Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure has revealed its full weekend schedule of music, comedy sets, panels, live podcast tapings, activations, and more. American Satan, Voice Acting In Gaming, Back In The Shell: A Ninja Turtle Fan Series, and The Nerdin’ Out Podcast have been added to the diverse lineup of confirmed panels and podcasts, alongside Stan Against Evil, Wrecked, Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend, Cool Playlist With Eliza Skinner, and Superfight LIVE. Celebrating pop culture and fandom of all sorts, this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience is set to make its debut on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA.
More details on the newly announced experiences and activations at Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure can be found below:
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American Satan, featuring actors Andy Biersack, BooBoo Stewart, Ben Bruce, and creator Ash Avildsen
American Satan is an independent film following the story of a young rock band, half from England and half from the US, who drop out of college to move to the Sunset Strip to chase their dreams. The panel will feature actors Andy Biersack (vocalist of Black Veil Brides), BooBoo Stewart (The Twilight Saga, X-Men: Days Of Future Past), Ben Bruce (guitarist of Asking Alexandria), and the film’s creator Ash Avildsen (Sumerian Films). In addition to discussing the film, fans can anticipate a big cast announcement in regards to the film’s upcoming tv spin-off series, Paradise City. American Satan is currently available on SHOWTIME. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mutMh1RMkCE
Machinima Presents Voice Acting In Gaming, featuring Krizz Kaliko, Matthew Waterson, Philip Bache, Rachel Kimsey, and Stuart Allan, moderated by Jason Dimberg
Machinima has always defined the intersection of entertainment and gaming, and the discussion at Big Adventure provides a real look inside of the work of some of the greatest voice actors behind today’s hit games. Kicking things off will be a live performance of Machinima’s hit Facebook Watch show “Game Kings,” voiced and performed by multi-platinum recording artist Krizz Kaliko. Join Krizzalong with Matthew Waterson (Netflix’s Trollhunter, Call Of Duty Black Ops 4, World Of Warcraft: Battle For Azeroth), Rachel Kimsey (Justice League Action, Call Of Duty: Black Ops, Black Ops, 3 & Infinite Warfare, Horizon Zero Dawn), Philip Bache (Transformers Combiner Wars, Rise Of The Tomb Raider, Fallout 4), Stuart Allan (Justice League Teen Titans, Lego DC Super Villains, Transformers: Robots In Disguise), and moderator Jason Dimberg (Head of Programming at Machinima), as they go behind the scenes of what it is like to voice some of your favorite game characters in this one-of-a-kind, can’t miss discussion.
Nerdbot Presents Back In The Shell: A Ninja Turtle Fan Series
It’s Pizza Time! The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, comics, games, toys and cartoons inspired us when we were younger. Now it’s time for us to give something back! Nerdbot Media and an incredible cast and crew of actors, filmmakers, and prop makers are coming together to make a 6 episode live action fan series. Not CGI…THE REAL THING, LIKE IN THE ‘90s! We are die hard fans that want to create something incredible through our love for the Turtles. We hope you join us on this awesome adventure.
Podcast: Nerdin’ Out
The Nerdin Out Podcast is an offshoot of ALT987’s The Woody Show— with Woody Show Members Ravey, Cameron and Randy along with their friend Courtney— expounding on things that make life fun. Much like The Woody Show, it’s friends hanging out talking about their favorite things. Like superheroes, comics, games (video and board) tv, movies, books and all the other great things that make Woody grumpy when we try to discuss them on the show. More info at: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/960-nerdin-out-29395916/
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The music, comedy, panel, and podcast times for Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure are as follows (subject to change):
Saturday, November 3
Hangar Stage – Music
8:40 p.m. – Empire Of The Sun
7:10 p.m. – Phantogram
6:00 p.m. – Echos
5:00 p.m. – Nvdes
Hangar Stage – Comedy
2:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. – Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal, Emo Philips, Hari Kondabolu, and Monty Franklin, hosted by Marcella Arguello
Adventure Stage – Dance Music
11:00 p.m. – Rusko
10:00 p.m. – Bro Safari
9:00 p.m. – Feed Me
8:00 p.m. – Party Thieves
7:00 p.m. – Chime
Adventure Stage – Entertainment Panels
4:30 p.m. – Wrecked
3:30 p.m. – American Satan
2:30 p.m. – Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend
1:30 p.m. – Nerdin’ Out
12:30 p.m. – Superfight LIVE!
Artist Alley Stage – Comic Book Panels
4:00 p.m. – Image Comics Live Draw
3:00 p.m. – Comics For Mainstream Vs. Independent
2:00 p.m. – Image Comics Presents: Breaking Into Comics
1:00 p.m. – Music Influencing Comics
Sunday, November 4
Hangar Stage – Music
7:40 p.m. – Modest Mouse
6:15 p.m. – Cold War Kids
5:05 p.m. – Allie X
4:00 p.m. – Party Nails
Hangar Stage – Comedy
1:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – Jim Jefferies, Natasha Leggero, Ron Funches, Rhys Darby, and Maria Bamford, hosted by Marcella Arguello
Adventure Stage – Dance Music
10:45 p.m. – What So Not
9:45 p.m. – Bonnie X Clyde
8:45 p.m. – Luca Lush
7:45 p.m. – Ducky
6:45 p.m. – Nitti Gritti
5:30 p.m. – The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest with music from Chuck None
Adventure Stage – Entertainment Panels
3:30 p.m. – Stan Against Evil
2:30 p.m. – Cool Playlist Podcast With Eliza Skinner
1:30 p.m. – Machinima Presents Voice Acting In Gaming
12:30 p.m. – Nerdbot Presents TMNT: Back In The Shell
Artist Alley Stage – Comic Book Panels
4:00 p.m. – Comics For Mainstream Vs. Independent
3:00 p.m. – Representation Matters
2:00 p.m. – Image Comics Presents: Breaking Into Comics
1:00 p.m. – Music Influencing Comics
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Fans are also invited to participate in and observe a number of onsite activations, including the ultimate gamer’s lounge and retro arcade from Machinima; 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; live action role playing battles from The Belegarth Medieval Combat Society; a custom built escape room from Superfight’s Jack Dire; and much more! Fans will have a chance to meet some of their favorite cosplayers including Alicia Marie (@aliciamariebody) and Liz Katz (@lizkatzofficial). 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!
A limited number of General Admission and VIP Tickets are still available for purchase at www.bigadventurefest.com. All tickets grant access to everything happening within the event. The event is all-ages and is free for kids 10 and under (with an adult paid admission).
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.
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.
Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure partners include: Disney’s Ralph Breaks The Internet, Machinima, Angel City Brewing, Corona, Kraken Rum, Lime Crime Cosmetics, Butterfinger, Rockstar Energy Drink, Deep Eddy Vodka, Cosmic Fog, Mike’s Hard, Kevita, and Soylent.
For more information on Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure, visit:
Hashtag: #BigAdventureFest
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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.