Showing posts with label Comics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comics. Show all posts

No Hammer. No Problem.

Thor Ragnarok
2017 | Color | 2 Hr 10 Min | Action | PG-13 | Marvel


Director: 
Taika Waititi

Writers: 
Eric Pearson
Craig Kyle

Stars: 
Chris Hemsworth
Tom Hiddleston
Cate Blanchett



Synopsis: Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela.

Can I be honest for a moment I have not like a Thor movie yet. The first one was ok and the second one well a waste of time. So when the trailers for this one came out I was excited yet annoyed at the comedy aspect. This is a sad case of the trailer selling it wrong and Disney has a long list of movies that are good but the trailer made me skip past it and wait for home video. Sadly I wish that I would have seen this on the big screen as it is a beautiful looking movie.


Always love it when an independent director gets a shot at a big budget flick like this. Taika Waititi has made some of the most moving indies that I have seen lately. In fact "Hunt For the Wilder people" was the best movie I watched last year it really stuck with me. Waititi understands the power of storytelling and Thor finally got its story right. Waititi described the film as a "1970s and 80s science fiction fantasy, the most 'out there' of all the Marvel movies." He cited Big Trouble in Little China as a major influence on the film: "It's a fun adventure film that has big stakes, but also has a breakneck speed and takes you on a crazy adventure."


I know fanboys everywhere could not wait to finally see Thor Vs Hulk they have a long history together and the battle does not disappoint. Believe it or not, this was not the highlight of the film for me that goes to Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster he was by far my favorite part of this flick the man is pure gold! And still sexy as hell giving Chris Hemsworth a solid run for his money. And let's not skip out on Tessa Thompson who lit up the screen and stole the show with her pure beauty on screen. This cast gives the Guardian's of the Galaxy a little competition for best on-screen assemble. As for the Banner/Thor buddy movie that this proves to easily show that they could do a non-super hero buddy movie together and we would all go see it.


The movie is breathtaking dropping us into different lands seamlessly and with little effort. The story is solid fun and yeah funny in a good way.  I was really scared the comedy would take away from everything but it fit well and never takes you out of the story. Thor does a nice job keeping up with the Guardian's style right down to the music during big battle scenes. I mean come on who does not want to see a big battle to Zed Zepplins "Immigrant Song". This is noteworthy because Led Zeppelin is known for very rarely licensing out their music for use in feature films or television series. I also think its great that the Thor's "friend from work" line about the Hulk was suggested to Hemsworth by a Make-A-Wish child who paid a visit to the set on the day the scene was filmed.


Man, I had a blast watching Thor Ragnarok from the cast to the amazing director they finally got a Thor movie right! 


4 Gauntlets out of 5


** again I should have watched this before Infinity War as some of it is starting to make more sense. 
** You can see my review for Hunt for the Wilder people here. 

Homework can wait. The city can't.

Spider-Man Homecoming
2017 | Color | 2 Hr 13 Min | Action | PG-13 | Marvel



Director: Jon Watts

Writers: 
Jonathan Goldstein
John Francis Daley
Stars: 
Tom Holland
Michael Keaton
Robert Downey Jr.
Marisa Tomei
Zendaya


Synopsis: A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging superhero Spider-Man. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May, under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark. Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine - distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man - but when the Vulture emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.


Holy crap is Michael Keaton bad ass! I don't remember a time yet where the villain was cooler than the superhero but Keaton's Vulture is reason alone to watch Spiderman Homecoming. And who can not say Tom Holland is the Ultimate Spiderman? This kid nails the part with perfection. And with the movie helmed by indie director Jan Watt's this movie is one hell of a fun ride.


We all love Sam Rami and Toby Maguire's Spiderman and cannot take away and the simple fact that movie started this whole superhero movie trend we are on now. Still, Disney needed their Spiderman to fit in with their universe. I admit it when the word was out of a new movie with this Tom Holland kid I was underwhelmed how could they make another Spidey without Raimi or Maguire? How could it possibly be any good? Well, I Can say I love when Hollywood proves me wrong! This movie blows me away, I love that it does not bog you down with all the details that everybody watching should already know but instead giving you a story of Peter and his struggles with School, Home, and his new powers. I'm also pretty sure when I read the comic books Holland's voice is what I heard in my head this kid is spot on.


And the tie-in story of the Vulture is perfect and played perfectly by Keeton. Honestly, he now ranks in my top five for Villians in a superhero flick. He looks the part he plays the part and you really forget that this guy once's was Beetlejuice. He just looks and feels bad ass and not to give anything away I felt uncomfortable sitting in the car with Peter and Liz on our way to the Prom! That my friends was a powerful scene thanks to Keeton. 


From Spiderman to the city and all the special effect's in between the movie looks amazing with a score that pumps your heart into overdrive Spiderman Homecoming is the real deal. I guess I should be a little more careful as Spidey is my favorite hero and probably the one I read the most outside of Captin America and Sgt Rock to not be so gitty but dam! Look even if you have seen Rami's Spiderman you need to give this one your time as this really could be the best of all the Spiderman movies and that is really saying a lot! 


The movie does have it's weak spots like Marisa Tomei and Jon Favreau who kind of drove me crazy when they where on screen. Tomei just does not cut it as Aunt May and well Favreau seemed like he did not care more like he should have been behind the camera. And I'm going to say it and all those Disney fans will get mad but why the heck is Zendaya playing a major role in this franchise was this to sell tickets to the younger audience? Only time will tell with her charter. 




With a heartwarming cast, a super fun storyline and one of the best villains I have seen in a superhero movie Spiderman spins a web that your willing to cling to!


4 Infinity Gauntlets out of 5

And yeah Keatons charter has more balls then Thanos! (See More on Thanos here)


DC Nation with Steve


On this week's DC Nation Podcast, Nico, Michael, and Steve tackle the latest episodes of Gotham, Supergirl, The Flash, and Arrow as each of their seasons is coming to a close. Just a friendly reminder to all our listeners out there, we will be taking a week hiatus and thus there will not be a new episode of ATA's DC Nation until after the season finales of Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl air. We'll be doubling up on all our shows that week, thank you all for your support and for understanding!


TV Shows Reviewed on this Week’s Podcast

Gotham: Heroes Rise: S03E17 “The Primal Riddle”
Supergirl: S02E20 “City of Lost Children”
The Flash: S03E21 “Cause and Effect”
Arrow: S05E21 “Honor Thy Fathers”

Head on over to DC Nation Podcast now to listen and subscribe.