First Glance: “Madame Web”

Figuring out the categories of Marvel movies has become an arduous undertaking. Of course we all know about the burdensome Marvel Cinematic Universe and all of its feature films and streaming television shows. But there is also Sony’s Spider-Man Universe which has given us two “Venom” movies, “Morbius”, and next year’s “Kraven the Hunter” (connections exist to the MCU and the “Spider-Verse” movies but enough of that). Now the SSU is preparing us for “Madame Web” by releasing the first trailer of the Dakota Johnson led superhero flick.

Since being announced “Madame Web” has been a hard movie to figure out and the strangely interesting but silly trailer only adds to the confusion (or suspense, depending on how optimistic you are). S.J. Clarkson directs this odd looking story of Cassandra Webb (Johnson), a paramedic who suddenly gains the ability to see the immediate future. She plays mother hen to three other empowered young women (played by Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Conner, and Isabela Merced). Meanwhile Tahar Rahim plays the film’s villain and may be the most interesting thing out of the trailer. I don’t know about this one….

“Madame Web” hits theaters in early 2024. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

New on Home Video: “The Fugitive” on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Digital

Next week Warner Brothers Home Video is releasing the classic 1993 action thriller “The Fugitive” in 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range for the very first time. Directed by Andrew Davis and anchored by two thrilling performances from Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, “The Fugitive” received widespread acclaim which culminated in 7 Academy Award nominations including a Best Supporting Actor win for Jones. This terrific new restoration is a great way to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary.

This 4K Ultra HD edition of “The Fugitive” comes with a digital copy of the film and releases on November 21st. See below for a full synopsis and release information.

About the Film:

Year: 1993

Runtime: 130 Minutes

Director: Andrew Davis

Screenwriter: Jeb Stuart and David Twohy

Story By: David Twohy

Cast: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Joe Pantoliano, Andreas Katsulas, Jeroen Krabbé, Daniel Roebuck, Tom Wood, Julianne Moore, Jane Lynch, L. Scott Caldwell, Ron Dean

Rating: PG-13 for a Murder and Other Action Sequences in an Adventure Setting

The Fugitive” stars Academy Award nominee Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble and Tommy Lee Jones as Deputy U.S. Marshall Sam Gerard. The film also stars Sela Ward, Joe Pantoliano, Andreas Katsulas, and Jeroen Krabbé. The film is based the television series “The Fugitive” which was created by Roy Huggins and ran from 1963 to 1967. The film was produced by Arnold Koppelson.

Special Features:

The Fugitive Ultra HD Blu-ray disc contains the following previously released special features:

  • Introduction by Andrew Davis and Harrison Ford
  • Commentary by Andrew Davis and Tommy Lee Jones
  • “The Fugitive: Thrill of the Chase”
  • “On the Run with the Fugitive”
  • “Derailed: Anatomy of a Train Wreck”
  • Theatrical Trailer

GIVEAWAY: Enter to Win an EXCLUSIVE 4K Ultra HD Steelbook of “The Equalizer 3”

Denzel Washington’s “The Equalizer 3” releases on home video today and I’m thrilled to announce an exciting free giveaway. A special 4K Ultra HD Steelbook edition of “The Equalizer 3” will be available exclusively at Best Buy. It features the film in stunning 4K Ultra HD and also comes packed with Blu-ray and digital copies of the film. This new steelbook looks amazing and they’re sure to go fast. But don’t worry…

I’ll be giving away a copy of this exclusive “The Equalizer 3” steelbook to one lucky winner courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

The rules to enter are easy. Simply tell me your favorite Denzel Washington movie in the comments section below and you’ll be entered. Be sure to *INCLUDE YOUR NAME* and follow me on Twitter/X, check back here, or include a way to contact you (email address, etc.) in case you win. One name will be randomly drawn from all the entries on November 17th and the winner will be announced and can claim their prize.

Head to the comments now and tell me your favorite Denzel Washington movie and you’ll have a chance to win.

First Glance: “Rebel Moon”

Zack Snyder’s sprawling, highly original, big budget space opera “Rebel Moon” gave us a nice teaser trailer a couple of months back. This past weekend Snyder and Netflix released their first full trailer for the first film in what is set to be an epic two-parter. This new look at “Part One: A Child of Fire” sees the director and co-writer telling a story uniquely his own. I for one can’t wait to see what he has imagined and created.

The film stars Sofia Boutella as the fiercely driven Kora who rallies together a team of warriors from across the galaxy to take on the powerful and oppressive Imperium and its tyrannical ruler Regent Balisarius (Fra Fee). This action-heavy first chapter looks to be full of cool characters, exciting locations, and plenty of eye-popping set pieces. It also features an intriguing supporting cast that includes Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Michiel Huisman, Staz Nair, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Jena Malone, Ed Skrein, and the voicework of Anthony Hopkins.

“Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire” releases December 15th on Netflix. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

Movie Poster Spotlight: David Fincher’s “The Killer”

David Fincher’s “The Killer” premieres TODAY on Netflix and it should immediately be put near the top of your queue. Michael Fassbender gives a lights-out turn as a cold, calculated, and extremely efficient hitman who finds himself breaking his own rules to pay back those who have turned against him. Not only is the smart and stylish action-thriller one of 2023’s best movies, it also features what might be my favorite movie posters to release this year.

So make plans to watch “The Killer” this weekend (you can read my full review HERE). In the meantime, check out the three stunning posters designed by Neil Kellerhouse and illustrated by James Patterson.

New on Home Video: “The Nun II” on 4K Ultra HD + Digital

“The Nun II”, the latest supernatural horror installment in the The Conjuring universe, is coming to home video courtesy of Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. This sequel to 2018’s “The Nun” continues the story of Sister Irene (played by a returning Taissa Farmiga) who once again comes face-to-face with the terrifying demon nun named Valak (Bonnie Aarons). Though light on special features, the movie is presented in high quality 4K UHD and includes a digital copy of the film. It’s a nice addition to any horror fan’s collection. Read my full review of “The Nun II” HERE.

This 4K UHD plus Digital Copy edition of “The Nun II” releases November 14th. See below for a full synopsis and release information.

About the Film:

Year: 2023

Runtime: 110 Minutes

Director: Michael Chaves

Screenwriter: Ian Golding, Richard Naing and Akela Cooper

Story By: Akela Cooper

Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, Bonnie Aarons, Storm Reid, and Anna Popplewell

Rating: R for Action/Violence, Some Bloody Images, Language and Brief Suggestive Material

Synopsis:

1956 – France. A priest is murdered. An evil is spreading. The sequel to the worldwide smash hit follows Sister Irene as she once again comes face-to-face with Valak, the demon nun.

Taissa Farmiga (“The Nun,” “The Gilded Age”) returns as Sister Irene, joined by Jonas Bloquet (“Tirailleurs,” “The Nun”), Storm Reid (“The Last of Us,” “The Suicide Squad”), Anna Popplewell (“Fairytale,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” trilogy) and Bonnie Aarons (reprising her role from “The Nun”), surrounded by an ensemble cast of international talent.

Michael Chaves (“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It”) directs, from a screenplay by Ian Goldberg & Richard Naing (“Eli,” “The Autopsy of Jane Doe”) and Akela Cooper (“M3GAN,” “Malignant”), with a story by Cooper, based on characters created by James Wan & Gary Dauberman.

Special Features:

4K UHD, Blu-ray, and Digital copies contain the following special features:

  • Demons in Paradise – featurette (5:35)
  • Handcrafter Nightmares – featurette (7:28)