Monday, March 18, 2019

New Avengers: Endgame and Shazam Trailers, James Gunn and Guardians, In Flames Review, DIY MFA, and Ninja News

Movie News


Good news! James Gunn has been reinstated as the director-writer of Guardians of the Galaxy III.
Gunn was fired last year after some decade-old social media comments surfaced.
According to Deadline:
The social media messages were indefensible, but the filmmaker never did anything but blame himself for poor judgment displayed at a time when he was emerging from the Troma film factory and attempting to be a provocateur. There were no reports that Gunn ever engaged in the behavior he lampooned.
The entire cast of the film was outspoken in its desire to have Gunn back, saying that those satiric tweets did not match his personal actions.
Gunn didn’t murder or rape anyone, he didn’t abuse animals or people – he just said some dumb things ten years ago. This was mob mentality condemnation. Disney was wrong to fire him, but at least they hired him back.
And now we’ll get a third Guardians movie that doesn’t suck!

In case you missed the new Avengers: Endgame trailer last week:



There’s also a second international trailer for Shazam:



Despite being a DC fan, I was wary when I saw the first trailer, but a recent early screening revealed that this film knocks it out of the park.

Here is a tweet from @AshCrossan:
#Shazam was damn near PERFECT in my book. My FAVORITE DC movie (DCEU? What are we saying now?) by far. Pure of heart, incredibly funny, full of in-jokes and references. Brought me a childlike joy to watch. This role was MADE for @ZacharyLevi... & Jack & Asher & the entire cast

Read dozens of comments on the movie at JoBlo’s.

Review – In Flames: I the Mask

Every review I read regarding this band begins with a caveat explaining that the classic In Flames is gone and will never return. And while I don’t disagree with that statement, I appreciate that as a band ages and matures, their sound hopefully matures along with them.
So yes, the classic days of Colony and Clayman are gone. But I dig the new sound. Building on their Gothenburg, Sweden roots, it’s still heavy yet melodic and catchy.
It took a few listens for this album to grow on me, but I think it’s their strongest release in years.
Highly recommended.


Ninja News

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group will have some exciting news soon regarding this year’s anthology contest. Be sure to check out the site on April 3!

The A to Z Challenge is celebrating its tenth year. Ten years ago, a hundred of us made a commitment to post the alphabet daily for a month and at its height, there were over two thousand participants.
I stepped down as a co-host and no longer participate, but it’s still a great way to meet people and stretch yourself. Signups are open, so visit the site for details.



New Release:
Three Passports to Trouble by Sean McLachlan
Interzone Mystery Book 2
Back in the days when Tangier was an International Zone, the city was full of refugees. People fleeing Stalin. People fleeing Franco. People fleeing the Nuremburg Trials. Tangier offered a safe haven from the chaos of Europe.
The International Council had to keep a delicate balance, tolerating everything from anti-capitalist agitators to Germans with murky pasts. It was the only way to keep the peace, and it worked.
Until an anarchist was found dead with a fascist dagger in his chest.
And I got stuck with the case just when I had to smuggle a couple of Party operatives out of town.
Find it on Amazon

DIY MFA


We are partnering with DIY MFA this spring to bring you a great program for writers.

Before we announce details, we’ll be sharing several of their learning podcasts.

The next one is Episode 233: Crafting the Victorian Novel — Interview with David Morrell.

Check it out and be watching next month for details about the program.


Glad Guardians III has its writer-director back? Excited for Endgame and Shazam? Fan of In Flames? Participating in the A to Z Challenge? And want to guess on the IWSG anthology contest news?

71 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - I 'noted' the James Gunn episode ... but no more than that - but I'm pleased people supported James and he's going to go back to directing and writing. While Sean's book looks intriguing. Good luck to all A-Z participants - and thank you for setting the A-Z challenge up and I so nearly joined that year, was longing to do so - but had my theme for year 2! I'm not participating this year ... the Writers programme looks interesting - thanks for all you do for us - cheers Hilary

nashvillecats2 said...

Great newsy post Alex. Enjoyed the trailers. I have signed up for the A to Z again, my motto this years as I've had many problems is,
"Compete and hopefully Complete".

Enjoy this new week.
Yvonne.

Pat Hatt said...

Firing him over that was stupid, especially since he genuinely apologized and isn't a Spacey type. Avengers and Shazam both look good. Enjoyed Chuck so would give Shazam a go anyway.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

I first became familiar with James Gunn as the husband of Jenna Fischer (Pam on The Office) and their appearance together in the 2004 mockumentary LolliLove which I own on DVD. It's good to see Gunn owning his mistake and back in action doing what he does best.

I enjoyed both superhero movie trailers. I appreciate a humorous approach, and the tweet that Shazam "Brought me a childlike joy to watch" seals the deal.

Have a great week, good buddy Alex!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Looking forward to GotG 3 and Endgame!

Joanne said...

I look forward to reading various A to Z posts. Did not prep at all to participate. Endgame looks awesome. Shazaam looks weird, but we'll see. I'm ready for some decent summer flicks. Captain Marvel gave us a spark, but we need MORE in the theaters.
Have a good week

Mason Canyon said...

So looking forward to seeing the new Galaxy movie and Endgame. I've never participated in A to Z but I've enjoyed visiting those who have.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I love the Guardians movies and I'm so glad they rehired the director.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I participated in A-Z a few times - it was a ton of work but also a lot of fun. Good luck to all those taking part this year!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hilary, some years it's just not possible to participate.

Yvonne, like the hopeful part.

Pat, Kevin Spacey dug his own grave.

Shady, I'll have to look for that mockumentary.

Joanne, yes, more superheroes!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Is this the same Shazam that was on Saturday mornings when we were kids (there was a partner show, Isis, I think?)

Jemi Fraser said...

I did A-Z once or twice an dit is a great way to make friends and get in the blogging habit. I won't be participating either but I'll cheer from the sidelines!

The Angry Lurker said...

Looking forward to some more superhero shenanigans but some fans out there are toxic on anything lately!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I haven't done the A to Z Challenge in some time, but I do like to look in on the list of blogs and visit a few here and there. It's still the best challenge for bloggers (in my humble opinion).

Computer Tutor said...

These movies are something my son and I enjoy together. Always look forward to new releases!

John Wiswell said...

Shazam looks so freaking cute and funny. I'm definitely looking forward to it.

kaykuala said...

Gunn got back his job. Kudos for good sense prevailed! Hank joining in again for the A to Z Challenge, no break since 2014.

Hank

Birgit said...

Shazam looks like geek out, Nerdy fun and I am looking forward to it. I am really looking forward to Endgame. I still have to see the 2nd Galaxy film but I think, if we look at what everyone wrote or said from 10 year, 20 yrs , 30 yrs back and they have since learned that being an idiot is not the way to go, let it be. There are some that still think the same way in which case, I say not to let it go but it sounds like this kid was an idiot and said dumb ass things that he regrets and no longer believes in. This year I am not participating in the A to Z. I will look every day though

Arlee Bird said...

I guess in our age it's best to avoid saying anything the least bit controversial or what might someday become controversial--in other words shut up and don't express opinions. The world has gone crazy methinks. No wonder everybody is looking for a superhero to put things back in order.

Thanks for the A to Z shout-out. We miss your presence, but appreciate your ongoing support.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Lynda Dietz said...

It's hard to believe the A to Z is ten years old already! I have only been able to participate twice (2014 and 2018) and it looks like this year can't happen, but I plan on visiting and encouraging everyone else. It's a great way to get to know new people in the blogging world.

Andrew Leon said...

Shazam looks to be the first actually good DC movie since...
ever.

Mary Kirkland said...

I think we've all done or said stupid things as far back as 10 years ago. So I'm glad that they're able to look beyond that and bring him back on. And Endgame looks so good. I'm really looking forward to it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, yes! But this one doesn't look so cheesy.

Fran, yes they are...

Hank, good for you!

Birgit, well said! And you need to see the second Galaxy film soon.

Lee, you said it.

Andrew, you're forgetting...most of them.

Rhonda Albom said...

That first story is such a good reminder to people to be careful what you write and post on Social Media. It can come back and haunt you later. A moment of bad judgement got him fired years later.

As for AtoZ, that's where I met you. I was even one of your ninjas - twice I think. My style is so different now, but it sure was a fun way to meet amazing people.

J E Oneil said...

I was glad to read that James Gunn was rehired. I thought it was ridiculous that he was fired when so many people who have done much worse things who get to stay on their jobs. He actually apologized and admitted it was a crappy thing to do.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Thanks for sharing the trailers. I'm ready to see BOTH movies! I might actually do it, too! Hahahaha!

Natalie Aguirre said...

I'm excited to hear about the DIY MFA partnership. Hope you don't keep us in suspense too much longer.

Susan Kane said...

OHBOY to all of it!! Gunn is back!

AND Game of Thrones has only 1 month to go!

Life is good.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

This digging up tweets and such makes Big Brother look like a nice guy.

I listened to that podcast and it's awesome. If I was daring, I'd try the A-Z again. I finished once; dropped out once. Or maybe I should just try to keep my head above water for a bit.

Truedessa said...

Happy Monday Alex,

I am glad to hear fans will get a Guardians of the Galaxy III. Shazam looks to be a good movie and I will probably go see it.

I am curious about the IWSG contest news.

I hope you are still writing. I enjoyed all of your books and short stories.

Have a great week!

Liz A. said...

Wow, I missed the whole Gunn thing. I heard vague references, but I have no idea what he said or the firing, or...

Tonja Drecker said...

I'm glad he'll be directing again. And I'll be watching A to Z from the sidelines again this year (being lazy ;) )

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Alex! Can't wait to hear the anthology news! I'm looking forward to GOGIII. Terry and I watched Deadpool 2 on Saturday night. You were right; it was great! I'm wishing all the A to Z participants well. My plate is still way too full. Have a good one!

J.H. Moncrieff said...

We live in scary times, when people can be fired for the smallest social-media faux pas (or even a perceived one). Look what happened to Chuck Wendig.

At least this one was corrected. That gives one hope.

Patsy said...

The A-Z is ten years old? Gosh.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rhonda, you were a Ninja! And meeting you and others is the best part of the Challenge.

JE, exactly!

Natalie, next month!

Elizabeth, that's what I plan to do.

Truedessa, I worked on my story this past weekend.

Louise, Deadpool is wrong but oh so funny.

Sherry Ellis said...

I wasn't sure about Shazam, either. It seemed kind of corny. Glad to hear it's okay. My husband and I saw Alita this past weekend. (He opted for that rather than the Marvel movie, which surprised me.) That was pretty good. Have you seen it? (It seems there will be more because it ended unresolved.)

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see Gunn is back on Guardians. Shazam looks fun and I know hubby is interested in it.

Mark Koopmans said...

Also saw/read about the James Gunn thing, and felt that the Mob had won again... you know there are trolls spending all day looking for fodder to feed the Mob, so that is good to hear Disney hired him back. Common sense wins for once!

Sandra said...

Endgames looks intense. And they're wearing uniforms!

Botanist said...

Sadly, mob mentality seems to be the norm these days. Show me someone who hasn't done or said something when they were young that they'd never think of doing/saying today?

Raimey Gallant said...

So much exciting news! A new anthology, the DIY MFA partnership, wow. And I had no idea you were one of the first AtoZ-ers. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sherry, I saw it opening weekend and liked it. There are many stories in the graphic novels, so there could be more movies.

Mark, it did!

Ian, that person doesn't exist.

Raimey, I was, and participated for seven years.

Christine Rains said...

Yay for Gunn being back! It wouldn't be as good without him. Shazam looks hilarious. I just hope it will be so in a good way! The A to Z Challenge is ten years old? Wow. Can't wait to see what some of the themes will be this year. :)

Murees Dupè said...

I like Guardians of the Galaxy, so this is good news for me. I always learn about bands I'm not familiar with here, so I get to check them out and listen to their music.

Lisa said...

I love Guardians, so am happy for that, and hope he is truly contrite for what he did back then. Good thing he isn't a politician. They don't get second chances.
The Shazam film looks great! I love that comedic vein running through it. Part of what makes the Guardians so great. And, I like knowing there is a Guardians III, because after Avengers, well... I can't wait to see that one, too!
I'm hoping to brave the AtoZ this year. Already signed up and have up to N posts all ready to go. Wish us luck!

LD Masterson said...

I'm glad James Gunn is back. We all say stupid stuff at some point in our lives. It shouldn't define who we are or what we can do.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I don't know what Gunn said or tweeted, but I'm sure that ten years ago, nobody realized how dumb things you put on the internet would come back to haunt you later. There's a big difference between saying something stupid and acting on it. Glad to know he was hired back.

Al Penwasser said...

That Avengers trailer is awesome. I especially liked the inclusion of Captain Marvel at the end (good grief, I may just have to see that movie).
For what it's worth, I liked Thor with longer hair.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Whoah! The A to Z challenge is having its ten year anniversary? My life seems to be going by so quickly. I'm excited that James Gunn is returning for Guardians 3. People these days need to practice more forgiveness. This whole idea of "unforgiveable sin" for lack of a better word is just moving our country into a very bad place.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm excited about lots of upcoming entertainment. And really glad we're getting a Guardians III. I like Zachary Levi so I'll be checking out Shazam. I miss the A to Z but there's no way I have time for it anymore.

Sandra said...

Shazam looks like fun:)

Erika Beebe said...

I love Guardians of the galaxy. I did see Agent Marvel this past week and thought of you. It was amazing!

Helena said...

Good luck to James Gunn, whose firing reminded me of dumb things I said or did years ago. The current climate of rigid thought-and-words policing is scary. Whatever happened to forgiveness when a person is genuinely regretful? We all want forgiveness and redemption for things we've done.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lisa, good luck with the Challenge. Shazam looks like it has some great comedy. And I can think of a recent presidential candidate that did something very illegal and got away with it...

LD, exactly!

Al, so did my wife. Now, go see Captain Marvel.

Michael, there is only one unforgivable sin, and what he did wasn't it.

Erika, glad you enjoyed it.

Helena, God forgives, and more people need to forgive.

Anonymous said...

The cover for In Flames rocks! I love it!

No A-Z for me this year. I'm stepping away from blogging until May.

Glad that Gunn was able to direct again. Goodness knows I'm not the same person I was ten years ago.

Elsie

Donna K. Weaver said...

I have an aversion to cliffhangers, so we haven't seen Infinity War yet, but I'm excited to watch it once End Game comes out and I can have resolution.

Sandra said...

Congrats on the 10 year anniversary of A-Z. 2K participants. That's huge.

mail4rosey said...

I'll be there (hopefully opening night) for the newest Avengers. Those types of movies are always my fave! We just saw Captain Marvel and I thought it was good!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, there you go - watch one and then immediately go see the second one.

Roses, glad you enjoyed it.

Nicki Elson said...

Hooray for Gunn being back!!!

I hope this move is the beginning of the end of people being skewered and careers ended over poor judgment in the distant past. But somehow I think that's too much to hope for...

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I'm glad Gunn was rehired, too. Lots of people say and do stupid things when they're young. All I can say is I'm glad things like Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube weren't around when I was young. At least, the stupid things I did weren't recorded for posterity.

Sorry, but when I hear "Shazam," I think of Gomer Pyle...

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Why is it that A-Z comes up even faster than the holidays?
Hi, Alex. I hope you're well. I'm back from a digital detox and trip. I'll be posting soon, with a dedicated pic for you (and other bloggies).
Be well.
Robyn

DMS said...

I always love reading A-Z posts, though I haven't participated in posting for it. Can't believe it is already just about that time. Good luck to all participating. :)
~Jess

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Fascinating stuff here as usual, Alex. My daughter loves these films and has shown me the one trailer before. Unfortunately, I can't commit to the A to Z challenge. More power to all of those who do it. Bravo! And Bravo to you too, sir, for organizing all of this. Have a wonderful week!

Jennifer Lane said...

Hi, Alex! Yes IWSG has been very supportive.

I dislike when people get fired for saying stupid things. I also dislike when some people get forgiven but others do not based on their politics.

Happy writing and blogging!

Jennifer Lane said...

Hi Alex, I'm not sure if my comment posted--I've been having trouble with cookies/cache since I got my new laptop, for some reason. Anyway, I do find IWSG very supportive! :-D

Magic Love Crow said...

I am so happy James Gunn has been reinstated! Happy Dance! So excited for the New Avengers! Congrats to Sean for his new release! Take Care Alex!

Trisha said...

I love Guardians - I must have missed this controversy, but we wouldn't want to change anything about the magic formula that makes these amazing movies.

XmasDolly said...

Well, I came over to search to see if you put a review on Sandra Bullock's movie because I really wanted to go see it, and personally I do agree with you regarding the story itself, but Sandra really took it away. Guess I just like her. I personally didn't like that they put kids through something like that, but then again it's only a movie.. they probably had fun! Have a great weekend my friend. I personally slept late today. One of the rare days.

Fundy Blue said...

Alex, the link on the IWSG website for Wednesday's co-hosts is not working for Yvonne Ventresca. Thought that you might like to know.