Star Wars
Star Wars. It twice became the biggest movie of all time. It has launched a billion dollar empire of movies, toys, and merchandise. It has even started a religion. But now, under the ownership of Disney, the Star Wars universe is set to expand infinitely with a new movie each year — starting with Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Now Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart go back to where it all started — the 1977 original George Lucas film Star Wars (a.k.a. Episode IV: A New Hope). Is the Force still with Star Wars almost 40 years after its release? And which version is better, the Special Edition or the original? Listen to Now Playing to find out, then join us weekly for more Star Wars reviews culminating with The Force Awakens!
Arnie C: http://podcast.nowplayingpodcast.com/e/star-wars-1477021875/
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Die Cast Iron Man Stealth Armor – Mark III
In 2012 Hot Toys teased fans with a 1/6 scale Stealth Armor Iron Man. At San Diego Comic-Con, nestled in between the Iron Man Mark IV Gantry and the Iron Monger sat a shiny blue Iron Man (pictured right).
Speculation ran wild. After dominating the Marvel movie figures was Hot Toys starting to make comic-based characters?
Years passed and that Stealth Armor never materialized…until today!
Now Hot Toys has released their 2015 Summer Exclusive figure, and it’s Iron Man Mark III – Stealth Armor version!
More, this is not the figure they showed back in 2012, but rather a fully upgraded Stealth Armor Iron Man with Hot Toys’ new diecast parts. The diecast materials give the suit an even more realistic and metallic touch!
Being an exclusive figure, and Iron Man at that, this figure is likely to sell out fast and command top dollar on the secondary market.
The Mark III (Stealth Mode Version) collectible figure is greatly detailed and features specially applied two-toned blue and teal color design inspired by the classic Iron Man comics, LED light-up functions, interchangeable armor parts, and a distinctive hologram patterned figure stand.
This collectible figure will surely stand out among your Iron Man collection!
The 1/6th scale Mark III (Stealth Mode Version) Collectible Figure features:
- Authentic and detailed likeness of Iron Man Mark III
- Specially applied two-toned blue and teal design inspired by the classic Iron Man comics
- Approximately 30 cm tall
- Over 30 points of articulations
- LED-lighted eyes and circle-shaped arc reactor on chest (white light with red lens, battery operated)
- Removable chest and torso armor
- One (1) pair of interchangeable forearm rockets
- One (1) pair of interchangeable shoulder mounted guns
- One (1) pair of interchangeable countermeasure dispensers
- One (1) interchangeable torso for three-point landing pose
- Three (3) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
- One (1) pair with movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light with red lenses, battery operated)
- One (1) pair of fists
- One (1) pair of battle palms with light-up repulsors (white light with red lenses, battery operated)
- Fully deployed air flaps with built-in metal flaps at back of the armor
- Fully deployed air flaps on back of legs
- Distinctive hologram patterned figure stand with blue colored Mark III (Stealth Mode Version) nameplate and Iron Man logo
So what are you waiting for? This stealthy figure will slip out of stock before you know it, so get your order placed now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Battle Royale – A Podcast Preview
The Japanese government has a new law to help deal with unruly, rebellious teens — Battle Royale! Each year a class of students are put in competition to kill each other, and the last survivor wins. Based on the novel by Koushun Takamil, this ultraviolent film gained acclaim for its satire and its violence. It’s also been speculated Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins used this story as the basis for her hit novel trilogy. Will the Now Playing hosts have a Battle Royale when reviewing the film? Listen to this preview, then donate to hear the whole review!
This podcast is not available for general download. The Battle Royale Retrospective Series is made as a special “Thank you” for those Now Playing Supporters who donate $10 or more between September 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016.
It is donations from listeners like you that keep Now Playing operating.
You can listen to our promotional preview of this show now, then donate to Now Playing to hear the entire series of movie reviews!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/battle-royale-a-podcast-preview
The Transporter: Refueled
It’s been seven years since the last Transporter film was released. In that time the series continued on television, but now is racing back to theaters with The Transporter: Refueled. This movie is intended to start a new trilogy of films, but without signature star Jason Statham has the series run out of gas? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/the-transporter-refueled
The Transporter: Refueled
It’s been seven years since the last Transporter film was released. In that time the series continued on television, but now is racing back to theaters with The Transporter: Refueled. This movie is intended to start a new trilogy of films, but without signature star Jason Statham has the series run out of gas? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://podcast.nowplayingpodcast.com/e/the-transporter-refueled-1477021876/
Transporter 3
In 2008 Jason Statham came back for one last ride in Transporter 3. This time Frank has to drive the daughter of a Ukranian politician to Odessa, avoiding danger and romantic entanglements along the way. The film ended Statham’s run as the Transporter, but launched the American career of aptly-named director Olivier Megaton. Did the trilogy end on a high note? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/transporter-3
Transporter 2
The first Transporter film was a modest theatrical success, but thanks to DVD sales put star Jason Statham back in the driver’s seat. Again directed by Louis Leterrier, the second Transporter film’s fast ride cemented Statham’s status as an action star. How does it measure up to the original? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/transporter-2
The Transporter
If you need someone or something moved quickly, Frank Martin is your man. This former Special Ops soldier has moved to France and now works as a freelance driver for big spending criminals. His illicit career survives by strict adherence to rules, but when he breaks two of the rules he finds himself the target of a human trafficking ring. The plot is simple, but this action film from Luc Besson and Louis Leterrier launched Jason Statham’s career as an American action star. Should you go along for the ride? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://podcast.nowplayingpodcast.com/e/the-transporter-1477021879/
Fantastic Four (2015)
It’s been 20 years since Roger Corman first made (but never released) the world’s first Fantastic Four film, and now we get our fourth. Gone is the humor of the Tim Story duology; instead, Chronicle director Josh Trank created a grim and gritty version of Marvel’s First Family, more based on the Ultimate Comics version than any other. But behind the scenes squabbles and internet gossip led to this movie’s record low audience and critic ratings. Can this film be, if not Fantastic, any good at all? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/fantastic-four-2015
MIssion: Impossible – Rogue Nation
In Tom Cruise’s fifth Mission: Impossible film he finally goes up against the original television series’ legendary foe — The Syndicate. This evil group of spies and assassins has infiltrated the globe and is prepared to start a revolution. With the IMF disbanded for dangerous and risky tactics, can Ethan Hunt and his team possibly uncover and stop this Rogue Nation? And even more risky, can the fifth installment of a series still retain a high level of quality? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/mission-impossible-rogue-nation
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Tom Cruise’s MIF Agent Ethan Hunt is back with a mission to literally stop the end of the world. Disavowed by his agency, can Ethan stop a madman from launching a nuclear missile? And do newcomers Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg mix up the Impossible formula? Join Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/mission-impossible-ghost-protocol
SDCC 2015 Exclusives Up For Order NOW at HasbroToyShop.com
Update 11am: The Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper is sold out; sold out in well under 10 minutes.
The Marvel Legends Dr. Strange set is also sold out.
Update 11:30 a.m.: The $9.99 Ant-Man Mini Action Figure is sold out. The Ant-Man 5 pack is still available.
Hasbro has put several of its San Diego Comic-Con toys up for order now at HasbroToyShop.com
Up for order right now are exclusives including:
- Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper
- Marvel Legends’ Dr. Strange Book of Vishanti 5 figure set with 6-inch scaled figures of:
- Dr. Strange (translucent blue astral projection version)
- Brother Voodoo
- Magik
- Hela
- Dormammu
- Hasbro’s Ant-Man figure pack with 5 figures:
- Giant-Man
- Hank Pym in lab coat
- Goliath
- Micro size Scott Lang Ant-Man
- Micro size Hank Pym Ant-Man
- Hasbro’s mini Ant-Man figure in “Matchbox” packaging
At San Diego Comic-Con there were few exclusives as sought after as those at Hasbro’s Toy Shop. On preview night people were assaulted and robbed while trying to get the Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper or the Magic: The Gathering set.
But no matter if you were at the con in the midst of the fray, or safe at home watching from afar, this online sale is a chance for you to get some of the exclusive Hasbro toys without paying eBay scalper fees (or being punched in the face).
So hurry to HasbroToyShop.com and good luck in scoring the exclusives you want!
Avengers: Age of Ultron coming to Blu-Ray Oct 2
MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
GET IT EARLY ON DIGITAL 3D, DIGITAL HD
AND DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE September 8, 2015
AVAILABLE ON 3D BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK, BLU-RAY, DVD, DIGITAL SD AND
ON-DEMAND October 2, 2015
Includes Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Making-of Featurettes, Gag Reel and Audio Commentary
Marvel Studios reunites Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the unprecedented movie event, Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Iconic heroes are forced to reassemble and face their most intimidating enemy yet – ULTRON. Pushed to the brink of their physical and emotional limits, the team must recruit both new heroes and familiar allies to face an escalating danger that threatens the entire planet.
RELEASE DATES: September 8, 2015 for Digital 3D and Digital HD
October 2, 2015 for Digital SD, 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack (3D Blu-ray+Single Disc Blu-ray+Digital Copy), Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand
BONUS: Digital HD*, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray
- Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
- Making-of Featurettes
- Gag Reel
- Audio Commentary
*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
DVD:
- Making-of Featurette
FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 141 min.
RATINGS: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF
ASPECT RATIO: Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & DVD = 1080p High Definition / 2.40:1
AUDIO: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray 2D = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, French-Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Latin Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
DVD = English/Latin Spanish/French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
LANGUAGES: U.S.: English & Spanish
Canada: English, French
SUBTITLES: English, French & Spanish
Ant-Man
The second phase of Marvel Studios’ Cinematic Universe is going out small. Compared to their other Phase 2 films, the hero is smaller, the budget is smaller, the box office is smaller. But it’s a big moment as comics’ final founding Avenger arrives on the big screen. The film was fraught with production delays and creative changes, but can Marvel prove good things come with small packages? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPAVENGERS012.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys MMS Ant-Man
This suit has power…and you have to learn how to control it!
Tonight Phase II of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe comes to a close with their smallest hero — Ant-Man! It premiers nationwide tonight (and will be reviewed on Now Playing Podcast this Tuesday)!
To celebrate, Hot Toys has released their latest MMS figure, and the first in their Ant-Man movie line: Scott Lang as Ant-Man.
The movie-accurate Ant-Man Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the film featuring a newly developed helmeted head sculpt with authentic likeness of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang in the movie and LED light-up function when helmet is closed, specially tailored Ant-Man suit, an Ant-Man miniature figure, detailed accessories and a specially designed figure stand.
Hot Toys – MMS308 – Ant-Man: 1/6th scale Ant-Man Collectible Figure Features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Ant-Man
– Newly developed helmeted head sculpt with authentic likeness of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang in the movie and LED light-up function when helmet is closed (battery operated)
– Approximately 30 cm tall
– Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including:
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of gesturing palms
– One (1) gesturing right palm
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
– One (1) black and red Ant-Man suit with embossed patterns, silver colored trims, and weathering effects
– One (1) silver colored Ant-Man particle belt
– One (1) pair of black boots
Accessories:
– One (1) miniature Ant-Man (Approximately 2.8cm tall)
– Two (2) bombs
– Two (2) disc equipment
– Four (4) chemical tubes
– Specially-designed figure stand with Ant-Man nameplate and the movie logo
As the film says, “Second chances don’t come around that often,” so pre-order this new hero now to expand your Marvel Cinematic Universe collection!
Mission: Impossible III
IMF agent Ethan Hunt has had enough combat. He wants to settle down, get married, and train new agents instead of going in the field himself. But when his star pupil is captured by a ruthless arms dealer Hunt gathers a new crew for another globetrotting mission. Should you choose to accept this third impossible mission? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMI03.mp3
Terminator: Genisys
It may have taken 13 years, but Arnold Schwarzenegger is back as the T-800 in his movie series that absolutely will not stop ever — The Terminator.
In the new movie Genisys Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) goes back in time to 1984 to save the life of Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke), but he fins 1984 very different than he expects.
Is Kyle’s trip back to the future one worth taking? Join Marjorie, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!
PLUS – listen to find out how you can win some Terminator collectibles! Contest ends July 15, 2015!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/terminator-genisys
Mission: Impossible II
Tom Cruise’s character Agent Ethan Hunt has a new mission – stop a rogue IMF agent from releasing a deadly biological weapon — and protect the woman he loves. With John Woo in the director’s chair, this film is sure to have some slow motion action and doves flying, but should you choose this second impossible mission? Join Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMI02.mp3
Jurassic World – A Podcast Preview
After three failed attempts to open a dinosaur zoo, has Masrani Global Corp finally gotten it right? We find out in Jurassic World–the first new Jurassic Park film in over a decade! With Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt in the lead this film took a record-breaking bite out of the box office. How does it compare to the original trilogy? Donate to Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPJP04TEASE.mp3
Hasbro’s Star Wars Fans’ Choice Poll — Round 2 Starts Now
Star Wars Action News’ participation in Hasbro’s 2015 Fans’ Choice action figure poll nears completion!
As announced Monday, Hasbro has started a new poll where Star Wars fans and collectors pick which figure is made for the company’s new 6-inch Black Series line of Star Wars figures.
Star Wars Action News was invited to poll their fans on which characters they wanted. Round 1 was a completely open nomination form, and over 70 different figures were nominated. Of all the figures requested, the single figure with the most nominations was Ackmena, the singing cantina owner from the notorious Star Wars Holiday Special. In a close second place was Brea Tonnika — a background character in the cantina from first Star Wars film.
The top 30 nominees have been taken into Round 2 of voting! Here each Star Wars fan chooses the one figure they want most in 6-inch plastic form. This second round of voting ends Monday, June 29th, and then the five characters with the most votes will be submitted to Hasbro.
The first 20 characters were picked from the first round of nominations:
| Ackmena |
| Brea Tonnika |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi (A New Hope) |
| Admiral Ackbar |
| ARC Trooper Commander Colt |
| Gamorrean Guard |
| Asajj Ventress (Dark Diciple) |
| Lumpy |
| Lando Calrissian (Jabba’s Skiff Guard) |
| Momaw Nadon |
| Grand Moff Tarkin (A New Hope) |
| Darth Maul (Robot Legs) |
| Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) |
| General Grievous (4-arms) |
| Ponda Baba |
| Mara Jade |
| Sabine |
| Ephant Mon |
| Republic Commando |
| Blue Snaggletooth |
The other 51 characters nominated received only 1 vote each, so the Star Wars Action News team, including podcast hosts Arnie and Marjorie Carvalho, reporters Brock, Johnathan Brenner, Justin Kozisek and Steve “The Ginger Prince” Nixon, video editor Andrew Harrison, and photo editors Jay Fazio and Curtis Stevenson. From the 51 chosen characters the panel selected 10 figures:
| Darth Talon |
| Darth Nihilus |
| Dexter Jettster |
| Jaxxon |
| Watto |
| Admiral Piett |
| Lobot |
| Yak Face |
| Grand Admiral Thrawn |
| Amanaman |
Which of these 30 characters is your top pick as a new Black Series 6-inch figure? Vote now in the Star Wars Action News forums!
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow EXCLUSIVE Wolverine – Premium Format Figure
Sideshow is the best there is at what they do…and what they do is make incredibly detailed quarter-scale statues!
The next offer from Sideshow is the Premium Format Wolverine! This statue goes back to the character’s first solo series — the Japan saga by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, a longtime fan favorite story that defined the character for decades and even inspired the movie The Wolverine.
This Sideshow statue shows Logan atop a snow-capped bridge that is riddled by enemy arrow-fire. With the base this short X-Man stands 20-inches tall!
The statue also comes with swappable heads so you can display him masked or unmasked, both with fierce, feral expressions. And if you hurry to get Sideshow’s Exclusive Edition you can swap his right hand as well – show him with adamantium claws drawn or with the exclusive Muramasa Blade accessory!
You can check out detailed 360-degree photos, close-ups and more at Sideshow’s site, so go check it out! (And if your wallet has a mutant healing factor, place your order!)
Mission: Impossible
Mission: Impossible was a smash hit TV series in the 1960s and 70s, and it even had a revival in the late 80s. But in the 90s, producer and star Tom Cruise tried to do the impossible: create a hit movie franchise based on an old TV show. Many shows have tried to become films, but few have succeeded. Yet with noted director Brian De Palma behind the camera, a bevy of stunt work, and Cruise on the poster, this film had a better chance than most. Should you choose to accept this first impossible mission? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMI01.mp3
Hasbro’s Star Wars Fans’ Choice Poll is Back — And Bigger Than Ever!
Once more, fans get to pick an upcoming character in the Star Wars line of figures.
Hasbro announced today that they are starting a new poll where Star Wars fans and collectors pick which figure is made. This time, however, the poll is not for the long-running 3.75-inch line of figures, but for Hasbro’s newer 6-inch Black Series figure line.
To make it even more exciting, all Star Wars characters are eligible (except those from the unreleased The Force Awakens movie). With that statement Hasbro has given fans perhaps their only chance to get a 6-inch action figure based on the Star Wars comics and novels that were removed from canon and put into the “Legends” category. Of course, all characters from the films, major or minor, would also be given consideration.
Hasbro has confirmed to Star Wars Action News any character is eligible, including the long-desired Tonnika Sisters from A New Hope, Vlix from the 80s Droids series, and even Lumpy and Ackmena (Bea Arthur) from The Star Wars Holiday Special!
Also of note: if the chosen character is from the Star Wars animated series Rebels or The Clone Wars the figure would be done in a realistic style consistent with the Black Series line’s look.
This year’s Fan’s Choice poll is being run by various Star Wars collecting sites, including Venganza Media’s own Star Wars Action News. Before June 30th each participating site will submit to Hasbro their Top 5 list, with the #1 character getting 6 points, the #2 character 5 points, #3 character 4 points, and so on.
From the compiled lists from all the sites the character with the highest number of points will be immortalized in plastic–and Hasbro will reveal which character was chosen during their San Diego Comic-Con panel on July 10th.
Star Wars Action News is handling this with two rounds of voting. First, they have opened a Figure Nomination thread in their forums. In that post fans can free-form enter any characters they want. That phase will be open until June 25th. Then on the 25th a second poll will be opened where each fan can vote on the one figure they want most. That poll will close on June 29th and the top five figures submitted to Hasbro on the 30th.
Begin your voting now! Head to the Star Wars Action News forums and nominate your favorite character for the Black Series 6-inch line!
Insidious: Chapter 3
It’s like a riddle: When does Chapter 3 come before Chapter 1? When it’s an Insidious sequel! The new film may be titled Insidious: Chapter 3 but the film is actually a prequel to the original film. Were you interested how Tucker and Specs met Elise? Or what the Bride in Black did before harassing the Lambert family? It’s all in Chapter 3, with a background story of a new demon trying to kill a high school girl. Is this an essential chapter in the Insidious story? Join Marjorie, Stuart, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPINSID03.mp3
Star Wars Black Series IG-88, Boushh, and Cody – $16.09 ea!
Amazon has some amazing deals on the new Star Wars 6-Inch Black Series figures!  Commander Cody, IG-88 and Boushh Leia in stock at Amazon — $16.09 each! Get them before they’re gone!
Thanks to our friends at Jedi Temple Archives for the heads up!
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Firestarter: Rekindled
Firestarter: Rekindled has Malcolm McDowell and Dennis Hopper starring in a movie based on the works of Stephen King! If this movie came out in 1982 it may have had the star power, and budget, to be a true classic. But Rekindled didn’t come out when those actors’ star power was at its peak, it was made in 2002 as an original Sci-Fi Channel two part miniseries. Does this story of Charlie’s next battle against The Shop keep with King’s original vision? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPKINGFS02.mp3
Firestarter
In 1984 Stephen King had been given the moniker “The King of Horror.” Movies on his books had more hits than misses, and his every novel was a bestseller, including the tale of a pyrokinetic girl hunted by government agents — Firestarter! The heat from that book drew star Drew Barrymore, fresh off her role in the highest-grossing film of all time, E.T., With these two names combined, did the movie spark? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPKINGFS01.mp3
Poltergeist (2015) – A Podcast Preview
In 1982 Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg revealed the terror that lay inside a child’s closet with Poltergeist. That film has been minted a classic. Now, over thirty years later, Sam Raimi hopes to recreate that feeling with a remake of the horror classic. Can a modern version live up to the original in the eyes of longtime fans Marjorie, Stuart, and Arnie? Donate to Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPPOLT04TEASE.mp3
Jurassic Park – A Podcast Preview
In 1993 blockbuster director Steven Spielberg teamed with bestselling author Michael Crighton for Jurassic Park–the tale of genetically engineered dinosaurs run amok. The result was a crowd-pleasing success that resulted in a box office second only to E.T. for the director. As they prepare to continue the franchise anew with Jurassic World Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob dare to go into the park to review this series. Does the original film hold up over 20 years since its original release? Donate to Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPJP01TEASE.mp3
The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence)
Warning: This podcast deals with a movie that has no plot, hammy acting, and a hack script we wouldn’t want to wipe our asses with. It’s not even funny bad, it’s just a boring, miserable watching experience. We want no one to give this film a penny by paying for the rental. We appreciate you listeners enough to tell you this up front – you really don’t need to watch this film. And if you want to hear why – join Arnie, Stuart, and Marjorie for this podcast review.
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPHC03.mp3
Mad Max: Fury Road
It’s been 30 years since the last Mad Max film, but creator George Miller was compelled to go again into the post-apocalyptic Outback. The film suffered production troubles, extensive reshoots, and eventually had to film with a new star: Tomy Hardy as Max. But now the movie is on screens and bringing both praise and controversy. Did the series run out of gas without Mad Mel? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMADMAX04.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys 1/6 Scale Vision MMS
Well, I was born yesterday.
One of the biggest highlights of the record-breaking Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron is the introduction of the new characters in the film! Originally planned to be the perfect “evolution” for Ultron, the Avengers was able to retrieve the android Vision and made him a valuable ally for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to stop Ultron from eradicating mankind!
Today, Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles have put up for pre-order the humanoid hero that many fans have been waiting for – the 1/6th scale Vision Collectible Figure!
The movie-accurate Vision Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on his image in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It features a newly developed head sculpt with detailed texture and Mind Stone, specially tailored costume and cape, Thor’s hammer Mjölnir, and a specially designed figure stand.
Your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection wouldn’t be complete without the addition of this powerful android!
Hot Toys – MMS296 – Avengers: Age of Ultron: 1/6th scale Vision Collectible Figure
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Vision Collectible Figure specially features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Vision in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Newly developed head sculpt with movie-accurate facial features, detailed skin texture, and the Mind Stone
– Specially applied metallic red-violet skin tone to reflect Vision’s distinctive appearance
– Approximately 31.5 cm tall
– Body with over 30 points of articulations
– Eight (8) pieces of interchangeable palms including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms
– One (1) pair of open palms
– One (1) pair of palms for holding Mjölnir
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
– One (1) teal colored full body suit with texture and red-violet colored highlights
– One (1) yellow colored cape with patterns and red-violet highlights
– One (1) pair of red-violet and gold colored gauntlets
– One (1) pair of red-violet and gold colored boots
Weapon:
– One (1) Mjölnir
Accessory:
– Specially-designed figure stand with Vision nameplate and the movie logo
Artists:
– Head Sculpted by Kojun
– Head Painted by JC. Hong
– Head Art Directed by JC. Hong
Release date: Q4, 2015 – Q1, 2016
So head to Sideshow Collectibles and get your Vision now!
News: New Images of Guardians of the Galaxy Hasbro Legends Leaked!
Marvelicious Toys has just come across new boxed images of the Entertainment Earth exclusive Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Legends set!
Featuring Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot (both in giant and potted versions), these comic-accurate likenesses appear to come loaded with accessories, including swappable heads for Gamora, interchangable hands for Drax, and much more as shown in the images below.
These sets are still up for pre-order now at Entertainment Earth.
Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome
Star Mel Gibson and director George Miller returned to the world of Mad Max one final time in 1985. With a budget larger than the previous two films combined, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome established its place in pop culture with both catch phrases and a catchy Tina Turner song. For nearly 30 years this was thought to be the closing chapter in the series, and is Gibson’s final time playing the titular character. How does this film hold up today? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMADMAX03.mp3
Avengers: Age of Ultron
The 2015 summer movie season kicks off in a big way with the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film Avengers: Age of Ultron. Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye are back in front of the camera, all again under the direction of geek god Joss Whedon. But with three super-powered baddies and a new Vision for these heroes there is more Avengers to assemble than ever before. Now join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out how super these heroes were!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPAVENGERS11.mp3
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
With the success of Mad Max director George Miller had his pick of films to direct, but he chose to return to the post-apocalyptic Australian outback for a second Mad Max film — The Road Warrior! The budget was bigger, and so were the explosions, but does that make this film better than the original? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMADMAX02.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Ultron Mark I MMS Figure
You’re all puppets, tangled in strings…strings.
The much anticipated Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron will soon hit theaters worldwide, Hot Toys is excited to continue the waves of highly detailed and movie accurate collectible figures from this super blockbuster. In addition to the return of Earth’s mightiest heroes in the sequel, the titular villain Ultron has been a widely discussed character among fans!
Today, Hot Toys and Sideshow have put up for pre-order the Artificial Intelligence that has gone rogue and threaten human existence in the latest movie – the 1/6th scale Ultron Mark I scale Collectible Figure!
The movie-accurate Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Ultron Mark I in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It features a newly developedasymmetrical body with complicated mechanical details and cable wires throughout different parts, LED light-up eyes, mouth, and chest reactor, a damaged Iron Legion as an accessory, and a specially designed figure stand!
Expand your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection with this menacing villain!
The 1/6th scale Ultron Mark I Collectible Figure features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Ultron Mark I in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Movie-accurate sculpture with complicated mechanical details and cable wires throughout body
– Newly developed asymmetrical body with over 24 points of articulations
– Approximately 32.5 cm tall
– Metallic red, white, blue, and dark grey colored painting on armor with distressed effects
– LED light-up eyes, mouth and chest reactor (white light, battery operated)
– One (1) right palm with articulated fingers
Accessories:
– One (1) damaged Iron Legion
Head to SideshowCollectibles and order this metal menace now!
Mad Max
In 1979 a low budget film exploded from down under to become the most profitable film of all time–Mad Max! Shot for less than half a million Australian dollars the movie launched Mel Gibson to stardom and has been a midnight movie staple. What is it about this gritty exploitation film that garners it such acclaim? Hop in and join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMADMAX01.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys War Machine from Avengers: Age of Ultron
For Iron Man 3 a number of collectibles were made showing Iron Man’s pal War Machine in his more metallic suit, but in editing only the Iron Patriot was shown. Even Hot Toys released that version of the War Machine armor.
Do you think Don Cheadle looked at the gray War Machine armor made for Iron Man 3 and said, “Next time, baby!”? Well, that time is now!
Now, for Avengers: Age of Ultron the War Machine is back and he’s in his classic colors! But…there are some subtle differences between the suit designed for Iron Man 3 and the one shown on screen in Age of Ultron. So while you may have a Hot Toys figure really close to this one–unless you pre-order this new figure from Hot Toys you don’t have the Age of Ultron armor!
And to add to the mix, this figure is only being offered through a partnership between Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles as a Sideshow exclusive figure! (It’s about time we got one stateside after having to hunt for so many overseas variants). If it’s anything like the last exclusive armored Avenger offered by Sideshow, the Stealth Armor Iron Man, it is bound to sell out fast too!
Plus this is part of Hot Toys’ MMS Diecast Series which the collectible figures are made of diecast material, and realistically designed to look even more like the armor as it appears in the film. You heard our glowing review of Iron Patriot on Marvelicious Toys, now it’s time for War Machine to get that same love.
The movie-accurate War Machine Mark II Collectible Figure is crafted with great details and based on the image of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine Mark II in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It features a highly detailed head sculpt, metallic black and dark silver colored armor with decals, LED light-up functions, rotatable machine gun, and a specially designed Avengers: Age of Ultron figure stand.
Gear yourself up for this super exciting film and expand your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection with this diecast collectible figure as “War Machine rocks”.
Hot Toys – MMS290D10 – Avengers: Age of Ultron 1/6th scale War Machine Mark II Collectible Figure Features:
– Body with Die Cast metal parts
– Authentic and detailed likeness as War Machine Mark II in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Helmeted head sculpt with authentic likeness of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes
– Interchangeable helmeted head with LED light-up function (white light, battery operated)
– Metallic black and dark silver colored armor with white decals
– Approximately 31 cm tall
– Over 30 points of articulations
– Contains diecast material
– LED-lighted eyes and Arc Reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
– Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable palms including:
– One (1) pair of palms with movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of repulsor palms
– One (1) saluting right palm
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Weapon:
– One (1) rotatable machine gun at the back
Accessory:
– Specially-designed figure stand with War Machine nameplate and the movie logo
Check out our pics and get over to Sideshow and order yours now!
Steven Spielberg’s Duel
Before making it big with Jaws Steven Spielberg was honing his directing skills on television. Spielberg’s first feature-length film was, in fact, Duel a made-for-television ABC Movie of the Week. With little money and even less time the director created a suspense film that broke out of the small screen and was released theatrically in Europe and Australia But how does Spielberg’s first film hold up against his later works? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP050-Duel.mp3
Furious 7
Universal thought the Fast and Furious franchise was unstoppable. With each new sequel grossing more than the previous instalment, they fast tracked Furious 7, even if it meant losing long time series director Justin Lin and new star The Rock. But when Paul Walker died before the movie was complete the cast and the creatives making the film had to rework the script to be a fitting goodbye. Can Insidious director James Wan make this film still be fast and furious while paying the fitting respects to a passed co-star? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF07.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys 20-Inch Iron Man Mark 43 – From Avengers: Age of Ultron
Tony Stark is working on something big…
After many years of creating the best 1/6th scale, 12-inch, figures based on Marvel Movies, now Hot Toys delivers their first figure in a larger 1/4 scale–Iron Man Mk XLIII. Standing 20-inches tall, this figure has over 40 points of articulation, interchangeable heads with LED light-up function, LEG-lit eyes, chest, and back, plus LED shine-through on the sides of his chest, forearms, and the backs of his legs.
It also has removable armor pieces, interchangeable forearm rocket armor, and 3 pairs of changeable hands.
With the hype over Avengers: Age of Ultron this piece may truly fly–out of stock, so pre-order yours now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Fast & Furious 6
With Fast Five director Justin Lin opened the car racing franchise up to a wider audience. With in his final film in the series, Fast & Furious 6, Lin tried to continue that trend, setting Vin Diesel’s group of likeable outlaws against a European terrorist. The action set pieces were bigger, as was the box office, but can this film rev higher than the last installment? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out–and then come back next Tuesday as we conclude the serious with a review of Furious 7!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF06.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys EXCLUSIVE Iron Man Mark VII – Stealth Edition
Years ago at San Diego Comic-Con Hot Toys showed the Iron Man — Stealth Armor. Years passed with no word on if this armor was continued or cancelled. Hot Toys delved into their House Party Protocol of armors but still no word on the more comic-based blue and black Stealth armor. Until now. Now it’s a MOVIE PROMO EDITION collectible figure, only be available exclusively in selected markets during upcoming promotion events period in different countries… but you can order it now at Sideshow Collectibles!
The Mark VII (Stealth Mode Version) Collectible Figure is highly detailed featuring multiple layers and various shades of metallic and matte black color with digital camouflage design, translucent black chest armor and articulated flaps on back of legs, Stark Industries decals at various parts of the armor, LED light-up functions, interchangeable armor parts, and a specially designed dynamic figure stand.
This stylish stealth mode version Mark VII collectible figure will be a great addition to your Iron Man collection!
The 1/6th scale Mark VII (Stealth Mode Version) Collectible Figure features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Mark VII in stealth mode
- – Specially applied multiple layers and shades of metallic and matte black-colored painting with digital camouflage design on armor
- – Translucent black removable chest armor and articulated flaps on back of legs
- – Approximately 30 cm tall
- – Over 30 points of articulations
- – LED-lighted eyes and circle-shaped Arc Reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
- – Stark Industries decals on various parts of the armor
- – One (1) pair of interchangeable forearm rockets
- – One (1) pair of interchangeable wrist guards for posing with repulsor firing palms
- – Three (3) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
- – One (1) pair with movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of repulsor firing palms with light-up function (white light, battery operated)
- – Two (2) sets of interchangeable shoulder armors (normal & missile styles)
- – Articulations on waist armor which allow flexible movement
- – Fully deployable air flaps on the back of the armor
Accessory:
- – Specially designed dynamic figure stand with Mark VII nameplate and movie logo
The Avengers Movie Promo Series Iron Man sold out in ONE NIGHT, so don’t wait–don’t let the weekend pass without getting your order in today! (And if it’s waitlisted, get on that waitslist–the sooner you sign up the better your chances!)
Good Luck!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys’ Hawkeye from Avengers: Age of Ultron
Take aim on Hot Toys’ newest 1/6 Scale Avengers MMS figure — Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye.
The release of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron is coming closer and closer! Fans are all pumped to see the Earth’s mightiest heroes assembling again to save the world from the menacing artificial intelligence Ultron! Following last week’s pre-order of Black Widow, Hot Toys is thrilled to present the widely-anticipated 1/6th scale Hawkeye Collectible Figure!
The only previous Hawkeye Hot Toys figure was made for the original Avengers film, and while it took a while to sell out that figure now sells for over $400 on eBay! This is a chance for fans of the Hawk to finally get this Jeremy Renner likeness at a reasonable price!
The movie-accurate Hawkeye Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in Avengers: Age of Ultron, featuring a newly developed head sculpt, new outfit, improved articulations for action poses, freshly designed bow and arrows, and a specially designed figure stand.
Expand your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection with this extraordinary marksman!
Hot Toys – MMS289 – Avengers: Age of Ultron 1/6th scale Hawkeye Collectible Figure Features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in Avengers: Age of Ultron
- – Approximately 30 cm tall
- – Body with over 30 points of articulations
- – Movie-accurate facial features with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
- – Six (6) pieces of interchangeable palms with finger tabs on left palms including:
- – One (1) pair of relaxed palms
- – One (1) right palm for holding bow
- – Three (3) left palms of different styles for holding arrow
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
- – One (1) dark burgundy long sleeves top
- – One (1) black and dark burgundy long jacket with straps and guards
- – One (1) pair of navy blue pants with belts on waist and straps on thighs
- – One (1) pair of black boots
Weapons:
- – One (1) fully-opened purple and black colored bow
- – One (1) folded purple and black colored bow
- – One (1) speed loader with nine (9) arrows
- – Thirteen (13) individual arrows and nine (9) interchangeable arrowheads of different styles
Accessories:
- – One (1) quiver
- – One (1) pair of arrow speed loaders
- – One (1) pair of sunglasses
- – Specially-designed figure stand with Hawkeye nameplate and the movie logo
Artists:
- – Head Sculpted by So Young, Lee
- – Head Painted by JC. Hong
- – Head Art Directed by JC. Hong
This figure is due to ship later this year, so place your order now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Star Wars Episode VII: The Toys Awaken
Star Wars Action News forum member Niklab wrote in with an interesting find–the Target DCPI information for loads of Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys!
He has broken down the toys into categories based on descriptions, and you can find the item stock number, Target price, and more below!
Some observations:
1) The good news is Star Wars figures will continue to be in 3.75-inch scale! After Hasbro experimented with 2.5-inch figures for Guardians of the Galaxy and the current Avengers: Age of Ultron toy lines, Star Wars fans feared Hasbro may follow suit with the Episode VII line. But there are no signs of 2.5-inch toys and, in fact, there are even vehicle assortments in the 3.75-inch scale!
2) The 6-inch toy line will continue, which seemed a given with Hasbro’s push for that new scale of collector-oriented figure. Still, it is nice to have confirmation.
3) Though we will have 3.75-inch figures, odds are collectors spoiled by the super-articulated figures released between 2005 and 2013 will be disappointed. The Black Series 3.75-inch line has a MSRP of $9.99 and many Target stores sell them at $12.99 or above. To see these new 3.75-inch figures priced at $7.99 indicates they will likely have greatly reduced articulation (though perhaps more than 4 points, as these are more expensive than the current “Mission Series” figures).
From role-play toys to Micro Machines and Die Cast vehicles, there will be something for everyone to collect–and likely too much for any one person to afford!
Read on for all the details!
3.75″ FIGURE SYSTEM
3.75″ BASIC FIGURES
087-06-3658 SW E7 3.75 Single Fig
3.75″ SYSTEM VEHICLES
087-06-3662 E7 Class 1 Vehicle
087-06-3663 E7 Class 1 Dlx Vehicle
087-06-3664 Class II Vehicle
6″ FIGURE SYSTEM
087-06-3670 Black Series 6″
087-06-3696 SW Black series 6in Fig 2. 39.99$
12″ HERO SERIES FIGURE SYSTEM
087-06-3681 SW EP 7 Hero Series fig. 9.99$
087-06-3694 SW E7 Hero Series Fig 6. 49.99$
HERO MASHERS
087-06-3675 SW Hero Mashers.
087-06-3676 SW Hero Mashers Dlx. 14.99$
ROLE PLAY
087-06-3644 SW Extendable Lightsaber
087-06-3645 SW E7 Mask asst
087-06-3646 SW Villain Extendable Lightsaber 12.99$
087-06-3647 SW Nerf Foam Lightsaber
087-06-3648 SW Electronic Lightsaber
087-06-3649 SW Villain Electronic (mask) 34.99$
087-06-3650 SW Villain Dlx Lightsaber
087-06-3651 SW Alien Electronic Mask 29.99$
087-06-3652 SW Darth Vader Voice changing Helmet 34.99$
087-06-3653 SW Signature Lightsaber
087-06-3654 SW E7 Ammo Refill
087-06-3655 SW Villain Trooper Whit 12.99$
087-06-3656 SW Sidekick Alien Blaster 24.99$
087-06-3657 SW Villain Trooper Whit 39.99$
087-06-3672 Toy constrc SW 2
087-06-3674 SW EP II Yoda Lightsaber.
087-06-3695 SW choose yr destiny lightsaber. 49.99$
087-06-3697 SW E7 Darth Vader Lightsaber. 44.99$
MICRO MACHINES
087-06-3684 SW vehicle blind bag. 2.49$
087-06-3685 SW vehicle 3 pack.
087-06-3686 SW MM Dlx vehicle asst. 9.99$
087-06-3688 SW E7 MM Battle Set.
ASSORTED / UNIDENTIFIED
3659 – 3661 had no information, only prices.
3677-3680 no info
087-06-3668 Black Series Die Cast
087-06-3689 SW Collectable
087-06-3692 SW E7 RC Lead Hero Droid. 79.99$
087-06-3693 Furby E7 Sidekick Alien.
Fast Five
Director Justin Lin had one thought going into his third Fast and Furious movie–what if they didn’t make it a Fast and Furious film. Rather than focusing on fast cars and racing, Fast Five becomes an action film involving drug dealers and spectacular chases. Culling a cadre of characters from the first four films, and adding The Rock as a new nemesis for Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, Fast Five set a new course for the franchise. How does this film rank for action? Listen and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF05.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Black Widow from Avengers – Age Of Ultron
Pre-orders are up now for the next Hot Toys 1/6 Scale Avenger figure from Age of Ultron — Black Widow
The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in the film featuring a newly painted head sculpt with short curly brownish-red real fabric hair, newly tailored costume with leather-like trims and blue highlights, detailed new weapons and accessories.
Don’t forget to add the lethal female agent to your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
The 1/6th scale Black Widow Collectible Figure features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Newly painted head sculpt with movie-accurate facial expression and make-up
– Short curly brownish-red real fabric hair implantation
– Body with over 28 points of articulations
– Approximately 28 cm tall
– Eight (8) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms
– One (1) pair of palms for holding pistols
– One (1) pair of fists for holding batons
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume :
– One-piece black colored jumpsuit with leather-like trims and blue highlights
– One (1) pair of red-colored wrist guards with Widow’s Bite bracelets
– One (1) black belt with Black Widow’s emblem
– One (1) gun holster on thigh
– One (1) pair of black colored platform boots with buckles
Weapons:
– Two (2) blasters
– Two (2) batons with real-like electric effect
– One (1) pistol
– One (1) dagger
Accessories:
– One (1) pair of real-like electric shock effect accessories
– One (1) pair of baton handles
– Specially-designed figure stand with Black Widow nameplate and the movie logo
Place your pre-order now at Sideshow Collectibles–the only authorized Hot Toys reseller in the US!
Fast and Furious
After the third Fast and Furious movie crashed at the box office the series could have run out of gas for good–until original stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker returned to give it a jump start! With the two headliners returning, as well as supporting cast Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, plus Justin Lin back behind the camera, audiences hit the NOS to get to theaters! Will this film live up to the hype? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF04.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow Exclusive Black Widow Premium Format — Limited to 200 Pieces!
Last year Sideshow released their Black Widow Premium Format…and now they’re doing a variant in the white outfit! LIMITED TO 200 PIECES!
The black-clad version of this statue was one of last year’s best, so hurry if you want the white one
–it ships NOW!
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
The third Fast and Furious film took a sharp turn, leaving the series’ previous actors in the dust to tell a new story about a rebellious teen racing on the streets of Tokyo. The series has a new star, a new style of racing, and a new director in Justin Lin–who would return for three more Fast and Furious installments. Does the third movie in this series have the Now Playing hosts turning Japanese? Listen now to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF03.mp3
They Live
We live in a world where collusion among the rich destroy the middle class and keep the poor as working cattle. Everyone knows that. But in They Live it’s revealed that the elite are actually working with aliens and using the media to hypnotize us and keep us subservient. Can a construction worker named Nada, played by WWF’s Rowdy Roddy Piper, save the world? Listen now to find out in our review of John Carpenter’s 1988 cult classic.
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP049-TheyLive.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow Darth Vader Premium Format Figure
Sideshow Collectibles has put up for pre-order their latest 1/4 scale Premium Format Figure in the Star Wars line — Darth Vader.
Inspired by one of the most climactic duels in cinematic history, Darth Vader descends the steps of a Death Star themed base. With his light-up crimson lightsaber at the ready, the commanding villain is prepared to engage in mortal combat and claim victory for the Galactic Empire. Every detail of the Sith Lords costume, from his iconic helmet to his sweeping black cape, have been faithfully recreated as seen on screen in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
The figure stands 26.5-inches high with the giant base, and is the first time in nearly 10 years that Sideshow has offered the most iconic of all Star Wars characters. So place your order now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys MMS Hulkbuster Iron Man from Avengers: Age of Ultron
This is the Iron Man armor you have been waiting for! Ever since the first official appearance of the massive anti-Hulk Iron Man suit, Hulkbuster, in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer, fans worldwide have been filled with excitement! Its fight against Hulk is an unforgettable moment from the clip and pushes the popularity of the huge machine to a new level even before the movie launch!
Today, Hot Toys, through Sideshow Collectibles, has put up for pre-order the collectible figure that many fans and collectors have been longing for – the spectacular 1/6th scale Hulkbuster Collectible Figure!
The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Hulkbuster in Avengers: Age of Ultron. This colossal figure stands approximately 55 cm (21 inches) tall, featuring a Mark XLIII bust inside the Hulkbuster with LED light-up eyes and arc reactor on chest. The metallic red, gold and silver armor with weathering effect, and over 16 LED light-up areas located in the eyes, chest, repulsor palms, back, and legs.
Partnered with Hot Toys Avengers: Age of Ultron Incredible Hulk figure you have a display that would be the centerpiece of any collection–and make friends drool with envy!
You’ll need to make room for this gigantic machine in your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
The 1/6th scale Hulkbuster Collectible Figure features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Hulkbuster in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Approximately 55 cm tall (approximately 21 inches)
– Special features on armor:
– Chest can be opened to reveal the Mark XLIII bust with LED light-up eyes and arc reactor on chest
– Metallic red, gold and silver colored painting on armor with weathering effect
– Over 30 points of articulation
– Over 16 LED light-up areas located in the eyes, arc reactor on chest, repulsor palms, back, and legs (white light, battery operated)
– Shoulder armors can be opened
– Interchangeable neck armor for when displaying the Mark XLIII bust
– One (1) pair of removable forearm armors
– One (1) pair of hands with movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
Release date: Q1 – Q2, 2016
2 Fast 2 Furious
When The Fast and The Furious raced up the box office Universal Pictures thought they had a franchise on their hands and hit the NOS for a sequel–with or without Vin Diesel. So for 2 Fast 2 Furious Paul Walker returns as Brian O’Connor, once again going undercover to bring down a criminal mastermind. This time, though, Brian’s trash-talking bald-headed partner isn’t Dominic Turetto, but Roman Pierce played by R&B singer Tyrese Gibson. Helmed by Oscar nominated director John Singleton, is this sequel Carz in the Hood, or did this cash-grab get the Shaft? Race to NowPlayingPodcast.com to hear this review and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF02.mp3
The Incredibles
Pixar films including Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo, had been smash hits. But could this success that worked on toys, fish, bugs, and beasts, work for a movie starring a roster of human characters? That was the risk they took with The Incredibles — Pixar’s first superhero film. The gamble worked and Pixar had another hit, but how does this film hold up more than 10 years later? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP048-Incredibles.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Hulk MMS from Avengers: Age of Ultron
He’s always angry!
In the upcoming eagerly-awaited Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Earth is in danger again as the evil artificial intelligence Ultron is set on wiping out all life on the planet, and it is up to the Earth’s mightiest heroes to stop the terrible fate from happening.
Now Hot Toys has announced the new Avengers: Age of Ultron 1/6th scale Hulk Collectible Figure! The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron featuring a newly developed screaming head sculpt with rolling eyeballs, and a specially painted muscular body.
And there are two ordering options for this figure! You can order the Hulk Sixth Scale Figure now for $274.99 or get the Hulk Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure Set for $374.99!
The 1/6th scale Hulk Collectible Figure (available in both sets) features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron with separate rolling eyeballs. This head shows his screaming look with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
– Approximately 42 cm tall
– Giant green-skinned muscular body featuring detailed skin texture and tendons, with over 20 points of articulations, built-in joints in neck and arms which allow flexible movement
– Two (2) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms with movable fingers
– One (1) pair of forceful fists
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
– One (1) pair of grey shorts with texture
But if you order the Hulk Deluxe Marvel Sixth Scale Figure Set you get the figure and accessories detailed above, and
– A second newly developed angry head with separate rolling eyeballs (this one is snarling, not screaming)
– An interchangable non-articulated Hulk smash pose giant green-skinned muscular upper body (to show off Hulk with no articulation poitns visible)
Don’t miss out on adding the incredible Hulk to your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection! Order now at Sideshow Collectibles site!
The Fast and the Furious
An undercover police officer infiltrates a group of thieves, but can he resist the lure of the subculture and do his duty? No, we’re not talking the Keanu Reeves/Patrick Swayze film Point Break–we’re reviewing the 2001 car racing film The Fast and The Furious. Starring Vin Diesel, fresh off the success of Pitch Black, the film raced to box office success and launched a billion-dollar franchise. But is there more to this film than fast cars and attractive women? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF01.mp3
Liam Neeson Brings Non-Stop Stupidity
Please, Liam…make it stop!
Is Liam Neeson consciously trying to emulate Nicolas Cage’s career path? Both actors won Academy Awards for dramatic roles, and then signed up for a series of increasingly inane action films until all the credibility they once had is gone.
Neeson continues his descent with Non-Stop in which he plays alcoholic Air Marshall Bill (not to be confused with Jim Carrey’s Fire Marshall Bill). Bill’s personal problems impact his professional career when he receives an anonymous text threatening one person on the flight will die every 20 minutes if $150 million isn’t deposited into an account. Worse, this mysterious mastermind is framing Bill for the plot, setting up a fake account in the Air Marshall’s name.
The film kept me on the edge of my seat, not because I cared about Bill or any of the other passengers, but because I really wanted an explanation of how these faceless felons pulled off such a trick. Yet the film never bothers trying to explain the “how”, possibly realizing the entire story is so outlandish that it’s pointless to try and explain it away. In short–if you care about plot you shouldn’t be watching this film, and the filmmakers know it. Truly, this film is Non-Stop stupidity.
Worst of all Julianne Moore is completely wasted in a role far beneath an actress of her stature and ability. I’d like to call her a red hair-ring but she doesn’t even rise to that level.
Truthfully I watched most of this film completely ambivalent. Midway through I tried to decide if that makes it a “recommend” or not. Then the film’s absurd climax happened. No answers may have been given as to how the criminals pulled their job, but the answer of how I rank this film was crystal clear.
Neeson’s career is not quite there, but if it continues its current path it will drop below 8,000 feet–which as the film tells me is such a dangerous altitude that fighter planes may scramble to shoot it down and prevent danger to civilians on the ground.
Where’s that A-Team sequel when Neeson needs it?
Strong Not Recommend.
Review: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
| Lex Luthor is the beloved President of the United States. Most of the world’s superheroes, including Power Girl and Captain Atom, are agents for his government. Refusing to join up, Superman and Batman are wanted criminals in the Warner Bros. animated movie Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.Based on the graphic novel by Joseph Loeb and Ed McGuinness, this alternate-universe story creates a low barrier of entry for any fan. I didn’t have to watch all the previous DC Universe animated films or the Batman and Superman animated series to follow what was going on. An engaging opening montage sets the stage for this alternate universe, and the focus is on the most well-known characters Luthor and Superman. | |
| But as the story progresses, Superman and Batman teaming up against heroes and villains alike. There are characters in this movie I’ve not thought of since I watched Challenge of the Super Friends in the 70s, including Solomon Grundy, Captain Cold and Black Manta. For fans of the DC universe this deep roster of characters including Starfire, Bane, Metallo, Giganta, and dozens moren. Plus there were many more characters I didn’t know but the comic fans would likely will be a treat to see in full-motion animation. Power Girl, voiced by Allison Mack, gets a critical role as well in her first film appearance (boob window in full effect).The story reminds me of the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us where heroes fight heroes and villains in mortal combat. It may be base, but it’s really fun to watch Superman punch out Shazam and Batman taking on Captain Atom. The story is not what keeps me engaged–it’s the action. In the end, it’s simply a fun film. | |
| The animation is detailed, not feature film quality but better than most TV shows. More than serviceable, it has moments of beauty. With so many character designs it’s impressive that each get detailed representations.The ending is very silly (involving a robot that is literally half Superman and half Batman, split down the middle like Prince in the “Batdance” video), but getting there is fun.
I finished this movie thinking next year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be damn lucky if it is as good as Public Enemies. Recommend. |
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Arnie is a movie critic for Now Playing Podcast, and host of the Marvel collecting podcast Marvelicious Toys.Hear Arnie review every Marvel Comics based film, and most DC Comics films, in the Archives at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Support Now Playing’s Kickstarter initiative — Underrated Movies We Recommend! Pledge today. |
Kingsman: The Secret Service
From the director of X-Men: First Class and Kick-Ass comes Kingsman: The Secret Service. Like Kick-Ass, this film is also based on an original comic by Mark Millar, but now the pair are focusing on a young man trying to join an independent group of spies who pose as tailors. With a combination of new faces and established actors like Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson, does this new movie also kick ass? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP047-KingsmanTheSecretService.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Avengers: Age of Ultron – Ultron Prime 1/6 Scale MMS Figure
There are no strings on me.
Up for pre-order now is the next sixth-scale Avengers: Age of Ultron figure from Hot Toys — Ultron Prime
Since the first official release of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer, the film’s titular villain Ultron’s menacing appearance and memorable speech has grabbed many fans’ attention and left wondering how the Earth’s mightiest heroes can stand up against this highly dangerous robot and its large army.
With the epic blockbuster just few short months away from hitting theatres worldwide, Hot Toys is very excited to “show you something beautiful” today, the 1/6th scale Ultron Prime Collectible Figure, that many fans and collectors have eagerly awaited to see!
The movie-accurate Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Ultron Prime in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It stands approximately 41 cm tall, featuring a newly developed head sculpt and body with mechanical details, LED light-up head and upper body, and a specially designed Avengers: Age of Ultron logo figure base with LED light-up function!
This threatening villain will have great presence in your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
The 1/6th scale Ultron Prime Collectible Figure specially features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Ultron Prime in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Movie-accurate sculpture with mechanical details
– Silver colored painting on armor
– LED light-up head sculpt and upper body (red light, battery operated)
– Approximately 41 cm tall
– Newly developed body with over 30 points of articulations
– One (1) pair of palms with movable fingers
Accessory:
– Specially-designed Avengers: Age of Ultron figure stand with LED light-up function (red light, battery operated)
So get your order placed now with Sideshow Collectibles — no strings attached!
Boyhood
The making of this film is unlike any other: director Richard Linklater and his stars convened annually over the span of twelve years to make a movie about a boy growing into a man. The sheer scope and complexity of the project is enormous, but it was completed when Boyhood hit theaters in 2014. But with all the behind-the-scenes complexity, was the final film worth it? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie in this review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP046-Boyhood.mp3
New Podcast: Now Playing – Boyhood
The making of this film is unlike any other: director Richard Linklater and his stars convened annually over the span of twelve years to make a movie about a boy growing into a man. The sheer scope and complexity of the project is enormous, but it was completed when Boyhood hit theaters in 2014. But with all the behind-the-scenes complexity, was the final film worth it? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie in this review to find out!
Arnie C: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPP046-Boyhood.MP3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Artist Mix Figures – Hulkbuster Iron Man, Captain America, Ultron, and More
The new Hot Toys’ collectible figure line, Artist Mix Figures, are now available for pre-order at Sideshow Collectibles!
As the name suggests, Hot Toys will collaborate with different artists and designers from various spectrums to re-imagine movie characters in a special art form with unique style.
To kick-off the Artist Mix Collection, Hot Toys is joining hands with famous Japanese toy artist Touma and introducing a number of Artist Mix Figures based on one of the biggest movies of 2015 – Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron!
This first series includes Iron Man Mark XLIII, Captain America, Hulkbuster, Ultron Prime, and two versions of Ultron Sentry!- Version A and Version B
In celebrating the launch of this new collectible series, a deluxe set will be available that includes the powerful Hulkbuster and Mark XLIII (Battle Damaged Version) which is exclusive to this figures set.
Each Artist Mix Figure has a bobble-head and stands approximately 14cm, or 5.5 inches, tall (Hulkbuster stands approximately 20cm, or 11.8 inches, tall) and perfectly combines the movie characters’ designs with Touma’s distinctive art style!
Touma is a Japanese toys character designer. He started his career at a video game company 10 years ago. In 2001, he established his own workshop and started to become a figurine artist. He had his solo exhibitions and autograph sessions not only in Japan, but also in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and America. He collaborated with many major brands such as MONSTER HUNTER, STAR WARS, TRANSFORMERS, AVP, GODZILLA, POWER RANGERS, and more.
Recently, Touma and his 3D animation partner Shiroma collaborated with Hot Toys for the first time to ignite the Artist Mix Collection series to further expand the diversity of mini figures collection. The series is based on the 2015 Marvel Studios blockbuster, Avengers: Age of Ultron, which perfectly blends the iconic characters with Touma’s unique design style.
These Artist Mix Figures will look great on your shelves or desk, so don’t miss the chance to expand your Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different
**Product details could be subjected to change without further notice
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE DUCK — April brings 20 WHAT THE DUCK?! Variant Covers from Marvel
April is WTD Certified For WHAT THE DUCK?! Variant Covers!
Howard the Duck Waddles Into Your Favorite Marvel Comics for Special April Variants!
New York, NY — February 4th, 2015 — Sure, the highly anticipated HOWARD THE DUCK #1 from Chip Zdarsky and Joe Quinones hits comic shops in March, but Marvel is keeping the celebration going all the way into April! Today, Marvel is proud to unveil WHAT THE DUCK?! Month – a series of 20 special variant covers for April featuring that fabulous fowl, Howard The Duck! Now is your chance to see some of the most popular artists in the industry provide their own spin on that magnificent mallard!
“Response to the announcement of the new Howard the Duck series has been staggering,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “There were so many talented artists eager to take a quack at drawing a Howard cover we couldn’t resist building an entire variant month around him. This April is going to be WTD certified!”
Today, Marvel is excited to reveal the following WTD Variants by some of Marvel’s greatest cover artists:
· All-New Hawkeye #2 – WTD Variant Cover by Francesco Francavilla
· Amazing Spider-Man #17 – WTD Variant Cover by W. Scott Forbes
· R
ocket Raccoon #10 – WTD Variant Cover by Rob Guillory
· Uncanny Inhumans #0 – WTD Variant Cover by Christian Ward
Look for these additional WTD Variants to grace the covers of these exciting Marvel comics throughout the month of April:
· All-New Captain America #6
· All-New X-Men #41
· Ant-Man #4
· Daredevil #15
· Deadpool #45 (a.k.a. Deadpool #250)
· Guardians of the Galaxy #26
· Hulk #14
· Inhuman #14
· 
Legendary Star-Lord #11
· Ms. Marvel #14
· S.H.I.E.L.D. #5
· Silk #3
· Spider-Gwen #3
· Superior Iron Man #7
· Thor #7
· Uncanny Avengers #4
No fan can afford to miss out on these exciting variant covers featuring the one and only web-footed wonder! Run, don’t walk to your comic shops this April to get your hands on these can’t miss WHAT THE DUCK?! Variant Covers!
Before Midnight
It’s been 18 years since Céline and Jesse met on that Vienna-bound train, both in real life and for the two fictional characters played by Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. But where has time taken these two characters? The Before… films are Richard Linklater’s precursor to boyhood, returning with the same characters and actors in 1995, 2004, and again most recently in 2013, but has the series grown better with age? Join Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart as they review the final film in this series to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPBEFORE03.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Age of Ultron Captain America Figure
The movie-accurate Captain America Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers in Avengers: Age of Ultron, featuring a newly painted helmeted head sculpt, a newly painted Steve Rogers head sculpt, finely tailored Captain America suit, magnetic metal Captain America shield with retractable handles, and a specially designed figure stand.
Before Sunset
It was unexpected that Before Sunrise, the 1995 indie romance film, would get a sequel. Long discussed by stars and director alike, the thought of Céline and Jesse reuniting on screen seemed impossible. Yet in in 2004, nine years after the original’s release, audiences were able to reconnect with these two characters. Did the two reunite in Vienna on that train platform, and what are these two like now that they’re older? Can they recapture the magic their relationship once held, and can Linklater recapture audience affection for these two lovers? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPBEFORE02.mp3
Hot Toys – MMS281- Avengers: Age of Ultron – 1/6th scale Captain America Collectible Figure
The movie-accurate Captain America Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers in Avengers: Age of Ultron, featuring a newly painted helmeted head sculpt, a newly painted Steve Rogers head sculpt, finely tailored Captain America suit, magnetic metal Captain America shield with retractable handles, and a specially designed figure stand.
Before Sunrise
It is rare for a romance film to get a sequel, but Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise actually got two! Released in 1995, the movie tells of two strangers, Jesse and Céline, and their one night together in Vienna. But nine years later the couple returned in Before Sunset, and then in 2013 their story continued in Before Midnight. What is it about this saga that keeps the actors, director, and audiences coming back for more? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPBEFORE01.mp3
Several Oscar Nominated Films Reviewed by Now Playing Podcast
The Academy Award nominees have been announced, and Now Playing Podcast has reviewed (or will soon be reviewing) several nominees!
Boyhood, directed by Richard Linklater, is one of the leading films of the year. The film earned six nominations; only three films beat that number this year. The film, which Linklater filmed over a span of 12 years, is up for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ethan Hawke), Best Supporting Actress (Patricia Arquette), Best Editing, Best Director, and Best Screenplay!
Our review of is film will be posted at NowPlayingPodcast.com on Feb 10, but we start leading up to that next week! Starting January 20th we begin reviewing Linklater’s Before trilogy of films: Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight — all directed by Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke.
Big Hero 6 is up for Best Animated Film. Do the Now Playing Hosts agree? That review is out now at NowPlayingPodcast.com (additionally Feast is up for Best Animated Short and we discussed that in our Big Hero 6 review as well!)
Interstellar was blocked from the big categories but did get Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Score and, most unexpectedly, Best Sound Editing and Sound Mixing (did they hear that film right???? Were the screener DVDs mixed differently??) . That review is up now in the Now Playing archives, along with every other film Christopher Nolan has reviewed!
Guardians of the Galaxy may have won top spot in the 2014 box office, but the Academy only nominated Marvel’s blockbuster film in two technical categories: Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Visual Effects. (I rewatched the film over the holidays and that the film did not get Best Costume Design is a travesty–those outfits were intricate and varied). You can hear our review of this film now!
Also nominated for Best Visual Effects were Captain America: The Winter Soldier and X-Men: Days of Future Past, both of which we reviewed as part of our ongoing Marvel Movie Retrospective.
Now Playing Podcast donors who took part in our Spring Donation Drive also heard our review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, but that review is no longer available as the donation drive has completed.
The full list of nominees for The 87th Annual Academy Awards are:
Best Picture
- American Sniper
- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- Boyhood
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- The Imitation Game
- Selma
- The Theory of Everything
- Whiplash
Actor in a Leading Role
- Steve Carell for Foxcatcher
- Bradley Cooper for American Sniper (Hear us discuss Cooper in our reviews of Guardians of the Galaxy and The Midnight Meat Train)
- Benedict Cumberbatch for The Imitation Game (Hear us discuss Cumberbatch in our review of Star Trek Into Darkness)
- Michael Keaton for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (Hear us talk about Keaton playing a different winged hero in our reviews of Batman and Batman Returns, and he also featured in the remake of Robocop)
- Eddie Redmayne for The Theory of Everything
Actress in a Leading Role
- Marion Cotillard for Two Days, One Night (Hear us review her turn as the evil Talia al Ghul in The Dark Knight Rises and also her role in Christopher Nolan’s Inception)
- Felicity Jones for The Theory of Everything (We discussed her blink-and-you-miss-it turn in The Amazing Spider-Man 2)
- Julianne Moore for Still Alice (We recently reviewed Moore for her role in the remake of Carrie, as well as her work in Next and Hannibal)
- Rosamund Pike for Gone Girl (Hear us discuss this former Bond Girl’s work in Die Another Day)
- Reese Witherspoon for Wild
Actor in a Supporting Role
- Robert Duvall for The Judge
- Ethan Hawke for Boyhood (Hear us discuss Hawke in the upcoming Now Playing Before Sunrise Retrospective Series, starting Jan. 20!)
- Edward Norton for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (We reviewed Norton’s work in Fight Club, plus his one-and-done turn as The Incredible Hulk)
- Mark Ruffalo for Foxcatcher (We first discussed this star of 13 Going on 30 in our review of Shutter Island, as well as his work replacing Norton as The Hulk in The Avengers and Iron Man 3)
- J.K. Simmons for Whiplash (We reviewed the Farmer’s Insurance salesman for his role of J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films)
Actress in a Supporting Role
- Patricia Arquette for Boyhood (We reviewed her first big-screen role in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors)
- Laura Dern for Wild
- Keira Knightly for The Imitation Game
- Emma Stone for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (We reviewed her performances in both of the Amazing Spider-Man films)
- Meryl Streep for Into the Woods
Animated Feature Film
- Big Hero 6
- The Boxtrolls
- How to Train Your Dragon 2
- Song of the Sea
- The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Cinematography
- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Ida
- Mr. Turner
- Unbroken
Costume Design
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Inherent Vice
- Into the Woods
- Maleficent
- Mr. Turner
Directing
- Alejandro G Iñárritu for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- Richard Linklater for Boyhood
- Bennett Miller for Foxcatcher
- Wes Anderson for The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Morten Tyldum for The Imitation Game
Documentary Feature
- CitizenFour
- Finding Vivian Maier
- Last Days in Vietnam
- The Salt of the Earth
- Virunga
Documentary Short Subject
- Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1
- Joanna
- Our Curse
- The Reaper (La Parka)
- White Earth
Film Editing
- American Sniper
- Boyhood
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- The Imitation Game
- Whiplash
Foreign Language Film
- Ida
- Leviathan
- Tangerines
- Timbuktu
- Wild Tales
Makeup and Hairstyling
- Foxcatcher
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Guardians of the Galaxy
Music – Original Score
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- The Imitation Game
- Interstellar
- Mr. Turner
- The Theory of Everything
Music – Original Song
- “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie
- “Glory” from Selma
- “Grateful” from Beyond the Lights
- “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” from Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me
- “Lost Stars” from Begin Again
Production Design
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- The Imitation Game
- Interstellar
- Into the Woods
- Mr. Turner
Short Film – Animated
- The Bigger Picture
- The Dam Keeper
- Feast
- Me and My Moulton
- A Single Life
Short Film – Live Action
- Aya
- Boogaloo and Graham
- Butter Lamp (La Lampe au Beurre de Yak)
- Parveneh
- The Phone Call
Sound Editing
- American Sniper
- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
- Interstellar
- Unbroken
Sound Mixing
- American Sniper
- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- Interstellar
- Unbroken
- Whiplash
Visual Effects
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Interstellar
- X-Men: Days of Future Past
Writing – Adapted Screenplay
- American Sniper by Jason Hall
- The Imitation Game by Graham Moore
- Inherent Vice by Paul Thomas Anderson
- The Theory of Everything by Anthony McCarten
- Whiplash by Damien Chazelle
Writing – Original Screenplay
- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) by Alejandro G Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. and Armando Bo
- Boyhood by Richard Linklater
- Foxcatcher by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman
- The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson, Story by Wes Anderson and Hugo Guinness
- Nightcrawler by Dan Gilroy
VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE from Anchor Bay Entertainment and Amplify — Get your game on February 3rd on DVD!
ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT AND AMPLIFY PRESENT
VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE
AVAILABLE ON DVD ON FEBRUARY 3rd
Executive Produced By Zach Braff, Video Games: The Movie Features Gamer And Geek Icons Chris Hardwick, Donald Faison, Wil Wheaton, And More!
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Anchor Bay Entertainment and Amplify present Jeremy Snead’s VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE, the fascinating chronicle of the meteoric rise of video games from nerd niche to multi-billion dollar industry. Executive produced by Zach Braff (Garden State, “Scrubs”) and narrated by Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), the documentary features in-depth interviews with some of the industry’s biggest gamer and geek icons. A celebration of gaming from Atari to Xbox, as well as an eye-opening look at what lies ahead, VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE will be available on DVD on February 3, 2015 for an SRP of $22.98.
VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE features interviews with the godfathers who started it all, the icons of game design, and the geek gurus who are leading us into the future, including Nolan Bushnell (Atari, Inc.), Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist Podcast), Donald Faison (Kick-Ass 2, “Scrubs”), Cliff Bleszinski (“Gears of War,” “Unreal”), Warren Spector (“Deus Ex,” “System Shock”), Hiroyuki Kobayashi (“Resident Evil”), Clare Grant (Danger Maiden Productions, Team Unicorn), Doug Tennapel (“Earthworm Jim”), Palmer Luckey (Oculus Rift), Wil Wheaton (Stand By Me, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”), and Alison Haislip (“Attack of the Show”). The documentary made its way to the big screen via a successfully-funded Kickstarter campaign, which raised more than $100,000 in just 35 days.
VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE DVD special features include a Sean Astin mashup and Why We Love Games featurette.
VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE DVD
Street February 3, 2015
Pre-book: December 31, 2014
Catalog #: DV62685
UPC: 01313262685780
Run time: 101 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
SRP: $22.98
Format: Anamorphic Widescreen
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
The Dead Zone
After the box office success of Carrie and The Shining move movies based on Stephen King’s writings were a guarantee. And following in the footsteps of Brian DePalma and Stanley Kubrick came other stylistic directors, including John Carpenter, Rob Reiner, and David Cronenberg–director of The Dead Zone. Starring Christopher Walken as a psychic trying to stop nuclear war, the film continued King’s success in theaters. Does the film hold up over thirty years later? You don’t have to see the future to know–just listen to this episode of Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP045-King-DeadZone.mp3
FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES ACQUIRES NOAH BAUMBACH’S “MISTRESS AMERICA”
FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES ACQUIRES
NOAH BAUMBACH’S “MISTRESS AMERICA”
STARRING GRETA GERWIG AND
INTRODUCING LOLA KIRKE
Specialty Arm Acquires Worldwide Rights to Comedy, Financed by RT Features
LOS ANGELES, CA January 9, 2015 – Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula announced today that the company has acquired worldwide rights to the comedy MISTRESS AMERICA, starring Golden Globe nominated Greta Gerwig and newcomer Lola Kirke. Directed by Oscar nominated Noah Baumbach and written by Baumbach and Gerwig, the film is produced by Baumbach, Scott Rudin, Lila Yacoub, Rodrigo Teixera, and Gerwig. The film will have its world premiere at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival and is scheduled to be released in 2015.
“Noah’s distinct cinematic voice and keen sense of humor are an ideal fit for what we do at Searchlight. We are thrilled to be working with Noah and Greta and couldn’t be more excited to be taking their new collaboration to audiences,” said Gilula and Utley.
“We’re so excited about Noah’s film, and Fox Searchlight as its distributor is just the perfect match,” said RT Features’ Rodrigo Teixera.
In MISTRESS AMERICA, Tracy (Lola Kirke) is a lonely college freshman in New York, having neither the exciting university experience nor the glamorous metropolitan lifestyle she envisioned. But when she is taken in by her soon-to-be stepsister, Brooke (Greta Gerwig) – a resident of Times Square and adventurous gal about town – she is rescued from her disappointment and seduced by Brooke’s alluringly mad schemes.
The deal was brokered by Fox Searchlight’s Executive Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions, Tony Safford, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Megan O’Brien and Senior Vice President of Acquisitions & Co-Productions Ray Strache, and UTA Independent Film Group, which represented the filmmakers and arranged the film’s financing.
Since 2008, RT Features has been focused on developing, producing and financing international projects such as FRANCES HA by Noah Baumbach, LOVE IS STRANGE by Ira Sachs and the next project from James Gray. In 2014, RT announced a venture with Sikelia Productions, launching a fund to finance and produce projects by emerging filmmakers.
Fox Searchlight Pictures is a specialty film company that both finances and acquires motion pictures. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and its films are distributed internationally by Twentieth Century Fox. Fox Searchlight Pictures is a unit of 20th Century Fox Film.
Ocean’s Thirteen
“You think we need one more? You think we need one more. All right, we’ll get one more.” That quote, from 2001’s Ocean’s Eleven, seems like it could be the attitude going into Steven Soderberg’s star studded third and final installment in the Ocean’s series. The gang has now teamed up with former enemy Terry Benedict to rob a different Vegas casino. As an attempt to end the series on a high note, did this film hit the jackpot? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPO1104.mp3
New Trailer : BUDDY HUTCHINS starring Jamie Kennedy
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Named one of Wicked Channel’s Top 25 Films of 2014, Buddy Hutchins features Jamie Kennedy (Scream, TVs Ghost Whisperer) as you’ve never seen him before!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys 1/6 Scale Darth Vader
Hot Toys’ newest 1/6 scale Star Wars figure is up for pre-order now: Darth Vader.
Darth Vader is one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars saga and has frequently been regarded as one of the greatest villains in cinema history. Following the release of “The Circle is Now Complete’ teaser earlier last month, Star Wars fans have already been eagerly waiting for the official reveal of the Sith Lord!
And now Hot Toys is welcoming fans to the dark side and officially introduce the highly-detailed and amazingly-crafted Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope: 1/6th scale Darth Vader Collectible Figure complete with the Sith Lord’s iconic breathing sound effects and LED lighted functions!
The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope! It features a sophisticatedly-crafted Darth Vader armor and helmet, specially tailored suit, built-in sound effect function with Darth Vader’s breathing sound, LED-lighted lightsaber and belt, a finely-made Interrogator Droid, and a specially designed figure stand.
Embrace the dark side and add the infamous Dark Lord of the Sith to your Star Wars collection!
The figure comes with 9 interchangeable hands, a LED lit lightsaber, a special figure stand, and an Interrogator droid!
Continue your 1/6 Scale Hot Toys figure collection by ordering Darth Vader now from Sideshow Collectibles!
Is this an improvement over Sideshow’s own 1/6 scale Darth Vader? Let us know in the comments below!
Ocean’s Twelve
Director Steven Soderbergh won big with his Vegas film Ocean’s 11. So three years later he decided to double down, getting back the whole cast from the first film, including Clooney, Pitt, Damon, and Cheadle, and adding to it Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, and several more for a sequel Ocean’s 12. No longer based in Vegas, the crew globe-hops in an attempt to steal a Fabergé egg. Did Soderbergh’s bet pay off the second time around, or did he push his luck too far? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPO1103.MP3
The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies – A Podcast Preview
The Battle of the Five Armies may only have been about 50 pages in J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit but it is the focus of Peter Jackson’s third and final Hobbit film. It’s elves and humans versus dwarves and orcs, with a few special surprises thrown in! How does the Battle of Five Armies compare to the Battle for Middle Earth in Return of the King, and were three films warranted to tell the story from one novel? DONATE TO SUPPORT NOW PLAYING and you can listen and find out as Jakob, Stuart, and Arnie complete their Lord of the Rings Bonus Retrospective Series!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTR06TEASE.MP3
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
In 2001 it’s doubtful anyone was begging for a remake of the 60’s Rat Pack film Ocean’s 11. It was the cast that grabbed moviegoers’ attention, filled with leading men George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Brad Pitt, plus a strong supporting cast and Julia Roberts as the female lead. But such star-studded films can often be debacles where the fun is had on the set, but not translated on the screen. Can director Steven Soderbergh pull off this intricate heist? Join Now Playing’s Three — Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob — to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPO1102.mp3
Willow
A young farmer must learn magic and join with a rouge warrior to travel to far away lands and save the world. No, this isn’t a review of Star Wars, but Willow–the 1988 action-fantasy film based on a story by George Lucas. Though this film closely follows the Star Wars formula can it recreate that saga’s excitement? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out in their review of this tale of Leprechaun meets Lord of the Rings!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP044-Willow.mp3
We Are (Baby) Groot! Pre-Order Alert
Hot Toys Enters the Quarter Scale Marvel Market in a Small Way with the pre-order for the Little Groot Quarter Scale Figure.
In 2012 Hot Toys announced they held the license for Quarter Scale Marvel Figures. The company is widely known for their detailed (and expensive) Marvel sixth scale figures, including over 20 versions of Iron Man, and many collectors wondered what the cost of such items would be. Yet since the announcement Hot Toys has limited their 1/4 Scale releases to Iron Man busts. Now Hot Toys releases their first full figure in Quarter Scale, but it’s not Iron Man, nor any other humanoid creature–it’s Little Groot, as seen at the end of this year’s top-grossing film Guardians of the Galaxy.
In 1/4 scale, this potted Groot stands about 5.5-inches tall. Yet the figure is fully bendable allowing for a variety of poses. With three separate head sculpts you can have serious Groot, dancing Groot, or super-happy Groot!
The collector in me is worried about long-term wear on the figure from too much bending, but the Groot fan in me finds this too cute to prevent me from buying it!
At under $45 I think this figure would be Hot Toys’ top-selling figure of all time, except the market is flooded with baby Groot figures. Funko has their POP Vinyl version released; a low-cost animatronic dancing Baby Groot has surfaced at Wal Mart stores in the USA, KIDdesigns has a dancing Baby Groot shipping this Spring, Dragon has a full-scale Baby Groot Maquette, and Hot Toys themselves have already put up for pre-order two different Baby Groot figures in the 1/6 scale line–accessories with the Rocket and (full size, adult) Groot 2-figure set.
Still, at under $45 this is a great gift item that will likely sell quickly. So go GROOT yours now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Avengers: Age of Ultron Iron Man Mk XLIII
Hot Toys’ Movie Masterpiece Series Die Cast Iron Man Mk XLIII from the upcoming movie Avengers: Age of Ultron is now up for pre-order at Sideshow Collectibles, including the exclusive edition with a bonus helmet!
Age of Ultron is still almost five months away from its theatrical release, but fan excitement is high after the trailer premiered in October. As such Hot Toys seems to be accelerating their pre-order schedule. With the original Avengers film, as well as Thor: The Dark World, Iron Man 3, and Guardians of the Galaxy Hot Toys offered pre-orders in the weeks leading up to the film’s release. For Ultron, they are offering the first pre-order almost six months ahead of time.
Such a lead can be cause for concern. With the film still in production and CG work being performed the final look of characters can change from concept to screen. There is a chance, however slim, that figures designed this early could differ significantly from the final on-screen version.
However there is a benefit as well–the figure will be released the same year as the film. This Iron Man Mk XLIII figure is scheduled for release the third quarter of 2015–only 3 to 5 months after the film opened (compared to the first Iron Man 3 figures which shipped more than a year after the film’s release).
As for this first pre-order, it is the newest Iron Man armor, the Mk XLIII (43 for the roman numeral impaired). Not only is this armor a return to the classic mostly-red armor color, it is also a made of die cast metal. (For a hands-on review of Hot Toys’ die cast Iron Patriot and the quality Hot Toys puts into their die cast figures watch Marvelicious Toys Issue 119).
The movie-accurate Mark XLIII Collectible Figure is highly detailed and specially crafted based on the image of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Mark XLIII in Avengers: Age of Ultron, featuring a newly painted Tony Stark helmeted head sculpt, metallic red, gold and silver armor with weathered effects, LED light-up functions, and a specially designed diorama base with a damaged Ultron Mark I. A special edition will be available for selected markets which includes a LED lighted battle damaged helmet as a Sideshow Collectibles exclusive bonus accessory.
The figure comes with a Tony Stark head as well as a LED light-up helmeted head, 3 pairs of hands, interchangeable forearm armor and wrist guards, LED chest and hands, and more features. Plus the figure has over 36 points of articulation, not even counting the deployed air flaps at the back of the armor.
Most exciting is the figure’s base, which includes a battle damaged Ultron Mark I (meaning that Ultron and Stark will be competing in who has the most outfit changes in Avengers 2).
Pre-order this amazing collectible figure to kick-off your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Quarter-Scale Boba Fett Figure
The ultimate bounty from Hot Toys is now available for Pre-Order – their Quarter Scale Return of the Jedi Boba Fett Figure.
In July Hot Toys announced they had obtained the rights to sell figures based on the Star Wars films. The only releases so far had been in their 1/6 scale (12-inch) Movie Masterpiece Series line. Boba Fett is the first release in their quarter-scale (18-inch) line of figures, bringing a level of quality, articulation, and accessories never before seen in Star Wars figures of this scale.
In terms of size, this figure matches a Sideshow Collectibles Premium Format Figure, or figures in Diamond Select Toys’ (now cancelled) quarter-scale figure line. But while the Sideshow “figure” is really a statue, and the Diamond Select Toys’ figure was a toy that did not attempt realistic likenesses and high articulation, Hot Toys is bringing the detail of their Movie Masterpiece figures to this giant size.
Standing nearly 18-inches tall (45cm to be exact), this Boba Fett figure has a helmet with an articulated rangefinder and extremely detailed Mandolorian armor designed to match the bounty hunter’s appearance in Return of the Jedi. Underneath that armor you’ll find over 30 points of articulation allowing a huge variety of poses. And more, you get seven interchangable hands for different gestures, and a huge number of accessories including two blaster rifles (regular and damaged), a survival knife, an anti-security blade, and more! Plus if you get the Special Edition (exclusively through Sideshow Collectibles) you also get a blaster sidearm with holster which Boba Fett has in Star Wars: Episode V Empire Strikes Back.
Don’t miss the chance to add the fearsome bounty hunter to your prized collection!
Find out all the details and pre-order now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Ocean’s 11 (1960)
Before there was Clooney, Pitt, and Damon there was Sinatra, Martin, and Davis starring in Ocean’s 11. This 1960 crime caper was the first film to feature The Rat Pack, with Ol’ Blue Eyes himself playing Danny Ocean. In this original vision Ocean was a former World War II commander once again gathering his troops for one final mission–to rob five Vegas casinos in one night. The film has an impressive cast, but does it hold up over fifty years later? Go all in with Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPO1101.mp3
New Podcast: The Hobbit – The Desolation of Smaug – A Podcast Preview
He is fire…he is death…he is Smaug, the titular dragon in Peter Jackson’s second Hobbit film. How can a halfling and some dwarfs battle such a mighty beast? How much of the movie passes before they get there? And how many characters from the original Lord of the Rings trilogy will appear along the way? If you make a Silver or Platinum donation to Now Playing you can hear Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart discuss all this and more in this review of The Desolation of Smaug as they prepare for next week’s new release — Battle of the Five Armies!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTR05TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Pre-Order Alert: Entertainment Earth Exclusive Planet X Groot!
Planet X Groot available exclusively through Entertainment Earth.
“I am Groot.” And now you can say “I own Groot… as a limited edition Planet X Groot Premium Hikari Sofubi Vinyl Figure – an Entertainment Earth Exclusive! From the Guardians of the Galaxy film, one of Marvel’s biggest characters has been transformed into the popular Hikari format. Planet X Groot features an auburn and brown distressed color deco. At a colossal 11-inches tall, the Guardians of the Galaxy Planet X Groot Premium Hikari Sofubi Vinyl Figure is a limited edition of only 1,000 pieces that comes individually numbered and packaged in a window box for easy display!
Pre-Order now at www.entertainmentearth.com!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Iron Man Striker Armor Mk XXV
Just a few days ago Sideshow Collectibles put up for pre-order the exclusive Hot Toys Iron Man Hot Rod Armor – Mark XXII. That piece has sold out in just a couple days (though Sideshow is taking Wait List reservations, so if you might want that figure join the list now!)
But now, just a few days later, they have another one up for order: The Iron Man Mark XXV: The Striker Armor.
As seen in Iron Man 3, Tony Stark has built the Striker (Mark XXV), also known as the Heavy Construction Suit. This suit is designed for assisting in heavy construction with its distinctive Pneumatic Hammers. Although the hammers are not designed for combat, they still proved to be lethal when Striker assisted in eradicating the two Extremis soldiers attacking James Rhodes.
The Iron Man Mark XXV – Striker Sixth Scale Figure features:
- Authentic and detailed likeness of Striker (Mark XXV), the Heavy Construction Suit, in Iron Man 3
- Over 30 points of articulation
- Approximately 34 cm tall
- LED light-up eyes and rectangular-shaped RT on chest (white light, battery operated)
- Silver, gray, and yellow painting on armor with specially applied distressed effects
- Special features of armor:
– A pair of distinctive Pneumatic Hammers with LED light up function (white light, battery operated)
– Articulated air flaps
– Articulations on waist armor allowing flexible movement
Accessory:
- One (1) circular figure stage with flexible pillar
This figure is up for pre-order, and Flex Pay is available, so get your order in now at Sideshow Collectibles site!
Maniac (2012)
Horror film remakes have been non-stop for a decade. Of course the big films were redone, including Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Yet even smaller horror films, such as Black Christmas, I Spit on Your Grave, and Willard have seen updates for the 21st century. In 2012 another cult splatter film was added to that roster–Maniac. Closely based on the 1980 original, but with some daring style choices, this new Maniac did not find wide release but is slowly growing its own cult following. Can Hobbit Elijah Wood compete with Joe Spinell’s personification of serial killer Frank? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMANIAC02.mp3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys – Iron Man 3 Hot Rod (Mark XXII) Collectible Figure (Hot Toys Exclusive)
Sideshow has just put up for pre-order Hot Toys’ newest exclusive die cast Iron Man 3 suit of armor — the Hot Rod Mark XXII.
Tony Stark designed the Mark XXII armor as a War Machine 2.0 Prototype Suit in Iron Man 3. This lightly-armed suit is built with versatility in mind being able to dodge obstacles and move around mid-air more swiftly. Tony Stark was just about to jump into the suit in the movie before it got attack by an Extremis soldier. It earns the name of “Hot Rod” as its arms and legs’ design resembles the classic American hot rod with flames.
Now, with this pre-order, Hot Toys is expanding the “House Party Protocol” with the 1/6th scale Hot Rod (Mark XXII) Collectible Figure as a Hot Toys Exclusive item. It is the latest addition to their MMS Diecast Series which the collectible figures are made of diecast material, and realistically designed to look more like Hot Rod as it appears in the movie.
The movie-accurate Hot Rod (Mark XXII) Collectible Figure contains diecast material and is crafted with fine details featuring metallic dark gray, silver and red armor with distinctive flame patterns on legs and LED light-up functions.
If you are an Iron Man fans, don’t miss the chance to add this special armor to your House Party Protocol!
This item is exclusive to the “Toy Soul 2014” event in Hong Kong on Dec 19-21 but you can secure yours now from Sideshow Collectibles!
The 1/6th scale Hot Rod (Mark XXII) Collectible Figure’s special features:
– Authentic likeness of Hot Rod (Mark XXII), the War Machine 2.0 Prototype Suit, in Iron Man 3
– Approximately 30 cm tall
– Over 36 points of articulations
– Contains diecast material
– LED-lighted eyes and rectangular-shaped arc reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
– Metallic dark gray, silver and red armor with distinctive flame patterns on legs
– Interchangeable forearm rocket-launching armor
– Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable palms including:
– One (1) pair of palms with movable fingers and light-up repulsors
(white light, battery operated)
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of repulsor palms
– One (1) saluting right palm
– Articulations on waist armor which allow flexible movement
Accessory:
– One (1) LED light-up figure stand with movie logo (white light, battery operated)
This figure is expected to ship in January. The other Hot Toys Toy Soul 2014 exclusive, the Shadow Stormtrooper, sold out in a few hours, so don’t make that mistake and miss out on this rare chance to add the Hot Rod armor to your collection! Pre-order now at Sideshow Collectibles site!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys EXCLUSIVE Shadow Stormtrooper MMS Figure
Hot Toys collectors, fans of 12-Inch Star Wars figures, and troop builders, you can stop reading right now and just hurry to Sideshow Collectibles’ site to put in your order now for Hot Toys Exclusive 1/6th scale Shadow Trooper Figure!
If you’re still reading, I see you need some convincing.
The Hot Toys figures have started to take the Star Wars collecting community by storm(trooper) but here is their first exclusive release in the Star Wars Movie Masterpiece Series of figures. Hot Toys exclusives are notoriously hard to get. Distributors like Sideshow get a small number, if they get any at all! The prices on the secondary market have climbed over $1,000 for some of the Avengers exclusive figures, and I expect the Star Wars figures to have even higher demand.
This is the Shadow Trooper (also known as the Black Hole Stormtrooper for old-school Star Wars comics fans). It was first to be available at “Toy Soul 2014” in Hong Kong, but has been released already for pre-order by Sideshow. It is expected to ship in January.
The 1/6th scale Shadow Trooper Collectible Figure specially features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Shadow Trooper in Star Wars
– Body with over 30 points of articulations
– Specially applied gloss black painted armor with weathered effect
– Approximately 30 cm tall
– Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms
– One (1) pair of palms for holding weapons
– One (1) gesturing left palm
Costume:
– One (1) Shadow Trooper armor
– One (1) black under-suit
– One (1) Shadow Trooper belt with leather holster
– One (1) pair of black boots
Weapon:
– One (1) blaster rifle
Accessories:
– One (1) black pauldron
– Two (2) black belt pouches
– Specially designed figure stand with Shadow Trooper nameplate and Star Wars logo
Artists:
– Figure Painted by Lok Ho
– Figure Art Directed by JC. Hong
So check out the pictures, and now hurry to Sideshow and order yours!
LEGO(R) DC COMICS SUPER HEROES: JUSTICE LEAGUE v. BIZARRO LEAGUE on Blu Ray/DVD on 2/10/15
ENTER A WACKY REALM AS
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
AND THE LEGO GROUP RELEASE
LEGO® DC COMICS SUPER HEROES:
JUSTICE LEAGUE vs BIZARRO LEAGUE
ON BLU-RAYTM COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL HD,
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2015
All-New Original LEGO® DC Comics Movie Featuring Exclusive Batzarro LEGO Minifigure
Burbank, CA (November 13, 2014) – In the follow-up to LEGO® Batman, The Movie: DC Super Heroes Unite, the Justice League is newly solidified yet faces a peculiar set of villains when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment and The LEGO Group release LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on February 10, 2015. Order due date is January 20, 2015. The Blu-rayTM and DVD releases will include an exclusive Batzarro LEGO Minifigure on-pack, while supplies last.
LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League will be available on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack for $24.98 SRP and on DVD for $19.98 SRP. The Blu-rayTM Combo Pack includes a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League in Digital HD on February 10 via purchase from digital retailers.
Batman has joined the newly formed Justice League in order to keep tabs on Superman, a mistrust that is complicated by Superman’s clumsy – but well-meaning – clone, Bizarro. Bizarro’s creation of the Bizarro League has caused confusion amongst the world’s greatest Super Heroes, but an even greater and mysterious threat may force the Justice League and Bizarro League to band together to defeat evil.
“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is thrilled to release LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League on Blu-rayTM and DVD,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WBHE Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing and Partner Brands. “Fans of the LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes movie franchise can experience the Justice League battling all-new foes in this action-packed and hilarious film.”
LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League Special Features include:
· LEGO® DC COMICS SUPER HEROES: BATMAN: BE-LEAGUERED TV SPECIAL – Approximately 22 minutes
- BIZARRO! – FEATURETTE – One part oddity, one part comedic curiosity, Bizarro is a favorite among the characters within Superman’s universe. Take a look at the Man of Steel’s potent, backwards nemesis.
- BE-LEAGUERED BLOOPERS
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Target Ticket, Vudu, Xbox and others. Starting February 10, LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
Basics
Street Date: February 10, 2015
Order Due Date: January 20, 2015
Audio: Blu-rayTM: DTS-HD Master Audio
Rating: Not Rated
DVD Price: $19.98 SRP
Blu-ray Price: $24.98 SRP
DVD Catalog #: 1000475918
DVD UPC: 883929405275
Blu-rayTM Catalog #: 1000476119
Blu-rayTM UPC: 883929405374
About The LEGO Group
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932 and today the group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials for children. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children’s creative and imaginative abilities. LEGO products can be purchased in more than 130 countries.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the brick & knob configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group. © 2014 The LEGO Group. All Rights Reserved.
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com
About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing both CG and traditionally animated projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. For TV, WBA produces series such as Teen Titans Go!, The Tom and Jerry Show and the upcoming Be Cool Scooby-Doo! and Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production for Cartoon Network; original animated DC Nation shorts for Cartoon Network; and the forthcoming Mike Tyson Mysteries series for Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. As the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Animated Original Movies — for DVD. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).
About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.
Maniac (1980)
1980 saw the release of several memorable slasher films, including Friday the 13th, Silent Scream, New Year’s Evil, and Prom Night. Yet of all the 1980s slashers none may be more controversial than Maniac–a low budget splatter film with its unrated violence and Tom Savini’s gore effects. The film has grown a cult following through home video but maniacal murderer Frank still lacks the name recognition of a Jason or a Michael Myers–yet it did warrant a 2012 remake starring Elijah Wood. Does Joe Spinell’s psycho killer deserve a place in the pantheon of horror icons? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMANIAC01.mp3
New Podcast: Lord of the Rings (1978) – A Podcast Preview
Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Lord of the Rings runs over 9 hours, or 12 hours for the extended cuts. By contrast, in 1978 Ralph Bakshi’s animated adaptation claimed to tell the saga in just over two hours. In truth, this theatrical cartoon adapts half of J.R.R. Tolkien’s bestselling saga, and left audiences anticipating a conclusion that would never come. Can almost two novels be told in two hours? If you make a Platinum donation to Now Playing Podcast you can listen and find out!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTRANI02TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
The Stand
It’s considered by many to be Stephen King’s best novel of all time — The Stand. King’s fourth novel told of a superflu that wipes out humanity and sets the stage for an epic battle of good versus evil. In 1994 ABC aired a mammoth, four night mini-series that took the top three spots in the Nielsen ratings. Now it’s time for Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to take their Stand and review this miniseries. Can the book’s epic quality be captured on a TV budget? Listen and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP043-TheStand.mp3
New Podcast: The Hobbit (1977) — A Podcast Preview
It took forty years for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth saga to reach screens. Despite the mass popularity of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings books, only a short feature had been realized. Finally, in 1977, the animation studio Rankin/Bass brought the story of Bilbo Baggins to TV audiences everywhere with their animated adaptation of The Hobbit. Now Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob watch and review this NBC prime-time special as the first volume in a trilogy of animated Middle Earth films. Make a Platinum level donation to Now Playing and you can hear it now!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTRANI01TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Big Hero 6
Ever since Disney purchased Marvel Comics a family-friendly superhero cartoon was all but guaranteed. But it’s not the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, or the X-Men who star in Disney’s first Marvel animated feature, it’s the little-known Asian team Big Hero 6. Many changes have happened adapting the team from the page to the screen, but is the result super? Join the Podcast Hero 3 of Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP042-BigHero6.mp3
Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys
George Lucas’ 1977 space fantasy Star Wars changed the way American audiences consumed films. More, though, it also changed the landscape for movie merchandising, with more money being made on toys, games, and collectibles than on the movies themselves. Now the documentary Plastic Galaxy looks back at the first generation of Star Wars toys, released between 1977 and 1985 from Kenner. Does this film capture the childhood magic of Star Wars figures, and can the documentary appeal to anyone not already obsessed with little plastic Stormtroopers? Find out in this special Now Playing/Star Wars Action News crossover podcast hosted by Marjorie, Arnie, and Jerry!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP041-PlasticGalaxy.mp3
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan’s film Interstellar tells of an Earth that is dying; those who don’t starve to death will suffocate in an atmosphere turning toxic. Our only hope comes in the form of Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a farmer who crashes NASA’s secret base thanks to mysterious messages from beyond. It’s an ambitious film filled with hard science and lots of discussions of love. Is it a film that has found its place in the stars, or that has crashed to its place in the dirt? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNOLAN06.mp3
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