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Star Trek: Picard New Teaser!

Oh, I totally forgot about Star Trek: Picard, luckily a new teaser has been released, which you'll find embedded. Most of the minute long trailer has Picard speaking about how "the true final frontier is time" and that "time offers so many opportunities, but never second chances." After that, we see deck of cards on a table and the only one that's face up and out of the deck is a Queen of Hearts. It then mostly dissipates as then all we see is a black screen and all that remains is the "Q" part of the card. In this instance we hear Q (John de Lancie) say, "the trial never ends" and laughs. I guess it wouldn't be a ST:TNG show without Q!

TNG is perhaps my most favorite... Read All Oh, I totally forgot about Star Trek: Picard, luckily a new teaser has been released, which you'll find embedded. Most of the minute long trailer has Picard speaking about how "the true final frontier is time" and that "time offers so many opportunities, but never second chances." After that, we see deck of cards on a table and the only one that's face up and out of the deck is a Queen of Hearts. It then mostly dissipates as then all we see is a black screen and all that remains is the "Q" part of the card. In this instance we hear Q (John de Lancie) say, "the trial never ends" and laughs. I guess it wouldn't be a ST:TNG show without Q!

TNG is perhaps my most favorite of all of Star Trek, and I've seen almost all of it. However, I have not seen Star Trek: Lower Decks (an animated comedy) or Star Trek: Discovery (which I've heard is good). TNG ended when I was about 15 and it played on a local channel, so I got to watch it. There was a TNG video game that I had as one of the first games I got to play with my new Windows PC in '95-96. I also collected the cards for the TNG Customizable Card Game, which I played with some friends during high school. I still have some of those cards around. DS9 and Voyager also came out during this time and I really enjoyed those shows, too. I also read some books of TNG (such as Imzadi) and Voyager (especially the beginning). It wasn't until I was much older (in the last decade) that I finally watched or re-watched everything from the original and animated original series to ST: Enterprise. I've also seen all of the movies and I believe the NCC-1701-D is my favorite Enterprise. I've imaged myself in a blue TNG uniform long ago. I believed it belonged to those that worked in the field of science, which was where I saw myself if I were part of a ST crew.

I enjoyed Star Trek: Picard, I'm not sure how I forgot about it. I can't even remember if I was expecting a season two, but I'm delighted that it appears to be coming. I look forward to watching it. The fact that Q is going to be in it makes it even more exciting.

Did you see Star Trek: Picard? What did you think about it? Are you excited for season two? It looks like it'll come out sometime next year.

Source: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-trek-picard-season-2-gets-new-teaser/1100-6489774/

Loki New Trailer

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier currently has three episodes left. On June 11th Loki begins on Disney+ just a couple of days after Black Widow is finally released. There's a new trailer for the show, which you can watch as I embedded it in this post. There's new footage in this video, so I recommend watching it. It looks pretty cool and funny. Afterwards, I watched a quick reaction video by New Rockstars, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/xJj3oVpl4ao There will be a breakdown of the trailer later, but for now Erik Voss answered a couple of lingering questions. For one thing, you can see Loki on a purple looking planet talking to a woman. At first, my... Read All

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/05/2021 at 11:51pm

Keep marvel content coming. I love it and can’t wait.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/06/2021 at 01:53am

Same! 2020 was the worst year ever because there was no Marvel! Oh, and that pandemic thing 😉

Loki looks like a lot of fun.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/06/2021 at 05:11am

I'm just glad Marvel found a way to give us content despite the pandemic. I think these shows are and will be good. I thought WandaVision was definitely outstanding!

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/08/2021 at 01:46am

Are we going to keep getting Marvel shows on Disney+ a few months a part? If so, yeah, that’s awesome.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/08/2021 at 02:02am

I don't think there's one planned for immediately after Loki, but I agree. I could watch Marvel shows for the rest of my life 😀

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/08/2021 at 04:14am

There are a total of 13, check out the list, this is the first link in my Google search: https://ew.com/tv/every-marvel-tv-show-disney-plus/

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/08/2021 at 01:55pm

Yeah, there are a ton of shows in development, but I haven't heard anything about any other shows being in production yet? I might be wrong, but I'm guessing after Loki, there's going to be a pause in shows on Disney+

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/08/2021 at 05:20pm

I am guessing more shows in 2022, or maybe the end of 2021. D+ will probably want to space them out with Star Wars shows. I doubt they would want to have both Marvel and Star Wars shows debut at the same time.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/08/2021 at 08:34pm

I think I'm mostly looking forward to Ahsoka's show. I love her so much now, maybe especially since she's grown up and is played by Rosario Dawson, who I've seen frequently as I recently watched all of the Marvel Netflix shows and, of course, I loved her in the Mandalorian season 2 (I hope I didn't just spoil that for anyone). However, I did find a list of Disney+ Marvel shows, you can see it here: https://www.androidauthority.com/upcoming-disney-plus-star-wars-shows-1096898/

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 05/05/2021 at 10:56pm

New Loki "Special Look" trailer: https://youtu.be/4YjpodWi298

New Rockstars has a trailer break down for it if you want to check it out: https://youtu.be/-dpfxVj3kUM (BTW Erik Voss does point out some connections to the Portland area, so Jon, it's "right up your alley" you lucky guy.)

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 05/18/2021 at 04:52am

"Introducing Agent Mobius" https://youtu.be/t_hzOYHNOaU

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 05/20/2021 at 02:39am

Introducing "Miss Minutes" https://youtu.be/5vpCIadly88

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Black Widow New Trailer

There's a new Black Widow trailer. It includes some new footage, including a very young person with blue hair (New Rockstars says this could be a young Natasha). If you're not familiar with Task Master, that character (in the comics) is able to copy the moves of someone he (or she) studies. One of the locations in the movie is Budapest, which if you remember Black Widow and Clint Barton reference a time there so maybe this covers it. The end of the trailer announces that the movie's release date is July 9th in theaters and on Disney+ premier access, "at an additional cost." I recently reported that to watch this on Disney+, you're going to have to pay $30 for it,... Read All

Travis Admin wrote on 04/04/2021 at 03:58am

Yeah the theory about that price tag is movie tickets are usually 10-15 or so and if you are a family of four or something you're saving a ton on it, but if you are watching it alone it's definitely a drag.

But it's mostly the newness of it. Blu Rays are $20ish but that's long after release and they only get a fraction of their cash from people owning it. You can definitely benefit if you don't want to watch it launch day.

I'm kinda hoping things are getting normal-ish by July. Or at least August. I'm more interested in seeing The Suicide Squad in theaters than this but I'll see both if I can do so safely. Yay vaccines!

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/04/2021 at 04:45am

Yeah, I'm wondering how it works out w/ that $30 price, is it a digital movie you get to keep and watch whenever you want? Although, I think it seems more likely that would be true, so long as you're paying for Disney+.

I might go to the theater as I did with Godzilla vs. Kong, but that was pretty much a 17th birthday present for Vinny, since it was supposed to come out on his birthday. If he's around (he goes to his mom's during the summers), I might take him to see it. If I'm alone, I'm not sure if I'll go to the theater. I'm also looking forward to The Suicide Squad and that's another movie I may go see in the theater, if Vinny's around.

I get my first (of two) vaccination in a few days. Jon said he was getting his soon, too.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/04/2021 at 05:43am

I am planning on paying the $30 right on July 9th to see this. I used to see the "big" movies (Star Wars, Marvel, etc) with friends, and I'm wondering if I could get together with some friends in one of our backyards, set up a TV and fling the movie to it so we could all watch it together. Or perhaps by July we'll be comfortable with hanging out in each other's houses, as I bet we'll all be vaccinated by then. I have a good TV and sound system; the only thing I'll miss is surround sound from a theater 🙂

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/04/2021 at 06:19am

Sounds awesome, Adam!

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/04/2021 at 09:02pm

I am probably going to pay the $30 to see this one. I should be fully vaccinated by then, but not sure I am ready to go to a movie theater until covid cases are on the decline. Maybe by then they will be.

Travis Admin wrote on 04/05/2021 at 12:50am

I’m with you on the criteria Will. I should be as immune as I’m going to be, but it’s not a panacea.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/08/2021 at 01:45am

My though is if friends have the vaccine then we’re all safe to hang out. Maybe others can with masks on that don’t have the vaccine yet?

Hope we can see this one in theaters. It would a fun way to go back to do that.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/08/2021 at 05:19pm

Yeah, vaccinated friends I am cool with. It is the other people and the theaters that I worry about.

Travis Admin wrote on 04/10/2021 at 07:37pm

Yep, that's exactly my criteria too.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/07/2021 at 10:14pm

Two more days!!! Friday!!!!

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/10/2021 at 12:34am

I think once again, Marvel doesn't disappoint. I do, however, have one tidbit. It's not quite a spoiler, but I'm hesitant to share at the moment, I may have to sit on that one and think about it. However! Be sure to stick around for the post-credits scene!

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 07/10/2021 at 03:34pm

I had such low expectations for Black Widow, but it blew me away! This is one of the most dramatic MCU movies and is up among the best MCU movies, instantly.

jdodson Admin wrote on 07/10/2021 at 05:53pm

I’ve heard mixed reviews about it, glad to hear you loved it.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 07/10/2021 at 06:14pm

I've only seen people mad about Taskmaster, because he's "cooler" in the comics. But if you're not familiar with him, it doesn't make a difference (to me at least)

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/10/2021 at 08:24pm

My problem with it is mostly how it's another movie where the villain reveals his master plan only to be foiled by the good guy. I saw something about this some time ago and forget what/where it was, but Bond films were referenced as doing this and Natasha did watch a Bond film.

I think the actors did a great job with Russian accents, even though they're not Russian. I saw a behind the scenes video and Florence Pugh has a British accent. I kind of wondered why they didn't hire Russian actors, but obviously they didn't need to. Obviously, it is not necessary to hire native language speakers if actors can pull off the accent. This reminds me of how shocked I was to see James Marsters go from playing the British sounding Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer to another American sounding character in something else.

Oh and O-T Fagbenle who played Natasha's friend Mason was in Doctor Who, FYI.

Otherwise, yeah I liked it, it's Marvel and they know how to do awesome!

As for Adam's description of Taskmaster, I was fine with "him." "He" was cool to me. Since we see from "his" perspective in the beginning, I thought "he" was a robot. LOL

Travis Admin wrote on 07/13/2021 at 05:32pm

Yeah taskmaster was a weird add here. It felt like that character just wasn’t necessary to anything and could have been an amazing villain in another film.

But I really enjoyed it. I had no expectations at all but I was into it. It continues the recent tradition of Marvel movies feeling like their own kind of thing rather than the samey feel they had for a while. The Bond comparison is spot on, it was a spy movie, not a superhero movie.

And Florence Pugh… wow. I wish things had played out differently in one scene of Endgame (which I won’t mention just in case there’s someone reading this who somehow hasn’t seen it) but if they don’t somehow undo that scene I want Yelena to join the Avengers.

I didn’t realize OT Fabenagle (what a name) was in Doctor Who but he’s great in Handmaid’s Tale. Very odd to hear his native accent since I’m used to an American accent.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/13/2021 at 05:55pm

I watched a video by New Rockstars that highlighted a good point about the Bond comparison. She was watching Moonraker and both movies are very similar. I'm sure I've seen Moonraker along with all the other Bond movies, but it's been a long time.

Post-credits potential spoiler!
Because of the post-credits scene, I don't think Yelena is going to join the Avengers as we know them. I think she's going to join the Dark Avengers or Thunderbolts along with U.S. Agent (John Walker). I also think Abomination is going to be part of that group, too.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/14/2021 at 07:44pm

Well, I think you’re probably right. But also I think she’s setting that whole crew up to think they’re doing good things but she’s Hydra. I don’t think Yelena will stay with them when she finds out she’s fighting for evil

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/14/2021 at 10:10pm

Yeah. From what I've heard about the comics is that Val was a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. She infiltrated Hydra once, but she wasn't bad, in fact she had a romantic relationship with Nick Fury. However, she doesn't seem good. She's acting like another character from Hydra who was Victoria Hand. You may remember Victoria Hand from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. She had long hair and a red streak in her hair, although Val's blue streak is much better IMO. So, maybe the MCU is combining the two. Also, Yelena and Black Widow were often fighting each other. I think the opposite as you, Travis. I think she'll buy the lie that Hawkeye was responsible for the death of Black Widow and not be open to the truth of what really happened. But, we'll see.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/15/2021 at 09:30pm

You’re kinda right about Val. She was a shield agent but was a Russian plant who eventually takes over as Madame Hydra, from what I understand.

But comics also have a way of saying “oops just kidding” a lot and rewriting things

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/15/2021 at 11:36pm

Yeah and the MCU isn't using the comics as a word-for-word reference. They've changed gender and racial identities for characters, which I don't mind. They also changed the name and image of the Mandarin, because the original character is viewed as a bad Asian stereotype. So, pretty much all good changes. It's great to fix what was wrong and also to add diversity.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/16/2021 at 02:37pm

Yep! I’ve enjoyed seeing all the changes.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 07/19/2021 at 02:22am

I really enjoyed this movie. Fun times.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/19/2021 at 04:47am

I hated the nose bash part. Hemophobia here!

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 07/19/2021 at 06:43pm

GregoPeck, it made my nose hurt.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 07/19/2021 at 06:46pm

Interesting point from slashfilm on Val. In Black Widow she uses an ipad. Apple does not let villains in movies use apple products.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/20/2021 at 06:32pm

Ok that IS interesting. So why does she want Hawkeye taken down if she’s not a villain?

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/20/2021 at 08:04pm

I think I heard on New Rockstars one theory isn't that she wants him killed, but instead wants him recruited to the team she's creating. Although, thinking on it, it doesn't seem to make sense since she's saying he's responsible for what happened to Black Widow.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/20/2021 at 09:29pm

It’s possible that rule from Apple isn’t uniformly applied as well. I remember the Underwoods using iPads in House of Cards and they were definitely bad guys.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/20/2021 at 09:45pm

Maybe the group Val is getting together isn't necessarily "good" or "evil," but some kind of combination. John Walker tried to be a "good" Captain America, but we saw what happened. I don't think he thinks of himself as a "bad" guy, but that he thought he did what had to be done, and I think this is why Val recruited him and others like him. I think she and whoever she's working for (Ross, maybe) is looking for a team that is willing to do what needs to be done. I'm thinking of it like the different categories in Dungeons & Dragons where there's "lawful," "neutral," and "chaotic" "good" and "evil." I think she's trying to form the Thunderbolts or Dark Avengers. They may be more villainous than the Avengers, but they may have some similar goals, just a different understanding of how to accomplish them.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 07/21/2021 at 06:09pm

The Misunderstood Avengers.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/22/2021 at 11:07pm

So, I started playing the Marvel's Avengers video game and Taskmaster is a male, just like he is in the comic books. I've also been told he appears (as a male) in another game (I think it was a Spider-Man game). I think the beauty of the multi-verse is that you can use it to explain anything, because anything is possible. So, I'm thinking that's the best and easiest way to explain this gender swap. I think this is pretty much the go-to explanation for pretty much every confusion, plot hole, or character recast (like Brody and Banner). I'm not disappointed with the gender swap, but it contradicts every other version of the character.

Travis Admin wrote on 07/23/2021 at 06:26pm

Yeah I’m not upset about the gender swap at all. I just wish taskmaster had been a major villain of whatever gender rather than a secondary one. There’s a lot of potential there.

Who knows though, she may be back!

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 07/23/2021 at 07:27pm

I could see Taskmaster coming back in a series, like Zemo.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 07/23/2021 at 08:40pm

I'm not upset about the gender swap, either, but it is confusing having different genders in different media.

Yeah, I wonder if she'll be back. I wonder if she'd switch from being a "villain" now that Black Widow freed her from the mind control. I wonder if she'd harbor resentment towards her dad for what he did or if she'll be angry because he was killed.

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Space Jam 2... or Ready Player 2?

As a 15 year old basketball fan when Space Jam came out, and it having my all time favorite player (Larry "Grandmama" Johnson), I've always been a huge fan of the movie.

There's a long standing debate amongst fans whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James is the greatest basketball player in history (which often is split between generations. Gen X and older generally say MJ, whereas Millennials and younger often say LeBron).

I personally fall into the MJ camp, and therefore kinda have a bias against LeBron, unfortunately. He is far and away the best player of this generation, and I shouldn't let my "get off my lawn" attitude take away from how great LeBron is, but I'm... Read All

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/03/2021 at 07:14pm

I fall into the MJ camp, too. I really only cared about basketball during the Bulls MJ years. This does look interesting, though.

I felt the Ready Player One vibes, too. I actually wrote a post about it in the discussion forums. I finished the book last weekend and am now reading Ready Player Two.

AdamPFarnsworth Post Author wrote on 04/03/2021 at 07:32pm

I wrote about Ready Player One back a few years ago when I read it. (I enjoyed the movie, but loved the book). How is the second book so far?

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/03/2021 at 07:45pm

I'm still in love with Art3mis. Right now I'm in the part of the book where we find out the bad thing that's going on in the book. It was definitely a surprise. I believe the RP2 movie is in production. I thought I saw a chocobo in that RP1 movie, but it turned out to be an ostrich from Joust. The movie, but perhaps the book more, made me think of what I'd be like in the OASIS. What would my avatar look like? I think I'd look more like Z. I'd definitely have some blue going on. I'm not sure what my ride would be. I love the Dellorean, though I could also see me on a chocobo. As for my airship, well I love the Ragnarok from FFVIII a lot, but I also love the X-Wing (I think they're sexy) and the Firefly ship.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 04/03/2021 at 09:35pm

MJ the better player, Bron the better actor. Did you spot Dame as a CG robot? https://twitter.com/chold/status/1378379715317178372?s=21

AdamPFarnsworth Post Author wrote on 04/03/2021 at 11:22pm

Of course I noticed him! #RipCity #DameTime

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/04/2021 at 02:11am

I don't know who that is.

AdamPFarnsworth Post Author wrote on 04/04/2021 at 04:12am

He's probably the best player the Portland Trailblazers have ever had. Check out this amazing highlight reel of game winning shots (the last two shots were in the playoffs and won the series)
https://youtu.be/p5lG34RTJ98

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/04/2021 at 04:38am

Wow this guy really can get it in just in time. At first, I didn't see what was so special, though it was close, just not as close as the others. Then #1 and #2 were confusing as well, since the clock hit zero either before the ball went in or as it did. Still, very impressive (though my interest for sports died long ago).

AdamPFarnsworth Post Author wrote on 04/04/2021 at 05:04am

In basketball, as long as the ball has left the shooter's hands before time is up, it's good. It's often referred to as a "buzzer beater" 😀

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/04/2021 at 06:19am

Ok, that explains it. Thanks!

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/08/2021 at 11:47pm

MT at NewRockstars as a new video pointing out the very MANY Easter eggs found in the trailer (and yes, even he also mentions how it's like Ready Player One): https://youtu.be/AQEdQ7wBZPM

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 05/15/2021 at 06:39am

They've released some new posters for the movie. The article I found (shared below) includes the posters for the Good Squad along with a link to an article about posters for LeBron and his Looney Tunes teammates. It's also noted that Don Cheadle said, "Michael Jordan is in the movie." "But not in the way you'd expect."

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/space-jam-2-posters-revealed-michael-jordan-confirmed-to-appear/1100-6491519/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=homepage

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Let's talk about The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (with spoilers)

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/02/2021 at 08:53pm

Greg, I'll read this after I see today's episode drop.

Note, you can edit this and mark it as a spoiler post and it will hide the text. If you do that I'll promote it to main for a larger discussion.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/02/2021 at 09:16pm

I swore that we could do that, but I couldn't see how to. I'll look again and if you see that I haven't please let me know how. Thanks man!

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/02/2021 at 09:17pm

Oh yeah wow, apparently Travis and I removed that. Huh. Well.

Forget it.

I’ll promote anyway.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/02/2021 at 09:30pm

Well, thanks for reminding me that episode 3 came out last night, I'm about to go watch it.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/03/2021 at 02:42am

Yeah I’m gonna watch it later tonight.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/03/2021 at 02:55am

Cool, I updated my post with episode 3 content.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/03/2021 at 04:03am

Dude, so episode 3 has finally got me excited for the show. WandaVision was *so* different and all over the place that I was always looking forward to what might come next. I'd wake up Friday morning and watch it before getting ready for work lol.

FaWS (I don't want to write the full name every time lol) has definitely felt like the beginning of a Marvel movie, and just wasn't thrilling me like WV, but now I'm hooked. I'm glad there are only 3 more episodes, as each one is going to have to be packed to finish up this story :)

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/03/2021 at 04:03am

Sharon Carter might be my favorite Marvel character now lol

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/03/2021 at 05:10am

Yeah, I think WandaVision was extremely exciting. FWS isn't bad, but maybe not nearly as exciting. With only 3 episodes left, I wonder what's going to happen. Sharon is a badass, but I still feel suspicious. I'm still in love with Peggy Carter.
She's pretty bad ass, but I'm suspicious.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/03/2021 at 05:45am

My main question is "Where's Mephisto???" 😉

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/03/2021 at 06:24am

LOL Yeah! Maybe he'll show up eventually. His name was listed on a document in one of the earlier MCU movies.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/08/2021 at 01:41am

> Where's Mephisto???

Somewhere with Waldo and the Eternals?

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/22/2021 at 06:55am

Spoiler warning, if you haven't seen episode 5, the second to last episode that premiered last week. New Rockstars has what seems to be a good theory as to what the character played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus is up to. I like that blue streak in her hair. Anyway you can watch their less than 10 minute video here: https://youtu.be/tyHXWwcXvto Let me know what you think.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/23/2021 at 05:17pm

Spoilers for the last episode!

That was a fantastic finale! I loved the story threads that will continue on in upcoming movies/shows, and there were some powerful moments from Sam. And I love his new suit! I was a little disappointed it didn't have any Black Panther type shock absorption, but I knew that was unlikely.

I'm looking forward to what Val alluded to "it's going to get weird..." whatever that means, I'm here for it! I imagine she's building the Dark Avengers, or maybe helping put together the Thunderbolts?

There's so much set up for the Young Avengers now. I wonder when that'll become a thing? The actors that are already in roles won't be young forever, so I imagine in the next few years we'll see more about that :)

BRING ON LOKI!

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/23/2021 at 07:25pm

That's my Cap! Yeah, it does seem like they're setting up the Dark Avengers or Thunderbolts and Young Avengers. I'm looking forward to what the MCU brings us and seeing how all of these shows and movies possibly connect. Dang, I just reconfirmed, Loki's not until June. I wish we didn't have to wait.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 04/24/2021 at 04:07am

Captain America 4 has been announced!

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/24/2021 at 05:16am

Yep! https://www.gamespot.com/articles/captain-america-4-is-in-the-works-starring-sam-wilson/1100-6490571/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=homepage

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Let's talk about WandaVision (with spoilers)

This discussion may include spoilers, so if you don't want anything spoiled, this may not be for you. However, if you're like me and are keeping up with the Disney+ Marvel shows and movies, feel free to share your thoughts. I also want to give you a FANTASTIC source for this discussion, the New Rockstars Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7yRILFFJ2QZCykymr8LPwA/videos

I've recently watched all of the Netflix Marvel shows along with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and other Marvel movies (some of which I'd already seen). I have some thoughts on those, but I might set aside that discussion for now as to be more current, plus I'm not entirely sure those shows... Read All This discussion may include spoilers, so if you don't want anything spoiled, this may not be for you. However, if you're like me and are keeping up with the Disney+ Marvel shows and movies, feel free to share your thoughts. I also want to give you a FANTASTIC source for this discussion, the New Rockstars Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7yRILFFJ2QZCykymr8LPwA/videos

I've recently watched all of the Netflix Marvel shows along with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and other Marvel movies (some of which I'd already seen). I have some thoughts on those, but I might set aside that discussion for now as to be more current, plus I'm not entirely sure those shows are considered to be canon. I know at least, from what I've seen Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn’t seem to be canon, which is sad, because it was FANTASTIC.

Let's start with WandaVison, which recently ended. I thought it was quite an exciting show to watch. I eagerly awaited each episode every week. I also watched New Rockstars, which helped explain some things and point some things out. This was especially helpful to me, because I’ve hardly read any Marvel comics, so all the material is pretty much new to me. Thanks to New Rockstars, I jumped on the "Mephisto train." Some of us thought Mephisto was going to make an appearance, but alas he wasn't there. Paul Bettany (Vision) teased a very special cameo. Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda) also teased a "Luke Skywalker" level cameo (I may write more about that in another post). However, it turns out that cameo was just a duplicate Paul Bettany (white Vision). We also went wild when we saw Evan Peters (Quicksilver). We though this meant that the multi-verse was going on and he was taken from the modern Fox X-Men films. Unfortunately, it just turned out to be a "nod," though many of us just felt like Marvel trolled us. I thought giving him the last name of "Bohner" was kind of an insult (calling him a "boner"), but it turns out that was just a nod to a character on the show Growing Pains with the nickname of "Boner." Because of these, New Rockstars learned that we have to manage expectations. They explained that this was the first of Marvel we got after End Game, we were starving for Marvel content, especially since much of it got delayed due to the COVID outbreak.

It took a bit of time before we learned who was the villain and even though who we thought might show (Mephisto or Nightmare), we instead got to see others such as "Agnes" Agatha Harkness ("it was Agatha all Along" as the cool theme song suggested), however Wanda was also guilty. It was her magic that created the Hex, which turned Westview, New Jersey into a TV show. It was her grief of losing Vision that caused all of this. The Darkhold also made an appearance with Agatha, which took a different appearance than the one we see in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (which is why I initially wondered if it really was the Darkhold). Agatha was definitely one of my most favorite characters on the show. It’s hard to describe, but I loved her flamboyancy and devilish humor. I found something about her to be very attractive. Wanda left her in Westview under the spell. Maybe we’ll see her return to the MCU some day.

Wanda and Vision had children, as they apparently do in the comics, twins, Billy and Tommy. Unfortunately, they were created by Wanda’s magic which created the Hex and thus disappeared along with (colorful) Vision when the Hex disappeared. We were left with a scene of Wanda in a cabin in a remote area. We saw her drinking tea while she was also using astral projection to study the Darkhold. Within it, we hear Billy and Tommy crying out for their mom. Maybe she has to break into the multi-verse to rescue them, or maybe it’s just a trick by Mephisto. She’s returning in Doctor Strange and the Multi-verse of Madness, so we’ll possibly see how that all goes.

The show was fantastic, really! I loved how each of the early episodes progressed to be a replication of older sitcoms such as The Dick Van Dyke show, Bewitched, and Growing Pains among others. We later learned that this was because Wanda really loved watching these sitcoms while she was living with her family in Sokovia, as the bomb (made by Stark Industries) dropped in their house. We learned that Wanda was able to prevent the bomb from exploding. We also got to see Hydra experimenting on Wanda with the Mind Stone, but it’s not the source of her power. Apparently she had inherent power, she is a mutant after all, daughter of X-Men villain, Magneto.

In the final episode, we see Wanda and Agatha duel, which was pretty cool, especially with how Wanda was very sly in creating runes in the Hex to nullify Agatha’s magical abilities (as Agatha had done to Wanda when she took her to her basement). We also watched (colorful) Vision fight a white Vision. The former was re-created by Wanda’s magic. The latter was Vision’s body, which was recovered by S.W.O.R.D. They were trying to put him back together (after getting destroyed by Thanos) and hoping that they could control him, but they couldn’t find a power source for him. However, they received what they were looking for after retrieving a drone they had sent into the Hex. After the drone was taken out of the Hex by Wanda while she confronted S.W.O.R.D., it still contained Wanda’s magic and that’s what they used. This worked, but not for long as (colorful) Vision defeated this new white Vision with a logic puzzle. In the end white Vision flew off, but we don’t know where he went. I imagine we’ll see him again.

We also can’t forget about Monica Rambeau. We last saw her in Captain Marvel, as a kid, but when she returned in WandaVision, we see her return from the “blip.” We got to see her play a role in Wanda’s show, but she questioned Wanda and reminded her that Vision died, which angered Wanda, who cast her out of the Hex. Monica was scanned by a doctor, but the scans didn’t show anything, except what looked like a bright light. Monica later re-entered the Hex, in the flesh. When she got inside we see that she can see differently. She apparently sees magnetic fields. Later, she tried confronting Wanda again, but was thrown back by Agatha. We also found out more about Monica’s power, but later we also found out that bullets can pass right through her. In the end, she was led into the local movie theater by someone who turned out to be a Skrull. She said someone was waiting to see her “up there.” This may refer to Nick Fury, who we last saw in what may be a Skrull space ship. Apparently, she goes by many names in the comics and it isn’t yet known which the MCU will chose. However, it seems she may later join Billy, Tommy, and other Marvel youth as they were part of the Young Avengers in the comics. This includes the daughters of Iron Man/Tony Stark, Clint Barton, and Ant-Man.

The show certainly didn’t answer all of our questions. For instance, we never learned what exactly was up with that rabbit who ate a bird in Agatha’s basement, though it was later mentioned in a podcast that it was Agatha’s familiar (which is like a witch’s pet).

I thought the show was like an emotional roller coaster. I know my emotions were in high gear. Much of it was tear jerking, especially seeing Wanda suffer through her grief of losing Vision.

I may have missed some things here, but I thought I’d write about the show. I created this so we could talk about the show here. So, please write in the comments and let me know what you thought of the show.

NMS Expeditions Update Lets You Journey Together

If you have some friends that also play NMS, you can now play together in a special "Expeditions" mode. It looks like there's a set path along with rewards. You also start off with some gear and stuff. I just saw this on Steam and thought I'd share, since I know quite a few of us here play NMS. I haven't played it in a while and I'm not sure when I'll play it again, but if someone wants to try this out, I might be up for it. Take a look at the trailer and let me know what you think.

Travis Admin wrote on 03/31/2021 at 08:58pm

Yeah you've been able to play together for a while but these expeditions give more reason to. I haven't played in ages, I keep thinking that they're just going to keep adding more and more so I may as well wait a while longer.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/01/2021 at 01:18am

Yeah, the fact that they keep updating the game really impresses me. I wonder what more they might add to it. I really like it when games continue to put out new content even years after it's original release.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/18/2021 at 12:04pm

This game has SERIOUSLY improved, I'm so impressed!!!! Lots of people are still playing, too. Now when you visit Nada and Pollo in the Space Anomaly, you'll not only see that the place has been renovated, and there are new NPCs there, but that's where you'll also find LOTS of other players. There are so many that I've often entered at the same time as about two other people, causing our ships to kind of "rubber band" upon entry. The Space Anomaly clearly connects to every galaxy. Once someone leaves, they are returned to the galaxy they came from. It's a great hub for players to meet, chat, team up, and trade no matter what galaxy they were in before entry.

jdodson Admin wrote on 04/18/2021 at 08:58pm

It’s great to see the game improve. I wonder at what point they might have to work on something else? It’s not a subscription game so I’m not entirely sure how it’s continuing to be funded.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/18/2021 at 10:37pm

Yeah, that befuddles me, too, but as I mentioned, lots of people are playing it. There's cross-platform play, too. I've seen players on Steam (by the Steam logo beside their name) and others (with a controller icon by their name). I just watched all the trailers, I may have missed some of them before. I saw a lot in them that I still haven't seen, but I've also seen a lot in my game play these last couple of days that I've never seen before. A giant worm-like subterranean creature scared the crap out of me while I was near my base doing some resource gathering. I'd never seen anything like it. I didn't get a chance to scan it, it was too fast. I tried to chase it with my Roamer (Exocraft vehicle), but I couldn't find it.

Travis Admin wrote on 04/19/2021 at 05:43pm

Wow it's been a while since you played hasn't it Greg? Yeah they updated the anomaly ages ago to kinda be the hub to meet up with other players. It's just insane how different the game has become over the years.

And oddly I think they're still selling pretty well. You'd think that anyone who wanted it would have it already but it's currently the 74th best seller on steam. That isn't super high on the list but considering it was made years ago, and the PC version of RDR2 is in the 50s or so, it's nothing to sneeze at.

I'd love to see exactly how much money they've pulled in from it.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 04/19/2021 at 08:33pm

Yeah, it's been a long time since I put some serious game play into it.

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Earthbound: Onett Theme

Recently shared this with some friends and decided to post here as it’s a great track one of the best games on the Super Nintendo.

Doom Eternal's Ancient Gods Part 2 DLC Arrives Tomorrow (Update: Now Available!)

Doom Eternal's Ancient Gods Part 2 DLC arrives tomorrow and you can watch a trailer for it in the link I embedded. I played Doom Eternal months ago and gave the game a "must play" on the Cheerful Ghost ratings score. If you're a fan of Doom, I believe it's a must play. I (obviously) thought it was a great game and I'm looking forward to getting back into it.

Let me know what you think about this. Are you planning on playing it? I may jump in right away, although I may wait to finish what I'm currently working on. If you see me on Bethesda.net soon, you'll probably see that I'm playing Doom Eternal (or waiting for the DLC to download). Feel free to hit me up, my... Read All

New Ninja Turtles Beat-em-Up? Cowabunga Dude!

A trailer for a new Ninja Turtles game blew up today for good reason. It looks awesome.

If you loved the beat-em-up Ninja Turtle arcade games Shredder’s Revenge looks like just like what you’ve been waiting for. From what gameplay footage we can see it looks stylistically like the old arcade beat-em-ups with a few new twists. The graphics are using a newer pixel retro flavor while paying homage to the classic look.

I’m hopeful that we will get Internet multiplayer for this as it would be incredibly fun to queue up a group of friends to take on Shredder online. So far there is no release date for Shredder’s Revenge and the release platforms listed so far are just PC and... Read All

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 03/11/2021 at 06:00am

Cowabunga dude!!! I was a big fan of the Turtles from at least near the beginning! I still have action figures I collected in my younger days. It was cool seeing and hearing the familiar TMNT intro and the old familiar TMNT arcade game. I agree, it'd be cool if there's some kind of online multiplayer. Thanks for sharing!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 03/11/2021 at 03:34pm

Looks like online co-op is listed on the Steam page:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1361510/Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_Shredders_Revenge/

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 03/11/2021 at 05:05pm

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! I didn't know it was already listed in the Steam store. I just added it to my wish list.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 03/11/2021 at 10:58pm

This looks like a lot of fun :)

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 03/12/2021 at 05:49am

Needs physical with a pizza.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 03/13/2021 at 04:26pm

Agreed. Also, if it’s late I won’t pay full price.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 04/16/2021 at 09:13am

Confirmed for Switch release "later this year": https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tmnt-shredders-revenge-confirmed-for-switch-launches-this-year/1100-6490123/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 04/16/2021 at 10:22pm

That’s great. This makes sense on the Switch!

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 08/26/2021 at 06:48am

It looks like April O'Neil is going to be a playable character: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tmnt-shredders-revenge-lets-players-battle-as-april-oneil/1100-6495576/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 08/27/2021 at 02:28am

That looks fun. I think Ninja Turtles will be a day on buy for me.

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