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Joker

[Movie] Moments that Mattered (2019 Edition)

January 11, 2020 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Film criticism is a funny thing sometimes. 

While some love a film that you hate (or vice versa), there can be pressure to acknowledge that certain films deserve to be held up as ‘best’ when you simply don’t connect with them. In the same way, a movie that you don’t enjoy can also have redeeming moments that shine through, allowing some aspect of the piece to connect with your heart.

With that in mind, while everyone pieces together their own Top 10 films of the year (or decade… or 2000s…), I feel like it’s worth taking the opportunity to call out the moments that mattered this year. Not just the ‘best pics’ but those brief instances when a film really impacted me. As a result, I offer to you my Top 10 moments of the year. Some are emotionally powerful. Some are random. 

But all of them mattered to me.

Honourable Mentions: Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (‘I try…’); Judy (‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’); Abominable (Violin for the Mountains)

10) Avengers: Endgame (TIE): Captain Ameri-Thor / Lady Avengers

After 23 movies and 10 years, the most impressive aspect of Avengers: Endgame was that it was able to stick the landing as a (Note: Not The) finale to the franchise’s multiple story arc. Say what you will about the Marvel Cinematic Universe—and there are many arguments against their dominance—but they have led the decade as a pop culture phenomenon. That having been said, Endgame walked the balance between ‘greatest hits’ from the last decade and moments of ‘payoff’ for long-time fans. 

In one of the more unexpected (and beloved) visuals within the film is its overwhelming set pieces was this moment when, in the midst of the climatic battle against villainous Thanos, Captain America wielded Mjolnir to an awe-struck Thor, proving that he too was worthy of the weapons awesome power. While the visuals in this final fight for humanity were often overwhelming—they admittedly had to be—this was one of those brief moments that sticks out in my memory

With this in mind, another important moment in the climax of the saga came during the same battle when almost every major female character stood together in unison onscreen. In a culture that is trying to recognize the strength of women to fans of pop culture, this moment gets points for the sheer recognition of its female characters (even if there was very little actual action together). Despite its limited female led films, there are a large number of female heroes that have mattered in the MCU and this brief moment allowed for them to shine briefly as the series moves into its next chapter.

9) Us: The longest drive…

While it never fully achieves the unexpected greatness of Get Out, Jordan Peele’s Us was definitely strong in its own right. Featuring a memorable performance by Nyong’o, Us is yet another smart social commentary disguised as an entertaining horror pic. Without giving away any spoilers (you truly don’t want to know them if you haven’t seen the film), the final moments as the Wilson family are driving home feature an important moment. As Adelaide Wilson looks into the backseat at her son, their unspoken silence speaks volumes and leaves the viewer with the best type of questions. 

8) The Irishman: Can you leave the door open…?

As one of Scorsese’s best films in years, The Irishman is an ambitious and bold character study of a man who sits next to the seat of power but never ascends to the throne. Frank Sheeran is a truck driver who quickly works his way up through the mob scene through the mid-20th Century. While the film is a stunning character piece, the largest question remains about Frank’s motivation. If he isn’t interested in claiming power for himself, what is he looking for? Stability? Protection for his family? 

Perhaps the most telling answer to that may come at the film’s conclusion when an elderly Frank is meeting with a local pastor. While he seems to leave the details of his life in question, Frank clearly desires to still matter. Having been always seen as the ‘up and comer’, Frank has always had the ear of the most powerful men in the city. While he struggled to connect with his family, he had always been important to more important people. As an older gentleman though, he has lost all of this. Family relationships are gone. The local pastor visits infrequently. Even the police barely have a passing interest in his story now. In the film’s final moments, as the pastor is about to leave his room, Frank asks him to ‘leave the door open a little’ in order to let the light into the room. In the briefest of scenes, this moment demonstrates the life not-well-lived and how public recognition is fleeting at best.

7) Knives Out: The Donut of Truth

With a sparkling script and entertaining cast, Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is some of the most fun I had in at theatre all year. One of the key reasons for that though stems from the performance of a British Secret Agent as a Southern Detective. As Benoit Blanc, Daniel Craig, is at his free-wheeling best, offering sage wisdom and random commentary at the same time. In one of his more entertaining speeches, Blanc frets over the mystery by comparing the truth to a donut, complete with a hole in the middle that needs to be filled. As he begins to spiral, that analogy becomes increasingly complicated and even he looks confused by his ramblings. For a man who’s known for playing the silent killer that is James Bond, moments like this are completely against type and show his comedic range. Just as importantly, however, this speech shows the complexity of truth in our culture as it constantly shifts and often has pieces missing as well.

6) Sound of Metal: Sitting in Silence

Telling the story of Ruben, a young rock and roll drummer who suddenly experiences hearing loss, Sound of Metal is one of the most engaging films that hasn’t received a wide release yet. (I saw the film in the Fall at the Toronto International Film Festival.) In one of the film’s most poignant scenes, Ruben is confronted by a mentor who has challenged him to sit in silence in the morning. Frustrated that Ruben is unable to perform such a basic task, his mentor remarks, “Of all those times you were silent, were you ever really still? In stillness is when the Kingdom of God shows up… and those are the moments that matter.” By indicating the complex difference between mere quiet and spiritual rest, this is a description of the Divine that simply doesn’t get spoken in film (even faith-based ones). Ruben’s journey, without being explicit, is a spiritual exodus in the wilderness that also speaks to the hope and healing that occurs when God shows up in the lives of the broken.

5) Joker: Butterfly on the Stairwell

In its marketing campaign, Joker is a film that embraced controversy, almost to the point of encouraging it. Featured on the poster and trailer, the scene where the newly crowned (or freed?) Joker dances down the stairwell is also a mixed bag of emotion. On the one hand, it is definitely the character’s “butterfly moment”, where he throws off the shackles of his identity as Arthur Fleck and embraces his wild new persona. In one brief shining moment, the film’s darkness gives way to what appears to be light. The music is joyful and the energy of the moment is palpable.

However…

The scene is also serves as reminder that this character is intrinsically evil. This isn’t a hero breaking free to do what is right. We know what’s coming as the Joker has truly been unleashed. As a result, there is an incredible irony to the moment which seems exciting and fun, yet also the beginning of a hurricane of violence and terror. (In fact, this irony is also encapsulated within the choice of song itself. Through his decision to use ‘The History of Rock and Roll Part II’, director Todd Phillips also chooses a song that, while fun and energetic, also comes from an artist who has been somewhat banned from popular culture due to his own criminal actions.) As such, this moment encapsulated the entire charm/harm of the film, by exposing our culture’s desire to see the Clown Prince of Crime do the damage he was meant to achieve. (The moment even became so iconic that it also became a tourist destination in real life, with people choosing to take pictures in the same position that Joker is featured on the poster.) 

4) Rocketman: Hugging your inner child

When Rocketman was announced following the [controversial] success of Bohemian Rhapsody, I admit I met the trailer with an eye-roll. After all, here comes the long list of ‘musical biographical films’ (and, for the record, I wasn’t wrong). However, Rocketman succeeds in virtually every way that other entries have failed. By using Elton John’s music to tell the story rather than telling the story of his music, the film is engaging and honest about the superstar’s struggles. By framing the film through a therapy session, Rocketman not only speaks to the trials of stardom but the depth of hurt than can happen along the way. [Spoilers Begin] In the final moments, as an adult Elton John embraces himself as a child, the film demonstrates the power of accepting one’s self and celebrating who God has made you to be. [Spoilers End] 

3) Toy Story 4: Farewell, boys…

The Toy Story saga has lived on far longer than I would have ever believed and, amazingly, really hasn’t had a bad entry into the franchise. (The quality has remained high enough that, with each new entry, I become increasingly worried that they’ll finally deliver a true stinker.) Toy Story 4 continues this trend and, while not as good as some of the other entries, still manages to surprise and delight. In particular, the film’s final send-off between Buzz and Woody achieved a new dimension to their characters in a way that I never saw coming. 

[Caution: Spoilers] As Buzz begins to listen to his own inner voice, Woody has now embarked on his life of mission. No longer attempting to live a life of self-preservation but living in order to help other toys have the life he once had with Andy. [Spoilers end] It’s a powerful recognition of the power of mission and service others that speaks to a new direction and life purpose for Woody that has never been hinted at before in the franchise.

2) Marriage Story: Being Alive…

Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is both a searing and endearing film that tells the story of new life after the death of a marriage. Based on Baumbach’s experience as he processed his own divorce, the film features raw and relentless performances from Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver (and a potential Oscar winning one from Laura Dern). As the two parents fight ferociously for their son and their freedom, this is a film that attempts not to take sides, openly admitting the strengths and flaws of both characters. 

As the film draws to a conclusion, one of the film’s more powerful scenes features song performances by both leads as their character arcs come to conclusion. While Johannsen sings a song about breaking free from the shackles of her relationship, Driver’s tone is more subdued as he performs a song that speaks to ‘Being Alive’. Surprisingly, the film attempts to celebrate both parties, without demonizing either, and therein lies the power of Marriage Story. This is not a film that seeks to blame one person or focus on one particular item of pain but rather the humility, grace (and love) that’s required to step forward from the wreckage of divorce. As the film highlights the contrast between the two leads in song, it reminds the viewer that both people in a marriage have different stories that matter and that they both need to ‘feel alive’

1) A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: “Let’s pause for a moment…”

Wisely, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not a ‘biopic’ of iconic children’s performer Fred (Mr.) Rogers. Rather, it’s a narrative that highlights the impact that one life can have on another. When reporter Lloyd Vogel meets Rogers on the set of his show, he is quickly stunned at his humility and grace. As a friendship develops between the two men, their relationship forces Vogel to re-examine the anger that drives him  within his own heart. In one of the film’s most powerful moments, Vogel and Rogers are seated in a diner eating together. As Vogel speaks of the pain of his past, Rogers pauses and slowly offers this statement: “May we pause for a moment and think of all the people that loved us along the way.” 

In one instant, the film breathes. Rather than focus on Vogel’s pain, Rogers reminds him that there is (and has been) love throughout this entire life, even if he was taking it for granted. As Rogers, Hanks completely invests in this moment and the entire restaurant slows to a halt. This is a testament that our story is more than the sum of our hurts. In a world where rage and division are the order of the day, this moment above all others stands out in my mind as the most counter-cultural moment of the year. Though hatred breaks us down, love breaks the chains.

Filed Under: Editorial, Film Tagged With: 2019, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Avengers Endgame, Best of, Joker, Judy, Knives Out, Marriage Story, Rocketman, Sound of Metal, The Irishman, Top Ten, Toy Story 4, US

5 Days of Christmas GIVEAWAY #3: Digital Copy of JOKER

December 18, 2019 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks — the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he’s part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.

To enter, simply like or share our post on Facebook. For a bonus entry, like or share the post on Twitter and Instagram.

The winner will receive a digital copy of Joker on iTunes.

All entries must be completed by 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 18th, 2019.

Filed Under: Film, Giveaways Tagged With: Christmas, Gotham City, Joker

Joker & What It Says About Us

October 9, 2019 by Matt Hill Leave a Comment

your sunday drive podcast

Did you see Joker? What did you think of it?

In this episode of the Your Sunday Drive podcast, we take a close look at the movie Joker and the zeitgeist surrounding it. Topics and questions include: Why the film is controversial; does it glamorize an evil character? is it a good film?; related fears of mass shootings; “incels” and if Joker is about them; does art reflect life or vice versa?; what role does the media play?; do artists share responsibility for the effects of their messages?; freedom of speech and “cancel culture;” Joker as a “Christ figure” and the longing for redemption in art.

Come along for Your Sunday Drive – quick conversation about current events, politics, pop culture and more, from the perspective of a couple of guys trying to follow Jesus.

Hosts: Matt Hill and Nate Polzin. Presented by the Church in Drive of Saginaw, MI, as often as possible. Please visit churchindrive.com and facebook.com/thechurchindrive



Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Batman, Bruce Wayne, christian movie review, christian podcast, christian review, DC, Joaquin Phoenix, Joker, politics, pop culture

6.02 Dancing with Danger in JOKER (100th Episode!)

October 4, 2019 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

In a wild left turn for the DC film universe, director Todd Phillips’ latest film JOKER takes us back to Gotham City in order to witness the birth of the Clown Prince of Crime. When we first meet the titular villain, his name is Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who has been isolated, bullied and disregarded by society. As things begin to unravel in his life (and his mind), Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the iconic DC villain known as the Joker.

This week, in our 100th episode, our SF team tells us what the site means to them, we announce a VERY special giveaway and Paul and Julie Levac stop by to talk about the dangers and brilliance of Todd Phillips’ foray into criminal madness.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Soundcloud! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

GIVEAWAY! In order to enter our giveaway for a $100 gift card for the movies, please do the following:

  1. Answer the following question in the comments section: Who is your favourite DC Villain?
  2. Like/Share this episode on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  3. For a bonus entry, rate/comment on us on iTunes.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

6.02 JokerDownload

Filed Under: DC Universe, Film, Film Festivals, Giveaways, Podcast, TIFF Tagged With: Batman, Bradley Cooper, DC, DCEU, Joaquin Phoenix, Joker, Robert DeNiro, todd phillips, WB, Zazie Beetz

Joker: Laughing on the Outside

October 3, 2019 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

In Joker, failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) works as a clown to pay the bills and lives at home with his sickly mother. Beaten down by a society coming apart at the seams, Fleck struggles to maintain a positive outlook yet desperately wants to make people laugh. Struggling to find his way, Fleck soon begins to act out his frustrations in increasingly violent ways as he slowly transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.

Written and directed by Todd Phillips, Joker feels like an unexpected twist in his career trajectory. With films such as The Hangover trilogy and Old School leading his portfolio, an exploration of the dark underbelly of humour may seem like a vast departure from his previous work. In many ways, however, Joker also feels like a nature progression. Whereas many of his previous films have dealt with middle-aged men working out their emotional issues through the use of humour, Joker simply flips the switch by digging around in the psychology under the laughter instead of focusing on the gags themselves. While the film is bound to be divisive due to its dark themes and violence, Phillips has created a character arc so compelling that every scene feels like a vital piece to the most complicated of mental puzzles. 

Added to the mix is Joaquin Phoenix who absolutely shines as the hopeful but hurting Fleck. Over the years, the character of the Joker has provided multiple actors opportunity to push themselves and, thankfully, Phoenix carves out his own unique place in the canon. In an Oscar-worthy performance, Phoenix is simply mesmerizing as the failed comedian, giving him a likeable quality amidst his brokenness that makes you want to root for him (until you simply can’t anymore). Without question, Joker is very much the hero of his solo film—but the nature of that heroism eventually gets called into question.

Whereas the Joker has been often presented as a mysterious ‘force of nature’, here he is very much a product of his culture. Living in the slum-like Narrows of Gotham city Fleck’s life is a comedy of errors. Bullied for his job as a clown and living with his mother, Fleck has dreams of making other people laugh as a stand-up comic. His mother waits faithfully for a severance check from the wealthy Thomas Wayne that will never come. He’s in love with the beautiful tenant across the hall who may or may not be interested in him. Like the rest of those in the Narrows, success for Fleck is something that is constantly in view but just out of reach. While he’s constantly laughing on the outside, there’s little joy within him. (Interestingly, in one of the more intriguing story points for his character, his constant laughter stems from a medical condition that causes him to do so regardless of what’s happening around him.) For Arthur Fleck, life is no joke as his desire to matter in the eyes of others is consistently spat upon by the world. 

What’s more, this perspective echoes the film’s portrayal of Gotham itself, choosing to look at life through the eyes of those who are struggling to get by each day. Set years away from the arrival of the Dark Knight, Gotham is at a tipping point as the rich become richer and the poor more helpless. Anger and frustration run deep within those living in the Narrows as they become viewed as ‘troublemakers’ and yes, ‘jokers’ instead of people in need. Even Thomas Wayne, who has been painted in previous visions as a saint who wanted to see the city thrive, is skewed here as an irrelevant billionaire who remains out of touch with the common people. 

In Joker, hope remains out of reach for much of the city. In a city that mirrors the broken spirit of American culture, the 99% have grown angry with their way of life and want desperately for their voices to be heard. Then, when an unknown attacker kills three businessmen on a subway, tensions within the city begin to bubble over as talk of revolution hits the streets. 

In light of this, the most terrifying aspect of the film stems from its realism. Instead of chemical transformations or superpowered villains, Joker shows what can happen when a city loses its grace for the downtrodden of humanity. Although Fleck’s actions become reprehensible, they stem from his inability to process the abuse of a culture that has turned its back on him. “I used to think my life was a tragedy,” he moans, “but now I know that it’s really a comedy.” Light becomes lost in a world that has succumbed to the shadows and Joker gleefully dances into the darkness. (Is it any wonder that the film has been referred to by Phillips as a ‘cautionary tale’?)

Despite its bleak outlook on the world, Joker truly is one of the years best and most creative films. Phoenix’ performance as the Clown Prince of Crime may take him to dark places but there remains a brokenness within him for much of the film which humanizes him. Pressure from all sides to succumb to a culture of despair, Arthur Fleck’s journey is less of a comic book film and more about what happens when a world fails to listen to those who need it most.

And the outcome of that is no laughing matter.

Joker laughs its way into theatres on Friday, October 4th, 2019. 

Filed Under: Film, Film Festivals, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: Batman, DC, Joaquin Phoenix, Joker, Robert DeNiro, TIFF, TIFF19, todd phillips

TIFF ’19: Joker

September 17, 2019 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

In Joker, failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) works as a clown to pay the bills and lives at home with his sickly mother. Beaten down by a society coming apart at the seams, Fleck struggles to maintain a positive outlook yet desperately wants to make people laugh. Struggling to find his way, Fleck soon begins to act out his frustrations in increasingly violent ways as he slowly transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.

Written and directed by Todd Phillips, Joker feels like an unexpected twist in his career trajectory. While the film is bound to be divisive due to its dark themes and violence, Phillips has created a character arc so compelling that every scene feels like a vital piece to the most complicated of mental puzzles. Added to the mix is Joaquin Phoenix who absolutely shines as the hopeful but hurting Fleck. In an Oscar-worthy performance, Phoenix is simply mesmerizing as the failed comedian, giving him a likeable quality amidst his brokenness that makes you want to root for him (until you simply can’t anymore).

Despite its bleak outlook on the world, Joker truly is one of the years best and most creative films. Phoenix’ performance as the Clown Prince of Crime may take him to dark places but there remains a brokenness within him for much of the film which humanizes him. Pressure from all sides to succumb to a culture of despair, Arthur Fleck’s journey is less of a comic book film and more about what happens when a world fails to listen to those who need it most.

Joker had its North American premiere last week at the Toronto International Film Festival and laughs its way into theatres on Friday, October 4th, 2019. 

Filed Under: Film, Film Festivals, Premieres, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: DC, Joaquin Phoenix, Joker, Robert DeNiro, TIFF, TIFF19, todd phillips

Saving DC (and it’s Extended Universe)

February 23, 2017 by Arnaldo Reyes 2 Comments

Before we get started, let me assure you… I already know what you’re going to say.

Over the last year, there has been plenty of articles written about the DC Entertainment Universe (DCEU) helmed by Warner Bros., but I want to take a different approach. Instead of merely looking at what is wrong and highlighting it, I want to offer my take on a solution.

Numbers can be deceiving and, frankly, that is the number one problem with Warner Bros. While their films have seen massive worldwide ticket sales, does that really mean they’ve been a success? Their films have made so much from name recognition alone but fall short in quality, especially considering their competition. For instance, while Batman v Superman made a good chunk of change at the global box office, comparing it to a film like Deadpool shows that it missed expectations exponentially. Even though the film featured arguably the two most iconic superheroes ever for the first time ever in the same film (not to mention the first live action film version of Wonder Woman), and the film should have grossed well over 1 billion worldwide yet it fell far short. The success of a character like Deadpool should never compare to a film featuring Batman and Superman, but it shows you the difference between mere name recognition and a quality script that carries all the best elements of the character. (In fact, Suicide Squad suffered similar problems, by offering a film that made money from name recognition but not from the quality of the film itself.

Now I know, there are some reading that actually like these films, and that’s fine. This isn’t an article to bash DC or even compare them to their more successful counterpart led by the House of Mouse. Rather, this is an article of a comic book fan who wants to see sustained success–and, based on all the recent news, sustained success seems like a farfetched idea at the moment. I won’t link articles because I take rumors with a grain of salt, but with the confirmation that Ben Affleck won’t direct a solo Batman film; the script being thrown out and redone; and even some rumors that Affleck is trying to find a way to no longer play Batman, the state of the DCEU remains a giant question mark.  (Though today’s news that Matt Reeves has confirmed his role as director is, finally, some good news related to the film…). In three months, we will find out if there’s some hope (and again, don’t let initial numbers deceive you) but it could also completely bury the DCEU for quite some time.

With all that being said, let’s offer up some solutions.

My first piece of advice for Warner Bros. is kind of an oxymoron when you first hear it. I want them to both emulate Marvel Studios and also stop emulating Marvel.

Let me explain.

When it comes to emulating, the WB must stop pretending like they don’t care what Marvel is doing.  (Let’s be serious… you do.)  So, emulate the planning process. So far, it seems like the list of DCEU films are based on reaction and “catching up” rather than coming across as piece of a clearly laid out plan. Through their use of their ‘Phase 1-3’ idea, Marvel Studios has come off as a company that had an overall story to tell, rather than just movie titles. This interlocking shared universe paid off and WB would be smart to copy that same formula. This means that you shouldn’t make a film that spends more time trying to set up another film then actually tell a good story on its own. By leaving the interlocking parts for the end credits where the main film can breathe on its own with a few easter eggs, the fans realize in the end credits that it is part of something greater. These are things that Marvel has made successful and definitely should be emulated.

Now to the stop emulating part…

One of the more consistent things we’ve heard about is the constant butting of heads idea that DCEU films aren’t good because tell less jokes than Marvel and aren’t as ‘light hearted’.

But that’s far from the truth.

DCEU films don’t need to be light hearted to be good. They don’t need to follow that Marvel formula. The Dark Knight remains arguably the greatest comic book film of all time, and that’s what DCEU should be leaning on. BvS didn’t fail (critically speaking) because there wasn’t enough humor. Suicide Squad wasn’t viewed as a mess because they didn’t get the humor right. Humor has nothing to do with it, and the execs at WB need to realize that. Suicide Squad should have been dark and stayed with the feel of a black ops film rather than interjecting a supernatural element that simply didn’t make sense in that particular world. It felt like two different stories were trying to be told. Instead, Warner Bros. needs to focus more on storytelling and not just the name recognition (that goes for both characters and the actors picked to play the characters). If you are a fan like me, you probably have watched many of the animated movies that have come out in recent years. When I compare those movies to the live action, it is night and day. Now, we can talk about the differences in filmmaking stylistically, but good storytelling is good storytelling. There are a plethora of stories and ideas to pull from directly from their own umbrella that can be adapted correctly. Whether its Justice League, or Batman, or Suicide Squad, they all have been done extremely well in a film feature on the animated side because they have the freedom to stay true to the characters and the DC formula. If the biggest criticism DCEU films have is story, why continue to revert back to the same screenwriters?

DC comics have always been different from Marvel. Sure, over the years, characters have been created to ‘copy’ one from the other side but, even then, the characters and personalities remain completely different. The DCEU should follow suit and get writers that work within other factions of the DC world in order to craft stories that stay true to the characters. The WB execs should, like FOX did with Deadpool, take a step back and give them the freedom to do it their way. I don’t think all the turmoil surrounding The Batman film, and the lost hope from majority of fans would be an issue if these things were to happen. At the end of the day, we all want to see the films succeed and want to see the DCEU have a sustained success. But please WB, stop trying to take shortcuts and thinking that the names alone is all you need. Make a plan and be willing to let the characters develop and grow while staying true to their nature. Have a freedom and liberty with the characters but respect their foundation and ultimately let them breathe. Think outside of the box and don’t pigeonhole yourself to the same writers or ideas and dare to cast unknowns or non-A-list actors for iconic roles.

In the end, it doesn’t matter how dark or light the film is.  If the story is well put together, it will ultimately–finally?–lead to a sustained success.

Filed Under: Editorial, Film Tagged With: Batman, Ben Affleck, DC, DC Comics, DCEU, Deadpool, Joker, Justice League, Marvel, Matt Reeves, Suicide Squad, Superman, The Flash, Warner Bros.

Podcast: SUICIDE SQUAD(Goals)

August 17, 2016 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

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https://screenfish.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2.23-Suicide-Squad.mp3

This week on the show, Steve assembles his own band of misfits by inviting comic aficionado Arnaldo Reyes and Greg Banik to do battle with the SUICIDE SQUAD! Are Deadshot, Harley Quinn and the rest really the ‘worst heroes ever’?  Is the film worth the 27% on Rotten Tomatoes?  All this and more, on ScreenFish.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

2.23 Suicide Squad

 

Filed Under: Podcast, Reviews Tagged With: Batman, David Ayer, DC Comics, DCEU, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Jared Leto, Joker, Margot Robbie, Suicide Squad, Will Smith

Batman: The Killing Joke Official Press Release and Box Art

May 12, 2016 by Arnaldo Reyes Leave a Comment

It is here. The official details on the next upcoming DC animated film, Batman: The Killing Joke.

Arguably one of the greatest Joker stories ever told, fans for years have been clamoring for it to get the DC Animated treatment. And now, come this summer, their wish comes true. Check out all the details below and don’t forget to check out the official trailer.1000565438BRDFLTO_f68be9f

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KEVIN CONROY & MARK HAMILL

REPRISE SEMINAL ROLES AS BATMAN & THE JOKER IN WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT’S

Batman: The Killing Joke

 HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED R-RATED ANIMATED THRILLER ARRIVES August 2, 2016 ON BLU-RAYTM DELUXE EDITION, BLu-Ray TM COMBO PACK, DVD & DIGITAL HD

BURBANK, CA (May 12, 2016) – Delve into the demented history of the Dark Knight’s arch nemesis – The Joker – as he sets out to prove insanity is only a horrifying moment away for anyone in the latest DC Universe Original Movie, Batman: The Killing Joke. Based on one of the best-selling graphic novels of all time, this R-rated, feature-length animated film brings together some of the key creative team behind Batman: The Animated Series with executive producer Bruce Timm at the helm and Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill returning to their seminal roles as Batman and The Joker, respectively. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, Batman: The Killing Joke arrives August 2, 2016 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-Ray™ Deluxe Edition, Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD.

 

Batman: The Killing Joke will be available on Blu-rayTM Deluxe Edition for $29.96 SRP, Blu-rayTM Combo Pack for $24.98 SRP, and DVD for $19.98 SRP.  The Blu-rayTM Combo Pack includes a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet. The Blu-ray™ Deluxe Edition will include all components of the Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack, along with an exclusive figurine of The Joker in a numbered, limited edition gift set.

Fans can also own Batman: The Killing Joke on Digital HD on July 26, 2016 via purchase from digital retailers.

Based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name, Batman: The Killing Joke takes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime – from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is – setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon. It’s up to the Dark Knight to put a stop to The Joker’s latest scheme and save one of Gotham City’s finest. Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon’s heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, Batman: The Killing Joke stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans’ imaginations for nearly three decades – spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless.

Published by DC Comics in 1988, the two-time Eisner Award winning Batman: The Killing Joke graphic novel has maintained an unparalleled popularity throughout its 28 years of existence – as evidenced by its recent ranking as the best-selling graphic novel of 2015.

“Batman: The Killing Joke presents one of the most compelling stories in the annals of Batman’s adventures: the evolution of The Joker from normalcy to criminal insanity. This was a very challenging story to tell because of the intense, often disturbing storyline, but we are extremely pleased with how true to the graphic novel we have been in this original film.” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is proud to release Batman: The Killing Joke as an authentic representation of its revered story for both longtime fans and new fans alike.”

The celebrity-laden cast is led by Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League) and Mark Hamill (Star Wars franchise) as they reprise their seminal roles as the voices of Batman/Bruce Wayne and The Joker, respectively. The cast also features Tara Strong (Teen Titans; Batman: Arkham games), as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, RoboCop) as Commissioner Gordon.

Batman: The Killing Joke is directed by Sam Liu (Justice League vs. Teen Titans) from a script by Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Azzarello. Bruce Timm and Sam Register are executive producers, and Alan Burnett is co-producer. Benjamin Melniker & Michael Uslan are executive producers.

Batman: The Killing Joke – Enhanced Content

DVD

  • An exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie.

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack

  • An exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie..
  • Featurette – “Batman: The Killing Joke – Madness Set To Music” – Jim Gordon must bear witness to the most disturbing images any father could imagine while a maniac entices his break from sanity in song. This documentary looks at the step-by-process of one of the most crucial scenes in Batman: The Killing Joke, including the methodology James Tucker used as he storyboarded Brian Bolland’s stunning work for the screen; Dynamic Music Partners composers/lyricists’ creative merging of original music with the poetic words from the graphic novel to provoke the desired feelings and emotions for this critical scene; and actor Mark Hamill’s physical, devoted performance to capturing the world¹s most notorious Super-Villain in song.
  • Featurette – “Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke” – Brian Bolland’s artwork is instantly recognizable to comic book enthusiasts all over the world. Known for his amazing cover art, it was a rare inclusion into the body of a graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, that helped the perennial story of Batman and The Joker remain a fan favorite for decades to come.  Combined with the graphic novel’s original script – which is more than just the telling of a story, but an intricate map explaining every stop along the way to the end of a fantastic journey – this documentary reveals the artistic process behind The Killing Joke’s distinct style.  We’ll learn how artists and writers excelled at conveying story and human emotion one panel at a time, mesmerizing readers with unforgettable stories and humanized depictions of heroes and villains. And why after nearly 30 years in print, Batman: The Killing Joke is more thought provoking than ever, as its socio-economic themes are relatable to generation after generation.
  • From the DC Comics Vault– Two 22-minute episodes:
  1. The New Batman Adventures – “Old Wounds”
  2. Batman: The Animated Series – “Christmas with The Joker”

Blu-ray™ Deluxe Edition

  • Exclusive Limited Edition The Joker Figurine
  • An exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie..
  • Featurette – “Batman: The Killing Joke – Madness Set To Music” – Jim Gordon must bear witness to the most disturbing images any father could imagine while a maniac entices his break from sanity in song. This documentary looks at the step-by-process of one of the most crucial scenes in Batman: The Killing Joke, including the methodology James Tucker used as he storyboarded Brian Bolland’s stunning work for the screen; Dynamic Music Partners composers/lyricists’ creative merging of original music with the poetic words from the graphic novel to provoke the desired feelings and emotions for this critical scene; and actor Mark Hamill’s physical, devoted performance to capturing the world¹s most notorious Super-Villain in song.
  • Featurette – “Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke” – Brian Bolland’s artwork is instantly recognizable to comic book enthusiasts all over the world. Known for his amazing cover art, it was a rare inclusion into the body of a graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, that helped the perennial story of Batman and The Joker remain a fan favorite for decades to come.  Combined with the graphic novel’s original script – which is more than just the telling of a story, but an intricate map explaining every stop along the way to the end of a fantastic journey – this documentary reveals the artistic process behind The Killing Joke’s distinct style.  We’ll learn how artists and writers excelled at conveying story and human emotion one panel at a time, mesmerizing readers with unforgettable stories and humanized depictions of heroes and villains. And why after nearly 30 years in print, Batman: The Killing Joke is more thought provoking than ever, as its socio-economic themes are relatable to generation after generation.
  • From the DC Comics Vault– Two 22-minute episodes:
  1. The New Batman Adventures – “Old Wounds”
  2. Batman: The Animated Series – “Christmas with The Joker”

 

 

 

 

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

Batman: The Killing Joke will be available to viewers for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. Starting July 23, 2016, Batman: The Killing Joke will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

 

 

 

ABOUT DIGITAL HD

*Digital HD allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

 

About DC Entertainment

DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner.  DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games.  Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.

 

Batman and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and ©DCComics. (s16)

About Warner Bros. Animation

Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s TV series include Be Cool Scooby-Doo!, Bunnicula, Justice League Action, Teen Titans Go!, The Tom and Jerry Show, Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production for Cartoon Network, Mike Tyson Mysteries for Adult Swim and the forthcoming Green Eggs and Ham for Netflix. As the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Animated Original Movies — for DVD. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

Filed Under: DVD, News Tagged With: Batman, Batman: Killing Joke, Joker, Killing Joke

Joking Around – New Images from Set of Suicide Squad

May 28, 2015 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

The Squad is on the move.

In Suicide Squad, director David Ayer tells the story of a team of super villains, which includes DC characters Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Deadshot (Will Smith), who are ordered by a government agency to work together or else. Of course, there is one character within the team that is making waves over the internet already–the iconic villain, The Joker (Jared Leto), returns to the screen. While not much is known about Squad’s story other than this context, filming of this highly-anticipated, action tentpole continues around the streets of Toronto.

And ScreenFish was there.

Taken last night, we have some clear views of the Joker’s new Lamborghini as the crew films some stunt work. While stars Jared Leto and Margo Robbie weren’t on the set, we did get some exclusive footage of their stunt team showing Joker’s escape through the streets of Gotham in his custom vehicle.

image
Joker’s Lamborghini – Front

image
Joker’s Lamborghini – Side

image
Joker’s Lamborghini – Rear

Of course, if you’d like to see Joker’s vehicle more clearly in slow motion, you can do so at the following link.  IMG_0631

 

 

Suicide Squad will be released August 5, 2016 and is directed by David Ayer.

Filed Under: Film, News Tagged With: Batman, David Ayer, Jared Leto, Joker, Suicide Squad, Toronto

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