the franchise has produced the original trilogy, which included the first film and also includes the Crichton’s novel The Lost World. It was announced that a fourth film would be released in 2005 but due to a number of issues regarding the script and the plot, it was not released until 2015 as Jurassic World, which is planned to be the first film in another trilogy. Apart from another set of movies this franchise could easily branch out further. 32Red and indeed, similar sites such as allslots casino have already produced an online slot game – but why not take this further.

Imagine how popular an actual bricks and mortar casino would be if it was themed like the great movie franchise Jurassic Park. You would have endless possibilities to create a truly interactive experience within a casino environment that would give it an edge over competitors. This could be regularly updated to make sure that is doesn’t become stale and these updates could coincide with the release of the subsequent movies.

The next film in the franchise is set for a 2018 release and the plot is planned to look at how the dinosaurs on the island could be wiped out due to a natural disaster, liken to the theories surrounding their actual demise approximately 66 million years ago.

Impact Event by Fredrik (copyright free)

The film will be called Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and see the two main protagonists of the last movie, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing, return to find a volcano on the island, Isla Nublar, to be threatening the life of the dinosaurs that now roam freely upon it.

There are plenty of concepts that could be explored here, including the ethics of playing god and bringing back an extinct species. The ideas of how dinosaurs would interact in a modern city environment would also be an interesting idea to explore and, even though this is already the fifth film in the series, there is still plenty of scope to come up with interesting plots and storylines.

Whatever the next film has to offer it is clear that audiences will still flock to see it. The last effort in the franchise Jurassic World is the fourth highest grossing movie of all time, having taken $1.6 billion in the box office. Once adjustment for inflation is taken into account, it is the second-highest grossing movie in the franchise after the first film, so unlike the dinosaur, there is plenty of life in this series yet.

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THE GRAVEDIGGERS UNION Is A Fresh Take On Horror

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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Wes Craig’s fresh take on horror, The Gravediggers Union, combines the undead with sorcery, cosmic entities, and good old fashion comic book intrigue.

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

Our leading trio of Gravediggers have so much character to them without excessive backstory. We’re learning as we go, exploring this world of horror and all the rules that apply within.

The concept of the story and this union of protectors from the undead was already taking horror into a new direction. As we get to know the witch’s story, more details continue to paint the larger picture of this unique world. In a world full of nightmares and magic, there’s still always those looking to profit.

Wes Craig doesn’t drown us in exposition or pollute pages with word balloons. The visual appeal of the book is as much of a driving force as the script is. Craig being an artist, he lets us learn and explore with both the art and dialogue.

Toby Cypress’ gritty, scratchy pencils entrench readers deeply into this mess of shit our main characters find themselves in. Creature design is unique and interesting. Even the little, normal things have an extra dash of horror to them. There’s a spider in the first few pages that is a particularly beautiful brand of creepy.

This abstract caricature approach to faces and expressions makes character development effortless through reactions alone. We get a close look at how different these three Gravediggers are from how they respond to the witch alone.

Niko Guardia uses stylish light filters and brush strokes similar to those in Mister Miracle. For a book that’s largely engulfed in darkness and gore, every splash of vibrancy we get is spectacular.

The witch’s trailer and turtle feature beautiful blends of color that contrast the dirty background splendidly. Every touch of her magic is an explosion of life. Despite being such a dark comic, it’s never a downer.

Jared K Fletcher’s lettering and design is striking. He adds urgency to an already surging narrative. The lettering is very noticeable in the best possible way.

The Gravediggers Union is a complete package. Wes Craig quickly proves he’s got writing chops as this series is unique and superbly crafted.

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James Mangold Set to Tell Patty Hearst Story in GIRL WITH A GUN

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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December 7, 2017

James Mangold, fresh off the success of Logan earlier this year, has signed up to tell the fascinating Patty Hearst story in Girl With a Gun.

For those unfamiliar, Patty Hearst was the granddaughter of William Randolph Hearst, and was kidnapped by the radical Symbionese Liebration Army in 1974. She was their prisoner for two years, but in a shocking turn of events, a video was released where Hearst claimed to now be a member of the radical group. She began participating in bank robberies, and the bank footage photo of her carrying a gun is one of the more infamous videos/images in modern American history.

Hearst was eventually captured and put on trial, but her story is one of the more cinematic scandals. It deserves to be brought to screen, and James Mangold should do a terrific job. The source material is Jeffrey Toobin’s American Heiress, with The People v. O.J. Simpson scribes Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander adapting the story. Elle Fanning will play Patty Hearst, which feels like a perfect choice.

All in all, Girl With a Gun sounds like it could be an incredible film. No news on release date, shooting schedule, etc… Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

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‘X-Men: Dark Pheonix’ First-Look Images Released

By

Kieran McLean

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December 7, 2017

As we approach the conclusion of 2017 and the beginning of an entirely new year, it’s time to look ahead at the incredible line-up of movies 2018 has to offer and thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we have an excellent first-look at X-Men: Dark Pheonix.

In the first-look images, we get a decent look at the next X-Men adventure, including a few shots of Sophie Turner’s Jean Grey and the character’s long-awaited transformation into Pheonix. Also included is an exciting look at a few of the core X-Men members attending what appears to be a funeral. Could one of the X-Men die in Dark Pheonix?

Possibly the most interesting image released is the first-look at Jessica Chastain’s villain, who isn’t named in EW’s report but is said to be a powerful shapeshifter, who takes advantage of Phoenix.

Check out the images below:

X-Men: Dark Pheonix will be the directorial debut of long-time producer Simon Kinberg, who has also written the screenplay. The film stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Sophie Turner, Jessica Chastain, Evan Peters, Tye Sheridan, Nicholas Hoult, Alexandra Shipp, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

Set in 1992, about 10 years after the events of last year’s X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix opens with the X-Men, including Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Storm (Alexandra Shipp), Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and Quicksilver (Evan Peters), in a new, unexpected role: national heroes. Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) even lands on the cover of Time magazine. But his growing ego puts the team at risk. After they’re dispatched to space for a rescue mission, a solar flare hits the X-Jet and the surge of energy ignites a malevolent, power-hungry new force within Jean Grey (Sophie Turner), the Phoenix.

X-Men: Dark Pheonix is scheduled to land in theatres on November 2nd, 2018.

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THE POST Review: Spielberg, Streep, Hanks Shine in The Best Picture Frontrunner

By

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

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The Post centers on the specific circumstances which led an up-and-coming newspaper like the Washington Post to print what is now commonly referred to as “the Pentagon Papers” in 1971.

The documents exposed the government, showing they knew there would be no winnable outcome for America’s involvement in Vietnam. The film is rooted in history, but Spielberg uses his all the tools in his bag to make it work as a thriller. The film has a fantastic cast anchored by two of the best actors of our generation, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Streep plays publisher Kate Graham, who ultimately has to decide if putting her families business is worth being on the right side of history. Hanks is editor Ben Bradlee who pushes Graham to see what’s at stake. We are in good hands.

Despite the dense journalistic story, The Post never lags; Spielberg keeps the pace quick. Much of what makes this movie special is the power of the dialogue from screenwriters Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, delivered with urgent intensity by everyone in the staggering cast.

Spielberg was smart to surround his significant players in the narrative with reliable character actors. Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, Jesse Plemons, Bradley Whitford, and Alison Brie are some best in the business, and each have their moment to shine. Whitford is a standout in this who’s who of supporting players, representing the group of people who didn’t want Graham to publish the story. Does economic sense outweigh common sense? Can the dollar dictate what is lawful and what isn’t?

Streep’s character not only shines a light on the freedoms the press must be able to exercise, but the institutional sexism that was running wild as well (things haven’t exactly changed). Her performance is measured, calm through the first two acts, until Graham has to take a stand. Streep’s portrayal sells the audience on an awakening her character experiences. For years she was relying on her husband to make the tough calls, and even after his death, she sought counsel. The men on the board saw this as a weakness when, in fact, she could process the emotions that made her a great publisher. Streep’s Oscar moment in the boardroom is a stand-out-of-your-seat moment.

Hanks’s character is driven by emotion and the passion for seeking the truth no matter the cost. He is the yin to Graham’s yang. In his mind, this decision couldn’t be more straightforward.

Hannah and Singer’s crackling screenplay is but the canvas that Spielberg creates a vibrant drama that’s richly detailed and challenges the historical work he did with Munich, a film set around the same time. Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography is, as always, an essential part in the overall success of the film. Rather than being tasked to capture some picturesque moments, Kaminski was charged with filming loads of dialogue and to do it in a visually pleasing manner. The use of the handheld camera keeps the intimacy in tact.

Rarely does a film far exceed the lofty expectations placed upon it, but The Post is no ordinary release. Spielberg has managed to take a moment in our nation’s history and transform it into a spectacular heart-pounding cinematic event, one that lives in a richly-textured period epic, and one who’s message feels as timely as anything in popular culture.

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‘It’ Star Jack Dylan Grazer Joins Cast Of SHAZAM!

By

Jackson Hayes

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December 7, 2017

Following his breakout role as Eddie in this year’s remake of Stephen King’s IT, Jack Dylan Grazer has joined the cast of Warner Brothers’ upcoming Shazam! film. According to Deadline, Grazer will be playing Freddy, best friend of Billy Batson and the only person who knows the truth about his alter ego.

Grazer will be playing opposite Asher Angel, who was recently announced to be taking on the role of Billy Batson. The rest of the cast includes Zachary Levi as Captain Marvel himself and Mark Strong as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.

The character of Freddy is not new to Shazam lure. Fredrick Freeman first appeared all the way back in 1941 in an issue of Whiz Comics and is a hero in his own right. Freeman is known as Captain Marvel Jr., he originally received his powers from Captain Marvel and instead of speaking the word “Shazam” he used the word “Captain Marvel” to gain his abilities. That was retconned in 2006 and he began using the word “Shazam” to transform.

It’s unlikely we’ll be getting a look at Captain Marvel Jr. when Shazam! hits theaters but it looks as if DC is laying the groundwork to eventually introduce the Marvel Family. So could we get Mary Marvel and Uncle Marvel on the big screen? Don’t rule it out.

Shazam! hits theaters April 5, 2019, and will be directed by Annabelle Creation director David F. Sandberg.

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Shocking: Ryan Reynolds Set to Play DETECTIVE PIKACHU

By

Eric Morales

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December 6, 2017

Bad title puns aside, in a truly bizarre twist, Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) is set to play the titular character in Detective Pikachu, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Detective Pikachu follows a young boy who, after his father is kidnapped, is forced to enlist the help of the famed Detective Pikachu in order to find him.The film begins shooting January 2018 in London, and will include a motion-captured Ryan Reynolds. He’ll join Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) and Kathryn Newton (Big Little Lies). Rob Letterman (Goosebumps) is directing the film. Alex Hirsch and Nicole Perlman penned the script.

That is about all the facts that anyone knows right now; Legendary Pictures has kept most of the details in the dark. But that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to say.

This is yet another entry in a frankly baffling career for Reynolds. Despite being in a bevy of films from from 2000-2015, he was mostly known as “the cute guy” from whatever movie you happened to see him in.

It wasn’t until 2016 that he became a household name in his own right with Deadpool, in which he played the meta-textual titular character – for the second time. He previously played the same character – sort of – in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

And yet, Reynolds as Detective Pikachu feels like the strangest part yet. He is voice acting and motion capturing a talking Pokemon based on a video game that was based on a massive children’s media franchise that was based on yet another video game. And until today’s announcement, the internet’s main choice to play Pikachu was Danny DeVito.

If nothing else, it will be fascinating to see how this production, and performance, plays out.

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New ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald’ Images Released

By

Kieran McLean

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December 6, 2017

Last month Warner Bros. debuted the first look at the cast of the upcoming Fantastic Beasts sequel and officially announced that the film is titled Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald. Today, Entertainment Weekly has released two first-look images from the movie, one of which gives us an incredible look at the film’s hero, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), while the other delivers a behind-the-scenes look at Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law on set.

More – Breaking: FANTASTIC BEASTS 2 Title And First Look Revealed

In the first image, Redmayne’s Newt Scamander in what appears to be an underground sewer system, accompanied by his iconic suitcase. The character seems to be in a rather troubling situation, as his attention is firmly fixed on something off camera. Could the magizoologist/wizard be looking at a frightening new beast?

As for the second image, we get an amazing look at Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law behind-the-scenes of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald, which is currently filming in London. Of course, Jude Law will be introduced in the second Fantastic Beasts movie as a younger interpretation of the infamous Albus Dumbledore, and while this doesn’t give us a new look at the actor in costume, it’s great to see these two getting along on set.

EW has also revealed an exciting interview with the film’s director David Yates, who briefly discusses the tone of the sequel. Yates who also directed four of the Harry Potter movies promises that the second instalment of the Fantastic Beasts franchise will “surprise” a lot of people and will have a significantly darker and grittier feel.

“The first film had a level of whimsy; the characters felt like children in grown-up bodies. In this movie, it gets grittier and more nuanced and detailed. It’s quite a romantic film, it’s a thriller, it’s quite an interesting combination of genres you rarely see together. I think it will surprise people.”

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald stars Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Johnny Depp, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, and Claudia Kim. The film is scheduled for release on November 16, 2018.

At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

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Five Favorite Films from 1979: The Year I Was Born

By

Kimberly Cook

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December 6, 2017

I went to my 20-year high school reunion last month. (When the hell did I get so old?) While I was flooded with nostalgia, I thought about how we’d rent VHS tapes at the local video store. These friends influenced my fascination with comic book movies, science fiction, comedy, action, and everything in between.

I learned at a fairly young age that some of the best movie franchises were born in 1979, as was I. These revolutionary franchises would change the world of cinema and stand the test of time by producing sequels, prequels, and reboots even today.

1. Alien

A perfect marriage of horror and science fiction, this flick has one of the most gruesome and famous special effect moments in cinematic history. The alien protruding from Kane’s chest stands out as one of the most recognizable moments in pop culture.

The spawn of three sequels, two prequels, a tie-in with another sci-fi classic Predator, books, comics, and video games makes this arguably one of the most successful movie franchises of all time.

2. Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Going from the television screen to the movie screen is never easy, and it was a bit of a rough transition for Star Trek. Drama with the development of the movie, script rewrites, and missed deadlines make it sound like the Solo: A Star Wars Story and Justice League nightmares we’re living today.

This film was able to kick off more successful Star Trek movies, and was consequently the necessary evil beginning. It definitely wasn’t the best of the series; I mean, come on… the villain is a cloud!

3. The Muppet Movie

Our favorite variety show puppets made their feature film debut with a cross-country trip filled with mishaps and giggles. Muppets are known for breaking the fourth wall, silly humor, human cameos, and catchy musical numbers all wrapped up in a family-friendly package.

The Muppets brought us seven more stand-alone flicks that bring the kid out in all of us. One of the first movies I ever remember going to see in a theater was Muppets Take Manhattan.

4. Rocky II

After the first movie ended in a draw, Rocky contemplates retirement, while Apollo wants a rematch. Filled with the struggles of money, fame, health, love, and family, it tugs at your heart strings. There’s enough action, though, to make it a film for everyone.

Rocky was solidified as a franchise with this film. Yes, it was a great sequel, but it left you wanting more. Stallone and crew would deliver. With seven movies under its belt and more to come, it doesn’t seem like anything can keep Mr. Balboa down.

5. Moonraker

James Bond pictures are timeless and stands as one of the highest continually-running movie franchises in history. While they focus on the one main character, they hold solid story lines that stand tall by themselves. And, let’s not forgot the traditional “Bond Girl” who always has a name that would make my grandmother blush.

Ok, so it’s probably the cheesiest out of all of the Bond films. But, the timing was understandable. The next movie was intended to be For Your Eyes Only, but the rise of the sci-fi phenomenon changed producers’ minds. Hence, Moonraker was shot instead.

Click here to see more great movies from 1979!

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Check out the full preview here:

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD