Tag: Elizabeth Banks

Geekscape Movie Review: Brightburn

by MCDave

In this superhero-crazed society where beloved Marvel and DC icons have a firm stranglehold over box-office revenue, it’s no surprise that David Yarovesky’s Brightburn, a new horror-twisting bend to the genre, was green-lighted and rushed into production as a massive money-grab. And with a perversely misleading marketing ploy that’s been throwing James Gunn’s (Guardians of the Galaxy) name around in order to lure fanboys into the theater, it’s not all that surprising to discover Gunn’s overwhelming lack of involvement in the film. Yes, his brother (Brian Gunn) and cousin (Mark Gunn) are the masterminds behind Brightburn’s gripping and original premise, but outside of a ceremonial producer’s credit and a time-consuming lap around the media circuit to draw publicity to the film, James Gunn’s fingerprints couldn’t feel further away from this superficial and emotionally devoid superhero origin story.

What if Superman had discovered his otherworldly powers and decided to do harm rather than good? That’s the primary idea behind Yarovesky’s Brightburn, a film that follows a loving couple (Elizabeth Banks and David Denman) struggling to conceive a child. Yet, their prayers are answered when a meteor strikes in the woods beside their home and the couple find a lost infant that they raise as their own. However, all the love in the world can’t stop Brandon (Jackson A. Dunn) from using his special abilities in sinister ways that eventually brings devastation to the family’s small Kansas town.

Brightburn represents the frustrating outcome of when a creative premise becomes terribly mishandled and there is plenty of blame to go around. Let’s begin with the film’s script. Brian and Mark Gunn’s initial idea is actually a golden one. And the thought to capture their villainous origin story through a horror-movie lens is risky, but still clever and original. Yet, Brightburn’s natural progression through its story fails to build authentic characters and never appropriately justifies their actions or motives. This brisk 90-minute journey feels as constricted and glossed-over as its running time would suggest. And to compound this issue, relying on a cast of virtual unknowns also proves detrimental. The acting was distractingly bad at times. Not to the point of complete disarray, but ineffective enough to warrant a mention. Consequently, this leads to a bitterly disappointing finale, one in which Brightburn’s intended emotional conclusion never fully packs the punch we so desperately deserve. However, we can’t ignore that hidden beneath this messy screenplay and wide collection of sub-par acting talent resides a worthwhile story. But it’s one that David Yarovesky and company fail to bring to life.

GRADE: 2.5/5

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Happytime Murders

by MCDave

When you consider creative geniuses who left us far too early, Jim Henson has to come to mind. Despite the puppeteer’s decades-long career that defined the childhoods of generations with clean and iconic comedies such as Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and everything The Muppets, you can’t help but feel cheated that Henson passed away after just 53 years. And while the name “Henson” has long been synonymous with wholesome humor, the legend’s middle child and eldest son, Brian, has journeyed down a shockingly naughty path with his new puppet comedy, The Happytime Murders. This R-rated transition probably isn’t what his father envisioned, yet Brian Henson’s uninhibited and vulgar puppet murder mystery proves more than just a cheap novelty with a unique shtick.

In a world where humans and puppets co-exist, despite the fact that puppets are viewed as inferior citizens, Phil Philips (voice of Bill Barretta) was once the first puppet police officer. However, tragic circumstances cost him his badge and now Phil spends his days as a private detective taking on small cases. But when a mysterious killer begins targeting the stars of a once-popular puppet sitcom, Phil teams up with his former police partner (Melissa McCarthy) to put an end to these murders.

My appreciation for The Happytime Murders will inevitably feel overblown, mostly due to the critical backlash feasted upon Brian Henson’s new film. But despite its desperate quest for laughter at the hands of shock value and gross immaturity, The Happytime Murders offers a well-cloaked mystery delivered at a fantastic pace. The film’s story engages with its hysterical characters and natural fluidity. And although Melissa McCarthy’s time in the spotlight continues to fade, she delays the inevitable with a strongly executed and insanely committed comedic turn. However, the true standout of the film is its clever and concise screenplay. The jokes are relentlessly thrown at you from a variety of angles, and through it all the leading star, puppet Phil Philips, begins to feel more and more human-like, which is a true testament to the writing. The Happytime Murders isn’t a movie designed for all audiences, as it’s obviously short on subtlety and artistry. Yet, if you’re willing to put all seriousness aside and open up to some lewd silliness at the hands of more than just a few crazy puppets, you’ll be able to enjoy The Happytime Murders for the absurd and raunchy comedy that it is.

GRADE: 3/5

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NYCC 2016: Go Go Power Rangers Character Posters

by Bigyanks

In recurring theme this year, Lionsgate has decided to release five more character posters ahead of the ‘Power Rangers’ reboot panel at New York Comic Con, which takes place Saturday at 2 PM.

The ‘Power Rangers’ film stars Dacre Montgomery (A Few Less Men) as Jason the Red Ranger, RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) as Billy the Blue Ranger, Naomi Scott (The 33) as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, Becky G (Empire) as Trini the Yellow Ranger, Ludi Lin (Monster Hunt) as Zack the Black Ranger, and Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games) as Rita Repulsa. In addition Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) has been announced to play Zordon with Bill Hader (“Saturday Night Live) voicing Alpha 5.

‘Power Rangers’ will morph into theaters March 24, 2017.

power-ranger-red power-ranger-yellow power-ranger-pink power-ranger-blue power-ranger-black

“IT’S MORPHIN’ TIME” Your First Look At The New ‘Power Rangers’ Suits

by Bigyanks

Growing up i was a huge fan of original series Mighty Morphing Power Rangers, i was enthralled by drama that Tommy brought by being the green Ranger and as The White Ranger. So when I saw the new Rangers suits the nostalgia train pulled in that are looking pretty cool. The new suits definitely has  some of that throwback look from the early 90’s series mixed in with the look of the Iron Man suits. Along with the new Rita Repulsa looks, so everything is shaping up to look like a cool modern reboot but only time will tell when we get a trailer and can judge it a little bit better.

prangers

The reboot will star Elizabeth Banks (Rita Repulsa),  Becky G (Yellow Ranger – Trini), Ludi Lin (Black Ranger – Zack), Dacre Montgomery (Red Ranger – Jason), Naomi Scott (Pink Ranger – Kimberly), and RJ Cyler (Blue Ranger – Billy). I’m still waiting to find out who will be the roles of Zordon and Alpha.

Here’s hoping that it follows in line with the TMNT reboot and keeping to a similar tone that made it so popular and still relevant to today’s audience.

Good Luck Rangers.

‘Power Rangers’ hits theaters March 24, 2017.

 

‘Power Rangers’ Reboot: Here’s Your First Look At Elizabeth Banks As Rita Repulsa!

by The_acz

We are less than a year away from the new Power Rangers reboot hitting theaters next year.

We’ve already seen some new things such as an official logo reveal, but now it’s getting interesting. Today, People gave us a first look and interview with Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa. While not looking like her original Power Rangers design, her new update makes her look a bit more threatening. Check out the image below, and read the original People interview right here.  Do you like Rita’s new re-design? What would you do differently? Tell us in the comments below! The Power Rangers reboot will be MORPHING into theaters on March 24th, 2017.

Rita

‘Power Rangers’ Movie Logo Looks Like a PlayStation Game from 1998

by Eric Francisco

The logo for 2017’s Power Rangers directed by Dean Israelite is now unveiled, and, well I’m not going to dance around this. It looks like garbage.

Looking like chrome vomit from a late ’90s PlayStation game, the logo for Power Rangers is uncomfortably color-less, sporting a bizarre emphasis on black, red, and some blue. It’s not quite what I wanted from something as beloved to me as Power Rangers, and honestly the current blank logo they have would have been fine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEMgDroGztT/?taken-by=powerrangersmovie&hl=en

I guess this is supposed to be dark and gritty? That’s kind of what Dean Israelite and literally anyone else involved with this movie has been describing the production as. Given how well Marvel balances the line between family friendly and profoundly dark, not to mention how much Zack Snyder’s nihilism plagued Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice it’s amazing to me that anyone thinks “dark superheroes targeted to children” is in any way a good idea.

As far as the logo itself, I wish I had evidence but it looks like something I actually made when I was 6 toying with the clip art in Windows 95. I printed it and kept it on my wall. I seriously wish I could show you how this logo is something an actual 6-year old made, because I did!

While we have yet to see a trailer for this, let’s reserve judgement until then. Meanwhile, last week they opened up a Snapchat account. I haven’t seen them post anything, but hopefully a social media intern doesn’t accidentally send out sexts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDyhOOPmzgl/?taken-by=powerrangersmovie&hl=en

Power Rangers will be released on March 24, 2017. It stars (deep breath) Darce Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Ludi Lin, Naomi Scott, pop star Becky G, and 30 Rock and The Hunger Games star Elizabeth Banks.

Elizabeth Banks Is Rita Repulsa In Dean Israelite’s ‘Power Rangers’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Dean Israelite’s Power Rangers has finally found its villain.

As a 90’s kid who only really remembers the series’ early seasons, I couldn’t be more excited to see iconic villain Rita Repulsa on the big screen in 2017.

THR has learned that Pitch Perfect 2 director and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp star Elizabeth Banks has signed on to portray the role, and the actress has already taken to Twitter to express excitement over the news:

It’s truly amazing to see so much of the world so excited about a Power Rangers resurgence (well, not that Power Rangers ever went away), and as a huge fan of director Dean Israelite’s 2015 feature debut, Project Almanac, I really can’t wait to see what comes of 2017’s Power Rangers.

RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin, Naomi Scott, and Dacre Montgomery are our new Rangers, and Power Rangers is slated for a March 24th, 2017 release.

How do you feel about Banks as Rita Repulsa? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

Christopher Lloyd, Michael J. Fox Reprise ‘Back to the Future’ for ‘LEGO Dimensions’

by Eric Francisco

Great Scott!

Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox are returning to their iconic roles from the Back to the Future franchise for LEGO Dimensions, releasing September 25 for all home consoles (except Ouya).

They won’t be alone, as LEGO Dimensions  has a loaded voice cast. Also reprising their roles are The Lego Movie stars Chris Pratt as Emmet, Elizabeth Banks as Wyldstyle, Alison Brie UniKitty, and Charlie Day as the hyped-up hyperspace space man Benny. The Twelfth Doctor from Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi, is also showing up.

New to LEGO are Joel McHale as X-PO and freaking Oscar-nominee Gary Oldman as the villainous Lord Vortech. Gary Oldman voicing for a LEGO video game. What a time to be alive.

Official Trailer Debut For ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2’

by Bigyanks

The official trailer for ‘THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2′ that premiered to rave reviews at Comic-Con is now available online!

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Natalie Dormer, with Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is in theaters November 20th!

Brick Yourself Over The Trailer For The Lego Movie

by Shane O'Hare

Hot off the presses and blowing up the internet is this brand new trailer for the upcoming Lego movie. Now you’re probably thinking to yourself ” A movie…. about Lego?”. Yeah I was thinking the same thing, then I watched the trailer. If you’ve ever played a Lego game, that genuine funny you feel when you play is perfectly captured in this trailer.

The Lego movie comes out February 7, 2014 and stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

Morgan Freeman And Elizabeth Banks Join ‘Lego: The Piece Of Resistance’

by Shawn Madden

Lego: The Piece of Resistance, the upcoming Warner Bros. animated feature, has just added Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games) and Morgan Freeman (It’s Morgan Freeman…do I really need to tell you what you’ve seen him in?) to the list of actors lending their voices to the film. Freeman will be taking on the role of Vitruvius but not much is known other than that. The current features Chris Pratt (Parks And Recreation) in the lead role and feature Will Arnett (Arrested Development) as the voice of Batman. There is rumor that Warner Bros. is hoping to land Channing Tatum to fill the role of Superman. The official plot for the film :

An ordinary Lego mini-figure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil Lego tyrant from gluing the universe together.

Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (21 Jump Street)  will be directing the upcoming feature with a release date set for February 28, 2014.

Source: Deadline