Star Wars: Episode VIII Starts Production

Hello, Bloggers. It has just been announced that Star Wars: Episode VIII is officially filming.

Also, they have released the list of returning cast members. John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Daisy Ridley will of course be returning as Finn, Poe, and Rey, respectively. We will also see the return of Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher but not Harrison Ford (for obvious reasons). Thankfully, we will get to see Gwendoline Christie return as Captain Phasma which means we will hopefully get to know more about her since she was a little underutilized in The Force Awakens. Also, Lupita Nyong'o will return as Maz Kanata. I liked the motion capture work she did so I'm pretty enthused she'll be back. Lastly, Adam Driver and Domnhall Gleeson return as Kylo Ren and General Hux, respectively. I'm sure we will see BB-8 return as well.

Now onto the new additions. The good news is that Benicio Del Toro has been confirmed to join the cast and Laura Dern has been announced which is surprising but an amazing addition. But the bad news is that Gugu Mbatha-Raw hasn't been announced. So, it looks like she won't be joining the cast (trying not to cry.). But we still get to see more diversity represented in the Star Wars universe with the addition of an Asian actress named Kelly Marie Tran. It looks like Disney is attempting to make more stars out of minority talent which is very exciting.

So overall, I like how all of the remaining cast members are returning and find the new additions very exciting. Please be sure to leave your own thoughts in the comments section on what you think of the announced cast list. Thanks for reading!

Acting Black Blogathon: Revisiting Set It Off (1996)

Hello, Bloggers! As part of Black History Month, I've decided to take part in a blogathon called the Acting Black Blogathon by Wendell of Dell On Movies where bloggers celebrate the talent of black performers. For this post, I will revisit a rather underrated film from 1996, Set It Off starring Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah.

One thing that I really appreciate about Set It Off is how it is a rare film that features a predominantly black female cast and has them play characters that...survey says, feel like actual characters. 

The four main characters in the film decide to rob a bank, eventually getting in way over their heads. But they have different personalities and motivations for doing so.

At the center, you have Stoney played by Jada Pinkett Smith. At first, Stoney is skeptical about taking part in the bank robbery. But after the death of her brother, she goes through with it because she feels she has nothing to lose.

Next is Cleo played by Queen Latifah. Cleo serves as the comic relief who comes up with the bank robbery plan, mainly looking for a way out of her rough neighborhood. But even as she slowly lets the money they steal go to their head, she still cares about sticking by her friends.

Then, you have Frankie played by Vivica A. Fox. After getting fired from her job due to her familiarity with a robber at her bank, she immediately decides to take part in the robbery to get back at "the system" that's been messing with them. 

Lastly is T.T. played by Kimberly Elise. Like Stoney, she is immediately skeptical about taking part in the robbery. But after her child is taken away from the government, she takes action and tries to afford to get her child back, sacrificing her morality to do so. 

All four are fully fleshed out three-dimensional characters that had me glued to the screen thajnks to the actresses portraying them. One that I would love to acknowledge is Queen Latifah as Cleo. Just out of curiosity,....where the heck was her Oscar campaign for Best Supporting Actress?!

Queen Latifah just owns every scene she is in. She not only provides the humor of the film, but also the heart. While her Cleo is someone who is a little rough around the edges and takes no prisoners, she is mainly protective of her fellow friends and not only doesn't want them to get caught, but to stay loyal to one another. While Queen Latifah did manage an Oscar nomination for Chicago and does fine work there, it is her Cleo Simms that will stay with me for years down the line.

As Viola Davis said in her now iconic Emmys speech, "You cannot win awards for roles that simply aren't there." Well, to me, the roles are there. People just not only have to look hard enough, but make more roles like them. Less films that resort to having talent of color playing stereotypes and more films that have them playing more legitimate, three-dimensional characters. If screenwriters want some inspiration when writing great roles for not just women, but women of color, look no further than Set It Off. 

Oscars 2016: "The Revenant" Emerges The Big BAFTA Winner

Here are my thoughts on the BAFTA winners. I'll be entering them as they are being announced and in the order in which they will be announced. Let's see what shall await us.

Outstanding British Film: Brooklyn

Excellent choice! It's my second favorite film of the year and I'm glad to see it collect some hardware this awards season.

Best Hair and Makeup: Mad Max: Fury Road 

Of course. With all the makeup put into it, how could it not be the winner?

Best Cinematography: The Revenant 

Richly deserved. I would've loved to see John Seale win for Mad Max: Fury Road. But Emmanuel Lubezki's not a bad person to lose to.

Best Documentary: Amy 

Done deal. Moving on...

Best Original Music: The Hateful Eight 

This one is starting to look pretty sewn up. But I love the score, so this one would be very deserved.

Best British Short Film: Operator

Best British Short Animation: Edmond

Best Editing: Mad Max: Fury Road 

YES!!!! I was really hoping it would win here. I figured it would go to this or The Big Short, but it's looking closer for Mad Max: Fury Road which won the Critics Choice, the Eddie Award, and now this.

Best Sound: The Revenant 

It's looking like we might see a Mad Max-Revenant showdown in the techs.

Best Special Visual Effects: Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

Then again...maybe not.

EE Rising Star Award: John Boyega

He is a star on the rise for sure. I figured he was since I saw Attack The Block.

Best Supporting Actor: Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies 

I suppose if there is anyone for Sly Stallone to watch out for, it's Rylance since he is up against Stallone at the Oscars. Either one of those two would be a worthy winner, though.

Best Animated Film: Inside Out 

Well-deserved. Moving on....

Best Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs 

Looks like it is a Vikander-Winslet matchup at the Oscars. Between those two, I'd go with Winslet.

Best Costume Design: Mad Max: Fury Road 

Well so far, Mad Max is 3-3, I believe. Nice, though. 3 is better than none.

Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Producer, or Director: Naji Abu Nowar, Theeb

Didn’t see that, but wow! I just realized Alex Garland lost for Ex Machina. 

Best Adapted Screenplay: The Big Short 

Done deal. Very well-deserved and it's great for Adam McKay. But sorry Emma Donoghue. It'll take a miracle for you to win for Room.

Best Original Screenplay: Spotlight 

Moving on...

Best Film Not In The English Language: Wild Tales

Whoa, nelly! I mean, I think Son of Saul has this all sewn up. Especially considering Wild Tales was already nominated last year. But dang.

Best Production Design: Mad Max: Fury Road 

So now, Mad Max: Fury Road is 4-3. Even if it didn't get in for Best Film or Director, it is still a lovely day for Mad Max!

Best Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu, The Revenant 

He mmmiigghht have this sewn up. I don’t know. I don't know if they'll give him his second in a row. It is looking quite possible.

Best Leading Actress: Brie Larson, Room 

Officially sewn up. Moving right along..

Best Leading Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant 

At this point, if anyone upsets DiCaprio, they'll become public enemy #1.

Best Film: The Revenant 

After winning Cinematography, Sound, Director, Leading Actor, I had a feeling this was going to happen. If it does win on the 28th, I actually won't be too upset because it's at least a better Western than Dances With Wolves. 

Soo, those are my quick thoughts on the BAFTA Awards winners please be sure to leave your own thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to continuing my Oscar coverage before the big show on the 28th. Thanks for reading!

Top 10 Best Date Movies

Hello, Bloggers! Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of this holiday, I figured I'd share my own personal top 10 list of what I consider to be the best date movies. I already showed you the worst. Now, it's time for the best.

10. Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Despite how uncomfortable it may be to watch due to its dramatic portrait of mental illness, what makes this such a good date movie is the rich chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. They dance, they heal one another, and of course, they kiss. Their chemistry is probably the reason I keep revisiting the film.

9. Edward Scissorhands (1990): If you want a movie that'll have your significant other crying on your shoulder, this is a good one. It makes you laugh at times, but there are moments where you will reach for the tissues. I know I do every time I watch this.

8. Brooklyn (2015): This one is an absolute delight for Valentine's Day! The women will be swept away by Emory Cohen's Italian plumber with a heart of gold Tony Fiorello and even the guys will like the chemistry between him and Saoirse Ronan. You'll also laugh and maybe cry at times. It's a good movie to watch anytime but a perfect one for a day devoted to love.

7. Her (2013): One of the more unconventional love stories on this list, Her is a good date movie because the women will love the love story aspect of it while the men will love the sci-fi aspect of it as well as the sound of Scarlett Johansson's voice.

6. Begin Again (2014): Even if this isn't exactly a love story, per se, it is still one that'll leave you with a smile on your face. Although it does deal with a woman who has her heart broken, played by Keira Knightley, and both her and co-star Mark Ruffalo have non-romantic yet solid chemistry. You might also enjoy the songs created for the film.

5. Neighbors (2014): To explain why this is such a good date movie, I'll first delve into the film's secret weapon: Rose Byrne. The women will find her hilarious while men will get a kick out of the girl-on-girl kiss scene she has. Also, the guys will like Seth Rogen while women get to stare at shirtless Zac Efron. A little something for both sexes. Also, the film is hilarious from start to finish.

4. Empire Strikes Back (1980): This one is a little more outside the box. But I think that while guys will enjoy the film as a whole, the women will love the romance between Han Solo and Princess Leia. For those of you guys whose wifes or girlfriends aren't that into Star Wars, this film is one way to convert them.

3. Bridesmaids (2011): Even though this seems to mostly be geared towards females, the guys will still love the heavy use of cussing and its gross out humor while the women will appreciate the comedic chemistry between the main cast as well as its themes on taking a new step in life and friendships. Something that guys might appreciate as well.

2. Jerry Maguire (1996): This one is perhaps a perfect romantic comedy made for males. The women will love the romance aspect of it, of course. But the fact that it is also about sports might have the guys forgetting that they're even watching a romance to begin with.

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): While Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind does deal with a couple wanting to forget each other, it does have an optimistic tone to it. As Jim Carrey goes deep inside his own head, he slowly realizes how important his love is to him and as you are watching the film, you get inspired and want him and his love to find happiness. Also, the film has what every romance should have and that is rich chemistry between the two leads.

So that was my list of what I consider to be the top 10 best date movies. Please be sure to share your own top 10 in the comments section. Thanks for reading and Happy Valentine's Day!

Oscars 2016: Spotlight and The Big Short win at WGA

So last night the Writers Guild of America Awards took place and the two film winners, The Big Short and Spotlight have solidified their position as frontrunners for Best Adapted and Original Screenplay, respectively. Both won the same awards at the Critics Choice Awards and if they win today at the BAFTA Awards, then they are definite done deals.

But as of right now, I think because it won PGA, WGA, and the Eddie Award for Best Editing in a Comedy, The Big Short will likely win Best Picture. It not only feels important because of its subject matter, but compared to Spotlight, it is done so in a much more lively manner with its constant breaking of the fourth wall, cutaways to celebrity cameos, etc.. So, it's got more bells and whistles to it. Even if it won't sweep the ceremony since it only has five nominations, it'll still likely win awards that a Best Picture needs including Writing and Editing to help legitimize its win.

The BAFTAs will be taking place at 7:00 p.m. out in London which means it'll be noon here. I'll be live tweeting throughout the ceremony. So be sure to tweet me @filmguy619. Thanks for reading!

Top 10 Worst Date Movies

Hello, Bloggers. Valentine's Day is on its way tomorrow. So, I figured I'd share my list of what I feel are the top 10 worst date movies. Let's take a look:

10. A Woman Under The Influence (1974): As great of a movie as A Woman Under The Influence, its gritty portrait of a marriage in crisis might prevent couples on a date from..looking into the future, so to speak.

9. Misery (1990): If you want to watch a movie on Valentine's Day, the last thing you and your significant other would want to watch is a movie where a woman's definition of "I Love You" is a dose of sledgehammer to the ankles.

8. The Babadook (2014): Horror movies are a good way to get your date curled up besides you. But then there's The Babadook which is a portrait of grief and mental illness that almost makes The Exorcist seem like a bedtime story.

7. Weekend (2011): While the chemistry between the two leads, Tom Cullen and Chris New, is rich and hard to deny, what makes this one not necessarily a good date movie is how it is essentially a countdown to goodbye.

6. Blue Velvet (1986): Unless your idea of a good time is watching Dennis Hopper sucking on ether and sexually tormenting his female victim played by Isabella Rossellini, this is not the movie to watch on Valentine's Day.

5. Shame (2011): While your significant other might want to check it out because it stars Michael Fassbender, when you actually watch this, you guys may rethink your relationship. Not just because its raw portrait of sex addiction, but you might feel threatened by the sight of Michael's Fassbender.

4. Antichrist (2009): Almost anything on director Lars Von Trier's filmography is a bad date movie. But Antichrist really takes the cake. This one will make you guys feel bad about eating a big dinner and will, let's just say, clobber any ideas about having relations.

3. Rosemary's Baby (1968): One of the best horror movies of all time? Absolutely. A good date movie? Not exactly if the main character's husband's definition of love is having her carry the Devil's spawn in exchange for wealth and success. Because of the wealth and success thing, your wife may look at you suspiciously after it's over. Who knows.

2. Gone Girl (2014): While it is an amazing film, what makes this SUCH a bad date movie is that, without spoiling anything, it might give women....ideas. If you're watching this with your wife or girlfriend, hope that she doesn't give a sly grin.

1. Fatal Attraction (1987): The bad date movie to end all bad date movies. While it at least encourage you to be faithful to your spouse, who knows if it'll encourage you to go on the dating scene more often.

So that was my list of the top 10 worst date movies for Valentine's Day. I'd love to hear what your own top 10 is. So please share your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

Review: Deadpool (2016)

               

         
          'Deadpool' Is The Best Non-Marvel Cinematic Universal Movie In Quite Some Time 
 
      Welp, my fellow comic book fans, I think it looks like Ryan Reynolds has finally found a superhero franchise that he can call home.

        Story:
       Deadpool follows the story of a mercenary named Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) who becomes diagnosed with cancer. Once he receives an offer to cure his cancer that results in him receiving superhuman abilities and a physically altered appearance, he decides to go after the man that experimented on him.

       Ups:
      I'll start off with Ryan Reynolds. As I mentioned before, Reynolds has finally found the right superhero film after attempting to star in Green Lantern and even as Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. While he was the best thing about Wolverine before they butchered his character in the final climax, at first, it still showed us why he is so perfect for the role of Deadpool. Deadpool is also known as the Merc With A Mouth, constantly making colorful remarks while being a badass aftion hero. So this role allows Reynolds to play to his funny and action-based strengths.

      I also liked the cast that surrounds Reynolds. Morena Baccarin has the typical supportive girlfriend role as Wilson's love interest, Vanessa. But she and Reynolds have amazing and enriching chemistry. I also really loved T.J. Miller as Wilson's associate Weasel. Even as the film was on the verge of losing its humorous momentum, Miller just kept filling it when he was on screen.

     Another thing that was so awesome was the film is the editing. With how they constantly have Deadpool breaking the fourth wall and incorporate slow motion into the action sequences while going into dramatic pauses, it really felt like a comic book movie come to life.

     Deadpool's snappy dialogue is not only thanks to Reynolds' delivery, but also thanks to the writing by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese. The writing even creates a self-awareness that is consistent throughout like how in the beginning, Deadpool explains how he was able to get his own movie and blamed Wolverine for the struggle to do so. I thought that was very funny and essentially pointed out how the X-Men universe has become the Wolverine show. But who knows how long after this movie comes out, though.

     Downs:
     NIL.

     Consensus:
     Overall, Deadpool is like a comic book movie brought to life with amazing, comical effect. By the time I left the theater, I kept singing "Shoop" by Salt-N-Pepa which played at the end credits, because I had an absolute ball watching this. Since they already gave the sequel the greenlit, I can't wait to hear the next things to come out of Deadpool's mouth.

Grade: A