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David McK (3562 KP) rated Black Widow (2021) in Movies
Aug 8, 2021
The first Marvel movie out of the stables since the start of the Worldwide Covid-19 pandemic; I believe this was originally to be released before the likes of even WandaVision (shown on Disney+).
This was alos released concurrently on Disney+ (behind a paywall) and in the cinema: indeed, this is the very reason for ScarJo's lawsuit against Disney (she says she was told it would be theatres first, then Disney+ and that she only gets a percentage of box office takings).
Anyway, all that aside: this is actually set pre-snap; the majority of it back just after the events of 'Captain America: Civil War' (and thus before 'Avengers: Infinty War'), with Natasha on the run from the US government having broken the Sokovia Accords. It's not long, however, before she receives a package from a previous safe-house (Budapest. Yes, the Budapest mentioned before with Hawkeye: 'remember Budapest?') that leads her into a further adventure, this time involving her surrogate 'family' from when she was undercover in America as a kid in the mid 1990s.
Her 'dad' (David Harbour) 'Red Guardian' steals the show, while Florence Pugh (as her younger 'sister') and Rachel Weisz (as her 'mum') also provide sterling back-up.
Plenty of action, but the film does, perhaps, fall into the common Marvel trap of having a CGI-heavy ending ...
This was alos released concurrently on Disney+ (behind a paywall) and in the cinema: indeed, this is the very reason for ScarJo's lawsuit against Disney (she says she was told it would be theatres first, then Disney+ and that she only gets a percentage of box office takings).
Anyway, all that aside: this is actually set pre-snap; the majority of it back just after the events of 'Captain America: Civil War' (and thus before 'Avengers: Infinty War'), with Natasha on the run from the US government having broken the Sokovia Accords. It's not long, however, before she receives a package from a previous safe-house (Budapest. Yes, the Budapest mentioned before with Hawkeye: 'remember Budapest?') that leads her into a further adventure, this time involving her surrogate 'family' from when she was undercover in America as a kid in the mid 1990s.
Her 'dad' (David Harbour) 'Red Guardian' steals the show, while Florence Pugh (as her younger 'sister') and Rachel Weisz (as her 'mum') also provide sterling back-up.
Plenty of action, but the film does, perhaps, fall into the common Marvel trap of having a CGI-heavy ending ...
Lee (2222 KP) rated Captain Marvel (2019) in Movies
Mar 9, 2019
Following the traumatic and devastating events of last years Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel finally arrives on our screens with huge expectation, anticipation and excitement. As Nick Fury was reduced to dust in the final moments of Infinity War, along with half of all living things in the universe, we saw that he'd just managed to send out an SOS message. The recipient of that message was revealed to be Captain Marvel, so far absent from the cinematic universe but labelled outside of it as "Marvel's biggest female hero", and "quite possibly Marvel's mightiest Avenger". With mad Titan Thanos still on the loose, and half of all life to restore, there's clearly a great deal resting on her shoulders. Thankfully we'll get to see how that all plays out in just over a month when Endgame hits our cinemas, but in the meantime we need to get up to speed on the origins of Captain Marvel.
But this isn't your standard origin story. When we first join Captain Marvel, or Vers as she is currently known, she is already part of the Kree Starforce, fighting alongside her mentor Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) as they take on shape-shifting enemies, the Skrulls. She already has a considerable amount of power, although she has no memory of how exactly she came about it, or of any kind of life preceding it. Following an early morning bit of fight training, with Yon-Rogg urging her to try and control her emotions and her power, it's straight into the action as the Starforce team are sent out on an important field mission. Things don't quite go according to plan though, and when they're ambushed by a group of Skrulls, Vers is kidnapped by Skrull commander Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) and taken to their ship for interrogation.
The interrogation has a kind of Total Recall effect on Vers - unlocking memories of her life as a child, growing up with friends, military training and more. She manages to mount an escape, fleeing the ship and crash landing on planet C-53 (or as we know it, Earth), along with a bunch of Skrulls. She lands in the middle of a Blockbuster video store, with the Skrulls landing on a nearby beach and assuming the shape of some surfing humans in order to blend in with the locals. It's not long before the dramatic arrival has drawn the attention of a couple of SHIELD agents by the name of Fury and Coulson, both looking a lot younger than we're used to, due to the fact that we're in 1995. The de-aging effect, used sparingly but impressively in previous Marvel movies is simply incredible here, given that it is being relied upon for the entire movie in order to make the young Nick Fury believable. And it totally works too.
Up until this point in the movie, I felt that it was all just a little bit bland. We don't really get much time to get acquainted with our hero, or the alien world she inhabits, and the space-team-field-mission elements have all been done previously, and much better, in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. Coincidentally, Ronan and Korath who star in those movies both appear early on in Captain Marvel, providing some nice backstory for them and a link to the rest of the cinematic universe. It's only when Vers arrives on Earth, and teams up with Nick Fury in order to stop the Skrull invasion, that the movie really finds its footing, becoming a great deal more interesting and enjoyable. Things really lighten up too, accompanied by a great 90s soundtrack and giving off a cool 90s buddy cop movie vibe. It's also great to see Nick Fury acting much less serious and having a lot more to do than in previous Marvel movies. As for Vers, we finally begin to learn a lot more about her too as she begins to piece together her forgotten history and learn more about her life on Earth as Carol Danvers.
The movie is made all the more fun by a couple of very good additional characters. Ben Mendelsohn is outstanding as Talos, providing just the right combination of menace and humour. Special mention also for Goose the cat, who joins Danvers and Fury on their journey. Although, if you're familiar with the comics (where he is known as Chewie), you'll know that there's more to him that meets the eye and he literally manages to steal every single scene he's in, providing some of the movies laugh out loud and surprising moments.
The final third of the movie is where things really kick in though with Carol Danvers unlocking her full potential, despite being repeatedly told throughout life that she's too emotional and too weak. Unleashing hell in an epic, breathtaking and extremely satisfying space battle. With just over a month to go until the release of Endgame, Thanos better be scared. He's not going to know what hit him!
But this isn't your standard origin story. When we first join Captain Marvel, or Vers as she is currently known, she is already part of the Kree Starforce, fighting alongside her mentor Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) as they take on shape-shifting enemies, the Skrulls. She already has a considerable amount of power, although she has no memory of how exactly she came about it, or of any kind of life preceding it. Following an early morning bit of fight training, with Yon-Rogg urging her to try and control her emotions and her power, it's straight into the action as the Starforce team are sent out on an important field mission. Things don't quite go according to plan though, and when they're ambushed by a group of Skrulls, Vers is kidnapped by Skrull commander Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) and taken to their ship for interrogation.
The interrogation has a kind of Total Recall effect on Vers - unlocking memories of her life as a child, growing up with friends, military training and more. She manages to mount an escape, fleeing the ship and crash landing on planet C-53 (or as we know it, Earth), along with a bunch of Skrulls. She lands in the middle of a Blockbuster video store, with the Skrulls landing on a nearby beach and assuming the shape of some surfing humans in order to blend in with the locals. It's not long before the dramatic arrival has drawn the attention of a couple of SHIELD agents by the name of Fury and Coulson, both looking a lot younger than we're used to, due to the fact that we're in 1995. The de-aging effect, used sparingly but impressively in previous Marvel movies is simply incredible here, given that it is being relied upon for the entire movie in order to make the young Nick Fury believable. And it totally works too.
Up until this point in the movie, I felt that it was all just a little bit bland. We don't really get much time to get acquainted with our hero, or the alien world she inhabits, and the space-team-field-mission elements have all been done previously, and much better, in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. Coincidentally, Ronan and Korath who star in those movies both appear early on in Captain Marvel, providing some nice backstory for them and a link to the rest of the cinematic universe. It's only when Vers arrives on Earth, and teams up with Nick Fury in order to stop the Skrull invasion, that the movie really finds its footing, becoming a great deal more interesting and enjoyable. Things really lighten up too, accompanied by a great 90s soundtrack and giving off a cool 90s buddy cop movie vibe. It's also great to see Nick Fury acting much less serious and having a lot more to do than in previous Marvel movies. As for Vers, we finally begin to learn a lot more about her too as she begins to piece together her forgotten history and learn more about her life on Earth as Carol Danvers.
The movie is made all the more fun by a couple of very good additional characters. Ben Mendelsohn is outstanding as Talos, providing just the right combination of menace and humour. Special mention also for Goose the cat, who joins Danvers and Fury on their journey. Although, if you're familiar with the comics (where he is known as Chewie), you'll know that there's more to him that meets the eye and he literally manages to steal every single scene he's in, providing some of the movies laugh out loud and surprising moments.
The final third of the movie is where things really kick in though with Carol Danvers unlocking her full potential, despite being repeatedly told throughout life that she's too emotional and too weak. Unleashing hell in an epic, breathtaking and extremely satisfying space battle. With just over a month to go until the release of Endgame, Thanos better be scared. He's not going to know what hit him!
Murphy (5 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2017
Spidey is finally following the Marvel formula
If you're hoping for a perfect movie, brace yourself for disappointment.
If you want to see a Spider-Man movie as close to how it should be as possible, this should make you happy.
The movie was a blast. Good fun. Great cast.
My biggest complaint was the suit. It was a little too IronMan for my tastes.
The groundwork is set, Spider-Man is back home where he belongs...and little teases about the direction of the franchise are scattered throughout for the observant nerd.
If you want to see a Spider-Man movie as close to how it should be as possible, this should make you happy.
The movie was a blast. Good fun. Great cast.
My biggest complaint was the suit. It was a little too IronMan for my tastes.
The groundwork is set, Spider-Man is back home where he belongs...and little teases about the direction of the franchise are scattered throughout for the observant nerd.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Logan (2017) in Movies
Jul 28, 2017
The best Wolverine film by far
This is the Wolverine film we've all been waiting for, and this is the kind of film they should've made to begin with (instead of the Origins etc).
This is a very fitting final outing for Wolverine. I loved the violence, it's refreshing to see a more adult Marvel film for a change - possibly taking it's lead from Deadpool? Some great turns from Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart too. My only complaint would be that the film gets a bit repetitive - Wolverine goes somewhere to hide out, gets found, fights, moves on - could've done without this quite so many times.
This is a very fitting final outing for Wolverine. I loved the violence, it's refreshing to see a more adult Marvel film for a change - possibly taking it's lead from Deadpool? Some great turns from Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart too. My only complaint would be that the film gets a bit repetitive - Wolverine goes somewhere to hide out, gets found, fights, moves on - could've done without this quite so many times.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Doctor Strange (2016) in Movies
Aug 16, 2017
Benedict Cumberbatch (1 more)
Special effects
A bit of a meh storyline (1 more)
BC's accent is all over the place
Fun to watch but nothing special
This is predictable beyond belief. As are most comic book films. A doctor has a big predicament (there's always some trouble at the beginning) and then has to become all-powerful to overcome this. Literally that's pretty much the entire storyline - it's not particularly intelligent. That being said, the graphics are pretty stunning, the scenes showing Benedict Cumberbatch running from one dimension to another is absolutely breathtaking. It feels on a higher scale than other Marvel films in terms of cinematography.
AT (1676 KP) rated The Punisher - Season 2 in TV
Feb 2, 2019
I love the Punisher! I loved season 1. We just finished binging season 2, which I also liked a lot. However, without giving spoilers, it had a completely different feel than the first season. There were a couple of elements in the second season that I could have done without, or at least with changes, but overall, I still fully enjoyed it. I'm glad the show didn't get cancelled the way some of the other Marvel shows on Netflix did. However, if it does at this point, I would still feel like things had been completed. Hopefully they'll throw a third season at us, though!
ClareR (5884 KP) rated Kick-Ass (2010) in Movies
Apr 22, 2019
When I grow up, I want to be Hit Girl!
I really like this film, and I’ve watched it more than once! It’s very cartoonish in its delivery, and that’s just fine by me! Although that is kind of counteracted by the extreme violence and the language (I have to admit that I laughed A LOT when Hit Girl uses the ‘C’ word - I think that’s a British thing, possibly ??♀️) .
I’ve no doubt this will get watched again in my house - I have two teenaged boys who have been brought up in a house of graphic novels and superhero/ Marvel/ DC movies, so it’s a strong likelihood!
I’ve no doubt this will get watched again in my house - I have two teenaged boys who have been brought up in a house of graphic novels and superhero/ Marvel/ DC movies, so it’s a strong likelihood!
David McK (3562 KP) rated X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) in Movies
Apr 26, 2019
Third entry in the 'new' X-men series (that started with the 60s set First Class, then had the cross-generational Days of Future Pay bringing both sets of X-men into the one film), so probably about sixth overall (or seventh if you included the spin offs), this is set in an alternate 1980s and is actually surprisingly unengaging.
Unlike the time travel shenanigans of the previous film (and the Sentinels), Wolverine only makes a cameo in this while the 'big bad' is actually the worlds first mutant who - in the prologue - gets buried in ancient Egypt.
Unlike the Marvel universe films, however, Quicksilver survives in this!
Unlike the time travel shenanigans of the previous film (and the Sentinels), Wolverine only makes a cameo in this while the 'big bad' is actually the worlds first mutant who - in the prologue - gets buried in ancient Egypt.
Unlike the Marvel universe films, however, Quicksilver survives in this!
Eric Quesenberry (7 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Apr 30, 2019
Amazing Finish
This is a an amazing movie and worth the three hour time frame. It is the epic ending that the infinity series deserved. The storytelling was absolutely breath taking, just watching it brought back memories from watching all of these characters grow and develop over this past decade. I highly recommend seeing it and to watch all 21 marvel movies if you already haven't seen them. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will experience many emotions before the end of this movie. I feel you all will not regret going to see this movie. As Stan Lee always used to say, Excelsior my fellow fans.
ClareR (5884 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
May 5, 2019
Well I loved this film. I’m aware it was really long, but it seemed to pass very quickly. I was happy with the way it went with various characters (I don’t want to give it away!) and I loved how all of the marvel superheroes were tied in to the story. I can see they’re likely to be ‘bigging up’ the female characters in future films, and that’s no bad thing at all.
I’m just sad that it seems to have come to an end for some characters, but I suppose they can’t play those roles forever.
I AM looking forward to a new Guardians of the Galaxy though!
I’m just sad that it seems to have come to an end for some characters, but I suppose they can’t play those roles forever.
I AM looking forward to a new Guardians of the Galaxy though!