Chris O’Dowd & Zhang Ziyi Join J.J. Abrams’ ‘God Particle’

J.J. Abrams next intergalactic feature film God Particle is taking shape as funny-man Chris O’Dowd and martial arts heroine Zhang Ziyi join the growing cast.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Trek reboot helmer Abrams sequestered the talents of Bridesmaids O’Dowd and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon lead Zhang. For his original sci-fi tale about a motley crew of astronauts, that find themselves abandoned aboard their Space Station after Earth inexplicably disappears.

With sources close to The Hollywood Reporter confirming the casting. The two newest cast members will star alongside David Oyelowo (Selma), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle), Elizabeth Debicki (The Night Manager) and Captain America: Civil War villain, Daniel Bruhl.

Much like Star Trek Beyond, Abrams will produce with the help of his company Bad Robot while relative newcomer Julius Onah will direct.

God Particle is expected to hit our screens February 24, 2017.

For all your Film News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – May 25th 2016 – Boybands, Bombshells & Brand Extension

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! With another exciting (and storyline progressive) show ahead, I just want to take the time to mention this little Wrestling news called the New Era Brand Extension. Oh you heard of it!?

Well of course you did my friend, but what does this mean for NXT? Meh – I dunno. But what I can impart is my two cents on the matter and well … I’m in two minds on this. On the one hand with SmackDown! moving to Tuesday nights with a live show, the Big-Wigs could harness the chance to showcase new talent from our little-brand. Rather than planting wide-eyed and fresh-faced NXT stars on the main roster for the big guys to feast on. They could be given a chance to show their skills and establish themselves on the Blue-brand while (perhaps) playing double duty for NXT. I mean let’s be honest, for every Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin, there is a Adam Rose, Tyler Breeze and (poor guys) The Ascension. Who without any clear direction have floundered and fallen into obscurity on the frantic RAW Roster.

Put simply. With Championships and Talent spread across two shows, there is going be more opportunities for NXT stars to get a shot on the main stage and grasp for that damn Brass Ring that Mr. McMahon moans about constantly.

But lets put the hater hat on for a second. The WWE may be wrestling-entertainment but it is foremost a business. My snarky attitude to how the Biz handles fresh-talent is already blighted at best. Save for a handful of the talent mention, WWE will sooner drop you into a Gimmick-effused stable before it even gives the audience a chance to buy your merch. So what stops the ratings dictating who should be the “Face” and planting established Superstars at the head of Tuesday Night SmackDown!, effectively taking away New Era Stars opportunity to shine?

Hater-Aide enthused sure, but its not like WWE isn’t in it for the money. Why do you think John Cena has stuck around so long.

For the most part I’m cautiously excited for a brand split, but with very little information at this stage, I reserve the right to hold my comment until that SmackDown! roster and Championship line-up is revealed.

With that ahead of us let’s get back to the action with Johnny Gargano. With my team of Blake & Murphy seemingly parting ways last week, Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa are fast filling their spot. My love for American Alpha aside that is.

The two favourites of NXT were a perfect match for a debuting Shane Thorne & Nick Miller, with a fast pace chain wrestling and an abundance of charisma in-between the ropes, it made for a successful introduction for the Australian duo.

But seriously TM-61 … sounds like a lame Boyband.

Austin Aires, never the one to be overlooked, called out the NXT Title scene prompting the King of Strong Style to saunter to the ring and cut a promo all over Ol’ Sparkle Pants himself. Its got to be worth mentioning that for a guy who English is not his first language, Shinsuke Nakamura put “the Guy” of WWE, Roman Reigns, to shame. #ShotsFired!

It wasn’t long until William Regal interfered announcing that the two would face-off on June 8th at TakeOver. Much to the delight of Nakamura whose toothy grin spoke volumes.

With Bayley sidelined with an injury, it was left to Carmella to step-up for her bestie in the nights Main Event to find the #1 Contender to Asuka’s NXT Women’s Championship. But the favourite going into the Triple Threat Nia Jax and my favourite Alexa Bliss standing in her way. The two top Heels on NXT weren’t exactly going to move aside for the Princess of Stanton Island.

As my past hyperbolic statements regarding Carmella have shown, I am more than high on this woman. And yes her association to the perpetual underdogs Enzo & Cass doesn’t hurt her stock. But since the two guys have moved on-up, she has more than shown that she is not just a mere cheerleader but a serious competitor also.

That being said, it is Jax’s time to go onto the Title scene, I mean just look at that Double-Suplex she gave to her opponents, a thing of beauty. And a TakeOver match against Asuka is going to be epic.

This also means that Carmella and Alexa Bliss have the opportunity to enter feud which will no-doubt elevate the pair if the higher powers pull the trigger on it that is.

Go on WWE, excite me.

That sounded dirty didn’t it?

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

Fast & Furious 8: Charlize Theron’s Bad Guy Revealed

When it comes to Bad-Ass Pedal-to-the-Metal Awesomeness, Charlize Theron is about to add to her credentials as the first official photo of the Oscar Winning actress’s Fast & Furious 8 role is revealed.

The image – revealed on Twitter – provides the first look at Theron’s Fast 8 villain Cipher, who will head-up the action franchise next band of bad guys, which will also include Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju.

Straight Outta Compton (2015) Director F. Gary Gray will helm the first in a new Trilogy, with Fast & Furious mainstay Vin Diesel already confirming that the new films will lay groundwork for possible spin-offs.

With production already underway in Iceland, The Fast and The Furious 8 will soon be smashing into theaters April 14, 2017.

For all you Film News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – May 18th 2016

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! Finally – we get Bayley back in action against a worthy opponent. Her TakeOver London rival Nia Jax no less.

But first we got the return of those sparkle pants in the form of Austin Aires and his mystery partner – Shinsuke Nakamura. Okay, I was surprised by this too. Like many in the crowd, I though we would see Bobby Roode.  Yes I know, had this happened Twitter would have lite up on the news of his arrival, being pre-taped and all. But Hey, this is NXT. Anything could happen after all.

Never-the-less this was a nice surprise too. I mean c’mon, like I’d complain over more Nakamura? To that point, Blake & Murphy made excellent sparring partners for the veterans and I’m never going to moan over an Alexa Bliss appearance.

More on the match though and it was too short for my liking with a confused ending to boot when Aires wanted in on the match before Nakamura took the win for himself. But rather than setting up some feud between the two (no-matter how awesome that would be), ultimately this was the story of Alexa leaving “her boys” high-and-dry after yet another loss.

Surprising still however was Blake following soon after, bringing an end to one of my favourite Tag Teams on NXT. #TotesAmosh

But I’m choking back the tears and choosing to look on the bright side because although brilliant together, all three competitors can go forward and excel in single competitions. Perhaps a title shot is in the cards for Alexa, here’s hoping.

She might have to wait in line though as Carmella seems to have the title in here sights and a push behind her. Peyton Royce didn’t stand a chance from the vastly improved Princess of Staten Island whose confidence in the ring grows as much as her repertoire in the ring.

I could easily see Carmella making a name for herself on the main roster but the key to her assent lies in NXT. Given another year to hone that ring-psychology, she may yet be remembered as ushering-in the next era of Women’s wrestling on NXT alongside Asuka, Nia Jax and Bayley too.

Loving how NXT have been embracing their Indie-side with cell phone footage of last Sunday’s live event mayhem. WWE has always embraced social media but when it comes to the Main Roster it often feels forced and (ironically) fake.

When it comes to the Finn Balor and Samoa Joes feud on NXT, it adds credence to this ongoing hatred for one another that threatens to over flow anytime, anywhere, any-place. Leading to the moment that I have been waiting for so long now. The announcement of Balor and Joe … inside a Steel Cage at TakeOver.

Thank You Wrestle Gods.

I heard the rumours and I let myself believe them but damn, so pumped for this one. Even if it could mean Balor moving on the Main Stage, this needs to happen and it feels right for these two to finish this War with an epic-conclusion inside a Steel Cage.

Speaking of War. The cold one that Bayley is fighting against Nia Jax may be the unwritten feud of the night. With 6 months passing since the last time these two met, the aggression that Nia has for the former Women’s Champ doesn’t seem to have been satiated by the number of wins she has collected since her loss at TakeOver London.

This match could almost be called TakeOver London: Part Two with Nia’s sheer vengeance towards the Huggable underdog as menacing as her dominance in the ring. Once Bayley was able to get Jax to her knees the match transformed into a solid back-and-fourth as Bayley elevated her strategy, taking big risk with combination of hard-hitting strikes and submission moves.

Unfortunately for the former Champ, the outcome this time round was in Nia’s favour, whose exploitation of Bayley’s buckled knee resulted in a big win.

With Jax closing the book on her first big loss to Bayley, this must mean that Nia will be facing Asuka for the title next right? With a number of matches already lock-up for TakeOver in 3 weeks time, the answer to that question may come next week.

Talk about leaving a bro hanging.

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

ABC’s ‘Agents of SHIELD’ To Get “Edgier” For Season 4

ABC’s fall line-up revealed that their seminal Marvel-show Agents of SHIELD, will move to a later time slot at in an effort to be in lieu with Netflix‘s darker comic-book offerings.

Speaking with the press, ABC President Channing Dungey explained the move in order “to go a little bit edgier, go a little darker and take some risks.“

Although Agents of SHIELD has found its audience. The show has never been the ratings success that ABC hoped for back in 2013. Debuting with an 8pm time slot, the show was soon moved to 9 before ultimately finding itself at 10pm for season 4, effectively losing the kids market.

The channel is in no doubt seeking a new audience in leaning towards the dark side. But a change in tone would put Agents of SHIELD in step with Netflix’s already mature superhero shows like Daredevil, Jessica Jones and their upcoming Luke Cage and Iron Fist ventures.

With regards to future of Marvel television on ABC, Dungey revealed that “We are in extensive conversations with Marvel. I had a really long talk with Dan Buckley from Marvel last week. We’re very excited about a few things we have in development. We think there’s a long future ahead and excited to explore it together.”

Specifics aren’t clear as to what exactly ABC have planned. But even with the throughly popular Agent Carter receiving its marching orders last week, it seems that the network are still committed to producing Marvel centric shows on their programming for the foreseeable future.

For all your TV News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

Fox Debuts Trailer For ’24: Legacy’

Fox finally released the debut trailer for the much anticipated sequel to their hit Television series, 24: Legacy.

The series will follow Corey Hawkins‘ (Straight Outta Compton) Eric Carter, an Army Ranger whose troubled past follows him home, placing him in the path of the largest potential Terrorist attack on US soil.

Joining him will be Miranda Otto‘s (Lord of the Rings, Homeland) Rebecca Ingram, former head of CTU and future First Lady alongside her husband Senator John Donovan (Jimmy Smits).

Although Fox have made it clear that this is not a reboot, confirming that 24 mainstay Kiefer Sutherland will not return as long-suffering CTU Agent Jack Bauer. They have left the door open for future series involving the character with Sutherland remaining connected to the show as a Producer.

So lets here your thoughts 24 fans. Sound off on Twitter and as always, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

‘Insidious: Chapter 4’ Announced

In a move that will surprise no-one, Blumhouse Productions have revealed the 4th Chapter in the Insidious horror franchise.

In an announcement via their website, the company revealed that the next film is in pre-production and scheduled for release on October 20, 2017.

Insidious Co-creator Leigh Whannell will step down from Directorial duties after helming the series 3rd sequel but will remain a writer on the upcoming film; The Taking of Deborah Logan director Adam Robitel will step up in his place.

Fan favourite Lin Shaye will also return as parapsychologist Elise Rainier alongside Co-creator James Wan (The Conjuring), Jason Blum (The Purge) and Oren Peli (Paranormal Activity), all of whom will once again produce the next chapter in the franchise.

In an interview with IGN last year, Whannell teased possible ideas for Insidious: Chapter 4’s story, expressing that “I think it should go down that direction of following their adventures. [-] Elise, Specs and Tucker, they wander up the road, and it’s kind of like they are walking to their next adventure, so if I was writing it, that’s probably where I would want to go.“

For all your Film News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

 

‘Assassin’s Creed’ Movie Will Spend More Time In The Present Day

Assassin’s Creed marks Ubisoft’s first foray into the cinematic landscape, taking their unique IP and transporting it onto the big screen – with help of Michael Fassbender’s Hollywood heft of course.

Although the debut trailer for the game adaptation hit-the-net last week. Fans have been left with questions regarding how much of the big-budget action will take place in the modern day vs the films 15th century past.

In a conversation with IGN, Executive Producer Pat Crowley revealed that 65% of the movie will exist in the present day as Fassbender’s convict Callum Lynch fights the nefarious forces of The Knights Templar. The other 35% will  take place in 15th Century Spain as Lynch projects his conscience into his ancestor Aguilar, via the Animus machine familiar to fans of the long-running game franchise.

“There are certain things that we absolutely want to respect in the game,” Crowley explained, “but we also want to bring new elements to the game […] This isn’t a video game that we’re making. We’re trying to make a cinematic experience, so there are new things that we have to introduce.”

In a post Marvel Cinematic World, it is understandable that Ubisoft would need to establish the present day in the this movie given the prospect of further sequels and possible spin-off’s featuring different heroes down the line. A situation that fans are more than accustomed too nine games in.

It will however be interesting to see how the filmmakers will get the balance right when Assassin’s Creed hit theatres December 21, 2016.

For all your Film News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx

The NXT Review – May 11th 2016 – ‘Clean Cut Hardy Boys’

Whats Up Wrestling Peeps! Boom or a Whimper? That is the question regarding the handling to the aftermath of NXT’s longest reining Champ Finn Balor’s lose to Samoa Joe. I somewhat subscribe to the later given that the wound still smarts with how that lose occurred offscreen. But I can’t let-go of the hope that NXT will give a big payoff to a feud that has dragged on for many months. Especially if that oh-so-tantalising rumour of a Steel Cage goodbye Match for Balor is set in stone.

Oh baby, pleases all round.

The perpetual show openers, rabble-rouser or ‘The New Day‘ of NXT, American Alpha, got this weeks show off the blistering start. Who’d thunk that giving the most over guys on the developmental Brand the Tag Team titles would go over so well? It’s almost like giving fans what they want seems like a good idea or something. Who knew!

Okay, snarkiness aside, it takes more than being a crowd pleaser to ascend to the next level once you own that coveted title. But these guys – like The New Day – have used the fans goodwill and championship gold to catapult them to the face of the division, rather than resting on their laurels.

I could bang on about their in-ring skill and their willingness to try new things, but that’s old hat at this point. In fact, it is American Alpha’s commitment to their pro-wrestling background, a gimmick that altogether is old hat too (hello Kurt Angle, Jack Swagger and The Worlds Greatest Tag-Team), that has reinvigorated the NXT Tag Division.

Whereas the The Vaudevillians took the old timey too far, perhaps cementing themselves as a gimmick with a limited shelf life. American Alpha is old-skool exciting whose gimmick and mass-appeal lies in their talent in the ring.

Think a cleaner-cut Hardy Boys. Now doesn’t that get you excited for this teams future?

Could this count as a goodbye match for Alex Riley?

I know I’ve had some unkind words for Riley in the past but I won’t Sh@t on dude on the way out because simple fact is, the style of matches he produces just don’t do it for me. It’s not his fault and neither should he conform to suit any one individuals opinion. But there just isn’t anything new since he debuted with The Miz back in the day. A glaring fault in Riley’s repertoire highlighted when paired against the ever-entertaining Shinsuke Nakamura.

Of course Nakamura got the win here as he continues to rack up the points before the final boss in the form of Samoa Joe. A match that I hope we will see on NXT before the two inevitable rise to the Main Roster. I would have liked to see Nakamura and Balor face-off for the title but guess I’ll have to wait for a future WrestleMania match or … you know … WWE2K17.

Sidenote, I absolutely agree with Austin Aries observation that Blake & Murphy with Alexa Bliss is a marketable improvement.

Because EVERYTHING is better with Alexa Bliss.

Alexa’s ‘Blissed-off’ expressions is constant gif-worthy gold. Her total lack of enthusiasm for Rachel Ellering’s entrance was everything you want from a mean girl of her calibre.

So why is she being wasted on newbies?

My love for the Bad-Pixie of NXT is no secret. And my girl needs to be put in a storyline of substance. I’m not saying she is NXT Women’s Championship material just yet, due in part to my inability to watch Asuka wreck that smarmy little face of hers. But she deserves something better than this.

With her boys matching up against Aries and a partner of his choosing next week. Maybe – at the very least – she’ll get some airtime going forward.

Baby steps Alexa, I can wait for that eventual push.

Main event time and back to that Boom or Whimper pondering. But first … Erm, stop wasting the former NXT Champ on the drifter Elias Samson already.

I’m sorry but I just can’t get it up for this guy. It’s that bad, I only just realised that I’ve been spelling his name wrong since he debut. Oops my bad, but can you blame me? Ugh, so boring.

Anywho, Balor got the win, William Regal got angry and Balor went flying over the top rope right smack-boom on Samoa Joe’s face. A full stop on the episode that set up a title rematch for TakeOver.

No Steel Cage stipulation just yet but there’s always time.

Make it so Regal. Get your trusty ol’white board out and make it so.

 

For all your NXT News & Reviews, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx.com

The NXT Review – May 4th 2016

Whats up Wrestling Peeps! Welcome back to The TNA Review – nah I just kid – Of course its NXT, the proving ground for future WWE Superstars and TNA has-beens … Okay, I’ll stop.

Joking aside, my fallacious attitude toward former TNA stars entering NXT (and by-in-large WWE) is rather limited regarding my knowledge of the number two wrestling company in the US. Yes I’m familiar with the AJ Styles, the Samoa Joe’s and Ol’Sparkle-Pants himself Austin Aires of the wrestling world, but Eric Young is in my blind spot when it comes to his tenure with Impact Wrestling.

I could hop on the inter-web of course and head-on over to the YouTube’s but hey, we’ve got him here on NXT. So with an obvious program against our New NXT Champion Samoa Joe in the offing, I’ll let Young introduce himself to me the way Triple H has intended it. Inside an NXT ring.

A quick BTDubs for a second that will either enhance your WWE viewing or enrage you to no end (your choice really). Why is a McMahon – a seven year absentee Shane O’Mac no less – allowed to take credit for all the shiny new NXT talent on the Main Roster?

Granted its storyline and the machinations of Heel and Face alignment dictating who fans will cheer for. But I can’t help but feel bad for Triple H who created a Show/Brand/Training ground which is ushering in a self admitted New Era in WWE. Rather than Trips getting the limelight, his absentee Brother-in-law who jumped of a Cell at WrestleMania is garnering praise.

Don’t worry Trips, the NXT Fans know the truth.

I admit, I tend to go hyperbolic at times, its a flaw that I’m working on. I stand by the blind faith I have in Nia Jax’s ability however to subvert the Monster Heel gimmick she has been given. Okay yes maybe squash-match after squash-match doesn’t help my faith based theory. But Jax has something special to her that former Monster Heel’s like Beth Phoenix or WWE’s version of TNA star Awesome Kong, Karma, failed to maintain and capitalise on.

That and it also doesn’t hurt being Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Cousin. Although, with The Uso’s being turned into nothing but Bullet Club fodder … maybe it can hurt.

Tye Dillinger never fails to make me smile. Moving on from his entertaining match against Shinsuke Nakamura a few weeks ago, we get another – excuse the pun – Perfect 10 match here. Both Dillinger and Austin Aries were on top form. Well have you come to expect no less from Dillinger? Well you shouldn’t and Aries has finally shown why he should be in the conversation for a Top Spot also.

Of course the Perfect 10 fell to Aires but as the Dolph Ziggler of the yellow brand, Dillinger will find himself in a Championship match sooner rather than later, before languishing on the Mid-Card for the entirety of his career.

But lets focus on the positives shall we.

Speaking of positives, it was refreshing to get Young’s debut match coincide with his first appearance on NXT. Rather than teasing us we got our first glance at Samoa Joe’s next competitor for his Championship gold.

The match spoke to the pairs familiarity with one another displaying hard-hitting shots and outburst of speed highlighting Joe’s speed and agility. Young was kept closer to the mat than I would have liked giving my aforementioned inexperience with Young’s wrestling skill-set. But a dominant Joe is what the crowd want to see, especially given his recent win over Finn Balor, and that is what they got.

With Balor’s expected return next week, we could see the set-up to the rumoured Steel Cage pay-off to their dogged feud before we get any in-depth program between Samoa Joe and Eric Young.

If tonight’s match is any indication of what these two can do however, we have a lot more to come.

For all your NXT-News-&-Review, stick with @mitch_rated only on Skatronixxx