Random Bits From The Week That Was...

It's that time again... Friday! So, you know what that means... my thoughts on the bits that I was too lazy to write about, or you know, didn't actually require a full post...

Couple of Surprises At The Weekend Box Office...

So, it turns out that people were really looking forward to 22 Jump Street. The sequel landed at the number one spot at the box office this past weekend, pulling in $57.1M. How To Train Your Dragon 2 debuted at number 2 with $49.5M. I found this a bit of a surprise, as family movies usually kill at the box office, and HTTYD2 is a spectacular film. I guess the bromance between Hill and Tatum was enough to draw the adults to the R-rated flick. Maleficent is holding strong in the number 3 spot with $18.5M, it's 3 week total now at $163M. Edge of Tomorrow, due to great word of mouth no doubt, was in the number 4 spot with $16.5M and The Fault In Our Stars sank like a stone to land in the number 5 spot with $14.8M, down about 70% from it's opening weekend. While I caught the film last weekend, and enjoyed it, I was the only one in the theatre on Sunday afternoon... literally. It was just me, all by my lonesome self, which was kind of weird, but whatever. I guess the films audience flocked to it in it's opening weekend, and without a great deal of re-watchability, the numbers definitely reflected that. It was also fantastic to see Edge of Tomorrow holding it's own in this busy summer season, as the film is fantastic. With not much competition opening this coming weekend, I am interested to see how the numbers for all of these films play out.


Final Trailer For Apes On Horses Debuts...

20th Century Fox has released what it is referring to as the final trailer for the upcoming Dawn of the Planet of The Apes, and holy crap, is it amazing. The trailer is a great mix of footage we've already seen, and a touch of new, just enough to offer the perfect amount of interest and excitement. I am so looking forward to this film, it's not even funny. The first one was so amazing, that if this one even comes close to being as good, we're in for a serious treat. I'll definitely be checking this one out on opening night.


Dr. Strange Finds It's Scribe...

Hot on the heels of the news that Scott Derrickson would be directing Marvel's Dr. Strange movie, the studio announced that Prometheus writer, John Spaihts is in talks to pen the script. While I admit, I have not seen Prometheus yet, so I therefore cannot have an opinion one way or another about that film, I do find this news very intriguing. By getting Derrickson and Spaihts to helm this project (if that's the way that this all eventually turns out, mind you), it appears that Marvel is interested in taking this project in a new, and exciting direction. Dr. Strange is a dark and twisted character, and it looks like Marvel is wanting to keep it that way. All I can say is, I'm in! In Feige, I trust.


Marvel Drops A Second International Trailer For Guardians...

The studio released a new, international trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy earlier this week and all I can say is, it's absolutely stunning. Going for a slightly more dramatic feel, this trailer shows off some of the depth that I think the movie will be bringing to the big screen when it's released in August. While I enjoyed the first two trailers, they were mostly focused on the comedic aspects of the film, which I think was a little off-putting to some people. This trailer shows that, like the other properties in the MCU, this one should also be a nice mix of comedy, action and drama. I am highly anticipating this film and cannot wait for it to be released in a few weeks.


And Then There Was Aquaman...

So, it is being reported by The Hollywood Reporter that Jason Momoa is confirmed as Aquaman for the upcoming Justice League film  Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film, slated for release on May 6, 2016. While Momoa wouldn't be my first choice for the normally blonde superhero, I understand Warner Brothers motivation. Aquaman has always been the Justice League character that has been ridiculed and scoffed at, so I understand the need to hire an imposing presence to play the character. And Momoa definitely fits the bill. While I'm still not completely sold on this film and what exactly it's going to be, I am intrigued to see the final product. One of two things is going to happen: either the film will be great, like the recently released Days of Future Past, or it will be a train-wreck of epic proportions like The Amazing Spiderman 2. I guess we'll see...


Next Bourne Film Pushed Back A Year...      

Universal has pushed it's next movie in the Bourne Franchise back to July 15, 2016 in order to make room for their upcoming N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton, which is moving into the August 14, 2015 date. Rumours are swirling, however, that the studio has ulterior motives for the move. According to Latino-Review (via Schmoes Know), the real reason for the push-back is so that the studio can get Matt Damon back in the fold of the franchise. Damon has had a couple of so-so performances at the box office recently, and his return to the franchise might be what he needs to turn things around. I like this news, as I think that the Bourne Legacy did a great job of expanding the universe and it would be amazing to see Aaron Cross and Jason Bourne on the big screen together, kicking ass and taking names.


Don't Worry! The Batman Is, Apparently, On His Way...

When Nikki Finke's supposed scoop broke about the upcoming slate of DC films going to be released by Warner Brothers over the next few years, one of the things that stood out to me the most was the fact that there was no solo Batman flick listed. Fear not, fans of the Caped Crusader! According to Latino-Review (again, via Schmoes Know, because if you haven't guessed by now, that's where all of my movie news comes from!), Warner Brothers has slated a new Batman stand-alone film for release in 2019. As I speculated in my article about Finke's scoop, the delay is most likely due to Affleck's busy schedule. He is currently filming BvS, which will then lead into the Justice League film. That gives him late 2015/early 2016 to direct his next project, the gangster flick Live By Night, before he has to don the cape and cowl once again. It will be interesting to see if the WB hands the directorial reigns to him for the Batman project as well, although I would think it would be a no brainer on their part. You don't have a guy with Affleck's talents in your back pocket and not use him to his full potential. 

Random Bits From The Week That Was...

So, here we are again. Friday. That glorious day at the end of the week. That means it's also time to wrap up the bits and pieces that came out over the last 7 days or so. Here's my take on the bits of news I was too lazy to write about earlier...


Could Tom Cruise Wrestle The Box Office Title Away From Shailene Woodley?

The answer is a resounding no! The Fault In Our Stars was the number one movie at the box office last weekend, crushing the competition with a $48M domestically in it's opening weekend. Maleficent was in the number two spot, bringing in $34.3M in it's second week, followed by Edge of Tomorrow with $28.8M in it's first weekend out. While I'm glad that the female led, and driven FIOS did so well (I still have yet to check it out), I am disappointed that EoT didn't have a better opening. It is a spectacular sci-fi movie, driven by a horrendous marketing campaign, that deserved way better than it got. It's interesting to note that the Angelina Jolie led Maleficent came in strong in the number two spot. Never count out the ability of a family friendly flick to wreak havoc with the box office predictions. I'm betting that How To Train Your Dragon 2 takes the number one spot this weekend.


Ant-Man, FINALLY, Has A Director...

After the whole debacle with Edgar Wright, and the oh, we've hired Adam McKay... oh wait, sorry, not going to work out thing, Marvel has finally hired a new director to helm it's Ant-Man project, still set for release July 17, 2015. Peyton Reed, the director of Yes Man and The Break Up will now helm the project. Given that filming was supposed to begin this week I believe, it took them long enough. While, overall I have no issue with Reed, as he's a competent director, this hiring still concerns me. While I trust Marvel, as they have yet to lead me astray with their properties, the fact that their focus has been on very comedic directors is alarming. The beauty of Wright was the fact that while he was comedic, he was also kind of quirky, giving the hope of an interesting take on the character. The idea that Marvel was hell-bent on replacing him with a director who's main focus was comedy sent up a couple of red flags in regards to this Ant-Man project. Of course, the same thing could be said about Joe and Anthony Russo, who before Captain America: The Winter Soldier, were best know for directing the television shows Community and Arrested Development. And we all know how that turned out. The Winter Soldier is arguably the best Marvel movie to date. So, I'll trust in Feige and wait to see how this goes.


Has Marvel Found It's Steven Strange?

Technically, no, but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from churning. When it was announced last week that Scott Derrickson would be helming the film of the Sorcerer Supreme, this was the first real confirmation that Dr. Strange would actually be a part of Marvel's Phase 3 plans. So, of course, speculation began as to who would be cast as Steven Strange. The first rumour out of the gate was Jared Leto. While he wouldn't have been my first choice, I would have been okay with it. Now, it appears the Marvel's short list is down to two: Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch. While I am okay with either of these guys, my preference would be towards Hardy. Having just finished watching Locke, I've got to say, the guy is amazing. While Cumberbatch is also good, with serious geek cred, for some reason, I just don't see it. Not that I would be disappointed, if tomorrow, Marvel said Cumberbatch is our guy, I would just prefer they went with Hardy. Now, the question that remains to be seen is, are either of these guys willing to sign on long term with Marvel? I guess we'll wait and see.


Del Toro Calls It Quits On The Beast...

Citing scheduling conflicts, Guillermo Del Toro has dropped out of directing his live action telling of the classic tale Beauty And The Beast. In development since 2012, Emma Watson is slated to star in the film as Belle. Del Toro will, however, remain on as a producer of the film, alongside Denise DiNovi. Although disappointing, it's not all that surprising, given the fact that he always has a huge number of projects on the go at any one time. This has led to speculation that he may have dropped this project to focus on a Pacific Rim sequel, as he did state earlier in the week that he was working very hard on a script with Zack Penn. While Legendary has yet to actually green-light a sequel, according to Del Toro, he and Penn are proceeding like the film is actually happening. Now, if he would only put this much effort into a Hellboy 3, I'd be one happy camper.


Gamers United In Los Angeles This Week...

The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo happened in LA this week, and lots of exciting news and trailers for some awesome games have been released. While I'm not a hard-core gamer by any means, there were a few titles that caught my eye. The trailer for Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor looks amazing, and you have my attention anytime you mention Middle Earth. I enjoy War in The North, so am looking forward to this one. The other one that intrigues me is the Batman: Arkham Knight trailer. I am also in anytime you say superhero, and have tested my prowess as Batman, with Arkham Asylum. For all the other E3 news and trailers, check out the the gaming page from the guys at schmoesknow.com who have got you covered.


New Trailer For Laika's The Boxtrolls Drops...

Holy cow, animation is sure kicking ass these days! The first trailer for Laika's upcoming stop-motion flick The Boxtrolls dropped this week, and boy, does it look charming. The masters behind ParaNorman and Coraline will be bringing The Boxtrolls to life on September 26, 2014, and I honestly can't wait. While I get that stop-motion animation isn't for everyone, I personally love the medium and don't think that it gets nearly enough love and support. This film looks charming and fun and I think that 2014 is going to be a banner year for animation, with the likes of The Lego Movie, How To Train Your Dragon 2, The Boxtrolls, Big Hero 6 and The Book of Life all being released.


A Dame To Kill For Kills It...

A new trailer for Sin City: A Dame To Kill For dropped this week, and boy is it a doozy. Now, I will admit, I have never seen the first Sin City film, but if this trailer is anything to go by, I will be checking it out soon, so that I can catch this flick in theatres. Opening August 22, 2014, the movie is a sequel to the 2005 film Sin City and is primarily based on the second graphic novel in the series by Frank Miller. This trailer looks fantastic and I am intrigued about this world. I'll let you know what I think after I've checked it out.


And The Most Watched Shows In The World Are...

Earlier this week, at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, NCIS took the International Television Audience Award for Drama, meaning it is the highest rated drama series worldwide. The show won with a global audience of 57.6 million viewers in 66 different countries. The winners for Comedy were Modern Family and in the Soap Opera category, The Bold and The Beautiful took the crown. While I don't watch either NCIS, which is also the most watched show in North America, or The Bold and The Beautiful, I do enjoy Modern Family. It's interesting to see how closely the worldwide audience is tied to the North American one.


Daredevil Has Found It's Kingpin...

On the heels that Charlie Cox would be portraying Matt Murdoch in the upcoming Marvel Netflix series Daredevil, word came down that Hell's Kitchen had also found it's Kingpin. In keeping with their interesting casting choices of late, Marvel announced that Wilson Fisk, aka The Kingpin, would be played by Vincent D'Onofrio. I will admit, this casting is amazing. D'Onofrio is an excellent actor, who does dark and fearsome like no other. This Netflix project is looking more and more interesting, and I for one, can't wait to see it.


       

Review: Live. Die. Repeat. Over And Over Again...

The following is a review of the new film, Edge of Tomorrow. It will definitely contain spoilers, so you have been warned. If you don't want to be spoiled, you should really turn back now, because you really need to see this movie. If, you don't care if you're spoiled, or you like to be spoiled, because you know, some people do, then please continue...


**********SPOILER ALERT!!!!!**********


Now, I am not a Tom Cruise fan. Before this weekend, I believe the last Tom Cruise film that I had seen was Tropic Thunder. Yes, it was that long ago. And honestly, until Kristian Harloff and Mark Ellis over at www.schmoesknow.com highly recommended this movie, I had no intention of seeing it. And that would have been a terrible shame.

Edge of Tomorrow, based on the Japanese novel, All You Need Is Kill, tells the story of Major William Cage (Tom Cruise), an officer of the United States Military and spokesperson for the United Defence Forces, a NATO military outfit created to fight the escalating war with the alien race known as the Mimics, who have taken refuge on the planet and are attempting to destroy the human race. Through a series of unfortunate events, Major Cage finds himself among the first wave of soldiers on the eve of battle, even though he is not a combat trained soldier. Stripped of his rank and branded a deserter, he is placed in J-Unit, a group of misfits, not really fit to be soldiers in the eyes of those higher up. Although the attack was supposed to be a covert one, somehow the enemy knows that they are coming and the soldiers are ambushed. Cage stumbles around the battlefield, watching as everyone around him is slaughtered by the aliens. Just as he's about to be killed by a Mimic, he deploys an explosive, killing both the alien and himself in the process, in a rather gruesome fashion. And then he wakes up. He finds himself once again, at the Heathrow Airport base, the day before the invasion is set to begin. He tries to explain the situation to anyone who will listen, but is written off as crazy and just trying to get out of combat. The invasion happens again, and every time he dies, the day somehow resets and he finds himself waking up on the same morning, before the invasion, over and over again. He has somehow gotten himself in a time-loop and has no idea how to get out of it. When he saves Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), and lets it slip that he's been here before, she tells him that when he wakes up, he needs to come and find her. It turns out that Rita knows exactly what's going on with him, as the same thing happened to her in the past. By getting doused in the Alpha Mimic's blood, Cage gained the ability to reset time. Turns out that all of the Mimic's are controlled by the time-controlling Omega and that if they can destroy it, they will be able to win the war. As the Mimic's try to locate Cage's consciousness, he will start getting visions of the Omega, giving them clues as to where to find it, so that they can destroy it. Through loop after loop, Cage and Rita get closer and closer to finding the Omega. Tired of watching her die no matter what he does to try and stop it, in one loop, Cage doesn't go to Rita at the base and instead goes in search of the Omega alone. He gets to the place in his visions, a dam in the Alps, but quickly realizes that it is a trap, as the Omega is not there and he is ambushed by an Alpha. The Alpha attempts to kill him by slowly draining his blood, therefore taking away his ability to time-jump, but he manages to drown instead, waking up the previous morning once again. Armed with the knowledge that the Mimic's are playing with them and the fact that the Alps are a dead end, Cage and Rita seek out a scientist, Dr. Carter, an expert on Mimic physiology, who may have a solution. On the authority of the UDF, he designed and created a transponder that would neurally link with the Omega, giving them it's location. The only problem is, it needs to be hooked to a live Alpha in order to work. Going on the hunch that Cage's blood, since it hold the ability to time jump, may work, they break into the UDF offices to obtain the device, this portion told through a number of off camera loops. Once they leave the building, UDF officers step in to arrest them, leading to a hectic car chase. Cage uses the transponder and discovers that the Omega is housed below the flooded Louvre in Paris. Before Rita can kill him and reset the day, their car crashes and they both blackout. Cage awakens in a military hospital, having been given a blood transfusion, wiping out his time jumping ability. He and Rita escape, determined to destroy the Omega before the invasion the following morning, in essence saving all of the soldiers about to deploy. Recruiting the soldiers in J-Unit, they head to Paris to stop this thing before it starts. Cage and Rita are the only two to survive the trip to the Louvre, and Rita eventually sacrifices herself so that Cage can destroy the Omega. As he is swimming towards it, grenades in hand, he is attacked by an Alpha. Dropping the grenades, he turns to look at the alien, showing it that he had pulled the pins before letting go. The grenades blow, destroying the Omega, which in turn destroys all of the Mimic's on the planet. As he is dying, Cage's body absorbs the Omega's blood. He awakens once again, but this time, two days before the invasion. The Omega has been destroyed and the war is virtually won. With his ranking still in tact, he finds Rita, who he has come to love. As he steps towards her, the screen fades to black.

To say that I was pleasantly surprised by this movie would be a gross understatement. A cross between Groundhog Day and any other alien invasion movie, I found myself thinking of Aliens as I watched it. Watching it gave me the same kind of feelings I get when I watch the James Cameron classic (once I was old enough to see it for the fantastic movie that it is and not let it scare the crap out of me, anymore).  And that is not a bad thing at all. It is honestly, a great sci-fi flick, with fantastic humour and great heart. Although it pulls from other science fiction tropes, it weaves them together in a surprising and pleasant way. While I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, I liked him in this role because it was outside of the box for him. Instead of playing the macho hero, his character is actually a bit of an ass, and a huge coward to boot. I was able to see past Tom Cruise and actually see William Cage, which is what you hope for in any movie. And don't get me started on Emily Blunt. The woman is amazing! She seems to have unbelievable chemistry with everyone she works with (if you haven't seen her and Matt Damon in the Adjustment Bureau, you really need to!), and here it's no different. Rita is an incredible, strong, determined character, and it's nice to see the female lead being the one to kick ass and take names, especially in a Tom Cruise movie. The pacing of this film was fantastic too, the loops and flashbacks edited perfectly to get the right tone and feel. It is a formula that could have gone horribly wrong, but didn't because the film makers actually used it sparingly and as a way to move the story forward.

While the film as a whole is excellent, I did have a few issues with it. First off, the plot is a little thin. While the premise as a whole makes sense on paper, there are quite a few plot holes when it comes to the explanation of the whole time-loop theory. I get that it's difficult to truly explain something so complex, but you're expected to go on blind faith for most of the film, just accepting the theory that Rita and  Dr. Carter have come up with in regards to the Omega and it's link to the Mimic's. Now, it may be that, somehow, they figured all of this out while Rita was looping through time, but since we don't get to see what her experience was like, we'll never know. I have also heard rumblings about the ending being a bit of a cop-out, but on this one I disagree. While I would have been content if Cage and Rita had sacrificed themselves and stayed dead when the end credits rolled, I think that the addition of the last loop was clever. Cage's consciousness brought him back even earlier, to before everything started, but with alternate timeline already in place, the Omega destroyed. While it would have been easy for him to turn around and go on with his life, he made the decision to seek Rita out and see what happens now that the war is won. Maybe it's the romantic in me... I also really liked the fact that the film ended ambiguously, without Cage actually saying anything to her. Just a smile and a fade to black.

Overall this is an excellent, original sci-fi film, and it's unfortunate that it didn't do better at the box office in it's opening weekend. I blame the fact that it's coming off of the Tom Cruise led Oblivion, which was a disaster of epic proportions, and the terrible marketing campaign that Warner Brothers hatched for the film. The trailers that were released did not do the film justice, making it look, in part, like a sequel to Oblivion. If they had shown what a smart, witty film this actually is, I think that it might have been received better by audiences. Another mistake that Warner Brothers made was changing the title from that of the book, All You Need Is Kill, to Edge of Tomorrow. The original title was edgy and in your face, while the new title is pretty bland and generic. I don't know if a different title would have made that much difference in the long run, but I guess we'll never truly know.