Showing posts with label Marvel Studios. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marvel Studios. Show all posts

Friday, November 11, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Running time:  161 minutes (2 hours, 41 minutes)
MPA – PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action and some language
DIRECTOR:  Ryan Coogler
WRITERS:  Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole; from a story by Ryan Coogler (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS: Kevin Feige and Nate Moore
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Autumn Durald Arkapaw (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Kelley Dixon, Jennifer Lame, and Michael P. Shawver
COMPOSER:  Ludwig Göransson

SUPERHERO/ACTION/SCI-FI/DRAMA

Starring:  Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Tenoch Huerta, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Dominique Thorne, Florence Kasumba, Michaela Cole, Alex Livinalli, Mabel Cadena, Richard Schiff, Robert John Burke, Lake Bell, Manuel Chavez, Maria Mercedes Coroy, Divine Love Konadu-Sun, Trevor Noah (voice), Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Michael B. Jordan

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a 2022 superhero, fantasy-drama, science fiction, and action movie directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Marvel Studios.  The film is a direct sequel to the 2018 film, Black Panther, and is the 30th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  It is based on the Marvel Comics character, Black Panther, that first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (cover dated: July 1966) and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby.  Wakanda Forever finds Wakanda in mourning following the death of its king while also facing a threatening world and a mysterious new adversary.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in the African nation of Wakanda as King T'Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) dies from a mysterious illness.  One year later, his mother, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), must face the United Nations, as world powers demand access to Wakanda's most precious resource, the metal Vibranium.  One particular nation even hires mercenaries to invade a Wakandan outpost in order to steal its vibranium, but they are foiled by Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje, the King of Wakanda's personal guard.

However, the American CIA's attempt to find vibranium on its own draws the attention of a mysterious new adversary, known by many names, but is called “Namor” (Tenoch Huerta) by his enemies.  Namor leads the forces of his kingdom, Talokan, in a strike against the Americans.  He confronts Ramonda and Shuri (Letitia Wright), Ramonda's daughter and T'Challa's younger sister, as they grieve.  He demands that they find the scientist who created the Americans' vibranium detecting device and kill him.  The him turns out to be a her, a Chicago-based teen named Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne).  Now, Shuri and Ramonda must gather allies, including T'Challa's ex-lover, Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), and M'Baku (Winston Duke), leader of the Wakandan border tribe, the Jibari, in order to fight off the forces of Namor, which are more than capable of destroying Wakanda and perhaps, the world.  Can Wakanda survive without its champion, the Black Panther, or must another arise?...

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a triumphant – a poignant triumphant and a superhero action movie triumph.  It is much better than I expected and that I could have hoped for.  Wakanda Forever is the most emotionally honest, genuine, and heartfelt Marvel Studios film since Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.  The fight scenes are some of the best outside of martial arts films, and the action and battles scenes are Avengers-level.

Angela Bassett stands astride this film, which is both a eulogy to Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa/Black Panther and also a powerful and successful attempt to forge ahead with the franchise.  Bassett, as regal and as dramatically potent as she has ever been, is glorious, and it time for her to receive the Oscar win she should have had ages ago.  She exemplifies the grief in the film for half its narrative.

Letitia Wright exemplifies that grief the rest of the way.  Wright also shows impressive range – playing Shuri as obstinate and angry in the face of her brother's death.  [That death is depicted in Wakanda Forever's opening moments, and the audience with which I saw this film was stunned into silence.]  Wright plays Shuri's turn to the “dark side” with the depth of performance that usually earns actors some award season notice.  She is truly the lead in Wakanda Forever, and she carries it with the flair of a veteran, accomplished actor.

I also had high hopes for Tenoch Huerta as Namor, and he easily surpasses them.  Huerta makes Namor seem so real that his murderous inclinations come across as entirely appropriate for that which Namor is fighting and defending.  Huerta's performance also works to uplift the other actors playing denizens of the kingdom of Talokan.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is filled so much good stuff.  The costumes, art direction, make-up and hair, cinematography, and editing are all … well, Oscar-worthy.  Ludwig Göransson's score is a masterpiece of tones both subtle and tremendous and is easily on the level of Hans Zimmer's award-winning score for Dune: Part One (2021).

I don't want this review to run-on too long...  If I could speak to Ryan Coogler, I would tell him that already loved him for his film, Fruitvale Station, and that he made me love him even more after the first Black Panther.  I don't have the words to describe how great an accomplishment Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is.  Coogler honored his friend and partner, Chadwick Boseman, as well as he could, and he made a truly great and magnificent film.  It honors Boseman and reveals how much respect Coogler has for his audience via the film art he creates.  I am giving Black Panther: Wakanda Forever my highest recommendation.

10 of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, July 18, 2022

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 20, 2022

MARVEL COMICS

APR221002 ALIEN ANNUAL #1 $4.99
APR221003 ALIEN ANNUAL #1 SHALVEY VAR $4.99
MAR221156 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN EPIC COLLECTION TP MAN-WOLF AT MIDNIGHT $39.99
DEC211086 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 KIRBY DM VAR 4TH PTG $125.00
MAY220925 AVENGERS #58 $3.99
MAY220926 AVENGERS #58 GIST PREDATOR VAR $3.99
MAY220927 AVENGERS #58 LIEFELD DEADPOOL 30TH VAR $3.99
MAY220805 AXE JUDGMENT DAY #1 (OF 6) $5.99
MAY220809 AXE JUDGMENT DAY #1 (OF 6) GLEASON VAR $5.99
MAY220808 AXE JUDGMENT DAY #1 (OF 6) MOMOKO VAR $5.99
MAY220810 AXE JUDGMENT DAY #1 (OF 6) RON LIM VAR $5.99
MAY220807 AXE JUDGMENT DAY #1 (OF 6) WERNECK WOMEN OF AXE VAR $5.99
MAR221080 DEADPOOL BAD BLOOD #3 $3.99
APR220824 DEFENDERS BEYOND #1 (OF 5) $3.99
APR220827 DEFENDERS BEYOND #1 (OF 5) BUSTOS STORMBREAKERS VAR $3.99
APR220828 DEFENDERS BEYOND #1 (OF 5) NOTO  VAR $3.99
APR220826 DEFENDERS BEYOND #1 (OF 5) ROMERO SPOILER VAR $3.99
APR220829 DEFENDERS BEYOND #1 (OF 5) RON LIM TEASER VAR $3.99
MAR221154 EXCALIBUR THE SWORD IS DRAWN TP (NEW PTG) $44.99
APR228819 FORTNITE X MARVEL ZERO WAR #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG DAVILA VAR $5.99
APR220992 IRON MAN #21 $3.99
APR220994 IRON MAN #21 COELLO HELLFIRE GALA VAR $3.99
APR220993 IRON MAN #21 UNZUETA VAR $3.99
MAY220906 KNIGHTS OF X #4 $3.99
MAY220907 KNIGHTS OF X #4 MASSAFERA VAR $3.99
APR221000 MAESTRO WORLD WAR M #5 (OF 5) $3.99
AUG211290 MARVEL STUDIOS FALCON WINTER SOLDIER ART SERIES HC (RES) $60.00
DEC211089 MARVEL SUPERHERO CONTEST CHAMPIONS GALLERY EDITION HC $44.99
MAY220957 MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #40 $3.99
MAY220958 MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #40 DE IULIS PREDATOR VAR $3.99
MAY220959 MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #40 SEGOVIA VAR $3.99
DEC211096 MMW SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN HC VOL 05 $75.00
DEC211097 MMW SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN HC VOL 05 DM VAR $75.00
APR220962 MOON KNIGHT BLACK WHITE BLOOD #3 (OF 4) $4.99
APR220963 MOON KNIGHT BLACK WHITE BLOOD #3 (OF 4) KLEIN VAR $4.99
APR220880 NEW FANTASTIC FOUR #2 (OF 5) $3.99
APR220881 NEW FANTASTIC FOUR #2 (OF 5) ROCHE VAR $3.99
FEB221074 NEW MUTANTS EPIC COLLECTION TP END OF THE BEGINNING $44.99
APR220951 SAVAGE SPIDER-MAN #5 (OF 5) $3.99
APR220952 SAVAGE SPIDER-MAN #5 (OF 5) RYAN BROWN VAR $3.99
MAY220851 SHANG-CHI AND TEN RINGS #1 $3.99
MAY220853 SHANG-CHI AND TEN RINGS #1 ARTGERM VAR $3.99
MAY220855 SHANG-CHI AND TEN RINGS #1 BACHALO HELLFIRE GALA VAR $3.99
MAY220856 SHANG-CHI AND TEN RINGS #1 YU VAR $3.99
MAR221046 SHE-HULK #5 $3.99
MAR221047 SHE-HULK #5 JONES VAR $3.99
APR220937 SPIDER-GWEN GWENVERSE #4 (OF 5) $3.99
APR220939 SPIDER-GWEN GWENVERSE #4 (OF 5) LAND HOMAGE VAR $3.99
APR221023 STAR WARS #25 $3.99
APR221025 STAR WARS #25 CAMUNCOLI VAR $3.99
APR221024 STAR WARS #25 CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR $3.99
APR221026 STAR WARS #25 NOTO VAR $3.99
APR221032 STAR WARS #25 ROSANAS VAR $3.99
APR221029 STAR WARS #25 SLINEY VAR $3.99
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MAY221000 STAR WARS DARTH VADER #25 $3.99
MAY221001 STAR WARS DARTH VADER #25 REIS VAR $3.99
MAY221002 STAR WARS DARTH VADER #25 SPROUSE CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY VAR $3.99
APR221013 STAR WARS HAN SOLO CHEWBACCA #4 $3.99
APR221016 STAR WARS HAN SOLO CHEWBACCA #4 GARRON PRIDE VAR $3.99
APR221015 STAR WARS HAN SOLO CHEWBACCA #4 SPROUSE CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY $3.99
APR220995 THE MARVELS #12 $3.99
APR220935 VENOM LETHAL PROTECTOR #4 (OF 5) $3.99
APR220936 VENOM LETHAL PROTECTOR #4 (OF 5) MEYERS VAR $3.99
JAN221043 X LIVES AND DEATHS OF WOLVERINE HC ADAM KUBERT CVR $75.00
FEB221046 X LIVES AND DEATHS OF WOLVERINE HC BROOKS DM VAR $75.00

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Friday, July 8, 2022

#IReadsYou: Movie Review: THOR: Love and Thunder

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Running time:  119 minutes (1 hour, 59 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, some suggestive material and partial nudity
DIRECTOR:  Taika Waititi
WRITERS: Taiki Waititi and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson; from a story by Taika Waititi (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Barry Idoine (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Peter S. Elliot, Tim Roche, Matthew Schmidt, and Jennifer Vecchiarello
COMPOSERS:  Michael Giacchino and Nami Melumad

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION and COMEDY/DRAMA

Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Taika Waititi (voice) Jaimie Alexander, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel (voice), Bradley Cooper (voice), Kieron L. Dyer, Idris Elba, Brett Goldstein, and Russell Crowe and Natalie Portman

Thor: Love and Thunder is a 2022 superhero fantasy and action-comedy directed by Taika Waititi and produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.  It is the fourth film in Marvel's Thor film series, which began with Thor (2011).  Thor is a Marvel Comics character that first appeared in the comic book, Journey into Mystery #83 (cover dated: August 1962), and is based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name.  In Love and Thunder, Thor reunites with his ex-girlfriend to fight a being who plans to make the gods extinct.

Thor: Love and Thunder finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth), using his second enchanted hammer, “Stormbreaker,” is fighting the bad guys of the galaxy with the Guardians of the Galaxy:  Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Groot (voice of Vin Diesel), and Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper).  Thor is at a crossroads in his life and is unsure of what to do next.

Back on Earth, Thor's ex-girlfriend, the astrophysicist Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), is battling stage four cancer.  Seeking medical treatment, Jane travels to New Asgard.  There, she has a strange encounter with Thor's broken hammer, Mjolnir.

Meanwhile, Thor has answered a distress signal from one of Asgard's warriors, Sif (Jaimie Alexander).  She warns him of Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), a being who possesses the god-killing weapon, “the Necrosword.”  When Gorr attacks New Asgard, Thor returns to join the battle.  Much to his shock, he discovers that Mjolnir has reforged and bonded with Jane Foster, transforming her into another Thor.

Now, Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), King of Asgard, and Korg (voice of Taika Waititi), the rocky Kronan warrior, join Thor and Thor on a journey to fight Gorr.  But are they enough to fight a being that has already killed many gods?

The last year's worth of Marvel Studios films, five including Thor: Love and Thunder, have been different, even offbeat, much to the chagrin of some critics and fans.  People complained that Marvel's films were too much alike, and now that the studio has given us five films that are quite different from the first 11 years of films, they still aren't happy.

Anyway, I want to make it clear that there is plenty of “thunder” in Thor: Love and Thunder.  Director Taika Waititi offers some action set pieces that are either unusual or have an unusual angle to them.  As Gorr, Christian Bale gives a multi-layered performance full of pathos, humor, and maniacal glee.  It is a seemingly effortless performance from one of the best actors of the last quarter-century.  So, this superhero movie has a great villain, one who can match both Thors and is genuinely vengeful, a vengeance grounded in love.

Still, Waititi wants Thor to be something really different.  The films trades in themes of love, death, and change.  Thor Odinson and Jane Foster-Thor are both in crisis.  The Odinson is having a sort of mid-life crisis.  If he is no longer the rascally young heir to the throne of Asgard or the Avenger's lightning, thunder, and muscle, then, what is he?  Jane Foster is facing an existential crisis; her cancer is really terminal.  Should she quietly accept her fate or should she go out with a bang and some thunder as Thor, fighting their enemy to death, if need be?

Thor: Love and Thunder is a perfect film for this time.  It chooses love over despair.  It is a post-breakup movie in which Thor and Jane Foster find their way back to one another.  Although death is an end, it can also mean change, and that is what can be in store for Thor and Thor and for King Valkyrie, Korg, and a few other characters.

I love what director Taika Waititi has created in his two Thor films, this and the earlier Thor: Ragnarok (2017).  Thor: Love and Thunder finds the humor in every situation, even the dark and dangerous ones, which might put off some of its audience.  However, I like that Thor: Love and Thunder is a film made of joy, color, and wonder that travels across the galaxy and into different realms.  But no matter where it goes, Thor: Love and Thunder full of thunderous sounds and furious love.

[This film as two scenes that occur during the credits, one in the middle and one at the end.]

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, May 6, 2022

#IReadsYou Movie Review: DOCTOR STRANGE in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Running time:  126 minutes (2 hours, six minutes)
MPA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, frightening images and some language
DIRECTOR:  Sam Raimi
WRITER:  Michael Waldron (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  John Mathieson
EDITORS:  Bob Murawski and Tia Nolan
COMPOSER:  Danny Elfman

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/HORROR/ACTION

Starring:  Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez; Rachel McAdams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Julian Hilliard, Jett Klyne, Sheila Atim; Ako Mitchll, John Krasinski, Anson Mount, Hayley Atwell, Lashana Lynch, Charlize Theron, and Patrick Stewart

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a 2022 superhero, action, and horror-fantasy film directed by Sam Raimi and produced by Marvel Studios.  It is the 28th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is also a sequel to the 2016 superhero movie, Doctor Strange.  Both films focus on the Marvel Comics character, Doctor Strange, who first appeared in the comic book, Strange Tales #10 (cover dated: July 1963), and who was created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee.  In the new film, Doctor Strange battles to protect the Multiverse and a young woman who can travel through it.

As Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness opens, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is plagued by dreams in which he finds himself involved with a mysterious young woman.  But life goes on.  Wong (Benedict Wong), Strange's friend and mentor, is now Earth's Sorcerer Supreme.  Also, Stephen's former lover, Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), is getting married, and he is attending the wedding.

During the wedding, an octopus demon wreaks havoc in the neighborhood, and Stephen meets the young woman again.  Her name is America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), and she can travel through the Multiverse by punching doorways through dimensions.  Demonic forces are tracking her, and Strange believes that only the Book of Vishanti can stop these demons.  Dr. Strange turns to an expert for help, the former Avenger, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen).  However, the mastermind behind the attacks on America is quite powerful, and the identity of this attacker is quite surprising.

And things only get worse.  Dr. Strange must face his old adversary, Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) … something called “the Illuminati” … and multiple versions of himself.

I have come across complaints that Marvel Studios' films are formulaic and complaints that the studios' films are not “director-driven” (whatever that means).  Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is not like other Marvel films, and at least to me, it seems “director-driven.”

The director of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is Sam Raimi, who is best known for directing Sony/Columbia Picture's first trilogy of Spider-Man films (2002-07).  Before then, Raimi's best known work was the “Evil Dead” trilogy, comprised of Evil Dead (1981), Evil Dead II (1987), and Army of Darkness (1993).  And Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness seems like a superhero film built on the aesthetic or, at least, the sensibilities of the “Evil Dead” trilogy.  In fact, this Doctor Strange film is like an Evil Dead movie with the budget of a … well, Marvel Studios movie.  Even more than his Spider-Man films, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the truest Sam Raimi superhero movie to date.

I don't want to spoil much more than I already have, but I can say that the VFX in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is not only superb, but also inventive and imaginative.  Of course, the productions values are quite good; once again, I must say that everything looks like it would in a Raimi Evil Dead movie with mega-event, tent-pole film's budget.  Also, Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen give superb performances, especially Olsen.

In spite of what Marvel Studios and Disney may say, however, I am not sure what the impact of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness actually is.  I really like this movie because it really IS a Sam Raimi movie, and I love his movies.  But, is this Doctor Strange film as consequential to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Spider-Man: No Way Home seems to be...?

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness seems most important because of what it promises – new tomorrows, new worlds, new heroes, new movies … and hopefully more Sam Raimi Marvel movies.  I am thankful that Marvel Studios allowed him to make this movie.  Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is better than the original film, and it is Marvel's weirdest movie to date – a thrill ride of delightful and inspired wackiness.  Plus, it gives some of us what we hoped that the original would – a true dark fantasy/horror Doctor Strange movie.

[Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has one mid-credit scene and one end-credit scene.]

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, March 31, 2022

#IReadsYou Movie Review: NEXT AVENGERS: Heroes of Tomorrow

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008)

Running time:  78 minutes (1 hour, 18 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some mild language
DIRECTORS:  Jay Oliva and Gary Hartle
WRITERS:  Christopher Yost; from a screen story by Greg Johnson and Craig Kyle (based on the Marvel Comics characters)
PRODUCER:  Gary Hartle
EDITOR: George P. Rizkallah
COMPOSER: Guy Michaelmore
ANIMATION STUDIO:  The Answerstudio Col, Ltd.

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/SCI-FI/ACTION with elements of drama

Starring:  (voices) Noah Crawford, Brenna O'Brien, Aidan Drummond, Dempsey Pappion, Adrian Petriw, Tom Kane, Shawn Macdonald, Ken Kramer, Nicole Oliver, Michael Adamthwaite, and Fred Tatasciore

“Marvel Animated Features” was a line of eight direct-to-DVD animated superhero films made by MLG Productions.  MLG was a joint venture between Marvel Animation (then called Marvel Studios) and Lions Gate Entertainment to produce direct-to-DVD animated films for the home entertainment market.  The first film in the series was Ultimate Avengers: The Movie, which was released to DVD in February 2006.

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is a 2008 straight-to-video animated superhero film directed by Jay Oliva and Gary Hartle.  It was the fifth entry in the “Marvel Animated Features” line.  The film is based on the classic Marvel Comics franchise, the Avengers, which debuted in 1963 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.  Next Avengers focuses on the children of the Avengers as they hone their powers and face the enemy that was responsible for their parents' demise.

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is set on a world in which its mightiest superheroes:  Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Giant Man, Wasp, Black Panther, Hawkeye, and Vision came together to protect Earth from its greatest threats.  They were “The Avengers.”  But one day, the Avengers fell before the might of the maniacal, mechanical foe, Ultron (Tom Kane), a robot.

Before they were defeated, the Avengers sent billionaire bachelor Tony Stark (Tom Kane) into hiding their children.  Twelve years later, at a hidden location, the son of Steve Rogers/Captain America, James Rogers (Noah Crawford); the daughter of Thor, Torunn (Brenna O'Brien); the son of Black Panther, Azari (Dempsey Pappion); and the son of Giant Man and the Wasp, Pym (Aidan Drummond); train under the tutelage of Tony.  The children, however, are growing restless, and their curiosity causes them to do something that brings them to Ultron's attention.

With their new ally, Hawkeye/Francis Baron (Adrian Petriw), the son of the original Hawkeye, these children of the Avengers will take on their parents' greatest adversary.  But will the children fall before this robot menace as their parents did?

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is an entertaining superhero action-fantasy.  The action is engaging, and the plot is good, although it is not as well executed as it could be.  The resolution undersells the potential of the characters, as if the main purpose of this movie is just to quickly as possible wrap up the story even if it wastes the potential of both the children and the story.

The animation is good, not great.  The character design, especially the children, looks good and recalls the work of animation legends such as Bruce Timm and Don Bluth.  Not all the character are well designed; for instance, the Hulk (Fred Tatasciore) looks awful.  The environments are well designed, especially Ultron's city, “Ultra City.”

The best things about Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow are the children, the “Next Avengers.”  They are especially well written and their personalities, doubts, struggles, conflicts, desires, and goals all seem genuine.  James Rogers' desire to know his father, Captain America, and Torunn's prayerful pleas for the return of her father, Thor, are powerful and poignant.  Azari's cautiousness belies the fierce fighting spirit that dwells within him, and Pym's playful nature provides good comic relief.  Hawkeye is brave and bold and witty; he could carry his own film.  Obviously, the voice actors sell the dimensions of the character drama, and like the young characters, the actors keep Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow from being mediocre.

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow isn't great, but the children of the Avengers are great characters.  Thus, it is a shame that this animated film is, after 14 years (as of this writing), the only film in which they appear.  I recommend that fans of animated superhero films and television series that feature Marvel Comics characters try Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, December 31, 2021

I Reads You Juniors: December 2021 - Update #100

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Executive Vice-President Joe Quesada has denied that he is drawing writer Donny Cates' "rumored "Miracleman" project, but Quesada says that he does have a superhero project brweing for 2022.

IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Attorney, crime novelist, and comic book writer, Andrew Vachss, has died at that age of 79, Monday, December 27, 2021.  His comics career began in 1992 with the ten-issue series, "Hard Looks," published by Dark Horse Comics.  Vachss was also know for his work with abused and exploited children.

RUMORS - From ScreenGeek:  Rumors suggest that Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" (May 6th, 2022) will introduce the X-Men to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From CBR:  Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige explains why the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man did not fight past movie villains until "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

MARVEL - From THR:  Marvel Comics legend, Stan Lee, was born today, December 28, 1922.  According to the article, Lee knew early on that collecting comic books would be a smart investment.

RUMORS - From CBR:  Is actor Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead") fueling rumors that he is the Marvel Cinematic Universe's new "Ghost Rider?"

DC CINEMA - From CBR:  Warner Bros. has dropped a new trailer for director Matt Reeves' "The Batman" that focuses on Batman and Catwoman.

DARK HORSE - From CBR:   Dark Horse Comics and "Hellboy" creator Mike Mignola warns fans about buying unauthorized "Hellboy" NFTs.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:   Writer Mike Mignola and artist Greg Hinkle present the two-issue miniseries, "Radio Man," with the first issue arriving March 2nd.

DC TV - From BleedingCool:  Actor Tom Welling talks about his time as Clark Kent on The WB/The CW's television series, "Smallville" (2001-11).

IMAGE - From BleedingCool:  Image Comics is going to publish writer-artist Liam Sharp's "StarHenge."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  A new line of Marvel statues is coming from Diamond Select Toys.  it begins with Professor X and Green Goblin statues.

SONY/MARVEL - From WeGotThisCovered:  Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios are making  a serious Academy Award PR push for "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

BOOKS - From BleedingCool:  The winners of the 2021 Hugo Awards were announced at "Discon III" (the 79th Worldcon).  "Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation" won the Hugo Award for "Best Graphic Story or Comic."

DC CINEMA - From CinemaBlend:   Michael Keaton ("Batman," "Batman Returns") will return as Batman for Warner Bros./DC Films' "Flash." Reports day he has signed on to also appear as Batman in the "Batgirl" movie.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCoolDark Horse Comics/Entertainment has been bought by holdings company, Embracer Group, a Swedish entertainment company comprised of many video game subsidiaries like THQ Nordiq, Gearbox Software, and others

SONY/MARVEL - From THR:  Sony and Marvel’s "Spider-Man: No Way Home" spun a record-breaking web in its box office debut, grossing $253 million from 4,336 theaters to secure the third-biggest domestic opening of all time at the box office despite growing worries over the COVID-19 omicron variant.

From IReadsYou:  My review of "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

From ComicBook:   Jon Favreau's Marvel Cinematic Universe character, "Happy Hogan," is a hit in "Spider-Man: No Way Home," but he was almost killed off in "Iron Man 3" (2013).

From WeGotThisCovered:  Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige talks about bring back iconic villains for "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

From IGN:  Spider-Man producer Amy Pascal says that she threw a sandwich at Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige when he first suggested bringing Spider-Man to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Yen Press announces six new titles for June 2022, five manga and one novel.

DYNAMITE - From Comicon:   Here is David Avallone's writer's commentary for "Elvira Meets Vincent Price #3" from Dynamite Entertainment.

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  After long absence, Chris Claremont is writing an X-Men comic book series, "Gambit." The titles arrives in 2022 with art by Sid Kotian.

DC CINEMA - From ComplexMatt Reeves, director of "The Batman," says that actor Robert Pattison's Batman is based on the late "Nirvana" frontman, Kurt Cobain.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From TheDirect:   There have been conflicting reports about Sony and Marvel developing a "Spider-Man 4."  In a recent interview, Marvel's Kevin Feige and Sony's Amy Pascal, the producers of "Spider-Man: No Way Home," say that the film is in early development.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer Tom King and artist David Marquez launch "Batman: Killing Time" in March 2022.

From DCBlog:  A look at the legacy of Dick Grayson/Nighwing.

COMICS - From BleedingCoolDan Slott ("The Amazing Spider-Man") will be writing a few "Doctor Who" one-shot comic books for Titan Comics.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  Warner Bros./DC Films' "Blue Beetle" was to be an HBO Max exclusive, but now it will be exclusive to movie theaters when it debuts August 18, 2023.  The film will focus on Jaime Reyes, the Blue Beetle that debuted in 2006.

FCBD 2022 - From BleedingCool:  The site has a list of titles that will be available for Free Comic Book Day 2022.

COMICS TO TV - From DeadlineNetflix and writer Michael Starrbury may adapt writer David F. Walker's comic, "The Hated," into a live-action Western series.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From Variety:   "Spider-Man: No Way Home" looks to set box office records this weekend.  At the very least, it could be the first pandemic-era movie to gross over 100 million dollars at the domestic box office in a single weekend.

DC TV - From PopSugar:  The site offers a profile of The CW television series, "Naomi," which is based on the DC Comics series and character.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Alex Ross will publish the first original graphic novel of his career, "Fantastic Four: Full Circle," a hardcover graphic novel published in the size of the 1980s "Marvel Graphic Novels."  Abrams ComicsArts in collaboration with Marvel Comics will publish it August 2022 at $24.99

DC COMICS - From Polygon:  Writer Mark Waid and artist Dan Mora launch "Batman/Supeman: World's Finest #1" in March 2022.

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  On March 2nd, 2022, Marvel Comics' "Strange #1" will introduce the "Sorceress Supreme," who is the former wife of Dr. Stephen Strange, Clea Strange.

COMICS TO FILM - From THR:   Netflix is adapting Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw's comic book, "God Country," into a film.

IDW - From Deadline:  Top Shelf Productions' graphic novel series, "The Surfside Girls" will be adapated into a 10-episode live-action series for Apple TV+.

DC TV - From Variety:  Three writers from The CW's "Batwoman" are developing a "Gotham Knights" TV series for the network.

DC CINEMA/THE BATMAN - From Collider:  Warner Bros. is reportedly testing two cuts of its highly anticipated superhero film, "The Batman," from director Matt Reeves.  One of those cut may contain an appearance by The Joker.

From TheNews:  A new Japanese trailer for Matt Reeves' "The Batman" reveals new footage from the film, not revealed in previous trailers for the film.

From Movieweb:   Hot rumor: Is Barry Keoghan "The Joker" in Matt Reeves' upcoming film, "The Batman?"

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IMAGE - From THR:   Skybound, the Image Comics imprint run by "The Walking Dead" creator Robert Kirkman, is in negotiations with Hasbro to acquire the publishing license for two Hasbro propwrties, "G.I. Joe" and "Transformers."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  A look inside "The DC Book" (DK Books) by Stephen "Win" Wiacek.

INTERVIEW - From YouTube:  Daniel Fee33 interviews acclaimed comic book writer, Grant Morrison, who reveals some shocking information about plans for Superman that they foiled.

COMICS TO VIDEO GAMES - From BleedingCool:  During "The Game Awards 2021," Rocksteady Games dropped a game play trailer for the video game, "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From ETCanada:  On Wednesday, Florence Pugh claimed on her Instagram Story that she had been blocked from posting about her appearance in the Marvel series “Hawkeye” on her main feed, after fans complained about spoilers.

COMICS TO VIDEO GAMES - From BleedingCool:   During "The Game Awards 2021," DC Comics announced that it is working with Monolith Productions on a new "Wonder Woman" video game.

ANIME TO LIVE-ACTION - From THR:  Netflix has cancelled its ambitious "Cowboy Bebop" series after only one season.

GEORGE PEREZ - From THR:  Legendary DC Comics and Marvel artist, George Perez, has announced that he has Stage 3 pancreatic cancer and that he has between six months and one year to live.  Perez is known for his work on "New Teen Titans," "Crisis on Infinite Earths," and "Wonder Woman" for DC and "The Avengers" and "Infinity Gauntlet" for Marvel.

From BleedingCool:  Comic book professionals talk about the life of George Perez.

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MARVEL - From Marvel:   Marvel Comics has announced the next era of X-Men storytelling: "Destiny of X." One of the new titles emerging from that is Kieron Gillen and Lucas Werneck’s "Immortal X-Men," which will focus on the current leaders of mutantkind known as "The Quiet Council."

IMAGE - From BleedingCool:  Could "G.I. Joe" and "Transformers" end up at Image Comics?

VIZ MEDIA - From ANN:  Manga creator Inio Asano plans to end his current manga, "Dead Dead Demon's Dededededestruction" in the next ten chapters or sometime with the year.

DC TV - From VarietyColin Farrell is playing "The Penguin" in "The Batman" film, and he will also star in and executive produce a Penguin spin off series for HBO Max.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Director Patty Jenkins is no longer directing Gal Gadot's "Cleopatra" film, so that she can focus on "Wonder Woman 3" with Gadot and also on the Star Wars "Rogue Squadron" film.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From DeadlineDestin Daniel Cretton, the director of "Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings," has signed an overall deal which Marvel Studios with involves him writing and directing a sequel to "Shang-Chi."

COMICS TO ANIMATION - From CBRAmazon has announced "Diabolical," an animated spinoff to its hit live-action series, "The Boys," which is based on the comic book by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.

SONY MARVEL U - From THR:  At Brazil Comic Con (CCXP Worlds 21), Sony Pictures releases "first look" footage from "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)."  The film is due October 7, 2022, and is the sequel to the Oscar-winning, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," which starred Miles Morales Spider-Man.

MARVEL COMICS - From CBR:  Marvel Comics has announced a digital comic book miniseries, "Spider-Bot."

MARVEL COMICS - From THR:  Rob Liefeld says he is channeling the film, "Saving Private Ryan" (1998) for his one-shot comic book, "X-Force Killshot."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From BuzzFeed:  "Spider-Man" star Tom Holland reveals that an American driver told him that he might land the role because he was just unattractive enough.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Little, Brown has picked up the worldwide publishing rights to "Art Club," a graphic novel from cartoonist Rashad Doucet, who is known for his other graphic novels, "Alabaster Shadows" and "Pax Samson."

COVID-19 - From THR:  The second U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant, "omicron," is someone who attended the Anime NYC 2021 convention.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  "Newsarama" takes a look at "the Retaliators," DC Comics' latest take on Marvel Comics "Avengers."

ONI PRESS - From Nerdist:   Oni Press' "Rick and Morty" comic books will parody "Dune," "Logan's Run," and "Star Wars" in 2022.

MANGA - From CBR:  CBR takes a look at the best selling manga for the year beginning 11/23/2020 and ending 11/21/2021.  "Demon Slayer: Volume 23" apparently has the top spot.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Shadow War" is a "Batman" event story line for 2022.

DC COMICS - From TeenVogue:  Writer Stephanie Williams talks about living a comic book fan's dream as writer of "Nubia and the Amazons" and about making Wonder Woman's home, Themyscira, an accessible utopia.

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  Spider-Man producer Amy Pascal says that a new Marvel Cinematic Universe Spider-Man trilogy with Tom Holland is in the early works, one that keeps Sony Pictures and Disney’s Marvel working together beyond their already contracted Spider-Man: No Way Home.

DC ANIMATION - From DCBlog:  DC Comics has released the first official trailer for its animated "DC League of Super-Pets," which is due May 2022, probably on HBO Max.

PREVIEWS:

From DCBlog:  A 7-page preview of "Justice League Incarnate #2" which is due from DC Comics, Tues., Dec. 21st, 2021

From BleedingCool:  1 cover and 5 interior pages from "Miles Morales: Spider-Man #33," which is due from Marvel Comics Wed., Dec. 15, 2021.

From BleedingCool:  1 cover and 7 interior pages from "Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9," which is due Tues., Dec. 12th, 2021 from DC Comics.

From GamesRadar:  A preview of "Batman: Urban Legends #10," due Tues., Dec. 14, 2021 from DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  3 covers and 6 pages previewed from "Batman #118." It arrives Tues., Dec. 7th from DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  4 covers and 6 pages previewed from "Star Wars: Crimson Reign #1."  It arrives Wed., Dec. 8th.

From BleedingCool:  3 covers and 5 pages previewed from "World of Krypton #1."   It arrives Tues, Dec. 7th from DC Comics.


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DECEMBER 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab Entertainment for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze artbooks and manga for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  American Mythology Press for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for December 2021
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for December 2021
From BoundingIntoComics:  VIZ Media for December 2021

JANUARY 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for January 2022
From Archie:  Archie Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Bad Kids Press for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Blacktooth Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Comix Experience for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  ComixTribe for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Legendary Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2022
From CBR:  Marvel Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for January 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for January 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  AWA for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for Feburary 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2022

MARCH 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Aardvark-Vanaheim for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Humanoids for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2022

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Friday, December 17, 2021

#IReadsYou Movie Review: SPIDER-MAN: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Running time: 148 minutes (2 hours, 28 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of action/violence, some language and brief suggestive comments
DIRECTOR: Jon Watts
WRITERS: Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers (based upon the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko)
PRODUCERS: Amy Pascal and Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Mauro Fiore (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Leigh Folsom Boyd and Jeffrey Ford
COMPOSER: Michael Giacchino

SUPERHERO/DRAMA/ACTION/ROMANCE

Starring:  Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Jamie Foxx,Willem DaFoe, Alfred Molina, Tony Revolori, Marisa Tomei, Angourie Rice, Arian Moayed, Hannibal Buress, Martin Starr, J.B. Smoove, J.K. Simmons, Thomas Hayden Church, Rhys Ifans, Charlie Cox, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire

Spider-Man: No Way Home is a 2021 superhero film and drama from director Jon Watts.  It is the eighth film in Columbia Picture's Spider-Man film franchise, and it is the third entry in a film trilogy that began with 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming.  No Way Home is also a co-production between Columbia and Marvel Studios, making it the 27th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  In No Way Home, Peter Parker turns to fellow Avenger, Doctor Strange, for help in making the world forget that he is Spider-Man, with disastrous results.

Spider-Man: No Way Home opens one week after the events depicted in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).  Peter Parker's (Tom Holland) identity as Spider-Man has been revealed to the world, and Spider-Man has been framed for the murder of Mysterio/Quentin Beck, whom some in the public see as a hero and a warrior.  Although his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) takes the news better than expected, Peter is stilled concerned with how the news is affecting the lives of his girlfriend, Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson (Zendaya), and his best friend, Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon).

Peter turns to Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for help.  He asks Doctor Strange to cast a mystic spell that will make the world forget that he is Spider-Man, but Strange's mentor and friend, Wong (Benedict Wong), warns him about casting such a spell.  Strange casts the spell anyway, but Peter damages it by constantly asking for changes in who can remember him, which destabilizes the magic.  That in turn destabilizes the multiverse, causing cracks in reality.  Yes, the multiverse is real, and now, people from other universes who know that Peter is Spider-Man start showing up in Peter's world.  And that includes some dangerous villains who have previously engaged Spider-Man in death matches.  Peter does not know any of them, but he is determined to save them from their fates.  Is our young hero willing to pay the costs and make the sacrifices that it will take to make everything right in this world and in the wider multiverse?

Sony Pictures is determined to keep social media and media in general from spoiling the many surprises contained in its film, Spider-Man: No Way Home.  The film does a number of things very well, but it does two things particularly well.  Talking about the first could reveal spoilers, so what I will say is that this film gives us the appearances by certain characters and actors that many of us have wanted since we first heard the rumors that this film would deal with the multiverse.  Most of the character appearances are not cameos, and they contribute significantly to No Way Home.  The audience which with I saw No Way Home this past evening cheered with gusto for each special appearance.  They cheered as much as I ever heard an audience cheer during a superhero film.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is a joint production between Sony Pictures and Walt Disney Pictures' Marvel Studios.  One of the many things that Marvel's films do well is character development and drama.  No Way Home is the first film in the Sony/Marvel Spider-Man trilogy in which Peter Parker is confronted with the high costs of being Spider-Man.  Until this film, he has been relatively unscathed., but now, he learns that the decisions he makes can have ruinous consequences.  He suffers humiliations, setbacks, and heartbreaking loss.  He learns that with great power there must come great responsibility, and he learns that true heroes often make tremendous personal sacrifices for the benefit of others.  In No Way Home, Spider-Man becomes a man.

Don't get me wrong.  Spider-Man: No Way Home is certainly a true crowd-pleaser, and it is also one of the best films that I have seen this year.  As Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Tom Holland gives a wonderful performance in a film that requires him to express a wide range of emotions, sometimes from one extreme to another.  Holland, in layers, with textures, and with art, shows us the evolution of Spider-Man and especially of Peter Parker.  Spider-Man: No Way Home is one for the ages, and it is a great way to end one Spider-Man trilogy … so that the next one can come home.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, November 5, 2021

#IReadsYou Film Review: ETERNALS

Eternals (2021)

Running time: 157 minutes (2 hours, 37 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, some language and brief sexuality
DIRECTOR: Chloé Zhao
WRITERS:  Chloé Zhao, Chloé Zhao & Patrick Burleigh and Ryan Firpo & Kaz Firpo; from a screen story by Ryan Firpo & Kaz Firpo (based upon the Marvel Comics by Jack Kirby)
PRODUCERS: Kevin Feige and Nate Moore
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ben Davis (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Dylan Tichenor and Craig Wood
COMPOSER: Ramin Djawadi

SUPERHERO/DRAMA/ACTION

Starring:  Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Barry Keoghan, Lia McHugh, Bryan Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Haaz Sleiman, Esai Daniel Cross, and David Kaye (voice) with Salma Hayek, Kit Harringston, and Angelina Jolie

Eternals is a 2021 superhero film directed by Chloé Zhao and produced by Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.  It is the 26th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics stories and characters created by Jack Kirby and first appearing in the comic book, The Eternals #1 (cover dated: July 1976).  Eternals the movie focuses on a race of immortal beings who have lived on Earth for millennia, protecting and shaping its people.

Eternals begins with the story of the “Celestials,” the great beings that created the universe.  They also created a race of immortals, known as “Eternals,” to do their bidding.  Seven thousand years before the present day (5000 BC), ten of these Eternals arrive on Earth from their home planet, Olympia.  They are Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Druig (Barry Keoghan), Gilgamesh (Don Lee), Thena (Angelina Jolie), and Ajak (Salma Hayek), their leader.  They are human-like and have super-powers.

The most powerful Celestial, Arishem (David Kaye), has sent these Eternals to Earth to protect humanity from monsters known as “Deviants.”  Over several millennia, the Eternals protect humanity from the dangers posed by Deviants, but they are not allowed to interfere in the development of the humans and their civilizations.  In 1500, after believing that they have killed off the last Deviants, the Eternals break apart as a group because they have different opinions on what their responsibility is towards humans going forward.

In the present day, Sersi and Sprite live together in London.  One night, they are attacked by a Deviant, but the powerful Eternal, Ikaris, arrives to drive the creature away.  Sersi, Sprite, and Ikaris decide to reunite their group in order to be prepared for the renewed threat of the Deviants.  However, not all the members are willing to reunite as some have new lives and others hold old grudges.  Meanwhile, dark secrets from their past and about their future hinder the Eternals ability to deal with “The Emergence,” an event that threatens to destroy the world.

Eternals is Marvel Studios most unique film to date.  For all the talk of there being a formula to Marvel's films, Eternals is like nothing else that Marvel has done and like no other superhero film, for that matter.  The costumes, special effects, technology, art direction, and graphic design are key to creating a film that is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also feels separate from it, in a way.

Eternals co-writer and director Chloé Zhao won two Oscars for her work on the 2020 film, Nomadland, a film filled with characters that are fiercely independent, unique, and contrary.  Eternals is a film about a group of ten people who essentially form a family, but these ten are individually disparate people.  After their mission is complete, the Eternals discover that they have very little in common.  They know enough, however, as they saying goes, to hurt the ones they love.

Zhao deals with the ramifications of being a hero confronted by the question of which is more important in a mission – the orders or doing the right thing.  Zhao reveals that it is not so easy because individuals have differing views on the mission and what it means to “do the right thing.”  Zhao also delves into the complicated nature of a family unit, how the bittersweet can become downright sour when there are secrets and lies and also betrayal.  Eternals is a film about difficult relationships and about the heartache and pain that can come when differences cannot be bridged.

Some may find Eternals too long and boring.  There may not be enough action for fans used to the humongous action set pieces of the Avengers films.  Also, the film's ostensible lead, Gemma Chan's Sersi, is a female superhero that is nuanced in ways not seen in superhero films, especially compared to Marvel heroines like Black Widow, The Wasp, and the Dora Milaje.  Chan creates a Sersi that is beautifully gentle and compassionate, while being vulnerable in a way that makes her a better hero.  Even Angelina Jolie's Thena, an elite warrior, is as vulnerable as she is fierce and violent.

That is not the formula for girl-hero kick-ass and that is fine by me.  I find Eternals endlessly fascinating, and while I watched it, I always wanted more of it.  After all, each Eternal has 7000 years worth of stories to tell, and that's just what happened before they arrived on Earth.  Whether there is another Eternals film or not, Eternals 2021 is important to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, simply because it is the kind of entry that will stand out and show that there can be truly different things in that cinematic universe.  Eternals is one of the year's best films.

9 of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, October 5, 2021

#IReadsYou Movie Review: VENOM: Let There Be Carnage

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

Running time:  97 minutes (1 hour, 37 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some strong language, disturbing material and suggestive references
DIRECTOR:  Andy Serkis
WRITERS:  Kelly Marcel; from a story by Kelly Marcel and Tom Hardy (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Matt Tolmach, Tom Hardy, Kelly Marcel, and Hutch Parker
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Robert Richardson (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Maryann Brandon and Stan Salfas
COMPOSER:  Marco Beltrami

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION

Starring:  Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Little Simz, Jack Bandeira, Olumide Olorunfemi, and Woody Harrelson

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a 2021 superhero fantasy-action film directed by Andy Serkis.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics super-villain/anti-hero characters, Eddie Brock/Venom, to which several comic book writers, artists, and editors contributed in the creation, most especially artist Todd McFarlane and writer David Michelinie.  This film is a direct sequel to the 2018 film, Venom, and it is also the second film in “Sony's Spider-Man Universe” series.  In Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Eddie Brock and Venom face a new symbiote, a violent monster more powerful than Venom.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage opens in “St. Estes Home for Unwanted Children,” circa 1996.  There, young Cletus Kasady (Jack Bandeira) watches helplessly as his love, young Frances Barrison (Olumide Olorunfemi), is taken away.  She will be placed at the “Ravencroft Institute,” where she will be experimented upon because of her special power, her ability to emit a sonic scream.

In the present day, police Detective Patrick Mulligan (Stephen Graham) contacts Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy), who is attempting to revive his journalism career.  Mulligan asks Brock to speak to Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), now a serial killer who sits on death row and awaits execution.  Kasady refuses to talk to anyone other than Brock.  Kasady invites Brock to attend his execution, but Brock uses the visit to benefit himself.  Kasady sees Brock's actions as betrayal.

Meanwhile, Brock and the symbiote, Venom, have hit a wall in their relationship.  Each believes that the other does not really appreciate what he brings to the relationship.  Plus, Brock's ex-fiancée, Anne Weying (Michelle Williams), tells him that she is now engaged to Dr. Dan Lewis (Reid Scott).  This news and his cantankerous relationship with Venom lead Brock into being careless when he visits Kasady a second time, which leads to the creation of a monstrous new symbiote named “Carnage.”  Meanwhile, the adult Frances Barrison (Naomie Harris) is still imprisoned and, in her new identity as “Shriek, she still pines for her man, Cletus.

From what information I have gathered, the general consensus seems to be that the sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, is better than the first film, Venom.  As entertaining as I found the sequel, I think the original is the better film.  Yes, Venom: Let There Be Carnage has a lot going for it.  Its main cast:  Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, and Woody Harrelson have all received Academy Award nominations for their acting – Williams and Harrelson more than once.

Yes, the sequel's special effects are excellent.  It is quite an achievement to create multiple scenes featuring not one but two shape-shifting, morphing CGI characters.  Venom and Carnage transmute at the same speed and frequency with which the late actor and comic legend, Robin Williams, blabbed and babbled – every chance he got.

Yes, I will give Venom: Let There Be Carnage credit for attempting to be something more than just a superhero film.  [Venom considers himself a hero.]  The film offers themes related to romance, fractured relationships, troubled friendships, jealousy, unrequited love, and love triangles.  In fact, I have to credit Tom Hardy for sharing so much of what is essentially his film with another actor.  Much of this film is about the story of Woody Harrelson's character, Cletus Kasady.

However, the first film seemed more sure of its plots and story points.  As eye-popping as Carnage is in this sequel, I think the original film's human/symbiote villains, Carlton Drake (played by Riz Ahmed) and Riot, were … deliciously evil.  Carnage is needlessly homicidal, and the character takes away from the subtle notes that Woody Harrelson tries to play as Cletus Kasady.

So, in the end, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is entertaining and often funny.  The supporting characters get to play, even fifth wheel Dr. Dan, and I'm always happy to see Naomi Harris, who makes the most of her time as Shriek.  But Venom: Let There Be Carnage feels like a placeholder.  It is as if Sony Pictures offered this sequel in order to satisfy demand while it takes time to develop a really good follow-up to the original Venom, instead of this merely good one.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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