CHICKEN RUN: DAWN OF THE NUGGET – Review

So, since we’re deep into the holiday season (the biggie is just ten days away), what better time to revisit some old friends? And it really has been a long stretch, actually more than twenty years. That’s quite a gap between sequels, especially in animation where franchises seem to abound almost annually. Yes, the decades set this flick apart, but also its style. It’s not drawn at the old “light-desk’ nor is fashioned from pixels via an army of computers. This piece would truly be considered “old school’ as it returns to the techniques of “stop-motion animation”, which has been a cinema staple for over a hundred years. These days it’s mainly employed in the service of “selling” in TV commercials or the occasional TV special. But these wacky “wizards of clay” at Aardman (the main characters are molded and sculpted) are masters of this time-consuming craft and they’re returning to bring back some fine feathered friends (and some human foes) in CHICKEN RUN: DAWN OF THE NUGGET.


The plot of this fable explores what comes next post “they all lived happily ever after”. At the conclusion of the 200 original, Rocky the rooster, and the hens escaped the terrible Tweedy Farm. And they’ve been living peacefully on an island, far from the shore of the countryside. Ginger (voice of Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) are enjoying the domestic life and are delighted when their egg hatches. Soon the chick grows into a spirited, feisty teenager they’ve named Molly (Bella Ramsey). Keeping her out of trouble seems to be a full-time job for her parents and most of the neighbors. Then Molly climbs a tree for a “bird’s eye view” of that world across the water and soon makes her escape. When Ginger sees that she’s AWOL, she enlists Rocky and the rest of the old “henhouse crew” (Babs, Bunty, Mac, and old Fowler) on a rescue mission. After hitching a boat ride from their rat “sea trader” pals Nick and Fetcher, the gang arrives just in time to see Molly and her new best pal, a feral hen named Frizzle (Jose Sedgwick-Davis), get scooped up by a truck from Fun Land Farms. The island chickens follow it to the gate of a nearly impenetrable fortress. Ginger has no choice but to actually break into the “processing plant” to rescue her only daughter. But can she and her friends triumph when they learn that an old adversary is behind this new method of turning their ilk into tasty crunchy “nuggets”?

The new vocal cast (save for one former nemesis) does a splendid job of selling the verbal jabs and jokes in this new adventure fantasy. Newton and Levi are a good match as parents with different “nurturing styles”. Ginger is the more pragmatic while Rocky has a casual “have a blast” attitude (similar to many modern sitcom couples). Ramsey conveys all the optimistic energetic spirit of youth with much curiosity and naivete. And there’s great supportive work from Nick Mohammed as the sinister super-genius Dr. Fry (get it). All these actors service the superb skills of talented designers, sculptors, and animators (working with clay rather than a pencil or a keyboard/mouse). The island sequences have a warm natural feel with the foilage jutting into the tranquil lake. But it all turns dark and sinister for the nocturnal capture of Molly. And then the story “shifts gears” in the spiky citadel of Fun Land Farms. It certainly reflects the tone of the sequel. While the original film played as a parody of WWII POW camp epics (think THE GREAT ESCAPE or STALAG 17), this one has “a laugh” at the 1960s and 1970s spy capers. We can almost imagine 007 or even Derek Flint or Matt Helm dashing through the shiny metallic hallways of “the farm” (it feels as though it should be inside a volcano or mountain). Plus there are terrific parodies of sci-fi (maybe THE MATRIX meets THE STEPFORD WIVES0 and a playful poke at amusement parks with a phony plastic pastel backdrop. These bug-eyed birds are just so hilarious as they try to become action heroes. It does go on a bit too long, as one ending shifts into another challenge, but the film should keep every member of the family entertained and amusing. So, the witty script and dazzling visuals make CHICKEN RUN: DAWN OF THE NUGGETS a truly tasty holiday treat.

3 Out 4

CHICKEN RUN: DAWN OF THE NUGGET is now streaming exclusively on Netflix

Zachary Levi Goes Head To Head With Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu And A Dragon In Brand New SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS Trailer

Check out the brand new trailer for director David F. Sandberg’s (“Shazam!,” “Annabelle: Creation”) SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS.

Hitting theaters on March 17, the film continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam.

Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with having adult Super Hero alter-egos. But when the Daughters of Atlas, a vengeful trio of ancient gods, arrive on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Billy—aka Shazam—and his family are thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of their world.

Check out the trailer breakdown HERE with Sandberg where he talks about dragons, the daughters of Atlas and the magic word.

“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” stars returning cast members Zachary Levi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) as Shazam; Asher Angel (“Andi Mack”) as Billy Batson; Jack Dylan Grazer (“It Chapter Two”) as Freddy Freeman; Adam Brody (“Promising Young Woman”) as Super Hero Freddy; Ross Butler (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as Super Hero Eugene; Meagan Good (“Day Shift”) as Super Hero Darla; D.J. Cotrona (“G.I. Joe: Retaliation”) as Super Hero Pedro; Grace Caroline Currey (“Annabelle: Creation”) as Mary Bromfield / Super Hero Mary; Faithe Herman (“This Is Us”) as Darla Dudley; Ian Chen (“A Dog’s Journey”) as Eugene Choi; Jovan Armand (“Second Chances”) as Pedro Pena; Marta Milans (“White Lines”) as Rosa Vasquez; Cooper Andrews (“The Walking Dead”) as Victor Vasquez; with Djimon Hounsou (“A Quiet Place Part II”) as Wizard.

Joining the cast are Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”), with Lucy Liu (“Kung Fu Panda” franchise) and Helen Mirren (“F9: The Fast Saga”).

The film is directed by David F. Sandberg (“Shazam!,” “Annabelle: Creation”) and produced by Peter Safran (“Aquaman,” “The Suicide Squad”). It is written by Henry Gayden (“Shazam!,” “There’s Someone Inside Your House”) and Chris Morgan (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” “The Fate of the Furious”), based on characters from DC; Shazam! was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. Executive producers are Walter Hamada, Adam Schlagman, Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Victoria Palmeri, Marcus Viscidi and Geoff Johns.

Joining director Sandberg behind-the-camera are director of photography Gyula Pados (the “Jumanji” franchise), production designer Paul Kirby (“The Old Guard,” “Jason Bourne”) and editor Michel Aller (“Shazam!,” “The Nun”). The music supervisor is Season Kent (“DC League of Super-Pets,” “The Addams Family 2”) and the music is by Christophe Beck (“Free Guy,” “Frozen II”).

Visual effects supervisors are Bruce Jones (“Aquaman,” “It”) and Raymond Chen (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “The Meg”). The costume designer is Louise Mingenbach (“Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”).

New Line Cinema presents A Peter Safran Production of A David F. Sandberg Film, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” which is set to open in theaters internationally beginning 15 March 2023 and in North America on March 17, 2023

See The First Teaser For SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS From San Diego Comic Con 2022

(L-r) ROSS BUTLER as Super Hero Eugene, ADAM BRODY as Super Hero Freddy, GRACE CAROLINE CURREY as Super Hero Mary, ZACHARY LEVI as Shazam, MEAGAN GOOD as Super Hero Darla and D.J. COTRONA as Super Hero Pedro
COPYRIGHT: © 2022 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC

SHAZAM! is back!

Check out the first trailer for director David F. Sandberg’s SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS.

The trailer appeared to a hyped up crowd during Warner Bros. Pictures’ theatrical panel in Hall H at the San Diego Comic Con 2022. Zachary Levi, Director David F. Sandberg, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer and Lucy Liu attended the panel to discuss the sequel set to open in theaters internationally beginning 15 December 2022 and in North America on December 21, 2022.

According to Variety:

The most energetic moment of the panel was when Helen Mirren and Rachel Zegler appeared remotely via video, and Mirren celebrated her female costars by saying, “Yay, pussy power!”

During the audience Q&A, Levi was asked if Superman would appear in this movie. “I can neither confirm nor deny allegations such as these,” he replied winkingly. He also fielded the question about a possible “Shazam 3” by encouraging fans to support the sequel, saying, “If you guys go and see this one and you like it.”

Zachary Levi
Jack Dylan Grazer
Lucy Liu
Asher Angel, Lucy Liu, Jack Dylan Grazer, Zachary Levi

From New Line Cinema comes “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” which continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam.

JOVAN ARMAND as Pedro Pena, JACK DYLAN GRAZER as Freddy Freeman, ASHER ANGEL as Billy Batson, FAITHE HERMAN as Darla Dudley, GRACE CAROLINE CURREY as Mary Bromfield and IAN CHEN as Eugene Choi in New Line Cinema’s action adventure “SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. © 2022 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC

“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” stars returning cast members Zachary Levi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) as Shazam; Asher Angel (“Andi Mack”) as Billy Batson; Jack Dylan Grazer (“It Chapter Two”) as Freddy Freeman; Adam Brody (“Promising Young Woman”) as Super Hero Freddy; Ross Butler (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as Super Hero Eugene; Meagan Good (“Day Shift”) as Super Hero Darla; D.J. Cotrona (“G.I. Joe: Retaliation”) as Super Hero Pedro; Grace Caroline Currey (“Annabelle: Creation”) as Mary Bromfield / Super Hero Mary; Faithe Herman (“This Is Us”) as Darla Dudley; Ian Chen (“A Dog’s Journey”) as Eugene Choi; Jovan Armand (“Second Chances”) as Pedro Pena; Marta Milans (“White Lines”) as Rosa Vasquez; Cooper Andrews (“The Walking Dead”) as Victor Vasquez; with Djimon Hounsou (“A Quiet Place Part II”) as Wizard.

Joining the cast are Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”), with Lucy Liu (“Kung Fu Panda” franchise) and Helen Mirren (“F9: The Fast Saga”).

 HELEN MIRREN as Hespera and LUCY LIU as Kalypso in New Line Cinema’s action adventure “SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. COPYRIGHT: © 2022 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC

The film is directed by David F. Sandberg (“Shazam!,” “Annabelle: Creation”) and produced by Peter Safran (“Aquaman,” “The Suicide Squad”). It is written by Henry Gayden (“Shazam!,” “There’s Someone Inside Your House”) and Chris Morgan (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” “The Fate of the Furious”), based on characters from DC; Shazam! was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck.

Executive producers are Walter Hamada, Adam Schlagman, Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Victoria Palmeri, Marcus Viscidi and Geoff Johns. Joining director Sandberg behind-the-camera are director of photography Gyula Pados (the “Jumanji” franchise), production designer Paul Kirby (“The Old Guard,” “Jason Bourne”) and editor Michel Aller (“Shazam!,” “The Nun”). The music supervisor is Season Kent (“DC League of Super-Pets,” “The Addams Family 2”) and the music is by Christophe Beck (“Free Guy,” “Frozen II”). Visual effects supervisors are Bruce Jones (“Aquaman,” “It”) and Raymond Chen (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “The Meg”). The costume designer is Louise Mingenbach (“Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”).

New Line Cinema presents A Peter Safran Production of A David F. Sandberg Film, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” which is set to open in theaters internationally beginning 15 December 2022 and in North America on December 21, 2022.

https://www.shazammovie.com/

AMERICAN UNDERDOG: THE KURT WARNER STORY Arrives on Digital February 4th and 4K Ultra HD, DVD and On Demand on February 22nd

AMERICAN UNDERDOG: THE KURT WARNER STORY will be Available on Digital February 4
4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD,  & On Demand on February 22 from Lionsgate 

Based on the inspirational true story of two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, American Underdog arrives on Digital February 4 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand February 22 from Lionsgate. From The Erwin Brothers (I Still Believe and I Can Only Imagine) and screenwriters Jon Erwin (I Still Believe and I Can Only Imagine) & David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights) and Jon Gunn (I Still Believe), the film stars Zachary Levi (Shazam!, Thor: The Dark World, Tangled), Academy Award® winner Anna Paquin (Best Supporting Actress, The Piano, 1993; X-Men franchise, The Irishman), Ser’Darius Blain (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level, “Charmed”), and Primetime Emmy® Award nominee Dennis Quaid (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, The Special Relationship, 2010; The Day After Tomorrow, Far From Heaven, In Good Company). 

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination. Based on the Book “All Things Possible” by Kurt Warner with Michael Silver. Screenplay by Jon Erwin & David Aaron Cohen and Jon Gunn. Directed by The Erwin Brothers.

The  American Underdog 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99, $39.99, and $29.96, respectively.  

4K ULTRA HD / BLU-RAY / DVD / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Audio Commentary with Directors Andrew and Jon Erwin, and Producer Kevin Downes
  • “Inspired” Featurette
  • “Making the Cut” Featurette
  • “A Coach’s Faith” Featurette (on 4K and Blu-ray™ only)
  • “New to the Scene: Hayden Zaller” Featurette
  • “Meet the Champion” Featurette
  • “Behind the Game” Featurette
  • American Underdog: Behind the Story” Featurette
  • Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary by Andrew Erwin
  • Theatrical Trailer (on 4K and Blu-ray™ only)

AMERICAN UNDERDOG – Review

Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner and Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner in American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate

So, you’ve survived the big holiday rush and are feeling a bit restless after the big meal. Perhaps you usually recoup by watching one of several football games on the tube that afternoon. But what if you’re not that invested in the match-ups and just want to get out of the house for a bit? Well, why not combine the two by taking in a new flick at the multiplex…one all about football. Oh, but it’s not a fictional tale of a group of “ragtag’ misfits pulling together for a beloved but often cranky coach. No, it’s all true, a sports biopic, but also a love story in the vein of the classic PRIDE OF THE YANKEES, minus the disease finale. And unlike that “chestnut, this man’s story is still “being written”. So, as all the details are revealed it becomes clear why the title is AMERICAN UNDERDOG..

It all starts with a young boy’s dream of tossing the ole “pigskin” like his idols on TV. That lad studying the tube and practicing his throw grows into the quarterback for the University of Northern Iowa Panthers, Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi). After much prodding from a teammate pal, he sets aside his studies and practice for an evening at a local country-western bar. And that is where he meets her, Brenda Meoni (Anna Paquin). He’s so gobsmacked that his buddy teaches him line dancing in order to join her on the dance floor. The former marine and current nursing student is stunned when Kurt shows up on her doorstep with a rose. That day he meets her mama along with her two children from a previous marriage, sweet five-year-old daughter Jesse and ten-year-old son Zack who is legally blind. The kids, especially Zack, bond with him immediately, so the ‘gun-shy” Brenda agrees to date him. Their budding romance is tested over the next four years as Kurt tries to get a shot at the NFL Then finally the Green Bay Packers tap him for a tryout. But his time is short there, as the coach sends him back home after just two days. Brenda’s family lets him stay in their basement as he stocks groceries at night while still dreaming of another opportunity. And it happens, not with the NFL though. The scrappy owner of the Iowa Barnstormers, a team in the AFL(Arena Football League), Jim Foster (Bruce McGill) offers him a contract. After barely scraping by, Kurt takes the job despite the hardships of traveling on his new family. Eventually, he marries Brenda just as a rep for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams comes to see him. And though he’s a bit “long in the tooth” for a rookie, he works with coach Dick Vermeil (Dennis Quaid) as a backup quarterback. But things change when the first-string QB is injured. And though the media believes that he’s an “aging hack”, Kurt, buoyed by the love of Brenda, knows that this is his moment.

In the title role, Levi deftly balances the drama and athlete aspects involved in this story. He looks confident on the field, while also doing his best to prove his worth to his soulmate. He’s charming in their courtship and warms to the kids with no prodding. But he still has his frustrations as he looks wistfully at a box of Wheaties, thinking he’ll never adorn it. Luckily Levi has great chemistry with Paquin as the tough, world-weary Brenda. She’s touched by this lumbering “puppy dog’ even though her emotional wall is still solid. We see the sadness in her eyes as she opens up to Kurt about her first marriage. And Paquin doesn’t make her merely a devoted “cheerleader”, confronting him about his goals. They’re the heart of the film, ably assisted by a quartet of great teachers/ coaches to Kurt. Adam Ballwin is his growling bulldog-like college coach (“Stay in the pocket”). And just as tough, but more amusing is McGill as the larger-than-life Foster who’s got Foghorn Leghorn’s bluster paired with Scrooge McDuck’s wallet as he promises a “C-note” for every touchdown. But he’s a pushover compared to Rams coach Mike Martz, played with scowling intensity by Chance Kelly. Luckily he’s offset by the warm, father-like Vermeil played with a calm strength by Quaid, Their conversation in which he sees Kurt as a kindred spirit is an emotional highpoint of the film.

The direction by the brothers Erwin (Andrew and Jon) is brisk and confident, whether in the locker room or at the dinner table, making it an engrossing story for those with little interest in sports. Though many of the domestic scenes have the feel of a basic cable miniseries, the sprawling intensity of the game scenes elevates the story taking us right to the center of the action, and groaning with each tackle and “hit”. The script by Jon, Joe Gunn, and David Aaron Cohen adapting the book “All Things Possible” by Michael Silver and Kurt avoids many sports film cliches as we see how the relationship of the Warners endure through the dark dire times ( a scene on a snowy road is harrowing) right through the triumphs. And although the Erwins are mainly known for “faith-based” films, the message is never hammered home but is tackled with subtlety and sincerity. They show us how to move past the disappointments and tragedies of the past, often gaining strength from adversity and turning failure into determination. It’s inspiring and sweet without getting syrupy. As far as biographies go, AMERICAN UNDERDOG is often a solid scorer.

2.5 Out of 4

AMERICAN UNDERDOG opens in theatres everywhere on Christmas Eve

Win Free Passes To The St. Louis Advanced Screening Of AMERICAN UNDERDOG – Stars Zachary Levi

AMERICAN UNDERDOG opens in theaters Everywhere Christmas Day! Starring Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, and Dennis Quaid!

For a chance to win 2 free passes to the advance screening on Monday, Dec 20th @ 7pm at AMC Esquire 7, enter here:

 http://www.lionsgatescreenings.com/hbZdl20631

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stocking shelves at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.

Official Site: http://americanunderdog.movie/

Dennis Quaid as Dick Vermeil and Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner in American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate

AMERICAN UNDERDOG “From The Dream to The Big Screen” Behind the Scenes Featurette Of Kurt Warner Biopic Stars Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin And Kurt Warner

Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner and Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner in American Underdog. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate

Lionsgate has released this first look at AMERICAN UNDEDOG, due out in cinemas later this year.

The film chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback.

The film chronicles Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player, and when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is inside. American Underdog is an inspirational story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.

The stars and Warner discuss AMERICAN UNDERDGOG in this brand new featurette.

Warner won two National Football League (NFL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards (1999, 2001) and a Super Bowl title (2000) as a player for the St. Louis Rams. If you lived in the St. Louis area at the time, everyone had “Warner fever”, it was that palpable. He threw for a Super Bowl-record 414 yards and was named the game’s MVP as the Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans 23–16 for the franchise’s first Super Bowl title at Edward Jones Dome. Click HERE and watch this NFL video of the quarterback legend.

Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner and Kurt Warner on the set of American Underdog. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate

Warner also guided the Arizona Cardinals to the franchise’s first Super Bowl berth (2009).

AMERICAN UNDERDOG will be in theaters December 2021.

Follow the film on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/americanunderdg/

Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner and Dennis Quaid as Dick Vermeil in American Underdog. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate
Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner in American Underdog. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate
Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner in American Underdog. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate

SHAZAM 2 Director David F. Sandberg Releases Set Photo Of Cast In Super-Suits For SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS

Director David F. Sandberg has released via his Twitter page a photo of the Marvel Family in their new suits and boy is it ever LIT!!

All six members of DC Universe’s first superhero family look amazing and WAMG can’t wait to see SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS up on the big screen June 2023.

The cast features Zachary Levi as Shazam (alter-ego of teenager Billy Batson, who possesses “the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury”), Adam Brody (Freddie Freeman aka Shazam Jr./Captain Marvel Jr.), Grace Fulton (Mary Marvel/Mary Batson, adopted name Mary Bromfield), Meagan Good (Faithe Herman), Ross Butler (Ian Chen), and D. J. Cotrona (Pedro Peña).

Helen Mirren, Rachel Zegler and Lucy Liu, who will play the villains, recently joined the cast.

See our DC FanDome coverage from last summer HERE.

David F. Sandberg’s ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ Sneak Peek Shows Zachary Levi In Costume

JustJared

SHAZAM! fans, we finally get a first look at director David F. Sandberg’s upcoming sequel, SHAZAM!

Just Jared released photos of Levi in costume. http://www.justjared.com/photo-gallery/4563550/zachary-levi-films-shazam-14/ “The 40-year-old actor was seen in his Shazam suit on the set of the sequel film, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, on Thursday afternoon (June 3) in Union City, Ga.”

Read why we LOVED the first SHAZAM! movie here https://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2019/04/shazam-first-look-heart-hero/

Fandome 2020 revealed the sequel’s name last summer. https://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2020/08/shazam-dc-fandome-reveals-official-name-of-sequel-shazam-fury-of-the-gods/ Check out what the cast (Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Faithe Herman, Megan Good, director David F. Sandberg and Adam Brody) had to say.

Zachary Levi wrote on his Instagram with the cool new teaser video for SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS, which didn’t exactly show off the whole suit.

Zachary added, “Don’t call it a comeback, call it a thrill ride.”

A fan tweeted to Zachary and said, “The new suit looks great @ZacharyLevi but the most important question is…. do you still have to take the whole suit off to poop???” He responded by saying “Yup” along with an upside-down smiley face.

The planned release date is June 2, 2023

Giveaway: Win A Free Pass To The Virtual Screening of THE MAURITANIAN On February 24

In WAMG’s review of THE MAURITANIAN, writer Cate Marquis says the upcoming movie, “is a good film, a sincere film with a worthy subject, and one that features a powerful central performance by Tahar Rahim.”

Captured by the U.S. Government, Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) languishes in prison for years without charge or trial. Losing all hope, Slahi finds allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley). Together they face countless obstacles in a desperate pursuit for justice. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), eventually reveals a shocking and far reaching conspiracy. Based on the New York Times best-selling memoir, this is the explosive true story of a fight for survival against all odds.

Photo Credit: Graham Bartholomew / STXFilms

Based upon the Book: “Guantanamo Diary” by Mohamedou Ould Slahi

The film stars Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Zachary Levi, Saamer Usmani with Shailene Woodley and Benedict Cumberbatch and directed by Academy Award winner Kevin Macdonald. http://www.stxfilms.com/themauritanian/

In theaters now, on demand March 2.

The film features score music composed by Tom Hodge for the inspiring true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the U.S. government. Nominated for two Golden Globe® Awards.

Enter for your chance to win passes to the Virtual Screening on Wednesday February 24th at 7pm.

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

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents only.

Photo Credit: Graham Bartholomew / STXFilms