The Representation Game: A Conversation with Matthias Hoene
Pop culture products like movies and TV shows help us recognize social issues that need discussing. If we’re lucky, they enlighten us in entertaining ways. Sometimes they even make us uncomfortable because they force us question our own beliefs. Enter the Warriors Gate, the latest film from director Matthias Hoene, does all that work and more.
by Kevin Muller
The second trailer, or clip, has arrived for the anticipated new adaptation of Stephen King’s horror masterpiece. This one definitely has more footage than I expected, hell, it basically is a new miniature trailer. Let’s see what we got this time.
We hear Stan, standing in front of the attendees at his synagogue, talking about how children are supposed to be protected and how the unprotected ones become prey to evil. Accompanying this speech we see footage of a missing person’s photo along with an image of a very seedy looking adult. This gives of the feeling that Muschetti will indeed include how Pennywise’s presence does bring out the worst in the town. It is something that the mini-series didn’t really talk about. Readers of the novel know that Pennywise casts a very negative energy amongst the residents that definitely influences them to do evil acts.
When the first Guardians of Galaxy was released in 2014 it felt like a very odd choice for Marvel to make following the success of The Avengers; a sci-fi series featuring a talking tree, a psychotic raccoon, the tubby guy from Parks & Rec., and directed by a guy from Troma? Never should’ve worked. And yet, $770 Million and worldwide praise later, the film did work and serves as one of the highlights of Marvel’s cinematic universe, so no pressure on the sequel.
To get it out of the way quickly, Vol. 2 doesn’t live up to the first, only because the first film had no expectations of it, it came from nowhere, and blew everyone away. While the sequel had the unfortunate luck to come second, it’s still a burst of color and fun, while one of the best standalone MCU films to date.
We are excited to share the teaser poster for Dimension Films’ new horror thriller POLAROID in theaters wide December 1, 2017.
The highly anticipated premiere of “American Gods” airs this Sunday, April 30th at 9 PM ET/PT on STARZ. “American Gods” posits a different kind of war brewing—one between Old Gods and New. The traditional Old Gods, with mythological roots from around the world, fear irrelevance as their believers die off or are seduced by the money, technology, and celebrity offered by the New Gods. Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) is an ex-con who, left adrift by the recent death of his wife, becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to conman Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane). But in truth, Mr. Wednesday is a powerful old deity, on a cross-country mission to build an army and reclaim his lost glory.
Cinematic Diplomacy: A Conversation with Alexander Nevsky
Alexander Nevsky’s latest film, Black Rose, blends horror, mystery, and action genres for a fresh take on cinematic Russian/American relations. His directorial debut gets rid of the tired, Cold War stereotype of the Soviet villain versus the US hero. Instead, Black Rose tells the story of Nevsky’s Russian Police Major, Vladimir Kazatov, working side by side with the LAPD to find a killer targeting young women in West Hollywood. This simple change in perspective facilitates a conversation about international diplomacy and the political realities of 2017, as we are confronted daily with questions about Donald Trump’s relationship to Vladimir Putin and whether Russia interfered with last year’s presidential election.
Miral Reveals First-Glimpse Of Abu Dhabi Themed Worlds on Yas Island!
Developer confirms 60% progress, on target for 2018 opening
Abu Dhabi – April 25, 2017: Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of destinations, announced today that Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will feature six immersive worlds: Metropolis and Gotham City, inspired by the universe of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains; Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, and Dynamite Gulch, themed after iconic animated brands such as Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera; and Warner Bros. Plaza, reminiscent of old Hollywood, where these seminal characters and stories were originally brought to life.
Hey Friends! Logan and the gang here, we’re exhausted, but we had a blast on the first day of C2E2 in Chicago! We perused the convention booths, checked out the Wil Wheaton panels, and indulged in the world of Comics and Entertainment! Check out our Gallery below and stay tuned for Day 2 tomorrow via our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
CHEERS!
Sans Acrobats:
A Review of NOLA Circus
NOLA Circus, the latest film from writer/director/producer Luc Annest, focuses on an African American community in New Orleans. Friendships are tested, true love is put on trial, and a bunch of dudes get their asses kicked. Luc brings a French perspective to this dark comedy about two rival barbershops and their larger-than-life employees. I got the chance to talk with him about adjusting to cultural differences in the United States, looking beyond race to understand the film, and the importance of music in visual storytelling. After you listen to my conversation with Luc, check out NOLA Circus when it hits theaters on April 21st or when it hits VOD platforms and iTunes on April 25th.
A Fluffy Night Out:
The West Hollywood Screening of Salt and Fire
At the end of my interview with Veronica Ferres a few weeks ago, she invited me to the London West Hollywood hotel off of West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip for a screening of Salt and Fire. Instead of writing a review of the event, I wanted to reproduce it. This episode of the Cinephellas podcast is the story my experience and the personal journey it necessitated. I’m forced to confront questions of identity, recognizing the space between the way I see myself and how I’m seen (or unseen) within the Hollywood machine. While those neuroses are being sorted out, I try to pay attention to a David O. Russell-moderated Q & A with Veronica and writer/director of Salt and Fire, Werner Herzog. But the most trying part of the evening is figuring out why Mr. Herzog is as fluffy as llama fur.
Cinephellas 