Warner Bros. Home Entertainment storms Comic-Con International 2019 with an unparalleled ensemble of stellar offerings, including six World Premieres, a pair of monumental anniversary celebrations, two helpings of horror fun and fan activations spotlighting two 2019 hit films over the July 17-21 weekend in San Diego.
Among the 13 slated events are world premieres of Batman: Hush, Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans, LEGO DC: Batman – Family Matters, Scooby-Doo! Return to Zombie Island, The Banana Splits Movie and an in-depth Shazam! documentary. The weekend also spotlights grand celebrations for Batman Beyond’s 20th Anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Scooby-Doo, as well as an inside look at two horror-centric upcoming releases: Critters Attack! & The Banana Splits Movie.
Immersive experiences adjacent to the Omni Hotel (across the tracks from the Convention Center) will offer fans a more personal experience with two of the top films of 2019 – Shazam! and Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Fans will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Ryme City in the immersive walkthrough pop-up based on the hit film Pokémon Detective Pikachu, complete with Instagrammable moments alongside the neon cityscape, Ryme City marketplace, film prop displays, an infinity room and multiple characters from the film including Detective Pikachu himself! And the Shazam! activation gives fans the chance to visit the Chilladelphia Winter Carnival (featured in the blockbuster film) in sunny San Diego to play games, win exclusive prizes, and pose for some fun photo opps. The activations open on Wednesday night.
The premieres/panels/activations (and confirmed talent thus far) hosted by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment include:
Batman Beyond 20th Anniversary
Thursday, July 18 – 12:15-1:15pm
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Batman Beyond won two Emmy Awards and three Annie Awards as it captured the imaginations of a new generation of Batman fans, setting new standards for super hero storytelling with innovative designs, outstanding voice acting and an intriguing approach to DC’s iconic characters and stories. The series also spawned an acclaimed animated film, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. Come celebrate the series’ 20th anniversary with many members of the creative team behind the breakthrough production, including producers Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) and Glen Murakami (Teen Titans), eight-time Emmy Award-winning casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano (Justice League), director James Tucker (Batman: Hush), writers Bob Goodman (Elementary, Warehouse 13), and Stan Berkowitz (Justice League: The New Frontier), and the acting stars of the series—Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series) and Will Friedle (Boy Meets World, Kim Possible), the voices of Batman and Terry McGinnis, respectively. Stay to the end for some exclusive prizes and cool announcements. Hall H
Horror Times Two: Critters Attack! and The Banana Splits Movie
Thursday, July 18 – 4:30-5:30pm
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings a double dip of upcoming horror films in Critters Attack! and The Banana Splits Movie (both produced by Blue Ribbon Content in conjunction with SYFY). Inspired by the film series from the ’80s and ’90s, Critters Attack! follows 20-year-old Drea (Tashiana Washington), who reluctantly takes a job babysitting for a professor of a college she hopes to attend. Struggling to entertain the professor’s children, along with her own little brother, Drea takes them on a hike, unaware that mysterious alien critters have crash-landed and started devouring every living thing they encounter. Dee Wallace (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), who starred in the original Critters as Helen Brown and returns to the franchise in the mysterious role of Aunt Dee, and Tashiana Washington (Shaft, Gimme Shelter) will be on the panel alongside director Bobby Miller (The Cleanse), Critters puppeteer Keith Arbuthnot (Eureka, The Cabin in the Woods), voice of the Critters Steve Blum (Cowboy Bebop) and Blue Ribbons’ Peter Girardi to discuss the new film. The Banana Splits Movie offers a new take on the classic characters from the late 1960s The Banana Splits Adventure Hour variety program. In the upcoming horror thriller, a boy named Harley and his family go to a taping of The Banana Splits TV show, which is supposed to be a fun-filled birthday for young Harley. But things take an unexpected turn—and the body count quickly rises. Can Harley, his mom, and their new pals safely escape? The Banana Splits Movie panelists include writers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas (Raven’s Home, My Super Psycho Sweet 16), actor Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries), Blue Ribbon’s Peter Girardi, and the voice of the Banana Splits, Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes Cartoons). Critters Attack! lands on earth on July 23, 2019 on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital. The Banana Splits Movie comes to Digital on August 13, and Blu-ray and DVD on August 27. 6DE
Autograph Signing: Critters Attack! and The Banana Splits Movie
Thursday, July 18 – 3:30-4:00pm – Warner Bros./DC Booth
Join cast and crew members of the upcoming horror films Critters Attack! and The Banana Splits Movie (both produced by Blue Ribbon Content in conjunction with SYFY) for an autograph session on exclusive Comic-Con 2019 film-specific posters. Currently slated to sign are Critters Attacks! actors Dee Wallace, Tashiana Washington, Steve Blum, director Bobby Miller, puppeteer Keith Arbuthnot and Blue Ribbons’ Peter Girardi, and The Banana Splits Movie writers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas, actors Sara Canning and Eric Bauza and Blue Ribbon’s Peter Girardi.
World Premiere of SHAZAM! Documentary
Thursday, July 18 – 6:00-7:00pm
Discover the unbelievable history behind the iconic, magical, and influential superhero who is really just a kid at heart: SHAZAM! Introduced in person by one of the film’s stars – Asher Angel – this DC Spotlight (streaming later this summer on DC Universe) features interviews with the people who helped The World’s Mightiest Mortal evolve from comic book hero to pop culture icon. You’ll witness the enlightening perspectives of legendary DC writers and artists, including Geoff Johns, Jerry Ordway, Tom Mandrake, Jeff Smith, Gerry Conway, Jim Lee, and Dan DiDio; filmmaker/comic expert Kevin Smith; and the stars and makers of 2019’s hit film, SHAZAM!: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Grace Fulton, Cooper Andrews, director David F. Sandberg, and producer Peter Safran; and many more. Horton Grand Theatre
World Premiere of The Banana Splits Movie
Thursday, July 18 – 10:00-11:30pm
One banana, two bananas, three bananas . . . gore! Be among the first to witness the terrifying return of everyone’s favorite silly quartet as The Banana Splits Movie offers a new take on the classic characters, which were first introduced to audiences in 1968 with The Banana Splits Adventure Hour variety program. In the upcoming horror thriller, a boy named Harley and his family go to a taping of The Banana Splits TV show, which is supposed to be a fun-filled birthday for young Harley. But things take an unexpected turn—and the body count quickly rises. Can Harley, his mom, and their new pals safely escape? The film stars Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries) and Dani Kind (Wynonna Earp), and Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes Cartoons, Woody Woodpecker, UniKitty!) supplies the voices of the Banana Splits. The movie is written by Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas (Raven’s Home, My Super Psycho Sweet 16) and directed by Danishka Esterhazy (Level 16). Produced by Blue Ribbon Content in association with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and SYFY, The Banana Splits Movie comes to Digital on August 13, and Blu-ray and DVD on August 27. Horton Grand Theatre
World Premiere of Batman: Hush
Friday, July 19 – 7:15-9:15pm
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC, and Warner Bros. Animation returns for their traditional Friday night Comic-Con World Premiere of the latest DC Universe movie, and this time it’s a doozy—the long-awaited Batman: Hush. An adaptation of the seminal DC classic tale, Batman: Hush centers on a shadowy new villain known only as Hush, who uses Gotham’s Rogues Gallery to destroy Batman’s crime-fighting career, as well as Bruce Wayne’s personal life—which has already been complicated by a relationship with Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman. Meet the filmmakers and voice cast behind this new classic for a post-screening panel that will include Jason O’Mara (The Man in the High Castle) and Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time) as the voices of Batman/Bruce Wayne and Catwoman/Selina Kyle, respectively; Geoffrey Arend (Madam Secretary) as the Riddler, Hynden Walch (Teen Titans Go!) as Harley Quinn, Bruce Thomas (Legally Blonde, Kyle XY) as Jim Gordon, director Justin Copeland (Reign of the Supermen), screenwriter Ernie Altbacker (Teen Titans: The Judas Contract), character designer Phil Bourassa (Young Justice), and executive producer James Tucker (Reign of the Supermen). Batman: Hush arrives on Digital starting July 20, 2019; on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack on August 6; and the DC Universe streaming service on August 13. Ballroom 20
Batman: Hush Encore Screening
Friday, July 19 – 9:30-11:00pm
Missed it the first time? Loved it so much, you must see it again. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is proud to offer a second helping of its all new DC Universe Movie—the much-anticipated Batman: Hush. An adaptation of the seminal DC classic tale, Batman: Hush centers on a shadowy new villain known only as Hush, who uses Gotham’s Rogues Gallery to destroy Batman’s crime-fighting career, as well as Bruce Wayne’s personal life—which has already been complicated by a relationship with Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman. Batman: Hush arrives on Digital starting July 20, 2019; on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack on August 6; and the DC Universe streaming service on August 13. Ballroom 20
Scooby-Doo’s 50th Birthday Bash
Saturday, July 20 – 12:30-1:30pm
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) salutes that lovable Great Dane, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang with a panel spotlighting half a century of crime-solving silliness. For 50 years, the Mystery Inc. gang has entertained Scooby-Doo fans with zany hijinks, action-packed adventures, and engaging mysteries that have captivated viewers of all ages. What started as a Saturday morning cartoon exploded into an enormously successful franchise encompassing multiple spin-off series, original animated and live action films, consumer products and much more. Included in the celebration will be several key showrunners, filmmakers, and stars of the franchise, including Grey Griffin (DC Super Hero Grils, The Loud House) and Kate Micucci (Garfunkel & Oates, Unikitty!), the voices of Daphne and Velma, respectively—and a glimpse of the upcoming Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!: The Complete Series Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Mystery Mansion box set from WBHE (available in stores on September 3, 2019). 6A
World Premiere of Scooby-Doo! Return to Zombie Island
Sunday, July 21 – 10:15-11:45am
Pack your Scooby Snacks and join the Mystery Inc. gang as the teen sleuths embark on a wild and spooky vacation with zombies and cat people on Scooby-Doo! Return to Zombie Island, an all-new, original film. Be among the first live audience to see this follow-up to the classic, best-selling Scooby-Doo! film, Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, as this new animated adventure finds Scooby-Doo and his pals taking a much-deserved vacation to a tropical island. Instead of getting rest and relaxation, however, they find themselves wrapped up in one of their biggest mysteries yet! Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the film arrives this fall from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. 6BCF
World Premiere of Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans
Sunday, July 21 – 12:00-2:00pm
When the forces of evil unite from across time and dimensions, it’ll take the combined efforts of distinctly different, yet similar super hero teams to keep the universe secure in Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans. Come for the World Premiere of this blockbuster film, then stay for an incredibly entertaining panel discussion featuring the stars of the film—Greg Cipes (The Middle, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Beast Boy, Scott Menville (LEGO DC: Batman: Family Matters) as Robin, Khary Payton (The Walking Dead) as Cyborg, Tara Strong (Batman: The Animated Series, My Little Pony, Unikitty!) as Raven, Hynden Walch (Adventure Time, Groundhog Day) as Starfire, Grey Griffin (Scooby-Doo franchise, DC Super Hero Girls, The Fairly OddParents) as Mrs. Claus, and some surprise special guests . . . alongside producer/director Jeff Mednikow (Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!, Teen Titans Go!), screenwriters Marly Halpern-Graser (Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Jeremy Adams (LEGO DC: Batman: Family Matters). Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film arrives from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment this fall on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital. 6BCF
World Premiere of LEGO DC: Batman: Family Matters
Sunday, July 21 – 2:15-4:15pm
Batman, Robin, and Batgirl must stick together even when Gotham’s most dangerous villains attempt to pull them apart in LEGO DC: Batman: Family Matters, the latest animated adventure in the LEGO DC series. Witness the World Premiere of this action-packed, brick-tastic adventure that will be followed by a star-studded panel of actors and filmmakers, including the voices of Batman, Batgirl, and Robin—Troy Baker (Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman: Arkham Origins), Alyson Stoner (Phineas and Ferb) and Scott Menville (Teen Titans, Teen Titans Go!)—along with Jason Spisak (Young Justice) as Red Hood, Tara Strong (Batman: The Animated Series, Teen Titans, Teen Titans Go!) as Batwoman, and Steve Blum (Cowboy Bebop, Star Wars Rebels) as Scarecrow. Filmmakers include producer Rick Morales (LEGO Scooby-Doo!: Haunted Hollywood), director Matt Peters (LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis), and screenwriter Jeremy Adams (LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash). Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC, and the LEGO Group, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment later this summer on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital. 6BCF
Pokémon Detective Pikachu Fan Activation
Experience the magic of Ryme City in an immersive walkthrough pop-up based on the hit film Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Guests will be able to explore the city and capture Instagrammable moments including the neon cityscape, Ryme City marketplace, film prop displays, an infinity room and more. Fans can win prizes while having the opportunity to take photos with multiple characters from the film including Detective Pikachu himself!
Location: Outside The Omni Hotel
Days/Hours of Operation:
Wednesday – 5PM – 7PM
Thursday: 10AM – 7PM
Friday: 10AM – 7PM
Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
Sunday: 10AM – 4PM
Shazam! Fan Activation
Visit the Chilladelphia Winter Carnival in sunny San Diego! At the carnival from the blockbuster film Shazam! guests can play games to win exclusive prizes and pose for some fun photo opps.
Location: Outside The Omni Hotel
Days/Hours of Operation:
Wednesday – 5PM – 7PM
Thursday: 10AM – 8PM
Friday: 10AM – 8PM
Saturday: 10AM – 8PM
Sunday: 10AM – 4PM
Directed by: Kishore Kumar Pardasani
Written by: Siva
Studio: North Star Entertainment
Runtime: 149 minutes
Genre: Action, Drama
Cast:
Pawan Kalyan as Katamarayudu
Shruti Haasan as Avanthika
Siva Balaji as Katamarayudu’s younger brother
Ajay, Kamal Kamaraju, Chaitanya Krishna in supporting roles
Katamarayudu is a Telugu-language remake of the Tamil film Veeram. This movie blends family drama with high-octane action sequences, delivering a narrative that is quintessentially rooted in southern Indian cinema’s flair for heroism and larger-than-life characters.
The story revolves around Katamarayudu, a righteous and fiercely protective elder brother who has dedicated his life to looking after his younger siblings. Known for his aversion to marriage, his life takes a turn when Avanthika, a poised and graceful woman, enters his life. The movie skillfully combines lighthearted romance, brotherly camaraderie, and intense action sequences, creating an engaging watch for the masses.
Kishore Kumar Pardasani delivers a visually grand spectacle while staying true to the essence of its Tamil original. While the screenplay lacks novelty, it compensates with fast-paced action and emotional beats. The dialogues, although simple, hit the right chords when it comes to showcasing family bonds and love.
Pawan Kalyan is the heart of the film. His screen presence and charismatic portrayal of Katamarayudu dominate every frame. Shruti Haasan offers a refreshing on-screen presence, and her chemistry with Pawan Kalyan adds charm to the narrative. The supporting cast, especially the actors playing the brothers, do justice to their roles, adding depth to the storyline.
The film boasts meticulously choreographed fight scenes, which are a visual treat for action lovers. Anup Rubens’ background score and songs elevate the emotional and action-packed moments. His mass appeal and command over action and emotion anchor the movie effectively.
The film adheres to a conventional template, leaving little room for surprises. At 149 minutes, the film feels stretched, especially in the second half.
Katamarayudu is a feast for fans of Pawan Kalyan and action-packed family dramas. It carries the essence of mass entertainment but doesn’t break new ground. While it caters to the sensibilities of Telugu cinema audiences, others might find its predictability a drawback.
Rating: 8/10 Fans of Pawan Kalyan and high-energy action films will undoubtedly enjoy this one, but those looking for a novel story might find it wanting.
“Do you want to watch a film with me? It’s called Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”
“What?”
“It’s about a little shell named Marcel who wears shoes.”
“…”
And that about sums it up! It’s the blob of a week between Christmas and New Year so it was the optimum time to watch a very surreal film recently added to UK Netflix.
Released in 2021 (a blob of a year) Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is about a one-inch-tall shell called Marcel who lives with his grandmother, Connie, in an Airbnb. Marcel usually stays out the way of the house’s various guests as he utilizes his only means of fast transportation (a tennis ball) and walks his pet lint on a string (Alan). This is until a documentary filmmaker named Dean, who is staying at the Airbnb, discovers Marcel and his unique lifestyle.
As filmmakers are wont to do Dean begins to film interviews with Marcel, consequently we get an insight into Marcel’s world both inside and out. Yes, Marcel is a stop-motion hermit crab shell with surprisingly expressive googly eyes but he feels very human. I was unsure about Marcel’s age and gender because he sounds a lot like Lisa Simpson, I did even check that Marcel wasn’t voiced by Yeardly Smith. But Marcel is voiced superbly by Jenny Slate. Marcel comes off as quite childlike with his wide-eyed optimism and naivety (he is a shell I suppose). Yet, like many children, Marcel will utter something so profound he will seem more of a fossil than a shell. When Dean uploads Marcel’s interviews onto YouTube Marcel of course becomes a viral sensation. Marcel reads the comments on his videos, using his tiny shoes to activate the laptop touchpad, which is just adorable! Despite his obvious popularity, Marcel remarks; “It’s an audience. It’s not a community.” Which just drives a stake into the heart of social media.
No, Marcel does not become a teeny-tiny-TikToker, he in fact uses the internet to find his lost community. The house used to be full of anthropomorphic objects including Marcel’s own shell family. They had been living in the house for generations, Connie herself came from the garage travelling by coat pocket to the main house; it’s why she has an accent. Among the community there are anthropomorphic pieces of cereal and because the internet notices this stuff; a tampon! An unfortunate event occurred and the community were accidentally removed from their home one tragic night, leaving Marcel and Connie on their own.
Being an A24 film I knew it would get deep. Marcel’s journey gives the audience a unique perspective of life, death, and community. In a modern world where we are more connected than ever but loneliness has been recognized as a universal health crisis. We could all learn something from this talented little shell and his grandmother. Be like Marcel and don’t get sanded down by life, stay connected to your community and know you are not just rattling around on your own!
It’s a beautifully poignant and quirky film. Despite its metaphysical and existential content, the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether it’s Marcel making rope by winding together the pubic hairs he finds in the drain (he calls them ‘hardy hairs’) or sleeping on slices of bread referring to them as his ‘breadroom’. The film is painstakingly detailed and you can see its roots in a short film. It’s a delightful adventure that has something far bigger to say than its minuscule protagonist.
Five stars.
As an anime enthusiast and entertainment journalist, I’ve curated a list of the top five must-see anime series of 2024. These selections showcase the diversity and creativity that define the medium, offering compelling narratives and stunning animation.
Delicious in Dungeon
This series combines culinary arts with fantasy adventure, following a group of dungeon explorers who cook and eat the monsters they defeat. The unique premise and mouth-watering depictions of fantasy cuisine make it a standout this year. Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development.
Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development. Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide.
Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide. The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim.
The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim. Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. These anime series exemplify the innovation and storytelling prowess that continue to drive the medium’s global popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to anime, these titles are essential viewing for 2024.
Movie Review: Katamarayudu
You Are Not Ready for ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’
Top Five anime in 2024
Mechanic Rocky
Nosferatu
Did JD from Scrubs Have a Dark Past?
You Are Not Ready for ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
Comic-Con 2024: Arthur C Clarke’s Venus Prime TV series
Comic-Con 2024: Max Collins’s TRUE NOIR
Comic-Con 2024: Will Wight’s Cradle
Interview With Heroes & Villains Creative Director Doug Johnson
Thatsmye Interviews: Les Weiler on Henchin’: the Series
