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Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 4: The Catastrophe Con
7.0
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Doctor Aphra is behind bars. Again. But this time she's in Imperial custody, strapped to an...
Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Old Republic, Vol. 2
Book
Daze of hate, knights of suffering! Fugitive Zayne Carrick joins forces with the Jedi Masters who...
Star Wars: Darth Vader, Volume 2: Into the Fire
6.0
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Darth Vader failed to turn his son, Luke Skywalker, to the dark side. Vader sought revenge against...
Laura lou (304 KP) rated Black Widow (2021) in Movies
Mar 31, 2022
Acting (1 more)
Storyline
Felt rushed (1 more)
Hard to get into
Contains spoilers, click to show
I was so looking forward to this movie as black widow it one of my favourite superheroes, but I found it to be quite disappointing for a Marvel movie.
The film starts off great with a good backstory that tugs on your heartstrings.
Once the movie moved on from the backstory I found it to be very rushed and was a little confused as to what was going on.
I felt like three quarters of the film were just action scenes which yes are important in action movies, but it felt like too much of the movie was put into the action and not enough in the story which made it hard to get invest in the characters.
Overall the film was ok and enjoyable but I don’t plan to watch it again any time soon.
The film starts off great with a good backstory that tugs on your heartstrings.
Once the movie moved on from the backstory I found it to be very rushed and was a little confused as to what was going on.
I felt like three quarters of the film were just action scenes which yes are important in action movies, but it felt like too much of the movie was put into the action and not enough in the story which made it hard to get invest in the characters.
Overall the film was ok and enjoyable but I don’t plan to watch it again any time soon.
Ryan Hill (152 KP) rated Doctor Strange (2016) in Movies
May 11, 2019
"Try me Beyoncé"
The 14th instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe marks the arrival of yet another avenger into the already crowded Marvel family while also bringing mystic arts & alternate dimensions into its ever-expanding universe. But even though it offers a kaleidoscopic journey through astral realms, infinite realities & spacetime contortions, it isn't entirely different from the norm.
Doctor Strange tells the story of Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands after a car accident, spends all his money on experimental surgeries to regain his abilities, and travels east for a last resort treatment where he meets a powerful sorcerer who teaches him ways to harness energy & shape realities through the mystic arts.
Co-written & directed by Scott Derrickson (best known for The Exorcism of Emily Rose & Sinister), Doctor Strange marks his first stint with comic book movies and while he succeeds in delivering a sufficiently entertaining blockbuster, his latest suffers from the same issues that marred his earlier works as Derrickson begins this story on a promising note but once again loses his grip in the middle.
The screenplay features a universe that's full of imaginations & possibilities yet beneath its parallel universes, time manipulation & astral projections lies the same generic storyline following the same predictable route that we all have seen many times before. What's interesting, however, is how the arc of the eponymous character is handled, for Stephen Strange remains an intriguing character at all times.
Production Design team chips in with set pieces that brim with mystical qualities while props such as ancient artefacts & antiquated relics provide added details to the desired spiritual environment. Camerawork is fine, Editing gets carried away by letting numerous CGI-infested moments overstay their welcome due to which it feels longer than it should. And Michael Giacchino contributes with a score that's fitting yet not enthralling.
Coming to the acting department, the film features a talented ensemble in Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen & Tilda Swinton. Cumberbatch as Strange is pitch-perfect casting and does total justice to his role by depicting his stubbornness, arrogance & ambition with precision while Swinton steals nearly every scene she's in. But the main highlight of this film is its shape-shifting & eye-popping visual effects.
On an overall scale, Doctor Strange does serve its purpose by delivering an entertaining, amusing & serviceable origin story but it isn't impressive enough to garner a spot amongst Marvel's finest features. Travelling a safe, risk-free route & sugarcoated with trippy, hallucinatory visuals, it is a typical fun-filled extravaganza that we've come to expect from Marvel Studios and is another enjoyable addition to their ever-inflating repertoire. Definitely worth a shot.
Doctor Strange tells the story of Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands after a car accident, spends all his money on experimental surgeries to regain his abilities, and travels east for a last resort treatment where he meets a powerful sorcerer who teaches him ways to harness energy & shape realities through the mystic arts.
Co-written & directed by Scott Derrickson (best known for The Exorcism of Emily Rose & Sinister), Doctor Strange marks his first stint with comic book movies and while he succeeds in delivering a sufficiently entertaining blockbuster, his latest suffers from the same issues that marred his earlier works as Derrickson begins this story on a promising note but once again loses his grip in the middle.
The screenplay features a universe that's full of imaginations & possibilities yet beneath its parallel universes, time manipulation & astral projections lies the same generic storyline following the same predictable route that we all have seen many times before. What's interesting, however, is how the arc of the eponymous character is handled, for Stephen Strange remains an intriguing character at all times.
Production Design team chips in with set pieces that brim with mystical qualities while props such as ancient artefacts & antiquated relics provide added details to the desired spiritual environment. Camerawork is fine, Editing gets carried away by letting numerous CGI-infested moments overstay their welcome due to which it feels longer than it should. And Michael Giacchino contributes with a score that's fitting yet not enthralling.
Coming to the acting department, the film features a talented ensemble in Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen & Tilda Swinton. Cumberbatch as Strange is pitch-perfect casting and does total justice to his role by depicting his stubbornness, arrogance & ambition with precision while Swinton steals nearly every scene she's in. But the main highlight of this film is its shape-shifting & eye-popping visual effects.
On an overall scale, Doctor Strange does serve its purpose by delivering an entertaining, amusing & serviceable origin story but it isn't impressive enough to garner a spot amongst Marvel's finest features. Travelling a safe, risk-free route & sugarcoated with trippy, hallucinatory visuals, it is a typical fun-filled extravaganza that we've come to expect from Marvel Studios and is another enjoyable addition to their ever-inflating repertoire. Definitely worth a shot.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
The epic Marvel Saga that started over ten years ago has been building up to the inevitable clash with the powerful tyrant Thanos (Josh Brolin). Last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War” set the stage for the highly-anticipated conclusion; “Avengers: End Game” and at long last it has arrived.
Picking up shortly after the events of the last film, the Avengers must deal with the aftermath of what Thanos has done. The team is naturally divided between wanting revenge, wanting to set things right, and just wanting to take what they have and go on.
As time passes and they struggle to accept the reality of their situation; an unexpected individual returns and with them comes the seeds of a new plan to make things right. Naturally Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is skeptical but eventually warms to the possibilities of the idea thanks to a new scientific breakthrough that makes it possible.
Inspired, Tony sets out to put an elaborate plan in motion that will allow the team to try to fix things and to stop Thanos once and for all.
What follows is an extended and at times nostalgic heist where various members of the team work to assemble the pieces needed for the plan as they believe they only have one chance to make things right.
The film is essentially three acts in one. The first deals with the recap and expansion of their situation and the planning. The second act is basically a heist where action and comedy are blended with some touching moments.
This all leads to the final act which is the FX laden set piece where the ensemble cast gathers to fight the forces of evil in a battle to save the Universe.
The film is epic in scale and length as it clocks in at over three hours but the movie is filled with so much content that the time goes by quickly and you have a hard time believing three hours have elapsed.
It is also a difficult film to review as you cannot recap elements of the film in any great detail without giving away elements that are sure to delight the fans. Suffice it to say that my only real issue with the film and it was minor; was that it took a while to get to the action but at least there was plenty to keep you entertained along the way.
As this phase of the Marvel Film Universe winds down and plans are put in place for the next five years; “Avengers: End Game” is a satisfying conclusion to the epic saga that was started many years ago and weaves elements of many of the past Marvel films into an entertaining tale which features all of the best elements that have made the series of films such big hits.
http://sknr.net/2019/04/23/avengers-endgame/
Picking up shortly after the events of the last film, the Avengers must deal with the aftermath of what Thanos has done. The team is naturally divided between wanting revenge, wanting to set things right, and just wanting to take what they have and go on.
As time passes and they struggle to accept the reality of their situation; an unexpected individual returns and with them comes the seeds of a new plan to make things right. Naturally Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is skeptical but eventually warms to the possibilities of the idea thanks to a new scientific breakthrough that makes it possible.
Inspired, Tony sets out to put an elaborate plan in motion that will allow the team to try to fix things and to stop Thanos once and for all.
What follows is an extended and at times nostalgic heist where various members of the team work to assemble the pieces needed for the plan as they believe they only have one chance to make things right.
The film is essentially three acts in one. The first deals with the recap and expansion of their situation and the planning. The second act is basically a heist where action and comedy are blended with some touching moments.
This all leads to the final act which is the FX laden set piece where the ensemble cast gathers to fight the forces of evil in a battle to save the Universe.
The film is epic in scale and length as it clocks in at over three hours but the movie is filled with so much content that the time goes by quickly and you have a hard time believing three hours have elapsed.
It is also a difficult film to review as you cannot recap elements of the film in any great detail without giving away elements that are sure to delight the fans. Suffice it to say that my only real issue with the film and it was minor; was that it took a while to get to the action but at least there was plenty to keep you entertained along the way.
As this phase of the Marvel Film Universe winds down and plans are put in place for the next five years; “Avengers: End Game” is a satisfying conclusion to the epic saga that was started many years ago and weaves elements of many of the past Marvel films into an entertaining tale which features all of the best elements that have made the series of films such big hits.
http://sknr.net/2019/04/23/avengers-endgame/
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
For Captain Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), the two years following his exploits in “The Avengers” has not been easy. He is still coming to grips with being a man out of time, as the world around him is a much more dangerous and complicated place than the one he grew up in.
He runs missions for S.H.I.E.L.D. under the command of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), and is often accompanies by a team of agents as well as his fellow Avenger Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson).
A recent mission has lead the Captain to question some of the tactics used by S.H.I.E.L.D. and Fury decides it is time to be more open with Rogers about the pending plans of the agency which involve launching three Super Carriers that will eliminate threats before they happen.
Naturally this sort of “Gunboat Diplomacy” does not sit well with the highly ethical Rogers but Fury tells him he needs to get out of the past and become aware of just how different and dangerous the world they live in has become.
Fury believes that the Captain does have some valid concerns and uncovers that things may not be as they appear. When a vicious and well coordinated attack happen, Captain America is called into action and soon finds himself facing a deadly assassin known as The Winter Soldier.
The heat soon rises making Rogers soon question whom he can trust as a deadly conspiracy that holds the fate of the world in the balance erupts, and only Rogers and his team can save the day.
The film is an intense thrill ride that mixes the best elements of the Marvel films with solid action and a dramatic thriller. There are strong performances all around and the addition of Anthony Mackie and Robert Redford to the already strong ensemble was a masterful plan.
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo (Who are said to already be signed for the next Captain America film), clearly have a grasp on the material and they deftly combine action with a human story full of ethical dilemmas and personal motivations to deliver a film that is so much more than the usual FX laden films that are common with comic book related films.
Marvel Studios has once again upped the ante and have continued their amazing run of film success and keep getting better and better. There are several hints dropped about other characters and events in the upcoming Marvel cinematic universe as well as plenty of treats for fans. You will want to stay for the two additional scenes that take place during the credits as they give fans a hint of what is to come next year with “The Avengers: Age of Ultron”.
Until then, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is a spectacular summer event film, as an it is a non-stop thrill ride and a textbook example of how to bring the best elements of a comic book to life.
http://sknr.net/2014/04/04/captain-america-the-winter-soldier/
He runs missions for S.H.I.E.L.D. under the command of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), and is often accompanies by a team of agents as well as his fellow Avenger Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson).
A recent mission has lead the Captain to question some of the tactics used by S.H.I.E.L.D. and Fury decides it is time to be more open with Rogers about the pending plans of the agency which involve launching three Super Carriers that will eliminate threats before they happen.
Naturally this sort of “Gunboat Diplomacy” does not sit well with the highly ethical Rogers but Fury tells him he needs to get out of the past and become aware of just how different and dangerous the world they live in has become.
Fury believes that the Captain does have some valid concerns and uncovers that things may not be as they appear. When a vicious and well coordinated attack happen, Captain America is called into action and soon finds himself facing a deadly assassin known as The Winter Soldier.
The heat soon rises making Rogers soon question whom he can trust as a deadly conspiracy that holds the fate of the world in the balance erupts, and only Rogers and his team can save the day.
The film is an intense thrill ride that mixes the best elements of the Marvel films with solid action and a dramatic thriller. There are strong performances all around and the addition of Anthony Mackie and Robert Redford to the already strong ensemble was a masterful plan.
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo (Who are said to already be signed for the next Captain America film), clearly have a grasp on the material and they deftly combine action with a human story full of ethical dilemmas and personal motivations to deliver a film that is so much more than the usual FX laden films that are common with comic book related films.
Marvel Studios has once again upped the ante and have continued their amazing run of film success and keep getting better and better. There are several hints dropped about other characters and events in the upcoming Marvel cinematic universe as well as plenty of treats for fans. You will want to stay for the two additional scenes that take place during the credits as they give fans a hint of what is to come next year with “The Avengers: Age of Ultron”.
Until then, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is a spectacular summer event film, as an it is a non-stop thrill ride and a textbook example of how to bring the best elements of a comic book to life.
http://sknr.net/2014/04/04/captain-america-the-winter-soldier/
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Unmatched: Deadpool Expansion in Tabletop Games
Jul 8, 2021
In the expansion review series, we take a look at a game expansion to discuss whether it is a necessary purchase/addition to one’s collection.
This breakdown is for the expansion for the hit game, and Golden Feather Award-winning, Unmatched system entitled Unmatched: Deadpool.
This expansion adds the amazing Marvel character Deadpool to the game system, to expand any standalone set. It ships with a great DP mini, his HP dial, and a deck of 31 hilarious and ridiculous cards. It cannot be played without a base set, and I have used him with both Cobble & Fog as well as the Battle of Legends, Volume 1 sets.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a prototype copy of this game expansion for the purposes of this review. You are invited to pre-order from the Mondo website or purchase from any retailers stocking it once released. -T
Does this expansion add a lot to the gameplay of original Unmatched? I very much think so. If you have yet to play any version of Unmatched, please do yourself a favor and remedy this at once. When you have played it, come back to finish the review.
What Deadpool lacks in full game components, it sure makes up for in uniqueness of character play. No more will the player need to strategize and synergize throughout the game. In fact, the Deadpool player now has access to so many crazy cards that really break the rules and make him so much harder to overcome. Deadpool has several healing cards in his deck, but also has a special healing ability that triggers every turn he attacks. I suppose now I realize why DP has an HP dial with a max HP of 10. I really do not want to spoil too much about what can be found in the Deadpool deck, but just know there are many chimichangas, many healing, and many rulebreaking possibilities.
Is it absolutely necessary to invest in the Deadpool expansion to enjoy Unmatched? No, but if you are a fan of Marvel or the character, it is a must-buy. However, if you (or the people with whom you play) are prudish sticks in the mud, then totally pass on it. That leaves more for the rest of us.
Official recommendation: I cannot say enough great things about Unmatched and every character I have played with it. Each character is certainly unique, but I will venture to say that you will be hard pressed to find a character even more unique than Deadpool. He offers such hilarity that I want to use him nearly every game. Now, knowing all the cards that come in his deck can tempt his players to manipulate the environment before starting the game, so do take care if you attempt to play AGAINST a Deadpool player. That’s the warning I will give, but I officially (and highly) recommend all fans of Marvel, Deadpool, and the Unmatched system to grab a copy of this small expansion.
This breakdown is for the expansion for the hit game, and Golden Feather Award-winning, Unmatched system entitled Unmatched: Deadpool.
This expansion adds the amazing Marvel character Deadpool to the game system, to expand any standalone set. It ships with a great DP mini, his HP dial, and a deck of 31 hilarious and ridiculous cards. It cannot be played without a base set, and I have used him with both Cobble & Fog as well as the Battle of Legends, Volume 1 sets.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a prototype copy of this game expansion for the purposes of this review. You are invited to pre-order from the Mondo website or purchase from any retailers stocking it once released. -T
Does this expansion add a lot to the gameplay of original Unmatched? I very much think so. If you have yet to play any version of Unmatched, please do yourself a favor and remedy this at once. When you have played it, come back to finish the review.
What Deadpool lacks in full game components, it sure makes up for in uniqueness of character play. No more will the player need to strategize and synergize throughout the game. In fact, the Deadpool player now has access to so many crazy cards that really break the rules and make him so much harder to overcome. Deadpool has several healing cards in his deck, but also has a special healing ability that triggers every turn he attacks. I suppose now I realize why DP has an HP dial with a max HP of 10. I really do not want to spoil too much about what can be found in the Deadpool deck, but just know there are many chimichangas, many healing, and many rulebreaking possibilities.
Is it absolutely necessary to invest in the Deadpool expansion to enjoy Unmatched? No, but if you are a fan of Marvel or the character, it is a must-buy. However, if you (or the people with whom you play) are prudish sticks in the mud, then totally pass on it. That leaves more for the rest of us.
Official recommendation: I cannot say enough great things about Unmatched and every character I have played with it. Each character is certainly unique, but I will venture to say that you will be hard pressed to find a character even more unique than Deadpool. He offers such hilarity that I want to use him nearly every game. Now, knowing all the cards that come in his deck can tempt his players to manipulate the environment before starting the game, so do take care if you attempt to play AGAINST a Deadpool player. That’s the warning I will give, but I officially (and highly) recommend all fans of Marvel, Deadpool, and the Unmatched system to grab a copy of this small expansion.
Rodney Barnes (472 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Apr 30, 2019
Marvel Has Done It Again
Contains spoilers, click to show
Talk about an emotional rollercoaster. This movie had my attention from beginning to end. It was just so well done. Dealing with the aftermath of the Decimation caused by Thanos and then the culmination of a huge battle, in fact the biggest battle I have seen on screen. It was amazing how they fit how each character dealt with the aftermath of everything. Yes the movie was 3 hours but as a geek...I didn't mind one bit. The only thing I didn't care for was how Thor was handling his misery. I thought it was taken too lightly. He drank a lot of beer and gained weight. He was trying to drink his misery away. I can understand feeling like it's your fault that Thanos killed everyone, but I just didn't like the angle. That is ONLY thing about this movie I didn't like. The way they got the Infinity Stones to undo what Thanos did was just awesome. At the beginning they find Thanos and he is in bad shape. To their dismay he told them he used the stones to destroy the stones. He had accomplished his purpose. Thor beheaded Thanos and they leave with no hope...that is until Antman, Scott Lang shows up. Eventually a reluctant Tony Stark and the rest of the team go down different time streams using Hank Pym's technology to get the Infinity Stones. The stones are recoverd by everyone but to the chagrin of the team...it was at the cost of Black Widows life. Meanwhile Thanos of a different timeline finds out what is going on and makes it to Avengers headquarters. Just before that a gauntlet is made and the Hulk uses it to bring everyone back. Then Thanos destroys Avengers headquarters with another battle ensuing. I will stop there because now you will witness the greatest on screen battle you have ever seen. Marvel...you have made me a happy man!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Feb 18, 2021
Spider-Man's first solo outing within the MCU is a frequently charming and grounded affair.
As the overarching narrative of this behemoth franchise becomes increasingly cosmic and out there, entries like Homecoming are a welcome change of pace.
Tom Holland is a picture perfect, high school era Peter Parker. There's a lot to love about the Spider-Man movies that have come before, but it's nice to see the focus being on his school years properly. He's a young kid, completely out of his depth juggling his civilian life with fighting, years away from the seasoned hero he eventually becomes. He struggles with friendships and relationships like an awkward teenager does whilst constantly craving more in life and aiming for bigger and better things. It's incredibly relatable in that sense.
The world-building surrounding all this is subtle too. The main villain is Vulture, a veteran Spidey rogue, and played by a genuinely intimidating Michael Keaton. His Vulture is equal parts bad-guy and sympathetic every-day-guy, trying to find his way in a post-Avengers world.
The story also finds time to sneak in a few more classic Marvel villains such as Shocker, Tinkerer, Prowler and Scorpion, and it's executed in a way that's not at all overwhelming.
Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) provide the concrete connections to the wider MCU without ever distracting from the main plot, and the rest of the stellar cast are rounded out by the likes of Marisa Tomei, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon (as one of the most likable characters to ever grace this franchise FYI)
The set pieces are littered here and there throughout a fairly dialogue heavy screenplay, but they're all pretty solid, the ferry scene being a highlight.
All in all, Spider-Man: Homecoming is an incredibly enjoyable Marvel film, whilst being a touching story about growing up. It's fun, it's exciting, and it's pretty damn wholesome.
As the overarching narrative of this behemoth franchise becomes increasingly cosmic and out there, entries like Homecoming are a welcome change of pace.
Tom Holland is a picture perfect, high school era Peter Parker. There's a lot to love about the Spider-Man movies that have come before, but it's nice to see the focus being on his school years properly. He's a young kid, completely out of his depth juggling his civilian life with fighting, years away from the seasoned hero he eventually becomes. He struggles with friendships and relationships like an awkward teenager does whilst constantly craving more in life and aiming for bigger and better things. It's incredibly relatable in that sense.
The world-building surrounding all this is subtle too. The main villain is Vulture, a veteran Spidey rogue, and played by a genuinely intimidating Michael Keaton. His Vulture is equal parts bad-guy and sympathetic every-day-guy, trying to find his way in a post-Avengers world.
The story also finds time to sneak in a few more classic Marvel villains such as Shocker, Tinkerer, Prowler and Scorpion, and it's executed in a way that's not at all overwhelming.
Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) provide the concrete connections to the wider MCU without ever distracting from the main plot, and the rest of the stellar cast are rounded out by the likes of Marisa Tomei, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon (as one of the most likable characters to ever grace this franchise FYI)
The set pieces are littered here and there throughout a fairly dialogue heavy screenplay, but they're all pretty solid, the ferry scene being a highlight.
All in all, Spider-Man: Homecoming is an incredibly enjoyable Marvel film, whilst being a touching story about growing up. It's fun, it's exciting, and it's pretty damn wholesome.