Marvel Studios Drops First “LOKI” Season 2 Teaser – Streaming October 6 On Disney Plus

(L-R): Ke Huy Quan as O.B., Wunmi Mosaku as Hunter B-15, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and Owen Wilson as Mobius in Marvel Studios’ LOKI, Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Gareth Gatrell. © 2023 MARVEL.

Today, Disney+ released a brand-new trailer and poster to celebrate the upcoming second season of Marvel Studios’ “Loki.” The first season of “Loki” is the most watched Marvel Studios series on Disney+, and the second season promises new excitement as it thrusts the infamous God of Mischief into a new set of adventures with the TVA.

The series stars Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wunmi Mosaku, Eugene Cordero, Rafael Casal, Tara Strong, Kate Dickie, Liz Carr, Neil Ellice, with Jonathan Majors, Ke Huy Quan and Owen Wilson.

Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Dan Deleeuw and Kasra Farahani direct episodes. The head writer is Eric Martin. Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Kevin R. Wright, Tom Hiddleston, Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Eric Martin and Michael Waldron are the executive producers, with Trevor Waterson serving as co-executive producer.

Benson & Moorhead previously directed two episodes of Marvel Studios’, Moon Knight (2022).

Composer Natalie Holt returns to write the score for season 2 .

Sophia Di Martino as Sylvie in Marvel Studios’ LOKI, Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Gareth Gatrell. © 2023 MARVEL.

Marvel Studios’ “Loki” Season 2 begins streaming on October 6, exclusively on Disney+.

Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Marvel Studios’ LOKI, Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Marvel Studios’ LOKI, Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

LOKI, Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. © 2023 MARVEL.

LOKI, Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. © 2023 MARVEL.

CREED III – Review

C3_19200_RC Michael B. Jordan stars as Adonis Creed and Jonathan Majors as Damian Anderson in CREED III A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Eli Ade © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. CREED is a trademark of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

As we get closer to Spring (and that most welcome “break”), the multiplex will present a new addition to a beloved franchise. Some may be indifferent to it, but it’s unique in several ways. For one thing, it’s not based on a comic book (though another ‘s on its way in a couple of weeks), nor are its roots in video games, toys, or TV shows. No, it’s a cinema original, though technically it is a spin-off of the first series that’s almost (gasp) 47 years old (this youngster only has eight years under his championship belt). Oh, it’s also the rare sports film franchise like MAJOR LEAGUE and THE MIGHTY DUCKS. But it’s not about a team, instead, it focuses on an individual as that protege of Rocky Balboa steps back into the ring for “round three” actually CREED III.


Surprisingly this new challenge begins with a flashback from nearly twenty years ago as teenage Adonis Creed sneaks out of his stepmom’s plush LA home to join his slightly older pal Damian.”Donnie” acts as a “corner man” for Damian in an “underground” boxing league at an “after hours” club. Damian easily earns “the purse”, but the duo’s celebration is cut short when Donnie uses his own fists on an old enemy outside a liquor store. The “rumble’ ends when Damian pulls out a pistol and the police arrive. The scene fades out to Donnie running to his home as the sun begins to rise. Flash forward to now as World boxing champ Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) barely retains his title in what he promises is his last match. And why not, since he’s “living large” in a Beverly Hills mansion with his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson), who’s now working behind the scenes as a music producer, and their adorable five-year-old daughter Amira (Mila Davis-Kent). When he’s not having a tea party with her, Adonis is the owner of a big boxing gym/club and is managing an “up-and-comer” fighter named Felix (Jose Benavidez). Trouble is, well, he trains too hard and is scaring off sparing partners.. That problem is suddenly solved by the unexpected return of Damian (Jonathan Majors), just out of prison and itching to get back in the ring, despite his age. Still feeling guilty over their dark past, Adonis hires him, not knowing that Damian is working out a master plan to take the title. When he shows his “true colors”, Adonis must come out of retirement and face down his former pal and confront their shared history. But can Adonis return to fighting shape for the big bout?

In his third outing as the boxing phenom, Jordan succeeds in making his athletic prowess believable (we get an insight into his observational strategy) and in adding a sense of haunting past regret. His teenage decisions are chipping away at him, overshadowing his family life and straining his relationships. Jordan coveys this through his eyes and body language, especially when Adonis decides to break free of the old shackles that weigh on his shoulders. Certainly matching him in the chiseled physique and emotional intensity is rising star Majors, just a couple of weeks after his big screen MCU debut. His Damian is also trying to break free of his teenage sins, though his road to redemption is fueled by ambition and deception. The early scenes of the reunion are soon replaced by his arrogant swagger as he “gets into” his old bro Donnie’s head. His needling insults sting almost as much as his jackhammer fists. Luckily Adonis has Bianca in his corner. Thompson plays his rock with unwavering strength even as her love refuses to “open up” and allow her to see the angry scared teen still in his psyche. As their daughter Amara, Davis -Kent could not be any cuter, the ultimate “daddy’s girl” as she mimics his moves with just the right amount of sass and sweetness. And of course, her “grammy” Mary Ann, playing with serene compassion and wisdom by Phylicia Rashad, dotes on her, along with Amira’s folks.

So, the main man in the ring is the main man behind the camera! Hard to believe that this is the directing debut of Jordan who keeps the story rolling smoothly, holding our interest from fading even as we go from the Creed gym (and bouts) to the lavish Creed household. We suspect that Adonis will lace up once more, but the script by Keenan and Ryan Coogler with Zach Baylin, keeps us wondering before it “sucker punches” us with a creative act two turnabout. Jordan gets us right into the action, slowing things down to show us how Adonis plots out his next moves while focusing on the blows aimed at a ‘weak spot”. We should be relieved that Jordan brings this all in at just under two hours, though the final act often feels a bit abrupt, save for a lengthy dueling “training montages”. Mind you, there’s spectacle to spare in that final fight in a baseball stadium (perhaps a modern colosseum for these two gladiators), but the decision to suddenly flash to a sparse fantasy desert dreamscape may put off some action fans (perhaps the ocean of digital viewers was deemed too “busy”). Aside from this abstract interlude, franchise fans will find Jordan a skilled filmmaker and Majors a very worthy adversary in the battle centerpiece of CREED III.


2.5 Out of 4

CREED III will open in theatres everywhere on March 3, 2023

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA – Review

(L-R): Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Kathryn Newton as Cassandra “Cassie” Lang, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

So, has it been three months already? A few days more, actually, since we took our last trip into the magnificent Marvel Cinematic Universe with BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER. And as its (most likely) Oscar win looms, we’re taking another trek to that magical place, with a hero we’ve not visited in four years. Oh, and the actual locale is not a foreign land as with the previous flick and last year’s Thor, or the maddening multiverse of Doctor Strange and Spidey. In a few more months we’ll be blasting back to outer space with those Guardians, which leaves us the “opposite destination journey”: inner space. This “area” was a big ‘factor” in the ENDGAME, but it was more of a travel “hub” or station. Luckily we’ve got the perfect pair (along with their family) of tour guides in ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. As Steve Martin used to say, “Let’s get small”.

This new adventure begins with a look back many years to the survival story of Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), who’s trapped in the Quantum Realm. But she’s not alone as she encounters strange “beasties”, creatures, and a somber alien explorer we later learn is Kang (Johnathan Majors). The story abruptly shifts to the present day as Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) basks in the glories and “perks” of being part of the Avengers team that “took out” Thanos. Unfortunately, his day of selfies, high-fives, free lattes, and a book reading/signing is interrupted by a call from jail. His now-teenaged daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) has been taken into lock-up with several social protesters. After bailing her out, the two quarrel on the way to Pym labs to visit Hope (Evangeline Lilly), now the head of the company, and her parents Janet and Hank (Michael Douglas). The shocks keep coming at Scott as he learns that Hank has made a “shrink suit” for Cassie and that she’s made a device that will send messages to the Quantum Realm. The latter news horrifies Janet who tries to shut the machine down. Ah, but something has taken control of it and the quintet is “sucked into” the micro-universe. The Pyms and the Langs are separated as the weird beings and gnarly natives converge on them. We soon learn that they are fighting a long battle with the forces of Janet’s old pal Kang. Our tiny troupe must stop him, along with an old foe, from acquiring a power source that will make Kang the conqueror of this and all realms.

Naturally Rudd brings his always engaging everyman persona to the role of Scott, though we’re treated to a few more “shades’ of the character. In ENDGAME he explored the tragedy of Scott being denied the experience of his daughter’s pre-teen years, which is touched on here as Scott feels he has to “make up” with surprise birthday events. In the Realm Rudd subtly conveys Scott’s repressed panic as he believes that he’s “out of his pay grade” in dealing with the unpredictable denizens and an intimidating master villain. And Majors is truly menacing and compelling as Kang, who treats Scott and his team as though they were indeed insects he must swat aside in order to complete his destiny. His near-robotic line delivery enhances his threats with an aura of banal evil, making his later enraged outburst even more volatile. Once again Lilly proves to be a terrific partner for Rudd as they come together in battle and scientific strategy to forge an inspired MCU team. Almost matching them are Pfieffer and Douglas as “point one” of the duo, who truly “come through” during the darkest moments. Douglas is still the blunt, but lovable mentor while Pfieffer’s Janet seems to be haunted as the Realm triggers her past despair. Newton, a new addition to the series, pushes past the “annoyed teen” cliches to become a pupil of her pop’s (they bond over times “in the joint”) and a valued ally. Speaking of allies, a couple of the Realm’s freedom fighters shine, namely William Jackson Harper (TV’s “The Good Place”) as an alien whose “enhanced ability” is more of an annoyance at times, and the dynamic Katy M. O’Brian as warrior queen Jentorra, who’s often irritated but always hyper-focused and fiercely formidable (like an entire squad of Wakandan elite guards). I won’t spoil the entertaining returnee to the series, but, since he’s in the trailer, I can attest that Murray almost steals the show in an extended cameo role.

Many folks complain that franchises begin to repeat themselves as they spawn new installments. Now that’s something that Mr. Feige and the MCU have dodged by upping the stakes and the action in this third outing. I’m not sure if this completely works for the devoted fanbase of what had been called a minor Marvel character. Mind you, the 2015 and 2018 were basically “caper flicks’ with Scott and his motley crew trying to pull off a “heist” while dealing with enhanced adversaries (plus the necessary “origin” in the first). While there’s a great rapport with the expanded family in this, I missed the “Lang crew” of T.I. ‘s Dave, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, and especially Michael Pena’s Luis (can you imagine him describing the Realm’s critters). Ditto for Scott’s ex Maggie (Judy Greer) and her new beau Paxton (Bobby Cannavale). Though the hero’s powers seem sillier than other Marvel heroes, Scott’s seemed the most human and “grounded”. But things are more “cosmic” here, reportedly at the request of veteran director Peyton Reed, so after an endearing and funny opening of Scott enjoying his celebrity perks, we’re plunged literally, into the furious fray. There’s still lots of humor (love that “pink goo” guy), though the shifting backdrops and hordes can be disorienting. That’s not to say that it’s done poorly, since this adventure seems even stranger than last year’s STRANGE WORLD. Plus there are lots of cool visuals riffs with multiplying clones and towering golden cities (overrun with Kang’s blue “fishbowl-head” armies). Still, the final showdown feels a bit truncated and the pre-end titles fadeout gag lands with a thud (on average first-time feature screenwriter Jeff Loveless “nails” the landings). As usual, the bonus scenes are fun, particularly the final. Sure this one’s more visually dazzling, but it’s at the cost of the light-hearted hijinks of the first two. Luckily there’s still plenty of wit and charm with “the little guys (and ladies)” of ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA.


3 Out of 4


ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA is now playing in theatres everywhere.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. © 2023 MARVEL.

Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors Face Off In New Big Game Spot For CREED III

Check out the Big Game Spot for Michael B. Jordan’s CREED III.

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose.

Creed III is the third installment in the successful franchise and is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut.

https://www.mgmstudios.com/creed-iii/

Jonathan Majors stars as Damian Anderson in director Michael B. Jordan’s CREED III A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Eli Ade © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved CREED is a trademark of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Jonathan Majors stars as Damian Anderson in director Michael B. Jordan’s CREED III A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Eli Ade © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved CREED is a trademark of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

See CREED III Early in IMAX and Other Premium Large Format Theaters March 1

PURCHASE YOUR EARLY ACCESS SCREENING TICKETS TODAY!

 *Premium Large Formats include 4DX, Cinionic Giant Screen (CGS), Cinemark XD, Dolby Cinema, DBox, IMAX, Prime AMC, RPX

Win A Family 4-Pack Of Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. © 2023 MARVEL.

Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible.

The sci-fi adventure opens in theaters on Feb. 17, 2023.

#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania

The advance screening is on Wednesday, February 15th, 7pm at Marcus Ronnies Cine on the IMAX screen.

The screening will be filled on a first come first served basis, so we encourage you to arrive early. Seats will not be guaranteed. Rated PG-13.

Enter at the link below for the chance to win a family-four pack of passes.

SWEEPSTAKES LINK:  http://gofobo.com/QUANTUMANIAGEEKS

Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” finds Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne continuing to explore life as a couple who also happen to be Super Heroes. Life is good: Scott has penned a book, Hope is championing humanitarian causes and their family—Hope’s parents, Janet Van Dyne and Hank Pym, and Scott’s daughter, Cassie—is finally part of their day-to-day lives. Cassie, it turns out, shares her new family’s passion for science and technology—specifically with regard to the Quantum Realm. But her curiosity leads to an unexpected, one-way trip for them all to the vast subatomic world, where they encounter strange new creatures, a stricken society and a master of time whose menacing undertaking has only just begun. With Scott and Cassie pulled in one direction and Hope, Janet and Hank in another, they are lost in a world at war with no idea how or if they’ll ever find their way home again.

Kicking off Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the fast-paced, big-screen adventure features Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/The Wasp, Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror and Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang, with Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne and Michael Douglas as Hank Pym. The film also features David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O’Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar.

Jonathan Majors as Kang The Conqueror in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2022 MARVEL.

https://www.marvel.com/movies/ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania

Directed by Peyton Reed from a screenplay written by Jeff Loveness, Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” is produced by Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard. Executive producers are Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Kevin de la Noy. The creative team includes director of photography Bill Pope, production designer Will Htay, editors Adam Gerstel and Laura Jennings, and costume designer Sammy Sheldon Differ. The team also includes visual effects supervisor Jesse James Chisholm, visual effects producer Fiona Campbell Westgate and special effects supervisor Paul Corbould. Christophe Beck composed the sweeping score.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. © 2023 MARVEL.

Paul Rudd Is Ant-Man And Jonathan Majors Is Kang the Conqueror In Chilling New Trailer For Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. © 2023 MARVEL.

KANG: You thought you could win?!
SCOTT LANG: I don’t have to win…
…we both just have to lose.

A new, action-packed trailer for Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” which opens in theaters Feb. 17, 2023, debuted on Monday night during tonight’s College Football Playoff National Championship. Kicking off Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the fast-paced, big-screen adventure features the MCU’s most powerful villain to date: Kang the Conqueror. Check out the trailer, plus a new poster.

Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible.

Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a. and Stephen Broussard, p.g.a., “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang, David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O’Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar. The sci-fi adventure opens in theaters on Feb. 17, 2023.

Jonathan Majors as Kang The Conqueror in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man and Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2022 MARVEL.

Giveaway: Win A Digital Code To See DEVOTION, Streaming On Paramount+ January 8

DEVOTION streaming on Paramount + beginning January 8, 2023. CREDIT: Sony Pictures Entertainment/Paramount +

BUY ON DIGITAL JANUARY 8, 2023 WITH NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN BONUS CONTENT WATCH THE FILM ON PARAMOUNT+ JANUARY 8, 2023

Paramount+ and Paramount Home Entertainment have announced that the epic and inspirational true story DEVOTION will be available to stream on Paramount+ and will be available to purchase on Digital beginning Sunday, Jan. 8 in the U.S. and Canada.

Directed by JD Dillard (“Sweetheart,” “Sleight”), Jonathan Majors (“Creed III”) and Glen Powell (TOP GUN: MAVERICK) star in the true story of two elite U.S. Navy fighter pilots who helped turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War: Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in Navy history and his fellow fighter pilot and friend, Tom Hudner. Their heroic sacrifices and enduring friendship would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen. Additional cast include Christina Jackson (“Swagger”), Thomas Sadoski (“The Newsroom”) and Joe Jonas (The Jonas Brothers, DNCE).

DEVOTION is directed by JD Dillard, with screenplay by Jake Crane & Jonathan A.H. Stewart, and based on the bestselling book by Adam Makos. The film is produced by Molly Smith, Rachel Smith, Thad Luckinbill, Trent Luckinbill and executive produced by JD Dillard, Glen Powell, Robert Simonds, Adam Fogelson and John Friedberg.

DEVOTION is rated PG-13 for strong language, some war action/violence, and smoking.

Digital Bonus Content

The Aviation of a Forgotten War

Take a deep dive into the world of 1950s U.S. Naval aviation and experience the epic aerial action brought to life in Devotion. Meet the actors in real planes used during the Korean War in this incredible behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.

The Legacy of Jesse Brown

Discover the extraordinary life of Jesse Brown, the first African American Naval Aviator, and explore his personal journey during the Korean War. Hear from the cast and crew as they discuss Jesse’s unique and complex story.

WAMG is giving away to five of our lucky readers a DIGITAL CODE – one winner will also receive the book DEVOTION based on, “Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice” by Adam Makos.

 The grand prize winner will also receive a free trial code to Paramount+.

DETAILS

  • Offer: 1 month Free Commercial-Free or Essential to Paramount+
  • Timing: 1/8-2/8
    • Please note that 1/8 is the premiere date, running for a month to allow a chance to redeem.
  1. EMAIL michelle@wearemoviegeeks.com to enter.
  2. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE/BOOK WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.
  3. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
(L-R) Jonathan Majors as Jesse Brown, Glen Powell as Tom Hudner, Thomas Sadoski as Dick Cevoli, Nick Hargrove as Carol Mohring, Daren Kagasoff as Bill Koenig, Joe Jonas as Marty Goode and Spencer Neville as Bo Lavery in DEVOTION streaming on Paramount + beginning January 8, 2023. CREDIT: Eli Adé/Sony Pictures/Paramount +

Watch The New IMAX Featurette For Michael B. Jordan’s CREED III – Starring Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson And Jonathan Majors

Take in every bead of sweat. Feel the impact of each and every punch.

Get inside the ring with Michael B. Jordan in this IMAX Featurette for CREED III.

CREED III was shot with IMAX-Certified Digital Cameras, as part of the Filmed for IMAX Program, featuring IMAX Exclusive Expanded Aspect Ratio – Up to 26% More Picture.

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose.

Screenplay is by Keenan Coogler & Zach Baylin with the story by Ryan Coogler and Keenan Coogler & Zach Baylin.

The film stars Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Mila Davis-Kent, Florian Munteanu, and Phylicia Rashad.

Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, CREED III, is in Theaters and IMAX March 3, 2023.

https://www.unitedartistsreleasing.com/creed-iii/

Tessa Thompson stars as Bianca and Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed in CREED III A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Eli Ade © 2022 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DEVOTION(2022) – Review

It’s important to keep in mind when sitting down to the big holiday meal in a day or so, that many families will have a temporary missing seat at the table. That’s the case with so many households with loved ones serving in the military. And then there’s the empty seat that goes from temporary to permanent. This Thanksgiving weekend’s new film release touches on that with a tale of real-life heroism in the sky. Oh, but it’s not another TOP GUN wannabe, although it features one of the recent sequel’s hunky young stars. This is based on a conflict 72 years in the past. And, as I said, it’s all true concerning a group of men who possess a very special kind of DEVOTION.


The saga starts at a naval air base in Rhode Island as Navy fighter pilot Tom Hudner (Glen Powell) arrives for his new assignment. After checking in with his CO Dick Cevoli (Thomas Sadoski), Tom heads to the locker room and nearly runs into another pilot Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors). He’s the only African American flyer Tom’s ever met, but the men find they have much in common. Ditto for the rest of the elite squadron. However, Brown rarely socializes with his co-workers (he doesn’t even drink), preferring to spend all of his time with his wife Daisy (Christina Jackson), and their toddler daughter in their rented house. One night, Tom sees Jesse stranded after his car breaks down and offers him a lift home where Tom and Daisy share a beer. Soon after, time at the base gets more intense as Korea becomes a “hot zone. The whole squadron must get familiar with their new Corsair fighter jets in preparation for the “big show”. And things pick up even more when the squad is transferred to an aircraft carrier off the coast of Italy, where Brown must deal with on-deck landings and a group of racist Marines. Tom offers his help, but Jesse wants no special treatment. Everybody has a relaxing shore leave in Cannes, France (and rubs shoulders with an iconic silver screen starlet), But Tom and Jesse butt heads over dealing with equality and confronting prejudice. This flares up in Korea when Jesse ignores orders from Tom (put temporarily in command) during a bombing raid on a bridge. But they’ve got to put their “beefs” aside when they’re sent to back up ground troops during a deadly battle with an overwhelming horde of Chinese forces. Can they become a tight team and make it back home alive?

This story provides another terrific role for a star on the rise, Majors (he’ll soon face off against CREED before, reportedly, taking on the Avengers). His Brown is often quiet, even stoic, but we see that his emotions are bubbling beneath the surface. When he does vent, in a powerful solo sequence facing the camera as a mirror, Majors is riveting and heartbreaking as he rattles off a litany of racist bile he’s endured. Yet he also shows his tender side with his two loves (other than flying), Daisy and his sweet baby. When seeing this, Powell as Tom subtly sneaks in an envious grin. Yes, in many of the scenes, particularly with the French ladies, he’s got that Han Solo roguish charm, but Powell gives us much more of the inner soldier loyalty, building on his scene-stealing turn in the last TOP GUN flick. Sadoski projects a patriarchal warmth as the best “old man” these hotshots could ever hope to follow. He’s tough but doesn’t hide his pride and affection for his “guys”. And speaking of affection, Jackson shines as the apple of Jesse’s eye, who quietly worries for her spouse, but tries to coat her fear with a sassy, “no BS” demeanor. We also get an energetic group of young actors, including pop star Joe Jonas, who provide superb support for the lead duo.

Director J.D. Dillard has ably recreated the nostalgic look of the early 1950s tempered with the rise of tension in the early start of the “Cold War” (and those frozen Korean battlefields illustrate it). He shows us the monotony of the constant readiness for that siren to blare, ushering the guys into their cockpits. The screenplay by Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart, adapting Adam Makos’ book, avoids several flying ace cliches while giving the Browns a rich, romantic backstory. At times the film gets bogged down with too many heated exchanges between Jesse and Tom over the racial bias of the era. Oh, but when this film gets airborne, it soars. with scenes almost as stunning, well as that other aerial epic from a few months ago. The planes twirl and twist, breaking formation and cutting the clouds from every possible angle. The dog fights are just as deadly as the ones in that “galaxy far far away”, and the sequence with the pilots making practice landings in their new rigs is a tense nail-biter. It all leads to an ending that’s a true emotional “gut punch”. It makes us wonder whether if in the similar type of situation, we’d have the same level of DEVOTION.


3 Out of 4

DEVOTION is now playing in theatres everywhere

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of DEVOTION – Stars Jonathan Majors And Glen Powell

DEVOTION, an aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the harrowing true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen. Directed by JD Dillard, with a screenplay by Jake Crane & Jonathan A. H. Stewart and based on the book by Adam Makos. The film stars Jonathan Majors Glen Powell, Christina Jackson, Thomas Sadoski and Joe Jonas.

DEVOTION is in theaters November 23.

Enter to win passes for you and a guest to attend the Advance Screening of DEVOTION on Wednesday, November 16th, 7pm at Marcus Ronnie’s Cinema.

Click here to enter:
https://events.sonypictures.com/screenings/unsecured/main/screeningInfo.jsf?code=WAMGdev23

The screening will be filled on a first come first served basis, so we encourage you to arrive early. Seats will not be guaranteed. Rated PG-13.

https://www.devotion.movie/

Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) and Tom Hudner (Glen Powell) in Columbia Pictures’ DEVOTION.