Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire didn’t release a big game TV spot during the Super Bowl. However, a new trailer for the film is set to premiere sometime this week. Until then, Empire has teased us with a new unseen image of the two gargantuan monsters as they team up against a new threat. Godzilla vs Kong brought our favorite movie monsters to a head-to-head rumble, and since the release of the teaser trailer, the money shot of Godzilla and Kong running side-by-side on the attack is a memorable image that fans have been gushing over.
The end of Godzilla vs Kong saw the two join forces when a greater threat surfaced and MechaGodzilla was revealed. The final moments between the two saw them give each other respectful glances. Adam Wingard returns to direct Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and he confirms that they are still united against a new villain, and yet, they still aren’t getting along. Wingard explains, “There’s a bit of a truce — Godzilla’s in control of the surface world and Kong is down in Hollow Earth. It wasn’t, ‘Okay, give me a call when something goes wrong, Kong. And I, Godzilla, will rush to the rescue!’ The buddy-cop dysfunctional relationship dynamic is probably the best one to describe Godzilla and Kong.” Wingard cites the most famous buddy-cop relationship of them all, Lethal Weapon, as his inspiration for their working relationship. “My influences are always embedded with the ‘80s, and the ‘80s were prime for [that] storyline. There’s a lot of misunderstanding – the way that the monsters communicate isn’t straightforward.”
Empire has also released an exclusive image of our two beasts that aren’t too old for this…stuff.
Wingard also teases that there are character arcs and evolutions for both Godzilla and Kong. The previous film put Kong in a more sympathetic role while Godzilla was more of the aggressor. Here, Wingard reveals Kong will have a self-discovery in the film as it explores his origins and his family, “There’s a personal journey that Kong’s going through.” Additionally, those who have noted Godzilla’s pink glow in the last trailer will discover the purpose behind it. Wingard explains, “This is his version of a training routine. I’m really big into Shaw Brothers martial arts. Those films are always about, ‘Here’s a big threat, and you have to do all these things to pump yourself up so that you can take on that threat.’ You’re gonna see lots of different versions of Godzilla in this movie.”
This week love is in the air, but so are monstrous demons, brain-dead zombies, sword-swinging heroes, and plenty of gunfire. If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, you’ll be able to download 2020’s remake of Resident Evil 3 on February 13, and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on February 14.
This week love is in the air, but so are monstrous demons, brain-dead zombies, sword-swinging heroes, and plenty of gunfire. If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, you’ll be able to download 2020’s remake of Resident Evil 3 on February 13, and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on February 14.
From the moment protagonist Squall Leonhart is dragged onto the dance floor by a headstrong girl in the opening hours of Final Fantasy VIII, I knew it was love. I would grow to adore this game and appreciate it despite its flaws, and much of that was because of the central story of Squall and Rinoa. In the 25 years…
From the moment protagonist Squall Leonhart is dragged onto the dance floor by a headstrong girl in the opening hours of Final Fantasy VIII, I knew it was love. I would grow to adore this game and appreciate it despite its flaws, and much of that was because of the central story of Squall and Rinoa. In the 25 years…
Director Yorgos Lanthimos’ “female Frankenstein” story Poor Things, which stars Emma Stone (Cruella), is a Golden Globe winner and it’s in the running for multiple BAFTAs and Oscars – and soon we’ll be able to watch it in the comfort of our own homes. Searchlight Pictures has announced they’ll be giving Poor Things a digital release on February 27th, with a Blu-ray and DVD release to follow on March 12th.
Scripted by Tony McNamara and based on a novel by Alasdair Gray (pick up a copy HERE), Poor Things is described as being the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter. Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn, a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
Stone is joined in the cast by Willem Dafoe (Spider-Man: No Way Home) as Dr. Godwin Baxter and Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers) as Duncan Wedderburn. Ramy Youssef (Ramy), Jerrod Carmichael (The Carmichael Show), Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Suzy Bemba (Kandisha), and Christopher Abbott (Possessor) are also in the cast.
When we first heard about Poor Things, all we knew about the story was that it was called a “female Frankenstein” story because after drowning herself to escape her abusive husband, Bella’s brain is replaced by that of her unborn child.
Coming Soon reports that the Blu-ray edition of the film will have the following bonus features:
Featurettes: Possessing Beauty – The Making of Poor Things. Join Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, cast and crew in the making of this fantastical film. Explore the costumes, makeup and prosthetics in detail. Take a tour with Willem Dafoe and see how Godwin and Bella’s home mirrors and accommodates them both.
Deleted Things: Brothel Doctor – Alfie’s Chapter – Bella’s Notebook
Are you looking forward to watching Poor Things when it gets its digital release, or on Blu-ray / DVD? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Get ready to peek behind the curtains of British Aristocracy with the new character posters from the Netflix original series The Gentlemen. The new show is inspired by Guy Ritchie‘s film of the same name. Ritchie himself is wearing multiple hats behind the scenes as the creator, writer, and executive producer. He has also directed the first two episodes of the series. The show was also previously known to premiere sometime next month, but we now have a release date as Netflix announces the premiere will be on March 7.
The official logline from Netflix reads, “THE GENTLEMEN sees Eddie Horniman (Theo James) unexpectedly inherit his father’s sizable country estate – only to discover it’s part of a clandestine cannabis empire. Moreover, many unsavory characters from Britain’s criminal underworld want a piece of the operation. Determined to extricate his family from their clutches, Eddie tries to play the gangsters at their own game. However, as he gets sucked into the world of criminality, he begins to find a taste for it.”
THEO JAMES as EDDIE HORNIMAN “The Duke” Eddie is the second son of the Duke of Halstead, and as such, never expected to inherit a thing. That’s why he created a life for himself, excelling at Sandhurst and achieving the rank of Captain in the British Army. But when his father suddenly dies, stipulating in the will that his title and the accompanying 15,000 acres of land will go to his second rather than firstborn son, Eddie’s life makes a fundamental pivot. It’s a role he never wanted, and perhaps believed wasn’t within him, but gradually Eddie will find himself increasingly comfortable in his father’s shoes. As Eddie contends with the unexpected criminal responsibilities which come with owning this English country estate, his character will be tested like never before.
KAYA SCODELARIO as SUSIE GLASS “The Boss” Effortlessly stylish, sardonic, and inheriting her fair share of Bobby Glass’ steeliness, Susie oversees her father’s criminal organisation on his behalf. Susie is something of a chameleon, from inner-city boxing gyms to high-society galas, there are few places she can’t seamlessly fit in. Susie uses a combination of sophistication and sophistry to iron out the usual kinks which occur in the running of Bobby’s business, but when Eddie starts making problems for her early on, she finds her patience quickly wearing thin. Susie slowly begins to see the rationale for her father’s interest in this enterprising young man, as her and Eddie’s relationship and rapport develop across the series. However, when the Glass empire comes under increasing pressure, Susie is clear where her ultimate priorities lie.
DANIEL INGS as FREDDY HORNIMAN “The Liability” Freddy always knew he was the heir to the Halstead estate, which is why he never succeeded at anything. His life to-date has been an inconsequential stream of parties, drug-taking and embarrassing business misadventures. He is the Anti-Midas, everything he touches turns to dust and debt. When he discovers that his inheritance has been passed over to his younger brother, a fissure erupts within Freddy which no amount of cocaine can fill. Freddy is bereft of purpose and leans even harder into his impulsiveness and reactivity. But when the criminal elements at Halstead begin to infiltrate the lives of the Hornimans, a creative spark begins to flicker within Freddy: this might just be the making of him.
VINNIE JONES as GEOFF SEACOMBE “The Gamekeeper” Geoff is the gamekeeper of Halstead Manor. He knows every inch of the estate and cares deeply for the land, as well as the assortment creatures that roam upon it. Stoic, stolid and unswervingly loyal to the Hornimans, Geoff takes a certain pride in knowing his exact place within society’s structure and is ever respectful of the line between family and staff. There is a quiet sorrow to Geoff, owing to a secret he has kept for many years, nevertheless, as Eddie learns to deal with the illicit activity on the Halstead grounds, Geoff will make himself available as an ever-present rock to the new Duke. A repository of sage wisdom and sloe gin is always to be found within the gamekeeper’s cottage.
JOELY RICHARDSON as LADY SABRINA “The Matriarch” Sabrina Horniman, Eddie’s mother, is the Dowager Duchess of Halstead. Upstanding and honest, she exudes a chilly maternal gentility. Though she may present as a part of the typical horse-riding country set, this is a front for a more salacious past, and a caustic sense of humour. Often the smartest person in the room, but with very little need to prove it, Sabrina becomes increasingly concerned for the danger Eddie encounters as he tangles with the particulars of the criminal world. Though we sense that there are parts of Sabrina’s life of which her family are not yet aware, Sabrina is resolute in supporting all her children with a discretion learnt from years by the side of their father.
GIANCARLO ESPOSITO as UNCLE STAN “The American” An extravagantly wealthy American, Stanley Johnston A.K.A Uncle Stan, is not your archetypal dealer and distributor of methamphetamines. Uncle Stan is obsessed with the history, iconography, and architecture of the British aristocracy. He retains a manservant, socialises with a minor European royal, and practically lives in the most exclusive gentlemen’s club in London. Stan’s fascination with all things posh might go some way to explaining his tailored interest in the new Duke of Halstead, but there are those who suspect Stan’s attack may be two-pronged: with his true goal set on securing Bobby Glass’ substantial market share.
Unhappy with this year’s Oscar nominations? Was the cast of The Iron Claw overlooked? Why didn’t Godzilla Minus One get more love? And did you think Greta Gerwig was snubbed for Barbie? Have no fear – the Golden Schmoes are here to let you have your say! Possibly the longest-running online movie fan awards, The Golden Schmoes are celebrating their 22nd edition with what we hope will be our best edition ever!
For those experiencing the Golden Schmoes for the first time, CLICK HERE to see what it’s all about. To take part in the nomination process, you only have to supply a valid e-mail address. That’s it! You can get more info in our FAQ, but the process is easy and fun! So enough of what Hollywood and film critics think are the best movies of the year – it’s time to turn voting power over to YOU – the fans!
Nominations are open until February 17th at midnight, so don’t miss your last chance to nominate your favourite movies of the year! You can supply your picks for each of our 27 categories (see below):
If you get stumped on all the movies you saw in 2023, no worries, we’ve got you covered. You can check out all the 2023 releases right HERE. Once all the nominees have been counted up, we’ll announce the official nominees on February 19th and then you can begin VOTING from February 19th through March 2nd. Winners will be announced on March 8th!
Check out all our previous winners below (we skipped 2020 due to the pandemic), and when you’re good and ready, head over and start nominating!
Producer/director Robert Rippberger (Those Who Walk Away) recently wrapped production on the sci-fi thriller Renner, which sees Frankie Muniz and Violett Beane taking on a manipulative A.I. Now Rippberger is heading to the European Film Market in Berlin to launch sales on his slate of upcoming films – the first project in the line-up being a horror thriller creature feature called Monstrosity, which is reminiscent of the classic sitcom The Munsters (which recently received a feature film update from Rob Zombie) in that it focuses on a family that consists of classic monsters. In this case, a werewolf, a vampire, a zombie, and Frankenstein’s Monster. The mixture also brings to mind the ’80s classic The Monster Squad.
Variety reports that Monstrosity, which is currently in pre-production, has the following synopsis: A young village boy goes missing down a mine shaft. His father blames a strange family in the neighboring house, but of course far more is at play. The family of misfits are actually a werewolf, a vampire, a zombie, and Frankenstein’s monster, and they are all guarding the mine to keep evil barricaded behind a Hell Gate.
Rippberger will be directing the film and producing it (under his SIE Films banner) alongside writer Sabir Pirzada, whose credits include the Marvel / Disney+ shows Moon Knight and Ms. Marvel. Concept artist Aaron Sims, who has worked on the likes of Stranger Things, Ready Player One, and Wonder Woman 1984, has designed the creatures, and Monstrosity will be filming later this year at “one of the Morgan International full-service special effects facilities in Europe.”
Rippberger had this to say about Monstrosity: “Like superhero films, monster movies have an avid fanbase. (Similar to The Avengers), we are immersing the vampire, werewolf, zombie and Frankenstein’s monster into the 21st century.” He went on to say that this film is going to “flip these characters and the horror genre on its head.“
Other Rippberger productions include the documentary How to Build a Truth Engine, which was executive produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov, and the stop-motion animated film The Inventor. In addition to the horror thriller Those Who Walk Away, he has also directed the social drama Strive and the documentaries Public Enemy Number One, 7 Days in Syria, Face of Unity, Visions for the Future, and Breaking the Cycle.
Does Monstrosity sound interesting to you? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.
If you’ve played the original Final Fantasy VII, you know the game ends on a bittersweet note. Sure, the day is saved by the remnants of the revolutionary group Avalanche, but as illustrated in the film Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, the gang is left to deal with a lot of residual trauma from their journey.…
