"What was once in the deep is now in the shallows."
Nancy Adams (Blake Lively, "The Age of Adaline," "Green Lantern," "The Town") bailed from medical school after her mom died of cancer. She's now in the secluded beach in Mexico for some surf, sun and alone time. Her late mom used to spend time there.
Nancy is not alone, however. A shark literally stalks and hunts her down day and night, while she's lying on a rock outcrop (which gets flooded during high tide), wounded from the shark's initial bite and stung by fire corals. Her training comes in handy when she has to perform an emergency treatment on herself. The shark continues to pursue Nancy as she swims for her life from a whale carcass to the rock and to a metal buoy. The shore, merely 200 yards away, is out of reach.
Like any other solo survival story, Lively has to carry the movie by herself. The gorgeous aerial and underwater shots help, as well as the appropriate makeup for sunburn, cuts and bruises. But in this minimalist tale, you'll have to be convinced of her panic, pain, terror, desperation and grit while injured, bloodied, cold, hungry and dehydrated. Lively does it swimmingly.
Realizing that no one is going to rescue her, Nancy charts her course for survival to outwit the scary shark and the result is gloriously bonkers.
Shark attack. Girl power. "The Shallows" is a thrilling survival ride.
It’s been a year since the Four Horsemen pulled off the miraculous, Robin Hood deed that catapulted them into celebrity status among the general public, and at the same time, made them criminals in the eyes of the law. They come out of hiding to hijack a party and expose a shady tech wizard during a technology show. The joke is on them, however, when they are trapped and blackmailed by another tech magnate, Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliff, “Harry Potter” series).
The Four Horsemen are card-reader Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg, “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” "The Social Network"), hypnotist Meritt McKenney (Woody Harrelson, "The Hunger Games" series) and lock-picker Jack Wilder (Dave Franco). Escape artist Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) left the team, replaced by Lula May (Lizzy Caplan). She raucously fits into the team of magician misfits. Other returning characters are corporate magnate Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine, “The Dark Knight” series), magician debunker Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman, “RED,” "Bruce Almighty") and FBI detective Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo, “The Avengers” series). Watch for a fifth Horseman, a familiar face, to emerge.
The Horsemen are forced to steal a chip, which can be seamlessly attached into a playing card. The chip would allow Walter to manipulate the market and infiltrate people’s privacy. The sleek sequence, where they skillfully manage to grab the gizmo from a secured facility, is captivating, involving delicate sleight of hands, extremely intricate card tricks, and elaborate collaboration among the four players.
The movie follows a formula of each Horseman individually sets the stage for the big reveal. It’s satisfying to see the cold-blooded bad guys are richly tricked, realize they have been played for fools, and are exposed to the world. The authorities, well, they're one step behind again. The overarching story ties to an elite secret society and a personal connection.
Some of the flashy and tricky acts are probable, while straining suspension of disbelief. They are explained with quick cuts of behind-the-scenes. Others, not so much; they are absolutely impossible feats that simply can’t be explicated.
If you could overlook the preposterous story, plot holes or unnecessary subplots, you’ll find “Now You See Me 2” a visually dazzling and entertaining razzle dazzle.
[Originally posted on 9/30/16] October 7
"The Birth of a Nation" (http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thebirthofanation/) - A literate slave and preacher in the antebellum South orchestrates an uprising.
"The Girl on The Train" (http://www.thegirlonthetrainmovie.com/) - A divorcee becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life.
October 14
"The Accountant" (http://www.accountantmovie.com/) - A forensic accountant un-cooks the books for illicit clients.
"Underworld: Blood Wars" - Vampire death dealer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) fights to end the eternal war between the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her.
October 21
"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" (http://www.jackreachermovie.com/) - Jack Reacher must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name. On the run as a fugitive from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever.
October 28
"Inferno" (http://www.infernothemovie.com) - When Robert Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Dr. Sienna Brooks, and together they must race across Europe against the clock to foil a deadly global plot.
[Originally posted on 8/28/16] September 2
"The Light Between Oceans" - A lighthouse keeper and his wife living off the coast of Western Australia raise a baby they rescue from an adrift rowboat.
"Morgan" (http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/morgan) - A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being.
September 9
"Sully" (http://www.sully-movie.com/) - The story of Chesley Sullenberger, who became a hero in January 2009 after gliding his plane along the water in the Hudson River, saving all of the airplane flights 155 crew and passengers.
September 16
"Bridget Jones' Baby" (http://www.bridgetjonesmovie.com/) - The continuing adventures of British publishing executive Bridget Jones as she enters her 40s.
"Snowden" (https://snowdenfilm.com/) - NSA employee Edward Snowden leaks thousands of classified documents to the press.
September 23
"The Magnificent Seven" - Seven gun men in the old west gradually come together to help a poor village against savage thieves.
"Storks" (http://www.storksmovie.com/) - Storks have moved on from delivering babies to packages. But when an order for a baby appears, the best delivery stork must scramble to fix the error by delivering the baby.
September 30
"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" (http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/miss-peregrines-home-for-peculiar-children) - When a boy discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers.
"Deep Water Horizon" (http://www.deepwaterhorizon.movie/) - A story set on the offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, which exploded in April 2010 and created the worst oil spill in U.S. history.
"X-Men: Days of Future Past" deftly rewrites history and opens up an array of possibilities for the future. The past concludes wisely, a choice made by free will and not by another's control. The future starts off fresh.
16 years after the original trilogy, the final installment of the prequel directed by Bryan Singer, goes back to the past. All the way back to the beginning of civilization.
3,600 B.C. Egypt, where we're introduced to the world's first mutant, En Sabah Nur/Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac, "Ex-Machina"). The mighty mutant fell into centuries-long slumber during an ancient attack. Thousands of years later, sunlight is aligned just right and Apocalypse is accidentally awakened.
It is now 1980s, two decades after the confrontational events in "X-Men: First Class." Humans and mutants are finding an uneasy space to co-exist. While the School for Gifted Youngsters, led by Charles Xavier/Professor X (James McAvoy, "Wanted"), flourishes with students, mutants are still not accepted in other places. A clear example is where mutants are deemed as freaks of nature and cheered on to fight one another in an underground entertainment ring.
Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto (Michael Fassbender, "Steve Jobs") presently manages to lead an unassuming life as a factory laborer in Poland with his wife and daughter. For all intents and purposes, he seems to have escaped his tortured Holocaust childhood and past mistakes. Until one day, his true identity is exposed during a life-saving act in the factory. The subsequent events and consequences are beyond tragic. Erik, once again, loses the people he loves most at the hands of humans. Fassbender shows Erik's intense pain, agony and anger towards the inhumanity that have befallen his character again and makes him more vulnerable to Apocalypse's influence.
Apocalypse, awakened in the modern era, finds that civilization is far different than what he's envisioned. In his mind, the strong should dominate. Instead, he sees the world governed by systems that protect the weak. The only way to create a new order is to burn everything to the ground and start over from the ashes. He then recruits a few lost, impressionable mutants as his "Four Horsemen;" Angel (Ben Hardy), Storm (Alexandra Shipp), Psylocke (Olivia Munn). Magneto, though, is his prize.
In Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, we see young Scott Summers/Cyclops (Tye Sheridan), Jean Grey/Phoenix (Sophie Turner), Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee) come together under the guidance of Professor X and his right-hand man, Hank McCoy/Beast (Nicholas Hoult). Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence, "The Hunger Games" series, "American Hustle") makes an appearance after she learns about what happened to Magneto. Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver (Evan Peters) quickly appears, and just like in DoFP, his rescue scenes are vividly cheeky. He makes dire scenes memorably fun to watch.
The rise of Apocalypse doesn't go undetected for long. Charles and Alex Summers/Havok (Lucas Till) pay CIA operative Moira Mactaggert (Rose Byrne) a visit. There's a light and poignant reunion of some sort between Charles and Moira.
When Apocalypse arrives, all hell breaks loose. In order to accomplish his mankind cleansing ambition, he needs to control the one mutant with the most powerful mind in the universe, Professor X. Professor X, of course, isn't going anywhere willingly. The apocalyptic battle, filled with visual blasts of superpowers, takes place both in the real world and in the minds. McAvoy's acting makes the extended telepathic stuff believable and real.
As always, Professor X tries his best to keep volatile, anti-hero and old friend Magneto in line and appeals to his humanity. There's a question here, however, about the too sudden change of heart and to what level all can be forgiven. There's a also missed opportunity of a reveal that would have made the scene more emotionally resounding.
Aside from the underlying theme of tolerance, acceptance and co-existence, the enduring bond between Charles and Erik continues to be the beating heart of X-Men, even as there are scenes that feel like deja vu.
Even with the 144 minutes of running time, there are so many pieces to juggle that there's bound to be characters that are underdeveloped. All in all though, most characters get to do something.
'Apocalypse' wraps up the current trilogy, but as long as "X-Men" continues, I do hope McAvoy and Fassbender will return. From the ending, it does look like there will be a new generation of X-Men.
Lee Gates (George Clooney, "Hail Caesar!," "Tomorrowland," "Gravity") is a celebrity host of a popular market watch show, "Money Monster." The show is slickly and cheesily produced.
Wild on entertainment, the flamboyant financial guru doles out stock tips while pulling out dance and boxing moves. Directing the show is a rational head, Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts, "Mirror Mirror"), although it's clear that the weary director is looking for a change.
One day, the 'it' stock, Ibis Clear Capital, that Lee pumped up, crashed and lost $800 million in value overnight. That day is not just another shenanigan-filled show. A man, Kyle Budwell (Jack O'Connell), enraged that he lost his entire life savings bet on the stock, slips into the studio as a delivery driver and takes Lee hostage. He forces the crew to keep the camera rolling or he would shoot Lee and blow up the entire building. Kyle makes Lee strapped with a bomb vest on his chest and he has his finger on the trigger.
Initially Lee offers to replace Kyle his life savings, $60K. Diane Lester (Caitriona Balfe), Ibis PR, proposes to double his money, but Kyle refuses. He asserts that he just wants to be heard and demands answers about what really happened. Meanwhile, Ibis CEO, Walt Camby (Dominic West), who was scheduled to appear on the show, is nowhere to be found. It's said that the hotshot chief is on the plane and unreachable. Balfe's character, not just a pretty persona, ends up playing a bigger role in helping to uncover the real story.
On stage and in the control room, the scenes are chaotic and filled with fright. Clooney shows moments of smugness, panic, cluelessness, confusion, realization and empathy, being a victim and also hostage negotiator. Roberts is the voice of reason, sanely manages to keep the show on the air as the high-stake drama unfolds live - and they're not without tiny twists. She provides life-saving tips as the co-negotiator, as well as turning into an investigative journalist, working with a network of outside people to find out the truth. O'Connell does his part; dogged, upset, frustrated and resigned to his fate.
While there's a populist distrust because of the greed of Wall Street and corrupt government entities, Kyle is not a very sympathetic character, so it's not easy to personally root for him per se. Although we're all looking for that payoff. Is the system rigged? Is there a conspiracy? What about a cover-up?
In the end, the high-frequency trading system, 'quant' and 'algo' terms thrown around in the movie are not laid out for the laypeople. It's almost irrelevant whether the entire thing makes sense.
The Jodie Foster-directed "Money Monster" is not "The Big Short." Not by a long shot. So you're not going to be enlightened, but you may just be entertained. "Money Monster" is a ticking clock action thriller; nothing more.
"Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" delivers the first war of superheroes this year, but "Captain America: Civil War" is a league of its own.
The title, 'Civil War,' maybe sounds a bit dramatic, but the reality is the Avengers are deeply divided and they fight tooth and nail to do what they believe is right. They remain the good guys, the same heroes who band together and save the world time and time again.
Saving the world, however, is a serious business and people do get killed when superpowers clash. Collateral damage is easier to swallow when it's just materials, but not when it involves lives. People who lost loved ones in the crossfire. And this reality could no longer be swept under the savior rug.
After the vast incidents in New York ("The Avengers"), Washington, DC ("Captain America: Winter Soldier") and Sokovia ("Avengers: Age of Ultron"), and the mission in Lagos that claims fatalities, as seen in the opening scenes here, countries unite under the United Nations umbrella and demand oversight over the Avengers.
The Sokovia Accords, or the Superhero Registration Act, requires the Avengers to sign the agreement and abide by the law. Essentially, they could only act on missions that are sanctioned by the U.N., with strict respect to sovereignty and safety.
Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr., "The Judge"), weary and ridden with guilt from his Ultron creation, is all for it. His character has evolved so far from his self-importance stance, "I privatize world peace" in the first Iron Man movies.
Lt. James Rhodes/War Machine (Don Cheadle) stands by Tony's side. Vision (Paul Bettany, "Transcendence"), shares Tony's vision of accountable safeguards, and comes to his aide. Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson, "Her") comes around, although it's not black-or-white with her. Eventually, new recruits T'Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland, "The Impossible") round up the Iron Man Team.
Steve Rogers/Captain America ("Captain America: The First Avenger") weighs in the options but ultimately declines. He firmly believes that, as imperfect as they are, the world is still a safer place at the Avengers' own hands, who can move at a moment's notice and take independent actions as necessary.
Steve is not the same, trusting man from 'The First Avenger.' The faithful soldier who followed rules and made his country proud. That was before Hydra's infiltration of government bodies and before his childhood friend, Bucky Barnes/the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), was mind-controlled by the corrupt authority and became a killing machine for decades.
Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie, "The Adjustment Bureau") never leaves Steve's side. Wanda Maximoff/Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen, "Oldboy"), a foreign citizen bearing the public blame from her role in the faulty Lagos mission, puts her foot down and supports Steve. Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner, "Mission Impossible" series) comes out of retirement. Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd, "Ant-Man") completes the Captain America Team.
In the background, a villain, Zemo (Daniel Bruhl, "Rush"), takes advantage of the highly charged political climate and manages to put Bucky back in public view, framing him for an explosive event. This divides the Avengers even further. Meanwhile, Steve remains steadfast in his belief about his friend and wants to clear his name, even if he has to operate outside of the law. Tony, on the other side, is tasked to detain and bring him in.
There's a sense of joy watching these superheroes come to a head in the airfield. Not that you're happy to see them trying to knock one another out, but you can easily tell that deep down they are friends. It shines through in their demonstration of powers and banters. While there are no surprises in the staple lead characters, the newcomers bring in a novel element into the scene.
Black Panther carries a regal presence and grace. Ant-Man and Spider-Man are delightful in their antics. In a movie stuffed with so many superheroes, Marvel manages to create a mini-arc for Black Panther and a cheery introduction to Spider-Man. Spider-Man, seen here as a wet-behind-the ears teenager, is a refreshing contrast with his mature counterparts.
But the battle doesn't end there. An intense fight between the lead superheroes, Iron Man and Captain America, is saved for last. With world affairs filled with conundrum and calamity, the Avengers have been at a moral crossroad and battlefield, but this duel is due to deeply personal reasons. An emotional twist is revealed and it's the highlight of the movie.
Free will versus authority. Longstanding friendships are tested. Alliances are broken. And fracas among friends is not without sacrifice. Who determines what's right or wrong anyway, when it comes to saving the world?
Once again directed by the Russo brothers, "Captain America: Civil War" presents a more complex conflict than the typical good versus evil. And when all is said and done, there's no clear-cut conclusion.
It's a marvel to think that it's been eight years since we're first introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the premiere of Iron Man. Nearly a dozen movies later, and with 'Civil War' concluding Phase 2 of the grand plan, there are still more stories to tell.
Fractured, the Avengers will have to unite somehow in the final installments, "The Avengers: Infinity War." Part I will come out in 2018 and II in 2019.
'Life is a comedy written by a sadistic comedy writer' pretty much sums up "Cafe Society." A bittersweet comedy of love and family, soaked in high society style of the past. Gilded nightlife and all that jazz. The characters and chemistry are flat, but it sure is a pretty picture. If you enjoy "Hail, Caesar!" you may find this light, Old Hollywood rom-com mildly entertaining.
It's Comic-Con! TV pilots night was super packed with a half dozen showings, including small town teen drama, superhero-and-alien-related dramedies, parallel timeline cop drama and time-travel adventure.
The parallel-timeline cop drama, "Frequency," where a deceased father and his now grown-up daughter connect through a frequency radio (adapted from the 2000 movie with the same name), 20 years apart in the same universe, looks pretty promising. The time-travel epic adventure, "Time After Time" is the most intriguing. Jack the Ripper, H.G. Wells and time machine - need I say more? Actually, I will... More to come later.
[Originally published on 9/04/16] August 5
"Suicide Squad" (http://www.suicidesquad.com/) - A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency.
"Nine Lives" (http://www.ninelivesmovie.com/) - A stuffy businessman finds himself trapped inside the body of his family's cat.
August 19
"Ben Hur" (http://www.benhurmovie.com/) - The epic story of a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother, an officer in the Roman army. After years at sea, he returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption.
August 26
"Mechanic: Resurrection" - A man thinks he has put his murderous past behind him when his most formidable foe kidnaps the love of his life. He is forced to travel the globe to complete three impossible assassinations and make them look like accidents.
"Complete Unknown" (http://completeunknownmovie.com/) - As a man contemplates moving to a new state with his wife for her graduate program. An old flame, a woman who often changes identity, re-enters his life at a birthday dinner party.
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” is a prequel-sequel to "Snow White and the Huntsman," telling another angle of Evil Queen Ravenna’s (Charlize Theron, “Prometheus”) life pre-Snow White and post-Snow White's emergence and reclaim to the throne.
Queen Ravenna, who craves for royal power and timeless beauty, first learned black magic through a tragedy and found that beauty would give her the ultimate power. She wins the hearts of kings, kills them and takes over kingdoms. She's devilishly ruthless to the core.
It turns out that Ravenna has a sister, Freya (Emily Blunt, “Edge of Tomorrow,” "The Adjustment Bureau"). Romantic-at-heart, she believes in true love, even as Ravenna tells her that love would eventually hurt her. When an unspeakable act befalls her newborn daughter and her lover is shown to have betrayed her, she unleashes a frosty power she never knew she had. Out of grief and anger, she leaves Ravenna’s side, creates her own kingdom up north and rules as an Ice Queen.
Queen Freya builds her empire by taking children away from their parents, raising them to be warriors (Huntsmen), and creating an army out of them to win wars. Love is forbidden in her wintry kingdom.
Two of the children, Eric/the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, "Rush," “The Avengers” and “Thor” series) and Sara (Jessica Chastain, “The Martian,” “ Zero Dark Thirty”) grow up, and despite of the frigid rule, fall in love. They commit to each other and consider themselves married. Freya finds out and tears them apart through a cruel deceit.
The movie then flashes seven years into the future. Ravenna is presumed dead and the kingdom is now under Snow White’s rule. One day Ravenna’s golden mirror is missing and the Huntsman is called back to track it down and return it to the castle. He’s tagged along by several dwarfs. They bring comic relief, but extended goofy scenes between the jovial Huntsman and the dwarfs are a bit much. They feel tonally inconsistent with their journey, which is mired with danger.
The Huntsman encounters a long-lost ally and gains the mirror back with the help from his team. Freya, who also wants Ravenna’s missing mirror, entraps them. It’s not as straightforward as it looks; there’s a reason why Freya and her army are able to find them easily.
As predicted, Ravenna eventually reappears and it’s showdown time. If you want to know what true evil looks like, Ravenna takes the crown. Freya, behind the frozen exterior, still has humanity inside of her.
The costumes are at an award-winning level. The head pieces and dresses are regal and intricate with contrasting colors and fabrics. Feather, leather, spiky metals, ice crystals, high collars and long capes in metallic, silver, indigo, black and liquid gold.
Plot holes and inconsistencies from the previous installment won't earn the movie points, but if you're enchanted by fantasy action adventures in general, you may enjoy this one too. Blunt is menacing and melancholic in her iciness. Theron has such a magnetic presence that you'd wish Ravenna were given more screen time. The movie has a good story with twists and is lavish in visuals.
"The Huntsman: Winter's War" may not be the fairest of them all, but it's a pretty escapism.
WonderCon was in Los Angeles this year after having been in Anaheim since 2012 (previously originated and held in San Francisco) due to a scheduling conflict with the Anaheim convention center.
Badge scanner system made its debut; a trial run for Comic-Con in July. In order to combat pass forgeries and smuggling of badgeless guests, visitors were given scannable badges and each person had to "tap" the badge onto the scan tower at multiple checkpoints scattered around the entrance and exit areas. It's relatively easy, although there were some complaints, such as inoperative scanners, inconvenient height of towers and tapping points for some people. The true test would come when it's implemented at Comic-Con, which always draws the largest crowd and longest lines.
Since I primarily focus on feature films (although I do cover TV premieres from time to time at past Comic-Con and WonderCon), there's not much to report this year on this front. I only attended for one day and it's extremely light on movies. There were only two movie panels and of the horror genre, "The Conjuring 2" and "Lights Out." James Wan, director of "The Conjuring 2" was there, rolling out scary sneak peeks. The second movie, "Lights Out," which was produced by Wan's production company, brought out its first-time feature film director, David Sandberg, along with co-creator/star Lotta Lotsen, producer Lawrence Grey and star Maria Bello.
Wan talked about his style, very grounded and classic in aesthetic. Regardless of budget, he said that it's still necessary to be creative, because at the end of the day, it's the story and characters that would make people care.
In an interview with IGN, Wan revealed something about his upcoming superhero feature, "Aquaman" (whose cameo could be seen on the latest "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" movie). The tone of his movie would be fun. He wanted to show a cool, badass side of this character and looked forward to exploring potential sea monsters and cool creatures.
What's more interesting to me than the panel was to check out Microsoft Theater. Microsoft Theater has been touted as Hall H's competition, with Los Angeles trying to lure Comic-Con out from San Diego. I must say it's a swanky spot; theater setting, plush seating with cup holders. Although not without hassles. To enter, all visitors must undergo a metal detector and bag check. Some guests were turned away due to certain features in their costumes, having glass bottles or beverage cans. And then there's the walk. The walk from the main convention center was pretty far.
All convention goers expect to do a lot of walking, but the Los Angeles Convention Center takes it to another level. It is really sprawling, particularly in contrast with the compact Anaheim Convention Center. Another snafu was the few most popular TV panels were held in a small room (less than Ballroom 20 capacity), making it impossible to get in.
Outside of the horror panel, I attended TV Showrunners, Romance in Sci-Fi & Fantasy and Spiritual Themes in Comics panels. The TV Showrunners discussed a showrunner's role, essentially like a director of a film, and challenges they faced - from budget, resources, negotiations, storytelling, making life-and-death decisions about characters, and facing fan reactions. In attendance were showrunners Ali Adler ("Supergirl"), Craig DiGregorio ("Ash vs. Evil Dead"), Scott M. Gimple ("The Walking Dead"), Damon Lindelof ("The Leftovers"), Melissa Rosenberg (Marvel’s "Jessica Jones") and Paul Scheer ("Party Over Here").
For Romance in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, one of recurrent topics brought up was to show the softer side of characters before intense scenes, such as going into battle or being superheroes. For the audience to care about the characters, they would have to get to know them first. As far as relationships go, women can be portrayed as strong, without being threatening; however, men would need to be able to hold their own or you would not find an audience. For Spiritual Themes in Comics, there was an emphasis on writing about spirituality realistically and not shy away from it, as it's natural to worship something and people had been doing it for ages.
One highlight of the day was CBS's press roundtable interviews for "Scorpion." The producers and cast members in attendance (Nick Santora and Nicholas Wootton; Robert Patrick, Ari Stidham, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Scott Porter) took individual interviews, visited each of the press tables and chatted with us about the characters and their evolution, and storyline moving forward.
For those who are unfamiliar with the show, "Scorpion" is a TV series (now in season 2 and renewed for season 3) inspired by a real-life genius and computer prodigy, Walter O'Brien. The eccentric team, led by a tough federal agent, is comprised of misfits; a behaviorist, a mechanical wonder and a statistics expert. The last "recruit" is an average Jane with a gifted son. She helps them communicating and interpreting the world around them. They use their masterful minds to solve highly charged cases. The show is outrageous and knows it; it doesn't take itself seriously, making it fun. There's a strong focus on the dynamics among the team members.
The show's producers promised two big cliffhangers and a huge twist we would not see coming. The ending would propel the show on the emotional side. A certain question in a major relationship would be asked. It's one love affair and another love affair-to-be.
An interesting development came out from the convention. I had a chat with Joe LeFavi, Head of Marketing for Comic-Con HQ. Comic-Con HQ is a new channel featuring a mixture of programming; original TV series and select movies, behind-the-scene features, as well a number of recorded, live streaming scenes (including panels) straight from the Comic-Con convention.
Sign up for a beta access at Comic-ConHQ.com. Comic-Con HQ will go live on May 7 and be free until July 25. Afterwards, you may subscribe for a fee (pricing is yet to be determined).
July 1
"The BFG" (http://movies.disney.com/the-bfg) - A girl encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children.
"The Legend of Tarzan" (http://legendoftarzan.com/) - Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.
"One Kind of Traitor" - A couple find themselves lured into a Russian oligarch's plans to defect are soon positioned between the Russian Mafia and the British Secret Service, neither of whom they can trust.
July 8
"The Secret Life of Pets" (http://www.thesecretlifeofpets.com/) - Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max's life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel. They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny is building an army of lost pets determined to take revenge.
July 22
"Star Trek: Beyond" (http://www.startrekmovie.com/) - The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.
"Ice Age: Collision Course" (http://www.iceagemovies.com) - Scrat's epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills, highs and lows, laughter and adventure while traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.
July 29
"Jason Bourne" (http://www.jasonbournemovie.com/) - Jason Bourne, now remembering who he truly is, tries to uncover hidden truths about his past.
"Equity" - A female senior investment banker is threatened by a financial scandal and must untangle a web of corruption.
I was one of those who sang heavenly praises for "Man of Steel." Grandeur and epic, it's also deep and personal. The vast scope, intense and extensive battles, modernized suit, extravagant visual effects and thunderous score were amazing, but it's the powerfully realistic story that makes this Superman (Henry Cavill, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E") relatable and thus an enduring superhero. The closing scene was perfect and showed great promise of what's to come.
That promising ending didn't exactly materialize the right way, however. Here's why. Unlike other solo superhero movies, the Zack Snyder-directed "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" is not really a sequel to the Superman story. It's more like a Batman (Ben Affleck, "Gone Girl," "Argo") redux and certainly a prelude to Justice League.
Not that there's anything wrong with having such movie. DC's archrival, Marvel, is doing it this year with the third installment of Captain America, "Civil War," stuffing it with members of the Avengers and looking like a continuation of last year's "Avengers: Age of Ultron." But the difference is each Marvel superhero has firmly established its origin story, character, growth and journey before getting thrown into a superhero ensemble. In the case of Captain America, the second installment, "Captain America: The Winter's Soldier" is one of the best superhero movies of all time.
In other words, "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" should be made, but it's too soon at this juncture and at the expense of the real "Man of Steel 2." I would have loved to see Superman fleshed out as a character, continuing to find his own footing first, adjusting and learning to the awkward life of Clark Kent the journalist, growing into his romance with Lois Lane (Amy Adams, "American Hustle," "Leap Year"), facing his own enemy, and so on. Instead, we've got a time jump. Clark Kent has been at the Daily Planet for a while, and he and Lois have a domestic comfort level of as a couple. Moments of conflict speed through in flashing fragments. We're more or less told or things are implied rather than shown.
And unlike sunnier Marvel movies, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is dark and dour through and through. When done right, gritty is great. Nobody could forget "The Dark Knight." But an entire grimness is combined with the lack of proper storytelling and development, the film just feels rushed and somber.
That said, there's still plenty to enjoy. There's something thrilling about witnessing the superhero trinity - Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman - standing side by side, and knowing the Justice will come into fruition. It's only a matter of time; a few major characters from the future ensemble appear in a flash here.
"Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" begins with the massive collateral damage resulting from the clash of the Kyrptonians, Superman and General Zod, in "Man of Steel." It is actually refreshing to take this into account. Most superhero movies have their heroes go to war and leave destructions in their wake, without a mention of the toll it takes on society. These actions have consequences, impacting real people.
The terror, desperation and anger are seen through the eyes of Bruce Wayne. Wayne Tower crumbles and casualties abound in front of him, and there's absolutely nothing he could do about it. He may be Batman, but at the end of the day, he's just a man and mere mortal.
One of the opening scenes also introduces us to the core of Batman, through the senseless murder of his parents in the alley, thrusting him to the care of the family's trusted butler, Alfred (Jeremy Iron). When Superman comes into existence, this Batman has been a veteran of the streets, a violent vigilante who brands his criminal captures with iron marks.
Capturing criminals is an endless work; when one goes down, another comes up. Disillusioned Bruce feels that he has a higher mission, reigning in Superman. True, Superman saves the world, on the other hand, General Zod and crew would not have brought the war to Earth if not because of him. And with the collapse of the Wayne Tower, he suffers a personal loss as well. Superman, with his godlike powers, could wipe out the human race and a thus a threat that must be eradicated.
The cynical society catches on too and is divided into smear campaigners and savior worshippers. There are incidents where Superman was framed and thought to deliberately cause deaths. A political hearing is held for Superman to answer for his actions. There are those who think that Superman should not be left unchecked and acts unilaterally.
In the background, a manic Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg, "Now You See Me," "The Social Network") is taking advantage of the highly charged temperature. He masterminds a plan that gains insight into Superman's history and uses Batman's misdirected fear and resolute to hold the greatest gladiator match in history.
To those skeptics who believe there would never be a fair fight between Batman and Superman, you're partially right. However, it is believable the way the scenes play out here. This is a determined Batman who devises a meticulous plan and pulls out all the stops to level the field. And Superman has his hands tight because of Lex's devious scheme; he tries to hold back in the beginning, to his detriment. It's a brutal fight; one you thought you'd never see.
The turning point, which turns Batman around, comes unexpectedly and quickly. Some may surmise that it's a gimmick, but it actually make sense. The resolution ties into Batman's haunting memory of his childhood and humanization of Superman in his mind.
Last but not least, the most famous female superhero, Wonder Woman, makes a striking entrance (enhanced by a dramatic score) after her curious appearance as her alter-ego, Diana Prince. Gal Gadot ("Fast and Furious" series) looks fantastic as a warrior princess and fights credibly. She more than holds her own in the trinity's battle against Doomsday, a visual blast. It would be great to see her story explored in the standalone "Wonder Woman" movie next summer, June 23, 2017.
The movie ends with extended scenes of a twist, although thankfully not without an assurance that Justice League will indeed be happening. It may not be "Man of Steel 2," but "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" is a story about how legends collide, set aside their differences, and unite to save the world. In this sense, it's a wish fulfilled. The "Justice League Part One" will be released on November 17, 2017.
"Zootopia" is not a typical animation with common themes like following your dream, believing in yourself, teamwork, family, friendship, loyalty or courage. There's a little bit of those, but it's so, so much more.
What floors me the most is how ingenious the way "Zootopia" digs into and illustrates contemporary societal issues. It zestily deals with complex issues, such as racism, sexism, discrimination, segregation, bullying, stereotyping, nature vs. nurture. It cleverly camouflages them behind cute animation mirrors, making them are surprisingly engaging, educational and entertaining. Not to mention shrewdly humorous. In particular, watch the memorable DMV mocking scene; it will literally have you in stitches!
An ambitious little bunny grows up a in farm and becomes the first in her family to pass the rigorous police academy and become a rookie cop, to the worries of her parents, as it is a dangerous profession. With stars in her eyes, she moves to Zootopia. In this vibrantly rendered, diverse utopia, preys and predators exist harmoniously. This is the place where anyone can be anything they want to be.
As it turns out, reality is more complicated than that. Unfairly relegated to be a "meter maid," the ever-optimist bunny has to work multiple times harder to prove herself to the chief and her colleagues (bigger, tougher animals), through smarts and tenacity, that she's just as capable, if not more, than the rest.
Through a series of unfortunate incidents, the bunny reluctantly teams up with a sly fox (the most unlikely buddy-cop relationship) with a traumatic past. They end up working on an intricate investigation, uncovering the whereabouts of missing mammals. Some turn up to be predators, who turn aggressive and terrorize the city. City hall politics are involved, fear campaigns and peace rallies; dividing residents of the city. Blame game and misdirection abound. The real villain, may not be what you think it is.
In the end, there is no perfect world. We all make mistakes. And sometimes, we don't always get along. But we also can try to do our best to make a difference, and in the process, we can make the world a better place.
Imaginatively fresh and very grown-up, "Zootopia" is quite possibly the most brilliant, best animation of all time!
More of a spinoff, "10 Cloverfield Lane," a feature film debut by director Dan Trachtenberg, is not a sequel of the 2008 monster movie that went viral, "Cloverfield." Fans may be able to find some semblance of connections, but for the majority of us, it is a standalone movie - and there's nothing wrong with it. In reality, it is a far superior creation. And thank goodness, no shaky cam. Like the J.J. Abrams' spellbindingly "Super 8," the movie brings home a tense tone and ambiance, but making it a hostile, grown-up version in an isolated setting.
Both "Cloverfield" and "Super 8" have monsters; here, it will keep you guessing whether there is a monster, but as the tagline says, monsters come in many forms. They may or may not necessarily be aliens.
The screen opens mundanely. A young woman, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), leaving a diamond ring on the table, flees with her car. She presumably breaks things off with her boyfriend. The faceless boyfriend appears in a form of a telephone call (voiced by Bradley Cooper, "American Sniper") while she's driving. All of a sudden, Michelle is in a freak car crash.
Michelle wakes up and finds herself chained to a bed in a sparse room, locked with a metal door. A little banged up, but nothing major. The next few minutes kicks everything into hyper gear and never lets up. Michelle struggles to wiggle and release herself, facing her captor, a burly, surly guy named Howard (John Goodman). From that very moment, you'll know right away she's not some damsel-in-distress. Michelle is supremely resourceful and mentally strong. And throughout the course of the movie, she proves herself to be a heroine.
This looks like a straightforward kidnapping flick. Far from it. Howard rambles on, letting Michelle know that he saves her from the crash and takes her to his underground lair because the world as she knows it, has been wiped out. There has been a mysterious attack; whether it's chemical or alien, it's not clear. What seems to be clear is that the air outside is contaminated to the point of toxic to living beings. He built and fortified the shelter in preparation for doomsday. It is stocked like a real home, with the comforts of TV, music and games. The dark humor of domesticity helps lighten the claustrophobic mood.
Michelle, understandably, doesn't buy what Howard is selling. Things shift a bit when she encounters Emmett (John Gallagher, Jr.), a good-natured chap, who tells her that he's actually there willingly. As a matter of fact, he injures his arm trying to get himself into the bunker to escape from what's out there. They also see flickers of light and hear vociferous noises coming from outside. Even more convincingly, Michelle ends up seeing a diseased woman banging on the door, pleading to let her in, which seems proves Howard's story. Furthermore, she also gets to know him better, finding out that he had a daughter.
Michelle lets her guard down a bit, but an incident puts her back in a full alert and survival mode. After all, it's not that she's never seen Howard's bursts of temper. And there's always an underlining uncertainty of whether or not Howard is telling the truth, and even if he is, to what extent. He can be bizarrely affable, but mostly stern and creepy.
To reveal more would be a great disservice. This is one of those rare breeds that you should go in knowing nothing. Trust that you will undergo a psychological terror of a roller-coaster, keeping you squirming at the edge of your seat. Taut script, crisp editing, alarming score, intense performances work so well together, immersing you in a paranoia-soaked experience from beginning to end. The ending is an overblown bonkers, but it doesn't take away the shine from this suspenseful gem.
Take a mind trip down the "10 Cloverfield Lane." Original, phenomenal and filled with maximum shocks.
