Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 1st to 6th, 2021 - Update #13

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

AWARDS - From THR:   Dwayne Johnson delivers an emotional tribute to his late father, pro wrestler Rocky Johnson, during the virtual Hollywood Association Awards.

DISNEY+ - From Deadline:   Actress Emma Meisel joins "Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.," the Disney+ reboot of classic ABC sitcom, "Doogie Howser, M.D."

FILM/TV - From Deadline:  Sisters Elle and Dakota Fanning have launched a film and television production company, Lewellen Pictures.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Universal has moved the release date for its latest "Fast & Furious" installment, "F9," again.  It's new release date is June 25, 2021.  The "Minions" sequel, "Minions: The Rise of Gru," has been moved from July 2021 to July 2022.

AWARDS - From Deadline:   AARP The Magazine on Thursday unveiled its winners for the annual Movies for Grownups Awards, handing Hulu’s "The United States vs. Billie Holiday" its top prize, Best Picture/Best Movie for Grownups.

EMMYS - From Variety:   The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ Sunday, September 19th, 2021.

MOVIES - From Deadline:   Hugh Grant will reportedly play the villain in Paramount Pictures and eOne's "Dungeons & Dragons" movie.  Actress Sophia Lillis has also joined the cast.

AWARDS - From THR:   Ahead of the start of Oscar nomination voting on Friday, the Producers Guild of America has determined that Stacey Abrams, who is one of the credited producers of the film, "All In: The Fight for Democracy," merits "the PGA mark" for her contributions to the project (as do directors/producers Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortés and producer Dan Cogan). That makes Abrams eligible to receive an Oscar nomination.

CELEBRITY - From YahooEntertainment:  Television icon, Tim Allen, talks about being a young drug dealer and his laughably short federal prison sentence.

GOLDEN GLOBES - From Variety:   Here is a complete list of winners at the 2021 / 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

From Variety:  At the 78th Golden Globe Awards, "Nomadland" wins "Best Motion Picture-Drama"; "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" wins "Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy"; "The Crown" wins "Best Television Series - Drama"; and "Schitt's Creek" wins "Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy."

BOX OFFICE - From Deadline:  The winner of the 2/26 to 2/28/2021 weekend box office is the animated "Tom & Jerry" with an estimated take of 13.7 million.

CELEBRITY - From YahooEntertainment:  Actress and recording artist Bella Thorne talks about breaking away from being a Disney child star ("Shake It Up," 2010-13).

OBITS:

From CNN:   American Civil Rights activist and business executive, Vernon Jordan, has died at the age of 85, Monday, March 1, 2021.  Jordan is best known for his work with the NAACP and for being a close advisor for the former President Bill Clinton.

From YahooSports:   Former NFL player and sports broadcaster, Irv Cross, has died at the age of 81, Sunday, February 28, 2021.  Cross was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961 as a corner back, where he played from 1961 to 1965.  He played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 to 1968, and returned to the Eagles for the 1969 season before retiring in 1970.  In 1971, he joined CBS Sports as an NFL analyst and became an co-anchor on the network's "The NFL Today."  That made Cross the first Black network sports show anchor.  In 2009, Cross became the first African-American to receive the "Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award" from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Original "Rugrats" Voice Cast Returns for New Series

Nickelodeon’s All-New Animated Rugrats Reunites Members of the Original Voice Cast to Reprise Roles

CG-Animated Series to Debut on Paramount+ in 2021

Share it: @Nickelodeon @NickAnimation @OfficialRugrats @ParamountPlus

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nickelodeon is reuniting members of the original voice cast behind iconic toddlers: Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Angelica Pickles, Susie Carmichael and Phil and Lil DeVille in the upcoming all-new Rugrats animated series. A reimagining of the classic ‘90s hit, the CG-animated series stars E.G. Daily (Tommy), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), Cree Summer (Susie) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil), all of whom are reprising their iconic roles in this new series. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the series is set to debut this spring on Paramount+, the highly anticipated streaming service from ViacomCBS.

    “Rugrats is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand-new audience”

“Rugrats is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand-new audience,” said Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation. “Having the voice cast behind these special characters come together is one of the essential pieces to making the show recognizable and we can’t wait to watch this talented group bring them to life again.”

The brand-new series features rich and colorful CG-animation and follows the toddlers as they explore the world and beyond from their pint-sized and wildly imaginative point-of-view.

The all-new Rugrats is based on the series created by Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo and Paul Germain. Eryk Casemiro (Rugrats) and Kate Boutilier (Rugrats) are executive producers and Dave Pressler (Robot and Monster) and Casey Leonard (Breadwinners) serve as co-executive producers, with Rachel Lipman (Rugrats) as co-producer and Kellie Smith (The Fairly OddParents) as line producer. Production is overseen by Mollie Freilich, Senior Manager, Current Series Animation, Nickelodeon.

The original Rugrats series launched in August of 1991 and instantly became a groundbreaking phenomenon, spawning consumer products and three hit theatrical releases, and cemented its place in pop culture history through its iconic characters, storytelling and unique visual style. Rugrats was in production for nine seasons over the course of 13 years. The series earned four Daytime Emmy Awards, six Kids' Choice Awards and its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

About Paramount+:
ViacomCBS’ existing subscription video-on-demand and live streaming service, CBS All Access, will be rebranded as Paramount+ on March 4, 2021 as part of the service’s expansion to feature content from ViacomCBS’ leading portfolio of broadcast, news, sports and entertainment brands. ViacomCBS will also bring Paramount+ to international markets with an initial debut in Australia, Latin America and the Nordics in 2021.

About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 41st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).

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#WandaVision Negromancer Link-o-Rama 2021 - Update #13

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  One minute TV trailer released Tuesday, Jan. 12th, 2021

WANDAVISION News: 

3/5 - From Vox:  SPOILERS! - WandaVision episode 9 finale: Recap and 2 credits scenes, explained

2/26 - From TheWrap:   "WandaVision" just retconned the MCU in a really big way

2/19 - From YahooInsider:   "WandaVision" Episode 7 recap with SPOILERS.

2/10 - From GamesRadar:  Marvel artist shares his design sketches for "Sparkly," the dog from "WandaVision."

2/3 - From YahooLifestyle:   "WandaVision" Fans Think This Leak Might Confirm the Show Will Finally Bring X-Men Into the MCU

From Sideshow:   Watching WandaVision on Disney+? Here’s What Marvel Comics to Read Next

1/26 - From YahooEntertainment:   Paul Bettany Says Major "WandaVision" Actor Hasn’t Been Leaked Yet: "Scenes Are Pretty Intense"

1/22 - MensHealth:   SPOILERS: Monica Rambeau—Also Known as "Geraldine"— Is the Key to Expanding WandaVision's Story

1/22 - From YahooEntertainment:   SPOILERS: "WandaVision" - What you need to know about the bonkers ending of the Marvel show's third episode

1/18 - From GazetteXtra:   A list of comic book stories that might help readers understand what is happening in "WandaVision."

1/14 - From YahooEntertainment:   When Paul Bettany was called in for a meeting at Marvel Studios, he thought he was being fired.  Instead, he was offered a TV show.

1/8 - From THR:  The Marvel Comics titles to read before "WandaVision" arrives.

1/4 - From IndieWire:  Everything you need to know about "WandaVision"

From Wikipedia:  "WandaVision" has a "Wikipedia" page.

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Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama 2021 - Update #23

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Support Leroy on Patreon:

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  Spider-Man 3 has a name. It's "Spider-Man: No Way Home," as revealed in this video clip (Wed., Feb. 24th, 2021).  It is due in theaters Christmas 2021.

From YouTube:  "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" Super Bowl LV trailer. Series arrives on Disney+ March 19, 2021.

MARVEL STUDIOS NEWS:

ANTHONY MACKIE - From Variety:   "Variety" offers the profile of actor Anthony Mackie as he finally takes the lead in a Marvel Studios production, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

ANT-MAN 3 - From THR:  Rapper and actor, T.I., who appeared in the first two "Ant-Man" films will reportedly not appear in the third film.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - From WeGotThisCovered:  Spider-Man: No Way Home reportedly has the largest physical set of any Marvel Studios film.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - From YahooNerdist:   Cast members of the third Sony-Marvel "Spider-Man"film share early images from the film and also speculations on the title of the film.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From Inverse:  Emmy and Grammy Award winning composer, Danny Elfman, has apparently confirmed that he will be provided the musical "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," which will be directed by Sam Raimi.

RUMORS - From WeGotThisCovered:   Once upon a time, Luke Cage and Iron Fist each had a TV series on Netflix.  Now, they may be reunited in a "Heroes for Hire"-type series that would be styled after Disney+'s upcoming, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

CAPTAIN MARVEL 2 - From Deadline:   Actress Zawe Ashton will reportedly play the main villain in "Captain Marvel 2."  The film will be directed by Nia DeCosta and star Brie Larson in the title role.

BLADE - From THR:   Stacy Osei-Kuffour, a playwright who acted as story editor and writer on HBO'S Emmy-winning and acclaimed limited series, Watchmen, will write the screenplay for Marvel Studios' "Blade" reboot that will star Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali in the title role.

ANT-MAN - From IndieWire:  Writer-director Edgar Wright ("Baby Driver") walked off the first Ant-Man movie over six years ago over creative differences with Marvel Studios.  Wright says he recently reconnected with Marvel boss Kevin Feige, and that he was glad he did.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - From Variety:   Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland, said that Sony/Marvel "Spider-Man 3"is the "most ambitious superhero movie of all time."

THOR LOVE AND THUNDER - From MCUDirect:  This link will take you to set photos from "Thor: Love and Thunder" featuring Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star Lord).

From MensHealth:   Chris Hemsworth confirms the beginning of the filming of "Thor: Love and Thunder" with a set photo.

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DISNEYLAND - From YahooEntertainment:  Tom Holland teases a new Marvel ride at Disneyland: 'It's the most I've ever felt like Spider-Man'

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - From ScreenRant:  Recent set photos from Sony/Marvel's third "Spider-Man" film indicates that the film may be partly set during Christmas.

MOON KNIGHT - From THR:  Four-time Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke has reportedly signed a deal to play the lead villain in Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Moon Knight" series.

MOON KNIGHT - From THR:  Actress May Calamawy has been cast in an unnamed key role in Marvel Studios' "Moon Knight"series.

CAPTAIN AMERICA - From Deadline:   Sources say that Chris Evan is in negotiations to reprise his role as "Steve Rogers/Captain America" in a future Marvel Cinematic Universe film.

HAWKEYE - From CBR:   Actress Hailee Steinfeld promises that her portrayal of "Kate Bishop" in the Disney+ series, "Hawkeye," will be "comics-accurate."

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From YahooEntertainment: Marvel chief Kevin Feige talks legacy of Chadwick Boseman, how they'll approach 'Black Panther 2' without him.

DEADPOOL 3 - From Collider:   Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, says that "Deadpool 3" will be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but won't start filming until at least 2022.

SECRET INVASION - From Collider:  Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, explains why "Secret Invasion" is a series and not a movie.

MOON KNIGHT - From THR:   Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, indie genre filmmakers behind sci-fi horror movies, "The Endless" and "Synchronic," are joining Mohamed Diab, the Egyptian filmmaker behind Middle Eastern drama, "Clash," as directors of Marvel Studios TV series, "Moon Knight, which will star Oscar Isaac.

FRANCHISE - From WeGotThisCovered:   Rumors suggest that Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige wants most Marvel heroes to be women and people of color going forward.

WHAT IF...? - From YahooEntertainment:   Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has confirmed that the late actor, Chadwick Boseman ("Black Panther") recorded a number of voice performances for Marvel's upcoming animated series, "What If...?"

TRAILERS AND VIDEO PREVIEWS FROM 2020:

From Marvel:   A first look at Disney+ series, "Loki" (Thurs., Dec. 10th, 2020)

From Marvel:   A first look at "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" (Thurs., Dec. 10th, 2020)

From Marvel:   A first look at Marvel Studios' "What If ... ?" (Thurs., Dec. 10th, 2020)

From YouTube:  The official trailer for the Disney+ series, "WandaVision." (released, Sun., Sept. 20, 2020)

From YouTube:  The "final trailer" for "Black Widow" (released Mon., March 9, 2020).

From Newsarama:  This Disney+ Super Bowl TV spot focuses on the upcoming Marvel Studios TV series, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," "WandaVision," and "Loki."

From Newsarama:  Here is the 30-second TV spot for "Black Widow" that was shown during Super Bowl LIV (Sun., Feb. 2nd, 2020).

From EW:  Here is the special look at "Black Widow" shown during the "College Football Playoff" Championship game between LSU (winner) and Clemson (Mon., Jan. 13th, 2020).

From Marvel:  See first official teaser trailer for Marvel Studios' "Black Widow" (Tues., Ded. 3, 2019).

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Click here for the 2020 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2019 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2018 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

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MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (MCU):

Review: Iron Man (2008)

Review: The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Review: Iron Man 2 (2010)

Review: Thor (2011)

Review:  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Review:  Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

Review: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Review:  Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Review: Ant-Man (2015)

Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Review:  Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Review:  Black Panther (2018)

Review:  Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Review:  Captain Marvel (2019)

Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Review:  Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

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Amblin to Adapt "Easy Rawlins" Books for Television

Amblin Television Developing Series Based on Walter Mosley’s “Easy Rawlins” Books

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amblin Television announced that it has closed a deal to develop and produce a series based on Walter Mosley’s bestselling books starring the character Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins. Sylvain White (Stomp the Yard, The Losers) will executive produce the series and is also set to direct the pilot episode. Amblin Television co-Presidents Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey ("The Americans," Haunting of Bly Manor) also executive produce, along with Mosley, his producing partner Diane Houslin for their company B.O.B. FilmHouse, Inc., and Jeremy Bolt (Monster Hunter, the Resident Evil franchise) of JB Pictures.

The drama, based on the gritty detective series, will center around Easy, a Black WWII Army veteran turned hard-boiled private eye. The show will be set in 1950’s Los Angeles and will honor the great traditions of storytelling in the detective genre while also exploring the racial inequalities and social injustice experienced by Black people and other people of color.

Mosley has written more than 60 critically acclaimed books, including fifteen novels and a collection of short stories starring Easy Rawlins. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine and The Nation, among other publications, and his work has been translated into 23 languages. The character of Easy Rawlins has previously appeared on screen in the 1995 film Devil in a Blue Dress, which starred Denzel Washington. Mosley is the winner of numerous awards, including an O. Henry Award, a Grammy and PEN America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Mosley was recently awarded The National Book Foundation’s 2020 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters (DCAL). Mosley also serves as executive producer on the FX show Snowfall. His latest Easy Rawlins novel, Blood Grove, released on February 2nd this year.

Acclaimed filmmaker Sylvain White was born and raised in Paris, France and moved to Los Angeles to study film. A series of award-winning short films led him to direct music videos and commercials, before he shot to public prominence with his zeitgeist-defining feature film debut, Stomp the Yard. White worked with Amblin on their critically acclaimed series The Americans and directed “The Heat,” an episode of their recent Apple TV+ show Amazing Stories.

Alex Maggioni, SVP Television, will oversee the day-to-day development of the project for Amblin, alongside Frank and Falvey.

White is represented by UTA, Artist First, and Jeff Endlich at Morris Yorn.

Mosley is represented by CAA, Gloria Loomis, and Tom Selz.

About Amblin Television:
Amblin Television, a long-time leader in quality programming, is a division of Amblin Partners, a content creation company led by Steven Spielberg. Amblin Television’s co-presidents, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, oversee all development, production and programming for the company. Amblin Television currently has nine projects in various stages of production and release, including Resident Alien for SYFY, the second season of Animaniacs for Hulu, The Haunting of Bly Manor for Netflix, third and fourth seasons of Roswell, New Mexico for The CW, Halo for Showtime, Masters of the Air for Apple, two seasons of Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai for HBO Max, Tiny Toons Looniversity for HBO Max and Cartoon Network, and an untitled Goonies Re-enactment Project pilot for Fox.

Some of Amblin Television’s recent credits include the Emmy Award-winning series Why We Hate for Discovery, three-time Emmy nominated Laurel Canyon: A Place in Time for EPIX, and Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind for HBO which made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival last year. Amblin Television also produced the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning drama The Americans for FX, the Golden Globe-nominated and double Emmy Award-winning mini-series Into the West for TNT, the Emmy-nominated HBO movie All The Way starring Bryan Cranston, Smash for NBC, Under the Dome for CBS, Falling Skies for TNT, The Borgias and The United States of Tara for Showtime, and Las Vegas for NBC.

http://www.amblin.com

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Review: "Aquaman" Rides High on the High Seas

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 23 of 2021 (No. 1761) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Aquaman (2018)
Running time:  143 minutes (2 hours, 23 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language
DIRECTOR:  James Wan
WRITERS:  David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall; from a story by Geoff Johns, James Wan, Will Beall (based on the character created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger and appear ing DC Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Rob Cowan and Peter Safran
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Don Burgess    
EDITOR:  Kirk Morri
COMPOSER:  Rupert Gregson-Williams

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/SCI-FI/ACTION/ADVENTURE

Starring:  Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ludi Lin, Temuera Morrison, Randall Park, Michael Beach, and Nicole Kidman

Aquaman is a 2018 superhero science fiction and fantasy film from director James Wan.  It is the sixth film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which is comprised of films based upon DC Comics characters.  Aquaman was created by artist Paul Norris and editor Mort Weisinger and first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 (cover dated: November 1941).  Aquaman the film focuses on a half-breed who is heir to the throne of an underwater kingdom and his quest to prevent an all-out war between the worlds of the land and the seas.

Aquaman opens in 1985.  Thomas Curry (Temuera Morrison), a lighthouse keeper in Amnesty Bay, Maine, rescues Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), the queen of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, during a storm.  They fall in love and have a son named Arthur, who has the power to communicate with sea creatures.  Eventually, however, Atlantean soldiers arrive to retrieve Atlanna, who had fled her arranged marriage in Atlantis.

The film movies to the present day, several months after the events depicted in the film, Justice League.  Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), now also known as the “Aquaman,” attempts to live a normal life in Amnesty Bay, but his Atlantean heritage is about to intrude on his life.  Arthur has a half-brother, Orm Marius (Patrick Wilson), who is the current King of Atlantis and who is also the second son of Atlanna.  Orm is attempting to rally the undersea kingdoms to his cause.  He wants to unite and to attack the surface world for polluting the oceans.  Princess Y'Mera Xebella Challa, also known simply as Mera (Amber Heard), is betrothed to Orm, but refuses to aid him or her father, King Nerius of Xebel (Dolph Lundgren), in their plans.

Mera travels to the surface where she meets Arthur and tries to convince him to help her in stopping Orm.  She also wants Arthur to take his rightful place as King of Atlantis.  Before he does that, however, Arthur must recover a magic artifact, the lost “Sacred Trident of Atlan,” which will mark its possessor as the rightful ruler of Atlantis.  The problem is that Arthur does not want to be King of Atlantis nor anywhere else for that matter.

Watching Aquaman, I could not help but notice that many of its story points and plot elements were glaringly similar to that of Marvel Studios' Black Panther, which debuted earlier in the same year that Aquaman hit theaters, 2018.  Whereas Black Panther was edgy, philosophically in tune with Pan-Africanism, and socially relevant, Aquaman is simply a grand, old-fashioned, action-adventure fantasy film, and there is nothing wrong with that.  Aquaman is solidly entertaining.

If Aquaman must be accused of copying other films, in terms of visual concepts and world-building, Aquaman leans heavily on the Star Wars prequel films and on Tron: Legacy.  And once again, there is nothing wrong with that.  Many big-budget, tent-pole films borrow from other movies of similar to its type.  Aquaman dazzles the eyes and blows the mind.  It is such a spectacular visual effects feast for the eyes, senses, and imagination that I am surprised that it did not get any Oscar nominations in the categories of visual effects, art direction-set decoration, and costume design.  That such a visually resplendent film did not get in Oscar nominations says something about the nominating process of the Academy Awards in many areas.

I must admit that I think that this film does have a few sizable problems.  Aquaman's stiff, overly-formal, highfalutin' dialogue hampers the acting, which isn't all that good to begin with.  The character writing is also average, so it is not as if the actors have much to work with in building strong dramatic characters.  Still, I'd have to be feeling generous to say that Jason Momoa was more than average as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, although he does appear to be trying hard.  Patrick Wilson and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II overact and ham-it-up as Orm and Black Manta, respectively.  Willem Dafoe is practically a wooden idol as Vulko, and Amber Heard seems to think that she is playing Mera in a spoof of a superhero movie rather than acting in a “serious” superhero film.

I would normally give a film with such average character drama on the part of the screenplay and such awkward acting a grade of “B.”  The directing by James Wan is strong enough, however, and, once again, the film is such a visual effects orgasm that I will bump up Aquaman's final grade a little.

7 of 10
B+

Saturday, November 28, 2020


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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A "Star Wars" Link-o-Rama 2021 by Negromancer - Update #14

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

BOOK REVIEWS - From Patreon:  My review of the new novel, "Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Courage."

From Patreon:  My review of the new novel, "Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi."

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NEWS AND RUMORS: 

OBI-WAN - From Deadline:   "Game of Thrones" actress Indira Varma reportedly joins the cast of the Disney+/Lucasfilm Obi-Wan Kenobi series.

RIAN JOHNSON - From DigitalSpy:  Some time ago, there was an announcement that director Rian Johnson ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") was developing a new Star Wars trilogy.  It apparently is still in development, according to bestselling author Sariah Wilson, although that had been reports that the trilogy had been cancelled.

COMIC BOOKS - From StarWars:   Writer Charles Soule talks about his upcoming comic book series, "Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters."

From BleedingCool:  In May 2021, the "Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters" comic book event will take place in six Marvel Comics titles.

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THE MANDALORIAN - From Variety:   Apparently, actress Gina Carano, who portrayed the character "Cara Dune" on "The Mandalorian," has tweeted herself out of future employment with Lucasfilm.

BOOK OF BOBA FETT - From LRMOnline:  Some fan-favorite bounty hunters reportedly will appear in "The Book of Boba Fett."

From CNET:   Some answers to some questions about "The Book of Boba Fett."

COMICS - From ScreenRant:   Part of "The High Republic" publishing program will be the first original Star Wars manga, "Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance," from VIZ Media.

QUI-GON JINN - From YahooIndieWire:  Actor Liam Neeson said he would be interested in returning as the beloved Jedi "Qui-Gon Jinn."  But he is wondering if "Star Wars" is fading out on the cinematic landscape.

COMICS - From Patreon:  This link is to my review of Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: The High Republic #1." 

From Patreon:  A review of Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: Vol.: The Destiny Path" trade paperback.

VIDEO GAMES - From TheBeat:  Ubisoft is developing an "open-world" Star Wars video game.

HIGH REPUBLIC - From TheBeat: Lucasfilm Publishing’s STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC launches

HIGH REPUBLIC - From StarWars:  There is a new trailer and new information in promotion of the impending release of the first books and comic book in "Star Wars: The High Republic" publishing initiative.

NOVELS - From IndieWire:  Beloved "Star Wars" novelist, Alan Dean Foster, talks about being asked to remove a budding romance between Finn and Rey that he was setting up in his novelization of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

BOBA FETT - From StarWars:  There is more news on the recently announced Disney+ series, "The Book of Boba Fett," which will be executive produced by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Robert Rodriguez.

From Deadline:  Previously unannounced, "The Book of Boba Fett" will be a new Disney+ "Star Wars" series.  A spinoff of "The Mandalorian," the series is set to debut December 2021.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: The High Republic #1" has sold out three weeks before its release date.  Marvel has reportedly ordered a second printing.

OBIT - From CinemaBlend:  The English actor Jeremy Bulloch has died at the age of 75, Thursday, December 17, 2020.  Bulloch played the bounty hunter, "Boba Fett," in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, appearing in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of Jedi."  While Bulloch wore Boba's costume, the late American actor, Jason Wingreen ("All in the Family," "Archie Bunker's Place") provided Boba's voice.

GEORGE LUCAS - From IndieWire:  Legendary film director, Francis Ford Coppola ("The Godfather"), says that he feels sad that "Star Wars" dominated George Lucas' career.

OBI-WAN - From Deadline:   Hayden Christensen will return as Darth Vader in the developing Disney+ series, "Obi-Wan Kenobi."

ROGUE SQUADRON - From Deadline:   Patty Jenkins, the director of the "Wonder Woman" film franchise, will direct a new "Star Wars" film, "Rogue Squadron."  This will be the first "Star Wars" feature directed by a female director.

OBIT - From StarWars:   David Prowse, the actor who gave the physical performance of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, died this weekend. He was 85. 

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STAR WARS Movie Reviews:

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars"
From Negromancer:  "The Empire Strikes Back"
From Negromancer:  "Return of the Jedi"

From Negromancer:   "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008 animated film)
From Negromancer:  "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
From Negromancer:  "Solo: A Star Wars Story" 

I Reads You "Star Wars Central" comics and graphic novel review page is here.

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