Wonder Woman 1984 is the long-awaited sequel of 2017's Wonder Woman, with Gal Gadot portraying the titular superhero for the fourth time in a feature film.

Originally slated for release more than a year ago, on Dec. 13, 2019, the film's debut in the United States was pushed a surprising number of times before finally seeing the light of day on Dec. 25, 2020, via HBO Max. The film was first delayed until June, 2020, due to "rushed pre and post-production," but then received an additional extra seven months for the post-production team to perfect the film due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mashable

Aquaman, the latest movie from the DC universe, will splash into theatres on December 21st. Reviews for the big-budget superhero flick include, "a complete bellyflop," "Aquaman Stinks Like Last Month's Fish," and "Oceanic DC superhero epic will float your boat." So far, only two things are clear: this film is really bad and journalists can't resist an easy water-related pun. We don't care about either point. If we're being honest with ourselves, Aquaman was never going to be a piece of cinematic art. We bought presale tickets hoping the movie would be a two-hour long wet t-shirt contest feat. Jason Momoa's pecs. We want some flowing wet hair, some real tight merman leggings, and at least a cumulative half-hour of intense, furrowed eyebrows. If at any point he wrestles or befriends a shark whilst shirtless, we're ready to declare Aquaman the best movie ever made.

Below is our comprehensive, analytical, plot-based list of the reasons we'll be first in line to see DC's Aquaman.

Aquaman - Official Trailer 1 - Now Playing In Theaterswww.youtube.com

Those blonde tips, those "I better never get an old man body cause these really won't age well" tattoos, that SMIRK. Oh my Poseidon.

YES! We like our men moist. We like them unreasonably muscular. We like them appearing to making a plumbing disaster significantly worse!

Those arm fins can't possibly be conducive to faster swimming but look at that SNARL!

Is this movie just Khal Drogo taking a shower and gazing at the camera menacingly for 2 hours? Can someone make that movie?

Yes, outfit change. Yes, genius hot dog roasting device. Yes, colored contacts.

We're changing our official Popdust Instagram handle to "Jason Momoa's Eyebrow Scar.".

Does it look like he got that necklace at the natural history museum gift shop? Yes. Is he pulling it off? Yes. We don't blame that shark for wanting to take a bite.

Well, folks, the reviews are in. We haven't seen Aquaman yet, but we're pretty sure it's this generation's Citizen Kane.


Brooke Ivey Johnson is a Brooklyn-based writer, playwright, and human woman. To read more of her work visit her blog or follow her Twitter @BrookeIJohnson.


POP⚡DUST | Read More...

Everything Mike Pence Reminded Us of During that Oval Office Meeting

Brexit Derails: Vote Postponed, U.K. Has Power to Cancel Altogether

Trump Seeks New Chief of Staff

The film won't hit theaters 'till March of next year, but fans of Captain Marvel are ready for the movie now.

The official trailer was just released, full of Brie Larson's leading lady skill and strength and plenty of action-packed excitement that we've come to expect from the franchise.

Seemingly set in the '90s, thanks to the placement of a now-nearly-extinct Blockbuster Video store, the movie's entire storyline is still a mystery, but that's what trailers are for. Teasing, tempting, and trusting that the snippets and smatterings of suggestion will draw audiences by the boatloads to "a theater near you" on opening night.

Along with Larson (CapMarv/Carol Danvers), the trailer gives us a glimpse at some other big names who'll share the screen. Jude Law and Samuel L. Jackson have roles in the film, which will be full of Danvers' flashbacks, murky memories, and perhaps a curious case of amnesia. As Vulture's Abraham Riesman comments, "The main takeaway from the trailer is that the plot will revolve around Carol's amnesia. She presents as human and has flashes of memories about life on Earth — many of which we see, including a Little League game and some experience in the Air Force — but doesn't know her own backstory with any kind of detail. One can assume that her quest to understand how she got from point A to point B will be a central factor in the film."

While amnesia is sure to be interesting, look out for aliens too. As The Ringer explains, "The biggest threats in the MCU tend to come from outer space (see: the swole, genocidal purple thumb that is Thanos) and that won't be any different in Captain Marvel." And prepare for plenty of action that will keep Marvel fans mesmerized. As Vox describes, "The film promises to unpack the secret of her past and how it relates to her future as one of Earth's mightiest heroes."

To sum up what the film will focus on, ScreenRant shares, " It's confirmed that the movie is no origin story, but will instead kick off with Carol Danvers already serving as a member of the Kree Starforce. She travels back to her homeworld of Earth in order to deal with a Skrull invasion, but apparently discovers dark secrets in her own past."

As Marvel's first female-led superhero film, Captain Marvel is destined to be groundbreaking and full of "girl power." March can't come soon enough!

Check out the trailer below.


Melissa A. Kay is a New York-based writer, editor, and content strategist. Follow her work on Popdust as well as sites including TopDust, Chase Bank, P&G, Understood.org, The Richest, GearBrain, The Journiest, Bella, TrueSelf, Better Homes & Gardens, AMC Daycare, and more.


POP⚡DUST | Read More...

Roll Out the Red Carpet!

Soon-Yi Speaks

Julie's Facing the Jury

FILM & TV

BOX OFFICE BREAKDOWN | Save some crimes this holiday weekend

JULY 6TH-8TH | What's Coming to Theaters this Weekend?

indiewire.com

The big guy this weekend at the box office is actually quite small.

In Popdust's column, Box Office Breakdown, we aim to inform you of the top flicks to check out every weekend depending on what you're in the mood to enjoy. Looking to laugh? What about having your pants scared off? Maybe you just need a little love? Whatever the case may be, we have you covered. Take a peek at our top picks for this week…

Keep ReadingShow less
FILM & TV

BOX OFFICE BREAKDOWN | Super heroes and super bad jokes

APRIL 27TH-29TH | What's coming to theaters this weekend?

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski are in another movie together, so I guess working with your significant other can go smoothly?

In Popdust's column, Box Office Breakdown, we aim to inform you of the top flicks to check out every weekend depending on what you're in the mood to enjoy. Looking to laugh? What about having your pants scared off? Maybe you just need a little love? Whatever the case may be, we have you covered. Take a peek at our top picks for this week…

Adventures in Public School

They always make fun of home-schooled kids, but this film looks to shine a spotlight on them...and how awkward it is to transition to actual school. When a sixteen-year-old boy finds out that his mother's teachings have only led to his inability to pass his exams, he must enter the real world and see what it's like to be in the hell we all know as high school. He'll fall in love. He'll try to fit in. Plus, he will discover everything that is a part of traditional teenage rebellion. Get ready to relive all that fun!

Purchase Tickets for Adventures in Public School

PG-13 | Running Time 1hr 26m | Gravitas Ventures | Director: Kyle Rideout

Starring:Judy Greer, Daniel Doheny, Siobhan Williams, and more!

Keep ReadingShow less
Gaming

GAMING TOP 10 | Another Top 10 most anticipated video games of 2018

I cannot wait to play these freaking games!

Where The Water Tastes Like Wine - Story Trailer

Earlier last month, esteemed contributor Liam Berry released his Top 10 most anticipated games of 2018 - and I figured I had to put my hat in the ring! Kicking off our newest bi-weekly column, I am going to discuss some games that I am super hyped about that aren't out yet.

2017 was a great year for video games. We had some astounding horror releases, a bunch of amazing queer-oriented games, and some pretty top notch AAA juggernauts. And now that that year has come and went, it's time to take a look at just how amazing the rest of 2018 is going to be. We've got a slew of brilliant titles heading to the market this year, and I am cautiously optimistic about how all of these games are going to turn out!

6. Where the Water Tastes Like Wine (PC) Release Date: ???

This is one of the more unique games on the list, and I almost didn't include it, until I saw that it was made by Fullbright alum and Gone Home programmer, Johnnemann Nordhagen, under his new company, Dum Bulb productions. I'm not totally sure if this game is going to be my cup of tea, but I would be lying if I didn't say that both it's incredibly style and interesting premise to leave me wanting to at least give this new game a try.

What do you think?

10. Marvel' Spider-Man (PS4) Release Date: ???

Listen, I know we've been burned in the past. A good Spider-Man game hasn't been released since the PS2! But, there's no way you can look at this trailer and not think this is going to be amazing. It seems Insomniac is taking Rocksteady and WB Montreal's lead and giving the game an Arkham-esque treatment. It's got all the trimmings to be a fun action-oriented, open-world title with what look to be stealth elements.

But will it be too similar to the Batman series we've all come to love? I don't know, and frankly, I don't care. Not only does this look beautifully vibrant and colorful, but playing as the spunky web-slinger will definitely be a change of pace from the brooding Bruce Wayne.

Am I too excited? Maybe. Could it wind up being terrible? Heck yeah. But I did say I was cautiouslly optimistic.

9. Darksiders III (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE) Release Date: ???

I am die-hard Darksiders fan. I have played both games repeatedly and loved every second of it. I don't know what it is about post-Apocalyptic video games - especially ones with personifications of things like angels and the Four Horsemen - but I can't get enough of them. Are they the best games ever created? No, of course not, but I don't care! They're so much fun.

And the best part about this one is that it has a bad-ass female lead who isn't sexualized. She also appears to be on the same playing field as her other two brothers - and honestly looks like she could kick their asses.

Who else is pumped?

8. Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom (PS4) Release Date: 3/23/18

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was released and immediately became a modern classic - and finally, after years of waiting, we're about get a sequel. I'll always have mixed feelings about Ni No Kuni, but even I cannot deny that it was a beautiful game with an engaging story that can still keep you hooked despite the fact that you're still learning how to play it 60-minutes in.

It seems that Revenant Kingdom is focusing just as much energy on it's characters and visuals as it's predecessor. I can't say too much about anything else, but I can tell you that I'm pretty pumped to play it.

7. Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes (SWITCH) Release Date: ???

NO. MORE. HEROES! One of the most missed games in from Nintendo's Wii era, is getting a sequel and it looks like it's going to pack a pretty hilarious punch. It's been years since I picked up a Wii-mote to slash through the top ten assassins - but I can still remember the unabashed glee the experience gave.

I wish I could say more, but given the meta-humor of the trailer and the fun stylized visuals - I can definitely say that Travis Strikes Back is going to be one helluva ride.

5. System Shock (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE) Release Date: ???

Oh man. Oh man. Oh man. So, I'm a huge fan of System Shock II. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to play the original (don't shoot me), but I cannot wait to see this remake come to life. After raising about 1.3 million dollars on Kickstarter, this game is set for release at some point this year. AND DOESN'T IT LOOK TERRIFYING?

I have to say, even if it's Pre-Alpha phase, this game gives you a sense of dread. It's controls look a little funky, but I'm sure that's not going to be a problem during it's full release. I'm glad to see that System Shock make it's comeback into to gaming scene - and I can't wait to boot it up on my PC!

4. Far Cry 5 (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE) Release Date: 3/27/14

I've never been a huge fan of the Far Cry series - I know it's good, but it's never been something I've been super into. I played through Far Cry 4, and while it had some beautiful visuals, I just felt the whole game was a little... "meh." Still, I know that it's a good series, and I understand why people love it as much as they.

Far Cry 5, though, seems to be a bit of departure for the series. Instead of beautiful, exotic locales fighting against warring factions of and war bosses - we're fighting against a militant evangelical cult? This is both a bold and incredibly political choice for Ubisoft, and I can't wait to see if it's paid off.

3. God of War (PS4) Release Date: 4/20/2018

Listen. No, seriously, listen. I have never liked God of War. I have gotten into huge arguments about how it's gratuitous and obnoxiously sexual for no reason - but I'll be damned if this trailer didn't blow me away. Why? Because we're finally seeing something in Kratos, the main character of the series, besides some sort of blood-hungry monster.

There's a lot here that I love: The departure from Greek Mythology and the exploration of the Norse realm; Kratos being compassionate and at least somewhat emotionally vulnerable; Kratos' SON, who looks to be as much of a ball of rage as his father! It's incredible - and a major (but welcome) departure from the usual tone of the incredibly violent series.

1. 2. Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4, XBOX ONE) Release Date: 10/26/18

So, full disclosure, I have never played Red Dead Redemption. I know, shoot me down and burn me in a pit with the rest of the fake gamers - but I never owned a PS3 and I live on a budget, so the opportunity never arose. I know all about it though. I've seen the many Let's Plays and think pieces about it's ending and it's main character. I am aware that it has a lot of significance in the gaming community (and I'm buying it when I get my next paycheck, okay).

Saying all of that, I understand the hype around it's sequel. But I have to wonder, will it carry the same weight as it's predecessor? It certainly looks beautiful, and the characters definitely kept me engaged throughout the trailer, but time will tell.

After all, this game has a lot to live up to.

1. Kingdom Hearts 3 (PS4, XBOX ONE) Release Date: ???

I'm dead. I have died. After all, that's the only logical explanation for this. There's no way Kingdom Hearts III is actually coming out this year, is there? I mean, it's not like it's been thirteen years since I first played Kingdom Hearts II. It's not like I've played every single goddamned title Square Enix and co. have released on every freaking handheld system. I have to be dreaming, right?

NO. I'M NOT. THIS IS NOT A DRILL PEOPLE. KINGDOM HEARTS III IS SET TO RELEASE THIS YEAR! WHEN? I HAVE NO IDEA, BUT IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING! AND I AM SO PUMPED. I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITED FOR A VIDEO GAME IN MY ENTIRE LIFE AND I HOPE THAT YOU'RE AS EXCITED AS I AM!

There you have it folks! My Top 10 most anticipated games of this year. I hope that you agree, and if you do not agree, then please leave me a constructive comment below. You can also go check out Liam's article, and see if your game is there! But let me tell you something, I think 2018 is going to be one of the biggest years for gaming yet - and I'm not just saying that because Kingdom Hearts III is getting released (JK, I totes am).
Keep ReadingShow less