"The Fantastic Four: First Steps"

Welcome to the family.  No Marvel homework required; a refreshingly standalone movie in an alternate Earth.  

Following the mid-story trend of the recently released “Superman." “Fantastic Four: First Steps” forgoes the origin story.  

An origin flashback and good-natured montage quickly provide a glimpse into the backstory of four astronauts – married astronauts Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal; “Materialists,” “Wonder Woman 1984”  and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby, “Mission Impossible” series), her brother Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) and their friend Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bacharach) – went into space and came back to Earth with their genes altered after having been exposed to cosmic radiation, and how they perform their superhero-saving duties.   

Reed/Mister Fantastic has the power of elasticity, with the ability to stretch all his limbs into an extreme range, just like his brilliant mind.  Sue/Invisible Woman can make herself invisible, create and manipulate force fields.  Johnny/Human Torch can burst into flame and fly, control and absorb fire.  Ben/The Thing is rock solid and super strong.  

Going into space as dreamers, they return as the Earth's protectors, celebrated for their superpowers, diplomatic capabilities, advanced technology research and scientific explorations.  

The quartet faces their biggest challenge when the Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) surfs the Manhattan skies and ominously announces that the Earth will soon be consumed by Galactus (Ralph Inneson), a planet-eating space god and there's absolutely nothing anyone could do about it.  

This follows a previously tense action sequence in space where the Fantastic Four tries to meet up with Galactus for the first time and ends up being chased relentlessly by the Silver Surfer.  And something happens aboard that spaceship that makes the stake much higher.  

Well, it turns out, there is a way.  The gigantic Galactus would leave the Earth alone if Sue and Reed would give their newly born baby son, Franklin, to him.  While there has been no indication that Franklin may possess any special powers, Galactus seems to believe otherwise.  

As one might imagine, this unfair barter is an impossible choice and one that is turning admiring humans against their superheroes.  Franklin may be available for a barter, but this is a beloved family member, a living, breathing human baby.  

It's not a simple mathematical equation or even a moral obligation to save the world, no matter how much Reed tries to analyze the situation from a scientific perspective.  Sue takes a human approach and makes an impassioned plea about family ties and fighting as one, as part of a larger family.  

Now they all just need to figure out a plan on how to either keep the Earth safe from Galactus or defeat him.  The answer lies in teleportation power-building and highly risky bait and switch.  It's an extremely ambitious plan that may or may not work.  

It sounds plausible, however, from a storyline point of view and that makes the stakes real and emotional.  Everyone does their part in the battle against Galactus, but Sue is heartbreakingly fierce in her fight.  

The 60s era reminds me of “X-Men: First Class” (remains first-class and one of the most complex superhero movies to date).  The space-age, retro-futuristic cinematography is visually rich and distinctively different.  It looks surreal and feels lived in at the same time.  

The glass-domes, flying cars zipping through buildings, giant television screens plastered among  billboard commercials, cool circular-oval and pointy star-fin designs, a mix of warm wood paneling and bright-muted hues are aesthetically evocative and avant-garde.  The elegantly filmed Excelsior rocket launch and liftoff, along with a soaring score, is reminiscent of “Fly Me to the Moon.” 

The fourth time is fantastic.  One might wonder why we'd need the fourth attempt at “Fantastic Four,” but it turns out to be the right decision by Marvel to move on from the doomed Kang Dynasty debacle and jump start the world-building toward “Avengers: Doomsday."

Stay for the end-credit.  For the first time in years, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” feels like the first steps in the right direction for Marvel's next chapter.

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2025 Comic-Con: Pac-Man Cafe (Open through August 3, 2025)

Comic-Con might be over, but the fun continues through August 3, 2025 with Pac-Man Cafe still open to the public.  Located at 323 Seventh Avenue, San Diego, 92101 (across from Petco Park), it's an immersive retro pop-up cafe with themed bites and beverage, arcade play, merch and decor.  Grab a ramen bowl, quesadillas, cake pop or slushie.  If you played the Pac -Man game or enjoyed the Pac-Man movie, check out the cafe.  You may get to meet the Pac-Man yourself!

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2025 Comic-Con

The biggest party of the year is coming up this week!  Comic-Con will take place on July 23-27, 2025 at the San Diego Convention Center, surrounding hotels and adjacent areas around Gaslamp Quarters.

No badge?  No worries!  You can still take advantage of all kinds of FREE activities outside.  Events, activations, themed restaurant/bar crawl and costumed people-watching. 

For a list of no-badge, FREE activities, click here. 

For individual articles on free events and activations, click here.

For a blast from the past (stories and star sightings), click here.

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"Superman"

Superman.  A superhero with no need for introduction.

A story that has been told so many times yet there's always more to the story.  A new creative direction. An origin, an alien in the real world, a team-up of superheroes, a superhero with a family of his own.

From Christopher Reeve to Brandon Routh and Henry Cavill ("Mission Impossible: Fallout," "Justice League," "Man of Steel," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "Immortals") to Tyler Hoechlin, each man embodies Man of Steel and Clark Kent in his own way, spanning over decades.  Now David Corenswet ("Twister") is carrying that super mantle superbly.

Although arguably, there's still unexplored story about Cavill's Superman and he could have carried on splendidly. Corenswet makes Superman his own, however, a brighter one brimming with warmth, humanity and humor, coming out of the darker, grittier superhero era.

Director James Gunn took a wise approach in not repeating Superman's origin story.  Instead, the movie opens with a prologue that monsters and metahumans have been living among humans for three hundred years, although Superman has just made his appearance known three years ago.  

What is Superman's true purpose on earth?  Have you ever thought what actually would happen if Superman's life-saving business gets in the mix of political affairs? 

For the first time, Superman has lost a fight.  His nemesis is called the Hammer of Boravia and there's far more than meets the robotic eye.  It's no secret that Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult; “The Menu,” “X-Men” series) has always been Superman's archenemy, but here he's utterly unhinged in his malicious masterminding mode.  

You wouldn't guess how exactly the Hammer of Boravia has been able to beat Superman.  Lex also has his powerful tentacles over international relations, national security and social media.  His obsession in getting rid of Superman is breathtakingly brutal.  

After Lex's vile media campaign going viral and his right-hand the Engineer (Maria Gabriela de Faria) and secret, masked meta-henchman are after Superman, the Justice Gang – Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabella Merced), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) – show up to lend their superpowered hands to Superman.  

The best aspect here is the quixotic relationship between Superman/Clark Kent and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan).  Not only Corenswet and Brosnahan have an electric chemistry, their characters' contrasting personalities make a lively dynamic.  Brosnahan nails the role perfectly as the whip-smart, spitfire question-everything journalist, against Corenswet's trust-everyone, idealistic do-gooder.  Lois's on-the-spot, challenging interview of Clark as Superman is argumentatively engaging.  

The central conflict is Superman believes that he represents himself and himself only, and as a Godlike being, why couldn't he just use his superpowers for good, to stop wars and save people?  We're talking about human lives here.  Why should he consult with world leaders?  Sounds simple, right?

Well, the world is not black or white.  Beyond moral obligations, there's also politics.  Simply stopping wars, while saving lives, will not stop the root cause of the escalated conflict.  It may stop the loss of human lives in that point in time, but it will not stop people from killing one another in the future.  And what if it's a war to defend one's country from being attacked or gaining independence?  Who's to judge that country is wrong?  Many nations were built on bloodshed.

The other theme explored is Superman's true purpose on earth.  Is Superman the way he is because of his heritage, a baby alien sent to earth with a noble mission from his Kryptonian's patrician parents?  Superman is Superman and all that is good because of his choices and actions.  He may be an alien, but Superman's impassioned speech, heartfeltly delivered by Corenswet, is quintessentially human.  

Gunn's version has a very busy story, often chaotic and overstuffed with all the metahumans (along with Krypto the super dog, Kaiju and robots), and thus lack of character development, but this version offers something new.  It's got an intriguing premise, a central conflict and unexpected twists.  

“Superman” is decidedly different from Zack Snyder's straightforward, dramatic version.  It's somewhat too silly for my taste, especially as someone who absolutely adored “Man of Steel."  But there's also something refreshing here.  And it never gets old seeing Superman soaring into the skies and flying over icescapes.  The iconic score soars with optimism.  

"Superman" is unabashedly comic-booky.  A colorful scattershot and entertainingly exuberant in its silliness, it also brings a renewed hope and joy for what's next.

***

San Diego celebrated "Superman" in style... with a sandcastle, true to its beach roots, and complete with its own Superman and Krypto.  

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Movie Reaction: "Superman"

*From 7/7/2025 press screening:

What is Superman's true purpose on earth?  Have you ever thought what would happen if Superman's life-saving business get in the mix of political affairs?  It's a busy story, often chaotic and overstuffed with all the metahumans, and James Gunn's style is typically a bit out there for me, but this version offers something new.  It's got intriguing premise and central conflict, along with twists. Lex Luthor is terrifying in his masterminding mode. Superman remains all that is good because of his choices and actions. 

 

*Full review will be published this weekend.  

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"Jurassic World Rebirth"

“Jurassic World Dominion” did the impossible with dinosaurs co-living with humans in modern times and it’s as if all the stories have been told  From the original invention birthed by “Jurassic Park” more than three decades ago to the opening of the surreal theme park in “Jurassic World." 'Dominion's' point-of-no-return didn't end things and there's more story to tell, which surprisingly seems plausible from a creative viewpoint. 

Five years after ‘Dominion,’ the earth’s ecosystem has been largely inhospitable to the revived dinosaurs.  Those who survive mostly remain near the equator, where the environment resembles the prehistoric period from 65 million years ago.  

ParkerGenix, a pharmaceutical company hungry for unlimited profit recruits mercenary Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson; the “Avengers” series, “Hail, Caesar!,” “Her”) and paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey, “Wicked”) to collect DNA samples from the largest living dinosaurs in order to develop a cure for heart disease.  The blood and muscle tissues need to come from the largest dinosaur, each living in the ocean, on land and in the skies.

Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) is the evil face of ParkerGenix, a man who puts profit above all else, including human lives around him, which is shown later in his abominable actions.  Zora needs and wants money to secure her for life, but she has a good head on her shoulder.  She connects with a longtime friend and boat captain Duncan Kinkaid (Mahershala Ali) and a few crew members.

Henry is a true dino-loving fan, who truly loves his work, and gets onboard to see these larger-than-life animals in the wild and for an expedition with an eventual life-saving mission.  Although he's conflicted about the end goal.  If it's truly a cure, shouldn't everyone have access to a life-saving medication and not a select few who can afford it?  

Conveniently, all three largest dinosaurs are now living in the Ille Saint-Hubert island, where a large swath of the areas is forbidden and no longer patrolled by the government due to the extreme hazard. 

Parallel to the dino-hunting boat trek, a family on a sailing vacation – sisters Theresa (Luna Blaise) and Isabella (Audrina Miranda) with their dad, Reuben Delgado (Manel Garcia-Rulfo) and Theresa’s boyfriend, Xavier Dobbs (David Iacono) – gets stranded on water when their boat capsized.  The ragtag team ends up rescuing the family, although their sense of safety is short-lived when they spot a monstrous Mosasaurus approaching, which is exactly what the team is looking for.  

The extended action sequence begins on a splashy note.  It’s thrilling to see the giant sea creature flipping through the air and seeing how exactly the sample extraction works.  It’s not as breezy as throwing a dart gun and have it launched back into their hands.  When a group of scary Spinosaurus circle the boat, the thrill turns into terror.  Even crashing into the island doesn’t guarantee their safety either since they are amphibious.  The group gets separated and there are multiple close calls and body counts. 

Even more anxiety-inducing, the waterfall-filled jungle island turns out to be an experimental laboratory where InGen, the defunct theme park's former operator, experimented with cross-breeding dinosaurs for the park's newest attractions.  Those genetically engineered that were malformed and most dangerous were abandoned on this island.  

You’d never know what’s lurking behind those lush vegetations, in the river, up in the air, outside of the  cave, or what could get inside the underground bunker or tunnel.  It never gets old to jump scared or see hapless humans cornered in tight spaces with unpredictable danger all around.  A mysterious movement could be a cute baby dino, menacing Mutadon, terrifying T-Rex or ravenous Raptor mutant.  

The land mission is one moment of genuine amazement though.  It pays homage to the first Jurassic where you looked up and saw the first, beautiful Brachiosaurus for the very first time.  While the land portion is a walk in the park, the sky is trickier by nature.  

Rappelling down sheer rock face where you could fall to your death or get snatched away at any point by flying, frightening predators while having to figure out how to get the DNA sample is no easy task.  

Even after all the samples are collected, the group still needs to find ways to get off the island and fast.  As in other Jurassic movies, there comes a moment where the biggest baddie shows up.  If you think you've seen all the big bads, Distortus (aka D-Rex) is something else.  Alien-like, distorted monster, it doesn't even look like a real dinosaur, and maybe that's the point, considering this is the most disastrous hybrid.  

The original river raft scene, cut from “Jurassic Park” all those years ago appears here, and is excellently executed.  Another standout scene with a kid in peril is situationally humorous.  The movie milks the tension and emotional moments. There's one particular character where you feel they might die heroically.  The ending, which doesn't exactly go out with a bang, may divide fans.  

When movies typically go bigger with each sequel, 'Rebirth' goes small.  It excels in the low and slow mode, predators quietly stalking and creeping up before the pursuits turn relentless and escapes may or may not be possible.  While the movie is created as a standalone story, 'Rebirth' gives birth to another Jurassic world of possibilities.  

***

To learn more about all the dinosaurs and their mutated counterparts that appear on 'Rebirth,' check out:

https://ew.com/jurassic-world-rebirth-dinosaur-guide-d-rex-mutadon-dolores-exclusive-photos-11762569

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"Materialists"

What does match made in heaven mean?

Does dating come down to math calculation or business transaction?  Probabilities that add up to certainty when all the superficial boxes are checked?  

For men - height, body type, income.  For women - age, weight, beauty.  That people will likely fall in love and get married based on similarities of socioeconomic factors, political alignment, and well-matched in attractiveness?  Is love even needed if someone matches everything in your checklist and can offer you a life of forever comfort, even luxury?

Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a successful matchmaker for the Adore agency in New York City.  Mid-thirty,  stylish, single and cynical, she's responsible for nine marriages.  Her secret sauce lies in her math adding up those factors.  

At the wedding of one of her clients, there's a telling conversation when the bride breaks down before walking down the aisle.  And Lucy, a self-proclaimed judgmental and calculating, may just meet her match in Harry (Pedro Pascal, "Wonder Woman 1984"), the groom's brother.  Absurdly rich financier, tall, good-looking with good manners, mature and super stable.  In other words, a fantasy.  In the matchmaking world, he's called a unicorn and would be very sought-after by her asset-focused clients.  

Not to say that her clients aren't picky or irrational.  Those who expect to compose their checklists, adding up to a custom-built match, like a house or car or build-a-bear workshop.  

Like a 48-year old guy who complains that 21-24 girls are too young for him and wanting an older, more mature woman; as in 27, 28 tops.  39 would be way too old for him, 31 is a no and even 29 is pushing it.  Or a woman who insists on a conservative, weekly churchgoer and cat-hating man in Manhattan.  Or a man who demands 20 BMI max or a woman who will not even consider any man under 6 feet, even if it's an inch shorter and everything else checks out.  

On the other side of the coin, there's John (Chris Evans; "Avengers" series, "Captain America" series, "Red One").  Her ex-boyfriend of five years and they broke up on their fifth year anniversary over a heated argument about the cost of parking and late arrival for restaurant reservation.  They broke up because they're broke.  Specifically, John, a struggling theater actor in his late 30s trying to make it the city that never sleeps, holding side jobs as a waiter.

The story is not merely a simple love triangle. The emotional plot twist and reveal serve a purpose in the central characters' evolution.  Lucy, for taking stock of what she's looking for and making conscious decisions.  Harry, beyond his wealth, turns out to not be one dimensional.  John, for setting boundaries and asking the hard questions.  

People are people.  They come as they are and there's no magic wand.  Some things you can change, some things are permanent.  Either you accept them as they are or you don't.  You can't make people love you either, even if they appear to be a great match on paper and in person. You can always strive to be the best version of yourself, still, you can only be who you are.  

Material assets, to a certain extent, can be bought.  And looks and youth will eventually fade.  Beyond physical attributes, income, profession, status, social circle and even similar upbringing, there are always the intangibles.  Chemistry, connection, intimacy that are deeply felt but not measurable.  And the way someone makes you feel is intangible.  

At the end of the day, regardless of the reasons why people couple up and marry, wouldn't you want someone who not only gets you, understands you and accepts you, but also makes you feel deeply and you'll know that they will be by your side until the end of time?  That in your lowest or darkest moments of your life, it would be that person you'd call first over anyone else?  

When you find the right person, even if they don't check all your must-have requirements, love wouldn't be a struggle.  They will love you anyway even if they know who you are when no one's watching and with all your flaws.

"Materialists" masquerades as a light rom-com in trailers.  It's a sharp and sincere, germane and poignant examination of modern romance in the materialistic world we live in.  Dating may be hard, but the right kind of love will feel easy, even if it's a little messy.

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Movie Reaction: "F1® The Movie"

From 6/16/2025 press screening:

It's a movie made for car racing fans.  Lap by lap, extreme speed mixed with fiery crashes and daredevil danger.  I feel it's light on the story or character development.  Directed by Joseph Kosinski ("Top Gun: Maverick"), it's certainly a visceral experience, especially with the cool shots behind the wheel riding the curvy turns and with fist-pumping music. The score throughout is elegantly outstanding!      There's one scene in particular where everything is quiet and you'll be flying along in the zone.  

"Rush" remains the good standard though.  And for inspiration, "Gran Turismo."

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"Ballerina"

Ana de Armas (“Knives Out”) action star-making turn begins as a rookie spy in James Bond's “No Time to Die.”  In “Ballerina,” not only she steals the scenes, she owns every one of them as ballerina-turned-killer Eve Macarro, including holding her own, when the legendary Keanu Reeves (“John Wick” series) shows up to contain her in order to keep the peace between the rival criminal tribes. 

After witnessing the murder of her father and escaping from the scene as a young girl, Eve was found by Winston Scott (Ian McShane), the owner of Continental Hotel, an honor-and-rule based hotel that functions as a neutral territory for criminals.  Winston drops her off at Rusko Roma, an elite ballet academy that also serves as an assassin training ground, headed by the Director (Angelica Huston).  

Eve is trained to dance and fight ferociously.  At one point, the Director gives the petite and lithe Eve one simple advice, “Fight like a girl,”  She will always be smaller and weaker, physically, so she will need to be quick on her feet, ruthless and outsmart her opponents.  

This advice serves her well and her fierceness first shows in her solo mission to protect the daughter of a rich family from kidnapping in a neon-drenched nigthclub with an icy floor.  There are no quick cuts here.  Every beat-and-throw down is shown and felt.  Eve then spots a scar on the hand of one of the bad guys, the same scar that she saw on one of the men who killed her dad all those years ago.  The sports car's getaway scene is memorable.  

From here Eve is on a vengeance to to find her dad's murderer, even after explicitly being ordered by the Director to stand down, as she would break the peace truce with a major criminal syndicate led by the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne).  Eve finds an operative, Pine (Normal Reedus), who escaped the Chancellor's Cult to provide a normal life for his young daughter, Ella (Ava McCarthy), just like her dad had tried to do for her.  When Pine is injured and Ella gets kidnapped, Eve will stop at nothing to save her.  

Eve's quest leads her to a picturesque Austrian lakeside village, where the Chancellor is holed up.  It turns out that the entire village is occupied by his army of assassins.  And here, Eve also learns about her tragic, true origin and faces the ultimate choice of fight or flight.  Hunted and cornered by the vicious townspeople, Eve is undeterred.  

Eve hits, stabs, slams, shoots, slices, slides, kicks, throws, falls, rolls, reloads, and uses every arsenal available to her at the moment to outmaneuver her pursuers and enemies.  Doors and tables, pots and pans are used for offense and defense.  Guns, knives and swords are rivaled by ice skates, grenades and flamethrowers.  The firepower here is incredible, especially with the blazing fire contrasting with the falling snow on a dark wintry night.  Both the choreography and cinematography are equally cool and beautiful.

Stylishly blending into the John Wick world, Armas is fiery and carries the movie like an action star.  Brutal, quick, inventive and explosive.  Steeped in underworld lore and heritage, and with a definite denouement that births a continuing chapter, Ballerina is a smashing spin-off, and no doubt, will return.  

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Movie Reaction: "Ballerina"

*From 6/2/2025 press screening:

Stylishly blending into the John Wick world, Ana de Armas  carries the movie like an action star... Brutal, quick, inventive and explosive.  Guns and knives are rivaled by ice skates and flamethrowers.  The amount of fire  power is incredible, especially contrasting with the picturesque snowy village. 🎥 🩰 🔥 🖤😎

*Full review will be published this weekend.  

***

$5 Movie tickets (2) 

There are TWO (2) tickets of "Ballerina" currently available through Atom app (download the app on your smartphone) and redeem - any time, any day until Sunday, June 8, 2025.  First come, first served.

Redemption codes:  

496Y5FWT7

MG2B8Z416

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FREE Movie Screening: "How to Train Your Dragon" (San Diego, CA)

In partnership with DreamWorks Pictures, exclusive to The MovieMaven -  FREE movie screening of the live action "How to Train Your Dragon," if you're in the greater San Diego area:

June 3, 2025 - 7 p.m.

AMC Mission Valley, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108

***

Get your FREE movie passes here: (LIMITED availability - get your pass ready at the door)

Redemption code: DRAGONMAVEN (1 pass = 4 seats) 

https://gofobo.com/screenings/movie_landing/RHJhZ29uTWF2ZW4%3D//

If you haven't seen the animation versions (2010, 2014, 2019), highly recommended! 

***

On the rugged isle of Berk, a Viking boy named Hiccup defies centuries of tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless.  However, when an ancient threat emerges that endangers both species, Hiccup's friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future.  Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

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Rooftop Cinema

Rooftop Cinema Club offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor movie experience - complete with skyline views, wireless headphones, gourmet popcorns with unique flavorings, and sunset cocktails under the stars.

In San Diego, located at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, just steps from Seaport Village, rooftop movie nights combine cult classics, new releases, and crowd favorites with laid-back lounge vibes and scenic skylines.

Tickets: $11-28 (depending on selections) 

Schedules: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/san-diego/venue/rcc-embarcadero/

Parking is partially validated at the hotel ($11).  

Rooftop Cinema Club also has locations in Chicago, Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and it's planning to expand to other cities.  For update and to get 10% off, visit: Rooftop Cinema Club

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2025 FREE Summer Movies in the Park (San Diego, CA)

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, FREE movies in the park and under the stars! Shows run from May through October, in neighborhoods from the beach to the desert, and everything in between. Movies start approximately 15 minutes after sunset.  

Full schedules: https://www.summermoviesinthepark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025_SMITP_Schedule_052025.pdf

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"Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning"

From 5/12/2025 press screening:

The fate of the world and billions of lives… in a blink of an eye.  

That sums up the plot of “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning,” a direct continuation of “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning.”  And that blink of an eye?  It’s in a literal sense of the word.

To refresh, in 'Dead Reckoning,' superspy Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise, “Top Gun"series, "Edge of Tomorrow," "Oblivion") and his team (tech duo Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) and Luthor Stickell (Ving Rhames), former MI6 operative and sharpshooter Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), and scrappy yet sophisticated pickpocketer, Grace (Hayley Atwell), are battling a pervasively invisible enemy, Entity.  Entity is a sentient artificial intelligence that has penetrated social media, communication, financial, banking, military and security systems at a global level.  

Entity corrupts and manipulates data, distorting truth, creating or erasing history - for anything digital or electronic, which is anywhere and everywhere these days.  The sought-after solution is a two-part key, which would unlock the source code, and whoever has both pieces would have the ultimate power over the world.  The faceless AI manifests into a terrorist from Ethan's past, Gabriel (Esai Morales).

In “Final Reckoning,” Ethan is joined by new team members Paris (Pom Klementieff) and Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis).  The storyline gets convoluted with tons of moving components and parts of Ethan’s past, which in some ways, trying to connect and tie loose ends from moments with characters from the first film nearly 30 years ago and somewhere in between.  It includes a lengthy cameo, montages and flashbacks to those secretive and explosive events from then to the present time.  

The present time involves globe-spanning herculean efforts to get to and unlock the AI source code in a hard drive entombed inside a sunken Russian Sevastopol submarine in the Arctic Ocean, while Entity gradually but rapidly is taking control of countries’ nuclear arsenal and ready to launch them for total annihilation, as well as tussling with powerful people with incongruous interests wanting to wrap their arms around Entity.

The bottom line comes down to this: the team, frenemies and real enemies, government officials – U.S. President (Angela Bassett, “Black Panther" series), Kittridge (Henry Czerny), Briggs (Shea Whigham), and military officers are faced with conflicting choices regarding what to do with the villainous and infectious AI – destroy, control or contain. 

Destroy means destruction of the cyberspace and the interconnected world as we know it.  Control means putting unlimited, utter power of the world on the hands of the fallible few (or one individual). Contain means impossibly racing against time-bomb ticking Entity and risking billions of lives.  At one point, there are only four countries left with their own nuclear missiles and Entity is on track to quickly take hold of every single one of them.  

The final reckoning journey takes the team to contrasting landscapes of the frozen Behring Sea and stunning South African gorges and sea cliffs down to a doomsday server bunker in an underground cave.

There’s a coordinates conjecture, AI-trapping plan, poison pill of a computer virus, a source code hard drive and containment device, nuclear missiles ready to fire, potential pre-emptive strikes, explosives ready to explode, onerous wires to be cut, mercenary shootouts and sneaky close-quarter hand combats, dog-sledding across a frozen tundra, navy carrier jet mission, deep diving into a collapsing sunken submarine, ice fishing out expedition, in-between-wheels climbing and wing-walking of biplanes, as well as life threatening  injuries.  Yep, it’s a lot!

It's not always easy to keep up with and decipher every element, but the movie does a tremendous job in lining up key pieces, crafting tension and explanation of complex scenarios with complicated consequences that make them seem real and plausible (by Mission Impossible standards).  The juxtaposition of critical scenes are effectively tensed, portraying characters one after another or side-by-side completing sentences and actions simultaneously.  

Especially on IMAX, Cruise’s dare-to-die stunts with the submarine and biplanes are breathlessly out of this world.  The seafloor submarine escape is claustrophobically suffocating and testing the human limit underwater.  At 8,000 feet in the air and 140 mph wind without CGI, the blow-by-blow, biplane aerial acrobat and dogged pursuit are clearly shot, capturing heart-stopping contortions, and surprisingly, with situational humor.  

If there’s any actioner where every second counts, this is it.  Not just every second, but with precision in almost every scene.  And with ‘Final Reckoning’ being billed as possibly the final installment and knowing that not everyone may survive adds to the emotional stake.  Call it a calling or destiny.  These people truly live and die in the shadows, for those they hold close, and those they never meet.

By any standard, there will never be another super series franchise like this.  More than a cinematic spectacle, Cruise chiefly has made it iconic and irreplaceable. 

“Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” is both thrillingly taut and sprawling, packed with high-stake suspense and intensity, and connected with threads of nostalgia.  A crashing force to be reckoned with and exhilarating to the hilt, you won’t be able to exhale until the last minute.  

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FREE Movie Screening: "The Last Rodeo" (Nationwide)

Atom Tickets and Angels Studios are partnering to provide FREE movie screening nationwide, from May 22 through May 29, 2025.

Claim your FREE movie tickets here: (2 tickets/person, pre-order tickets no later than May 20, 2025)

https://www.atomtickets.com/movies/the-last-rodeo/379335?ref=LastRodeoFreeTixEmail&lid=4o4070p2veqz

Redemption code: ATOMRODEO

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A retired rodeo legend risks it all to save his grandson. Facing his own painful past and the fears of his family, he enters a high-stakes bull-riding competition as the oldest contestant ever. Along the way, he reconciles old wounds with his estranged daughter and proves that true courage is found in the fight for family.  Starring: Neil McDonough.  

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2025 Comic-Con: Alien Earth

FX will transform the Hilton Bayfront lawn into “The Wreckage,” a uniquely immersive experience which allows guests to step into the terrifying world of Alien: Earth. 

FX’s ALIEN: EARTH “THE WRECKAGE” ACTIVATION:

WHAT: Guests are invited to explore the mysterious debris of the USCSS Maginot to unearth new details from the highly anticipated upcoming series from creator Noah Hawley, inspired by the acclaimed feature film franchise. The experience will feature various interactive thrills and never-before-seen alien specimens. Guests can visit “The Wreckage” during the day to explore new areas of the USCSS Maginot or brave a terrifying mission at “The Wreckage: Code Red” once the sun goes down. 

The activation will also feature: 

An interactive Prodigy Corp Drop Site where fans can sign up to be an FX Insider to claim exclusive giveaways and get a first look at Alien: Earth VR experiences that will be available once the show premieres.

A vending machine stocked with a custom in-world beverage available exclusively at San Diego Comic-Con via a collaboration with Chain, the dining experience known for its reimagined takes on Pop-Cuisine staples.

A state-of-the-art Alien: Earth Podcast Studio, which will host various talent and influencers throughout the weekend.

WHERE: Hilton Bayfront Lawn (1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101)

WHEN: July 24-27, 2025

The Wreckage: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; The Wreckage: Code Red: 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Activation is open to the public ages 18+. Admission is free. Prodigy Corp Drop Site giveaways available during daytime hours only, while supplies last.

When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat. 

FX’s Alien: Earth makes impact August 12 on FX cable channel, Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S., and Disney+ internationally.

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2025 Comic-Con: Twisted Metal

TWISTED METAL BUMPER BATTLE  

Fans will step into a post-apocalyptic world filled with bumper-to-bumper chaos at Peacock's Twisted Metal Bumper Battle. 

Fans will be able to choose their ride, featuring the show’s most iconic vehicles reimagined as bumper cars, and take part in their own version of the Calypso hosted derby. 

In addition to the bumper car experience, fans can expect epic photo ops, a display of some of the tournament cars featured in the series, surprise and delight moments, and pandemonium around every corner.  

WHEN: July 24-26, 2025

HOURS:  July 24 (12-4 p.m.), July 25-26 (12-6 p.m.)

WHERE: The Lot @ 1st & J Street - 450 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 

Event is free and open to the public.  No badge required.  Entry and bumper car participation are first-come, first-served, and not guaranteed. Waivers must be signed by all riders and passengers.  

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2025 Comic-Con: Paramount Lodge

Paramount Lodge returns for the third year!  Admission is free, but on a reservation system. Sessions can be booked via this link. There will be a standby line daily if no reservations are available. 

Dates and Times:

*Sessions rolling in 50 min intervals with 10 min breaks in-between:

• July 23, 2025, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

• July 24-27, 2025, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Activations include: 

The DEXTER: RESURRECTION Vault: The Vault has reopened…and it remembers everything. Hidden behind the sleek facade of a wine cellar lies a mysterious Vault, an unsettling shrine to the darkest corners of human nature. Inside, guests will discover a chilling collection of relics, case files, and twisted keepsakes from some of history’s most notorious killers, all curated with cold precision in true Dexter fashion.

Experience STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS and STARFLEET ACADEMY: To celebrate the spirit of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS season three, fans are invited to step inside an oversized Starfleet holodeck, a fully immersive sci-fi playground featuring a series of interactive vignettes, each inspired by specific episodes from the upcoming season. Guests can sip cosmic cocktails in the romantic ‘Intergalactic Love Lounge,’ or dive into a campus-inspired environment of the STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY space that features exclusive themed swag. Designed for free exploration, social sharing, and full-throttle fandom, this holodeck journey lets guests experience the series like never before.

The LANDMAN Patch Café: Step into an authentic slice of Midland, Texas and kick back in a faithful recreation of the series’ favorite watering hole. Guests can order up signature drinks at the bar in a M*Tex souvenir mug.

Go off the grid with NCIS: TONY & ZIVA. Enter a world of espionage, romance, and high-stakes tension with this Parisian café with a twist. Inspired by Tony and Ziva’s journey, this space features a cozy exterior that hints at the quiet life they crave, while inside transports guests to a different world. Step inside a stripped-down safehouse, complete with easter eggs such as surveillance equipment, photos and passports.

Paramount Pictures invites fans to celebrate the legacy of the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise with an immersive experience that drops guests straight into the high-stakes world of Ethan Hunt. Die-hard fans and first-time agents alike will experience a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity in a recreation of the iconic scene from MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (1996) where Ethan is lowered into a high-security vault. Guests can strike the legendary suspended pose for a personalized image to take home of their unforgettable IMF mission.

‘Pop’ by Pluto TV’s Popcorn Bar. For the first time ever, Pluto TV, the global leader in FAST and the complimentary free streaming service to Paramount+, will also be featured in The Lodge. This summer, Pluto TV is exploding with hundreds of fan-favorite blockbusters and cult-classics films – all for free. To celebrate the service's “Summer of Cinema” campaign, the Pluto TV activation will be bursting with free slushies, popcorn  and a one-of-a-kind photo op.

Score a Touchdown at the CBS Sports Clubhouse, a stadium-inspired space repping all things THE NFL ON CBS. Fans can take a seat in the arena-style bleachers or check out a vibrant arc of all 32 jerseys, celebrating every team in the league. Down on the turf, guests can test their arm in a target practice challenge. The UEFA Champions League-themed sports bar is also the perfect spot to kick back and relax.  

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2025 Comic-Con: Chocoholics

What happens when New York’s most iconic pizzeria collides with one of the internet’s biggest snack brands? A doughlicious Comic-Con exclusive that’s equal parts bold and indulgent: the Triple Chocolate Feast, a limited-edition dessert pizza crafted by Prince St. Pizza and MrBeast’s Feastables! Available only during San Diego Comic-Con, this sweet surprise marks Prince St.'s first-ever foray into dessert territory.

Crafted by the culinary teams at Prince St. Pizza and Feastables, Triple Chocolate Feast takes Prince St.’s iconic dough and transforms it into a rich Feastables cocoa crust. It’s loaded with dark chocolate sauce, chopped Feastables Cookies & Creme and Milk Chocolate Crunch bars, then finished with a caramel drizzle, Feastables’ signature blue and pink sprinkles, and edible white chocolate branded coins.

Feastables is on a mission to end child labor in the chocolate industry. Their cocoa is 100% Fairtrade Certified, ensuring farmers are paid a living income or the market price—whichever is higher. They only partner with farms committed to actively protecting children. And this is just the beginning.

Triple Chocolate Feast ($8) will be available in-store only, while supplies last, at Prince Street Pizza, 415 Market Street, from July 23 through July 27, 2025.

For more information, please visit @PrinceStreetPizza on Instagram.

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2025 Comic-Con: Thunderbolts Treatz

WHAT:
The Thunderbolts Treatz Truck is bringing brain freezes, surprise drops, and a taste of the chaos to San Diego Comic-Con. Fans of Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* can stop by to snag FREE ice cream, exclusive swag, and Instagram worthy photo ops. Themed sundaes like “Strawberry Red Glory” inspired by Red Guardian make the perfect power-up for a Comic-Con cooldown. The Treatz Truck will be swirling up super scoops all weekend long.

Not attending Comic-Con?  Fans across the country can still join the mission - check out the action, adventure and humor with Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* now on Digital at retailers such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. The film makes its explosive debut on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 29, 2025!
 
WHEN:
July 24-26, 2025 – 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
July 27, 2025  – 10 a.m.-  2 p.m. 
 
WHERE:

MLK Walkway behind the Omni Hotel directly across from the Convention Center

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2025 Comic-Con: Coca Cola & Star Wars Holocreator

Custom Experiential Activation – “Coca-Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy” Campaign

WHAT:

Fans can experience an out-of-this-world Star Wars experience at San Diego Comic-Con. Taking place throughout the entire convention weekend and located just steps from the convention center, the four-day custom activation built in partnership with Fandom, the world’s largest fan platform, invites fans into a galaxy far, far away called the HOLOCREATOR. The activation is in support of “Coca-Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy,” Coca-Cola’s latest campaign, celebrating the power of connection and fandom that brings us together through the iconic Star Wars universe.

Fans can experience the beloved Star Wars brand in real life by stepping inside a custom Coca-Cola-themed augmented reality (AR) experience - the HOLOCREATOR - to record their very own holographic message with memorable Star Wars inspired backdrops and bring to life galactic moments in a personalized way.

Attendees will also receive limited-edition Star Wars character design cans and bottles, available at the event while supplies last.

Fans will be able to share with family and friends at home uplifting messages of community and connection in the style of a Star Wars hologram transmission.

This Comic-Con takeover is a key moment in a broader, month-long North American collaboration between Fandom and Coca-Cola that includes experiential activations, custom content, social, and media across the U.S. and Canada.

WHERE:

333 First Ave, San Diego, 92101

WHEN:

July 24-July 26, 2025, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

July 27, 2025, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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