Batman Vs Robin review

Genre: Adventure, Comic, Action, Animated, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction.
Starring: Stuart Allan, Troy Baker, Kevin Conroy, Trevor Devall, Robin Atkin Dowes, Griffin Gluck, Grey DeLisle-Griffin, Sean Maher, David McCallum, Jason O'Mara, Peter Onorati, Andrea Romano, Jeremy Sisto, "Weird Al" Yankovic.
Year Of Release: 2015
Certificate: 12A (UK) PG-13 (US)
Runtime: 76 Minutes
Director: Jay Oliva

Synopsis: "While Damian Wayne struggles to cope with Batman's no-killing rule, he soon starts to believe that his destiny lies within a secret society known as, The Court of Owls." IMDB

This is only the second animated film I have reviewed, still find it a bit weird reviewing them if I am honest, feels weird to not be talking about the same elements specifically the lack of acting you get to see and the fact it is all animated so the visual effects are on a different level in comparison to say Interstellar looks great and real, while the effects in animation are on par with the animation of the rest of the scenes if that makes sense to anybody but me? Ha.

Batman Vs Robin was directed by Jay Oliva a go to name in the DC animated universe working on the likes of "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2", "Batman: Assault On Arkham" and "Justice League: War". Yet again he delivers a thoroughly enjoyable animated film, cementing himself in the DC chair for a while I'd imagine. Teaming up with long time DC writer J. M. DeMatteis who has been working with DC characters since the early '90s, so what a great team to bring together for latest instalment in the franchise.

I was apprehensive at first when Jason O'Mara took over from Kevin Conroy, I mean Kev IS BATMAN, he has been a part of my life as Batman for as long as I can remember. However, O'Mara makes the role his own in a brilliant way, the rest of the cast performed well in their roles, especially Troy Baker as ever he gives a stellar performance. Plus there was a nice nod to the old with Kevin Conroy returning to voice Thomas Wayne, I personally didn't remember going into the film Conroy was returning, so hearing that familiar voice was a nice touch. There was a bit of a let down though, I was hyped to hear "Weird Al" Yankovic voicing Dollmaker, but he seemed to disappear before we even got to really appreciate his comedic style.

The animation is fluid and wonderful to watch,the actions scenes blended seamlessly into the more dramatic scenes, it was brilliant production. The scene may come across a bit gory to some, so if you're planning on watching with your children or allowing them to watch you want to check it out beforehand. The action is reminiscent of Son Of Batman in my opinion, feels like director Jay Oliva took inspiration from the success of that film and added his own elements to it. All the fight scenes are wonderfully executed especially the climatic scene in which we get to see the Bat-family take on some villains.

There is one MAJOR thing I believe they should have done differently and that is calling the film "Batman: The Court Of Owls", the title is a little bit misleading, the story centres mostly on the Court Of Owls. While having a lot to do with Batman and Robins relationship, it is heavy on the Court storyline, there is a fight scene between Batman and Robin, but the main story comes from the Court trying to run Gotham.

Overall, the film was a brilliant watch it really showcased the vast differing dynamics between Bruce and Damian's belief in what is true justice. In recent instalments the franchise of DC Universe Animated films have been pretty good the likes Son Of Batman (REVIEW HERE) and Superman Unbound stand out. I would say this is definitely up their with them. Another brilliant film in the DC Universe Animated series, DC are winning in the animated film world in my eyes, while Marvel are winning live action. It would take an awful lot for me to ever chance my mind on that.

7/10

Trailer for Despicable Me spinoff Minions is HERE!

Check out the trailer for the upcoming "Despicable Me" spin-off/prequel "Minions" coming out next Summer, Summer 2015 is a HUGE time for cinema it's insane!

"Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters--from T. rex to Napoleon--the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression.

But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he--alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob--ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow.

The trio embarks upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock), the world's first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind... from annihilation."

"Son Of Batman" review

Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Comic Book, Superhero.
Starring: Jason O'Mara, Stuart Allen, Morena Baccarin, Giancarlo Espostio, Xander Berkeley, Thomas Gibson, David McCallum, Sean Maher.
Year Of Release: 2014
Certificate: 15 (UK)

Runtime: 74 Minutes
Director: Ethan Spaulding
Synopsis: "Batman learns he has a violent, unruly pre-teen son, secretly raised by the terrorist group the League of Assassins." IMDB

This is my first ever review of an animated film, which is kind of strange considering I have seen pretty much every DC and Marvel film released in the past 15 years aswell as a lot of Disney and Pixar. Anyway that's neither here nor there,back onto the review.

The film is based on a 2006 story arc written by Grant Morrison who has written for so many characters and arcs isn't surprising his work is being adapted into films.

The film starts off with a huge training camp being destroyed that we know is owned by the Al Ghul family, a young boy and Mother escape to the boys Father, who turns out to be none other than Batman himself. Batman takes his newly revealed son under his wing deciding to train and protect him from what has already happened.

Bruce allows Damien to join him and Robin, in fighting crime, but keeping the criminals alive in typical Batman tradition, throughout this time a huge development happens which will soon have a incredible impact on the plot.

The film has a pretty short run time, which isn't to bad due to the fact we do not really need that much characters time, however I would like to have had seen some more on screen relationship progression between Bruce and Damien. Also they did make Deathstroke a bit less of a badass than his usual-self, I mean he gets a beat down more than once by a teen none the less, however that does add to Damien being a very skilled fighter.

Overall, the film is a very enjoyable watch full of Action, Ninjutsu style acrobatics and katana based fighting resulting in lots of violence and gore which surprised me when watching because I didn't realise the rating. The voice acting overall is pretty good besides Batman, Jason O'Mara seems to just be reading his lines not putting any emotion or passion into them, the rest of the cast is pretty good nothing special. It does have a strange animation about it, it almost feels like an 80s maybe 90s style look to it, I enjoyed it seen a few people complaining about though.

                            7/10

"Space Jam 2" in the works with... [UPDATE]

Turns out that Lebron James will NOT be starring in a sequel!

Lebron James taking the lead, what was that I heard, the collective sighs on the whole universe?

Lebron spoke of his love for the film a while back, an now it looks like he has his wish to be in "Space Jam". I LOVED the original "Space Jam", however, this time around I can't see it being anything like the original. I mean come on, no Michael Jordan? I imagine if this film is successful, this will springboard Warner Bros into making some more films of characters like Bugs and his crew.

So I guess the old adage is fitting "every grey cloud has a silver lining".

Stephen Lang to return for 3 "Avatar" sequels

Yeah, you read that title correctly he is returning for three sequels when his character died in the first. Fox are you guys crazy? Stephen Lang played Colonel Miles Quaritch an will reprise the role in the upcoming sequels.

"Steven was so memorable in the first film, we're privileged to have him back," director James Cameron said in a statement. "I'm not going to say exactly HOW we're bringing him back, but it's a science fiction story, after all.  His character will evolve into really unexpected places across the arc of our new three-film saga.  I really look forward to working with such a gifted actor, who's also become a good friend."

Disney and Pixar annouce release dates until 2018

It looks like Walt Disney Pictures are looking to their future an have their affairs in order when it comes to animation. The studio has now announced their schedule for the upcoming films from Disney Animation and Pixar all the way through 2018. Although we have no official titles to go with the release dates it is fun to speculate ha.

Untitled Disney Animation - 3/4/16
Untitled Pixar Animation - 6/17/16
Untitled Disney Animation - 11/23/16
Untitled Pixar Animation - 6/16/17
Untitled Pixar Animation - 11/22/17
Untitled Disney Animation - 3/9/18
Untitled Pixar Animation - 6/15/18
Untitled Disney Animation - 11/21/18

Brad Bird talks sequel to "The Incredibles" and turning down "Star Wars"

So I am going to get a lot of anger my way after saying this, but I never got round to watching "The Incredibles" all I ever hear is great things about it just never came on my radar, sorry guys! Bird was the man with the plan at Pixar when he brought the unbelievably popular "The Incredibles" to life now he has finally spoken about a sequel to said film.

"I have been thinking about it. People think that I have not been, but I have. Because I love those characters and love that world. I am stroking my chin and scratching my head. I have many, many elements that I think would work really well in another [Incredibles] film, and if I can get ‘em to click all together, I would probably wanna do that.

"I like the idea of moving a little more quickly in films. I’m looking for ways to accelerate the pace a little bit and figure out a way to keep creative control over these movies to a level where I’m comfortable with the end result but also speed them up a bit and make more of them. I have many different films I wanna make. It’s like a big airplane hangar and I have different projects on the floor; half-assembled in my brain. I’m interested in all of them. You kind of have to move on the ones people are willing to pay for and the ones you’re most excited about."

Bird also spoke about being approached for the upcoming "Star Wars: Episode VII", which he turned down.

"They did come to me. But the problem was, the schedule they had in mind made it impossible to do…unless I dropped Tomorrowland. And I was just really deeply into this film at that point. It’s easy to say, “Just put it on hold.” But you’re moving now; you don’t know if you’re going to be able to move later. Maybe it’s true of filmmakers like Cameron or Spielberg, but I have to act on momentum. We had reached a critical mass where it would’ve thrown the furniture around from the train stopping. I really want to see this movie. I love the Star Wars films, and I can’t wait to see what J.J. does, but it meant I’d have to shut down one dream to participate in another. I feel like [with Tomorrowland] we’re making something that’s really special and unique."

"Despicable Me 2" first clip

"Despicable Me 2" is set to release this summer an is a sequel to the highly popular "Despicable Me" released back in 2010. I am a grown ass man who is as excited about this as I am nearly every other film releasing an the Minions oh god the Minions they are amazing I NEED one in my life. Just check out the clip an you will know why this film is going to be great! Highly recommend you get yourselves the first one if you haven't seen it or even if you have watch it again you know you want too.

Third trailer for "Monsters University"

The third trailer for Pixars next master piece "Monsters University" is here, these trailers just make me feel all warm and fuzzy ha ha. Can't beat a good animated film, especially when Pixar are behind it.

"Finding Nemo" sequel has a title & release date

It was nearly 10 years ago Pixar blessed us with "Finding Nemo" which went on to earn them a healthy $900+ million. So Pixar are now making a sequel bringing Dory and Nemo back together both to be re-voiced by Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres.

Disney Pixar have now made it official with their announcement of the release date and title for the sequel which will be directed by Andrew Stanton. Plus the film will be officially released over Thanksgiving weekend November 25, 2015.

"When Dory said “just keep swimming” in 2003’s Oscar®-winning film “Finding Nemo,” she could not have imagined what was in store for her (not that she could remember). Ellen DeGeneres, voice of the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, revealed details today about Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory”—an all-new big-screen adventure diving into theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.

“I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time,” said DeGeneres. “I’m not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating ‘Toy Story 16.’ But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.”

Director and Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton takes audiences back to the extraordinary underwater world created in the original film. “There is no Dory without Ellen,” said Stanton. “She won the hearts of moviegoers all over the world—not to mention our team here at Pixar. One thing we couldn’t stop thinking about was why she was all alone in the ocean on the day she met Marlin. In ‘Finding Dory,’ she will be reunited with her loved ones, learning a few things about the meaning of family along the way.”

According to Stanton, “Finding Dory” takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.

“Finding Nemo” won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature; the film was nominated for three additional Oscars® (Best Writing, Original Screenplay; Best Music, Original Score; Best Sound Editing). It was also nominated for a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture–Comedy or Musical. In 2008, the American Film Institute named “Finding Nemo” among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made. At the time of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time. It’s currently the fourth highest grossing animated film worldwide. The film has more than 16 million Likes on Facebook, and Dory—with more than 24 million—is the most Liked individual character from a Disney or Disney•Pixar film.

DeGeneres’ distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. Her syndicated talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” is in its 10th season and has earned 38 Daytime Emmy® Awards. DeGeneres has won 12 People’s Choice Awards and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Comedian for three consecutive years. Additionally, her show won two Genesis Awards and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Talk Show Episode. For her unforgettable turn as Dory, DeGeneres was nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance."

"Monster University" characters posters & ID cards

Disney Pixar have blessed us with some incredible character posters, student ID cards an even a couple of faculty cards for "Monsters University", check them out below.

New "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" animated film

Due to the success of last years "The Lorax", Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment have decided to adapt another of Dr. Seuss' classics. Reports are stating that the film they are adapting is How The Grinch Stole Christmas, with new director Peter Candeland set to direct.

"Monsters University" teaser

Get a glimpse at the wide variety of creatures and schools that make Monsters University the premiere destination for academic excellence. Now is the perfect time to find out if MU is right for you.

New stills from "Monsters University"

I can not wait for this film, I loved the first one and by love I mean absolutely LOVE it ha. I mean come on these guys in a scare university and more than likely a lot of pre-requisite hidden adult humour.

Happy Birthday to...

ME! Well the blog ha ha. It's been a year since I started this blog, an I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who visits my site. I would never have guessed that when I started this I would have nearly 14,000 hits and reach countries like Russia, Australia, Egypt and even more obscure places like Taiwan, Algeria and Philippines.

Here's to another great year in the movie world, look out for some BIG movies coming soon. I also hope you keep coming back here for your movie updates, if the popularity continues I might move to a proper website an start doing some giveaways an stuff! An if you don't return then "Frankly, my dear. I don't give a damn" but "Go ahead, make my day" ha ha.

Toy Story of TERROR!

There is a new Pixar short coming next year, that will include all of our favourite characters from the Toy Story franchise. This isn't the first Toy Story short and I'm guessing it won't be the last, the new short is already making the headlines with its Halloween based plot which has made its way online;

"What starts out as a fun road trip for the Toy Story gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate in this Toy Story of Terror"

Peanuts film in 2015?

The beloved cast of the Peanuts Gang are returning to big screen, this is huge news I mean the last Charlie Brown related film released was back in 1980. I for one have never been a fan of "Peanuts" but that's not to say I dislike it, I just have no general opinion on it.

The late Charles Schulz's son is involved in the film and is working on bringing the famous Charlie Brown and Snoopy to the Silver Screen again in 2015. Believe it not the film will NOT be made using CGI, yeah you did read that correctly no CGI it's looking for likely that a lucky hand animation studio will be given this incredible task.

"Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (ICON) announced today that Peanuts Worldwide, a joint venture with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, will release a Peanuts feature film worldwide in 2015. The film is based on creator, Charles Schulz’s, iconic comic strip. Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang are among the most recognized characters in the world.
The as yet untitled animated event will be released on November 25, 2015. 2015 will mark the 65th anniversary of the debut of the “Peanuts” comic strip and the 50th anniversary of the landmark television special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
The Peanuts screenplay has been written and will be produced by Craig Schulz, son of Charles Schulz along with his own son, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano. Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios have been chosen by the Schulz family to distribute, produce and animate the new Peanuts movie. Steve Martino will direct; previously, he brought to the big screen (with Jimmy Hayward) Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! Martino also directed (with Michael Thurmeier) Fox’s recent box-office smash Ice Age: Continental Drift."

"Who Framed Roger Rabbit 3D" possible sequel???

"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" was one of my favourite films growing up, I must have seen it about 50 times growing up. The film also has great cinematic acclaim, reviews and a pretty nice box office record. The film was funny, witty and appealed to both children and adults alike, it is very surprising that there isn't already a sequel.

"Zemeckis has always been on board for a sequel, but the project has been stuck in development hell for over a decade. Meanwhile, Hoskins announced this August (2012) that he is to retire from acting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
However, Zemeckis has yet to give up hope on Who Framed Rabbit 2. Talking to Showbiz411.com at the New York Film Festival on Sunday (October 14), he revealed that he has a script ready.
After expressing sadness about Hoskins’ retirement, the director said: “I have a script at Disney, and we’re just waiting for all the executive changes to settle down there.”
Meanwhile, Disney is planning a 3D re-release of the original Who Framed Roger Rabbit next November (2013) to mark the film’s 25th anniversary."

Going to be 100% not really interested at all in a 3D release, but the idea of a possible sequel catches my attention. I've been hearing/reading rumours of a sequel for a few years now, lets hope it doesn't drag out.

Toy Story short "Partysaurus Rex" sneak peek

Pixar have released a new sneak peek look at their upcoming short "Partysauraus Rex", here it is for your enjoyment.

The next Pixar film will be...

 Finding Nemo 2! Yes, I don't really understand it either how on earth would you lose the same kid twice. I've never been the biggest fan of "Finding Nemo" I always thought it was Pixar's worst film, I'm more of a "Toy Story" guy myself. The plan is to have the man behind "John Carter", Andrew Stanton at the helm an help to wash away the negativity surrounding his last film. It was apparently a great film, it just made no money which in Hollywood is a big no, no!
"It is believed that part of the filmmaker’s deal was the promise that he would get to direct another live-action feature, despite the box office failure of John Carter. No story details have been released for this animated follow-up. It isn’t known if Finding Nemo stars Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe will reprise their roles.
Newcomer Victoria Strause is writing the screenplay, with Lindsey Collins on board as a producer. It isn’t known when production will begin."