By now you’ve had plenty of time to cry or cheer about ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ so here comes the Geekscape Special and all of it’s Spoilers going deep on the film. What worked for us and what didn’t? What were the weirdest parts (because there were weird parts)? How does the treatment of new characters like Cheetah and Max Lord compare to their DC Comics originals? Why was this film set in 1984? And what does this mean for the rest of the cinematic DCU and the newly announced Wonder Woman 3? Enjoy!

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Yay! The Harley Quinn solo movie is here! But it’s not REALLY a solo movie because they introduce the Birds of Prey characters and force Harley to be in what sometimes feels like THEIR movie! Does it sound like a mess? Well, you’ve got NO IDEA how much it is! Ian Kerner joins me for a new Geekscape Special as we piece through Harley’s movie, celebrate the things that worked in it… and then detail the rest. What changes were made from the comics and did they hurt or help the movie? How was Ewan McGregor as Black Mask and what other Gotham City villains make an appearance? And WHY was the box office so tepid for this movie? It’s all here in a new Geekscape Special! Enjoy!

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Listen to Analog Jones try to solve the mystery of how William McNamara went from the most annoying character in Surviving the Game to a strong actor in Copycat.

Quick Facts
Copycat is a psychological thriller that was released into theaters on October 27, 1995, on a budget of $20 million and made $32 million in the box office.



Top 5 Films in theater in October 1995

  1. Get Shorty
  2. Powder
  3. Vampire in Brooklyn
  4. Copycat
  5. Now and Then
Harry Connick Jr. as Daryll Lee Cullum in Copycat

Director: Jon Amiel
Writer: Ann Biderman and David Madsen
Producer: Amon Milchan and Mark Tarlov
Production Company: Regency Enterprises
Distributor: Warner Bros.

Cast
Sigourney Weaver as Helen Hudson
Holly Hunter as Inspector M.J. Monahan
Dermot Mulroney as Inspector Reuben Goetz
Harry Connick Jr. as Daryll Lee Cullum
William McNamara as Peter Foley
J. E. Freeman as Lt Thomas Quinn
Will Patton as Det. Nicoletti
John Rothman as Andy
Shannon O’Hurley as Susan Schiffer

Copycat (1995) VHS Movie Review

VHS Description
“Crackling good. Nail-bitingly tense. Tautly directed.” -Janet Maslin, THE NEW YORK TIMES

The best-reviewed thriller of 1995 is Copycat, a sensational adrenaline pumper about the desperate hunt for a mass murderer with an elusive m.o.: he copies serial killers of the recent past.

He’s out there but who is he? When, where and how will he next strike? An ambitious San Francisco homicide detective (Academy Award winner Holly Hunter) and a noted criminal psychologist (Sigourney Weaver) piece together a jigsaw puzzle of crime as they close in on a fiend with a knack for staying a step ahead…and leaving a body behind.

Jon Amiel (Sommersby) directs “the smartest and most gripping thriller since The Silence of the Lambs” (Jack Mathews, Newsday). Dermot Mulroney, William McNamara, Harry Connick, Jr., Will Patton, and other co-stars bring extra heat to the film’s feverish race against time. For the ultimate in suspense and excitement, choose Copycat. But remember: he’s out there.

Trailers
None

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My man! After many jokes at its expense, it’s finally here… an Aquaman movie! But is this the film that gets the last laugh on critics and fans? Maybe! What I do know for sure is that this is the DCEU’s weirdest movie of all time! It’s actually a lot to pick through so I bring Ian Kerner in to talk about the film’s ins and outs and what works and what doesn’t. There are tons of SPOILERS so be warned as we answer lots of questions! Does this film setup a sequel? Does it help fixed the problematic DCEU films that came before it? Were the villains too over the top? Is a ‘Flashpoint’ movie the best way to save the DCEU? There’s lots to discuss in this special episode so enjoy!

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Director Patty Jenkins gets the “Wonder Woman” mythos.

In the comics and the cartoons Princess Diana of Themyscira (aka Wonder Woman) is the female equivalent to Superman. She defends the innocent and sees herself as a designated protector of mankind. She has immense strength, adept hand to hand combat skills, and a magical lasso that elicits the truth from whomever it entangles.

Wonder Woman is an Amazon princess (Gal Gadot) who lives on a secluded island of warrior women. When a World War 1 pilot (Chris Pine) crashes in a single engine plane he brings news of the horrors of war. Princess Diana feels compelled to join the fight.

“Wonder Woman” is not a perfect film but it easily surpasses the last two DC films “BvS” and “Suicide Squad.” It wouldn’t be an oversell to tell you that “Wonder Woman” leaves those two films in the dust. Her character may have been introduced in “BvS” but this film gives her previous performance context and then delivers her origin as a set-up to “Justice League” (Nov 2017).

Gal Gadot as Princess Diana is given the right dialogue and opportunity to shine in this performance thanks to screen writer Allan Heinberg and director Jenkins who adeptly navigates the balance between femininity and power. Gadot’s physicality is aptly demonstrated in several fight scenes that illustrate why Wonder Woman could hold her own when she takes out German spies determined to steal back a recipe book for deadly gas.

Chris Pine plays a version of “Star Trek’s” James T. Kirk, who at one point describes Princess Diana as “hot,” unfortunately foregoing the colloquialism of 1914 . Even with that story misstep early on, Pine overcomes with his natural charisma and midway through the second act personifies a believable Steve Trevor.

The supporting cast includes a lot of fantastic performances notably from Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta, who affected a cool accent and delicately balanced her performance to convey her character’s challenge of being a mother and Queen of the Amazons. Her right hand, played by Robin Wright as General Antiope, had several believable fight scenes and what may have been her first outing in such a physically demanding role.

Steve Trevor’s secretary Etta Candy, played by Lucy Davis, may have only had a few scenes but nonetheless delighted with her charm as given the assignment to make Princess Diana less warrior woman and more lady like.

The two main villains Dr. Maru (Elena Anaya) and Ludendorff played by well known actor and previous super hero villain in several X-Men films Danny Huston, unfortunately weren’t given quite enough screen time to really cement themselves as driving forces in the narrative. Both characters were presented two dimensionally and would have benefitted from just a bit more substance. Dr. Maru’s disfigurement is never addressed and her motivation to do such evil and why she was so dedicated to Ludendorff would have made a lot of difference. Something tells me those scenes may have been left on the cutting room floor in lieu of keeping the film at 2 hours and 21 minutes.

The visual creation of Paradise Island, and several WWI war zones including a no-mans land and war trenches were expertly created and added a lot to the story’s credibility. Notably a first in super hero trope of films from both DC and Marvel but no one’s keeping score anyway.

There’s a balance that Jenkins carefully treads between Wonder Woman being feminine yet powerful. That essence in itself defined early feminism when the comic came out in the early 1940’s and made many appearances including cartoons “Justice League,” “Super Friends” and the semi-campy 70’s TV show staring Lynda Carter.

Admirably Jenkins finds a way to instill Wonder Woman’s core attributes remaining faithful to what the iconic version of what Wonder Woman stands for, while not overtly cramming a feminist agenda down the audience’s throats. Jenkins and crew delivers the perfect version of both classic and contemporary heroine into the modern age of superhero films. This film will stand the test of time and even though it is a beacon to women that female super heroes can kick ass just as well as their male counterparts, the story holds its own in spite of, and despite being a feminist film.

Final Verdict: 4 out of 5

Rating: PG-13

 

  • Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy
  • Directed By: Patty Jenkins
  • Written By: Allan Heinberg, Zack Snyder, Jason Fuchs
  • In Theaters: Jun 2, 2017 wide
  • Runtime: 141 minutes
  • Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

 

 

 

Opening this weekend is “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” which takes the classic tale in new directions for better or worse.

Maybe there is an expectation among some critics and fans for a King Arthur film to have certain aspects of the traditional telling; Themes like magic, romance, and betrayal. Perhaps there is also an expectation to include Merlin, Guenevere, and Lancelot characters which have all played integral parts to the shaping of the Arthurian storyline, but which are all absent from this version.

Does that automatically equate to Richie’s “Legend of the Sword” not being worthy to stand on it’s own?


 

Richie’s hoped up telling is a mix of the fantastical reminiscent of 1981’s “Excalibur” and  Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings,” as well as incorporating Richie’s fast paced style. Think “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels,” and “Snatched.” Take those three elements and mix them all together and you get an attempt that will be received by many as too many elements that don’t necessarily go together.

“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” stars Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) in peak physical form as Arthur. In this version he is no longer the humble squire to his adopted/knighted father but rather a medieval gangster who was raised in a brothel. He’s sharp witted, fast on his feet and has friends named Wet Stick and Back Lack. Far from the classical version.

Crucial to this tale is the villain. The traditional foe of Arthur has always been Mordred. This version’s villain is Arthur’s uncle Vortigern (Jude Law) whose thirst for power supersedes all boundaries of what is sacred. Unfortunately, even with Law’s impeccable ability as an actor, we get a mostly single note, one dimensional villain. There are some early scenes, and one towards the end which almost gives you some hope but its still not enough to flesh out the characters motivations. That’s too bad because I really enjoy seeing Law as a bad guy.

Maybe there is a director’s cut down the line with more scenes that flesh out Vortigern and his all consuming desire to be King. As is, there isn’t much feeling one way or the other for the antagonist.

There is a prologue to the film (just like in Excalibur) where you get to see Arthur’s very early beginnings with his dad King Uther (Eric Bana), Igraine (Poppy Delevingne), as well as Vortigern’s wife and daughter. There was a part of me that wanted to see that movie more than the three acts that followed. Eric Bana was totally impressive and I’d like to see him get more roles in this genre.

Also, the prologue has the largest amount of fantastical elements in comparison to the rest of the film with massive war elephants, balls of super-charged magical energy pounding the defensive forces, and the sinister Mage Mordred (Rob Knighton) behind it all. His costume was excellent, and further more so are all the costumes in the film.  Nothing that resembled those horrible costumes the knights wore in the TV show that got cancelled last week “Emerald City.” Those were the absolute worst I’ve seen in awhile!

The opening sequences of “Legend of the Sword” is nothing less than spectacular and I thought one of the best parts of the film. It’s almost like shooting the film was divided up, and someone else wrote and directed that part, while someone else did other parts of the film, and in the end they put them together.

There are many positives to this film including a resounding sound track composed by Sam Lee and Daniel Pemberton. “The Devil and the Huntsman stands out;”  Click here for a listen. The sequence that shows Arthur growing up also has a fantastic bit of music from Daniel Pemberton, “Growing up Londinium”  hear it here. Too many times the score and sound track are forgotten and in this film they really play an integral part to giving the film this epic feel and I wanted to pay them homage.

Another technical part of the film that was outstanding was the sound editing. I could hear arrows whizzing by, horses running, people out of breath when fighting etc. People are going to say… when you start complimenting those aspects the other parts must suck.

All of the acting including the dialogue between Hunnam and his co-actors was interesting. Jude Law got some juicy moments to be evil, and then there were moments when the dialogue was overly contrived.  Again, did someone write one scene and then hand it over to someone else? The styles didn’t always quite align. Rather than a classic English style, Richie gives his modern gang banger twang injected into Arthur’s confidants but then in another scene you get a more formal English sound. If you are the type to notice, then this could be a love/hate thing.

I am a fan of most of Richie’s work, and just like seeing a Quentin Tarantino film, there is going to be a particular style that not everyone gets or even enjoys and I bet he’s fine with that.

Richie gave an interview online and said he envisions this film to go as far as six films in total. Personally, I would love to see King Arthur and more tales that come after this one however, because there is a lack of singular vision in this first one, the chances of a second one in my mind are 50:50. The American box office can be finicky sometimes while the International could love this film. We’ll know within the first week if it’s popular enough to warrant a sequel. Also, going into week 2 it will be competing with “Alien: Covenant” which shares a good portion of the same demographics.

“Legend of the Sword” is also a bit top heavy with the fantastical elements mostly in the prologue and then the final part of act 3. Again, it’s almost like multiple films, multiple styles meshing into one that doesn’t entirely fit. This is where I envision most critics are going to pound this film. I say most, because I like to write reviews for everyday people who make up most of filmgoers. I’ve seen close to 50 films already this year. How I see a movie and it’s failings isn’t how most of my friends see them. I do my best to wear glasses that many could see through rather than a few.

An aspect that I personally really enjoy in a Guy Richie film is when he likes to speed up a story and do these fast video montages. They are thrilling to watch. However, sometimes as fun as they are they end up moving the story to quick and those scenes that would have given a character more dimension, and gravitas get glazed over. As exciting as Arthurs growing up montage is, it neglects character building that is needed in establishing Arthur as a thinking, feeling, evolving person, and that takes more time than the estimated 3 minutes spent in this version.

Critics are going to beat this film up because the narrative is jumbled sometimes, and the main characters lack dimension. However, it’s a fantasy film where action takes center stage. Richie has fun injecting some new bits and unique storytelling that may be for some, and not others. In the end though, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” is a fun take on the classical tale. It’s not to be taken too seriously, and rightly so. Going to the movies with your family and friends is about having a good time, and that’s what you’ll get.

“Legend of the Sword” has a few issues that may be deal breakers for discerning film goers. The first one is that the story is just a bit disjointed in style and pacing. You get a lot of bits and parts that are brilliant but you also get a narrative that has too many one dimensional characters. I’ve seen this happen to a lot of fantasy films that have such promise but the special effects and action sequences end up taking over and leaving the story in the dust. I wouldn’t be surprised though if a lot of people forgave this failing and just went with the flow and enjoyed it for it is, a big fantasy with tons of action.

2 1/2 Stars Out Of 5

Rating:
PG-13 (for sequences of violence and action, some suggestive content and brief strong language)

Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Drama

Directed By: Guy Ritchie

Written By: Joby Harold, Guy Ritchie, Lionel Wigram

In Theaters: May 12, 2017 wide

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

 

 

 

UPDATE: It seems like ComingSoon.net has just confirmed that Reeves will indeed be directing and producing the film. What an emotional roller coaster 

Well, that was quick

2 weeks ago we reported that WB and Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves  were in talks to make him the director of the upcoming Ben Affleck solo film The Batman, but it seems as though DC & WB can just never win when it comes to the DCEU. According to people on the inside of the company, Reeves and WB have already stopped talks. These series of events continue to be an ongoing nightmare for both companies as the companies still have no concrete movie releases after 2018’s Aquaman.  The only way for the DCEU to really get back on track right now is Wonder Woman.  If this film can’t overcome another Rotten Tomatoes thrashing then will people be willing to go and see Justice League? What are your thoughts on these events? Who do you think would make a great director for The Batman. Tell us in the comments below!

Because the first Suicide Squad didn’t have enough villains, Warner Bros. is now eyeing Mel Gibson for the position of the sequel’s director. He is not the only director being considered, another option is Daniel Espinosa, however Gibson is currently familiarizing himself with the DC Universe, according to sources.

While his film, Hacksaw Ridge, earned an Oscar nomination, there is still something to be said about Gibson’s character flaws, especially his anti-Semitic comments. Does Warner Bros. really want to be associating with this guy?

The final decision on the director’s role is still to come.

[source: Hollywood Reporter]

Late last night WB and DC announced that they have finally found their director for Ben Affleck’s The Batman.

Matt Reeves, Director of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and the upcoming War for the Planet of the Apes has officially been chosen to helm the caped crusaders next adventure. Now that they’ve chosen a pretty solid director, it’s now up to the writing team to deliver a solid, comprehensible script. Affleck has stated multiple times that he will refuse to do the film unless the script gets all the love and attention it can get (Unlike the past 3 DC movies.) Overall, a safe choice, but the company really isn’t in the position to make any risky moves right now.

What are your thoughts on this new director news? Who would you have chosen to direct the film? Tell us in the comments below!

Earlier today Deadline reported that DC’S Green Lantern Corps. movie (slated for 2020) has finally secured a pair of writers which will be David Goyer and Justin Rhodes. While Goyer has been a writer for the Dark Knight Trilogy, most of his other work isn’t very well received by fans and critics (like Blade: Trinity), and Rhodes hasn’t really done much to really properly critique him. The film is said to be along the lines of Lethal Weapon in space, and will star the 2 most popular Lanterns, John Stewart and Hal Jordan. The film has no release date or actors yet, but DC seems pretty confident in announcing this right now, but maybe, just maybe they should focus on making the upcoming Wonder Woman and Justice League good films.

What are your thoughts on the announcement? Tell us in the comments below!

 

Briefly: We’re still crying with laughter at the last trailer for The LEGO Batman Movie.

Naturally, we’ll need to wait a few more months to feast our eyes on the full feature, but Warner Bros. has just debuted a new batch of character posters to keep us excited for the upcoming spinoff.

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO® Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

Take a look at the posters below, and be sure to let us know what you think! The LEGO Batman Movie hits theatres on February 10th!

Once upon a time back in the Year of 1998, there was a small little indie film being developed by a seemingly no name director. This man was Tim Burton, and his film was Batman.

In that film, Everyone’s favorite cloud city smuggler Billy Dee Williams played soon to be two face Harvey Dent. Except, it never happened. Williams never got the chance to play Two Face due to the failure of its 1992 sequel Batman Returns. That’s when Joel Schumacher took over, and the dark era Batman movies started. Williams was replaced with Tommy Lee Jones, and the rest is history. Poor Lando never got his chance. Until now.

A couple of months ago, some Lego Batman movie toy sets were leaked that showed off a Two Face that looked oddly similar to Williams portrayal of the character. Fans were curious, but didn’t say much about it until just recently. When asked if Williams was finally going to be able to play the iconic Batman villain, Director Chris McKay had this to say.

billy-dee-two-face-confirmed

Even though this probably won’t amount to much than just a cameo, this is still pretty damn awesome. What do you think about this new news? Would you have casted Two Face differently? Let us know in the comments! The Lego Batman Movie will be released on February 10th.

Hope your ready for the return of everyone’s favorite giant gorilla!

No, not Donkey Kong (good guess though), but King freaking Kong. A new trailer for the highly anticipated prequel Kong: Skull Island was just shown off last night during Jimmy Kimmel. (Do people still watch late night shows aside from some of the excerpts online?) The film has a slightly lighter tone than the previous one, but that doesn’t stop it from being pretty intense and exhilarating at some parts. Also, they actually show off Kong in all his glory! That’s more screen time than the new Godzilla had, right? Check out the trailer below! Are you excited for this film? Comment below and let us know!

Just when you thought things were looking up for DC and WB, everything comes tumbling down.

Dope and former Flash director Rick Famuyiwa has parted ways the company and film due to creative differences according to an article by The Hollywood Reporter. Whether  Famuyiwa left on his own accord or was forced out by WB & DC is yet to be known, but this poses a big problem for the upcoming speedster flick. Mostly because this film is supposed to start filming in March and they don’t even have a first draft of a script or a director now.flashNot only that, but main star Ezra Miller is extremely busy with other projects so making the March 2017 deadline doesn’t seem likely. Even more grim however is the prospect of a 2018 release is slowly sliding further and further away. God knows DC can’t rush the films production seeing as how they still have yet to make a film that satisfies both critics and fans (or even functions as an actual movie.) What do you think?  Who do you think should direct The Flash now? Tell us in the comments below!

 

Ben Affleck’s new movie, “The Accountant” is so good, it just may become the next Warner Bros. bankable franchise. Is that a surprise?

Geekdom took up arms when Ben Affleck was cast as Batman, but he proved many of us wrong. Yes, I didn’t think he had it in him and now here comes this film that immediately made me think of a Jason Bourne film. I was skeptical about “The Accountant,” and once again I have to back track and say what a surprise hit this film is.

Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has an affinity for numbers and uses that skill to do the accounting for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations. When the Treasury Department’s Crime Enforcement Division, run by Ray King (J.K. Simmons), starts getting close Christian takes on a legitimate client; a state-of-the-art robotics company where an accounting clerk (Anna Kendrick) has discovered a discrepancy involving millions of dollars. Christian’s job is to un-cook the books but as he gets closer to the truth, people start to die.

“The Accountant” plays very much like a comic book movie without the super powers. Lead character Christian Wolff (Affleck) does exhibit some unique abilities when it comes to rationalizing figures, and can kick some serious ass thanks to his military father but its all due to mother nature and not some wonder drug. What makes it all work is the sound writing from Bill Dubuque (The Judge), who does a fine job of creating three dimensional characters as well as flushing out the sub-plots that tell the story from a variety of views. The combination makes “The Accountant” a satisfying and well-rounded action film.

Excellent casting  and solid performances from John Lithgow, Jeffrey Tambor, Jon Bernthal, Anna Kendrick, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, and JK Simmons. Each deserves a write up, including Anna Kendrick who didn’t get as much to work with as all the others but still managed to deliver a solid, and believable performance.

Director Gavin O’Connor keeps the film on task with stealthy action scenes paired with witty bits of humor that never leave a lull in the story. Smartly paced fight scenes keep the action rolling with some pretty impressive fight choreography. Again, Ben Affleck proves that he can do action, credibly and this film just amps the excitement for Justice League and a repeat of him as Batman.

The only negative was a slightly sappy ending that goes on for five minutes too long, but by the time you get there you don’t mind.

4 out of 5 Stars

Rating: R

Genre: Drama

Directed By: Gavin O’Connor

Written By: Bill Dubuque
In Theaters: Oct 14, 2016 wide
Runtime: 128 minutes
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

 

While it pleased fans, many people (such as me) were frustrated and dissapointed with WB and DC’S second DCEU film Suicide Squad.

It seemed like there was a great film wanting to break out of there, but it was completely torn to pieces in post production as the film had sparatic cutting which resulted in scenes not making sense, characters not getting enough screen time, and many plot elements not properly explained well. Add to the fact that joker actor Jared Leto revealed that about 90% + of his joker was cut out, and many more things, there weren’t many people happy about the film.

Of course there really wasn’t anything else playing in theaters in august so the film was basically king of the box office for the entire month. Now, as multiple people predicted, it seems that this may have been intentional. This morning it was announced that Suicide Squad would be getting an extended edition. This extended cut aims to re insert a lot of the darker elements and a lot more of the Joker and Harley and origin stories. The question remains though, can an extended cut really save this movie? Guess we’ll find out?

Check out the the announcement trailer below and tell us what you think in the comments! Suicide Squad: Extended Edition will release November 15th on digital, and December 13th on Blu-Ray.

 

Briefly: I have huge man crush on Joe akin to that of Pee Wee Herman in his latest adventure.

A week ago Ben Affleck had dropped a teaser bomb and showcased what seemed to be a screen test of ‘Deathstroke’ in his upcoming ‘Batman’ movie. Now it was announced that none other than the Adonis incarnate, Joe Manganiello, has been cast in the role. Known primarily for his delicious eye candy roles in ‘True Blood’ and ‘Magic Mike’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bRcSA6fWZQ

DC Entertainment president and chief creative officer Geoff Johns confirmed the casting to the Wall Street Journal in his first interview since his new role overseeing Warner Bros.’ movies based on DC characters.

It’s still not known whether ‘Deathstroke’ will have a cameo in “Justice League,” which is currently shooting in London.

While DC and Warner Bros continue to struggle with launching a critical and profitable DCEU film, that’s not stopping them from green lighting more films.

Announced today in a Variety exclusive, WB has hired Edge of Tomorrow director Doug Liman to direct a a Justice League Dark movie for DC’s upcoming cinematic universe slate. Along with Liman, Scott Rudin will be producing. Justice League Dark features lesser known, but still loved characters like John Constantine, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, and more as it’s intended to be a darker (obviously) version of the Justice League. While this sounds like a great way to get back on track, the question remains whether or not DC and WB can really bounce back after 3 mis-fires.

According to a recent open letter to WB president Kevin Tsujihara, not only has Suicide Squad been a mess from the start, but Wonder Woman is also having troubles of its own. Only time will tell if they can get back on track with WW & JL, or if they should just jump straight to a standalone Affleck Batman film and soft reboot the universe (it’s never too late.) Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Director Doug Liman on the set of JUMPER.

Briefly: We’re still about three months away from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them even hitting theatres, and Warner Bros. has already revealed just when we’ll be seeing the sequel.

The first film hits theatres on November 18th, while the second will hit theatres just shy of two years later, on November 16th, 2016.

Rowling will take care of the screenplay, and Potter regular David Yates will return for the sequel as well.

In any case, it’s pretty clear that once again the world has Potter fever; The Cursed Child has just released and according to Scholastic has already sold over two million copies, there are entire Harry Potter theme parks that are drawing record crowds, and the light rumours of a Harry Potter mobile game in the style of Pokemon Go are setting the internet on fire.

Maybe it’s time for a re-read, don’t you think?

Are you looking forward to Fantastic Beasts? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Briefly: Another bombshell trailer just dropped at the Warner Bros. panel during San Diego Comic-Con (though this one we definitely expected).

The studio has finally revealed the first trailer for Kong: Skull Island, which comes to us from The Kings of Summer director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, stars Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel Jackson, John Goodman, and John C. Reilly, among others.

There have been heavy rumours since Skull Island was announced that this film would mark the launch of a new, shared monster universe that would later tie-in with Godzilla (and potentially other creatures). We don’t see a Monarch logo (or anything of the sort) in this first look, but we’re damned sure that it would be cool as hell to see the two creatures fight.

For now, take a look at this first trailer, and be sure to let us know what you think of it.

We all knew Warner Bros. had reserved a space in Hall H’s busy schedule, but we didn’t know exactly what they were going to be showing, until now.

This year, Conan O’Brien will be moderating the two hour panel. Here’s what they’ve got planned in Hall H:

“Wonder Woman” stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Connie Nielsen and director Patty Jenkins.

 

“Suicide Squad” stars Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Scott Eastwood, Cara Delevingne, Adam Beach and Karen Fukuhara, along with writer/director David Ayer.

 

Director Chris McKay and star Will Arnett from “The LEGO Batman Movie.”

 

Charlie Hunnam, who plays the title role in Guy Ritchie’s epic actioner “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” from Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures.

 

Stars Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John Goodman, Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell and director Jordan Vogt-Roberts of Warner Bros.’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Kong: Skull Island.”

 

Director David Yates with stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller and Colin Farrell from “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

It’s a great line-up, but you may be scratching your head as to the lack of Justice League. Well, as there are every year inside of Hall H, Warner Bros. is bound to have some surprises in store. Ben Affleck has already stated he will be in attendance this year. So what can we expect? I’d say we can at least get a glimpse of some footage, along with an appearance of the full team on stage. You can find out more details about each film below:

“Wonder Woman”

“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.

Joining Gadot in the international cast are Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, David Thewlis, Danny Huston, Elena Anaya, Ewen Bremner and Saïd Taghmaoui. Jenkins directs the film from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg and Geoff Johns, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg, based on characters from DC Entertainment. Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston. The film is produced by Charles Roven, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Rebecca Roven, Stephen Jones, Wesley Coller and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, “Wonder Woman.” The film is scheduled for release on June 2, 2017, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.wonderwomanfilm.com

 

“Suicide Squad”

From director David Ayer comes “Suicide Squad,” starring Oscar nominee Will Smith, Oscar winner Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman and Oscar nominee Viola Davis. It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Super-Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?

Written and directed by Ayer based on the characters from DC, the film also stars Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood, Cara Delevingne, Adam Beach, and Karen Fukuhara in her feature film debut. It is produced by Charles Roven and Richard Suckle, with Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Colin Wilson and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment production, a film by David Ayer, “Suicide Squad.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The film opens worldwide in 3D, and in 2D, and in select IMAX 3D theaters August 5, 2016. “Suicide Squad” is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of violence and action throughout, disturbing behavior, suggestive content and language. www.suicidesquad.com

 

“The LEGO Batman Movie”

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO® Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

Will Arnett reprises his starring role from “The LEGO Movie” as the voice of LEGO Batman, aka Bruce Wayne. Zach Galifianakis stars as The Joker; Michael Cera as the orphan Dick Grayson; Rosario Dawson as Barbara Gordon; and Ralph Fiennes as Alfred. “The LEGO® Batman Movie” is directed by Chris McKay and produced by Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. It is written by Seth Grahame-Smith and Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers, with additional screenplay material by Jared Stern & John Whittington, based on LEGO Construction Toys, in association with LEGO System AS. Chris McKay also serves as an executive producer, alongside Ryan Harris. A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, “The LEGO Batman Movie” will open in theaters on February 10, 2017. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.LegoBatman.com

 

“Kong: Skull Island”

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ “Kong: Skull Island” reimagines the origin of the mythic Kong in a compelling, original adventure from director Jordan Vogt-Roberts. In the film, a diverse team of explorers is brought together to venture deep into an uncharted island in the Pacific—as beautiful as it is treacherous—unaware that they’re crossing into the domain of the mythic Kong.

“Kong: Skull Island” stars Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Oscar winner Brie Larson, John Goodman and John C. Reilly. The international ensemble cast also includes Tian Jing, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, John Ortiz, Thomas Mann, Shea Whigham, Toby Kebbell and Eugene Cordero. Vogt-Roberts directs the film from a screenplay by Max Borenstein, John Gatins, Dan Gilroy and Derek Connolly. “Kong: Skull Island” is produced by Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni with Mary Parent. The executive producers are Eric McLeod and Alex Garcia. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present a Legendary Pictures Production, “Kong: Skull Island.” The film will be released worldwide in 2D, 3D in select theatres, and IMAX March 10, 2017, from Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

 

“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword”

Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to an original King Arthur epic, a sweeping fantasy action adventure starring Charlie Hunnam. Starring with Hunnam are Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen, Oscar nominee Jude Law, and Eric Bana. Ritchie directs the film from a screenplay by Joby Harold and Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, story by Joby Harold. The film is produced by Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman, Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, Lionel Wigram, Guy Ritchie and Steve Clark-Hall. David Dobkin and Bruce Berman are executive producers. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Weed Road/Safehouse Pictures Production, a Ritchie/Wigram Production. Slated for release on March 24, 2017, the film will be distributed in North America by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. www.kingarthurmovie.com

 

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is an all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne stars in the central role of wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters. The film opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

Starring with Redmayne are Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton, Oscar winner Jon Voight, Ron Perlman, Carmen Ejogo, Jenn Murray, Faith Wood-Blagrove and Colin Farrell. The film marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, whose beloved Harry Potter books were adapted into the top-grossing film franchise of all time. Her script was inspired by the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by her character Newt Scamander. The film reunites a number of people from the “Harry Potter” features, including producers David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram. Warner Bros. Pictures has slated “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for worldwide release in 2D and 3D in select theatres and IMAX on November 18, 2016. www.fantasticbeasts.com

 

Sounds like a great time!

We already know Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman will be making an appearance at the San Diego Comic-Con this year, but could a Justice League panel also be on the way?

Justice league

Yesterday, Ben Affleck himself said “We’ll be there,”  in response to a question as to whether or not he’ll be at SDCC this year. While he didn’t outright mention the Justice League film, we do know that the film is currently filming. Another possibility is that Affleck will be there to talk about his upcoming Batman solo-film.  Still, with Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman already making an appearance there, we might be in for one huge panel.

In any case, with Marvel making an appearance this year, after going MIA last year, SDCC 2016 is shaping up to be big.

My initial reaction to this news:

Who

Thanks to IMDB I see she is best know as the seductive robot Ava, in Ex Machina and in Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Oh, and she also won an Oscar for her role in last year’s The Danish Girl.

Apparently this was a  sought after role that every young actress was trying for with Daisy Ridley, Cara Delevigne, Emilia Clarke and Saoirse Ronan all rumored at some point.

With the prior actress to helm this role, Angelina Jolie, it’s not hard to see why. Vikander is hoping for a similar path, and the Tomb Raider movie is a good jumping off point, just like it was for Jolie.

Vikander is set to star opposite Matt Damon in the upcoming Jason Bourne film.

Just when we thought we’ve seen enough incredible trailers, Warner Bros. gives us another.

Inspired by the book published in 2001, Fantastical Beasts and Where to Find Them takes place in 1926 (65 years before Harry Potter sets foot onto Hogwarts) and centers on Newt Scamander–a magizoologist who just completed a world-wide excursion to find and document all the magical creatures he could find. Upon arriving in New York, his magical briefcase–containing some of the creatures he’s discovered–is misplaced. With the possibility of those magical beasts running amuck throughout the city, Newt must find a way to get his briefcase and the creatures back before disaster strikes both muggle and wizarding communities alike.

Take a look at the trailer below and let us know what you think in the comments below! Will we get to see a young Albus Dumbledore? What other Harry Potter characters would you want to see? We will find out later this year when Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them comes to theaters November 18, 2016!

 

Though Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was the cinematic equivalent of a dumpster fire, it wasn’t enough to stop excitement for the upcoming Suicide Squad, releasing in theaters August 5. Starring Will Smith, Jai Courtney, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, (deep breath) Viola Davis, and many more, the new trailer — which premiered during the MTV Movie Awards tonight — cements Suicide Squad‘s place in the Justice League cinematic universe.

This thing, using Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz,” is loaded with new footage, showing more of Ben Affleck’s cameo as Batman as well as comedic moments that Suicide Squad aims to inject into this otherwise grim and dour superhero universe. (I have no may of knowing if these scenes came from the current reshoots happening right now).

It’s less crazy editing than the “Bohemian Rhapsody” one that wowed us all a few months ago, but it’s still quirky and way more fun in just three minutes than two and a half hours of Zack Snyder’s monstrosity.

Suicide Squad is being directed by David Ayer and hits theaters August 5, 2016.

Briefly: Oh man.

Will Arnett’s Batman was certainly a standout character in 2014’s The Lego Movie, and Warner Bros. has just debuted a new trailer for 2017’s The Lego Batman Movie, which looks absolutely freaking hilarious.

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO® Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

The trailer makes fun of Batman a lot over the course of its 2-minute runtime, and I really, really can’t wait to see more of this one.

Take a look at the trailer below, and be sure to let us know what you think. The Lego Batman Movie hits theatres in 2017!

Hollywood Reporter has just announced that Warner Bros. has cast J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon in the new Justice League movies!!

No stranger to the comic book movie universe, J.K. has been a fan favorite for his excellent portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson in the spiderverse. Some im sire were hoping he would be able to once again reprise his role in the upcoming Spider-Man reboot.

‘Justice League’, which will be directed by Zack Snyder, sees heroes Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) teaming up to combat a threat beyond each member’s capabilities.

‘Justice League: Part One’ starts shooting in mid-April with a release date of November 17, 2017.

‘The Flash’ set to take a trip to National City.

According to a press release, ‘The Flash’s Grant Gustin will be guest starring on ‘Supergirl’.

There are no other details as of yet, including whether Melissa Benoist (Supergirl) will be returning the favor and make an appearance on ‘The Flash’. If She were to make an appearance on The CW, one would hope for a trifecta event that would also include The Arrow.

2016-02-03 14_34_08-Instagram

The Team-up comes as no surprise since they all share the same executive producers, Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg. The crossover has been long rumored and on everybody’s wish list basically since the Supergirl’ series was announced. The only other cross network character crossover that I could think of was Detective Munch who has randomly popped up in TV popular detective shows. Kudos for Berlanti and Kreisberg for getting all the networks to play nice and make this momentous crossover happen.

The Fastest Man Alive will team up with the Girl of Steel on March 28, when the Flash is slated to make an appearance on CBS’ Supergirl’.

‘Supergirl’ airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, ‘The Flash’ airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

Briefly: As promised, following today’s new poster, Warner Bros. has officially debuted a new trailer for this Summer’s Suicide Squad.

As you can probably guess, it’s freaking awesome.

Task Force X is very clearly made up of the worst. heroes. ever. and I’m loving every second of it.

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! Suicide Squad hits theatres on August 5th!

It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?

Briefly: After the stellar San Diego Comic-Con footage was officially released back in July, most of the internet essentially stopped hating on this Summer’s Suicide Squad.

We’re expecting to see a brand new trailer for the anticipated feature during tonight’s DC Films Presents: Dawn of the Justice League special on The CW, but first, Yahoo! Movies has just debuted a new, slick poster for the upcoming feature.

In the film, U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?

Take a look at the new poster below, and check back for that new trailer later tonight!

SuicideSquad