Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 411

Hideo Kojima and Jordan Peele Team Up for OD Horror Video Game, Reveal Cryptic Trailer

If you want to make a horror game that will really pique fans’ interest, then you have to have creator names and an unsettling world that draws them in. And, when it comes to horror and games, Jordan Peele and Hideo Kojima are both excellent in their crafts. The horror director and the game developing legend joined forces at The Game Awards to present their intriguing new venture. The trailer for Jordan Peele and Hideo Kojima’s horror game OD doesn’t give us much information but it is just enough to grab attention.

That trailer is very strange and intense but that’s the point. It is a morsel to make our mouths water for more. Right now, there are little to no details about OD’s overall premise nor the type of game it is. It could be a first-person adventure or something entirely different. It does seem to have a 2024 release date and will feature actors Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier. Kojima promises that OD will break new ground in the gaming world. Via a translator at The Gaming Awards, Kojima said the following: “It is a game, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a movie. A new form of media.”

That cinematic aspect is where Jordan Peele’s genius comes in. The Get Out director hit the stage with Kojima and said that this project is indeed unique. It’s lovely to see Hideo Kojima’s desire to be in the horror genre come to life via his Kojima Productions studio. It is the second game for the studio following Death Stranding (2019), which is getting the movie treatment. And, with Xbox Game Studios and Jordan Peele working with him, it should be quite the thrilling ride.

Kojima Productions

But that’s not all! There will be other collaborator announcements at a later date. Kojima calls this creative collective “the Avengers,” so we can only speculate about who else is a part of the OD game team.

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These POKÉMON Keyboards Will Evolve Your Typing Powers

These Pokémon keyboards from Higround are not your average keyboards. These are a true Pokémon Master’s keyboards. Not only will they take your typing or gaming to its most evolved form, but there are three different kinds of keyboards in six epic designs just waiting for you to catch ’em all. And that’s not including the five mousepads and one jellybag also available. The Pokémon keyboards are rare, and they’re shiny. They’re just begging to get into your Pokécart. But we feel like they’re going to vanish quicker than you can recite the Pokérap. So get your fingers ready, here’s how you can get your hands on these Pokémon keyboards.

Higround x Pokémon Collaboration

Higround

We’re sure there’s a lot about Higround’s Pokémon keyboards that help them achieve the “perfect balance between gaming and creative pursuits.” But, our main takeaway is these keyboards just look really cool. In addition to the Pokémon drop, Higround has several other fun nerdy collaborations in the works. But, we have to say this seems like the best one yet. The available designs include Poké Ball, Poké Ball Sticker (which features several different Poké Balls), Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, and Mewtwo. Basically, Higround wants you to know it’s not messing around with its Pokémon keyboards. None of that adorable starter nonsense other collaborations feature. No, Higround is going right for the big guns. And the design laid out across the many keys of the keyboard really works.

Available Designs

You can take a look at all the available Pokémon Higround designs below.

Click To View Gallery Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround Higround

For those wanting to know more about the styles of these Pokémon keyboards, Higround shares the Basecamp 65 keyboard features “ABS Plastic Frame, Pre-Lubed Switches, Dual Silicone Dampening.” Meanwhile, Summit 65 Keyboards include “CNC Aluminum Case, Gasket Mount Design, Screw-In Stabilizers, World’s First Graphic Mechanical Switch.” And finally, the Performance Collection features “The keys to taking your gaming to the next level. All the available Pokémon keyboards come with 68 keys because “68 key is the superior 65% layout. It’s everything you need in the most compact form factor.” Fair enough!

In addition to the keyboards, you can get Pokémon mousepads and a fun jellybag in Gengar purple. Who can resist that? (Yes, this seems to be a bag made out of jelly sandal-like material.)

When Will the Higround Pokémon Keyboards Release and How Much Will They Cost?Higround

Based on past drops the Pokémon keyboard collection will cost between $150-$300. The mousepads and jellybag will likely be in the $40-$50 range. But get yourself ready. This Pokémon x Higround keyboard collection releases on December 8 at 12 PM PT/3 PM ET via Higround’s special collection website. If Pokémon‘s Van Gogh collection mayhem was anything to go by, these will go quick.

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Celebrate THE DARK KNIGHT Films with Amazing Trilogy Triptych Print

When it comes to the greatest ever cinematic trilogies, there’s the original Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. (Perhaps the only trilogy named after its second and third installments and not the first, but we digress). As Bottleneck Gallery did for Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings trilogies, it is releasing a new The Dark Knight triptych trilogy poster from artist Gabz. This latest print is the ultimate tribute to Nolan’s Batman films, featuring the heroes, villains, and moments which solidified this as maybe the greatest DC Comics-based superhero film saga of all time. 

Bottleneck Gallery/Gabz

The Gabz Dark Knight Trilogy triptych screen print measures 36 x 24 inches, and is a hand-numbered timed edition. Prints go on sale on December 7 and end on December 10. Bottleneck Gallery will determine the edition size by the number of prints sold through Sunday, December 10 at 11:59 PM ET. The “Darkest Night,” “Purging Fire,” and “Legendary” aluminum print have already sold out. But you can still order the “Bhutan Blue” timed edition for $50.00 by clicking right here. The prints will then take 8-10 weeks to ship out.

The Dark Knight trilogy print focuses prominently on Christian Bale’s Batman and Heath Ledger’s Joker. However, just about every main character from Nolan’s Gotham City crime saga appears here. Interestingly though, only one version of the Rachel Dawes character made it to the print. In this case, the one played by Maggie Gyllenhaal and not Katie Holmes. But we suppose having two actresses playing the same character in one poster might have been a tad bit confusing. Although we don’t spot Morgan Freeman’s Lucius Fox character here either. Well, he always preferred to be in his R&D lab anyway. In any event, this is a fantastic print, and a must-have for any Dark Knight fan.

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LEGO FORTNITE Trailer Reveals a MINECRAFT-Like ‘Survival Crafting Adventure’

Fortnite and LEGO have some of the most iconic collaborations ever between them. So it only makes sense that they’ve finally joined forces to create a LEGO world in the Fortnite universe. LEGO Fortnite, as it’s called, opens up a whole new world of gameplay in the larger Fortnite universe and invites you to get as creative as you can be with LEGO bricks. According to IGN, these digital LEGO bricks even break apart in the same way they would in real life. How is that for immersion? Minecraft might have blocks, but does it have Minifigures? LEGO Fortnite is now available in the world of the game, and to get folks excited, we also have a cinematic and a gameplay trailer to enjoy.

If you don’t have any more space in your room for enormous LEGO builds, you can now shift your LEGO building love to the virtual world. LEGO Fortnite lets you design a whole LEGO world. You can even add LEGO sheep and a little LEGO garden. Of course, nothing is perfect, not even in the land of LEGO Fortnite, and giant LEGO monsters exist as well. The skull LEGO minions are super cute, though. But, cute or not, they do seem vicious. We don’t want to taste the wrath of the LEGO undead. We guess you’ll just have to assemble your mightiest team of LEGO minifigures to keep your peace. Right now, Marvel and Star Wars skins are available in LEGO Fortnite, but we hope you’ll be able to add LEGO Batman to that mix before long.

A release shares, “What’s LEGO Fortnite? In short… it’s the ultimate survival crafting adventure! Discover wide-open brickscapes where creativity and mischief click. Collect resources, battle creatures and power up your imagination to construct the ultimate brick-built base. Explore solo or play with up to seven friends as you build, bash and re-build!”

An additional description notes, “​Get creative in building and ​customizing​​​ your ultimate home base​ using LEGO elements collected from the world around you​, then recruit villagers to gather materials and help survive the night. Gear up and drop into deep caves in search of rare resources and hidden areas.” Sounds like a great time to us. You can even turn your favorite Fortnite looks into LEGO Minifigure garb.

LEGO

For those wondering where to find LEGO Fortnite, it’s already there. LEGO shares that you can find this new collaboration “wherever you play Fortnite… Yep, it’s as easy as that!” Sold! We bet we’ll be seeing a Fortnite LEGO set that you can build in your room any day now.

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McDonald’s Announces CosMc’s Spinoff Chain, Named for Forgotten ’90s Mascot

McDonald’s is about to do what every big franchise does at some point in its lifetime—get a spinoff. According to a report coming from CNBC, the fast food behemoth has announced a trial run for a chain of spinoff locations, which they’re naming CosMc’s. If the name CosMc sounds familiar to you, there’s a good chance you grew up in the early ’90s, when McDonald’s introduced a character mascot called CosMc into their ads. CosMc was an alien whose favorite thing on planet Earth was McDonald’s food. Right now, the plan is to open 10 CosMc’s locations, including nine restaurants in Texas, by the end of 2024.

McDonald’s

So what will set a CosMc’s location apart from your regular old McDonald’s? The new locations are specifically intended to sell customizable drinks and coffee, notably to the afternoon “just getting off of work” crowd. So, kind of like a Starbucks. However, no one at the McDonald’s corporation is mentioning that chain specifically. Doesn’t sound like there will be Big Macs or any kind of chicken sandwiches at CosMC’s, with a focus instead on a menu with Egg McMuffins and M&M McFlurries, plus new items such as Churro Frappes and pretzel bites. And coffee drinks, of course. The first CosMc’s restaurant will open this week in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

The new CosMc’s locations will have a smaller real-estate footprint than a regular McDonald’s restaurant. But the company is still figuring things out, and some may have different layouts. One of the plans involves having multiple drive-thru lanes. And customers using credit cards will also be able to pay at the drive-thru speaker. All as a way to speed up service times. If the 10 new locations take off in their trial run, then McDonald’s will decide if they will expand. We just hope that since they are naming the chain after CosMc, he will get his own comeback. If McDonald’s brought back Grimace, they could bring back the little alien guy.

The post appeared first on Nerdist.

MR. & MRS. SMITH Trailer Puts a Spin on the Original Film’s Premise

Like many movie fans, I was skeptical of Prime Video’s upcoming series Mr. & Mrs. Smith, created by Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane. A TV series reboot of the 2005 film of the same name just wasn’t appealing to me. Their real-life future marital woes aside, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were a cinematic match made in heaven in that film. The chemistry and action were highly entertaining. Some things feel like they should not get sequels and remakes, you know? But now that I’ve seen the trailer for the Mr. & Mrs. Smith TV series, I just might be convinced to check it out. (We’ll get into my very solid reasons why in a bit.) 

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine lead the series as the titular couple. We quickly learn that their relationship is not like what we saw in the original film. Here’s a plot synopsis for Mr. & Mrs. Smith to explain it all: 

Two lonely strangers land a job working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travels and a dream brownstone in Manhattan. The catch: new identities in an arranged marriage as Mr. & Mrs. John and Jane Smith. Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone. Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other. What’s riskier, espionage or marriage? 

The Mr. & Mrs. Smith trailer shows glimpses of their epic exploits, including putting a man’s body in a white tub. A weekly mission could be a lot of fun, indeed. The guest cast for this show is most excellent with Alexander Skarsgård, Eiza González, Sarah Paulson, Sharon Horgan, Ron Perlman, Billy Campbell, Úrsula Corberó, Paul Dano, Michaela Coel, John Turturro, Parker Posey, and Wagner Moura in various roles.

David Lee/Prime Video

Now, for my reasons behind wanting to watch this Mr. & Mrs. Smith series! I dig anytime someone who is not white gets to be the suave agent. I also really love lovers who go on missions together. But the biggest reason of all is turtlenecks. I love a “Cozy Sweater King,” and I gladly include tight-fitting turtlenecks into that equation. Donald Glover (whom we love as Lando Calrissian) wears not one, but two of them in this trailer alone. Who knows what other luxurious long-sleeved garments he will grace us with in the series? That’s a good reason to give anything a try.

What Is the Release Date for the Mr. & Mrs. Smith TV show?

Is it harder to be partners in high-risk missions or life partners? We will see when all eight episodes of Mr. & Mrs. Smith hit Prime Video on February 2, 2024.

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THE LAST OF US Season 2 Will Release in 2025 and Other News Odds & Ends

From tantalizing The Last of Us season two teases to incredibly orange Cheez-It nail polishes, here are some of our favorite pop-culture news odds & ends from the week.

Focus Features/Cheez It/Paramount Pictures

The Last of Us Season 2 Will Release in 2025, Set to Feature Content From Lost Game Levels Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu Reveals First-Look Images and Release DateIman Vellani Reveals Kamala Khan Will Be “Frodo” of Marvel Zombies, Returns to Voice Character and Pen New ComicChris Pine Feels Confident a Dungeons & Dragons 2 Movie Will HappenCheez-It Nail Polish Is coming!Hazbin Hotel Sets Release Date Twilight Director Would Cast Jenna Ortega and Jacob Elordi as Leads in Movie TodayMargot Robbie Reveals No Barbie Sequel Is Heading Our WayYou Can Now Watch the Halo Live-Action Series Free on YouTubeThe Last of Us Season 2 Will Release in 2025, Set to Feature Content From “Lost Levels“HBO

In a recent sizzle reel teasing their upcoming properties, HBO confirmed that The Last of Us season two would arrive on Max in 2025. This release window for more of The Last of Us has been highly hinted at in previous discussions, but now it is finally confirmed. The network did not release any further details on the season.

However, if you’re looking for hints about The Last of Us season two than look no further than the remastered “Lost Levels.” These Lost Levels are playable sequences that were cut from The Last of Us Part II. But they’ll be back in the remastered version of the game that is releasing on January 19, 2024. And Neil Druckmann is teasing that they hold some insights for the HBO series. He notes to Entertainment Weekly, “As a tease, I will say there is at least one element from a cut level that is planned [for] the show… I say that with the caveat that we haven’t started filming the show yet, and all things are subject to change based on what we ultimately feel will be best for the show.”

The Last of Us Part II Remastered and its mysterious Lost Levels will be available to pre-order on December 5.

The Last of Us season two is already off to an ominous start.

THE LAST OF US Shares an Ominous Season 2 Poster

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu Reveals First-Look Images and Release DateFocus Features

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu has been brewing for a while. But we finally have our first looks at the movie and a release date. Nosferatu will officially release on December 25, 2024. That’s one delicious Christmas gift for goths. The vampiric tale stars Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney, and Willem Dafoe.

New look at Nicholas Hoult in Robert Eggers’ ‘NOSFERATU’.

Also starring Lily Rose-Depp, Bill Skarsgård, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Willem Dafoe.

(Source: https://t.co/GtZ0Npf9yB) pic.twitter.com/YYYE1pSSnD

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 4, 2023

Learn more about the influence of the original Nosferatu with our article, here.

NOSFERATU and Count Orlok’s Influence on Pop Culture Vamps

Iman Vellani Reveals Kamala Khan Will Be “Frodo” of Marvel Zombies, Returns to Voice Character and Pen New ComicMarvel Studios

Iman Vellani has emerged as one of the MCU’s truest heroes. So we couldn’t be more thrilled that she’ll soon be back to voice Ms. Marvel in the Disney+ series Marvel Zombies. In an interview with The Direct Vellani reveals, “We’ve done the whole thing. It was amazing. It was so much fun. And I love—there are a lot of cool characters in the ‘Marvel Zombies‘ show. And Kamala is kind of the center of the show. They described it to me, it’s like, ‘She’s basically the Frodo of the story.’ And I was like, ‘That’s amazing.'” It’s what Ms. Marvel deserves.

Marvel Comics

Vellani will also be back to pen another Ms. Marvel comic. She and co-writer Sabir Pirzada will write the Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace series, a follow-up to Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant. According to GamesRadar, the pair will be joined by artist Scott Godlewski. The series is set to release in March.

Iman Vellani on THE MARVELS, Writing MS. MARVEL Comics, and Her Hopes for Kamala Khan’s Future

Chris Pine Feels Confident a Dungeons & Dragons 2 Movie Will HappenParamount Pictures

Although it was bad news for Star Trek 4, Chris Pine recently gave a positive update about the future of the Dungeons & Dragons movie franchise. He shared the following with GamesRadar about a potential Dungeons & Dragons 2, “I’ve heard some rumors about it… But I don’t know anything yet. But I feel pretty confident that it may happen.” He also added that he’d be “absolutely” happy to return to the universe. And we too would be absolutely happy to see it happen. Roll for Dungeons & Dragons 2.

Unfortunately, Chris Pine wasn’t so optimistic about Star Trek 4.

Chris Pine’s Latest Comments Spell Bad News for STAR TREK 4

Cheez-It Nail Polish Is coming!Cheez-It

Enough said, no? Cheez-It and Nails Inc. Polish are collaborating on two cheesy colors, “Orange You Feelin’ the Cheeziest” and “Flexin’ in the Red Zone.” And who doesn’t want their nails to look like a little cheesy? This polish, perfect for mani/cheddiz, will be available for pre-order on Dec. 29 at CheezIt.com.

Hazbin Hotel Sets Release Date

Who doesn’t want an animated musical series about the princess of Hell trying to rehabilitate demons? Hazbin Hotel is created by Vivienne Medrano and is based on “her popular animated pilot released on YouTube in 2019.” Additionally a release shares, “The series blends adult humor, unforgettable characters, and catchy musical numbers creating a wholly original and unique world.” It certainly looks good in its preview. And now it has a release date. Hazbin Hotel will release on January 19, 2024. The series stars Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz, Alex Brightman, Keith David, Kimiko Glenn, Blake Roman, Amir Talai, Christian Borle, and Joel Perez. And it will feature exciting guest stars such as Darren Criss (Saint Peter), Jeremy Jordan (Lucifer Morningstar), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Carmilla Carmine), Patina Miller (Sera), and Jessica Vosk (Lute).

We can’t wait to check in to this hotel.

Twilight Director Would Cast Jenna Ortega and Jacob Elordi as Leads in Movie TodaySummit Entertainment/MGM Studios/Netflix

Twilight just wouldn’t be Twilight without the incredible performances of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. But who doesn’t love a fan-cast for today’s day and age? Speaking to the Watch-a-long podcast, Twilight‘s director Catherine Hardwicke shared her picks for Bella and Edward, should a reboot of the series happen. Her selections? Jenna Ortega and Jacob Elordi. We accept these choices. Ortega could definitely help give Twilight a more horror-focused lean and Elordi really does give off strong vampire vibes.

There is a Twilight series brewing, after all…

A TWILIGHT TV Series Is Coming Our Way

Margot Robbie Reveals No Barbie Sequel Is Heading Our WayWarner Bros.

Alas, it’s unlikely we’ll say “Hi, Barbie 2.” But that’s most likely for the best. Not everything needs a sequel. Of course, this could all change in a moment, especially since Barbie was so immensely popular. But for now, Margot Robbie shares, “I think we put everything into this one. We didn’t build it to be a trilogy or something… Greta put everything into this movie, so I can’t imagine what would be next.”

We bet Warner Bros. could… But we’ll cross our fingers Barbie gets to stand on her own.

Barbie is now available to stream at home.

BARBIE Movie Sets Digital Release Date

You Can Now Watch the Halo Live-Action Series Free on YouTube

In case you’ve been waiting for a sign to watch the live-action adaptation of Halo, here it is. The Halo series is now available on YouTube in its entirety via Paramount+’s official channel. And it’s totally free. So now nothing is stopping you from watching Pablo Schreiber’s hunky Master Chief in all his sci-fi/action glory. We know we’re pressing play.

You can find the Halo playlist here.

We’re also getting a live-action series adaptation of Fallout.

FALLOUT First Look Images Show Power Armor, the Ghoul, and More

Originally published on December 1, 2023.

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Max Reveals First Look at IT Prequel Series WELCOME TO DERRY

Stephen King’s IT has haunted us since 1986. But most recently, IT and IT: Chapter Two directed by Andy Muschietti really captivated popular imagination. The devious Pennywise and his red balloon caused a stir among die-hard horror fans and casual viewers. And now, we’re heading back to Derry for more of that specific world. The has officially greenlit and ordered Welcome To Derry, an IT prequel series from Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs. And now we know who will star in Welcome to Derry and when it will arrive on our screens. We even have our first look at the series via a Max sizzle reel for upcoming properties.

The footage of Welcome to Derry is brief, but it does tease us with an ominous red balloon. It also confirms that although the Pennywise series was slated for a Halloween 2024 release on Max, the series will officially be released in 2025.

Max

So far, we know that Welcome to Derry‘s cast will include Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and James Remar. According to Deadline, Madeleine Stowe and Stephen Rider have also come aboard in recurring guest and series regular roles, respectively.

Welcome to Derry.

Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, James Remar, and Chris Chalk have been cast to star in the Max Original Series and prequel to the IT films, coming in 2024 to Max. #WelcomeToDerry #ITSeries #ITMovie 🎈 #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/wnX3YTIB21

— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 12, 2023

According to TV Line, Andy Muschietti will also direct several episodes of the series, including its first. The publication reports the HBO IT series will be set in the ’60s. It will delve into the origins of Derry’s curse and, presumably, Pennywise the Clown. The HBO Max show will eventually lead to the first IT film.

Paramount Pictures/A24/Fox

It’s not clear whether we’d see Pennywise become the main character of the Welcome to Derry prequel show. But we wouldn’t mind seeing Bill Skarsgård step into the role once more. Though, for now, it doesn’t seem like he’ll have any involvement.

Warner Bros.

Skarsgård shared the following about the IT prequel with Jake’s Takes:

As of now, I’m not currently involved in it… If someone else gets to do it, my advice would be: Do it your own. Make it your own. Have fun with it… What I thought was so pleasurable about that character was how incredibly abstract he was.

We’ll just have to see what else lies in store for Pennywise and Derry.

Originally published on February 23, 2023.

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Nerdist’s Best TV and Movie Moments of 2023

Whether we were seated in an IMAX theater or squinting at the tiny screen on our phones, this year’s crop of movies and TV series had us at the edge of our seats more often than not. And though one memorable moment does not a film or show make, we at Nerdist want to celebrate our very favorite on-screen memories from 2023. Some of these scenes made us laugh, while others filled us with joy, still, some were so horrible they just had to be included. Ultimately, as we look back at the year, these are the sequences that have stayed in our minds. Here is Nerdist‘s list of the best 2023 TV and movie moments.

John Wick: Chapter 4—Baba Yaga Falls Down All the StairsLionsgate

Selected by Mikey Walsh

There’s no wrong answer when it comes to naming John Wick: Chapter 4‘s best scene. It’s an all-time action movie masterpiece with some of the best fight sequences ever filmed. But we’re giving this award to a moment of falling action. Literally. After Baba Yaga fights his way up a long Paris staircase against a seemingly never-ending supply of goons, he’s pushed back down the stairs. All of them. Every time you think he can’t fall anymore, there’s another section to go. Then another. Then another.

It’s an unbelievable moment you can’t believe is happening as you watch it because few movies would ever attempt something like this. Since John will have to go back up for another long trip, there’s a high risk of the second attempt feeling tedious. Only, that’s exactly why this moment exemplifies the greatness of Chapter 4. The second journey up is even better than the first, as his friend-turned-opponent Caine helps John Wick make their duel on time. It’s meaningful, fun, and shocking, in a film that is the franchise’s best.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds—“Subspace Rhapsody,” the Musical EpisodeParamount+

Selected by Amy Ratcliffe

Nothing about the words Star Trek and musical episode seem to go together. And yet, in 2023, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds gifted us with “Subspace Rhapsody.” The episode wound together an alien presence with powerful solos, ensemble numbers, and a lot of dancing. While not every song was a winner, the Enterprise crew shared their feelings through music. I didn’t know how much I needed to hear Spock sing about being an ex, but it was a thing of beauty.

Tom Polce and Kay Hanley wrote the songs that tracked the journey of the crew dealing with their own issues but, by the end, coming together in harmony. They had to sing together in order to stop the alien phenomenon causing them to emote through music. A Klingon bridge crew performing in the style of a ’90s boy band was the cherry on the cake—both for preventing galactic disaster and for pushing the episode into one of the best TV moments of 2023.

The Fall of the House of Usher—Prospero’s Party Descends Into Acid Netflix

Selected by Rotem Rusak

Whether he deserved such a horrific death or not, Prospero Usher’s name was first up on Verna’s hit list in The Fall of the House of Usher, and so his final moments had to make a splash. And splash they did, if you count the sound of squelching skin flying everywhere.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I know I held my breath for the last ten minutes of “The Masque of the Red Death.” Just before the end, we see Verna urging Prospero to seek a quieter fate in an oh-so-soft and seductive conversation, but already we know in our hearts he absolutely will not. As soon as Prospero leaves the room, mask firmly on his face once more, the music trills, and events are in motion that cannot be stopped. As Verna warns the staff and Morrie Usher to flee, we know something is building. Then it’s time, the water falls, the acid hits, and there are only screams, both the party-goers’ and our own.

And, of course, we get one final genius stroke. Verna emerges to place the masque of death on Prospero’s disintegrated form in a stunningly composed shot. We stay in that moment for a breath, and then the iconic slam of the credits hits us in the face. Phew! Although many grotesque ends followed, given that viewers were only starting their The Fall of the House of Usher adventure, Prospero’s death hits that much harder than the ones that come after it. We all knew death was imminent, but just how breathtakingly intense it would be wasn’t yet clear. I’m willing to bet, though, that for most viewers, there were no more questions, only silence, when episode two crashed to a close. And that’s why it qualifies as one of 2023’s best moments across movies and TV shows.

Gen V—Marie Moreau’s Blood Daggers Save the Day

Warning: This video contains violence and NSFW language.

Selected by Tai Gooden

Throughout Gen V’s first season, Marie Moreau went through quite the journey with her blood manipulation powers. They came to life when she was just a preteen, activating the day she began her menstrual cycle. From that point forward, she was saddled with various forms of shame over her “unsanitary” powers and the accident that tore her family apart. Marie had nearly convinced herself that she wasn’t a good person because of what happened to her.

Her conflicting emotions and fears stunted her ability to lean into her complete capabilities initially; however, Marie shed everything that was holding her back in the finale. As she stood in the midst of chaos on God U’s campus, Marie quieted her mind and focused her energy. She caused streams of blood from dead bodies littered around her to elevate and form daggers. With the ease of a seasoned supe, Marie sent them flying towards a threatening presence, quickly eliminating danger. Did some of the people she saved deserve to be saved? Absolutely not. But that’s a part of a true hero’s job. Marie’s self-training and tears flash across the screen as she gives birth to a new version of herself. It’s a moving moment that sets her on an exciting new path.

Oppenheimer—The Trinity TestUniversal Pictures

Selected by Kyle Anderson

The entirety of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, with its overlapping timeframes and deliberate pacing, positioned the moment of the Trinity Test, the dropping of the atomic bomb in the Los Alamos desert, as the high point of the drama. All of the characters’ lives have revolved around making this test a success, and the scene leading up to it is as tense and fraught with differing emotions as you can get. When the countdown reaches zero and the bomb falls, the sound cuts out entirely. Where we expect an incredibly loud explosion, we instead hear only the soft words of J. Robert Oppenheimer quoting the Hindu text, proclaiming himself death, destroyer of worlds. It’s both a triumph and a horrible omen for the future. Brilliant filmmaking moment.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel—The Final Scene

Selected by Eric Diaz

Prime Video

For five seasons, we’d been waiting for Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), a struggling comedian in the sexist world of early ‘60s America, to get her big break in comedy. She’d continually almost make it. Yet the rug would get constantly pulled out from under her. But in the final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, we finally see that big break happen before our eyes. Midge breaks all the rules and does an unauthorized stand-up set on an ultra-popular late-night talk show, and we witness her moment arrive. The final season was filled with flash-forwards showing Midge did become a star, but the closing moments of the series showed exactly how that happened, and it was oh-so satisfying. It is definitely one of 2023’s best TV moments.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One—”Grace” Meets With KittridgeParamount Pictures

Selected by Mikey Walsh

I love Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and (correctly!) believe every scene from the movie deserves a spot on this list. I can only choose one and my pick might surprise you. It’s not a big set piece, nor does it involve the film’s biggest star. Instead, it’s a more personal, intimate sequence that best captures the emotional heart of the film. It’s when Vanessa Kirby—giving an acting masterclass by playing Hayley Atwell’s Grace in disguise as Kirby’s Alanna Mitsopolis—meets with the legendary Henry Czerny’s Kittridge on the train. This is Grace’s chance to not only get out of her current troubles, but to set herself up financially for life. But this money exchange is really a deal for Grace’s soul. It’s a deal she ultimately refuses to make because, at the last second, she makes a choice.

This selfish loner, who has only ever thought about herself, chooses to care about everyone else instead. It’s the same choice the IMF’s most noble members, the ones who have saved the world countless times, once made. It’s also the most human moment in a movie where a powerful AI threatens all of humanity, and that’s why it’s among 2023’s best.

Loki Season Two—Loki’s Glorious PurposeMarvel Studios

Selected by Amy Ratcliffe

The end of Loki‘s second season brought the Asgardian prince’s story to a close—as much as anything in the MCU can come to a close. Loki wanted to claim something, anything, as his own. In the years since we’ve met him, he’s pursued the throne of Asgard and dominion over Earth. He’s searched for a purpose. Loki sought that purpose from a selfish perspective, so he never found it. But when he destroyed the TVA’s Temporal Loom and stepped in to pull together the branches of the universe, it was an act of selflessness. He found his place, tragic and alone at the end of time.

This moving, bittersweet transformation completed Loki’s arc. In realizing his power and his ability to save others, he discovered his place. Everything about this moment, from Tom Hiddleston’s beautiful performance to the VFX showing swirls of green branches stretching from Loki’s cape and forming Yggdrasil, moved me to my core.

One Piece—The Straw Hat Pirates Come TogetherNetflix

Selected by Rotem Rusak

Netflix’s live-action One Piece is truly a series that is greater than the sum of its parts. Not only is every episode an enjoyable watch, but the show’s heartwarming earnestness and inspiring, but realistic, message about the importance of dreaming linger with the viewer long after the credits have rolled. No singular moment better exemplifies these strengths than the last one of the series. The Straw Hat Pirates have all finally assembled; they have their ship, they have their heading, they have their dreams. And most importantly, they have one another. While other scenes may be more plotty or action-filled, this one moment rings purely with everything good about One Piece, making it one of 2023’s best. In less deft hands, it could read a little corny, but instead, it just overwhelms the heart with warmth. I dare you to watch it and not feel like it’s time to go on an epic adventure yourself.

TL;DR: I’m a sucker for a found family finally realizing that they belong to one another.

The post Nerdist’s Best TV and Movie Moments of 2023 appeared first on Nerdist.

REBEL MOON – PART ONE Finds A CHILD OF FIRE Ready for War in New Trailer, Will Release Early

Zack Snyder isn’t the only filmmaker who wanted to make a Star Wars movie but never got the chance. Unlike his colleagues, though, he’s still bringing his idea for the galaxy far, far away to the screen, just in a different way. His sci-fi epic about space rebels fighting back against an evil fascist regime is coming to Netflix. And the new trailer for Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire brings all-out war to a different galaxy. Happily, Netflix has also announced the movie will release a little bit earlier than planned.

Seven Samurai meets Star Wars (yes, we know why that is a very funny thing to say) in the latest trailer for Rebel Moon. The film’s new promo was the final reveal from Netflix’s Geeked Week 2023 event. It also gives us our best idea of what to expect from Rebel Moon‘s story. Previous looks at the film focused more on world-building. The streaming site has also provided one of the most in-depth synopses you’ll ever see for Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire.

From Netflix:

After crash landing on a moon in the furthest reaches of the universe, Kora (Sofia Boutella), a stranger with a mysterious past, begins a new life among a peaceful settlement of farmers. But she soon becomes their only hope for survival when the tyrannical Regent Balisarius (Fra Fee) and his cruel emissary, Admiral Noble (Ed Skrein), discover the farmers have unwittingly sold their crops to the Bloodaxes (Cleopatra Coleman and Ray Fisher) — leaders of a fierce group of insurgents hunted by the Motherworld.

Tasked with finding fighters who would risk their lives to defend the people of Veldt, Kora and Gunnar (Michiel Huisman), a tenderhearted farmer naive in the realities of war, journey to different worlds in search of the Bloodaxes, and assemble a small band of warriors who share a common need for redemption along the way: Kai (Charlie Hunnam), a pilot and gun for hire; General Titus (Djimon Hounsou), a legendary commander; Nemesis (Doona Bae), a master swordswoman; Tarak (Staz Nair), a captive with a regal past; and Milius (E. Duffy), a resistance fighter. Back on Veldt, Jimmy (voiced by Anthony Hopkins), an ancient mechanized protector hiding in the wings, awakens with a new purpose. But the newly formed revolutionaries must learn to trust each other and fight as one before the armies of the Motherworld come to destroy them all.

Netflix

That’s a lot of info. (In fairness, there’s a whole lot going on in this Rebel Moon trailer. There are lots of strange creatures, worlds, ships, and farming techniques most of us will never understand.) Fortunately, there will still be some mystery left for the actual movie to share.

Snyder shared a video breaking down the Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire trailer. In it, he hints at what’s to come, discusses making the movie, and talks more about the characters.

Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire‘s Release Date

Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire was slated to come to Netflix on December 22. But now, it will arrive slightly earlier, arriving on Netflix on December 21 at 7pm PT. Part Two: The Scargiver will follow in 2024, releasing on April 19.

REBEL MOON IS COMING A LITTLE EARLIER THAN YOU EXPECTED! Let the countdown begin to December 21st @ 7pm PT. pic.twitter.com/3g8UGFlMhf

— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) December 7, 2023

Two big-budget films about space rebels? Not a bad consolation prize for not getting to make a Star Wars movie.

Originally published on November 13, 2023.

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