Week 10. – Film News – Turtle Power Returns, Glowing Shadows
Turtle Power Unleashed: The Return of Mutant Mayhem
A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sequel is officially underway after the success of “Mutant Mayhem” in 2023. Directed by Jeff Rowe and penned by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the film reimagined the turtles as genuine teenagers and infused the storyline with a distinct fuzzy-pencil animation style and ’90s hip-hop beats. The sequel, slated for release on October 9, 2026, promises to maintain the same creative team and cast, including Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, and Ayo Edebiri as April O’Neal. With the introduction of the formidable villain Shredder, director Jeff Rowe hints at even higher stakes, challenging the beloved characters in ways they’ve never faced before.
While fans eagerly await the sequel, they can indulge in other “Turtacular” experiences. A tie-in cartoon series titled “Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Turtles” is set to bring back the full array of half-shelled heroes, while an upcoming video game is also in development. These additional ventures promise to deliver more of the mayhem and excitement that fans loved in “Mutant Mayhem,” ensuring that the Turtle Power phenomenon continues to captivate audiences in various forms of entertainment.
Tron: Ares – Journey Beyond the Grid
Tron fans, rejoice! The highly anticipated third installment in the Tron franchise, titled “Tron: Ares,” has been in production since January, helmed by director Joachim Rønning. Excitement reached new heights with the release of the first glimpse of Jared Leto donning the iconic suit as the titular character. This sneak peek promises a visually stunning return to the Grid, capturing the essence of the digital realm that fans have come to love.
In “Ares,” Leto’s character embarks on a crucial mission that transcends the digital world, thrusting him into our reality and initiating humanity’s first encounter with artificial intelligence beings. This intriguing premise raises questions about the fate of Olivia Wilde’s character, Quorra, from the previous installment, “Tron: Legacy.” Will her absence be explained, or does her story intersect with the events of “Ares” in unexpected ways?
Joining Leto in this cinematic journey are a talented ensemble cast including Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. With such a diverse and skilled lineup, fans can anticipate dynamic performances that will further enrich the Tron universe and deepen the narrative complexity.
With production in full swing, and barring any unforeseen technical glitches, “Tron: Ares” is set to illuminate UK cinemas next year. As anticipation builds and speculation swirls about the plot’s twists and turns, one thing is certain: Tron enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting their return to the Grid in this thrilling new chapter of the franchise.
“I’m excited to be part of the Tron franchise and bring this new film to fans around the world,” says Rønning. “Tron: Ares builds upon the legacy of cutting-edge design, technology and storytelling. Now more than ever, it feels like the right time to return to the Grid.”
Glowing Realities: A Journey Through Shadows
I Saw The TV Glow” offers a poignant narrative reminiscent of Gregg Araki’s style, centering on Owen’s struggle to navigate suburban life. Portrayed by Ian Foreman in his younger years and primarily by Smith, Owen grapples with parental issues, contending with an overbearing mother (played by Danielle Deadwyler) and a controlling father (portrayed by Fred Durst). However, his life takes a transformative turn upon forming a bond with schoolmate Maddy (Lundy-Paine).
Their shared fascination with the enigmatic late-night series, “The Pink Opaque,” akin to Buffy-style YA horror, unveils a supernatural realm beneath their mundane existence. As Owen delves deeper into the show’s mysteries, his perception of reality begins to fracture, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Accompanied by a captivating soundtrack featuring artists like Yeule and Caroline Polachek, “I Saw The TV Glow” promises to deliver a neon-drenched exploration of emotions and terror. With its compelling premise and immersive storytelling, the film captivates audiences with its portrayal of adolescent struggles and the allure of escapism through television.
Scheduled for release in the United States on May 3rd, “I Saw The TV Glow” has yet to confirm a UK premiere date. As anticipation mounts for this cinematic journey into the depths of imagination and fear, audiences eagerly await the opportunity to immerse themselves in its captivating narrative and atmospheric visuals.
Crow’s Resurgence: A Tale of Melancholic Vengeance
After years of anticipation and development, a new iteration of “The Crow” is finally on the horizon, set to release this year. With Bill Skarsgård stepping into the role of the tragic Eric Draven and Rupert Sanders taking the directorial helm, fans are eager to witness this long-awaited adaptation of James O’Barr’s graphic novel. The first images from the film offer a glimpse into the visual style and tone of this revitalized interpretation, sparking curiosity and excitement among audiences.
O’Barr’s original narrative revolves around Eric, a young man brutally murdered alongside his fiancée Shelly by a gang. Resurrected by a supernatural crow, Eric embarks on a quest for vengeance against those responsible for their deaths. While Alex Proyas’ 1994 film reimagined the story with a focus on rock musician Eric Draven, Sanders’ version seems poised to stay true to O’Barr’s dark and haunting themes of loss and retribution.
The history of “The Crow” franchise is marked by tragedy, notably the on-set death of star Brandon Lee during the filming of the original movie. Despite subsequent sequels and a television series, the franchise’s legacy has been mixed critically and commercially. However, Sanders’ adaptation, co-written by Zach Baylin and William Schneider, holds promise for revitalizing the franchise with a fresh perspective and contemporary relevance.
Sanders describes the film’s tone as akin to a Cure song, evoking a sense of melancholic beauty that resonates with the essence of the story. As anticipation builds for the release of a trailer following the image reveal, audiences are left to ponder Skarsgård’s portrayal of Eric Draven and the visual aesthetic of this new chapter in “The Crow” saga, set to hit theaters on June 7th.
