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Michael Pacey (8 KP) rated Captain Marvel (2019) in Movies
Mar 8, 2019
First female lead for Marvel (2 more)
Unexpected twists
Kept with MCU continuity
Kree make up lacked a little (2 more)
Good Marvel knowledge required to make full sense of movie
Possibly released too close to Endgame to get the recognition it deserves
Brie Larson rocks Captain Marvel with almost perfect performance
Brie Larson kicks butt in this action packed adventure that takes Carol Danvers on a trip down (a very long) memory lane.
The overall plot of the movie works brilliantly and does well to give fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe a glimpse of the raw power that Captain Marvel posseses. The story (with good reason obviously) focused a lot on Captain Marvels journey to learn who she is and where she comes from. In doing that however I feel like Marvel left us with little back story behind the Kree-Skrull war. This could be paid off in later films but I do feel as though this was the perfect opportunity.
The 90's feel was executed to perfection, from the costumes to the sets, the soundtrack to the technology, there was a perfect amount of nostalgia without it getting close to cheesy. This allowed the film to focus on it's 'Top Gun' style and makes it stand out and stand strong amongst any other Marvel film to date.
Whilst I feel there was a small amount of detail missing, overall I thought the film was an action packed rollercoaster of fun which made great use of the opportunity to set up everything that was to come in the MCU timeline.
Brie Larson and Samuel L Jackson were terrific and I hope they can collaborate further in any planned sequel.
On a final note, now that Captain Marvel is out there for the world to see, bring on Avengers: Endgame!
Higher Futher Faster.
The overall plot of the movie works brilliantly and does well to give fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe a glimpse of the raw power that Captain Marvel posseses. The story (with good reason obviously) focused a lot on Captain Marvels journey to learn who she is and where she comes from. In doing that however I feel like Marvel left us with little back story behind the Kree-Skrull war. This could be paid off in later films but I do feel as though this was the perfect opportunity.
The 90's feel was executed to perfection, from the costumes to the sets, the soundtrack to the technology, there was a perfect amount of nostalgia without it getting close to cheesy. This allowed the film to focus on it's 'Top Gun' style and makes it stand out and stand strong amongst any other Marvel film to date.
Whilst I feel there was a small amount of detail missing, overall I thought the film was an action packed rollercoaster of fun which made great use of the opportunity to set up everything that was to come in the MCU timeline.
Brie Larson and Samuel L Jackson were terrific and I hope they can collaborate further in any planned sequel.
On a final note, now that Captain Marvel is out there for the world to see, bring on Avengers: Endgame!
Higher Futher Faster.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
The MCU was in full swing during the summer blockbuster season of 2011. Joe Johnston (Jurassic Park III, Jumanji) helmed this adaptation of the comic with his usual confidence. Chris Evans has now become a staple of the MCU and his origins story is definitely one of the most interesting.
The villains, well, they suffer here and are frankly a little ridiculous, but the special effects are on-point and it has a great score by Alan Silvestri. All in all, a pretty average first outing for the First Avenger, but one to build on with the two sequels that followed.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2018/04/21/the-entire-marvel-cinematic-universe-ranked/
The villains, well, they suffer here and are frankly a little ridiculous, but the special effects are on-point and it has a great score by Alan Silvestri. All in all, a pretty average first outing for the First Avenger, but one to build on with the two sequels that followed.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2018/04/21/the-entire-marvel-cinematic-universe-ranked/
David McK (3162 KP) rated Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) in Movies
Mar 15, 2020
I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot.
I am Groot,
We are Groot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initially viewed as one of the riskier entries into mnarvel's (then) expanding cinematic universe starring, as it did, a talking raccoon and a talking tree and taking its inspiration form one of the lesser-known Marvel comics (admit it, who'd heard of them prior to this film? Unlike, say, Captain America?) this proved to be one of its biggest hits and made a star of Chris Pratt (as Peter Quill, aka StarLord), helped - in no small part - by a killer soundtrack, a bit of comedic leanings and - of course - by the brilliant Groot!
Not quite as good as Baby Groot from the sequel, though ...
I am Groot,
We are Groot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initially viewed as one of the riskier entries into mnarvel's (then) expanding cinematic universe starring, as it did, a talking raccoon and a talking tree and taking its inspiration form one of the lesser-known Marvel comics (admit it, who'd heard of them prior to this film? Unlike, say, Captain America?) this proved to be one of its biggest hits and made a star of Chris Pratt (as Peter Quill, aka StarLord), helped - in no small part - by a killer soundtrack, a bit of comedic leanings and - of course - by the brilliant Groot!
Not quite as good as Baby Groot from the sequel, though ...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) in Movies
Jul 8, 2018
In a word - fun
By this time, either you are "in" on the Marvel Cinematic Universe or you are "out". If you are "out", there's not a whole lot that I (or any other reviewer) will be able to do to change your mind. Which is too bad, for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a pretty fun ride. The folks at Marvel "have it down" and I can't remember the last time that I was disappointed by a Marvel movie.
And that goes for the latest installment - ANTMAN AND THE WASP.
Starring Paul Rudd and Evangaline Lilly as the titular characters, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP is the follow-up to 2015's ANT-MAN and (more directly) 2016's CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. It also answers the question as to why these characters were not involved in the other Marvel movie this summer - AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, Part 1.
But, like most of the Marvel films, the plot doesn't really matter, it is the characters and the situations they are put in that matter. And, in the case of this film, the word I would use for both is FUN.
Starting with bickering stars Rudd and Lilly. They do the "frenemies with a no-doubter mutual attraction" thing very well. They play off each other smartly, with Lilly's common sense, physicality and "cut the crap" attitude in vast contrast to Rudd's "man-child". Both are winning presences on the screen, with Rudd's natural charm jumping at you in places where (if it didn't) his character would seem like a jerk.
Joining in the fun is Michael Douglas as, basically, the referee for these two. He looks like he's having fun - despite himself - and really comes into his own with his character. Randall Park does a fun turn as a Federal Agent charged with keeping an eye on Rudd's character and Lawrence Fishburne brings "Morpheus-like" gravitas to his role as a fellow scientist.
But...like in the first Ant-Man film...the characters that steal the film are Michael Pena and his two dim-witted assistants, David Dastmalchian and T.I. When any one of these three (but, especially Pena) are on the screen, the maniacal, fun energy of this film rises dramatically. They had me wishing that they would have their own film to themselves. But..maybe I like them so much because they are being fed to us in very small doses.
Unfortunately, Judy Greer and Bobby Canavale (from the first film) and Walton Goggins (new to this film) don't really have enough to do - and when they are given something to do, it pales in comparison to the others - and to the action.
And what terrific action there is! Filmmaker Peyton Reed (he also Directed Ant Man) does a nice job of keeping the action simple (enough) that you always knew what was going on and playing with size (now they're BIG, now they're SMALL, now they're NORMAL size...) was used wisely to always drive the film - and the action - forward.
As with all Marvel films, this one has a place in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (a place I won't spoil here), but I was satisfied with how they dealt with this film as a stand alone, "chase" movie, yet still connected to the rest.
A good time was had.
Letter Grade: A-
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And that goes for the latest installment - ANTMAN AND THE WASP.
Starring Paul Rudd and Evangaline Lilly as the titular characters, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP is the follow-up to 2015's ANT-MAN and (more directly) 2016's CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. It also answers the question as to why these characters were not involved in the other Marvel movie this summer - AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, Part 1.
But, like most of the Marvel films, the plot doesn't really matter, it is the characters and the situations they are put in that matter. And, in the case of this film, the word I would use for both is FUN.
Starting with bickering stars Rudd and Lilly. They do the "frenemies with a no-doubter mutual attraction" thing very well. They play off each other smartly, with Lilly's common sense, physicality and "cut the crap" attitude in vast contrast to Rudd's "man-child". Both are winning presences on the screen, with Rudd's natural charm jumping at you in places where (if it didn't) his character would seem like a jerk.
Joining in the fun is Michael Douglas as, basically, the referee for these two. He looks like he's having fun - despite himself - and really comes into his own with his character. Randall Park does a fun turn as a Federal Agent charged with keeping an eye on Rudd's character and Lawrence Fishburne brings "Morpheus-like" gravitas to his role as a fellow scientist.
But...like in the first Ant-Man film...the characters that steal the film are Michael Pena and his two dim-witted assistants, David Dastmalchian and T.I. When any one of these three (but, especially Pena) are on the screen, the maniacal, fun energy of this film rises dramatically. They had me wishing that they would have their own film to themselves. But..maybe I like them so much because they are being fed to us in very small doses.
Unfortunately, Judy Greer and Bobby Canavale (from the first film) and Walton Goggins (new to this film) don't really have enough to do - and when they are given something to do, it pales in comparison to the others - and to the action.
And what terrific action there is! Filmmaker Peyton Reed (he also Directed Ant Man) does a nice job of keeping the action simple (enough) that you always knew what was going on and playing with size (now they're BIG, now they're SMALL, now they're NORMAL size...) was used wisely to always drive the film - and the action - forward.
As with all Marvel films, this one has a place in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (a place I won't spoil here), but I was satisfied with how they dealt with this film as a stand alone, "chase" movie, yet still connected to the rest.
A good time was had.
Letter Grade: A-
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Marqees (17 KP) rated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) in Movies
Jan 20, 2018
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a hilarious romp of a superhero movie. Chris Pratt and friends return as the titular Guardians a few months or so removed from the first film. This time Star-Lord and friends must figure out the mystery of Ego The living planet and Star-Lord's origins. Writer/Director James Gunn strikes gold once again in this highly anticipated sequel. The way he has portrayed this ragtag team has set them apart from other heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. My only issues would be the retread of the whole "we are family" story. Vol. 1 already established that they became tight-knit through their trials on Xandar. The other would of course the weak villian of the film with the whole take over the universe plot point. Other than that it is a solid film.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated The Incredible Hulk (2008) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
A lot of people forget this film is even part of the MCU, I do as well! And there’s a reason for this. Louis Letterier’s version of the great green behemoth is a decent film in its own right, but a little bit boring and nondescript.
Edward Norton and Liv Tyler are fine, if lacking a little in any on-screen chemistry and the story really disappoints. The special effects too, whilst better than Ang Lee’s Hulk, just aren’t up to scratch, especially considering Iron Man was released just two months earlier. This film threatened to derail the MCU before it had even got going. Thankfully that wasn’t the case.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2018/04/21/the-entire-marvel-cinematic-universe-ranked/
Edward Norton and Liv Tyler are fine, if lacking a little in any on-screen chemistry and the story really disappoints. The special effects too, whilst better than Ang Lee’s Hulk, just aren’t up to scratch, especially considering Iron Man was released just two months earlier. This film threatened to derail the MCU before it had even got going. Thankfully that wasn’t the case.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2018/04/21/the-entire-marvel-cinematic-universe-ranked/
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated Iron Man 3 (2013) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Shane Black’s take on Iron Man 3 angered and delighted fans in equal measure. Which camp you belong to mostly depends on how you feel Black handled the film’s main villain; The Mandarin.
In my opinion, Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of the iconic badass was a little wasted. The revelation that The Mandarin was a character created by Guy Pearce’s Aldrich Killian creates yet another poor MCU villain. Had Kingsley indeed been the real Mandarin, he could’ve rivalled Loki for MCU villain supremacy. As it stands, Iron Man 3 is a brave film and that in itself means it should be applauded. It also has a great finale and beautiful cinematography.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2018/04/21/the-entire-marvel-cinematic-universe-ranked/
In my opinion, Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of the iconic badass was a little wasted. The revelation that The Mandarin was a character created by Guy Pearce’s Aldrich Killian creates yet another poor MCU villain. Had Kingsley indeed been the real Mandarin, he could’ve rivalled Loki for MCU villain supremacy. As it stands, Iron Man 3 is a brave film and that in itself means it should be applauded. It also has a great finale and beautiful cinematography.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2018/04/21/the-entire-marvel-cinematic-universe-ranked/
Blazing Minds (89 KP) rated X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) in Movies
Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)
The IMAX version of the film looks and sounds great, Hans Zimmer’s score for the movie is fantastic and sounds superb in the IMAX cinema, but sadly the movie is let down by several things, one being Jessica Chastain’s character, I just found her so one dimensional and didn’t enjoy her screentime, which is a shame as Chastain is a superb actress with the right roles. I would have loved to have seen that Jean and Logan’s chemistry brought in to play, we saw that with the original movies, but with Hugh Jackman being a lot older now, I suppose it may not have looked right, but then again we have seen some amazing CGI in making cast look younger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
HyruleBalverine (16 KP) rated Justice League (2017) in Movies
Jun 9, 2018
A light begins to shine on the darkness of the DC Extended Universe
After the dark brooding mess that was Batman Vs. Superman and the hot mess that was Suicide Squad, I was quite pleasantly surprised with Justice League.
With no offense intended towards Zack Snyder, who is good at what he does, I found his gritty take on the DC universe to be too dark. Whether the original intent had always been to start off dark and depressing and lead into a more light and hopeful tone with Justice League, or if it was Joss Whedon's influence once he stepped in when Snyder had to leave, or just WB/DC trying to keep up with Marvel, the shift in tone was the right choice.
While they are clearly still trying to play catch up with the MCU in setting up their cinematic universe, the build up in this movie did not feel quite as rushed as Dawn of Justice. Personally, I would have liked to see the other characters getting their own movies in order to set this up, but they're introductions in this movie seemed to have been done well. Also, while DC is certainly trying to match Marvel by using their big baddie Darkseid (the Thanos of the DC Universe), they didn't throw him into this movie in an attempt to jump into their own Infinity War type movie; rather, they used another character, tied to Darkseid, to build up to the massive enemy that Darkseid will be.
It is my hope that after the amazing film that Wonder Woman was and the great change in tone of Justice League, the DCEU will continue with this current trend of hopefulness and quippy Super Heroes.
With no offense intended towards Zack Snyder, who is good at what he does, I found his gritty take on the DC universe to be too dark. Whether the original intent had always been to start off dark and depressing and lead into a more light and hopeful tone with Justice League, or if it was Joss Whedon's influence once he stepped in when Snyder had to leave, or just WB/DC trying to keep up with Marvel, the shift in tone was the right choice.
While they are clearly still trying to play catch up with the MCU in setting up their cinematic universe, the build up in this movie did not feel quite as rushed as Dawn of Justice. Personally, I would have liked to see the other characters getting their own movies in order to set this up, but they're introductions in this movie seemed to have been done well. Also, while DC is certainly trying to match Marvel by using their big baddie Darkseid (the Thanos of the DC Universe), they didn't throw him into this movie in an attempt to jump into their own Infinity War type movie; rather, they used another character, tied to Darkseid, to build up to the massive enemy that Darkseid will be.
It is my hope that after the amazing film that Wonder Woman was and the great change in tone of Justice League, the DCEU will continue with this current trend of hopefulness and quippy Super Heroes.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
8.9
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Avengers: Endgame is an upcoming American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team...