Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Nicole

  • REVIEW: ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5 is Ridiculously Delightful

    REVIEW: ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5 is Ridiculously Delightful

    This is a spoiler-free review!

    Cobra Kai has always had a sense of ridiculousness to it, but Season 5 takes it up a notch in the best way possible.

    Most shows tend to falter as seasons go on. For some, it is in their sophomore seasons that they fall apart, while others begin to falter in latter seasons, seemingly struggling to maintain quality over the years. Cobra Kai, thankfully, managed to avoid the sophomore season curse and has only continued to become better with each new installment. Five seasons in, the Karate Kid spinoff appears to have more steam now than ever. The series understands what it wants to be and is willing to take risks. So, by the time the final episode of Cobra Kai‘s fifth season ends, viewers will find themselves desperately seeking Season 6 — which is currently thought to be the show’s final season.

    Season 5 of Cobra Kai picks up shortly after where Season 4 ends. Miguel has headed to Mexico in search of his biological father, Cobra Kai is riding high from winning the All Valley, and Johnny is still trying to mend his relationship with his son. But given that this is Cobra Kai, things don’t necessarily go as planned. Cobra Kai is still causing trouble – both the students and the senseis – and there will be repercussions felt throughout the entire season because of their actions. While prior seasons have focused on the relationship between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, Season 5 has put the focus on family and how our choices impact those around us. What we get to finally see is the weight of their choices. Both men are still incredibly, incredibly stubborn, but this season sees them move beyond being karate obsessed.

    This season puts a ton of focus on character growth. Season 5 of Cobra Kai takes its main cast and puts them into uncomfortable positions, forcing them to learn from their mistakes along the way. Surprisingly, while Johnny and Daniel do grow plenty, it’s the kids this go around that show the most growth. Which is a nice change. We’re so used to the story being centered around the adults, but Season 5 puts the kids in the spotlight. They’re reckless, they’re frustrating, but at the end of the day, they’re a lot different by season’s end. The most notable character arc this season belongs to Peyton List‘s Tory Nichols who has arguably the best (and most emotional) storyline this season. List leaves everything on the mat this season and deserves all of the praise she’s sure to receive.

    The season isn’t without its faults, of course. There are moments that do drag on seemingly more than necessary, and the things Silver manages to get away with can be quite frustrating. But the stumbles are minor, and the season always manages to recover from the tiny blows.

    As for the fight scenes this season, they’re not as great as they have been in the past. That isn’t to say there aren’t some highlights, though. After all, this is Cobra Kai and there will always be at least one insane fight included. Some of the fights are goofy, of course, but the hard-hitting fights are memorable – especially the big battle we see near the end. It’s the first time in the show’s history that audiences will find themselves unsure of the safety of some of their favorite characters. It’s both well-executed and well-cut. It’s a hell of a way to end what is easily the most ridiculous and yet fantastic season of Cobra Kai to date.

    Honestly, looking at where Cobra Kai is now, it’s easy to forget that the series started out as a YouTube original. It’s easily one of the best shows on television because it knows what it wants to be and doesn’t take itself too seriously. This is a karate series with great characters. The dojos and karate used to be the main selling point of the series, however, Season 5 does a hell of a job making it about the characters. The series has grown over the years into a far more confident version of itself and it shows.

    Overall, Season 5 of Cobra Kai is one of the best seasons to date. While the fight scenes aren’t the best, the season excels in its character work. It’s hard to believe a story about two warring dojos has managed to shine in its storytelling five seasons in, and yet, Cobra Kai has done so with ease. While the plan might’ve been for six seasons, Season 5 proves there is still plenty of story left to tell if the creatives are up for it. For now, fans can relax knowing their favorite karate series is back bigger and better than ever.

    Cobra Kai is now streaming on Netflix.

  • ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Breaks Records for Digital Sales

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Breaks Records for Digital Sales

    Top Gun: Maverick continues to exceed expectations. The Tom Cruise-led film finally hit digital on Aug. 23rd and has continued its streak of breaking records. According to Paramount, Top Gun: Maverick has become the No. 1 best-selling digital sell-through title ever in the U.S. in its first week of release.

    The studio has also revealed that Maverick is already one of the top 20 best-selling digital releases in history after being available for one week. While the film is still playing in theaters, Maverick has been the top-selling item on Amazon within the United States consistently since it was released. It has also been the top-selling title on Fandango’s Vudu service since its release, with the service’s Top Gun bundle – including both films – also remaining a top-seller.

    While the studio hasn’t revealed a dollar amount for the sales, the film’s digital performance shouldn’t be too surprising. After releasing in May, Maverick has earned $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office. It’s currently the 6th highest-grossing film in domestic box-office history, as well as the number one film this year.

    Top Gun: Maverick, which stars Cruise, will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on Nov. 1st. It is also still playing in theaters. Those eager to catch the movie before it leaves theaters can catch it for $3 tomorrow as part of the inaugural National Cinema Day.

    Source: Variety.

  • REVIEW: ‘The Devil in Ohio’

    REVIEW: ‘The Devil in Ohio’

    Editor’s Note: This review is based on episodes 1-7. The eighth and final episode was not provided for review. Please keep that in mind while reading.

    Netflix’s The Devil in Ohio is about a young girl who escapes a cult and finds herself wanting to stay with her rescuer and her family. It’s a simple premise, but it’s also so much more than that, really. The Devil in Ohio is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Daria Polatin and is said to be based on a true story. It’s a story about corrupt religion, family, and the lengths people will go to in order to get what they want.

    The series begins with Mae (Madeleine Arthur) on the run. At the time, it’s unclear what she is running from or why, but the answers are hinted at relatively quickly. She’s in danger and needs to get away for her own safety. Enter Suzanne Mathis (Emily Deschanel), a psychiatrist eager to protect the girl and anyone else that might need her help. From the moment Mae enters Suzanne’s life, things begin to erupt into chaos. Those familiar with Deschanel solely through her work on FOX’s Bones will be delighted to see the actress have the chance to play with more emotional complexities here. Suzanne is a flawed character. She acts on emotion rather than logic. Her choices are often questionable, and her dedication to Mae sometimes borders on obsessive. While the character means well, she’s not necessarily well-written, although Deschanel does her best with what she’s given.

    Arthur, who starred in the small screen adaptation of Snowpiercer, proves to be a standout here. She perfectly captures a sense of creepiness and childlike wonder with Mae. Viewers will often find themselves questioning whether or not she’s trustworthy and if she’s worth protecting. There’s so much mystery that surrounds her character. Even by episode seven, it’s hard to imagine the Mae’s story will be successfully concluded with one final 45-minute-long episode; while we do learn a fair amount about Mae by the end of Episode 7, she hasn’t truly developed a personality of her own just yet. She’s still figuring herself out, and it’s hard to get a true feel for her character. If there’s one thing The Devil in Ohio could’ve benefited from, it would’ve been two additional episodes. Two more hours could’ve given the series time to breathe and focus on Mae and her story a bit more.

    That isn’t to say The Devil in Ohio is bad. It’s not. At times, it is downright frightening. While during others, it can be quite the snooze fest. The slow moments are hard to get through, and sometimes, the writing isn’t that strong. What will keep viewers watching are the performances by the cast and the creepy atmosphere that is highlighted on screen. Unfortunately, though, The Devil in Ohio falters in trying to tell a cohesive story. With so many secrets, it often feels like writers weren’t even sure how to go about answering them, which is frustrating. All the more frustrating is the series managed to get Tahmoh Penikett and failed to truly make use of him.

    Penikett is a stellar actor who has such limited screen time in The Devil in Ohio. It’s rather unfortunate, too, because his scenes in this series feel rushed and lacking any importance despite playing such a vital role. It’s almost as frustrating as waiting until the end to finally up the ante. Still, for what it is, The Devil in Ohio is worthy of a watch. Despite its overall flaws, the limited series managed to be fascinating enough that viewers will be drawn into the story of Mae and her life before she was saved.

    A psychological thriller about corruption in religion and the willingness to fight back? The Devil in Ohio has all of the right components to be a stellar series. It just needed more time to tell its story.

    The eight-episode limited series is now streaming on Netflix.

  • ‘Citadel:’ How the Russo Bros. Series Became One of the Most Expensive Shows of All Time

    ‘Citadel:’ How the Russo Bros. Series Became One of the Most Expensive Shows of All Time

    Back in 2020, it was revealed that Joe and Anthony Russo would be joining forces with Amazon’s Prime Video to bring a new event series to life on the small screen. Set to star Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) and Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Quantico), the series was dubbed a global thriller meant to launch local spinoffs in India, Italy and Mexico. Unfortunately, the project has been hit with behind-the-scenes drama and has seen its once projected $165 million budget skyrocket to $200+ million.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project has become a bit of a headache. The outlet has revealed that differences in vision have resulted in competing cuts of the pilot, with Joe and Anthony Russo delivering one version and scribes Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec delivering another. Eventually, it came down to Joe Russo and Appelbaum, who also served as the showrunner on the series, and Amazon ultimately decided to side with the brothers. This resulted in Appelbaum being let go last year ahead of Christmas.

    Shortly after his firing, Brian Kirk also left the series, as did line producer Sarah Bradshaw. Kirk is said to have directed five of the seven episodes of Citadel. Amazon ended up bringing in David Weil (Hunters) to re-write the series, with cinematographer Thomas Sigel taking over as director for the extensive reshoots with Joe Russo aiding the shoot. Between the reshoots and creative changes, the series saw its $165 million budget add an additional $75 million, making it one of the most expensive television shows ever behind Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

    Reshoots are said to have wrapped over the Summer and post-production is officially underway. No release date has been announced.

    Source: THR.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery Cancels DC FanDome for 2022

    Warner Bros. Discovery Cancels DC FanDome for 2022

    Warner Bros. Discovery will not be hosting a DC FanDome event for DC fans this year. The news comes courtesy of WBD, with the newly merged studio announcing it is excited to engage with fans at numerous comic cons around the world, but that FanDome is not happening.

    “With the return of in person events, Warner Bros. Discovery is excited to be able to engage with our fans live at numerous comic-cons around the world and will not be scheduling DC FanDome for 2022.”

    Warner Bros. Discovery

    DC FanDome first launched in 2020 thanks in part to COVID-19 making conventions impossible. The event ended up being an eight-hour live stream that saw some of DC’s biggest talent take part in the virtual event for fans to promote upcoming shows and films. While last year’s FanDome wasn’t as exciting, fans were hoping to see the event return this year.

    The decision to cancel FanDome for this year, however, shouldn’t be too surprising. Ahead of its presentation at San Diego Comic-Con in July, it was revealed Warner Bros. Discovery was seeking to cut costs by limiting the properties it brought to the event. In the past, Warner Bros. has been known to go all out with massive screens and talent signings for fans. This year, however, outside of small presentations on both Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, there wasn’t much in store for DC fans at SDCC. New York Comic Con is coming up next month and, per Comicbook.com, the studio is excepted to have some sort of presence at the convention. As it stands, though, it’s unclear whether those plans include a booth or a studio presence. 

    With a much larger release slate set for next year, perhaps DC FanDome will make a comeback. For now, fans can hope for some news from New York Comic Con in October.

    Source: Comicbook.

  • REVIEW: ‘Love in the Villa’ is Enjoyable

    REVIEW: ‘Love in the Villa’ is Enjoyable

    When most people think of quirky romance films, they’d rightfully think of either Lifetime or Hallmark, two networks known for their made-for-television romance titles. However, it looks like both networks will soon face competition from none other than Netflix. Having already staked its claim in cheesy holiday films, Netflix is adding to its list of titles with the addition of charming love stories featuring the enemies-to-lovers trope. Enter Love in the Villa, a cheesy Italian-set romance sure to delight.

    Love in the Villa stars The Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham and The Umbrella Academy‘s Tom Hopper as Julie and Charlie, respectively. Graham’s Julie is finally going on a trip to Verona – a trip she has planned for years – and she’s thrilled to be spending it with someone who means so much to her. She has meticulously planned every moment of the trip, including scheduling lunches and dinners for their entire vacation. Unfortunately, as she soon learns, things don’t always go to plan. And she soon finds herself alone in Verona, or so she thinks. The villa she’d rented for her romantic getaway is occupied by another guy and he has no intention of leaving. What ensues is a surprisingly rich romance story about finding yourself and letting go.

    There’s nothing outright special about Love in the Villa. The plot is simple and ultimately predictable… but there’s something charming about this little film. It’s light-hearted and never tries to take itself too seriously. More importantly, though, there’s a chemistry between the leads that is hard to deny. It makes some of the more cheesier moments all the easier to sell. Graham and Hopper are magnetic. The way they play off of one another is key to the film’s success.

    That’s also one of the best things about Love in the Villa. The characters are great – even the secondary ones. Uberto is a character with limited screen time, but he’s sure to become a fan-favorite. The little time he does have on screen is memorable despite very few lines. There are a few other characters that would be spoilers to note, but they help to carry the second half of the film and their presence is delightful. For a movie with such a simple concept, the character work is pretty impressive overall. Writer and director Mark Steven Johnson might have some misfires in his credits – Daredevil, Jack Frost, Ghost Rider – but Love in the Villa is proof he’s capable of crafting a strong romantic comedy.

    Those eager for an enjoyable romantic comedy? Love in the Villa is definitely worth a watch. It’s easy to get lost in this love story and there are plenty of jokes to keep viewers laughing throughout. More importantly, though, it’s a nice showcase of the cast and their talents, especially when it comes to Graham, who hasn’t gotten the chance to show what she’s truly capable of just yet. Is it something that’ll bring upon numerous re-watches? Doubtful, but for the hour+ viewers will spend with this story, it’s a mini vacation that they won’t regret taking.

    Love in the Villa is now streaming on Netflix.

  • Kyra Sedgwick and Elsie Fisher Sign on for Season 2 of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’

    Kyra Sedgwick and Elsie Fisher Sign on for Season 2 of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’

    Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty has added two more to its cast. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer) and Elsie Fisher (Barry) have signed on for Season 2. While details regarding their roles are being kept under wraps, the outlet was able to confirm the duo will be recurring guests in the upcoming season.

    The Summer I Turned Pretty is based on the book series of the same name by Jenny Han. It follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin, played by Lola Tung, as she finds herself in a love triangle with two brothers (Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno). While the love triangle is a big part of the series, it also focuses on relationships between mothers and their children, as well as the lasting power of friendships, especially among females. The book series is made up of three titles: The Summer I Turned Pretty, It’s Not Summer Without You, and We’ll Always Have Summer.

    Sedgwick and Fisher join a cast that includes Tung, Briney, and Casalegno, as well as Jackie Chung, Rachel Blanchard, Sean Kaufman, Alfredo Narciso, Minnie Mills, Colin Ferguson and Tom Everett Scott.

    Han, of course, is the author behind the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before books which were successfully adapted by Netflix. The streamer has even recently ordered a spinoff series, titled XO, Kitty. Han will serve as a co-creator of the Netflix series alongside Sascha Rothchild. She’ll also be serving as a co-showrunner on The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 alongside Sarah Kucserka.

    Source: THR

  • EXCLUSIVE: Blumhouse Looks to be Rebooting ‘Brain Waves’

    EXCLUSIVE: Blumhouse Looks to be Rebooting ‘Brain Waves’

    It looks like Blumhouse is looking to reboot yet another title. We here a Murphy’s Multiverse can report that Blumhouse is currently casting for a feature film titled Brain Waves, which seems to be a reboot of the classic film of the same name.

    Brain Waves was a movie that was released in 1982. It hailed from director Ulli Lommel, who helmed the feature based on a script by Lommel with additional dialogue added by Henry R. Alexander and Suzanna Love. The film focused on Kaylie, who is forced into a coma for months following a car accident. In hopes of waking her from the coma, the doctors try a new procedure that is meant to stimulate her brain with neural patterns of a woman who just died. Although the procedure is successful, Kaylie finds herself living the life of the other woman in her dreams, learning that she’s been murdered. With her husband’s help, the duo seeks to discover the truth about the mystery woman.

    The film is currently in the casting process and is looking to fill the roles of Zarina, mother of the bride, Father Max, Deanna, Eric, Doctor Fallon, Todd Carlon, Detective Cohen, and Jeff West. Other roles being cast are a facility rep, a doctor, a farmer’s son, and a newscaster. Zarina is described as an actress between the ages of 30-38 who has undeniable charm with motherly energy; the role also calls for depth and curiosity. The film is seeking to cast a Black actress for the role. The actress must also have a US passport as she might be shooting abroad per the casting call. The role will film from January-February.

    Production on the film is expected to have a varying schedule. The shoot dates are noted as Oct. 24th through Dec. 21st, however, the film is also expected to continue filming into 2023 with filming taking place between Atlanta and Savannah, GA.

    As of now, a director has not been announced for the project.

  • Ludacris, Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris Join Disney’s ‘Dashing Through The Snow’

    Ludacris, Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris Join Disney’s ‘Dashing Through The Snow’

    Disney’s latest holiday film has added a trio of stars to its cast. Deadline has announced that Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Lil Rel Howery, and Teyonah Parris have all signed on star in to Dashing Through the Snow. Production is currently underway in Atlanta, with Tim Story (Fantastic Four) directing from a script by Scott Rosenberg.

    Dashing Through the Snow tells the story of a divorced social worker for the Atlanta police department who loathes Christmas due to a memory from his childhood. While with his daughter on Christmas Eve, he finds himself sent on a call that will lead to him evoking the wrath of a local politician before meeting a man who will ultimately help him understand the magic of Christmas.

    Joining Bridges, Howery and Parris are Oscar Nunez (The Office), Mary Lynn Rajskub (24), Ravi Patel, Marcus Lewis, and Madison Skye Validum (Ivy & Bean). Producing the holiday flick are Will Packer through his Will Packer Productions and John Jacobs through his Smart Entertainment. While Story will executive produce alongside Johanna Byer, Ross Fanger and Zac Unterman.

    Dashing Through the Snow will debut on Disney+ next year in time for the holidays.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Xochitl Gomez & Mary Elizabeth Winstead Join ‘Ursa Major’

    Xochitl Gomez & Mary Elizabeth Winstead Join ‘Ursa Major’

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness breakout Xochitl Gomez has landed her next role. The young actress will join Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim, Birds of Prey) in Ursa Major for directing duo The Baker Brothers.

    The news comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, with the outlet stating that Winstead and Gomez will play mother and daughter in the film. Charlie (Winstead) and Natalie (Gomez) will find themselves fighting for survival on what is described as an Earth-like planet, as they hide from a group of relentless hunters as a deadly storm approaches. As a teenager, though, Natalie will come to question her mother’s actions, the explanation behind who they are, why they got there and what they need in order to survive.

    The Baker Brothers, Jonathan and Josh Baker, are directing the film from a script by Patrick Somerville (Station Eleven), Colleen O’Brien and Katie French. Somerville will produce the film with David Eisenberg via Tractor Beam. James Hoppe and Jack Byrnes will executive produce the project in association with XYZ Films, with the latter looking to attract buyers to the project during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, which kicks off next week.

    The Baker Brothers are relatively new to Hollywood. They made their directorial debut with 2018’s Kin, which was an adaptation of their 2015 short film titled Bag Man. As for Gomez, prior to co-headling Multiverse of Madness, the young actress starred in The Babysitter’s Club for Netflix. While Winstead is perhaps best known for her role in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and her recent portrayal as Huntress in Birds of Prey.

    Source: THR.