2021 Fall Preview: 10 Most Anticipated Movies

Dune

Are the movies back? Frankly, they never left, but movies haven’t felt special in over a year due to the challenges of the pandemic. Studios continue to push the dates back on films, which is the equivalent of punching me square in the face. I’m looking at you, Top Gun: Maverick and Mission Impossible 7.

However, the fall slate of upcoming movies looks very promising. It’s a great mix of tentpole blockbusters and Oscar contenders. In other words, movies made for me are coming out this Fall and for that, I salute you, Hollywood.

Below are my 10 most anticipated movies for Fall 2021. Studios, don’t you dare push these films back to 2022. We, the people, need these films!

No Time to Die

It’s the Bond swan song for Mr. Daniel Craig as he drinks his last martini in No Time to Die. The world has waited 6 years for 007 to return to the big screen, which is the longest wait between Bond films since the 6-year wait between 1989’s License to Kill and 1995’s Goldeneye. Craig’s films have been both critically acclaimed and box office hits, and this franchise will miss his presence. Before we start photoshopping Idris Elba into a tuxedo, let’s enjoy one last go-round with the baby blue spy.

No Time to Die will be released in theaters on October 8.

The Rescue

Ladies and gentlemen, the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature goes to The Rescue. Mark it down now because there’s no way this film loses in March. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the filmmaking duo behind the Oscar-winning Free Solo, return to direct The Rescue, the story of the Tham Luang cave rescue. For those who don’t remember, a soccer team of teenage boys and their coach were trapped in a cave back in 2018, and a rescue team of divers had to work to extract them before they ran out of food and air. Watching the trailer, my jaw hit the floor multiple times. How did they film this? I can’t wait to find out.

The Rescue will be released in select theaters on October 8.

The Last Duel

If there’s a list of things I like, The Last Duel checks off a lot of boxes.

  • Matt Damon: check.
  • Ben Affleck: check.
  • Damon and Affleck writing a film together: check.
  • Jodie Comer: check.
  • Adam Driver: check.
  • Ridley Scott: check.
  • Ridley Scott directing an action movie: check.

I’m sure there are going to be A LOT of think pieces surrounding this film because of its brutal subject matter. However, I’m still in for all the reasons above.

The Last Duel will be released in theaters on October 15.

Dune

You had me at “directed by Denis Villeneuve.” Find a better thriller and sci-fi director of the last 10 years than Villeneuve. Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049 are some of the best films of the 2010s. Throw in an all-star cast that would make the 2017 Warriors look like a CYO team and we’re cooking with gas. Dune is an incredibly hard book to adapt, and this film will be “Dune: Part I.” Why the film isn’t being publicly marketed like that makes me scratch my head. Regardless, early reviews of Dune have praised the cinematography but criticized the plot. I’m going to trust Villeneuve, who hasn’t let me down yet, to give me a satisfying film.

Dune will be released in theaters and HBO Max on October 22.

Eternals

The Marvel film I don’t know anything about is Eternals. The trailer looks like something Marvel has never done due to the little presence of CGI and a green screen. Imagine being Chloé Zhao right now. You won Best Picture and Best Director for Nomadland, and now you get to release a blockbuster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Right on, Chloé. If Eternals is a success, then it could lead to more indie and visual filmmakers entering the MCU, which will only benefit Marvel in the long run.

Eternals will be released in theaters on November 5.

House of Gucci

Father, son, and House of Gucci. Ridley Scott goes from an action thriller in The Last Duel to a crime film about the Gucci family, where Maurizio (Adam Driver) was murdered at the hands of his ex-wife, Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga). The trailer toes the line between serious biographical film and parody because of the over-the-top accents. I’m intrigued, and if any filmmaker could make two successful films in one year, it’s Ridley Scott.

House of Gucci will be released in theaters on November 24.

West Side Story

I’m probably in the minority, but I’m all the way in on West Side Story. The saga between the Sharks and the Jets is one of my favorite musicals of all time. Many were skeptical as to why anyone would reimagine West Side Story after the 1961 film adaptation was downright perfect. Once a little-known filmmaker named Steven Spielberg (ever heard of him?) signed on to direct, West Side Story had my attention. The visuals and wide shots in the trailer look spectacular. In a world where CGI dominates the movies of today, West Side Story is a much-needed change-up from the norm. I can’t wait to sing my heart out during “Jet Song.”

West Side Story will be released in theaters on December 10.

Nightmare Alley

Guillermo del Toro, welcome back. In his first film since The Shape of Water, del Toro crafts up a good ol’ fashioned psychological thriller with Nightmare Alley. Bradley Cooper stars as Stan Carlisle, a manipulative carny that teams up with a dangerous psychologist named Dr. Lilith Ritter, played by Cate Blanchett. If you’re confused, then that makes two of us. However, Cooper is one of “my guys” so I’m obligated to see everything he’s in. Luckily for me, Nightmare Alley looks right up my… don’t do it… don’t do it… alley.

Nightmare Alley will be released in theaters on December 17.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

You may not like Marvel, but its ability to dominate pop culture is unprecedented. Case in point, the trailer Spider-Man: No Way Home racked up 355.5 MILLION views over 24 hours across all online platforms, which set a world record previously held by Avengers: Endgame with 289 million views. The MCU is shifting, and No Way Home will play a huge part in explaining the multiverse. In my best Dave Bautista voice, “GIVE ME WHAT I WANT!”

Spider-Man: No Way Home will be released in theaters on December 17.

Don’t Look Up

  • Leonardo DiCaprio 
  • Jennifer Lawrence 
  • Rob Morgan 
  • Jonah Hill 
  • Mark Rylance 
  • Tyler Perry 
  • Ron Perlman
  • Timothée Chalamet 
  • Ariana Grande 
  • Scott Mescudi 
  • Cate Blanchett
  • Meryl Streep
  • Chris Evans

The last time Adam McKay had a cast this stacked, he won an Academy Award for The Big Short. Giddy up.

Don’t Look Up hits Netflix on December 24.

What is your most anticipated movie of the fall? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet me, @danny_giro.

2021 Emmys Predictions: Who Should Win And Who Will Win?

Ted Lasso Apple TV+ Emmys

It’s time to hand out some awards. The 2021 Emmys air live this Sunday night, Sept. 19, at 8 PM ET on CBS. This year will mark a return to an in-person event, but there will be a limited red carpet due to COVID concerns.

Streaming could dominate the Emmys as Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+ are all positioned to receive multiple awards in the biggest categories of the night. In particular, The Crown and Ted Lasso are poised to dominate in drama and comedy respectively.

Below are my predictions for the standout categories on who should win and who will win.

Outstanding Drama Series

  • The Boys (Prime Video)
  • Bridgerton (Netflix)
  • The Crown (Netflix)
  • The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
  • Lovecraft Country (HBO)
  • The Mandalorian (Disney+)
  • Pose (FX)
  • This Is Us (NBC)

Do not adjust your glasses and look for an HBO program because it doesn’t exist. This marks the first time since 2008 where HBO does not have a nominee in Outstanding Drama. The show I enjoyed the most on this list was The Mandalorian. Yup, I said it. I don’t care if you stuff me in a locker. The ending to Season 2 was one of the most satisfying scenes of the last five years. However, there’s only one pick to make and that’s The Crown. This is a must-win category for Netflix. The streaming service has never won Outstanding Drama, and this is undoubtedly the best chance it will ever have.

  • Who Should Win: The Mandalorian (Disney+)
  • Who Will Win: The Crown (Netflix)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

  • Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us)
  • Jonathan Majors (Lovecraft Country) 
  • Josh O’Connor (The Crown)
  • Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton)
  • Billy Porter (Pose)
  • Matthew Rhys (Perry Mason)

Did anyone have a better year than Regé-Jean Page? I’d love for Page to win. Even though he’ll probably walk away empty-handed, Page will be one of the biggest stars in Hollywood within three years. This is a two-horse race between O’Connor and Porter, with the latter winning in 2019 in this very category. Does the Academy reward The Crown all night or can Porter and the final season of Pose receive some hardware? No actor in this category has won two Emmys for playing the same character since Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad. That changes on Sunday with Porter.

  • Who Should Win: Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton)
  • Who Will Win: Billy Porter (Pose)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

  • Uzo Aduba (In Treatment)
  • Olivia Colman (The Crown)
  • Emma Corrin (The Crown)
  • Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale)
  • Mj Rodriguez (Pose)
  • Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country)

To Crown or not to crown. Both Corrin and Colman will be the favorites in this category. However, there’s always the chance that they split the vote. If that’s the case, MJ Rodriguez could follow in Porter’s footsteps and win for the shows’ final season. My pick is Corrin as Princess Diana. It’s a big year for Princess Di in entertainment as Kristen Stewart will probably receive a Best Actress nomination for her portrayal of the late English princess.

  • Who Should Win: Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country)
  • Who Will Win: Emma Corrin (The Crown)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

  • Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian)
  • O-T Fagbenle (The Handmaid’s Tale)
  • John Lithgow (Perry Mason)
  • Tobias Menzies (The Crown)
  • Max Minghella (The Handmaid’s Tale)
  • Chris Sullivan (This Is Us)
  • Bradley Whitford (The Handmaid’s Tale)
  • Michael K. Williams (Lovecraft Country)

If there’s ever been a time to demand a revote, it’s this year. Please give the award to Michael K. Williams. He would have been my pick anyway, but after his tragic passing, the legendary actor deserves this recognition. Give the man his first Emmy. RIP.

  • Who Should Win: Michael K. Williams (Lovecraft Country)
  • Who Will Win: Michael K. Williams (Lovecraft Country)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Gillian Anderson (The Crown)
  • Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown)
  • Madeline Brewer (The Handmaid’s Tale)
  • Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale)
  • Aunjanue Ellis (Lovecraft Country)
  • Emerald Fennell (The Crown)
  • Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale)
  • Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale)

I guess this is the perfect time to admit that I don’t watch The Crown so I can’t review the show. That being said, I know a splashy part when I see it, and the splashiest part in this category is Margaret Thatcher, played by Anderson. God Save The Prime Minister.

  • Who Should Win: Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale)
  • Who Will Win: Gillian Anderson (The Crown)

Outstanding Comedy Series

  • Black-ish (ABC)
  • Cobra Kai (Netflix)
  • Emily in Paris (Netflix)
  • The Flight Attendant (HBO Max)
  • Hacks (HBO Max)
  • The Kominsky Method (Netflix)
  • PEN15 (Hulu)
  • Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

At this year’s Emmys, out with Schitt’s Creek, in with Ted Lasso. The AppleTV+ comedy is a runaway hit for good reason. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring, and heartwarming show, a much-needed change of pace from this cynical world. Special shoutout to PEN15 and Cobra Kai, two of my favorite comedies.

  • Who Should Win: Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
  • Who Will Win: Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Anthony Anderson (Black-ish)
  • Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method)
  • William H. Macy (Shameless) 
  • Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)
  • Kenan Thompson (Kenan)

Everything I said about Ted Lasso applies to the man who plays the titular role, Jason Sudeikis. Our American hero in England will win with the Emmy.

  • Who Should Win: Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)
  • Who Will Win: Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Aidy Bryant (Shrill)
  • Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant)
  • Allison Janney (Mom)
  • Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish)
  • Jean Smart (Hacks)

When in doubt, pick Jean Smart. The critically-acclaimed actress is a double nominee, picking up a supporting nomination for Mare of Easttown in addition to her leading role in Hacks. Between those two shows and Watchmen, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who’s had a better two-year run than Smart. Watch out for Cuoco as a dark horse.

  • Who Should Win: Jean Smart (Hacks)
  • Who Will Win: Jean Smart (Hacks)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Hacks)
  • Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso)
  • Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso)
  • Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso)
  • Paul Reiser (The Kominsky Method)
  • Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso)
  • Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live)
  • Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live)

I wish this award could be split into pieces like the prom queen’s crown in Mean Girls. All four nominees from Ted Lasso are incredible. I’m still amazed at how well the show works. Out of the four nominees, Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent, probably has the edge. However, I’m going to zag here and say SNL’s longest-tenured cast member, Kenan Thompson, finally wins an Emmy, which I won’t have a problem with.

  • Who Should Win: Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso)
  • Who Will Win: Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live)
  • Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
  • Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live)
  • Rosie Perez (The Flight Attendant)
  • Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live)
  • Juno Temple (Ted Lasso)
  • Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso)

There’s no other answer.

Ted Lasso / Apple TV+
  • Who Should Win: Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso)
  • Who Will Win: Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso)

Outstanding Limited Series

  • I May Destroy You (HBO)
  • Mare of Easttown (HBO)
  • The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)
  • The Underground Railroad (Prime Video)
  • WandaVision (Disney+)

This category deserves some profanity in the form of “holy shit.” This is the toughest category to predcit. All of these shows were so well done. It’s hard to pick a winner. I give the slight nod to Queen’s Gambit. If Queen’s Gambit came out in 2021, it would have been a runaway winner. However, Mare of Easttown dominated pop culture this past Spring so watch out for HBO.

  • Who Should Win: All five shows
  • Who Will Win: The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

  • Paul Bettany (WandaVision)
  • Hugh Grant (The Undoing)
  • Ewan McGregor (Halston)
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton)
  • Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton)

Time for my Hamilton rant. I never saw the show on Broadway, but I loved watching Hamilton on Disney+. I still listen to “Alexander Hamilton,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” “You’ll Be Back,” and “Helpless.” It’s a fantastic Broadway show. However, Hamilton should not be allowed to win Emmys. It’s a broadway show that won numerous Tony Awards. It’s not a television movie. Out of all the nominees, Leslie Odom Jr. gave the best performance by far. Odom was incredible as Aaron Burr, but he already won the Tony for Best Actor. Something feels wrong about rewarding Hamilton with Emmys, and I mean that in the most respectful way possible. For these reasons, my pick to win is Paul Bettany. Marvel finally breaks through at the Emmys.

  • Who Should Win: Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton) – He gave the best performance even though he shouldn’t win.
  • Who Will Win: Paul Bettany (WandaVision)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

  • Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You)
  • Cynthia Erivo (Genius: Aretha)
  • Elizabeth Olsen (WandaVision)
  • Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit)
  • Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown)

I’m saying it again. Holy shit! This is the second toughest category to predict. It’s a three-headed monster with Coel, Taylor-Joy, and Winslet. Coel should win in the writing category so I’m going to cross her off the list. In any other year, Taylor-Joy wins this with ease. She’s a budding superstar that’s about to reach the A-list. However, the Emmys love rewarding big movie stars and Winslet is one of the best of her generation. Plus, Winslet was spectacular in Mare of Easttown, one of my favorite performances of the year. My heart says Taylor-Joy, but my head says Winslet.

  • Who Should Win: Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit)
  • Who Will Win: Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

  • Thomas Brodie-Sangster (The Queen’s Gambit)
  • Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson on Hamilton (Disney+)
  • Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You)
  • Jonathan Groff (Hamilton)
  • Evan Peters (Mare of Easttown)
  • Anthony Ramos (Hamilton)

For Wawa.

Mare of Easttown / HBO
  • Who Should Win: Evan Peters (Mare of Easttown)
  • Who Will Win: Evan Peters (Mare of Easttown)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

  • Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton)
  • Kathryn Hahn (WandaVision)
  • Moses Ingram (The Queen’s Gambit)
  • Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Easttown)
  • Jean Smart (Mare of Easttown)
  • Phillipa Soo (Hamilton)
Wandavision / Disney+

A coin flip between Hahn and Nicholson. I think Nicholson’s last scene in Mare is some of the best acting of the year. But, it was Agatha all along.

  • Who Should Win: Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Easttown)
  • Who Will Win: Kathryn Hahn (WandaVision)

What are your predictions for the Emmys? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

2021 Emmys: Will Netflix And Apple TV+ Win The Top Prizes?

The Crown Season 4 / Netflix

With the summer coming to a close, it’s time to focus on the Emmys. While the pandemic has hurt the film industry, television is thriving. Thanks to an abundance of streaming services and A-list movie stars heading to the small screen, a new, critically-acclaimed show arrives almost every week.

Speaking of the Emmys, this could be the year of streamer-dominance as the favorites of all three series’ categories (Drama, Comedy, Limited Series) belong to a streaming service.

Can Netflix Finally Win The Big One?

Netflix is the “Godfather of Streaming.” Every network is trying to catch up to Netflix by creating its own streaming service. However, it’s still Netflix’s world with its successful algorithm and 200+ million subscribers.

It took some time, but Netflix has finally earned the respect of both the television and film academies… or have they? Netflix leads the field at the 2021 Primetime Emmys with 29 nominations. However, Netflix has yet to truly breakthrough in the major dramatic and comedic categories. Unless you’re a supporting actor/actress or Black Mirror, Netflix has essentially been shut out in the lead acting and series’ categories.

Coming into this year, Netflix has received a combined 65 nominations in Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor/Actress in a Drama Series, and Outstanding Lead Actor/Actress in a Comedy Series. For 65 nominations, Netflix only has one win to show for it. (Claire Foy won Outstanding Lead Actress in 2018.)

If there were ever a year to finally win in the series category, it would be this year, especially in Drama. Without HBO juggernauts (Game of Thrones and Succession), The Crown is poised to take home the top prize as the heavy favorite. If The Crown does win for outstanding series, then either Emma Corrin or Josh O’Connor should win in their respective lead-acting categories.

Can Ted Lasso be this year’s Schitt’s Creek?

The surprise show of the last year has been Ted Lasso. Apple TV+’s comedy about an American football coach coming to England and coaching a soccer team is a smash hit. In a world full of negativity, Ted Lasso shines a light on some much-needed positivity. Ted Lasso is loved by both fans and critics as it set a record for most Emmy nominations for a freshman comedy with 20.

With so many nominations, can Ted Lasso be this year’s Schitt’s Creek? At last year’s ceremony, Schitt’s Creek set the record for most Emmy wins in a single season with 9 including a perfect sweep of all the acting categories.

Although Ted Lasso can’t pull a Schitt’s Creek since it failed to receive a nomination in Comedy Actress, the show can win in every other acting category. In fact, the show is expected to win Comedy Series as well as Comedy Actor for Jason Sudeikis. Finally, nice guys will finish first.

Other Storylines To Monitor

  • Speaking of Netflix, The Queen’s Gambit could be the streamer’s first win in the Limited Series category. Plus, Anya-Taylor Joy could edge out Kate Winslet for Lead Actress in a Limited/TV movie.
  • Kenan Thompson deserves an Emmy for his work on Saturday Night Live. It’s more than overdue.
  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series is absolutely stacked. It’s the best category of the night. Gun to my head, the winner will be The Queen’s Gambit or Mare of Easttown.
  • I’m glad the Emmys has a host. Award shows need hosts so I have high hopes for Cedric the Entertainer.

Stay tuned for Emmy predictions in each category in the week leading up to the ceremony.

What is your biggest Emmy storyline? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Spider-Man: No Way Home Trailer Officially Drops And It’s Spectacular

Spider-Man: No Way Home / Marvel

After leaking on Sunday night, Marvel officially released the first trailer for the highly-anticipated Spider-Man: No Way Home, which arrives in theaters this December.

Inject all of this footage into my veins. After Marvel announced its schedule for Phase 4, Spider-Man: No Way Home was at the top of my list in terms of films I wanted to see. It’s time to find out what the multiverse is all about.

After the events of Far From Home, where Mysterio revealed Spider-Man’s identity, Peter Parker’s life has been flipped upside down. The trailer highlights Peter’s new life and how his secret has made life a lot harder for his family and friends. Peter wants people to forget that he’s Spider-Man, and he’ll do anything to make that happen.

Enter Doctor Strange. Before Doctor Strange can fully tackle the Multiverse of Madness in 2022, he’s going to open a multiverse in Queens. Peter seeks the help of our favorite medical practitioner to cast a spell in which the world will forget that Peter is Spider-Man. Despite better judgment, Strange casts the spell, and of course, it went haywire. The spell tampered with space and time. In other words, the multiverse is about to unleash hell and screw up the timeline. Thanks a lot, Sylvie.

The next two pictures are why I would pay $100 to watch Spider-Man right now.

Norman Osborn, also known as The Green Goblin, and Otto Octavius, also known as Doctor Octopus, are in the MCU. Somebody pinch me. The two best villains in the history of superhero movies (yes, I said it) will team up with Max Dillon, also known as Electro, to do what they do best, which is to make Spider-Man’s life a living hell. With the additions of the Green Goblin and Doc Oc, the multiverse is off and running.

But it won’t stop there because we all know what’s coming. This moment will probably be the second biggest moment in the MCU behind Thanos’s snap.

The three versions of Spider-Man will come together.

They’ve been denying it for months, but this is inevitable. Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland are going to team up in No Way Home. It’s going to happen, and when it does, the Internet will break. Another trailer should highlight this impending meetup, and I’m predicting it to happen on Monday Night Football. Without a Star Wars to showcase, revealing three Spider-Men during halftime of *insert game here* will set viewing records for a trailer.

I’m way too excited for a Monday night. I can’t wait for the next trailer.

Daredevil?

https://twitter.com/TheFirstOkiro/status/1429987567429210119?s=20

Are you excited about No Way Home? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

New Trailer For Marvel Studios’ Eternals Looks Terrific

Marvel's Eternals / Disney

Eternals, assemble.

Wait, those aren’t the words. The next team-up movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe does not include Iron Man, Captain America, or Spider-Man. The assembled team is an immortal alien race that’s called upon to fight upon a new enemy after secretly living on Earth for over 7,000 years. The movie is Eternals, which arrives in theaters on November 5.

The little voice in my head just said, “Wait, this is a Marvel movie?” Eternals includes powerful aliens who fight to protect the fate of humanity so yes, this is a superhero movie. However, there’s something different about Eternals. It doesn’t look like your typical superhero film with an abundance of CGI and VFX. This clearly wasn’t all shot in a studio in front of a green screen.

Eternals has its own visual style, and that signature vision belongs to the director, Chloé Zhao. Zhao is fresh off of the highly successful Nomadland, which won three Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. I am not saying that Nomadland and Eternals are in the same ballpark in terms of genre. However, watch Nomadland, and then watch this trailer, and it becomes clear they belong to the same director. The sweeping wide shots, the use of natural light, and the facial closeups are apparent in both films thanks to Zhao’s distinct style. In an interview with Variety, Kevin Feige couldn’t hold back his praise for Zhao, saying,” This is right out of a camera; there’s no VFX work to this at all! A beautiful sunset, with perfect waves and mist coming up from the shore on this giant cliffside… this is a signature style.”

The plot of the Eternals revolves around one question: Why now? If the Eternals have been around for over 7,000 years, why did they sit back and watch Thanos wipe out half the population? That’s a question they will have to answer once when they come out of hiding. The trailer also cites the arrival of the Deviants, the Eternals’ evil enemy, as one of the reasons why the powerful heroes must come together to defend humanity.

The MCU needs some new star power with the (alleged) departures of Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson. Eternals includes big-name actors and actresses like Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek. The cast also includes emerging stars from popular franchises like Gemma Chan (Crazy Rich Asians), Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley), Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta), and the leaders from Game of Thrones, Richard Madden and Kit Harrington.

The tide is changing in the world of film and television. Superhero films and TV shows are starting to become more respected within their respective critical academies. Wandavision and The Falcon & Winter Soldier both received multiple Emmy nominations this year. Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix both won Oscars for their portrayal of the Joker. James Mangold received a screenwriting nomination for Logan. Black Panther was the first MCU film to be nominated for Best Picture. At some point, a superhero film is going to break through at the Oscars in non-technical categories. Under Zhao’s direction, perhaps Eternals will resonate with the Academy and result in multiple Oscar nominations.

In a post-Endgame world, world needs a new group of heroes. The Eternals might be the answer to the future of the MCU.

Are you excited about Eternals? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

MTV’s The Challenge: Spies, Lies and Allies Preview

The best athletes in the world typically compete at the Olympics. However, you could make the argument that the top global athletes actually compete on MTV’s The Challenge, which returns tonight for its 37th season, Spies, Lies & Allies.

All kidding aside, I’m so glad to have The Challenge back in my life. After years of dedicating my life to this show, I took a short hiatus after Invasion of the Champions. I still checked in here and there, but my official return was Total Madness, the first season during COVID. Without professional sports, The Challenge provided the perfect mix of athletic achievements, gameshow politics, and drama.

One of the producers watched another James Bond movie for the second straight season and created an entire season around espionage. I don’t hate it. According to the preview, it’s going to be 34 players – 17 veterans and 17 rookies. In a clip from the first episode, the rookies will have to “save” a veteran from snakes, and the pair will become partners. I prefer seasons with partners as opposed to individual matchups so this incarnation will be right up my alley.

Below are the synopsis and trailer from MTV.

“The Challenge: Spies, Lies and Allies will feature 34 players spanning the globe — representing the most countries ever on the competition franchise. Assembled in the picturesque Mediterranean coast of Croatia, elite U.S. Agents will join forces with an assortment of International Operatives, all armed with killer competitive instincts. With the assignment constantly evolving, these agents will be tested both mentally and physically to win their share of $1 million in an epic new chapter of The Challenge spy games. Look out, James Bond.”

The success of The Challenge comes down to the cast. If this cast loves to compete, party, and stir up drama, we’re in for a treat. My biggest complaint is the lack of partying and the drama that ensues when contestants get drunk. Because of COVID, the contestants are not going out into the town so that takes away some of the steam from their drunk hijinks.

Spies, Lies & Allies Cast

Some quick hitters in regards to the cast of The Challenge:

  • The champ is here as CT returns for his 19th season. CT is pulling his best Brady imitation in old age with two wins in the past three seasons. His partner from last season, Amber B, is not featured on this list, but she will show up eventually as evidenced in the trailer.
  • I don’t watch Survivor (a fatal flaw) so I can’t give any insight into those players. Frankly, I don’t know the majority of the new international players.
  • I’m glad Nam is back. He survived Lolo’s scoldings and cried after an injury ended his game last season. He’s a real one.
  • I ride with Devin.
  • Josh crying at some point this season, -3500.
  • What is The 12 Dates of Christmas?
  • Did you know Cory… wait for it… has… KIDS?!

One of the best changes the show made was the addition of the skulls. To run “TJ’s Final,” contestants need to win an elimination. The days of coasting to a final without entering the *insert name for the elimination battleground* are over. It appears that the skulls will be returning, and I couldn’t be happier.

Prediction Time: How do you not pick CT to repeat for the guys? However, unless your name is Johnny Bananas, the odds of repeating as a champion are slim. I don’t believe in Fessy until he proves it to me. After what he did to Kaycee last year, how could you root for Fessy? A male rookie to win it all could be the play. Size doesn’t (always) matter, but Kelz Dyke looks like an absolute specimen.

On the female side, the clear favorite is Kaycee. She’s two for two in terms of making the final. I also like Tori to do well. Her mouth can get her into trouble, but she’s a beast on the battlefield.

My Winners: Kelz Dyke and Kaycee Clark

Who do you think will win this season? Leave your predictions in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Outer Banks Season 2 Preview And Predictions: Back In The Gold Game

Outer Banks Netflix

As John B and Sarah Cameron relax on a beach in the teaser trailer, the Pogue leader looks at his girlfriend and says, “Back in the G-game, baby.” I’m ready to go hunting for some gold in Outer Banks Season 2.

https://twitter.com/obxnetflix/status/1402627087505186816?s=20

I’ve spoken about my obsession with Outer Banks ad nauseam. For a “too long, didn’t read” version, I started watching Outer Banks on a Friday night in April 2020, right in the middle of the lockdown. I started on a Friday night and completed the 10-episode first season by Saturday night. The world wasn’t doing too well in April 2020, so the show provided the perfect escape from reality.

The young adult drama was an instant hit as it quickly climbed to the number 1 spot on Netflix’s Top 10. One year later, the show is back for Season 2, which premieres on July 30.

https://youtu.be/1M6VbhwGfO0

In Season 1, John B and his fellow Pogues, JJ, Kiara, and Pope, join forces with Sarah Cameron to investigate the disappearance of John B’s father. During their investigation, they learn about the treasure of the Royal Merchant, which is rumored to be worth $400 million in gold, and how it tied to John B’s missing father. The Pogues eventually find the gold, but it’s later stolen by Ward Cameron.

In the season finale, John B and Sarah attempt to flee from the authorities during a storm via boat after John B was wrongly accused of killing Sheriff Peterkin. The boat capsizes in the storm, and the two young lovers are believed to be dead. However, John B and Sarah survive and are saved by a cargo ship. The ship is headed towards the Bahamas, where Ward Cameron stashed the stolen gold.

From the trailer above, Season 2 ups the ante with more drama, romance, and explosions. John B and Sarah make it to the Bahamas, but they’re considered fugitives with a $50,000 reward to anyone who turns them in. While the duo tries to find the gold in the Bahamas, JJ, Pope, and Kiara are trying to move on with their lives in the OBX. However, they soon learn that their best friends survived the storm. A Pogue reunion was rumored to happen at some point, but it’s now been confirmed.

Now, the Pogues will look to take back the gold that they found. However, Ward is not the only one trying to claim the gold. A new villain named Limbrey (Elizabeth Mitchell) is interested in the treasure, and it seems that she has a bone to pick with Ward, who may have doublecrossed her in the process.

In true Outer Banks fashion, things will get complicated, people will get hurt, and someone will die. I wouldn’t want it any other way! Below are a few of my predictions for Season 2.

Predictions

  • There’s either a second treasure or more gold from the Royal Merchant. Right now, Ward has under half a billion worth in gold. In the trailer, the Pogues are exploring the island and find a key that leads to another room. Perhaps this room holds another treasure or even more gold.
  • Topper joins the Pogues. One of the Kooks has to help the Pogues at some point. It’s not going to be Rafe so Topper is the likely choice because of his previous relationship with Sarah.
  • John B’s mother arrives at the end of Season 2. With the show’s popularity, Season 3 is inevitable so setting up storylines at the end of Season 2 makes sense logistically. We know about John B’s father, but his mother is still a mystery. Nothing would shake things up more than her arrival.

Grab your favorite bandana, tie it around your neck, and play some “Left Hand Free.” See you later, Pogues.

What are your predictions for Outer Banks Season 2? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter, @unafraidshow.

Ted Lasso Continues To Be The Hero We Need

Ted Lasso / Apple TV+

In the fifth episode of Ted Lasso, Ted and his wife, Michelle, are trying to save their marriage, but they both realize it’s not going to work. Ted tearfully tells Michelle that she doesn’t have to try anymore even though he promised to never quit anything in his life. Moved by Ted’s words, Michelle says, “But you’re not quitting, Ted. You’re just letting me go.”

I’m watching a show where Jason Sudeikis looks like an extra for Bill Swerski’s Super Fans, and yet I’m emotional and heartbroken over Ted’s failing marriage. What is going on?

To say Ted Lasso caught the world by surprise would be an understatement. When Sudeikis originally did the character in 2013, it was an entertaining skit; nothing more, nothing less. Never in a million years did I believe it could succeed as a television show.

A record 20 Emmy nominations later, and the egg is on my face. I could not have been more wrong about Ted Lasso. It’s a comedy at heart, but it provides so much compassion that my cynicism takes a backseat for 30-minutes at a time.

2020 was a rough year for America. The pandemic kicked our asses, plain and simple. Yet a coach in a mustache and sweater injected more hope into the world than any news program on television. Ted Lasso is a load of fun. However, the fact that it was one of the only positive programs in 2020 aided in its meteoric rise.

When we first meet the new coach, every member of Richmond thinks Ted’s schtick will never work. The team’s fans scream and yell “wanker” at Ted whenever they see him. The team’s captain, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, one of the show’s creators), tells Ted to “fuck off” more times than not.

And yet, Ted’s positivity attaches to the team (and the audience at home) like a parasite. Bad attitudes turn into positive thoughts. Ted’s charm wins you over as the series progresses. Even the team’s owner, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), who hired Ted so the team could fail, appreciates Ted’s humility and emphasizes with him by the Season 1 finale.

Television has been dominated by antiheroes in the 21st century. Tony Soprano, Walter White, Don Draper, and 85% of the characters in The Wire have no idea what it means to be a morally good person. Ted Lasso and his heart fill a much-needed void in television. If done correctly, something as simple as being a good guy can shine, and no one shines brighter than Ted.

In her column for Variety, Caroline Framke said, “Above all odds, Ted Lasso chipped away at my skepticism until there was none left — just like the character himself does to everyone he meets.”

As Ted Lasso begins Season 2, my skepticism has disappeared. It’s time to root for our hero, the good guy.

Do you like Ted Lasso? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Loki: Give Michael Waldron The Keys To The MCU

Loki / Disney+

After the exciting finale to a superb season of Loki, the first thought in my head did not revolve around Season 2, which was confirmed in a post-credits scene. (Light spoilers from here on out.) All I could think about was Michael Waldron and how he needs to be the driving force behind the MCU for the next decade.

Waldron is the creator and showrunner of Loki, the best Marvel television show up to this point. In the series, an alternate version of Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is brought before the Time Variance Authority (TVA), an organization that monitors the universe’s timeline, making sure there are no anomalies or disruptors. When Loki picked up the Tesseract in Endgame, he became a “variant,” or someone that disrupts the timeline. Loki is given the decision to work for the TVA to erase other variants and fix the timeline or be pruned (banished) from existence.

If you’re not a Marvel fan, that might sound confusing. I’ve seen 95% of the films and television shows in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the TVA still left me with more questions than answers.

Out of the three Marvel shows on Disney+, Loki had the hardest task because of all the legwork needed to explain the concept of time and how a character that died in Infinity War ended up surviving. Loki needed to expound on the TVA, explain the logistics of time travel and timelines, and introduce the idea of a multiverse all within six episodes.

If this was a test, Loki passed with flying colors. The series perfectly balanced the creation of a self-contained television show that can stand on its own with furthering the overall plot in the MCU. Most of the Marvel films and shows serve as stepping stones for a bigger storyline like the Infinity Saga. Properties like Loki and Black Panther can almost stand on their own, which is a compliment to the world their creators built.

It sounds so simple, but Waldron perfectly understands that Loki is a television show, not an “X-hour movie.” Movies were not meant to be six hours. Television shows that treat their story as a movie usually have inferior episodes that are heavy on explanations and rely on explosive cliffhangers to move the plot. Waldron and Loki follow the rules of television with a beginning, middle, and end with a scene in the final moments to advance the plot and provide the next episode a starting point to work off of. In an age that’s bogged down with shows acting like 10-hour movies, it’s refreshing to see Waldron follow a TV formula that’s worked since the beginning of television.

In six episodes, Waldron and director Kate Herron created multiple shows in one. The first two episodes played like a buddy-cop dramedy thanks to the amazing chemistry between Hiddleston and Owen Wilson’s Mobius. Then, the next two episodes weaved in a romantic dramedy with Sophia Di Martino’s Sylvie. Episode 5 felt like a backdoor pilot thanks to the multiple iterations of the titular character in the Void. Finally, Episode 6 introduced a new villain into the MCU but also treated the finale like a show that was coming back for a second season. Ending on a cliffhanger and leaving the audience with more questions than answers is an efficient way to transition into Season 2.

Kevin Feige’s strength is long-term planning. Feige always sees the endgame (couldn’t help myself), and understands how to move from point A to point B over a long period of time. Feige needs help with putting the pieces of the puzzle together with character development, and that’s where Waldron succeeds. Who would’ve thought that one of the most emotional moments in Loki would be a hug between Hiddleston and Wilson in episode 5? Because of the groundwork and attention to detail from Waldron in establishing this relationship in the early episodes, a hug celebrating the friendship between two characters was a tremendous payout that the audience earned.

This ability to develop interesting and noteworthy characters is why Waldron is set to become one of the most important voices of Dinsey going forward. His innate talent is why Feige chose Waldron to write Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and his top-secret Star Wars film. In a Vanity Fair piece, Waldron described the Doctor Strange sequel as his version of “Indiana Jones.” Sign me up right now.

Waldron has a clear vision of how to develop characters in the MCU. Because of Loki‘s success, it’s time to give him the keys to the future of the MCU. Instead of Steve Rogers, Waldron should now be the one to say, “Avengers, assemble.”

Did you enjoy Loki? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Ranking The Five Best Scenes From The Fast And Furious Franchise

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in The Fast and the Furious _ Universal

Do you live your life a quarter-mile at a time? Well, do you? Ever since Dominic Toretto taught me how to live in The Fast and Furious franchise, my life has changed for the better.

The Fast Saga holds a special place in my heart. It’s in my top 5 for favorite franchises of all time. I’d argue that The Fast Saga executes its proven formula better than any other franchise.

What does that formula involve? Well, fast cars are a good start. The action sequences always provide edge-of-your-seat thrills where you have to pick your jaw up on the floor after it is finished. Most of the stunts are over the top and unrealistic, but no one ever said these films had to reflect real life. It’s escapism at its finest.

What else makes these movies so successful? The lessons of loyalty, friendship, and family are sprinkled in throughout every film. Whenever Dom gives a toast, I pretend I’m also holding a corona because as we know, you can have any brew you want as long as it’s Corona. One-liners are also a huge part of the dialogue. Dom, Roman Pearce, and Luke Hobbs usually duke it out for best line reading if all three are in the same movie.

At the heart of these films was the real-life friendship between Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. They were brothers on and off the set. Because of their chemistry, it’s as if they weren’t acting onscreen whenever they were together. You could believe their friendship was genuine, which is why it’s so hard to watch older movies knowing Walker died in 2013.

On a lighter note, F9 finally hits theaters after a 15-month delay. In honor of F9, here are my five favorite scenes from The Fast and Furious franchise.

5. VINCE! – The Fast and the Furious

VINCE! If you’ve watched this scene, then I bet you screamed “Vince” the same way Diesel did when trying to rescue his friend off a truck. No stunt is too big or great for The Fast Saga, but this stunt still holds up in 2021. Jumping back and forth between cars while an angry trucker tries to shoot your head off still gets me out of my seat. If Vince wasn’t dying, Dom would have thrown Brian into a moving truck. Thankfully, he didn’t so more movies could be made.

4. The Tank Sequence – Fast & Furious 6

Come on a journey with me, please. In this scene from Fast & Furious 6, Letty is throw off a tank into mid-air between two elevated roads where she would fall to her death 999,999/100,000 times. But not this time. Dom crashed his car into the guard rail, jumped out of his car, flew (yes, flew) in mid-air, caught Letty, and crashed into a car windshield across the gap. Dom didn’t even have a cut! Dom is superhuman.

3. Hobbs vs. Toretto – Fast Five

Ali v. Frazier. Tyson vs. Holyfield. Luke Hobbs vs. Dominic Toretto. My god was this a heavyweight fight for the ages. Fast Five is the best film in The Saga. Fast Five opened a world of possibilities for this franchise. Street racing and wrenches were traded in for bank heists and machine guns. Straight up, Fast Five is one of the best action movies of the last 10 years. The Rock joining The Fast family was like Kevin Durant going to the Warriors. It was a cheat code. Up until this point, Dom never had a worthy foe. He was always bigger and stronger than his opponents. In this movie, Dom finally faced someone who was just as strong and used just as much body butter on the biceps. I need these two to fight in real life. Oh wait, they kind of did?

2. You Never Had Me – The Fast and the Furious

In the comments of this video, YouTube user Engineering Explained wrote, “So many perfect lines in such a short amount of time. Those writers are blessed.” I couldn’t agree more, Mr. Explained. Diesel and Walker look like kids in this scene. This was the moment that started a brotherly bond that could not be broken. It’s the perfect encapsulation of two characters. Walker, the cocky and charismatic Brian, is mesmerized by Diesel, the confident and loyal Dom. Please write this on my tombstone – “You almost had me? You never had me. You never had your car.”

1. Final Ride – Furious 7

I’ve spoken about the ending of Furious 7 many times, but it never gets old. I just watched it minutes ago and now there are goosebumps on my arm. Furious 7 had an impossible task when Walker died halfway through shooting. I’ve always said that Diesel is the backbone of The Fast Saga, but Walker is the heart. Without Walker, a giant piece of the franchise is missing. Somehow, someway, Furious 7 nailed the ending. Giving Walker the hero’s ending that he deserved instead of killing his character onscreen was such a smart decision. It’s not only the best scene of The Fast Saga but one of my favorite scenes of the last 10 years.

What is your favorite scene from The Fast Saga? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @danny_giro.