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“Did You Know?” Facts About Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl!

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Wild and interesting facts about some of your favorite movies!

The 2003 film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” is full of interesting behind-the-scenes facts. Did you know that Geoffrey Rush, who played Captain Barbossa, had a theory about how people watch movies? Or Robert De Niro was offered the role of Jack Sparrow but declined? These are just a few of the fascinating tidbits about the making of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.”

Key Takeaways

  • Geoffrey Rush believed viewers watched the screen from left to right, so he tried to position himself on the left side of the screen as much as possible.
  • Robert De Niro initially declined the role of Jack Sparrow, but after the success of the movie, he accepted a role in another fantasy film.
  • A choice Between Orlando Bloom and Heath Ledger
  • RUBBER HATS?!

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Jeffrey Rush’s Screen Position Theory

Geoffrey Rush, who played the role of Captain Barbossa in the 2003 movie Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, had a unique theory about how people watch movies. He believed that people watched the screen from left to right, just like they read a book. Therefore, he made a conscious effort to be on the left side of the screen as much as possible.

Influence on Scenes with Monkey and Keira Knightley

Rush was very intent on implementing his theory in scenes with the monkey Jack and Keira Knightley. He figured that no one would look at him otherwise. By positioning himself on the left side of the screen, he drew the viewer’s attention to himself and away from the other characters.

This technique worked particularly well in scenes with the monkey, which was a scene-stealer in its own right. Rush’s presence on the left side of the screen ensured that the audience didn’t miss any of his lines or actions.

In scenes with Keira Knightley, Rush’s screen position helped to balance the frame. Knightley, who played the role of Elizabeth Swann, was often positioned on the right side of the screen.

Overall, Geoffrey Rush’s screen position theory was a unique approach. By being conscious of his position on the screen, he was able to draw the viewer’s attention to himself and create a sense of balance in the frame.

Fan Of The Ninja Turtles? Check This Out!

Robert De Niro’s Initial Rejection of Pirate Movies

Acceptance of Captain Shakespeare Role in Stardust

Robert De Niro was initially offered the role of Jack Sparrow in the 2003 movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl“. However, he declined the offer, believing that pirate movies did not do well at the box office.

Despite his initial rejection of the role, De Niro’s perception of pirate movies changed after the success of the film. He went on to accept the role of Captain Shakespeare in the 2007 movie “Stardust“.

De Niro’s decision to accept the role of Captain Shakespeare was a significant departure from his usual roles. The character was a flamboyant, cross-dressing pirate who was known for his wit and charm. De Niro’s portrayal of the character was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, De Niro spoke about his experience working on “Stardust“. He said, “It was great fun to do something like that. It was a departure from what I usually do, and it was a great experience.”

De Niro’s acceptance of the role of Captain Shakespeare demonstrated his willingness to take on new challenges and explore different genres. It also showed that he was not afraid to change his mind about the types of movies he was willing to be a part of.

Indiana Jones Fan? Click HERE

Casting of Will Turner

Choice Between Orlando Bloom and Heath Ledger

When it came down to casting the role of Will Turner, director Gore Verbinski had a difficult choice to make between two rising stars: Orlando Bloom and Heath Ledger.

Bloom had recently gained immense popularity for his role as Legolas in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and Verbinski believed that his star power would help draw audiences to the film. On the other hand, Ledger had impressed Verbinski with his audition and had already received critical acclaim for his performances in “Monster’s Ball” and “A Knight’s Tale.

Ultimately, Verbinski chose Bloom for the role of Will Turner, believing that he would be the more bankable star. Bloom’s performance in “Pirates of the Caribbean” helped cement his status as a leading man in Hollywood, and he went on to star in numerous other successful films.

While Ledger did not land the role of Will Turner, he did go on to have a successful career in Hollywood, receiving critical acclaim for his performances in films such as “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Dark Knight.

The decision to cast Bloom as Will Turner proved to be a wise one, as “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” went on to become a huge box office success, grossing over $650 million worldwide and spawning a franchise that has continued to captivate audiences for years.

Jack Sparrow’s Hats

Transition from Leather to Rubber Hats

In the early days of filming, the costume designers faced a problem with Johnny Depp’s character, Jack Sparrow. Depp kept losing his leather hats overboard during the filming of the movie. After losing ten leather hats, the costume designers decided to make all of Jack Sparrow’s hats out of rubber going forward so that they would float.

This transition to rubber hats was a practical solution to a problem faced during the filming of the movie. The rubber hats not only solved the issue of the hats sinking but also allowed for more flexibility in the scenes. The rubber hats could be easily manipulated and moved around in the wind, adding to the character’s iconic look.

The rubber hats also became a signature look for Jack Sparrow, adding to the character’s charm and quirkiness. The hats would often be seen bouncing around on his head as he moved, adding to the character’s unpredictable nature.

In conclusion, the transition from leather to rubber hats for Jack Sparrow was a practical solution to a problem faced during filming. The rubber hats not only solved the issue of the hats sinking but also added to the character’s iconic look and charm.

Ever Wondered…Who Was Wonder Woman’s First Villain?

Wonder Woman’s First Villain Ares: Greek God of War!

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It’s time for the next edition of Forst Villains with @JJ – Comic Books this week covering Wonder Woman’s first major solo villain. The Greek God Of War: Ares! #FirstVillain #CreateWithoutFear #NerdInitiative #WonderWoman #Ares #DCComics #comicbooks #wonderwomanvillian #aresdccomic who was Wonder Woman’s first villain in the comic books? Was Ares the first Woman Woman villain? dc comics. Wonder Woman. ares. ares in DC Comics. comic books. comic book facts.

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Wonder Woman’s First Villain

Wonder Woman, the Princess of Themyscira and First Lady of Justice, is an integral part of the DC Comics landscape. Along with Batman and Superman, she makes up 1/3 the DC Trinity.

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Since her debut in 1942, Wonder Woman has faced numerous enemies, but who was the first to challenge the Goddess of Truth? Classic villains such as Giganta or The Cheetah may come to mind, but the first major threat to Wonder Woman was the Greek God of War, Ares.

Like Indie Comics? Check Out ‘Horus In Hell’

Ares is an immortal being who draws his power from belief and conflict. When he first appeared in Wonder Woman #1 in 1942, he proved to be the first major threat for Wonder Woman. In modern times, when he returned to encourage war and discord, he was the first real test for Wonder Woman, and has remained a constant foe ever since.

Back ‘Horus In Hell’ HERE!

“Nimona” Takes A Risk and Soars In This Beautiful Queer Adventure

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If there was ever a film that serves as the definition of perseverance and acts as the epitome of taking risks, then it would be Nimona. The film which just released on Netflix on June 30 is an animated adaptation of the graphic novel by ND Stevenson and stars Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, and Eugene Lee Yang. The story follows an impulsive teenage shapeshifter, Nimona, who takes on being the sidekick of the disgraced knight, Ballister Boldheart in an attempt to clear Ballister’s name. As the truth unfolds about Ballister, the secrets Nimona has been harboring come out into the open. 

Read Also: “Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken” Swims Past The Goal But Has Heart

(l-r) Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart and Chloë Grace Moretz as Nimona in Netflix’s “NIMONA”. All Rights Reserved by Netlifx and Annapurna Pictures.

In a complicated time for the LGBTQ+ community and for undervalued creatives in Hollywood, Nimona is a success story. The film went through seven years of production with Blue Sky Studios, but was ultimately being dropped by Disney due to the film’s subject matter before Blue Sky’s closure in 2021. And despite the uncertainty of whether it would be brought to life, the film was soon picked up by Netflix and Annapurna Pictures and we now have the ability to watch a beautifully animated story. 

While much of the film differs greatly from the graphic novel, the core of its story remains the same. Many of the differences made are to the film’s benefit as there are various queer elements that are no longer hidden in subtext and are instead very clear and on display. Between a interracial gay couple to trans allegories, Nimona serves as a proof that an animated film for all ages can portray queer characters and storylines in a way that is fun, touches the heart, and carries thematic weight. 

Chloë Grace Moretz as Nimona in Netflix’s “NIMONA”. All Rights Reserved by Netlifx and Annapurna Pictures.

A major theme that is handled throughout the film is identity and villainizing those who appear or act differently from what’s considered the norm. As anyone would guess, it is a direct comparison to the dangerous treatment of the LGBTQ+ community specifically. More often than not, there is a heavy amount of fear mongering around the community and the way they “behave” in society that is very negative and damaging. Similarly, Nimona has been villainized her entire life for being able to shape shift however she wants despite posing zero harm to anyone and ultimately becoming a victim of hate and harm herself. 

(l-r) Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart and Chloë Grace Moretz as Nimona in Netflix’s “NIMONA”. All Rights Reserved by Netlifx and Annapurna Pictures.

A heavy allegory such as this, however, does not need to be hidden away from younger audiences if it is handled well enough. The film maintains a very honest portrayal of such experiences while also relating strong emotions via intense visuals that tell us immediately how various characters are feeling in any given moment. The animation manages to mix fantasy elements with modern day technology, creating a stunning environment that looks drastically different between daytime and nighttime, or between the Institution and Ballister’s home. Every moment is painted with emotions, whether it’s the high energy obtained through victory or feelings of defeat and being misunderstood. 

Between our main voice acting cast, Moretz, Ahmed, and Yang are phenomenal in their roles and are unrecognizable. Each of them bring out a level of depth for each character and manage to get viewers to feel for them every step of the way. Fun fact? The characters of Ballister and his lover, Ambrosius Goldenloin, had their physical designs altered to resemble Ahmed and Yang once it was announced they’d be voicing both characters. To have two Asian-coded and very queer characters share their love on screen for us is monumental!

(l-r) Eugene Lee Yang as Ambrosius and Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart in Netflix’s “NIMONA”. All Rights Reserved by Netlifx and Annapurna Pictures.

In the event that Nimona wasn’t on your radar or watchlist, hopefully now it is. It’s much too rare that we get to see films that are so confident about the story and characters or the way they present themselves. Nimona is outrageous, full of adventure, and will no doubt pull on your heartstrings by the end. It is a film that everyone, both young and old, need to see. And hopefully, Nimona will continue to pave the way into honest and open filmmaking that takes risks at every turn and inspires us all to be ourselves in the most unapologetic way. After all, one of the best kinds of movies are the ones that tell us we are seen and that we are alone.

Samosa Rating:  

Nimona receives 5 out of 5 Samosas. 

Nimona is now streaming on Netflix.
Runtime: 1h 38m

If you want even more film discussions, reviews, or just some good old recommendations, be sure to follow @samosasandpopcorn on TikTok!

GRIM #11 – A WELCOMED RETURN TO THE AFTERLIFE

GRIM #11 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (Credit: BOOM! Studios)

GRIM #11BOOM! Studios

Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast via Nerd Initiative!

For this entry, the coolest book at the local comic shop returns via BOOM! Studios. Since its’ debut the horror saga of the afterlife’s favorite reaper made a huge impact on fans with its’ incredible storytelling and art.

It may sound like a broken record at this stage but this series is so much more than just a comic. It is a whole vibe. GRIM #11 from Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano brings Jessica Harrow back to New Comic Book Day with a new chapter kicking off! Let’s take a closer look at how things shape up in the return, shall we?

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *** PREVIOUS ISSUE REVIEW

Who would have thought one lost soul would have caused this much trouble? This is probably what reaper Jessica Harrow is thinking as her (after)life has been turned upside down and then some. After trying to bring a soul to the afterlife, it escapes and she somehow crosses over into the land of the living to redeem it.

GRIM #11 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (Credit: BOOM! Studios)

Along with her friends Eddie and Marcel, Jessica searches out to find out the mystery behind her. Adira, current ruler of the afterlife and her aunt, is none too pleased with Jessica’s curiosity into the matter and has set out to stop her once and for all.

The search has led to the revelation Jessica is the daughter of Death! When the happy reunion goes down in Las Vegas, an entity known as The End looks stop Jessica. An epic battle takes place with Death’s demise in its aftermath.

HORUS IN HELL ENDS JULY 7TH!!!

Now banished into the land of the living, Jessica and her friends try adjusting. That plan goes out the window when people can no longer die and Jessica appears to be the cause!

Denying a legacy laid out by the Sisters of Fate, Jessica’s actions lead to more trouble when it results in Marcel going to Hell. Jessica and Eddie are captured by fellow reaper Annabel, who betrays Jessica and has cut a deal with Adira.

Oh yeah, let’s not forget Jessica’s mother Lilah is out of jail and now a guest of the entity known as Life.

GRIM #11 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (Credit: BOOM! Studios)

This issue opens up with the Sisters of Fate recapping events in their own way. Meanwhile Annabel is meeting with Adira and Kelly (the devil responsible for Marcel’s current situation) about their barging. The soul exchange isn’t what Adira wants as she appears tentative to unleash that person back. Kelly sways the choice and starts the process.

MORE FROM BOOM! STUDIOS

All the while, Life is continuing his pursuit of an amulet in Lilah’s possession. Offering the world might now be enough, but something else is shown and the reaction screams from the page!

As for our favorite reaper, Jessica and Eddie are in their prison with tensions mounting. Things look hopeless until a surprise figure appears with a deal that readers won’t believe when they see it!

Who is Annabel trying to unleash? Will Lilah give up the amulet? And what about that final page?! Grim is back in a big way with much for readers to talk about!

GRIM #11 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (Credit: BOOM! Studios)

IT’S THE YEAR OF THE POWER RANGERS!

BREAKDOWN: Phillips wastes no time in bring in the tension and turmoil for the return. Adira’s manipulations have been one of the book’s strongest key points. Seeing how she reacts to when Annabel turns the tables on the deal made for an interesting dynamic to the overall picture.

Life and Lilah’s portion of the book added another layer of mystery as Lilah’s true intentions have never been fully exposed, but readers get a small crack into where she’s leaning.

There have now been a few examples that Jessica is still reeling from events and needs reassurance for what she’s doing. The banter between Jessica and Eddie fully displayed the pressure Jessica puts on herself and eventual start of her road to achieving her destiny.

ANOTHER CAN’T MISS FROM BOOM!

GRIM #11 by Stephanie Phillips, Flaviano, Rico Renzi & Tom Napolitano (Credit: BOOM! Studios)

It’s another quality element to her story that connects with fans. Jessica is far from perfect but perfect enough to root for where she’s going.

Flaviano and Renzi remind fans why Grim is more than a book, it’s a whole vibe with the art in this issue. Starting from the Sisters of Fate’s intro, the visuals of the painting and the statues make a big statement from the jump. It gives readers a feel of how fate is playing Chess with all the characters.

The depiction of Eddie and Jessica’s prison is another fantastic visual that readers will be blown away by. As great as that is, just wait for the two-page spread with Life’s surroundings! The masterful artwork displayed each issue never lets up and that’s such a win for fans. Excellent full page panel to send readers home to the next issue on.

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The coolest book at the Local Comic Shop returns in a big way with Grim #11. The story being weaved by Phillips’ incredible writing is is perfectly matched with the astounding artwork of Flaviano and Renzi, bringing fans into the next phase of an already must-have series! Don’t miss picking this issue up on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH Social media and let me know what you thought of Grim #11. Thanks for reading Parlay Points On Nerd Initiative!

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PHANTOM ROAD #5 – A CARGO OF TERROR SHIFTS GEARS

Phantom Road #5Image Comics

CREATIVE: Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast on Nerd Initiative!

For this entry, one of the most underrated comics on the shelves continues its trek on the horror highway.

Phantom Road #5 by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands from Image Comics dives deeper into the journey into the supernatural of Dom and Birdie.

More From Jeff Lemire

With more twists and turns forming, there’s no shortage of delivering excitement on each mile. Let’s take a closer look at what’s unfolding within these pages now, shall we?

DON’T MISS OUT ON LOCAL MAN!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *** PREVIOUS ISSUE REVIEW

“What a long, strange trip its’ been”… It is the easiest way to describe the life of Dom and Birdie currently. When Dom assists Birdie during an accident, they become bonded with a mysterious object. Transporting to another dimension and fighting faceless creatures is now part of the daily routine. That is until one creature turns into a human! Now on the run for a potential murder and looking for answers, the unlikely pair have to find a way to work together long enough to find a way out of this situation.

Now thrown into the mix is FBI agent Theresa Weaver who is trying to put together a case, but winds up in a conspiracy of her own. Last readers saw her, she was kidnapped and interrogated by a masked figure concerning “Project Jackknife”.

HORUS IN HELL ENDS JULY 7TH!

When the figure leaves, Weaver starts leaving an abandoned warehouse trying to put her own mystery together.

This issue kicks off with Weaver looking at a file dating back to at least 1991. The news paper clipping inside detail about a serial killer on the highway. When Weaver leaves the building, she checks her phone. Agent Pike left messages for her but when she calls back, the number is out of service.

Director Wallis gets a hold of her and claims Pike was removed from the case. Readers quickly find out Wallis isn’t on the up and up with Weaver with a familiar figure in his office.

Meanwhile, Dom and Birdie have an immediate danger in their path! Will the pair make it out of this one? What about Agent Weaver?

CHECK OUT ROGUE SUN!

Readers see when the pace slows down after the danger, more mysteries are revealed with a huge reveal going into the closing moments. There’s going to be even more questions about the figure seen at the last moments. Without question, there is definitely more tread on the tires with this tale to be told.

BREAKDOWN: Lemire adds more intrigue to the story before ending chapter one. Weaver’s story plays out as conspiracy cover-up with the actions of Director Wallis. With Weaver closing in, Lemire mixes in hints of a bigger threat looming with a cameo that will shock some readers.

Dom and Birdie’s portion of the book dives into the horror aspect with Birdie’s impatience leading into danger for all. Pacing gave equal time to all as things look to be slowly tyin together. Solid surprise reveal near the end of the book.

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT ARCADE KINGS YET?

Walta and Bellaire play off the conspiracy angle for Weaver’s story panels. The dark coloring of the warehouse reflects the conspiracy and the confusion spun by Director Wallis. The attack on Dom and Birdie connects to readers for how terrifying the moment is.

The panels are brutal and the pair’s reactions paint the picture of terror that’s been lingering since issue one. Capturing the facial shocks and anger between the pair also added to the drama.

The huge reveal jumps out and gets its’ proper due via a full page panel. The art team keeps things rolling along with very consistent work with the ever-evolving story.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

Lemire, Walta and the team keep things rolling along with another excellent read. The secrets grow deeper with fantastic writing and art shifts things into high-gear with a big reveal in the final moments. Keep an eye out for this book on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH Social media and let me know what you thought of Phantom road #5. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative!

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NO/ONE #4 – SURVIVAL IN THE SHADOWS

NO/ONE #4 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

NO/ONE #4 – Image Comics and Black Market Narrative

Creative: Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, the story that transcends normal comic storytelling is back with an all new issue from Image Comics and Black Market Narrative. With an equally important companion podcast, the mystery that has taken comics most exciting line, the massive-verse, by storm shows no signs of letting up its’ hold on comic fans.

NO/ONE #4 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou brings the identity of the masked vigilante closer to the truth behind the question haunting Pittsburgh: Who Is No/One.

Let’s not wait another minute and jump right into the latest chapter, shall we?

GET FAMILIAR WITH COMICS MOST EXCITING UNIVERSE! CHECK OUT MASSIVE-VERSE 101

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *** PREVIOUS ISSUE REVIEW

How much weight can a city hold before it breaks? That has been a question circling around the city of Pittsburgh since a figure known as “The Accountability Killer” started their attacks. Aaron Kern is behind bars, publicly recognized as “No/One”. Some would think the danger is over but they were wrong. With a rising body count and copycat killer running loose, the city and their residents are doing all they can to hold things together.

NO/ONE #4 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative) COVER –Rod Reis

Former Assistant Chief Ben Kern (Aaron’s father) has started his own investigation. Pittsburgh Ledger Editor Teddy Barlow and reporter Julia Paige are covering the story via podcast, putting them into some uncomfortable situations. Detectives Singh and Harper are doing what they can, but the pressure feels too great Amidst this chaos, a new person has emerged, appearing to be the real No/One!

HORUS IN HELL ENDS JULY 7TH!

Last issue, “No/One” stopped Kenneth Chbosky from harming Julia. This is coming off the heels of Julia’s mother, reporter Alanna Paige trying to get Julia to speak out about the case. Meanwhile, Ben Kern starts following Chuck Tate, a star football player with ties to No/One victim Coach Nathan Cade.

This issue begins dated June 2023. A corrections officer picks off a letter for Aaron Kern and what he sees shocks him to the core. Elsewhere, Ben has become a regular at a sports bar where Tate frequents.

On the TV is Alanna Paige, who is speaking out publicly against her daughter. Tate walks in the bar and makes small talk with “Jim” aka Ben. When a message interrupts the conversation, Tate makes an excuse to leave but Ben follows him to see it’s a lie

MORE MASSIVE-VERSE!

At the same time, Senator Noah Kemp unveils a new legal bill with HUGE ramifications involving No/One! Speaking of the vigilante, another potential victim’s name has been revealed in a certain way. How does this tie back to the vigilante? Has he been set-up?

Readers are thrusted into action as No/One races to stop the next dead body. Will he get there in time? Who is behind this attack? What of Ben and Julia’s side stories. Rest assured, the mystery behind this series brings a fair balance of drama and action. The slow burn pace is in full effect and things now shift towards the podcast from this must-have issue.

NO/ONE #4 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)– Cover: Mark Englert

BREAKDOWN: Higgins and Buccellato delve further into the mystery without showing their playing cards. Ben Kern’s story stands out a bit more than the others this issue with his detective work and emotional break point in the latter half.

Seeing how Kern speaks with Tate about why he does what he does made a loud statement. The banter with Aaron in prison is always strong material. It feels like “Silence Of The Lambs” lingers around their moments. Senator Kemp’s play adds to fuel more conspiracy elements.

LOOKING FOR POWER RANGERS?

Readers can start getting the sense that No/One’s case runs deeper in the heart of Pittsburgh than anyone can fathom. The action moments give a nice break to the character build but, as the final page cements, the book builds up the slow play for an even greater reveal yet to come.

Borges and Englert give Kern’s story more detail with his reactions to what he’s uncovering. Playing naïve to the initial talk with Tate, the body language given off connects with readers of how desperate he is to solve the case.

There’s a solid 1 page panel where this component shines through. There is no shortage of action within these pages as Borges constructs 4 page panels for all the high-rise visuals.

DON’T MISS OUT ON LOCAL MAN!

The pace feels fast and reflects the intensity of the fighting. Its great storytelling which has become synonymous with this series. Excellent close-out visuals to set things forward towards the latest podcast.

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

In a short amount of time, Higgins, Buccellato, Borges and the team have taken readers into deep waters with a mystery that presents more questions than answers. Superb writing and exceptional art carries the slow-burn drama into another unforgettable chapter. Don’t miss this (and the companion podcast) on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of No/One #4. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative.

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I HATE THIS PLACE #10 – IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD

I HATE THIS PLACE #10 by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, and Lee Loughridge (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

I HATE THIS PLACE Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment

Creative: Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, Lee Loughridge and Pat Brosseau

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast by way of Nerd Initiative!

For this entry, we are checking out the conclusion of a smash hit series from Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment. The story of Gabby And Trudy’s adventure into home owning has been anything but average with the terrifying scenario they have now become apart of.

I HATE THIS PLACE #10 by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, Lee Loughridge and Pat Brosseau looks to close out things on a strong note. Let’s not delay another second and see how things close out, shall we?

MORE FROM SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

What started out as a promising future for Gabby Rutherford and Trudy Durant quickly turned into an unrelenting nightmare. The couple moves into a 500 acre farm left to them by Gabby’s aunt. During the first night, Gabby is awoken by their cows franticly mooing.

When she leaves the house, a ghost touches her shoulder and transports her somewhere else for a brief moment. When Trudy wakes to check on what’s happened, the sky has opened overhead of their new home.

TRUDY, GABBY & Dante Howitzer (I HATE THIS PLACE #3) by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, and Lee Loughridge (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

Searching for answers, the couple finds a VHS tape titled “Watch me” that gives a small part of an even bigger puzzle no one could envision unfolding. The VHS tape is left by Gabby’s great aunt Marilyn.

Marilyn bears warnings that cannot be ignored. With the knowledge of the farm’s “rules” and the horned man lurking outside it, Gabby and Trudy dive into picking up the pieces of their dreams from the nightmare reality it is.

HORUS IN HELL ENDS JULY 7TH!

Through the course of the series, fans have met a wide variety of characters ranging from the dastardly Frank “Itchy” Renta, the charismatic Ghost Hunter extraordinaire Dante Howitzer and the unrelenting Joseph Durant to name a few.

Mixing those characters with the violent and terrifying backdrop of the story made for quite the intense read.

After the first arc concluded, the second has been focusing on Trudy’s father coming to the farm to bring his daughter back to his doomsday cult.

Frank “Itchy” Renta (I HATE THIS PLACE #4) by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, and Lee Loughridge (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

He soon finds out, once you’re on the farm, you can never really leave. The drama is intensified when Gabby is thrusted into the future where she learns the truth about the farm and how it holds the key to the end of the world…literally.!

Inside the house was a piece of alien technology that the Horned Man had been searching for since the first issue. With this piece of equipment, a machine could be activated that destroys Earth as we know it.

While Gabby has the piece, she is taken prisoner by Joseph, who now has the knowledge of what to do with the machine, thinking it’s for a “greater good” with an army from the future.

ANOTHER GREAT IMAGE COMICS BOOK!

The finale starts with the Horned Man searching the farm property assessing the carnage all around from the battle of Joseph’s forces and the creatures haunting the place. In his path is Trudy, looking for her glasses after Joseph threw them into the woods, knowing she can’t see without them.

All the while, Gabby is being led at gunpoint by Joseph to the machine with key in hand! With all these combustible personalities in one place, the sequence of events next couldn’t be any more intense!

CHECK THIS COMIC STORY OUT!

Who makes it out alive? Is there a chance the Earth survives? Readers get all the answers they can handle as the finale gives the climatic throwdowns and emotional pulls one expects from a series finale.

The Horned Man (I HATE THIS PLACE #9) by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, and Lee Loughridge (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

Nothing is held back with Gabby and Trudy’s desperate attempt to stop the apocalypse from happening. When the smoke clears, readers get a clear-cut vision of what the future holds with a final act that is sure to please long-time readers of this series.

BREAKDOWN: In its’ conclusion, Starks drives home the strongest element of this story: the relationship of Gabby and Trudy is unstoppable.

With the individual match-ups (Trudy vs Horned Man, Gabby vs Joseph), the re-enforcement of the other’s support is a key factor in pushing thru the moment in the attempt to win.

WELCOME BACK TO THE BONE ORCHARD!

Each character gets ample page time to let readers become entranced in how the stakes keep being raised. Once the dramatic crescendo is hit later in the book, the emotional outpour of Trudy’s words can be felt through the page.

Pacing was never an issue as all loose detail are tied up with a few things for readers to ponder post-read. It’s exactly what you want from a finale.

LOOKING FOR MORE HORROR?

Topilin and Loughridge begin this issue with a unique approach with 3 huge (1 full page) panels depicting the Horned Man’s assessment. The visuals make a big impact setting the tone for what is coming next.

Joseph and company(I HATE THIS PLACE #7) by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, and Lee Loughridge (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

The inner fatigue of the lead characters emotions play a big part in connecting the dire times with the readers. This is clearly evident with Gabby is being lead to the machine by Joseph.

DON’T MISS THE LATEST ADVENTURES OF STARSTORM!

The horror and violence factor didn’t disappear as the Horned Man’s attack on the soldiers left nothing to chance. However, the moment that jumps out after each read has been the small 3 panels for Trudy re-assuring Gabby of what needs to be done in the closing act.

The confidence and love shown by Trudy is the extra boost needed to attempt the final save. Perfect closing panels to send this series off…for now?

FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10

The terrifying world of monsters and ghosts is met head-on by an intensely deep relationship that refuses to falter under any circumstance. Trudy and Gabby’s final endeavor to save the world is brought to life by incredible writing and exceptional visuals to take readers into the closing events of a fantastic series. Highest possible recommendation this week for New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of I Hate This Place #10. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative!

Check Out More Content From ODPH HERE

Space Armor – Iron Man is Out of this World!

Welcome to Paperweight Entertainment’s Hall of Armor: Reforged! New intro, new armors, new multiversal Tony Starks, same great content! We’re still digging into Iron Man’s bag of tricks, each week you’re going to get to take a look at a new armor or version of Iron Man from across comics, film, and TV!

This week we are blasting off to the stars in Iron Man’s first ever Space Armor, the Mark V! Straight out of the pages of Iron Man #142 by Bob Layton, David Michelinie, and John Romita Jr. Iron Man debuted a brand new armor that would sustain him for long periods of time in the vacuum of space!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alligators in the Sewers?! The Old and New of Leatherhead

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Leatherhead
©2023 PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is releasing in theaters everywhere August 2nd, 2023. With this newer, younger, iteration of the Turtles comes a huge cast of classic mutants and adversaries! Most are familiar or even popular, but why not revisit their histories and get a refresher on who they are. Our subject today…Leatherhead!

A Fan Favorite Returns

One of the most intimidating and imposing figures in TMNT history and fan favorite due to his iconic appearances in the 1987 animated series and subsequent video games like The Manhattan Project and Turtles in Time. In almost all iterations of the Turtles, Leatherhead’s origins are the same: An alligator comes into contact with mutagen and changes into a bipedal humanoid alligator. Through the years there has been nuance and small changes to Leatherhead‘s character, not to mention a massive change coming in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem this summer.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Leatherhead
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logos and characters are copyrights and trademarks of Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved.

Mirage Comics Leatherheads First Appearance

In the original Mirage Comics run Leatherhead first appeared in Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6 in 1988 as a baby alligator that escaped during a pet store robbery, made his way into the sewers, and was abducted by Utroms where, you guessed it, he was exposed to mutagen. Eventually he is separated from his “family” of Utroms and is forced to survive in the sewers of New York.

Leatherhead is soon hunted by a big game hunter named Jack Marlin. In one of many of their confrontations, Leatherhead meets the Turtles who decide to aid their new alligator ally and give him a place to stay. But soon Leatherhead decides to find his Utrom family and builds the tech necessary to travel to their home world, a task in which Leatherhead accepts help from the Foot Clan. When the Turtles intervene against The Foot, the machine backfires, throwing Leatherhead into a fit of rage in which he kills 2 foot clan members and vows revenge on the Turtles, believing they wrecked his attempt to get home.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Leatherhead
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logos and characters are copyrights and trademarks of Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved.

1987 Animated Series

There’s no doubt that Leatherheads most iconic appearance comes from the 1987 animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The Shredder set out to create new mutants to fight the Turtles, but an accident during transportation causes a mutagen spill in the Florida Everglades. This causes the creation of the Punk Frogs as well as the alligator Leatherhead.

Leatherhead hunted the Punk Frogs to New York where the had been taken by The Shredder. In the sewers of New York, Leatherhead found much more interesting game in the way of the Turtles, but he was constantly at arms with the Rat King who also wanted the Turtles. They would soon call a truce and join forces against the Turtles and even go as far as working for The Shredder. This version of Leatherhead brings us the Cajun accent, voiced by the legend himself Jim Cummings, and the look that often comes to mind when we think of Leatherhead.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Leatherhead
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logos and characters are copyrights and trademarks of Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved.

2003 Animated Series

In 2003 Leatherhead returns to his comic origins as a pet alligator in the sewers, adopted by the Utroms. This iteration of Leatherhead however has the brains to match the brawn. Leatherhead is depicted as having the same intelligence level as Donatello.

This version of Leatherhead lived among the Utroms as an equal until an attack by The Shredder. Now homeless, Leatherhead is befriended by Baxter Stockman, who helps Leatherhead build a new device to return to the Utrom homeworld.

He eventually meets and befriends Michelangelo and in the process learns that Stockman is an ally to The Shredder. This causes Leatherhead to attack Stockman and in the ensuing battle, Leatherhead gives his life to save his new turtle friends. He actually survives the battle and makes several more appearances as an ally to the Turtles.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Leatherhead
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logos and characters are copyrights and trademarks of Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved.

2012 Nickelodeon Series

In 2012, Leatherhead’s origins are similar, but circumstances are different. A baby alligator flushed into the sewers by parents is discovered by the Kraang is taken to their dimension, is mutated, and then tortured and experimented on. He eventually escapes to the sewers of New York where he is befriended by the always lovable and kind Michelangelo.

This Leatherhead is violent and short tempered due to a lifetime of abuse, but is always willing to help the Turtles in their fight against the Kraang and The Shredder.

In a climatic battle against the Kraang, Leatherhead once again sacrifices himself to save his friends and is transported back to Dimension X, home of the Kraang. He would eventually return older as a member of The Mighty Mutanimals and aid Splinter against Shredder and The Foot, as well as battle against the Kraang’s invasion of Earth.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Leatherhead
Rose Byrne, The Voice of Leatherhead in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Mutant Mayhem: Leatherheads New Mutation

That’s a lot of Leatherheads, a lot of origin stories, and a few variations on the character. On August 2, 2023 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will introduce Leatherhead to a new generation of fans in a whole new different way.

Leatherhead will be a female…and from what we can tell, Australian. Rose Byrne, no stranger to Seth Rogen films, will voice the character and bring a “down under” appeal. In what seems like an homage to the 1987 animated version, it looks as though Leatherhead will be sort of “bushman” or a hunter and tracker.

Whether this version of Leatherhead was once a pet alligator or not remains to be seen. I’m excited and optimistic that with the writing of Seth Rogen and the talent of Rose Byrne, the new version of Leatherhead will be a great addition to the franchise!

©2023 PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Indiana Jones Embarks On One Last Big Adventure In “Dial of Destiny”

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It’s not often we get a final send-off for a film franchise that extends over 40 years and gives us all a taste of adventure. However, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is exactly that movie and is the fifth and final installment of the Indiana Jones series, bringing an end to its legacy. We find ourselves in the midst of World War II as Indy attempts to secure an infamous dial created by Archimedes and keep away from the Nazi regime. The mission ends in success and we fast forward to the 1960’s where Indy has retired as a professor as well as an adventurer, putting most of his life behind him. It’s not until someone from his past pulls him back into the world of adventure as they seek to retrieve the mysterious dial once more and keep it out of dangerous hands. 

Read Also: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ – Is It Worth The Watch?

(L-R): Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) in Lucasfilm’s INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

If we took a majority of all the things that made the original Indiana Jones movies problematic, you would get a movie like Dial of Destiny. If we kept the stories focused on historical adventure while beating down on the true villains of the world, you would still get a movie like Dial of Destiny. Ultimately, this film is a callback to original films of the franchise that started in 1981 as it captures the pure essence of adventure. While it’s not done perfectly, the film attempts to do better by removing aspects of the franchise that have not aged well by any means. 

We see the introduction of characters like Helena and Teddy, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and newcomer Ethann Isidore, along with Mads Mikkelsen as our villain. Helena is the type of character that screams “supporting women’s wrongs” as she quickly steals the show of every scene she is in. Ultimately, Helena serves as a reminder of the past but also a positive challenge for a changed Indy. Meanwhile, Teddy’s character feels like a sidekick that is just barely reminiscent of Short Round from Temple of Doom. While he doesn’t have the same charm as Short Round, it’s his mischief and quick thinking that makes him a valuable member of the team. And finally, Mikkelsen is the perfect villain that fits in neatly in a story about a man desperate to change outcomes of the past. 

Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) in Lucasfilm’s INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Harrison Ford, on the other hand, is exactly how we’d expect him to be: cranky, exhausted, and wanting solitude but also unexpectedly in a state of grief. With some characters missing, it’s through him that we understand where they are or aren’t, which only further fuels his choices throughout the film. But as mentioned regarding Mikkelsen’s performance, a major underlying theme that is discussed through Jones is the concept of wanting to go back in time and change what has already happened. The film takes it a step further by slapping us all in the face with the harsh reality that what happened cannot be changed for pure convenience and comfortability. It is each of our individual responsibilities that we accept the events of the past, move forward, and do better. 

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in Lucasfilm’s INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Unfortunately, Dial of Destiny is not without its issues. Much of it stems from the off-putting CGI utilized to de-age Ford and Mikkelsen for a good chunk of the film. In a scene that lasted as long as it did, the de-aging begins to lose its convincing elements, if it ever had them to begin with. In the end, it leaves the audience with jarring images that don’t feel real at all and with voices that are blatantly mismatched from the beginning. In a world where we are obsessed with the idea of celebrity doppelgängers, it’s difficult to believe the same could not be done here to rectify such a bizarre attempt of de-aging CGI. 

And without giving much away, regardless of the legacy of its stories and characters, it’s disheartening to see a continued use of brown-face in a film released in 2023 for the sake of nostalgia. In a time where representation is everything and studios are being pressured and pushed to cast appropriately and do right by characters of color, it’s a bizarre choice to bring back a supposed fan-favorite character despite its problematic history when other options were available. All that can be said now is that it’s important to call attention to these instances and continue to put pressure on studios. 

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in Lucasfilm’s INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Overall, at its core, Dial of Destiny is a well-made send off to a decades long franchise featuring a beloved character that will not be forgotten. If Harrison Ford didn’t solidify his place as two memorable characters in Hollywood, he certainly has now. And while the adventures of Indiana Jones are over, there’s no doubt that they’ll be talked about for generations to come. And with that, so long Indiana Jones and thank you, Harrison Ford.

Samosa Rating:  

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny receives 4 out of 5 Samosas. 

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now playing in theaters.
Runtime: 2h 22m

If you want even more film discussions, reviews, or just some good old recommendations, be sure to follow @samosasandpopcorn on TikTok!