Friday Brings Finales, New Shows and Films to Comic Con 2025

 

Jeri Jacquin

Okay OUTLANDER fans, this is going to be a tough one as the series reaches its final season. Hall H and STARZ brings Sam Heughan (stop that!), Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin (I said stop that!) and producer Maril Davis and Matthew B. Roberts to the panel. Knowing the audience is dealing with the heartbreak of saying goodbye to our favorite time travelling couple, Roberts says, “I think the idea for the last season was to not try to top season 7, just do a really good season of OUTLANDER and make it work.”

He also says, “Make sure the stories work and give the characters time to do what they do. To deal with the conflicts in front of them instead of trying to make it something it wasn’t just to do that. I think we accomplished that and hopefully you guys feel the same way.” We might not exactly feel the same way about the show’s ending but we’ll put on a brave face because we have something else to look forward to. Caitriona Balfe couldn’t make the panel due to filming but sent a message to fans, “We have shared many a good time in Hall H together. I seem to recall vaguely some drinking, some dancing, maybe some Irish dancing…so many amazing memories. I’m excited for you to see the final part of this journey.”

Heughan, minus his usual golden locks, had his own take on the final season. “It was a very, very hard season to shoot. I think there were so many emotions going around. I think day to day you’d be like, ‘Oh, this is just another day at work. We’ve been doing this for 11 years. Then other days, ‘This is the last time I’m going to work with this person or put on this costume’. It made the last season very charged that adds to the very dramatic storyline, just a mega XL version.”  He also says, “For Jamie and Claire, their world is about to change very differently”.

Hold on…don’t put away your hearts yet! OUTLANDER: Blood of My Blood is coming to STARZ with a two-episode premiere on August 8^th. The panel, being precluded by bagpipes, includes Jamie Roy as Brian Fraser, Harriet Slater as Ellen MacKenzie, Hermione Corfield as Julia Moriston and Jeremy Irvine as Henry Beauchamp. Fans get a look at clips of Jamie Fraser’s parents Brian and Ellen on a Scottish bridge and Claire’s parents Julia and Henry driving through Scotland in the 20^th century.

Not sharing much else, producers of the show aren’t giving much away about Claire with her parents as a child as Roberts says, “Maybe (as the crowd goes nuts), maybe isn’t a no!” One of my OUTLANDER favorites Graham McTavish drops by to question young Sam Retford who plays Dougal MacKenzie saying, “First of all, congratulations on the wig and beard” but asking about Dougal’s sensitive side. Retford says he fell in love the moment he saw McTavish calling him “dad.” What got everyone teary eyed was Raya Yarbrough getting a hall full of fans to sing the “Skye Boat Song” – okay, I’m broken now.

And I suppose I’ll have to stay that way as AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD: Daryl Dixon’s Norman Reedus says, “Daryl’s journey is far from over” but it is also announced that the series will end with Season 4. Good gawd how much more can we take? A lot apparently! Reedus also says, “We’ve had a very close connection with all of you and a loyal fan base. We started this show way back when, and we would come here, we get all this love, and it just made us work harder and the show has just gotten better and better. I’s been such a big part of my life; it’s something I’ve put so much work into and spent so many hours, weeks, months and years thinking about it obsessively and trying to improve every single year.” Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride’s characters will be taking a global trot through Spain (with stops in Bilbao, Galicia, Andalucia, Segovia, Toledo and Madrid – passport please!). McBride says of her journey through the dead, “It has been the thrill of a lifetime to shoot this part of Daryl and Carol’s adventure together in Europe and I keep coming back for more of these two characters. There is still so much story left to tell and so much for the fans to look forward to.”

Moderated by Chris Hardwick and joined by showrunner David Zabel, Scott M. Gimple as executive producer and chief content officer as well as executive producer Greg Nicotero, prep your televisions for September 7^th when the show premiers. Shudder is getting in on the action as Nicotero is part of a competition show called GUTS & GLORY which will air September 9^th on AMC+. The premise of the show is a horror experience of challenges, horror and survival. Sign me up for that!! Reedus also has another season of RIDE WITH NORMAL REEDUS coming on September 14^th and his ride guests include a few names you might recognize with Robert Patrick, Kim Coates (back in the saddle SOA rider!), Gimple and Nicotero and love when McBride joins in the fun.  

So, after all the emotional morning trauma, lets turn to something more galactic, shall we? FX’s new show ALIEN: Earth makes its debut in Hall H. The series created by Noah Hawley is based on the ALIEN franchise in this prequel set two years before the original 1979 ALIEN film. A craft crashes on Earth as a ragtag band of soldiers with something aboard they should have. Premiering on FX August 12^th (set your intergalactic calendars people), the series will complete a season in eight-episodes. The panel included Sydney Chandler who plays Wendy, Timothy Olyphant, Alex Lawther, Samuel Blenkin and Babou Ceesay who are sitting in a room of almost 7,000 fans who are here to see what the show has to offer in the way of details.

There is family, friendship, greed, corruption and, of course, the kind of horror one would expect when a xenomorph is out to kill everything, no exceptions. Creator Hawley says, “Each hour has to have its horror elements but it has to be a drama. You have to worry that I may kill one of these people, I just might.” He also refers to the creatures as “genetic revulsion.” Right up our alley! Olyphant talks about the storyline as “the thing that wake you up in the middle of the night that you’re thinking about the next day are just scenes between two people and they’re so riveting, in addition to the thrills, scares and drama.” Yes, it is true that the first episode of ALIEN: Earth was shown and no, I’m not giving out any details! Trust me, you’ll be glad I made you wait!

If you haven’t had enough of ALIEN: Earth, head over to the interactive called “The Wreckage” and discover the story, activities and a few cool beverages outside of the Convention Center.

Okay, the cat is out of the bag, I have been a Mark Hamill fan since I fell into a teenage crush for him in 1977 as Luke Skywalker (I think I just aged myself!). So when I heard he was in the film THE LONG WALK, I didn’t need to see or hear anything more to know I would be in the front row at the theatre. Of course, the bonus is that this film is based on the Stephen King novel because that my friends means our emotions are going to be on a roller coaster ride. Getting a chance to see the first twenty-two minutes of the film (that came with a hefty warning from the moderators Eric Vespe and Anthony Breznica), the story is based on a contest where one hundred teen boys walk under the eye of the commander played by Luke Skywalker, oh sorry, Mark Hamill. Who ever makes it to the end – wins. The panel included David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer and Mark Hamill, producer Roy Lee and screenwriter JT Mollner. The latter on the panel said, “We wanted the beauty, love, story of friendships, brutality and hopelessness. If this book got into the wrong hands, the wrong studio, it could have been neutered. We kept the teeth. It definitely has bite, it needs to, it wouldn’t work if we didn’t go all the way. It is an unrelenting and brave film.”

Hamill said of his taking on the role of the Army commander (and his reception was craaaaazy loud) that it was a character he knew a lot about being raised on a military base in Japan recalling of soldiers, “if you vomited, you ate it. I saw it first-hand.” But he also said after reading the script that, “I know this guy”.

With monster’s human and not so human, we are now into PREDATOR: Badlands as the audience comes face to sorta face with the Predator himself scanning the audience and saying something that only a fellow predator might understand. Sometimes it’s better not to know, ya know? Moderator Kevin Smith comes into Predator’s line of sight and the audience is spared. Director Dan Trachtenberg who said of predator’s vocal stylings, “I don’t speak Yautja, but I’m pretty sure he said something about the Epstein files!”, Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Kolamatangi, and VFX Alec Gillis.

The story is that of a outcast predator meets an ally searching as this is the first time a predator has been a good guy? Fanning puts her thought in, “It has so much heart and emotion. PREY definitely had that, but what made Badlands unique is there are no humans in this film. I play a synthetic android and Dimitrius is a predator. There’s an unlikely friendship among these two characters. I will say, I do play two parts in the film.”  Begin shown the first fifteen minutes of the film, with predator brothers and a father who wants one of them gone. One saves the other sending them to another planet and I’ll leave you to see it in theatres November 7^th to decide which one.

Now that my eyes are forever emblazon with red lasers and a heck of a light show, there are recognizable riders marching down the aisle to stand guard at the main stage. Disney brings it all with TRON: Ares. Kevin Smith returns as moderator asking the audience, “Did you see that entrance? That cost more than CLERKS!” The pan included director Joachim Ronning, Jared Leto, Evan Peters, Arturo Castro, Gillian Anderson, Cameron Monaghan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee and Jeff Bridges (aka Kevin Flynn). In this film, Ares (Leto) is sent into the real world facing evil tech Julian Dillinger (Peters). It is Bridges who makes an impact by saying, “1982! 43 years ago, c’mon man, and we’re continuing the story? Lisberger created this wild word that was so fun to be part of. These times, artificial intelligence is on everybody’s mind and heart these days.”

Leto says he is a Tron superfan, “If I wasn’t on the stage, I would be in the audience right now cheering like all these crazy people here. It was in 1982 that video games were exploding and films were a huge part of my life when I was a kid. This movie just grabbed hold of me, my imagination and it showed me what was possible in the world. Movies like this really gave me something to dream for and dream about.” Two different clips were shown and they are fantastic. Nine Inch Nails (for the millions of fans) is responsible for the score of the film with the song “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” released recently. I remember the first time I saw TRON in 1982 so you know I’ll be there in 2025 to see it through. Ah, traditions!

That is the end of Day Two and if that isn’t enough for you, Hall H and Ballroom 20 are going to be filled again tomorrow with fan favorites. See you there!

 

 

 

Thursday Brings the First Full Day of Comic Con 2025

 

Jeri Jacquin

What an amazingly beautiful day to start the actually full day of San Diego Comic Con as all outside events begin to open up and the Exhibition Hall brings fans from all over the world.

Hall H begins the morning with PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS! Timothy Simons (Tantalus) brings about introductions but before that invites everyone who hasn’t seen the show to get on that. Executive Producers Dan Shotz, Craig Silverstein and Jon Steinberg are joined by the cast of Daniel Diemer (Tyson), Dior Goodjohn (Clarisse La Rue), Charlie Bushnesll (Luke Castellan), Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), and Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson). 

In the next season, the Executive Producers talk about how everything finally came to a safe space for Percy but in season two there is going to be quests to find the Golden Fleece. It’s needed for protection for all. Steinberg says that the world coming will be all magic and is a challenge but also exciting for fans. “It is all an adventure from start to finish,” says Steinberg. Shotz says, “The next season is so massive that we can not wait for you to see what we can do”.

Scobell and Jeffries have an amazing rapport on screen but they are so charming and funny on the panel stage as well. Jeffries says her character is going to be more vulnerable with Percy. Walker and Simons talk about the challenges of school and being on the set. “I remember, how we would be fighting and screaming on set for a scene and then I’d be in school” remembering what he had just done on set. A fun thing to film for Simhadri, “In season two it would be the wedding dress, that was pretty awesome.”

Finally, when asked about what :: would want fans to know, she says, “I think the big thing that I’ve been thinking about in my head is that it’s a very, very big deal is just seeing all of you here puts things in perspective and I believe that being able to live our characters fully and portray them properly knowing we are doing it for a higher purposes makes everything worth it.”

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Jo Koy are the next panel and they bring the entire hall into fits of laughter. Making sure to be comedians bearing gifts there was a little something for everyone and it was a great way to start the morning because I’m always up for a laugh! They spoke about their show in 90-minute sets and joked about their heroes. HYDE: When Graphic Novel and Movie Worlds Collide takes the stage next to talk about the Johnny Depp-Ridley Scott collaboration with Robert Louis Stevensons Hyde. The graphic novel, created by Jesse Negron, is getting input from Depp and Scott for this intense collaboration.

“To build within the world of Robert Louis Steven’s masterful characters and to be welcomed into the vision of Ridley Scott…and inexplicably having the opportunity to explore, it’s surprising to me. Hopefully surprising to him. It’s insane and beautiful to receive trust from Ridley – a master”, says Depp.

Hall H has invited a few frights of its own as FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2, with Juju Green, has arrived for fans. Based on the wildly popular video game, it is a story of murderous animatronics inside a pizza restaurant that seems to have a curse. The first film opened in theatres and screaming in 2023 making a, pardon the pun, killing with $130 million the first weekend. Director Emma Tammi says there are many more animatronics than the first which, for viewers, means more twisted fun. Jason Blum says, “There is so much more lore here and we worked quite a long time to get the script right.” They are joined on stage by the cast of Josh Hutcherson (Mike), Piper Rubio (Abby), Theodus Crane (Jeremiah) and Teo Briones (Alex).

Hutcherson says his character now is, “Mike and Abby went through a lot in the first movie. I think Mike wants to get back to a normal life and find stability for Abby. He wants to have a nice normal life and that just can’t happen. I think that Mike in a way is trying – he has all this trauma from the first film and now he’s trying to fake it till you make it without full working through what happened. He’s going through it, I think the cool thing in this movie is that Mike and Abby are really strong. I think what happens in this film is that it gets to a place in this film where it gets even stronger.”

Skeet Ulrich joins the panel and when asked which animatronic would they be most afraid of if they were in the game, Skeet says, “Probably Freddy! I don’t know if I’d be scared of any of them.”

I was personally thrilled when THE TOXIC AVENGER: Unrated & Radioactive came to the main stage and a nice follow bringing another horror/comedy to the screen. The story is about Winston Gooze played by the amazing Peter Dinklage who is a janitor that becomes a little more than messed up by toxic waste. Turning into a superhero, it should surprise no one as toxic sludge has a tendency to do that.  The panel brought Dinklage (Winston), Elijah Wood (Fritz), Jacob Tremblay (Wade), Taylour Paige (J.J.) and writer/director Macon Blair and Lloyd Kaufman producer. If that isn’t enough, how about a serenade mixed with an apology from Kevin Bacon but refers to the film as a “hilarious, punk, fun, and bloody ride” which means I will be first in line.

Loving how Dinklage gave us his personal feelings about seeing the film as a kid made me wonder, did he feel like a kid while making the film? He says so and that makes it all the more eager to see. He also doesn’t hesitate to give credit to Luisa Guerreiro for her work as the Toxic Avenger claiming “she does a better me than I do of me!”.

Finally, more frights as Ballroom 20 hosts Madelaine Petsch, director Renny Harlin and producer Courtney Solomon to rile up the fans about the sequel and a first-look from STRANGERS CHAPTER 2. Coming into theatres September 26^th, the film promises to be more brutal because the strangers learn that Maya is still alive and they just can’t let that go. Of course, this means that no one is going to stand in their way – no one. Get ready to run!

That wraps up day one and a full day inside only matched by the fantastic happenings outside. Tomorrow has even more for film and television!

 

COMIC CON Arrives with Indoor and Outdoor Fun in 2025

 

 

Jeri Jacquin

Yes, we know its summer in San Diego when San Diego Comic Con International takes over downtown San Diego. Wednesday night is Preview Night and that means something for everyone and the hints at what is to come for the next four days.

Arriving in the Exhibit Hall is always a treat and, of course, I have to head over to the Funko booth (#5145) to see the latest and greatest. It is always fun to see what faces are now gracing these five-inch-high cuties and yes, I have lots of them myself! Sony is just a few booths down (#4745) and you know they are going to show off a bit of what is coming to their slate including Anthony Mackie and TWISTED METAL, BETTER CALL SAUL, FOR ALL MANKIND, Starz series OUTLANDER, THE BOYS and the newest spinoff OUTLANDER: Blood of my Blood.

Right next to them is DC and with their summer hit of SUPERMAN, you can be sure there is plenty to give away and the line will be worth the wait. Abrams returns to Comic Con (#1216) with signings and exclusive giveaways with titles such as The Reckoning Roku, The Veracity Trap!, The Essential Peanuts and more. 

Down a few booths is a favorite of this family with Crunchyroll. If you haven’t had a chance to catch them on streaming, do it and you won’t regret a moment of it. Anime fans from all walks of life have a chance to stream all day some of the most fantastic series. Right around the corner from that is Disney (#4229) and with the success of their new series IRONHEART, this will definitely be a booth to hit up. Shout! Studios will have a photobooth featuring the background of shows like Arcane: League of Legends, Hard Boiled, PARANORMAN and more! Their pin sets are absolutely outstanding and I’m going to get MST3K for myself!

Kitty-corner to them is Nickelodeon and if there are any fans (and you know we are of all ages), drop by and see what they bring to the weekend of fun and trust when I say it’s a lot. A little further down you can find Paramount inside but they will also have The Lodge waiting outside for fans of series like LANDMAN, my favsies, STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds, DEXTER: Resurrection, NCIS: Tony & Ziva and MISSION: Impossible. You know Comic Con would not be complete without Star Wars making themselves right at home in practically the middle of the hall. I am quite temped to bring my Grogu along with me but he’s so darn cute and might get away from me!

Lego is right across the aisle and I love visiting them every year because basically I just don’t have the patience to make anything with them so this gives me an opportunity to golf-clap all the hard work they do to present awesomeness for fans. Just a few steps further and Marvel’s booth is waiting to show you everything, well, Marvel! It is always fun to see what they bring as it is quite nostalgic for me since my brother kept me interested and my sons love just about everything Marvel. The NECA’s booth (#3545) is inviting everyone into the Jason Universe with panels and giveaways as Spirit Halloween shows off its newest Jason mask in celebration of his 45^th anniversary, exclusive 45^th anniversary hats, and a limited-edition Mondo lithograph inspired by Sweet Revenge.

It is comics that put the comic in Comic Con so let’s talk about that as Roye Okupe will be signing for his graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder and IYANU has become the number one kid’s show on Cartoon Network and soon coming to film. Rob Liefeld will be on panel for “Rob Liefeld: Youngblood 33^rd Anniversary and fans can look for an exclusive in the Image booth (#1915). Comic Distro and eigoMANGA has several scheduled events and one the kids might be interested in it “Manga Tutorials for Kids” with a beginner-friendly workshop introducing kids to manga drawing and basic storytelling techniques. Titan is bringing much anticipated new comic to launch at Comic Con and guests that include Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarian), Max Allan Collins (Hard Case Crime’s Mike Hammer) and Roman Dirge (Lenore). 

IDW Publishing is bringing a brand-new booth design (#2729) and has packed their schedule with comics, creators, signings and panels that are sure to give a few secrets away. They will also have exclusive with Godzilla, Monster High, Star Trek, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto. Wonderstorm is bringing the panel “The Dragon Prince: The Next Arc as creators Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond along with voice actors Jack De Sena and Dante Brasco to talk about what is next in the Dragon Prince world. Britton Payne moderates an interesting look at “Autism in Comic Books” as with Rebecca Burgess’ graphic novel “Speak Up!” and will be on panel to discuss comic books and their mission of inclusion.

The Mondo booth (#5045) will also be on hand to showcase their new collectables to include DC, Marvel, Godzilla and so much more. Penguin Random House booth’s (#1514 and #1515) are bringing the Eisner Nominated book Big Jim and the White Boy and more works including Muted: Volume One by Miranda Mundt, The History of the Computer by Rachel Ignatofsky, Castle Swimmer: Volume Two by Wendy Martin and Artifices & Alchemy: A Young Adventurer’s Guide by Jim Zub.

Don’t forget the Comic-Con Museum as all three levels have something to explore. U.S.’s First DOCTOR WHO exhibit, World Premier Lucha Libre exhibit, World Premier Tokidoki exhibit, World Premier Luann comic exhibit, Comic-Con Masquerade Costumers: Award-winning cosplay, and Julien’s ECHOES FROM THE GALAXY: A Star Wars Memorabilia Exhibit and Auction is coming on Sunday the 27^th.

There is so much more on the inside to see and do but let’s talk about outside, shall we? Just to start off the fun, the Thunderbolts Treatz Truck is going to keep us all cool in the heat offering up swag and ice cream with themes like “Strawberry Red Glory”, “American Shield”, “Winter Soldier Swirl” and “Killer Charm Sundae” . STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds is going to be bringing performers dressed as the U.S.S. Enterprise crew as the Gaslamp Quarter comes to life on a living stage plus an Interactive Zone at Petco Park.

DC has partnered with Old Spice and an immersive experience inspired by SUPERMAN and you can discover all of it on the Promenade Plaza at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. LILO & STITCH has brought A Taste of Paradise! To San Diego in the Gaslamp Diagonal where there will be family-friendly activities with photo ops and free shaved ice to keep things super cool with unnecessary cuteness guaranteed!

FX’s ALIEN: Earth “The Wreckage” invites attendees to explore mysterious debris of the USCSS Maginot as part of the upcoming series by Noah Hawley. Fans will be part of interactive thrills and never-before-seen aliens. Adult Swim always brings the fun with the Smiling Friends break room, Rick and Morty Buttworld Bounce House, Adapt-a-Cuy Station, Common Side Effects Mushroom Hunt and all with games, photo ops and a Nightly DJ.

Finally, if you are wanting to see a favorite film, well, SDCC has that for you as well. At 6 p.m. in the Marriott Marquis you can see MY SCIENCE PROJECT, CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World at 7:45 p.m. and AIR FORCE ONE all in one night. Now that’s what I call binge watching. Just think – this is just Preview Night!

See you tomorrow, wearing comfy shoes, bring water and charger packs!

THE FANTASTIC 4: First Steps

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios based on the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comic is the FANTASTIC 4: First Steps.

It has been a few years since Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) went into space and came back with superpowers. Now Sue is expecting a child and Reed worries what that means as far as having powers. That celebration comes to a halt when a Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives on Earth and announces its pending destruction by a being called Galactus (Ralph Ineson).

Immediately, the Fantastic 4 suit up and fly through space to meet Galactus face to face but instead hear the conditions for leaving Earth alone. Reed makes it clear that Galactus will not get what he wants as the team races back to their own planet. The press meet the returning ship and learn what Galactus wants. Reed immediately begins to search for mathematical answers while Johnny takes it upon himself to try and understand the language of the Silver Surfer.

Coming up with a plan, their only option is to give Galactus what he wants but Reed, Sue, Ben and Johnny aren’t going to exactly make it easy for a being trying to ruin their world. Trusting the Fantastic 4 to save them, the world believes in their heroes!

Pascal as Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, is a man that thinks everything through mathematically and invents what he needs to not only take care of Sue but get his house in order. Pascal play his character with a stern seriousness but with one goal – to save his family. Watching Pascal hold a baby is probably going to cause women to lose their minds too but that’s a bonus.  

Kirby as Storm, aka Invisible Woman, is a woman surrounded by men and making it clear that she is just as vital as they are. Once they hear the demand of Galactus, Kirby’s Storm makes it clear that no alien is going to destroy what they’ve worked so hard for, family and protecting the planet. She gives her character strength and determination to use her superpowers for both.

Moss-Bachrach as Grimm, aka The Thing, is the one most changed in appearance by their first trip into space. His appearance is difficult for him to deal with, especially when someone has caught his eye. Grimm is so kind and sensitive but don’t take that for granted because when the world needs his strength, he handles whatever is in the way. Moss-Bachrach plays the character of Ritchie on the hit Hulu series The Bear so I was thrilled to learn he took on the role of Grimm.

Quinn as Storm, aka Human Torch, gets the chance to once again play a misunderstood character but he does it so well. Proving he is more than Storm’s brother and Richards relative, Quinn gives his character the behavior of a lover boy but there truly is more to him. The upcoming season of the Netflix hit Stranger Things proves that he is an actor that can handle such diverse roles and makes them his own.    

Garner as the Silver Surfer is the one who announces the destruction of Earth. The agent of destruction for Galactus, Garner gets the chance to play a character that has her own story to tell. Ineson as Galactus lends his voice to give the right amount of alien destructor    

Other cast include Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols, Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert, and Natasha Lyonne as Rachel. Shout out to Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder aka Mole Man for his humor and presence, I just loved it so much.

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com.

THE FANTASTIC 4: First Steps is going to make Marvel fans so thrilled. The film itself is done with a comic book feel from the suits of the four and the couture of the population. That also includes the futuristic look of the spaceships and the alien nature of Galactus. I love the look of the Richards home as it reminded me of the 60s shows I watched when I was younger. The mash of all of this is, well, fantastic. 

From the first scene to the last, there is action and intensity even if there are a few clunky moments. The MCU needed this film and giving it the sci-fi feel along with a remarkable cast means that these superheroes in blue and white are pretty darn good all around. The literal ‘first steps’ have been taken and we all know where they lead – to AVENGERS: Doomsday and that is going to be a blockbuster!

In the end – they will save the world as a family!

 

 

 

They Will Fight for 40 ACRES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writers Glenn Taylor, Lora Campell, director R.T. Thorne and Vertigo Releasing is a fight for 40 ACRES.

The Freeman farm came to be in 1875 when the family settled in Canada after the first Civil War. As the world has been turned upside down, Hailey Freeman (Danielle Deadwyler) knows that farmland is the most valuable thing on earth. Along with Galen (Michael Greyeyes)) and their kids Emmanuel (Kataem O’Connor), Danis (Jaeda LeBlanc), Raine (Leenah Robinson) and Cookie (Haile Amare), are strong together, smart, and well-trained tactically for survival all well tending the farm. That comes in handy as a band of raiders try to take what’s there’s!

Hailey monitors the radio staying in contact with the surrounding farm, especially Augusta Taylor (Elizabeth Saunders) since both women have a military background. They talk of more attacks on farms with no help. Out on patrol, Emannuel is enjoying alone time only to be startled by a stranger. He followers her to a camp but doesn’t tell anyone. Visiting the depot – Galen, Emmanuel, and Raine are met by a pack of strangers saying they were military but they knew differently knowing bad things happen when strangers are around.

More and more danger comes closer to the Freeman farm. What Hailey doesn’t know is what Emmanuel has done to put them all in jeopardy and into the fight of their lives. When the young man takes matters into his own hands, it is Hailey that has no choice but to do whatever it takes to secure her family and the farm. This battle is going to cost them all!

Deadwyler as Hailey is a returning soldier to the farm and the madness follows years later. Determined to keep the farm at all costs, she trains the kids to be able to handle anyone or anything that comes their way. Deadwyler is sharp, strong and doesn’t bat an eye from her objective. Motherhood, on the other hand, is still proving to be a challenge for her attempting to separate the two but her performance is stunning. If Deadwyler looks familiar, her recent 2025 film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD rattled more than a few nerves and recently a role on the Hulu series The Bear.

O’Connor as Emmanuel is the typical young man who thinks he knows more than everyone else and pushes the boundaries. Of course, as with this stereotype of a young person, the choices lead to disaster every step he takes and other suffer for it. That being said, O’Connor is a strong character in the story and makes his presence felt frame by frame. Greyeyes as Galen is the calming influence on the farm but has his moments when certain foods from the past times riles him up. Knowing a lot about the land from his own ancestry, he is happy on the farm with his family but protective just the same make no mistake.

Robinson as Raine is thrilled to be as good with a gun as she is. She is absolutely calm until its time not to be but even then, she knows what has to be done. I enjoyed her cool-as-a-cucumber persona which matches that of Galen. LeBlanc as Danis is a combination of Galen and Raine and thrilled with traditions. Amare as Cookie is such a young girl to be living in such a dangerous time but she also knows more on how to handle herself than I ever would.

Shout out to Saunders as Augusta who befriends Hailey in the early days and although her role is small, her time on the screen with Deadwyler is amazing. Also, Milcania Diaz-Rojas as Dawn coming into the story with a character that pushes Hailey to the brink.

Other cast include Drifters Mimi Cote, Patrick Garrow, John Tench, Derek Barnes, James Binkley and Tyrone Berskin as Felix Freeman.

Vertigo Releasing commitment to discovering and championing quality independent films and filmmakers is reflected in the success of our releases, with multiple Academy Award, BAFTA and BIFA nominated titles in our library including Boiling Point, Sound of Metal, Santosh, Hoard, Benediction, and Censor. Other popular releases include Late Night with the Devil, Timestalker, Reality, Crimes of the Future, Spring Breakers, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Dog Soldiers, Five Feet Apart, Child’s Play, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.vertigoreleasing.com.

40 ACRES is absolutely what I would expect of a post-apocalyptic world that doesn’t have zombies in it. Instead, it has those who are trying to survive without hurting anyone and those who want to survive by hurting everyone. I love that the film keeps up the pace of intensity because even with “relaxed” moments, I was never relaxed. The cast brings it full force from the very beginning and doesn’t let off the gas for a second.

Deadwyler takes on the role of lead in the film and she makes it look frightfully easy. Tethered to her is the supporting performance of Greyeyes who is the level head when Deadwyler’s Hailey looks like she could explode. In this world of violent adults, it is the young people of the film that have a grounding of what the world has become and the possibility of where it can go. That is, of course, once they stop the madness. Totally enjoyed the film!

In the end – get off our land!

TO KILL A WOLF

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Kelsey Taylor and Bright Iris Film Co. is the story of two people who find a connection in TO KILL A WOLF.

Jonah (Ivan Martin) lives a relatively quiet life out in the woods staying mostly to himself. Spending his days in the woods with a metal detector, he searches for the most unusual item. One day, on his usual trip through the forest, in the distance he sees a young girl suffering from hypothermia passed out on the ground. He decides to take her back to his cabin to get warm and rest. When he briefly leaves, the girl Dani (Maddison Brown) walks around the cabin until there is a knock at the door.

Arriving back at the cabin, Jonah arrives to find the local rancher (David Knell) sitting in the living room with Dani. It is immediately clear that the two men do not see eye to eye about the traps set in the woods as Jonah takes Dani into the forest with him to show why. Taking the girl to the bus stop the next day so she may go home, something tells him there is more to this girl. Asking where she was headed when he found her, Dani tells him as he begrudgingly takes her to Klamouth. Once there, it is clear there is more to the story that she hasn’t told him.

When Dani’s Aunt Jolene (Kaitlin Doubleday) and Uncle Carey (Michael Esper) come to get the girl, Jonah isn’t sure why he is uneasy. Feeling the need to keep an eye on her, he makes it clear that all she has to do is reach out to him and he will always be there for her. Coming from a recluse it means more than he could imagine.

Martin as Jonah gives us a look inside the life of a man who clearly has a magazine rack full of issues that he keeps to himself. Living far off the beaten path, his seclusion is a bit of a saving grace for him. When that routine is disruptive by Dani, it takes him down a path he never thought possible. Martin is superb in his portrayal of this man and done so well with each step he takes and closer I cheered for.

Brown as Dani is a young girl who has a story that is disturbing, deeply heart wrenching, and filled with strength. Feeling safe with Jonah may seem out of place but by the end it is completely understandable, at least it was for me. Brown gives us the conflict of a young girl dealing with grief on so many levels that feeling safe with a stranger makes sense. A beautiful performance.

Doubleday as Jolene is a woman with rage of her own. Having to take care of her mother’s property, not knowing where her sister is and becoming a parent to Dani – it is clear her reactions are history and stress laden. Esper as Carey is a man who clearly knows how to handle his wife and sides with Dani to make her more comfortable. The family already has its dark issues and more are about to come to the surface.

Other cast include Annika Cowels as Jennie, Julie Knell as Margie, Jessica Catalano as Sugar, Grant Jay as Donny and Dana Millican as Detective Coyne.

Bright Iris Film Co. founded in 2017, the agency offers distribution, marketing and publicity services that capitalize on a depth of industry experience and access as well as a wealth of enthusiasm for celebrating and amplifying the stories that connect us. In an ever-changing film industry, we champion collaborations that are nimble, innovative and thoughtful. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.brightirisfilm.co.

TO KILL A WOLF is a film about broken lives, running away, trying to find a safe space and accepting responsibility for mistakes made. The characters portrayed by Martin and Brown are intense, of few words and both are dealing with trauma by hiding. There is a feeling of wanting to reach through the screen and hug them both tightly to protect them from the outside world that does not understand either of them.

The chill in the air isn’t just the dampness of the forest but in the very souls of these characters. Turning the story upside down and inside out, there is never a moment to rest waiting to listen to their stories and see how it all pieces together their chance meeting. The wounds can either be new or old, the response of trauma is the same for them both giving the feeling of this connectiveness they need to feel safe. Just haunting on every level and perfect in its simplicity.

The film has been shown at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Bend Film (winner), Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Film Fest Knox, Tallgrass Film Festival, Austin Film Festival and Portland Film Festival.

In the end – there is redemption!

 

 

LILO & STITCH Land Home

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently stream now and coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from director Dean Fleischer Camp and Walt Disney Studios is the live action story of LILO & STITCH.

Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a young Hawaiian girl who lives with and is being raised by older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) since their parents’ death. Lilo has a tendency to find trouble where ever it may present itself and sometimes is brings Nani the same number of problems. Catching attention about it all is Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), a social worker who does understand that Nani is struggling to raise her little sister. After a home visit, Nani is informed that a supervisor social worker, Mr. Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) will be visiting in a week so its time to get things together for both Lilo and Nani.

In another part of the unknown universe, Dr. Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis in human form) is in trouble with the United Galactic Federation for creating a monster called 626 as the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) makes it clear that neither the doctor nor the creature are welcome and are banished. Well, 626 has other plans and manages to escape! There is no other choice than to send creator Dr. Jookiba and earth “expert” Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen in human form) after the creature.

Back on earth, 626 has landed and made its way to the local animal shelter where no one is sure quiet what is in a cage! Following closely behind are Jookiba and Pleakley who have now chosen human forms to start the search. Lilo meanwhile has had a bit of trouble with dancing, school, other girls her age and finds solace at the local animal shelter where she meets and falls in love with 626. No one can believe she would want him but – she does! Nani isn’t the least bit happy about it especially since neighbor Tutu (Amy Hill) encouraged it.

Having to take Lilo to work with her new friend, even fellow surfer David (Kaip Dudoit) isn’t quite sure what the creature could be classified as. After a night of craziness, Nani is back looking for a job and Lilo meets Mr. Bubbles who shows an interested in the newly named Stitch. In the bushes lurking are Jookiba and Pleakley who are under pressure from the Grand Councilwoman to catch Stitch. Lilo has found kinship with Stitch and she does her best to teach him what its like to have family and how to try to fit in on earth.

As things become more chaotic, Lilo and Nani realize that there is no way they can live without the one and only Stich!

Kealoha as Lilo is a very charming little girl that plays amazingly opposite of the blue screened creature name Stitch. It does look like she is having a wonderful time and, as a kid, who wouldn’t! Her smile and laugh light up the screen and even when giving Stitch side-eye, she does so like a pro. Agudong as Nani is a sister who is missing out on her own life goals as a Marine Biologist but wants to be responsible for her sister and all that comes with it. Trying to work and take care of Lilo is really difficult for an adult, let alone a girl who isn’t even out of her teens yet. Agudong is also sweet in the role of a girl feeling she has to make a choice and neither one is good in her eyes.

Galifianakis as Dr. Jookiba takes on a human form once he is on earth. Wanting to go after Stitch for his own selfish purpose, he is under the control of the United Galactic Federation to come up with the goods. His frustration comes when he realizes that Stitch is smarter than even he thought. Galifianakis gets into stitches of trouble and it is pretty funny. Sidekick Magnussen as Pleakley is the earth “expert” comic relief of the two. Watching him embrace everything on earth, he wants to make sure that it stays exactly as it is without Jookiba blowing things up every chance he gets. These two actors together are comedy on their own!

Vance as Bubbles is a social worker in disguise on the lookout for strange happenings – and that includes Stitch. Vance is calm and cool, even when things get a little crazy. Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa the social worker seems to understand Nani’s predicament and is empathetic but still has to do her job. Carrere was actually the voice of Nani in the animated version of LILO & STITCH. Hill as Tutu is the funny neighbor that has her own way of doing things. She looks out for Nani and Lilo as she can and wants the best for them. When weird things happen, Tutu is the one that doesn’t seem to think any of it is strange!

Finally Stitch – well, let’s just say we think he’s worth every moment of fun!

Shout outs to Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. A bit of trivia for everyone, Sanders created the characters and directed the animated LILO & STITCH along with Dean DeBlois. Also, the luau manager is played by Jason Scott Lee who was the original voice of David in the animated film. Waddingham as the voice of the Grand Councilwoman makes it clear that Stitch can’t be allowed to go willy-nilly causing a ruckus.

Walt Disney Studios continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available please visit www.movies.disney.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 Deleted Scenes, ‘Ohana Means Family: Making LILO & STITCH, Drawn to Life, Bloopers, Scenes with Stitch that include Escape to Earth, Feeding Fish, Hula Performance, Stitch Gets Names, Bath Time and Watch This!

LILO & STICH as a live action is still charming, funny and will make a nice night at the movies for the family. There is laughter, color, outrageousness and everything the 2002 animated film had to offer. Families will have no problems having a good time and those who are fans of the animated version will see a few changes and recognize a few voices quite easily.

Kids will enjoy the funny, the antics, the adventure and that’s what they want to see. That’s what we all want to see which is what makes the Disney animated versions of all their releases amazing. Yes, there are serious moments but they only last a moment and then on with the laughs and charm.

Comic Con is this week so look for LILO & STITCH and have a bit of fun in the sun with families getting a chance to hang out together! In the meantime, enjoy just the time to gather up the kids, grandkids, oh well even the kids at heart and popcorn up for LILO & STITCH!

In the end – hold onto your coconuts!