Deadpool 2

Whoa, we needed that two week breather after the devastating ending of Avengers Infinity War. I'm still feeling a bit stunned from it. Also I was slightly sick this week, so naturally I didn't even try to write this post. I just can't muster any energy to focus when I'm feeling ill.

But enough about my feeble problems.

Deadpool! Everyone's favorite Merc with a Mouth!

The first Deadpool film surprised everyone. The success of it not only spawned this sequel but also proved that audiences would embrace a schizoid character with a bizarre -breaking the fourth wall- style of story.

Where to begin?

Deadpool 2 takes what made the first movie great and turns it up a few notches. Another R-rated action comedy, so don't bring the kids unless you are hoping they will expand their vocabulary.

There are a plethora of jokes and references of everything from Wolverine/X-Men movies to expanding jokes from the first film to Josh Brolin's previous acting jobs, etc, etc.

The introduction of new characters, Cable and Domino, fits perfectly into Deadpool's universe. They play it serious and straight to complement Deadpool's hyper- active zaniness.  I wonder what they are thinking when he breaks the fourth wall. Do they even notice? Is it all in Deadpool's head? Are we even actually watching a movie now?!

Probably my favorite part of this whole franchise is how it knows where it needs to make fun of itself.
Just check out this music video

When most action movies go get (name of most recent artist/band) to record a new rock/pop song that will be burning up the charts for weeks for the soundtrack, the creators of Deadpool wanted to take to the next level. Instead they go get the iconic Céline Dion to perform a Titanic grade ballad. Go ahead, try and get this song out of your head. I bet you're already humming it to yourself.

Deadpool 2 is incredibly funny. I caught myself laughing so hard that I missed the following jokes or scene. I might need to view it a second time.

It receives an E-Exceptional

You'll want to go see this movie if you haven't already. Keep an eagle eye out for some surprising cameos! Also all the laughs are great but remember to stay for the post credits cut scenes for those bonus laughes. It is totally worth it.

Here's a reminder of our 3 out of 4 doctors approved ranking system

L - Legendary
E - Exceptional
G - Gratifying 
e - Entertained
n - Nugatory
d - Dreadful

Coming up this weekend, SOLO: A Star Wars Story. If they called it LANDO, maybe I would be more eager to see, but we're going anyways. #YouCannotReplaceHarrisonFord

Avengers: Infinity War

Well, we just finished viewing Avengers: Infinity War for the second time.

10 years, 18 movies, all leading to this one simply amazing movie.

I know it is only the start of the summer season, but this Marvel movie checks all the boxes on a very enjoyable movie going experience.

The film starts off immediately with the action and never lets up. Filled with all the Marvel characters we have grown to love. Each one getting their individual moments. Of course you'll enjoy plenty of comedic moments, but there are definitely some emotional and even shocking scenes. I will tell you right now, I gasped out loud at certain times on my first viewing. And that ending had set my brain on pause as I tried to process what I just witnessed.


It gets a L - Legendary!!

That's right! I am giving out a Legendary on the first week!!

I don't know how any other movie will top this one during the rest of this summer season.

I'm not even sure which movie is next in line. I may need a little bit of time to recover from that dramatic ending.

When does Ant-Man & Wasp come out?
How long do I have to wait for the next Marvel film?
I just wish it was May 2019 already!!

AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!!!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Opening weekend of the summer movie season always has a feeling of anticipation and excitement. It also helps to start the season with a great movie that sets the bar for the rest. For the past few years, Marvel Studios has been the standard with movies like Civil War and the Avengers 1 & 2. This year is no different.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is the best comedic Marvel film to date. It is intensely funny. Every character has an unique charm that will keep you cracking up. This sequel has also turned up the volume of the emotional investment toward each character. By the end of the movie you will learn more about each character and their past.

Although this film is part to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is no real need to watch anything other the first GOTG before going to this one. I'm sure there are going to be Easter eggs and ties in, but nothing of great importance.... so far. There are a few good cameos, so be on the lookout for those.

This movie gets an E - Exceptional

You definitely should go see it in the theater.

It was teetering on the edge of Legendary status due to its exceptional soundtrack. The creators have picked out some great songs from the 1970's that help drive the emotions felt throughout the film. These songs were likely hits when they were release but all feel newly discovered, as if you are on the journey with Star-Lord.

Here's a reminder of the well tested ranking system

L - Legendary
E - Exceptional
G - Gratifying 
e - Entertained
n - Nugatory
d - Dreadful

NEXT WEEK: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Fantastic Four

The best thing about this movie is this poster.

Look at it! It's pretty bad ass. It has a dark and gritty feel. Finally The Thing looks like his proper size. All the characters are doing their best to be intimidating. Too bad this movie does absolutely no justice to the poster.

How can a movie about superheroes be so boring? 

I don't know, but Fantastic Four has discovered a way to pull it off.

By now everyone knows that Fox needed to reboot the Fantastic Four franchise just to keep the film rights from returning to Marvel. Also by now you should have heard that this new FF film is horrible.

It is boring, predictable, and frankly uneventful. The pacing is slow, and there is very little action that only occurs at the end of the movie. You would think with the slower pacing that the characters would have a good chance to develop some chemistry. Nope. All of the relationships feel forced. This whole movie is just an origin story attempting to set up a future sequel. (yeah, right!)

It is SO boring that there is a scene were Sue Storm (Kate Mara) just stares at computer monitors for a sequence lasting at least a minute. No one wants to watch characters slowly getting smarter. 

Fantastic Four is d - Dreadful

It was the worst film of the summer. I know earlier I stated San Andreas was awful, but after seeing the total train wreck that is Fantastic Four, I have updated San Andreas to at least entertaining. I laughed and that is worth some entertainment. 

It would have been better off to not make this movie and let Marvel have the rights back.

Next week  - The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Ant-Man

The question still remains. When will a Marvel Cinematic Universe film fail? The answer may say be never!

Marvel has done it again! Ant-Man is great!

Although Ant-Man is not like the other super hero movies. It is more like a heist movie filled with amusing comedy. The acting is very solid. Paul Rudd plays a great Scott Lang. Michael Peña is especially funny which surprised me. I thought for sure that his character would be the one that ruined the movie for me. But I was wrong. You will enjoy his scenes the most. Of course, Michael Douglas is great.

You know it is sorta interesting that before its release many media outlets were stating that Ant-Man a lesser known character in the Marvel Universe and it may not do well with audiences. That's funny. The same thing was said about Iron Man before 2008. 

Marvel succeeds because their movies are fun to watch. These are super heroes that have extraordinary abilities, yet the stories are just grounded enough to make you relate and believe in this universe.

The visual effects are spectacular. You are easily taken into the shrinking world of Ant-Man. The scope of this world is mind blending as if it was seen through a super wide angle lens. Just like DPW here as he shrinks smaller than Ant-Man.

Ant-Man gets E - Exceptional

It is definitely worth the popcorn. 

Up next... Pixels

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Who is your favorite Avenger?

I can not decide.

I can tell you the Avenger I favored when I read the comics as a kid.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe??

There is no confirmed answer.

With each Marvel movie released, I think I know which one I can call my favorite, and then Avengers: Age of Ultron is released and I can no longer be this confused.

So let's cut to it.

Avengers: Age of Ultron was amazing! Everyone should see it right away.

Sorry about the brief and late review.  I feel with the week off that #SMS2015 hasn't even started yet. We will rectify that feeling this week.

Next Up... Mad Max: Fury Road

Guardians of the Galaxy

It is no secret that I am a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Each new movie released becomes the best one so far. Guardians of the Galaxy is no exception. It was the most anticipated movie of the summer and it did not disappoint. 

In fact, it exceeded all my expectations. 

In 2008, Marvel took a huge risk by making a movie about a "B-list" character from their super hero catalog, Iron Man. It was a very successful film that turned Iron Man into an A+ super hero and paved the way for The Avengers.

Now in 2014, Marvel wants to do it again with D-list super heroes. Even for an avid comic book reader like myself, these characters are far down my list of titles that I would read. Well, get ready for them to be blasted up to the top.

Some how the filmmakers of this movie will get you invested into these rarely known characters. Your new favorite Marvel character will be a walking tree named Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel). Your second favorite will be Peter Quill/Star Lord played brilliantly by Chris Pratt. This movie will help bust Chris Pratt into the next level of his acting career. You will be seeing him everywhere pretty soon. Along with Pratt, the other actors did great as well. Dave Bautista's character Drax really surprised me. I was not expecting his deadpan delivery of humor. It was great. Of course, Zoe Saldana kicks ass, and Bradley Cooper plays Rocket Raccoon with a great sense of seriousness.

This film was more than entertaining. It was funny, at times crude, and of course action packed. The humor was smart and witty. Drawing the type of laughter that causes you to miss the next line of witty dialogue. There is also a bit of playful cursing that is perfectly fine for an adult. I enjoyed this banter, but I'm sure a lot of people will probably take their children to see the fun loving raccoon and tree-man characters. And they will be surprised when those kids leave the theater quoting 'dick' and 'a-hole' lines. Parents please leave your kids at home.

Marvel has been on a roll ever since they started with the plan to interconnect their cinematic universe. The question has always been, when will they miss? I am not sure that will happen anytime soon. With Avengers 2 coming out next year, and more characters getting their own stand alone films, I am excited as a comic book fan to watch all of them. 

Make Mine Marvel!

Guardians of the Galaxy get an E - Exceptional

It is definitely worth watching in the theater. Go Now!!

Next up..... Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles

X-Men: Days of Future Past

X-Men: Days of Future Past is INCREDIBLE, AMAZING, SPECTACULAR, FANTASTIC, IMPRESSIVE, EPIC....choose any praising adjective that you wish.

I prefer LEGENDARY!!!

If you haven't see X-Men: DOFP yet, stop reading this post and run immediately to your closest theater, NOW! It doesn't matter which screening that you see it, 3D or standard. You really just need to see this movie.


Still here?

I am rating this X-Men movie right off the bat as L - Legendary.

Why?

Because it will change everything you know about comic book movies as well as the X-Men franchise.

This film blends the original X-men cast with the X-men: First Class cast perfectly. I was slightly worried about that before seeing the movie. I foresaw possible plot holes and character overload with the time traveling factor, but Bryan Singer has proven once again he knows this X-men universe better than anyone.

He makes a great move by keeping the movie set in both the future and past from right now. Balancing the line of science fiction and historical fact. You will have a tough time picking your favorite future or past character because they all are great. Of course the fan favorite will be Wolverine. He is the glue that keeps this universe together. Although you will find yourself entertained by some new characters as well as Mystique, Professor X and Magneto (both versions), and Beast.

I don't want to ruin the anything about this movie for you, so I suggest you just see it for yourself immediately.

Hurry! Before the future is no longer there!!


Up Next:    Maleficent and/or A Million Ways to Die in the West

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Finally I saw this movie about four days late. I was pretty mad about missing it the first time, but what can you do, right.

So the tale continues. Amazing Spider-Man 2 has the tag line 'His Greatest Battle Begins'. So this film is pretty much a two hour set up for the next one. Ugh

I will start with telling what I liked. 

The visual effects were great. Finally they are capturing the essence of Spider-Man as he swings through NYC. Everything is more detailed from the way Spider-Man controls his webbing to how his body and even suit reacts to wind resistance. Even his Spider Sense has been enhanced to the point where you can imagine it is more like a web connected to his world instead of just a warning system.

Many don't, but I like the new look of his villains. Electro transforming to be more like pure electricity works for the world they are creating that is wrapped around Oscorp. Again the visual effects of Electro were great. His electricity had plenty of detail and looks to be an extension of his body instead of cartoon lightning bolts. Even the Green Goblin transformation is good on a deeper level. They are not trying to hit the viewers over the head with origin story. You get the chance to imagine the result is part of a deeper plot that can't be seen in the movie. It already exists in the world created.

The real star of the film is the love story between Peter and Gwen. It could almost stand alone as its own movie. You get the sense that Peter and Gwen really love each other and want the best for the other even if it breaks them up. Of course you will still need the Spider-Man part to move the plot along, and as result the actions of Spider-Man effects their relationship more than they could account.

There are a lot of hidden "Easter Eggs" throughout the movie that are buried for the true comic book fan. I won't explain them and if you are not a big fan of Spider-Man comics you will miss them

What I didn't like

Rhino. Completely misused. The trailer relieves the whole Rhino vs Spider-Man battle.

The fight scenes with the villains needed more time. Electro fight scene was pretty cool, visually, but it seemed to fly right by.  I think I blinked and missed the Green Goblin. Again, it was all about setting up the future movies. I am hoping we will see a lot more of these villains by ASM 6.


Overall I liked the movie. Not sure what to rate it because I would have given it a much higher rating if I saw it all in one sitting. The second viewing helped take me down my excitement a notch. Plus I forgot the rating system. I will get back to you on that.

I would say definitely go see the movie in the theater. It is loud and stunning to the eye. See it in 3D! I wish I did.

Man of Steel

I was busy last week, but I was able to squeeze in a viewing of Man of Steel.

It is sad to say, but this is not the Superman film we all have been waiting for.

It is a very excellent film visually. Superman is taken to new heights. Modern technology has added a new dimension to the character. When Superman was release in 1978, people were amazed to see a man fly. Well in 2013, we get to see a man break the sound barrier while flying. Although the cinematography tries to give the illusion that we are witnessing it first hand. So instead of Superman gracefully floating across the screen, we get very intense quick movements that are so rapid that your eyes can barely keep up. Also it was very loud. Every action was accompanied with an intense sound.

That was the best part of the movie. I liked how it looked. What I didn't like? Everything else. There was no character development. The story seemed rushed and had plot holes. There was an overbearing theme centered around Clark Kent reluctantly becoming Superman.

I am sure a lot of people will come out and defend it. It deserves defending. I thought it was a good film to watch. I just expected it to amaze me, and it did not. That is the challenge whenever Christopher Nolan gets involved with a film.

This film was suppose to setup the new DC cinematic universe. We can only hope that it gets better from here.

I give it e - Entertained

You may enjoy it, but if you're a Superman fan, you probably will not.


I am not sure that any new Superman film will ever exceed the very high expectations that was left by Christopher Reeves.



Tonight World War Z....

The Return of Iron Man!!

Welcome!! Summer Legendary Movie Review has returned!!


We're kicking the year off properly with Iron Man 3!

It is crazy to think about how I started this whole review 5 years ago with Iron Man. This year we're going the distance!!

I actually saw Iron Man 3 in an advance 3D IMAX screening on Tuesday (three days before it opened), but I decided to hold off on my review until it was released. My reasoning? I hate spoilers!! I promise not to ever be a spoiler.

If you don't know how this review works, I will not post any spoilers to movies. I usually watch all the movies at the midnight showing, and then post the review the next day. The reviews basically tell you what I think of the overall movie watching experience. I give my honest opinion on whether you should see the movie or not. I will not leak any details. No spoilers!!

Let's get too it!

Iron Man 3

Best. Iron. Man. Ever!!

This film had a tough task. It had to follow the super popular Avengers from last summer. I don't think anyone thought it could get any better than the Avengers. Well..... Iron Man 3 decided to go ahead and try.

The best part about IM3 is that it continues in the time frame right after Avengers, but if doesn't piggyback itself on top of that popularity. This is a stand alone film. The story is its own. The plot takes Iron Man in a new direction. It shows the audience a new depth of Tony Stark.

Speaking of, let's talk about the man.... Robert Downey Jr.

He is the force that makes these films awesome! He is Tony Stark!! Once again, his performance is superb. I doubt these Iron Man movies would be as popular without his great vision for the character. He is able to be serious and funny at the same time. He makes you believe that this fictional character is a real person. RDJr is the perfect Tony Stark.

While talking about characters, you may want to pay close attention to the stupendous acting job done by Sir Ben Kingsley. I will only say that his voice will give you chills.

The story is action packed and it moves very quickly. I was surprised that when it was over that is was two hours plus. It did not feel that long and I wanted more.

In fact, I plan on seeing it again. Once again in 3D. This 3D thing is not a fad. It is not going away any time soon. Each film is getting better and better in 3D. Another reason is I purchased my own arc reactor but the UPS man didn't deliver it on time for the screening.

If I plan on seeing it again, then you should go see it also. Or go again if you already saw it.

Iron Man 3 gets an E - Exceptional!!


Here is the new and improved rating system


L - Legendary
E - Exceptional
G - Gratifying 
e - Entertained
n - Nugatory
d - Dreadful



How long will Marvel continue to deliver great character driven movies? From what I saw in IM3, I believe Marvel will continue to roll out these stand alone films that will tie together for another Avengers movie until the public loses interest in the characters. That might be a really long time.

For a long time comic book fan like myself, this superhero movie era has been spectacular. I get to see all my favorite characters brought to life. I am excited for all the new phases of films yet to be released by Marvel Studios in the near future.

Next up The Great Gatsby.....

The Fire Rises!!

Finally, the wait is over. The exciting conclusion to Christoper Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises has been released.

This movie is EPIC!! Running at 2 hours 45 minutes, this movie bookends the realistic Batman Universe created by Nolan. It is jammed packed with story, characters, locations, and action. It may sound like a long movie, but it moves quickly and you will enjoy trying to keep up.

The film takes place 8 years after the events in The Dark Knight. You should know all the characters by now so not much time is spent on Batman in the beginning of the film. You are instead introduced to the new characters like Bane, Selina Kyle, and John Blake. All this new characters are tied to Bruce Wayne in some way. Nolan's story has always been about how Bruce Wayne lives in this world he has created so it is not a surprise.

Christian Bale is excellent as both Bruce Wayne and Batman once again. I know everyone wants to see the Caped Crusader, but I really enjoy watching the evolution of Bruce Wayne. He keeps the emotional intensity high throughout the entire movie. I was very pleased with his performance.

Tom Hardy as Bane is magnificent. Bane is extremely intelligent, very strong with quick reflexes, and completely menacing. You'll be blown away on how quickly he moves in some action scenes. I have to give Tom Hardy a ton of credit. He has intensity, and he has to give a performance with only gestures and well timed facial expressions because he wears a mask throughout the entire film. I really liked his version of Bane. He is not a man to be trifled.

Anne Hathaway was better than expected. She plays Selina/Catwoman with more confidence and collectiveness than previous actresses. She is tough when needed and also witty when it calls for it.

Gary Oldman continues his great portrayal of Commissioner Gordon. I watch him and only see Gordon, not an actor.

The huge surprise is Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He knocks it out of the park. His character is the lynchpin of the entire movie. Not going to spoil anything more than that.



TDKR is definitely L-Legendary status. The movie wraps up the three films nicely. It will take you on a ride with plenty of twist and turns. This is truly the end of the Dark Knight saga as we know it. I know WB and DC have plans on continuing the franchise, but it is going to be very difficult to even come close to what Nolan and Bale have created. I would suggest they leave it alone and have it become more that a movie. Have it become a Legend!!

Who Watches the Watchmen

Travelin' Miles Journal March 6, 2009

Watchmen finally opens in theaters.



The viewing public will shout, "We don't get it!" and I'll whisper, "No! you won't!"

Watchmen is not a movie; it is an experience. If you are not a fan of the book then mostly likely you will not like this movie. It is not your typical "super-hero" film. It is more like a film adaptation. You will not have a hero verses villain plot line. There will be no evil plan that the heroes must stop. Instead you will get a story that inner-connects all the characters across time starting with the death of one of the main characters.

I've read the Watchmen graphic novel a couple of times. The first time I finished it, I was blown away. I wished that I was old enough to remember the 80's so I could put more perspective on it. This new movie has helped me do that. The movie isn't as much about the cold war and nuclear destruction as the book. The movie is about the lives of people trying to make the world better even if it is through super hero means.

This is not your grandpa's superhero movie. Viewing public listen to me. Do not take your kids to this one. It is rated R! Hell most adults will not like what they see in this movie. You will see one hero trying to rape another hero. The will be a blue man that walks around naked for the most of the time. The heroes do more talking about running around stopping criminals that actually doing it.

DO NOT SEE this film if you're not a fan! You will hate it. You will not understand the story. It will be too "all-over-the-place" for you. It will seem slow. It will seem boring. It will not entertain you. If you are not a fan there is no way for me to argue it's importance. I won't even try.

Now, if you are a fan. Then enjoy watching your favorite book come to life.

Watchmen is an A - Awesome, not because it has great shots or action scenes, not because it has great dialogue, no it is because the emotion you feel when you finally see the movie made from a book that was said could never happen. I am bias, I know that. I don't care. I liked the movie. Most likely you will not. I am ok with that. It wasn't made for you. It was made for all of the fans of the Watchmen.


"God, help us all" - The Comedian