Category Marvel

The Marvels is the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first to make use of one of the recent Disney+ shows.

The Kree are up to their warmongering ways in The Marvels, this time they’re after the resources to restore life to their nearly dead world. As the Kree start this process our three heroes become entangled through their light based powers and keep swapping locations with each other. The first things I was told about this film, prior to seeing it was that several of the Disney+ shows are required viewing. Ms Marvel, obviously, because she’s one of the three heroes caught up in this mess. Secret Invasion because it is a direct follow up to the Captain Marvel film and likely the lead in to this film. Wandavision because that is how Monica gets her powers. Lastly I was told the second season of Loki was required as well. If you want to understand everything in the film. That is entirely false. If you are not caught up on Loki then you have nothing to worry about. To understand the midcredits scene though you should first watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

My expectations were rather high for the film. I loved the first film and thoroughly enjoyed each show that directly lead to this one. The first act helped reinforce these expectations until they arrived on the world called Aladna. Aladna is a world that is almost completely water and the population speaks exclusively through song. That’s right, for a brief moment we have our first official Marvel musical. Thankfully they move on as quickly as it starts and as I hoped it did not continue through the film.

From a sales perspective I had read that this film did the worst out of the MCU and most of the comments on why attribute that to Brie Larson, Captain Marvel herself. I seriously don’t understand why so many people in the community dislike her so much but I suspect it might be because she’s a woman that has strong opinions and doesn’t shy away from sharing them. In a male dominated society I consider this to be proof of her strength and bravery. That being said, this has nothing to do with my thoughts on the quality of the film, perhaps some people could learn to be objective about a film regardless of the cast? Visually the effects were fantastic and the story was well written. The cast were perfect in their roles, so much so that I would say that this is the BEST MCU film since COVID. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and hope to see a follow up film bringing these characters together again.

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 Part 5 discussed Thor: Love and Thunder. We have returned with Part 6 for Black Panther Wakanda Forever.

Black Panther Wakanda Forever

Filming had started after the passing of Chadwick Boseman and required some drastic changes to the original story. What we have left is the results of this pivot. The film starts with Shuri trying to recreate the heart-shaped herb as a way to try to save her brother from a mysterious disease and ultimately fails. I was expecting a CGI version of Chadwick for at least the start of the film but the studio decided against that. Overall I thought the story was great considering the fact that this is not the original planned story and leaves me wondering what could have been. Even with this hanging over the film the story was great and the performance of the cast was absolutely stellar especially from Leticia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett and newcomer Tenoch Huerta.

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 February 7th).

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?

Brothers and Sisters! There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, who intend to devour us in our sleep! Heed then, the warnings of Wolverine, chapter 5, verses 1-32!

This is the story as scribed by Benjamin Percy!
Given life on the page by Viktor Bogdanović!

The official plot:

“In the snowbound darkness of the north, Wolverine is the prisoner of Dracula. By forming an unlikely alliance, Logan fights back. Stakes, claws, tricked-out snowmobiles and wintry mayhem await you.”

Marvel Comics

Wolverine versus vampires…so yeah, Marvel’s description is on point. Meaning there’s not much of a plot…but it’s violent and pretty, so I bought it anyway.

My Impressions:

• Growl, snarl, snikt, stab! Nuff said!
• Sorry Mr. Silvestri, I think Bogdanovic has elevated himself to my favorite Wolverine artist. There is no doubt that bold expressions and confident lines set a great tone for a book that’s basically “The Lost Boys” with a twist.
• Crossover Dependency: Thankfully, none. Thus far the Wolverine title has kept itself mostly separate from the mega X-Men behemoth. Feel free to jump in any time.

Notable Appearances/Events:

• Wolverine (Logan / James Howlett)
• Omega Red (Arkady Gregorivich Rossovich)
• Dracula (Vlad Tepes | Marvel)
• Final page Fortnite crossover

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

Pissed off Wolverine…you’ve got to love this! Good, bloody, wholesome violence. With vampires. There’s even a throwaway reason for them to have come after our favorite Canadian. Don’t you dare pretend you wanted some drama from this title!