What A Year

By Paul Anthony

Some would say going to the movies is the thing of the past here in the States. Well 2018 are in and the numbers proves that at least last year that was not the case. The numbers also prove that if you produce a good film people will go out to the movies and not do something else. Last year was one of those years where it seems like so many good movies came out and with that being said 2018 set a new record. Last Year Hollywood made 11.9 billion dollars, so I would say business is doing just fine.

In 2018 there were 140 films that made a difference, now within those films Disney released 13 films, Warner Bros released 49 films, Sony released 28 films, Universal released 38 films and then there is Fox with 17 films and Paramount releasing 12 films. Disney may have only released 13 films but they lead the way with 3.092 billion in the Domestic box office. Universal was close with 1.959.76 billion, Warner Bros was next at 1.940.69 billion. Then Sony at 1,283.72 billion and Paramount at a low 757 Billion.

If we think these numbers are just a fluke then guess again because these studios have some big titles coming out this year and could even top 2018. Disney has films like Captain Marvel, Dumbo, Avengers: EndGame, Aladdin, Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Artemis Fowl, Frozen 2 and Star Wars 9.  Warner Bros has titles like The Lego Movie 2, Shazam, Detective Pikachu, Mine Craft, Godzilla king of the Monsters, Shaft, IT 2, Joker and the gold Finch and another Conjuring film. Sony could have a great year as well with titles like Men in Black: International, Spider-Man: Far from Home, ZombieLand 2 and a third Jumanji film. Universal might have an off year with small titles like US and Happy Death Day 2U but could rebound with titles like How to Train Your Dragon three and Hobbs and Shaw as well as The Secret Life of pets part two. This could Be Fox.s last year before they join Disney and they will ride the Marvel way with Dark Phoenix and New Mutants  and Alita. Paramount is banking on films like What Men What, Pet Sematary, A Terminator film, Rocket Man, Dora explorer and Sonic.

Now we know these titles sound good but could flop we can look at Alita right now though it open at number one the numbers haven’t been there just yet. But it is hard to believe with certain titles won’t do good or even great but in any case let’s sit back and enjoy the year.

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91st Academy Award Recap!

By Paul Anthony

Last Night case you missed it was the 91st Academy Awards and unlike some years there wasn’t a clean sweep or anything like though we did have have some big winners with Green Book, Roma and Black Panther winning three awards and Bohemian Rhapsody winning four awards so let’s look at our winners

Best Picture went to Green Book.

Best Director went to Alfonso Cuaron for Roma.

Best Actor went to Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Best Actress went to Olivia Colman in The Favourite

Best Supporting Actor went Mahershala Ali in The Green Book.

Best Supporting Actress went to Regina King in If Beale Street Could Talk.

Best Original Screenplay went to Green Book.

Best Adapted Screenplay went to BlacKKKlansman.

Best Animated feature film went to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Best Foreign Language Film went Roma (Mexico).

Best Documentary Feature went to Free Solo.

Best Documentary Short Subject went to Period. End of Sentence.

Best Live Action Short Film went to Skin.

Best Animated Short Film went to Bao.

Best Original Score goes to Ludwig Goransson for Black Panther.

Best Original Song went to the song Shallow from A Star is Born.

Best Sound Editing went to Bohemian Rhapsody.

Best Sound Mixing also went to Bohemian Rhapsody.

Best Production design went to Black Panther.

Best Cinematography went to Roma.

Best make-up and Hairstyling goes to the film Vice.

Best Costume Design went to Black Panther .

Best Film Editing went to Bohemian Rhapsody.

Best Visual Effects went to the film First Man.

 

Elimination Chamber results and reaction

By Justin Hopkins

I’m not going to lie. Wasn’t the most excited for this PPV as I was for the rumble. Until the week leading up to it there wasn’t much to be that excited for outside of the women’s tag team title match. Yeah the rivalaries were set and going, but didn’t have that much hype that the PPV deserved to have. In the last few minutes I decided to tune in and while everything went kind of as expected, what they got right, was not only special, but spectacular. Going to start things off with the regular matches and save the chamber matches for later.

Starting off with the second match of the evening with Shane McMahon and The Miz lose the Smackdown Tag Titles to The Usos, which was a pretty decent match in itself. All four getting a chance to shine at some interval of the match. Nothing really special about it, but kind of expected more of a clear turn from either Miz or Shane to set up the Mania match these two seemed destined for. All in all there isn’t much to say about it though, Negative or positive. A solid match following the first chamber.

While I’m glad to see them finally put a title on Finn Balor, the 2 on 1 handicap match was such a dud. They really would have been better off just keeping it a singles match between Balor and Lashley because the constant tag in and outs with Lio Rush got old fast and continuously slowed the flow of the match. While a single match would have told a better story and still could have lead to the same place of Lio costing him the title in an distraction gone wrong and Lashley crushing him afterward. Since I am excited to see the Incontinental Title going on Finn Balor, someone who can consistently put on top tier matches more frequently though, I am perfectly fine with the end results which is far more then I can say for the next two matches on this list.

Ruby Riott is the biggest loser in this whole fiasco of a segment. She is a good talent who could have put on a really good match with Rhonda. Sure no one believed she had a chance going in, but they could have had a real match. The second Charlotte came out though, this match became a joke. The crowd left the whole match and changed for Becky immediately, and Ruby was a distant after thought. Becky finally getting a one up on the two at the end didn’t make up for how frustrating it was to see Ruby Riott get forgotten in this whole mess. She deserved so much better then this and hope they make it up to her in the near future.

You know is they Baron Corbin vs Braun Strowman down to three minutes, could have used the extra time for Ruby to have offense in her match since this ending did nothing and is going in an ugly direction. As much as I would love to saw this will come down to Drew McIntrye Vs Strowman at WrestleMania or Strowman vs Corbin rematch with a real ending. A three on one beat down to a Corbin win just seems like they are headed toward a six man tag match which is a wasted opportunity.

Alright, going to apologise for sounding like a crying fanboy now, and let’s delve into the good stuff, with the Women’s Tag Team Elimination Chamber Match and there was plenty of action to go along with this match up. The Icconics looked really good for the first time in a while and that roll-up combo they did to eliminate Naomi was so well orchestrated. Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan had me really pulling for them for a while. Having the best showing of any of the teams in my opinion, and sad to see them eliminated. Delighted to see Nia and Tamina being knocked out fourth leaving it come down to Boss and Hug vs Fire and Desire. While it was kind of predictable that Baley and Sasha would pick up the win. Knowing the legacy and hard-working and times these two talented women have put on in their careers to get to this point, I am happy they are awarded the title First WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and sure they will put on tremendous matches going forward.

Now, the main event, which stole the show and then some. Everyone put on great moments and high spots and bravo to everyone but when Kofi knocked out Orton, and it was down to him vs Daniel Bryan, I truly believed in Kofi. I believed in him more then I have believed in anyone in a match, in a serious long while. Every pin fall he kicked out of had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath when he hit Bryan with an SOS and Trouble in paradise, hoping for the miracle of a lifetime. One that would not come but wow was it so thrilling. Right to the end these two wrestlers put on a masterpiece, in the form of Psychological story telling. Although Kofi came out on the losing end. For a time, he made believers out of us all and reminded us of how great these shows can be.

Thank you for reading.

Black Panther Vs The Dark Knight

by Paul Anthony

Can you believe its been just over ten years since the Dark Knight came out and created a whole bunch of storylines. Most people thought this movie was ground breaking for the Comic book film genre. Some will even credit this film putting this genre of films on the next level, regardless what people will say we can again say this film was in a league of it’s own. The Story was different, the action was on point and so was the actually acting. With all of these elements and story lines, one thing it could not do was get Nominated for best picture at the Academy award and yet Black Panther was.

Sure The Dark Knight won a bunch of other awards including the academy award for best supporting Actor which Health Ledger won but sadly this was after he passed away which may have had a part in it which said to say but it is also true, yet it wasn’t even in their mind to nominate them for best picture. Now ten years later we another film making a big splash in the award season and that is of course Black Panther. Now in my eyes at a quick glance Black Panther was far below the greatness that The Dark Knight was and still is. Now don’t get it twisted I think Black Panther was a good film with some good acting and actors but nothing truly stood out compared to what the genre is putting out there. But yet they are nominated for best picture which even being nominated is such a high honor. Now Black Panther did change the culture of sorts in Hollywood. This film came out in a time where Hollywood is under fire a lot for White Washing which is a term they used when white people are cast in a non white role. SO yes it did make a impact big time but films are not rewarded for being a culture impact because then you would have to change everything about the award process.

What if Black Panther wins? This would be a billion dollar question and I am very curious to find out because if it does it would be the first comic book film to do so, which is such an high honor and I don’t think it deserves that. Many people will still hold The Dark Knight in high honors and still will call it the best even if Black Panther wins. I am big Marvel fan and would love to see this win go to them, so good luck  to Black Panther!

The Reboot and Sequels that got Our Attention

By Paul Anthony

Last Month we saw some big Movie News regarding two franchises and one that is becoming a franchise. Here is why these three films caught our attention, Final Destination is getting rebooted, GhostBusters 3 and Coming to America 2.

Let’s Dive into the reboot of Final destination, This was announced just a few weeks ago in which they officially announced that they would reboot rather then do a sequel. Warners Bros have been playing with this idea since part 5 came out in 2011. The Writing was on the wall for there to be a sixth film. The fifth film Made a decent profit. It grossed 157 million off of a 40 million dollar budget though only 42 million came from the States. Nonetheless the film made money. The numbers for the series have been up and down but each film made money. With the fifth being the highest reviewed film in the series at 62 percent. The series seems to be going strong but yet that was back in 2011 and rebooting a film can be tricking, by the time this film happens it could be ten years, can they recreate the magic or will this just be a waste of time. There is no doubt that this series does have a cult following because the idea was so new but now it is not. If they want to make it work then the film has to be done right and we know that is easier said then done.

In the 80’s and 90’s Eddie Murphy was all over the place, his movies were hits and his stand ups were on fire. Murphy was gold but nowadays he will do anything to keep his name out there. Back in 1988 Murphy starred in the hit comedy film Coming to America. Now new Broke that after thirty years they decided to make a part 2. Certain films shine because stories are a one off thing meaning its better to be one and done and times have changed. Audiences have changed and Murphy isn’t the same. Sure the entire cast is returning but that doesn’t always mean the charm and magic will. Sadly I believe this film won’t recapture the magic like the first film did.

Now the biggest news is the announcement of GhostBusters 3 and no this film won’t be the sequel to the 2016 film, no this is sequel to the first two. This film will have the original cast returning in more then a cameo of a different character, they will be returning as the characters we came to love. This film will act as a passing of the torch film, theam will also feature two boys and two girls learning from the old team. This is what I believe hurt the 2016 film, The women did nothing wriong and was great but it felt like a reboot that we never wanted and with that it underpreformmed and never will get a sequel, The old and new team will hit the theaters in 2020!

Resident Evil 2 Remake Review

By Justin Hopkins

I remember playing this game way back on the PlayStation when I was a kid. One of the most challenging and frustratingly fun games I ever played. Only ever made it to the boss battle once and didn’t have enough ammo to leave a dent and was laughably beaten silly. So when I heard this was in the pipe line, was so excited for it’s release and Capcom delivered big time.

My excitement started with the main screen, due to the fact that this one has my two favorite Resident Evil Protagonists in Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield. Each may be dropped in the same place but storylines are drastically different.

Leon gives you more of an action flare. Working with Ada Wong to steal the G Virus from the Nest and bring the truth to light, or so he thinks. Claire gives you a bit more of an dramatic story with her desperately trying to rescue Sherry. Leading her through the depths of the sewer and down into the depths of the lab to cure Sherry of the G-Virus. Looking like the hoss she is when she stepped onto the platform with stage three G-Monster. Knowing who to pick first does matter in the aspect your personal gamer goals change with each play through. I choose the fiery redhead Claire and things got rolling quickly and things were quite different then what I remembered from back in the day.

That’s what makes Side A so special for me. They keep all monsters the same but shifted their appearance in the Police Station. Making the potential to use your memory and little more difficult and preserve the sense of terror as you wait for their pending arrival.

Once you knock off the first playthrough you are presented a few choices. When I beat Claire’s A story you can venture into Leon’s B story or do his A to unlock Claire’s B story ( what I did) and the B story is the game from my childhood and you see the changes they made in A. You encounter the Licker almost right off the bat and venturing down the second floor a bit to early could result in unleashing the Tyrant way earlier then you are going to want to happen.

This game is so much about strategy as it is the horror and terror. It forces you to have to think about everything you do at all times. Makes you think about where you are what you need to be carrying at that moment. Asking questions such as should you waste ammo to take out a few zombies or leave them to be a problem for later? Which hallways are the Lickers free roaming around? Where is the Tyrant? Mr. X is probably my favorite monster to absolutely hate in this game. He removes every bit of safety and forces you to move it along and I love it so much. Despite how many times he has either killed me or lead me to a pack of zombies or Lickers.

Even when you do beat Side A and B stories. This game provides so much more to keep you going. A slew of records and rewards to keep you going. Can you beat the game under 4 hours and less then 3 saves? Did you beat them on Hardcore? Do the electric panel in 7 moves with Claire? Don’t use your gun with Ada. Escape the bedroom in less then a minute with Sherry. Prizes can range from artwork, models, or unlimited pistol bullets and unbreakable knife, but even better, two extra game modes are unlocked.

Alright I was close to not being able to talk about this level due to me struggling bad, but beating 4th Survivor may have been as the full game. Playing as Umbrella Agent Hunk, all you have to do is escape. Go from the sewer to the front gate. Except you have limited supplies, no saving and you encounter every enemy in your made dash to the gate. It’s thrilling, exciting and heartbreaking all at the same time, and if that’s too easy. The next more Tofu Survivor is you playing the same scenario with even less and as a block of literally Tofu as the ultimate call back to the original game.

This game was simply spectacular and everything I was looking forward to in my return to Racoon City and Resident Evil 2. They took great care to not mess with the story in negative ways, and added parts in side A to added to the story. Such as giving Police Officer Marvin Branagh a minor talking role to give some heart and make his death matter. The character models were beautifully done and things were so realistic. Dark and gritty and not to over the top. The details on the Lickers were specifically well done and every small detail was immaculate. The sound effects were top notch and lighting added was breathtaking at times. Pick up this game and check it out for yourself, and if you already have, comment your times down at the bottom. Beat the game in 2 hours and 54 minutes and 4th Survivor in 11 minutes and 20 seconds.

Thanks for reading

Fast and Furious Movie Trailer

By Paul Anthony

This is the weekend of the year where you know the big time movies will be releasing their trailers. We saw a new Avenger trailer and a Toys story 4 trailer and more but there was one that caught my attention not just because they released a full trailer just a few days earlier and that film was Fast and Furious presents Hobbs and Shaw. Don’t get me wrong this trailer had its moments but there were some that just in my eyes were too much.

We know over the last few films, the stunts in these films started to become just unrealistic and but it gives us that OMG type of stuff but this film clearly is now going over the top. In the last few films the team were using cars in more ways then just driving okay I am on board with that but now they have added Super Humans to the franchise. Yes Super Human. I guess they couldn’t find someone as big as the rock to give him someone real to battle instead they have to enhance a character to beat him.  Still they didn’t need to go this over the top, now it seems like they are adding a comic book feel to it, which could hurt films 9 and 10.

Next thing is the title, Fast and Furious presents. This sounds stupid to harp on but titles can make and break a film and right now the last thing this film franchise needs is to lose a fan base because the numbers haven’t been there and I know The Fate of the Furious made over a billion dollars but here in the states the film failed to make its budget of 250 million here in the states and that is something that should been concerning.

The final thing is the movie itself, we have learned with the Star Wars is too much of one thing is a bad thing, Let’s be honest this film is basically fast and the furious 8.5 basically the plot is the same as the rest but with fewer main characters so when 9 comes just 7 months after this film comes out.

I’m not trying to bash this movie at all because there are somethings I did like from the trailer. Anything The Rock is in he can make into magic with him being funny and being a great action star. The laughs will come with this film with His Character interacting with Jason Statham character feuding well trying to work together. We know Jason isn’t funny on his own but with the right person he can be. I think it’s these two that will same this film and having them in the final two films will help them earn money.

Of course this all could work and things will be fine but we won’t know until the film comes out in August.

Punisher Season 2 review

By Justin Hopkins

I know I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I wanted to see if it would survive Netflix cancelling spree on Marvel property. Now that it’s been a bit and it lives on. So, might as well proceed as if it goes on. Came in to season 2 with a bit more hope then I had for the first. Jon Bernthal proved to be an excellent choice for The Punisher from back in Daredevil and carried it over well to his own show. Can season 2 carry it over now that his vengeance is complete, and the answer is yes but comes with a huge wasted opportunity. Let’s get to it and I’ll explain my main issue in a bit.

The season picked up with Frank laying low and on the move in Michigan, under the name Pete Castiglione. Where he is seen with a potential to create a new life with a bartender Beth and her child, until he encounters a smart mouthed girl (Giorgia Whigham) with a group of people after her. After a blood filled brawl breaks out throughout the bar that saw Beth get shot. Refueling Frank’s desire for vengeance. More or less Kidnapping the girl after dropping Beth at the hospital. Trying to find out what is going on while The Pilgirm is hot on their heels at every turn.

Meanwhile back in New York, we see Madani has been visiting Russo in the hospital multiple times a day. As she struggled to overcome what he did to her. Wanting to see him in jail, but can’t due to him being unable to stand trial due to the brain damage left by the beating from Castle.

Russo was haunted by nightmares of the skull and had no idea of why. Memory being knocked back to where he never left the military. Krista Dumont was the Doctor try to help him regain his memory with mental problems of her own. Growing so obsessed by Russo that even after he escaped, continued to help till a relationship formed, and all of this was where my issue comes in.

Ben Barnes was tremendous at a damaged and remorseful Billy Russo. Even though we know his turn to Jigsaw is inevitable. Was so compelling as a sad and broken individual, but I didn’t care about this story in the slightest. The entire time him and Dumount just took much needed time away from the main story and just acted as devices to distract Frank from the main story villain and Barnes and Floriana Lima should have been held off for a later season, because they took time away from The Schultz’s and The Pilgrim and they are the ones that made this season special.

Josh Stewart’s portrayal of The Pilgrim was stunning and terrifying. He owned nearly every scene he was in. Soft spoken but every word carried a heavy menace behind it. A man saved by the word of God, but like Frank is an absolute tank. Takes a beating then gives it back ten fold. Feel he is being manipulated due to his faith and wanting to simply rid the world of filth, but as the story goes on, find out he is a lot deeper of a character and is being used by the Schultz’s Family and their hold over his boys. Seeing him and Frank trading blows at the end was the intense and brutal fight that was being worked up to and more. The two just battering each other and the shocking twist did not disappoint. Corbin Bernsen and Annette O’Toole didn’t get nearly as much screen time as they should have, they took advantage of it and created some real terrible people we were glad to seeeet the Swift punishment dealt by Frank. Had the moral issues and Madani and Curtis’s issues been moved from the Russo arch to this, would have had the exact same affect and got them more time for Schultz’s to be seen.

Despite my own issue, Season 2 was an absolute blast. Loved seeing Deborah Ann Will back as Karen Page and everyone had great chemistry. Hope this is not the last we’ve seen of this group and excited what season 3 will bring.

Thanks for reading.