LAST KNIGHT SETS A ROBOT ROUND TABLE
Even Hopkins can’t prevent everything from getting blown up, Chris Lackner writes.
MOVIES
Big release on June 21: Transformers: The Last Knight.
Big picture: The Transformers go … Arthurian? Now, you’re likely already confused about why alien “robots-in-disguise” keep taking the form of human vehicles — and the occasional robo-dinosaur — in order to wage a secret, relentless war on Earth. Adding Camelot mythology into the mix can only muddle matters further. But bringing in an Oscar-calibre, veteran English actor — in this case Anthony Hopkins — to help explain the Transformers’ ancient roots helps cover up the silliness. Plus, his “English lord” character wears a wise-old-man cap and lives in a castle — so he must be telling the truth.
It turns out, Excalibur wasn’t just a sword — it was some sort of intergalactic weapon. Oh, and the Autobots may have once sat at the Round Table alongside King Arthur. Or something. If you’re worried the action franchise is getting too literary, don’t be daft. Director Michael Bay ensures that in between every Mark Wahlberg grimace, and every line of Hopkins’ exposition (sample: “The imminent destruction of everything we know and love begins.”), there are 25 exploding cars, planes, trucks, buildings, alien-robots or people.
Forecast: Much like Optimus Prime, this blockbuster franchise will be re-born again and again. Hopkins’ venerable hero even asks a serious question: “You want to know why, don’t you — why they keep coming here?” Not really. At this point, I don’t care how the Transformers got here; I just want to know how to get them to stop coming back every three years to kill more of my brain cells.
TV
Big events: Boy Band (June 22, ABC); The Gong Show (June 21, ABC/City); GLOW (Netflix, June 23).
Big picture: Boy Band is a new reality competition trying to find the next One Direction. (Really, we couldn’t have let the last gasp of the current boy-band era just die a merciful death?) Meanwhile, The Gong Show revitalizes the classic ’70s talent show, and will be hosted by an “in-character” Mike Myers (hopefully as Wayne Campbell). Rotating celebrity judges include comedic heavyweights like Zach Galifianakis, Dana Carvey, Jack Black, Andy Samberg and Alison Brie.
Speaking of the latter, Brie launches her own dramedy on Netflix; GLOW stands for the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Based on a true story, it brings to life the ’80s wrestling league that transformed struggling actresses into costumed brawlers. Brie was overshadowed in her smallbut-poignant Mad Men role, and shined like a comedic gem on Community. She deserves to be in the centre of the TV ring. Expect a healthy mix of storytelling, spandex and serendipity.
Forecast: Get in the ring with GLOW, which could be a beacon of creative light in a summer of endless reality and game shows. As for the latter, I would have preferred a series called Boy Band: The Gong Show, or a movie called Transformers: Boy Band, in which the Autobots and Decepticons go undercover in the music business.
MUSIC
Big releases on June 23: Imagine Dragons (Evolve); Jeff Tweedy (Together At Last).
Big picture: Breathe a sigh of relief. For now, no new boy bands in sight. Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy always gives music fans reason to come together. Acoustic albums often feel like cheap money grabs — the chance for artists to make a few bucks by simplifying their greatest hits for future cover bands. However, Tweedy has made acoustic numbers a vital component of his solo sets for years — so Together at Last should be a treasure for fans. Even better? Tweedy covers Wilco material and songs from side projects like Loose Fur and Golden Smog.
Meanwhile, Imagine Dragons may sound more Arthurian than Transformers — but don’t misread the label. Get ready for more multi-layered, noisy arena rock. Frontman Dan Reynolds says the popular group is trying to simplify things with fewer instruments and less “sonic textures.” They call it Evolve but, given this week’s pop culture releases, a better album title would have been Transform.
Forecast: Tweedy will fit comfortably into your summer.