Saturday, December 20, 2025
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Disney Announces Two Avengers Movies for 2025 and a New Fantastic Four for 2024

The fans at Comic Con are literally losing it.

Disney and Marvel have just announced two new Avengers movies for 2025 and one Fantastic Four movie for 2023.

“Avengers: Kang Dynasty” comes in May 2025, followed by “Avengers: Secret Wars” in November.

That news should send Disney stock through the roof. The “Fantastic Four” movie will come in November 2024. There will likely be other movies in the Marvel Universe, and all these films will have guest cameos and Easter Eggs galore. Who will return? All the actors who miss those paychecks, whether or not their characters are alive or dead.

 

Right now, of course, “Thor Love and Thunder” is booming at the box office. So somehow all of these movies will fit together in some kind of jigsaw puzzle that will make the fans go into nirvana like hyperdrive.

No other details yet. But my guess is the Avengers movies come from the Russo brothers, who will be too busy to make any more “Gray Man” episodes.  Kevin Feige tells Deadline.com the Russos are not connected to these films. I guess he’s seen “The Gray Man.”

Watch the Exciting Trailer for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” With Clues About T’Challa

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Disney-Marvel have dropped the first trailer for “Black Panther Wakanda Forever” and it’s pretty exciting.

Ryan Coogler returns as director and creator of the incredibly popular Marvel movie s sequel. Sadly, Chadwick Boseman has passed away so we get a clue about T’Challa: there’s a memorial mural for him seen as Angela Bassett, the Queen, decries that so much of her family is gone.

Among other things in the trailer, a baby is born.

The music is a new version of Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry” which focuses on the line “Everything’s gonna be all right.”

The movie arrives in November, and it will be HUGE.

Review: “The Gray Man” is Interminable and Inexcusable, A Bloated Bug of a Movie

I was an hour into “The Gray Man” on Netflix and realized I couldn’t leave, I was in my own home. I could not walk out of the theater in disgust. So I stayed.

Anthony and Joe Russo and their screenwriters are responsible for a bunch of high budget big hit Marvel movies. In those outings you don’t really mind if things don’t make sense. That’s part of the charm because, in the end, you’re looking for pre-established characters, the super heroes, to carry you to the end.

There’s nothing wrong with the central trio of “The Gray Man.” Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, and Chris Evans are charming and likeable. We are happy to see Alfre Woodward and Billy Bob Thornton. But where can we go from there?

“The Gray Man” is bloated like a water bug. It’s interminable and inexcusable. The official budget is $200 million, a record for Netflix, but you can tell it’s more. The whole movie is more and more and more: more explosions, more fireworks, more shooting, more bullets. The Russo’s didn’t care how preposterous this became. I think they got lost in their own mythology.

It’s a simple story: Gosling’s Six is a criminal freed from jail by the CIA to become a hit man. His first hit is another CIA agent in their unique squad. That man, Four, tells him everyone is corrupt and gives him secret files on USB plug ins. (These USB sticks have become the microfilm of modern spy movies.)

Six kills his prey, realizes he’s been set up, and is on the run. Ana de Armas is a beautiful spy pal named Dani who’s sympathetic to him as they are hunted by an evil rogue named Lloyd — Chris Evans — working for the CIA. He’s out to kill Six and grab back the files even if it means blowing up all of Europe. No amount of money will be spared.

And none was, obviously. The locations, effects, lighting, all of it is off the charts excessive. It takes the place of story, character development, and dialogue. The latter, by the way, feels like it was written by or for 13 year olds. It’s coarse, vulgar, and stupid. It’s glib for no reason. The Russo’s couldn’t figure out if this was a comic book movie like “Deadpool” or a serious spy movie. They try for the jocularity of a James Bond film and miss by miles.

As with most spectacular failures, “The Gray Man” is a sad case of what could have been. Gosling is a movie star and a very good actor, he deserved better. You can see him trying to sell very shabby goods as something smarter. Armas doesn’t get to show off her skills from “Knives Out.” Evans is adrift trying to make sense of Lloyd’s mustache twirling. I’d say they all chew the scenery, but there’s not much to sink their teeth into storywise. Then “The Gray Man” just becomes a movie about running, driving, and ducking.

There was some talk that this was the beginning of a franchise. If “The Gray Man” really played in theaters it would be a huge flop and no one would suggest such a thing. Because it’s on Netflix, where success isn’t measured in public, it’s possible more of this will be ordered. Please, no. Stop, now. Let the Russos get back to comic books and these actors return to films.

Martha Stewart Reports Deaths of 6 Beautiful Peacocks Killed By Coyotes on Estate

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Martha Stewart reports the deaths of six strutting peacocks on her estate in Westchester County.

The peacocks were killed in what seems to have been a one-on-one attack by an equal number of coyotes. Martha, who takes these things seriously, is now looking for ways to get rid of the assassins. They should be nervous.

Martha should call her pal, Snoop Dogg. I’ll bet he has a few ideas. Also, NBC, which will do anything to protect a peacock!

Box Office: Audiences Say “Alright” But Not “Yep” to “Nope” with $45 Mil Weekend Eyed

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“Nope” is the movie of the moment, and very divisive among critics. Most criticized it on Rotten Tomatoes but gave it a “fresh” because it’s so well made.

Audiences were also ambivalent last night. A $13 million Friday is nothing to sneeze, so “Nope” is looking at a total $45 million weekend.

In terms of cute headline writing, this was more of “alright” rather than a resounding “yep” for “Nope.”

It will all be based on word of mouth, too. The third act goes so haywire. I’m trying to imagine what people say to each other when the movie ends. I know at the press screening there were a lot of hmmmm’s and huh’s but few stayed for the credits. That last part of the film is so exhausting and unsatisfying after a big build up you just want to get to the bathroom and see if the world is still outside.

Otherwise, “Top Gun Maverick” and “Thor: The Funny Years” are booming away. More tomorrow.

Review: George Carlin HBO Max Doc, Nominated for 5 Emmys, Is an “American Dream” Come True

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As “George Carlin’s American Dream” ends, what is clear is how much we need him now. Judd Apatow loves and is an ardent fan of George Carlin which is clearly evident in his brilliant documentary, which he co-directed with Michael Bonfiglio on HBO Max. The doc deservedly just got nominated for five Emmys.

Bittersweet, but stunning in the fact that Carlin’s voice still resonates, his warnings have depressingly come to pass. The film is in two parts, four hours in total and is mesmerizing throughout. The first part explores his rough and tough upbringing in Morningside Heights in upper Manhattan. Carlin was mostly raised by his colorful mother with whom he had a complicated relationship.

Carlin met his future wife Brenda early and both clearly adored each other. He was funny and smart from the get go and worked his way up. He idolized Danny Kaye, and he started his career as a family friendly comedian to pay the bills. He thought that would be his life. But he was unhappy as he felt stifled and started doing LSD to find his own torturous at times, voice. All the while Brenda struggled with alcoholism, and George became addicted to cocaine. The collateral damage throughout this was their only child, their daughter Kelly, to act as their caretakers.

Kelly speaks throughout the film giving clarity, empathy and she exudes fortitude. She’s lovely to watch. Brenda and George fortunately both triumphed over their addictions. Brenda died from liver cancer in 1997 which left Carlin bereft. He did happily find love with his second wife Sally Wade years later. His metamorphosis from the square guy to a counter culture, articulate bearded hero dissecting every institution is his path, is fascinating to watch. The clips of Carlin appearing on the talk shows at the time; Johnny Carson (he made over 100 appearances) Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas are a hoot to watch. George chatting with his kindred spirits John and Yoko is a standout.

The truth is Carlin was a gracious, sweet man off stage, but on stage he took no prisoners; the key to his success. Although from “Hippy-Dippy Weatherman” to his later and grimmer, “Fuck Hope,’ repeatedly tested his audience’s loyalty. He also had a healthy career appearing in TV Sitcoms and Film, i.e.; “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” His comedy albums are still considered the gold standard. Many anecdotes are included by Chris Rock, Bette Midler, Patton Oswalt, Jerry Seinfeld, Stephen Colbert, Sam Jay, Bill Burr, W. Kamau Bell, Judy Gold, John Stewart and more.

Carlin left so many hours of recording, some truly bittersweet (he intended to write a biography) , which turned into a goldmine for the filmmakers, they also included key events through the years that shaped him. Carlin was much more than his infamous ‘seven words you can’t say on television.’ He never stopped proving that over his 50-year career. Ultimately Carlin was heartbroken over what was happening then. Musing on if he was still alive (he died at age 71 in 2008) his singular, articulate booming voice would be booming in protest. His voice, like his good friend John Lennon indeed, still resonates. Kudos to Apatow and Bonfiglio for their brilliant work. Definitely deserving to win the five Emmys they are nominated for.

January 6th Hearings Garner 17 Million Viewers on TV, Cable, as Trump, Hawley Were Exposed

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Last night’s January 6th hearings did just fine ratings-wise. Around 17 million people watched on the three broadcast networks and CNN and MSNBC. Fox News showed reruns of Felix the Cat and Fox TV aired the Yule log. PBS– which I watched and had excellent coverage with Judy Woodruff, as usual– wasn’t counted.

Seriously, Fox can’t air the proceedings anywhere because all the testimony contradicts the shite they serve their viewers on a regular basis. God forbid a Fox News viewer was told truth: that Donald Trump didn’t care if his vice president, Mike Pence, was harmed on January 6th. Or anyone else including California Republican congressman Kevin McCarthy.

Trump should be in prison now. Most of his family should be too. The two brave souls who testified last night–Sarah Matthews and Matthew Pottinger — demonstrated intelligence and forbearing. They are Americans first, Republicans second. They were each very impressive.

So were the Congresspeople who interviewed them, Adam Kinzinger and Elaine Luria. Kinzinger is a Republican, he’s absolutely terrific and will definitely run for President one day. Each of these people deserves a Medal of Honor, as does Liz Cheney and everyone who runs that committee. Each session is so beautifully assembled and executed, it’s a well oiled machine.

Of course the highlights of the evening were previously unseen highlights of Trump refusing to say the election was over, and unable to speak simple words off a Teleprompter. He couldn’t say “Yesterday.” And then there was Josh Hawley, a professional tool and assh*le, running like a ninny to get out of the Capitol. What a POS.

Toronto Film Fest Scores Another Coup with Spielberg’s “Fabelmans” in World Premiere

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The Toronto Film Festival is planning a huge number of great world premieres.

Their newest announcement is Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans.” This is a BIG get for TIFF. This is also Spielberg’s first ever appearance at TIFF.

Inspired by his childhood, Spielberg’s movie stars Michelle Williams, Paul Dano Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, the great Jeannie Berlin, Julia Butters, Keeley Karsten, and Judd Hirsch, with appearances by David Lynch and Robin Bartlett.

The screenplay for the Universal release is by Spielberg collaborator, award winning screenwriter and playwright Tony Kushner. Universal will release “The Fabelmans” November 23rd for Oscar consideration.

TIFF’s other exciting world premieres include Viola Davis in “The Woman King” and Harry Styles in “My Policeman.” There’s also Sanaa Lathan’s directorial feature film debut, “On the Come Up” and Nicholas Stoller’s “Bros.” TIFF is kicking ass with these announcements as we wait for their full schedule. Cameron Bailey is on fire!

Now We Know What Jon Batiste Did on His Summer Break from Leading Stephen Colbert’s Band

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Now we know what Grammy winner Jon Batiste did on his summer break from band leading Stephen Colbert’s talk show.

Batiste announced at the start of the summer he’d be back on Colbert after Labor Day. Seriously, his absence has a lot to do with his wife’s illness.

But one thing Batiste has done is create a new single with Oscar winner Diane Warren and singing group Pentatonix. It’s called “Sweet.” The song, written by Warren, is included in her terrific album “The Cave Sessions, Vol. 1” from last winter, but now it’s being released as a single. Warren flew into New York in late June to film a video with Batiste. In the meantime, they’ve made a lyric video.

“Sweet” is an earwig, meaning it’s a very catchy number. Once you hear it a couple of times, it’s going to be stuck in your head! (PS Unlike Beyonce’s songs, it’s all new and not sampled from anything.)

Lyric video below followed by an outtake of the coming live video from Warren’s Instagram:

Billie Eilish and Brother Finneas Drop Two New Surprise Songs, Including the Excellent “TV” Referencing Roe v. Wade

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Surprise! We have two new Billie Eilish songs with brother Finneas. They are “The 30th” and the excellent “TV.”

As I ascertained in the Oscars press room, Billie is happy now and she’s singing more forcefully. She has a rich voice that still hasn’t been quite heard.

These two tracks are called “Guitar Songs.” They’re likely the building blocks for a new album.

“TV” references Roe v. Wade, and is also funny regarding “Survivor.” It’s one of the siblings’ best songs and comes just as we are looking for a song of the summer.

“FINNEAS and I really wanted these to be yours as soon as possible. So here they are!!” Shared Eilish in a statement. “Performing ‘TV’ on tour was such a highlight for us too, so we took the audio from the first night we played it in Manchester and put it in the song. I get shivers every time I hear it. Hope you love the songs and thank you for letting us share our music with you.”