Wednesday morning Netflix released the trailer for Angelina Jolie’s controversial film ‘First They Killed My Father.’
This is how Jolie cast the young actors in the film. You decide if she crossed a line or not:
To cast the children in the film, Jolie looked at orphanages, circuses, and slum schools, specifically seeking children who had experienced hardship. In order to find their lead, to play young Loung Ung, the casting directors set up a game, rather disturbing in its realism: they put money on the table and asked the child to think of something she needed the money for, and then to snatch it away. The director would pretend to catch the child, and the child would have to come up with a lie. “Srey Moch [the girl ultimately chosen for the part] was the only child that stared at the money for a very, very long time,” Jolie says. “When she was forced to give it back, she became overwhelmed with emotion. All these different things came flooding back.” Jolie then tears up. “When she was asked later what the money was for, she said her grandfather had died, and they didn’t have enough money for a nice funeral.” (source: Vanity Fair)
‘First They Killed My Father’ is the adaptation of Cambodian author and human rights activist Loung Ung’s gripping memoir of surviving the deadly Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1978. The story is told through her eyes, from the age of five, when the Khmer Rouge came to power, to nine years old. The film depicts the indomitable spirit and devotion of Loung and her family as they struggle to stay together during the Khmer Rouge years.
The film is directed by Jolie, with Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire) serving as director of photography, Jolie and Loung Ung worked on the script.
‘First They Killed My Father’ gets a theatrical and Netflix release on September 15.
A new poster for The Defenders has arrived, and our heroes don’t look too happy.
“Marvel’s The Defenders” follows Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal – to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together.
The show stars Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, Finn Jones as Iron Fist, Mike Colter as Luke Cage, and Charlie Cox as Daredevil; the villain, Alexandra, is portrayed by legendary actress Sigourney Weaver.
Are you looking forward to The Defenders? Comment below, let us know. The show’s first season hits Netflix on August 18.
Sony’s decision to forgo screening The Emoji Movie in about 98% of markets is the start of a disturbing trend. Film companies are starting to shy away from allowing critics opportunities to pre-screen material before it is released to the public. While some might feel that this is long overdue, others see it as disturbing a process that has been in place for centuries.
For centuries, artists have been creating works of art (whether visually or through the spoken word) and have been subject to criticism from the general public. Do you think Michelangelo’s David was received warmly by all of the public as a whole? Were the first plays ever performed at The Globe considered masterpieces? Society has been judging art for centuries.
However, we now live in this era of Rotten Tomatoes, and this perception has been created that critics are the enemy. Up until DC’s release of Wonder Woman, the common excuse that most fan boys would throw towards critics was we were all on Disney’s payroll. Never mind the quality of Suicide Squad and or Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice, it’s obvious that critics have a deep seeded hatred for anything that comes out the DC Cinematic Universe (give me a break!).
The reason why studios won’t screen these movies is not for your benefit, or because critics are these big bad people, it’s because they are hoping to trick the public. Major studios realize what type of product they have well before films are screened. These films are combed over frame by frame as the studios plan their marketing strategies for each release. Why else would critics be allowed to see War For The Planet Of The Apes a month before the general public did? Was it because they thought we were special? No, they knew the film was a hit and wanted the word to get out.
Some might make the argument that critics infringe upon an artist’s vision. Criticism doesn’t impede anyone from fully realizing their vision; it’s merely a dialogue about the person’s work. Remember, for every person who is not a fan of Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice there is someone who enjoyed the movie.
So let’s stop accusing people unjustly and place the blame where it needs to be. Critics have never been the enemy, it’s the studios who have decided it’s more important to make a few bucks rather than make something worth while. How many more reboots, rehashing of old ideas, or crap ideas need to become movies for everyone to finally realize that? Start holding these studios to a higher standard and then maybe they won’t be so pensive about allowing people to see their work before it’s released.
Within certain circles not having experienced some version of the Macross Saga is akin to saying you’ve never watch Star Wars or the Lord of the Rings. I’m one of those people. I have never seen Robotech. Even though it was before my time, the idea of a multi-generational science fiction epic featuring mecha, cocky fighter pilots, and political intrigue always peaked my interest. I understood Robotech‘s cultural significance and its role in bringing anime to mainstream audiences in the West, but it was something I never found time for. Other shows, some riding of its coattails, filled that gap in my viewing habits. However, Robotech has always remained on my list of things I really need to get around to checking out, but when was I going to find the time to watch an 85-episode show that ended 30 years ago. Enter: Titan Comics. As if the publisher behind such titles as Doctor Who, Blood Bowl and Freeway Fighter heard my pleas, they announced a new Robotech comic helmed by writer: Brian Wood and artist: Marco Turini with Marco Lesko on colours and John Workman on letters. I finally had a way to experience Robotech with a creative team I trusted, but still, there was that fear. Would they fall into the reboot trap?
We’ve all seen examples of the reboot trap. You’ve read those comics that hope to survive on brand awareness alone. In the past, that might have proved a lucrative business model, but the market has changed. More importantly, the readership’s tolerance for such stories has been eroded by series taking that inherent trust and abusing it. Thankfully, if Robotech #1 is anything to go by, the team over at Titan Comics have heeded the lessons from comics past. The result? A comic that owes as much to Top Gun as it does to Gundam.
Woods and Turini have taken a page from IDW and Boom! Studios’ books in using two familiar trappings of a nostalgic franchise to planet the seeds for a more considered take on the material. The story still features a young fighter pilot eager to impress an older bother-figure, but the militarization of society is more pronounced than it may have been before. The classic designs and characters lull the reader into a false sense of comfort only to twist their expectations. Even a newcomer to the Robotech universe can understand the roles theses characters are meant to inhabit thanks to some helpful character profiles, but it’s clear that the creative team are hoping to use the familiar to fuel exploration of the unfamiliar. In doing so, they can truly make the property their own and a not a simple re-thread of well-trodden territory.
This is the type of courageous storytelling that allowed IDW’s Transformers to slowly turn itself into a political thriller without anyone noticing a dramatic shift in tone. The Siren’s call of retro-revivals allowed Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers to present a thesis on PTSD and make that feel as natural a progression as any Megazord battle. Rather than change what made grafted these stories to our memories in the first place. Woods and Turini haven’t changed the essence of Robotech, but rather like Voltron: Legendary Defender before it, have treated the property with the reverence its fans did in their youth. Regardless of whether the show holds up or not, Titan Comics are anxious to create a version of this show that is true to your memory of Robotech.
I never watched Robotech, even if I had it wouldn’t have any bearing on whether or not the comic itself held up. In researching this article, I’ve come to understand why this series captivated its audience upon release and continues to do so. If this comic was simply aimed at existing fans, it probably wouldn’t succeed. Those types of comics rarely do anymore. Storytelling has evolved since 1985 and Robotech has evolved with it. In doing so, it keeps the fans happy while allowing a new audience to experience the Macross Saga with fresh eyes. If this inaugural issue is anything to go by, Robotech has potential to be the next great sci-fi action romp. I’m on board, are you?
Robotech #1 is available now in all good comic shops and some crap ones as well.
A review copy was kindly provided by the publisher.
The war between Joker and Riddler reaches a fever pitch as the city of Gotham now truly hangs in a lethal balance between two sets of very literal crosshairs. Commissioner Gordon makes a desperate gamble to do what he thinks can to help, but will it prove to be the wrong move? And when the world’s two deadliest assassins enter the fold, it will take Batman days to stop their violent showdown while bodies litter the streets.
Batman #28 “The War Of Jokes and Riddles” Part 3 Written by: Tom King Art by: Mikel Janin Colors by: June Chung Lettered by: Clayton Cowles
The body counts once against rises after what was a brief, yet emotional interlude last issue. This chapter finally sees two of the chosen villains, Deathstroke and Deadshot, enter the center stage as the two take each other on. It’s a brilliant sequence in already great issue and it’s one of 11 reasons to read this week’s Batman #28. Read them all below!
“And The Lord said unto John: ‘Come forth and you shall have eternal life’. But John came fifth and won a toaster.” – The Joker. Having the Clown Prince of Crime say this to a Gordon stripped down to his underwear is both chilling and a nice visual call back to The Killing Joke.
The long vertical panels that open the book. They create immediate opening tension.
Juxtaposing Gordon visiting Joker and Riddler is a strong narrative trick by Tom King. It emphasis each villain’s nature perfectly.
“I’m not like them. They are criminals.” – Catwoman. “You’re currently breaking into a safe that’s not yours.” – Batman. Tom King writes the chemistry between these two perfectly. His Selina Kyle is believable as the kind of woman Bruce Wayne would fall for.
“That afternoon the battle of snipers began” – Batman. It’s such a simple piece of dialog, but the lettering and caption placement give it the sense of dread that it needs in order to lead into the issues best sequence…
The one-page kick-off to the Deadshot/Deathstroke standoff. It’s a perfect example of writing, penciling, layouts, coloring and lettering creating storytelling that only comics can do.
And speaking of art, Mikel Janin and June Chung are a match made in comic book heaven. This whole storyline has been gorgeous to look at and this issue, in particular, is a standout. (Just check out the images I included in this review)
Seeing a young, desperate Batman is yet another aspect of him that Tom King is showing us. Paired with the “narrator” Batman, it creates immediate growth and changes a character over 75 years old.
“City always falls. We always catch it.” Gordon spitting Batman’s own words back at him is a powerful moment. King is also excellent at creating a great dynamic between these two.
Batman’s anger and loss of control after finally catching Deadshot and Deathstroke. His brutal beatdown of Deadshot shows you how far from restrained this young Caped Crusader is and how far he must go before he becomes the methodical Batman we know today.
It’s tough to make a story work as a slow burn yet still have it pop with breathtaking action scenes, and that is exactly what has made ‘The War of Jokes and Riddle’ so fantastic. We’re at about the halfway mark and its pacing has been unique, powerful, explosive and compelling. I for one can’t wait for the punchline and answer to this riddle!
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ hits theaters in December but it looks as if Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly have hit some rough water with the story for ‘Episode IX’ and Jack Thorne has been brought in to work on the script according to reports by the Hollywood Reporter. The report continues to say it is unclear how extensive the rewrites will be.
Thorne has 26 writing credits to his name, with an episode of ‘Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams’ the most intriguing of his resume.
The final installment of the new trilogy is expected to start filming January 2018 which gives the writing team five months to get the script in order, but first fans have to survive ‘The Last Jedi.’
About ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’
The Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi,’ which is written and directed by Rian Johnson and continues the storylines introduced in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, and Kelly Marie Tran.
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ hits theaters on December 15.
Are you worried about the rewrites to ‘Episode IX’? Comment below.
Things can get awkward quick, and Dave Bautista probably received a phone call this afternoon after he revealed his involvement in a live-action version of Valiant’s ‘Eternal Warrior’ via Twitter.
@HmanBBK – How is your eternal warrior project doing and will we see it on the big screens soon?
@DaveBautista – Glad you asked cuz I’m really excited about EW. We are currently working to get the script fan worthy and then we’ll be full on from there.
Valiant CEO & CCO Dinesh Shamdasani, was questioned about the project as well on Twitter, and response implies Bautista’s involvement in the project.
I can neither confirm nor deny that @DaveBautista just revealed a giant secret lol! – @dinesh_s
Shamdasani also retweeted CBR’s version of this new story.
The Valiant movie universe has been a slow moving process, it was announced in 2015 that Sony Pictures and Valiant partnered for a five picture deal. ‘Bloodshot’ was to arrive in theaters this year with a ‘Harbinger’ film to follow, plus sequels, and a team-up. The last update had Jared Leto in the running for the ‘Bloodshot’ lead and Dave Wilson directing. No updated timetable has been announced.
Now you have an ‘Eternal Warrior’ film in the works as well. Sony and Valiant need to get the projects in order and start producing films.
About Bloodshot:
Brought back from the dead and infused with cutting-edge nanotechnology by private security contractor Project Rising Spirit, Bloodshot is a nearly unstoppable killing machine equipped with enhanced strength, speed, endurance, and healing. Created by Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin, and Bob Layton in 1992, Bloodshot is one of the most successful new comic book characters of the past two decades with more than 100 issues published and lifetime sales of more than 7 million copies in multiple languages around the world
About Harbinger:
Centered on telekinetic teenage runaway Peter Stanchek and his recruitment into the mysterious Harbinger Foundation by secretive CEO and philanthropist Toyo Harada, Harbinger was created by former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter and artist David Lapham in 1992.
About Eternal Warrior:
Across ten millennia and a thousand battlefields, Gilad Anni-Padda has traversed the darkest, most mysterious corners of history. But the horror and bloodshed of constant warfare has finally taken its toll on the man myth calls the Eternal Warrior…and he has abdicated his duties as the Fist and the Steel of Earth for a quiet life of seclusion. But when a blood vendetta from the distant past suddenly reappears in the modern day, he must decide if he will return to the ways of war…for the child who betrayed him thousands of years ago…
Do you think we will ever see a Valiant film? Comment below.
Preacher Feature is a weekly analysis of the AMC show Preacher based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. In this column, we will give a breakdown of the events from the previous night’s show, including how they relate to the comics, and speculate as to what’s going on and what might be coming up. This is to say that there will be spoilers, both actual and potential. If you have not yet watched the episode in question or are watching the show without reading the comics and don’t want to have any foreknowledge of what might happen to Jesse and company, then you would do well to stop reading this now.
Pig takes us to Vietnam, site of a levitating pig, in order to introduce us to Herr Starr: a one-eyed German anti-terrorist agent turned top member of The Grail, and arguably Jesse’s greatest nemesis from the comics (one could argue the case for either Herr Starr or The Saint of Killers). Pip Torrens, who plays Starr, and the writers, did a commendable job of establishing the character of Starr, whom comic fans have been looking forward to seeing in the flesh since last season. Through a series of outrageous flashbacks, we see Starr’s desire for absolute order, his sexual depravity, and his single-mindedness in pursuit of his goals. Competing with a number of other applicants for one spot in the mysterious Grail organization, Starr uses violence, the threat of violence, and “self-consumation” to ensure he stands alone at the end of the trials. Then, after Saltonstall reveals him the true purpose of The Grail (Jesus Christ fathered a child and The Grail preserve the bloodline in order to control the world), he nonchalantly pushes Saltonstall off the balcony and takes his place as the leader of The Grail’s Samson Unit. As for the village in Vietnam? Starr poisons the pig along with every human being in the area to keep this “false prophet” from being worshipped. At the end of the episode, Starr gets a phone call telling him Jesse Custer is the next false prophet to be “investigated”.
“There’s more to the city than bloody jazz and almost getting killed”
Meanwhile, back in New Orleans, the gang has visited the last of the cities 187 jazz bars and still have not found God. They decide to hustle some gun enthusiasts by heading to The Hurt Locker, a bar where patrons bet on whether someone can stand up after getting shot in the chest (while wearing a bullet-proof vest) with handguns of increasing caliber. Tulip and Cassidy pose as boyfriend and girlfriend and Tulip says her boyfriend can take the largest gun they have. After an exchange of ‘I love yous’ (play acting on Tulip’s part, but very real on Cassidy’s), Cassidy lines up to get shot. The bullet tears right through the vest and the crowd (not knowing he’s a vampire and as such is unharmed by such things), freaks out, leaving Jesse and company a pile of money and free access to the bar.
But even such things as these can’t lift the spirits of the group for long. Tulip is still traumatized by her near death at the hands of The Saint and we discover that Denis is dying of congestive heart failure. He tells Cassidy (through an intermediary in the form of a French professor from Tulane) that Cassidy has been a terrible father, but can make it up to him by turning him (Denis) into a vampire. Cassidy staunchly refuses to do so and, upset by the situation, drinks an entire handle of armenac, passes out in the street, and is mistaken for deceased by the operator of New Orlean’s dead cart. Upon waking in a morgue freezer (and not for the first time, we find), he sees a couple grieving over the body of their father and has second thoughts about whether or not to bring Denis into the ranks of the undead.
Tulip, deciding that the only way to get over her nightmares of The Saint is to confront death, goes back The Hurt Locker to get shot in the chest. Jesse talks to a street preacher about the signs of the coming apocalypse and the preacher advises Jesse that selling even a small part of one’s soul is a grave mistake.
Easter Eggs/Connections to the Comics
Starr’s admission to Saltonstall that he was “hoping for something more in the vein of atomic warfare” seems to be a reference to The Grail’s goal in the comic “Preacher Special: One Man’s War”. Their plan is to rig a nuclear war, but have the warheads fail to detonate. They will then show that this “miracle” was performed by their descendant of Christ, so that the populace will accept him as their savior.
The shot of Cassidy chugging (above) is, of course, a nod to John Belushi in Animal House. According to Saltonstall, Belushi was assassinated by The Grail (along with Abraham Lincoln and Charlemagne).
Questions/Theories
Will Cassidy turn Denis into a vampire? Given his penchant for making bad decisions, I’d say it seems likely. This could bring Les Enfants Du Sang (a group of vampire wannabes from the comics) into play.
Best Line
“I dreamt about him again and Cassidy’s fingers, falling like french fries on TV.” – Tulip
The culture of the comic book superhero has grown to immense proportions and is now spawning film after film of our favorite characters like nobody’s business.
The first comic book hero to appear was Doctor Occult, who debuted in DC Comics back in 1935. He was a private detective who specialized in Ghost mysteries. Also known as the Ghost Detective, Doctor Occult used magic to help him to solve his cases. He was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the same guys who created Superman – probably the biggest and best-known superhero of all time.
The dominance of DC Comics and Marvel
Superman first hit the scene in 1938, and again was published by DC Comics. He was followed by a string of new superheroes, the most famous of which include the likes of Batman in 1939, The Submariner (1939), The Flash (1940), Green Lantern (1940), Captain America (1941), and Wonder Woman (1941)
Captain America and the Submariner were not a DC Comics characters. They were published by Marvel, who later produced some other great superheroes like The Hulk, Spiderman, and Thor (all 1962), plus Iron Man in 1964.
Between them, DC Comics and Marvel dominate the superhero niche.
It was only a matter of time before the superhero culture was to explode onto the big screen, bringing a new genre of high box-office earning filmmaking, into existence. The early Superman films starring Christopher Reeve were excellent, but a little too goody-goody to be taken seriously.
From comic strip to film noir
The first Batman film from 1989, starring Michael Keaton as the caped crusader, took the old Batman television character to a new level, introducing a little bit of darkness into the superhero mix. By the time we come up to date with Christian Bale’s interpretation of the Batman character, that darkness is fully developed. Finally, Ben Affleck brought the true menace of Batman to life, contrasted with the sophisticated elegance of alter-ego, Bruce Wayne. He portrays both superbly well.
For Batman devotees and geeks, Affleck probably takes the accolade as the ultimate Dark Knight, being the closest thing to the actual character portrayed in the DC Comics.
The film noir feel that Batman brought to the screen’s top superhero movies has changed the perception from comic strip cartoons to serious, believable individuals, with all the weaknesses and foibles of ordinary folk.
We’ve seen the amazing growth of the superhero film industry, and in its efforts to go to new places and introduce new scenarios and challenges, superheroes have been grouped together; sometimes as enemies and sometimes as teams – often dysfunctional teams.
Follow-on to Batman v Superman
The latest superhero team-up is the ‘Justice League,’ which has also been turned into a video slot that can be played at the MrGreen online casino.
Following on from ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ – ‘Justice League’ reunites the trio of Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot). They are joined by a host of other DC superhero favorites including Flash (Ezra Miller), Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher)
‘Justice League’ is scheduled to debut at movie theatres on November 17. It looks to be the biggest and best of the Warner Brothers’ superhero universe.
The movie brings back to the big screen several characters from ‘Wonder Woman;’ namely Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen), and General Antiope (Robin Wright).
The storyline in a nutshell
In a nutshell, the ‘Justice League’ is about Batman, who garners the help of his newly found ally (Wonder woman) to recruit a team of superheroes to challenge an even bigger threat than the planet has faced before.
The threat comes in the form of super-villain Steppenwolf, who together with his assembled army of parademons, are scouring the Earth in search of three so-called Mother-Boxes. Even with the formidable strengths and talents that the newly formed Justice League possesses, they may not be able to save the Earth.
Somehow, we have a feeling that the Justice League will probably succeed, especially as Superman (Henry Cavill) will be resurrected to join our new team of superheroes. It is a must-see film, so keep your eyes open for it at a cinema near you at the end of the year.
Celebrity scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson has assembled a team of brilliant minds to help him with an immersive and completely customizable video game entitled Space Odyssey. The team includes Bill Nye (the Science Guy), American Gods author Neil Gaiman, and Game of Thronesauthor George R.R. Martin, among others in science and literature.
Space Odyssey is described as an “awe-inspiring gaming experience of galactic exploration and colonization.”
Using the laws of physics and vision of Neil deGrasse Tyson, along with his team of scientists and world-builders, you’ll set out on real science-based missions to explore space, colonize planets, create, and mod in real time.
The Beta is expected to be released late summer/early fall 2018.
The Kickstarter for Space Odyssey has raised over $350,000, surpassing its $314,159 goal (yes, it’s pi).
“I like that they’re creating a world that needs to be self-consistent,” said Tyson, in reference to bringing on Martin and Gaiman. “Create any world you want, just make it self-consistent, and base it on something accessible. I’m a big fan of Mark Twain’s quote: ‘First get your facts straight, then distort them at your leisure.’”
Check out the video game trailer here:
Are you ready to explore a world created by Neil deGrasse Tyson, George R.R. Martin, Bill Nye, and Neil Gaiman? Let’s discuss!
