Review: "Ghost in the Shell" is a Miscast Misfire

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 17 (of 2017) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Running time:  107 minutes (1 hour, 47 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, suggestive content and some disturbing images
DIRECTOR:  Rupert Sanders
WRITERS:  Jamie Moss, William Wheeler, and Ehren Kruger (based on the comic, Ghost in the Shell, by Masamune Shirow)
PRODUCERS:  Avi Arad, Michael Costigan, and Steven Paul
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Jess Hall (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Billy Rich and Neil Smith
COMPOSERS:  Lorne Balfe and Clint Mansell

SCI-FI/ACTION

Starring:  Scarlett Johansson, Pilou Asbaek, Takeshi Kitano, Juliette Binoche, Michael Carmen Pitt, Chin Han, Danusia Samal, Kaori Momoi, and Peter Ferdinando

Ghost in the Shell is a 2017 science fiction and action film from director Rupert Sanders.  The film is based on the manga (Japanese comics) created by Masamune Shirow and published in 1989 and 1990.  Ghost in the Shell the movie focuses on a first-of-its-kind cyborg super-soldier that fights terrorists and dangerous criminals.

Ghost in the Shell is set in Tokyo, Japan, in the the near-future.  Most humans have augmented various traits like vision, strength, and intelligence with cybernetics, and the line between human and robotics has blurred.  Major Mira Killian (Scarlett Johansson) is a young woman who survived a terrorist attack that killed her parents.  Her body was destroyed, but she was saved by the world's leading developer of “augmentative technology,” Hanka Robotics, via the secret “Project 2571.”  Mira's brain (her “ghost”) was placed in a mechanical body or “shell.”  Now, she is cyborg counter-terrorism operative in a unit known as “Section 9.”

A year after her rebirth, Major is involved in an operation to discover the whereabouts of the mysterious hacker and cyber-terrorist known only as “Kuze” (Michael Carmen Pitt).  An electronic or digital encounter with Kuze causes the glitches that Major has been suffering to intensify.  Major has also discovered that this case is raising troubling questions about what really happened to her and that will bring her into direct conflict with Hanka's domineering CEO, Cutter (Peter Ferdinando).

I would call Ghost in the Shell mediocre or average, but those words don't quite describe the listless, empty nature of this film.  Ghost in the Shell has been praised for its special effects, soundtrack, and design, but little of that impresses me.  In fact, the visual effects look like leftovers from Steven Spielberg's 2002 film, Minority Report.

It looks to me as if Ghost in the Shell's director, Rupert Sanders, is desperately trying to make his film look and sound like Ridley Scott's beloved 1982 film, Blade Runner.  Ghost in the Shell, however, has neither Blade Runner's style nor its jazzy, Film-Noir vibe; actually Ghost in the Shell is simply a limp and lame attempt to copy Blade Runner.

Some have been critical of Ghost in the Shell's story and its lack of character development.  Yeah, I would describe it as “lack of character development,” and the screenplay is indeed hackneyed.  You can see it story points coming miles away; everything Major knows is a lie; she shares a past connection with the villain; being a human is the most important thing... yadda, yadda, yadda.

Because Ghost in the Shell is an original Japanese work of fiction, some people were upset that Scarlett Johansson, a white woman, plays the lead.  I have read the original manga, and Major is drawn to look like a white woman.  Even if she were not depicted as white, it still would not bother me all that much that a white actress plays the part of Major.

It is not Johansson's skin color that is the problem.  It is her wooden, monotone performance.  It is as if Scarlett is pretending to be a ghost with no personality that lives inside a mannequin.  It is obvious that I am disappointed in this movie.  As an adaptation of a visually striking manga/comic, Ghost in the Shell is simply a major misfire.

3.5 out of 10
C-

Wednesday, August 30, 2017


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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PBS Announces Star-Studded Fall 2017 TV Schedule

PBS Announces Fall 2017 Schedule

– THE VIETNAM WAR from Ken Burns and Lynn Novick Anchors Fall Schedule –

– Highlights Include a Star-Studded New Season of FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. And a Weekly Friday Night Salute to Broadway Including a Special Tribute to Harold Prince –

– TONY BENNETT: THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS GERSHWIN PRIZE FOR POPULAR SONG Tapes Fall 2017 for Broadcast in January 2018 –

– PBS TCA Press Tour Sessions to Feature Ken Burns, Martin Sheen, Tony Winner Denis O’Hare and Bryant Gumbel –

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PBS announced its fall 2017 lineup, as well as the January 2018 broadcast of TONY BENNETT: THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS GERSHWIN PRIZE, a PBS music special taping this fall to honor the singer, this year’s recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. returns with a new season (October 3, 2017) to explore the fascinating family trees of popular figures including Aziz Ansari, Scarlett Johansson, Larry David, Garrison Keillor, Amy Schumer, Ted Danson, William H. Macy, Mary Steenburgen, Ana Navarro, Christopher Walken, Ava DuVernay, Bryant Gumbel and others.

And in a weekly Friday night salute to Broadway from October 20 to December 1, PBS raises the curtain on three of the Great White Way’s most acclaimed recent musical productions.  GREAT PERFORMANCES presents “She Loves Me” (October 20), “Holiday Inn” (November 24) and a tribute to Harold Prince, the living embodiment of Broadway’s Golden Age (November 17), along with the acclaimed revival of “Present Laughter” (November 3) and encores of “In the Heights – Chasing Broadway Dreams” (November 10) and “Hamilton’s America” (December 1).

Continuing its tradition of hard-hitting journalism, FRONTLINE examines Russian President Vladimir Putin in a two-part documentary exploring his rise, rule and motivations (October 25 and November 1)

THIRD RAIL WITH OZY is a new primetime cross-platform debate series hosted by Emmy-Award winning journalist Carlos Watson. Each week experts, celebrity guests, and digital and studio audiences will tackle a provocative question about the country’s critical issues (September 8).

Anchoring the fall 2017 season on PBS is the previously announced THE VIETNAM WAR, the 10-part epic series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, premiering Sundays-Thursdays, September 17 to September 28. Anchoring the fall 2017 season on PBS is the previously announced THE VIETNAM WAR, the 10-part epic series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, premiering Sundays-Thursdays, September 17 to September 28.

    .@PBS annc. fall lineup w/ #VietnamPBS, a salute to broadway, a star-studded season of #FindingYourRootsPBS & more!

For more information please visit http://to.pbs.org/2ufX6ib


About PBS
PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a new 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

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Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson Among Presents at 89th Oscars Telecast

HALLE BERRY, JAMIE DORNAN, CHRIS EVANS, GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL, SAMUEL L. JACKSON, SCARLETT JOHANSSON, DAKOTA JOHNSON, KATE MCKINNON, SHIRLEY MACLAINE, HAILEE STEINFELD WILL BE PRESENTERS ON OSCARS® STAGE

Producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd today announced the second slate of presenters for the 89th Oscars® telecast.  Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the Oscars will air live on Sunday, February 26, 2017 on the ABC Television Network.

"These actors are why we love to go to the movies," said De Luca and Todd.  "From blockbusters to art house films, these artists deliver every time and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the 89th Oscars stage."

The presenters, including past Oscar® winners and nominees, are Halle Berry, Jamie Dornan, Chris Evans, Gael García Bernal, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Dakota Johnson, Shirley MacLaine, Kate McKinnon and Hailee Steinfeld.

Berry won an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role for "Monster’s Ball" (2001).  Her feature credits also include "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014), "Cloud Atlas" (2012), "Frankie & Alice" (2010), "X-Men The Last Stand" (2006), "X2" (2003), "Die Another Day" (2002) and "X-Men" (2000).  She will next appear in "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" and "Kings."

Dornan’s film credits include "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017), "Fifty Shades of Grey" (2015) and the Oscar-winning film "Marie Antoinette" (2006).  Additionally, he has appeared in "Anthropoid" (2016) and "The Siege of Jadotville" (2016).  His upcoming films include "Fifty Shades Freed," "Robin Hood" and "Untogether."

Evans is known for "Captain America: Civil War" (2016) and the Oscar-nominated features "Captain America: The Winter Solider" (2014) and "Marvel’s The Avengers" (2012).  His film credits also include "The Iceman" (2013), "Puncture" (2011), "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" (2010) and "Fantastic Four" (2005).  Evans will next appear in "Gifted," "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Jekyll."

García Bernal’s credits include the Oscar-winning films "Babel" (2006) and "The Motorcycle Diaries" (2004) as well as the Oscar-nominated films "Y Tu Mamá También" (2001) and "Amores Perros" (2000).  Additionally, he has appeared in "Neruda" (2016), "Desierto" (2016) and "Bad Education" (2004).  His upcoming films include "Z" and the animated feature "Coco."

Jackson earned an Oscar nomination for Actor in a Supporting Role for "Pulp Fiction" (1994).  Notably, he also appeared in the Oscar-winning films "The Hateful Eight" (2015), "Django Unchained" (2012) and "Inglourious Basterds" (2009).  Jackson will next appear in "Kong: Skull Island," "The Hitman’s Bodyguard," "Avengers: Infinity War," "The Incredibles 2" and "Inversion."

Johansson appeared in the Oscar-winning features "Her" (2013), "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008) and "Lost in Translation" (2003) as well as the Oscar-nominated films "Iron Man 2" (2010), "Match Point" (2005) and "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (2003).  Her credits also include "Captain America: Civil War" (2016) and "Lucy" (2014).  Johansson will next be seen in "Ghost in the Shell," "Rock That Body" and "Avengers: Infinity War."

Johnson’s credits include "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017), "Fifty Shades of Gray" (2015) and the Oscar-winning feature "The Social Network" (2010).  Her other credits include "How to Be Single" (2016), "A Bigger Splash" (2015) and "Black Mass" (2015).  Johnson will next appear in "Fifty Shades Freed" and "Suspiria."

MacLaine won an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role for "Terms of Endearment" (1983).  Additionally, she garnered nominations for her leading roles in "The Turning Point" (1977), "Irma La Douce" (1963), "The Apartment" (1960) and "Some Came Running" (1958).  She also received a Documentary Feature nomination for "The Other Half of the Sky: A China Memoir" (1975).  Her notable credits also include "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (2013), "Bernie" (2012), "The Evening Star" (1996), "Postcards from the Edge" (1990) and "Steel Magnolias" (1989).  MacLaine will next appear in "The Last Word."

McKinnon’s feature credits include "Ghostbusters" (2016), "Masterminds" (2016), "Office Christmas Party" (2016) and the animated features "The Angry Birds Movie" (2016) and "Finding Dory" (2016).  In addition, she has appeared in "Sisters" (2015) and "Ted 2" (2015).  McKinnon will appear next in "Rock That Body."

Steinfeld received an Oscar nomination for Actress in a Supporting Role for "True Grit" (2010).  Her recent credits include "The Edge of Seventeen" (2016), "Ten Thousand Saints" (2015), "Barely Lethal" (2015), "Pitch Perfect 2" (2015), "Begin Again" (2014), "The Homesman" (2014) and "Ender’s Game" (2013).  Steinfeld will next appear in "Pitch Perfect 3."

The 89th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be broadcast live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscars, produced by De Luca and Todd and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, also will be televised in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from November 13th to 19th, 2016 - Update #27

Support Leroy on Patreon.

POLITICS - From YahooNews:  President-elect Trump wants the cast of the Broadway musical, "Hamilton" to apologize to Vice-President-elect and anti-gay bigot, Mike Pence.

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MOVIE - From THR:  Marc Forster is directing Disney's live-action movie about "Christopher Robin," Winnie the Pooh's friend.

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OBIT - From TheWrap:  Sharon Jones, who is the lead singer of "Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings," has died at the age of 60, Friday, November 18, 2016.

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CULTURE - From RSN:  Is America possible, Michelle Alexander asks, especially as we are just learning to walk.

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MOVIES - From CNN:  Shelley Duvall, the actress who is known for such film as "The Shinning" and "Popeye," reveals that she suffers from mental illness.

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ECO - From RollingStone:  Neil Young celebrates his 71st birthday with a concert at Standing Rock #NoDAPL protest site.

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SPORTS - From the Steelers:  The NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers announce the "The Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research."

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MOVIES - From ETCanada:  Michelle Williams to play rock legend Janis Joplin in upcoming biopic.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:  Halle Berry celebrates 50 with a new lingerie line.

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COMICS - From Vulture:  A fascinating piece on, Steve Ditko, the artist who created The Amazing Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee.  The writer even tries to meet Ditko, who is an infamous recluse.

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TELEVISION - From BleedingCool:  Marvel, IMAX, and ABC team for a big budget "Inhumans" television show.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Ava DuVernay's "A Wrinkle in Time" set for release April 2018.

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OBITS - From NYTimes:  Award-winning and groundbreaking political reporter and author, Gwen Ifill, died at the age of 61, Monday, November 14, 2016.

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ACADEMY AWARDS - From Variety:  Jackie Chan receives an Oscar.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 11/11 to 11/13/2016 weekend box office is "Doctor Strange" with an estimated take of $43 million.

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POLITICS - From YesMagazine:  6 historic firsts for women on election night 2016.

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SPORTS - From LATimes:  Serena and Venus Williams are returning to their hometown of Compton to renew ties to the community.

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POLITICS - From OregonLive:  Anti-Trump protests in Portland Oregon turn violent Saturday night.

From YahooSports:  Damian Lillard, a star of the Portland Trailblazers, troubled by the anti-Trump protests in Portland.

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OBIT:  From People:  Songwriter and musician, Leon Russell, has died at the age of 74, Sunday, November 13, 2016.  He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 2011.

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TELEVISION - From USAToday:  Dave Chappelle hosted "Saturday Night Live" last night (11/12/2016) and revived some favorite characters from "The Chappelle Show."

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POLITICS - From NYTimes:  Oscar-winning filmmaker, Ethan Coen, pens thank you notes to the people who helped us end up with President-elect Trump.

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MOVIES - From THR:  David Yates says that he is directing all "Fantastic Beasts" films, which are set in the "Harry Potter" universe.

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ANIMATION - From Variety:  DreamWorks Animation and Universal have shut down production on "The Croods 2," the sequel to the Oscar-nominated, "The Croods."

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MUSIC - From YahooMusic:  Sting reopens Bataclan one year after the Paris terror attacks.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  New trailer (second official?) for Hidden Figures (which I want to see so badly), which is due January 6, 2017.

From YouTube:  First official trailer for Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast," due Spring 2017.

From YouTube:  Here is the first trailer for "Ghost in the Shell," which is due  March 31, 2017.

Review: "Captain America: Civil War" Could Be the Best Superhero Movie Ever

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 15 (of 2016) by Leroy Douresseaux

[A version of this review originally appeared on Patreon.]

Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Running time:  147 minutes (2 hours, 27 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for extended sequences of violence, action and mayhem
DIRECTORS:  Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
WRITERS:  Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely; (based upon the comic book written by Mark Millar and the characters created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby)
PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Trent Opaloch (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Jeffrey Ford and Matthew Schmidt
COMPOSER:  Henry Jackman

SUPERHERO/SCI-FI/ACTION/THRILLER

Starring:  Chris Evans, Robert Downey, Jr., Scartlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Tom Holland, Daniel Bruhl, William Hurt, Martin Freeman, Marisa Tomei, John Kani, John Slatterly, Hope Davis, Alfre Wooodard, Frank Grillo, and Stan Lee

Captain America: Civil War is a 2016 superhero film from Marvel Studios and is directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo.  The film stars Marvel Comics character, Captain America.  It is a direct sequel to the 2014 film, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (which was also directed by the Russo Brothers), and is also a follow-up to 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.  Civil War the movie finds the Avengers suddenly having to contend with political interference in the their activities, which causes a rift between teammates, Captain America and Iron Man.

Early in Captain America: Civil War, Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Sam Wilson/The Falcon (Anthony Mackie), and Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) travel to Lagos, Nigeria.  There, they are on a mission to stop Hydra agent, Crossbones/Brock Rumlow (Frank Grillo), from stealing a biological weapon from a lab in Lagos.  Just when the Avengers' mission seems successful, an unexpected, although not quite unavoidable, disaster occurs.

In the aftermath, U.S. Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) informs the Avengers that the United Nations wants to oversee and control the Avengers in the wake of the events of New York City (as seen in Marvel's The Avengers), Washington D.C. (depicted in Captain America: The Winter Soldier) and in the nation of Sokovia (shown in Avengers: Age of Ultron), as well as in Lagos.  The United Nations is preparing to pass the “Sokovia Accords,” which will establish a UN panel to decide if and when the Avengers can go into action.  Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) supports the accords, but Steve Rogers does not.

That divides the team and pits Avengers who agree with Stark (“team” Iron Man) against the Avengers who support Rogers position (“team” Captain America).  Soon the Avengers are fighting one another, which draws in new costumed superheroes.  Meanwhile, a sinister, yet unseen force plots to take advantage of the Avengers' “civil war.”

I am not one of those people who believes that a movie is ruined for them if they read or hear “spoilers” about the contents of the movie.  Before I saw the original Star Wars film, I had read the official novelization of the movie countless times, and I do mean countless.  I was reading the thing about four or five times a year.  When I finally saw Star Wars (two years after first seeing The Empire Strikes Back, I felt like I had experienced the story for the first time, although I had a fairly good idea about the film's course of events.

However, I assiduously avoided finding out what happened in Captain America: Civil War.  That may be why I love the movie so much; every shocking reveal was indeed surprising to me.  A day after seeing Civil War (as I write this review), I still cannot believe that I liked it so much.  Here goes...

Captain America: Civil War is the best superhero movie that I have every seen.  It is the best film adaptation of a comic book that I have ever seen.  I am loathe to spoil it for you, dear reader, but if you have ever seen a superhero movie, you owe it to yourself to see Captain America: Civil War.   If you have seen a superhero movie from Pixar (The Incredibles), Warner Bros. Pictures (its numerous films based on DC Comics characters like Superman and Batman), Sony Pictures (its Spider-Man movies), Twentieth Century Fox (its movies based on Marvel Comics characters like the X-Men), or even one from Marvel Studios itself (the Iron Man and Avengers movies), then, you have to see Captain America: Civil War.  You have too, dammit!  It is now the gold standard for superhero movies.

I think the secret to the success of Marvel Studios' movies involves several elements.  Marvel movies have big action set pieces, and this one has enough to match the behemoth action scenes and sequences from both Avengers movies.  Each movie has great character drama that involves some kind of conflict.  It is not just man vs. man, man vs. himself, man vs. the world, or man vs. nature.  It's man vs. man, man vs. himself, man vs. the world, AND man vs. nature.

Most of all, the characters have engaging, cool, and even alluring personalities and personal stories.  Whether it is Steve Rogers' man-out-of-time tale or Tony Stark's duel between his out-sized ego and his desire to be the man who uplifts the human race, Marvel characters work on a personal level.  Steve Rogers and Tony Stark are just as amazing in or out of their costumes.

Captain America: Civil War is not only good because it has a riveting plot and narrative.  It is also good because Marvel Comics characters are simply great characters.  With each Marvel Studios movie or movie featuring Marvel characters produced by other studios, the world is discovering what comic book fans already know.  Go see Captain America: Civil War.  It will probably end up being better than 90 percent of the films that receive Oscar nominations this year.

10 of 10

Saturday, May 14, 2016


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from August 1st to 6th, 2016 - Update #40

Support Leroy on Patreon.

POLITICS - From Time:  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says that Donald Trump's treatment of the Khans should be a wake-up call.

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COMICS-FILM - From Mashable:  Brie Larson, who will portray Marvel's "Captain Marvel" embraces her inner fangirl.

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COMICS-FILM - From YahooMovies:  "Suicide Squad" has a cool mid-credits scene [SPOILERS!]

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MOVIES - From SlashFilm:  Anthony Mackie is joining Kathryn Bigelow's untitled 1967 Detroit Riots film.  This is reunion for Mackie who appeared in Bigelow's Oscar-winning, "The Hurt Locker."

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SPORTS - From YahooNews:  NFL running back found that his family and friends went through $1.6 million of his money in 10 months.

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BARACK OBAMA - From NYDailyNews:  Happy Birthday, President! Someone punched George Zimmerman after he started bragging about killing Trayon Martin in a Florida restaurant.

From CBSNews:  Happy Birthday, again! Dylann Roof, who killed nine African-American parishioners at a South Carolina church, got his ass beat in a jail shower.

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COMICS-FILM - From ScreenRant:  Paul Dini, the man who co-created "Harley Quinn" (with Bruce Timm) for the the 1992 "Batman" animated series, likes what Margot Robbie does with the character in the film, "Suicide Squad."

From Moviefone:  Fans angry over the bad reviews that "Suicide Squad" has received.

From IdahoStatesman:  "Rotten Tomatoes" getting the brunt of the fan anger over bad reviews for "Suicide Squad."

From THR:  And man... "Suicide Squad" had a troubled production.

From YahooNews:  "Suicide Squad" set to break August box office records... with a catch.

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OBITS - From TheWrap:  The actor David Huddleston has died at the age of 85, Tuesday, August 2, 2016.  He was Jeffrey Lebowski a.k.a. "the Big Lebowski" in the Joel and Ethan Coen's 1998 cult film, "The Big Lebowski."

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COMICS - From CBR:  African-American writer Christopher Priest is returning to comics (on DC Comics' "Deathstroke") precisely because he is not being asked to write a Black character.

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MOVIES - From Showbiz411:  Martin Scorsese says that his film "Silence" will be ready for Oscar contention.

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STAR WARS - From EntertainmentWeekly:  Daisy Ridley quits Instagram because of the furor over her anti-violonece post.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Will Poulter is among the cast members added to Kathryn Bigelow's film about the 1967 Detroit Riots.

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COMICS-FILMS - From EntertainmentWeekly:  Hot star Mike Birbiglia wonders why the MPAA rated his acclaimed film, "Don't Think Twice," "R" and rated the violent "Suicide Squad" "PG-13."
 
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COMICS-FILMS - From EntertainmentWeekly:  As a kid, Viola Davis wanted to be Wonder Woman in order to beat those who bullied her.

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PRINCE - From YahooMusic:  "Weird Al" Yankovic talks about how Prince turned him down four times concerning Al doing parodies of Prince's songs.  Meanwhile, Michael Jackson was very supportive of Al.

From Billboard:  The time Matt Damon met Prince.

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STAR TREK - From YahooNews:  The parents of "Star Trek" Alton Yelchin have sued the makers of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.  The 27-year-old actor was killed by his Cherokee back in June.

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OBITS - From Deadline:  The screenwriter Eric Bergren died at the age of 62 on July 14, 2016.  He was an Oscar nominee for co-writing "The Elephant Man" (1980).

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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From YahooNews:  BLM releases first policy platform.

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TELEVISION - From ScreenRant:  Rapper 50 Cent (a.k.a. Curtis Jackson) has created a new superhero drama, "Tomorrow, Today" for Starz.  Fitty is one of the people behind Starz hit drama, "Power."

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STAR TREK - From ScreenRant:  "Star Trek: Discovery" may be set before the original "Star Trek," but we'll know sometime Wed., August 10th.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Benedict Cumberbatch to star in and produce a film adaptation of the classic British novel, "Rogue Male," by Geoffrey Household.

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MOVIES - From ScreenDaily:  Terry Gilliam begins production on "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" with Adam Driver (Kylo Ren in "Star Wars: The Force Awaken") as the star.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Disney want to remake Ron Howard 1980s film, "Splash," with Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell taking the roles of the original film's star, Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah.

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OBIT - From TheWrap:  The actress Gloria DeHaven has died at the age of 91, Saturday, July 30, 2016.  She was the star of MGM musicals of the 1940s and 50s like "Summer Holiday" and "Summer Stock."

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AWARDS - From TheWrap:  A complete list of winners at the 2016 Teen Choice Awards.

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COMICS-FILM -  From CinemaBlend:  Will Scarlett Witch be in "Spider-Man: Homecoming?"

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COMICS-FILMS -  From ScreenRant:  Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely updates their work on the screenplays for the third and fourth Avengers movies.

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TELEVISION - From YahooCelebrity:  Shannen Doherty, famous for her role on 90s soap, "Beverly Hill, 90210," that her break cancer, which she has been fighting since February 2015, has spread.  We send her our prayers.

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POLITICS - From YahooNews:  Donald Trump is still at it with Khizr and Ghazala Kahn, the couple who appeared at this past week's 2016 DNC, where Khizr spoke and castigated Trump.  The Kahns' son, Humayun, was an Army captain and a Muslim who was killed in Iraq in 2004.  Now other "Gold Star families" (meaning they have lost a child, sibling, or spouse in the recent wars) want Trump to apologize to the Khans.

From YahooNews:  Former Republican presidential nominee and current Senator John McCain (Arizona) rebukes Trump over his escalating a feud with the Kahns.  Sen. McCain is also a former prisoner of war (POW) in Vietnam.

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CULTURE - From YahooCelebrity:  Justin Timberlake gives heartfelt speech at 2016 Teen Choice Awards.

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SPORTS - From Deadspin:  Not Safe for Work - NBA baller, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, sends out a picture of his penis on snap chat.

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POLITICS - From NYPost:  Not Safe for Work - Racy, partial nude photos of Donald Trump's wife, Melania Trump, are released.

TRAILERS:

From WeGotThisCovered:  The new TV spot for Marvel's "Doctor Strange."

From YouTube:  Grammy nominee Andra Day's video for the song, "The Only Way Out," from the film, "Ben-Hur."

From YouTube:  Behind the scenes video starring Andra Day about the song, "The Only Way Out."

From Variety:  The first teaser trailer for Chris Nolan's WWII action-thriller, "Dunkirk."  The film is due July 21, 2017.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 17th to 23rd, 2016 - Update #52

Support Leroy on Patreon.

MOVIES - From Variety:  The release date for the first of New Line's two-film adaptation of Stephen King's novel, "It," is September 18, 2017.

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MOVIES - From CinemaBlend:  See the mysterious "Jurassic World 2" teaser poster.

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MOVIES - From BleedingCool:  Dwayne Johnson announces that he is in director Jake Kasdan's "Jumanji" remake.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Joaquin Phoenix is currently the leading contender to play Jesus in the film, "Mary Magdalene.

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MOVIES - From EW:  Woody Allen and Jesse Eisenberg go "Old Hollywood" in trailer for "Cafe Society."

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MOVIE - From TheWrap:  There will be a "Daddy's Home 2," with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.

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COMICS - From YahooTV:  Marvel Studios pulls the "Inhumans" film again.

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SCIENCE - From BusinessInsider:  Neil deGrasse Tyson thinks there's a 'very high' chance the universe is just a simulation.

BOX OFFICE - From MoviesDotCom:  "Captain America: Civil War" is outselling all other Marvel movies in early sales.

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MUSIC - From RollingStone:   The legendary musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor, filmmaker Prince has died at the age of 57.

From HuffingtonPost:  Yeah, this is already the saddest year in music history.

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From CinemaBlend:  Robert Downey, Jr. is talking about "Sherlock Holmes 3."

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From TheWrap:  Robert Downey, Jr. has signed a deal to appear in next year's "Spider-Man: Homecoming.

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ANIMATION - From TheTrackingBoard:  Two-time Oscar nominee, Jacki Weaver, will lend her voice to an upcoming DreamWorks project.

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MOVIES - From CinemaBlend:  Emilia Clarke, who played Sarah Connor, in "Terminator: Genisys" says that she will not return to the franchise.

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OBIT - From TheGuardian:  British comedian, Victoria Wood, died at the age of 62, Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Another day, another remake - 1990s "Flatliners."

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MOVIES - From THR:  Opinions differ internationally about Scarlett Johansson being cast in "Ghost in the Shell."

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TELEVISION - From ThePlaylist:  Idris Elba and John Ridley (writer of "12 Years a Slave") will unit for a Showtime miniseries, "Guerrilla."

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MOVIES - From Variety: Danish bad boy director, Nicolas Winding Refn, will be the showrunner for a high profile Italian TV series.

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SPORTS - From YahooSports:  The former Syracuse college basketball star, Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, has died at the age of 52, Wednesday, April 20, 2016.  A New York City high school basketball legend, Washington was much admired for his exceptional skills and play.  He also had a brief NBA career.

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TELEVISION - From YahooMovies:  New Line is working on gaining the film rights to turn 1970s-80s iconic TV series, "Three's Company" in order to make a film.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  More cast members added to Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman's "Office Christmas Party."

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COMICS - From TheWrap:  Willem Dafoe joins "Justice League" movie.

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CRIME - From TheWeek:  How a 26-year-old white woman died a horrible death in an American jail.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  First look at Antoine Fuqua's "The Magnificent Seven" with Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt.

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  "Game of Thrones" reveals Jon Snow's fate.

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STAR WARS - From YahooMovies:  Prince William and Prince Harry visit the "Star Wars" set.

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STAGE - From BleedingCool:  See new wand designs for the play, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Star Wars director J.J. Abrams and lead actress Daisy Ridley ("Rey") reunite for supernatural drama, "Kolma."

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COMICS - From CinemaBlend:  Marvel/Netflix adds two more cast members to "Iron Fist."

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CLOWNS - From THR:  Pat Boone says criticism of the Ku Klux Klan is anti-Christian.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Max Landis explains the politics of casting "Ghost in the Shell."  Honestly, I don't have that big a problem with Scarlett Johansson as the lead.  It's not like they cast Miley Cyrus...

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TELEVISION - From TheWrap:  Mel Gibson will co-write and direct the TV series, "The Barbary Coast."  Kate Hudson and Kurt Russell will star, with Gibson making some appearances on the show.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  The director of "Jurassic World 2" is Juan Antonio Bayona.

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STAGE - From THR:  Broadway sensation, "Hamilton," becomes only the ninth musical to win the "Pulitzer Price for Drama."

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OBIT - From THR:  The actress, Doris Roberts, has died at the age of 90 (Sunday, April 17, 2016).  Roberts was best known for playing "Marie Barone" on the CBS TV series, "Everybody Loves Raymond."  For playing the mother of the title character, "Raymond Barone" (Ray Romano), Roberts won 4 of the 5 Emmy Awards she received.  She won an Emmy for her stint on the NBC series, "St. Elsewhere."

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COMICS - From CinemaBlend:  How Spider-Man's inclusion in "Captain America: Civil War" changed Black Panther's role in the film.

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DIGITAL - From YahooFinance:  Can Netflix remain undisputed king of original streaming content.

From ScreenDaily:  Amazon takes aim at Netflix.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 4/15 to 4/17/2016 weekend box office is Disney's live-action "Jungle Book," with an estimated take of $103.5 million.

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POLITICS - From the NYDailyNews:  Rosario Dawson was arrested during a protest.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From GuardianUK:  Yeah, Bill Clinton's signature on crime bills did destroy Black lives.

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POLITICS - From Deadline:  Hilary Clinton raised $15 million from two fundraisers that George Clooney and his wife hosted for her.

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From EW:  Disney is going to release the film, "The Queen of Katwe" this September.  The film is directed by Mira Nair, and stars Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo.

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From Truthout:  The enemy of the 99% is not the 1%, but the 0.1%.

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WEBCOMICS - From CBB:  New episode of "Johnny Bullet."

From CBB:  Johnny Bullet Episode 69 in French.

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COMICS - From USGamer:  Everything you need to know about DC Comics' "Rebirth."

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COMICS - From FlickeringMyth: "Spider-Man: Homecoming" adds two new cast members, including Tony Revolori of "The Grand Budapest Hotel."

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COMICS - From CinemaBlend:  Samuel Jackson talks about the next time we might see Nick Fury in a Marvel movie.

COMICS - From FlickeringMyth:  Kevin Feige teases the future of Marvel Studios' films.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  New trailer for "The Magnificent Seven" remake.

From YouTube:  Red band trailer for "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates."

From YouTube:  New "Earth Day" trailer for "Independence Day: Resurgence."

"Ghost in the Shell" Live-Action Film Begins Production

PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND DREAMWORKS PICTURES’ “GHOST IN THE SHELL” IS IN PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have announced that production is underway on “GHOST IN THE SHELL,” starring Scarlett Johansson (“AVENGERS: Age of Ultron,” “Lucy”) and directed by Rupert Sanders (“Snow White and the Huntsman”). The film is shooting in Wellington, New Zealand.

Paramount Pictures will release the film in the U.S. on March 31, 2017.

The film, which is based on the famous Kodansha Comics manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, is produced by Avi Arad (“The Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2,” “Iron Man”), Ari Arad (“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance”), and Steven Paul (“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance”). Michael Costigan (“Prometheus”), Tetsu Fujimura (“Tekken”), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, whose animation studio Production I.G produced the Japanese "GHOST IN THE SHELL” film and television series, and Jeffrey Silver (“Edge of Tomorrow,” “300”) will executive produce.

Based on the internationally-acclaimed sci-fi property, “GHOST IN THE SHELL” follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force, Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology.

“We are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot ‘GHOST IN THE SHELL,’” said producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver. “The city boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and a rich urban landscape that make it an ideal setting for a sci-fi action film. The crew-base in New Zealand working on the film is first class, and working with Sir Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop is inspirational on every level. The people of New Zealand have been terrific partners in helping us bring this story and its beloved characters to audiences around the world and we are thankful for their continued hospitality.”

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have entered into a marketing agreement with the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), Callaghan Innovation and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) which recognizes the significant economic, cultural and industry development benefits the production will bring to New Zealand.  The collaboration will further promote New Zealand’s growing screen industry, develop local talent and showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world.

“The production will broaden the perceptions of the diversity of New Zealand’s locations by showcasing a science fiction urban setting in New Zealand,” says Dave Gibson NZFC Chief Executive.

Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said: “Tourism New Zealand is thrilled to be working with Paramount Pictures for the first time on ‘GHOST IN THE SHELL.’ Film tourism is an important element in Tourism New Zealand’s work to inspire people to visit New Zealand and we look forward to this new opportunity to showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world.”

The cast of “GHOST IN THE SHELL” includes Beat Takeshi Kitano (“BATTLE ROYALE” series) as Daisuke Aramaki, Juliette Binoche (“The English Patient”) as Dr. Ouelet, Michael Pitt (“Hannibal,” “Boardwalk Empire”) as Kuze, Pilou Asbæk (“Lucy”) as Batou, and Kaori Momoi (“Memoirs of a Geisha”). The members of Section 9 are played by Chin Han (“INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE”), Danusia Samal (“Tyrant”), Lasarus Ratuere (“Terra Nova”), Yutaka Izumihara (“Unbroken”) and Tuwanda Manyimo (“The Rover”).

The film’s crew includes Cinematographer Jess Hall (“The Spectacular Now”), Editor Neil Smith (“Snow White and the Huntsman”), Production Designer Jan Roelfs (“FAST & FURIOUS 6”), and Costume Designers Kurt Swanson and Bart Mueller (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Parts 1& 2”).


About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About DreamWorks Pictures
DreamWorks Pictures is a production label of Amblin Partners, a content creation company formed by the former DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment One (eOne). The company develops and produces films using the Amblin, DreamWorks Pictures and Participant banners and includes Amblin Television, a longtime leader in quality programming. The company’s first film, “Bridge of Spies,” was released to critical acclaim in October 2015.  Other projects in various stages of production include: “The Light Between Oceans,” scheduled for release by Disney in 2016; “The Girl on the Train,” scheduled for release in October 2016; “A Dog’s Purpose,” scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2017; “Ready Player One,” scheduled for release in December of 2017; and “Ghost in the Shell,” starring Scarlett Johansson that is currently in production and scheduled for release in 2017.  Upcoming shows from Amblin TV include “All the Way,” an HBO movie directed by Jay Roach and starring Bryan Cranston; and “American Gothic,” a summer series that will air on CBS and begin production in February 2016.

DreamWorks Pictures can be found at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DreamWorksPictures

Twitter: DW_Pictures

About the New Zealand Film Commission
The New Zealand Film Commission invests in original and culturally significant films, encourages talented New Zealand filmmakers through developing career pathways and facilitating connections offshore, and works to increase the number of people seeing New Zealand films here and overseas. It is responsible for marketing New Zealand’s screen production industry overseas and attracting international screen productions to New Zealand. The NZFC supports the growth of economic activity and helps ensure New Zealand has sustainable screen sector businesses operating within an internationally competitive screen sector.  The NZFC also helps negotiate co-production treaties and is responsible for administering the New Zealand Screen Production Grant, the Post, Digital and Visual Effects Grant and the 5% Uplift, and for certifying official co-productions and New Zealand films for tax purposes.

About Tourism New Zealand
Tourism New Zealand markets New Zealand to the world as a visitor destination. In the year ending February 2016, 3.2 million international visitors came to New Zealand. International tourism is one of New Zealand’s largest earners of foreign exchange, adding around NZ$11.8 billion annually to the nation’s economy. www.tourismnewzealand.com

--------------------

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 24th to 31st, 2016 - Update #47

Support Leroy on Patreon.

MOVIES - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 1/29 to 1/31/2016 weekend box office is "Kung Fu Panda 3" with an estimated take of $41 million.

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From Variety:  The actor, Frank Finlay, died Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the age of 89.  He earned a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his role in "Othello" (1965).  Many may remember him as 'Porthos' in the 1973 version of "The Three Musketeers," with Oliver Reed, Michael York, and Richard Chamberlain.

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MOVIES - From Complex:  Manohla Dargis coins the term, "DuVernay Test" in honor of Ava DuVerany.

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MOVIES - From TOH:  ACE Awards for film and TV editors winners announced.

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SPORTS - From YahooSports:  I'm not a robot, Serena Williams says.

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SPORTS -  From YahooSports:  There are five high school players named after Kobe Bryant who are hot college basketball prospects.

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STAR WARS - From YahooMovies:  Details about Forest Whitaker's character in "Star Wars: Rogue One."

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NEWS - From RSN:  A scary article about the Zika virus.

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TELEVISION - From EOnline:  "X-Files" creator, Chris Carter, talks about the future of the show.

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TELEVISION:  From TheWrap:  Jade Pinkett-Smith returning to FOX's "Gotham" for multiple episodes as "Fish Mooney."

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TELEVISION - From TheWrap: "Gilmore Girls" revival is at Netflix, but I'm not interested.

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NEWS -  From BuzzFlash:  Erin Brockovich says that the Flint, Michigan water crisis is just the tip of the iceberg, in terms of other areas facing lead poisoning.

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CRIME - From Truthout:  Supreme Court, Montgomery v. Louisiana, may allow juveniles sentenced to life without parole a chance to be retroactively re-sentenced.

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MUSIC - From YahooMusic:  See the Coldplay-Beyonce video, "Hymn for the Weekend."

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COMICS - From WashPost:  What Star Wars and Marvel can learn from British cult comic, Judge Dredd.

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CRIME - From YahooNews:  The Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, is not living a lonely life in prison.

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HISTORY - From MintPressNews:  Famous whistler blower, Daniel Ellsberg (The Pentagon Papers) says top military brass knew in advance that Vietnam War would fail.

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POLITICS - From RollingStone:  The mag says that Donald Trump skilled the 1/28/2016 GOP debate because he hates women.

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TRAILERS - From DreamWorks:  A new trailer for the CG-animated, Trolls.

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OSCARS - From Vulture:  I'm surprised by this.  I thought because it was controversially left off the best picture Oscar list, at least one of the producers of the film would be invited to the Oscars ceremony.  No, only the four nominated writers have been attended.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer talk "Top Gun" sequel.

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OSCARS - From RSN:  Spike Lee's Facebook post on his decision to boycott the 2016 Oscars.

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HISTORY - From CounterPunch:  Mumia Abu-Jamal on Huey P. Newton.

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POLITICS - From DemocracyNow:  The father of David and Charles Koch, Fred Kock, collaborated with the Nazis.

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OSCARS - From teleSUR:  Hollywood stars - Steven Soderbergh, Mark Ruffalo, Dustin Hoffman, Viola Davis and others - say Oscars and all of America is rife with racism.

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HISTORY - From Gawker:  Woody Guthrie hated his landlord, Donald Trump's father, Fred Trump.

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POLITICS - From TheHill:  Hacktivist group, Anonymous, wants Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder in jail over Flint, Michigan water crisis.

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COMICS - From DenofGeek: DC Comics teases something called "Rebirth."

---------------
TELEVISION - From BleedingCool:  Corey Hawkins of Straight Outta Compton will take the lead in FOX's revival of the TV series, "24," which is being called "24: Legacy."

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GRAMMYS - From YahooMusic:  Will Smith once boycotted the Grammys.

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OBIT - From YahooTV:  The actor, Abe Vigoda, died today (January 26, 2016).  He was 94.  Vigoda is best remembered for his role as "Detective Fish" on the television series, "Barney Miller."  He also had a pivotal role in "The Godfather," as the mobster, Sal Tessio.

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POLITICS - From YahooNews:  How Bernie Sanders will get anything done.

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POLITICS - From YahooPolitics:  Ben and Jerry of Ben & Jerry have created a limited edition Bernie Sanders ice cream, "Bernie's Yearning."

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NEWS - From Reuters:  McDonald's sales soar, thanks in large part to all-day breakfast menu.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  DreamWorks live-action adaptation of the manga, "Ghost in the Shell" (starring Scarlett Johansson) has moved from Disney to Paramount.

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MOVIES/TV - From Vulture:  Directors Guild president, Paris Barclay (an African American), says that more than just the Academy's changes are need to address diversity in Hollywood.

TELEVISION - From IndieWire:  Woody Allen is reportedly going to star in his Amazon series... with Miley Cyrus.

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MUSIC - From BET:  Kanye West reveals track listing for his upcoming solo LP, "SWISH."

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MOVIES - From BET:  Nick Cannon, who had a song that was eligible for the Oscars, has written an #OscarsSoWhite poem.

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SPORTS - From YahooSports:  5 early Super Bowl storylines.

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WEBCOMICS - From ComicBookBin:  New Constant Chp. 2 Pg. 2

From ComicBookBin:  New episode of Johnny Bullet - #58 - in English
From ComicBookBin:  New episode in French

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MOVIES - From Vulture:  Daniel Radcliffe explains his erection in "Swiss Army Man."

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TELEVISION - From Vulture:  Here is a recap from "The X-Files" Episode 1 of the six-issue miniseries.

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POLITICS - From TheAtlantic:  Now, that ugly puppy dog is no longer governor, Louisiana embraces Obamacare, thanks to new Gov. John Bel Edwards.

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AWARDS - From Vulture:  "I completely deserve this!" Shonda Rhimes says during her acceptance speech at the 2016 Producers Guild Awards.

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OSCARS - From Vulture:  Another white actor has to backtrack on diversity in Oscars/Hollywood comments.  This time it is the fine Julie Delpy.  And... she's not entirely wrong.

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MOVIES - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 2/22 to 2/24/2016 box office weekend is Oscar-favorite, "The Revenant" with an estimated take of $16 million.

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From YahooGames:  See the new "Batman vs. Superman" spot that aired during the NFC Championships Game.

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COMICS - From Patreon:   My review of "Obi-Wan and Anakin #1."

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COMICS - From ComicBookBin:  My review of "Kimi Ni Todoke Vol. 23."

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POLITICS - From RT:  Trump says he could shoot someone and still not lose his loyal supporters.

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RACE - From RSN:  “The laws are recast and enforced in order to suppress any type of minority movement.”

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OSCARS - From Variety:  Chris Rock will remain as host, and will address #OscarsSoWhite during his monologue.  He and his writing staff are rewriting their work for the show.

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  Gillian Anderson was offered half the salary of what David Duchovny recieved to return to X-Files.  Apparently, the show often treated her like a sidekick.

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OSCARS -
Deadline: Academy unveils major rules changes to diversify Oscars.

Deadline:  Historic changes met with praise and outrage.

TheGuardian:  Current Oscar-nominee Charlotte Rampling finds #OscarsSoWhite so racist to white people.

From Deadline:  Then, Ms. Rampling has to check herself.

From Deadline:  On diversity - Oscars at the end of the food chain says Oscar winner and favorite, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu.

From Deadline:  Danny DeVito - We're all racists.

From Deadline:  Oscar-winning director, Jonathan Demme, suggests re-calibrating this year's Oscar nominations.

COMICS - From TheWrap:  "Thor: Ragnarok" director, Taiki Waititi, talks about about making the film funnier.

-------------------------

From Zoolander 2 - new video content:

Blue Steel Selfie Studio here and here.

Meet Don Atari from House of Atoz here.

Scarlett Johansson Discusses the Black Widow in "Avengers: Age of Ultron"

[The following interview and Q&A was provided by Walt Disney Studios]

AN INTERVIEW WITH SCARLETT JOHANSSON FOR THE IN-HOME RELEASE OF MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Marvel Studios unleashes the next global phenomenon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Good intentions wreak havoc when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) unwittingly creates Ultron (James Spader), a terrifying A.I. monster who vows to achieve “world peace” via mass extinction. Now, Iron Man, Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) – alongside Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) – must reassemble to defeat Ultron and save mankind.

With the Blu-ray, Digital HD and DVD of Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron about to be released, we talk to actors Scarlett Johansson– ‘Black Widow’ in the movie – to discover their thoughts on the action-packed adventure…

How would you describe The Avengers at the beginning of Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron? And how has the world changed since the first movie?

Scarlett Johansson: It really is business as usual at the beginning of the film, but the world is aware of the universe in a way that they weren’t in The Avengers. The common man knows the vocabulary of aliens and space travel. Before the battle in New York, The Avengers had a stealthy approach and S.H.I.E.L.D. certainly had that as well – but now we’re being judged in a different way. Everybody is watching us, so it’s a different playing field.

What personal challenges do The Avengers face in the movie? 

Scarlett Johansson: Every one of The Avengers has come to the table with a lot of baggage. None of us chose this job; the job chose us – and their reluctance to wear the superhero hat makes for very interesting backstories. We all have our histories, which we get to explore a little bit, and I think the audience is going to absolutely love it. It makes the audience that more invested in our interpersonal relationships and also the future of these characters, which is pretty cool.

How would you describe the romantic relationship that develops between Black Widow and Bruce Banner in the movie?

Scarlett Johansson: These characters have what I always thought was an unlikely love story that grows between them – but it’s actually rooted in a very likely love story because they have a lot in common. It’s a very complicated relationship. It’s an impossible love that seems unlikely but isn’t.

How does Black Widow tame The Hulk? 

SCARLETT JOHANSSON: How does Natasha tame the beast? That’s a very good question. It’s interesting that she does it with a human touch. I would imagine your every instinct is telling you not to touch The Hulk. He’s not the person you grab and give a bear hug to. And yet, somehow, he’s a raging person that needs a tender bear hug. He needs someone to remind him that he’s grounded and he has someone with him. He needs someone to be present to tell him to come back to himself. She develops a therapeutic thing with the Hulk, and I think that probably comes from her own maternal instinct.

How does it feel to play a female superhero in a male dominated world, Scarlett? 

SCARLETT JOHANSSON: I just go through the script and look at my parts – and those are the only parts I read. What’s great about playing this character is that she is based on something deep and something I could hold onto. She’s very real. She’s experienced a lot of trauma and she’s never really been able to make active choices for herself – but now she is and she’s ready for it.

You were pregnant when you shot the movie. How did you prepare for the physical role and the challenging motorcycle scenes? 

SCARLETT JOHANSSON: I don’t think you’re allowed to ride a motorcycle when you’re pregnant. I embarrassingly rode some sort of mechanical bull-type of motorcycle, which goes nowhere and doesn’t look cool at all! But we had some very professional and amazing motocross work being done that makes Black Widow look like a total badass.

How much do you enjoy the physical aspect of the role? 

SCARLETT JOHANSSON: I’m very fortunate that there’s a team around me that is super-supportive in helping all of Widow’s fight moves and badass motorcycle riding. It takes a lot of choreography and team spirit. Every film is exciting because I get new tools and cool new things to do. Luckily, [director] Joss [Whedon] writes me some badass moves that make me look epic. It’s awesome.

How would you sum up Black Widow’s journey in the movie?

SCARLETT JOHANSSON: At the beginning of Avengers 2, there’s some sense of The Avengers being a well-oiled machine. Finally, the introductions are over and we’re at work, we’re digging our heels in. At the end of Avengers 2, I think Widow has let her guard down and she is hopeful for something. I think she had this moment of false hope where she felt like she put in the work and there should be some kind of personal payoff – and she was ready to accept it. Then she realizes that her calling is a greater one and that’s not necessarily something that she’s thrilled about, but that’s what is most heroic about her. She accepts the call of duty, even at her own personal loss. I think it’s an interesting place to leave her, because there are many different directions to go. Is she going to be able to withstand this huge weight that’s bearing down on her or is she going to crack under it and crumble? I guess we’ll have to wait and see, right?

Would you like to see a solo Black Widow movie to tie up these loose ends?

SCARLETT JOHANSSON: A Black Widow movie will be cool. Sure. I’m always excited to get that cat suit on!


END

-----------------------

Marvel Studios Begins Production on 2016's "Captain America: Civil War"

Marvel Studios Begins Production on Marvel's 'Captain America: Civil War'

Learn more about the upcoming film in theaters May 6, 2016

Marvel Studios has commenced principal photography at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on “Captain America: Civil War,” the third installment of its Super Hero franchise. The production will shoot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as the base for the film’s production, as well as locations in Germany, Puerto Rico and Iceland.

Set for release in the United States on May 6, 2016, “Captain America: Civil War” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Community”) from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (“Captain America: The Winter Solider,” Marvel’s “Captain America: The First Avenger”). The film returns Chris Evans (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron”) as the iconic Super Hero character Steve Rogers/Captain America along with Robert Downey Jr. (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “Iron Man 3”) as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Sebastian Stan (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”) as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Paul Bettany (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”) as The Vision, Jeremy Renner (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “The Avengers”) as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Don Cheadle (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”) as Jim Rhodes/War Machine and Elizabeth Olsen (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Godzilla”) as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch.

After his debut in Marvel’s “Ant-Man” on July 17, 2015, Paul Rudd (“Ant-Man,” ”Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”) will make his first appearance alongside the Avengers as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in “Captain America: Civil War.”

The film also includes outstanding additional cast, including Chadwick Boseman (“42,” “Get on Up”) as T’Challa/Black Panther, Emily VanCamp (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Revenge”) as Sharon Carter/Agent 13, Daniel Brühl (“Inglourious Basterds,” “Bourne Ultimatum”), Frank Grillo (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Warrior”) as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones, William Hurt (“A History of Violence,” Marvel’s “The Incredible Hulk”) as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and Martin Freeman (“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”). 

“Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo’s creative team also includes director of photography Trent Opaloch (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Elysium”), production designer Owen Paterson (“Godzilla,” “Matrix”), and three time Oscar®-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”).

Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1941, “Captain America: Civil War ” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in  “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel's The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and the upcoming release schedule, which includes Marvel’s “Ant-Man” on July 17, 2015, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” on November 4, 2016, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2,” on May 5, 2017, and Marvel’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” on November 3, 2017.

Marvel Studios most recently continued its unprecedented success with the release of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015. The film recorded the second biggest opening weekend of all time with a $191.3 million box office. It has also been the #1 release in every country where it has been released.

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Review: "Avengers: Age of Ultron" is Bigger and Better

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 20 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux (support on Patreon)

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Running time: 141 minutes (2 hours, 21 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence and destruction, and for some suggestive comments
DIRECTOR: Joss Whedon
WRITER: Joss Whedon (based upon the comic book created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby)
PRODUCER: Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ben Davis
EDITORS: Jeffrey Ford and Lisa Lassek
COMPOSERS: Brian Tyler and Danny Elfman

SUPERHERO/ACTION/DRAMA/FANTASY/SCI-FI

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgard, Claudia Kim, Linda Cardellini, Andy Serkis, Thomas Kretschman, Stan Lee, Henry Goodman, Julie Delpy, Haley Atwell, Kerry Condon (voice), and James Spader (voice), and Samuel L. Jackson

The answer to your likely first question is a resounding “Yes!”  It is good and even better than the first  movie, which was itself quite good.  I want to see this movie again.  Now, on to the formal review...

Avengers: Age of Ultron is a 2015 superhero movie written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Marvel Studios. The film, which is based upon the comic book created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, is the sequel to 2012's Marvel's The Avengers.  Jon Favreau and Stan Lee are among the executive producers of this film

Avengers: Age of Ultron features the comic book superheroes, the Avengers:  Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner).  In this new film, a well-meaning peacekeeping program inadvertently creates a powerful artificial intelligence, which decides to destroy the Avengers before destroying all of humanity.

Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in the Eastern European country of Sokovia.  There, The Avengers are in the midst of raiding a Hydra outpost led by Baron Wolfgang von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann).  The Baron has been experimenting on humans using the scepter of Loki, Thor's villainous brother.  The Avengers retrieve Loki's scepter, but encounter the results of von Struker's experimentation, a twin brother and sister who now both possess super powers.

Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) a.k.a. Iron Man and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) a.k.a. the Hulk discover an artificial intelligence (A.I.) inside the scepter's gem.  They decide to use that A.I. to complete Stark's global defense project, but they don't tell their fellow Avengers about their experimentation.  The result is a dangerous new being calling itself “Ultron” (voice of James Spader) that decides to exterminate humanity and has the power to match the Avengers.

My summary of Avengers: Age of Ultron is wimpy compared to the actual size and scale of this movie.  Avengers: Age of Ultron, in terms of action, is as massive as one of Michael Bay's Transformers movies, but Age of Ultron is more entertaining than any Transformers movie by far.  In terms of story, this movie is big, encompassing multiple settings, enough characters for three movies, and a plot surrounded by multiple sub-plots.  Age of Ultron, however, does not collapse under its own weight, and it is not hard to follow.  Because the story has so much... well, story, I find myself ruminating over it still, two and a half days after I saw it.

Writer-director Joss Whedon is beloved by fans because the story writing and storytelling he brought to his television series, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”  Whedon takes fantasy seriously enough to be serious about crafting a story about vampire hunters and superheroes with all the careful consideration that other writers give to such Oscar winners as Terms of Endearment and A Beautiful Mind.  Concerning the parts of the script that deal with the personalities, motivations, and interior lives of the Avengers, Whedon makes Age of Ultron intimate, probing, and surprisingly individualized.

As I wrap up this review, Age of Ultron lingers in my mind.  I could talk about the eye-popping effects and the fantastic superhero action that are true to the comic book while simultaneously breaking free of the confines of the comic book page.  I could talk about the high-quality acting; the performers take these characters seriously, also.  However, I will say that with Avengers: Age of Ultron, Marvel Studios delivers again... and again... and again...  This is one of the best superhero films ever made.

9 of 10
A+

Sunday, May 3, 2015


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