tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74019037795401586792024-03-17T23:03:15.363-04:00A Space BlogysseySci-Fi, Scifi fan, blog, geek, geek girl, culture, blerd, Science Fiction, entertainment, movies, film, television, reviews, trailers, Fantasy, Comic books, Doctor Who, The Walking Dead, msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-18340639852973592172021-03-21T01:02:00.004-04:002021-03-22T00:50:26.153-04:00'Justice League' 2021 - "There's No Us Without Him." [MAJOR SPOILERS]<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9WZqLIkZJggNr4OeybXb-Vbonni4CAn3JBWbel5l0dbYGtSBZz6ukfp9eejcm95TDkIDcp3SURdGYqLP2yGFd7GxeX7JA3RZx7W-zyJgUb_4ZDvzkeHN88MR70VoMID8yiJsiZIEEHc/s2000/Zack+Synder%2527s+justice+league+review+2021+-+4_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9WZqLIkZJggNr4OeybXb-Vbonni4CAn3JBWbel5l0dbYGtSBZz6ukfp9eejcm95TDkIDcp3SURdGYqLP2yGFd7GxeX7JA3RZx7W-zyJgUb_4ZDvzkeHN88MR70VoMID8yiJsiZIEEHc/w640-h512/Zack+Synder%2527s+justice+league+review+2021+-+4_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #be343d; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i>Directed by </i>ZACK SYNDER</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br />Starring BEN AFFLECK</i><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">, GAL GADOT, JASON MOMOA, RAY FISHER, EZRA MILLER, </span></h4><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #be343d; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">JOE MORTON, <i>and </i>AMY ADAMS</span></h4></div><div><br /></div>I WAS WRONG. <p></p><p>I had very low expectations for the highly anticipated Synder cut of the 2017 '<b>Justice League</b>.' I'm not one who thinks "director's cuts" will magically make a better movie. If it wasn't a good movie to begin with, I don't know how much a director's cut can do? I was especially doubtful of a new <b>Zack Synder</b> cut. I kinda enjoyed his previous superhero films '<b>Man of Steel</b>' and '<b>Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice</b>,' but I wasn't impressed. Synder is hit or miss for me. His bloviated style of spectacle over substance isn't something I usually enjoy, but this time he combined both style and substance. </p><p>When it was announced that Synder was stepping down from the film I hoped <b>Joss Whedon</b> would bring a fresh look and style to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Please note I don't want to diminish Synder's reasons for stepping away from the film in 2017. He suffered a terrible loss. As a fellow human being and a parent, I empathized. </p><p>But despite Synder's flaws, his films were rich with world-building. When his original film was recut, all of his flaws were still present, but none of his charm. Whedon replaced all of Synder's appeal with his own signature cutesy style and cheeky banter. Sadly, Whedon left most of the character development on the cutting room floor. The combination of Synder's flaws and Whedon's humor <span style="font-family: georgia;">WAS A DISASTER</span>. The 2021 version of the film corrects this mistake. </p><p>Synder's cut still has flaws, but when placed in context IT FINALLY MAKES SENSE. Whedon tried to create '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/05/avengers-age-of-ultron-and-girl-box.html" target="_blank">Avengers: Age of Ultron</a></b>' lite, which in itself was a bad movie. From what I read this was done at the behest of the studio. It's fair to say that Warner Bros. Studios is the absolute worst. They've repeatedly tried to destroy their '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2017/06/wonder-woman-review-only-love-will.html" target="_blank">Wonder Woman</a></b>' franchise, they reboot Batman every few years, and <span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>they cut Synder's films to pieces</i></span>. </p><p>Instead of the formidable villain Darkseid, Whedon reorganized the film to make Steppenwolf the main bad. THIS MADE NO SENSE. Removing this extra layer of villainry was a huge mistake. Without Darkseid, Steppenwolf was just another villain with no character development beyond "<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>hey let's conquer earth</i></span>." </p><p>In the Synder Cut, Steppenwolf is a means to an end to what Darkseid has in store for earth and its inhabitants. Whedon also made the mistake of showing too much of the film's villain, giving him flirtatious banter with the Amazons, and quips with the Justice League. It was a typical Whedon plot point (<i><span style="font-family: georgia;">most of his films and tv shows include tongue-in-cheek villains</span></i>), but it didn't work in a Zack Synder film. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Zack Synder's Director's Cut of Justice League 2021</h1><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EyJRkt8rgDwR4LLUnEAjEYqP7CYuLBsEUlcsu3c61VEHjqEyx6Z6hlxXOPNyLdhpoUjVCRAO0qxIVaG29CxXi2_TgllM_qfgm3QvVgybuYYT8Q4MJ_yb4KR1uftDfLo_P29kLezZsT8/s2000/Justice+league+2017+v+2021+scene+1_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EyJRkt8rgDwR4LLUnEAjEYqP7CYuLBsEUlcsu3c61VEHjqEyx6Z6hlxXOPNyLdhpoUjVCRAO0qxIVaG29CxXi2_TgllM_qfgm3QvVgybuYYT8Q4MJ_yb4KR1uftDfLo_P29kLezZsT8/w640-h512/Justice+league+2017+v+2021+scene+1_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div>Make no mistake, Synder's version is epic. From the first scene, we know this is a very different film. The opening scene is completely different. In the Whedon cut, our first scene is a colorful cellphone video of Superman after a rescue, followed by a musical montage of what the world is like without Superman (<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>roll credits</i></span>). Whatever flaws Synder has, he takes the world-building in his films seriously. He wants his audience to believe in the magic of superheroes. The man doesn't have a nuanced bone in his body, which is why this movie works<span></span><div><br /></div><div>In the theatrical version, Superman's death is mentioned in passing. In Synder's Cut, the first scene is Superman's death at the hand of Doomsday from 'Dawn of Justice' and his death reverberates throughout the planet, affecting every corner of the earth, and wakes the mother boxes. In the theatrical version, the mother stones were living machines that Steppenwolf wanted to possess to terraform earth into his own home planet. <span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A pretty weak plot point</i></span>. In the Synder Cut, the mother stones are change machines, capable of bringing about life itself. The indestructible mother boxes are in the care of three core groups-- the Amazons, the Atlanteans, and the humans.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I AM THRILLED</span> to report that the scene of Batman baiting a burglar so he can attract a parademon...because they are attracted by fear, <span style="font-family: georgia;">HAS BEEN REMOVED</span>. Like the theatrical version, parademons are flying minions of Steppenwolf, but <i><span style="font-family: georgia;">their ability to smell fear was a Whedon creation</span></i>. Synder only shows the parademons when necessary. Their original intent of aiding Steppenwolf is all that remains. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIb3zwFkqlWI0s5hpyeLInzVCn13xmEMOsDqfs6eCsRx7_pWf4pgVM8WG0kP8OJccofL26IeGMon2sBijxMdpKnQ3GTcqn3vlMb-IaXL0iokmhkaDcBdewzF4cjt1cH-JGSW7ODNda_Q/s2000/Cinematography+2017+v+2021+justice+league_wonder+woman_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIb3zwFkqlWI0s5hpyeLInzVCn13xmEMOsDqfs6eCsRx7_pWf4pgVM8WG0kP8OJccofL26IeGMon2sBijxMdpKnQ3GTcqn3vlMb-IaXL0iokmhkaDcBdewzF4cjt1cH-JGSW7ODNda_Q/w640-h512/Cinematography+2017+v+2021+justice+league_wonder+woman_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gal Gadot in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Similar to the first film, we are introduced to various characters (<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>some of whom we've seen before</i></span>), such as the illustrious Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (<b>Gal Gadot</b>) and the indomitable Arthur Curry/Aquaman (<b>Jason Momoa</b>). At first glance, their introductory scenes appear to be similar, but they're not. The editing, the musical score, cinematography, storyline, and overall feel of the film are dramatically different. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the theatrical version, Bruce Wayne/Batman (<b>Ben Affleck</b>) is searching for the three mystery boxes and trying to put together a team of heroes. We don't know how he learned about the boxes or why he's looking for them. In the Synder Cut, Batman is exclusively trying to bring a league of heroes together because of a warning from Lex Luthor (<b>Jesse Eisenberg</b>). Bruce doesn't know what's coming, but he knows earth needs to be prepared, especially after the death of Superman. </div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to the theatrical version, Bruce journeys to Iceland to convince Aquaman to join his team, but there's more detail to Bruce's journey--more breathtaking shots of the magnificent Icelandic landscape and his interactions with Aquaman and the townspeople make more sense. <i><span style="font-family: georgia;">MAKES MORE SENSE</span></i> will be a common theme in this review. There is a LOT OF CONTEXT added to the Synder Cut that helps propel the storyline and develop the characters. <span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>And there is never enough of a shirtless Jason Momoa. This is a fact</i></span>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL2WM8PJpGlX5PWLmA-TPzEvi2xr_l_w4BllTABpjzExrUQ2JWk-lGaoByGfhUwNhMOBZpgssrYfootsNwzHo35FilwVkhLTKiJEIiY5bIVkHuNAdiC3HibDWbuzTvUYjYdMuSi7SBhI/s1194/Justice+league+2021+jason+momoa+aquaman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1194" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL2WM8PJpGlX5PWLmA-TPzEvi2xr_l_w4BllTABpjzExrUQ2JWk-lGaoByGfhUwNhMOBZpgssrYfootsNwzHo35FilwVkhLTKiJEIiY5bIVkHuNAdiC3HibDWbuzTvUYjYdMuSi7SBhI/w640-h426/Justice+league+2021+jason+momoa+aquaman.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason Momoa in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">DRESSED LIKE A BAT. </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><i>YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR MIND BRUCE WAYNE.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Aquaman [to Batman]</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Whedon's world was sentimental, cheeky, and colorful. Without Superman, Synder's world is darker and colder. The colors are muted and the skies are cloudy. I did a scene-by-scene comparison for a few scenes (not all). After I did a bunch of screen captures, HBO Max disabled my screen capture ability (<i><span style="font-family: georgia;">THANKS HBO MAX! I AM REVIEWING THE FILM, NOT COPYING IT!</span></i>) </div><div><br /></div><div>Whedon's cut was HEAVILY edited, which makes the Synder Cut almost unrecognizable in comparison. Even the fight scenes were whittled down significantly. Whedon focused on short bursts of energy. Whereas Synder's fight scenes feel like a marathon. Even with near-identical scenes, the difference between these directors is night and day. </div><div><br /></div>I don't necessarily think either of them is a bad director (<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>although Whedon appears to be insufferable and badly behaved on set</i></span>). Both directors have distinct strengths and weaknesses. The problem is that the theatrical version combined their weaknesses, but none of their strengths. With one cohesive vision for the film, Synder's Cut is an immediate improvement. Synder's version also explains the importance of Superman and what his death meant for the planet. Superman wasn't just a hero who did photo ops. He was the protector of the planet and his death caused a cataclysmic chain reaction. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cGovmDxHjN6MA56LX8DoB0bzYBdX2fCxYyN78QsZN91oYepdfpm3uSyG8nhUbxnKCudcecSkH8dCL-vidw0c8E7rulnqZzKJPnPrbGJo5LjByIGxU9PZn5P6oi02vPrmY_-anrPL2WA/s1109/gal+gadot+2021+justice+league+wonder+woman+-+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1109" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cGovmDxHjN6MA56LX8DoB0bzYBdX2fCxYyN78QsZN91oYepdfpm3uSyG8nhUbxnKCudcecSkH8dCL-vidw0c8E7rulnqZzKJPnPrbGJo5LjByIGxU9PZn5P6oi02vPrmY_-anrPL2WA/w640-h354/gal+gadot+2021+justice+league+wonder+woman+-+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gal Gadot in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p>When comparing the scenes side by side, it's easy to overlook some of the differences. Wonder Woman has the same opening scene, fighting off terrorists who have taken hostages in a government building. The scene is very similar to the Whedon Cut, but Synder's Cut is grittier and dirtier. The Synder Cut's "R" rating lets Diana do more damage. There's no gore, but she's much more aggressive and she doesn't take any prisoners. She leaves bloodstains on the walls after she throws people. At the same time, Wonder Woman has more heart. We get a glimpse of Wonder Woman's virtuous character of helping people because it's the right thing to do.</p><p>Speaking of Wonder Woman, her rip-rocking theme song is back and it's more glorious than ever. Written by <b>Junkie XL</b> and <b>Hans Zimmer</b> for 'Dawn of Justice,' Junkie XL returns to score the Synder Cut and adds some acoustical tribal music to Wonder Woman's theme. The musical score isn't as obvious as <b>Danny Elfman's</b> score in the Whedon Cut. Admittedly I enjoyed Elfman's score, but it's probably a smart move not to play each individual superhero's theme song every time they do something cool. In that regard, the score is more fluid. After all, the heroes of this story are coming together for a reason. It makes sense for the musical score to follow suit.</p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nHL8sIBHvZd8raNWnJFhOoQ1wKw-U8f1FhIqoTmO_foYWihqC8S4DAvSGIuRPFOAoi5J7yod8WISHUz2jB75kQuhA-wzu7ZX8PtRoC2TKJS6Qv9DU-YkyGnBPvvTSRk0ZmCMztB7oOQ/s2000/Steppenwolf+2017+v+2021+justice+league.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nHL8sIBHvZd8raNWnJFhOoQ1wKw-U8f1FhIqoTmO_foYWihqC8S4DAvSGIuRPFOAoi5J7yod8WISHUz2jB75kQuhA-wzu7ZX8PtRoC2TKJS6Qv9DU-YkyGnBPvvTSRk0ZmCMztB7oOQ/w640-h512/Steppenwolf+2017+v+2021+justice+league.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><i>I WILL BATHE IN YOUR FEAR.</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Steppenwolf.</span></div><div><p></p><div>In Themyscira the Amazons are attacked by Steppenwolf for their mother box. Synder's Cut includes additional battle scenes and dialogue between the Amazons as they await their fate. There's also a substantive difference on Themyscira. In Whedon's Cut, the Amazons know exactly who Steppenwolf is (because they fought him before). In Synder's Cut, the Amazons are caught off guard by an unknown foe, which makes their defense against him all the more heroic. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Synder's Cut the fighting on Themyscira is vicious. This Steppenwolf doesn't banter with the Amazons or toy with them. There's no sexual tension between him and the Queen. He doesn't tell her, "<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>She will love him</i></span>." Steppenwolf isn't there to flirt. He's there to destroy them. <span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Now that I think about it, maybe Whedon is a bit pervy</i></span>? </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhZTaBBR1DIaBh8KtrGCead__1hXr5B4uQGrpwLB4JDf8fFk9GOm6zCSFAajfDScgt9kgfwwNDCvo8juRwVaiVujBtwLUKTREFInTzI0ZTzNq_Owr_lqFVBcyfQ9YasBCcFLJ7QbHTeM/s1114/Justice+league+2021+amazons+themyscira.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1114" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhZTaBBR1DIaBh8KtrGCead__1hXr5B4uQGrpwLB4JDf8fFk9GOm6zCSFAajfDScgt9kgfwwNDCvo8juRwVaiVujBtwLUKTREFInTzI0ZTzNq_Owr_lqFVBcyfQ9YasBCcFLJ7QbHTeM/w640-h404/Justice+league+2021+amazons+themyscira.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connie Nielsen in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: right;"><i>AMAZONS, SHOW HIM YOUR FEAR!</i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Queen Hippolyta </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">WE HAVE NO FEAR.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Amazons</span></div><div><p>When Queen Hippolyta (<b>Connie Nielsen</b>) orders the cage sealed with her sisters inside (in an effort to kill Steppenwolf), it actually does kill her sisters. Steppenwolf doesn't immediately escape with a stroke of his ax like in the Whedon Cut. Upon being sealed in the building, Steppenwolf and the Amazons inside sink into the sea. It makes Steppenwolf's survival even more upsetting for the Amazons. Nielson is a fine actor, but the missing scenes give her performance more meaning. </p><p>After Steppenwolf's decimation of the Amazons, Queen Hippolyta sends Diana a message with the arrow of Artemis burning the pantheon, which lets Diana know there's an invasion afoot. Unlike the original film, Diana goes full <b>Indiana Jones</b> to investigate her mother's warning. In this version, she finds an underground tunnel that leads her to warnings of Darkseid. It's only after Diana has made her own discovery that she pays Batman a visit and tells him what she's found. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwXZewcLBIWK4eHaVVEwZ1rhwvvSdamTMJ64YsrJHLjIpcZlN8PlqyACQ9XdLlfZOcL-PVE9kW4nKuh_jO2vfZ0CxjbmtEKOA5cs8E95iS4Z9HFaU3hLZHIjA4q7MRpzvXoyiRdnAl8Q/s1108/Justice+league+2021+gal+gadot+wonder+woman+darkseid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1108" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwXZewcLBIWK4eHaVVEwZ1rhwvvSdamTMJ64YsrJHLjIpcZlN8PlqyACQ9XdLlfZOcL-PVE9kW4nKuh_jO2vfZ0CxjbmtEKOA5cs8E95iS4Z9HFaU3hLZHIjA4q7MRpzvXoyiRdnAl8Q/w640-h430/Justice+league+2021+gal+gadot+wonder+woman+darkseid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gal Gadot in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Diana tells Bruce about the mythology of a previous invasion. It's similar to the theatrical version but revolves around Darkseid (not Steppenwolf). When Darkseid invaded earth he discovered the "anti-life" equation that would allow him to control every being across the multiverse (all at once). In Whedon's Cut, Steppenwolf returns to earth because he went crazy after he was defeated. <i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now that's some really lazy storytelling</span></i>! I'm surprised a writer was hired to write that and Whedon actually filmed it. In the Synder Cut, Darkseid suffers defeat and retreats when he is badly wounded. In the haste of his retreat, he is unable to find earth again. He's conquered so many worlds he didn't know which one to return to. </p><p>After Steppenwolf defeats the Amazons he retreats to a nuclear waste site in Russia. In the theatrical version Steppenwolf and his minions magically appear in an abandoned town in Russia. There's no rhyme or reason why they chose this location. In Synder's Cut, the audience understands why Steppenwolf chose this place and how he fortifies it. These little details may not seem important, but they are. Of course, the biggest change is Steppenwolf's motivations. Steppenwolf comes to earth because the mother boxes called to him after Superman's death. Steppenwolf is in exile and will do anything to get back into Darkseid's good graces. Steppenwolf has conquered thousands of worlds, but he still owes Darkseid a debt of 50,000 more. Earth is but a stepping stone. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKT3Hwd1Ik8tIwEeQ2rXzhd2nKIa62bcyJF7GS7KroYYXY26g2GYtwpFdqwhafrUsxFN2lyjsgSo0N6bANyY5QxlGiUsgv-gOSOV_S5TRvogIqZE535gE2DbjqNpmhcVSEz6oEN3Fr54/s1112/Justice+league+2021+russia+steppenwolf+lair.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1112" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKT3Hwd1Ik8tIwEeQ2rXzhd2nKIa62bcyJF7GS7KroYYXY26g2GYtwpFdqwhafrUsxFN2lyjsgSo0N6bANyY5QxlGiUsgv-gOSOV_S5TRvogIqZE535gE2DbjqNpmhcVSEz6oEN3Fr54/w640-h390/Justice+league+2021+russia+steppenwolf+lair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">IT'S TOXIC. THAT'S GOOD</span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;">Steppenwolf [to Parademons]</div></span><p></p><p>As Steppenwolf continues his rampage, the team coalesces around Batman. The increased run time gives all of the characters more screentime. In fact, it's hard not to develop characters with a 4-hour run time. Perhaps this has been Synder's problem. Maybe he needs 4 hours to effectively tell a story? </p><p>There's more detail on Aquaman's descent to Atlantis and how the Atlanteans fear the stronghold of Atlantis has been compromised. It's here that Vulko (<b>Willem Dafoe</b>) gives Arthur his mother's trident and armor. Wonder Woman and Aquaman share a sweet scene about their similarities. Aquaman tells the Flash/Barry Allen (<b>Ezra Miller</b>) which disguise looks the "least awful" when they break into the military base with Superman's body. Barry expresses surprise when Aquaman shares a genuine moment of concern for Cyborg. Aquaman reminds him that <span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>of course he cares. He's there after all</i></span>. </p><p>Batfleck is tougher and more determined in this version. In the Synder Cut, Batman has special arm gauntlets that dissipate energy, giving him better defenses, which will come in very HANDY when he comes face to face with Superman. Even Batman's fight scenes are better edited and not as sloppy. Batman was already a developed character in the theatrical version, but the four hour film manages to squeeze even more character development out of him. Batman is determined to save the planet (not for himself), but because he made a promise to Superman. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QII-ARHh2ExKa8QwO6p1_IEs-yhX7EySMMnVzd70yBA3lKbZrscNeiB0EmHOtthFOeEN1rxCD4xjKAVzgFT2KB_SHIROqNj7Jq_m6Pq0t-JQTPKLQgSlhcd-01T9P1OVzkVG-jl7Erw/s1195/Justice+league+2021+ray+fisher+cyborg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1195" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QII-ARHh2ExKa8QwO6p1_IEs-yhX7EySMMnVzd70yBA3lKbZrscNeiB0EmHOtthFOeEN1rxCD4xjKAVzgFT2KB_SHIROqNj7Jq_m6Pq0t-JQTPKLQgSlhcd-01T9P1OVzkVG-jl7Erw/w640-h428/Justice+league+2021+ray+fisher+cyborg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Fisher in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table>There's a seriousness in the film that didn't exist before. Synder correctly removes all of the campy scenes when the Justice League fights with Steppenwolf. The scene with the Flash awkwardly falling on top of Diana doesn't happen here, which is a relief. It was dumb. <span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Again, likely another pervy moment from Whedon.</i></span> Thankfully much of Barry's Whedonesque banter has been removed. Miller still brings lots of humor to the Flash, but he's not as idiosyncratic. He's funny, but not fearful or nervous. He doesn't hesitate to save those in need of help. We also see the Flash's super healing abilities, which is an integral part of his story. </div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest beneficiary of Synder's Cut is Victor Stone/Cyborg (<b>Ray Fisher</b>). Fisher had most of his screentime edited out of the theatrical version. Batman may be the brains of the film, but Cyborg is its heart. We see Cyborg's origin story, his strained relationship with his father, and how he selflessly helps a struggling single mom who gets evicted from her apartment. It's a touching moment that adds to the tin man's humanity.</div><div><br /></div><div>We learn about the scientist who used one of the mother boxes to reanimate him--Cyborg's father, Silas Stone (<b>Joe Morton</b>). One of the best subplots in the film is the emotional relationship between Cyborg and his father until its tragic conclusion. Silas was an absent father. He was more in love with his scientific discoveries than his own family. Silas finally connects with Victor, but it's too late. Victor is near death and badly disfigured after a horrific car accident. When Silas turns Victor into Cyborg against his wishes, Victor doesn't forgive him for it...again until it's too late. It's unfortunate that the Silas and Victor relationship was removed in its entirety from the theatrical cut. </div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj455mCNwrXpl2HCDFmYTSA8QxBSUSVQLkETqgOJ_9jph4RqIzmLDOsLalfEqprONbwEG4-lk4-tgsy07bmK0Vlh63jpC0dPvwRbP7aLo6VZCdqHerQ-TMZ_gXaLGZuKgbZhkaqiuw7Eo4/s833/Justice+league+2021+ben+affleck+batman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="833" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj455mCNwrXpl2HCDFmYTSA8QxBSUSVQLkETqgOJ_9jph4RqIzmLDOsLalfEqprONbwEG4-lk4-tgsy07bmK0Vlh63jpC0dPvwRbP7aLo6VZCdqHerQ-TMZ_gXaLGZuKgbZhkaqiuw7Eo4/w640-h432/Justice+league+2021+ben+affleck+batman.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Affleck in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">WE'RE ALL THINKING THE SAME THING.</span></i></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>WHO'S GOING TO SAY IT?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'M NOT GOING TO SAY IT.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;">Flash [to the Justice League]</div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">When the team hits a stumbling block, they are united in their thinking. <span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>THEY NEED SUPERMAN</i></span>. In Whedon's Cut, there's a huge disagreement between Batman and Wonder Woman about resurrecting Superman. Wonder Woman is so against it she pushes Batman in a fit of anger. In Synder's Cut, Wonder Woman and Batman are united. The only dissenting voice is Aquaman. The entire group believes Superman is the key to their success and they all agree to bring him back. Batman doesn't fight with Wonder Woman to "assuage his guilt." The tension isn't between the characters but is in the heaviness of the action itself. They all know the world needs Superman, but CAN THEY RISK DOING IT without handing Steppenwolf another mother box?</div><p>Synder's Cut gives us an extended version of Superman's resurrection on the dilapidated Kryptonian ship. It's here that Cyborg has a premonition of <i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Batman's "Knightmare"</span></i> from 'Dawn of Justice.' In this nightmarish world, Darkseid has invaded earth and Wonder Woman and Aquaman have been killed. We see Queen Hippolyta's tear-stained face as she burns her daughter's remains on an Amazonian funeral pyre. Superman weeps over Lois Lane's (<b>Amy Adams</b>) incinerated body. It's in his grief that he becomes a tool of Darkseid. Batman was supposed to protect Lois but failed. Darkseid was able to manipulate Superman with the anti-life equation. As the countdown continues, Cyborg tries to stop Superman's resurrection, but it's too late. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLEBz6mbttnXv2tV3YLqQzYzg5A3QA1YkgJ34r3-c8JOtFKxzKfnjf81QOsfpeXaGHGZRzjlPS8Fg-4t90TC6IOWohmoMRM_jIaM_RcILFxMN5b5BbfMY23UnEN5XK2bgu-eJRJ6dbW8/s1029/IMG_3993.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1029" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLEBz6mbttnXv2tV3YLqQzYzg5A3QA1YkgJ34r3-c8JOtFKxzKfnjf81QOsfpeXaGHGZRzjlPS8Fg-4t90TC6IOWohmoMRM_jIaM_RcILFxMN5b5BbfMY23UnEN5XK2bgu-eJRJ6dbW8/w640-h436/IMG_3993.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry Cavill in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The next scene is very similar to the original when a confused Superman fights his fellow members of the Justice League. It's one of the best scenes from the original film. It continues to be an excellent scene. It's probably the first time I really saw <span style="font-family: georgia;">SUPERMAN in Henry Cavill</span>. Synder adds a few extra fight sequences that highlight Cyborg, Aquaman, and the Flash. In this version, Lois Lane (<b>Amy Adams</b>) isn't brought to Superman's resurrection by Alfred (<b>Jeremy Irons</b>). She is brought there (as is the whole city) by the incredible beam of light that exudes from his renewal. </p><p>In the Synder Cut, Superman does what one could expect. He uses his heat vision to attack people, including Cyborg and Batman. Remember when I mentioned those handy arm gauntlets that Alfred made for Batman. Well, they come in handy when deflecting lasers from Superman's eyes. Just before Superman roasts Batman completely Lois appears. This scene is identical to the original film. The scene at the farm is a bit longer, but otherwise unchanged. </p><p>There are a slew of loose ends tied up in a big red bow in the Synder Cut. We actually get to see the League strategize, as Diana discusses battle plans on how to fight Steppenwolf. Despite Superman's reluctance to help them, the League (especially Batman) has faith that Superman will eventually join their cause. Batman leaves Alfred with directions on where to find them. Before Steppenwolf can retrieve the last mother box, Victor's father sacrifices himself by marking the last mother box so the League will be able to find it. In the Whedon Cut, Wonder Woman encourages Cyborg to "<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>feel his way</i></span>" to the boxes. Again, more lazy writing in the first film. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL_f6j5ZwTz-3lZ8pSUY_JUdOTzy2rfrEHeeLY2GL1BHX5NiC7ZgGB-as2i4LSBsGDA8qkHhd-nXuHb33F7OXHU-iIzLvnDASqkPKJEIZbgZTdT5NcCYiGVNyWURPDwLbDDZs017aSVc/s1102/Justice+league+2021+ezra+miller+flash+barry+allen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1102" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL_f6j5ZwTz-3lZ8pSUY_JUdOTzy2rfrEHeeLY2GL1BHX5NiC7ZgGB-as2i4LSBsGDA8qkHhd-nXuHb33F7OXHU-iIzLvnDASqkPKJEIZbgZTdT5NcCYiGVNyWURPDwLbDDZs017aSVc/w640-h442/Justice+league+2021+ezra+miller+flash+barry+allen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ezra Miller in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">GET BACK TO THE TUNNEL <br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Cyborg [to Flash]</span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><i>TUNNEL? RIGHT. ALIENS. BAD GUY. SWORD LADY. <br /></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Flash [to Cyborg]</span></p><p>It was the ending that truly doomed the first film. This time when the League locates Steppenwolf there are no townspeople to save. We don't need to see desperate people hiding out to feel the peril of the situation. In the Whedon Cut, Alfred reminds Batman that he has a team and doesn't have to be a lone wolf. Batman in turn encourages Diana to "<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>believe in herself</i></span>" and become the leader they need! Garbage writing. Absolute garbage. In the Synder Cut, there's no need for pretentious pep talks. Alfred doesn't have to remind Batman that he has a team...<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>he already knows he does</i></span>. Diana is thousands of years old. She doesn't need to be told "she can do it," because she already knows she can. </p><p>As the League makes a frontal assault against Steppenwolf, Batman destroys Steppenwolf's defenses. The fight scenes are extravagant (which Synder is known for), but they are tightly edited and they work well here. There's also no ridiculous red tint glowing in the sky. It's still spectacle, but it takes itself seriously. The action scenes have none of the Whedonesque cheesiness and for that <span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>WE THANK YOU</i></span>. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SrLT9J_k16PAaJZRQzyV25Ag8MEOKVXyqW50MnObrv9lQIC2Wkb-LwD2WuiaQPU-gLLpEyT-XXWROu2_ov6Ao3N2kHG9xiBJmZtOxdatjZo6ZlKWRFGciiUhFrUuN9zx3S1ACUiDEuo/s1199/Justice+league+2021+group+shot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1199" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SrLT9J_k16PAaJZRQzyV25Ag8MEOKVXyqW50MnObrv9lQIC2Wkb-LwD2WuiaQPU-gLLpEyT-XXWROu2_ov6Ao3N2kHG9xiBJmZtOxdatjZo6ZlKWRFGciiUhFrUuN9zx3S1ACUiDEuo/w640-h350/Justice+league+2021+group+shot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In the original film, the League barely needed Superman. Aquaman and Wonder Woman battered Steppenwolf to a draw and Cyborg was able to retrieve the mother boxes. In this version, Superman is an essential part of their plan. And can we talk about that suit? That fantastic black suit on Superman is truly a show stopper. Superman is at the eye of the storm for a reason, so is the Flash. In the Synder Cut, the Flash does more than just "<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>run fast and push things</i></span>." In this film, the Flash's speed is the lynchpin of their plan and when he fails it's his speed that saves them. </p><p>The film ends on a cliffhanger because the threat isn't over. Darkseid may not be able to conquer earth just yet, but he plans to take the long way and won't be giving up on the discovery of the anti-life. And what kind of reviewer would I be if I didn't mention the <i><span style="font-family: georgia;">B</span></i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>EST SCENE IN THE FILM</i></span>? In a final dream sequence of Batman's "Knightmare" we get a fantastic scene between Batman and the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker (<b>Jared Leto</b>). The scene is subtle but powerful. As the remaining members of the League flee for their lives from a dark Superman in a fallen world, Batman and Joker form an uneasy truce. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38VCFC56vYhBuAXu95edixpdgOtpbraPmKUWY6gTHwA8yalOStDnTTpk0s62iPDejuW-Wf7IoAA6Jbl0IUcq0Yu0kK9wp6rQayysm0lg487qH2utrL8BLknUDDhSunuqSg2RpVuAaEto/s740/Jared+Leto+Joker+Justice+League+2021.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="740" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38VCFC56vYhBuAXu95edixpdgOtpbraPmKUWY6gTHwA8yalOStDnTTpk0s62iPDejuW-Wf7IoAA6Jbl0IUcq0Yu0kK9wp6rQayysm0lg487qH2utrL8BLknUDDhSunuqSg2RpVuAaEto/w640-h314/Jared+Leto+Joker+Justice+League+2021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jared Leto in 'Justice League' | Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, et al | 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">WHY DID YOU SEND A BOY WONDER</span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>TO DO A MAN'S JOB?</i></span> <br />Joker [to Batman]</div></span><p>Lastly, Synder keeps the final post-credit scene with Lex Luthor and Deathstroke (<b>Joe Manganiello</b>). However, he tweaks the scene a bit. When Lex meets with Deathstroke, he gets right down to business and tells Deathstroke that Batman is Bruce Wayne. Full stop. End of line. This is a big improvement from creating a "<i><span style="font-family: georgia;">league of their own</span></i>." </p><p>Synder's version is superior to the original cut in nearly every way. I've always thought that Synder's lack of nuance was a major weakness (and it normally is), but not this time. In a time of Covid, this is the superhero film we need. It's Zack Synder's best film to date and will likely be the film he will most be remembered for. I don't say that lightly. I have never considered myself to be a Synder fan. Maybe I'm a little emotional after being locked in my house for the past year, but I have to give Synder credit for giving me something to love again.</p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div>
<div style="display: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN-Uy1V6-H5cK4RZuf9F0k6K2o7ZvaKfBNRPMQs_yXZ5w6KYbswGd3ZgJ_GdYNah5NgsVytvcx_iXZ7mb5_UtHd13Qpy734yjkiBjb6UIJcMaqyyBy4m1f0OrNWPRsPcX6-jThtouJCs/s0/zack+synder%2527s+cut+justice+league+2021+review+2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN-Uy1V6-H5cK4RZuf9F0k6K2o7ZvaKfBNRPMQs_yXZ5w6KYbswGd3ZgJ_GdYNah5NgsVytvcx_iXZ7mb5_UtHd13Qpy734yjkiBjb6UIJcMaqyyBy4m1f0OrNWPRsPcX6-jThtouJCs/s0/zack+synder%2527s+cut+justice+league+2021+review+2.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WjKMGiO4JOOJE7TOGF1CzGHZvjW1jSA_N1JT6w436XzXX0LcyqIzZUlc-3yfCyXUmZPpSKiQBObX_kElwe67XNRTkuVKBwU07CdT11du2PBCxAcsNWLwuLMkP8-zJ2yq9U6eSI3ow_E/s0/zack+synder%2527s+cut+justice+league+2021+review.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WjKMGiO4JOOJE7TOGF1CzGHZvjW1jSA_N1JT6w436XzXX0LcyqIzZUlc-3yfCyXUmZPpSKiQBObX_kElwe67XNRTkuVKBwU07CdT11du2PBCxAcsNWLwuLMkP8-zJ2yq9U6eSI3ow_E/s0/zack+synder%2527s+cut+justice+league+2021+review.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-pmW9VjVVEDGLn2mc3iTZpMKf_wKKfYK6KoXJRDh2KxXkW6Dt6YuVInHc1_OvK9UkpR9V0lsDm7Ud1A0nZjkJtG4L9-6Q2zgFFHYzJaga3s8OINdvOI3ePasfgBWxVNzOLCGFqLiyzI/s0/zack+synder%2527s+cut+justice+league+review+3.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-pmW9VjVVEDGLn2mc3iTZpMKf_wKKfYK6KoXJRDh2KxXkW6Dt6YuVInHc1_OvK9UkpR9V0lsDm7Ud1A0nZjkJtG4L9-6Q2zgFFHYzJaga3s8OINdvOI3ePasfgBWxVNzOLCGFqLiyzI/s0/zack+synder%2527s+cut+justice+league+review+3.jpg"/></a></div></div>msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-87777200677826055072020-05-29T00:17:00.001-04:002020-05-29T22:26:56.574-04:00DA' MOVIES ON HOLD, ANTEBELLUM, THE STAND MINI REMAKE, + SYNDER CUTTING IT UP<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKsk0mdGVWQ5pJlD-IFa5Y-Tufvh3EVeQiZVHFt5pl9aP3ddxsypb8ZkXeor2HI7DHlQV9-zvyvlG3_Y9BTHxJhXFd2bVzjhb_HN-IYGsCXcEiuF9K2__AfJb74TeQ4rtQywnDjc-vrs/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="weekly entertainment news synder cut the stand remake" border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKsk0mdGVWQ5pJlD-IFa5Y-Tufvh3EVeQiZVHFt5pl9aP3ddxsypb8ZkXeor2HI7DHlQV9-zvyvlG3_Y9BTHxJhXFd2bVzjhb_HN-IYGsCXcEiuF9K2__AfJb74TeQ4rtQywnDjc-vrs/d/entertainment+week+in+review+synder+cut+antebellum+the+stand.jpg" /></a></div>This post has affiliate links. You can see the disclosure policy <a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/p/privacy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy May I guess. It's been tough. The global Coronavirus pandemic has changed everything. In the states, we've lost 100,000 people in less than four months. It's an absolute nightmare. It's hard to think about anything entertainment related when there's so much suffering going on. I'm hoping things get better soon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My last post was a <a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2020/02/birds-of-prey-movie-review-no-one-is.html" target="_blank">review</a> about '<b><a href="https://bit.ly/2TL87TO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birds of Prey</a></b>' in February. It's amazing how much can change in a couple of months. If you're reading this, I hope you're well and staying safe. My family has been fortunate enough to be sheltered at home. While homeschooling my daughter and wrangling my toddler, I've been watching a lot of movies from the 90s and the early 00s. It's somewhat soothing to see what life was like before 2020. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't been to the movies since February, but I hope things improve enough for a proper summer movie season. I'm hoping to support my local theater while properly socially distancing. We certainly need some good news. Most 2020 <a href="https://www.thewrap.com/movies-suspended-delayed-coronavirus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">films have been delayed</a>. Thankfully the films on my must-see list, like '<b>A Quiet Place II</b>,' '<b>Wonder Woman 1984</b>,' '<b>Lovebirds</b>,' and '<b>Antebellum</b>' will be released later this year. 'Lovebirds' has already been released on Neftlix. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there are some films like '<b>Fast and Furious 9</b>' and <b>'Mission Impossible 7'</b> that I can do without. How many Fast and Furious and Mission Impossible films do we really need? But there are some neat things going on in enetertainment news this week.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">GEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS</h1><h2 style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">New Antebellum Trailer Drops</font></h2><div>I'm very excited to see <b>Jordan Peele's</b> new film '<b>Antebellum</b>.' Given the psychological and racial dynamics of '<b>Get Out</b>' and '<b>Us</b>,' I can tell we're in for another wild ride with 'Antebellum.' I don't quite know what the movie is about, but it centers around a successful author Veronica Henley (<b>Janelle Monae</b>) who suddenly finds herself in a nightmarish reality from the present time to the antebellum pre-civil war American south. I'm not sure if it's about time travel or if it's similar to the <b>Lars Von Trier</b> film '<b>Manderlay</b>,' in which a southern town refused to acknowledge the end of slavery. I'll be curious to see what Peele does. The trailer looks fantastic and it doesn't give anything away.</div><div><br /><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gFNEkDvIpsw" width="640"></iframe></center></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">'The Stand' Mini-Series Remake Yaassss</font></h2><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTwbiUEkV-lQIv2xP8tPouJ7P1JDJXMzZJeq-1HjV4HkLYkT3t_HVZs-wEsYnBb2fDxNqh4K3iP399Dzd9YWrLc7bp2F7R7deH_4aIWvmGnlJgHpWPR-J2mUTwj-nKQpdtD3v4PSMDtE/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the stand miniseries 1994" border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTwbiUEkV-lQIv2xP8tPouJ7P1JDJXMzZJeq-1HjV4HkLYkT3t_HVZs-wEsYnBb2fDxNqh4K3iP399Dzd9YWrLc7bp2F7R7deH_4aIWvmGnlJgHpWPR-J2mUTwj-nKQpdtD3v4PSMDtE/d/the+stand+miniseries+1994.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">'The Stand' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="josefin sans"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Vertigo Entertainment | Greengrass Productions | Laurel Entertainment Inc. | 1994.</span></font></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>I loved every minute of the 1,000 page '<b><a href="https://bit.ly/3gvTYnf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Stand</a></b>' book by <b>Stephen King</b> and I loved the cheesy four-part <a href="https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/everything-we-know-about-stephen-kings-new-the-stand-miniseries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">90's miniseries</a>. 'The Stand' is about a worldwide pandemic that wipes out the vast majority of humanity, excluding a small remnant. The epidemic is just part of the drama. The survivors must choose between the forces of good and evil in an epic apocalyptic battle. Here's a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAaERqgJEGT/?utm_source=ig_embed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sneak peek</a> of the new miniseries. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnMxfzszXdIslP3L4fX9t-niMvwv5zxBpsM_5I80ISKgpH9PvtV8Vmc_kz9QyR-ORUZJ-yz93U68i0Oxugr36LIKqaorTsVVX0bFsAZGQXx-vNTkFQkv1JsUSN5GJdWmKapfONJq61YU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alexander skarsgard the stand miniseries 2020 randal flagg" border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnMxfzszXdIslP3L4fX9t-niMvwv5zxBpsM_5I80ISKgpH9PvtV8Vmc_kz9QyR-ORUZJ-yz93U68i0Oxugr36LIKqaorTsVVX0bFsAZGQXx-vNTkFQkv1JsUSN5GJdWmKapfONJq61YU/d/alexander+skarsgard+randall+flagg+the+stand+miniseries+2020.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Alexander Skarsgard in 'The Stand' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="josefin sans"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Vertigo Entertainment | CBS Television Studios | Mosaic | 2020.</span></font></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />Sadly, the release of the miniseries is well timed given the current conditions. I'm sure this mini-series will be just as popular as the 90s one. This is where I usually complain about remakes, but honestly the 90s miniseries is due for a reboot. The special effects were terrible. Computer generated imagery (CGI) was in its infancy in the early 1990s. If you'd like to know some trivia, the 1990 film '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2012/02/cgi-unleashed.html" target="_blank">Total Recall</a></b>' was one of the last big budget films ever made using large scale miniatures, rather than CGI. The only CGI sequence in '<a href="https://bit.ly/3eogJYm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Total Recall</a>' was the 42-second sequence in which commuters walked through the giant X-ray machine. </div><div><br /></div><div>'The Stand' miniseries will debut some time in 2020 on CBS Access, starring <b>Alexander Skarsgard</b>, <b>Whoopi Goldberg</b>, <b>James Marsden</b>, and <b>Amber Heard</b>, and is directed by <b>Josh Boone</b> ('<b><a href="https://bit.ly/2XBf4Ie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Fault in our Stars</a></b>'). I know there's a resurgence of everything 90s (trust me, I miss the 90s too), but did they really have to put Skarsgard in a mullet? He is not the type of man I want to see in a mullet. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">See First Peek of 'Star Girl'</font></h2>
<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9MyzBTmEQDo" width="640"></iframe></center>
<div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The new DC Comics series '<b>Star Girl</b>' has finally dropped on the CW this month. The first two episodes are currently available on the <a href="https://www.cwtv.com/thecw/the-cw-app/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CW's app</a>. Admittedly I haven't seen much promotion of this new series. I just happeend upon it. I will definitely give it a go. The trailer looks good. I'm glad to see <b>Luke Wilson</b> in a leading role again, as Stripe, Star Man's sidekick. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trailer has a great cameo of <b>Joel McHale</b> as a dying Starman who tries to pass his powers on to someone worthy--definitely not Stripe though! Like most superheroes Stripe has an alternative identity and a family with step-children. Enter Courtney Whitmore (<b>Brec Bassinger</b>) who accidentally becomes Stargirl, which follows comic book canon. The series seems to be in the same vein as family friendly shows like '<b>The Flash</b>' versus a darker series like '<b>Arrow</b>,' which is quite appropriate for the young teenage character. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bassinger reminds me a lot of <b>Erin Moriarty </b>of '<b><a href="https://bit.ly/2XCVsDH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Boys</a>'</b> who plays Starlight (which I'm assuming is a take off of DC Comics' Star Girl, as 'The Boys' comic is a DC Comics imprint). If you haven't watched 'The Boys' yet, I would highly recommend it. If you ever wanted to see an R-rated no holds bar comic book series, this is is it. It was one of my favorite series from 2019 and it stars <b>Karl Urban</b>. How can you go wrong here? <center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EBpYQVrFBxs" width="640"></iframe></center></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">American Horror Story Spinoff</font></h2><div style="text-align: left;">2020 has been a bust for many reasons. Hopefully 2021 will be better, starting with the premiere of '<b><a href="https://deadline.com/2020/05/american-horror-stories-fx-officially-greenligted-ahs-spinoff-better-things-renewed-the-weekly-original-programming-slate-through-2021-1202942983/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Horror Stories</a></b>,' which is a spinoff of '<b>American Horror Story</b>.' 'American Horror Stories' plural will feature a new horror story in each episode-- think '<b>Tales from the Crypt</b>,' '<b>Monsters</b>,' and '<b>Tales from the Darkside</b>.' Yep, I am a child of the 1980s. Admittedly, I'm excited for a true horror anthology series. We haven't had one in a long time!</div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">Synder Director's Cut</font></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1crFzBiK5orKmOC-GN4IXCYgC_l6e4rRaVPreqi1B28H76lySQxDhB14FXhhyAj7Zs6db86DeItlVoGlub6pNBLPNwUpeDAbepQ06XaBetMZbnxKgzpoT2tyj7qYHJVYMQXfXjl4bro8/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="gal gadot wonder woman justice league" border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1crFzBiK5orKmOC-GN4IXCYgC_l6e4rRaVPreqi1B28H76lySQxDhB14FXhhyAj7Zs6db86DeItlVoGlub6pNBLPNwUpeDAbepQ06XaBetMZbnxKgzpoT2tyj7qYHJVYMQXfXjl4bro8/d/gal+gadot+wonder+woman+justice+league.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Gal Gadot in 'Justice League' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="josefin sans"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Warner Bros. | DC Entertainment, et al. | 2017.<br /><br /></span></font></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>It seems like "what's old is new again." Everyone wants to go back to 2017 for some reason. Honestly, I can't say I blame them. I'd like to go back to 2017 too. So the fanboys are finally getting their wish. <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/justice-league-snyder-cut-plans-revealed-it-will-be-an-new-thing-1295102" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Zack Synder</b> is releasing his director's cut</a> of 2017's '<b><a href="https://bit.ly/3etXlZZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justice League</a></b>' film. If you recall Synder experienced a personal tragedy, which caused him to drop out of the film. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Joss Whedon</b> took over with disastrous results. The Synder/Whedon cut was ALL over the place. Supposedly there is a cut of the film that included a completely different storyline, which I find hard to believe, but hey I'm game. I'm no fan of Synder, but I don't know how it could be worse than what was released in theaters? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The theatrical version of the film's main villain was a computer generated monstrosity "Steppenwolf" voiced by <b>Ciaran Hands</b>. Steppenwolf was a weak big bad. He was clearly a half-witted creation of Joss Whedon without any of the humor. Synder's cut supposedly had a richer villain in Darkseid. Darkseid is an extremely powerful interdimensional being, very similar to Marvel's Thanos. Darkseid is an archenemy of Superman, so his characterization would have made MUCH more sense than Steppenwolf's.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synder's Director's Cut of 'Justice League' will be released by <a href="https://bit.ly/2ZNST4c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HBO Max</a> in 2021 and will cost $30 million to reconfigure. I'm still trying to figure out what HBO Max is exactly. We already have HBO Go and HBO Now. But similar to the new Disney+ streaming channel that features the entire Disney catalog, HBO Max will include the entire Warner Brothers film catalog. So it should be interesting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">Henry Cavill is Back as Supes</font></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc_3qGk1Cl88WZEsbaDZxi_vJlW0Rr1RloW6-iHrNq3pV4c-_9UAC_kOkDJB8XQqOXUrS6zOpr7Vjq8b9ZIw9XcMPQIzme8N1qbTJXLHp7U2pJ3m9moYI6aOwI9Ku673PSA07wh1ye24/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="amy adams henry cavill batman v superman" border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc_3qGk1Cl88WZEsbaDZxi_vJlW0Rr1RloW6-iHrNq3pV4c-_9UAC_kOkDJB8XQqOXUrS6zOpr7Vjq8b9ZIw9XcMPQIzme8N1qbTJXLHp7U2pJ3m9moYI6aOwI9Ku673PSA07wh1ye24/d/henry+cavill+amy+adams+batman+versus+superman.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Henry Cavill and Amy Adams in 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice ' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="josefin sans"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Warner Bros. | DC Entertainment, et al. | 2016.<br /><br /></span></font></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Another piece of good news came out of all of this. <a href="https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2547142/where-henry-cavills-superman-could-reportedly-appear-next-in-the-dceu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Henry Cavill</b> will be back as Superman</a>. I don't particularly like Cavill as an actor, but HE FINALLY found his groove as Superman in the last 'Justice League' film. It's hard to get used to yet another actor and reboot. Just ask poor <b><a href="https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a32456181/robert-pattinson-batman-workout/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robert Pattinson</a></b> who is doning the batsuit in an oversaturated Batman market. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">Wait, Hol' Up</font></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After Synder's news broke, now everyone has a director's cut. Yucky <b>David Ayers</b> wants to release his <a href="https://www.indiewire.com/2020/05/suicide-squad-david-ayer-directors-cut-rumors-1202233430/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">director's cut</a> of 2016's '<b><a href="https://bit.ly/3erZZzw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suicide Squad</a></b>.' Admittedly, there was a lot of footage on the cutting room floor of Harley and the Joker, so it may be interesting. But now the writer of the dismal '<b><a href="https://bit.ly/2TP00Wo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dark Phoenix</a></b>' said his movie was bad because it was <a href="https://twitter.com/IGN/status/1265454707872428032" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">supposed to be a two-parter</a>. JUST STOP. Can't directors and writers take some responsibility for the muck they shove out? If you can't make a decent movie the first time, why should we believe you can make a better movie the second time? Synder gets a pass because he had a personal tragedy that caused him to drop out of the film. But normally, movies shouldn't have do-overs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">That's all for this week. I'll try to keep up with entertainment news next week! 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<h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Birds of Prey</span></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><i>and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn</i></span></span></h3>
<h4 style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Directed by Cathy Yan</i></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br />Starring </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">MARGOT ROBBIE, ROSIE PEREZ, JURNEE SMOLLETT-BELL, MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD, ELLA JAY BASCO, <i>and </i>EWAN MCGREGOR</span></h4>
<br />
'<b>Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn</b>' is gutsy, raw, twisted, and oh so much fun. It's '<b>Kill Bill</b>' meets '<b>Deadpool</b>' and it's a blast. Unlike 'Deadpool' (which was also an R-rated comic book film), 'Birds of Prey' was not marketed properly. It's already facing criticism because it didn't give fanboys nudity and sex appeal. It focused on women AS HUMAN BEINGS, not objects of sexual pleasure.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Birds of Prey is NOT a Flop</span></h3>
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I'm writing part of this post on Saturday. Yet disgruntled fanboys are claiming victory for the sex appeal theory because 'Birds of Prey' is not meeting box office expectations. The echo chamber of the film news world is adding fuel to the fire.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Cinema Blend</b> claims '<a href="https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2489860/birds-of-prey-opening-weekend-box-office-is-seriously-underperforming-but-why" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birds of Prey's "opening weekend is underwhelming</a>," <b>The Wrap</b> says '<a href="https://www.msn.com/g00/en-us/movies/news/birds-of-prey-lays-an-egg-at-box-office-set-for-worst-dc-opening-since-jonah-hex/ar-BBZN2nX?li=AA30Mu&i10c.ua=1&i10c.encReferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWNvc2lhLm9yZy8%3d&i10c.dv=19" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birds of Prey' "lays an egg</a>," <b>The Hollywood Reporter</b> says <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-birds-prey-flies-course-13m-friday-1277445" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'Birds of Prey' "flies off course with a $13 million opening</a>." All of these publications make sure to add the words "female-led" before discussing a disappointing box office run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDcNSTtVWzK5nL3-_LTDavPHs4re39nsM-A2Mghibp4G2EEF78B22Bk3Wvnm4fp2zXoi7IO301s8H-VAhaqM6CFgdfNGZwQ4LOJvh8hkGUabtWr_CWcZAWj26XhIeyyVLv777573qR80/s1600/margot+robbie+suicide+squad+versus+birds+of+prey+costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDcNSTtVWzK5nL3-_LTDavPHs4re39nsM-A2Mghibp4G2EEF78B22Bk3Wvnm4fp2zXoi7IO301s8H-VAhaqM6CFgdfNGZwQ4LOJvh8hkGUabtWr_CWcZAWj26XhIeyyVLv777573qR80/s640/margot+robbie+suicide+squad+versus+birds+of+prey+costume.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn | costuming in 'Suicide Squad' 2016 versus 'Birds of Prey' 2020<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">'Suicide Squad' produced by Atlas Entertainment, DC Comics DC Entertainment, <br />Dune Entertainment (in association with) (as RatPac-Dune Entertainment), & Warner Bros.<br /><span style="font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;">'Birds of Prey' produced by Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment,<br />Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></td></tr>
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Yet 'Birds of Prey' has grossed $34 million domestically and $48 million <a href="https://collider.com/birds-of-prey-box-office-results-opening-weekend/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">overseas for a total of $82 million</a>. But the actual numbers don't matter. Facts don't matter. An 81% approval rating on <b><a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/birds_of_prey_2020" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rotten Tomatoes</a></b> and $82 million gross don't matter. The misogynist mainstream film news media has an agenda and they're sticking with it! That agenda is...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">'Birds of Prey' isn't "sexy" enough so it's doomed to fail.</span></blockquote>
This agenda considers an $82 million gross a flop even before the weekend is over. We've yet to see the totals from Sunday. If I were a betting person, I would bet that 'Birds of Prey' will exceed earning expectations next weekend (<b>Valentine's Day</b> <b>weekend</b>). With an $85 million budget, it will definitely recoup its budget and make a tidy profit.<br />
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Is a comic book film a flop if it doesn't reach a billion dollars? Lastly, why should any of us care how much money film executives are making in the first place? So what's the point? The point is to put women in their place. The mainstream film news media still doesn't see women as fully fleshed people. Women are not desirable unless they're secondary characters in skintight leather or love interests.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">If a comic book movie doesn't cater to men and teenage boys, the movie won't sell. </span></blockquote>
I guess we shouldn't be surprised. After all, Hollywood is a land of myths and legends. So why not this one? When a film like '<b>Green Lantern</b>' goes down. It's bad writing. A film like '<b>Elektra</b>' goes down, it's because the main character is female. How many times have we heard this lie before? And let's be very clear, 'Birds of Prey' did NOT go down. It succeeded where many films fail and it will be profitable. '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2017/06/wonder-woman-review-only-love-will.html" target="_blank">Wonder Woman</a></b>,' '<b>Captain Marvel</b>,' and now 'Birds of Prey' prove this myth wrong.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Birds of Prey Film Review</span></h3>
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Geez, sorry I got distracted there. I guess I should discuss the film right? If you couldn't guess, 'Birds of Prey' is one of the best comic book films I've seen and it's definitely one of the best released by Warner Brothers/DC Comics (WB/DC). WB/DC is not known for high-quality comic book films until 'Wonder Woman' and '<b>Aquaman</b>' brought them out of the dark ages. Even now WB/DC is trying to resurrect <b>Batman</b> for the millionth time. How many Batmans are we going to get this century?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L0QSrNZFgQM44fdYbxIk-1y5x13HfzvaODg9Q9TQEJOh9BGGb2QQp2U_7dL1sKflfgPWX3F92XASXRf_2nxAMBlYrfjOr1tG1v_7qH9b_LgavYCGHruqC_Tw_JNwbgHzNRAJ8sXxqs0/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+harley+quinn+margot+robbie+black+canary+jurnee+smollett-bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="840" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L0QSrNZFgQM44fdYbxIk-1y5x13HfzvaODg9Q9TQEJOh9BGGb2QQp2U_7dL1sKflfgPWX3F92XASXRf_2nxAMBlYrfjOr1tG1v_7qH9b_LgavYCGHruqC_Tw_JNwbgHzNRAJ8sXxqs0/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+harley+quinn+margot+robbie+black+canary+jurnee+smollett-bell.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Margot Robbie in 'Birds of Prey' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>YOU'RE THAT SINGER NO ONE LISTENS TO.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harley Quinn [to Dinah]</span></div>
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'Birds of Prey' is a sequel to 2016's '<b>Suicide Squad</b>,' which highlighted the dysfunctional relationship between Harley Quinn (<b>Margot Robbie</b>) and the Joker. Right from the start, the pounding feminine soundtrack lets you know this is not like any comic book movie you've seen before. And Harley Quinn is not your average character. She's a villain, she's insane, and she's co-dependent. She's not a heroine with a noble calling. She's a selfish semi-compassionate killer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvvK8Uf92MnIKjFocTB4NtIL_BVqXH3C1uyTxkTeANUIGaFhmLLHzNDexLIlL_3OgdX8F_4BWc6mQRMXjtjdV5wmYEZ7zlVqswr1pQZwKIZw_7YpitznIMy0OT-cKOuIOvukyNGa98hI/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+harley+quinn+margot+robbie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="877" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvvK8Uf92MnIKjFocTB4NtIL_BVqXH3C1uyTxkTeANUIGaFhmLLHzNDexLIlL_3OgdX8F_4BWc6mQRMXjtjdV5wmYEZ7zlVqswr1pQZwKIZw_7YpitznIMy0OT-cKOuIOvukyNGa98hI/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+harley+quinn+margot+robbie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12.8px;">Margot Robbie in 'Birds of Prey' | </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>DO YOU KNOW WHAT A HARLEQUIN IS? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>A HARLEQUIN'S ROLE IS TO SERVE.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harley Quinn [to Dinah]</span></div>
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For reasons not shown onscreen, the Joker dumps Harley, which sets the story into motion. Harley doesn't take the break up well. She adopts a hyena, kills a few people, breaks legs, parties with frienemies, watches trash tv, and eats cheese whiz straight out of the bottle. The trash tv and cheese whiz part are totally relatable! Harley mends her heart the best way she can by blowing up the chemical plant where she and Joker cemented their love. Destroying the symbol of their love alerts the criminal underworld to the demise of their relationship.<br />
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The Joker's fierce reputation protected Harley from all of her enemies, which are MANY. Various criminals come out of the woodwork to get a piece of Harley for past wrongdoings. By happenstance, she meets Dinah Lance/Black Canary (<b>Jurnee Smollett-Bell</b>). Dinah has a killer voice (obviously) and is a singer at Roman Sionis'/Black Mask's (<b>Ewan McGregor</b>) club.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7SENZQmonCUkG5JRIeu7dYfDWJlSpWiDpqMVSrCZGpO-UdMAh29huZPFjZVxDkDyqmoQHAVXD2dWDKVd2OGeaXRENwgtYoH3xHXXQyvsXU9RPWK2RCrqRmqnMsZEz4JU_gC1QJVJhkw/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+black+mask+ewan+mcgregor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="866" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7SENZQmonCUkG5JRIeu7dYfDWJlSpWiDpqMVSrCZGpO-UdMAh29huZPFjZVxDkDyqmoQHAVXD2dWDKVd2OGeaXRENwgtYoH3xHXXQyvsXU9RPWK2RCrqRmqnMsZEz4JU_gC1QJVJhkw/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+black+mask+ewan+mcgregor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12.8px;">Ewan McGregor in 'Birds of Prey' | </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WHY DON'T I OWN THE CROSSBOW KILLER? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I LIKE CROSSBOWS.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Roman [to Zsasz]</span></div>
<br />
Roman is an interesting villain with a flair for the dramatic. He's narcissistic, insecure, paranoid, and funny. It's a mix we've seen before, but McGregor gives us enough "oomph" that his character feels unique. If Roman's humor makes you doubt his psychopathy, there is one scene of graphic violence that seals the deal. I turned my head away and would have preferred not to see it, but the violence and the language assure its R-rating. An R-rating I wish the 'Suicide Squad' had if the filmmakers were braver.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDp2twDla0f_Y3gzOvAXjYng_R8CAVkRXAxoNfael2FsxDphJEM_kppGUsE9XNSD7hKejk8B9-oK0hyLknPIti-PctcQKq6MbJdk1PJ0OEhZlORnWDz_Sj5ctAaOlTEmtqyej6t4urPps/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+black+canary+jurnee+smollet-bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="819" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDp2twDla0f_Y3gzOvAXjYng_R8CAVkRXAxoNfael2FsxDphJEM_kppGUsE9XNSD7hKejk8B9-oK0hyLknPIti-PctcQKq6MbJdk1PJ0OEhZlORnWDz_Sj5ctAaOlTEmtqyej6t4urPps/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+black+canary+jurnee+smollet-bell.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Jurnee Smollett-Bell in 'Birds of Prey' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I TOLD YOU SHE HAD A KILLER VOICE.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harley Quinn [to everyone]</span></div>
<br />
Harley breaks the legs of Roman's driver (<b>Daniel Bernhardt</b>) drawing the attention of Roman and merciless killer for hire Victor Zsasz (<b>Chris Messina</b>). You can tell that McGregor had a lot of fun in this role. As a seasoned actor, he brought the character's quirks to life. He's so entertaining to watch, especially when he's interacting with the other actors. He has a playful scene with Dinah when he recruits her as his driver after seeing her in a street fight (<i>saving Harley from two rapey guys with a van</i>). Roman shows Dinah his macabre collection of shrunken heads and of course his black mask. His presence is threatening, yet sincere.<br />
<br />
Dinah has no choice but to accept Roman's offer. Things GET REAL when a young pickpocket, Cassandra Cain (<b>Ella Jay Basco</b>), who Dinah has a soft spot for, picks the wrong pocket. Cassandra steals Roman's diamond.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAAkOhfz6he9u5BB4nxEdL87vvgg7Qj8r6DjfSvKJx8n4_lNtM1qyzg23A6gxyAOO6QWy1nmaRSvGEzXLhu7o_qmB-SRPOi8MpBMuGmc7aZyG9R7xnpYrC7ykV-OE-A1vGeBvIKpiZPs/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+cassandra+cain+ella+jay+basco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="813" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAAkOhfz6he9u5BB4nxEdL87vvgg7Qj8r6DjfSvKJx8n4_lNtM1qyzg23A6gxyAOO6QWy1nmaRSvGEzXLhu7o_qmB-SRPOi8MpBMuGmc7aZyG9R7xnpYrC7ykV-OE-A1vGeBvIKpiZPs/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+cassandra+cain+ella+jay+basco.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Ella Jay Basco in 'Birds of Prey' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Writer <b>Christina Hodson</b> brilliantly weaves all of the different storylines into one cohesive loom. Despite their supporting roles, Renee Montoya ((<b>Rosie Perez</b>), Huntress (<b>Mary Elizabeth Winstead</b>), Cassandra, and Black Canary are fully fleshed-out characters.<br />
<br />
Montoya has been passed over for promotions by her captain who took credit for her work. She's a tough disgruntled detective who talks like she's in an 80's crime drama (purposely). The film acknowledges its flaws, which makes it all the more enjoyable.<br />
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMr-umKEb0XZpV6yrL8RCzWD9ps4hA_BcyXJhQVrMqKYfoX6Q4cT8MSs1us27Oz7n8mf_0Di7nWix-WbjLetVCnlw8PzZYF1D4eNMjGgJ_Z3QlsFYpVC7WNs10s7RkPjsvXojcXaQGGE/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+harley+quinn+margot+robbie+ewan+mcgregor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="859" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMr-umKEb0XZpV6yrL8RCzWD9ps4hA_BcyXJhQVrMqKYfoX6Q4cT8MSs1us27Oz7n8mf_0Di7nWix-WbjLetVCnlw8PzZYF1D4eNMjGgJ_Z3QlsFYpVC7WNs10s7RkPjsvXojcXaQGGE/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+harley+quinn+margot+robbie+ewan+mcgregor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Margot Robbie and Ewan McGregor in 'Birds of Prey' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>BEING JOKER'S GIRL GAVE ME IMMUNITY.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harley Quinn</span></div>
<br />
Huntress is the sole survivor of her family's massacre. Her Mafia-connected family was gunned down and their diamond is stolen. She comes back to Gotham for what else? REVENGE.<br />
<br />
Dinah comes from a rough neighborhood and her mother was killed fighting the crime she now ignores. Cassandra is a down on her luck orphan with an abusive adoptive family, who pickpockets to survive.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjhTJ2ci6rIP_WDssBRD0fuzC-h0ehdFJHV2AqmSitc_QKB8lRr5uYg_l49CijYsEzNWF-H8jNT21Y1KCJxiRvIPsNsjE557iDDQX0YzbhCRruxo_DmCzKKDXW6meMN07yY13N575OD8/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+mary+elizabeth+winstead+rosie+perez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="765" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjhTJ2ci6rIP_WDssBRD0fuzC-h0ehdFJHV2AqmSitc_QKB8lRr5uYg_l49CijYsEzNWF-H8jNT21Y1KCJxiRvIPsNsjE557iDDQX0YzbhCRruxo_DmCzKKDXW6meMN07yY13N575OD8/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+mary+elizabeth+winstead+rosie+perez.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rosie Perez in 'Birds of Prey' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I UNDERESTIMATED YOU AND, I'M SORRY.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Montoya [to Harley]</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I'M USED TO IT.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harley Quinn [to Montoya]</span></div>
<br />
We meet Montoya at a crime scene involving the murder of four mafia guys killed with a crossbow. Hmmm. Who else uses crossbows? The film smartly keeps the audience in the dark by mixing up the timeline. The timeline goes back and forth a bit, revealing just what we need to know. In the midst of the crossbow case, Montoya is trying to make a case against Roman and enlists Dinah's help.<br />
<br />
Had this film been written or directed by the usual suspects, it would have been a hodgepodge mess, similar to the poorly written 'Suicide Squad.' Instead of a cohesive and smart film, we would have gotten a sexist script of what <b>David Ayer</b> THINKS FEMALE COMIC BOOK FANS WANT.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvCK5FsjmiGsVWsKiiK5SCvjZRE2pTJpg45OiV8ICz1wKwabqZImNliyev7t8RL1yCXjMJbX2KJislyW25X9RxyoxxQ_qcgeu6V6W7GxcQhCDv7AV1yXnR_Nncv_HORhsXON7gvhstPQ/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+harley+quinn+margot+robbie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="730" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvCK5FsjmiGsVWsKiiK5SCvjZRE2pTJpg45OiV8ICz1wKwabqZImNliyev7t8RL1yCXjMJbX2KJislyW25X9RxyoxxQ_qcgeu6V6W7GxcQhCDv7AV1yXnR_Nncv_HORhsXON7gvhstPQ/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+harley+quinn+margot+robbie+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Margot Robbie in 'Birds of Prey' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>YOU MADE ME WANT TO BE A LESS TERRIBLE PERSON.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harley Quinn [to Cassandra]</span></div>
<br />
When Cassandra is picked up by the police for theft, Harley manages to make a deal with Roman to bring Cassandra to him, in exchange for her own life. What follows is a great scene of Harley kicking butt and chewing gum (and she's all out of bubble gum). Harley's effervescent kicks, flips, cartwheels, and bean bag gun that shoots glitter are hilariously outlandish. It's about as outlandish as Uma Thurman jumping around with a samurai sword. The film doesn't take itself too seriously, so just go with it. Because it works!<br />
<br />
Harley's motives are selfish, but she sure is fun to watch. The film has a satisfying conclusion when all of the characters come together to fight Roman. My one complaint about the film is the lack of Black Canary's scream until the end. They alluded to her powers earlier in the film, but we don't get to see her supersonic scream until one of the final scenes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XMxRRpRUtb3tW-Cv3CI3V6A5L4vbNoN6M1NmeFyjnFhw6DAC834CN3lSmRb4YbrWE5L8uasMjB73G-ZkVfHj4XoZJzpekjdJmDxW9Br_41lLpw1BTMnx3DpbMjJa8tWhh6idpCYFG7k/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+huntress+mary+elizabeth+winstead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="846" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XMxRRpRUtb3tW-Cv3CI3V6A5L4vbNoN6M1NmeFyjnFhw6DAC834CN3lSmRb4YbrWE5L8uasMjB73G-ZkVfHj4XoZJzpekjdJmDxW9Br_41lLpw1BTMnx3DpbMjJa8tWhh6idpCYFG7k/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+huntress+mary+elizabeth+winstead.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mary Elizabeth Winstead in 'Birds of Prey' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I DO NOT HAVE RAGE ISSUES.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Huntress [to Dinah]</span></div>
<br />
All of the actors are excellent. There is no dead weight in this film. I'm not a big fan of Winstead, but her aloof cool demeanor serves her well in this film. She does good work as an assassin with a heart of gold, bent on revenge. Smollett-Bell is a bright spot too. I've seen her in a few films over the years and I didn't really notice her. She stands out in this film with her sultry singing, quippy delivery, and rough edges.<br />
<br />
This is a popcorn movie, not to be taken seriously. As most comic book films are not to be taken seriously. I'm not sure when we started to think comic book films were refined "theater?" Admittedly, Marvel had one heck of a run, especially with its '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/05/captain-america-civil-war-review-we.html" target="_blank">Captain America</a></b>' series, but it's DC's turn to take the wheel and they are showing their cheeky amusing side and I'M HERE FOR IT. Hopefully, DC will continue to open up its catalog of characters like the ones featured in this film.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxp1Fmcuks8yv-4JlC3PLsSmLThhSgfY9JpsXIglcs1_mDVdMXU15JS4luxmK5mJH3bH69sf0Zym-6WNy_9j546wEfuwH7_Lc41s6ceMmoChM6NhK6LVRZcNGXPKo4a993dqa9Plhp3I/s1600/birds+of+prey+movie+cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="636" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxp1Fmcuks8yv-4JlC3PLsSmLThhSgfY9JpsXIglcs1_mDVdMXU15JS4luxmK5mJH3bH69sf0Zym-6WNy_9j546wEfuwH7_Lc41s6ceMmoChM6NhK6LVRZcNGXPKo4a993dqa9Plhp3I/s640/birds+of+prey+movie+cast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Margot Robbie, Ella Jay Basco, and Jurnee Smollett-Bell in 'Birds of Prey' | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Clubhouse Pictures (II), DC Entertainment, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, & LuckyChap Entertainment | 2020</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The film also embraces diversity by adding wonderful actresses of color, such as Perez, Smollett-Bell, and Basco. We rarely see multiple actresses of color in ONE FILM sharing scenes together. Three women of color in a mainstream non-ethnically focused film is almost unheard of.<br />
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<br />
Of course, the shining star is Margot Robbie. Robbie is probably one of the finest actors of her generation. I'm sure when she first walked into Hollywood, the powers (pervs) that be thought she was just another pretty face. Well, they were wrong. Robbie is an exceptional actor with a talent for accents and physical comedy. Robbie is so good that you don't know she's acting, which is the sign of a master. Some may think she's a little young for that title, but whatever it is, she has it.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend this film if you enjoy comic books movies, action, or comedy because it has all three and it gets <b>**** FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS ****</b> FROM ME.</div>
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-67253360120241804152020-02-04T11:16:00.001-05:002020-02-10T00:03:32.230-05:00PICARD EPISODE 1 REVIEW - "I HAVEN'T BEEN LIVING. I'VE BEEN WAITING TO DIE." [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Star Trek: Picard Episode 1 Review</span></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><i>REMEMBRANCE</i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Directed by</i> HANELLE M. CULPEPPER</span></h4>
<h4 style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Starring</i> PATRICK STEWART, ISA BRIONES, ORLA BRADY, JAMIE MCSHANE, MERRIN DUNGEY, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and </i>BRENT SPINER</span></h4>
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'<b>Star Trek: Picard</b>' starts out with the familiar-- Commander Data (<b>Brent Spiner</b>) and Jean Luc are playing poker. Data accuses Jean Luc of stalling and he's right. Jean Luc doesn't want the game to end and neither do we. Scenes like this are hard to come by. They're both masterful actors who need no introduction. They step back into their respective roles like one would walk into a room, which is easier said than done. There have been more than a few reboots with rusty actors and questionable writing. Thankfully 'Star Trek: Picard' doesn't have this problem.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Jean Luc doesn't want the game to end and neither do we."</span></blockquote>
Sadly we know this scene will end because Data died 18 years ago at the end of '<b>Star Trek: Nemesis</b>.' That's not the only wrench in this cog. The Star Trek universe as we know it was changed with the reboot of the film franchise in 2009. In this reality, the Romulan sun would go supernova in the late 24th century during '<b>Star Trek: The Next Generation's</b>' (TNG) timeline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHXJDKXJtM9AQyA-k11A0oi24unjWeuExeoRjJ1Vl7VnSP6P38-cTNcdvqopOkOuyvWceaRYqmWNBcOeI0gYmjxAQI3srelWauW8l_YEDLgw9zDRw9ww8fDg3yjkmWe5c4S0Aqkovwkg/s1600/picard+episode+1+remembrance+brent+spiner+data.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="740" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHXJDKXJtM9AQyA-k11A0oi24unjWeuExeoRjJ1Vl7VnSP6P38-cTNcdvqopOkOuyvWceaRYqmWNBcOeI0gYmjxAQI3srelWauW8l_YEDLgw9zDRw9ww8fDg3yjkmWe5c4S0Aqkovwkg/s640/picard+episode+1+remembrance+brent+spiner+data.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12.8px;">Brent Spiner in 'Picard' | </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;">CBS Corporation | 2020</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WHY ARE YOU STALLING CAPTAIN?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Data [to Picard]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>I DON'T WANT THE GAME TO END.</i></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Picard [to Data]</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a>In this slightly altered reality, Picard coordinates Starfleet's mission to evacuate 900 million Romulans. Ten years later (2399) Picard is retired and seemingly content at his vineyard Chateau Picard. We're surprised to see two loyal, but cheeky Romulan caretakers, Laris (<b>Orla Brady</b>) and Zahban (<b>Jamie McShane</b>). During the TNG years, the Romulans were not known for being warm and fuzzy, but Laris and Zhaban are different. They keep Picard company, worry about his sleeping habits, and make sure he eats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwUurbCFcRf5gGrLPGix4wUE0Wq-NoLiwmCtFpY9TPvl1P-ukS-gYdw7ZldKnLucv68FudXGquyo9ogQJ25N4o-aRithcQ-QX3Whes6n6HseSTTBRC85eDjQWTbhoZQ8JUe7T9LdrDTo/s1600/picard+episode+1+remembrance+orla+brady+laris+patrick+stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="740" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwUurbCFcRf5gGrLPGix4wUE0Wq-NoLiwmCtFpY9TPvl1P-ukS-gYdw7ZldKnLucv68FudXGquyo9ogQJ25N4o-aRithcQ-QX3Whes6n6HseSTTBRC85eDjQWTbhoZQ8JUe7T9LdrDTo/s640/picard+episode+1+remembrance+orla+brady+laris+patrick+stewart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick Stewart and Orla Brady in 'Picard' | <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;">CBS Corporation | 2020</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>AFTER SO LONG SOMETIMES I WORRY YOU'VE FORGOTTEN WHAT YOU DID. WHO YOU ARE. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Laris [to Picard]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>LARIS I...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Picard [to Laris]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WE HAVE NOT. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Laris [to Picard]</span></div>
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We leave the idyllic scene of the vineyard to the bustling city apartment of newcomer <b>Isa Briones</b> (Dahj/Soji). Dahj is having a quiet evening with her boyfriend when assassins burst in. They whisper something about capturing Dahj before she's activated. They kill her boyfriend who barely utters a sentence. This immediately turns Dahj into a killing machine. She makes quick work of the assassins. I assume this was the activation they spoke of! When she goes on the run she sees Picard's face in her mind's eye and on every television in the vicinity. Picard is having a bad day during an interview gone wrong.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"He doesn't have a starship. He's not a Starfleet officer. He doesn't have a crew."</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BDrL6nWq5cTbgnEDcx1erzr7QgJvB0IqytLBkaOlQ5-2v46DhJVk7_5MKLupz7WFBOR7lbUWX5iIg2FP-72jetWL6CQKK4yD0IcYilRW-Ktank2ZmMelZEzoD-KUyNvB0oGbLUOlW64/s1600/picard+episode+1+remembrance+patrick+stewart+dog+vineyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="740" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BDrL6nWq5cTbgnEDcx1erzr7QgJvB0IqytLBkaOlQ5-2v46DhJVk7_5MKLupz7WFBOR7lbUWX5iIg2FP-72jetWL6CQKK4yD0IcYilRW-Ktank2ZmMelZEzoD-KUyNvB0oGbLUOlW64/s640/picard+episode+1+remembrance+patrick+stewart+dog+vineyard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick Stewart in 'Picard' | <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;">CBS Corporation | 2020</span></td></tr>
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Picard is reluctantly interviewed by a Starfleet proxy on the 10 year anniversary of the Romulan supernova. The interviewer (<b>Merrin Dungey</b>, '<b>Alias</b>') boxes Picard in a corner about his role in the rescue mission. She believes rescuing the Romulans was a mistake. After a series of wars and the destruction of Mars, Starfleet has become isolationist. It's here we learn that the Romulan rescue mission went badly because the rescue armada was sabotaged by synthetic humanoids. They destroyed the armada, burned the Mars settlement to the ground, and killed 93,000 federation citizens. Starfleet ordered Picard to abandon the rescue of 900 million Romulans, leaving them to their fate. Picard considered this to be an immoral order, so he disobeyed it. He resigned his commission shortly thereafter.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Picard's strength was never in his arms. It's his character."</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_QRDc_ktRbIyQpZm50ss1gnGM6k4nGq_JSFTFEhON7vbEBpReZYN0BP8ha3ydwOaAaDZvaYB57wtvXsbQhLA9-GJGX6qcUhA0m8Gg2zcW8Lh9TmsFLU_HoE9CRTxt0yJ1A7OThle968/s1600/picard+episode+1+remembrance+merrin+dungey+interviewer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="740" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_QRDc_ktRbIyQpZm50ss1gnGM6k4nGq_JSFTFEhON7vbEBpReZYN0BP8ha3ydwOaAaDZvaYB57wtvXsbQhLA9-GJGX6qcUhA0m8Gg2zcW8Lh9TmsFLU_HoE9CRTxt0yJ1A7OThle968/s640/picard+episode+1+remembrance+merrin+dungey+interviewer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrin Dungey in 'Picard' | <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;">CBS Corporation | 2020</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>YOU'RE A STRANGER TO HISTORY. YOU'RE A STRANGER TO WAR. YOU JUST WAVE YOUR HAND AND IT ALL GOES AWAY. WELL, IT'S NOT SO EASY FOR THOSE WHO DIED AND IT WAS NOT SO EASY FOR THOSE WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Picard [to Interviewer]</span></div>
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It's in this scene that we see the Picard we know and love. He bites back with passionate moral outrage and Patrick Stewart's Shakesperean tongue. It's glorious. Unlike the interviewer (and apparently Starfleet), Picard values life, including Romulan lives and he's furious at what Starfleet's become and he makes no bones about it.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">You can see more about the Mars settlement in 'Star Trek: Children of Mars' on CBS All Access.</span></blockquote>
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When Dahj finds Picard the two have an instant bond that neither can explain. He doesn't understand her distress, but he knows he has to help her. Dahj is a mystery even to herself. She doesn't know what happened to her or her boyfriend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkJnVvAflFHE1H-4rV6JJAdqLy98x4tNXY7x3eBwcth2j6850s5cfDVMKRppIx_22WYno6aYOJPxMgqODAgMY1cI7zeXzVjwwNnEKq-Z0SpT1QVegrooYL0zL5OOk9gHH88gbIGwXZ2c/s1600/picard+episode+1+remembrance+patrick+stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="740" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkJnVvAflFHE1H-4rV6JJAdqLy98x4tNXY7x3eBwcth2j6850s5cfDVMKRppIx_22WYno6aYOJPxMgqODAgMY1cI7zeXzVjwwNnEKq-Z0SpT1QVegrooYL0zL5OOk9gHH88gbIGwXZ2c/s640/picard+episode+1+remembrance+patrick+stewart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick Stewart in 'Picard' | <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;">CBS Corporation | 2020</span></td></tr>
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Picard unravels the mystery surrounding Dahj, discovering that she is a synthetic human created by the late Commander Data. Before we can fully process this information, Picard and Dahj are attacked by a Romulan kill squad. It's good to remember that Patrick Stewart is nearly 80 years old. Dahj and Picard had a funny little moment when she tries to help him up the stairs as they run away. This is not the Picard from the mid-1990s who fought the Borg, but it's realistic. Picard's strength was never in his arms. It's his character.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscvC1VODrHSsw6XfdYnajAYrZ17Pw88syfYh7s0yLXoUsI_AWXT5YwWbNr30TAKyKiqsmqzaW2KYTgAa_8y0LgSOsTjrvp_EN2YYzUsNjHA5Qvs3nk-DnLC4wvtrmbLJGGjp9HgW63Pc/s1600/picard+episode+1+remembrance+patrick+stewart+isa+briones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="740" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscvC1VODrHSsw6XfdYnajAYrZ17Pw88syfYh7s0yLXoUsI_AWXT5YwWbNr30TAKyKiqsmqzaW2KYTgAa_8y0LgSOsTjrvp_EN2YYzUsNjHA5Qvs3nk-DnLC4wvtrmbLJGGjp9HgW63Pc/s640/picard+episode+1+remembrance+patrick+stewart+isa+briones.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick Stewart and Isa Briones in 'Picard' | <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 12px;">CBS Corporation | 2020</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Picard [to Dahj]</span></div>
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As soon as we get attached to Dahj she's killed. We get a brief glimpse of Picard's devastation of not being able to protect Commander Data's daughter, but the first episode ends before we want it to. We want to see more. As the episode ends, we learn that Dahj has a twin who is still alive, working in an abandoned Borg cube no less. We are introduced to a new character Dr. Agnes Jurati (<b>Allison Pill</b>) who studies synthetics. I'm really looking forward to how this season unravels.<br />
<br />
But what I really enjoyed is how Picard is stripped bare. He doesn't have a starship. He's not a Starfleet officer. He doesn't have a crew. All he has is himself, his dignity, and his belief to always do the right thing. It's these three things that make Picard who he is, nothing more.<br />
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-81536337077114514602020-01-24T11:02:00.001-05:002020-02-03T01:03:45.812-05:00PICARD, OSCARS ALMOST SO WHITE, WB/DC BE HATIN' + LINKS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="color: #666666;">This post has affiliate links. You can see the disclosure policy <a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/p/privacy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEqAzp1UVX93HhCal3jBoqj8C2zwnHp0ESTfOjO8ivgrDz7e2wX0IzRLmNeJeli9nreS_b1Y_1MRyUDHqlZSQ9BvZf0GtxLMgnsUmxEKsLMizjwUyuEFi1qNax5nxcRDcSOr77g57I8U/s1600/entertainment+week+in+review+picard+oscars+birds+of+prey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEqAzp1UVX93HhCal3jBoqj8C2zwnHp0ESTfOjO8ivgrDz7e2wX0IzRLmNeJeli9nreS_b1Y_1MRyUDHqlZSQ9BvZf0GtxLMgnsUmxEKsLMizjwUyuEFi1qNax5nxcRDcSOr77g57I8U/s640/entertainment+week+in+review+picard+oscars+birds+of+prey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It's 2020! I'm so excited to be back talking about all of the things I love! </i></span></div>
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I was tempted to do a best/worst 2019 list, but honestly, I didn't see many movies last year. I took a 2-year hiatus in 2017 when my dad had a stroke (and passed away in 2018). My dad and I went to the movies every weekend, so we saw a LOT of movies. We weren't picky so we saw quite a few stinkers. But without my beloved movie partner, I don't go to the movies that much anymore. If I do, it's going to be a film that ranks well on <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rotten Tomatoes</a>. I also have a newish baby (he's 20 months)! So with two young children, yeah I don't leave the house much. I don't go to the movies much AT ALL lol. I'm lucky if I get to binge-watch a <a href="https://bit.ly/37pQUnJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Netflix</a> show. I still haven't gotten past episode 3 of '<b><a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/search/label/The%20Witcher" target="_blank">The Witcher</a></b>.' Yeah, I suck.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">So I guess I should start fresh in 2020. So here's what's going on.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">ENTERTAINMENT GEEKLY NEWS</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oscars Almost So White</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaea-asC_HTbC17un0zj2tQlBFyFzeP32AztxMfIfAMVSinTbTwKWYCN2xd6OI0YJwT1ZQI-7k4av-2g3H2020rZNyM36RkFRhZv0Nj6Cabh5uHmmYyCAVM2Z0NiZumhOFY6obeZhhbY/s1600/jennifer+lopez+hustlers+movie+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="589" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaea-asC_HTbC17un0zj2tQlBFyFzeP32AztxMfIfAMVSinTbTwKWYCN2xd6OI0YJwT1ZQI-7k4av-2g3H2020rZNyM36RkFRhZv0Nj6Cabh5uHmmYyCAVM2Z0NiZumhOFY6obeZhhbY/s640/jennifer+lopez+hustlers+movie+2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennifer Lopez in 'Hustlers' | Annapurna Pictures 2019</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Been there, done that. I wrote about this in 2016.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span>You can see my original article on the Oscars So White controversy <b><a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/diversity-in-hollywood-beyond-black.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. It's four years later and everything still applies. Again, it's not the Oscars, it's the Hollywood pipeline. When women and people of color are excluded from making films, they don't get nominated. It's really that simple. Admittedly there were a few snubs that surprised me. <b>Jennifer Lopez</b> had one of the best performances of her career in '<b>Hustlers</b>.' <b>Greta Gerwig</b> didn't get nominated for her direction of '<b>Little Women</b>' but Netflix's '<b>A Marriage Story</b>' gets a director nod? Who knows? I stopped watching awards shows.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I have no desire to see well-dressed rich people lecture the world about politics or morality. Get your own house in order first. </i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Picard be Almost 80 Years Old? Whaaa?</span></h3>
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The new '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/search/label/star%20trek" target="_blank">Star Trek</a></b>' series '<b>Picard</b>' starts this week! <span style="text-align: left;">I have been hesitant to add another television subscription, but I will add CBS All Access at least for the duration of '</span><b style="text-align: left;">Picard</b><span style="text-align: left;">.' The series picks up 18 years after the last '</span><b style="text-align: left;">The Next Generation</b><span style="text-align: left;">' (TNG) film ('</span><b style="text-align: left;">Star Trek Nemesis</b><span style="text-align: left;">,' 2002). I've been a Trekkie since TNG. I may be one of the few people who likes 'Star Trek' more than 'Star Wars,' namely because of character development. Despite its foibles, 'Star Trek' knows how to develop its characters into flesh and blood people that viewers can invest in.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJguKzxoFr1XOhYNqrB1SJrDpxCYTqjZ_y1DZppvtq0sJumm8xWnJp0A34e3yaJyf59TeoFLhr26XVt_Srl3-tp78uTjmUFv70EqHWRXlrzi_OL4-jZZ0_m8qCFS7K1J2CqllyghRwyA/s1600/patrick+stewart+picard+and+dog+episode+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="780" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJguKzxoFr1XOhYNqrB1SJrDpxCYTqjZ_y1DZppvtq0sJumm8xWnJp0A34e3yaJyf59TeoFLhr26XVt_Srl3-tp78uTjmUFv70EqHWRXlrzi_OL4-jZZ0_m8qCFS7K1J2CqllyghRwyA/s640/patrick+stewart+picard+and+dog+episode+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Patrick Stewart in 'Picard' | </span>CBS Corporation | 2020</td></tr>
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'Picard' is about the character of the same name, the indomitable Jean-Luc Picard (<b>Patrick Stewart</b>), former captain of the Starship Enterprise-D. 'Picard' is a 10-episode series, which is just long enough to tell a good story. It's amazing how long television seasons used to be. 'TNG' seasons were 26 episodes with a modest budget. It shouldn't surprise us that there were some stinkers in the mix. Like when Beverly Crusher (<b>Gates McFadden</b>) had a romance with her dead grandma's "virtual lover." I gotta be honest. I love that insane episode.<br />
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'Picard' looks like a million bucks, with the safe comfort of familiar characters, better writers, and higher production values. Thanks to <b>Patrick Stewart's</b> visit to '<b>The View</b>' we know that there will be a second season and <b>Whoopi Goldberg</b> will be back as Guinan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYZ6sad6-TWphgJYRj4rg64f9IwQ7T_A7IE50H1px9xqy8UVQGBfbkVtGP7F-QcTBM_cSk8ZZqT3fpKXcrRrrlpBAuD3sFe0BFHQNppI9d2P5tyAbuuVTN_xw1BQUlyIDG8rys1tiaTY/s1600/whoopie+goldberg+patrick+stewart+view+picard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="700" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYZ6sad6-TWphgJYRj4rg64f9IwQ7T_A7IE50H1px9xqy8UVQGBfbkVtGP7F-QcTBM_cSk8ZZqT3fpKXcrRrrlpBAuD3sFe0BFHQNppI9d2P5tyAbuuVTN_xw1BQUlyIDG8rys1tiaTY/s640/whoopie+goldberg+patrick+stewart+view+picard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoopie Goldberg and Patrick Stewart | 'The View' | ABC Disney | 2020</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WB/DC Please Stop Hatin' on Female Comic Book Heroes</span></h3>
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'<b>Birds of Prey</b>' <b><i>and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn</i></b>' is a continuation of Harley Quinn's adventures from the disastrous <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2GdXrFZ" target="_blank">'Suicide Squad</a></b>.' Harley Quinn (<b>Margot Robbie</b>) has been dumped by the Joker and quickly gets in trouble with Roman Sionis aka the Black Mask (<b>Ewan McGregor</b>). She teams up with the Huntress (<b>Elizabeth Winstead</b>), Black Canary (<b>Jurnee Smollett-Bell</b>), and Renee Montoya (<b>Rosie Perez</b>) to take on the Black Mask.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZx7yWcsYbAhDxsThY-R_PM7IfD-GdJHbGJ1ynj3REztFVLJ89az6sc2qCcCSojYFA-o8WwHNeaQmsqMC5XRWiv3Ro2nurpIQ1QtqU4CyAv0UsC6DXNcCeLyUK0Wt04crTPB5UOT8qwH0/s1600/birds+of+prey+2020+set+photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="599" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZx7yWcsYbAhDxsThY-R_PM7IfD-GdJHbGJ1ynj3REztFVLJ89az6sc2qCcCSojYFA-o8WwHNeaQmsqMC5XRWiv3Ro2nurpIQ1QtqU4CyAv0UsC6DXNcCeLyUK0Wt04crTPB5UOT8qwH0/s640/birds+of+prey+2020+set+photos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Birds of Prey' | WB/DC Comics | 2020</td></tr>
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The comic book canon is all wrong. For example, Harley Quinn never worked with the Birds of Prey. She was a member of the <b>Gotham Sirens</b>, along with Catwoman and Poison Ivy. I have no idea why they chose the Birds of Prey instead of the canonical Gotham Sirens. I really hope the film works and leads to other franchises.<br />
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The <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3HbbzHK5Mc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">second trailer</a></b> FINALLY dropped last week. For goodness sake, the film comes out in two weeks. What is Warner Brothers/DC Comics thinking? They have barely marketed this film. It's the first R-rated female-led comic book film. '<b><a href="https://amzn.to/37kuQLj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Joker</a></b>' got mad props for that. In this era 'Birds of Prey' should be a big deal. I'm so confused.<br />
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Fans had to create and distribute posters for the film. This is just what WB/DC does. They did the same thing with '<a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2017/06/wonder-woman-review-only-love-will.html" target="_blank">Wonder Woman' 2017</a>. WB/DC did everything they could to tank that film. Director <b>Patty Jenkins</b> had to <a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/6/8/15742716/wonder-woman-script-second-act" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fight the studio</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/may/26/wonder-woman-director-patty-jenkins-people-really-thought-that-only-men-loved-action-movies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dispel misconceptions</a>, and <a href="https://www.indiewire.com/2016/08/wonder-woman-director-patty-jenkins-defends-attack-on-film-1201716636/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">squash untrue rumors</a>. It's just sad that fans have to do the heavy lifting with female-led DC Extended Universe films.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetSiJCXTQ48l4O3Rdho9bQ3lG6nlbNGVuH69kPUl_LU-gvMBeXarjzlTAIwO5rpf5Pfo0iJa9S0ei4XbBKId4SJhXlXsCZjUcPo6n2ZoKguK5GpUJzCqmBlbl0zpGz2R3YadRgHbR2oc/s1600/birds+of+prey+2020+fan+posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="598" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetSiJCXTQ48l4O3Rdho9bQ3lG6nlbNGVuH69kPUl_LU-gvMBeXarjzlTAIwO5rpf5Pfo0iJa9S0ei4XbBKId4SJhXlXsCZjUcPo6n2ZoKguK5GpUJzCqmBlbl0zpGz2R3YadRgHbR2oc/s640/birds+of+prey+2020+fan+posters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/birdsofpreywb/status/1219806042772496385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1219806042772496385&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcomicbook.com%2Fdc%2F2020%2F01%2F22%2Fbirds-of-prey-new-posters-margot-robbie%2F" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Via Twitter</a></td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
New Hunger Games Book</span></h3>
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<b>Suzanne Collins</b> has written a prequel to the '<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2RRnWH1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a></b>'-- '<a href="https://amzn.to/2NP03yr" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes</a>,' which is about the villainous President Snow (played by <b>Donald Sutherland</b> in the films). The book (and future films) will tell the story of a young President Snow and explore his motivations for turning to the dark side? Haven't we seen this before courtesy of the terrible <b>'Star Wars</b>' prequels from <b>George Lucas</b>? You can see the full book excerpt <b><a href="https://ew.com/books/2020/01/21/hunger-games-prequel-exclusive-excerpt/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">New Short Films</span></h3>
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I always love highlighting short films when I find them. Check out the sci-fi short '<b>Sky Fighter</b>.' It's set in the distant future and follows two fighter pilots in the midst of a long hard war.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Why Can't Lindelof Finish Anything?</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez9Wa4L0nZtrVpdJL8K5iuQtEHpKyzX__ehGpIb0hkRV86vSkBis0zZYCFhiX5SFh68N2b8j3tlL1M40NS9HGr8aE_8CGJnewf1-N_AcVJUFexKMCEkYbu94CC6npVoIrw5Wbec4E65Y/s1600/the+watchmen+tv+series+2019+regina+king+sister+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="588" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez9Wa4L0nZtrVpdJL8K5iuQtEHpKyzX__ehGpIb0hkRV86vSkBis0zZYCFhiX5SFh68N2b8j3tlL1M40NS9HGr8aE_8CGJnewf1-N_AcVJUFexKMCEkYbu94CC6npVoIrw5Wbec4E65Y/s640/the+watchmen+tv+series+2019+regina+king+sister+night.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'The Watchmen' | HBO Warner Media Entertainment | 2019</td></tr>
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Some seriously disappointing news came through the wire about '<b><a href="https://bit.ly/2Ge35Io" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Watchmen</a></b>.' <b>Damon Lindelof</b> (<i>who I normally despise</i>) managed to create a brilliant series. In typical Lindelof style, he doesn't know if he wants to do a second season. Unfortunately, HBO is hanging their hat on Lindelof, so they <a href="https://io9.gizmodo.com/no-ones-sure-if-watchmen-will-be-back-for-season-2-whi-1841065883" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">unofficially canceled it</a>. I say unofficially because there's rumor that 'The Watchmen' may NOT be canceled. The uncertainty is very Watchmen-like. We shall see.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Secret Start Wars Script?</span></h3>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oHfSEIHaYHb99Yhp_1HDN-JqsS6S-OtKIdcRKsB6LFvguM0fvauIiHUViarhHuIgPujfOvaHAPTT0VzRmcarU9tkyiyzzEijZC-5Zoi0UknG4yI8LmnhRuln4Cqx-K-wHHjZ7-33pQ4/s1600/star+wars+art+book+colin+trevorrow+script.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="988" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oHfSEIHaYHb99Yhp_1HDN-JqsS6S-OtKIdcRKsB6LFvguM0fvauIiHUViarhHuIgPujfOvaHAPTT0VzRmcarU9tkyiyzzEijZC-5Zoi0UknG4yI8LmnhRuln4Cqx-K-wHHjZ7-33pQ4/s640/star+wars+art+book+colin+trevorrow+script.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/JadoreReyBen/status/1217700921146101760/photo/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Via Twitter</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lots of 'Star War's news as of late. Given the terrible reviews that '<b>Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker</b>' received, there's been a lot of <b>COULDA SHOULDA WOULDA</b> had <b>Colin Trevorrow</b> written and directed the film. I'm not a Trevorrow fan. I honestly don't know how someone who's main credit is '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/06/if-you-build-it-they-will-come-jurassic.html" target="_blank">Jurassic World</a></b>' could land a 'Star Wars' film, but his <a href="https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/star-wars-weekly-inside-colin-trevorrows-episode-ix-script-and-baby-yoda-meets-george-lucas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">script</a> seems to be miles better than what we got. The dialogue is said to have been classic 'Star Wars.' Rose (<b>Kelly Tran</b>) had a ton of screentime. It's honestly better on multiple fronts. I'm not sure what happened or why the powers that be chose <b>J.J. Abrams</b>' script over Trevorrow's, but it was a big mistake.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Happy Stories</span></h3>
</div>
> <a href="https://laughingsquid.com/70-years-evolving-douchebag-style/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laughing Squid</a> made a video of "douche bag" hairstyles through the ages. As long as there's a man bun in there I approve!<br />
<br />
> I don't know who made this, but we thank you. Keep them coming.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1FBIzqqggoOvM8kDBrE6qN7QDfl-3hsXV0bbAw6RjLD0ERG1Cv9P7OV8h6erf1OXJEuvlp7ANTHZdopMquq0EZBM958qKZtAizIf1Gz7dUC8iz_pRy5hDrfaUJCY7QY_Tr_w2tEBc9w/s1600/george+lucas+old+and+baby+yoda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="1038" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1FBIzqqggoOvM8kDBrE6qN7QDfl-3hsXV0bbAw6RjLD0ERG1Cv9P7OV8h6erf1OXJEuvlp7ANTHZdopMquq0EZBM958qKZtAizIf1Gz7dUC8iz_pRy5hDrfaUJCY7QY_Tr_w2tEBc9w/s640/george+lucas+old+and+baby+yoda.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/KevinRBrackett/status/1220340275324882944" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kevin Bracket on Twitter</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
> Happy 89th birthday to the iconic <b>James Earl Jones</b>. One of the finest actors to have lived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxB_HJNYQziIrWA7k9TrUuCaQZdhukAY-I6cL064FLNIwfAn5iLauM8sr4RrBmc8RG-b3uhOxTGiQE4efpnp4INbJMOqAK-s7uaJgIhKxXdF9VHIAzPc2Zqi3U4aJ4aIybFD2GxkS-gQ/s1600/mark+hamill+james+earl+jones+tweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="594" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxB_HJNYQziIrWA7k9TrUuCaQZdhukAY-I6cL064FLNIwfAn5iLauM8sr4RrBmc8RG-b3uhOxTGiQE4efpnp4INbJMOqAK-s7uaJgIhKxXdF9VHIAzPc2Zqi3U4aJ4aIybFD2GxkS-gQ/s640/mark+hamill+james+earl+jones+tweet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/HamillHimself/status/1218272911477264384" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Hamill Twitter</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Links</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And my favorite part-- check out these links!</i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.thegeektwins.com/2020/01/the-internet-melts-when-baby-yoda-meets.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Geek Twins</a> talks baby yoda!<br />
Sati has an awesome post about the <a href="https://cinematiccorner.blogspot.com/2020/01/10-best-performances-in-2019.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10 best performances of 2019</a>!<br />
<a href="http://www.frenchtoastsunday.com/2020/01/fts-podcast-episode-329-favorite-tv-shows-2019.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">French Toast Sunday</a> has a fun podcast about the best shows of 2019<br />
A%#holes Watching Movies reviews <a href="https://assholeswatchingmovies.com/2020/01/17/midsommar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Midsommar</a>!<br />
Alex lists his <a href="http://www.andsoitbeginsfilms.com/2020/01/top-10-films-of-2019.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">best films of 2019</a><br />
M. Brown reviews '<a href="http://twodollarcinema.blogspot.com/2020/01/we-will-see-who-does-screaming.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Sleep</a>'<br />
Jeremy Retro talks about the <a href="http://www.jmhdigital.com/2020/01/favorite-scores-and-music-in-2019.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">best film scores of 2019</a><br />
<a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/2020/01/neil-peart-tribute-1917-and-witcher.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex reviews</a> 'The Witcher' and '1917<br />
Zena (aka the Real Queen of Horror) reviews '<a href="https://www.realqueenofhorror.com/2020/01/why-you-need-to-check-out-you-might-be.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Might Be the Killer</a>'<br />
<hr />
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-52806489343999272022020-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:002020-01-07T22:06:13.476-05:00THE WITCHER EP. 2 REVIEW: "YOU SMELL OF DEATH AND DESTINY" [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">This post has affiliate links. You can see the disclosure policy <a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/p/privacy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i>
<i>Directed by</i> ALIK SAKHAROV</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Starring</i> HENRY CAVILL, ANYA CHALOTRA, FREYA ALLAN, MYANNA BURING,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and </i>ROYCE PIERRESON</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The second episode 'Four Marks' is immediately more interesting than the first episode. Yennefer (</span><b style="text-align: left;">Anya Chalotra</b><span style="text-align: left;">) is a deformed bullied servant. She's also the first person of color we see with an extensive speaking role. Chalotra is of Indian descent. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo2Nxb_RAX8Lc1iEzJILMY0GCgyehb-p616aveq7yMxEU6o9xka9PrKLXxAMika7tSfXO8pvoDikMQpt3SqxOXMJUyNlza6M-0HE9N-ekCVfUjozGrstfyDJfOlPkDowOoQOc85er5iQ/s1600/anya+chalotra+witcher+episode+2+four+marks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="591" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo2Nxb_RAX8Lc1iEzJILMY0GCgyehb-p616aveq7yMxEU6o9xka9PrKLXxAMika7tSfXO8pvoDikMQpt3SqxOXMJUyNlza6M-0HE9N-ekCVfUjozGrstfyDJfOlPkDowOoQOc85er5iQ/s640/anya+chalotra+witcher+episode+2+four+marks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">SOMETIMES THE BEST THING </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">A FLOWER CAN DO FOR US IS DIE.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tessaia [to Yennefer]</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
'<b>The Witcher</b>' is based on the
beloved fantasy series from Polish author <b>Andrzej Sapkowski</b>, which
was turned into a video game. The world created by Sapkowski is based on
medieval Eastern European folklore, so it makes sense that the actors are of European descent are cast, but I'm glad the showrunners added people of color to the cast.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br />
Fantasy films and television often <a href="https://www.theroot.com/why-is-society-intent-on-erasing-black-people-in-fantas-1820214381">exclude people of color</a>, whilst they cast White actors for various Caucasian ethnicities. It's unfortunate because fantasy fiction is pure imagination and isn't bound by traditional standards. It's not historical fiction, so it's a great opportunity for color-blind casting. </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
See article on <a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/diversity-in-hollywood-beyond-black.html" target="_blank">"OSCARS SO WHITE" CONTROVERSY</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Yennefer is in the midst of being violently assaulted when she teleports herself to a cave. It's here she meets another character of color, Istredd (<b>Royce Pierreson</b>). Istredd is kind to Yennefer. He warns her that a witch will be coming for her because of her abilities. </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Soon after Tissaia de Vries (<b>Myanna Buring</b>) comes calling. Yennefer's abusive stepfather sells her to Tissaia for "four marks," which is cheaper than he sells his pigs. Her mother makes a meek attempt to save her, but Yennefer is sold away from her family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD5EDMLmF9GdJkaiR7TBmeiel4wDdThCxkbKOHi0glnBi3g5oMRrKP6NiOS-pTgsr9pi2DyCoDoFTJMt2U-uufqotZGmZKWFqAcZx-CF97zH-1gy70LojEzRE5nFxvY38eaCY2Bl_9q0/s1600/Royce+Pierreson+witcher+episode+2+four+marks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="686" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD5EDMLmF9GdJkaiR7TBmeiel4wDdThCxkbKOHi0glnBi3g5oMRrKP6NiOS-pTgsr9pi2DyCoDoFTJMt2U-uufqotZGmZKWFqAcZx-CF97zH-1gy70LojEzRE5nFxvY38eaCY2Bl_9q0/s640/Royce+Pierreson+witcher+episode+2+four+marks+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">YOUR BACKHAND IS EVEN MORE </span></i><br />
<i style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IMPRESSIVE THAN YOUR MAGIC</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Istredd [to Yennefer]</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
We find Ciri in the woods running rom the Black Knight (<b>Eamon Farren</b>). She's searching for the man her grandmother told her about, Geralt of Rivia the Witcher (<b>Henry Cavill</b>). It's here she meets Dara (<b>Wilson Radjou-Pujalte</b>), a mute boy who helps her. She comes upon a Cintran refugee camp and believes herself to be safe. Dara knows better. It's through Ciri that we learn about a war between humans and the elves called "Filavandrel's uprising." The Nilfgaard got past Cintran's borders because of elven spies. Cintra belonged to the elves first. </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Ciri is recognized as a girl of nobility because of her cloak. She's taken to a wealthy family's tent to recover. There are subtle metaphors to elitism, narcissism, and social injustice in this episode. The wealthy refugees delusionally believe they can return to their normal lives while living in a tent. One memorable scene involves a noblewoman ordering her drawf servant to remove his shoes to give Ciri. It's no surprise the dwarf murders her when the camp is attacked. Ciri's character is the least interesting thus far. However, given her latent "black canary"-like abilities, I expect better things to come. She's currently the viewer's eyes and ears through the story. </div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">OH, NO THANK YOU. I DON'T EAT RAT.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ciri [to Dara]</span></div>
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In a separate storyline, the witcher comes across a band of battered elves and Torque the Sylvan (a goat-like creature). The elves were forced from their homes and left to starve. The elves taught the humans how to turn chaos into magic, then the humans slaughtered them in the "great cleansing."</div>
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I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Witcher's new singing sidekick, Jaskier (<b>Joey Batey</b>). Jaskier adds some much-needed levity and humor to the series. Jaskier follows the Witcher and sings about his conquests. It's slightly irritating especially when they add music to it, but the songs are kind of catchy lol. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf357Cz-jHnjaAkYmmpj0IYKZ5dm2724ocdWfrIQe-nIDBtclDC8_Ui82OlNMe2sRqqeL-DcavVYl9-L91FFK2PaBBJ0wV4pvTcjdKmaTSy0fn59aZXYcVYetQoujevveb8zAofrMj9E/s1600/henry+cavill+witcher+episode+2+four+marks+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="765" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf357Cz-jHnjaAkYmmpj0IYKZ5dm2724ocdWfrIQe-nIDBtclDC8_Ui82OlNMe2sRqqeL-DcavVYl9-L91FFK2PaBBJ0wV4pvTcjdKmaTSy0fn59aZXYcVYetQoujevveb8zAofrMj9E/s640/henry+cavill+witcher+episode+2+four+marks+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I LOVE THE WAY YOU JUST SIT IN </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THE CORNER AND BROOD. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jaskier [to the Witcher]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I'M HERE TO DRINK ALONE.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Witcher [to Jaskier]</span></div>
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In our third and final storyline, Yennefer attempts suicide and is saved by Tissaia. She is quickly immersed in Tissaia's version of "Hogwarts." Tissaia is a harsh teacher, but she seems to believe in Yennefer. Istredd continues to support Yennefer when no one else does. It's a sweet romance that slowly develops over the episode. Istredd looks beyond her deformity and falls in love with her. Yennefer confides in him that she's part elf. But Istredd isn't what he seems. He's feeding someone else information on Yennefer. The episode ends with Yennefer embracing her powers under Tissaia's cruel tutelage.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WOULDN'T BLINK IF YOU DIED?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tessaia [to Yennefer]</span></div>
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I really enjoyed this episode. I'm watching the series as a newbie. I have no knowledge of 'The Witcher' novels or the video game. There's far less action in this episode, but there's a good bit of character development and lore.<br />
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There isn't much dead weight in 'The Witcher' when it comes to acting. Everyone is on top of their game. Charlotra is a talented actress who brings depth and sincerity to her character. If I have one complaint about 'The Witcher' it's the age of the Witcher's love interests (and potential love interests). Par for the course, all the female leads are 25 or younger. Couldn't we get a woman in her early 30's for 36-year-old Cavill? If there wasn't so much age discrimination against women in Hollywood, it wouldn't bother me.</div>
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See article on <a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/04/ghost-in-shell-casting-controversy.html" target="_blank">CASTING CONTROVERSIES</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>QUICK GERALT. DO YOUR WITCHERING.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jaskier [to the Witcher]</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>***THREE STARS.</i></span><br />
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I hope you've enjoyed my review. I would love to hear your thoughts on the first episode and if you have enjoyed the series overall? Do you think the series improved over time?<br />
<br />
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-43171464438423332982019-12-29T00:18:00.002-05:002020-01-06T22:06:05.363-05:00THE WITCHER EP. 1 REVIEW: "WE DON'T WANT YOUR KIND HERE WITCHER" [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Directed by</i> ALIK SAKHAROV</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Starring</i> HENRY CAVILL, FREYA ALLAN, JODHI MAY, LARS MIKKELSON, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and </i>EMMA APPLETON</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">This post has affiliate links. You can see the disclosure policy <a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/p/privacy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></i></div>
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Hello there! After two and a half year hiatus, I'm so glad to be back. A lot has happened since the summer of 2017. I finished grad school, had a second baby, and my father passed away. Needless to say, 2018 was difficult. Shortly after I posted my most recent post in June 2017, my father had a massive stroke that paralyzed him.<br />
<br />
My father was my movie partner. The last film we saw together was '<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2Qr6N6g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dunkirk</a></b>.' I couldn't bring myself to set foot in a theater without him. When he died in early 2018 I was devastated. I had no appetite to watch movies or television for quite some time, so this blog went by the wayside.<br />
<br />
I'm so happy to say that I've returned to the movies and I'm glad to be here. I hope to visit some of my favorite blogs and catch up! Now on to the fun stuff.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvxsB2mkehHWhsnjEaBd95Ns0kJPcXPaXPX5Ptu9EX47kf1f-NdV6vuGfef4u2MomRDO6BIQNrTjisVid9GPxXU8770bsrMZ51kKKpvwj4jDSZ_a2HoxTKENlza7J1iiKv-MiMA1XuDs/s1600/henry+cavill+witcher+episode+1+end%2527s+beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="670" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvxsB2mkehHWhsnjEaBd95Ns0kJPcXPaXPX5Ptu9EX47kf1f-NdV6vuGfef4u2MomRDO6BIQNrTjisVid9GPxXU8770bsrMZ51kKKpvwj4jDSZ_a2HoxTKENlza7J1iiKv-MiMA1XuDs/s640/henry+cavill+witcher+episode+1+end%2527s+beginning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">TODAY ISN'T YOUR DAY, IS IT?</span> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Geralt, the Witcher [to a wounded deer]</div>
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'<b><a href="https://bit.ly/2tcOARE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Witcher</a></b>' starts with a twinge of mystery, but we've seen this all before. The Witcher's world is a dreary reflection of other fantasy series' before it, like '<b><a href="https://bit.ly/365dHo5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a></b>.' '<b><a href="https://amzn.to/350Gadu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merlin</a></b>,' and '<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2rFLfuc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Highlander</a></b>.' I know<span style="text-align: center;"> the book series is from the 1990’s and pre-dates the fantasy tv series I referenced, but there have been numerous non-human monster hunters in fantasy, even some who have been trained from a young age, </span><b><a href="https://amzn.to/37KZYDE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vampire Hunter D,</a></b> <b><a href="https://amzn.to/303UOjq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hellboy</a></b>, <b><a href="https://amzn.to/37RLcuT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forgotten Realms</a></b> books, <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZVxjZL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Solomon Kane</a></b>, <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2sV9SDD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buffy the Vampire Slayer</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2Qwnw9a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dark Angel</a></b>. <span style="text-align: center;">That doesn’t sound unique to me. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Please note, I’m referring exclusively to the Netflix adaptation of the books and video game. The Netflix series took a lot of queues from other fantasy entertainment. </span>The first episode feels like a BBC period piece, rather than a high-end fantasy series. The special effects, set design, and costuming are all somewhat boring. The first episode unravels rather slowly but thankfully picks up toward the end. I just finished <b><a href="https://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2020/01/the-witcher-ep-2-review-you-smell-of.html" target="_blank">Episode 2: Four Marks</a></b> and I'm happy to report it GETS BETTER.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The main problem with the first episode is that it's formulaic. We know where the writers are going before they do it. All the fantasy archetypes are present and accounted for:</span></div>
<br />
--The rouge anti-hero the Witcher/Geralt of Rivia;<br />
--The strong-willed yet naive princess Ciri;<br />
--The regal warrior Queen Calanthe who quickly dies in a battle we know nothing about;<br />
--Renfri the mysterious woman bent on revenge;<br />
--The sorcerer Stregobor with bad intentions.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>YOU DON'T SCARE ME.</i></span></div>
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Marilka [to the Witcher]</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>THAT'S TOO BAD.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
The Witcher [to Marilka]</div>
<br />
The Witcher Geralt of Rivia (<b>Henry Cavill</b>) is a hired assassin who kills monsters. After killing a spider-like thing he wanders into the unfriendly town of Blaviken looking for the alderman who hired him. His first stop is the local tavern-- yep, a tavern. Like I said, you've seen this before. The locals are menacing and attempt to fight him...of course. The witcher isn't scared. Refri (<b>Emma Appleton</b>) understands what the viewers do, that the Witcher is itching for a fight. She tells the locals to back down. Queue meet-cute scene with a heavy dose of sexual tension.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THE CURSE OF THE BLACK SUN?</i></span></div>
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Stregobor <span style="text-align: right;">[to the Witcher]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>HMMM, IT DOESN'T EVEN RHYME. ALL GOOD PREDICTIONS RHYME.</i></span></div>
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The Witcher [to Stregobor]</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: right;"><br /></span></div>
The Witcher doesn't get his bounty because he killed the wrong creature, which is really a ruse to bring him to Stregobor (<b>Lars Mikkelsen</b>). Stregobor tries to hire him to kill Refri, the same girl he met in the tavern. Renfri is a banished princess (who is immune to magic). Stregobor sent his men to rape and kill her, from which she was escaped. Stregobor believes she is cursed and will bring about their deaths because she was born during an eclipse (the Black Sun).<br />
<br />
The Witcher refuses him, he retreats to the forest and predictably has sex with Renfi. He returns to town to help Renfi get revenge but has to kill her because she's so bloodthirsty. Yeah, couldn't they give us more to work with here?<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">YOU WON YOUR FIRST BATTLE IN HOCHEBUX WHEN YOU WERE MY AGE. I'VE HEARD THE BALLAD.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Ciri <span style="text-align: right;">[to Queen Calanthe]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>PRETTY BALLADS HAVE BASTARD TRUTHS.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
[King Consort Eist to Ciri]</div>
<br />
In another storyline, the fair city of Cintra is suddenly under attack by Nilfgaardians for some unexplained reason. Queen Calanthe (<b>Jodhi May</b>) and King Consort Eist (<b>Björn Hlynur Haraldsson</b>) host a medieval feast before the storm. For some insane reason, 44-year-old Jodhi May is the grandmother of 18-year-old Ciri (<b>Freya Allan</b>). Yes, a 44-year-old can certainly be the mother of an 18-year-old, but grandmother? Admittedly, I'm a late bloomer.<br />
<br />
Queen Calanthe sends Ciri away when the castle falls. Ciri is briefly captured by the mysterious dark knight (<b>Eamon Farren</b>). Thankfully Ciri has some sort of Black Canary supersonic scream going on and escapes. She heads off to the woods and that's the last we see of her in this episode.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">GO ON YOUR OWN OR THE END OF A ROPE. YOUR CHOICE.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Nohorn <span style="text-align: right;">[to the Witcher]</span></div>
<br />
Before the '<b><a href="https://amzn.to/357go7w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justice League</a></b>' film, I thought Cavill was a dull humorless actor. He finally showed his chops in the 'Justice League' film (bad movie/good actors) by capturing the duality of Superman and Clark Kent. This makes me sad because Cavill and <b>Ben Affleck</b> (Batman) were forced to hang up their tights. We don't know who the next Superman will be, but <b><a href="https://bit.ly/2Q3w6fB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robert Pattinson</a></b> has been cast as a young Dark Knight in the next 'Batman' reboot. Ugh, why, just why? I digress.<br />
<br />
I would have been reluctant to say this a few years ago, but Cavill is the best thing in 'The Witcher.' He does some good voice work with the character, capturing the Witcher's cadence and tone. Cavill deserved a better episode to sink his teeth into. I should also note that Cavill's physicality (<i>and physique...ahem</i>) shine here. Cavill has some nice swordplay as the Witcher fights his way through Renfri's men. As I write this review, I'm already halfway through the second episode and I am happy to say that the series has improved. I plan to keep watching...and reviewing lol.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>** TWO AND A HALF STARS.</i></span><br />
<br />
I hope you've enjoyed my review. I would love to hear your thoughts on the first episode and if you have enjoyed the series overall? There have been mixed reviews.<br />
<br />
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-72652962374857656602017-06-08T06:30:00.000-04:002017-06-08T09:54:44.243-04:00'WONDER WOMAN' REVIEW - "ONLY LOVE WILL TRULY SAVE THE WORLD"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJof2Z05isxzNvqw_dNN_bzJsJjNLK9O_lxbfhlE0aHWqAKjD02lKsKxOuRAmcGLjhZXLWzt-jm7jc4yfCSIBM20h1Y-Ani9NJNI5eg-VpUR_SRgSJ1DDuOxfgOc7M2F-TFLrexK2JMI/s1600/Wonder+Woman+collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJof2Z05isxzNvqw_dNN_bzJsJjNLK9O_lxbfhlE0aHWqAKjD02lKsKxOuRAmcGLjhZXLWzt-jm7jc4yfCSIBM20h1Y-Ani9NJNI5eg-VpUR_SRgSJ1DDuOxfgOc7M2F-TFLrexK2JMI/s1600/Wonder+Woman+collage2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Directed by</i> PATTY JENKINS</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Starring</i> GAL GADOT, CHRIS PINE, DANNY HUSTON, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">CONNIE NIELSON, <i>and </i>ROBIN WRIGHT</span></div>
<br />
I am on hiatus or semi-retirement (haven't decided which). I'm still active on social media and I visit blogs, but I no longer review films as I once did. It's partially because I don't have much free time. I work, have a family, and I'm in grad school. Once grad school finishes (in 2018) I planned to review films again, but I don't know if I will.<br />
<br />
I don't want to waste 2 hours of my life on a bad (or semi-bad) film. I also don't want to feed the monster. Hollywood has serious problems with representation, which I've discussed in previous blog posts. I still watch movies via streaming, but I rarely go to the theater. So before watching '<b>Wonder Woman</b>' I only saw two films in theaters this year-- '<b>Logan</b>' (which was one of the best comic book movies since the 1978 '<b>Superman</b>') and '<b>John Wick 2</b>.' That's it.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Given that this is a WB/DC Comics film, I prepared myself for the worst." </span></i></blockquote>
<a name='more'></a>But I decided before the reviews came out that 'Wonder Woman' would be one of the few films I saw in theaters this summer. Namely because I have been waiting for this film for years. I have written previous posts on this: "<a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/01/does-hollywood-hate-wonder-woman.html" target="_blank">Does Hollywood Hate Wonder Woman?</a>," "<a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2013/10/its-time-for-wonder-woman-film.html" target="_blank">It's Time for a Wonder Woman Film</a>," more <a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/07/gg-is-wonder-woman-new-interstellar.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/10/wonder-woman-movie-finally-more.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/07/sdcc-day-3-from-home-finally-batman-v.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Given that this is a WB/DC Comics film, I prepared myself for the worst. WB/DC's reputation is trash. The sheer level of incompetence at the WB/DC boggles the mind. They have managed to mishandle not one, but three consequtive films. The common denominators being <b>Zach Synder</b>, <b>Deborah Synder</b>, <b>Charles Rovan</b>, and <b>Wes Collar</b>.<br />
<br />
So imagine my surprise and elation when the reviews for 'Wonder Woman' came out? The DCEU (DC Extended Universe) finally made a good film...and it comes in the form of <b>Wonder Woman</b>? Whaaaa? Huh?? We may be in a parallel universe.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbPLFpnggK-73mDkQ1nOcAYVpROilCbe7k0kLJrabhVRnflFxF4CnGS9uiOi5tceEDRCxwiYwfvH2gz5JF2gnUKqlj3y2490J4YplUeKD23HgupKE_Clm8PniERaNBZ6zLJWO2esFwx0/s1600/wonder+woman+themyscira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbPLFpnggK-73mDkQ1nOcAYVpROilCbe7k0kLJrabhVRnflFxF4CnGS9uiOi5tceEDRCxwiYwfvH2gz5JF2gnUKqlj3y2490J4YplUeKD23HgupKE_Clm8PniERaNBZ6zLJWO2esFwx0/s1600/wonder+woman+themyscira.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">YOU HAVE BEEN MY GREATEST LOVE. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>TODAY YOU BECOME MY GREATEST SADNESS.</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">QUEEN HIPPOLYTA [ to Diana]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
'Wonder Woman' opens with the beautiful island of Themyscira filled with gloriously buff Amazons of all ethnicities. The Amazons are led by the regal Queen Hippolyta (<b>Connie Nielsen</b>) and protected by her sister Antiope, played by a kick butt <b>Robin Wright</b>. Diana is the only child on the island. We don't yet understand why, but we will. Hippolyta is hesistant for Diana to receive her warrior training, so Antiope begins training her in secret. Once discovered Hippolyta consents to Diana's training and wants her to become the fiercest Amazon warrior of all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5INhH9tuD7Xpr_-WZzT22DMxi0hFtPq357YcZX2TJMoJSrAJZZGXhiZllHuAb_-bssNm-xkasIqDu_rhe065Ntkvy_1kyW4tsq6V5TOH1Z0YXB1bmWcN8C29yLf9dFF0m2b4STf2MYkQ/s1600/wonder+woman+gal+gadot+connie+nielsen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5INhH9tuD7Xpr_-WZzT22DMxi0hFtPq357YcZX2TJMoJSrAJZZGXhiZllHuAb_-bssNm-xkasIqDu_rhe065Ntkvy_1kyW4tsq6V5TOH1Z0YXB1bmWcN8C29yLf9dFF0m2b4STf2MYkQ/s1600/wonder+woman+gal+gadot+connie+nielsen.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I CANNOT STAND BY WHILE </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>INNOCENT LIVES ARE LOST.</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Diana [to Hippolyta]</span></div>
<br />
She may be the strongest warrior on the island, but Diana (<b>Gal Gadot</b>) also has the biggest heart. When she sees Steve Trevor's (<b>Chris Pine</b>) plane crash into the ocean, she doesn't hesistate to rescue him or join him when he tells her that millions of people have been killed in World War I. Diana is heartbroken upon hearing about the loss of life. She considers it her duty to protect mankind. She has the inherent desire to help others. It's the first time I have seen a superhero film explain the hero's morality.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IT IS OUR SACRED DUTY TO DEFEND THE WORLD. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>AND IT IS WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Diana [to Hippolyta]</span></div>
<br />
As promised Trevor takes Diana to the war, but in the meantime there are a few hilarious "<i>fish out of water</i>" moments and much needed comedy relief. There's also a wonderful nod to the original 'Superman' film when Diana saves Steve in an alley. When they finally reach the front it's Diana's deep concern for others that leads her to cross "<i>No Man's Land</i>"-- a series of uncrossable trenches with opposing soldiers on either side. Diana BECOMES Wonder Woman in this scene, as she battles for a small piece of ground to alleviate human suffering... and it's glorious.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"Sometimes you don't realize how much you missed something because you have NEVER seen it." </i></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaj0RQAtu1pFlRm8dfRDF21y9PVKYLkz8iQfTUloBoqHcC7w5fSZaUzW3zq04oZSg_HDCOGl3XXBqokIU8tqZXgYFnW7RU3uOXBq02zbjMnvXNg_dIxrExdZRGK0NoSV_9qs8yeOqn99Y/s1600/wonder+woman+robin+wright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaj0RQAtu1pFlRm8dfRDF21y9PVKYLkz8iQfTUloBoqHcC7w5fSZaUzW3zq04oZSg_HDCOGl3XXBqokIU8tqZXgYFnW7RU3uOXBq02zbjMnvXNg_dIxrExdZRGK0NoSV_9qs8yeOqn99Y/s1600/wonder+woman+robin+wright.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IF YOU CHOOSE TO LEAVE, YOU MAY NEVER RETURN.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hippolyta</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>HOW WILL I BE IF I STAY?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Diana</span></div>
<br />
Sometimes you don't realize how much you missed something because you have NEVER seen it. I know men are sick of hearing this (my husband is), but when you see an island of warrior women and the ultimate warrior woman battling the forces of evil--it's incredible. We as women don't often see this. Sure, we occasionally see a female sidekick punching someone while wearing a skintight leather corsett, but nothing like the Amazons or Wonder Woman. I openly wept while watching the "<i>No Man's Land</i>" scene. I couldn't understand why? Now I do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV3UG-49-OjO7-s9p5JBYEjq8zsCgOI5RGEC2A0_dQ0N9_eE-NPaSHiLQKq5dKygCC8i-kEvx4cKigylLt9n-XQnZ7My_cd0iFPJCsK9luHdYI0Msk9p1t4iZPZl_80yO3KaIX2EVWj0/s1600/wonder+woman+chris+pine+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV3UG-49-OjO7-s9p5JBYEjq8zsCgOI5RGEC2A0_dQ0N9_eE-NPaSHiLQKq5dKygCC8i-kEvx4cKigylLt9n-XQnZ7My_cd0iFPJCsK9luHdYI0Msk9p1t4iZPZl_80yO3KaIX2EVWj0/s1600/wonder+woman+chris+pine+2.jpg" /></a></div>
After her victory at "<i>No Man's Land</i>," Diana and Steve continue their journey to the front. Diana is convinced that a more sinister force is turning men's hearts dark. Steve tries to explain that some people are evil for evil's sake. They don't require any outside influence--they are who they are. This is something Diana cannot accept.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">"It's the first time I have seen a superhero film explain the hero's morality."</span></i></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
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The film ends in the standard hero v. "big bad" way that most comic book films end, but it adds an additional layer of depth not found in most comic book films. 'Wonder Woman' is ultimately an origins story similar to '<b>Captain America: The First Avenger</b>.' The difference between 'Wonder Woman' and 'Captain America' is that WW intimately explains Diana's morality and it shows her loss of innocence.<br />
<br />
When she realizes that some people are just evil and the atrocities they commit stem from that evil-- it's a heartbreaking realization and one that she never recovers from (if we examine her discussions with Batman (<b>Ben Affleck</b>) in '<b>Batman v. Superman</b>'). She experiences this loss and other losses throughout the film, which the audience feels right along with her.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I WILL FIGHT FOR THOSE WHO </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>CANNOT FIGHT FOR THEMSELVES. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Diana [to Steve]</span></div>
<br />
'Wonder Woman' is not a perfect film. It's also not as good as the most recent Marvel film, 'Logan,' but WW succeeds where many other comic book movies fail because it has so much heart and genuine enthusiasm. Unlike the previous three DC films, it's not needlessly dark or dour. Yet it confronts the realities of evil. Diana's innate heroism, love, and goodness are beautiful and it is not something we often see in superheroes (male or female). It will not be winning any awards, but it is the best DC film in over a decade and my favorite DC film since the original 'Superman' films.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I CAN SAVE TODAY. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>YOU CAN SAVE THE WORLD.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Steve [to Diana]</span></div>
<br />
I would be bereft if I didn't comment on <b>Gal Gadot's</b> performance. She gave this film everything she had. Her version of Wonder Woman will be our generation's <b>Christopher Reeve</b>. She will be the measuring stick by which people compare future Wonder Womans. Similar to how <b>Linda Carter</b> is the measuring stick for television. Gadot was the best thing in 'BvS' and she's the best thing in 'WW.'<br />
<br />
<b>Chris Pine</b> does good work here too. I've always enjoyed him in the '<b>Star Trek</b>' films as the dashing leading man. One would expect him to have trouble as the film's "<i>love interest</i>," but he doesn't. Pine plays Steve Trevor as a leading man in his own right and he's very protective of Diana. The romance that develops between them is quite lovely and their chemistry is palatable.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I CAN'T LET YOU DO THIS.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Steve</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WHAT I DO IS NOT UP TO YOU.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Diana</span></div>
<br />
One Hollywood myth that WON'T die is that in order for a woman to be strong, a man has to be weak. Nothing could be further from the truth. "Strong" women are usually depicted as man hating, kick butt, career women. Wow, what kind of message does that send? If a woman is strong and successful she must hate men? I personally like masculine men (a man's man), yet I still consider myself to be a strong woman. I'm also a loving wife and a mother and I have a career. That trifecta may make a Hollywood scriptwriter's head explode.<br />
<br />
Why is that so difficult for Hollywood screenwriters to understand? I'm beginning to think the majority of these screenwriters are projecting their own issues with women onscreen. Thankfully, Wonder Woman does not fall into this trap. Diana may be physically stronger than most, but she doesn't have a hint of arrogance or ego. She's also very warm and loving--proving that epitome of "the feminine" exudes strength.<br />
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'Wonder Woman' had everything stacked against it. The WB/DC <a href="http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/04/27/is-wb-dropping-the-ball-on-wonder-womans-marketing-/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">under marketed it</a> and , and <a href="https://filmschoolrejects.com/we-need-to-talk-about-that-wonder-woman-budget-ef4b1b70f6d8/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">underfunded</a> it in comparison with other DCEU films, they <a href="http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Warner-Bros-Bizarre-Wonder-Woman-Strategy-May-Rubbing-Some-Wrong-Way-71162.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">worked against it</a>, <a href="http://movieweb.com/wonder-woman-movie-insider-review-disaster-mess/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">almost destroyed it</a>, and worst-- the execs didn't want/understand the <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/wonder-woman-director-patty-jenkins-explains-how-that-no-mans-land-scene-nearly-didnt-happen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">penultimate scene</a> (which Jenkins had to fight for). To put this in perspective <b>Matt Damon's</b> flop '<b>The Wall</b>' had the same budget as 'Wonder Woman.' That is just crazy. How does a movie like 'The Wall' have the same budget as one of the biggest super heroes in DC Comics' 80+ year history? WW's budget was originally less than that at $100 million (instead of the eventual $150).<br />
<br />
The studio never thought 'Wonder Woman' would succeed...and when it does it's of course A SURPRISE. It's a surprise because movies featuring women and/or people of color ('<b>Wonder Woman</b>,' '<b>Hidden Figures</b>,' '<b>Creed</b>,' '<b>Get Out</b>,' or '<b>Lucy</b>') are considered anomalies. In the meantime Hollywood will continue to throw piles of money at the next '<b>Baywatch</b>,' '<b>The Mummy</b>,' '<b>King Arthur</b>,' and '<b>Pirates of the Caribbean.</b>' Yes, I'm jaded...and cynical. I'm sorry.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"One Hollywood myth that WON'T die is that in order for a woman to be strong, a man has to be weak. Nothing could be further from the truth."</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
For some reason Hollywood has judged an ENTIRE gender based on two other female-led superhero films ('<b>Catwoman</b>' and '<b>Elektra</b>') as proof that a '<b>Wonder Woman</b>' film would not make money. This belief is NOT based on fact. There have been numerous <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-dollar-and-cents-case-against-hollywoods-exclusion-of-women/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">statistical studies of films</a> that indicate over and over again that movies featuring women and people of color do well at the box office (nationally and internationally). There have been budget reports that indicate the same thing. So why, why are Hollywood's perceptions so <a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/6/5/15739284/wonder-woman-box-office-records-female-director-get-out-hidden-figures" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">outdated</a> and out of step with reality?<br />
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Despite the forces working against her, director <b>Patty Jenkins</b> managed to make a great movie that made over $100 million in its first weekend. Kudoos may also be in order to the relative new Co-heads of DC films <b>Geoff Johns</b> and <b>Jon Berg</b>. Johns knows comic books. I'm convinced that 'BvS' and '<b>Suicide Squad</b>' were too far gone before Johns and Berg took the reigns. Supposedly, WW is the first film Johns and Berg have both been actively involved in. This leads me to believe that DC may be turning a corner. What better hero to save DC Comics than Wonder Woman? </div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-45486187825844848672017-02-10T06:30:00.000-05:002017-06-09T10:17:03.575-04:00MY BEST & WORST LIST OF 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Whew, what a lovely five month hiatus. I'm finally posting my best and worst list for the year 2016. After this post I will probably cocoon again...popping up occasionally. Mind you I am still lurking on everyone's blogs. You may see me pop in every now and then. Although I may not update it often, this blog will continue as long as I watch films and have breath! So hopefully this blog will continue to run for a very long time...albeit intermittently.<br />
<br />
Admittedly I have seen a good number of films this past year, but I have not have an opportunity to write about them all. The reasons why are abundant. I am in my late 30s, in grad school, have a 3 year old, a husband, and a full time job. So unfortunately this year, my blog went by the wayside.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy my best and worst list for 2016. Please share with me yours, agree, or disagree with me in the comments. I look forward to reconnecting with everyone.<br />
<br />
I preface my film list by saying that I don't necessarily qualify this list as the best films of the year. They are simply the best films <b>I HAVE</b> seen thus far this past year. I think 2015 was a much better year at the movies. Have I mentioned that 2016 was a bad movie year?<br />
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<b>10. </b><b style="font-style: italic;">The Shallows. </b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IT'S OKAY...<i>NO SHARKS COME HERE.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Surfer [to Nancy]</span></div>
<br />
Similar to '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/08/dont-breathe-review-spoilers-still-on.html" target="_blank">Don't Breathe</a></b>,' this little horror movie snuck up on me. I didn't have high expectations so I was pleasantly surprised that a movie with a plot of "<u><b>Blake Lively versus a shark</b></u>" was good, but it really was. That was it. That's the plot. '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/02/31-things-i-love-about-jaws-that-no-one.html" target="_blank">Jaws</a></b>' has been done before so there's no need to go there.<br />
<br />
That said, for this film--simplicity works. Some of the best horror films have very simple plots. Lively does a surprising good job as a medical student on vacation, attempting to follow in her mother's footsteps (who recently passed away). As long as you don't take this film seriously you will enjoy it.<br />
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<b>9. <i>Free State of Jones.</i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">'CAUSE YOU CANNOT OWN <i>A CHILD OF GOD</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moses [to Newton]</span></div>
<br />
Similar to above, I enjoyed this film, but I don't necessarily qualify it as one of the best films of the year. I had such high hopes for this film because of the fascinating material, but the film's lack of focus is it's greatest hindrance. A good biopic does not have to tell the subject's whole life story or that of their descendants. The film is ultimately a biopic about Newton Knight (<b>Matthew McConaughey</b>), who was clearly a man ahead of his time and who led a very interesting life. His story and the story of Jones County, Mississippi is a story that has been lost to history and it's a story that should be told.<br />
<br />
In the hands of a better writer and director--this film could have been epic. For example, the biopic '<b>Lincoln</b>' focuses exclusively on a few months in the life of President Lincoln, during a very interesting time during his life (the passage of the 13th Amendment/Abolition of Slavery). Had the '<b>Free State of Jones</b>' focused on one time period of Newton Knight's life, a mildly good film could have been a great one. Overall a good, yet flawed film. <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/06/free-state-of-jones-review-this-fight.html" target="_blank">See my full review here</a></b>.<br />
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<b>8. <i>Ghostbusters. </i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WHY AM I OPERATING THE <i>UNTESTED NUCLEAR LASER?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Erin [to Jillian]</span></div>
<br />
'<b>Ghostbusters</b>' 2016 is by no means one of the best films of the year. Wow, I'm saying that a lot this year. It's not a film without flaws--one of the biggest flaws was the removal of the key master/gate keeper storyline. That storyline made the original 'Ghostbusters' film genuinely scary. But I laughed so hard at this film. This film got so much heat and everyone talked so much crap about it, but it's a popcorn movie. It's not meant to be taken seriously or win awards. It's a summertime feel good flick. We don't need to read anything else into it.<br />
<br />
Yes, the original 1984 'Ghostbusters' is a beloved film and a classic, but 'Ghostbusters' 2016 is not really a remake. It's an entirely new film with fresh characters who happen to be Ghostbusters. I had a great time watching this film with my friends! So yeah, it's one of my favorite films of 2016. I'll own the hate I get for this choice! <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/08/oh-august-hiatusmini-reviews-spoilers.html" target="_blank">See my full review here</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<b>7. <i>Allied. </i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I'M VERY GOOD <i>AT PRETENDING</i>, MAX.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marianne [to Max]</span></div>
<br />
This movie received mixed reviews, but I enjoyed it. It was entertaining and it kept me engaged. <b>Brad Pitt</b> (Max Vatan) and <b>Marion Cotilard</b> (Marianne Beausejour) star as two spies who fall in love in Casablanca during a deadly mission. How much more romantic can that be?<br />
<br />
Canadian spy Max Vatan. Vatan infiltrates German-held Casablanca in order to assassinate the German ambassador. He enlists the help of a French spy, Marianne Beausejour. Once they finish their mission they subsequently fall in love and return to England to continue to fight the war. From the film's trailer you can ascertain that Marianne is later accused of being a double agent. Vatan has to get to the bottom of it. If it's determined that his wife is a double agent he will have to kill her.<br />
<br />
The film wasn't as predictable as I thought it would be, so that was a big plus. It's not necessarily a film I would see again, but it's a good date night film. My dad enjoyed the film if that gives you any indication how the film appeals to a broad audience.<br />
<br />
My only complaint is that Hollywood needs to stop pretending that Brad Pitt is 35 years old. Heck, I'm not even 35 years old anymore and I was a young teen when Brad Pitt was a heartthrob in the 90s. Putting enough makeup on 53 year old <b>Brad Pitt</b> to make him look 35 is a little disconcerting every time I see it. I wish Pitt (as well as a few other A-list male actors in Hollywood--like <b>Will Smith</b> and <b>Tom Cruise</b>) would stop trying to look 25 to 30 years younger in their films. It just doesn't work. A little salt and pepper in the hair and not so much makeup would go a long way. There is nothing wrong with a good looking 50+ year old man who looks like a 50+ year old man.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u>Side Note</u>: My dad is my movie partner and he's typically very naughty. He talks during the film, passes gas, and litters. He's terrible. This time was no exception. On this occasion we finally came across someone who was worse than he was. My father is hard of hearing so he asks me what happened or what someone said or he makes a comment about something happening in the film. My father views the movies as an interactive experience. Every time my father made a peep, the old man behind me would kick the seat a few seats down from me. And I mean he was kicking this seat hard. He kicked that seat during the entire film, which rattled the other seats next to it. I'm surprised I don't have whiplash. So if there was a reason to not like this film that would be it...so clearly this was a decent movie.</blockquote>
<b>6. <i>10 Cloverfield Lane.</i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I'M ALWAYS <i>WATCHING</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Howard [to Emmett]</span></div>
<br />
Again, had this been a year other than 2016 (and perhaps if I had seen more films) this movie may not have been on my best list. Geez, 2015's list had so many wonderful little films on it...like '<b>Bone Tomahawk</b>' and '<b>It Follows</b>.' Neither '<b>10 Cloverfield Lane</b>,' '<b>The Shallows</b>,' or '<b>Purge: Election Year</b>' are of the same caliber, but this is where we are.<br />
<br />
However, '10 Cloverfield Lane' is an effective thriller. As a sequel/prequel to the original 2008 'Cloverfield' film, one would expect '10 Cloverfield Lane' to "go big," but instead "it goes home." LITERALLY. It delves into the psychology of claustrophobia and paranoia. What I liked most about the film is that it unfolds as a psychological horror film, rather than a creature feature. This film is a fun, tightly woven little thriller deserving of a must see list. <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/03/10-cloverfield-lane-review-i-am-keeping.html" target="_blank">See my full review here</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<b>5. <i>Purge: Election Year.</i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THIS IS THE <i>AMERICAN WAY</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Uncle Sam</span></div>
<br />
I actually think this film would have landed on my best list no matter what. I loved this frightening insane film. The Purge films are my guilty pleasure. The 'Purge' films get a lot of flack. After all, these are not highbrow films, nor do they stimulate intellectual conservation. And yes these films are violent, but thankfully, writer and director <b>James DeMonaco</b> never crosses the line into "torture porn" territory.<br />
<br />
The horror of the film is primarily in the minds of the participants. The tension is created in the idea of "what could happen" and less on what is actually happening. But what these films lack in critical acclaim, they more than make up for in their entertainment value. Lastly, these films are highly allegorical. The symbolism and social satire in these films only add to its charm. A must see for any horror fan who loves metaphorical films like '<b>Equilibrium</b>,' <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/03/thx-1138-review-blind-spot.html" target="_blank">THX-1138</a></b>' or '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/04/fahrenheit-451-review-blind-spot.html" target="_blank">Fahrenheit 451</a></b>.' <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/07/purge-election-year-review-soul-of-our.html" target="_blank">See my full review here</a></b>.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b>4. <i>Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.</i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THERE'S A PROBLEM ON THE HORIZON.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>THERE IS NO HORIZON.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">K-2SO</span></div>
<br />
The ending of this film saved it for me. '<b>Rogue One</b>' is the '<b>Star Wars</b>' prequel we've been waiting for. 'Rogue One' follows Jyn Erso (<b>Felicity Jones</b>) as the daughter of a disgraced empire scientist Galen Erso (<b>Mads Mikkelsen</b>). Jyn's story is about the creation of the death star and how the resistance learned of the death star's major flaws and who put it there. The film follows Jyn as she searchers for her father with the help of a merry band of outlaws. Her mission turns into a mission to save the republic.<br />
<br />
In one fail swoop, this film shatters the need for any of the craptastic prequels of the 90s and early 2000s. It's a typical 'Star Wars' film in many ways, with regard to the action sequences, the camaraderie, and moral quandaries. Where this film breaks the mold is in its ending, which I will not spoil for you here. If I had one complaint about the film it would be the gross under use of <b>Donnie Yen</b>. You don't put a Hong Kong action star like Donnie Yen in the film and not properly use him.<br />
<br />
<b>3. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Don't Breathe.</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IT'S KIND OF MESSED UP TO ROB </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>A BLIND GUY, ISN'T IT? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Alex</span></div>
<br />
This film would have landed on my best list regardless. Although I don't know if it would have been rated as high. '<b>Don't Breathe</b>' was the last film I fully reviewed on this blog because it took me by surprise. I didn't know anything about it before I went to the theater, but 'Don't Breathe' is a slick little horror film, with a great cast, and a thrilling (yet unbelievable) plot. Admittedly, the film has enough plot holes to drive a truck through it, but it kept me on the edge of my seat--which is hard to do. What I liked about the film is that none of the characters are particularly likable. This is one of the few horror films in which there are no heroes.<br />
<br />
It was such an entertaining nail bitter. The casting of the magnificent <b>Stephen Lang</b> cinched things for me. The film's premise is simple-- a home invasion gone wrong...and oh boy do things go wrong. <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/08/dont-breathe-review-spoilers-still-on.html#more" target="_blank">See my full review here</a></b>.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b>2. <i>Captain America: Civil War. </i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THAT SHIELD DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>YOU DON'T DESERVE IT.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tony Stark [to Captain America]</span></div>
<br />
It's kind of sad (for other films) when a comic book film is one of the best films of the year. Seriously Hollywood step it up. The film ran a little long, but kudos to directors <b>Anthony</b> and <b>Joe Russo</b> for creating another wonderful comic book film. DC Comics and Warner Brothers can learn a lot from this duo. The first step to ending DC Comic's madness would be to stop giving money to <b>Zack Synder</b> or <b>David Ayers</b>. Back to 'Civil War'-- this film is a little gem among comic book films.<br />
<br />
The great thing about 'Civil War' is that it truly felt like an '<b>Avengers</b>' film. '<b>Civil War</b>' was the Avengers film that '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/05/avengers-age-of-ultron-and-girl-box.html" target="_blank">Age of Ultron</a></b>' should have been. When I reviewed 'Age of Ultron' in 2015 I thought the problem was that there were too many characters to feature. Yet 'Civil War' has even more characters. The difference between 'Civil War' and 'Age of Ultron' is that 'Civil War' features Captain America at its heart and rightfully so. Whereas 'Age of Ultron' was all over the place, 'Civil War' is focused.<br />
<br />
More credit should be given to <b>Chris Evans</b> and his portrayal of Captain America. It's not easy play a genuine "good guy." Evans continues to do it well. He's perhaps the best embodiment of a comic book hero since <b>Christopher Reeve's</b> Superman. <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/05/captain-america-civil-war-review-we.html" target="_blank">See my full review here</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<b>1. <i>Arrival. </i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IF YOU COULD SEE YOUR WHOLE LIFE FROM </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">START </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">TO FINISH, <i>WOULD YOU CHANGE THINGS?</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dr. Louise Banks.</span></div>
<br />
This film was so lovely, magical, and well-written. Most scifi films about aliens have major action stars attached with huge explosions and gun fights. So it's rare to see a non-shoot 'em up science fiction films these days, but that's just not how director <b>Denis Villeneuve's</b> (<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/10/sicario-review-this-is-land-of-wolves_21.html" target="_blank">Sicario</a></b>) rolls. With 'Sicario,' and now with '<b>Arrival</b>,' Villeneuve may be my new favorite director. Villeneuve's slow, tense, methodical style carries over to his latest film 'Arrival.' Villeneuve also seems adept at directing smart scripts with female protagonists-- a rare quality in Hollywood.<br />
<br />
'Arrival' is a muted scifi film that still manages to be exciting. It's also not linear, so things happen out of order, which add to the film's tension. I haven't seen a scifi film quite like this one. The closest example I can give is the '<b>The Day the Earth Stood Still</b>.' Not the crappy <b>Kenau Reeves</b> version, but the original 1954 film. Another film I would compare it to would be one of my favorite films, '<b>Close Encounters of the Third Kind</b>.'<br />
<br />
'Arrival' begins where it ends with a grieving mother. We aren't quite sure who is grieving or why, but it's a sad start to a beautiful film. Oblivious to world events, linguist Louise Banks (<b>Amy Adams</b>) is lecturing her class when 12 alien ships land on earth. She is soon asked to join the alien taskforce by U.S. Army Colonel Weber (<b>Forest Whitaker</b>), along with physicist Ian Donnelly (<b>Jeremy Renner</b>).<br />
<br />
The film unwinds as Banks and Donnelly unravel the mystery of the aliens language, which is based on circular symbols and is non-alphabetical. It's a fascinating film about language and the commonality that binds us. 'Arrival' would have definitely been on my best of the year list, but I'm not certain if it would have been the best movie of the year if 2016 had been a better film year? That does not take away the beauty and mystery of this film. It's not a perfect film, but it hits a lot of high marks, which is more than I can say for most films in 2016.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Had I been able to see some of the films listed below, I firmly believe one of these films would have replaced 'Arrival' as my best film of the year and would have been pushed off many of the films currently on my list. Unfortunately, I haven't seen these films yet.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Jackie.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Loving.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Nocturnal Animals.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Fences.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Miss Sloane.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Hidden Figures.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Silence.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Conjuring 2.</i></b><br />
<br />
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These are the films that were halfway decent. They didn't make the cut on any list. Some of these films I enjoyed more than others.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Money Monster.</i></b> - TWO-1/2 STARS<br />
<i><b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/08/oh-august-hiatusmini-reviews-spoilers.html" target="_blank">Lights Out.</a></b></i> - THREE STARS<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/08/oh-august-hiatusmini-reviews-spoilers.html" target="_blank">Bad Moms.</a></i></b> - THREE STARS<br />
<b><i>Hail Ceasar.</i></b> - TWO-1/2 STARS<br />
<b><i>Hush.</i></b> - TWO-1/2 STARS<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Star Trek Beyond.</i> - THREE STARS. I don't even remember what happened.<br />
<b><i>Jane Got a Gun</i></b>. - TWO STARS<br />
<b><i>Nice Guys.</i></b> - THREE STARS<br />
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<b><i>Pete's Dragon.</i></b> - THREE STARS</div>
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<b><i>Thandie Newton. West World.</i></b><br />
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<b>Thandie Newton's</b> performance was not necessarily the best performance on '<b>West World</b>.' No, that prize would go to <b>Anthony Hopkins</b>. <b>Jeffrey Wright</b> would be a close second. But Newton's character was my favorite. Her confident, cocky, call girl was wistful and fun to watch.<br />
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She's the only character to break through to both worlds in such a fascinating way. She's smart, vulnerable, powerful, charismatic, and oh so cheeky. Like other actors, her performance was nuanced, particularly when she reveals her curiosity and her heartbreak. I'm excited to see her character continue on the series. Newton was nothing short of sensational to watch.<br />
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<b><i>Ben Affleck aka "Batfleck." Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.</i></b><br />
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I want to preface that the film was not good. In fact it's on my worst list, but say what you want about <b>Ben Affleck</b> he was a darn good Batman. Despite the haters I knew this would be the case early on for several reasons:<br />
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1.) Affleck is a decent actor, writer, and director;<br />
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2.) Batman is the ultimate American male. There is something quintessentially American about Batman. No offense to <b>Christian Bale</b>, but there are some slight cultural differences that do not necessarily translate across the pond. Similar to the British <b>James</b> <b>Bond</b> or <b>Doctor Who</b>.<br />
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3.) Perhaps most importantly, Affleck is the first actor to bring the appropriate level of rage, anger, and madness to Batman. I love <b>Michael Keaton's</b> Batman, but somehow even in a subpar film, Affleck was able to capture this character in full form. Kudos to Affleck. Now if only we can get him in a better film, with a better director. I have no idea why Warner Brothers and DC Comics keep handing the director of '<b>Sucker Punch</b>' hundreds of millions of dollars?<br />
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<b><i>West World. </i></b><br />
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West World was the best show I saw in 2016. Hands down. <b>Anthony Hopkins</b> is a prince among men. I don't know if a finer actor exists in this lifetime. The rest of the cast was wonderful too.<b> Jeffrey Wright</b>, <b>Thandie Newton</b>, <b>Ingrid Bolsø Berdal</b>, <b>Evan Rachel Wood</b>, <b>James Marsden</b>, and the remarkable <b>Ed Harris</b> are all wonderful.<br />
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This show. Geez, this show. This is what television should be about. Television should be an incredible experience every week. It should not be about "shipping" or wondering which of your favorite characters is going to die each week a la '<b>The Walking Dead</b>.'<br />
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Hopkins plays the enigmatic West World creator Robert Ford. For those who haven't seen the 70's pulp film, West World is a theme park populated by robotic "people" (called hosts) who are used as entertainment for the rich and infamous (guests). The guests routinely rape, murder, and exploit these sentient robotic beings for their own pleasures. It's a brutal world with a hidden mystery that only deepens as we descend further down the rabbit hole and watch the hosts and guests find their ways through this muddled existence.<br />
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<i><b>The People Versus OJ Simpson: </b><b>American Crime Story.</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">TOUGHEN UP COCHRANE.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THIS IS THE SMOKER'S LOUNGE.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">DAYCARE IS ON THE FIRST FLOOR.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marcia Clark [to Johnny Cochrane]</span></div>
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Riveting, fascinating, incredible. These are a few of the adjectives I would use to describe this show. <b>Sarah Paulson</b> as Marcia Clark was transcendent. I don't think there was a finer performance in 2016, besides Hopkins in <b>West World</b>...and that's <b>Anthony Hopkins</b>. Likewise, <b>Courtney B. Vance</b> as Johnny Cochrane is crazy good. Similar to 'West World,' nearly everyone in this series if fantastic.<br />
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High marks to creators <b>Scott Alexander</b> and <b>Larry Karaszewski</b> and producer <b>Ryan Murphy</b> for delivering a stellar sister show to '<b>American Horror Story</b>.' This is what happens when the writing, the direction, and the actors all come together in a perfect symphony. There were very few weak links here.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Sterling Brown</b> as Christopher Darden, <b>David Schwimmer </b>as Robert Kardashian, <b>Nathan Lane</b> as F. Lee Bailey, <b>Connie Britton</b> as Faye Resnick, were all close seconds behind Paulson and Vance. Surprisingly <b>John Travolta</b> as Robert Shapiro was very very good. I didn't find <b>Cuba Gooding Jr.</b> as convincing but he does good work here too.<br />
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I remember being a young High School student when OJ Simpson took his infamous ride after the horrifying murders. It was a terrible terrible time. After watching this mini-series, clearly I only knew the half of it. This series is just mind boggling good. So even if you remember the mid-90s and think you know what happened--you really don't.<br />
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The series also re-emphasizes the humanity lost that night--the lives of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. Somehow the murders of these two people were lost in the media madness. The series brings the tragedy of their murders to the forefront, along with a behind the scenes look into the trail of the century and the people behind it. If you haven't seen this series you simply must.<br />
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<b><i>The Exorcist.</i></b><br />
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Wow, just wow. I have only seen the original 1973 '<b>The Exorcist</b>' all the way through one time in my life. I assume I saw it on VHS in the late 80s or early 90s. Once was enough. The film terrified me so badly I vowed to never watch it again. IMO it's the scariest movie film I've ever seen and I have seen a lot of films.<br />
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Needless to say, I was very hesitant to watch this show, but the casting of <b>Geena Davis</b> changed my mind. I was not disappointed. '<b>The Exorcist</b>' television series is completely unpredictable and fresh. The fourth episode felt like a season finale. Unlike the overtly predictable '<b>The Walking Dead</b>,' 'The Exorcist' writers know how to write good television without stupid cliffhangers or killing off characters for ratings.<br />
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'The Walking Dead' is so predictable that even the hardcore fans have stopped watching the show, excluding the premieres, the mid-season finale, and the season finale. The <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2016/11/27/five-reasons-why-the-walking-deads-ratings-are-crashing-to-season-3-levels/#760a5a0a6041" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ratings have fallen</a> to season 3 levels, which doesn't surprise me.<br />
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Similar to 'Westworld,' 'The Exorcist' threw the television play book out the window and decided to write each episode like it could be its last. So strap in and get ready for a wild ride . You haven't seen television like this in a loooong while. And what a relief that there are actually good writers left in the world. But my favorite thing about this show is that in the end--<b>good always conquers evil</b>.<br />
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<b><i>American Horror Story: My Roanoke Nightmare. </i></b><br />
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This season got a lot of flack, but I really enjoyed Season 6. It was insane, hilarious, and scary. All of these three things add up to one heck of a season. The series actually made both my mother and sister think it was one of those fake "haunted house" shows. <b><u>No matter what I told them they literally believed it was a "haunted house" show on the Discovery Channel</u></b>. It was pretty funny. I had to explain to them on multiple occasions that these are actors, playing actors, playing actors. They still didn't get it. So hats off to <b>Ryan Murphy</b> this year.<br />
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<b>My Roanoke Nightmare</b> follows the macabre tale of Shelby Miller (<b>Lily Rabe</b>), played by Audrey (played by <b>Sarah Paulson</b>) and her husband Matt Miller (<b>Andre Holland</b>), played by Dominic Banks (<b>Cuba Gooding Jr.</b>), who move to a haunted house near Roanoke, North Carolina. The casting of Paulson and Gooding is clearly a nod to their roles in '<b>The People v's OJ Simpson</b>,' where they played Marcia Clark and OJ Simpson. I found Cuba's performance to be much better in '<b>Roanoke</b>' than in 'The People v's OJ Simpson.'<br />
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Miller's troubled sister Lee played by <b>Adina Porter</b> (who is subsequently played by <b>Angela Basset</b>) soon joins them. The house has normal bouts of spookiness throughout the year, but when the blood moon comes out it's on y'all. That's when the ghostly murderous pilgrims arrive. Thomasin White played by Agnes Winstead (<b>Kathy Bates</b>) and her son Ambrose White played by Dylan (<b>Wes Bentley</b>) come out to terrorize their new neighbors and create a reality television phenomenon.<br />
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Now that I read all this "played by" stuff I realize how confusing this must be for someone who doesn't regularly watch the show and who isn't familiar with the anthology series regulars. Ok no wonder my mom and sister couldn't understand this.<br />
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<b><i>Stranger Things. </i></b><br />
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I was but a wee tadpole in 1983, but I do remember the 1980s. I can attest to the nostalgia of '<b>Stranger Things</b>.' My husband is a few years older than me, so his middle school picture looks like he was plucked out of 'Stranger Things.'<br />
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When watching 'Stranger Things' he relived much of his childhood. Afternoons spent in a dank basement playing Dungeons and Dragons, Huffy bicycles with banana seats, baseball caps (he still wears the baseball caps), mullets (he lost the mullet thankfully). According to him, the writers nailed it. Why anyone finds the 1980s to be nostaglic I will never know? Besides '<b>The Goonies</b>' I don't remember why the 80s is considered such a great time? It certainly wasn't a great time for me. The 1990s was way more fun IMO.<br />
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I digress. Surprisingly, <b>Matt </b>and<b> Ross Duffer</b>, the brother writing and directing duo (Millennials who were barely born in the 80s) hit the nail on the head. This show hit all the right marks. My only complaint is that I'm a little tired of seeing 80s adventures for pre-teen boys. Thankfully there was at least one pre-pubescent girl along for this ride this time.<br />
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'Stranger Things' follows the adventures of three teen boys who go in search of one of their missing friends, but instead happen upon a mysterious young girl who has super powers. You can see my previous review of the series <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/08/oh-august-hiatusmini-reviews-spoilers.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<b><i>The OA.</i></b><br />
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Wow, what a weird little show. I still don't know what happened. Was it a beautifully woven fairy tale or a dimensional rift? I don't know. What I do know is that the '<b>OA</b>' kept my eyes glued to the screen for the full eight episodes...all the way to the end.<br />
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The first episode is a little slow and difficult to get through but once Prairie Johnson (<b>Britt Marling</b>) weaves her bizarre tale as to why and how she disappeared for eight years, she draws you in. Johnson has been rendered blind by a childhood accident. She disappears for eight years, but returns suddenly with her sight restored. The mystery behind her identity and her disappearance unravels before you in a remarkably beautiful story.<br />
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<b><i>Black Mirror. Season 3.</i></b><br />
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Season 3 of 'Black Mirror' started with a bang, starring <b>Dallas Bryce Howard</b> and <b>Alice Eve</b>. Like other wonderful long lost shows, the British anthology has transitioned to Netflix. '<b>The Twilight Zone</b>'-like series frequently discusses the perils of social media and technology.<br />
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The first episode 'Nosedive' has a '<b>Pleasantville</b>' on drugs vibe. Everyone has a social media rating on a scale from 0 to 5 in which people rank their interactions with you. Howard's character is a classic overachiever, but can't seem to break past her score of 4.2. When her childhood best friend and social media darling asks her to be her maid of honor she jumps at the chance but things don't go as planned. Howard's character proceeds to have an epic meltdown. It's a wonderful metaphor for our overly obsessed social media culture.<br />
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But my favorite episode thus far has been '<b>San Junipero</b>' with <b>Gugu Mbatha-Raw</b> and <b>MacKenzie Davis</b>. It begins with a heavy dose of 80's nostaglia. Two women played by Mbatha-Raw and Davis meet in a 1980's club in San Junipero. Their unfolding relationship is both beautiful and tragic. The episode touches on big themes like aging, infirmity, and immortality. These two episodes of the third season are an absolute must-see. This episode reminded me just how good of an actress Gugu is. She's brilliant and should get more work immediately!<br />
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<b><i>Flash. Season 3.</i></b><br />
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Flash is a sweet little feel-good television series. It's so much fun to watch, relax, and unwind with. It's not meant to be taken seriously or have deep thoughts. It's just one of those light and airy shows that you don't have to think about it.<br />
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The writers are actually quite good. '<b>Gotham</b>' is a close second. 'Gotham' reminds me a lot of <b>Tim Burton's</b> '<b>Batman</b>' films--it's kitschy, dark, humorous, and colorful. It should be noted that there is a such thing as a <i>bad</i> superhero television show--if '<b>Legends of Tomorrow</b>' and '<b>Supergirl</b>' Season 2 are any indication.<br />
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<b><i>The Fall. Season 3.</i></b><br />
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There aren't that many slow moving, procedural dramas that peak my interest. Perhaps it's the casting of <b>Gillian Anderson</b> as Master Detective Stella Gibson. It certainly isn't the casting of emotionless robot <b>Jamie Dornan </b>who plays serial killer Paul Spector. I've frequently said that acting wise Dornan is near comatose automaton.<br />
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He seems like a genuinely nice person, but I don't find him to be an engaging actor. I assume his popularity has risen exclusively because of his casting in '<b>The Fifty Shades of Grey</b>' franchise, which is frankly sad.<br />
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Thankfully the show has Anderson, <b>John Lynch</b> as ACC Burns, and <b>Colin Morgan</b> as DS Tom Anderson. Season 3 picks up after Gibson finally nabs serial killer Paul Spector after two seasons of cat and mouse. Season 3 follows Spector's recovery from being shot and Gibson's efforts to build a court case against him. The third season is muted but powerful.<br />
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I've been on a self-help kick this year. So of course my favorite books have been non-fiction.<br />
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<b><i>Rising Strong</i></b> by Brene Brown<br />
<b><i>Tidying Up</i></b> by Marie Kondo<br />
<b><i>Love Warrior </i></b>by Glennon Melton<br />
<b><i>Zero Waste Home</i></b> by Bea Johnson<br />
<b><i>Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less</i></b> by Greg McKeown<br />
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On my list to read: <b><i>Ready Player One. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>The Happiness Project</i></b> by Gretchen Rubin. I tried to like this book, but ultimately Rubin came across as entitled and elitist. I couldn't get past some of the things she actually considers to be problems.<br />
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<b><i>The Walking Dead. Season 7. </i></b><br />
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Clearly you saw this coming from my rants above. Kill it before it dies. Please someone cancel this show. If the season 6 "mid-season finale Glen death fakeout" didn't convince you that the writers enjoyed trolling you-- the season finale did. The Walking Dead Season 6 finale was probably one of the worst finales I've ever seen on television. The writers brazenly created the dumbest cliffhanger ever...just to mess with the very people who made the show successful.<br />
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Simply put--they got greedy and sloppy. They naively thought that their tried and true formula of screwing over the fans to generate huge ratings for the season premiere would work again. Not so fast. Now people are on to you. Everyone knows that nothing happens until the mid-season premiere, mid-season finale, and season finale. So guess what happened. After the season premiere, TWD had a huge rating drop. The ratings dropped to Season 3 levels. If I'm honest, the ratings drop was well deserved and I hope it continues. TWD needs to go away. NOW. Yes, I am a hardcore fan and comic book reader.<br />
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<b><i>The Return of the 'X-Files.' Season 10.</i></b><br />
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Ok if you know anything about me you know that I LOVE THE 'X-FILES!' I love this show. I remember watching the first episode in 1993. In the late 90s, I remember watching an episode of the '<b>X-Files</b>' while waiting for my friends to pick me up for my prom. When my husband and I were newly together, we watched the series finale of the 'X-Files' together and cried. It was one of the things we bonded over!<br />
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I have literally seen every episode of this show. So I am hardcore fan. Imagine my disappointment that the new 'X-Files' of 2016 was terrible. It was just awful...besides the third episode, which was classic monster of the week 'X-Files.' Every other episode in the 10th season left much to be desired. I don't know what happened? I hope the 'X-Files' comes back again with better scripts. <b>David Duchovny</b> said it best--when a show has been off the air for 14 years things are a little rusty. So perhaps the next season will be wonderful. I'm hopeful there will be a limited season 11 and that it will improve.<br />
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My worst list has been seriously culled this year. I made myself a promise that I would not watch as many crappy films this year. I have also chopped films with known diversity issues. Thankfully I have kept that promise. So I honestly haven't seen that many films this year. I know...what's wrong with a movie blogger who doesn't see that many movies? Well, I just couldn't grin and bear watching so much crap anymore. I just couldn't do it. Although I did try to watch some of the bad movies on Netflix or Amazon.<br />
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<b><i>Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.</i></b><br />
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I made it through about 20 to 30 minutes of the film and then had to turn it off. I couldn't do it. I can't even give you a proper review because I didn't see the full film.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Batman versus Superman - Dawn of Justice. </i></b></span><br />
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I actually ended up seeing this film a couple of times...accidentally. After all who in their right mind would see this film more than once? The first scene with Batman's parents being killed was actually visually quite stunning. It was tragically sad, but well filmed. Unfortunately the film went downhill from there. The only two good things that came out of that film were Batfleck and the introduction of <b>Gal Gadot</b> as Wonder Woman. Gal seemed to be the only one having any fun in this dismal film.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Gods of Egypt. </i></b></span><br />
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It just happened to be on cable television at my dad's house, so I was forced to watch the first 10 minutes. Alas I could only get through 10 minutes of this sludge. It was that bad. My time is far too precious to watch bad movies. I would rather watch paint dry than finish this film. There were no redeeming qualities.<br />
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The first 10 minutes of the film were basically about Bek (<b>Brenton Thwaites</b>) a thief stealing a beautiful dress for Zaya (<b>Courtney Eaton</b>) his hot girlfriend who he shares a hut with. Then we see some of the Egyptian gods in the form of <b>Nikolaj Coster-Waldau</b> recovering from a hangover by taking a bath '<b>Coming to America</b>'-style. i.e. being bathed by scantily clothed women. Yep, no thank you. Over and out. <br />
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This film was on my "no" list from the very beginning. The diversity issues in this film are plentiful, so there was no way I was going to pay to watch this film.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Blair Witch. </i></b></span><br />
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It started out fine, but this genre is so dead. Literally. There were some genuinely creeptastic parts in this film that freaked me out, but overall this movie was boring. My dad almost walked out. No joke. My dad and I have only almost walked out on three films, '<b>Batman and Robin</b>' and '<b>Alien v. Predator: Requiem</b>.' So '<b>Blair Witch</b>' is in bad company. The ending was relatively decent, but the plot never truly came together. I can't even.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Neon Demon.</i></b></span><br />
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I so wanted to like this moody film. It reminded me a little bit of '<b>Cat People</b>' (1982) and '<b>The Hunger</b>' (1983), both of which I adore. I also loved <b>Nicolas Winding Refn's</b> iconic film '<b>Drive</b>.' Alas, magic in a bottle may only come once in a lifetime. I'm not sure what happened to this film, but it was a little weird even for me.<br />
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The plot is basically--the models are literally witches who want to eat the angelic newcomer Jesse (<b>Elle Fanning</b>). Interesting concept for sure, but the film was in desperate need of more susbtance. Some of the characters were fun and strange, but it never found its footing. I wish there had been more <b>Christina Hendricks</b>. More Christina Hendricks may have saved this film for me.<br />
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<b><i>13 Hours. The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.</i></b><br />
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One of things my dad and I do together is see movies--his genre of choice is action and war movies, so despite the reviews of course we saw '<b>13 Hours</b>.' But when a war film gets the <b>Michael Bay</b> treatment be warned. Bay is known for his sensationalism and this film suffers because of it. Unfortunately, '13 Hours' doesn't receive the treatment it deserved. Given that this film is based on true events, I would have liked to have seen a more respectful treatment of the material. Had <b>Ridley Scott</b> or <b>Kathryn Bigelow</b> directed this film, I would have enjoyed the film much more.<br />
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<b><i>London Has Fallen. </i></b><br />
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Gerard Butler needs to stop making movies. <b>Now</b>. This was a follow-up from '<b>Olympus Has Fallen</b>.' It's an over-exploitative shoot-em up film about terrorists infiltrating London. Somehow only Secret Service Agent Mike Banning can stop them. <b>Jack Bauer</b> he is not.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Girl on the Train. </i></b></span><br />
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It started out fine, but it soon descends into utter idiocy. <b>Emily Blunt</b> is a solid actress and the other actors are good too. The main problem is the material. The film was marketed as another '<b>Gone Girl</b>,' but compared to the brilliance of <b>Gillian Flynn's</b> 'Gone Girl,' <b>Erin Wilson's</b> 'The Girl on a Train' doesn't hold up.<br />
<br />
Rachel Watson (<b>Emily Blunt</b>) is an alcoholic who spends her days and her nights on a commuter train longing for the life and the house she once shared with her husband David (<b>Justin Theroux</b>). Through the window of the train she watches her husband's new life with his new wife Anna (<b>Rebecca Furguson</b>) and their new baby. In the process she develops a fascination with her ex-husband's neighbors, Megan (<b>Haley Bennett</b>) and Scott Hipwell (<b>Luke Evans</b>). As she spies on them she imagines this perfect couple have equally perfect lives, but looks can be deceiving. Megan goes missing and her husband stands accused. Could the girl on the train have the answers to her disappearance?<br />
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<b><i>Deepwater Horizon.</i></b><br />
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It's not a bad movie, but it's not a particularly good one. <b>Deepwater Horizon</b> had such a tragic and sad topic that I wish it would have been handled in a more serious manner. No offense to <b>Peter Berg</b>, who is the star of one of my favorite B-movie films of all time ('<b>Shocker</b>'), but the director of '<b>Battleship</b>' and '<b>Hancock</b>' simply cannot do justice to a film about the 'Deepwater Horizon.'<br />
<br />
Like '13 Hours,' it was an over simplification of the events. I would have much preferred to see 'Deepwater Horizon' done in the tradition of '<b>Spotlight</b>,' '<b>Zodiac</b>,' or the '<b>China Syndrome</b>.' I wanted to see a film that took it's time unraveling the tragedy that took 11 lives, polluted an ocean, and destroyed the local economy of the gulf coast-- instead of an action film. Note to self, if <b>Mark Walberg</b> is starring...<br />
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<b><i>The Forest.</i></b><br />
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<b>Natalie Dormer</b> stars as a woman searching for her missing twin sister. Her sister disappeared into a forest in Japan known to be a place where people frequently commit suicide. It's a little far fetched, but go with it. It only gets worse from here. January release was the first clue.<br />
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I'm not going to waste two hours of my life to watch a crappy movie anymore. My time is valuable. So I significantly culled my movie review list in 2016. Had the reviews been better I would have likely seen the films below.<br />
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<i><b>The Huntsman: Winter's War.</b></i><br />
<i><b>The Boss.</b></i><br />
<i><b>X-Men: Apocalypse.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Alice Through the Looking Glass.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Independence Day: Resurgence.</b></i><br />
<i><b>The Legend of Tarzan.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Jason Bourne.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Mechanic Resurrection .</b></i><br />
<i><b>Sully.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Magnificent Seven.</b></i><br />
<i><b>The Accountant.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Assassin's Creed.</b></i><br />
<b><i>Passengers.</i></b><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b style="font-style: italic;">Suicide Squad. </b><br />
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I am a huge DC fan, so it saddens me to say that I had to skip this film. I may eventually watch this movie on Netflix if I drink enough wine to make it worth it. I could literally cry at how DC and Warner Brothers are mismanaging their film catalog with talentless directors and bad writers. I do not like Marvel nearly as much, but even I have to admit Marvel (Disney) knows how to use their catalog properly. Most importantly--they hire good people.<br />
<br />
Seriously, it can't be this hard. I am perplexed how/why the WB and DC keep handing hundreds of millions of dollars to the likes of <b>David Ayers</b> and <b>Zack Synder</b>. It just boggles the mind. Even after Ayer's disastrous take on 'Suicide Squad,' someone at WB thinks it's a great idea to hand over the reins to this near-do-well again for the <b>Harley Quinn</b> film. What fresh hell is this?<br />
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<b><i>Manchester by Sea.</i></b><br />
Not my type of film. It looks boring. I also do not want to support raging <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/11/22/casey-affleck-s-dark-secret-the-disturbing-allegations-against-the-oscar-hopeful.html" target="_blank">sexual harasser</a> <b>Casey Affleck</b>.<br />
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<i><b>La La Land.</b> </i><br />
I seriously have no interest in seeing this film. Someone will have to convince me this is actually a good movie and not just propped up by the Academy because <b>Ryan Gosling</b> and <b>Emma Stone</b> "do" jazz.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Doctor Strange </i></b></span><br />
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As I've said in previous posts, I'm not going to pay to see films like '<b>Doctor Strange</b>,' '<b>Ghost in the Shell</b>,' '<b>Pan</b>,' or '<b>Gods of Egypt</b>' or other films with known diversity issues. I adore <b>Tilda Swinton</b>. She and <b>Scarlett Johansson</b> are probably my favorite actresses of all time. No joke. Admittedly, I admire the emails Tilda sent to <b>Margaret Cho</b> in response to the casting issues. Tilda's emails made me love her even more. The problem is not Tilda, but Hollywood at large.<br />
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If you recall a post I did last year explaining my new policy of "putting my money where my mouth is." I'm not going to get angry or stomp my feet or create twitter hashtags. If a film isn't representative of people of color or women I just won't see it.<br />
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When I say representative I mean representative of the culture and the time the film is set in. If it's set amongst the wealthy houses of Victorian England-- I wouldn't necessarily expect to see much diversity. However, if it's set in 2017 New York City in an urban neighborhood then yes, more diversity should be included. <b>If a character is a Tibetan monk, then perhaps the character should be played by someone of Asian descent?</b><br />
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There are very few roles for people of color in Hollywood, so to change one of those few roles only worsens the diversity issue in Hollywood. I also understand the concern people have about changing white characters to people of color. I have said before that if a character is iconic then it's understandable to maintain that character's ethnicity. But there are very few characters that would fit that iconic classification.<br />
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<b>The Bechdel Test</b><br />
<br />
In the same vein, I am trying to see films that pass the <b>Bechdel Test</b>. <u>Meaning</u>: At least two female characters are named and talk to each other. That's it. Just two. Amazingly most films cannot pass this test. Again a disclaimer, if I'm watching a film like '<b>Saving Private Ryan</b>,' I do not expect a film to pass the Bechdel test.<br />
<br />
Also films like '<b>Sicario</b>' or '<b>Gravity</b>' are an exception. These films may only have one female cast member, but she's the lead character. But there's no reason that the entire '<b>Lord of the Rings</b>' trilogy, the original '<b>Star Wars</b>' trilogy, or '<b>The Avengers</b>,' does not pass the Bechdel test. Women are 50% of the population for goodness sake.<br />
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<b><i>Birth of a Nation. </i></b><br />
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I may get some flack for not seeing this, but I refuse to see a film that <b>Nate Parker</b> and writing partner <b>Jean Celestin</b> make. Making matters worse Parker turned this film into a vanity project by starring in it. And yes, I hold <b>Woody Allen</b> and <b>Roman Polanski</b> to the same standard. I haven't seen an Allen film since '<b>Midnight in Paris</b>' and I don't plan on seeing any of his films either. There are several directors and actors who are on my "nope" list, Parker is one of them. <b>Casey Affleck</b> is also one of them.</div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-9663275076470159282016-08-29T01:49:00.002-04:002016-08-29T11:03:48.487-04:00DON'T BREATHE REVIEW [SPOILERS] - STILL ON HIATUS!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I took a mini-break from my hiatus to review '<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8XwWwPT8LE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don't Breathe</a></b>.' Similar to this Spring's '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/03/10-cloverfield-lane-review-i-am-keeping.html" target="_blank">10 Cloverfield Lane</a></b>,' 'Don't Breathe' took me by surprise. I didn't know anything about it before I went to the theater, but 'Don't Breathe' is a slick little horror film, with a great cast, and a thrilling (yet unbelievable) plot. Admittedly, the film has enough plot holes to drive a truck through it, but it kept me on the edge of my seat--which is hard to do. What I liked about the film is that none of the characters are particularly likable. This is one of the few horror films in which there are no heroes.<br />
<a name='more'></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8-vvhfFdD_kBft0J3ydgQhKmT2ARsGmySBKZSZ4yVkWeZcfEt7t6YmW8y8NHnsdC4Pdf6Yn4LeKVDHvfLfB41I72MeN_-bq6DXlnhSYOHUfGeG_RC5V8hz7UHKHIr1r-dXvxGH4jcnw/s1600/Dont-Breathe-movie+review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8-vvhfFdD_kBft0J3ydgQhKmT2ARsGmySBKZSZ4yVkWeZcfEt7t6YmW8y8NHnsdC4Pdf6Yn4LeKVDHvfLfB41I72MeN_-bq6DXlnhSYOHUfGeG_RC5V8hz7UHKHIr1r-dXvxGH4jcnw/s1600/Dont-Breathe-movie+review.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WHAT DO YOU SAY THAT YOU AND I</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>MOVE AWAY FROM MOM TOGETHER?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Rocky [to Diddy]</span></div>
<br />
The unfortunate industrial decline of modern-day Detroit, Michigan has made it an apocalyptic filmmaker's paradise-- '<b>Only Lover's Left Alive</b>,' '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/best-worst-movies-of-2015-part-1-best.html" target="_blank">It Follows</a></b>,' '<b>Batman Dawn of Justice</b>,' and now 'Don't Breathe.' The film opens with three unscrupulous thieves-- Rocky (<b>Jane Levy</b>), Alex (<b>Dylan Minnette</b>), and Money (<b>Daniel Zovatto</b>) breaking into homes that Alex has access to through his father's security company. One big plot hole in the film is how the teens manage to break into the houses. I've never heard of a security company who has keys for the houses they maintain? Security companies do not have your house keys. It would have made more sense if his father was a realtor. Plot hole number one. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">ARE YOU LEAVING?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>AS SOON AS I HAVE THE MONEY.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WHEN ARE YOU COMING BACK?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>NEVER.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Rocky [to Alex]</span></div>
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The trio is terribly behaved and disrespectful to the people they steal from, but there is a glimmer of understanding when we see Rocky's home life. Rocky and her little sister live with an abusive alcoholic mother. It doesn't excuse her behavior, but Rocky is stealing so she and her sister can have a better life. In an effort to change their fortune, the trio decide to break into a house belonging to a blinded (yet lethal) war veteran played by <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/04/my-favorite-space-marines.html" target="_blank">Stephen Lang</a></b>. Lang is probably one of my favorite actors and guilty pleasures. He's so good you can't tell he's acting. Lang was the only saving grace in '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2009/12/blue-as-folk.html" target="_blank">Avatar</a></b>,' which was basically '<b>Dancing with Wolves</b>' meets '<b>Fern Gully</b>.' </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I GOT OUR TICKET <i>OUTTA HERE</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Money [Alex and Rocky]</span></div>
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The trio do a minute's worth of internet research to determine the blind man recently won a settlement when his daughter was killed by a rich drunk driver. The thieves believe that the nameless blind man has the cash in his house? Plot hole number 2-- why would this man have $300k cash in his house? Has no one ever heard of this place called a bank? The thieves think they have an easy mark with a blind man living in an abandoned neighborhood. The neighborhood has been completely hollowed out by the recession and the blind man is the last remaining resident. His only company is his vicious Rottweiler. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WAIT, IS HE <i>BLIND?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Rocky [to Alex and Money]</span></div>
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The thieves drug the dog, find a way to break into house, and start their search for the mythical money. Needless to say, the buff blind man wakes up and the "fit hits the shan." The blind man is more than meets the eye and doesn't go down easy. He has ninja reflexes and can seemingly fire a weapon with pinpoint accuracy from just sound. He's like '<b>Blind Fury</b>' meets '<b>Punisher</b>.' He makes easy work of them, but they prove to be more resourceful than they appear too. While we secretly root for the blind man, we soon discover that he has some of his own secrets and he's far from innocent. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">JUST 'CAUSE HE'S BLIND </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>DON'T MEAN HE A SAINT THO</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Money [to Alex]</span></div>
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Director <b>Fede Alvarez </b>('<b>Evil Dead</b>' remake) manages to maintain the tension and fear throughout the film, despite the plot holes. There are quite a few well done "gotcha" moments when predator becomes prey and prey becomes predator. Lang does a fantastic job as the unhinged blind man. He has very few lines, but still delivers a solid performance. The other actors do a great job as well. There are a few gruesome scenes in the film-- not necessarily gore related--more so related to body fluids. I won't get into any details, but this isn't your average "home invasion gone wrong" film. It's well-crafted, visceral, and even leaves room for a sequel. 'Don't Breathe' will undoubtedly become a cult classic. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THREE AND A HALF STARS OUT OF FIVE. </span></div>
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-78255341839997364712016-08-16T10:29:00.001-04:002016-08-19T22:52:00.466-04:00OH AUGUST! HIATUS=MINI-REVIEWS + SPOILERS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This past month has been a bear. Having a full time job, a family, and being in grad school is no joke! <b><u>I will be on hiatus for a few months</u></b>. I will still be popping in to see my favorite blogs and make an occasional post, but I won't be able to post regularly for a while. If only I could be a blogger full time right? I really don't know how people are able to do that unless thy are independently wealthy. I finally finished up my last paper for the semester, but will be starting a new semester in a few weeks. Ugh. I am so behind on my film reviews. So much so I will have to create a combo post.<br />
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In the months of July and August I've seen the '<b>Ghostbusters</b>' remake, '<b>Lights Out</b>,' and now '<b>Bad Moms</b>.' I've also seen '<b>Stranger Things</b>' on Netflix. In my effort to limit my exposure to bad movies, I have purposely left several films off the list. I believe I have succeeded...so far. '<b>Batman v. Superman</b>' was the "worst" film I've seen this year and it wasn't that bad. Don't get me wrong, BvS was not a good movie, but it wasn't terrible. It was just "ok." Notably absent from my list is '<b>Suicide Squad</b>,' '<b>Jason Bourne</b>,' and the '<b>Legend of Tarzan</b>.'<br />
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After the reviews for 'Suicide Squad' I just couldn't bring myself to see it. I never advocate for anyone to lose their jobs, but someone seriously needs to be fired from Warner Brothers and DC Comics. The level of incompetence is beyond comprehensible. My first vote would be for <b>Zack Synder</b> to go as a producer for DC films. He just needs to go. I still can't believe that the man who thought up and made '<b>Sucker Punch</b>' is in charge of DC's multi-million dollar empire. There are many other incompetent execs over at the WB that need to go, but getting rid of Synder would be a good first step. Director <b>David Ayers</b> should probably go too. Any director that managed to misuse such great actors shouldn't direct comic book films anymore.<br />
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Admittedly I had very low expectations. If you've read my blog you will know I am all for girl power, but I am so tired of Hollywood remakes. I originally found the recent gender-bending trend is a little irritating. Why can't female characters have their own unique stories? That said, the new 'Ghostbusters' was so much fun to watch. The actors were so authentic, the script was good, and the <b>Paul Feig</b> and <b>Melissa McCarthy</b> always bring out the best in each other. What I loved most about 'Ghostbusters' was that it was a true reimagining of the film--not a remake. The film has new characters with new backstories.<br />
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Abby Yates (<b>Kristen Wigg</b>) is a soon to be tenured professor and former paranormal researcher. In her youth she coauthored a paranormal book with her old partner in crime Erin Gilbert (Melissa McCarthy). When a historical museum discovers a ghostly presence they reunite to investigate, along with techie Millennial, Dr. Jillian Holtzman (<b>Kate McKinnon</b>).<br />
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Perhaps the most ironic part of the film is when a realtor takes them to view an old abandoned fire station as their new headquarters...only to discover the rent is $20,000 per month! This forces the ladies to rent out the space above a Chinese restaurant. Oh and they hire a hunky, but dumb receptionist, Kevin Beckman (<b>Chris Hemsworth</b>). Hemsworth was hilarious and should consider doing comedy more often.<br />
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MTA worker Patty Tolan (<b>Leslie Jones</b>) later joins the ragtag crew after seeing some creepiness going down in the subway. Jones does a good job of playing the non-scientist role and connecting with the audience. And there are truly some fantastic (albeit brief) cameos by the original actors <b>Bill Murrary</b>, <b>Dan Aykroyd</b>, <b>Ernie Hudson</b>, <b>Annie Potts</b>, and <b>Sigourney Weaver</b>.<br />
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I laughed heartily throughout the film until the end. The only disappointing aspect for me was lack of the Zuul and Gozer storyline between Louis Tully/keymaster (<b>Rick Moranis</b>) and Dana Barrett/gatekeepeer (Sigourney Weaver). Overall, the reboot was a completely new film that was a sweet homage to the original. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS</span>.<br />
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'Lights Out' is creeptastic film with some genuine thrills, but ultimately the movie fell a little flat for me. The storyline was overtly simple and the characters seemed a little dumb at times. The best scene in the film comes early on when a warehouse worker, Emma (<b>Lotta Losen</b>), sees a female silhouette in the darkness that doesn't appear when the light is on. Emma has the right idea and gets out of dodge. Everyone else doesn't seem to have as much sense as "one-scene" Emma. The film has a few bright spots when manic mommy <b>Maria Bello</b> appears on the screen, but other than a few frightening gotcha moments the film didn't add anything to the genre. Admittedly, I was a little creeped out when I went to bed that night in the dark. So I supposed the film did its job.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS</span><br />
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I had such high hopes for '<b>Bad Moms</b>.' The trailers were hilarious and the film was fairly funny, but the best scenes are already in the trailers. If you've seen the trailers then you've seen this film. Amy Mitchell (<b>Mila Kunis</b>) is an overwhelmed wife, mother, and career woman. It's an old concept, but our culture of "mom-shaming" makes this film relevant. As a working mom I can tell you that "mom-shaming" is alive and well.<br />
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Trapped in a sexless marriage, Amy catches her husband in a relationship with a webcam woman. After little deliberation she decides to divorce him. The most irritating aspect of Amy is her lack of reference. She's a privileged woman living in a nice suburban house, she's 32 years old, drop dead gorgeous, with a good looking husband (who has a good job), two lovely pre-teen children, and the ability to work a part-time job. Yeah-- she has it rough. Yikes, I hope I'm not shaming. She's a fictional character after all!<br />
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Anywhoo, Amy goes on a path of self-discovery. She starts driving a fast car, tells her boss to shove it, goes to the movies during the day, drinks like a fish, and drops out of the PTA meetings run by uber perfect mom/PTA president Gwendolyn (<b>Christina Applegate</b>). Applegate's comedic timing and delivery are perfect. Applegate and comedian <b>Kathryn Hahn</b> steal every scene they're in. As much as I like Kunis-- she was just along for the ride. To be fair Kunis truly committed to the role and gave it her all.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS</span><br />
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Like every other Netflixer I've been watching '<b>Stranger Things</b>.' As a young child of the 1980s, I can verify that 'Stranger Things' effectively captures the nostalgia of the time. I still can't figure out why there's anything to be nostalgic about the 80s. The 90s was so much more fun...at least for me. But brothers <b>Matt </b>and <b>Ross Duffer</b> do 1980's <b>Stephen King</b> better than Stephen King. Stephen King hasn't written anything of note in the last 20 years, but he's certainly inspired these two guys. I am super impressed that the Duffer's who were born in the mid-80s (and probably don't remember the 80s) nailed the look and the feel of the time.<br />
<br />
In the spirit of '<b>Goonies</b>,' '<b>Stand By Me</b>,' '<b>ET,</b>' and '<b>Super 8</b>,'--'Stranger Things' follows three pre-teen boys who are searching for their missing friend. In the process they come across a strange young girl with super powers and a weird haircut. Generation X icon <b>Winona Ryder</b> makes a huge comeback as the jittery mother of the missing boy desperate to find him. I don't want to spoil the series for anyone who hasn't seen the film, but the mystery behind the boy's disappearance is quite unique and definitely inspired by Stephen King and <b>Steven Spielberg</b>. In fact if Stephen King and Steven Spielberg had a baby it would pop out 'Stranger Things.'<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS</span></div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-36725579962803426832016-07-07T01:12:00.000-04:002016-07-07T01:28:48.304-04:00'PURGE: ELECTION YEAR' REVIEW - "THE SOUL OF OUR COUNTRY IS AT STAKE" [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The 'Purge' films get a lot of flack. I've heard some reviewers refer to fans of the purge films as sociopathic. After all, these are not highbrow films, nor do they stimulate intellectual conservation. And yes these films are violent, but thankfully, writer and director <b>James DeMonaco</b> never crosses the line into "torture porn" territory. The horror of the film is all about the buildup. The tension is created in the idea of "what could happen" and less on what is actually happening. But what these films lack in critical acclaim, they more than make up for in their entertainment value. Lastly, these films are highly allegorical. The symbolism and social satire in these films only add to its charm.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">BLESSED BE AMERICA,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>FOR LETTING US PURGE,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">AND CLEANSE OUR SOULS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Minister Edwidge Owens</span></div>
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The film begins with a flashback of a young woman Charlie Roan and her family being terrorized and a tortured by a purger. The purger asks the mother who out of the four family members should live? It's a terrible choice and a frightful moment. Eighteen years later, Charlie (<b>Elizabeth Mitchell</b>) is a senator running for the presidency of the United States. The country is purge-worn and Charlie's platform of eliminating the purge is starting to gain traction. She is neck and neck in the polls with one of the New Founding Father's, Minister Edwidge Owens (<b>Kyle Secor</b>, of '<b>Homicide: Life on the Streets</b>').<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">SHE'S GOING TO MAKE <i>REAL CHANGES</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Marcos</span></div>
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One of the more interesting scenes in '<b>Purge: Election Year</b>' is when the media reports that America's annual purge attracts a large number of international visitors who wish to participate in the mass killing. The purge may be losing it's domestic appeal, but it's still more popular than ever. As has been noted in earlier Purge films, some people benefit from the purge more than others.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WE'RE GOING TO USE THIS YEAR'S</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>PURGE TO DO SOME SPRING CLEANING</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Leader Caleb Warren</span></div>
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Charlie's challenge to the new founding father's does not go unnoticed. In an effort to purposely eliminate her (and allegedly promote equality), they remove the government official exemption from the purge. Now it's on. The film briefly descends into mediocrity when Charlie refuses to listen to her no-nonsense security guard, Leo Barnes (<b>Frank Grillo</b>). Barnes returns from '<b>Purge 2: Anarchy</b>,' which is still probably the series' best installment to date. Barnes' original storyline as a grieving father has been transformed into that of a secret service agent.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">MY GOD, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>HOW DID IT GET TO THIS?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Senator Charlie Roan</span></div>
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Because Charlie wants to continue to give people the impression that she's a "woman of the people" she refuses to allow Barnes to take her to a more secure location. Instead she insists on staying in her semi-secure house during purge night. Needless to say the "fit hits the shan," which is evident in the trailer. Barnes and Charlie go on the run from neo-Nazi mercenaries led by Earl Danzinger (<b>Terry Serpico</b>, of '<b>Army Wives</b>'). The Nazi mercs have been employed by the new founding fathers because why win an election fair and square when you can just kill them?<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">YOU TAKE A LOT OF RISKS SENATOR.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Leo Barnes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I HAVE TO</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THE ONLY WAY I CAN WIN.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IS TO RISK EVERYTHING.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>EVEN MY LIFE</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Senator Charlie Roan</span></div>
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What follows is the usual wild ride through purge night. Thankfully she and Barnes have a little help from some newly found friends, including deli owner Joe Dixon (<b>Mykelti Williamson</b>), his assistant Marcos (<b>Joseph Julian Soria</b>), and a rogue EMT Laney Rucker (<b>Betty Gabriel</b>). The former get caught up in the madness of the evening after confronting spoiled teenage shoplifters turned purgers.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WE HAVE ONE GOAL RIGHT NOW.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>SURVIVAL</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Leo Barnes</span></div>
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The cast is another thing I like about 'Purge: Election Year.' I think the movie passes the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bechdel test</a> in the first five minutes. There are actually enough women in this film to talk to each other...and this is a freaking action film! The cast is more gender and ethnically diverse than any film I've seen this year, which is sad.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">DO YOU UNDERSTAND </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WHAT'S AT STAKE HERE?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Leo Barnes</span></div>
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<b>Edwin Hodge</b> makes yet another cameo as freedom fighter Dante Bishop. Hodge is the only actor to have appeared in all three films. If you are a fan of the franchise, you will recall that the series began with Bishop fleeing into James Sandin's (<b>Ethan Hawke</b>) house for protection against the purgers. One of Bishop's freedom fighter's delivers the best line of the film when explaining they will use the tunnels that George Washington built to aid in their fight.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THE ORIGINAL FOUNDING FATHERS </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>ARE GOING TO #!&% OVER</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THE NEW FOUNDING FATHERS.</span></div>
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'Election Year' is not as intense and pulse pounding as 'Anarchy,' but it holds its own. This purge film also has some religious overtones, as the new founding fathers invoke religion to uphold the purge. As I noted above the social satire and action carry the film, making it an excellent sequel. Even little things like the ghoulish costuming add to the film's macabre nature. It's rare for sequels to be as good or better than the original films, but Demonaco continues to deliver another satirical creepfest.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THE PURGE TARGETS THE POOR </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>AND THE INNOCENT</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
-Senator Charlie Roan</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS.</span></b></div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-39442529399706240382016-06-26T13:49:00.001-04:002016-08-31T10:02:01.183-04:00'FREE STATE OF JONES' REVIEW - "THIS FIGHT IS FOR OUR CHILDREN"... [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IT AIN'T JUST FOR US. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">BLACK, WHITE, RICH, POOR, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IT'S FOR EVERYBODY.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Newton Knight [to Moses]</span></div>
<br />
Wow, it's been a while since my last review. Unfortunately, I had to remove '<b>X-Men: Apocalypse</b>' from my film review list. I just can't bear to see and review terrible films. I've also had to remove '<b>The Huntsman: Winters War</b>,' '<b>The Boss</b>,' and '<b>Batman v. Superman</b>.' As you may recall last year, I made a resolution not see so many crappy movies this year. After all, we only have so much time and I can't get two hours of my life back. I also put a lot of time and effort into writing a review. So I will occasionally cull films off my list. '<b>Free State of Jones</b>' was almost removed from my list because of mixed reviews, but overall I'm glad I saw it.<br />
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There has been a lot of criticism of '<b>Free State of Jones</b>' for various reasons, which has led to trouble at the box office. Summer box office viewing is down overall, but this makes it even more difficult for the "fair to middling" films to succeed this summer. The biggest issue critics have with the film is that it depicts the mythical "savior" complex. Some the critics are claiming the '<b>Free State of Jones</b>' has been done in the Hollywood tradition of '<b>The Help</b>,' '<b>The Blind Side</b>,' <b>'Dances with Wolves</b>,' '<b>Dangerous Minds</b>,' '<b>Glory</b>,' '<b>The Last Samurai</b>'-- the list goes on. Normally I would agree, but not this time. I feel like these critics are missing the big picture. The film is ultimately a biopic about Newton Knight (<b>Matthew McConaughey</b>), who was clearly a man ahead of his time and who led a very interesting life. His story and the story of Jones County, Mississippi is a story that has been lost to history and it's a story that should be told.<br />
<br />
To my knowledge, the story of pro-Union southerners during the American Civil War has NEVER been told (on film) before. Despite the fact that several southern states like North Carolina and Tennessee had large unionist populations and the state of West Virginia actually broke away from the state of Virginia because of Civil War--this side of history is rarely discussed. So in this regard, '<b>The Free State of Jones</b>' is groundbreaking.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">HE DIED WITH HONOR</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Will [to Newton]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>NO, WILL, HE JUST DIED.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Newton [to Will]</span></div>
<br />
Our fair film begins with confederate medic Newton Knight. He genuinely cares for the wounded men and tries to help them as best as he can. It's clear that confederate resources are limited, but Knight makes do with what he has. He faithfully serves until the Confederacy exempts the wealthy from fighting. The straw that breaks the camel's back is when Knight's beloved young nephew is forcibly conscripted and subsequently killed. In order to earn it's "R" rating, the film has a lot needless gore in the first 10 minutes. Some gore in a film about war makes sense, but this didn't add anything to the story, except shock and spectacle.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I'M TIRED OF IT. YOU, ME, ALL OF IT.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WE'RE ALL OUT THERE DYING </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">SO THEY CAN STAY RICH.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Newton Knight</span></div>
<br />
Knight returns his nephew to his sister and decides to never return to the battlefield--disgusted with the war and its cause. As a poor non-slave owning farmer, he comes to the realization that he's fighting to keep other people wealthy. This glaring realization is the strongest plot point in the film.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u>Side note</u>: There has been a perpetual myth about the American Civil War--that the war was not about slavery, but about states rights and commerce. Yet what particular state's right was being fought over? The "right" to own other human beings and profit off of them. The war began when an anti-slavery candidate (President Abraham Lincoln) won the presidency. If anyone doubt's that please read the <a href="http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/primarysources/declarationofcauses.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Declaration of Causes of Seceding States</a>. It's very clear that this war was about slavery and the people who profited from it. The film unapologetically reiterates that.</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IT'S QUITE AN ARMY YOU GOT THERE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Lt. Barbour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">LAST TIME I CHECKED THE GUN</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>DON'T CARE WHO'S PULLING THE TRIGGER.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Newton Knight</span></div>
<br />
As a deserter Knight doesn't keep a low profile, much to the chagrin of his long suffering wife, Serena (<b>Keri Russell</b>). Instead he helps his neighbors avoid confederate collection crews. The poor farmers of Jones County were being starved out of house and home in support of the war effort, while the wealthy planters continued to live high off the hog. After holding off a small unit of confederate soldiers by arming young girls with rifles, Knight is accused of treason and goes on the run. He ends up in the swamps with a group of runaway slaves and is helped by a young house a slave, Rachel (<b>Gugu Mbatha-Raw</b>). As the war worsens for the south, more confederate deserters join him, his wife leaves him, and his farm is burned down. At some point they have enough people to form their own society and defend themselves.<br />
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Coming much too late in the film is the penultimate scene in which the people of Jones' County fight against "their oppressors," the confederate government. Historically speaking the "Free People of Jones" (white and black people) fought the confederacy over a dozen times. I'm befuddled as to why the filmmakers didn't focus more on the skirmishes, which is supposedly the film's plot? The best scenes are those in which Newton Knight and his eclectic band of rebels battle for their freedoms. There is a fantastic battle between the confederates and the people of Jones County during the funeral of one of their kinsmen.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THEY'RE </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">POOR FARMERS, DESERTERS, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">AND RUNAWAY SLAVES,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WHO FRANKLY SIR, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>DON'T HAVE MUCH TO LOSE.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Col. Robert Lowry</span></div>
<br />
Once the war is finally over, the film takes a gutsy turn by (all too briefly) focusing on the reconstruction era and the rampant injustices faced by African Americans during the beginning of the Jim Crow time period. Yet another intriguing part of the film is glossed over. But despite the film's flaws (which are plentiful), there is some great work here by the cast, especially McConaughey and <b>Mahershala Ali</b> (Moses). There are a few scenes between the two of them that provide the film with much needed levity and banter. I've always said that McConaughey is an underrated actor. I'm so glad he won an Oscar a few years ago to shut down the haters because it's McConaughey's acting that carries this film.<br />
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Now to the not-so-groundbreaking part. Director <b>Gary Ross</b> ('<b>Hunger Games</b>'), who also has a writing credit, takes this incredible material and turns it into a "popcorny" history lesson. The first half of the film is quite good and moves at a reasonable pace, but the middle of the film falters. At times the film feels slow with a run time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. Thankfully the film picks up its pace toward the end, but it's too little too late. I'm convinced that 15 to 20 minutes of appropriate editing could have dramatically improved this film. The material is there, but it drowned in too much fog. Additional editing could have pinpointed the film's focus and turned it into Oscar bait.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THE WINDS ARE SHIFTING AND YOU </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">CAN'T FIGHT IT THIS TIME.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Rachel</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>THERE'S PLENTY LEFT TO FIGHT FOR.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Newton Knight</span></div>
<br />
There is also a strange subplot, regarding one of Newton and Rachel's descendants, Davis Knight (<b>Brian Lee Franklin</b>) who is being tried for miscegenation in 1948. This could have been it's own storyline in of itself. The way Ross handles the two varying subplots makes little sense. Is this a historical biopic or is this a flashback?<br />
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The film lightly touches on Knight's relationship with his second wife Rachel. I'm not sure why there wasn't a love scene between Knight and Rachel or at least a kiss. Surely an interracial love scene is no longer considered to be risque on screen? Perhaps it's because Knight was still actually married when he took Rachel as his lover or perhaps the writers were wary of showing a love scene with an abused woman?<br />
<br />
The writers didn't sugarcoat the fact that Rachel was being raped by her owner. Given the abuse Rachel was suffering, the writers may have wanted to tread lightly, but still I don't see the harm in showing some form of affection, such as a kiss. In reality Serena and Rachel were like "sister wives." This was briefly touched on in the film, but heavily sanitized. You can learn more about the complicated nature of his relationship with his wives <a href="http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/free-state-of-jones/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Clearly this was a complicated family and people (even heroic people) are rarely perfect, but Hollywood never seems to scratch beneath the surface.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THESE MEN ARE HERE TO VOTE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>AND THEY MIND DYING A WHOLE </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">LOT LESS THAN YOU DO.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Newton Knight</span></div>
<br />
Speaking of the women folk-- I think this film just barely passes the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bechdel test</a> with just one scene between Serena and Rachel. One day I hope that Hollywood realizes that women exist. We are 50% of the population. Women also speak to other women. How does Hollywood still not understand this? Neither Keri or Gugu's characters are fleshed out beyond their standard supportive woman role. I think I could probably count their lines on two hands between them.<br />
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I had such high hopes for this film because of the fascinating material. The film's lack of focus is it's greatest hindrance. A good biopic does not have to tell the subject's whole life story or that of their descendants. In the hands of a better writer and director--this film could have been epic. For example, the biopic '<b>Lincoln</b>' focuses exclusively on a few months in the life of President Lincoln, during a very interesting time during his life (the passage of the 13th Amendment/Abolition of Slavery). Had the 'Free State of Jones' focused on one time period of Knight's life, a mildly good film could have been a great one.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THREE 1/2 OUT OF FIVE STARS. </span></b></div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-38343918215140418252016-05-09T06:30:00.000-04:002016-05-09T11:32:49.089-04:00CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR REVIEW - "WE USED TO BE FAMILY." [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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*Sigh. If only DC Comics could make movies like this. I recently read that '<b>Captain America: Civil War</b>' was a <a href="http://www.inquisitr.com/3044647/captain-america-civil-war-was-only-made-because-of-batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">direct response</a> to '<b>Batman v. Superman</b>.' Well, let this DC fan be the first to tell you that Marvel does 'Batman v. Superman' better than DC Comics/Warner Brothers does. It's such a shame. Someone at DC Comics/Warner Brothers Studios needs a different job because they really suck at making superhero films. This problem goes beyond <b>Zack Synder</b> and <b>Henry Cavill</b>--both of whom I firmly believe need to be replaced as well.<br />
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In the past I have had issues with Marvel Studio Head <b>Kevin Feige</b>--namely because of his <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/marvel-female-superhero_n_4138072.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">refusal to feature female superheroes in starring roles</a>. But Marvel has changed this stance once DC announced the '<b>Wonder Woman</b>' film. Feige has publicly committed to making films featuring <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/captain-marvel-female-lead-marvel-movie/story?id=26521001" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Captain Marvel</a> and <a href="http://www.elle.com/about/news/a36216/marvel-studios-female-superhero-movie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Widow</a>. So whatever DC does, it seems Marvel just does it better (with regard to film). DC Comics has the corner market on television. Bless DC Comics' hearts, but Marvel Studios sure knows how to make a good superhero movie and they know how to use their character catalog. Unlike DC, they're not stuck making Batman or Superman films for 40 years. <u>Side note</u>: I would exclude '<b>Avengers: Age of Ultron</b>' from the "good movie" category.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">STAYING TOGETHER IS MORE IMPORTANT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>THAN HOW WE STAY TOGETHER.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Natasha Romanoff.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
Getting to the topic at hand--the great thing about 'Civil War' is that it truly felt like an '<b>Avengers</b>' film. 'Civil War' was the Avengers film that 'Age of Ultron' should have been. When I reviewed '<a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/05/avengers-age-of-ultron-and-girl-box.html" target="_blank">Age of Ultron</a>' last year I thought the problem was that there were too many characters to feature. Yet 'Civil War' has even more characters. The difference between 'Civil War' and 'Age of Ultron' is that 'Civil War' features Captain America at its heart and rightfully so. Whereas 'Age of Ultron' was all over the place, 'Civil War' is focused.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">YOU'RE A WANTED MAN. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Steve Rogers.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I DON'T DO THAT ANYMORE.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Bucky Barnes.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THEY'RE NOT PLANNING ON TAKING YOU ALIVE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Steve Rogers.]</span></div>
<br />
The film begins with the origins of the Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (<b>Sebastian Stan</b>) who is Captain America/Steve Rogers' (<b>Chris Evans</b>) best friend and fallen comrade in arms. We learn how the mad scientists kept Bucky brainwashed with a flashback scene in 1991. Bucky was tasked with running a car off the road to retrieve a package. We don't know the significance of this act or who he has run off the road, but we can assume it's important.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">ARE YOU SAYING THEY'LL COME FOR ME?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Wanda Maximoff.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WE WOULD PROTECT YOU.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Vison.]</span></div>
<br />
As I noted above, 'Civil War' was made in response to 'Batman v. Superman.' However, the storyline is taken directly from the comics. In the comics a young group of superheroes takes on a group of villains they weren't prepared for, which results in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. In the film, the Wanda/Scarlet Witch (<b>Elizabeth Olson</b>) accidentally diverts an explosion into a crowded building. This incident (among others) is enough to create an outcry for regulation of the Avengers.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I KNOW WE'RE NOT PERFECT BUT, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>THE SAFEST HANDS ARE STILL OUR OWN.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Steve Rogers.]</span></div>
<br />
After a grieving mother (<b>Alfre Woodard</b>) accuses Tony Stark/Iron Man (<b>Robert Downey Jr.</b>) of murdering her son, Stark agrees with the rest of the world (117 countries) and signs an accord giving the United Nations power and oversight over the Avengers. Steve is the holdout. It doesn't help matters that Steve's "frienemy" the Winter Soldier is being accused of causing an explosion that kills Wakanda's president and emboldens his son T'Challa/Black Panther (<b>Chadwick Boseman</b>) to seek revenge. <u>Side note</u>: Chadwick is my friend's first cousin. Small world.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I DIDN'T KILL YOUR FATHER. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Bucky Barnes.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>THEN WHY DID YOU RUN?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[T'Challa.]</span></div>
<br />
The world and the Avengers want to bring the Winter Soldier to justice, but Steve knows his friend has been previously brainwashed and suspects he is innocent. This causes a rift between Steve and the Avengers, namely Tony Stark. That's when the fun begins. Tony recruits none other than Peter Parker/Spiderman (<b>Tom Holland</b>) and Steve recruits Scott Lang/Ant-Man (<b>Paul Rudd</b>) for some fantastic cameo roles. I was a little disappointed at the idea of yet another Spiderman franchise. Seriously, Peter Parker's origin story has been done to death over the last 10 years, but that's exactly why he works so well in this film. His character needs no introduction.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">BUT HE'S MY FRIEND.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Steve Rogers.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">SO WAS I.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Tony Stark.]</span></div>
<br />
The film is not without major flaws-- one of which was the lack of a villain. Marvel tends to have this problem. Loki (<b>Tom Hiddleston</b>) was the best villain Marvel has had. Most of the other villains have been mediocre at best. 'Civil War' is no different. The villain of the film is just some disgruntled guy played by <b>Daniel Brühl</b>. There's not much backstory as to how he is able to do the things he does. There's only a vague explanation as to why. This is where the storyline weakens. Perhaps this was intentional, as in the comics there wasn't necessarily a villain responsible for the civil war. I don't know, but the lack of the villain's backstory was noticeable.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WHAT DO WE DO?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Sam Wilson.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WE FIGHT.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Steve Rogers].</span></div>
<br />
Also noticeable was the length of the film. The film felt every inch of 147 minutes (or 2-1/2 hours). There were many unnecessary scenes that could have been cut, bringing the film closer to 2 hours. What the film gets right is the energy and the anger between Tony and Steve--juxtaposed by Steve and Bucky's friendship. There was a moment of banter between Steve and Bucky that was really lovely. I wish there had been more banter, and less everything else.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I'M TRYING TO KEEP YOU FROM</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>TEARING THE AVENGERS APART.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Tony Stark.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">YOU DID THAT WHEN YOU SIGNED.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Steve Rogers.]</span></div>
<br />
I should also note that there is no "passing around" of Black Widow. I think the makers of this film took a few clues from the insane Widow storyline in 'Age of Ultron' and went in the opposite direction. It wasn't difficult to do since the film centers on Captain America. That said, there were a few heavy handed hints that Vision (<b>Paul Bettany</b>) has fallen in love with the Scarlet Witch. That's fine, but don't give the Scarlet Witch a new love interest in each new film. Give us some consistency.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">CAN YOU MOVE YOUR SEAT UP?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Bucky Barnes.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>NO.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Sam Wilson.]</span></div>
<br />
The film ends in the climatic fight scene between Captain America, the Winter Soldier, and Iron Man, which is nothing short of fantastic. This is a probably my favorite scene in the film. It was well choreographed and well acted. I should also say something about Sebastian Stan, who is perfectly broody as the Winter Soldier. Evans is still terrific as Captain America. It's difficult to play the "good guy." It's so much easier to play a sarcastic oaf or a crude villain. Playing a happy go lucky, nice guy with a perfect smile is more difficult than it seems. Evans really doesn't get the credit he deserves for bringing this character to life.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">STAY DOWN...FINAL WARNING. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Tony Stark.]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I CAN DO THIS ALL DAY.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Steve Rogers]</span></div>
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This is not a film that inspires deep thinking, heartfelt talks, or beautiful cinematography, but it's incredibly entertaining and fun to watch. It's a popcorn movie and a darn good one at that. The best thing about this film is that the filmmakers (<b>Anthony</b> and <b>Joe Russo</b>) understand that the audience is not stupid. 'Captain America: Civil War' is just as good, if not better than its predecessors. No easy task, since '<b>The Winter Soldier</b>' was a great sequel. If only all superhero films were as good as the 'Captain America' films then I'd have nothing to complain about.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS. </span></b></div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-28422956478287602162016-05-06T06:30:00.000-04:002016-05-06T06:30:42.707-04:00WEEKLY RUNDOWN NEWS + LINKS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2M-RNeIaKbPgVxiO1EhXV1m8Y_ewttO-XSSrkxCPdJBTxWXfBfpCoWvlLxIMkRA6NagF5lBITY9MzWsHkCb2t-3Mxih64mHD9VolVXYUX9VYkKW4U5nkbGK5KbISkqP-8VOAxjW7zDU/s1600/RIP+Chip+Lary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2M-RNeIaKbPgVxiO1EhXV1m8Y_ewttO-XSSrkxCPdJBTxWXfBfpCoWvlLxIMkRA6NagF5lBITY9MzWsHkCb2t-3Mxih64mHD9VolVXYUX9VYkKW4U5nkbGK5KbISkqP-8VOAxjW7zDU/s1600/RIP+Chip+Lary.jpg" /></a></div>
Before getting into any of the happenings this week, I wanted to take a moment and acknowledge that the movie blogging community has suffered a huge loss. Thank you to <a href="http://moviesandsongs365.blogspot.com/2016/04/in-memory-of-chip-lary-from-tips-from.html" target="_blank">Chris at Movies and Songs 365</a> for his wonderful post about <a href="http://tipsfromchip.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chip</a>. First, I want to say how personally saddened I am by this news. Chip was one of the first bloggers who visited my site when I was just starting out 8 years ago. He was an incredible film blogger with deep insight and and a friendly disposition. I will always be grateful to Chip's kind words when I was a new blogger with very few friends in the community. He was a class act and just a wonderful person. Chip you will be missed. May God rest your soul and <b>Godspeed friend. Godspeed.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HUH?</span></b><br />
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So we live in a world where a show like '<b>The Bachelor</b>' is still on the air, but '<b><a href="https://t.co/u1vslVMjIh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Supergirl</a></b>' is struggling to get renewed. I don't understand this. 'Supergirl's ratings are still good, but evidently not good enough for an automatic renewal because of licensing fees. Now there's talk that 'Supergirl' may be transferred to the CW, which may or may not be a good thing. Good--because the CW knows how to handle superhero shows. Bad--because it's the CW and 'Supergirl's budget will likely be slashed. Oh and I just love getting into debates with people on message boards about 'Supergirl' being too preachy or feminist. Oh come on! It's about a female superhero coming into her powers. This is no different than any other superhero...she just happens to be female.<br />
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After that awful '<b>Walking Dead</b>' cliffhanger (and the merciless trolling of fans during season 6), both <b>Scott Gimple</b> and <b>Robert Kirkman </b>have denied "<b>screwing with the viewers</b>." Supposedly, they just wanted everyone to "talk about it," which is what happened. So mission accomplished, right? Kirkman apologized (kinda) for the backlash, but then promises that Season 7 is going to be so awesome we won't care--like childbirth. You go through the pain, but then forget all about it when the baby is here. Nope. Nope. Just nope. I'll just be fast forwarding to JDM's scenes. I'm totally hate watching 'The Walking Dead' now.<br />
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On the opposite end of the spectrum I am so NOT looking forward to '<b><a href="http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2016/05/imax-poster-for-x-men-apocalypse/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">X-Men Apocalypse</a></b>.' Somehow '<b>X-Men: First Class</b>' went from the 1960s, the 1970s in '<b>X-Men: Days of Future Past</b>,' now they're in the mid-1980s and everyone looks like they're on the set of '<b>Miami Vice</b>,' but they haven't seemed to have aged. Charles Xavier (<b>James McAvoy</b>) must age about 30 years in the span of the 15 years before the original '<b>X-Men</b>' film debuted in the year 2000.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">YES TO LETO...NO TO REMAKES</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiYus5SnxOVKJlXJYv1cRciVuG4apQkMthmQk2qt4mxNGQ3OlmpbsBdRM54YNo1EgVvJWNQhDjA-tKmZJzf5PfW6C9APblGZt3S3gn4KzuzQe30oc5tdy1gJ8aLeUOrlb_V1A1zxId6s/s1600/interview+with+the+vampire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiYus5SnxOVKJlXJYv1cRciVuG4apQkMthmQk2qt4mxNGQ3OlmpbsBdRM54YNo1EgVvJWNQhDjA-tKmZJzf5PfW6C9APblGZt3S3gn4KzuzQe30oc5tdy1gJ8aLeUOrlb_V1A1zxId6s/s1600/interview+with+the+vampire.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://geektyrant.com/news/classic-horror-movie-poster-art-series-by-matt-ryan-tobin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matt Ryan Tobin</a></td></tr>
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I love both the novel and the film '<b>Interview with the Vampire</b>.' I'm by no means a <b>Tom Cruise</b> fan, but Cruise was crazy good as Lestat the Brat Prince. He was so good in that role I almost can't picture anyone else in this role. Part of me wishes the original film would NOT be remade, while at the same time, the Vampire Chronicles as a whole have not been given a proper film treatment. 'Interview with the Vampire's sequel '<b>Queen of the Damned</b>' was probably one of the worst book to film adaptions I have ever seen.<br />
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If remaking 'Interview' comes with more Vampire Chronicle films then I'm excited. I'm even more excited to see that <b>Jared Leto</b> may be cast as Lestat. Leto is a brilliant actor and I'm sure his Lestat will be delicious. Unfortunately, I'm concerned about who is writing the <a href="https://t.co/WBcWj9d0B9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new screenplay</a> for 'Interview.' <b>Anne Rice</b> herself wrote the original screenplay, so needless to say the screenplay was fantastic. I do not share the same confidence in <b>Josh Boone</b>, director of '<b>The Fault in our Stars</b>.'<br />
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Unlike <b>Olivia Munn</b> (Psylocke) who had to put her costume on with lube, <b>Elizabeth Olsen's</b> Scarlett Witch <a href="https://t.co/jtY8y5g1jz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">will never wear her comic book costume</a>-- because it's 2016 and female superheroes don't need to be in skintight leotards with tape holding up their boobs. I actually really liked the Scarlett Witch's outfit in '<b>Avenger: Age of Ultron</b>.' In fact, I think that was the only thing I liked about that movie. The Scarlett Witch's jacket was killer awesome.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Funny</span></b><br />
I'm sorry but this is hilarious. Do people still keep <a href="https://t.co/xwL2RsxBbp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">money in their boobs and socks</a>?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LINKS</b></span><br />
I have been meaning to do a links post for several months now. I am only updating my blog monthly or bimonthly so I haven't done a links post in quite a while. I felt like it was time to acknowledge all of my favorite bloggers! See their links below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.frenchtoastsunday.com/2016/05/review-captain-america-civil-war.html" target="_blank">French Toast Sunday</a> reviews 'Captain America: Civil War'<br />
<a href="http://dellonmovies.blogspot.com/2016/05/thursday-movie-picks-androidscyborgs.html" target="_blank">Dell</a> and <a href="http://ramblingfilm.blogspot.com/2016/05/thursday-movie-picks-androidscyborgs.html" target="_blank">Brittani</a> pick their favorite androids in Thursday's Movie Picks<br />
<a href="https://assholeswatchingmovies.com/2016/05/05/clouds-of-sils-maria/" target="_blank">Jay</a> reviews 'Clouds of Sils Maria'<br />
<a href="http://cinematiccorner.blogspot.com/2016/05/game-of-thrones-6x02-home.html" target="_blank">Sati's</a> wonderful 'Game of Thrones' reviews are back. <br />
<a href="https://flixchatter.net/2016/05/04/five-for-the-fifth-may-2016-edition/" target="_blank">Ruth</a> wishes all of us a Happy Cinco De Mayo with Michael Pena.<br />
<a href="http://www.beingretro.com/2016/05/welcome-in-may-with-open-arms.html" target="_blank">Jeremy</a> has some sad news. RIP Terry Plumeri. Please wish him well and give him condolences.<br />
<a href="http://twodollarcinema.blogspot.com/2016/04/yeah-i-never-would-have-won-that-fight.html" target="_blank">M. Brown</a> reviews a movie I actually watched on Netflix called 'Hush.'<br />
<a href="http://www.andsoitbeginsfilms.com/2016/04/knight-of-cups.html" target="_blank">Alex</a> reviews 'Knight of Cups.'<br />
<a href="http://magpiebridge.blogspot.com/2016/04/sophia-loren-on-bicycle.html" target="_blank">Paul</a> writes a beautiful poem about Sofia Loren.<br />
<a href="http://that-film-girl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> reviews 'Jaws' for her Blindspot.<br />
<a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/2016/05/insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Alex</a> and the <a href="http://flick-chicks.blogspot.com/2016/05/looking-forward-to-seeing-in-cinema-may.html" target="_blank">Flick Chicks</a> discuss May movies.<br />
<a href="https://onthescreenreviews.com/2016/04/20/hardcore-henry-years-craziest-action-flick/" target="_blank">Courtney</a> reviews 'Hardcore Henry.'</div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-41259492077057843272016-04-22T23:40:00.002-04:002019-12-26T21:07:41.553-05:00'GHOST IN THE SHELL' CASTING CONTROVERSY <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There has been a lot of controversy over the casting of Scarlett Johansson as Major Motoko Kusanagi in the 'Ghost in the Shell' (GiTS) live action film, which will hit theaters in March 2017. The casting of Johansson in an iconic Japanese role was bad enough, but the topic has exploded over the last few days because of the recent report by <b>Screencrush</b> that producers of GiTS <a href="http://screencrush.com/ghost-in-the-shell-whitewashing-scarlett-johnasson-vfx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">attempted to "Asianfy" white actors with visual effects</a> instead of just hiring Asian actors. Honestly, I've been concerned about <b>Scarlet Johansson's</b> casting as Major Motoko Kusanagi since it was announced last year, but that takes the cake. It's actually quite stunning to hear this type of thing happening in the year 2016. Are these people even from this century? Have they time traveled from 1956?<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">MARKETABILITY CRAP</span></u><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Max Landis</b></td></tr>
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This has of course created a bunch of defenders of the poor oppressed Hollywood producers. The biggest defender was <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=747cvo8Lkjw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Max Landis</a></b>, director of '<b>America Ultra</b>,' who claims Hollywood is just afraid because of marketability reasons.<br />
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According to Landis, you shouldn't be mad at Hollywood, because Hollywood is just following what the culture wants and Hollywood is afraid. There are no Asian A-list actresses who could market this movie to the masses. Unfortunately Landis doesn't seem to get that <b>casting Johansson in the role of an iconic Japanese character IS THE REASON WHY THERE ARE NO ASIAN A-LIST FEMALE ACTRESSES</b>.<br />
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I guess we should feel sorry for Hollywood because they're just a reflection of our society right? I've commented before that had <b>Gene Roddenberry</b> given in to fear then neither <b>George Takei</b> nor <b>Nichelle Nichols</b> would have been cast in '<b>Star Trek</b>' in 1966 and that was 50 years ago. FIFTY YEARS and we are still dealing with this "fear as an excuse" crap. A more recent example would be when '<b>Sicario</b>' filmmakers were <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/19/sicario-emily-blunt-demands-to-change-female-lead-role-to-a-man" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pressured to make the lead character male--they refused</a>. <b>Emily Blunt</b> owned that movie and the movie went on to be successful despite Hollywood's fears. Even if the "fear" excuse was valid, when did fear make it ok to exclude people? Also, it's just plain false. See below. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>JUST THE FACTS</u></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Chris Hemsworth</b><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> in the doomed film '</span><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">In the Heart of the Sea</b><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">'</span></td></tr>
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As Landis himself alluded to, <b>major stars are no longer the key to successful films</b>. There was once a time when a certain film star could guarantee box office success. That just doesn't happen anymore. Hollywood's free lunch has gone away. As I noted in a previous <a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/diversity-in-hollywood-beyond-black.html" target="_blank">article</a>, there are very few people in Hollywood who can guarantee box office sales. Perhaps it's because of technology and social media. <b>Why go see a movie with a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes when you can just wait for it to come on Netflix or not watch it at all?</b> Given the expense of a full price movie ticket, Americans in particular are choosier on what films they go see in the theater. <u>Domestic theater viewership in America has tanked. This is true</u>.<br />
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This is why Hollywood heavily depends on the international markets to make it's money back. If the film tanks domestically it can still make its money back overseas. My father isn't a famous Hollywood director and I'm not a Hollywood insider like Landis, but I am a researcher by trade and have discovered that apparently Hollywood doesn't even read it's own research. <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/diverse-movies-are-a-huge-business-why-doesnt-hollywood-make-more/2015/12/15/ec002564-9774-11e5-b499-76cbec161973_story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diverse films</a> (and <a href="http://variety.com/2015/film/news/female-driven-movies-box-office-women-1201610849/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">films with female leads</a>) do better at the box office <a href="http://www.bunchecenter.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2016-Hollywood-Diversity-Report-2-25-16.pdf" target="_blank">GLOBALLY</a> </b>and domestically.<b> </b><br />
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So why then if these films <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/22/magazine/the-women-of-hollywood-speak-out.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">do better at the box office</a> both <a href="http://www.mpaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MPAA-Theatrical-Market-Statistics-2014.pdf" target="_blank">domestically</a> and globally--why does Hollywood still cast films based on old models? <b>Because "<i>Hollywood continues to treat those successes as anomalies</i>."</b> So Hollywood's decision to <a href="http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-dollar-and-cents-case-against-hollywoods-exclusion-of-women/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">exclude women</a> and people of color is not logical and it's not based on making money. <b><u>Hollywood is literally leaving money on the table</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>PROBLEM AND SOLUTION FOR 'GHOST IN THE SHELL'</u></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyfEHefPRapjnMzoG1RM3JT-sHZIALCdltoUNP9vZR_dHX9yrlBqwXTFmZ3OvPX-_zigtcDh5Kh58YLM7RyLye7-pudYDERvI8YeaFqwnVQchy2g5RS0nXi-9PPhdl45SJPMtw8Wxi-A/s1600/sarah+michelle+and+naomi+watts+the+grudge+the+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyfEHefPRapjnMzoG1RM3JT-sHZIALCdltoUNP9vZR_dHX9yrlBqwXTFmZ3OvPX-_zigtcDh5Kh58YLM7RyLye7-pudYDERvI8YeaFqwnVQchy2g5RS0nXi-9PPhdl45SJPMtw8Wxi-A/s1600/sarah+michelle+and+naomi+watts+the+grudge+the+ring.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sarah Michelle Gellar</b> in '<b>The Grudge</b>' and <b>Naomi Watts</b> in '<b>The Ring</b>'</td></tr>
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Hollywood appropriates thousands of foreign films/television shows all the time. Making a western version of a film, based on a Japanese film is not a new concept. Both '<b>The Ring</b>' ('<b>Ringu</b>') and '<b>The Grudge</b>' ('<b>Ju-On</b>') are based on Japanese films and the American versions have white female leads. It's assumed that a western version will have a different casting. The GiTS publishers knew that once they sold the rights to Hollywood, <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/20/ghost-in-the-shell-publisher-addresses-scarlett-johansson-casting-backlash" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a Japanese actress would</a> (unfortunately) not be cast in the role. It would be nice if westernized versions included more cultural diversity, but that's a whole different issue. Diversity in Hollywood is a known problem. You can read my article about that <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/diversity-in-hollywood-beyond-black.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<u><b>The problem is that the makers of this film...are crazy people</b></u>. Not only does the film have diversity issues, but they <b>failed to change the character names</b>. So Scarlett Johannson is still named Motoko Kusanagi; <b>Michael Pitt</b> is the Laughing Man aka Kuze; <b>Pilou Asbæk</b> is Batou, etc. To top it off they attempted to visually alter the predominately white cast to look Asian. If the producers of this film want to "westernize" this property, then they should start by changing ALL of the characters names. Also, they should <u>make sure that ScarJo looks like ScarJo</u>. Instead of putting a dark-haired wig on ScarJo to make her appear "more" Asian. Let ScarJo appear with her natural blonde hair with purple streaks so that there is no mistake that she is NOT an exact representation of Motoko Kusanagi.<br />
<br />
The best and most simple thing to do would be to hire a Japanese actress. <b>Rinko Kikuchi</b> of '<b>Pacific Rim</b>' would have been an ideal choice. But if Hollywood insists on making a western version with a white actress, then own it. Don't try to "Asianfy" the cast because you don't want to be called out for whitewashing. <b><u>Simply put-- if you cast a white actress in an ICONICALLY Japanese role--you're going to be called out for it. There's no way around it. Don't make it worse</u></b>.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">APPROPRIATE CULTURAL CHANGES</span></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xQ5Pc2gsJSBCMR0Z97F42zZiAsTTo54GpwEoYwVVmoLJ3g2VTyRVL-npxq13m8DuPeW-oX0XoJrKEdz3Bef1eIJbp3QvUmKwSJDTMNdetIUSP0zdrNKYnKlwMtMr7o5c62WwX8VVWXQ/s1600/nick+fury+comic+v+movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xQ5Pc2gsJSBCMR0Z97F42zZiAsTTo54GpwEoYwVVmoLJ3g2VTyRVL-npxq13m8DuPeW-oX0XoJrKEdz3Bef1eIJbp3QvUmKwSJDTMNdetIUSP0zdrNKYnKlwMtMr7o5c62WwX8VVWXQ/s1600/nick+fury+comic+v+movies.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://geekleagueofamerica.com/2014/01/16/the-coulson-effect-how-film-characters-and-situations-are-infiltrating-comics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Via Geek League of America</a></td></tr>
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So what's the problem with 'GiTS' you ask?<b> The problem is that the character of Motoko Kusanagi is <u>iconic</u></b>. 'GiTS' is probably the biggest anime to ever come out of Japan since '<b>Akira</b>.' My typical rule of thumb is that an iconic character like Superman, Batman, Captain America, Peter Parker's Spiderman, or in this case Motoko, cannot and should not be culturally changed. The character has too much back story in support of their culture and it's part of their identity. I personally would never want to see a non-Caucasian Clark Kent/Superman. The character has 80 years of history and canon and is simply too iconic for a cultural change.<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>EDIT</b></u>: That does not mean that Clark Kent shouldn't/couldn't be replaced as Superman with a character who was non-Caucasian. As I noted below, both Peter Parker and Miles Morales are Spider-Man. What I'm saying is that Clark Kent may be too iconic to be changed. However, that should not prevent another character from taking on the Superman mantel. Comic book characters change all the time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnPUOSTCS6-SVZuuI6wcFxqvIOCiipyokGPGNsTHyngPdTDxYH40jL_4DANbqS0bQQPSjwk8yyM7S_V5mdFsxqX52PPvUXcvyUenUieQ0iKsUWguLvbNAWSSw_54bEdyOkbXMVGP76cE/s1600/superman+chris+reeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnPUOSTCS6-SVZuuI6wcFxqvIOCiipyokGPGNsTHyngPdTDxYH40jL_4DANbqS0bQQPSjwk8yyM7S_V5mdFsxqX52PPvUXcvyUenUieQ0iKsUWguLvbNAWSSw_54bEdyOkbXMVGP76cE/s1600/superman+chris+reeve.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capedwonder.com/tribute-letters/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Via Caped Wonder</a></td></tr>
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Some fans have complained that cultural changes of comic book characters seem to happen one-way: from white to non-white and that those changes are considered acceptable, whereas the other way around is not. I understand this criticism. However, most of the characters that have been culturally changed are minor characters like Heimdall (<b>Idris Elba</b>), Perry White (<b>Laurence Fishburne</b>), or Nick Fury (<b>Samuel L. Jackson</b>). To my knowledge the characters I mentioned above are not iconic or nearly as well known outside of the films. It's unrealistic for characters like Superman or Captain America to live in an all-white world. That's just not reality...at least not in America with a 37.4% minority population (who will be 57% of the American population in 2050). So it makes sense that minor characters are culturally changed to reflect a modern society.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhtJfvh9Cg5i3KU8NaoHp44mg5TPKEJO6HGsyDhjREB3FlYwmeZZi0uWmEKySSUNy9e3Yj6kOB11sY6pgSHcOzDsLtFLTKFUCZMV_k23MqQV5IBX6ppEc0s0BEiwODVHwty2SjPjYBi0/s1600/miles+morales+spiderman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhtJfvh9Cg5i3KU8NaoHp44mg5TPKEJO6HGsyDhjREB3FlYwmeZZi0uWmEKySSUNy9e3Yj6kOB11sY6pgSHcOzDsLtFLTKFUCZMV_k23MqQV5IBX6ppEc0s0BEiwODVHwty2SjPjYBi0/s1600/miles+morales+spiderman.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles Morales is the new Spider-Man.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That said, I can understand why people took issue with an iconic character like Johnny Storm/Human Torch (<b>Michael B. Jordan</b>). Johnny Storm is an iconic Marvel character. It's difficult to culturally change a character with this much back story. Perhaps the best way to adopt cultural changes in comic books is organically. Comic book characters change throughout the years, depending on the comic book age they're in. For example, <b>Peter Parker's Spider-Man</b> has been replaced with <b>Miles Morales</b>. Miles is the new Spiderman, but he's completely separate from Peter Parker and has his own unique backstory. I would love to see a Miles Morales Spiderman. Unfortunately, since Hollywood plays with the same old playbook <a href="http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Did-Spider-Man-Movie-Just-Release-Its-Really-Obvious-Title-112967.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we will yet again see another version of Peter Parker.</a> It's only the 3rd time it's been rebooted in the last 14 years, but who's counting?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>WHY SCARLETT WHY?</u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocUs-TSkeOozdBFG5-800ZAvj7MFc9fkyxJC05xKnh4xVf_tlu5-D9BtAuFpL9HrOLnlo_bih-TQNCLF1AAqIF1SeQiuJisNbi-67bTpXQXZm2nVZlM7YtkY4yyaNQ2Mn_w4lK9uZq-Y/s1600/scarlett+johansson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocUs-TSkeOozdBFG5-800ZAvj7MFc9fkyxJC05xKnh4xVf_tlu5-D9BtAuFpL9HrOLnlo_bih-TQNCLF1AAqIF1SeQiuJisNbi-67bTpXQXZm2nVZlM7YtkY4yyaNQ2Mn_w4lK9uZq-Y/s1600/scarlett+johansson.jpg" /></a></div>
First let me say that I'm not excusing ScarJo's decision to take this role. Either she or her agent should have known that Motoko Kusanagi was not a role she should play. The role is too iconically Japanese and should have been played by a Japanese actress. PERIOD. That said, ScarJo is also living and working in a messed up system. ScarJo is 31 years old (she'll be 32 years old later this year). That's still pretty young by most standards--but not by Hollywood. No, in Hollywood women may as well hit the retirement home by the time they hit 32. <b><a href="http://www.etonline.com/news/171253_anne_hathaway_says_she_losing_roles_to_younger_actresses/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anne Hathaway</a></b> said she stopped getting roles at 32. At age 37 <b><a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/maggie-gyllenhaal-37-told-shes-too-old-to-play-55-year-olds-lover--2015215" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maggie Gyllenhaal </a></b>was told that she was "too old" to be the love interest of a 55 year old man. Yes, that's right.<br />
<br />
Don't forget women only <a href="http://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-sexism-continues-women-had-just-one-third-of-speaking-roles-in-2015-movies-study-shows/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">have 1/3rd of the speaking roles</a> in films and most films can't pass the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bechdel Test</a>. What few speaking roles women have mostly take place between the ages of <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/04/new-research-proves-what-you-already-knew-hollywood-is-sexist-and-ageist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">22 to 31</a>. Men have most of their speaking roles between the ages of 42 to 65. Again, Johansson is 31.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rZHfn9CiAGFtSnWpNMpx4_jQ2ZamGMrbCNZdT83hZ7dJtgwctDoxFupP0Nv5PJgj_A5X3PRn5tFMw2Se__6eUTkz4tq6drEHhisg_XIykzOaWTVtn1ffwvXaTnJwKCiB9dRGte_tnLk/s1600/margot+robbie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rZHfn9CiAGFtSnWpNMpx4_jQ2ZamGMrbCNZdT83hZ7dJtgwctDoxFupP0Nv5PJgj_A5X3PRn5tFMw2Se__6eUTkz4tq6drEHhisg_XIykzOaWTVtn1ffwvXaTnJwKCiB9dRGte_tnLk/s1600/margot+robbie.jpg" /></a></div>
This doesn't excuse her choice to accept a role like this, but it helps to understand where she may be coming from. Her direct competition for the GiTS role was not a Japanese actress, but <b>Margot Robbie</b>. Clearly the filmmakers were never going to cast a Japanese actress in this role. Robbie is 25 years old and the current "IT" girl in the movie community, but she's not yet a household name, which is why Johansson was likely cast. Johansson also had some success in the action genre as Black Widow and in '<b>Lucy</b>.' Had this casting taken place after Robbie's role in '<b>Suicide Squad</b>,' then this part in GiTS would have likely gone to Robbie because she's younger.<br />
<br />
So to a certain extent I understand why Johansson took this role. Her decision to take this role was not a good decision, but in my opinion the majority of the problem lies with the producers, writers, and director of this film. It doesn't help that <b>Rupert Sanders</b> is directing. The same Sanders who directed '<b>Snow White and the Huntsman</b>' and not much else.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>"MOTOKO KUSANAGI IS NOT JAPANESE?" </u></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTyCIp8E5yEETzG6yweo8eyy8U3yYpqUpwxRkNRZrB8V11-_VpIezYMMhCxfLWtzSwP3XmOfV3QsgQ_BmNq71PPpKAwjmMln6_voCiWWm-Og1eqvL1GD7rz1C1bj8_uYgTpp5x6tkwiM/s1600/japanese+actresses+motoko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTyCIp8E5yEETzG6yweo8eyy8U3yYpqUpwxRkNRZrB8V11-_VpIezYMMhCxfLWtzSwP3XmOfV3QsgQ_BmNq71PPpKAwjmMln6_voCiWWm-Og1eqvL1GD7rz1C1bj8_uYgTpp5x6tkwiM/s1600/japanese+actresses+motoko.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actresses <b>Kumiko Goto</b>, Characterization of Motoko, <b>Nozomi Sasaki</b>, and <b>Meisa Kuroki</b></td></tr>
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I have been having amazingly civil debates on Youtube about this casting, but one of the big bones of contention I've had with people is that Motoko either looks white or is secretly white in the manga and the anime. Motoko has had dark hair with purple streaks and blue eyes. Motoko has also had purple eyes and red eyes. Motoko is a freaking cyborg. But if the name MOTOKO KUSANAGI doesn't scream Japanese, then I don't know what will.<br />
<br />
I will simply direct you to an <a href="https://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2010/08/30/guest-post-why-do-the-japanese-draw-themselves-as-white/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">article</a> explaining that according to the Japanese their anime characters look Japanese. Anime is all about the exaggeration of features. <b>As you can see above, there are plenty of Japanese actresses who have Motoko-like features.</b><br />
<br />
Lastly, if Motoko was actually white and not Japanese, then why would the producers of GiTS go to all the trouble of visually altering the character to look Asian?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>EXAMPLES</u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMMrwxM0z9utGtCOAGodfjVe_m74kHHSDNPoOriNt7Rvih5ogdC8wYlCMKyGmCCdiHm75hNCZd5fjN4rFmuhSFtZxPgZ7DcJb0iWQC6a0ilYRUEp3dsbLie4ea_E2ULB7MXiP9OQoH9g/s1600/hollywood+films+whitewashing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMMrwxM0z9utGtCOAGodfjVe_m74kHHSDNPoOriNt7Rvih5ogdC8wYlCMKyGmCCdiHm75hNCZd5fjN4rFmuhSFtZxPgZ7DcJb0iWQC6a0ilYRUEp3dsbLie4ea_E2ULB7MXiP9OQoH9g/s1600/hollywood+films+whitewashing.jpg" /></a></div>
Finally, I want to make the important point that non-white characters are changed to white ALL THE TIME, but you may not even be aware of it. Here are albeit brief examples of how Hollywood whitewashes films and you don't even notice it:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>'<b>Warm Bodies</b>,' Nora's character was half Ethiopian. In the book, she had brown skin. </li>
<li>Katniss Everdeen in '<b>The Hunger Games</b>' is described as having dark olive skin with dark black hair and grey eyes. <b>Suzanne Collins</b> said that "<i>it is a time period where hundreds of years have passed from now. There’s been a lot of ethnic mixing</i>." </li>
<li>Irene (<b>Carey Mulligan</b>) in '<b>Drive</b>' was supposed to be a Latina woman in her early 20s.</li>
<li><b>Jake Gyllenhaal</b> in '<b>Prince of Persia</b>.' Nuff said.</li>
<li>The lead character in '<b>30 Days of Night</b>' (<b>Josh Hartnett</b>) was changed from Eskimo to white. </li>
<li>John Nash's wife Alicia (<b>Jennifer Connelly</b>) in '<b>A Beautiful Mind</b>,' was originally from El Salvador. </li>
<li>In '<b>Star Trek Into the Darkness</b>' Khan Noonien Singh (<b>Benedict Cumberbatch</b>) is supposed to be Indian. At least in previous films, Khan was played by Mexican-born <b>Ricardo Montalban</b>.</li>
<li>In '<b>The Lone Ranger</b>,' <b>Johnny Depp</b> played Tonto. It's rumored that Depp may or may not have some Native American blood somewhere in his family, but he's not sure. Hmmm, then perhaps get a Native American to play a Native American.</li>
<li><b>Rooney Mara </b>played Tiger Lily in '<b>Pan</b>.' </li>
<li><b>Kevin Spacey</b> plays a character who was written to be African American in '<b>Play it Forward</b>.' </li>
<li><b>Anthony Hopkins</b> plays a light-skinned African American man in '<b>The Human Stain</b>.' </li>
<li>In '<b>House of the Spirits</b>' <b>Meryl Streep</b>, <b>Jeremy Irons</b>, <b>Glenn Close</b>, and <b>Winona Ryder</b> are all Latin Americans. <u>For some reason a Hispanic person translates to white actor with dark hair in Hollywood</u>.</li>
<li>In '<b>A Mighty Heart</b>,' <b>Angelina Jolie</b> portrays a bi-racial woman.</li>
<li>In '<b>Argo</b>,' <b>Ben Affleck</b> played a man of Mexican heritage, Tony Mendez.</li>
<li>In '<b>Starship Troopers</b>' <b>Casper Van Dien</b> portrays Johnny Rico who was of Filipino descent. </li>
<li>In '<b>The World Trade Center</b>,' <b>William Mapother</b> plays Marine Sergeant Jason Thomas, who of African American descent.</li>
<li>In '<b>Spotlight</b>' <b>Mark Ruffalo</b> portrays <b>Mike Rezendes</b>, who is visibly Hispanic.</li>
<li>The film '<b>21</b>' (based on <i>Bringing Down the House</i>) changed the entire cast from Asian to white. </li>
<li>Then there are the less obvious exclusions like the exclusion of <a href="http://www.thestranger.com/film/feature/2015/11/04/23117815/why-our-reviewer-refuses-to-write-a-review-of-suffragette" target="_blank">Sophia Duleep Singh</a> "who led the Women’s Tax Resistance League and was a major player in the Women’s Social and Political Union, yet was never featured in the film '<b>Suffragette</b>.'"</li>
<li>Don't get me started with '<b>The Last Airbender</b>,' '<b>Dragonball Z</b>,' '<b>Gods of Egypt</b>,' '<b>Exodus</b>,' or '<b>Aloha</b>.'</li>
</ul>
I am not saying that casting directors shouldn't have the flexibility to cast who they believe will best fit the role. <b>There are of course scenarios in which an actor is so incredible their ethnicity shouldn't matter, but the rate at which the very few roles for non-white characters are changed to white is higher than people realize</b>. Changing white characters to non-white is not as prevalent despite the public perception of it.<br />
<br />
So anyhoo, as much as I love Scarlett Johansson I will not be supporting or seeing 'Ghost in the Shell' in theaters. I am Hollywood's direct demographic. <b>The sad thing is that if this film fails, Hollywood will not blame itself for its ineptitude. </b>No, on this point I agree with Landis. Hollywood will claim, "well I guess anime films just don't sell" or "we should have changed the lead to male."<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hollywood is like a cat with a urinary tract infection. The cat doesn't realize that the problem is coming from within so it always blame the litter box. Or perhaps Hollywood is just the litter box. </span></blockquote>
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-12502451000286395352016-03-17T06:30:00.000-04:002016-03-17T06:30:14.560-04:0010 CLOVERFIELD LANE REVIEW - "I AM KEEPING YOU ALIVE" [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This movie is one of the few movies I knew very little about before seeing. I typically visit Rotten Tomatoes before I throw down $30 for a movie, popcorn, and a drink, but I didn't have time this past weekend. Thankfully '<b>10 Cloverfield Lane</b>' didn't disappoint. As a sequel/prequel to the original 2008 '<b>Cloverfield</b>' film, one would expect '10 Cloverfield Lane' to "go big," but instead "it goes home." LITERALLY.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Michelle (<b>Mary Elizabeth Winstead</b>) is leaving her boyfriend. She leaves him a note and her keys after a fight. Her boyfriend tries to call her to work things out to no avail. Michelle is not the type to stick around when things get tough. Her boyfriend (who we never see) is played by <b>Bradley Cooper</b>. Not sure why you needed a named actor in that role, but his voice was certainly recognizable.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">CRAZY IS BUILDING YOUR ARK</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">AFTER THE FLOOD </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>HAS ALREADY COME</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Howard</span> </div>
<br />
Michelle is in her car when she's mysteriously knocked off the road. She wakes up to find herself chained to a basement wall in a bunker. Now, I've never been in a major accident (thank goodness), but I would hope that when/if I wake up I wouldn't be chained to a wall. I don't think chaining an accident victim to a wall is par for the course in "Rescue 101." Anyone in this situation would automatically assume, which Michelle did--that she was kidnapped by a pervert. The potential pervert in this scenario is Howard, played brilliantly by <b>John Goodman</b>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR ARM?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WERE YOU TRYING TO ESCAPE?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Michelle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">I WAS TRYING TO GET IN.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Emmett</span></div>
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As an audience member you never quite understand Howard's intentions. Is he a doomsday prepper gone too far? Is he a pervert? Is he just an eccentric weirdo with good intentions? Like Michelle, the audience doesn't know. We know that the film has 'Cloverfield' in the title...so we assume there are aliens around right? Well, not so fast. The vast majority of the film is set in the bunker. Michelle is accompanied by Emmett (<b>John Gallagher</b>). Emmett helped Howard build the doomsday bunker and fought his way in as Howard was closing the doors. Unlike Michelle, Howard reluctantly gave Emmett refuge.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">SOMETHING</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>IS COMING</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Howard</span></div>
<br />
The film's premise is so well worn, it's almost an urban legend. An old man with apocalyptic tendencies holds a young woman in a bunker claiming that the end of the world has come. I've seen at least three or four television episodes based on this storyline. Sometimes it turns out that the world is just fine, but most of the time it turns out that the old man is right. I'm not sure what the urban legend is trying to convey to young girls, but whatever it is it's creepy.<br />
<br />
Thankfully '10 Cloverfield Lane' turns the urban legend on its head. Instead of focusing on the female character's naivete as most of these storylines do, the writers focus on her ingenuity and her intelligence. Michelle isn't a babe in the woods. She's smart, capable, and a woman of action.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">HOW DO YOU KNOW</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>THIS IS REAL?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Michelle [to Emmett]</span></div>
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What I liked most about the film is that it unfolds as a psychological horror film, rather than a creature feature. The writers drench the characters in claustrophobia and paranoia. When we finally discover that there may be some truth to Howard's claims--that there has been some sort of attack--we also find out that Howard is still in fact a pervert. So yes, there was an attack, but that doesn't change the fact that our heroine is holed up in a bunker with a murderous rapist. Yeah...that's truly terrifying.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">I FOCUS ON BEING PREPARED.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Howard </span></div>
<br />
When Michelle and Emmett finally learn that the danger is inside as well as outside, they start planning to escape. You know it's really bad when a world crawling with aliens is better than living with a psychopath in a bunker. It pains me to see Goodman in this role, because he's such a lovely man in real life, but Goodman is crazy good as the villainous Howard.<br />
<br />
Winstead and Gallagher are excellent as well. In a cast this small, there can be no dead weight. Each of these actors carries their water and then some. Ever since I saw her in the 2011 '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2011/10/thing-prequel-is-utter-disappointment.html" target="_blank">The Thing</a></b>' prequel, I haven't been a fan of Winstead, but '10 Cloverfield Lane' proves that Winstead knows what she's doing. It's not easy acting opposite someone as good as John Goodman, but she holds her own.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">PERHAPS A PILGRIMAGE TO WACO?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Emmett [discussing Howard's bucket list]</span></div>
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I can honestly say I have never quite seen a sequel like this one. I hope to see more good things from new director <b>Dan Trachtenberg</b>. In the hands of another director, the film could have been cheesy or over the top. Trachtenberg's direction is subdued. He let the script and the actors take us where we need to go. The tension of the film carries us to a thrilling conclusion. '10 Cloverfield Lane' was definitely worth the $$ and the popcorn. Go see it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS</span></b>.</div>
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-81484651908020802402016-02-29T06:30:00.000-05:002016-02-29T12:37:30.943-05:0015 MORE RIDICULOUS THINGS ON 'THE WALKING DEAD' [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I like to preface my "most ridiculous list" by emphasizing my love for '<b>The Walking Dead</b>.' I have been reading the comics for almost a decade and I've watched the show since its debut in 2010. I'm a hardcore fan. Despite occasional problems on the show, I'm on the train until it hits the wall. Meaning, I will be watching until it ends. <b>So in the spirit of fun, here is a continuation of the </b>Most Ridiculous Things on 'The Walking Dead!' with <b>15 More Ridiculous Things on 'The Walking Dead!'</b> You can see my original 2014 list <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/02/the-17-most-ridiculous-things-on.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. <u>Admittedly, some of the items below may be the writers illustrating that human behavior is often NOT logical</u>.<br />
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<b>15.) Your people are in bad condition. You find a fully stocked truck with enough supplies to feed your people. It's literally a miracle. You come across a friendly marauder by the name of Jesus. After stealing the truck from each other a few times, you come out on top and so does Jesus. Jesus hitches a ride on top of the truck. You break suddenly which causes him to fall off. Do you...</b><br />
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A.) Back up and drive away from him. He's not fast enough to catch up with a moving truck after just falling off of it. The food in this truck is much too important to lose again. Let's not forget that Michonne needs her toothpaste!<br />
<br />
B.) Shoot the guy from the window. He may be a good guy, but you ain't got time for this.<br />
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C.) Pretend that you're in an episode of Benny Hill, chase the guy around in the truck, then one of you jumps out to chase him. Oh but that's not fun enough so both of you jump out of the truck, but fail to put on the parking brake. You park your truck close to a pond and then the inevitable happens. Oh well. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you chose C. then you have chosen wisely.</span><br />
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<b>14.) Before finding Alexandria, your group was in bad shape. You were basically living like nomads on the run, taking dumps in the woods, and fighting for your lives. It's like the extended camping trip from hell. Washington, DC has been a bust. You decide that something needs to change. You...</b><br />
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A.) Remember what the marauders from the bar said (the two guys Rick killed in the episode "Nebraska."). Go west young man. You decide to go to a state with a low population. Hopefully that will cut down on both the walker and the human problem. Unfortunately, this is a difficult journey. You have to prepare extensively, as you don't want it to turn into the Donner party.<br />
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B.) You start looking at maps of Virginia. Aren't there islands off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina? An island is isolated enough from people and may provide protection from the dead. The issue would be supplies. You would have to start growing food quickly.<br />
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C.) You keep walking around in circles on the outskirts of Washington, DC until Aaron finds you. Hey, it worked out didn't it?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">C. is the correct answer. </span><br />
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<b>13.) There aren't that many people left, but the dead are somehow still plentiful. When you leave the relative safety of your compound what do you wear?</b><br />
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A.) You looked high and low, but you finally found some body gear. You keep it in the armory for supply runs. The gear protects your arms, legs, stomach, and head. If you run into the dead, it will prevent bites and may give you the chance to get away. (<i>The only time I saw someone on the show wear body gear was in the first few episodes of the 3rd season. This concept has been forgotten</i>).<br />
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B.) You go to a museum and get some medieval armor. You even get some armor for your horse. If you're going medieval you may as well go all the way.<br />
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C.) You wear a tee-shirt and jeans. Your two legs are the most important protection you have. Meaning-- you run.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you answered C. then are you are correct.</span><br />
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<b>12.) You discover two methods of moving around without getting attacked by the dead. One involves covering yourself with the guts of corpses so you "smell" like a walker. The other involves tying 2 (or more) walkers with amputated arms and lower jaws together and lead them around on a leash. Do you.... </b>(<i style="text-align: center;">I cannot take credit for #11. This suggestion was from <a href="https://plus.google.com/114863061927747078207" target="_blank">Eric C.</a> who commented on my last list</i><span style="text-align: center;">.)</span><br />
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A.) Keep doing one or both of these potentially life-saving things as often as possible, even to the point of rolling in zombie guts to get covered from head-to-toe, since that would be preferable to dying an excruciatingly painful death.<br />
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B.) Only do these things occasionally (as a plot device), since life in the zombie apocalypse is far more interesting when you have to constantly worry about running from walkers who can sense you're not one of them immediately.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">B. is the correct answer</span>.<br />
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<b>11.) A massive zombie hoard is in one central location--a quarry to be exact. The quarry is blocked off by several semi-truck trailers. One of the trailers is located perilously on a mountain ridge in danger of falling. The other two trailers are effectively blocking the zombies (</b><i>except for the most brazen zombie who rips his torso off</i><b>). In response to this impending doom do you...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FAeh7pCD2bUJ_JenqHDUxXR2SotgSSm_g2aYVi3-8vSgh-tPLOnNn53glfbn66BEnvM3h9eOj_d7UxVIZnJiVNF6rB83S7fi0ObpZXKNaqpe_OkcdqIdTDoO_bRSpiE9GxCchZZ5b6A/s1600/rick+season+6+quarry+walking+dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FAeh7pCD2bUJ_JenqHDUxXR2SotgSSm_g2aYVi3-8vSgh-tPLOnNn53glfbn66BEnvM3h9eOj_d7UxVIZnJiVNF6rB83S7fi0ObpZXKNaqpe_OkcdqIdTDoO_bRSpiE9GxCchZZ5b6A/s1600/rick+season+6+quarry+walking+dead.jpg" /></a></div>
A.) Gather anything flammable and firebomb the zombie horde as soon as possible. It may take a few days to pound them into dust, but it's possible. Destroy the zombies where they are, thereby inflicting the least number of casualties on your own people.</div>
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B.) Put up another barrier directly past the dangling tractor trailer. Perhaps you can put up one of the steel walls at that point to block off the mountain entrance. You can decide what to do with the pit of hell later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx5mknfCoddMSUv7Q5a3bx9Igr03qOPb8KVWjFYZJva5iYgMAiEYRaRZM_DUqEaIjykw66KfLm9jfDmgH0NmBUwQmWz6h_7Nm8U2emxc4y7LaRKm-pxLgLcIO8M0F2EMM4jcdFOQls7U/s1600/darryl+dixon+walking+dead+season+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx5mknfCoddMSUv7Q5a3bx9Igr03qOPb8KVWjFYZJva5iYgMAiEYRaRZM_DUqEaIjykw66KfLm9jfDmgH0NmBUwQmWz6h_7Nm8U2emxc4y7LaRKm-pxLgLcIO8M0F2EMM4jcdFOQls7U/s1600/darryl+dixon+walking+dead+season+6.jpg" /></a></div>
C.) Spend several weeks planning and organizing a feeble attempt to lure the zombie horde through the streets away from your colony. You build walls around corners because zombies always walk in a straight line. Nothing could go wrong. Zombies can be trained to follow cars. There will be casualties, but most of the people who will die with be the Alexandrians, so who cares? Also, so what if the horde eats other potential survivors down the road. <b> </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you chose C. then you have chosen correctly.</span></div>
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<b>10.) You meet two stone cold killers who tell you that they want to kill you in order to free you. You manage to free yourself and defeat the psychos. Do you...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHHV2rDALy1WijJiVzCI7n4JY097e3EroUAHTCrodYVyShyZc5R_RzoCL1tccI_BFFNOUx1weCDazAdNOSA7xAfbcT5-a6RW4NHANK1nztdytHwCAhHG3Cq_pF3cKcvhQPKY-EqviQd4/s1600/morgan+wolves+season+5+walking+dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHHV2rDALy1WijJiVzCI7n4JY097e3EroUAHTCrodYVyShyZc5R_RzoCL1tccI_BFFNOUx1weCDazAdNOSA7xAfbcT5-a6RW4NHANK1nztdytHwCAhHG3Cq_pF3cKcvhQPKY-EqviQd4/s1600/morgan+wolves+season+5+walking+dead.jpg" /></a></div>
A.) Leave them unconscious for the zombies, ergo kill them. They are dangerous men. More dangerous than any zombie. This is a hard world and people like this are far too dangerous to live.<br />
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B.) Carry them to an empty car so they aren't killed, but hobble them in some way before leaving. This way if they sneak up on anyone else the next person will have a fighting chance. This may lead the psychos to being killed themselves, but "they have it coming."<br />
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C.) You believe these feral creatures can be rehabilitated if shown mercy. Carry them to an empty car so they aren't killed and then gently tuck them in whilst singing them a sweet lullaby. Sure why not? The world needs more crazed psychopaths roaming around.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">C is the correct answer.</span><br />
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<b>9.) You have a sweet little train terminal to call your own, plenty of crops, farm land, and people. You've been raided by bad guys before, but now that you're more aware that the world has changed you decide to take precautions. Not every human who knocks on your door is a good guy. Do you...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOAqGzoI-ODgCIKQQFU3J_7Yvb62a5TrzI3hyphenhyphenaDx7Tv0uXVqKxGAiZlXKbdZRrRE8TDdwFelposF7HYqKBQuxhLdlcT4djl_Vp4QQXlQ84sjm_4gjCShTVH1cwZt4kYlAERdWNFZ1i48/s1600/walking+dead+season+5+terminus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOAqGzoI-ODgCIKQQFU3J_7Yvb62a5TrzI3hyphenhyphenaDx7Tv0uXVqKxGAiZlXKbdZRrRE8TDdwFelposF7HYqKBQuxhLdlcT4djl_Vp4QQXlQ84sjm_4gjCShTVH1cwZt4kYlAERdWNFZ1i48/s1600/walking+dead+season+5+terminus.jpg" /></a></div>
A.) Become more cautious with who is allowed into Terminus. Terminus is so easy to find (because of the train tracks), so you create a group of watchers. You don't want to mistakenly invite the wrong people in so you decide to set up a spot outside of the terminal so strangers can be monitored for at a few months before they are fully integrated into the society. <b>There are plenty of deer in the woods. This is rural Georgia. You do not have to resort to cannibalism</b>.<br />
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B.) You decide that Terminus is just too easy to find. The wrong people keep showing up so you decide to move your colony elsewhere. You keep a small group of people to monitor the people who show up. You invite people who seem to be normal to live with you at your new colony. <b>There are plenty of deer in the woods. This is rural Georgia. You do not have to resort to cannibalism</b>.<br />
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C.) You decide to become a cannibal, killing anyone who darkens your doorstep. Deer, what's a deer?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you answered C. then you're ready to join Terminus.</span><br />
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<i>Again to be fair this storyline was taken directly from the comics. In the comics, our group was stalked by a group of cannibal hunters who ate their children. Yes, they went there.</i><br />
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<b>8.) Speaking of the insane cannibals-- you have an awesome setup to hunt and kill your fellow humans and turn them into stew. You have somehow managed to survive the zombie apocalypse relatively unscathed. You also have a propane tank for fuel. Do you...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiD1OxODFcQgVVo-eA7wGN3RaWRHHFEWL3TbIbNdwu9xIypjC_JGtbxwdHo0hHLjrYYS_JvmtlDhG59FzBs8HacwtLzEd_1Y1yHu0VqXIpIRXg6rSDOTOgYUvvzKA-_IaCVxX2rvsoBos/s1600/carol+walking+dead+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiD1OxODFcQgVVo-eA7wGN3RaWRHHFEWL3TbIbNdwu9xIypjC_JGtbxwdHo0hHLjrYYS_JvmtlDhG59FzBs8HacwtLzEd_1Y1yHu0VqXIpIRXg6rSDOTOgYUvvzKA-_IaCVxX2rvsoBos/s1600/carol+walking+dead+.jpg" /></a></div>
A.) Keep this propane tank away from the fence. It's too easy for someone to hop the fence access the tank. Or worse, possibly shoot the tank, then launch fireworks at it, which would really...suck.<br />
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B.) Unfortunately you can't move the tank. It's too heavy to move and it needs to stay put. However, you plant trees on the outside of the fence so it's not visible to anyone outside of your community.<br />
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C.) You leave the tank vulnerable and unguarded so that a butting kicking middle aged woman can shoot it and then launch fireworks at, which will inevitably take down your fence and let the walkers in.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you chose C, then you have officially become a Termite. </span><br />
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<b>7.) You're traumatized. You're the leader of Alexandria, but this new group of people has given you an education. You are now more aware that the world is a very dangerous place and you must be strong to survive. You've been told how to kill walkers: "the head or you're dead." You come across a walker intent on eating you, do you...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFAK3R5pW_jbo826OlC1CvNBtZbwdcAupgIMC2pCSd4iksZ_qn5X97mV7SCZUDFvYyTCLdUcTVZj5HjoCnPxYe0j0KLahtOFRmz1oIKp8BtSJPc8mt-hQf3fHtkkqouhi-sN85stgtsY/s1600/walking+dead+deanna+season+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFAK3R5pW_jbo826OlC1CvNBtZbwdcAupgIMC2pCSd4iksZ_qn5X97mV7SCZUDFvYyTCLdUcTVZj5HjoCnPxYe0j0KLahtOFRmz1oIKp8BtSJPc8mt-hQf3fHtkkqouhi-sN85stgtsY/s1600/walking+dead+deanna+season+6.jpg" /></a></div>
A.) Flee from a walker. You're not exactly the spryest person in the compound. Yell and ask someone to help you take this thing out.<br />
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B.) Do your best to stab the walker in the head. You may not make it, but it's worth a shot.<br />
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C.) Repeatedly stab the walker in the chest, while the walker tries to bite you? You know a chest shot isn't effective, but you're pissed. Walker blood splattering on your face looks cool.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">C. is of course correct.</span><br />
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<b>6.) Speaking of walker blood. If the infection is transmitted by a bite and a scratch how else can infection be transferred?</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYDGWgcpg1IIRYjqGJKpvVoTnelwMvQl-nOCAMFuURSRUKIq64qX82Zh_yFy0UBLME55FdXW3VK7X59EIk-PyhbYvkVGKBFiPOeJR7lHSd-jdAcU0ORQTg6QeFutHYoxM7DIU3-D3Ff0/s1600/rick+walking+dead+season+5+conquer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYDGWgcpg1IIRYjqGJKpvVoTnelwMvQl-nOCAMFuURSRUKIq64qX82Zh_yFy0UBLME55FdXW3VK7X59EIk-PyhbYvkVGKBFiPOeJR7lHSd-jdAcU0ORQTg6QeFutHYoxM7DIU3-D3Ff0/s1600/rick+walking+dead+season+5+conquer.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please notice Rick's face after bathing in walker blood. This is before he shot Jessie's husband in Episode 'Conquer'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A.) If so much as a drop of walker blood gets into an open wound, your mouth, nose, eyes, etc. you can become infected. You can also become infected by bites or scratches.<br />
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B.) You only become infected by bites or scratches. You can dump a bucket of walker blood onto your face. You'll be totally fine.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">B. is the correct answer.</span><br />
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<b>5.) You have suffered tremendous loss. Your family is killed by a psychopath. You vow to seek revenge and kill the said psychopath in a horrible fashion. Racked with guilt, you try to turn yourself in only to find out that the world has fallen. If you're not killed by the undead, the living will gladly oblige you. Do you...</b><br />
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A.) Try to help those who can be helped. Defend yourself when necessary, but try to give people a chance. After all, you're well trained in Aikido. You can disarm someone with a bad look. That said, if someone tries to kill you then they're done for. No amount of PTSD should give someone a pass to be a murdering bastard and try to kill you...not even in the apocalypse. Sorry Morgan you're toast.<br />
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B.) Become a hermit, keep your Aikido stick close, and your precious goat closer. Most of the people remaining in this world are truly dangerous. There aren't that many good guys left. You avoid people as best as you can.<br />
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C.) Become a Zen-master deciding that the way of peace is the best way to live in the world. Refuse to kill even the craziest most horrible people--in self-defense. You keep a prison in house, but you never lock it. You take in a prisoner and teach him Aikido because the apocalypse is a good time to bring out your inner Mr. Miyagi (<i>this reference <b>Karate Kid</b>' for the unschooled in 80's pop culture references</i>). Then you keep a goat in an open area where it can easily become walker food.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you answered C then you're perfect for 'The Walking Dead.'</span><br />
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<b>4.) You come across a psycho cannibal who you overhear talking about killing and eating your friends. You're a 250 pound (113 Kg), 6'-foot (180 cm) hulking piece of man. Carol, a woman of slender build (5'6" or 167 cm) tells you that she's off to handle business. You have one job. Just one job. WATCH THE PSYCHO. While Carol is off rescuing people and killing people who need killing, all you have to do is make sure the guy stays put and tied up.</b><br />
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<b>Not only do you not tie the psycho killer's feet, but you give him the opening he needs to get free and grab the infant in your care. This scumbag threatens to kill you and the innocent baby. Fearing for the baby's safety, you let him trick you outside, while he's inside with innocent baby Judith. </b><br />
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<b>Thankfully you manage to get the drop on him and beat him within an inch of his life. You know that if you let this person live he will likely follow you for revenge and potentially kill you or your people. What do you do?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_X1PgNXsEbtQMIs2OZ4P7L_wh01GETJSCtdWL8U92gJUm_wt-wHYd8L7X5K5B_SnzGbmPreHPF7bsP9fnD2TajcYR-NoiN-4TckG7IG0x8-IyG9x17oSMH83ANj02_A00oMdpL18iMI/s1600/tyreese+no+sanctuary+walking+dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_X1PgNXsEbtQMIs2OZ4P7L_wh01GETJSCtdWL8U92gJUm_wt-wHYd8L7X5K5B_SnzGbmPreHPF7bsP9fnD2TajcYR-NoiN-4TckG7IG0x8-IyG9x17oSMH83ANj02_A00oMdpL18iMI/s1600/tyreese+no+sanctuary+walking+dead.jpg" /></a></div>
A.) Kill the cannibal. You hate killing, but this person is too dangerous to live. You don't like it, but it's got to be done. This person is literally a CANNIBAL and has no redeeming qualities.<br />
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B.) Allow Carol to kill the psychopath because you couldn't bring yourself to kill another human being.<br />
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C.) Beat the psycho within an inch of his life, but leave him alive. When Carol tries to finish the job, you prevent her from doing so by saying that he's dead when you clearly know he's not. BASICALLY, YOU LIE AND PUT YOUR ENTIRE GROUP IN JEOPARDY. If the cannibal follows you and captures you again, you'll ask him nicely to leave you alone.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you answered C, then you're nearly there.</span><br />
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<b>3.) You're a filler character. Not only that, but you're irritating and weak-willed. You've been coddled by tall walls, running water, and electricity. <u>You have minimal survival skills and are basically a walking lunchable</u>. Now that the battle hardened survivors have arrived to show you what a moron you are do you:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmgeoU6SjQn1olA0WzhH40O-odSZFdJb8OsX1yjk0yuqEZe0SIuzh1hJQBieVkEz-yJZurdhxYWBUzQMOlOiTCdoKAigsAIge1AspLt5G5qPgRbTyXFHxMGOqIhhkdD-D81-vUFoAvVY/s1600/spencer+walking+dead+season+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmgeoU6SjQn1olA0WzhH40O-odSZFdJb8OsX1yjk0yuqEZe0SIuzh1hJQBieVkEz-yJZurdhxYWBUzQMOlOiTCdoKAigsAIge1AspLt5G5qPgRbTyXFHxMGOqIhhkdD-D81-vUFoAvVY/s1600/spencer+walking+dead+season+6.jpg" /></a></div>
A.) Try to make yourself useful anyway you can. Become a shadow to the battle hardened survivors watching what they do and try to make yourself useful to them. Hopefully they will consider you to be one of them, then you'll survive?<br />
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B.) In order to feel important you rappel to a structurally unsound church roof using a grappling hook and rope, knowing you will likely fall into a pit of walkers and be eaten alive-- all in the hopes that you can make it across the rickety rope, down the unsound structure, and into a working car to lure the walkers away? Then when someone deigns to save you, you make yourself feel better by yelling at others for secretly raiding the pantry-- and then proceed to do so yourself.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you chose B. then you have chosen wisely.</span><br />
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<b>2.) You're covered in walker guts. You are in the midst of a horde. You do not have a group in good fighting shape. Your group includes Father Gabriel (who is mentally unstable), two children (Judith and Sam) and at least one unstable and potentially homicidal teenager (Ron). What do you do...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ2L19AQzJ-2Qo5zFe0NCicw4nWuB09q4-RD40oBaXi7p3L4X1Jq9fdQw7PnUH4KfnAG2B6Pk8lr_ljgkrZoCxIuVx31TBnflPD4qBhR2DTwqil5qqolXAkq6DKlIQ42IZLdJhfAxGAU/s1600/jessie+sam+walking+dead+no+way+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ2L19AQzJ-2Qo5zFe0NCicw4nWuB09q4-RD40oBaXi7p3L4X1Jq9fdQw7PnUH4KfnAG2B6Pk8lr_ljgkrZoCxIuVx31TBnflPD4qBhR2DTwqil5qqolXAkq6DKlIQ42IZLdJhfAxGAU/s1600/jessie+sam+walking+dead+no+way+out.jpg" /></a></div>
A.) Get everyone to a relatively safe location. Then gather a second group of battle hardened people to make their way through the dead, set a fire that draws the dead, silently killing the stragglers as the horde moves toward the fire. If the fire doesn't work, then you can gather a group to go to the quarry.<br />
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B.) Allow the weaker members of the group to a safe location. Jessie-- knowing that her son Sam could not handle the stress of the prolonged trip, decides to go with Gabriel to safety. Then Rick takes the remainder members of the group to the quarry to gather vehicles to lure the dead away.<br />
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C.) Allow the mentally unstable Father Gabriel to take your infant daughter, while the rest of the group continues to the quarry. You decide to take the unstable and possibly murderous teenager, Ron and the frightened but lovable Sam along for the ride. Seriously, how far is this quarry? Did they really think all of them would make it?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">C. is the correct answer.</span><br />
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<b>To be fair-- this was taken directly from the comics</b>. The difference in the comics was that Maggie was also there with Sofia (Sofia is still alive in the comics). Maggie decided to remain in the house, as the house was not under attack at the time. Rick was taking a big risk leaving the house. When they left Jessie's son became frightened and demanded to go back to the house, which led to his (and her) demise.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>MAJOR SPOILER. BEWARE BELOW. HERE BE MONSTERS.</u></span></b></div>
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<b>1.) There's an iconic scene in the comics when Rick meets Negan (to be played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, affectionately referred from this point forward as JDM) for the first time. To prove a point to Rick, Negan brutally beats the beloved Glenn (Steven Yeun) to death with a baseball bat. It's horrific, unexpected, and senseless.</b><br />
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<b>However, as you know the television show frequently diverts from the comics, so this may not come to pass, but if I were a betting person I would say TPTB (the powers that be) will write it into the television series as well, because it's such an iconic scene and a turning point for the remaining characters. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>*Remember.* Glenn is one of the original survivors in both the television show (Rick, Carol, Carl, Darryl, and Glenn) and in the comics (Rick, Carl, Andrea, and Glenn). His loss is devastating. The tv show went in a different direction when it killed off Andrea, as she's still alive in the comics. In the television show Andrea's character has been split between Michonne, Sasha, and Carol. Darryl doesn't exist in the comics.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knowing that this iconic scene is coming soon, as a writer on 'The Walking Dead' do you:</b><br />
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A.) Rewrite the scene with another actor. It really wouldn't have the same emotional impact, but it could work.<br />
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B.) Keep the scene with Glenn. Use this plot point in either one of the mid-season finales or season finales. Allow the audience to enjoy Glenn while they have him.<br />
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C.) Troll the fans by "fake-killing" Glenn so that when you "real-kill" him, people will be even more devastated. Oh...and then draw out the "fake-killing" thing for at least four or five episodes for maximum effect, because that would be really funny right? No...it wasn't funny. It was just cheap.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you chose C., then you might just be a writer on 'The Walking Dead.'</span></div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-49258557884008695872016-02-10T06:30:00.000-05:002016-02-10T06:30:21.337-05:00BEST & WORST FILMS OF 2015 - PART 3, WORST FILMS OF THE YEAR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This entry is part 3 of 4 of my best and worst list of 2015. My first post was the <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/best-worst-movies-of-2015-part-1-best.html" target="_blank">best of the best</a></b>. My second post was the <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/best-worst-movies-of-2015-part-2.html" target="_blank">most disappointing</a></b>. My third post is typically reserved for the worst movies of the year. Unlike the most disappointing list, the films below have very few, if any, redeeming qualities-- be it visuals, direction, writing, or acting. Some of the films are so bad I can't believe someone sober actually wrote it, directed it, or greenlit it. I can't believe I was sober watching them.<br />
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It takes a great deal of effort and time to work on these posts. So forgive me, but I don't have the heart or the inclination to write full reviews for the festering pile below. So behold, below is but a simple list with a few giffys for good measure. They are not in any particular order.
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<b><span style="color: red;">My goal for 2016 is to not have a worst movies list</span></b>. If you read my <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/diversity-in-hollywood-beyond-black.html" target="_blank">last post</a></b>, I am going to be far more discerning with the films I see this year. Although I'm sure I will inevitably watch a few stinkers.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">POLTERGEIST (2015)</span></b></div>
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If '<b>Point Break</b>' is an example of things to come, I'm kinda glad that Hollywood has finally started remaking 1990s films. Hopefully this means '<b>The Goonies</b>' are safe. Although I doubt it. The '<b>Poltergeist</b>' remake is yet another shameful cash grab marketed to 80's nostalgia. The 1982 original film was nearly flawless due to <b>Steven Spielberg's</b> heavy hand throughout the film (<b>Toby Hooper</b> is the directed listed, but many have said Spielberg was the "real" director).<br />
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I'm really tired of the "jerky movement" brigade. If it's not some clown jumping you, it's some kid suddenly being pulled up the stairs. Can we all agree that these gotcha moments aren't scary? I'll tell you what's scary-- the original clown scene as seen below.<br />
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There are certain films like '<b>Poltergeist</b>,' '<b>Jaws</b>,' '<b>The Shining</b>,' '<b>Terminator</b>,' '<b>Raiders of the Lost Ark</b>,' that cannot be remade. These films had a near perfect blend of actors, director, and script. This sort of movie magic doesn't happen often, but when it does it cannot be replicated. I don't know why but it just can't. Nor do I understand why these filmmakers keep destroying near perfect films with reckless abandon. The 'Poltergeist' remake <b>has a 30% on Rotten Tomatoes</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE LAST WITCH HUNTER</span></b></div>
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I'll preface my statements by saying that in addition to '<b>The Last Witch Hunter</b>,' writers <b>Matt Sazama</b> and <b>Burk Sharpless</b> also wrote '<b>Gods of Egypt</b>' and '<b>Dracula Untold</b>.' Nuff said. All I can do is hope that some self-respecting producer prevents this disastrous duo from writing any more fantasy films. Please stop. <b>Vin Diesel</b> isn't much of an actor, but he's fun to watch. He should really stick to the '<b>Fast & Furious</b>' films. <b>'The Last Witch Hunter' received a 16% from Rotten Tomatoe</b>s. It's not that I don't think Vin Diesel couldn't play a cool medieval warrior, just not in this movie.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: Vin Diesel is an 800 year old witch hunter named Kaulder. He's been cursed by a witch, who he shares a heart with. It's just so stupid.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">FANTASTIC FOUR</span></b></div>
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Even I was amazed at just how bad this film was. I don't know what happened? From all of the reports I read director <b>Josh Trank</b> imploded. Yet again, a one-hit wonder (Trank directed '<b>Chronicle</b>') gets handed a multi-million dollar comic book franchise film, similar to <b>Colin Trevorrow </b>with '<b>Jurassic World</b>.' Loll and behold they both get offered to direct a '<b>Star Wars</b>' film (thankfully Trank dropped out). How does this keep happening, whilst female directors can't even get a foot in the door? Well...the scales have fallen from my eyes and I have seen the light. <b>The film received 9% on Rotten Tomatoes</b>.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: Childhood friends work on a teleporter and create a "quantum gate" to a distant planet. On their travels they become "infected," which alters them on a molecular level, thereby creating the Fantastic Four. Read the comic book instead.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: GHOST DIMENSION</span></b></div>
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This franchise is done. Put a fork in it. Enough. The first one was genuinely scary. The second one had problems, but it was decent. It's gone down hill ever since. I also don't like seeing kids in danger. This sort of horror movie appeals to the lowest common denominator. It's like killing the family dog. I'm really tired of these two terrible cliches. <b>The latest version has a 13% on Rotten Tomatoes</b>.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: A family moves into a house built on Kristi and Katie's old house. The haunt is on. As this list wears on so does my patience. *Sigh.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SELF/LESS</span></b></div>
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It's an old tale and it's been recycled about 50 times before. The best version of this storyline was by <b>Anne Rice</b> with '<b>Tale of the Body Thief</b>.' The ole' switcharoo storyline is so stale. <b>Self/less received 21% on Rotten Tomatoes</b>.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: An old billionaire gets a second chance at life by switching bodies with a young guy in the form of <b>Ryan Reynolds</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE GALLOWS</span></b></div>
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I can't believe how terrible the acting is in this film. It's a terrible teen horror flick and the exact opposite of '<b>It Follows</b>,' which was brilliant. The timeline is also a little cray. The main protagonist is the son of a high schooler from the 90s. I was a high schooler in the 90s. I was in the '<b>Buffy the Vampire</b>' generation. So according to this film I should have an 18 year old kid. Well...I have a 2 year old. I guess it's technically possible for me to have an 18 year old. I don't know, but any film that makes me think I could have an 18 year kid is automatically on my worst list. <b>It also</b> <b>got a 15% on Rotten Tomatoes</b>. I guess it doesn't matter because these stupid found footage films keep making money.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: A high schooler from the mid-90s dies during a school play and returns 20 years later to kill other high schoolers the same way.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN</span></b></div>
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The days of releasing crappy movies with named stars are over. Rottentomatoes and social media have almost eliminated the fat that Hollywood used to live off of. <b>The new Frankenstein flick received a 26% on Rotten Tomatoes</b>.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: It's a remake of the Frankenstein tale, which receives a mandatory reboot every five years.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HITMAN: AGENT 47</span></b></div>
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Wow a reboot within 8 years. I think that may be a record, but then again look how fast they keep rebooting the '<b>Spider-Man</b>' films. <b>It has an 8% on Rotten Tomatoes</b>. Just don't see it. It's awful.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: A genetically-enhanced super soldier teams up with a woman to help her find her father.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TAKEN 3</span></b></div>
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<b>Liam Neeson</b> punches people. That's my main requirement for seeing a film. Unfortunately this film was really bad. It doesn't have any of the panache of the first film. The best scene of the film is when Liam Neeson wishes <b>Forest Whitaker</b> "Good luck" at finding him. Now that I think about it, that scene was better in the trailer. <b>Rotten Tomatoes rating is 10%</b>.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: International government man of mystery, Bryan Mills, is falsely accused of killing his wife. He must run and fight to clear his name.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SEVENTH SON</span></b></div>
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The '<b>Seventh Son</b>' is so bad it felt like a <b>Uwe Boll</b> movie. I can't believe two A-listers appear in this film. Surely <b>Julianne Moore</b> and <b>Jeff Bridges</b> have enough money that they can pass on films like this. <b>Rotten Tomatoes rating is 13%.</b><br />
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<u>Plot</u>: Medieval mumbo jumbo.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PIXELS</span></b></div>
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I have said before and I'll say it again. How does <b>Adam Sandler</b> keep finding financing for mainstream movies? He's been listed in <b><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2014/12/23/adam-sandler-tops-the-most-overpaid-actor-list-for-the-second-year-in-a-row/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forbes</a></b> as one of the most overpaid actors two years in a row--meaning he movies keep losing money. So if Hollywood is all about money then how in the world is Adam Sandler still allowed to make movies? I won't even bore you with a full critique of this film. I will simply say it was sophomoric and boring...as all Adam Sandler films are. The key difference is that 'Pixels' destroys our favorite childhood video games in the process. <b>Rotten Tomatoes has rated this monstrosity at 17%</b>. I'm amazed it even got that.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: I can't even.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE LOFT</span></b></div>
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The only thing I can figure is that someone in Hollywood thought it would pass muster since it was based on a Dutch film. I'm not sure if the original Dutch film was any good, but it doesn't translate well into American cinema. The January release (in the U.S.) was the first clue. January is the garbage can for movies. Hollywood frequently feeds us trash in January. I watched the first half of '<b>The Loft</b>' on Netflix and then I just had to turn it off. What were <b>Karl Urban</b> and <b>Wentworth Miller </b>thinking?<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: Five married men share an upscale loft (apartment) where they bring their secret girlfriends and mistresses. The jig is up when they find out that someone has killed a woman and left her in the loft.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS</span></b></div>
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<b>Ryan Landels</b> wrote the movie. I don't know if he was a fan of the cartoon beforehand or if <b><a href="http://www.cracked.com/blog/4-reasons-why-bad-movies-are-allowed-to-happen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">meddling producers</a></b> interfered and destroyed the film (this happens occasionally) or if he's just a terrible writer. Whatever the cause, I don't think Landels will be writing a mainstream feature anytime soon. Director <b>John M. Chu</b> should not get off scott free either. He doesn't exactly have a sterling record with '<b>GI Joe Retaliation</b>,' '<b>Step Up 3D</b>,' or '<b>Justin Bieber: Never Say Never</b>.' Perhaps the main problem is that none of the people who created the <b><a href="http://themuse.jezebel.com/here-s-how-the-jem-and-the-holograms-creator-was-cut-ou-1679103235" target="_blank">original cartoon</a></b> were consulted, even though one of them had created their own script. Also, their infamous rival band, the Misfits, only appears in the end credits. Huge mistake. <b>The film has a 18% on Rotten Tomatoes</b>.<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: Singer and songwriter Jerrica Benton (<b>Aubrey Peebles</b>) and her 'fantabulous' sister and foster sisters form an incredible band, Jem and the Holograms. Based on the beloved 80's cartoon, the film tries to update itself by using youtube, blogging, and FaceTime, but it misses the mark.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MORTDECAI</span></b></div>
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If the January release wasn't the first clue then the <b>13% on Rotten Tomatoes </b>is. It's one of those films that makes me wonder if <b>Johnny Depp</b> needs to retire? I heard he did a good job in '<b>Black Mass</b>,' so I know he can still act. Why does he do these stupid films? He doesn't need the paycheck? Is he so obsessed with being quirky that he will accept any script without reading it?<br />
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<u>Plot</u>: Depp plays an aristocratic art dealer who tries to recover a painting which can lead them to lost Nazi gold. Because blood money is how he rolls.</div>
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-46788880966187799112016-01-28T06:30:00.000-05:002017-06-08T10:43:52.768-04:00DIVERSITY IN HOLLYWOOD - BEYOND BLACK & WHITE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-all-white-oscar-acting-nominees-20160114-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LA Times</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I typically stay away from these conversations. I think it's partially generational (I'm considered a cusper. I'm either an infant Gen X'er ...or ancient Millennial) and partially because I'm originally from the Midwest. It's highly frowned upon in the Midwest to discuss certain things publicly, such as salary, race, politics, or religion. These are private conversations you have with friends or family. Imagine my surprise that not only will I be talking about race, but I will also be discussing gender (in an upcoming post). As I grow older I have come to believe that we can discuss almost anything as long as we do so with respect to others and with a listening heart. </span></span>So here goes...breaking the norm, coming out of my comfort zone.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>#OscarsSoWhite</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There
has been a lot of talk about the Oscars this year--not for positive
reasons, but for negative ones. The <b>#OscarSoWhite</b> twitter campaign
has been in full gear this month. The controversy began when the Academy Award nominations revealed that <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-all-white-oscar-acting-nominees-20160114-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">every single person in the acting categories was white</a>. Wonderful films like '<b>Creed</b>,' '<b>Beasts of No Nation</b>,' and '<b>Straight Out of Compton</b>' were left off the list, as were many other films. Believing this snub was racially insensitive, <b><a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/will-smith-responds-to-jada-pinkett-smiths-oscars-2016-boycott-w162199" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Will and Jada Smith</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.thewrap.com/spike-lee-will-not-attend-lilly-white-oscars-so-white/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spike Lee</a> </b>decided to boycott the Oscars because of the lack of color amongst the nominees. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the midst of this boycott, the media (who loves watching people fight) has been gleefully publishing sound bites from other artists in order create more controversy. People like </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/22/oscars-2016-charlotte-rampling-diversity-row-racist-to-white-people" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Charlotte Rampling</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://variety.com/2016/film/news/michael-caine-oscars-black-actors-voting-1201686240/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Cain</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://variety.com/2016/film/news/michael-caine-oscars-black-actors-voting-1201686240/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">e</a>, </span><a href="http://www.etonline.com/news/180458_stacey_dash_speaks_out_on_2016_oscars_boycott_its_ludicrous/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Stacy Dash</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://www.thewrap.com/michael-moore-happy-to-join-oscars-boycott-exclusive/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Michael Moore</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="https://variety.com/2016/film/news/george-clooney-white-oscars-1201682504/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">George Clooney</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3413683/Clint-Eastwood-wades-Oscars-diversity-debate-Silence-Lambs-director-says-changes-happen-now.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Clint Eastwood</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://deadline.com/2016/01/jonathan-demme-oscar-diversity-recalibrate-nominations-guest-column-1201688944/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Jonathan Demme</a>, and <a href="http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/video_oscar_nominee_mark_ruffalo_attacks_americas_white_privilege_racism_20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Ruffalo</a>, have all weighed in on the topic. Some of them have received their own backlash.<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting back to Will and Jada's point-- it's true <a href="http://www.economist.com/blogs/prospero/2016/01/film-and-race" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">95% of all of the Oscar nominees are white</a>. This is not reflective of society at large (at least American society). America has a minority population of 37.4% as of 2012, which will be 57% of the population in 2060. However, this problem originates long before awards season. Thankfully a <a href="http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/21/viola-davis-speaks-out-oscars-diversity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">voice of reason</a> has emerged. The lovely Viola Davis said...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">THE OSCARS ARE NOT REALLY THE ISSUE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">IT'S A SYMPTOM OF A MUCH</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>GREATER DISEASE. </i></span></div>
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-Viola Davis</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Truer words have not been spoken on this issue. The Oscars are too far down the supply chain. The real problem begins much earlier in the filmmaking process. <b>Perhaps most importantly--the issue goes far beyond black and white.</b> </span></span>I say this as a multiracial person of African American, Mohawk, Blackfoot Native American, Irish, and French heritage.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Beyond Black and White</u></span></div>
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One point I'd like to make is that African Americans are not the only ones who are being discriminated against. Other people of color such as Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans, etc. are also being excluded. Hollywood's prejudice also affects women. Women only have <a href="http://variety.com/2015/film/news/women-lead-roles-in-movies-study-hunger-games-gone-girl-1201429016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">30% of speaking roles</a> in films and comprise <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/21/catherine-hardwicke-miss-you-already-toni-colette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4.6% of film directors</a>, despite being <a href="http://www.indiewire.com/article/heroines-of-cinema-the-10-most-exciting-young-female-directors-in-the-world-today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">50% of the film school graduates</a>. Prejudice in Hollywood also affects the LGBTQ community. I cannot think of any reason (other than prejudice) that <b>Matt Boomer</b> is not a major film star? Boomer is a fantastic actor and IMO the sexiest man alive (he shares this title with <b>Idris Elba</b>). My point is that it's not just a black and white problem.<br />
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Likewise, Idris Elba <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/idris-elba-address-lack-diversity-hollywood-britain/story?id=36375060" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recently noted that diversity</a> is not just a Hollywood problem either. In order for Elba to get recognized in the UK he had to come to America to become a film star. This gives me hope that despite the prejudices on display here, there is still opportunity. Which leads me to my other point. I'm going to quote Viola Davis again when she won an Emmy last year because Viola is just awesome. She just is. <u>Viola Davis is my new role model</u>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.</i> </span><span style="font-size: small;">--Viola Davis</span></blockquote>
The Academy cannot nominate people for roles that do not exist. As soon as I think Hollywood has learned its lesson from films like '<b>Aloha</b>' or '<b>Exodus: Gods and Kings</b>,' it immediately turns around and does it again. '<b>Gods of Egypt</b>' comes out on February 28th. <b>Scarlett Johansson</b> <a href="http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Scarlett-Johansson-Ghost-Shell-Isn-t-Happening-Any-Time-Soon-69181.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">will play <i>Major Motoko Kusanagi</i></a> in '<b>Ghost in the Shell</b>' in 2017. That's right. She will play a character named MOTOKO KUSANAGI. Johansson is likely my favorite actress. I would love to see her in more action films, but I'm disappointed that she's playing an iconic Japanese character. Why not give this role to a Japanese or an Asian actress? <u>That is the main point of this post. In order for there to be more inclusion there has to be more roles for people of color</u>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Quid Pro Quo</u></span></div>
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This leads me to my next series of points. <u>I have seen several discussions on social media excusing the lack of diversity in Hollywood. See my responses to each statement below</u>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1.) Hollywood is just showing what people want to see.</i></span></div>
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According to Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), 44% of domestic tickets are purchased by people of color. Twenty-Six percent of ticket sales alone are purchased by Hispanics, which makes Hispanics "<a href="https://thedissolve.com/news/847-new-study-finds-minority-representation-lacking-in/" target="_blank">the most underrepresented group on screen</a>."<br />
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Speaking of which, I love this quote from <b>Gina Rodriguez</b>. Yes, the same Gina Rodriguez that the the <a href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/news/a50603/golden-globes-america-ferrera-gina-rodriguez-mixup/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Golden Globes</a> (and my favorite awards show) confused with <b>America Ferrera</b>. Gina Rodriguez spoke about Hollywood's portrayal of Hispanic women and she's right. I see plenty of Hispanic women cast as maids and sex kittens, but I rarely see a Hispanic investment banker.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>I have two older sisters. One's an investment banker. The other is a doctor and I never saw us being played as investment bankers. And I realized how limiting that was. I would look at the screen and think, 'Well, there's no way I can do it, because I'm not there.' And it's like as soon as you follow your dreams, you give other people the allowance to follow theirs.</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">-- Gina Rodriguez</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>2.) It's not personal, it's just business. </i></span><br />
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I have heard this phrase more times than I can count. I have even heard this phrase from a dear friend of mine who tried to explain away the lack of diversity on '<b>The Bachelor</b>.' Not that I care for that show. If you watch 'The Bachelor' please don't tell me. If there was a worst show on the entire planet--IMHO 'The Bachelor' would be it... for various reasons. But in response to the "it's not personal, it's just business," I will use my favorite line from one of my favorite films, '<b>You've Got Mail</b>.'<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All that means is that it wasn't personal to you. But it was personal to me. It's *personal* to a lot of people. And what's so wrong with being personal, anyway?</span> -- Kathleen Kelly</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>3.) Hollywood just wants to make money.</i></span><br />
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My "favorite" argument against diversity is that it won't sell tickets. As I noted 44% of domestic ticket sales are from people of color. Let's discuss some examples of recent films with known diversity problems: '<b>The Lone Ranger</b>,' '<b>Aloha</b>,' '<b>Pan</b>,' and '<b>Exodus: Gods and Kings</b>' were box office bombs. The casting made no difference. If you make a good movie regardless of the cast, people will go see it. There is increasing evidence that films no longer depend on a named actor to carry it.<br />
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A <a href="http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Math-Claims-3-Actors-Capable-Increasing-Box-Office-Grosses-43377.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mathematician came up with a theory</a> that only three named actors and one actress have the ability to increase box office ticket sales. Four people... just four people in the entire Hollywood machine have the ability to make or break a film. The rest of the acting populous does little to make a blockbuster. <a href="http://www.cracked.com/blog/6-simple-ways-hollywood-could-make-movies-stop-sucking/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cracked.com</a> also wrote a great article on the inner workings of the film industry. I personally will see any film in which <b>Liam Neeson</b> punches people in the head. It doesn't matter how bad the film is, I will see it. Liam Neeson is my personal bias.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>4.) They're hiring the best people for the job. </i></span><br />
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I don't necessarily believe that. There are of course some actors who are so incredible that they should be given the job no matter what, but I think that is likely an exception, not the rule. Even if that were the case how would anyone be able to prove that. Unless I'm in the casting chair I wouldn't know and neither would anyone else. I have certainly seen my share of actors who were average at best, mediocre at worst. Meaning-- the best person for the job isn't always the one hired.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Let's Talk Star Trek</span></u></div>
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Putting that aside for a moment, let's talk about '<b>Star Trek</b>.' This is a science fiction blog after all. <b>Gene Roddenberry</b> did not have to cast <b>Nichelle Nichols</b> as Uhura or <b>George Takei </b>as Sulu. In fact, NBC discouraged him from doing so. NBC was so against Nichols' casting that they refused to make Nichols a full cast member and paid her via contract. Financially it worked out for Nichols because she was paid more, but she almost quit the show due to continual mistreatment. It was civil rights leader <b>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.</b> who <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/31/nichelle-nichols-star-trek-uhura_n_1244343.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">convinced Nichols to stay</a>. He convinced her that what she was doing was important.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Roddenberry and King had the foresight to know that one day another little girl of color (perhaps me and millions of others) would see Nichols and also see themselves. </span></blockquote>
So the argument that Hollywood should just show what people want to see or what makes money, is not only not accurate, but it's not right (in the moral sense). The media has a lot of power. More power than it realizes. Writers and producers have some limited social responsibility to their fellow human beings to try to improve society. Because of Roddenberry and others like him, people want to see <b>Viola Davis</b> and <b>America Ferrera</b> on television, but imagine if Roddenberry had the attitude that "Hollywood just wants to make money."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Constructive Conversations</u></span></div>
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Lastly, I'm also going to hammer home another point. Shouting to the rafters that Hollywood is racist! will <u>not</u> help our cause. I'm not saying that Hollywood isn't racist, or sexist, or ageist (to women), or homophobic, because it is, but there has to be a more constructive way in which to bring about change. There has to be a better way to have this conversation rather than through anger and frustration.<br />
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Not attending an awards show will <u>not</u> help our cause. Angry twitter hashtags may bring the issue to everyone's attention, but I don't know if it will help the cause either. <b>Here is what will help our cause-- I will put my money where my mouth is. I will no longer buy tickets to see certain films, nor will I waste my energy reviewing certain films.</b> If everyone did that then perhaps things would truly change.<br />
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I would also like to see Will and Jada Smith and other A-listers create their own films with diverse casts. I believe the Smiths already have a production company. Of course it's incredibly difficult and complicated for indie production companies to get movies to the market. Admittedly, it's a sad state of affairs that it's come to this, but women like <b>Reese Witherspoon</b>, <b>Nicole Kidman</b>, and <b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/10405800/Sandra-Bullock-They-were-brave-to-make-Gravity-with-a-female-lead.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandra Bullock</a></b> have had to take matters in their own hands with <a href="http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/reese-witherspoon-nicole-kidman-take-matters-into-their-own-hands-with-hbos-big-little-lies-20160106" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">their own production companies</a>. As women over 35 in Hollywood they no longer exist, so they literally have to create their own roles.<br />
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Long story short, I will not be seeing a film like '<b>Gods of Egypt</b>.' A film that falsely portrays ancient Egyptians. Egypt was a multicultural society. However the majority of Egyptians had dark hair, dark eyes, and dark skin. To my knowledge the Greek Ptolemy's didn't rule Egypt until after Alexander the Great died in 323 BC. Films like 'Gods of Egypt' and 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' are set about 1,000+ years before Alexander the Great's time. So portraying an ancient Egyptian god in the form of <b>Gerard Butler</b> is just silly. I had a similar problem with 'Exodus: Gods and Kings.' I'm not certain why the lovely <b>Oded Fehr </b>never receives a phone call to play these roles? He would be perfectly cast.<br />
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However films set in certain environments, like <i>Victorian England</i> should be representative of their respective populations. One would not expect to see much diversity in those films because it would not be authentic to the period. However, for films in which it is appropriate then I expect to see casting that is representative of the story, time, and location it's set in.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Long story short, I will be culling my movie viewing list of films that misrepresent women and people of color. I will not contribute to this problem. I hope you will join me.</span></blockquote>
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-3986107581868561082016-01-18T06:30:00.000-05:002016-08-31T10:41:40.390-04:00BEST & WORST MOVIES OF 2015 - PART 2, BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you can imagine the previous post was even longer. I was originally going to make one large best and worst list, but it was just too long. So I decided to split them up into 4 parts. The first part was the <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2016/01/best-worst-movies-of-2015-part-1-best.html" target="_blank">best films of 2015</a></b>. The movies on this list are typically films that have some redeeming qualities, but just didn't make the cut. These films are in the fair to middling range. Before I changed it to the biggest disappointments, these probably would have been titled, "<b>Most Ok Movies</b>." They weren't good and they weren't necessarily bad.<b> <u><span style="color: red;">So next week you will see my choices for the absolute worst/trashiest/should-have-never-been-made-films of 2015</span></u>.</b></div>
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'<b>Jurassic World</b>' was a decent movie, but it could have been so much more. It's really sad that fans waited 14 years for this movie. Fourteen years...and this is what we got. What did the makers of the film get--the biggest movie in the world...until '<b>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</b>.' I did enjoy the film. However, after reflecting on my original rating, I would change it to a 3-star review, instead of a 3-1/2. I was feeling rather generous that day. It's a popcorn flick--meant to be watched with buttered popcorn and full calorie soda. But there were so many inconsistencies and plot holes. </div>
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The most ridiculous scene for me is when the pterodactyls attack and the people in charge forget that they have kill chips. Huh? <b><u>Hit the kill chips!</u></b> The Indominus Rex ripped her kill chip out. The others should still be working right? Oh and the virtual fist bump between the velociraptor and <b>Chris Pratt</b> was hilarious. Admittedly the baby dinosaur petting zoo was fantastic. I could have watched that all day. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of 'Jurassic World' is that director <b>Colin Trevorrow</b> will be directing a 'Star Wars' film. Seriously. How does a director no one has ever heard of get to direct 'Jurassic World' in the first place? Then follow-up with a 'Star Wars' film? <b>J.J. Abrams</b> has been in the business forever. It makes sense that Abrams would get a job like that, but Trevorrow? </div>
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Perhaps I'm upset because if Trevorrow is charge of (and writes) the next 'Star Wars' film we can expect more of the "pissy-male-hating-childless-career-woman stereotype" played by <b>Bryce Dallas Howard</b>. Great, just great. Just when we got Rey (<b>Daisy Ridley</b>) off to a good start, Trevorrow will probably find a way to get her into a princess-slave bikini costume. See my full review of 'Jurassic World' <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/06/if-you-build-it-they-will-come-jurassic.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </div>
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'<b>San Andreas</b>' was a typical disaster flick chock full of cliches. There was absolutely nothing new or original in this film. The only thing surprising about this film is how many good actors are in it for the paycheck. You can see my full review <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/06/an-abundance-of-disaster-movie-cliches.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </div>
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It started out so good. It's not one of the worst films of the year, but it's certainly not one of the best (or even close). The film started out as an homage to the awesomely 80's original film. Somewhere the film descended into madness. It's just one big mess. See my review <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/07/terminator-genisys-review-protect-my.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>THIS</u></b>: </div>
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<img src="https://49.media.tumblr.com/43143298edbb363fa2341c8714f3e59d/tumblr_nz8csxtdeG1qax1jro3_250.gif" /><img src="https://45.media.tumblr.com/9b2312d6c98b191539642af918f1274a/tumblr_nz8csxtdeG1qax1jro4_250.gif" /></div>
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<img src="https://49.media.tumblr.com/da6afb5823f9b621e6711bdc2e69a2f1/tumblr_nz8csxtdeG1qax1jro5_250.gif" /><img src="https://49.media.tumblr.com/4ba830872a4ce48b2da2b595292c3941/tumblr_nz8csxtdeG1qax1jro6_250.gif" /></div>
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<u><b>VERSUS THAT</b></u>:</div>
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<img src="https://49.media.tumblr.com/1db0add4abf0f058e2aca603595c40b5/tumblr_nrhudgup6a1qablf0o1_400.gif" /><img src="https://45.media.tumblr.com/a4c434fb0c90cfecd5f9dcaa5f0a948a/tumblr_nrhudgup6a1qablf0o2_400.gif" /></div>
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<img src="https://49.media.tumblr.com/c6bf7a3cbe3ba877ff7d9d305205c568/tumblr_nze5a9KR5y1sbqrlmo6_500.gif" /></div>
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<b>NO COMPARISON</b>.</div>
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<b><u>THIS</u></b>:</div>
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<img src="https://45.media.tumblr.com/6ea85a16d16ac4592ddd61f21c46bde2/tumblr_nd48nh87bH1qfr6udo1_500.gif" /></div>
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<b><u>VERSUS THAT</u></b>:</div>
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<img src="https://49.media.tumblr.com/8e416508a12a6ee9de02851747ad1c23/tumblr_nrtbp7Jt4D1r0xw5zo9_400.gif" /></div>
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<b>NO COMPARISON</b>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THIS</b>:</div>
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<img src="https://49.media.tumblr.com/3eef4096103dfd8ce45f7e11e83ec9a5/tumblr_mnr5s9DcHN1qg4blro4_500.gif" /></div>
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<img src="https://45.media.tumblr.com/cd3d57d82aa96a3cc1c2796e490c4b05/tumblr_mnr5s9DcHN1qg4blro1_500.gif" /></div>
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<b><u>VERSUS THAT</u></b>:</div>
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<img src="https://49.media.tumblr.com/2ea7c622b82b93959897a3a766da3064/tumblr_nxn0ylZxLe1u266gpo4_250.gif" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>NO COMPARISON</b>.</div>
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If only to see <b>Hugh Jackman</b> with a mullet, you should watch '<b>Chappie</b>,' but do not be fooled into thinking this is a good film. Jackman doesn't usually get to play the bad guy, which is sad because he's really good at it. Neither 'Chappie' nor '<b>Pan</b>' should take away from the fact that Jackman is a fantastic actor.<br />
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Like most fans, I was completely enamored with<b> Neill Blomkamp's</b> '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2009/08/district-9-simply-amazing.html" target="_blank">District 9</a></b>.' Unfortunately his subsequent films have been extremely disappointing. I guess the old adage is true, more money does not make a better film. 'District 9' was made on a shoestring. Whereas '<b>Elysium</b>' and '<b>Chappie</b>' were big budget projects. Perhaps it's not Blomkamp's fault. I read an insightful article about the mechanisms behind the Hollywood machine. <a href="http://www.cracked.com/blog/4-reasons-why-bad-movies-are-allowed-to-happen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Terrible producers</a> can destroy a relatively decent film. I'm not sure if that's what's been plaguing Blomkamp, but he can't seem to get it together. Despite the critical and financial failures of his last two films, somehow Blomkamp has landed the next '<b>Alien</b>' sequel. I really hope he doesn't screw it up.<br />
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I don't even know what to say about this film. It was so incredibly disappointing. I won't even start on how the climax of the film was to levitate a piece of the earth into the clouds thereby turning it into "an asteroid." It's not like anyone has superpowers right? Not like any of these people can fly or have super strength? Ugh. See my review <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/05/avengers-age-of-ultron-and-girl-box.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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Besides the awkward storyline, I think the biggest problem in '<b>Pan</b>' was the casting or lack thereof. The film's cast was heavily male, with Tiger Lily (<b>Rooney Mara</b>) as the only female character that I can recall. This doesn't attract the '<b>Frozen</b>' crowd. And ain't no way this film passes the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bechdel Test</a>. While I think that is appropriate in some films, like '<b>Saving Private Ryan</b>,' '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/10/sicario-review-this-is-land-of-wolves_21.html" target="_blank">Sicario</a></b>,' <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/10/fury-review-lesson-in-war-movie-cliches.html" target="_blank">Fury</a></b>, etc., But given that this was an origins story for Peter Pan, I don't understand why Tinker Bell and Tiger Lily weren't featured more? <b><u>Also, I really didn't know why Tiger Lily wasn't Native American?</u></b><br />
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Director <b>Joe Wright's</b> explanation that Tiger Lily's tribe isn't necessarily Native American, but more of an indigenous "<a href="http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Why-White-Tiger-Lily-Works-According-Rooney-Mara-70870.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">people of the [entire] planet?</a>" <b>Isn't everyone on earth indigenous of the planet? </b>Why not just go with a Native American actress? Or at minimum--an actress with a good tan? I don't get it. Tiger Lily is an iconic Native American character. Now I've been called to the carpet on this topic, because I don't "typically" have an issue with characters changing ethnicity or cultures. Here is my standard: non-iconic characters may be culturally changed, but iconic characters should not typically be culturally changed.<br />
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If a character is iconic and is typically associated with certain features, then that should be reflected in the casting. This of course begs the question as to what is iconic. <b><u><span style="color: blue;">When I think iconic I think of characters like Wonder Woman, </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue;">Black Panther, </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue;">Hannibal Lecter, or Lt. Uhura</span></u></b>. There really aren't that many characters that would fall into this category. I believe that Tiger Lily would qualify. Yes, I understand that depictions of the native peoples in the original Peter Pan story were probably somewhat offensive, but Wright had the ability to mitigate that, but he ended up making it worse.<br />
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I'm also not sure why Blackbeard (<b>Hugh Jackman</b>) was given such a prominent role in Pan's origins story, but just go with it. I believe in the original Peter Pan story Hook was the boatswain to Blackbeard. By the time you get to the boys singing Nirvan's "<b>Smells Like Teen Spirit</b>" you just don't care anymore. Although surprisingly I rather enjoyed that part, but overall the story doesn't work as an origins story because it made so little sense.<br />
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I'm of the opinion that the <b>Wachowskis</b> can only have so many flops and failures after the brilliantly executed '<b>Matrix</b>' before you start believing the urban legend that they stole the idea for the 'Matrix' from another writer. It's never been confirmed and the only evidence is two frivolous <a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/11/22/inside-the-billion-dollar-matrix-lawsuit-one-of-the-internets-most-pervasive-hoaxes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lawsuits</a>, but I do wonder about the Wachowskis. They haven't been able to write themselves out of a paper bag for years now. '<b>Jupiter Ascending</b>' is no exception.<br />
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<u><b>Plot</b></u>: Jupiter Jones (<b>Mila Kunis</b>) discovers that she's an intergalactic heiress who must defend the earth from transhuman alien invaders led by Balem (<b>Eddie Redmayne</b>). Balem wants to marry and then kill Jupiter so he can lay claim to the earth. Caine (<b>Channing Tatum</b>) saves her more times than I can count, because she's a woman in constant need of saving. If the synopsis of this film sounds ridiculous it's because it is.<br />
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I still can't believe how bad this Bond film was. I'm in the minority here, but this is one of the worst Bond films I've seen in decades. See my full review <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/11/spectre-review-they-say-youre-finished.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">NEXT UP: WORST MOVIES OF THE YEAR. </span></b></div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-81418422301264035982016-01-11T06:30:00.000-05:002016-01-12T23:41:32.088-05:00BEST & WORST MOVIES OF 2015 - PART 1, BEST OF THE BEST<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tis the season for the best and worst of the year. I started my list in January of 2015 and updated it throughout the year. I was going to publish this in December but there were so many good films released in December that I had to wait a few weeks. I always want to have a list longer than 10 films, but it rarely works out that way. <a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2014/12/best-and-worst-movies-of-2014.html" target="_blank">Last year</a> I had 11 films on my list. This year I have 10. Alas, I could only think of 10 films for my best list. The worst movie list is plentiful this year at lucky number 17.<br />
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My list originally included a huge smattering of all the best and worst of the year, but it became so long that I decided to split it into 4 parts. <u><b><span style="color: red;">So next week you will see my choices for the most disappointing films of 2015</span></b></u> (not to be confused with the worst films of the year).<br />
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I of course preface all of my lists by saying that these are the films that I HAVE SEEN. I have not seen '<b>Spotlight</b>,' which I hear is exceptional. Nor have I seen '<b>Trumbo</b>,' '<b>Steve Jobs</b>,' '<b>The Walk</b>,' '<b>Beasts of No Nation</b>,' '<b>Hateful Eight</b>,' or '<b>Creed</b>.' If I haven't previously reviewed a film I added additional details. If I have previously reviewed the film I didn't see the need to review it again. Instead I provided a brief description with a link to the full review.<br />
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Please feel free to agree or disagree with me in the comment section. This is my list. I'm sure you have your own. Thanks.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">WE HAVE TO HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>OUR GOVERNMENTS CAN'T.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">James Donovan [to Ivan Schischkin].</span></div>
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This was not necessarily my favorite film this year...as is clear with it's ranking, but considering the year, it was one of the better films released this year. I really wish I had seen another film deserving of this list. 'Bride of Spies' was a good film...but no where near a great one. Clear and concise, 'Bridge of Spies' draws you into the cold war era of 1950's espionage. Nobody does this better than <b>Steven Spielberg</b> and <b>Tom Hanks</b>. Nobody. Could it have been more thrilling? Yes. That shouldn't diminish that this was a solid film with a great cast. Had this been a better year for movies, this film may not have made the list. See my full review <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/10/bridge-of-spies-review-would-it-help.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">THE TRUTH IS LIKE POETRY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>AND MOST PEOPLE FU*$#!@ HATE POETRY.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-The Big Short</span></div>
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I'm sad to say that I almost didn't see this excellent movie. It wasn't on my list to see, but I'm glad I did. '<b>The Big Short</b>' is based on the 2010 novel of the same name by <b>Michael Lewis</b>, which I started reading over the weekend. Most people are aware of (and have likely been directly affected by) the 2008 financial crisis. The ripple effect of which continues to this day. However, most people don't understand the particulars. 'The Big Short' explains it in layman's terms (with the occasional celebrity cameo). The movie frequently breaks the 4th wall and talks to the audience in a similar manner as '<b>House of Cards</b>.' It's strange and theatrical, but it's brilliant. Most films about finance would put people to sleep, so this film is truly a rarity. It's exciting and interesting from beginning to end. </div>
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<u><b>Plot</b></u>: In 2005 a socially awkward former doctor, now hedge fund manager, Michael Burry (<b>Christian Bale</b>), stumbles upon a secret hidden in plain sight-- the U.S. housing market is about to crash. The banks were shoveling subprime mortgages into "highly rated" funds they knew to be worthless. They knew that these mortgages were going into default, but they still continued to give a mortgage to anyone with a pulse.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">FRAUD HAS NEVER WORKED.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">EVENTUALLY THINGS GO SOUTH.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WHEN THE HELL DID WE FORGET THAT?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Mark Baum</span></div>
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Knowing a good bet when he sees one, Burry decides to create a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_default_swap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">credit default swap market</a>. Economics 101 don't fail me now... Basically Burry bet against the house. Everyone at the time (banks, government, brokers, realtors, etc.) thought that the housing market was bullet proof. Thus, they gladly purchased credit default swaps because the banks believed that people who invested in this contraptions were giving them free money. The purchasers of these credit default swaps would have to pay the banks whilst the housing market was doing well. Whereas, the swappers wouldn't receive a return on their investment until the housing market collapsed. Since the banks controlled the ratings agencies, it took longer for the housing market to "officially" crash.</div>
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<b>Steve Carell </b>is fantastic as grumpy hedge fund manager Mark Baum (aka real-life Steve Eisman). <u>Side note</u>: Burry is the only character's whose real name was used in the film. Similar to Burry, Baum decides to invest against the housing market, as do a few others. Baum is the most empathetic character in the film, as he seems to be the only one who feels extreme disgust with the powers that be for screwing over average people. Carell is superb in this role. Thankfully he was nominated for last year's '<b>Foxcatcher</b>.' I hope he gets a nod this year. If I were to have a second choice to win the best actor category it would be Carell. My first choice is <b>Leonardo DiCaprio</b> for '<b>The Revenant</b>.' </div>
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The swappers are not necessarily the good guys in this equation, but they are definitely not the worst. They are just people who happen to see an opportunity and take it. The really terrible people in this film are the bankers. The film brutally illustrates the level of psychopathy, arrogance, and fraud that contributed to the sub-prime mortgage crisis. The banks who participated in creating this crisis essentially got off scott-free. They nearly brought down the U.S. economy, not to mention other world economies and barely got a slap on the hand. <b>Brad Pitt's</b> character (Ben Rickert) reminds the viewers to look beyond the numbers to see the people who lost jobs, pensions, insurance, houses, lives, etc. </div>
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This movie was a little difficult to understand, which is why it was helpful to have the layman explanations provided by celebrities. My favorite of which was <b>Margot Robbie</b>. The levity and humor of the film enhanced it, despite the difficult subject matter. If you are able to follow the film, your chin will hit the floor a couple of times. It really was a great movie. Go see it.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">IF YOU WANT TO QUESTION MY MORALS</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">...<i>DO IT LATER.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">John Brooder [to the group].</span></div>
<u><br /></u><u>Before seeing this film it should be noted that there are some things you cannot unsee after watching this film</u>. When I tell you that there is one scene in this film that nearly made me vomit, be afraid, very afraid. The film started off as a wonderful western tale of woe then it descends into abject horror and ultra-violence. The first part of the film is very much a true western. The real surprise comes when the film shifts gears and becomes a horror film in the tradition of '<b>The Hills Have Eyes</b>.' I personally love the western-horror genre and I wish this mashup was more common, but I haven't seen a film with this level of gore in a very long time. If there's one positive I would note that most of the violence takes place at the very end of the film.<br />
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'<b>Bone Tomahawk</b>' will become (if it hasn't already become) a cult classic. The entire cast is fantastic. I say this with great trepidation as I am NOT a fan of <b>Matthew Fox</b>. This is the same Fox who got arrested (and later sued) for punching a <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/matthew-fox-lost-dominic-monaghan-379379" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">female bus driver in the whoo-hoo</a>. Then his '<b>Lost</b>' co-star openly accused him of beating women...frequently. Considering the '<b>Party of Five</b>' episode dedicated to domestic violence, I am very disappointed!<br />
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It's also an unusual allegation. Most people do not get accused of punching a woman in the vajajay, which leads me to believe that given <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/matthew-fox-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-201256" target="_blank">his documented problems with alcohol</a>...it's likely true. However, I don't feel right about reporting one side of the story. Fox said the woman simply got in the way when he was <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/matthew-fox-i-was-terribly-embarrassed-by-my-dui-20121710" target="_blank">trying to punch a man</a>. So much better right? So there you have it. There are many forms of bad behavior I can tolerate from celebrities...most of which I consider to be none of my business, but when you punch a woman in the whoo-hoo for not letting you get on a bus because you're drunk that's where I draw the line.<br />
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Ok enough of the groin punching story because <b>Fox is crazy good as the cocky gunslinging lothario John Brooder in 'Bone Tomahawk.'</b> It's probably his best work in years. His last scene in the film was probably my favorite in the entire film: <i>"I'm too vain to be cripple."</i> <b>Patrick Wilson</b> is more tolerable than usual. But it's Jenkins who truly steals the show. Jenkins is so good you almost forget he's acting.<br />
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<b><u>Plot</u>: Kurt Russell </b>needs no introduction as a rugged honest lawman, Sheriff Franklin Hunt. Russell is the ultimate man's man. In addition to his role as Wyatt Earp in the cult classic '<b>Tombstone</b>,' and his long acting career, Russell is also a former baseball player, race car driver, and stuntman. Meaning: Russell is perfectly cast in this role. Set in the 1890s, Hunt is sheriff of a small town named Bright Hope. Hunt and his slow, but sweet deputy Chicory (<b>Richard Jenkins</b>) discover there's trouble in 'dem dere hills' when a drifter (<b>David Arquette</b>) comes to town.<br />
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They soon learn that the drifter didn't come back alone. The storyline is simple--unsung western heroes mount a rescue mission despite overwhelming odds and unspeakable danger. It's a tried and true formula because it works, deserving of my best of the year list.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">IS HE DANGEROUS?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bradley Fine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>ONLY IF YOU HAVE BOOBS.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Susan Cooper.</span></div>
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This movie made me love <b>Melissa McCarthy</b>. I have never seen a plus-sized action star...until now. There was one scene in this film that made me laugh so hard that I thought I would pass out or pee my pants. One or the other. Perhaps it was because I was watching that scene with my dad who thought he was going to see a '<b>James Bond</b>'-type film. Sorry daddy. I psyched you out on that one. I don't know, but whatever the reason is, I loved this film. Screw film critic (and overall disgusting human being) <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/rex-reed-refuses-to-apologize-for-melissa-mccarthy-comments-i-stand-by-all-of-my-original-remarks-2013216" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rex Reed</a> for referring to the lovely McCarthy as a "tractor sized" "female hippo."<br />
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It did go on about 15 to 30 minutes too long for my taste, but that's ok. I don't typically like <b>Paul Feig</b> comedies, because I don't like potty humor, but this film was so well done. Feig and McCarthy compliment each other so well. It's a funny comedy, but it's never slap stick. It has an edge of seriousness, but it never takes itself seriously. It's one of the few comedies that broke the mold for me. McCarthy's genuineness and warmth really shines through here. It also helps that she had incredible chemistry with <b>Jason Statham</b>. Who would have thunk? The supporting cast is equally incredible. This movie just gives me the "feels."<br />
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<b><u>Plot</u></b>: CIA analyst Susan Cooper (<b>Melissa McCarthy</b>) goes into the field when her partner Bradley Fine (<b>Jude Law</b>) meets an unfortunately "end." Unprepared and placed in over the top disguises (cat lady), Susan has an adventure like no other.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">HE'S AFRAID. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">HE KNOWS HOW FAR</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I CAME TO FIND HIM.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hugh Glass</span></div>
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This movie is one of the most anticipated films this year and thankfully it does not disappoint. Say what you will about director <b>Alejandro Iñárritu</b>--he's a madman, a narcissist, recipient of a <a href="http://collider.com/tom-hardy-the-revenant-alejandro-inarritu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">groin punch</a> from <b>Tom Hardy</b>, etc. (<i>lots of groin punching going on in this post</i>), but he knows how to make movies. It's likely that he's an insane savant in the same vein of <b>Kubrick</b>. Kubrick also did a film with just natural light, '<b>Barry Lyndon</b>.' It's a near impossible feat, which is why no one does it. Thankfully, Inarritu has an equally brilliant cinematographer. If Inarritu is the potter, cinematographer <b>Emmanuel Lubezki</b> brings the clay to life. The cinematography of this film is stunning.<br />
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There are several takes in the film that are absolutely spectacular. I am in awe that Inarritu managed to capture these shots in one take, let alone at all. <b>Leonardo DiCaprio</b> also does exceptional work here. DiCaprio is at his best in this film. You feel his character's sorrow, his will to survive, and his heart wrenching loss. Given his body of work, I do not understand how DiCaprio has not won an Oscar yet. I'm very hopeful that this will be his year. If he doesn't at least get a nomination then I won't be watching the Oscars this year. Hardy does great work here too and is worthy of a best supporting nod. Hardy is sensational as the hair-raising sociopath, John Fitzgerald.<br />
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<b>LEO WILL LIKELY BE SNUBBED AGAIN!!</b></div>
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<b><u>Plot</u></b>: The film is based on Michael Punke's 2002 novel, which itself was based on the real-life survival story of Hugo Glass (Leonard DiCaprio). Living in the Rockies in the early 1800s was hard and this film pulls no punches. I don't think I've ever seen a survival tale this brutal. This may sound strange, but this film reminds me a little bit of '<b>Gravity</b>,' with regard to the main character's dedication to survive. Similar to 'Gravity,' the storyline is simple, but effective. It also evolves (rightfully so) into savage tale of revenge.<br />
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Glass is a trapper who guides a group through the vast wilderness for fur trapping. When they are attacked the survivors splinter. Through a series of unfortunate events, Glass accidentally stumbles upon a mama bear with cubs. Mama bear does what mama bears do. Thus, begins the terrible chain of events that befall Glass. I kind of know why people joked (I hope they were joking) that DiCaprio's character was <a href="http://variety.com/2015/film/news/the-revenant-bear-rape-fox-leonardo-dicaprio-1201651379/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">raped by a bear</a> in the movie because the bear attack is so horrific. However, it's repulsive that people made such a big deal about the alleged bear rape, when there is an actual <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/2015/12/100126/the-revenant-leonardo-dicaprio-rape-scene" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rape of a woman depicted in the film</a>. These same people didn't seem to bat an eye about that.<br />
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After seeing the film I understand why this film was so miserable to shoot. 'The Revenant' is merciless, primal, and unrelenting. Thankfully the film's difficult subject matter is juxtaposed against the breathtaking beauty of the wilderness and incredible cinematography. The word "revenant" is defined as "a person who returns" or "a person who returns as a spirit after death." Lets just say that the book and the film are well titled. If you haven't seen the film yet I won't spoil it for you as to why.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">THIS THING. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">IT'S GOING TO </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>FOLLOW YOU. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hugh [to Jay]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Filmed in Michigan on the micro budget of $2 million dollars, '</span><span style="color: black;"><b>It Follows</b></span><span style="color: black;">' is an ingenious low budget horror film in the tradition of '</span><span style="color: black;"><b>Evil Dead</b></span><span style="color: black;">.' Considering the pit of "creative hell" that is Hollywood, I'm surprised this movie was actually released. It is a 2014 film, but it was technically released in March 2015, which is why it's on my 2015 list. It's a bold and slick modern teen horror flick--and it's awesome. It's what </span><span style="color: black;"><b>'I Know What You Did Last Summer</b></span><span style="color: black;">' should have been, but wasn't. I'm sure there are more good things to come from first time Writer/Director </span><span style="color: black;"><b>David Robert Mitchell</b></span><span style="color: black;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The relatively unknown cast holds their own here too. The soundtrack (and the film itself) reminds me a lot of one of </span><span style="color: black;"><b>John Carpenter's</b></span><span style="color: black;"> early films: rudimentary, primitive, and brilliant. Similar to John Carpenter's '</span><span style="color: black;"><b>Halloween</b></span><span style="color: black;">,' the film takes place in a typical middle class neighborhood with seemingly normal teens. Mitchell's writing is tense, well constructed, and the dialogue is just fantastic. The characters react to situations like you would imagine a teenager would. There is another direct homage to 'Halloween' when the main character sees the creature while sitting in a boring high school literature class. </span></span><br />
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<u><b>Plot</b></u>: Jay (<b>Maika Monroe</b>), a young woman becomes infected by a “sexually transmitted” paranormal curse. Wow, that's a new one. You can see from the trailer that her new lover has “issues.” He sees things that aren't there and chloroforms her immediately after they have sex. Jay embarks on her own personal odyssey to find Hugh, all the while trying to avoid this nameless fear following her.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>MATH TIME</b>!</u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The movie is not without flaws. Serious flaws. For example, this demon creature follows you at a snail's pace, but it eventually catches up with you...walking. This means whenever you drive somewhere it takes a while for it to catch up. They're in Michigan, so why not drive to Florida? That's a 17 hour drive. If you go to Google Maps it calculates that it will take a walker 376 hours to walk to Florida. Since I assume the thing doesn't sleep, it will arrive in Florida in about 2 weeks. Within that two week span you take a plane overseas. Let's see how fast that thing catches up through an ocean. It seemed to avoid water so I assume it wouldn't cross an ocean. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Even if it does, all you need to do is solve the equation of how fast the thing travels versus how fast you can travel. Mind you, traveling requires money. So if you needed to settle down in a place you would need to live somewhere where you can commute to where you worked and went to school. So if you lived in suburb of Detroit, Michigan you would need to commute to 2 hours to somewhere in Indiana. It would take the demon about 15 hours to follow you one way. Mind you commuting would every day and worrying about having to flee in a moment's notice would totally suck. You wouldn't be able to have a family...especially not a baby or a toddler. Ain't no way I can leave the house in 5 minutes. <b>Clearly I have thought far too much about this. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">LUKE SKYWALKER?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I THOUGHT HE WAS A MYTH?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Rey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
I don't usually list huge films like 'Star Wars' in my top movies list, but it was a wonderful film, deserving of being on my list. Thankfully <b>J.J. Abrams</b> learned a few lessons from '<b>Star Trek Into the Darkness</b>.' There were no lens flares and no ludicrously placed half naked women. <b>Daisy Ridley</b> (Rey) was a multi-layered female character that was competent and driven-- no easy task in a big budget Hollywood film. Rey's character is well written and magical.<br />
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Unlike other supposedly strong female character's Rey isn't the least bit angsty, bitter, or cynical. For some reason Hollywood has a tendency to depict strong female characters as "bitchy"-- case in point this year's '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/06/if-you-build-it-they-will-come-jurassic.html" target="_blank">Jurassic World</a></b>' and '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/07/terminator-genisys-review-protect-my.html" target="_blank">Terminator: Genisys</a></b>,' or even the original Princess Leia. Portraying a strong female character as a male hater full of piss and vinegar is Hollywood's favorite cliche (next to showing women in <a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/08/the-ultimate-cliche-bikini-shots.html" target="_blank">bikinis in action movie trailers</a>). I am so grateful to J.J. Abrams and writer/director <b>Lawrence Kasdan</b> that my little girl can watch '<b>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</b>' and look up to Rey as a future geek girl in training (and dare I say it...even buy her action figure). That may not seem like a big deal, but it is.<br />
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'The Force Awakens' is not a deep film discussing an important social topic, but it's a passionate love letter to the fans, dripping with nostalgia. 'The Force Awakens' was filled with so much love and a much needed homage to the original '<b>Star Wars: A New Hope</b>.' People may get irritated that 'Star Wars' is over hyped and it is, but the reason this franchise is so popular is because it makes people happy. That's what <b>George Lucas</b> couldn't understand in the prequels.<br />
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The dialogue has been greatly improved with Abrams<b> </b>taking over from Lucas. I know Lucas gets a bad wrap (and rightfully so), but he did create three epic films in the late 70s/early 80s. It doesn't mean that he kept up with the times. If you've seen the prequels...it's clear that he didn't. <b>Hayden Christenson's</b> wooden acting, the awful construction of Padame's character (<b>Natalie Portman</b>), the cheesy dialogue, and the oh so strange storylines of the prequels prove that sometimes your best years are behind you and it's time to retire.<br />
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I had originally wrote a lovely sentence about how gracious George Lucas was to bow out and let someone else take over...then Lucas opened his mouth. Not content to take his $4 billion dollars and shutup, Lucas decided to have a temper tantrum. He claims that he sold 'Star Wars' to "<a href="http://variety.com/2015/film/news/star-wars-george-lucas-disney-white-slavers-1201669959/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">white slavers</a>." Yeah that actually happened. Lucas has since <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/george-lucas-apologizes-over-force-awakens-criticisms-20160101" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">apologized</a>, but outbursts like this make it even harder to take Lucas seriously.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">IF I WANT WATER, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">I'LL HAVE TO MAKE IT FROM SCRATCH</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>FORTUNATELY, I KNOW THE RECIPE.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Mark Watney</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Well constructed and taught, '<b>The Martian</b>' draws you into Mark Watney's (<b>Matt Damon</b>) stark martian world. 'The Martian' is one of <b>Ridley Scott's</b> best films in years, partially because the material he had to work with was so exceptional. Author <b>Andy Weir's</b> brilliant novel gives Scott a near perfect blueprint to work from, making this film "almost" impossible to mess up. Thankfully Scott delivers.<br />
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Damon is well cast as the sarcastic and humorous Watney and the rest of the cast is equally wonderful. The film is not without flaws. Thankfully Scott knows his way around a scifi film. Like most Scott films, the character development could have used a little work, but 'The Martian' is still one of the best films of the year. See my full review <a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/10/the-martian-review-im-still-alive-minor.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Kate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I GO WHERE I'M SENT.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Alejandro</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
This film was the only other film I gave 5 stars to this year. It was nearly flawless, with very few missteps along the way. <b>Emily Blunt</b> is an ingenue FBI agent tasked with bringing the fight to the cartel. Director <b>Denis Villeneuve</b> is such a brilliant director. He manages to convey a true sense of dread and violence without actually showing much violence on screen.<br />
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The real show stopper is <b>Benecio Del Toro</b>, who plays his best role in years. In the hands of a lesser actor this role could have been over the top, but Del Toro knows subtlety. Most of Del Toro's scenes are expressed with little to no dialogue, just with his eyes and body language-- all the marks of an incredible actor. Del Toro definitely deserves at least an Oscar nod this year. See my full review <a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/10/sicario-review-this-is-land-of-wolves_21.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">IT WAS HARD TO KNOW</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">WHO WAS MORE CRAZY.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>ME...OR EVERYONE ELSE.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Max</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
There simply is no comparison. I saw this film in May and I have yet to see it's equal in 2015. This was the best film of the year...hands down. In fact I haven't seen a film as good as this one in a very long time. I never really considered myself to be a fan of the '<b>Mad Max</b>' franchise. Like every child of the 80's, I saw highly edited versions of those kooky films on lazy Saturday afternoons on broadcast television. Never having seen these films in the theater I just never paid much attention to them. They were intriguing, but weird and didn't hold much interest to me.<br />
<br />
So when '<b>Mad Max: Fury Road</b>' came out I was reluctant to see it. Boy was I wrong. '<b>Sicario</b>' is a close second, but this movie is by far my favorite film of 2015. Unfortunately Hollywood is way too pretentious to give this film any accolades, but if I were giving out Oscars, this film would receive Oscars for everything. EVERYTHING. See my full review <b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/05/who-killed-world-fury-road-review.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-35494507095619513892015-12-04T17:24:00.000-05:002015-12-04T17:47:49.299-05:00MOCKINGJAY II REVIEW - "OUR LIVES WERE NEVER OURS" [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Before I get too far into the review I wanted to say that after seeing the final film in the "quadrilogy," I can now say with confidence that four films were truly unnecessary. The third film was completely pointless and there were even a few fatty scenes in '<b>Mockingjay II</b>' that could have been cut or trimmed. That said, the best part about this film (and about the book it's based on) is that is action-oriented. It gets down to business very quickly.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">GIVE ME ONE REASON </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">I SHOULDN'T KILL YOU?</span> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Capitol soldier [to Katniss]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I CAN'T. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Katniss</span></div>
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If you haven't seen any of the previous films or read the books, then this review will be hard to follow. The film picks up almost immediately where '<b>Mockingjay I</b>' left off. Katniss Everdeen (<b>Jennifer Lawrence</b>) has just been brutally attacked by Peeta Malark (<b>Josh Hutcherson</b>). She recovers only to find that Peeta is still brainwashed to kill her. Under President Coin's (<b>Julianne Moore</b>) orders and Plutarch Heavensbee's watchful eye-- Katniss, Gale (<b>Liam Hemsworth</b>), and her PR team get back in the fight. I should note that Heavensbee's role has been greatly diminished because of the passing of one of the most brilliant and gifted actors of this generation, <b>Philip Seymour Hoffman</b>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">ANYBODY CAN KILL ANYBODY, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">EVEN A PRESIDENT<i>. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">YOU JUST HAVE TO BE WILLING </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>TO SACRIFICE YOURSELF.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gale [to Katniss]</span></div>
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Katniss and the team visit District 2, which is an active war zone. Katniss' PR team film the mockingjay doing heroic things and making great speeches, all of which is supposed to keep the 13 districts focused on defeating the Capitol. District 2 houses the Capitol's most battle hardened warriors, who have hidden themselves away in a seemingly impenetrable mountain, which Gale accurately describes as a "wolf-den." It's here that we start to see the toll the war has taken on Gale's psyche as he recommends bringing the mountain down on the wolves and civilians alike, instead of going in. This is a foreshadowing of more to come.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">DON'T TRUST THEM.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">DO WHAT YOU CAME TO DO. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Boggs [to Katniss]</span></div>
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Commander Lyme (<b>Gwendoline Christie</b> of 'Game of Thrones') agrees, as it will inevitably spare the rebels from a frontal assault. Katniss is concerned about the fleeing civilians who may get caught in the crossfire. This film really touched (albeit in a PG-13 version) on the horrors of war and the innocent people who inevitably get caught in the middle. Had the filmmakers properly utilized the last film, this scene could have been really wonderful. Admittedly, the book glosses over it as well. The third book was not my favorite. It jumps around a lot and leaves loose ends. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">TONIGHT, TURN YOUR</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WEAPONS TO THE CAPITOL.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Katniss [to everyone]</span></div>
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Katniss convinces the war brigade to leave a tunnel open to evacuate the civilians in the mountain, which everyone reluctantly agrees to. Katniss' hero-complex is put the test when one of the soldiers fleeing through the tunnel (the rebels mercifully left open) attempts to kill her. I'm not a Jlaw fan, but Lawrence does some good work here. This may be the first (and only) time I give her a compliment. She manages to bring both a since of bravado and empathy to the role and after four films she's got Katniss down pat. I finally warmed up to Lawrence as Katniss after this film. I have always believed Lawrence was miscast in this series. Katniss was of Native American heritage in the books, diminutive, and small in stature. Think about it-- these people were on the brink of starvation. I hardly think a nearly 6-foot tall blonde glamazon was who Suzanne Collins pictured when she was writing her novels. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">IT'S WAR, KATNISS. SOMETIMES</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>KILLING ISN'T PERSONAL.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gale [to Katniss].</span></div>
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Anyhoo, <b>Francis Lawrence's</b> direction is decent. I would NOT say "great," but it's good. He does a competent job of accurately capturing the spirit of the books. What's so surprising is that the original modestly budgeted 2012 film by <b>Gary Ross</b> (director of '<b>Seabiscuit</b>' and '<b>Pleasantville</b>') was the best film to date. Proving once and for all that more money does not necessarily make a better movie. But 'Mockingjay 2' is still a solid film. It does a good job bring all of the moving parts together and creating a satisfying conclusion. I also liked the fact that the scriptwriters lowered the volume on the whole "love triangle" thing. There's one scene where <b>Jena Malone's</b> character (Johanna Mason) made fun of Katniss' love affairs. I can't recall if that little scene was in the book, but it added a bit of levity in a heavy film. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WE KEEP EACH OTHER ALIVE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>IT'S WHAT WE DO.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peeta [to Katniss]</span></div>
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Katniss gets injured but decides to continue on her quest to take the Capitol. She's joined on a quest by a few other warriors, with some wonderful guest appearances, by one of my favorite scifi darlings <b>Michelle Forbes</b> as Lt. Jackson and <b>Mahershala Ali</b> as Boggs. The rest of the team is like fodder for the traps the Capitol installs to defend itself. So you learn not to get attached to any of them. I thought this was a mistake on the part of the scriptwriters and the director. There should have been more emotional connection with the group surrounding Katniss. The only other person you develop an attachment to is Finnick Odair (<b>Sam Clafin</b>), who you got to know from his appearance in '<b>Catching Fire</b>.' </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I'LL SAY THIS FOR YOU KATNISS,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>YOU DON'T DISAPPOINT.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Haymitch [to Katniss]</span></div>
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<b>Donald Sutherland</b> gives another excellent performance as President Snow. Again, I wish there would have been a few more scenes with him. We also don't see nearly enough of Haymitch (<b>Woody Harrelson</b>) and Effie (<b>Elizabeth Banks</b>). The filmmakers missed an opportunity by filling the last Mockingjay film with utter crap, which prevented this film from expanding upon some key scenes. Needless to say Katniss and the remaining members of her team eventually make it to the Capitol. It's here that Katniss witnesses some terrible things. Again fleeing civilians caught in the middle of two warring armies is never a good thing. There was one missing scene from the books that the filmmakers should have added. In the books when Katniss comes across a civilian woman who was about to give away their location she killed her with no hesitation. She didn't want to, but she felt like she had to. It was clear in the books that Katniss' hands weren't always clean. This moral dilemma was missing from the film. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">MOCKINGJAY, MAY YOUR</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">AIM BE AS TRUE </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>AS YOUR HEART IS PURE</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">President Coin [to Katniss]</span></div>
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The film concludes exactly as it did in the books. Similarly it's not all cupcakes and roses when President Snow is finally deposed, as President Coin is equally nefarious. There are some very emotional sequences toward the end of the film that I actually shed a few tears over. Katniss ends up doing what Katniss does best! Overall, it's an ok film with a good cast. The character of Katniss is a fantastic fictional character to inspire young girls. She has loads more agency than Tris from the '<b>Divergent</b>' series whose only motivation seems to get a boyfriend. There are some major flaws throughout the 'Mockingjay II' that should not be dismissed, but it's a fitting end to the quadrilogy. The film's biggest flaw was it's preceding film, which was not handled well at all. </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS.</span></b></div>
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-37551505304908304842015-11-09T06:30:00.000-05:002015-11-09T09:55:49.382-05:00'SPECTRE' REVIEW - "THEY SAY YOU'RE FINISHED" [SPOILERS]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wow, I still can't believe how bad this movie was. No wonder <b>Daniel Craig</b> is lashing out at the press. If I was in this film I'd be lashing out too. I can totally feel Daniel's pain after watching this film. '<b>Spectre</b>' is a shadow of the modern Bond franchise. Everything the previous Bond films did right, 'Spectre' gets wrong. When Bond was rebooted so to speak with Craig, the filmmakers broke all of the "Bond rules" and got back to the basics. The villain in '<b>Casino Royale</b>,' Le Chiffre (<b>Mads Mikkelsen</b>) tortured Bond with a bar of soap, a piece of rope, and a chair. There were no sharks, laser beams, crocodile farms,venomous spiders, or elaborate setups. Bond's fighting style also changed. Bond's new fighting style was vicious, hard, and inelegant-- similar to <b>Jason Bourne</b>. Bond didn't even care which way he received a martini as long as he got it. The new Bond was updated for the new generation, as is always the case. Unfortunately, 'Spectre' is a failed attempt to go back in time to the Bond films of old. For reasons listed above...it just doesn't work,<br />
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I preface my review by saying that the opening scene of 'Spectre' in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead celebration is absolutely spectacular. It's also done in a single take and it's breathtaking. It made me want to dress up in costume and go to a Day of the Dead parade. The only thing this film has going for it are the exotic locations. Similar to other Bond films, the locations are absolutely gorgeous. However, beautiful locations without a developed storyline do not make a good movie. The reason '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2012/10/craig-daniel-craig.html" target="_blank">Skyfall</a></b>' was well received was because it had a decent storyline, along with incredible visuals, a great song, and stunning scenery. I wish I could say the same for 'Spectre.'<br />
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James Bond (<b>Daniel Craig</b>) is in disguise with a beautiful woman on his arm (of course). He's attempting to stop a terrorist attack without the support of his spy agency MI6. Sadly this is your only taste of a decent scene. After the credits roll the film goes downhill with each passing scene. Back in London, M (<b>Ralph Fiennes</b>) reads Bond the riot act and attempts to reign him in. M is in the midst of a power struggle and a merger between MI6 and MI5. MI5 is headed up by newbie C (<b>Andrew Scott</b>) who thinks that drones and surveillance have rendered the "Double O" program obsolete. </div>
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It's not like we haven't heard this one before? I think we have even seen this subplot in a Bond film before if I'm not mistaken? This is the crux of the plot--technology replacing the human element. The "fear of technology" storyline has only been around since the invention of the wheel. Who needs fresh and original? Once Bond is dismissed (again...it's not like that hasn't happened before) he continues his own personal mission. </div>
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Money Penny (<b>Naomi Harris</b>) knows Bond is unto something. It's here that he confides in her that he's following the former M's (<b>Judi Dench</b>) orders before she died. He needs to follow the primrose path to Rome to meet with Lucia, the terrorist's hot widow (<b>Monica Bellucci</b>). This is another sticking point I have with 'Spectre.' A lot of hubbub was made about the casting of Bellucci because she's an "age appropriate" Bond girl. It was as if the makers of the franchise were trying to say, "hey look we're not sexist! Bring your date to see our crappy movie!" </div>
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Yeah, ok. Then why was Monica Bellucci (the sexist woman alive...IMO) in 'Spectre' for a total of two minutes, one of which was on her back? This film is frustratingly long, running at an excruciating 2-1/2 hours. Why then was Bellucci given so little screentime? Bellucci serves no purpose except as a sex toy. That should hardly be surprising in a Bond film, but considering the hoopla they gave Bellucci it was unexpected and much too fast. I know this is a fictional film and yes I know this is a Bond film, which means it's flamboyant and over the top. But even Bond films should make sense. Why would a woman who just lost her husband have sex with a complete stranger in the span of 5 minutes? No offense to Daniel Craig (as I think Craig is an attractive man), but if a normal (and mostly sane woman) had sex with a complete stranger, he'd certainly have to be better looking than Craig is. It's insane even for a Bond film. </div>
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Moving on, Bond goes on to see a familiar enemy, Mr. White (<b>Jesper Christensen</b>) who has been in previous Bond films 'Casino Royale' and '<b>Quantum of Solace</b>.' Mr. White is an old and dying assassin who entrusts Bond with the care of his daughter Dr. Madeleine Swann (<b>Lea Seydoux</b>). What a fun way to introduce a new love interest-- a woman half Bond's age. Supposedly Dr. Swan knows enough about her father's past to lead Bond to Spectre...the international terrorist organization that has been the real force behind all of the nastiness in the previous films. We get to see brief flashbacks of all of the previous villains of the other Bond films: Le Chiffre (<b>Mads Mikkelsen</b>), Mathieu Amalric (<b>Dominic Greene</b>), and Silva (<b>Javier Bardeem</b>). It feels like director <b>Sam Mendes</b> and the makers of Bond are laying it on thick that this will be Craig's last Bond film. If that's the case, then this is really sad because this is not the film to go out on.</div>
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Bond and Dr. Swann continue down the rabbit hole in an effort to root out Spectre. There's the old familiar Elizabeth Bennett/Mr. Darcy tension of "will they or won't they?" This particular storyline has only been around for a couple hundred years. Needless to say, Dr. Swann falls into the sway of the charismatic James Bond. There's even a nod to Vesper Lynd (<b>Eva Green</b>) from 'Casino Royale' with an elegant dinner scene on a train between Bond and Dr. Swann. Despite international assassins being on their tail, they both manage to dress to the nines and drink dirty martinis in the train dining car. Clearly I've been in the wrong type of train cars. I'm sorry to say that there was more sexiness in the flash of <b>Rebecca Ferguson's</b> legs in '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/08/mission-impossible-rogue-nation-review.html" target="_blank">Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation</a></b>' than in this entire film.</div>
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A brutal assassin, Hinx (<b>Dave Bautist</b>a) interrupts this romantic interlude in the film's best and most savage fight scene. Bond is thrown through train walls and nearly thrown from the train himself. For some reason neither the train conductor nor passengers seem to notice Bond being beat to a bloody pulp or the train being destroyed. After taking such a merciless beating what does Bond want to do? Have sex with Dr. Swann of course. Please don't get me wrong. I don't mind the idea that James Bond is a ladies man or a lothario. That is par for the course. My issue is the ridiculousness of the plot. The writers really fell down on the job in this film. My previous least favorite film in the Craig/Bond franchise, 'Quantum of Solace' looks like a freaking masterpiece in comparison to 'Spectre.'</div>
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Perhaps the worst part of 'Spectre' is the villain. Who exactly is the villain in this film? Well...the villain is Oberhauser (<b>Christoph Waltz</b>). Oh but wait it's C the head of MI5...no...it's Hinx. That's the biggest issue in this film. Everyone is a villain! There is no clear villain like 'Skyfall' or 'Casino Royale.' So what is Oberhauser's relationship with Bond you ask? This was a real mind bender--not in a good way. The writer who came up with this twist should be forced to watch movies with my dad. My dad is one of those annoying people who talks during movies (among other things). For him movie watching is an interactive experience with discussion, popcorn, loud chewing, and a cell phone with an obnoxious ringtone. </div>
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Oberhauser is the son of the Bond family's caretaker. I assume he is referring to <b>Albert Finney's</b> (Kincade) character from 'Skyfall.' Oberhauser gives Bond a metaphorical example of the cukoo bird. Cukoo birds are known to lay eggs in other bird's nests. The newly born cukoo birds then kill the mama bird's real babies. So supposedly Bond is a cukoo bird and Oberhauser is a smashed egg. Another thing that makes no sense is how Bond doesn't appear to recognize Oberhauser. You would think that they would have come into contact at some point or Bond would have seen a photo or something. I don't know and I didn't care at this point. I would rather smear poop on my walls than analyze this film too deeply. </div>
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Bond and Dr. Swann escape to London to help M, Q (<b>Ben Whishaw</b>), Money Penny, and Tanner (<b>Rory Kinnear</b>) take down "Skynet." Ooops I mean, the Spectre computer program. You know the intrusive surveillance program that is supposedly going to replace people. It's in London that we learn that somewhere between the train scene and the end of the film Bond has fallen madly in love with Dr. Swann. Oberhauser says it will take the daughter of an assassin to truly understand him. I liked the fact that Bond developed deep feelings for a woman. It's a nice break from his playboy ways. I enjoyed Bond's relationship with Vesper in 'Casino Royale,' but the love story in 'Spectre' is so contrived and preposterous...even for a Bond film. </div>
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Despite all of 'Spectre's faults. Perhaps the film's worst flaw is that it's BORING. Considering the quality of this franchise it is extremely rare to see a Bond film this bad. I seriously could have fallen asleep during this film if my father and movie partner wasn't keeping me alert with occasional farts during quiet scenes, spitting popcorn kernels out his mouth, yelling at the screen to "shoot out the tires,!" or balling up napkins and tossing them across the floor. Thankfully we sit so close to the screen that no one was in front of us. Whew. So it's fair to say that I really didn't like this film. Since I frequently see films with my dad I don't think it was his fault.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>TWO OUT OF FIVE STARS</b></span></div>
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msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401903779540158679.post-10875708832624165852015-10-29T06:30:00.000-04:002015-10-30T12:51:24.747-04:00'BRIDGE OF SPIES' REVIEW - WOULD IT HELP?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I really enjoyed '<b>Bridge of Spies</b>,' but it wasn't nearly as exciting as I expected it to be. From the first shot one could definitely tell this is a <b>Steven Spielberg</b> film, which is a good thing. Say what you want about Spielberg-- too much melodrama and over sentimentality-- but he's an exceptional director. You don't remain an A-list director in the pit of hell that is Hollywood for 45 years without being good. And make no mistake Spielberg is the best of the best. Is 'Bridge of Spies' well executed? Absolutely? Is it well acted? Yes! Is it intriguing? Of course. But...there's nothing refreshing or thrilling about this tale. Perhaps that's to be expected, as this is based on a true story and must be bound by realism. If you've seen the trailer then you've seen the film. The thing I most remember about 'Bridge of Spies' is how dashing <b>Tom Hanks</b> looks in a nice suit. I don't think that was supposed to be the major "takeaway" but...<br />
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Our fair film starts in the late 1950's at the height of the cold war, with the exposure of a Russian spy named Rudolph Abel, well played by <b>Mark Rylance</b>. Rylance is phenomenal in this role. Spielberg always has an eye for incredible character actors and 'Bridge of Spies' is no exception. <b>Tom Hanks</b> needs no introduction as "everyday man"/insurance lawyer James Donovan. This is a role that Hanks excels at. He does it so well you scarcely remember he's acting. That said, I really do enjoy when Hanks challenges himself like he did with his role in '<b>Captain Phillips</b>.'<br />
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The FBI sweeps up Abel as a Russian spy and puts him on trial. The U.S. Justice Department wants to distinguish itself from their Russian counterparts (USSR at the time) by affording (or appearing to afford) Abel due process. They appoint Donovan as his lawyer. Donovan is no slouch. He takes his role as Abel's attorney seriously. He doesn't breach attorney/client privilege despite pressures from the CIA and he gives Abel a zealous defense.<br />
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Despite the guilty verdict and the threat of execution, Abel is a cool customer. Nothing seems to bother him, which surprises Donovan. Abel continually asks throughout the film, "would it help" his situation if he appeared to be frightened? No...it probably wouldn't. Despite the fact that these two men are on opposing sides, Donovan and Abel form a friendship. Donovan not only vigorously defends his client (to the chagrin of his family and law firm), he heavily lobbies the judge to spare Abel from a death sentence, and appeals all the way to the Supreme Court. None of which make Donovan popular.<br />
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But Donovan is a pretty sharp guy and he's also in the insurance business. He manages to convince the judge to spare Abel's life just in case the United States needs to trade him for one of their own operatives in the future. How apt Donovan was because in just a few short years Francis Gary Power's (<b>Austin Stowell</b>) spy plane goes down in Russian territory. Stowell is a really good looking guy. I found myself admiring his jaw line instead of thinking about the storyline, but then I remembered my 5th grade history lessons. Powers was captured by the Russians and subsequently released. He later accused infamous assassin <i>Lee Harvey Oswald</i> of potentially revealing radar secrets to the Russians, which enabled them to hit his supposedly invisible spy plane 70,000 feet (21 kilometers) in the air. The downing of Powers' plane is one of the most dramatic scenes in the movie.<br />
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I will say that this film was a nice history lesson. I remember being a young girl when the Berlin wall came down in the late 80's. I didn't quite understand the significance of it at the time. Seeing the wall go up in 'Bridge of Spies' was really a fascinating experience. It helped me appreciate just how important it was for the wall to come down. I also didn't know that Francis Gary Powers was once the most hated man in America. It makes sense. He didn't have the "sense" to kill himself instead of being captured. I dare say most people would be hesitant to kill themselves, but that didn't stop people from hating him.<br />
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Once Powers is captured, Donovan is dispatched to East Berlin to play a dangerous game of brinkmanship with both the Russians and the East Germans in order to trade Abel for Powers and an imprisoned American student, Frederic Pryors (<b>Will Rogers</b>). Donovan is especially dedicated to the release of the student as the young man is the same age as his own son. Donovan's adventures in East Berlin are intriguing to watch, but again there's nothing particularly compelling about this film.<br />
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Spielberg does a great job capturing the look of the late 1950s and 1960s, which has become a Spielberg signature. While watching this film I was transported to a different time and perhaps that's what people like most about it. So if you're looking for a solid film that doesn't reinvent the wheel then this film is for you. Hanks and Spielberg are always a potent mixture and definitely worth the price of admission. However, if you want something more adventurous then my recommendation would be to see '<b><a href="http://www.aspaceblogyssey.com/2015/10/sicario-review-this-is-land-of-wolves_21.html" target="_blank">Sicario</a></b>' while it's still in theaters.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS.</span></b></div>
msmariahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15486729990673366769noreply@blogger.com12