The second full trailer for Universal’s Jurassic World Dominion begins with Blue’s cute little lethal baby Velociraptor stolen and Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) promising the pissed off mom he’ll get her baby back. The trailer makes it clear Blue’s not so sure Owen is the right person for the job.
Mistakes have most definitely been made and Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) concedes, “The doomsday clock might be about out of time.”
The Jurassic Park gang, including Goldblum, Laura Dern as Ellie Sattler, Sam Neill as Alan Grant, BD Wong as Dr. Henry Wu, reunite for what’s teased as the “epic conclusion of the Jurassic era.”
The cast also includes DeWanda Wise (She’s Gotta Have It), Emmy nominee Mamoudou Athie (Archive 81), Dichen Lachman (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Scott Haze (Minari), and Campbell Scott (The Amazing Spider-Man 2). Justice Smith is back as Franklin Webb, Daniella Pineda returns as Dr. Zia Rodriguez, and Omar Sy reprises his role as Barry Sembenè.
Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow returns as director, co-writer, and executive producer. Emily Carmichael co-wrote the screenplay, and Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley produce. Steven Spielberg and Alexandra Derbyshire executive produce.
Chris Pratt as Owen Grady in ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ – (c) 2021 Universal Studios and Storyteller Distribution LCC
The Plot, Courtesy of Universal Pictures:
Dominion takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed. Dinosaurs now live — and hunt — alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history’s most fearsome creatures.
Jurassic World Dominion, from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, propels the more than $5 billion franchise into daring, uncharted territory, featuring never-seen dinosaurs, breakneck action and astonishing new visual effects.
Jim Street’s trapped on a plane being hijacked on CBS’s S.W.A.T. season five episode 19. Directed by Oz Scott from a script by Michael Gemballa and Matthew T. Brown, episode 19 – “Incoming” – will air on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT.
The season five cast is led by Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. Alex Russell stars as Jim Street, Jay Harrington plays David “Deacon” Kay, Lina Esco is Christina “Chris” Alonso, Kenny Johnson is Dominique Luca, David Lim is Victor Tan, and Patrick St. Esprit stars as Commander Robert Hicks.
Recurring cast members include Rochelle Aytes as Nichelle and Norma Kuhling as Fowler.
“Incoming” Plot: When a plane carrying Street and the dangerous prisoner he’s transporting is hijacked, the SWAT team races to save the innocent passengers on board – and one of their own. Also, Hondo takes a big step in his relationship with Nichelle.
Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:
Inspired by the television series and the feature film, S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as a former Marine and locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant, tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds. However, Hondo is forced to question his professional identity when he is demoted from Squad Leader after going public to expose racial corruption within the LAPD.
The other members of Hondo’s elite S.W.A.T. unit include David “Deacon” Kay, an experienced S.W.A.T. officer and dedicated family man who always puts the team first; Christina “Chris” Alonso, a skilled officer and the team’s canine trainer; Dominique Luca, an expert driver who gets them in and out of high risk situations; newlywed Victor Tan, who started in the LAPD Hollywood Division and uses his confidential informants in the community to help the team; and Jim Street, the team’s cocky newest member. Responsible for the management of all Metro Division S.W.A.T. units is Commander Robert Hicks, a senior LAPD official with the Special Operations Bureau.
With Hondo no longer leading the charge, these dedicated men and women face an uncertain future as they bravely put themselves at risk to protect their community and save lives.
NBC’s New Amsterdam season four episode 17 put fans through the emotional wringer. The good news was that everyone who had been drugged by the barkeeper returned, and Helen accepted Max’s impromptu proposal. The bad news…Iggy’s relationship’s in trouble and Helen suffered a stroke that caused her to lose her ability to speak! Hopefully, season four episode 18 – “No Ifs, And Or Buts” – will serve up more happiness than heartbreak. Episode 18 will air on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
The cast of season four is led by Ryan Eggold as Medical Director Max Goodwin. Janet Montgomery returns as Dr. Lauren Bloom, Freema Agyeman stars as Dr. Helen Sharpe, Jocko Sims plays Dr. Floyd Reynolds, and Tyler Labine is Dr. Iggy Frome. Michelle Forbes guest stars as Dr. Fuentes.
“No Ifs, And Or Buts” Plot: Max orchestrates a plan to get Dr. Fuentes terminated from New Amsterdam once and for all. Helen confronts her medical complication. Iggy helps two patients deal with a breakup, which forces him to consider his own marriage. Bloom and Dr. Castries reach an understanding.
The Season 4 Plot, Courtesy of NBC:
After a turbulent year of sacrifice and hardship, Medical Director Max Goodwin and the team at New Amsterdam begin a well-deserved new chapter in their lives. The opening episode, titled “More Joy,” reflects both the drive of characters and the tone of season four. More joy: How can we find it, and how can we hold on to it?
For Max that means acknowledging and surrendering to his long-simmering feelings towards Dr. Helen Sharpe. While this new relationship brings its own set of challenges, Max continues his optimistic – and quixotic – quest to improve our nation’s healthcare system.
Continuing to navigate their own personal journeys – including Dr. Bloom’s relationship with Dr. Leyla Shinwari, who is now her resident, Dr. Frome’s new career and Dr. Reynolds’ personal entanglements – the doctors will strive to embrace the joy and successes in their lives.
But there is a surprise in store for our heroes. Dr. Veronica Fuentes is joining the New Amsterdam team to help turn around the overburdened and underfunded hospital. Her first order of business will be to tear down every progressive program Max has erected. Max will have his work cut out for him if he is going to outwit this calm, poised and fearless fixer.
Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin and Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe in ‘New Amsterdam’ season 4 episode 18 (Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC)Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin in season 4 episode 18 (Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC)Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe in season 4 episode 18 (Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC)Janet Montgomery as Dr. Lauren Bloom in season 4 episode 18 (Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC)Jocko Sims as Dr. Floyd Reynold in season 4 episode 18 (Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC)Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe and Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin in season 4 episode 18 (Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC)Jocko Sims as Dr. Floyd Reynold and Leon Addison Brown as Oren Azad in season 4 episode 18 (Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC)
Owen reconnects with his father on Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star season three episode 16. “Shift-Less” is set to air on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT.
Season three stars Rob Lowe as Owen Strand, Gina Torres as Tommy Vega, Ronen Rubinstein as T.K. Strand, Sierra McClain as Grace Ryder, and Jim Parrack as Judd Ryder. Natacha Karam plays Marjan Marwani, Brian Michael Smith is Paul Strickland, Rafael Silva is Carlos Reyes, Julian Works is Mateo Chavez, and Brianna Baker plays Nancy Gillian.
“Shift-Less” Plot: Owen travels to Los Angeles to confront his estranged father and some painful childhood memories. Wyatt acts out and prompting Judd to take him to his family ranch where an emergency brings them closer to together.
The Season 3 Plot:
In the third season, a slight time-jump takes place after the events of the previous season finale found the 126 shut down and the crew dispersed across the city. In the multi-episode opening storyline, a massive and unexpected arctic front hits Austin. As the ice storm causes widespread chaos, Owen and Tommy must not only save the city but find a way to resurrect and reunite the former 126.
The team leaps into action after Caid (Kaley Ronayne) is shot on Fox’s The Resident season five episode 12. “Risk” will air on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 8pm ET/PT.
Season five stars Matt Czuchry as Dr. Conrad Hawkins, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Dr. AJ Austin, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Randolph Bell, Jane Leeves as Dr. Kit Voss, and Manish Dayal is Dr. Devon Pravesh. Jessica Lucas plays Dr. Billie Sutton, Anuja Joshi is Dr. Leela Devi, and Miles Fowler is Trevor.
“Risk” Plot: When one of the doctors is shot outside the hospital, the ER is put into lockdown and the team races to save one of their own. Elsewhere, Devon and The Raptor work with a patient who learns he is unable to receive a lung transplant, due to his vaccination status. Meanwhile, Devon and Leela try to juggle the new dynamics of their relationship and Cade’s father arrives at Chastain.
Entering its fifth season, The Resident continues to shine a light on the daily heroism of our health care workers. The provocative medical drama follows the doctors and nurses at Chastain Memorial Hospital as they face personal and professional challenges and fight for their patients’ health.
Season four saw a multitude of highs and lows as the heroes at Chastain struggled to overcome the impossible, including the unprecedented and devastating Covid-19 pandemic. Now, in a propulsive and emotional season five, the ante is upped, as the doctors continue to save patients and fight corruption in the healthcare system, this time with a partner. The alliance with Big Pharma that found a cure for sickle cell disease last season proves in season five to be a very sharp double-edged sword.
The season kicks off when a mysterious ransomware attack threatens the hospital, and DR. DEVON PRAVESH (Dayal) and Chastain’s recently appointed CEO, DR. KIT VOSS (Leeves), must make high-stakes, split-second decisions with lives in the balance. Meanwhile, DR. CONRAD HAWKINS (Czuchry) and NURSE PRACTITIONER NICOLETTE NEVIN’s (Emily VanCamp) attempts to navigate parenthood, marriage and work-life balance take a shocking turn when Conrad is forced to make a life-changing choice that will alter the course of their family forever.
After the unwanted arrival of DR. BILLIE SUTTON’s (Lucas) biological son, she is forced to confront her past head-on in hopes of healing. Luckily, she’ll have help with the emergence of a new friendship – and rivalry – with DR. AJ AUSTIN (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), who unknowingly takes an interest in Billie’s son, TREVOR (Fowler). Elsewhere, a wrench is thrown in the plans of DR. LEELA DEVI (Joshi), when an unannounced visitor threatens her new relationship, and DR. RANDOLPH BELL (Greenwood) moves forward with a surprising love interest.
A new wrinkle five episodes into the season will challenge audience expectations and reveal new truths about our characters. Old relationships will be tested, new ones formed, and the emergence of a widespread Medicare fraud scheme ensures Chastain will never be the same.
The big question leading up to Disney’s 2022 CinemaCon presentation at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas was whether they’d screen any footage from Avatar 2. The distribution of 3D glasses on the way into the presentation and the much-anticipated sequel’s appearance in ads above the Forum doors alongside Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, The Bob’s Burgers Movie, and Lightyear were good indications we’d finally see something from James Cameron’s return to Pandora.
Fortunately, Disney did deliver the first teaser trailer for the second Avatar film. However, the studio drew out the suspense by waiting until the final minutes of the hour and a half presentation to show off the first glimpse of James Cameron’s first of four planned Avatar sequels.
Producer Jon Landau was on hand to introduce the teaser trailer for Avatar: The Way of Water (the new official title) which will premiere exclusively in theaters on May 6th with the Doctor Strange sequel. The teaser won’t appear online until after its theatrical debut.
Landau revealed the original Avatar, with remastered picture and sound, will be re-released in theaters on September 23, 2022. And he confirmed the four upcoming sequels will focus on the Sully family. Landau, noting Cameron’s scripts are always universal and feature relatable themes, said, “And there’s no more relatable theme down at the center of each of our four sequels than the Sully family – Jake and Neytiri’s family.”
Landau also explained the four planned sequels will each play out as standalone films, with each movie telling its own story and coming to a conclusion. “However, when you look at that as a whole, the journey across all four movies will create an even larger, connected, epic saga,” explained Landau.
James Cameron was busy getting Avatar: The Way of Water finished in time for its December 16th release, but he did send along a video message for CinemaCon attendees. Cameron acknowledged the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on theater owners and assured the National Association of Theatre Owners members in attendance that he and Jon Landau are ready to work with them to deliver a product worthy of getting people excited about returning to theaters.
Cameron believes the original Avatar, released in 2009, pushed the limits of the big screen. “With the new Avatar films, we’re pushing those limits even farther with 3D, with high dynamic range, with high frame rate, higher resolution, and a much greater reality in our visual effects,” he explained.
James Cameron described reuniting with Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang to further explore Pandora as an amazing adventure. Their goal is to make the return to Pandora something really special.
All the shots were designed for the biggest screens possible, according to Cameron. “We set out once again to push the limits of what cinema can do and I think we pulled it off,” explained Cameron.
The teaser trailer was absolutely gorgeous and the colors exploded off the screen, with the world feeling even more real than the original Avatar. Dolby’s 3D glasses helped transport the audience to Pandora in an incredibly immersive way.
Given that it was merely a teaser, there wasn’t much revealed about the new environment or new characters in Avatar: The Way of Water. Yet what was shown was enough to remind us why Avatar stands as the highest-grossing film in history.
Avatar: The Way of Water Official Synopsis:
Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.
Prepare for an intense episode as the 9-1-1 Call Center catches on fire on Fox’s 9-1-1 season five episode 16. “May Day” will air on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 8pm ET/PT.
Executive producers Angela Bassett and Peter Krause return to lead the cast as Athena Grant and Bobby Nash. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Maddie Kendall, Oliver Stark is Evan “Buck” Buckley, Aisha Hinds is Henrietta “Hen” Wilson, and Kenneth Choi is Howie “Chimney” Han. Ryan Guzman plays Eddie Diaz, Rockmond Dunbar is Michael Grant, Corinne Massiah is May Grant, Marcanthonee Jon Reis is Harry Grant, Gavin McHugh is Christopher Diaz, and John Harlan Kim plays Albert Han.
“May Day” Plot: The 118 races to the rescue when the 9-1-1 Call Center goes up in flames. Then, Bobby risks his life to save a trapped May and Claudette, Buck and Eddie work together to help an injured electrician and Chimney and his brother team up as firefighters for the first time.
Baz Luhrmann, Austin Butler, and Aisha Tyler during Warner Bros. Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation (PPHOTO BY ERIC CHARBONNEAU)
Warner Bros. Pictures did not disappoint at CinemaCon 2022. From Wonka and The Flash footage to lengthy discussions with Elvis‘ Baz Luhrmann and Austin Butler, Don’t Worry Darling’s director Olivia Wilde, the Shazam! Fury of the Gods cast, and Dwayne Johnson, WB’s 2022 CinemaCon panel was loaded with one delicious movie treat after another.
Chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group Toby Emmerich kicked off the presentation by going off-script. “It’s good to be back and believe me when I tell you we’ve missed you so much,” said Emmerich to the National Association of Theatre Owners members in attendance. Covid-19 altered Warner Bros’ release plans and caused friction with theater owners, but now that theaters are open Emmerich reiterated the studio’s desire to screen their lineup in cinemas first.
Emmerich said they have a dynamic mix of powerful stories lined up. “This is one of the most diverse slates we’ve ever had,” said Emmerich, adding they were all made to be experienced on big screens.
Emmerich acknowledged the importance of the collective experience of audiences gathering in a dark theater to take in a filmmaker’s vision. And speaking of gathering in theaters, Emmerich confirmed Matt Reeves and Rob Pattinson are reuniting for The Batman 2.
Reeves joined him briefly on stage but, of course, it’s way too early for any real details. He did share that he’s excited to jump back into the world of Batman.
Denis Villeneuve appeared in a taped message in support of Dune, parts one and two. Villeneuve is already deep into pre-production on Dune Part 2 which is targeting a 2023 theatrical release. Dune was a life-changing experience for the director and he thanked IMAX, in particular, for allowing him to fulfill his vision.
Aisha Tyler took over hosting duties and guided the WB presentation through the studio’s roster of upcoming releases. She greeted the audience with “Welcome back to the before times that are now the after times.”
A highlight reel of Baz Luhrmann’s work screened and then Baz joined Tyler to discuss Elvis. Luhrmann is quite the talker and could have easily taken up the entire two-hour presentation time if Tyler would have let him.
Luhrmann made his first film 30 years ago and actually rarely makes movies; he couldn’t remember whether he’s made five or six. He talked about how his love of the cinema stemmed from growing up in a small country town with five houses and a gas station. His dad could thread a Bell & Howell 16 mm projector so they took over running the movie house. He’ll never forget what it felt like to be nine years old and fall in love with films. The cinema brings everyone together and Luhrmann believes the human condition needs that shared experience.
“I love biopics but this is not really a biopic,” said Luhrmann, discussing Elvis. The film’s really about America in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, and Elvis was in the middle of all of the societal changes. He describes the film as being about Elvis the rebel, Elvis the highest paid actor, and Elvis in later years trapped by Colonel Tom Parker. Luhrmann really wanted to explore the tension between artistic desire and the “sell,” and what happens when those two desires are in conflict.
Audiences will hear the classics and see the story of Elvis, but this take will also translate the rock and roll icon for a younger generation. New footage was screened, and it confirmed the film’s got a cool, sexual energy to it. I captured my first reaction to the footage in a tweet: “Calling it now – #Elvis will catapult Austin Butler into superstar status. New footage is amazing! #Cinemacon2022”
Luhrmann said if Elvis feels like a superhero film that’s because it is. “Elvis is kind of the original superhero. He rises so high, then finds his kryptonite and falls so low and then a beautiful, powerful tragedy ensues.”
Sticking with the superhero topic for a moment, Luhrmann joked, “Man can not live by Batman alone,” noting we need to bring all audiences back into the theaters. (He also said he loved Reeves’ The Batman.)
The film’s Elvis Presley, Austin Butler, joined his director on stage, with Luhrmann confirming Austin sings all of young Elvis in the film.
“I was over the moon to get to explore the life of Elvis and for as long as we got to do it,” said Butler, describing Luhrmann as one of the greatest filmmakers cinema has ever had.
Butler’s Elvis isn’t an impersonation and he actually broke the performance into periods of time, capturing the different voices from throughout Presley’s life. “I set out to find his humanity,” explained Butler. “He’s one of those individuals who reached up to an iconic status. He seems superhuman.”
Next, WB provided a sneak peek at Wonka directed by Paul King and opening in December 2023. Timothee Chalamet stars in what looks like a more family-friendly adaptation of Roald Dahl’s work than 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp. The footage looked strictly G-rated and the vibe was fantastical. “You’ve never had chocolate like this!” sings Chalamet. I’d describe it as refreshingly enthusiastic, if that makes sense.
The Flash gave CinemaCon attendees a quick sneak peek at the first big-screen foray into the DC multiverse. Although the footage was impressive with brief glimpses of seven Batman costumes, Supergirl, and Zod, it was the appearance of Michael Keaton as Batman that earned the footage a loud cheer. “You wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts!” said Keaton, a callback to the line from his 1989 Batman.
Olivia Wilde was next up with Don’t Worry Darling, the much-anticipated psychological thriller starring Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, and Harry Styles. Wilde described the film as inspired by The Truman Show, The Matrix, and Inception, and the footage lived up to that description. I tweeted it feels like a film you’ll want to dissect and discuss every frame of, which pretty much sums up my feelings even hours after the footage was screened.
Wilde said the film’s ambitious and she believes they’ve made something really special. “I want you to imagine a life you had everything you could possibly dream of,” said Wilde. “What would it take for you to give up that life, to do what’s right?”
Don’t Worry Darling is a film made for movie theaters, designed that way from the cinematography to the sound design. Wilde aimed for the moon “as long as the moon was at a multiplex near you,” and the twisted thriller’s a product of hundreds of people doing some of the best work of their careers.
Wilde described Florence Pugh as fierce and tough, and she believes Chris Pine gives a career-best performance. And as for Harry Styles, Wilde said he’s “an up-and-coming actor with no other career that I am aware of. And he is nothing short of a revelation in this part.”
Wilde joked she’s also in the film because she’s the only one they could afford at that point in casting.
The color palette’s sumptuous and the cinematography is stunning. Wilde’s passion project looks like it could put her back in the awards season spotlight. Her directorial debut, Booksmart, earned Critics Choice Awards, Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and Writers Guild nominations and won Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards.
Asher Angel, Helen Mirren, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Zachary Levi from ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ at Warner Bros’ CinemaCon presentation (PHOTO BY ERIC CHARBONNEAU)
Warner Bros brought out not only Zachary Levi, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Asher Angel to CinemaCon, they also brought Dame Helen Mirren to the stage for the upcoming Shazam! sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Levi said he’s grateful to have been able to play Shazam once and “now it’s double the blessing.”
Helen Mirren couldn’t give away too much about her character but did say she’s playing someone who believes she’s right and is convinced of her righteousness.
Angel said adulthood is on the horizon for Billy, and we’ll catch up with him at a time when he’s unsure if he’ll have to leave the foster family. Grazer described Freddie as still pretty “pubic” – before correcting that to say he’s pre-pubescent. Freddy remains super excited about his powers and Grazer said he’s a fun character to play.
“There’s a lot going on in Billy’s mind and heart as he’s growing older,” explained Levi, confirming the sequel won’t veer from the magic they found in the first movie. It will still be a blend of comedy, drama, and action, with a whole lot of heart.
Unfortunately, Aquaman – Jason Momoa – couldn’t make it to Vegas but did send a message from London. He’s happy they got the band back together for 2023’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The sequel’s funny and heartfelt, and he claimed to have had a big hand in the script.
Director James Wan appeared in person and explained they’re trying to take the world they created to the next level with the new Aquaman.
“The visual is a big part of these kinds of films. In the first movie we put the actors through a lot of physical pain,” said Wan. With the sequel, they’re embracing new technology. Each actor had hundreds of cameras on them to capture their performances which were then put on a 3D version of the actor during action sequences. Wan said it’s still the actors’ performances but less hard on their bodies.
For his part, Momoa says there’s nothing he’s ever been a part of that’s like this sequel.
James Wan remained on stage to talk about Salem’s Lot, based on the bestselling Stephen King novel. Wan, a producer on the first feature film adaptation of King’s novel, said they wanted the film to have an old-school Stephen King vibe.
Gary Dauberman wrote both installments of IT and directs Salem’s Lot. Dauberman was present at CinemaCon and said the novel is one of his all-time favorites of any genre. He called it the crown jewel of King’s library and said he’s very honored to be shepherding it onto the silver screen.
Dwayne Johnson during Warner Bros. Pictures’ 2022 CinemaCon presentation (PHOTO BY ERIC CHARBONNEAU)
The WB presentation finished up with two upcoming releases starring Dwayne Johnson: DC League of Super-Pets and Black Adam. After a teaser video claiming he was in Hawaii, The Rock made his way through the crowd for the final segment of WB’s CinemaCon panel.
Johnson said he feels good about the future of theatrical cinema. Everyone took their hits with Covid but it feels like we’re on the other end of it. “We are reinvesting in bringing the theatrical experience back,” said Johnson.
Discussing Super-Pets, Johnson said, “I think we really have a shot with this one. The conceit of this is almost like what took so long?” The film features the Justice League’s pets and he voices Krypto, Superman’s dog.
“I play Krypto. The cast is great. We lean on the chemistry between myself and Kevin Hart,” explained Johnson, teasing the unique dynamic that he and Kevin have is on display throughout the film.
Moving on to Black Adam, Johnson confirmed bringing this character alive on screen has been a dream of his for a decade. Johnson and Warner Bros. first discussed the film 10+ years ago, and early on the studio said they were going to take their time and do it right. There wasn’t any need to rush it. “It really served us well to wait and hold, and watch these other stories of superheroes unfold,” said Johnson.
Black Adam is one of the things in his life that gets him out of bed. “It makes me a burner,” explained Johnson. He also teased the DC hierarchy is going to change.
“In this movie, we also introduce the JSA. The JSA is the Justice Society of America,” said Johnson who added that Black Adam will also be introducing and creating a world we haven’t seen before.
I’ve been covering CinemaCon for 20+ years, way back when I wrote for About.com – remember that site? – but this year’s panel marked the first time the CinemaCon audience will be part of a film. Johnson led the audience in a short burst of screaming that will be used in a scene in Black Adam. Johnson told the enthusiastic crowd this will give them something to brag about when they see the finished film.
DC League of Super-Pets opens on July 29, 2022 and Black Adam will be released on October 21, 2022.
JD Pardo as EZ Reyes, Sally, and Andrea Cortes as Sofia in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 4 episode 3 (Photo Credit: Prashant Gupta/FX)
FX’s Mayans M.C. season four episode three answers a few lingering questions, including what happened to Emily’s son and who left the note with Felipe to give to EZ. Plus, episode three touches base with Adelita and finds Miguel confronted with a suggestion to dissolve Santo Padre. And as if their lives aren’t complicated enough, EZ gets a promotion and Angel makes a decision that could affect the future of the club.
“Self Portrait in Blue Bathroom” opens with El Banquero, leader of Lobos Nueva Generación (LNG), questioning two men. One ends up with a bullet to the head; the other ends up with a raise for demonstrating his loyalty to the cartel leader.
We’re let into the inner workings of LNG via a conversation between El Banquero (real name: Ignacio) and his sister. He explains he’s brought in a lot of Galindo’s people and needs to confirm their loyalty. He also explains he’s decided to bring their accountant, Randall, across the border to Mexico since he’s under indictment in the U.S.
El Banquero’s sister thinks Randall’s a liability because he knows every single aspect of their business. And although she told El Banquero to bring in someone under Randall, he never did. That means Randall is the only person who knows all the details on their offshore accounts.
El Banquero will order the Mayans to handle Randall’s move to Mexico. If they fail, he’ll “tear their f**king wings from their bodies.” (It’s a bizarre threat but we get the drift.)
Angel (Clayton Cardenas) continues to adjust to life with Nails while EZ (JD Pardo) discovers adopting a dog has its challenges. He returns to his trailer after working out to find Sally’s redecorated his home – and not in a good way.
EZ loses a few points with dog lovers by attempting to return the poor, confessed dog. He arrives at the shelter just as another family’s surrendering an elderly dog. (I absolutely loathe people who abandon their pets just because they’re getting up in age!) EZ listens as Sofia (Andrea Cortes), the shelter employee he spoke with when he adopted Sally, attempts to talk the family out of leaving their pet at an over-capacity kill shelter.
After her boss asks her to step away from the family, EZ approaches Sofia and says there’s something wrong with Sally. Sofia has the patience of a saint when it comes to animals and explains Sally tore up his trailer because she’s anxious. She needs to adjust after having her previous life ripped out from under her.
Sofia asks EZ to not give up on Sally and to be patient. EZ changes his mind – at least for now – and thanks Sofia for her help. She replies, “Good luck with that one,” and he thanks her again. She corrects EZ; she was talking to the dog, not him.
EZ and Sally return home to find a friend from prison, Jay-Jay, waiting on their doorstep. (Jay-Jay’s the one who wrote the note Felipe delivered in episode two.) They down a few beers as they catch up on life, and Jay-Jay hints that people think EZ must have cut a deal with the Feds in exchange for early parole. Tread carefully, EZ.
EZ asks what people are saying and offers to show Jay-Jay his release paperwork. Jay-Jay backs off a bit and explains he’s just trying to reconnect.
Angel arrives at the clubhouse and offers to lend Coco (Richard Cabral) a hand. Coco doesn’t want his help now but he could have really used it when his life was falling apart. Angel didn’t reach out then and Coco’s holding it against him. “I was hurting but you didn’t give a f**k, right?!” says Coco.
Angel gets defensive and asks what he was supposed to do. Coco’s reply: “Not be a selfish f**k!”
Canche (Jimmy Gonzales) and his Yuma guys ride up as Angel’s still standing alone in the yard recovering from Coco’s – justified – verbal assault.
The charters meet and Canche presents El Banquero’s request for the Mayans to move Randall, suggesting Santo Padre handle it since they complained they’ve been sidelined. Tranq (Frankie Loyal) thinks it’s too risky, but Canche points out it’s a high reward job. However, if Santo Padre can’t handle it, well then…leaving unsaid that they’re a bunch of whiny losers.
Taza (Raoul Max Trujillo), sporting a new haircut, points out that since Randall’s been indicted the Feds will be watching the border.
EZ volunteers to handle the move and shocks Angel by volunteering him, too. EZ thinks they can move Randall via tribal land, and Yuma’s Manny (Manny Montana) throws in with the siblings. Manny knows the perfect place to make the trek across the border.
Angel doesn’t remember volunteering but when Marcus (Emilio Rivera) asks if they can pull it off, Manny and EZ simultaneously answer yes. EZ seems to be on the same page as Manny about how to work the move and Bishop (Michael Irby) laughs in disgust at their partnership.
Bishop calls them the Bobbsey twins and asks if they’ll be sucking each other off in the desert. Canche’s cool and controlled but irritated when he points out to Marcus that Bishop is disruptive. Bishop doesn’t back down and tells them to screw the healing process.
Santo Padre guys get a little squirmy as Marcus and Bishop go at it. Bishop’s pissed Marcus has the charter bowing down to El Banquero and Canche. Bishop calls Marcus a pimp and Marcus is done with his bullsh*t. Marcus demands Bishop’s flash. Taza cuts his own off in an act of solidarity with the man who wants nothing to do with him.
No one else speaks up and Marcus tosses the Vice President flash to EZ. EZ stares at Angel in shock as Marcus declares, “The future of this club starts today.”
Marcus meets with Canche and Stockton’s president out of the presence of the Santo Padre guys. Canche believes it’s time to end the Santo Padre charter. The other charters agree Marcus is damaging his legacy with his continuing attachment to Santo Padre. Marcus believes EZ and Manny are the future of the club, and he has complete faith they can pull off moving Randall safely to Mexico. He appears to bet Santo Padre’s continued existence on it.
Apparently, Taza thinks tossing in his flash was enough to get back on Bishop’s good side. It wasn’t. “I don’t need pity from a f**king faggot,” says Bishop in response to Taza’s gesture.
Let’s step away from the Mayans for a minute and catch up with Adelita, Emily, Erin, and Nestor.
Adelita (Carla Baratta) wakes in the back of a Volvo with New Mexico plates parked under an overpass. She uses a public restroom to wash up and then resumes what is apparently a lengthy stake-out. She has a notebook full of notations about a man’s movements and jots down the time of his exit from a New Mexico law office.
Elsewhere, Emily (Sarah Bolger) is bundled up in a heavy jacket complete with a hood that hides her face. She purchases a bus ticket and heads to Covington, Kentucky. It’s confirmed she’s no longer in Southern California as she’s less than a day’s bus ride away from her sister’s apartment.
Emily performs a secret knock so her sister, Erin (Holland Roden), knows it’s safe to open the door. Emily apologizes for being late, explaining the bus broke down in Cincinnati (which is about 10 miles north of Covington, for those looking for clues as to where Emily’s living.) Cristóbal runs into his mom’s arms and she gathers him up in a big hug.
They sit down for dinner and Erin asks how long this arrangement will continue. Emily needs to keep this up until she’s sure Miguel won’t find them. Erin thinks they’ve been incredibly careful and Miguel will never locate them, but Emily knows first-hand what Miguel’s capable of.
The following morning Emily prepares to leave and confirms she’ll be back in a week. However, she makes Erin run through a list of emergency procedures in case she doesn’t return. Erin has it down pat and knows exactly how to travel, where to pick up their secret stash of money, and where to hole up.
And now for a brief moment of levity in an otherwise intense episode… Nestor (Gino Vento) has taken a new job and it’s quite a few steps down from being Galindo’s right-hand man. Nestor’s now employed as a security guard whose days consist of patrolling parking lots and chasing away skateboarders. Poor dude. Maybe he should have thrown in his lot with Marcus?
Back at the clubhouse, Bishop rides off as Angel, stating the obvious, says he’s taking the demotion hard. EZ’s busy sewing the flash on his jacket and Angel sums everything up, saying, “That was f**ked up how that went down.”
EZ admits he had no idea how to act and is in the middle of trying to figure it out when Angel blurts out, “Do you think I’m selfish?” He’s stuck on the tongue-lashing he received from Coco earlier in the day and doesn’t recognize he’s being selfish at this very minute by not listening to his little bro.
Talk turns to Jay-Jay’s visit and EZ confesses it didn’t feel right. EZ admits he’s not sure if Jay-Jay knows about the deal he cut but knows he needs to find out.
Manny joins them and congratulates EZ on his promotion, saying EZ as VP is what Santo Padre needs. EZ thanks him and Angel claims that’s what he said. We all know that’s not true, but you can’t blame Angel for just being himself.
Clayton Cardenas as Angel Reyes in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 4 episode 3 (Photo Credit: Prashant Gupta/FX)
Randall arrives in the parking lot but he’s not alone. He’s brought along his son – and lots of luggage. They manage to convince him to leave his luggage behind but can’t talk him out of bringing his son. Randall refuses to leave Noah (Antonio Raul Corbo) behind, even though they’ll be traveling through the desert on foot at night. He threatens to call El Banquero but Canche smoothes things over, ordering the threesome to take Randall and his kid.
Angel leans toward his brother and quietly asks, “What the f**k did you get us into now?” Given the events about to transpire, Angel has every right to question his brother’s judgment.
Creeper (Joseph Raymond Lucero) drives the group out to the desert and it’s obvious Noah doesn’t want to move to Mexico. Manny and EZ try to cheer the kid up by saying they heard Randall was going to buy him a PS-5 and all the games he wants.
While Angel’s on the move, Nails (Justina Adorno) is at home attempting to put together a crib. Felipe (Edward James Olmos) stops by with a blanket Angel’s mom made Angel when he was a boy. Felipe’s doing his best to connect with his sons and sticks around for coffee and to help build the crib.
Tranq’s having a difficult time dealing with former prospect Steve’s suicide. He has tears in his eyes as he holds the dead man’s jacket which is still covered in blood splatter. He pays a visit to Steve’s mom and sister, describing Steve as a good man who understood brotherhood. Tranq becomes emotional, apologizes for his presence and for their loss, and then gives Steve’s mom her son’s jacket.
It’s pitch black as the guys make their way through the desert. Randall’s out of shape and wants to take another break, but EZ, Manny, and Angel want to get through the mountains before the sun comes up. Suddenly the guys hear gunshots and Angel wants to get moving, but Manny thinks they should lay low for a while until whoever it is leaves the area. EZ agrees with Manny and they look for a temporary hiding place.
During their downtime Manny discusses fatherhood with Angel. Manny confesses he didn’t become a man until he became a father and admits that if he lost his daughter, he couldn’t go on. I’m not sure of Manny’s endgame but it’s possible he sort of reveals his hand a little when he talks about how Marcus chose the club over his family. Manny’s heard that Marcus allowed a Reaper to kill his son after a deal went sideways. And it turns out the Reaper that Marcus let kill his son was Happy.
“If anybody put his hands on my family, he wouldn’t be out in the world just walking around,” says Manny.
Manny thinks Angel will be a good dad and suggests the trick to raising a kid is to just f**k them up less than his parents f**ked him up. EZ says giving Angel sage advice is his thing and Manny laughs.
Angel thinks they’re both annoying. “It’s like having boy scout in stereo.” And speaking of boy scouts…both Manny and EZ were in the scouts and even remember the oath which they recite while Angel calls them nerds.
The episode takes a brief break from the non-action in the desert to reveal Marcus riding up to the guard shack where Nestor’s watching soccer. Emily makes it back to her temporary apartment and crashes for the night after cleaning up. Steve’s mom tries to scrub the blood from her son’s jacket. Adelita pulls up to the man she’s been stalking’s house seconds after he goes inside.
And now we’ve come to the final minutes of season four episode three and, unarguably, the pivotal moment of “Self Portrait in Blue Bathroom.” The guys have fallen asleep waiting for it to be safe to continue their trek to safety. Angel wakes and is using a flashlight to make his way around when he hears talking. He walks toward the voices and finds – trigger warning – Randall sexually abusing his son while Noah begs him to stop.
Angel says, “What the fuck?” and then shoots Randall in the chest. Noah cries as Manny and EZ race up to see what happened. Manny rushes to Randall’s side as he chokes on blood and appears seconds from death. EZ screams, “Angel, what the f**k did you do?! What the f**k did you do?!”
Annette Bening as Marge Selbee and Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee in ‘Jerry and Marge Go Large’ (Photo credit: Jake Giles Netter/Paramount+)
Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston and four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening hit the jackpot in the comedy film Jerry & Marge Go Large from director Oscar winner David Frankel. Parmount+ just announced a June 17, 2022 U.S. premiere date on the streaming service and released four new photos from the comedy inspired by an incredible true story.
Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening star in the titular roles. The cast also includes Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson, Anna Camp, Ann Harada, Jake McDorman, Michael McKean, and Uly Schlesinger.
Brad Copeland (Wild Hogs) wrote the screenplay, based on an article by Jason Fagone in The Huntington Post. Oscar nominee Gil Netter, Levantine Films, and MRC Film’s Landline Pictures’s Amy Baer produced, with Kevin Halloran executive producing.
Paramount+ released the following synopsis:
Jerry & Marge Go Large is inspired by the remarkable true story of retiree Jerry Selbee (Cranston), who discovers a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery and, with the help of his wife, Marge (Bening), wins millions and uses the money to revive their small Michigan town.
Larry Wilmore as Steve Woods and Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee (Photo credit: Jake Giles Netter/Paramount+)Annette Bening as Marge Selbee and Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee (Photo credit: Jake Giles Netter/Paramount+)Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee, Annette Bening as Marge Selbee, and Rainn Wilson as Bill (Photo credit: Jake Giles Netter/Paramount+)
