In the latest episode of the FilmKind Podcast, Kieran discusses and reviews the latest installment of the Fast and Furious franchise. Is The Fate of the Furious a worthy chapter of the story? Does “Rogue Dom” make sense? Can the franchise survive without Paul Walker? Listen to the review and find out!
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With Dom and Letty married, Brian and Mia retired and the rest of the crew exonerated, the globe-trotting team has found some semblance of a normal life. They soon face an unexpected challenge when a mysterious woman named Cipher forces Dom to betray them all. Now, they must unite to bring home the man who made them a family and stop her from unleashing chaos on a grand scale.
The Bad Batch comes from A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night director Ana Lily Arimpour, and who knows what this thing is really going to be about judging from this new, kickass, completely bizarro trailer.
Check it out:
All we have for a synopsis is “A dystopian love story in a Texas wasteland and set in a community of cannibals.” Sounds good to me. The trailer hums along and the voiceover from Keanu Reeves is pretty stellar work. This thing is gonna be bonkers.
The Bad Batch will be a tough film to market, but it’s also something that a certain group of cinephiles already can’t wait to see. It stars Jason Momoa, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey (!), Diego Luna, Giovanni Ribisi, and Suki Waterhouse. Neon will release it June 23.
The 40 Years of Star Wars Panel live is available for streaming, and it’s getting started pretty soon.
We’ve got you covered. You can watch the live stream, hosted by Warwick Davis and including Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and several stars, right here:
The panel guests include Felicity Jones, Mark Hamill, Ian McDiarmind, Episode VIII director Rian Johnson, and Boba Fett himself, Jeremy Bulloch.
After Kennedy was introduced moments ago, she welcomed George Lucas to the stage, and he is currently reminiscing on the origins of the franchise (11:30 ET).
Hayden Christensen is followed up on stage by Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Billy Dee Williams (11:50 ET).
Mark Hamill is the next one to join the panel with Lucas, Mayhew, Williams, and Daniels (12:00 ET).
HAN IS IN THE BUILDING! Harrison Ford joins the panel (12:10 ET).
Lucas and Kennedy give a touching tribute to Carrie Fisher (12:20 ET).
Carrie Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourde, takes the stage to give a tribute to her mother (12:24 ET).
April 15th brings Doctor Who Series 10. It’s been a long time without any fresh Doctor Who. The last episode of Series 9 aired in September 2015. Last year’s Christmas Special gave us a small dose, but at long last we have a brand new series to look forward to. This will be the last for both Stephen Moffat as showrunner and Peter Capaldi as the Doctor.
There are spoilers ahead, if you don’t want any ideas about what is coming.
Nardole was introduced in The Husbands of River Song. He seems to have tagged along after to make sure the Doctor was more or less okay. It’s been stated that he won’t be in every episode of the series, but in a lot of them.
Bill Potts is the new companion, stepping into the shoes of Clara Oswald. Not much is known about her character as of yet, but she’ll appear starting in the first episode. Her character is openly gay. She seems inquisitive, always a good trait for a companion. It’s already been announced that she we leave after this series, to give the next showrunner a fresh start.
4. John Simm as the Master
It’s not explained exactly how, but John Simm, who last appeared as the Master at the end of the Tenth Doctor’s run in 2010, returns in this series. The episode will have both his incarnation of the Master as well as the more recent Missy. Between the Master and Missy there may not be any scenery left to chew.
3. Mondasian Cybermen
This series will mark a return to the classic, original, Cybermen. The new series has always used an update version of the Cybermen. These are Cybermen as seen in their first Doctor Who episode, The Tenth Planet, in 1966. Interestingly that was the first episode with a regeneration, and it seems they may be involved with the regeneration of Twelve as well as One. This season also sees a return of the Ice Warriors.
2. Screenwriter Rona Monroe
As usual, Doctor Who Series 10 has quite a few returning writers and directors. Rona Monroe is different, in that, with this, she will be the first person to write for both Classic and New Doctor Who. She wrote Survival, the last episode of the original run. Doctor Who has sometimes taken heat for a lack of female writers, and it’s good to see there are two this season. In addition, Rachel Talalay returns to direct the final two episodes as she did in Season 9.
1. Regeneration
All things must end, and so, by the end of this series, the Twelfth Doctor will be no more. There were rumors Peter Capaldi was asked to stay on, but it was decided that he would leave with Stephen Moffat. This will give Chris Chibnall, who is taking over reigns, a fresh start with his own Doctor and companion. This has also led to speculation that the new Doctor will arrive with Christmas.
There many things to look forward to in Doctor Who series 10. What are you most excited about?
The Man of Steel and (former) CEO of CatCo Worldwide Media are returning to National City! E!News reports that Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman is returning for the season finale of Supergirl, airing May 22 on the CW. To make the finale that much more awesome, Entertainment Weekly broke the news that Cat Grant, played by Calista Flockhart, is also set to return to the CW series for its season finale.
Superman/Clark Kent was alluded to many times during season 1 of Supergirl. He chatted with his cousin Kara via instant messenger. His name appeared in newspaper headlines. He was even seen a few times, though blurred or from a distance.
In the first episodes season 2, we got our first look at the ‘Arrowverse’version of The Man of Steel, portrayed by Hoechlin. Unlike other versions in the movies and television, this Superman has been saving the day for a while. He is portrayed as a true, blue, selfie-taking boy scout that a certain cinematic universe should take a lesson from.
A series regular in season 1, Flockhart’s Cat Grant exited after the second episode of the current season. This was presumably due to production moving to Vancouver when the CW acquired Supergirl in between seasons 1 and 2 from CBS. What snarky yet sage advice will Grant give Kara/Supergirl after her extended hiatus from National City?
There are no details yet as to the plot of the season finale. It is safe to assume that it will be the culmination of multiple story-lines. There are the ones featuring Cadmus/Lillian Luthor, Rhea (Mon-El’s murderous mom played by Teri Hatcher), and President Olivia Marsdin (Lynda Carter).
Cat Grant and Superman return on the season finale of Supergirl, airing May 22 on the CW.
Excited for Superman and Cat Grant’s return to Supergirl? Share in the comments!
Lundgren has been a part of countless films. He’s most known for his role in Rocky IV, but he has also been involved in The Expendables franchise, Masters of the Universe, and Joshua Tree.
Are you looking forward to Lundgren’s role in the DC Extended Universe flick? Comment below!
Aquaman stars Jason Moma as the title character, Amber Heard as Mera, Willem Defoe as Vulko, Michael K. Williams as Black Manta, and Patrick Wilson as Orm.
In an effort to attract more female Star Wars fans and promote equality, Disney has announced Star Wars: Forces of Destiny. It’s a series of eight animated shorts that take place within the Star Wars universe and feature prominent female characters.
“With Forces of Destiny, there was an opportunity to tell some additional stories around these terrific characters from throughout the franchise,” said Executive Producer Carrie Beck.
Forces of Destiny features Daisey Ridley as Rey, Felicity Jones as Gyn Erso, Shelby Young as Leia, and others.
Are you looking forward to these animated shorts? How do you feel about Star Wars branching off and doing things seperate from the movies, television, and video games? Comment below!
ResurreXion is well underway, X-Men comics are becoming a priority again. After last week’s solid but controversial start with X-Men: Gold, the second wave of X-books have arrived. Along with Weapon X, Marvel released writer Cullen Bunn’s X-Men: Blue. This title focuses on the time displaced teens that are now permanent members of the 616 Universe. Xavier’s original X-Men embark on a new adventure and the kids are alright.
***Spoilers Lie Ahead***
Cullen Bunn hasn’t had the best X-Men credentials over the last couple years. The lackluster, and downright awful, era of X-Men comics that we’re now leaving behind us featured more than a few Bunn blunders. This series is his shot at redemption, he’s a better writer than Uncanny X-Men would have you believe.
These X-kids from the past, have been around for a while. The problem with them was that after Battle Of The Atom, nobody seemed to know what to do with them. Their status and purpose has been up in the air since 2013. Now that they’re here to stay, they’ve isolated themselves from the rest of the other mutants. It’s a wise decision, a fresh start for a group that clearly needed one.
In their first outing, they clash with a duo of classic X-Men villains (Black Tom & Juggernaut). Filled to the brim with colorful and exciting action, X-Men: Blue #1 showcases the young team working together as a unit. We’re entering uncharted territory with Jean Grey leading the team, forcing Scott Summers into a supporting role. This dynamic is immediately interesting, even more so when Iceman pokes fun at it.
There’s an attitude and appeal to this comic that was nowhere to be found in previous stories trying to force the kids into relevance. With Magneto guiding these impressionable teens, the narrative potential is seemingly endless. Will he follow in Charles Xavier’s footsteps or utilize the X-Men for his own personal agenda?
X-Men: Blue is a visually stimulating experience as well. Marvel wasn’t kidding about bringing back the colorful side of their mutant heroes. Not only are the much needed costume redesigns effective, but the action flows smoothly. For a book featuring a good bit of dialogue, there’s not a single moment of boredom or fatigue thanks largely in part to the fabulous art. Jorge Molina and Matteo Buffagni combine their efforts with Matt Milla’s always stunning color direction.
The fulfilling reading experience this issue provides is extended with teaser for things to come, following the story. So far, so good for Marvel’s X-Men ResurreXion. It’s not a complete home run by any means yet, but they’ve certainly got readers’ attention to start.
What did you think of the first X-Men: Blue issue? Which ResurreXion title has you most excited so far? Let us know in the comments below!
Typing up old notes. Sorting the recycling. Cleaning my cat’s litter box with a tweezer. What do all of these things have in common? It’s a list of things I could have done with the four hours which were wasted watching all of Hand Shakers. Strap yourselves in because the rage train is about to leave the station.
Story
The story is your standard magical battle plot. A boy (Tazuna Takatsuki) meets a girl (Koyori Akutagawa) which results in him getting powers from taking her hand. It is revealed he is a “Hand Shaker” someone who can summon a “Nimrod” (magic weapon) and enter into the “Ziggurat” (alternate dimension) to fight. If you fight enough people you get to meet God and get a wish. Standard fare for a series but somehow this show makes such a fantastic premise feeling boring and contrived.
Despite establishing the fact Koyori is weak, Tazuna having to hold her hand to give her energy so she doesn’t disappear, and if they lose a battle she will vanish completely you just don’t care while watching it. Koyomi has all the personality of a piece of driftwood who prefers to spend most of the series communicating in grunts, moans, and signs. It’s not as adorable than you’d think. Also, the length of time they are allowed to be separated starts at never, goes to 15 minutes, and even reaches two hours. It feels less like a standard progression and more like an “as the plot needs it” excuse.
There also is a distinct lack of tension in every battle the pair engages in. They are fighting adversaries who are far too friendly and lack any real motivation. Fights involve building destroying destruction (which of course doesn’t affect the real world since they are in the Ziggurat), but no one is truly fighting for a nobel or just cause. No one’s family member has cancer, is being abused, or will be miserable for the rest of their if they don’t get their wish granted. In fact, after teams are defeated by Tazuna and Koyori, they apologize and are super keen friends forever. It’s so tripe, you want to vomit but since there is no substance to the show you can’t puke anything up.
Also, using “20XX” as the date your story takes place in? Unless your series features Megaman you have no right using this year.
Art
Usually as a critic there is some redeeming factor to take out of any piece of media. For the most part this is often the result of the visual art aspect. As long as a production is at least trying there should some merit to it. This is my traditional way of thinking and it was unfortunately shattered after watching Hand Shakers.
This anime employs so many of the cardinal sins which can hurt an animated series it’s unfathomable. Let’s go through the list shall we. Rough mix of character animation with the CGI? Check. Poor animation moments which are incredibly noticeable so you can tell where production phoned in their work? Check. Cranking up the brightness to the point it actually hurts the visuals? Check. Fanservice which comes off as more embarrassing than sexual? You better believe check! The amount of visual errors which occur is beyond appalling.
Music
I sadly don’t have enough experience with the band OxT to tell if this is a proper representation of their work. Hopefully it’s not as the opening is generic and not very catchy. The real travesty in the closing theme song by Akino Arai. She sounds like she is totally disinterested and lacking energy in the song. For a better representation of her work go listen to “Voices” from Macross Plus. In fact, go watch Macross Plus instead of even thinking about watching this anime.
Conclusion
Congratulations Hand Shakers! You are officially a contender of the worst anime of the year. Few shows make me actually regret the time I wasted watching them but you found a way to succeed in this aspect. Bravo! Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go re-watch Gundam Build Fighters and remind myself I actually still enjoy anime as a form of media.
Nintendo just held a Direct that was filled with 3DS, Switch, and amiibo news. Here are my top five moments.
5 – Yellow Joy-Con
Nintendo has a chance to cash in on these Joy-Con. The red and blue versions are nice, but I’ll definitely be picking up this ARMS themed yellow pack.
4 – Bayonetta, Cloud, and Corrin amiibo discussed
It was only a matter of time until these figures were finally talked about. We knew they were in development, and now it’s finally time to get ‘em released and in the hands of collectors. A twist I wasn’t expecting is two versions of each.
3 – New Link amiibo
Although I’m excited for the other amiibo discussed in this Direct, I’m truly hyped for these three figures. The Majora’s Mask Link is one of my favorite yet; I’ll definitely be picking these up.
2 – ARMS gameplay
Before the presentation, I was moderately excited for ARMS, and although I’m still not over the moon about the title, the gameplay shown helped win me over. Getting a firm release date was helpful, as it ensures that Nintendo will be releasing more information about this game sooner than later.
1 – Splatoon 2 gets release date of July 21
Yes, my favorite moment from the Direct was a simple release date. Although, it’s not the date of some random indie title or port, it’s a brand new, Switch exclusive game that I am absolutely hyped for. The first Splatoon is amazing, and the second will surely be better.
What were your favorite moments from the direct? Comment below, let me know!
