Movie Review: Last Call

By Kevin Hoskinson Last Call gives us two unique perspectives on the same situation. It’s an important film that deals with the dark side of mental health, but also gives us the bright side of what it means to be a caring human being. Presented in one take and using split-screen, it offers a story of regret, loss, and forgiveness, […]

Movie Review: Trolls World Tour

By Kevin Hoskinson Originally slated to debut in theaters, Trolls World Tour skipped its theatrical run and premiered at home due to COVID-19. It was a smart move on Dreamworks and Universal’s part to give those stuck in quarantine something new to enjoy, especially families desperate for new content after watching Frozen 2 for the hundredth time. And to tell […]

Pastrami Nation Podcast- SDCC 2020, Quibi, Animal Crossing, and Linebreakers Art Drive!

By Nolan P. Smith Join Nolan Smith, Eddie Aguirre and Kevin Hoskinson for a social distance, recorded Pastrami Nation podcast! On this episode we discuss the cancellation of the San Diego Comic Con, Quibi, Animal Crossing, Linebreakers Charity Art Drive and more! Check out video and audio versions below! www.pastramination.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pastramination Instagram: @pastramination Twitter: twitter.com/pastramination  

Comic-Con 2020, WonderCon Cancelled in Light of the Covid-19 Pandemic

By Staff Reports For the first time in its 50-year history San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC), the organizers behind the annual pop culture celebration, announced today with deep regret that there will be no Comic-Con in 2020. The event will instead return to the San Diego Convention Center from July 22-25, 2021. Recognizing that countless attendees save and plan for […]

Netflix Strikes First-Look Deal with Comic Book and Graphic Novel Publisher BOOM! Studios

By Staff Reports BOOM! Studios, the publisher behind best-selling Eisner Award-winning and fan-beloved comic book franchises, including Lumberjanes, Something is Killing the Children, Once & Future, and Mouse Guard, has signed a two-year TV first look deal with Netflix for live-action and animated series. “BOOM! characters are innately special, they’re colorful, diverse and varied and their stories have the power to […]

Movie Review: Onward

By Kevin Hoskinson The latest film from Pixar feels like a traditional offering from the studio, but it also sees the animation juggernaut try something a bit different. It hits all of the emotional buttons they are known for, all while exploring a world they have never ventured into before. The movie imagines a world where the world of fantasy […]

Movie Review: Doctor Sleep

By Kevin Hoskinson One would think that a follow up to The Shining, the 1980 film or the original novel, wouldn’t work, and understandably so. The film is a classic piece of cinema, and millions around the world slept with their lights on after reading the book. But leave it to author Stephen King to prove the naysayers wrong. In […]

Movie Review: Bloodshot

By Nolan P. Smith I held off on this review until the movie was released digitally, given the current COVID-19 situation with theaters being closed. Now that Bloodshot has hit the digital realm, let’s talk about the first-ever movie featuring a Valiant Comics hero. Directed by Dave Wilson, the film is based on the Valiant Comics hero Bloodshot, a mercenary […]

Movie Review: Jumanji- The Next Level

By Kevin Hoskinson While it’s an entertaining film, the latest in the Jumanji franchise never fires on all cylinders. It’s a film that balances the awe of the world with a mediocre plot and overblown set-pieces. It chooses spectacle over story, which is a shame because the cast is incredible, and the previous film was a welcome surprise.   Jumanji: The […]

Movie Review: Instant Family

  By Kevin Hoskinson When it comes to movies like Instant Family, it can be a hit or miss affair. Sometimes they are too sappy for their own good, talk down to their audience, or don’t know how to juggle the comedy and drama. Fortunately, for this film, they found a delicate balance between humor and drama that speaks to […]

Bravestorm Explodes onto DVD and VOD

By Staff Reports Two families must join forces to save Earth in timeline-hopping mecha-action film, BraveStorm, which makes its U.S. debut on DVD and VOD on April 7! Written and directed by Junya Okabe (TV’s “Blader”), the film stars Shunsuke Daitô (TV’s “Fringe Man”, “Tokyo Alice”) alongside Shu Watanabe (TV’s “Security of Justice”, “Giver: Revenge’s Giver”). In the year 2050, […]

“Free The Three”: 3 From Hell Review

  By Kevin Hoskinson From the twisted mind of Rob Zombie comes the third installment in the disturbing saga of the Firefly family. Starting in 2003 with “House Of 1,000 Corpses” and continuing in “The Devil’s Rejects,” Zombie has continued the story in “3 From Hell”, a captivating, if not conventional (by his standards) horror thriller. The story picks up […]

The Invisible Man (2020) Review

By Kevin Hoskinson Director Leigh Wanell’s updated version of Universal’s “The Invisible Man” is a pulse-pounding experiment in tension and horror. It exceeds expectations while also subverting modern horror tropes. It’s not an easy movie to watch, especially if you have been a victim of domestic violence or any abuse, but it’s a great movie that will make you second […]

Disney Halting Production of Live-Action Films

By Kevin Hoskinson Disney announced that they are halting production on all of their live-action films currently filming. They had multiple projects in the works, both for “Disney+” and theatrical release. Some of the films affected are: “The Last Duel” from Ridley Scott, “Nightmare Alley” from Guillermo Del Toro, and “The Little Mermaid” from Rob Marshall. According to the studio, […]

Pop Culture Crash: Major Events, Theme Parks, Movies and More Canceled or Postponed Due to Coronavirus

By Kevin Hoskinson First and foremost, our thoughts are with those affected by the Coronavirus around the world, and we are hoping this all comes to an end very soon. With the Coronavirus (or COVID-19) becoming more widespread across the globe, certain precautions are being taken to help contain it. While the CDC and the WHO suggest basic sanitary protocols […]

“This is the Way” Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con Brings Pop Cultures Biggest Stars to Las Vegas in 2020

By Staff Reports (Victor Valley)– As announced exclusively via ComicBook.com, Amazing Comic Conventions LLC is excited to announce that AMAZING LAS VEGAS COMIC CON! is returning to Las Vegas from June 26th to 28th with a FIRST WAVE of headline talent from Disney+ and Lucas Film’s The Mandalorian, Funimation’s My Hero Academia as well as some of the current biggest […]

Movie Review: Sonic The Hedgehog

By Kevin Hoskinson In the big-screen adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Sonic The Hedgehog,” Sonic must speed his way to San Fransisco to save himself and his best friend, Tom. Right behind them is the villainous Dr. Robotnik, who will stop at nothing to take down the speedy blue hedgehog and find out what makes him tick. What […]

NO TIME TO DIE – Listen to Billie Eilish’s Theme Song for the New Bond Movie

By Staff Reports Today, five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Darkroom/Interscope Records artist Billie Eilish has released her latest song, No Time To Die, the official theme song to the upcoming James Bondfilm. The song was produced by her brother; fellow multi GRAMMY® Award-winning FINNEAS alongside Stephen Lipson, with orchestral arrangements by Hans Zimmer and Matt Dunkley, and guitar from Johnny Marr. No Time To Die comes ahead of the film’s global release, which hits theatres from April 2 in the U.K. […]

Movie Review: Birds Of Prey

By Kevin Hoskinson In 2016, Warner Bros and DC debuted “Suicide Squad,” a film that was met with divisive reviews but did decently at the box office. While the film was a so-so affair, it showcased characters we hadn’t seen on the big screen before. Most notably, it was the live-action debut of one Harley Quinn. Played pitch-perfectly by Margot […]

Joaquin Phoenix Wins Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Oscar Awards for Joker- Watch His Inspirational Speech

By Nolan P. Smith At last night’s Oscars, there were plenty of amazing moments and speeches. But the one that stood out the most for me personally was Joaquin Phoenix’s speech after winning ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ for his portrayal in Joker. His speech was emotional, inspirational and authentic. Check it out below, and congrats to Joaquin for […]

Javier Bardem, Elle Fanning and Salma Hayek Star in THE ROADS NOT TAKEN | Watch the Official Trailer

By Nolan P. Smith Check out the trailer for The Roads Not Taken, hitting theaters March 13th! Bleecker Street will release THE ROADS NOT TAKEN in theaters, following the World Premiere at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival. Sally Potter’s THE ROADS NOT TAKEN follows a day in the life of Leo (Javier Bardem) and his daughter, Molly (Elle Fanning) […]

Sci-fi short ‘The Long Dig’ starring Kate Hackett, Cliff Simon and more premieres on Fangirl Nation

By Staff Reports Fangirl Nation has shared an exclusive first look at the short sci-fi film The Long Dig, starring Kate Hackett (Classic Alice), Paul Todd (Candice, Classic Alice), Sarah Cortez (Dear White People, Angie Tribeca) and Cliff Simon (Stargate SG-1, NCIS). The film was directed by Tom R. Pike (Personal Space) and written by Kate Hackett and Tom R. […]

Hero Collector Debuts Doctor Who Baking Sets

By Staff Reports Hero Collector – designers, manufacturers, and publishers of high-quality collectibles from across the worlds of pop culture – is joining the baking community with its latest Doctor Who collection; baking sets to help fans create treats that are officially out-of-this-world! These baking sets form part of Hero Collector’s new handicrafts range, with each decorated tin packed with […]

The High Desert Gets its Own Comic Con with JayZoMon’s Pop Culture Expo on February 8th

By Nolan P. Smith Editor For years, the High Desert has hoped for a comic con to take place right here in our community. On February 8th, it finally happens as JayZoMon’s Pop Culture Expo debuts at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds. Attendees can expect a plethora of things to enjoy with vendors, celebrities, comic dealers, toy & Collectibles, costumes, […]

1917 Review

By Kevin Hoskinson  From Sam Mendes, the director of American Beauty and Skyfall, comes an epic story of honor, friendship, and determination in the face of war. He once again teams with genius cinematographer Roger Deakins and creates a story that is equal parts inspirational and harrowing but also feels very familiar. The plot of the film is relatively simple. […]