Aquaman: Splish Splash

Little Mermaid? Not found here.

Aquaman arrived March 26. It’s on everything from the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, the Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. The Digital format appeared early on March 5.

ADVENTURE

Jason Momoa’s turn as Aquaman already got an introduction in 2017’s Justice League.

There’s no Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman found in this film.

Aquaman scored a 65% on Rotten Tomatoes - enough for a ‘Fresh’ rating. While the result may lead to mixed reviews among critics, it didn't deter audiences.

Aquaman saw over $1.1 billion - yes, with a B - at the worldwide box office. This tally makes it the biggest DC 'Extended Universe' movie on the world stage. Even DC movies overall besting Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy, only slightly. 

So, Box Office Mojo stats call Aquaman the fourth biggest movie of 2018. Avengers: Infinity War, Incredibles 2 and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom are the top three.

Director James Wan (The Conjuring) films an ensemble cast. This includes Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren - Creed II! - Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, Ludi Lin and Temuera Morrison.  

The screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall. The story is by Geoff Johns, Wan and Beall. The characters from DC’s Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? Yes - but I wouldn’t be in a hurry.

It’s more for anybody who has liked Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or even the Marvel movies.

If none of those movies have interest you, then maybe best to stay away.

Aquaman is the ‘origin’ story. There is a quick mention to Steppenwolf, the villain of Justice League, but the 143-minute movie is Aquaman.

There is a lighthouse keeper named Tom Curry. Meets a girl named Atlanna, who just so happens to be the Queen of Atlantis. They have a son named Arthur.

Arthur grows up and becomes known as Aquaman. Problems begin to arise within the seven kingdoms and Princess named Mera seeks him out. Aquaman is meant to be king and restore order. But does the reluctant man, really want to see Atlantis and become king?  

If you’ve seen enough of these superhero movies, you may already know the answer. But it’s still fun to watch. Jason Momoa seems to be enjoying the role of Aquaman with flashes of humour throughout the movie.

Since a large chunk of the movie is set underwater, the visual effects for the characters and the creatures of the deep are quite impressive. According to the special features, some of the filming techniques have never been done before. The action is packed as well. Even tossing in a message about, perhaps, the world should pay a tiny bit more attention to the water.

So, Aquaman may feel familiar and isn't my favourite superhero movie around. As there are a lot in the genre now. But you may just be entertained.

And I may not be in a rush to watch Aquaman again. I have no problem with Aquaman 2.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

There is over an hour of special features. There is probably a little bit something for the super fans and more casual. While some give that extra insight. For me, it was too much to watch in one sitting.

Going Deep Into The World of Aquaman (19 minutes, 28 seconds.)

- This is one of the more interesting features as it focuses on the filming of the movie and what they did to try to achieve those underwater shots.

   

Becoming Aquaman (13 minutes, 3 seconds.)

- Jason Momoa talks about being cast in the film, to the filming, to Comic-Con, to the premiere of the movie.

James Wan: World Builder (9 minutes, 31 seconds.)

- Director James Wan and the production team discuss the creating of the Atlantis world from scratch.

Aqua Tech (5 minutes, 42 seconds.)

- Focuses on the technology, obviously, that was created for Atlantis.

  

Atlantis Warfare (4 minutes, 40 seconds.)

Villaneous Training (6 minutes, 31 seconds.)

The Dark Depths of Black Manta (6 minutes, 39 seconds)

- Black Manta introduction in the comics, to the movie version and design.

Heroines of Atlantis (5 minutes, 31 seconds)

- The focus is on Queen Atlanna and Mara. And why Queen Atlanna makes up the emotional spine of the movie.

Kingdoms of the Seven Seas (6 minutes, 59 seconds)

- Dolph Lundgren highlights the seven kingdoms within the movie and what is going on with them.  

Creating Undersea Creatures (7 minutes, 15 seconds)

- A more in-depth look at the creatures in the movie.

A Match Made in Atlantis (3 minutes, 12 seconds)

- Jason Momoa and Amber Heard discuss their characters relationship in the movie. Even calling it a sprinkle of Han Solo and Leia.

Scene Study Breakdowns (10 minutes, 15 seconds)

- There are three scenes to cover. A submarine, Sicily, and the Trench.

The submarine is the opener, Sicily offers up some stylish camera work, including a one-take and the Trench, the more horror-movie aspect.

Exclusive Sneak Peek of Shazam! (3 minutes, 27 seconds)

- More or less a longer scene, that is in the trailer but shown much differently in the movie. Shazam tries to figure out his new powers. 

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - Wizarding World

It’s a return to the Wizarding World.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald arrives today! It’s on everything from the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, the Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. The Digital format appeared early on February 15.

The 4K Ultra HD and the Blu-Ray Combo have an extended cut. It's more than seven minutes added and is only available with the digital download code.

WIZARD

J.K. Rowling, obviously, is the author behind the popular Harry Potter series. Harry’s story was meant to be finished though.

The return to the Wizarding World happened in 2016. It was Rowling’s first-ever screenplay with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Newt Scamander (Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne) is the centre of the action.

Like Creed II, Beasts is a spin-off as it is still set in the world of Harry Potter.

There was no mention of Harry Potter though. The tale takes place in 1926. There are connections if you look hard enough. Newt Scamander is one of them. He set out to write the book, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.’ It was required reading for Harry’s first year at Hogwarts.

(There’s a quick glimpse of the book’s release in the new movie.)

Fantastic Beasts managed 75% on Rotten Tomatoes and over $814 million worldwide. It is the first of an intended five-movie series.  

The Crimes of Grindelwald (a wizard with another Potter connection) struggled as a follow-up. Grindelwald hit a measly 36% on Rotten Tomatoes and finished at $653 million worldwide. While it is a much bigger haul than a movie like Creed II, the result is the lowest of the Wizarding World films.      

The story shifts to 1927. Rowling returned as writer and David Yates as director. Most of the ensemble came back with some newbies. There’s Johnny Depp, Redmayne, Jude Law, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Zoe Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, William Nadylam, Kevin Guthrie, Carmen Ejogo and Poppy Corby-Tuech.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? Yes.

If you had zero interest in Harry Potter up to this point, then I would say no.

Like Creed II again - The Crimes of Grindelwald is a sequel. You might be able to dive in here, but it is probably more enjoyable if you are already familiar - and liked - the other movies. Do you start buying something that is meant as a second part? I don’t think it’s the suggested way to go.

And unlike Rocky and Creed, I do own the Harry Potter books and most of the movies.

Is this J.K. Rowling at her best? Probably not. I mean Harry Potter is a tough contender. Crimes of Grindelwald has a lot more characters introduced. It translates to less screen time for some introduced in the first Fantastic Beasts movie. There is a lot more information to take in as well.

The opening and end moments have the biggest action sequences of the whole movie. The beasts and visuals are well done. While a lot of the film is more dialogue driven. Johnny Depp's big speech near the end, feels quite chilling, in a good way.

Overall though, the story seemed like it was moving pieces to set up the next chapters. If the Harry Potter books are any indication though, Rowling has a plan. According to the special features, she has an entire backstory for how Newt met his assistant Bunty. It never gets mentioned in the movie.   

There are more connections to the Potter series with a return to Hogwarts. There's mentions of Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Nagini and Nicholas Flamel.

If you are a serious Potter fan, or more casual, will depend on how much those words above make an impact on you.

And the ending will depend on the type of fan you are. No spoilers here. But you may be surprised, confused or won’t make much difference to you.

(I’m in the surprised/confused category.) It certainly makes me intrigued to find out what happens in Fantastic Beasts 3.  

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

There is over an hour of special features. There is probably a little bit something for the super fans and more casual.

J.K. Rowling: A World Revealed (10 minutes, 15 seconds.)

- J.K Rowling discusses Harry Potter and why she set out to do the Fantastic Beasts movies. As for the ending - she says don’t jump to conclusions just yet.

Wizards on Screen, Fans in Real Life (19 minutes, 12 seconds.)

- In the words of Ezra Miller, who plays Credence - this is the more ‘nerdy’ feature. It’s Miller’s and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter movies) offering commentary and questions on certain scenes. They spend a few minutes of Miller reading passages from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Which may help jogged some fans memories - like mine.

Distinctly Dumbledore (9 minutes, 31 seconds.)

- Discussion of the casting of this younger Dumbledore with Jude Law. Also of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon’s portrayal. J.K Rowling even offers her own thoughts on the Dumbledore and Grindelwald relationship.

The Unlocking Scene Secrets section spans 49 minutes altogether. This is the behind-the-scenes analysis of making the movie. There’s the Hogwarts sequence and why Dumbledore’s classroom may look so familiar. How Newt’s menagerie was developed and also that Bunty backstory. Some insight into Credence, Nagini and why a Circus is worth noting. The construction of Paris - which took builders 9 months before filming even started. How much of the Ministere des Affaires is actually a real set and more about Grindelwald.  

Unlocking Scene Secrets: The Return to Hogwarts

Unlocking Scene Secrets: Newt’s Menagerie

Unlocking Scene Secrets: Credence, Nagini and the Circus Arcanus  

Unlocking Scene Secrets: Paris and Place Cahee

Unlocking Scene Secrets: Ministere des Affaires Magiques

Unlocking Scene Secrets: Grindelwald’s Escape and the Ring of Fire

Deleted Scenes (14 minutes, 23 seconds.)

- They offer some interesting insight but would have added more to the 134 minutes run time. There were also details explained in other parts of the movie. 

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

Creed II: Second Round

It all starts with an underdog boxer named Rocky in 1976. And a writer and actor named Sylvester Stallone.

Rocky has since appeared in seven other movies in a span of over 40 years. It’s become the top sports movie franchise in film history.

Now, there’s just this kid named Adonis Creed stepping into the ring.  

Creed II arrived March 5. It’s on everything from the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, the Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. The Digital format appeared early on February 12.

BOXER

Rocky Balboa’s story initially ended in 2006. This changed because of a man named Ryan Coogler (The future Black Panther director.) He co-wrote and directed Creed. Which was released in 2015.

Creed is a spin-off and also a sequel. It continues the story within the world of Rocky Balboa. But gives the spotlight to a new boxer, Adonis Creed played by a very good Michael B. Jordan. Adonis is the son of Apollo Creed, who is featured in the initial Rocky movies.

The story was unexpected enough that Stallone was even hesitant to do it.

The idea seemed to work, though. Creed received much critical acclaim - many calling it one of the best Rocky movies in years. Stallone won his first ever Golden Globe because of it. And awarded the third Oscar nomination of his career. The movie took in over $173 million at the worldwide box office.

Guess the pressure was on for a sequel. Coogler moved to an executive producer role. Stallone returned to his writing roots of Rocky with a co-writer credit with Juel Taylor. The story credit goes to Sascha Penn and Cheo Hodari Coker. Steven Caple Jr. went behind the camera as a director.

Jordan and Stallone reprised their roles. Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, Andre Ward, Florian Munteanu and Russell Hornsby rounded out the cast. Dolph Lundgren returns as Ivan Drago, as he first appeared in Rocky IV. Drago is someone who made a lasting impression on the lives of Rocky and Creed.              

Creed II did not receive as much acclaim as the first round. It was only 84% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Creed’s 95%. But that didn’t seem to matter, Creed II saw more people going to the theatre.

Stats says over $213 million at the worldwide box office.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? No.

If you are a fan of Rocky, Creed or boxing movies in general, you should.

I say no because I don’t own any of the other Rocky/Creed movies. I like them, but I’m perfectly fine with renting, streaming or looking for that discount DVD price.

It is a spin-off/sequel to seven other films…so start with buying a movie called Creed II? It’s not a way to go. I think, anyway.

Creed II can be called a ‘boxing’ movie. There are really only three big matches highlighted in the 130-minute story. When they come, they are intense though. The way the fights are filmed, I cringed at some of those punches. There is also the requisite training montage, which pops up in basically every Rocky movie.

Creed II is also a drama. I think Michael B. Jordan and Stallone don’t miss too many acting steps from their relationship in Creed. They both struggle with the appearance of Drago and what it means...while trying to deal with issues in their personal lives.      

There are many changes in Creed’s relationship with his girlfriend. Played by Tessa Thompson. 

There are even moments focused just on Drago and his son, and the fallout they have had to deal from over 30 years ago.

I have a feeling the characters are a small part why Rocky's world is still going on after all these years.

Will there be a Creed III? The movie doesn’t give it a solid answer.

I won't be in any rush to buy it, but I don't think I will mind watching it.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

Fathers and Sons (7 minutes, 16 seconds.)

- Focus on the idea of family within the story from Creed to Drago. Apparently, they blend in some ‘Shakespearean’ aspects for the drama.

Casting Viktor Drago (5 minutes, 43 seconds)

- Florian Munteanu is Viktor Drago. He is a force in the movie, but this is his first real acting role. He talks about how much work he did for the movie.

The Women of Creed II (5 minutes, 51 seconds)

- Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad discuss their characters and how integral they are to the story. The women power goes back to the original Rocky and how much Adrian turned out to be a big part of his life.

The Rocky Legacy (15 minutes, 1 second.)

- If you are a Rocky fan, this is the feature to watch. It talks about the underdog story, the memorable theme music - how Rocky still remains over 40 years later. Stallone and Lundgren even take a deeper look at their fight in Rocky IV.

Deleted Scenes (9 minutes, 46 seconds.)

- There are four scenes. One may be the more interesting to Rocky fans, as he gives a eulogy about someone from the old days. One is an extended sequence of Creed and Bianca at a restaurant. Another is Rocky giving kids training tips.

Warner Brothers Entertainment