You sit on your couch and wonder where cinema will take us, and then George Clooney and Matt Damon smack you in the face with ‘Suburbicon.’ Multiple feelings boil up to the surface while watching this trailer, especially when you sprinkle a little Julianne Moore crazy on top, so be careful.
About the film: Suburbicon is a peaceful, idyllic suburban community with affordable homes and manicured lawns…the perfect place to raise a family, and in the summer of 1959, the Lodge family is doing just that. But the tranquil surface masks a disturbing reality, as husband and father Gardner Lodge (Matt Damon) must navigate the town’s dark underbelly of betrayal, deceit, and violence. This is a tale of very flawed people making very bad choices. This is Suburbicon.
‘Suburbicon’ is direct by George Clooney and he worked on the script with Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, and Grant Heslov. The film stars Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Jack Conley, and Oscar Isaac.
David Leitch’s Atomic Blonde is a fantastic slick action packed thrill ride that substitutes character development for carnage.
Summary
This story, based on the comic book The Coldest City, takes place over the course of ten days around when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. MI5 sends in their top agent, Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) to go in and retrieve a list of all the spies working in the intelligence community and their aliases which are about to be sold on the black market. With the help of a fellow MI5 agent, David Percival (James McAvoy), she hopes to retrieve this very delicate document before any more officers are killed.
What Worked
Theron’s character is the type of protagonist that a cinematic universe could be built around. She looks great on screen, and it’s so much fun watching her throttle the throngs of enemy agents who are trying to kill her. Broughton is a mixture of Bond’s wit with the brutality of Bourne. It’s refreshing to see her take on that type role and a joy to see her pull it off.
Johnathan Sela atones for the sins committed during Transformers: The Last Knight and goes back to the type of cinematography that garnered praise in John Wick. Sela used the same technique of keeping the “star” in the center of the shot that he did in John Wick. This allows the audience to be drawn as close to the center of the screen during any of the action sequences. By keeping the camera on Theron, we didn’t miss a single bone crunching punch or snap kick to the sternum.
Sela was certainly influenced by the period when he picked out the color palette to use in his shots. There were many instances were neon colors were used which brought out a certain vibrancy in scenes. When Broughton is in the tub full of water and ice it’s lit up using a dark toned neon light. The light emphasizes not only the dark bruises on her face but the water glistening off of her nude body.
The action sequences were intense, appropriate, and didn’t detract from the narrative. There’s a sequence towards the end of the film that’s so brutal that you begin to empathize with Theron. How can someone take that much punishment and still be okay?
What Didn’t Work
Wasn’t a huge fan of the way the story was framed. Must we have another spy movie where the main character is recounting what happened after the fact? We could have easily just picked up the story from the beginning sequence and moved forward (minus the whole interrogation nonsense).
McAvoy’s character was not nearly as ruthless or heavy-handed as he should have been. Percival does have one moment where he slightly comes out of his shell. When he meets with the Russian, who has the stolen list, and proceeds to lobotomize him using an ice pick, a tinge of excitement rushed through the theater. This quickly dissipates when McAvoy’s character resorts back to this whole “I’m just a bad boy” act. Why go away from what works? In this type of film, we want to see our bad guys be evil and not walk some sort moral line.
The second act of the film did drag slightly but not enough to mark the movie down a whole lot.
Overall
If anyone is heading into this release expecting the best action movie of the summer, then they will be very disappointed. However, if fans head into this film realizing that the character development will be minimal, but the action will be brutal, then they will be very pleased. The mixture of cinematography, great action sequence, and great action sequences make Atomic Blonde the most fun you’ll have at the movies this weekend.
Writer Jeff Lemire may be leaving Marvel, but not without finishing his epic Thanos run. The series so far has been unlike any other book starring the maddest son of Titan. Thanos #9 keeps the cosmic train rolling full steam ahead.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Defeated by his Phoenix powered son Thane and Lady Death, Thanos was left to die in a wasteland completely powerless. Now, with the help of his family who was betrayed by Thane, the “Mad Titan” seeks a way to regain his power and stop his son.
Knowing that Thanos is powerless at the moment, everyone wants to take a shot at him. Even without his strength, the mortal and humbled Thanos is still a brutal son of a bitch. He’s been tried to the fullest over the last few issues, and despite how welcoming he is to death still will not meet his end.
Cosmic Marvel has been sneaking its way back to prominence in titles like this and All-New Guardians Of The Galaxy. A major part of making the Marvel universe feel whole again, and more classic, is the cosmic side. Some of the best stories in the history of comic books take place within the stars of the 616 universe.
The setting isn’t the only classic feeling element of Thanos, it’s also Jeff Lemire’s script and narration. How events unravel, and how the characters paths intertwine, has a very old-school feel. This intergalactic tale is spread far across space, the difference in how Thanos’ reputation is known and received helps give this vast universe a very believable pulse.
Seeing Thanos go through the meat grinder throughout this series has been satisfying. Watching him overcome his many moments of weakness and despair, like all of our favorite heroes, makes him more compelling than ever. Despite being one of the most sinister villains of all-time, readers will find themselves rooting for Thanos to overcome these trails and regain his god status.
Lemire continues his victory lap of Marvel contributions with this epic title. His script and dialogue are top notch as always, still finding new places to explore and new characters to meet.
Thanos #9, and the two previous issues, feature some truly wonderful art. It’s not striking the same chord as Deodato did during the first six issues, but German Peralta breathes life into even the most desolate of cosmic landscapes. Rachelle Rosenberg’s coloring does the most to ensure this issue achieves its intergalactic glory.
This issue was more of a family affair and less of a cosmic epic, but entertaining nonetheless. Space witches, the God Quarry, and the Phoenix Force all add up to a more than enjoyable comic book experience!
As a HUGE Dark Tower fan, I am very apprehensive about the upcoming movie adaptation. Those of us who have read the mammoth series know there is no way it can all be done. However, this latest teaser gives me some more hope as it highlights one of the best details about The Dark Tower. In the book series, Roland and his Ka-Tet travel through several other Stephen King worlds and encounter characters from other novels, some of which play vital roles. This new trailer (dubbed Connected KINGdom) seems to reveal that aspect is very much a part of the film. Watch it below.
Pretty cool right? Those are direct references to The Shining, IT, Carrie, The Shawshank Redemption and The Stand (whose villain is actually Randall Flagg, a character also The Dark Tower series).
What do you guys think? Will these connection be a big part of the story? Or is it just a tease for fans? Guess we will find out on August 4th! Comment and discuss below!
Image’s stylish mini-series about a serial killer trying to get his sex doll wife back nears its end. Plastic #4 sees our heroic psychopath get one step closer to getting Virginia back.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Plastic #4 sees Edwyn infiltrate and dispose of another handful of scumbags, saving one to interrogate. After a ton of blood and some eyeballs, he’s pointed in the direction of the human gambling chip he needs to save Virginia.
Edwyn is a special character. His murderous habits, and the regret that follows, make him a memorable and lovable nut-job. His shame when Gwen witnesses him in action again makes him more than a one-trick-psycho.
He comes with a fun set of morals and habits as well. Writing “potty mouth” and “bigot” on his victims bodiless heads was a really nice touch.
The style of cartooning applies an extra sense of innocence to Edwyn’s facial expressions during some very gruesome scenes. Plastic gets away with making readers sympathize with this murderous lunatic.
The gags in Plastic are effective and never overstay their welcome. Edwyn still talking to the decaying corpse in the backseat is delightful.
The other characters populating Plastic‘s world are perfectly crafted pieces of shit. Bigots, perverts, and potty mouths all so instantly unlikable that each time they meet their end it’s deeply satisfying.
Gwen’s angle remains to be seen. Edwyn may have saved her life accidentally, but she’s now fully supporting this psychopath and his love for a plastic sex doll. Will she end up selling him out or saving him?
With only one issue left, Plastic has set up the final showdown. Only one man, and his cronies, stands between Edwyn and his beloved Virginia.
Five issues was probably the best choice of length for this strange tale. Hopefully this creative team continues to collaborate in the future. Plastic is a bloody and weird story to be proud of.
Once a year, giant robots from outer space come to Earth and bond with young cadets from the elite Sky Corps Academy to defend the world from the terrifying aliens known as the Sharg. It’s a great honor to be chosen, but this year…well, the wrong kid was picked. Greg Pak (Totally Awesome Hulk) and Takeshi Miyazawa (Ms. Marvel) team up for an action-packed adventure perfect for fans of Amadeus Cho and Pacific Rim!
Writing
Ever thought to yourself “This world needs more comic books featuring giant robots in them.” If you have then good news, Mech Cadet Yu is the perfect thing to satisfy your addiction (seriously though, seek help if you can’t go a day without saying “Rocket Punch” at the top of your lungs). Of course simply having giant robots in your series doesn’t automatically guarantee the book will be a huge success. There has to be heart behind it. Luckily this series has it in spades. With a single issue, there is a great set up and premise by introducing us to Yu, has him bond with a robot, and makes you wish his rival would take a long walk off a short cliff.
Writer Greg Pak introduces a very captivating story with just the first issue. It feels like a real underdog story, with Yu being a character you can’t help but want to cheer on. Much like Naruto, you want to see where he can go and what he could accomplish if he was just given the right opportunity.
Artwork
Takeshi Miyazawa does all the artwork for this series and showcases moments of helping the plot along thanks to great visual storytelling. The issues don’t doesn’t specifically say Cadet Park and the General are related. Instead you see his name badge and realize he is probably her father. Little elements like this help to tell the story without needless exposition.
Conclusion
This really feels like a fantastic start of a great series. Yu is the kind of character you can really get behind, the world is one readers will enjoy exploring, and even without a fight against the antagonists there is enough action to get someone addicted to the story. If you haven’t taken the time to pre-order this series, follow the link above and do it now.
After years of waiting, the King in the North and the Mother of Dragons will finally meet on this Sunday’s episode of Game of Thrones. Jon’s arrival in Dragonstone will be one of the shows most exciting and monumental events and one that fans have clamoured for since season one.
If you can’t wait until Sunday to see this epic meeting, then look no further. HBO has released a group of new images teasing the first interaction between Jon and Daenerys in Dragonstone. In the images, we get to see Jon and Davos as they arrive on the beach, and it looks like Tyrion might be there to welcome them. We’re also shown a shot of Varys as he offers Daenerys some advice and what looks to be an exciting interaction between Varys and Melisandre. Meanwhile, back in Winterfell, we are offered a new look at Sansa and Little Finger, who is no doubt up to no good.
New York, NY—July 26, 2017—Fans were blown away by their work in DARTH VADER, and we fell in love with a rogue archaeologist in DOCTOR APHRA. Today, Marvel is proud to announce that writer Kieron Gillen will continue to bring his exciting storytelling to a galaxy far, far away along with artist Salvador Larocca, when Gillen takes over as the writer for Marvel’s ongoing STAR WARS title this fall.
Writer Kieron Gillen said:
My aim’s simple – to do what Salva and I did with Darth Vader, but for Leia, Luke and Han. As in, chart the rise and fall of the rebellion between A New Hope and the Empire Strikes Back, how it changes them all and how it changes the universe. So a simple aim, but as nightmarishly tricky to pull off as dropping a proton torpedo down a thermal exhaust port. But hopefully as thrilling if we pull it off. I can’t wait till you see it up. First up: the post-apocalyptic hell that remains of Jedha after the Death Star punched a hole through its mantle.
Following the events of THE SCREAMING CITADEL, Luke and Leia have faced their own set of challenges, crash-landing on a remote island after being pursued by the Empire. Now, Team Skywalker is gearing up to fight again – in the name of the Rebellion!
Editor Jordan D. White added:
Kieron is one of the best writers in comics today, with comics that span so many different styles and genres. He’s shown through the crossovers with his Darth Vader and Doctor Aphra series that he has just as great a grasp on the heroes of the Star Wars galaxy as he does on its villains (and gray-area archaeologists). And any fan of his knows he’s no stranger to the operatic saga! I could not be happier to have him taking the reins.
It’s a new day for the Star Wars universe, when Gillen and Larocca team up to take the reins on STAR WARS #38!
Over all the Marvel Star Wars stuff has been pretty good, especially the main title. plus Gillen is a hell of a writer and Larroca is a great artist. What do you guys think? Comment and discuss below!
Parents’ Day at camp is finishing up, with an Abuelita rescue mission, a trickster to out-trick, and the surprise arrival of…Molly’s parents?
Writing
This is another issue which really helps to showcase just what makes this series so enjoyable. The comedy portions of the book are very amusing. It’s revealed Nellie played a trick on the fox, basically tricking a trickster, and Ripley’s grandmother is an incredible amusing character who needs to appear in more issues in the future.
The writing team of Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh once again deliver a quality issue. The most interesting element is still Molly’s drama with her parents. Though, not much is revealed about the full extent of her relationship, there is enough to feel sorry for the poor girl for having to deal with what looks like a very controlling mother and a father who doesn’t do anything to help the situation. It’s the perfect amount of curiosity to keep the audience wanting more.
Artwork
Ayme Sotuyo on illustration and Maarta Laiho on the color work deliver a winning combination in this issue. There are a lot of good moments of comedy which succeed thanks to their artwork but it also helps to convey moments of intense drama. The look on Molly’s face after interacting with her parents is palpable and the reader can feel the pain she is going through.
Conclusion
The issue has a pretty good wrap up for the Parent’s Day storyline. Not as good as Ridley using god powers to summon super powered kittens though. The creators will really have to showcase their best to recreate the same amount of intensity they have displayed in the past. If you haven’t taken the time to read this book, you should. It continues to stand out thanks to its winning combination of story, art, and characters.
Atomic Blonde hits theaters this weekend, and while its style has a lot to offer, its story does not. Listen to the 4-minute audio review below to see why you should probably wait for this movie to hit Netflix to see it:
To reiterate, we should praise director David Leitch for trying to do something original with this film. The style and Jonathan Sela’s cinematography shine just as brightly as Charlize Theron and James McAvoy. It just would have been nice if the story broke the mold as well and offered more of interest.
Atomic Blonde is out July 28, 2017.
Agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on an impossible mission. Sent alone into Berlin to retrieve a priceless dossier from within the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief David Percival (James McAvoy) to navigate her way through a deadly game of spies.
