Top 10 Must Watch Geek Movies for 2018

2018 is a BIG year once again for Geek Pop Culture Movies. Another year with many highly anticipated sequels as well as a few prequels. Here are top picks by Outpost's resident Vulcan Mr Smock and The Captain of Pop Culture FUN Malaysia:

Watch this video for more insight into why these movies are Must Watch

Listed below in order of release date in Malaysia (at time of this posting):

Tomb Raider, 15 March 2018

Official Synopsis:

Lara Croft is the fiercely independent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished when she was scarcely a teen. Now a young woman of 21 without any real focus or purpose, Lara navigates the chaotic streets of trendy East London as a bike courier, barely making the rent, and takes college courses, rarely making it to class. Determined to forge her own path, she refuses to take the reins of her father¹s global empire just as staunchly as she rejects the idea that he¹s truly gone. Advised to face the facts and move forward after seven years without him, even Lara can¹t understand what drives her to finally solve the puzzle of his mysterious death.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Tomb Raider is the story that will set a young and resolute Lara Croft on a path toward becoming a global hero. The film stars Oscar winner Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina, The Danish Girl) in the lead role, under the direction of Roar Uthaug (The Wave), with Oscar-winner Graham King (The Departed) producing under his GK Films banner. The film¹s production begins on the heels of the 20th anniversary of the wildly popular videogame franchise from Square Enix, Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal.

Tomb Raider also stars Dominic West (Money Monster, 300), Walton Goggins (The Hateful Eight, Django Unchained) and Daniel Wu (AMC¹s Into the Badlands).

Follow the official Tomb Raider Facebook Page for this prequel video-game adaptation movie, and at Warner Bros. Pictures Malaysia Facebook Page for local promos.

Pacific Rim Uprising, 22 March 2018

Official Synopsis:

The globe-spanning conflict between otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and the human-piloted super-machines built to vanquish them was only a prelude to the all-out assault on humanity in Pacific Rim: Uprising.

John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous “Kaiju.”  Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld.  But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through our cities and bring the world to its knees, he is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy by his estranged sister, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi)—who is leading a brave new generation of pilots that have grown up in the shadow of war.  As they seek justice for the fallen, their only hope is to unite together in a global uprising against the forces of extinction.

Jake is joined by gifted rival pilot Lambert (The Fate of the Furious’ Scott Eastwood) and 15-year-old Jaeger hacker Amara (newcomer Cailee Spaeny), as the heroes of the PPDC become the only family he has left.  Rising up to become the most powerful defense force to ever walk the earth, they will set course for a spectacular all-new adventure on a towering scale.

Pacific Rim: Uprising is directed by Steven S. DeKnight (Netflix’s Daredevil, STARZ’s Spartacus) and also stars Jing Tian, Burn Gorman, Adria Arjona and Charlie Day.

There is a prelude comic to this sequel movie titled Pacific Rim Aftermath. This 6-part comic is available for purchase via Comixology.com.

 Official comic book series Pacific Rim Aftermath setting up the scene for Pacific Rim Uprising.

For more update, goto Like the Facebook Pages for Pacific Rim, Legendary Pictures, and locally United International Pictures Malaysia. Also enlist with the Pan Pacific Defence Corps (PPDC) at the Jaeger Academy to earn your stripes to be pilots.

Ready Player One, 29 March 2018

Official Synopsis:

From filmmaker Steven Spielberg comes the science fiction action adventure “Ready Player One,” based on Ernest Cline’s bestseller of the same name, which has become a worldwide phenomenon.

The film is set in 2045, with the world on the brink of chaos and collapse.  But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance).  When Halliday dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find a digital Easter egg he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire world.  When an unlikely young hero named Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) decides to join the contest, he is hurled into a breakneck, reality-bending treasure hunt through a fantastical universe of mystery, discovery and danger.

Many retro 1980s pop culture references in this movie as well as some new ones. Try spotting these: Deloren, Gundam, Overwatch, and many for "easter eggs".

Find out more in the countdown to this movie from the official Ready Player One Facebook Page, and locally at Warner Bros. Pictures Malaysia.

Avengers Infinity War, 26 April 2018

Official Synopsis:

As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment - the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminates in this third Avengers movie when all the superheroes assemble to face of against uber-BAD Thanos and his Black Order. Expect to use all your fingers, toes and more to keep count of the characters appearing in this mega-blockbuster.

For updates, follow on Facebook the Avengers, and Marvel. This will also be the best opportunity for a MASSIVE Marvel group cosplay so stay tuned as we attempted to assembled the largest MCU cosplay gathering in Malaysia closer to movie release.

Deadpool 2, 17 May 2018

Official Synopsis:

After surviving a near fatal knee boarding accident, a disfigured guidance counselor (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Poughkeepsie's most celebrated French Bulldog breeder while also learning to cope with an open relationship. Searching to regain his passion for life, as well as a new stuffed unicorn, Wade must battle ninjas, tight assed metal men, and babysit a group of stereotypical side characters as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and creative outlets for his very open-minded sex life. He manages to find a new lust for being a do-gooder, a sparkly Hello Kitty backpack, all while earning the coveted coffee mug title of World's Best 4th Wall Breaking Superhero.

(Mr Smock - this synopsis is highly illogical)

Ryan Reynolds is back as Deadpool with R-rated elements what made the first movie such a smashing success. No need to point where to find more info about this Merc with a Mouth as certainly expect witty social media bytes to populate newsfeeds in the run-up to movie release.

Solo: A Star Wars Story, 24 May 2018

Official Synopsis:

Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story,' an adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga's most unlikely heroes.

Hardly any movie promotional materials have been released yet for Solo: A Star Wars Story, despite being just 4 months away and barely 6 months after Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. Can there be too much Star Wars to digest? If this movie creates more "ripples" in The Force like Episode VIII, perhaps some fans can no longer take the stress!

Alita: Battle Angel, 19 July

Official Synopsis:

Visionary filmmakers James Cameron (AVATAR) and Robert Rodriguez (SIN CITY) create a groundbreaking new heroine in ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, an action-packed story of hope, love and empowerment. Set several centuries in the future, the abandoned Alita (Rosa Salazar) is found in the scrapyard of Iron City by Ido (Christoph Waltz), a compassionate cyber-doctor who takes the unconscious cyborg Alita to his clinic. When Alita awakens she has no memory of who she is, nor does she have any recognition of the world she finds herself in. Everything is new to Alita, every experience a first. As she learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to shield Alita from her mysterious past while her street-smart new friend, Hugo (Keean Johnson), offers instead to help trigger her memories. A growing affection develops between the two until deadly forces come after Alita and threaten her newfound relationships. It is then that Alita discovers she has extraordinary fighting abilities that could be used to save the friends and family she’s grown to love. Determined to uncover the truth behind her origin, Alita sets out on a journey that will lead her to take on the injustices of this dark, corrupt world, and discover that one young woman can change the world in which she lives.

Based on the Japanese manga series "Gunnm", otherwise more known in the western world via the anime OVA Battle Angel (1993).

Stay tuned to the official Facebook Page Alita: Battle Angel and locally at 20th Century Fox Malaysia.

The Predator, 2 August 2018

No official synopsis for this movie yet with scant details other than Director Shane Black stating that it will be an "inventive" sequel taking place after the original Predator (1987) movie, and not a remake. Expect more snippets to be revealed in the coming months by 20th Century Fox.

X-Men Dark Phoenix, 1 November 2018

Synopsis:

Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world.

Not much more is known for this 4th outing of the X-Men First Class timeline other than the obvious fallout of young mutant Jean Grey turning into the Phoenix. But hey, wasn't that story thread already explored in X-Men III: The Last Stand (2006)? The official X-Men Movies Facebook Page seems to be making reveals so go Like and Follow it.

Bumblebee (Transformers spin-off), 27 December 2018

Synopsis:

On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug. 

Transformers fans' fav Autobot scout is back in "live-action" in what looks to be his original Gen 1 incarnation as a yellow VW bug! Plus being based in 1987 (actual peak popularity period of the Transformers cartoon franchise), except looks of retro 80s music tunes to groove this movie directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Paranorman, Boxtrolls). It also stars John Cena as a human.

So there you have it, 10 MUST WATCH Geek Movies releasing in 2018. Scroll back up to listen to Mr. Smock and The Captain explain their picks, then set these dates in your calendars. Let's all keep our digits crossed that they delivery way many geekgasms!

Fox serves Marvel fans most cerebral TV superhero, Legion

Last week, Marvel fans throughout the world rejoiced seeing Hugh Jackman #OneLastTime as Logan / Wolverine in cinemas, closing a 17-year cinematic journey for the world's most famous mutant. Just one month earlier, another ripple veterbrated in Fox's Marvel universe with the introduction of new character from comics to television, Legion. Although one of the lesser known mutants, Legion has been in the comics over 30 years since 1985 and may be more recognised as the lovechild of X-Men leader, Professor X himself. He is also arguably one of the most powerful mutants in existence with all-manner of powers but afflicted with mental disorders manifesting split personalities.

Legion's TV poster (top) seems to take inspiration of this X-Men comic cover of the namesake character in 1995.

If you want to know more about the comic version of Legion check out this brief video:

Anyway, this new TV incarnation of Legion centers around the character's human alter-ego, David Haller (Dan Stevens) psychological journey in an 8-part mini-series produced by FX Productions and Marvel Television. Legion’s executive producers include Noah Hawley and John Cameron, the pair responsible for FOX’s Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning series Fargo on FX. The Legion executive production team also includes the award-winning director, writer and producer Bryan Singer, who kicked-off the X-Men movie franchise in year 2000.

Official synopsis for the series:

Legion is the story of David Haller (Dan Stevens), a troubled young man who may be
more than human. Diagnosed as schizophrenic as a child, David has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. Now in his early 30s and institutionalized once again, David loses himself in the rhythm of the structured regimen of life in the hospital: breakfast, lunch, dinner, therapy, medications, sleep. David spends the rest of his time in companionable silence alongside his chatterbox friend Lenny (Aubrey Plaza), a fellow patient whose life-long drug and alcohol addiction has done nothing to quell her boundless optimism that her luck is about to change. The pleasant numbness of David’s routine is completely upended with the arrival of a beautiful and troubled new patient named Syd (Rachel Keller). Inexplicably drawn to one another, David and Syd share a startling encounter, after which David must confront the shocking possibility that the voices he hears and the visions he sees may actually be real.

A haunted man, David escapes from the hospital and seeks shelter with his sister Amy (Katie Aselton). But Amy’s concern for her brother is trumped by her desire to protect the picture perfect suburban life she’s built for herself. Eventually, Syd guides David to Melanie Bird (Jean Smart), a nurturing but demanding therapist with a sharp mind and unconventional methods. She and her team of specialists – Ptonomy (Jeremie Harris), Kerry (Amber Midthunder) and Cary (Bill Irwin) – open David’s eyes to an extraordinary new world of possibilities.

Find out more about the cast of Legion in this featurette:

Read reviews of the Pilot episode "Chapter 1" by IGN rated 9.3, non-spoiler) and locally by Star2 (rated 8.5). Key word: Trippy!

A local activation event on the series Premiere week for Legion took place at Sunway Pyramid from 9 to 12 February 2017. #ProjectLegion conducted "psyche evaluations" and our Outpost Commander was admitted as a patient. After a some tests and trippy trip through the "mirror universe", he was discharged as still functionally fit for society subject to medication (candy pills).

#ProjectLegion activation event at Sunway Pyramid.

Our Outpost Commander admitted for psyche evaluation.

Legion is currently mid-way through it's first season and on-air same day as US here in Malaysia on FOX, Astro channel 724 every Thursday, 9.00pm. "Chapter 5" just released at the time of this blog post so that's just 3 more episodes to go.

Thanks for the kind folks at Fox TV Asia, we have 10 Legion t-shirts to GIVEAWAY to our faithful geek followers. For a chance to WIN these goodies, follow these simple steps:

1. Like our Facebook Page, Outpost Productions.
2. Share this Blog post on your Facebook timeline with something nice to say about Legion and/or Outpost, e.g. "Legion blows my mind because I can now get trippy every Thursday at 9pm on FOX, Astro channel 724", or "I love Outpost Productions because I get to geek-out so much from their latest pop culture intel". Creative input will grant you favour.
3. Include hashtags #LegionFoxMY #OutpostGiveaway

WIN this official Legion t-shirt, courtesy of Fox TV Asia.

BONUS for X-Men cosplayers!
Post your photo cosplaying any mutant character from the X-Men universe (TV, movies, comics) to participate instead and also receive Legion schizophrenia meds (actually candy pills-lah!) to maintain your sanity. Please name the character being cosplayed in your post and paste in the following message:

Find-out more about Legion and how to win free stuff at www.Outpost.com.my

#LegionFoxMY #OutpostGiveaway

Sample cosplay entry photo:
I am MAGNETO.
Find out more about Legion and how to win free stuff at www.Outpost.com.my
#LegionFoxMY #OutpostGiveaway

Set your post privacy to public so we can see it and remember the hashtags so we can look for it.

Contest closes Thursday 16 March 2017, 11.59pm. Thereafter stay tuned to our Facebook Page Outpost Productions over the next few days to find out whether you have won!

The small print (contest terms & conditions):

• Participation only for residents in Malaysia.
• Selection of winners will be solely at our discretion.
• Winners will announced on our Facebook Page anytime after 17 March 2017. It is the winners' own responsibility to lookout for the announcement and respond accordingly to the redemption instructions given.
• Giveaways will be sent to winners' mailing address (within Malaysia) by courier. We will not be responsible for successful delivery.
• We reserve the right to revise these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

New episodes air on FOX Astro CH724 every Thursday, 9.00pm.

If you like our geeky pop culture intel, please feel become a follower of this blog by submitting your email through the right panel.


Disclaimer: Legion, X-Men and other trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment, and/or their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

X-Men Apocalypse: Extinction is Coming!

Non-Spoiler Review by contributing writer Michelle Chee:

This latest movie featuring the mutant superheroes of Marvel is actually the 9th of the X-Men series, with the latest few dealing with how the X-Men founders Professor X and Magneto first establish the Xavier school for gifted children and how they found the first few mutants to join the school, including characters like Beast and Mystique. Looking back, it seems like just yesterday that the first X-Men film was released in the year 2000.

In this latest installment, we see several new additions to the cast, like Tye Sheridan as a young Cyclops, Olivia Munn as Psylocke, Sophie Turner ( famous for playing Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones) as a young Jean Grey, Alexandra Shipp as Storm and Kodi Smit McPhee as Nightcrawler. Reprising their roles are James McAvoy as Professor Charles Xavier, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystiqe, Nicholas Hoult as Beast and Rose Byrne as Moira McTaggert.

As you may have guessed, there’s a new villain in town and he goes by the name ‘En Sabah Nur’ (No, he doesn’t come from East Malaysia). En Sabah Nur is played by an almost unrecognizable Oscar Isaacs. If you think that the name rings a bell, it’s because he has a part in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Yup, you guessed it right; it’s Poe Dameron, in a more sinister role.

This time, the villain is an ancient mutant who has the ability to transfer his consciousness to other mutants and absorb their power. Through this he becomes nearly invincible and proclaims himself a God in ancient Egypt, amassing numerous worshippers. Unfortunately, his followers betray him and he ends up buried for thousands of years. In a chance encounter, CIA agent Moira McTaggert witnesses his resurrection in 1983.The news of his awakening also reach Professor Xavier and the rest of the X-Men who become entangled in his plan for world domination. En Sabah Nur then begins gathering four followers akin to the Biblical Four horsemen, God’s angels of doom.

En Sabah Nur is convinces them that as beings with superior strength, mutants should rule over the mortals, and therefore begins his destructive plans.

En Sabah Nur with his leading ladies, Storm (left) and Psylocke.

The Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) and yours truly were given exclusive invites to watch this movie prior to its official release and the experience was a real treat. Firstly, the CGI was amazing and all the action sequences were on point, albeit brief. Without giving too much away, you’ll get to see more of the backgrounds of certain characters and something pivotal happens in Magneto’s life that heavily impacts his future choices.

The younger and newer cast members deliver very convincing performances as they portray younger versions of key X-men characters who are struggling to control their powers and how they appear reluctant to use their full potential at first. We see the first signs of how Jean Grey begins to feel the Phoenix developing inside her, and how the rest lived before they joined the X-men, including being forced to fight in a cage:

Contrary to what may be portrayed in the trailers, the movie isn’t all serious action. There are plenty of lighthearted and humorous moments courtesy of Kurt Wagner or Nightcrawler and Quicksilver, who has the best punchlines of them all. The movie has received mixed reviews from various parties, but if you’re an X-man fan this movie really does a fair job of moving the plot along in the ongoing saga. Of course, there are several interesting cameos to look out for in the movie, including the ever present Stan Lee and a certain fellow with steel claws. Also, try to stay after the credits are done for a sneak peek at what’s coming next.

== / ==

SPOILER Review by contributing writer Xavier Fong.

I'm a huge Marvel fan and for the next few years, we're going to have a ton of Superhero movies coming our way! Be it the amazing Marvel Cinematic Universe, the sub-par (yes, I still think the DC movies are kinda sucky) DC Universe, or even the Fox X-Men Universe, I'll go for these movies regardless.

The only few Fox superhero movies I liked so far would be Deadpool (The BEST ever!), X-Men: First Class, and X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Please don't get me started on the horrendous 3 Fantastic Four movies, or even the X-Men Trilogy and the two stupid Wolverine movies... Those deserve to be dumped on a deserted road, run over by a bulldozer, burn with fire, and sent to the depths of Lucifer's domain... I think even Lucifer would get nightmares watching these movies.

So yup, I never had any high hopes when it comes to the X-Men movie franchise as almost every installment is an overload of redundant and under developed characters, so-so plot and storyline, and way too confusing and jumpy timeline due to reboots and re-casting and revisiting...

Sad to say, after two successful movies - (First Class and Days of Future Past), Bryan Singer has once again gone back to the drawing board with the ever crowded, loosely and under developed characters, average storyline and confusing timeline...

I'm not saying that this is an entirely bad movie or even a good movie. It was entertaining and at it has its moments, but at the end of the movie, you’d be asking yourself, “So… ummm… What happens now?”

So… If you don’t want the spoilers, skip right ahead to the end to see my final score. Without further ado… Let’s get started with the review!!!

SPOILER ALERT!!!

SPOILER ALERT!!!

SPOILER ALERT!!!

We are first given a brief history lesson and introduction on the existence of the titular character of the movie – Apocalypse, who is about ready to transfer his consciousness to another mutant to maintain his immortality. We are taken right back thousands of years ago to the beginning of the first mutant - the En Sabah Nur (Apocalypse), who is being escorted to the base of the pyramid for the transition process, guarded by his four Horsemen – maybe some hardcore X-Men comic book fans might know these characters, but sadly, they were not given a proper introduction to whom they might be. The Egyptians rebelled while the transition process was taking place, destroying the pyramid’s support pillars, hence sacrificing their lives to once and for all destroy “The False God” and his four horsemen.

Editor: If keen to know more about Apocalypse in the biblical times, check out this timeline on the official website.

The movie then picks up 10 years after the events of X-Men: Days of Future Past. Xavier’s School of Gifted Children now has a lot more students after Mystique’s heroic deed by stopping Magneto from killing the President of United States on live worldwide television. Mystique is now travelling everywhere saving mutants from human slavery, in this case – Nightcrawler who is forced to fight Angel in some underground brawl. Meanwhile Magneto as Erik is trying to live a normal life as a father and husband while working at a machinery factory in Poland.

To put things simple, Apocalypse was awaken after thousands of years of slumber and his sole mission is to once again be the supreme ruler of the world where mutants would rule over mankind. That being said, he recruited his new horsemen in the most boring, non-impactful, and non-sensible way ever. This brings about the X-Men to once again team-up with former friends and enemies, and suit up to save the world from Apocalypse.

The development of existing characters were close to none, as most of them were returning for the sake of returning. Nothing much has developed on Mystique, Beast or even Professor X in this movie. The only character with a little more development would be Magneto as he is trying Professor X’s way on trying to live as a normal human being and co-exist with the human community. That was only touched briefly but he then goes back to his old ways to hate humans as they accidentally murder his wife and daughter.

The beloved Quicksilver from Days of Future Past was developed a lot more from his previous 15 minute screen-time. It is revealed that he is the son of Magneto himself. Quicksilver then goes on a quest to find his father and was given one of the coolest and most hilarious action sequence ever by saving everyone (except for Havok) from the explosion that wipes out Xavier’s school. I would say that Quicksilver’s unintentional rescue scene was the greatest highlight of this movie and this would be my only reason to give a thumbs up to this movie.

The younger versions of Jean Grey, Nightcrawler and Cyclopes face their first battle ever as X-Men.

Other characters would be the young Cyclops, young Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Angel, Jubilee (useless and redundant), young Storm, and Psylocke. Out of every single one of these characters, only Jean Grey, Cyclops and Nightcrawler would be a little more interesting to watch. Cyclops trying to control his newly developed Optic Blast powers was fun to watch. Jean Grey was just as usual, being the Jean Grey who can’t control her powers well enough and has a hidden “Phoenix” power within her. Nightcrawler was also somewhat of a comedic relief in this movie.

The four horsemen, except for Magneto, were very underdeveloped. Storm was a mohawk girl who Apocalypse somehow by fate, bumped into her in Cairo while she was stealing from a merchant then ends up being recruited because of her mutant powers. Psylocke was somewhat of a bouncer or a bodyguard in this mutant safe haven was also recruited by Apocalypse just by convenience. Angel was this angry kid who got his wings burnt from the fight with Nightcrawler, ends up being a horseman for Apocalypse (who somehow can unlock and upgrade a mutant’s power to their maximum potential), because it so happens that Psylocke knew Angel could fight. The recruitment done by the Apocalypse seemed so simple, as if it was him saying that “I can’t find any better mutants to join me. And since they so happen to be there, I guess I’ll recruit them just for the sake of completing my four empty positions.” Apocalypse could have just recruited Magneto as his solo horseman as Magneto was the most powerful and useful among the other three.

via GIPHY


If I don’t read the comics, I would’ve been confused. Throughout the movie, I find myself questioning who is this Psylocke and what exactly is her backstory? It’s like she’s just there in the group as the eye candy and her powers don’t seem to be a beneficial thing as Apocalypse’s personal horseman. Angel barely shoots his metal feathers except for 2 occasions. The second fight between him and Nightcrawler was so boring... just flying, punching and teleporting. Storm, doesn’t do sh*t except to shoot lightning at her enemies. Like seriously Apocalypse? These are your horsemen? Magneto just floats around creating magnetic force fields to guard Apocalypse’s Pyramid? Apocalypse himself would be powerful enough to fend off the X-Men without even having to recruit any new horsemen.

And WTH would you want Jubilee in this movie and she doesn’t even do anything or serve any purpose to the story? So much hype and all she is is another student in the school?

Apocalypse had great potential as a villain, but unfortunately the movie uses him as a means of revisiting existing characters about their new lives, and establishing the next generation of mutants. Apocalypse himself was underdeveloped in almost every way possible. Most probably it’s due to the story itself where he was mostly recruiting his four horsemen and maximizing their powers. Apocalypse wants to bring apocalypse to the world that we know of, but the question is… For what?

CGI was fantastic in this movie. I would definitely give a ton load of credit for it. CGI can only help you so much, but the story is what is important. I always hate it when a villain who is supposed to be the most powerful being on the entire planet is taken down so easily in the easiest and laziest way possible. Yup, you guessed it, a few words from Professor X himself asking for Jean Grey’s help. She unleashes her hidden potential and evaporates Apocalypse with her Phoenix Fire… out of nowhere… Sigh…

At the end, we see a new class of X-Men training in the danger room of the X-Men mansion and this is supposed to what? Lead us to a new class of X-Men movies?

I find this franchise going nowhere but to keep on rebooting its characters in the same universe. When things don’t work out, Bryan Singer always takes the easiest way out, which is to jump back and forth between the past and the future to reset the story. This itself makes the story rather shallow and confusing. His choice of bringing in more characters in the movies but not making any use of them just frustrates fans and it makes the characters very redundant and pointless. Timelines in this franchise seem to lack continuity and does nothing but to confuse the plot and story. The lack of character development makes the story stale even with great CGI and action… Ok, action was just sub-par…

I could say Wolverine’s cameo was rather awesome as they kinda stuck true to the original source when he first got his metal claws. Won’t wanna spoil it for you, but I think Wolverine fans would love his cameo, even though it was just for about 5 minutes.

END SPOILER

END SPOILER

END SPOILER


Well, all in all, I would say that this movie was not all that good, not all that bad. It was just above average. There could’ve been a lot more potential, but as long as Bryan Singer is the director for the franchise… I have very low expectations for the coming sequels if they were to ever get made.

My final verdict –
6.5 / 10

== / ==

For all you diehard X-Man fans in Malaysia, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) have taken the pains to compile all the current offer, promotions, contests and merchandise for you as you celebrate this latest movie installment.

While at the cinemas, look out for the every cool X-Men cast standee to snap you pic as a X-Man or Horseman. Or just massages Prof X's head!

Golden Screen Cinemas are giving out free X-Men Apocalypse free movie posters with the purchase of any two movie tickets to the movie, so you can have Professor Xavier and the rest of the cast members staring intently at you from your wall. 

Apart from that, GSC is offering a limited edition X Man thumbdrive for every purchase of an X Man Combo set consisting of soft drinks and popcorn. 

TGV Cinemas is letting Movie Club card holders a special limited edition X-MEn club card, and if you swipe this card at any TGV cinema candy bar, you’ll get a limited edition double walled X-Man: Apocalypse tumbler filled with your choice of soft drinks.

At MBO Cinemas, you’ll be able to purchase a one of a kind X-Cup with every purchase of a popcorn combo and sip from it while you enjoy the movie.

Caltex is promoting the film by offering attractive prizes every time you purchase a Caltex Havoline® or Delo® engine oil. These prizes include limited edition X Men : Apocalypse T-shirts and a Magneto mask which you can get through a lucky draw. Watch the video to learn more:

Purchase any Xtreme pizza at Pizza Hut Malaysia and join in their Ultimate Xtraordinary Xperience contest from May 19 to 29 to win really amazing prizes including a trip for two to the Gold Coast, a Magneto Helmet, weekly cash prizes and free tickets.

Join Huawei’s Honor X Power event that’s going in until May 30th where you can win yourself limited edition X-Men merchandise by signing up with your smartphone IMEI or SN number and joining a lucky draw. The grand prize winner gets to visit Fox Studios in Hollywood USA, and there are items like luggage bags, t-shirts, caps and vouchers also on offer.

X- Men: Apocalypse opens in Malaysian cinemas nationwide on May 19th 2016, so make it a point to hit the cinemas early. Here are some photos of mutant cosplayers at the local Fan Screening event and Premiere:

Magneto & Prof X: Finally friends or enemies?

Can you name all the mutants in this cosplay shot?

Everyone wants to be mutant?

Find more photos of the Fan Screening event by photographer John Gullidge and of the Premiere by GSC Cinemas on their Facebook Page.

via GIPHY

Don't get Magneto mad...

Disclaimer: X-Men and other trademarks are copyright to Marvel and/or Fox Studios, and their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

Kelakar + Keganasan = DEADPOOL (filem review)

Oleh Ezli Sheiful

Kelakar + Keganasan = L

Steven Spielberg pernah memberi amaran: filem superhero akan pupus seperti filem Western. Ramai kaki komik tidak bersetuju dengan kenyataan ini tetapi dalam realiti, akibat lambakan filem superhero yang lebih kurang sama cara penceritaan akan membuatkan penonton cepat bosan. Banyak sekuel superhero yang gagal menandingi filem pertama mereka, ditambah pula dengan versi remake/reimagine yang memburukkan lagi keadaan. DEADPOOL bukanlah superhero yang kita mahu tetapi antihero yang boleh menyelamatkan kesuraman dunia superhero sekaligus mengembalikan kegemilangan Marvel dibawah panji 20th Century Fox.

'Deadpool' mengisahkan Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), seorang bekas ahli Special Forces yang menghidap kanser lalu memaksa dia menjalani program experimen yang sepatutnya memulihkan penyakit yang dihidapi. Setelah menjadi bahan ujikaji yang menyakitkan oleh Ajax (Ed Skrein), dia mempunyai kebolehan penyembuhan pantas tetapi ia juga meninggalkan kecacatan menggerunkan diseluruh badannya. Disini, penulis Paul Wernick & Rhett Reese mengambil pendekatan langsung terhadap asal-usul Deadpool (mercenary->cancer->experiment->superpower) tanpa flashback samar² atau prekuel 'origins', berbeza dengan versi komik yang tidak pasti kewujudan asal Deadpool & pernah bermain dengan kisah pencurian identiti. Ia juga tidak membebankan penonton jika Deadpool sebenarnya mempunyai masalah mental dengan sikap anehnya akibat hasil penderaan experimen. Elemen² negatif itu diganti dengan pendekatan ringan seperti kisah cinta dengan kekasihnya Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin), persahabatannya dengan Weasel (T.J. Miller), persahabatan tak ikhlasnya dengan Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) & Colossus (Stefan Kapičić).

Pengarah pertama kali, Tim Miller berjaya membuktikan sesuatu yang mustahil berbanding dengan filem superhero lain. Dari apa yang kita dilihat dalam filem ini, mereka mempunyai bajet yang sangat kecil walaupun jumlahnya belum diumumkan. Anggaran kasar, lebih kurang US$60 juta ke US$90 juta berbanding dengan filem superhero lain yang menelan bajet US$150 juta ke US$250 juta. Bajet yang terhad ini bukan saja memberi kebebasan tetapi menguji kreativiti pembikinan filem. Kerana terpaksa membelanjakan bajet besar untuk CG, filem ini telah disunting dengan bijak untuk memenuhkan durasi 108 minit dengan cukup berkesan. Dalam kesibukan hayunan pedang & peluru melayang, penonton akan dibawa sebentar ke flashback & kemudian kembali sambung kepada aksi. Walaupun beberapa babak cinta Wade & Vanessa agak draggy tetapi pacing ceritanya dapat dikekalkan tanpa membosankan penonton. Tahap keganasan dalam filem ini memang luar biasa: darah, potongan anggota badan, cebisan otak & mayat bersepah bergelimpangan menambahkan realisasi panel komik ke layar perak. Di tambah pula dengan kecemerlangan pengarah sinematografi Ken Seng yang berjaya mengambil angle yang pelik tapi unik terutama sekali sewaktu babak aksi tanpa henti di lebuhraya.

Segala kehebatan diatas pasti tidak akan berlaku tanpa kehadiran Ryan Reynolds. Seperti kita sedia tahu, Deadpool dalam komik terkenal dengan 'Breaking the Fourth Wall', iaitu bercakap dengan dirinya sendiri & bercakap dengan penonton tetapi Ryan Reynolds mengangkatnya ke tahap yang lebih tinggi. Kekuatan skrip (atau mungkin tiada skrip) digabungkan dengan jenaka yang tiada batasan, membuat setiap ayat yang disebut sangat kelakar tahap pecah perut. Ryan Reynolds dengan berani mengutuk dirinya sendiri, kutuk studio, kutuk industri, kutuk watak² lain dalam dunia Marvel & kadang² dunia luar. Mungkin penonton anggap ini kurang ajar & melampau tetapi jika difikirkan semula, ini adalah tamparan kesedaran yang amat perlu untuk memajukan industri hiburan dunia. Kebijaksanaan Ryan/Wade/Deadpool menyampaikan mesej separuh sedar yang agak pedih tetapi amat terpuji sehingga anda dapat memaafkan kegagalannya membawa watak 2 superhero sebelum ini & terus menyarung mahkota The Ultimate Antihero dikepalanya.

Rating:

 4 dari 5 bintang

Saksikan 'Deadpool' dipawagam mulai 11 Februari 2016 edaran Twentieth Century Fox Film (M).

Kepada peminat yang ingin meluaskan koleksi Deadpool anda, sila rujuk pada laporan intel oleh Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) untuk mencari barangan di lokasi tempatan.