Thor's Hammer Nails Another Hit

Thor: The Dark World Sheds Exciting New Light On Some Familiar Faces And Gives Us A Glimpse Of A Wider Marvel Universe 

ON CONTINUITY 

ARTH VADER (AV): Marvel's Phase 2 is rolling like so much thunder (get it?). Thor: The Dark World carves a deeper swath into the lore of Thor, Asgard and the mythos of the 9 realms. Derived from a story buried waist-deep in Marvel cannon (history), Thor 2 unleashes the full creativity of Marvel Comics, Marvel Characters and of course, Marvel Studios, Bringing the audience for a showdown with the villainous Malekith the Accursed, Marvel continues to tap it's deep, rich well of original stories and content that has been in creation since the 1960's, With some noticeable yet easy-to-overlook differences between the books and the screen, this movie leads the audience on one heck of an intensely exciting ride. Pontificator, you're up. 

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): Continuity has become something made up for the films, but at least this film was consistent with the first and all the new characters weren’t just made up for the film, but real existing characters from the comics.The translations of the characters from comic book to film was very well done and with such a long and rich history in the books, Thor has been handled like a deity (from Asgard… get it?).

CASTING, DIRECTING AND ACTING

AV: All the usual suspects return to the big screen for the sophomore installment of Thor 2. While I will let me esteemed and accomplished partner delve deeper in the cast, I want to first comment on the movie direction. Alan (Game of Thrones) Taylor and James (Guardians of The Galaxy) Gunn co-direct arguably the the most entertaining Thor so far and thread their unique cocktail of comedy, drama, sci-fi, huge battle-sequences, teaser content and eye-popping special effects into one fun and memorable fan-boy joy ride. With a scope as grand as the 9 realms, this movie is paced exceedingly well and keeps the viewer on seat's edge darn-near the entire film. For this Marvel-ite, the movie was a  real thrill. 

TP: The cast was, in a word, excellent. I’ll start at Chris Hemsworth in his return to the role of Thunder God, and move onto the return of Natalie Portman and Sir Anthony Hopkins in their roles as Thor love interest Jane Foster and All-Father Odin. Loki was a show stealer, easily usurping the screen every time Tom Hiddleston became the villain. Christopher Eccleston (best known to me as the 9^th Doctor Who) was superb as the menacing Malekith. Once again, Idris Elba delivered as Heimdall. There was no place this film went wrong with acting and with the steady pace of humor and action, was very much what it set out to be… a blockbuster.

SPECIAL EFFECTS 

CAUTION: Spoilers, dead ahead!

AV: Okay Ponty, for me, to even discuss SF/X in a movie, I need to see something I haven't seen before. Not landmark, just a story prop that pushes (or even just nudges) the movie-going experience in a new direction. Thor:TDW does that. The trans-dimensional slug-fest that is the movie's grand final is furiously fast and fun. Watching Loki morph into several noted characters and even into the star-spangled Steve "Captain America" Rogers, was terrific. The fight scenes were big, bad-ass and bold. Seeing the 9 realms collapsing in on one another was awesome. The top notch effects were stunning and I dare say, 3D made it just that much better. Pontificator, your thoughts? 

TP: I expected no less than awesome Vader, and this film delivered like the mailman. I don’t know where to begin, and the film didn’t know where to end (literally). The weapons of the Dark Elves were jaw-dropping and the landscapes of the realms were spectacularly rendered. I shouldn’t have to mention that a film like this should be seen in IMAX 3D because the sound and effects are soooo much better! I know it’s an often overlooked part of the effects, but costume design goes a long way to set the tone of the film and adds to the overall effect, that makes the film special. 

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK

AV: This movie goes deep, Ponty. Real deep. Forget the greater exploration of Asgard or the heavily discussed mid-credit scene with the Collector. I want to look to two different examples specifically. First, let's talk about Erik Selvin's  blackboard. This one scene could be harbinger of years of forthcoming Marvel movies! On this board, Erik outlines The Fault (Planet Hulk anyone?), the Crossroads (hello, Inhumans!) and the board even went as far to call out Earth 616. Good lord, Ponty!

Second, the visuals of the Nine Realms converging in on Each other. Did we see the 'flaming realm', Muspelheim? The realm ruled by the 900-foot evil of Surtur and his legion of Fire Demons? Are you kidding me? This is one fan-boy about to plotz over the implications of this board! Pontificator, please tell me I'm not alone here! 

TP: You are not alone Vader. Looking deeper, it was clear this film had so much more of all the elements that made the first film so good. There was no shortage of humor, I mean the kind that has you laughing out loud…but it was well contrasted to the dire feel of imminent doom the Dark Elves represented, and spectacular action sequences that broadened the scope of the film. At times it felt like a war film, at other times a buddy flick. There have been many times in the books where the brothers have teamed together for a common goal, and the betrayal of Thor by Loki is always an inevitable end. I was very pleased how those elements were played out onscreen and even knowing the scenario, was presented as fresh as the first time it ever happened.

To add to your “nugget list” Vader…how about the rock creature Thor dispatched at the beginning being from the very first Thor comic book appearance, Journey Into Mystery #83…? Want more? The same creature was seen in the Planet Hulk animated movie, so now we actually have two ties to some future smashing seen in this film. Sounds like we’re coming full circle here.

ON SEQUELS

AV: I have always said; "The greatest trick Marvel ever played was to convince the world Thor was legit." – and this movie (ahem) hammers that point home–in spades.  As an obscure Marvel character, the success of Thor and Thor TDW are true testament that Marvel is capable of making fun, engaging movies that entertain and build the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The truth is, Thor has been developed over 50 years (debuting in 1962 in Journey into Mystery #83) and if Marvel makes this movie matter, they have a rich and plentiful reserve from which they can pull new stories, new characters and new blockbusters. Bring me more Thor! 

TP: Well it goes without saying that Marvel is going big for its onscreen universe and this film sets up for the story to continue, in so many ways than the obvious.

RATE IT!

ARTH VADER rates Thor: The Dark World: For the sake of full disclosure, there are some continuity problems with this film and their are a ton of places the uninitiated casual moviegoer can get completely lost. But even if you were unable to follow the story, the movie is entertaining and delights with a careful formula of whimsical dialogue, character-driven intrigue, and enough special effects to appease even the most dissuaded sci-fi fan. In short, Thor TDW delivers. So with a mighty burst of lightening, Thor: The Dark world electrifies 9 (9) busted—and vaguely Tesseract-looking–busted blocks. Ponty?

THE PONTIFICATOR rates Thor: The Dark World: This film was better than the first in nearly every category, except maybe the romance… but I didn’t come to see the God of Thunder get soft over a mortal. I came for pulse-pounding action, worlds in peril… and Loki, and I got all three! With a great story to fill the interim before Marvel onscreen explodes, great special effects and superb character acting, this film thunders in at nine (9) busted blocks.

BUT WAIT—THERE'S MORE! (This part is purely for the geeks. Oh and uh… SPOILERS!) 

AV: So we do have to speak for just a moment, on the mid-credit scene shot by director James Gunn. The scene was curious fro me, Ponty. To those who missed it or forgot, Lady Sif (Jamie Alexander) and Volstagg (Ra Stevenson) deliver one of the Infinity Gems to The Collector (Benicio Del Toro) in an effort to keep more than one from being in Asgard (there are six total). The Tesseract (from the Avengers) is widely believed to be the Mind Gem. If indeed this scene holds true to Marvel cannon, then the red gem that was turned over was the Power Gem. This is an awesome development.

In the scene, an untold number of intergalactic items of interest can be viewed by including a member of the Flora Colossus, if not Groot himself of Gunn's forthcoming Guardians of The Galaxy. And then of course, is the cocoon. IS Adam Warlock inside? Wearing the Soul Gem? Ponty, help me out here, because I honestly can barely keep it together

TP: I’ve seen this film a few times, and always sit there and try like heck to figure out what I’m looking at in that scene. I know there are nuggets there…and worse still, they are probably the most obvious one’s we’re overlooking.

 

Thor: The Dark World 9 / 10 Busted Blocks 

An Amazing Re-Boot

SONY Pictures swings a pretty decent franchise reset with The Amazing Spider-Man

ON CONTINUITY:

ARTH VADER (AV): If anyone had any misgivings about the Spider-Man franchise,  you can breathe a sigh of relief. Especially if this summer's The Amazing Spider-Man is any indication of things to come. Fans and story purists will not be thinking happy thoughts as this movie attempts to spin a wider arc of the life of Peter Parker that includes the mysterious disappearance of his parents. And while The Lizard is a long-time spidey adversary, actually appearing in Spider-Man #6 way back in 1963, he is hardly well known. However, with so many reboots to the Marvel universe in recent years, its no wonder that SONY (note Marvel Studios) runs willy-nilly with the story line. That said, the motivations of Dr. Curt Connors (played by Ryas Ifans) to harness reptilian DNA to re-grow his lost arm is very much in line with the original Lizard's motivations.

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): Continuity...? What’s that...? That’s what I envision the writers of this film thought as they wrote this film. It doesn’t directly correspond to any iteration from the comics, nor does it continue from the previous silver screen showings. The genetically altered spider is straight from the Ultimate Spider-Man origin (along with the mystery of Peter’s parents), but similarities end there. It looks like The Amazing Spider-Man is starting it’s own continuity, and we’ll be comparing the second film to this one for consistency. 

CASTING, DIRECTING & ACTING:

AV: I am NOT going to be well-liked on my views for this movie's casting, Pontificator. Andrew Garfield is a talented, witty and extremely charismatic guy–and he is definitely NOT Peter Parker. Parker is supposed to a be small, frail, nerdy introvert with a big brain and even bigger insecurities. He is not supposed to be a six-foot cool hipster skater-punk, with awesome hair, a leather jacket and a skateboard, who clearly already has the eye of the hot girl. And while I am waxing opinionated here–Sally Field as Aunt May? Really? Sure Sally is well into her 60's but, still a bit too hot (yes I said it) and worldly to play Peter's frail, white-haired aunt. The rest of the cast more less worked but these two–just not right. But hey, what do I know, I'm just a fan writing a movie review blog. 

TP: I thought the casting was good Vader. I had some reservations with Andrew Garfield, but they were quickly dispelled with his Peter Parker as he brought his own flavor to the role. I was surprised and pleased at the depth he brought to the character. Emma Stone played a good Gwen Stacy, although there wasn’t much range in the script for her character or for Rhys Ifans role as The Lizard, but this isn’t a “Grammy” type of movie. I enjoyed Denis Leary as Captain George Stacy even though Denis Leary is...well...Denis Leary no matter what role he plays. The film kept a great pace as it alternated between heavy bouts of action and drama.

SPECIAL EFFECTS (SFX): 

AV: I will say this movie delivers in this category. I had heard that the majority of Spider-Man shots in the film were effects shots to ensure fluid, seamless consistency  especially during the fight sequences with the Lizard. I am delighted that the technology these days is so sophisticated that our eyes no longer know the difference between live action and CGI shots. As it should be. The sewer battle(s) between Spidey and The Lizard was some of the best I have seen. Also, as an additional bonus this movie did introduce a new shot/camera technique that showed Spidey's web-slinging from his point-of-view. Especially effective in 3D, the web-swinging sequences were breathtaking. 

TP: Simply fantastic. It’s tough to do something new in films and doing old effects in a better way has become the norm...and this film certainly capitalized here. The CGI was done very well with particular kudos to the flawless action sequences. I was especially pleased with the new take on “perspective filming” as I felt what it might be like traveling the city as Spider-Man. This was just another example of how far the technology has come from the very first film. Makes me excited to see what will be showing ten years from now. 

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK: 

AV: So I have already beat this film up on its re-imagined portrayal of Petey Parker and the proposed miscasting of Aunt May, but the movie has many hits and misses. For starters, I personally didn't need to see Uncle Ben's death (again). The spider-bite scene in the lab seemed hurried and unimportant and the notion that 17 year-old (?) Peter Parker was able to solve–or offer-a formulaic equation Dr. Connors spent more than 10 years on was ridiculous to me. The movie never established Peter Parker as a smart science geek. It assumes we know that from previous stories but that was a mistake to me. Still, the film showed a lot of good story pacing, the action scenes were some of the best Spider-Man action scenes ever and world of Spider-Man is now open with a dashing–if not misrepresented–new young, actor. And with a laugh-out-loud appearance by Spider-Man creator Stan Lee, I for one, am hopeful!

TP: I was very critical while watching this film, looking for where I might be let down...and not finding much in the way of subtractions, although I do agree with you Vader about the spider-bite scene. Without question the performance of Garfield carried the film and the action and special effects filled in the rest...which brings me to what was missing. The first Spider-Man was a well rounded film having something for everyone...comedy, drama and action. This film was not. It had ample action and was very top heavy with drama, but I noticed I hardly ever laughed. The comic relief sequences provided by J.Jonah Jameson in the first film was missing... and Garfield’s serious performance didn’t fill this void. Not a very bad thing, it’s just the best films have a complete package in my opinion. Apart from that, I was irritated watching the rescue on the bridge scene because the physics of fire and heat were completely ignored.

ON SEQUELS:

AV: SONY (Pictures) has already revealed that this film is the first in a new Spider-Man trilogy. So sequels, baring any world wars, planet-killing meteors or Zombie apocalypses aside, we should expect future Spider-Man films of this calibre. While not on par with Marvel Studio's quality, this movie is a far sight better than the disastrous Spider-Man 3. The film implied that the serum was meant for an ailing Norman Osborn and the mysterious man in Dr. Connors cell during the teaser at mid-credits is unknown to me. I guessed Mysterio or the Illusive Man but hopefully my partner-in-penmanship will be able to shed some light on this matter. Pontificator? 

TP: Vader, I have no idea who that was. I was even speculating that Connor’s is having a Gaius Baltar moment, talking to his hallucinations. As for a sequel, of course there will be a sequel since the mystery of Peter’s parents needs to be revealed...and Spider-Man will never be just a one picture type of endeavor. I can only hope they continue to explore other rogues in his gallery...but with Oscorp looming in the background, something tells me a reinvented Green Goblin isn’t far behind. 

RATE IT!

ARTH VADER rates The Amazing Spider-Man: While there are a handful of unanswered questions and a host of small, but significant concerns, overall this is a really good movie, folks. Lots of fun, with definite chemistry between Garfield and real-life smooch partner Emma Stone, a host of great effects and obvious set-ups for future installments helps shed some redeeming light on what was an otherwise faltering franchise. Fun, fast-paced and a genuine good time, The Amazing Spider-Man swings into this summer's movie line-up with a solid eight (8) busted blocks. Ponty? 

THE PONTIFICATOR rates The Amazing Spider-Man: A great film, although I’m not sold on it being better overall than the very first...the action was stellar and the characterization of Peter Parker was taken to a new level, swinging in and webbing up eight (8) busted blocks.

The Amazing Spider-Man: 8/10 Busted Blocks

“It’s Clobberin’ Time!”

The Fantastic Four chronicles the origin of Marvel’s first family of new age heroes.

ON CONTINUITY WITH THE MARVEL UNIVERSE:

ARTH VADER (AV): It’s 1961 in Cold-War-gripped America and two story-telling visionaries set out, not to change the world but widen our understanding of who heroes really are, sets the comic book genre in wild new directions. The debut of Marvel’s Fantastic Four, created by comic book legends Stan Lee & Jack Kirby, used established characters (like the Human Torch) merged with familiar hero archetypes like a monster strong man, The Thing or Plastic-man knock-off, Mr. Fantastic along with the stealthy Invisible girl/Woman. How do you think this movie held up, Pontificator?

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): Not many movies line up exactly with the comic continuity, but this one comes close enough that the disparities aren’t really issues. Were they in a ship in the comics and not a space station?...yes. Was Victor Von Doom with them and subject to the same accident?...no. Did the changes work for the movie and deliver a good time?... yes, case closed.

(AV): Agreed! Best friends Reed Richards and Ben Grimm (Mr.F & Thing) and Reed’s girlfriend Sue Storm along with her “hot-headed” (ha-ha, get it?) brother, Johnny Storm, form a close-knit interpersonal team of unlikely heroes, flawed and real, that has captured imaginations and endured for decades. The Fantastic Four is a modern day re-imagining of one of the best pulp fantasy story lines of our time.

CASTING, DIRECTING & ACTING:

(AV): Pontificator, casting is where this movie was a little off. Jessica Alba as Sue Storm? Really? Now don't get me wrong, I fawn over lovely Ms. Alba at every opportunity but she just wouldn’t have been my first choice. Chris Evans’s hunky Human Torch is solid and while I liked Michael Chiklis’s ‘Thing’ while Julian McMahon’s Dr. Doom was too cute and smug for me.

(TP): Arth, I have to disagree with you about Alba... I thought she was great as Sue Storm and the chemistry between here and Gruffudd was very nice. Evans was an absolute riot and my buddy Mike Chiklis (our local compadre from Lowell, Mass) did a... fantastic... job as Ben Grimm. McMahon’s Doom fell a little short. Though entertaining as Victor, none of that translated as truly sinister or scary as Doom.

(AV): The movie direction was as invisible as Sue Storm. FF has lots of cool effects shots but not particularly engaging cinematography. This, like many comic hero movies, needed to feel a bit larger-than-life – instead, it’s quirky and over-acted while the onscreen personalities seemed oddly disconnected.

(TP): Agreed Vader, the direction got a dose of cosmic rays and disappeared almost as much as Sue Storm did. The movie fell short with some campy and cliche parts that seemed deliberate, but could have worked had they not been meant to be so jocular. It just didn’t flow and felt very forced at times.

SPECIAL EFFECTS (SFX):

(TP): The special effects are great and everyone’s power and representation was very well done. Mr. Fantastic had to be the toughest to make believable, along with the Human Torch, and both were handled well enough not to be distractions. The Invisible Woman was handled superbly in our ability to see what we knew couldn’t be seen. It would have been very easy to cop out of her effects and show nothing at all...so I’m very glad they made the effort, and it paid off.

(AV): The SFX in Fantastic Four are very good. It’s hard to write a review six and a half years later when so many strides have been made in visual effects even in the short half-decade since this movie was made. While there was a little cheese in Mr. Fantastic’s effects, the thing and the Torch both looked great. Dr. D was a menacing bad-ass but I must say, hats off the visual effects people for The Invisible Woman's portrayal as a more ghosted apparition, than as simply a person who was no there.

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK:

(AV): This movie is deceptively good, at least on the surface. There are some notable flaws but as I re-watched this flick, it is genuinely true to the original source material, campy, fun and quirky, and each character interacted well with each other. Sure, Ioan Gruffudd’s Mr. Fantastic is a little cardboard but for once, Hollywood didn’t vary much from the original story and – surprise! – it worked. The banter between Ben & Johnny is classic FF and Sue playing the affectionate girlfriend are decent.

(TP): Yes Vader-Nader, I too thought the overall chemistry between certain characters and among the group was very well done, spot on, and gave this film a very unique quality. The mix of drama, action and comedy was very well proportioned although the drama wasn’t very heavy at all. The comedy was brought out by the character driven performances making it feel more like personality quirks instead of punchlines. I found myself laughing at the character more than the joke...even when there wasn’t any.

(AV): I realize that the Invisible girl/woman was created in 1961 but she seemed the most modern to me. Historically, 1961 is still the 1950’s. The woman is beautiful, gentle and commonly seen and not heard in western society. This character does NOT follow that stereotype, literally she is heard but not seen. I like the euphemism a lot! Women’s voices need to be heard and even though she is invisible, her power protects while also having the greatest versatility, (evidenced in the end fight sequence). I wanted to shout out a big “You go, girl friend!” in the theater, but thought better of it for fear of audience reprisal. Hats off, though, for one of the most outspoken heroines in modern comics Marvel. Stan, as ever, you’re the man!

(TP): I would have loved to see a more sinister and driven Doctor Doom with serious motivations for why he must be the one to lead humanity and why that role called for the elimination of Reed Richards. As it was, I never cared about what drove Doom...heck, I didn’t even know he was on the road. This made the final battle anticlimactic because Doom winning didn’t mean anything to anyone except Doom himself. No public or world peril...just petty motivations. On a brighter note, Kerri Washington’s performance didn’t take away from changing Alicia Masters to a black woman, and Stan Lee got some good speaking lines!

Annihilus

ON SEQUELS:

(TP): Yep...there was one. Yep...we’ll talk about it...and thoroughly discuss how Rise of the Silver Surfer was a fall that didn’t need to happen. If something else comes along with these characters, and I don’t see any alternative besides reboot or extensive overhaul, there is no excuse for not making a true blockbuster. The makers need to take heed of the lessons already learned. It’s simple really, give the people what they want.

(AV): The follow-up effort; Rise of the Silver Surfer was a movie that held tons of promise – BEFORE hitting theaters! The talks over an FF re-boot have been tabled for months. It should be done. It needs to be done. There is too much to explore with these characters and too many cool villains like the Mole Man, The Skrulls, The frightful four and my favorite FF baddie – Annihilus! How say you, P-Nice?

(TP): Just as long as they don’t make him a swarm of obscure bugs and give you, one of the people I was referring to above, what you want... then that will be one pitfall avoided.

THE PONTIFICATOR Rates The Fantastic Four:

Despite all the shortcomings this movie had with a Doctor Doom that never gave a sense of... well, doom... poor directing, and a basic story that never broke the ceiling most super hero movies crash through, let alone even reached... this was still a very fun movie. The effects were nice and the heroes were funny and depicted well, earning this film seven busted blocks.

ARTH VADER Rates The Fantastic Four:
Loads of misfires in this movie, shotty casting, mediocre writing and dismal storytelling all conspire to muddy the possibility of greatness. That said, I agree with the Pontificator, the Fantastic Four is a pretty good time. Fan-boys can't look too deep if they intend to enjoy this one, as I had to. All-in-all, I give the FF a solid eight busted blocks.

Fantastic Four: 7.5/10 Busted Blocks