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  • Joy Omanski and Neil Hopkins Upped to Series Regulars for ‘STARGIRL’ Season 3

    Joy Omanski and Neil Hopkins Upped to Series Regulars for ‘STARGIRL’ Season 3

    Stargirl‘s second season has just begun on the CW network after moving from the DC Universe streaming service. It is set in the aftermath of the Injustice Societies defeat. Now, our heroes face a reality where they are no longer needed. The upcoming episode will see the return of Sportsmaster and Tigress, who were thought to be locked away after they took down ISA’s satellite and sent them packing. It seems this wont be the last we see of them.

    Deadline is reporting that both Neil Hopkins and Joy Omanski have been promoted to series regulars in the upcoming third season of Stargirl, which was green-lit before the second had even premiered. The pair are definitely one of the shows deadliest duos, posing as quite the challenge for the JSA upon their first few missions, but the dynamic between the pair is quite perfect and it’ll be great to have them back.

    DC's Stargirl' 1×06 Photos: Sportsmaster and Tigress Villains | TVLine

    While there isn’t any details on the upcoming third season, and filming has yet to begin, its possible we could see the Crockett crime family come together in the future of the series. Cindy Burman is on the hunt to form her own ISA with Tigress and Sportmaster’s daughter, Artemis being high on her list as a potential candidate. The series could even potentially bring in the Crocketts oldest daughter, Cheshire. Artemis and her might become fan favorites with their inclusion on Young Justice.

    Stargirl‘s second season is currently airing on the CW Network every Tuesday. The sophomore season features the return of Brec Bassinger and Luke Wilson as Stargirl and S.T.R.I.P.E as a new evil makes its way to Blue Valley, one that could be deadlier then the entirety of the ISA.

    Source: Deadline

  • REVIEW: Not Even John Cena Can Save ‘VACATION FRIENDS’

    REVIEW: Not Even John Cena Can Save ‘VACATION FRIENDS’

    Vacations generally suck.  They’re expensive. They’re a pain in the ass to plan especially when there are other people involved. The traveling is so draining that after you spend all that time relaxing, you’re back home tired from the trip. If you’re lucky or unlucky, you’ll meet people that will make the experience etched in memory, in good or bad ways. Hulu’s latest comedy, Vacation Friends, a rowdy comedy in the vein of classic nightmare vacation films with a touch of Meet the Parents, has it in both ways.

    Lil Rel Howrey and Yvonne Orji play soon-to-be-engaged couple Marcus and Emily, who both live straight-laced upstanding lives. As part of his proposal plan, Marcus organizes a trip to Mexico with Emily in the guise of an unsuspecting getaway. Things don’t go well in true vacation movie fashion when Marcus and Emily cross paths with Ron and Kyla, a crazy couple with a knack for getting themselves into deep trouble. The two couples fall into all sorts of drunken craziness during their trip but eventually part ways when they return to the real world outside their vacation bubble. That is until the crazies get wind of Marcus and Emily’s very exclusive wedding date in the real world. 

    Hot off the heels of his acclaimed role as Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad, John Cena plays Ron, a jack-of-all-trades Green Beret/mountain ranger with a penchant for sniffing out mushrooms and bird shit. But despite those seemingly fun quirks, Cena is surprisingly dull as Ron. A big problem here is that Cena is constantly going for the bit whereas in Suicide Squad, Peacemaker’s astute subdued demeanor is the bit. When Cena reaches for that laugh – and he really reaches for it – the bit gets played out before it even ends. In contrast to his numerous scene-stealing one-liners in Suicide Squad, it’s almost baffling to see Cena fumble here. 

    This movie doesn’t have a great script nor focused story to start with so Cena’s chemistry with Lil Rel Howrey is this film’s strongest foundation. The movie knows that these two guys have something special going on so it spends a lot of time just honing on these two polar opposites at odds with each other. It’s the classic tandem of uptight straight man and wild card and it works for those two. Howrey plays Marcus’ grumpy uptight straight man persona to the T while Cena’s carefree lumbering take on Ron contrasts it nicely. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it’s a cog that makes the whole thing run smoothly. Without their chemistry, this movie would’ve been a total misfire.

    And Vacation Friends falls close to being a misfire. The idea of mixing a nightmare vacation comedy with a Meet the Parents wedding movie may seem like a fun combo at first but this film makes neither of those ideas work beyond the surface. The vacation aspect  of the film just isn’t crazy enough nor does its definition of “crazy” – basically getting drunk and doing drunk shit – make the Meet the Parents aspect an entertaining riot. Ron and Marcus getting high on shrooms just isn’t as wild as Greg Focker spray painting a stray cat’s tail to pass it off as his father-in-law’s lost cat. The outcome is a totally dull affair. 

    Even more frustrating is the inklings of good ideas they have. The movie makes you think that there is more than meets the eye to the crazy couple. Ron and Kyla constantly allude to their wildly dubious backgrounds throughout the film that it comes off as a setup to some crazy reveal. There’s even a bit early in the film that plays with the idea of something tonally sinister behind who these people are. Sadly, none of those entertaining ideas ever materialize at any point in the film which feels like a complete waste. Their characters are completely laid straight, devoid of any true whimsy that underpins why they are the way they are. Having some kind of spin to these characters would have at least made it a funner watch. 

    Vacation Friends drops the ball on a lot of things it tries hard to do that not even a fairly good cast can pick it back up. Robert Wisdom, who took The Wire to a whole new level as Bunny Colvin, is fully disserviced by a bad script. Yvonne Orji and Meredith Hagner, who have absolutely killed it in their own respective shows, aren’t really given the space to be funny the way they are in those shows. 

  • First Footage for Rumored ‘THE MANDALORIAN’ Game May Have Leaked Online

    First Footage for Rumored ‘THE MANDALORIAN’ Game May Have Leaked Online

    Here’s an interesting surprise. Around April, there was a rumor going around that a video game adaptation of The Mandalorian was in development. There never was an official word on the game, but it looks like we may have gotten some potential leaked footage of what may be that rumored game. Either that, or an incredibly made leak showcasing the potential of a game based on the popular Disney+ series.

    There are quite a few rough parts to what is being shown. The chapter select and audio stand out for being very unfinished. It also seems to follow the chapter structure from the series, which seems like an odd choice for a game adaptation. Yet, the approach of a third-person game as Mando fighting your way through hordes of Stormtroopers is an enticing offer if it turns out to be real.

    There are some elements that speak against it. You can find a popular mod of Din Djarin that was used in Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order some time ago. Plus, it may also turn out to be a mod for Star Wars: Battlefront II that got quite a few gameplay upgrades. If it does turn out fake, respect to the modder who put the work in. The prospect of a game version of The Mandalorian is an exciting one, and with rumors of an open-world game eyeing a 2023 release, it would be the perfect concept as you hunt down various bounties while doing missions

    Source: GamesRadar, YouTube, YouTube (Mod)

  • Marvel Studios Starts Casting for ‘WEREWOLF BY NIGHT’ Halloween Special

    Marvel Studios Starts Casting for ‘WEREWOLF BY NIGHT’ Halloween Special

    Werewolf by Night is moving forward over at Marvel Studios, as The Wrap has just unveiled they are currently casting a Latino male in his 30s to star in a Halloween Special. It is currently still untitled but will follow the story of a werewolf character, which may confirm earlier reports that they are actively working on a project for the character. Production is eyeing an early 2022 with earlier reports hinting at a February start. No episode count has been named, but might be a one-off episode rather than a full season order.

    There have been some rumblings on Werewolf by Night making a possible appearance in the upcoming Moon Knight series. If they are currently casting, it would imply that he won’t have a role. Though, there were two that held that title in the Marvel comics, Jack Russel and Jake Gomez. So, perhaps we get to explore the origins before he splinters off into his own project. It’s not the first special we’re getting from Marvel Studios, as Guardians of the Galaxy is also expected to release a Holiday Special next year.

    The only confusing aspect is that earlier reports hinted at a series being in development. From the sound of it, and Disney+’s history with any kind of special, they are only a one-time release. Perhaps there are multiple projects in the work, such as Guardians getting a special ahead of the third entries release in cinemas. Of course, they might also want to introduce the character ahead of a potential crossover. Are we finally getting Midnight Sons?

    Source: The Wrap

  • Martin Freeman Rocking a Beard in Latest ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ Set Photos

    Martin Freeman Rocking a Beard in Latest ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ Set Photos

    The set photos for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have been slowly pouring in. Not too long ago, we got our first real look at Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams on the film’s set. We even got a few pictures featuring Letitia Wright and Danai Gurira. It’s not over, as Just Jared shared a brand new look at Martin Freeman, as he rocks a beard. The actor had a strong supporting role in the first film as CIA agent Everett K. Ross and it’s great to see his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    As we sadly can’t share pictures from JustJared, you can check them out here.

    We still know very little about the film’s upcoming plot, but it looks like the CIA will get involved in one way or another. They’ve been busy shooting scenes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which might be the reason he gets involved. We don’t know the details but it looks like Riri will have some role in the film.

    There’s a chance that Ross might not be as involved in this film as he was previously. The rumors of the film focusing on a potential war between Wakanda and the MCU’s version of Atlantis will introduce quite a few new players. So, they’ll likely try to keep the supporting cast between these two nations. It’ll be interesting to see how much the initial trailer will reveal or hint at, as they might want to keep a few things close to their chest moving forward. Either way, here’s hoping Freeman might appear in other projects further down the line. He might need to sit down to have a chat with his now evil former co-worker and now Power Broker.

    Source: Just Jared

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘WANDAVISION’s Paul Bettany to Write and Star in Director Mark Waters’ Film ‘HARVEST MOON’

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘WANDAVISION’s Paul Bettany to Write and Star in Director Mark Waters’ Film ‘HARVEST MOON’

    We can exclusively share that WandaVision‘s Paul Bettany has joined Mark Waters‘ next film, Harvest Moon. No, it’s not an adaptation of the popular farm simulator game that’s been a Nintendo staple since 1996. Rather, it’s the story about the early months of the pandemic, where a young boy named Charlie tries to get his estranged parents together again. Bettany will play the father, Johnny. Not only that, he’s also one of the writers behind the project, as he penned the script alongside Dana Brown. Currently, the film is eyeing a production start in October of this year.

    Neues LEGO VIP-Gewinnspiel mit signiertem Paul Bettany-Bild

    Bettany is, of course, famous for his portrayal of JARVIS and the Vision throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, he does have some writing experience, as he wrote the screenplay for 2014’s Shelter, which starred Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie. He was also behind the director’s chair for that project. He’ll work together with Waters, who worked on a variety of films. He recently directed the Adam Devine-led Magic Camp or Disney+ but also worked on Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, and even The Spiderwick Chronicles.

    Given the director’s background in more comedic fair, we can expect a similar tone from this film. It’s not every day a boy and his favorite stuffed dog Foofy try their best to get his parents to fall in love again. Bettany has proven his ability of juggling his comedic and more dramatic chops, especially in the recent release of WandaVision. Not only did he replicate the different eras of TV history and their comedy, but still gave us a thought-provoking performance while consulting Elisabeth Olsen‘s Wanda during her time of need, and while facing his alter ego in a philosophical battle on their own existence. Whatever direction the film is heading towards, he’ll certainly give us a memorable performance.

  • New ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ Set Photos Offer a Glimpse of Riri Williams

    New ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ Set Photos Offer a Glimpse of Riri Williams

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been filming on two fronts over the past week with part of the cast in and around MIT where it is believed Riri Williams, who will play an integral role in the film’s plot, is a student. Today, set photos of Dominique Thorne as Williams have made the rounds and give us our first really good look at the character looking like a college student.

    Williams possesses a genius-level intellect and, in the comics, created her Ironheart armor with materials she stole from MIT. While we are sure to see her armor, perhaps multiple versions, I’m told it’s another invention of hers that drives her part in the story.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is slated to hit theaters next summer.

  • ‘WW84’s Patty Jenkins Speaks Out on HBO Max’s Digital Hybrid Release Model

    ‘WW84’s Patty Jenkins Speaks Out on HBO Max’s Digital Hybrid Release Model

    If there’s one thing we’ll take away from 2021, it’s the constant war between distributors and their talent. Scarlett Johansson famously sued Disney for releasing Black Widow on Disney+ Premier Access and going against her contract. There have been many fears regarding what the digital release might do mean for the industry moving forward, as the pandemic still continues to rage on.

    Of course, when exhibitors were holding this year’s CinemaCon event, there was going to be a lot of dismay on these recent strategies. Yet, it looks like one person joined in on the conversation, as Wonder Woman 1984’s director Patty Jenkins openly shared her thoughts on the digital day and date release strategy from HBO Max. She stated the following after the disheartening debut of her film back in December while many theaters were still just opening.

    It was detrimental to the movie. I knew that could have happened I don’t think it plays the same on streaming, ever. I’m not a fan of day-and-date and I hope to avoid it forever. I make movies for the big screen experience

    Patty Jenkins

    She also openly stated she would not make a film for Netflix or any other streaming service, as she also points out the challenges of handling a limited run in theaters. While she also openly criticized exhibitions avoidance of change over the years, it’s still showing that Warner Bros’ decision to release all films simultaneously on HBO Max throughout the year left some scars. Yet, their strategy paid off as the pandemic continues to threaten theatrical experiences to this day, and it took quite some time before cinema was able to recover. Right now, it’s a hard decision to make for anyone in the industry and it’s uncertain how long it’ll drag out moving forward.

    Source: Deadline

  • Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre Cast in Leading Roles for ‘THE LION KING’ Prequel

    Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre Cast in Leading Roles for ‘THE LION KING’ Prequel

    It’s been some time since we heard about The Lion King prequel. Moonlight‘s Barry Jenkins took over directing duties from Jon Favreau, who kickstarted the live-action adaptation of the popular Disney animated film. Deadline has just unveiled that The Trial of The Chicago 7‘s Kelvin Harrison Jr. and The Underground Railroad‘s Aaron Pierre will lead the project. It’ll explore the story of Mufasa’s origin before he became the loving father we see in the original film. Harrison Jr. will tackle the role of Taka and Pierre playing Mufasa.

    It’s still a curious decision to explore the origins of Mufasa. Disney did continue the story through various media with a direct-to-video sequel and The Lion Guard series on Disney Junior. Still, Simba’s father was rather straight-laced and the film might focus on his relationship with his brother, Scar. It doesn’t officially have a title, but there’s a good chance it might get a subtitle of some kind to not make people believe it’s an adaptation of the sequel.

    It’ll continue the photorealistic animation technology introduced with the first film. Jeff Nathanson returns to script the film. Hans Zimmer will score the soundtrack alongside Pharrell, and Succession‘s Nicholas Britell. Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak will act as producers on the Disney film. Production is already underway and we might see more casting in the near future.

    Source: Deadline

  • REVIEW: ‘TITANS’ Season 3 Episode 5: Lazarus

    REVIEW: ‘TITANS’ Season 3 Episode 5: Lazarus

    Titans Episode 5 boldly attempts to navigate the mental and emotional spiral of Jason Todd that we know culminates in his adoption of the Red Hood mantle. While some of the series dives into the intricacies of its characters has paid off in the past, Jason’s spotlight here fails to reach the depth it needs to be absorbing. To be fair, the more intimate focus on Jason does give off a flicker of greatness in its examination of the long-term effects of superherodom on an impressionable and flawed teenager.

    The episode essentially takes the scenic route to its explanation of how Jason/Red Hood wound up in criminal business with Scarecrow. The supposed reveal that Scarecrow is the mastermind behind the vague scheme is honestly a tad disappointing as it deflates any prowess that Jason at one point seemed to have as Red Hood. And the plan is…something? Turning Gotham into Fear City is certainly on brand, but the rest is fluff at the moment. Hopefully, a more menacing or even meaningful evil scheme will come to the surface, but for now, it’s about as gray as Gotham itself.

    The series has plenty teased that Jason was internally scarred by his confrontation and near-death experience with Deathstroke last season. It seemed to play some role in his impulsive and angry departure from the Titans, but it was otherwise left alone. Dedicating this episode to Jason could have been an entrancing look at his festering inner demons. To be fair, the episode had the bones to make it work, but it never hits the right note. For starters, while Titans can be notoriously slow, but this really crawled. For the better part of an hour we watched Jason have a conversation either with the therapist or Bruce. Considering both played essentially the same role in drawing out Jason’s thoughts and feelings, the two felt duplicative. Jason’s revelations mostly felt like a re-watch of the tortured- and traumatized-by-Batman Robin story that still feels like is being played out by Dick Grayson. 

    The icing (or lack thereof) on the cake is that overall the portrayal of Jason and his troubles in this episode merely felt like it was scratching the surface—there’s depth somewhere that could have been tapped into, but we never get there. Despite this being about Jason himself, it was still hard to pin down his personality or character in general throughout the episode. The best moment for Curran Walters’ Jason came along with Bruce firing him as Robin. Jason more authentically comes unglued and shows the cracks in his psyche. His reaction to what he perceives as another rejection of his Robin encompasses his insecurities in not being good enough which has been well planted throughout the series. 

    While Episode 5 attempts to recreate some of the series’ past successes with character focuses, it did not quite rise to the occasion. While Jason had his moments, overall the narrative here dragged on slowly with static conversations that felt like Dick Grayson on repeat. Now that Jason is out to prove Bruce wrong, the interesting path would be to see when, where, and why the two former Robins diverge.