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Articles by Ananth Para
Def Pen's Definitive Ranking of Marvel's Infinity Saga
After 11 years and 23 films, Marvel’s Infinity Saga has finally come to an end. Now, Def Pen is here to give our ranking of all 23 films. (Marvel Studios) With Avengers: Endgame transforming from a dream into a surreal reality, what is more, surreal is the fact that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is in its 11th year and totals a whopping 23 films now. Earlier this year, Avengers: Endgame finally landed in theaters marking the end of an era as the MCU is looking to re-tool a bit in the next phase.
2019 NBA free agency: Analyzing Kawhi Leonard’s options
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) After leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship, Kawhi Leonard’s pending free agency decision will have future ramifications for not just one, but three organizations. Kawhi Leonard’s free agency has been one that models his on-court play style: methodical, calculated, precise and almost boring in comparison to the rest of the NBA landscape.
2019 NBA free agency: Ranking Klay Thompson’s best potential landing spots
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) After a disappointing end to what was supposed to be a storybook ending for the 2018-19 Golden State Warriors, sharpshooter Klay Thompson enters an offseason of uncertainty. Here are his best options in 2019 NBA free agency.
Top 5 MVP candidates heading into 2019-20 NBA season
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage) After a historic regular season, Giannis Antetokounmpo was awarded the 2018-19 NBA MVP award. Heading into an offseason of uncertainty, it’s only natural to look ahead at the five most likely candidates for MVP in 2019-20. The 2018-19 NBA regular season was filled with some of the most memorable moments in NBA history.
Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 4 of 2019 NBA Finals
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) The Golden State Warriors were unable to sustain their first quarter intensity and lost yet another game to the Toronto Raptors. If you’re a Golden State Warriors fan reading this, it’s officially time to panic.
Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 4 of 2019 NBA Finals
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) After being down 11 points in the first quarter, the Toronto Raptors stormed back and took full control of the series with a 3-1 lead. To quote the great Mark Jackson, “Mama, there goes that man”. No, not that man, I’m talking about the fun one for the Toronto Raptors.
Golden State Warriors: 3 keys for Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Finals
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) After losing in their return to Oracle Arena, the Golden State Warriors face a must-win scenario in Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Could you imagine the look you would’ve had on your face if I told you in the midst of 2016-2017 Eastern Conference Semifinals that the Golden State Warriors would be down 2-1 to the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 NBA Finals heading into Game 4 without home court advantage?
Golden State Warriors: 3 keys for Game 3 of 2019 NBA Finals
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) After being down double-digits in the first half of Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors showcased their championship mentality and secured a 109-104 victory. Here are three keys for a pivotal Game 3 at home. Sometimes, basketball is not fair. For the majority of Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals, the Toronto Raptors were the better team on the floor. For 36 minutes, to be exact.
Golden State Warriors: 3 keys for Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) After losing a wire to wire Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors, the Golden State Warriors must make adjustments to secure a Game 2 victory on the road. After a nine-day layoff from their last playoff game, the Golden State Warriors were unable to shake off the rust from the stretch of inactivity and fell victim to a well-balanced attack from the Toronto Raptors in a 118-109 Game 1 victory.
2019 NBA Draft profile: Duke forward Zion Williamson
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) With 2019 NBA Draft upon us, it’s time to look at the consensus No. 1 prospect and overwhelming favorite to go at the top of the draft, Zion Williamson. After a plethora of mesmerizing mixtapes and dunk montages, Zion Williamson arrived onto the Duke University campus as the No. 2 freshman prospect in college basketball behind teammate R.J Barrett.
2019 NBA Finals: Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors preview
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) And then there were two. As the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors prepare to face off, here’s a preview for the 2019 NBA Finals. After a month of NBA playoff basketball, it all comes down to one last best-of-seven series between the two No. 2 seeds — the defending champion Golden State Warriors and the cyborg/veteran-led Toronto Raptors.
Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to beating Warriors in 2019 NBA Finals
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) The Toronto Raptors have punched their ticket to their first ever NBA Finals, but what must they do to beat the Golden State Warriors now? Slowly but surely, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as the little engine that could. Now, some may see that as an overstatement for a team that chugged it’s way to a 58-win season, but the Raptors had some major questions to answer throughout the duration of the regular season.
Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 2 loss vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) After nearly winning Game 1, the Toronto Raptors came unprepared for Game 2 and lost 125-103 in a contest that was over before halftime.
Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Game 1 comeback victory vs. Raptors
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images). After trailing for the majority of the game, the Milwaukee Bucks storm their way back in the fourth quarter to protect home court advantage in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. After the wire-to-wire blowout that was Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals felt eerily familiar early on.
2019 Eastern Conference Finals: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors preview
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) With the final four established after Sunday’s duo of Game 7s, the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals will come down to the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors. Ladies and gentlemen, we’re in the Endgame now. No, not the one you’re thinking of. The endgame of the 2019 NBA Playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks: 5 keys to 2019 Eastern Conference Finals vs. Raptors
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) As the dust settles in the east, the Milwaukee Bucks have drawn the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals to see who will make their way to the 2019 NBA Finals. With all due respect to the six other teams that filled the Eastern Conference bracket, it was destined to be these two at the end of the tunnel.
UFC 237 Predictions: Namajunas vs. Andrade to Headline
Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade (Photo credit:MMA Junkie) After seemingly an eternity, UFC returns to PPV and ESPN+ with UFC 237, a card that is sure to please the hardcore fans much more than the casuals. With the card taking place in the iconic Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, the card is brimmed with both unknown and legendary Brazillian names.
Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Game 5 closeout win vs. Celtics
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks carried over the same dominance shown in round one into the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics. After losing Game 1, the Bucks rattled four consecutive victories, stamping their place in the conference finals with a Game 5 win. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from big Game 4 win vs. Celtics
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) In a back-and-forth battle between the two green representatives from the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo provided the signature performance in his young playoff career, leading the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks to a 3-1 lead over the talented, but vulnerable Boston Celtics. Here are three takeaways from Game 4.
Fyre Festival founder working on memoir, planning sequel to failed event
Mandatory Credit: BBC News Fyre Festival will go down in history as one of the biggest mishaps in the history of music festivals. After being immortalized by the very telling and in-depth documentaries done by Netflix and Hulu respectively titled “Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened” and “Fyre Fraud”, the young entrepreneur turned con-artist Billy McFarland has taken his entrepreneurship to a new level.
Will Ferrell teams up with 'Fist Fight' Director for E-sports comedy
Armando Brown/Orange County Register After making his name renowned in the Hollywood business with his work in television, Richie Keen has been tasked to helm an upcoming comedy from Legendary Pictures centred on E-sports, with Will Ferrell attached to star in the feature-length film.
Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Game 3 win vs. Celtics
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) Led by an MVP-caliber performance, Giannis Antetekoumpo and the Milwaukee Bucks regain homecourt advantage in what is set to be a back and fourth NBA Eastern semifinals series. Giannis Antetokounmpo flexed his superstar muscles and led the Milwaukee Bucks to a Game 3 victory on the road to give the Eastern Conference’s top seed a 2-1 lead in their conference semifinal series with the Boston Celtics.
What Hawkeye Is Fighting For In Avengers: Endgame
As ‘Avengers: Endgame’ closes in, Def Pen is taking a look at why each of the six original Avengers isn’t going to stop fighting. Today, Clint Barton. (Marvel Studios) With Avengers: Endgame now less than a week away, it’s almost impossible to ignore the flood of Avengers-related content. So, we wanted to do something a little different here at Def Pen to break through the noise.
UFC 236 Predictions: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier Part 2 Headlines the Card
Intense staredown between featherweight champion Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier prior to their UFC 236 Main Event. (MMA Fighting) To casual MMA fans, UFC 236 doesn’t seem like must-see action, but to MMA purist like myself, UFC 236 is topped off with two of the most exciting fights that have graced the octagon in 2019.
Def Pen Round Table Review: DC's Latest Triumph In Shazam!
DC shared an explosive new trailer for ‘Shazam!’ on Monday, marking nearly a month before the film’s April 5th release date. (DC Comics/Warner Bros.) This weekend, we saw the next step in DC’s longterm plan with Shazam! Starring Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer and Mark Price ‘Shazam!’ follows the story of a confused 14-year-old Billy Batson’s (Asher Angel), being the proverbial chosen one to carry on the torch of Shazam.
Kumail Nanjiani in Talks to Join Angelina Jolie in Marvel’s ‘The Eternals’
Kumail Nanjiani at an undisclosed event. Mandatory Credit: Getty Images After earning himself an Oscar Nomination alongside his wife for ‘The Big Sick’, Kumail Nanjiani is in talks to join Angelina Jolie to star in Marvel Studios’ “The Eternals” in what would be an unprecedented move. As per usual, details about the movie and what characters Nanjiani and Jolie would play if chosen for the roles are being kept hidden.
Deadshot Removed From 'Suicide Squad' as Idris Elba Finds New Role
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 10: Actor Idris Elba speaks to the media at the premiere of “The Mountain Between Us” during the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 10, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by J. Countess/WireImage) Although James Gunn’s “Suicide Squad” semi-reboot is building more momentum by the minute, Deadshot is set to no longer be a part of it.
Dave Bautista Starring In Zack Snyder's 'Army Of The Dead'
Dave Bautista in Blade Runner 2049. (Mandatory Credit: Warner Bros) After taking what seems to be a short hiatus, Zack Snyder is set to direct ‘Army Of The Dead’ for Netflix, starring Dave Bautista. According to a synopsis, ‘Army Of The Dead’ is following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas when a group of mercenaries venture into the quarantine zone to pull off one of the unlikeliest heists ever.
Awkwafina & Ike Barinholtz to Star and Produce 'Crime After Crime'
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Polk/REX/Shutterstock After starring in 2018 hit Crazy Rich Asians and blockbuster reboot Oceans 8, Awkwafina and Ike Barinholtz (Blockers) have signed on to star in Crime After Crime, produced by STXfilms. The film will follow a millennial podcast host(Awkwafina) who agrees to help the convict(Barinholtz) she’s devoted her based on a true story podcast to in order to prove his innocence after he escapes jail and surprises her with an unplanned visit.
Queen Latifah to Star in, Produce Comedy ‘Paper Chase’
Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images (L to R): Queen Latifah and Missy Elliot It has been announced that Queen Latifah will star and produce a teen comedy entitled “Paper Chase”. via her Flavor Unit production company. Latifah and her business partner, Shakim Compere, will serve as executive producers along with Gunpowder & Sky Van Toffler. Writers Angela Tucker and Lauren Domino are credited for creating “Paper Chase”, with Tucker set to direct.
Mark Hamill Will Be The Voice Of Chucky In 'Childs' Play' Remake
Cred. Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney Sometimes Star Wars legends need to turn to the dark side. The infamous Luke Skywalker, also known as Mark Hamill will voice the menacing, killer doll Chucky in this summer’s Childs Play remake (out June 21), as it was announced this weekend at WonderCon.
Liam Neeson Releases Statement Regarding Recent Racist Remarks
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images After generating some bad publicity for discussing a past event in which he explicitly stated he wanted to bait a black man into fighting him to avenge a recently raped friend, Liam Neeson has broken his recent silence and delivered an apology for the remarks.
'Captain Marvel' Actress Mckenna Grace Joins ‘Ghostbusters’ Film
Mandatory Credit: WireImage/Jesse Grant Mckenna Grace has officially joined Jason Reitman’s ‘Ghostbusters’ Cast. The film centres around a single mother with two children. Carrie Coon is in talks to play the mom and Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard is in negotiations to play her son. Jason Reitman — son of Ivan Reitman, the director of Ghostbusters — is directing a new sequel to the original franchise.
Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy in Talks for Netflix's 'Thunder Force'
Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel According to Variety, Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy are currently in negotiations to star as women who gain superpowers in Netflix original ‘Thunder Force. The film is written and directed by McCarthy’s husband Ben Falcone. Plot details have yet to be released. The movie will be produced by Marc Platt, Falcone and McCarthy.
Elton John Biopic 'Rocketman' Expected to Get R-Rating for Sex and Drug Scenes
Things get a little weird in the first trailer for ‘Rocketman’, the upcoming biopic based on the life of Elton John.
Colin Firth’s Fantasy-Drama Film ‘The Secret Garden’ Bought by STX
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06: Actor Colin Firth (R) (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/ Getty Images) It has been reported that STX Films has acquired distribution rights in North America to “The Secret Garden,” a movie adaptation of the beloved children’s novel of the same name that has been in development over the past year. The film stars Oscar winner and ‘Kingsman’ Actor Colin Firth and Julie Walters.
Zac Efron announced To Be Apart Of Scooby-Doo Remake
Via: Getty Images Zac Efron is making his return to teen entertainment. It has been announced that Efron has signed on to voice Fred Jones while it has been announced that Amanda Seyfried will voice his counterpart Daphne Blake in Warner Bros.’ animated Scooby-Doo feature film “Scoob.” Earlier this month, it was announced that Will Forte had been set to voice Norville “Shaggy” Rogers, while Gina Rodriguez would be voicing Velma Dinkley.
Idris Elba in Talks to Join Andy Serkis in ‘Mouse Guard’
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 10: Actor Idris Elba speaks to the media at the premiere of “The Mountain Between Us” during the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 10, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by J. Countess/WireImage) Idris Elba is in negotiations to join Andy Serkis and Thomas Brodie-Sangster in Fox’s fantasy-action movie titled“Mouse Guard”, with “Maze Runner’s” Wes Ball helming the film.
Ben Affleck's Addiction Drama Set for Awards-Season Rollout
via: Getty images Warner Bros. seems to have confidence in Ben Affleck’s untitled addiction drama, awarding it a prestigious awards-season-friendly release date of Oct. 18. After announcing his departure from being DCEU’s Batman, Ben Affleck has kept busy. The film, which has transitioned its titles from “The Has-Been” and “Torrance,” is directed by ‘The Accountant’ director Gavin O’Connor and stars Ben Affleck.
‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel Adds Miranda Richardson
Gourley/Variety/REX/Shutterstock Due to the massive success of HBO’s Game Of Thrones, a prequel has been set to be filmed. The untitled prequel pilot has cast Miranda Richardson to become a mainstay in the show. Miranda Richardson will join the likes of Naomi Watts, Josh Whitehouse, Naomi Ackle, Denise Gough. The series will be run by show co-creator Jane Goldman will serve as showrunner.
Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield are set to star in Universal's 'The Photograph'
Issa Rae poses for a portrait at the BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party on January 6, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/BAFTA LA/Getty Images) According to reports based out of Variety, Stars’ Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield will star in Universal’s “The Photograph,” The Photograph will be helmed by Stella Meghie will direct the romantic drama. The film is set to be a romantic drama centering on a myriad of love stories, from the past and present.
Anna Camp, Robbie Amell Join Netflix Comedy 'Desperados'
Credit: Maarten de Boer/Getty Images It seems that Netflix is gearing up for another star-studded comedy. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pitch Perfect’ mainstay Anna Camp and longtime television actor Robbie Amell have joined the cast of ‘Desperados’, which already includes Nasim Pedrad and Jason Mitchell, best known for his portrayal of Eazy- E in 2015’s NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton.
Head of Warner Bros. steps down amid sexual misconduct investigation
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ryan Miller/REX/Shutterstock. Kevin Tsujihara attending US-China Entertainment Gala Dinner, Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, USA – 30 Oct 2018 It has been announced that Warner Bros. chief Kevin Tsujihara is stepping down after claims that the head of Warner Bros. was promising acting roles in exchange for sex. Acting as Warner Bros. chairman and chief executive officer, Tsuijhara acted as one of the most powerful Hollywood executives working today.
Def Pen's Woman of the Week: Domee Shi
Aidan Lising After covering the meteoric rise of actress Zazzie Beetz, it’s time to take our admiration behind the lens, or in this case, behind the computer. Hollywood acts as a male dominant industry, but slowly but surely we’ve thankfully been apart of the emergence of a diverse industry. Now, by no means is it perfect, but in all honesty what is? Well, one thing is for certain, Canadian-Chinese filmmaker Domee Shi’s eye for art is as close as it gets.
UFC 235 Predicitions: Will Jon Jones Retain His Title?
Jon ‘Bones’ Jones (left) and Anthony Smith (right) pose prior to their UFC light heavyweight championship bout. (John Locher/AP) The UFC is set for its second pay-per-view event of 2019 with two championship bouts and The GOAT solidifying his case at the top of the card at UFC 235 in the UFC’s home of Las Vegas, Nevada at T-Mobile Arena.
UFC 234 Main Event Off as Robert Whittaker Pulls Out
UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker Pulls Out Due to Hernia. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports) Per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, UFC Middleweight Champion and UFC 234 Headliner Robert Whittaker was forced to pull out of the main event due to a Hernia in his abdomen. With just hours until UFC 234 starts, it is near impossible to find a replacement for Whittaker, especially considering the card is taking place in Australia- Whittaker’s home country.
UFC 234 Predictions: Whittaker-Gastelum and Adensanya-Silva
Israel Adesanya faces off against Anderson Silva at UFC 234 Press Conference. (Esther Lin, MMA Fighting) After seemingly an eternity, UFC returns in its glory with their signature numbered PPV that transcended MMA into a global phenomenon. To start the UFC calendar year off, fight fans are treated to the perfect blend of past, present and future stars of the MMA world. The main event consists of two of the more underrated UFC fighters in recent memory with the UFC middleweight title up for grabs.
New Music: DJ Mustard - Pure Water (Featuring Migos)
10 Summers Records, Inc./Interscope Records For much of the past few months, the Migos have paid much of their attention to their solo albums. Quavo dropped his solo debut with features ranging from Madonna to Lil’ Baby. Then, Takeoff came with The Last Rocket which was quietly one of the most underrated albums of the year. In addition, the Migos offered individual verses to 21 Savage’s project, A Boogie’s most recent album and Lil’ Baby’s Street Gossip.
City Girls + Cardi B Let Loose In 'Twerk' Music Video
(Photo: Quality Control Music) Unless you’re living under a rock, as a Hip-Hop fan you’ve heard of City Girls in some capacity. Lacking any type of filter that one may feel they should have, it’s just for that reason why the City Girls had a highly successful year in 2018, their debut as rappers.
Colin Kaepernick Denies Mutual Agreement Claims Made By Travis Scott
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – DECEMBER 03: Honoree Colin Kaepernick speaks onstage at ACLU SoCal Hosts Annual Bill of Rights Dinner at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on December 3, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images) Colin Kaepernick retweets messages affirming no mutual agreement with Travis Scott to perform during Super Bowl LIII exists. Maroon 5, headliners of the coveted half-time slot will be joined by Travis Scott and Big Boi.
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