Star Wars: The Force Awakens Official Teaser
J.J. Abrams has finally given Star Wars fans their first glimpse at the first chapter in the new trilogy of the Star Wars Saga with an 88 second long teaser trailer for Episode VII The Force Awakens.
Watch it yourself below but here’s Five of the obvious talking points:
1. Is that Benedict Cumberbatch?
The ominous voice over bears an uncanny resemblance to the vocal charms of Sherlock and Star Trek star Benedict Cumberbatch, seemingly restoring credibility to the early suggestion that he may still play a major role in the new saga.
2. New Faces
While Luke, Han and Lea are nowhere to be seen the trailer does introduces John Boyega in a storm trooper suit, Daisy Ridley on a speeder & Oscar Isaac in an X-wing. Firmly establishing our next generation of heroes.
3. Old Ships
In just 88 seconds the trailer manages to give us Three X-wing’s, Two Tie-Fighters and one glorious hunk of junk… the Millennium Falcon. Though they might be more CGI now than plastic model kits, the return of these classic designs instantly injects the new saga with a nostalgic style that was so sadly missing from the prequels.
4. Lightsaber Broadsword
The lightsaber remains one of the most iconic elements of the Star Wars universe. Arguably Episode I’s sole redeeming feature was the invention of the double ended lightsaber, as wielded by fan favorite Darth Maul. Episode VII will apparently introduce the first lightsaber to have a crossguard. Turning it into more of a claymore style medivial bade. While fan’s are already fiercely debating the combat effectiveness of this subtle modification, it is at least a stylish riff on the familiar designs.
5. Is The Empire still the bad guys?
The inclusion of ominous ranks of battle ready storm troopers and Tie Fighters taking shots at a rapidly maneuvering Millennium Falcon suggests that perhaps the galactic war rages on and the Rebel Alliance may still be facing up to the might of the Evil Empire.
Episode VII in the Star Wars Saga, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, opens in theaters December 18, 2015. Till then re-watch the trailer below endlessly while awaiting more news/footage. It is your destiny…
Shock Treatment set for Stage Revival
Richard O’Brien is set to adapt his much maligned Rocky Horror Picture Show follow up Shock Treatment into a new stage production to premiere at London’s King’s Head Theatre in April 2015. Speaking of the news creator O’Brien said
“Shock Treatment has been waiting patiently in the wings for a stage premiere since the film was released in 1981. Just as Rocky began life upstairs at the Royal Court, it seems a perfect fit for Shock Treatment to start its stage life in the effervescent atmosphere of the astounding King’s Head Theatre.”
The original film released in 1981 was a critical and commercial disaster, failing to gain wide release or the cult classic status of O’Briens Rocky Horror Picture Show. The sequel once again features hapless couple Brad and Janet, this time caught up in a sinister 24h tv gameshow that aims to imprison them in an insane asylum. The film failed to connect to fans perhaps mostly because it featured few of the characters from the original and lost most its main stars like Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Meat Loaf and Tim Curry.
It will be interesting to see how O’Brien updates the show for the stage and whether it resonates more with a contemporary audience all too familiar with the concept of reality television which the original film ominously predicted.
Horrible Bosses 2 Review
The Plot
Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudekis return as the hapless trio with another plan to deal with their unpleasant upper management. After deciding to launch their own business, Nick Kurt and Dale are soon double crossed by ruthless businessman Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz), prompting the boys to try their hand at kidnapping to get their payback.
The Good
After becoming such a huge hit in 2011, it was inevitable that Horrible Bosses would get a sequel. Three years later, the boys are back, along with some help from their previous targets. Instead of murder though, Nick, Kurt and Dale have turned to the less harmful threat of kidnapping (or ‘kidnaping’ as Kurt spells it). But make no mistake, Horrible Bosses 2 is definitely bigger than it’s predecessor. With Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz joining the cast as father/son business partners as well as appearances from Jennifer Aniston’s raunchy sex addicted dentist, Kevin Spacey’s (now incarcerated) easily angered Dave Harken and Jamie Foxx’s cool, calm and collected Motherf**ker Jones.
While the target is down to one this time round, the story does seem to have grown with it’s cast. Kidnapping it seems, is tougher to pull off, even with the help of the kidnapped (Pine). The inept trio of criminal masterminds provide plenty of laughs with their successfully establish formula of bungling banter and slapstick. From awkwardly positioned shower pressure pumps, to an even more awkward car chase involving the longest train in the world, there’s certainly more than enough comedy highlights throughout the films 108 minute runtime to keep fans happy.
The Bad
Though Horrible Bosses 2 introduces some interesting new ideas as well as some genuinely funny new characters, they often have to make room for the elements which made the first instalment such a hit. Chris Pine does have plenty to do and brings gags aplenty, but Christoph Waltz feels drastically underused. It’s a shame seeing as he’s proved his comedic timing is good in his more serious roles (Django Unchained, Inglourious Basterds to name two) yet he isn’t given much to do here. This is understandably due to the fact that fan favourites are given maximum screen time to please fans.
The return of the Jennifer Aniston’s nympho sexpot and Kevin Spacey’s foul mouthed bully are both welcome, but at times they threaten to overshadow the gang’s new adversaries. After a certain point it begins to feel more like a reunion than an actual sequel, which is a real shame as there is enough to set up a well thought out redirection for the story before it slips into it’s amusing comfort zone. .
The Ugly Truth
Horrible Bosses 2 is a satisfying comedy sequel packed with just as much fun and perhaps a bit more mayhem than the successful original. While it offers up promising new ideas and characters, it’s the returning cast that inevitably steal the show.
Paddington Review
The Plot
Michael Bond’s beloved bear is brought to the big screen for christmas with the help of Ben Wishaw’s gentle voice (Skyfall). From dark Peru to rainy London, Paddington is on a journey to find a new home. But when an evil taxidermist (Nicole Kidman) begins hunting him down, and nothing but his natural instincts and trusty marmalade sandwich (to be used only in an emergency) to help him, it seems he may be out of his depth!
The Good
It seems incredible that it’s taken so long for such an iconic character as Paddington Bear to arrive on the big screen, but what an arrival he makes. Gags aplenty and some fine british acting talent are sure to make Paddington an instant classic.
Ben Wishaw dons the red hat and duffel coat (figuratively speaking) to provide the voice of the titular grizzly ball of accidents waiting to happen. It certainly seems Wishaw was the right choice after the ‘conscious uncoupling’ from Colin Firth. Though we may never get the chance to see what could have been, Wishaw’s younger voice fits Paddington perfectly enough that it’s hard to imagine anyone else trying.
There’s also an impressive line up of supporting actors including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Julie Walters as the Brown family, and the voices of Michael Gambon and Imelda Staunton adding to the list of CGI beariness. And it can’t go unmentioned that current Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi also pops up and seems unable to keep away from telephone boxes for too long…
A simple yet extremely fun storyline keeps Paddington consistently funny and thoroughly entertaining while adding some genuinely heart warming scenes along the way. While it’s not likely that we’ll see it overtake this years already strong selection of children’s films, it’s certainly good enough to warrant more marmalade madness.
The Bad
Technically, Paddington is too frequently sweet and adorable to have anything bad to say about the film critically. However it must be noted that there are some scenes that are rather dark and seem to warrant the PG rating. Mild threat pops up more than once (one notable scene of which includes a fantastic Mission Impossible reference) which may be a bit too frightening for some younger children. Not much of a criticism, more a warning for nervous parents…
The Ugly Truth
Everyone’s favourite bear is back to bring a whole new generation to his fan base. With a great cast to join him and a constant flow of laughs and charm, Paddington will surely be an instant classic. More please!
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Shortlist
The ten contenders for the 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on 14 December have been announced, with this year’s shortlist predictably featuring a mix of Olympic heroes and sporting superstars.
Rory McIlroy, Gareth Bale, gymnast Max Whitlock, swimmer Adam Peaty, skelton star Lizzy Yarnold and Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton all made the cut. Boxer Carl Froch, dressage victor Charlotte Dujardin , athlete Jo Pavey and Paralympic skier Kelly Gallagher with her guide Charlotte Evans are also nominated.
The public vote to determine the ultimate winner will take place by phone and online on the night, with the ceremony taking place in Glasgow.