Let Doctor Strange Sorcerer Supreme Open Your Mind!

by contributing writer Nicholas Lai.

Something Strange is in the neighborhood.

It is about that time of the year again when comic book publisher and now superhero-movie giant Marvel Studios is on the brink of releasing the up-and-coming Doctor Strange, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character. Benedict Cumberbatch of BBC Sherlock fame is also previously known for his roles as Khan (Star Trek Into Darkness, 2013) and as genius historical mathematician Alan Turing (iThe Imitation Game, 2014), and by now it should come as no surprise that he fits well into the shoes of a broken neurosurgeon on the path to redemption, and then mystical prowess and supremacy in this Marvel feature.

Wormholes, magic, sorcery, multiple realities, oh my!

Check the vid above for Benedict's thoughts on joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time.

Delving into the lore of the Marvel Universe, Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a brilliant neurosurgeon, with an ego to match, until the day a car accident rendered his hands broken and unable to perform anymore surgery. This event prompted Dr. Strange to go on a trek across the globe for a way to regain his abilities, then coming across the Ancient One and subsequently becoming a student in the mystic arts. This serves as the opening premise by which the feature will begin on without spoiling much of the surprise leading up to the Doctor's development as the Sorceror Supreme.

Classic. It's also being re-released on DVD, Nov. 1, 2016.

In a throwback to 1978, a TV movie produced by a joint effort between CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) and Marvel was released under the unassuming name of Dr. Strange which was loosely-based on the original character. At the time, CBS ran other Marvel features like Spider-man and The Hulk as a series, and Dr. Strange was left as a one-shot of sorts. This added to the mystery as to who the good Doctor was at the time, as his impact on the mainstream media was more subdued compared to his popular counterparts like Captain America and the Avengers.

Fast forward to 2016, and it's already looking like Inception....

Today, Doctor Strange is brought back with new life, and it appears to harken influences like that of Inception (2010) in the imagery brought on by the trailers with multiple realities diverging in a surreal montage, and visions of falling into the sky and tearing open the many landscapes a new one. Taking a cue from a spoken line in the trailers, the Avengers protect the world from physical harm, while those who bear Strange's abilities deal with the more mystical threats the Avengers would not know of. Following the 15-minute preview that took place on the 12th of October, 2016 at TGV Cinemas, it appears that the film would not disappoint.

Dr. Strange 15-min Exclusive IMAX Preview Night, Oct. 12, 2016.
The boys in their Strange outfits. ;D
Photo credit: TGV Cinemas.

Other worldly planes of existence are mind-blowing in IMAX 3D.

The Doctors are IN!

Casting our spells together to call forth power of the Vishanti!

Make mine Marvel. #cosplay

Doctor Strange is a movie made for #Maybank #IMAX. Watch it in #TGVCinemas next week!

Posted by TGVCinemas on Sunday, 16 October 2016

Nothing raises the bar higher than having a star-studded cast, so drumroll, please!

Benedict Cumberbatch is Dr. Stephen Strange.

Rachel McAdams is Christine Palmer. 

Chiwetel Ejiofor is Mordo, apparently not Dr. Strange's nemesis... yet.

Tilda Swinton is The Ancient One.

Benedict Wong is Wong... just Wong, like Dell.

Mads Mikkelsen is evil sorcerer Kaecilius.

The Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has scouted out some fanboy experiences in Malaysia  and maybe found where to net Doctor Strange goodies: an Eye of Agamotto (powers not included), anyone?

First, meet Doctor Strange himself at Sunway Pyramid as he gently floats by his Cloak of Levitation and casts his spell with mystic runes encircling his hands.

Doctor Strange greets shoppers at near the main entrance of Sunway Pyramid shopping centre.
Photo credit: Anjerasu

By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggath, we wonder what spell is he casting? 

For cosplayers of the Sorcerer Supreme, excellent costume references here.

This mystic mirror allows one to warp reality or open portals to other realms, which resemble Hong Kong.

Over at Golden Screen Cinemas, step into shifting realities but remember to make your way back! Exclusively at GSC Pavilion KL, Paradigm Mall and Ipoh Parade.

Get creative with this world-bending environment! Are you falling up? Or lying down?
Photo: GSC Facebook.

GSC is also giving away the Eye of Agamotto to 10 lucky GSC members. Starting today until Sunday 23 October, the first 20 customers to purchase 10 tickets through the GSC website or mobile App will net win an Eye of Agamotto prop.  Cumulative purchases are allowed, so take your whole gang along for a movie outing and you may well win this priceless artifact! Terms and condition at the GSC website.

Grab this Time Gem before Thanos completes his Infinity Gauntlet! Ops, SPOILER!

KLIPS is giving away invites to the Premiere Screening of Doctor Strange at GSC 1 Utama on 26 October 2016. Stand a chance to win by sharing their movie posts and submit links through an online form by 24 October. They also have Doctor Strange movie premiums to give away through similar mechanics submitted by 28 October. There are caps, backpack, hoodies, button badges and more.

Those badges look Strangely nice. 

Meanwhile Fox Premium Movies is also giving out similar movie Premiums plus the Eye of Agamotto through simple contest on their Facebook Page here until 6 November.

For mass market toys, Hasbro has included movie characters into their Marvel Legends 6in scale action figures in the Masters of Magic set. Doctor Strange together with Karl Mordo comes with parts to form arch-villain Dormammu if you purchase the other 6 figures of the sets.

  

For cutesy toys, Funko POP! will be unleashing a number of their highly collectible bobble-heads. Find out more about Funko's line up from movieweb.com and stay tuned Sheldonet Toy Store bringing them to our local shores.

Fans of LEGO will be delighted to build Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. Minifigs include Dr. Strange, Mordo and The Ancient One battling a mystical menace barging in on the good doctor's home. This LEGO set is also priced at a more affordable RM149.90 and available at most major toy stores.

For high-end, i.e. expensive, collectibles, Hot Toys will be releasing that 1:6 scale Doctor Strange next year. Pre-orders have already opened from local retailers like ShiokToys Collectibles at an indicative price of RM868. Check out more photos on Hot Toys Facebook Photo Album.

Fangirls of Benedict Cumberbatch will certainly want to take this home!

On a sidenote, I personally cannot wait for Doctor Strange to meet Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr. in the near future as they have both played Sherlock Holmes in their respective films and series prior to being included into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Sherlock Holmes(es). 

The Doctor's prescription: watch the movie, and proceed to be spellbound.

Marvel's Doctor Strange opens in Malaysian cinemas on 27 October 2016.

And remember to stay to the end of the credits and look-out for that Stan Lee cameo!

Disclaimer: Doctor Strange and other trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment and/or Disney, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

STAR WARS: Patience Young Padawan, the Long Awaited Sequel is Finally Here! Now The Force Awakens ...

by contributing writer Michelle Chee.

Star Wars is arguably the most epic space adventure to date, with millions of fans worldwide spanning different generations and demographics. The scale and magnitude of the Star Wars universe started out small and humble with the original trilogy spanning the late 1970s and 1980s. However, it has expanded to such a scope that there are now back stories to explain the rise of the Jedi and the Sith, as well as a book series on the descendants of Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker. There are even lengthy entries on Wookiepedia each of the creatures at the bar on Mos Eisley (called the Mos Eisley Cantina) where Obi-Wan and Luke meet Han Solo for the first time!

Anyone remember these guys?

Many Star Wars elements have made it into our daily lives, with the ubiquitous lightsaber being the most recognizable. In the last decade, there have been reports of people all over the world listing ‘Jedi’ or ‘Jedi Knight’ as their religion in response to official government census. What draws people in such a powerful way to this franchise? Well, even experts don’t really agree on one particular cause. Suffice to say it’s a complex mix of sentimentalism, escapism and good ol’ storytelling.

For many fans, the continuation of the original 6 episodes with a new trilogy is an almost religious experience, akin to receiving new revelation. Therefore, these months and weeks leading up to the release of Episode VII is filled with a feverish excitement, brought on mostly by those bits and pieces of teasers that Disney (who has bought over the franchise from George Lucas) keeps feeding fans, just like hors d’oeuvres before the main meal begins.

With not long to wait now, fans are spending their days refreshing their memories by re-watching the previous six episodes. However, if you’re a super busy Star Wars fan, here’s a 3 minute recap:

The highly anticipated Episode VII: The Force Awakens is being directed by J.J. Abrams, known for his penchant for lens flare and his previous science fiction movies like Armageddon and the recent Star Trek remakes. This time, the trilogy will be helmed by two British actors, John Boyega and Daisy Ridley as the two protagonists, Finn and Rey respectively. The original actors who play Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo are back as well, much to the delight and comfort of fans. Who can forget Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford?

Additionally, we’ll get to see the talents of many other new faces, like Adam Driver who plays villain Kylo Ren, Domnhall Gleeson as General Hux, Lupita Nyong’O as Maz Kanata, a space pirate and Oscar Isaacs as Poe Dameron, a pilot with the resistance. Interestingly, Gwendoline Christie also makes an appearance as Captain Phasma, an officer with the First Order. 

Kylo Ren and the intimidating First Order

Just to make the wait a little less unbearable, you can watch a compilation of all the teasers and trailers that have been released thus far:

No doubt, many fans feel a tug in their hearts when Han Solo says “Chewie, we’re home”.

Not much is known about the storyline, except for the bits and pieces that can be picked out from the trailers. It would appear that even though the Galactic Republic has fallen, there continues to be a military power called the First Order that upholds the ideals of the old Republic and will resort to violence to get what they want. At the forefront of the First Order is the mysterious Kylo Ren (nobody can confirm or deny he’s a Sith Lord yet) who uses an extremely unique lightsaber in the form of a red cross. Rather ironic methinks.

Gasp! The Millennium Falcon is back in all its speedy glory

The resistance is still going strong, under the leadership of Princess Leia, who now goes by the name of General Organa. However, as the title suggests, no new Jedi have emerged until our two protagonists, Finn and Rey show up. Many hold the opinion that the original trio are portrayed very well in this new film, with all of them aging gracefully. They also seem eager to pass on the reins of leadership to a new generation of legends, so it’ll be worth the wait to see how that pans out.

New characters Finn (right) and Rey run from Stormtroopers

Also, everyone is going crazy about the new droid BB8, which can be seen rolling around in the dessert with Rey and making cute gurgling noises.

Will BB8 be the new fan favourite?

Before anything else, you should definitely check out the Official Star Wars Website that has a tonne of information, videos, games and more to keep you occupied until premier day. Not only are there goodies for the upcoming movie, but info on all the previous episodes, as well as several animated TV series. One of the videos you can watch is of Mark Hamill recently pranking people on Hollywood Boulevard for charity:

Closer to home in Malaysia, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has scoured the galaxy to bring you promos and other goodies related to The Force Awakens. Firstly, all the major cinema chains have opened their advanced tickets sales (online, at the tickets counters and through their apps) but you’d better hurry as all the major cinemas are selling like hot cakes. Tickets are available in standard, 3D and IMAX3D.

Golden Screen Cinemas is has a number of Star Wars merchandise up for grabs. Firstly, their latest Popcorn Combo includes a limited edition Star Wars T-shirt, 2 regular soft drinks and 1 large popcorn starting for RM30.00. There are 2 tshirt designs to choose from (see above) to prepare to guzzle down lots of popcorn with soft drink if you want to collect both. An exclusive Star Wars Collector’s  package is available on available through GSC website, limited to only 400 packages for RM199 (see below). In addition to both limited edition tshirts plus movie posters, popcorn, soft drinks and movie vouchers, there is a pair of metal Light Side & Dark Side collector cards which will be personalised with your Star Wars name (well, actually any name is possible upto 16 letters).

Starting 17 December, GSC has awesome Star Wars loot up for grabs everyday day until 30 December 2015. Customers only need to post their photos on Facebook or Instagram showing their GSC movie tickets with a creative caption and hashtag #TheForceisStrongwithGSC for a chance to win a Kylo Ren FX lightsaber worth over RM1,000 and his voice changer helmet (see below). It's so good to be bad!

TGV Cinemas are having a tonne of promos related to Star Wars this month. Together with Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club, they are hosting a Christmas Cosmos from 10th to 20th December at 1 Utama Shopping Centre Court (Old Wing). Activities include Star Wars costume appearances by Star Wars Malaysian Fan Club, Lightsaber performances, collectibles display, a flea market and giveaways. Additionally, TGV is also selling Star Wars plush keychains as part of their combo, with 5 different characters available from 10th December Onwards. Additionally, TGV cinemas is holding a contest for Maybank Credit Card users who spend more than RM1000 from 1st November 2015 to 15th January 2016 with the grand prize being a Star Wars themed trip to London for two.

Also if you’re buying tickets to the opening day, 17th December 2015, know that TGV is holding screenings all the way from 12 midnight to 6am so you don’t have to wait for the daytime screenings. If you’re a cosplayer, you can show up at any of the screenings in costume to get a free cup of coffee from Wonda’s Coffee. Specifically, TGV Sunway Pyramid will be holding a small event one hour prior to each night screening where patrons can take part in costume dance offs, droid races, a Battlefront Challenge, a photo booth and consume refreshments aptly named Leia’s buns, Skywater and Han’s wrap.

Meanwhile MBO Cinemas has tied up with Funko Pop for exclusive Star Wars The Force Awakens figurines toys purchased together with their popcorn combo from now until 31st December 2015.

At Subway, get a free Star Wars keychain whenever you purchase a 6” sub and soft drink, with a new keychain each week. Collect one each week until Jan 5th 2016.

For fashionable geeks, Uniqlo line of Star Wars sweaters, T-shirts, parkas and more are now all available at reasonable prices.

A badass looking laptop that can intimidate even the most seasoned Jedi

HP Malaysia  has a special Star Wars edition notebook on sale especially for fans who want to display their fandom is very obvious ways.

Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and more could be yours in pewter.

Our very own local establishment, Royal Selangor Pewter has released their Star Wars collection, which includes figurines of Leia, Han Solo, Yoda, Darth Vader and a miniature replica of the Death Star. You could also try to win any of these for free by joining their contest. 

Toys and figurines of Star Wars characters, weapons, ships and more are available from Mattel, Hot Toys, Lego and Hasbro as well as other production companies. You can catch some of these at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens event at MidValley or look for them at online toy stores nationwide.

Funko Pop figurines, the latest collectible craze sweeping across the world!

Hasbro's toy assortment of action figures, vehicles and role-play lightsabers.

Mr. Potato Head gets a makeover into Darth Tater.

LEGO's top-selling Star Wars line offering many bricks to keep hands busy.

Kids costumes of Kylo Ren and Stormtroopers.

But if you don't want to spend credits on official merchandise, online movie site KLIPS is having a special giveaway of Star Wars products including a star projector, caps and mugs all the way until the end of December 2015. All you have to do is sign up and enter their simple contest.

Toyota Malaysia is also getting in on the Star Wars hype by offering free movie passes to the Force Awakens to anyone who drops by their showroom and test drives a car. Also if you choose to purchase a Toyota, you’ll be in the running to win an exclusive trip to Pinewood Studios, London, where the movie was made.

The Malaysian Philharmonic  Orchestra is putting up an intergalactic inspired performance called Star Wars and Beyond featuring John William’s sweeping score on 17th and 18th December 2015 in conjunction with the movie’s release.

"The X-Wing has landed!"

Mid Valley Megamall is currently hosting a Star Wars: The Force Awakens integrated Event at the South Court concourse which is going on until the 27th of December 2015 (which means it’s still on, yay!). The highlight of the event is an 80% scaled replica of the Rebel Alliances T-70 X-Wing fighter appearing in the new movie. Visitors are allowed to take a picture of themselves in the cockpit of the said replica, and enjoy other attractions like a figurine display, interactive game booth, merchandise sales and more.

Get thrills sitting in cockpit of a 80% scaled replica of the Resistance X-Wing starfighter

The highly anticipated Star Wars Battlefront video game is visually stunning

Preview of Hot Toys 1/6 scale First Order Stormtroopers

FAST surprised mall patrons with a flash mob at Midvalley

For a full-sized replica of the X-Wing, head down south into Singapore and visit Changi Airport Terminal 3. There is also a scaled down TIE Fighter in Terminal 2.

Full scale X-Wing starfighter parked in Terminal 3.
Posted by Outpost Productions on Friday, 27 November 2015

Last month, Rebel Legion Malaysia, Outpost costumers and Force Arts Stunt Team (FAST) participated in Sony’s Star Wars Saturday at the Curve to highlight the game Star Wars Battlefront for PS4, mostly spending time goofing around and having fun.

It's a great time for Star Wars cosplay with so many events

Maybank also setup an Epic Force Prank now trending worldwide at 188k views!

There are a tonne of events being organized to celebrate Star Wars episode VII, especially by the various fan clubs and associations, so keep a look out by visiting their websites or facebook pages. These Star Wars clubs to keep an eye on include:

• 501st Legion Malaysia Outpost is the local branch of an international fan-based organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate replicas of Imperial Stormtrooper armor, Sith Lords, Clone Troopers, bounty hunters, and other villains from the Star Wars universe. (Wikipedia)
• Rebel Legion Malaysia Outpost is the local branch of  a worldwide organization of Star Wars fans in Rebel Alliance costumes. (Wikipedia)
• Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club (SWMFC) is a nonprofit organization registered with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies, and run by fans for fellow fans.
• Force Arts Stunt Team (FAST) is bent on inspiring people by performing fantasy fight scenes from pop fiction culture.
• Lightsaber League Malaysia (LLM) is a gathering of like minded individuals who admire the elegant weapon, from a more civilized age.
• Star Wars Fans Malaysia Facebook Group for fan discussion.
• Nar Shaddaa Facebook Group for Malaysia collectors trading.
• Star Wars X-Wing & Armada Malaysia Facebook Group for the miniature game enthusiasts.

As Star Wars fans await with eager hearts and anxious heads for the new movie to be released, let us all hope that this new trilogy will be the beginning of yet another adventure that will bring us back to where it all begin and remind us why we fell in love with the series in the first place.

OUTPOST UPDATE 19 DECEMBER 2015

Thanks to our Alliance with Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club and Rebel Legion, Outpost costumers got to attend the Premiere of Star Wars The Force Awakens at GSC Pavilion KL on Wednesday 16 December 2015.

Left to Right: Han & Chewbacca, Rebels Luke & Porkins, with Padme Amidala and The Seventh Sister.

Face-Off!

2 days later, a larger contingent of costumers got together for another screening at Premium-X Cinemas at OneCity USJ. Yeah, by then it was a 2nd screening for many of us!

Thank you Premium-X for having us!

Left to Right: Mysterious Jedi, Rebel Pilot Porkins, Queen Amidala, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Jedi Luke Skywalker, Stormtrooper, Kylo Ren, Royal Guard.

May the Force be with You!

Disclaimer: Star Wars and other trademarks are copyright to Lucasfilm and/or Disney, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.