Blog Writer, Crime Fighter

Let me give you a history lesson, let us backtrack to May 2008. After the credits of Marvel Studio’s first feature film “Iron Man” (previous films about Marvel Superheroes were developed by outside studios) we are shown the protagonist Tony Stark/Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr, having a conversation with Samuel L. Jackson portraying Nick Fury, the head of S.H.I.E.L.D (Strategic Hazard Intervention Logistics Directorate); Fury wants to speak to Stark about something important, he tells him that he is not the only person on the planet who in one way or another has become something more than human. In the last sentence before the screen goes black, he tells Stark that he wants to discuss something called the “Avengers Initiative”. The ceilings in movie theaters across the country must have been filled with the brains of many comic book fans out there, as the idea of an Avengers film seemed incredible, and impossible. In theory, making a film around a group of superheroes, all with their own individual franchises seemed like a goldmine. So for the next three years, each Marvel studio film that followed told a story about one of the Avengers major players, while giving us the now expected after the credit scene, to build up anticipation for the Avengers. The question the whole time leading up to it was… Can it work?

 Continuing on with the histroy lesson, it is the Summer of 2011, at this point three other Marvel films have been released: “The Incredible Hulk” with Edward Norton being the second Bruce Banner was released a few months after “Iron Man”; the reboot could not keep the momentum going for the Avengers, as the film tanked domestically, and the disagreements between the lead and the studio made Norton leave the franchise all together. The sequel to Marvel Studio’s premier franchise “Iron Man 2” was released in 2010; while being a financial success, the film was seen as being overly mediocre, and doing nothing in terms of propelling the expectations for the Avengers film any higher. In 2011 alone, two original Marvel films were released; while “Thor” and “Captain America: The First Avenger” performed well enough in the box office, they received less than stellar reviews- I can recall myself saying to an acquaintance at one point, that those two films seemed to be rushed, just so they can finally start production on the Avengers.  So the excitement for an Avengers film, which was as high as any hardcore comic fan in 2008, subsided greatly through the years, due to a couple weak films.

Nerds everywhere rejoiced when Joss Whedon was announced as the director for the film at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2010. Whedon is most known for his television work as creator and head writer of series such as “Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and “Firefly“. While having a devoted following (Whedonites) his projects such as “Firefly” and “Dollhouse” did not stay on the screen for very long. For years Whedon has wanted to direct a superhero film, being a life long fan of comics himself, to direct a film showcasing a costumed avenger (no pun intended) would be a dream come true for him. For years it was said that he would take control of the DC heroine “Wonder Woman” film franchise for Warner Brothers, nothing (like many Warner Bros. projects) materialized, as the film to this day is still in developmental hell. I am a fan of Joss Whedon as much as anyone, but I had my doubts that he would be able to handle the colossal pressure to deliver on this film. This film had to be grand, it had to be a spectacle that would cause people to explode out of their seats with glee; and on top of that, it had to deliver financially. Marvel Studios, and now parent company Disney was taking a risk with this project: hiring a director who has not been known to bring studios the big money, a huge cast that may work well on their own, but unsure in a team setting. Things could go horribly wrong. In a way Whedon is much like Nick Fury, taking a huge risk, putting it all on the line bringing forces together that could be something we have never seen before, or a major disaster. Could he pull it off? Could Whedon, along with all the actors involve make this film the juggernaut everyone expects it to be? Read the rest of this entry »

A little late on this one, my apologies. Few days ago, I listed five films, that I feel will provide the most excitement, and pleasure from film goers this Summer movie season. It featured animated films, to quirky comedies, romantic comedies, and even a story-time classic, remodeled. This top five, are the top five of the summer; the most anticipated, most hyped; the most primed for disappointment if they happen to suck. These films are the ones people have been waiting, desperately to shill their money for.

Number Five: The Bourne Legacy, Directed by Tony Gilroy.

Almost five years since “The Bourne Ultimatum” hit theaters, we are preparing for another installment of the Bourne franchise. I have always loved the look, and feel of the “Bourne” films. From the frantic chases, to the well executed fight scenes, and a tight, intelligent script to keep it all together; the Bourne films have been some of my favorite films to watch, ever since the first film was released, almost a decade ago. While it would have been a pleasure to see Matt Damon reprise his role, it seems that the series is heading to a new direction; thankfully the only real change is the fact that Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker, The Avengers) will be taken the lead-not as Bourne, but as another super-spy. Bringing in favorites from the original like Joan Allen, and new faces like Edward Norton, and Rachel Weisz, the Bourne legacy could prehaps live up to its title.

Number Four: The Amazing Spider-Man, Directed by Marc Webb

Speaking of franchises making a return: your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will grace movie screens once again. Unlike “The Bourne Legacy” this film is a straight-out reboot of the franchise. Spider-Man 3 left a terrible taste in critics, and fans mouths alike. Even with the return of the wall-crawler, I was not overly excited; it has only been five years since the last Spider-Man, and even with the web head away from theaters, the constant press about the Spider-Man broadway’s show debacle leading up to its premiere kept Spider-Man in my subconscious. Since the announcement of the film’s release, the film’s marketing has been slowly winning me over. The casting of Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) was a marvelous (no pun intended) choice; thankfully he will be more of the sarcastic Spider-Man, who used his big mouth to confuse his enemies, than the overly emotional ones I have seen in the Sam Raimi versions. With a darker tone similar to “The Dark Knight” and a competent cast that features favorites of the Interwebs Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy. Not only could this Spider-Man film revive the franchise, it could make us forget about the original films all together.

Number Three: Prometheus, Directed by Ridley Scott

What started as return to the “Aliens” franchise has turned into something else entirely; perhaps for the better. Ridley Scott is returning to the genre that made him who he is today. The director of “Aliens”, and “Blade Runner” is trying to bring a whole new take on Science Fiction; push the boundaries of what we have already seen. At first this was suppose to explore the origins of the iconic “Aliens” creatures moviegoers have seen, since the 1980′s. During the process of creating this, Scott saw that this was becoming something else, something more than just a prequel; more than just telling the audience a story they probably never wanted to know in the first place. So while this takes place in the “Aliens” universe, and the proceedings take place decades before the events of the first “Alien” this is an entirely new film. The casting is top-tier for this project: Noomi Rapance, Micheal Fassbender, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, and Charlize Theron! Quite the ensemble indeed, with a script co-written by “Lost” writer/creator Damon Lindelof; and a reinvigorated Scott behind the camera, “Prometheus” may bring us to the edge of what we know of science fiction, and push it an inch or two forward.  Read the rest of this entry »

It is time once again for the Summer movie season. Hollywood relies on studios to provide enough excitment in audiences, that they will come weekly, to see, and talk about the latest Summer blockbuster. Ever year we see films that are apart of major franchises, or wish to become one; and yes, even with all the explosions, and special effects that wow audiences into shilling out money for tickets, and merchandise, there can be films that are under the radar: films that are the complete opposite of the Summer blockbuster, but can provide the small audience with perhaps the year’s first great films. As I do every year, I find myself ten films, and discuss them. I rank the films from ten to one, Some choices may be obvious, some might be surprising.

Number Ten: “Brave” Directed by, Mark Andrews & Brenda Chapman.

Pixar had an off year in 2011. While the sequel to “Cars”- only the second sequel the studio has ever released- being a major financial success, the critical consensus was much less than joyful over another Lightning Mcqueen’s adventure. It was the first time a film released by Pixar was considered “rotten” by film critic score aggregator site “Rotten Tomatoes”, and one of the only films released by Pixar to not win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature; the film was in fact, not even nominated. So Pixar comes back down to earth, and shows that even they, are not invincible. So the pressure has come unto “Brave”- the thirteen feature film from Pixar; being an original film, not a sequel which the studio have released the last two summers, as well as having striking visuals; it could be the film to redeem itself in the eyes of critics, and show that Pixar is still the studio, that is leaps and bounds beyond every other animation studio in Hollywood.

Number Nine: To Rome With Love, Directed by Woody Allen.

I already spoke about this film a few weeks ago, with the release of the trailer. This is not going to bring the crowds like other films on this list will, but this seems like the best “movie date” film to go see. It has Woody Allen: which if the person you are trying to court is ignorant to, than you should not take them seriously to begin with. It takes place in one of the most romantic cities in the world, and it deals with relationships in many aspects, which is something we love to see from Woody Allen, especially if it is done right.

Number Eight: Moonrise Kingdom, Directed by Wes Anderson.

While I have never fancied myself as a follower of Wes Anderson. Besides “Rushmore” I found his films to rely too much on the “Wes Anderson” look, rather than the story; I do find myself mysteriously intrigued by his first live film in over five years. It is a tale of two lovers, who vanish from their friends and families to be together, in love. This causes the people around them to organize search parties to find these two. The catch of it all, is that these two people, who are seemingly captured by the love they have for each other, are children. With an all-star cast of top tier actors, and his signature style, this may be the year that Wes Anderson lives up to the tremendous hype film students have placed on him.

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Marriage, as it has always been said, is a “sacred institution”, where two people make the conscious decision to be with that special someone, until death, or in many cases, divorce. In America, the idea of getting married is a fundamental part of the “American Dream”. You are suppose to go through life, working hard, for education, job, etc. After all that, you settle down, get a house with a white picket fence, have a couple kids, and get a pet, preferably a dog. There are dozens of television shows devoted to marriage- shows about the dress, the parties, the event- even with shows about divorce, or single people sleeping around, marriage is still a huge deal in modern society. In the mostly unstimulating genre of films: the romantic comedy, marriage, or people falling in love, happens quite often.

We can surely detail the events of a romantic comedy; completely freestyle it, since the formula has been practiced, and put into use so many times before, it really requires no effort. First the man meets the woman, secondly the man and the woman fall in love, than some event happens that apparently dissolves the relationship; which previously looked like the most idealistic romance ever; this is suppose to invoke the audience (females) to feel emotional, to want the man, or in some cases the woman, to perform some incredible, glamorous showcase of love and affection, that the other person has no choice but to fall back in love again. What results afterwards, is either the kiss before the credits, or the marriage before the credits, and they live happily ever after. It is the kind of film I dread having to watch; the ones that many men have to suffer through to please their dates/girlfriends/wives- which is why I always pick the film on dates, and probably why I do not go on a lot of them- however, the latest collaboration between Director Nicolas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Muppets), and actor Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Muppets) while having many of the same old tricks of the romantic comedy, they still provide some genuine laughs, that almost makes you forget all the cliches being thrown at you.

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In the fifth round of the much anticipated main event of UFC 145, commentator Joe Rogan was comparing the two warriors in the Octagon: the challenger “Sugar” Rashad Evans, and defending Light Heavyweight Champion Jon “Bones” Jones. As he, everyone in attendance at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, and the PPV audience worldwide saw; that while Rashad is a talented fighter, with quick hands, and power behind them, the reason he could not beat Jon “Bones” Jones is simply because… “He’s Just Better”. Those three words stuck out to me, because Rogan said it clearly, and he knew, that while Rashad has more experience, and put up a good fight against one of the most unpredictable fighters in MMA. The Light Heavyweight Champion, without question, is just a better fighter than Rashad Evans.

Rashad Evans is no stranger to personal feuds, feuds that are documented in and out of the Octagon. Rashad Evans, and Jon Jones were training partners, sparring partners, and friends. Since Bones defeated Mauricio “Shogun Rua” last year on UFC 128; a fight that was originally given to Rashad, but due to injury, he had to just sit and watch Bones become the fastest rising star in the UFC. For more than a year, a fight between the two has been in the making. The first time it was planned, Bones was said to be injured, and did not want surgery, instead he choose to let it heal. The second time, it was Rashad who sustained an injury, and the fight was put off again. The entire time, between injuries, and training for this fight, immense trash talk has come from both sides. With Rashad dispensing the more harsh accusations of the Champion’s character.

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