Marvel’s The Defenders

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The Long awaited Netflix series Marvel’s The Defenders has finally launched. Let the binge watching commence! 

Let me Preface this with I love to see the villains that Marvel introduces when adapting characters for screen. We have our main stay villains who are the ones we know and then there are villains that we don’t know as well. Sometimes these characters are created in the process of retelling of a story. And sometimes they are existing gems re-polished into dynamic characters. 

Sigourney Weaver is definitely one of those villains I love. She plays Alexandra Reid. And then we also have Electra who is not necessarily a villain but more of a villain's pawn (at first), The hand of course and some others sprinkled in there Alexandra is seeking the ability to get back to K’un L’un with her counterparts. In doing that she has to use ‘The Black Sky’ aka Electra. 

Converging on New York to stop an impending doom are 4 super heroes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, The Immortal Iron Fist and our resident Bulletproof hero Luke Cage. They are all connected to each other through this impending doom. Each hero brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the fight. My only issue with the show is not so much the premise but specifically with Danny Rand’s character. He is very whiny. He is basically hellbent on revenge for his parents while spouting he is the immortal iron fist and seeking justice. Which I don’t believe he is aware that he is like this. Don’t get me wrong, I think the writers did this on purpose to make a point to give him some growth points and that is fine and all but he gets very old very quickly. Plus everything is all his fault. 

Everyone else fits their roles in the group as they should. Luke Cage is fresh out of prison, Jessica Jones is back on the case and DareDevil is on Jessica’s case. There is plenty of mishaps and misunderstandings to go around. The fight scenes were ok. The transition and progression of the story was a bit slow moving and somewhat predictable in some places. The next season hopefully will be much better and a little less predictability.

Wonder Woman

I have to say that I am not disappointed in this movie at all! First off this movie had the necessary amount of action that was to be expected from an origin story. Writers Zack Snyder, Allan Heinberg, and Jason Fuchs did great. The direction of Patty Jenkins has by far made this movie one of my favorites by DCEU so far. It hasn’t been an easy ride for DC in the wake of Marvels releases at all. The casting I think was key in the success as much as the writing. Gal Gadot’s first appearance in Batman v. Superman restored my faith in the franchise's ability to scout out the right talent to bring the roles to life. 

Gal first appearance was in the The Fast and the Furious franchise. Her role in this franchise by the way, is not interesting for me. But to be fair i don’t care for the franchise in itself. Gal gave a surprisingly convincing Diana. There haven’t been a slew of Diana’s before her on screen. The only context of reference we have had literally is Lynda Carter. Mind you the 1976 Wonder Woman featuring Carter was definitely one of my favorite TV series from that era. I am absolutely happy with the finished product of this version of Wonder Woman. 

There were some minor changes to the story Which i didn’t think were blatant, too bad or noticeable. Overall, I had a good feeling about the movie with all the previews and trailers. The movie had a bit of everything, her origin story, one particular advisory, and love story. I would recommend seeing this movie if you are a fan of the comic. I would also recommend it if you’re not. The sequel should be promising and hopefully DC will follow this movie up with others just like this. I would hate to see a menagerie of horrid movies to follow.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Free comic book day is here!

Check out your local comic book shops! for some of the best reads you can find.

It’s Free Comic book Day!

Each year there is free comic day around the country (probably more often than this). So I load up on all the comics that I love and also grab the ones that the local shops are giving out. Here are some Comics series I recommend reading both digital and printed (If you are fan of digital comics, Comixology has quite a few in there free comic section and Unlimited that you can read your fill of):


Current Reads:

Wonder Woman Earth One
Iron Fist
Ms. Marvel Vol 1.
America
Logan
The Walking Dead
Suicide Squad
Justice League Origin
Lobo

Some suggestions:

I always try to read some of the odd comics that I don’t hear much about or well not openly discussed. Here are the ones that I enjoyed:

28 Days Later - This is one of my favorite series. I am a fan of the movie and this series of graphic novel did not disappoint.

Bitch Planet - I was a little put off by the title but the main protagonist in this one is definitely worth the read.

HP Lovecraft: The Dunwich Horror - I am always up for a good horror story so this one is par for the course. The dark details are what's most captivating for me.

Drop a comment and Tell me what’s on your top reads list/recommendations

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!!

May 6th marks free comic book day. Head down to your local comic shop and pick up your favorite comics!

Marvel: Legion: Lets talk about Lenny

Aubrey Plaza's portrayal as Lenny or who we now know as The Shadow King was phenomenal.The Shadow King shows up in a few forms to torment of David (our Protagonist...well pseudo protagonist) through out the first season. Lenny appears in the first episode as a friend in the psych ward with David. At this point we assume that everyone can see Lenny as it appears that people are talking to Lenny. ( The thing is most of the others in the therapy session as well as other scenes in the first episode show up sporadically and in my opinion are his split personalities.)

An event is triggered where David thinks he has killed Lenny by somewhat of a chaotic psychotic event. Shes literally stuck in a wall by the way. But Lenny reappears in his head talking to him and basically warping his mind. At this time they don't have a name for the entity tormenting David until a bit later. By the end of the series we see what Lenny really is.

Viewers questioned whether Lenny was ever real at all.She wasn't, as they hinted to David's Junkie friend as being a dude named Benny. The shadow king presents himself as 'Lenny' for the sake of confusion. I also think The Shadow King David may have astro-projected outside of Davids head.  At this point David is not aware that he actually has more than one person living in his head (Really hope they go into the background on this point as well.). Lenny knows though. Aubrey Plaza was the perfect casting choice for this role. She was the comic relief, with absurdly sketchy motives, and racy characteristics. She was believable in the guise she wore. The first season ends with the supposed defeat/escape of the Shadow King. Plaza pretty much transfers her self from person to person and we assume she hasn't made it out after David and Lenny Collided. Simply not the case but I won't give the ending away for anyone who hasn't seen those episodes just yet.

Granted The Shadow King has many forms (Lenny seems to be a great adaption) and I am sure will no doubt show up in other Marvel Series in the future. (i.e. His Interacting with Storm and Charles Xavier) Or for our sake introduce Our beloved X-men into the series by way of Legion in follow up Seasons but i Digress, that is a conversation for another time. Plaza has my vote for any future roles specifically comic related.

REVIEW: MARVEL'S IRON FIST SEASON 1

Iron Fist has emerged on Netflix as one of Marvel's latest Comic to Series venture. It has been well anticipated as well as a bit controversial on whether the series would live up to the other series. Many viewers insisted that Iron Fist main character Daniel (Danny) Rand be updated to be represented as a Asian or Asian American descent considering he is a martial arts specialist. And as One who has mastered all martial arts as well as the Iron Fist, you would think it is the way to go. In this live action series of Iron fist, Danny Rand is played by Finn Jones. Jones at first look appears to be a somewhat fitting choice for the character if we are sticking to the 1970s version character.

Personally, Jones acting is a bit rough in the sense its a bit unbelievable at times. The acting is just that, you can tell he is acting. The martial arts scenes aren't as fluid, they are some what slow. This could be due to choreography but again doesn't look/feel authentic. It is always possible that this will improve over the course of the development of the show but it can't said that holding out hope on this one will help.

The first few episodes are slow moving giving glimpses into what happen to the Rand's on their flight and how Danny came back. Iron fist starts out with Danny Returning from K'un-L'un. He immediately goes to his families company to find the Meachum's in charge. Danny interjects himself into the company, things go awry of course because Danny choices to do some good that ultimate leaves the company losing money, not to the liking of his board. He and the Meachums eventually lose their stake in the company. Early on, the introduction of some of the other characters into the series helps the storyline progress to hold your attention. He meets Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick) who is running her Dojo in New York. (Colleen by the way has a interesting back story which is lightly touched on.) Colleen helps Danny out he eventually becomes in turn her love interest. She is actually an integral part of the story for this particular retelling of Iron Fist. She is more or less an operative not by choice but unwitting compliance assisting Iron Fist sworn enemies. Not surprisingly our favorite Marvel nurse Claire Temple (played by Rosario Dawson) assist Danny and Colleen on a few missions while fighting alongside the duo. With the introduction Claire, we are bond to see our other favorites such as Misty, Luke and Matt. However that remains to be seen. (I won't be recounting the entire show as it can be watched).

The show doesn't grab your attention right away, there is a lot of dialog which seems to be unnecessary at best and cloudy. Jones' version of Rand also leaves you looking for that fluidity and seamless martial arts display from the main character. When performing some of the fighting scenes, again, the martial arts choreography leaves you searching for more. This version of Danny Rand is lacking in knowledge. Danny studying in K'un L'un would mean he has more knowledge than the average person studying in one martial art. The issue is, he literally knows several if not all martial arts created but doesn't convince you of it in this first season. Jones Rand is outshined by many other factors as well. Supporting characters bring nuances otherwise not afforded to the show otherwise. Eventually this may be corrected by better writing and maybe some further martial arts training for Jones. And here's hoping.

The next Wolverine

Who's on your list of Hugh Jackman replacements for future roles of Wolverine?

Looper is exploring the possibility of one of these gentleman picking up the mantel.

Logan

There aren't to many movies that will make you feel what the characters are feeling. Or want to start crying blatantly in the middle of a guy getting his hand chopped off but Logan however is one of those movies. From the very beginning of the movie you feel pity for our lovable bad ass. He is at the end of his life and you can just sense what he is about to endure. Hugh Jackman did a phenomenal Job in creating the best version of wolverine we have seen for the last 17 years. It is going to be very hard topping this. Come to think of it, who would be a great replacement to fill those very large shoes? We will revisit this topic once again when the next X-men reboot is revealed. ( We all know its coming).

The movie starts out with some pretty brutal deaths and dismemberment. Logan is working a job he clearly hates to achieve a goal he will never ever see. The directors allude to some happenings with Charles Xavier and the other X-men who at this point are no longer living (or not in this particular timeframe). With the interest of everyone now peaked, we get a first hand look at all the fuss. X-23 is introduced. They give her back story with as much detail as they can since she is a child. She is much like Wolverine in most senses. She is a bit feral. For most of the movie she doesn't speak which again is true to the form of Marvel for this character. The character development for X-23 was well thought out and well placed.

Not to go to far into detail for those who have not yet enjoyed the movie, but it is a fitting end to Jackman's Wolverine and a beutiful beginning to Dafne Keen's X-23.
In super short, See this movie.

MARVEL: Deadpool

Yes! The best Marvel movie of 2016 so far has finally arrived in theaters. It was everything that I wanted it to be. Since it is out! Yes I am going to have so many spoilers in this review. (If you haven't seen it, just stop reading Now!) 

You know how an actor can sometimes have that role of a lifetime? You know how Robert Downey Jr. was meant for Tony Stark in Iron Man and plays Sherlock Holmes, for me, Deadpool is Ryan Reynolds lifetime role! He simple is Wade Wilson, Deadpool, Merc with a mouth! 

Starting out, we get some satirically funny opening credits, suggestive banter between Wade Wilson & everyone he encounters, some nudity & sex, as well as back story. Deadpools costume is spot on. Really tough to get it messed up. The fight scenes are cool with not being to overly CGed like most of its Marvel counter-parts. Morena Baccarin as Vanessa evened out Ryan Reynolds crazy as stated by his character. I really love her as an actress, just check out some of her other shows and movies (Firefly, V, Gotham, Spy, Homeland & many others). She is also an voice actress in some of the animated Batman movies. Needless to say she was a great counter part. She had some witty come backs to rival his responses. Oh and don't for got our favorite cameo from Stan Lee.

So moving on to the fighting itself. Gina Carano! I have to say that I am 100% a fan of Gina in the ring and in movies. I have followed her career since her Muay Thai days to her dominance in MMA days. Her movie transition was a bit rough in my opinion but has definitely improved. She has had roles many surrounding her strengths which is clearly fighting. She didn't have many lines but was very menacing so it worked out. The fight between Angel Dust (Carrano) and Colossus was entertaining. During the fight there was a boob slip and Colossus being the gentleman stops the fight so Angel is able to take care of it and pays the price with a well timed nut shot. Needless to say Angel Dust was slammed into some cars as well as punched around a bit, Angel Dust showed some of those MMA moves during the fight in that beloved Carrano fashion and whipped on Colossus until almost decapitating him via iron rope thing. He was saved by his partner Negasonic Teenage Warhead. 

The final battle for Deadpool and Ajax basically solidified why we love Wade, Even in the face of danger he is still making his jokes, talking to the audience, and killing people except Bob in the best fashion. He essential saves his ex-girlfriend Vanessa who was captured by Ajax and "kills" him in the process. The ending of the movie clearly setup for the second movie as our lovable Merc and hero cohorts are still alive. And this makes use so happy!

Ryan Reynolds, our hats are off to you sir! I can't wait for the next movie!

And if you don't believe me just take Betty Whites word for it.