Search

TeeHi (11 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
May 29, 2019
A Sufficient ENDing For This Phase
Contains spoilers, click to show
Even though I've seen all of the MCU movies to date, I wouldn't say that I was obsessed, but I AM a completionist, so I felt like I had to see it through... With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, despite the sad goodbyes. Also, even though it was amusing, I didn't like the prolonged gag of Thor being overweight and out of shape. Aside from those two things, though, I thought it was really good. The pacing was excellent, and it didn't even "feel" like 3 hours. I was also satisfied with the amount of time each character got...with the exception of Captain Marvel; I would liked to have seen a bit more of her. In addition, I felt like the mix of humor and seriousness was spot-on. As to the story and resolution from the previous film, I thought it made sense, and it wasn't too difficult to follow, so I was happy with that aspect, too.

Erika (17789 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Feb 18, 2018
I'm only giving this movie a 9, because I've honestly seen the same story line in dozens of movies. AND, I felt like the previews gave way too much away.
But, although the story was predictable, it was still very well done. The afro-futurism was so amazing, the costumes were so good, and I loved that they brought in all sorts of different cultures on the continent to Wakanda.
The cast did a brilliant job, and I loved that the warriors were women.
Now, Killmonger: Micheal B Jordan did a fantastic job with the villain. This villain was one of the better ones in the MCU, in a sea of generic villains (Loki excluded). Killmonger (as well as Loki) was a sympathetic (IMO) villain, there was a reason for his fall into villainy, being a product of his circumstances. You understood where he was coming from, and damn, his last line was intense.
Now: Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis. I had a major Hobbit flashback when Ross went to Klaue, I was half-hoping they were fixin to have a riddle-off.
But, although the story was predictable, it was still very well done. The afro-futurism was so amazing, the costumes were so good, and I loved that they brought in all sorts of different cultures on the continent to Wakanda.
The cast did a brilliant job, and I loved that the warriors were women.
Now, Killmonger: Micheal B Jordan did a fantastic job with the villain. This villain was one of the better ones in the MCU, in a sea of generic villains (Loki excluded). Killmonger (as well as Loki) was a sympathetic (IMO) villain, there was a reason for his fall into villainy, being a product of his circumstances. You understood where he was coming from, and damn, his last line was intense.
Now: Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis. I had a major Hobbit flashback when Ross went to Klaue, I was half-hoping they were fixin to have a riddle-off.

Benedick Lewis (3001 KP) rated Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War in Tabletop Games
Jul 24, 2020 (Updated Jul 24, 2020)
Great co-op game (2 more)
Dice build game
Feel powerful against Thanos
Can be a bit repetitive (2 more)
Doesn’t feature everyone in the MCU
No expansion packs
Feels like Endgame finale when you win
Thanos Rising is unexpectedly a very likeable game. It appears complicated initially but once you learnt the core basics, there’s not that much more to it to really get into the game. Multiple sessions have provided various outcomes from near to death to colossal victory and there’s no short cut to win strategy. It’s essentially down to the roll of the dice. And then you have to make a decision: build your team and get power ups or stop the Thanos henchmen from killing off potential team members. Sometimes it is clear cut, others not so much. Which is why it is important it is co operative.
It’s not without its flaws: it can get repetitive after a while and eventually playing it on difficult is the only way to play to make things interesting but it does provide a great night entertainment.
It’s not without its flaws: it can get repetitive after a while and eventually playing it on difficult is the only way to play to make things interesting but it does provide a great night entertainment.

Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Jun 28, 2019
How to find the words, because I'm first and foremost saying nothing about the movie, and secondly I'm truly at a loss to find words worthy enough to describe how amazing this movie is and the emotions I felt watching it. Supposedly it had a run time of three hours, but I was so sucked into the movie it went by in a snap; see what I did there? I don't think I realized just how emotionally invested I was in these characters until this movie. The past 11 years and 21 movies has been so truly special. The thought and time put into planning out the MCU universe and connecting every single one of these movies is something magical that has never been done in cinema to this level. We've been by their side in every battle, loved and lost right there with them. All leading up to this moment. I cried, I laughed, and I cried some more. Stan Lee, wherever you are in the ethers of the universe, much love.

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
It's... Ok, I guess...
There's not really much to say about Venom to be honest. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it, it just sort of exists.
It's a pretty by the numbers origin film, that veers fairly sharply from the comics due to there being zero Spider-Man.
If you've seen the trailer, then you know the plot. There are no surprises (with the exception of an extremely on the nose tease for future installments near the end).
No one in the cast seems to be too bothered that they are there either, with the exception of Tom Hardy, who does a pretty sterling job of playing Eddie Brock - the dialogue between him and Venom is pretty entertaining throughout.
Surprising absolutely no one, the films climaxes in a CGI heavy face off, with both parties being dark grey in colour - making for a pretty bland showdown.
Venoms ok, worth a watch, even if it's just the one time - the Marvel nerd in me just really wishes that these characters were under the same MCU umbrella (one day... One day)
It's a pretty by the numbers origin film, that veers fairly sharply from the comics due to there being zero Spider-Man.
If you've seen the trailer, then you know the plot. There are no surprises (with the exception of an extremely on the nose tease for future installments near the end).
No one in the cast seems to be too bothered that they are there either, with the exception of Tom Hardy, who does a pretty sterling job of playing Eddie Brock - the dialogue between him and Venom is pretty entertaining throughout.
Surprising absolutely no one, the films climaxes in a CGI heavy face off, with both parties being dark grey in colour - making for a pretty bland showdown.
Venoms ok, worth a watch, even if it's just the one time - the Marvel nerd in me just really wishes that these characters were under the same MCU umbrella (one day... One day)

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Moon Knight in TV
May 5, 2022
It's bloody wonderful that we're at a point where more obscure Marvel characters such as Moon Knight are getting their own projects.
This latest limited series does a fantastic job of introducing him, and his multiple personalities, in a unique and interesting way. It's definitely something different for the MCU and it's good that Disney+ is providing a platform to explore these quirkier and darker avenues.
Oscar Isaac deserves a whole bunch of credit for his portrayal of essentially two different characters. Both Stephen Grant and Mark Spector are characters that I cared about by the time the finale rolled around.
The overall pacing is the main detriment to Moon Knight. After an intriguing start, it does hit a major lull around the midway point that flirts with boredom on occasion, but a sharp left turn plotwise and a thoroughly entertaining finale save proceedings and then some.
Another enjoyable, if not perfect, series from Marvel Studios then, and a promising set up for Moon Knight to enter the movies as they start to explore some of the darker corners of their properties.
This latest limited series does a fantastic job of introducing him, and his multiple personalities, in a unique and interesting way. It's definitely something different for the MCU and it's good that Disney+ is providing a platform to explore these quirkier and darker avenues.
Oscar Isaac deserves a whole bunch of credit for his portrayal of essentially two different characters. Both Stephen Grant and Mark Spector are characters that I cared about by the time the finale rolled around.
The overall pacing is the main detriment to Moon Knight. After an intriguing start, it does hit a major lull around the midway point that flirts with boredom on occasion, but a sharp left turn plotwise and a thoroughly entertaining finale save proceedings and then some.
Another enjoyable, if not perfect, series from Marvel Studios then, and a promising set up for Moon Knight to enter the movies as they start to explore some of the darker corners of their properties.

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Black Widow (2021) in Movies
Jun 29, 2021
After a delay lasting 19 months; the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has returned to the big screen with “Black Widow”. The film takes place between “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War”; audiences get more of the backstory of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), as we are introduced to her early life before the Red Room.
This is not to say that the film is an origin story as it uses her backstory through a clever introduction that establishes her “family” as sleeper agents in Ohio before they escape and she and her cover sister are tuned over for conditioning and training.
Since Natasha is on the run from the authorities; she finds a remote location in Norway to bide her time. This does not last as a dangerous adversary known as the Taskmaster arrives and sets a chain of events into motion.
Natasha has been sent a package from her cover sister Yelena (Florence Pugh) who also went through the Red Room and became a top assassin in the years since she and Natasha last saw one another.
Despite her mixed feelings; Natasha ventures to Budapest and confronts Yelena who in turn reveals the package she sent her contains a compound that can free the other Black Widows from the control of the Red Room which despite Natasha’s insistence is still very much alive as is the head of the institute which she is convinced she killed long ago.
With Taskmaster and other Widows hot on their trail, Natasha and Yelena are forced to seek the help of their former “Father” the imprisoned hero Red Guardian (David Harbour), and their cover Mother Melina (Rachel Weisz), to find the location of the new Red Room; free the Widows, and end the program once and for all.
What follows is an engaging story with solid action and effects that remains at its core a character story as Natasha attempts to reconcile her cover family with her new Avengers family and the pain of her upbringing and conditioning.
Marvel resisted calls from some to release the film on Disney+ last year when the Pandemic caused multiple delays to the planned release dates. This decision to me was very wise as this is a film that needs to be seen and heard on the big screen as it is an experience that is best experienced in a cinema with others.
While many attempts were made over the decades to adapt comic heroes to film and television; most of them came up lacking and disappointed fans of the source material. Marvel for over a decade has continued to succeed as they have a clear plan, cast well, and have engaging characters that develop over time.
“Black Widow” fills in a missing gap of time in the MCU well and also sets up future adventures as a scene in the credits clearly links two of the live-action Disney+ series and shows that the long-term plan for the MCU continues and incorporates the film and television series well.
From the moment the Marvel intro and music appeared on the screen until the very end; “Black Widow” was a very enjoyable and engaging blockbuster adventure that shows Marvel at the top of their game; and why they continue to set event-level movies not to miss.
This is not to say that the film is an origin story as it uses her backstory through a clever introduction that establishes her “family” as sleeper agents in Ohio before they escape and she and her cover sister are tuned over for conditioning and training.
Since Natasha is on the run from the authorities; she finds a remote location in Norway to bide her time. This does not last as a dangerous adversary known as the Taskmaster arrives and sets a chain of events into motion.
Natasha has been sent a package from her cover sister Yelena (Florence Pugh) who also went through the Red Room and became a top assassin in the years since she and Natasha last saw one another.
Despite her mixed feelings; Natasha ventures to Budapest and confronts Yelena who in turn reveals the package she sent her contains a compound that can free the other Black Widows from the control of the Red Room which despite Natasha’s insistence is still very much alive as is the head of the institute which she is convinced she killed long ago.
With Taskmaster and other Widows hot on their trail, Natasha and Yelena are forced to seek the help of their former “Father” the imprisoned hero Red Guardian (David Harbour), and their cover Mother Melina (Rachel Weisz), to find the location of the new Red Room; free the Widows, and end the program once and for all.
What follows is an engaging story with solid action and effects that remains at its core a character story as Natasha attempts to reconcile her cover family with her new Avengers family and the pain of her upbringing and conditioning.
Marvel resisted calls from some to release the film on Disney+ last year when the Pandemic caused multiple delays to the planned release dates. This decision to me was very wise as this is a film that needs to be seen and heard on the big screen as it is an experience that is best experienced in a cinema with others.
While many attempts were made over the decades to adapt comic heroes to film and television; most of them came up lacking and disappointed fans of the source material. Marvel for over a decade has continued to succeed as they have a clear plan, cast well, and have engaging characters that develop over time.
“Black Widow” fills in a missing gap of time in the MCU well and also sets up future adventures as a scene in the credits clearly links two of the live-action Disney+ series and shows that the long-term plan for the MCU continues and incorporates the film and television series well.
From the moment the Marvel intro and music appeared on the screen until the very end; “Black Widow” was a very enjoyable and engaging blockbuster adventure that shows Marvel at the top of their game; and why they continue to set event-level movies not to miss.

James P. Sumner (65 KP) created a post
Aug 22, 2019

Awix (3310 KP) rated Captain America: Civil War (2016) in Movies
Mar 30, 2018 (Updated Feb 14, 2020)
Thirteenth MCU movie is a supremely confident and accomplished piece of entertainment. Attempts to bring the Avengers under political control cause tensions within the group; these are only exacerbated when the Winter Soldier resurfaces and apparently commits a deadly attack on an international summit.
Despite the title, this is basically the third Avengers movie, and possibly the best one yet, with great performances and superbly staged action built around a solid script. The directors marshal a big story with lots and lots of characters and make it look very easy; no wonder they were signed up for the next (proper) Avengers film. On the other hand, despite the exhilarating thrills of sequences like the stunning airport battle, this is ultimately quite a dark and introspective film about guilt, loyalty, responsibility, and friendships stretched to breaking point, and this and the fact it is so dependent on having seen many of the previous films in the series means it is probably not the most accessible of Marvel pictures. For those who've been following along, however, this is one of the best film in what's currently the most consistently impressive film franchise in the world. Plus, Black Panther's in it, too.
Despite the title, this is basically the third Avengers movie, and possibly the best one yet, with great performances and superbly staged action built around a solid script. The directors marshal a big story with lots and lots of characters and make it look very easy; no wonder they were signed up for the next (proper) Avengers film. On the other hand, despite the exhilarating thrills of sequences like the stunning airport battle, this is ultimately quite a dark and introspective film about guilt, loyalty, responsibility, and friendships stretched to breaking point, and this and the fact it is so dependent on having seen many of the previous films in the series means it is probably not the most accessible of Marvel pictures. For those who've been following along, however, this is one of the best film in what's currently the most consistently impressive film franchise in the world. Plus, Black Panther's in it, too.

Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Spawn (1997) in Movies
Mar 16, 2020
Where you're going, every day is Halloween.
Spawn is a 1997 anti-hero film based on the comic book character of the same name. the film stars Michael Jai White in the title role, and is one of the first films to feature an African American actor portraying a major comic book superhero.
Al Simmons is a mercenary who, after accepting a mission is double-crossed and assassinated on the orders of Jason Wynn. After selling his soul to Malebolgia, Al soon returns to Earth as a demon, a hell spawn with a raging thirst for vengeance.
After being reborn, Spawn has little time to understand his new being and must act fast all whist learning new abilities along the way.
Though not as dark as it's comic book counterpart and a little more humorous, Spawn is a nice addition to a pre MCU world, which would have been amazing to see this version of him team up with the likes of Wesley snipes Blade and future hero's like tobey Maguires Spiderman & Nicholas cages Ghost Rider.
Visually entertaining & always a personal favourite.
Love the CGI Cape.
Al Simmons is a mercenary who, after accepting a mission is double-crossed and assassinated on the orders of Jason Wynn. After selling his soul to Malebolgia, Al soon returns to Earth as a demon, a hell spawn with a raging thirst for vengeance.
After being reborn, Spawn has little time to understand his new being and must act fast all whist learning new abilities along the way.
Though not as dark as it's comic book counterpart and a little more humorous, Spawn is a nice addition to a pre MCU world, which would have been amazing to see this version of him team up with the likes of Wesley snipes Blade and future hero's like tobey Maguires Spiderman & Nicholas cages Ghost Rider.
Visually entertaining & always a personal favourite.
Love the CGI Cape.