Category: Movies/TV

To reboot DC on screen, James Gunn—co-CEO at DC—will be banking on the success of the first DCU slate, Creature Commandos and Superman (Legacy). Yesterday the Creature Commandos launched the new DCU as a “soft intro” to the bigger story.

If you enjoy The Guardians of The Galaxy franchise, The Suicide Squad, or Peacemaker, then you will enjoy Creature Commandos, which has the same tone (of rogues doing something good) that is maintained. The adult animation blends gory fights and mature comedy that you can relate to, similar to Family Guy, Harley Quinn, and Hit Monkey.

To understand the show, you need to understand how Canon works when it comes to rebooting in DC. Until it is mentioned or referenced, nothing is canon. What’s canon so far includes Rick Flag Jr.’s death, Adebayo’s outing Waller’s Task Force X project, and a bunch of subtle things (watch Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad to get the references).

In my opinion, there are parts of the show that seem unnecessary; for example, James Gunn animated in the intro (which was later clarified as a surprise he later went with). Rick Flag’s relationship with the princess and how short each episode is are my major concerns.

Aside from the first episode, which feels weird, episodes 2 through 7 seem to properly introduce each character with a backstory.

Creature Commandos Episode 1 & 2 Easter Eggs You Might Have Missed

Themyscira is a rumoured place in the DCU.

In a GBS News report when describing the events of Circe and the Sons of Themyscira, the Amazons were mentioned. In the New52 comics, The Sons of Themyscira are the male children of the Amazons who were abandoned at birth. The news anchor described Themyscira as a “perhaps mythical, perhaps real” place. This gives a better understanding of the timeline of the DCU.

It is important to note that GBS is a company owned by one of Superman’s villains, Morgan Edge. It’s a cable service and phone service in Metropolis.

Circe and Superman might have met.

Circe is an exiled sorceress from Themyscira, and via news reports, we can assume she attacked Metropolis, which led to her encounter with Superman. Circe would later be arrested by the Metropolis Police Department, home of Superman.

Rap battle meme

The Sons of Themyscira referenced the famous “Supa hot fire rap battle” meme.

GBS News anchor

The GBS News Reporter is voiced by an actual American journalist, known as Jake Tapper, a popular CNN News host.

Adebayo did expose her mother.

Rick Flag Sr., in a conversation with Waller, mentioned Waller’s daughter exposing Project Starfish. What this means is that the events of Peacemaker Season 1 are canon. At the end of Season One, Leota Adebayo exposed Project Starfish, forcing Congress to place a ban on using humans for Task Force. Amanda Waller, being herself, used this loophole to make A.R.G.U.S. shift from using humans to monsters.

Jason and the Argonauts

Rick Flag, Sr. refers to Doctor Phosphorus as Jason and the Argonauts, a reference to the classic movie with the same name.

The Bride was born in 1831.

The Bride in the DCU was created as a wife for Frankenstein, but their relationship was never manifested as she developed feelings for her maker, Victor. Victor was then murdered by Frankenstein, who later stalked and chased her for over 200 years.

The year the bride holds a historic value in the real world is the same year Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, the book, revised edition was released.

Ultra Bunny is back!

Ultra Bunny is a fictional character in the DCU. It appeared on Rick Flag Jr.’s shirt in a couple of scenes in Peacemaker, and now on Frankenstein’s shirt with the same slogan, “Obstacles are opportunities.”

Slither/Nina Mazursky

The scene where Nina was in the bathtub referenced the movie Slither (2006). It is a science fiction comedy horror film written and directed by James Gunn.

Superman will die…?

In the season trailer, via a vision by Circe, it was revealed there is a future where Superman, Mr. Terrific, Starfire, Captain Atom, and Peacemaker will die.

Shaggy is canon

During The Bride’s flashback and origin scene, we were able to understand the relationship between The Bride and Frankenstein. Shaggy from Scooby-Doo appears in the flashback sequence.

Pokolistan

Pokolistan is a fictional country located in Eastern Europe, broken off from the Czech Republic. In the comics, they had secret deals with President Lex Luthor.

The Bride reads ‘Young Love.’

The Bride is spotted reading an issue of ‘Young Love’ in Belle Reeve prison. Young Love was a real romance comic, published by Crestwood/Prize, and was later sold to DC Comics. It ran through the 1950s and 60s.

How old are the Rick Flags?

Rick Flag Sr. mentioned he and his ex-wife had their son when they were in the military at 18 years old. Rick Flag Jr. died in Corto Maltese by Peacemaker during Project Starfish.

Frankenstein’s dialogue

In episode 2, Frankenstein directly quoted Mary Shelley’s 1818 Frankenstein edition book. “Shall each man find a wife for his bosom, and each beast have his mate, and I be alone?” In the book, The Bride is never born. Victor discards her body parts out of fear.

Ratings: 4.5/5

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Hijack ’93 is a Nigerian historical drama based on the infamous October 1993 hijacking of a Nigerian Airways flight by four young men advocating for democracy during Nigeria’s military regime. Written by Musa Jeffery David and directed by Robert Peters, the movie dramatizes this real-life event while exploring themes of youthful idealism, disillusionment, and political resistance. The film debuted on Netflix in October 2024, marking a significant addition to Nollywood’s repertoire of historical thrillers.

The hijackers’ story centers on their desperate mission to bring attention to their democratic demands. Although the movie includes some fictional elements, such as altered character names and motivations, it retains the core of the event. It highlights the hijackers’ internal struggles, the tense interactions between passengers and captors, and the ultimate resolution through negotiations and force.

Strengths

Cinematography: The film excels visually, particularly in capturing the confined space of the airplane. The camera work during action sequences is commendable, enhancing the film’s intensity.

Themes: The exploration of tribalism, grief, and abuse offers relevant social commentary, reflecting issues still prevalent in Nigeria today. Historical Resonance: By revisiting a dark chapter in Nigerian history, the film prompts viewers to reflect on political struggles and societal change.

Weaknesses

Plot and Character Development: The film struggles with narrative cohesion, leading to flat emotional moments. Characters lack depth, and their motivations such as the hijackers’ transition from personal grievances to political activism are underexplored.

Dialogue and Acting: The script and performances fall short of delivering the tension and emotional stakes expected in such a high-stakes story.

Historical Authenticity: While visually modern, the film fails to convincingly portray the 1990s setting, with overly polished props and inconsistent period details detracting from the narrative’s credibility.

Sound Design: Inconsistent audio quality disrupts immersion, particularly during pivotal scenes.

Overall, while Hijack ’93 provides a gripping premise and impressive cinematography, it falters in execution, leaving its emotional and historical impact underwhelming. However, its bold attempt to tackle a complex historical event makes it a noteworthy, albeit imperfect, addition to Nollywood’s catalog.

Rating 5/10

I want to believe most of us grew up with DC or, at the least, have consumed DC content; I know I did. When I was a kid, I used to have a sense of joy calling myself a fan of DC, but this past decade, it’s more than embarrassing watching what DC has turned to, especially in this MCU world we live in.

Warner Bros. and DC executives sometimes forget they sit on a gold mine of IPs, and it’s a shame we have to rotate between Superman and Batman repeatedly. Filmmakers have tried to do justice to these characters, but to the audience, it’s the same story. DC has continuity issues; the DCEU (Extended Universe), DCAU (Animated Universe), or all iterations of the film and TV universe all meet the same fate. CANCELLED.

Don’t get me wrong; DC has some successful projects, but it’s time they do something stable, and this is where James Gunn and Peter Safran come in. As a fan observing from the outside, looking in, it’s fascinating to see that they are finally getting a creative head, and hopefully, they get it right.

On January 31st, 2023, James Gunn announced the start of a new DC, the DCU, a reboot of everything DC on film, TV, and gaming. His vision includes the continuity of Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, a new Superman film, the Lantern shows, and many more. Today is the start of that universe.

What do you need to watch to understand this universe?

To be honest, nothing. If you’ve watched or consumed any DC content, then you should understand what “reboot,” “continuity,” or “canon” is in the context of DC. If not, let me explain. When you reboot a universe, you are not necessarily starting over but moving the story in a better direction, resulting in the issue of continuity. How do you move what we’re following and enjoying? What are you bringing into this universe?

This new universe will include nods to some of the events of the DCEU, such as Peacemaker Season 1, The Suicide Squad, and Blue Beetle.

Peacemaker: James Gunn recently mentioned that the events of Peacemaker remain canon aside from the scene where the Justice League showed up. He explained that, in his DCU, the Justice League is yet to be formed.

The Suicide Squad: [Spoilers] In Creature Commandos, Weasel survived, and Rick Flag Jr. is still dead.

Blue Beetle: I’m still unsure, but with the announcement of a Blue Beetle animated TV show with the same actors, I want to believe the origin of Blue Beetle will remain canon.

The Timeline

The events of Creature Commandos begin two years after The Suicide Squad and just before Superman (Legacy).

Creature Commandos takes the same tone as The Suicide Squad but with monsters. If you’re done with that tone, it’s understandable not to watch Creature Commandos. James Gunn has announced the defining moment to begin the DCU starts with Superman.

Then why start Creature Commandos now?

James Gunn told fans he greenlit Creature Commandos after he became DC Co-CEO. He explained he wrote Creature Commandos after The Suicide Squad. Critics may argue that Creature Commandos, being the same tone as previous Marvel/DC work, will never be greenlit.

Will DCU remain permanent?

Previously, executives and creatives did not always agree on the way forward, which is why most projects get shelved. Giving Warner Bros. Discovery state, if David, James, and Peter continue to agree, the DCU is projected to be a success.

Lisabi: The Uprising is a cinematic story of the Egba people’s historic rebellion against the Oyo Empire’s oppressive reign in 18th-century Yorubaland.

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the film spotlights the bravery and leadership of Lisabi, a farmer turned revolutionary who rallies his community against tyranny. The movie blends historical events, cultural representation, and personal sacrifices to craft a narrative that is both educational, thrilling and deeply emotive.

Thematic Depth

The film’s core themes include resistance to oppression, the strength of unity, and the power of cultural heritage in the face of adversity.

Lisabi symbolizes the transformative potential of collective action as he unites farmers and oppressed individuals to reclaim their dignity. Through the struggles depicted, the movie reflects the importance of standing up against injustice.

Additionally, the narrative incorporates themes of sacrifice, as Lisabi and his companions must endure personal losses for the greater good.

While these overarching themes resonate strongly, there is a noticeable lack of focus on women’s roles within the rebellion.

Abebi, Lisabi’s wife, is portrayed as a victim whose tragic demise propels the uprising, but her potential as a fully realized character is underexplored which could have been as a result of the old concept about women back in the historical days.

This omission limits the story’s depth, particularly in highlighting how women contributed to historical movements.

Cultural Authenticity

The film excels in its depiction of Yoruba traditions and lifestyle. From the detailed costumes to the realistic portrayal of rural Egba life, every visual aspect immerses viewers in the time period.

The traditional chants, songs, and rituals interwoven into the narrative enhance the cultural richness. The filmmakers also focus on the symbolic role of land and farming, which not only defined Egba identity but also became the very essence of the resistance.

The cinematography further elevates the cultural experience by capturing the serene beauty of Nigeria’s landscapes. These visuals contrast sharply with scenes of violence and oppression, emphasizing the stakes of the rebellion.

Performance and Characterization

Lateef Adedimeji’s portrayal of Lisabi anchors the film with a mix of determination, charisma, and vulnerability. His transformation from a humble farmer to a revolutionary leader is compelling and emotionally resonant. Ibrahim Chatta’s menacing performance as Songodeyi, the brutal tribute collector, brings a palpable sense of danger to the story.

Supporting characters, while impactful, sometimes lack narrative depth. For instance, Oshokenu’s storyline, feels incomplete, as does the portrayal of the Alaafin of Oyo, who is depicted more as a symbol of power than as a complex figure. Similarly, Abebi’s character arc, while central to Lisabi’s motivation, could have been expanded to give her more agency in the story.

Narrative Structure and Weaknesses of the Movie

The storytelling struggles with inconsistent pacing, alternating between slow, reflective moments and abrupt action sequences. While the reflective scenes effectively build the world and explore the characters’ struggles, they occasionally drag, disrupting the film’s momentum.

The inclusion of supernatural elements, meant to reflect Yoruba spirituality, feels underdeveloped and disconnected from the main narrative, diminishing its impact and the whole essence of incorporating it in the movie.

The film concludes on an unresolved note, leaving room for a potential sequel. While this approach allows for a broader narrative, it risks leaving the audience unsatisfied with the incomplete resolution of key storylines and feelings of a bad ending alongside a quest to know if there will be a next.

Production Value

The film’s production values are impressive, with attention to detail evident in the set designs, props, and costumes. The vibrant depiction of traditional Yoruba attire and the careful recreation of Egba and Oyo environments add to the film’s authenticity. The sound design, incorporating traditional music and chants, further immerses viewers in the world of the Egba rebellion.

Sociopolitical Resonance

Beyond its historical focus, Lisabi: The Uprising resonates with contemporary audiences by drawing parallels between historical oppression and modern struggles for justice and self-determination.

The story of Lisabi serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of unity and resistance against exploitation, oppression and injustice making it both a tribute to Yoruba history and a call to action for current and future generations.

In conclusion, Lisabi: The Uprising is a culturally significant film that showcases the richness of Nigerian history and heritage.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, including pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, it succeeds in capturing the spirit of resistance and the beauty of Yoruba traditions. The film stands as a testament to Nollywood’s growing capability to produce grand historical epics and sets the stage for future projects that can refine and expand upon this foundation.

For viewers interested in historical dramas or African culture, this film is a worthwhile experience, offering both entertainment and a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s rich past.

Peter Sedufia’s upcoming Pan African comedy thriller, One Night Guest, has officially wrapped up filming and principal photography.

The movie is a collaboration between Ghanaian production studio, OldFilm Production, Sozo Films (Nigeria), and South Africa’s Gravel Road Studios.

The movie which began its production in 2022 will be released on Christmas Day.

It stars a diverse cast including; Yvonne Okoro, Majid Michel, Warri Pikin, Roselyn Ngissah, Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, James Gardiner, Lasisi Elenu, and Akah Nani.

The film was written and directed by Peter Sedufia and produced by Chris Odeh.

Silverbird has obtained national theatrical rights and Canal Plus for international rights.

Source: Shock

Nollywood actress Oyindamola Sanni has shared the first look at her upcoming film ‘Tiaraoluwa’ in a photo featuring her and actor Okikiola Bakare on her Instagram.

Nollywood greats like Afeez Oyetoro (Saka) Mide Martins, Jumoke Odetola, Afeez Abiodun, and Kiki Bakare are expected to star in the movie, amongst others.

The movie is directed by Afeez Olayiwola Abiodun and produced by Oyindamola Sanni with Honeydee Films Production Ltd acting as executive producers.

Taking to her Instagram Oyindamola wrote: “HAPPY SUNDAY FROM THIS CUTE YET CRAZY COUPLE.
You need to see the movie “TIARAOLUWA” to understand what I’m talking about. My birthday mate and I made magic in the enthralling movie TIARAOLUWA”

In an exclusive interview with Streamdorm, Oyindamola describes the movie as an “amazing movie; the story is everything and more, very emotional, captivating, dramatic, and very relatable.”

The movie will air on YouTube on August 8th via ApataTV YouTube channel, with the trailer dropping on August 4th.

SEE THE PHOTO BELOW:

In 2022, Matt Reeves’ The Batman changed the reception of Batman to the big screen. Fans of The DC superhero-verse and Batman were expecting spinoffs to build Matt Reeves’ The Batman Universe. Unfortunately, only ‘The Penguin’ was greenlit as ‘Arkham Asylum’ and ‘Gotham PD’ were cancelled.

Director Matt Reeves called his The Batman Universe, “Batman Epic Crime Saga,’ and it will continue with Collin Farrell starring as Oswald Cobblepot in “The Penguin” limited TV Show which will premiere on September 19th on Max.

Matt Reeves reveals The Penguin show begins weeks after The Batman ends and will connect to The Batman 2.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Matt Reeves spoke about how the cinematic universe for The Batman began: “As we were writing the movie [The Batman], I was like, ‘Hey, you know what? I think there are some cool shows that we could do,” he said. “It was actually why I wanted to make our deal at Warner Bros.”

A character that Reeves was planning to explore was Riddler, unfortunately not all spin-offs were greenlit but the stories found a way to thread into The Penguin.

“They were like, ‘We like what you’re doing, and we want to lean harder into the marquee characters,” Reeves said, “what’s interesting is that, in the movie, the big red herring of the story is it seems like the person they’re looking for, that the Riddler’s pointing to must be the Penguin, some kind of informant. This movie creates a power vacuum, and because Penguin is so underestimated, people don’t really see who he is.”

In another universe, Prime Video is exploring the early days of Batman in The Caped Crusader an animated show premiering August 1st.

If you think an Oscar slap Will stop Will Smith, then you’re wrong and Bad Boys: Ride or Die proved that.

Will Smith is currently in talks with Sony Pictures to star in a new film, ‘Resistor.’ The project is an Escape Artists Entertainment adaptation of the 2014 Daniel Suarez best selling novel, Influx. It imagines a chilling future where technological advances are held hostage by the government in this thriller that perfectly blends “nail-biting suspense with accessible science” (Publishers Weekly).

Though details about the plot of the adaptation is yet to be revealed, the first draft of the script was written by Zak Olkewicz and Eric Warren Singer currently working on the latest draft.

Deadline reveals the film is to be produced Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch and Tony Shaw of Escape Artists, which has been developing the project for some time with along with Smith and Jon Mone through Westbrook, with Heather Washington exec producing. Dave Wilson is also producing.

Will Smith and Todd Black have previously collaborated on movies with Sony including Seven Pounds, The Pursuit of Happyness and Emancipation.

Will Smith film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, co-starring Martin Lawrence, has surpassed $100 million at the domestic box office after 10 days of release with the franchise becoming a billion dollar franchise.

Pastor Emmanuel Iren, head pastor of Celebration Church International, has released the trailer for his debut film, “What About Us?”.

Pastor Iren serves as the executive producer of the film, but it was written by Ife Olujuyigbe and directed by Kayode Kasum. Bisola Badejo and Tochukwu Macdonald Sunday are also producers.

The drama explores the challenges of marriage through the interwoven stories of two couples. It is set to hit cinemas on July 12th. “What About Us?”

The cast includes Uzor Arukwe, Folu Storms, Kunle Remi, Teniola Aladese, Aeyi Awolowo, Marycolette Unamka, and Atlanta Bridget Johnson.

Synopsis: The film follows a Christian couple struggling to keep their marriage afloat. But when a new couple move in next door, the problems that have plagued their marriage come to a fever pitch, as the wife begins a relationship to close for comfort with the husband next door. [Pulse Nigeria]

“What About Us? is a film that will touch your heart and spark important conversations,” said Macdonald Sunday.

See the trailer below:

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Nigerian writer and director, Tola Falonipe, is revamping the story of love in her new short film, ÀDÙNNÍ. The plot, which takes place in the 70s tells the love story of two childhood friends who reconnect after a long time apart. Explore the story of rediscovery, love, understanding and desire.

Synopsis:

“Adunni” is a heartwarming short film set in the small town of Irepodun in 1970s Southwestern Nigeria. The story follows Adunni, a young woman returning home from Lagos, and Banjoko, her childhood friend, who harbours deep feelings for her. As Adunni struggles with her desire for a broader horizon beyond Irepodun, Banjoko tries to win her heart.
Through humour and nostalgia, the film explores themes of love, growth, and the beauty of embracing one’s roots.

What we know:

The film was written, directed and produced by Tola Falonipe, starring Sharon Abisola Alabi, Damilare Lawal, and Mary Taiwo Omidiora who played the roles of Adunni, Banjoko, and Labisi respectively. Adeyinka Ojo and Marvellous Edema were on set, the cinematographers behind this project. The film is expected to span 13 minutes and 14 seconds.

Tola had to be the director, producer and makeup artist to bring this project to life while saving costs. The film was shot in one for more than 6 hours. Tola is currently working on her next project coming out in August 2024.