SnyderCut: Gods Among Us the heroes we deserve

Courtesy of DC/ WB

***CONTAINS SPOILERS***

Snyder’s Justice League is visually stunning, action packed and delivers fans Justice! 

After waiting nearly four years the SNYDERCUT has finally dropped on HBO MAX and was well worth the wait as fans are calling it one of the best DCEU films yet. Director Zack Snyder’s glorious vision was finally brought to life in this reimagining of the 2017 botched film. The Snydercut gives us new footage, completely different storylines, new characters and an entirely different third act.

At this point most people are aware of the tragic death of Snyder’s daughter, the behind the scenes drama of the theatrical release, Snyders’ departure due to creative differences and Joss Whedon’s (Avengers) disappointing take- over. Although not perfect, Snyder fixed a lot of the flaws of the theatrical release and gave us a much stronger, enjoyable and cohesive film. The Syndercut is essentially an extended version of Justice League with new footage that tied up all the loose ends, cut out all the cheesy and sexiest JOSStice scenes, improved the horrific CGI, and primarily made all of our beloved heroes much more captivating and GODLIKE!

Birthing the #releasethesnydercut fan campaign which finally persuaded Warner Media to let HBO Max bring it to life. $70 million dollars later, hundreds of hours of shooting, reshoots and editing for nearly four years we now finally saw Snyder’s vision come to life and boy were we happy.

I loved the extra storylines and the stronger interactions between the cast. There was a good balance between the dark grittiness we’re used to as well as some humor. It felt like pages directly from a comic book and DC Animated were literally brought to life. The opening sequence gave us so much stronger introductions; with a glimpse of Lex with the mother boxes, Mera in Atlantis, the Amazons, and Bruce attempting to recruit Aquaman which leads to chapter one.

So what changed?

The film was divided into six chapters and an epilogue, and it was roughly four hours long. Yes, this is way too long for a theatrical release, but watching from the comfort of your own home and in sections this was actually a genius move. Snyder was giving us a glimpse into what could’ve been and successfully gave fans an entire DC Universe with the third installment of his DCU films. SnyderCut not only gave us more Themyscira, but Darkseid, Zeus, Ares and even a Green Lantern in a more prominent flashback scene with the allied Amazons, Men, and Atlantenans. The theatrical release was a mere 2 hours cutting out well everything important for the film to have successfully progressed. WB should know by now that fans will sit and watch three hours of a good movie (LOTR, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Watchmen) so why cut short one of the biggest team ups in DC history?

JL takes place months after the events of BvS, and Batman seeks out other heroes to form a team of allies to take on Steppenwolf; an alien invader who plans on conquering the world. With Wonder Woman’s help Bruce Wayne enlists Cyborg, Aquaman, and the Flash to help take on this menacing threat, but this time there’s more! 

Snyders decision to include more scenes with the Amazons, Atlanteans, Cyborg’s parents, Barry and Iris West, Darkseid, Ryan Choi (Atom) and Star Labs made a drastic difference. The character development was far superior in this cut as each scene was completely necessary for the overall flow of the movie. Snyder not only makes each villain a more imminent threat, but every hero more likeable and powerful in their own respect.

Courtesy of DC/ WB

Although Steppenwolf is still the main villain, he now reports to an even bigger boss, major DC Villain Darkseid. The decision to include Darkseid, and to flesh out Steppenwolf was a drastic improvement for the movie. In the Josstice version a major issue was that Steppenwolf was such a weak villain that he didn’t even warrant the assembling of the JL. Now everything makes a lot more sense. Not only did Steppenwolf’s look and armor drastically improve, but we now learn that his intentions are to get back into the good graces of Darkseid, ruler of the planet Apokolips. Steppenwolf has a lot more camera time, has a much clearer objective and even has a very brutal beheading scene. Steppenwolf also uses a mind-controlling weapon that taps into the subconscious digging up information, these parasites that attach themselves to victims faces are a major nod to DC supervillain Starro the Conqueror.

Courtesy of WB/ DC

Darkseid makes his DCU debut in this version and he’s much more intimidating than Steppenwolf and would be DCs equal to Marvel’s Thanos, it’s about time. Snyder gives us just enough Darkseid to tease us with an appearance to set up what would have been two sequels. This makes perfect sense as Darkseid would send in parademons and minions before his arrival on earth after being informed the Anti- Life Equation has been found. The movie does a good job of explaining why he is after the Motherboxes now, after all this time, because Superman is not a threat. 

Gods Among Us:

I remember first reviewing Man of Steel & BvsS and what I did love about both films was the Injustice: Gods Among Us (video game) feel to it. Especially the city fight scene between Superman and General Zod.

Snyder successfully shows us that not all our heroes are human but that they are Gods and extremely powerful beings. With the same injustice tone of Man of Steel, Snyder once again gives us Godlike heroes as he delves more into the mythology, giving viewers a much better understanding of each character and their history. He lets each character play to their strengths, everyone is fleshed out and he shows actual teamwork.

In Snyder’s JL he really lets Cyborg (Ray Fisher) shine, essentially being the heart of the movie. Cyborg is central to the plot as he is in possession of the third and final mother box. Cyborg ends up playing a much more integral role, especially learning that his technology derives from the same powers of the Mother Boxes; it makes sense for him to have more screen time.

Courtesy of DC/ WB

Snyders version does a better job of balancing Victor’s self- loathing and internal struggle as he starts to understand his technology and machine- like powers. Including the scene where Cyborg hacks the ATM and gives the mother money showed Victor’s human side and added depth to his very “emo” portrayal. Snyder also shows the audience a lot more of Cyborg’s tragic story by including his mother. Cyborg’s father, Doctor Silas Stone also had a much more notable role, especially the key scene when locking himself to track the heat signature. These extra scenes and more Star labs really made a difference. Ryan Choi (Atom) is really more important than you think. Snyder also included more Star labs security, the national guard, and the JL actually had to have a plan to infiltrate.

Gal Gadot continued to amaze us with her onscreen portrayal of Diana Prince/ Wonder Woman. She was just as badass, graceful, and powerful as her solo flick and BvS appearance. Snyder gives us a much stronger and likeable WW. She is a leader, a god, a warrior, and not there as just eye candy or a sex object as Whedon depicted. There are no up the skirt camera angles, no crude Aquaman remarks or objectifying moments. The Josstice movie objectified Diana, Lois, and the Amazons with his portrayal of women, Snyder gives them so much more depth. You can see the difference in respect for the characters and take them more seriously. Also notable Wonder Woman is more of a badass in her opening sequence than the entirety of WW84.

Courtesy of DC / WB

Snydercut also gives us a much more likeable and crucial Barry Allen. The Flash (Ezra Miller) still gives us a playful and wisecracking Barry Allen lightening the tone, but he is the hero in this film as he has to break his own rule and manipulate time in order to reverse the destruction. Snyder gives Barry a chance to actually shine being the fastest man alive. He is not as weak and cowardly, and we actually see Flash reversing time. Snyder also gives us really great stand- out moments like Barry saving Iris, when his shoes break and the slow motion emotional moments.

Even Aquaman was more fleshed out, (Jason Momoa) as he was involved more than just being there to disagree with everyone or flirt with WW. Synder took out the stupid Lasso of truth scene and gave Aquaman better material to work with. We now see Vulko, Aquaman’s mentor, in some important scenes establishing Arthur’s relationship with his fellow Atlanteans. We have a more clear understanding of Arthur’s first introduction to Mera, and mention of King Orm setting up “Aquaman.” A small but very noteworthy adjustment is the way Atlanteans speak underwater. (Not Amber Heard’s horrible English accent which came out of nowhere, even though Dafoe had no accent) but the speech bubbles. To speak with her Atlantean subordinates, Mera creates an air bubble to facilitate human speech. Although this was dropped in Wan’s Aquaman film, this was really cool to see Snyder capture this little detail of how they community in human speech. Outside the bubble Atlanteans typically speak like dolphins using clicks, whistles and noises.

Courtesy of DC / WB

Although this time Batman took more of a back seat giving other members more screen time, Bruce becomes more of a leader. We get a better, more serious non-cheesy Bruce Wayne/ Batman. Batfleck (Ben Affeck) returns this time with no unnecessary quips that Batman would never say. We have a more witty Alfred, cool bat tech that is actually explained and showcased and a better team up overall. His focus is to bring back Superman and do whatever is necessary to protect Earth. The Knightmare scene also makes everything so much clearer in BvsS as well. 

Superman is back and we get the black suit, nod to Death of Superman ! Henry Cavill is back donning the all- black Kryptonian suit, black cape and silver S, which WB decided against for the theatrical release. Superman’s return makes so much more sense with the imminent threat of Darkseid, and the more understandable attempt of the team to bring him back from the dead. One of the biggest differences is Superman’s return in the fight against Steppenwolf. Instead of trying to “talk it out” and going on about “truth and justice” blah blah, Superman swoops in and saves Cyborg from Steppenwolf’s attack. Superman proves he is the Man of Steel when taking no damage from Steppenwolf’s ax. This version also fixed the infamous atrocious Clark stash. Lois Lane (Amy Adams) also makes a lot more sense in this film as she is grieving most of the film and it actually explains why she is at the monument at the opportune time to stop Superman from lasering the JL because she’s there to grieve daily.

Courtesy of DC/ WB

Aside from a much more cohesive narrative tied together with stronger character development and interactions there are some other noteworthy stand- outs. We got some cool Easter eggs like the green lantern corp, Granny Goodness and Big Barda. Instead of post- credit scenes we also get about twenty minutes of an epilogue which gives viewers a glimpse into what would’ve been the sequels to the Snyder verse.

Epilogue:

Although I think this was way too long it was cool to see what else Synder would’ve had in store for us. We take a trip back to Lex Luthor’s yacht where he meets Deathstroke (this would’ve been the solo Batman film). It was awesome to see more Deathstroke but this scene should’ve remained the same as the original post credit. There was also the post- Apokolips scene continued from BvsS with the Earth waste-land where we see a return of the Joker! Another awesome scene tying into future movies with a team up of Batman, Deathstroke, Mera Cyborg and the Flash. This scene also felt too drawn out and Joker felt a little forced, but it was still great to see Leto get his shot. Another awesome cameo was Martian Manhunter, but where the hell have you been? General Sanwick has been around since Man of Steel why choose to get involved now?

What didn’t work? (minor)

DC still relies too heavily on CGI, although there has been much improvement since the mustache catastrophe, the way DC shoots is very dark and can appear cheap. They could have lightened the 300 tone a bit. Marvel has a much more definitive style that looks more realistic, for some reason DC can’t get their CGI right. Yes, Steppenwolf looked better, and if you could get past Mera’s horrible accent her hair also looked so much better and natural. 

Aside from the CGI, and being too lengthy, there was some wonky music. There was a much better score with Superman, The Flash and WW but Aquaman’s scenes were so cringy I almost fast forwarded. The lingering musical interludes and cringy lady smelling Aquaman’s clothes and people begging Arthur could have been cut. Cutting down the Aquaman scenes, some of the slow motion, the epilogue and some Lois could have brought us closer to 3 hours. 

OVERALL

8.5 Fun, Action- packed, visually stunning, brilliant story-telling

The Snydercut left me with that good theater excitement when you walk out of a movie and want to watch it again. Most of us haven’t felt that since Endgame. Snyder gave fans magic, this was a huge win for fans of the DCU. Watching the Snydercut and the BvsS Extended cut will change your whole mindset. The Snyder cut not only restored the Justice League but it also makes BvsS a better movie. If the studios stopped interfering and let Snyder complete his vision Justice League would’ve been the DCU’s Goldmine comparable to Marvels’ Endgame.

**Personal complaints: ***For me two things that bother me with the Snyder verse are that he killed the wrong Robin. Snyder decided to kill Dick Grayson (Nightwing)  instead of Jason Todd. 
The other is that I can’t stand Jesse Eisenberg’s winy portrayal of  Lex Luthor. Otherwise I love the Snyderverse and wish we could see more.

Netflix's Altered Carbon Season 2 Fan Event

Hey O&G fans, last night we attended the Altered Carbon season 2 fan event. The theater was filled with fans that have been waiting with excitement for a season 2. It’s been two years since season one first gave us this great sci-fi action series. Season two looks to give us more of what we love about this series.

Here is a brief synopsis on season 2:

In Altered Carbon, society is transformed by new technology: consciousness can be digitized; human bodies are interchangeable; death is no longer permanent.

 Season Two begins 30 years after the epic conclusion of Season One, and finds Takeshi Kovacs (Anthony Mackie), the lone surviving soldier of a group of elite interstellar warriors, continuing his centuries old quest to find his lost love Quellcrist Falconer (Renée Elise Goldsberry). After decades of planet-hopping and searching the galaxy, Kovacs is recruited back to his home planet of Harlan’s World with the promise of finding Quell. Haunted by his past and responsible for investigating a series of brutal murders, Kovacs is stunned to discover his new mission to solve the crime and his pursuit to find Quell are one and the same. With the help of his loyal A.I. Poe (Chris Conner), Kovacs must now partner with new allies to outwit his enemies and find the truth: Who is Quellcrist Falconer?

EPISODE 1

The episode opens with a quick recap of season 1 and then shifts us to a bar where a soulful singer begins a song that captivates the audience. A bounty hunter is searching for Takeshi Kovacs and is willing to pay a large sum for any info on his whereabouts. I want to leave episode 1 at that and just say you have to watch it…..It’s definitely worth it. If this episode is any indication of how the rest of the season will be, I can’t wait to binge it this weekend.

Last night, the cast of Altered Carbon celebrated the upcoming season 2 premiere with fans at AMC Lincoln Square. Anthony Mackie, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Simone Missick, Lela Loren, Chris Conner, Dina Shiabhi, Jihae, Torben Liebrecht and Will Yun Lee gave attendees a special look at what lies ahead for Takeshi Kovacs as he continues his search for his lost love. Joining the cast were Showrunner/Executive Producer Alison Schapker, and Executive Producers James Middleton and Rose Lam. The fans gave the cast ( who were in the audience watching with us ) the confidence that they have a successful series on the way.

Altered Carbon begins streaming Feb 27th on NETFLIX

www.netflix.com/alteredcarbon

Follow Altered Carbon:

Twitter: @AltCarb

Instagram: @AltCarb

by Sean Tucker

Crunchyroll announces "KONOSUBA" as next Crunchyroll Movie Night

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Find your tickets here! http://bit.ly/knsb-YT Konosuba! Legend of Crimson EXPLODES into theaters November 12! :boom: #KonosubaMovie Crunchyroll Collection brings you the latest clips, OPs, and more from your favorite anime! Don't have time for a full episode but want to catch up on the best scenes? We've got them!

Crunchyroll Unveils “KONOSUBA -God's blessing on this wonderful world!- Legend of Crimson” as Next Crunchyroll Movie Night with Fathom Events

• Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand, and Fathom Events announced today that the U.S. theatrical premiere of “KONOSUBA -God's blessing on this wonderful world!- Legend of Crimson” will be the next Crunchyroll Movie Night, taking place in more than 600 movie theaters across the country on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 PM local time.

• The U.S. theatrical debut of the film will offer fans an exclusive interview with Jun Fukushima (voice actor of Kazuma) and Rie Takahashi (voice actor of Megumin) to give fans a behind the scenes look at the new film. 

• “Crunchyroll Movie Nights are a powerful way for anime fans to connect with other fans in the Crunchyroll community,” said Mary Franklin, head of events, Crunchyroll. “We are excited to present this new ‘Konosuba’ film for them, which we're bringing to the U.S. only months after its premiere in Japan.”

• “KONOSUBA -God's blessing on this wonderful world!- Legend of Crimson” was initially released in Japan on August 30, 2019 to positive critical reception.

• “I want to have your babies, Kazuma!” This unexpected confession from Yunyun, a girl from Megumin’s hometown of Crimson Demon village, triggers a series of events that has the party facing their greatest threat yet. Hilarity and adventure awaits in “KONOSUBA Legend of Crimson”!

• In celebration of the film’s launch, Crunchyroll is also releasing an exclusive “Konosuba” capsule collection from Crunchyroll Loves, the brand's in house streetwear line, featuring six items, including a special tee with artwork from the upcoming film. The collection will drop early November only on the Crunchyroll Store.
  

• Crunchyroll Digital Drops, a new app from Crunchyroll, is also launching a sticker collection to celebrate the film. The limited “Konosuba”-themed sticker pack released today (9/24) features chibi style art of Kazuma and the adventuring party, and can be found by downloading the app at https://bit.ly/2kFmrPC/ Fans should stay tuned for additional limited edition Digital Drops stickers that will only be given away in theaters.

• Fans can purchase tickets for the film starting today, September 24 at www.FathomEvents.com, with additional theater locations to become available through the week.

• Previously, Crunchyroll has worked with Fathom Events to bring the U.S. theatrical premieres of “Saga of Tanya the Evil - the Movie -,” “Mob Psycho 100 II” and the "Yuri!!! on ICE" marathon event to the Crunchyroll community across the country.

• About “KONOSUBA -God's blessing on this wonderful world!- Legend of Crimson”:

A video game-loving shut-in, Satou Kazuma’s life should’ve ended when he was hit by a truck, but through a twist of fate, he ends up reincarnating in another world--and dragging the troublemaking goddess, Aqua, the wildly dorky mage, Megumin, and the unrelentingly delusional lady knight, Darkness, with him.

Now, the Crimson Demon village that Megumin and Yunyun are from is facing a threat that could mean it’s ending. Kazuma and his gang follow Yunyun, who returns to the Crimson Demon village intent on saving it... when they are faced with their greatest threat yet! What will become of the unremarkable adventurer Kazuma’s life in another world?!