- Dennis

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

-David  Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

Synopsis:  Marvels “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvels “Thor” and “Marvels The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

Synopsis: “Burial of the Dead” – Sunday, April 7 at 10 p.m.
Ragnar, weak and still hurt, must meet the Earl head-on after it comes to light that Rollo has been tortured on Haraldson’s orders. The two men will come together face to face with a single outcome possible: Only one man will leave this fight alive.

Directed by: Ciaran Donnelly
Written by: Michael Hirst

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)  

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)  

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

Synopsis:  Marvel’s “Iron Man 3″ pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter) 

After the success of last year’s miniseries, Hatfields & McCoys, The History Channel ventures deeper into the past with its new drama, entitled Vikings.  Travis Fimmel makes a compelling primetime debut with his wonderful portrayal of Ragnar Lothbrok, who, like most men, desires something more than the ordinary.  This is a story we’ve heard before, yet executive producer Michael Hirst (The Tudors, The Borgias) uses a compelling visual style and beautiful scenery to give this series its own unique look.  Surely there will be comparisons to shows like Game of Thrones and Spartacus: War of the Damned, yet I still believe Vikings stands on its own.  The reasoning behind my thinking is due to the shows’ strong leading cast.  Fimmel is a powerful figure, as a man who loves his wife and children, yet greed and adventure may lead him to a ruinous end.  One of my favorite aspects from the pilot is the relationship between Ragnar and his son.  Like many compelling characters on television, Ragnar is far from a true hero, but the love he has for his family is what drew me to his character.  Did any of you notice his cocky grin every time he was on camera?  It appears that Ragnar knows more than anyone around him, and believes he is capable of anything.

Gabriel Byrne’s portrayal of Jarl Haraldson was another standout performance in “Rites of Passage.”  The combustable relationship between he and Ragnar throughout this season should be entertaining.  I enjoyed seeing the two of them squabble over the old and new ways of doing their “summer raids.”  Ragnar’s unabashed determination to sail west, versus Haraldson’s desire for consistency will be a compelling plot that will hopefully provide ample drama over the course of this nine-episdoe season.  From the pages of history, I’m sure many of you know that the Vikings do travel west, raiding villages and churches for their gold and riches, but will that be all Vikings attempts to explore, or do you see this series having the potential for a more rounded story, involving family, friendship and honor?  All of these characteristics are common tropes of great dramas, and while I’m not attempting to hail Vikings as the next coming of Game of Thrones, I do believe this series is a step in the right direction to where historical dramas can achieve greatness outside the realm of premium channels, like HBO and Showtime.

“Rites of Passage” was a strong premier from creator Michael Hirst and company.  Let’s hope that Vikings continues to improve as the season progresses, and keeps most of its 6 million viewers from the premier.  As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the show in the comments section below.  Did the pilot leave you wanting more, or were you underwhelmed with its debut?

–David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

- Dennis

- Dennis

- Dennis

- Dennis

Synopsis: Gaius Claudius Glaber is dead. Many months have passed since his defeat, and the rebel army, led by Spartacus and his generals Crixus, Gannicus and Agron, continue to amass victories over Rome. With the rebel numbers swelling to thousands of freed slaves, it has become a force that has started to challenge even the mighty armies of Rome.

Spartacus is more determined than ever to bring down the entire Roman Republic. Following the death of Ashur, Naevia and Crixus fight as one with newfound strength and determination. And Gannicus, always seeking to
embrace life to the fullest, shares his bed with the beautiful and dangerous Saxa.

Together, the rebels engage in one bloody skirmish after another and prepare for the inevitable: a full out war with Rome.

The Roman Senate turns to its wealthiest citizen, Marcus Crassus, for aid. A powerful, strategic politician, he respects his opponent and refuses to make the same mistakes Glaber and his predecessors have. With a young and fiercely competitive Julius Caesar as an ally, Crassus is determined to crush Spartacus and his rebellion.

The epic conclusion of a legendary journey, Spartacus: War of the Damned will unleash a battle unlike anything ever seen before.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

- Dennis

Will Smith along with his son Jaden, star in M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film, entitled After Earth.  Even though M. Night hasn’t made a great movie in a long time, I have yet to give up on the filmmaker.  I loved The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, so hopefully After Earth will be as equally impressive.  Will Smith always has excellent on-screen presence, but Jaden still has to prove if he can live up to his father’s legacy.  What do you think of this new trailer?  Visually, the footage looks stunning, so let’s hope the story can match the special effects.  Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Synopsis: After a crash landing, a father and son explore a planet that was evacuated by humans 1,000 years earlier.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Synopsis: Next summer, “Man of Steel” is coming to the big screen. The film is from director Zack Snyder and producers Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Comics.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

- Dennis

- Dennis

- Dennis

- Dennis

Source:
http://www.slashfilm.com/the-star-trek-into-darkness-teaser-poster-has-arrived/

Synopsis: The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever… Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Synopsis: Developed by series creator Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto V is the largest and most ambitious title in the series to date. Set in the sprawling city of Los Santos and the surrounding area, Grand Theft Auto V delivers a world of unprecedented scale and detail bursting with life, from mountaintops to the depths of the ocean.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Synopsis: Disney’s fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot–fame and fortune are his for the taking–that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity–and even a bit of wizardry–Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Synopsis: Watch the amazing new chapter in the Battlestar saga; Blood and Chrome!Ensign William Adama finds himself assigned to the newest Battlestar in the colonial fleet and a new callsign from his war weary co-pilot, Coker.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

- Dennis

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Padawan Ahsoka must lead a group of Jedi younglings to the hostile planet of Ilum in this week’s episode, entitled “The Gathering.”  At first glance, this episode screamed “filler,” but then I realized how crucial it was in developing the mythology surrounding the Star Wars Universe.  Sure, I’ve read a few books from the expanded universe, but I’ve never read about how a young Jedi constructs his or her lightsaber.  From a technical standpoint, I thought the planet of Ilum looked gorgeous, with its unique frozen landscape and the glistening crystals found within the caves.  Yoda’s presence is always welcome on SWTCW, and I wish we could see more of the wise old master.  This was also a fascinating episode, because we were able to see Ahsoka in a leadership position.  For a while, I forgot that she is still a padawan learner under Anakin Skywalker.  I find it interesting that the last five episodes have been heavily focused on Ahsoka and her transition from a teenage girl, into a strong and confident woman.

As far as the younglings go, I hope this isn’t the last time we see these characters.  I don’t want to cast doom and gloom on this overly positive episode, but I couldn’t help myself from thinking that most of these young Jedi will be killed when Senator Palpatine initiates his “Order 66″ in Revenge of the Sith.  Maybe it’s my sentimentality kicking in, but I grew fond of these younglings as the episode progressed.  From melting ice to monsters in the dark, each youngling learned what it meant to conquer their fears.  Petro’s story seemed like the most obvious, but he also reminded me of Anakin.  This is only wishful thinking, but it would have been awesome to see how Anakin constructed his lightsaber under the tutelage of Obi-Wan Kenobi.  All of that aside, “The Gathering” reinforced my belief that season 5 of SWTCW has the potential to be the best in the series.  What are your thoughts on this episode and the season as a whole?

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Synopsis: Injustice: Gods Among Us introduces a bold new franchise to the fighting game genre from NetherRealm Studios, creators of the definitive fighting game Mortal Kombat. Featuring DC Comics icons such as Batman, Cyborg, The Flash, Green Arrow, Harley Quinn, Solomon Grundy, Superman and Wonder Woman, the latest title from the award-winning studio presents a deep original story. Heroes and villains will engage in epic battles on a massive scale in a world where the line between good and evil has been blurred.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Synopsis: The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Synopsis: In a world where thought and faith are controlled, Leonardo Da Vinci (Tom Riley) fights to set knowledge free. The tortured genius defies authority and throws himself into the future, forever changing the fate of mankind. From David S. Goyer co-writer of the Dark Knight Trilogy and Man of Steel, Da Vinci’s Demons will reveal the hero behind the genius. Coming Spring of 2013.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

- Dennis

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

The tension continues to mount in this week’s episode of Homeland, entitled “Q&A.”  To begin, has there ever been a better interrogation scene on television than the one between Carrie and Brody?  Peter, played by the talented Rupert Friend (The Young Victoria, Pride & Prejudice) was equally masterful in is role as the “bad cop.”  I couldn’t help feeling sorry for both Carrie and Brody as the two are one time bomb waiting to go off.  It’s almost as if they’re a bad mixture of chaos, with each individual wrestling their own demons.  Carries admits, “I was exactly where I belonged” when speaking about the time they spent at the cabin together, and when attempting to appeal to Brody’s emotions, she calmly says, “That’s the Brody I feel in love with.”

So where does this leave us with Brody?  Is it possible for one man to wear so many faces?  Like Carrie, I too am beginning to wonder when Brody last spoke the truth.  He’s a man seemingly surrounded by monsters.  Abu Nazir may be the person who’s easier to despise, yet the Vice President’s hands are just as dirty.  Homeland continues to do wonders by exploring the grey areas of terrorism, war and conflict.  Our world is too big a place to think that the United States has all the right answers, or that we’re better than everyone else.  Nothing could be further from the truth, and I’m glad the writers of this series are taking the time to explore these difficult questions.  When an innocent young boy is killed on the orders of a man from 5,000 miles away, what’s a father to do?

Back home with Brody’s family, it was funny to watch Jessica’s attempts at easing the minds of her children by saying, “It’s pizza night,” or visiting her husbands hotel with chicken-noodle soup.  I guess she’s just trying to find some semblance of normality in her hectic life.  Dana, the most fleshed-out of the Brody siblings, has a new boyfriend, but like all relationships in this show, it doesn’t look like she’s going to get her fairy-tale ending with Prince Charming.  If any parents are reading this review, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the family dynamics of Homeland.  The relationships within the Brody household have been some of my favorite moments in the series.  I may be off-base by saying this, but this show reminds me of HBO’s The Sopranos, in that the show explores earth shattering events, but doesn’t forget the family.  There will be one scene showcasing an intense interrogation where a man is getting stabbed through the hand, then it will switch to Dana asking a young man out on a date.  Not to sound overly corny, but Homeland never forgets its humanity, and that is why I love it.

“Q&A” was another brilliant entry in the Homeland series, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for us in the weeks to come.  Do you think Brody is still is the game, and what will happen to his relationship with Carrie?  As much as I love Jessica, I don’t think she’ll every truly understand just how messed up Brody is, so Carrie and Brody getting back together doesn’t seem like a big stretch.  Share your thoughts with me on this week’s episode in the comments section below.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Synopsis: Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster, Despicable Me, delighted audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In Summer 2013, get ready for more minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy animated adventure featuring the return of Gru (Steve Carell), the girls, the unpredictably hilarious minions…and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

- Dennis

Disney Press Release From The NY Times: Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing. The final consideration will be subject to customary post-closing balance sheet adjustments.

“Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “This transaction combines a world-class portfolio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney’s unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets to generate sustained growth and drive significant long-term value.”

“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Lucasfilm, a leader in entertainment, innovation and technology, including its massively popular and “evergreen” Star Wars franchise and its operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production. Disney will also acquire the substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that have kept audiences enthralled for many years. Lucasfilm, headquartered in San Francisco, operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, and the present intent is for Lucasfilm employees to remain in their current locations.

Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will serve as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build, further integrate, and maximize the value of this global franchise. Ms. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future.

The acquisition combines two highly compatible family entertainment brands, and strengthens the long-standing beneficial relationship between them that already includes successful integration of Star Wars content into Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo.

Driven by a tremendously talented creative team, Lucasfilm’s legendary Star Wars franchise has flourished for more than 35 years, and offers a virtually limitless universe of characters and stories to drive continued feature film releases and franchise growth over the long term. Star Wars resonates with consumers around the world and creates extensive opportunities for Disney to deliver the content across its diverse portfolio of businesses including movies, television, consumer products, games and theme parks. Star Wars feature films have earned a total of $4.4 billion in global box to date, and continued global demand has made Star Wars one of the world’s top product brands, and Lucasfilm a leading product licensor in the United States in 2011. The franchise provides a sustainable source of high quality, branded content with global appeal and is well suited for new business models including digital platforms, putting the acquisition in strong alignment with Disney’s strategic priorities for continued long-term growth.

The Lucasfilm acquisition follows Disney’s very successful acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel, which demonstrated the company’s unique ability to fully develop and expand the financial potential of high quality creative content with compelling characters and storytelling through the application of innovative technology and multiplatform distribution on a truly global basis to create maximum value. Adding Lucasfilm to Disney’s portfolio of world class brands significantly enhances the company’s ability to serve consumers with a broad variety of the world’s highest-quality content and to create additional long-term value for our shareholders.

The Boards of Directors of Disney and Lucasfilm have approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, and other customary closing conditions. The agreement has been approved by the sole shareholder of Lucasfilm.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Victory in any war will always be mired in darkness, which is a lesson Ahsoka must learn in this week’s episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, entitled “Tipping Points.”  As Steela was hanging off the edge of the cliff, I had my doubts as to the possibilities of her death.  Remember, just a few short years ago, SWTCW was advertised as a show for young children, but with the death of heroes comes a more adult themed viewing experience.  It’s a theme that’s heartbreaking to watch, but I’m thankful that the people at LucasArts aren’t shying away from the horrors of war.  Lux Bonteri said it best, “We all knew what it would take to free Onderon.”  I hope he and Ahsoka can remain friends throughout the war between The Separatists and The Republic.

This 4-part story was necessary to help develop Ahsoka’s character as she nears the end of her training.  As we know, life is only going to get harder for the young padawan and her master, Anakin Skywalker.  From the comments I’ve seen, it appears that many of you are hopeful for Ahsoka’s survival after the Clone Wars series is complete, and I would have to agree with you.  However, if “Tipping Points” is any indication, no character on this show is safe, which makes me nervous.  What are you looking forward to seeing in the weeks to come?  Personally, I can’t wait to see what Asajj Ventress has been up to, and the story involving Darth Maul and Savage Opress is always entertaining.  This season has yet to disappoint, and I can’t wait to talk with you all next week.  Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

- Dennis