Legion M, backed by its more than 100,000 members and 16,000 fan-owners, returns to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) for its biggest activation yet, hosting star-studded events, industry parties, two fascinating panels—including an in-depth look at Legion M and Screen Media’s feature-length documentary “Memory: The Origins of Alien” which was acquired early this year at Sundance using Legion M’s innovative Film Scout platform—and amazing experiences for SDCC attendees to celebrate the power of fandom and see first-hand how the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company is revolutionizing Hollywood.
Legion M’s SDCC event schedule includes the late night (Friday, July 19 at 10 p.m. PDT) fan-premiere of the critically-acclaimed Sundance favorite “Memory: The Origins of Alien” followed by a special Q&A with the film’s director Alexandre O. Philippe (“78/52,” “The People vs. George Lucas,” “Doc of the Dead”) in the all-new TCL Chinese Theatre at Theatre Box®. The feature-length film, which premiered to rave reviews in the Midnight Section at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, unearths the largely untold origin story behind Ridley Scott’s cinematic masterpiece, and reveals a treasure trove of never-before-seen materials from the archives of “Alien” creators Dan O’Bannon and H.R. Giger. “Memory: The Origins of Alien” screening and Q&A hosted by Legion M and Screen Media is a must-see SDCC event for “Alien” fans celebrating the epic horror/Sci-Fi film’s 40th anniversary. Ticket information for the screening is coming soon on the legionm.com website!
Legion M’s Fan Lounge, presented by The Pop Insider, will take over Gaslamp Quarter’s Theatre Box and its brand-new Chocolate Lounge and rooftop bar and lounge at 701 Fifth Ave. (Fifth Ave. and G St.). SDCC attendees can grab a cocktail (cash bar), relax, recharge and enjoy a full slate of fan-centric activities, appearances, giveaways and exclusive events on Thursday and Friday, July 18-19 (12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. PDT) acomic con
Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT). Inside, The Pop Insider, a daily pop culture news and review site for superfans, will give SDCC attendees a chance to “Fuel Their Fandom” with special Angry Birds phone charging stations. Fans can also stay up-to-date with all things pop culture by picking up the Con-exclusive, limited print edition of The Pop Insider magazine.
The Pop Insider will also be hosting a series of afternoon events and activities on the Theatre Box rooftop bar and lounge from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. PDT each day July 18-21, including a cosplay dance party and karaoke showdown. Cosplayers looking for a quick spruce-up can stop by the Cosplayer Repair and Pro-Artist Makeup Station sponsored by Spirit Halloween, get professional photos taken to commemorate the occasion, and may even star in an upcoming “Cosplayers Getting Coffee” YouTube episode. For the most up-to-date Legion M Fan Lounge and rooftop schedule, please visit www.legionm.com/sdcc2019. Activities will be added as confirmed.
Be sure to also check out two Legion M-hosted panels at San Diego Comic-Con. On Thursday, July 18 (7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. PDT, Room 6BCF), “Fans Celebrating 40 Years of Alien,” co-hosted with Screen Media, will take a deep dive into the origins of “Alien” and its fandom while celebrating the classic horror/Sci-Fi film with the director of “Memory: The Origins of Alien” Alexandre O. Philippe, along with Legion M’s vice president of development David Baxter, Diane O’Bannon (Dan O’Bannon Estate), Will Linn (Joseph Campbell Foundation) and other special guests as they discuss Philippe’s upcoming feature documentary and debut the trailer for “Memory: The Origins of Alien.”
On Thursday, July 18 (2 p.m. to 3 p.m. PDT, Room 7AB) learn how you can become part of a Hollywood revolution and get involved directly in films, TV shows and digital content when Legion M executives host “Legion M: Fans Unite to Take Over Hollywood.” Legion M cofounders Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison, along with Legion M COO and head of content Terri Lubaroff, vice president of development David Baxter and special guests, will reveal how Legion M is involved with films like the upcoming Kevin Smith “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot,” along with “Colossal,” “Mandy,” “Tolkien,” and “Memory: The Origins of Alien.” Legion M has made it possible for anyone to become a fan-owner. Find out how you can join the more than 100,000 Legion M members who have access to special screenings, industry events, and exclusive Legion M meet-ups.
Legion M 2019 San Diego Comic-Con Fan Lounge and Events Calendar
(All times Pacific)
To sign up for Legion M SDCC activation information: www.legionm.com/sdcc2019
Wed., July 17 (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) The Pop Insider San Diego Con Kickoff Event!, Coin-Op Game Room, 789 Sixth Ave.
Fuel Your Fandom at the ultimate Con kickoff party! The Pop Insider is hosting a can’t-miss pre-Con rager complete with retro gaming, dancing, giveaways and more, with Legion M, Spin Master Games, ARCADE1UP, Disguise, Inc., and Cosplayers Getting Coffee. This event is sold out. Limited press passes are still available. Members of the media can contact Kristen Joerger at kristen@lkprinc.com or 646-484-4577 to apply for press credentials. (Age 21+)
Thurs. and Fri., July 18-19 (12:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) and Sat. and Sun., July 20-21 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) Legion M Fan Lounge presented by The Pop Insider @ Theatre Box Chocolate Lounge
Relax, recharge and have FUN at the Legion M Fan Lounge presented by The Pop Insider every day during San Diego Comic-Con. Mix and mingle with friends, Legion M executives and members, and other SDCC attendees while celebrating the power of FANDOM in the fan lounge. Fans will enter the Legion M Fan Lounge through a 45-foot facade of the Quick Stop featured in the upcoming Kevin Smith feature film “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.” The perfect SDCC photo opp will feature props from the actual Quick Stop set!
Thurs. and Fri., July 18-19 (12:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) and Sat. and Sun., July 20-21 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), Stargate Command, Theatre Box
MGM’s Stargate Command will present a replica “Stargate” photo opportunity in the Theatre Box lobby for the whole weekend and will give attendees a chance to spin the prize wheel for unique “Stargate” prizes, including mini-posters, pins, buttons, original SuperFan creations and more! Talent will be dropping by for autographs as well! Look for more information about schedules, podcasts, and more fun all weekend! www.stargatecommand.co/articles/events
Thurs., July 18 – Sun., July 21 (12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) The Pop Insider’s Rooftop Pop-up Party! @ Theatre Box Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Join The Pop Insider as they “Fuel Your Fandom” with fan-focused events on the Theatre Box rooftop bar and lounge each day, including a cosplay dance party with DJ (12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.) and karaoke showdown (2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.). Stop by the Cosplayer Repair Station and Pro-Artist Makeup Station sponsored by Spirit Halloween any time!
Thurs., July 18 (2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.) “Legion M: Fans Unite to Take Over Hollywood” Panel, Room 7AB, San Diego Comic-Con
How can YOU become part of Hollywood, and get involved directly in films, TV shows and digital content? Legion M is the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company. Through equity crowdfunding, we’ve made it possible for anyone to become an entertainment investor and fan-owner. And it’s more than simply being a “shareholder,” members have access to special screenings, industry events, and exclusive Legion M meet-ups. Our panel of Legion M executives Paul Scanlan, Jeff Annison, Terri Lubaroff, David Baxter and special guests will reveal how Legion M is involved with films like “Bad Samaritan,” “Colossal,” “Mandy,” “Tolkien,” our latest films “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot,” directed by Kevin Smith (“Clerks” and “Dogma”), as well as “Memory: The Origins of Alien” directed by pop culture documentarian Alexandre O. Philippe (“The People vs. George Lucas”). Updates will also be provided on Legion M projects in development.
Thurs., July 18 (7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) “Madness in the Method” sneak preview, TCL Chinese Theatre at Theatre Box
“Madness in the Method” – Jason Mewes’ (“Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”) directorial debut is a hilariously insane crime comedy in which Mewes also stars, alongside Vinnie Jones, Gina Carano, Danny Trejo, and his View Askew costars Kevin Smith, Stan Lee, and Brian O’Halloran. Mewes will participate in a special Q&A after the debut screening. Ticket info coming soon!
Thurs., July 18 (7:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m.) “Fans Celebrating 40 Years of Alien” Panel, Room 6BCF, San Diego Comic-Con
A deep dive into the origins of “Alien” and its fandom with documentary director Alexandre O. Philippe (“The People vs. George Lucas,” “Doc of the Dead,” “78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene”), Diane O’Bannon (Dan O’Bannon Estate), Will Linn (Joseph Campbell Foundation), David Baxter (Legion M) and special guests as they discuss Philippe’s upcoming feature documentary “Memory: The Origins of Alien” and the sustaining power of Ridley Scott’s horror/Sci-Fi masterpiece with fandom. Trailer debut from the “Memory: The Origins of Alien” documentary will be shown.
Fri., July 19 (10:00 p.m.- 12:00 a.m.) “Memory: The Origins of Alien” Fan Premiere and Q&A, Theater Box
Come see the critically-acclaimed documentary “Memory: The Origins of Alien” followed by a special Q&A with the film’s director Alexandre O. Philippe (“The People vs. George Lucas,” “Doc of the Dead”). The feature-length film, which premiered to rave reviews in the Midnight Section at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, unearths the largely untold origin story behind Ridley Scott’s cinematic masterpiece, and reveals a treasure trove of never-before-seen materials from the archives of “Alien” creators Dan O’Bannon and H.R. Giger, including original story notes, rejected designs and storyboards, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and O’Bannon’s original 29 page script from 1971, titled Memory. The documentary also takes fans on an exploration of the mythical underpinnings of “Alien” and dedicates focus on the film’s iconic “Chestburster” scene. “Memory: The Origins of Alien” screening and Q&A hosted by Legion M and Screen Media is a must-see SDCC event for “Alien” fans celebrating the epic horror/Sci-Fi film’s 40th anniversary. Ticket info coming soon at www.legionm.com/sdcc2019!
Sat., July 20 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) The Night Time Show, Legion M Fan Lounge @ Theatre Box
Hosted by Nickelodeon star Stephen Kramer Glickman, Mike Black, Matt Walker, and Emmy Nominated writer Mike Glazer, The Night Time Show is one of the top entertainment industry podcasts in America. They are teaming up with Legion M and ASIFA to record interviews with award winning actors, legendary directors and industry giants.
Sun, July 21 (3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) Potterhead Party, The Pop Insider’s Cosplay Dance Party on the Roof @ Theatre Box’s Rooftop Bar and Lounge, with Fantastic Beasts Dan Fogler podcast recording.
Join Legion M and The Pop Insider to close out SDCC with a Potter-themed event with giveaways, potion drinks, and a cosplay meetup, featuring star of Fantastic Beasts Dan Fogler! Then, join Dan as he records his popular podcast 4dXperience! from the roof at 5:30 p.m. Ticket information to follow on www.legionm.com/sdcc2019
For more information about Legion M and the Legion M Fan Lounge at San Diego Comic-Con, please visit www.legionm.com/sdcc2019. Be sure to follow Legion M on Instagram and Twitter at @LegionMOfficial for more SDCC announcements!
Director: Adhik Ravichandran
Starring: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Das, Trisha, Simran
Genre: Action / Crime Drama
Rating: 4.5/5
“Good Bad Ugly” centers on Red Dragon (Ajith Kumar), a notorious gangster who chooses to surrender himself in the hopes of turning over a new leaf and reuniting with his estranged son. However, when unforeseen threats emerge, Red Dragon is forced to step back into the dangerous underworld to protect the only family he has left.
“Good Bad Ugly” plays to the strengths of Ajith Kumar, delivering a fan-pleasing portrayal of both his vintage villainy and his matured emotional depth. Ajith’s powerful screen presence, coupled with his iconic voice, shines against Arjun Das’s brooding and intense new-age antagonist, creating an electric old-school versus new-school dynamic. The nostalgic return of Simran is a clever nod to longtime fans, bringing heart and familiarity. Trisha brings a strong, grounded performance as the moral compass in Red Dragon’s life, helping move the emotional threads of the story. The film smartly balances action, comedy, and sentimental fan-service moments.
While the film delivers on fan expectations, its narrative could have benefited from tighter pacing and deeper character development for its supporting cast. Some plot conveniences and an overreliance on nostalgia may limit broader audience appeal beyond the fanbase. Certain dramatic beats felt rushed, leaving little time for emotional resonance to fully land.
The ambition to blend high-octane action with heavy emotional stakes sometimes leads to tonal inconsistencies. At moments, the shift from gritty underworld drama to lighter fan moments feels abrupt. Additionally, though Ajith Kumar’s effort to showcase his dancing skills is commendable and welcomed by fans, it slightly disrupts the otherwise darker tone the film establishes.
“Good Bad Ugly” is a tribute to Ajith Kumar’s enduring legacy, offering vintage thrills while teasing new dimensions to his craft. It’s a solid entertainer that successfully taps into fan nostalgia while hinting at an exciting evolution for AK. While not without its flaws, the film’s heart, energy, and performances make it a must-watch for fans and a compelling action-drama for broader audiences.
In these uncertain times, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned horror movie. Unfortunately, Presence is not an old-fashioned horror movie. Yet, as I discovered, this is a good thing!
When I heard about the premise of this movie, I was intrigued. The stylishly subtle trailer was, appropriately, haunting. And was that Lucy Liu? A haunted house movie from the perspective of the ghost? As a seasoned horror movie buff, I was all in!
Like the majority of people I missed the films brief theatrical release. Luckily I was able to catch it on streaming. Visually the film is easy to enjoy from your own home, as it’s rather cosy looking. I never thought I’d be describing a horror movie as ‘cosy’ looking but it’s true! This is not a James Wan type creepy, dusty, decrepit house harbouring a haunting. No, this is a 100 year old jewel toned, oak finished colonial style home.
Despite this the story follows the beats we are all familiar with: troubled family of four move into a new house. The big deviation from the trope is we, the audience, are seeing events unfold from the POV of the ghost or presence.
Director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven) chose to film the entire piece using a small (14mm) hand-held digital camera. Soderbergh himself acted as the ‘presence’ following the actors around. From the audiences perspective it is like watching the family through a barrier or pane of glass. Cleverly, windows and mirrors are hugely prominent and integral throughout.
The presence mainly follows and tries to interact with the daughter of the family, Chloe (Callina Liang), who has recently suffered the trauma of her best friend dying suddenly. Through Soderbergh’s experimental filming, we feel the dysphoria and frustration the ‘ghost’ is feeling at trying to affect the world around it, particularly during the anxiety-inducing final scene!
However, in what could be yet another mismarketing of a film, the trailer promised to be the ‘scariest movie you will see this year’ and ‘terrifying’; instead, they delivered this subversive, character-driven, family drama. If you are expecting jump scares and dramatic music stings, this is not your movie. I could understand if someone was disappointed that the only seemingly scary thing is the mother’s and son’s relationship, right up until the gut-punch of the final scene.
Presence is definitely a slow burn, tension building until the final scene, and the unveiling of the ‘presence’ giving us a new understanding of the whole story. The ending is disturbing and stays with you as you re-analyse earlier scenes.
My one complaint is that the character Ryan (West Mulholland) with his Chesney Hawkes hair, perhaps needed more subtlety. The rest of the cast was completely solid and believable as a family with so many unspoken issues.
I wouldn’t recommend this film for everybody but maybe be as so bold to say it’s a horror movie for people that don’t like horror movies. It’s well-lit and cerebral with realistically flawed characters.
Presence is available to stream.
Three and a half stars.
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Historical
Runtime: Each episode runs approximately 20-30 minutes
Director: Lin Hun (also the Creator)
Studio: Samsara Animation Studio
Main Voice Actors (Chinese Cast):Liu Zhi Shi as Wen Ren Yu Xuan Zhou Qi as Shen Nong Fang Yuan as Xuan
Overview
Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a breathtaking Chinese anime (donghua) that merges traditional Chinese ink-painting aesthetics with high-intensity martial arts action. Created and directed by Lin Hun, this series delivers a spellbinding visual experience that rivals, and in many ways surpasses, mainstream Japanese anime. Produced by Samsara Animation Studio, the anime is a labor of love, known for its hand-drawn animation and meticulous detail.
Set in a mythological world where elemental beasts roam free, the series follows the Five Elemental Envoys tasked with protecting humanity. The story focuses on Wen Ren Yu Xuan, the Fire Envoy, whose actions set off a chain of events threatening the delicate balance between humans and beasts. The tale is steeped in Chinese folklore and myth, weaving a complex narrative of duty, power, and sacrifice.
Without question, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is one of the most visually stunning animated series in recent memory. The blend of traditional Chinese ink wash painting with modern dynamic action scenes is masterful. Every frame looks like a moving scroll painting, with fluid character movements and kinetic fight choreography that puts many mainstream series to shame.
The characters are deeply tied to traditional archetypes found in Chinese legends but are fleshed out with emotional depth and conflict. Voice acting by Liu Zhi Shi, Zhou Qi, and Fang Yuan brings authenticity and gravitas to their respective roles. The dialogue is steeped in poetic language, enhancing the mythic feel of the story.
The soundtrack complements the epic visuals with traditional Chinese instrumentation mixed with modern elements. The sound design heightens the impact of every battle and emotional moment.
Rating: 9/10
Fog Hill of the Five Elements earns a 9 out of 10 for its groundbreaking animation style, deep mythological storytelling, and heart-pounding action. The only downside is its limited number of episodes and slow release schedule, which leaves fans craving more.
Pros
- Unparalleled hand-drawn animation
- Unique art direction inspired by traditional Chinese painting
- Rich mythological lore
- Epic fight choreography
Cons
- Sparse episode release
- Story pacing can be uneven at times
Final Verdict 9/10
If you’re an anime enthusiast or a fan of animation artistry, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a must-watch. Its fusion of stunning visuals, martial arts action, and mythological storytelling makes it one of the standout titles in modern animation. Whether you’re into Japanese anime or Chinese donghua, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.
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