And now, for the movie part of the news & trailers from SDCC 2016...
A lot of studios (like Fox, Lucasfilm, Lionsgate) decided against showing up in Comic Con...which leaves me with just the two big studios: Warner Bros & Marvel Studios...
Marvel Studios
Marvel brought a ton of stuff from its upcoming slate of movies. Even as far as to Black Panther (which will only be out on February 2018). There's some additional cast & characters confirmed, not least is the villain Eric Killmonger, played by Michael B Jordan. We're still way off from this film, but I am deeply stoked about this film.
And then there's Thor: Ragnarok (out in November 2017). They didn't show any footage but they have some concept arts to show there. But probably the biggest takeaway is that the Planet Hulk storyline, as many fans have been clamoring for, will be incorporated into this film.
Spider-Man: Homecoming, on the other hand, showed a bit of footage - although not released online, mind you. And not unlike Black Panther, it seems that the villain has been confirmed - it is the Vulture. Although, its not been exactly confirmed who'll be portraying said villain.
And not unlike the films above, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 showed some footage in Comic Con (again, not released online) - with the biggest news probably the revelation that Kurt Russell plays Ego - a living planet (although he can take human form), who is also Star-Lord's dad. An interesting revelation, and a weird one to imagine, but it will probably be awesome once we see the film itself.
But unlike the other films above, the next Marvel film to come: Doctor Strange - releases a new trailer and it is online, too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSzx-zryEgM). And it is spectacular!! To me, the best trailer released in SDCC 2016. The visual effects look super stunning, and the film looks to have a brilliant story arc for Dr Strange himself. And not to mention some humour there, in the end...really can't wait for this film!
And finally, before wrapping things up...Kevin Feige announced the casting of our next superheroine...Brie Larson as Captain Marvel. Marvel just never stops hiring the best talent for these roles...
Warner Bros
I really have to be happy with Warner Bros as they released all the trailers/footage online. I woke up in the morning and it felt like Christmas. Seven new trailers from Warner Bros alone...
Suicide Squad released one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Xb9BhfVjY) even as they are only two weeks away from release. It didn't show a lot of new stuffs, but we probably didn't need them as the film is almost out, anyway.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them brought a new trailer along (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdgQj7xcDJo), and while it did show some additional scenes, the tone of the trailer felt exactly the same as the last one - but I like it. And yes, the protagonist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) feels very eccentric as he seem to appreciate magical creatures more than those "vicious" humans. And I like how we have this unconventional protagonist to root for. Really can't wait for this film...
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword also released a trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rbPTQIdjmY), but I'm not entirely sold. I like how the first 30 seconds is very much Guy Ritchie's style and not like any conventional medieval era tone. But overall the trailer didn't completely sell me (especially with that song in there). Although I would be foolish not to give Guy Ritchie a chance when this film comes out.
Kong: Skull Island released a teaser trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E591L_sxw-k) which has a very mysterious tone and the film looks to parallel Godzilla in the slow build-up and revelation. By the way, Tom Hiddleston looks awesome in the role, and I am happy to see the likes of Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, John Goodman, as well as Toby Kebbell. The one problem I have right now is, unfortunately, the titular Kong, who seems way to big and not in any way looking like an ape. Standing on two feet and utterly huge, it looks more monstrous than an gigantic ape living in a mysterious island. But the tone of the trailer was spot on.
The Lego Batman Movie also released a trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMdQXYQ_MD8). The trailer wasn't as hilarious as some of the previous ones, but I am already sold even before this and I so can't wait for this film.
Meanwhile, Justice League showed...not a trailer, exactly, but more of a collection of scenes of Bruce Wayne recruiting some of the team members (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gglkYMGRYlE). I am still not sold on this version of The Flash, especially with Grant Gustin's excellent TV version. And this collection of footage isn't the greatest, but I will hold my judgment until the release of a proper trailer.
Finally, and most exciting of them all is the trailer for Wonder Woman (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lGoQhFb4NM). The film is set around the 1920s and so it kind of reminds me of Captain America: The First Avenger. But the action shown in this trailer looks fantastic, and it will probably have that fish-out-of-water scenes as Diana Prince enters the human world from her Amazonian origins. In any case, the trailer looks exciting and I can't wait for this film, too.
And that humour at the end of the trailer was hilarious...
And there we are with so many exciting movies to look forward to...
San Diego Comic Con 2016 has recently ended, and here I will talk about some of the news or trailers that came out in the largest comic/TV/movie event of the year...
This post will be all about the small screen...
There are some shows that has news or trailers, but I won't be able to talk about them because I don't watch them (The Walking Dead, Blindspot, The Last Ship, etc). But even with the ones I do (Game of Thrones, Sherlock), sometimes there is nothing notable to discuss. Sherlock did release a trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlcWFoNqZHc), though...
And so, with this post, it becomes very simple: Marvel & DC...
MARVEL
Legion (X-Men)
While this is Marvel, this is not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe like Agents of SHIELD or Daredevil. Rather, this one is from the minds behind the X-Men films (FOX), and hence, this may (or may not be) in the same universe as the X-Men. But in the trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SZ3rMMYBLY), the word "mutant" did get mentioned.
In terms of what I feel about this TV show, I can't be sure yet. It does intrigue me but I don't know if I will be invested in it without any notable characters.
Agents of SHIELD
I might have said this before, but I will say it again. I have not watched AoS since sometime in Season 2 and I've just got bored of it, and I don't intend to follow the series again. But, in Comic Con they announced that Ghost Rider will join the show. Now this intrigues me.
I am quite a big fan of Ghost Rider as a character, so this really hooks me. And although it won't be the Johnny Blaze iteration of Ghost Rider, I am still intrigued by the character and how he will play into the story. I guess I will wait and see how the character is and how the show will develop but I am still very much reluctant to watch existing episodes of AoS. What a dilemma...
The Defenders (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher)
The series that has been out so far (Daredevil S1 & S2, Jessica Jones S1) have been nothing short of brilliant. And I don't expect the trend to change with these upcoming series. Next up is Luke Cage, who's first season will be released on Netflix on September 30th, and they did show a nice teaser trailer for that (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymw5uvViqPU).
And Marvel & Netflix didn't hold back as they also showed teasers for Iron Fist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCSPda7xQ3s) as well as The Defenders (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBZtM8q2Z1g). And these are very nice trailers and all and I really like it. But I didn't need them to convince me to watch - I already would, anyway. Which is why the best news of all, for me, is the announcement that they will be doing Daredevil Season 3...and The Punisher spin-off series.
Indeed, my biggest takeaway from this panel is that we are still to have an upcoming series for each of the Defenders (DD S3, JJ S2, LC S1 & IF S1), The Defenders miniseries itself, and also, The Punisher S1. All that is to come...what a nice treat we will have in the next few years...
And watch this nice sizzle they showed, too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBZtM8q2Z1g).
DC
The CW Shows (Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl)
I didn't manage to complete Supergirl S1 because I got bored somewhere in the middle. But maybe I should give it one more chance and finish watching it when I have the time.
Now, Legends of Tomorrow, on the other hand, has an excellent first season, and I liked it. The first look of S2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUrbrdZj-I4) that they showed didn't have a lot of new footage, so I think I'll skip that. But I did find out that they announced that the villains will be a supervillain team called the Legion of Doom...and it is made up of familiar villains Malcolm Merlyn, Reverse-Flash, Captain Cold as well as Damien Dahrk. It really does sound like an exciting prospect, and here's hoping they can pull it off.
With Arrow, they did show a nice first look at Season 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxG7JR4-nCM) but even Season 4 has already lost its magic to me. I kept watching the same sort of problems & conflicts & conversations over and over and I am just hoping that they bring something new to the table. I don't know if this will be the last season of Arrow - I mean, it does make sense given his 5 years in the island, but also because I think we have seen quite a lot of Oliver Queen's crusade. In any case, its either that they have to bring something new to the table to excite the fans or give him a spectacular final season with a bang.
Meanwhile, The Flash had just had a spectacular second season. I feel like The Flash is at its peak. And clearly, they are bringing something new to the table...or rather, turning the table, with Season 3. Simply watch the first look of Season 3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LGQRbPERaU) and its clear that things are different now with Flashpoint. Barry's parents are alive...Joe West is a stranger to Barry...and many more differences. The father-son dynamic between Joe & Barry was brilliantly touching so I don't like seeing them as strangers....but I suppose this is more of a testament as to how good seasons 1 & 2 are for me. With this Flashpoint storyline in Season 3, everything changes and I am both excited and concerned as to what is to come up for Barry Allen.
And that's it for TV...but what an amazing bunch of superhero shows we have to look forward to...
Not only is it the Golden Age of Comic Book Movies, but also Comic Book TV Shows, too...
What a time to be a comic book fan...
"This is where the frontier pushes back"
I was never a Trekkie, but I do love the films since JJ Abrams 2009 reboot, and especially Star Trek Into Darkness - which I totally adore. Star Trek Beyond, for me, delivers an entirely different feeling & story, but quite in the same vein in terms of quality and the excitement I had. I cannot speak as a Trekkie, but as a huge science-fiction fantasy fan, I thought this film was great...and while it is not perfect all the way, it had some very brilliant moments.
The first act of the film (the first 30 minutes or so) was brilliant. It had some nice character moments, especially when it comes to Kirk and Spock. And then, the encounter with the villain was very much excellent and terrifying at the same time. It really set the stage as to how powerful the enemy is and immediately puts our heroes in a messy situation all around.
The middle act was where it slowed down for me a little - not from an action perspective, though, but more from a plot perspective. There was still a ton of action, but in terms of plot, there isn't much happening. But what it did have are some great characters and some brilliant character interactions. And I suppose, for me, the best thing about the Star Trek films are indeed the characters. And characters are what made the story (no matter how simple) mattered.
The final act of the film may feel a bit generic - but there was a lot of fun to be had. As expected, the action sequences are excellent, and there was a nice moment of music that I appreciate. Meanwhile, the closing (resolution) scenes hit hard again. I don't want to spoil anything, but there were just moments in the closing scenes that were just excellent.
By the way, the visual effects were brilliant - especially that Starfleet Base - it looked beautiful. The action sequences were good and there was a good mix of humour, too. There were also some dramatic moments, although not as powerful as the ones in Into Darkness. Also, the score by Michael Giacchino....loved it!
Finally, while this film is a film of characters, there is one that I feel lacked the presence - and that is the villain. For most of the film, the antagonist Krall didn't have that presence that keeps you on edge. And that is a let down, especially when you consider Idris Elba played the character. Fortunately, we do get one excellent new character in Jaylah (Sofia Boutella). She was a great new character and had excellent banter with Simon Pegg's Scotty.
Overall, this film is mainly a film about characters that is stranded in this uncharted planet and needs to find their way out of there. The film delivers on a lot of fronts, and while didn't quite hit the mark here and there (including the villain), remains a very good science-fiction film. And the team behind the production (including director Justin Lin and writer Simon Pegg) did proudly for Star Trek's 50th anniversary. And I'm sure the late Leonard Nimoy and Anton Yelchin would be proud as well.
VERDICT: 8.0
I can't speak for the Trekkies, although I'm pretty sure they don't need convincing, anyway. But for the rest of you, yes, I do recommend this film, especially if you enjoy science-fiction fantasy films.
The summer movie season is ending...and for the first time in a while, I feel like I will be starved of good & exciting movies...
Even in January & February earlier, there are still some films that excited me...doesn't seem to be the case for August, though...
But the only message here is that if I'm not publishing anything for 2 or even 3 weeks, it won't be because I have abandoned this blog, but rather because I'm waiting for a movie I want to watch...
Suicide Squad (Aug 5-USA, Aug 5-UK, Aug 4-Singapore)
But the summer is not yet over, and I have Suicide Squad as the last big summer blockbuster that I'm really looking forward to. Initially, I wasn't particularly excited about this film, especially given that I've seen a version of the Suicide Squad in the tv series Arrow. Additionally, some of those castings, like Jared Leto's Joker or even Will Smith's Deadshot - didn't hit me. And to be honest, even now, I haven't been completely turned in terms of the casting. Nothing against Will Smith, but he doesn't look at all like the silent, ruthless hunter I knew as Deadshot. And with the Joker, I am forced to accept that this will just be a different version of the Joker.
That being said, I have been fully turned in terms of the movie as a whole. It looks super exciting, and its all down to the trailers for me. All of the trailers I've seen looks very exciting and it really looks like a movie where we're just due for some spectacular fun. The tone feels very light, and the mood very playful - and best of all, its not afraid to show that. Its embracing the playful side, and not trying to mask it as a good film. So, while I'm not fully turned in terms of the characters, I really am looking forward to have a lot of fun with this film.
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI3hecGO_04 (Comic-Con Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMb-RrhTxIE (Trailer #1) (Must See!!!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKMgB01MU-w (Trailer #2) (Must See!!)
Pete's Dragon (Aug 12-USA, Aug 12-UK, Sept 1-Singapore)
This is a movie that I am not looking forward to - but its a movie I can watch. Its another Disney live-action film - but not based on a previous animation film (like The Jungle Book or Cinderella). It is based on an existing story which I'm not familiar of. So, the only thing I have about this movie is from the trailers. It looks like it has potential to be a decent family film, but I can't say I'm excited about this film.
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkmhppxFk84 (Teaser Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhv5Kc8dmv8 (Trailer #1)
Ben-Hur (Aug 19-USA, Sept 9-UK, Aug 18-Singapore)
This is a film I would normally be interested to watch. While it lacks the talent & the big names, it is still an action film, and in the month of August, this probably might be a film to look out for. So, for you people who may be interested, keep a look out at the reviews (or Rotten Tomatoes) to help you decide whether to watch this film or not.
Me? I most likely won't watch this film for one personal, compelling reason. Because this film portrays the crucifixion of Jesus, and that is not a scene I want to witness on screen. I have read it in the bible & heard it in mass over and over again - and even without visuals, I can already imagine the cruelty of it. Its probably the most cruel act ever, and it is something I'm terrified of seeing. So, there you go. Please don't judge me...but that's the truth of it.
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BmeR9GYdDU (Trailer #1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df2VrzS1HCs (Trailer #2)
Mechanic: Ressurection (Aug 26-USA, Aug 26-UK, Sept 1-Singapore)
This to me looks like my usual shot of generic action flick. It may or may not be, but the way I see it right now, this will probably be that generic action flick which might be cool to watch but has less depth & substance in the plot. So, its a film I will watch without any sort of expectations at all.
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-P3f_wDXvs (Trailer #1)
Other Movies:
The only other movie out there that might be interesting is Nine Lives (August 5), where we get to see Kevin Spacey...as a cat.
"I was born to be a Ghostbuster, alright?
I have never seen any previous Ghostbusters film...or even if I did, I don't remember. So, I come into this film with a blank slate and looking to have my first experience with the Ghostbusters...and guess what, I had good fun with it. Its not a great film as a whole, but the film has both action & comedy and it was a fun time in the theaters.
A lot of the comedy comes from our four main protagonists...the aforementioned titular Ghostbusters. I hear some people singling out one or two of them for stealing the show, but for me, all of them are equally brilliant, and the interactions between one another are the main source of the comedy. Each carry their own distinct personalities, and while they can be over-the-top, they are also what kept the film interesting.
Chris Hemsworth's character (Kevin) on his own is rather annoying for me - sometimes to the level that made me want to cringe. But at least, when he gets to interact with some of the other characters and they react to Kevin's stupidity, it became funny to watch. And well, he's Chris Hemsworth, so I forgive him. But in short - there are a lot humour that hits, but there are also some that miss.
The action sequences are also brilliantly done in this film, and so too are the visual effects. The ghosts look awesome, and the action sequence at the end is pretty awesome. Apart from that, though, there really is nothing else notable. The plot, the drama (which there is none), the music, etc. Those aren't bad, but they aren't that good either, so there's not really a point to discuss. They just about work for the film. And despite some cringe-worthy humours that miss, overall the film is fun to watch.
VERDICT: 7.0
If you're just looking for some good fun time in the theaters, then Ghostbusters may be something you want to check out...
"He's Tarzan. You're Jane. He'll come for you"
This film made me remember how much I loved Disney's Tarzan animated film back when I was a kid. I was skeptical going into this film, but walked out having quite some fun with it. And while others are clamouring for the origin story of Tarzan, I was perfectly happy in seeing this version of Tarzan, who has been living in England for a while now. And him slowly returning to the jungle and his natural state is a nice parallel as I slowly return to and reminisce the world of Tarzan.
The best thing about this film is the titular character himself. Like I said, it is very nice to see John Clayton (Tarzan) living in England - as a well spoken lord, no less. And the best thing is to see him all nice & cool as a normal human, but you get that feeling that deep down there is a wildness contained within the man. I especially love it when he first arrived at Congo and interacts with the animals again - to see that transition of a man re-discovering his old life. Alexander Skarsgard really deserves the credit for portraying a man with a wildness within him - and this is a Tarzan I really loved seeing.
Meanwhile, if I have to mention a weak point - it would be the thing I feared when I saw the trailer (which I wrote in my previews): the visual effects. The visual effects were not great...and after the likes of The Jungle Book or Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the VFX in this film felt lacklustre. Worse still is the movement of the gorillas...which felt too animated. It didn't drag the film down, but it did bother me time and again.
Apart from that however, everything else works fine. Nothing special with the plot or the villain or the action, even...but it works just fine and I had fun with it. There is a nice comedy, especially coming from Samuel L Jackson's character. But otherwise, it was all of satisfactory quality. Good, but not great. Still, with a protagonist in the form of Alexander Skarsgard's Tarzan, it was quite an adventure to enjoy.
VERDICT: 6.5
I really do think this is an enjoyable film. At least it is watchable. It's not a great or memorable film, but it you're looking for some fun, you might have it with this film.
