A few thoughts about San Diego Comic-Con

Last year I said Warner Bros. won San Diego Comic-Con thanks to all the trailers they showed. Heck, had Warners only showed the first “Wonder Woman” last year, I think they still would have won.

This year however, I’m giving Marvel the win. This is not because I didn’t like what WB did, but because Marvel gave us a new “Thor: Ragnarok” trailer, some much-needed “Captain Marvel” movie news, and even some “Ant-Man and the Wasp” casting announcements. So kudos to you Marvel, you win San Diego Comic-Con 2017.

There were of course a ton of news to come out of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. So many news items come out at the same time, that it’s rather easy to miss some of them. I’m not going to comment on everything, that would take far too long and my wifey keeps telling me to pack for our vacation. But here are a few thoughts I had on this year’s SDCC:

• “Thor: Ragnarok” looks like a lot of fun!
• Michelle Pfeiffer playing Janet Van Dyne? Hell yeah.
• Thanks to his enthusiasm, Jason Momoa has won me over.
• Vincent Price’s voice gave me nightmares as a kid, and even as an adult. Thanks a lot “Stranger Things.”
• Because of the “Westworld” teaser, I have been humming Sammy Davis Jr. all morning.

• The Kingsman panel was cool and all, but I think 20th Century Fox blew a big chance by not featuring anything else on Thursday.
• “Wynonna Earp” got renewed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• I appreciate that SYFY does a nightly show live from the convention, but it would be nice if they featured something about comic books, and not just tv and film.
• The second trailer for “Justice League” was awesome. I think there was more humor in the trailer, than in any of the other Zack Snyder DCEU movies combined. Now I’m really excited to see the movie.
• The first thing I thought of when I saw the Justice League poster was…

Bismillah! No we will not let you go – let him go
Bismillah! We will not let you go – let him go
Bismillah! We will not let you go let me go
Will not let you go let me go (never)
Never let you go let me go
Never let me go ooo
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Oh mama mia, mama mia, mama mia let me go
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me

 

Spider-Man: Homecoming Review

Possible spoilers ahead!

After the airport battle in “Captain America: Civil War,” Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is back Queens, New York,attending high school, and apprehending purse snatchers and other small time criminals. At least now he’s doing so with a little help from a technologically enhanced Spider-Man costume that designed by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).

Peter i supposed to check in with Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) regularly, but the truth is, Peter’s bores. After the airport battle in Civil War, Peter feels he is more than ready to leave his old life as an ordinary high schooler, and become an official member of the Avengers. But this would also mean leaving behind his neighborhood, friends, and even his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) behind.

Things take a serious turn when some mysterious and extremely powerful alien weapons begin popping up all over the city. Going against Tony Stark’s wishes Peter investigates where the weapons are coming from, and eventually discovers the man behind the weapons is named Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton). Despite the danger involved, Peter sees this as his big chance to prove to Stark that he has what it takes to be an Avenger.

I may be the only hardcore comic book fan out there who has never loved a Spider-Man movie. I find the Sam Raimi unwatchable, and even thought I enjoyed aspects of both Amazing Spider=Man films, I’ve only seen them once. Out of those five movies, the only one I watched more than once was the 2002 original.

But, I’m very happy to say that I’ve finally see a Spider-Man movie that I love, and can’t wait to see again, because “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is everything I could have ever hoped for in a Spider-Man movie and more.

Director Jon Watts did an incredible job in mixing the classic John Hughes high school movies of the 1980s, and modern-day comic book films. The end result is a very funny high school superhero comedy/drama, and perhaps best of all: “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is strong standalone movie set in the MCU. When was the last time we were able to say that?

Tom Holland’s charismatic performance and young age further makes this version of Peter Parker more convincing as a kid who’s in way over his head, compared to any of the character’s previous onscreen versions. The same way Gal Gadot is now and forever Woncer Woman, Tom Holland is now THE Spider-Man, and the best one yet in my opinion.

Homecoming costars are equally likable and believable in their respective roles, especially Jacob Batalon as Peter’s enthusiastically best friend Ned. I thought he would get annoying, but he turned out to be a very likable character. Zendaya was also good as the whip-smart, and somewhat antisocial, Michelle. She even got some of the film’s best one liner’s, but I do wish she had been in it more.

Perhaps the reason for this is because Laura Harrier as the popular yet friendly girl Liz, gets most of the spotlight. I didn’t have any issues with Liz as the love interest, it was actually a nice change of pace seeing Peter Parker fall for someone else. My only problem with the cast was the way the movie portrayed Flash Thompson. It was as if they filmmakers couldn’t decide if they wanted Flash to be a jock, bully, or just a nerd. There were a couple of moments when this took me out of the movie.

Meanwhile, the adult figures in Peter’s life also get moments to shine. Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark only pops in a few times, but each sequence was great. Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May – effectively serves as Peter’s support systems, and I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to see an Aunt May that still enjoys life.

On the villain side of things, I was pleasantly surprised. Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes/Vulture is definitely an upgrade for MCU villains. For once we got a fully developed antagonist, we know who he was, became, and why. Keaton makes Toomes a charming, and compelling character. Even my mother in law said she wanted to root for him.

For me, one of the film’s biggest highlights was Spidey’s new Stark created suit. I thought it fit the story that was being told. But I’m sure some fans will complain some of the suit features probably are over the top, but I personally loved the suit’s A.I which Peter calls Karen. The voice is belongs to Jennifer Connelly, who gave the part some great personality. I hope we hear more of Karen in future movies.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is an excellent addition to the MCU for sure, but what I like best about this movie is that it can stand on its own. Homecoming is one of those movies even casual moviegoers will enjoy. At the end of the day, this is a great high school buddy comedy that just happens to be about Spider-Man, and I for one loved that.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” score: A-

 

Iron Fist Review

Spoilers ahead!

Since 2015, “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” and “Luke Cage” have wowed Netflix audiences with their mix of superheroes and street level drama. But something else these shows have in common is the fact that the series always start strong, then sag in the middle, and then finish strong.

That however, is not the case with the latest Marvel/Netflix show, “Iron Fist.” The story of Danny Rand sags from its opening scene, with only a few strong along the way. The series is more of a family drama instead of being a show about martial arts. “Iron Fist” has more exposition than any of the other Netflix shows, so much it makes some of the episodes rather dull.

The first couple of episodes deal Danny Rand’s homecoming, but he spends most of the time trying to convince others he is who he says he is. What made things worse for me was the fact that there didn’t seem to be a reason for Danny’s return. This could have been solved with single line of dialogue, instead, several episodes in, people are still asking Danny what he’s doing back in New York after he presumably died in the Himalayas along with his mother and father 15 years ago. And after more episodes go by, he still doesn’t have a good answer for them.

Eventually Danny Rand shifts his focus to reclaiming his namesake by trying to take back his dad’s company. But even that doesn’t make sense, because the character of Danny has already established he doesn’t care about money or the power that would come if he gets the company back. By the way, Rand Enterprises is a really generic company, I’m still not sure what they do.

In the comic, Danny Rand is very sure of himself, both as the Iron Fist and in business. In the Netflix show, Finn Jones plays Danny as a naïve, angry teenager who doesn’t know what he wants, and gets ticked off whenever someone stands up to him. Naïve is one thing the comic version of Danny Rand never was.

To make matter worse, Finn Jones looks terrible in action. He’s clearly bad at martial arts so most of his action sequences are quick cuts so we don’t see the faults. His first fight with security guards looks like a dance routine and not a true fight. None of the action in the early episodes are up to the caliber of previous Netflix Marvel shows.

The flaws in Finn Jones are made even clearer when we meet Jessica Henwick’s Colleen Wing, a Dojo owner who becomes Danny’s love interest. Let me be clear here: Jessica Henwick is the highlight of “Iron Fist.” She is not only the more compelling character but she has also knows who she is and what she wants.

Plus, unlike Danny Rand, Colleen Wing knows her martial arts, so when she is requires to, she use her fighting skills and steals the scenes and the entire show. Quite frankly, everything in this show would have better had they just made Jessica Henwick the star.

Other cast member include: Tom Pelphrey as Ward Meachum. Jessica Stroup as Joy Meachum, David Wenham as Harold Meachum. The two guys love to chew the scenery, and are a little too flamboyant at times. Jessica Stroup is cute, but I’m not sure her character was needed. Also, she took her family “reunion” a little to calmly I thought. In that situation, I would have been a little freaked out.

On the bright side, Rosario Dawson is back as Claire Temple, and she brings some much-needed laughs and heart to the proceedings. Too bad she was only in a handful of episodes and not the entire season.

When it comes right down to it, “Iron Fist” feels like a wasted opportunity. This series had all the potential in the world, and it could have been the next great martial arts saga. But because of weak writing, and a lackluster lead, most of the good stuff in the show, comes crashing down.

“iRon Fist” final score: C

The only reason it gets a grade that high is because of Jessica Henwick.

Movie Review: Logan

Spoilers ahead!

By 2029, mutants are an endangered species. There hasn’t been a new mutant born for many years. Those who are left, live in hiding. One of them is Logan (Hugh Jackman), who now goes by his birth name James Howlett and is working as a limousine driver in Texas.
The years haven’t been kind to old Wolvy, and his healing factor doesn’t work as fast as it used to.

Logan lives just across the Mexico border, and because old habits die-hard, he’s keeping a secret: He’s hiding Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), who is now in his nineties and has been classified by the government as a “weapon of mass destruction.” This is fue to Charles’ diminishing mental state having made him unable to control his powers.

Logan is hoping to buy a boat so he and Charles can live on the sea without causing any harm to those around them. Everything changes the day Logan is approached by a mysterious woman offering him $50,000 to transport a young girl named Laura (Dafne Keen) to the U.S./Canadian border.

As unknown government forces begin closing in on Laura, Logan, and Professor X. It then becomes clear to Logan, the he still has one more fight ahead of him.

“Logan” is the third solo Wolverine movie, and the second directed by James Mangold. This film is quite simply, one of the best comic book movies ever made.

“Logan” is a character-driven story, a drama rather an a full on action movie. Don’t get me wrong: there is plenty of violence in this movie. James Mangold delivers the Wolverine berserker rage you’ve been dying to see for 17 years. Two minutes into “Logan” and you know this is not like the other X-Men movies.

This is the most realistic X-Men movie by far, and in my opinion, the best X-Men movie so far. “Logan” is one film that even non-comic readers will enjoy. Heck, you’ll enjoy this movie even if you haven’t seen the other X-Men movies.

Hugh Jackman is finally given the chance to flex his acting muscle in an X-Men film, and the actor rises to the occasion. He captured the physical and emotional wear that this character has accumulated over his life. Some of my favorite moments were when Logan realizes he needs glasses to read, when he takes care of Charles, and when he tries to teach X-23 right from wrong.

Speaking of X-23, Dafne Keen, makes Laura/X-23 a memorable character despite the fact she’s mostly a silent character. But she’s able to do plenty of acting with her eyes, and with her mannerisms. Where Keen really excels is in the action scenes. Holy cow, she was awesome in those sequences.

But the show stealer was Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier. This is easily his best performance as professor X, one that allowed Stewart to be funny, vulnerable and heartbreaking. For me one of the best scenes in the movie is the dinner scene at the farm-house. It was such a simple scene, and yet, it seemed like Patrick Stewart and Hugh Jackman were just two old friends sharing memories over a home cooked meal.

For the most part I loved everything about “Logan.” However, I do have one complaint about the movie: X-24 was a pointless villain. I get that the movie needed someone for Logan to go against, but the filmmakers could have created another Lady Deathstrike, or another mutant from the X-universe. They could even have brought back Sabretooth. For me going with X-24 seemed like a lazy move.

Regardless of my one complaint, “Logan” is one hell of a film. This is the Wolverine movie that fans have been begging for, and it has everything you could hope for. “Logan” is also the perfect send off for Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart. Never in a million years did I think an X-Men movie would bring me to tears, but I have to admit “Logan” did just that.

“Logan” final score: A

Brief Review: Doctor Strange

Possible spoilers ahead!

In the new Marvel movie, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a world-renowned neurosurgeon with a habit of taking on cases that no other doctor would.. Unfortunately, the good doctor loves fame and fortune more than the saving lives.

One night while speeding along a mountainside road, preoccupied by the MRI of the next medical case he may take next, Strange collides with another car and is tossed down the hillside – mutilating his hands in the fall. Over the next several months, Strange spends millions of dollars in experimental procedures, hoping to repair the nerve damage to his fingers.

After trying all available options, Strange travels to a mysterious place known as Kamar-Taj in Nepal. There, Strange discovers that, for many centuries, Earth has been protected by a secret society of sorcerers – men and women who are responsible for defending the planet from all supernatural threats.

These sorcerers are led by the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), and mentored by fellow sorcerer Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Over time, Strange becomes a powerful magic wielder – but when an old enemy of Kamar-Taj returns for vengeance, Strange must decide whether he will use his new-found powers to fix himself and return to his former life or step-up for the greater good.

So did I like “Doctor Strange?” You bet I did. In fact, “Doctor Strange is one of the best movies Marvel has made. I’ll even go a step further, and believe me, I know how this will sound, but here goes: “Doctor Strange” is my favorite Marvel movie so far.

Go on and gasp with amazement/horror, I can wait.

Anywho, one of the reasons for this movie being my favorite Marvel entry is simple: Everything in “Doctor Strange” worked. And you can’t say that about many movies out there.

Benedict Cumberbatch was the perfect choice to play Strange. I can’t picture anyone else in the role, especially Joaquin Phoenix. And I’m not a Tilda Swinton fan, but I have to admit she won me over as the Ancient One. She even kicked ass in a few battles!

The film’s special effects were the best I’ve seen in the MCU, and the battles has people in the theater cheering. The movie had plenty of laughs, a lot more than I expected. They even made Wong interesting!

But all the jokes worked within the main story. Everything that happened led to something else, and I liked that. And unlike most comic book origin movies, “Doctor Strange” never felt like it was dragging on.

At the end of the day, this movie didn’t just meet my expectations, it blew them out of the water and it surprised me every step of the way. For those reasons…

“Doctor Strange” final score: 10

Trailer Park: Iron Fist | NYCC Teaser Trailer

Marvel’s Netflix series have not let me down yet, so I’m expecting good things from 2017’s “Iron Fist.” Even if the latest trailer reminds me a lot of the first “Doctor Strange” teaser from earlier this year.

“Iron Fist” debuts on Netflix next March.

Luke Cage Review

Possible spoilers ahead!

After two season of “Daredevil,” and one season of “Jessica Jones,” the Netflix corner of the MArvel Universe feels like home. So each time a new show premiers, it’s a welcomed sight.

For the new series “Luke Cage,” the setting changes from Hell’s kitchen to Harlem. But the change feels natural, and it makes sense if you watched “Jessica Jones” last year. The only problem I had with the first episode of “Luke Cage” was the pacing.

The first episode spends too much time exploring the neighborhood and meeting all the key characters who call this part of Harlem home. I’m not saying it was a bad episode, but it felt slow to me, especially when compared to the rest of the season whihc moves along at a nice pace. And it’s not as if all the character had something to do in this one episode, so why introduce them all at the same time?

However, I did like that at the start of the season Luke Cage (Mike Colter) is isolated and reserved, reeling from his personal history and the more recent events of “Jessica Jones.” The first episode finds Luke working as a janitor at a barber shop and as a dishwasher at a nightclub.

Luke’s story unfolds throughout the series’ flashbacks over the course of the season.  Cage’s early efforts to remain away from the spotlight play to Mike Coker’s strengths as an actor, and gives him room to flesh out the character without punching something. And to his credit, Mike Colter commands the screen in every scene he’s in.

Cage is eventually pitted against criminal cousins Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes (Mahershala Ali) and Mariah Dillard (Alfre Woodard). Like Colter, both actors are excellent in their respective roles, and both get plenty of scene stealing moments during the season. Especially Woodard, who plays a councilwoman eager to see Harlem reinvigorated, even if it means doing so by questionable means.

The biggest surprise of the show is Simone Missick as Misty Knight. In “Luke Cage,” Missick steals the show as the dynamic, tough, and highly intelligent police detective. To comic readers, Knight is best known as a private eye with a bionic arm courtesy of Tony Stark, but “Luke Cage” shows us Misty before that.

She’s a deeply dedicated cop now forced to navigate a world full of cutthroat criminals and super men. This Misty Knight can school basketball players on the streets of Harlem in a game of Horse, and visualize crime scenes with meticulous, Hannibal-esque detail. She even sweeps Luke Cage off of his feet at Cottonmouth’s nightclub, whole at the same time matching him in the banter department. And that’s just in the first two episodes.

Unlike the previous Marvel shows, “Luke Cage” is more of a character drama. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of action too, but the action felt like an extension of whatever what going on with the main characters. I also enjoyed the way the series used music, often with the help of an actual performance.

At the end of the day “Luke Cage” is not your typical superhero show, and frankly, I liked that.

“Luke Cage” final score: 8.5

“Luke Cage” season 1 is available now on Netflix.