Nick Smallwood (0 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Mar 10, 2018
Ryan Coogler very adeptly introduces a brand new culture, a brand new nation, to the Marvel Universe, finally pulling back the veil on Wakanda itself after many hints and Easter eggs.
Fresh from his appearance in Captain America: Civil War, which is recapped very briefly in the beginning of the film, Black Panther comes home to be declared King after a quick action scene that shows Black Panther in action, shot VERY well while maintaining the Marvel humor shown in Ragnarok. "Don't freeze."
As the movie progresses and we're introduced to Michael B. Jordan's villain of the film, we are given an empathetic villain we can eventually sympathize with, albeit knowing full and well that he is still the bad guy who needs to be foiled.
Some character highlights of the film include Princess Shuri, a welcome addition to the MCU, the return of Ulysses Claue from Avengers: Age of Ultron and Everett Ross from Captain America: Civil War, and newcomer M'Baku, who was very tastefully adapted for the film without calling him Man-Ape.
The action scenes were well done, Wakanda showed cultural depth, the plot was well-developed and every scene that wasn't self-explained was eventually paid off later on.
This being a comic book film, it translated Wakanda well, and shows Marvel has found their groove. The distractions I have are few and far between, mostly just stemming from Killmonger's use of a Black Panther suit (Iron Monger, The Abomination, The Red Skull, and Kaecillius all come to mind as mirrored versions of the heroes) and some spotty pacing between some scenes.
Also.
Didn't expect it, didn't see it in trailers, so mild spoilers, but.
Battle Rhinos.
Awesome.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) in Movies
Aug 19, 2017
James Cameron (2 KP) rated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) in Movies
Mar 14, 2018
While the film has a few good moments (baby Groot, Yandu, Rocket all have stand out scenes) it's ultimately a run of the mill, by the numbers comic book movie. Yes it's pretty, yes it's got a big budget, no I didn't enjoy it.
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Daniel L. Bamberg (1 KP) rated Justice League (2017) in Movies
Nov 22, 2017
These heroes are portrayed mostly spot-on and in the cases of Cyborg and Aquaman are miles more interesting on screen than they ever were in the comics.
Justice League has a very basic plot, but this allows us to really get to know the characters through interaction rather than backstory.
The villain is weak but we feel his threat more through the way the heroes respond because of it.
It's an origin tale that doesn't pander to the audience, rather it tells us all we need to know through amazing visuals, entertaining dialogue, and solid characters.
Justice League is also one of the first "team up" comic book films that flows through a well "beaten" three-act structure. The pacing is a thing of mastery.
Highly recommended.