Peter Jackson & Hobbit crew reteam for Mortal Engines

Elves, hobbits, King Kong and now power eating cities.    Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens have adapted the for Mortal Engines, a novel written by Philip Reeve.  The Oscar winning team will team up with fellow Oscar winner Christian Rivers making his directorial debut.

This is River’s first directing job, having previously served as a story board artist, supervising visual effects, and serving as splinter unit director on The Hobbit trilogy.  Rivers won an Oscar for his work on Jackson’s 2005 King Kong.

Jackson told the Hollywood Reporter. “Christian is one of my closest collaborators. The combination of emotion and jaw-dropping visuals in Mortal Engines makes this the perfect movie for his move into feature directing. What Christian intends to do with Philip Reeve’s terrific story is going to result in an original and spectacular movie. I wish I could see it tomorrow!”

Mortal Engines a first of four books set thousands of years into the future.  Cities of the earth roam in globes on wheels, consuming smaller cities, and devouring the earth’s remaining resources.  Jackson obtained the rights from Scholastic in 2009.

Jackson and Walsh will also serve as producers along with Zane Weiner, Amanda Walker, and Deborah Forte; Boyens will co-produce as well.  MRC and Universal will co-finance and Universal will serve as the worldwide distributor.  The project set to start production spring 2017 in New Zealand.

 

 

COPPER BOOM! Netflix just dropped the Gilmore Girls Trailer

It’s been a decade since we said goodbye to Stars Hollow. Since we shipped Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Luke (Scott Patterson), picked Team Dean (Jared Padalecki) or Team Jess (Milo Ventimiglia), and wished that Kirk (Sean Gunn) would get his own spin off. And Netflix knew we wanted more, and lo! On 25th November there will be a 4 part event arriving on the streaming service. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is happening in a few short weeks.

To get you in the mood for the 4 new 90 minute episodes, the good folks at Netflix have released a trailer. All the old favourites are back, although even in the trailer, the death of veteran actor Edward Herrmann (who plays Lorelai’s father, Richard) hangs heavy over the precedings.

So grab a cup of coffee, your favourite take out, and one apple, and enjoy the trailer:

Oy, with the poodles already! It’s so good!

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The 30 Best TV Shows of 2016 According To Thrillist

One of the best things about working with Skatronixxx is when I need to know the details about a show, I can rely on our badass writers to give it to me straight. But every so often, I stray from home and check out another site. Or some click bait will pop up in my inbox that I just can’t resist. Enter Thrillist.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with Thrillist, it’s a site of…well…lists. But dammit if they don’t put some good ones together.

But sometimes their lists are horribly horrible. And sometimes they’re magnificently wrong. But other times, if I’m lucky, their lists can cause discussions (read: arguments) between me and my friends that can last for days (yes, that’s a good thing).

With that in mind, I bring you Thrillist’s list of the Best TV Shows of 2016 (so far), Ranked. Follow the link for the full list. Below, I’ll sum up a few entries that I agree or disagree with .

No Gotham? Are you F@CKING KIDDING ME?!?!

Yeah. They forgot Gotham. I’m really hoping they overlooked it or…actually, I can’t really think of why that show didn’t make this list. I suppose that’s the difference between them and us.

Fellow writer, StarkWyvernGaming might agree with me on this one. He and I both agree that Gotham is the best show on TV right now.

OK. Redemption with BrainDead.

Thrillist did include BrainDead, a show that I thought was extremely underrated and was done a disservice by CBS. The show turned out to be a well-written, tongue-in-cheek commentary on the current state of American politics. Before you let that deter you, let me give you this: the show surmises that the U.S. Congress has been taken over by warring factions of aliens, which is why nothing in government gets done…because all of our politicians don’t control their own brains.

Unfortunately, due to low ratings the show has been canceled. CBS broadcast the show during the summer and in a late timeslot with little buzz. It deserved better.

The good thing is, even though it was only one season long, the whole story is self-contained, so it makes for something fun to marathon. Stream it here.

A Few That I (And Maybe You) Need To Check Out

BrainDead sits at #30 on the countdown. After that, there are a number of shows that I have yet to have time for, but have heard good things about. Or, it could just be that the advertising and marketing have gotten inside my head. Either way…

• Better Things
• Designated Survivor
• Transparent
• The Americans
• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

…all seem to be performing well and landing critical acclaim. I know they’re not all geek-typical, but who decides that, anyway? We Do!

But, No Love for The Expanse

I was about to start wrapping things up but then my ego got the best of me. I cover The Expanse for Skatronixxx so I’ve got to let Thrillist know they dropped the ball on this one, too.

So, What Do You Think?

Towards the top of the list, you’ll start to see the shows that EVERYONE watches. Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley, Stranger Things, Westworld, etc.

However, I’m sure there are a TON of shows that should have made this list. You’ve heard a bit of my thoughts, now I’d like to hear yours. Feel free to comment or message me directly.

Stay tuned for The Expanse S1 EP 9: Critical Mass.

Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment Parent Company Reaches A Deal For Sale To AT&T.

The telecommunications giant AT&T reached a deal on Saturday to purchase Time Warner for $85.4 billion. Time Warner is the home of DC Entertainment, Warner Bros, HBO and CNN just to name a few. AT&T and Time Warner said their boards approved the deal unanimously.

“When Jeff and I started talking, it became clear to us very quickly that we shared a very similar vision,” Randall L. Stephenson, AT&T’s chief executive, told reporters on a conference call on Saturday, referring to Jeffrey Bewkes, Time Warner’s chief executive. “Time Warner, we believe, is the clear leader in premium content.”

AT&T buys Time Warner for the interest in the TV industry as Time Warner has subscription program and owns major channels like HBO, CNN, 50% of the CW and so forth. It is unclear if there will be changes at all with this movie at Warner Bros. or DC Comics. My guess is there will be zero changes. AT&T is just simply interested in the TV part of Time Warner.

The deal isn’t official sealed though as there is still gonna be a thorough regulatory investigation over the sale.

 

Elementary SN5-EP3 ‘Render, and Then Seize Her’

Last week Sherlock was abducted by a local street gang who wanted his help in finding who killed one of their men. Sherlock and Watson also found themselves in the middle of an international hunt to recover a priceless centries-old antiquity “The Jade Seal”.

SN5-EP3 ‘Render, and The Seize Her’

Captain Gregson’s (Aidan Quinn) girlfriend Paige (Virginia Madsen) meets Sherlock for the first time and asks if she can hire him on the sly. We see a naked guy being creepy looking through a window and takes a picture with the phone and sends it. Someone walks up behind him, and he pleads “it not what it looks like” but is shot point-blank. Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller) is dragging a large bag behind him, Watson (Lucy Liu)is hoping it’s not a body in the bag. The bag in question is full of medical claim and files from a neurologist office who is treating Captain Gregson girlfriend Paige and she believes one of the staff there are engaged in criminal enterprise.

Sherlock receives a text from Marcus (Jon Michael Hill) about a death at a nudist colony. The victim is Kenneth Toland , a regular at the nudist colony. The owner shows them the video that she received from Kenny before he was shot. Watson and Sherlock take the footage to the husband who positively identifies the woman in the video as his wife Beth Stone. They look at the security footage from when Ms Stone was taken, the gun looks to be the same as what killed Kenny, when Watson spots something on the roof of the van, she believes the van used to be a TV news van.

Sherlock has found that three of the clerical staff are double billing however, he is sure the Doctor is clean and is not in on the scam. But Sherlock is troubled by Paige’s file, her insurances has lapsed, she has bounced a check and is now using plastic (credit cards) to pay. Bell finds the van that was used in the kidnapping a burnt out shell and as always nobody heard a thing. Watson gets lucky and finds a phone with the sim card intact with calls to Mr Stone.

Sherlock and Paige meet and he tells her that the clerks are defrauding the office, Sherlock being Sherlock asks Paige about the intentions to Gregson with regard to the future, and if the Captain knows she’s going broke. Marcus, Watson and Gregson arrest Dinatio. But his tell them the footage they saw was not him and that Mr Stone and Dennis came to him looking for an investment, they wanted $800k he says he asked them to make it. Sherlock believed Dennis is the suspect given away by his playlist which was also in the mob footage.

Beth Stone turns up and says she had two kidnappers and Dennis doesn’t fit either of their descriptions. Beth Stone‘s story is a very elaborate one, she was being held in a tent in the woods after the nudist colony. Mr Stone says they asked for $3 million. Sherlock sees a news story about Beth and said her breast are her undoing. Beth was trying to guilt her husband, the software Dennis made would bring in lots of money but Dennis was the one who shot Kenny. We get to see a different side of Sherlock this episode as he shows off his somewhat romantic side as he produces Gregson with some very shiny bling.

See you the same time next week when we recap Elementary SN5-EP4

Elementary airs Sunday 10/9c on CBS

Netflix Debt Total now $2.37 Billion to Create Original Content

Monday’s press release by Netflix announced that they were taking on another $800 million debt to help them reach their goal of producing 50% original content. That addition now brings the total debt to $2.37 billion to date.  Based on Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos’ prediction and company plan to invest $6 billion in creating its own movies and TV shows, the $2.37 billion brings them close to the half way mark in total.

As a person who primarily watches Netflix and other on demand viewing options over live TV, I believe that the investment will be well worth it. “Orange is the New Black” and “Bloodline” are just two of my favorite Netflix Original series. The company has already largely decreased their selection of movies and tv shows which stimulates the question,”Why could you not have both as an added value?”

Other on-demand services are excellent choices as well like HBO, Amazon, and HULU. Comparatively speaking, it is a risky move not offering other popular content. Although, I personally feel that their original content is good and will be able to accomplish their financial goals when all is said and done.

Let’s keep watching the Netflix library build as we keep you up to date with many of their original series right here at Skatronixxx.com. I’m Malia Mercedes. You can also find me at maliamercedes.com where I’m always boasting my loyalty with Loyal Bloodline Clothing.

“Loyal people wear their loyalty with loyalbloodline.clothing“

Gotham S3E6 Mad City:Follow the White Rabbit

It looks like all hell is really about to break lose on Gotham. In the opening scene, a newly married couple head into their limousine only to find out the driver is the psychotic Mad Hatter.

Penguin is jubilant beyond belief in his manor, it seems he has found love. Not so surprisingly to me at least its the one and only Ed Nygma or the future Riddler.

Gordon and Valerie are talking and she asks to talk to Lee about Alice’s blood. As soon as she leaves the Mad Hatter’s white Rabbit tells Jim to follow him. Loving how truly Alice in Wonderland flows through  this season, though it isn’t really a surprise. Jim is forced to choose between saving a little boy and the married couple and no surprise, he chooses the little boy.

Lee and her Fiance are getting an engagement party from his father Carmine Falcone.Penguin goes to tell Nygma about his feelings but can’t bring himself to do it. Barnes is at the scene of the crime without his cane, and this surprises Bullock. They find the White Rabbit and realize Tetch is involved in all of this.

Jim is at the location Tetch told him to go to and he sees a terrible collage of the Hatter’s design. Tetch calls him and tells him to look through a “looking glass” and watches as Tetch has his Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum take Valerie away.

Babs and Tabitha are talking, we find out Butch is in a safe house. Jim comes into talk to Babs and ask where Tetch is but he only learns that she told Tetch everything. We see Tetch has also taken Lee and Jim is going to have to choose who he saves.

Barnes is feeling the side effects of Alice’s blood when Bullock tells him they have found Gordon. Gordon arrives at Tetch’s next round and must choose between a pediatrician and a news man, Jim refuses to kill anyone as the cops come in full force, the two men are electrocuted to death.

Penguin is visiting a school as a duty of his mayor-ship, when he finds a young boy who he helps out in his sick way. Penguin invites Ed to dinner and his good buddy accepts. Jim tells Barnes all about what Tetch is doing. Lee and Valerie are locked up in her house and talk about Jim and Alice Tetch’s blood but Lee  won’t have it.

Barnes sends out the cops as Jim talks to the White Rabbit and gets his final clue, its time for a Tea Party. Lee’s fiance storms in and Jim realizes he is the only who can help him. Valerie asks Lee why she came back to Gotham and while Lee breaks her chain, Valerie almost remains stuck. Jim arrives at the Tea Party with guns pointed at him, what could possibly happen next?

Gordon is told to put his gun on a tray and enjoy the party. Tetch tells the story of he and Alice as Mario Falcone sneaks into his own house. Tetch aims to figure out who Jim loves more so he can kill her. Mario Falcone appears but is soon locked up,  as Jim tears the Hatter apart with the truth about Alice. Tetch puts his gun against Jim’s head but can’t bring himself to shoot him.

Jim tells Tetch to shoot Lee and in doing so he shoots Valerie, I really hope she isn’t going to die. Jim, Lee, and Mario get Valerie to the hospital and Jim waits sorrowfully hoping Valerie is fine. Penguin waits at the manor practicing what he will say to Nygma. Nygma is buying a bottle of wine, when he is approached by a woman who looks strikingly like Kristin Kringle the one who Nygma loved.

She tells him a riddle and sparks fly, clearly she is going to cause chaos.Bullock and Jim talk and Bullock wishes Jim had come to talk to him. Jim sits with Lee and waits for Valerie to get out of surgery.

The next episode looks even crazier than this one and I can’t wait for Red Queen next week. I really am enjoying this season’s story lines.

 

 

 

Game of Thrones – SN7 Spoilers

I’m warning you right now, if you don’t want to spoil Season 7‘s surprises, turn back now. Close this tab, because otherwise you’re in for a treat. It will come as no surprise that filming has been in the works since August 2016, for Season 7 of course. Now, three months in, photos have leaked of what was an inevitable scene, between two prized Targaryens. The real stars of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Hint enough for you?

The Queen of fire and the King of ice will meet. Yes. We’re talking about the meeting of the Commander of the Night’s Watch and the Mother of Dragons, Jon and Danny. It’s not just a theory anymore. It’s stone. In the following picture you can see Jon Snow offer his hand to Tyrion Lannister in the hopes of an alliance between the Night’s Watch and House Targaryen. Also present are men of the Night’s Watch, Ser Davos, Daenerys’ blood riders, Missendai and men from Sunspear (House Martell).

Here’s  the video of the two Targaryens meeting…

Danny and Jon meeting will be just one of many “happy” meetings. Arya reunited with Sansa, Bran and Jon at Winterfell perhaps? Jorah Mormont finding Dany, after being cured? Jaime, Bronn and Tyrion reunited? With only thirteen episodes left in the franchise, it’s sure to be as intense as ever.

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Are you excited for Season? I really hope George R.R. Martin publishes the next book before then. I feel like Sansa may end up ruling King’s Landing, with Arya ruling the North. Possibly Jon and Danny both dying, because let’s face it —George loves to kill off our favourite characters. What’re your thoughts on the upcoming season? Comment below or tweet me @SohoDoll. And as always, “The North Remembers.”

Once Upon a Time SN6 E5 – Street Rats

Well, it finally happened!  I’ve been waiting for Jaladdin since … well… since last season!  It was so worth the wait, but there was some sadness too.  Man, it just made me miss Robin Williams so much more.  I’m kind of glad they didn’t give us Genie.  No one can be the Genie except Robin.  They did give us a little glimpse of Abu though… but it was exactly like our glimpses of Chip (Belle and Gold’s coffee cup)… an inanimate object.

There were so many moments in this episode to love.  Archie babysitting under duress.  Wow.  That was so funny and cute.  I wish I’d had a barrier spell and someone to kidnap when my daughters were little.  Well, once the oldest was old enough, I guess in a way I did.  Emma and Henry’s discussion at the tomb was so moving it made Aladdin come out of hiding when he overheard it.  Aladdin’s and Jasmine’s long awaited reunion.  Emma’s “I saw the movie,” made me laugh out loud.

Anyway, back to what we learned this episode…

We learned that a Savior doesn’t have to STAY a Savior.  Jafar gave Aladdin a pair of magic shears that he could cut his thread.  Ya know, the whole Fates thing. (please notice the capital F there).  In doing so, Aladdin became just a regular Joe, no longer the Savior.  But, in doing so, that meant Agrabah fell.  Of course, Jafar didn’t give him the shears out of kindness.  Nope.  Jafar knew what would happen and did it for his own benefit, I just know it.

Aladdin gave Emma the shears to use when she wanted…. well, when she wanted to give up.  She didn’t keep them though.  I’d tell you who she gave them to, but I want you to watch the episode.  Maybe her hands will quit shaking now… because seriously, that’s starting to bother me.  Lord knows I love Jennifer Morrison, but her (acting) hand shakes need work.

Next week, it’s another untold story… 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea!  So. Can’t. Wait.

The Weekend’s Top 10 Box Office Chart 21st-23rd October 2016

Monday just rolls around so quickly, doesn’t it? The weekend is over, and not only does it mean the Monday blues, but it also means we get to see how the box office did this weekend. We’re gearing up towards Halloween, which means some horror releases, so let’s have a look at how they got on.

Chart Legend

Rank / Movie Title / Studio

W/E Gross = Weekend Gross /T/Gross= Total Gross /LW= Last Week

Green = UP / Red = DOWN / Blue = No Movement / Teal = New

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BOX OFFICE MOVIE CHART

1. Boo! A Madea Halloween /LGF

W/E Gross         T/Gross         LW

$27,600,000     $ 27,600,000     NEW

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2. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back/Par

W/E Gross         T/Gross          LW

$23,000,000      $ 23,000,000     NEW

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3.Ouija: Origin of Evil/Uni

W/E Gross         T/Gross          LW

$14,060,000      $14,060,000      NEW

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4. The Accountant/ WB

W/E Gross         T/Gross          LW

$14,025,000       $47,920,381       #1

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5. The Girl on the Train/Uni

W/E Gross         T/Gross           LW

$7,270,000       $58,902,330         #2

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6. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children/ Fox

W/E Gross         T/Gross           LW

$6,000,000        $74,431,835        #4

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7. Keeping Up with the Jonses/ Fox

W/E Gross         T/Gross           LW

$5,600,000       $5,600,000         NEW

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8. Kevin Hart: What Now?/ Uni

W/E Gross         T/Gross           LW

$4,110,000        $18,941,645        #3

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9. Storks / WB

W/E Gross         T/Gross          LW

$4,085,000         $64,714,528      #6

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10. Deepwater Horizon/ WB

W/E Gross         T/Gross           LW

$3,625,000         $55,270,671       #5

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So that’s your lot. Three new entries, Halloween themes dominating the top spots (I class watching Tom Cruise as scary…), and we finally say goodbye to Sully. See you next week, when I will be very excited to see how Doctor Strange‘s release impacts the chart.

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