Godzilla: King Of The Monsters
Director: Michael Dougherty
Cast Headliners: Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Ken Watanabe, Godzilla, King Ghidorah, many more monsters this time
Original Release Date: May 31st, 2019
How does one follow up a movie as literally BIG as 2014's Godzilla? That movie proved that Americans can make something almost as fun and true to the spirit of the giant lizard as the Toho Japanese originals. It struggled through some of its mundane-ness and human element but the potential it poked at had promise for the future if done right. Godzilla: King Of The Monsters delivers on some of that promise especially where fans would want it to although it falls trap to some of the same flaws as well. However more of the same is a good thing when it involves the chaos at play.
The main human cast and premise has been partially swapped out this time. After a tragic loss in the past a family is separated between a hunter / nature animal behavior expert Dr. Mark Russell(Kyle Chandler) from an estranged(seems like this is always the case in these movies) from his wife Dr.Emma(Vera Farmiga) and daughter Madison(Millie Bobby Brown aka Elevan from Stranger Things making her big screen debut). They have ties to the kaiju creature/Titan shadowy but noble organization Monarch in the only returners Dr.Ishiro Serizawa(Ken Watanabe) and Dr.Vivienne Graham(Sally Hawkins) amongst others. They face an awakening of not just one but many Godzilla sized beasts across the globe.
The noble side of humanity is definitely a bit improved from the first although it definitely has its cheese and slow periods. There's much more Serizawa which is fine as Watanabe is always a delight. He takes more of a “Big Good leadership” role than ever and has even more wise lines getting into the frontline of action although it's at times limited. The other Monarch scientists don't quite land as well with Hawkins just having some exposition much like peers in Dr.Ilene Chen(Zhang Ziyi), Colonel Diane Foster(Aisha Hints), and Admiral William Stenz(David Strathaim) all being generically serious. There's some attempted comic relief this time from Dr.Sam Coleman(Thomas Middleditch) and moreso Dr.Rick Stanton(Bradley Whitford) but some of it (perhaps purposefully) doesn't quite hit.
The main Russell family is a bit better although nothing to write home about. Chandler's Mark sometimes goes for an unbearable whisper in his approach which is a bit odd but he has passion, intellect, and charm when he needs to even if generic although the “reluctant” aspect is enjoyable and nuanced. Bobby Brown may surprise one to hear if one is used to her past work as here she is a very spunky , talkative teenage girl with no accent or monotony but she's ok even if it's mainly being scared of what's going on around. Farmiga's role is.... a bit odd. She has an interesting connection to the events that happen that quickly goes for an “insane cultist” approach. It's sometimes hard to tell if the filmmakers wanted us to sympathize or hate her as there's not much benevolent aspects shown but it is certainly more flavorful than the past.
This is what the movie is about... the MONSTERS. This took takes a bit more time than one wants to get going since before this it has some neat human vs evil human action ( a franchise staple usually moreso “Humanoids from space”). This is because the mercenary forces of Alan Jonah(Charles Dance) seek to awaken the other Titans, like Godzilla, for a global cleanse. Dance gives a fearsome yet British-ily refined take although there's not enough of him or direct conflict as one would want as he like most of the human cast is confined to planning rooms / laboratories. A great aspect of the film is that it fully embraces its outlandish world potential compared to the first. If the first was kind of realistic this one is not much at all. There's giant flying airships and underwater and icy antarctic bases. There's ruined jungle temples and underwater lost civilizations. Most of all however there is not giant lizards or bugs but ICONIC Titans of the source as so much more lore is present as a whole.
Yes what this movie is most effective at is bringing the classic Godzilla rogue's gallery into this universe.... a bit all at once. There's both the larval and flying form of the moth Mothra, the pterodactyl (although here more dragon-like) Rodan, and the ultimate enemy of all the alien three-headed dragon King Ghidorah. There's even some momentary cameos but made up various giant octopuses, woolly mammoths, the first films MUTO, and a shoutout or two to the past King Kong(see him in 2020). It truly is a Destroy All Monsters kind of event. Godzilla has him work cut out for him and certainly smashes some things along the way.
Credit should largely be given to director Michael Dougherty for his visual approach. There's some nice, beautiful wide shots as more of a dreamlike approach is taken to things to go along with the fantastical beasts. There's big crazy views of these beasts. The destruction is raised by the variety of what chaos they can chaos whether Mothra's silk or Rodan's fire melting soar(a twist on the classic). Ghidorah has just as powerful electric blasts as Godzilla as lasers . There's some intense music by Bear McCreary as well leading to some thrilling sequences. As with the best these monster vs monster clashes are reallly good.... when they do show up. As mentioned there's some long stretches without ANY monsters or parts without Godzilla but things escalate especially at the end when all parties are involved. Godzilla has some fearsome new powers and some apparent personality again so it's good to get a bit more but it's only a bit more. However the best is mostly worth it. Things can also seem a bit dark and monotone (With some mixed quality CGI especially on Ghidorah's heads although usually great) for visuals at times but then again it is more of a world-ending dark theme going on so it makes sense.
It's not a movie that will totally blow ones more especially if they aren't a bit of a true fan. However for those that are it brings the action, mostly, where one would want. Simple explosive destruction fun with some epic additives. 8.46 out of 10
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Saturday, May 18, 2019
John Wick Chapter Three - Parabellum Review
John Wick Chapter Three - Parabellum
Director: Chad Stahleski
Cast Headliners: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Laurence Fishburne, Halle Berry, many many others more than ever
Original Release Date: May 17th, 2019
The One... the Baba Yaga... the goer of the Excellent Adventure... the best hitman and dog avenger there is John Wick is back with John Wick Chapter Three – Parabellum. By a third film one may feel fatigue can set into any action franchise but John Wick is a series that not only surprised with how great it was in the first place but also how inventively great and fresh it continues to be. This is the biggest, craziest, most epic one yet and one will get exactly what they want out of it.
It really helps to have seen the others before this due to the characters and stakes involved although it could potentially work as a jump in due to the thrill of its opening. After the events of the second film assassin John Wick(Keanu Reeves) and his adorable pitbull are on the run as a 14million dollar “excommunicado” hit begins on him. The film is almost, but not quite, nonstop action and mistrust as he's constantly on the run and attacked. It's a bit of a unique format for a film and for any who saw the second one its like that one “enemy hitmen” sequence...on endless steroids.
The film goes even deeper into its lore and epic stakes of fictional assassin underground societies. It truly is bringing things into a global, epic war scale almost like a superhero or the 2008 “Wanted. There's various allegiances to these societies... there's the Manhattan Continental Hotel led by Winston(Ian McShane) and receptionist assistant Charon(Lance Reddick) who started the hit on John merely by following orders. These are the orders of the High Table who runs everything whether via their apparent leader in the Elder(Said Taghmaoui) or the Adjudicator(Asia Kate Dillion). There's the Bowery and its Bowery King(Laurence Fishburne) who have hobos-in-disguise like the Tick Tock Man(Jason Mantzoukas). There's also bit factions like the Russians led by the Director(Anjelica Huston), the smithing Moroccans under Berradda(Jerome Flynn), or a key enemy force of the Japanese under Zero(Mark Dacascos).
As mentioned its a lot more lore and ensemble cast characters to take in. It's become a film, and series, of a lot more of everything as a whole as it embraces its craziness. It's a bit like what Fast and Furious did although in an effective filmcraft of a way...perhaps learning from the Raid series's scale than anything(even including some people from that).
Through all these characters and places what is very much the shining star of this, as the past two, is the action itself. There's so, so much action and brutal killing that occurs(with some slight periods of downtime over its long runtime). The sequences have incredible choreography whether its fighting with knifes, guns, horses(especially their hooves), dogs(!), or motorcycles. There's so many times that one will be surprised and delighted by what occurs. Little details are paid attention to and not much goes unused. Multiple times some background thing will be hinted at...and then gloriously bloodily used or dealt with again.
Much praise to director Chad Stahleski for this. Even when it's not one of the many fights or climaxes going on he has a camera craft that's wonderful. This is perhaps a bit less noticed in dusty desert squares than it is in neon-soaked city streets or buildings but it all looks so gorgeous even if often grimly dark. This surreal neon touch is also what sets these films apart from peers aided by some amazing music by Tyler Bates.
There's so many characters now to really praise much in particular but those who are reliable continue to be. Reeve's Wick , or “Jardani” as we learn at one point, is as cool as ever. He's fierce in action scenes but with a subtle emotional and or fierce grit that entertains on his journey. The movie actually delves even further into his backstory and what others think of him which is interesting although some may have wished this was all more mysterious. No worries as it still is. McShane's Winston perhaps takes the most suave award with his cocktails and wisecracks as ever. Same goes for Reddick's Charon who even gets in on some more up close action this time. So too is Fisbhurne's King as humorous as he was last time and luckily has a bit more of a role.
The other A-list exposition deliverers may be a bit of a slight shlock but its only in the best way. Dillon's Adjudicator provides a mysterious, menacing villainous authority through her robotic delivery. Dacascos's Zero takes this film's “main up close” enemy spot and has his own combat skill that's nearly as fierce as Wick's. He brings more of a cocky rivalry than the past two films have had with a sense of respect that makes him interesting although it may be a bit much for some although there's certainly some rare moments of true and great humor.... it's all very “martial arts film” in that way.
All this has been said without talking of Sofia(Halle Berry) who is a very important although ultimately a bit of a minor part. She's just as fierce and cool as Wick himself is and when they fight together its a thing of glory. Her dogs are some of the fiercest doggos around and there's some slight backstory talked of between them but like most things its ready before it even starts. One hopes for her again in the future perhaps... It's definitely a film that ends on a cliffhanger too which may lack some closure after its twist but if they are this good one will gladly like them ahead for at least one more go as the stakes seem to be truly epic ahead.
As a whole it's exactly what the fans would want. Hours of brutal, surprising, inventive, moody dark action to thrilling new heights. Personally I don't mind the stakes that it's been raised to although there's a bit of feeling that some of it has been done before or better. However, when it does surprise it sure does leave an impression.... worth it for those by far and the way its handled. 8.7 out of 10
Director: Chad Stahleski
Cast Headliners: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Laurence Fishburne, Halle Berry, many many others more than ever
Original Release Date: May 17th, 2019
The One... the Baba Yaga... the goer of the Excellent Adventure... the best hitman and dog avenger there is John Wick is back with John Wick Chapter Three – Parabellum. By a third film one may feel fatigue can set into any action franchise but John Wick is a series that not only surprised with how great it was in the first place but also how inventively great and fresh it continues to be. This is the biggest, craziest, most epic one yet and one will get exactly what they want out of it.
It really helps to have seen the others before this due to the characters and stakes involved although it could potentially work as a jump in due to the thrill of its opening. After the events of the second film assassin John Wick(Keanu Reeves) and his adorable pitbull are on the run as a 14million dollar “excommunicado” hit begins on him. The film is almost, but not quite, nonstop action and mistrust as he's constantly on the run and attacked. It's a bit of a unique format for a film and for any who saw the second one its like that one “enemy hitmen” sequence...on endless steroids.
The film goes even deeper into its lore and epic stakes of fictional assassin underground societies. It truly is bringing things into a global, epic war scale almost like a superhero or the 2008 “Wanted. There's various allegiances to these societies... there's the Manhattan Continental Hotel led by Winston(Ian McShane) and receptionist assistant Charon(Lance Reddick) who started the hit on John merely by following orders. These are the orders of the High Table who runs everything whether via their apparent leader in the Elder(Said Taghmaoui) or the Adjudicator(Asia Kate Dillion). There's the Bowery and its Bowery King(Laurence Fishburne) who have hobos-in-disguise like the Tick Tock Man(Jason Mantzoukas). There's also bit factions like the Russians led by the Director(Anjelica Huston), the smithing Moroccans under Berradda(Jerome Flynn), or a key enemy force of the Japanese under Zero(Mark Dacascos).
As mentioned its a lot more lore and ensemble cast characters to take in. It's become a film, and series, of a lot more of everything as a whole as it embraces its craziness. It's a bit like what Fast and Furious did although in an effective filmcraft of a way...perhaps learning from the Raid series's scale than anything(even including some people from that).
Through all these characters and places what is very much the shining star of this, as the past two, is the action itself. There's so, so much action and brutal killing that occurs(with some slight periods of downtime over its long runtime). The sequences have incredible choreography whether its fighting with knifes, guns, horses(especially their hooves), dogs(!), or motorcycles. There's so many times that one will be surprised and delighted by what occurs. Little details are paid attention to and not much goes unused. Multiple times some background thing will be hinted at...and then gloriously bloodily used or dealt with again.
Much praise to director Chad Stahleski for this. Even when it's not one of the many fights or climaxes going on he has a camera craft that's wonderful. This is perhaps a bit less noticed in dusty desert squares than it is in neon-soaked city streets or buildings but it all looks so gorgeous even if often grimly dark. This surreal neon touch is also what sets these films apart from peers aided by some amazing music by Tyler Bates.
There's so many characters now to really praise much in particular but those who are reliable continue to be. Reeve's Wick , or “Jardani” as we learn at one point, is as cool as ever. He's fierce in action scenes but with a subtle emotional and or fierce grit that entertains on his journey. The movie actually delves even further into his backstory and what others think of him which is interesting although some may have wished this was all more mysterious. No worries as it still is. McShane's Winston perhaps takes the most suave award with his cocktails and wisecracks as ever. Same goes for Reddick's Charon who even gets in on some more up close action this time. So too is Fisbhurne's King as humorous as he was last time and luckily has a bit more of a role.
The other A-list exposition deliverers may be a bit of a slight shlock but its only in the best way. Dillon's Adjudicator provides a mysterious, menacing villainous authority through her robotic delivery. Dacascos's Zero takes this film's “main up close” enemy spot and has his own combat skill that's nearly as fierce as Wick's. He brings more of a cocky rivalry than the past two films have had with a sense of respect that makes him interesting although it may be a bit much for some although there's certainly some rare moments of true and great humor.... it's all very “martial arts film” in that way.
All this has been said without talking of Sofia(Halle Berry) who is a very important although ultimately a bit of a minor part. She's just as fierce and cool as Wick himself is and when they fight together its a thing of glory. Her dogs are some of the fiercest doggos around and there's some slight backstory talked of between them but like most things its ready before it even starts. One hopes for her again in the future perhaps... It's definitely a film that ends on a cliffhanger too which may lack some closure after its twist but if they are this good one will gladly like them ahead for at least one more go as the stakes seem to be truly epic ahead.
As a whole it's exactly what the fans would want. Hours of brutal, surprising, inventive, moody dark action to thrilling new heights. Personally I don't mind the stakes that it's been raised to although there's a bit of feeling that some of it has been done before or better. However, when it does surprise it sure does leave an impression.... worth it for those by far and the way its handled. 8.7 out of 10
Pokemon Detective Pikachu Review
Pokemon Detective Pikachu
Director: Rob Letterman
Cast Headliners: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Bill Nighy, Ken Watanabe, many many pokemon
Original Release Date: May 10th, 2019
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is a bit of a chaotically, sillily weird one. Pokemon as a franchise needs no introduction for anyone alive on this world from the 1990s onwards. There's been games, anime series, trading cards but never until now has there been a film that's not an anime film. That's probably for good reason as usually when games go live action or to films in general results are not quite the best(just ask Pikachu's company cousin Mario). They've also chosen not to adapt a classic Pokemon tale but instead create something new from...a semi-obscure 3DS spinoff game about a wisecracking noir-esque Pikachu. Turns out choosing to go for something so specific and distinct in tone helps it become smartly decent as can be.
On the offchance one has been living under a rock this is a world of sometimes adorable, sometimes colorul fierce cartoonish creatures called “Pokemon” who here live in an apparent utopia known as Ryme City. These creatures have an intelligence far beyond any other pet and even can have superpowers over elemental forces or magic and so on. However, most cannot talk. This movie makes one exception.
Tim Goodman(Justice Smith) is a mundane insurance worker who gets brought downtown after the apparent death of his father. While searching through his father's things he comes across the titular Detective Pikachu(Ryan Reynolds) who's a yellow electric mouse...that can speak English. They find themselves entangled in a criminal conspiracy of mysterious power-boosting gases, an experimental intelligent weapon pokemon known as Mewtwo, and shadowy figures.
The tone, and quality, of the flick is all over the place but kind of in a great way. It's strong at being some (hard PG into PG-13 turf) family, silly, chill wacky fun humor. Reynold's performance is perfect at this. It's much like his take on Deadpool of course but it works so amazingly well. The diminutive critter has as much sass and constant joking as that Merc With a Mouth with a bit more of a grumpy hardboiled wisened angle. He has some good stuff with Smith's Tim and well anyone really. Smith's lead isn't far quite as effective but he has his charms and quips aside generic / general “Woah there what's happening” kind of reactions. They're joined by Lucy(Kathyrn Newton) a blogger and her “bomb” avian Psyduck companion who must be kept calm (which leads to some great fun with Det. Pikachu). Unfortunately Newton's acting, along with some others, is not very good at all. Its cheesiness and amateur nature remind one of something like a Nickelodeon or Disney Channel original movie in quality but perhaps its its all ages kid-friendly nature.
The others too don't quite leave an impact although they managed to pull a couple of big names. Bill Nighy portrays wheelchair bound CEO and inventor Howard Clifford who has some importance to the plot although it's typical generic stuff. Ken Watanabe's police chief Detective Yoshida has an adorably grumpy pet Snubbull but just gives a couple of brief, slow bits of exposition. The same applies for anyone else who really isn't worth mentioning. A possible exception is a bit cameo by Karan Soni...Dopiner from Deadpool.As a fan of the source games Mewtwo(Rina Hoshino and Kotaro Watanabe) is handled very accurately which is nice although comes off as a bit hokey in reality.
Emphasis must be reminded on “hokey in reality”. That's both the incredible benefit but pitfall of this movie. So many game films have failed to actually capture the feeling , mechanics, or plots of the original. While this is a fresh take it does accurately (more or less) portray a glimpse into the world that's right out of the games. Some of the pokemon designs are incredibly cool looking and given a realistic, animal touch. However some of them do not hold up well in CGI or reality. These are usually the more colorful, supernatural, big eyed ones who's looks and powers can be a bit stupid to see but in a way it's what a fan would want although to non-fans it may seem...off in a way. It's more about charming than immersing.
There's actually a couple of intense action scenes and what it does right is having some surprises within. The plot is nothing to write home about although it's interesting to see a bit of a noir story for all ages. This is helped by the directorial efforts of Rob Letterman. The cityscapes and colors can sometimes be a bit of a gorgeous sci-fi cyberpunk palette when they aren't being cheesy and shaky. The music is often great too (kudos to Henry Jackman). The synths and strings add to that steamy detective noir mood...which makes the adult / cartoony contast that much more entertaining.
It's not too deep of a movie and some ridiclously silly cheesy stupid things occur. However for Pokemon fans its a slight bit of a must watch at some point just to see the dream come alive. It could have been a lot better but its about what one would expect. Simple silly Pika fun with a spy touch...for better or worse. 7.8 out of 10
Director: Rob Letterman
Cast Headliners: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Bill Nighy, Ken Watanabe, many many pokemon
Original Release Date: May 10th, 2019
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is a bit of a chaotically, sillily weird one. Pokemon as a franchise needs no introduction for anyone alive on this world from the 1990s onwards. There's been games, anime series, trading cards but never until now has there been a film that's not an anime film. That's probably for good reason as usually when games go live action or to films in general results are not quite the best(just ask Pikachu's company cousin Mario). They've also chosen not to adapt a classic Pokemon tale but instead create something new from...a semi-obscure 3DS spinoff game about a wisecracking noir-esque Pikachu. Turns out choosing to go for something so specific and distinct in tone helps it become smartly decent as can be.
On the offchance one has been living under a rock this is a world of sometimes adorable, sometimes colorul fierce cartoonish creatures called “Pokemon” who here live in an apparent utopia known as Ryme City. These creatures have an intelligence far beyond any other pet and even can have superpowers over elemental forces or magic and so on. However, most cannot talk. This movie makes one exception.
Tim Goodman(Justice Smith) is a mundane insurance worker who gets brought downtown after the apparent death of his father. While searching through his father's things he comes across the titular Detective Pikachu(Ryan Reynolds) who's a yellow electric mouse...that can speak English. They find themselves entangled in a criminal conspiracy of mysterious power-boosting gases, an experimental intelligent weapon pokemon known as Mewtwo, and shadowy figures.
The tone, and quality, of the flick is all over the place but kind of in a great way. It's strong at being some (hard PG into PG-13 turf) family, silly, chill wacky fun humor. Reynold's performance is perfect at this. It's much like his take on Deadpool of course but it works so amazingly well. The diminutive critter has as much sass and constant joking as that Merc With a Mouth with a bit more of a grumpy hardboiled wisened angle. He has some good stuff with Smith's Tim and well anyone really. Smith's lead isn't far quite as effective but he has his charms and quips aside generic / general “Woah there what's happening” kind of reactions. They're joined by Lucy(Kathyrn Newton) a blogger and her “bomb” avian Psyduck companion who must be kept calm (which leads to some great fun with Det. Pikachu). Unfortunately Newton's acting, along with some others, is not very good at all. Its cheesiness and amateur nature remind one of something like a Nickelodeon or Disney Channel original movie in quality but perhaps its its all ages kid-friendly nature.
The others too don't quite leave an impact although they managed to pull a couple of big names. Bill Nighy portrays wheelchair bound CEO and inventor Howard Clifford who has some importance to the plot although it's typical generic stuff. Ken Watanabe's police chief Detective Yoshida has an adorably grumpy pet Snubbull but just gives a couple of brief, slow bits of exposition. The same applies for anyone else who really isn't worth mentioning. A possible exception is a bit cameo by Karan Soni...Dopiner from Deadpool.As a fan of the source games Mewtwo(Rina Hoshino and Kotaro Watanabe) is handled very accurately which is nice although comes off as a bit hokey in reality.
Emphasis must be reminded on “hokey in reality”. That's both the incredible benefit but pitfall of this movie. So many game films have failed to actually capture the feeling , mechanics, or plots of the original. While this is a fresh take it does accurately (more or less) portray a glimpse into the world that's right out of the games. Some of the pokemon designs are incredibly cool looking and given a realistic, animal touch. However some of them do not hold up well in CGI or reality. These are usually the more colorful, supernatural, big eyed ones who's looks and powers can be a bit stupid to see but in a way it's what a fan would want although to non-fans it may seem...off in a way. It's more about charming than immersing.
There's actually a couple of intense action scenes and what it does right is having some surprises within. The plot is nothing to write home about although it's interesting to see a bit of a noir story for all ages. This is helped by the directorial efforts of Rob Letterman. The cityscapes and colors can sometimes be a bit of a gorgeous sci-fi cyberpunk palette when they aren't being cheesy and shaky. The music is often great too (kudos to Henry Jackman). The synths and strings add to that steamy detective noir mood...which makes the adult / cartoony contast that much more entertaining.
It's not too deep of a movie and some ridiclously silly cheesy stupid things occur. However for Pokemon fans its a slight bit of a must watch at some point just to see the dream come alive. It could have been a lot better but its about what one would expect. Simple silly Pika fun with a spy touch...for better or worse. 7.8 out of 10
Monday, May 6, 2019
Avengers: Endgame Review
Avengers: Endgame
Director: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
Cast Headliners: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlet Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, any and all The Avengers left vs Josh Brolin Thanos, EVERYONE ELSE IN THE UNIVERSE EVER EVER EVER
Original Release Date: April 26th, 2019
It's very hard to encapsulate what Avengers: Endgame means to fans, comics, cinema, and perhaps even world history. This fourth Avengers film is not just another one of those but is very much an end. Literally, more or less, the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe has led to the events of this film. It's part 2 of 2, it's the series finale for what it was. It's the start in some ways of something new but it will never be the same. Every answer, every person, every meaning, every moment all comes together here. Somehow there's so much more than ever has been nor will be again yet also it's as intimate as can be. There's so much it couldn't have been anything but messy yet also it's just about as perfect as it should have been.
Do not come to see this film if one has no idea what this series is. Even moreso than anything ever done before this is a send off for the fans. That makes it that much better as it gives the “true believers” references, charm, and closure. However until that part do recall that the cliffhanger situation from 2018's Infinity War is incredibly, incredibly dark(this review will try to remain as spoiler-light as possible although a.) who hasn't seen this by now and b.) Marvel themselves have dripped some good nuggets into post-release ads). It's a literal rollercoaster of tone and emotions from the darkest of depths to some possible hope of redemption.
Recall that Thanos(Josh Brolin) wiped out half of all living existence with the powerful Infinity Stones. It's interesting, and fitting, that the core survivors ended up being the “original 6” Avengers.... Steve/Captain America(Chris Evans), Tony/Iron Man(Robert Downey Jr), Bruce/Hulk-even-if-he's-stubborn(Mark Ruffalo), Thor(Chris Hemsworth), the proper return oh-so-sweetly of Clint/Hawkeye/”Ronin” to some (Jeremy Renner), and Nat/Black Widow(Scarlett Johansson). It doesn't take too long for them to properly be reunited and it's a good feeling amidst the depression since they've been separated for awhile in the MCU's timeline. There's also the space or otherwise straggler-ons of Rocket(Bradley Cooper), Nebula(Karen Gillian), Rhodey/War Machine(Don Cheadle), and the proper melding-ins to an Avengers film of Scott/Ant-Man(Paul Rudd) as well as freshest MCU member Carol/Captain Marvel(Brie Larson). Together they prepare to as they say “go get this son of a bitch”.
As mentioned it's a film that very much feels like part two to a larger whole as well as part 22 of 22 to the biggest possible ever whole. It is also as mentioned a film of such contrasting moods. Perhaps never before for this kind of film does it actually open so dark and depressingly. The situation is understandably dire and it gives this Earth a very unique, almost post-apocalyptic vibe that is only touched upon although however it's a great excuse for some profound character changes that must be seen firsthand. There's some somber moments to see the effect this has on Okoye(Danai Gurira), Pepper Potts(Gwyneth Paltrow) (with a special new addition to the world in tow), and even the luckily safe Valkyrie(Tessa Thompson), Korg(Taika Waititi), and Miek the bug from Thor's Asgardian refugees. There's so many, many, many many, many, many, many, many more characters to be seen ...all rightfully, surprisingly, wonderfully old that makes this feel like one last goodbye and reunion.
However one can imagine that the combined heroes can't hold back the humor and “woah” for long amidst the depressing stakes. This is actually an incredibly funny film in the same general ballpark of what's come before. Maybe it's because the levity is buried amidst darkness but it still feels great all this time later. Existing characters meeting each other in new ways or becoming new things lead to a middle portion that's filled with more bright adventure.
In that regard it's always been a series about characters and here it's that much more important. Friendships we missed and ones we never knew we wanted all work out wonderfully. Chris Evans's Cap has much more of a main role this time. It's fitting since well this is the end of an in-universe decades and our universe decade long journey as the main hero. It's a hero's closure (WITH WHATEVER THAT MEANS) with a rightfully central impact to match. He's somber, he's inspiring, he's awesome, he's funny, he's charming, he's fierce, he's powerful. This is Cap full circle now and forever. He's tied in this regard by the OTHER leading (and remember original film starrer) face in Robert Downey Jr's Stark. Ah how great it is to see him in this...thank you for all these years. His quips are at their quippiest, his fighting perhaps a bit less than last time but it's there, and his own emotional arc with Pepper and (others). It's so good, no so AMAZING, to see these two both get to interact with each other (and new people) again yet also confront their past along the hopes of the future. The performances here speak to their performances as a whole... SUPERheroes in every sense of the word. The other original core are also in great form. Hemsworth's Thor continues to be a bit of a broken man that here perhaps breaks even further...extremely powerful yet goes to a totally hilarious surprising new ...comedic ...direction with something that must be seen firsthand(what a journey all over the place he's had). ScarJo has some of her better material in awhile balancing a fine line of somber and charm. Ruffalo's Banner is....an interesting new comic direction of his whole that maybe feels a bit less than could have due to how much ELSE is going on(without giving us what we quite wanted) but he has his quips. He always was one for quips.
In the absence of others its characters like Renner's Clint who gets to shine. The opening scenes show he wasn't alone in losing his family to dust. This leads him down an emotional, dark edgy path. He becomes involved in some tangential side plots as “Ronin” which makes him a Punisher-esque vigilante from the streets of Japan to the darkest depths of space. He's joined in his family-loss sorrow with the also-missing-from-IW-but-main-now Scott Rudd Lang. Rudd fits perfectly in here(as he did with 2016's Civil War). He's got some great jokes and nativity. As he says he's the guy who doesn't know whats going on (hasn't he always been) but it works so well here. He actually helps propel certain aspects of the film in motion. It's nice to see more bit players like Cheadle's War Machine, Gillian's Nebula, and Cooper's Rocket get some more quips and character moments in with the literal extra space allowed to them. Some other (especially civilian) characters do get a bit more lost in the ruckus but more than ever it makes sense with the tapestry of tapestry of tapestries that goes down. One will laugh at Waititi's Korg or Thompson's Valkyrie or be slightly impressed by the (so brief considering the buildup) powers of Larson's Carol but there's so much else worthy to remember.
It's interesting that, as with its somber first portion and genre-hopping middle portion, this is a film that's almost antagonist free. Brolin's Thanos is great as ever but if Infinity War was him as a bit of an anti-hero its a slight remiss that he here's reduced in part to a MacGuffin. He has some great scenes of course and is menacing as ever but it's very much a Loki in other films to Loki in Avengers 1 comparision. He's fearsome, he's evil, he's got a couple of quips and sorrows but he only is in it as little as he needs to be. Through means that must be seen his relationship with daughter Gamora(Zoe Saldana) and of course Nebula isn't over yet but it's things that have been seen before. One may think this is almost combat-free at times but it delivers so well when it needs to.
To speak on this in brief a large portion of the fun comes through what the excuse for salvation is... time travel. Yes timelines, universes, what-ifs are all introduced in this film in a way that boggles an sometimes frustrates the mind for plot hole sakes but is an excuse for some hilariously and or intensely entertaining sequences. It's a clever way of offering tribute to the entire franchise to date in this ending huzzah. Sequences and settings from the likes of the 2012 Avengers , 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy, last year's Infinity War, and more are recreated perfectly. It's literally a trip down memory lane that leaves one feeling nostalgic when they're back in the Battle of New York or hearing the groovy “Come And Get Your Love” on a Guardians of the Galaxy world. One couldn't ask for a better recreation of the feelings these brought and it makes one appreciate this ending even more. Some fun twists happen along the way(heck they showed some Captain America vs himself ruckus in a recent ad) that give this a bright, silly, surprising ride along the way. It's also filled with some perfect retcons and lore from later films that give the past new context and depth which ties the series, and future, together. Bravo Marvel to that as bravo to many things.
In the end it all comes together for something that never quite will be done to the scale that it is in cinema ever again(perhaps only for the MCU itself to attempt...in time...). The ending climactic, universe saving-or-destroying showdowns between the heroes and Thanos are so incredible, so awe-inspiring, so important this writer gets chills even after three viewings. Credit more than ever should be given to directing brothers The Russos. The scale of how many combatants end up involved, where, how, why makes the franchise to date(or any) seem like some babies in a small sandbox in comparison. It's perhaps a bit of CGI overload but how else could it have been done. There's some crisp direction, some painting-like shots(that perhaps has been done before even in the past few films and movies), and so much happening that I'll need a 4th, 5th, and onwards viewing to truly understand who was where in each moment. It's a battle finale that perhaps is at times too short but is just the right amount of epic and satisfaction after the timey-wimey, dark depressing slowburn journey to the end. It's a three hour film but its so well paced it'll be over before one knows it. Big kudos to composer Alan Silvestri as well who of course remixes some past work again but in fitting, and emotional, new ways.
That's what it's all about...emotion. Get ready for the feels more and more by the end. Every viewing tears were shed...perhaps more each time and perhaps more than anything ever to this writer. It's a beautiful goodbye between the explosive color. It's a thank you and it's a lesson.
The real thanks are to be given to Marvel. Who would have thought that Tony Stark in the Middle East in the twilight of the Bush administration would one day lead to a fight for all of existence with dozens and dozens of allies and friends. Much less to think that it would work so amazingly well. They're the world's friends, the world's family. This was a comic team brought to life in epic ways but it was a comic style epic storyline at that. Well actually, it was a comic book dream and like one of those comic book golden age eras. We were blessed to live through it ...and blessed to have this end this way. What a ride it's been …. as a whole, at the end, I've loved it all 3000. Thanks and The End...or perhaps just The Beginning. 9.75 out of 10
Director: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
Cast Headliners: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlet Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, any and all The Avengers left vs Josh Brolin Thanos, EVERYONE ELSE IN THE UNIVERSE EVER EVER EVER
Original Release Date: April 26th, 2019
It's very hard to encapsulate what Avengers: Endgame means to fans, comics, cinema, and perhaps even world history. This fourth Avengers film is not just another one of those but is very much an end. Literally, more or less, the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe has led to the events of this film. It's part 2 of 2, it's the series finale for what it was. It's the start in some ways of something new but it will never be the same. Every answer, every person, every meaning, every moment all comes together here. Somehow there's so much more than ever has been nor will be again yet also it's as intimate as can be. There's so much it couldn't have been anything but messy yet also it's just about as perfect as it should have been.
Do not come to see this film if one has no idea what this series is. Even moreso than anything ever done before this is a send off for the fans. That makes it that much better as it gives the “true believers” references, charm, and closure. However until that part do recall that the cliffhanger situation from 2018's Infinity War is incredibly, incredibly dark(this review will try to remain as spoiler-light as possible although a.) who hasn't seen this by now and b.) Marvel themselves have dripped some good nuggets into post-release ads). It's a literal rollercoaster of tone and emotions from the darkest of depths to some possible hope of redemption.
Recall that Thanos(Josh Brolin) wiped out half of all living existence with the powerful Infinity Stones. It's interesting, and fitting, that the core survivors ended up being the “original 6” Avengers.... Steve/Captain America(Chris Evans), Tony/Iron Man(Robert Downey Jr), Bruce/Hulk-even-if-he's-stubborn(Mark Ruffalo), Thor(Chris Hemsworth), the proper return oh-so-sweetly of Clint/Hawkeye/”Ronin” to some (Jeremy Renner), and Nat/Black Widow(Scarlett Johansson). It doesn't take too long for them to properly be reunited and it's a good feeling amidst the depression since they've been separated for awhile in the MCU's timeline. There's also the space or otherwise straggler-ons of Rocket(Bradley Cooper), Nebula(Karen Gillian), Rhodey/War Machine(Don Cheadle), and the proper melding-ins to an Avengers film of Scott/Ant-Man(Paul Rudd) as well as freshest MCU member Carol/Captain Marvel(Brie Larson). Together they prepare to as they say “go get this son of a bitch”.
As mentioned it's a film that very much feels like part two to a larger whole as well as part 22 of 22 to the biggest possible ever whole. It is also as mentioned a film of such contrasting moods. Perhaps never before for this kind of film does it actually open so dark and depressingly. The situation is understandably dire and it gives this Earth a very unique, almost post-apocalyptic vibe that is only touched upon although however it's a great excuse for some profound character changes that must be seen firsthand. There's some somber moments to see the effect this has on Okoye(Danai Gurira), Pepper Potts(Gwyneth Paltrow) (with a special new addition to the world in tow), and even the luckily safe Valkyrie(Tessa Thompson), Korg(Taika Waititi), and Miek the bug from Thor's Asgardian refugees. There's so many, many, many many, many, many, many, many more characters to be seen ...all rightfully, surprisingly, wonderfully old that makes this feel like one last goodbye and reunion.
However one can imagine that the combined heroes can't hold back the humor and “woah” for long amidst the depressing stakes. This is actually an incredibly funny film in the same general ballpark of what's come before. Maybe it's because the levity is buried amidst darkness but it still feels great all this time later. Existing characters meeting each other in new ways or becoming new things lead to a middle portion that's filled with more bright adventure.
In that regard it's always been a series about characters and here it's that much more important. Friendships we missed and ones we never knew we wanted all work out wonderfully. Chris Evans's Cap has much more of a main role this time. It's fitting since well this is the end of an in-universe decades and our universe decade long journey as the main hero. It's a hero's closure (WITH WHATEVER THAT MEANS) with a rightfully central impact to match. He's somber, he's inspiring, he's awesome, he's funny, he's charming, he's fierce, he's powerful. This is Cap full circle now and forever. He's tied in this regard by the OTHER leading (and remember original film starrer) face in Robert Downey Jr's Stark. Ah how great it is to see him in this...thank you for all these years. His quips are at their quippiest, his fighting perhaps a bit less than last time but it's there, and his own emotional arc with Pepper and (others). It's so good, no so AMAZING, to see these two both get to interact with each other (and new people) again yet also confront their past along the hopes of the future. The performances here speak to their performances as a whole... SUPERheroes in every sense of the word. The other original core are also in great form. Hemsworth's Thor continues to be a bit of a broken man that here perhaps breaks even further...extremely powerful yet goes to a totally hilarious surprising new ...comedic ...direction with something that must be seen firsthand(what a journey all over the place he's had). ScarJo has some of her better material in awhile balancing a fine line of somber and charm. Ruffalo's Banner is....an interesting new comic direction of his whole that maybe feels a bit less than could have due to how much ELSE is going on(without giving us what we quite wanted) but he has his quips. He always was one for quips.
In the absence of others its characters like Renner's Clint who gets to shine. The opening scenes show he wasn't alone in losing his family to dust. This leads him down an emotional, dark edgy path. He becomes involved in some tangential side plots as “Ronin” which makes him a Punisher-esque vigilante from the streets of Japan to the darkest depths of space. He's joined in his family-loss sorrow with the also-missing-from-IW-but-main-now Scott Rudd Lang. Rudd fits perfectly in here(as he did with 2016's Civil War). He's got some great jokes and nativity. As he says he's the guy who doesn't know whats going on (hasn't he always been) but it works so well here. He actually helps propel certain aspects of the film in motion. It's nice to see more bit players like Cheadle's War Machine, Gillian's Nebula, and Cooper's Rocket get some more quips and character moments in with the literal extra space allowed to them. Some other (especially civilian) characters do get a bit more lost in the ruckus but more than ever it makes sense with the tapestry of tapestry of tapestries that goes down. One will laugh at Waititi's Korg or Thompson's Valkyrie or be slightly impressed by the (so brief considering the buildup) powers of Larson's Carol but there's so much else worthy to remember.
It's interesting that, as with its somber first portion and genre-hopping middle portion, this is a film that's almost antagonist free. Brolin's Thanos is great as ever but if Infinity War was him as a bit of an anti-hero its a slight remiss that he here's reduced in part to a MacGuffin. He has some great scenes of course and is menacing as ever but it's very much a Loki in other films to Loki in Avengers 1 comparision. He's fearsome, he's evil, he's got a couple of quips and sorrows but he only is in it as little as he needs to be. Through means that must be seen his relationship with daughter Gamora(Zoe Saldana) and of course Nebula isn't over yet but it's things that have been seen before. One may think this is almost combat-free at times but it delivers so well when it needs to.
To speak on this in brief a large portion of the fun comes through what the excuse for salvation is... time travel. Yes timelines, universes, what-ifs are all introduced in this film in a way that boggles an sometimes frustrates the mind for plot hole sakes but is an excuse for some hilariously and or intensely entertaining sequences. It's a clever way of offering tribute to the entire franchise to date in this ending huzzah. Sequences and settings from the likes of the 2012 Avengers , 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy, last year's Infinity War, and more are recreated perfectly. It's literally a trip down memory lane that leaves one feeling nostalgic when they're back in the Battle of New York or hearing the groovy “Come And Get Your Love” on a Guardians of the Galaxy world. One couldn't ask for a better recreation of the feelings these brought and it makes one appreciate this ending even more. Some fun twists happen along the way(heck they showed some Captain America vs himself ruckus in a recent ad) that give this a bright, silly, surprising ride along the way. It's also filled with some perfect retcons and lore from later films that give the past new context and depth which ties the series, and future, together. Bravo Marvel to that as bravo to many things.
In the end it all comes together for something that never quite will be done to the scale that it is in cinema ever again(perhaps only for the MCU itself to attempt...in time...). The ending climactic, universe saving-or-destroying showdowns between the heroes and Thanos are so incredible, so awe-inspiring, so important this writer gets chills even after three viewings. Credit more than ever should be given to directing brothers The Russos. The scale of how many combatants end up involved, where, how, why makes the franchise to date(or any) seem like some babies in a small sandbox in comparison. It's perhaps a bit of CGI overload but how else could it have been done. There's some crisp direction, some painting-like shots(that perhaps has been done before even in the past few films and movies), and so much happening that I'll need a 4th, 5th, and onwards viewing to truly understand who was where in each moment. It's a battle finale that perhaps is at times too short but is just the right amount of epic and satisfaction after the timey-wimey, dark depressing slowburn journey to the end. It's a three hour film but its so well paced it'll be over before one knows it. Big kudos to composer Alan Silvestri as well who of course remixes some past work again but in fitting, and emotional, new ways.
That's what it's all about...emotion. Get ready for the feels more and more by the end. Every viewing tears were shed...perhaps more each time and perhaps more than anything ever to this writer. It's a beautiful goodbye between the explosive color. It's a thank you and it's a lesson.
The real thanks are to be given to Marvel. Who would have thought that Tony Stark in the Middle East in the twilight of the Bush administration would one day lead to a fight for all of existence with dozens and dozens of allies and friends. Much less to think that it would work so amazingly well. They're the world's friends, the world's family. This was a comic team brought to life in epic ways but it was a comic style epic storyline at that. Well actually, it was a comic book dream and like one of those comic book golden age eras. We were blessed to live through it ...and blessed to have this end this way. What a ride it's been …. as a whole, at the end, I've loved it all 3000. Thanks and The End...or perhaps just The Beginning. 9.75 out of 10
Friday, April 19, 2019
Hellboy Review
Hellboy
Director: Neil Marshall
Cast Headliners: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim, misc
Original Release Date: April 12th, 2019
We thought Hellboy was gone. After Guillermo Del Toro's incredible, unique special first two films signs of a third film seemed to fade to nothing. The news of a reboot with new cast, directors, and a hard R, comic accurate darkness brutal take was a bit of a dream. However there was always going to be a high bar to meet. Sadly while this Hellboy film, simply called that, does not live up to its predecessors it has some slight fun buried deep within.
An attempted epic lore exposition of an opening explains how the Blood Queen witch Nimue(Milla Jovovich) and her monstrous armies were defeated long ago by the forces of King Arthur, Merlin, and mankind. She's been sealed away for thousands of years but like all ancient things in the Hellboy universe this may not last. These stylistic colors are broken up by the swears and sarcasm of a voiceover by the professor Bruttenholm(Ian McShane). This snarky attitude is apparent strongly through and may paint one's experience with it one way or another.
In the present day Bruttenholm leads Hellboy(David Harbour) his demonic, but kindly good, son on various missions throughout the world. It's almost a bit too much for a first film but Hellboy finds himself on various creepy misadventures facing such creepy foes as vampire, giants, Baba Yaga(Emma Tate), enemy human agents, and the pig “changeling” demon Gruagach(Stephen Graham) as well as more. He soon finds himself joining up with the sidekick equivalents of this timeline(as Del Toro's are not present) of telepath Alice Monaghan(Sasha Lane) and were-panther Ben Daimio(Daniel Dae Kim). Alot of cheese, blood, swears, sassy remarks, and action happen on the way...that's about it.
The least of the flaws of the film is actually probably Harbour himself. While his “red” has a high bar to meet with Ron Perlman before him he gives it his best. His makeup/costume has a bit more of a cheese to it and some muffling on the voice but his grimace, attitude, and comebacks are as one would want with some effectiveness in combat too. He also makes a great pair with McShane's Bruttenholm being an even more strained father / son relationship than has been previously seen. These two are enjoyable in any scene together or seperate.
Everyone else... not so much. Monaghan's Alice has some of her own quips and fierceness but with tons of the meh-kind-of hammy schlock that carries through most of this film. Dae Kim's Ben goes for generic tough guy with a dark secret which is only effective when that dark secret gets to fight in the action. However by the very end things become more of a cohesive crew for a sequel we may never get (With an extremely silly and frustrating cliffhanger).
The villainous front is perhaps even worse. Jovovich's Nimue is as generic as generic sorceress can be with the exception of some powerful spells and menace but bores otherwise. Luckily Baba Yaga is far more creepier but a bit part that, like many things, is too grossly sudden and fast. One possible exception is Graham's boar beast who, with a thick Scottish brogue, has some personality and swagger although it's nothing that hasn't been seen before.
What perhaps it gets best (while of course souring with cheesy metal / pop music whether Benjamin Wallfisch's score or misc others.... Del Toro didn't take that approach for a reason) is the bloody, dark action. Director Neil Marshall makes action scenes pop with visceral amounts of gore , blood, and clanging blades and fists. Some very cheesy CGI can be apparent however usually what's going on is alright enough to hide that. There's also some incredibly spooky demon and monster designs that add to that hellish gore...particularly in visions and a climatic montage. However like many things these are only touched upon or not addressed otherwise. Attempted but not far enough.
As a whole this is a movie riddled with cheesy hollow supporting characters, villians, set-pieces, script, and filmcraft. However if one is seeking more of the Hellboy guy himself and the world he lives in it scratches that itch even if failing to be as great as what came before. That doesn't mean it doesn't have some silly creature-hunting fun but one must keep what it is in mind. 6.6 out of 10
Director: Neil Marshall
Cast Headliners: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim, misc
Original Release Date: April 12th, 2019
We thought Hellboy was gone. After Guillermo Del Toro's incredible, unique special first two films signs of a third film seemed to fade to nothing. The news of a reboot with new cast, directors, and a hard R, comic accurate darkness brutal take was a bit of a dream. However there was always going to be a high bar to meet. Sadly while this Hellboy film, simply called that, does not live up to its predecessors it has some slight fun buried deep within.
An attempted epic lore exposition of an opening explains how the Blood Queen witch Nimue(Milla Jovovich) and her monstrous armies were defeated long ago by the forces of King Arthur, Merlin, and mankind. She's been sealed away for thousands of years but like all ancient things in the Hellboy universe this may not last. These stylistic colors are broken up by the swears and sarcasm of a voiceover by the professor Bruttenholm(Ian McShane). This snarky attitude is apparent strongly through and may paint one's experience with it one way or another.
In the present day Bruttenholm leads Hellboy(David Harbour) his demonic, but kindly good, son on various missions throughout the world. It's almost a bit too much for a first film but Hellboy finds himself on various creepy misadventures facing such creepy foes as vampire, giants, Baba Yaga(Emma Tate), enemy human agents, and the pig “changeling” demon Gruagach(Stephen Graham) as well as more. He soon finds himself joining up with the sidekick equivalents of this timeline(as Del Toro's are not present) of telepath Alice Monaghan(Sasha Lane) and were-panther Ben Daimio(Daniel Dae Kim). Alot of cheese, blood, swears, sassy remarks, and action happen on the way...that's about it.
The least of the flaws of the film is actually probably Harbour himself. While his “red” has a high bar to meet with Ron Perlman before him he gives it his best. His makeup/costume has a bit more of a cheese to it and some muffling on the voice but his grimace, attitude, and comebacks are as one would want with some effectiveness in combat too. He also makes a great pair with McShane's Bruttenholm being an even more strained father / son relationship than has been previously seen. These two are enjoyable in any scene together or seperate.
Everyone else... not so much. Monaghan's Alice has some of her own quips and fierceness but with tons of the meh-kind-of hammy schlock that carries through most of this film. Dae Kim's Ben goes for generic tough guy with a dark secret which is only effective when that dark secret gets to fight in the action. However by the very end things become more of a cohesive crew for a sequel we may never get (With an extremely silly and frustrating cliffhanger).
The villainous front is perhaps even worse. Jovovich's Nimue is as generic as generic sorceress can be with the exception of some powerful spells and menace but bores otherwise. Luckily Baba Yaga is far more creepier but a bit part that, like many things, is too grossly sudden and fast. One possible exception is Graham's boar beast who, with a thick Scottish brogue, has some personality and swagger although it's nothing that hasn't been seen before.
What perhaps it gets best (while of course souring with cheesy metal / pop music whether Benjamin Wallfisch's score or misc others.... Del Toro didn't take that approach for a reason) is the bloody, dark action. Director Neil Marshall makes action scenes pop with visceral amounts of gore , blood, and clanging blades and fists. Some very cheesy CGI can be apparent however usually what's going on is alright enough to hide that. There's also some incredibly spooky demon and monster designs that add to that hellish gore...particularly in visions and a climatic montage. However like many things these are only touched upon or not addressed otherwise. Attempted but not far enough.
As a whole this is a movie riddled with cheesy hollow supporting characters, villians, set-pieces, script, and filmcraft. However if one is seeking more of the Hellboy guy himself and the world he lives in it scratches that itch even if failing to be as great as what came before. That doesn't mean it doesn't have some silly creature-hunting fun but one must keep what it is in mind. 6.6 out of 10
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Shazam! Review
Shazam!
Director: David F Sandberg
Cast Headliners: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Mark Strong, many other minor silly others
Original Release Date: April 5th, 2019
Another few months another superhero film (or to those in the know another few weeks ANOTHER technical Captain Marvel) but at least it's good to see that the DCEU is increasing its output pace. Shazam! also shows that it's good to see that they're improving their continual upwards growth into fun, unique movies like they have needed before. It's a very different kind of superhero by having everyone's dream: what if as a youth one could turn into a hero. It's an answer that leads to some hilarious situations and a lot of bright charm amid-st its typical hero's journey.
Some back-story introduces various lore and characters but the important focus as the modern day. Orphan Billy Batson(Asher Angel) floats from situation to situation in Philadelphia trying to find a family and purpose. He soon is adopted by the kind Victor(Cooper Andrews) and Rosa(Marta Milans) Vasquez in their group home. He must bond with the other kids and teens there including injured leg suphero expert outcast Freddy( Jack Dylan Grazer), college aspiring Mary(Grace Fulton), bright youngest Darla (Faithe Herman), gamer Eugene(Ian Chen), and F-student bodylifter Pedro(Jovan Armand). It's some cheesy yet heartwarming stuff that wouldn't be out of place in many other movies although it's done cheeringly, humorously well amidst about a couple recurring tropes, jokes, and slight drama each between all the listed characters Freddy aside (more on him later.
However things soon take a turn into its comedic, heroic best when Billy finds himself whisked to the magical world of the Shazam Wizard(Djimon Hounsou in a cheesy Dumbeldore-esque bearded seldom role with some cool magic lore). This encounter transforms the teen-aged Billy into an older, super ripped super powerful adult version of himself in the hero Shazam(Zachary Levi). Comedic ruckus then ensues.
As stated the absolute best aspect of the movie is its carefree, light, funny, wacky tone. It's almost a bit like Deadpool meets Big. Truly unique in that the first live action film more with a kids focus adapted from a DC comic that can be enjoyed by all. Levi's take as the Shazam version he is is great. He's perfectly happy, optimistic, silly and definitely gives off the vibe of a man-child trapped in a body like that. He's quite cool in combat too with flying, super strength, lightning blasts, and “bullet immunity”. There's some cheese with that flying and perhaps its a bit hard to take him seriously as a hero due to his joking but that appears to be the point of this smile-inducing take. Dylan Grazer's Freddy also brings enthusiastic energy and has some great lines. Between the two a perhaps iconically fun friendship ends up forming as they get into various shenanigans testing out his powers. Angel's young Billy form is also solid alone or with Freddy. He's a bit of a trouble maker but has some quips and heroics. There's often times where he blasts back and forth between his ages in the span of a few minutes and it all mostly works.
Of course for every superhero there's most often a superhero to go against them. Here it's a mad scientist in Dr.Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) who has a grudge against the Shazam wizard. He leads a corporation and soon obtains an evil, Seven Deadly Sins demon infused eye which grants him his own superpowers. He gives an effectively fierce if slightly hammy generic performance. He has a menacing look and his quips but his plans are about as generic as they can be mostly acting as someone who Shazam can punch and face-off with on even grounds. He has his moments of value however with some alright stuff in his side plot with his father Dr.Sivana Sr(John Glover in a bit part). For a more energetic youth bright focused film the surface level mustache twirlingly evil take Strong does more or less fits even if it's not one for the ages.
That's the thing of this film is that it's best at its silliest and loosest. It's a bit of a contrast when some more darker and attempted epic elements appear. There's just a couple of action scenes but they do maintain the laughs among-st the punches but one won't be impressed by the actual spectacle of them. Shazam himself is best in smaller actions here and there than CGI flying (even moreso Sivana). There's some CGI creatures that show up which have a cheesy look too although bring some cool interest in their designs and even some slight villainous scares.
This is not a knock on director David F Sandberg at all because aside from the action the movie has some alright stuff in the rest of the production design. It's not to a clap worthy level but there's some nice homes and grey skies in its winter setting. One can't help but like the interesting angle the Christmas period brings with fights in a toy store (including some of the only other DCEU connections at all... apparently people don't mind buying children's toys and replicas of vigilante murderers, aliens, and goddesses?) and a colorful winter carnival theme park. The world of the Wizard is also quite cool looking dripping in apparent power even if the visits are brief. One can feel a more epic potential sequel lurking out there.
As a whole it does exactly what it sets out to do. It's a silly fun story of a teen in a superhero man's body who must put aside the antic, but not the warm humorous outlook, to save the world. There's definitely a lot of cheese and “for the kids”-ness to it but there's some things that are truly well done. It's a breath of fresh air for DC in what would otherwise be a semi-often seen MCU film. However since it's DC it's that much fresher...keep it up. Simple fun times, 8 out of 10
Director: David F Sandberg
Cast Headliners: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Mark Strong, many other minor silly others
Original Release Date: April 5th, 2019
Another few months another superhero film (or to those in the know another few weeks ANOTHER technical Captain Marvel) but at least it's good to see that the DCEU is increasing its output pace. Shazam! also shows that it's good to see that they're improving their continual upwards growth into fun, unique movies like they have needed before. It's a very different kind of superhero by having everyone's dream: what if as a youth one could turn into a hero. It's an answer that leads to some hilarious situations and a lot of bright charm amid-st its typical hero's journey.
Some back-story introduces various lore and characters but the important focus as the modern day. Orphan Billy Batson(Asher Angel) floats from situation to situation in Philadelphia trying to find a family and purpose. He soon is adopted by the kind Victor(Cooper Andrews) and Rosa(Marta Milans) Vasquez in their group home. He must bond with the other kids and teens there including injured leg suphero expert outcast Freddy( Jack Dylan Grazer), college aspiring Mary(Grace Fulton), bright youngest Darla (Faithe Herman), gamer Eugene(Ian Chen), and F-student bodylifter Pedro(Jovan Armand). It's some cheesy yet heartwarming stuff that wouldn't be out of place in many other movies although it's done cheeringly, humorously well amidst about a couple recurring tropes, jokes, and slight drama each between all the listed characters Freddy aside (more on him later.
However things soon take a turn into its comedic, heroic best when Billy finds himself whisked to the magical world of the Shazam Wizard(Djimon Hounsou in a cheesy Dumbeldore-esque bearded seldom role with some cool magic lore). This encounter transforms the teen-aged Billy into an older, super ripped super powerful adult version of himself in the hero Shazam(Zachary Levi). Comedic ruckus then ensues.
As stated the absolute best aspect of the movie is its carefree, light, funny, wacky tone. It's almost a bit like Deadpool meets Big. Truly unique in that the first live action film more with a kids focus adapted from a DC comic that can be enjoyed by all. Levi's take as the Shazam version he is is great. He's perfectly happy, optimistic, silly and definitely gives off the vibe of a man-child trapped in a body like that. He's quite cool in combat too with flying, super strength, lightning blasts, and “bullet immunity”. There's some cheese with that flying and perhaps its a bit hard to take him seriously as a hero due to his joking but that appears to be the point of this smile-inducing take. Dylan Grazer's Freddy also brings enthusiastic energy and has some great lines. Between the two a perhaps iconically fun friendship ends up forming as they get into various shenanigans testing out his powers. Angel's young Billy form is also solid alone or with Freddy. He's a bit of a trouble maker but has some quips and heroics. There's often times where he blasts back and forth between his ages in the span of a few minutes and it all mostly works.
Of course for every superhero there's most often a superhero to go against them. Here it's a mad scientist in Dr.Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) who has a grudge against the Shazam wizard. He leads a corporation and soon obtains an evil, Seven Deadly Sins demon infused eye which grants him his own superpowers. He gives an effectively fierce if slightly hammy generic performance. He has a menacing look and his quips but his plans are about as generic as they can be mostly acting as someone who Shazam can punch and face-off with on even grounds. He has his moments of value however with some alright stuff in his side plot with his father Dr.Sivana Sr(John Glover in a bit part). For a more energetic youth bright focused film the surface level mustache twirlingly evil take Strong does more or less fits even if it's not one for the ages.
That's the thing of this film is that it's best at its silliest and loosest. It's a bit of a contrast when some more darker and attempted epic elements appear. There's just a couple of action scenes but they do maintain the laughs among-st the punches but one won't be impressed by the actual spectacle of them. Shazam himself is best in smaller actions here and there than CGI flying (even moreso Sivana). There's some CGI creatures that show up which have a cheesy look too although bring some cool interest in their designs and even some slight villainous scares.
This is not a knock on director David F Sandberg at all because aside from the action the movie has some alright stuff in the rest of the production design. It's not to a clap worthy level but there's some nice homes and grey skies in its winter setting. One can't help but like the interesting angle the Christmas period brings with fights in a toy store (including some of the only other DCEU connections at all... apparently people don't mind buying children's toys and replicas of vigilante murderers, aliens, and goddesses?) and a colorful winter carnival theme park. The world of the Wizard is also quite cool looking dripping in apparent power even if the visits are brief. One can feel a more epic potential sequel lurking out there.
As a whole it does exactly what it sets out to do. It's a silly fun story of a teen in a superhero man's body who must put aside the antic, but not the warm humorous outlook, to save the world. There's definitely a lot of cheese and “for the kids”-ness to it but there's some things that are truly well done. It's a breath of fresh air for DC in what would otherwise be a semi-often seen MCU film. However since it's DC it's that much fresher...keep it up. Simple fun times, 8 out of 10
Us Review
Us
Director: Jordan Peele
Cast Headliners: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, Tim Heidecker, Elizabeth Moss, x2
Original Release Date: March 22nd, 2019
Seen: April 2019
One would most likely not have predicted that Jordan Peele of sketch comedy fame would one day be a modern horror master of some renown. Yet after the surprise mix of terror and comedy that was 2017's Get Out he's back again with another project in Us. It has all the strong elements of a quality sophomore improvement by going even further into the terror and cinematic craft while perhaps losing a bit on the way. It definitely keeps one on their seat while also making them question this messed up situation.
Semi-frequent flashbacks give us the initial creepy look at the situation. A young Adelaide(a kid in Maddison Curry) and her parents(bit parts for a father and mother in Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Anna Diop respectively) go to a carnival where she finds an ominous hallway and visions of some kind of a menacing doppelganger. This experience haunts Adelaide giving her PTSD and she refuses to talk which has some effective drama elements at play. This mystery ties in a very key way to the film overall.
Years later an adult Adelaide (Lupita Nyong'o) goes on a summer vacation to a coastal lake house with her family including husband Gabe(Winston Duke), daughter Zora(Shahadi Wright Joseph), and Jason(Evan Alex). They also meet their friends in the Tylers consisting of husband Josh(Tim Heidecker), wife Kitty(Elisabeth Moss), and their twin daughters Becca(Cali Sheldon) and Lindsey(Noelle Sheldon). They also find a terrifying set of strangers in the Tethered who seem to be evil copies of themselves.
What's interesting, and effective, about the film is how much it manages to accomplish with so relative little... just like Get Out did and perhaps one could argue the way director Jordan Peele did his past work before that. The list of characters is not much aside this but yet one gets to know them all well. This is aided by some great performances but one rises above others.
Nyongo's Adelaide is amazing. That's also because it's also , like everyone's, a dual role in the mysterious “Red” who leads the Tethered copy family. Each has their own takes and they contrast so much. As Adelaide she continues to be haunted by visions and an unsettled mood into adulthood. It's a bit of a quiet awkward role but it makes sense in its subtle way. Eventually she gets some great action beats in as well. Contrasting, as Red, she's a villain for the ages. Perhaps most effective of all the scissors users in the film (it'll make some sense although much is only hinted at which is frustrating in lieu of full explanations) she also is the most chilling. With a demonic presence and a raspy accent she is nigh-unrecognizable from her usual work. The face-off and or torture between them is some impressive mashing up as well as dramatic horror ruckus.
This same dual role astounding nature is present in the other cast although to various degrees with none quite having that same equal impact to the viewer. Everyone has their moments with perhaps ending up as a bit shallow this time around. Duke's Gabe is a goofy big softie of a joking dad who just wants to take the old boat out for a spin and enjoy some beach relaxing which makes him the film's only true comic relief . This means it's very much a film that's more dark horror than horror comedy although there's some occasional chuckles as a whole. The children don't amount to much characterization on the noble side with Wright Joseph's Zora amounting to just about “the reluctant track running athletic daughter” and Alex's Jason being “the little boy who likes to wear a Chewbacca mask”. They do have their moments of individual terror and or heroism however. Much less can be said for the Tyler twins for notability. In that same vein Heidecker's Josh is as generic as they can be but has his quips and a true fan will know this role is a bit perfectly hammy for them. Moss's Kitty makes for a bit of a humorous suburbanite contrast a well. Now Red isn't the only member of the Tethered family with the other characters best being seen firsthand but if an actor is decent as a hero imagine that their monster version is also quite different and decent too.
It's a horror movie but not one of any true jump scares. That's what makes any good horror stand apart...when it's something with more nuance and depth such as the dramatic elements here. It can be incredibly pulse pounding and bloody to be sure. Peele's direction helps with his dark ambiance and thrill with some great fast and tracking cinematography and set design especially as the depths of a metaphorical hell are gone into (Although with some spot momentary cheese). Previous composer Michael Abels brings some great orchestrated pieces as well with choirs and who hasn't been impressed by the spooky use of rap and pop songs like “Got Five On It”.
It's thrilling, intense, and thought provoking yet also it's kind of... dumbly illogical if one thinks too hard. There's some narrative elements and backstory that don't make much sense at all. Perhaps Peele intended this (remember, the comedian) but it's illogic presented effectively as logical fact. One must remember to turn their brain off a bit and just get scared and it does that job well. It's best at thrilling in an intense situation than it is at bringing up anything too social commentating and one may wish for just a bit more like that.
For what it is on its own though and aside that fact it's a great time. It's a well crafted, well acted, high intensity horror / thriller with a very unique premise. Fans of Get Out would enjoy but also of any classic “murder house” kind of work. One may be hoping their doppelganger isn't around there and that's the kind of great thing.. to make one wonder just a bit and look both way amidst its thrill ride. 8.5 out of 10
Director: Jordan Peele
Cast Headliners: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, Tim Heidecker, Elizabeth Moss, x2
Original Release Date: March 22nd, 2019
Seen: April 2019
One would most likely not have predicted that Jordan Peele of sketch comedy fame would one day be a modern horror master of some renown. Yet after the surprise mix of terror and comedy that was 2017's Get Out he's back again with another project in Us. It has all the strong elements of a quality sophomore improvement by going even further into the terror and cinematic craft while perhaps losing a bit on the way. It definitely keeps one on their seat while also making them question this messed up situation.
Semi-frequent flashbacks give us the initial creepy look at the situation. A young Adelaide(a kid in Maddison Curry) and her parents(bit parts for a father and mother in Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Anna Diop respectively) go to a carnival where she finds an ominous hallway and visions of some kind of a menacing doppelganger. This experience haunts Adelaide giving her PTSD and she refuses to talk which has some effective drama elements at play. This mystery ties in a very key way to the film overall.
Years later an adult Adelaide (Lupita Nyong'o) goes on a summer vacation to a coastal lake house with her family including husband Gabe(Winston Duke), daughter Zora(Shahadi Wright Joseph), and Jason(Evan Alex). They also meet their friends in the Tylers consisting of husband Josh(Tim Heidecker), wife Kitty(Elisabeth Moss), and their twin daughters Becca(Cali Sheldon) and Lindsey(Noelle Sheldon). They also find a terrifying set of strangers in the Tethered who seem to be evil copies of themselves.
What's interesting, and effective, about the film is how much it manages to accomplish with so relative little... just like Get Out did and perhaps one could argue the way director Jordan Peele did his past work before that. The list of characters is not much aside this but yet one gets to know them all well. This is aided by some great performances but one rises above others.
Nyongo's Adelaide is amazing. That's also because it's also , like everyone's, a dual role in the mysterious “Red” who leads the Tethered copy family. Each has their own takes and they contrast so much. As Adelaide she continues to be haunted by visions and an unsettled mood into adulthood. It's a bit of a quiet awkward role but it makes sense in its subtle way. Eventually she gets some great action beats in as well. Contrasting, as Red, she's a villain for the ages. Perhaps most effective of all the scissors users in the film (it'll make some sense although much is only hinted at which is frustrating in lieu of full explanations) she also is the most chilling. With a demonic presence and a raspy accent she is nigh-unrecognizable from her usual work. The face-off and or torture between them is some impressive mashing up as well as dramatic horror ruckus.
This same dual role astounding nature is present in the other cast although to various degrees with none quite having that same equal impact to the viewer. Everyone has their moments with perhaps ending up as a bit shallow this time around. Duke's Gabe is a goofy big softie of a joking dad who just wants to take the old boat out for a spin and enjoy some beach relaxing which makes him the film's only true comic relief . This means it's very much a film that's more dark horror than horror comedy although there's some occasional chuckles as a whole. The children don't amount to much characterization on the noble side with Wright Joseph's Zora amounting to just about “the reluctant track running athletic daughter” and Alex's Jason being “the little boy who likes to wear a Chewbacca mask”. They do have their moments of individual terror and or heroism however. Much less can be said for the Tyler twins for notability. In that same vein Heidecker's Josh is as generic as they can be but has his quips and a true fan will know this role is a bit perfectly hammy for them. Moss's Kitty makes for a bit of a humorous suburbanite contrast a well. Now Red isn't the only member of the Tethered family with the other characters best being seen firsthand but if an actor is decent as a hero imagine that their monster version is also quite different and decent too.
It's a horror movie but not one of any true jump scares. That's what makes any good horror stand apart...when it's something with more nuance and depth such as the dramatic elements here. It can be incredibly pulse pounding and bloody to be sure. Peele's direction helps with his dark ambiance and thrill with some great fast and tracking cinematography and set design especially as the depths of a metaphorical hell are gone into (Although with some spot momentary cheese). Previous composer Michael Abels brings some great orchestrated pieces as well with choirs and who hasn't been impressed by the spooky use of rap and pop songs like “Got Five On It”.
It's thrilling, intense, and thought provoking yet also it's kind of... dumbly illogical if one thinks too hard. There's some narrative elements and backstory that don't make much sense at all. Perhaps Peele intended this (remember, the comedian) but it's illogic presented effectively as logical fact. One must remember to turn their brain off a bit and just get scared and it does that job well. It's best at thrilling in an intense situation than it is at bringing up anything too social commentating and one may wish for just a bit more like that.
For what it is on its own though and aside that fact it's a great time. It's a well crafted, well acted, high intensity horror / thriller with a very unique premise. Fans of Get Out would enjoy but also of any classic “murder house” kind of work. One may be hoping their doppelganger isn't around there and that's the kind of great thing.. to make one wonder just a bit and look both way amidst its thrill ride. 8.5 out of 10
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