Saturday, February 27, 2021

We don’t need another Superman

 

This is going to be a different Fangirl Review article. This is an op-ed piece so buckle up and prepare yourself for the ride.

I have been with the CW since its switch over from the WB and I have enjoyed its various programming. Was I a heartbroken blerd when Clark never flew in Smallville; yes I was. I have now started to invest into the Arrowverse but only select shows and the crossovers.

I was excited when I learned of the show Black Lightning. Finally, a superhero show in the CW that is filled with people that look like me! The soundtrack alone was simply amazing and perfectly timed with the episode’s content.

It annoyed me to no end that this show was cancelled. I am sure they can justify it based on budgeting and viewership. But let’s be honest, the show did not receive the support it should have and was constantly kept separate from the other shows. Maybe if they did a better job at actually having the viewers of the other shows invest in Black Lightning it would have performed better. We were introduced to new super heroes of the Arrowverse by having the individuals appear in an already established show. We did not receive that with Black Lightning, frankly it felt like the show was purposely being segregated (yes, I use this term, deal with it) from the rest of Arrowverse.




I apologize for my previous paragraphs, I am going to get to my point now. I watch the CW shows every week and I have seen many advertisements on the new Superman show. I did not think anything of it until I actually clicked on Black Lightning in the CW app and that is when I realized that I have missed three episodes of this show. I was simply flabbergasted. I had to ask myself the question why have I not seen any advertisements especially since in the last few weeks I have watched at least two other CW shows. I have sat through advertisements about yet another Caucasian male superhero but I did not see one single advertisement for Black Lightning.

This is the show’s final season and I am beyond disappointed in the CW. Either promote all your shows equally or do not promote them at all. This show is too powerful to be pushed aside and forgotten. It depicts an educated Black family that is passionate and determined to love each other and save each other. It goes against so many stereotypes and it’s a beautiful representation. I had to write this article to tell the CW that they have to do better. To tell Hollywood as a whole that Black viewers want to see more of these types of shows. I am tired of the reality shows and the drug kingpin shows. There is so much more depth to Black and Brown viewers. There are more independent production companies coming about and bringing alternatives (KevOnStage Studios is out here doing amazing things) for viewers that it is time that Hollywood wake-up and realize that we do not need another Superman, we need representation if you want to keep us.

Comment below your thoughts. 

Post by VIkki

Friday, February 26, 2021

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES ‘ENDWALKER’ – THE LATEST EXPANSION FOR FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE

 


PlayStation®5 Version of the Critically Acclaimed MMO Also Announced

SQUARE ENIX® today unveiled Endwalker™, the highly anticipated fourth expansion pack for FINAL FANTASY® XIV Online, the award-winning MMO with over 20 million registered players.

Scheduled to release fall 2021 for PC, the PlayStation®5, the PlayStation®4 and Mac, Endwalker features the climax of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark story, in which Warriors of Light will encounter an even greater calamity than ever before as they travel to the far reaches of Hydaelyn and even to the moon. In addition to bringing the long-running story arc that began with A Realm Reborn™ to its conclusion, Endwalker will mark a new beginning for the beloved MMO, setting the stage for new adventures that longtime fans and new players can enjoy together.


Endwalker made its debut during the first-ever “FINAL FANTASY XIV Announcement Showcase” as Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida presented a stunning new trailer which set the stage for this next chapter in the FINAL FANTASY XIV Online epic. The trailer is available here: https://youtu.be/7-bkJ2ZoW6k

A new healer job, Sage, as announced at the showcase

During the showcase, Yoshida also revealed the upcoming PlayStation 5 version of FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, scheduled to launch into open beta on April 13, 2021. The PlayStation 5 version will feature numerous upgrades from the PlayStation 4 version, including significantly improved frame rates, faster load times, 4K resolution support and more. Players whose FINAL FANTASY XIV Online service account has a registered license for the PlayStation 4 version may download and play the PlayStation 5 Upgrade Version at no extra cost at the start of the open beta period, while new players can experience the game on the PlayStation 5 through the Free Trial. The full version of the game will be available on PlayStation 5 following the conclusion of the open beta.

A trailer highlighting the PlayStation 5 version’s features is available here: https://youtu.be/L7ZEkdtTp8o

Players will journey to new areas, including the city of Radz-at-Han

The new expansion will bring an abundance of new features, including multiple new jobs, an increased level cap, vast new areas, updates to the battle system, a variety of new challenges to overcome, as well as crafter and gatherer content. At the showcase, details on much of the new content and features were announced for Endwalker:

  • Journey to Thavnair, the imperial capital of Garlemald, and even the Moon!
  • New Jobs: Sage and more – A first look at the Sage in action can be seen here: https://youtu.be/ASTGVJLBX14
  • Level Cap Increase from 80 to 90
  • Expansive new areas, including Garlemald, Thavnair, and the city of Radz-at-Han.
  • A New Tribe: the Arkasodara
  • New threats, including Anima.
  • New Dungeons
  • New High-Difficulty Raid: Pandæmonium
  • Secrets Revealed in a New Alliance Raid Series
  • New Small-scale PvP Mode
  • An Additional “Trust” System ally: Estinien Wyrmblood
  • A New Residential District: Ishgard
  • Updates to the Gold Saucer
  • Relaxing Fun in Island Sanctuary
  • New Gear and Crafting Recipes
  • Expanded Horizons via the Data Center Travel System

New threats await, including the fearsome Anima

Fans can look forward to more information on Endwalker at the FINAL FANTASY XIV Digital Fan Festival 2021, scheduled for May 14-15, 2021. This fully digital Fan Festival event will be streamed free of charge on the official FINAL FANTASY XIV channels.

For more information on FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker, including press assets, please visit: https://press.na.square-enix.com
 
Having recently announced 20 million total registered players, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The recently expanded Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward™ expansion (and updates through Patch 3.56), as well as an additional playable race (Au Ra), and three additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to two full FINAL FANTASY titles, without limit on playtime.
 
Related Links
Endwalker Teaser Site: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/endwalker/
The Lodestone®: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/
Official Facebook®: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV
Official Twitter®: @FF_XIV_EN
Official Instagram®: @ffxiv
#FFXIV

Until next time, 

Vikki - Fangirl 






Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Vin Diesel's Bloodshot is nominated for Academy Awards

 


February 11th, 2021 – Valiant Entertainment’s first feature film BLOODSHOT is nominated on the 93rd Academy Awards shortlist!

BLOODSHOT earned a spot on the Academy Awards’ shortlist of nominees for best visual effects. Starring Vin Diesel and released by Sony Pictures, BLOODSHOT is the first feature film based on a Valiant Entertainment character. Bloodshot follows the story of a nanite-infused super soldier whose memory has been altered.
  
The action-packed movie was number one worldwide in both theaters as well as in digital release. In addition, the film received praise from fans, earning a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon Prime and a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and now is in the running for an Academy Award nomination.
  
Valiant is poised to become the next major universe of characters to take over Hollywood, with Valiant Entertainment’s second feature film, HARBINGER, partnering with Original Films and Paramount Pictures, with Justin Tipping set to direct. Harbinger portrays a group of outcast teens who discover they have latent superpowered abilities.
 
BLOODSHOT is now available on 4K/Blu-ray/DVD and digital wherever movies are sold. The next issue of the BLOODSHOT comic goes on sale February 24th.  

Until next time, 

Vikki - Fangirl 

Friday, February 19, 2021

Kingdom Hearts Series makes its way to PC

 



KINGDOM HEARTS SERIES DEBUTS ON PC VIA
THE EPIC GAMES STORE

Eleven magical experiences come to the Epic Games Store March 30, 2021

SQUARE ENIX®, Disney and Epic Games today announced that for the first time ever, the KINGDOM HEARTS series is coming to PC via the Epic Games Store on March 30, 2021. Announced as part of the Epic Games Store Spring Showcase 2021, PC gamers can join Sora, Donald and Goofy to play through two classic KINGDOM HEARTS collections along with the critically-acclaimed KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) and recently released rhythm-action title KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory, altogether delivering hundreds of hours of content across 11 magical experiences that make up “the Dark Seeker Saga.”
 
To watch the KINGDOM HEARTS series Epic Games Store Announcement Trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/BtSPwSvzVN8.
 
“It is truly a great pleasure to bring so many KINGDOM HEARTS adventures to PC gamers around the world,” said Producer Ichiro Hazama. “Our collaboration with Epic Games is one that stretches back to the development of KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and as part of this ongoing relationship, the team at Epic Games have been incredibly supportive in helping us make this a reality. I’m incredibly excited for so many new players to discover and enjoy the action, magic and friendship of KINGDOM HEARTS on PC.”
 
A full list of KINGDOM HEARTS titles coming to the Epic Games Store is as follows:
 
KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX

  • KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX
  • KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories
  • KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics)
  • KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX
  • KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX
  • KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded (HD Remastered cinematics)
KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
  • KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD
  • KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage–
  • KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover (movie)
KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC)
 
KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory
 
All four KINGDOM HEARTS titles are now available to pre-order digitally on the Epic Games Store. These titles have been rated E10+ by the ESRB. Those who purchase KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) will receive an exclusive Epic Games Store “Elemental Encoder” Keyblade to use in-game. For more information, visit: www.kingdomhearts.com
 
For the latest assets, visit: https://press.square-enix.com/
 
Related Links:
Official KINGDOM HEARTS Website: www.kingdomhearts.com
Official KINGDOM HEARTS Twitter: @KingdomHearts
Official KINGDOM HEARTS Facebook: @KingdomHearts
Official KINGDOM HEARTS YouTube: www.youtube.com/KingdomHearts
Official KINGDOM HEARTS Instagram: @KingdomHearts
#KingdomHearts
 
About the KINGDOM HEARTS Series
KINGDOM HEARTS is a series of role-playing games created through the collaboration of Disney and Square Enix. Since the first KINGDOM HEARTS was released in March 2002 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the series has expanded with several additional entries. The series celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2017 and has shipped over 33 million units worldwide. Most-recently, KINGDOM HEARTS III, in 2019, allowed players to join forces with Donald Duck and Goofy for the adventure of a lifetime traveling across worlds based on beloved films like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, and Monsters, Inc., and Walt Disney Studios’ Pirates of the CaribbeanBig Hero 6TangledFrozen and more. Since launch, the critically-acclaimed RPG has shipped more than five million units globally, both physically and digitally, making it the fastest selling game in the history of the series.


Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Fate: The Winx Saga Review

 


IMDB Synopsis: A live-action adaptation of Nickelodeon's Winx Club (2004). It follows Bloom as she adjusts to life in the Otherworld, where she must learn to control her dangerous magical powers.

Fangirl Thoughts:  I was introduced to this show by two different people and I figured I would sit down and watch it. When I first heard about it, I wondered if it had any connection to the Nickelodeon cartoon and I was surprised that I was correct. 

The show is a darker, edgier version of the cartoon and it immediately sucked me in. Sadly the main character Bloom follows the old trope of the choosen one that makes ridiculous selfish mistakes but continues to land on her feet. Why can't we have a character that is strong and makes good decisions? I do not think that is too hard of a concept. 

The graphics do not look like they were high budget but I can understand that as it was only green lit for six episodes to see if they would be fans for the show. Let me tell you! This show sucks you in quick and I highly recommend it. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters as well as the different types of magic used in the show. 

There are whispers of the show getting a second season but nothing has been officially announced by Netflix so I guess we just have to wait and see. 

Until next time, 

Vikki - Fangirl 

Monday, February 15, 2021

New D23 News: Raya and the Last Dragon, Marvel News, plus more

 



RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON SOARS ONTO THE NEW COVER OF DISNEY TWENTY-THREE, FEATURING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH KELLY MARIE TRAN, AWKWAFINA, AND THE CREATORS OF WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ EPIC NEW ADVENTURE

ANTHONY MACKIE AND SEBASTIAN STAN REVEAL NEW DETAILS ABOUT THE MARVEL STUDIOS SERIES THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER COMING TO DISNEY+

PLUS, CYNTHIA ERIVO ON FINDING HER VOICE FOR GENIUS: ARETHA, BRIAN HENSON ON HIS FATHER’S ENDURING LEGACY, AND JOHN STAMOS ON HIS LONGSTANDING LOVE OF DISNEY AND HIS NEW DISNEY+ SERIES

Disney fans are invited to explore the making of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ lush fantasy-adventure Raya and the Last Dragon in the new issue of Disney twenty-three, which features a stunning wrap-around cover created exclusively for the publication. The epic film follows the young warrior Raya on her quest to find the titular last dragon in an effort to save her land from encroaching darkness. Kelly Marie Tran (who plays Rose Tico in the Star Wars galaxy) gives voice to the warrior with Awkwafina (Marvel Studios’ upcoming Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings) as the fabled dragon. The two stars, along with directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, sit down to discuss creating this beautiful film that debuts in theaters and with Disney+ Premier Access on March 5.

In addition, a stunning fine art print of Raya concept artwork created by Disney animator and artist Paul Felix will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney starting March 8 in a limited edition of 500.

Also in the new issue of Disney twenty-three, which is available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan ClubThe Falcon and The Winter Soldier stars Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan and director Kari Skogland detail making the second Marvel Studios series for Disney+, and how these two characters deal with their return from “the blip.”

Fans around the world continue to enjoy the enduring legacy of Disney Legend Jim Henson. From Muppet Treasure Island (celebrating its 25th anniversary this year) and Dinosaurs (celebrating its 30th)—both available on Disney+—to Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which opened 30 years ago, Henson’s genius lives on in such diverse entertainment as The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as Muppets Now and Earth to Ned on Disney+. His son, director and producer Brian Henson, and puppeteers Dave Goelz and Bill Barretta discuss the longstanding relationship between Jim Henson’s creations and Disney.

Plus, Disney twenty-three sits down with superstar and Disney fan John Stamos to talk about his enduring love of the magic—from acquiring a certain theme park sign and DisneyBounding to his new Disney+ series Big Shot. Emmy®, and Tony Award®-winning actor Cynthia Erivo and the team behind Genius: Aretha reveal how they brought the legend to life.

Also included in the Spring issue of Disney twenty-three:

·  Director and producer Ron Howard reflects on his longstanding relationship with Disney

·  The stars and creative team behind Flora & Ulysses reveal high-flying details of the new Disney+ movie about a girl and her super-hero squirrel

·  Behind the blasters of the new Disney+ series Star Wars: The Bad Batch with Dee Bradley Baker

·  Captain America marks 80 super years in Marvel Comics

·  A look at Disney Legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston’s The Illusion of Life, a book that is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago

·  Recently retired Imagineering legend Joe Rohde toasts 15 thrilling years of Expedition Everest

·  Stunning images and amazing stores from National Geographic’s upcoming docuseries Secrets of the Whales

·  From the Desk of… Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning director Byron Howard (this fall’s Encanto)

·  Regular features including By the Numbers, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Additional details will be available at D23.com. Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of February.


About D23 The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive offers and discounts; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Until next time, 

Vikki - Fangirl