Tag: Sebastian Stan

Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Fan Bingbing, Sebastian Stan Star In First Trailer For THE 355

A dream team of formidable female stars come together in a hard-driving original approach to the globe-trotting espionage genre in The 355. 

In theaters January 15, check out the first trailer now.

https://www.the355movie.com/

When a top-secret weapon falls into mercenary hands, wild card CIA agent Mason “Mace” Brown (Oscar®-nominated actress Jessica Chastain) will need to join forces with rival badass German agent Marie (Diane Kruger, In the Fade), former MI6 ally and cutting-edge computer specialist Khadijah (Oscar® winner Lupita Nyong’o), and skilled Colombian psychologist Graciela (Oscar® winner Penélope Cruz) on a lethal, breakneck mission to retrieve it, while also staying one-step ahead of a mysterious woman, Lin Mi Sheng (Fan Bingbing, X-Men: Days of Future Past), who is tracking their every move.

As the action rockets around the globe from the cafes of Paris to the markets of Morocco to the wealth and glamour of Shanghai, the quartet of women will forge a tenuous loyalty that could protect the world—or get them killed.

The film also stars Sebastian Stan (Avengers: Endgame) and Edgar Ramírez (The Girl on the Train).

The 355 is directed by genre-defying filmmaker Simon Kinberg (writer-director-producer of Dark Phoenix, producer of Deadpool and The Martian and writer-producer of the X-Men films), from a script by Theresa Rebeck (NBC’s Smash, Trouble) and Kinberg, and is produced by Chastain and Kelly Carmichael for Chastain’s Freckle Films and by Kinberg for his Genre Films. The film is executive produced by Richard Hewitt (Bohemian Rhapsody).

Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson in THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME Releases on Netflix September 16th

In the explosive Midwestern Gothic tale THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME, spanning two decades, sinister characters converge around young Arvin Russell as he fights the evil forces that threaten him and everything he loves. Based on Donald Ray Pollock’s award-winning novel.

In Knockemstiff, Ohio and its neighboring backwoods, sinister characters — an unholy preacher (Robert Pattinson), twisted couple (Jason Clarke and Riley Keough), and crooked sheriff (Sebastian Stan) — converge around young Arvin Russell (Tom Holland) as he fights the evil forces that threaten him and his family. Spanning the time between World War II and the Vietnam war, director Antonio Campos’ THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME renders a seductive and horrific landscape that pits the just against the corrupted. Co-starring Bill Skarsgård, Mia Wasikowska, Harry Melling, Haley Bennett, and Pokey Lafarge, this suspenseful, finely-woven tale is adapted from Donald Ray Pollock’s award-winning novel.

THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME stars Tom Holland, Bill Skarsgård, Riley Keough, Jason Clarke, Sebastian Stan, Haley Bennett, Harry Melling, Eliza Scanlen with Mia Wasikowska and Robert Pattinson


DESTROYER – Review

 

Nicole Kidman stars as Erin Bell in Karyn Kusama’s DESTROYER, an Annapurna Pictures release. Photo credit: Sabrina Lantos / Annapurna. Courtesy of Annapurna Pictures

This is not how we are used to seeing Nicole Kidman. Kidman plays snarling, violent, even grizzled Los Angeles police detective bent on vengeance, in the gritty crime thriller DESTROYER.

Kidman also plays a younger, more innocent rookie cop version of the character, Erin Bell, in flashback. As the younger version, Kidman looks like herself, as we are used to seeing her, but as the older, hardened cop, she is nearly unrecognizable.

That Kidman’s character is damaged goods, and was once a far different person, as made clear by the reaction of her police co-workers when she appears unexpectedly at the crime scene that opens the film. A body with bullet holes is found in a little-visited area near the Los Angeles river, sparking a murder investigation, but a tattoo on the body hints at a connection to another long-ago crime in Detective Erin Bell’s past.

The script, written by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi, film toggles back and forth between the investigation linked to that murder scene, and flashbacks to a younger version of that character (a prettier Kidman), who as a rookie participated in an undercover investigation that went horribly wrong. Those events basically created the snarling animal we meet in that first scene, and who haunts the film throughout, as she hunts down the criminal leader Silas (Toby Kebbell) involved in that life-changing earlier investigation.

Kidman is not the only actor whose appearance is unconventional, or whose character’s life was transformed by the events that twisted Erin Bell, in this noir-ish drama.

The film never makes clear who or what is the “destroyer” in the title, but it may be the main character played by Kidman. When the crime figure who masterminded the robbery that so impacted the detective’s life re-emerges, Bell sets out to finish old business, tracking down Silas’ old gang members and collaborators, stepping over the line as the quest for vengeance unhinges her.

Revenge is a theme but so being held accountable for one’s actions, as Erin is not free of guilt herself. Kidman’s work is supported by a good cast. Sebastian Stan plays Chris, Erin Bell’s partner in the earlier undercover operation, who we see frequently in the flashbacks. Tatiana Maslany plays Silas’ lover Petra, while Jade Pettyjohn plays Erin’s teen-aged daughter Shelby. Bradley Whitford plays the money launderer Dennis DiFranco

This crime thriller is very much a character-driven story. Director Karyn Kusama takes a neutral, non-judgmental approach to this often-unlikable, violent character. She is a puzzle whose pieces are gradually assembled for us throughout the drama.

This is a film that is likely to stay with you, to haunt you, after its end, particularly the unforgettable character at its center. But this is a film that requires patience. You have to stay with it to the end to fully appreciate what it is doing. There is a bit of misdirection in the film and audiences will think they know what kind of story they are watching only to discover it is something else. It takes us down several rabbit holes, but clears up the questions it raises in its powerful conclusion.

Audiences are more accustomed to seeing male actors in this kind of gritty, unlikable anti-hero role. Of course, It is not the first time a beautiful actress has gone through this kind of physical transformation – we have certainly seen Charlize Theron do this more than once – but this is the first time we have seen Kidman tackle this kind of risky role. Not only makeup transforms Kidman’s appearance, as the actress bravely embraces this challenging character. Kidman adopts a squinting look, a stooped posture and a rolling walk that suggests a cowboy, along with a gravelly voice in a menacing monotone.

The film is visually striking, and the fine cinematography by Julie Kirkwood is one of its strengths. The action often takes place at the margins of the city, where broken pavement or overlooked spaces under bridges allow the natural environment to unexpectedly poke through.

The reference to Westerns are not just in Kidman’s portrayal. In fact, although the film is set in contemporary LA., subtle visual references to classic Westerns abound. The out-of-the-way locations are seedy, but they are also wind-swept and sunlight with a harsh light that recalls the dry, high plains of the West. While the drama has the shadows of film noir, occasional stabs of bright light that pierce that darkness, reflecting the influence of Michael Mann and ’70s films like THE FRENCH CONNECTION. But those moments of bright light are often through pale grasses growing in the margins. The film was shot entirely in and around Los Angeles, which gives it a distinct realism. The faded, spiky grasses suggest Western prairies, as if the natural Western landscape that L. A, was built on is struggling to breakthrough and reclaim the space.

DESTROYER is worth seeing for Nicole Kidman’s remarkable performance alone. While it is not a flawless film, it is worth the effort and patience, and that patience is well rewarded by the film’s devastating conclusion. DESTROYER opens Friday, Jan. 18, at Landmark’s Tivoli Theater and Plaza Frontenac Cinema.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars

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

WAMG Giveaway – Win I, TONYA on Blu-ray


Nominated for three Academy Awards (Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Film Editing), I, Tonya is a darkly funny and entertaining examination of Tonya Harding, the most controversial figure in the history of figure skating, and the headline-grabbing scandal that mesmerized a nation. I, Tonya is available on Digital and the all-new digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE on March 2, 2018 and on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on March 13, 2018 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Packed with more than 40 minutes of exclusive bonus content, the Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD showcase deleted scenes and in-depth featurettes taking viewers behind the scenes of the film and its captivating story.

Now you can own I, TONYA on Blu-ray. We Are Movie Geeks has 4 copies to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question: What is your favorite movie starring Margot Robbie? (mine is WOLF OF WALL STREET!). It’s so easy!
Good Luck!

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. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.


Spanning from Harding’s earliest days at the ice rink to the notorious “incident”, critics call I, Tonya “a hilariously tragic story of success so entertaining you can’t look away” (Eric Kohn, Indiewire). Presenting multiple, and at times contradictory, perspectives of the events, the film explores the ways public opinion can be permanently shaped by news agendas and tabloid culture. But beyond the headlines, I, Tonya tells a complex story of resilience and perseverance, as a rebellious working-class girl pursues her dream competing in a “ladylike” sport, only to be caught up in controversy and criminal circumstances created by her involvement with those closest to her.


Based on the incredible true events, I, Tonya is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with the infamous attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan.

Featuring Oscar-nominated performances by actress/producer Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad) as the fiery Tonya Harding, and Allison Janney (Girl on a Train) as her acid-tongued mother (2018 Golden Globe Award-winner),

I, Tonya also stars Sebastian Stan (Captain America franchise) as Tonya’s impetuous ex-husband, Bobby Cannavale (“Boardwalk Empire”) and Julianna Nicholson (August: Osage County), and is directed by Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl) from an original screenplay by Steven Rogers (P.S. I Love You).  The film offers an often absurd, at times irreverent, and always piercing portrayal of Harding’s life and career in all of its unchecked––and checkered––glory.


BONUS FEATURES on BLU-RAYTM, DVD and digital

  • Deleted Scenes
  • All Sixes: The Perfect Performances of I, Tonya
  • Irony Free, Totally True: The Story Behind I, Tonya
  • Working with Director Craig Gillespie
  • The Visual Effects of I, Tonya
  • VFX: Anatomy of the Triple Axel
  • Feature Commentary with Director Craig Gillespie
  • Theatrical Trailers

I, Tonya will be available on Blu-ray combo pack which includes Blu-ray, DVD and Digital, and Movies Anywhere.

WIZARD WORLD Comic Con St. Louis Adds Anime Voice Actors Bryce Papenbrook, Austin Tindle, and Jad Saxton – February 2nd – 4th

Three popular anime voice actors have been added to Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis, February 2-4 at America’s Center, as Bryce Papenbrook, Austin Tindle and Jad Saxton will appear at the Anime Arena on the show floor. The three will be available for photos, autographs and voice recordings.

In addition, RightStufAnime.com is partnering with Wizard World to bring something awesome to the Anime Arena. They will be sponsoring a 20×40 space which will be free to all attendees. The Arena will include PS4’s playing the new DragonBallz fighter game, a 500+ manga library, board games, and even some free swag for attendees. Popular character stand-ups will be waiting to take photos will fans (Naruto, Bleach, Yu-Gi-Oh). All items can be rented with some form of ID.

Wizard World attendees can meet them as part of their standard admission, or get an enhanced Anime Gold VIP package with curated anime items, dedicated VIP check in and more at https://wizardworld.com/vip-package/anime-gold-vip-package-5-2-1.

Papenbrook (appearing Saturday and Sunday), is well known as the voice of Kirito from Sword Art Online, Eren Jaeger from Attack on Titan, and Meliodas from The Seven Deadly Sins, and will be making his first ever Wizard World appearance. He has been a professional voice over artist since the age of eight. He was introduced to the voice acting scene by his father, Bob Papenbrook, and has continued the trade in his footsteps. Bryce has performed in numerous video games, cartoons, and television shows. Some other recent roles include Rin Okumura in Blue Exorcist, Shirou Emiya in Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works and Wol in Mobius Final Fantasy. Fans You can follow Bryce on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ActorBrycePapenbrook, @BrycePapenbrook on Twitter, and @BrycePapenbrook on Instagram! IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0745310/.

Tindle (appearing all three days) has worked on several of our favorite Animes including Attack on Titan, Assassination Classroom, Is This a Zombie, and even voices Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul. The Dallas resident attended the University of Texas at Dallas on an academic scholarship, where he almost became an electrical engineer. At 19, he was cast as Romeo and changed majors the same day. He has spent over a decade performing professionally on stage in Dallas, Texas, but he’s probably most well-known for his work with Funimation Studios, where he has voiced many characters including: Marco Bodt (Attack on Titan), Karma Akabane (Assassination Classroom), Avilio Bruno (91 Days) and many others. Fans can currently hear him voicing the role of Kaneki every Saturday at 1 a.m. on Cartoon Network.

Saxton, appearing all three days, has over 150 roles including some of our favorites: Kanna from Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Carla from Fairy Tail, and Akatsuki from Log Horizon. She is also known for her roles as Yuki in Wolf Children, Young Nico Robin in One Piece, Koneko in High School DxD, Hatchin in Michiko & Hachin (Toonami), Faris in Steins; Gate, Haruna in Is This a Zombie?, Sena Kashiwazaki in Hagani, Adèlie in Space Dandy (Toonami), Mira in Dimension W (Toonami) and Nona in Death Parade. For a full list of her work, please visit www.animenewsnetwork.com.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The second event scheduled on the 2018 Wizard World calendar, St. Louis show hours are Friday, February 2, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, February 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult.

The other guests at this year’s Wizard World Comic Con in St. Louis are:

SEBASTIAN STAN

Sebastian Stan is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actors.  Stan was last seen on USA Network’s buzzed about mini-series Political Animals. Stan also appeared on ABC’s hit fantasy series Once Upon A Time with for a seven-episode arc. On the big screen, Stan is best known for his role as Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s box office smash Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Other film credits include Summit Entertainment’s Gone, Darren Aranofsky’s Black Swan, Rachel Getting Married, Spread, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Education of Charlie Banks, The Architect and The Covenant.

SEAN BEAN

Sean Bean is an English actor with a long and varied career.  After graduating from RADA he made his professional debut in a theatre production of Romeo and Juliet in 1983 and after leading roles at the royal Shakespeare company, he found his first mainstream success for his portrayal of Richard Sharpe in the ITV series Sharpe.    He has since garnered further recognition for his performances as Ned Stark in the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, as well as roles in the BBC anthology series Accused and the award winning BBC drama BROKEN.  Perhaps his most prominent film roles is Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.   He has starred in such films as GoldenEye, Troy, Patriot Games, Ronin, National Treasure, North Country  and many more.

BILLY BOYD

When he was 17 he left school and went to work in a book-binding workshop. Ironically, during the years he worked at the book-binders, the Lord of the Rings trilogy was printed and bound there, many copies bound by his hands. Billy planned on going to America for a year, but before he went he called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and asked about applying for when he got back. But it so happened that they still had space for this year and they asked him if he wanted to apply and he did. He was at the drama school in a 3-year course for his bachelor of arts degree, meanwhile studying everything from Shakespeare to puppet-making. During this time Billy had a few small roles in TV series such as Down Amongst The Boys and Taggart. After graduating he performed in many plays like The Slab Boys, The Diary of Adrian Mole etc. at The St. Andrews theatre which were his first paying roles. He then received a call from his agent about the Lord of the Rings movies and if he would like to audition for them. He went along not expecting much, but within a few months Peter Jackson came out to Scotland to meet him and to audition him personally. While rehearsing for a show he received a call from his agent who said that the part of Pippin had been offered to him – if he wanted it.

SEAN ASTIN

Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is an American film actor, director, voice artist, and producer best known for his film roles as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, and the title character of Rudy. In television, he appeared as Lynn McGill in the fifth season of 24 and currently voices Raphael in the 2012 Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series.

MICHAEL ROSENBAUM

Michael Rosenbaum has worked with everyone from Bradley Cooper and Kevin Spacey to Christopher Walken and Clint Eastwood. The diverse actor has worked in over twenty films, such as Hit and Run, Urban Legend, Sweet November, Bringing Down The House, Pool Hall Junkies and Sorority Boys. He portrayed Lex Luthor on the smash hit Smallville for seven years and voiced The Flash on the hit animated series The Justice League. Currently, Rosenbaum is starring as the lead actor and Executive Producer in the second season of the dark comedy series IMPASTOR for TVLAND that is a hit with critics and recently finished filming the feature film The LAST DAYS OF SUMMER with Bill Fichtenor.

LUCY DAVIS

Lucy’s first job as an actress was at the age of 20, when she played Maria Lucas in the BBC/A&E adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.  A few years later, she starred in the Golden Globe winning BBC comedy THE OFFICE, playing DAWN TINSLEY. Shortly after this she played DIANNE in Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s zombie movie SHAUN OF THE DEAD.She is also part of Pamela Adlon and Louis CK’s comedy drama BETTER THINGS on FX. And more recently, she can be seen in the new DC movie WONDER WOMAN, where she plays Wonder Woman’s friend and Steve Trevor’s secretary – ETTA CANDY.

JOHN BARROWMAN

John Barrowman is an Entertainer with a capital E. He sings, he dances, he acts, he presents, he judges – he is a unique talent in the entertainment industry on both sides of the Atlantic. John can currently be seen in the regular role of Malcolm Merlyn (aka The Dark Archer) in the hit American drama series Arrow, based on the Green Arrow comic books. The show has been a huge success all over the world, and is aired in the UK on Sky 1 and on the CW network in the USA. He has appeared in all four series of the show. He subsequently guested as Malcolm Merlyn in The Flash, and has also guested on the CW’s hit historical drama Reign. Having guested on the hit American political drama Scandal for the ABC network, he hosted a major new entertainment series for the network, Sing Your Face Off. In the UK on Channel 4 he hosted Superstar Dogs (a game show for dogs) and The Small Animal Hospital with John Barrowman, which followed the work of Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital. He hosted two series of the BBC1 game show Pressure Pad and has hosted The National Lottery Awards on BBC1 three times.

DAN FOGLER

Forging an exceptional transition from theater to film & television, Tony award-winning actor DAN FOGLER recently starred in Warner Bros. highly anticipated FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. Written by JK Rowling, Dan helped launch the five-film franchise series alongside Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston in 2016. He just wrapped production on the sequel FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD, coming to theaters everywhere Thanksgiving 2018. His credits include a starring role in Ang Lee’s TAKING WOODSTOCK, Relativity’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT, and LOVE HAPPENS opposite Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. Dan is also well known for the cult classicsBALLS OF FURY for Focus and FANBOYS for Weinstein. On the TV side, Dan’s been featured in ABC’s SECRETS & LIES opposite Ryan Phillippe; and had recurring roles on both THE GOLDBERGS and HANNIBAL. In 2005, Dan won a Tony Award for his performance as ‘William Barfee’ in the Broadway production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Bee”.

BONNIE WRIGHT

Wright’s interest in directing springs from her experiences as an actor. From 2001 to 2011, she played Ginny Weasley in all eight films in the Harry Potter series and had the good fortune to work with Christopher Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates. Subsequent acting roles include The Sea (2013) with Charlotte Rampling, After the Dark (2015) with James D’Arcy and most recently,The Highway is for Gamblers (2015), directed by Alexandra McGuinness.

NICHELLE NICHOLS

Nichelle Nichols began her professional singing and dancing career in her home town, Chicago, at the tender age of 14. As a teenager she was discovered by the great Duke Ellington, who hired her to choreograph and perform a ballet for one of his musical suites, and finished the tour as his lead singer. When Nichelle was cast by Gene Roddenberry to create Chief Communications Officer Lt. Uhura, fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise, in his legendary TV series Star Trek – in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King – “The first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

JAMES FRAIN

James Frain is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors who has a reputation for bold, intelligent performances in a diverse body of work in which he’s collaborated with some of the finest actors and directors working today. He has appeared as character actor and leading man in 28 feature films, and in 47 TV shows, including: True Blood, The Tudors, 24, and The White Queen.

JON HEDER

Jonathan Joseph “Jon” Heder (born October 26, 1977) is an American actor and producer. His feature film debut came in 2004 as the title character of the comedy film Napoleon Dynamite. He has also acted in the films Ghost Team, Walt Before Mickey as Roy Disney, The Benchwarmers, School for Scoundrels, Blades of Glory, Mama’s Boy, and When in Rome, and provided voice talents in the animated films Monster House, and Surf’s Up, as well as Pickle and Peanut,  Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and the Napoleon Dynamite animated series.

 

JAMES MARSTERS

AMERICAN actor, singer and songwriter James Marsters first found international fame playing punk-goth Brit vampire Spike in the critically acclaimed American TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the equally popular spin-off Angel. Film roles include live action film Dragon Ball, romantic love story P.S. I Love You with Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler and Kathy Bates, USA Original true-crime film Cool Money, independent thriller Shadow Puppets, Winding Roads, The House On Haunted Hill and Chance with Buffy co-star Amber Benson.

HOLLY MARIE COMBS

Holly Marie Combs is an American actress and television producer. She is known for her roles as Kimberly Brock in the CBS series Picket Fences, Piper Halliwell in The WB series Charmed, and Ella Montgomery in the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars.

THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS

Thomas Ian Nicholas is an American film actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and writer. Nicholas is best known for playing Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year, Walt Disney in Walt Before Mickey and Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series.

And there are many many more guests! Check back here at We Are Movie Geeks for more coverage of this year’s Wizard World!

 

STAN LEE Joins the Guest List for Wizard World Comic Con in St. Louis


Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. St. Louis show hours are Friday, February 2nd, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, February 3rd, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday,February 4th, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Stan Lee , the legendary comic book writer, editor, actor, producer and publisher, announced that he will attend Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis, February 3-4, The iconic Lee, a member of both the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame, will greet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs and conduct interactive Q&A sessions in Saturday and Sunday.

Known to millions as the man whose superheroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry, Stan’s co-creations include Spider-Man™, The Incredible Hulk™, X-Men™, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and hundreds of others. He introduced Spider-Man™ as a newspaper strip which became the most successful of all syndicated adventure strips having appeared in more than 500 newspapers worldwide. Stan currently remains Chairman Emeritus of Marvel, as well as a member of the Editorial Board of Marvel Comics.

“There is no bigger name in the comics world than Stan Lee, and we couldn’t be happier to have him back at two of our upcoming shows,” said John D. Maatta, Wizard World CEO. “It is truly an experience for fans to meet this legend who has made everything in the industry possible.”

Wizard World Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening.

For more on the 2018 Wizard World St. Louis, visit http://wizd.me/StLouisPR

Stan Lee will be joining these other great guests in St. Louis:

SEBASTIAN STAN

Sebastian Stan is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actors.  Stan was last seen on USA Network’s buzzed about mini-series Political Animals. Stan also appeared on ABC’s hit fantasy series Once Upon A Time with for a seven-episode arc. On the big screen, Stan is best known for his role as Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s box office smash Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Other film credits include Summit Entertainment’s Gone, Darren Aranofsky’s Black Swan, Rachel Getting Married, Spread, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Education of Charlie Banks, The Architect and The Covenant.

SEAN BEAN

Sean Bean is an English actor with a long and varied career.  After graduating from RADA he made his professional debut in a theatre production of Romeo and Juliet in 1983 and after leading roles at the royal Shakespeare company, he found his first mainstream success for his portrayal of Richard Sharpe in the ITV series Sharpe.    He has since garnered further recognition for his performances as Ned Stark in the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, as well as roles in the BBC anthology series Accused and the award winning BBC drama BROKEN.  Perhaps his most prominent film roles is Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.   He has starred in such films as GoldenEye, Troy, Patriot Games, Ronin, National Treasure, North Country  and many more.

BILLY BOYD

When he was 17 he left school and went to work in a book-binding workshop. Ironically, during the years he worked at the book-binders, the Lord of the Rings trilogy was printed and bound there, many copies bound by his hands. Billy planned on going to America for a year, but before he went he called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and asked about applying for when he got back. But it so happened that they still had space for this year and they asked him if he wanted to apply and he did. He was at the drama school in a 3-year course for his bachelor of arts degree, meanwhile studying everything from Shakespeare to puppet-making. During this time Billy had a few small roles in TV series such as Down Amongst The Boys and Taggart. After graduating he performed in many plays like The Slab Boys, The Diary of Adrian Mole etc. at The St. Andrews theatre which were his first paying roles. He then received a call from his agent about the Lord of the Rings movies and if he would like to audition for them. He went along not expecting much, but within a few months Peter Jackson came out to Scotland to meet him and to audition him personally. While rehearsing for a show he received a call from his agent who said that the part of Pippin had been offered to him – if he wanted it.

SEAN ASTIN

Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is an American film actor, director, voice artist, and producer best known for his film roles as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, and the title character of Rudy. In television, he appeared as Lynn McGill in the fifth season of 24 and currently voices Raphael in the 2012 Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series.

MICHAEL ROSENBAUM

Michael Rosenbaum has worked with everyone from Bradley Cooper and Kevin Spacey to Christopher Walken and Clint Eastwood. The diverse actor has worked in over twenty films, such as Hit and Run, Urban Legend, Sweet November, Bringing Down The House, Pool Hall Junkies and Sorority Boys. He portrayed Lex Luthor on the smash hit Smallville for seven years and voiced The Flash on the hit animated series The Justice League. Currently, Rosenbaum is starring as the lead actor and Executive Producer in the second season of the dark comedy series IMPASTOR for TVLAND that is a hit with critics and recently finished filming the feature film The LAST DAYS OF SUMMER with Bill Fichtenor.

LUCY DAVIS

Lucy’s first job as an actress was at the age of 20, when she played Maria Lucas in the BBC/A&E adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.  A few years later, she starred in the Golden Globe winning BBC comedy THE OFFICE, playing DAWN TINSLEY. Shortly after this she played DIANNE in Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s zombie movie SHAUN OF THE DEAD.She is also part of Pamela Adlon and Louis CK’s comedy drama BETTER THINGS on FX. And more recently, she can be seen in the new DC movie WONDER WOMAN, where she plays Wonder Woman’s friend and Steve Trevor’s secretary – ETTA CANDY.

JOHN BARROWMAN

John Barrowman is an Entertainer with a capital E. He sings, he dances, he acts, he presents, he judges – he is a unique talent in the entertainment industry on both sides of the Atlantic. John can currently be seen in the regular role of Malcolm Merlyn (aka The Dark Archer) in the hit American drama series Arrow, based on the Green Arrow comic books. The show has been a huge success all over the world, and is aired in the UK on Sky 1 and on the CW network in the USA. He has appeared in all four series of the show. He subsequently guested as Malcolm Merlyn in The Flash, and has also guested on the CW’s hit historical drama Reign. Having guested on the hit American political drama Scandal for the ABC network, he hosted a major new entertainment series for the network, Sing Your Face Off. In the UK on Channel 4 he hosted Superstar Dogs (a game show for dogs) and The Small Animal Hospital with John Barrowman, which followed the work of Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital. He hosted two series of the BBC1 game show Pressure Pad and has hosted The National Lottery Awards on BBC1 three times.

DAN FOGLER

Forging an exceptional transition from theater to film & television, Tony award-winning actor DAN FOGLER recently starred in Warner Bros. highly anticipated FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. Written by JK Rowling, Dan helped launch the five-film franchise series alongside Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston in 2016. He just wrapped production on the sequel FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD, coming to theaters everywhere Thanksgiving 2018. His credits include a starring role in Ang Lee’s TAKING WOODSTOCK, Relativity’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT, and LOVE HAPPENS opposite Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. Dan is also well known for the cult classicsBALLS OF FURY for Focus and FANBOYS for Weinstein. On the TV side, Dan’s been featured in ABC’s SECRETS & LIES opposite Ryan Phillippe; and had recurring roles on both THE GOLDBERGS and HANNIBAL. In 2005, Dan won a Tony Award for his performance as ‘William Barfee’ in the Broadway production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Bee”.

BONNIE WRIGHT

Wright’s interest in directing springs from her experiences as an actor. From 2001 to 2011, she played Ginny Weasley in all eight films in the Harry Potter series and had the good fortune to work with Christopher Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates. Subsequent acting roles include The Sea (2013) with Charlotte Rampling, After the Dark (2015) with James D’Arcy and most recently,The Highway is for Gamblers (2015), directed by Alexandra McGuinness.

NICHELLE NICHOLS

Nichelle Nichols began her professional singing and dancing career in her home town, Chicago, at the tender age of 14. As a teenager she was discovered by the great Duke Ellington, who hired her to choreograph and perform a ballet for one of his musical suites, and finished the tour as his lead singer. When Nichelle was cast by Gene Roddenberry to create Chief Communications Officer Lt. Uhura, fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise, in his legendary TV series Star Trek – in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King – “The first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

JAMES FRAIN

James Frain is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors who has a reputation for bold, intelligent performances in a diverse body of work in which he’s collaborated with some of the finest actors and directors working today. He has appeared as character actor and leading man in 28 feature films, and in 47 TV shows, including: True Blood, The Tudors, 24, and The White Queen.

JON HEDER

Jonathan Joseph “Jon” Heder (born October 26, 1977) is an American actor and producer. His feature film debut came in 2004 as the title character of the comedy film Napoleon Dynamite. He has also acted in the films Ghost Team, Walt Before Mickey as Roy Disney, The Benchwarmers, School for Scoundrels, Blades of Glory, Mama’s Boy, and When in Rome, and provided voice talents in the animated films Monster House, and Surf’s Up, as well as Pickle and Peanut,  Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and the Napoleon Dynamite animated series.

 

JAMES MARSTERS

AMERICAN actor, singer and songwriter James Marsters first found international fame playing punk-goth Brit vampire Spike in the critically acclaimed American TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the equally popular spin-off Angel. Film roles include live action film Dragon Ball, romantic love story P.S. I Love You with Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler and Kathy Bates, USA Original true-crime film Cool Money, independent thriller Shadow Puppets, Winding Roads, The House On Haunted Hill and Chance with Buffy co-star Amber Benson.

HOLLY MARIE COMBS

Holly Marie Combs is an American actress and television producer. She is known for her roles as Kimberly Brock in the CBS series Picket Fences, Piper Halliwell in The WB series Charmed, and Ella Montgomery in the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars.

THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS

Thomas Ian Nicholas is an American film actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and writer. Nicholas is best known for playing Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year, Walt Disney in Walt Before Mickey and Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series.

And there are many many more guests! Check back here at We Are Movie Geeks for more coverage of this year’s Wizard World!

 

I, TONYA – Review

Time to start up this new year of cinema with what will probably be the first of many movies “inspired by true events”. Technically it’s a 2017 awards contender that’s very similar in theme and tone to another recent release still in theatres, THE DISASTER ARTIST. That was a comedy set in the early 2000’s concerning the misguided efforts in making a film that’s now a legendary lousy flick. This one is set in the previous decade and also focuses on the misguided efforts, this time to grab olympic gold medals (and the fame and fortune that would no doubt follow). And those efforts would be judged illegal, luckily you can’t do “time” for making awful movies (image the prison overcrowding). With the crime element , the story veers from low-class, low-life laughs to true tragedy which swirls around the petite blonde who thrusts her index finger (oops, no it’s the other finger, that one) and declares “I, TONYA”.

The film is structured much like a documentary, with very recent “talking heads” set pieces of many involved (one is represented via a grainy late 90’s TV interview) relating the story that really begins in the early 1970’s. Coarse, chain-smoking waitress mom LaVona Golden (Alison Janney) is determined to make her little three and a half year-old (she says a “soft four”) daughter Tonya a skating champion. Coach Diane (Julianne Nicholson) has told LaVona that Tonya is too young, but LaVona orders the little beauty to hit the ice. Tonya’s a natural who is soon defeating skaters twice her age in all the competitions and tournaments. As she nears ten, LaVona is relentless with her insistence that Tonya (Mckenna Grace) be the very best, reverting to near-constant mental and physical abuse. This may be one of the reasons that Tonya’s adored father abandons the family. As Tonya (now Margot Robbie) enters her teen years she attracts the attentions of a suitor, the slightly older Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan), who spies her at the rink while hanging out with his inseparable childhood chum Shawn Eckhardt (Paul Walter Hauser). Much to LaVona’s disgust the romance leads to marriage. But wedded bliss doesn’t last long as the constant arguments climax in Jeff using his fists on Tonya. Nevertheless, she continues her climb to the Olympic team, as she feels slighted by the judges who score her not on performance, but on her appearance (“just not the image we wish to promote”). This culminates with the 1994 skating trials as Tonya competes against the more “refined” Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver). Jeff decides to try to intimidate Kerrigan via anonymous threatening hate mail, but Shawn takes things several steps further leading to the infamous locker room assault. During the resulting media circus, Tonya tries to keep her eyes on the prize, while law enforcement focuses on her hubby’s gang of goof-ups.

This familiar tabloid tale is given new energy by the gritty, powerful performance of Robbie as the “hellcat” we all thought we knew. Igniting movie screens just four years ago in THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, she could’ve scooped up the “glamour girl” roles in studio flicks, but here she takes a “walk on the wild side” that hits all the right notes. Her Harding is tough, obstinate, frustrating, joyous (as she glides over the rink), and fiercely competitive. And somehow we see the vulnerability, the little girl pushed rather than embraced. Much as Charlize Theron did with MONSTER, Robbie shows us her exceptional acting chops beneath the “cover girl” glitter. And what a sparring partner she has with the formidable Janney who is pure “dead-eyed” evil as one of the movies’ most memorable “monster mamas” (a touch of Angela Lansbury in THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, a pinch of Lady Macbeth, etc.). LaVona is laser-focused on her skating star, the ultimate “stage mother”, one that explodes into violence with little or no warning. But she’s so dour, so mean, so sour that she’s a tad pathetic. No amount of medals will ever change her glare into a grin. ultimately she turns into a joke in the wrap-around interviews as she smokes and guzzles booze while a breathing tube fills her nostrils and a tiny parakeet pecks at her ear.

The rest of the cast offers great support to the two dynamos at the story’s core. Stan uses his “all-American boy” clean-cut looks to shock and stun when the “wimpy” Gillooly suddenly explodes with rage (where does this anger come from), much like a cursed horror character. He also excels in showing us Jeff’s frustration when he stews in his constant sweaty panic as the fed’s dragnet begins to tighten. This is particularly true in his exasperated exchanges with Hauser’s Shawn who seems adrift in his own world. When not shoveling fried food into his face, Shawn builds himself up, a blow-hard in the vein of Bugs Bunny’s verbose (not silent as with the Roadrunner) foe Wile E. Coyote (“see the card…it says SUPER GENIUS”). Hauser somehow makes this delusional dimwit aggravating and pitiful. Nicholson is terrific as the “good cop” to Janney’s very “bad cop”, as the skating coach that sees that talent in Tonya and tries to smooth her “rough edges” just a bit. Bobby Cannavale has a lot fun as the former “Inside Edition” TV reporter who’s a one man “Greek chorus” relating the media whirlwind around “the incident”. And Grace is heartbreaking as the pre-teen Tonya trapped by LaVona’s desires for stardom.

Director Craig Gillespie does an admirable job of keeping several “plates” spinning (the near-present day interviews) while guiding them toward the “Betty vs. Veronica” made for tabloid TV feast that fed the airwaves for countless days. While it would seem to ape the Christopher Guest-style “mockumentaries” in its opening sequences, the film soon finds its own voice when the subjects “break” the fourth wall during the flashbacks (“this really happened”). Kudos to screenwriter Steven Rogers for this clever conceit. Unfortunately these quips undermine some of the more horrific and brutal scenes of paternal and spousal abuse, softening their impact. Still Rogers doesn’t go for easy comedic targets, making Tonya, Jeff, and LaVona human beings rather than cartoonish “trailer trash” stereotypes (yet the scenes of Shawn’s oafish antics may be “shooting fish in a barrel”). Beyond the beatings and buffoons this film has as much to say about the clash of cultures and class system as LADY BIRD (honing in on that flick’s “Wrong side of the tracks” line). Those in charge of the skating events, the judges, board members, and assorted officials, wanted to present their champions as perfect princesses in dazzling gowns without a hair out-of-place. Tonya had the skills (quite a lot is made of her mastery of the triple Axel), but just didn’t fit the mold. She strained, sweat, and cursed, and those in charge would not tolerate this affront to the perfect fantasy model. Despite some technical glitches involving stunt skaters (Robbie head is digitally grafted like a pixel Bride of Frankenstein in some bits), and Robbie as a fifteen year-old (she’s good, but can’t quite pull it off), the film not only comments on class, but shows how this story took the news media down another, still current route. Near the end, Jeff sees the last camera van packing up, like the circus leaving town, just as his TV begins the march toward the next “feeding frenzy” involving another disgraced sports figure. In its foreshadowing, I, TONYA turns out to be a timeless tale.

4 Out of 5

Wizard World COMIC CON St. Louis February 2nd – 4th – Great Line-Up of Guests!

Pop culture comes to life in St. Louis next month! It’s the Wizard World COMIC CON February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at America’s Center downtown (701 Convention Plaza – St. Louis, MO 63101), and boy oh boy, do they have an amazing line-up of guests!

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. St. Louis show hours are Friday, February 2nd, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, February 3rd, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday,February 4th, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday night.

Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more.

For more on the 2018 Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis, visit https://wizardworld.com/comiccon/st-louis

And check out these guests you can meet in St. Louis that weekend!:

SEBASTIAN STAN

Sebastian Stan is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actors.  Stan was last seen on USA Network’s buzzed about mini-series Political Animals. Stan also appeared on ABC’s hit fantasy series Once Upon A Time with for a seven-episode arc. On the big screen, Stan is best known for his role as Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s box office smash Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Other film credits include Summit Entertainment’s Gone, Darren Aranofsky’s Black Swan, Rachel Getting Married, Spread, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Education of Charlie Banks, The Architect and The Covenant.

SEAN BEAN

Sean Bean is an English actor with a long and varied career.  After graduating from RADA he made his professional debut in a theatre production of Romeo and Juliet in 1983 and after leading roles at the royal Shakespeare company, he found his first mainstream success for his portrayal of Richard Sharpe in the ITV series Sharpe.    He has since garnered further recognition for his performances as Ned Stark in the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, as well as roles in the BBC anthology series Accused and the award winning BBC drama BROKEN.  Perhaps his most prominent film roles is Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.   He has starred in such films as GoldenEye, Troy, Patriot Games, Ronin, National Treasure, North Country  and many more.

BILLY BOYD

When he was 17 he left school and went to work in a book-binding workshop. Ironically, during the years he worked at the book-binders, the Lord of the Rings trilogy was printed and bound there, many copies bound by his hands. Billy planned on going to America for a year, but before he went he called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and asked about applying for when he got back. But it so happened that they still had space for this year and they asked him if he wanted to apply and he did. He was at the drama school in a 3-year course for his bachelor of arts degree, meanwhile studying everything from Shakespeare to puppet-making. During this time Billy had a few small roles in TV series such as Down Amongst The Boys and Taggart. After graduating he performed in many plays like The Slab Boys, The Diary of Adrian Mole etc. at The St. Andrews theatre which were his first paying roles. He then received a call from his agent about the Lord of the Rings movies and if he would like to audition for them. He went along not expecting much, but within a few months Peter Jackson came out to Scotland to meet him and to audition him personally. While rehearsing for a show he received a call from his agent who said that the part of Pippin had been offered to him – if he wanted it.

SEAN ASTIN

Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is an American film actor, director, voice artist, and producer best known for his film roles as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, and the title character of Rudy. In television, he appeared as Lynn McGill in the fifth season of 24 and currently voices Raphael in the 2012 Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series.

MICHAEL ROSENBAUM

Michael Rosenbaum has worked with everyone from Bradley Cooper and Kevin Spacey to Christopher Walken and Clint Eastwood. The diverse actor has worked in over twenty films, such as Hit and Run, Urban Legend, Sweet November, Bringing Down The House, Pool Hall Junkies and Sorority Boys. He portrayed Lex Luthor on the smash hit Smallville for seven years and voiced The Flash on the hit animated series The Justice League. Currently, Rosenbaum is starring as the lead actor and Executive Producer in the second season of the dark comedy series IMPASTOR for TVLAND that is a hit with critics and recently finished filming the feature film The LAST DAYS OF SUMMER with Bill Fichtenor.

LUCY DAVIS

Lucy’s first job as an actress was at the age of 20, when she played Maria Lucas in the BBC/A&E adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.  A few years later, she starred in the Golden Globe winning BBC comedy THE OFFICE, playing DAWN TINSLEY. Shortly after this she played DIANNE in Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s zombie movie SHAUN OF THE DEAD.She is also part of Pamela Adlon and Louis CK’s comedy drama BETTER THINGS on FX. And more recently, she can be seen in the new DC movie WONDER WOMAN, where she plays Wonder Woman’s friend and Steve Trevor’s secretary – ETTA CANDY.

JOHN BARROWMAN

John Barrowman is an Entertainer with a capital E. He sings, he dances, he acts, he presents, he judges – he is a unique talent in the entertainment industry on both sides of the Atlantic. John can currently be seen in the regular role of Malcolm Merlyn (aka The Dark Archer) in the hit American drama series Arrow, based on the Green Arrow comic books. The show has been a huge success all over the world, and is aired in the UK on Sky 1 and on the CW network in the USA. He has appeared in all four series of the show. He subsequently guested as Malcolm Merlyn in The Flash, and has also guested on the CW’s hit historical drama Reign. Having guested on the hit American political drama Scandal for the ABC network, he hosted a major new entertainment series for the network, Sing Your Face Off. In the UK on Channel 4 he hosted Superstar Dogs (a game show for dogs) and The Small Animal Hospital with John Barrowman, which followed the work of Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital. He hosted two series of the BBC1 game show Pressure Pad and has hosted The National Lottery Awards on BBC1 three times.

DAN FOGLER

Forging an exceptional transition from theater to film & television, Tony award-winning actor DAN FOGLER recently starred in Warner Bros. highly anticipated FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. Written by JK Rowling, Dan helped launch the five-film franchise series alongside Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston in 2016. He just wrapped production on the sequel FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD, coming to theaters everywhere Thanksgiving 2018. His credits include a starring role in Ang Lee’s TAKING WOODSTOCK, Relativity’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT, and LOVE HAPPENS opposite Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. Dan is also well known for the cult classicsBALLS OF FURY for Focus and FANBOYS for Weinstein. On the TV side, Dan’s been featured in ABC’s SECRETS & LIES opposite Ryan Phillippe; and had recurring roles on both THE GOLDBERGS and HANNIBAL. In 2005, Dan won a Tony Award for his performance as ‘William Barfee’ in the Broadway production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Bee”.

BONNIE WRIGHT

Wright’s interest in directing springs from her experiences as an actor. From 2001 to 2011, she played Ginny Weasley in all eight films in the Harry Potter series and had the good fortune to work with Christopher Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates. Subsequent acting roles include The Sea (2013) with Charlotte Rampling, After the Dark (2015) with James D’Arcy and most recently,The Highway is for Gamblers (2015), directed by Alexandra McGuinness.

NICHELLE NICHOLS

Nichelle Nichols began her professional singing and dancing career in her home town, Chicago, at the tender age of 14. As a teenager she was discovered by the great Duke Ellington, who hired her to choreograph and perform a ballet for one of his musical suites, and finished the tour as his lead singer. When Nichelle was cast by Gene Roddenberry to create Chief Communications Officer Lt. Uhura, fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise, in his legendary TV series Star Trek – in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King – “The first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

JAMES FRAIN

James Frain is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors who has a reputation for bold, intelligent performances in a diverse body of work in which he’s collaborated with some of the finest actors and directors working today. He has appeared as character actor and leading man in 28 feature films, and in 47 TV shows, including: True Blood, The Tudors, 24, and The White Queen.

JON HEDER

Jonathan Joseph “Jon” Heder (born October 26, 1977) is an American actor and producer. His feature film debut came in 2004 as the title character of the comedy film Napoleon Dynamite. He has also acted in the films Ghost Team, Walt Before Mickey as Roy Disney, The Benchwarmers, School for Scoundrels, Blades of Glory, Mama’s Boy, and When in Rome, and provided voice talents in the animated films Monster House, and Surf’s Up, as well as Pickle and Peanut,  Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and the Napoleon Dynamite animated series.

 

JAMES MARSTERS

AMERICAN actor, singer and songwriter James Marsters first found international fame playing punk-goth Brit vampire Spike in the critically acclaimed American TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the equally popular spin-off Angel. Film roles include live action film Dragon Ball, romantic love story P.S. I Love You with Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler and Kathy Bates, USA Original true-crime film Cool Money, independent thriller Shadow Puppets, Winding Roads, The House On Haunted Hill and Chance with Buffy co-star Amber Benson.

HOLLY MARIE COMBS

Holly Marie Combs is an American actress and television producer. She is known for her roles as Kimberly Brock in the CBS series Picket Fences, Piper Halliwell in The WB series Charmed, and Ella Montgomery in the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars.

THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS

Thomas Ian Nicholas is an American film actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and writer. Nicholas is best known for playing Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year, Walt Disney in Walt Before Mickey and Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series.

And there are many many more guests! Check back here at We Are Movie Geeks for more coverage of this year’s Wizard World!

 

WAMG Giveaway – Win Run of Engagement Passes for LOGAN LUCKY


Director Steven Soderbergh and the folks from MAGIC MIKE are back at it with the new comedy LOGAN LUCKY starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Seth MacFarlane, Riley Keough, Katie Holmes, Katherine Waterson, Dwight Yoakam, Sebastian Stan, Brian Gleeson, Jack Quaid, with Hilary Swank and introducing Daniel Craig as Joe Bang. Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy (Channing Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Adam Driver) set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.


LOGAN LUCKY opens everywhere August 18th.


You can win Run of Engagement passes to see LOGAN LUCKY! Just leave a comment below and we’ll send ten of you passes good for two people. Good Luck!