via The Nerd Machine
http://www.newsarama.com/33696-flash-19-more-clues-for-dc-s-the-button-crossover-spoilers.html
By Michaela Bush
Dr. Dolittle, anybody?
Universal Pictures just won a bid for a remake of “The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle”, and guess who’s playing the titular role? Tony Stark—I mean, Robert Downey Jr.
Stephen Gaghan (“Syriana”, “Gold”) is directing and rewriting an old script written by Tom Shepherd. This script is based on the children’s books by Hugh Lofting. Susan Downey, RDJ’s wife, will be producing along with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum. So far, this is the only information available for the film. Additionally, reports claim that the budget for this film could climb into the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” range, but only time will tell.
If Roth and Kirschenbaum take this movie in the same direction of some of their more recent endeavors—“Alice in Wonderland” and “Maleficent”—perhaps it is possible that we will see a fairytale-esque adaptation for this film. This would, of course, be more in line with the 1960s movie starring Rex Harrison.
The Dolittle franchise is one of many children’s stories to get a 21st-century reboot, following the footsteps of Disney with “Mulan” and “Cinderella”, among several others. The success of these movies in combination with Universal’s wildly popular hits “Despicable Me” and “The Secret Life of Pets” could indicate the beginning of another huge franchise.
Eddie Murphy and Rex Harrison have brought Dr. Dolittle to life in previous films. The upcoming film starring Robert Downey Jr. is expected to begin once he’s finished filming “Avengers: Infinity War”. He’s been cast in an announced third movie in the “Sherlock Holmes” franchise, as well as an untitled John Brinkley biopic. Of course, fans can expect to see him in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” this summer.
Is anyone looking forward to seeing what the great improv guy, RDJ, can do with this new role? What style do you hope or expect to see this film remade into—comedic like Murphy’s or a fairytale like Harrison’s, or perhaps something new entirely?
By: David Carner (@davidcarner)
We open in France 1916 during WWI and then we flash back 72 hours earlier on the Waverider. The group is trying to figure their next move. Nate is in his room not socializing. Rip knows where the Legion is, in Vanishing Point. Rip tells the team that the spear pieces call to each other. They break into two teams to get back the pieces. Rory goes back to the place where Snart died. Sara has to give him a pep talk to focus on the mission. Firestorm has actually formed and turns the obelisk holding the spear into jelly beans and the team has the spear. Zoom sees what is happening and comes after them but is too late and screams no into the night. The spear shakes on the table and reforms. Rip warns them that the spear will call to each of them and will remake the world as they want it. Rory tries to burn it and it does nothing to hurt it but shows writing on the spear. The writing is in Latin, and of course only Steel knows Latin. The phrase means, “Born of blood, undone by blood.” Steel knows how to destroy it. Nate tells them that only the blood of Christ can undo it. Sara plots a course to the crucifixion, and Rip cancels that order. He tells them that there are times in history where integrity are crucial, and the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ are part of those times. Sara argues that if it’s the only way they have to go there and Steel tells them there is another way. Nate gives them a story from his year abroad, and long story short he read a paper that the knight that returned from the crusades came back with the blood of Christ and not the Holy Grail. The man who wrote the paper, John Ronald Roe Tolkien. Yep. Hence the title of the episode.
We come back to the Legion’s headquarters, and Zoom is having a fit. Darhk is arguing with him. Zoom wants to be there waiting when they go to destroy it, but Darhk wants to bring backup. Back to the Waverider, Tolkien has been sent to a hospital. Vixen wants to stay behind, but Sara sends her with them. The war hospital is grim. Rory sees Snart again, and this time he appears to be real, or is it the spear talking to him? Snart tells him how much the spear is worth. They find Tolkein and get him out of the trench. Snart reminds him they are partners, and they could be again. Snart hits him, and it seems real.
Tolkein wakes up on the Waverider. Steel and Rip talk to him and make numerous references to his later work. Vixen is sitting at a table thinking back to the hospital. Sara talks to her. Vixen admits to seeing her future to Sara. Sara tells her a little about her granddaughter. Back at the spear, Rory is hearing voices, and Stein notices the bruise. Rory tries to tell Stein but Stein insists it’s in his head. They go to a church that has been blasted by the war. They find a chalice and figure out the puzzle. Steel finds the body they are looking for. All four hear a voice and turn and it’s Snart. It’s Snart from earlier in his timeline. The Legion has recruited him. It had been this Snart earlier in the episode. There is a battle and the Legion has brought along soldiers. Tolkien does a rubbing of the engraving and they all run, with Snart yelling at Rory that the Legends don’t care about him.
The team is worried Rory would choose Snart over them. Rory tells them in their eyes he is always is going to be a criminal. Back in the study, Tolkien and Steel work on the rubbing and Tolkien figures it out. Vixen hears the voices from the spear, and Rory says he hears it and wants to know what it says. It’s her mother asking her to save her legacy. Rory hears his parents, they ask him not to play with fire. Sara calls everyone to the main room. The blood is located in the middle of the war. Vixen has the spear and wants to do away with the Legion. Rip and Vixen argue and she says she can handle it because of the totem. Vixen agrees to go along with the team’s plan of doing it the hard way, but she thinks it’s a big mistake.
We cut back to the beginning of the show. Jesus’s blood is in the middle of the war. They request of a cease fire, and are basically laughed at by the British, and the Germans. The British advance, and the team goes with them. Steel leads the way taking bullets, followed by Sara, Vixen, and Rory, and the spear lights up near the blood. Rip knocks out the British commander and sends out the cease fire to get the injured off the battlefield. I’m not 100% sure but I the speech Rip gave is straight out of Tolkien. They find the spot of the blood, and they give Rory the spear as they dig it up. The Legion is waiting and they tell them to hand over the spear of the Legion will kill them.
Sara goes to get the spear and Rory pulls it away. He says he doesn’t have friends, and Snart says he doesn’t but he does have partners. Mick says everyone is trying to change him. Rory joins the Legion, and he offers Vixen the chance to change the future and past. Snart throws a grenade restarting the fighting. Snart takes the spear and Zoom takes the three away. Jax comes in to extract the three. Everyone gets onboard, and Vixen just stares at the carnage, and Sara has to get her to rejoin them. Vixen accuses Sara of making the wrong choice. Stein and Jax says they trusted him and he screwed them. Ray asks if they really trusted him. Rip and Steel agreed with Ray. Steel has an idea that they might not know how to use it. Cut to the Legion, and they are praising Rory. Merlyn shows up with a tablet, that is basically the owner’s manual for the spear. Zoom tells them all to grab hold, and Merlyn starts reading and the spear begins glowing and light shoots from it.
“Please tell me you didn’t use the Spear of Destiny as a back scratcher.” – Ray. “Who said anything about my back?” Rory
“I enjoy long story.” – Tolkein. “Yeah he does.” – Steel
Snart return as a villain helps remind us how far Rory has come. Wentworth Miller is a phenomenal actor and any time he wants to return it’s fine with me.
Tonight’s recap was shorter. It wasn’t because there wasn’t as much action, but it was because so much of the episode was of war, and the description of some of the scenes I couldn’t put into words. Tonight’s episode was a grim reminder of what war really looks like.
Next week, it looks like Rory has a change of heart and leads the charge to fix what the Legion did.
I hope you enjoyed the review. If I missed an Easter Egg, please let me know and if I can confirm it, next week I’ll give you all the credit.
If you haven’t today, please take a second to open the Donate a Photo app by Johnson & Johnson. When you donate a photo, $1 is given to the charity of your choice, and Operation Smile is one of those charities. There are several other charities on there as well. Come on back in next week and we’ll talk “Doomworld.” We’ve only got two episodes left in the season!
By: Jonathan Pilley (@omnicomic)
“So let me tell you, this ain’t a place you take to lightly.”
History has a way of leaving people behind as those who fail to adapt are potentially doomed to become irrelevant. There are still pockets of peoples around the world content to live the way those before them lived, despite the fact that the world seems to move on without them. The citizens in Grass Kings #1 from BOOM! Studios are a prime example. The issue is written by Matt Kindt, illustrated by Tyler Jenkins, and lettered by Jim Campbell.
Eldest brother Robert leads a grief-stricken life, having lost his daughter to a tragic accident, followed by his wife disappearing one morning never to return. When an enigmatic young woman named Maria flees to their community in search of safe haven, Robert takes her in. Will his decision lead to ruin and retribution, dooming the Kingdom?
Kindt’s talents are unquestionable at this point and the ease with which he informs the reader is pretty amazing. He starts things off by introducing the reader to Grass Kingdom through both a history of land-grabbing and a tour of the current Grass Kingdom in a way that is definitely expository but doesn’t feel like it. Many of the Grass Kingdom’s main players are given a quick introduction that Kindt handles deftly. Each of these characters play a role in maintaining Grass Kingdom and Kindt walks the reader through them all like a perp being escorted out of town in the back of a police car. The dialogue never feels too forced as if Kindt is spoon-feeding the reader; instead, it feels completely natural and lends itself well to the overarching dynamic.
The narrative is fantastic in its own right, but it’s Jenkins’ ethereal art style that elevates Grass Kings #1 even further. His style is a gorgeous display of watercolors that feel disjointed in a positive way. His surreal approach is phenomenal in that it lends an antiquated look to the Grass Kingdom, emphasizing the fact that their general way of life is an isolation of a different time. The frenetic nature of watercolors in general (and Jenkins’ harsher brush strokes at points) work well for the story as it allows him to add an air of slightly off to Grass Kingdom and its inhabitants. There’s just an abundance of personality in all the characters that Jenkins allows to shine through on each panel.
Grass Kings #1 is a brilliant first issue that does everything a first issue should do with the touch of a later issue. The residents of Grass Kingdom are fiercely protective of their way of life and will go to great lengths to maintain that. Kindt’s pacing is relaxed yet undercut by an impending sense of trepidation on the part of the reader. Jenkins’ illustrations are a perfect fit for the story as they emphasize that beautiful chaos well. Grass Kings #1 is a fine example of quality storytelling and art coming together flawlessly.
Grass Kings #1 is available now.
“But…there’s something…underneath it all.”
Vampirella is a pretty fascinating character who’s gone up against all manner of big bads in her history. There’s still plenty of room, though, for her to explore new sides of herself and the world in general. Dynamite Comics is offering a new take in Vampirella 2017 #1. The issue is written by Paul Cornell, illustrated by Jimmy Broxton, and lettered by Travis Lanham.
After a sleep of over a thousand years, Vampirella finds herself back among the land of the living, but in a world far different than the one she remembers, where hope is laced with fear and blood has a far different taste. And speaking of taste, finding an appropriate outfit for the era leads our fanged fatale to a chance encounter that will garner her not one but two potential allies.
The world Cornell lays out in Vampirella 2017 #1 is actually quite terrifying in its hedonistic presentation. Cornell’s script is written in such a way that offers a somewhat detached sense of reality for the reader and it’s extremely effective in setting the tone. Vampirella is a character with plenty of history behind her and Cornell manages to work a lot of that history into the book very cleanly. Still, Vampirella 2017 #1 is just as much a reboot for the character as it is an exploration of her and Cornell doesn’t let new scenery change Vampirella too much. In fact, it’s safe to say that this Vampirella is a lot more vicious and brutal than more recent iterations of the character have been.
Visually, Vampirella 2017 #1 is very abstract. Broxton’s approach capitalizes on clean lines that are accented by even cleaner panel layouts, eschewing anything too chaotic. Despite the issue’s setting of the future, Broxton emphasizes a retro feel in terms of costumes and design – a nice throwback to Vampirella’s history. The style is also a nod to newspaper strips of the past in that Broxton finishes the artwork with that same matte style. His colors are pretty effective at capturing the general calm that pervades the world Vampirella stumbles upon.
Vampirella 2017 #1 is as much a new start as it is a throwback to Vampirella’s campy beginnings. Vampirella is a more than capable character who can hold her own and won’t let anything stand in her way if it attempts to. Cornell’s script is haunting in a way that’s befitting of the character and paces the issue well. Broxton’s illustrations feel nostalgic and appropriate for the tone of the issue. Vampirella 2017 #1 is a great new take on a classic character that gets things going in the right direction.
Vampirella 2017 #1 is available now.
“Feels good to get away, don’t it?”
To live in a world filled with magic is a dream for some and a nightmare for others. A lot of that depends on how those with the powers react to those without. In All New Soulfire #1 from Aspen Comics, there’s a good mix of responses. The issue is written by J.T. Krul, illustrated by Giuseppe Cafaro, colored by Wes Hartman, and lettered by Zen.
Following the events of Aspen Universe: Revelations, the world of Soulfire has a new status quo, as magic and technology have intertwined as never before! Meanwhile, Soulfire’s Grace, Malikai, and friends now must also discover that things are not as they seem in the year 2211 — including new — and old — dangers that seek to eliminate them!
Krul’s premise in All New Soulfire #1 is interesting and a slight departure from other books in the Soulfire series in that it offers up a world where magic is more of a publicly accepted way of life. Malikai is still front and center for all the action, but Krul manages to present a few new takes on the character in terms of the reactions of those around him. The overarching plot is a little vague by the end of the issue, though, as it seems Krul is more content to get the reader up to speed on the aforementioned characters first and foremost. Because of this approach, there are plenty of questions by the end of the issue and there’s a lot about the actual direction of the story that’s missing. There are times when Krul’s dialogue feels somewhat basic – for instance, two different characters use the phrase “plucked from the orphanage” and it feels like an odd choice for dialogue.
Cafaro is very familiar with the Soulfire characters and his work in All New Soulfire #1 demonstrates this familiarity. His linework emphasizes the facial features of the characters well as it draws upon the fantasy influences of fairies and pixies.
All New Soulfire #1 is a new take for the franchise that seeks to mix things up a bit. Malikai is still at the center of the universe, but the universe around him is changing in ways that will force him to adapt. Krul’s script is straightforward in its approach, moving players into position for events to unfold further in the series. Cafaro’s art is familiar to readers of the series and renders the characters effectively. All New Soulfire #1 is definitely worth checking out for fans of the series.
All New Soulfire #1 is available now.
by Jessica Alewine (@awkwardalewine)
I never believed in the “show hole” until I finished Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries last summer. The incredibly original show left me fruitlessly searching for a series that could satisfy like this Australian import had. I have still yet to find a show like it, simply because no other show appeals to each of my obsessions like Miss Fisher’s does. The series is set in the 1920s, a time period which has been fascinating the world in all forms of media. It showcases some of the most stunning costumes in television. It features mysteries that feel comfortable and cozy, much like an Agatha Christie novel. And, finally, the incredible character development and cast left me feeling love, even for the most frustrating of characters. It’s the perfect show for every period piece fangirl.
A great show would be nothing without thorough character development, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries has given us a slew of characters worthy of love, hatred, and every emotion in between. The protagonist, Miss Phryne Fisher, portrayed by Essie Davis, is the epitome of a flapper girl: she’s full of life, passion, and she’s entirely herself. She enjoys stretching the limits of society while driving fast cars, drinking men under the table, and, most importantly, solving the grisly murders she stumbles upon in every episode. She’s a bit like Miss Marple meets Nancy Drew, and she steals every scene she’s in. The show benefits from the chemistry shared among all the characters, but particularly between Essie Davis and Nathan Page, who plays Inspector Detective Jack Robinson, Phryne’s main love interest in the series. There’s also Dot, the sweetly innocent maid, whom Miss Fisher takes under her wing. Cec and Bert, cabbies who are dragged into the insanity of Miss Fisher’s world as her drivers, serve as the every man of the series and a constant source of humor. Dr. Mac, Phryne’s best friend, often assists in investigations as a source of all things medical and scientific. Finally, there’s Hugh Collins, constable, friend of Jack Robinson, and romantic interest of Dot. Each character is well-developed throughout the series, and viewers will not be able to watch the series without falling in love with each and every one of them.
Each of these characters would be nothing without a set of mysteries reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. With each murder, twisted motive, and unique murder weapon, I found myself constantly comparing the murders and plots to those of the queen of mystery’s novels. There were a few episodes in particular that really compared well with Christie’s novels, including the season 2 finale, “Murder Under the Mistletoe”. This episode follows Miss Fisher and her friends as they celebrate Christmas in July in a cabin located in the snowy woods. The vacation goes amiss when one of their party is murdered, and they begin to suspect that the killer is in the cabin. It felt like a lightened version of And Then There Were None, and fans of cozy mysteries will particularly enjoy this episode.
While the plot revolves around mystery, as the title would suggest, it also closely follows the personal lives of the core characters. Dot and Hugh begin a sweet romance in the series, and we watch as they struggle with their different beliefs about marriage and societal roles as their relationship progresses. Miss Fisher and Inspector Jack Robinson also have incredible chemistry throughout the series, and the writers have created a great friendship and flirtation between the characters leaving us wondering, “Will they? Won’t they?” as their relationship progresses. Miss Fisher also adopts a young girl she meets during an investigation and becomes dear friends with her butler, Ces, Bert, and Dot. These relationships come to be the heart of the show, while the mysteries carry the plot forward. However, without the stunning setting and costumes, the series would not be as decadent as it is.
As of late, the world has had an obsession with all things related to the 1920s. With the adoration of the recent film adaptation of The Great Gatsby and the recent show, Z: The Beginning of Everything, it’s clear that we’re clamoring for media set in the 1920s. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries satisfies our craving for ‘20s period pieces through its flawless setting and history. The sets are subtly beautiful, ranging from Miss Fisher’s house, to the police station, and even a lovely vacation ready beach front. The beautiful cars, architecture, and design all create an inviting representation of the ‘20s that envelops the viewer. But, the show doesn’t just romanticize the ‘20s. It shows the horrifying effects of World War I on the Australian people. Miss Fisher was an ambulance nurse during the war, and we often see her dealing with the death and despair she saw during the war. We see soldiers grappling with the deaths they caused. We see families struggling to understand that their loved ones left for war and are never coming back. The careful writing, intricate set design, and the raw emotion of the series allow viewers to experience a time period that is so often romanticized in a realistic manner. The series also touches on some of the social unrest of the time, which many would argue carries into modern times. It allows the series to make statements on topics such as feminism and the family structure without coming off as preachy or aggressive. The setting of the series also allows for the costume department to have a lot of fun, and allows us a feast for the eyes.
Part of the glamour of the ‘20s was the stunning fashion. Miss Fisher’s takes the importance of fashion during this era seriously, and the show’s costume designers have lovingly created a wardrobe that displays the fashion of the era properly. Every character has an exquisite closet, but Phryne’s is undeniably the most impressive. Each slinky dress, feathered headband, and strand of pearls harkens back to a time of glamour and slick style. Her always present bob and red lipstick are fashion trademarks she wears proudly. She wears the fashion of a flapper like a badge of her femininity and feminism, and the show displays the importance of her wardrobe. The costumes and wardrobe from the show are so impressive that several of the costumes have actually been actually on display and on tour in Australia, allowing fans to see some of their favorite fashion pieces in person. Fans of fashion will admire this series as much as fans of mystery.
While there are not currently any new episodes being created, the future holds a lot of possibility for the series. The show creators and actors have not discussed a new season airing anytime soon, but they have said that there is the possibility that the show will return at a future date. Recently they have more seriously discussed creating a movie trilogy dedicated to the fiery female detective. Currently, the show is being continued in the new app, “Miss Fisher and the Deathly Maze,” which will feature new “episodes” that players can enjoy as they work through the app. If the promise of that much new content is not enough for you, the television series is also based off of a book series by Kerry Greenwood. While they share some differences, the book series may tide you over until new television or film content is created.
Ultimately, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is the perfect pick for anyone looking for a period piece, a new mystery series, or a new ‘20s fix. Fans of Agatha Christie, Call the Midwife, and The Bletchley Circle will enjoy the show. Definitely a worthy addition to any Netflix user’s watchlist.
Life is a terrifying sci-fi thriller about a team of scientists aboard the International Space Station whose mission of discovery turns to one of primal fear when they find a rapidly evolving life form that caused extinction on Mars, and now threatens the crew and all life on Earth.
Reese: It originally came from David Ellison, the head of Skydance. He came to us with an idea that asked “what would happen if you brought a sample of life back from Mars to the International Space Station for study… and that sample was exposed to an atmosphere where it started to divide, grow and attack the crew.” Everything beyond that was the product of our research and our invention in creating the screenplay, and ultimately the movie.
Wernick: We spent a ton of time on it. We wanted to make this movie as grounded as possible so that [the film] could happen today, and not 100+ years in the future. We do have Mars Rovers that are capturing soil samples, the International Space Station and all that goes into the technology and dynamic of that. NASA, the internet and Twitter is a pretty extensive body of information to draw upon. We used every resource we could while writing the screenplay.
Reese: Once we had a completed screenplay, we sat with scientists, geneticists, astrophysicists, and anyone with a PHD in the backend of their name that would take the time to sit with us to try and make [Life] as grounded and real as possible. That was the intention with the weightlessness in space in an effort to distinguish ourselves from the Aliens of the world.
Reese: It was different in that it was very smooth. Usually, our path to getting a movie made is very difficult, but in this case, we wrote the script, we sent a package of Hanes tighty-whitie underwear to Skydance with the script and a note that said “you’re gonna need this.” They loved it.
Wernick: And that was our first draft. The whole thing took about a year and a half, which was crazy by the standards that we’re used to. Deadpool, which took six years to make, where you’re just grinding, trying desperately to get the boulder to the top of the hill. In this case, it was incredibly smooth and everyone got along great.
Reese: We always imagine Ryan in our movies – we have a great relationship with him that goes back to 2009… so many years of a wonderful creative partnership. He’s our muse and we always imagine him in every one of our movies. Movies like this generally don’t attract A+ talent, but [Reynolds, Gyllenhaal, Ferguson] really responded to the script.
Wernick: Very different. He shares a little bit of DNA: the cockiness and the sense of humor, but that’s about it – it was fun to work with Ryan in a completely different capacity.
Reese: It’s both epic and intimate which is what we like about it. It’s intimate in that most of it takes place in this reasonably small space, but it’s epic that the entire earth is at stake. We felt like it was really a nice intersection of those two things.
Our WonderCon Anaheim 2017 Convention Policies have been updated! Please read over them before coming to the show and help ensure that everyone has a safe and fun WonderCon!