In less than a month, Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure makes its debut, taking over the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4. Celebrating pop culture and fandom of all sorts, this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience is set to immerse attendees in a world where comics, sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming collide with music and comedy.
Adding to the impressive list of already announced music and comedy talent, Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure has released details on a variety of experiences and activations that attendees can participate in and observe during the weekend. Attractions include panels featuring the casts and creators of IFC’s Stan Against Evil and TBS’s Wrecked, live podcast tapings from Alison Rosen Is Your Best Friend and Cool Playlist Featuring Eliza Skinner, the ultimate gamer’s lounge and retro arcade from Machinima and Super Deluxe, a Nerdbot Media Compound with photo ops, a zombie shooting range and more, the Stone Blade Tabletop Gaming area with daily tournaments, demos, and cool prizes, Superfight LIVE where you have the chance to play the hit card game against fandom celebs, the Image Artists Alley, The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest, hosted by Bernie Bregman, and much more! There will also be a variety of fan groups exhibiting, including popular Star Wars groups featuring The Saber Guild, The Mandalorian Mercs, and the 501st Legion!
During each day at Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure, attendees will have the opportunity to see some of their favorite cast members and special guests during the panels, participate in interactive fan experiences, tabletop and video gaming, tech demos, and visit the artist alley where some of the comic book industry’s top artists and creators will be speaking about their craft, selling artwork, meeting fans and signing autographs. In the evening, the focus will shift to live performances, when fans will witness sets from acclaimed comedians including Patton Oswalt and Jim Jefferies, along with some of today’s top alternative and dance music artists including Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, Cold War Kids, What So Not, Rusko, and many more, spread across three entertainment stages. This all-ages event is free for kids 10 and under (with an adult paid admission). All tickets grant access to everything happening within the event.
More details on the newly announced experiences and activations at Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure can be found below:
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Stan Against Evil, featuring guests John C. McGinley, Janet Varney, Dana Gould, Deborah Baker Jr., and Nate Mooney, moderated by Nerdist Senior Editor Dan Casey
IFC’s original horror-comedy series Stan Against Evil stars John C. McGinley (Scrubs) as Stan Miller, the curmudgeonly retired police sheriff of Willard’s Mill, and Janet Varney (You’re the Worst) as Evie Barrett, the current sheriff determined to wipe out the demons that plague their quaint New England Town. Deborah Baker Jr. (The Greet Indoors) and Nate Mooney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) return to co-star as Denise Miller, Stan’s absent-minded, do-good daughter, and Deputy Leon Drinkwater, Evie’s right-hand man, respectively. Season 3 premieres Wednesday, October 31 at 10PM on IFC with eight all-new episodes. Stan Against Evil is created, written and executive produced by Dana Gould and produced by RadicalMedia.
Wrecked, featuring guests Ally Maki, Zach Cregger, Brooke Dillman, Brian Sacca, Asif Ali, Will Greenberg, and Jessica Lowe
Wrecked is TBS’s hit survival comedy about a diverse group of airplane passengers stranded on an uninhabited island, a dangerous new world where they must face many threats – mostly brought on by themselves. After surviving a pirate invasion and finally recovering from the loss of wi-fi, the gang most recently found themselves shipwrecked on a mysterious billionaire’s private island where they’re forced to hunt each other to the death in a basic-cable battle royale.
Podcast: Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend
A twice weekly podcast hosted by veteran interviewer and everyone’s new best friend Alison Rosen featuring surprisingly honest conversations that are equal parts silly and serious. Plus an eternal quest to find out if that thing you think or do is normal in a segment called “Just Me or Everyone?” More info at: https://www.alisonrosen.com/
Podcast: Cool Playlist Featuring Eliza Skinner
On Cool Playlist, host Eliza Skinner and a guest create a playlist for a specific life event, moment, or occasion. From Bar Fights, to Break-ups, to Goth Weddings – we’ll soundtrack it all. Not only do you get a great playlist but new insight into some of your favorite comedians, actors, musicians, and more! More info at: https://coolplaylist.libsyn.com/
Superfight LIVE, hosted by Superfight creator Jack Dire
Be a part of Superfight Live! Hosted by the game’s creator Jack Dire, comedian Monty Franklin, Stone Blade Entertainment founder Justin Gary, a to-be-announced comic book artist and audience member will hash it out in real time, live on stage, for the coveted title of champion. Guests on stage will argue about and joke about absurd fictional fights, and the audience will choose the winners. Fans are encouraged to check in and be ready and waiting for a chance to play onstage as the game’s fourth player.
Charge, Chill and Game With Machinima & Super Deluxe at Big Adventure Festival
Machinima is teaming up with Super Deluxe to create the ultimate gamers lounge at this year’s Big Adventure Festival. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit Machinima’s Retro Arcade featuring classics like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, NBA Jam, The Simpsons, NFL Blitz, Pac Man and many more. Super Deluxe will also be providing a spot for festival goers to chill and charge in their one of a kind lounge. Be sure to stop by as there will be no shortage of games, contests, giveaways, and good times.
Nerdbot Media & Nerdbot.com Compound
The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest, hosted by Bernie Bregman
Hosted by Bernie Bregman, producer and owner of Nerds Like Us and host and associate producer of Club Cosplay, the all ages contest will feature over fifty of the best cosplay costumes in Southern California, where a panel of expert judges will choose the most outstanding cosplayers in a variety of categories. Space is limited, so enter now at www.bigadventurefest.com. Winners will be announced on the main panel stage on Sunday, November 4th at 4:30 p.m., with prizing to be awarded for the following categories: Best In Show, Best Fabrication (Sculpting & Building), Best Construction (Sewing & Use Of Fabric), Best Hero, Best Villain, Best Sci-Fi, Best Group or Couple, and Best Kid. DJ Chuck None will be spinning tracks during the competition, as well as kicking off the music to follow at the Dance Stage.
Stone Blade Tabletop Gaming Area
Sponsored by Justin Gary and Stone Blade Entertainment, come by the Tabletop Gaming Area to play some games with the Stone Blade team! The area will be running tournaments with cool prizes for novices and experts alike, along with demos all day long. They may even have a preview version of the next Ascension release to show off! Stone Blade is the maker of hit games including Ascension, Shards of Infinity, and You Gotta Be Kitten Me, and Justin Gary has been in the gaming industry for over 20 years, first as a US National Magic: the Gathering Champion, then as designer and CEO of Stone Blade, and now as the author of his newly published book: Think Like a Game Designer.
Image Artists Alley
Image Comics will host Image Artists Alley, a branded section in the artists alley dedicated specifically to Image Comics creators. Some of Image Comics most well-known works include The Walking Dead, Spawn, Saga, East Of West, Deadly Class, and The Wicked + The Divine.
The Belegarth Medieval Combat Society LARP Battles
The Belegarth Medieval Combat Society is a live-action battle game organization devoted to simulating Dark Age and medieval combat. Belegarth will be at Big Adventure, hosting LARP (live-action role playing) battles throughout both days.
Escape Room
Jack Dire of Superfight is bringing a custom built escape room for attendees to attempt to escape from, built specifically for Big Adventure. Attendees are encouraged to get there early as slots will fill up, and are on a first come, first serve basis.
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Produced by Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure will also boast a massive comic con exhibitor village, a marketplace with a variety of handmade and exclusive items, carnival rides and games, and wandering cosplay performers.
The performance lineup for Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure is as follows (subject to change):
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Live Stage: Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, Cold War Kids, Echos, Nvdes, Allie X, and Party Nails
Comedy Stage: Patton Oswalt, Jim Jefferies, Emo Philips, Hari Kondabolu, Kristen Schaal, Maria Bamford, Monty Franklin, Natasha Leggero, Rhys Darby, and Ron Funches, hosted by Marcella Arguello
Dance Stage: What So Not, Rusko, Bro Safari, Feed Me, Bonnie X Clyde, Luca Lush, Party Thieves, Ducky, Nitti Gritti, Chime, and Chuck None
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Participating comic companies include Skybound, Image Comics, Kodansha Comics, Boom! Studios, and Top Cow Productions. Comic artists will include Andrew Robinson, Andy Belanger, Becky Cloonan, Chris Burnham, Ivan Brandon, Matt Hawkins, Nick Dragotta, Andy Kuhn, Robert Wilson IV, Ande Parks, Brent Schoonover, Farel Dalrymple, Jai Nitz, Justin Greenwood, Matt Horak, Matt Wilson, Matthew Southworth, Morgan Beem, Ramon Villalobos, Brian Level, Tess Stone, Tim Doyle, and more to be announced.
Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure partners include: Machinima, Angel City Brewing, Corona, Kraken Rum, Lime Crime Cosmetics, Rockstar Energy Drink, Deep Eddy Vodka, Cosmic Fog, Musicians Institute, Mike’s HARDER, and D-Link.
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Movie
Gladiator 2 Builds On The Legacy Of Its Predecessor,
Gladiator 2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, delivering a captivating story that honors the original while forging a compelling new path. The cast shines in their roles, with Paul Mescal delivering a powerhouse performance as Lucius, the now-grown son of Maximus. Mescal captures a blend of vulnerability and strength, embodying a character driven by both honor and revenge. Alongside him, Denzel Washington commands the screen, adding gravitas and depth to a key supporting role
The screenplay is a triumph, keeping the audience engaged at every turn. While the overarching story gives you a sense of where it’s headed, the journey remains unpredictable, and packed with twists. The film balances themes of legacy, vengeance, and redemption, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.
Action sequences, particularly the gladiatorial combat, are visually pleasing. The fights are brutal and visceral, with just enough gore to feel authentic without veering into excess. Visually, Gladiator 2 is stunning. The production design, cinematography, and score come together to create a visceral and immersive experience.
As a follow-up to a beloved classic, Gladiator 2 meets expectations, proving to be both a thrilling spectacle and a worthy successor. It’s a 9/10—a tale of honor and legacy.
Movie
Wicked Soars As A Dazzling Spectacle
Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, the long-awaited cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical, soars as a dazzling spectacle that captivates audiences with its lush visuals, heartfelt performances, and rich storytelling. The film, the first in a two-part series, delves into the origins of Elphaba and Glinda, exploring their unlikely friendship and the events that transform them into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) lead the cast with exceptional performances. Erivo’s powerful vocals and nuanced portrayal of Elphaba’s internal struggles bring depth to the character. Grande, in her most notable film role to date, is both hilarious and heartfelt as Glinda, perfectly capturing her charm and comedic timing. Supporting performances by Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard) add layers to the narrative, enriching the world of Oz with compelling subplots.
Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, brings his signature style to Wicked, blending vibrant visuals with emotional resonance. The production design by Nathan Crowley is stunning, vividly rendering Oz with grandeur, from the Emerald City to Shiz University. Paul Tazewell’s costume design is equally striking, updating the Broadway look with cinematic flair. The score, by Stephen Schwartz and John Powell, retains iconic musical numbers like “Defying Gravity” while incorporating new arrangements that heighten their cinematic impact.
Critics have hailed Wicked as one of the best musical-to-film adaptations in decades, rivaling Chicago and Mamma Mia. Chu’s decision to split the adaptation into two parts allows for a deeper exploration of the story, giving audiences time to connect with the characters and their journeys. Fans of the Broadway show will appreciate its faithfulness to the source material, while newcomers will be enchanted by its universal themes of acceptance, ambition, and friendship.
With Wicked, Jon M. Chu has delivered a masterpiece that sets a new standard for musical adaptations. The film is a visual and emotional triumph, showcasing unforgettable performances and a meticulously crafted world. Whether you’re a fan of the original musical or new to the story, Wicked is a must-see cinematic event.
Rating: 3.5/5
Streaming
Movie Review: Devara Part 1 (Streaming on Netflix)
Devara Part 1 dives deep into the heart of coastal India, merging high-stakes action with rich, emotional storytelling. Directed by Koratala Siva, this movie delivers both visually arresting cinematography and a gritty, dramatic narrative that examines the impact of power, loyalty, and revenge. The film stars Jr. NTR as Devara, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, both in pivotal roles. With its mix of action, suspense, and drama, Devara has quickly become a must-watch on Netflix.
The film is set in a fictional coastal region, where Devara, played by Jr. NTR, emerges as a man caught in the crossfire of a world rife with ambition and betrayal. The narrative pivots around land issues and the power struggles within the community, which expose Devara’s journey from a common man to a feared figure within his circle. Saif Ali Khan’s antagonist is a complex and calculated character whose machinations add depth to the storyline, setting the stage for a high-stakes conflict with Devara.
The film uses classic Bollywood tropes of revenge and honor but explores them through a modern lens. Devara’s journey is marked by his raw emotional drive and relentless courage, and the character’s depth makes him a gripping protagonist. Janhvi Kapoor adds a softer, more vulnerable counterbalance as Devara’s love interest, providing relief amid the film’s intensity.
Jr. NTR shines in the title role, embodying Devara with both intensity and vulnerability. His transformation into this hardened figure is subtle and believable, allowing viewers to empathize with his struggles. Saif Ali Khan, as the antagonist, is charismatic yet menacing, bringing layers to his role that make him much more than a standard villain. Janhvi Kapoor, while not the primary focus, delivers a grounded performance, effectively conveying the emotional depth needed in a film as intense as this.
One of the strongest elements of Devara Part 1 is its cinematography. Siva and his team bring the coastal setting to life, with expansive shots that capture the rugged beauty of the region. Each scene is meticulously crafted to capture the landscape’s natural colors and textures, lending authenticity to the story. The high-quality production value, along with the tight pacing and impressive action sequences, ensures that the audience remains engaged from start to finish.
Korotala Siva’s direction keeps the narrative’s emotional core intact while focusing on action and drama. The way he layers tension and reveals character motives adds a degree of realism rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
At its core, Devara is about the moral complexities that arise when survival and loyalty collide. It tackles themes of power, corruption, and revenge, all within a tightly woven plot that never strays too far from the human element. The film also dives into social issues, shedding light on the systemic corruption affecting the lives of ordinary people in coastal India. Devara’s journey is one of self-discovery and confrontation with societal norms, and this depth keeps the film compelling beyond its action sequences.
The film also sets up exciting possibilities for Devara Part 2, hinting at an even deeper exploration of these themes, as the stakes rise and alliances shift.
Devara Part 1 combines strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a gripping storyline. While it does lean on some familiar tropes, the story’s authenticity and Siva’s nuanced direction make it a worthwhile watch. The movie’s pacing, engaging plot twists, and character-driven drama make it hard to turn away.
Rating: 4.3/5 Devara Part 1 is a compelling drama that balances action and emotion, making it a standout in Netflix’s lineup. It’s perfect for viewers looking for a powerful storyline mixed with well-executed action. Highly recommended for fans of Bollywood cinema and anyone who appreciates stories with moral complexity.