Today we are going to look at several challenges the MCU has been facing recently. We will review how they could respond to them, and whether we think their response will be enough.

Far From Satisfactory

So what problems is the MCU encountering at the moment? Well firstly, as Tatiana Siegel has pointed out, the franchise has had to drastically change its plans after Jonathan Majors, who was to play Kang the Conquerer, the MCU’s next big villain, was charged with domestic violence. The MCU, therefore, has to change all of its plans to pivot away from Majors. This will require time and money to do as the character was apparently already a major part of several upcoming projects.

A tall order but as the world’s most successful franchise the MCU has access to the capital to shift things. However, the franchise has also just had its worst box office performance ever with The Marvels. Regardless of its overall quality, The Marvels marks the first time an MCU film has made an outright box office loss. Which could signal the start of more uncertainty in the studio’s box office footing.

Additionally, we have seen many stories about Marvel butting heads with its creatives. VFX artists who work for Marvel have recently made moves to unionise in the face of large workloads and a lack of adequate time management and compensation. The studio has also faced many accusations of undercutting its creatives work through constantly changing direction and underpaying its writers. Something that might not be viewed favorably in the aftermath of the industry strikes.

Plus with much discussion about Marvel potentially losing its audiences as they age or become alienated by the number of intertwined movies, Marvel could be in trouble if it doesn’t think of solutions fast.

No Way Out?

So what is Marvel planning on doing? Well as Siegel stated there are talks about the potential of bringing back the original Avengers stars for a new film which could regain fan confidence and box office attendance. Marvel has also already announced that releases would be slowing down to try to retain good-quality output.

There is also potential to reinvigorate the franchise with the release of the new projects that Disney got from Fox. Coupled with the incorporation of the Netflix properties.

And Marvel is also taking steps to change the direction of some of its upcoming projects. Marvel even plans to have dedicated executives oversee the development of its television projects. Which will hopefully produce more focused results.

Marvel’s Endgame

It is entirely possible to see Marvel bounce back. Dialling back the number of productions to combat audience fatigue and allow more time for creatives to make good films and deal with the troubles currently faced by too many titles and Jonathan Major’s departure is a positive thing. However, the MCU is still at risk if it doesn’t fix its attitude towards creatives and think about its overarching goal.

With some of its VFX artists now unionised (which could hopefully influence more artists) Marvel will have to operate with more regard for its workers if it wants to keep them on board in the future. This means they should expect higher production costs/time if they want good quality end results. Equally, if the company doesn’t fix its relationship with writers and directors, it’s easy to see the brand being avoided by many creatives. If Marvel wants to continue making these movies it needs creatives onside to keep people watching. The recent strikes taught us that Hollywood cannot live without its creative blood and if the studios refuse to recognize their contributions then the price will be costly.

And if the MCU still aims to indefinitely produce interconnected media then it will eventually begin to alienate audiences as individual projects keep requiring more and more things to be watched. Marvel certainly needs to think more about its plans for the future.

Also Read: The MCU Phase 4: Dividing Audiences?

The post Marvel Cinematic Universe: From A Love To Hate Relationship appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Say my name!

Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) lives with his girlfriend Brianna (Teyonah Parris) in Chicago, and both are extremely passionate about art. She’s an art curator, and he’s a painter trying to make a name for himself. However, while his work about gentrification shows a lot of creativity, passion and authenticity (or at least according to us), the critics and gallery owners aren’t fond of his work. To please them, Anthony is using the Cabrini-Green housing project as his next inspiration. Sadly, those now-abandoned buildings have more secrets than he could have imagined. He meets William Burke (Colman Domingo) during his observation, who tells him about the famous killer ‘Candyman’, who saw death and destruction in the ‘90 with his hook.

Anthony is instantly captivated by this legend. He doesn’t only use it as a source of inspiration, but he also does what he shouldn’t do—saying Candyman five times while looking in the mirror. As anyone knows, with this act, you summon the killer. Soon, the art world is being struck by unexplainable deaths, which has an odd positive impact on McCoy’s success. The more deaths occur, the more successful McCoy becomes and the more he gets sucked into the Candyman story to the point his passion for it becomes an obsession…

Impressive talent emerging

Those who have seen the first two movies will notice that the protagonist in this film has changed. Instead of a white woman, it’s now a black man analyzing the Black legend. However, the original topics such as race, community, gentrification and police brutality are still present. Despite the slight change in the protagonist, DaCosta’s approach has definitely taken the Candyman story and this movie to a whole new level.

First of all, because she allows stunning new talent to shine. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman) puts on a terrific and authentic performance. He brings real emotions to the screen, thanks to which the story is more alive than ever. Parris (If Beale Street Could Talk, Where Children Play) does an impeccable job, too, as the compassionate and headstrong woman. While she delivers every line with a lot of power, she excels by showing her characters’ emotions through facial expressions. We can’t wait to see what her next collaboration (The Marvels) with DaCosta will bring.

The supporting actors are definitely also ones to watch (even more). Domingo (Zola, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) his performance is certainly a strong one we will never forget. There’s also some lightness in the film thanks to the fun and cheerful performance by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (The Kid Who Would Be King, Benjamin) as Brianna’s brother.

A horror movie wouldn’t be a horror movie without jump scares, gore scenes and unnerving moments. When it comes to jump scares, Candyman is a little bit of a let-down. You know that if people say Candyman five times in the mirror that something terrible will happen, so the element of surprise isn’t just fully effective anymore. However, there’s an abundance of gore and nerve-racking moments. Those are mainly because of the stunningly shot scenes and the stunning makeup effects.

Not only the use of mirrors is terrific but also the use of music. Music is undoubtedly vital to the Candyman movies, and it’s not different this time. Every non-dialogue scene is full of music that gives this movie a modern, horror, and captivating vibe.

A stylish, ambitious and exciting horror sequel

Making a sequel is never easy, especially not when you didn’t write or direct the first movie. However, DaCosta takes on that difficult job with a lot of grace and dignity. Together with an exceptional cast, she creates stunningly looking shots. These scenes will make you cringe in a very way, though and overall, an extremely stylish, ambitious and exciting horror sequel.

Candyman is out now in U.K. cinemas

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: What Happens To Your Brain Watching A Horror Movie?

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Review: Candyman appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Today we’re looking through 8 exciting upcoming horror releases that will (hopefully) release this year. We will give a brief synopsis of what we know about these films. And explain why you should be excited to see them.

1. In the Earth (30th January – Sundance Film Festival)

Ben Wheatley’s latest film focuses on a scientist and a park scout going on an equipment run after a virus infects the world (topical). Wheatley’s projects are always fascinating thanks to his ability to get great performances from his actors and effectively build atmosphere. In the Earth also sees Wheatley round up prior collaborators, including Reece Shearsmith (A Field in England), Hayley Squires, and Mark Monero (Happy New Year, Colin Burstead). Let’s hope this is another winner.

2. The Blazing World (31^st January – Sundance Film Festival)

Carlson Young’s debut feature is about a woman drawn into a surreal world where her sister is still alive. This movie deserves more attention from the trailer alone. The candy-coloured lighting juxtaposes brilliantly against a foreboding soundtrack and frightening images. Like a smiling man in black, and a worried girl amongst her smiling friends. The Blazing World looks like David Lynch meets Suspiria (1977). What a nightmarish treat.

3. Prisoners of the Ghostland (1^st February – Sundance Film Festival)

From cult director Sion Sono (Suicide Club and Love Exposure) this action, horror, thriller follows a notorious criminal (Nicolas Cage) who must break an evil curse to recover a missing girl. While the story sounds generic the pairing of Cage’s and Sono’s odd talents could lead to another Cage cult horror hit like Mandy and Colour Out of Space. With production stills showing Nic Cage’s quintessential mania, Prisoners of the Ghostland looks like a fun time.  

4. Morbius (19^th March)

This MCU adjacent Sony movie focuses on Morbius, the living vampire. Jared Leto plays brilliant biochemist Michael Morbius whose experiments to cure himself of a disease result in him developing abilities such as super strength, echolocation, and gaining a thirst for human blood. With a horror-inspired aesthetic Morbius looks like a welcome attempt to try something different from other MCU films. Let’s hope this horror comic book film lands better than New Mutants.

5. Last Night in Soho (23^rd April)

When a young woman obsessed with 1960s fashion travels back in time and meets her idol things take a dark turn as time begins falling apart. Last Night in Soho comes to us from Edgar Wright. Wright”s track record alone should entice anyone to see this movie. And with a cast that includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Terence Stamp, Rita Tushingham, and the late Diana Rigg, Last Night in Soho should be on everyone’s radar.

6. The Green Knight (30^th July)

Whenever A24 releases a new horror film the horror community takes notice. Starring Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, David Lowery’s latest project reimagines the classic folktale with a decidedly darker edge. The trailer should excite any horror fan. Full of creeping camerawork, unnerving music, and nightmarish fantasy creatures, The Green Knight looks set to please fans of the niche studio.

7. Candyman (2021) (27^th August)

With Tony Todd returning as the iconic villain, Jordan Peele (Get Out and Us) contributing to the screenplay and producing the film, which will be a spiritual sequel rather than a remake of the classic film, and promising new director Nia DaCosta helming the project all of this adds up to a film that looks to be respecting the legacy of the original Candyman while offering something that looks fresh and new.

8. Malignant (2021 TBA)

Finally, little is known about this project, but it’s a reportedly original idea from horror master James Wan. Who birthed great modern horror films like Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring movies. And honestly, that pedigree is all you should need to be excited.

There you have 8 upcoming horror releases you should watch (if possible) this year. Are there any future horror releases you’re anticipating? Please let us know.

Also Read: The Best Horror Films of the Decade

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post A Horror Fans Film Guide To 2021 appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.