New Newsletter Format, Deadpool Day Is Here, Top News Stories

Jul 25, 2024

Hey guys. Welcome back to the TJCS newsletter. This is a new format with way more information and hopefully far more helpful to our fellow movie fans. The newsletter is going to become a paid subscription newsletter, but for the next week or two we’re sending it out for free to get your input and ideas as well as hopefully show that it can be a great part of your day.

Our first new feature will be a daily top most important and interesting news items and editorials. This will make sure you start off each day knowing all the important stuff going on in movies and entertainment. I (John) will give you the title, the link to the full story, a break down of the most important points of the story so can get the most important details quickly, and then at the end a short paragraph from me giving my perspective on it. I really think this will be massively useful for fans.

Also, in case you can’t get over to the YouTube channel every day, I’ll highlight all the individual topic segments we did on the previous day’s John Campea Show in case you missed anything and can just click on any one that you might want to watch.

If you have any thoughts, opinions or ideas for the newsletter, please feel free to let me know at john@thejohncampeashow.com

So let’s get started.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Just a heads up that there will not be a John Campea Show tomorrow (Friday, July 26th) since we’re going to go to San Diego Comic-Con for the day.
Saturday at 5:30pm John and Ray will be doing a special live stream talking about the Marvel’s Comic-Con Hall H presentation. John and Ray will be in our regular studio discussing all the news coming out of San Diego from those tweeting from inside Hall H. Hope you’ll join us.
Sunday at 2pm PST, John will be live streaming his Deadpool And Wolverine Open Spoiler Discussion. This will probably end up being about a 3 hour long stream since there will be a LOT to talk about. See the movie this weekend, then join us for the spoiler discussion.

TODAY’S TOP NEWS STORIES

1) The Acolyte Topping Rotten Tomatoes Streaming Chart

The Main Idea
- Despite initial negative reviews and a review-bombing campaign, "The Acolyte" is currently topping Rotten Tomatoes' charts for the most popular streaming shows.
- The show's audience score has gradually improved, suggesting that viewers are now appreciating the series more.
- Fans are actively campaigning for a second season of "The Acolyte" on social media, using the hashtag #RenewTheAcolyte.
- The show's improved ratings may be due to viewers waiting until the entire season was released before watching, allowing them to experience the story as a whole
JOHN’S THOUGHTS - You guys know I didn’t like the show at all and had to tap out of it after episode 5. Honestly, I wouldn’t put too much weight on this result because it’s not actually viewership numbers (Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t have that) but rather engagement on the site numbers. So take it for what it is. But what is apparent is that even though I and a lot of other people didn’t like the show, it certainly DOES have its fans that continue to support it. Good for them.

2) The Boys: Sister Sage Actress Hints At Her Phase 2 Plans In Season 5

The Main Idea
- Sister Sage's Phase Two plan, following the completion of Phase One in The Boys season 4, remains shrouded in mystery.
- Actress Susan Heyward, who portrays Sister Sage, speculates that Phase Two could involve global domination, a surprising turn towards championing humanity, or simply causing chaos.
- While Sage's intentions are unclear, it is more likely that she will continue her path of manipulation and control, using Homelander as a tool to inflict suffering on the world.
JOHN’S THOUGHTS - I absolutely love this character. I think she may be my favorite new character introduced since season one. And seriously, I’m as much in the dark as you guys as to her endgame here. I love that the article suggests that she could break good and actually help humanity… but honestly I don’t think that’s in the cards.

3) Inside Out 2 Officially Passes Frozen 2 As Second Biggest Animated Film Of All Time

The Main Idea
- "Inside Out 2" has surpassed "Frozen II" to become the second highest-grossing animated movie of all time, earning $1,462.8 million in box office revenue.
- "Inside Out 2" has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, with a 91% critic score and 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
JOHN’S THOUGHTS - I simply couldn’t be happier for this success. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed The Super Mario Bros Movie, but Inside Out 2 is better in just about every way. SIDE NOTE: I know a lot of news outlets are calling this the BIGGEST animated film in history now, but it is NOT. Lion King (2019) is still ahead of it, and it is an animated movie made completely in computers with no cameras or sets. Just remind people of that then you see them make this mistake.

4) Keanu Reeves Talks How The Matrix Changed His Life

The Main Idea
- Keanu Reeves reflected on the impact of "The Matrix" on his life and the lives of others, stating that the film has had a positive influence on many people.
- He acknowledged the film's influence on cinema, citing its impact on action sequences, camera angles, and the training of actors in physical acting.
- Reeves also mentioned the film's blend of entertainment, philosophy, and big ideals, making it a unique and influential science fiction film.
- He revealed that he still possesses the red pill from the original film, a memento given to him by the Wachowski sisters.
JOHN’S THOUGHT - Keanu continues to be one of the most beloved figures in the movie space, and for good reason. He’s one of those guys (Canadian guys) who clearly has never lost touch with how fortunate he is and seems to live with a sense of gratitude. We should all be more like him.

5) Eli Roth Says ‘Borderlands’ Has the ‘Insanity’ of ‘Escape from New York’ and ‘The Fifth Element’

The Main Idea
- Eli Roth, director of the upcoming film adaptation of the video game "Borderlands," aimed to capture the "anarchy" and "insanity" of the game in his film.
- He drew inspiration from cult classic sci-fi films like "Escape from New York" and "The Fifth Element," both known for their unique blend of action and absurdity.
- Roth envisioned "Borderlands" as a "completely made by lunatics" film, reflecting the game's spirit of chaos and absurdity.
- Roth also drew inspiration from Luc Besson's "Leon: The Professional," comparing actress Ariana Greenblatt to Natalie Portman, who starred in the film.
JOHN’S THOUGHTS - I’m a big Eli Roth fan. I love his approach as a filmmaker and believe me I WANT to love this movie. But honestly, I haven’t seen anything to be excited about. The trailers have been bland and I’m just not sensing much excitement from the fans. Hope I’m wrong.

6) Joker 2 Star Lady Gaga To Perform At Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Main Idea
- Lady Gaga is confirmed to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which will take place this Friday.
- Gaga's performance marks her first televised performance since her performance of "Hold My Hand" at the 95th Academy Awards last year.
- The opening ceremony will air on NBC at 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday and will also be available to stream on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms.
- Celine Dion is also rumored to perform "L'Hymne à l'amour" by Édith Piaf at the Olympics, marking her first performance since revealing her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis.
JOHN’S THOUGHTS - Love this. Lady Gaga made me a believer when she sang that piece from The Sound Of Music at the Academy Awards when I was sure she was going to blow it. I… Was… WRONG. She’s an incredible performer and hopefully this will also give a big global PR boost to Joker 2

7) Tyler Perry Dismisses Critics of His Films: “Who Are You to Be Able to Say Which Black Story Is Important?”

The Main Idea
- Tyler Perry defended his films against criticism, stating that they are intended to resonate with his community, particularly those who are struggling and may not have access to traditional forms of support.
- He criticized "highbrow" critics for dismissing the stories of working-class Black people, arguing that their experiences are just as valid and important.
- Perry emphasized that his films have a profound impact on his audience, citing numerous messages from viewers who found solace and connection in his work.
JOHN’S THOUGHTS - I adore Tyler Perry. He once came into my studio and sat around with me for like 30 minutes to talk movies and storytelling. I also had the privilege of basically being his “opening act” as the keynote speaker the the AMC Leadership Conference in Atlanta a few years ago. But I think he’s not getting the point here. Critics aren’t saying the stories of working-class black people aren’t important (at least I’ve never seen a critic say that). They’re saying they don’t think his movies are very good… and those are two very different things.

8) Free Guy 2: Shawn Levy Isn’t Optimistic The Sequel Will Happen

The Main Idea
- Director Shawn Levy is not optimistic about the possibility of a "Free Guy" sequel, despite the original film's success.
- Levy and his team have been working on ideas and scripts for "Free Guy 2" for two years, but they are not rushing the project.
- Levy emphasizes that he wants to ensure any sequel is worthy of the original film and that he would rather make a different movie if they can't crack a compelling story.
- He draws a parallel to his decision not to make a "Real Steel" sequel, stating that he wants to maintain the quality and integrity of the "Free Guy" franchise.
JOHN’S THOUGHTS - I absolutely LOVE Free Guy like most of you, and for that matter, I loved Reel Steel as well and always wished they went back to make another one of those. I completely respect Levy’s thought process here, but a FREE GUY 2 NEEDS TO HAPPEN!!! I will be heartbroken if they don’t end up doing it. Maybe once he’s able to walk away from Deadpool for a bit and think about it they can come up with something.