Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Nicole

  • Book Review: ‘Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend’ by Alys Arden and Jacquelin de Leon

    Book Review: ‘Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend’ by Alys Arden and Jacquelin de Leon

    Zatanna Zatara made her first appearance Hawkman #4 from DC Comics back in 1964. She was created by Gardner Fox and artist Murphy Anderson and has gone on to become one of DC’s most magical characters. So, it’s not entirely surprising that the character was next in line for her own graphic novel origin for young readers. While the graphic novel stumbles occasionally, Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend by Alys Arden and Jacquelin de Leon proves to be an exciting take on Zatanna’s origin.

    Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend focuses on Zatanna’s search for the truth. The story takes place in Coney Island and follows Zatanna and her family, the Starr family, during their life at the Golden Elephant. Her parents, Ezra Starr and Lola Starr, run an illusionist show on Coney Island along the boardwalk. For the young Zatanna, life in the Golden Elephant and on the boardwalk is all she knows. However, after a series of mysterious events, she soon finds herself questioning everything as she goes on the search for Giovanni Zatara. For fans of the character, Zatanna’s search for Zatara will come as no surprise. However, for those unsure of Zatanna’s origin, the search for Zatara will come as a well-executed surprise.

    Arden does a great job of crafting Zatanna’s beginnings. The way she goes about introducing her magic and the mystery surrounding it is wonderful. There are, of course, some hiccups along the way, though. At times, it feels as though The Jewel of Gravesend spends too much time on the little moments and not enough time on the big moments. This is especially the case in the second-half of the story. While it is great to see Zatanna’s relationships with her friends and Alexei develop, sometimes it felt as though some scenes weren’t entirely necessary. The most frustrating bits came as Zatanna began to come to terms with who she was and what she was capable of doing.

    As she begins to use her newfound abilities, the entire story changes as the bad guys of the story are finally introduced. While that bit is handled incredibly well, it’s frustrating seeing how quickly the story changes because it’s all over so quickly. It’s often expected these books will get sequels, or that new fans will go to the comics in hopes of learning more about the characters. Still, The Jewel of Gravesend could’ve benefited from a somewhat tighter ending. Sure, it’s okay to leave readers wanting to know more and to tease a potential continuation, but most of the bigger questions should be answered by the end to allow for new stories in the next installment.

    Even with an open ending, though, The Jewel of Gravesend is delightful. It’s a great take on Zatanna’s origin story and the artwork is absolutely stunning. The coloring, the shading, the design — all of it is great. It’s hard not to get lost in the pages of the story when the artwork is so expertly crafted.

    These stories might be crafted for a younger audience, but The Jewel of Gravesend is a graphic novel all ages can enjoy.

  • Paramount+ Officially Orders the ‘Criminal Minds’ Revival to Series

    Paramount+ Officially Orders the ‘Criminal Minds’ Revival to Series

    In February of this year, it was reported that Paramount+ was nearing deals with some of the core cast of Criminal Minds for the forthcoming revival. Now, the series has been given a formal pick-up order for the revival for a ten episode season. Six cast members have also been confirmed to return as Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness, Adam Rodriguez, A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler and Paget Brewster have signed on for the new series.

    The news comes courtesy of Deadline, with the outlet reporting that Erica Messer, the show’s longtime executive producer and showrunner, is also set to return. Her deal is said to have been closed months ago. It is said that the six cast members signing on to return was contingent on Messer signing a pact with ABC Signature where she is under an overall deal.

    Mantegna, who joined the original series during its third season, teased the revival’s pickup with a Tweet on Tuesday. “Just doing a little inspection today for an upcoming project,” he wrote on a photo of him on set.

    Criminal Minds ended its fifteen season run in 2020. Since then, rumors have continued to circulate suggesting a revival was in the works. However, the first real news of a revival didn’t come until early this year. Matthew Gray Gubler, who played Spencer Reid in the series, and Daniel Henney, who played Matt Simmons, are currently not expected to join the rest of the returning cast.

    Production on the Criminal Minds revival will kickoff on Aug. 21st in Los Angeles.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Emerald Fennell Brought on to Rework Script for John Wick Spinoff ‘Ballerina’

    Emerald Fennell Brought on to Rework Script for John Wick Spinoff ‘Ballerina’

    Emerald Fennell, who wrote and directed Promising Young Woman, is sprucing up the John Wick spinoff, Ballerina. The news was revealed by the film’s star Ana de Armas during a recent interview for Elle magazine.

    The initial script for Ballerina was written by Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum) and director Len Wiseman. However, upon being cast in Ballerina, de Armas sought to hire a female writer to tweak the script. “It was really important for me to hire a female writer, because to that point when I got involved in the project, it was only the director, Len Wiseman, and another guy. And I was like, ‘That’s not going to work.’ So I interviewed, like, five or six female writers. We hired Emerald Fennell, which I was so proud of,” the actress told Elle.

    For de Armas, it’s important that she’s closely involved behind the scenes during the process for Ballerina, which is why bringing in a female writer was vital. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Fennell will receive credit for her work on the script. As Variety states, that decision will ultimately be decided by the Writers Guild of America.

    Ballerina follows de Armas’ young female assassin as she seeks revenge against those that killed her family. As of this writing, further details regarding the film and its cast remain unknown. It is the second spinoff from the John Wick franchise, however, as Mel Gibson is set to star in the television series spinoff, The Continental, for Starz.

    Ballerina is yet another high-profile job for Fennell, who recently served as the showrunner on Killing Eve Season 2 and is set to pen a Zatanna film for DC and Warner Bros. – assuming that project is still in the works.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘RESIDENT EVIL’: Lance Reddick Teases His Take on Albert Wesker

    ‘RESIDENT EVIL’: Lance Reddick Teases His Take on Albert Wesker

    Fans of the Resident Evil franchise know that Albert Wesker is one of the big bads of the video games. While he did appear in the films, the films were never well-received by fans of the franchise. So, Netflix’s live action take on the games is a chance to right the wrongs, and one way is to put the focus on Wesker this time around.

    For actor Lance Reddick, while he’s never really played the games, he did binge-watch the movies a few years ago before being cast. Admittedly not a huge fan of horror, Reddick was drawn to Resident Evil because of how “exciting” and “challenging” it was to bring Wesker to life. “What’s so fascinating to me about this show, in addition to how exciting and challenging the role is for something that is so action driven, it has so many nuanced, and three-dimensional characters,” the actor explained. “You care just as much about the drama of the journey of the characters as you do about the action or the scares or the monsters.”

    When it comes to Resident Evil, one of its biggest appeals is that it is for old fans and new fans alike. If you love the video games, there is plenty to take in – from the characters, to the production design and even some of the stories being told. It pulls heavily from its source material. However, it also takes the time to create something new that’ll help to entertain those not all that familiar with the games. While fans of the games have an idea of what to expect in terms of the t-virus and bioorganic weapons, for fans unfamiliar with the franchise, Reddick assures that he believes it is a good show for everyone – fan or not.

    “I wanted to do the show because I wanted to tell the story seems like a good endorsement,” says Reddick. “I like to tell the kinds of stories that I would want to watch. I read the first seven episodes, and I was like, “I want to watch that show, and because I want to watch it, I want to be in it.”’

    And for those that are fans of the games? Well, Reddick asks them to give the show a chance because there’s plenty in store for them. “The games are basically backstory for this and the thing that fans will understand, if they stick with it, once they get to the end of the season, is that the Wesker in the show …wait, I can’t tell you that.”

    Resident Evil debuts on Netflix on Thursday, July 14th. Be sure to check out our review here!

  • Zazie Beetz Leads Impressive Ensemble Cast of Season 6 of ‘Black Mirror’

    Zazie Beetz Leads Impressive Ensemble Cast of Season 6 of ‘Black Mirror’

    The sixth season of Netflix’s Black Mirror has set its cast. Per Variety, Zazie Beetz, Paapa Essiedu, Josh Hartnett, Aaron Paul, Kate Mara, Danny Ramirez, Clara Rugaard, Auden Thornton and Anjana Vasan will all appear in the upcoming season of Black Mirror. The outlet also confirms that this cast will span across three episodes, with more cast members expected to be announced for further episodes of the season.

    Beetz is perhaps best known for her role on FX’s Atlanta as well as her turn as Domino in the second Deadpool movie. While Essiedu is known for The Lazarus Project. Hartnett, of course, has a long-spanning career that includes films like 30 Days of Night and The Faculty. He is next set to star in Oppenheimer for Christopher Nolan. 

    As for Paul, he’s best known for starring in Breaking Bad, and will next be seen in HBO’s Westworld. Mara is coming off the television series A Teacher, and previously starred in Netflix’s House of Cards. Ramirez is coming off of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the hug hit, Top Gun: Maverick, while Rugaard led the Sky series The Rising. Thornton is coming off of the hit series This is Us, and Vasan recently starred in We Are Lady Parts.

    Production on Black Mirror’s is thought to be currently underway.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Predicted to Cross $200M This Weekend

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Predicted to Cross $200M This Weekend

    The fourquel, which is seeing mixed reviews from critics, is still expected to top the box office in its second outing. However, as is the case with most blockbusters that are frontloaded, Love and Thunder is estimated to see a 65% decline for a $50 million second weekend. With yesterday’s $13.6 million haul, the film is just shy of $170 million stateside, which is actually ahead of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ first Tuesday, which only pulled in $12.6 million.

    As for its second weekend decline, while it is a steep one, the projected decline is in line with the declines of Spider-Man: No Way Home (67%), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (67%) and Eternals (62%).

    Love and Thunder won’t have much competition at the box office this weekend. Paramount and Nickelodeon are releasing the animated film, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, while Sony/Hello Sunshine are releasing the adaptation of Where the Crawdads Sing. Both are smaller budgeted films that are not expected to pose much of a threat. Although, Paws of Fury could see Minions: The Rise of Gru fall a notch or two this weekend with the films catering to the same market. The only true competition for Love and Thunder is Top Gun: Maverick, which doesn’t show any signs of slowing down at the box office now that is has crossed $600 million stateside.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Now Tops Paramount’s All-Time Box Office List

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Now Tops Paramount’s All-Time Box Office List

    As of Tuesday evening, Top Gun: Maverick has passed $600 million at the domestic box office. The film is currently sitting at $601.9 million domestically and $595.6 million internationally. That brings the film to a stunning total of $1.2 billion globally.

    Reaching $600 million at the domestic box office is an impressive feat, even without an ongoing pandemic. As it stands, Top Gun: Maverick ranks as the 12th in all-time North American ticket sales, behind Incredibles 2 ($608 million) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi ($620 million). It’s more than likely the film will surpass Incredibles 2 shortly, as the film continues to perform well for Paramount despite its competition at the box office. It is also entirely possibly the film will surpass Star Wars: The Last Jedi and The Avengers ($623 million) when all is said and done.

    Along with crossing $600 million, Top Gun: Maverick has become Paramount’s highest earner at the North American box office to date, surpassing Titanic’s $600.7 million domestic haul – that total, of course, does not include the money earned from the film’s various re-releases, which have since brought it to $659 million. 

    “For 110 years, Paramount Pictures has produced and distributed some of the most iconic films in Hollywood history, including the all-time classic ‘Titanic,’ which marks its 25th anniversary this year,” Brian Robbins, Paramount’s president and CEO said in a statement to the press. “‘Top Gun: Maverick’ is a phenomenal motion picture, and we take deep pride in celebrating this tremendous achievement alongside Tom Cruise, our filmmakers and cast, our marketing and distribution teams, and, of course, all the new and original ‘Top Gun’ fans, without whom this wouldn’t have been possible.”

    Top Gun: Maverick has become a box office phenomenon since its release over Memorial Day weekend. Even now, nearly two months after release, the Tom Cruise-led flick remains in the top three releases, having pulled in another $15.5 million from this past weekend. With no signs of stopping, Maverick seems likely to continue smashing records before its run is complete.

    Source: Variety. 

  • ‘Resident Evil’ Showrunner Drew Inspiration from the Games and Movies

    ‘Resident Evil’ Showrunner Drew Inspiration from the Games and Movies

    On Thursday, Netflix is set to release its live-action adaptation of the beloved video game franchise, Resident Evil. The eight-episode first season stars Ella Balinska as Jade Wesker, Lance Reddick as Albert Wesker and Paola Nuñez as Evelyn Marcus. The series is a brand-new story within the Resident Evil mythology that is full of heart and horror. Leading up to the show’s release, Netflix conducted a sit-down interview with showrunner Andrew Dabb to discuss his inspiration for the series, as well as what he’s most excited for fans to see in the show.

    While the films – namely the Milla Jovovich-led films – were seen as poor attempts at bringing the games to life, Dabb notes that the games and the movies were able to deliver something different. “I was a huge fan of the games and the movies and I think they each scratch a different itch,” he explained. “The games are very immersive, fun and scary. And the movies are big, bombastic spectacles. So, the idea of being able to do something like this where we have a little bit of both was very exciting to me.”

    Like those films, and the 2021 attempt at a reboot, Netflix’s Resident Evil offers up a brand-new story for viewers. Yes, there are aspects from the games on display, but this is something that can stand on its own. In this case, Resident Evil is brought into the modern world – one in which COVID even exists. For Dabb, he’s excited for fans to see his expansion into a modern-day storyline and the characters they’ve helped bring to life on the screen. “For me, the most exciting thing about the series, as it is about any series, is the characters. These are some really great characters to explore. Some from the game. Some that the writers and I created. But, either way, I think they just have really compelling stories that I hope will really resonate with people.”

    As for why he went with Albert Wesker for this story, Dabb has a pretty simple reasoning. Wesker has a pretty ridiculous backstory in the video games. He was excited to explore more about Wesker for the series. “When I was sitting back and wondering who is the character that I am most curious about in the modern day in this new world? Wesker popped into my head,” he said. “But that character with his past and all of the weird things that happened to him as a child, opened up a path to explore him a little bit more which was really exciting to do. We also consciously didn’t want to overload this first season with cameos. We want people to get to know our original characters as well as some returning favorites.”

    The first season of Resident Evil debuts on Netflix this Thursday. You can read our review here.

  • REVIEW: Netflix’s ‘Resident Evil’ is Surprisingly Enjoyable

    REVIEW: Netflix’s ‘Resident Evil’ is Surprisingly Enjoyable

    SPOILER-FREE REVIEW!

    When it comes to video games, Resident Evil is one of the most beloved video game franchises. It is also one of the worst-reviewed film franchises, which, unlike its inspiration, continued to see a decline in profit throughout the years. So, knowing that Netflix’s adaptation of Resident Evil would draw inspiration from both the games and the films was worrisome, to say the least. And yet, the series manages to be everything that the films were not. Yes, there are drastic changes from the characters fans have come to love – or hate – in the games. Yet, they somehow work.

    Fans of Resident Evil will most likely know Albert Wesker as one of the most memorable villains of the video game series. He’s the captain of the Raccoon City Police Department’s Special Tactics And Rescue Service unit in the video games. In the series, however, Wesker is a scientist who works for Umbrella and has been working with them to develop a product called Joy that can present some issues for those that take it. While fans are sure to expect the asshole Wesker from the games, the Wesker presented in the series – at least, initially – is a much more levelheaded character who is eager to protect his kids: Billie Wesker and Jade Wesker.

    The first episode of Resident Evil is a bit of a slog at times. In fact, it almost feels like it wants to be a Resident Evil take on The Walking Dead. However, as the story progresses, it becomes an exciting story of family, deception, love and pain. It is of note that Resident Evil moves between the past and present frequently and often without warning. While it can be frustrating, there is a reason the story is told this way. It allows for the world and its characters to be established quickly, while also propelling the story forward. It’s an odd choice, sure, but by each episode’s end, the story manages to come together with ease.

    Ella Balinska is wonderful as Jade Wesker. As frustrating as the character’s choices can be from time to time, Balinska proves to be a star in the making. She commands the screen and often outshines the rest of the cast, including her “twin.” The character is reckless, but operates from a good place and when Balinska nails those moments of conflict within Jade? She does so wonderfully. Then there’s the always excellent Lance Reddick who is a force to be reckoned with in Resident Evil. Not only is his casting in the series stellar, but Reddick delivers some of his best work in the series.

    This is very much a story about a father and his daughters, but it’s also a story about the Umbrella Corporation, the T-virus, and corruption. Perhaps that is one of the best things Resident Evil manages to successfully do: craft two connecting stories that blend seamlessly when all is said and done. The story of the girls and their father is just as vital to the story as are the various creatures that occupy the screen. It’s the perfect blend of horror and heart. Especially when the series introduces some of the most iconic elements from the video games.

    The series serves as an origin story. Not just for the characters, but also the world of Umbrella and the T-Virus. It tells a cohesive story that weaves together into one larger-scale story that moves between timelines. It’s massive in scope, and yet grounded at the same time. Perhaps not a phrase one expects to hear when referencing a horror video game franchise, but it’s the most accurate description. And while these characters and their stories are only getting started, Netflix’s Resident Evil doesn’t waste any time teasing its future.

    The only place where Resident Evil stumbles occasionally is with its cinematography. That isn’t to say all of the shots are muted and unaesthetically pleasing – in fact, that’s far from the case. The set pieces are so well constructed that, when shot appropriately, the imagery can be stunning. As for the music, Resident Evil does a great job incorporating music here and there, and even manages to include some of the piano music from the video games.

    The first season of Netflix’s Resident Evil proves a good adaptation of these games is entirely possible. The films might’ve been a disaster, but Andrew Dabb has been very vocal about his love for the games and, despite some changes, that love is evident in the final product. From the well-thought-out Easter eggs, to the inclusion of key story points, Netflix’s Resident Evil is the only adaptation of the video games that matters. (Sorry, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City… this is a Resident Evil story worth watching.)

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Nabs 8 Emmy Nominations

    ‘Moon Knight’ Nabs 8 Emmy Nominations

    Emmy nominations are officially out and, while Marvel Studios didn’t see a ton of nominations like last year, Moon Knight did walk away with quite a few. In total, Moon Knight earned 8 nominations, two of which were for the fantastic stunt work done on the limited series.

    Moon Knight was nominated for Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes, Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series/Movie/Special (Original Dramatic Score), Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series/Movie/Special, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited or Anthology series or Movie, Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series/Limited or Anthology Series/Movie, and Outstanding Stunt Performance.

    Interestingly, while Variety accidentally tweeted out that leading man Oscar Isaac received a nomination for his work on Moon Knight, it looks like the actor was nominated for another project. Per the Emmy’s website, Isaac was nominated in the Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie category for his work in Scenes From a Marriage – not Moon Knight.

    While Moon Knight’s nominations are a far cry from the nominations WandaVision received, it’s still great to see the series acknowledged in some shape or form. All episodes of Moon Knight are now streaming on Disney+. As it stands, a second season has not been officially announced.

    Source: Television Academy.