Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 2225

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE and JUSTICE LEAGUE Show Off Their Heroes in Style

Does any movie on the horizon look like a bigger love letter to nerdery than The LEGO Batman Movie? If so, I’m hard-pressed to name it. Everything we’ve seen from next year’s animated superhero epic has brought a smile to my face, and the film’s latest character posters are no different. Also in today’s Movie Morsels, news on Thor: Ragnarok, a new photo from Wonder Woman, and much more!

The LEGO Batman Movie

Since The LEGO Batman Movie looks to be the definitive parody of the Batman’s big-screen adventures (as well as plenty of his comic-book tales), it’s only fitting that it lampoon movie marketing in its own promotional materials. So here’s six new character posters for the February 10th release, one for every member of the Bat family: Will Arnett’s Dark Knight, Michael Cera’s Robin, Rosario Dawson’s Batgirl, and Ralph Fiennes’ Alfred Pennyworth. Also featured are their two most popular arch-villains, Zach Galifianakis’s Joker and his partner Harley Quinn…

Posters for ‘The LEGO Batman Movie’ pic.twitter.com/I4Mp7BxDQc

— DC Comics United (@DcComicsUnited) December 20, 2016

[Twitter]

Thor: Ragnarok

In other superhero news, we finally have confirmation that Marvel’s fan-favorite Planet Hulk comic will play as big a role as we hoped it would in next year’s Thor: Ragnarok. In the latest issue of Total Film, director Taika Waititi states that the film will feature the comic’s titular planet, Sakaar, on which the jade giant serves as a gladiator in combat against a host of aliens. Additionally, Waititi says that the film will take its visual cues from the legendary art of Thor and Hulk creator Jack Kirby! Huzzah!!!

[MCU Exchange]

Wonder Woman

Meanwhile, back at DC… A cloaked Princess Diana rides into battle in World War I atop a noble black steed whilst accompanied by Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor in the latest image from the loooong-awaited first Wonder Woman feature film. Gal Gadot looks even more regal here than she did in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, though just as intent on clobbering evil, one corrupt patriarch at a time…

New #WonderWoman image via @TIME pic.twitter.com/pslC91bmXL

— DC Comics United (@DcComicsUnited) December 19, 2016

[Twitter]

Justice League

Not enough Wonder Woman for you in today’s Movie Morsels? Not enough Batman either? We can solve both problems in one fell swoop: Gal Gadot herself shared the below image of Princess Diana, Bruce Wayne, and speedster Barry Allen in costume together from Zack Snyder’s upcoming Justice League movie.

Welcome #Flash! ⚡️ #justiceleague @justiceleaguewb https://t.co/WkBNAMk7P2 pic.twitter.com/93nxdgY4Cg

— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) December 20, 2016

Patriots Day

This year’s acclaimed Deepwater Horizon‘s director Peter Berg and star Mark Wahlberg reteam in the dramatic thriller about the horrifying Boston Marathon bombing, Patriots Day. Backed by a powerhouse performers like J.K. Simmons, Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, and Michelle Monaghan, I’m hoping Berg and Wahlberg deliver another winner, one just as steeped in real-world drama, when it hits theaters this week. Here’s the film’s latest trailer…

[CBS Films]

xXx: Return of Xander Cage

If you’re looking for a slightly less serious thriller than Patriots Day, one whose characters and situations bear little resemblance to anything that’s ever existed on this planet, Vin Diesel’s xXx: Return of Xander Cage should do the trick. As its latest poster makes quite clear, Vinnie D and company are going for one thing and one thing only here: maxxximum escapism…

See the xXx cast in the new xXx: #ReturnofXanderCage poster. pic.twitter.com/7kV99S3Ff5

— Paramount Pictures (@ParamountUK) December 9, 2016

[Twitter]

Prevenge

Finally today, we’ve got the first trailer for the most offbeat film I’ve heard of so far this week — Prevenge! Yes, it’s the pregnancy-revenge thriller (get it???) we didn’t know we needed, from first-time feature film director Alice Lowe. The movie is described as a slasher spoof about “a pregnant woman who is convinced her fetus is ordering her to kill.” And so kill she must! Prevenge hits UK theaters in February; hopefully a US release will soon follow…

[The Guardian]

What do you think of today’s top stories? Let us know below!

Featured Image: Warner Bros.

Images: Marvel Comics

Streaming VHS Presents ALIENATOR on Alpha!

The 1980s and ’90s were a glorious time for science fiction. Of course there was the bevy of A list movies that changed the landscape of the genre, and of cinema in general, ever after. But on top of that were all the knock-off and exploitation sci-fi movies that were close enough in makeup to some of those tentpole titles but that didn’t have the budget or the effects to fully realize their premises. But that’s what makes them fun! B-level sci-fi, often of the direct-to-video variety, was a genre all unto itself, and it’s this enjoyment that we hope to share with our new Alpha series, Streaming VHS.

Tuesday night at 8:30pm PT, you’ll be able to log onto Project Alpha and watch a different oft-forgotten sci-fi/action flick from the halcyon ’80s along with us, with live audio commentary by critics, fans, and sometimes even filmmakers themselves! You’ll get to watch a weird old movie and learn a thing or two at the same time.

This week, you’re in for a treat, schlocky sci-fi movie fans! Dan Casey and I will be watching the 1990 flick Alienator, a kind of mixture of Terminator, Assault on Precinct 13, and Space Mutiny, and not only because it stars the B movie icon that is John Philip Law. The best part? Dan and I will be joined by the film’s director, and a bona fide schlock auteur Fred Olen Ray, whose filmography is more robust than any 10 directors combined. Let’s have a look at Alienator!

Looks bananas, right?! Alienator also stars Jan Michael Vincent, P.J. Soles, Ross Hagen, and a giant robot woman with a gun for an arm. It’s a blast and a half.

It all begins Tuesday, December 20, at 8:30pm PT. And if you can’t watch live, no worries! The whole thing will be available on Alpha’s VOD the following day, as part of your subscription. Join us!

Image: Image Entertainment

Kyle Anderson is the Associate Editor for Nerdist. He writes the weekly look at weird or obscure films in Schlock & Awe. Follow him on Twitter!

WYNONNA EARP Stars Share a Very Goofy Holiday Wish with Fans

Fans of Wynonna Earp are used to seeing series heroine Melanie Scrofano compose herself with an inimitable helping of badass grit. When you’re traversing hostile territories laden with otherworldly monsters and demons all out to see you gunned down, there’s a certain degree of toughness you’re expected to effect. And while we don’t doubt for a second that Scrofano can be tough as nails in her own right, she’s surely not showing that side in this new holiday wish directed at the many devoted fans that keep her show afloat.

The video is a charming look at the lighter, goofier side of Scrofano and her Wynonna Earp costar Dominique Provost-Chalkley, who plays the titular roughneck’s younger sister Waverly on the Syfy series. The pair does not offer much in the way of advice to ward off whatever hell-sent beasts you might find on your own futuristic voyages down the path once explored by legendary cowboy Wyatt Earp, but instead a laughter-heavy wish of good will and merriment for the impending holiday season.

If you’re a regular watcher of Wynonna Earp, you might enjoy the simple and silly message from Scrofano and Provost-Chalkley, especially after a long day of shoveling the walkway, dealing with worked-up business associates, or fending off bloodthirsty demons. Whichever of these common stressors got you down today, unwind with the Earp sisters and look forward to an anxiety- and creature-free holiday break.

Have you been watching Wynonna Earp? What are your favorite moments from the series so far? Let us know in the comments!

Featured Image: Syfy

Don’t Worry About The Nintendo NES Classic’s Short Cords, Get This Wireless Adapter

As much as modern consoles like the Xbox One and the Playstation 4 have advanced when compared to their less technologically adept ancestors, there’s still a certain charm to the games and systems we grew up with that just can’t be replicated by these newfangled machines. That what Nintendo realized before releasing the NES Classic Edition, the tiny brick affectionately nicknamed the Mini NES that packs 30 classic Nintendo Entertainment System titles into a small package, in time for the holiday season.

There’s a reason the modern systems are the way they are, though: They saw problems previous consoles faced, and decided to improve upon them. Perhaps the most user-friendly example of this is how all modern consoles have cut the cords, offering users wireless controllers so they’re not tied to their TVs like a dog leashed in the yard. The Mini NES, like the console it emulates, has a wire problem, though: The general consensus is that the controller cords (which measure about 2.5 feet long) are way too short, but now, there’s a solution (via Gizmodo).

Analogue and 8Bitdo have previously collaborated to create wireless bluetooth controllers for the NES and SNES, and now, they took notice of the NES Mini’s wire-related shortcomings and came out with their own wireless controller made specifically for the new/old console. It’s available to pre-order on Amazon now for $40 (with a release date of December 16), and also, established third-party game peripheral creator Nyko has a $25 option of their own as well. The features of each are slightly different, so consider both, but no matter which one you get, enjoy being more than three feet away from your TV this holiday season.

Featured image: Nintendo

13 Awesome Female Characters Who Should Get Their Own TV Spin-Offs

Throughout television history, we’ve gotten to know a good few kickass women. From Wonder Woman and Batgirl in the ‘60s and 70’s, to Dynasty’s Alexis Carrington and Buffy Summers in the ‘80s’ and ‘90s, to women like The Walking Dead’s Michonne, Law and Order: SVU’s Olivia Benson and Supergirl’s Kara Danvers dominating our screens today, strong female characters have always been around. It’s just that now, we’re seeing even more of them.

With so many complex roles popping up today, you could say it’s a great time to be a woman on television. With that said, there are still those characters who, while awesome in their current positions, deserve their own spinoffs. I’m talking about the ones who don’t get enough airtime, or whose backstories are just too interesting to be pushed to the sidelines. Characters like…

 

Misty Knight, Luke Cage

Sweet Christmas, when is she getting her own show? That’s what everyone’s been asking since showed up on the Netflix series unraveling Cottonmouth’s crime ring while also figuring out Luke Cage’s identity. She may not have powers, but her ability to visualize crime scenes just by looking at pictures could be considered “bionic.”

As Misty became disillusioned with the criminal justice system by the end of the season, this would be the perfect time for her to branch out on her own. Plus, getting shot in the arm and needing “further treatment” before it gets amputated is an indication that she’ll likely have that bionic arm when we see her in Marvel’s limited series, The Defenders. After that, it’s back to coffee with Luke Cage. But in this writer’s opinion, she should go off on her own adventures with her shiny new arm intact.

Ruby, Once Upon a Time

The popular fantasy series likes to put a twist on its classic fairytale characters, and Little Red Riding Hood was no different. It turns out that Red, as she’s called in this version, is a werewolf. Instead of delivering snacks to Granny, this kick-ass lesbian heroine embarks on an adventure to find her long-lost love, the Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy.

With so many other storylines dominating the show—namely Rumple, Belle, Emma Swan, and the Charmings—she often gets pushed to the sidelines. But a woman who turns into wolf form to take down the bad guys has a lot more story to tell on her own. Let’s make this happen.

Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

So what if she already co-starred in a coming of age series for nearly a decade? That twist from A Year in the Life needs to be answered for! After earning a job as a reporter on Barrack Obama’s campaign trail in the Gilmore Girls series finale, we all expected her to be a successful journalist with her life at least semi-together. Boy, did that Netflix reboot prove us wrong.

A new series means not only answering the question of who’s the (spoilers!) father of her child, but also where she might up, career- and relationship-wise. We may not be on board with all her choices from A Year in the Life, but we’ve invested too much time in her character to see her go out like that.

Mellie Grant, Scandal

After Olivia Pope, Mellie is the real star of the show. She’s a voice for women everywhere who’ve had to sacrifice their promising careers in order for their husbands to get ahead. Still, that hasn’t stopped her from being elected Senator while still serving as First Lady and eventually running for president. Obviously, a spinoff would center on her time in office because, let’s face it, there’s no way she’s losing that election. She practically ran the White House during Fitz’s two terms. Besides, who doesn’t want more Mellie?

 

Carol, The Walking Dead

Carol has already branched off on her own in the show, so it makes sense that she should get her own series. She’s been a longtime fan favorite, evolving from abused wife to one of the core leaders of the main group with a killer shot. Though she’s currently living in voluntary exile, it’s pretty obvious she won’t stay that way for much longer. Whether she rejoins King Ezekiel’s colony or marches down a different path, we’d boldly follow her anywhere.

 

Mylene Cruz, The Get Down

Set in the South Bronx in 1977, the Baz Luhrmann musical drama centers on a talented lyricist named Zeke. While he struggles with pursuing his dreams, it’s Mylene who has the drive and an active plan to pursue hers. In a time when we’re actively concerned about not only female representation but also seeing Latinx characters in the spotlight, this would be a great opportunity to answer back with a talented and multifaceted character like Mylene.

 

Brienne of Tarth, Game of Thrones

She came, she kicked ass, and combatted sexism along the way. Game of Thrones first introduces Brienne in season two, winning a fighting tournament full of men. As a reward, Renly Baratheon adds her to his Kingsguard. Since then, she’s been a badass force who, like women in our world today, longs for an equal shot at pursuing her goals. We’ve seen Brienne bound by honor to protect others like Sansa Stark and even form friendships with the likes of Jamie Stark. Now it’s time to see her in her full, awesome glory, in a show centered on just her. Imagine the possibilities.

Sheriff Jody Mills, Supernatural

Few women get to live long enough on Supernatural to become a reliable Winchester ally, but Sheriff Mills is definitely one of them. Her introduction to the show, in which she immediately busts Sam and Dean because they used her old friend Bobby Singer as an alibi, is proof enough of her badassery.

Throughout the series, she’s been tough when she needs to be, but also caring, like when she adopted Annie Jones and Claire Novak. And while we do love our Winchesters, it’s time to see that world expand with a series focused on a female character. Preferably, Sheriff Mills.

 

Petra, Jane the Virgin

She’s technically an antagonist on the show, but Petra’s tragically complicated story is the grounds for a spinoff. For starters, she’s not really evil. Though she lies and manipulates to get what she wants, she’s also proven to be a caring mother and sometimes, even a friend to Jane. With a criminal mother, newly reunited twin sister who kept her paralyzed for three months, and a never-ending list of enemies lurking about, her life Is anything but dull.

Why stop there? Plenty of more women deserve their own shows like Mad Man’s Peggy Olsen, Katherine Pierce on The Vampire Diaries, River Song from Doctor Who and Orange Is the New Black’s Nicky.

Do you agree? Who else do you think should get their own spinoffs? Let me know in the comments!

Featured Image: Marvel/Netflix

Images: Marvel/Netflix, ABC, The WB, AMC, Netflix, HBO

Kicking and Screaming #69 Breakfast Burrito

Kicking and Screaming is back!! The Canada Saga continues while Jenna films her TV show. Bodhi is alone and scared in a foreign land. He just wants a burrito. Actually Bodhi wants everything. Jenna wants to give him nothing. Isn’t marriage give and take? Guess not.

Subscribe and listen to Kicking and Screaming on iTunes and the RSS!

Follow @JennaElfman, @BodhiElfman and @KickingElfman! 

 

Half Hour Happy Hour #102: Drunksmas Day 2

On this, the second day of Drunksmas, Alison, Alex and Tom are joined by the only alumni from Drunksmas 2015, Michele Morrow.

Follow @HalfHourHappyHr and hosts @alisonhaislip, @alexalbrecht and Tom “Super Volcano” Krajewski on Twitter

Shooting Out A Candle Isn’t Easy, But It Sure is Satisfying in Slow Motion

We have all seen the classic Western movie trope, the one where an eagle-eyed marksman turns the whole room dark by shooting out a candle flame like he had just blown on it gently. Just a simple point and a click is all it takes to easily put out the light on the big screen. Well thanks to the latest video from the YouTube duo of Dan and Gavin we now know that actually hitting a candle wick with a gun is way, way harder than it looks, but that if you are going to watch it be done it’s much more satisfying to watch it in super slow motion.

The Slow Mo Guys engaged in an old-style challenge video, where they took (many) turns from about ten feet away trying to be the first to extinguish a candle with a gun, with what they describe as “the most inaccurate air pistol.” (No mention of their struggles possibly being a result of using inaccurate shooters.)

Numerous times they managed to douse the flame, primarily from hitting the wax of the candle and the resulting burst making the flame go out, but not until Gavin hit a pure shot, one that only hit the wick, did they finally have a winner.

And it was worth the wait, because the visuals created from that shot were far more pleasing than the ones of them hitting the candle. There was more life to the flame in its final moments when it was freed from the wick than when it was simply crushed by the exploding wax.

So although those cool gunslingers in Westerns made shooting out a candle look like more of a breeze than it really is, they never thought to show us how cool it looked in super slow-mo, which is just as impressive to see.

What other shooting challenge would you like to see the guys try next? Don’t be slow, hurry into our comments section below to tell us your suggestions.

Images: The Slow Mo Guys

15 Seriously Underappreciated Shows That You Should Be Watching

Some say we’re living in the golden age of television. It’s hard to disagree when you’ve got shows like Westworld, Stranger Things and Jane the Virgin lighting up the small screen. Now more than ever, we’re seeing diverse stories played on a variety of platforms and receiving high recognition in return for their creative labors. And while great shows like Atlanta and This Is Us have the support of both critics and fans, there are those who, for whatever reason, get overlooked. Shows that deserve more love like…

The Originals

Too epic to be contained on The Vampire Diaries, the Mikaelson family brought their “Always and Forever” drama to a spinoff set in New Orleans. With the focus on their dysfunctional family dynamics, the series is able to explore more complex issues outside of teen angst, like exciting witch folklore and Klaus’s severe psychological issues. It’s a compelling series full of colorful characters and, in this writer’s opinion, deserves much more love than it gets.

 

Wynonna Earp

A supernatural Western horror, Wynonna Earp is one of the best shows you’re probably not watching. The series follows Wyatt Earp’s badass demon-fighting granddaughter who works to bring the paranormal to justice. She’s not on her own, as she has a merry band of misfits to back her up. At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that the show was renewed for a second season. And you’ve got plenty of time get into the show before round two premieres!

 

Preacher

Adapted from the comics of the same name, this series is about Texas preacher Jesse Custer who, inhabited by the spawn of an angel and a demon, has the power to control people with one word. Now, he’s taking on the epic battle of Heaven, Hell, and whatever’s in between with the help of his kick-ass ex-girlfriend Tulip and friend Cassidy. The show was also picked up for a second season, so get on it!

 

Pitch

What would happen if the MLB decided to call up its first female pitcher to the big leagues? That’s the premise of this show starring Kylie Bunbury as groundbreaker and all-around badass Ginny Baker. Fox and MLB collaborated to bring the series to life with realistic game footage and commentary from actual announcers. Plus, it features a heavily bearded Mark-Paul Gosselaar and enough girl power to make you wish the Spice Girls were still around.

 

Queen Sugar

Is a show created by Ava DuVernay and executive produced by Oprah Winfrey even allowed to be bad? It centers on three vastly different siblings who are all dealing with the recent death of their father. There’s Ralph-Angel, who’s trying to rebuild his life after a stint in jail; Nova Bordelon, a social activist and herbalist; and L.A. basketball wife Charley Bordelon, who moves back to Louisiana with her teen son Micah to claim her inheritance—a sugarcane farm. This series is a must-watch, not just because it presents complex African-American characters in a way that most other shows don’t, but also because it’s great.

 

Speechless

This subversive sitcom, starring awesome people like Minnie Driver and Cedric Yarbrough, centers on an eclectic family tackling the many issues that come with raising a kid with cerebral palsy. The great thing, however, is that JJ is presented as a well-rounded person who can be funny and a jerk at times, and isn’t one to be pitied because of his disability. Despite obvious obstacles, he’s making his way through life just fine with the help of a caring aid and a somewhat dysfunctional but incredibly loving family. It’s a show that will make you laugh while presenting a major character like whom we haven’t really seen on TV before.

 

Insecure

After conquering the interwebs with her Awkward Black Girl YouTube series, Issa Rae has moved on to more traditional television with a hilarious new show that also centers on the awkward experiences of a modern day African-American woman. The series has already been greenlit for a second season and Rae’s even been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series–Comedy or Musical. But the fact that the show itself lacks a nomination is further proof of how underappreciated it really is!

 

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

The musical comedy is a theater lover’s wet dream; its first season even earned creator and star Rachel Bloom a Golden Globe. Still, this show about a woman who leaves her high-paying New York City job on a whim, all in order to move to her ex-boyfriend’s sleepy California neighborhood, doesn’t get enough appreciation in this writer’s opinion. The CW series embraces diversity of race and sexual orientation and tackles an array of relevant issues (most prominently, depression) with hilariously spot-on musical numbers. What’s not to love?

Sweet/Vicious

Featuring two kick-ass wannabe vigilantes dead set on bringing justice to those who get away with assault on their college campus, Sweet/Vicious is a show worth watching. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson says she started the series in order to give a voice to the voiceless while combating rape culture, and it’s something we could certainly use right now. The MTV drama is only five episodes into its first season so you have time to catch up. I highly suggest you get to it.

Chewing Gum

The great thing about Netflix is that it introduces us to shows we might never have seen, like this gem from comedian Michaela Coel. The British sitcom centers on a 24-year-old virgin with a strict and heavily religious family who sets out to have sex for the first time. Featuring a supporting cast of kooky characters and some awkwardly hilarious moments (including the main character’s plot to dress up like Beyoncé in order to seduce her prude boyfriend), it’s a refreshing series comprised of only six half-hour episodes so far.

But those are just the tip of the iceberg! Other awesome shows you should check out include The Magicians, 11.22.63, 3%, Channel Zero: Candle Cove, and 12 Monkeys.

Did we forget one? What are some other shows you think deserve more love? Let me know in the comments!

Featured Image: Fox

Images: The CW, Syfy, FX, Fox, OWN, ABC, HBO, MTV, Netflix

Here are our picks for the most underrated movies of the 2016

All of ROGUE ONE’s Many STAR WARS Easter Eggs

Warning: The following contains a few significant spoilers for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Despite being billed as a “standalone” Star Wars story, Rogue One turned out to be anything but. The movie had so many connections to the originals, the prequels, and even the cartoons, that viewers might feel the need to crack open a Wookieepedia to fully understand everything that’s going on. Luckily we’ve done a lot of the homework for you, and have taken it upon ourselves to break down some of Rogue One’s best Easter eggs right here.

The Planets: The Rebels home base of Yavin IV from A New Hope shows up in Rogue One. We also get a brief layover on Mustafar, the lava planet from Revenge of the Sith, to hear Darth Vader workshop some of his sweet puns.

The Cameos: In addition to Pappa Vader, we get walk-ons from C-3PO and R2-D2. Bail Organa and Mon Mothma return to the head of the rebel alliance. A young Princess Leia and a living Grand Moff Tarkin show up thanks to the grave-robbing “magic” of CGI. Ponda Baba and Cornelius Evazan are still acting like giant dicks, this time on the streets of Jedha. And while he may not seem like a big deal, there’s one Imperial Officer that will prove extremely important to the future of Star Wars. That’s because he’s played by Rian Johnson, director of Episode VIII. (He and Gareth Edwards swapped cameos in each other’s films.)

The Whills: Chirrut Îmwe and Baze Malbus are described as members (well, one member and one former member) of a Force-observing religious group known as the Order of the Whills. The Whills actually has a history in Star Wars that stretches back further than A New Hope. When George Lucas was first developing Star Wars in the 1970s, he planned to frame it as a reading from an ancient book called The Journal of the Whills. The idea was eventually dropped, but never fully forgotten.

But those are just a few of the Easter Eggs we spotted. The film is so packed with them it may take a few screenings to spot them all. Hmmm… sounds like we just made your holiday vacation plans for you. Let us know any more you notice in the comments!