Deadpool & Wolverine is the return to cinema/box office form for Marvel Studios.
I saw a co-worker in the office today, for her the film was a hit, for me? My review below the trailer. However for now, soon film facts.
Deadpool & Wolverine is 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the sequel to 2016/2018's Deadpool & Deadpool 2.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are back as Deadpool & Wolverine, respectively, alongside Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Aaron Stanford, & Matthew Macfadyen.
The basic plot is, Deadpool is pulled from his quiet life by the Time Variance Authority (TVA), and he partners with a reluctant Wolverine on a journey to save his universe. Yes after Logan (SPOILER ALERT) Wolverine is back alive! And played by the OG, Hugh Jackman!
Deadpool & Wolverine was released in the United States on July 26, as part of Phase Five of the MCU.
Filming began last May, at Pinewood Studios in England, with additional filming in Norfolk and at Bovingdon Film Studios.
However like most films, TV series, production was suspended in July due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, but resumed in November and wrapped in January 2024. Hence my film series in 2024 titled, Post Strike Cinema 24'.
So my thoughts on this pop culture reference, cameo fest? Well there were loads of cameos. Small SPOILER ALERT.
Some of the cameos from former Marvel/X-Men/Superhero films included, Dafne Keen as Laura / X-23, Jennifer Garner as Elektra, legendary, Wesley Snipes as Eric Brooks / Blade, Channing Tatum as Remy LeBeau / Gambit, who had been attached to star as the character in an unproduced Gambit film, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm / Human Torch from Fantastic Four, Blake Lively as the voice of Ladypool, Henry Cavill as a Wolverine Variant dubbed "Cavillrine", plus there are loads more! It is honestly wild!
Overall this wasn't bad, it wasn't amazing. There is almost nothing left to do in these superhero films now. This threw everything and the kitchen sink at getting Marvel back on top. It succeeded, as this film has done incredibly well.
That said, I'll pass it for some amazing pop culture one-liners, however give up Hollywood on using the Backstreet Boys or NSYNC* on your soundtracks to be cute, on trend. Enough already.
Gangs of London season two, kicks off one year after the death of Sean Wallace, the investors have seized control of all organized crime in London, with Asif Afridi and Ed Dumani serving as stewards over the other gang bosses.
Gangs of London was confirmed for a second series premiering in 2022, however In July 2021, production on the second series had been halted for 10 days following a crew member testing positive for COVID-19.
Filming for the second series began on 31 May 2021 and wrapped in February 2022.
I'm way late to the violent AF second series which premiered in October 2022. A month after it commenced streaming again, the series was renewed for a third season, with production started on October 2023.
There is no news on a streaming date for the third run, however Andrew Koji, Richard Dormer and T'Nia Miller were announced to have joined the cast for the third series.
In the opening episode of this season, The Algerian mafia, led by Basem Soudani, purchase an unauthorized shipment of weapons. Tipped off by Basem's right-hand man Hakim, Asif's enforcer Koba kills the men overseeing the shipment, and tortures Basem's nephew Faz to send a message.
Faz figures out that Hakim was the inside man, and his sister Saba overhears them arguing. Asif and Koba determine that Luan Dushaj made the unauthorised weapons shipment. Against Ed's wishes, Koba carries out an attack on Luan's home.
Luan kills his attackers, but Koba abducts Luan's wife. Shannon Dumani is released from prison for the murder of Detective Chung, but cuts contact with her family except for her son. Elliot Carter has been operating abroad as a hitman for the investors, who leverage his service by holding his father hostage. He is called back to London to kill Alex Dumani, who has been running the legitimate side of the Dumani Corporation but struggling with substance abuse and making unauthorised deals.
Rather than kill Alex, Elliot attempts to give him the thumb drive he received from Sean for blackmail material against the investors. However, Alex gives up hope and commits suicide. Marian Wallace is revealed to be Luan's supplier.
No spoilers for those like me who have taken a while to catch up on the super violent, The Boys level gore, Gangs of London. Either just the second season or both. Now is a good time to catch up with season three no doubt to land, later in 2024. It has been a while between drinks.
Speaking of, I'm back to the cinemas tomorrow. For a popular superhero, teaming up with an X-Man. Yes, I think you can guess what I just saw. Violence levels, similar to that of Stan's exclusive, Gangs of London. So if the Olympics on Stan isn't for you, maybe this is.
Chick flick alert! Well chick TV series alert! What is the new way of describing a chick TV series, that is like a rom-com or a chick flick. There are loads of examples that I have watched recently. Sullivans Crossing, this, Land of Women (Spanish: Tierra de mujeres) and I just started Hallmark's The Way Home.
Land of Women is a comedy/drama/thriller/romance series, inspired by award-winning author Sandra Barneda’s bestselling novel.
Landing on Apple TV+ late June, the six episodes breezed by. Lead by the ultimate Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria, the drama-comedy, follows Longoria, her mother and daughter fleeing to Spain after her husband disappears in the wake of his financial dealings unraveling.
The series is an English/Spanish language series, right in time for me to get stuck into the final Netflix season of the high school romp, Elite.
The series began filming in Barcelona in October 2022, starring (alongside Longoria) Santiago Cabrera, Gloria Muñoz, Victoria Bazua and Amaury Nolasco.
This is the ultimate chick flick, woman meets man, has conflict, that turns to romance. After fleeing the US from her dodgy husband, Longoria falls for the handsome Cabrera.
I read somewhere it was a miniseries, however there is a lot left up in the air at the end of episode six.
I really enjoyed this series, jumping from New York to rural Spain in the vineyards.
Apple TV+ has really been serving up the goods of late. Next is Natalie Portman's the Lady in the Lake, which is meant to be a miniseries.
Coming up this week my verdict on the second season of Gangs of London. I finally finished it! Seeya then!
Presumed Innocent as originally set for a miniseries. Then it go popular, so the series was renewed for a second season.
Created by David E. Kelley, based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Scott Turow. The series is the a television adaptation of the book, following the 1990 film adaptation starring Harrison Ford and Brian Dennehy.
Commencing on Apple TV+ on mid-June, with a double episode. The eight episode run follows a prosecutor becomes the prime suspect in the murder of one of his colleagues.
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Renate Reinsve, Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle, Lily Rabe, Nana Mensah, Noma Dumezweni, Gabby Beans and Sarunas J. Jackson.
With twists and turns, the whodunnit takes some dark turns across its run. I also wonder what a second season will be about? I won't give any spoilers here, however if you want a full episode recap, click here.
Was this Apple TV+'s best work? No, but it was addictive. I also do love me some Jake Gyllenhaal.
I do need to also finish the last ten or so minutes of Land of Women too. Apple TV+ have had a cracker of 2025 thus far! Also great news that Loot was recently renewed for a third season!
MaXXXine is the third instalment in West's X film series and a direct sequel to X (2022). Written, directed, produced and edited by Ti West.
MaXXXine stars Mia Goth (reprising her role as Maxine Minx), alongside Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon. What a line up! Halsey and Kevin, bloody Bacon!
In the third film, Maxine sets out for fame and success in 1980s Hollywood while being targeted by a mysterious killer. MaXXXine is a departure from the Pearl origin story, which was the second film in the series. With Pearl, whose fervent aspiration to become a movie star led to her committing violent acts on her family's Texas homestead in 1918. It all links back to Hollywood really. It is a love letter to becoming an actor at whatever the cost. Whatever the violent acts required. And MaXXXine has some very violent acts.
In 1985 Los Angeles, amidst the Night Stalker murders, Maxine Minx successfully auditions for the lead in a new horror film, The Puritan II, despite her past, exclusively in porn.
Maxine is a natural born hustler. She does any jobs possible to remain in Hollywood, auditioning for any roles that come her way. Of course porn to horror is a big step, but Maxine is driven.
I have enjoyed the X film series. While Pearl was a slow burn, this was the opposite. So many stars, murders, violence, this film lead to an explosive conclusion.
It was a very enjoyable night at the cinema, where West has clearly been a lover of Hollywood and the hustle to live/work in the film business.
There is a lot going on in this film, but it works. Maybe a fourth film in the X series will follow? Time will tell.
The fourth season of The Boys, is the darkest by far. It stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Nathan Mitchell, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit, and Cameron Crovetti.
With new cast Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry, and Neegan, I mean the Walking Dead's Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Taking place six months after the events of the previous season, Victoria Neuman (Doumit) is closer than ever to the Oval Office and under the control of Homelander (Starr), who is consolidating his power. With only months to live, Billy Butcher (Urban) must find a way to work with The Boys, who are fed up with his lies, if they want to save the world before it's too late.
The first three episodes were released on Amazon (with ad's - RAGING) mid June, with the finale streaming late lats week.
Critics have praised this season, for its action sequences, character development, dark humour, emotional depth, storyline, blend of political commentary and surrealism, unique combination of violence, humour and social commentary. The bold approach to tackling complex themes and pushing narrative boundaries is also noted this season. Back in May, ahead of the season commencing, the series was renewed for a fifth season and final season. With Gen V also still around. I feel this is a good thing with an end game in sight.
Following this, wild season. There is only so much more The Boys team can show us right? Homelander is completely out of control, A-Train is missing in action, The Deep is becoming a little out of control and The Boys are highly flawed. That said Butcher's foul mouth always entertains the inner 14 year old boy inside my middle-aged body.
SPOILERS AHEAD if you haven't done the finale yet! You have been warned!
While Butcher recovers, Mallory and Ryan visit him, where the latter is told of Homelander's crimes and that he must kill him.
However, Ryan refuses, accidentally kills Mallory, and leaves, Butcher embraces his dark side of Kessler.
Homelander tasks the remaining Seven with eliminating everyone at Vought who has incriminating evidence against them; Ashley injects herself with V.
While Frenchie develops the virus, The Boys monitor Singer in a bunker where they discover Annie is the shapeshifter and a fight ensues; the real Annie arrives and kills the shapeshifter.
When Homelander reveals that Neuman is a Supe on air live, she calls on Hughie to protect her and Zoe in exchange for help.
When The Boys and Neuman meet, Butcher arrives, kills Neuman with his new superpowers, and steals the virus.
Sage reveals to Homelander that his plan has been a success when Singer is arrested for conspiring with The Boys to kill Neuman.
Speaker of the House Steven Calhoun becomes the new President of the United States, swears allegiance to Homelander and declares martial law, delegating Homelander and his army of superhumans.
The rest of The Boys are ambushed and captured by Vought troops led by Supes, but Annie manages to escape; Butcher leaves with the virus.
Don't leave too early, we get a mid-credits scene, Calhoun shows Homelander where Soldier Boy is being held captive.
So the final season is set up to be a blockbuster season. How will it end? How will survive? This season had such a large death count. I can only imagine how crazy they will go in their final run!
Big Apple TV+ finale week. We will see the verdict on Presumed Innocent along with the sweet Land of Women concluding. See you then!
Longlegs is a terrifying new horror thriller film written and directed by Osgood Perkins. It also feels a lot more original than a number of films in the horror genre from recent years.
Starring Maika Monroe and a CREEPY AF Nicolas Cage, who also produced the film through his Saturn Films production company.
Also starring a number of familiar faces alongside Monroe and Cage, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Michelle Choi-Lee, Dakota Daulby and Kiernan Shipka. Yes that's right, the latest Sabrina, also stars!
Longlegs follows an FBI agent tasked with tracking down an occultist serial killer responsible for murdering multiple families across America, without having been physically present in the crimes. The start is creepy AF. You are waiting for something to happen when Cage AKA Longlegs meets a young, Lee Harker.
It is no wonder, the film has received positive reviews from critics. It feels slightly new. It is dark AF. Cage is everywhere right now, even on Stan!
Now this film will not be for everyone. However for me, I was gripped for the entire run time.
Not overly gory, but the suspense factor is wild.
You need to pay attention and see this horror film at the cinemas, like now! Longlegs is a fresh cinema idea in 2024, which is rare.
