Fresh off the success of Get Out, easily the most exciting new film thus far in 2017, Jordan Peele has agreed to a production deal with Universal Studios.
The studio has signed Peele to a first-look overall production deal with his Monkeypaw Productions banner.
Under the two-year deal, Universal stakes a claim to Peele’s next film, an untitled social thriller that he will write, direct and produce. That project is looking to have a larger canvas than Get Out as the budget will be about five times bigger than his low-budget movie Peele made with producer Jason Blum.
The deal comes as nearly every studio had been chasing to work with Peele, who wrote and directed the breakout thriller released in February that became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its creative way of tackling racial issues. The movie, which Universal released, has grossed over $194 million worldwide and was made a budget of about $5 million. The studio moved swiftly and aggressively to bring the actor-filmmaker into the fold.
So we get Peele’s next socio-political thriller with a little more scratch behind it, and whatever project he might have up over the next two years. This is exciting stuff for fans of Get Out. And, honestly, who doesn’t love Get Out?
Let the Jordan Peele follow-up film countdown begin.
Batman and the Flash arrive in the Flashpoint Universe, surprised at how it still exists. After an emotional encounter between Bruce and Thomas Wayne, the Batcave is attacked by a legion of Amazons and Atlanteans. As the father and son Batmen fight off the invaders, Barry Allen repairs the damaged Cosmic Treadmill. With the device fixed, Batman and Flash attempt to return to their own world, only to once encounter Eboard Thawne, the Reverse-Flash!
Batman #22 ‘The Button’ Part 3 Story by: Tom King and Joshua Williamson Written by: Joshua Williamson Art by: Jason Fabok Colors by: Brad Anderson Published by: DC Comics
“The Button” continues, now in its third chapter. Picking up directly where it left off in Flash#21, the story continues to be speed-force fast paced, but takes an emotional bend with this issue that is much welcomed. Read on to find out 11 reasons Batman #22 is both packed with action and drama!
‘Batman’ #22 Page 4
The perfect mix of narrative action and emotion. It’s the kind of balance that makes it impactful.
Bruce using a Batarang to knock a gun out of his father’s hand.
TWO Batmen and a Flash vs the Amazons and Atlanteans!
Jason Fabok’s ability to convey both action scenes and dramatic facial close-ups.
“Something else has kept the Flashpoint going.”
Bruce telling Thomas about his grandson.
“Don’t be Batman. Find happiness.”
Thomas Wayne’s totally bad-ass, emotionally charged and explosive exit.
Fabok’s rendition of the speed-force.
The return of Reverse-Flash! (Seriously I love Eobard Thawne!)
The realization that this story has taken place in what is likely just a few hours for the characters. Makes for great intensity.
‘Batman’ #22 Page 5
Haters be damned, ‘The Button’ has been a fun ride that I have really been enjoying. The mystery has been able to be a slow burn while still maintaining good momentum. Next chapter is called “Hand of God,” which just makes me anticipate it even more. I am now fully on board.
With Backlash just over a week away, it is safe to say that SmackDown LIVE has taken a few steps back since the “Super Star Shake-up.” Although, one can argue the distraction of the SmackDown Live performers working the Raw event Payback distorted focus momentarily. Not so fast. SmackDown lost some of its identity in the “shakeup,” mostly in the form of the show’s MVP… The Miz.
Miz, and his antics, had become some of the best water cooler moments of the wrestling week. Nobody had any clue what the A-Lister was going to say next, and once his feud with John Cena ended at WrestleMania, Miz went to raw while Cena went away. (Not that we can see him anyway. Nobody can.)
Sure, “the blue brand” picked up a couple of stars in the swap. Kevin Owens is always a delight to watch, and with his win at Payback, Chris Jericho will also be joining SmackDown LIVE. (Maybe? We’ll get to that in a second.)
Actually, there has been some highs and lows from the past months, which usually leads to interesting television. Which leads us to our next segment…
SLUG FEST
YAY!: Don’t hinder Jinder!
The biggest marketing ploy SmackDown Live has insisted on since it’s inception last year is the fact that “the land of opportunity” showcases on Tuesday nights. The biggest example came just a few weeks ago, when perennial loser Jinder Mahal won a six-pack challenge match to become the number one contender to the WWE championship.
A saying in wrestling for giving someone a fast promotion is to “put a rocket” on them. Well, Houston, we may have a problem with Jinder Mahal. Pro Wrestling fans are rather ruthless, and any hint of the office trying to influence who their audience needs to care about is usually met with a gigantic backlash. Which is why Jinder aligning himself with the Singh brothers (formerly The Bollywood Boys), and making himself an anti-American heel may be perfect for his career.
Listen, most people are stupid and ignorant. Not knowing the difference between and Indian and a Muslim is common practice. Most people are just booing the turban, which if used to Mahal’s advantage, could really set up some amazing promos. The best villains are the ones who speak a bit of the truth behind their lies. Here’s hoping WWE allows Jinder to grow into a fully fleshed out character.
LONG LIVE THE MAHARAJA!!!
BOO!: The Face Vacant From The Space
Where, oh where, is AJ Styles? Certainly not on SmackDown Live! Nobody should count the mediocre face-off promo Styles and Jericho cut to open the show either. Style’s involvement in the segment was only a way to shoehorn him into the show, probably after someone realized he wasn’t booked on it. Fans get that a cooling off period was coming from Styles, however SmackDown Live needs AJ front and center in all major storylines. After all, he is the best performer on the planet between the ropes.
YAY!: “Dedicated Garment Gum Shoes”
Breezango got their grove back, ya’ll. The duo’s Rockford Files/Law and Order mash-up dubbed “The Fashion Files” was the scene stealer of SmackDown! There has never been any doubt that these two journeymen have talent and charisma, but sometimes it just takes a while to find where potential is fully taken advantage of.
A long underrated tool of sports entertainment is absurdity. When done wrongly (Triple H performing necrophilia on a dummy in a casket) it comes off cheap and idiotic. When done correctly on the other hand (The Undertaker, seriously, everything about his career is absurd. Start to finish, really, just think about it.) Everything about this gimmick is absurd, and everybody is buying in. To get a character over you need to buy in, and much to our enjoyment it seems Breeze and Dango are going to take this pairing over the top.
Seriously, if you haven’t seen this segment, please do so…
BOO!: Noam Dar’s annunciation.
Seriously bro, open your mouth and speak. His promo needed to be rewound three times to remind me not to watch 205 Live. Not that anyone needs that reminder.
BOO!: Charlotte is like a face now?
Charlotte Flair is amazing at her job, and in my opinion was the 2016 WWE performer of the year, she is that good. Usually, when a character becomes so amazing the audience’s first instinct is to begin to cheer them. This is starting to happen to Charlotte.
A six-woman tag between “The Welcoming Committee” and the unlikely alliance of Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi is on the horizon. WWE would be wise to have Charlotte turn on Naomi after helping them win, because a good guy Flair is no fun.
BTW, stop putting half the women’s roster in groups, there is only like 6 of them to begin with. Who is going to fight now?
YAY!: “Strong Style” is around the bend.
18 days away to be exact… Get your air violins ready!
BOO!: WWE IS DETERMINED TO REMIND US EVERY SIX SECONDS!
Seriously, four commercials during SmackDown Live about the debut of ShinsukeNakamura? Part of me is ecstatic that WWE feels the need to make a big deal about “Swagsuke” and his big debut. The other part is wondering if they realize that airing 373 commercials about anyone is going to lead to over exposure.
Just like Shinsuke swag. After all, the king is going to be the king!
THROWBACK MATCH OF THE WEEK!
Rey Mysterio Jr. vs Dean Malenko for the WCW Cruiserweight Title (Nitro, 1996)
What did YOU think of SmackDown Live? Leave any questions or comments below, and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @themikeycuralli!
In this episode of the FilmKind Podcast, Kieran reviews the latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2. Was the film a worthy follow-up to the original? Are the characters as good as you remember? Listen to the spoiler-free review and find out!
Listen To My Review Of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2 Below!
Make sure you hit the like button, subscribe and review the podcast! Alternatively, you can subscribe to the Monkeys Fighting Robots newsletter to be notified when new episodes are available, plus amazing content!
“Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.”
GotG Vol. 2 stars Chris Pratt as Star-Lord/Peter Quill, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket Raccoon, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Kurt Russel as Ego The Living Planet, Karen Gillian as Nebula, Dave Bautista as Drax, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Sean Gunn as Kraglin, and Sylvester Stallone in a currently unknown role. The film is directed by James Gunn.
I don’t think anyone can complain about a lack of Wonder Woman marketing! Warner Bros. has been releasing new teasers and trailers all week and they just struck again with possibly the best teaser trailers yet. The short teaser offers a look at new footage, mainly showing how badass Gal Gadot’s interpretation of Wonder Woman is. Alongside the new teaser, and official Wonder Woman poster has been released, showcasing one of the characters most iconic moments from the various trailers.
The teaser is available in the player above. Get a look at the new poster below!
’Wonder Woman’ hits movie theaters around the world next summer when Gal Gadot returns as the title character in the epic action adventure from director Patty Jenkins. 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.”
Wonder Woman stars Gal Gadot as the title character, Chris Pine, Robin Wright as Antiope, David Thewlis, Danny Huston, Elena Anaya, Connie Nielsen, Ewen Bremner, and Lucy Davis.
It’s an incredible assemblage of talent: Penélope Cruz, Daisy Ridley, Josh Gad, Michelle Pfeiffer (!!!), Kenneth Branagh, Willem Dafoe, Lucy Boynton, Derek Jacobi, and Leslie Odom Jr. And then, there on the right of the poster, looking like a parody of himself, is Johnny Depp. Not to make this about Depp, but isn’t his act getting somewhat tiresome?
Anywho… Murder on The Orient Express is a remake of Sidney Lumet’s Agatha Christie adaptation. Here’s a layout:
A lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into the thrilling mystery of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone’s a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again.
Branagh is pulling double duty as director and co star. Hopefully this Murder on The Orient Express has the richness and rhythms of Lumet’s terrific adaptation. And let’s hope Johnny Depp doesn’t ruin it. It opens November 10.
Brianna’s restaurant has gained some positive attention, so of course that’s when her brother Hans decides to roll into town with his food truck for a little competition!
Writing
There are times when, as a critic, reviews slip through your fingers. You take too long to get around to doing a write up on a particular subject and you have no choice but to shelve it because you have other material which needs to be covered. Yet you still want to make sure the media gets as much attention as possible. This is the case with Brave Chef Brianna, a series which isn’t getting a proper review until the third issue of its miniseries. To the entire creative team behind this book, I apologize for taking too long because it really is a great series.
As Brianna continues to work to keep her restaurant afloat in a city of monsters, she has had a lot of difficulties. A native chef trying to take her down, an impromptu visit by family, and her own doubts and fears not helping anything. All the while, you can feel for Brianna as she works hard to become a chef and inherit her family’s name, which she believes is the only thing to help her stand out as a creative from her siblings. Any reader can easily sympathize with Brianna and her situation and want her to succeed as she works to make her dream come true.
Writer and creator Sam Sykes has created something original by taking a lot of unique themes and mixing them together into a truly delectable entree. One you wouldn’t mind sharing with anyone interested in comics for more than just stories of superheroes. Also, the real recipes in the back of the book by chef Stephanie Goldfarb sound delicious and it makes you want to try to create them yourself.
Artwork
The art team of Selina Espiritu (on illustrations) and Sarah Stern (on colors) work together to produce a very visually pleasing book. They have found a way to create their own style behind recognizable monsters of fiction. Also, the way they illustrate Brianna’s doubt as a swirling black gas trying to consume her is probably one of the best visual interpretations of emotion ever. It really feels like it will swallow her whole if she is not careful.
Conclusion
This series is great and makes you want more. More issues, more recipes, and more of Brianna, a character everyone can relate with. Hopefully more people will pick up this series and the further adventures of this up and coming chef in a city of monsters will be a possibility.
One-hundred-plus years of filmmaking provides a long, rich, and deep history to look back on. Retro reviews and analysis of old films are practically necessary full-time specialties. Month after month, films release, vying to make as much money as possible. Some rise, some fall, but regardless of financial success, it’s never a sign of a lasting effect. A great example is Hancock, the 2008 Will Smith film. Hancock made nearly 630 million at the box office and is barely used as a punchline to a joke today.
May is going to be a busy month for ticket counters. This week is the much-anticipated sequel to Marvel’s beloved Guardians of the Galaxy. The film gets two weeks to demolish all competitors before Alien: Covenant, Baywatch, and a new Pirates of the Caribbean film make their mark. In the end, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 will likely be the undisputed master of May 2017 and one of the top five grossing films of the year.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 features strong performances from the supporting cast which helps dull the pain of a bloated narrative.
Summary
The film has quite a promising start as the prologue takes place during the 1980’s and we are quickly introduced to Kurt Russell, playing Peter Quill’s father. We are then jettisoned to the present as our favorite band of galactic heroes who are in the midst of a mission to protect the Sovereign’s energy supply that quickly transitions into the best opening sequence ever for a Marvel film.
Rocket gets the crazy idea that it would be a great to steal from the very same people who had just hired them a short time ago. Of course, this idea goes horribly wrong and leads to an intergalactic shootout culminating in a mystery oval-shaped ship showing up at the last second to save them from certain death. The Guardians’ vessel ends up crashing on the planet below, and our mystery ship lands next to them. The oval ship is piloted by Ego (Kurt Russell) who just happens to be Peter’s dad. The family reunion is short as Peter (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and Drax (Dave Bautista) head off with Ego to his home world while Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) stay back to repair their ship. It’s at this point that things go from bad to worse as Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), the extremely pissed off High Priestess of the Sovereign contracts Yondu to hunt down the Guardians and bring them back to her.
Acting
Part of the reason why Guardians of the Galaxy was such a success is due to the energetic acting performances. Chris Pratt cemented his current status of a leading man based on the role of Peter Quill. Dave Bautista proved to the world that not all wrestlers are bad actors, just ones named Hulk Hogan. However, the acting in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. wasn’t nearly enough to elevate the film.
Chris Pratt’s performance in the film was a mixture of teen angst with a little sprinkle of daddy issues. Zoe Saldana portrayal of Gamora was drab and didn’t have the same spark as the first film. The best acting in this highly anticipated sequel came from the unlikeliest of cast members. Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel’s lines in the movie had the audience roaring with laughter. Dave Bautista nearly stole the film from the entire cast with his dry Drax like delivery. The best acting came from Micheal Rooker and his portrayal of Yondu. In the first Guardians of the Galaxy, Yondu is nothing more than a thief who kidnapped a young Peter Quill. This time around, he’s more concerned about his legacy, and there is more to him than swiping things. Without getting into spoilers, Rooker gives his character a tremendous amount of depth which was pleasantly surprising.
Directing/Writing
James Gunn manages to navigate the pressure of a sequel with relative ease. This time around he has a much bigger budget than the original film, and you get the sense the felt the need to spend every penny on visual effects and production design. Ego’s planet was extremely psychedelic and was a bit of an overkill. However, the space battles with the Sovereign looked incredibly fresh and added to the film watching experience.
From the onset, it was obvious that the focus of this film was going to be family (specifically Peter’s). We, of course, get into that whole dynamic in which Ego and Peter finally find each other after all these years. Could Peter finally feel complete? Could he be genuinely at peace after 34 years? Before we are allowed to find that answer out, Gunn takes the narrative in a dozen different offshoots where we discuss the horrible family lives of Gamora, Rocket, and Yondu. Why? Their family lives have no impact on Peter’s impression of his dad. Maybe Gunn feels the need to pound that theme into the ground?
Overall
Even with all the issues surrounding Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the film will still be a major commercial success for Marvel. The narrative delivers just enough for the comic book fans to be satisfied. Average fans will forgive the thin plot line because they’ll still be guffawing over a line Rocket just yelled. The musical selections are so perfect that one can’t help but wonder if Gunn picked what songs were going to be on the soundtrack before he even wrote the screenplay. If you plan on going this weekend, don’t expect the same brilliance of the original film. That’s just a standard this film has no chance of reaching.
“Who’s watching Oliver tells the story of a mentally unstable loner lost in a life forced upon him. By night Oliver (Russell Geoffrey Banks) aimlessly wanders the streets and bars on what can only be described as a truly shocking and humiliating killing spree. His only savior and possible way out of a life he is desperate to escape comes in the form of the beautiful Sophia (Sara Malakul Lane) with her sweet eccentricity and naivety to the danger she has put herself in.”
https://youtu.be/GH16M1vFj9I
This is not an easy film to watch. Everything about the experience is a little jarring. From background music that doesn’t comfortably sit with the scene. To a mother/son relationship that would make Normal Bates uncomfortable. “Who’s Watching Oliver” is unlike any other horror film on the market at the moment. This is why you need to watch it!
Russell Geoffrey Banks stars as the titular Oliver. In addition to being one of the writing credits on the film, with Richie Moore and Raimund Huber also getting credit. This is a film that is has killed it on the festival circuit. With five awards already under their belts the team behind “Who’s Watching Oliver” have a hit on their hands.
Have you ever felt sympathy for a serial killer before? That’s the main emotion that this intense horror will evoke. Over the course of 87 minutes, not only will you feel waves of concern for Oliver but hope and joy at his choices. None of these are the standard emotions for a horror movie, but that’s the beauty of “Who’s Watching Oliver”. Despite its horror label, it goes beyond the genre. At it’s heart – this is a love story that proves there is someone out there for everyone. Even Thai prostitute and mother obsessed Oliver.
Russell Geoffrey Banks absolutely shines as Oliver. Quiet, hopefully and torn he’s a lovable main character. Controlled over nightly web-cam sessions by his foul-mouthed mother played to perfection by Margaret Roche. Roche’s portrayal of “Mama” is terrifying. It’s with her that the true horror lies. Banks brings a level of vulnerability and pain to the role of Oliver. He is a man trapped by his past and by a sexually demanding mother. He knows he’s a monster, but a monster of his parents making.
As the movie progresses audiences observe Oliver’s realization that he deserves more from life than killing prostitutes of a night to keep his mother happy. He deserves a cat. A home and ultimately someone to love.
Enter Sophia (Sara Malakul Lane) as the softly spoken, dream obsessed female lead. Through frequent meetings at a local theme park the two find a way to love each other and heal the wounds their families have left. It’s rare to want a serial killer to find happiness but through a tight script and a believable and strangely lovable character that is exactly what we want for Oliver.
Russell Geoffrey Banks has already won two Best Actor awards for his role. It’s very easy to see why. He delivers a masterclass in the nuances of a character. From patchy shaving to simple eye gestures, Oliver is a fully realized and deeply flawed character. You won’t hate him however, no matter how many prostitutes he kills. The hate will be reserved for his ever watchful Mama, who poisons her son’s life with increasingly disturbing demands on a nightly basis. The monster here isn’t the killer himself. Rather the creator.
If you are looking for a horror full of jump scares and gores, then “Who’s Watching Oliver” isn’t the movie for you. If you want a movie that probes what it means to be a monster and the depth of love then you will want to catch this. This isn’t a film you’ll throw on and forget about. Oliver’s story will stay with you, his choices will affect you. The undertones of abuse not spoken about by Oliver, the jarring music and surreal settings of the movie all work brilliantly together. This is a slow burning movie that doesn’t wrap everything up in the final frame, but give it the time it deserves and you will be thankful you did.
