Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for February 19, 2025

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

AUG242084 2000 AD PROGS 2402 - 2406 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $31.99

SEP241972 2000 AD SEPTEMBER 2024 PROG PACK #2407 - #2410 (MR) (C: 0-1- $24.50

AUG242151 77 ANNUAL TP VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $15.99

AUG242050 ACG COLL WORKS FORBIDDEN WORLDS SOFTEE VOL 21 (C: 0-1-1) $32.99

DEC242068 AS A REINCARNATED ARISTOCRAT USE APPRAISAL SKILL GN VOL 13 ( $10.99

NOV241491 AYA FACE THE MUSIC HC (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $24.95

NOV241008 BARSTOW #3 $4.99

AUG242085 BATTLE ACTION #3 (OF 10) (C: 1-1-2) $7.99

DEC242069 BATTLE ANGEL ALITA MARS CHRONICLE GN VOL 10 (C: 0-1-1) $10.99

OCT241150 BEASTS OF BURDEN OMNIBUS TP (C: 0-1-2) $29.99

NOV241009 BEHEMOTH #2 $3.99

JAN251546 BELLADONNA FIRE AND FURY NATURALIST NUDE BAG SET (3CT) (MR) $19.99

DEC240973 BETTY & VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #332 $9.99

AUG240392 BLADE RUNNER TOKYO NEXUS #1-4 TAIBO PACK (MR) $19.99

SEP240397 BLADE RUNNER TOKYO NEXUS DM ED TP (C: 0-1-2) $17.99

SEP240396 BLADE RUNNER TOKYO NEXUS REG ED TP (C: 0-1-2) $17.99

MAY247399 BOOKS OF SLAUGHTER TP VOL 03 BOOK OF CUTTER $9.99

OCT241108 BORDERLANDS MOXXIS MYSTERIOUS MEMENTO #3 $3.99

AUG241584 BUCK DANNY CLASSICS GN VOL 07 SEA DART (C: 0-1-2) $12.95

SEP241601 BUCK DANNY CLASSICS GN VOL 08 EAGLES NEST (C: 0-1-2) $12.95

NOV241748 BUZZ HC (C: 0-1-2) $24.99

DEC241809 CASSI & HOUSE OF MEMORIES GN (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

AUG241203 COMPLETE KABUKI 30TH ANNIV ED HC (C: 0-1-2) $149.99

OCT240343 CONAN BARBARIAN #18 CVR A DARICK ROBERTSON (MR) $3.99

OCT240344 CONAN BARBARIAN #18 CVR B DE LA TORRE (MR) $3.99

OCT240345 CONAN BARBARIAN #18 CVR C LAU (MR) $3.99

OCT240346 CONAN BARBARIAN #18 CVR D MCCLEAN (MR) $3.99

OCT248771 CONAN BARBARIAN #18 FOC MARCHISIO (MR) $3.99

NOV240335 CONAN BARBARIAN TP VOL 04 DM ED (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $17.99

NOV240334 CONAN BARBARIAN TP VOL 04 REGULAR ED (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $17.99

JAN251474 CROSSED PLUS 100 DISASTERED BAG SET (5CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

NOV242033 CURSED SWORD MASTERS HAREM LIFE GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

JAN248319 DANGANRONPA 2 GOODBYE DESPAIR QUEST TP VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-2 $13.99

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SEP241515 EAT SLEEP REAP REPEAT #2 CVR B SKETCHED ED (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $21.99

DEC241730 EC EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #8 (OF 12) CVR A BERMEJO $4.99

DEC241731 EC EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #8 (OF 12) CVR B FRANQ $4.99

AUG241585 EMILIES INHERITANCE GN VOL 02 (OF 5) MAEVE (C: 0-1-2) $12.95

JAN251472 ESCAPE OF THE LIVING DEAD FEAR DIE-CUT BONUS SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JAN251473 ESCAPE OF THE LIVING DEAD HORDE DIE CUT BONUS SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

DEC241873 ESSENTIALS HC VOL 01 BILL SIENKIEWICZ PREMIERE ED (C: 0-1-1) $49.99

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NOV247410 FORMERLY FALLEN DAUGHTER OF DUKE GN VOL 06 (C: 0-1-2) $12.99

NOV241328 FREAKIER THAN NORMAL #5 (C: 0-0-1) $4.99

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NOV241024 FROM WORLD OF MINOR THREATS BROOD #3 CVR C FOIL HEPBURN $4.99

AUG241316 GOATMAN TRILOGY #2 BIRTH OF GOATMAN (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $11.99

DEC241057 GODZILLA 70TH ANNIV FOIL KINGDOM OF MONSTERS #1 $9.99

DEC241058 GODZILLA HEIST #1 CVR A EGGLETON $4.99

DEC241059 GODZILLA HEIST #1 CVR B TUNICA $4.99

JUN241927 GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS WONDER MAN HC VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $52.99

JUN241928 GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS WONDER MAN SLIPCASE ED VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $62.99

AUG242053 GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS WONDER MAN SOFTEE VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $32.99

DEC241810 HALFWAY TO SOMEWHERE GN (C: 0-1-0) $13.99

NOV242092 HATE ME BUT LET ME STAY GN VOL 03 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

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JUL240377 HIGH ON LIFE #1-4 PACK (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

DEC241126 HOWL #2 (OF 5) CVR A MAURICET (MR) $3.99

DEC242078 I WANT TO LOVE YOU TIL YOUR DYING DAY GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

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NOV241385 KATABASIS #2 (OF 5) CVR A ROCHA $4.99

JAN251537 LADY DEATH ETHEREAL FOIL BONUS BAG SET (5CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

JAN251538 LADY DEATH NIGHTMARE FOIL BONUS BAG SET (5CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2 $19.99

JAN251539 LADY DEATH OBLIVION FOIL BONUS BAG SET (5CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

JAN251540 LADY DEATH RECKLESS FOIL BONUS BAG SET (5CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

JAN251541 LADY DEATH SPECTER FOIL BONUS BAG SET (5CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

NOV241033 LET THIS ONE BE A DEVIL #1 CVR A FULLERTON $4.99

NOV241034 LET THIS ONE BE A DEVIL #1 CVR B KOWALSKI $4.99

NOV241035 LET THIS ONE BE A DEVIL #1 CVR C FIUMARA $4.99

NOV242101 LONELY CASTLE IN MIRROR GN VOL 05 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

DEC240375 LOOSE END #1 CVR A BELANGER (MR) $3.99

DEC240376 LOOSE END #1 CVR B HACK (MR) $3.99

DEC240377 LOOSE END #1 CVR C HYMEL (MR) $3.99

DEC240378 LOOSE END #1 CVR D WALLIS (MR) $3.99

DEC241839 LOUD & SMART & IN COLOR GN (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $16.99

OCT248837 LOVING MOON DOG GN VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

NOV241325 MANGA Z #23 (C: 0-1-1) $4.99

DEC241662 MANSECT GN (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.95

SEP241243 MARVEL COMICS COVERS OF JACK KIRBY HC (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $49.99

JAN251542 MEDIEVAL LADY DEATH FATED FOIL BAG SET (5CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

NOV242036 MIGHT AS WELL CHEAT GN VOL 09 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

NOV241493 MILK WHITE STEED GN (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $24.95

SEP241975 MONSTER FUN #25 (C: 0-1-2) $6.99

NOV242103 MUSHOKU TENSEI JOBLESS REINCARNATION GN VOL 20 (MR) (C: 0-1- $12.99

NOV242104 MY BOYFRIEND IS A DOG GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

DEC241074 MY LITTLE PONY SET YOUR SAIL TP (C: 0-1-2) $17.99

DEC241071 MY LITTLE PONY SKYES SECRET #1 CVR A BUSTOS $5.99

DEC241072 MY LITTLE PONY SKYES SECRET #1 CVR B SCRUGGS $5.99

DEC242081 MY NOISY ROOMMATE GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $13.99

NOV242107 NAKAMURA SAN UNINVITED GYARU GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

NOV242108 NEW RECRUIT GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $21.99

JAN251548 NIRA X PINUPS NUDE BAG SET (3CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

NOV242056 OGAMI SAN CANT KEEP IT IN GN VOL 07 (C: 0-1-0) $12.99

DEC241472 ORDER OF THE CIRCLE GN (C: 0-1-2) $16.99

NOV247769 PERSON I LOVED ASKED ME TO DIE GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

NOV247770 PLANETA GN (C: 0-1-2) $16.99

JUN241930 PRE CODE CLASSICS TALES OF HORROR SOFTEE VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $32.99

NOV241323 PRIVATE AMERICAN #1 (OF 3) CVR A RICHARD BONK $4.99

NOV241324 PRIVATE AMERICAN #1 (OF 3) CVR B STEVE RUDE $9.99

AUG242057 PS ARTBOOK BLACKHAWK SOFTEE VOL 14 (C: 0-1-2) $32.99

AUG242060 PS ARTBOOKS CLASSIC HORROR COMICS SOFTEE VOL 08 (C: 0-1-2) $32.99

JUN241934 PS ARTBOOKS CLASSICS HORROR COMICS HC VOL 08 (C: 0-1-2) $52.99

JUN241935 PS ARTBOOKS CLASSICS HORROR COMICS SLIPCASE ED VOL 08 (C: 0- $62.99

SEP241472 PUNCHLINE DIGEST ED TP VOL 01 BLOOD SISTERS (C: 0-0-1) $19.99

SEP242094 QUANTUM #6 (C: 0-1-1) $7.99

SEP241985 REBELLION PRESENTS THE JOSE MUNOZ COLLECTION TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

DEC241747 RICK AND MORTY RICKLEMANIA #1 CVR A ELLERBY $4.99

DEC241748 RICK AND MORTY RICKLEMANIA #1 CVR B STARKS & ALESSANDRO $4.99

DEC241749 RICK AND MORTY RICKLEMANIA #1 CVR C WILLIAMS JONES INTERLOCK $4.99

NOV242112 ROYAL TAILOR CLOTHIER TO CROWN GN VOL 03 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

DEC242085 SAVING 80K GOLD IN ANOTHER WORLD GN VOL 09 (C: 0-1-2) $12.99

SEP241987 SCREAM 40TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

AUG241317 SILENCE #2 (OF 3) CVR A ALEX SANCHEZ (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $7.99

AUG241318 SILENCE #2 (OF 3) CVR B BRYAN SILVERBAX (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $7.99

SEP241353 SILENCE #3 (OF 3) CVR A ALEX SANCHEZ (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $7.99

SEP241354 SILENCE #3 (OF 3) CVR B ARMANDO RAMIREZ (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $7.99

SEP241517 SIMON BISLEYS THE DEAD RAW EDITION HC (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $41.99

SEP241516 SIMON BISLEYS THE DEAD RAW EDITION TP (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $15.99

DEC242089 SNOW & INK GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

JAN251471 SNOWMAN BLIZZARD FOIL BONUS BAG SET (5CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

DEC241075 STAR TREK #29 CVR A ROSANAS $4.99

DEC241076 STAR TREK #29 CVR B FOWLER $4.99

SEP241355 STAY AWAKE #1 (OF 4) (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $7.99

NOV241051 STRANGER THINGS D&D RISE OF HELLFIRE #1 CVR A VILLANUEVE $4.99

NOV241052 STRANGER THINGS D&D RISE OF HELLFIRE #1 CVR B LAMBERT $4.99

NOV241053 STRANGER THINGS D&D RISE OF HELLFIRE #1 CVR C PUEBLAR $4.99

NOV241054 STRANGER THINGS D&D RISE OF HELLFIRE #1 CVR D WILSON $4.99

NOV241055 STRANGER THINGS D&D RISE OF HELLFIRE #1 CVR E MALAVIA $4.99

NOV241896 STREET FIGHTER PRIME #0 CVR A CHAMBA $4.99

NOV241897 STREET FIGHTER PRIME #0 CVR B VO $4.99

NOV241898 STREET FIGHTER PRIME #0 CVR C ROGERS $4.99

NOV241899 STREET FIGHTER PRIME #0 CVR D BLANK SKETCH $6.99

DEC241537 TEX VALLEY OF THE SHADOW HC SIGNATURE ED (C: 0-1-1) $22.99

AUG242063 THIS MAGAZINE IS HAUNTED FACSIMILE SLIPCASE ED VOL 01 (C: 0- $104.99

AUG242064 THIS MAGAZINE IS HAUNTED FACSIMILE SLIPCASE ED VOL 02 (C: 0- $104.99

SEP241968 THIS MAGAZINE IS HAUNTED FACSIMILE SLIPCASE ED VOL 03 (C: 0- $104.99

SEP241969 THIS MAGAZINE IS HAUNTED FACSIMILE SLIPCASE ED VOL 04 (C: 0- $104.99

JAN251547 THRESHOLD LOOKERS SISTER NUDE BAG SET (3CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

DEC241103 TMNT MIRAGE YEARS (1993-1995) HC (C: 1-1-1) $59.99

DEC241099 TMNT SATURDAY MORNING ADVENTURES TP VOL 04 $16.99

NOV242120 TOKYO REVENGERS LETTER FORM KEISUKE BAJI GN VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2 $14.99

SEP241988 TREASURY OF BRITISH COMICS ANNUAL 2025 HC (C: 0-1-2) $28.99

DEC241846 TWILIGHT GRIMM #3 (OF 4) $4.99

DEC242207 TWILIGHT OUT OF FOCUS GN VOL 06 LONG TAKE PT 2 (MR) (C: 0-1- $12.95

NOV242124 UZAKI CHAN WANTS TO HANG OUT GN VOL 12 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

JAN251549 WIDOW X 1-4 BAG SET (4CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

JAN251550 WIDOW X 5-8 BAG SET (4CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

JAN251551 WIDOW X 9-12 BAG SET (4CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

NOV242126 WILD ROSES & PRETENDERS GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

NOV240362 WORKING FOR GOD IN A GODLESS WORLD TP VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $12.99

NOV241160 WRONG EARTH VOL 03 DEAD RINGERS (RES) (C: 0-1-2) $18.99

NOV241331 YOR HUNTER FROM THE FUTURE #4 (OF 4) $4.99

JAN251470 YUGGOTH CREATURES 1-3 TRIPTYCH BAG SET (3CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

JAN251469 YUGGOTH CULTURES 1-3 BAG SET (3CT) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

MAGAZINES

DEC241786 CARTOONS MAGAZINE #55 COVERING ALL CAR CULTURES (C: 0-1-2) $8.99

OCT241537 COMIC SHOP NEWS (100CT BUNDLE) #1957 (NET) $18.99

SEP241973 JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #474 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $11.50

DEC241664 LOCUS MAGAZINE #769 VOL 94 NO 2 (C: 0-1-1) $12.50

JUN241933 PS ARTBOOK PSYCHO MAGAZINE #6 (C: 0-1-2) $22.99

BOOKS

SEP247710 CRITICAL ROLE CHRONICLES OF EXANDRIA MIGHTY NEIN HC VOL 02 D $149.99

NOV242134 DIDNT I SAY MAKE ABILITIES AVERAGE NOVEL SC VOL 19 (C: 0-1-1 $14.99

MAR247258 DOCTOR WHO EDEN REBELLION HC (C: 0-1-2) $20.00

NOV242131 PEERLESS WUSHUANG SC NOVEL VOL 03 (C: 0-1-0) $19.99

NOV242140 SWORD OF DEMON HUNTER KIJIN GENTOSHO SC NOVEL VOL 08 (MR) (C $15.99

NOV242142 TOO MANY LOSING HEROINES L NOVEL VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2) $15.99

NOV242148 VILLAINESS & DEMON KNIGHT L NOVEL SC VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $15.99

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUL242851 AMAZON TV FALLOUT THE GHOUL FIGURE (NET) (C: 0-1-2) $59.99

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Comics Review: Disney's "ZOOTOPIA #2" Finds Treasure in Trash

ZOOTOPIA: VOL. 1 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Jeff Parker

ART: Alessandro Ranaldi

COLORS: Dearbhla Kelly

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Trish Forstner

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Alessandro Ranaldi; Craig Rousseau; Trish Forstner

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Dump-Da-Dump-Dump!”

Zootopia is a 2016 animated buddy-cop comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.  Zootopia is set in a world of anthropomorphic animals (animals that talk and act like humans).  The film follows a rabbit named Judy Hopps, who is rookie police officer, and a fox named Nick Wilde, who is a con artist.  Judy and Nick end up working together to uncover a conspiracy involving the disappearance of predators.  At the end of the film, Nick graduates from the police academy and becomes Judy's partner.

Dynamite Entertainment has been producing licensed comic books based on Disney characters and IP since 2022.  The latest is a Zootopia comic book series, entitled Zootopia: Volume 1.  It is written by Jeff Parker; drawn by Alessandro Ranaldi; colored by Dearbhla Kelly; and lettered Jeff Eckleberry.  The series continues the adventures of Judy and Nick and is set after the events of the original film.

Zootopia: Volume 1 #2 (“Dump-Da-Dump-Dump!”) opens in Zootopia Police Precinct 1, where Chief Bogo is handing out a refresher course.  Soon, Officer Hopps and Officer Wilde are on their way to the city dump... err... Zootopia Recycling Depot.  According to its manager, Skunk Flowers, someone is actually breaking into the dump and stealing only select garbage bags.

So exactly what kind of trash in those select garbage bags are raccoons and opossums hauling away?  Hopps thinks she will find some connections to the PB&J phone explosions, but Wilde wonders what he and his sensitive nose is doing at the city dump.

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  Zootopia: Volume 1, Issue #2 is the latest.

I passed on Walt Disney's 2016 computer-animated hit film, Zootopia, when it first played in theaters.  Later, I started hearing good things about it, so I gave it a try on DVD (via Netflix).  I loved it, and I'm excited about the sequel film, Zootopia 2, which is due November 2025.

My enjoyment of the film virtually assured that I was going to give Dynamite's new comic book adaptation a try.  I can safely tell Zootopia fans that the fun first issue of this series was not a fluke, because Issue #2 is also a blast to read.  Series writer Jeff Parker, who is quite adept at writing comic books that adapt other media, offers a surprisingly clever story that revolves around thefts from the city dump.  Parker manages to keep intriguing his Zootopia readers with novel plots and conspiracies.  He is giving us every reason to keep reading.

The series' artists, penciler-inker Alessandro Ranaldi and colorist Dearbhla Kelly, offer the most exciting storytelling that readers will find is also similar to the aesthetic the original film.  Ranaldi's compositions hop and dash across the pages with fast-paced storytelling.  Kelly's colors have the spark of Disney's animation magic and also make the story pop.  As usual, Jeff Eckleberry's lettering gives this story a sense of fast motion and noisy action.

I look forward to more Zootopia Volume 1.  Anyone who reads this second issue, dear readers, will feel the need to return for the third issue, at least.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Disney comic book series will want Zootopia: Volume 1.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 9th to 15th, 2025 - UPDATE #11

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

MOVIES - From Variety:  Scream queen, Mia Goth ("MaXXXine"), has been cast in Christopher Nolan's next film, "The Odyssey," which is due in theaters July 17, 2026.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  HBO has begun production on the upcoming fifth season of its Emmy-winning crime anthology series, "True Detective."  This will be the second season with Issa Lopez as writer/showrunner.

From Deadline:  Hulu has announced the launch date for the sixth and final season of "The Handmaid's Tale." The streamer is also close to greenlighting a sequel to the series, entitled "The Testaments."  "The Handmaid's Tale" and "The Testaments" are both based on novels by Margaret Atwood.

From Deadline:  "Sources" have told "Deadline" that beloved Emmy-winning actor, John Lithgow, is in final negotiations to play "Professor Albus Dumbledore" in HBO's "Harry Potter" television series.

SUPER BOWL LIX - From YahooSports:  The Philadelphia Eagles of the NFC defeat the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFC to win Super Bowl LIX (59) by the score of 40 to 22 on Sunday, February 9, 2025.  The Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts, was named "Super Bowl MVP."

From Time:  There is a meaning behind tennis legend and champion Serena Williams' appearance as part of Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance as Super Bowl LIX.

From Deadline:  Sunday's Super Bowl 59 (Feb. 9th) set a viewership record, 126 million viewers across all platforms that carried it, according to early numbers.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 2/7 to 2/9/2025 (Super Bowl) weekend box office is Universal/DreamWorks Animations's "Dog Man" with an estimated take of 13.7 million dollars.

MOVIES - From TheGuardian:  "The Rise and fall of 'Emilia Perez'": How did it all go wrong for the Oscar-nominated film and its star.

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MOVIE AWARDS:

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 36th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced.  "Anora" wins the awards' top prize, "The Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 77th Annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced. Sean Baker and his team won the top prize, "Theatrical Feature Film," for his film "Anora."

From THR:  The winners for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" won "Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy" and "Best Motion Picture - Non-English Language."  "The Brutalist" won "Best Motion Picture - Drama."  "Wicked" won in the new category, "Cinematic and Box Office Achievement."  "Flow" won "Best Motion Picture - Animated."

From AMPAS:  The nominations for the 2025 / 97th Academy Awards have been announced the winners will be announced Sunday, March 2, 2025.

From THR:  The nominations for the 2025 / 36th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sat. Feb. 8th.

From BBC:  The nominations for the 2025 / 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been announced.  "Conclave" leads with 12 nominations.  The winners will be Sunday, Feb. 16th, 2025.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 77th Annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  In the awards' marquee category, "Theatrical Feature Film," the nominees are Jacques Audiard ("Emilia Perez"), Sean Baker ("Anora"), Edward Berger ("Conclave"), Brady Corbet ("The Brutalist"), and James Mangold ("A Complete Unknown").  The winners will be announced February 8th.

From EW:  The Screen Actors Guild has cancelled the 2025 / 31st SAG Awards nominations announcement live-stream because of the current wildfires sweeing through the Los Angeles area.  The nominations will be announced Thursday morning, January 9th via press release and on SAG Awards website.  The SAG Award ceremony will be hired Feb. 23rd.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 2025 / 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards have been announced.  Netflix's "The Piano Lesson" leads with 14 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 21st and 22nd.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 22nd Annual International Cinephile Society (ICS) Awards have been announced.  "All We Imagine as Light" has won "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Payal Kapadia), and "Best Ensemble."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 45th London Critics Circle Film Awards were announced. "The Brutalist" was named "Film of the Year."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The International Press Academy has announced the winners at the 2025 / 29th Satellite Awards in Motion Pictures and Television.  "The Brutalist" won "Motion Picture, Drama" and "Anora" won "Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Denver Film Critics Society (DFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Pittsburgh Film Critics Association (PFCA) Awards have been announced. This is the association inaugural awards announcement.  "The Substance" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Independent Critics (CIC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won seven awards, including "Best Indepent Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore).  "Dune: Part Two" won "Best Studio Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins "Best Movie About Women."  Coralie Fargeat's "The Substance" wins "Best Movie By a Woman" (directing)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the annual Portland Critics Association (PCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" won in 10 of the 13 categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Dakota Film Society (NDFS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Hawaii Film Critics Society (HFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" took four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Wild Robot" won two awards - "Best Picture" and "Best Animated Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Music City Film Critics Association (MCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Georgia Film Critics Association (GFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) EDA Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Kansas City Film Critics Circle (KCFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Challengers" has won "Best Film" and "Best Director" (Luca Guadagnino).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 DiscussingFilm's Global Film Critics Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" won "Best Picture."

From EW:  The nominations for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" leads with 10 nominations.  The winners will be announced January 5, 2025 on CBS and Paramount+.

From THR:  The winners at the 2025 National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) Awards have been announced. "Nickel Boys" has won the award for "Best Picture" of 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Edward Berger), and "Best Actor" (Ralph Fiennes).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" has won three awards, including "Best Narrative Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Columbia Film Critics Association (COFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Substance" has won four awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore), 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 29th Capri, Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards have been announced. "Emilia Perez" won six awards, including "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Critics Association of Central Florda (CACF) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 UK Film Critics Association (UKFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" won "Film of the Year" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) Awards have been announced. "Anora" has won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Association of Female Film Critics (OAFFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" won six awards, including "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat). and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore).  "The Substance" shared the "Best Film" honor with "Anora."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Philadelphia Film Critics Circle (PFCCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) Awards have announced.  "The Beast" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Bertrand Bonello).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Nevada Film Critics Society (NFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken six awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Zone of Interest" was named "Best Film" and its director, Jonathan Glazer, won "Best Director."  Although the film was released in Dublin this year, it was eligible for the Academy Awards in 2023.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critic Association (DFWFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has won three awards: "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Southeastern Film Critics Associations (SFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Iowa Film Critics Association (IFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won three awards: "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch: The winners at the 2024 New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) Awards.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore), and "Best Supporting Performance" (Margaret Qualley).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 St. Louis Film Critics Association (StLFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" has won three awards, including "Film" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has announced the nominations in the category of "Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures." The winners at the 2025 / 39th Annual Producers Guild Awards will be announced Saturday, February 8, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced. "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Online Film Critics Association (BOFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won six awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross). "Sing Sing" has won "Best Actor" (Colman Domingo) and "Best Supporting Actor" (Clarence Maclin).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Critics Circle (PCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."  The films four total wins including for "Best Director" (Brady Corbet) and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Film Critics (CFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Sing Sing" won "Best Picture," won of three awards it received.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Michigan Movie Critics Guild (MMCG) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture," one of its four wins.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Film," one of four awards it won.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Washington Area Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Wicked" has won the award for "Best Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 49th Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."  Marianne Jean-Baptiste (for "Hard Truths") became the first Black woman to win a lead performance honor in the groups history.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," wins "Best British Independent Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Society of Film Critics (BSFC) have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison), and "Best Original Screenplay."

From AFI:  The American Film Institute has named its top ten films and television series.  Among the films honored are "Dune: Part Two," "Nickel Boys," and "Wicked."

From THR:  The winners at the 2024 / 37th European Film Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins the award for "European Film."  It also won the directing (Jacques Audiard), writing (Audiard), and actress (Karla Sofia Gascon) honors.

From NBR:  The National Board of Review has named its 2024 film honorees.  "Wicked" wins "Best Film" and "Best Director" (for John M. Chu).

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.  Cannes 2024 Palme d'Or winner, "Anora," and "I Saw the TV Glow" each lead with six nominations apiece.  The winners will be announced Saturday, February 22, 2025.

From Deadline:  The winners of the 2024 / 90th New York Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  Director Brady Corbet's three-hour epic, "The Brutalist," has won "Best Film" and its star, Adrian Brody, has won "Best Actor."

From Variety:  The winners at the 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards have been announced.  Writer-director Aaron Schimberg's "A Different Man" has won the "Best Feature" award.

From Deadline:  The 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards kick off the 2024-25 movie awards season by announcing its nominations for achievement in film.  Director Sean Baker's "Anora," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes this year, leads with four nominations.  The winners will be announced Monday, December 2, 2024.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," leads with 14 nominations. The winners will be announced Sunday, December 8, 2024.

BEST PICTURE WINNER COUNT:

From AwardsWatch:  This link will take you, dear readers, to "AwardWatch's" article, "Who Won What? - The 2024/2025 Film Award Precursor Guide."

"All We Imagine as Light": 1 win (International Cinephile Society)

"Anora": 18 wins (Atlanta Film Critics Circle; Austin Film Critics Association; Boston Society of Film Critics; CACF; Critics Choice Awards; DFWFCA; DGA; Georgia Film Critics Association; IFCA; LAFCA; Michigan Movie Critics Guild; North Dakota Film Society; OAFFC; NTFCA; Philadelphia Film Critics Circle; Satellite Awards; SFBAFCC; SFCA)

"The Beast": 1 win (Florida Film Critics Circle)

"The Brutalist": 13 wins (AWFJ; BOFCA; Chicago Film Critics; Golden Globes-Drama; HFCS; London Critics Circle; MNFCA; Nevada Film Critics Society; NYFCC; Phoenix Critics Circle; Phoenix Film Critics Circle; Portland Critics Association; Satellite Awards)

"Challengers": 1 win (GWNYFCA)

"Conclave":  2 wins (North Carolina Film Critics Association; Oklahoma Film Critics Circle)

"A Different Man": 1 win (Gotham Awards)

"Dune: Part Two" - 6 wins (Chicago Independent Critics; LVFCS; Music City Film Critics Associations; St.LFCA; UKFCA)

"Emilia Perez":  4 wins (Capri, Denver Film Critics Society; Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards; European Film Awards; Golden Globes-Comedy or Musical; WFCC)

"Kneecap": 1 win (British Independent Film Awards)

"Nickel Boys": 4 wins (AAFCA; DiscussingFilm; National Society of Film Critics; TFCA)

"Sing Sing": 1 win (San Diego Film Critics Society)

"The Substance": 9 wins (Chicago Independent Critics; COFCA; Indiana Film Journalists Association; KCFCC; NYFCO; OAFFC; Pittsburgh Film Critics Association; Seattle Film Critics Society; WFCC)

"Wicked": 2 wins (National Board of Review; WAFCA)

"The Wild Robot":  1 win (Utah Film Critics Association)

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Review: "CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD" Explodes with Intensity

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 9 of 2025 (No. 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Running time:  118 minutes (1 hour, 58 minutes)

MPA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some strong language

DIRECTOR:  Julius Onah

WRITERS:  Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson, and Julius Onah & Peter Glanz; from a story by Rob Edwards and Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson (based on the Marvel Comics)

PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige and Nate Moore

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Kramer Morgenthau (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Madeleine Gavin and Matthew Schmidt

COMPOSER:  Laura Karpman

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/DRAMA and SCI-FI/ACTION/THRILLER

Starring:  Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, Xosha Roquemore, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, William Mark McCullough, and Takehiro Hira with Liv Tyler and Sebastian Stan

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

--Captain America: Brave New World is the subject of a social media smear campaign, but it is one of the best superheroes movies of the 2020s, and it is probably the best action movie of the decade

--The cast is dynamite. Not only does Anthony Mackie light up the screen as Sam Wilson/Captain America, but Harrison Ford also tears up the screen the way a Hollywood legend and icon should

--The supporting cast of Captain America: Brave New World is excellent, and the actors help make this film a rampaging good time at the movies

Captain America: Brave New World is a 2025 superhero and action film from Marvel Studios and directed by Julius Onah.  The film focuses on the character, “Sam Wilson,” as the superhero, “Captain America.”  Sam Wilson is a Marvel Comics character that was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan and that first appeared in Captain America #117 (cover dated: September 1969).  Captain America is a Marvel Comics character that was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and that first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (December 1940).

This film is the fourth film in the Captain America film series and also the 35th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).  In Captain America: Brave New World, Captain America must discover the identity of the mastermind behind a plan to launch the United States into a global war over access to an amazing new metal alloy.

Captain America: Brave New World focuses on Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who is still early in his tenure as the superhero, Captain America, replacing his friend, the original Captain America, Steve Rogers.  Wilson was once the superhero, “The Falcon,” and now, that mantle belongs to his partner, U.S. Air Force First Lt. Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez).  Captain America and the Falcon begin the film on a mission in Oaxaca, Mexico where they take on the “Serpent Society” and its leader, Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), in a bid to intercept the sale of a canister of “Adamantium.”

Adamantium is the new metal alloy that was discovered on the “Celestial Island,” located in the Indian Ocean.  Celestial Island is really the gigantic carcass of the “Celestial Tiamut,” whose emergence was stopped by the Eternals (as seen in the 2021 film, Eternals).  The U.S., Japan, and India are vying to mine adamantium, and to that end, the three countries are working on a treaty that would create the infrastructure in which the three nations would share control of the island.

The current President of the United States, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), formerly known as General “Thunderbolt” Ross, asks Sam to be the face of the adamantium treaty as Captain America.  President Ross also wants Sam to join him in a plan to reform the superhero group, “The Avengers.”  However, the announcement of the treaty is interrupted by an assassination attempt.  Now, Sam's friend and mentor, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), the Korean War veteran and once-imprisoned “super soldier,” is once again imprisoned because of the incident.

Despite a growing rift with President Ross, Sam decides to investigate the assassination attempt, and Joaquin joins him.  Shadowing them is a former “Black Widow,” the Israeli Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas), but even she can't stop Captain America and the Falcon from discovering the mystery of a man named Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson).  Can Sam Wilson stop a global war, and can Captain America really take on the creature known as the “Red Hulk.”

Captain America: Brave New World is the subject of an intense online and social media smear campaign.  When you, dear readers, come across someone using the word, “woke,” to describe it, you should know that in the context of this film, “woke” is Confederate pig Latin for the name “Anthony Mackie.”  People who complain that the story and/or the script are not good are against the film because of their grievances concerning an African-American actor, Antony Mackie, taking on the role of Captain America.  With that said...

Captain America: Brave New World ties into some other Marvel Studios productions.  Obviously, this film's “Celestial Island” subplot is related to events depicted in the 2021 film, Eternals.  The Disney+/Marvel Studios series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021) is a prologue to Brave New World.  Surprisingly, Brave New World acts as a sort of sequel to the second film in the MCU, 2008's The Incredible Hulk.  There are also references to numerous other MCU films.

Captain America: Brave New World is a superb superhero movie and great action film.  Director Julius Onah has helmed a film that is a rampaging good time at the movies, doing this in spite of delays and reshoots.  He should take pride in making a Captain America film that is as good as or better than the previous three films in the series.  The action is great, and the conspiracy at the heart of the story is intense and shockingly personal.  The character drama is surprisingly potent and is both complex and complicated.  Plus, the Captain America vs. Red Hulk battle in the film's last act fell on me like a tree; it is so intense that for a moment I wished I was wearing an adult diaper while watching it.

With Captain America: Brave New World, Anthony Mackie not only proves that he is a true Marvel leading man who can carry a MCU film, but he also proves that he is a Hollywood leading man.  In subtle ways, his performance and speeches clearly define that which Mackie fights in the real world and Sam Wilson fights in his world.  Watching Mackie chop up this movie with his dramatic chops, I realized that it was long overdue that he lead a Marvel film.

I must also admit that Harrison Ford brings down the thunder in his role as President Thaddeus Ross, a.k.a. “Thunderbolt” Ross.  Ford dominates his scenes so much that only Mackie can really match him in Captain America: Brave New World.  Seeing Ford here reminds me of what a find dramatic actor he is and how he has always been fun in action movies.

Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Xosha Roquemore also deliver solid turns in their respective supporting roles.  They deserve to pop up in the MCU again, many more times.  I guess it is obvious that I am still buzzing from seeing Captain America: Brave New World last night (Thursday, February 13th).  I had not expected much from this film because I had listened to too much of the propaganda.  I love being wrong in these instance.  Captain America: Brave New World is going to be my favorite film of 2025 for awhile, dear readers, and I heartily recommend it to you.

9 of 10

A+

Friday, February 14, 2025

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Universal Releases First "Jurassic World Rebirth" Official Trailer

Universal Pictures has released the first trailer for its 2025 film, "Jurassic World Rebirth."  The film is due in theaters July 2, 2025.

Press Release:

A new era is born. This summer, three years after the Jurassic World trilogy concluded with each film surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, the enduring Jurassic series evolves in an ingenious new direction with Jurassic World Rebirth. 

Anchored by iconic action superstar Scarlett Johansson, Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey, and two-time Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali, this action-packed new chapter sees an extraction team race to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park, inhabited by the worst of the worst that were left behind. 

Also starring acclaimed international stars, Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, the film is directed by dynamic visualist Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) from a script by original Jurassic Park screenwriter, David Koepp. 

Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.

Academy Award® nominee Johansson plays skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett, contracted to lead a skilled team on a top-secret mission to secure the genetic material. When Zora’s operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized by marauding aquatic dinos, they all find themselves stranded on a forbidden island that had once housed an undisclosed research facility for Jurassic Park. There, in a terrain populated by dinosaurs of vastly different species, they come face-to-face with a sinister, shocking discovery that has been hidden from the world for decades. 

Ali is Duncan Kincaid, Zora’s most trusted team member; Critics Choice and Olivier Award winner Jonathan Bailey (Wicked, "Bridgerton") plays paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis; Emmy nominee Rupert Friend ("Homeland," "Obi-Wan Kenobi") appears as Big Pharma representative Martin Krebs, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo ("The Lincoln Lawyer," Murder on the Orient Express) plays Reuben Delgado, the father of the shipwrecked civilian family. 

The cast includes Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Audrina Miranda ("Lopez vs. Lopez") as Reuben’s family. The film also features, as members of Zora and Krebs’ crews, Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF) and Ed Skrein (Deadpool). 

 

Jurassic World Rebirth is directed by BAFTA winner Edwards from a script by Koepp (War of the Worlds), based on characters created by Michael Crichton. The film is produced by Oscar® nominee Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, both longtime Jurassic franchise producers and of last summer’s blockbuster, Twisters. The film is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Denis L. Stewart and Jim Spencer.

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Comics Review: "ARCHIE Valentine's Spectacular No. 1" is the Official Comic of Valentine's Day

ARCHIE VALENTINE'S SPECTACULAR #1 (2025)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Jamie Lee Rotante; Daniel Kibblesmith; Craig Boldman; George Gladir

PENCILS: Holly G!; Dan DeCarlo; Rex Lindsey

INKS: Jim Amash; Rex Lindsey; Rich Koslowski, Dan DeCarlo

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey; Bill Yoshida; Vickie Williams

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2025) – On-sale February 5, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

“Riverdale is Where the Heart Is!”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character.  In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”).  One of them is the annual Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.  The 2025 edition of this comic book has one new story and three reprint stories, with one of the reprints being a two-parter.  Entitled “Riverdale is Where the Heart Is!,” the new story is written by Jamie Lee Rotante; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and the Gang – featuring Hearts, Flowers, & Candy: “Riverdale is Where the Heart Is!”:

As the story opens, the Spirits of Valentine's Day:  “Flowers, Hearts, & Candy,” have come to Riverdale, which they believe is “a place where love grows.”  Their tour of this romance capital of the world will allow them to witness love in all its glory – from loving friends and to romantic couples.  Their tour will take them from the brightest and most familiar spots to the gloomiest and most supernatural locales in Riverdale.  But even in Riverdale, does everyone get a Valentine.

THE LOWDOWN:  Archie Comics has been sending me PDF review copies of their titles for several years.  Archie Valentine's Spectacular No.1 is the latest.

“Riverdale is Where the Heart Is!” isn't a great story so much as it is a nice story just in time for Valentine's Day.  It is warm and sweet like cocoa, and its sentimental emphasis on everyone getting a treat for Valentine's Day can pull on the heartstrings.  The creative team of Rotante, Holly G!, Amash, Whitmore, and Morelli deliver a charming love letter to readers.

As a bonus, one of the reprint stories is a “Betty and Veronica” tale drawn by Archie Comics' legend, the late Dan DeCarlo.  Entitled, “The Trophy,” it offers a classic scenario Betty and Veronica fighting a girl (Cheryl Blossom) for Archie's attentions.

If you are like me and love classic-style Archie Comics, you will love these stories.  And Archie Valentine's Spectacular is certainly for you, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

[This comic book includes “Editor's Notebook” by Mike Pellerito, featuring art by Vincent Lavallo and Holly G!]

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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