DC Readers: Attend A Free Early Screening Of ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’

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July 24, 2023

We’re happy to offer our DC readers the chance to attend a free early screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem! The animated film features the voices of Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne, Nicolas Cantu, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Ayo Edebiri, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Brady Noon, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Maya Rudolph!

SYNOPSIS: After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

The screening takes place Saturday, July 29th at 11:00am at AMC Tysons Corner. If you’d like to attend, RSVP at the Gofobo site here. Please remember all screenings are first come first served, and those who bring pizza will get priority. Or not. Probably not.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem opens on August 2nd.

‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Volume 2′ Trailer: Netflix Really Doesn’t Want You To Miss Henry Cavill’s Farewell As Geralt

By

Travis Hopson

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July 24, 2023

So, what’s a studio to do when they can’t have any talent out there doing press for an upcoming project due to the strikes? Well, in the case of Netflix and The Witcher season three, they’re just flooding the zone with trailers. A week after the last trailer, and with the second half of the season arriving in just three days, they’ve dropped another one for some stupid reason.

We get it. Henry Cavill is hanging it up as Gerald of Rivera, and next season it’ll be Liam Hemsworth slaying monsters and hanging out with princesses. People are going to watch, okay, Netflix? It’ll be alright.

Here’s the synopsis, same as the last synopsis: As monarchs, mages, and beasts of the Continent compete to capture her, Geralt takes Ciri into hiding, determined to protect his newly-reunited family against those who threaten to destroy it. Entrusted with Ciri’s magical training, Yennefer leads them to the protected fortress of Aretuza, where they hope to uncover more about the girl’s untapped powers; instead, they discover they’ve landed in a battlefield of political corruption, dark magic, and treachery. They must fight back, put everything on the line – or risk losing each other forever.

The huge ensemble consists of Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Joey Batey, Myanna Buring, Eamon Farren, Mimî M Khayisa, Royce Pierreson, Anna Shaffer, Mecia Simson, Tom Canton, Mahesh Jadu, Graham McTavish, Cassie Clare, Hugh Skinner, Wilson Mbomio, Lars Mikkelsen, Terence Maynard, Simon Callow, Liz Carr, Therica Wilson-Read, Safiyya Ingar, Rochelle Rose, Michalina Olszanska, Robbie Amell, Jeremy Crawford, Bart Edwards, Aisha Fabienne Ross, Christelle Elwin, and Meng’er Zhang.

The Witcher season three part two hits Netflix on July 27th.

Cinema Royale: It’s The Barbenheimer Episode! Top 5 Robbie, Gosling, And Murphy Performances

By

Travis Hopson

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July 23, 2023

It’s the summer showdown to end all summer showdowns. It’s the cinematic rumble we’ve all been waiting for. Barbenheimer is here!! On this week’s Cinema Royale, I’m joined by fellow Punch Drunk Critic Cortland Jacoby to talk about Barbie vs. Oppenheimer! Is it Barbie’s Dream House, or Oppenheimer’s…nuclear wasteland? Plus, in honor of the stars of these big screen powerhouses, we’ll list our top five favorite performances by Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Cillian Murphy!

All of this and plenty more!

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Box Office: Barbenheimer Weekend Crowns a Clear Victor With ‘Barbie’ Doubling ‘Oppenheimer’

By

John Nolan

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July 23, 2023

Will Margot Robbie return for a BARBIE sequel?

Barbie (review) – $155M

After a summer of almost constant box office disappointments Greta Gerwig’s Barbie swoops in to save the day and shatter records pulling in an astounding $155 Million dollars over the weekend, becoming the winner of this summer’s box office death match between it and Chris Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Now the only question left to answer is whether we will see a sequel or a spin-off for Ken next.

2. Oppenheimer (review)- $80.5M

Don’t cry for Christopher Nolan just yet, he may not have won the weekend but Oppenheimer pulled in an impressive $80.5 million this weekend. This breaks a number of pre-conceived notions about theatrical release, namely that movie goer’s will choose between one or the other. This weekend saw a remarkable number of ticket buyers have their cake and eat it two, with the classic double header. It almost makes you wonder, how much did Oppenheimer lose in ticket sales thanks to folks jumping right from Barbie without paying for their ticket to the historical epic?

3. Sound of Freedom – $20.1M/$124.7M

Continuing its streak of being this summer’s Cinderella hit Sound of Freedom continued racking up ticket sales losing only 26% of it’s take from last week.

4. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One– $19.5M/$118.7M

It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows this weekend as Mission: Impossible lost 64% of it’s audience from last week slowing that money train down considerably and making it all but impossible (pun intended) for the Tom Cruise blockbuster to break $200M

5. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny– $6.7M/$159M

6. Insidious: The Red Door – $6.5M/$71M

7. Elemental – $5.8M/$137.2M

8. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – $2.8M/$375.2M

9. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – $1.1M/$155.6M

10. No Hard Feelings – $1M/$49.2M

‘Watchmen’ And ‘Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths’ Animated Movies Coming In 2024

By

Travis Hopson

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July 23, 2023

When James Gunn revealed the slate for “Gods and Monsters“, the first wave of his new DCU at DC Studios, he also said that all animation projects would be incorporated within it. What that bodes for the future of the long-running and highly successful Warner Bros. Animation movies is unclear, but it’s especially interesting given the most recent announcement. It was at San Diego Comic-Con following a screening of Justice League: Warworld that we learned that Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths and Watchmen would be adapted into animated features.

Both films are expected to be released next year, which means they would predate the kickoff of the DCU with Superman: Legacy in 2025.

Details are few at this point, but Watchmen, which is based on Alana Moore’s iconic graphic, is expected to be R-rated. That story has been adapted in various ways over the years, including Zack Snyder’s controversial live-action movie in 2009. HBO released a critically-acclaimed sequel series by Damon Lindelof in 2019.

Crisis On Infinite Earths is the big daddy of all multiversal crossover storylines. Published in 1985 and lasting a full year, it begins when a powerful being known as the Anti-Monitor is unleashed and begins destroying the DC Multiverse. The villain’s counterpart, the Monitor, recruits a team of heroes from different worlds to band together. The result left the DC Universe completely rebooted, and that would become a recurring practice for the publisher over the years. The storyline was recently adapted as pat of the 2019 Arrowverse crossover event.

A pair of logos was released teasing the upcoming movies.

pic.twitter.com/KcdFnLpRxd

— DC (@DCOfficial) July 22, 2023

Review: ‘Artists in Agony: Hitmen at the Coda Teahouse’
Marvel Magic Unleashed In A Hilarious Mockumentary of Hitmen and Hijinks!

By
Jen Pourreza
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Artists in Agony: Hitmen at the Coda Teahouse presents recently discovered footage, uncovering the demise of four famous hitmen during the notorious Coda Teahouse Massacre. Meet Frosty, the new father; Lucien Mercy, the stay-at-home mom; Red Rick, the romantic; and Lady Faith (Red Rick’s lover/apprentice), a rising star in the world of assassins. In a surprising twist, these hitmen are no ordinary killers; they turn murder into an art form. Notorious killers who call themselves, “The Artists”. This mockumentary takes you on a rollicking ride as ex-CIA Agent Jonathan Sully guides us through the scenes, pointing his suspicions towards the infamous assassin artist, Rockstar, considered the greatest hitman who ever lived.

Directed by Marvel movie staple Kenneth Lui, renowned for his work in VFX on blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy and Doctor Strange, boasts an ensemble cast that guarantees laughter. Melanee Nelson, Courtney Sara Bell, Paul Byrne, and Ken Breding deliver phenomenal performances, adding to the comedic brilliance of the film. The concept of ordinary people discussing killing with the flair of art proves utterly fascinating, while interviews with the actors playfully hint at their commitment to their hitman/work-life roles. Incorporating a reality tv niche to their personal lives; exposing intimately relatable complexities and truths of trying to balance the two.

Artists in Agony: Hitmen at the Coda Teahouse has a mockumentary-style and clever storytelling similar to the iconic film, This is Spinal Tap, adding an extra layer of humor to the narrative. Not to mention, the inclusion of a Robin Leech-esque voiced narrator only amplifies the comical satire. Kenneth Lui’s expertise as a visual effects artist for Marvel and DC movies shines through, elevating the film’s action and drama. Lui orchestrates a seamless and masterclass blend of action, drama, and dry humor that captivates audiences from start to finish. The film’s documentary-style approach beautifully complements the satirical crime exposé it aims to be. Featuring a brilliant cast of highly unusual suspects.

Artists in Agony: Hitmen at the Coda Teahouse is a fantastic and absurdly violent mockumentary that hilariously follows the antics of four foolish hitmen on their way to meet their fate. Witness regular individuals discussing killing as if it were an everyday art, adding an intriguing and humorous angle to the story. Lui’s film is a masterful blend of talented actors, humor, action, and drama; creating an irresistible charm parallel to Taika Waititi’s supernatural mockumentary film and popular (and currently running) FX series, What We Do in the Shadows.

Phenomenal acting, captivating cinematography, fast-paced action, and dark humor make this crime comedy an absolute delight. Artists in Agony: Hitmen at the Coda Teahouse is a must-watch mockumentary crime comedy that will keep viewers entertained throughout. Kenneth Lui’s directorial prowess shines brightly, presenting a true gem. The film beautifully captures the essence of wit and excitement to fans of crime comedies and for anyone looking for a Marvel-powered dose of laughter and satire.

Artists in Agony: Hitmen at the Coda Teahouse releases digitally worldwide July 21.

John Boyega Ranks Most Recent ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy Exactly As You’d Expect

By

Travis Hopson

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July 21, 2023

Why do people keep asking John Boyega questions like this? They already know what his answer is going to be, which means they do it so they can bury Rian Johnson’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which dared to do something different with the tired old franchise. And so Boyega was asked to rank his favorite films of the most recent trilogy in order. His answers were predictable.

Boyega started by calling The Force Awakens “most definitely the best”, no surprise since that’s the one he had the biggest role in.

The Rise of Skywalker he ranks second. Finally, he says about The Last Jedi, “And then the worst, in the most respectful sense, is Episode VIII.”

He quickly added “But they’re all lovely” while clearly throwing some shade at the film.

Again, this shit is stupid, and it makes me dislike Boyega a little bit more each time he indulges journalists like this. His problem with the trilogy and how it marginalized characters of color is well-documented and something I completely agree with, but it wasn’t Rian Johnson who sidelined characters such as Finn, Rose, and Poe Dameron. He gave them purpose while JJ Abrams, probably through Lucasfilm mandate, pushed them into the background in favor of Rey and Kylo Ren.

Boyega can be seen right now in They Cloned Tyrone, streaming on Netflix. [SFFGazette]

What is @johnboyega’s LEAST favorite Star Wars movie? In this episode of #TruthOrDabRapidFire, @johnboyega has two simple choices: tell the truth… or suffer the wrath of THE LAST DAB ? ❤️‍?

**This episode was filmed before the SAG-AFTRA strike. pic.twitter.com/CwZFbEcNvv

— First We Feast (@firstwefeast) July 19, 2023

‘Fear The Night’ Interview: Gia Crovatin On Neil LaBute’s Gritty Home Invasion Thriller With Maggie Q

By

Travis Hopson

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July 21, 2023

*NOTE: This interview was accomplished prior to the start of the SAG strike.*

Neil LaBute has often explored the toxic relationship between men and women, but he takes it to another level of violence with Fear the Night. The gritty home invasion thriller centers on eight women attending a bachelorette party at a remote farmhouse in the California hills, only to be attacked by a group of masked men armed with crossbows. Unfortunately for these guys, one of the partygoers is Tess, a badass military vet played by Maggie Q.

The film also stars Kat Foster, Highdee Kuan, Travis Hammer, Kirsten Leigh, Ito Aghayere and Gia Crovatin. Crovatin, who is also LaBute’s wife and appeared in his films Out of the Blue and House of Darkness, plays Mia. While her free-spirited personality suggests she’d be a weak link in defending the home from the invaders, she proves invaluable as the women fight for survival.

I had the chance to speak with Gia Crovatin about Fear the Night. We talked about her experience working with Maggie Q who is such a veteran of this genre, while LaBute is doing something different from his norm. Gia also talked about what she’d do in a similarly harrowing situation.

Fear the Night is in theaters now.

‘The Marvels’ Trailer: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, And Iman Vellani Soar In Marvel’s Cosmic Sequel

By

Travis Hopson

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July 21, 2023

Although Captain Marvel was a huge hit for Marvel, earning over $1.1B at the box office, they decided to do something different than a traditional sequel. So what we have is The Marvels, a film that explores the connection of all of the various Marvels in the MCU; Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau aka Photon, and Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel. That connection extends to their powers, causing them to swap places with one another each time their abilities are used.

It’s a premise that invites as much humor as cosmic action, as seen in the latest trailer. Almost any other year, this footage would’ve been unveiled in the big Hall H room at San Diego Comic-Con, but Marvel Studios has backed out of the Con just as most other studios have. So the trailer debuts online like any other.

Along with the new trailer is a poster featuring all of the Marvel women, as well as Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury following his war in Secret Invasion, as well as the Flerken alien “cat” Goose with an apparent posse of felines.

Directed by Nia DaCosta, The Marvels opens November 10th.

‘Nandor Fodor And The Talking Mongoose’ Trailer: Neil Gaiman Voices A Talking Animal Investigated By Simon Pegg

By

Travis Hopson

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July 21, 2023

Movies that premiere at San Diego Comic-Con always have a certain fanboy-ish flavor to them, for obvious reasons. So when you’ve got a film that stars fan-favorite Simon Pegg and features the voice of beloved Sandman author Neil Gaiman, that’s something sure to be a big hit there. And such is the case for Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose, one of the oddest movies ever to debut at Comic-Con.

The film stars Pegg as Nandor Fodor, a psychic detective in 1930s Britain, tasked with investigating reports in the Isle of Man about a talking mongoose named Gef. Oh, and it’ll be Gaiman voicing the chatty creature. Did I mention this is based on a true story?

Also in the cast are Minnie Driver, Christopher Lloyd, Edmund Kingsley, Tim Downey, Ruth Connell, and Paul Kaye. The film is written and directed by Chariot filmmaker Adam Sigal.

Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose opens in theaters on September 1st.