Latest Movie News From Moviefone |
- Hidden Messages Exposed: Are You Savvy to the Subliminal Messages in These Popular Kid Movies?
- Dan Aykroyd: New 'Ghostbusters' Has More Laughs & Scares Than First 2 Films
- Jeremy Irons Calls 'Batman v Superman' 'Overstuffed' and 'Muddled'
- Best TV Shows to Watch on Date Night
- 'Game of Thrones' Season 6, Episode 7 Writer Hypes 'The Broken Man'
- 'Maze Runner: Death Cure' Has New Release Date, Forcing Other Changes
- Fans Defend Keira Knightley After 'Begin Again' Director's Unprofessional Slam
- 5 Characters Found in (Practically) Every Period British TV Show
- Dwayne Johnson Shares 'Twisted' Look at Hobbs in 'Fast 8,' Confirms 'Doc Savage'
- Norman Reedus: 'The Walking Dead' Cliffhanger Reveal Is 'Worth the Wait, Trust Me'
- What's New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: May 30-June 5
- Why Did 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' Tank at the Box Office?
- 'Game of Thrones' Showrunners Confirm THAT Was Coldhands
- 'Game of Thrones' Recap: Stark Surprises Save 'Blood of My Blood'
| Hidden Messages Exposed: Are You Savvy to the Subliminal Messages in These Popular Kid Movies? Posted:
But if you dig a little deeper, some of those same movies also take a sly stance on social and political issues. A few have even been criticized for promoting a specific "agenda." Did you catch the subliminal messaging in these seven children's movies? 'Finding Nemo' (2003) In Disney Pixar's underwater charmer, "Finding Nemo," the Great Barrier Reef is home to a colorful cast of aquatic characters. The movie's focus on sea life and the Reef's delicate ecosystem can be read as support of the environmental conservationist movement. Think about it: who could possibly be heartless enough to toss a plastic bottle into the ocean after watching Marlin and Dory rescue sweet little Nemo? 'The Fox and the Hound' (1981) A classic Disney animated movie that should only be watched when you're in need of a good cry actually has a pretty disturbing thesis. Tod and Copper come from different worlds, but friendship helps them bridge that gap. In the end though, "The Fox & the Hound" have to go back to their separate, species-appropriate lives. It's a depressing allegory of the struggle of having lasting relationships with people who aren't "like" you. 'Frozen' (2013) Though she has no love interest in the movie, some have interpreted Elsa as Disney's first lesbian princess. Dorian Lynskey of The Guardian even called Elsa's big number and now ubiquitous karaoke song "Let It Go" a "coming-out anthem." 'Beauty and the Beast' (1991) "Beauty & The Beast" had might as well be called "Stockholm Syndrome: The Musical." Belle is kept as a prisoner in the Beast's castle only to inevitably fall in love with him and decide to stay forever. Sure. 'Mary Poppins' (1964) In Disney's interpretation of the P.L. Travers' books, "Mary Poppins" is the original super-nanny and hero for childless women everywhere. Mary loves children just fine, but she's not willing to give up her freedom for them. She goes where the wind takes her and doesn't feel guilty about it for a moment. It's an incredibly progressive stance for a family movie made in 1964. 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' (1989) The visually innovative 1989 movie, "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids," is a coming-of-age story in more ways than one. When their kooky scientist dad accidentally shrinks his kids and their friends with one of his inventions, the youngsters have to use teamwork and their wits to stay alive in a world that's too big for them. That's a metaphor for the challenges of youth and puberty if we've ever heard one. 'The Lego Movie' (2014) It's possible that no kids movie in the last 10 years stirred up as much talk about subliminal messaging as "The Lego Movie." Fox News hosted a segment on the movie's "anti-business" themes, and others pointed out the resemblance of the movie's villain, President Business, to conservative Mitt Romney. But even though "The Lego Movie" is a celebration of creativity and forward-thinking, the entire feature is inspired by the Lego brand. And it doesn't get much more corporate than that. Sources This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Dan Aykroyd: New 'Ghostbusters' Has More Laughs & Scares Than First 2 Films Posted:
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Jeremy Irons Calls 'Batman v Superman' 'Overstuffed' and 'Muddled' Posted:  Sheesh, even Alfred is breaking ranks. It's so hard to find good help these days.Maybe Jeremy Irons's check for "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" bounced, 'cause he recently joined the chorus of complaints that the DC film was bloated and muddled, saying BvS deserved its beatdown from critics. Irons is set to return for more films, so this could make things awkward on the sets of "Justice League" and the Batman solo movie Ben Affleck is developing. But maybe everyone involved just finds Irons's candor refreshing. They're probably used to it by now, since he's hardly bashful with his opinions on anything. The Oscar-winning actor's BvS criticism was dropped into a lengthy interview with the Daily Mail's Event magazine. Here's that section of the story, following the reporter's comment that BvS was popular(ish) at the box office but got a kicking from critics:
At least he's honest, even if some might prefer him to be more loyal to an already kicked horse. But it's a good sign if he's hopeful about the next one, right? This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best TV Shows to Watch on Date Night Posted:
OK, forget it. Here's the idea: Date nights take many different forms. By nature, you've got to start with a hopefully not crushingly awkward first date, and if you're lucky, you'll progress into a honeymoon phase and then a full-on relationship that's cozier than bunny slippers. And as your date nights change shape over time, your entertainment needs to keep pace if you want those flames fanned. So let these shows be your chaperone, and flame on. The Icebreakers When you first start dating, what you need is a safety net -- "Bob's Burgers" is that safety net. It's light, it's accessible, it's going to net you some serious street cred, and it'll stock you and your better half with in-joke ammo for years to come. You will hear the phrase, "Your ass is grass and I'm gonna mow it" at least a dozen times, guaranteed. Once said ice is broken, move on to "Master of None," from the irreplaceable Aziz Ansari. The trick here is that Aziz and crew bring the laughs, but they also provide plenty to chew on over a few glasses of Syrah -- this one runs a thematic gamut from the complications of texting and sustaining today's flake-o-riffic relationships to what it's like being second-generation immigrants in America. Funny with a big dose of poignant. The Hopeless Romantics All right, a few seasons of solid TV later, and the L-word is in the air -- be the people who hold their boomboxes over their heads and make out in the rain, and just embrace that thing. Put it all out there with the Judd Apatow-produced "Love." Like you and your S.O., this show is all about lovers on a sweet -- but charmingly imperfect and a little neurotic -- journey. It's not so much the Big L that counts, it's how we get there. And if you're ready for a big commitment, all nine seasons of "The Office" should just about do it. You can't get more romantic than the evolution of Pam and Jim's relationship, while the mix of hilarity and occasional tear jerking between the love-story beats makes it even sweeter. The Nights In You're committed now, and the name of the game is sustaining your bond with bingeing and cheap, cheap date nights. This is when you call the big hitters up to the plate. The mix of plot twists, baby dragons, gore, and unhinged sex on "Game of Thrones" is enough to keep anyone's flame lit, but if you prefer a sci-fi slant, 800-plus episodes of "Doctor Who" should be enough to keep you wonderfully nerdy lovebirds scheduling date nights till about, oh, 2036. If you don't do genre, slow-burn character study and complex moral undertones make "Better Call Saul" just about enough to sustain a relationship all by itself -- seriously, having an excuse to watch this show every week could very well keep you from breaking up for eternity. Unless someone sneaks in an episode when it's not date night. Couples who stay together are couples who watch together. It's science. Sources This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Game of Thrones' Season 6, Episode 7 Writer Hypes 'The Broken Man' Posted:
Get hype! But what sequence? • As we see in the trailer, the Riverrun storyline is in full swing, with Jaime Lannister facing off against Brynden "The Blackfish" Tully (good to see you back, man!) while poor Edmure Tully continues to be tortured. (That's what you get for torturing another Jamie on "Outlander.") • Another major storyline this episode appears to be Sansa, Jon, and Ser Davos going on their army recruitment tour, with Tormund making a pitch to wildlings and Sansa using her name to remind the North they have a duty to the Starks. • Speaking of the Starks, Arya now has to find a way to avoid the waif, who just got the OK to kill our former No One for refusing to kill Lady Crane. Thank heaven this storyline is finally wrapping up, even if it's hard to see quite yet why Arya went through all of this stuff in Braavos. Just for the great fight training? Please put it to good use back in Westeros. • The trailer also shows Lady Olenna reminding Cersei that this is all her fault, since she thought she was so clever to re-empower the Faith Militant and now the Faith has taken over. Slow clap for Cersei. • And the trailer also shows Yara and Theon Greyjoy plotting how to take back the Iron Islands from their Uncle Euron. (Suggestion: Open the fighting pits for an Uncle-Off -- Euron vs. Benjen & Brynden vs. Jaime.)  Is any one of those storylines the one Cogman teased as from his favorite week? There's also thought that the title may refer to a certain someone we've been waiting to see again. SPOILERS & SPECULATION We originally thought The Hound might be the "old foe" referenced in the synopsis for Episode 6, but that was our old (super old) foe Walder Frey. So is it time for Sandor Clegane to return? Actor Ian McShane revealed that the character he'll be playing for one episode this season "is an ex-warrior who's become a peacenik. So I have this group of peaceful...it's like a cult, peaceful tribe... who have brought back...I bring back this beloved character that everyone thinks is dead." In the books, The Hound is thought to be the gravedigger on the Quiet Isle, not quite dead, with McShane as a TV version of Elder Brother. Are we about to find out the truth of this?  Davos does end "The Broken Man" promo by saying "the dead are coming," so ... yeah, he means the wights and White Walkers, but why not The Hound, while so many others are dying and coming back?Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Maze Runner: Death Cure' Has New Release Date, Forcing Other Changes Posted:  We finally have an update on the status of "Maze Runner: The Death Cure." It was originally scheduled to come out February 17, 2017, but after star Dylan O'Brien was seriously injured during filming, production was shut down. As far as we know, it's still shut down, but Fox shuffled its schedule around and announced that "The Death Cure" will eventually get itself back up and running, and it will now be released on January 12, 2018.O'Brien was hurt in mid-March, but "The Death Cure" director Wes Ball and company originally expected the star to be back on set to finish the film within "a few weeks." But a later update from O'Brien's publicist noted that the actor's injuries were "very serious" and he needed more time to recover. That led to the late April production shutdown. Not long after that, it was reported that O'Brien was in talks for the lead role in "American Assassin," which plans to start production this fall. According to Deadline, they would be "working around O'Brien's recovery from injuries." That was a hopeful note about his progress, and this public announcement of a new "Death Cure" release date is still more hopeful news. However, moving "Death Cure" meant shuffling some other releases around, and Fox announced several new dates while updating on "Maze Runner."
Are those Fox/Marvel movies the "Deadpool" sequel and another "X-Men" movie? They are a long while off, at any rate, and now "Death Cure" has one of their spots. What do you think about this new schedule? Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Fans Defend Keira Knightley After 'Begin Again' Director's Unprofessional Slam Posted:
Ouch. Good thing he didn't want to "rubbish Keira" or that could've come off as rude.  So he loved working with Adam Levine -- whose job is singing and coaching on "The Voice," not acting -- but he dismissed Keira as a "supermodel" and insulted her acting because she didn't quite follow his already-be-the-character-in-real-life playbook. So why did he, as the director, cast her, and why isn't he blaming himself if he isn't happy with the result? Considering her filmography is a lot longer than his, and she has two acting Oscar nominations, it's a bit rich for the director to try to hang this all on her lack of acting skills.Fans defended Keira in comments across the Internet. Here are just a few, from the Independent, Variety, and Entertainment Weekly:
If Keira saw her former director's interview -- and someone probably told her about it -- the fan support has to take a bit of the sting away. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 5 Characters Found in (Practically) Every Period British TV Show Posted:
Now that you're obsessed with British period shows, whether they're loosely based on true events, like "The Tudors," or are works of fiction set in historical times, similar to "Outlander" (sometimes referred to as a British-American show hybrid), get to know the handful of usual suspects that we can't help but notice make their mark in nigh every show. 1. Privileged White Male Who Is Struggling With ... Something This one is a no-brainer. It's basically the backbone of all British period TV shows because history has always been made on the incredibly unreliable backs of striving, privileged white males. From Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan in "Outlander," who's wrangling with those corrupt English dudes, to King Henry VIII, aka Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, in "The Tudors," who grappled with getting rid of multiple wives while trying to lead a country, this character is pretty much in every single show. Even "Downton Abbey's" Robert Crawley, played by Hugh Bonneville, struggled with keeping the family fortune and yada yada yada. Historical British TV is crawling with these guys who are struggling ... always struggling. 2. Attractive Young Female Probably About to Be Married Off One of the main problems that most of those previously mentioned struggling white males have to deal with is the responsibility of marrying off the "attractive young female" of the family to further their own good fortune. A prime example of this is Lady Mary Crawley, played by Michelle Dockery, of "Downton Abbey," having to marry Dan Stevens's Matthew Crawley in the first season -- not to mention Princess Margaret (Gabrielle Anwar) of "The Tudors," Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson) of "The White Queen," and "Outlander's" Claire Randall, portrayed by Caitriona Balfe, who has to marry Jamie to be "protected" or whatever. Though, if we're being totally honest, this character is not unexpected in period pieces, based on historical times when women weren't as highly valued as they are now. 3. Poor Character That the Family Always Rejects Come on, this character just comes with the territory. When a period British TV show centers around family and societal politics, there's always that one character who doesn't have the money but cleans up nicely. You know, the one that the dad of the family is all "hell nah," but the youngest daughter, like Lady Sybil Crawley, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, of "Downton Abbey," is all "I will marry him and you cannot stop me." These Tom Branson types usually go for the youngest sister, the one who's not being forced to marry some dude for power, so it usually goes their way and leads to happiness ... or not. Such was the fate of musician Mark Smeaton (Max Fowler) in "Wolf Hall," who dared have eyes for Anne Boleyn, only to be met with eventual death. Yikes. 4. Socialites, Socialites, so Many Socialites British period TV is littered with socialites. The characters in almost all of these shows fall into two classes, essentially the help and the rich people. Most of the pretty, affluent women are socialites or wannabes, whose talk is laced with "coming out to society" or their rank among the other families and so on. For instance, take Cora, Elizabeth McGovern's character in "Downton Abbey," who was a socialite in America and got married off (sound familiar?) to the Earl of Grantham just because she was a socialite. And don't forget Lady Mae Loxley, played by Katherine Kelly in "Mr. Selfridge," whose main descriptor is "socialite." Enough said? 5. Sassy, Knowledgeable, Sometimes Condescending Older Family Member In all honesty, this character isn't really a bad thing. Maggie Smith's performance as the Dowager Countess of Grantham in "Downton Abbey" will live on forever in the minds of all who've seen it. When you watch the ease with which she quips gems like "No Englishman would dream of dying in someone else's house" or "I don't dislike him, I just don't like him, which is quite different," it's not hard to see why one might love the dowager. Actually, the world needs more of these Maggie Smith-type characters. Can someone write a TV show that's entirely peopled with characters based on her performance? It would be the ultimate in British period TV -- "The Dowager Countesses of British History." Get on it, Bravo. Sources This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Dwayne Johnson Shares 'Twisted' Look at Hobbs in 'Fast 8,' Confirms 'Doc Savage' Posted:
The franchise already has release dates for the next two films, with "Fast 10" scheduled for April 2, 2021. So we'll have to wait and see if/when a Hobbs movie gets scheduled. The rest of the "Fast 8" cast seems to be having a good time at the start of filming, based on a recent behind-the-scenes video. And if you want more on "Doc Savage," Johnson is happy to oblige, sharing details on his plan to play the "F*CKING HILARIOUS WEIRDO!" in Shane Black's upcoming superhero film: "Fast 8" is scheduled for release April 14th, 2017. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Norman Reedus: 'The Walking Dead' Cliffhanger Reveal Is 'Worth the Wait, Trust Me' Posted:
There's so much hype every season, but you have to imagine -- or at least hope -- that The Powers That Be went into this thing with a plan, knowing fans would react the way they did, and knowing they had a strong answer to not only satisfy those fans but launch another great 16-episode season. But here's the question: What would be worth the wait to you? A certain character being Negan's target? A new twist that changes the game? What would explode the planet? Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| What's New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: May 30-June 5 Posted:  At a loss for what to watch this week? From new DVDs and Blu-rays, to what's new on Netflix and TV, we've got you covered.New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital Only "London Has Fallen" It's Memorial Day in the U.S., so instead of watching our landmarks get blown up on screen, why not head across the pond and see how the U.K. likes it. "London Has Fallen" has its Digital HD release on May 31, then on disc/demand June 14. Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, and company return for this sequel to "Olympus Has Fallen," following the aftermath of the British Prime Minster's death. Bonus features include "The Making of London Has Fallen," featuring interviews with cast and crew; and "Guns, Knives & Explosives," delving deeper into Butler's character, Mike Banning, and the extensive training he needed to play a Secret Service agent. Check out this exclusive clip on the logistics of making the film, including making sure there are enough trousers for the actors to wear. Really! "Hello, My Name Is Doris" Two-time Oscar winner Sally Field leads an all-star cast (Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Stephen Root, Natasha Lyonne) in this coming-of-age-story about a quirky 60-something woman who takes a chance on love with a much-younger new co-worker ("New Girl" star Greenfield). Catch it on Digital May 31, then Blu-ray and DVD June 14. Extras include an alternate opening, deleted and extended scenes, and filmmaker commentary. "Strawberry Shortcake: Campberry Stories" Here's one for the kids. (Or for you -- grown-ups can be Strawberry Shortcake fans, too. Not here to judge.) Follow SS and her friends on their annual campout in Very Beautiful Meadow when they decide to see who can tell the most outrageous story. It's available on Digital HD platforms May 31. TV Worth Watching "Roots" (Monday on A&E, Lifetime, and History at 9 p.m.)  This remake of the landmark 1977 TV miniseries will run over four consecutive nights, starting Memorial Day, simulcast on the History Channel and sister networks, A&E and Lifetime. The eight-hour miniseries stars Forest Whitaker, Anna Paquin, Laurence Fishburne, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anika Noni Rose, T.I., Matthew Goode, Mekhi Phifer, and James Purefoy, with Malachi Kirby as Kunta Kinte.Watch the powerful trailer: "POV: Of Men and War" (Monday on PBS at 10 p.m.) Here's another strong option for Memorial Day viewing. This latest episode of PBS's POV documentary series follows a dozen combat veterans and their families as the soldiers undergo intense residential PTSD therapy at the Pathway Home, a unique specialized care facility. Filmmaker Laurent Bécue-Renard reveals the enduring consequences of PTSD and the role treatment can play in helping soldiers reclaim their lives. "Outcast" (Friday at 10 p.m. on Cinemax) Cinemax's new horror series, based on the comic by "The Walking Dead" creator Robert Kirkman, debuts June 3. "Outcast" follows Kyle Barnes (Patrick Fugit), who has been plagued by possession since he was a child. He sets out to find answers, but what he discovers could mean the end of life on Earth. (Eh. That's OK. We had a good run.) The first season has 10 episodes and it already has a Season 2 renewal, so you don't have to worry about being left high and dry if you get hooked. Check out the Season 1 trailer: "Feed the Beast" (Sunday on AMC at 10 p.m.) David Schwimmer and Jim Sturgess star in this new crime drama (based on a Danish series) about two best friends who open a restaurant together in their hometown of the Bronx. According to the AMC's synopsis, "Together, they take on the insanity of the New York restaurant world, and navigate its underbelly of petty criminals, corrupt officials and violent mobsters." The original start date was May 31, but it got moved to June 5, to air after "Preacher." New on DVD and Blu-ray "Triple 9"  A veteran cop and his rookie nephew uncover a conspiracy that hits close to home in "Triple 9," which arrives on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand May 31. Every other great actor in Hollywood is in this movie, including Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Kate Winslet, Clifton Collins Jr., Teresa Palmer, Michael K. Williams, and Gal Gadot. Extras include deleted scenes and a behind-the-scenes look the making of the thriller.Check out this exclusive deleted scene starring Woody Harrelson as Sgt. Detective Jeffrey Allen: "Pride + Prejudice + Zombies" The Bennett sisters and Mr. Darcy are force to slay zombies in the adaptation Jane Austen never saw coming for her classic novel. Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston Matt Smith, Charles Dance, and Lena Headey star in the film, which is out on DVD and Blu-ray May 31. The DVD has tw featurettes, and the Blu-ray has four featurettes, plus deleted scenes, a gag reel, and "Mr. Collins Line-o-rama." "Gods of Egypt" This is  "Race"This sports biography, based on track-and-field athlete Jesse Owens's real-life triumphs at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, comes out on Blu-ray an DVD on May 31. Bonus features for both versions include "The Making of Race," with interviews from the cast and filmmakers' " Becoming Jesse Owens," featuring Stephan James and director Stephen Hopkins; and " The Owens Sisters," with Jesse's three daughters sharing unique insight into their father's life. New on Netflix  It's a new month, and that means a ton of stuff is being added to Netflix as of June 1, and some other stuff is going bye-bye. Hold on to your butts, 'cause three of the new titles coming Wednesday are dino-mite:"Jurassic Park" (1993) "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" (1997) "Jurassic Park III" (2001) "Hibana: Spark" (Netflix Original) Netflix is debuting Season 1 of this new series on June 2, based on the award-winning book by Naoki Matayoshi. It's set in Japan (with Japanese subtitles) and follows the friendship and conflict between two comedians who search for meaning in life and comedy. "Pretty Little Liars" Season 6 Also on June 2, Netflix will start streaming the 20 episodes of PLL Season 6. You should have just enough time to watch them all before Season 7 premieres June 21 on Freeform. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Why Did 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' Tank at the Box Office? Posted:  It was supposed to be a competitive race this weekend, with two blockbuster sequels grabbing large hauls of Memorial Day weekend dollars. But it wasn't even close. As the holiday revelry ends, "X-Men: Apocalypse" stands as a modest superhero hit, while "Alice Through the Looking Glass" has fallen down the rabbit hole."X-Men" always had the edge, as it was opening on 400 more screens than "Alice." As it turned out, it debuted near the low end of expectations, with an estimated $65.0 million through Sunday and a likely $80 million for the four-day weekend. That's not up to the franchise's usual standards, but it's not terrible. And it's far better than "Alice," which mustered only an estimated $28.1 million through Sunday, with a projected four-day weekend of $35.6 million. For a movie that cost a reported $170 million to make, that's a catastrophe. What happened? Was "Alice" a foreseeable disaster? In some ways, although it did hit one iceberg that no one could have seen looming. Here are the four things that did "Alice" in. 1. Fox's X-Men Franchise Owns Memorial Day Weekend  Ten years ago, "X-Men: The Last Stand" set a Memorial Day weekend debut record, grossing $103 million from Friday to Sunday. "X-Men: Days of Future Past" premiered with $91 million over the three-day holiday two years ago. The "Apocalypse" opening means that the Marvel mutants now have three of the ten best Memorial Day debuts ever.If Disney was counting on "Alice" to be rescued by superhero fatigue (this is, after all, the fourth major superhero saga released in the past four months) or on its own still-strong "Captain America: Civil War" to siphon off Marvel fans, well, neither of those things happened. Not even weak reviews (48 percent fresh at Rotten Tomatoes, 52 at Metacritic) could hold back the X-Men -- indeed, they got solid word-of-mouth, as indicated by an A- grade at CinemaScore. 2. James Bobin Is No Tim Burton No slight intended toward the "Muppets Most Wanted" director, but he's not the household name, box office draw, or artistic visionary that the director of the initial "Alice in Wonderland" is. No wonder Burton's name popped up in some of Disney's marketing materials for "Through the Looking Glass," as if the director's contribution to the 2010 smash had anything to do with the current film. Still, many consumers got wise, recognized that Burton sat this one out, and decided to do the same. 3. Those 3D Surcharges  The first "Alice" came out shortly after "Avatar" primed us all to pony up extra for 3D glasses. Six years later, American audiences are a lot more skeptical about the spectacles, and we'll cough up the surcharge for enhanced-format movies only if the imagery really warrants it. But Disney pushed 3D on potential "Looking Glass" ticketbuyers far beyond what the market would bear.Of the 3,763 venues showing the movie, at least 3,100 were showing it in 3D. There are also 380 screens showing "Looking Glass" in IMAX, another 77 premium large format screens, and even 79 D-Box theaters that will jostle your seats in time with the events on the screen. If you didn't want to pay extra for any of that -- if you just wanted to see the movie in plain old 2D, on a normal-sized screen, on a seat that didn't move -- you had few options. 4. Those Angry Birds Maybe Disney thought it would have the family-friendly field all to itself for a while, at least until its own Pixar release, "Finding Dory," opens in another three weeks. But after the stronger-than-expected debut of "The Angry Birds Movie" last weekend, "Alice" had some tough family competition. Sony's cartoon fell 51 percent from last week's heights and still came in third with an estimated $18.7 million from Friday to Sunday. Oh, by the way, kids also aren't tired of Disney's other two talking-critter movies, "The Jungle Book" and "Zootopia," both still in the Top 10. You'd think Disney would have spaced all these movies further out so as not to cannibalize itself. On the other hand, you'd also think Disney wouldn't wait six years to make an "Alice" sequel, long enough for the kids enchanted by the first movie to be in high school. 5. Those Bad Reviews  Critics weren't going to swallow from the "Drink Me" bottle again. They panned "Alice," giving it a 29 percent "Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes and a 34 average at Metacritic. Not that kids read reviews, but their parents do. Actually, "Looking Glass" earned decent word-of-mouth from audiences, earning the same A- grade as "Apocalypse." But to generate word-of-mouth, you have to get them into the theater first.6. Johnny Depp Depp's not the box office draw he was six years ago. A string of flops, not to mention mannered performances in uninspired franchise movies ("Dark Shadows," "The Lone Ranger") has turned audiences off. Not that Disney would have replaced him as the Mad Hatter, but the studio had to have expected that he wouldn't add much to the film's box office appeal. What Disney couldn't have known, however, was that, on the eve of the "Looking Glass" release, news would break that Amber Heard was filing to divorce Depp after just 15 months of marriage and was accusing him of being violent and abusive. Those are not the headlines you want when you're trying to launch a family film. How many moms and dads saw those reports and suddenly felt squeamish about putting money in his pocket or watching him play a harmless madcap on screen?  Don't feel too bad for Disney over "Alice's" stumble. The movie opened to an estimated $65.0 million overseas, where Depp remains a big star, and where viewers still like 3D. And Disney also crossed into $4 billion for the year so far -- with more than half the summer still to come.Maybe foreign audiences can still save this movie, though they'll have to cough up about $540 million more just for "Looking Glass" to break even. Hey, it could happen. But on this side of the looking glass, the "Alice" sequel sure looks like a box office dud. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Game of Thrones' Showrunners Confirm THAT Was Coldhands Posted:  The TV series "Game of Thrones" and its parent series "A Song of Ice and Fire" parted ways once again tonight on Season 6, Episode 6, "Blood of My Blood."Bran Stark's long lost Uncle Benjen Stark (Joseph Mawle), First Ranger of the Night's Watch, returned for the first time since Season 1 when he rode in and saved Bran and Meera. What happened to him? He said a White Walker stabbed him in the gut with a sword of ice, and The Children of the Forest found him and stopped the WW's magic from taking hold by plunging a shard of dragonglass into his heart. It sounded like Benjen was taking on the role of Coldhands, and the showrunners confirmed that after the episode aired. In the book series, Coldhands is a mysterious character with a wight's black hands from congealed blood, but the intelligence of a human; he guides Bran Stark and company North of the Wall. Author George R.R. Martin had apparently shot down the fan theory that Coldhands was Benjen. So, in the book, the identity of Coldhands is still unknown, and book readers who watch the show were left a bit confused.
We'll have to wait and see how much more we can expect from Coldhands Benjen on "Game of Thrones." Read our full recap for more on "Blood of My Blood," including the promo for Episode 7. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Game of Thrones' Recap: Stark Surprises Save 'Blood of My Blood' Posted:
 The last time we saw First Ranger Benjen Stark he told Jon Snow, "Here, a man gets what he earns, when he earns it." Apparently Uncle Badass earned some kind of saving from the Children of the Forest. He was killed and was going to be a wight but they saved him with some dragonglass to the heart? Or whatever? The Starks tend to have extreme luck -- good and bad -- and here's another one who kind of died but is now less dead than before, thanks to a last-minute save from an outsider. (LS would fit right into this theme.) And now that Arya has reunited with Needle, she seems like she's ready to join the other living Starks back in Westeros. (Find Nymeria!)Read on for a recap of Episode 6: THE MAP: This week, the intro map takes us to King's Landing, Winterfell, The Wall, Braavos, Vaes Dothrak, and Meereen. STARK REUNION NORTH OF THE WALL  The first shot is Meera walking as she tries to drag Bran, picking up directly from "The Door." Bran is still warging, and his visions flash through time. We see the Mad King ("burn them all!") Ned Stark asking for his sister, and more. Targaryen teases. Very interesting stuff to go back and rewatch and analyze later. Lots of clues in there, no doubt. Meera stops and cries. She can't seem to get Bran back. He sees Hardhome, the White Walkers, everything that has happened in time. Finally, he returns to the now. The wights are right behind them, though. Meera apologizes, she must think it's over. But a figure on a horse shows up to save them. LOVE that fireball chain. He's like the Grim Reaper with his hood. It's Benjen Stark, but not Coldhands of the book? (Didn't GRRM say, definitively, that Benjen was not Coldhands? Maybe that's another book-to-TV change.)OK, here are the showrunners openly calling Benjen "Coldhands Benjen" so it's canon for the show: "Come with me, now," he tells them. "The dead don't rest." So he's like the Terminator. Mixed with Aragorn. And Luke Skywalker. And Michonne. But mostly Benjen. Come with me if you want to live. So the Benjen return rumors were true, although it would be good to know how he became the Grim Wight Reaper. Where the heck has he been?
Later, Benjen says the Three-Eyed Raven sent for him. But he hasn't revealed he's Benjen yet. Benjen tells Bran the last time he saw Bran he was a fearless boy, fearless enough to climb the castle walls. Uncle Benjen shows his face. The Children plunged a shard of dragonglass in his heart? He's kind of like a White Walker, but not really...? The Night's King is coming. One way or another he will find a way south to the world of men, and when he does Bran will be there, ready. Great! But will Dany and the dragons be there and ready, too? 'Cause someone is going to need to bring a lot of dragon fire, Valyrian steel, etc., no? MEET THE TERRIBLE TARLYS  Sam is a nervous talker on his ride back home. He didn't think he'd ever go back to Horn Hill. He also didn't tell his family that Gilly was a wildling since his father, Randyll Tarly, hates wildlings. Whatever. Sam the Slayer, you need to tell him you killed a White Walker and the real battle is North of the Wall. We see Sam's mom and sister, who are welcoming. Randyll and Sam's brother Dickon are on a hunt.Gilly later shows up all dressed fancy for dinner. Sam says she's beautiful, and it's very sweet, but then things get cold at dinner. Randyll glares the whole time. Dickon brags about the day's hunt, and asks about hunting north of the Wall. Tell him about the White Walker! They think Gilly is from the North, like the Umbers, but not a wildling. Randyll fat shames Sam when Sam wants bread. Where is the Hound with a chicken rant when you need him? Bad daddy is not done, either, he complains that he thought Castle Black would make a man out of him. Gilly stands up for Sam and says he killed a Thenn and a White Walker. Dickon laughs. "He's a greater warrior than either of you will ever be." She says he killed a WW on the way down from Castle Black, and Randyll picks up on it. Where is she from? North of the Wall. She's a wildling. Yes, she is. Suck it, Dad. Randyll points out the sword Heartsbane, it's been in the family for 500 years. Valyrian steel. Oooohhh, they need that to kill WWs. The sword is supposed to go to his firstborn son after Randyll dies, but R says no way. Randyll would rather Gilly be a Mole's Town whore than a wildling. Someone needs to just grab the sword, stab bad daddy, and leave. Mom says Dad dishonors himself. At least someone will stand up to him. Dad says this will be the last night Sam spends at Horn Hill, but they'll raise "the bastard" and have Gilly in the kitchen. Gilly isn't mad at Sam, she's mad that horrible people treat good people and get away with it. Sam is meant to leave at first light. He decides Gilly and the baby will leave with him. "We belong together. All of us." So they sneak out, but not before Sam steals the sword. NICE. Well done, Tarly. Now what, though? Can't he just go back to The Wall at this point? Ditch the maester idea, it's not important. Bring the Valyrian steel where it's most needed. ARYA IN BRAAVOS  Arya returns to watch more of the play, telling the story of King's Landing, and Joffrey's great death. Arya laughs at his death, but stops laughing when Lady Crane brings the emotion to play Cersei, grieving for Joff. Arya watches the actress who plays Sansa, who says the lines from afar. Arya goes backstage, she's supposed to kill Lady Crane, with a plan to poison the rum. Lady Crane says she saw Arya in the audience. She's seen the play three times. LC talks to her about sneaking into performances when she was younger. They talk about changing the script. The queen loves her son more than anything. He was taken from her before she got to say goodbye. She wouldn't just say goodbye. She would be angry. She would want to kill who did this to her. LC asks Arya's name, and if she likes being other people. Be an actress now, Arya! Arya knocks the rum out of LC's hand when she's about to drink it. She tells LC the other actress wants her dead. Oh, but the waif saw it. Arya knows she's in trouble, so she digs up NEEDLE! Yes! Two KING'S LANDING  Tommen has another meeting with the High Sparrow. Apparently Margaery is devoting her life to the gods, or at least claiming to as a way to get out. Tommen gets to see his wife and asks if they mistreated her. (Yeah, they locked her up under his command.) Margaery says things will soon be better than they were before. Tommen wonders how, since she's meant to have her walk of atonement. But it doesn't sound like she's worried about that. Margaery, what is your game right now? She says the High Sparrow is more than they thought. She seems to be playing along with the High Sparrow's game, but... she tells Tommen she's had a lot of time to think about how much work she put into seeming good. She's relieved to let go of her lies. What about Loras, Tommen asks. She loves her brother; his soul is pure and perfect but he needs to atone for his sins. We all do, sooner or later, one way or another. (What is her scheme?)Later, we see Jaime and Papa Tyrell (making a rather grandiose speech) on horseback with their army, heading for the High Sparrow and Margaery. It's a standoff. Margaery seems surprised to see her dad, and any backup Oh, and Lady Olenna is there, too. Jaime tells the High Sparrow they are there for Marg and Loras. Give them to us and we'll go away. Jaime and the horse climb up the stairs to block Margaery's walk. But there's no need. The High Sparrow says there will be no walk (which makes sense, since her hair is not cut). QS has already atoned for her sins by bringing another into the true light of the Seven. Enter King Tommen. They announce a new holy alliance between the crown and the faith. Together, Tommen says, they will restore the Seven Kingdoms to glory. Cersei is going to be pissed. Olenna says the High Sparrow has beaten them, that's what happened. So no fight? Shame! Later, Tommen sits the Iron Throne and tells Jaime if you attack the faith you attack the crown, so Jaime is no longer fit to lead the Kingsguard. Tommen is now a slave to the High Sparrow. Tommen sends Jaime away from King's Landing. To Riverrun. Cersei says it's better he's elsewhere right now. Jaime says he's going to give Bronn money for an army so they can face the High Sparrow and kill him. But Cersei says if he kills the High Sparrow he won't live. She wants him to go to Riverrun to take back that stupid castle, because he can. Her trial is coming and she has the Mountain. She says they'll always be together, they are the only people in the world, and they make out. So he's leaving right before her trial? Hmmm. Doesn't seem like a good idea to leave her with no back-up, in these conditions. THE F--KING FREYS  Speaking of Riverrun, we go back to the Twins to hang out with that absolutely piece of filth, Walder Frey, who is now pissed that the Blackfish has reclaimed Riverrun. He wants the Freys to take Riverrun back. He's tired of bowing to the Tullys. The younger Freys say they don't have enough men to take Riverrun, but Walder won't hear it. He's tired of everyone laughing at them. He wants to remind the Tullys of the Red Wedding. They drag in poor Edmure Tully, but tell him to cheer up, 'cause he's going home.DANY + DAARIO  Dany and Daario try to plan what's next. Get ships (take them from Euron?), sail for Westeros. Take what is mine. He says she wasn't meant to sit on a chair. She's a conqueror. She sees a dragon flying, and goes ahead. It's Drogon again, showing himself to everyone. He lands, with Dany on his back. Every khal who ever lived chose three bloodriders. She is not a khal. She won't choose three bloodriders, she will choose them all. She will ask more of them than any khal. Will they ride the wooden horses across the see? Will they kill her enemies in their iron suits? Will they give her the Seven Kingdoms, which Drogo promised? They are with her, now and forever. So that "I won't choose three bloodriders" doesn't mean she won't need two other dragon riders, right? Jon and Tyrion need to jump up. Speaking of Jon, isn't this the first episode this season that he was NOT in? And what happened to the other two dragons, that Tyrion visited?NEXT WEEK Episode 7, which airs June 5, is called "The Broken Man" and has this synopsis: "The High Sparrow eyes another target. Jaime confronts a hero. Arya makes a plan. The North is reminded." Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
Just because a movie is made to be appreciated by kids doesn't mean that it can't have a deeper, more subtle meaning too. That's one of the reasons that recent family movies like "
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