Apple TV+ Brings History with CHIEF OF WAR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from directors Justin Chon, Anders Engstrom and Jason Momoa is the series telling the history of CHIEF OF WAR.

It is the 19^th century and there are four major kingdoms in the Hawaiian Islands. Ka’iana (Jason Momoa) is a man unafraid of the ocean and what lies beneath. Hunting for food, he lands to share with others into the village. Originally from the island of Maui and son of a king, Ka’iana and his woman Kupuohi (Te Ao o Hinepehinga) have found refuge on the island of Kaua’i. That doesn’t last as a boat arrives from Maui as the men request Ka’iana’s return to speak with King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison).

On Maui, Ka’iana is taken before his uncle the King and sees Prince Kupule (Brandon Finn) but also met by those who see him as a deserter. Happy for his return, Ka’iana makes it clear he has no plans to stay. Explaining why he has been summoned to Maui, Ka’iana is told that an army is being raised on O’ahu and the seer has foretold of people becoming enslaved. The King also believes that Ka’iana is part of a prophecy and the battle can only be one with warrior at his side.

After seeing a desecration, Ka’iana, Kupuohi and brothers Nahi (Siua Ikale’o) and Namake (Te Kohe Tuhaka) must make a decision. Ka’iana dons his feathered cape wearing his father’s necklace and stands before Kahekili. Plans are made to take down the young king of O’ahu. Warriors land on the shore as both men and women warrior’s fight. King Kahekili lands further down the beach and another fight begins as the young King is captured. Ka’iana is disgusted by what has happened and feels deceived and an anger wells up in him and now, there is no turning back.

Momoa as Ka’iana is stellar in this role because it requires not only a presence that is unmistakable but looks that make every intention clear. Ka’iana is a character that believes in his people and their way of life but not at the cost of those who abuse the power given them by the very same people. From the moment Momoa takes up the screen, there is such power and intensity that it lets the viewer know the entire story being told is going to be equally powerful and intense. 

Hinepehinga as Kupuohi is a woman who clearly believes in what Ka’iana has decided to do in regards to living in Maui. She doesn’t just follow him; there is no issue what so ever fighting alongside the men with the same fierceness. What I saw in this character is someone who cleverly watched and listened to the goings on looking for anything that might keep them all one step ahead. Hinepehinga is just stunning! Morrison as Chief Kahekili clearly has the belief that he is something mighty and no one can stand in his way of getting what he wants. Every decision this character makes is for his own desire for more power and Morrison takes us on Kahekili’s power trip with his foot flooring the gas pedal.

Finn as the prince is a mixture of being his father’s son and cousin to Ka’iana. The violence he is a part of pushes him further and further away from the relationship they once had. Believing his father’s idea of a prophecy, the loyalty is strong. Ikale’o and Tuhaka as brothers Nahi and Namake follow their brother through every phase of his decision making. Supporting the move away from Maui and the return, they are also strong in their belief in who they are and who they are willing to follow – and it’s their brother. These actors not only portray strength in their own characters but they are amazing with Momoa while telling their story.

Apple TV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv.

Co-created and written by Momoa and showrunner Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the initial idea was for the story to be a film in theatres but realized the full story needed to be told in a series. “Jason and I never intended on this just staying a singular season, but we do know the responsibility that comes with it. This is a story that’s never been told and I don’t mean just the story. It is a culture, a language that has never been exposed to the world.”

The high point of Sibbett talking about the series is saying about expanding the story, “if the audiences can respond to that, then we absolutely will tell more, because the story only gets bigger and the story only gets better.” The first two episodes bring such authenticity such as the characters speaking Olelo Hawai’. The series is inspired by real events and warrior Ka’iana who was a chief and warrior for Kamehameha I. Working with Native Hawaiian and Polynesian advisors, doing so brought an accuracy for not only the language but customs and traditions while giving voice to their perspective.

Momoa says of his work, “If we don’t get this right, we don’t get to come home. If we don’t do this for our people – take that weight, that responsibility, it’s not just another job, you know? I’m not coming home where people would be ashamed That’s something that weighs on us (along with Sibbett) This is everything I have, you know? The importance is next level. It’s not just as an actor; it’s as a director and looking out for the whole show.”

The fact that these two gentlemen recognize that CHIEF OF WAR needed to be a series is impressive, knowing that there is more of the story to tell is absolutely stunning. The cinematography is so beautiful and feels so authentic to the era. Filmed in both Hawaii and Bay of Islands, New Zealand, both spots allowing the series-makers places that look untouched and natural as Hawaii might have looked in the 1700s. The story itself is compelling, riveting and gorgeous to watch. I found myself actually looking into the story of Ka’iana and his family and it is even richer than I could have imagined.   

Apple TV+ should pat themselves on the back for working with Momoa, Chon, Engstrom and Sibbett on this project. It is a winner from beginning to end and has absolutely everything from rich characters, in-depth storytelling and a history that is finally being shared. It is not just a story that islanders need to see, although I have many friends in Hawaii eager to experience the series, but it is also a story that the world needs to see as well. CHIEF OF WAR begins this Friday with the first two episodes and running weekly through September 19th.

 

 

There is Fun with A MINECRAFT MOVIE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Jared Hess and Warner Bros. is a story straight from every video game lovers dream with A MINECRAFT MOVIE.

Steve (Jack Black) is a kid who always wanted to get inside the mines, as he grew older, that dream didn’t change and as he finally gets his pickaxe to work, he discovers something amazing. An orb-cube that takes him into a different world where his imagination and creativity soars but takes him away from his own world. When things get crazy, Steve sends his faithful friend Dennis away with something that needs to stay hidden.  Back in that world, Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa) is having life struggles as well. Once hailed genius of game play, he is a grown man struggling with trying to pay the rent on his store.

Moving to the small town is Natalie (Emma Myers) and her brother Henry (Sebastian Hansen). After their mother passes, Natalie has taken it upon herself to take care of Henry and start a new job in the small town. The realtor Dawn (Danielle Brooks) offers up the keys to their new place and offers to help in any way she can. On the way to his first day of school, Henry sees Garrett’s shop and is intrigued and frustrated at the same time as the shop owner tries to play it cool. In school, Henry manages to cause a large ruckus.

Garrett saves the day a bit and back at the shop, Henry discovers a cube but sister Natalie and Dawn are on their trail. All of it leads back to a certain mineshaft and a portal that sucks them in! Meanwhile, Steve is dealing with Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House) who has been holding him captive until she gets the orb that will allow her to control all worlds. She wants the cub and the only way to get it is by letting Steve go retrieve it. He meets up with Henry, Natalie, Garrett and Dawn and now the race is on to see who will get the cube and it isn’t going to be easy!

Black as Steve gets to literally play in this film because he looks like he is having a good time. His character seems to be a mass of other characters that his has played and I don’t mind it at all because he is funny. A believer in dreams and creativity, he wants to save his friend Dennis and keep the cube away from Malgosha all while being able to show off everything he has created in the unusual world. This all can only be done by Jack Black!

Momoa as Garrett is everything that a gaming champ from back in the day would be. Full of himself, thinks he can speak Spanish, horrible fashion sense and stuck in a time warp of his past that plays over and over in his head. Yet, every little bit of that works in this character and hilariously so. Momoa also seems to be having a good time and even more so when he comes together with Blacks character. They play off one another with similar silliness and energy that is big and fun.

Meyers as Natalie just wants to be the responsible adult in raising her younger brother. It’s clear that she is struggling but once into the other realm, Natalie begins to feel a bit more powerful in what she can achieve. Brooks as Dawn is a strong, no-nonsense lady who has no problem whacking a zombie over the head while she waxes strongly poetic about life and advise for Natalie. She really is very funny and once again seems to be having a good time on the screen. House as the voice of Malgosha has an underground piggy filled world full of issues that she takes out on everyone but, you can’t have your bacon and eat it too.

Other cast include Jemaine Clement, Kate McKinnon and Jennifer Coolidge as Vice Principal Marlene.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. This includes the upcoming film A MINECRAFT MOVIE! For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

A MINECRAFT MOVIE is so much fun for so many reasons. First, it is so colorful and true to the characters in the game. Almost everything one would see in the game is on the big screen which is going to delight everyone. The audience was filled with kids, teens, moms, dads and just adults who wants to have a really good time at the movies and they were not disappointed. The story is silly, fast paced, very well animated, and full of humor for whatever your level of giggles might be.

There is not a moment of downtime and I absolutely loved that. My 10-year-old granddaughter laughed constantly through the movie and by the end of it proclaimed it was the best movie she has seen this year (yes, I realize it’s only March but she’s 10 and time is a whole other dimension when you are that age). I asked what she loved about it and every time she tried to explain a scene, her laughter would stop her from finishing. That is how I know that A MINCRAFT MOVIE is good – she wasn’t the only person laughing.

While walking out I was listening to everyone talking and they were repeating something they heard from the film and what their favorite scenes were. That made me laugh even more so, if director Hess’ wish was to make a fun and funny film for everyone, then I’d say he has managed beautifully. This is just a fantastic time at the movies for everyone and just know, we will be seeing it again!

In the end – be there and be square!

 

FAST X Speeds onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Charging toward 4K and Bluray from director Louis Leterrier and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the next story in the Fast and Furious franchise with FAST X.

Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) is happy with son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry) and wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Chris Bridges), Han (Sung Kang) and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) take on a mission in Rome. It is only when Cipher (Charlize Theron) knocks on Dom’s door does he hear that there is no mission in Rome and that the crew is being set up, but by who?

Racing to Rome to warn the crew, it immediately becomes clear (because he makes it clear) that a man named Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) wants to destroy everything in sight. Tearing through the streets, Dom and Letty are trying to stop a huge metal bomb that is heading straight toward the Vatican. Dante has a grudge against everyone who he feels responsible for his father’s death. He has also decided to take everyone that means something to Dom, especially his son.

But he isn’t your ordinary psychopath, Dante has stolen Cipher’s technology and is using it against Dom taking the groups money and resources as well. If that isn’t enough, Agent Aimes (Alan Ritchson) of the Agency has taken over for Mr. Nobody and wants Dom as well. Running everywhere to avoid Aimes and find Dante, Dom enlists the help of brother Jakob (John Cena) to help protect Little B.

After being arrested in Rome, Letty is taken to a black site where she meets Cipher. Tess (Brie Larson) has decided she is going to do what her father, Mr. Nobody, would do and helps plan the women’s escape. Dom returns to Rio de Janeiro to confront Dante and meets Isabel (Daniela Melchior) Elena’s sister who races cars. It is just another weapon for Dante to use against Dom and he has no problem using it.

Dante has made clear what his intentions are when trying to kidnap Little B, Dom realizes that there is only one way to stop all this – the Fast way!

Diesel as Dom brings the family back together once again. He is spending more time with Brian and Letty and letting the team take on missions. But when Cipher lets him know that the latest mission is a set-up, he has no choice but to try and save them. Diesel’s Dom has mellowed a little bit but he still makes it clear that he can drive a car better than anyone. It is when Dom is forced to make life choices that Diesel shows the grit and determination of this character.

Momoa as Dante is clearly a man with a magazine rack full of daddy issues. It is as if Momoa was let off a psycho chain and allowed to just have fun with this character. Being disgusted with what this character is trying to do, it is hard to maintain indignation when Momoa’s performance is making me laugh! Dante has evil intention and everything is done with flair and dramatic effect and Momoa lives for every moment of it.

Rodriguez as Letty jumps into the fray with Dom and it gets her put in a very, very solitary place but she gets a chance for some payback with Theron as Cipher as the two exchange punches and quips. Perry as son Brian is caught up in adult mayhem and sees up close and personal the life his father has been leading. Larson as Tess sees how the Agency has done the group wrong and decides if they are not going to right it, then she will.

Gibson, Bridges, Kang and Emmanuel continue on with missions given as only they can. Gibson and Bridges argue and scuffle like brothers from start to finish. Kang watches from the sidelines with his very interesting snack choices but there comes a time when he has to face a man he has been avoiding. Emmanuel is the babysitter but is also tech savvy and keeps track of what Dante is doing.

Cena as Jakob gets to spend quality time with Little B and teaches him the ropes, probably in ways no other kid would expect. There is the return also of other characters from the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise that will end up being seen in FAST XI (I’ve already named it see?).

The opening scenes with Paul Walker were lovely as well.

Other cast include Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto, Gal Gadot as Gisele Yashar, Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, Joaquim de Almeida as Herman Reyes, Scott Eastwood as Little Nobody, Luis Da Silva as Diogo, Pete Davidson as Bowie, Meadow Walker as the flight attendant, Rita Moreno as Abuelita Toretto, Jason Stratham as Deckard Shaw and Helen Mirren as Queenie.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include scene breakdowns with Director Louis Leterrier, a look into this installment’s fast cars and global locations and more all-new featurettes.

FAST X is just that, fast! Going from one spot to another with car chases and car races is everything the franchise is known for. Diesel’s character has mellowed with each film and that’s to be expected with any repeating character. More and more Diesel maintains the belief in family and readily accepts anyone who wants to be part of it all. The thing about family is – you don’t mess with it!

Each destination the crew goes there is a piece of the franchise history ending up in Rio having a street race that leads to adding to an ever-growing Toretto family. From one stop to the next, the story intensifies as Momoa’s character has no problem making each bang bigger and more destructive.

FAST X is filled with an all-star cast and this review could go on and on but, I’d rather everyone experience this film for themselves. Put the pieces together and learn who to trust and where the story is going to curve next. That is what this franchise has done, taken us all over the world with action, speed and thrills.

In the end – this time, it is dangerously about family!

Villeneuve's DUNE: Part One

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and HBO Max from director Denis Villeneuve and Warner Bros. is the story of a battle for DUNE: Part One. 

Living on the ocean planet of Caladan, House Atreides is ruled by Duke Leto Atredies (Oscar Isaac). Living peacefully with concubine Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) and son Paul (Timothee Chalamet), their lives are about to change. There are two that want to hurt House Atredies and that is House Harkonnen and one other person of power.

Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV is the ruling the planet of Arrakis and he does so for only one reason - melange. It is a spice that is coveted for extending life and the Emperor knows that by controlling it, he controls everything except House Atredies. Seeing a way of changing that, he sends Atreides to Arrakis replacing the Harkonnen's.

Duke Leto is well aware of what the Emperor is capable of but still cannot refuse to go. Taking his son Paul and Lady Jessica, who is part of the Bene Gesserit's, they prepare to leave. But not before a visitation by the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling) who tests Paul. The Reverend Mother is furious with the Lady Jessica for bearing Duke Leto a son and accuses her of ulterior motives.

Paul has not only been trained by his mother, but also taught warfare by Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) and Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin). All too soon, Leto, Jessica and Paul find themselves on Arrakis and meet the people called the Fremen. It is Leto and Paul who discover the dangers of the desert when Stilgar (Javier Bardem) shows them how melange is harvested.

Sandworms are not the only thing they need to worry about as an attempt is made on Paul's life. Dealing with it, what Duke Leto does not see coming is a Harkkonen army and is kidnapped. Paul and Jessica are dropped into the desert but instead, survive. Taking over Arrakis once again is the Baron (Stellen Skarsgard) who ramps up production giving power to Rabban (Dave Bautista).

Taken in by Stilgar, Chani and the Freman, Paul now realizes that there is another dream that he plans to honor, and that is what his father wished to do - bring peace to Arrakis.

Chalamet as Paul is wrapped up in his dreams of a girl he does not know. Excited to be going with his father to Arakkis, he seems to go along to get along. When the time comes to get away from the attack that is destroying Arakeen, Chalamet's Paul goes through a series of realizations and is brought to the point where he must decide whether to listen to his mother and go home – or embrace becoming a Fremen and fight on.

Isaac as Duke Leto is going to win in my eyes no matter what. I truly enjoy his choice of performances and he performs well in the role of a man who already knows his fate. He gives Duke Leto a strength of character which is what I would have expected in this remake. Isaac always gives his characters something special and for that I am grateful.

Ferguson as Lady Jessica is an emotional hot mess and canot seem to keep herself in check. One moment she is walking down the hall falling apart and the next second she's making oaths to Leto. Her best talent is her own form of sign language that comes in handy a time or two. Zendaya as Chani lost me the second she pronounced Harkonnen's badly but then again, the rest of the cast also goes along with the destruction of names. So far there is not much of her character except long walks on the desert dressed like a biblical Bedouin.

Momoa as Duncan has his clever moments, a close relationship with Paul and is larger than life. Learning what he can of the Fremen for the Duke, he stands by the family. Clean shaven, he still brings his Momoa-ness to his character as we would expect. Brolin as Halleck gives us his stern face and fast fighting style but then again, we already knew he was extremely good at it. In this role he gives us a bit of poetry and the words he finds in books to keep his focus on what is required to keep House Atredies safe.

Rampling as Reverand Mother may be brutal, but she also sees steps ahead of the Baron. Making deals with men, she is seen as nothing to worry about and that is their first mistake. Every time Rampling is on the screen I am thrilled. Bautista as Rabban is as brutal as he wants to be taking out any who support Atredies yet when he’s around the Baron, he is a whupped puppy.

Skarsgard as The Baron puts on the thick make up and does not forget how to float. He makes promises with every evil intention of going against them and doing whatever it takes to bring the Emperor what he wants. Bardem as Stilgar is abrupt, standoffish and does not take any nonsense from anyone, including the new landlord of Arakkis. Once in the company of Jessica and Paul, Bardem gives his character a hint of the surprises to come.

Other cast include Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Dr. Liet Kynes, Stephan McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat, Chen Chang as Dr. Wellington Yueh, David Dastmalchian as Piter de Vries, Babs Olusanmokun as Jamis, Benjamin Clementine as Herald of the Change, Souad Faress as Bene Gesserit Sister and Golda Rosheuvel as Shadout Mapes.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

Dune was written in 1965 by Frank Herbert and was made into a film in 1984 by director David Lynch and is the film most are familiar with. Now, Denis Villeneuve has put his hand into the mix to bring a two-part telling of Herbert's book.

There is no green light yet for the second half of DUNE as director Villeneuve says he is “standing with one foot in the air, waiting for the permission to make Part Two”. Coming in at 165 million dollars to make, I would not hold my breath to get that kind of budget for the next installment.

That being said, I feel like I could have turned down the sound and had no problem following along with what was happening. At times I wanted to turn down the sound because I just do not understand the need to remake something so epic as Lynch's version of DUNE, especially if the 2021 version uses the same classic lines. Failing to see the need to break the film up into two over two-hour parts just does not register with me.

So, the film is predictable even if the special effects are updated (dragonfly helicopters are a nice touch), the characters try to say the memorable names in a different, annoying way and the writers changed lines around giving them to other characters. Was it thought that true DUNE film fans would not notice this?

Now let’s address the elephant in the film - sparkling sand? Really? Did TWILIGHT teach us nothing? That's not the first thing one would think of when describing the spice melange. There is no sparkle in mélange!

I am sure that for those looking for a bit of science fiction mixed into their film watching choices then DUNE will be fine. It is not something that I needed to sit through for over two hours when I am still alive, breathing and have a good memory that goes back to 1984. Perhaps studios should wait until a large group of us have gone to the theatre in the sky before regurgitating our beloved films.

In the end - it begins!

Saturday at Comic Con 2018 Has Super Heroes, Characters and Panels Oh My!

Jeri Jacquin

Saturday’s at San Diego Comic Con 2018 is no different than any other Saturday at San Diego Comic Con – meaning there is something for everyone badge or no badge! Saturday’s bring a flood of people who just want to see and experience everything that is fun with weather that cooperated beautifully.

Outside at every turn there were things to see and so from AMC’s The Walking Dead zombie sausage making, Southpark’s gang with their own bit of fun, FX rumbled out their fantastic motorcycle for the new series MAYANS M.C. and the parking lot of Petco Park had a shark of a tale to share. That’s just a minute portion of everything to be found.

Of course I am on the inside looking out for panels and people to find out what and who is visiting our city so lets get to it because it was a long day!

In Hall H the morning began with Warner Bros. and a lot of unexpected surprises for the fans who had been waiting all night. Aisha Tyler handled the job as mistress of panel with Eddie Redmayne and the cast of FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: The Crimes of Grindelwald. What came next send Hall H into a wave of tizzy.

As Tyler utters the name Grindelwald the hall goes dark which gave us all the opportunity to view the bracelets given upon entry glowing. The next thing we all see is Grindelwald himself (aka Johnny Depp) who announces “My brothers, my sisters, my friends, the great gift of your applause is not for me but for yourselves. Therefore applaud yourselves. It has been said that I hate the non-magic – the Muggles – I do not hate them, I do not. I say the Muggles are not lesser, but other.”

He continues slowly, “Not worthless but not of value, magic blooms only in rare souls. It is granted to those who live and what a world we would make. For all of humanity, all of humanity, we who live for freedom, for truth, the moment has come to rise up and take our rightful place in the world.”  The crowd took it in and ate it up.

Of course WONDER WOMAN 1984 was given its moment in the hall but it was the cast of the upcoming AQUAMAN that sent another wave of fun through the crowd. The panel included writer/director James Wan, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and, of course, the very hard to miss Jason Momoa.

The trailer fans were shown is of Mera and Aquaman having a go at one another with Momoa telling the crowd that “Mera’s a very strong, strong character” giving a thumbs up to Heard.

Following the long AQUAMAN panel which the crowd absolutely didn’t mind one minute of, The 19^th Annual Animation Show of Shows gave the crowd a few moments to sit back and recover.

RZA: Movies, Music & Martial Arts was the next panel to talk about his movie CUT THROAT CITY. Part of the Wu Tang Clan, RZA (or Robert Fitzgerald Diggs) makes a film about a robbery in New Orleans that stars Terrence Howard, Wesley Snipes, T.I. Harris, Eiza Gonzalez, Rob Morgan, Kat Graham, Demetrius Shipp Jr. and Denzel Whitaker.

EW: Women Who Kick Ass had a full panel this year with moderator Jessica Shaw speaking with DOCTOR WHO’s Jodie Whitaker, Regina King, Chloe Bennet, Camila Mendez and THE DARKEST MIND’s Amandla Stenberg.

For those who haven’t seen DEADPOOL 2 (and if you haven’t don’t tell me or you have to be summarily erased from my Christmas card list!), Hall H was the chance to make that right in your life.

The day in the hall ended with AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH who seemed to be working overtime. He could also be found at the IMDB boat interviewing celebs from the panels all over Comic Con. Fans of Smith’s were doing everything humanly possible to get a seat to see Smith.

Indigo at the Hilton Bayfront spent the day hosting to some of the most popular television shows. Beginning with Steven Universe, the morning continued with NBC’s The Good Place, Kypton, Manifest, Legacies, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and The Orville. TV Guide brought the TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorites which is always fun.

The afternoon ended with Deadly Class, The Magicians and a delight to my senses Twin Peaks and the Revival of the Classic. Nothing made my year more than the successful return of Agent Cooper and last years return of Twin Peaks: The Return. This was a chance to hear from the cast about also returning to the iconic show.

One of the spookiest characters that still haunts my brain in the return series was actor Robert Broski’s portrayal of a man I still can’t figure out but has brought new meaning to the line “Got a light?”

Creator David Lynch wasn’t in attendance but I would expect nothing less of him to find a way to be there in some form. I wasn’t wrong. Sabrina Sutherland, executive producer, read a note that said “I am working with Phillip Jefferies to see if I can get there. Twin Peaks fans are the best fans. I got my days mixed up and I’m going to be there yesterday if not sooner. It’s slippery in here. In the red room, Special Agent Dale Cooper has already won the Emmy.”

Adding her own sentiments, Sutherland gave credit to the fans for making it possible for Twin Peaks to return. I couldn’t agree with her more! That leads to the big question – will we see more of Agent Dale Cooper and the motley crew of the town known as Twin Peaks? The answer is still floating out there in Lynch’s universe because they certainly didn’t give up anything at the panel.

That’s okay, we will all be here when (not if) it’s time to go to our favorite town – and we always have pie to keep us company.

Back in Ballroom 20, the day there was no less hectic. The panels consisted of Black Lightening, The Simpsons, American Dad! and Family Guy (I mean really, how can you have Comic Con without them?), The Gifted, Supergirl and Arrow. The crowd became really excited as DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash.

The evening in Ballroom 20 ended with YouTube’s Origin Presents The Comic-Con International Masquerade.

Of course these are just tidbits of the adventures waiting to be had at the Convention Center and all places surrounding San Diego Comic Con 2018. There will be more in depth information in the weeks to come but for now – we have one more day of panels and tomorrow is family days!

Stay tuned!

JUSTICE LEAGUE

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres Thursday from director Zack Snyder, DC Comics and Warner Bros. is the next superhero grouping that can only be called JUSTICE LEAGUE.

The world is still mourning the death of Superman/Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) and Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aka Batman knows there is something coming. Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) aka Wonder Woman knows it too when an ancient fire is lit that her people know she will recognize as a warning.

Coming is Steppenwolf (voiced by Ciaran Hinds) who is looking for the three separated boxes that once put together create the ultimate power of destruction. Knowing that Batman and Wonder Woman can not do it by themselves, the enlist the help of a begrudging Arthur Curry aka Aquaman (Jason Momoa), the eager to learn Barry Allen aka Flash (Ezra Miller) and cyborg created Victor Stone (Ray Fisher).

The first box Steppenwolf took from the Amazons and the second was taken from Aquaman’s people. That left the third box which was given to humans to guard and the hunt is on.

It soon becomes clear that the group is going to have to dig deeper than they could have ever imagined as Steppenwolf’s powers become stronger and stronger. So strong that the group decides on an idea that is not only dangerous but could have consequences that add to the destruction of the human race.

The tough decisions are needed when the world looks to the Justice League!

Affleck as Batman is dark in this film in that he obviously feels a deep sense of responsibility for Superman. Knowing that he doesn’t have time to deal with those emotions, he focuses what can happen if Steppenwolf isn’t stopped. He puts on the straight tough face but Affleck has a way of delivering little quips that I enjoyed.

Gadot as Wonder Woman is also dealing with the loss of Superman with now adding the destruction of her people when Steppenwolf takes the first cube. In JUSTICE LEAGUE she finally comes to many realizations about who she is and her protectiveness of the group is strong.

Miller as Flash is a young man who clearly has spent too much time alone. When he meets Batman, it takes a matter of seconds when Flash jumps in wanting to be part of being a superhero. I loved his sense of humor and a bit of innocence he has when realizing that being a superhero means getting in the mix no matter how dangerous.

Fisher as Cyborg is the darkest of the characters as he deals with being rebuilt by his well meaning father Silas (Joe Morton). Even though he started out with these changes, the system he is now attached to continues to grow and so does his knowledge about Steppenwolf. Fisher spends most of his time closed off but with a little help from Arrow, that is a unique new friendship that I enjoyed.

Momoa as Aquaman is clearly the eye candy of the film. Built like you would expect him to be (come on – think Drago from Game of Thrones physique wise and triple that!), he isn’t impressed by Batman or anyone else for that matter. When Steppenwolf comes to his neck of the ocean he has a change of heart and joins the group. His sense of humor comes out here and there and the audience loved it.

Cavill as Superman has made his mark in the DC universe and, like the two iconic actors who played the man of steel prior, will be remembered for this work. Momentarily there is a dark side to Superman that was interesting to see and Cavill can smile those pearly whites with the same evilness as not.

There are also appearances by Amy Adams as Lois Lane who is as straight forward as ever, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, Billy Crudup as Henry Allen, David Thewis as Aries, Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta, Robin Wright as Antiope, Amber Heard as Mera, and Jeremy Irons as Alfred.  

JUSTICE LEAGUE brings heroes together for a two hour ride. Batman and Wonder Woman lead the pack with the intro of Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg and working together is the best the film has to offer. The downside is there seems to be a weird disconnect in each of the characters storyline that leaves me a little unsure.

It is as if there was more to the story that needed to be told and shown but might have been left on the cutting room floor. I almost felt the need to get out paper and pen with all the questions I had. Of course the film had action and of course each super hero got to show the best of their skills but I am also a story person.

I think those deep in the comic world will have no problem with the film. Look, I get it; there is something amazingly special about seeing comic books come to life so you don’t need a character outline. Of course by doing that you leave the rest of the theatre audience trying to figure out plot points that I think might just be important.

Coming in at two hours, you can also expect DC to throw in a few surprises and it was enough to bring the audience yelling with excitement. JUSTICE LEAGUE is a darker telling coming on the heels of the highly successful THOR Ragnorok so it will be interesting to see which batch of heroes will win the weekend.

In the end – you can’t save the world alone!