Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) puts a pair of World Premieres in the spotlight at WonderCon in Los Angeles, March 25-27 – offering fans their first look at the highly anticipated animated films Justice League vs. Teen Titans and LEGO® Scooby-Doo! Haunted Hollywood.
Justice League vs. Teen Titans will have its World Premiere on Saturday, March 26 at 2:30pm in the Microsoft Theater. Many of the film’s stars – including Jerry O’Connell, Jason O’Mara, Jake T. Austin and Christopher Gorham – will be in attendance for the screening and post-film panel discussion, and all panelists (see full list below) will be autographing WonderCon-exclusive Justice League vs. Teen Titans mini-posters prior to the screening from 11:30am-12:15pm. Fans wishing to obtain autographs should visit West Hall A on Saturday morning for details.
The World Premiere of LEGO® Scooby-Doo! Haunted Hollywood will take place Sunday, March 27 at 11:00am in the 1,000-seat Room 408AB, and will also be followed by a panel discussion amongst filmmakers and voice cast members. Special LEGO® posters will be given to all in attendance, and there will be limited edition LEGO® box sets will be awarded to a few lucky fans during the panel. In addition, panelists (see full list below) will be autographing WonderCon-exclusive LEGO® Scooby-Doo! Haunted Hollywood mini-posters after the screening from 1:15-2:00pm. Fans wishing to obtain autographs should visit West Hall A on Sunday morning for details.
Here are the complete panel descriptions, including all confirmed panelists for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment:
Saturday, 3/26/16
2:30-4:30pm World Premiere: Justice League vs. Teen Titans – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation invite WonderCon attendees to witness the World Premiere of Justice League vs. Teen Titans, the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Original Movies. Justice League vs. Teen Titans welcomes the Teen Titans to the ever-expanding canon of classic DC Comics characters within the DC Universe Original Movies. When Damian’s over-aggressive tendencies almost destroy a Justice League mission, he is sent to learn teamwork by training alongside the Teen Titans. However, adjusting Damian’s attitude turns out to be the least of the Teen Titans’ troubles as Raven’s satanic, world-conquering father Trigon begins an escape from his inter-dimensional prison. To complete his return, Trigon must have Raven’s assistance – and to accomplish his goal, he spreads his demonic forces across the globe, infiltrating the minds and bodies of the Justice League to do his bidding. To save the universe and prevent a literal hell on Earth, the Teen Titans must rescue – or defeat – the Justice League, and intern Trigon for all eternity. Among the film’s all-star cast appearing at WonderCon is Jason O’Mara (Complications, Terra Nova) as Batman, Jerry O’Connell (Crossing Jordan, Stand By Me) as Superman, Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Ugly Betty) as Flash, Stuart Allan (Batman vs. Robin) as Robin/Damian, Jake T. Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place, The Fosters) as Blue Beetle, Brandon Soo Hoo (Tropic Thunder, From Dusk Til Dawn: The Series) as Beast Boy and Kari Wahlgren (Phineas and Ferb, Legion of Superheroes) as Starfire. Also taking part in the post-screening panel is producer James Tucker, director Sam Liu, character designer Phil Bourassa and screenwriter Bryan Q. Miller. More talent will be announced as confirmed. The film cast also includes Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, Daredevil) as Trigon, Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Daredevil) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (Criminal Minds) as Cyborg, Sean Maher (Firefly/Serenity, Batman: Bad Blood) and, making her Teen Titans voiceover debut, Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story, Wicked City) as Raven. The all-knowing, ever-entertaining Tiffany Smith of DC All-Access will moderate the event. Justice League vs. Teen Titans arrives April 12 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack & DVD, and March 29 on Digital HD. Microsoft Theater
Sunday, 3/27/16
11:00am-1:00pm World Premiere: LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Haunted Hollywood – Get ready for hilarious hijinks in Tinseltown as Scooby and the gang head to Hollywood – this time in LEGO® form – where they visit a legendary motion picture studio that’s haunted by movie monsters from classic old films. See the world premiere of this all-new film, then stay to hear from members of the cast and crew – led by director Rick Morales, writer Jim Krieg, producer Brandon Vietti and popular voice actor James Arnold Taylor – as they tell the tales of making the movie. TV Guide Magazine senior writer Damian Holbrook will moderate the panel. Cast includes Frank Welker (Scooby-Doo, Fred), Grey Griffin (Daphne), Matthew Lillard (Shaggy), Kate Micucci (Velma), Dee Bradley Baker, JB Blanc and the Mistress of the Dark herself, Cassandra Peterson! LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Haunted Hollywood will be available May 3, 2016 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Room 408AB
Events
San Diego Asian film festival opening night film Cells at Work
Genre: Action, Comedy, Family Drama, Sci-Fi
Director: Hideki Takeuchi
Starring: Mei Nagano, Takeru Satoh
Rating: Rating: 4/5
Hideki Takeuchi’s live-action adaptation of Cells at Work! isn’t just a film—it’s a joyful, genre-blending celebration of life, health, and humanity, all set within the microscopic universe of a teenage girl. In the Urushizaki household, high schooler Niko dutifully cares for her widowed father, balancing her own life with his well-being. But beneath her healthy routines, her immune system is waging an epic war against a torrent of invading pathogens. With Red and White Blood Cells working overtime, Niko’s survival—and her shot at teenage romance—rests on their shoulders.
In this inventive blend of biology and storytelling, Cells at Work! spins a wildly entertaining narrative that combines elements of action, family drama, and rom-com. The film’s core is Niko’s story, a heartfelt journey of caregiving, self-discovery, and young love, framed by an intense battle happening within her body. The inner world is vivid and action-packed, reminiscent of Inside Out with a Japanese twist, where every cell plays a role, and every pathogen is a villain in Niko’s quest to stay healthy for her dad and her date.
Mei Nagano, as a sprightly Red Blood Cell, exudes boundless energy and enthusiasm, perfectly capturing the eager determination of a novice at work. Takeru Satoh, known for his role in Rurouni Kenshin, takes on the role of a stoic White Blood Cell, providing a protective and understated foil to Nagano’s character. Together, they form an unexpectedly endearing duo, navigating the perils inside Niko with both humor and heart. Their chemistry is infectious, adding warmth and fun to the film’s high-stakes battles.
Director Hideki Takeuchi is known for bringing imaginative worlds to life, and he does just that with Cells at Work! By merging the high-concept world of anime with live-action, Takeuchi crafts a visually vibrant spectacle where the bloodstream becomes a battlefield. Each cell’s costume is designed with intricate detail, adding a touch of lavish cosplay that brings humor and authenticity to the film’s zany setting. Action scenes are thrilling and gravity-defying, making the body’s defense mechanisms feel like epic duels, while the humor—sometimes raunchy, often slapstick—keeps the tone refreshingly lighthearted.
Beyond the scientific antics, Cells at Work! is a tribute to the human body and the beauty of human connections. With scenes that celebrate caring for loved ones, cherishing youth, and the joys of teamwork, the film transcends its biological focus to speak to something universal. It’s impossible not to be moved by Niko’s relationship with her father, and by the dedication of her body’s “micro-heroes” who fight tirelessly to keep her healthy.
Cells at Work! is an absolute joy—a film that combines educational elements with heart, humor, and high-energy action. Hideki Takeuchi’s skill at blending genres is on full display, making it an unforgettable, entertaining ride that will leave audiences laughing, cheering, and maybe even wiping away a tear.
A vibrant, genre-bending journey through the human body, Cells at Work! is a spectacle for the senses and the soul. This lively adaptation is one that audiences of all ages can enjoy, learning a bit of biology along the way.
Streaming
The Perfect Couple on Netflix – A Twisty and Engrossing Thriller
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Netflix’s The Perfect Couple offers an intriguing blend of suspense, romance, and family drama, wrapped in a murder mystery that leaves viewers guessing until the very end. Based on the best-selling novel by Elin Hilderbrand, the limited series dives deep into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and privilege in a story that pulls you in from the very first scene.
The show centers around the seemingly perfect union of Celeste and Jake, a couple whose idyllic Hamptons wedding turns nightmarish when a dead body is discovered. As tensions rise, secrets start to unravel, revealing that beneath the glamour and charm, dark truths and betrayals run deep.
Nicole Kidman delivers a magnetic performance as the matriarch, Annabelle, effortlessly conveying both vulnerability and authority. Her scenes are riveting, and she adds an underlying intensity to the family dynamics. Liev Schreiber as the groom’s father, Tag, gives a grounded and nuanced performance that complements Kidman’s. The young couple, played by Dakota Fanning as Celeste and Billy Magnussen as Jake, share a complex chemistry that evolves with each revelation, keeping viewers both captivated and unsettled.
The plot’s pacing is handled well, with each episode unveiling new layers of the story, drawing audiences deeper into the lives of these flawed characters. The series masterfully combines flashbacks and present-day scenes to reveal motives and hidden relationships, creating a web of suspense and intrigue. While the murder-mystery element drives the narrative, the story’s emotional weight rests on the characters’ strained relationships and societal pressures. This balance between mystery and drama is both compelling and refreshing.
Shot against the stunning backdrop of the Hamptons, the cinematography elevates the series, capturing the dichotomy of beauty and darkness within the affluent world of the characters. The lavish settings, paired with a haunting soundtrack, create an unsettling yet luxurious atmosphere that enhances the story’s tone.
While the series is an absorbing watch, the storyline sometimes stretches plausibility with a few twists that feel overly dramatized. At times, the show leans into melodrama, but the strong performances and complex character arcs keep it grounded enough to stay engaging. Fans of psychological thrillers might find the plot a bit predictable, but the character-driven drama and twists offer enough surprises to keep the experience fresh.
The Perfect Couple is a gripping watch for fans of high-stakes family drama and suspenseful thrillers. With a stellar cast, a visually captivating setting, and a storyline that keeps you hooked, it’s a binge-worthy series that digs deep into the layers of human relationships and the secrets we keep. This series is perfect for a weekend watch, delivering just the right amount of intrigue and emotional depth to satisfy thriller enthusiasts.
Rating: 4/5
Streaming
Dragon Ball Daima – A Fresh, Nostalgic Adventure for Dragon Ball Fans
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dragon Ball Daima has landed on Crunchyroll, and it’s a wild, unexpected, yet nostalgic ride that blends the classic energy of Dragon Ball with some bold new twists. This latest addition to the Dragon Ball universe doesn’t just revive the beloved characters and world – it reimagines them, serving up fan-favorite elements while introducing some surprises that make it feel fresh.
In Dragon Ball Daima, the story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious magic spell transforms Goku, Vegeta, and others into children. This reversion back to childlike forms brings a fun, youthful energy to the series that harks back to Dragon Ball GT. Yet, unlike GT, which was often divisive among fans, Daima leverages the “de-aging” twist to delve into new adventures with an old-school vibe. As the characters face familiar threats with newfound challenges in their younger bodies, the plot offers a balance of high-stakes action and a humorous, nostalgic tone that longtime fans will love.
Toei Animation outdid themselves with Dragon Ball Daima. The colors are vibrant, the action sequences are fluid, and the character designs blend the retro look of Dragon Ball Z with a modern twist. The reimagined character designs – especially seeing iconic fighters like Vegeta and Goku as kids again – add a fresh visual layer that makes the series feel lighthearted yet intense, capturing the unique spirit of Dragon Ball.
One of the best aspects of Daima is how it allows fans to reconnect with the characters in a fun new context. Goku’s mischievous personality shines in his younger form, and seeing Vegeta adjusting to being small again is a constant source of amusement. Their dynamic is still strong, yet with new challenges in the mix. The voice acting is top-notch, with Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta) bringing the characters to life in ways that feel familiar yet fresh.
Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t hold back on the action, delivering the classic fast-paced, energy-charged battles that fans love, albeit with some interesting limitations due to the characters’ transformed states. The action scenes are a perfect blend of old and new, with each battle sequence bringing out the strategic side of the characters as they work around their changed abilities. The pacing is also well-balanced, keeping the story engaging without feeling rushed or dragging on.