Family is more than just a word. It's also the central theme of the latest DCEU release, "Shazam," a notably more youth-oriented film in the successful franchise than its predecessors. Though Zachary Levi has been the face of this film, it's Asher Angel whose dramatic performance is the most important grounding point of the film. At only sixteen years old, Angel brings an incredibly honest and heartfelt performance of Billy Batson, a child on the run and searching for a family and home to call his own. It's no surprise that Levi's comedic chops are put to good use as the 'Shazam' persona that manifests when young Billy is gifted with the ability to transform himself into a virtually indestructible superhero. Levi's exuberance and infectious charm are sure to garner him a whole new legion of fans once this film has it's wider release.
Mark Strong is another strong point of the film, as the tormented villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, who has spent his life searching for the same power that Billy eventually gains. Strong has had a career full of successful runs in characters with grit and darkness, and this is sure to be another fan-favourite role in his body of work. The stories for both Billy and Sivana fit together cohesively, for how they reflect the opposite ends of the spectrum in regards to childhood loss and trauma. While both characters are given back story to bring explain some of their worse habits, their arcs across the film reflect the deeper message that in the end it's not traumas that define a person's worth in life but their actions instead. The diverse ensemble cast offer an excellent range of solid performances, from the other foster children to the supporting characters of Sivana's story. Director David F. Sandberg also treats the adults in the audience to some creative horror-influenced imagery without being too intense for the many children that are sure to turn up for this fun ride.
"Shazam" dropped it's first teaser trailer at Comic Con as part of the giant DCEU panel hosted by WB in Hall H. As this is the first large-scale introduction the Shazam character has had to the mainstream public, the trailer was designed to show some context to Shazam's origin story. Young Billy Batson is an orphan that moves into a new foster home and after defending one of his foster brothers from some bullies, meets an ancient wizard on the way home that bestows superpowers on him. With a simple utterance of the word "Shazam!" Billy is transformed into an adult superhero form (portrayed by Zachary Levi). With some understandably childish antics and jokes, being that the central characters are children themselves, this is sure to be the most light-hearted in tone of the DCEU films thus far. However, there were already numerous displays to tie this film in with its predecessor, including newspaper clippings about Superman and a batarang belong to Batman.
"Shazam" will be released in theaters on April 5, 2019.
Burbank, CA, June 26, 2017 –Don’t miss the royal showdown when “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital.Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to the epic fantasy action adventure “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.” Starring Charlie Hunnam in the title role, the film is an iconoclastic take on the classic Excalibur myth, tracing Arthur’s journey from the streets to the throne.
From Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Entertainment, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” stars Hunnam (FX’s “Sons of Anarchy”) and Oscar® nominee Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), along with Astrid Bergès-Frisbey (“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”) as Mage; Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” “In America”) as Bedivere; Aidan Gillen (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) as Goosefat Bill; and Eric Bana (“Star Trek”) as Arthur’s father, King Uther Pendragon.
Guy Ritchie (“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” the “Sherlock Holmes” films) directed the film from a screenplay by Joby Harold (“Awake”) and Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, story by David Dobkin (“The Judge”) and Joby Harold. The film is produced by Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind,” “I Am Legend”), Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell (“Awake,” “Holy Rollers”), and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and “Sherlock Holmes” producers Steve Clark-Hall, Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram. David Dobkin and Bruce Berman are executive producers.
“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray for $44.95, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $44.95, Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and DVD for $28.98. The Ultra HD Blu-ray features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the theatrical version in 4K with HDR and a Blu-ray disc also featuring the theatrical version. The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition and hi-definition; the Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray; and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition. The Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack include a digital version of the movie with UltraViolet. Fans can also own “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword”via purchase from digital retailers beginning July 25th.
Additionally, all of the special features, including interviews with filmmakers, new original shorts, featurettes, and deleted scenes, can be experienced in an entirely new, dynamic and immersive manner on tablets and mobile phones using the Warner Bros. Movies All Access App, available for both iOS and Android devices. When a Combo Pack is purchased and the digital movie is redeemed, or the digital movie is purchased from an UltraViolet retailer, the Warner Bros. Movies All Access App allows users to watch the movie and simultaneously experience synchronized content related to any scene, simply by rotating their device. Synchronized content is presented on the same screen while the movie is playing, thus enabling users to quickly learn more about any scene, such as actor biographies, scene locations, fun trivia, or image galleries. Also, users can share movie clips with friends on social media and experience other immersive content. The Movies All Access app is available for download on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
The Blu-ray discs of “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” will feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar; however, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.
SYNOPSIS
When the child Arthur’s father is murdered, Vortigern (Jude Law), Arthur’s uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy…whether he likes it or not.
BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS
“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword”4K, 3D and 2D Blu-ray Combo Packs contain the following special features:
Arthur with Swagger - Charlie Hunnam is a gentleman, a hunk and a rebel, setting new standards as king and new rules with the ladies.
Sword from the Stone - Director Guy Ritchie as he breathes 21st Century life and luster into England’s most iconic legend and he creates Camelot for a new audience!
Parry and Bleed - Charlie Hunnam and other cast members get a crash course in swordplay. Vikings versus Saxons style!
Building on the Past - Londinium comes to life with a new design of Medieval Urban life, built from scratch.
Inside the Cut: The Action of King Arthur - Join stunt choreographer Eunice Huthart as she teams with Director Guy Ritchie to create the mind-blowing action of King Arthur
Camelot in 93 Days - Friendships and romances strengthen and fray as the realities of a 93 day shoot set in.
Legend of Excalibur - The world’s most famous sword is brought to life for a new generation.
Scenic Scotland - Wrapping a monumental production on location in glorious Scotland.
“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:
Arthur with Swagger - Charlie Hunnam is a gentleman, a hunk and a badass, setting new standards as king and new rules with the ladies.
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
On July 25th, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” will be available to own for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, FandangoNow, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. On August 8th, “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” will be made available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
ABOUT DIGITAL
*Digital movies or TV episodes allow fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital movies or TV episodes are included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. With digital, consumers are able to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster Video, Vudu and more. For more information on compatible devices and services go to wb.com/digitalmoviefaq. Consult a digital retailer for details and requirements and for a list of digital-compatible devices.
DVD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
BD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French, Canadian French
BD Subtitles: English, Latin Spanish, Parisian French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
Running Time: 126 minutes
Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some suggestive content and brief strong language
DLBY/SURR DLBY/DGTL [CC]
THE CREDITS
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
“The best live-action of Tarzan in many a decade.”
—Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter
A NEW THREAT AWAITS THE
KING OF THE JUNGLE WHEN
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN
ARRIVES ONTO ULTRA HD BLU-RAY, BLU-RAYÔ 3D COMBO PACK, BLU-RAYÔ COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL HD FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Own it early on Digital HD on September 20
Blu-ray Combo Pack debuts on October 11
Burbank, CA, August 18, 2016 –The King of the Jungle returns when “The Legend of Tarzan” arrives onto Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD. From Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures comes the action adventure “The Legend of Tarzan,” starring Alexander Skarsgård (“Diary of a Teenage Girl,” HBO’s “True Blood”) as the legendary character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
The ensemble cast also stars Oscar® nominee Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction,” the “Captain America” films), Margot Robbie (“The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”), Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” “Gladiator”), with Oscar winner Jim Broadbent (“Iris”), and two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds,” “Django Unchained”).
David Yates (the final four “Harry Potter” films, upcoming “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”) directed “The Legend of Tarzan” from a screenplay by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer, which is based on the Tarzan stories created by Burroughs. Legendary producer Jerry Weintraub produced the film, together with David Barron, Alan Riche and Tony Ludwig. Susan Ekins, Nikolas Korda, Keith Goldberg, David Yates, Mike Richardson and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.
“The Legend of Tarzan” will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray for $44.95, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $44.95, Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and DVD for $28.98. The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition, hi-definition and standard definition; the Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray; and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition. All versions include a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet. Fans can also own “Point Break” via purchase from digital retailers.Fans can also own “The Legend of Tarzan” via purchase from digital retailers beginning on September 20.
The Blu-ray disc of “The Legend of Tarzan” will feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar are required. Dolby Atmos soundtracks are fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment that aren’t Dolby Atmos compatible.
SYNOPSIS
It has been years since the man once known as Tarzan (Skarsgård) left the jungles of Africa behind for a gentrified life as John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane (Robbie) at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by the Belgian, Leon Rom (Waltz). But those behind the murderous plot have no idea what they are about to unleash.
BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS
“The Legend of Tarzan”3D Blu-ray andBlu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:
TARZAN™ REBORN
BATTLES AND BARE KNUCKLED BRAWLS
TARZAN™ AND JANE’S UNFAILING LOVE
CREATING THE VIRTUAL JUNGLE
GABON TO THE BIG SCREEN
STOP IVORY PSA
“The Legend of Tarzan” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:
TARZAN™ REBORN
BATTLES AND BARE KNUCKLED BRAWLS
TARZAN™ AND JANE’S UNFAILING LOVE
CREATING THE VIRTUAL JUNGLE
GABON TO THE BIG SCREEN
STOP IVORY PSA
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
On September 20, “The Legend of Tarzan” will be available to own for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. On October 11, “The Legend of Tarzan” will be available to rent digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET
*Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, Vudu and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.
BASICS
PRODUCT SRP
Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack $44.95
3D Blu-ray Combo Pack $44.95
Blu-ray Combo Pack $35.99
DVD Amaray (WS) $28.98
Standard Street Date: October 11, 2016
EST Street Date: September 20, 2016
DVD Languages: English ADS, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
BD Languages: English ADS, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French
BD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French, Brazilian Portuguese
Running Time: 135 minutes
Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, some sensuality and brief rude dialogue
DOLBY ATMOS DOLBY AUDIO [CC]
THE CREDITS
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
The Seventh Son hits screens
this weekend, and although its based on The Spook's Apprentice
it is barely resembles the story of the beloved series. The main
characters retain the same names, but some are more changed than
others. In the first book of the series Mother Malkin is the villain,
but the spook never loved her, that honor went to a Lamina (not in
the film) Meg Skelton. The entire series has been condensed down into
a 2 hour movie, and does it little justice.
In
a time long past, an evil is about to be unleashed that will reignite
the war between the forces of the supernatural and humankind once
more. Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges) is a knight who had imprisoned
the malevolently powerful witch, Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore),
centuries ago. But now she has escaped and is seeking vengeance.
Summoning her followers of every incarnation, Mother Malkin is
preparing to unleash her terrible wrath on an unsuspecting world.
Only one thing stands in her way: Master Gregory. In a deadly
reunion, Gregory comes face to face with the evil he always feared
would someday return. He has only until the next full moon to do what
usually takes years: train his new apprentice, Tom Ward (Ben Barnes)
to fight a dark magic unlike any other. Man's only hope lies in the
seventh son of a seventh son.
If you've seen the trailer for Seventh
Son, you’ve seen all the movie has to offer: a grizzled,
staff-wielding, weird talking Jeff Bridges squaring off against
Julianne Moore’s army of evil minions, a beloved but unfortunately
generic young hero (Ben Barnes) caught in the middle of the battle.
The entire story is hurried and rushed,
never allowing the audience to care for the characters or allowing it
to become the epic journey that it should be. Instead its a haphazard
succession of battle sequences and CGI through the ever changing
scenery.
Mastery Gregory, a professional Spook,
takes a new apprentice when his old one dies. Young Tom Ward gets the
unlucky job of learning his trade with only days until the end of the
world. After a quick training montage, he's deemed good enough to
help go against the greatest evil the world has ever known.
Seventh Son
stuffs as much medieval fantasy fluff into the screen, never missing
the chance to throw in a tired plot device or useless love story.
While the action sequences are beautifully done and highly
entertaining, it misses out on most of what made the books so great,
the heart. Seventh Son draws little more than character
names and backstory from The Spook’s Apprentice, the first
installment of Joseph Delaney’s young adult fantasy series The
Wardstone Chronicles.
Seventh Son doesn't live up to its
potential, which may explain its long delay and February release
date. It's CG dragons and were animals are far better than many we've
seen, but no match for middle-earth. The entire film is very nice to
look at, and the sets are far superior than you may expect, but the
single dimensional characters, and lack of heart leave much to be
desired.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2, ONE OF THE BEST REVIEWED AND HIGHEST GROSSING FILMS OF THE YEAR, ARRIVES ON DIGITAL HD OCT. 21 AND BLU-RAY™ & DVD NOV. 11
“The best animated film of the year…fun for the whole family”
– Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun Times
Catch the all-new animated adventure, DreamWorks DRAGONS: DAWN OF THE DRAGON RACERS, exclusively with the Blu-ray™ Combo, DVD Double Pack and Digital HD
LOS ANGELES, CA (August 29, 2014) – Soaring past the $500 million mark at the global box office, DreamWorks Animation’s HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 is not only one of the best reviewed films of the year, but also 2014’s highest grossing animated film to-date and one of the top ten grossing films of the year in any genre.
The thrilling second chapter of the epic HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON trilogy returns to the fantastical world of the heroic Viking Hiccup and his faithful dragon Toothless. The inseparable duo must protect the peace and save the future of men and dragons from the power-hungry Drago when Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment releases DreamWorks Animation’s critically acclaimed HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 on Digital HD October 21 and on Blu-ray™ and DVD November 11.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2, the next chapter to the Academy Award® nominated film released in 2010, is “sensational…an instant animated classic,” proclaims Access Hollywood. A hit with audiences and critics alike, the film received an outstanding audience reaction with a coveted “A” CinemaScore® and certified 92% fresh on RottenTomatoes.com. Variety’s Peter Debruge declares the film is “Braver than ‘Brave,’ more fun than ‘Frozen’…Dragon delivers.” It’s a must-own title for the whole family!
Fans will get even more excitement, adventure and, of course, more dragons when DreamWorks Animation releases DRAGONS: DAWN OF THE DRAGON RACERS, an all-new animated adventure featuring the original voice cast. A hunt for lost sheep soon turns into a high-flying sprint in the all-new epic adventure as Hiccup and friends battle to become the first Dragon Racing Champion of Berk! DRAGONS: DAWN OF THE DRAGON RACERS will be available exclusively on the Blu-ray™ combo pack, DVD double pack and Digital HD.
The all-star film talent features Jay Baruchel (This Is The End), two-time Academy Award® winner Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine), Gerard Butler (Olympus Has Fallen), Craig Ferguson (“The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”), America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”), Academy Award® nominee Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Neighbors), T.J. Miller (“Silicon Valley”) and Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids). The film also adds the voice talent of Academy Award® nominee Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond) and Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”).
The Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD feature hours of bonus materials that explore the world of dragons and more. Furthermore, the Blu-ray™ and Digital HD contain four exclusive featurettes, deleted scenes and a 60-minute behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the film, shot and created by the film’s writer and director Dean DeBlois.
DreamWorks Animation How To Train Your Dragon 2 Blu-ray™ & Digital HD include:
Feature film in high definition
Special Features:
Fishleg’s Dragon Stats – How much do you know about your favorite dragons? Explore the Dragon 2 Guide and learn more about your favorite fire-breathing friends!
Drago’s War Machines – Gobber the Belch narrates this inside look at the fierce creatures and “high-tech” weapons used by Drago to expand his growing dragon army.
Berk’s Dragon World – Explore the massive stable created to house the dragons of Berk, along with other changes made on the island to promote harmonious living.
Hiccup’s Inventions in Flight – Learn the secrets of how Hiccup and Toothless work together to form the ultimate high-flying team in this fascinating interactive tour.
Deleted Scenes -- The awesome adventure continues with telling deleted and extended scenes, including action-packed footage you couldn’t see in theaters!
Commentary by Simon Otto, Bonnie Arnold, Dean DeBlois, and Pierre-Olivier Vincent
Where No One Goes: The Making of How To Train Your Dragon 2 – Writer-Director Dean DeBlois and his team take you behind the scenes of creating the film’s eye-popping visual effects and epic story
Dragon Races – Catch the thrilling aerial action and exciting play-by-play commentary as you cheer on your favorite riders in a spectacular dragon race!
Image Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
World of DreamWorks Animation – Move to the music videos from your favorite DreamWorks Animation feature films
DreamWorks Animation How To Train Your Dragon 2 DVD includes:
Feature film in standard definition
Special Features:
Fishleg’s Dragon Stats – How much do you know about your favorite dragons? Explore the Dragon 2 Guide and learn more about your favorite fire-breathing friends!
Image Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
World of DreamWorks Animation – Music videos from your favorite DreamWorks Animation feature films
ABOUT DREAMWORKS ANIMATION DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranked #12 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 29 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss In Boots, and The Croods.
ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and DigitalHD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.
Guardians of the Galaxy had a sequel commissioned simply due to buzz and through-the-roof merchandise sales, all before the film had even been released. While I still firmly believe that Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the best of the MCU films, comparing Guardians of the Galaxy to it is rather difficult since they are highly different in style and genre. Whereas Winter Soldier was darker and had more political espionage, Guardians utilises far more satirical comedy and falls more so into the science-fiction genre.
Guardians introduces us to Peter Quill, who fancies himself an outlaw named "Star Lord," who we see travelling through space, stealing objects to make money. Chris Pratt brings humour, Andy-Dwyer-lovability and a newly transformed physique to the part. The retention of his knowledge of Earth's pop-culture is a nice touch and allows audience members to relate even more to the character. Wouldn't you be inclined to teach aliens about your favourite films and tunes?
While some have been saying that this film is fun for the whole family, I have to respectfully disagree. Though I largely enjoyed Guardians and the laughter it supplied, there is an unnecessary inclusion of horrendously sexist "jokes" and "humour" that stall an otherwise enjoyable movie-going experience. Using words like "bitch" and "whore" without immediately teaching the impressionable young viewers in the audience that it's wrong to demean females in this way is an irresponsible and lazy move on the filmmaker/studio's part.
Visually, the film utilises a great deal of bright, neon colours. It's fitting, considering the camp, love-letter-to-the-1980s style used to bring the story to life. There's a large number of characters that are either transformed or computer-generated to be something other than a typical human being. Whether they're blue, green, pink, a talking racoon, or a giant tree, there is quite a variety. However, I can't help but roll my eyes at the fact that the only POC lead actors, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista, are both painted up to be different colours. The only other non-white actors in the films are either a talking tree, supporting characters, or background characters. It's as if being a colour or aesthetic other than white needs to be hidden. Even the vast majority of background actors are white. It's blatantly racist that they found a third white man named Chris to be the top-billing actor in an MCU film when there have still yet to be any projects with a POC as the main lead.
But putting aside the usual racism and sexism of Hollywood films, I did greatly enjoy Guardians. It had more humour than any other Marvel film, and they were impressively able to squeeze back stories in for most of their lead characters, despite only having two hours to do so. The story sets up enough points to carry on into sequels without leaving the film's plot feeling unresolved. There is also heart and depth that gives the film more weight and meaning. Lee Pace brought enormous gravitas to his part as Ronan the Accuser. If anything, they didn't utilise his skills enough. Groot is also proving to be quite the fan favourite and rightfully so, as the character embodies all the beauty, kindness, and power associated with nature.
Guardians of the Galaxy is playing now in theatres.
Hiccup and Toothless are back in action
in How To Train Your Dragon 2. It has all the camaraderie, the
friendship, the action of the original. This is how a sequel should
be.
The CG are absolutely amazing. How To
Train Your Dragon, the original got a lot of attention for its
graphics, and guess what, the sequel is just as good. Now granted
there isn't a whole lot that flies off the screen. But whereas many
3-D pictures tend to be dark and gritty, that is anything but the
case in HTTYD2. Even in the cave scenes, it wasn't. The colors are so
vivid, almost too vivid, especially after the darker hues of the
caves. The dragons are a huge calliope of colors, they look
remarkable.
Jay Baruchel lends his voice to Hiccup
once again. He never stepped out of this role. He did How To Train
Your Dragons as well as the tv series. The fantastic thing about the
franchise, that I cannot gush enough about, is that they really know
how to do a companion series right. Movies are the big event in the
world, and the TV show are the day to day things in the Vikings life.
What makes it so fantastic, you don't have to watch all of them. If
you don't watch the TV series, you aren't going to have giant gaping
holes in the story if you only watch the movies. And vice versa. They
are completely complimentary. Had Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. done this,
hint hint Marvel, chosen to do this they would have been better off.
I think it was the intention of Agents to do that, but they certainly
feel like two separate entities desperate for connection, rather than
one cohesive story.
But Jay Baruchel really is Hiccup. He
embodies that character so perfectly with his voice, its so
expressive, and it just gives the character so much life. The
relationship with Hiccup and Toothless has deepened. Its been a few
years since the last movie, and that time is reflected in everything,
including the entire Viking life. It is a beautiful story.
America Ferrera is back as Astrid,
Hiccup's love interest. Their relationship has changed as well with
the time that has passed. Gerard Butler is back as Hiccup's father.
After the events of the last film, and having almost lost his son,
has really softened. Now instead of seeing Hiccup's quirks as
weaknesses, he sees them as strengths, and he wants Hiccup to
eventually become the clan Chieftain,even though Hiccup is adamantly
against this. Cate Blanchett joins the cast as Hiccup's mother. We
all thought she was dead, but she isn't. That fact was something that
they wanted to keep under wraps but came out before WonderCon.
Although she didn't raise her son, he has grown up to be very much
like her. One comedy relief additions, not because of anything he
does, but instead because of another character's infatuation with
him, is Kit Harrington. He starts off as a villain, and turns into a
dragon sympathizer when he is kidnapped and is shown another aspect
of dragon life. “You know nothing Jon Snow.” is very applicable
here. In fact all of the voices of the original have returned. I'm a
big fan of this, I know many are big fans when everyone returns, but
its not surprising. If it works, why change it.
New worlds are explored, discoveries
about the past are made, and heart break is felt. The saddest thing
is that this movie is not going to get the type of buzz, that a
Captain America or X-Men film will get, it'll be seen as just kids
fare. Don't get me wrong, X-Men Days of Future Past did well and
fixed some of the mistakes of the past movies but HTTYD2 is on a
whole other level. It's bright enough and fun enough that children
will enjoy it, but the plotting is meaty enough that adults will
enjoy the intelligence. The animators did such a good job bringing
these gigantic creatures to life, with all the different ways that
they fly around, even the variety of dragons, and their individual
characteristics.
We had a chance to screen it early, and
when the movie was over, I was ready to watch it again. It was that
good. How To Train Your Dragon 2 is highly recommended.
