A lot can happen in just one week in the world of film and TV, from exciting new project announcements to surprising casting reveals and major industry shake-ups. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated cinephile, staying up to date can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up the biggest headlines and must-know updates from the past week-so you don’t miss a thing!
Film news of the week: jan 13-19 Read More »
“You had a clean shot at him, right? With Soldier Boy? You didn’t take it. Was your eye on the ball?“ The highly anticipated fourth season of The Boys has finally debuted on Prime Video today, and it kicks off with a bang, releasing the first three episodes at once. The show continues its tradition of blending dark humor, biting satire, and (head-)explosive action. As the show edges closer to its conclusion, with a confirmed final fifth season, its penultimate season opening set the stage for what promises to be an intense ride. Season 4 opens with a gripping 16-minute intro that sets the tone for the rest of the season. New VP-elect Victoria Neuman delivers victory speeches on election night, the perfect opportunity for The Boys to attempt to take her down. With Neuman’s daughter Zoe’s newly developed powers – snakes shooting out of her face (after being injected with Compound-V last season) – and Butcher being a liability for the team due to his terminal illness, their mission quickly fails, making Neuman seem more indestructable than ever. However, this isn’t the only thing the team struggles with this season. The episode carefully lays out each character’s subplots: Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), haunted by hallucinations of his dead wife and the constant reminder of his limited time, becomes increasingly desperate and reckless, to Mother’s Milk’s dismay. At his wits end, M.M. ends up kicking him off the team, despite Hughie’s pleas to let him stay. New character Joe Kessler (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) serves as a reminder to keep his eyes on what really matters: saving the world. Yet Butcher desperately wants to save Ryan from Homelander’s influence and keep people from turning him into a weapon, and he tries everything in his power to convince him to leave his biological father. Speak of the devil, Homelander suffers from a midlife crisis, getting older and dealing with the with the pushback from the masses after committing a murder (from which he unsurprisingly gets proven innocent) is getting on his last nerve. Nobody in the Seven challenges him anymore and his son Ryan is struggling with the morality of Vought and the Supes. In his manic panic, Homelander seeks out Sister Sage (Susan Heyward), whose superpower is being the smartest person in the world. She comes up with a plan for his new success story and eventually joins the Seven. It is not clear what her true motives are, however she seems to be manipulating everyone at Vought. A truly intriguing new addition to the story, there must be more to her willingness to work alongside Homelander. Meanwhile, Annie January (Starlight) is still trying to reclaim her identity, but when questions of leadership for the Starlighters arise, she faces an internal conflict that ultimately makes her decide to make her comeback. Fan-favorite duo Frenchie and Kimiko both face their pasts to move forward. Frenchie starts a rushed romance with Colin, a fellow Narcotics Anonymous member, and struggles with revealing that he killed Colin’s family in his past. Hopefully the show will allow for more room for this arc, as it unfortunately seems very rushed and shallow. Kimiko decides the best way to deal with her traumatic past is to confront it head-on, leading to some of the episode’s most intense and iconic moments. Hughie grapples with guilt and anger after his father suffers a stroke, compounded by the appearance of his estranged mother, who adds little energy to the show thus far. The show’s humor remains sharp and unapologetic: The Deep continues to be a source of comic relief, with Tilda Swinton’s cameo as his octopus girlfriend, Ambrosius, being particularly hilarious. Noir’s Vessel has found a new host who finally talks (although he shouldn’t) and delivers a few hilarious one-liners. By now, it shouldn’t even be a surprise to see an auto-erotic depiction of the human centipede on our screens, but Kripke’s creativity surely remains intact. The ability of The Boys to draw parallels to real-world events is as strong as ever. From the January 6th Capitol storming to satirical takes on the Amber Heard-Johnny Depp trial, the series doesn’t shy away from controversy. New addition to the Seven, “Firecracker”, serves as a caricature of alt-right conspiracists. The self-aware nature of the show allows it to walk this fine line effectively. Antony Starr’s acting performances remain some of the strongest on television today. His delivery and micro-expressions continue to captivate. Season 4 of The Boys continues to deliver its unique blend of dark humor, social commentary, and high-octane action, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. The character development and intricate storylines keep the audience engaged, while the show’s willingness to tackle controversial topics head-on ensures it remains relevant and thought-provoking. With just one season left, the groundwork laid in this season promises an explosive and satisfying conclusion to a series that has consistently pushed the boundaries of superhero storytelling. You can catch the new season of The Boys with a new episode premiering weekly on Prime Video.
The Boys Season 4 kicks off strong with an epic 3-episode opening Read More »
“Severance“, created by Dan Erickson is a gripping psychological thriller set in a near-future corporate world. The story follows Mark S. (Adam Scott), an employee of Lumon Industries, where a unique procedure called Severance separates work memories from personal life. As Mark delves deeper into the company’s secrets, he uncovers dark truths about mind-altering experiments and hidden agendas, leading to a thrilling journey of discovery and self-preservation. The show was greenlit by Apple in 2019 with Ben Stiller as director and renewed for a second season on April 6, 2022. Season 2 has wrapped up filming, but so far no release date has been set. Thankfully, according to actor Adam Scott, our “patience doesn’t have to hold on too much longer.” Character Guide: The show is filled with many interesting and versatile characters. From the rebellious Helly R., to the soft-hearted Irving – these personalities are one of the many intruiging things about “Severance.” Here’s an overview: Scene Stealers: Burt and Irving – Episode 6, ‘HIDE AND SEEK’ In Severance’s sixth episode, fan favorite characters Burt (Christopher Walken) and Irving (John Turturro) find themselves in a plant-room on the severed floor of Lumon Industries – a garden that resembles Eden. As Irving vulnerably expresses his anxieties about their first kiss, Burt gently reassures, “It’s okay. Just stay. Stay here with me.” They lean in, their foreheads touching, finding solace in each other’s presence and basking in the warmth of their connection. If witnessing their undeniable chemistry doesn’t set your heart ablast, what will? Themes Severance delves into many different themes, across various dimensions. Thus if you are looking for the one meaning of this show’s message, you’ll come up empty-handed. A few main key elements the show critiques and emphasizes are workplace culture, authenticity, science, artificial intelligence, religion and trauma. What truly captivates about this show is its universal relatability, ensuring that anyone can find resonance within its narrative. In the next part, we will be touching on the theme of authenticity. Questioning The Concept of “Authenticity” In “Severance”, authenticity is a fragmented mirror, reflecting the shattered selves of the characters. Here, the dichotomy between work and personal personas is not just a divide, but a chasm, with each side possessing its own reality. This dissonance challenges the very essence of what it means to be genuine. “Severance” suggests that our identities are not fixed but fluid, shaped by the environments we inhabit. Colors “We wanted the outside world to have much more warmth and color, rather than the very tight color palette or Lumon, which is predominantly green and blue.” Color plays a crucial role in “Severance,” reflecting both personal preferences and narrative themes. Predoniminant blues and greens are being used consistently, aligning with the show’s themes of calmness and control. Warmer tones signify discomfort, particularly for protagonist Mark. The calculated use of color mirrors the series’ controlled world, with decisions made intuitively to enhance emotional resonance. In “Severance,” color isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a storytelling tool that deepens the viewing experience, according to set decorator Andrew Baseman and cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné. Overall Score: A-
TV Show Tuesday: Severance Read More »
In a display of time and emotion, the Doctor Who universe is set to witness a remarkable event – the triumphant return of David Tennant and Catherine Tate to the TARDIS. As the iconic Tenth Doctor, Tennant left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide, and graces our screens once more in 3(!) special episodes to pass the torch to the incredible Ncuti Gatwa.
David Tennant’s Final Bow Before Ncuti Gatwa Takes Center Stage for Doctor Who Read More »
Exciting news! The critically acclaimed and award-winning hit series, ‘The Bear’, has officially been renewed for a third season and is set to make its return in 2024…
The Bear gets Third Season Read More »
“How could Mom and Dad do that to us?”“They thought they were giving us powers.”“Well, I got a lot more than powers. I got a broken fucking brain!” Episode 3 kicks off with a flashback, taking us back to Sage Grove Center three years ago. We see Sam (Asa Germann), visibly agitated and upset over learning about Compound V. Luke (Patrick Schwarzenegger) calms down his little brother, we get an emotionally charged scene, emphasizing the brother’s love for each other. This scene turns out to be a flashback of Cate’s (Maddie Phillips) in the form of a nightmare, from passing from overusing her powers. Cate and Andre’s (Chance Perdomo) relationship takes an unexpected turn. Meanwhile, Marie (Jaz Sinclair) rescues Emma (Lizze Broadway), who has pushed her powers to become tiny. They argue about their self-harming use of their abilities, each defending their actions as a demonstration of their power. Godolkin University plans a fundraiser and Vought strategizes to shape Marie’s image. Andre yearns to do something heroic. Emma’s overbearing mother enters the picture. Another flashback shows us the moment Luke learns about Sam’s supposed suicide three years ago. At the gala, Marie becomes the center of attention, while Emma faces exploitation from her mother and Vought. Emma and Marie’s friendship deepens as they share a heartfelt moment in the bathroom. Emma and Jordan confront each of their parents’ ignorance and bigotry, tackling gender and mental health issues. Jordan’s “I’ve always just been me” quote was super powerful and London Thor’s delivery was excellent. Andre seeks Emma’s help in a dangerous mission and then confides in his dad, who reveals he’s aware of the sinister activities in “the woods”. Emma and Sam meet and form a connection based on empathy and understanding and after learning the true reason for Emma being there, he agrees to be rescued. After learning about Indira’s exploitative intentions, Marie finally reveals the truth about her parents to Jordan and Cate, building their bond. The episode ends with Emma witnessing Sam’s torture. She tries to save him, but the security seemingly outnumbers them, leaving us on a gripping cliffhanger. #ThinkBrink skillfully delves into the theme of exploitation, shedding light on real-life challenges faced by many children and young adults. The show’s masterful use of the score and sound effects, particularly in the opening scene, stood out to me, as well as the continuous well-paced story building. What truly shines is the development of the characters and their relationships, which felt incredibly natural and organic and I’m genuinely excited to see where the show plans to take these characters in future episodes. One aspect that I, and I’m sure many fans of “The Boys”, particularly appreciate is how the show manages to connect both the main series and its spin-off. It subtly incorporates callbacks and references, such as a glimpse of the infamous ‘Love Sausage’ in The Woods and we even got a cameo from ‘The Deep’ (Chace Crawford). Overall, Episode 3 is a must-watch and my favorite so far. It’s got relevant themes, great character development, and a story that keeps you excited for what’s next. Don’t miss it! -Mel
‘Gen V’ Episode 3 Review: “#ThinkBrink” Read More »
–This review contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Gen V- We return to Godolkin University. A tragic incident hallows above the school. Golden Boy blew himself up. No one truly saw it coming. After all, he was promised to join the Seven. His sudden death plays a role in what the season seems to unfold. The secret behind “the woods.” The episode starts off with another music choice that left me hooked. Phoebe Bridgers, covering “Nothing else matters”, while a team clears out the remains of Golden Boy. It’s a scene that could’ve been right out of The Boys. Episode two tries to build up the character around Marie. We get a closer look at Cate, who grieves for her boyfriend and may have a clue for the investigation on the woods. Meanwhile Vought wants all the budget they have invested in Golden Boy to go to another student that can take his place in time. We at last get a look at a familiar character and meet Ashley (with a full head of hair!). Complaining to Indira, the new dean of Godolkin University, about what she’s supposed to do with all the merch she had on golden boy. Urging the people at Godolkin to push Andre Anderson and Marie Mareau up to the top 10. Andre is expected to fully take over Golden Boys’ spot. In this scene we get another hint to the infamous woods, with Ashley mentioning how an exposure would cause “a fatal problem” for Vought. Indira seems to take a special interest in Marie, although her real intentions remain unclear. She makes her attend photoshootings, interviews and turns Marie to the first Freshman who’s ever been in the Schools Top 10. What the audience finds out – what the characters aren’t aware of yet – is that she also plays a huge role behind the secret of the Sage Grove Center or as the friend group calls it: the Woods. Cate and Andre question the school’s involvement in Luke’s death. They find out that Lukes little brother Sam has been kept under the grips of the Sage Grove Center for years, while his relatives were told that Sam died a long time ago. Cate and Andre ignore every other obligation and turn Sam to a new priority in order to honor Luke’s last wishes. Meanwhile Maries roommate Emma opens up about the secret behind her superpower to a girl she entrusted in class. Getting backstabbed by the same person, Emma’s story gets taken advantage of to boost the classmate’s social media accounts. The episode does a great job in establishing the characters we briefly met in Episode 1 and turning them into their own people. By the end of it, the people around Marie had so many facettes that they became exciting. While watching, I sometimes completely forgot about other subplots, because I was so hooked on what was happening right now. Although it does add more depth to the other characters, Marie sadly falls a little flat here. We find out that her main intention behind all of this, is gaining her sister’s trust back and being able to see her again – once it’s clear that this may not happen, the morals she has established start to turn gray. The overall theme of the episode plays with our generation’s addiction to social media and does a great job of highlighting its consequences, like feeling the need to get more and more likes and positive feedback. Following the social criticism, toxic “faux” mental health positivity gets a reality check by pointing out the hypocrisy of only bringing attention to it when something terrible happens. Despite the episode’s few flaws, Gen V still has a strong start, beating many preceding spin-offs.
‘Gen V’ Episode 2 Review: “First day” Read More »
Last week the first Episodes to the Spin Off of Amazon Primes Hit Show “The Boys” dropped.
The spin-off tells the story of Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair) as she navigates through her first days at Godolkin University, a college for young adults with superpowers.
‘Gen V’ Episode 1 Review: “God U” Read More »
The long-awaited moment has arrived! The trailer for the highly anticipated second season of David Jenkins’ “Our Flag Means Death” has finally dropped: The trailer teases what’s to come. It’s the moment fans have been eagerly waiting for, and it doesn’t disappoint. The trailer hints at even more adventure, romance, angst and humor. Will Stede and Blackbeard finally find their way back to one another? The trailer also offers a hint that fan-favourite character Izzy Hands will play a bigger part in how the story progresses in its second season (we’re really happy about that). Premise For those of you who are unfamiliar with the show, “Our Flag Means Death” is loosely based on the true story of Stede Bonnet, a wealthy 18th-century landowner who makes a daring choice: abandoning his life of privilege to become a pirate. What follows is a hilarious and chaotic journey into piracy, where Stede (Rhys Darby) forms an unexpected and passionate romantic relationship with the infamous Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). Cast Season 2 brings back many familiar faces that we have grown to love, including Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as the notorious Blackbeard. Joining them are returning cast members such as Ewen Bremner as Nathaniel Buttons, Con O’Neill as Israel “Izzy” Hands, Joel Fry as Frenchie, Samson Kayo as Oluwande Boodhari, Vico Ortiz as Jim Jimenez, Kristian Nairn as Wee John Feeney, Matthew Maher as Black Pete, and more. We are also welcoming some exciting new additions to the cast, including Madeline Sami, Anapela Polataivao, and Minnie Driver. What we can expect in Season 2: In an interview with Decider, series creator David Jenkins revealed that Season 2 will delve into the aftermath of Stede and Blackbeard’s heartfelt kiss, exploring their budding romance. Jenkins promises a deeper exploration of their relationship as they confront the challenges of a pirate’s life. After their breakup, both characters will grapple with the consequences of their feelings. While we were graced with generous ten episodes of its debut season, Season two consists of solely eight episodes. But rest assured, these episodes will be packed with even more adventure, humor and so much heart! Mark your calendars for October 5th and prepare to set sail once more with “Our Flag Means Death.”
