TrailerWatch: “Star Trek Beyond” brings Elba, Boutella, Rhianna

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Denise

star trek beyond onesheetWhoever came up with this trailer should take a bow.  Lots of action, intriguing glimpses of Idris Elba’s Krall (the Big Bad of the film), Sofia Boutella’s supercool Jaylah (a new ally), and Uhura still being badass.

To top it off, there’s a kickass new song from Rhianna that ties everything together nicely.  And I’m really digging her look in the still below – can’t wait to see her video take on this song. Synopsis!

The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.

Star Trek Beyond arrives July 21st, 2016.

Posted in Trailers | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: The BFG!

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Denise

BFG one sheetWhere Roald Dahl fans at?  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach…now Disney and Spielberg are teaming up to bring another of his books to film: The BFG.  Synopsis!

The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.

Ready for passes?  Right this way… Continue reading →

Posted in Free Screenings | Tagged | Leave a comment

Independence Day: Resurgence is a chip off the alien block

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Denise

 

independence_day_resurgence

Nutshell: Second verse, same as the first: ID4R dusts off the same comfortable chestnuts that made its predecessor so popular.  And while ID4R doesn’t seem to suffer from the same tech hiccups – the aliens don’t seem to be Mac compatible – it does suffer from an emptiness of feeling.  Try as the game, up-for-it cast might, this is one resurgence that lacks surge.  Grade: B-

I’ll keep this short and sweet. Why?  Because I’m writing this on a Friday, rather than my usual post-screen wrap-up during the week.  Why am I writing on a Friday, you ask?  Because this film wasn’t screened for press here in B’more.  Typically, that means one of two things; either the studio figures it’s got a sure-fire hit on its hands, and ditches screenings for all but the real critics, or has decided to jettison any attempts at publicity because they realized they’ve got a turkey on their hands.  With Independence Day: Resurgence, it’s not really strong on the former or the latter.  It’s simply a case of having too little substance to back up the whole lotta style this film serves up.  Continue reading →

Posted in Movie Reviews | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Off the Shelf: Aliens/Vampirella (hardcover collection)

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Denise

aliens vampirella coverStory: Humans on Mars!  The first colony of sunlight dwellers make their mark on Mars.  Perhaps too much of a mark.  In digging down into the red soil, they happened upon an underground city that used to be inhabited by Nosferatu.  Vampirella visits the station to investigate, and lend assistance if necessary.  But things seem to be quiet.  Too quiet.  Hey, what are those leathery pods?  Are they hatching?  Maybe you picked a bad time to help out a space-station, Vampi…

Best Line: “But I don’t want to be a creature of the night!”

Thoughts: This might be my favorite horror mash-up yet.  Beautiful art, drop-dead gorgeous colors, and a story that actually makes sense.  With Corinna Sara Bechko’s story, I could see how Vampi and the Xenomorphs would meet, and it’s totally believable. And even though this is only a six issue mini, there’s a level of characterization that many long-running series could definitely be jealous of.  Actually, should really, really be jealous of.  Bechko also weaves in prejudices and the fear of Other, how individuals deal with death (particularly their own imminent demise), and the lengths people will go to protect their own.  All the while avoiding the typical “why’d you do that?” idiocy so many horror stories tend to grab at with both hands. Continue reading →

Posted in Comic book reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: The Legend of Tarzan!

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Denise

legend of tarzan onesheetOh man.  This looks really good.  As in, wow the set design is amazing, and the CGI is on freakin’ point.  And also, au naturel Alexander Skarsgård people.  THIS IS NOT A DRILL.  Trailer.  Watch it.  Tell me this won’t be a lot of fun.  I’m betting it will be.  And in this film, Alexander is just reminding me that my current gym workout is weak.  So weak. Synopsis!

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN is a sweeping action-adventure that tells a story or Tarzan beyond what you know.  This is the compelling origin story of Tarzan, a man raised by nature who ultimately rules it while also trying to protect his loved ones.

A big, beautiful, epic film with amazing special effects, extraordinary music as well as beats of humor and romance, THE LEGEND OF TARZAN stars Alexander Skarsgård as Tarzan and Margot Robbie as Jane, his soulmate who is no damsel in distress.   The film’s stellar cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Djimon Hounsou with Jim Broadbent and Christoph Waltz.

The film is directed by David Yates who directed four of the Harry Potter films. THE LEGEND OF TARZAN opens in theaters worldwide on Friday, July 1 in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D.

I’m digging that Tarzan also has Margot Robbie (aka Harley Quinn in the soon to be released Suicide Squad, and someone I’m digging more and more each day), and that it looks like it actually has a plot.  (Let us not speak of Tarzan the Ape Man.) Passes?  Right this way…

Continue reading →

Posted in General Mayhem | Leave a comment

#MarketingWinOfTheWeek: “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” + The Knot = #NSFWeddings

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Denise

Mike and Dave Wedding Dates onesheetOh.  My.  God.  Becky.  Whoever came up with this tie-in should get a gold plated bottle of tequila.  (Or a corner office.  Whatevs.)

The movie Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates teamed up with the “oh thank God they’re doing their wedding 411 online” gurus The Knot.  And it’s awesome.  Know how I know?  PEEP THIS.  Know anyone who just isn’t safe around free cake and booze?  Add ’em to the #NSFW website, where they’re making a poster collage of all the cool people I’d party with wedding-time human train wrecks.  And check out the NSFW (Not Safe For WEDDINGS) infographic after the jump!

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates stumbles into your reception uninvited on July 8th, 2016.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMikeAndDaveMovie%2Fvideos%2F1744129689158176%2F&show_text=1&width=560

Continue reading →

Posted in General Mayhem, Movie News | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Attacking the Darkness” – a mockumentary where religion and RPGs collide

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Denise

attacking the darkness

Nutshell: with cinematography and sound that definitely doesn’t scream “Shoestring Indie”, Attacking the Darkness gives a knowing wink to mockumentary fans and RPG aficionados.  There are definite echoes of Christopher Guest films like For Your Consideration and Waiting for Guffman, though Darkness doesn’t have that same biting wit.  Instead, Darkness gives more of a real-life vibe for their characters.  Well, except for Harmony.  She’s nuts. Recommended viewing for you next beer-fest with your tabletop buds.  Grade: B+

“I’ve been trying to witness during work, but it’s hard to multitask.”

Back in the 80s, I remember hearing about how D&D was gonna send us all to hell.  Don’t pass Go, don’t collect $200.  Just a rocket straight down to the abyss.  Kids like me shrugged and continued rolling our d20.  But glibness aside, the “Satanic Panic” of the 80s was all too real, and while I was able to laugh it off back in school, I’m betting some adults weren’t laughing.  There were folks who thought religious people thinking that games would lead to demonic possession were idiots bent on a theological world order, and religious fundamentalists who thought they were saving the world by screaming about magic and damnation.  Same kinda thing happened back when Harry Potter first became a phenomenon (though apparently there are still “true believers” out there), but not to the extent of those crazy 80s nutters that thought the world was ending because I enjoyed painting miniatures. Continue reading →

Posted in Movie Reviews | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Pony News: MLPFiM folks coming to Baltimore Comic-Con! Cider for everybody!

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Denise

BaltimoreComicCon_logo_nodateBronyCon is in two weeks; are you psyched?  I am!  But if you’re looking for MOAR PONE, look no further than Baltimore Comic-Con; they’ve got Katie Cook, Andy Price, Nei Ruffino, Chad Thomas, and Thom Zahler coming to Baltimare September 2nd-4th! I know, right?  20% cooler, y’all.

Two times the pony fun, so let’s get down with our bad selves.  Read on for the full deets, everypony!
Continue reading →

Posted in Comics & Graphic Novels, Convention-al, Pony News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Columbia Screening Pass-palooza: Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates!

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Denise

Mike and Dave Wedding Dates onesheetNo.  I’m not throwing out a request for some pals with that title.  It’s a movie, and it looks like a hoot.  Synopsis!

Hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) place an online ad to find the perfect dates (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza) for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo.

With a foursome like Kendrick, Efron, Devine and Plaza, it’s sure to be a hoot.  Seen the trailer?  I’d say this is a two-margarita screening for sheer WOOT WOOT value, but perhaps the movie itself will be funky enough…  Passes!  Now!

Continue reading →

Posted in Free Screenings | Tagged | Leave a comment

2017 Halloween ComicFest titles announced! Zombie Tramp! Black Eyed Kids! Afterlife With Archie! MOAR!

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Denise

Halloween ComicFest 2016 bannerIt’s the moooost wonderful tiiiiiime of the yeeear… No, not right now.  I’m talking Halloween!  Ghoulies, ghosties, long-legged beasties, and free comics!  That’s right, Halloween ComicFest has announced the freebies for their yearly giveaway – this year it’s on October 29th, 2016 – and they’re looking pretty sweet.

My personal faves?  Well, obviously the titles I’ve listed above (ZOMG Archie – yipee!) But Wraithborn, Haunted Mansion, Tomie, Evil Dead 2, the amazing Ghastly Award-winning Harrow County, and is that Darth Vader Doctor Aphra?  Yes.  Yes it is.  There’s even a Carpenter mini-comic, which really stokes me, as last year’s Tales for a Halloween Night also won a Ghastly.  Can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store for ComicFest!

Pony pals take note: there wasn’t a MLP freebie last Halloween.  But they’re making up for it this year with My Little Pony: The Haunted Dungeon!  I.  Cannot.  WAIT.

Never fear; there’s plenty for the little one’s too; My Little Pony is just the tip of the kiddie iceburg.   Read on for the full deets!

Continue reading →

Posted in Comics & Graphic Novels, Pony News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment