6 REASONS VALERIAN IS THE SPACE EPIC TO CARE ABOUT POSTED BY BLAIR MARNELL

 

For nearly 50 years, Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ comic Valérian and Laureline has been a huge influence on the sci-fi landscape. Next summer, it may become bigger than ever with the release of director Luc Besson‘s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The newest trailer for the film dropped earlier this week, and we’re still stunned by the alien visuals from that clip – and those aren’t even the finished visual effects! Valerian could be something truly special, and today’s Nerdist News is all about why it may be the next great space epic!

Join Nerdist News host, and spatio-temporal agent, Jessica Chobot, as she breaks down the six key reasons why Valerian is worth getting excited about. For starters, you may have noticed that the trailer looks like an even more insane version of The Fifth Element. That’s not a coincidence, as Valerian co-creator Mézières’ previously collaborated with Besson on that film. Now, Besson is bringing that style to life on a much larger scale, and the effects looks glorious even in their unfinished state.

Star Wars fans may have a bit of déjà vu while watching the trailer, but make no mistake, Valérian and Laureline came first, and Lucas’ movies heavily borrowed visuals from those comics. However, Besson took some extraordinary steps to fill out the backstory of the aliens in this film and the history of the city itself long before he began filming…just to flesh out the world! Besson even made sure that stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne were intimately familiar with that background info before they stepped into the roles of Valerian and Laureline, respectively.

There is talk that Valerian could become a movie franchise, but you won’t have to worry about unresolved plotlines or cliffhangers here. Besson has indicated that this film will stand alone as its own story. And if that doesn’t get you pumped up, how about the fact that any potential sequel can literally go anywhere in time and space? If audiences like what they see from this film, there are a lot of stories left to tell.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets will be released on July 21, 2017.

URL:http://nerdist.com/6-reasons-valerian-is-the-space-epic-to-care-about/

Baywatch

Sexy figures in the surf at sunset, Dwayne Johnson on a burning boat and the inexplicable continuation of Zac Efron. It must be the new Baywatch film

The Baywatch remake seems to have been years in the making; a throwback to the days when Starsky & Hutch temporarily made spoofy adaptations of deadly serious TV shows a viable prospect. But, now – finally – the first Baywatch trailer is here. Can it beat the odds and actually offer everything it promises while staying relatively faithful to the original? Let’s find out.

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Photographs: Paramount

We start promisingly enough, with a shot of a sexy figure walking through the surf at sunset. This is original Baywatch all over: superficial gorgeousness concealing what is likely to be a sewage-infested ocean.

However, because this is 2016, David Hasselhoff has now been replaced by the Rock. Not only is the Rock bigger and more self-aware than Hasselhoff, he’s also far less likely to unironically release a terrible song. Unless you count that one he released with Wyclef 16 years ago, of course. Which you shouldn’t. Actually, you know what: just pretend I didn’t mention it.

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Anyway, the Rock is sensible and good at his job and so conscientious that he turns down an offer of sexual intercourse from a woman on a burning boat. That’s just the kind of straight-up guy the Rock is.

However – and brace yourself for HEAVY PLOT EXPOSITION – the Rock is told that the Baywatch brand has become diminished somehow. I mean, that seems unlikely because people get stuck out at sea just as much as they always did, plus the Rock is such an unstoppable PR machine that he doesn’t even have sex with women on the deck of a boat that can only realistically be 30 seconds away from exploding in a fiery ball of death. But let’s just go with it, because the government’s plan to jazz up Baywatch involves recruiting …

Zac Efron! And, to be fair, this seems like a smart move on the part of the government. After all, Zac Efron’s career has taken a hit over the last few years, to the extent that he’s now only really allowed to play douchey himbo side-characters in slightly tedious comedy movies. At least Baywatch will allow him to show off a bit more range.

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Or, you know, he’ll just play a douchey himbo side-character here too. Whatever works, I guess.

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And here’s where the story really starts. Dead bodies start washing up on the Rock’s beach, and he decides to take Zac Efron to investigate. And that’s where the story ends, because from here on in, Baywatch becomes a film about the Rock and Zac Efron vocally impersonating their own gonads over and over again forever to diminishing returns because the director has slightly overestimated their ability to improvise. That’s all this film is.

And gratuitous shots of boobs, obviously, because Baywatch.

Baywatch

And hilarious capers where the Rock, Zac Efron and the woman who played the Rock’s daughter in San Andreas last year dress up funny and sneak into a hospital like this is bloody Cannonball Run or something. And other scenes where Zac Efron continues to confound anyone who ever doubted his ability as a comedian, even though all he ever really does is take his top off and shout a lot.

And, of course, a scene with a racial misunderstanding. There. The Rock, boobs, the inexplicable continuation of Zac Efron’s comedy career, talking testicles and nobody having any sex whatsoever on an exploding wooden boat in the middle of the sea. That’s what Baywatch is. It’s going to be a blockbuster.

 

URL: https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2016/dec/08/baywatch-trailer-the-rock-dwayne-johnson-zac-efron

Cars 3

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Cars 3

Released Date : June 16, 2017

Facts you want to know

Cars 3 promises to be a much darker film than the previous two. On January 9, the new trailer confirmed that it centers on Lightning McQueen proving that he can still race with the best, despite being a much older car.

Although Cars and Cars 2 aren’t the best Pixar movies, the films are cash cows for Disney, inspiring a line of Cars toys that have been in stores for a decade now.

Based on the trailer released by the studio on November 21, it looks like Cars 3 will have a bleaker tone. The 50-second teaser shows a burned-out Lightning McQueen slowly falling into the frame, with the slogan “From this moment, everything will change” at the end.

Here’s everything we know about the film so far. It opens on June 16, 2017.

1. The Film Will Be About Lightning McQueen Proving That He Can Still Compete With the Best Racers in the World

In Cars 3, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson again) will find himself in a situation similar to that of Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) in the 2006 Cars film. According to the newly released synopsis, he will even be inspired by Doc Hudson to get back in the racing game after he is pushed out of the sport. He will also be helped out by Cruz Ramirez, an energetic race technician.

Here’s the full synopsis from Pixar:

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

2. McQueen’s Rival Is a Rookie Named Jackson Storm

In that same USA Today interview, Fee said that the main rival for Lightning will be a rookie race car named Jackson Storm.

“Jackson Storm is the face of these rookies who have come onto the scene,” Fee said. “And McQueen is in a position where his entire racing generation is being pushed out. But it’s too early to be shown the door right now.”

Storm also has a technological advantage, which Cruz will help McQueen overcome so he can compete in the Florida 500 race.

“Everyone can relate to feeling like someone is at their heels, that they might be a little outdated in something they used to be very good at, feeling an expiration date. And knowing you need someone to help you get a second chance,” Fee told USA Today.

3. ‘Cars 3’ Is Director Brian Fee’s First Film & He’s a Longtime Pixar Artist

Cars 3 might be Brian Fee’s first film as director, but it’s hardly his first project at Pixar. He worked in the art department for the previous two Cars films as a storyboard artist. He also worked on WALL-E< Ratatouille and several direct-to-video Disney movies. He was a story artist on Monsters University.

The writer on Cars 3 was also a Pixar vet. Daniel Gerson, who died in February 2016 at age 49, worked on Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University. He also worked with the Disney team on Chicken Little and Big Hero 6.

Gerson’s longtime writing partner, Robert L. Baird, also worked on the script.

The previous two Cars films were directed by John Lasseter.

4. Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy & Bonnie Hunt Are All Coming Back to the Voice Cast

Although the voice cast for the two important new characters haven’t been announced yet, Owen Wilson will be back to voice Lightning McQueen. Larry the Cable Guy will once again voice Mater and Bonnie Hunt will voice Sally.

It is surprising that we haven’t heard who will voice the two main characters yet. However, it’s worth remembering that the majority of The Good Dinosaur‘s voice cast was changed just months before that film was released. Frances McDormand was the only member of that film’s original voice cast to remain during the switch.

Michael Wallis, who voices Sheriff in the Cars series, revealed to Route 66 News back in August 2013 that Cars 3 was happening

5. Randy Newman Will be Back to Write the Score

In a February interview with The Advertiser, Randy Newman revealed that Pixar brought him in again to write the music for Cars 3. After that, he will work on Toy Story 4.

Newman was nominated for an Oscar for the Cars song “Our Town.” He won an Oscar in 2002 for “If I Didn’t Have You” from Monsters Inc. and another one in 2011 for “We Belong Together” from Toy Story 3. Surprisingly, he didn’t win an Oscar for “You’ve Got A Friend In Me.”

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2

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GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2

CAST

Chris Pratt
as Peter Quill/Star-Lord

Zoe Saldana
as Gamora

Bradley Cooper
as Rocket Raccoon

Karen Gillan
as Nebula

URL: http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Guardians-Galaxy-2-What-We-Know-So-Far-66690.html

 

Spider-Man: Homecoming

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Spider-Man: Homecoming

Genre

Fantasy/Science fiction Film

Directed by

Jon Watts

Starring

Tom Holland (II)
as Peter Parker/Spider-Man
Michael Keaton
as Adrian Toomes / The Vulture
Zendaya
as Michelle
Jacob Batalon
as Ned Leeds
Laura Harrier
as Liz Allan

Plot Summary

Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) returns home to live with his Aunt May. Under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark, Parker starts to embrace his newfound identity as Spider-Man. He also tries to return to his normal daily routine-distracted by thoughts of providing himself to be more than just a friendly neighborhood superhero. Peter must soon put his powers to the test when the evil Vulture emerges to threaten everything that he holds dear.

Release Date

July 7, 2017

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man:_Homecoming

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spider_man_homecoming

A Dog’s Purpose

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A Dog’s Purpose

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Directed by

Lasse Hallstrom

Starring

Britt Robertson
as Teen Hannah
KJ Apa
as Teen Ethan
John Ortiz
as Carlos
Dennis Quaid
as Adult Ethan
Josh Gad
as Bailey/Buddy/Tino/Ellie
Peggy Lipton
as Adult Hannah

Plot summary

“A Dog’s Purpose” shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

Lasse Hallström (The Hundred-Foot Journey) directed this adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron, which follows a dog (voiced by Josh Gad) as he is reincarnated as different breeds belonging to various owners. Over the course of multiple lifetimes, the canine’s existence intersects with that of a young boy who rescued him in 1962. Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton, Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, and Juliet Rylance star. ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Released Date

Jan 27, 2017

References

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_dogs_purpose/

http://www.fandango.com/adogspurpose_195379/plotsummary

Wonder Woman

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Wonder Woman

Genre

Action and Adventure,  Science Fiction and Fantasy

Directed by

Patty Jenkins

Starring

Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Elena Anaya, Gal Gadot, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Lucy Davis, Mayling Ng, Robin Wright

Plot Summary

Before she was Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, Diana meets an American pilot (Chris Pine) who tells her about the massive conflict that’s raging in the outside world. Convinced that she can stop the threat, Diana leaves her home for the first time. Fighting alongside men in a war to end all wars, she finally discovers her full powers and true destiny.

Release date

June 2, 2017

References

http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/wonder-woman/feature/a780712/wonder-woman-movie-2017-cast-trailer-costume-plot-release-date-and-everything-you-need-to-know/

http://screenrant.com/tag/wonder-woman/

The Circle

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The Circle

Genre:

Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed by

James Ponsoldt

Starring

Plot Summary

The Circle is a gripping modern thriller starring Emma Watson (“Harry Potter”), Tom Hanks (“Sully”) and John Boyega (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”). When Mae (Emma Watson) is hired to work for the world’s largest and most powerful tech & social media company, she sees it as an opportunity of a lifetime. As she rises through the ranks, she is encouraged by the company’s founder, Eamon Bailey (Tom Hanks), to engage in a groundbreaking experiment that pushes the boundaries of privacy, ethics and ultimately her personal freedom. Her participation in the experiment, and every decision she makes begin to affect the lives and future of her friends, family and that of humanity.The Circle is a gripping modern thriller starring Emma Watson (“Harry Potter”), Tom Hanks (“Sully”) and John Boyega (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”). When Mae (Emma Watson) is hired to work for the world’s largest and most powerful tech & social media company, she sees it as an opportunity of a lifetime. As she rises through the ranks, she is encouraged by the company’s founder, Eamon Bailey (Tom Hanks), to engage in a groundbreaking experiment that pushes the boundaries of privacy, ethics and ultimately her personal freedom. Her participation in the experiment, and every decision she makes begin to affect the lives and future of her friends, family and that of humanity.

Release date

Apr 28, 2017

References

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_circle_2017/

http://www.fandango.com/thecircle2017_198384/castandcrew

Life

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Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: Daniel Espinosa

Written By: Paul Werick, Rhett Reese

Starring

Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ariyon Bakare, Olga Dihovichnaya

Plot Summary

Life tells the story of the six-member crew of the International Space Station that is on the cutting edge of one of the most important discoveries in human history: the first evidence of extraterrestrial life on Mars. As the crew begins to conduct research, their methods end up having unintended consequences and the life form proves more intelligent than anyone ever expected.

Release Date:

March 24, 2017

References

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/life_2017/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/life_2017/

Dunkirk

 

Dunkirk_Film_poster

Genre:  Action, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from Belgium, Britain and France, who were cut off and surrounded by the German army from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France, between May 27- June 04, 1940, during Battle of France in Word War II.

Release Date 

July 17, 2017

Cast

“Dunkirk”

Christopher Nolan is about to enter the war genre for the first time when Warner Bros. releases his much-anticipated “Dunkirk” in theaters this summer. The prospect of seeing a war film through Nolan’s eyes has excited many since the project was first announced, and trailers and storytelling teases have only increased anticipation. But speculation as to what Nolan has up his sleeve is about to kick in as Box Office Mojo confirms the movie is rated PG-13 for “intense war experience and some language.”

The PG-13 rating guarantees the film will not be as graphic as the best films in the genre, even if it does include sequences that capture an “intense war experience.” But can a war movie be great even if it doesn’t depict its physically horrific nature? That seems to be the question on everyone’s minds now that we know Nolan won’t be going full R.

 

References:      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkirk_(2017_film)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkirk_(2017_film)