Tag Archives: film

The Suicide Squad Revealed!!! (COMICS!)

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You have NO IDEA how excited I am!

In case you aren’t aware, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice isn’t the only big DC Comics movie coming out next year. That other film coming out in 2016 is called Suicide Squad. Now, for those whom still don’t know, here is a quick run down. Suicide Squad is a team of super villains forced by the government to carry out life threatening tasks. If they don’t play ball, they will be killed. Usually by a bomb implant in their necks. If you want a better understanding, I’d recommend the awesome Batman: Assault on Arkham movie. Or The Suicide Squad episodes of Arrow. I’d recommend the former more than the latter, but both are solid! I’ve always loved the team, and the stories are usually a lot of fun and crazy. To have a film being made about them, written and directed by David Ayer, is exciting. Now! One thing I enjoy about Ayer is he loves to share with his fans! He keeps us updated on what is currently going on during his film productions. So, we’ve been seeing step by step of Ayer’s approach to Suicide Squad. The more I saw, the more excited I became.

Now, we are finally at the filming stage! Which means Ayer has begun to share what each character will look like in the film! So, long story short….I give you The Suicide Squad! I am over the moon, people! These character’s look amazing, and I couldn’t be happier about whom they got to play each one! Going from left to right we have Adam Beach as Slipknot, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flagg, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn (my favorite!), Will Smith as Deadshot, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, and Jay Hernandez as El Diablo. Yea. This is awesome. Now I just can’t wait for the first trailer to hit the net! Now, before I go, there is one more thing I should discuss. I didn’t get the chance to speak of it during it’s actual release. At the time I was at C2E2 in Chicago, but I have time to do it now.

There is a big cast member/character missing from this Image. Mainly because he isn’t a member of the Suicide Squad, but also because we already saw him last weekend. I’m obviously speaking of Jared Leto as The Joker. The image has seemed to divide the fans up. Some really enjoy it. Others see it as Leto joining the ICP crowd. For me, I gotta say I’m a fan. The Joker has had some radical looks in his life. Once he got shot in the head and didn’t die. So he was stuck with a nasty scar in the middle of his forehead. More recently, He had to wear his own face. Yea. Joker used wires and belts to strap his own face to his head. So, if I can get used to those looks, Tattoos and capped teeth won’t bug me. Even if the rumors are true, and this isn’t the actual Joker look. Either way, I really like this look, and I can’t wait to see Leto’s performance! I will say this, though. I am iffy on the “Damaged” tattoo on his head. Seems kind of ironic. Maybe that’s the point. Who knows. Anyway, let us know what you think of these reveals in the comments!

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Horns Movie Review!

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It’s been over three years since the last Harry Potter film hit theaters. Three years since we last saw our beloved Hogwarts heroes say their farewells. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have long moved on from those roles, and yet it still seems hard for movie goers to see them as anyone else. I even included myself into that group. At least I did include myself in that group. Now, I’m starting to see them for the actors and not their characters. Well, Not all of them. While it was much easier to see Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as them and not Ron and Hermione, It wasn’t as easy with Daniel Radcliffe.

After watching his films The Woman in Black and Kill Your Darlings it started to fade, but I still saw him as Harry Potter. Even with his show A Young Doctor’s Notebook with Jon Hamm I couldn’t shake Potter away from Radcliffe. I mean, He is the main character. He is Harry Potter. He would be the hardest of the three to see as anyone else. However, after watching Radcliffe’s latest film, Horns, I’ll never see him the same again. And I mean that in a good way. Horns is a dark fantasy film from director Alexandre Aja, and is based on the novel of the same name by author Joe Hill. The story follows Ig Perish, played by Radcliffe, a young man whom everyone in his hometown believes is a murderer.

One year ago, Ig’s long time girlfriend Merrin was found dead in the forest. Word spread, along with a few lies, and the town quickly believed Ig was the man who did it. One morning, after a drunken tirade the previous night, Ig woke up with an unusual new…addition. He found two horns growing out of his forehead. Not only that, but people began acting differently around him. Spilling deep secrets and showing their darkest and most twisted sides of themselves. At first, Ig is freaked out and completely upset by this curse he now possesses. Eventually, he sees this curse as a blessing in disguise, and uses it as a way to find out who really killed the love of his life.

Now, I’m a big Joe Hill fan. I haven’t read much of his novel work, but I love his comics. Specifically Locke and Key, which is such a great series! So, when I heard his book Horns was getting adapted, I was ecstatic! I love the story so much. It’s kind of like Paradise Lost with a modern twist and vibe. To see that story play out on film, with Daniel Radcliffe as Ig, left me truly excited. I was even more ecstatic when I saw the film was for sale digitally on the Playstation store! Long before it’s intended theatrical release date! I mean, who wouldn’t be excited to see a movie way before it’s supposed to come out?

I bought the HD copy, watched it a few times, and I’m happy to say I really ended up enjoying this film. First and foremost, Daniel Radcliffe is pitch perfect. No joke, this is the best performance I’ve ever seen from him! And it’s a very different performance than anything he’s done before. He’s dark, he’s grungy, he’s hysterical, he’s raw, and I love every second of it! I could honestly say if anyone else was in the role, I probably wouldn’t have liked the film as much as I did. Radcliffe made this movie, and it shows. The other performances are pretty good, and the chemistry between everyone works great. Especially between Radcliffe and Juno Temple whom played Merrin. I’ve enjoyed her in pretty much every movie I’ve seen her in, and this is just another example of her great skills.

I honestly can’t really think of anyone that I didn’t like. I mean I think Heather Graham, in the 5 minutes shes in the movie, kind of hams it up, but It works with what’s happening to her character. Visually, the film is beautiful. Aja really plays up the fantasy style for the look of the film. Especially during the scenes in the forest. You feel like you’ve entered a different world, just as the characters did. Great approach, for sure. One thing I found iffy and a bit jarring was the tone. It’s kind of all over the place. One minute the film is a truly hysterical black comedy, and the next it’s an emotional drama. Some points, the humor and the drama really work, but there were times it just wasn’t right. Like it felt off to do something funny at this moment or sad at this moment, you know? That happened a few times.

It really is hard to tell what tone the film wanted, but that really didn’t keep me from enjoying the story and the characters. So I can easily forgive the films tonal confusion. That being said, the one thing I can’t forgive is the predictable outcome. From the beginning, I knew who the real killer was. Seeing as how the story was sort of a whodunit deal, That’s the last thing you want to be predictable. I mean, I still liked how the film wrapped, but I wish they left in more mystery as to who really did it, you know? Ultimately, Horns is a very different film, but a film I really enjoyed. And its a movie I’d recommend to anyone. Especially so people can see how awesome Daniel Radcliffe is in it. Horns is released in theaters this Halloween, and is available now on all digital outlets!

I give Horns a 4/5

Marvel Announces Phase 3 of the MCU! (COMICS!)

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I know I’m a little late on posting about this, but at least I’m doing it now! Better late than never, right? At least, I think so. Anyway, Marvel has just made a HUGE announcement! Seeing as how phase two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU for short, is just about wrapped up, Marvel felt it was time to reveal their plans for phase three. An entire line-up of movies were announced at a big event, and they even showed off a few clips from their next blockbuster event Avengers: Age of Ultron. Now, this is exciting to hear. However, I’m just not as excited as I probably should be. It’s kind of strange, but I’m just not leaping off my couch right away. I mean, there are a few titles I’m over the moon about. One of those being Captain Marvel. I really love Carol Danvers, as well as her most recent comic book adventures, so It’s exciting to see her getting a film soon. All Marvel has to do now is cast the right actress AKA Katee Sackhoff. Honestly, there really isn’t another perfect choice than Sackhoff. Lets get real, people!

Other than that, I’m just not pumped up about this. I mean, I feel like it’s a bit of overkill. I think I have Marvel fatigue, man! It’s just Marvel Marvel Marvel all the time, and It’s becoming over whelming. Also, we just got a trailer for Age of Ultron! Why are we getting a teaser trailer for Avengers 3? Can’t we just focus on that as apposed to what’s coming in four years? You know, I might not even see those movies in 2018 because the fatigue will have grown and festered inside me. Okay that sounded kind of gross. I’m very sorry about that. Obviously, I’m going to be in the minority on this. Especially with the loads of fans excited to see these movies, but It just seems like a bit much. Again, this is probably just me.

Truthfully, It is exciting as hell to see that there will be movies based on characters we’ve never seen on the big screen before. Same goes to DC and Warner Bros. They announced an entire line-up a while ago, and that was very exciting. Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, The Flash, Shazam, and more are finally coming to the theater! At the end of the day, I’ll probably see these new Marvel films. Hopefully I’ll like them, and leave the theater a happy nerd. That’s what I hope for, ultimately. However, it probably won’t change the way I feel. Anyway, let us know what your most excited about with these phase three films! Also, as a special treat, if you click on the image you’ll be taken to a clip/trailer combo for Avengers: Age of Ultron! Trust me when I say this, It’s a pretty rad video!

Captain America: The Winter Soldier Movie Review (NO SPOILERS!)

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Winter is coming….FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA!!!!

HEY! HEY YOU! YEA YOU! YOU JERK! How are you today? I’m not bad, but I could be better. More bummed out, if anything. Why and I bummed out? Well, I missed out on the Captain America: The Winter Soldier review on TDCRS yesterday! I mean, I’m the comic book nerd! It’s pretty much mandatory for me to show up at some point! Now, I don’t blame Dan or the gang. I was work tired, which means I was tired from my regular job, and decided to just nap the day away. I don’t normally take naps, because of their evil powers to take the days away from us, but I couldn’t resist my bed. Thus, I missed out on calling in to spew my thoughts on Cap 2.

Thankfully, for those who care enough, I do movie reviews on YouTube all the time! Especially when it comes to comic book films. Long story short, I reviewed Captain America: The Winter Soldier! That’s right! So, if you were equally as bummed out because you didn’t hear me talk Cap…then this should just make your day! You know, I gotta get Dan and the crew on one of my videos. That would be pretty sweet! I have no clue what we would talk about. Obviously something movie related, for sure. In fact, I think it would be a live video. That would be pretty awesome. Some day….some day. Anyway, if you want to hear my take on Captain America: The Winter Soldier, just click the pic above! That will take you directly to the video on YouTube! ALSO, if you like what you see, go ahead and click that beautiful subscribe button. LATER!

Top 10 Movies of 2013!

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Where the hell have I been?!?!

Hello everyone! I. AM. BACK! Its been a while since I’ve posted something. To be honest, I have been pretty busy with my new job. Also, I have been putting out so much new content on my YouTube Channel. Lately, I’ve been posting a bunch of comedy videos with a friend of mine. If you get the chance, WATCH THEM!! Here. I’ll post a link to one of my favorites. Just click on this sentence.

Anyway, now on to more important things! So, it is officially 2014! YAY! HAPPY NEW YEAR! However, before we move forward, I want to back track just a bit. Look back upon a specific aspect of 2013, if you will. That aspect? THE MOVIES! Long story short, I present to each of you my list for my top 10 favorite movies of 2013! I know, I am the comic book nerd on this site, BUT I can talk about movies too! This is a movie site after all! GOSH! GET OFF MY BACK, PEOPLE! IDON’TKNOWWHATYOUWANTFROMME! GGGGRRRRR!…..I am so sorry. I have no idea what that out burst was all about.

Probably because 2013’s movies, for the most part, were just so disappointing. I’m not joking! The movies of 2013 kind of sucked. The majority of movies I wanted to see, Like Elysium or Kick Ass 2, were so BAD! Its amazing that I could actually find movies to put on this list! Not that the movies on my list were a letdown in any way, they weren’t, but a lot of other ones were. Any who, I’m done ranting. If you want o see my official list, click on the picture above! Also, if you like what you see, go ahead and subscribe to Channel23hahaha!

Pacific Rim: Tales From Yero Zero Review (COMICS!)

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Giant Monsters vs. Giant Mechs? What more could you want?

Guess what, everyone? SUMMER IS HERE, Y’ALL! WOOOO! P-A-R-T-WHY? BECAUSE IT’S SUMMER TIME! Seriously? Who doesn’t love summer? Its the most fun time of the year! Now, for most, summer fun is represented by beach parties, time away from school, girls wearing less clothing, guys wearing less clothing (if you’re into that), vacations, swimming pools, frozen treats, and the list goes on. For me? summer fun is all about going to the movies! Also, girls wearing less clothes is kind of nice, and I love frozen treats.

Anyway, I love the summer movie season! All the best movies come out during the summer. Well…not all, but most of the best movies come out during summer. This year, we’ve had a few flicks come out already, but the summer season has only just begun! So far, I’d probably say Man of Steel is my favorite summer flick released. I know EVERYONE would disagree with that, but I loved that movie. GO MAN OF STEEL! However, while that is the case now, I have a feeling another movie might take MoS’s place on the top of my list. That movie….is Pacific Rim!

Pacific Rim, the latest film from Guillermo Del Toro, is a movie about giant monsters and giant robots duking it out! That simple summary ALONE should get you pumped to see it! I’m truly excited to see this movie. Hell, anything by Guillermo Del Toro gets me excited! I’m so excited, that my anticipation for the movie has left me very impatient. I want this movie out now! I can’t wait any longer! Thankfully, for people like me, Legendary Pictures comics division has released a prequel graphic novel to tide us over until July 12th. That prequel comic is called Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero.

So, this prequel comic tells the story of this reporter, named Naomi Sokolov, whom interviews key characters from the film. Each character proceeds to give their take on specific events that lead to the story in the film. Events like K-Day, the day when humanity first encountered the giant beasts known as the Kaiju, or events like when the humans invented the Giant Jaeger Mechs to fight and destroy the Kaiju threat. The main purpose of this comic seems to be, not just to give some back story, but to build up the world of Pacific Rim.

So, when it comes to comics based on movies, they aren’t always as great as movies based on a comics. There are some exceptions to this notion. One of those being the Django Unchained comic based on Tarantino’s last flick. Another good example, and I’m happy to say this, is Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero. First off, I love the artwork in this book. I really really do. It’s not the most dynamic or stylized art ever, It’s no Rafael Albuquerque or Jock, but It’s very good. One thing I was REALLY worried about was the fact that this comic has five different artists, but the way they used each artist worked really well.

Basically, they had one artist do the present day stuff, and the others tackled the flashbacks. Also, it was nice that the artwork didn’t clash. I’ve read comics in the past that used artists in a similar fashion, but they didn’t pick artists who could compliment each other. Pacific Rim: TFYZ was smart enough to pick artists whom could blend and work together to produce a great looking book. I will say, there was this one moment, mid-flashback sequence, when the art seemed to randomly shift from one artist to another. It was slightly jarring, but it didn’t ruin anything for me.

The writing was what really made this comic worth while. Travis Beacham, the writer of the movie’s story and co-writer of the screenplay, did a tremendous job on this book. I love the character work the most. Each story being told in the flashbacks was so moving and exciting because of the characters. It really showed that this story wasn’t just about giant mechs and monsters, but it’s also about relationships and coming together. You really felt for the characters when they lost someone or sacrificed something. All for the sake of saving the human race from the Kaiju.

Speaking of the Kaiju, while I don’t think they show them all, I love the Kaiju they showed off in this comic. The designs Del Toro and company came up with are BAD ASS! I’m serious, these monsters are going to be so cool in the movie! My favorite might be the Karloff. You’ll see why they named it that, if they show it in the movie. WHICH THEY SHOULD, DAMMIT! All in all, I’m glad I picked up this comic. It’s a nice way to feed your anticipation for the feature film, while also giving you some cool insight into the world of the feature film. If you’re someone like me, and you can’t wait a second longer for Pacific Rim, take my advice. BUY! THIS! GRAPHIC! NOVEL!

Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero gets a 4.5/5!

Side note: Click on the cool Alex Ross picture above. You won’t regret it!

Man of Steel’s Ending: Good or Bad? *SPOILERS* (COMICS!)

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Another Man of Steel video? REALLY?!?! DISLIKE!

Man of Steel. We’ve already talked about it a bunch. Dan did an episode on it. I did an episode on it. Man, what more is there to talk about? Well, there is this one thing. Whenever I talk to my friends that didn’t like Man of Steel, the main complaint they mention is the way the movie ended. I won’t say what, but something happens that others have argued is VERY out of character for Superman. No, he doesn’t reveal himself to be a British actor, if you get my reference. So, I wanted to address this event in it’s own video. Why? I really don’t know, but I did it anyway. So, to hear my thoughts on Man of Steel’s ending, as usual, click on the picture above! Also, if you like what you see, then subscribe to my YouTube channel for more! Enjoy!

Man of Steel Review!!! (COMICS!)

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IT’S A BIRD! IT’S A PLANE! NO IT’S….AN ALIEN! RUN AWAY! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Everyone! Guess what! MAN OF STEEL IS FINALLY OUT NOW! OMHFSMSA, PEOPLE! If your wondering, that last sentence was Oh my holy f**king socky monkey space attack. Spread it around, it will be a new thing. Anywho, back to Man of Steel. So, Man of Steel is, by far, my most anticipated movie of this year. Now that it’s out, the real question is this. Is the movie good or bad? Well, if you want to find out my thoughts on it, click on the picture above! It will take you directly to my full review. Also, if you liked what you saw, go ahead and subscribe to my youtube channel!

Disbelief – A Short Film

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Guess what?!?! I MADE A SHORT MOVIE, Y’ALL!!!

Hello everyone!!! It’s your director of awesome films, Richard, here! So, a while ago on this website I posted an article talking about my first official short film, Specter Quest. That movie, which I made over the summer with friends, was this cheesy B-Movie horror/comedy about a bunch of kids trying to find a monster in their neighborhood. The response I had received from viewers was overwhelming.

For all it’s flaws, I was so happy people were able to find enjoyment out of it. People found it funny, scary, and just overall entertaining. That’s the perfect feeling to have after you’ve watched it. The reaction gave me the motivation to want to work on something new, and that is exactly what I did! What I’m posting here is a brand spanking new short film I wrote and directed called Disbelief!

Now, this short is a bit different in tone and style to Specter Quest. Disbelief, a supernatural film noir, follows apathetic Detective Grant Abberline as he struggles to solve the current case he’s working. His captain suggests for him to visit an eccentric psychic to assist in capturing the criminal, but Abberline is insulted by the suggestion. He doesn’t believe in the BS practice of fortune telling. That being said, once forced by his captain, Abberline gives in and goes to visit the psychic. Odd plot, huh?

Anyways, this short is a bit more serious in tone, but still has some humor laced into it. It’s much more professionally done then most things I’ve made, and it’s my favorite thing I’ve uploaded. So, long story short, no pun intended, I’m sharing my new movie with you right now! To view it, as usual, click on the awesome picture at the top! This will take you directly to my movie! Also, if you like it, subscribe to my Youtube Channel for more stuff from me! Anyways, I really hope you enjoy Disbelief! Bye y’all!

DCRS Vs. Pain & Gain

This week we review Pain & Gain and countdown our top ten movies with meatheads. Brennan takes over the co-host seat and talks about the new Dark Matters film festival he’s putting together. Also, joining us in the studio is special guest Devin O’leary, The Weekly Alibi’s film guy and programmer for the Dark Matters film festival, as we chat movies and memorable celebrity encounters. Click below for more info about the Dark Matter Film Festival.

http://www.facebook.com/darkmattersfilmfestival

http://darkmattersfilmfest.com/

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