Mabel (Selena Gomez), Oliver (Martin Short), Charles (Steve Martin) and Lucy (Zoe Margaret Colletti) in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ (Photo by: Craig Blankenhorn / Hulu)
Hulu’s award-winning comedy Only Murders in the Building is sticking around to investigate more crimes. Season two premiered on June 28, 2022, and Hulu just announced an early third season renewal after just three episodes have been released.
Selena Gomez celebrated the news on Twitter, tweeting: “So excited for SEASON 3!!!” And Hulu released a special message from the series stars confirming they’ll be back for a third season. (See below.)
The original comedy series was created by writers Steve Martin and John Hoffman (Grace & Frankie). Series stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez executive produce along with John Hoffman, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman, and Jess Rosenthal.
“Only Murders in the Building is the true crown jewel of our slate. Its appeal across generations, the intersection of humor and heart, and its truly original approach are a hallmark of and testament to Dan, John, Steve, Marty, and Selena’s work. We are grateful to be able to continue telling the stories of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel to viewers that have consistently shown us they crave more of this story,” said Craig Erwich, President, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment.
New season two episodes arrive on Tuesdays.
Hulu’s official OMITB synopsis:
“Following the shocking death of Arconia Board President Bunny Folger, Charles, Oliver and Mabel race to unmask her killer. However, three (unfortunate) complications ensue – the trio is publicly implicated in Bunny’s homicide, they are now the subjects of a competing podcast, and they have to deal with a bunch of New York neighbors who all think they committed murder.”
Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg take on bloodsuckers in Day Shift, a Netflix action comedy about vampire hunters who are in it for the money. Buffy did it for altruistic reasons but Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg kill vampires for cash in the official trailer for the 2022 film.
Dave Franco stars as a trainee who loses more than just his cool as he enters the world of slayers. The cast also includes Karla Souza, Meagan Good, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Oliver Masucci, Steve Howey, Scott Adkins, and Zion Broadnax.
Stunt coordinator JJ Perry makes his feature film directorial debut with Day Shift. Tyler Tice and Shay Hatten wrote the screenplay and Shaun Redick, Yvette Yates Redick, Chad Stahelski, and Jason Spitz produced. Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Charles J.D. Schlissel, Peter Baxter, and Alex Young executive produced.
Netflix’s trailer release was accompanied by new photos and the official poster. Day Shift premieres on Friday, August 12, 2022.
The Plot: Jamie Foxx stars as a hard working blue collar dad who just wants to provide a good life for his quick-witted daughter, but his mundane San Fernando Valley pool cleaning job is a front for his real source of income, hunting and killing vampires as part of an international Union of vampire hunters.
Netflix welcomes visitors to New Raccoon City with the release of new footage from the video game-inspired sci-fi series, Resident Evil. The just-released footage provides a good look at Lance Reddick as Albert Wesker, a leading biochemist at the Umbrella Corporation.
The cast also includes Ella Balinska (she/her), Tamara Smart (she/her), Siena Agudong (she/her), Adeline Rudolph (she/her), Paola Nuñez (she/her), Ahad Raza Mir (he/him), Connor Gossatti (he/him), and Turlough Convery (he/him).
Andrew Dabb (Supernatural) guides the series as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Writer Mary Leah Sutton, Robert Kulzer, and Oliver Berben also executive produce. The series is a Constantin Film production with CEO Martin Moszkowicz producing.
Season one will consist of eight one-hour episodes. Resident Evil premieres on Thursday, July 14, 2022.
The Plot: Year 2036 – 14 years after Joy caused so much pain, Jade Wesker (Balinska) fights for survival in a world overrun by the blood-thirsty infected and mind-shattering creatures. In this absolute carnage, Jade is haunted by her past in New Raccoon City, by her father’s chilling connections to the sinister Umbrella Corporation but mostly by what happened to her sister, Billie (Agudong).
Alicia von Rittberg and Tom Cullen in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 5 (Photo Courtesy of Starz)
Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth episode five opens in the dead of night, with a restless Princess Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittberg) rising from bed. Her Lady-in-Waiting Kat Ashley suggests she return to bed but, instead, Elizabeth looks out the window. She sees that Thomas Seymour remains outside in the pouring rain and requests he be brought inside.
Thomas (Tom Cullen) has spent three nights looking up at her window and although he’s chilled to the bone, he claims his compass always points him back to Elizabeth. She suggests he’s only there because his wife, Catherine, is dead. Elizabeth wonders if Catherine ever asked about her and confesses she felt awful for what they’d done and who she’d become.
Thomas declares his thoughts of Elizabeth would keep him awake. He thinks they came together because they were in love, but Elizabeth says it happened because she was naïve and foolish.
Thomas continues to insist they should be together while Elizabeth stands firm in her refusal to yield.
Meanwhile, Edward Seymour – Duke of Somerset – receives Sir Pedro (Ekow Quartey) and the French ambassador at his home at 3am. Edward (John Heffernan) asks if the French would like Boulogne back at a fair price. The French ambassador knows what game Edward’s playing, trying to save face now that the French have Mary, Queen of Scots.
If France wants Boulogne, then they need to withdraw from Scotland. The ambassador signs off on the deal.
Pedro returns to Framlingham Castle and Princess Mary (Romola Garai) is astonished to learn Edward Seymour sold Boulogne back to France. He did so without King Edward’s permission and Mary believes the country’s falling apart because of the Duke of Somerset’s influence on her brother.
In Norfolk, angry townsfolk gather and form a rebellion against all lords and ladies. “Kill all gentlemen!” says their leader, and the crowd roars in approval.
Princess Elizabeth returns to court and is shocked to encounter Thomas Seymour in the halls. He requests she follow him, and they have a quiet chat. Elizabeth asks if he truly loves her, and Thomas is surprised she didn’t believe it the multiple times he’s told her his feelings.
“If you love someone, you wouldn’t hurt them,” says Elizabeth.
Thomas suggests she’s the liar since she has told him she wants him but now seems not to love him. He was blissfully happy in her presence before and even now as she tortures him, he wants to spend his future with her.
He asks if he can be part of her life forever, and Elizabeth shyly replies yes. (She can’t hide her feelings.) Thomas wants to marry the following day, but Elizabeth believes they need to ask the council’s permission first. Thomas knows that will never happen; his brother wouldn’t allow it.
Thomas thinks they should marry and then present the news to the council as a fait accompli. Elizabeth is unwilling to put herself on the outs again after struggling to get back in her brother’s good graces. She believes Thomas’ brother will accept their marriage, given that she’s the King’s sister. Thomas knows his brother will never believe he’s fit to marry a princess.
“I love you. That makes you fit,” says Elizabeth. “I choose you. That should be enough.”
Thomas remains unconvinced. Elizabeth’s certain King Edward will understand.
Edward Seymour’s at archery practice when Thomas joins him. Thomas begins by thanking his brother for his hospitality but quickly changes the subject and asks for his blessing to marry Elizabeth. Edward reacts with a laugh, thinking this is a joke. It’s not, and Edward realizes that and says no.
Edward stalks off and Thomas grabs a bow and arrow, aiming it at his retreating back. He, quite wisely, decides not to shoot.
Alicia von Rittberg and Jamie Blackley in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 5 (Photo Courtesy of Starz)
Robert Dudley (Jamie Blackley) helps Elizabeth from her carriage as she arrives at court after being summoned by her brother. Robert confirms that Princess Mary’s Catholic mass has caused King Edward to hold more prayer meetings in response.
It turns out King Edward didn’t summon Elizabeth; Edward Seymour is the one who requested a meeting. Three portraits are on display in the room and Edward informs Elizabeth her brother wants her to wed. “To remain unmarried is simply too much of a risk, both to the country and to the new church,” says Edward Seymour.
Edward promises they’ll choose the man, and Elizabeth interrupts him to ask if this is his decision. He insists it’s King Edward’s wishes. Elizabeth wonders if he spoke to his brother and he claims he hasn’t.
Robert Dudley runs into Elizabeth after the meeting and they engage in a friendly, flirty chat.
Next, Elizabeth finds Thomas Seymour and informs him his brother wants her married in order to make a foreign alliance. Thomas is shocked and upset and storms off.
King Edward (Oliver Zetterstrom) reluctantly meets with Bishop Gardiner (Alex Macqueen) who is interested in making sure the young King’s aware of all that’s going on. Gardiner has news from Mary that could be interesting, and Pedro joins the men to hand over a note from Princess Mary.
The council gather for a meeting and Thomas Seymour has a seat next to Henry Grey (Leo Bill). They gossip about Edward Seymour but then the room falls silent as King Edward enters. He shares the letter from Princess Mary which accuses the Lord Protector of making a mockery of everything King Henry VIII stood for. A rumble is heard around the table as King Edward reveals Edward Seymour secretly wants to sell Boulogne back to the French.
Henry Grey’s the first to speak up, demanding Edward Seymour answer for his actions. Edward turns his attention solely to King Edward as he states the deal’s already done. They can break the deal and bankrupt the country or fill their coffers with France’s money.
Edward Seymour swears he’s acting in King Edward’s best interest. He grabs his papers and leaves the room, angry at being confronted by the council and his King.
After he leaves, Henry Grey opines that he hopes King Edward will make Edward Seymour pay for abusing his power – once he comes of age. King Edward replies, “The Lord Protector best pray he’s dead before I come of age.”
It’s obvious Thomas Seymour is immediately thinking about how to work this to his advantage.
Thomas whispers to Henry Grey the time’s right to move against Edward Seymour. Henry appears to be considering this until Thomas goes a step too far and suggests they take King Edward into their possession. Henry realizes what Thomas wants to do is both treason and rebellion and tells his friend to go home and go to bed.
“I don’t know if you’re drunk or stupid or mad – but enough,” says Henry.
Henry’s not scared of Edward Seymour, but he is frightened by what Thomas is suggesting. Thomas continues to try and convince Henry that taking control of King Edward is the right move, but Henry doesn’t want to hear another word out of Thomas’ mouth. He begs Thomas to wipe this idea from his mind.
Thomas responds by insulting Henry, which is definitely not a smart move.
Later, John Dudley (Jamie Parker) joins Edward Seymour at his house to discuss how Princess Mary’s spies knew about Boulogne before everyone else did. Edward admits he pays Pedro to spy on Mary, and Pedro told Mary about Boulogne.
John Dudley’s disappointed Edward didn’t let him in on Pedro’s employment as a spy.
Thomas arrives at Chelsea Manor and asks Kat to remain in the room as he requests Princess Elizabeth have patience and give him faith. He has a plan but needs her to have faith in him.
Kat scurries from the room to clear the area of any potential witnesses as Elizabeth invites Thomas to her bedchamber. He accepts the invitation and they’re finally alone. He declares this will be their room as man and wife, reminding her they won’t speak again of Catherine Parr. They’ll only discuss their future.
Their lust and passion take over and Elizabeth declares her love as Thomas holds her against a bed post and enters her. Elizabeth doesn’t look comfortable or to be enjoying herself, but she doesn’t utter a sound.
They lay in bed together until Thomas leaves her side when it’s still pitch black outside, promising to return in the morning.
Elizabeth confides in Kat that she’s sure she’s made the wrong choice. Once again, she’ll be the object of shame and thought of as a whore – just like her mom. Kat disagrees.
“It’s too late for what is good and what is easy, but you can still do what is right,” says Kat. That puts a smile on Elizabeth’s face and she decides they should have music and celebrate – if this is right.
Elizabeth wants musicians, wine, and to celebrate staying alive.
Alicia von Rittberg in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 5 (Photo Courtesy of Starz)
A short while later Elizabeth gets her wish. The wine flows, the music plays, and young women dance in joy.
Meanwhile, Thomas embarks on his dangerous plan to grab King Edward. He only has a couple of associates with him as he heads to Whitehall. His plan is to get King Edward and take him to Elizabeth’s place, Chelsea Manor.
Shots of Thomas arriving at Whitehall are broken up by scenes of Elizabeth dancing and laughing.
Thomas bribes a guard and makes his way into Whitehall while a young man leads his horse away. Thomas sticks to the shadows as he heads to King Edward’s chambers. Either he didn’t know or forgot King Edward has a pet dog as the animal is alerted to his presence, leaves the bedroom, and confronts Thomas in the outer room.
It won’t stop barking – trying to warn its master – and Thomas shoots it dead. (I now fully agree Thomas deserves the punishment coming his way.) Robert Dudley, Guildford Dudley, and King Edward emerge from the bedchamber just as Thomas takes the poor dog’s life.
Thomas blusters out an excuse that he’s simply testing the King’s security, but no one buys it. Thomas promises a guard his neck will snap for allowing him so close to the King. He then hurries out of the room and demands his horse.
Robert Dudley catches up with him and attempts to stop him. Thomas responds by headbutting Robert, causing him to fall down the stairs. He then beats the injured boy before he himself is knocked out by the guards.
Over at Chelsea Manor, Kat gets Elizabeth ready for bed, happy she’s about to marry and set things right.
Morning arrives and Edward Seymour joins the council already gathered and standing silently as King Edward cries over his dead dog. Henry believes Thomas is a madman, but John Dudley suggests that since he had a weapon and a plan, Thomas was attempting to kidnap or kill King Edward.
Edward Seymour is, for once, rendered speechless.
Elizabeth waits for Thomas Seymour, but instead, Anthony Denny arrives with questions. He asks if Elizabeth was in on Thomas’ plans and when she last saw him. Elizabeth lies and says it’s been a while. Anthony demands to know if they were intimate and then quickly explains what Thomas did.
Seconds later, John Dudley and guards arrive with a warrant for Princess Elizabeth and Kat Ashley’s arrests.
CBS’s breakout hit comedy Ghosts will be making its San Diego Comic-Con debut with a panel, “Friend Zone” activation, and the first look at footage from season two. The ensemble cast is making the trek to San Diego for the in-person pop culture event, with the Ghosts panel planned for Thursday, July 21st at 1pm PT.
CBS also has plans for those who can’t make it to the Southern California convention. Beginning July 21st, Ghosts fans can visit Woodstone Mansion via the Metaverse.
According to CBS, fans can take “an immersive journey through the haunted Woodstone Mansion to solve puzzles, undertake quests and earn limited edition, collectible NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). The Ghosts mansion was meticulously recreated using actual blueprints and features surprising interactions with the show’s main characters.”
Season two will premiere on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 8:30pm ET/PT (its new time slot).
Ghosts at San Diego Comic-Con:
Panel – July 21, 2022 in Ballroom 20
The full cast, including “livings” Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar, as well as “ghosts” Brandon Scott Jones, Richie Moriarty, Danielle Pinnock, Asher Grodman, Román Zaragoza, Sheila Carrasco, Rebecca Wisocky and Devan Chandler Long, and executive producers Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, will take part in a panel discussion. The panel will be moderated by series guest star Matt Walsh and will treat fans with never-before-seen footage.
The Activation:
As part of CBS’s “Summer of GHOSTS” immersive marketing campaign honoring the “recently departed” first season and its upcoming sophomore season this fall, Ghosts will show up in San Diego with Pinecone Trooper Pete’s “Friend Zone,” an activation with a campsite feel in honor of scout leader ghost Pete, whose unfortunate archery accident left him with an arrow through his neck for eternity.
The activation will be set up at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park from July 21-24, and will feature a “scare-free” archery activation – but nothing is what it seems at this campsite setup on ‘the lawn’ of The Woodstone Mansion – the show’s setting and home to the ghosts. Fans can connect with Ghosts and ‘the other side’ through psychic mediums and programming that’ll give attendees insight into their past, present, and future lives.
Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir, Mike Colter as David Acosta, and Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard in ‘Evil’ season 3 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+)
Paramount+ is set to make a huge splash at the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con, with panels, fan activations, and even an ice cream truck on site celebrating the 40th anniversary of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
Evil cast members will take part in an exclusive screening and Q&A with Comic-Con attendees on Saturday, July 23rd. The talent from Teen Wolf returns to SDCC in support of the upcoming film, Teen Wolf the Movie. Plus, Paramount+ will be celebrating all things Star Trek with a “Star Trek Universe” panel featuring cast members from Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Paramount+’s San Diego Comic-Con plans also include Beavis and Butt-Head, Rugrats, SpongeBob, and Transformers: Earthspark panels and/or activations.
The San Diego Comic-Con kicks off on Wednesday, July 20th with Preview Night and runs through Sunday, July 24. All events take place in and around the San Diego Conventiion Center.
Paramount+ 2022 San Diego Comic-Con Schedule:
Star Trek Universe Panel – Saturday, July 23, 12:45 – 2:15 PM, PT, Hall H
The fan-favorite Star Trek universe panel returns to San Diego Comic-Con, featuring exclusive back-to-back conversations with the casts and executive producers from STAR TREK: PICARD, STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS and STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS as they discuss the latest seasons of their hit series and tease what’s ahead, along with a few reveals and surprises. Moderated by actress and STAR TREK: PICARD season two director, Lea Thompson (“Back to the Future”).
STAR TREK: PICARD cast members scheduled to appear include Patrick Stewart and Gates McFadden, alongside executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Rod Roddenberry.
STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS will feature voice cast members Jack Quaid, Tawny Newsome, Noël Wells and Dawnn Lewis and creator and executive producer Mike McMahan, executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Rod Roddenberry.
STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS will have its Hall H debut with cast members Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding and the latest addition to the cast, Paul Wesley, along with executive producers Henry Alonso Myers, Alex Kurtzman and Rod Roddenberry.
Paramount+ Presents “STAR TREK’S 10 FORWARD: THE EXPERIENCE” – July 21 – July 24; 340 Fifth Ave
For all of you Star Trek fans out there, look no further! Paramount+ is bringing “STAR TREK’S 10 FORWARD: THE EXPERIENCE” to San Diego this July. Step foot inside this one-of-a-kind immersive Star Trek experience with tasty food, intergalactic drinks, a multitude of photo opportunities and interactive activations.
Walk away with exclusive merch you can only buy at the experience. All species are welcome to attend including Vulcans, Kelpians, Saurians, Cardassians, and Humans. The tickets for “10 FORWARD” sold out quickly, but you can still purchase exclusive merch and enjoy a beverage outdoors in the official “STARFLEET OUTPOST” beer garden. Entry is first come, first served. Live long and prosper!
Wrath of P’Khan Coolhaus Ice Cream Truck – Petco Park Interactive Zone
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, women-owned ice cream brand Coolhaus will be bringing fans in San Diego free, limited-edition Wrath of P’Khan ice cream sandwiches via a branded truck. The film-inspired wrapped truck will be visiting fans on Saturday, July 23, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, PT (or while supplies last) Visit WrathOfPKhan.com for more details.
TEEN WOLF THE MOVIE – Thursday, July 21, 1:30 – 2:30 PM, PT, Hall H
Series creator and showrunner Jeff Davis and Teen Wolf the Movie star Tyler Posey, Tyler Hoechlin, and surprise guests preview the upcoming Paramount+ film, while taking a look back at the iconic series that started it all.
BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD – Thursday, July 21, 4:45 – 5:45 PM, PT, Ballroom 20
Join Beavis and Butt-Head creator Mike Judge and a celebrity moderator as they have a lively conversation about Beavis, Butt-Head, and everything in-between. They’ll discuss the upcoming Beavis and Butt-Head Paramount+ original series as well as the recently released movie Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe.
EVIL – Saturday, July 23, 10:15 – 11:30 AM, PT, Ballroom 20
EVIL Exclusive Screening and Panel: Come join the cast of Paramount+’s hit series EVIL! Now in its third season, the critically acclaimed psychological mystery examines the origins of evil along the dividing line between Science and religion. The series focuses on a skeptical female psychologist who joins a priest and a contractor as they investigate the church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and hauntings. Their job is to assess if there’s a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work.
Please join series stars Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Christine Lahti and Kurt Fuller for an exclusive sneak peek of an episode from Season Three followed by a panel discussion moderated by Devan Coggan from Entertainment Weekly.
RUGRATS – Thursday, July 21, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, PT, Room 6BCF
Nickelodeon’s RUGRATS: The Babies Are Back! The Babies are Back! Hold on to your diapies, throw “Cynthia’s Workout” on the stereo, and HALT! for Reptar – your favorite babies are back and better than ever! Join voice talent from the Paramount+ Original Series Rugrats, EG Daily (Tommy), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), and Charlet Chung (Kimi), along with executive producer Eryk Casemiro as they bust out of the playpen to give fans an exclusive look at behind-the-scenes art and sneak peeks of never-before-seen content, perform a live table-read, and provide answers to popular questions. A baby’s gotta do what a baby’s gotta do!
SPONGEBOB UNIVERSE – Thursday, July 21, 2022, 3:30 – 4:30 PM, PT, Room 6BCF
SpongeBob SquarePants: Dive Into SpongeBob Universe: Put on your diving suit and get ready to delve deep into Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and its two original spinoff series, The Patrick Star Show and the Paramount+ Original Series, KAMP KORAL: SPONGEBOB’S UNDER YEARS. Legendary voice talent from all three series – Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Jill Talley (Karen, Squidina), Kate Higgins (Narlene), and Carlos Alazraqui (Nobby) —and executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller will take fans on an undersea adventure to explore these iconic shows and characters and reveal what to expect next from SpongeBob and the denizens of Bikini Bottom.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Friday, July 22, 2022, 2:15 – 3:15 PM, PT, Room 6A
Introducing TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK! Autobots, Roll Out! Meet the next generation of heroes in the new original animated series, Transformers: EarthSpark. From Nickelodeon and Entertainment One, the all-new Paramount+ Original Series will showcase an insider event that celebrates a new take on the iconic global franchise with a behind-the-scenes look at art, casting and never-before-seen clips and a first time look at the Hasbro toyline inspired by the series.
Featured panelists include all new-series voice talent– Danny Pudi (Bumblebee), Kat Khavari (Twitch) and Zeno Robinson (Thrash)–along with co-executive producer Dale Malinowski and executive producer Ant Ward.
PARAMOUNT+ INTERACTIVE BOOTH SPACE – Booth #3529
Paramount+ will be coming to the convention floor with an interactive booth space for fans to experience “a mountain of entertainment.” Fans can scan a QR code located on a mountain sculpt on the outside of the booth to watch their favorite characters come to life from their phone. Once inside the booth, fans will have the opportunity to experience a mountain climb led by some of their favorite characters from Star Trek, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and HALO. After making the climb, they will be led to a game where they can win different swag as well as take a photo to share on social media.
BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD PHOTO BOOTH – Booth #3729
Step inside Beavis and Butt-Head’s living room for a photo opportunity with the animated duo. New merchandise, including items exclusive to San Diego Comic-Con, available for purchase.
A handful of superhero films have had such unforgettable villains that they upstage and even steal the movie from the hero, including The Joker in The Dark Knight, Lex Luthor in Superman, and Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. Now adding to that short list is Gorr the God Butcher, wonderfully played by Christian Bale – who looks like a bald, pale demonic ghost – in Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder.
As the film begins, the giant rock creature Korg (voiced by writer/director Taika Waititi) brings everyone up to speed on how the mighty space Viking Thor (Chris Hemsworth) got his “God Bod” back into shape after defeating Thanos and has been traveling with the Guardians of the Galaxy engaging in many space battles.
Meanwhile, Thor receives a message from a wounded Sif (Jaimie Alexander) about a new enemy traveling to different realms killing gods. Rumor has it he’s headed to New Asgard. The news means it’s time for Thor to say goodbye to his Guardian pals and head off to New Asgard with Korg.
Thor and Korg arrive in New Asgard, which has become a bustling tourist attraction complete with plays re-enacting Thor and Loki’s battles. Later that night, Gorr shows up wielding the Necrosword – the only weapon capable of killing a god – and commands his black shapeshifting creatures to attack the town.
Thor, Korg, and King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) immediately engage with the monsters and Thor even squares off with a menacing, grinning Gorr who seems very interested in Thor’s mighty ax, Stormbreaker.
Thor gets some unexpected help from his old love Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) who now calls herself Mighty Thor and is carrying his old weapon…the hammer, Mjolnir. The two share a quick, awkward exchange before getting back into the battle. (It seems Thor still carries a torch for Jane.)
The heroes stop the attack on the town but Gorr escapes, kidnapping the children of New Asgard.
Realizing how powerful Gorr is while in possession of the Necrosword, Thor thinks the best plan is to visit the God of Lightning, Zeus (Russell Crowe), and try to get him and other gods to join in the fight to defeat Gorr and save the children.
A colorful and whacky follow-up to Thor: Ragnarok, Thor: Love and Thunder is an uneven, jumbled, and even juvenile superhero film that’s saved by a phenomenal performance by Christian Bale as the evil Gorr. It’s not just the look of Bale’s Gorr that’s terrifying (he’s bald, sickly thin, and pale white like a ghost with demonic yellow eyes and razor-sharp teeth), but his body movements and facial expressions that are truly nightmare-inducing. The tragic backstory of his character and what drives him to want to destroy all gods gives the character more depth than most Marvel villains. The best and most powerful scenes are with Gorr and when the character is off the screen, the film goes back to its silly, campy style and humor.
Chris Hemsworth once again portrays Thor, the might Viking warrior who’s still pining for his true love Jane and burying himself in cosmic battles on other worlds to try to fill the void he feels. Hemsworth has made this character his own, so much so that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else portraying him. He has chemistry with everyone in the cast and his comedic timing is impeccable.
Natalie Portman’s back as Jane, the love interest for Thor who’s fighting her own personal and physical battles. Portman eases back into the Marvel Universe as though she never left and rises to the physical challenge of being a warrior on the battlefield. The only downside is the painful and groan-inducing scenes between her and Hemsworth as Jane and Thor try to see if they can restart their romance.
The production and look of the film are very impressive, with the huge sets and use of costumes and colors to bring to life many different realms of the worlds the heroes travel to. As always with Marvel films, the special effects are top-notch.
The biggest problem with the film is its uneven tone and being too campy, which detracts from the more serious and darker scenes with Gorr. It removes any real sense of threat or danger and makes the film seem disjointed.
Still, with strong special effects and a remarkable performance by Christian Bale, Thor: Love and Thunder is a Marvel film worth catching on the big screen.
GRADE: B
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sci-fi violence, action, language, partial nudity, and some suggestive material
‘Alone’ season 9 competitor Jessie (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
The History Channel’s Alone season nine episode seven begins with seven survivalists still attempting to thrive in the woods. Most of the shelters are complete or close to it, and food continues to be a struggle for the remaining contestants. However, it’s been illnesses and loneliness that have gotten the best of those who’ve tapped prior to this episode.
Episode seven, “The Birds,” begins on Day 34 and goes through early morning on Day 43. We check in with six contestants – Terry, Jessie, Tom, Adam, Karie Lee, and Teimojin – and lose one more when Terry is forced to tap out because of his declining physical condition. Terry’s departure means both survivalists who killed beavers have left the challenge.
Jessie, Age 49, Pagosa Springs, CO
Day 34: Jessie’s still working on her shelter while retrieving water off its roof. She’s got a nice little water cache up there and she’s pleased with how it’s working out.
Jessie claims Hodge Podge Lodge will get done when it’s supposed to get done. She’s been brought up not to quit and is determined to keep going. She believes if she pushes through the suffering, it’ll all be okay.
Jessie finishes a 12’ wall, complete with moss and other insulation.
Night falls and she’s cooking up a bedraggled squirrel that something else chewed on after it was caught in her snare. She reveals its head fell off while she was cleaning it, making her think it might have been a fox that got to it before her.
‘Alone’ Season 9 competitor Adam (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Adam, Age 36, Fayetteville, AR
Day 35: Adam’s chopping wood as a grouse flies overhead. He continues to work but keeps an eye out, finally taking a break to shoot it. “Sometimes dinner wanders into camp while you’re cutting wood,” says Adam, laughing.
Another grouse lands close by and he’s now shot two birds without leaving his front yard. He wonders if he’s the only competitor that’s this lucky at getting grouse.
Adam’s looking forward to seeing the area covered in snow. However, not knowing if his family’s okay worries him a little. Still, he’s determined to stick it out.
After plucking the grouse by the river, he heads back toward camp when something catches his attention. It’s part of a floating dock and his mind fills with possible uses for the item. This is the first time he’s seen anything manmade, and contestants can use whatever they find.
Adam decides the dock won’t float however he’s a carpenter and now he has a bunch of nails and boards. He’s got the skills and imagination to put them to good use.
Adam brings a load of boards back to his shelter.
Day 39: Adam uses the boards to make a bench outside his shelter. He also builds a hefty door to keep out animals and the cold, filling in cracks with moss.
He thinks his shelter’s now in good enough shape to keep him safe.
‘Alone’ Season 9 competitor Tom (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Tom, Age 34, Earlysville, VA
Day 36: It’s dark inside Tom’s shelter as he works on making a lamp with a mushroom. It’s a nifty little item that’s lit by his headlamp and casts a cool glow around the shelter.
Tom’s not quite finished with his shelter, which has one of the best fireplace and stove setups of the season. He needs to get some food but really wants to finish working on the shelter’s sides.
He loves the freedom and the lack of worry that comes with living out in the wilderness. Being outside humbles him, and he knows he’s lucky to be in such a beautiful place.
He sounds a lot like Mister Rogers as he thanks viewers for spending the morning with him.
Tom’s kills thus far: 15 squirrels, 19 trout, five grouse, one rabbit, and one Whiskey Jack. Plus, a zillion bunchberries. He reveals he always cooks and immediately eats whatever he shoots.
Tom takes a walk looking for food and adds a squirrel to his kill count. He’s harvesting more bunchberries when he hears a grouse flutter nearby. It’s on the ground 10’ away when he shoots it, too.
Tom cooks the squirrel over a fire without skinning it first. He uses a piece of wood to scrape off the fur when the skin cracks.
Tom cares about conservation and wants to honor the land and its animals.
Day 40: He made some tea earlier in the day and is determined to get more food since he’s super skinny. His bird snare isn’t working, and he needs to adapt it to the environment.
Missing the beaver messed him up for a week, and he only shot two things during that time.
Tom heads out to hunt and gather lichen (a good source of carbs). When he makes it back to camp, his snare’s triggered because he didn’t have it set exactly right.
Day 42: Tom cuts a tree and counts the rings, figuring out it’s 48 years old. He continues to work on his shelter, which is huge and not quite done. He has a newfound appreciation for food after surviving this many days in Labrador.
Tom’s working on his shelter when he takes a bad tumble. A stump hurt his back right by his kidney and ribs, but he’s able to continue. He hopes walking it off will make him feel better. Unfortunately, it doesn’t.
Tom rates his pain as a seven and decides to get some rest.
Day 43: It’s early in the morning and Tom can’t sleep because he can’t find a comfortable position. “It’s brutal,” he admits.
‘Alone’ season 9 competitor Karie (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Karie Lee, Age 57, Sandpoint, ID
Day 37: Karie’s shelter still looks the most primitive of all the contestants. Her traps remain empty and she’s currently at work simmering berries to make fruit leather (like wraps) to help her through the winter. (Fruit leather can last two months.) She cooks the berries down and explains the process as she goes.
Day 41: It’s her mom’s birthday and she holds up a patch of ground and moss that looks like a cake. She sends her mom birthday wishes and tells her she loves her.
She checks her traps, hoping to get something on her mom’s birthday. Her mom’s quiet and shy, and Karie’s the exact opposite.
She retrieves a squirrel from one of her traps, grateful to have it for birthday dinner. It’s delicious and she thinks they should sell squirrels in stores.
‘Alone’ Season 9 competitor Teimojin (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Teimojin, Age 31, Montreal, CAN
Day 40: Teimojin tosses a rock up and down, and like magic, it turns into Canadian flag underwear. Contestants can’t bring flags, but they can bring two pairs of underwear.
It’s time to find some food and he spots a squirrel running in a relatively clear spot. His first shot misses and so does his second. The third time is the charm, and he kills his first squirrel of the competition.
Teimojin heads to the beach to clean the squirrel and reflects on how much he wants to push himself to help the people he loves at home. He recalls riding in his mom’s car and telling her he wanted to be Indiana Jones or a pirate. She told him no matter what he decides, if he’s happy with it, she’ll be proud of him. He can always count on his mom to be there for him, and he calls her powerful, courageous, and kind. However, life has beat her down and it’s because her health declined that he wanted to be a doctor.
“It’s time for me to stop trying to be a good doctor. I need to try to be a better son,” says an emotional Teimojin. He hopes this journey inspires his mom; that would be worth more than the money.
‘Alone’ Season 9 competitor Terry (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Terry, Age 31, Homer, AK
Day 34: We’re treated to an out-of-tune song about Terry’s time in Labrador via a music video that took him more than two hours to shoot. Was it worth the calories expended? Maybe, just because it broke up his day a little.
Terry’s still harvesting meat from the beaver and takes care to make sure it’s safe to eat. He’s consumed most of the beaver in the last 10 days but he’s still down 49 pounds from the first day of the competition.
He finally takes all the meat off the hide and works on drying it out in his smoker.
Day 34: Terry picks out the crispy, meaty bits of beaver while stirring them in with the fat. He thinks he’s losing a pound a day and is happy to have rendered fat but knows he has to consume it in moderation. It’s not the way to sustain himself long-term.
Day 39: Terry sees a species of bird he doesn’t recognize. A banner tells us it’s a pine grosbeak, a species nicknamed “mope” because it moves slowly. It’s a pretty bird but small and not one worthy of an arrow.
Terry heads to the river to fish for a while and is really feeling the hunger at this point. He’s still thankful to be out there, but his stamina is low, and he gets lightheaded if he stands up too fast.
He only fishes for a short while and then sits to settle his stomach. He thinks he might be suffering from dehydration.
Despite how he feels, Terry believes it’s a true privilege to be out in the wilderness.
Day 42: Terry has a huge fire in his shelter and since it’s hot, he takes off his many layers of clothing to look at his ribs. He’s nothing but skin and bones and is shocked he can get his hand around his bicep.
He survived a plane crash and fell through the ice while fishing, and he doesn’t think what he’s going through now is nearly that hard.
The medical team pays a visit, and Terry admits he gets lightheaded and has had a little nausea. It’s painful when they push on his stomach. After a brief consultation, the medical team is worried because he’s showing a dramatic physical decline. They need to pull him.
Terry’s sad because he still had much more to experience and learn. He apologizes to hunters and fishers because he doesn’t feel he represented them. But he admits he hit his limit. He thinks he should have foraged more and hunted earlier. However, he wouldn’t change anything because this has been the experience of a lifetime.
Terry is leaving Labrador with the knowledge that everything you need is right in front of you. He’s going to live every day to the fullest and pursue his passions.
Living with a Serial Killer season 2 (Photo Courtesy of Oxygen True Crime)
Living with a Serial Killer returns to Oxygen True Crime’s primetime lineup with eight new episodes kicking off on July 9, 2022. The series, which had a short run in 2021, focuses on friends and relatives of serial killers who had no idea they were interacting with a murderer.
Season two episodes will air on Saturdays at 9pm ET/PT. The new season spotlights killers including Northern England’s Crossbow Cannibal, Canada’s Elizabeth Wettlaufer, and Houston’s Tourniquet Killer.
“Living with a Serial Killer examines the turmoil and devastation that follows after discovering the person you share your life or home with is a vicious murderer. Those closest to the killers – sisters, daughters, sons, ex-girlfriends and best friends – share how unbeknownst to them, their loved ones were hiding horrendously evil secrets and carrying out incomprehensible crimes.”
Season 2 Episode Guide:
Saturday, July 9th @ 9pm ET/PT – “Anthony Shore”
For decades, Houston police search for a serial killer preying on young women until a local man’s DNA finally reveals the culprit. Upon his arrest, the killer’s sister and daughter learn his true identity as the Tourniquet Killer.
Saturday, July 16th @ 9pm ET/PT – “Stephen Griffiths”
From 2009-10, the self-proclaimed Crossbow Cannibal terrorizes the community of Bradford in Northern England. His ex-girlfriend reveals the mental and physical abuse she endured for years at the hands of one of the UK’s most heinous serial killers.
Saturday, July 23rd @ 9pm ET/PT– “Timothy Boczkowski”
When a church-going family man’s second wife is found dead in their hot tub, police look back at the suspicious drowning death of his first wife. After years of believing in his father, his youngest son finally learns the horrifying murderous truth.
Saturday, July 30th @ 9pm ET/PT – “Levi Bellfield”
A serial killer stalks and viciously attacks young women in the suburbs of London while evading British police. When the killer’s ex-girlfriend reports him for abuse, little does she know just how pivotal her testimony will be in bringing justice.
Saturday, August 6th @ 9pm ET/PT – “Shawn Grate”
A rescue mission of an abducted woman turns macabre when two dead women are found in the house. During the interrogation, the killer reveals the location of more bodies. His half-sister opens up about a dysfunctional childhood that shaped a serial killer.
Saturday, August 13th @ 9pm ET/PT – “Elizabeth Wettlaufer”
A Canadian nurse walks into a rehabilitation center and confesses to murdering several of her patients. Her childhood best friend reveals their lifelong common bond and the terrifying confession she made to him.
Saturday, August 20th @ 9pm ET/PT – “Edward Wayne Edwards”
After getting away with murder for over three decades, one of the FBI’s most wanted shocks investigators when he readily admits to five murders. His son discloses a family life on the run and his attempts to step out of an evil father’s shadow.
Saturday, August 27th @ 9pm ET/PT – “Anthony Sowell”
East Cleveland is shattered when the bodies of 11 murdered women are found in a literal house of horrors. As the crimes become public, the killer’s sister faces death threats and reminders of a childhood spent with a young man turned monster.
Three-time Emmy Award winner Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us) and Regina Hall (Nine Perfect Strangers) star as the leaders of a mega-church who suffer a huge setback and then fight to rebound to their former glory in Focus Features’ Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. The trailer for the satirical comedy set in the world of religion introduces the Southern Baptist mega-church leaders as they go from the top of the heap to struggling to scrape together a congregation.
The film’s based on the 2018 short by twin sisters Adamma and Adanne Ebo. “Our Southern Baptist upbringing was a huge influence in making the film, but that was coupled with our parents’ insistence that we questioned everything,” said Adamma Ebo in an interview with Variety. “Despite our mom, in particular, being really steeped in the church, she’s also a scientist, so she’s like, ‘Question everything.’ And that’s what we started to do from a very young age.”
Adamma Ebo wrote and directed the feature, with Adanne Ebo producing. Additional producers include Regina Hall, Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Kaluuya, Rowan Riley, Amandla Crichlow, Kara Durrett, Jessamine Burgum, and Matthew Cooper.
Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. will open in theaters and on Peacock on Friday, September 2, 2022.
The Plot: Regina Hall stars as Trinitie Childs – the proud first lady of a Southern Baptist mega-church, who together with her husband Pastor Lee-Curtis Childs (Sterling K. Brown), once served a congregation in the tens of thousands. But after a scandal forces their church to temporarily close, Trinitie and Lee-Curtis must reopen their church and rebuild their congregation to make the biggest comeback that commodified religion has ever seen.
