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REVIEW: Wheel of Time 1×3, “A Place of Safety”

The first episode of Amazon’s Wheel of Time has its issues, and the second episode, “Shadow’s Waiting” does a fine job at fixing most of them. However, the third episode, “A Place of Safety,” is where the show finds itself.

“A Place of Safety” sees our group of characters divided. Following the shadows overtaking the abandoned city they’d sought shelter in – Shadar Logoth – the group is forced to seek safety or accept death. Desperate to stay alive, the cast of characters went in search of the nearest escape. This, of course, resulted in groups losing track of each other as they got out in various ways. This episode revolves around them trying to find their way back to one another. Of course, things do not go as planned.

The episode opens with a trolloc dragging Nynaeve al’Meara behind it. Of course, Nynaeve is believed to be dead at the end of episode one following the trolloc attack at the village of the Two Rivers. This opening, however, shows how she was able to escape and go in search of the others. We then cut to the present time as she demands answers from Lan. While she struggles to accept the teens are no longer with Lan and Moiraine, she offers to try and heal Moiraine of the poison coursing through her body.

As the episode unfolds, we cut to Rand and Mat and Egwene and Perrin. While Rand and Mat are in the mountains, desperately trying to locate the others, we see Egwene and Perrin traveling through a deserted area. As the teens reckon with the idea of going home, they are reminded of why they can’t return. As Moiraine explains early on, one of the four are the Dragon reborn and so long as they remain in the Two Rivers, the Fade and trollocs will continue to come.

Rand and Mat eventually find shelter in a nearby village where they are welcomed by a young lady named Dana. However, they soon learn the village they landed in is far from welcoming. While Egwene and Perrin find themselves surrounded by wolves who look to have brought them to safety thanks to travelers. As we cut back to Lan and Moiraine, we find she’s barely reacting to the concoction Nynaeve used to draw out the poison. This, of course, leaves Rosamund Pike‘s Moiraine on the sidelines for the remainder of the episode. It does, however, allow for us to see the relationship between Lan and Nynaeve begin to develop.

For an episode that is meant to simply move along the plot “A Place of Safety” is an excellent exploration of Jordan’s world and the trials and tribulations these characters will need to endure. Mat, who has mainly served as a plot device thus far, finally showcases some true emotions this episode. There’s a vulnerability to him that he has hidden up until this point. When he tries to talk Rand into going home, it’s evident he’s doing so because he wants to return to his sisters. He knows the choice Rand will make, but he tries his best to change his mind because he doesn’t want to leave him behind. His actions are frustrating, sure, but it’s a great dive into his character.

The same could be said with Perrin. While the show has yet to explain the wolves and why they are following him, knowing the series will explore his relationship with the wolves is satisfying. So far, we’ve seen him suffering from the knowledge of knowing he killed his wife on accident while trying to recover from a wound on his shin. He’s been relatively quiet, trying not to disturb the others as he comes to terms with his mistakes. The moments between him and Egwene are so well done, especially the moment in which he finally lets his grief and pain overtake him.

The best part of the episode, however, is the ending when Lan and Moiraine are greeted by Liandrin Sedai, who reveals she has captured a man claiming to be the Dragon Reborn. However, as Moiraine knows, the man is not the Dragon Reborn. Although weak from the poison in her body, for the first time this episode, her eyes are wide and alert as they fall upon the caged man. It’s a huge cliffhanger, but it makes what is still to come in “The Dragon Reborn” all the more exciting.

With three episodes down, Amazon’s Wheel of Time is proving to be a well-done take on Robert Jordan‘s books. Yes, it does make some changes, as do all adaptations, but the changes ultimately work. The imagery is stunning, the costume work is fantastic, the casting choices are great and the score only helps to elevate the story. It’s hard not to enjoy this take on the beloved fantasy series.

November 20, 2021
‘Cowboy Bebop’ Proves John Cho is an Action Star

John Cho is an actor with many credits to his name. Some are comedy based (Harold & Kumar), while others are smaller roles in popular franchises, ala Star Trek. However, in recent years, the actor has shown he’s capable of more than Hollywood has allowed him to prove thus far.

In 2016, fans created the #StarringJohnCho hashtag as a means to voice their frustrations with Hollywood, while also throwing their support behind the actor. Two years later, in 2018, Cho finally got to become a leading man thanks to Searching. It was a low-budget film about a father trying to find his daughter, yet it went on to earn $75.5 million at the box office. The highly-buzzed about feature earned Cho a nomination for Best Male Lead from the Independent Spirit Awards in 2019, as well as plenty of Oscar buzz among critics. Yet, despite all of this, it still feels as though Cho has not been given his due in Hollywood.

Enter Cowboy Bebop. Although flawed in its storytelling, Netflix’s live-action take on the beloved anime does something right. Casting a character like Spike Spiegel isn’t easy. The person portraying the character has to have a certain charisma to them. They have to be charming, yet appear deadly. Cho manages to capture Spiegel’s wit and personality perfectly. More importantly, though, his performance seems almost effortless.

He feels threatening during the flashbacks to his time in the syndicate. He feels vulnerable as he recalls his time with Julia. More importantly, however, Cho showcases the humanity of a character who so often hides behind his sarcasm. He’s able to slip into the character so easily, you forget you’re watching a performance because of how well he encompasses the character.

Cho moves between the roles as Fearless and Spike with no hesitation. As Fearless, a member of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate, he has no qualms about killing anyone. He’s rash, callous and deadly. Whereas, as Spike, there’s a moral center to the character. Cho’s actions soften as we move to present-day Spike, yet he’s just as imposing in action scenes for both.

In an industry where white men named Chris seem to get all of the roles, it’s about time Hollywood sees Cho as more than a supporting character. His turn as Spike Spiegel shows he is ready for a franchise of his own.

November 20, 2021
REVIEW: ‘Wheel of Time’ 1×2 “Shadow’s Waiting”

Following a strong pilot episode, Amazon’s Wheel of Time returns with its second episode, “Shadows Waiting.” When it comes to adapting a popular title like Wheel of Time, it’s important to ensure book fans are happy, as well as the general audience. Not everyone has had time to devour Robert Jordan‘s books, and Wheel of Time understands this. The series has found a way to tell its story without making newcomers feel unwelcome.

“Shadows Waiting” sees our foursome on the run with Rosamund Pike‘s Moiraine and Daniel Henney‘s Lan. With the group on the move, the trollocs are coming after them and they must find a way to escape. As it turns out, though, the trollocs are terrified of deep water, which Moiraine uses to their advantage. After bribing a ferriman, the group successfully crosses the water, but not without a casualty.

As the group finds temporary solace from the threat, Moiraine reveals to Egwene that she’s able to access the power of the One. There’s a hint of uncertainty on Egwene’s face as she walks away, but their conversation carries weight in later scenes. It is clear the group is unsure of whether or not Moiraine and Lan are trustworthy, however, they know they need to trust her if they want to survive.

One thing this episode does fantastically well is balance the storytelling with the action. The characters help to expand upon the world, helping to familiarize those who have not yet read the books. Yet, the dialogue doesn’t bog things down because the episode knows when to splice in action and tension. As the crew manages to escape two enemies, it appears as though they’re safe. However, it quickly becomes apparent that is not the case.

What follows thereafter, is a stunning sequence that sees our heroes split up against their will. The CGI does suffer at times, especially as the shadow encompasses the city and chases the group away. However, it’s a strong note to end the episode on, especially given the huge reveal at the end of the episode: Nynaeve is alive.

Overall, “Shadow’s Waiting” is a stellar second episode that both book lovers and series newbies will enjoy.

November 20, 2021
REVIEW: Wheel of Time 1×1, ‘Leavetaking’

Adaptions are a tough thing. Choosing to make a straight adaption of a title can be viewed as lazy, while failing to stay true to the source material can upset fans. Amazon’s Wheel of Time is one of those titles with a rabid fanbase that has been eagerly awaiting a live-action take on the project for two decades. For book purists, Amazon’s Wheel of Time may be disappointing. After all, it does take departures from the novels, however, the adaption is successful in capturing the spirit of Robert Jordan‘s epic fantasy.

The first episode of Wheel of Time wastes no time in moving the story forward. We see women on horseback chasing after a man who has fallen under the control of the taint. As they apprehend him, the story changes focus to the story’s main character, Rand, as he helps his father transport a cart full of brandy and cider to the Winespring Inn ahead of Bel Tine. In the book, Rand sees a cloaked figure watching them during the journey to the Inn. The series, however, skips over this detail and instead sees the duo reach the Inn safely and without questioning any mysterious figure watching over them.

It’s a minor change, but one that does leave an impact, as Rand was unsure and anxious following the event. It’s an odd scene to omit, however, despite this, the story still manages to pull viewers in. As with most adaptions, the cast has been aged up, which allows the writers to explore possibilities on the small screen that might’ve been skipped over in the novels. Case in point is the relationship between Rand and Egwene Al’Vere, which sees the duo as well-established and in intimate settings. It’s a bit startling at first, especially given how young the characters are in the books, but the television series does a good job at establishing its own take on these characters while adhering to the characteristics of each in the novels.

When we finally move into the village of Two Rivers is when the series shines. Viewers will become engrossed in the world before them. Jordan might’ve been criticized for his tendency to write flowery text and his love of descriptions. However, the images painted by his words come alive on screen in this adaption so perfectly.

As Rosamund Pike‘s Moiraine Damodred comes into the picture, joined by Daniel Henney‘s Lan Mondragoran, Wheel of Time becomes its own take on the beloved fantasy series. It pulls from the book, but manages to offer its own twist on the story, an important detail when adapting a title as loved as this one.

Midway through the episode, the Trollocs make their way into the village and wreak havoc. They are after the chosen one – Rand – and will not stop coming and destroying life in the village until they’ve gotten him. The Trollocs were so well-designed, they’re absolutely terrifying and the CGI work is impeccable. It’s impressive just how well done the battle is, s much so it becomes hard to look away in fear of missing something.

When Damodred helps to save the village to the best of her ability, she tells Rand he will need to leave in order to remain safe. Resulting in him, and his group of friends, joining her on a journey that’ll take them out of the village of the Two Rivers and into a world of the unknown.

Admittedly, the episode does have some moments that lull. And yes, there will always be changes from the books that make no sense. However, there’s more than enough here to enjoy. Pike is a force to be reckoned with every moment she’s on-screen, and her chemistry with Henney is exciting. While some of the younger actors stumble at times, when they come together as a group, they seem to lift one another up. The performances are strong, the action is perfectly executed, and the settings perfectly bring Jordan’s words to life.

Overall, Amazon’s take on Wheel of Time pays respect to Jordan’s work while also establishing itself as its own story. It’s a hard line to walk, but so far, Wheel of Time looks to be off to a promising start.

November 20, 2021
The Aftermath of ‘Eternals’ May Lead Into ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

Marvel Studios continues to expand in new and creative ways. We’ve seen the MCU’s version of Earth changing in ways we never thought possible, such as now a giant Celestial sticking out like marble from the ground. Tiamut the Sleeper has now become a fixture within the MCU after the release of Eternals and his awakening might have led to some curious ripples across the world. With rumors hinting at Atlantis and Namor playing an integral role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, there’s a good chance this event might cause the unearthing of Atlantis.

In Eternals, we learn that Earth is actually an egg. The otherworldly Celestials are born when planets reach a certain level of population and then bring entire galaxies to life as a result. Tiamut would’ve joined their ranks if the Eternals (which a little help from the Celestial himself) kept him from, well, hatching. The build-up to that moment was in the form of countless earthquakes hinting at the arrival of the event known as The Emergence. The fact that his hand and head start popping out of the planet will certainly leave behind cracks in the planet. So, if Atlantis was hidden away for so long, there’s a chance his awakening might’ve opened up the crack that kept the underwater city hidden.

Of course, if there’s an Earth-altering event that may change the ecosystem we know and love, any scientist is going to explore the aftermath to make sure our planet isn’t falling apart. This might become the catalyst that unleashes the Atlanteans, most notably Namor, out into the world. They are no longer safe from outsiders. Who knows how the Emergence may have also affected their city, as most of the earthquakes seemed to be underwater. Desperation will push anyone to a darker path and if they hint at a Vibranium connection, a conflict is inevitable.

November 19, 2021
Latest ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Dev Stream Offers Insight in New Earnable Cosmetics

We’re only a few weeks away from the latest and probably most important update in Marvel’s Avengers run since it premiered last year in September. The game is getting a complete rework of its gear system, the first Raid, and even the addition of Spider-Man on PlayStation consoles. Yet, it’s not even the end, as we’re also going to get away to earn cosmetics in the game. There was the original option through patterns that didn’t quite work as planned but they revealed a new system that’s quite a bit more promising in the latest developer stream.

The biggest addition is the fact that you can now purchase up to 100 so-called “shipments.” It doesn’t involve real-world money but in-game units that can only be gained by playing the game. Each shipment will be highlighted with a specialty item, which you can gain by either purchasing all 100 available ones within a month time frame (keep in mind that only counts as of the Thursday reset timer), or it may also appear in the shipment you’re interested in buying. For example, they showcased one with a Wakandan Iron Man skin that is unique to the shipment.

So, how does it work? The shipments are available directly in your character menu below the loadout. It leads you to the menu where you see the shipment which will always showcase what you’re able to gain when you purchase a shipment. Keep in mind, if you already own the available item you’ll get fragments instead. So, you’re not buying one and leaving empty-handed, as it supports the new gear system.

If you’re wondering about the RNG elements, you’ll always see what you’re getting when you purchase a consumable. You also have the option to scroll through all available cosmetics that you can gain through the 100 shipments that are made available. The bonus aspect is that the Cosmetic Vendor is also making a return with fully stocked cosmetic options. If you’re wondering if they crossover, there is only a 5% overlap between them and it means you’ll have a lot to gain with your options.

There’s more, as you’ll also get a few incentives to earn them through playing the game, such as missions that are made specifically for you to earn shipments in-game. The “Rise and Shine” mission for example will still include the current rewards but gets a shipment on top that you have to redeem within 24 hours, or else you lose it. It’s a great incentive to check out the game daily, which has been something people have requested frequently.

Units can be obtained through chests. So far, the options will remain the same with the only change being bronze strongboxes offer ten instead of the usual six units. The previously-mentioned patterns are also making a return but this time is earned through each finished stage of the Mega Hive, which adds some much-needed replay value to the mission chain outside of gaining Exotics.

Overall, it’s a great addition and a good reason to jump into the game once a day to level up some characters, finish your challenge cards – especially for the new Spider-Man addition – and get some free cosmetics. They aren’t only restricted to nameplates or skins, as you can also get emotes or takedowns through shipments. I do wish they were given a bit more flair, such as themed box sets with a nice visual rather than just the main redeemable cosmetic but it’s a concept they could build upon. Themed shipments like for the Holidays or to tie into events would make for a great addition later down the road.

Source: Twitch, Play Avengers

November 19, 2021
Daniella Pineda Worked With ‘John Wick’s Stunt Team to Prep for Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop’

After a long wait, Cowboy Bebop has finally landed on Netflix. It’s the first live-action adaptation from Tomorrow Studio that’ll kick off a new era of takes to bring these iconic franchises to the popular streaming service. In an interview with Deadline, actress Daniella Pineda talked about what it meant to take on the role of Faye Valentine. In it, she revealed that she initially prepared for the series’ action sequences by working with John Wick‘s stunt team.

It was my first time training for a part. I’ve always liked to workout, but this is not even in the same stratosphere. I started training in Los Angeles with the 87eleven, which is the John Wick stunt team, and that was just so intense. Then we joined Allan Poppleton our head of stunts, who’s incredible. We did rolls. We did sword fighting. We did fist and footwork. It was really rewarding and really intense, and after having gone through that, I have this whole new respect for people who do action film. Thank god for my stunt double, Jayde Rutene
Danielle Pineda

She handles the action quite well if it’s her first time involved with such a project. The action seems to take inspiration from the original anime’s choreography, mostly in Spike’s moves, and John Woo films. There are some hints in the gunplay that might allude to John Wick being an influence, but the franchise has become the new staple for modern action. If they get a second season renewal, it’ll be interesting where they’ll go with the project.

Source: Deadline

November 19, 2021
‘Blade’ Eyeing Late Summer 2022 Production Start

After a bit of silence, we finally got the announcement that Marvel Studios’ adaptation of Blade is in final negotiations for Da 5 Bloods‘ Delroy Lindo to join the project. The film will see Mahershala Ali take on the iconic role that introduces the concept of vampires into the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic universe. We’re still waiting for a sign when the project might start production. Well, it turns out the announcement article on Lindo‘s casting was hiding away a little note.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is planning a late Summer 2022 production start. It would put it on time to potentially release in Halloween of 2023. It’s not uncommon for these projects to shift around depending on availability and how far pre-production is. Bassam Tariq is taking on directing duties for the production based on a script by Watchmen‘s Stacy Osei-Kuffour.

Blade just recently had his first official appearance in Eternals but was only heard as a disembodied voice in the background. It’s uncertain if he might appear in a different project ahead of release, such as the upcoming Moon Knight series that might offer a look into the supernatural world. There’s also the upcoming Werewolf by Night Halloween special that seems like a perfect time to see what he’s up to after his meeting with Dane Whitman.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

November 19, 2021
BREAKING: Natasha Liu Bordizzo Cast as Sabine Wren in ‘Ahsoka’

The live-action debut of Ahsoka Tano was unanimously loved by fans of the character, who made her debut in The Clone Wars animated series. She quickly gained popularity as Anakin’s Jedi apprentice. Fans are eager to see her return in her live-action solo series, but just as excited for the debut of Sabine Wren, a character who has been rumored for the series for quite a while now. Deadline is reporting that actress Natasha Liu Bordizza has joined the cast of Ahsoka as the Mandalorian. She will star opposite Rosario Dawson who plays the titular character.

At the very end of Star Wars: Rebels we saw an older Ahsoka Tano meet up with Sabine Wren. Yet, once we see her again in The Mandalorian she was by herself. It seems the series will indeed follow Ahsoka and Sabine as they travel the galaxy searching for Ezra Bridger whose believed to be held hostage by Grand Admiral Thrawn. This was set up via Ahsokas time on Corvus, where she met Din Djarin and the two teamed up to take down the Magistrate.

Ahsoka is definitely one of the most anticipated projects coming to Disney+ as the character finally gets her own well-deserved series. The series is set to star Dawnson and Bordizza alongside Hayden Christensen, once again reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker. The series is also rumored to feature Mena Massoud as Ezra Bridger, another character making their live-action debut. Ahsoka is currently set to start filming next year around March.

Source: Deadline

November 19, 2021
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Early Forecast Eyeing $500M+ Worldwide Opening

We’ve all been wondering if Spider-Man: No Way Home might be the first film to break the current curse the box office is facing with the pandemic. We’re far away from where we were back in 2019 but there’s a lot of hope that it may be our first film to pass the one billion mark at the worldwide box office. Its December release could also add a nice push, as the Star Wars franchise changed its potential and it became a popular hot spot for big releases. Its sentiment rankings are trending ahead of Avengers: Endgame and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. It also helped that the first trailer release garnered 355.5 million views within just 24 hours ahead of some of the franchise’s biggest. As such, the long forecast has the film eyeing an international release between $375M to $525M.

That means that domestically, it’s currently on route to near a $200M opening. This is quite noteworthy if you consider that no film has opened past the $100M mark since before the pandemic. For now, its prediction sets it between $135M to $185M. Its critical reception, as seen with Eternals, and general marketing push could push it even further, as Venom: Let There Be Carnage dips into the same target audience and managed to pass expectations by quite a bit.

Keep in mind, these are early predictions that offer a feeling for where the film might potentially be heading. We’re still about a month out and some countries are adding quarantine restrictions once again that could hamper its box office in specific countries. Yet, it‘s eyeing a release in China, which will give the film an extra boost. It seems unlikely it might reach the $2 billion mark but it might be the first one to break through the pandemic.

Source: Box Office Pro

November 19, 2021