Debate: Who Is The Next Female Action Star? – Episode 123

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May 24, 2017

The excitement for ‘Wonder Woman’ is building and our dynamic duo wants to get you pumped as well. Matt and EJ accomplish this with a passionate discussion of the female-led action genre as they look back to the past and the possibilities of the future.

What is your favorite action film with a female lead?

Strap yourself in buckaroos! Episode 123 of the Monkeys Fighting Robots podcast is here.

Do you want to be our SUPER-FAN of the week? All you have to do is comment on this podcast to be eligible.

Do you have a question that you would like answered during the show? Email your questions to matt@popaxiom.com.

About the Monkeys Fighting Robots Podcast:
A Gen Xer and a Millennial debate the latest topics in pop culture. One guy is a filmmaker and the other is a journalist, but both are nerds. We make your slowest days at work better. Hosts, Matthew Sardo and EJ Moreno.

Never heard of Matt Sardo?
For starters, he made the Kessel Run in less than 11 parsecs. Prior to that, he gave Doc Brown the idea for the flux capacitor and led the Resistance to victory over SkyNet – all while sipping a finely crafted IPA. As a radio host, he’s interviewed celebrities, athletes and everyone in between. He’s covered everything from the Super Bowl to Comic-Con.

Who’s EJ Moreno?
Is he a trained physician? No. Is he a former Miss Universe contestant? Possibly. But what we know for sure is he’s a writer, filmmaker, and pop culture enthusiast. Since film school, EJ has written & directed several short films. He’s used his passion of filmmaking to become a movie critic for MonkeysFightingRobots.com.

Places you can find the show:
iTunes
Blog Talk Radio
Stitcher

Reviews are greatly appreciated – How to Rate and Review a Podcast in iTunes

Thank you for listening!

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Hydra Supreme Leader Addresses Media in ‘Captain America: Steve Rogers’ #17

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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May 24, 2017

Writer Nick Spencer’s Secret Empire has been making waves in the comic book world. The book that started it all, Captain America: Steve Rogers, continues the major narrative in between issues of Secret Empire. Hydra’s supreme leader addresses the media in issue #17 this week.

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

The U.S. has been aggressively taken over by Hydra. Their supreme leader, Steve Rogers, has volunteered to do an interview and address the regime change.

He shares Hydra’s position on Inhuman camps, the sovereign Mutant territory, altering historical events, and the means by which this power was obtained. The only topic off the table is the crater he recently turned Las Vegas into.

This is exactly the tie-in issue that Secret Empire needed. Now that the concept has settled in and internet fools are up in arms, we get into the details of this event. Readers explore both what Steve shares to the public, and what actually happened.

Hydra Steve is most enjoyable the more he waves his Hydra flag. In the main event book, he’s showed some remorse and reluctance about what’s happening. In this issue, he’s all-in on Hydra propaganda and it’s highly entertaining.

The further Nick Spencer takes Steve Rogers away from his Captain America ideals, the more fun this event is. Despite misguided internet fan anger, Spencer should turn the Hydra knob to eleven and let his story reach its maximum potential.

Captain America: Steve Rogers #17 is a dark issue. Spencer gives readers a better look at what a Hydra takeover looks like, and it’s grim. On the surface, somehow Rogers has supposedly won over the public and people are more than willing to hail Hydra. Is this accurate or a symptom of Steve’s delirium?

How the world, and its superhuman champions, react to this new power will continue to be the driving force. We finally get to see how the mutants fit into this mess. The scene between Steve and Magneto is a powerful one.

Effectively taking mutants off the board and asking Magneto to stay in hiding is bold. Appointing Xorn as the mutant overseer isn’t going to sit well with the master of magnetism. One would imagine the mutant nation of New Tia won’t be silent forever.

Bringing in the reporter who previously humiliated Cap to conduct this interview pays off in a big way by issues end. Not only does Steve show how ruthless he can be, but also that he’s a bit petty as this was clearly a trap.

This characterization of supreme leader Rogers needs to be the standard for all Secret Empire books. The further committed to the concept, the more effective this experience will be in the end.

Regardless of how you feel about Cap ditching the stars & stripes, his villainy in Secret Empire is classic comic book entertainment. Nothing sticks forever, especially with knowing that Legacy is right around the corner. This is a story to be enjoyed while it lasts. Comic books are supposed to be fun after all, right?

This tie-in issue was mostly dialogue between seated characters. It’s a two-sided news report, filling us in on the details of a hostile takeover. It also wasn’t a boring read despite that. This was more exciting than any issue of Bendis’ Civil War II.

Nick Spencer may not be the best at handling scrutiny on Twitter, but he’s delivering a worthwhile Marvel event.

Where do you stand on Secret Empire? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Great War is Here: New Game of Thrones Trailer Drops

By

Mikey Curalli

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May 24, 2017

HOLY SPIT, THIS GAME OF THRONES TRAILER IS LIT!!!

HBO released the latest trailer for season 7 of the smash hit ‘Game of Thrones’ Wednesday afternoon, and who knew you could fit so much in 1:48!

The Battle lines are clearly drawn, we may know the players, but do they really know how epic the game will be?

Cersei furthers our understanding that the vibe in Kings Landing is that of “us versus the world” with a great monolog. While up North, Little Finger is stirring the pot as only Lord Baelish can.

Not to mention, we finally get a good look at a full-sized Drogan, who seems primed to do some serious damage to anyone who crosses “The Mother of Dragons” and her contingency.

Needless to say… Is it July yet?

The ‘Game of Thrones’ season premiere will air July 16, 2017, on HBO.

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Hasan Minhaj Delivers A Rockstar Performance In ‘Homecoming King’

By

Ruben Diaz

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May 24, 2017

The Daily Show is a staple of news satire that’s been around for nearly 20 years. Many great comedians got their start along that road of political humor. Steve Carrell, John Oliver, Steven Colbert, and more broke through to stardom on the Comedy Central series. Hasan Minhaj is a current correspondent who’s making quite a name for himself. Hasan’s bits on The Daily Show lead to him headlining the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this year. Now, Minaj is the star of his first Netflix Comedy Special called Homecoming King.

Hasan takes viewers on a wild ride through his life.

From start to finish, Minaj is telling stories. The comic’s electric stage presence comes through with every word. Like a movie, the special has a running plot through it of the girl who could be called Hasan’s first love. It was in high school, and the girl was going to be Hasan’s “secret” prom date. The special night a secret to two influential people — Hasan’s parents.

Hasan takes viewers on a wild ride through his life. The prom date punctuates different parts with a new lesson for the comedian. Along the way, Hasan uses tweets and graphs on a giant screen behind him as visual aids. Sometimes, social becomes a brilliant punchline, like when Minhaj learns that his one-time prom date, now an adult, is dating another brown Muslim guy.

Perhaps nothing provides such power to this comedy special than Minhaj’s religion. As a Muslim, the comedian repeatedly reminds us of what that life is like, both good and bad. The special is a brilliant guide through a Muslim-American family life littered with many of the same tropes as most families. But the parts alien to non-Muslims are made real by Hasan’s performance.

**One word best describes Homecoming King: spellbinding.**

Homecoming King is a comedy special that could just as easily be called a one-man play. Hasan is not afraid to let the set becomes deeply emotional, like raw drama. Hasan tells heartbreaking moments of racism and failure. But also finishing stories with a happy ending provided by becoming a better person.

Director Christopher Storer stands out here as well which is rare for a comedy special. But his work accentuates the words of Hasan every step of the way. Sometimes it’s subtle, a close up of Hasan who carries the moment by looking right into the camera. But quick wide shots play as exclamation points to Hasan’s physical antics.

One word best describes Homecoming King: spellbinding. Hasan takes the reigns, and the ride is a vibrant journey through the comedian’s life. The trip includes Hasan’s audition for The Daily Show which was a near disaster.

Hasan is an American who happens to be Muslim who happens to be a nerd who happens to be on a television show. Hasan is also an insightful human who just delivered a comedy special that ranks as one of the best of the year and perhaps even the last few years.

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Two New ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Posters Released

By

Aric Sweeny

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May 24, 2017

Two new Spider-Man: Homecoming posters have been released alongside the trailer. The first is a domestic poster, with the second being international. See them both below.

With so much Homecoming promotion being thrown on the internet today, it will be interesting to see how the marketing ramps up as we get closer to July. I hope that Marvel has learned their lesson and doesn’t release another trailer, but only time will tell.

“A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.”

Spider-Man: Homecoming features Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Donald Glover, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Tyne Daly, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, and Hannibal Buress.

The film hits theaters on July 7.

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Marvel Drops New ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Trailer

By

Aric Sweeny

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May 24, 2017

Marvel Entertainment has dropped the third, and likely last, full length Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer. This new footage shows off how advanced Peter’s new suit is.

“A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.”

Spider-Man: Homecoming features Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Donald Glover, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Tyne Daly, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, and Hannibal Buress.

The film hits theaters on July 7.

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Review: 11 Reasons To Spoil Yourself And Pick Up ‘Detective Comics’ #957

By

Manuel Gomez

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Stephanie Brown, aka The Spoiler, targets a new villainous threat to Gotham City. Relying on her own code, skills, and attitude, Stephanie takes on the armored menace known as Wrath in front of live television cameras broadcasting across the city. But as is the case with The Spoiler, not all is what it seems. And in the end, she ends up attracting the attention of one of Gotham’s most infamous masks (and, no, it’s no one Bat-related!)

Detective Comics #957
“The Wrath of Spoiler”
Written by: James Tynion IV & Christopher Sebela
Art by: Carmen Carnero
Inks by: Karl Story, Richard Friend & Carmen Carnero
Colors by: Javier Mena
Letters by: Sal Cipriano

Published by: DC Comics

Having been a Spoiler fan for some time, I immediately grabbed this issue when I saw she was the focus of the story. I’m glad I did because it’s one of the most fleshed out and best takes on Stephanie Brown I have read. The whole thing makes me long for a Spoiler solo series, which I think could work if she’s written like she is here. Read on for 11 reasons to spoil yourself and pick up Detective Comics #957!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Detective Harvey Bullock (eating donuts).
Spoiler’s great, almost hard-boiled style narration. Tynion and Sebela give her a great voice.
The bit at the beginning involving the Bat-signal.
The intensity of the story (think Die Hard).
The layouts and panels by Carmen Carnero that set the narrative’s pacing.
Javier Mena’s gorgeous, vibrant and lush colors. So much great work with shadows.
Spoiler’s use of a specific “aspect” of Batman’s training.
The design and visuals of the villain Wrath and his minions.
Bullock’s and Spoiler’s great back and forth exchanges.
“So why’m I gonna take your word for anything” – Bullock. “There’s a donut in it for you” –Spoiler. “You owe me eight. Lock her up.” –Bullock.
The GREAT reveal at the end. A fan-favorite, cult, Bat-family character!

Don’t let the attention the other Batman titles are getting make you overlook Detective Comics (the original DC Comic folks!). This is issue is a great chapter to sample what this title offers, and if you didn’t love The Spoiler before, you will love her now.

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Review: 11 Reasons ‘Justice League of America’ #7 Should Make Your Pull List This Week

By

Manuel Gomez

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After last month’s defeat of the villain Aegeus, the Justice League of America have taken some time for themselves. Vixen and Ray continue their community efforts, Lobo lets off some steam in the only way he knows how, and The Atom and Killer Frost visit a museum in order to hopefully find out more about Killer Frost’s ‘heat sickness’ and the true nature and origin of her powers. But their efforts are cut short by the appearance of Terrorsmith, whom Atom and Frost will have to battle on their own.

Justice League of America #7
“Terrorstrike”
Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Jamal Campbell

Published by: DC Comics

Although this issue is a step down in intensity from last month’s excellent chapter, it is still a solid entry in what is a refreshingly different and old school feeling JLA. By focusing on character beats and some quiet moments, Steve Orlando is able to flesh out these lovable misfits and ‘B’ listers into characters you want to read about every month. Read on for 11 reasons Justice League of America #7 should be one of your pull list books this week!

Steve Orlando continues to write a great, old school feeling narrative that feels almost like Batman and The Outsiders or John Ostrander era Suicide Squad.
Jamal Campbell’s art is sleek, beautiful and expressive. It’s great for both action and drama.
The budding relationship and dynamic between The Atom (Ryan Choi) and Killer Frost.
Lobo’s bar fight scene. Classic ‘Main Man’ moment!
“As if Lobo’d be caught in a museum” –Killer Frost
The use of Terrorsmith, a cool underused character from the Bloodlines era! (Go the 90s!)
Great use of Dr. Sivana’s time pills. Love obscure call outs like that!
The relationships being built amongst the team. So many conflicting character types create such great moments.
Killer Frost still being able to be brutal when needed.
An appearance by Amanda Waller is always welcome (for us readers at least).
“Oliver’s got a Robin Hood crush. We met in a street fight and we both have colors in front of our work names…you think I don’t recognize a strange date when I see one?” –Black Canary

So final word? Not as bug shit crazy as the previous storyline, but it’s a nice, quieter moment that allows for some humor and character development. If you love oddball DC teams like the Outsiders or the ‘Squad, then this new Justice League of America is for you.

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Happy Birthday to John C Reilly, Comedic Titan

By

Joshua Versalle

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May 24, 2017

John C Reilly, instantly recognizable by his curly mane and square face, has already had a career unlike any other in Hollywood. In honor of Reilly turning 52 today, we take a look back at his unique path.

If Reilly had spent his entire life doing nothing but dramatic roles, he would still have a terrific catalog. He’s done brilliant work with legendary directors Martin Scorsese (Gangs of New York), Roman Polanski (Carnage – sorry Marvel fans, this movie has nothing to do with alien symbiotes), and Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights). He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Chicago. He headlined the Disney film Wreck-It Ralph. He’s even appeared in a Fiona Apple video.

But I’m here today to talk to you about comedy and John C Reilly is a titan in the realm of comedy.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

To me, Reilly is at his best when working with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. As Cal Naughton Jr. in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Reilly made us rethink what we thought we knew about friendship, teammates, and even Jesus.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1W7deoP-Ww[/embedyt]

While the entire movie is hilarious, it’s most often Cal that cracks me up. His lines are so quotable: “Shake and Bake”, “I’m in the front row and I’m hammered drunk”, and “cocaine and waffles” are particular favorites.

Step Brothers

In Step Brothers, he takes us into the world of man-child Dale Doback, a forty-year-old man who still lives with his doctor father. Despite the handicap of having no education or experience, Dale’s only plan for the future is going into “the family business”. Reilly gives us the obvious Peter Pan Syndrome laughs, but also takes us deeper. He shows childlike wonder at the effects of Liquid Paper on bees. He doesn’t know what to do when his enemy’s wife falls in love with him after he punches her husband in his stupid face. His sense of awe and naivety allows him to get away with so much and never risk losing the audience’s sympathy.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSheZC9C__s[/embedyt]

Green Team

This classic Funny or Die video takes us into the world of three unhinged environmentalists and their psychotic approach to social correction. Whether it’s comedy or drama, I’m a sucker for a good “descent into madness” and this short delivers just that.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfL4OLNgOok[/embedyt]

The Future

Even with all that, Reilly shows no sign of resting on his laurels. He’s currently filming Stan and Ollie, in which he plays legendary comedian Oliver Hardy, and Wreck-It Ralph 2 is expected in 2018. So, happy birthday, John C Reilly. We look forward to seeing what you have in store for us next.

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Geekflix – Top ‘Netflix’ Picks For June 2017

By

Anthony Wendel

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May 23, 2017

With Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s the sign May is coming to an end. This means it’s time for another installment of Geekflix on Netflix, where 10 titles are labeled required viewing for anyone who wants to keep their geek credentials strong.

10Little Witch Academia(June 30th)

Searching for a new anime series which you can enjoy? Look no further than Little Witch Academia, a show which is a little bit of Harry Potter, mixed with the randomness which comes from an anime series. It already has a huge following thanks to the two short films which preceded it. Give it a watch and check it out for yourself.

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Which titles are you looking forward to most? Leave a Comment below and let us know.

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