Project Hail Mary Review

All images: Amazon

Have you seen Project Hail Mary yet? If not, then I highly recommend that you do. I was not sure what to expect when I went to the drive-in to watch this movie, but I ended up loving it. I thought it was going to be just another "it's the end of the world so we're going to send one guy into space to save us" movie. It does have elements of that trope, but it's so much more.

When middleschool teacher Ryland Grace wakes up, alone, aboard the spaceship Hail Mary, he has no idea how he got there, or even who he is. As his memory slowly returns, he realizes that he has been sent into space to save our sun from a microscopic organism called an astrophage. He is headed for a planet whose sun does not appear to be affected by the astrophage to hopefully find a solution that saves the Earth.

It's there, in space, that he meets Rocky, an Eridian scientist, who happens to resemble a spider made of stone, sent by his planet to save them from the astrophage. This is where the movie becomes fantastic. Rocky and Grace discover how to communicate and decide to work together to solve the astrophage problem. In the process, they also become best friends. I know it sounds a little trite, but honestly, this is the best buddy movie I've seen in years.

Overall, Project Hail Mary is an incredible story of unexpected friendship and what working together can accomplish.

Project Hail Mary is available now on Amazon Prime Video.

"Saving Grace" - Spider-Noir

Marvel

Marvel's Spider-Noir is such a fantastic addition to the Spider-Man Universe. And the music is great as well. 

Spider-Noir is available now on Amazon Prime Video.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Trailer & Poster

Marvel/Sony

A new trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has arrived. It looks like Peter Parker has really had it rough since the world forgot him. And now, his mutation is evolving.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel & Sony: 

It's a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves - a powerful villain no one can even see.

The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters on July 31st. A special Amazon Prime early screening hits theaters on July 29th.

"Dream A Little Dream Of Me" - Spider-Noir

Marvel

Have you watched Spider-Noir yet? The series was released on Amazon Prime Video yesterday. So far, I've watched the first 4 episodes and I am loving it. It's so delightfully dark and retro, like an old gumshoe movie. And the music is pretty fantastic, too.

All 8 episodes of Marvel's Spider-Noir are available now on Amazon Prime Video.

With No Power Comes No Responsibility

All images: Marvel/Amazon

The final trailer for Marvel's Spider-Noir has arrived and it looks fantastic. This gritty live-action series focuses on Ben Reilly, a former super hero who must step out of the shadows once again to save New York from super powered villains.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

Based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man Noir, the “Spider-Noir” live-action series tells the story of Ben Reilly, a private investigator in 1930s New York. Played by Nicolas Cage, the burnt-out private eye is forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only super hero.

Cage is joined by Lamorne Morris, portraying journalist Robbie Robertson, Li Jun Li’s Cat Hardy, a nightclub songstress and femme fatale, and Karen Rodriguez, who plays Ben Reilly’s assistant detective, Janet.

Spider-Noir arrives on Amazon Prime Video on May 27th in True-Hue Full Color and Authentic Black and White.

Spider-Noir Trailer and Posters

All images: Marvel

A new trailer, and four new posters, have arrived for Spider-Noir. The series follows the trials and tribulations of Ben Reilly, Private Eye. It looks so fantastically dark and retro.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

Based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man Noir, the “Spider-Noir” live-action series tells the story of Ben Reilly, a private investigator in 1930s New York. Played by Nicolas Cage, the burnt-out private eye is forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only super hero.

Cage is joined by Lamorne Morris, portraying journalist Robbie Robertson, Li Jun Li’s Cat Hardy, a nightclub songstress and femme fatale, and Karen Rodriguez, who plays Ben Reilly’s assistant detective, Janet.

Two of the posters are virtually identical, but on is in true-hue full color,

and the other is in authentic black and white. The series will be released in both styles.

The other two posters are so retro. They look like the covers of the old pulp fiction gumshoe books from the 1930s.

Spider-Noir arrives on Amazon Prime Video on May 27th.

Spider-Noir Teaser

All images: Marvel

The first teaser trailer and poster for Spider-Noir has arrived and it looks delightfully dark. The live-action series follows the gritty adventures of Ben Reilly, a private eye and super hero in the 1930s.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

Based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man Noir, the “Spider-Noir” live-action series tells the story of Ben Reilly, a private investigator in 1930s New York. Played by Nicolas Cage, the burnt-out private eye is forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only super hero.

Cage is joined by Lamorne Morris, portraying journalist Robbie Robertson, Li Jun Li’s Cat Hardy, a nightclub songstress and femme fatale, and Karen Rodriguez, who plays Ben Reilly’s assistant detective, Janet.

Spider-Noir arrives on Amazon Prime Video on May 27th. 

The series will be available both in authentic black & white and true-hue full color.

Young Sherlock

All images: Amazon

I've always loved Sherlock Holmes. The books, the movies, the various series, I've enjoyed them all. The latest incarnation is Guy Ritchie's Young Sherlock. It looks quite fun.

Here's the official synopsis:

From Guy Ritchie, witness the legendary origin story of Sherlock Holmes in this irreverent, action-laden mystery that follows the iconic detective’s early adventures. Sherlock Holmes is a disgraced young man – raw and unfiltered – when he finds himself wrapped up in a murder case that threatens his liberty. His first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy, culminating in an explosive showdown that changes his life forever. Unfolding in 1870s Oxford and adventuring abroad, the series will expose the early antics of the anarchic adolescent who is yet to evolve into Baker Street’s most renowned resident.

Young Sherlock arrives on Amazon Prime Video on March 4th.

Red One Quote

Amazon Prime

"Not our job to change people, Cal.

People change themselves.

We just show em' that we believe in 'em.

All of 'em.

'Cause we know who they really are, down deep.

We know that somewhere inside every lost grown-up is the kid they once were.

Our gift is that we can see that even when they can't."

- Nick, Red One

Get Your Wicked: For Good Tickets Now

All images: Universal

With six weeks to go until the epic conclusion of Wicked, tickets are now on sale. Wicked: For Good is the second part of the untold story of the powerful friendship between Glinda (the Good Witch of the South), and Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West). It looks amazing!

There are eight new posters for the film and they are stunning.

The RealD 3D poster features the main cast in a silhouette of Elphaba.

The 4DX poster is just Elphaba in full Wwitch mode.

The ScreenX poster shows Glinda as the good witch in the bubble.

The Dolby poster has Elphaba and Glinda facing off rather unhappily.

IMAX has two poster. The first features Elphaba and the Grimmerie.

The second shows Glinda as the popular princess she wished to become.

The final poster is for an early screening on Amazon Prime on November 17th. It shows Glinda and Elphaba united against whatever may come.

Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21st.

Red One Is Surprisingly Fun

All images: Amazon

When I saw the first trailer for Red One, I will admit I wasn't too sure what to expect. Christmas & action movies aren't exactly a natural fit, though a few have succeeded: Die Hard takes place at a Christmas party, but isn't really about Christmas, and Violent Night stars Santa Claus, but really is violent, though entertaining. Red One is one wild and crazy ride of a movie, with lots of mythological Christmas characters and a fun story. I haven't laughed that much in ages. 

If you're still on the fence, check out this behind the scenes glimpse of the two main characters: Callum Drift and Jack O'Malley.

And here are the main characters. As you can see, there are quite a few Christmas characters you don't see too often, such as Gryla and Krampus.

Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift, commander of ELF (Enforcement Logistics and Fortification)

Chris Evans as Jack O'Malley, bounty hunter, gambler, and Level 4 Naughty Lister

J.K. Simmons as Nick, Santa Claus

Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus

Reinaldo Faberlle as ELF Agent Garcia

Lucy Liu as Zoe Harlow, Director of MORA

Kiernan Shipka as Gryla, the Winter Witch

Kristofer Hivju as Krampus, Dark Lord of Winter

Red One is available now on Amazon Prime. 

And while it's definitely not for kids, it's a fun addition to my Christmas movie list.

The Rings of Power Season 2 Trailer

Amazon

Amazon released the first full trailer for season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power at ComicCon this past weekend. This season, Sauron has the Rings made and begins to use them. This season is going to get dark.

Here's the official synopsis from Amazon: 

Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season 1’s epic scope and ambition, Season 2 of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 arrives on Prime Video on August 29th.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2

All images: Amazon

The first teaser trailer for season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has arrived. It looks just as dark and intriguing as season 1.

Here's the official synopsis from Amazon: 

The Rings of Power Season 2: Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season 1’s epic scope and ambition, Season 2 of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 arrives on Amazon Prime Video on August 29th. New episodes will debut each Thursday. Season 1 is available now.

It's Christmas Eve Eve!

One of my favorite Christmas movies is Eloise at Christmastime. There's just something so delightful about how Eloise approaches the world. I've seen the movie dozens of times, and it always makes me laugh. December 23rd seems like the perfect day to watch it again because one of my favorite moments in the movie is when Eloise wakes up and declares, "It's Christmas Eve Eve!" Eloise at Christmastime is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. 

The New Rings Of Power Trailer Is Stunning

Amazon

There are just nine days left until The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power arrives on Amazon Prime Video. The latest trailer looks just as visually beautiful and emotionally overwhelming as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movies. I can't wait! 

The first two episodes of The Rings of Power arrive on Amazon Prime Video on September 2nd.

New episodes will debut each Friday. 

Stories From The Legendarium Featurette

Amazon

Here's a little behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. I've always loved Tolkien’s stories, and this one really does look incredible. 

Here's the official synopsis from Amazon: 

Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power arrives on Amazon Prime Video on September 2.

Are You Ready For The Rise Of Sauron?

Amazon

The latest trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power looks epic. I can't wait to see how it all comes together.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power arrives on Amazon Prime Video on September 2.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings Of Power Looks Amazing

Amazon

Amazon has released a new trailer for their upcoming series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings Of Power and it looks amazing!

Here's the official synopsis from Amazon:

Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings Of Power arrives on Amazon Prime Video on September 2.

The Rings Of Power Trailer Looks Epic

Amazon

The first trailer for Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is here and it looks amazing. I can't wait to see the tales of the Second Age of Middle-Earth brought to life. "Before the King, before the Fellowship, before the Ring..."

Here's the official synopsis from Amazon: 

Amazon Studios’ forthcoming series brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. 

Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power arrives on Amazon Prime Video on September 2, 2022.

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Posters

All images: Amazon

Amazon has released 23 posters for their upcoming Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series. Even these small glimpses of the characters show that the attention to detail is incredible. I can't wait to see the final product.

Prince Durin IV

Elrond

Princess Disa

Galadriel

Gil-galad

Celebrimbor

Arondir

Bronwyn

Theo

Halbrand

Poppy Proudfellow

Largo Brandyfoot

Elanor ‘Nori’ Brandyfoot

Sadoc Burrows

Marigold Brandyfoot

Isildur

Míriel

Elendil

Eärien

Pharazôn

Kemen

The Stranger

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power arrives on Amazon Prime Video on September 2, 2022.