Category: Animation

27Sep

[FILM REVIEW] DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS Review (2022)

Posted in Action, Animation, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Home Page | Leave a comment

Summary:  Follow a group of children who are evacuated Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side by side in Metropolis. However, Krypto must master his own powers for a rescue mission when Superman is kidnapped.

Year: 2022

Cinema Release Dates:  15th August 2022 (Australia), 4th August 2022 (Thailand), 29th July 2022 (UK), 29th July 2022 (USA)

VOD Release Dates: TBA

Country: USA

Director: Jared Stern, Sam J. Levine

Screenwriter: Jared Stern, John Whittington

Cast: Amanda Ames (Guinea-Pigasus (voice)), Vanessa Bayer (PB (voice)), Winona Bradshaw (Whiskers (voice)), Yvette Nicole Brown (Patty (voice)), Jemaine Clement (Aquaman (voice)), Keith David (Dog-El (voice)), Davide Diggs (Cyborg (voice)), John Early (The Flash (voice)), Maya Erskine (Mercy Graves (voice)), Dan Fogler (Carl/Pilot/Racer (voice)), Kevin Hart (Ace (voice)), Lena Headey (Lara (voice)), Jameela Jamil (Wonder Woman (voice)), Dwayne Johnson (Krypto (voice)), John Krasinski (Clark Kent/Superman (voice)), Sam J. Levine (Boston Terrier aka Waffles/Robot Guards (voice)), Diego Luna (Chip (voice)), Natasha Lyonne (Merton (voice)), Marc Maron (Lex Luthor (voice)), Kate McKinnon (Lulu (voice)), Thomas Middleditch (Keith aka Ice Guinea Pig (voice)), Alfred Molina (Jor-El (voice)), Busy Philipps (Foofy Dog (voice)), Dasscha Polanco (Green Lantern (voice)), David Pressman (Corgi (voice)), Keanu Reeves (Batman (voice)), Ben Schwartz (Mark aka Fire Guinea Pig (voice)), Olivia Wilde (Lois Lane (voice)),

Running Time: 105 mins

Classification: PG (Australia), PG (UK), PG (USA)

OUR DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ DC League Of Super-Pets Review:

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

Kyle McGrath’s DC League Of Superpets Review:

DC League of Super-Pets is the animated family film we’ve all been waiting for, one which finally introduces Superman’s superdog! Everybody needs a best friend and Superman’s is Krypto (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), a canine who travelled all the way from Krypton with Supes and has thus all the same powers….except he’s a dog. When one of super villain Lex Luthor’s plans goes awry it results in several rescue animals inadvertently receiving incredible super powers. Chip the squirrel (Diego Luna) receives electro abilities, PB the pig (Vanessa Bayer) can change sizes, Merton the turtle (Natasha Lyonne) becomes super fast and their leader Ace the dog (Kevin Hart) becomes super resilient. Unfortunately for the city of Metropolis Luthor’s former test guinea pig the evil Lulu (Kate Mckinnon) has herself gained the power of telekinesis and plans to use it to capture the Justice League and enslave humanity! With Krypto struggling to come to terms with trusting anybody other than his beloved owner he must learn to rely on these four-legged superhero friends to help him save the day.

I think we can say without a doubt that Marvel won the cinematic universe rivalry with flying colours while DC’s exploded on the launching pad. However something I’ve appreciated from DC is the variety they have taken with their films, for how adult films like 2019’s Joker was there have been child orientated films like Teen Titans Go to the Movies which while clearly made for a younger audience still featured many in jokes which adult fans of the comics can appreciate. The idea of superhero animals may seem completely out of the blue just to make a kids film but almost all of these furry characters are in fact deep dives from the comics or were directly inspired by specific stories.

The director/writer team of Jared Stern and John Wittington who previously worked as writers on The Lego Batman movie bring the same high energy rapid fire humour which made that film such a hilarious success. A decidedly sillier look at the DC universe it’s humour lands more than it misses and children undoubtedly will have a ball with the slapstick comedy on screen.

I actually found the storyline of Super-Pets to be interesting if a little dumbed down and cliched, it is a kids film after all. Much of the plot revolves around the animals love for their humans and their need to protect, please or find an owner in the absence of one. Krypto’s personal issues with Superman & Lois Lane’s growing relationship and his fear of being pushed aside, Ace’s unfortunate history which led to him being in a rescue shelter and even Lulu’s motivations largely stem from her adoration of Lex Luthor despite being his literal lab test guinea pig. Super-Pets does a better job at introducing and making us care about this heroic league than even the Justice League film accomplished.

None of this would mean anything if it wasn’t for the talented voice cast behind it all. On one hand animated films can rely a little too much on stuntcasting as many big names as possible but here I find even some of the more outlandish casting works such as Keanu Reeves as Batman, something we’d never see in live action. McKinnon, Lyonne, Bayer & Luna are all perfectly cast in their respective roles and make each character pop. Headlining are the duo of Johnson & Hart who prove that even in voice over form the two have incredible chemistry together and I have to say I am happy to see Kevin Hart not typecast here in some ‘little guy’ role.

While I find myself disliking the more light hearted aspects of many superhero films nowadays I ironically love superhero kids films. For example where quips and attempts at breaking the tension hurt the recent Thor: Love & Thunder, DC League of Super-Pets delivers a fun and exciting take on the world of comics without the pretence of it ever being serious in the first place. Kids unfamiliar with the source material, die-hard fans and animal lovers alike will all find plenty to appreciate here.

Average Subculture rating Out Of 5

Other Subculture DC League Of Superheroes Reviews:

N/A

Trailer:

23Sep

[FILM NEWS] SABATON To Release THE WAR TO END ALL WARS

Posted in Animation, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, Music, Music News, News, War | Leave a comment

The time has come for SABATON to reveal some BIG NEWS.  The band is beyond proud to announce that for the last two years, they have been busy working on an exciting, large-scale project.

In 2023, SABATON will release The War To End All Wars movie, a full-length musical motion picture featuring songs from the band’s 10th studio album, The War To End All Wars. This movie vividly tells the stories of World War I by way of animation and live action. It will give the viewer a better understanding of what the band’s songs on the album are about — it is a musical and historical adventure.

Currently in post-production, the movie is being made in collaboration with Yarnhub Animation Studio.  SABATON previously worked with them on other projects, including their most recent animated story video for ‘The Red Baron‘
The War To End All Wars movie is on a completely different scale that neither the band nor Yarnhub have ever attempted before.

As the band has said, you’re going to want to see this!

“We premiered an early version of this movie to journalists during a preview session for our latest album, ‘The War To End All Wars,’ at the Royal Military Museum in Brussels. Witnessing their reaction to it was priceless – they were speechless – so we decided to take it to the next level and push the boundaries even further for a global audience.” // Pär Sundström

“When Sabaton asked us to go beyond anything we had produced before and jointly create a film for their new album, we were filled with excitement and trepidation. It was a massive undertaking that required new people, technology, and skills. But we couldn’t miss the opportunity. We often say our mission is to harvest goosebumps, and our work with Sabaton has always been the most successful in that regard. It’s been two years in the making, but after spending many late nights and weekends in meetings with the band, the end result is something unique. A new way to listen to the album; a deeper understanding that helps the viewer experience the bravery and tragedy that was the inspiration for Sabaton’s latest masterwork.” // David Webb, Yarnhub

The War To End All Wars movie is a cohesive, thought-provoking and emotionally charged piece with a heavy focus on storytelling. It features members of the band, both in real life and animated, and a lot of research and effort has been put into it to ensure it depicts history in the most accurate way possible – this is something that the band is very passionate about.
SABATON had a dream of creating something that’s entertaining but with great educational value, and that dream has become a reality after two years of hard work.

There is so much more to tell you about this movie and SABATON will reveal more in time, but know that they are very excited to present this to you next year. Watch this space.

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this teaser…

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uYFWmUZagT4

22Sep

[FILM NEWS] STRANGE NEW WORLD Trailer Released

Posted in Animation, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

A brand-new trailer, poster and trailer stills are now available for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ action-packed adventure “Strange World.” Opening in Australian cinemas November 24, the feature film introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures. “Inspired by classic adventure stories,” said director Don Hall, “‘Strange World’ is an original animated adventure/comedy about three generations of the Clade family who overcome their differences while exploring a strange, wondrous and oftentimes hostile world.”

The voice cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Dennis Quaid as Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old son, Ethan, who longs for adventure; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world. “Strange World” is helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”).

14Sep

[FILM INTERVIEW] OZ COMIC CON 2022 – Mela Lee Interview

Posted in Animation, Film, Film Genre, Home Page, Interviews | Leave a comment

Mela Lee has down voice artist work for everything from Mortal Kombat through to Avengers Assemble and now she is travelling down under for Oz Comic Con in Sydney and Brisbane.

This week she joined us on Subculture to chat about why she is so excited to be heading to Australia and what her fans can expect at Oz Comic-Con.

You can take a listen to the full interview right here:

15Aug

[FILM NEWS] DR CHRIS BROWN & JULIA MORRIS Join DC LEAGUE OF SUPER PETS Cast

Posted in Action, Animation, Comedy, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

Two of Australia’s favourite stars have joined Tinseltown’s elite voicing the characters of ‘Mark’ and ‘Keith’ two hapless guinea pigs in the Australian version of the upcoming animated action-adventure film, joining Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski and Keanu Reeves.

In “DC League of Super-Pets”, Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack – Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel – to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.

No superhero story is possible without a nemesis or two, so the film’s roster of villains includes Lulu the telekinetic guinea pig, hell bent on exacting her own brand of justice. An all-powerful evil genius with an army of mutant guinea pigs, who better than Australia’s favorite vet Dr Chris Brown and comedy queen Julia Morris to give voice to the fluffy, fiery furballs of fire and ice.

A somewhat reluctant duo at times, Mark – voiced by Brown – is a flying, flaming fire-breather while Keith – voiced by Morris – is a frozen rodent with ice in their veins. Together, they help Lulu carry out her sinister plot to kidnap the Justice League and fight the Super-Pets, reaping mayhem across Metropolis.

From Dr Chris Brown:

It’s a bit of a dream to be involved in a DC film. And as someone who already gives voices to just about every animal they meet, playing the role of a guinea pig with superpowers feels a lot more normal than it probably should!

Julia Morris said:

Well, I’ve been described as super and been described as a pet but never in the same sentence. I could not be more thrilled to be part of this global extravaganza! How completely exciting to do it alongside my beloved Dr. Arm in arm or paw in paw.

02Aug

[VOD NEWS] CARS ON THE ROAD Trailer Released

Posted in Animation, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News, TV | Leave a comment

In celebration of Disney+ Day, Disney and Pixar’s original series “Cars on the Road” will debut exclusively on the streaming service Sept. 8, 2022. Check out a new trailer, key art and image for Disney and Pixar’s “Cars on the Road” now. The Disney+ Original series follows Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) as they head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater’s sister. “The series is a romp across the country with Lightning McQueen and Mater,” says director Steve Purcell. “Like any real road trip, every day is a new mini-adventure with unexpected twists and turns.”
 
“Cars on the Road” is produced by Marc Sondheimer. The series’ episodes are directed by Steve Purcell (Eps 1, 2, 8), Bobby Podesta (Eps 5, 6, 9) and Brian Fee (Eps 3, 4, 7). Composer Jake Monaco created the score for all nine episodes.  
 
Disney+ Day will return on Thursday, September 8, 2022, leading into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. In celebration, the streaming service will host special experiences for fans and subscribers, and will premiere new content from its marquee brands – Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.

24Jul

[VOD NEWS] MARVEL STUDIOS Announce New Animation Slate At COMIC CON

Posted in Animation, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

Yesterday at Comic-Con in San Diego, enthusiastic fans got a look at what’s coming up from Marvel Studios’ Animation. 
 
Moderator Paul F. Tompkins introduced panelists Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ head of streaming television and animation; Ryan Meinerding, head of visual development; Bryan Andrews, director of “What If…?” and executive producer of “Marvel Zombies”; AC Bradley, writer and executive producer of “What If…?”; Beau DeMayo, writer and executive producer of “X-Men ’97”; Kirsten Lepore, writer, director and executive producer of “I Am Groot”; and Jeff Trammell, writer and executive producer of “Spider-Man: Freshman Year.”
 
The following projects were featured in the discussion:
 
“I AM GROOT”
 
“I Am Groot” writer/director/executive producer Kirsten Lepore answered questions about the upcoming series and treated the audience to the trailer and new key art. A surprise screening of one of the shorts, “Groot Takes a Bath,” delighted everyone, and applause greeted the announcement of a second collection of shorts.
 
There’s no guarding the galaxy from this mischievous toddler! So get ready as Baby Groot takes center stage in his very own collection of shorts, exploring his glory days growing up—and getting into trouble—among the stars. “I Am Groot,” five original shorts featuring several new and unusual characters, stars everyone’s favorite little tree, Baby Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, who voices Groot in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.
 
The executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum and James Gunn. 
 
“I Am Groot” launches exclusively on Disney+ August 10, with all five shorts available for viewing.
 
“SPIDER-MAN: FRESHMAN YEAR”
Jeff Trammell teased the show with the cast of characters, and Ryan Meinerding showed off the new Spider-Man suit designed for the series. A fun reveal was that moderator Paul F. Tompkins will be playing a character in the series. A second season was also announced, aptly titled “Spider-Man: Sophomore Year.”
 
“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” is an animated series that follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. Executive producer Jeff Trammel serves as head writer.
 
“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” comes exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.
 
“WHAT IF…?”
Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley talked about the Emmy-nominated series and showed the trailer for Season Two. The audience went wild when, at the end of the presentation, a surprise screening of one episode of the highly anticipated next season was shown, and a third season was announced.
 
“What If…?” Season 2 continues the journey with The Watcher as our guide through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The animated series questions, revisits, and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews with executive producer AC Bradley as head writer. 
 
Season two of “What If…?” launches exclusively on Disney+ in early 2023.
 
“MARVEL ZOMBIES”
 Bryan Andrews offered background on the series and its origins spawning from an episode of “What If…?” Season 1, as well as concept art.
The animated series “Marvel Zombies” from Marvel Studios reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews and written by executive producer Zeb Wells.
 
“Marvel Zombies” will stream exclusively on Disney+.
 
“X-MEN ’97
Cheers erupted when Brad Winderbaum spoke fondly of the legacy of “X-Men: The Animated Series” and presented a sizzle reel featuring cast and creatives from the popular ‘90s animated show. “X-Men ‘97” writer and executive producer Beau DeMayo then spoke about the new series, shared artwork, and presented an animatic AV piece. DeMayo also mentioned that the show will use the original “X-Men” theme music. A second season was also announced.
 
“X-MEN ’97” is an animated series from Marvel Studios that explores new stories in the iconic ’90s timeline of the original series. Beau DeMayo is executive producer and head writer.
 
“X-Men ’97”” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ 2023.

20Jul

[FILM NEWS] LIGHTYEAR To Be Released On Disney+

Posted in Action, Animation, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News, Sci-Fi / Fantasy | Leave a comment

Today, Disney+ revealed plans to stream Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” beginning August 3, 2022. “’Lightyear’ looks amazing on the big screen, of course, but we are so excited to bring it to Disney+,” said Angus MacLane, who helmed the film. “We devoted years of our lives to this film and we are so proud of it. We want to share it with as many people as possible. Disney+ not only gives more fans an opportunity to see ‘Lightyear,’ it gives us all the means to see it again and again.” 

ABOUT THE MOVIE
A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda. 

The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Díaz, Keira Hairston as Young Izzy and Tim Peake as Tim/Mission Control (in U.K. release). Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” is in cinemas now. The film streams on Disney+ beginning Aug. 3, 2022.