#why the sudden unknown release date netflix

[amyriadfthings]

If Netflix doesn´t want to give me May December over here I´m not above moving to Canada for the evening 🙄​

[odanurr87]

2019: My year in K-Dramas - Part 2

And we’re back! So, um, yeah, this took a lot longer than I imagined at first, but the truth is I was also dealing with coursework and other projects. As a result, I decided to break this last post into two, so instead of 6 shows in 1 post, you get 6 shows across 2 posts, building anticipation like a kdrama! And, I mean, two of those shows are My Love from the Star and Descendants of the Sun... Those two powerhouses deserve a bit more attention, maybe a couple of rewatches. Anyway, let’s get this show on the road!

WARNING! I’ve purposefully kept any big spoilers out of this post but some light spoilers may remain. Proceed with caution.

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When the Camellia Blooms (2019)

Gong Hyo-Jin as Oh Dong-Baek and Kang Ha-Neul as Hwang Yong-Sik.

Release Date: September 18 - November 21, 2019

Episodes: 20

Available on: Netflix

Summary: Dong-Baek is a single mother who moves to the town of Ongsan to open up a bar, the Camellia, while trying to raise her son, Pil-Gu. Six years later, Yong-Sik, a police officer and the youngest son of Dong-Baek’s only friend in Ongsan, returns and is instantly smitten by her. Yong-Sik is determined to woo her but Dong-Baek is also equally determined to resist his advances at first, a situation that is further complicated by the sudden reappearance of Dong-Baek’s ex and Pil-Gu’s biological father, Kang Jong-Ryul, who tries to win her back. When a serial killer known as Joker resurfaces after years of inactivity threatening to go after Dong-Baek, Yong-Sik launches an investigation to catch the elusive Joker once and for all.

What I liked:

The down-to-earth feel of the show. Save for the murder mystery element of the show, When the Camellia Blooms is pretty down-to-earth, depicting characters that could very much exist in our neighbourhood and exploring problems related to everyday life. How many kdramas show the struggles of a single mom trying to handle a love life while raising her son? I bet there are not a lot of them, and the only similar one I’ve watched, and would recommend, is One Spring Night, that depicts the life of a single dad balancing a romantic relationship while raising his son (it’s probably a more realistic representation all around down even to side characters). Even Yong-Sik is not the idealized male protagonist that most kdramas favour, at one point referred to as a “country bumpkin” by Dong-Baek’s ex, and while he may come across as rather simple-minded, he’s also refreshingly honest, determined (both in his pursuit of Dong-Baek and Joker), hard-working, and always there when the chips fall. While Dong-Baek’s ex is an ass for the majority of the show, I appreciated his inclusion because it clearly showed the contrast between the two characters vying for Dong-Baek’s affections: the man who pities her, and the man who encourages her; the man who’s ashamed of how she’s living her life, and the man who’s proud of what she has accomplished; the man who loves his memory of her, and the man who loves her as she is now; her past, and her present. Which one of the two will become her future?

The supporting cast. I am going to put them all together in the same bag as I don’t think anyone was particularly outstanding, but they all contributed to making this show a most entertaining watch from beginning to end: from Yong-Sik’s superior and chief of police, Byun Bae-Soo (played by Jeon Bae-Soo), through the simple-minded landlord with political aspirations, Noh Gyu-Tae (played by Oh Jung-Se), his cunning wife and ace attorney, Hong Ja-Young (played by Yeom Hye-Rae), to Dong-Baek’s kleptomaniac friend, Choi Hyang-Mi (played by Son Dam-Bi). At one point I even became more interested in the relationship between the characters of Gyu-Tae and Ja-Young, so strong were their performances. And I couldn’t help but feel sad for Hyang-Mi despite her many opportunistic deeds, a character who’s had a life as unforgiving as Dong-Baek, especially when we learn the reason behind some of her actions, and happy for her when she realises family isn’t always blood and ultimately chooses to walk a path of redemption. Sure wish we had seen more of that. You could make the case that Gyu-Tae and Hyang-Mi are the best out of the supporting cast, perhaps because of how much their characters grow over the course of the show.

What I didn’t like:

How the murder-mystery was handled/resolved. The first episode starts with the murder of an unknown person at some unspecified point in the future, a typical enough hook. We’re shown that person is someone who Yong-Sik apparently knew and cared for, but even when later episodes extend that scene frame by frame, tempting the audience to participate in this game of whodunit, the identity is only allowed to be revealed when the series catches up to that moment. The murder mystery element is sprinkled throughout the series as Yong-Sik is intent on protecting Dong-Baek and catching the serial killer Joker. But this isn’t Broadchurch, where the entire show revolves around solving the murder mystery and seeing its effects on the people of the small town of Dorset. No, in a way, the murder mystery in When the Camellia Blooms feels like a strategy, designed so that when the real goal of the show is revealed, the exploration of motherhood, you’ll be too invested to back out. One could argue the same for the romance between Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik. As a result, the murder-mystery feels drawn out and starts losing some of its steam as we approach the final episodes. Involving Dong-Baek’s mother in the whole affair was oddly convenient but felt out of place and worked against the show. Here we have a woman who knows, or thinks she knows, who the killer is several episodes before the end, and not only does she not tell the police about it but she actually confronts the killer. In any other show, the outcome would have been inevitable: the woman is murdered, leaving the police another clue as to who might have done it. However, since the show has already planned a happy ending for this character, she can’t be killed (incidentally, this happens with another character as well), even if the show later tries to toy with our feelings by suggesting she’s dead (not because of Joker though). The reveal of the culprit’s identity was a letdown, not only because the writers showed their hand early on but because we were never really given good suspects to begin with, and in a murder mystery that’s essential. Yes, we’re given a good pool of suspects for Joker’s latest victim, but since we also know Joker killed other people and is targeting Dong-Baek, not to mention the tone and themes of the show, we can readily eliminate almost all of them. They could’ve toyed around with the idea of a copycat, killing a person and pinning it on Joker, but they didn’t. And don’t get me started on how they finally catch Joker, this dreaded serial killer who had managed to avoid capture for years but turned out be to a bit of a joke, pun intended.

How insufferable Pil-Gu became towards the end. To be fair, I blame the adults (and writers) in this show more than I do Pil-Gu. I had no qualms about how his character had been handled for most of the show, but then along came Episode 17, where the writers decided to amp the drama to 11 just for the sake of it, a trope I really don’t like. Basically, through a series of misunderstandings that no adult feels compelled to clear up, Pil-Gu throws a tantrum, accusing her mother of not loving him anymore, and why does she need to get married, and why can’t she live alone with him for the rest of her life, etc., etc., forgetting it was Pil-Gu who, earlier that episode, had asked Yong-Sik to stay at their home and protect his mom. Like I said, nobody even bothers to explain the situation to him (even though he’s shown to be pretty smart and should’ve probably figured it out himself) and, worse, Dong-Baek plays along and decides to break up with Yong-Sik, determined never to love anyone other than Pil-Gu for the rest of her life. Jesus. As if wanting to twist the knife further, Episode 18 ends with a grown-up Pil-Gu, a jarring and decidedly out-of-place transition, suggesting he grew up to be a fine man as a result of her mom’s decision, but anyone who’s ever watched a kdrama knows better than that: you’re just padding out events for the sake of drama and this show didn’t need that. At this point, I lost whatever appreciation I might have had for the character of Pil-Gu and was half rooting for Yong-Sik to be promoted and get his ass back to Seoul ASAP, never to return to Ongsan again.

The existence of Episode 18. Yes, this is the episode where Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik break up, but that’s not what I’m getting at as I discussed that point previously. Episode 18 also sees Pil-Gu suddenly want to live with his biological father out of a misunderstanding (so many misunderstandings in these last few episodes!) and Kang Jong-Ryul try to act as that father to him. It’s clear he’s out of his depth with Pil-Gu, but he seems to be trying so it feels jarring when Dong-Baek returns for Pil-Gu and punches him in the face. Look, Jong-Ryul has been a bit of an ass throughout so he has more than earned that punch but not in this context. The show immediately kicks in the music that depicts this as a moment of triumph and personal growth for Dong-Baek but I kept thinking, “The one time this dude is actually trying to step up to the plate, assuming his responsibilities as a father, and he gets punched for it? Sure, he’s not that great but he’s only had Pil-Gu for, what, a week? Less? And it’s not like he kidnapped him or anything. This doesn’t even make sense.” And what growth are we talking about when she immediately caters to the whims of a kid and breaks up with Yong-Sik? Who is the adult in this relationship? Are there any adults in this show? There’s a decidedly marked absence of fathers, and those there are aren’t shown in a very good light but that’s another matter. Episode 18 is, quite simply, an episode that shouldn’t exist as it really brings nothing to the table and only pads out the inevitable.

OTP: While not my #1 pick amongst the shows I watched in 2019, it was refreshingly different, with the show slowly building their relationship in spite of Yong-Sik’s relentless attempts to woo Dong-Baek. In any other show, such determination could’ve come across as annoying, perhaps bordering on harassment, but this is mitigated by Yong-Sik’s sincere personality, his active listening of Dong-Baek’s problems, his support and encouragement of her, and ultimately his respect of the boundaries set by Dong-Baek, a woman who is not accustomed to such repeated shows of affection and is ill-equipped to handle them. It was very rewarding to see her evolution as a character, finding the confidence to grow out of her shell, even if there were some flaws in the journey.

Verdict: While the show trips a little at the end it was a solid watch, and I could see myself returning to it every once in a while because of its mundane (and I’m using this word as a compliment here) aspects. It doesn’t hurt it has some good humour in between all the crying. Oh, yes, there’s a reason why I chose that particular gif to represent the relationship between Yong-Sik and Dong-Baek.

Rewatch meter: I’m going to cheat and say it’s Medium-to-High.

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Bring it on, ghost (2016)

Kim So-Hyun as Kim Hyun-Ji, and Ok Taec-Yeon as Park Bong-Pal.

Release Date: July 11 - August 30, 2016

Episodes: 16

Available on: Netflix, Viki

Summary: Park Bong-Pal is a 2nd year Economics student with a side job as an exorcist due to his strange ability to see ghosts, a fact that has prevented him from having a normal life and that he deeply resents. One night, while performing an exorcism at a high school, he comes across Kim Hyun-Ji, a former high school student turned wandering spirit, who has no recollection of her past but possesses an innate talent to fight ghosts and spot their weak points. During this encounter, the two accidentally kiss, and Hyun-Ji briefly recalls some of her memories. Convinced Bong-Pal holds the key to her memories and determined to find out more, she manages to persuade a reluctant Bong-Pal to let her move in in exchange for helping him fight ghosts. But Bong-Pal soon learns that not all ghosts are evil, and some may be even cute enough to fall for.

What I liked:

Kim So-Hyun as Kim Hyun-Ji. Do I need to add anything further? That picture should be enough evidence in and of itself. Kim So-Hyun looks like she’s having a blast acting as a kickass high-school student/ghost who has a penchant for upsetting Bong-Pal and looking criminally cute while doing so. With a personality like that, it’s no wonder Bong-Pal couldn’t help but fall for her. Who wouldn’t? Perhaps what makes her character so lovable is precisely the fact that she works off of Bong-Pal’s more curt personality. As they say, opposites attract.

Lee David as Kim In-Rang and Kang Ki-Young as Choi Cheon-Sang.

The humor. I’ll admit that I miscalculated with these two in the beginning, resigning myself to having to endure their interventions in what I felt was shaping up to be an otherwise great show. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find they made for some good comic relief, especially after they convince Bong-Pal to let them handle the business side of exorcising ghosts and join him and Hyun-Ji in their nightly escapades. That sounded better in my head. The humor is never crass and, most importantly, it never outlasts its welcome. Hey, they even try to do him a solid and hitch him with his crush, but Hyun-Ji has already managed to work her magic on him unbeknownst to her. In fact, much of the show’s humor is also a credit to the comedic rapport between the characters of Bong-Pal and Hyun-Ji, especially in the earlier episodes when their different personalities are most notable, but also later on when feelings of jealousy start to surface. Their playful bickering is often reproduced in some of the background music used and is also present in some of the ghost fights as if saying, “Yeah, we’re fighting a pervert ghost in a sauna and having a blast, what of it?”

The formula. What do I mean by that? For the most part, this show works like a procedural, with Hyun-Ji and Bong-Pal fighting the ghost of the week in each successive episode, while at the same time having a multi-episodic story-arc. This is the formula used in US TV shows: introduce an interesting story-arc in the first few episodes, then forget all about it until the final episodes of the season, with filler episodes in between. The difference being Bring it on, Ghost is actually a good procedural: there are no filler episodes, every ghost fight serves a purpose, whether it be to develop our protagonists (at times providing interesting backstory) or to strengthen their bond, and the main story-arc is always subtly running in the background until the paths of our protagonists and villain cross and events come to a head. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, US TV shows should seriously consider having shorter and tighter seasons, as their quality suffers otherwise. Bong Pal and Hyun-Ji’s ghost fights will also sometimes include moral or life lessons that flow naturally and never feel forced; nobody’s beating you over the head with them and shouting, “DO YOU GET IT NOW?!” As you can imagine, they’re certainly more subtle than US TV shows, but then again kdramas seem to have mastered the art of telling a lot without actually saying it, something others could learn from.

What I didn’t like:

The amnesia trope. Look, before you say anything, I understand why it’s there, sorta, it’s a reversal of Kim Hyun-Ji’s clinginess (that is an actual word) to Bong-Pal, if for different reasons. I don’t mind that it happened, but what I do mind is that it’s never reversed, making it somewhat difficult to believe that she’d fall for a stranger in what appears to be a very short amount of time. You could argue she’s unconsciouscly attracted to him given their past connection, and the show does at one point suggest that she may be regaining her memories, or that it’s possible at least, but nothing comes of it. This sudden bout of amnesia also offers her temporary protection from the villain, but at the end of the day I am left thinking that the show could’ve done without it or reverse it at the very end.

OTP:  It’s a team effort, but Kim So-Hyun kills it!

Verdict: An infinitely rewatchable show with an all-around solid cast and great sense of humor. Like Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon, this show is sure to put a smile on your face if you’re feeling down or if you simply want to have a good time.

Rewatch meter: High

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One More Time (2016)

Kim Myung Soo as Yoo Tan, and Yoon So-Hee as Moon Da-In.

Release Date: October 26 - December 14, 2016

Episodes: 8

Available on: Netflix

Summary: Yoo Tan is the lead singer of an indie band called One More Time, together with his girlfriend, Moon Da-In, and his childhood friends. However, with bills mounting and his hopes for success dwindling, his relationships take a turn for the worse. When he’s offered to sign a contract with a music label, Yoo Tan sees his long-awaited chance and decides to burn all bridges to his past life, but an unexpected event that forces him to constantly relive the past twenty-four hours makes him reconsider his outlook on life.

What I liked:

The concept. The idea of being stuck in a time loop is not a particularly new one, with Groundhog Day being the most obvious, and highly entertaining, exponent, although I do remember an episode of Stargate SG-1 called “Window of Opportunity” that exploited the same concept, if to a different effect. As in Groundhog Day, One More Time uses this idea as a vehicle of self-reflection for the main character, transforming him from a bitter, selfish, and somewhat egocentric person, to someone far more likable, who recognises the value in the friendships he has forged and rediscovers the love he holds for the woman who has always been there for him. But this is only the prelude to our story as One More Time extends this concept by providing a reason for the time loop: tying it to Moon Da-In’s life, or death. In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray’s character, Phil, is eventually confronted by the fact that, for all the things he can do as a result of the day resetting, he cannot prevent death no matter how hard he tries. This is a sobering moment for our main character. However, Yoo Tan goes through an even more harrowing crucible, as the person whose death he seemingly cannot prevent is his girlfriend, Da-In. Thus, the series shows us Yoo Tan’s many attempts to save her while delving into Da-In’s past. Will he succeed and get a second chance at a life with Da-In? I guess you’ll have to watch the show for that.

The songs. With a running time of 240 minutes, give or take, don’t expect a large soundtrack (compared to most kdramas), but I believe that is something that actually works in the show’s favour, as the songs are always used to highlight a given context, thus engraving them in your mind and rendering them memorable. I don’t really know how to explain it, and I blame my musical illiteracy. Sadly, the powers that be didn’t think that such a short web series was worthy of having a physical or even digital soundtrack release, what made finding any trace of these songs rather difficult for the past few years. Fortunately, one of the composers and singer, known as ODD, has recently released some tracks on her YouTube channel. These are: ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Birds,’ ‘Without you,’ and ‘In this night.’ While ‘Moonlight’ is my personal favourite, all four tracks are entirely deserving of being released, at least on Spotify so I can listen to them over and over again. With Spotify apparently coming to South Korea this year, that may yet be the case. There is also the main song, ‘One More Time,’ sang by none other than Kim Myung Soo himself in perhaps the most emotional scene in the drama, but it still remains elusive.

The leads and their chemistry. I had absolutely no trouble believing these two were in love with their longing stares and beautiful smiles. Kim Myung Soo and Yoon So-Hee did an incredible job (and the writers too, obviously) selling me on their relationship in such a short amount of time. At every point in the show I could understand where the characters were coming from, how much they cared for one another, and why they’d go to great lengths to protect their better half. Yes, they go through a rough patch at the beginning of the show, but that only makes it feel more real and it’s a necessary stepping stone in Yoo Tan’s character arc. I also really liked how the show took the time to explore Da-In’s past and see events from her perspective, highlighting just how central her character is to the plot of the story. Can’t say anymore for fear of spoilers. Really wish these two actors were to collaborate again in main roles.

Kim Ji-Young as the Grim Reaper. The way the show integrated a Grim Reaper was well thought out, and making her a child was a stroke of genius played to great comedic effect. I mean, who’d think this cute child was the embodiment of Death? Her childlike appearance is contrasted by her adult personality, and you can see she’s more than a bit fed up with troublesome humans who make her job more difficult than it already is, and she grows increasingly annoyed at a particular pair of them. I’ll let you guess who. Come to think of it, she reminds me a little of the older version of Samshin, the goddess of birth and fate, from Goblin. A great character all around without whom the show would be considerably lessened.

What I didn’t like:

Honestly, there’s really nothing that comes to mind. Sure, I could nitpick and say that some characters and storylines are dropped midway through the show, but I think it’s fair to say they had served their purpose, and trying to account for them in later episodes would’ve wasted the show’s valuable runtime. Could it have benefited from having a few more episodes? I suppose it’s possible, and I would’ve welcomed the chance to spend more time with these characters, but I believe the show was effective in telling its story across eight episodes, and any more could have placed the narrative under considerable stress. For instance, while I absolutely love Angel’s Last Mission: Love (incidentally, also starring Kim Myung Soo), one has to admit the plot was stretched longer than it needed to, and certain events do not hold up under further scrutiny.

OTP: 

There is no sadness that last for eternity. There is no love that lasts for eternity either.

I’m going to vote that there is.

Which one are you voting for? Love or sadness?

Sad love.

Verdict: They say that good things come in small doses. If so, that fits this show perfectly. It was my introduction to Kim Myung Soo, who would then go on to deliver a stronger performance in Angel’s Last Mission: Love, as well as my introduction to Yoon So-Hee, whom I’d love to see in more main roles. While delivered in a short format I’m not used to, the show’s creators made the most of it and not a single minute feels wasted. An interesting concept that benefits from some tight writing, beautiful music, solid leads, and a lovable OTP, packaged as a mini-series. What more could I want?

Rewatch meter: High

[thecartoonuniverse]

Sad about Adventure Time Ending and Looking for Something else to Watch?

Or just want to know about the new cartoons series coming up later this year or in 2019? Well, here’s a list! Let me just say we have a lot to look forward to...

2018

The Dragon Prince (September 14th, Netflix):

The Dragon Prince is an epic fantasy series by the head writer and director of Avatar: the Last Airbender. In the magical land of Xadia, magic comes from six primal sources. But when human mages create a seventh kind of magic, Dark Magic — they begin capturing and harvesting the unique magical creatures they need as ingredients. This sparks a catastrophic war between Xadia and the Human Kingdoms. Three kids from opposite sides of the conflict — two human princes, and the elven assassin who was sent to kill them — discover a secret that could change everything. They decide to join forces and go on an epic journey that may be their only hope of ending the war, and restoring peace to both their worlds.

Hilda (September 21st, Netflix):

Hilda follows the journey of a fearless blue-haired girl as she travels from her home in a vast magical wilderness full of elves and giants to the bustling city of Trolberg, where she makes new friends and discovers mysterious creatures who are stranger –and sometimes more dangerous– than she ever expected. Based on graphic novels by Luke Pearson, who storyboarded for Adventure Time.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (November 16th, Netflix):

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is the story of an orphan named Adora, who leaves behind her former life in the evil Horde when she discovers a magic sword that transforms her into the mythical warrior princess She-Ra. Along the way, she finds a new family in the Rebellion as she unites a group of magical princesses in the ultimate fight against evil.

3 Below (December 21, Netflix):

3 Below will focus on two royal teenage aliens and their bodyguard who flee a surprise takeover of their home planet by an evil dictator and crash land in Arcadia. Now on the run from intergalactic bounty hunters, they struggle to blend in and adapt to the bizarre world of high school all the while attempting to repair their ship so they can return and defend their home planet.

Care Bears: Unlock the Magic (Boomerang): 

Care Bears: Unlock the Magic sends the Care Bears on the road for the first time, exploring never-before-seen areas surrounding Care-a-lot called The Silver Lining.

2019

Owl House (Disney Channel):

Owl House is a horror-comedy series that follows Luz, a self-assured teenage human girl who accidentally stumbles upon a portal to the Demon Realm. There she befriends a rebellious witch, Eda, and an adorably tiny warrior, King. Despite not having magical abilities, Luz pursues her dream of becoming a witch by serving as Eda's apprentice at the Owl House and ultimately finds a new family in an unlikely setting.

Amphibia (Disney Channel):

The show tells the story of Anne Boonchuy, a self-centered 13-year-old who is magically transported to the fictitious world of Amphibia, a rural marshland full of frog-people. With the help of an excitable young frog named Sprig, Anne will transform into a hero and discover the first true friendship of her life.

101 Dalmatian Street (Disney Channel): 

101 Dalmatian Street is inspired by Dodie Smith's 1956 novel and Walt Disney's 1961 One Hundred and One Dalmatians. But it is has been updated and moved to contemporary London. It depicts the adventures of eldest Dalmatian siblings Dylan and Dolly, parents Doug and Delilah, and ninety-seven younger puppies, all with names beginning with "D", who live all by themselves at the titular address.

Infinity Train (Cartoon Network):

Infinity Train is about an intelligent, albeit frustrated, girl named Tulip who—for reasons unknown—is trapped on a train full of infinite worlds. Accompanied by conjoined robots Glad-One and Sad-One, Tulip is determined to solve the mystery of the train and find her way home. 

Victor and Valentino (Cartoon Network):

In the small quiet town of Monte Macabre, two total opposite half-brothers search about the town for adventure and find strange and supernatural happenings with the help of their supernatural grandmother.

Thundercats Roar! (Cartoon Network):

Staying true to the premise of the original series, Lion-O and the ThunderCats — Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara, Wilykat, and Wilykit — barely escape the sudden destruction of their home world, Thundera, only to crash land on the mysterious and exotic planet of Third Earth. Lion-O, the newly appointed Lord of the ThunderCats, attempts to lead the team as they make this planet their new home. A bizarre host of creatures and villains stand in their way, including the evil Mumm-Ra, Third Earth’s wicked ruler who will let nothing, including the ThunderCats, stop his tyrannical reign over the planet. 

Villainous (Cartoon Network Latin America):

Villainous is the story of Black Hat Org., run by Black Hat and his team of three less-villainous aides. Black Hat is trying to sell various evil inventions created by Dr. Flug and desperate to achieve his evil aspirations. However, things usually end up going wrong for him as the brilliant innovations tend to have small and often comical flaws. Has already been airing Orientation Videos and Shorts on YouTube for a while, but a pilot will be aired soon, with a full series hopefully to follow.

Golpea Duro ¡Hara! (Cartoon Network Latin America):

Golpea Duro Hara! (Hit Hard Hara!) is the story of Hara, the only female fighter in the world, and together with her friend Tesu, she fights against the discrimination suffered by the brutal men who populate the planet. But Hara has a hidden side: a vicious transformation that frustrates her plans!

Glitch Techs (Nickelodeon):

Glitch Techs is an adventure-comedy following two newly recruited kids as they battle video game monsters that come to life in the real world.

High Guardian Spice (Crunchyroll):

In High Guardian Spice, the lives of four fierce girls, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Parsley, converge at High Guardian Academy, the one place where they can stumble towards adulthood while becoming the heroes they’ve always admired. As they master the ways of battle and sorcery, our foursome form allegiances and comical kinships, uncover legacies and betrayals, and discover their true identities while preparing to protect the world from an ominous unknown threat.

Carmen Sandiego (Netflix):

In the upcoming animated series produced by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Carmen Sandiego is back and ready for a new crop of international capers packed with thrilling adventure and intrigue. This fresh take presents an intimate look into Carmen's past where viewers will not only follow her escapades but also learn WHO in the world is Carmen Sandiego and WHY she became a super thief.

Seis Manos (Netflix):

Set in Mexico in the 1970’s era, Seis Manos centers on three orphaned martial arts warriors who join forces with a DEA agent and a Mexican Federal to battle for justice after their beloved mentor is murdered on the streets of their tiny border town.

Last Kids on Earth (Netflix):

The Last Kids on Earth follows 13-year-old Jack Sullivan and a band of suburban middle schoolers who live in a decked-out tree house, play video games, gorge themselves on candy, and battle zombies in the aftermath of the monster apocalypse. It’s a hilarious series filled with wisecracking kids, crazy gadgets, a lifetime supply of zombies and giant-sized monsters.

Twelve Forever (Netflix):

The series centers on 12-year-old Reggie, whose desire to remain a child is so powerful it creates a fantasy world in which she never has to grow up. She’s joined by her friends Todd and Esther, who visit this amazing world to live out their superhero fantasies and escape the responsibilities of impending adulthood.   

Wizards (Netflix):

Wizards brings together the three disparate worlds of trolls, aliens and wizards who have found themselves drawn to Arcadia. The final chapter of the Tales of Arcadia culminates in an apocalyptic battle for the control of magic that will ultimately determine the fate of these supernatural worlds that have now converged.

Young Justice: Outsiders (January 4th, DC Universe):

Young Justice: Outsiders is the third season of Young Justice. The backdrop for the season is described as being one that will touch on "all corners of the DC universe," and that certainly seems to be the case considering the sheer number of bad guys discussed and shown in the trailer. The team will be tasked with stopping a metahuman trafficking ring, as well as dealing with the "intergalactic arms race for control of these super--powered youths." You can also count on new heroes Arrowette, Spoiler, and Thirteen joining in the fight.

gen:Lock (January 2019, Rooster Teeth):

In gen:LOCK, Earth’s last free society is on the losing side of a global war, and recruits a diverse team of young pilots to control the next generation of mecha—giant, weaponized robot bodies. These daring recruits will find, however, that their newfound abilities come at no small cost. As Chase leaves behind his life as a fighter pilot to become the first candidate for the program, he finds his endurance, as well as his very identity, will be tested beyond anything he ever imagined.

Undone (Amazon):

Undone is a half-hour animated dramedy that explores the elastic nature of reality through its central character, Alma. After getting into a near-fatal car accident, Alma discovers she has a new relationship with time and uses this ability to find out the truth about her father’s death.

Close Enough (TBS):

Close Enough is a surreal take on transitioning from 20-something to 30-something. The show centers on a married couple juggling such everyday challenges as parenthood, friendship, ham theft, stripper clowns and choosing the right daycare. Was supposed to air in 2017 or 2018, but no word of a release date yet, so I assume it will be in 2019.

Hero High (February 14th, ???):

Not many details are known about this show, but it will be a Legend of Zelda high school parody. Source

Long Gone Gulch (Internet):

Two screwups, Snag and Rawhide, find themselves bestowed as the new Sheriff’s of a strange world adrift in an ever moving dust cloud. Long Gone Gulch holds the inhabitants of myths, urban legends and folklore from around the world. They travel through the land when they are needed and encountering all manner of adventures along the way.

Hazbin Hotel (???):

Hazbin Hotel is the story of Charlie, the princess of Hell, as she pursues her seemingly impossible goal of rehabilitating demons to peacefully reduce overpopulation in her kingdom. She opens a hotel in hopes that patients will be "checking out" into Heaven. While most of Hell mocks her goal, her devoted partner Vaggie, and their first test subject, adult film-star Angel Dust, stick by her side. When a powerful entity known as the "Radio Demon" reaches out to Charlie to assist in her endeavors, her crazy dream is given a chance to become a reality.

Gorillaz (Internet):

A ten-episode show based off of the fictional band. Might not be happening apparently.

2020

Solar Opposites (TBS):

Solar Opposites follows a family of aliens who leave their planet and settle in suburban America.

And that about covers it! Let me know if I missed any of the big ones!

[aion-rsa]

Black Widow Sticking with Movie Theaters Shows Flaws in HBO Max Model

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You could practically hear the gasps of disappointment last night. Marvel fans around the world were so sure Disney’s call to investors would confirm what they wanted to hear—that Marvel Studios’ Black Widow is coming straight to Disney+. Instead they were forced to face Disney’s cold reality: It still doesn’t make much economic sense to release a potentially massive blockbuster like Black Widow on streaming without some type of theatrical window. At least not yet.

To be sure, Disney is not against experimenting with putting major films on their streaming service. This year alone they have (or will soon) release Hamilton, Mulan, and Pixar’s Soul, with one of those featuring a pricy $30 paywall for its first three months online. And during the Mouse House’s glitzy presentation to investors Thursday evening, they also revealed Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next event, Raya and the Last Dragon, will likewise be getting the “Premier Access” treatment that Mulan did.

Yet the company also reasserted its commitment to the theatrical experience when it made sense, such as Scarlett Johansson’s allegedly final bow as Natasha Romanoff. Black Widow is still coming to theaters on May 7, 2021. The Warner Bros. fire sale approach of everything must go (to HBO Max), this was not.

However, this non-news is a helpful reminder on the state of the industry and why proclamations of movie theaters’ death last week were premature. In fact, the strikingly different approaches Disney and Warner Bros. are taking to their 2021 output reveals as much about the state of their streaming services as it does the long-term viability of cinemas.

As Disney was right to crow about last night, Disney+ has amassed more than 86 million subscribers since its launch in November 2019. In that time, it’s been able to steadily increase and sustain viewership with a slow but zeitgeist-grabbing output of original content. Hamilton was of course a big get for Disney’s fledgling streaming service last Fourth of July, and that was a live-recording of the Broadway musical originally intended for theaters. However, much else of their relatively limited output, such as The Mandalorian, has dominated pop culture as the must watch watercooler series of the year.

At this rate, Disney+ is easily on track to reach the ceiling of its announced five-year goal—90 million subscribers—by some time early next year. They’re also on path to eventually challenge Netflix’s roughly 170 million global subscribers. With the Mouse’s current strategy working, there is little financial need to rock the boat in order to buoy Disney+.

By comparison WarnerMedia’s HBO Max has had a disappointingly rocky launch. Despite Christopher Nolan’s most uncharitable and inaccurate statements, HBO Max actually is a treasure trove of content for movie and premium cable fans: here is the best classic Hollywood library on any streaming service, international and independent gems through the Criterion Collection, and almost every HBO series ever produced. But it’s failed to catch on at large. In fact, most HBO subscribers appear unaware that they even have an HBO Max account, with only 8.6 million HBO Max accounts being activated—even though there are 34.5 million HBO subscribers, with an HBO Max account to them all.

That confusion among HBO subscribers, as well as an apparent reluctance to sign up to HBO Max in its first calendar year by everyone else, is incredibly troubling for WarnerMedia, which since being acquired by AT&T has pursued a strategy of putting all of its eggs in a streaming service basket.

Then WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey (who is now the CEO of AT&T) told The New York Times in 2018, “We need more hours a day [of people watching HBO programs]. It’s not hours a week, and it’s not hours a month. We need hours a day. You are competing with devices that sit in people’s hands that capture their attention every 15 minutes.”

He continued, “I want more hours of engagement. Why are hours of engagement important? Because you get the data and information about a customer that then allows you to do things like monetize through alternate models of advertising, as well as subscriptions.”

If you watched Disney’s four-hour lovefest yesterday, you’d know they had plenty to gush about in terms of mining data from subscribers. If you factor in their Hulu and ESPN+ subscribers, Disney is gathering data from 137 million subscribers worldwide. Unlike HBO Max, their services do not need an immediate shot in the arm.

Which brings us back to Black Widow. Disney’s endgame for a decade from now might very well be to release more or all of its content on a streaming service, but at the moment that doesn’t make financial sense for a movie like Marvel Studios’ next epic. While the budget on the film is currently unknown, it is probably safe to assume it is in the ballpark of some of Marvel’s smaller non-Avengers movies, especially with Johansson finally getting the lead role after a decade of supporting ones.

Ant-Man and the Wasp was on the lower end of the Marvel Studios budgetary output, and the movie cost between $160 and $190 million; Doctor Strange was closer to $200 million; and Spider-Man: Far From Home was over $160 million.

That is a large amount of money to be spent on a movie going to a streaming service. While Black Widow would certainly drive up subscriptions, it’s hard to say by how much when the most rabid Marvel fans, as well as the families these movies are made for, likely already have subscriptions. Clearly Disney’s own more sophisticated projections found a number that left the company wanting.

Read more

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HBO Max Release Schedule for Warner Bros. Movies

By David Crow

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Why Marvel Prioritized a Fantastic Four Reboot Over X-Men

By Don Kaye

Meanwhile in a healthy season, Black Widow in all likelihood would gross between $700 million and $1 billion worldwide. Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home, the two most recent “solo” MCU movies, both grossed $1.1 billion, and one of them didn’t even star a globally beloved character whom fans have been demanding get a movie for a decade.

While it seems unlikely theaters will be in a strong place to replicate that feat in May 2021, even with new COVID-19 vaccines promising a sunnier spring, they could theoretically still generate more revenue than Black Widow could on Disney+… especially if Disney decides to delay it again if the fall looks like it could be a return to relative normalcy. They have the resources to wait.

Further Disney would not have to undercut its exhibition partners around the world, or burn talent that is expecting profit participation and the big screen treatment just to subsidize their streaming service.

Indeed, Disney’s reluctance to do just that better underlines Nolan’s points from earlier in the week. While Nolan’s comments remain shockingly bitter for a man talking about the studio that’s been loyal to his visions for more than 15 years—even bankrolling his folly to open Tenet during a pandemic—Nolan’s point about WB’s “hybrid model” not making economic sense for the individual films (at least the biggest ones) is sound. Movies like Wonder Woman 1984, The Suicide Squad, and Godzilla vs. Kong are being written off as loss leaders to make HBO Max more enticing for those reluctant to join another streaming service (or unaware that they already have).

These movies are, in a way, sacrificial lambs which has earned the ire of not just exhibitors but the talent who made them. While Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot each were paid an undisclosed amount, with some speculating it was eight figures, to give up their profit participation on Wonder Woman 1984, WB did not immediately give the same deal or even a warning to talent and production partners on their 2021 film slate. And even Jenkins seems to have reservations about the ordeal.

In a recent conversation with Variety, the Wonder Woman director said, “When every single studio in town starts chasing the exact same thing, you’re like, Why doesn’t someone differentiate themselves? In this case, I think what’s going to happen is… some studio is going to be smart enough to be an outlier, and all the great filmmakers in town are going to go there, and the theaters are going to favor their movies. Because right now, if there are studios that announce that [releasing day-and-date on streaming] is what they’re going to start doing, every filmmaker’s going to head to the studio that promises they’re not going to.”

She went on to add she’s had “on her mind” doing what Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks did in 1919, which was to start their own talent-friendly studio, United Artists. One imagines Nolan would be open to that discussion.

It’s worth mentioning this in lieu of other news over the last several weeks. Jenkins, a proponent of classic cinema, reluctantly agreed to put Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max. However, last night she just revealed to the world she is going to helm the next Star Wars movie, Rogue Squadron, at Disney. And given she and Gadot also have Cleopatra on their docket in the next few years, it leaves the question of when Jenkins will find the time to do a Wonder Woman 3 wide open.

But then, if it ends up being another day-and-date release like Wonder Woman 1984, perhaps she’d be happier in the galaxy far, far away… and at a studio, even with its obsession with intellectual property, that all of a sudden seems friendlier to talent who wants to fly high and on the big screen.

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10 Things to Looks For This At San Diego Comic Con 2017

With San Diego’s famous international Comic Con kicking off in less than 48 hours (July 20th - July 23rd, Preview Night Thursday July 19th) here’s 10 things fans of any kind will want to look out for this upcoming year on film and television whether or not you get close to the famous stars or not.

1. Teaser Trailer for Infinity War Part 1. and 2.

After D23′s expo which occurred this past weekend which hosted some of disney’s most beloved stars and fans. It gave Marvel fans the hype on something many have been waiting months for. The first official trailer for the Infinity Wars, as it steals the top spot for number 1. The reason for this besides the typical hype that follows any marvel film it was recently discovered that the production of the movie had recently finished filming and is now in phase of post-production. Coming along way from their beginning back in mid-january when they announced the beginning. For sure this trailer is one that will set the bar high this comic con season.

2. Fox’s Gotham Bruce Wayne Finally Batman?!

For all Gotham fans, I might say this coming season is surely one to look out for. Gotham, leaving fans in a tizzy with their season finale is  coming back for series 4. Even though it is still unclear on what will happen this new season fans hope comic con will be able to set things in perspective. One things for sure is that billionaire orphan Bruce Wayne will become the crime fighting vigilante that we all know and love. Although he may not be known let alone called batman yet (perhaps later in this upcoming season) we can ensure that he is officially one step closer to unraveling his destiny as Batman. As well as Selena Kyle, Bruce’s love interest as Catwoman. 

3. Operation Smile’s Live Stream Panels 

As one of many who has not been able to attend San Diego’s Comic Con. A special thanks is needed to Zachary Levi’s Nerd HQ/Operation Smile’s run charity panels to give at home fans a way to enjoy the Con without actually being at the event. So for those like me staying at home bumping news off others actually at the Con, these panels are a real life saver on discovering some of the news first hand on the fly. If interest download the app to catch all the live panels streams.

4. Star Wars “The Last Jedi”

“It’s time for the Jedi....to end” these were the words Luke Skywalker spoke in the Star Wars teaser trailer that dropped early January and continues to stir rumors and speculations around the films future. Including what Luke means in his mysterious message about the force as well as Rey’s training with Luke and if/when Finn will return back to us in the franchise after being injured during his battle with Kylo Ren at the end of The Force Awakens. There has been several news about the Star Wars franchise that the sudden passing of Carrie Fisher has not changed the plot of The Last Jedi film but pre-production writers and analysts had to rewrite the script of the following films to write out Carrie’s character Princess General Leia. Still no word on how the changes and how it will affect the plot of the films going forward. But the excitement surrounding the films will no doubt continue through this weekend.

5. DC’s “The Justice League”

With the set release date of November 17, 2017. It’s no doubt a countdown from now on for many DC fans. After the release of Wonder Woman its no kidding that DC has officially set the bar on their franchise raising from their past failures like Suicide Squad and Batman vs. Superman. Let’s hope this is as good as Wonder Woman’s solo film which so far has exceeded such expectations from and box office or film critic. So far the rumors have kept quiet so far except for director Zach Snyder taking sometime off during shooting due to a personal family matter. There was no word on if film was suspended or taken over by a different director but let hope this sudden hiccup in the filming process doesn't effect the final cut of the movie.

6. The CW Networks Supernatural Returns for Season 13

Season 13 here we come! The Supernatural Fandom has really come along way since Sam and Dean’s adventure in finding their dad, John (Jeffery Dean Morgan), from the yellow eyed demon back in season 1. From the season 12 finale, fans were ended with Lucifer’s child being born, Mary Winchester stuck in a parallel universe with the devil, and everyones favorite angel Castiel having died. A few spoilers that we know of so far is that Castiel does, unsurprisingly, resurrect from the dead, thanks to Jared Padelicki spilling the beans at a recent Supernatural Convention but how he comes back to the land of the living is still unknown to us including what episode it might occur at. The rumors of a Scooby-Doo themed episode is also running around including what will happen during the events of this upcoming season and if it might be their last. So for those of you going to Comic Con please ask if this is true.

7. BBC’s Doctor Who Newest Doctor- A WOMAN!

The Doctor had Regenerated! I repeat he has Regenerated! The series that has gone on for more than 50 years has now accomplished and taken the show to the next level by making their lead, The Doctor, a female. Actress Jodie Whittaker who will reprise the role as the 13th doctor after Peter Capaldi says she's “beyond excited to being  this epic journey” -entertainmentweekly. Good Luck Jodie you deserve it! more information about the series journey this season will be answered during their panel at comic con.

8. Blade Runner 2049

More than 30 years after the making of the original Blade Runner Film played by Harrison Ford and made famous by Director Ridley Scott. Blade Runner is back better and ready to take on the science fiction world once more. Set 30 years after the original Officer K, played by Ryan Gosling who seeks the help of Harrison’s character Rick Dechard about information of the Blade Runners and their jobs in society.  Nothing much has been said about the film except for the recent release of the films trailers. But it could be possible that another trailer is expected to be released during comic con but so far anything is possible.

9. Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 2!

Eleven is back for season 2! Even though the last season of Stranger Things ended with Eleven in the parallel universe and everything, so far, in our world to be  safe and sound. Including Will coming back and The Demogorgon gone everything’s back to normal except for the big impact eleven made on everyone’s lives in the show and its fans. Comic con will shed some light on the newly released poster and trailer as well as teasing on the monster that made its way back to the normal world and how this one is different and/or more harmful than the monster the first season. Can’t wait until October.

10.  Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom

With production of the newest Jurassic having recently come to a close a very short time away from San Diego’s Comic Con. It makes sense why a lot of them would attend to spread the word on how this new generation of dinosaurs with cause self destruction on people and its park. right? Anyway, rumors have spread about the ideas of the film based on the title as well as the new characters expected to play in the film in its designated release in June of 2018. Some new comers and veterans include BD Wong’s character Dr. Henry Wu whom we saw in the release of the last film and the return of Jeff Goldblum’s famous Dr. Ian Malcolm. There is still no concrete idea of the films progression into this fallen kingdom that the movie hints about but fortunately for us as fans comic con is here to shed some light on where it will takes us if the possibility of another Jurassic sequel is either in the works as I write this or any ideas of another.

New series premieres to look out for!

-Fox’s The Gifted

-Marvel’s Inhumans/ Defenders

-The CW’s Dynasty

-Netflix’s The Punisher

Returning Shows to look out for!

-CW’s The Flash

-CW’s Supergirl

-CBS’s Blindspot

- Netflix Thirteen Reason Why

-AMC’s The Walking Dead

-ABC’s Quantico