IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO Marvel Entertainment I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON A FEW THAT I MISSED!
Recently the fine folks at Marvel Entertainment (their home page is here) had sent me a code to one of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. This will be a regular series and Part 1 we talked about Black Widow. Part 2 discussed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Part 3 shared our thoughts on Eternals and straight to DVD release Spidey and his Amazing Friends. Part 4 focused on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Part 5 discussed Thor: Love and Thunder. Part 6 shared Black Panther Wakanda Forever and Part 7 talked about our thoughts on Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania. We are back with Part 8 and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3!
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3
This is the final installment of the franchise, at least that will be directed by James Gunn. The story centers around an attack that puts Rocket into a coma where his friends discover the fail-safes in place on his body. In order to save him these need to be removed and in order to do so they must track down the people responsible for putting them there. I have seen many of Gunn’s films and every Marvel film of the current cinematic universe and I must say that Volume 3 made me feel more than any other in either category. The writing, the direction, everything about this film was fantastic. Even Chris Pratt gave a performance light years better than I thought he was capable of. Even the twist at the end with Groot left me shocked and provided further proof that Gunn is the best director and writer that we have seen in the MCU.
IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO Marvel Entertainment I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON A FEW THAT I MISSED!
Recently the fine folks at Marvel Entertainment (their home page is here) had sent me a code to one of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. This will be a regular series and Part 1 we talked about Black Widow. Part 2 discussed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Part 3 shared our thoughts on Eternals and straight to DVD release Spidey and his Amazing Friends. Part 4 focused on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Part 5 discussed Thor: Love and Thunder. Part 6 shared Black Panther Wakanda Forever and we are back for Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania!
Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania
The Ant-Man movies have quickly become favorites in our family and have been looking forward to this one more than almost any Marvel film in the last year. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame Scott is living life in the public eye while his daughter Cassie has been getting herself into trouble with law enforcement. Scott quickly learns that she’s also invented a device that allows her to map the Quantum Realm but that included a signal that could be traced back, allowing the evils of the realm to pull them down into the world below. Visually this film is absolutely stunning with a great story and even better acting. My only complaints with the film are with two members of the cast- Jonathan Majors and Kathryn Newton. Majors is a fantastic actor but him cast as the role of Kang poses a major issue for the future of the MCU due to his recent legal troubles. Marvel has yet to make a public decision but if he is convicted then keeping him would be quite problematic for the franchise and I expect that even if not convicted we will see him recast before the next film is completed. It’s a shame because his performance was one of the best in the entire MCU. Kathryn Newton on the other hand did fine in the role but not enough time had passed between Endgame and Quantumania to justify ANOTHER recast for Cassie and it just seems odd. What makes it even more odd is that I can’t find any information as to why beyond the speculation that she is a bigger name that the original actress. I would have preferred they keep the original casting from End Game. Overall the movie was fantastic with some of the best acting in the MCU and can’t wait to see where the overall storyline goes next!
IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO Marvel Entertainment I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON A FEW THAT I MISSED!
Recently the fine folks at Marvel Entertainment (their home page is here) had sent me a code to one of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. This will be a regular series and Part 1 we talked about Black Widow. Part 2 discussed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Part 3 shared our thoughts on Eternals and straight to DVD release Spidey and his Amazing Friends. Part 4 focused on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and we’re back for Part 5 to discuss Thor: Love and Thunder!
Thor: Love and Thunder
The fourth film in the Thor series follows Thor as he attempts to track and defeat Gorr the God Butcher. He enlists the help of Korg, Valkyrie and Jane in the quest. The start of the film is a bit over the top, some will say a bit too over the top but considering where Thor is in his life it feels like a midlife crisis and I feel that is intentional. Visually the film is stunning and even that is used to help tell the story (you’ll see what I mean when you watch the film). The characters dive deeper into who they are and it makes for a much more beautiful story. I have to admit I thought this was the best Thor film yet and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Have you had a chance to see this film from Marvel Entertainment? If not it can currently be seen in Disney+ as well as purchased from your favorite distributer (releasing September 27th).
IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO Marvel Entertainment I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON A FEW THAT I MISSED!
Recently the fine folks at Marvel Entertainment (their home page is here) had sent me a code to one of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. This will be a regular series and Part 1 we talked about Black Widow. Part 2 discussed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Part 3 shared our thoughts on Eternals and straight to DVD release Spidey and his Amazing Friends. We are back this time to talk about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness!
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
This film picks up shortly after the events of Wandavision and Spider Man No Way Home, however only Wandavision is required viewing prior to seeing this film, trust me. If you haven’t seen Wandavision yet then do yourself a favor, stop reading and come back once you are caught up. Those that have seen the show will remember that Wanda created children in her grief and in letting them go managed to defeat Agatha and obtain the Darkhold. Fast forward to present day and Doctor Strange (from a different universe) races towards the Book of the Vishanti with America Chavez and being chased by a demonic entity. The creature kills this version of Strange and mistakenly sends America into the Multiverse. This film introduces many plots from the comics for the first time like the Illuminati and Incursions. Having been caught up on the various cinematic plot threads I found this movie to exceed my expectations and managed to even change where I thought the current story arch for the MCU was going. Overall I want to watch it again to see what I missed the first time.
Have you had a chance to see this film from Marvel Entertainment? If not it can currently be seen in Disney+ as well as purchased from your favorite distributer (releasing July 26th).
IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO Marvel Entertainment I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON A FEW THAT I MISSED!
Recently the fine folks at Marvel Entertainment (their home page is here) had sent me a code to one of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. This will be a regular series and Part 1 we talked about Black Widow. Part 2 discussed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. We have returned for Part 3 to share our thoughts on Eternals and straight to DVD release Spidey and his Amazing Friends!
Eternals
The Eternals have always been among the many characters I just can’t seem to enjoy in comics. Every story of theirs felt like a different world from the rest of the Marvel canon. The trailer for the film looked interesting but seemed like something was out of place because with as powerful as they were Thanos should not have been able to win his first battle with Earth. Thankfully the film explains why they weren’t involved and the reasoning actually makes sense. My two complaints regarding the film are both related to how the story is told, it skips around the timeline quite a bit and most of the story is more or less building up to the fight at the end but at a snails pace. Overall it was well told with amazing effects and a just as amazing cast but due to the pacing is not one for the whole family.
Spidey and his Amazing Friends
The series is made for younger viewers and follows Peter Parker, Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy as they help other heroes and each other deal with the likes of classic Spidey villains Rhino, Green Goblin and Doc Ock. The animation is adorable and the lessons it aims to teach are valuable for the younger audience. One example is when Spidey tries to teach Hulk about not letting his temper get the best of him and in the process they stop Rhino at the amusement park. This series is a must for any younger Spidey fans out there.
Have you had a chance to see this film or series from Marvel Entertainment? If not both can currently be seen in Disney+ as well as purchased from your favorite distributer (Eternals will release February 15th).
IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO Marvel Entertainment I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON A FEW THAT I MISSED!
Recently the fine folks at Marvel Entertainment (their home page is here) had sent me a code to one of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. This will be a regular series and starting with Part 1 and Black Widow. We’ve returned for Part 2 to discuss Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings!
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
The movie begins with a brief history of the Ten Rings and learning about the relationship between Shang-Chi’s parents. Fast forward a few years and he is now an adult and going by Shawn in San Francisco. An altercation on a bus, a viral video of him fighting and a supposed note from his sister and Shang-Chi is now on a quest to find the hidden city his mother was from and stop his father.
The Ten Rings as a name seemed oddly specific at first and reminded me of the terrorist group called the same thing from Iron Man 3. Thankfully this film explained the link between the two through an unexpected cameo and delved deeper into the mythos of both films in the process. The action scenes were enjoyable to watch, the story absolutely enjoyable and the cast was fantastic. The only thing this film missed was a cameo from Stan Lee and even that wouldn’t have been needed as the film was fantastic from start to finish.
Have you had a chance to see this film from Marvel Entertainment?
IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO Marvel Entertainment I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON A FEW THAT I MISSED!
Recently the fine folks at Marvel Entertainment (their home page is here) had sent me ca code to of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. This will be a regular series and starting with Part 1 we are discussing Black Widow!
Black Widow
When I first heard about this film I assumed it would take place long before Black Widow joined the Avengers but I was mistaken. It picks up right after Captain America: Civil War. Growing up in the American mid-west she was raised by Russian spies that stole some state secrets and returned with her to Russia where she was then placed in the Black Widow program. Fast forward over a decade she is on the run from the United States government due to her involvement in fighting against the Superhuman Registration Act. She receives a package from her “sister” that puts her on a path to destroy the resurrected Black Widow program.
With the quality of Marvel films over the last few years my expectations were high. Scarlet Johansson’s performance was once of her best and the film did not disappoint. It was easily one of the best films to come from Marvel yet.
Have you had a chance to see this film from Marvel Entertainment?
Heed my words of warning! Many prophesies foretell that the world is headed not toward peace and unity, but toward a final, cataclysmic war! The battle of Armageddon is here! Feast your eyes and hearts on that story in X of Swords, chapters 1-22! Yes…all 22 chapters!
This is the story as related by the soothsayers: Vita Ayala, Ed Brisson, Gerry Duggan, Jonathan Hickman, Tini Howard, Benjamin Percy, Zeb Wells, Leah Williams
Artwork provided by the horde: Mahmud Asrar, Viktor Bogdanovic, Joshua Cassara, Carmen Carnero, Stefano Caselli, Leinil Francis Yu, Carlos Gomez, Pepe Laraz, Matteo Lolli, Phil Noto, Rod Reis, R. B. Silva, Marcus To
The official plot:
“X OF SWORDS, the epic X-Men crossover that represents the next chapter in Jonathan Hickman’s bold new vision for the X-Men, threatens the new mutant nation of Krakoa with invasion by the inhabitants of the lost land known as Arakko…
Saturnyne, the Omniversal Majestrix, has devised a delightful way to settle this ancient dispute—a tournament. Ten champions from each nation will gather mythical swords to wield in duels that will determine the very future of mutantkind, and the hunt is on right now!”
Epic crossover? Somehow that statement is both true and untrue at the same time. There is a LOT of stuff packed in this 22 issue monster. Some pretty significant changes…some subtle and some not so subtle. There is also a LOT of unnecessary fluff…and stupid fluff at that. It’s no secret that my future as a Marvel subscriber hinged on the outcome of this event…and I can tell you that halfway through, my mind was made up.
What If…Apocalypse was the leader of the X-Men?!?!
My Impressions:
This is an excellent overall story that includes the revelation of Apocalypse’s past, his people, their self imposed exile, the ancient enemy that corrupted them…and turned them against the world they sought to protect.
The artwork runs the gambit from bad to beautiful. What else do you expect when you have over a dozen artists working on the same project?
The Good: I’ve always like Apocalypse, but now I have so much more respect for him and really understand his motivations. He is NOT a villain…he is a man determined to reunite his people and family.
The Bad: All of that emotional build up was wasted. We were sold the idea that we would have 10 epic sword fights between some big names. Instead the contests turned out to be a comical farce that included among other things; a Trial by Wedding, arm wrestling, a foot race, a drinking game, boulder punching, an eating contest, a dance-off and jigsaw puzzles. Sorry…this attempt at comedy really tainted an otherwise great story.
The Ugly: Bad business. Marvel forced me to buy 22 issues (25 if you want the preludes and Handbook) to get this whole story…which included issues from series that I didn’t follow. This included multiple stand alone, prestige format, books. Given this filler content of some issues, this feels like Marvel sticking their hands right into my wallet and taking over $101 of my hard earned cash.
Survival of the fittest!
Notable Appearances/Events:
Apocalypse vs. Annihilation!
Every X-Team member ever…
First appearance: The original Four Horsemen of Apocalypse! (His biological children no less!)
First appearance: Genesis (Bride of Apocalypse and mother of the Horsemen)
Event: The return of the Captain Britain Corps
Revelation: Mutants can’t ALWAYS be returned from the dead
Revelation: All is not well on the Quiet Council
Bottom Line: 3 Stars!
X of Swords is a return to the true X-Men/Marvel pattern of using a plethora of titles to tell one story and drawing it out longer than necessary. Marvel just can’t help themselves…they have to set things up so that you have to collect all of the X-titles to get a full story. They did it in the 90’s, which is why I quit the X-stories then…and it’s why I’m quitting them now. Please understand that this decision is 100% an objection to the model and not the characters or story.
That being said…I gave Marvel a chance to win me over with a great story. I wanted them to give me a solid reason to keep collecting these books. They came close. X of Swords had some awesome writing, no doubt about it. I can give you two examples. First, I’ve never cared for the new version of Cable until now. As a parent, his final battle and telepathic communication with Jean and Cyclops got me right in the feels. Second, X of Swords is above all, the tragic story of Apocalypse’s loss and struggles to reunite with his family after thousands of years…only to find out they have all become the enemy! I’ll never look at him the same way after this. Unfortunately…Marvel decided to take a big shit right in the middle of this excellent drama by turning the contest of champions into a Nickelodeon game show. That makes this feel like the whole thing was a bait-and-switch that substituted a montage of jokes for the 10 life altering battles we were promised. Sure we lost a few minor characters here and there…but no one that we really cared about.
Marvel’s refusal to deliver a well crafted, impactful story, while simultaneously picking the readers pocket is the ultimate disrespect. I refuse to support this anymore and will be sticking to lower tier characters from now on. I guess that means I’ve got more money to spend on DC, Image, Boom! and other independent titles now.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Listen and learn from the mistakes of the Summer’s brothers in Hellions, chapter 3, verses 1-32! “Nothing People”
The, not inexperienced at writing X-titles, styling of Zeb Wells As boldly envisioned by Stephen Segovia
The official plot:
“MAD AS HELL! Krakoa’s resident rabble are up against the grand dame of the damned – the Goblin Queen, Madelyne Pryor! Talk about a return that could raise some havoc!”
Pretty spot on! We even get a little history thrown in, just for flavor. I may really hate the individual mutants that make up this team, but Madelyn’s mental state did NOT disappoint.
Nice reunion. Now get a room!
My Impressions:
The Good: The Goblin Queen herself, insane and in charge! I dig it!
The Not-so-Good: Everyone else. (I suppose we can give Psylocke a pass.)
Eye Candy: One of the better looking books I’ve read this week. Great balance of heavy and light ink work. [Editor’s note: I completely agree!]
Crossover dependency: None, while Hellions fits into the greater X-men mega story, it also stands alone quite well.
Always establish dominance early on!
Notable Appearances/Events:
Havok (Alex Summers)
Psylocke (Kwanon)
Wild Child (Kyle Gibney)
Nanny
Orphan Maker (Peter)
Scalphunter (John Greycrow)
Empath (Manuel Alfonso Rodrigo de la Rocha)
Goblin Queen (Madelyn Pryor)
Harpoon (Kodiak Noatak)
Blockbuster (Michael Baer)
Riptide (Janos Questad)
Scrambler (Kim Il Sung)
Arclight (Philippa Sontag)
Bottom Line: 4 Stars!
I quit collecting X-titles years ago, for the single reason that Marvel saw fit to wind the full story through a dozen titles. It just feels like abuse. Given the approaching 22 issue crossover event, X of Swords, I am looking to drop the mutants again. That being said, if the characters, stories and art hit this level consistently, I may stick around. I’m keeping my eye on Hellions.
