The game is coming to an end in the final trailer of 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 2

After weeks of propaganda posts through social media and videos, setting off an internet firestorm from devoted fans, Lionsgate finally released the brand-new and final Mockingjay trailer! It was well worth the wait.

 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 is the final film of The Hunger Games film series adaptation of Suzanne Collins' book trilogy. Starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, the epic film pits the revolution of the districts against the Capitol, seeking to topple the dictatorship while Katniss has her sights set on President Snow (Donald Sutherland), burning with the desire to end his rule forever.

Director Francis Lawrence promised the fans that the film will be both "emotional" and "satisfying", especially for the fans of the novel. Personally, I saw Mockingjay as the weakest book out of the trilogy but I trust the two part film will make up for the novel and make fans of both the written and visual media will be left satisfied. From the trailer, Mockingjay Part 2 promises to be an epic conclusion, combining the best of the series have to offer: love, death, emotional narrative, and of course, fierce costumes for The Girl on Fire and our heroes.

Also starring series regulars Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, along with Julianne Moore, Sam Claflin, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Stanley Tucci.

November 20 cannot get here quick enough.

'Trainwreck' is charmingly original with relatable characters and sharp humor.

I'm not one for comedy films but I do like my fair share of them. Ones with characters the audience can relate to, a decent story and a little bit of raunchiness in-between. Amy Schumer's big-screen comedy, directed by Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) covers all of the proper bases in Trainwreck.

 
Amy Schumer, who also wrote the film, plays Amy; an irresponsible, good-time gal who cannot make a commitment to a relationship. This is thanks to her caddish father (Colin Quinn), who told his daughters at a young age that "monogamy isn't realistic". While her sister, Kim (Brie Lawson), went against this advice by getting married and pregnant, Amy lives it fully. Amy fears romantic commitment as much as a party girl hates the words "last call." One day, her editor (Tilda Swinton channeling her inner Meryl Streep) assigns her to profile a brilliant and hotshot sports doctor (Bill Hader). After a one-night stand that ends on the bed (actually, his couch), Amy is shocked to find out that she has found a good guy she likes...and he likes her back. What occurs then is an adventure of Amy trying to go against what she was taught, debating whether to sabotage the relationship or finally taking the opportunity to grow up and pull herself out of her selfish rut.

While I don't think this is Apatow's best film, he does show that he is a conventional moralist, seeking a lesson for his protagonist. Schumer give this raunchy rom-com her own flavor and signature spikiness that you have seen on her Comedy Central television show to prevent any predictability. The real break-out star in the film was Lebron James (I know, Lebron James). The NBA champion displayed some serious hilarious, comedic acting chops. If this is a sign of things to come, look to see him in more films in the future. Hader was brilliant with his dry humor, good guy Dr. Aaron Conners. Overall, Schumer's writing and Apatow's direction brings a screwball heroine; one who isn't afraid of screwing a guy, screwing up, or making things right. Definitely a must-see rom-com for this year.

Daniel Craig bursts into action in new 'Spectre' trailer

After an quick action-packed TV Spot during the NBA finals, Sony Pictures released the first full-length look at the upcoming James Bond film.

And it's very good.

The official synopsis from the James Bond website reads: A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organization known as SPECTRE. 

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre of National Security, questions Bond's actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis, Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot. 

As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz. 

Spectre will be released in the UK on October 26, and in the US on November 6, 2015.  

Marvel's 'Ant-Man' surpasses general expectations as the MCU prepares for 'Civil War'

Marvel's had a great run of films since Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury met with Downey's Tony Stark at the end of Iron Man. Since then, Marvel Studios launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe and dominated the box office with each new film that has a connection to the previous film. Iron Man was a risk because he was not a "top-tier" hero but proved to be successful. Other risks such as Guardians of the Galaxy also proved to be fruitful for Marvel Studios. 

Ant-Man proved to be no different. 

Ant-Man follows Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), an intelligent thief, returning home after a stint in prison as he tries to become better for his young daughter, Cassie. A small heist brings Scott to meet Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), who was the first Ant-Man. Pym recruits Scott to become his successor as he learns his former protege, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll), is close to something that could threaten the world. 

Paul Rudd gave a charming and hilarious performance as Lang, who is trying to reform in order to remain the hero in his daughter's life. That proves to be more difficult with his ex-wife (Judy Greer) and good guy but  Paxton (Bobby Cannavale When his best friend Luis (Michael Pena, who put on a breakout comedic performance) and his crew find him a small job that could provide him a quick way back on his feet, Lang comes across the Ant-Man suit. After two funny "test drives", Pym brings Lang in to help him and his headstrong daughter, Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly). While training Lang to understand the power of the suit and getting to know his small and resourceful team of ants that help him on his missions (including an Avenger-sized heist), Darren Cross, obsessed and driven to surpass Pym and come out from his shadow, develops a similar but more dangerous version of Pym's suit, calling it the Yellowjacket. Lang has to discover the hero in himself and with the help of his friends, both big and small, bring an end to Yellowjacket's scheme and save his daughter.  

Like Ant-Man's power to shrink, Marvel's latest film of one of the founding Avengers from the comics went small as far as the scale. While it was nice to know the films are still connected with Pym's comment about the falling city from Age of Ultron, Scott wanting to contact the superhero team when he is recruited, and the opening sequence from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s early days with Pym working for them and even bringing Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter and John Slattery's Howard Stark. Beneath the main superhero-saving-the-world plot, there was a wonderful sub-plot of fathers seeking to redeem themselves in their daughters' eyes. A good-ensemble cast and tone of fun and creativity, especially with the quantum realm, helps carry this film.

While I won't reveal any secrets about the post-credits scenes (yes, there are two!), they set up the future of Marvel's film with more Ant-Man and a possible Wasp film. The after credits scene reveals two Avengers and it seems the seeds of the Civil War have been planted in this short clip as Phase Three begins next year.  

 

Villains unite in the ensemble movie 'Suicide Squad'

Superheroes movies have become the norm over the past few years. Battles of good vs evil with the world on the line. We're always cheering for the heroes to win, save the world, and humanity survives again. 

But what about the villains? The anti-heroes? The hilarious jerks that we are supposed to hate but like overall! Look at Loki!

Warner Bros has an answer to this with the most iconic team-up of contract killers, psychos, and the just plain weird with Suicide Squad.

From IMDB: "A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange from clemency."

Viola Davis is a wonderful pick to play government agent and recruiter, Amanda Waller. I still need a bit more to believe in Will Smith as Deadshot because it's not a role that I can see him in. Who really owns the preview is Margot Robbie. The Wolf of Wall Street actress seems to own the role of Harley Quinn, enjoying playing the unbalanced doctor. She's the early pick and best bet to be the film's breakout star in director David Ayer's villainous team-up. Jared Leto's Joker does look menacing but I'm still having trouble with those prison tattoos.

By the way, did anyone see Batman riding on top of a purple car, where Harley seems to be riding shotgun in the Joker's vehicle. Will we see Ben's Batman taking on Leto's Joker?!

Suicide Squad is out August 5, 2016.

'Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice' unveils a better preview at Comic-Con

After a leaked preview, Warner Bros. released the official teaser trailer for their superhero blockbuster, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. It's best to say that our first look at the much anticipated showdown between two of comics' most iconic heroes did not go over well with fans. 

During Comic-Con, Zach Snyder and the cast of the film arrived at Hall H with a new trailer for Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Featuring more superhero fighting action and first glimpses of Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, the clip debuted to a standing ovation from audiences. 

Fearing the actions of a god-like superhero left unchecked, Gotham City's own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis' most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it's ever known before. 

From the preview, it seems as though Superman is facing the results of his actions during the events of Man of Steel, from both sides: one from the U.S. Government and Batman. Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne and his alter-ego take center stage as he runs head-on into a cloud of smoke while Metropolis is damaged during Superman and Zod's fight and prepares to take his god-like counterpart. From turning on the Batsignal, Bruce has been retired as Batman for years (check the suit defaced with yellow spray paint? Joker Easter egg?) but ready to don the suit again.

Overall, this trailer is a lot better. It still leaves questions as to what Lex's ultimate plans are as the heroes go to war. Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman is in action, using her bracelet's to cause an explosion, and we see more of the super-fight with Superman and Batman facing off after the Man of Steel rips off the doors to the Batmobile. 

I might not be fully on board yet with the movie but I am interested more now. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is expected in theaters March 25, 2016.

Ben Affleck to direct and star in a standalone Batman movie

It seems like the upcoming showdown between two of comics most iconic heroes won't be the only time we'll see Ben Affleck don the cape and cowl. The Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice star is planning to direct in star in a standalone Batman film.

Confirmed by Entertainment Weekly and first reported by Deadline, the actor-director will also co-write the film with Geoff Johns, the well-respected comics scribe and chief creative officer for DC Entertainment. According to reports, this solo film will take place after the events of Dawn of Justice and the tentpole film Justice League, which is set to unite DC's version of The Avengers with their slate of heroes. 

Johns has helped usher in success for Warner Bros. television's DC Comics Universe including Smallville, Arrow, The Flash, and the anticipated Supergirl. Affleck has done a great job when pulling double-duty including The Town and the Oscar-winning Best Film Argo. While I have faith in the Affleck-Johns team up and Ben in the director's chair, I still want to be impressed by Dawn of Justice before I go any further in believing in the DC Film Universe. 

'Terminator Genisys' proves the franchise is old but not obsolete

In case anyone has noticed, Hollywood seems to be going through a nostalgia phase right now by rebooting or retooling classic franchises from the seventies and eighties for a new generation to enjoy. While some directors wont let their franchises be tampered with (Thank you, Robert Zemeckis!), others are ready to be re-branded for a younger generation to enjoy and original fans to judge.

Terminator Genisys is the fifth installment in the Terminator film series where John Connor (Jason Clarke) launches a final offensive against Skynet in the year 2029. When he uncovers Skynet's time travel plot, he sends Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back in time to save his mother, Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke), in the year 1984. However, when Kyle reaches his destination, he learns everything is not how it is supposed to be.

While I wasn't born when the first Terminator film debuted  in 1984 but I've watched them all, including the god-awful Terminator Salvation. I will say that this movie is not as bad as that one was but I will say that it's...okay. Not a "So-awesome-I-have-to-see-it-again" but not "Why-did-I-waste-my-money-and-time-on-IMAX 3D" but just okay. The special effects were incredible , especially with the role that Jason Clarke played in the Hybrid Terminator (if you have seen that spoiler-worthy preview, you know what I'm talking about). As far as the actors, Jai Courtney could have been a lot better with his tough outside, soldier-in-love Kyle Reese. Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) did a respectable job as the new Sarah Connor but I still expected to see a dragon pop out somewhere.

I would say the best part would be the original Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarznegger. He brought the film back to what made the franchise work with the man in the machine. Although this sub-plot is more scene in the first two sequels, Arnold brought it back and it looked like he truly had fun with this role once again. Jokes about his age and the franchise, in connection, was entertaining to poke fun at, especially once the silver-haired Terminator arrived later on in the movie.

Overall, the movie lost a bit of power going towards the end but the climatic battle was worth it. This film does get bogged down in its complicated timeline and mythology. While this film had the opportunity to fix what Salvation left behind of the series with a good reboot akin to the new Star Trek films or resetting the time like X-Men: Days of Future Past, the film remains just...okay.