deerstalker

Something you know to be irrefutable fact if you’ve ever seen the musical or even just heard any single one of its songs other than “Memory”: Cats is nuts. Moreover, you know that to render the very same Cats in the form of a studio feature film in 2019 is an absolutely mad undertaking. Light-years separate the sort of narrative conducive to Hollywood filmmaking and the (and I use this word as liberally as Jellicles define the criteria for their self-ascribed cohort) story of Cats. This to the point that the show’s origins in the poetry of T.S. Eliot have made it something of a curiosity even in the more kinetically inclined medium of musical theater.

I say all this to prepare any would-be viewer of the Cats movie for the inevitability that it will no doubt eschew your expectations of linear storytelling, comprehensive world-building, and even the basic sensory experiences that typically accompany an hour and change in the company of the big screen. In lieu of whatever you anticipate from your trips to the theater, Cats‘ first act will leave you curious, confused, and maybe even a little ill at ease. But 20 minutes into Cats—or maybe it’s 30, or 40, or two hours, or nine days; who the hell can tell?—a switch will flip, and you’ll come to some vague understanding of what you’re being beckoned into.

Universal Pictures

Whether you then begin to enjoy the movie on its own terms, this I cannot reasonable promise. But I can say with all sincerity that upon finally meeting Cats face to face, somewhere past the introduction of the wayfaring Grizabella (Jennifer Hudson) and the sage Old Deuteronomy (Judi Dench), I was dazzled. Smitten. Entranced, enchanted, and empowered by the illegible recipe that bequeathed this cinematic feast unto mine eyes, ears, and heart.

Even from this point forward, Cats remains winningly inscrutable. The sporadic breaths taken between longer-than-you’d-expect musical numbers about varied Jellicle joys will allow you time to (probably out loud) ask the inevitable question: What is going on? Instead of telling you the answer, Cats encourages your imagination. We get just enough hints about the Jellicle Ball, our furry friends’ lives outside of the centerpiece Egyptian Theater, and the nature of the ever-mysterious Heaviside Layer to kick off proverbial writing prompts in our heads; admittedly, this arrangement may breed anything between heated derision and fiery excitement. Either way, you get something hot.

Universal Pictures

Straight to the end, Cats stays aflame in more ways than one, ignited by increasingly enjoyable performances—Idris Elba as the dastardly Macavity and Ian McKellen as the infirmed Gus stand out—and musical numbers (OH! WHY! I NEVER! WAS THERE EVER! et al) and a consistently jarring relationship with its own sexuality. (I could explain, but… well… actually, I don’t believe I can.) But more than anything else, what keeps this five-alarm fire burning is the sheer fact that, from any given minute to the next, you won’t quite believe your eyes.

Making matters all the more intriguing is that Cats was born of a director who’s become synonymous with boilerplate Academy Awards fare, and surely one who didn’t set out to deliver some parodic unraveling of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s 1981 musical. If there’s a single wink hidden in Cats‘ 110 minutes, it averted my glance. And in its earnest delivery of unknowable bombast and unfathomable text, Cats earned so earnest a place in my heart.

Universal Pictures

I’d go so far to say that I’m moved by Cats. As giddy as I was over the vexing experience of being stared down by a feline Judi Dench for way longer than any studio note would rightfully allow, I could not for the life of me count this as a con against Cats or a laugh at its expense. Instead, I consider it another testament to its beauty, along with every of Victoria’s (Francesca Hayward) sensual flutters and Macavity’s mysterious poofs, and the dramatic festivity of the Magical Mr. Mistofelees (Laurie Davison) finally making good on his superlative.

These instances, one and all, are indeed nuts, and no less so when contextualized together. But Cats invites you to love them, and it, and whatever cultivar of joy you’re endowed with as a result. This I find moving and beautiful: the enthused will to be. If Cats is about anything—and I’m not going to bet one way or the other—it’s about that. Cats being themselves, and simply being. Gumbie cats, curious cats, theater cats, mystery cats, Jellicle cats (and, if you’ll submit to a reminder: not dogs). For some reason, this works for me. I don’t know. It’s nuts. It’s Cats. It’s hard to explain. I sprinted home from the screening and I’m nauseated. Review over. Minus half a star for weight jokes.

4.5/5

Featured Image: Universal Pictures

Mica Arbeiter is a Jellicle person. Follow them on Twitter @micarbeiter.

The post Look, Man, It’s CATS, and It’s Beautiful (Review) appeared first on Nerdist.

Writer: Mark Millar / Artist: Peter Gross / Image Comics

Christmas came early as American Jesus is back with a unique twist, that is very reflective of this generation of feminism and the overall state of our culture. While the artwork doesn’t pop like a lot of new age drawing, the detailed line work encapsulates a genuine, old school NYC vibe. Peter Gross deserves praise for every turn of the page, because you could spend hours getting lost in the backgrounds of his scenes.

The year is 1974, and Luciana is troubled by dreams of a man in white, who shares some disturbing news with the 14-year-old Angelita. While standing in a gorgeous room reminiscent of a Vatican or Sistine chapel, they stare at a Salvador Dali painting of Jesus being crucified from the God’s perspective. He tells her that she will soon be with child and if she can keep him safe, her son will be the stallion that mounts the world. Ok, so he didn’t drop those Game of Thrones bars, but he did put the fear of God in her enough to wet the bed that night, and this is where our story begins.

Luciana shrugs this off as just another one of her recent wild dreams, but as the week progresses some of his words begin to ring true, and Luciana’s life is abruptly turned upside down. There is no going back to school or talking with her best friend about her issues with dad. There is only what needs to be done, and Luciana accepts those responsibilities in all their ugliness, making for compelling new run of American Jesus: The New Messiah.

Upon reflection, I really like the tone and pace of this book. You receive an immediate glimpse into the biblical stage that Mark Millar and Peter Gross are setting, then get introduced to Luciana’s unconventional, yet all too familiar world of busting your ass to validate going against the grain, while your support systems are telling you no and giving you shit at every turn. In the end, Luciana resorts to running and hiding from the looming anti-Christ, leaving this story wide open for demonic pursuit, prophetic turns, and a virgin pregnancy that is set to shake up the world.

I’m interested in what Mark Millar has in store for the rest of this run. I love the use of a Hispanic young lady as the new incarnation of the Virgin Mary. I like that the characters fully understand the weight of this undertaking and still push to give this child a chance at taking his place as savior. Gross has ensured readers understand that the religious under and overtones will be prevalent throughout, and a look at most pages will feature some ideological images.

Mark Millar sprinkles this issue with glimpses of the future we’re all living in. He calls attention to the soiled political system we are operating under, the unhealthy reliance on technology that has snowballed since the 70s, and the handful of wealthy individuals and families that have the power to affect anything in the world with the flick of the wrist or push of a button. Millar started the year off strong with Prodigy and is giving us another person of color centered book to start next year off right. Be prepared to have your faith tested and beliefs questioned as American Jesus: The New Messiah, ‘The sequel to one of my most beloved Millarworld projects since the dawn of time’ is here to shake things up for all our Catholics, atheists, and everyone in between!

8 Bleeding Eyes out of 10

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The post American Jesus: The New Messiah #1 Review Gives Readers a New Virgin Birth appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

Get ready to raise your mighty power sword aloft once again and yell “By the power of Grayskull!” Netflix has announced the return of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in an all-new animated CGI animated series. Yes, this is in addition to the previously announced Masters of the Universe: Revelation anime series coming to us from Kevin Smith!

This new series, made in partnership with Mattel Television, will reimagine the Masters of the Universe classic tale with all-new storylines and a fresh take on the iconic characters. You can check out the first preview art, as well as the series’ first official synopsis, down below:

“On the planet of Eternia, a young lost prince discovers the powers of Grayskull and transforms into He-Man, Master of the Universe! The classic battle between He-Man and evil Skeletor rages to new heights as both hero and villain forge new and mighty teams. A new generation of heroes fighting for the fate of us all. In the end, who will become Master of the Universe?”

Netflix

From the sound of things, this doesn’t look like it will stray too far from the classic formula that made the original series and toyline so massively popular decades ago. And the teaser image certainly evokes the He-Man of yesteryear. This new series has a well known assortment of names behind it that should be familiar to animation and comics fandom. The show is being executive produced by Adam Bonnett (Descendants), Christopher Keenan (Justice League), and Rob David (Masters of the Universe: Revelation), Jeff Matsuda (The Batman), Susan Corbin (Voltron), and Arrow’s Bryan Q Miller.

Mattel’s Fred Soulie said in a statement that “Masters of the Universe is one of the most iconic global franchises of all time, with a 30-year history and a passionate fan base. The entire team at Mattel is excited to introduce the world of He-Man to a new generation and, together with the talented team at Netflix, to reimagine the classic characters in a way that appeals to kids and families today, while also resonating with the fans who grew up with them.” 

Mattel

This new series means that going forward, Mattel and Netflix are approaching the Masters franchise in a very interesting way. They are extending the continuity of the original ’80s Filmation series with Kevin Smith’s Revelations, and also rebooting it with this new show. Oh, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is still out there, which is in a universe all its own. Or is it connected to this new show? Should we be calling this franchise Masters of the Multiverse instead? Actually, that’s the title of a current comic from DC. Maybe the seeds for a He-Man multiverse are being planted right there!

In addition, plans are still in the cards for the live-action Masters of the Universe movie from Sony to land in 2021. Rumors have been circulating that it may possibly forego theaters and go straight to Netflix, which would then make the streamer the main home for all things He-Man. Although we must add that these are still rumors, and the movie currently does have a theatrical release date of March 21st of that year. But regardless of where it lands, one thing is for sure. And that is that the next couple of years are going to be epic for fans of all things Eternian.

Featured Image: Netflix/Mattel

The post New HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Animated Series Coming to Netflix appeared first on Nerdist.

Sometimes being patient comes in handy, and that is entirely the case for Bill & Ted Face the Music. The third installment to the Bill & Ted franchise—the last was in 1991—this new movie features William “Bill” S. Preston Esq. and “Ted” Theodore Logan and their daughters as they’re reunited with their old friend Death (William Sadler).

The time has come, dudes! Your first look at #FacetheMusic is here! In theaters August 21, 2020. pic.twitter.com/K4tXKihPem

— Bill & Ted 3 (@BillandTed3) December 17, 2019

I’m trying to remain as in the dark as possible plot-wise but there is a beauty to seeing Bill and Ted on screen together again. The two just wanted to spend their time playing music and having fun but in the first movie, a history project got in their way and then in the sequel, Death got in the way. Now, with their daughters in tow, what lies ahead for them all?

Other fans took to Twitter to share their excitement over the new pictures as well.

Makes me realize two things:

1) How much I’ve wanted another Bill & Ted movie, lo these many years.

2) How long it’s been since I’ve seen Keanu without facial hair. https://t.co/Adr9hYAzX0

— John Keogh (he/him/his) (@jakeogh) December 17, 2019

I hope you you kiddies that haven’t seen Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure or Bogus Journey give them a view… I’m excited for the 3rd film (last one was in theaters back in 1991)! https://t.co/DY21tM0gBJ

— Mark Julio (マークマン) (@MarkMan23) December 17, 2019

Given that there’s an enormously important election next year, it would be irresponsible and childish to say that Bill & Ted Face The Music is the biggest event of 2020 for me but Bill & Ted Face The Music is the biggest event of 2020 for me pic.twitter.com/pzsWvzwjcH

— Zac Bertschy (@ActionZacku) December 17, 2019

I can’t wait for Bill & Ted Face the Music! It’s going to be one wild ride, dude.

(image: Orion Pictures)

Here are some other stories we saw out there today:

• Paul Manafort is reportedly hospitalized. (via ABC News)

• Yes, @mulaney made a children’s musical comedy special (on purpose!) and you’re going to love every minute.

  John Mulaney and The Sack Lunch Bunch premieres December 24th. pic.twitter.com/hCERbafFwS

  — Netflix Is A Joke (@NetflixIsAJoke) December 17, 2019

• Lord and Miller doing a new horror-comedy? Sign me up!  (via Bloody Disgusting)
• Greta Thunberg is getting her own documentary on Hulu. (via Geek.com)

Anything we missed out there today, Mary Suevians? Let us know in the comments below!

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 —The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—