REVIEW: The New Mutants (2020)

New Mutants Still Image
‘The New Mutants,’ Still Image — Photo: Claire Folger / 20th Century Studios.

Directed by Josh Boone — Screenplay by Josh Boone & Knate Lee.

For a while there, it seemed like Josh Boone’s The New Mutants would never see the light of day. They wrapped principal photography in September 2017 and originally planned for an April 2018 theatrical release, but, right when Disney executives were working overtime to acquire Fox, the film was delayed over and over again. The film which had been developed by 20th Century Fox was ultimately released by Disney’s 20th Century Studios in the middle of a global pandemic. It felt like the film was quietly being swept under the rug, which may not be far from the truth as the film was the final film from the Fox-era of X-Men. Originally, I was very interested in the film after having seen the early marketing material, which made The New Mutants seem like a true horror film. Now that I have finally seen the film, I can say that the early trailers were more memorable than the film, which is messy and poorly paced. But I will say that it definitely isn’t the complete and utter trainwreck that the constant release delays may have led you to believe. It’s not good, but it certainly isn’t the worst Fox-developed X-Men film. Continue reading “REVIEW: The New Mutants (2020)”

Casting the HBO adaptation of THE LAST OF US – Special Features #65

HBO and PlayStation recently announced that Chernobyl-creator Craig Mazin will develop a series adaptation of the hit PlayStation game THE LAST OF US with Neil Druckmann, who was the writer and co-creative director on the original game. Druckmann is also one of the chief creatives working on the game’s highly anticipated sequel, THE LAST OF US: PART II. As I’ve definitely written before, THE LAST OF US is my favorite game ever made. It is a masterpiece. So, today, I want to give my updated opinions about who should play the game’s main characters in the upcoming HBO adaptation. Continue reading “Casting the HBO adaptation of THE LAST OF US – Special Features #65”

REVIEW: Game of Thrones – Season Eight (2019)

The following is a season review of the final season of HBO’s Game Of Thrones.

The final season of Game of Thrones has come to an end. White Walkers, Dragons, and foreign sellswords have shown their strength, and conquerors, leaders, and usurpers have had their say. During the run of the final season of the show, I’ve written thorough episode reviews that recap and critique all six episodes of the eighth and final season including the series finale. In this season review, I’ll link to those reviews, and provide general thoughts on the season as a whole. For spoilers, detailed analyses and discussions, do check out my spoiler-filled episode reviews. Continue reading “REVIEW: Game of Thrones – Season Eight (2019)”

REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “The Iron Throne”

The following is a spoiler-filled review of the final episode of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Expect spoilers for the episode in the review.

In the series finale of Game of Thrones, while King’s Landing is covered in ash, Daenerys Targaryen (played by Emilia Clarke) becomes the ruler of Westeros. However, both Jon Snow (played by Kit Harrington) and Tyrion Lannister (played by Peter Dinklage) have second thoughts about their queen who slaughtered those she swore to protect. Continue reading “REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “The Iron Throne””

REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “The Bells”

The following is a spoiler-filled review of the fifth episode of the eighth and final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Expect spoilers for the episode in the review.

In the penultimate episode of the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones, everything goes up in flames as two mad queens move their forces into position for the last war. As the wheel is broken, bells ring out, and the true faces of those we’ve championed are revealed. In tonight’s review, I discuss character assassination, build-up, and illogical character developments as the showrunners revealed how their show is meant to end while they disregarded prophecies. Continue reading “REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “The Bells””

REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “The Last of the Starks”

The following is a spoiler-filled review of the fourth episode of the eighth and final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Expect spoilers for the episode in the review.

In the fourth episode of the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones, the characters in Winterfell mourn the dead and drink to their memory, Varys (played by Conleth Hill) and Tyrion (played by Peter Dinklage) lose faith, Jaime (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) makes a decision, and Daenerys (played by Emilia Clarke) prepares for battle with Cersei (played by Lena Headey). Continue reading “REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “The Last of the Starks””

REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “The Long Night”

The following is a spoiler-filled review of the third episode of the eighth and final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Expect spoilers for the episode in the review.

In the third episode of the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones, the Dothraki, the Unsullied, the men of the North, and two dragons defend Winterfell from the Army of the Dead, the Night King, and the dragon-wight. It is the battle we’ve all been waiting for. But, I have to say, to me, the episode was surprisingly underwhelming. Continue reading “REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “The Long Night””

REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”

The following is a spoiler-filled review of the second episode of the eighth and final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Expect spoilers for the episode in the review.

In the second episode of the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones, Ser Jaime Lannister (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) confronts the Starks and Daenerys at Winterfell, Bran (played by Isaac Hempstead Wright) reveals his plan, and the North gets ready for battle. Continue reading “REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms””

REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “Winterfell”

The following is a spoiler-filled review of the season premiere of the eighth and final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Expect spoilers for the episode in the review.

In the final season premiere of Game of Thrones, Euron (Pilou Asbæk) returns to King’s Landing with the army of the Golden Company for Cersei (Lena Headey), while Bronn (Jerome Flynn) is given a special job. Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), her army, and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) arrive at Winterfell, where the people of the North are distrustful of the woman that their king has bent the knee to. There are more reunions than you probably even needed in the premiere of the final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Continue reading “REVIEW: Game of Thrones – “Winterfell””

REVIEW: Game of Thrones – Season Seven (2017)

The following is a review of the seventh season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Expect full spoilers for the show in this review.

At the end of the sixth season of HBO’s Game of Thrones, the show’s two most celebrated heroes moved into position to take on the final sets of challenges for them in this epic series. Jon Snow became the King in the North, and we all learned his true identity. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, was finally on her way to Westeros with her mighty dragons and her vast armies. Continue reading “REVIEW: Game of Thrones – Season Seven (2017)”