Tag: Robert Downey Jr.

Cast And Filmmakers Discuss The Experience Of OPPENHEIMER In New Six-Minute Featurette

There was a chance that when they pushed that button, they’d destroy the world.

Get a behind-the-scenes, six minute look at OPPENHEIMER with Christopher Nolan, the cast and filmmakers.

Experience the movie on the largest screen possible July 21.

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, OPPENHEIMER is an IMAX®-shot epic thriller that thrusts audiences into the pulse-pounding paradox of the enigmatic man who must risk destroying the world in order to save it.

The film stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer and Emily Blunt as his wife, biologist and botanist Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer. Oscar® winner Matt Damon portrays General Leslie Groves Jr., director of the Manhattan Project, and Robert Downey, Jr. plays Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

Academy Award® nominee Florence Pugh plays psychiatrist Jean Tatlock, Benny Safdie plays theoretical physicist Edward Teller, Michael Angarano plays Robert Serber and Josh Hartnett plays pioneering American nuclear scientist Ernest Lawrence. Oppenheimer also stars Oscar® winner Rami Malek and reunites Nolan with eight-time Oscar® nominated actor, writer and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh.

The cast includes Dane DeHaan (Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets), Dylan Arnold (Halloween franchise), David Krumholtz (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs), Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Matthew Modine (The Dark Knight Rises).

L to R: Florence Pugh is Jean Tatlock and Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in OPPENHEIMER, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

© Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in OPPENHEIMER, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and the late Martin J. Sherwin. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan.

OPPENHEIMER is filmed in a combination of IMAX® 65mm and 65mm large-format film photography including, for the first time ever, sections in IMAX® black and white analogue photography.

Nolan’s films, including Tenet, Dunkirk, Interstellar, Inception and The Dark Knight trilogy, have earned more than $5 billion at the global box office and have been awarded 11 Oscars and 36 nominations, including two Best Picture nominations.

OPPENHEIMER, written and directed by Christopher Nolan

DOLITTLE – Review

Only less than three weeks into the new year and there’s a new flick opening today celebrating the centennial of a much-beloved character of children’s literature. Yes, the medical man who could “talk to the animals” arrived on the printed page, with words and pictures by Hugh Lofting, way back in 1920. It would seem that such a fantastical creation would get scooped up by the fledgling cinema arts. And in 1928 he was the star of a silent animated short by the legendary Lotte Reiniger. Aside from an early thirties NBC radio show he stayed on the shelves of bookstores for over 30 years until the execs at Twentieth Century Fox, encouraged by the “boffo” box office numbers generated by MARY POPPINS and THE SOUND OF MUSIC, produced an epic “mega-musical” event. And though it earned two Oscars (for Best Song and Best Visual Effects) DOCTOR DOLITTLE almost bankrupted the studio. But it proved bountiful for George Lucas ten years later. Fox lost so much on DD’s merchandising “blitz’ that they agreed that he should retain those rights for his weird lil’ “space thing”. Flash ahead 30 years and Eddie Murphy takes the doc into the modern world for a series of family comedies lasting ten years (though he starred in only the first two, with the other three going straight to home video). Now the “doctor is in”… the original time period of the mid 19th century as he embarks on an adventure fantasy (though no giant snails or two-headed llamas this time) comedy in the flick simply titled DOLITTLE.

A whimsical animated prologue gets us up to speed on the current state of the good doctor. Yes, he worked on humans until he was given the gift of communicating with all members of the animal kingdom. Speaking of royalty, Queen Victoria gives him the land which becomes his (and his animal pals) sanctuary. Eventually, Dolittle takes on a medical partner, Lilly, who becomes his wife. But she has an appetite for exploration and embarks on a voyage while he stays behind to tend to their “friends”. When she is lost at sea, Dolittle becomes a hermit, shielding himself from humanity within the gates of the wildlife sanctuary. That all changes when a young lad named Stubbins (Harry Collett) gets in, with the help of a parrot named Polly (voiced by Emma Thompson), and seeks medical aid for a squirrel he has accidentally wounded. Oh, and another pre-teen joins him, a member of the royal family, Lady Rose (Carmel Laniado), to ask for the doctor’s help. The very shagged haired reclusive Dolittle (Robert Downey, Jr.) wants to be left alone. But as he tends to the squirrel, Rose tells him that the Queen is in a coma and reminds him that if she succumbs, Dolittle will lose his land. After a quick clean-up, the group reports to the castle where he examines Victoria (Jessie Buckley), despite the protests of her personal physician (and Dolittle rival) Dr. Mudfly (Michael Sheen). The prognosis is quick, the only cure comes from a plant on a faraway island. With Stubbins and the “menagerie” as crew, Dolittle sets sail in an old vessel. Ah but Mudfly secretly follows in a battleship, for it seems that his co-conspirator Lord Badgley (Jim Broadbent) lusts after the throne. Will they scuttle Dolittle’s quest before he can find the antidote and save his (and the animals’) home?

In his first big movie after finishing his stint in the “Marvel movie universe” (sorry, if that’s a spoiler but it’s been nine months now), Downey appears to be establishing a new franchise that can start with fans a bit younger than those of his armored avenger. That’s a bit doubtful. As with that last role, he gets to be a mentor (here with Stubbins instead of Spidey) and relies more on brains than brawn (his animals pals have the muscle). Plus he gets to use more of the physical slapstick training from his CHAPLIN days (over 25 years now…really) as he flits around his study and sailing ship. The big setback here is verbal as he adopts a Scottish accent that is often hard to decipher is it tends to drift quietly away towards the end of the dialogue. Actually it looks like all of his lines were “post dubbed” which adds another disconnect to the often too “cutesy-quirky” doc/vet. Collett is an energetic bright-eyed apprentice who helps ground Dr. D. Unfortunately Sheen’s considerable talents are squandered as a campy buffoonish villain who’s always teetering on the verge of hysteria (maybe some decaf tea would help). Another adversary to the good doctor is Antonio Banderas who grumbles and growls as the ill-tempered king of the pirates, ruling a faraway island. His low-pitched line readings seem more suitable for one of the critters. As for the “guest voices” of the said animals, the comic actors fare best. Especially Kumail Nanjiana as Plimpton the ostrich (hey his vocal work as a lil’ CGI alien in MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL was the highlight of that dud), and Jason Mantzoukas as the hyper dragonfly James. The biggest waste of talent here is casting the wonderful Ms. Buckley (superb as last year’s WILD ROSE) as the dozing Victoria. Well, at least she was spared much of the stilted script as she awaited her cure.

The more surprising part of this ill-conceived project is its director, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of TRAFFIC Stephen Gaghan. Perhaps a lighter touch was needed, though the script, credited to him and three(!) other scribes careens and bounces around nearly as much as the CGI critters, who as least look consistently better than their JUMANJI brethren. It all feels a tad disjointed as if the first two episodes of a streaming TV kid’s show were stitched together (“Dolittle Meets Two New Human Friends” and “Dolittle at Sea”), particularly when it shifts to Indy Jones Jr. mode on the magical island. That leads to the awkward inclusion of that fantasy flick staple: a fire-breathing dragon, though it’s ferocity and ailments are softened for the kiddos’. Ah, but to avoid a dread “G” rating there are plenty of “gross-out” body function gags (indeed) and anachronisms (references to the pop culture of the next century or so). As often is the case many adults may be forgiving of this flick as it is intended for the “kinder crowd”, but the artists at Pixar, Disney Animation, and others never set the bar so low as they make entertainment that’s truly for all ages. What we’re left with here is some great costumes and art direction hidden by lots of computer-generated noisy (the animals talk so much we wish they’d pipe down for a bit) chaos. DOLITTLE does little more than kill time at a weekend at the multiplex.

1 Out of 5

Win A Family Four-Pack Of Free Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of DOLITTLE

DOLITTLE opens in St. Louis, Friday, January 17th and WAMG is giving away a family four-pack of passes to the advance screening!

Robert Downey Jr. electrifies one of literature’s most enduring characters in a vivid reimagining of the classic tale of the man who could talk to animals: Dolittle.

After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle (Downey), famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, hermits himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company. But when the young queen (Jessie Buckley, Wild Rose) falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dolittle is forced to set sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island in search of a cure, regaining his wit and courage as he crosses old adversaries and discovers wondrous creatures.

The doctor is joined on his quest by a young, self-appointed apprentice (Dunkirk’s Harry Collett) and a raucous coterie of animal friends, including an anxious gorilla (Oscar® winner Rami Malek), an enthusiastic but bird-brained duck (Oscar® winner Octavia Spencer), a bickering duo of a cynical ostrich (The Big Sick’s Kumail Nanjiani) and an upbeat polar bear (John Cena, Bumblebee) and a headstrong parrot (Oscar® winner Emma Thompson), who serves as Dolittle’s most trusted advisor and confidante.

The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen (The Queen) and Oscar® winner Jim Broadbent and features additional voice performances from Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard, Frances de la Tour, Carmen Ejogo, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Tom Holland, and Craig Robinson.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Stephen Gaghan (Syriana, Traffic), Dolittle is produced by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum under their Roth/Kirschenbaum Films (Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent) and Susan Downey (Sherlock Holmes franchise, The Judge) for Team Downey. The film is executive produced by Robert Downey Jr., Sarah Bradshaw (The Mummy, Maleficent) and Zachary Roth (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil).

Enter for your chance to win FOUR free passes to the St. Louis advance screening of DOLITTLE. The theatrical sneak preview will be on Saturday, Jamuary 11th at 10:00 am.

Answer the following: In the 1967 film DOCTOR DOLITTLE starring Rex Harrison what was the name of the double-headed llama?

Leave your name and email address in our comments section below.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.dolittlethemovie.com/

RATING: DOLITTLE has been rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested – Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) for some action, rude humor and brief language.

Robert Downey Jr. Talks To The Animals In First Trailer For DOLITTLE

Robert Downey Jr. electrifies one of literature’s most enduring characters in a vivid reimagining of the classic tale of the man who could talk to animals: DOLITTLE.

In theaters January 17, 2020, watch the first trailer from Universal Pictures.

This looks fabulous and RDJ was born to play the character.

There have been other cinematic versions. The classic 1967 movie starred Rex Harrison as John Dolittle and was a Best Picture nominee.

The musical film directed by Richard Fleischer also featured Samantha Eggar, Anthony Newley and Richard Attenborough. It was adapted by Leslie Bricusse from the novel series by Hugh Lofting. It primarily fused three of the books The Story of Doctor Dolittle, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, and Doctor Dolittle’s Circus.

Check out this clip.

The movie from 1998 starred Eddie Murphy. Check it out if you get a chance.

In this updated version:

After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle (Downey), famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, hermits himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company.

But when the young queen (Jessie Buckley, Wild Rose) falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dolittle is forced to set sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island in search of a cure, regaining his wit and courage as he crosses old adversaries and discovers wondrous creatures.

The doctor is joined on his quest by a young, self-appointed apprentice (Dunkirk’s Harry Collett) and a raucous coterie of animal friends, including an anxious gorilla (Oscar® winner Rami Malek), an enthusiastic but bird-brained duck (Oscar® winner Octavia Spencer), a bickering duo of a cynical ostrich (The Big Sick’s Kumail Nanjiani) and an upbeat polar bear (John Cena, Bumblebee) and a headstrong parrot (Oscar® winner Emma Thompson), who serves as Dolittle’s most trusted advisor and confidante.

The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen (The Queen) and Oscar® winner Jim Broadbent and features additional voice performances from Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard, Frances de la Tour, Carmen Ejogo, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Tom Holland, and Craig Robinson.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Stephen Gaghan (Syriana, Traffic), Dolittle is produced by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum under their Roth/Kirschenbaum Films (Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent) and Susan Downey (Sherlock Holmes franchise, The Judge) for Team Downey. The film is executive produced by Robert Downey Jr., Sarah Bradshaw (The Mummy, Maleficent) and Zachary Roth (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil).

https://www.dolittlethemovie.com/

Marvel Studios AVENGERS: ENDGAME Arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand beginning August 13th.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame,” the climactic conclusion to an unprecedented, 11-year cinematic journey in which the Avengers take one final stand against Thanos, delivered the biggest opening weekend in history and is currently one of the highest-grossing films of all time. On July 30, Avengers fans around the world are invited to assemble once more for the in-home release of “Avengers: Endgame” on Digital in HD, 4K Ultra HD™ and Movies Anywhere, followed by a physical release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand beginning Aug. 13.

Fans who bring home “Avengers: Endgame” will gain hours of additional screen time with their favorite cast members and filmmakers who have shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Bonus features include a tribute to the great Stan Lee; the tale of Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Iron Man; the evolution of Captain America; Black Widow’s dramatic story arc; directors Anthony and Joe Russo’s experience at the helm of both “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”; the making of an epic battle scene with the women of the MCU; the creation of Bro Thor; deleted scenes; a gag reel and more.

The must-own, final chapter of the 22-film MCU series, “Avengers: Endgame,” will be packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home entertainment experience. Viewers can bring home the film two weeks early on Digital 4K Ultra HD, HD and SD and gain access to an exclusive extra highlighting the love story of Steve Rogers (Captain America) and Peggy Carter. A physical copy of “Avengers: Endgame” is available as a 4K Cinematic Universe Edition (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital Code), a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray and Digital Code) and a single DVD. Fans who wish to revisit all four films in the Avengers franchise may opt for a Digital bundle, which includes “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” 

Check out this hilarious blooper reel:

BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

  • Remembering Stan Lee – Filmmakers and cast honor the great Stan Lee in a fond look back at his MCU movie cameos.
  • Setting The Tone: Casting Robert Downey Jr. – Hear the tale of how Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Tony Stark in the original “Iron Man” — and launched the MCU.
  • A Man Out of Time: Creating Captain America – Trace the evolution of Captain America with those who helped shape the look, feel and character of this compelling hero.
  • Black Widow: Whatever It Takes – Follow Black Widow’s journey both within and outside the Avengers, including the challenges she faced and overcame along the way.
  • The Russo Brothers: Journey to Endgame – See how Anthony and Joe Russo met the challenge of helming two of the biggest films in cinematic history … back-to-back!
  • The Women of the MCU – MCU women share what it was like to join forces for the first time in an epic battle scene — and be part of such a historic ensemble.
  • Bro Thor – His appearance has changed but his heroism remains! Go behind the scenes to see how Bro Thor was created.
  • Six Deleted Scenes – “Goji Berries,” “Bombs on Board,” “Suckiest Army in the Galaxy,” “You Used to Frickin’ Live Here,” “Tony and Howard” and “Avengers Take a Knee.”
  • Gag Reel – Laugh along with the cast in this epic collection of flubs, goofs and gaffes from set.
  • Visionary Intro – Intro by directors Joe and Anthony Russo.
  • Audio Commentary – Audio commentary by directors Anthony and Joe Russo, and writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME – Review

It may be the last weekend of April, but the Summer movie onslaught has officially begun. Who says so? Marvel Studios, that’s who. And they’ve got the clout after being around a few weeks shy of eleven years. Originally the first Friday of May was their “beachhead”, but that was switched (concerns over piracy and early international openings) to this weekend last year for AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (AIW). That film was to be the focal point of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ten-year celebration. However, as most fans will soon discover, the celebration really ends on a high, stratospheric really, note with this colossal entertainment extravaganza. Gosh, I sound a bit like that much beloved comic book “carnie’ barker” we lost in November. Aw, why not go “all in” and try to mimic “The Man”? Here goes…face front (really, don’t turn away from the screen ’cause you’ll miss something special) true believers, it’s kickoff time for AVENGERS: ENDGAME!


In the aftermath of the ultimate triumph of the mad Titan Thanos in AIW, planet Earth is a dark, quiet shadow of its former self after the initial chaos caused by Infinity Stone-fueled finger snap. Half of the population has dissolved, vanished like “dust in the wind” (cue the classic 70s rock anthem). “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” aren’t feeling so strong after their dismal defeat. Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) is awaiting death as he floats through the far reaches of space with the cyborg daughter of Thanos, Nebula (Karen Gillan) on the heavily damaged cruiser the Milano. And back home Captain America (Chris Evans) is attending a “survivor support group” because he can’t “accept and move on” when he’s not at Avenger HQ trying to track down the “retired Titan”. At least they got a big break due to an “up till now” unknown force which, as the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) might say, gets the “band” back together. Ah, but it’s a “known force”, Scott Lang AKA Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) who we last saw trapped in the Quantum Realm at the end of ANT-MAN AND THE WASP, who contacts the downbeat group and sets in motion a “fantastic voyage” to restore the planet and return all that was lost on the battlefields of Wakanda.

Really, that’s the story that drives this three-hour blockbuster? Well, that’s as much as I care to reveal and what has been seen in the earliest of trailers (I try to go on “lockdown” in the six weeks prior to release, avoiding any further clips online). Though it sounds simple (another iconic song), this “final game” is full of tangles and unexpected twists pulled together by the formidable screenwriting duo Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the talented team who wrote the previous Avengers epic, the second Thor solo film, and the Captain America trilogy (and they created that delightful broadcast TV spin-off “Agent Carter”). These men dive into the deep, dark depths of the MCU core and return with true glistening gold, or golden moments and dialogue might be more precise. Sure, we get the big exciting action set pieces and hilarious comic interaction (maybe double the last flick), but the big surprise here is the depth of emotion with scenes that grab at the heartstrings as much as any of the senses. After twenty plus movies, fans may think they know everything about the team members, yet the two Mr. M’s present new insights into these men and women (and a couple of aliens). If only more action and fantasy franchises would strive to be this emotionally complex and rich.

Fortunately, this superb cast is more than up to the challenge of this multi-layered story and script. While the main focus, perhaps the true “star”, was the villain Thanos, here the “plot driver”role is split between the “big three”, the MCU trilogy of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. It’s hard to believe that this is Downey’s tenth film (counting THE INCREDIBLE HULK cameo) as genius-industrialist Tony Stark, because his work here is as fresh and unpredictable as ever, showing us sides of the “wise guy” hero we’ve not seen before. In the first act, Tony’s angry and bitter, almost spewing venom at his family/team (a lot of rage in that frail frame). Then we see more of his gentle nurturing paternal side (hinted at with Spidey) in the second act. Meanwhile, Evans as Cap tries to project a sunny confident attitude as team leader, but we see (especially at his “group”) how defeat has battered his psyche. But he’s still a fighter, and in the rousing third act, Evans gives us a hero whose inner strength dwarfs the “super soldier” formula. Then there’s Hemsworth as the Thunder God who should have aimed higher (literally a couple of feet) whose depression is more physically manifested. His comedic talents (last seen in the unfairly maligned GHOSTBUSTERS reboot) are showcased here as the one big team “hold out” that’s more essential than he thinks. But it’s not all chuckles as Thor must make a decision that seems to emotionally tear him to pieces. These fellas’ are one tremendous trio, full of smarts, strength, and soul.

Hey, that’s not to say that the rest of the cast are mere “set dressing”. Absent from last year’s entry, Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye channels his shock and despair into the “darkness” (truly a “punisher”) until the loyalty of his best friend, the Black Widow reaches into that “black pit’ and pulls him back into the light. But Johansson shows us that Ms. Romanoff can barely keep herself from being swallowed by the shadows as she ponders her violent past and her almost empty personal life. On the brighter side, there’s Mark Ruffalo whose Bruce Banner has forged a solid “truce” with the “big guy”, his alter ego the Hulk (via some expert CGI and “Mo-cap”). Speaking of bright and funny, Paul Rudd brings those familiar shadings to Scott Lang AKA Ant-Man while giving him a harder edge as he deals with his frustration at not being taken seriously and his own “lost time”. He’s the “odd man out” trying to bond with these seasoned hero “vets”. One of the toughest may be Don Cheadle as the “under control” all business James Rhodes AKA War Machine was still has a moment for a prank or a “harsh burn”. Gillan as Nebula is one of the most conflicted as she seems to discover her caring empathetic nature while adrift with Tony, the half-machine finally tapping into her repressed humanity. Bradley Cooper delivers Rocket’s snarling asides with a touch of sadness, as he mourns his Guardian family, all but him turned to ash. And, of course, Josh Brolin is back as Thanos, giving us a couple of new variations as the Titan we loved to hate, but somewhat understood, in the last outing.

Also returning from that last outing is another terrific team (aside from the writers), the dynamic directing duo, the brothers Russo, Anthony and Joe (look for his cameo role). After guiding the “shield slinger” to greatness in his last two solo flicks, these men have done the same for this two-part MCU epic. Excuse the cliche’, but they set a very “high bar” with the previous Avengers flick and handily leaped past it (remember the cheering in the multiplexes when Thor and his pals arrived in Wakanda in the last flick…well, there are at least four moments like that in this outing). It’s truly a new “gold standard” for big studio action film franchises. Yes, the big final “smackdown” is exhilarating, but so are the intimate, human moments. And the comedy! Much of the plot is a variation on the classic heist flicks, from the “Oceans” series to the ongoing MI adventures, with a no “wiggle room”, no “do over” scheme that, naturally (these are the Marvel heroes, ya’ know), goes “sideways”. These complications combine tension and laughter with neat effortless ease. And all this fun is ably aided by the thrilling pulse-pounding score from Alan Silvestri (with snippets from other MCU themes). All the craftspeople that worked on the film are at the “top of their game’ in crafting a real “love letter” to the fans of the Marvel show (many have said that each new film is another episode in an incredible TV show, one that the “tube” could never afford). There are entrances and exits, arrivals and departures, all with a feeling of coming “full circle”. You bet there will be more MCU entries (Spidey’s back in July), but this spectacular would be a fitting farewell. It’s a warm, enveloping “thank you” hug from “master overseer” Kevin Feige, and all those talented artists involved. AVENGERS: ENDGAME will stand as a most inventive, entertaining inspiration to all who continue on this legacy. I’ll bet somewhere, underneath those purple-tinted glasses, Stan is flashing a great big grin ’cause his “kids” are in very good hands. Nuff’ said…for now!

5 Out of 5

Check Out the New Trailer and Poster for AVENGERS ENDGAME


They say “Part of the journey is the end” !


Hey wait, didn’t the Avengers turn to dust?!? Perhaps this is a prequel, or maybe….they’re bringing them back! Either way, this trailer for AVENGERS ENDGAME, which opens next May, looks pretty super!


and this poster ain’t bad either. Look for continued coverage of AVENGERS ENDGAME here at We Are Movie Geeks!

WAMG Giveaway – Win AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR on Blu-ray

Go behind the scenes of the No. 4 film of all time to gain exclusive access to more than two hours of never-before-revealed details of its unprecedented, ten-year cinematic journey which includes an epic filmmaker roundtable, an inside look at the surprising Super Hero pair-ups, deleted scenes and more!

Box office history was made when Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” shattered all opening records, surpassed the $2 billion mark at the global box office in just 48 days, and remains the fourth highest-grossing film of all time. Now, the cinematic event ten-years in the making comes home on Blu-ray on Aug. 14 with over two hours of bonus.

Now you can own the AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Blu-ray. We Are Movie Geeks has 3 copies to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question: What is your favorite movie in the Marvel Universe? (mine is ANT-MAN!). It’s so easy!

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES.  NO P.O. BOXES.  NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.

2. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.

“Marvels’ Avengers: Infinity War” is a must-own addition to every in-home film collection and is packaged several ways so that fans get the most out of their viewing experience. Consumers who experience the ultimate showdown Digitally will join a 30-minute roundtable with Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) directors Anthony and Joe Russo, Jon Favreau, Joss Whedon, James Gunn, Ryan Coogler, Peyton Reed and Taika Waititi who reflect on how their movies contribute to the MCU’s larger storytelling adventure.

The 4K Cinematic Universe Edition’s never-before-seen bonus material grants behind-the-scenes access to MCU members and features the memorable moments when characters first meet, the rationale behind some unexpected on-screen pair-ups, and a funny Super Hero gag reel. Featurettes explore the frighteningly powerful Thanos and two action-packed attempts to prevent his collection of all six Infinity Stones: the struggle on Titan and the massive battle in Wakanda. Deleted scenes and filmmaker commentary reveal even more on-set secrets from Marvel Studios’ monumental undertaking.

The Multi-Screen Edition includes a Blu-ray and a Digital Copy of the film, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K Cinematic Universe Edition, which includes a 4K Ultra HD disc, a Blu-ray, and a Digital Copy.

And for those who wish to catch up on their MCU history, select retailers are also offering bundled packaging as well as individual Digital and Physical releases of “Marvel’s The Avengers” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Blu-ray & Digital:

  • Strange Alchemy (5:08)– Share the thrill of characters from across the MCU meeting for the first time—and discover why some were teamed up together.
  • The Mad Titan (6:34) – Explore the MCU’s biggest, baddest villain, his trail of influence through the stories, and the existential threat he represents.
  • Beyond the Battle: Titan (9:36) – Dive into the climactic struggle on Thanos’ ruined world, including the epic stunts and VFX, to uncover the source of its power.
  • Beyond the Battle: Wakanda (10:58) – Go behind the scenes to find out how the filmmakers pulled off the most massive and challenging battle Marvel had ever attempted.
  • Deleted and Extended Scenes (10:07)
    • Happy Knows Best (1:23) – Tony and Pepper spar over the details of their upcoming wedding—until a hassled Happy Hogan pulls up with an urgent request.
    • Hunt for the Mind Stone (1:24) – On a darkened street, Wanda Maximoff and the wounded Vision attempt to hide from Thanos’ brutal allies.
    • The Guardians Get Their Groove Back (3:20) – As Peter Quill and Drax quarrel over their failed mission to Knowhere, Mantis interrupts with news.
    • A Father’s Choice (4:00) – Thanos confronts Gamora with a vision from her past—and with lying to him about the Soul Stone.
    • Gag Reel (2:05)– Watch your favorite Super Heroes make super gaffes in this lighthearted collection of on-set antics.
    • Audio Commentary (approx. 149 min.) by Anthony and Joe Russo, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

Digital Exclusive:

  • A Directors’ Roundtable (approx. 32 min.) – Eight amazing directors reflect on how their movies contribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s larger storytelling adventure.

In “Avengers: Infinity War,” members from every MCU franchise must sacrifice like never before in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Don Cheadle as Colonel James Rhodes/War Machine, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Paul Bettany as Vision, Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Idris Elba as Heimdall, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Peter Dinklage as Eitri, Benedict Wong as Wong, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Dave Bautista as Drax, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, with Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, with Benicio Del Toro as The Collector, with Josh Brolin as Thanos, and Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” is directed by Emmy® Award–winning directors Anthony and Joe Russo from an original screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Kevin Feige produced the film, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Trinh Tran, Jon Favreau, James Gunn and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Directors Anthony and Joe Russo’s creative team includes director of photography Trent Opaloch (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Elysium”), production designer Charles Wood (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “The Matrix”), editors Jeffrey Ford, ACE (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), and Matthew Schmidt (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”), three-time Oscar®-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”), visual effects supervisor Dan DeLeeuw (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War”), six-time Oscar®–nominated special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Black Panther”), and stunt coordinator Sam Hargrave (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Atomic Blonde”).

Based on the Marvel comic franchise first published in 1963, “Avengers: Infinity War” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in  “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,”  “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and “Black Panther.”

Instagram: Instagram.com/Avengers

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Available on Blu-ray August 14th

Go behind the scenes of the No. 4 film of all time to gain exclusive access to more than two hours of never-before-revealed details of its unprecedented, ten-year cinematic journey which includes an epic filmmaker roundtable, an inside look at the surprising Super Hero pair-ups, deleted scenes and more!

Box office history was made when Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” shattered all opening records, surpassed the $2 billion mark at the global box office in just 48 days, and remains the fourth highest-grossing film of all time. Now, the cinematic event ten-years in the making comes home Digitally on July 31 and Blu-ray on Aug. 14 with over two hours of bonus.

“Marvels’ Avengers: Infinity War” is a must-own addition to every in-home film collection and is packaged several ways so that fans get the most out of their viewing experience. Consumers who experience the ultimate showdown Digitally will join a 30-minute roundtable with Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) directors Anthony and Joe Russo, Jon Favreau, Joss Whedon, James Gunn, Ryan Coogler, Peyton Reed and Taika Waititi who reflect on how their movies contribute to the MCU’s larger storytelling adventure.

The 4K Cinematic Universe Edition’s never-before-seen bonus material grants behind-the-scenes access to MCU members and features the memorable moments when characters first meet, the rationale behind some unexpected on-screen pair-ups, and a funny Super Hero gag reel. Featurettes explore the frighteningly powerful Thanos and two action-packed attempts to prevent his collection of all six Infinity Stones: the struggle on Titan and the massive battle in Wakanda. Deleted scenes and filmmaker commentary reveal even more on-set secrets from Marvel Studios’ monumental undertaking.

The Multi-Screen Edition includes a Blu-ray and a Digital Copy of the film, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K Cinematic Universe Edition, which includes a 4K Ultra HD disc, a Blu-ray, and a Digital Copy.

And for those who wish to catch up on their MCU history, select retailers are also offering bundled packaging as well as individual Digital and Physical releases of “Marvel’s The Avengers” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Blu-ray & Digital:

  • Strange Alchemy (5:08)– Share the thrill of characters from across the MCU meeting for the first time—and discover why some were teamed up together.
  • The Mad Titan (6:34) – Explore the MCU’s biggest, baddest villain, his trail of influence through the stories, and the existential threat he represents.
  • Beyond the Battle: Titan (9:36) – Dive into the climactic struggle on Thanos’ ruined world, including the epic stunts and VFX, to uncover the source of its power.
  • Beyond the Battle: Wakanda (10:58) – Go behind the scenes to find out how the filmmakers pulled off the most massive and challenging battle Marvel had ever attempted.
  • Deleted and Extended Scenes (10:07)
    • Happy Knows Best (1:23) – Tony and Pepper spar over the details of their upcoming wedding—until a hassled Happy Hogan pulls up with an urgent request.
    • Hunt for the Mind Stone (1:24) – On a darkened street, Wanda Maximoff and the wounded Vision attempt to hide from Thanos’ brutal allies.
    • The Guardians Get Their Groove Back (3:20) – As Peter Quill and Drax quarrel over their failed mission to Knowhere, Mantis interrupts with news.
    • A Father’s Choice (4:00) – Thanos confronts Gamora with a vision from her past—and with lying to him about the Soul Stone.
    • Gag Reel (2:05)– Watch your favorite Super Heroes make super gaffes in this lighthearted collection of on-set antics.
    • Audio Commentary (approx. 149 min.) by Anthony and Joe Russo, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

Digital Exclusive:

  • A Directors’ Roundtable (approx. 32 min.) – Eight amazing directors reflect on how their movies contribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s larger storytelling adventure.

In “Avengers: Infinity War,” members from every MCU franchise must sacrifice like never before in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Don Cheadle as Colonel James Rhodes/War Machine, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Paul Bettany as Vision, Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Idris Elba as Heimdall, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Peter Dinklage as Eitri, Benedict Wong as Wong, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Dave Bautista as Drax, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, with Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, with Benicio Del Toro as The Collector, with Josh Brolin as Thanos, and Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” is directed by Emmy® Award–winning directors Anthony and Joe Russo from an original screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Kevin Feige produced the film, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Trinh Tran, Jon Favreau, James Gunn and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Directors Anthony and Joe Russo’s creative team includes director of photography Trent Opaloch (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Elysium”), production designer Charles Wood (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “The Matrix”), editors Jeffrey Ford, ACE (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), and Matthew Schmidt (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”), three-time Oscar®-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”), visual effects supervisor Dan DeLeeuw (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War”), six-time Oscar®–nominated special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Black Panther”), and stunt coordinator Sam Hargrave (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Atomic Blonde”).

Based on the Marvel comic franchise first published in 1963, “Avengers: Infinity War” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in  “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,”  “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and “Black Panther.”

Instagram: Instagram.com/Avengers

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR -Review

Wow. Ten years. Really? Must be since they incorporated the fact into their logo, so it’s gotta’ be true. So, time really zips by when you’re having fun. And fun is the often overused word when it comes to the prolific (19 and counting) output of Marvel Studios. Like many great achievements, people scoffed at first. That comic book juggernaut, nicknamed the “House of Ideas” by Stan “the man” Lee decades ago, thought the best way to bring their big staple of characters and properties to cinemas would be to make the films themselves. Or at least they’d make sure their beloved heroes would be portrayed with respect to the source material, and would delight their millions of fans across the globe. That scoffing came from movie reporters and analysts who thought this was pure folly. After all, Marvel’s biggest stars, the X-Men and Spider-Man, were off-limits, since their cinematic exploits were licensed to Fox and Sony, respectively. Plus the subject of their first film was Iron Man, a “B-lister”, and the star was an actor whose career had seen better days, Robert Downey Jr. ( the punchline for many late night talk show hosts). I wonder how those nay-sayers enjoyed their “humble pie” (à la mode, perhaps). All the Marvel Studios films have opened at number one with most in the top ten box office “grossers” of their release years (and a few like MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS and now BLACK PANTHER in the all time top ten). As “Phase Three” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe” (MCU) comes to a close, multiplexes will be packed once more to experience the longest, most ambitious, character-filled superhero epic yet. Face front (toward the screen, true believers) for AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR.

 

This will be one of the toughest review to write, since I’ve got to avoid all the delights and surprises in store. Talk about “walking on eggshells”! Well, I’m not giving too much away by saying that the film begins soon after the end of last year’s THOR: RAGNAROK, when the starship carrying the last survivors of Asgard, guided by Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), encounters a massive space vessel. As suspected, it is the battle cruiser of the mad Titan Thanos (voice and motion-capture by Josh Brolin). He and his aides, which he refers to as his “children”, are looking for several “infinity stones” which, when inserted into slots in a gauntlet (or glove for reg’lar folks), will make Thanos all-powerful and nearly unstoppable as he brings “order” to the cosmos. After a brief battle, the master sends his kids off to acquire the other gems. One duo takes a smaller ship to NYC to grab one that is guarded and worn by the sorcerer supreme, Dr, Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) as the center of the “eye of Agamotto”. Luckily for the doc, he is joined in battle by his trusted aide Wong (Benedict Wong), along with Tony Stark AKA Iron Man (Downey), his apprentice/intern Peter Parker AKA Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and a frustrated Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), whose “performance issues” thwart his AKA. Another Thanos pair goes after the stone imbedded in the forehead of the “synthoid” called the Vision (Paul Bettany) who is hiding out with Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olson) in Scotland, after breaking out of a maxium security facility at the end of 2016’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. But where are the other wanted ex-Avengers: Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), the Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson)? Meanwhile, in the deep reaches of space, the sextet of the stars, the Guardians of the Galaxy, literally bumps into Thor. When the Asgardian tells them of Thanos’s plans, Gamora (Zoe Saldana), who was raised by the Titan as his adopted daughter, knows that her “pop” is headed to the planet Knowhere. Thor hops in a pod ship along with Rocket Racoon (Voice of Bradley Cooper) and teenage Groot (voice of Vin Diesel) and speeds off to the planet of a weapons maker, while Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) pilots the main ship, the Milano to help Gamora, Drax (Dave Bautista),and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) take on the mad Titan. After many fights and escapes, all the heroes gather their forces inone location, the country of Wakanda, and fight to save the universe alongside King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and Steve’s old pal James “Bucky” Barnes (Sebastian Stan). But is Thanos too mighty for the “Earth’s mightiest heroes”?

 

 

Looks like there’s no egg-shell pieces between my toes, so let’s get into some specifics. Hey, how about this cast? Of course most of the ensemble have played these characters many times, so it’s often like slipping on an old comfortable pair of slippers (for Downey it’s seven features and a cameo as Stark, for Evans as good ole’ Cap it’s five and two). Despite the horde of heroes, some actors are given the time to show us a different side to them. Downey’s still got the genius swagger, though it’s tempered with a mounting, sweating anxiety. He’s a man who now seems to be living the nightmares that have plagued his nights for years (at least six). Cumberbatch is exuding more confidence, along with a different swagger, as the wondrous wizard, using the skill and courage from the last act of his solo flick. Same’s true for Holland, who, in this film’s final moments, reminds us that Peter is still a sensitive young lad (still a lot of boy in the Spider-Man). The film’s romantic heart, in addition to Quill and Gamora, is the unique romance between the Vision and the Scarlett Witch. Bettany’s artificial man is more caring and compassionate than most men made of flesh and blood. It’s a wonder that the longing looks from the formidable Olsen don’t melt his circuitry. As mentioned, there’s lots of heat on that space ship, but it’s mixed with dread. Saldana must finally confront her past, knowing that she may be consumed by it. Her later scenes with Thanos allow her to really flex her dramatic chops. Special mention should be made of Ruffalo who balances pure fright and comic frustration with supreme skill.

 

And in the opposite corner (from the good guys), is a villain every bit worthy of this wave of wonder men and women. Thanos is a true marvel, expertly crafted by an army of incredibly talented craftspeople and artists (and certainly “leagues” beyond another “baddie” from last year’s multi-hero flick from the “Distinguished Competition”). This seven foot purple-hued behemoth has real weight and brawn (we can imagine the planets buckle beneath his boots) as he swats away his foes as though they were annoying gnats. Yes, he looks like a monster, but his humanity breaks through, thinks in large part to the excellent work of Brolin. We see the unpredictable brutality, the amused glint in his eye before delivering a fatal blow. But in the later scenes and flashbacks the brute displays a tenderness and an aching, regretful sorrow. Andy Serkis has cultivated a reputation for being the premiere motion capture actor in his work as Gollum and Caesar (from the PLANET OF THE APES series). Brolin’s Thanos is a most worthy successor. As for his “children”, Carrie Coon intimidates as the towering dark-eyed Amazon-like Proxima Midnight. And Tom Vaughn-Lawlor is pure smirking, sinister savagery as the effete telekinetic Ebony Maw. Oh, and I don’t want to leave out the always superb Peter Dinklage as …oops, don’t want to give that away…it’s one of the film’s most delightful surprises.

 

Thanos as drawn by his creator Jim Starlin

And what one director could keep all these “plates spinning”? Well. there’s two men keeping this entertainment express on track, the Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony. Here they’re building on the terrific work they accomplished in the last two Captain America films. We know they can map out those multi-hero battles, but they somehow pace (really it just zips along) the story to allow for many intimate sequences, truly fleshing out the drama and bringing the laughs (don’t be put off by the somber marketing, the jokes are there). The Russos are the first film makers since the talented James Gunn to work with the Guardians, who pivot seamlessly from last year’s VOLUME 2 (it helps that Gunn’s one of the executive producers). Somehow everyone gets a moment to shine (amazing, even though this is the longest MCU flick at two and a half hours). Much of the credit there must also go to another impressive team: screenwriters Christopher Marcus and Stephen McFeely (this is their fifth MCU effort). As I said, they haven’t neglected the humor, an element essential to the Marvel franchises (other comic book flicks are finally wiseing up to this), but this is darker story than we’ve really seen before. Sure, the Earth’s been in real jeopardy, but with the fearsome Thanos and company at play, we get that it’s for “all the marbles”. The scars, physical and psychological, may never fully heal. That’s even reflected in the incredible score from prolific film composer Alan Silvestri. The biggest “game changer” may be the last act which, the producers have been fairly upfront about this, has an EMPIRE STRIKES BACK feel. The studio’s detracters can’t complain about them sticking with a tried (or trite) and true formula. It’s big, but never bloated. More importantly it makes us eager to see the Marvel-ous movies that will follow the truly epic AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. Nuff said!

5 Out of 5