Toy Fair 2018 Roundup — Dimond Select Toys’ Marvel Selects, Minimates, Gallery Statues, and More
Diamond Select Toys have long been the go-to company for Marvel fans who like highly-articulated, finely detailed figures with their Marvel Select line. And for fans of articulated mini-figs, the Diamond Select Minimates are up to Assortment 76!
But the past couple of years Diamond has expanded their Marvel offerings with the Diamond Gallery PVC statue line and the Marvel Milestones statue line, and this will leave collectors like me with a problem: not enough space for all the cool things they have coming!
Check out all the items in the video below, and see detailed photos in our gallery!
Toy Fair 2018 Roundup — Marvel & Movies Come to Life with Mezco
The clear winner of Best in Show for Toy Fair 2018 is Mezco. Their One:12 series of Marvel figures is entering its third year, and Mezco unveiled some truly awesome and surprising upcoming releases!
On display at the Javitz center were some figures we’d seen before at San Diego Comic-Con, such as the Gladiator Hulk and Thor from Thor: Ragnarok, and the Spider-Man in his homemade suite from Homecoming. New additions to the line however include Black Panther with his movie-style outfit. The silver accents and the detail in the black outfit really make this six-inch figure stand out!
Also new in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was revealed Hela–Mezco’s first female Marvel One:12 figure! She comes with her large headdress and a Cate Blanchett likeness that is downright perfect. My only hope for this figure would be an alternate head (or variant released) without the helmet.
Similarly, in the Marvel Television Universe, three figures were shown. Daredevil is coming in both his Season One black outfit and his season two red. And also from Daredevil Season Two (and his own series) comes The Punisher. He is wearing an armored chestplate, and has an amazing beat-up Jon Bernthal likeness.
For comic-based Marvel fans, though, there was some real excitement! Revealed at the show were two new mutant figures, Cyclops and his son from the future, Cable! Cyclops is in his classic yellow-and-blue outfit, and the soft goods fit the figure perfectly. The shade of blue is spot-on with the ’90s version of the character.
Cable is on a much larger buck than usual, and has more solid plastic than soft goods from what I could see. The robotic arm has incredible sculpting detail, and he is a good size to stand among your other One:12 figures without dwarfing them!
Finally, for horror movie fans of Now Playing Podcast some of Mezco’s horror line of One:12 figures were revealed. They continued their look into the many iterations of Jason (leaving me hoping for a Jason X in the near future!), plus Michael Myers and Ash from Evil Dead 2. I did ask if a Pinhead might be joining this One:12 series soon. Mezco has the Hellraiser rights (as shown with their large figure and fuzzy-dice puzzle boxes). Drake could not confirm Pinhead being slated for the line, but he gave me hope stating, “I’m not saying no…”
Two surprising reveals included John Wick–with an uncanny Keanu Reeves likeness. With the third film, and a TV series, in production there seem to be several companies looking to light the fuse on this new action star.
Plus–in the single most incredible valut-pull I saw at Toy Fair, they are making a One:12 figure of Diabolik from the 1968 film Danger: Diabolik! This is a movie championed in Now Playing’s book Underrated Movies we Recommend and to see the John Phillip Law character realized in six inches was nothing short of astonishing.
Check out our video and photo coverage of Mezco below, and be sure to follow Marvelicious Toys for updates and reviews as these products start to ship!
Toy Fair 2018 Roundup — Marvel Collecting with Monogram International
Monogram International was out in full force during February’s Toy Fair International!
Of course, for collectors the hot item from Monogram is their blind-packaged foam keyrings, and they had two new sets on display. More, they were one of the only companies showing their new Infinity War merchandise–including a new set of keyrings with a blonde-haired Black Widow, Dr. Strange, Nebula, and others!
They also showed an assortment of X-Men related keyrings with characters including Professor X, Magneto, and Cyclops, and a Marvel Zombie Villians themed set with ghoulish versions of Venom, Thanos, and others
But the Marvel goodies didn’t stop at keyrings. Their vinyl bust banks continued to make a showing, with a Gladiator Hulk from Thor: Ragnarok and a new Black Panther joining the ranks of classics like The Punisher, Spider-Gwen, and Deadpool.
A new line of collectibles was shown — blind packaged, figural magnets. These items measure about 2-3 inches tall, and have environmental bases showing the superheroes popping out at you! Initial offerings showed Iron Man, Daredevil (in both Red and Yellow outfits), Deadpool (in his gray X-Force outfit), Captain America, Black Widow, and others.
Finally, for the more practical, there were a number of household items including Marvel chracter-themed neck pillows for flying. There were also pens which are topped with Marvel characters in the same style as their cute keyring collection.
Check out the gallery below for pictures of their booth, and stay with Marvelicious Toys for updates and reviews as these hit retail!
New Podcast: Marvelicious Toys Issue 188: Toy Fair 2018 Video Tour
Hosted by Arnie Carvalho, Justin Kozisek, and Marjorie Carvalho
2018 is a big year for Marvel fans. Infinity War, Deadpool 2, Ant-Man and The Wasp…and there’s comic books too!
All these will have toy tie-ins, and they were revealed at Toy Fair 2018! So join the Marvelicious Toys team for this episode to see the newest reveals from LEGO, Hasbro, Funko, Diamond Select Toys, and more!
Get Your Shark-Fin Hat Ready — DEEP BLUE SEA 2 is coming April 17!
The original Deep Blue Sea didn’t sink when released in 1999–but it didn’t thrive either, barely breaking even. Yet nearly 20 years later comes the direct-to-video sequel Deep Blue Sea 2, coming to Blu-Ray, DVD, and VOD on April 17, 2018.This sequel follows shark conservationist Dr. Misty Calhoun (Danielle Savre) as she is invited to consult on a new, top secret project run by pharmaceutical billionaire Carl Durant (Michael Beach). She believe the project, performed at a remote, sea-based facility, focuses on extracting shark antibodies to help work toward cures for human diseases. However, Dr. Calhoun is shocked to learn that the company is using unpredictable bull sharks as its test subjects, and Durant as bio-engineered a shiver of highly intelligent, super-aggressive bull sharks. When science meddles with the time tested process of nature and nurture, the outcome can be deadly! The film is directed by two-time Independent Spirit Award nominee Darin Scott (Menace II Society, To Sleep With Anger), and written by Hans Rodionoff (Lost Boys: The Tribe) and award-winning writing partners Jessica Scott & Eric Patterson (Another Cinderella Story). “Deep Blue Sea 2 is a true sequel, staying within the mythology of the original film, and taking the next step in the evolution of the sharks … and their human counterparts,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WBHE, Vice President, TV Marketing, Family & Animation. “This time, there’s more perspective from the sharks, giving greater personality to the ‘villains’ in this film. It’s a thrill ride that will keep the audience guessing throughout.” Deep Blue Sea 2 stars Danielle Savre (Heroes, Boogeyman 2) in the lead role of shark conservationist Dr. Misty Calhoun; Rob Mayes (John Dies at the End, Mistresses) as Trent Slater, a highly decorated ex-Navy SEAL; and Michael Beach (Third Watch, The 100, upcoming Aquaman) as Carl Durant, a big pharma billionaire with questionable ethics. Rounding out the cast is Nathan Lynn (Outlander) as tech expert Aaron Ellroy, Kim Syster (Sterlopers) as neurobiologist Leslie Kim, and Jeremy Jess Boado (House Party: Tonight’s the Night) as clinical neurophysiologist Daniel Kim. The bonus features on the Blu-Ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital include: Returning to the Deep – The Making of Deep Blue Sea 2 (Featurette) – Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew of Deep Blue Sea 2 as they film the highly-anticipated sequel. Deep Blue Sea 2: Death by Shark (Featurette) – In this wildly fun featurette, the cast and crew of Deep Blue Sea 2 discuss their characters’ demise and the jump-out- of-your- seat moments in the Deep Blue Silliness (Gag Reel) – A collection of fun outtakes and bloopers from the feature film showcasing the cast and production team. Deleted Scenes – A few filmed moments that didn’t make the final cut of Deep Blue Sea 2. |
Win “Black Panther: The Art of the Movie” Book and the “Black Panther” Soundtrack CD!
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Facebook is changing its News Feed so you see less news (ironically).
There will be less videos, less news articles, and more items that your friends have commented on.
But there is a way to keep your favorite Pages (like Now Playing Podcast) in your feed. Below you will find instructions how to do it on iPhone, Android, and Desktop.
And by doing this you could win a copy of Black Panther: The Art of the Movie book or the Black Panther soundtrack on CD!
Simply follow the instructions below. Then head to our Facebook page and post a screenshot showing Now Playing having priority in your timeline on our pinned post! You have until March 31 to post it. Two winners will be randomly selected from all entries! The first prize winner gets The Art of Black Panther book ($50 value), and the second prize winner will get the Black Panther soundtrack on CD ($15 value)
The photo posted should be of this screen, with the Blue Star on the Now Playing logo:
International winners may be responsible for some or all of the shipping costs.
Here are the instructions on how to make sure you keep seeing Now Playing’s posts on your timeline:
For Facebook app on iPhone:
1. Select the three line menu in the bottom right corner of the app
1. Scroll down in the menu and click “Settings”
3. Select “news feed preferences” from the pop-up menu
4. Select “Prioritize who to see First” on the next screen
5. Click on “Now Playing Podcast” and any other pages you want to remain in your newsfeed
For Facebook app on Android:
1. Tap on the three line menu in the top right of the app.
2. Select “News Feed Preferences” from the next screen.
3. Tap “Prioritize Who to See First” on the next screen
3. Click on “Now Playing Podcast” and any other pages you want to remain in your newsfeed
For Facebook app on Desktop:
1. Click the arrow in the top right corner to show the drop-down menu
2. From that menu choose “News Feed Preferences.”
3. Select “Prioritize who to see first”
4. Find Now Playing (and all other pages/people you want to see in your feed) and click on them. The Blue Star means you’ll see us in your feed!
New Podcast: Star Wars Action News — 501st Episode: Marching on Toy Fair
Hosted by Arnie Carvalho and Marjorie Carvalho
Toy Fair international begins TOMORROW! In this episode Marjorie and Arnie discuss the things they hope, and expect, to see at this weekend’s show. Listen now, and then follow Star Wars Action News on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter for live VIDEO updates from the show!
Also in this episode, Arnie talks to Nathan P Butler, author of A Saga on Home Video about his Star Wars video collection, his book, and what the digital revolution means for physical media.
With Brock reviewing the novel Cobalt Squadron and more, it’s all in this pre-Toy Fair episode of Star Wars Action News!
New Podcast — Star Wars Action News Episode 500!
Hosted by Arnie Carvalho, Marjorie Carvalho, Daryl Whitlow, Andrew Harrison, Brock, and more!
This weekend is Toy Fair International 2018! Tons of new Star Wars collectibles will be revealed (including, likely, the first look at SOLO toys)! Star Wars Action News will be there to cover all the releases.
Facebook is Changing. Here’s how to keep up with Now Playing Podcasts
Facebook is changing its News Feed so you see less news (ironically).
There will be less videos, less news articles, and more items that your friends have commented on.
But there is a way to keep your favorite Pages (like Now Playing Podcast) in your feed. Here’s instructions how to do it on iPhone, Android, and Desktop:
For Facebook app on iPhone:
1. Select the three line menu in the bottom right corner of the app
1. Scroll down in the menu and click “Settings”
3. Select “news feed preferences” from the pop-up menu
4. Select “Prioritize who to see First” on the next screen
5. Click on “Now Playing Podcast” and any other pages you want to remain in your newsfeed
For Facebook app on Android:
1. Tap on the three line menu in the top right of the app.
2. Select “News Feed Preferences” from the next screen.
3. Tap “Prioritize Who to See First” on the next screen
3. Click on “Now Playing Podcast” and any other pages you want to remain in your newsfeed
For Facebook app on Desktop:
1. Click the arrow in the top right corner to show the drop-down menu
2. From that menu choose “News Feed Preferences.”
3. Select “Prioritize who to see first”
4. Find Now Playing (and all other pages/people you want to see in your feed) and click on them. The Blue Star means you’ll see us in your feed!
Toys R Us to Close Up to 182 US Stores Beginning in February
This morning Toys ‘R’ Us announced their plans to close several of their stores. Other stores will become combined Toys ‘R’ Us/Babies ‘R’ Us locations.
Per court documents filed, the company may close as many as 182 stores as part of its bankruptcy reorganization process. That would be up to 20% of Toys ‘R’ Us’s US stores.
The full release from Toys ‘R’ Us’s CEO Dave Brandon is below.
See a full list of closing stores at USA Today
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You Can’t RUNAWAY from CHILDREN OF THE CORN 10
No matter how far you run, the past will always catch up to you.
That is the tagline for Children of the Corn: Runaway — and the same could be said for this franchise.
Stephen King’s eponymous short story, originally published in a 1977 issue of Penthouse magazine, has now spawned ten movies–the first starring Linda Hamilton in 1984. The previous installment, Children of the Corn: Genesis was released by Dimension Films in 2011. Now it’s harvest time once more.
Children of the Corn: Runaway tells the story of young, pregnant Ruth, who escapes a murderous child cult in a small Midwestern town. She spends the next decade living anonymously in an attempt to spare her son the horrors that she experienced as a child. Ruth and her son end up in a small Oklahoma town, but something is following her. Now, she must confront this evil or lose her child.
The film is directed by John Gulager (Piranha 3DD, Feast) and written by Joel Soisson (Children of the Corn: Genesis, Dracula 2000Hellraiser: Judgment). It stars Marci Miller, Lynn Andrews, Mary Kathryn Bryant, and Jake Ryan Scott. (Bryant is also in Dimensions’ upcoming ).
The movie will be on VOD, DVD, and Blu-Ray March 13th. The Blu-Ray is priced at $21.99; the DVD at $19.98. All formats have only one special feature: a deleted scene
The hosts at Now Playing Podcast have already reviewed the first nine Children of the Corn films. Their review of Runaway will be coming later in 2018.
Here is the teaser trailer and cover art for the film:
Star Wars Toy Sales Down as “Movie Fatigue” Sets In
Are you suffering from “Movie Tie-In Fatigue?”
Per a Bloomberg article, Star Wars toy sales are down. Specifically adult collectors are still buying (but, judging by some “fan” sites, they’re complaining the entire time they shop); however, kids have less interest in the Star Wars toys.
The article states: “While ‘Star Wars’ was still the top-selling toy line during the nine-week holiday period, sales fell from 2016 and the brand lost its No. 1 position for the year…This was despite “Last Jedi” being the top-grossing film released in the U.S. last year “
The most telling quotes? “Adult collectors, who grew up with the brand, are still buying a lot of merchandise when the toys come out, but demand dies down afterward… That doesn’t bode well for Hasbro, which has the main “Star Wars” toy partnership, or Jakks Pacific Inc., which has a secondary license. ”
What do you think? Is the problem fatigue? Is a new movie per year too much? Is it the types of toys offered? Why do YOU think sales are down? Let us know in the comments!
THOR: RAGNAROK Video Release: Streaming Feb 20, Disc Mar 6
Marvel’s God of Thunder will roar in your home starting next month!
One of 2017’s biggest super hero movies, and recipient of three green arrows from the Now Playing Podcast critics, Thor: Ragnarok will strike digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD on Feb. 20. The 4k Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs will follow on March 6.
The 4k Blu-ray release will include HDR as well as Dolby Atmos audio.
The movie will also be part of the digital “Movies Anywhere” program where a digital copy purchased at a participating digital retailer will be available through all of the following platforms: Amazon Video, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu
In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his home world and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) – and grapple with his silver-tongued adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the fierce warrior Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and the eccentric Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum).
Fans who bring home the Ultimate Cinematic Universe Edition (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital) of “Thor: Ragnarok” will experience all the thunderous action and lightning-fast wit in stunning 4K Ultra HD with next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) visuals and Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Exclusive, never-before-seen bonus features include deleted scenes; hilarious outtakes; an exclusive short: part three of the mockumentary “Team Thor,” retitled “Team Darryl” and featuring an eccentric new roommate; the evolution of MCU’s heroes culminating in “Avengers: Infinity War;” numerous making-of featurettes which explore the unique vision of director Taika Waititi; the story’s unstoppable women; the effortlessly charismatic Korg; the tyrannical leader of Sakaar, the Grandmaster; and the film’s comic-book origins; audio commentary by Waititi; and more.
You can hear Now Playing Podcast’s review of the film now. Stay tuned for a review of the 4k Blu-Ray set when available.
See below for further release specifications:
Bonus features may vary by retailer, but there are disc and digital exclusive videos:
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Blu-ray:
- Director’s Introduction
- Deleted/Extended Scenes – Deleted Scenes: The Sorcerer Supreme, Skurge Finds Heimdall & Hulk Chases Thor Through Sakaar and Extended Scenes: Thor Meets the Grandmaster, Stupid Avenger vs. Tiny Avenger & Grandmaster and Topaz
- Gag Reel – Watch a collection of goofs, gaffes and pratfalls starring the cast
- Exclusive Short/Team Darryl – Fresh off being unseated as the ruler of Sakaar, the Grandmaster makes his way to Earth to start a new life. It’s been over a year since Thor left Australia and Darryl has been struggling to pay his rent. Now Darryl needs a new roommate to help make the monthly payments. Unfortunately for Darryl, the Grandmaster was the only one who answered Darryl’s “Roommate Needed” ad and with no viable options, the Grandmaster moves in.
- Marvel Studios: The First Ten Years – The Evolution of Heroes – Marvel’s universe is vast and transcends both time and space. We’ll examine the Cinematic Universe as a whole and revisit each of our heroes’ current location and their place in the current MCU timeline, as it all leads up to the one culminating event: “Avengers: Infinity War.”
- Getting in Touch with Your Inner Thor – “Thor: Ragnarok” director Taika Waititi has brought his unique sensibility and sense of humor to the film in a great many ways but it is the evolution of Thor’s own sense of humor, which stands out the most in the new film. This piece explores the impact Chris Hemsworth has made on the development of his widely-loved character and celebrates the mighty cast and crew who reveal the fun and hard work that went into assembling Thor’s eccentric counterparts.
- Unstoppable Women: Hela & Valkyrie – This piece explores the strong female characters in “Thor: Ragnarok,” their importance in the MCU, their incredible casting and their epic comic origins.
- Finding Korg – A tongue-in-cheek interview with Taika on casting Korg. He describes the difficult search for just the right evolution of the character design, and the nuances of this instantly classic character in the MCU. This conversation will also delve into all the extraordinary visual effects that brought Korg, Sakaar and the worlds of “Thor: Ragnarok” to life.
- Sakaar: On the Edge of the Known and Unknown – Sakaar is the collection point for all lost and unloved things. This documentary will answer all known and unknown questions while also exploring the hard work and creativity that went into creating the look and feel of Sakaar. From design inspired by Jack Kirby’s classic artwork to the dedication of the visual development team to the awe-inspiring physical and digital production, you will see this distant world come alive.
- Journey into Mystery – A deep dive story piece with the writers, director and producer Kevin Feige about the inspirations for “Thor: Ragnarok” within the comics. Most notably, the contest of champions limited series where the Grandmaster pitted our favorite heroes against one another as he does in the film. This piece also further explores Thor’s comic book origins and classic arcs through interviews with some of the most important comic creators, such as Walt Simonson and Jack Kirby.
- 8bit Scenes – Final Bridge Battle + Sakaar Spaceship Battle. Dive into these climactic sequences presented in retro video-game format.
- Directors Commentary
Digital Exclusives:
- Evolution of Thor and Hulk’s Bromance – We’ll examine this Super Hero friendship, which has spanned through several Marvel films. From their original Helicarrier fight match to the now iconic Hulk punch from Avengers 1, see how Marvel’s most powerful Super Heroes become the most extraordinary Super Hero buddies.
- Additional Deleted Scenes – Travel to Asgard & Race To The Wormhole
DISC SPECIFICATIONS (applies to film content only):
- Product SKUs: Cinematic Universe Edition (4K UHD+Blu-ray+Digital), Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital), Digital HD/SD/4K UHD, DVD and On-Demand
- Feature Run Time: Approximately 130 minutes
- Rating: PG-13
- Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
- Audio:
- UHD BD: English Dolby Atmos 7.1.4, English & Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
- Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish & French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
- DVD: English, Spanish & French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
- Digital UHD: English Dolby Atmos 7.1.4, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
- Digital HD: English & French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
- Languages/Subtitles: UHD BD: English SDH, Spanish, French Canadian
- Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish, French Canadian
- DVD: English SDH & CC, Spanish, French Canadian
- Digital UHD: English CC, Spanish, French Canadian
- Digital HD: English CC, Spanish, French Canadian
HELLRAISER: JUDGMENT – Trailer Released, On Video Feb 13
| Lionsgate continues to breathe life into seemingly dead franchises. First Day of the Dead: Bloodline, now they bring us the first footage from Hellraiser: Judgment.
This new direct-to-video Hellraiser was filmed in 2016 but only recently completed post-production. It was written and directed by Gary J. Tunnicliffe, writer of Hellraiser: Revelations and make-up designer on the Hellraiser series since 1992’s Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth. Tunnicliffe had previously directed (and starred in) a Hellraiser “fan film” No More Souls which was included in Arrow Video’s recent box set (and can be seen on YouTube). Hellraiser: Judgment appears to be based on Tunnicliffe’s existing Judgment script, which only reached 4% of its crowdfunding goal. Like Hellworld and Deader before it, this is (at least) the third Hellraiser film to be made from previously Pinhead-less ideas. Judgment’s official synopsis is: “The dreaded Pinhead returns in the next terrifying chapter of the classic Hellraiser series. Three detectives trying to stop a diabolical serial killer are sucked into a maze of otherworldly horror, where hellish denizens including the Auditor, the Assessor, and the Jury await to pass judgment.” Starring in the film is Randy Wayne (The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning) as David Carter, Damon Carney (“Jackson’s Henchman” in Logan) as Sean Carter, Rheagan Wallace (Malcolm in the Middle) as Allison Carter, and Paul T. Taylor (Super, Sin City) as Pinhead. Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare) is on board in the cameo role of “Landlady.” The movie is scheduled for release on DVD, Blu-ray, and Video on Demand February 13th. You can pre-order it now on Amazon. The Blu-Ray, Digital HD, and DVD with all include bonus features of Deleted & Extended Scenes and a Gag Reel. Now Playing Podcast has reviewed all nine released Hellraiser films. Their review of Judgment will be released in February. What do you think of the Judgment trailer? Can it be the first great Direct-to-Video Hellraiser? Let us know in the comments! |
 Hear NOW PLAYING PODCAST’S reviews of all the HELLRAISER films! Their review of JUDGMENT will be out in February. |
Day of the Dead: Bloodline — on Blu-ray Feb 6
Lionsgate has announced their new Day of the Dead: Bloodline will be released on DVD and Blu-ray February 6.
The film is described as a “terrifying retelling of George A. Romero’s zombie horror classic” starring Jonathon Schaech (Prom Night, Ray Donovan) and Sophie Skelton (Another Mother’s Son, Outlander). Romero’s Day of the Dead was previously remade in a 2008 film starring Mena Suvari and Ving Rhames.
Bloodline is currently available for rent through Video on Demand. On February 6 it will be available to own on VOD as well as on physical media.
All versions of the movie will come with the featurette: Day of the Dead: Bloodline: Reviving Horror. The Blu-ray will be 1080p with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
You can see the trailer for the new Romero Remake below–and Now Playing Podcast’s review will be coming in February! Stay tuned…
New Podcast: Books & Nachos — Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier by Mark Frost
Hosted by Arnie Carvalho and Stuart Atkinson
Marjorie’s Top 10 Films of 2017
by Marjorie Carvalho
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I expected not to like this movie and was pleasantly surprised. A nice action film with some solid acting, it’s interesting enough to keep you watching. It seems as if they played fast and loose with the historical accuracies, and some of the characters actions don’t make sense (looking at you Tom Hiddleston) but it was an enjoyable movie. | ||
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An over the top gore fest written by James Gunn, The Belko Experiment is full of inventive kills, human prey and suspense. A mysterious voice tells captive office employees that 2 employees must be killed or double that will die. The audience, nor the characters, are given any clues as to why this is happening or who is responsible. Trapped inside the office, things turn chaotic and brutal. The twist ending is original and an oddly satisfying end for the movie. | ||
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If the opening scene of this movie doesn’t get you, I don’t know if you have a heart. Little Georgie’s encounter with Pennywise is terrifying, sad and had me on the edge of my seat. The children in this movie are all fantastic actors and Bill Skarsgard undeniably scary as Pennywise. While it felt a little long in places, it still delivered creepiness and I’m looking forward to part 2.
Now Playing will review It (2017), It (1990) and the It sequel upon its release September 6, 2019. |
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A crime caper by Edgar Wright shines due to it’s stellar use of music as a character. From the opening scene, down to the end scene, music is as part of this movie as any human. The soundtrack is eminently playable. In addition to the music, the visuals are top notch. A coffee run early in the movie, filmed continuously is a great sequence, almost like a music video. And let’s not forget the clean cut Jon Hamm portraying a foul mouthed criminal. | ||
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Wolverine is by far my favorite X-Men character and until Logan, he had not had a proper movie to showcase his tortured soul. With self healing powers, he has suffered while those around him have perished and he is left caring for a demented Professor X in a strange future with self driving cars. When he meets a child with similar powers, I feared he would turn fatherly, when instead we get a meaningful redemption movie and the door left open for future X-Men. | ||
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A movie about the making of the worst movie of all time might be one of the best movies of 2017. James Franco, along with brother Dave, make you feel both pity and empathy for Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero. Dave really pulls off the earnest star seeking Greg while James, well, he is Tommy better than Tommy can be Tommy. Both Franco brothers really shine in this movie. You don’t need to have seen The Room to get the jokes or the movie, it’s enough itself so you never feel like you are missing anything.
Hear Now Playing’s full review of The Room now. The full The Disaster Artist review will be out 1/31! |
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If the 80’s were a movie, this would be it. From the stellar New Wave soundtrack to the use of neon, and the Hasselhoff nod, Atomic Blonde is thoroughly 80’s. Charlize Theron is seriously badass in her role as a spy, while James McEvoy was great as a spy who has spent too much time in Berlin. Between double agents, and brutal fight scenes, you still don’t know who is double crossing who. The cold gray and starkness of the Berlin on both sides of the wall adds a dreariness to this movie in stark contrast to the bright neon and music of the decade.
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A tongue in cheek biopic about the everyone’s favorite working class hero Tonya Harding, I, Tonya paints a brutal picture of her upbringing, as well as her tumultuous marriage to Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan) leading into “The Incident” and its aftermath. Margot Robbie’s Harding is wickedly trashy and Allison Janney, playing Tonya’s mom, is a national treasure. Often breaking the 4th wall, this movie doesn’t get too serious, how can you when the actual events are crazier than any movie? | ||
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In a hard to look at portrayal of social media in our lives, Ingrid Goes West shows what happens when reality can’t be separated from social media. Ingrid moves to California because an Instagram influencer, Taylor, replied to her comment. She then works her way into Taylor’s life via kidnapping Taylor’s dog. It’s painful to watch Ingrid attempt to achieve #bestie status with Taylor, it’s so #desperate and #cringeworthy but you can’t stop watching. Aubrey Plaza is astounding as awkward Ingrid and her performance makes you feel sorry for Ingrid, even when she is making bad decisions. | ||
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At times sweet, and at times heartbreaking, Kumail Nanjiani true story of the courtship of his wife is a great story. Not only does he stand by when his estranged girlfriend falls seriously ill, he also wins over her parents while at the same time, trying to break free from his parents and Pakistani traditions. Though a bit long, the movie is touching and sweet and that mushy stuff I usually don’t fall for. | ||
Marjorie Carvalho is a movie critic on Now Playing Podcast. Read more of her reviews in the Now Playing Podcast book–Underrated Movies We Recommend. You can also follow her on Twitter.
Jakob’s 10 Notable Films for 2017
| by Jakob Conkling
I feel I’ve never seen an adequate number of films to declare of “best of” until at least half way into the next year. As of writing this, I haven’t seen many of the films I’ve been anticipating in 2017, such as The Shape of Water, Phantom Thread, and Baywatch. Rather, here are 10 films that stood out to me (and focusing—with one exception—on films not reviewed on the podcast) for better or for worse in 2017… |
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A Dog’s Purpose
Worst film of 2017 This story of a dog’s soul inhabiting various breeds is saccharine drudgery. Marketed as a family film, have fun dealing with your crying children, moms and dads! The movie believes reincarnation makes numerous dog death less traumatic for kids (and pet-loving adults). WRONG! Melodramatic, sappy, manipulative trash; I hope Dennis Quaid wishes finds a real life shrink ray from Inner Space so he can disappear from the public eye for staring in this. This film’s only redemption is that it can never be worse than Kevin Spacey-turned-cat in Nine Lives. |
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The Great Wall
Most entertaining bad movie of 2017 Matt Damon speaks in a baffling, generic European accent not heard since Kevin Costner’s in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Costume design inspired by the Power Ranger’s colorful armor. Willem Defoe looks as confused as I was about why he was on set. There is a whole wing of the military dedicated to fighting monsters via bungee jumping (with inelastic rope???). And the evil creatures having a weakness so bizarre, you’ll be asking, like the Insane Clown Posse, “Magnets? How do they work?” |
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Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Best first five minutes in a 2017 movie Luc Besson’s Valerian is a galaxy-sized mess but features an awe inspiring first five minutes. Set to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” various nations of Earth come together on an international space station, and then are joined by aliens across the universe. It’s full of the optimism and discovery space travel can arouse. Truly, it is a moment of genius that balances out this very uneven film from its most embarrassing moments (any scene featuring Rihanna as a shape-shifting burlesque dancer). |
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Batman & Bill
My favorite documentary of 2017 Liked the caped crusader, documentarian Don Argott seeks justice. While everyone knows about Batman’s credited creator, Bob Kane, there was another. Behind the scenes, Bill Finger contributed the most iconic elements to the Dark Knight. Finger died alone in poverty and, reportedly, buried in a potter’s field. Argott’s journey for an eligible heir to bring suit against DC Entertainment to have Finger’s name added to the creator byline is full of twists and reveals in this engaging journey for recognition. |
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The Founder
Best anti-commercial of 2017 I was expecting another (alleged) heartwarming, inspiring ad for a giant corporation the way Saving Mr. Banks tried to convince me Disney knows best and was the savior for a financially struggling artist. While Michael Keaton brings a lot of charm with his portrayal of down-on-his-luck, milkshake-mixer salesman Ray Kroc, the actor is equally capable of depicting the sinister turn Kroc takes as he steals the McDonald’s brand from the brothers who conceived the fast food restaurant. Forget about the high calorie count in its food, this dark tale of capitalistic greed preying on naive innovators should keep you away from purchasing that next Big Mac. |
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I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore
The best Sundance film that went straight to Netflix in 2017 Having starred in violent thrillers Blue Ruin and Green Room, Macon Blair’s directorial debut reframes those movies’ violence and tension into a dark comedy. Melanie Lynskey plays Ruth who undergoes an existential crisis after her house is robbed. She befriends Tony (Elijah Wood), a religious, heavy metal loving, ninja-weapons enthusiasts. The two go about reclaiming Ruth’s stolen property; but, their attempt at vigilante justice goes horribly wrong. Funny, violent, quirky, tense, bittersweet. The film hits the right beats to balance its various tones to create a comedic thriller. |
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Get Out
Best 2017 film reviewed on Now Playing Patrons have heard my thoughts (along with Arnie’s and Stuart’s). A smart and tense social commentary on race in America, Get Out isn’t only relevant but also a masterfully crafter horror-thriller. Sketch-show-comedian-turned-director Jordan Peele obviously loves horror and has studied the greats in this story that warns us about the dehumanizing effects of racism even if the stereotypes are positive. Reviewed on the podcast or not, this film deserves to be recognized on any top movie list. |
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A Ghost Story
Best 2017 movie based on It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown I only slightly jest. Looking at the poster of Casey Affleck dressed as a ghost—wearing a sheet with eye-holes cut out—I thought I was in for an indie comedy. Rather, this is a poetic story of the living haunting the dead. The camera holds on images until you stop asking what their narrative purpose are and, rather, focus on what you feel in each moment. Never have the folds and frayed edges of a bed sheet portrayed so much loss and sorrow. Director David Lowery channels Terrance Malick and Stanley Kubrick with this slow paced, beautifully framed journey through time and the cosmos.
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Detroit
Best film of 2017 most have an opinion about based on their politics before even seeing it Political. Polarizing. Inflammatory. If you’re inclined to ignore this film because you think you know what it is, I ask then to focus on the craft. Katheryn Bigelow has created one of the tensest hours in film as she retells the Algiers Motel Killings during the 1967 Detroit 12th Street Riot. I would hope that anyone could watch this film and walk away with a little more understanding of why people of color have a seemingly innate fear of police authority. Fifty years later and these real life events feel more relevant than ever. |
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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Best acted film of 2017 There’s good reason Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell received Golden Globe nominations for their acting in this film about horrible people trying to cope with loss and hard times in the unhealthiest of ways. Even Woody Harrelson and Caleb Landry Jones (who plays the opposite of his menacing character from Get Out) are at the top of their game. Writer-director Martin McDonagh knows how the audience expects this movie to play out and, therefore, zigs when we expect it to zag to create an unpredictable, emotional story of damaged characters. |
Jakob Conkling is a movie critic on Now Playing Podcast. Read more of his reviews in the Now Playing Podcast book–Underrated Movies We Recommend
Arnie’s Top 10 Films (and Bottom 1) of ’17
by Arnie Carvalho
2017 was a bit of a rough year for blockbusters, but I did see some all-time great films. As archived per my ratings on Letterboxd, here are the 10 best new films I saw this year.
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In January this year DC superheroes seemed doomed. Other than the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy, these heroes couldn’t catch a break. Warner Bros’ new Justice League universe of films stumbled repeatedly. But, apart from all that, the filmmakers at LEGO created the best DC superhero film since Nolan’s The Dark Knight with The LEGO Batman Movie. Batman, voiced by Will Arnett, has an emotional character arc but the film never forgets to amuse as it teaches. The lampooning of other Batman movies, plus the inclusion of so many Batman baddies, and bad guys from surprising places, it’s a solid POW of enjoyment that bests both Wonder Woman and Justice League as best DC film of the year! | ||
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It’s a great time for kick-ass women in movies. The epitome of that seems to be Furiosa, Charlize Theron’s one-armed warrior in Mad Max: Fury Road. Theron continues her streak with Atomic Blonde–a cold-war era period piece spy film. Theron plays MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton. On the surface she’s “Jane Bond”, but when the fights begin she pulls out fight moves that would take Bond out with one kick. The action is balanced with great performances from Theron, James McAvoy, and Sofia Boutella, and scored to a slew of ’80s New Wave hits. The fights and the story make this the movie I wished Kingsman: The Golden Circle had been. | ||
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Stephen Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven holds a special place in my heart for being the epitome of the ensemble heist movie. But I don’t need to wait for next year’s Ocean’s Eight to experience that same thrill–Soderberg recaptured that magic with Logan Lucky. The movie follows a group of blue collar criminals who plan to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The able cast keeps our allegiance with the criminals, and the plot has more turns than the Speedway itself. The script is tight and the characters fun. Forget Ocean’s Twelve or Thirteen—this is Soderbergh’s best follow-up to Ocean’s Eleven. | ||
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The Room is widely considered the worst film ever made–a Rocky Horror for the 21st Century. When a film is that obviously broken, where is the fun in picking it apart? Can there be a bigger punchline than the film itself? James Franco clearly proved the answer to be “Yes.” Disaster Artist starts off like many movies of wannabe actors dreaming of becoming stars in Los Angeles–but one of these wannabes is the mysterious and strange Tommy Wiseau. In that way the first half of the movie feels like a comedy-drama. But when Tommy has the idea to write, produce, and fund the picture himself the laughs truly begin. Rarely is Tommy the butt of the jokes (pun intended), but his actions, borne of ignorance, are funny just the same.
You don’t need to have seen The Room to understand the comedy of The Disaster Artist — but it helps. Either way, the film is a sensitive and funny portrayal of perhaps the most enigmatic figures in Hollywood. Hear Now Playing’s full review of The Room now. The full The Disaster Artist review will be out 1/31! |
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Blade Runner is one of the all-time great sci-fi movies, and great noir detective films. There was great skepticism in my mind if 35 years later any follow-up could match the original. Blade Runner 2049 doesn’t quite hit that mark, but it is close.
The plot centers around new Blade Runner K, played by Ryan Gosling. On his latest mission K uncovers a trail that may indicate he may be the first child ever born to a supposedly-sterile replicant. And not just any replicant–Rachel, the love of Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford reprising his role from the original). With this plot 2049 takes the subtext from the original, the never answered “is Deckard a replicant” question, and makes it the plot. Is K a new messiah for replicants, or is he all-too-human? More, 2049 deepens the series’ mythology. We learn replicants are not androids, there’s no circuitry inside those bodies, they are simply genetically engineered and constructed beings. “If you cut them, do they not bleed?” This makes the “retiring” of replicants even more cagey, for how human are they? Do they have a soul? 2049 also has a love story that mirrors the original–our protagonist in love with a machine. Only now, like in Her, it is his personal assistant. It begs the question of what love means, and is love strictly human. With a visual style that echos the original while making it to heights of nearly-unreal color and a score that, while not being by Vangelis, is a suitably atmospheric replacement, Blade Runner 2049 is a feast for the eyes, ears, and mind…be that mind natrual-born or created. |
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I’m seemingly one of the few who remembers the 1990 TV-miniseries It as being a dull, sometimes laughable, failure. Trailers for this new theatrical It had me thinking it would repeat the mistakes of the past. I simply couldn’t envision, even from trailers, how a supernatural clown played by Bill Skarsgård could be scary.
I was dead wrong. It was a suspenseful, terrifying horror film. It’s ’80s setting did make it seem like a Stranger Things clone, but unlike that Netflix series It never pulls It’s punches. Skarsgård is indeed chilling as Pennywise the Clown, and while his screen time is minimal, his presence permeates every frame of It. Aided by solid performances by its young cast, It restored King’s cinematic legacy to glory (let’s just all forget about The Dark Tower) and has me salivating for the 2019 conclusion! Now Playing will review It (2017), It (1990) and the It sequel upon its release September 6, 2019. |
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In an era of YouTube celebrities and Instagram professionals, people measure their self-worth through “likes” and retweets. Doctors have recently discovered that social media is not just a psychological addiction, these online interactions and responses trigger a dopamine high. Getting your post “liked” can chemically make you feel as good as a hug.
This idea is taken to its extreme in Ingrid Goes West, a dramatic comedy starring Aubrey Plaza as an aimless young woman obsessed with Instagram, and the perfect lifestyles portrayed in that media. We watch as she tries to shape her life as many people shape what they share online. It’s a manipulative car-wreck from which I couldn’t look away. Plaza shows a dramatic range I’d not seen in her mostly comedic filmography, and it enabled me to root for her while knowing tragedy is inevitable. It helps that most movie-goers will be able to relate to her obsessive phone-checking. It’s a film that has a message I endorse, and performances that rivet. |
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Of the original Avengers‘ movies, Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, and Thor, the Thor franchise is the one that hasn’t found a footing. It took Ragnarok — the mythic Norse view of apocalypse — to give actor Chris Hemsworth the superhero he deserves. Literally, everything about Thor is wiped away over the course of this film, including his mighty hammer and his homeworld (and these aren’t spoilers–they’re in every trailer). Yet with all the cataclysmic events, Thor: Ragnarok finds its heart in Guardians of the Galaxy-esque humor. Of course the “He’s a friend from work” line was (over)played in the trailers, but from start to finish Ragnarok left me with a smile on my face…and a lead-in to 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War.
Though Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 was released this year, Ragnarok was the film that best captured the mirth and magic of 2014’s original Guardians and has become my favorite film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. |
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Odds are you’ve seen The Belko Experiment. While the movie only grossed $11 million worldwide, you’ve still seen it. Perhaps it bore the name Battle Royale, or The Hunger Games — movies in which groups of people are trapped in an arena and forced to murder each other. Those who don’t will have their heads blown off by explosives planted on their bodies.
But Belko sets itself apart by adding in a healthy dose of humor. In this movie the setting is an office building in Columbia filled with American employees. The usual corporate alliances and rivalries are stretched to homicidal extremes, with fun results. It helps that our protagonist Mike, played by John Gallagher Jr., bears a striking resemblance in both looks and performance to John Krasinski, making this feel like the best Office series finale ever! With a dose of Cabin in the Woods type world-building, Belko was my single biggest cinematic surprise of 2017. I walked in expecting okay horror–and walked out with a grin on my face having had a great time. That is one successful Experiment |
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If for no other reason than the three-minute continuous, highly choreographed, opening credits sequence scored to “Harlem Shuffle” Baby Driver is the best made, most artistically ambitious film I saw this year. Yet it has so much more going on than just that spotlight scene. The car chases are equally devised (and done almost entirely practically) creating a vehicular dance that is mesmerizing to behold. It’s a musical in which they only sing along to songs they’re playing, and most of the dancing is done on four wheels, but I can’t look away.
The soundtrack has been on near-constant rotation in my life since the movie’s June release. I can’t get enough of it. More, the film has heart. Ansel Elgort’s Baby may be a criminal getaway driver, but his caring for his deaf foster father Joe, his pure love for waitress Debora, and his “one last job” mentality make him a complex, yet relatable, hero. Add in some Edgar Wright humor (the sunglasses scene is pure gold), a stellar cast, and as many plot turns as U-turns, and Baby Driver speeds past every other movie to be my top of 2017.
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And I’d like to give special mention to the absolute worst movie of the year: Transformers: The Last Knight.
The movie was so loud, obnoxious, stupid, and incomprehensible that it makes Transformers 2 look like The Godfather Part II. It’s complete abuse of respected and returning stars like Anthony Hopkins, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, and Stanley Tucci is horrifying. And (other than Hopkins at Stonehenge) it’s not even funny-bad, it’s just excruciatingly painful to your ears and your mind. Don’t try to figure out the plot…this film is actually less than meets the eye. Hear Now Playing’s full review of Transformers: The Last Knight
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Arnie Carvalho is a movie critic on Now Playing Podcast. Read more of his reviews in the Now Playing Podcast book–Underrated Movies We Recommend. You can also follow his movie watching on Letterboxd, and his random ramblings on Twitter.
Stuart’s Top 10 Films of ’17
| by Stuart Atkinson
This whole year seemed riddled with animosity, upheaval, and social breakdown – qualities reflected in most of my favorite 2017 films. |
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10. Downsizing – Hang the marketers for pushing this apocalyptic sci-fi story as a broad comedy. It’s fairly short on jokes once Matt Damon gets small, and definitely leaves audiences uneasy with unanswered questions. Still, I found Downsizing to be a thought-provoking look at a man who is never sure whether he should be living for himself or others. |
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09. The Florida Project – A coming-of-age story that draws a sharp contrast between “have” and “have not” families. A 6-year-old girl living in a fleabag motel gets into all kinds of trouble playing in trash created by neighboring Disney World. I futilely tried to think of options available to single mom Halley that would lead to better outcomes, but ultimately left the theater just grateful I wasn’t a parent. |
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08. Call Me By Your Name – Wealthy academics living in 1983 Italy might sound a world away from the dead-end squalor of Florida Project. But both coming-of-age stories keenly demonstrate how problems in childhood can often go unspoken. Timothee Chalamet gives a remarkably intimate performance as a teenager wrestling with being gay and Jewish in a household where everyone can identify obscure artifacts, but no one dares to articulate their carnal desires. |
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07. The Big Sick – Can a coma bring two cultures together? Silicon Valley star Kumail Nanjiani wrote and starred in the best romantic comedy I’ve seen in ages (which becomes even more impressive when you find out its the true story of how this Pakistani comedian met his wife). |
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06. The Disaster Artist – Watching The Room is no longer enough. Fans of “brown arrow” bad movies must also include a screening of behind-the-scenes tell-all The Disaster Artist. It’s the role of a lifetime for James Franco to be able to star and direct himself as wannabe star/director Tommy Wiseau.
Hear Now Playing’s Full Review of The Room — The Disaster Artist podcast will be released Sunday, 1/31! |
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05. The Square – As fun and feel-good as The Disaster Artist is, I loved Swedish film The Square even more for taking a deeper dive into the tension between art and mainstream society. It’s the story of a museum curator who desperately wants to provide context for the unexplainable nuttiness found in modern art, only to realize how little he knows about being a good man. |
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04. Good Time – I’m going to let Robert Pattinson out of movie jail after seeing how great he is as a failed bank robber going to extremes for his mentally slow brother. The best way to enjoy Good Time is to go in knowing nothing (though I recommend putting lots of pillows on the floor to catch your dropping jaw once the crazy schemes begin). |
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03. Get Out – Much has been made about this Blumhouse horror movie getting nominated for a Best Comedy Golden Globe. But no genre label captures all the things that Get Out does so well. From the tender romance between Daniel Kaluuya and Alison Williams, to the stinging social commentary about cultural appropriation, a climax full of blood and brain splatter, and yes the comedic stylings of scene-stealing TSA agent Rod… there’s something for every taste in this one. |
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02. Detroit – I was shaking when I left Katherine Bigelow’s intense re-enactment of the 1967 Detroit race riots. But then to come home, turn on the TV, and immediately see the fallout over Confederate statues in Charlottesville… it was like I never left the movie theater! Detroit was too hot topic to succeed as escapist summer box office fare, but future generations will likely declare it one of the great summations of our times. |
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01. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Still, nobody captured small town American rage better than British writer-director Martin McDonagh. His story of a grieving mother who takes to shaming the local police via unused billboard space held a mirror up to the world and dared us to laugh. How WILL we ever come together if everyone thinks their pain gives them the right to lash out in whatever manner they see fit? Watching Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell squash their beef and head into an uncertain future together summed up everything I’ve been feeling in 2017… and advertised a sequel I desperately want to see (but assume they’ll never make). |
Stuart Atkinson is a movie critic on Now Playing Podcast. Read more of his reviews in the Now Playing Podcast book–Underrated Movies We Recommend
New Podcast: Now Playing — Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Hosted by Arnie Carvalho, Stuart Atkinson, and Jakob Conkling
Episode VIII finds General Leia (Carrie Fisher), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), and a dwindling number of Resistance fighters beating a hasty retreat from the rising armies of Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). Their only hope lies with recently located Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) – The Last Jedi in the universe. But can Master Luke trust feisty apprentice Rey (Daisy Ridley) to learn the ways of The Force without succumbing to the Dark Side like his previous pupil, the murderous tyrant Kylo Ren (Adam Driver)? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart for a deep dive into the biggest movie of 2017.
JIGSAW Coming to Blu-Ray and 4k January 9 — Bonus Features Announced
In the latest terrifying installment of the legendary SAW series, law enforcement find itself chasing the ghost of a man dead for over a decade, embroiled in a diabolical new game that’s only just begun. Has John Kramer, the infamous Jigsaw Killer, returned from the dead to commit a series of murders and remind the world to be grateful for the gift of life? Or is this a trap set by a different killer with designs of their own?
Immerse yourself within Jigsaw’s world with the release’s extensive Special Features, including an all-new 7-Part Documentary, an Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block, and “The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” featurette. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions feature Dolby Atmos audio mixed specifically for the home, to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray also features Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR), growing Lionsgate’s library of titles featuring both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Together with the captivating sound of Dolby Atmos, consumers will experience both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound technology for a fully immersive entertainment experience.
The must-see Jigsaw will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.95, respectively.
4K UHD / BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
- Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block
- “I Speak for the Dead: The Legacy of Jigsaw” 7-Part Documentary
o “A New Game”
o “You Know His Name”
o “Survival of the Fittest”
o “Death by Design”
o “Blood Sacrifice”
o “The Source of Fear”
o “The Truth Will Set You Free”
- “The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette
DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
- “I Speak for the Dead: The Legacy of Jigsaw” 7-Part Documentary
o “A New Game”
o “You Know His Name”
o “Survival of the Fittest”
o “Death by Design”
o “Blood Sacrifice”
o “The Source of Fear”
o “The Truth Will Set You Free”
- “The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
- Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block
- “The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette
Hear Now Playing’s review of Jigsaw then pre-order it now at Amazon!
Now Playing 10th Anniversary DVD ROM set
Because listeners demanded it!
To celebrate Now Playing’s 10th Anniversary we are releasing our second DVD-ROM set! This set contains every podcast we’ve done from 2013-2017. This is all regular feed shows, all bonus shows, all donation shows, all Patron shows…and even the 4 Kickstarter exclusive reviews of Shocker, A Clockwork Orange, Super 8, and Xanadu.
Plus there are exclusive bonus features–including:
- the Unedited review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
- The full video review of Kingsman: The Golden Circle
- The full LIVE audio review of Kingsman: The Secret Service
- A conversation with all 7 Podcast hosts
- and more!
Find details now at http://nowplayingpodcast.com/donate
Hellraiser: Hellseeker – Donate today and keep Now Playing playing!
The sixth installment of Hellraiser goes searching for the series’ original Last Girl, Ashley Laurence. But no one has seen Kirsty Cotton-Gooden since her shady husband Trevor (Dean Winters) drove their car off a bridge. Eels and sex tapes are among the treasures that Hellseekers Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart dredge up as they mine the watery depths of the franchise. Will they find some Green Arrows inside this DVD box too? Donate Now and find out!
Now Playing is a podcast with no sponsors or advertisements. We rely solely on listener support to keep going. Our Fall 2017 Donation Drive is underway and from now through July 31, 2017, the Hellraiser Retrospective Series is available as a “thank you” to those who support Now Playing.
You can listen to this preview of the show for free now using the link above.
The full podcast series is available through a Paypal donation to Now Playing, or individual episodes are available on our Podbean page. Details can be found on our Spring 2017 Donation page.
Thank you in advance for your support of our show!
Marvel Launches New Animation Franchise: Marvel Rising. Theatrical Movie due in 2018.
MARVEL TO LAUNCH NEW ANIMATION FRANCHISE ‘MARVEL RISING’
Feature Length Film And Six, Four-Minute Digital Shorts Set to Debut the Property
Key Voice Cast Includes Dove Cameron, Chloe Bennet, Tyler Posey, Kim Raver and BooBoo Stewart Among Others
(Glendale, CA) December 7, 2017 – Marvel Entertainment announced today, “Marvel Rising,” a brand-new, multi-platform animation franchise starring the next generation of Marvel heroes set to launch in 2018. The program will launch with six, four-minute digital shorts that spotlight Spider-Gwen with her new secret moniker, Ghost-Spider, and introduce audiences to the world of “Marvel Rising.” Following the shorts, a feature-length animated film, “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors” will premiere later that year. Distribution partners for the content to be announced at a later date.
Meet the characters and all-star voice actors behind the all-new franchise “Marvel Rising” here:
The content features an all-star line-up of voice talent including Dove Cameron, Chloe Bennet, Tyler Posey, BooBoo Stewart, Kathreen Khavari, Milana Vayntrub, Cierra Ramirez, Kamil McFadden, Skai Jackson, Kim Raver, Ming-Na Wen, Steven Weber, and Dee Bradley Baker among others. Future stories and content are also being developed across Marvel’s digital and publishing platforms and will be announced at a later date.
“Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors” is a long-anticipated event, bringing together Marvel’s newest and beloved characters that have garnered major fan excitement over the last few years. Powered teens Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Quake, Patriot, America Chavez, and Inferno join forces as an unlikely, but formidable crew of aspiring heroes. When a threat no one could have expected bears down on the Marvel Universe, this ragtag, untrained band of teens have no choice but to rise together and prove to the world that sometimes the difference between a “hero” and “misfit” is just in the name.
“Marvel characters are so relatable because they live in our world and face the same challenges we do. So I’m very excited that our Marvel Rising team of heroes is so inclusive, reflecting characters with different backgrounds, particularly a set of strong female leads that our young audience can connect with,” said Cort Lane, Marvel’s Senior Vice President of Animation & Family Entertainment.
Sana Amanat, Marvel’s Director of Content & Character Development, added, “This project is unlike anything we’ve done before—from featuring the rising and fan-favorite stars of the Marvel Universe, to a visually distinct animation style, this is a groundbreaking animated event. It’s an action-packed adventure, full of comedy, heart and powerful messages for every kind of Marvel fan.”
Meet the characters behind “Marvel Rising”:
Gwen Stacy aka Ghost-Spider (formerly Spider Gwen) voiced by Dove Cameron (“Descendants,” “Hairspray Live”) – a free spirited teen who found her calling to be a super hero after being bitten by a radioactive spider and gaining spider-like powers. As Ghost-Spider, she aids those in need, but has to keep her alter-ego a secret from her father, Captain George Stacy, who sees Ghost-Spider as more of a menace than a hero.
Daisy Johnson aka Quake voiced by Chloe Bennet (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Nashville”) – a leading agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. whose tendency for rule-breaking gets her into trouble now and then. Daisy befriends the young group of heroes and through them discovers how to become a better leader. She can generate powerful vibrational waves, which produce effects similar to earthquakes.
Dante Pertuz aka Inferno voiced by Tyler Posey (“Teen Wolf,” “Lincoln Heights”) – a brooding, dark loner on the run. Dante has the power of pyrokinesis, which makes him capable of generating flames – however, he is not fully in control of his fiery abilities. It’s a thin line between good guy and villain for the unpredictable Inferno.
Victor Kohl aka Exile voiced by BooBoo Stewart (“Descendants,” “The Twilight Saga”) – a charming, handsome, and troublesome young Inhuman whose quest for superiority places him into the wrong crowd. He can use Darkforce energy to create weapons and portals that allow him to teleport.
Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel voiced by Kathreen Khavari (“Marvel’s Avengers Assemble,” “Big Little Lies”) – a devoted fan of Super Heroes, especially of her mentor Captain Marvel; she is determined that she too can be a great hero! If only she’d be taken seriously. Kamala is equipped with metamorphic powers that allow her to stretch, enlarge, or shrink her overall size, parts of her body, or alter her physical appearance. She is especially fond of “embiggening” her fists.
Doreen Green aka Squirrel Girl voiced by Milana Vayntrub (“Marvel’s New Warriors,” “This Is Us”) – the uber-positive, hilarious best friend and teammate of Ms. Marvel. With advanced computer skills, enhanced strength, agility, durability, and senses of a squirrel, Doreen (along with her squirrel partner, Tippy Toe!), is primed and ready to become a successful hero.
America Chavez voiced by Cierra Ramirez (“The Fosters,” “The Secret Life of an America Teenager”) – a strong, independent young hero whose painful past drives her to reject leadership and remain a loner. America’s powers include superhuman strength, speed, and durability, plus the ability to fly.
Rayshaun Lucas aka Patriot voiced by Kamil McFadden (“K.C. Undercover,” “Grown Ups 2”) – a natural born leader who is quick to leap into action to impress his colleagues at S.H.I.E.L.D. Rayshaun strives to live up to Captain America’s legacy with integrity, honesty, and order above all. His skills include heightened strength, speed, stamina, and durability.
Gloria “Glory” Grant voiced by Skai JacksFron (“Bunk’d,” “Jessie”) – Gloria, or ‘Glory,’ is Gwen Stacy’s friend and member of their garage band “The Emm-Jays.” Gloria is a smart, hard-working girl that genuinely cares for Gwen, but has felt a distance growing between them ever since their friend, Kevin, was murdered. When being casual, Gloria’s known to be funny, sarcastic and sassy.
Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel voiced by Kim Raver (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “24”) – a bold leader who doesn’t sugar-coat and is guided by a strong sense of duty and honor. She’s the ultimate inspiration for our band of misfit heroes. She is equipped with superhuman strength, can fly at high speeds, and can project intense energy blasts.
Hala voiced by Ming-Na Wen (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Mulan”) – Hala is a Kree Accuser bent on galactic domination. She’ll go to any length or treacherous means to achieve what she, and the entire Kree race, wants: Power. Hala is cold, cryptic and nefarious, often challenging those who try to oppose her.
Captain George Stacy voiced by Steven Weber (“13 Reasons Why,” “NCIS: New Orleans”) – Chief of the NYPD and Gwen Stacy’s loving, but fiercely protective father. Captain Stacy is a very disciplined, hard-working man that will stop at nothing to obtain justice – who unfortunately sees Ghost-Spider as a menace and a threat to society.
Lockjaw and Tippy Toe are voiced by Dee Bradley Baker (“Star Wars Rebels,” “Gravity Falls”). Two lovable and heroic sidekicks: Lockjaw is Kamala’s trusty, teleporting mutt and Tippy Toe is Doreen’s partner in crime and best squirrel friend.
“Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors” is executive produced by Joe Quesada, Dan Buckley, Cort Lane, and Eric Radomski; co-executive produced by Stan Lee, Sana Amanat, and
Marsha Griffin. The film and shorts were written by Mairghread Scott. Alfred Gimeno served as supervising director.
For more information, check out “Marvel Rising” at www.Facebook.com/MarvelRising, www.Twitter.com/MarvelRisingSW, and www.Instagram.com/MarvelRising
5 Questions for Jakob’s 500th Now Playing Podcast Review
As Justice League limps out of theaters, anguished studio executives are lamenting the superhero flick’s failure to capture box office glory. Little do they know the arrival of DC’s team-up did capture one long-awaited milestone: Jakob Brewster’s 500th episode of Now Playing Podcast.
The host joined the show on November 6, 2009 during the Saw retrospective (a series that recently came back from the dead) and has since lent his perspective to some of Now Playing’s biggest retrospectives, including the Marvel, Children of the Corn, and Fast and the Furious films.
To mark the anniversary of his 500th show, Jakob took part in a Q&A with the Venganza Media Gazette.
Gazette: First, congratulations on 500 episodes of Now Playing Podcast. When you first signed on, did you ever think you’d get the chance to review the fifth sequel to Hellraiser?
Jakob: Thanks! I know it wouldn’t have been possible to make it to 500 if it weren’t from some great franchises out there like Children of the Corn and Leprechaun that churn out so many quality sequels to push Now Playing to keep going and mining these cinematic gems.
You always hope a franchise makes it to a fifth sequel, because that’s when the mythology is really developed and some rich stories can finally be told. Hellraiser: Hellseeker really completes the circle by bringing back Kirsty (played by the original Ashley Laurence) and finishing her story in such a way that even the best fanfic couldn’t achieve.
The shame is that not every franchise capitalizes on this opportunity. Like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, their sixth film in was The Avengers. Wow, what a misstep! They had set up such a great nemesis when hinting of The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson) in one of the only passable MCU films, The Incredible Hulk. And they do nothing with him! He’s the only villain that would require a whole team of heroes to defeat him. Also, that CGI model for Bruce Banner looked nothing like Edward Norton in The Avengers.
Gazette: You recently celebrated your milestone with a review of Justice League, how has that movie raised the bar for superhero films?
Jakob: It accomplished so much! On a technical level, it proved that computers can create 1000 percent realistic humans. This is great because it will let actors really focus on perfecting their craft instead of having to spend all their time grooming and looking perfect. No longer exists the burden of wasting time getting your hair styled or shaving a beard when the magic of CGI can render you as perfect and real looking as Henry Cavill’s upper lip.
It also introduced a layer of subtext that has never been explored in the superhero genre (Halle Berry’s Catwoman came close). I mean, Batman dresses as a bat to scare bad guys. But he also has a giant robot spider to ride around in? That’s two animals, plus lots of people are afraid of robots. So Batman is two kinds of phobia plus both animals? Chris Nolan wishes his Dark Knight trilogy plumbed the depths of psychology like this.
I could go on for hours gushing about Justice League. It feels as pivotal as when people were first awed by the last great achievement in superhero cinema, Superman and the Mole Men.
Gazette: Now that he’s directed both the Avengers and Justice League, which superhero team should Joss Whedon tackle next?
Jakob: Honestly, it feels like Justice League has reinvigorated Whedon. The Avengers felt like a clip-show episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I think Whedon’s real calling is to make sense of production disasters. He saved Justice League from [Zack] Snyder and created a front-runner for the Best Picture Oscar. I’d like to see him save a franchise cut from the same cloth as superheroes. Something with a history of cartoons, comic books, toys, a whole team of good guys fighting evil. I say give him Michael Bay’s Transfor — all of [his] released films. Have him reshoot some scenes with Shia LaBeouf and a few of the action scenes and I think everyone will understand how great that franchise could be.
Gazette: Your 500 episodes of Now Playing Podcast are longer than the combined runs of Knight Rider, Baywatch, and Baywatch Nights. Besides Looking for Freedom, what’s your favorite David Hasselhoff album?
Jakob: I’m going with his latest album, 2012’s This Time Around. This was a redemption album for the drunken cheeseburger incident. It took a lot of courage to put himself out there again like that. His fans… and the world, really, have embraced him for being so brave.
Gazette: Lightning round: Three thoughts on that Avengers: Infinity War trailer?
Jakob:
- Disney has destroyed the Marvel movies. They used to be edgy and, while never achieving the greatness of, say, Return of Swamp Thing, they felt like they had something to say about our lives. Now because Disney needs a new Disney Princess to market to little girls, they’ve created this new princess… The Anos, or something, who goes around collecting jewelry?
- Again, Disney is now putting its own characters in these films?! At the end, Thor asks some people who they are and I swear Mickey Mouse is standing there. Though the CGI model is waaaay off. He looks like a raccoon, not a mouse.
- A group of heroes come together to fight hoards of aliens and a being from another dimension who is powered by a magic box? I’ve already seen this in Justice League. It was first, it was better, and it just has better characters. For example: Cyborg vs. Iron Man. One is made of space metal and the other iron (which I think is getting rusty because it is so red from oxidation). No contest.
Hear Jakob in Now Playing Podcast’s current Death Wish retrospective, and read his thoughts on underrated movies in the podcast’s first book, Underrated Movies We Recommend.
Now Playing Announces Bonus Review, New 10th Anniversary DVD-ROM Bonus Features
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Death Wish V: The Face of Death
It was Charles Bronson’s wish to never reprise the role of vigilante Paul Kersey after Death Wish IV. So movie producers found $5 million reasons for the 72 year old actor to star as their Face of Death one last time. This fifth chapter sends Kersey into the underbelly of New York City’s garment district, where the tough guy hunts the cannoli-loving transvestite mobsters who disfigured his clothing designer fiancee and stole away his surrogate daughter. Do Jakob, Stuart and Arnie find this fashion forward finale a bad turn on the catwalk, or a fitting end to the Bronson era? Listen and find out.
New Podcast: Marvelicious Toys — Issue 186: Sweet Christmas 2017 – Black Friday & Holiday Shopping Guide
Hosted by Justin Kozisek, Arnie Carvalho, and Marjorie Carvalho
Happy Thanksgiving, Marvelicious Toys listeners! And welcome to our 8th Annual Holiday Shopping Guide!
In this issue Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin run down all the major Black Friday toy sales. Find out where to get Marvel Legends, movies, games, and other toys with the biggest savings! Then follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the best online Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!
Then the hosts, aided by the entire Marvelicious Toys team, run down the best Marvel themed gifts for 2017. With prices from $5 to $800, there’s something for fans of all ages and interests! What are the must have collectibles this year? Join us to find out!
Marvel Black Friday
- Titan Figures
- Wal-Mart: 4 Pack Avengers, $20
- Toys R Us: 20-in Titan Spider-Man, $12.49
- Legends
- Meijer – Buy 1 Get 1 Half off Marvel Figures
- GameStop – Deadpool Back in Black exclusive $18.99
- Gamestop – 12-inch Agent of Weapon X Deadpool $44.99
- Games
- Movies
- Best Buy – 4k Movies (Spider-Man Homecoming) for $19.99
- Misc
- Gamestop – USB Groot Car Charger $19.99 (half off)
- Gamestop – Exclusive Marvel Gallery Red Hulk Statue $39.99 ($10 off)
- Kohl’s – Mr. Potato Spider-Man Iron Man Set $21.24 (Half off?)
- Record Store Day – Guardians of the Galaxy Baby Groot Picture Disc (RST FIRST)
- Guardians Inferno on Side A
- Score Track on Side B
Marvel Items
- Hasbro Retro Action Figures
- Legends Hydra Soldiers
- Mezco One:12 Ragnarok Hulk (preorder)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 S.H.Figuarts Rocket & Baby Groot Exclusive
- Marvel Mei Sho Manga Realization Samurai Iron Man Mark III
- Tsum Tsum Comic Box Mini Set – SMASH
- Hulk Interactive Figure
- Thor Interactive Figure
- Marvel Now ArtFX+ Venom Statue
- Diamond Select Gallery Statues
- Hot Toys that Ship in time for Xmas
- Netflix Punisher
- Netflix DareDevil
- IronMan MK XLVI (46)
- Hulk buster (Wait List, so hurry!)
- Hasbro Hulk Hands
- Disney Toybox Figures
Games
Misc
- Tony Stark Document Holder
- Spidey Crocs
- American Tourister Luggage
- Cross Pen Gift Set – Sign up for newsletter and get 10% off
- Ironman Portable Phone/Tablet Charger by eFx
- eFX Collectibles Winter Soldier Stealth Shield
- Learn to Draw Guardians of the Galaxy
- Her Universe Mjolnir Tie Dye Shirt
- Hulk & Thor Tiki Mugs by Think Geek
- Thor Mjolnir Tool Set Think Geek
- Marvel Calendar
- Marvel 2018 Calendar
- International Groot with candy bowl
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 or Spider Man in 4K (with player and TV)
- Marvel Unlimited Subscription
- Marvel Graphic Short Box
- Marvel Themed Hoodies, Sweatshirts and Sweaters @ Superherostuff.com
- Bop It Baby Groot
- Captain America Barbell Plates
HASCON – Hasbro Deadpool Marvel Legends figure SDCC – Thor Battle For Asgard Marvel Legends 5 pack set Deadpool Duck Pop Vinyl figure – Walgreens Exclusive
New Podcast: Star Wars Action News — Episode 498: Black Friday & Holiday Gift Guide 2017
Hosted by Marjorie Carvalho and Arnie Carvalho
Video by Berent Lawton and Daryl Whitlow
It’s time for Star Wars Action News’13th annual Black Friday sale report, and holiday gift guide!
BLACK FRIDAY SALES
- Entertainment Earth
- Black Friday: Starting Wednesday November 22 and continuing to Friday 24th: Star Wars The Black Series Clone Troopers of Order 66 6-Inch Action Figures – Entertainment Earth Exclusive are reduced from $99.99 to $39.99!
- Cyber Monday: Starting Monday Nov. 27 and continuing to Tues. Nov 28th: Star Wars The Black Series Astromech Droids 3 3/4-Inch Action Figures – Entertainment Earth Exclusive reduced from $79.99 to $29.99!
- Sideshow Collectibles Sideshow has some serious savings starting NOW! Black Friday comes early!
- $250 off C-3PO Legendary Scale Figure
- Over $125 off Hot Toys FO Stormtrooper Set
- $50 off Hot Toys Phasma
- Tons more! Check it out!
- Toys
- Walmart AND Jet.com: Hasbro BB-8 RC toy $30
- Target: LEGO Battle on Takodana Set – $34.99 (30% off)
- Bon-Ton: Mattel Star Wars Toys (Hot Wheels) 50% off – DOORBUSTER
- JC Penny: 30% off all Star Wars toys $10 to $30 (so they’re $7 to $21)
- Toys R Us: 3.75-in figures from Ep 7 and Rogue One 40% off — $4.97 ea
- Toys R Us: Rogue One Rapid Fire AT-ACT – $99.98 ($150 off)
- Toys R Us: Star Wars Interactive Figures 50% off (normally $99.99)
- Gamestop: Porg Electronic Plush $29.99 ($10 off)
- Gamestop: Sphero BB-8, R2, BB9E on sale. $50 off R2 ($129.99), $20 off BBs ($129.99)
- NERF Rival Apollo Mandalorian Blaster set $69.99 ($20 off)
- Video Games
- Best Buy: Free Darth Maul POP if you buy Battlefront II (Store Only)
- Gamestpo: Get up to a $50 bonus in Galaxy of Heroes when you buy a Google Play gift card
- Meijer: Playstation 4 Star Wars Battlefront II 1TB Console — $299.99 and save $50 on your next Shopping Trip
- Other
- JC Penny: Kids (boys) Star Wars clothes 50% off
- JC Penny: Men’s Star Wars Gifts 60% off (cups, mugs, Yoda Slippers etc)
- Staples AND Meijer: Star Wars Drones $50 off (99.99)
- Petco: ENTIRE STOCK of Star Wars Pet Collection 25% off
- Watch us on FB & Twitter for live reports of online sales
Toys
LEGO
Hot Toys
-
- K-2SO – shipping now
- Jyn Erso (Deluxe version) – shipping now. So many accessories!!!
- Grand Moff Tarkin – preorder
Books
- Star Wars novels/reading for 2017:
- Rogue One Novelization
- Rebel Rising (YA)
- Thrawn
- Battlefront II: Inferno Squad
- Phasma
- Leia: Princess of Alderaan (YA)
- From a Certain Point of View
- The Legend of Luke Skywalker (YA)
- Doctor Aphra Vol. 1 (TPB)
- A Saga on Home Video: A Fan’s Guide to U.S. Star Wars Home Video Releases by Nathan P. Butler
- 99 Stormtroopers Join the Empire
- Canto Bight (releasing Dec. 5, 2017)
- The Art of Star Wars: The Last Jedi (releasing Dec. 15, 2017)
- Star Wars The Last Jedi The Visual Dictionary (releasing Dec. 15, 2017)
- Star Wars The Last Jedi Incredible Cross-Sections (releasing Dec. 15, 2017)
- Topp Trading Card books
- Retro Draughtsman Coffee Table Book
- Rogue One comic trade paperback
- Star Wars Adventures
Games
-
- Battlefront II (2017)
- Destiny 2-Player Game Everything you need to start playing in one box! Also a CCG, so single packs would be good stocking stuffers in addition to the 2-player game, or if they already play.
Household Items
- Kid’s furniture and rugs
- Star Wars Bounty paper towels
- Jabba/Salacious Tiki Mugs
- Title crawl floor runner
- Stormtrooper Claret Jug (actually a whisky decanter)
- 1:6 dioramas for ikea cases
- Porg Soup Cup from Hot Topic
- Vader Tea Set from Hot Topic
Other
- Hard Enamel Porg Pin
- Captain Phasma NIXON watch
- Swarovski Crystal Threepio
- Swarovski Crystal R2-D2
- Swarovski Crystal BB-8
- Retro Draughtsman Empire Strikes Back Calendar
- Maped Helix ‘Star Wars 40th Anniversary’ Stationary
- Stance star wars socks
- Gift card to get art prints framed
- Little Bits Droid Inventor Kit
- Cross Darth Vader Rollerball Pen
- Darth Vader Men’s Suit from Think Geek
- FigureShields
- American Tourister Luggage
- Star Wars Lip Balm Pack
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi Porg Stationery Set – Exclusive | ThinkGeek
- Now Playing: Underrated Movies We Recommend
New Podcast — Books & Nachos: Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II by Christian Sellers and Gary Smart
Hosted by Arnie Carvalho
Clive Barker’s Hellraiser and it’s immediate follow-up Hellbound: Hellraiser II were low-budget productions, shot in the UK. Despite their small beginnings their impact was global, skyrocketing Clive Barker to fame and fortune and terrifying a generation. How did that happen? The book Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II details the making of these first two Hellraiser films. What insights does it provide, and is it worth a read? Join Arnie on this review to find out!
Source: Books and Nachos
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 497: 2 Cons 1 Porg
Hosted by Marjorie Carvalho, Arnie Carvalho, Justin Kozisek, and Daryl Whitlow
This weekend is New York Comic-Con…or it might be called a mini Star Wars Celebration! There are dozens of Star Wars guests including Mark Hamill, Felicy Jones, Ashley Eckstein, plus Star Wars comic creators, artists, and more! On this Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie run down the Force-filled events at this con! Including an interview with Star Wars author Greg Stones, whose book 99 Stormtroopers Join the Empire is on sale now and he’ll be signing at the show!
Plus hear a first-hand report of Hasbro’s own HASCON convention! Arnie was there. Hear if this is a con you should plan on going to next year. Plus Arnie is joined by Steve Niven and Joe Ninivaggi from Hasbro for an exclusive interview talking more Star Wars Toys.
With an interview with Justin, owner of FigureShield protective cases, and an early report on Hasbro’s Han Solo movie figures, it’s all in this new Star Wars Action News podcast!
Source: Star Wars Action News
New Podcast – Marvelicious Toys Issue 185: Messin’ With HASCON
Hosted by Justin Kozisek, Arnie Carvalho, and Marjorie Carvalho
Video by Daryl Whitlow
HASCON — it was Hasbro’s first attempt at running their own convention. But now it’s Hasbro’s game…Hasbro’s rules. What is a convention like without any vendor booths? What do you do at a Hasbro-con? And what does Flo Rida have to do with all this?
On this issue of Marvelicious Toys Arnie reports first-hand from Hascon, held in Providence, RI. He got to meet James Gunn, he got the exclusive figures, and he is here to tell you if HASCON ’18 should be a “must do” for you! Plus he also has an interview with the Hasbro Marvel brand team!
And next up–New York Comic-Con! The hosts run down the exclusives and prepare for that big event!
All this and plus a brewing rumble between Arnie and Justin in Marvel vs Capcom Infinite in this episode of Marvelicious Toys!
Source: Marvelicious Toys
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 496: Force Friday II
Hosted by Marjorie Carvalho, Arnie Carvalho, Justin Kozisek, and Daryl Whitlow
This weekend was like Black Friday for Star Wars fans. Force Friday II — the weekend where Hasbro, Sideshow, Hot Toys, and every other company unleashes their new products for the first time! New figures were found in 6-inch and 3.75-inch…plus some super-articulated figures that weren’t supposed to be out yet!
On this episode of Star Wars Action News the team comes together to report on Force Friday not just across the US but across the globe! Hear reports of store finds from California, Illinois, Florida, Nebraska, and even the UK! What were everyone’s favorite finds? Join the crew to find out!
Plus on this episode Marjorie and Arnie review some new Hasbro 3.75-inch items, including the new C-3PO, Hux, and First Order Stormtrooper figures, the Rey and Praetorian Guard 2-pack, and the new deluxe Rathtar and Imperial Probe Droid!
All this and more on the new Star Wars Action News podcast!
Source: Star Wars Action News
New Podcast – Marvelicious Toys Issue 184: SDCC ’17 Rear View Mirror
Hosted by Justin Kozisek, Arnie Carvalho, and Marjorie Carvalho
Video by Daryl Whitlow
Hasbro Legends, Hot Toys, Sideshow Statues, Kotobukiya exclusives, and more are the topics for today’s Marvelicious Toys Podcast! Arnie, Marjorie, and Justin reflect on all the new merchandise hitting shelves, and the massive amounts of upcoming Marvel toys shown at SDCC!
All this and plus news on where to get toys and statues at 50% off in this new issue of Marvelicious Toys!
Source: Marvelicious Toys
Go or Pass on MOVIEPASS – Should You Use This Service?
by Arnie Carvalho
Though the service is six years old, MoviePass has become a hot topic for theater goers this week, from the take-over by Helios and Maheson Analytics, to the price drop from $30 to $9.95 per month, to AMC Theaters pursuing legal action to stop the service. But should you buy in?
What is MoviePass?
MoviePass is a subscription service where, for $9.95 per month, you can see one (2D, standard format) movie per day in theaters. This means you can literally see 365 movies for under $120. That comes to about $0.33 per movie, compared to the current national average of $8.84 per ticket.
This is not a scam or a trick. There are no blackout dates. You can see movies the day they come out if you want, any showing, any day of the week.
How does this work?
MoviePass is not a service offered by your local theater chain. Unlike Regal Theater’s “Ultimate Ticket Program” where, for $100, you can see an individual movie (like Wonder Woman) once per day for its entire run, MoviePass is its own company operating outside the theater chains.
Here’s how it works:
1) You sign up to their service online for $9.95 per month, cancel any time. They will then send you a physical “credit card” which will arrive in 5-7 days.
2) Once you have their card you must go to the theater and then use their app to pick the movie. You cannot order your movie tickets online. You must be within 100 yards (yes, yards) of the theater to get the tickets.
3) You can only buy tickets same day. The app only shows you today’s showtimes. So you cannot use this to pre-buy any tickets.
4) Once your movie is selected, MoviePass will “load” your card with enough money to buy a ticket. Then you use your card to get the ticket at the kiosk or the box office at the theater.
5) This does not work for premiere screenings. IMAX, 3D, etc. is not included in MoviePass’ $9.95 option. As their site clearly states: “ We currently do not support (in part or entirety) any enhanced or special screenings that involve an upcharge at the theater. Examples of these would include 3D, IMAX, Fathom Events, DBOX, ETX/RPX, film festival screenings, etc.”
Wait–isn’t MoviePass losing money? Nope–they’re going to sell your data.
If you do the math it doesn’t take long to realize that if you see 2 movies per month on average you’re saving money with MoviePass. If, on average, two movies cost $19, you’re saving $10 per month. And that’s real money MoviePass is paying to the movie theater. Though newly aquired, some sites have already declared the service “doomed.” But MoviePass, run by Netflix exec Mitch Lowe, actually intends to lose that money for a period. Their business strategy is to build a loyal customer base of millions of users. Then the money they lose on movie tickets will be made through data mining.
Much like Fandango, Netflix, Google, and Fandango do now, MoviePass will gather information about your viewing habits and use them to sell you stuff. They will make money through ads targeted directly to you. They also may make even more money by selling your data (albeit anonymized) to larger data mining companies.
Finally, the executives at MoviePass hope theaters will buy into the service to help offset the losses. Through increased attendance and more concession sales (which reaps theater chains the most profit) MoviePass views themselves as a partner for theaters.
Why is AMC upset?
Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that theaters are as happy about this. AMC has threatened legal action against MoviePass.
On the surface AMC is claiming MoviePass is setting customers up for disappointment, lowering the “perceived value” of a movie ticket.
In truth, theater chains like AMC and Regal are investing heavily in their own rewards programs, like the AMC Stubs Premiere service which costs $15 per year. They want 100% of the ticket price and also the ability to collect the same data MoviePass desires.
So should you subscribe?
Perhaps you should subscribe, but I will not be signing up for MoviePass.
I will admit–on the surface this service looks like a great way to save money. In the first eight-and-a-half months of 2017 I’ve seen 32 movies in theaters. I have spent over $400 at the movie theater box office; 9 months of MoviePass would have cost me less than $90.
However, there’s a deal-breaker for me in that fine print: MoviePass is only good for standard, 2D movie showings.
Of the 32 films I’ve seen this year, only 12 were 2D, standard. The other 20 were 3D, IMAX, D-BOX, or AMC Prime experiences. If a movie is released in IMAX that’s the way I want to see it — big and loud. While 3D films are in decline the IMAX experience is still one for which I’m willing to pay a premium.
So in those 9 months I only spent $96 on 2D, standard movie tickets. MoviePass would have cost me $89. That $7 difference is not worth the trade-off of online ticket ordering.
Then when I look at the upcoming slate of films I plan to watch theatrically in 2017 most will be IMAX or 3D. Blade Runner 2049, Kingsmen: The Golden Circle, Justice League, Thor: Ragnarok, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and even the glorified television pilot Marvel’s Inhumans will all be IMAX experiences. With or without MoviePass I’ll be paying AMC full ticket prices for those.
Without the convenience of online ordering I would need to save at least $10 per month, $60 per year, with MoviePass. While there are many standard, 2D films I’m excited for, including Jigsaw, Death Wish, and It, I’m not sure I’ll be seeing 12 2D movies in the next three months to make the trade-off worth it.
If MoviePass were to reinstate their premium option, hopefully at $14.95 per month but even at $19.95 per month, they would likely have my money. But for now I will Pass on MoviePass.
Arnie Carvalho is co-host of Now Playing Podcast. You can read his movie reviews in the upcoming book Underrated Movies We Recommend, available for pre-order now.
Corrections: This article was updated at 4pm EST for the following items:
- The “Premium” ticket is no longer offered by MoviePass–they only have the $9.99 2D option now. That information, added after initial publication, was removed
- They have removed the “watch each movie only once” restriction. That information was removed from the article
New Podcast – Books & Nachos: The Dark Tower: The Art of the Film by Daniel Wallace
Hosted by Arnie Carvalho
Gunslinger Roland Deschain had a long quest in his search for The Dark Tower. So too did filmmakers toil long to transform Stephen King’s eight-novel series to the big screen. This journey is chronicled in pictures and prose in the book The Dark Tower: The Art of the Film.
Join Arnie on this episode of Books & Nachos as he reviews this work. Then he is joined by Daniel Wallace, author of The Art of the Film, to discuss the process of producing this type of book!
Source: Books and Nachos
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