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The official website and accounts for the upcoming Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! TV anime series released a new key visual and teaser trailer today, alongside announcing the main staff and a 2025 premiere. Aoi Umeki ( Pop Team Epic Season 1 director) will direct the series, as well as handling scriptwriting and the character designs at animation studio Drive. Naoki Yoshibe will act as Assistant Director, with Tetsuya Tatamitani as Concept Director, Lee Cheonbok as Art Director and Yasuko Aoki on Series Structure. Ayana Tsujita will compose the music. Additional credits include Harue Ohno on Color Design, Yuu Wakabayashi as Photography Director, Toshikata Kanda as Visual Director, Yusuke Ueno on Editing, Yue on Color Script, Ayumi Nagaki on Prop Design/2D Works, Yumi Nakamura on Costume Design and Yoshikazu Iwanami as Sound Director. The anime adaptation was originally announced in August , and Crunchyroll announced at New York Comic Con 2024 that it will...

Ann Hui’s eclectic films are united by a consideration of the relationship between public and private worlds, of how the weight of history can be brought to bear on even the most intimate personal developments. The director’s beautiful 2002 drama July Rhapsody, now receiving its first stateside theatrical run courtesy of Cheng Cheng Films, both follows this thread and pulls it in a uniquely tender and thoughtful direction. Unlike much of her previous work, the histories excavated by the film are strictly personal, but they contribute to a far more wide-ranging treatise on the resonance of artistic expression across time and generations.

Another thread through Hui’s work is its kinship with Chinese literature, from the filmmaker’s three adaptations of Eileen Chang novels to last year’s Elegies, a documentary on Hong Kong poetry. That affinity is deeply felt in July Rhapsody, which follows a meek, middle-aged Chinese...

To say that Henry Cavill was wasted as Superman would be an understatement. Despite being the perfect fit to pull off the traditional Superman, the writing and direction of the now-defunct Dceu never allowed the actor to live up to his full potential as the Man of Steel. Moreover, with the regime change, the actor’s run as Clark Kent officially came to an end in late 2022.

But while the actor’s Superman journey was cut short following the mishaps that flooded the Dceu throughout its struggling run, in a new photo, the actor seems like the perfect fit for Papa Kent.

Henry Cavill Exhibits Papa Kent’s Energy in a New Photograph Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel | Warner Bros

Set to be a father himself, as Cavill and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso are expecting a baby soon, the actor and Viscuso were recently photographed in London.

In the opening image of “I Saw the TV Glow” the camera moves slowly down the middle of a suburban street. Dusk, it’s dark, but the sky has a hint of electric blue, as the camera passes over children’s chalk drawings that pop from the pavement like incandescent lights toward a neon-lit ice cream truck playing a slowed down children’s tune. This establishing shot embodies the magical, but slightly eery tone of the first half of the film and the childhood world of Owen, who we cut to watching television in the dark.

While on the Toolkit podcast, writer/director Jane Schoenbrun told IndieWire they drew inspiration from the sense of “controlled chaos” they felt watching ‘90s Nickelodeon programming geared to older kids — remember Snick? That line between feeling “scared, but not in danger” watching teen genre shows when you are a touch too young. While Schoenbrun...

Jane Schoenbrun’s “I Saw The TV Glow,” out in limited theaters now, is about teenagers Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Owen (Justice Smith), who bond over a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”-style TV show, “The Pink Opaque.” As they continue to get more into the lore of the television show, the edges blur between the reality of their lives and “The Pink Opaque.”

Schoenbrun has described “Buffy” as a pivotal show for them while they were growing up, so creating their version of that felt like giving their 13-year-old self a gift. So getting “The Pink Opaque” just right was monumental.

The premise of “The Pink Opaque,” like most ’90s shows, is perfectly silly and immediately nostalgic. Isabel (Helena Howard) and Tara (Snail Mail’s Lindsay Jordan) meet at summer camp and realize they have an ancient, psychic connection. When camp ends, the two are able to meet on a...

The changing landscape of the new media frontier is reckless, reactionary, and thrives on the manipulation of truth and the exploitation of unsuspecting individuals to maximize likes, shares, comments, and subscriptions. Discourses become fabricated, and the struggle to control the flow of information fragments an increasingly polarized world; here is a landscape where videos and photographs become spun to fit agendas, footage lifted out of context and prescribed a narrative designed for nefarious purposes. Now more than ever, society can no longer take what it sees at face value, and what is dispensed as fact can no longer exist outside the realm of scrutiny. This is nothing new of course, but within the opening twenty minutes of Xin Yukun's latest film ‘Trending Topic', a film he began crafting after realizing how long he was spending on social media apps, this world emerges from beyond the veil to expose the ugliness riddling inside this explosive industry.

Directed by Ann Hui and written by Ivy Ho, who actually won a number of awards for her work, “July Rhapsody” presents a portrait of middle life crisis, by additionally including a rather interesting back story that finds its parallels in the present.

July Rhapsody will be screening in Canada and the US starting May 11th, while it will be coming out on home video in September, courtesy of Cheng Cheng Films

Lam and Ching have been married for 20 years and have two sons. While their relationship is smooth, Lam feels that his friends, who have found financial success in the entertainment and business sectors, are more accomplished than him, and their belittling every time they meet does not help. Lam is a teacher of classic Chinese literature at an elite school, and is happy with his job actually, but there is an issue there too. A rather beautiful, smart,...

The Avatar: The Last Airbender universe has acquainted fans with quite a few Avatars, both incredibly deadly and terrifying, and super strong and kind. Two of these are Aang and Korra, the latter of whom followed in the steps of the former to appear 70 years after him in The Legend of Korra. And indeed, this Avatar from the Water Tribe is as exceptionally powerful as one can be.

The Avatar: The Last Airbender universe

In fact, Korra’s achievements are so remarkable that she could leave even her predecessors in awe. Yet, despite such unparalleled accomplishments, fans refuse to honor her with the title of being the strongest Avatar. This opinion of fans stands even stronger when comparing her to Aang, even though the immediate successor of Aang has some capabilities no one can deny are truly awesome.

Is Korra The Strongest Avatar? Here Are The Facts

The main protagonist...

Aang’s absence from the world for a hundred years changed a great many things, chief among them the rise of the Fire Nation as a colonizing empire. However, Aang could have also delayed the Avatar cycle by quite a bit, which, according to one theory, might be the reason why Sokka’s first girlfriend turned into the moon.

Aang in Avatar: The Last Airbender

In Avatar: The Legend of Korra, we see that the next Avatar is a member of the Water Tribe, specifically the daughter of the chief of the Northern Water Tribe, which was Korra. However, there was another person who fit that exact same description, who would have been born right around the time Aang would have died had he not frozen himself for a hundred years.

Princess Yue could have been the Water Avatar after Aang Princess Yue in Avatar: The Last Airbender

Yue was...

The anticipated showdown between the brother-sister duo, Azula and Zuko, had been foreshadowed since the beginning of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The way the Nickelodeon series handled the final confrontation was truly commendable leading it to become one of the greatest moments of the series.

Atla is undeniably one of the greatest cartoon shows ever made, which not only charmed the kids but also made the adults geek out about it. However, a recent YouTube video brings to light a major error in the final episode that calls into question Zuko’s worthiness of the honor he receives at the end of the Agni Kai.

Prince Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender Who Truly Deserved to Be Fire Lord Instead of Zuko?

In the last episode, significant changes unfold as the world moves towards the end of the war and the restoration of balance that citizens have yearned for over the past 100 years.

Antonio Brown has sparked a widespread internet controversy by posting a sexually explicit photo of him with Taylor Swift. Soon after Swift’s high-profile AI-image controversy, the AI-generated photo shared by Brown kissing the Blank Space singer created a buzz among netizens. Taylor Swift’s fanbase, known as Swifties, is highly popular for having strong opinions on the singer’s haters, and the netizens are sure they would rip Brown to shreds.

Antonio Brown

The former NFL player has been repeatedly subjected to internet outrage for his controversial social media posts. Antonio Brown has made a name for disappointing high-profile celebrities like Mac Miller, Ariana Grande, and Tom Brady. Following his recent post targeting Taylor Swift, the fans are confident that he chose to mess with the wrong fandom.

What did Antonio Brown post about Taylor Swift?

Taylor Swift in a still from The Eras Tour

In a recent post on X,...

In a twist of fate that can only be described as ‘life imitated art,’ Michael Dante Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko’s Avatar: The Last Airbender nearly met its demise after Season 2. The makers of the show battled against all odds to keep their creation alive, just as Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Fans of Nickelodeon’s beloved animated series have grown to love it since the show’s final episode aired more than ten years ago (2008). During the course of its three seasons, the show gained recognition for its intricate plot and weighty themes, all the while maintaining an enjoyable and intriguing viewing experience.

Princess Yue in Avatar: The Last Airbender

Inconceivably, though, the show was briefly canceled between seasons two and three, which would have left the finale of the series on a terrible cliffhanger.

Suggested“I knew I didn’t like her”: Fans...

Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has brought about notable changes from the original series, particularly in the portrayal of Fire Lord Ozai, portrayed by Daniel Dae Kim. That’s not all as there were other notable and controversial changes as well.

Fire Lord Ozai

The condensed format of just eight episodes has prompted adjustments to the storyline, impacting the narrative of Aang’s quest to restore peace among the warring kingdoms. Nevertheless, the actors gave it their all in the show and this included Daniel Dae Kim. In fact, Daniel Dae Kim left Suki actress Maria Zhang shocked for a good reason.

Suggested“I knew I didn’t like her”: Fans Roast Taylor Swift’s Friend as Resemblance Between Her and Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Princess Yue Does Not Go Unnoticed Avatar: The Last Airbender Actress Maria Zhang Was In Awe of One of...

Netflix has managed to adapt the popular Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series which follows the story of Aang, who is also the Avatar, the one who can master all four elements: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. While the animated series has quite interesting chapters revolving around the protagonist and his friends, Katara and Sokka, the Netflix series has already released the first season with eight episodes.

Avatar: The Last Airbender. (L to R) Ian Ousley as Sokka, Kiawentiio as Katara, and Gordon Cormier as Aang in season 1 of Avatar: The Last Airbender [ Courtesy of Netflix © 2024]Despite the show getting mixed responses from viewers, one couldn’t help but notice the live-action characters meticulously even to their slightest detail. Among them, Princess Yue’s character managed to captivate viewers’ interest with her ethereal beauty. While the character met a tragic conclusion in the series, fans couldn’t help but wonder about the striking...

There is one key difference between the Moon Spirit in the new Netflix live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series and the original animated show.

In Book One: Water of the animated series (the first season), starting in Episode 7 of the live-action show, Team Avatar makes it to the Northern Water Tribe, where they prepare to face off against the Fire Nation as they attempt to save the very Moon Spirit itself.

They also meet Princess Yue, someone who plays an integral part in their mission, and saving the very world itself.

Read full article on The Direct.

After myriad failures, Netflix finally seems to have learned the formula to successfully translate anime and animated features into live action, as seen from their recent adaptations of classics like One Piece, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Alice in Borderland. The streaming conglomerate’s latest venture, the newly released adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, is another step in that positive direction, which, albeit not flawless, has the potential to carry forward the Avatar universe, spanning through various spin-offs and print media continuations.

One of the major factors that acts both as an advantage and a drawback in the case of such adaptations is the chance of tweaking the original structure while retelling a narrative, which is occasionally done to include hints for an upcoming storyline. In an attempt to do something similar, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender has jam-packed its first season with a number of teases, including Easter eggs,...

Avatar: The Last Airbender, Netflix’s latest live-action series has finally ended with eight episodes. The series seems to have gone as quickly as it came, building up anticipation and leaving with a somewhat disappointed tone. While reviews have been mixed, fans have nonetheless appreciated it since it hasn’t thankfully repeated the disaster that The Last Airbender (movie) was.

Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender | Credit: Netflix

Even though the initial episodes seemed somewhat disappointing, the entirety of it has been surprising and intriguing, to say the least. When it comes to the last episode, Avatar: The Last Airbender has not only redeemed itself to an extent but left viewers wanting more. So without any delay, here is what happens in the end.

Spoilers Ahead!

What Happens in The Ending of Avatar: The Last Airbender

A still from Avatar: The Last Airbender

The Team Avatar is finally in Agna...

I can’t say that Netflix’s adaptation of Nickelodeon’s acclaimed animated series has done a very good job at retelling the story. If I’m being honest, we all saw this coming; the only time a live-action adaptation actually did a decent job was when Netflix released their adaptation of One Piece. Either way, Avatar: The Last Airbender still managed to remind us of the importance of these characters. I feel the original work was entirely out of this world. Not only did it show us the horrors of war, but also the importance of nature and balance in this world. Who would’ve thought that the series could tell us so much about our own world through its playful nature and its characters? The live-action adaptation does, however, portray themes that are quite important for this generation to remember lately. Princess Yue is one such character who...

Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For regular updates, sign up for our weekly email newsletter and follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSTrenque Lauquen.Absurdly early as it may seem, the Best of 2023 lists are starting to arrive. The New York Times published top tens by Manohla Dargis and Alissa Wilkinson (only her third published piece as the Times’s newest movie critic after an illustrious run at Vox), Vulture shared lists from Bilge Ebiri and Allison Willmore, and Richard Brody unveiled his impossible-to-hem-in roundup at the New Yorker (we’ll return to his list in the Readings section). There are some consensus picks—among them, Killers of the Flower Moon, Oppenheimer, Showing Up, and Passages—but there’s an exciting sprawl overall. Meanwhile, Cahiers du Cinéma shared their top ten; Laura Citarella’s Trenque Lauquen was their delightful, well-deserved sleeper choice for film of the year. But...

Buddy Games on CBS is ready to cross the finish line and the season finale promises twists, turns, surprises and the $200,000 cash prize reveal.

Buddy Games cast | Robert Voets/CBS via Getty Images

On “Lodge’s Last Hurrah,” with the $200,000 cash prize on the line, the remaining teams face off in the most important buddy challenges of the competition, showcasing how strong their friendship really is in order to win it all.

In an exclusive clip shared with Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Elyse and the other team members ruminate over how one buddy group from the final three teams could bring home the big prize.

The ‘Buddy Games’ finale has the final 3 teams on their toes

Elyse and Summer are left to wonder how the rest of their team is doing. Elyse believes Sarg is going to pull through. Summer believes that Andrew is his team’s ace. “But I wish...

Water! Earth! Fire! Air! The elements will align for Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender! The streaming platform is bringing heat to Airbender fans before this year’s Netflix Geeked presentation kicks off with looks at upcoming film and television projects like 3 Body Problem, Blue Eye Samurai, Damsel, Devil May Cry, Exploding Kittens, Masters of the Universe: Revolution, Obliterated, Stranger Things, Sonic Prime, The Archies, and more! Netflix’s Geeked Week will occur between November 6th and November 12th!

To tease the event to come, Netflix unleashed a gallery of images from Avatar: The Last Airbender, featuring multiple Fire Nation characters, including Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as General Iroh, Ken Leung as Commander Zhao, and Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula. Netflix also presented a new image of Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko.

The live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender cast rounds out with Amber Midthunder,...

Skillfully trained in multi types of martial arts like Jiu-jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Sanda, kickboxing and Mma, Mainland Chinese actor, screenwriter, director and fight choreographer Yue Song is back after his sting in the lukewarm “The King of the Streets” (2012), China’s first street-fighting film.

on Hi-Yah!

The thin plot of “The Bodyguard”, also known as “Super Bodyguard” or “Iron Protector”, concerns a disciple of the Iron Feet clan, Wu Lin, played by Yue Song. After the death of his master, Wu wanders into the modern city of Lengcheng (Cold City) looking for his martial arts brother Li Jiang (Shi Yan Neng). White doing a split in the city square, like Stephen Chow did in “Shaolin Soccer” (2001), a bunch of gangsters was chasing after a rich businessman run pass and interrupted his busking. Regardless, Wu effortlessly fights off the attackers and saves the man’s life.

Suddenly,...

The 25th Shanghai International Film Festival has given the world a fresh insight into the trends and the talents that are emerging in the Chinese film industry as it gets fully back to business after three years of pandemic-enforced restrictions on access.

Organizers have reported mostly sold-out screenings as China’s movie lovers return en masse to cinemas, and visiting filmmakers have found them fully engaged in post-screening Q&As and the assorted masterclasses the festival has hosted.

The curtain officially comes down on Sunday — after Siff will have screened around 450 films — and The Hollywood Reporter has selected three Chinese films from three Chinese filmmakers that we expect you’ll be hearing more about in the future.

All Ears, directed by Liu Jiayin

Writer-director Liu Jiayin established herself as one of the most exciting and unique talents to emerge from China in the 2000s — and then duly disappeared into academia.

Yydc presents the world premiere of Nowhere, the latest production by acclaimed Chinese American choreographer Yue Yin, on June 8-10, 2023 at Chelsea Factory, 547 W. 26th Street, NYC. Tickets are $35 ($15 for students) and are available at https://www.chelseafactory.org/yydc-nowhere.

Yin Yue Dance

Nowhere, the latest production by acclaimed Chinese American choreographer Yue Yin, exists outside of any identifiable location or discernible moment in time. Evoking a state of uncertainty and a sense of disconnectedness from our tangible reality, the piece challenges us to embrace feelings of uncertainty and to explore new possibilities and new directions. Nowhere, like the world we live in, exists at the edge of a new frontier. Infused with Yue’s stirring physicality and dynamic movement, Nowhere takes us across boundaries on a journey of self-discovery and provides a communal transcendent experience. This world premiere production features original and live music by Alexandre Dai Castaing.

Choreographer...

Fans of ABC‘s Will Trent can rest easy — the new drama show based on the book series by Karin Slaughter is returning with new episodes soon. Will Trent took a two-week break following episode 5 for the State of the Union address, but it’s back next week. Read on for everything you need to know about Will Trent Season 1 Episode 6, “Should I Go Get My Tin Foil Hat?”

Ramón Rodríguez as Will Trent | ABC/Danny Delgado When does ‘Will Trent’ return with episode 6?

Will Trent Season 1 Episode 6, “Should I Go Get My Tin Foil Hat?”, airs Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 10 p.m. Et on ABC. Britta Lundin wrote the upcoming hour, and Lea Thompson directed it.

The synopsis for “Should I Go Get My Tin Foil Hat?” reads, “A double murder leads the Gbi on a cyber-chase to investigate a software firm’s activity behind closed doors. Meanwhile, Angie does...

Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI, and sign up for our weekly email newsletter by clicking here.NEWSSpencer Bell, Nobody Knows My Name.Sight & Sound have shared the eclectic results of their annual video essays poll. The top pieces from 2022 "range from exceptional TikTok content (which doesn’t even take the title for brevity—competing against a 30-second montage) to short or feature-length essay films, documentaries, as well as art museum/gallery installations and live performances in academic contexts."The Berlinale has announced their Forum lineup, including world premieres from Claire Simon, Burak Çevik, and more.Recommended VIEWINGA24 have shared a trailer for Ari Aster’s new film Beau is Afraid ahead of an April US release. Joaquin Phoenix will star as the neurotic lead of the surrealist horror comedy from the “ingeniously depraved” mind behind Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019).Third...

Netflix‘s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series is preparing to climb atop a flying bison and soar through the sky! The entire cast for the anticipated adaptation is finally revealed, including several notable names added to the roster. The live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender cast rounds out with Amber Midthunder, Arden Cho, Danny Pudi, Utkarsh Ambudkar, George Takei, Momona Tamada, Thalia Tran, and James Sie. They join the previously announced cast, including Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Dallas Liu as Zuko, Elizabeth Yu as Azula, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Iroh, and Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai.

The world of Avatar is divided into four nations: the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. In addition to the Four Nations, some characters can visit a parallel dimension called the Spirit World.

Netflix was kind enough to provide...

Netflix has rounded out the cast of its upcoming live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” with 20 new additions including George Takei, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Arden Cho and Danny Pudi.

Playing characters in the Water Tribe are Amber Midthunder as Princess Yue, the compassionate spiritual leader of the Northern Water Tribe; A Martinez as Pakku, the veteran waterbending master of the Northern Water Tribe and a fierce defender of their traditions; Irene Bedard as Yagoda, an empathetic healer who serves as a role model for her tribe’s female waterbenders; Joel Oulette as Hahn, a strong and skilled warrior with an unwavering loyalty to his tribe; Nathaniel Arcand as Chief Arnook, father to Princess Yue and the respected leader of their tribe; and Meegwun Fairbrother as Avatar Kuruk, a previous Avatar with a haunted past.

Cho, Ambudkar and Pudi all play Earth Kingdom characters, with Cho (“Partner Track”) as June, a...

By now, those of you reading this site have no need to be reminded of the greatness of Nickelodeon's animated "Avatar: The Last Airbender" series -- we've written as much in detail time and again, after all. The elemental story of Aang and his friends joining together to battle the evil of Fire Lord Ozai is the stuff of legend, having gained countless fans during its original airing on Nickelodeon and in the years since. Although that viewership is exactly the demographic most leery about any further adaptations of that story, especially in live-action, Netflix is nevertheless forging ahead with their own spin on the classic tale (even after the poorly-received news that the Netflix series had parted ways with the show's original creators over "creative direction").

But one way to win fans back is to further flesh out the already-impressive cast with even more big names and fan-favorites...