Showing posts with label Chris Evans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Evans. Show all posts

Sunday, 28 April 2019

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Spoilers ahead! I never cared much about superhero movies, but then the Marvel Cinematic Universe happened and, every year for the past eleven years, they've been the movies I was looking forward to seeing the most. No matter how disappointingly awful some were, I was still excited to see what would come next. And after Avengers: Infinity War ended with that huge cliffhanger, Avengers: Endgame became my most anticipated Marvel film ever. And boy, I was not disappointed. 

The story picks up after the devastating events of the previous film, with the remaining Avengers — Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) — joined by Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), and Nebula (Karen Gillan) to track down Thanos (Josh Brolin), steal the Infinity Stones and reverse his action. Unfortunately, they learn upon finding him that he had destroyed the stones, and Thor kills him. Five years later, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) comes back from the Quantum Realm and proposes the others to travel back in time and prevent Thanos from finding the stones in the first place.

While it's a bit convoluted and confusing, the time travel plot not only makes perfect sense — and even if it didn't, I still wouldn't get why many people are vigorously complaining about it being nonsense. Have these people forgotten its a superhero movie involving time travel they are talking about? — as it manages to combine the storylines of the twenty-two previous movies beautifully, but it pays tremendous homage to the fans who have been following the Marvel Cinematic Universe for more than ten years, and to the characters — Captain America gets to reunite with Peggy — I don't get why people are complaining about this, Cap deserves a happy ending and him staying in the past doesn't mean he changes the past/future, it simply means that he created another timeline and that at present time there are two Steve Rogers, one old and one young as he's been defrosted as he was supposed to be —, Tony Stark gets to see his father, Thor his mother and Jane, and Bruce is finally at peace with the Hulk.

As for the characters, many viewers didn't appreciate the treatment some of them got, especially Thor who, according to some people, has been reduced to a pathetic comic relief as he's now a fat alcoholic other characters, specifically Rocket, often make fun of. I, on the other hand, think that the writers wouldn't have done anything better than that with him. Sure, we are so used to seeing this muscular, powerful and confident man, it feels weird seeing him in this as he's the opposite of that. But keep in mind that he has lost everything — his father, his mother, his brother, his best friend, the woman he loved, Asgard — and on top of that, he blames himself for failing to kill Thanos when he had the chance in Infinity War. So much has happened to him, it's only natural that he has become the man he is here. And what the did with the character of Tony Stark over the years is beyond impressive — not only he's no longer the selfish, arrogant he used to be and has taken the young Peter Parker under his wing, but he gets to the point of giving up his happiness, his chance of having a family to save the universe. With Endgame, we also get to see more of those characters who either weren't in the previous film, such as Hawkeye and Ant-Man or were barely in it, such as Captain America. I was a little disappointed with how little they used Captain Marvel though.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The cast does an excellent job, from Chris Hemsworth who embodies to perfection this new Thor with an incredibly humorous performance to Scarlett Johansson who finally gives a strong, compelling performance as Black Widow to Tom Holland who is barely in the film and yet manages to still the scene as he shares a touching moment with Robert Downey Jr.. There are also many wonderful and unexpected cameos from Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), Rene Russo (Frigga), Tilda Swinton (the Ancient One), John Slattery (Howard Stark), Robert Redford (Alexander Payne), Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter), James D'Arcy (Edwin Jarvis), Michael Douglas (Hank Pym) and, of course, Stan Lee.

The film is also filled with memorable scenes from Captain America finally grabbing Thor's hammer — the reaction of the audience was insane! — to the scene with all the Marvel women — I actually cried at this point because a boy sitting right next to me was very excited as he said, "it's all the girls".

The film is, as always with Marvel, visually spectacular, it has a killer soundtrack's and it's wonderfully paced — the three hours running time flies by — but most of all, it's rollercoaster of feelings and emotions with its homages, and the graceful combination of moments that make you laugh, moments that give you goosebumps and moments that will make you cry.

Sunday, 22 July 2018

TMNT (2007)

After watching the not so terrible Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie from the 1990s, I decided to check out this animated version as well (mainly because one of the characters is voiced by Chris Evans and I really wanted to see/hear if he could do voice work). 

TMNT picks up after the Turtles defeated their old arch nemesis, The Shredder, and grow apart --Leonardo (James Arnold Taylor) is training in South America, Donatello (Mitchell Whitfield) works in an IT support center, Michelangelo (Mikey Kelley) has become a kids attraction and Raphael (Nolan North) is a vigilante. When a new evil force comes to New York, the Turtles must reunite and overcome their differences to save the world. 

Just like the version I watched a few months ago, this one too has a very simple and predictable plot, and, in spite of it being quite new and original, it's not that interesting. Also, there are a few side plots that are either difficult for kids to understand or you simply don't care about them.

The characters, on the other hand, are surprisingly good and way better than the plot. They aren't the best-written characters in (animation) history, but they are decent enough to make the film more compelling. Actually, it's not really them as April isn't particularly strong a character, and Michelangelo and Donatello get very little screen time and therefore there's no time to develop them, but the relationships between them. They are quite complex and decently developed, especially Leonardo and Raphael's. Also, having a villain that is not the Shredded is quite refreshing.

The voice work is pretty solid too. While I wasn't crazy about Sarah Michelle Gellar's April --her voice just doesn't fit the role in my opinion--, the rest of the voices fit the characters very well --I particularly liked Patrick Stewart's Max Winters, a businessman who turns out to be an immortal warlord aka the villain. I didn't mind Chris Evans as Casey either.

Warner Bros. Pictures, Weinstein Company
The animation looks pretty awesome, and the action sequences are fun and entertaining. There's also plenty of humour. Okay, maybe not plenty as some of the jokes just don't work and will probably make you cringe, but you'll also have a few good laughs. 

Friday, 11 May 2018

What's Your Number? (2011)

I saw What's Your Number? for the first time before the blog, when my obsession with Chris Evans started. I really enjoyed it at the time. Because of the perving going on on Twitter lately, I decided to rewatch it but I wasn't as impressed. With the film, I mean. Evans is still perfect. 

Anyhoo, as if getting fired wasn't enough, on her way home, thirty-something Ally Darling (Anna Faris) reads a Marie Claire article stating that women who have slept with more than twenty guys don't get married. She writes down all the guys she slept with and realizes she is a nineteen. So she decides that the next man that she sleeps with will be her husband, but she screws that up by sleeping with her disgusting former boss (Joel McHale). She then enlists her neighbor, the womanizer Colin Shea (Chris Evans), to track down her ex-boyfriends.

As you can tell, What's Your Number? is the kind of movie we all have seen before. It's got the overused plot of two strangers getting closer and closer until they realize they've had the one in front of them the whole time. The writers, however, tried to make it a little more interesting by adding the sexual partners number thing and by focusing on the woman's obsession to marry one of her ex-boyfriends. The ex-boyfriends reunion though isn't enough to keep the film going. To "fix" that, the writers added some subplots that often take away the focus from the main storyline.

But it's not much of a big deal since Anna Faris manages to carry the film decently. She is not given a great character to work with --Ally couldn't get more clichéd and stereotyped than this. She sneaks out of bed to fix makeup, hair, and breath before the man awakes, and she says and does a lot of stupid things, not to mention how often she states the obvious-- but she brings so much energy to the role, you'll end up liking her. Even though, unlike her ex-husband, Chris Pratt, who is also in this film, she is not good at comedy. 

20th Century Fox
Chris Evans does a way better job though. He is a slacker and a womanizer, a character a woman should despise and yet I could not help but like him. Not only, he is also incredibly charming and genuinely funny. And he has a pretty good chemistry with Faris (seriously, I need him to look at me like that). 

Though it works decently as a romance as you'll end you rooting for Ally and Colin (and probably wish you were Ally), What's Your Number? doesn't always work as a comedy. There are some funny bits, but sometimes the jokes, most of which are crude, and foul, just fall flat.

Friday, 27 April 2018

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Though I couldn't wait to see all those characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to meet in one film directed by the Russo brothers (and to see Chris Evans and his glorious beard on the big screen), I had some reservations about the Avengers: Infinity War. Instead of getting part 1 and part 2 as we were promised years ago, we got only one movie. Actually, we got two movies squeezed together and the result isn't that good.

Intergalactic despot Thanos (Josh Brolin) is determined to collect all of the Infinity Stones in order to bend reality to his will and the now-torn-apart Avengers must team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy to stop Thanos before he puts an end to half the universe.

Without diving into plot details, that's what the Russo brothers want, I'll only say that Avengers: Inifity War's plot is simple, definitely too thin and so very thought through. It isn't always engaging nor interesting (my mind was wondering multiple times and it wasn't only when Chris Evans was on screen) and because of the way the multiple storylines are handled and the fast cuts, instead of feeling like a single story, it feels like a collection of stories, fragmented stories.

With all those main characters reunited in one movie, it was obvious that some would be left behind. Unfortunately, it feels like they all were left behind. Some characters arcs are developed --Wanda finally gets the attention she deserves-- but overall, there's not much development and no one gets enough screen time. However, the superheroes are one of the reasons I still enjoyed Avengers: Infinity War. While the merging of storylines is handled poorly, the interaction between characters from different movies --the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, and Wakanda-- works very well. These alone are probably worth the money as it's these moments that bring a lot of effective humour into the film. And of course, the fact that the cast has a wonderful chemistry helps a lot.

As for Thanos, I'm not sure how I feel about him. On the one hand, I appreciate that they gave him some backstory and that they showed an emotional, tender side of him; on the other hand, I don't like that he's given ridiculous motives and that we are even supposed to empathise with him. They tried to do what they did with Killmonger but I'm not sure it really worked this time. His sidekicks are terrible though. They are not even one-dimensional, they are zero-dimensional.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Other than that, I think it's safe for me to say that Avengers: Infinity War is a pretty solid film. It delivers plenty of humour, full of banters, Thor: Ragnarok-style, and you will definitely be laughing a lot during this. If you didn't like that about Thor: Ragnarok, you'll still be able to enjoy Avengers: Infinity War as the Russo brothers manage to deliver plenty of tension and suspense, and their combination of humour and drama is spot on. Yes, this is the kind of movie that you make you cry. A lot. Because, without spoiling anything, major characters you care about die in this one.

As for the action, there's a lot of it. Though its execution makes you think you're watching a Michael Bay film at some points, it's pretty good, entertaining and exciting. There's this scene with Thor that is beyond glorious. The epic battle scene from the trailer is missing though. The film is also visually beautiful and has a pretty good soundtrack --not as good as Guardians of the Galaxy's though.

And as I'm writing this, I realise Avengers: Infinity War isn't as bad as I first thought. Sure, it feels incomplete, more of a set up for the next Avengers movie than a movie, but it's still pretty fun and entertaining.

Friday, 7 July 2017

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Genres

Action, Sci-Fi

Director

Jon Watts

Country

USA

Cast

Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori, Jennifer Connelly, Chris Evans, Gwyneth Paltrow

Storyline

Months after Civil War, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student while fighting Vulture (Michael Keaton), a new villain that will threaten everything that is important to Peter. 

Opinion

After Logan and Wonder Woman, I think Spider-Man: Homecoming was the most hyped (superhero) film of the year. But I wasn't that excited about it probably because of what happened with The Amazing Spider-Man flicks, so it easily exceeded my expectations. Actually, it was way better than I thought. In fact, Spider-Man: Homecoming was entertaining as hell and one of the funniest MCU films made so far -and I also liked it better than Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2.

After gods, androids and aliens, this is the film that (finally) brings back down to earth the MCU with another origin story that doesn't feel like an origin story at all. Rather than focusing (again) on the whole bite thing, this film focuses on teen Peter Parker as he struggles to find his place in the (Avengers) world. Although the plot could have used some more depth - it's indeed very simple - it's compelling and engaging. And it also has a nice twist.

The characters, as well as their roles in the role, were a pleasant surprise. The character of Peter Parker is well developed and Tom Holland makes for a fantastic Spidey. He beautifully captures the spirit of teen Peter Parker, a guy who is always trying to prove himself and wants to be involved in bad things. He's fun to be around and he delivers the humour.

A huge surprise was the role of Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark/Iron Man. Because of the trailers, I was expecting him to completely steal the show. But the opposite happened. He was barely in the movie and that gave Holland the chance to really shine. And now the problems with the other characters. While I liked the idea of changing the characters races, it bothered me that all those characters were paper-thin. And the cast was uneven. I think Zendaya was great as Michelle, the quirky student who hangs around Peter, but Laura Harrier was terrible and annoying as Liz, Peter's shallow love interest.

Finally, there's the villain, Michael Keaton's Vulture. While more development would have been appreciated, Vulture and Keaton's mesmerising performance are definitely not forgettable like the majority of villains in Marvel movies. He is one of the most human villains. He's like a superhero villain, and his backstory and the reason he does what he does make you empathise with him.

Also great is the humour. Although it's pretty much the teen comedy kind of humour, it never feels forced and the timing of the actors will make you have a good time. The action is bad either. It doesn't react the spectacularity of the previous Marvel movies, but the sequences are still awesome.

Friday, 6 May 2016

Movie Review - CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR - 9.1 Stars! Spoiler Free!!

I managed to see CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR in Real D at the local Ultra AVX premium large screen format Cineplex last night and I was not disappointed.

If you are a fan of the Marvel universe and especially the Avenger movies then you'll love CW. The humor - oh THE HUMOR is back. There's nothing quite like Marvel's brand of laughter out there and for that reason alone I recommend you go see it.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is cerebral and comedic just when it needs to be. A beautiful accomplishment!

I won't spoil the movie for you but I will let you know a few things you can expect. The 3D was on par with everything else from Marvel except for just a few lazy areas which I thought should have been tighter - nothing to worry about though, most will miss them. The 3D conversion was done by StereoD as lead and Prime Focus as secondary. Also I felt some depth should have been dialed up for some key scenes that were not. Still, a good job. I gave it a ranking of 92%. I definitely wish that Marvel had gone with native 3D (DC for that matter - would have been a great differentiator), but it's too late to continue complaining I suppose.

Visual effects were jaw dropping of course including some new technology that was used for some up close scenes - you'll know when you see it. I can't comment on it or it will spoil the surprise!

I thought the visual effects, directing and score were the best accomplished tactical aspects of the movie, but really for me the comedy was gold. Again.

CLICK TO ENLARGE
Captain America movies are generally more cerebral than the others in the universe and you can really isolate that juxtaposition when you see the other heroes mixed in and working together. Take Ant-Man for example - you'll know what I'm talking about when you see them together.

Yes, I missed the other Avengers that weren't included in the movie, but just seeing Spider-Man on the same screen is AMAZING.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Marvel’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

Marvel’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Emily VanCamp, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd and Frank Grillo, with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl.

Anthony and Joe Russo are directing with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The screenplay is by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. Get ready to pick a side and join the nonstop action playing out on two fronts when Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in U.S. and Canadian theaters on May 6, 2016.

Go see this as soon as possible because if you're like me you're going to want to see it again very, very soon! Oh and I saw the trailer for DOCTOR STRANGE in 3D pre-rolling before CW - and WOW. Can't wait for that one! Cumberbatch looks perfect in the role.


Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Confirmed Marvel Release Dates And Titles Through 2019 - Title Posters!

Marvel held a fan and press day today in Hollywood and revealed their movie lineup through to 2019. On hand at the event was the ever present producer Kevin Feige, Chadwick Boseman (BLACK PANTHER), Chris Evans (CAPTAIN AMERICA) and Robert Downey Jr. (IRON MAN).

That's huge news on the casting of BLACK PANTHER! Chadwick Boseman is probably best known for playing Jackie Robinson in 42.

It's significant to note that Benedict Cumberbatch was not on hand and Marvel has not yet signed him on as DOCTOR STRANGE. "If it was confirmed, we would have announced it today."

Further - pay heed that THE AVENGERS 3 will be broken down into two parts - INFINITY WAR: PART 1 and PART 2 which we kinda knew already.


Here are today's announced Marvel release dates and titles:

Captain America 3: Civil War – May 6, 2016
Doctor Strange – Nov. 6, 2016
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 – May 5, 2017
Thor: Ragnarok – July 28, 2018
Black Panther – Nov. 3, 2017
The Avengers 3 – Infinity War: Part 1 – May 4, 2018
Captain Marvel – July 6, 2018
Inhumans – Nov. 2, 2018
The Avengers 3 – Infinity War: Part 2 – 2019





Official Marvel Concept Art

Saturday, 24 July 2010

Marvel's THE AVENGERS: May 4, 2012!! Mark Ruffalo Is THE HULK!

YES! This is the news we have been waiting for (other than official confirmation that THE AVENGERS will be shot in native 3D)! Today at Comic-Con, director Joss Whedon walked on stage at the tail end of the CAPTAIN AMERICA and THOR panel with the entire top line cast for THE AVENGERS armed with a release date - May 4, 2012!!

Who are THE AVENGERS? Robert Downey Jr. as IRON MAN, Mark Ruffalo as THE HULK, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Chris Evans as CAPTAIN AMERICA, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chris Hemsworth as THOR, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Clark Gregg as Coulson.

I don't have to say that this movie has the potential to be the all time greatest comic adaption. Better than SPIDER-MAN (my personal fav). Better than BATMAN (Ok, maybe not TDK!). Better than SUPERMAN. What a cast!

I have a few requests for Marvel and I would like to hear yours too! First, native 3D. Second, I want to see the Hulkbuster Iron Man armor. Third, make the darn thing LEGENDARY. How about you?

Photo courtesy of FirstShowing