Weird Mind News Room Episode 159: March 9th - 15th

 *Another year older and another week of Music*

Hello again to all of you fine, fine people, My name is Sam and I welcome you to the newest episode of Weird Mind News Room where I am another year older but its another week where I will be delving into another week of all forms of New Releases, Trailers and News stories in the world of entertainment media that you may have seen or may have overlooked from the week. So lets not waste too much time on the introductions and lets get to talking on all things media for another week.

How to structure a New Release

Movies

How To Make a Killing

The first of the new releases asks you the question that you were to discover that you are a part of a long lineage that is quite wealthy and they kept you from finding out, how would you react? Well that seems to be the approach of what this first film will entail as we have the release of the new retelling of a classic novel and film of How to Make a Killing. The film will follow Becket Redfellow who was disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, and when he learns of their fortune amount, he will soon stop at nothing to reclaim the inheritance all to himself, no matter how many relatives get in his way. Reception on this new take of the film has been a little mixed to underwhelming reception with praise on the performances, however the film is lacking a little in appeal or substance to really leave much of an impression, but if you want to kill your way to a fortune then you can catch the film now in cinemas.

Reminders of Him

On the next of the films for this week is with the focus to the likes of a new take of a novelization from an author whos previous film caused quite an..... legal woe, but in the case if some ordeals that have occoured in the past, how far someone will go in terms of a 2nd chance as we have the release of the all new film of Reminders of Him. After a perfect outing with her boyfriend, Kenna (Maika Monroe) makes an unbearable mistake and send her to prison for seven years. Once released, she plans to rebuild her life and reunite with her daughter, but her custodial Grandparents refuse to let her see her and soo will find some unexpected compassion from a local Bar Owner as their secret romance gives Kenna hope for a second chance. Reception on this book adaption has been also hit with some mixed reception that while the performances are well liked, the film is bogged down in the similar tone to Hoover's previous Book adaption in having a very messy outcome and tone, but if you want to see it for the likes of the 2nd chances then you can also catch this out now in cinemas.

Louis Theroux Inside the Manosphere

In terms of the only documentary based film in focus for this week, we have the focus that we have seen a lot of this type of unexpected form of content we see on the internet that can be very harmful and concerning for many young people and it will come down to one man with the clear eye and expert craft of answering the tough questions as Louis Theroux is back to bring his all new doc of Inside the Manosphere. With Rare access and no holds barred questions, Theroux will investigate the growing the ultra-masculine network and its controversial influencers. Reception on this documentary has been decently recieved with praise on its deconstruction of this controversial side of the internet and finding some of the answers and pointing out some of the dangers that are found from this pathway and if you want to see his take on this lifestyle then you can catch the full doc now on Netflix.

TV Shows

One Piece Season 2

On the basis of the only tv series for this week, it will be time to grab your gear, gather your crew and prepare to set sail across the vast and open oceans as Luffy and his Straw hat crew are back on the high seas of adventure for a 2nd time around as we have the release of the live action 2nd season of the popular Anime of One Piece. This new season will see Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew as they embark further on their journey as they enter into the Grand Line, where they will soon encounter new islands, new acquaintances, formidable enemies and a whole load of Legendary secrets. Reception to the 2nd season of this anime, similar to season 1 has been very well recieved with praise on the cast, visuals, characters, story and for being a continuing success and appealing form of adapting Anime from the original to live action over other versions and if you are all set to sail off for more adventure, then you can watch the full 2 seasons now on Netflix.

Video Games

Fatal Frame II Crimson Butterfly Remake

Onto the first of the games and for this one is providing a return to a classic title of horror but more in an updated format of a classic and a fresh coat of paint to the horror that lie within as some secrets and terrors await as we have the release of the remake of Fatal Frame II Crimson Butterfly. Based on the title released in 2003, the game will follow sisters Mio and Mayu Amakura as they are trapped in a ghost-filled village caused by a failed ritual which they are forced to re-enact and using a powerful camera will find each other and escape this nightmare. Reception on this remake has been well recieved with praise on the faithful retelling of the narrative, the updated visuals, scares and new additions and for the respect given to a classic in horror and if you want to play it for yourself, it is available to play now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 and PC.

Monster Hunter Stories 3

As for the last of the new releases of this week, it is time to return to a vast land of powerful creatures great and small and all forms of the land and sky and will be seeing some elements changing across vast tales of this land as after some wait we have the release of the 3rd entry of the Monster Hunter Stories with Twisted Reflection. The game will follow 2 adversarial kingdoms of Azuria and Vermeil as they struggle to survive against an environmental disaster of the Crystal Enroachment. The plaer will play as the Heir of Azuria and team with the princess of Vermeil as they fight against this sudden environmental disaster with the aid of vast monsties and help resolve relations between the kingdoms. Reception on the new entry seem to very well recieved with praise on the narrative, gameplay, visuals and could be the case of the appeal to the series after some mixed criticism of the previous Wilds title from last year and if you want to play the latest in the stories series then you can play it now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 and PC. 

Trailers of Many styles

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

We start off the first of the new releases and its time to Let'sa go once more as we have the first of the focused elements of the week and day that was in it of this week with the day to celebrate the mustachioed plumber and its time we get an all new look as we are blasting off into the stars for an all new adventure to the far cosmos as we have the release of the final trailer for the upcoming sequel and follow up with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The new entry will see Mario and Luigi will join Princess Peach and Toad on an adventure to the far reaches of space and across the galaxy where they face off against Bowser's Son, Bowser Jr, who is trying to save and free his father from being shrunken and imprisoned and help rescue princess Rosalina, the protector of the Lumas on the Comet observatory. So if there was a case of one of my most anticipated films of this year has been a focus in mind for the last few weeks and every single bit of footage and perspective has been appealing to me in every way from the clips of the galaxies, the use and introduction of Yoshi (who I am still in disbelief and need to understand how its Donald Glover voicing the character) and just having that sense of going much bigger in scope to the first entry of the series and I am so god damn excited for it and I have faith it will live up to expectation and making sure I go day one to this title (as well as obtaining not just the one but 2 Popcorn buckets) but its not too long away from release as the adventure will be blasting off into cinemas from April 1st.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

Speaking of the Green Dinosaur, our 2nd trailer for this week is the one game focused trailer we have in focus as its time for an all new tale to be written that is found in the pages of a strange and sentient ancient text and it will be an adventure like no other as we have the release of an all new trailer for the upcoming new game of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. The game will see you play as the iconic Dinosaur as he enters a living Encyclopedia where he will search for an interact with with creatures of in the books pages in order to solve puzzles, complete objectives and traverse across mysterious levels. So I have to say the style and tone of this game has been quite the appealing one as this series of games on this character are always so colourful and whimsical to experience and the likes of these strange creature and worlds to discover is always a highlight and I will say I am very much excited to learn more about the story and for finding more of these strange and colourful creatures that is the center of this trailer but I am sure we will find out in due time as we now have an official release date for this title as we will be looking through the pages of the mysterious Book when it releases on the Switch 2 from May 21st.

Power Ballad

On the 3rd trailer of this week is one that has a bit more of a song in its heart and a sense of a country in its spirit as we have a new film that will be set in my home town and country and have 2 big stars being a big name in the music scene that may clash with one another after having a chance of redemption for both as we have the release of the trailer for the new film of Power ballad. The film will follow Rick (Paul Rudd), a past his prime wedding singer, who comes across fading boy band Star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig where they will soon bond over music and a late night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Ricks songs into a hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he deserves, even if it means risking everything he cares about. So I remember hearing rumblings about this project over the last few months or so since the Cinemacon of last year and it seemed like its an interesting case and I know the director of these films has such a coded form of films set in the streets and immersed in the culture of Ireland and I'm intrigued to see what these 2 leads will provide to the talent and it seems from early reception that it has really worked again (Even though I tried to get tickets for the premiere at the Theatre but the system was not working) but I will be interested to check it out when it releases into cinemas from May 29th.

Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair

On the one TV show trailer of the week, we have the case that sometimes growing up with some families and relations that are a little normal or dysfunctional can be seen as fine but sometimes may not be so fair, but in this case it looks like even if many of them have grown into adults that it will still have the sense of dysfunctional tone to it all and that is ever so present with the release of the trailer for the upcoming revival limited series of Malcolm in the Middle Lifes Still Unfair. Set almost 20 years after the original series ended, Malcolm now lives a happy life with his Daughter Leah and girlfriend Tristan, having distancing themselves from his family. However he will soon be forced back into the chaos when his parents Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th Wedding Anniversary party. If I can say anything about this series is that I think this show really was such an appealing watch and a personal favourite from the mid 2000s and really gave an appeal with some of the chaos and dynamics of the show from the goofy to the serious and it had that appeal from the story and I like the approach that this limited series is going in that I am sure if the likes of this short special return does well that I feel another form similar to it could work or maybe a one and done will still be just as appealing but I am interested in checking this out and thankfully it is not too long away from release either as the full 4 episode miniseries will be released onto Disney+ from April 10th.

Disclosure Day

And the final trailer for this week is bringing the focus and ideals that we have had the opinion and discussions about wondering are we alone in the universe or has these visitors of another planet been living amongst us this entire time, well it seems from this new film that it may be just that, as the father of the Blockbuster of Steven Spielberg is back to provide us a new trailer for his upcoming new Sci-Fi of Disclosure Day. While plot details are somewhat vague, the film will ask the question If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? SO the likes of this film has quite a lot of layers and I like the ideals that even with the footage and focus to it all that the tone is kept mysterious and cryptic and I like it and it seems they have at least fixed the ducking of the music and Audio compared to that first trailer where the music was too loud and bombastic but I am sure it will be something worth of a spectacle and I am intrigued to see the outcome of this new project and thankfully its not too far off for the answers that it provides as the day where all is revealed will be released into cinemas from June 12th.

News that tells many stories

The many new projects or changes in mind

So we have a selection of stories in focus for this week and we will start off with a selection in the realm of some updates, changes and announcements to some projects that seem to have come to us from the last week of Media so lets have a look and see where it all starts

So there is a bit of a flux of some new projects and some scrapped ones and the first will be the focused side of the everchanging side of the live action projects at Disney and it seems there is another one that may be looking unlikely to see the light of day as it was announced late last week that the planned Live action take on Robin Hood has been scrapped at Disney. Now it is unclear why it was scrapped but I see the case of it coming down to the likes of the media as of late has been given plenty of takes on the famous bandit and his merry men and maybe the case of making a film based on the more andromorphic animals may be a bit too much to develop. Quite the case as well this was not even planned for a theatrical release as it was set for a Disney+ project instead but I guess that it just got too big to fully realize and got the chopping block alongside the live action adaptions of the Aristocats, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Bambi. Now whether this will suddenly have a return in the future right now is unclear but once I hear anything I will provide it in a later episode.

But when one Live action project is shelved, another new concept will take its place and in this instance it is looking more in the direction of a series rather then a film as it was announced they have planned a live action series based on the character of Tinkerbell for Disney+. Now the concept of this has been in development for around a decade now at this point with the project being retooled back in 2021 and then in the likes of a take of a live action Tinkerbell was already seen recently in 2023 with Black-ish star Yara Shahidi portraying the character in Peter Pan and Wendy so whether this will see her portray the character again in this series is currently unclear. Likely I see this being based on the series of animated films that released over the late 2000s and early 2010s and then could expand on it a litt more with however long the series is established for but I guess we will see as the series goes full steam ahead and if they will be casting a new take on the character or bringing back the actress already seen before but once I hear anything new I will provide it in a later episode.

Now we have one more series that has seen the likes of potential and one that many were excited for but it looks like that hope has been dashed as on Friday of this week it was announced that the planned sequel series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is no longer going ahead at Hulu. Now it is unclear as to why it was suddenly cancelled when it had the original cast all back and ready to go but according to sources it apparently was due to the series feeling "too Young" in terms of the narrative as it focused too much on a new slayer, which then saw a rewrite for a more darker tone and Buffy having more of a presence but that still didn't really help in that regards. It is a shame as I felt this would've really worked in giving some love to this series and bring in more new fans from this to find the original (and will take this any day over the slop that is a 2nd season of All's Fair) but similar to how it happened with Lizzie Mcguire a few years ago, it really seems like it will be a rough journey ahead. I guess we will see if it will be saved in the future but once I hear anything I will provide it in a later episode.

On the likes of some Gaming news on this side of project announcements, it seems in this case of things that we are about to fall down the rabbit hole again and things are getting a little bit made as it was reported that developer American McGee is coming out of retirement to create a 3rd title in the Alice series after the original and Madness Returns. While not as a full sequel to the series, it is a form of a spin off but spiritual connection to the original games with a focus to his Plushie Dreadful's series and will have some tie in to the games and I would be intrigued to see the outcome of the project. Now I feel this series has been slept on and I know there was talks for a while that the series was not happening with a 3rd game cause of the messiness that EA has caused with this series but it seems that if this project works out well then I hope that we see a 3rd proper Alice game or even a remake of the first 2 titles in the form of a future but I guess we will see in due time and if there is any updates of when we can expect it I will provide it in a later episode.

For the one film project that is in focus for this week and in the case of things with the reported focus outcome to it, it seems that an iconic and powerful warrior may be returning and has a bit more of an older and wiser tone to it all and ready to defend his land with all his strength and might as it has been reported that a new film based on Conan the Barbarian, or in this case of King Conan may be in the works and is reportedly seeing Mission Impossible director Christopher Mcquarrie take the helm and seeing the original Barbarian of Arnold Schwarzenegger coming back as an older wiser Conan. The idea of it on paper does not sound too bad and I am sure it could work properly if given the right level of violence and prowess the original had but updated to the modern filming techniques would be quite interesting and to be fair it has been a while since a project based on this Barbarian has had a presence in film so I would be interested to the outcome of this project. At the moment it is early days on the concept but if I hear any new updates on this I will talk on it in a later episode.  

The last of the new project announcements has seen the case today that all you see is Violence, Movie and Sex on tv and many have wondered of where are those good old fashioned values that people used to have relied on, well it seems that a project will be coming with all of those and from the mind of a intelligent individual who is still a toddler as it was reported that an all new spin off based on the animated series of Family Guy is in the works and will be focused on Stewie with a 2 season order already being made. Now the focus of the series will see the youngest Griffin member be kicked out of his previous pre-school and end up at a new but overly strange new location with some odd forms of students that are as miserable as him, that is until he begins to experiment and head on adventures across space and time to liven up the school days for him and his classmates. Essentially what it sounds like is if it was a more adult animated version of the Magic School Bus which I am sure could be interesting but I guess we can find out about it as it develops or the first footage is shown. Now at the moment it seems they are aiming for a 2027-28 fall tv window for this to premiere so it will line up with the other 4 big shows such as Family Guy, American Dad!, Bob's Burgers and the Simpsons with their renewals lining up once this 2 season show concludes and could continue to the 3rd season if it does well. At the moment I guess we will see what will come of it but if anything new comes about then I will provide it in a later episode.

But what do you make of these project announcements, do you feel the Robin Hood Live action film could've worked, will you check out the Tinkerbell series, Do you see the Buffy sequel series still happening or is that a lost cause, will you try that new American McGee game and do you see the original Alice games return with a remake or sequel, what are your thoughts on the King Conan film and do you think a Family Guy Spin off with Stewie will work or will it end up like the Cleveland show in appeal? Let me know what you think down below.

The new and exciting reveals for LEGO

Now for the 2nd story of the week and in this case it could fit in bot release dates and on new project announcements but in this case we will be focusing on some more new big project unveiling for the world of the popular building brand of LEGO as we have some new project unveilings from rumoured sets, official reveals and some new updates to established sets, but we can get to that in the focus now with the reveal of what this Danish studio has to offer.

So we will start with the set that was one that I have been anticipating to be fully revealed and after being teased about 2 months ago, it was expected that it was going to be a little bit of time before the Mustacheoid Plumber would have some competition and that would come with his tall green brother as they have officially unveiled the follow up to last Years Mario Kart large build with the Luigi and Mach 8 build. Now this set is not going to be the same old kart with a green coat of paint but rather is based on the iconic kart driven by the taller bro and also gave us the iconic death stare meme from Mario Kart 8 and the colour and tone really appeals overall. Now the set was finally unveiled with a price and release date with the set releasing on the same day as the Galaxy movie on April 1st and will cost just a little bit extra at €180 which is only an extra tenner so it is manageable. More then likely I will be aiming to get this and making a follow up to that first time-lapse video, or maybe as a build stream and maybe LEGO could see it and send one over and I will promote the hell out of it (Please LEGO it would be a dream to be sponsored by you and not spoil it for others) but I know I will find a spot for it for its eventual purchase in a few days or some time after.

It is however not the only bit of Mario LEGO news we have as an all new form is coming to the world of this range and it is one that many have been clamouring for years as after the theme has been around for about 5 years, Nintendo and LEGO are finally giving us the official proper minifigure builds for the Mario Characters with them unveiling the official first look at the Mario figure and I must say he looks proper solid and its confirmed there is a few others on the way with Luigi, Peach and Toad on the way and the confirmation that Bowser will get his own big fig character as well in the future so it does sound appealing. Now many have been demanding for proper versions like this character as many have had their mixed opinions on the Bluetooth based blockly versions of the characters that have been around for a while so seeing them in proper form will be appeal to see and if they will work the sets around them for the size (and likely they will utilize the smart brick for the sounds instead). Now it is not out for these until sometime in 2027 (likely the start of the year) but I am sure we will get an idea of them in due time and I will update on them when they do make an appearance.

Now this next set I have mentioned a fair few times over the last few weeks I have mentioned about this brand and I was wondering if we will ever see the proper look at this new set, well it looks like we are preparing for launch and time to blast off to adventure and mystery as we have finally gotten the unveiling of the set based on the classic books of Tintin with the rocket set based on the books of Destination Moon and Explorers of the Moon with the iconic rocket ship. It has such a unique style that it looks like a lot of rubber hose tone and I really like that they worked closely with the estate that owns the Book license of the authors work and I really like it. The set is also confirmed to be coming in with 6 figures with Tintin and a special new mold for his iconic hairpiece, an all new mould for Snowy, Captain haddock, Dr Calculus and of the course the detectives of Thompson and Thompson and will be coming in with a price of €160 and will also be releasing on April 1st which I see as a modest deal for it as well. I do hope that if this one is a success that we will see a few more sets to come from this series, especially to see a large build version of the Unicorn ship with Haddocks ancestors and his epic battle against Red Rackham but I guess we will see how this project will entail and hopefully we will see this in the future but I will be definitely check these out when they do release in a few days.

and lastly for the sets in focused and unveiled, this one has been in the works to be released for 65 million years (well give or take) as we have a new set based on the world of Jurassic Park (well I beleieve there is 2 with another based on another dino skeleton of a Triceratops I believe) but in the case of a big focus was the unveiling of the all new large build Jeep Wrangler from the original trilogy. Now this set will come with the original design from the 1993 film and also include a minifigure of Dennis Nedry and I believe the dinosaur that has him suffer a grim demise (which is similar to the triceratops with its own minifigure as well). Now the only thing with this one is these sets do not have a set price or release date as of yet, initially I thought I saw a release for Mid May but maybe I was looking at a different set entirely but maybe it could still be that window, but either way I like the design (and I read that it can be altered to the design from one of the 3 original films) and I am sure it will be well worth a build from its release in due time but if I hear any updates I will provide in a later episode.

But what are your thoughts of these sets, will you be getting the Mach 8 and what other characters do you hope get large build sets, are you happy with the new Mario Mini figures or do you like the original blocky form, will you be picking up the Tintin set and what other elements from this series or other books series do you want to see sets from and will you be picking up either of these Jurassic Park sets when they release? Let me know what you think down below.

The many new castings and release dates to come

And for the final focus of the night is more in the realm of the focus to the ideals of some new casting announcements and some release dates that may have been set for some new projects or other forms of entertainment in the future but let us delve into what was shown to us to look forward to.

So we will start with a casting that has been a rumbling for a few weeks now and many had been fan casting and hoping for this to happen and in this case we are talking about the Live action Disney remakes for a 3rd time this week but we now have some official confirmation that after much speculation, they finally announced that Kathryn Hahn has been officially casted as Mother Gothel in the Live Action Remake of Tangled. She made the announcement on her Instagram wearing one of those cool mock up shirts of the character of the outfit fit for the day and I love the approach she does with these role announcements and I feel it makes the most sense with this overall and personally if there was a character that would fit this role it was her. Now in the case of things likes this it makes me think if they are this far ahead in the likes of the casting then I am sure they may be well into production on the film real soon and may be the next one confirmed after the Moana film but nothing has been made yet. Either way the casting choice is solid and I am sure we will start to see production shortly or something but if anything new comes about it I will provide it in a later episode.

For the focus of the 2nd casting of this week is one that I believe  may have forgotten from the previous week but we have some news of a casting for another video game adaption in focus but this is one that has not been a major focus as of later but in the one about some growing pains, friendship, some time manipulation and moral choices as we have been given some casting news in realtion to an all new tv adaption based on the game of Life is Strange with the title confirmed to have found its leads with My Old Ass star Maisy Stella cast as Max Caulfield and Queen of Versailles Actress Tatum Grace Hopkins as Chloe Paige. Now I am glad in the case that more then anything I am very happy that its a pair of more small or unknown actors instead of the usual affair of getting big names for the roles so this appeals to me more in the likes of the casting of the game. Now I do wonder if this will have much of a focus in connection of the full series or just the original game (and if they will be adding the upcoming Epilogue that is releasing in a few days) for the focus of this series but I am sure we will get an idea of things in due time. At the moment there is no report as to when else we can expect this projects release but any new updates I will provide in a later episode.

So the last casting news we have in focus is more in the realm to the focus of some reported news for a new take on some iconic characters and this is coming to us in the form of the new Netflix take on Scooby Doo. Now we already have an established casting with McKenna Grace set in mind to portray Daphne for the series and another confirmation that original voice actor Frank Welker will be back to voice the talking canine for the show, but it looks like there is a report of another addition being added with it being reported that Inside Out 2, Naked Gun and Fantastic 4 Actor Paul Walter Hauser is reported to be in this upcoming show but he is not one of the mystery gang, but rather he is going to be the original owner of Scooby himself. Now I am not sure if in the case he could play Shaggy's Father or else is the one that may give the dog to the gang or something but it is really unclear but I think overall he is a good actor and I don't mind him as an actor and would be fine with him as a secondary character but I guess we can see what will come of the casting in this but hopefully will be some more unknowns for the remaining cast but I guess we will see. At the moment this is just early speculation or so but I guess we will see in due time but id any new updates occour I will provide in a later episode.

As for one final story and the only focus of some new release date news, things will be getting how they say a bit more schwifty for more multiversal adventures as it was confirmed this week that the 9th season of Rick and Morty will be set for release on May 24th this year. Now it is a case I am unsure of how much longer of the series there is planned as they mentioned about the ordeal a little while ago and some of the stuff could be sometimes a little mixed (I mean especially with season 5 or 6 with a lot of its stories being focused to the very interpersonal relationship with family members) but I still watch them when they do come around and hopefully it will find its place to come to an end and find a decent conclusion overall but I guess we will see in the likes of what other misadventures will be taking place for this dysfunctional pair and the other members of the family.

But what do you think of these stories, do you think hahn is a solid choice for Gothel, What are your opinions of the casting for the Life is Strange series, do you see Hauser in the Scooby Doo Series and who will he be playing and will you be checking out the new season of Rick and Morty? Let me knwo what you think about it all down below.

And with all of that, this brings us to the end of Weird Mind News Room and I do hope you enjoyed the ramblings for another week. Let me know your thoughts on all that was discussed down below and as always I hope you all stay being wonderful people and have a great day everyday and I will see you all in the next episode :)

Take care, keep being you, Signing off

Sam H :)