Paramount Debuts the First Trailer for "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7"

Paramount Pictures released the first trailer for the film, “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One,” on Monday, May 23rd, 2022.  The stars Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, and Frederick Schmidt, all of whom will reprise their roles from the previous films.  Newcomers include Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Shea Whigham, Esai Morales, Rob Delaney, and Cary Elwes.  The film is written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie.

The film opens in theaters on July 14, 2023.

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TRAILER: The First Official Teaser Trailer for "THOR: Love and Thunder" is Here

The first official teaser for Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER has arrived.  The film reportedly finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced — a quest for inner peace.  However, his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods.  To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi), and ex-girlfriend, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who — to Thor’s surprise — inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. 

Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER stars Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman and Christian Bale. Directed by Taika Waititi. In theaters July 8, 2022.

The teaser trailer is below:

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TRAILER: "MINIONS: The Rise of Gru" Official Trailer Has Arrived

July 1st, 2022 will see the release of MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU, the sequel to the 2015 box office smash, Minions.  The Rise of Gru is set after the events of the first film and finds 12-year-old Gru and the Minions on the run from a group of super-villains (led by Taraji P. Henson) that Gru wanted to join.  The official trailer arrived Wednesday, March 30th and can be seen below:

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TRAILER: New "TOP GUN: Maverick" Official Trailer (3/29/2022)

After numerous delays, TOP GUN: MAVERICK, the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 box office hit, Top Gun, is set to arrive in theaters May 27th, 2022.  Star Tom Cruise returns to play one of his signature roles, that of test pilot, Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell.  On Tuesday, a new official trailer for the film debuted.  You can see it below:

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TRAILER: Disney+ Introduces Newest MCU Hero, Ms. Marvel, in a New Trailer

Disney+ wants you to say "Hello!" to the newest Super Hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who's just trying to balance her high-school life, her family, and her emerging super powers. Find the brand new trailer below.

Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel is a new, original series that introduces Kamala Khan, a Muslim American teenager growing up in Jersey City. An avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe, Kamala is a Super Hero mega-fan with an oversized imagination—particularly when it comes to Captain Marvel. Yet Kamala feels invisible both at home and at school—that is, until she gets super powers like the heroes she’s always looked up to. Life gets better with super powers, right? 

Iman Vellani stars as Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel. The cast also includes Aramis Knight, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Laith Nakli, Azhar Usman, Travina Springer and Nimra Bucha.

Episodes are directed by Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah, Meera Menon, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.  Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, and Bisha K. Ali are the executive producers. Co-executive producers for the series are Sana Amanat and Trevor Waterson, and Bisha K. Ali is the head writer. 

Ms. Marvel premieres exclusively on Disney+ on June 8, 2022! 

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TRAILER: Pixar's "TURNING RED" Debuts on Disney+ on March 11th

Pixar Animation Studios' 25th feature length animated film is "TURNING RED" directed by Oscar-winner Domee Shi.  The film will stream on Disney+, beginning March 11, 2022.  Below is the film's first official trailer:

TRAILER: Disney+ Releases "Introducing Moon Knight" Video Featurette

The latest Marvel Studios series, MOON KNIGHT, starts streaming March 30th on Disney+.  The video featurette below about the series is entitled, "Introducing Moon Knight":

Disney+ Releases First "Obi-Wan Kenobi" Teaser Trailer

 

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Disney+ Debuts Brand-New Teaser Trailer For ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022 -- Disney+ released the teaser trailer for Obi-Wan Kenobi, giving fans an exciting first look at the highly anticipated limited series, which launches exclusively on the streaming service on May 25, 2022.

The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, in which Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

The series stars Ewan McGregor, reprising his role as the iconic Jedi Master, and also marks the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader. Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, and Benny Safdie.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is directed by Deborah Chow and executive-produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor, and Joby Harold.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 1st to 5th, 2022 - Update #16

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

MOVIES - From THR:  Will Smith is returning for the long-talked about sequel to his hit 2007 film, "I Am Legend." This time actor Michael B. Jordan will also star in the film as well as be one of its producers.

MOVIES - From Deadline:   The first photographic image has been released from the action film, "Dead Zone," which stars Michael Jai White and Chad Michael Collins.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Reportedly, rapper Jack Harlow's first screen audition lands him a role in the reboot of writer-director Ron Shelton's 1992 sports comedy, "White Men Can't Jump."

TRAILER - From Deadline:  There is a trailer for the 50th Anniversary re-release of Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather."  This film and the others in the series will also have a 4K Ultra HD and Ultra Blu-ray release.

STREAMING - From Variety:  Actor Anthony Mackie will star in and executive produce a TV series based on the Sony Playstation video game, "Twisted Metal." The series is being produced for NBCUniversal's streaming service, Peacock.

OSCARS - From Variety:   Samuel L. Jackson says, ‘I Should’ve Won’ an Oscar, but Oscars Don’t Get ‘Asses in Seats’ Like I Do

TRAILER - From Variety:  Sony Pictures has released the official trailer for the stylish action movie, "Bullet Train" starring Brad Pitt and directed David Leitch.

MOVIES - From Consequence:  There is a report that says that Oscar-winning film producer, Brad Pitt, has come on board as a producer on the long-rumored sequel to "Beetlejuice" (1988).

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  The beloved sci-fi animated comedy, "Futurama," is returning on Hulu with 20 episodes and with "Bender" voice actor, John DiMaggio.

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  On the comeback trail, actress Lindsay Lohan strikes two-picture deal with Netflix.

AWARDS - From Deadline:  The winners of the 2022 / 22nd annual Black Reel Awards were announced Monday evening, Feb. 28th in a livestream.  The Black Western, "The Harder They Fall" led with 6 wins, and "King Richard" was named "Outstanding Film" of 2021.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  The Walt Disney Company is temporarily pulling its theatrical releases from Russian movie theaters due to Russia's invasion of the nation of Ukraine.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 2/25 to 2/27/2022 weekend box office is Sony Pictures' "Uncharted" with a take of 23 million dollars.

MOVIES - From CNN:  Mid-budget Hollywood movies are in decline.  What does that mean for American cinema?

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American film executive and film producer, Alan Ladd, Jr., has died at the age of 84, Wednesday, March 2, 2022.  Ladd won an Oscar for producing "Braveheart" with Mel Gibson and Bruce Davey.  He was also the president of 20th Century Fox who approved the production of "Star Wars" and he was an executive at MGM/UA.

From Deadline:  Broadway and television actor, Ned Eisenberg, has died at the age of 65, Sunday, February 27, 2022.  Eisenberg was best known for his recurring role on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit" as the villainous defense attorney Roger Kressler.  Eisenberg had a prolific career in film and TV and on stage.

From Deadline:  Actress Farrah Forke has died at the age of 54, Friday, February 25, 2022.  Forke is best known for her recurring role as "Alex Lambert" on Seasons 4 through 6 of NBC's former sitcom, "Wings."  She also appeared on ABC's former romantic drama, "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" and the CBS comedy, "Dweebs."

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94TH ACADEMY AWARDS:

OSCARS - From Variety:  The nominations for the 2022 / 94th Academy Awards have been announced.  "The Power of the Dog" leads with 12 nominations.  The winners will be revealed March 27th.

From Deadline:    With his "Best Actor" nomination for "The Tragedy of Macbeth," Denzel Washington is the most nominated Black actor is Oscar history.  He has been nominated in two acting categories a total of 10 times with two wins total.

From Variety:   With her "Best Director" Oscar nomination for "The Power of the Dog," Jane Campion becomes the first woman nominated twice in that category. She was previously nominated in that category for "The Piano" (1993).

From Variety:  With his three nominations today, Kenneth Branagh of "Belfast" becomes the first person to have been nominated in seven individual categories over his career.

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MOVIE AWARDS:

From Deadline:   The winners at the 2022 / 28th annual SAG Awards. "CODA" wins the top prize, "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture."

From Variety:  Here is a complete list of winners at 2022 / 53rd NAACP Image Awards in the film, television and music categories.  Jennifer Hudson was named "Entertainer of the Year."

From Deadline:   The 2022 / 9th annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards were announced.  The Amazon film, "Coming 2 America" (the sequel to the 1988 film, "Coming to America"), led with three wins.

From Deadline:  The 2022 BAFTA Film Awards nominations have been announced.  "Dune" leads with 11 nominations.  The winners will be announced March 13th.

From Deadline:   The 2022 / 33rd annual Producers Guild of America Awards nominations have been announced.  The winners will be announced Saturday, March 19th.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2022 / 74th annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced March 12th.

From COFCA:  The Columbus Film Critics Association name "The Power of the Dog" the "Best Film" of 2021.

From Deadline:  Netflix's Black Western, "The Harder They Fall," was named the "Best Picture" of 2021 at the 13th annual African American Film Critics Association Awards.  The Western tied with "King Richard" for most wins with four.  Will Smith was named "Best Actor" for "King Richard."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2022 / 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards have been announced.

From Variety:  The snubs and surprises in the nominations for the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

From Variety:   At the 2022 / 79th Golden Globes, "The Power of the Dog" wins "Best Motion Picture-Drama" and "West Side Story" wins "Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy."

From Variety:  The National Society of Film Critics names the Japanese film, "Drive My Car," the best film of 2021.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 22nd Annual Black Reel Awards were announced a few weeks ago. Netflix's Black Western, "The Harder They Fall," has a record 20 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 27, 2022.

From AwardsWatch:  The Columbus Film Critics Association announced the nominations for their annual film awards.  Director Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" leads with 12 noms.  The winners will be announced Thurs., Jan. 6th, 2022.

From Deadline:  The Los Angeles Film Critics Association has named the Japanese film, "Drive My Car," the "Best Picture" of 2021.

From Deadline:  The 2022 / 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards have announced their nominations. "Zola" leads with six nominations. The winners will be announced Sun., March 6, 2022.

From THR:  The 2022 / 79th Golden Globes Awards nominations have been announced.  "Belfast" and "The Power of the Dog" lead with seven nominations each.  Winners will be announced Jan. 9th, 2022.

From GoldDerby:   The 2022 Critics Choice Awards nominations have been announced. "Belfast" and "West Side Story" leads with 11 nominations each. Winners will be announced Jan. 9th, 2022.

From Deadline:   The American Film Institute announced the "2021 AFI Awards" Top 10 list, and the list includes "Dune," "The Tragedy of Macbeth," and "West Side Story."

From THR:  Director Aleem Khan's "After Love" tops the 2021 British Independent Film Awards, winning six awards, including "Best Film of 2021."

From Variety:   The New York Film Critics Circle has named the Japanese drama, "Drive My Car," as the "Best Film of 2021."

From Deadline:  The National Board of Review hands director Paul Thomas Anderson's "Licorice Pizza" it "Best Film" and "Best Director" awards.  Will Smith picks up the "Best Actor" award for "King Richard."

From THR:  Netflix’s "The Lost Daughter," directed by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, dominated the 2021 Gotham Awards in New York on Monday night (Nov. 29th).  The film won in four of the five categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Feature."

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"RUST" ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING DEATH:

From Deadline:  This link will take you to Deadline's Halyna Hutchins page, which articles related to everything about her shooting death on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:  Matt Hutchins, the husband of Halyna Hutchins, blames Alec Baldwin for Halyna's accidental shooting death on the set of the doomed Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:  The family and estate of Halyna Hutchins has filed suit against Alec Baldwin (who accidentally shot Hutchins), a slew of production companies and entities, producers, and key crew members involved in the Western film, "Rust," for her death.

From THR:   A Republican New Mexico legislator, State Sen. Cliff Pirtle of Roswell, on Monday introduced a bill that would require all film set personnel who handle firearms to complete a safety course offered by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.  This is in the wake a cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, being fatally shot on the set of the Western, "Rust," last year by Alec Baldwin with a weapon he says he thought was not loaded with live ammunition.

From Deadline:  Alec Baldwin and the other producers of the doomed Western film, "Rust," want a California judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed against them by the script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell.

From Deadline:   Alec Baldwin has finally turned over his cell phone to police for their probe into the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Baldwin's Western film, "Rust," last October in New Mexico.

From Variety:  One of the producers of tragic Western film, Rust, Emily Salveson, pushes tax shelters and hid income.

From THR:  "I let go of the hammer and 'Bang,' the gun goes off" says Alec Baldwin says in his first interview of the moment when a gun he was holding accidentally killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:  Alec Baldwin will sit down with ABC's news-reading clown George Stephanopoulos for a one hour special tomorrow night to talk about what happened on the set of the movie "Rust."  It will be Baldwin’s first extensive interview about the shooting.

From Deadline:  Industry veteran, Thall Reed, the father of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the Western, "Rust," may have handed the police a tip on why the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was shot to death on the set.

From THR:  A search warrant affidavit filed Tuesday for a prop shop sheds light on how alleged live ammunition ended up on the set of the Western film, "Rust," where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in October.

From Deadline:  A month after cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was shot and killed on the New Mexico set the movie Western, "Rust," by a prop gun “discharged” by Alec Baldwin, those closest to the cinematographer held a private ceremony and interred her ashes at an unknown location.

From Deadline:  Actor Daniel Baldwin defends his brother, Alec Baldwin, in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film, "Rust."  "Someone loaded that gun improperly," Daniel says.

From Deadline:  The newest lawsuit involving the tragic shooting on the set of the Western film, "Rust," has been filed by the film's script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, against Alec Baldwin, the producers, the production company, armorer Hanna Gutierrez Reed, and others.

From Deadline:  Serge Svetnoy, the gaffer on "Rust," has filed a lawsuit against several parties related to the film, including the production, the financiers, star Alec Baldwin, armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, and first Assistant Director David Halls.

From THR:   In the wake of the tragic accidental shooting on the set of his film, "Rust," Alec Baldwin on Monday took to social media to urge Hollywood to employ a police officer on every film and TV set that uses guns.

From THR:   The budget for "Rust" - Alec Baldwin was set to earn $150,000 as lead actor and $100,000 as producer, while $7,913 was earmarked for armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and $17,500 was set aside for the rental of weapons and $5,000 for rounds.

From Deadline:  Attorneys for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of the film, "Rust," said that they’re looking into whether a live bullet was placed in a box of dummy rounds with the intent of  “sabotaging the set.”

From THR:   Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the film, "Rust," released a statement through her lawyers.  She says she had “no idea where the live rounds came from” that were recovered by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's during the investigation of the accidental on-set shooting death of Halyna Hutchins.

From Jacobin:  An opinion piece says that cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' death on the set of the film, "Rust," was not a freak accident, but was about Alec Baldwin and his fellow producers' cost-cutting decisions.  Baldwin accidentally fired the gun that killed Hutchins.

From Deadline:   Two of executive producers on "Rust," Allen Cheney and Emily Salveson, disavow responsibility for the film's troubled production.

From THR:   Iconic "Ghostbusters" actor Ernie Hudson is reeling from the news of the death of Halyna Hutchins, like the rest of Hollywood. Hudson also appeared in the film, "The Crow," the film in which its star, Brandon Lee, was killed because of an on-set accidental shooting.  He also agrees with the call to ban real guns from movie sets.

From THR:  The Sheriff of Sante Fe County says that his office has recovered three guns and 500 rounds of ammunition from the set of the movie "Rust" where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed.

From Deadline:  Regarding criminal charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust," District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis, "all options are on the table - no one has been ruled out."

From THR:  Does Hollywood Need Guns? Will new regulations lead to an overreactions to a tragedy.

From Deadline:   "Rust" producers have opened an internal investigation into the fatal shooting on the set of the Western film.  They have hired outside lawyers to conduct interviews with the film's production crew.

From Deadline:  "Rust's" AD (assistant director), Dave Halls, has come under scrutiny in the wake of the on-set shooting death of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.

From Deadline:  The affidavit of Sante Fe Sheriff's Department Detective Joel Cano has been made public. It can be read at "Deadline."  The affidavit was for a search warrant from the property were the Western, "Rust," was being filmed.

From THR:  The production company behind "Rust" has shut the film down until the police investigation into the fatal, on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins is through.  The Sante Fe County Sheriff's Office has also revealed a timeline of the shooting.

From Deadline:  The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department confirmed Thursday night that Alec Baldwin “discharged” a prop gun on the New Mexico set of the movie, "Rust."  As a result, one crew member, director of photography Halyna Hutchins, was killed and director Joel Souza was injured and remains in a local hospital - his condition unknown.

From THR:  "Rust" director, Joel Souza, who was wounded in the accidental on-set shooting, says that he is "gutted" by the death of his cinematographer on the film, Halyna Hutchins.

From Deadline:  The fatal shooting on the set of "Rust" may have been "recorded" according to detective for Santa Fe Sheriff's Department.

From Deadline:  The production company behind the film, "Rust," will launch an internal safety review after the fatal accident that killed Halyna Hutchins; possible prior gun incidents; and a camera crew walkout.

From CNN:   Crew member yelled "cold gun" as he handed Alec Baldwin prop weapon, court document shows.

From Variety:  Actor Alec Baldwin releases statement on the death of Halyna Hutchins: "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness."

From Variety:  The prop gun that killed “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza on during an on-set accident on Thursday contained a “live single round,” according to an email sent by IATSE Local 44 to its membership.

Review: "THE BATMAN" Has Great Action Scenes and Dull Psychological Drama

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 12 of 2022 (No. 1824) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Batman (2022)
Running time:  175 minutes (2 hours, 55 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for strong violent and disturbing content, drug content, strong language, and some suggestive material
DIRECTOR:  Matt Reeves
WRITERS:  Matt Reeves and Peter Craig (based on Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger)
PRODUCERS:  Dylan Clark and Matt Reeves
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Greig Fraser (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  William Hoy and Tyler Nelson
COMPOSER:  Michael Giacchino

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION and DRAMA/MYSTERY

Starring:  Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Paul Dano, Colin Farrell, John Turturro, Andy Serkis, Peter Sarsgaard, Jayme Lawson, Gil Perez-Abraham, Alex Ferns, Rupert Penry-Jones, Hana Hrzic, Charlie Carver, Max Carver, Luke Roberts, Stella Stocker, and Barry Keoghan

The Batman is a 2022 superhero action-drama from director Matt Reeves.  It is the eighth film in the modern Batman film franchise that began with director Tim Burton's 1989 film, Batman, and it is a reboot of the Batman film franchise.  In The Batman, a sadistic serial killer begins murdering key political figures, forcing Batman to investigate his city's hidden corruption, which may involve both his father and mother's side of the family.

The Batman opens on Halloween.  The Gotham City mayoral race is in the final stretch between incumbent Mayor Don Mitchell Jr. (Robert Pattinson) and challenger, Bella Reál (Jayme Lawson).  A sadistic new serial killer, who calls himself “The Riddler” (Paul Dano), murders Mayor Mitchell.  Thus, begins The Riddler's wave of murder and terror.

The Batman (Robert Pattinson), a vigilante who has operated in Gotham for two years, works alongside Lieutenant James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) of the Gotham City Police Department, much to the chagrin of many rank and file officers and higher-ups in the department.  They discover that with each of his murders, The Riddler leaves a message for Batman.

Batman is really reclusive billionaire, Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson), who obsessively protects Gotham.  So focused on his mission is Bruce that he pushes away his loyal butler and mentor, Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis).  However, Batman ends up partnering with Selina Kyle ( Zoë Kravitz), a waitress who is something of a cat burglar – a “Catwoman” – who is trying to find her missing roommate and girlfriend Annika (Hana Hrzic).

The Batman will be forced to reckon with Gotham City's hidden corruption and also face tough questions about his late parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne's (Luke Roberts and Stella Stocker) involvement in that corruption  Especially, troubling is Thomas Wayne's connection to a notorious Gotham crime lord, Carmine Falcone (John Turturro).

The Batman is a film that borrows liberally from the recent film and comic book past of Batman.  I recognize story elements borrowed from Batman comic book stories like “Batman: Year One” and “Zero Year.”  There are allusions to Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film; even composer Michael Giacchino's score seems to reference composer Danny Elfman's score for Burton's film.

However, director Matt Reeves, in making The Batman, seems obsessed with or bewitched by director Christopher Nolan's hugely popular Batman films:  Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), referred to as “The Dark Knight trilogy.”  Nolan's film were “dark” and edgy in terms of subject matter, plots, and characters, but Nolan filled the films with invigorating and tense action set pieces.

The Batman is just dark.  It is as if Reeves took Nolan's aesthetic and through a coal black filter over it.  The Gotham City of this film seems like a real-life city, and it is dark as all Hell at night and damp – really damp.  Reeves and his co-screenwriter, Peter Craig, fashion a story that is overwhelmed with political corruption and depraved criminals that are dark in personality and even darker in motivation.  Bruce Wayne is morose, as if both actor Robert Pattinson and Matt Reeves are determined to make him a caricature of the caricature that has become iconic rock musician, the late Kurt Cobain.  It is an utter waste of Pattinson's potential as both an actor and a movie star.

On the other hand, Pattinson's Batman has more layers.  Pattinson makes him formidable and dangerous, but also introspective and capable of mercy.  This Batman is also a fierce fighter, but is physically vulnerable; Bruce's body is marked with the scars of his Batman activities.  Batman is often knocked down by his opponents in hand to hand combat and seriously injured by gunfire.

Too bad that The Batman does not have better villains.  They aren't really worth talking about, but I do want to point out the really terrible version of The Riddler that is in this film.  He is a whiny, boring incel, and as The Riddler, actor Paul Dano is more doofus than diabolical.

The Batman does have good supporting characters, but the script does not give them much with which to work.  Zoë Kravitz is full of fire and talent as Selina Kyle, and when she is allowed to show her acting chops, she steals entire scenes.  Most of the time, however, it feels like all the filmmakers really want her to do is pose and look bad-ass slash alluring.  James Gordon is a mostly one-note character, and even the supremely talented Jeffrey Wright cannot make the character be more than that.  I won't get into how much the brilliant Andy Serkis is wasted as Alfred Pennyworth.

The Batman is truly at its best during the fights, chases, and action scenes.  The film also gives us a monster-like Batmobile that is more muscle car than mobile, and when Batman uses it to pursue the Penguin (Colin Farrell) in his car, the film seems to explode off the screen.

What keeps The Batman from being a really good film, to say nothing of being a great film, is that it is too long.  It is half kick-ass action and half plodding melodrama, and I wish the plodding melodrama had been cut in half.  Honestly, I would only recommend The Batman to people who enjoy watching Batman movies, regardless of whether they are comic book fans or not.

6 of 10
B

Friday, March 4, 2022


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 13th to 19th, 2022 - Update #20

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

TELEVISION - From Variety:  FX has announced that its Emmy-winning comedy, "Atlanta" will end with Season 4, which debuts Fall 2022.  Season 3 debuts March 24th.

From Variety:  Netflix has renewed its hit "Stranger Things" for a fifth and final season.

STAR TREK - From Variety:  Whatever happened to Quentin Tarantino's "Star Trek" pitch explained.

MOVIES - From GQ:  Legendary filmmaker and Oscar-winning director, Francis Ford Coppola, talks about "Godfather" on its 50th anniversary; laments the state of modern cinema (Marvel Studios), and talks about self-financing his 120 million dollar dream project, "Megalopolis."

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  Skydance Animation has acquired the rights to director Brad Bird's next animated film, "Ray Gunn."  A multiple Oscar-winner, Bird is known for his animated films, "Iron Giant," and "The Incredibles" films.

TELEVISION - From THR:  A guide to all the scripted TV shows that have been renewed, canceled and ordered to series for the 2021-22 season on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The CW.

FILM FESTIVALS - From Deadline:  Director Carla Simon's film, "Alcarras," wins the top prize, the "Golden Bear," at the 72nd Berlin Film Festival.

MOVIES - From IGN:  During Paramount Pictures' investor day, a third film in the "A Quiet Place" series was announced. A spinoff movie directed by Michael Sarnoski was also confirmed.

STAR TREK - From BleedingCool:  J.J. Abrams said that a fourth "Star Trek" film in his series is happening and that they are currently trying to get the cast back together.

ANIME - From Variety:  The magazine has a first look at “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” an original anime feature from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation.  It is set for release on April 12, 2024 from Warner Bros. Pictures.

MOVIES - From TheRinger:  "Death on the Disney Vine" by Miles Surrey. What is the fate of "Death on the Nile" and other 20th Century Fox films, post-Disney merger?

OSCARS - From Variety:  Amy Schumer, Regina Hall, and Wanda Sykes are finalizing details to host this year’s 94th Academy Awards, multiple sources told "Variety."

MOVIES/TRAILERS - From Variety:  Several high-profile film and streaming projects debuted a trailer during Super Bowl LVI. You can watch them all on this "Variety" page.

SPORTS/NFL - From YahooSports:  The Los Angeles Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win Super Bowl LVI.  It is the franchise's second Super Bowl championship in 5 appearances.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 2/11 to 2/13/2022 weekend box office is "Death on the Nile" with an estimated gross of 12.8 million dollars.

TRAILER - From Deadline:  Universal Pictures has revealed the first official trailer for Jordan Peele's next film, "Nope."  It is scheduled to arrive in theaters July 22, 2022 (according to Deadline) or August 4th (according to the trailer).

LGBTQ/MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  On the film's 40th anniversary, actor Harry Hamlin talks about his role in the groundbreaking gay romance, "Making Love."

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Ridley Scott is executive producing a TV series, "Blade Runner 2099" this  is a follow-up to the 2017 film, "Blade Runner: 2049."  Scott directed the original film, 1982's "Blade Runner."

OBITS:

From Vareity:  Film writer, producer, and director, Ivan Reitman, has died at the age of 75, Saturday, February 12, 2022.  Reitman was best known for directing successful film comedies from the late 1970s to the late 1990s.  Those include "Meatballs" (1979), "Ghost Busters" (1984), "Ghostbusters II (1989), and "Dave" (1993), to name a few.  He also produced "Animal House" (1978), "Heavy Metal" (1981), and the Oscar-nominated "Up in the Air" (2009), which was directed by his son, Jason Reitman.

From YahooEntertainment:  This remembrance of the recently passed film director, Ivan Reitman, discusses the origins of his most famous film, 1984's "Ghost Busters" ("Ghostbusters").

From Deadline:  Actor, Frank Pesce, has died at the age of 75, Sunday, February 6, 2022.  Known as a colorful character, Pesce appeared in such films as "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984), "Top Gun" (1986), and "Midnight Run" (1988).  He also appeared on such TV series as "Kojak," "Miami Vice," and "Matlock."  There was also a film about Pesce's early life, "29th Street" (1991), which was directed by George Gallo.

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94TH ACADEMY AWARDS:

OSCARS - From Variety:  The nominations for the 2022 / 94th Academy Awards have been announced.  "The Power of the Dog" leads with 12 nominations.  The winners will be revealed March 27th.

From Deadline:    With his "Best Actor" nomination for "The Tragedy of Macbeth," Denzel Washington is the most nominated Black actor is Oscar history.  He has been nominated in two acting categories a total of 10 times with two wins total.

From Variety:   With her "Best Director" Oscar nomination for "The Power of the Dog," Jane Campion becomes the first woman nominated twice in that category. She was previously nominated in that category for "The Piano" (1993).

From Variety:  With his three nominations today, Kenneth Branagh of "Belfast" becomes the first person to have been nominated in seven individual categories over his career.

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MOVIE AWARDS:

From Deadline:  The 2022 BAFTA Film Awards nominations have been announced.  "Dune" leads with 11 nominations.  The winners will be announced March 13th.

From Deadline:   The 2022 / 33rd annual Producers Guild of America Awards nominations have been announced.  The winners will be announced Saturday, March 19th.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2022 / 74th annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced March 12th.

From COFCA:  The Columbus Film Critics Association name "The Power of the Dog" the "Best Film" of 2021.

From Deadline:  Netflix's Black Western, "The Harder They Fall," was named the "Best Picture" of 2021 at the 13th annual African American Film Critics Association Awards.  The Western tied with "King Richard" for most wins with four.  Will Smith was named "Best Actor" for "King Richard."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2022 / 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards have been announced.

From Variety:  The snubs and surprises in the nominations for the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

From Variety:   At the 2022 / 79th Golden Globes, "The Power of the Dog" wins "Best Motion Picture-Drama" and "West Side Story" wins "Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy."

From Variety:  The National Society of Film Critics names the Japanese film, "Drive My Car," the best film of 2021.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 22nd Annual Black Reel Awards were announced a few weeks ago. Netflix's Black Western, "The Harder They Fall," has a record 20 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 27, 2022.

From AwardsWatch:  The Columbus Film Critics Association announced the nominations for their annual film awards.  Director Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" leads with 12 noms.  The winners will be announced Thurs., Jan. 6th, 2022.

From Deadline:  The Los Angeles Film Critics Association has named the Japanese film, "Drive My Car," the "Best Picture" of 2021.

From Deadline:  The 2022 / 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards have announced their nominations. "Zola" leads with six nominations. The winners will be announced Sun., March 6, 2022.

From THR:  The 2022 / 79th Golden Globes Awards nominations have been announced.  "Belfast" and "The Power of the Dog" lead with seven nominations each.  Winners will be announced Jan. 9th, 2022.

From GoldDerby:   The 2022 Critics Choice Awards nominations have been announced. "Belfast" and "West Side Story" leads with 11 nominations each. Winners will be announced Jan. 9th, 2022.

From Deadline:   The American Film Institute announced the "2021 AFI Awards" Top 10 list, and the list includes "Dune," "The Tragedy of Macbeth," and "West Side Story."

From THR:  Director Aleem Khan's "After Love" tops the 2021 British Independent Film Awards, winning six awards, including "Best Film of 2021."

From Variety:   The New York Film Critics Circle has named the Japanese drama, "Drive My Car," as the "Best Film of 2021."

From Deadline:  The National Board of Review hands director Paul Thomas Anderson's "Licorice Pizza" it "Best Film" and "Best Director" awards.  Will Smith picks up the "Best Actor" award for "King Richard."

From THR:  Netflix’s "The Lost Daughter," directed by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, dominated the 2021 Gotham Awards in New York on Monday night (Nov. 29th).  The film won in four of the five categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Feature."

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"RUST" ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING DEATH:

From Deadline:  This link will take you to Deadline's Halyna Hutchins page, which articles related to everything about her shooting death on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:  The family and estate of Halyna Hutchins has filed suit against Alec Baldwin (who accidentally shot Hutchins), a slew of production companies and entities, producers, and key crew members involved in the Western film, "Rust," for her death.

From THR:   A Republican New Mexico legislator, State Sen. Cliff Pirtle of Roswell, on Monday introduced a bill that would require all film set personnel who handle firearms to complete a safety course offered by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.  This is in the wake a cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, being fatally shot on the set of the Western, "Rust," last year by Alec Baldwin with a weapon he says he thought was not loaded with live ammunition.

From Deadline:  Alec Baldwin and the other producers of the doomed Western film, "Rust," want a California judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed against them by the script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell.

From Deadline:   Alec Baldwin has finally turned over his cell phone to police for their probe into the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Baldwin's Western film, "Rust," last October in New Mexico.

From Variety:  One of the producers of tragic Western film, Rust, Emily Salveson, pushes tax shelters and hid income.

From THR:  "I let go of the hammer and 'Bang,' the gun goes off" says Alec Baldwin says in his first interview of the moment when a gun he was holding accidentally killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:  Alec Baldwin will sit down with ABC's news-reading clown George Stephanopoulos for a one hour special tomorrow night to talk about what happened on the set of the movie "Rust."  It will be Baldwin’s first extensive interview about the shooting.

From Deadline:  Industry veteran, Thall Reed, the father of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the Western, "Rust," may have handed the police a tip on why the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was shot to death on the set.

From THR:  A search warrant affidavit filed Tuesday for a prop shop sheds light on how alleged live ammunition ended up on the set of the Western film, "Rust," where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in October.

From Deadline:  A month after cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was shot and killed on the New Mexico set the movie Western, "Rust," by a prop gun “discharged” by Alec Baldwin, those closest to the cinematographer held a private ceremony and interred her ashes at an unknown location.

From Deadline:  Actor Daniel Baldwin defends his brother, Alec Baldwin, in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film, "Rust."  "Someone loaded that gun improperly," Daniel says.

From Deadline:  The newest lawsuit involving the tragic shooting on the set of the Western film, "Rust," has been filed by the film's script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, against Alec Baldwin, the producers, the production company, armorer Hanna Gutierrez Reed, and others.

From Deadline:  Serge Svetnoy, the gaffer on "Rust," has filed a lawsuit against several parties related to the film, including the production, the financiers, star Alec Baldwin, armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, and first Assistant Director David Halls.

From THR:   In the wake of the tragic accidental shooting on the set of his film, "Rust," Alec Baldwin on Monday took to social media to urge Hollywood to employ a police officer on every film and TV set that uses guns.

From THR:   The budget for "Rust" - Alec Baldwin was set to earn $150,000 as lead actor and $100,000 as producer, while $7,913 was earmarked for armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and $17,500 was set aside for the rental of weapons and $5,000 for rounds.

From Deadline:  Attorneys for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of the film, "Rust," said that they’re looking into whether a live bullet was placed in a box of dummy rounds with the intent of  “sabotaging the set.”

From THR:   Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the film, "Rust," released a statement through her lawyers.  She says she had “no idea where the live rounds came from” that were recovered by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's during the investigation of the accidental on-set shooting death of Halyna Hutchins.

From Jacobin:  An opinion piece says that cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' death on the set of the film, "Rust," was not a freak accident, but was about Alec Baldwin and his fellow producers' cost-cutting decisions.  Baldwin accidentally fired the gun that killed Hutchins.

From Deadline:   Two of executive producers on "Rust," Allen Cheney and Emily Salveson, disavow responsibility for the film's troubled production.

From THR:   Iconic "Ghostbusters" actor Ernie Hudson is reeling from the news of the death of Halyna Hutchins, like the rest of Hollywood. Hudson also appeared in the film, "The Crow," the film in which its star, Brandon Lee, was killed because of an on-set accidental shooting.  He also agrees with the call to ban real guns from movie sets.

From THR:  The Sheriff of Sante Fe County says that his office has recovered three guns and 500 rounds of ammunition from the set of the movie "Rust" where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed.

From Deadline:  Regarding criminal charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust," District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis, "all options are on the table - no one has been ruled out."

From THR:  Does Hollywood Need Guns? Will new regulations lead to an overreactions to a tragedy.

From Deadline:   "Rust" producers have opened an internal investigation into the fatal shooting on the set of the Western film.  They have hired outside lawyers to conduct interviews with the film's production crew.

From Deadline:  "Rust's" AD (assistant director), Dave Halls, has come under scrutiny in the wake of the on-set shooting death of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.

From Deadline:  The affidavit of Sante Fe Sheriff's Department Detective Joel Cano has been made public. It can be read at "Deadline."  The affidavit was for a search warrant from the property were the Western, "Rust," was being filmed.

From THR:  The production company behind "Rust" has shut the film down until the police investigation into the fatal, on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins is through.  The Sante Fe County Sheriff's Office has also revealed a timeline of the shooting.

From Deadline:  The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department confirmed Thursday night that Alec Baldwin “discharged” a prop gun on the New Mexico set of the movie, "Rust."  As a result, one crew member, director of photography Halyna Hutchins, was killed and director Joel Souza was injured and remains in a local hospital - his condition unknown.

From THR:  "Rust" director, Joel Souza, who was wounded in the accidental on-set shooting, says that he is "gutted" by the death of his cinematographer on the film, Halyna Hutchins.

From Deadline:  The fatal shooting on the set of "Rust" may have been "recorded" according to detective for Santa Fe Sheriff's Department.

From Deadline:  The production company behind the film, "Rust," will launch an internal safety review after the fatal accident that killed Halyna Hutchins; possible prior gun incidents; and a camera crew walkout.

From CNN:   Crew member yelled "cold gun" as he handed Alec Baldwin prop weapon, court document shows.

From Variety:  Actor Alec Baldwin releases statement on the death of Halyna Hutchins: "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness."

From Variety:  The prop gun that killed “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza on during an on-set accident on Thursday contained a “live single round,” according to an email sent by IATSE Local 44 to its membership.

Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama 2021 - Update #149

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

Support Leroy on Patreon:

MOVIE REVIEWS - From Negromancer:  My review of "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

From Negromancer:  My review of "Eternals."

From Negromancer: My review of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

From Negromancer:  My review of "Black Widow."

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MARVEL STUDIOS NEWS:

SPIDER-MAN - From Deadline:  "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is apparently already a profitable film.

From Variety:  Why "Spider-Man" is Hollywood's most potent box office force.

From Deadline:  "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is poised to become the first billion dollar film of the pandemic era.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From EW:  There is a teaser for "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" that ties into the Disney+ animated series, "What If...?"

SPIDER-MAN - From THR:  A list of all the box office records that "Spider-Man: No Way Home" has broken.

From Variety:  In one weekend, it's debut weekend, "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is the highest grossing film at the domestic box office this year ... and has done better than any film released last year (2020).

From THR:   "'No Way Home' and the Tragedy of Spider-Man," a feature article by Graeme McMillan.

From YahooEntertainment:   Tom Holland explains how "Spider-Man: No Way Home" fits into the Marvel multiverse.

From Variety:  The site looks at the reviews and reactions to "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

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ETERNALS - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios' recent hit superhero film, "Eternals," will start streaming on Disney+ January 12, 2022.

THOR 4 - From TheDirect:  There is a teaser poster for next year's film, "Thor: Love & Thunder."

DAREDEVIL - From CinemaBlend:  Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has reportedly confirmed that actor Charlie Cox, who played Matt Murdock/Daredevil on the Netflix series, "Daredevil," will also play the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ... at some point.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - From BoxOfficePro:  "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is tracking for a 200 million dollar-plus opening.

SPIDER-MAN - From Fandango:  In an interview with "Fandango," producer Amy Pascal said that Sony Pictures plans to make more "Spider-Man" movies with Marvel Studios.

HAWKEYE - From THR:   "How ‘Hawkeye’ Finally Gives an Avenger His Due"

SCARLETT JOHANSSON - From Deadline:   Scarlett Johansson became the 35th recipient of the "American Cinematheque Award."  Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, while paying tribute to her, teased a secret Marvel project for Johansson that has nothing to do with the "Black Widow" character she has made famous.

ETERNALS - From BoxOfficePro:  On Wednesday, Nov. 17th, "Eternals" crossed the 300 million dollar mark in global box office.

SPIDER-MAN - From Deadline:   Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios have dropped the "official trailer" for "Spider-Man: No Way Home," which is due Dec. 17th.

BLADE - From THR:  SPOILER - The "Eternals'" end credit scene featuring Blade's voice is explained.

DOCTOR STRANGE 2 - From THR:  "Doctor Strange in the Madness of the Multiverse" is undergoing "significant" reshoots which will run through the end of the year.

DISNEY+ - From Variety:  First looks at "Moon Knight," "She-Hulk," and "Ms. Marvel" from "Disney+ Day."

From THR:  Among its many announcements today (Nov. 12th), Disney+ has ordered "X-Men '97," a sequel to the "X-Men" animated TV series that ran from 1992-97.  The animated "Spider-Man: Freshman Year" is set before the events depicted in "Captain America: Civil War."  There will also be a "Marvel Zombies" animated series and a second season of "What If...?"

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ETERNALS -  From THR:  Richard Newby of "The Hollywood Reporter" explains "Why 'Eternals' is Dividing Audiences" in a very favorable review of an excellent film.

From Variety:   "How ‘Eternals’ Brought Sex to the Marvel Cinematic Universe: ‘It’s Very Tasteful’"

From IGN:  Director Chloe Zhao only needed 25 minutes to film the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first sex scene - Sersi and Ikaris getting down on a beach in "Eternals."

From ComicBook:   Two characters in "Eternals," Barry Keoghan's Druig and Lauren Ridloff's Makkari, appear to have captivated audiences with their onscreen chemistry. 

From BuzzFeed:  Salma Hayek says she cried when she first saw herself in her "Eternals" costume.  "I saw my brown face in a superhero suit."

From DiscussingFilm:   Chloe Zhao talks about how she originally pitched "Eternals" to Marvel Studios.

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BLACK PANTHER 2 - From THR:   "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" is temporarily shutting down production while star, Letitia Wright ("Shuri"), is recovering from an on-set injury.

ETERNALS - From THR:  Actress Lauren Ridloff talks about becoming the first deaf superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe via "Eternals."

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 3 - From Variety:   Writer-director James Gunn has announced that actor Will Poulter will play the Marvel Comics character, "Adam Warlock," in "Guardians of the Galaxy 3."  The film is due May 5, 2023.

WANDAVISION - From THR:   Disney+/Marvel Studios is in early development of a "WandaVision" spinoff TV series focusing on the character, "Agatha Harkness," with actress Kathryn Hahn reprising the role.  Hahn received a Primetime Emmy nominations for playing the role in "WandaVision."

BLACK WIDOW - From Variety:  Scarlett Johansson and The Walt Disney Company have reached a settlement over Johansson's pay lawsuit regarding the release of "Black Widow."  Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

SHANG-CHI - From CNBC:  "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is now the highest grossing release of 2021 at the domestic box office.

WANDAVISION - From Deadline:  The Disney+ series, "WandaVision," has won Marvel Studios its first two Emmy Awards.  At the first night of the 2021 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, "WandaVision" won in two categories, "Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Program (Half-Hour)" and "Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes."

SHANG-CHI - From THR:  "Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings" has smashed the record for Labor Day openings with a four-day haul of $90 million and has posted the second-biggest three-day debut ($75.5) of the pandemic year so far, behind fellow Marvel Studios film, "Black Widow."

From YahooStyleCaster:  Beginning Oct. 15th, 2021, you'll be able to see "Shang-Chi" free on Disney+.

From YahooEntertainment:  "Shang-Chi" star Simu Liu breaks down that amazing bus fight scenes that occurs early in the film.

From Inverse:   How Marvel's "Shang-Chi" had to destroy its own racist origins.

From YahooEntertainment:  "Shang-Chi" star Simu Liu uses physics to describe the film.

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BLADE - From IndieWire:  Bassam Tariq, director of Marvel Studios' "Blade" reboot, does some vague teasing about the film, which will begin shooting in July 2022.

THE MARVELS - From CNALifestyle:   According to IMDb, South Korean actor, Park Seo-joon, will appear in the "Captain Marvel" sequel, "The Marvels."

IRONHEART - From Variety:   The character "Ironheart" will make her debut in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," which is due next year.  Played by actress Dominique Thorne, Ironheart will be the star of an upcoming Disney+ series.

SHANG-CHI - From Variety:   The history of the controversy around the logo for "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

CAPTAIN AMERICA 4 - From Deadline:   "Deadline Hollywood" is reporting that Anthony Mackie has closed a deal to star in "Captain America 4."

ETERNALS - From EW:   "Entertainment Weekly" has a guide to Marvel Studios' "Eternals," which is scheduled to open Nov. 5th.

SHANG-CHI - From Deadline:   "We are not an experiment!"  "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" star, Simu Liu responds to Disney CEO Bob Chapek's recent comments about the film.

THE MARVELS - From Nerdist:  The "Captain Marvel" sequel, entitled "The Marvels," has begun filming.

WHAT IF...? - From Inverse:   Brad Winderbaum, executive producer of Disney+ "What If...?," says that some of the characters and stories explored in the animated series could be revisited in a film.

WHAT IF...? - From Deadline:   Jeffrey Wright, the narrator of Disney+/Marvel Studios' animated "What If...?," speaks on the late Chadwick Boseman who appears in the series via a voice performance.

BLACK WIDOW - From Variety:  Scarlett Johansson has filed suit against Disney over the way it released "Black Widow."  Much of Johannson's financial compensation for the film is based on ticket sales and box office benchmarks.

HAWKEYE - From EW:   In a first look from the Disney+ series, "Hawkeye," Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) meets Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld).  The series debuts November 24th.

FRANCHISE - From YahooBGR:   David S. Goyer, someone who has written for DC Comics and who has written films based on DC characters, explains why Marvel Studios movies are so much more successful than movies based on DC characters.

ANT-MAN 3 - From Nerdist:   "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" has begin filming.

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From Variety:   The site is reporting that actress Michaela Coel (HBO Max's "I May Destroy You") has been cast in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" in an unknown role.

From TimeOut:  Here is everything publicly known about "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

BLACK WIDOW - From WeGotThisCovered:  The "Black Widow" character, "Yelena Belova" (played by actress Florence Pugh), reportedly will make multiple appearances in the upcoming Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Hawkeye."

BLADE - From Deadline:   Bassan Tariq "(Mogul Mowgli") is apparently Marvel Studios' choice to direct its "Blade" reboot film starring Mahershala Ali.

BLACK PANTHER 2 - From Collider:   Winstone Duke, who played M'Baku in "Black Panther, has confirmed that he will return for the sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

SHE-HULK - From YahooMensHealth:   Actress Jameela Jamil, who will play "Titania" on Disney+/Marvel's "She-Hulk," shows off her fight training.

KEVIN FEIGE - From TheDirect:   Marvel Studios just held a big meeting about multiverse rules in the MCU.

BLACK WIDOW - From Deadline:  "Black Widow" crosses the 100 million dollar mark in domestic box office in record time during the pandemic.

LOKI - From Deadline:  Disney+ has renewed its Marvel Studios hit, "Loki," for a second season. Audiences found out during the credits of the final episode of Season One. 

From Deadline:  Kate Erron, executive producer and director of "Loki," says that she won't be returning for the series' second season.

EMMYS - From Deadline:  Don Cheadle expresses surprise at his Emmy nomination ("Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series") for his 98-second appearance in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

BLACK WIDOW - From Variety:   We do know that "Black Widow" won the 7/9 to 7/11/21 weekend box office.  Now, we know how much the movie made via "Disney Plus Premiere Access," in which consumers pay an additional 30 dollars to see a new Disney film.  In a rare look at its profits, Disney announced that "Black Widow" made an additional 60 million dollars via premiere access.

BLACK WIDOW - From Deadline:   "Black Widow" director Cate Shortland talks about the potential for a sequel to this film and about how the current film was made.

BLACK WIDOW - From Variety:  "Black Widow" Cate Shortland talks about turning down directing the film before accepting the gig. 

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Variety:  Chris Pratt ("Peter Quill/Star-Lord") says that "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" will begin filming later this year.

WANDAVISION - From Deadline:   The story of "WandaVision," according to Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, "will continue."

SHE-HULK - From Variety:   The news site is reporting that actress Jameela Jamil has been cast in Disney+/Marvel's "She-Hulk."

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - From Kotaku:   At E3, Square Enix announced "Guardians of the Galaxy," a new game based on the popular Marvel team featured in movies and comics. The game is being developed by Eidos Montreal. It’s out on October 26, 2021.  The game also features a new original story featuring Marvel’s cosmic misfits. At the start of the game, they have only been together for a year. Players will take on the role of Peter Quill, also known as Starlord.

LOKI - From Metro:   Michael Waldron, the head writer of Disney+/Marvel's "Loki," teases cameos from Marvel Comics characters.  "Expect the unexpected," he says.

WANDAVISION - From RollingStone:   Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn Hahn, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, and more tell the story of how the year’s biggest, boldest show came together

MOON KNIGHT - From Variety:   Marvel Studios finally officially confirms that Oscar Isaac is the star of its Disney+ series, "Moon Knight."

DOCTOR STRANGE - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige now says that it was a mistake to cast Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton as "The Ancient One" in "Doctor Strange" (2016).

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Variety:  Sebastian Stan talks about being injured on-set during film of "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

FRANCHISE - From Variety:  Did you know that Marvel Studios' does not use a "showrunner" for its Disney+ series, a position that is industry standard for TV series.  Some TV writers are worried and upset about that. 

BLACK WIDOW - From HypeBeast:   Here are the "Black Widow" character posters.

WANDAVISION - From Movieweb:   Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige says "Doctor Strange" was written out of "WandaVision" to keep from having a "white guy" save the day.

ETERNALS - From Marvel:  A new promotional video from Marvel Studios includes footage from the upcoming film, "Eternals," which is due for a Fall 2021 release.

MS MARVEL - From ComicBook:  There are some photos that are alleged to be from the set of Disney+/Marvel's "Ms. Marvel" TV series.  Those photos provide a look at Ms. Marvel's uniform.

DEADPOOL - From Deadline:   Via a NYPD officer, Hugh Jackman makes of request of "Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds - put me in "Deadpool 3" as Wolverine.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From WeGotThisCovered:   A second season of Disney+ "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" is a possibility.

ETERNALS - From Variety:   Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao apparently impressed Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige with her use of practical locations instead of CGI when filming the Marvel film, "Eternals."

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Deadline:   The site interviews Malcolm Spellman, the showrunner and executive producer of Disney+ "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."  Spellman is also the announced writer of the developing film, "Captain America 4."

SAM WILSON/CAPTAIN AMERICA - From Deadline:   Disney+ has released a poster featuring Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as Captain America.

CAPTAIN AMERICA - From Deadline:   The site is reporting that Marvel Studios is developing a fourth "Captain America" film.  It would follow the events depicted in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," with the series' showrunner, Malcolm Spellman, writing the script.  This fourth film could follow Sam Wilson/Falcon as the new Captain America or could feature the original Captain America, Steve Rogers.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Deadline:   SPOILER - the final episode of "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" reveals Sharon Carter to be the "Power Broker."  Sam Wilson/The Falcon takes on the mantle of Captain America.

THOR LOVE AND THUNDER - From ScreenRant:  Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe has reportedly confirmed that he is in Marvel Studios' "Thor: Love & Thunder," and that he will play the role of the Greek god, "Zeus."

FRANCHISE - From YahooTelegraph:   How being in a "Marvel movie" became every serious actor's dream.

SECRET INVASION - From Variety:   "Game of Throne's" Emilia Clarke has reportedly joined Marvel Studios' Disney+ series, "Secret Invasion."

SHANG-CHI - From YahooEntertainment:  "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" star, Simu Liu, celebrates with fans the release of the first official teaser trailer for the film. 

From Variety:  What the "Shang-Chi" Teaser Reveals About Marvel Studios’ Groundbreaking Movie

SECRET INVASION - From THR:   Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman is reportedly in negotiations to appear with Samuel L. Jackson in the Disney+/Marvel Studios' series, "Secret Invasion."

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - From Variety:   Actor Alfred Molina, who appeared as Doctor Octopus" in 2004's "Spider-Man 2," talks about reprising the role in the upcoming "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

BLACK PANTHER II - From Deadline:  In a guest column, director Ryan Coogler explains why "Black Panther II" will film in Georgia, while he uses his voice to continue to fight Georgia's recent Jim Crow voting laws.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From BleedingCool:   In a series of videos, the cast of DisneyPlus' "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" talks about the appearance of the Dora Milaje, and there is a final teaser trailer for the series.

DEADPOOL - From WeGotThisCovered:   Rumors say that Ryan Reynolds is attempting to revive an animated Deadpool TV series that was dropped a few years ago.  He also wants the series to be canon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe...

SHANG-CHI - From YahooFinance:  Simu Liu will be Shang-Chi, Marvel Studios first Asian-American superhero in the upcoming film, "Shang-Chi: Legend of Ten Rings."  Liu says the time of rising hate crimes against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities is not a time for AAPI actors to feel discouraged about pursuing their passions.

HAWKEYE - From BleedingCool:  Disney+ offers some prep on the character, Kate Bishop, who will appear in the still-filming "Hawkeye" series.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From YahooEntertainment:  Malcolm Spellman talks about going from stealing comics as a young man to showrunning Disney+/Marvel Studios' "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From BuzzFeed:   Actor Desmond Chiam talks about appearing in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" and about being starstruck by series stars, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan.

SPIDER-MAN NO WAY HOME - From WeGotThisCovered:  According to the site is is official that previous screen Spider-Man actors, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, will appear in "Spider-Man: No Way Home."  Apparently, numerous villains from the previous Spider-Man films will also appear, and Doctor Strange is the instigator of this live-action "Spider-Verse."

THOR LOVE AND THUNDER - From Deadline:   Reports indicate that Oscar-winning actor, Russell Crowe, is joining Marvel Studios' "Thor: Love and Thunder" in a mystery role.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLIDER - From YahooEntertainment:   Isaiah Bradley, a black Marvel Comics character exposed to the super-soldier serum, makes his official appearance in the MCU in the second episode of "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

BLACK WIDOW - From Deadline:   Disney has moved the release date for "Black Widow" from May 2021 to Friday, July 9, 2021, when it will play in theaters and on Disney+.  Disney is also doing that with its film, "Cruella" (May 28th).

RUMOR - From Variety:   Disney+ is reportedly in early development of a TV series featuring Native American Marvel Comics' character, "Echo."

FALCON AND WINTER SOLIDER - From YahooEntertainment:   Not everyone is crazy about the new Captain America, "John Walker," who appears in the first episode of Disney+ "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."  Still, the article has some information on him.

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Variety: Writer Malcom Spellman explains why "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" is so pointed about race, nationalism and the world today.

RUMOR - From WeGotThisCovered:   Hot rumor is that Michael B. Jordan and his character, "Killmonger," will return to take up the mantle of Black Panther in "Black Panther 2."

SECRET INVASION - From Deadline:   British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir will star in Marvel's "Secret Invasion" series.  Ben-Adir recently portrayed Malcolm X in Regina King's "One Night in Miami."

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER - From Deadline:   While he would not commit to a Season Two of "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," Marvel Studios President and CCO, Kevin Feige, says that there are ideas...

BLACK WIDOW - From ComicBookMovies:  During a shareholders' meeting, Disney CEO Bob Chapek says that will "Black Widow" still on course for a May 7, 2021 release.

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...?"

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TRAILERS AND PREVIEWS 2021:

From Marvel:  Here are the first official trailer and poster for Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Hawkeye" series.  The series starts streaming November 24, 2021.

From YouTube:   This is the first official teaser trailer (Aug. 23rd) for "Spider-Man: No Way Home," which is due December 2021.

From YouTube:  Here is the final trailer for Marvel Studios' "Eternals," which is due Nov. 5th.

From YouTube:   Marvel Studios releases an official trailer for its upcoming animated series, "What If...?"  The series debuts on Disney+ August 11th.

From Marvel:   Marvel Studios has released a brand-new video that provides a glimpse into its plans for its "Phase 4" movies.

From Marvel:  In celebration of "National Super Hero Day," Marvel has released (Wed., April 28th) this "Black Widow" featurette, "How Much Do You Really Know About Natasha Romanoff?"  "Black Widow" finally arrives in theaters and on Disney+ July 9th. [Disney should have kept they May 7th, 2021 release date. - Leroy]

From YouTube:   First official teaser trailer for Marvel Studios "Shangi-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings."  It is now due in theaters Sept 3rd.

From YouTube:   New "Loki" trailer - released Mon., April 5th, 2021.  "Loki" is due on Disney+ on June 11, 2021.

From YouTube:  New "Black Widow" trailer - released Sat., April 3rd, 2021.  Film is due in theaters and on Disney+ July 9th.

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.

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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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