The Bearded Trio

Disney Pixar's Elemental Hits The Big Screen And Looks Like A Classic Pixar Movie When I went to see Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at our local cinema, there were a lot of commercials to wade through and then a lot of trailers for upcoming movies.  I just wanted my Indy adventure so the trailers were not really a welcome wait.  Not many caught my attention so when Disney Pixar's Elemental hit the screen I was not expecting much.  Honestly though I was super impressed with the trailer and thought "well that's an original concept."  It really does look fun and reminded me of a classic Pixar movie with that trademark quick humour.  Whoever came up with the idea of separate elements coming together as a relationship is a genius.  Here's the write up on the movie and I have definitely got this on my radar.  It's going to be hot! (No elemental prejudice meant.) Disney and Pixar’s all-new original feature film Elemental was in its ‘element’ this week...

Steven Spielberg's First Experience With D&D Ends Quickly It is known that Steven Spielberg likes to get to know his cast members when directing a movie, and that was no exception when filming E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.  When the cast were in Northern California he made the extra effort to get to know the kids. During the filming of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Steven Spielberg turned up unannounced to play Dungeons & Dragons with Robert MacNaughton and Henry Thomas while they were staying at a motel.  Steven had never played the game before so MacNaughton created a new character for the director.   Steven Spielberg's first experience with D&D was a bad roll. Robert MacNaughton recalls: "He rolled the dice and of course it's all random, but the very first thing that happens - he comes across a giant snail and gets killed.  He rolled a one, which is basically death.  Henry and I still laugh about that to this day because I started freaking out be...

10 Obscure Behind The Scenes Facts About The Indiana Jones Movies With the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hitting the big screens this week there are a lot of Indiana Jones articles flying around out there and in particular a number of "fun facts about Indiana Jones" so we thought it would be good to do the same but choose a few that a bit more obscure.  1 - Steven Spielberg's First Gunfight Did you know the gunfight at The Raven (Marion Ravenwood's bar) was Steven Spielberg first gunfight he shot?  Steven Spielberg on that scene: "My first real-good-guy-versus-bad-guy shoot-'em-up.  And it was just a lot of fun.  I found the slower we played the gunfight for the camera the faster and more directed the shots seemed to come out." 2- The Raven Almost Ended In Disaster Sticking with that scene in The Raven and Frank Marshall remembers the fire getting out of control.  "the firemen had to come in, I looked up and the flames were lickin...

It's an Indiana Jones movie. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  IT IS an Indiana Jones movie without a shadow of a doubt.  The less than stellar reviews that begun at Cannes and simmered away ever since ultimately played on my expectations and I wasn't expecting much before watching Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny for the first time.  Maybe that was a good thing?   The opening twenty minute scene with a young Indiana Jones played at an immense pace, what you would expect from any adventure movie let alone an Indiana Jones one.  I can honestly say if those twenty minutes were all I got from the movie then I would have been satisfied.  Nice plus points for the casting having such a fantastic actor such as Toby Jones to accompany Indy.  Fun fact: Toby Jones character in The Detectorists is called Lance and the artifact they are after in the beginning is also a Lance.  Okay, maybe not a fun fact but still made me smile.  The de-agin...

With The Dial of Destiny hitting the big screens this week I just wanted to stop, take a breath and say to everyone who is planning on going to see it we really hope you have a blast! However, it's okay not to like something and still be a fan and on the flip side it's okay to like everything about a franchise.  There will be some who love the movie and some who don't.  What we don't like is if the name-calling and ridiculing starting because someone is sat on one side of the camp and strongly disagrees with anyone else's opinion.  Just remember everyone is different and will have different tastes.  I'm sure over the coming week or so we will post content regarding the movie and will be a number of comments.  Lets try to respect each other's opinions.   On the subject of opinions, the other thing is we aim to bring you are honest reviews of the movie.  We were invited to the LA and London premieres but we want to assure you that these events and h...

Dictionary.com defines the term “nostalgia” as… noun a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time. The very first words you hear in the first Dial of Destiny teaser is Sallah saying “I miss the desert. I miss the sea. And I miss waking up every morning wondering what wonderful adventure the new day will bring us.” Nostalgia. This week, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny opens in theaters worldwide, the fifth and final installment of a movie and television franchise that is 42 years old this year. I would argue much of the premise of Indiana Jones as a franchise is steeped in nostalgia. Director Steven Spielberg sought to make a movie quickly, on budget and with set pieces that recalled action flicks of the 1930s. The three original films were all set in the 1930s, more than 40 years before they were made. The mu...

Summer of Amblin' By Jeff Graber For Harvey Graber The Spark of Childhood Wonder. In 1981, a month after my 11th birthday in September, my father ushered me into the cool embrace of a movie theater. The film he had chosen was ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, a title unknown to my young mind. I wasn’t quite sure what I was about to experience, but my dad’s excitement was infectious. As the lights dimmed and the film began, the world outside ceased to exist. Indiana Jones, the whip-cracking, quick-witted archaeologist, leaped onto the screen and into my world. I found myself riveted, perched on the edge of my seat, my young heart drumming in my chest. Each chase, each narrow escape, each victory had me leaning forward, my breaths shallow, my palms damp with anticipation. I could feel the adrenaline surging, pulsating, echoing Indy’s every move.  When the film reached its climactic end, I found myself shaking slightly, a tremor born from the rollercoaster of emotions I’d ridden. As the thea...

First, it comes for the metal… Then it came for everything else. A new threat will be unleashed throughout the galaxy far, far away in STAR WARS: DARK DROIDS, the all-new Marvel Comics crossover event kicking off in August. Written by Charles Soule and drawn by Luke Ross, this dark and terrifying tale will introduce a malevolent entity known as the SCOURGE which will corrupt droids, cyborgs, and everything in between and cause chaos for the Empire and Rebellion alike. A new line of variant covers by Rachael Stott spotlights some of its’ prime targets including C-3PO, Beilert Valance, and in a shocking twist, Darth Vader! After all, there is no greater prize than the Force and since he’s more machine than man, the Scourge will seek to claim it from none other than the Dark Lord of the Sith himself! Stott’s SCOURGED VARIANT COVERS will adorn all five issues of the main event series and will also be available as virgin variant covers. Check them out now and pick up STAR WARS: DARK DROIDS ...

FEATURES THE MUSIC OF 2X GRAMMY- AND BAFTA-NOMINATED COMPOSER BENJAMIN WALLFISCH PREORDERS NOW AVAILABLE: TRIPLE LP, TWO COLOR VINYL AND DOUBLE CD WaterTower Music is elated to announce today’s release of the soundtrack to Warner Bros. Pictures’ film “The Flash” . Directed by Andy Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”), “The Flash” is now in theaters. “The Flash” serves as the DC Super Hero’s first-ever standalone feature film, and sees Director Muschietti reunite with noted collaborator, two-time GRAMMY- and BAFTA-nominated composer Benjamin Wallfisch (the “IT” films, “Shazam,” “Blade Runner 2049” [with Hans Zimmer]), who created all of the music found on The Flash (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) . Fans got an enthusiastic taste of the highly anticipated soundtrack over the past few weeks with the early release of four tracks: “ Worlds Collide ”, “ Run ”, “ I Am Batman ” and “ Sounds About Right, Bruce , and can now hear the entire, 43-track soundtrack, which is currently available ...

Highlights from the Los Angeles Premiere of LucasFilms' Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny at Dolby Theatre on June 14 in Hollywood, California. Harrison Ford thanked the fans and during one interview said we're celebrating the movie but also all these people (pointing to the fans) and said they have kept us making movies for 42 years. Karen Allen laughed at how she has known for the last two years she was in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and how she's not been able to breath a word of it.  "It's been a challenge" she said. One of my favourite actors, Toby Jones look a little bewildered by all the grandeur. "It's not the kind of thing I ever thought I would be part of."  Phoebe Waller-Bridge looked positively excited.  "We've been sitting on this film for so long, I am so excited for it to come out.  It's such a ride and such an adventure." The stars of the movie take to the red carpet to celebrate the US premiere ...

A new trailer for the latest Star Wars Disney+ TV series "Ahsoka" hit the Internet today.  “Ahsoka” will debut exclusively on Disney+ in August 2023.  "Ahsoka" stars Rosario Dawson in the title role. Set after the fall of the Empire, the new series follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.  Disney+ is available for £7.99 per month – with no hidden costs and the ability to cancel anytime. There’s something for everyone to watch, adding new TV series, blockbuster movies and exclusive originals throughout the year from our six key brands: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star. Enjoy a pick of your Lucasfilm favourites, including the critically acclaimed “Andor”, the legendary “Star Wars” collection and animated favourite “Star Wars: The Bad Batch”. With our endless library of entertainment spanning everything from documentaries to critically acclaimed drama, and comedy to classic a...

Across Star Wars storytelling, droids have served a variety of roles ranging from loyal sidekicks to deadly enemies, but after this summer, fans will never look at them the same way again! Starting in July, STAR WARS: DARK DROIDS is an all-new Marvel Comics crossover event that kicks off when a new threat is unleashed throughout the galaxy, corrupting droids, cyborgs, and everything in-between! The saga will bring horror to the galaxy far, far away as droids of all allegiances and roles unite for a bold new purpose, causing chaos for the Rebellion and the Empire alike! The highly-anticipated epic will be told across a main event series, STAR WARS: DARK DROIDS, as well as tie-in issues of four ongoing series that are currently bridging the gap between the films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi: STAR WARS, STAR WARS: DARTH VADER, STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA, and STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS. Announced last week on StarWars.com, the event will also include a spinoff series, STAR WA...

PROPSTORE IS PROUD TO PRESENT: SELECT JURASSIC PARK AND JURASSIC WORLD LOTS FROM SAM NEILL’S PERSONAL ARCHIVE TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME PROCEEDS FROM THE SALES OF “THE SAM NEILL COLLECTION” WILL BENEFIT UNICEF UK Sam Neill spoke of his collection; “My Jurassic Park boots, along with my Jurassic World hat, scarf, shirt, and jacket are up for auction at Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction on 28th June. These boots were made for kicking dinosaurs, in the words of the old song. And indeed they did, in the first Jurassic Park. I ran for miles in them. These items are utterly unique, possibly even iconic if you’re a fan. Most importantly, the full proceeds will go towards helping support refugee children through the vital and incredible work of UNICEF UK.” Highlights Include JURASSIC PARK (1993) Sam Neill Collection: Dr. Alan Grant's (Sam Neill) Boots, est. $6,000 - $12,000 Dr. Alan Grant Sam Neill Boots JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION (2022) Sam Neill Collection: Dr. Alan...

COMPETITION TIME! The Bearded Trio are running a brand new competition where one lucky winner will win this brand new Indiana Jones figure with motorcycle and sidecar set .  It's from the Worlds of Adventure range from Hasbro and just the box alone has some incredible artwork.  The set comes packed with a range of accessories from a rocket launcher to Indy's trusty whip and satchel.   The competition is simple and all you have to do is head over to our Facebook or Twitter page and like and share the relevant post to enter.  It's that simple! Closing date is Friday 26th May 6pm GMT Terms & Conditions Even though the prize has been donated to us for free by Hasbro, the competition is in no way associated with the company, this is run solely by The Bearded Trio.  There is only one prize and no substitute can be given.  The closing date is as stated above where after this date we will pick a random winner.  The winner will be contacted for shippi...

Launched last month, STAR WARS: DARTH VADER – BLACK, WHITE & RED is bringing together some of the industry’s hottest talent to tell all-new tales of terror from throughout the Dark Lord of the Sith’s brutal history! Told in stunning black, white, and red, this first-of-its-kind Star Wars title will also mark a legendary comics creator’s first foray into the galaxy far, far away—Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman has drawn an all-new cover for the final issue of the series, STAR WARS: DARTH VADER – BLACK, WHITE & RED #4! Hitting stands in July, Eastman depicts Vader in his iconic and distinct style as he finds himself trapped on the icy planet Hoth. Vader’s mysterious return to this famous Star Wars location, first seen in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, will be revealed in a thrilling new tale by writer Frank Tieri and artist Danny Earls. The issue will also present the final chapter of Jason Aaron and Leonard Kirk’s saga that ran across all four issues a...

A number of Hasbro Star Wars products were announced today via a fanstream but this was my favourite.  I'm still an old school kind of guy - Rob   STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES WICKET (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 / Available: Winter 2023) STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES WICKET figure, inspired by the character’s appearance in STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Wicket was the brave young Ewok who willingly joined the Rebellion and aided in the battle against the Empire on the forest moon of Endor. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and 5 entertainment-inspired accessories including two club accessories and a bow accessory. Available for pre-order 5/4 at 1 pm ET at Hasbro Pulse, Amazon and other major retailers. The Bearded Trio - The ...

This Classic Clip Is a Retro Treasure Trove. Every now and then you will get a gem of a video that will materialise out of nowhere and thanks to the awesome BBC Archives YouTube channel that's exactly what has happened. This clip is from the British news programme called "Newsnight" and is entitled, " Is the BRITISH SFX Industry in CRISIS? "  It features Bernard Falk with quite literally an explosive introduction.  He asks if with the lack of funding is the British special effects industry in crisis?   The clip just keeps giving in regards to movie history.  We get to hear from Oscar-Winning Brian Johnson who has set up a new FX company called "Arkadon."  Johnson explains that they face an uncertain future with little development being done in the UK for motion control and if it doesn't change and adapt to the techniques being developed in the US then they will go down hill fast.  Their reputation he explains is what is currently getting them work...