House of the Dragon Initial Reviews And Release Dates

With less than a month to go before the show premieres on HBO Max, Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon hosted a preview screening of its pilot episode for members of the media and the initial reviews are looking great. Many of the original show’s fans have their doubts about the new prequel following the anticlimactic ending to Game of Thrones, but it now seems like HBO and George R. R. Martin have managed to move past that hiccup and create a series that’s even better than its predecessor.

Collider‘s editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub said “I did not like the last season of Game of Thrones. At all. But I’ll admit the series premiere of House of the Dragon is really well done and I’ll continue watching,” while Indiewire called it “better than GoT & Breaking Bad.” The Wrap‘s Brandon Katz wrote: “The House of the Dragon pilot very efficiently explains its context in relation to GoT, introduces its core characters, and lays out the central conflict of the series. It’s an easy-to-follow premiere with vibrant colors and detailed texture. Absolutely a worthy successor so far.” For those interested, House of the Dragon will hit HBO Max on August 21.

Peacemaker Episode 4 Review: The Choad Less Traveled

Welcome back for another week of coverage about the show featuring an obscure, sociopathic DC character who will not let anything stand in the way of justice – no matter how many people he has to kill to achieve it. That’s right: it’s episode four of Vigilante. We kid, we kid, but in its second week of airing (and fourth episode overall since last week’s premiere contained three installments), Peacemaker really does feel like the Vigilante show at times. Or at least Vigilante has an arc closer to what one might have expected Peacemaker to have had in the first place. Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase a.k.a. Vigilante quite simply owns this episode from a sheer entertainment perspective. He begins the hour convinced he’ll never walk again because he’s missing half a pinky toe. But that doesn’t stop him from getting himself thrown in prison merely because Adebayo intimates Peacemaker’s life would be better without his father in it. Say what you will about the masked psycho, but the man has a code. During his threesome with Peacemaker and Amber last week, he bluntly told them he would have killed them in the past for their marijuana use. But it’s legal now so they get to live.

When he finally gets Peacemaker to concede that his father is a racist, he then asks, in all credulity, why Peacemaker doesn’t kill him. His worldview is that simple. Though Peacemaker’s perspective of keeping peace at all costs appears to be cracking after the events in Corto Maltese, Vigilante’s doctrine of justice above all else is unshakeable. That creates a horrifying human being…but one hell of a compelling character. Aside from its pitch perfect opening credits, Peacemaker has never been more entertaining than it is during Vigilante’s brief stint in jail to kill Auggie Smith. He makes his presence known from moment one, sitting in on an Aryan card game and immediately asking the crew to name their favorite contributions to culture from Black Americans. “I’m grateful that Black people gave us rock and roll music,” Vigilante says. “Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, 38 Special, all those guys owe everything to Black American folk and blues musicians. I mean, they wouldn’t exist without them. And then white redneck music would just sound like…well, what it sounded like before Black people: which was the wet, sloppy sounds of fucking your sister.” A fight then ensues and Vigilante says something so foul to Auggie that I’m not sure I can reprint it without phoning the FCC first. So yeah…the Vigilante show. That’s the thing about making a secondary character a main protagonist: you kind of have to make them do protagonist things. That means fleshing out Peacemaker as a human being named Christopher Smith and not just the catchphrase spouting murderer he was in The Suicide Squad. To Peacemaker’s credit, this week’s episode does a lot better in that regard than the first three. Peacemaker has never shied away from its titular character’s daddy issues. This week, however, brings them into even clearer focus. “He’s one of the worst people to ever set foot on this planet,” Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) says of the elder Smith early on in the proceedings. Then the episode goes a long way to proving it. We’ve already seen the racism, bigotry, hypocrisy, and downright disregard for humanity in all its forms from Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick). Now we get a better idea of just how damaging all that was to his son. According to Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), Amanda Waller’s file on Peacemaker includes the information that Auggie Smith trained his son to be a killer from birth. Not only that, but Chris’s brother died under mysterious circumstances and the government thinks Chris may have played some sort of role. Later on, when Peacemaker is dancing alone in his home to Faster Pussycat’s “House of Pain” (yes, it’s nothing but bangers this week once again. This particular song choice is topped by only The Cruel Intentions’ “Jawbreaker” during Vigilante’s prison stint), we see him flash back to the moment of his brother’s death. And it’s rough. What could have possibly caused a young boy to foam at the mouth and roll around in the dirt is unclear. But it’s a certainty that Auggie Smith is responsible. Yet, when Peacemaker pays a visit to his pops in prison, Auggie tells him he “fucking loved” his brother. Obviously, of course, he didn’t. That supposed love is only used to hurt Peacemaker amid his fury. Auggie says he should have slit his son’s throat the moment he was born. He calls him a blob of flesh he felt nothing for. How does Peacemaker respond to this breathtaking cruelty? With some jokes, of course! He’s a grower, not a shower. Like as a person…not as a chode. That Peacemaker is able to leave that prison interview and go on with his day reveals just how deep the scar tissue goes. Auggie probably tells his son he should have slit his throat every day, whether it’s due to him getting thrown in prison on false chargers or merely coughing too loud during Fact Attack. That’s why Vigilante feels closer to the central character of the Suicide Squad HBO Max spinoff I envisioned. Though Adrian Chase has his problems (including an absent father of his own and only 9 ½ toes), they don’t come anywhere close to how bleak Peacemaker’s upbringing is. John Cena puts in superb work in this episode to keep the mood up while also believably presenting an adult son’s familial trauma. Peacemaker is somehow halfway through its eight-episode run already. While it has its flaws (Judomaster was perhaps one obscure DC character too many), this remains a truly worthwhile TV endeavor. Now let’s see what’s up with Murn: secret butterfly.

Hbo Max Is Now Available On Lg Smart Tvs

Having already brought it to pretty much every other streaming device and platform, today WarnerMedia announced that HBO Max is now available on LG smart TVs in the United States. The US rollout follows Latin America and the Carribean, where HBO Max came to LG sets in June.

HBO Max can be downloaded from LG’s channel store on TVs running the company’s webOS software. If you’ve enabled voice controls, you can also say “HBO Max” into your TV’s remote to open the app. To anyone using a streaming device or game console to access their favorite services, this news might not matter much; HBO Max is easy to find on Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Xbox or PlayStation. But if you’re someone who sticks with the TV’s native apps, this fills what was a significant hole in the services that are available on LG’s webOS platform. Now every major service is accounted for. WarnerMedia notes that today’s launch on LG smart TVs comes just in time for the August 5th premiere of The Suicide Squad, which “will be available on the platform for 31 days at no additional cost to subscribers in 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 and Dolby Vision.”

Critics Give The Suicide Squad a Perfect Score

Film critics have given their nod of approval for James Gunn’s take on The Suicide Squad. Receiving a rare 100% opening score by over 45 critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been praised, not only for the acting but for the proper use of Suicide Squad humor resulting in a highly entertaining film that’s leagues above the 2016 version. In comparison, the previous highest-ranked superhero movie was 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse at 97 percent.

Comicbook‘s Jenna Anderson take on the film reads, “There are so many things about The Suicide Squad that are revolutionary, from the extraordinary ensemble cast to the compelling and downright absurd story. But the most surreal element of the film might be the way it showcases the endless potential of the DC universe, with a feeling of wonder that those who have spent hours thumbing through back issues at their local comic shop will probably recognize. The Suicide Squad not only raises the bar for just how much a superhero movie can accomplish in one sitting, but it proves that the weird and oft-forgotten comic characters are superstars deserving of your attention. I have never seen a superhero movie with such a refined sense of identity and such a love for the source material and if I never see one like it again, I’ll only be a little disappointed.” Justin Chang of LA Times also writes, “After 2016’s ugly, bludgeoning Suicide Squad, I couldn’t imagine liking and could barely stomach the idea of seeing another movie called Suicide Squad. I’m delighted to be proven wrong.” Fans will have to wait another week until The Suicide Squad releases over on HBO Max and in theatres on August 6.

Watch HBO Max's First Trailer for Titans Season Three

Have no fear, the #Titans Season 3 teaser is here. Stream Season 3 of Titans beginning August 12, only on HBO Max: http://itsh.bo/hbo-max This gritty take on the Teen Titans franchise follows young heroes from across the DC Universe as they come of age and find where they belong. In season three, circumstances draw our heroes to Gotham City, where they will reunite with old friends and face new threats. The first three episodes of season three will premiere on Thursday, August 12 with subsequent episodes launching weekly every Thursday through October 21. HBO Max has dropped a teaser trailer for the upcoming third season of Titans that would appear to echo one of DC’s most controversial storylines. The teaser sees the Titans arrive in Gotham City and immediately signals the presence of The Joker, something that doesn’t bode well for Jason Todd (Curran Walters) if this a retelling of Batman’s A Death in the Family, which a lingering close-up of a bloodied crowbar suggests it might be.

Todd, having moved on from Robin in the previous season, instead adopts the Red Hood persona in Season Three. Batman: A Death in the Family is a four-book run from 1988. Todd’s character was killed off for good following a 36-hour telephone poll staged by DC, which gave readers the opportunity to save his life. Instead they voted for his death, allowing The Joker to beat him to death with a crowbar.

Also reappearing are Brenton Thwaites as Nightwing, Ryan Potter as Gar, Joshua Orpin as Conner, Anna Diop as Starfire, Alan Ritchson as Hawk, Minka Kelly as Dove, Damaris Lewis as Blackfire, Iain Glen as Bruce Wayne and the briefest glimpse of what looks to be Vincent Kartheiser’s confirmed turn as Scarecrow. Jay Lycurgo also joins the cast as Tim Drake, the third person to become Robin, along with Savannah Welch as Barbara Gordon. While there’s no sign of the demonic Raven in the 55 second teaser trailer, on-set images of Teagan Croft in character have emerged, so her appearance is guaranteed. Titans Season Three premieres on HBO Max on August 12.

Joker Sequel Reportedly Still in Development

A sequel to Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix‘s Joker is reportedly still in the works. Although the film’s release date and other details were not revealed, MangaSpurs stated that almost all of DC’s forthcoming films and TV shows “will take place in the same universe.” The report specified The Flash movie with Ezra Miller, the HBO Max spinoff Gotham PD and “Joker and its planned sequel,” also noting that the projects not included is Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson‘s The Batman and the upcoming Superman reboot.

Rumors of a Joker sequel have gone quiet since the release of the film in 2019, and although neither Phillips nor Phoenix officially confirmed their involvement in the possible project, the director stated in early 2020 that he was willing to sign on alongside the actor. “When a movie does $1 billion and cost $60 million to make, of course it comes up,” he laughed. “But Joaquin and I haven’t really decided on it. We’re open. I mean, I’d love to work with him on anything, quite frankly. So who knows? But it would have to have a real thematic resonance the way this one did, ultimately being about childhood trauma and the lack of love, and the loss of empathy. All those things are really what made this movie work for us, so we’d have to have something that had an equal thematic resonance.” In related news, Warner Bros. and DC are reportedly “committed” to hiring a Black director for its Black Superman film.

HBO Max Titles Every Anime Lover Should Binge Now Revealed

Nearly a year has passed since HBO Max arrived on the streaming space. With its growing number of subscribers and following, it is not surprising why the platform's library continues to expand, as well. Apart from popular films, shows, and series, it, also, offers several animated materials. CBR recently made a list of which anime shows every anime lover should watch now on the said platform. As noted, many people today do not likely know that HBO Max offers several spectacular anime titles. They have been adding the latest hits and even the older classics to their roster of anime content. One of the titles is Rurouni Kenshin, which has remained to be one of the best anime and "redemption stories ever told." The platform offers the material to its subscribers, allowing every anime lover to revisit Himura Kenshin's efforts to redeem himself from the darkness of his past. Another classic material that is available on HBO Max is Inuyasha.

It is a 90's anime series that follows the story of the half-demon Inuyasha, alongside Kagome, who is a modern-day Japanese schoolgirl. The twists and turns start upon Kagome's move to travel back in time. She becomes the reincarnation of Kikiyo, who happens to be Inuyasha's old flame. She is also the same person who killed him in the original timeline. Apart from the classic anime titles, HBO Max, also, offers some of the latest hits, like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. As the title insinuates, the plot centers on two brothers, Alphonse and Edward Elric, who are both skilled in alchemy. The publication said that this material is "one of the most beloved anime of the last decade." It makes total sense why the platform offers it to its subscribers, allowing every anime lover to witness the story of love and loss. In addition to the roster, the streaming service offers Food Wars!, as well, in its anime library. It is a shonen series that follows Soma Yukihiro, who is a student at Totsuki Saryo Culinary Institute, wherein cook-off duels are held. Nerdist previously released a similar list, detailing some of the anime offerings on HBO Max. As reported, it is the only streaming platform that features the full library of Studio Ghibli in the United States. The publication said that this has become one of the selling points of HBO Max in terms of its anime offerings. It, also, gave suggestions that Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, Ponyo, Princess Mononoke, and Howl's Moving Castle are great places to start when entering the "magical world" of Studio Ghibli.

Overlook HBO Max: Release Date, Cast, What Will Be Storyline? Get To Know The Updates!

HBO Max

Looks like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and some other streaming apps are in trouble because HBO Max is to Release soon! Warner Brothers are likely to take this up too ( lately they have been buying everything around them ). Currently, there exists HBO Now and HBO Go. Some subscribers who are originally registered with the official website can switch over to HBO Max when it comes, for the same price. HBO will obviously have all its original content. From the last 20 years, all the shows are expected to be jammed up here.

Release Date

This summer, HBO Max will make its debut with so many originals as well as classics from other platforms.

On May 7, 2020, we are expected to have the release. A popping trailer is out, and HBO has officially released that too, go watch that over YouTube to keep up the hype.

We have a bit of a price problem. Must pay 13 dollars for Netflix and the Disney Plus charge is 7 dollars. This is relatively lower than HBO Max’s $15 charge. I don’t think it will be a problem because it has way more variety than the other apps combined.

Variety Of Shows Available

HBO MAX is taking content from all over the streaming platforms. Cartoon Network, Crunchyroll, DC Comics, Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. have a number of collections under them. Apparently, all this will be put together for HBO Max too, in addition to some of its originals.

Beginning from Rick And Morty, Simpsons to Game Of Thrones and Mad Men, it is all packed for a wild more than 10,000 hours of shows.

Personalised options are available in HBO, which is something new for the platform. Tired of the boring and unrealistic shows Netflix recommends? You can now choose from some talented artists to watch the shows they’re staring in.

We know from the official website that HBO Max won’t be out for the UK even by October 19. I guess they have to wait some more for these amazing streaming options.