‘Marvel’s Runaways’ on Hulu will hit the streaming service on November 21; this review is of the first four of the ten episode series.
What makes Adrian Alphona and Brian K. Vaughn’s comic book series unique is the random combination of characters they put in the book. Alex Wilder, Nico Minoru, Karolina Dean, Molly Hayes, Chase Stein, and Gertrude Yorkes are all over the teenage spectrum, and the Hulu’s series intelligently captures this aspect. Teenagers are awkward, can never agree, and screw-up more often than not; yet, if you sprinkle in a few superpowers, this makes for very compelling television.
There will be spoilers after the break, you’ve been warned.
On top of it all, you have dinosaur running around that looks way better than anything FOX or The CW has tried in their respective comic book shows.
The best part of ‘Marvel’s Runaways’ on Hulu is the series doesn’t over explain who people are so that you are stuck in a predetermined mindset. The show lets you learn on the fly, and if you pay close attention, you might catch on quicker. The prime example is Gregg Sulkin’s Chase Stein; the show doesn’t hit you over the head that he’s an inventor. Except for Molly, no one’s powers are quickly explained; this adds a confusion layer to the tension. The teens are off-balance in more ways than one.
Each of the four episodes end in such a way that you want to binge. The mystery and suspense build and you are compelled for more answers. By the end of the fourth episode, the cast is built up with enough backstory that you are ready to run to the finish line.
The series is about ‘What if your parents were supervillains?’ and this is not an easy concept for a teenager to handle. ‘Marvel’s Runaways’ does a great job with this internal emotional struggle, and doesn’t rush any character. These are complex heroes, unlike anything you watched in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and by the end of the fourth episodes, your heroes resemble the comic book version surprisingly well.
The second episode is a retelling of the first episode, but from the parents perspective. Usually, this type of episode bothers me to high hell, but ‘Rewind’ works well to establish the motives of the parents and gives the viewer a keen understanding of each character.
The final verdict on the success of the series will come at the end of the season, and this will depend on how dark the series is willing to go, and how quickly the plot escalates. The way episode four ends it makes me believe that the tension will hit a breaking point in episode five.
If you are a fan of Alphona and Vaughn’s creation, you will love ‘Marvel’s Runaways’ on Hulu.
Are you excited for ‘Marvel’s Runaways’ on Hulu? Sound off in the comment section below.
Batman and Catwoman encounter Talia Al Ghul’s forces as they continue their quest to meet with Bruce’s ‘ex’. Meanwhile, Damian Wayne and Dick Grayson are hot on their trail with questions and a plan to stop the newly engaged couple from possibly starting an international incident and getting themselves killed.
Batman #34
‘Rules of Engagement’ Part 2 Written by: Tom King Art by: Joelle Jones Colors by: Jordie Bellaire Letters: Clayton Cowles
Writing
The last issue was the start of this new storyline, but this issue is where I think it really kicks into gear. Not only do we finally get to see Talia in full League of Assasins butt-kicking glory, we also see Batman and Catwoman throw down hard themselves. There are some excellent fight scenes here and they give the issue a brisk pace that makes it fun.
Another standout aspect was the fantastic back-and-forth between Bruce and Selina. Tom King has often said his run will ultimately be about the relationship these two have, and this issue certainly supports that. The chemistry created between the two leaps off the page. There were several moments that made me chuckle. But it’s much more than just cute and clever, as you also get a sense of how formidable a team Bruce and Selina make. Selina pulling the sword out of Bruce’s shoulder to take it up against Talia is one of the most bad-ass moves I have seen from Catwoman (and I read most of the Brubaker run a few years ago).
I have to say though that if I had to pick a favorite moment it would be the scene with Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne. This is a pairing I have always loved seeing, and King also nails this duo. More so than any other of Batman’s sidekicks/surrogate sons, these two feel and act like brothers. There is genuine warmth portrayed between the two here, especially at the end of the scene. And Damian threatening Superman with black magic is probably going to be one of my favorite character moments for Damian ever. It was PERFECT (and pretty hysterical). The whole scene that ends with Superman flying off and Dick’s comment of “He can still see you from Central City” actually made me laugh out loud.
Art
Joelle Jones and Jordie Bellaire are a great art team to pair with this story. Jones’ style lends itself well to the desert setting and costumes everyone is wearing. The thick line work (even on the panel borders) adds grit and weight to the images. There is also some great layout and composition to the pages; one fight sequence with long, angled panels is particularly striking.
Bellaire continues to be one of the best colorists in the business. The palate here adds to the mood, creating an almost sandy and dusty feel. You can feel the sunlight and desert heat bathing the characters.
Conclusion
I really like where this arc is going and how at its core is all a family drama. Yes, it has Batman and Catwoman fighting tongueless desert ninjas but it’s really about a man trying to tie up loose ends before a marriage and the sons who want to understand what this new marriage might mean for them in the future. Tom King continues to probe different aspects of the Caped Crusader and I am staying on board.
I, Tonya is picking up some serious steam heading into awards season, both for Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding and Allison Janney as her awful mother. Now, we have a red band trailer, and it is most certainly NSFW…
Check it out, and again be totally aware of the salty language :
For anyone unfamiliar with this story, it all happened during the 1994 Winter Olympics, when Harding’s idiot husband Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan) sabotaged her closest rival, Nancy Kerrigan, by whacking her in the knee with a pipe.
It is a salacious tabloid story full of white trash wannabe gangsters, but it’s also an interesting examination of class and social division.
I, Tonya looks pretty incredible. Margot Robbie’s transformation has been the biggest point of buzz about the film to this point, but Allison Janney seems almost a shoe in for Best Supporting Actress. Aside from this duo and Stan, the film stars Bobby Cannavale. It is directed by Craig Gillespie, who has a curious collection of films on his ledger, from Lars and The Real Girl to the Fright Night remake.
The original X-Force team from its first series in 1991 was awesome! That is the squad most traditionalists are hoping for. The mutant community is HUGE and the possibilities are endless for Hollywood and Sony. There have been numerous mutants to have appeared in the series over its initial first run and later installations of more series and spinoffs as well. With Deadpool 2 right around the corner, with Cable and Domino already cast and the rumor that three more members will be introduced, an X-Force movie is closer than we might think. If that is the case, with three characters having already been cast, consider us psychic if we picked them correctly.
A brief rundown of the team goes like this … Cable, looking to form a new team from members of New Mutants, after the group was disbanded, reorganized them as his new team, X-Force. The squad originally consisted of Cable, Domino, Shatterstar, Cannonball, Warpath, Feral and Boom Boom. As stated above, many mutants have come through the group, including but not limited to: Sunspot, Rictor, Bishop, Siryn, Wolverine, Psylocke, Deadpool, Colossus, Archangel and Fantomex. While other X-Teams believe in protecting humans from evil mutants, X-Force has adopted a proactive attitude toward mutant terrorists. Cable’s basic philosophy, “Get them before they get you”. The group’s primary antagonists include groups like, mutant-hating human militias, government agencies, Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the Mutant Liberation Front, just to name a few. Let’s take a look at the original team, cover some possible guest appearances the movie might have and offer up who we’d like to see cast.
Cable
Nathan Summers is the son of Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Madelyne Pryor-Summers and is the leader of X-Force, having assembled the group. He must continually employ his telekinetic powers to prevent the techno-organic virus that is affecting the rest of his body to spread.
Abilities: He is an accomplished warrior, battle strategist and weapons specialist. His physical attributes have been enhanced to superhuman levels, but his principal mutant powers are his vast telepathic and telekinetic abilities. His techno-organic arm possesses even greater strength than the rest of his organic limbs. His techno-organic eye can see into the infrared portion of the spectrum.
Actor:Josh Brolin is great in everything he does. We already know that he has been cast as Cable and is set to spearhead the character in its big screen debut in Deadpool 2. You know Brolin for an already storied career with such projects as The Goonies, American Gangster, Jonah Hex, Gangster Squad, Sicario and as the voice of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Domino
Very little is known about the early life of Domino, even her given name and place of origin are shrouded in mystery. She has a distinguished career in covert activities and missions with various organizations and governments as a freelance mercenary.
Abilities: She is well-versed in various forms of combat techniques and martial arts, while serving as a superb markswoman and skilled with firearms and explosives. Her mutant abilities are that of psionic control over probability. She can cause her own ‘good luck’, while forcing ‘bad luck’ on her opponents.
Actor: Zazie Beetz is another great actor, especially on the show, Atlanta. She will also debut her character, Domino, for the first time in a movie, in Deadpool 2, along-side Cable. Beetz was most-recently in the movie Geostorm and will be in three other projects in 2018, including Slice.
Shatterstar
His origin is a complete paradox. He hails from one hundred years in the future in an alternate future from an extradimensional planet called, Mojoworld, which is ruled by the tyrant, Mojo. He was genetically engineered to have his powers enhanced so to compete in Mojo’s arena. He was later teleported to Earth, shortly after realizing his memories were those of Benjamin Russell, and met Cable to join X-Force.
Abilities: He is a master swordsman and has extensive training in many forms of martial arts, including that of his home planet, Mojoworld. His body was genetically engineered as he possesses superhuman strength with enhanced speed, stamina, durability, agility and reflexes.
Actor:Colton Haynes would be perfect for this role. He not only looks like Shatterstar, but he has the training and physical attributes to fit the part with his past work as Roy Harper on Arrow (53 episodes). Since then, he’s been a regular on both Teen Wolf (26 eps) and American Horror Story (8 eps). Other possibilities could include: Luke Bracey, K.J. Apa, Blake Jenner or Freddie Thorp.
Cannonball
Born Sam Guthrie, he garnered his superpowers when trapped in a coal mine. The stress of trying to save his friend and himself triggered his propulsive power and enabled them to escape. He was first recruited by the Hellfire Club, whose efforts aimed to take down Professor Xavier and the X-Men. After defeating its leader, Pierce, Xavier invited Cannonball to lead the New Mutants.
Abilities: He possesses the ability to bodily generate thermos-chemical energy and release it from his skin, helping him to fly. This energy, released upon his request, is accompanied by exhaust, like that of a rocket. When he forms his thermos-chemical energies, he becomes virtually invulnerable. He can generate a protective field while using his energy, which protects his skin, but he is also saved in the case of rough landings, as the field serves as a type of cushion. He also has the power to recover from mortal injuries and it is believed that he is also an External, a mutant that has the gift of immortality.
Actor: Scott Eastwood comes to mind for this character. Maybe you’ve heard of his father, one Mr. Clint Eastwood? Yeah, we thought so. He has been in stuff like Texas Chainsaw 3D, Suicide Squad and is set to co-star in the sequel to Pacific Rim, Uprising, in 2018. He’s also been rumored lately as a possible successor to Hugh Jackman to play Wolverine in future X-Men movies. If that’s the case, some possible fallback choices could be: Charlie Heaton (who is already rumored to have been cast as this character), McCaul Lombardi, Dacre Montgomery or Rhys Wakefield.
Boom Boom
Tabitha Smith developed her powers around 13-years of age. She had not gotten along with her parents for most of her life, especially after they realized what she could do. She ran away from home to join Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters under the alias, “Time Bomb”. Prior to joining X-Force, and after stints with the school, on a distant alien facility called “World Complex Headquarters”, with a group of mutant thieves called “Fallen Angels” and X-Factor, she settled in with the New Mutants.
Abilities: She can create balls of energy, which she calls ‘time bombs’, and explodes them with concussive force. She can also use the same power to make smaller, more playful sized bombs. She ultimately controls the amount of time a ‘bomb’ detonates and can muffle the sound of detonation to a limited extent as well.
James Proudstar lost his brother, Thunderbird, in their second mission with the X-Men. Angered by the team and especially Professor X, of whom he blamed his brother’s death on, he joined the White Queen’s “Hellions”. After coming to his senses, he returned to the reservation where his family resided. After seeing that his home was completely wiped out, he agreed to Cable’s invitation to join X-Force.
Abilities: He possesses superhuman strength, stamina, durability, agility and reflexes.
She grew up in in a broken family in which her father left in New York City as Maria Callasantos. She had a sister, Lucia, who was also a mutant and many siblings. After the family disbanded, the two sisters went and lived underground with a community known as the “Morlocks”, where Maria took on the name “Feral” and her sister, “Thornn”. Shortly thereafter, Feral joined X-Force, but her sister teamed up with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.
Abilities: She resembles that of a werewolf and possesses enhanced strength, with acute superhuman capabilities in speed and agility and in her senses, especially those of sight and smell.
Now, should there be some guest appearances, some possible fan-favorite mutants that we would like to see in the movie include the folks listed below.
Sunspot
Roberto da Costa is the son of a deceased Brazilian millionaire and an American archaeologist. He first manifested his powers at the age of 14, in a soccer match in Rio de Janiero. Professor X, after learning that Donald Pierce and his group “Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club” were en route to kill Sunspot, he intervened and set him up with the New Mutants.
Abilities: He can navigate aircrafts as he is a highly skilled pilot. His mutant capability consists of absorbing solar energy and convert it to use as physical strength. He also possesses the abilities to physically fly and project concussive energy blasts with his hands.
He is from 21st Century A.D. of an alternate timeline in which the mutant-hunting robots called ‘Sentinels’ had taken control of North America. Mutants in these times were sent to relocation camps, where he resided. All mutants of these times were branded with an ‘M’ over their eye, hence his trademark eye tattoo. He is a timehopper and travels through time to find Professor X and the X-Men. When found, he becomes a member of the Xavier Security Enforcers or, XSE.
Abilities: He is talented in hand-to-hand combat and a weapons expert, including laser and plasma charged cannons. He possesses normal human strength, but his mutant powers consist of the ability to absorb kinetic energy and project it from his hands as concussive blasts. He can also time travel.
Actor: It would be great to see Omar Sy reprise his role as he did in X-Men: Days of Future Past. He was also great in Jurassic World. If not, Idris Elba would be an amazing addition to this cast. He already looks a lot like Bishop in his role as Heimdall in the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok movie.
Siryn
Originally from Ireland, Theresa Rourke, is the daughter of famed mutant, Sean Cassidy, ‘Banshee’, and Maeve Rourke. An explosion killed Maeve and most feared Theresa was in the blast as well. She was later found by her cousin ‘Black’ Tom Cassidy, a mutant, and he secretly raised her, thus to use her in various crimes. She eventually explained who she was and was reunited with her father and the X-Men. After joining the “Fallen Angels” for a bit, she eventually linked up with X-Force and became romantically involved with Deadpool.
Abilities: She has the ability to create various sonic effects through the action of her vocal cords and she also has limited psionic capabilities, which can be used in conjunction with her sounds. She also can fly and shatter any known solid substance with her ‘sonic lance’ siren call. Her sonic powers can also be honed as a sonar navigation and ranging system.
J.E. Richter was captured by a subversive organization that seeks to eliminate all mutants in efforts to dominate humanity as well. X-Force saved him in confronting this group and recruited him as a trainee. During this time, he became a member of a sub-group known as the, “X-Terminators”. He later joined the New Mutants for a stint before returning to his original team, X-Force.
Abilities: He has the ability to generate powerful waves of vibrations, which can produce effects resembling those of earthquakes. He is also immune to the harmful effects of the vibrations he makes.
House of Cards has suspended production indefinitely, following the sexual harassment charges leveled against Kevin Spacey, who is both the star and executive producer of the series.
In a statement, Netflix announced that “MRC and Netflix have decided to suspend production on House of Cards season six, until further notice, to give us time to review the current situation and to address any concerns of our cast and crew.”
This news comes a mere two days after Anthony Rapp, a relatively fresh face in Hollywood who recently began starring in Star Trek, told Buzzfeed News that Spacey made very overt sexual advances towards him when he was only 14. Spacey was quick to issue an apology, and used the opportunity to discuss his own sexuality, which immediately drew heavy criticism from those who saw him as wielding his sexuality as a tool to escape from the gravity of these accusations.
Netflix had originally responded to the issue by stating that they would discontinue House of Cards after its sixth season. But now, even the existence of a sixth season appears to be in doubt. Apparently, executives from Netflix and MRC travelled to Baltimore to consult with the cast and crew of House of Cards on Monday to ascertain whether or not those present felt “safe and supported.”
Other news recently broke that Netflix was considering multiple spinoffs, including one about Michael Kelly’s character, Doug Stamper, who is Frank Underwood’s (Spacey) chief of staff.
Beau Willimon, the former showrunner for House of Cards, found the allegations “deeply troubling” but also found it important to point out that “During the time I worked with Kevin Spacey on House of Cards, I neither witnessed nor was aware of any inappropriate behavior on set or off. That said, I take reports of such behavior seriously and this is no exception. I feel for Mr. Rapp and I support his courage.”
Spacey has been involved in multiple upcoming projects, including another Netflix project about Gore Vidal. All of these are now in jeopardy.
Taika Waititi, director of Thor: Ragnarok, a Marvel film which has already garnered a good deal of critical acclaim ahead of its November 3 release date, has suggested that he is interested in developing a television series based on his film What We Do in the Shadows.
In a conversation with Fandango, he revealed that ““We’re trying to develop a U.S. version of What We Do in the Shadows. You know, set here in the states, but a TV show.”
Beyond that statement, not many more details are available. However, the film was a wild critical success, and focused on a faux documentary of the home life of a group of vampires living together in New Zealand. The focus was more on these vampires doing things like arguing about chores than draining blood from their victims, although when the latter came into focus, the film ratcheted the violence up to 11.
As such, the concept has a great deal of versatility. The humor is strong enough that it could survive on a major network like NBC, although it would probably be better suited to a premium cable channel like HBO or Showtime. One of the latter channels would really allow the sinister side of the show to shine.
There is also another spinoff of What We Do in the Shadows in the works, however. Waititi has said of this that “We’re also trying to start shooting in New Zealand. A spin-off following the two cops from the movie, as a sort of mockumentary X-Files that takes place in a certain small New Zealand town where they investigate paranormal activity.” It has been suggested that this film may be hilariously entitled We’re Wolves.
This news has already prompted a bit of concern from certain fans, with the worry that an American version of the film will be more in the realm of a remake than a companion piece. Little is known at this point, but the latter option would certainly be preferable.
Gunpowder, Kit Harington’s passion project about his ancestor, Robert Catesby, and his involvement with the Gunpowder Treason plot, has been picked up by HBO. The miniseries, which premiered on BBC One last Saturday, will debut on HBO on December 18, and will air over the course of the following two nights.
Gunpowder is still airing on Saturdays, and is produced by Kudos of the Endemol Shine Group, in association with Thriker Films. Finding a new home at HBO is appropriate, considering the large number of cast members familiar to the channel. Among their number are Mark Gatiss (Sherlock), Peter Mullan (Quarry), Liv Tyler (The Leftovers), Kevin Eldon (Game of Thrones), and, of course, Kit Harington himself.
Katy Anthills, the president of HBO Miniseries and Cinemax programming, said, “We are delighted to offer a platform for a project that is so close to Kit Harington’s heart. Kit’s passion for and belief in Gunpowder are evident in every frame of the miniseries.”
Harington serves as a co-executive producer on the project, but his relationship to the show is much more complex than that. As a descendent of Robert Catesby, who was in many ways the mastermind behind the entire Gunpowder plot, it has become a major passion project for the Game of Thrones actor.
“Three years ago, Daniel West and I conceived and began developing Gunpowder with Kudos and Ronan Bennett,” Harington said of the project. “We are now thrilled to share this unique story with the U.S. audience. I can’t think of a better place to do that than my home at HBO.”
The series performed very well, considering its time slot, which is normally not reserved for such historical dramas.
Being acquired by HBO means that, in the United States, Gunpowder will be available on HBO on Demand, as well as HBO GO and HBO NOW.
What do you think of this news? Are you excited that you’ll get to watch Gunpowder in the US?
After two episodes of non-stop world building and driving action, Rebels paused to take some breaths in episodes five and six, “The Occupation” and “Flight of the Defender.”
The story finds Jedi Ezra Bridger and crew returning to Imperial occupied Lothal to investigate reports of a prototype TIE Defender. They discover that Lothal is now under martial law, and must avoid this increased Imperial presence while they attempt to learn about the new starfighter.
“The Occupation” served as a much quieter episode for Rebels. The highlights are powerful character moments, as Ezra discovers the extent to which Lothal has been occupied, and what it means for the people he once knew – some of which are no longer living.
It also provides internal conflict, as he – and the audience – struggle with the desire to return home and free his people, only to discover that Senator Mon Mothma is correct about resource allocation. In a situation so complete as the one on Lothal, are their resources not better spent elsewhere? The episode doesn’t provide an answer, but does leave you with the question lingering.
“Flight of the Defender” was the weakest episode of the season thus far. It focuses on Mandalorian warrior Sabine and Ezra discovering the TIE Defender, only to be surprised by Admiral Thrawn. The action is great, with the dogfight between the Defender and other TIE fighters a highlight. However, the character points of the episode revolve around Ezra and a white Loth-cat and -wolf that seemingly only he can see.
These two creatures fill the common “spirit animal” trope, guiding Ezra through the plot, despite being invisible to anyone else. But their real purpose is up in the air. The episode provides absolutely nothing in the way of bread crumbs down that particular trail. Ezra’s Jedi mentor, Kanan Jarrus, implies their future importance right before the credit wipe, but doesn’t provide anything of substance.
As a result, the use of this trope was distracting more than creative. How are they going to survive the wastes alone, escape the Death troopers, and avoid Admiral Thrawn? Don’t worry about it, here’s a spirit cat and wolf.
While certainly not a bad episode, “Flight of the Defender” feels like a build up to something much better. It’s too important to be called filler, but not significant enough to be required. However, “The Occupation” is a thing of beauty. If you’ve been sleeping on this show, it’s time to stop. Get to it.
Colorful and fun – these are the two words that will be used most to describe Thor: Ragnarok. And though they may become cliché, they’re not wrong. Whereas the previous two Thor films looked bleak and washed out, Ragnarok is big and bold and – yes – fun as hel.
Director Taika Waititi was the perfect choice to breath new life into this franchise. His vision matches the vibrance and grandiose action that icons like Jack Kirby and Walt Simonson used to establish Thor. He pulled some brilliant comedic performances from his cast, making Ragnarok one of the outright funniest films in the MCU. But while it’s very much a comedy in some ways, Waititi balances that with enough heart and soul to deepen the story and get the audience fully invested. He is to Thor what the Russo Brothers were to Captain America.
Aside from Waititi, the whole production team deserves praise on this flick. The design is gorgeous; Asgard has never looked better. In the vein of Doctor Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy,Ragnarok takes the audience on a trippy thrill ride through the cosmos. Marvel keeps exploring bright new corners of its cinematic universe, and it seems to get better with each installment.
After four films, Chris Hemsworth finally hits his stride as the God of Thunder. He takes the fun yet brutal Thor that we’ve seen glimpses of in the Avengers films and finally fleshes him out in his own feature. Then both newcomers like Tessa Thompson and Cate Blanchett and MCU veterans like Tom Hiddleston and Mark Ruffalo do an excellent job matching Hemsworth’s level of charisma. Waititi claims that 80% of this film was improvised, so most of the energy and charm we see on screen is thanks to the actors themselves.
And speaking of Ruffalo, this is the best Hulk that Marvel’s put on the big screen to date. He generates much of the film’s humor and action as both Hulk and puny Banner, and steals the show once he pops up. The filmmakers pull just enough from the Planet Hulk storyline to satisfy fans, and it plays perfectly with Thor’s story. If this truly is the start of a sly Hulk trilogy, we’re in for a treat.
Simply put, Thor: Ragnarok is the film that fans deserved. It doesn’t shy away from the bright fun that made the character popular, nor does it neglect the savage brutality inherent in the story. Here’s hoping Taika Waititi sticks around in the MCU for many years to come.
