With the Academy Awards taking place this weekend, film critic Brian Chimino and I discuss our favorite films from the past year and the contending nominees. We wanted to debate every category, but that show would be too long…so we made our picks for each of the major prizes.
TJ and I also got our two cents in on TV revivals, Full House on Netflix, and what we would like to see brought back for another season. We also awarded the winner of our #SaddestPizza contest and we’re looking for recommendations for the Piffcast Book Club. We’ll post the Reading List to MichaelPiff.com on March 1st.
You can comment here with your suggestions or post them to Facebook and Twitter.
“They just hibernated and watched you take out all their enemies.”
Part II of Marvel’s Daredevil Season 2 trailer is here and it’s as full of action as the first. We see that The Punisher is far from Matt Murdock and Co.’s only problem. We get to know Elektra (Elodie Yung) a little better and why the assassin is in Hell’s Kitchen. Obviously some of the old sparks are there between her and Daredevil.
Stick (Scott Glenn) also reemerges from the shadows to clarify that The Hand either have something to do with the Yakuza presence, or they’re an even bigger threat. The Hand are a supervillain organization of evil mystical ninjas with powerful occult magic that can bring their villains back from the dead and join them.
Two things to keep an eye out for with The Hand at play, according to the comics:
A primordial demon called “The Beast” could be the end game for The Hand to bring back. Hence the supernatural presence in Season 1.
Stick could be leading them at some point…or has been the entire time.
So there’s a lot to look forward to when Season 2 hits Netflix on March 18th.
The 88th Academy Awards will take place Sunday, February 28th and 6:00 PM CT. Vying for the big prize of Best Motion Picture are films like Spotlight, The Revenant, The Big Short, and Bridge of Spies, and viewers are anxious to hear Chris Rock’s monologue.
In the meantime, you can make your picks beforehand here. All the films nominated were featured in my “Best of 2015” list and you can hear my picks on The Piffcast after Thursday night.
Update: We made our picks on The Piffcast, Thursday night. So make yours now!
Actress in a Leading Role
Actor in a Leading Role
Actress in a Supporting Role
Actor in a Supporting Role
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Visual Effects
Sound Mixing
Sound Editing
Animated Feature Film
Costume Design
Documentary (Feature)
Documentary (Short Subject)
Short Film (Animated)
Short Film (Live Action)
Production Design
Makeup and Hairstyling
Music (Original Score)
Music (Original Song)
Foreign Language Film
Film Editing
Directing
Best Picture
Stay tuned for more on the Oscars, and follow along on Facebook or Twitter!
Each week, we’ll give every episode at least 24 hours to breathe…and for you to get caught up. After that, you’re clicking at your own risk. Spoilers ahead.
“RICHONNE!!!!” screamed so many TWD watchers as that ship finally set sail.
I don’t know about you, but the latest Walking Dead felt weird…in a good way. After an insane midseason premiere, the audience got a breather for once and not with some long dramatic development episode.
It was light hearted. The Walking Dead is NEVER light hearted. The joking, music, RICK SMILING?!…It actually made things even more suspenseful because you were waiting for the other shoe to drop. Nothing gold ever stays, especially in the zombie apocalypse.
By the way, this chase scene is perfect to Benny Hill music.
No goodbyes, like last week, but a new character did enter the fold and make quite an impression for our Power Rankings this week.
1. Daryl Dixon (Previously 1st)
Daryl’s reign at #1 continues for a couple weeks. 1) He hasn’t done anything to lose it. 2) Dude tried pretty damn hard to get Denise some “POP!” 3) Jacking Jesus in the face (I love being able to say that) after being saved (these write themselves) was perfect.
Something to keep an eye on is Daryl’s reluctance to bring outsiders to Alexandria now. Dwight stealing his beloved crossbow and his run-in with the Saviors make his philosophy change justifiable. You get a feeling he’s going to be right about it too.
2. Rick Grimes (Previously 2nd)
#TrueDetectiveSeason3^
There is a Woody-McConaughey vibe between these two, and it was cool to see them team up again. For most of the time in Alexandria, Daryl’s been out “there” with Aaron and Rick was playing Sheriff back in town. They have flipped roles when it comes to trusting outsiders though, and that may lead to conflict…or somebody important’s demise.
3. Michonne (Previously 3rd)
I know people wanted this, and there was some buildup during Alexandria’s stand against the horde, but #Richonne does feel a little CW’ish. I have no problem with it. Rick and Michonne are a hell of a power couple in the zombie apocalypse. TV just has a way about balancing the scales and love is used to set up seriously bloody heartbreak on TWD.
I don’t think anyone would handle the Spencer situation better than Michonne though.
4. Glenn Rhee (Previously 4th)
Glenn is one of many who didn’t get any airtime this week. Because of that, it’s hard to raise or drop him at all. His fate, as the season carries on, gets dimmer because of what comic book fans know…but I get a feeling Gimple, Kirkman and Co. are going to psych some people out.
5. Maggie Greene (Previously 7th)
Maggie gets a solid jump in the rankings as she reinserts herself as the calming leader of the group, which is more important with Deanna dead (and gone now). She and Glenn have also started to get their parenting skills in when dealing with Enid. That’s a relationship we’ll want to keep an eye on.
6. Carl Grimes (Previously 8th)
I don’t know about you, but I’m digging Pirate Eye-Patch Carl. Carl’s maturation seems just about complete. While Enid and even Michonne didn’t seem to understand his reasoning for leaving Zombie-Deanna for Spencer, it seemed like a huge step for the kid. He knows what it was like to say goodbye to his mom, and he probably would’ve liked to have taken care Lori’s change rather than Rick…but that’s neither here nor there.
7. Abraham (Previously 5th)
Abrahama slides is only due to lack of airtime, like many of the characters. I look forward to a redneck quip from him soon enough, but I’m beginning to worry that there’s not much of an arc left for him. Just trying to appreciate him for as long as we can now.
8. Sasha (Previously 9th)
Just about everything that applied for Abraham, applies to Sasha, although I think another tragedy (perhaps involving Abe) would make or break her as a character…and that’s why she could stick around a while longer.
9. Aaron (Previously 10th)
Right now, Aaron can do no wrong in my eyes. He should be back next week to do something meaningful, probably. Could also play into the conflict we were eluding to, regarding Rick and Daryl, as to how they deal with outsiders now.
10. Enid (Previously 6th)
We all have our reasons for liking or disliking certain characters. A certain sect of Dead fans are giving Enid the “Dana Brody” (Homeland) treatment, and I’m not sure how warranted it is. However, now may not be a good time to act all “complicated” with Carl. I think she’s worried now, like the rest of us, that something terrible is about to happen and that’s why she wants to make distance…I just think you’re better together than apart in this current world, like Glenn said.
11. Jesus (Newbie)
I really liked the introduction to Jesus. He had a similar prerogative as Rick and Darryl going after the food/supply truck. He knows martial arts and has welcoming demeanor. He also opens the door to meeting another group with a bunch of new characters…that might not be Negan, yet.
Two questions though:
HOW DID HE GET ON TOP OF THE TRUCK SO FAST?!
HOW DID HE KNOW WHERE RICK’S ROOM WAS?
12. Denise Cloyd (Previously 12th)
Look at Denise, making moves like asking for pop for Tara. The “North-South difference” moment between her and Darryl over it was pretty funny too.
13. Heath (Previously 11th)
Now begins the rankings based on not having much to do with this week’s episode. Heath got a mention though, making runs for the community. I’m excited to see how he impacts things going forward.
14. Father Gabriel (Previously 13th)
At least Gabriel finally gets to meet “Jesus” and not die to do so…yet.
I thought Eugene looked sharp at the gate, maybe that was just me. The dude’s come a long way.
17. Morgan Jones (Previously 16th)
If we’re going to talk about ‘ships on this show, throw my name in to bet on Morgan and Carol (#Morol) happening.
18. Rosita Espinosa (Previously 17th)
Sup, Rosita? Are her and Abraham still a thing? Asking for a friend…
19. Negan (Previously 18th)
Still looming…
20. Carol Peletier (Previously 19th)
Most interested to see how Carol has developed over the 2 month time jump. I’m worried it’s not for the better.
21. Spencer Monroe (Previously 25th)
Nice moment for Spencer. I was worried we was going to cause conflict but he really just needed to move on from his mom’s passing…and end her at the same time. Going to keep an eye on his development, but the arrow’s definitely pointing up.
22. Eric Raleigh (Previously 20th)
Still alive.
23. Tobin (Previously 21st)
Still Tobin.
24. Baby Judith (Previously 22nd)
Judith’s getting so big! Maybe soon she doesn’t need to be carried to runaway from zombies.
25. Olivia (Previously 23rd)
Hey, you’re STILL here…for now.
26. Dwight (Previously 24th)
You can tell Daryl misses his crossbow, but I love him blowing shit up still. You’re still a jerk, Dwight!
Anyone too high or too low in this week’s rankings? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter!
The King of Partying, Andrew W.K., joined The Piffcast to discuss the Old Style Chicago Pizza Summit (taking place April 3rd at The Chop Shop in Wicker Park) where he’ll be a keynote speaker. The event sold out in 3 minutes after tickets went on sale, but we have some important info that you’ll definitely be interested in.
If you wish to jump ahead, the interview starts at the 15:15 mark.
Along with epic PARTY insight and advice, Andrew also contributed to our new Piffcast Book Club Reading List. Listen to how you can participate and win some pizza too.
Say what you will about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the talent in their films is second to none. You have The Avengers, as well as Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman, Jeff Bridges, Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Tommy Lee Jones, and eventually Cate Blanchett in Thor: Ragnorak. Then there’s the award winning Sherlock tandem of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.
We knew already that Cumberbatch will be starring as Doctor Strange in his upcoming standalone film, November 4th, 2016, but now we have actual clarity on Freeman’s role.
Empire Magazine has confirmed that Freeman will play Everett Ross, the Joint Counter Terrorist Centre official that will help introduce Black Panther (played by Chadwick Boseman) to the MCU. With SHIELD in recovery mode after the HYDRA breach, the JCTC is filling in as the new government entity/liaison to superheroes, like Captain America and Iron Man. Ross’s relationship with Black Panther may be why we see the “Prince of Wakanda” aligned with Tony Stark in Civil War trailers.
Also making Civil War news today is Frank Grillo (The Purge 2, Warrior) and his first look for the film. Remember how Grillo’s Brock Brumblow turned on Captain America and SHIELD as a Hydra sleeper-cell? Well he survived a massive Helicarrier crashing down on him in Winter Soldier, assumed the identity as “Crossbones”, and is ready to exact his revenge on Steve Rogers and company.
Underneath the mask and armor, Brumlow should be ugly as hell with all his scars and burns. So far, Crossbones is the only actual villain we know about in the film, despite all the epic heroes turning on each other. He’ll have HYDRA backing him up for sure, but we’ll see who else might be working with Crossbones before Civil War’s release May 6th, 2016.
Deadpool is a force right now at the box office. Two weeks in a row, the “Merc with a Mouth” has dominated any and all competition. Deadpool currently ranks 6th all-time in earnings for a Rated-R movie with $235.4 million in the U.S., #1 is The Passion of the Christ with $370.8 million.
Contributing to Deadpool’s box office success, Captain America himself went to see the film and apparently loved it.
As we know, Captain America is recruiting heroes to side in his Civil Warbattle with Iron Man. As a sign of appreciation, Ryan Reynolds gave Evans a hashtag endorsement.
Unfortunately, we won’t see Deadpool teaming up and/or facing off with the Avengers anytime soon. Like The X-Men, Deadpool is a Twentieth Century Fox property while The Avengers are under Disney’s control. There’s no way Disney would allow its stars to drop the kind of “language” that theater goers loved from Deadpool.
A Deadpool sequel is already in the works though (why not) and Cable is set to be involved too. Captain America: Civil Warhits theaters May 6th, 2016.
This week, FanDuel sportswriter Jessica Kleinschmidt joins us to talk about the NFL offseason and where the best places would be for big free agents to land…from a Fantasy perspective. We also preview the upcoming MLB season a little bit as well, because pitchers and catchers are reporting! (Jump ahead to the 11:55 mark to here Jessica right away)
Then People Magazine TV editor and writer Aaron Couch jumps on to discuss Better Call Saul and the “Better Talk Saul” podcast he hosts. We also get into The People vs. OJ Simpson and the effect Deadpool’s success will have on Marvel and DC films going forward. (52:20 mark, if you want to jump ahead)
All that, plus some catching up, an epic Chicago Pizza Party and ANOTHER delicious social media contest. Don’t miss out!
One of the big mysteries from Marvel’s 2014 breakout hit, Guardians of the Galaxy, was the question of who Peter Quill’s father is.
Wednesday morning, director James Gunn took to Facebook to announce the addition of one of his favorite actors, Kurt Russell, to the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Gunn also addressed rumors that Russell would play Quill aka Star-Lord’s father in the film on Twitter.
There is no J’Son in the MCU (unless, in the future, that’s the name Moon Kinght’s stoner neighbor gives himself) https://t.co/8hGdNP1NlS
However, Variety reported that Gunn and Marvel studios have confirmed Russell will indeed play the father of the Star-Lord.
If you go back to the Variety article, the “UPDATE” has been edited to say Russell has only joined the cast but the headline is still the same.
Also joining the cast are Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest) and Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop). Gunn has confirmed via Twitter that Klementieff will play Mantis is the film.
In the comics, Mantis has been a member of The Avengers. Her background is half-Vietnamese, half-German, and apparently Kree as well. She also seems to come with some conflict, so that’s fun.
All returning for Guardians Vol. 2 are Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana as Gamora; Dave Bautista as Drax; Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker as Yondu; Karen Gillan as Nebula; and Sean Gunn as Kraglin.
Guardians Vol. 2 is set hit theaters May 5th, 2017. Coming sooner will be Captain America: Civil War on May 6th, 2016, Doctor Strange on November 4th, 2016. Guardians will then lead into Spider-Man on July 7th, 2017 and Thor: Ragnorak on November 3rd, 2017.
There are 83 categories for this year’s GRAMMY Awards. Believe it or not, that’s more than 20 less than they presented in 2011.
While the broadcast of the awards show doesn’t start until 7:00 PM CT on CBS, awards were being handed out nearly 5 hours before the show. To keep you posted on the “Who Wins What”, we’ll continuously update this page with announcements and winners.
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