Andrew Lloyd Webber changed the stage-play dynamic with the 1981 premiere of his hit musical ‘Cats,’ based on the poetry 1939 collection ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’ by celebrated author T.S. Eliot. The play has made $3 Billion and led to a film adaption in 1998 that reconstructed the production.
Its popularity eventually led to a 2019 feature film adaption helmed by ‘The King’s Speech’ director Tom Hooper. It would be described as one of the worst movies ever produced with critics and audiences describing it as “creepy” and becoming a box-office bomb.
The public was not exclusive in their rejection of the film. Webber himself stated that he hated the movie so much, he told Vanity Fair that he went out and adopted a dog for the first time in his life.
“‘Cats’ was off-the-scale all wrong,” Lloyd Webber said describing the film. “There wasn’t really any understanding of why the music ticked at all. I saw it and I just thought, ‘Oh, God, no.’ It was the first time in my 70-odd years on this planet that I went out and bought a dog. So the one good thing to come out of it is my little Havanese puppy.”
During the pandemic lockdown, Webber sought to get the dog listed as a “therapy” pet so he could take the pet with him to New York.
“I wrote off and said I needed him with me at all times because I’m emotionally damaged and I must have this therapy dog,” he explained. “The airline wrote back and said, ‘Can you prove that you really need him?’ And I said ‘Yes, just see what Hollywood did to my musical “Cats.”’ Then the approval came back with a note saying, ‘No doctor’s report required.’”
The ‘Cats’ film is estimated to have lost distributor Universal Pictures $114 million, winning “Worst Picture” at the 2020 Golden Raspberry Awards.
Andrew Lloyd Webber Hated The ‘Cats’ Film So Much, He Adopted A Dog
‘Hotel Transylvania: Transformania’ To Stream Exclusively On Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime expanded its library by gaining the exclusive streaming rights to the Sony Pictures Animation CGI-animated film ‘Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.’ The movie is the fourth and final installment of the ‘Hotel Transylvania’ franchise that kicked off in 2012.
It was originally slated to be released theatrically in October 2021, but was delayed following pandemic lockdown measures. Sony eventually sold the film to Amazon Prime for $100 million. It will now be streamed on the platform worldwide on January 14, 2022.
The film has an ensemble cast including Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kathryn Hahn, Jim Gaffigan, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Keegan-Michael Key, Brian Hull (replacing Adam Sandler), Fran Drescher, Brad Abrell (replacing Kevin James), and Asher Blinkoff. It is directed by Jennifer Kluska and Derek Drymon.
You can watch the trailer below:
Amazon revealed the official synopsis:
“Drac and the Pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. Reunite with your favorite monsters for an all-new adventure that presents Drac (Brian Hull) with his most terrifying task yet. When Van Helsing’s (Jim Gaffigan) mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterification Ray,’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny (Andy Samberg) becomes a monster! In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy. With help from Mavis (Selena Gomez) and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent. The film also features the voices of Kathryn Hahn (Ericka), Steve Buscemi (Wayne), Molly Shannon (Wanda), David Spade (Griffin the Invisible Man), Keegan-Michael Key (Murray), Fran Drescher (Eunice), Brad Abrell (Frank), and Asher Blinkoff (Dennis).”
Head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke said in a statement, “The success of the Hotel Transylvania franchise over the years speaks for itself.” She added, “Audiences around the world have fallen in love with the films created by the brilliant Genndy Tartakovsky, and the latest installment is the perfect ending to an incredible journey. We could not be more excited to work with Sony, Genndy, Jennifer Kluska, Derek Drymon, Selena Gomez, and the talented producing team to bring this funny, heartwarming film to our customers early next year.”
Takara Tomy To Release an Optimus Prime With an Anti-Gravity Base
Takara Tomy will be producing a G1 Optimus Prime figure that comes with a “floating” base. This will be achieved via a Tenseg platform system. Basically, it is a painted base balanced on top of another based molded in clear plastic.
The Optimus Prime set is available now for pre-order at the Big Bad Toy Store. The combo is listed at $64.99. Unfortunately, the dimensions of the base were not listed, but judging by the details on Prime, he is probably standing at 6″-8″ tall. Hopefully, these Tenseg bases are sturdy.
The Tenseg base is a display base that looks like it is floating in the air using a tensegrity mechanism. By balancing the base, which consists of two upper and lower parts, with tension material, you can enjoy the display as if it were floating in the air. By assembling, you can experience the mysterious tensegrity mechanism that makes TF feel like they are floating in the air.
The base looks cool, but this may be one of the most lackluster Optimus Primes I’ve seen in years. He looks bulky, but in a strange way. Convoy is supposed to have an intimidating stature, but the build here comes off as chubby. Chubbimus Prime.
The vehicle mode doesn’t help matters. The cab isn’t flush, and there’s extra kibble in the back that makes the whole thing stand out. You can’t do much disguising when your vehicle mode draws more attention than it should.
From what I’ve read elsewhere, the bases will come in a variety of colors. These include silver, Autobot red, and Decepticon purple. The individual bases are priced at $17.99, somewhat comparable to Bandai’s.
Pre-orders are open now, and Optimus Prime-Rib should be shipping in the Spring of 2022.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]
GKids to Release Irish Folklore Trilogy Blu-ray Box Set
On Monday, October 4th, GKids announced on their Twitter page a special limited edition Irish Folklore Trilogy coming to a 4-disc Blu-ray set on December 14th in North America, with distribution by Shout! Factory.
Earlier this year there were fans wondering when Wolfwalkers would receive a physical release date. Tomm Moore, co-founder & creative director of Cartoon Saloon, tweeted in now-deleted tweets hints of what was to come back in April of this year:
With no further updates, fans had no choice but to wait. Now we finally have answers as to what to expect in this set. This set will feature three Academy Award-nominated modern animated classics. The studio’s first film, The Secret of Kells, is a tale of a master illuminator and his young apprentice, followed by Song of the Sea, the adventure of a mythical seal-child and her brother on a quest to save the spirit world, and their latest movie feature, Wolfwalkers, follows a young huntress and her friendship with a free-spirited wolf-girl.
These culturally rich films celebrate the Irish heritage of the Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon filmmakers by looking at history through the lens of folklore, and the painstaking attention to detail and handcrafted animation utilized to do so are what makes these films so beloved by fans.
The limited-edition Irish Folklore Trilogy box set features the exclusive Blu-Ray presentation of Wolfwalkers, as well as animatics and bonus features for the three films never released before in North America. This deluxe set is presented in beautiful and environmentally friendly packaging that reflects each film’s loving depiction of the natural world, and the art includes an original illustration by Cartoon Saloon. Also included is a 2,000 word essay by film critic Andy Crump about the animation studio Cartoon Saloon, the origins and creation of these films, and their role in the world of animation and the world at large.
GKids notes that the Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy is made of at least 50% recycled or renewable materials that are safe and sustainable for both individuals and the environment. The soy-based inks are non-toxic and 100% biodegradable.
Special Features:
The Secret of Kells
- Audio Commentary with Filmmakers
- Voices of Ireland
- Director’s Presentation
- Pencil-to-Picture
- Aisling at the Oscars
- And more
Song of the Sea
- Audio Commentary with Filmmakers
- Behind the Scenes
- The Art of Song of the Sea
- Animation Tests
- And more
Wolfwalkers
- Audio Commentary with Filmmakers
- Voicing Wolfwalkers
- “How to Draw” Demonstrations
- The Music of Wolfwalkers
- Behind “Running With The Wolves”
- Trailers
- And more
Bonus Disc
- Song of the Sea Animatic with Director’s Commentary
- The Secret of Kells Animatic with Director’s Commentary
- Wolfwalkers Animatic with Director’s Commentary
- Reading of Pangur Bán by Mick Lally
- And more
See Blu-ray Box Set trailer here:
You can pre-order this set now for $65 at this link.
Source: GKids
Toei Animation, Fathom Events Host Special 2-Day Theatrical Showing for One Piece Anime Movie
To celebrate One Piece’s incredible milestone of releasing the series’ 1000th episode, Toei Animation and Fathom Events are hosting a two-day theatrical showing of the 2009 movie One Piece: Strong World, the 10th movie in the series.
Releasing in theaters for the first time ever, One Piece: Strong World will be in theaters on November 7th for English-dub, and November 9th for English-subbed. As a surprise treat, fans will also get to watch One Piece: Mugiwara Chase 30 minute featurette.
The summary of the movie is this:
Upon hearing news that islands in East Blue are being destroyed, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew go to investigate. On their way, however, an outlandish pirate ship appears out of the sky, helmed by the infamous pirate Shiki “the Golden Lion”—a man who ate the Float-Float Fruit and the first ever prisoner to escape from Impel Down. In his quest to defeat the World Government, Shiki kidnaps Nami to be his own navigator and sends the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates to his floating islands as hostages, leaving her in a dilemma. Separated in a land under Shiki’s absolute control, Luffy and his crew must survive the mystifying terrain in order to bring back their navigator and friend.
Tickets are currently on sale on. the Fathom Events website and at participating theaters.
Here is the English dubbed trailer for One Piece: Strong World:
Are you excited about One Piece airing it’s 1000th episode, and seeing this movie in theaters? Will you go see it in theaters in November?
Source: Funimation
Rumiko Takahashi Inducted into the Harvey Awards Hall of Fame
The Harvey Awards committee have announced on Wednesday manga creator Rumiko Takahashi will be inducted into the Harvey Hall of Fame. The Harvey Awards honors those who work within the comic industry.
Rumiko Takahashi made her debut in 1978, with her works gaining worldwide popularity in various forms such as in manga, anime, and live-action. Her first published manga is called Urusei Yatsura. Takahashi’s most well known stories are Ranma 1/2 and InuYasha, both having been adapted into anime series, with InuYasha currently airing a spinoff sequel called Yashahime. In 2019, Takahashi began her current manga series called Mao.
Harvey added best manga category in 2018. Takahashi is the second mangaka to be inducted into the Harvey Awards Hall of Fame. Last year, Osamu Tezuka was inducted in the Hall of Fame. He is best known for creating Astro Boy, Black Jack, Dororo, Princess Knight, and Kimba the White Lion.
Besides Rumiko Takahashi, the others to be inducted into the Harvey all of Fame are Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Jeffrey Catherine Jones (Creepy, Vampirella), Barry Windsor-Smith (Conan the Barbarian, Weapon X), and Michael Kaluta (The Shadow, Starstruck).
Takahashi released a statement thanking the committee for her induction:
“Thank you so much for this wonderful award. I am so honored the American readers have enjoyed my work. Through the medium of manga, I am so happy I am able to communicate with all of you. The world is in hardship due to Covid, but I hope my manga can provide some comfort.”
These inductees will be recognized via a virtual screening on Friday, October 8 during New York Comic Con 2021.
Source: ANN, Comics Unearthed
Shogun Godzilla Returns, Now In Glow-in-the-Dark Form!
In July, we reported on Super7’s mini Godzilla figure, which was based on the ’70s Mattel toy. It quickly sold out. Thankfully, the toy company’s Spectacular Kinda Sorta Still at Home-ic-Con revealed a new version of the Shogun Godzilla, but he glows-in-the-dark this time!
Everything else about the figure is the same as the earlier release, even the $25 price tag. He still has the fire/tongue feature, but still no launching hand. Godzilla’s head, hands, spine, and feet can all glow, but the body appears to be matte green. So why not make him entirely glowy?
This green 3.75” Super7 Spectacular Kinda Sorta Still at Home-ic-Con Godzilla ReAction figure is modeled after the classic Shogun toy and features a spring-loaded retractable flame tongue! In special throwback packaging, it’s just like the Shogun Godzilla you remember, only much smaller! Adding this Shogun Godzilla ReAction figure is a far more manageable way to incorporate The King of Monsters into your Kaiju collection!
This isn’t a pre-order. But, if the first time was any indication, this Shogun Godzilla will probably sell out quickly. Click here to be taken directly to his listing.
The Shogun toys were a product of their time. The late 1970s and early 1980s were packed with weird toys based on a massive array of properties. MEGO was making figures of nearly all the heroes, villains, and TV stars under the sun. Meanwhile, Mattel thought it was a good idea to release a giant Godzilla with a rocket hand.
The Shogun line can still be found in the wild but fetch hundreds and thousands of dollars in the rare case of a boxed one. It’s a common sight to see a loose Godzilla at a comic book or toy convention, usually with a price tag of $300+$500. In my experience, though, he is either missing his right hand, or the fire/tongue part has been broken off.
What are your thoughts on Super7’s blast from the past? Let us know in the comments.
[Source: Super7]
New Stop-Motion Film ‘Robin Robin’ Coming To Netflix
Stop-motion features are becoming rarer and rarer when it comes to cinema. Fortunately, Aardman Animation is bringing the style back to filmmaking with ‘Robin Robin,’ a tale about a bird who is raised by a family of mice. The film is directed by Dan Ojari and Mikey Please who also co-wrote it with Sam Morrison.
SlashFilm reports that the movie will be a “musical holiday special” and has been picked up by Netflix who slated for release on November 24, 2021, the day before Thanksgiving.
They add that it will focus “on a robin named Robin who is hatched in a dumpster after her egg somehow finds its way out of the nest. But the mice who found her are happy to take her in and make her one of their own as best they can. Since she’s a bird, it’s not easy to fit in with the rodent family. Robin sings frequently and can be quite loud, but she’s also extremely competitive and feels like she has something to prove. So she decides to set off on a big heist to show that she’s just as sneaky as her adoptive family. But what happens when she learns that she’s not a mouse at all?”
‘Robin Robin’ stars Bronte Carmichael as Robin, Adeel Akhtar as Dad Mouse, Amira Macey-Michael as the youngest mouse Dink, Richard E. Grant as the wise bird Magpie, and Gillian Anderson as a villainous Cat.
You can check out the trailer below:
According to the official synopsis, “When her egg fortuitously rolls into a rubbish dump, Robin is raised by a loving family of burglar mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on the heist to end all heists to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse – but ends up discovering who she really is.”
Guy Pearce: ‘Zone 414’ Touches On “The Technology Versus Humanity Question”
‘The King’s Speech’ actor Guy Pearce stars in the science-fiction thriller ‘Zone 414,’ a movie that recently had a digital release.
Pearce portrays “David Carmichael, who is hired by android developer Marlon Veidt to find his lost daughter. David teams up with the highly advanced Jane to track down the daughter. Moving through the dangerous iron jungle, they rapidly piece together the mystery, uncovering a crime that leads them to question the origins of Zone 414 and the true purpose behind the ‘City of Robots.’”
In an interview with GamesRadar, Pearce discussed the film, what drew him to the project, and the themes that are represented in the movie.
“This whole notion that technology is advancing and advancing at such a rate that we could possibly get to a point where we could have a relationship with non-humans,” he said when asked what attracted him to the project. “The idea that this technology could get to that point is just fascinating anyway. But the thing I’m drawn to is human behavior, human psychology, the emotional stories within the people that are in the story.”
“I’m always much more interested in films that take the small things and make them feel big rather than making everything a spectacle. There comes a point where I’m just watching a fireworks show when I’m watching something that’s too big for the sake of it. So, there was something lovely, intimate, and delicate about this,” he explained.
When asked about the themes in the film, he said, “Getting back to technology: the technology versus humanity question. The fact that you can look at a group of people standing on the bus together who aren’t connecting at all with each other, heads down into their phone.”
Pearce continued, “There’s something innately sad about that, unfortunate about that. Is this inevitability? That we as sort of fleshy, independent [and] creative creatures would actually rather rely on something more concrete like technology.”
“In a way, it looks at that. The fight that Matilda’s character has in the film which is to go ‘I’m feeling things, I want to feel them but I also don’t want to feel them’. I would love to think us as a human race could actually learn to be at peace with our own internal journeys rather than looking to be distracted from them. This film just raises some of that stuff – I don’t know if it answers any of it,” he added.
‘Zone 414’ is directed by Andrew Baird. It was released in September 2021 by Saban Films. Check out the trailer:
Super7’s Fall Geek-Out Sees New G.I. Joe, TMNT, and Transformers Toys!
Super7 announced that Target is the only place to pre-order a bunch of brand new action figures as of this week. These include ReAction G.I. Joes, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Star Trek‘s Spock!
The supplies are minimal, and it looks like some pre-orders are already sold out. Right now, the golden Megatron and Optimus Prime figures are pre-sold out. However, Cobra Commander, Snake Eyes, Spock, and the Holiday TMNT pack are still available.
I’m digging that Cobra Commander with the chrome faceplate!
The Fall Geek-Out isn’t limited to Super7 merchandise. Funko, McFarlane Toys, and Hasbro have gotten in on the mix as well. Unfortunately, I’m sorry to report that the DROIDS-inspired Star Wars figures are pre-sold out, too. There are plenty of other exclusives still there, though. So head on over to Target.com and scoop them up.
According to Target, new exclusives will be announced each Friday. This will occur throughout October.
Every Friday, we’re dropping amazing, all-new & exclusive collector toys from the coolest brands & franchises from now until 10/1, with a final drop on 10/3. It’s a month-long celebration of geek culture, collecting and fandom!
The majority of the Super7 stuff looks like re-colors or slight variations of their existing figures. They are also priced the same for the most part. So, don’t expect to be paying a premium for a new coat of paint on an existing ReAction figure. I’d get the Ninja Turtles Christmas pack (let’s not kid ourselves, we know the Turtles are god-fearing abominations). I’m hoping they have a Shredder with a Santa disguise coming soon.
Which collectibles are you going to try to snag? Let us know in the comments section.
[Source: Super7]
