Sense8: Season Two Episode Two Brings Back The Gang

By

-

May 31, 2017

After a Christmas special that revealed the consequences of Season One, Sense8 Season Two kicks things off with a bang in S2E2, “Who Am I?”.

“Will and Whispers each race to piece together the other’s location, while Lito heads to his first movie premiere since the photos leaked.”

At the end of Season One, the conspiracy against the sensates only started to become clear – an organization called BPO, a doctor called Whispers, and a plot to lobotomize sensates. Will became linked with Whispers, and Season Two picks up with the continuation of their cat-and-mouse game across the globe, while other sensates help how they can. Nomi and Amanita research the anthropological concept of Homo sensorium, and Kala helps keep Will healthy for as long as she can.

Still, the presence of the conspiracy doesn’t stop the personal lives and struggles of each of the sensates. A particularly notable scene is when Lito, recently outed as gay, attends one of his movie premieres with his boyfriend. A homophobic reporter gets into his face about recent events. At the same time, Capheus is hounded by a reporter in Nairobi. Wolfgang and Felix are still dealing with the backlash of the gang war in Berlin; Kala is clashing with her father-in-law.

SENSE8 SEASON TWO – REVIEW

The show doesn’t bother with much in the way of recap – it continues right where it left off at the same breakneck pace that it reached by the end of Season One. Given that one of the early complaints about Season One was a slow start, this is a good sign for things to come. All of the actors are in fine form. In addition, after his introduction in the Christmas episode as the replacement Capheus, Toby Onwumere is keeping up well.

The stand-out performance, however, is Terrence Mann’s Dr. Whispers. Terrifying enough in Season One, Mann brings a whole new duality of humanity and coldness to Whispers in Sense8 Season Two. The game between him and the sensates wouldn’t have nearly the intense paranoia it does without his impressive acting.

The only downside to the opening of Sense8 Season Two so far is a distinct lack of focus on some of the others. Kala, in particular, has been limited to very shallow storylines, and Sun is still trapped in prison. Still, it’s only the beginning, and there’s the rest of the season to go.

What did you think of the beginning of Sense8 Season Two?

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Dwayne Johnson Might Be ‘The Wolf Man’ For Universal’s Dark Universe Because Creativity is Dead

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

-

May 31, 2017

You may have heard of an actor named Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a. The Rock. He’s been in a couple of popular movies over the last few years and now, rumor has it, The Rock might be joining Universal’s Dark Universe as The Wolf Man.

This is merely rumor at this point, but where there’s smoke, and where there’s a Rock, there is often fire. The rumor was buried in the middle of The Hollywood Reporter’s analytical breakdown of Universal’s Dark Universe and whether or not it will make enough money to sustain itself because movies are no longer artistic ventures and all life is meaningless:

There are rumors that Dwayne Johnson could resurface in the “monsterverse” for a Wolfman reboot (he starred in 2002’s Mummy spinoff The Scorpion King).

That’s the only mention of Dwayne Johnson’s involvement, and it may never come to fruition since Johnson is scheduled to appear in roughly eight million movies over the next five years. Nevertheless, the word is out there, and Universal wants Johnson to play Lawrence Talbot, the tortured everyman who transforms from a mild-mannered rich kid into a rabid, murderous werewolf. Sounds just like Johnson, doesn’t it?

No, it doesn’t. But that doesn’t matter, because Universal isn’t about creativity with their casting, or hiring actors who aren’t big enough box-office draws, or trying to inject a little horror in their “Dark” Universe. These are action movies, plain and simple, and hiring Johnson to play a tortured soul is a clear indication of this.

I love Dwayne Johnson the movie star. He is great in roles where he plays himself basically. And he brings in massive dollars, save for this past weekend’s Baywatch misfire. I get it, believe me I do. But the rumor just deflates my love for the Universal Monsters and their history even more than any of the Mummy trailers. Why couldn’t Universal cast a normal-looking dude, normal size and shape, not a hulking action megastar to play a role that was once owned by Lon Chaney Jr. and his perpetual cry face? Even Benicio del Toro in the abomination that was Joe Johnston’s Wolf Man remake a few years back carried some sense of tortured darkness to the role.

But, yeah, tortured darkness isn’t what we’re doing here. And maybe it will work, but good lord why does everything have to turn into the MCU or some other assembly-line franchise world of people running and jumping and explosions and loud noises and CGI? Maybe there is hope for the Dark Universe with Bill Condon’s Bride of Frankenstein (Angelina Jolie is in talks to play the title character, which is awesome), but everything else seems to lack any sort of creativity or original thought.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

War Machine Is Star-Studded Netflix War Movie That Fights To Stalemate

By

Ruben Diaz

-

Brad Pitt stars in the fact-based War Machine, a film that takes a satirical look at war and politics. Netflix is the Godzilla of content, trampling across the streaming world with movie or series after movie or series. War Machine represents a new level Netflix is trying to achieve. This level includes top-notch productions with the best in the business. War Machine includes a ton of Hollywood elites. But having all the best pieces still doesn’t always produce a winning combination.

On paper, War Machine looks like a movie
destined to make a big impact.

War Machine tells the story of U.S. Army General Glen McMahon played by Brad Pitt. The General is a legend. Loved by everyone. Brave. Resolute. Unflinching. But in the state of modern war, the General finds himself on a mission as a diplomat which, for a man like McMahon, seems like an impossible task. McMahon assembles a team to help him on the mission which is nothing short of ending the war in Afghanistan.

On paper, War Machine looks like a movie destined to make a big impact. It’s based on a best-selling, non-fiction book The Operators by Michael Hastings. It features Pitt as the lead, Anthony Michael Hall, Topher Grace, Tilda Swinton, and Ben Kingsly along for the ride too. Writer/Director David Michôd already has critically acclaimed features Animal Kingdom and The Rover under his belt. The story is a look into the often insane geopolitical agendas that drives the U.S. Military. What could go wrong?

For starters, War Machine is somewhat dull. For a film working on a $60 million dollar budget, it feels oddly flat and un-cinematic. There are a lot of closeups, shots of people sitting and talking, and stuff on TVs. Sweeping shots or even wide-angle establishing shots are few and far between.

Performances are consistent, if uninspired. Brad Pitt does some excellent work on a physical level, maintaining the General’s claw-like hand. Otherwise, Pitt’s portrayal of McMahon, based on real-life General Stanley McChrystal, is little more than an alternate version of Aldo Raine from Inglorious Basterds.

**It wants to be a cross between Dr. Strangelove and Wag the Dog.**

The message and point of War Machine will connect with most everyone on the left side of American politics. But most all the salvos fired at how the U.S. handles Afghanistan miss. War Machine fails to score headshots from its satirical assaults.

War Machine is an example of great intentions gone wrong. Everything about the film should work, but it just doesn’t. It’s a shame too since this type of film is necessary. War Machine wants to expose a few the ridiculous inner workings of military and politics. It wants a cross between Dr. Strangelove and Wag the Dog. But the film fails for two hours straight.

This review is a harsh assessment of a film with incredible potential. But it’s also harsh because it’s such a flawed first attempt from Netflix to elevate their original cinematic content. At best, War Machine is mediocre. For the price and talent involved, achieving a stalemate is a result too similar to the wars the film is trying to dissect.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Queen’s A Kind of Magic Offers Something Unique

By

Jonathan Bruce

-

May 31, 2017

It is very rare for an record to double as an band album and a soundtrack.

Queen’s A Kind of Magic is one such example.

Released on June 2, 1986, it serves as a band album and the Highlander soundtrack. While it features songs in the film, the record also stands on its own as a work of art. While it sold well, critical reviews did appear mixed. Rolling Stone describes it as “hard rock with a hollow core” and “heavy plastic.” However, the songs are still popular even today.

A Kind of Magic also marks the last time Queen went on tour with all four members. The band’s singer Freddie Mercury would die of AIDs in 1991, and bassist John Deacon would retire in 1997. As of now, Brian May and Roger Taylor continue to perform as Queen with Adam Lambert.

The album kicks things off with “One Vision”, which is a team effort. It marks the first time that all members gets a writing credit. Brian May’s guitar riffs are electrifying, and Mercury is vocally at the top of his game. The song concerns a desire for world peace and unity, and this is a reference to Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. It ends with the famous non-sequitir plea of “Gimme gimme fried chicken!”

“A Kind of Magic” is a Taylor composition with an soaring feel. Mercury’s voice is spot-on in this track, and Deacon delivers a baseline with a funk influence. The video is also known for its surreal storyline, in which a magician turns hobos into a rock band. Throughout the video, animated characters shift shape and dance to the beat of the song.

“One Year of Love” is a Deacon song. You can tell this is his baby, because there is a soul feel to the melody. Strangely, according to May and Taylor, Deacon did not like the final product. Hence it never got a live performance.

“Pain Is So Close To Pleasure” is a Mercury and Deacon brainchild. This track has Motown rock and soul influences, such as all the vocals being done in falsetto. “Friends Will Be Friends” focuses on May’s guitar playing, which is the main part of the song.

“Who Wants To Live Forever” is a haunting track of being mortal. The song is a ballad with a classical feel. It is a neat song of the Queen canon, because both Mercury and May share the lead vocals. Although he’s mostly a guitarist, May does have a decent signing voice.

“Gimme The Prize” is another May track with a hard rock feel. This is probably the closest of all the tracks to Queen’s original edgy sound. For some reason, it never got the chance to be performed a live setting. “Don’t Lose Your Head” is a Taylor song with techno and synth influences. Despite Mercury’s lively vocals, it is not a standout.

Finally, the album ends with “Princes Of The Universe”, which is a Mercury song. It incorporates both hard rock and heavy metal influences. While not a hit, it is best known for the music video in which Christopher Lambert fights Mercury in a duel.

Overall, A Kind of Magic is a unique part of the band’s history. This is not their finest record, but it captures the pop and rock sounds of the 1980s. Highlander fans will enjoy the album and its connection to the cult film. It is proof of four people coming together to create great music, and that is a kind of magic in itself.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

2017 Emmys Nominations Wish List for Drama and Comedy

By

Jon Barr - TV Editor

-

May 31, 2017

The 2017 Emmy nominations are coming soon. The nominations will be announced July 13th. What shows might get the nod? There are a good number of contenders on either end, for comedies and dramas. It’s certainly too early to try and declare who will win. However, with seven open slots in either category, several shows are definitely deserving. Here is a list of dream nominations for both categories.

2BEST COMEDY CHOICES

There’s a number of deserving comedies, on networks and cable channels. Many of the shows are returning hits, with a few fresh faces. Though there are some predictable nominations, but this list has some unconventional choices. Including one series that has been overlooked for far too long.

VEEP

Veep

Veep has dominated the comedy category for years. The show has won Best Comedy for the past two years, dethroning Modern Family. While the show lost creator Armando Iannucci as show runner last year, it didn’t lose steam. The show still has its trademark biting wit, even five years in. Whether or not it wins again, Veep has certainly earned another Emmy nomination.

ATLANTA

Atlanta

Donald Glover’s new project Atlanta is a fantastic new show. The series captures Glover’s insight into the rap industry, and the wittiness of his comedy days. The series is wonderfully surreal, providing a unique slice-of-life tale. It also features great performances by Brian Tyree Henry, Zazie Beetz, and Lakeith Stanfield. Atlanta got a TON of love at the Golden Globes, which likely means the Emmys will show similar love.

IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

The fact that the show has never been nominated is insane. It’s Always Sunny has been on for 12 SEASONS. It’s tackled huge societal issues, in incredibly comedic fashion. The show has so many quotable moments and hilariously inept characters. In many ways, it’s a staple of modern TV comedy. While The Gang says they don’t REALLY care about Emmys, they are due recognition. It’s Always Sunny is, quite frankly, too good to not nominate.

SILICON VALLEY

Silicon Valley

HBO’s tech comedy is equally brilliant and depraved. Silicon Valley, created by Mike Judge, is still fantastic four seasons in. The show often lives in the shadow of Veep, but don’t let that discourage you from watching it. The show has been nominated for Best Comedy since it began. With a great new season, there’s no sign of nominations stopping for the show.

MASTER OF NONE

Master of None

Master of None’s first season got insane critical love. Aziz Ansari’s Netflix series was a great way to look into Ansari’s life. Master of None takes a great look into being an Indian-American in entertainment. The series grabbed several Emmy nominations for the first season. It seems quite likely the new season will grab a few more.

BLACK-ISH

Black-Ish

Black-Ish is a solid sitcom from ABC. The show has tackled social issues through great comedy for four years. It’s a great show that follows the classic sitcom formula. The show feels nice and familiar, with humor updated for the modern day. Its leading lady, Tracee Ellis Ross, just took home the Golden Globe for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy. With that momentum, it seems likely Black-Ish will score a few comedy nominations at the Emmys.

CASUAL

Casual

This may be the longest shot on the list. Hulu’s still a relatively new player in original programming. However, Casual has quietly been a phenomenal comedy. The show follows two adult siblings, Valerie and Alex, as well as Valerie’s daughter Laura. Casual explores relationships in the modern day, without taking a preachy, anti-technology route. The show is smart and emotional, and well worth an Emmys nod.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Modern Family, Transparent, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, You’re The Worst

BackNext

‘Joe Golem: Occult Detective’: The Outer Dark #1 Survives On Atmosphere

By

Anthony Wendel

-

Two years after he killed a child-snatching monster and stopped an undead takeover in the Drowning City, occult detective Joe Golem searches for a man with superhuman strength who is attacking citizens under orders from the otherworldly voices in his head. But Joe has his own demons to wrestle with . . .

Writing

As a fan of mystery and suspense, this issue stood out as one which needed to be reviewed. After finally getting ahold of it and sitting down to read it, all there is to say is: Eh.

The issue isn’t bad, it just seems like a bad jumping on point. It is a new miniseries in the continuing saga of Joe Golem, a detective who investigates the strange and paranormal and who might have more about him than even he knows. Unfortunately, this issue doesn’t really take the time to reintroduce the character or what is happening. It feels like you should already know who Joe is, how he is an associate detective to Mr. Church, and seem to have a general concern as to why Lori, Joe’s love interest, seems to have a great distrust for Mr. Church. Not exactly the most compelling concepts for new readers, but considering the writing team Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden have a track record of writing series where the events continue book to book this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. It is probably is a great issue for those who read the previous adventures of Joe Golem, but it seemed a bit slow despite having a deep and involving story.

Artwork

The artwork is the real star of this issue. Art by Patric Reynolds and colors by Dave Stewart really help to give the book the feel of being set in the past. The issue has a nice noir sensibility to it and really captures the essence of life in the past. The sections which jump even further into the distant past have an especially distinct look to them which stands out and makes the issue captivating.

Conclusion

Joe Golem: The Outer Dark is a visually pleasing book but leaves you wanting to know more but doesn’t seem to define the characters enough. Of course, it is a detective series so a bit of mystery may be what they are going for. Basically if you have read the previous issues you will be fine and will have a much better time with the new mini-series. For everyone else, it may be time to hit the local comic book shop and grab the first graphic novel.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Report: ‘Animaniacs’ Getting Reboot Helmed By Steven Spielberg

By

Aric Sweeny

-

May 31, 2017

IndieWire is reporting that Amblin Television and Warner Bros. are planning an Animaniacs reboot to be helmed by legendary director Steven Spielberg. The outlet states that the series revamp is due to Animaniacs‘ increase in popularity over the last year, likely due to its availability on Netflix.

Additionally, they say the show is still in the early stages of development and has no platform for release yet. However, seeing as Fuller House was a hit on Netflix, that might be the route WB goes to launch this reboot.

Animaniacs was a widely beloved show in the 1990s. Running from 1993-1998, the show produced a total of 99 episodes.

How would you feel about an Animaniacs reboot? Sound off in the comments below!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Greg Rucka Discusses Wonder Woman, Image Titles, And The Responsibility Of Comics Writers

By

Anthony Composto - EIC

-

May 31, 2017

Greg Rucka has been writing comics for almost 20 years. His work runs the gamut. From major event books, to character-driven stories, he seems to have done it all. Monkeys Fighting Robots had the chance to speak with Rucka at MegaCon this weekend, and you can watch the interview in full here:

When asked about what core elements make up Wonder Woman, Rucka didn’t hesitate. “Compassion,” he started. “Fundamentally compassion. And empathy, and a capacity not just of love but of forgiveness. It’s a given she’s a badass. It’s a given she can kick your ass three ways to Sunday. That’s not Wonder Woman. That’s not what defines her. She doesn’t want to punish the wicked. She wants to make the world better. That’s fundamental to the character. And if you lose that, you’re not writing Wonder Woman. You’re writing Red Sonja.”

Greg Rucka’s written two runs on Wonder Woman, one pre-New 52, and now the current Rebirth run. He spoke to us briefly about the difference in writing a character before and after a major reboot: “I’m older, so fundamentally I’ve changed. The things I’m going to focus on are going to be different. I was brought in on Rebirth very specifically to get her back to basics. So that very much directed the run, and very much directed the choices I made. It is different. What’s the saying? You can’t enter the same stream twice. That’s the same for writers. It feels comfortable. It wasn’t necessarily difficult getting back into Wonder Woman, but I’m a different person. And what her stories were about or have to be about now are different. It’s a different time.”

After speaking briefly about his creator-owned works (watch the video for that), we asked Rucka about “nerd rage” online and whether or not he lets it affect his writing. “I don’t like the phrase ‘nerd rage’ because it’s dismissive. It implies that people don’t actual have a right to be upset. It takes away responsibility from the publisher and from the creators. I’ve written plenty of stuff that people hate, and I’ve gotten plenty of hate for it. Almost everything I’ve written, I stand behind. But I’ve screwed up plenty of times. Owning mistakes is part of being an adult. And when we look at people and we decide that what they are upset about just out of hand is irrelevant, we reinforce an argument that comics are for kids. Because we say ‘well you’re being childish’ or whatnot.”

“I don’t like, and I take great issue with the idea that there is no responsibility to the artwork, and I mean artwork as a whole, being presented. I think that’s garbage. If in every story I write young black men end up being killed, or in every story I write young black men are the bad guys, I’m making a statement in each of those, right? And if I’m doing it unconsciously, then maybe somebody ought to point it out and say ‘you are saying something.’ There’s a validity to saying, ‘I want to see myself in these pages and I have never been able to before.’ I’m Jewish. When I saw that Kitty Pryde was Jewish that was enormous to me. It was huge at 14. So that stuff, that’s legit. And comics work on a fandom, and the fandom is here because they love these things, and they love these characters. They’re gonna get upset if they feel the character is being portrayed inappropriately. And they’re gonna be even more upset when they go ‘and the only reason this is being done is to drive sales.’ As I’ve said, I’ve written stuff that people hated and gotten really upset over, but I can say ‘yeah but it was what the story needed.’ We do what we do, we write as best as we can, and, speaking personally, my job is – when I work at a Marvel or a DC – to serve the characters as best as I can. That’s the job. The publisher has the right to say ‘we want this, you can’t do that,’ and if I have a problem with either of those things, my choice is to quit. Simple. On my own stuff, I get to do whatever the hell I want, provided my collaborators, my co-creators are with me. I’m not gonna do anything on Lazarus that Michael [Lark] is violently against. I’m not gonna do anything on Black Magick that Nicola [Scott] is violently against. Because it’s a collaborative effort. But at the end of the day, we answer to ourselves.”

For more from Greg Rucka, you can check out this video from MegaCon’s “Image Comics at 25” panel.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: 11 Reasons ‘The Flash’ #23 Will Convince You To Keep Running With This Series

By

Manuel Gomez

-

As his friends celebrate his birthday, Barry Allen, A.K.A. The Flash, can’t shake off the mystery behind the death of his greatest enemy Eboard Thawne, The Reverse-Flash. Even an appearance by his friend and fellow superhero Hal Jordan (one of Earth’s Green Lanterns) isn’t able to draw The Flash from his thoughts. The sudden appearance supervillain Multiplex forces The Flash and Green Lantern to team up in order to save the gathered crowd, and perhaps give Barry Allen the jolt he needs to push him out of his own head. But as our heroes fight, Thawne’s corpse is doing something strange back at the morgue in S.T.A.R. Labs.

The Flash #23
“The Color of Fear’ Part 1
Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colors by: Ivan Plascencia
Lettered by: Steve Wands
Published by: DC Comics

After the high-profile crossover of ‘The Button’, The Flash settles into its own, new storyline (though it is dealing with the fallout of ‘The Button’). This issue felt like classic Geoff Johns era Flash, with its reliance on the great supporting cast, cameos from other heroes, and sudden, violent attacks by a member of the Rogues. It has great pacing, action, and one hell of a reveal/cliffhanger ending that leaves you wanting the next issue now. Read on for 11 reasons you should run, not walk, to your local comic shop and pick up The Flash #23 this week!

That 25^th Century opening scene at The Flash Museum. A visit to the museum (especially in THIS future we see) is both telling and fun.
“Eboard Thawne The Reverse-Flash, A.K.A. Professor Zoom. He was many things to many people, but to the The Flash he was…a partner, an ally…, his best friend”. Seriously?! WTF?!
The party scene where Joshua Williamson captures the personalities to the huge supporting cast Flash fans knows so well.
Carmine Di Giandomencio’s clean, crisp and sleek art. It’s perfect for The Flash, modern and streamlined.
Ivan Plascencia’s colors give the pencils so much energy, pop and “heat”. The art team put together really creates a sense of movement here.
Subtle word balloon and narration box placing by letterer Steve Wands that emphasizes when Barry’s thoughts are overwhelming him and causing him to ignore what is being said about him.
The way Thawne, though dead, is still such a looming, terrifying and haunting figure for Barry. His corpse is also so damn eerie.
Always gotta love seeing Hal Jordan and Barry Allen team up. Their powers in tandem…talking about relationships in the middle of a battle. It’s also so good. Bring on more Lantern and Flash!
Great idea on the use of more obscure and cult Rogue Multiplex. He really comes across as unstable and creepy.
The HUGE swarm of Multiplex multiples attacking Green Lantern and The Flash is genuinely frightening, powerful and just plain cool.
That ending. “There is only one Reverse-Flash.”

If you haven’t been reading The Flash, now is a GREAT time to start. Joshua Williamson is building something here, the Rebirth origin of The Reverse-Flash! And something tells me it will be a Scarlet Speedster story for the ages. On your marks, get set, GO read this book!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Watch: ‘Wonder Woman’ Post-Screening Reaction

By

Matthew Sardo

-

May 30, 2017

This is a good week for nerds as ‘Wonder Woman’ hits theaters, but what makes the week great is how amazing the film is. Matt Sardo and EJ Moreno give their immediate reaction to the movie.

Director Patty Jenkins brings a different approach to the DC Extended Universe and Gal Gadot establishes herself as a hero everyone can look up to.

‘Wonder Woman’ is already trending well on Rotten Tomatoes with 97%. How many times will you see the film in theaters? Comment below.

About ‘Wonder Woman’

Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.

Gal Gadot returns as Wonder Woman in an epic action adventure from director Patty Jenkins. Joining Gadot in the international cast are Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen, Elena Anaya, Ewen Bremner, Lucy Davis, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Eugene Brave Rock, and Saïd Taghmaoui.

The film hits theaters on June 2, 2017.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube