Cloak and Dagger, “Two Player”, Review!

Tandy has breached a wall in the Viking Motel to reach Tyrone, but he falls!  This is the fear that drove Tandy to lose hope earlier.  A pinball machine ball pings!  A man with a hat (Justin Sams) in sinister makeup regards a figure of Cloak.  Then, we see Tandy holding Tyrone.  This fades to the pinging sounds.  Detective O’Reilly crosses the police line tape and asks fellow officers about the crime scene.  A man rolls up to Lia who uses a taser against his neck to take his car and bring in a weakened Andre Deschaine.  He drives off with her.  Evita gets a call from Tandy.  She begins putting together some items from Aunt Chantelle’s shelves, Evita leaves, and in the next room we see Chantelle on the floor next to an open door.  Cloak’s darkness starts to spread as Tyrone starts to cough.  Tandy is crying over him.  O’Reilly enters and tells her about the motel.  Father Delgado trims some bushes next to a Sober Living Center.  He is met by Adina who wants his help.  Evita is checking on Tyrone.  She tells O’Reilly and Tandy that he is “transitioning”, Tandy thinks he’s stuck, and wants to enter the Cloak dimension to save him.  Evita forms the chalk symbol and has candy for Papa Legba watching over the cross roads.  She drinks from the bottle and spits out the liquor as offerings to “open the gate.”  O’Reilly wants to join Tandy holding her hand, the other has her Light Dagger, and they drop into the Cloak dimension!  

CLOAK AND DAGGER -- “Two Player” -- OLIVIA HOLT -- Alfonso Bresciani/Freeform. 

The two walk to the Roxxon gas station and there is Papa Legba as a woman.  Tandy gives her the candy bar and looks into the telescope to an arcade.  The bloody form of Officer Fuchs (Lane Miller) says that O’Reilly has a different path.  The man in the hat confronts Tandy at the arcade.  O’Reilly offers the Fuchs figure a pack of gum and then looks into the telescope.  Baron Samedi introduces himself to Tandy as a figure of the dead.  I remember very well Baron Samedi in Live and Let Die (1973) played by Geoffrey Holder, his laugh was terrifying, and James Bond couldn't defeat him.  He tells Tandy that Tyrone gave up his worries.  Tandy wants to give the same payment, but he says it is different.  He offers to have Tandy play “his game.”  Adina offers a folder to Delgado since she would have to reveal her sources, but he refuses.  Lia checks on Andre who is overwhelmed and can’t drive.  He reaches out to Lia and enters the record store.  Andre plays a record and then looks at his symbol on the door, but is blocked.  O’Reilly is walking to the record store and hears the music.  Her mouth is covered and she is pulled away!  Mayhem it looks like is protecting Brigid O’Reilly.  Evita takes out some shells from the jar to find out what is happening from Papa Legba.  Tandy checks on Tyrone who is playing the game, she joins it, “Duel to D'Spayre”, and sees the arcade version of her story.  They appear as video game characters to find “radioactive heroin” that transformed them, a nod to the comic books.  The look is like an 80's side scrolling fighting game like Double Dragon.  

Tyrone and Tandy appear on a street and use their powers against the bad guys, he fights them,  and she uses her Light Daggers.  He is caught up in the game, but Tandy questions it, they enter the Level 2 warehouse door.  O’Reilly and Mayhem enter the record store.  Mayhem points out the records and the name of the missing girls.  O’Reilly catches on to D'Spayre’s power.  She wants to stop him.  Evita hugs Chantelle who wants her to replace her.  She wanted to go to medical school.  Evita has to marry a loa to save Tyrone.  She turns, but finds her aunt is gone.  Father Delgado tells Adina that he is distraught over his actions.  He has given up hope and doesn’t want the files until he gets a confession.  Tyrone and Tandy fight in the warehouse level of the video game.  Um, is the game available for play?  She opens the yellow door to Level 3.  Tandy is stunned that they have entered the motel.  Evita melts a candle forming a figure that she molds.  A screen in front of Cloak and Dagger reads that there are walls separating them from their “greatest foe.”  Tyrone puts on her hood and Tandy wants to stop fighting.  Evita has a ring and some flower stems.  Tandy uses her Light Dagger to cut the motel wall.  Evita holds Tyrone’s hand in the real world.  Tandy and Tyrone fight the next room of opponents.  Tyrone says they have to reach the Boss Level.  D'Spayre is there with a hooded cloak.  Tandy disappears.

CLOAK AND DAGGER -- “Two Player” -- AUBREY JOSEPH -- Alfonso Bresciani/Freeform. 

O’Reilly colors the fingernails of Mayhem green, the color of the comic book villain, they discuss their father.  She needs the help of her counterpart.  It is a partnership, if Mayhem will allow Brigid to have a say, but it is all Mayhem now.  We see this with O’Reilly’s green fingernails.  Tandy is back at the arcade angry at Baron Samedi.  Evita puts on the ring and picks up the flowers.  Tyrone is there at the arcade with Tandy still wanting to play the game.  Evita turns.  The candle flame flickers.  It is a dance around Evita.  She tells Tyrone that Andre made her see him die.  The ceremony continues with Evita as they speak.  Tandy wants to stay with Tyrone.  This makes me think of What Dreams May Come (1998).  Baron Samedi says a decision has been made, Evita is going to exchange herself for Tyrone!  They appear in the church with Mayhem with O’Reilly!  Adina makes her confession about Conners revealing everything.  We see Connors about to leave and she shot him!  Night, Andre sees a sheet of music in his car, he hums the notes and leaves the body of Lia on the street.  Tyrone sees Evita and she leaves him.  Tandy returns home to see wine bottles. Mayhem goes to her apartment and begins to soak it with gasoline.  She flicks a lighter.  Tandy sees a bottle of pills.  Mayhem burns the papers that obsessed her.  Tandy is on the floor crying and Tyrone is there.  This is a powerful episode, surreal with a video game, reflected with the real life actors, the ceremony with Evita, and the drama of Adina’s confession.  

Five Light Daggers out of Five! 

#CloakandDagger, #TwoPlayer, #JustinSams, #LaneMiller 

Game of Thrones, “The Iron Throne”, Review!

The Battle of King’s Landing is over, but it was ended by Daenerys Targaryen and her dragon Drogon.  The madness of the Targaryen line was established very early on with the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen overthrown by Robert Baratheon, Daenerys is his daughter.  Then, he had Viserys Targaryen and we know his fate.  The seeds of her madness was shown, her lack of mercy with the Tarlys, and also her threat to Tyrion Lannister not to betray her.  We might think oh yeah, the Tarlys were a threat to her, and maybe Dany was not serious about Tyrion, but you have to go back to Viserys and his threat not to not “wake the dragon”, Cersei had done so with Missendei, the turn and look in Daenerys’ face, she woke the dragon.  Unthinking, unreasonable, pure rage, this is the legacy of the Targaryen.  The point of the series is to defy expectations so nothing is safe.  This is the end of Game of Thrones after eight seasons.  The finale is written and directed by the series creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.  

GAME OF THRONES -- “The Iron Throne” -- MAISIE WILLIAMS, ISAAC HEMPSTEAD WRIGHT, SOPHIE TURNER -- Macall B. Polay/HBO. 

Tyrion is walking in the devastation of the former King’s Landing small fires still burn, but it is a war zone.  He walks past a man covered in soot.  Tyrion sees the symbol of the horse left by the child, also Jon Snow, and Davos Seaworth are there.  He wants to go by himself into the ruins of the Red Keep.  Grey Worm condemns the remaining soldiers to die, but Jon and Davos want to spare them as prisoners.  Jon holds Grey Worms arm and it is a stand off.  Davos and Jon go to talk with Daenerys as Grey Worm slits the throats of the soldiers.  Tyrion walks the map floor covered with rubble.  He takes a torch down steps and sees the passageway sealed.  Tyrion walks on a pile of stone and sees the gold hand of his brother.  He removes stones and sees the face of Jaime Lannister and cries as he takes away the stones.  Jaime’s body is over that of Cersei Lannister’s corpse.  

Arya Stark is in the city and sees the gathering of horses ridden by the victorious army.  Jon walks through them solemnly, up to a hallway with the Targaryen banner.  The Unsullied are at attention and Jon sees Grey Worm as Drogon flies overhead.  He walks up the steps and sees Daenerys Targaryen, Drogon unfolds his wings and flies off, so she truly looks like the dragon queen in black.  Queen Daenerys walks to see the cheers of the Dothraki riders cheering for her and the Unsullied quietly waiting.  She thanks them and Drogon roars.  Daenerys makes Grey Worm her commander and Master of War.  She is smiling, enjoying it, and then goes to thank the Unsullied.  They stomp their spears in response.  She wants to bring the entire world under her rule.  Arya watches her from below. 

Tyrion sees this with a dark look.  He leaves Jon and walks towards Daenerys.  She says that he has freed Jaime and he says she slaughtered King’s Landing.  He throws away his Hand pin.  Daenerys orders Tyrion taken away.  He eyes Jon as he passes him.  Daenerys passes Jon silently.  Then, Arya is by his side.  She tells him that Jon is a threat to Daenerys because of his true heritage.  Jon puts aside his sword and sees Tyrion.  Jon is told that Tyrion would betray her again and says that the war is not over.  He admits that Varys was right.  Tyrion says Cersei and his father Tywin’s casulaties doesn’t equal Daenery’s kills.  His words seem to reach Jon and he sits down confronted with the burden Tyrion has given him.  Jon reaffirms his loyalty to the queen.  Then, Tyrion mentions his sisters, and forces Jon to make a choice.  Jon walks away and a what appears to be a snow hill is really Drogon who shrugs the snow away and rests.  Jon walks into a hall and all is darkness.  

GAME OF THRONES -- “The Iron Throne” -- KIT HARINGTON -- Helen Sloan/HBO. 

Daenerys walks out of the darkness to see the ruins of the Red Keep and the Iron Throne open to the air and snow.  She walks towards it and is entranced by the legacy made by Aegon I Targaryen out of the swords that opposed him in uniting the Seven Kingdoms.  This was in the recent Fire & Blood novel.  Jon sees her there and Daenerys tells the story told by Viserys and the  thousand swords.  He is angry about the innocent lives.  She tells him about the people used by Cersei and he tries to have her show mercy on Tyrion and others.  Daenerys thinks this all for a “good world” that she knows will happen.  Jon says she is his queen and kisses her.  There is a stabbing and Daenerys falls.  His dagger is in her chest and Jon cries over her body.  Daenerys is able to touch the Iron Throne, but never sits upon it.  

Drogon roars and appears behind Jon.  He steps back from Drogon over Daenerys’ body.  He screeches and roars unfolding his wings then breathes fire in rage.  It melts the Iron Throne!  The things and traditions of the past are gone and the world needs to be rebuilt for peace.  Drogon lowers his head and Jon sees the remains of the Iron Throne.  Jon sees Drogon fly away with Daenerys’ body into the stormy skies.  This reminds me of Genghis Khan, since Dothraki remind me of his Mongols, his body was hidden like Daenerys.  Darkness.  We see Tyrion’s face, contemplating, he rises up to be taken away by Grey Worm and the Unsullied in chains.  He is taken to the arena, there is Arya, Bran, Sansa, Brienne, and Davos sitting before him.  I think this is Bran's first time at King's Landing.  

Sansa wants to know where is Jon and Grey Worm says he is their prisoner.  Also there is Yara Greyjoy who says Daenerys freed them from a tyrant and Jon killed her.  Arya threatens Yara.  Davos tries to calm things down.  He says The Reach is a good place for the Unsullied.  Tyrion tries to speak to Grey Worm.  He wants the assembled to choose a king or queen.  Grey Worm says that they can choose.  The first to speak is Edmure Tully (Tobias Menzies) and Sansa says he should sit.  Samwell eyes the insult.  He brings up that it shouldn’t be the Great Houses.  The others laugh at his suggestion.  No democracy here.  Davos asks Tyrion’s choice.  Tyrion says it is stories that unite nations and he says it is Bran since he knows all histories.  

Of course, they all know that Jon Snow is Aegon Targaryen, son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, but his placement on the throne would be disruptive with the Unsullied in power.  Sansa says he cannot have children and Tyrion says that this is good.  He wants a ruler chosen by the Westros lords and ladies.  The wheel that Daenerys wanted to break.  He goes to Bran and asks him if he will take the crown.  Bran says, “Why do you think I came all this way?”  Tyrion seconds it.  No one answers.  Samwell nods, then other lords say, “Aye”, Gendry, Davos, Brienne, and then it is Sansa.  She declares that the North will be independent.  Bran nods.  Arya smiles.  Tyrion says, “All hail Bran the Broken.”  This is a great moment and everyone assembles proclaims him.  What will be his throne?   Bran says Tyrion will be his Hand.  Tyrion says he was misguided and unwise.  Bran says Tyrion will spend his life fixing his mistakes.  

GAME OF THRONES -- “The Iron Throne” -- PETER DINKLAGE -- Macall B. Polay/HBO. 

Jon is told by Tyrion that is to be sent to the Night’s Watch.  Grey Worm accepts the sentence.  Jon feels remorse about his decision.  Tyrion says, “Ask me again in ten years.”  This repeats the scene from their leaving from Winterfell.  Jon steps out in this cloak.  The black-sailed ships start to leave King’s Landing.  He passes Grey Worm on his ship.  Grey Worm sets the destination for the Isle of Naath which was the former home of Missandei.  It is a sad ending for Grey Worm who lives with hate, but maybe he can find peace there.  Jon sees Sansa who tries to apologize with Arya and Bran there.  She hugs her brother.  He tells Arya to go to Castle Black.  She says she is headed to the unknown west of Westeros.  Interesting, her violence might be tamed out sailing the seas so everyone who is a killer is dead, in exile, or exploring away from Westeros.  Jon asks if she has Needle and then hugs her.  

Then, he bends the knee before King Bran, and tries to apologize.  Jon heads to the boat to take him to the Night’s Watch.  Darkness, it moves to a room where Ser Brienne looks over a book until she sees Ser Jaime Lannister.  She finishes his story with “Died protecting his Queen” and closes the book.  Tyrion walks up to the chair of the Hand.  He sits in it and sees the empty chairs which turns to face each other.  A door opens and Tyrion takes his chair again.  Bronn, Davos, and Samwell presents Tyrion with a book, A Song of Ice and Fire.  Samwell says Tyrion is not in the book.  He moves away the book as King Bran is brought in by Ser Brienne.  He says that there are positions to fill.  

Samwell says that Drogon was headed east.  Bran says he thinks he can find Drogon.  Ser Poderick, now Kingsguard, is about to take him away and there are hails by the assembled.  Tyrion asks Bronn, Master of Coin, for help feeding the people and Davos to help rebuild.  Tyrion asks of the clean water from the Grand Maester, Samwell.  Bronn and Samwell argue over the reconstruction of brothels.  I love the twist of having sensibility with the Small Council, not conspiring members, but advisors who work for the good of the people.  The Wall, a horn is sounded, Jon rides up and gates of Castle Black open.  Inside is Tormund Giantsbane who watches Jon’s entry.  The gates close.  Swords are given to Arya and maps unrolled.  She walks to the top deck while Jon sees the assembled Night’s Watch and the Wildings.  There is interesting shifts to each of the Starks.  

Sansa walks to the bowed heads.  Arya passes sailors.  There is Ghost, not a great part, but at least he is there.  The wolf head masthead of Arya’s ship passes as we see her look out to the sea.  Sansa is given her crown and takes her throne.  The Queen of the North is hailed with swords.  Arya’s ship passes with the Stark banner on its sail.  Jon goes riding out with Ghost and Tormund.  There is a green plant as the Wildings follow them.  The gate closes behind them.  Jon rides on as we hear a choral version of the theme song.  The Wildings head into the forest.  After all of the wars, it is almost a hopeful ending, but bittersweet.  I'm interested in how George R.R. Martin will finish A Song of Fire and Ice. 

Five Shards of Dragonglass out of Five! 

#GameofThrones, #TheIronThrone, #JonSnow, #TyrionLannister, #AryaStark, #SansaStark 

Comic Con Revolution Ontario 2019!

9.69 kilometers (about six miles) of walking later (according to my walk meter), it was a tiring day, but filled with a chance to meet some incredible talents!  This was another great day at Comic Con Revolution Ontario.  My sweep of the room passed the companies at the front all the way to the back with Artist’s Alley.  I ended up at the table of Chad Hardin who was busy with a Joker sketch.  I picked up his art book and some metal cards he had of Power Girl, Wonder Woman, Invisible Woman, and of course Harley Quinn.  It was an interesting chat about Las Vegas, his upcoming crowd funded sci fi comic Temerity, and art. We discussed Gil Elvgren and Haddon Sundblom, the artist who created the familiar image of Santa Claus for Coca Cola.  

Batmobile at Comic Con Revolution Ontario, photo by the author. 

Next, I talked to artist Armand Serrano, he had some beautiful prints of Mulan and the Marvel heroes since he is currently at Marvel Studios.  I bought a print and his art book Vignettes which he drew a sketch in.  He spoke about working at Disney Studios in Florida and working on Big Hero 6 (2014) and Zootopia (2016).  I went into the line for Mike Zeck, it wrapped around his table, and I picked up his two Punisher variant comic books and a print.  I went over to the Guest Area and saw Alan Oppenheimer to talk about the original Westworld (1973) and working with writer and director Michael Crichton.   It seemed a coincedence since there was a gentleman cosplaying as The Gunslinger.  Next to him was Dan Gilvezan who voiced Bumblebee in the original Transformers (1984-1987) animated series.  He said all of my Transformers questions including his thoughts on the recent Bumblebee were answered in his book Bumblebee and Me.  I mentioned his Spider-Man was definitive for me with the Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981-1986) cartoon which introduced many Marvel heroes and villains for me.  

Gunslinger cosplayer at Comic Con Revolution Ontario, photo by the author. 

It was a pleasure to see Colin Cantwell.  He worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and is famous for working on Star Wars (1977) with early designs of the X-Wing Fighter and the opening battle for the second draft of the movie.  There was a space ship in the battle picture that reminded me of the space ships of John Berkey who painted a poster for the film.  Lastly, I saw Michael Chopon who has co-created and stars in the sci fi series Dystopia.  He was the Blue Time Force Ranger in Power Rangers Time Force (2001).  I mentioned that I really liked The Scorpion King: Rise of a Warrior (2008) where he played a young Mathayus in the prequel directed by Russell Mulcahy.  Another big line was at the table for Amanda Conner, whose print of Jetpack Jules, was given out at the con, and Jimmy Palmiotti.  Conner, who studied at the Kubert School in 1983 to 1985, was given the Joe Kubert Distinguished Storyteller Award at the convention.  There was always a long line for both creators who were happy to see their many fans.  Lastly, I spoke with Mike Kunkel who had his creation Hero Bear at his table.  We talked about the Shazam! movie since he created the comic book, Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam!  It was a con filled with fun creators, artwork, and I finished the con seeing the Batmobile headed home!   

Hero Bear at Comic Con Revolution Ontario, photo by the author. 

#ComicConRevolution2019, #ChadHarrin, #MikeZeck, #ArmandSerrano, #AlanOppenheimer, #ColinCantwell, #AmandaConner, #JimmyPalmiotti 

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum Review!

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum like the previous films assaults you like gunfire; rapid, shocking, and startling with thudding blasts. The film is directed Chad Stahelski who directed the John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) and is known as a stunt coordinator. It is written by Derek Kolstad who also wrote the first John Wick (2014), Shay Hatten, and Chris Collins, writer and executive producer of Sons of Anarchy. It expands on the shadow world of assassins operating in the night streets of New York. The John Wick series started with John (Keanu Reeves) as the assassin known as Baba Yaga.

He loses his wife and was caring for a puppy that is shot by Russian gunmen. Wick returns to his life as a killer. It also introduced the Continental Hotel which is neutral ground for assassins. The Continental is operated by Winston played with suave efficiency by Ian McShane. He is Mr. Wednesday in the American Gods series and was also in this year’s Hellboy. Wick does find a bulldog which he protects. Also, there are rules we have to catch up on like the markers (looking like ancient coins) in John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017). In that film, Wick refuses a job from a crime boss, Santino, and part of the High Table organization.  

Another ally turns up, The Bowery King, played by Laurence Fishburne in an almost Matrix-reunion. Fishburne is of course Pops in the Black-ish comedy series and was in Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). Wick pursues Santino to the Continental and breaks its cardinal rule. This film is directed by Chad Stahelski who co-directed John Wick (2014) with David Leitch and directed John Wick: Chapter 2. The story is by Derek Kolstad who was also part of the screenwriting team of Marc Abrams, Chris Collins, and Shay Hatten. Chapter 3 picks up with John Wick in a rainy New York night with an hour before he is made “excommunicado” by The High Table. 

A $14 million bounty is put on his head.  He will face all of the hired killers in New York and around the world. Keanu Reeves brings an almost vulnerable killer who is relentless at his fights.  He of course is known in action movies like Speed (1994) and trained with swords in 47 Ronin (2013), but may be best known as Neo in The Matrix (1999), but this is less a superhero messiah and more a very much human assassin in a “hyper reality” (as described by Reeves). Wick heads to the New York Public Library and is sent to a section with a special book. Inside is a hollowed out section where he finds a photo with his wife, some markers, a locket, and a crucifix.  

One of the assassins, a tall man (Boban Marjanovic), decides to jump the clock and attacks him. It is a brutal fight with some kinetic camera work by Dan Laustsen who was also director of photography for John Wick: Chapter 2. We get the reactions of the people who know John Wick, Winston, and The Bowery King. The time until the “excommunicado” is count down by the Operator (Margaret Daly) who seems like the old fashioned phone operator, but in a techno-style as is the other operators working for the High Table.  

Wick is stabbed during the fight and goes to the doctor (Randall Dae Kim) for medical attention.  He treated Wick in the first film at the Continental. Kim was The Keymaker in The Matrix Reloaded (2003). The Doctor stitches Wick’s wound as time runs out. Entering the Continental is a new character, The Adjudicator, played Asia Kate Dillon. She starred as Taylor Mason in the drama series, Billions, and also Orange Is the New Black. Her character is implied as dangerous, but smooth and unfazed by other characters. The concierge of the Continental, Charon (Lance Reddick), recognizes her as The Adjudicator. She was sent by the High Table to investigate Wick and all of his associates. 

John Wick is followed by a score of assassins and heads to an antique shop. He finds a gun and modifies it to take bullets. Then, he is faced with the killers and ends up in a knife fight unlike anything seen before. Wick finishes the fight and heads to a theater showing his crucifix for entry.  This is a ballet company that is watched over by The Director played by Angelica Huston. She won the Academy Award for Prizzi’s Honor (1985) and starred in several Wes Anderson films including The Darjeeling Limited (2007). There is a certain prestige that Huston brings to the role as a director separate from the High Table, but respecting their power.  

She mentions John Wick's Belarusian background as Baba Yaga, a figure out of Russian folk tales.  Wick shows her the crucifix and asks for passage to Casablanca, Morocco. The Adjudicator has investigated and tells Winston he has seven days before he has to step down since he gave John Wick an hour before the “ex communicado.” She heads to the sushi shop of Zero (Mark Dacascos) to send him after Wick. Dacascos was of course the lead in The Crow: Stairway to Heaven tv series and he was also in Only the Brave (2006) where he played a former military officer turned inner city teacher of capoeira, recommended.  

Zero is ruthless with his Shinobi when they are put into action. Later, he also shows some humor in his rivalry with John Wick. One of the Shinobi is played by Yayan Ruhian who was in The Raid: Redemption (2011), an action film that is unmatched by all others. Cecep Arif Rahman plays the other Shinobi, he was in Raid 2 (2014), which is another great action movie. John Wick reaches Casablanca and still has to face assassins, but manages to get to the Moroccan Continental. He shows the locket and requests a meeting. Wick meets with Sofia played by Halle Berry. She was of course Jinx in the James Bond film, Die Another Day (2002), and Ginger in Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017).  

Her training for the film is impressive as well as Sofia’s pair of attack dogs. The action scenes are intense, including the attack dogs which is stunning, and chases with a horse and motorcycles that are innovative. It seems like The Adjudicator, Sofia, and a character played by Saïd Taghmaoui (who was Sameer in 2017’s Wonder Woman) are important in this film. The meaning of “parabellum” in Latin is “prepare for war” so I think the war is yet to come. The kills had me recoiling and taking time to get over, but John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum is a thrilling race with guns and fists on a horse and motorcycles!  

Four Markers out of Five! 

  

#JohnWick3, #ChadStahelski, #DerekKolstad, #ShayHatten, #ChrisCollins, #KeanuReeves, #IanMcShane, #LanceReddick, #LaurenceFishburne, #HalleBerry, #AsiaKateDillon, #MarkDacascos, #AngelicaHuston, #SaidTaghmaoui

Strolling Through the (Theme) Park One Day: A Mickey Celebration!

Last year on November 18th was the 90 year birthday party of Mickey Mouse.  It has been extended into this year which features Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration which has rooms of fun and a store located in the former location of the ESPN Zone.  It was closed on June 2, 2018 so there is a bit of magic there now right at the enterance of Downtown Disney (on the Disneyland Hotel side).  The store is open to everyone, but the pop-up requires a reservation at Disneyland’s website.  It is $30 weekdays and $38 evenings and weekends.  There is a waiting area which had a few selfie walls until your group is called.  Then, you make your way up yellow stairs to the Mickey and Minnie’s Love section which had a couch in the shape of Minnie’s bow and a wall of Mickey and Minne photos.   At each area, there is a cast member who explains the setting and helps takes pictures.  

Mickey statue at Forever Mickey, Pop-Up Disney!, photo by the author. 

This leads to It All Started With A Mouse, my favorite section, it has Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy photo ops.  Then there was Mickey’s Friendships which had statues made by Minnie Mouse, Mickey made of leaves, a statue of dog bones crafted by Pluto, a wall painting by Donald, and a strange splatter, true art, by Goofy with two giant crayons you can hold!  This goes through a hall of acrylic waves and lights like the Sorcerer’s Apprentice scene to Sorcerer Mickey’s Magic.  Another favorite for me is Fantasia.  This had a painting of Sorcerer Mickey pointing to the sky with stars made of lights.  I also recognize the whales from Fantasia 2000 and the fairies from “Nutcracker Suite.”  Everyone loved the next section, “Mickey Around The World”, which had walls and two rooms.  I recognized South Korea, Japan, a room with a Mickey face and red lanterns for China, Minnie at Carnival for Brazil, a very colorful room for Mexico, France, and Denmark.  A hall of mirrors connects to Forever Mickey.  There is some neon outlines of Mickey reflected in the mirrored walls and a silver Mickey statue in a small room of crisscrossing lights.  

Statue of Mickey by Minnie, Pop-Up Disney!, photo by the author. 

The last room is Mickey at Disneyland.  It had a photo op of a large, red Mickey balloon that several people could stand in next to large Mickey balloons.  There is a Mickey design with splashes of color and finally a black Mickey Mouse statue standing on a pedestal with jagged patches of colored stripes.  A few things that might be needed with the pop-up; First, screens, there should be video of the classic cartoons, Fantasia, and Disneyland.  This makes the pop-up dynamic and brings up potential Blu Ray or DVDs to purchase. Second, I think there should be some yellow tables where kids can draw Mickey (maybe with some help), and their artwork maybe with a message can be posted on a wall.  Third, there was music played in the rooms, but I didn’t hear “What We Got (Mickey’s Birthday Song)” by Tony Ferrari, also, I didn’t hear it in parades and other celebrations last year.  It’s a fun song.  Which of course leads to the last one, birthday cake!, I think there should be a room or addition with a big birthday cake which can have guests blow out “candles.”  All in all, a fun experience, there was a store with Pop-Up Disney t-shirt and a limited Pop-Up Disney pin that you can get if you go to Pop-Up Disney.  It is said to be a limited time event, I got from a cast member that they expect six months, possibly ending in June, but don't miss out and go soon! 

#PopupDisney, #MickeyMouse, #DowntownDisney, #Disneyland 

Happy Birthday George Lucas!

Happy Birthday George Lucas! You might know his landmark student film, Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138 4EB (1967) and that Francis Ford Coppola encouraged him to turn it into a full film, THX 1138 (1971), but it served as the type of film that Lucas wanted to make a tone poem, more than a sci fi future. He also defined films with his semi-autobiographical American Graffiti (1973) insisting on a soundtrack of songs by the original artists that is the standard today. We might also know that he moved past his Flash Gordon film idea for Universal and instead created his own world using his Akira Kurosawa, John Ford, and Alex Raymond influences to form something new with Star Wars (1977). There was also his insistence to having the toy merchandise and forcing effects to bring something energetic to films with what became ILM.  Then, there was Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and finally Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983).  There were two tv movies after the original trilogy with stories by George Lucas; The Ewok Adventure (1984), also called the Caravan of Courage, and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985).  Lucas contributed the story for Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), collaborating with his friend, Steven Spielberg, to craft a modern cliffhanger serial classic.  There was also Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and later Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).  

He wrote the screenplay to the Disney attraction, Captain EO (1986), then the first collaboration with Disney on Star Tours which first opened in 1987, and was the writer for the fantasy film Willow (1988). He was able to executive producer Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) for Francis Ford Coppola as director.  Lucas executive produced the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! which opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1989.   Later, he worked again with Disney for Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye which opened at Disneyland in 1995.  Lucas created the television show The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992-1993). Harrison Ford returned to play Indy in Young Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Blues (1993).  This of course formed the effects and production pipeline for Lucas to return to Star Wars with the prequels starting with Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). He continued the prequels with Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002) and the conclusion was in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005).  Lucas also was executive producer on Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2014) animated series.  He returned to write the story for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).  Lucas accomplished the film he wanted to make for some time executive producing Red Tails (2012). He provided the story for the animated film, Strange Magic 92015).  On October 2012, Lucasfilm was sold to Disney and Lucas instead focusing his energies on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art set to open in 2021. Happy Birthday George Lucas!

#GeorgeLucas, #AmericanGraffiti, #StarWars, #RaidersoftheLostArtk

Happy Birthday Marv Wolfman!

Happy Birthday Marv Wolfman!  He is well known as comics writer and creator starting with Blackhawk in 1968.  Wolfman co-wrote with Len Wein on the original comic book series Teen Titans #18 (1968).  He wrote the story of Wonder Girl’s new uniform in Teen Titans #22 (1969).  Wolfman moved to Marvel Comics and worked on Tomb of Dracula with Gene Colan.  They co-created Blade in Tomb of Dracula #10 (1973).  He also co-created Daredevil’s assassin nemesis, Bullseye, in Daredevil #131 (1976).  Then, Wolfman worked with John Romita Sr. to create Nova in The Man Called Nova #1 (1976).  Along with Keith Pollard, artist, he also created Black Cat in Amazing Spider-Man #194 (1979).   Wolfman returned to DC and in DC Comics Presents #26 (1980), he introduced with George Perez, the New Teen Titans.  They created Cyborg, Raven, and Starfire to the team of teen heroes.  The title launched with New Teen Titans #1 (1980) and the duo revitalized DC Comics to make it the best selling comic book.  

The title also introduced fan favorite villain, Deathstroke the Terminator, in New Teen Titans #2 (1980).  Robin took the new identity of Nightwing in Tales of the Teen Titans #44 (1984).  The team of Wolfman and Perez also created another comic book event with Crisis on Infinite Earths.  This destroyed DC continuity, leading to the company re-boots almost every year, and lead to the death of many characters.   Crisis will be a part of the Arrowverse television series this fall.  Wolfman wrote the novelization of Superman Returns (2006).  He wrote the novel, Crisis on Infinite Earths, in 2007.  The creative team, Wolfman and Perez published the long promised The New Teen Titans: Games graphic novel in 2011.  Batman: Arkham Knight, based on the video game, was made into novelization by Marv Wolfman in 2015.  He returned to the character of Raven with young Rachel as a teenager in Raven: Daughter of Darkness.  Wolfman’s story for Superman Confidential was finally collected and published as Man and Superman.  Happy Birthday Marv Wolfman!  

#MarvWolfman, #NewTeenTitans, #CrisisonInfiniteEarths, #RavenDaughterofDarkness

Game of Thrones, “The Bells”, Review!

A letter is written about the “true heir to the Iron Throne” by Varys. A kitchen girl, Massa, speaks with Varys.  Tyrion watches the landing of Jon Snow with Varys who tries to imply Jon should take the Iron Throne.  Jon’s loyalty is still to his queen (and aunt).  Tyrion meets with Daenerys who knows about a betrayal.  He tells her it is Varys.  She sees it as a betrayal and places it on Jon and Tyrion. Daenerys turns away.  Varys is writing and hears a sound.  He burns a letter and takes off his rings.  Grey Worm is there to take him away.  Tyrion sees him there at the underground seaside cave.  Daenerys and Jon are also present.  Tyrion says he pointed Varys out.  He says goodbye to Tyrion who walks back.  Daenerys gives her sentence when the dragon’s head of Dracarys raises up and burns the Master of Whisperers.  Next to a fire, Dany shows Grey Worm a bracelet belonging to Missandei which he throws to the fire, then Jon enters.  She blames Varys’ death on Sansa Stark.  They kiss in Targaryen fashion.  Tyrion talks to the people of the  worried about the children burning in the fires.  Daenerys says it is Cersei using her advantage.  She has Grey Worm ready the Unsullied and Tyrion says that the ringing of the bells means the people have turned against his sister.  Daenerys tells Grey Worm to call of the attack at the bells.  Tyrion is about to leave when she tells him that his brother has reached the lines.  She says she will tolerate only one more mistake. 

GAME OF THRONES -- “The Bells” -- LIAM CUNNINGHAM, KIT HARINGTON, PETER DINKLAGE -- Helen Sloan/HBO. 

Tyrion and Jon are on a boat headed towards the landing.  They meet Davos and Tyrion asks a favor of him.  Night, Arya and the Hound ride up to the camp, telling a guard she is there to kill Cersei.  Tyrion tries to speak to an Unsullied guard to meet with the prisoner, Jaime.  He sees his brother chained who shows his metal hand.  Tyrion wants Jaime to try to convince their sister to stop the war.  He says he knows the city’s defense and fears its destruction.  He says there is a way to past the Red Keep and to take a boat to Pentos.  Tyrion uses a key to free his brother and has him ring the bells.  He just wants to save the people at the cost of his own life.  Tyrion thanks Jaime for keeping him alive.  They hug, brother to brother.  Day, a bell tower where the Iron Fleet waits, Euron Greyjoy is there with his scorpions.  Soldiers man the walls.  The people take cover in their houses.  The Hound and Arya walk among the chaos.  Jaime heads to the bell tower.  The Golden Company waits with spears in formation.  Davos Jon, and Tyrion are on the other side of the battlefield.  Cersei looks at King’s Landing.  The Hound and Arya make it past the gate which is closed, the people and Jaime are trapped behind it, he tries to call out.  Cersei and Tyrion wait.  Euron looks to the clouds.  Drogon flies down, bolts are thrown, but the dragon burns the ships.  Euron is thrown into the waters as the dragon swoops away from the scorpions and starts to burn them.  

The armies wait.  A fiery explosion breaches the wall and scatters the Golden Company.  The Unsullied charge and Grey Worm throws his spear striking down Harry Strickland (Marc Rissmann).  The horse riders race into the city.  Dracarys flames a scorpion and then ignites the Golden Company.  Cersei sees her defenses burn.  Tyrion walks among the destruction.  Drogon destroys another part of the wall.  Cersei hopes for a lucky shot on the dragon and believes the Red Keep will stand.  Jon and Grey Worm go through the city and stand before the defenders.  Tyrion looks at the bell tower.  Jaime is making his way to it.  The dragon appears above the fleeing citizens.   It lands on a wall and roars at them.  A captain throws down his sword and the other defenders.  Shadows appear on the Red Keep.  There are calls for “Ring the bells!”  Jaime makes his way through the crowds.  Daenerys is on Drogon looking at the Red Keep.  The bells ring and Jon is relieved.  Daenerys is angry and sends Drogon towards the Red Keep.  The people and soldiers burn with Drogon’s flame.  Grey Worm kills the captain with a spear and the other soldiers slaughter the defenders, but Jon tries to call them back.  Grey Worm is ruthless killing men left and right.  There is no more King’s Landing.  It is all in flame and blood.  Davos tries to evacuate people.  

GAME OF THRONES -- “The Bells” -- LENA HEADEY -- Helen Sloan/HBO. 

Jon sees the people in fear. Strangely, a burning city about to be destroyed, ashes in the air, reminds me of the Kit Harington movie, Pompeii (2014).  Jon pulls a soldiers from a woman and kills him.  After putting most of the city to flame, Cersei sees the dragon burning the Red Keep towers.  Jaime reaches the boat and sees Euron.  They start to duel.  Drogon starts destroying the Red Keep collapsing it on the people.  The fight is vicious and Jaime gets in a blow to Euron’s throat.  Euron gets the sword and stabs Jaime who falls.  Qyburn wants to evacuate the queen.  Cersei is crying, umm, too late.  He takes her away as the fire begins to break out.  Euron gloats over his win.  Jaime tries to reach for his sword, Euron stabs him, but Jaime cuts him deep with his sword.  As he dies, Euron is proud that he killed Jaime Lannister.  The Hound and Arya see the destruction of the Red Keep.  He says that Cersei is dead.  The Hound says that he lived for revenge and doesn’t want her to look like him.  She thanks Sandor Clegeane, I think he still has to confront his brother.  The roof collapses and the Mountain (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) uses his body to protect Cersei and Qyburn. The Hound looks up the steps at his brother and kills the guards.  Cersei tries to command Gregor Cleagane to protect her.  He kills Qyburn throwing him aside.  Cersei walks past the Hound.  Sandor’s sword is held by the Mountain, he cuts off his helmet to see his deathly face, we finally see his face after being hidden in his helmet.  Cersei makes her way down steps, suddenly worried, to a map of Westros.  Jaime sees his sister, she cries, and he hugs her.  This is a strange reunion.  

The fight continues between Sandor and The Mountain.  He drives his sword in, but the Mountain still lives, and knocks him down.  His brother draws out the sword and walks down like a massive Frankenstein.  He tosses his brother.  Arya sees the destruction and suffering people.  Arya starts to run and is caught in a fleeing crowd.  The Mountain pummels Sandor.   He lifts Sandor up by the throat, Sandor uses a knife to cut into him, and then his eyes are crushed before he gets the knife into the Mountain’s head.  He tackles his brother and they both fall off the tower and into the flames.  Jon sees the green Wildfire green explode and then sees Davos.  Jon calls for a retreat and runs with Davos.  Arya is covered with ashes and bloody, she wakens and coughs.  A tower begins to crack and she runs.  It is dark and she sobs.  Is this the innocent Arya returned?  Could she be the ruler who saves the people of King’s Landing.  She takes survivors to leave the city.  Riders run down a woman she was trying to take to safety.  She helps up the woman and her child.  Dragonfire drops down on them!  Jaime takes his sister through the ruined halls.  He sees the passageway is entirely covered with rubble.  Cersei says she wants her baby to live.  Sure after all of the people and children that died under her reign?  He holds her as there is a massive collapse.  Ashes fall on the destroyed city.  Arya looks at the aftermath of the dragon’s attack.  She sees a white horse and reaches out to take its bridle.  Arya rides away from the burning city.  I imagine the Iron Throne is melted down or destroyed.  This may be Jon taking the throne and maybe Arya deals with Dany.  Daenerys of course fell for the same anger that consumed her brother.  

Four Shards of Dragonglass out of Five!   

#GameofThrones, #TheBells, #MarcRissmann, #HafþórJúlíusBjörnsson