Latest Movie News From Moviefone |
- When Luke Evans and Hugh Jackman Have a Gaston Sing-Off, Everyone Wins
- 'The Walking Dead' Season 6 Finale Expanded to 90 Minutes
- Daisy Ridley Confirms Talks for Lara Croft 'Tomb Raider' Role
- Reese Witherspoon Romantic Comedies, Ranked From Worst to Best
- Hey, Netflix and Marvel, Jeremy Renner Wants to Do a Hawkeye Series
- What's New on Netflix, TV, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: March 21-27
- Taron Egerton Reacts to Young Han Solo Casting Rumor
- Pregnant Carice van Houten and Guy Pearce Are Expecting ... Shadowbaby Jokes
- Ben Affleck Finally Sets the Record Straight on That Back Tattoo
- 'The Maze Runner' Director Updates on Dylan O'Brien's 'Scary' Injury
- 5 Underrated Ben Affleck Movies You Need to See
- What Happened to 'Allegiant' at the Box Office?
- 'The Walking Dead' Season 6, Episode 14 Recap: Should I Stay or Should I Go
| When Luke Evans and Hugh Jackman Have a Gaston Sing-Off, Everyone Wins Posted:  Luke Evans is playing Disney villain Gaston in the Mouse House's upcoming live-action remake of animated classic "Beauty and the Beast," and what better way to test his macho musical mettle than a sing-off with Hugh Jackman?That was the thinking of UK television host Jonathan Ross, who challenged the actors to do just that when they guested on Ross's show recently. Jackman, a Broadway vet who's already played Gaston on stage, had the upperhand in the experience department, but could Evans match the actor's bravado? The answer is a resounding yes. With an assist from Jackman's "Eddie the Eagle" costar Taron Egerton, who stepped in with a pitch-perfect rendition of sidekick LeFou's introductory verse (seriously, Disney should give him a call for its next live-action musical project), Evans and Jackman clutched beer steins and put on their best swagger, belting "Gaston" with enough gusto to make everyone in the audience swoon (and overlook the odd, giggle-inducing brag, "every last inch of me's covered with hair"). So who came out on top in this Gaston-off? We'd give the slight edge to Evans here, but really, we're all winners after watching this delightful spectacle. [via: The Jonathan Ross Show] Photo credit: YouTube This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'The Walking Dead' Season 6 Finale Expanded to 90 Minutes Posted:  Like the season five finale before it, the upcoming finale for the sixth season of "The Walking Dead" is getting an extended running time.AMC revealed this week that the episode, set to air on April 3, will run for 90 minutes, 30 minutes longer than the show's usual hour-long format. Last fall's season six premiere was also a supersized installment, as was this season's fourth episode, the Morgan-centric "Here's Not Here." Whether fans should be excited about this extended runtime is another story. On the one hand, it should give the series some extra time for a proper introduction of notorious comic villain Negan, who's set to finally show up in the flesh in the season finale. But based on past examples of the 90-minute format (like those listed above), the added minutes usually just translate into a bloated, meandering episode, with lots of introspective monologues padded around very few minutes of actual action. Then again, viewers have also been promised some serious carnage, and based on the brutality that the Saviors have shown so far (remember those gruesome Polaroids at the compound, or the offering of fake Gregory's severed head?), the villains should (hopefully) make those extra minutes worth fans' while. "The Walking Dead" airs its season six finale on April 3 on AMC. [via: Entertainment Weekly] Photo credit: Gene Page/AMC This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Daisy Ridley Confirms Talks for Lara Croft 'Tomb Raider' Role Posted:  Following the juicy rumor that "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" star Daisy Ridley was in talks for the lead role in a "Tomb Raider" reboot, the actress herself has confirmed that she's being eyed for the part of Lara Croft.Ridley spoke to The Hollywood Reporter this weekend at the Empire Awards in London, where she picked up the best female newcomer prize. When asked by the trade about the "Tomb Raider" rumors, the actress acknowledged that there "have been conversations" between her and filmmakers about taking the role -- though she has not been offered the part yet. "I'm waiting for someone to say 'I want you, let's do it'," Ridley told THR. According to a report from earlier this month, Ridley is one of a number of actresses vying for the plum role, which is a younger version of the character originated onscreen by Angelina Jolie in 2001's "Tomb Raider" flick. Interest in the film franchise has been renewed thanks to a 2013 video game reboot that follows the first adventures of archaeology student Lara Croft -- and it turns out that that game has convinced John Boyega, Ridley's "Force Awakens" costar, that the actress would be perfect for the part. Boyega, who was also at the Empire Awards (and also picked up some hardware, in the form of the best male newcomer prize), told THR, "I played 'Tomb Raider' the game, it's a new take and I think the movies are going to be based on that version. But I texted Daisy [and] was like, 'this is you!' and 'you need to get on that because you could be Lara Croft.' She should be." While it seems likely that this reboot will indeed follow the new video game script, that has yet to be formally announced. (And Ridley herself told THR that there's no script for the flick just yet.) But regardless of its specific plot, Ridley has more than proven herself in the action genre thanks to her "Force Awakens" part, and we think she'd be a natural fit for another high-octane franchise. Whether she lands this role or not, it's still a bit strange that she has yet to score another film gig following her breakout performance. The actress told THR that she's currently "trying to fill up [her] calendar." Get on it, Hollywood! [via: The Hollywood Reporter] Photo credit: Getty Images This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Reese Witherspoon Romantic Comedies, Ranked From Worst to Best Posted: Reese Witherspoon is pretty much America's sweetheart. Don't even try to argue with us on that. She's done it all from quirky roles to Oscar nominated ones. But let's be real -- her most important roles are the ones she's played in romantic comedies. Here are all of Reese's romcoms, ranked from eh to completely delightful.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Hey, Netflix and Marvel, Jeremy Renner Wants to Do a Hawkeye Series Posted:
He sounds more than open to it, he sounds like he's waiting by the phone. And why not? The Marvel Cinematic Universe is pretty booked for the time being, and it's not like there's a stigma against Netflix series. It might really be the perfect medium for a massive Hawkeye binge. Would you watch "Marvel's Hawkeye" on Netflix? We'd suggest Black Widow for one too, but she deserves her own solo film franchise. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| What's New on Netflix, TV, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: March 21-27 Posted:  At a loss for what to watch this week? From new DVDs and Blu-rays, to what's streaming on Netflix, we've got you covered.New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital Only "The Revenant" Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar, and broke Twitter, for his role as explorer Hugh Glass in "The Revenant," which makes its debut on Digital HD on March 22, with the DVD and Blu-ray to follow on April 19. As you probably know, the movie picked up three Oscars, including Best Actor for Leo, Best Director for Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and Best Cinematography. It led this year's Academy Award nominations with 12 nods, including one for Tom Hardy as Best Supporting Actor. "The Forest" Natalie Dormer is seeing double this week, with the DVD release of the final "Hunger Games" movie (see below) and the Digital HD debut of her horror film "The Forest" on March 22. This film follows a young woman's hunt for her missing sister in Japan's Aokigahara Forest; it's out on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand April 12. Extras, including for the digital release, include feature commentary with director Jason Zada, storyboards, galleries, and the featurette "Exploring The Forest." In that behind-the-scenes feature, the cast and filmmakers discuss what drew them to the project, the history behind the Aokigahara Forest, the characterizations, visual effects, and lore of the infamous Yurei. New on DVD and Blu-ray "Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2"  If you want to bring Katniss home, the odds are in your favor this week. The final "Hunger Games" movie, "Mockingjay - Part 2," recently had its digital release, and it's available on Blu-ray and DVD on March 22. Bonus features include audio commentary with director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson, an eight-part documentary, and more. Also, "The Hunger Games Complete 4-Film Collection" is out on Blu-ray and DVD on March 22, featuring more than 14 hours of bonus content. This puppy comes with 12 never-before-seen deleted scenes from "The Hunger Games"; six deleted scenes from "Catching Fire," including one never-before-seen; nine deleted scenes from "Mockingjay - Part 1"; two all-new featurettes, "Picturing Panem" and "Capitol Cuisine"; 70 additional featurettes for the Blu-ray and 69 for the DVD; plus audio commentaries, music videos, and more."Fear the Walking Dead" As "The Walking Dead" Season 6 winds down, AMC's companion series, "Fear the Walking Dead," prepares to rise again. Season 2 premieres Sunday, April 10, and on March 22 you can pick up the special edition version of "Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season." The two-disc sets, in collectible packaging, include five deleted scenes, seven newly produced featurettes, and audio commentaries on every episode. "Daddy's Home" Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg play dueling daddies in this comedy, which is out on disc this week. The Blu-ray Combo Pack with Digital HD features more than 45 minutes of bonus content, including extended and deleted scenes, a blooper reel, "The Making of Daddy's Home," a featurette on the child actors who play Dylan and Megan, a "Daddy-Off" interview with Will and Mark, a behind-the-scenes look at the Daddy Daughter Dance, and more. TV Worth Watching "Dancing With the Stars" Season 22 (Monday on ABC at 8 p.m.)  Three football players. Three nostalgia TV stars. Zero Houghs. The spring season of DWTS promises to be an interesting one. "Grumpy" Len Goodman is back as head judge to criticize 12 celebs who are probably wondering why they signed up for this nerve-racking torture. For the Mirror Ball trophy, of course! And a decent paycheck. Here's hoping ANTM's Nyle DiMarco picks up his second reality show win."Grantchester" Season 2 (Sunday on PBS at 9 p.m.) Here's another one for the list of things to watch now that "Downton Abbey" is gone. Hopefully you watched the charming -- but surprisingly deep and moving -- first season of "Grantchester," 'cause Season 2 airs March 27-May 1 on Masterpiece on PBS. James Norton is back as handsome Reverend Sidney Chambers, with Robson Green returning as his rough-around-the-edges partner in crime, Inspector Geordie Keating. Watch them bring justice and spiritual nourishment to early 1950s England, and see if Sidney will ever find The Right Girl. "Portlandia" Season 6 (Thursday on IFC at 10 p.m.) It's time to put a bird on the sixth season of "Portlandia." The 10th episode is called "Noodle Monster," and here is IFC's synopsis: "A tsukemen ramen monster is on the loose in Portland. The mayor tries to impress a major brand visiting Portland and enlists Fred and Carrie to help." New on Netflix "A Promise" (2013)  Rebecca Hall, Alan Rickman, and Richard "Robb Stark" Madden star in this 2013 drama, available on Netflix starting March 24. The story is set in the early 20th century, following the love triangle of an ailing factor owner (Rickman), his young bride (Hall), and his protege (Madden). If you loved the late, great Alan Rickman, you should honor his memory by watching this film, and everything else he's in."The Art of Organized Noize" This star-studded 2016 documentary tells the rise-and-fall story of Atlanta music pioneers, Organized Noize, the producers behind Outkast, Goodie Mob, and TLC. Their production shaped the landscape of hip-hop with their own distinctive sound, which was created in the confines of The Dungeon. The doc features interviews with Andre 3000, Big Boi, Puff Daddy, Future, Ludacris, L.A. Reid, 2 Chainz, CeeLo and more, and you can catch it on Netflix starting March 22. Check out the official trailer: "The Forbidden Kingdom" In this 2008 martial arts adventure, Michael Angarano stars as an American teen who loves Hong Kong cinema and old kung-fu movies (so, basically, a young Quentin Tarantino). He ends up transported back in time, where he joins a band of legendary martial-artists on a quest to free an imprisoned man. The film co-stars Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Crystal Liu and it arrives on Netflix March 24. "Trailer Park Boys": Season 10 "Veggietales in the House": Season 3 And just in case you happen to follow these two Netflix Original series, they are premiering new seasons on March 25. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Taron Egerton Reacts to Young Han Solo Casting Rumor Posted:  Taron Egerton is either already in acting mode when it comes to the "Star Wars" spinoff following young Han Solo, or rumors of his potential involvement have been greatly exaggerated.Last we heard, "The Kingsman" actor, 26, was on the shortlist of frontrunners for the part. The Hollywood Reporter recently said a few stars were flown to London in early March to meet with producers. However, just a few days after that report came out, Welsh actor Taron was on "The Jonathan Ross Show" in the U.K., and directly addressed the rumor that he may be playing the young Han Solo. Here's what he said about that:
Hugh Jackman was also a guest on the show, and claimed to know nothing about what's happening, but he made a gesture suggesting Egerton would be good or was already up for the role. Jackman told his "Eddie the Eagle" co-star that he should audition. Egerton said Jackman could play Chewbacca, but Egerton proved he'd actually be a great young Chewie since he does a perfect yell. Watch for yourself: Love it! But did he really audition or not? As Vulture put it, Miles Teller at least admitted auditioning for the role, "So either Disney is shuffling the real new Han Solo in with a deck of expendable dudes, or Taron Egerton has signed a very, very tight NDA." Do you think Taron would make a good young Han? Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Pregnant Carice van Houten and Guy Pearce Are Expecting ... Shadowbaby Jokes Posted:  Melisandre better get ready for another awkward baby shower.Dutch "Game of Thrones" actress Carice van Houten and Australian actor Guy Pearce confirmed they are expecting a baby together, which served as a double notice for many of us that they were even dating.  Pearce split from his wife of 18 years last year, and they had no children together.The "Memento" star had been open about his lack of interest in having children, telling The Guardian in 2007, "I don't even need them. There are enough babies in the world. Besides, I don't think I would be good for babies. I'd be on and off. I think they need more consistent affection than I would be able to give." (He said he's more of a cat person.)  So that's his experience with kids, and we've all seen how Melisandre deals with children -- she pushed Stannis to burn his daughter Shireen, she's a nightmare at baby showers, and the last time she gave birth, the shadowbaby killed a would-be king.Pearce, 48, and van Houten, 39, are both filming the movie "Brimstone" (along with GoT star Kit Harington) and they are well aware that this situation is just begging for jokes about Melisandre's shadowbaby:
Liam Cunningham, who plays Davos on GoT, even jumped in on the action:
Congrats to the growing family! May the Lord of Light shine upon their shadowbaby and give it a special Valyrian steel rattle-sword to protect it through those dark nights that are full of terrors. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Ben Affleck Finally Sets the Record Straight on That Back Tattoo Posted:  After both of his Jen exes -- wife Jennifer Garner and Bennifer-mate Jennifer Lopez -- joined the rest of the planet in mocking his phoenix back tattoo, Ben Affleck finally rose from the ashes of silence to explain the dang thing.As you probably figured the second you first saw it, it's "fake for a movie." That's what he confirmed to Mario Lopez's ExtraTV during an interview for "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." Mario then said Ben probably wasn't at liberty to say anything further, and Ben began to say something about not wanting to, but added, "I actually do have a number of tattoos...but I try to have them in places where you don't have to do a lot of cover up...they get sort of addictive, tattoos, after a while." There's a whole tattoo discussion, which you can watch in the Extra talk with Ben and Henry Cavill: It's kind of a tense, or maybe just tired, chat. But here's a question: Why didn't Jennifer Garner know that the back tattoo was fake for a movie, if they are still close, raising their kids together and all that? And why is Ben just now confirming it's fake, only thanks to Extra, when we first saw that thing back on his film set in December -- when TMZ and Us Weekly claimed it was real, and he'd had it since July? You could tell Ben didn't even want to delve into the subject, even though it's been a source of mockery from his exes, who both apparently thought it was real (or pretended to, anyway). Is someone not being entirely truthful here? David Fincher needs to get the rights to this mystery and make a thriller about it -- "The Gone Man With the Phoenix Tattoo." Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'The Maze Runner' Director Updates on Dylan O'Brien's 'Scary' Injury Posted:  Dylan O'Brien is going to be OK. Wes Ball, director of "The Maze Runner" franchise, including the current movie "Death Cure," issued a statement about his star's recent injury on the movie's Vancouver set. Ball said he expects O'Brien will be well enough to return and finish the film after "a few weeks of rest and recovery."Without sharing more details on the car scene-gone-wrong that reportedly left O'Brien with multiple broken bones, the director did take to Twitter to share his own anger, guilt, and sadness about the incident: "Well, it's been a whirlwind of emotions these past few days. I've been overwhelmed with feelings of anger and sadness and guilt. But, ultimately I find myself left with a deep love and respect for Dylan. He is one tough cookie. I'm sorry for the grief this accident has caused his friends and family as well as my wonderful cast and crew. It's scary seeing your friend get hurt, but fortunately, Dylan is going to be just fine. After a few weeks of rest and recovery he'll be back up and running to finish our adventure together. All the best. - Wes" — Wes Ball (@wesball) March 19, 2016 According to Deadline, O'Brien, 24, fell off the back of a set that was supposed to look like the back of a train. They weren't clear on the details, but heard he fractured either his cheekbone or orbital socket when he fell on his face. After the accident Fox issued a statement to confirm O'Brien's injury and transfer to the hospital for treatment. They said production on this third film in the "Maze Runner" franchise would be shut down until he recovers. Based on Ball's note, it sounds like that's expected to be "a few weeks" away. Don't rush it for the studio, man, heal at your own pace! Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 5 Underrated Ben Affleck Movies You Need to See Posted: Reportedly, the filmmakers of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (opening March 25) cast Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight because they wanted a slightly older Batman with some gravitas. Now, you're probably chuckling and thinking, "Ben Affleck? Gravitas?" But give the man some credit. At age 43, after 35 years in show business -- and 19 in the celebrity tabloid wringer -- Affleck has more world-weariness and life experience than you might think. Indeed, he's always been an underrated actor, and at times, he's been able to use that reputation to his advantage. Here are five Affleck turns that were dismissed or undervalued at the time but are ripe for rediscovery now.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| What Happened to 'Allegiant' at the Box Office? Posted:  In its opening weekend, "The Divergent Series: Allegiant" was supposed to give the still-strong "Zootopia" a run for its money. Analysts predicted that both the hit Disney cartoon and the third installment of the YA franchise would reach about $35 million.As it turned out, "Zootopia" did even better than expected, losing just 26 percent of last week's business and grabbing another estimated $38.0 million, good enough to spend a third weekend in the top spot. But the competition wasn't even close. "Allegiant" came in nearly $9 million behind, with an estimated $29.0 million. That's the franchise's lowest opening yet. "Allegiant" should have done a lot better; at the very least, it should have held its own against a movie that's been out for almost a month. So, what happened? Here are five areas where Tris and her team ran into trouble. 1. Negative Reactions to the Book Like other young-adult fantasy franchises, the "Divergent" movies have banked on the popularity of the best-selling books they came from, as well as the storytelling skills of the authors who created them. But even among fans of Veronica Roth's novels, "Allegiant" was a controversial book that outraged many readers. Even though the ending that prompted the "WTF?" reaction from readers doesn't happen yet in the "Allegiant" movie (fans might see it in 2017's "Ascendant"), that sense of disappointment surely kept many "Divergent" fans from wanting to see even this first half of the two-film finale. 2. Splitting the Movie In Half  The tactic of splitting a franchise finale into two parts, which made some sense with the plot-heavy "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," has increasingly come to appear to fans as a cynical cash grab.The first-half-of-a-finale movies, like "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1" or "Allegiant," often feel like throat-clearing, all exposition and set-up and no payoff. They don't feel like organic, stand-alone movies, like the earlier chapters. The stories and characters feel stretched thin, as if to justify such a film's running time. It's no wonder that fans often feel like skipping the second-to-last movie in a series and waiting until the actual finale. It feels even more problematic to split the adaptation of a book few liked in half -- why would they pay to see two installments when they weren't too keen on the whole thing the first time? 3. The Execution "Allegiant" might still have drawn fans if the film had been well-made. But it wasn't, according to critics, who gave the film a terrible 10 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Ticketbuyers weren't much kinder, giving the film a B grade at CinemaScore, indicating weak word-of-mouth. 4. Poor Timing  The third week in March may have worked well for the first two movies, but this time around, "Allegiant" ran into tough competition. There was "Zootopia," of course, which was built to appeal to older audiences -- as well as tots. There was also the new "Miracles From Heaven," the faith-based drama starring Jennifer Garner, which did better than expected with an estimated $15.0 million.There's "10 Cloverfield Lane," which cut into "Allegiant's" audience to earn $12.5 million in its second weekend. And for older teens, "Deadpool" is still raking it in, earning an estimated $8.0 million in its sixth weekend. Even without the R-rated superhero movie, there were still plenty of acclaimed, teen-friendly options to compete with Tris' latest PG-13-rated outing. 5. Fading Interest In the Genre The problem may be bigger than "The Divergent Series." It's also possible that the whole young-adult fantasy/post-apocalyptic future genre is played out. "The Hunger Games" saw diminishing returns with the final two movies. The second "Maze Runner" movie in 2015 earned 20 percent less than the first one. The latest attempt at launching a franchise in the genre, January's "The 5th Wave," stalled out at around $34 million. It's clear that distributor Lionsgate expects big things from the franchise closer, "Ascendant" -- instead of releasing it next March, it's coming out June 2017, at the height of summer blockbuster season. But if the audience has moved on, not just from "Divergent," but from the whole genre, then summer dollars aren't going to redeem the downturn the series is seeing. If the studios don't figure out what the next big thing is for the audience that made Lionsgate's "Twilight" and "Hunger Games" franchises so huge over the past decade, they may as well rename the final movie "Obsolescent." This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'The Walking Dead' Season 6, Episode 14 Recap: Should I Stay or Should I Go Posted:  A popular – and well-founded – complaint about "The Walking Dead" is that the show can't stop repeating itself, perpetually introducing Big Bads that our survivors must battle in between brief moments of stability and community-building. And with the conflict with the Saviors heating up over the past few weeks, it certainly seems like viewers are in for a lather, rinse, repeat with Negan and co., which is why creating characters that audiences care about has become so important to the series. As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, "TWD" often strives to balance humor and heart with the series's inherent horror, doing its best to make some room for lightness in the midst of all the darkness. But after tonight's episode, I suspect the show has forgotten the importance of that.Sure, making us care so much about Denise means her death is that much more heart-wrenching. And yes, making Carol question her morality makes her a multifaceted (and normal) human being. But honestly, what's the point? What is the point of killing someone as soon as they realize they need to – and want to, and try to – change? What is the point of banishing Carol yet again, making her relinquish her defining characteristics, and forcing her to take some moral high ground that viewers know is a recipe for disaster (and Carol herself would have scoffed at only a few episodes ago)? There doesn't seem to be one, and I'm struggling to reconcile this apparent ambivalence on the writers' part with my loyalty as a viewer. I really am crushed by the loss of Denise. She was my favorite new character this season, and Merritt Wever's brilliant performance made the doctor a warm, awkward, funny, flawed, fully-fledged person who I enjoyed watching week after week. Wever is an Emmy winner and must have other acting opportunities on her plate, so I suppose her time in Alexandria was always meant to be brief. But the problem with introducing someone that viewers (or at least this viewer) love so much is that not only do they miss them when they're gone, but they question the point of giving her character depth or dimension at all, when she ends up nothing more than target practice for the villain of the week. We've seen similar progression with killed-too-soon characters like Bob, whose upbeat demeanor made him a welcome presence on the program early last season. So naturally, after he tells Rick he believes this nightmare existence will get better, he's bitten by a zombie and has his leg eaten in front of him by a band of cannibals. That's what you get for having a personality on "The Walking Dead." (Conversely, blank slates like Tara continue to roam free.) As for Carol, I don't even know where to begin. I'm so angry about the direction the show is taking with her, but more than that, I'm confused. I outlined my annoyance with this nonsense last week, and I reiterate it tonight. I do find it kind of hilarious that she chose to break up with Tobin via letter (better than a Post-it, I guess?), but that's where my tolerance for this storyline ends. When even Morgan, the biggest pacifist in the universe, is confused by your random change of heart, there's a problem. If anything, Carol's reasons for leaving only serve to highlight the flaw that I pointed out above: This series is seemingly nothing more than an endless string of antagonists that must be defeated. That Carol thinks Rick's crew is becoming an antagonist itself is beside the point; the fact that she so easily distilled the predictable essence of the series in a few lines speaks volumes about how monotonous it's become. "We have so much here: people, food, medicine, walls. Everything we need to live. But what we have, other people want, too, and that won't ever change," Carol writes in her letter. "If we survive this threat, then it's not over. Another will be back to take its place, to take what we have." That's been true for six seasons, and with no end to the series in sight, I don't know how it ever escapes that plot device. Sure, maybe I'm demanding more than I should from a show about the zombie apocalypse. But as I've said before, the showrunners have been determined to make "TWD" as much about the people as the walkers roaming around them. Unfortunately, with the good ones either dropping like flies or dropping their personalities, I'm finding it difficult to continue caring about the rest of them. And judging by precedent, it's almost better if I don't like a character – I thought the insipid Father Gabriel would die after two episodes, and yet he's whimpered his way through almost two seasons. (Can't wait for season 12, when he's the only current cast member left alive and becomes the Rick of Alexandria 3.0.) That's why I'm so nervous for Daryl and Eugene, who each had moments of self-actualization tonight that peg them as liable to bite the big one soon. Eugene insists to a skeptical (and weirdly hostile) Abraham that he considers himself a survivor now, someone who has finally successfully adapted to his apocalyptic environment. He suggests the innovative idea of making his own ammunition for the community, since that's its most important commodity now, and has even started to grow out his signature mullet in a literal show of his development. "I see you tied back your Tennessee waterfall there," Abraham remarks, adding another state-specific synonym for the haircut to viewers' vocabulary. Eugene responds with perhaps the best hair-centric soliloquy known to man. "I won't lie," he says. "I liked it, I may very well miss it. The feel of the billowy curtain catching the breeze some days was straight-up bliss. But brass tacks, the hair doesn't make the man – the man makes the man." That latter sentiment weighs on Daryl, who's tormented by his decision not to take out Saviors Dwight and Honey – who he met in the burned-out forest back in episode six, and who stole his bike and his crossbow – when he had the chance. He shares his frustration with Carol, who responds that he had no choice but to show mercy, because "That's who you are. We're still stuck with that." "No, we ain't," Daryl spits back. "I should have killed them." It's this conversation that ultimately makes Carol realize that she needs to leave Alexandria. As best I can understand her warped logic, she seems to agree that it's necessary to kill in this new world. But she doesn't want to be in the position of having to do so, and thus decides to isolate herself indefinitely. "I love you all here, I do. And I'd have to kill for you. And I can't. I won't," she says in her letter. "Rick sent me away and I wasn't ever going to come back, but everything happened and I wound up staying. But I can't anymore. I can't love anyone because I can't kill for anyone. So I'm going, like I always should have. Don't come after me, please." Of course, we know that someone – probably Daryl – inevitably will, and that pursuit will likely lead to someone (perhaps even Carol herself) getting killed, especially if the Saviors find her first. As we saw with Denise, Negan's crew is apparently everywhere these days, circling closer and closer to Alexandria in an effort to find Rick's gang, seeking revenge alongside a cache of weapons and people. We know that the Saviors like to introduce themselves to new communities by killing a random resident to instill fear and assert authority, and that was likely the plan for Daryl, the real target of Dwight's arrow. Instead, it hits Denise mid-speech. But there's no time to mourn, since Dwight and his henchmen have Daryl and Rosita surrounded, and then trot out a bound Eugene, who they've taken hostage. A flurry of activity follows, spurred in part by Eugene deciding that the best way to subdue Dwight is to bite him in the crotch (?!?), causing the Savior to howl out in pain and giving Daryl and Rosita a chance to scramble for their weapons and open fire. Abe, hiding nearby, joins the fight, and once Eugene releases Dwight's junk from his jaws' clutches, the Saviors bolt, leaving Daryl's crossbow behind. Mr. Dixon, determined not to let Dwight get away again, takes aim, but Rosita talks him out of it. They need to attend to Eugene (only grazed by a bullet, thankfully – after surviving Abe's season five beatdown, and now this, it seems this guy has nine lives), and hightail it back to Alexandria before they're ambushed again. But you can bet that this isn't the last time Dwight and Daryl go toe-to-toe. I'm just hoping that the writers have the sense to make Daryl the one who comes out on top in that matchup. Daryl eventually fetches Denise's body from the train tracks, and brings it back to Alexandria for burial. He clutches the keychain she snagged from the apothecary, which is inscribed with her twin brother Dennis's name. It's a mirror of the earlier scene in which Denise herself held the trinket and wept outside the store, and each moment is heartbreaking in its own way. I suppose the only solace I can take away from this episode is that Denise (and Wever) got an incredible showcase for her last appearance on the program. Despite having no experience outside the walls, she summoned the courage to suggest that Daryl and Rosita join her to check out the apothecary, scoring some crucial antibiotics that will likely save Eugene's life. Her triumph at finding that can of Crush to give to Tara was infectious, and her inability to keep down her breakfast was gross but endearing. (Loved her line, "Aw man, I threw up on my glasses.") And her final moments proved that she was on the path to becoming a more assertive person – and more importantly, more confident in herself. After Rosita and Daryl chastise her for going after that soda – and tussling with that walker – when it was stupid dangerous to do so, Denise shoots back that it was stupid and dangerous for them to go after the Saviors, yet they did it anyway. "You wanna live, you take chances. That's what I did," she retorts. She also admits that she didn't tell Tara she loved her, or join her on her supply run, because she was scared, something that she now realizes is silly in these zombified times. "That's what's stupid, not me coming out here and facing my s—t," Denise tells them. "And it makes me sick that you guys aren't even trying, because you're strong and you're smart and you're both really good people. And if you don't wake—" And that's when an arrow is shot through her head. It seems that Daryl gets the point, though, and Denise's demise does make him wake up a bit. Just what change it will inspire in him is forthcoming, but I hope that it doesn't lead to his own demise. But with the way things have been going so far, I wouldn't rule it out. Other thoughts: - The arrow comes out through Denise's right eye, making her now the third character that I can recall who's suffered an injury to that specific socket, after The Governor and Carl. What weird vendetta do "TWD" writers have against right eyes? - Abe compliments Eugene's quick thinking during the showdown with Dwight, telling him admiringly, "You had him by the d—k, Eugene. I mean that with the utmost respect." - The specifics are unknown, but we can see from Dwight's mangled appearance that the Saviors have exacted their punishment for his earlier escape. He sports some pretty significant scars on the side of his face and head, which look like the result of severe burns, and one of his ears appears to have melted off. Yikes. - Loved the moment when Denise tries to give Daryl pointers on driving a stick shift, and Daryl just shoots her a silent, glowering look. - Another awkward, well-played moment between Denise and Daryl and Rosita: The latter two tell her to hang back in the apothecary, and Denise offers meekly, "Do you want me to hold your bags, or...?" - A unique problem that surfaced tonight: How do you kill a zombie whose head is covered with impenetrable melted metal? Solution: Stab him up through the bottom of his chin. - Daryl refused to take the train tracks on the way to the apothecary, perhaps because the last time he followed some tracks, they led to Terminus. Unfortunately, the trio takes that route home, setting up the Savior ambush. - Abraham finally declares his love for Sasha, sweetly telling her, "Could be 30 years for us here. That's still not enough." Commence all the "Awwwww"s. - As for Abe's ex, after being unceremoniously dumped, Rosita has decided to hook up with Spencer, of all people. That questionable choice is followed by another, when she begrudgingly agrees to have dinner with him, despite Spencer's pledge to make a dish he's dubbed "beef jerky stroganoff." You may have been terrible to Denise, but you're still better than this, Rosita. - An odd confluence of events ends the episode, where we see some Alexandrians wheeling out the community's guns and ammo from the pantry to the front gate. And as Sasha's back is turned on the watchtower, an RV pulls up. There could be any number of explanations for either scenario, though I got the impression that they were part of a flash-forward. Perhaps the ammo is being presented to the Saviors, who have wormed their way into the community after all. And the RV – which may or may not have been detected by anyone – could house whoever has come to collect. Of course, the vehicle could also be Tara and Heath, returned from their run. The repetition that began the episode suggests some time has passed, but that could also be meant to illustrate the monotony that's beset the community. Or I could be reading way too much into it. (The latter seems to be the safest bet.) Photo credit: Gene Page/AMC This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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