I really like podcasts (again): Film Guff

Until a couple of weeks ago, I was in a slump in my never-ending quest to discover new and exciting podcasts to listen to. I tried some comic book related shows, and a couple of tv ones. However, none of them really clicked with me and I decided to move on. But luckily my good buddy, Laneit had me covered.

Laneit is a podcast consuming machine. I seriously don’t know where he finds the time to listen to so many podcasts. He’s a strange duck, so some of his listening choices are not in my wheelhouse, but occasionally he gives me a good suggestion. For example, Laneit said I should listen to a show called Film Guff.

I had not heard of this podcast before, but I do like shows about movies, so I decided to look it up. According to Film Guff’s website, the show format goes something like this:

There are literally thousands of Film related podcasts out there that cover the new, the now and the shiny. Our hosts Ali & Cev on the other hand, are quite happy to leave those podcasts to it while they go and rummage around the bargain basements and lists of the long forgotten favourites.

Join the duo on their hunt for diamonds in the dirt, but don’t expect to walk away with a degree in film studies from it…

Film Guff sounded interesting, so I started listening to their episodes from the beginning, and as of this morning I am all caught up. Film Guff comes from across the pond in merry ol’ England, and hosts Ali & Cev keep the proceedings lively and fun. Some of my favorite episodes include episode 12 “Oscarbate,” and episode 08, “Films of 2017: Heroes & Villains.”

But they are not my favorite episodes because TNU’s own Laneit was a guest on them. They’re just good episodes worth listening too. Though it is strange listening to Laneit not swear every other word. I’d give him more credit, but when the conversation turned briefly to James Bond in one episode, did Laneit mention me? Noooooo he did not. I mean hello, major Bond fan over here!

Anyways, Film Guff is an excellent podcast that I’m now a regular listener of. Not only do Ali and Cev discuss blockbusters, but they also talk about some movies I haven’t heard of. The show is fun an informative, and if you’re a movie fan like me, you should check out Film Guff.

 

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I paid to see that: Virus

Ever have one of those Saturdays when you can’t think of what to do?

Yes, you know you’re bored, but it’s infuriating when you can’t think of a way to fix the problem. It’s as if no ideas are allowed to enter your head. That’s exactly what happened to me one Saturday in January 1999. I had lunch with my buddy John, who I hadn’t seen for a while. After a lot of driving around, he suggested we see a movie.

Since this was back in the dark ages when you couldn’t look up movie times on your phone, I stopped at a Tedeschi’s convenience store and bought a newspaper to see what was playing. Our options were “Varsity Blues,” “Patch Adams,” “Virus,” and “A Civil Action.” Two of those I had seen, and neither one of us had an interest in “A Civil Action,” and so we decided to see “Virus.”

 

If you’re lucky enough not to remember this movie, here’s a refresher course: “Virus” was directed by John Bruno and it was based on the comic book of the same name by Chuck Pfarrer. The film starred Jamie Lee Curtis, William Baldwin and Donald Sutherland, and it tells the story of a ship beset by a malevolent extraterrestrial entity that seeks to turn humanity into cyborg slaves.

“Virus” opens with crazy tugboat captain Donald Sutherland and his crew towing a barge in the middle of a typhoon. This seems more like a job for the Coast Guard, but whatever. The barge is starting to sink, and the crew led by Jamie Lee Curtis and William Baldwin, want to cut it loose before it takes them down too. But the barge means a ton of money for the old skipper, and he’d rather go with it than risk losing it. This whole sequence is probably the only decent moment of the movie.

During the same storm, the tugboat comes upon a drifting Russian satellite communications ship. The same one from the movie’s opening credits, where a space cloud enveloped the Mir space station, and sent a bolt of energy down to the ship’s satellite dish.

This alien energy included a virus that takes over the onboard computers and represents a vast, if never clearly defined, threat to life on earth. And probably the Russians onboard, but I can’t remember for sure because by this point I was contemplating getting a pizza from the concession stand.

Anyways, greedy Captain Sutherland wants to claim the ship for salvage. So he has his tugboat crew board it, and soon are fighting the virus. This was scene was okay I guess, but when one of the characters shouted “The ship’s steering itself!” I knew we were in for a long movie. From there the virus creates robots, and sometimes uses them to snatch crew members one by one and turn them into strange creatures. It’s then left up to Curtis, Baldwin and their red shirt crewmates to outsmart the virus,
and save mankind.

This movie is awful, easily one of the worst I’ve ever seen. But to be fair, none of the problems in “Virus” are the fault of the cast. Donald Sutherland and Jamie Lee Curtis are good actors, but both deserved better material to work with.

Neither actor was able to add much to their characters. Meanwhile, William Baldwin wasn’t a great leading man, but he tried his best to keep up with his castmates. I think most of the film’s problems are due to a poor script, weak special effects, and a relatively unexperienced director.

It also didn’t help the cast that much of the film is almost unwatchable. For example, the last act of the movie is shot in near darkness. During the last hour, various human and other creatures go around the ship under water and lit only by flashlight beams. This is where “Virus” switched from being a sci-fi movie to a cheap horror flick filled with cheap scares, the occasional bloody limb, and lots of unnecessary screaming.

When John and I left the theater that evening, he looked at me and asked, “What the hell did we just see?” It was a fair question, and one that I didn’t have an answer for. Quite frankly, we should have walked out of “Virus,” and snuck in to “Varsity Blues.” Not that Blues was a great movie either, but at least it had that whipped cream scene.

Your Moment of Zen

There’s only one Solo movie that matters…

Deadpool 2 Review

Possible spoilers ahead!!

“Deadpool 2” kicks off with Wade Wilson doing what he does best: swearing and killing. But things go south pretty quick for old Wade, and suffering a personal tragedy, he reluctantly joins the X-Men as a trainee under the leadership of Colossus (Stefan Kapicic). Also on this team are Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) and her girlfriend Yukio (Shiori Kutsuna).

During Wade’s first mission with the X-Men, the team comes across a 14-year-old mutant by the name of Russell Collins (Julian Dennison), who calls himself Firefist. Russell is trying to escape from the orphanage he lives in, and many lives are at stake. Here, Wade is forced to make a tough choice that forever changes the course of his life.

To make matters worse, a time-traveling mutant named Cable (Josh Brolin), arrives in the present with the sole mission of assassinating Russell. Hoping to protect Russell, Wade and his friends Weasel (T.J. Miller) and Dopinder (Karan Soni), assemble a mutant team consisting of: Domino (Zazie Beetz), Bedlam (Terry Crews), Shatterstar (Lewis Tan), Zeitgeist (Bill Skarsgård), and the non-mutant Peter (Rob Delaney).

Deadpool calls his new team, X-Force and together they embark on a mission to save Russell from Cable. However, even with a team of his own backing him up, it’s unclear if they are enough to stop the man from the future.

Like the first Deadpool movie, “Deadpool 2” has a strong emotional plotline running throughout the film. But instead of goinf with another romantic story, the sequel focuses on theme of family. The film explores what it means to be a family, not just by blood, but by choice. It’s a lot for a movie Like “Deadpool 2” to balance with superheroics, but it works!

The film builds up each character’s arc in a way that you as the viewer feel invested in when everything hits the fans. Whether it’s Deadpool, Cable, or Russell, you know what the motivations for their actions are. And even if you disagree with how they go about things, all of it makes sense in the end.

But don’t worry. There’s plenty of Deadpool’s signature crude humor, fourth wall-breaking moments, and references to everything from fellow X-Men movies to the MCU and beyond.  Some of the jokes are better than others, but I did enjoy the one-liners only comic book fans will understand.

As usual, Ryan Reynolds is firing on all cylinders in this movie. Not only is he better than ever in the action scenes,  he also appears to be having a blast with the role. It is clear Ryan Reynolds was born to play Deadpool.

As for the new cast members, Josh Brolin delivers another stand out performance as Cable. While the character doesn’t get a ton of character development, Brolin still manages to make him a sympathetic mutant. Hard to believe Brolin had given fans two unique, bad ass characters within a month of each other. Seriously though, I never realized what a great actor this guy is.

Meanwhile, Zazie Beetz as Domino stole much of the movie for me. Although I will say her character was less developed than even Cable and Russell. I also still wish she looked a little more like the comic, but regardless of my minor complaints, Domino won me over.

Beetz was a scene-stealer in “Deadpool 2.” She was funny, tough, and awesome in the action scenes.  Especially in a chase sequence where she’s the main attraction. If there is an X-Force movie or another Deadpool movie, I hope we get to see more of her, because there’s definitely potential there.

If I had one complaint about the cast, it would be that Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) didn’t have much to do. She was one of my favorite characters from the first movie, and I wanted to see more of her in the sequel. Especially now that she’s got a girlfriend in Yukio (Shiori Kutsuna).

I do have one more minor complaint about the movie: I didn’t care too much for this version of X-Force, or what happens to them. As a fan of the original team, it seemed pointless to me to introduce X-Force, only so they can be a punchline. I’m a little surprised the filmmakers went this route, and a little shocked Rob Liefeld was okay with it.

All in all, “Deadpool 2” was a highly enjoyable sequel that advanced the main character, and also had a lot of heart. Ryan Reynolds is great again, and Josh Brolin and Zazie Beetz are welcomed additions to the crazy world of Deadpool. And despite the fact that some of the jokes don’t stick the landing like they should, and that a couple of scenes go on a bit too long, this is still everything a Deadpool movie should be: a fun ride from start to finish.

“Deadpool 2” score: B+

 

 

Movie Flashback: Chicago

On a Sunday afternoon in late January 2003, yours truly and his band of merry friends (or Nerds), headed to the movie theater to see the film “Chicago.”

But convincing certain friends to go see a big screen musical wasn’t an easy task. Neither was getting to the theater that day, which turned out to be its own adventure.

“Chicago” was the film based on the famous stage-musical of the same name, and it was directed by Rom Marshall. The film stars Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, and John C. Reilly. The plot centers on Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones) and Roxie Hart (Zellweger), two murderers who find themselves in jail together awaiting trial in 1920s Chicago.

Seems like a lifetime ago now, but “Chicago” was a big hit. Audiences loved the film and critics raved about it upon its release. The movie went on to win six Academy Awards in 2003, including Best Picture. “Chicago” became the first musical to win Best Picture since “Oliver!” won the award way back in 1968. But enough about the movie, let me tell you about the day we saw “Chicago.”

I had wanted to see the stage musical for a long time, but was never able to find tickets whenever the show came to Boston, or during any of my visits to New York. It appeared the closest I would ever get to see the famous musical would the movie adaptation of “Chicago.” But I didn’t want to go alone, and most of my friends seemed eager to see the movie.

The only friend who agreed to go with me was the then girlfriend of my bes friend Laneit. She managed to convince our other friends John and Kee, that they too should go with us. Then came her toughest job: convincing Laneit that it would be worth his time to go see “Chicago” with the rest of us.

The day of the movie, I picked was supposed to pick everyone up at Laneit’s house, the time had come to find out if he was going with us. The first person I saw was his girlfriend, and our conversation went a little something like this…

Me: Did you talk to him?

Her: Yup, he was really happy when I told him we were seeing this today.

Me: Seriously?

Her: Yes. He said he’s been waiting for this to come out.

John: Did Laneit hit his head?

Me: He knows what “Chicago” is about?

Her: He knows its about a murder.

Me: But does he know its a musical?

Her: Umm, I think so.

John: So he won’t be shocked when the actors burst into song?

Her: I hope not!

 

When our other friend Kee arrived, he suggested he should drive since he had a bigger car. At the time, Kee was driving a Mercedes Benz, it wasn’t a new car by any means, but it was a nice roomy car. Kee however, doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to driving the group, and this day would ne no different.

On the way to the General Cinema in Framingham Ma, we hit a ton of traffic near what is commonly known as the Braintree Split. This is where two major highways intercept, and at certain hours could be a real pain to get through. We lost a lot of time there, and Kee drove over the speed limit the rest of the way. Traffic was lighter once we got on route 9, and we really were making up for lost time. And then it happened.

I was in the back seat with John and Laneit’s girlfriend, so I didn’t see the giant Coca-Cola vending machine laying on its side in our lane. The other person who didn’t see it was our driver Kee, who slammed the Benz right into it. No worries though, everyone was fine, no injuries to report. The front of the car was destroyed though, and the vending machine was sadly empty.

We had to wait for the police to show up, and Kee had to fill out a bunch of paperwork. By the time that was all done, we had missed the movie. I think we ended up seeing it that Tuesday night, and I eventually saw the movie again, with my mom and grandmother.

I ended up loving “Chicago,” the cast was perfect and the idea of having most of the performances taking place in Roxy Hart’s imagination was brilliant. Even fifteen years later, this movie still holds up.

The next time I saw Kee he apologized, but he didn’t need to, it was an accident after all. He said the police found out the vending machine had fallen off a truck, and the driver hadn’t noticed. Kee’s car however, was never seen again. Guess he had it coming.

5 Underrated Deadpool Comics

Boo-yah, the wait is almost over!

In just a couple of days, Deadpool returns to movie screens everywhere. Not only are all your favorite characters back, but this time Deadpool is also joined by new pals Cable, Domino, and the gang from X-Force. So in honor of the Merc with the Mouth latest adventure, I’ve decided to write about some of his underrated comic book appearances.

Before we get to my list, a quick reminder: just like my previous underrated comics posts, this Deadpool comic list features a few stories you may have missed when they first came out. But keep in mind that these comics are by no means necessary to enjoy “Deadpool 2” in theaters.

One last thing I should mention. The following list is not in any particular order. These are just good comic stories you might have missed when they first came out. They’re also good comics to enjoy before or after seeing the movie. And away we go:

Deadpool #4 (April, 1997)

Written by Joe Kelly, with art by Ed McGuinness, Nathan Massengill and Norman Lee, Deadpool #4 features what I think is Wade’s first encounter with the Incredible Hulk. The story revolves around Killbrew trying to create a cure for Deadpool’s condition. But in order to do so, Deadpool needs to get a sample of blood from the Hulk.

As a surprise to basically no one, the Hulk turns out not to be too fond of this idea and a fight ensues.

Deadpool #4 was the first Deadpool comic that made me laugh. Up until this point, I knew Deadpool as cold-blooded assassin, but this issue made me see the fun in the character. Joe Kelly really knew how to write Deadpool, it’s no wonder he’s still one of my favorite writers.

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Daredevil Deadpool 1997 Annual (July, 1997)

More often than not, comic book annuals don’t leave a mark. I’d go as far as saying most annuals are bad. But every once in a while, an annual would come along that surprised. In this case, it’s 1997’s Daredevil Deadpool annual.

“Whomsoever Fights Monsters…” was written by Joe Kelly (him again), with by Bernard Chang and Jon Holdredge. Here, Typhoid Mary, that schizoid sweetie from Daredevil’s past, returns to her old stomping grounds to exact revenge on everyone who’s ever screwed her over, including DD! Now Deadpool’s on her tail, but whose side is he on?

I like this annual for two reasons: one, it’s funny seeing the wise cracking Deadpool next to the usually serious Daredevil. Two, I’m a big fan of Bernard Chang’s artwork. I’ve liked his stuff since I saw it in the Valiant comics of the early 1990’s, so it was cool to see him on a Marvel book.

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X-Force #15 (October, 1992)

Without a doubt, my favorite run on the X-Force title came courtesy of writer Fabian Nicieza, and artist Greg Capullo. In my opinion, the two creators worked on some of the original series’ best issues. While there are many good ones to choose from, for this post I’m gonna mention X-Force #15 featuring a fight between Deadpool and Cable.

In X-Force #15, the team rescues Sunspot who then joins them. Meanwhile, Cable rips through Deadpool and Tolliver to free the real Domino. Say what now? You see kids, up to this point, Domino has been a shapeshifter named Vanessa who’s working for Tolliver’s. And yes, the same Vanessa from the movies.

The fight between Cable and Deadpool is brutal, and it’s outcome changed the team for many months. This is one issue that is worth tracking down.

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Secret Defenders #15 (May. 1994)

Yeah, yeah, I know you’re probably wondering what an issue of Secret Defenders is doing on this list. After all, Secret Defenders was an awful series from the 1990’s. But the idea of Doctor Strange putting together various teams of heroes to defend the planet, was actually pretty cool. It was the execution of the idea which ultimately failed.

This book was written by Tom Brevoort and Mike Kanterovich, with art by Jerry Decaire, and inks by Tony DeZuniga. Here, a new team of Secret Defenders is formed to keep the evil Malachi from gathering the last two pieces of the shattered Moebius Stone of Agamotto. And judging by that cover, it looks like Luke Cage had been hitting the gym. The new Dr. Druid costume is a bit much though.

Look, I’m not saying Secret Defenders is great, but any book starring Dr. Druid, Luke Cage, Deadpool, Shadowoman, and Malachi, will get my attention. Why? because dear god, that team sounds terrible, so it must be good!

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Uncanny Avengers #22

Written by Gerry Duggan, with art by Pepe Larraz, Uncanny Avengers #22 finds that The Unity Squad has been playing a cat-and-mouse game with Red Skull – but it all ends here! Not everyone will finish on their feet… The final fate of Charles Xavier’s telepathic brain is revealed! Rogue does some soul-searching in an unlikely place, and we present our craziest final splash page ever.

Some girls might take one look at Deadpool’s horribly scarred, tumorous face and decide to run the other way. But Rogue of the X-Men apparently had a different reaction in the pages of Uncanny X-Men. It all started not long after Rogue beat him close to death as he’s been in years. But soon, hormones were raging.

The romance between her and the Merc With a Mouth didn’t last long, but it was fun while it lasted.

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Deadpool #1-4 (1994 Mini-Series)

Deapool’s had plenty of mini-series over the years, but for me the fours issue 1994 Deadpool series is one of the best. The series was written by Mark Waid, with art by Ian Churchill and Ken Lashley.

In the series, Juggernaut and Black Tom Cassidy captured Dr. Killebrew to help Black Tom, whose body was deforming due to his mutant power. Killebrew believes the key to helping Tom is a sample of Deadpool’s healing factor. It just so happened that at the same time, Theresa Cassidy and her father Sean Cassidy (Banshee) were searching lfor Tom as well. The two heroes arrive in time to save Deadpool from being captured.

 

But that’s not the part of the story I like. For me what steals the show in this series, is the blossoming relationship between Syrin and Deadpool. From the second Wade met Theresa, he fell in love. Sure, sometimes Deadpool acted like a stalker, but she was the first person to make Wade want to be a better person.

Their romance lasted a good while, well into 1997 I believe. I liked these two together, it felt very natural for them to get attached, so kudos to Mark Waid. But I will agree that it was an unexpected and odd relationship, but then again, any relationship with Deadpool is bound to be somewhat odd.

 

I paid to see that: The Horse Whisperer

Ahh, the crazy things you do for a girl.

Twenty years ago I was a young 20-year-old college student who had just asked a new girl out on a date. Shockingly, she said yes, and suggested we go to the movies. Being a gentleman, I told her she should pick out the movie she wanted to see the most. Unluckily for me, this was the same week
a little movie called “The Horse Whisperer” opened in theaters.

The film was directed by Robert Redford, and was based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Nicholas Evans. In the movie, Robert Redford plays Tom Booker, a talented trainer with a remarkable gift for understanding horses. He’s hired by Annie MacLean (Kristin Scott Thomas) to help her injured teenage daughter Grace (Scarlett Johansson), and her horse following a tragic accident.

One thing I have to admit, is that “The Horse Whisperer” had one hell of a cast. The supporting cast includes: Chris Cooper as Redford’s brother Frank, Dianne Wiest as his wife, and Sam Neil as Kriistin Scott Thomas’ husband, Robert. And in a very small role, Kate Bosworth plays Judith, Grace’s friend who died in the tragic accident which opens the film. Like I said, this flick had an impressive cast.

So what did I think of “The Horse Whisperer”?

Well, Let me put to you this way: By the time Robert Redford turns down Kristin Scott Thomas over the phone, I was already looking at my watch. During the trip Kristin Scott Thomas and Scarlett Johansson take to Montana, I’d gone to the concessions stand twice, and took the scenic walk back to my seat.

When I sat back down with my new bucket of popcorn, my date said to me, “Don’t leave again, it’s about to get good.” I wondered how she’d know that, and over the dinner later I found out she had read the book. But sitting in the theater that afternoon, I didn’t believe this movie was about to get any better.

Sure, the performances were solid. Especially by Kristin Scott Thomas and Robert Redford. And the cinematography was stunning. Montana is a beautiful place, and looked great in the movie. But as for horse whispering, as far as I could tell, all it involved is Robert Redford staring at the horse until the horse gets what Redford is trying to accomplish. And let me tell you, there are a lot of scenes of people staring at the horse.

But eventually the horse succumbs to Robert Redford’s charms, and so does Kristin Scott Thomas who ends up falling in love with him. I think she considers staying in Montana, but cooler head prevail. Redford even gets to Scarlett Johansson, who seemed to have a better relationship with his character than with her dad played by Sam Neil.

Clocking in at 170 minutes, “The Horse Whisperer” was a marathon of a movie. But as far as first dates go, it was definitely memorable. So was the first kiss that night when I dropped her off at her place. So while the movie wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, the rest of the date was.