Okay, DC… You got me. After the debacle that was Man of Steel and the awfulness that was Batman v Superman; I was ready to write DC off all together but as this year’s San Diego Comic Con has shown… Maybe there’s still some hope for the world’s most iconic heroes and who better to bring that hope than Wonder Woman?

She’s Beauty, She’s Grace…

Holy cow, Gal Gadot is gorgeous! Maybe I didn’t see it in BvS because the movie was bad and the promo shots of her weren’t fantastic but seeing this lady in motion sends my heart aflutter. Whether in her finest gown (with matching sword) or on the battlefield, Gal exudes femininity like a physical aura of awesome.

… She’ll kick you in the face.

And lady knows how to beat an ass or two, that’s for damn sure! While traditionally a peaceful emissary for the Amazons, Diana is no stranger to combat and she certainly gets to show that with multiple shots of swordplay, close combat, lasso tricks and taking heavy machine gun fire like a champ!

Secret Origins

This line is pretty indicative of the way they could be going with Diana’s origin and that’s great. Because she’s had, like, six in her 75 years of publication and having one of the more mythical ones is a good step. Unless that’s just the story Hippolyta (Diana’s mother) told her… Which would also be interesting!

Take me down to the Paradise City…

Diana’s people, the Amazons, inhabit the hidden island of Themyscira (aka Paradise Island) and we get a nice few shots of the island, it’s people and their culture and I’m getting a very Thor-ish vibe from it.

Pine-ing for Fjords

Chris Pine is Steve Trevor; first man to set foot on Themyscira/Paradise Island and designated damsel for the movie. Pine’s a good choice because while he is charming, he can also play clueless and inept for laughs equally well. Which is another thing…

Candy is Dandy

There’s HUMOUR! Oh glorious gods of Olympus; there are jokes in a DC movie! Etta Candy (Lucy Davis) is Steve’s secretary and one of Diana’s closest human friends. Great to see a long neglected character get some real screen time.

To say I’m excited would be an understatement. Sure, Wonder Woman appears to be aping Marvel’s earlier outings with Thor and Captain America but is that a really bad thing? Given how dire MoS and BvS were; DC are clearly going for a more Marvelous approach and just look at the response on social media – people are responding positively to it! People are hyped for Wonder Woman and I’ll gladly count myself among that crowd!

Wonder Woman will be spinning into theatres June 2nd 2017! Be sure to keep your eyes glued to Doom though because Aaron will be looking at something in a whole different League!

When I was growing up, and even to this day, Ghostbusters is one of my all-time favourite movies. It’s science fiction, it’s comedy and, most of all, it’s a stunningly timeless piece of media so when the idea was being knocked about that it would be rebooted; suffice to say there were nay-sayers. When it was revealed it’d be an all-female cast, even more-so. But this could be star just about anyone and I’d still be excited. Why?

Cos it’s fucking GHOSTBUSTERS. So now we’ve got first footage of the Paul Feig produced requel (reboot/sequel, eh?) starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Chris Hemsworth — what’s the verdict?

History doesn’t repeat; it rhymes

My biggest fear was that the cast would be carbon copies of their predecessors and while the archetypes are there, each lady appears to be an amalgamation of different characters. McCarthy is the Ray analog but she’s also the Venkman, spurring the team to assemble. Wiig is a mix of Egon and Ray in her curiosity and scientific background. McKinnon is Egon with Venkman’s playfulness and Jones has Winston’s everyman status but with Ray’s excitable nature.

Yes, there are similarities present but once the film rolls around, I’m sure each character will have more depth to them.

The Big Twinkie
Speaking of character fusions, Chris Hemsworth appears to be pulling double duty as both the Ghostbusters’ receptionist and as the designated possessed person, so a mix of Janine and Luis. Here’s hoping he’s going full Annie Potts and will just be a hot glasses-wearing snark machine for the movie.

We got the tools; we got the talent

One thing I’ve always loved about Ghostbusters was the tech and I’ve always said that as long as the science is cool in this movie then I’ll be happy and from what I’ve seen, I’m real happy. Yes, the packs are different but all the variations on display here have appeared in other Ghostbusters media in one form or another. The current packs and trap look similar to those used in Extreme Ghostbusters (sans the terrible beam effects) and the proton pistols, shotgun and gauntlet have made appearances in the 2009 video game (which I highly recommend) and the IDW comic book series, which is super fun if you don’t mind the art style.

Spook Central

The driving plot point is that someone or something is riling up the ghost population and it’s enough to warrant a new team to answer the call. It’s got shades of Ghostbusters II and Extreme Ghostbusters and I’m interested to see where it goes. While the spooks aren’t all practical or stop-motion, they are visually striking, which is great. Plus we do get a quick peek at one of the many returning cast members in the form of the green spud, Slimer.

So what’s the verdict? I’m optimistic! Sure there’s some hints at the kind of humour modern audiences eat up and I hate but hopefully that’s just trailer-bait and the movie itself will have more of a sardonic, gallows sense of humour like the original. Apart from that; I’m loving what I’m seeing — and hearing with the tinkling piano and funky remix of the Who You Gonna Call? Theme song. Seriously, it gave me goosebumps!

You can make the call for yourself when Ghostbusters appears in theaters this summer!

The Fantastic Four. Marvel’s First Family; Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm were forever transformed by cosmic rays into the Fantastic Four! There’s been one failed attempt at a movie, two more that weren’t great and now a brand new reboot from director Josh Trank (Director of the fascinating Chronicle) and written by Simon Kinberg (Writer of X-Men: The Last Stand, Days of Future Past and Star Wars: Rebels). Can these two bring us a unique and awe-inspiring take on the Fantastic Four? Here’s a hint:

 
Highlight of The Trailer

It does not bode well when the Marvel logo (not even the fancy new 3D one) elicits the biggest smile for the next 2 minutes. And what’s with that narrator? I didn’t know Tony Todd was in this movie! (Spoilers: He’s not. Boo-urns.)

Fresh Faces

Here are your Fantastic Four! These young pups are the latest heroes on the scene, given “daunting” new powers after teleporting to a parallel universe. Hoo boy. Let’s run down these cats. Miles Teller (Reed Richards) is known for starring in Divergent, so he’s right at home here, it looks like the same movie. Kate Mara (Sue Storm) was a US Marshal in Iron Man 2 and that’s the only thing I’ve seen her in. Michael B. Jordan (Johnny Storm), despite the backlash against his casting, seems like a solid actor plus he was in The Boondocks so that wins him points with me and finally Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm. Billy Elliot is The Thing. I don’t even need to make a joke, it writes itself.

Power Play

We all know the powers of the Fantastic Four by now so how do they look from what little we see? Not too shabby! We don’t get much (Johnny being the most notable) but Reed looks stretchy without looking like ropey CGI, Sue seems to have a similar effect to Jessica Alba but it’s invisibility, what can you do? Johnny’s flames are a little more subdued than Chris Evans but that’s not a bad thing and The Thing is not a rubber suit. That’s all I can say because there’s TWO shots of him.

Money Shot

Admittedly, that does look cool. (If a little Mass Effect-y.)

The teaser gives us nothing in terms of plot, just a lot of shots of science and military men looking stern while the narrator tries to make is overdose on gravitas but we get plenty of shots of the heroes and that’s that. I’m probably not going to see this. Mildly interesting familial dynamics and different takes on power sets I’ve seen before aren’t enough to draw me in but we’ll see what the general public things when The Fantastic Four hits screens on August 6th 2015.

Ow! Stop throwing stuff, I had to! It’s in my contract! So, Mad Max, huh? It’s post-SDCC 2014 and THIS is what I have to work with… No Avengers 2? No Batman vs Superman trailer… Yes, there’s a teaser, but it’s literally just Bats and Supes glaring at each other. There’s also that Deadpool vid knocking around which is bloody awesome but it’s sadly just test footage so I’m not covering it.

Mad Max, an Australian dystopian post-apocalypse movie franchise directed by the guy who made Babe and Happy Feet, George Miller and starring the Jew-hating buddy-cop Mel Gibson. The first three were critically acclaimed and this fourth installment has been in development for LONGER THAN I’VE BEEN ALIVE. But now it’s coming and it stars Tom Hardy so let’s see what the craic is.

“You merely adopted the sand; I was born in it, moulded by it.”
Tom Hardy, adopting yet another ludicrous accent (sorry, Australia!) is our Mad Max and he certainly looks the part. Hell, he even spends most of the trailer getting his ass kicked, which is what my memory of Mad Max is. Did he ever actually win a fight in the other movies? Hmm.

Imperius Regina
Charlize Theron plays Imperator Furiosa, possibly the antagonist, possibly an ally, the trailer is giving me bupkis in that regard but it’s a strong look for her.

Sand and Explosions!
That’s about as Mad Max as you can get. The look of the movie is very cool, having the vehicles designed by screenwriter and British comics artist Brendan McCarthy.

Can’t say much more about this trailer. It’s Mad Max, it looks like Mad Max and there’s nothing really given away other than “this is Mad Max as anything.” You can expected Mad Max: Fury Road to screech onto our screens May 15, 2015. Now, rack off!

First envisioned as a backdoor pilot, the Scarlet Speedster’s two-parter appearance on Arrow was so well received that they’re giving him a full pilot to himself to further expand his story. As an off-shoot of Arrow, The Flash is stepping into an already established universe. Many of the DC’s made up cities are present, lots of references to companies and individuals comic fans know but thankfully, this 5 minute extended trailer shows off what we can expect from The Flash’s second television attempt.

“Save me, Barry!”

Grant Gustin (of Glee fame, apparently) plays Barry Allen and when he showed up in Arrow, he was instantly an endearing bumbler who was always running late, a knowing juxtaposition to his upcoming role. He helped Ollie defeat the baddie of the week, gave him a compound for his new mask and, at the end of it all, was struck by lightning and dowsed in chemicals. A running subplot in Arrow up to that point was that a particle accelerator was due to come online in Central City and I thought that’s how his powers manifested and, seemingly, that is a possible explanation but I do love that they recreated possibly the silliest origin story ever. Speaking of…

Secret Origins

The mysterious “man in the lightning” is obviously Professor Zoom, aka the Reverse Flash and he is responsible for the death of Barry’s mother. Interestingly, there’s also a character called Eddie Thawne in the show, a transfer to Central City’s Police Depratment. I’m not saying they’re connected. Not at all. *whistles*

Flash Fact!

In an interesting nod, John Wesley Shipp has a role in the pilot. For the uninformed, John Wesley Shipp was The Flash in the original 90’s live action series and appears to be playing Barry’s father, who is framed for the murder of his wife. That’s some nice work, producers!

This Ship sails itself

Candice Patton plays Iris West, Barry’s love interest and best friend. I predict season long sexual tensions and emotional tumblr posts. Her father is a detective for the CCPD and also acts as a surrogate father to Barry.

Five Day Forecast

The Particle Accelerator incident seems to have trigger metahuman abilities in many inhabitants of Central City, nicely setting up a more super-powered villain of the week formula. First up is Weather Wizard, a shit-tier member of The Flash’s Rogues. Call me when Captain Cold shows up!

Of note, Barry’s STAR Lab cohorts are also named characters! Specifically; Cisco Ramon and Caitlin Snow, the Justice Leaguer Vibe and the villainess Killer Frost, respectively. Will we see them develop powers? Here’s hoping!

Lightspeed Rescue

The Flash costume is pretty good, especially for a TV show and the efffects for his super speed look so much better than Smallville’s attempts but there’s still a little bit of that badness present. At the very least, his fast-paced superheroics look much more dynamic.

Guest-Starring: Green Arrow!

Stephen Amnell reprises his role as Ollie Queen/The Arrow, offering up some advice to the rookie hero and seems to be pretty up beat, all things considered. (If you’re not watching Arrow, you really ought to be!)

So that’s our first glimpse at The Flash and I’m excited! Springboarding off of the strong foundation that is Arrow, The Flash is set to be a good alternative to the broody vigilante with a more colourful set of characters and adventures. The Flash is set to premiere this Fall on the CW Network!

The upcoming Godzilla remake is hotly anticipated by me and many other kaiju enthusiasts because of the teasers, concept art and production models we’ve seen thus far. The movie retells Godzilla’s origin and firmly re-establishes him as a terrifying, unstoppable force of nature rather than a friend of humanity.

Naturally, as second American-made Godzilla movie, this brings to mind the truly awful 1998 effort, Ferris Bueller’s Jurassic Park masquerading as a Monster Movie, but as all the material we’ve seen so far has shown us, this is being handled by people who know what the hell they’re doing, namely Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros.

“Let’s take a look at the trailer!” is what I would be saying if any version of the leaked teaser trailer last more than 5 minutes on YouTube before being pulled by Warner Bros. but there’s plenty of screengrabs knocking around so we can take a look at those instead! If you’re resourceful enough, you can find it online somewhere

Supernatural Disaster

The atmosphere is heavy in this teaser, showing only the destruction left in the wake of the terrfiying titan stalking the land. The teaser has such a haunting, desolate tone accompanied by a sombre quote from Oppenheimer, an apt metaphor for Godzilla’s origins as a result of the Atomic Age. It’s a very stark portrayal.

Monster Mash

It’s been confirmed that the Big G will fight two other monsters in this movie. Who will they be? Only time will tell but we do get a glimpse of some other kaiju amidst the rubble, clearly incapacitated or dead. The look of the creature(s) doesn’t overtly hint at any of Godzilla’s usual opponents but whoever they are, I’m sure we’re in for a slobberknocker!

The Money Shot

Awwwwwww yeah. That’s the good stuff. There’s no better way to finish this teaser off than a shot of the Big G himself. The monster effects will rendered in CG but from what I’ve seen, match up to a suit actor’s bulk and movement style very effective but with just a little added flair.

I am extremely hyped! Just as hyped as I was for Pacific Rim! I freaking LOVE giant monster movies and this has whet my appetite just enough to last me til next year.

Godzilla is due for release May 16, 2014.

Being a remake, the broad strokes are the same but the details are different. Omni Consumer Products is now simply OmniCorp. There’s a thick atmosphere of drone technology in urban environments, which is a hot topic right now. Murphy’s demise is changed for a more PG audience (and lets face it, that original firing squad shouldn’t scar another generation of children!) and his family seems to be in it much more. The lead is a Thor and Mad Max 4 candidate, Joel Kinnaman and has a star-studded cast to back him, including Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Jackie Earle Haley, and Samuel L. Jackson. Let’s take a look at the trailer.

Family Man
One thing I’m interested to see in this movie is Murphy’s struggle to hold onto his humanity, and how his family will impact that journey. His wife and kid seem to be central to that journey and it’s something the original never played with.

Frankenstein’s Monster
Gary Oldman plays Dr. Dennett Norton, the scientist who creates Robocop. He seems a little amoral in parts but redeemable in others so we’ll see how this movie plays out but it’s Gary Oldman, I’m sure he’ll kick ass.

“I only work in black, and sometimes very, very dark grey.”
Michael “Batman” Keaton is supposedly a villainous CEO of OmniCorp and seems to be a shrewd businessman, looking to capitalise on the good press and marketing possibilites of Robocop. In a cool nod, the original armour design shows up in the movie as a kind of Mark I form before various revisions leave us with…

Back in Black
I really dig the armour design. Granted, I really prefer the silver version from earlier but this is just as cool. The stealth aspects could lend to some really cool segments plus I love that he’s more agile now. Such a huge improvement.

“Your move, creep.”
Ol’ Murphy is packing his iconic pistol but he’s still got another thigh for stuff to pop out of so he gets a sub-machine gun for dual-wielding fun!

Fan reaction has already been polarising. Hell, I spent an hour last night arguing with a fellow youtube reviewer over facebook, but I REALLY dig it! I’m pretty hyped and considering that I had no real interest in the movie before this trailer popped up, that’s saying something. Robocop will be hitting theatres Feburary 7, 2014.

As I recently said to Mars Needs’ own Elizabeth, LEGO has taken on this weird form of parody in recent times, with all the LEGO games and what-not, that I really enjoy and this movie builds on that in a massive way.

The first thing I really have to address is the animation. HO-LEE-BALLS, that is some crackin’ CGI. Not only is it pretty but the animators have obviously gone above and beyond to make the characters, surroundings and textures look like LEGO. It’s so good, it looks like stop-motion at times and that goes a long way to add a real-world feel to it. The LEGO games have characters bend and flex in a way that minifigures cannot but here they move how a minifigure does with only slight gestures added in to give them more emotion, it’s really astonishing! The production and casting is also star-studded, with directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller (21 Jump Street, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) and Chris McKay (Robot Chicken), the animators Animal Logic (Happy Feet, 300) and an all-star cast which we will get into but first, go check out the trailer already!

Block-Head

Immediately, we’re introduced to Emmet (Chris Pratt, who will be Star-Lord in Marvel’s Guardians of The Galaxy) He’s an average minifigure; not a superhero, brave knight or cowboy, just an average construction worker minifigure who is believed to be a Master Buidler by the old mystic, Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman!). He’s a bumbler but very likable right from the get-go.

♫~She’s a BRICK… House!~♫

I had to work The Commodores in somewhere and this movie obliged with the “tough female” lead, Wyldstyle (Voiced by Elizabeth Banks). I really like her design and hope there’ll be some tie-in minifigures you can get of the characters.

World Building

In a surprising move, this isn’t just a world filled with generic LEGO people but a world inhabited by minifigures from throughout LEGO history. DC Superheroes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Minifigure Collection, Space, Castle, and dozens of others are present in many of the scenes. I’ll be surprised if any Marvel Superheroes make an appearance though considering this is a Warner Bros. flick.

Guest-starring Batman!
Yup, Batman (Voiced by Arrested Development‘s Will Arnett) joins our motley crew as they try to stop Lord Business (Will Ferrel) and Bad Cop (Liam Neeson) from destroying the universe by gluing the world together. I swear I’m not making that up!

It’s no shock that I’m excited for this movie. It’s funny, charming, well produced and chock-full character and I hope it does well at the box office. You can expected to see a fully assembled The LEGO Movie in theatres Febuary 2014

Lord Dickbag
Heeeyyyyy, it’s THIS GUY.… You know the one. The one from the book! Fine, I admit it, I know something in the region of Eff and All about Middle Earth and it’s inhabitants. I’ve never read any of the books! This guy looks pretty evil though! Look at him, with his eyebrows… Insidious. Lord Elrond was a pretty cool guy in the last one so I have to assume that this guy will be an immense dickbag.

My Old Balls
Damn, Thorin is looking old as balls. He’s all greying and shit, I’m guessing this is going for more of a realistic timeframe for the quest than the week it seemed to take in LoTR. Some of the other dwarves look noticeably older too or at least more haggard.

“With special guest appearance!”
Legolas? Was Legolas in The Hobbit? I don’t think he was, I remember someone telling me Legolas and Gimli were going to make appearances in the movies, despite not being in the book. He seems a little more blood-thirsty in this one and less the jokester we know. He’s got weird eyes too, yo!

Dem ears, gurl!
Legolas’s partner in archery, Tauriel seems to kick all kinds of ass. That’s pretty much all I have to say about her. Apart from she’s really pretty~

A Barrel of Laughs
That is the best joke I could make for this article.

Duck Tales
Woo-Hoo! (Okay, that was kinda funny)

Smauglock
Benedict Cumberbatch finally makes a full appearance as Smaug and damn, he’s a big’un! I honestly didn’t expect the dragon to be THAT big. It’ll be fun to see more of him in action when the movie hits.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is due in theatres 13th December 2013. I cannot wait!