When I first heard that Oh, Hello was being made into a Broadway show, and again when I heard that the aforementioned Broadway show was going to be made into a Netflix special, I didn’t know what to expect. All I really knew was that John Mulaney (best known for his stand-up specials New in Town, The Comeback Kid) and Nick Kroll (The League, Kroll Show) would be reprising the roles of George St. Geegland and Gil Faizon; two creepy, tuna-obsessed old New Yorkers from the recurring sketch on Kroll Show. I couldn’t imagine how they could make that sketch into a half-hour special, let alone a full-length feature. Oh, Hello wasn’t even the strongest sketch on Kroll Show (big ups to Rich Dicks), but Oh, Hello on Broadway blew my expectations out of the water.
Oh, Hello on Broadway is fun, unpredictable and consistently uproarious. It combines aspects of Broadway, stand-up comedy, and vaudeville act to create something unlike anything else out there. Kroll and Mulaney skewer everything from Steely Dan to Clamato, but mostly Theatre itself (and if you’re worried that you’ll need to have a background in Theatre to get the humor, don’t be. I know almost nothing about Broadway and still laughed heartily throughout). The show also features appearances from Matthew Broderick and noted Teacher/Banjo Player/Wild and Crazy Guy Steve Martin.
Note: I played the game using the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.
On paper, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is game that shouldn’t work as well as it does. Through eye-popping visuals, great music, and unique gameplay, the Switch exclusive title is one that audiences of all ages can enjoy.
In terms of genre categorization, Kingdom Battle is a few. Wikipedia describes it as being a “turn-based tactical role playing video game,” and while I’d agree, it should also be noted that the title features lighthearted shooter mechanics that only a Mario game could pull off. It’s fun, simple, and easy to understand.
Visually, Kingdom Battle is outstanding. With Super Mario Odyssey coming out later this year, the game needed to differentiate its art style – it did just that. Mario, his friends, and the Rabbids resemble old-school 3D platformers of the 1990s reimagined with HD character assets. While the Nintendo Switch is an underpowered system, it makes great use of the specs that it holds.
The demo ran for twenty minutes, which game me a decent amount of time to play around with Kingdom Battle‘s mechanics. I understood what to do right away, which had me interested to find out special moves and learn all about the customization offered in-game. Whether it be a blaster or melee move, both were fun to use.
I mentioned simplicity as a good trait of the Mario + Rabbids game, but upon thinking back, I soon realized that its simple mechanics could be classified as a pro or con. While it’s extremely easy to get immersed in, it also gets repetitive quickly. Now, this might be result of the demo offering limited content, but it also might be the game’s lack of said content. This is a concern of mine that will only be answered when I get to play the title again, for an extended amount of time.
A huge highlight of this upcoming game is the music. Composed by the legendary Grant Kirkhope, its sounds are wonderful for the ears and fit the atmosphere set by the game’s style.
There is a charm to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle that I admire. I can tell that Ubisoft and Nintendo took time to polish this game and enhance it to full potential. This is a title that every Switch owner should pick up, no matter the type of gamer you may be.
For so many people, Adam West was their Batman and apparently, Los Angeles thinks so too. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Police Department Chief Charlie Beck will join surprise Bat-guests for a ceremonial lighting of the Bat-signal at City Hall Thursday evening, June 15. West passed away on Friday at the age of 88.
The Bat-signal will be projected onto the tower of Los Angeles City Hall at Spring Street. The city has encouraged fans to dress up for the event.
Here are the details of the ceremony: When: Thursday, June 15 Time: 9:00 PM PST Location:Los Angeles City Hall, Spring Street Steps: 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
According to DC Comics, if fans are not able to join in the tribute, the West family encourages Adam’s “old chums” to make a donation to the Adam West Memorial Fund for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Idaho-based charity for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, Camp Rainbow Gold.
If you attend the event, please share your photos with us.
The Conjuring has not only been its own two-film franchise, but it is apparently a goldmine for horror spinoffs. The original has two movies about the Annabelle doll, and The Conjuring 2 already greenlit a spinoff involving the super creepy evil nun. And now, because literally nobody asked for it, we are getting a film about The Crooked Man.
When I first read the news, it took me a minute to remember not only The Conjuring 2, but the fact that the main bad dude in it was a Crooked Man. I can’t recall many details from the sequel.
The report in Variety also had an interesting definition of these useless tangential Conjuring movies. Bask in the glory of this zeitgeist phrasing:
Mike Van Waes has been hired to write “The Crooked Man,” based on a story by James Wan in his role as chief architect of what’s now called The Conjuring Universe. Wan and Peter Safran are producing.
Ah, there’s the answer. A Conjuringverse. Everything has to be a universe these days, and James Wan’s franchise is next in line, apparently.
There is no release date for The Crooked Man, but if I had to guess I would pick three possible months: January, September, or October.
The X-Men Cinematic Universe (XMCU ridiculous) had a big day, Simon Kinberg has signed on to direct the ‘Dark Phoenix’ and Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Alexandra Shipp, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, and Kodi Smit-McPhee are all returning for this film, according to Deadline.
In addition, Jessica Chastain is in talks to join the ‘Dark Phoenix’ as the main villain, Shi’ar Empress Lilandra.
‘Oh wait! #secretsout #XMenDarkPhoenix,’ Shipp posted on Twitter today.
‘Dark Phoenix’ is expected to hit theaters on November 2, 2018.
As this is a breaking news story, check back for updates.
The first chapter in ‘Dark Nights: Metal’ hits your local comic book store today with ‘Dark Days: The Forge’ (check our review). Monkeys Fighting Robots spoke with the architect of METAL, Scott Snyder on Monday about ‘The Forge’ and how METAL differs from previous big events at DC Comics.
Snyder establishes METAL as the Anti-Crisis:
“Of course there are risks, but I mean here’s the thing, I’m not calling it a Crisis. Because for me, those have certain baggage, that is good baggage. I mean I love Infinite Crisis and I love Final Crisis and I love Crisis on Infinite Crisis, I mean as three of the best DC stories ever. But what I’d say is this story is less about sort of doing something dramatically subtractive or corrective to the DCU than it is about being additive in that way. Because Rebirth like you pointed out has put us in a great spot where Geoff has a lot of answers to some of the questions people have about continuity coming up and Doomsday Clock. And so, do we have consequences? Oh, 100 percent! Like there’s no point in doing a story unless there’s going to be big stories spinning out of it,” said Snyder.
In essence, Snyder understands the mythos of DC Comics but also wants to build legacy without destroying the Universe. Readers respect this approach and embrace it.
On the Post-METAL DCU:
“But with that said I don’t want it to be something where it’s like WHO WILL DIE. That’s not the spirit of this one you know. And that’s not what I’m after here. I was never out when I did Batman to kill anybody or to take things away from the mythology. It was always about trying to add. So there’s a ton of stuff that’s going to be coming out through Metal both as, not just crossovers and those things, but actual books that get their start sort of in some of the concepts of Metal will be announced soon in San Diego and other places. They’re going to be a bunch of stories that I’m doing coming out of it both with things like Challengers and another book that’s going to be announced really soon, and then also stuff that I have planned for Post-Metal and a rearrangement of some of the stuff that I’m doing,” said Snyder.
Are you excited for New Challengers? What other book do you think Snyder is going to work on? Plastic Man…?
On METAL vs METTLE:
“So there’s a lot of consequence when it comes to the story. You’re going to be getting on the other side of it but the other thing I don’t want people to feel like we’re going to do something that’s like a Crisis and that’s just as we’re getting things back on track and kind of setting the universe up in a way that people were happy with we’re just going to break it apart again. That’s not what this is. What this is really, is it’s about the discovery of a whole new area of the cosmology that’s unexplored and unknown and what happens when that area comes to test our heroes. I can even say, ‘test our heroes’ mettle’ which I haven’t said before which is super corny and hokey to say, but it is true,” said Snyder.
After reading ‘The Forge,’ there are a ton of characters introduced. Snyder is a Batman guy, so don’t expect Hal Jordan to save the day, but it will be very interesting to see where the Green Lantern storyline goes.
Snyder opens a can of worms:
“Ultimately that’s what this is for. We want it to be something that’s personal. You know it has a lot of heart from stuff that Greg and I talk about privately when it comes to how there are moments you can suddenly find yourself in a situation that feels like a story you never thought was possible. And the Dark Multiverse isn’t just evil versions of our characters or something that simple or reductive. It’s much more along those lines of dark matter, dark energy, something that’s reactive and unknown and imperceptible and scary and really unexplored. And in that way sort of when it comes here and it affects the DCU, it does things that seem almost impossible and I think that’s what the story is about for me and Greg,” said Snyder.
With one concept, “Dark Multiverse,” Snyder makes the DCU infinitely larger with possibilities, but also realizes the responsibility of creating interesting new characters, not crazy doppelgängers of the originals.
On Batman and Fatherhood:
“The ways in which sometimes before you even know it feels like the entire story you’re in has spun into a different direction than you ever thought was possible and something very scary and dark, and how hard it is to get purchase on that. That said, my way has always been whether it’s ‘Zero Year’ which is very personal about what I wanted Batman to mean for my kids. “Death of the Family” which was about fears of being a dad. All those things I like to bury those ideas or bury those feelings inside a lot of comic bombast. Especially with a story like this. I do want him to remind us how fun comics can be over the summer. How fun these events can be, how kind of bombastic and epic and zany they can be especially kind of on the 100th anniversary of Kirby’s birth,” said Snyder.
The first lesson in writing is “write what you know.” It’s very impressive that Snyder has established a way to apply his personal emotions to a character with a vast amount of history like Batman.
Snyder is the Anti-Crisis:
“You want it to feel like it has that crazy spirit and energy. So that’s what I’m going for with it. I really hope people dig it. Again, there are big consequences but it’s not grim. I’m not looking to kill off a swath of characters. I’m not looking to suddenly tell you that all the characters history is re-erased again. That’s not what I’m after here. It’s celebratory and I want it to be additive. I want you to come out and be like holy shit! We now have so many good series and so many good stories and so many new areas of the DCU to explore that we didn’t realize, this is great!” said Snyder.
Are you excited for ‘Dark Nights: METAL?’ Tells us your favorite Scott Snyder storyline in the comments below.
Check out a preview of ‘Dark Days: The Forge’ below.
Shimmer Lake borrows the Memento-style, adds a little humor to it, and fills it with comedians in dramatic roles. Netflix’s latest cinematic addition to its ever-expanding original content is an interesting mix of things starring a curious ensemble cast. Shimmer Lake starts off a bit rough and gets stronger as the story unfolds in reverse. But is it strong enough to leave a lasting memory like Memento?
What holds Shimmer Lake together is the mystery …
Rainn Wilson is Andy Sikes, a much more somber and frustrated version of his character from Super. Andy is on the run with a bag of money stolen from a local bank. Andy’s brother, Zeke Sikes (Benjamin Walker), was shot during the heist and is now on the hunt for the thieves. As we move back in time to the night of the robbery, we learn of all the connections between the various players.
Shimmer Lake is a whodunit mixed with dark comedy though neither half of that assembly does a lot towards the whole. The movie is stocked with comedic actors but doesn’t offer many funny moments. Rob Corddry and Ron Livingston show up as slacker FBI agents, and it almost feels like they’re in this because they lost a bet. Livingston makes a handful of random comments designed for laughs. But the tone of the film doesn’t mesh well with the humor. Several lines produce a chuckle at best.
What holds Shimmer Lake together is the mystery, however, as it builds it loses tension. Each previous day is told very matter of factly, serves its purpose in the story but doesn’t elevate things. The end reveal connects a dark running plot point and mostly induces a shrug instead of a “wow” moment.
Perhaps with snappier directing the humor in
Shimmer Lake would play better.
From a technical point of view, there’s almost nothing wrong with Shimmer Lake. Writer/Director Oren Uziel does an admirable job keeping the mystery together. Editing is sharp and leads to a film that flows pretty effortlessly without a lag in the pacing. The film’s small budget goes a long way while still falling short truly compelling narrative.
Shimmer Lake isn’t a bad movie, just one that doesn’t ultimately go anywhere. For instance, a subplot with a judge, played by John Michael Higgins, produces what might be the funniest moment in the film. But it otherwise doesn’t amount to anything. It’s just a necessary piece to keep the central puzzle together. Same with another puzzle piece about an exploding meth lab.
Perhaps with snappier directing the humor in Shimmer Lake would play better. But overall, the story seems designed for a straightforward approach and it mostly works. However, it’s not on the same dark comedy level as Netflix’s I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore. It also falls wildly short of Memento. It’s a decent film, but ShimmerLake won’t leave much of a lasting memory.
Netflix is trying to put Generation X out its misery with the first trailer of the comedy drama ‘Friends From College’ starring Keegan-Michael Key, Cobie Smulders, Annie Parisse, Fred Savage, Nat Faxon and Jae Suh Park.
Toss in a little Smulders for the cord cutting millenials, watch the trailer below.
About Friends From College: A group of friends from Harvard played by Keegan-Michael Key (Ethan), Cobie Smulders (Lisa), Annie Parisse (Sam), Nat Faxon (Nick), Fred Savage (Max) and Jae Suh Park (Marianne) are facing down their forties. With interwoven and oftentimes complicated relationships with one another Friends from College is a comedic exploration of old friendships, former romantic entanglements and balancing adult life with nostalgia for the past.The series is executive produced by Nicholas Stoller (Neighbors, Neighbors: Sorority Rising, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek), who also directed all eight episodes. Francesca Delbanco serves as an EP and writer.
‘Friends From College’ hits Netflix on July 14.
Are you going to binge ‘Friends From College?’ Comment below. How come we couldn’t get a Wonder Years series set in the 80s or 90s? Come on Netflix
Comic Book and pop culture conventions are a multi-million dollar business built on the backs of volunteers.Have you ever wondered how they worked? Or what it takes to keep them operating?
Personally, I love conventions. I have been attending them since I was 12 years old and my mom dropped me and my friend off at a comic convention which was an hour away. It was a great experience. As I grew older I told myself I wanted to be a part of my local fan community so I decided to start staffing conventions. I have now been staffing conventions for over a decade and have been such a valuable asset to these events, I was made the head of many departments for several of them.
After a recent convention experience by this website’s co-creator, Matthew Sardo questions of how conventions are run and how they can run better was brought up. This led me to start working on a few articles regarding convention attendance and operation. This is the first of these articles, where I will outline the truth, not many know about running a convention.
8Communication Isn’t Easy
Staying in touch with other people is hard. Now try staying in touch with a group of people so you can have the facilities available to host 10,000 plus individuals. It is no easy task. Often you will tell one member of a department a bit of critical information and they will forget to pass it along to others. Establishing an effective way of keeping everyone who has a leadership role in the convention abreast of the ever changing nature of the event can be a maddening experience. It becomes almost as frustrating the planning and organization of the convention itself.
—
Do you have any stories of your own about the hardships of running a convention? Leave a comment below and let us know.
The penchant for gambling is a thrilling and engaging pastime not only for the gambling pros, but for movie directors, writers and movie fanatics alike. Whether one wants to freshen up his/her mind, relax with family and friends or wants to learn new strategies, casino movies can provide all of these in a single package. Casino movies aren’t just great for edutainment purposes; they are also part of a rare breed of movies which are adaptable for any movie genre. Whether one is into action, real-life documentary or comedy, there is a casino movie for you out there. There are many iconic casino movies, and some of them always feature on top 10 lists of all time great movie productions and favorite’s lists. When you haven’t watched these movies, make some time as they make good viewing either alone or with family and friends.
Arguably the greatest casino movie today is the classic namesake ‘Casino’. ‘Casino’ brings to our living rooms the fast and dangerous Las Vegas life. Depicting the two-sided nature of Las Vegas life, the intoxicating glitz and glamor juxtaposition by the mobster brutality and cruelty, Martin Scorsese showcases the real world of Las Vegas. The movie is brought to life by the brilliant Robert De Niro (Sam “Ace” Rothstein), a well-respected and civilised casino operator with strong ties to the mob whose career is threatened by the re-emergence of a long-time friend Joe Pesci (Nicky Santaro) a mafia lord with his own dreams and ambitions of becoming the new boss in the city. ‘Casino’ has everything in it, an enthralling plot, including attention attracting themes like greed, deception, money, power, and murder capped off by the very best actors including the seductive Sharon Stone. ‘Casino’ is a movie which you can watch a dozen times and never feel bored.
The first of the Ocean’s trilogy, Ocean’s Eleven is another great movie shot in and exposing the Las Vegas life. A team of con-artists led by George Clooney (Danny Ocean) and his old pal Brad Pitt (Rusty Ryan) with nine other criminals with their own specialties attempt to make the heist of all heists. A plan is laid out to rob 150 million dollars from an underground vault supplying three major Las Vegas casinos. The movie is a suspense filled, with viewers always on the edge of their seats waiting to see how the next grand move of the plan will be executed. The fact that Ocean decides not to reveal all the reasons for the heist to his team (Andy Garcia ‘Terry Benedict’ the owner of the three casinos is married to Ocean’s ex, Julia Roberts ‘Tess’) makes viewers wonder how the team would react when they finally learn of this great betrayal, will they jump ship and expose the plan or will Ocean quieten them before any leaks. Ocean’s Eleven is a movie that is not only enjoyable, but effortlessly re-watchable too.
A new flavor to casino movies has been introduced by filmmakers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore in their comedy film series, “The Hangover.” Unlike the previously discussed movies, The Hangover portrays the double nature of life in Las Vegas but it does so in a light, comic way. Three friends are in town for a friend’s bachelor party, however, they wake up oblivious of the previous night’s events. In an effort to recount the previous night’s events, find the lost bridegroom and make it on time for the wedding the trio experience the Las Vegas life and in so doing we get to know more about Las Vegas and its casinos with them.
These are some of the iconic casino movies to hit our screens in recent memory and expect to watch more and more with time.
