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Why Deadpool is the Anti-Hero Movie We Didn’t Know We Needed

by hutchm
written by hutchm

When Deadpool first hit theaters in 2016, it wasn’t just another superhero movie—it was a revolution. Directed by Tim Miller and starring Ryan Reynolds, the film broke new ground in a genre that had often stuck to formulaic storytelling and PG-13 ratings. But what truly sets Deadpool apart is its bold, unapologetic humor, meta commentary, and R-rated antics. Let’s dive into the story, characters, and how it stacks up against the MCU and DCEU—and why it still holds up today.

Deadpool follows the story of Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), a mercenary with a dark sense of humor and a penchant for breaking the fourth wall. After falling in love with Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin), Wade’s life takes a turn when he’s diagnosed with terminal cancer. He agrees to undergo an experimental treatment to cure his cancer but is betrayed by Ajax (Ed Skrein), a sadistic scientist who leaves Wade disfigured yet endowed with accelerated healing powers. Donning a red suit and dubbing himself “Deadpool,” Wade embarks on a quest for revenge against Ajax while trying to reclaim his relationship with Vanessa. The story, while straightforward, is enriched by its non-linear narrative structure, with flashbacks providing insight into Wade’s transformation. The film’s unique tone is established right from the opening credits, which replace traditional names with titles like “A Hot Chick” and “A CGI Character.”

Ryan Reynolds was born to play Deadpool (unlike his foray in Green Lantern) & this time he’s the actual comic character – not the bastardization portrayed in the XMen movie as mentioned later. His rapid-fire wit, sardonic humor, and physicality bring Wade Wilson to life in a way that’s both hilarious and heartfelt. Reynolds had previously portrayed a version of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), but that interpretation was widely panned for straying too far from the comic book source material. Deadpool 2016 serves as a redemption for both the character and Reynolds himself, who fought tirelessly to get the film made. Reynolds’ career has had its ups and downs in the superhero genre. He also starred as Hal Jordan in Green Lantern (2011), a DC film that failed to resonate with audiences or critics. The actor has been self-deprecating about the flop, even using Deadpool to poke fun at it, including a scene where Wade requests not to be given a “green or animated” suit. This self-awareness is a key ingredient in why Deadpool works so well.

The supporting cast of Deadpool also deserves recognition. Morena Baccarin as Vanessa Carlysle brings more depth than the typical superhero love interest. Ed Skrein’s Ajax, though not as nuanced as MCU’s Loki or Killmonger, is a suitably smug villain. T.J. Miller’s Weasel adds a constant stream of comedic gold, while Colossus (Stefan Kapičić) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) provide a hilarious contrast to Deadpool’s chaotic energy. Their inclusion also nods to the X-Men universe while letting Deadpool shine on its own.

One of Deadpool’s standout features is its frequent breaking of the fourth wall. Wade directly addresses the audience, referencing everything from Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine to the movie’s limited budget. This meta approach allows the film to critique superhero tropes while reveling in them. Few other films in the genre—aside from perhaps She-Hulk: Attorney at Law or Birds of Prey—have successfully employed this technique to such comedic effect.

So, how does Deadpool compare to the MCU and DCEU? While the MCU’s interconnected universe leans toward family-friendly fun with clever humor (Iron Man, The Avengers), Deadpool fully embraces adult themes, graphic violence, and vulgarity. Its focus on smaller stakes, like personal revenge and love, makes it feel refreshingly intimate compared to the world-ending crises in The Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy. Meanwhile, the DCEU has often been criticized for being overly dark and self-serious (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman), which makes Deadpool’s irreverence stand out even more. When compared to Suicide Squad (2016), which also tried for irreverence but stumbled due to inconsistent writing, Deadpool thrives because of its lean budget and creative freedom.

Deadpool wasn’t just a hit; it was a game-changer. Its R-rated success paved the way for films like Logan and the Deadpool sequel, proving audiences were ready for more mature takes on superhero stories. It also showed how fan support could turn the tide, with the film’s production largely credited to the leaked test footage that went viral. On a modest $58 million budget, it grossed over $780 million worldwide. This cultural impact cannot be overstated.

Deadpool is a rare gem—a film that defies conventions while wholeheartedly embracing its comic book roots. Its humor, heart, and unabashed irreverence make it a standout, not just among X-Men films but across all superhero movies. Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, a casual moviegoer, or someone who’s tired of superhero fatigue, Deadpool offers something refreshingly unique. For more, check out our deep dive into Logan‘s gritty realism, our review of Iron Man‘s genre-defining origins, and our analysis of The Dark Knight‘s moral complexity, all on Zone-Six.net.

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A Tribute to Chadwick Boseman – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

by hutchm
written by hutchm

Marvel’s Black Panther – Wakanda Forever, was a fitting sendoff to the incomparable Chadwick Boseman. The film had all the hallmarks of a great Marvel movie – humor, action, and heart. However, I couldn’t help but feel that it could have been more. There were moments when the film felt like it dragged on a bit too much. And while I understand that Boseman’s death is an integral part of the story, they could have dialed back on the constant references to it. That said, Namor was brilliantly done, and his backstory was thoughtfully crafted.

The Death of a Black Panther

The Black Panther franchise has always been unique, but Wakanda Forever will hold a special place in our hearts as it is forced to deal with the death of its titular character. Marvel has often had to recast characters, Rhodey in Iron Man, for example, is a perfect case in point, but this is the first time they’ve had to deal with the lead character of an entire franchise dying.

Marvel didn’t shy away from this death, though, and dealt with it right at the start of the film. Wakanda Forever is a sad movie, there’s no getting around that, and it’s made all the more poignant by the knowledge Chadwick Boseman is really gone. The film does its best to celebrate his life, but the title sequence is very different from previous Marvel properties and pays its own tribute to him.

Namor: The Black Panther of Atlantis

Marvel has always had a habit of introducing new characters in their films, and Wakanda Forever is no different. Namor, the Black Panther of Atlantis, makes his debut in the film and quickly establishes himself as a powerful force to be reckoned with. His introduction is handled well, and it’s clear that he will be a significant player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future. His throwaway comment, “I am a mutant,” too, is a clever nod to the X-Men, who are set to join the MCU in the near future.

Namor and the water-based Mayan culture he represents are a refreshing change of pace from the usual Wakandan and Tony Stark technological fare, and his scenes are some of the most visually stunning in the film. Unfortunately, his motivations are a bit vague, and it’s not entirely clear why he’s attacking Wakanda. His explanation for wanting them as allies seems valid, but his radical shift to making them the first to fall simply doesn’t make sense.

In fact, the whole premise of the film is a bit weird as he states he wants to kill the American scientist who created the Vibranium detector as that would help world powers find his people. He wants Wakandan help for this and is adamant they keep the secret of his people close to their chest. However, in the next breath, he admits to wanting to see the world burn and seems perfectly content with Wakanda being the first domino to fall.

His two-dimensional motivation is a letdown in what is otherwise a fitting sendoff to Chadwick Boseman. The film could have done more to explore his backstory and give him a bit more depth, but as it stands, he’s simply a villain who wants to destroy everything for the sake of destruction.

The death of T’Challa is handled well and is perhaps the most emotional part of the film. It’s a shame that the focus on his death overshadows much of the rest of the film, however. The constant harping on his death alone & the impact it was having on Shuri, and the Queen got to be too much and detracted from the underlying story.

Vibranium everywhere

The world powers trying to steal Vibranium makes sense based on what they know about it & also the fact that Vibranium is available outside Wakanda also makes sense. However, it does feel like a bit of a cop-out to have all of the major players be after the same thing. It would have been nice to see some variety in their motivations.

Overall, Black Panther – Wakanda Forever is a fitting tribute to Chadwick Boseman and a worthy addition to the MCU. It’s not without its flaws, but it’s an entertaining and moving film that sets up exciting things to come.

The film’s treatment of Boseman’s death is, unsurprisingly, its most controversial element. Wakanda Forever is dedicated to Boseman, who passed away from cancer in August 2020, and it’s clear that his loss was deeply felt by those involved with the movie. His death is addressed head-on in the film, with T’Challa’s sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) remarking at one point, “It feels like he’s, like, just gone on a really long trip.”

This honest approach is admirable, but it also means that Wakanda Forever is often quite sad. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – Boseman’s death is a tragedy, and it would be disingenuous to try to pretend otherwise – but at times, it feels like the movie is more about Boseman’s death than anything else.

The Next Panther

Boseman’s death left many wondering how Marvel would deal with this gap, and who would step into the role as the next Black Panther. Thankfully, they chose to keep Wakanda in the forefront and let Shuri take on the mantle of Black Panther. This was a smart move, as it allows Wakanda to stay at the story’s center, rather than simply being a backdrop for Boseman’s death.

Some people, however, left feeling like the film was incomplete (which is somewhat ironic considering its run time), and it’s hard to argue with that sentiment. Wakanda Forever feels more like an extended epilogue than a fully-fledged sequel. That being said, I think the film does an excellent job of honoring Boseman’s legacy and celebrating his life.

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Black Panther Review

by hutchm
written by hutchm

Having lived in Africa for quite a few years, I was a bit torn with this film. Overall it was an enjoyable experience, but it wasn’t perfect in my opinion and while its popularity cannot be denied, there were definitely issues with it in my opinion.  The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) really showed their creative genius with the backstory of Wakanda, a mythical nationalist African state ruled by a monarch. King T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, holds the Black Panther title, a role he had trained for since childhood. He rules supreme over Wakanda, a walled and isolated country which is the sole possessor of Vibranium.  Black Panther is challenged by Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, his cousin and eligible heir who disputes the country’s isolationist policies. The movie is action packed with awesome sci-fi tech and weapons although the humor is a bit forced and doesn’t blend in as well as in other Marvel movies.

Nationalist theme and cultural identity

For centuries, Wakanda has been closed off from the rest of the world as it is fully walled off, doesn’t accept immigrants or refugees, has stayed uncolonized and is completely composed of black Wakandan citizens. Vibranium is a revolutionary technology harvested from a meteorite and is used in making weapons and armored vehicles, but the Wakandans aren’t sharing it with other countries.

The film also has a huge presence of black people and women who are usually supporting characters in other Marvel superhero movies. Black Panther has set off the alt-right group who are using it as the latest example of how Hollywood is trying to force SJW agendas down their throats. Leftists, on the other hand, are elated about how the movie embraces diversity, African-American pride, and blabber on about how Wakanda is the epitome of a fully-fledged Trump-style administration. Basically, it has all the ingredients needed to spark a national debate and generate hype for a long time to come. In fact, it is already the all-time most talked about movie on Twitter. But see, that’s where I have some issues. I’ve lived in Zambia and Zimbabwe and the portrayal of Africans as monolithic is something I can’t really get behind. They talk about and show other African nations as poor and downtrodden (and they are) but they have some decent cities and South Africa especially has cities on par with anything in the Western World.

Storyline and writing

First off, this is the first Marvel movie in ten years to feature a non-white male lead actor. It is a good sign of things to come, and we can expect more of this from Marvel. Secondly, Wakanda represents a powerful nation with a rich African heritage that is untouched by Western influence.

The director, Ryan Coogler, gives King T’Challa an African accent and N’Jadaka/ Killmonger is given an American accent to show the animosity between Black-Americans and Africans. It is interesting how local conversations are done in Xhosa, a South African dialect, yet Wakanda is located somewhere between the D.R.C and East African countries. Kiswahili, Kikongo or Lingala would have played right into the geographical position.

** SPOILERS **

Upon King T’Chaka’s death, T’Challa returns home to claim the throne and pulls out his ex-lover Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) from an undercover operation to attend his coronation ceremony. Nakia’s mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and T’Challa’s younger sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) are also in attendance. Erik Stevens and Klaue steal a Wakandan aircraft from a London museum, and W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) who is T’Challa’s best friend and Okoye’s (Danai Gurira) lover convinces the king to take revenge. Later on, King T’Challa is challenged by M’Baku (Winston Duke), leader of the Jabari tribe, to customary hand-to-hand combat for the crown. M’Baku is defeated, but his life is spared; he repays this gesture by providing refuge for Shuri, Ramonda and healing T’Challa when he was fatally injured.

** SPOILERS **

Missing the mark?

The main antagonist, N’Jadaka, who is opposed to Wakanda’s customs, is willing to share Vibranium with outside forces including Ulysses Klaue. Ryan Coogler, however, missed the mark when he portrayed him as a pro-imperialist character who signs up for the U.S. Special Forces to fight in the Middle East. Although this is explained as N’Jadaka’s strategy to get combat training and challenge the Black Panther, it just doesn’t cut it. Killmonger comes off as a tragic hero and a victim rather than a ruthless and scary villain. To give him credit though, he plays the part well; a villain who has a personal agenda against the hero and not some crazy world domination scheme like Bond villains.

Pitting a black superhero against his kin (literally) dismisses the rhetoric of black-good, white-bad that was expected by most. There is also the issue of Marvel’s ambiguity about the capabilities of Vibranium which according to them can be used to create almost everything. Forest Whitaker (Zuri) dies too soon without establishing any real connection with the audience or even King T’Challa for that matter. Additionally, not much was shown about the Wakandan’s way of life or where they stand amidst the conflict since most of the film focuses on the main characters. Coogler really missed the mark with the whole “American colonialists” thing since the U.S. was never a colonial power.

Acting and screenplay

We had previously been introduced to the Black Panther and Wakanda from Captain America: Civil War when he seeks revenge against the orchestrators of the bombing that killed his father. This is good since the story is familiar and interconnected with other events on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As previously highlighted, Coogler needed the Black Panther to have an African accent to bring out the African roots and background. Chadwick Boseman does his best on the accent, but it removes emphasis on some lines and doesn’t deliver them effectively. Killmonger is also more intimidating when quiet than when speaking since his lines are not well written and don’t pack any punch. It is a little underwhelming especially considering Jordan’s prowess in earlier films like “The Wire”.

There is a considerable amount of hand-to-hand combat, and the action scenes are on point. The movie is chock full of CGI and special effects which has sci-fi fans going bananas. However, Marvel is flogging a dead horse with their good-guy-in-suit vs. bad-guy-in-identical-suit fight which is almost the fifth time we are seeing it from MCU.

Shuri is excellent in combat, and her sword-wielding skills from The Shannara Chronicles are well used. We also get to see the Black Panther chase after cars and blow them up for the second time after the first time in Civil War. All in all, it is a gripping movie that is well laden with humor, action and emotional scenes to keep you on the edge of the seat for the whole screening. I’d give it an 8.5 out of 10 for the fusion of multiple concepts in a new type of superhero movie that we aren’t accustomed to.

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Best Films of 2017

by Admin
written by Admin

Another year has flown by and like always, it’s time to reflect back on the stand out films and comics that came out. 2016 was one of the worst years for films but 2017 ended up being one of the strongest in quite a while. There was no shortage of interesting and exciting films, with some of them meeting expectations and others underwhelming.

The comic book world continued to produce quality stories, but they weren’t quite as good as last years batch of comics. Stay tuned for the list of the best comics of 2017! Nevertheless, there is plenty to talk about and recommend. Without further ado, let’s get right to it and dive in to the Best Films of 2017!

 

10. Dunkirk

People always seem to flock to the theaters whenever Christopher Nolan directs a new film. Whatever your opinion of his work, there’s no denying his singular and creative vision. He almost never repeats himself and he always tries to do something different with each new movie. Dunkirk had a lot of fanfare going in. It’s Nolan’s most simple film, from a story point of view. At it’s core, it’s about survival and everyday heroism. The goal is to make the viewer feel as if they are there, evading the bullets and struggling for breath. At this, the film succeeds in spades.

It’s failings lie in a lack of characterization that leads to the plot, ironically feeling TOO simple. It’s very difficult to care about the characters portrayed in Dunkirk. You might root for them, but it’s hard to care about them. Nolan does play with some interesting time changes, going from the past to the present but it still isn’t enough to elevate the film any further up this list. Still, I’ve never seen a war movie filmed quite like Dunkirk. For it’s innovation and ambition, Dunkirk deserves to be on this list.

 

9. Justice League

Justice League is a film that got a very bad rap and could not recover. Rotten Tomatoes were key in the bad press for Justice League. It did not deserve to be destroyed as harshly as it was. How can Justice League have a score of rotten and Spider-Man 3 have one of fresh!? Either way, it’s important to watch this movie and FORM your own opinion. Is it perfect? Not by a long shot but could you enjoy it? I’d say yes. I know I sure did.

The film greatly improves and undoes some of the damage Batman vs Superman did. Both Batman and Superman, are much better portrayed in this film. Superman especially. Batman actually feels more like the Batman from the Justice League comics, not EXACTLY the same but closer than I expected. Wonder Woman was strong and Cyborg turned out to be the best new character in the film. Aquaman was okay. He wasn’t MY Aquaman but he didn’t offend me either. Flash was probably the weakest and most annoying and yet, I saw his function in the film.

The villain was formidable, but forgettable. The story is a riff on Avengers. Just another alien invasion yada yada, but was it ever fun and entertaining. I may be a bit biased as I am a huge Justice League fan but I actually went in HATING the trailers but came out pleasantly surprised.

 

8. The Founder

This smaller scale film deserves more attention. Its got a great cast of actors who are led by another great performance from Michael Keaton. Keaton plays Ray Kroc, the man responsible for the mega success of McDonald’s. The movie shows just how he came to get control of an idea that was never really his to begin with. Kroc is portrayed as both someone to be admired and someone to be hated. Everyone knows McDonald’s and chances are you’ve eaten there at some point in your life. McDonald’s has always been the most popular and cheapest fast food joint while not always being the healthiest and most respected of them all. The film gives unique insight as to why that might be through the examination of the characters.

Keaton was snubbed at the Golden Globes but may very well get some attention from the Oscars. At the end of the day, The Founder is a movie that is enlightening and informative as it is entertaining and should be watched by anyone with even a remote interest of how the McDonald empire came to be.

7. Wonder Woman

DC was in dire need of a hit after the critical bashing of Batman vs Superman and Suicide Squad. Thankfully, Wonder Woman ended up being that hit and even exceeded expectations. Before Star Wars: The Last Jedi took over, Wonder Woman was the highest grossing movie of the year. It seemed to connect with both critics and fans, which is very rare for a DC film. The hype was strong with this one and for good reason. Was it the best movie of the year or the best comic movie of all time?… No. Not at all, but the movie did a lot of things right. Wonder Woman felt like she was supposed to. They didn’t shy away from what makes her the hero she is. Gal Gadot greatly improved her acting and gave Wonder Woman an undeniable charm. She still isn’t the BEST actress but kudos must be given for her performance in the movie. The supporting cast was excellent, led by Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor.

The villain (Ares) should’ve been better and the CGI heavy third act hold back the movie from being a truly excellent film. Still, it was great fun and it honored a character that deserved to have a quality film. After all, Wonder Woman is arguably the biggest female superhero of all time.

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Fans finally got to see Spidey in the MCU thanks to Civil War, and now they got to see him in his own film set in the same universe as Thor, Iron Man in co. Iron Man is even in the film. Many times, having a film tied too much to continuity is a bad thing but it works here. The nods to Avengers actually enrich the plot and it’s main villain. That’s right, Marvel actually had a good villain in one of their movies. Michael Keaton plays the Vulture and really made him relatable while still being a credible threat.

Tom Holland plays a younger Spider-Man, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t good. He has a good balance between humor, seriousness and earnestness. The movie has a lot of humor but it didn’t distract. The serious moments were treated with seriousness, meaning you never lost the drama and you always felt the stakes. Spider-Man also had a great character arc. You saw him grow throughout the whole film.

It also paid tribute to the comics with several homages. The movie actually replicates a rather famous scene from Amazing Spider-Man #33. It’s these little touches and more that add to the quality of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Making it dare I say, the best Spider-Man movie of all time?

5. Baby Driver

Baby Driver’s conception came from the unique mind of Edgar Wright, who brought us such films as Hot Fuzz and Shaun of The Dead. It took a lot of his effort, time and money to get this movie done, and the end product showed. Baby Driver may seem oddly similar to 2011’s Driver but it’s execution is much different. It’s certainly a much more hopeful film and has it’s own style. Perhaps not as unique looking as Driver but unique all the same.

The characters really drive this film, no pun intended. Each of them feel interesting and the actors portraying them only make them more mesmerizing. Jaime Foxx steals the movie with his portrayal of the insane Bats. Talk about an appropriate name. The music in the film is really what sets it apart. It’s not just thrown in there as background music. It’s directly tied into the narrative of the film and actually quite necessary. It even has a satisfying and less predictable ending. Baby Driver was a refreshing change of pace from the saturated CGI driven movies that dominate the box office. I urge you to check this out if you enjoy good dialogue, music, cinematography, acting and overall fun.

4. Blade Runner: 2049 & It

 

 

It turned out to be to difficult to choose between these two great films. One an exceptional sequel, and the other a very pleasant surprise.

Blade Runner is a very worthy sequel to the original Blade Runner. More than 30 years later, Harrison Ford reprises his role as Deckard but it’s Ryan Gosling who leads this film. The striking visuals and cinematography ranks right up there with the best films of the year ut above al, the most impressive thing about the film is the story. It’s an engaging and cerebral plot, which forces you to pay attention and think. It had been quite some time since I was as mentally stimulated. Perhaps a bit overlong on time for some people but, I fel that the length was justified.

It was the remake of the classic 90’s film starring Tim Curry, and it improves on nearly everything from the original. Tim Curry is still an inch better as Pennywise the clown. The remake greatly improved the characterization of it’s main cast and executed the story far better than the original. The cast of kids really did a good job. It felt like an R rated Spielberg movie. If you liked Stranger Things it’s a strong possibility that you will enjoy It. Ironically It was a surprise commercial hit while Blade Runner: 2049 under preformed.

3. Logan

Logan was my favorite film of the year for a long time, and it still may very well be. The top three are easily interchangeable in their ranking. I wrote a longer in depth review of Logan early in March which you can read for further analysis.

Logan is Hugh Jackman’s last stint as Wolverine. It’s a gut wrenching, emotionally charged performance that is easily his finest of the whole series of X-Men films. Keep in mind that Hugh Jackman has been Wolverine for more than 15 years!

Logan treats the source material with plenty of maturity, choosing to focus on a small cast and repercussions of a lifetime of violence. It felt more like a western in the vein of Unforgiven rather than another entry in the X-Men cinematic universe. Logan is not just a great comic book film, it’s a great film period.

2. The Shape of Water

Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape of Water, may very well be his most impressive film to date. Del Toro states that it’s his most personal film that he’s most proud of. The film has been a critical success throughout the year. Getting attention at various film fests and taking in 7 Golden Globe nominations along the way.

At first glance it’s a tough sell for many movie goers. After all, we are talking about a mute woman in love with a lizard/aquatic monster. Look past your initial trepidation and you will appreciate a truly beautiful film.The Shape of Water is a very original take on the familiar tale of love & loss. Don’t be fooled, the film does have a hopeful message despite some of the tragic nature of the story. The visuals are fantastic and really take you back to America during the height of the cold war. The entire cast is outstanding, with Sally Hawkins leading the way as Elisa, a mute woman that works in a secret government laboratory where she meets the “monster”. She communicates throughout the whole film in American Sign Language. Hawkins went through careful research for her role, making sure she could accurately portray someone who only spoke Sign Language, and it shows.

Michael Shannon played the main antagonist in the film and you WILL hate him, he’s that good. Kudos must be given to Doug Jones for portraying the creature with humanity and making you care about him. The script is phenomenal, especially the dialogue but all these things have to be credited to the director Guillermo Del Toro. Without his hand at the wheel, the film would not be what it is.

1. War For The Planet of The Apes

The Planet of The Apes trilogy has to be given its due as arguably the most constant trilogy of all time. There really isn’t a weak entry in the series. Dawn of The Planet of The Apes blew my mind and set the bar high for the sequel. Like The Shape of Water, War For The Planet of The Apes is more than what it appears to be at first glance. Yes, there are Apes riding on horses and wielding machine guns but that’s not what should define your opinion of the film. There’s a deep story there with relevant and timely themes. It is determined to have a message and not just be an action movie with no brains. If you look carefully, you will find a lot of subtle commentary on various social issues that still exist today. It’s daring portrayal of the apes should also be commended. Most of Apes rely heavily on using Sign Language and physical acting to communicate their thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Any Serkis must be given credit for the incredible acting he continues to deliver as Caesar. I am continually surprised as to how much he conveys through his CGI characters. War For The Planet of The Apes can be bleak but it’s a rewarding and unforgettable viewing experience that is a fitting end to a fantastic trilogy.

There you have it! let’s hope that 2018 shapes up to be as good a year as 2017.

 

 

 

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Logan : Movie Review

by Admin
written by Admin

It’s hard to believe that it’s been seventeen years since Hugh Jackman first suited up to play Wolverine/ Logan. I remarked to a friend of mine that Hugh Jackman had been Wolverine one year longer than we had been friends. That said, I knew it was going to be bittersweet seeing him pop his claws as Wolverine one last time.

When I heard there would be a third and final Wolverine movie I was cautiously optimistic. After all, the horrible Wolverine: Origins movie was still fresh in my mind. Then the trailer for Logan came out and I was officially excited. It had such a fitting finality to it. I felt that this last movie would be something special. Let’s see if the filmmakers gave Wolverine a proper send off.

 

Story:

At first glance I thought that Logan would be a loose adaptation of the comic Old Man Logan, but it’s really not. Some fans might argue that parts of it are but I find it easier to simply treat the film as it’s own thing, it helps to curtail expectations and comparisons.

Logan is more of a western and drama rather than a superhero film. Even without going into the story, the film’s look, landscape and score helps to illustrate the point. Logan’s focus is really more on character rather than anything else. This isn’t a big ensemble cast of characters. On the contrary, there are very few main characters and it really explores Wolverine/ Logan more than any other film before it.  Logan himself, is in a bad place in almost every way at the start of this film. He’s seemingly lost everything he held dear in his life, including the X-men. He lives only to take care of a senile and dangerous Charles Xavier. Logan drives a limo to make ends meet in the day and he drinks as much as he can by night. One day their world gets shaken upside down when Charles learns of the existence of a new mutant. Without spoiling too much more, things get more complicated from there.

It’s a fine story that dots all the i’s and crosses all the t’s, and yet you may find the plot unremarkable. Perhaps the creators could’ve taken a few more chances and stayed closer to the source material but as I stated before, it’s a character piece. The movie is not interested in presenting a mind bending plot. It’s more concerned in presenting a human story that you feel. Of course it helps if you’ve enjoyed watching the character as long as some fans have but it works as a standalone film too. It has a lot of quiet moments that are really quite touching. In fact, I was surprised how emotional it was by the end of it. It also did a fairly good job of feeling very contemporary, especially with the parallels the climax of the film makes with a few issues facing North America and the rest of the world.

The story also introduced one of the most promising new characters the X-men franchise has had in years in X-23. She should be a fine addition to the franchise should they decide to continue forward with more X-men films in the future.

 

 

Action:

If the red and trailer was any indication, we knew Logan would be a different affair thanks to it’s R rating, and it when it did not disappoint. The action was brutal and exhilarating. The filmmakers did not hold back on this one and finally gave hungry Wolverine fans the kind of action they have been wishing for on the big screen. You don’t have to wait long for it either. The opening scene lets you know just how violent this movie is going to be. Some might find it gratuitous but I did not because the film does a good job of showing just what that level of violence can do to a person. I suspect that the action in the film  is sure to please fans more than casual moviegoers but it remains one of the many highlights of the film nevertheless. I can safety say that it has the best Wolverine fight scenes of all time.

 

Villain:

Here is where I would’ve like the creators to have stuck much closer to the source material. Not to say that the villain/ villains were bad. Not at all. The Reavers Turned out to be some pretty sadistic and messed up individuals but I longed for more from the source material. I felt the film wasn’t terribly interested in having a big imposing enemy that needed to be explored. They chose to focus on Logan and his relationships more. They did that very well so I give the filmmakers a bit of leeway for neglecting it’s main villain.

 

Acting:

Another of the film’s greatest strengths is the performances from it’s gifted actors. It’s nearly impossible to care about the characters if the performances aren’t good, especially since the film relies so strongly on character. Hugh Jackman definitely steps up his game and provides his finest performance as Logan/Wolverine. With so much emphasis on him he had to bring his A game and he did not disappoint. There are so many peaks and valleys to his performance on display and he nails all of them. His savagery and his vulnerability is felt on every level, a truly excellent piece of work for Hugh Jackman.

Patrick Stewart is no slouch either. His portrayal of Charles Xavier is spot on. Heartfelt and poignant. It was also bittersweet to know that this is his last ride on the X-men train as well. I must give full praise to the standout performance by newcomer Dafne Keen who played X-23. She was wonderful. Often times you never know what kind of quality you’re going to get from actors that young but she was another bright spot in the cast. She may have had the hardest task in the movie if you analyze her character after watching the film.

 

 

Conclusion:

Logan ends up being an excellent farewell for Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart. It’s certainly the best solo Wolverine movie of all time and it may even end up being the best of the X-men universe. Time will tell after repeated viewings. The one thing I loved most aout this film is that it gets Wolverine/ Logan, all sides of him. He’s brutal when he needs to be and he’s vulnerable as well. It understands that no matter what, he’s relentless in doing what he has to in order to protect the ones he loves. He may fail but he’ll try til his last breath.

If you’ve ever been on the fence about a Wolverine movie then this is the one to check out. I would encourage non superhero fans to watch this film above all others. It’s got everything ranging from excellent characterization, action, emotion, heart, and even humor. It’s a gem to look at too.

I will say that I was moved by the film and was sad to say goodbye to Hugh Jackman but all good things come to an end. There’s nothing left to say but thank you. He stuck with this character through thick and thin and ended things on his terms. All my respect to Mr. Jackman. It’s going to be tough to replace him as Wolverine in the hearts of many fans. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to go see a film that deserves to be seen on the big screen.

You da man Hugh!!

 

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ComicsMarvel

Great Comic Book Covers- Feat: The Hulk

by Admin
written by Admin

They always say  ” never judge a book by it’s cover”, and while that’s proven to be true on many an occasion this installment is about the latter. More specifically, judging the cover itself.

What makes a great cover? Is it the art? The artist? The action? The drama? The significance? All these factors do indeed contribute to the long lasting appeal to any comic book cover. Sometimes I want a ton of action and detail in a comic cover, while other times I long for the understated quiet cover that conveys just as much. These days the art of design is beginning to play a major role in comic book covers, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I marvel at the creativity behind said types of covers just as much as ” traditional” ones.

One thing that can’t be explained is that odd favorite cover that any one of us just happens to like. Perhaps the artist isn’t that well known and/or the issue itself doesn’t have much historical significance, but it doesn’t matter. For some reason, that comic book cover spoke to you and burrowed it’s way into your memory. At the end of the day it all comes down to personal taste. Here are 12 of my favorite covers featuring the green Goliath known to all as The Hulk!

 

King Sized Hulk Special # 1 – ( Artist: Jim Steranko)

 

We start things off with a classic cover by cover artist extraordinaire, Jim Steranko. This one’s been homaged more than a few times over the years, which is always a testament to how good a cover is. This one screams Hulk. It’s loud and bursting with energy and drama. Hulk can’t seemed to be contained in his own cover. It’s a brilliant composition from a man who knew his craft.

 

 

 

Incredible Hulk # 102 – ( Artist: Marie Severin)

 

This cover is a big deal because it gave the Hulk his first full length series. It doesn’t hurt that the great Marie Severin had a hand in it either. Like the previous entry, the cover screams Hulk, but more importantly it tells us what Hulk is about. I’ve always been a sucker for these Hulk transformation type covers ever since I saw this one as a kid.

 

 

Incredible Hulk # 206 ( Artist: Dave Cockrum)

 

Perhaps it’s not as flashy as some other covers on this list but I can’t count how many times I’ve seen this image of the hulk over the years. It seemed like the default image for stickers, posters, lunch boxes, T shirts etc. I actually saw the image first before ever gazing at this cover. Legendary X-men artist Dave Cockrum really pleased Marvel and us fans with this gem.

 

 

The Incredible Hulk # 181 ( Artist: Herb Trimpe)

How could I not include this classic cover introducing Wolverine? It’s iconic status cannot be denied. It’s a great action piece that sets the stage for one of the best rivalries in all of comics. Poor Wendigo is totally overshadowed.

 

 

The Hulk! Magazine # 23 ( Artist: Walt Simonson)

This one could be considered my ” eclectic” choice but I truly love this cover. It’s a cover from the short lived oversized magazine publication that ran in the 70’s. I just find it so… cool, for lack of a better word. Maybe it’s the transformation thing again, who knows. I’m a big fan of Walt Simonson and seeing his painted work was a rare treat. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any other painted pieces he did after this one. It’s certainly of it’s time but it rocks in my book!

 

 

The Hulk! Magazine # 25 ( Artist’s John Buscema & Joe Jusko)

Another inclusion from the Hulk magazine line but this one contains a more iconic image. Big John Buscema is a LEGEND in the comics world. In my opinion, he’s almost as important an artist as Jack Kirby. This cover is to the point but it really stands out. The intensity just oozes off the page. Everytime I see it I still think ” Man, that’s awesome.” Full points for whoever thought to pair up John Buscema’s pencils with Joe Jusko’s wonderful paints.

 

 

Incredible Hulk # 340 ( Artist: Todd McFarlane)

Wolverine shows up again, so sue me. I’d be willing to bet this cover has been homaged the most out of any on this list, it’s that popular. The interior of this comic doesn’t disappoint either. We get treated to the most brutal and best Wolverine vs Hulk brawl ever. Todd McFarlane always has an eye for creating a memorable cover. The cover is totally Todd. He loved playing with reflections and different ways to draw an action scene. Only one word can describe this cover. Badass.

 

 

Incredible Hulk # 376 – ( Artist : Dale Keown)

This cover is the first to feature artist, Dale Keown, who is definitely my favorite Hulk artist of all time. To my knowledge, this was the first time ever to feature BOTH the grey and green versions of the Hulk. The story manged to tie up that loose end and come up with a plausible explanation for the two versions of the same character. I just loved the action and sense of urgency this cover has. I remember trying to draw by copying this cover over and over again when I was a kid.

 

 

Incredible Hulk # 377 ( Artist: Dale Keown)

An iconic cover for an iconic story. It’s a huge issue in the history of the Hulk because it manages to give Hulk Banner’s intelligence. No longer is Hulk a savage monster who can barely string together three sentences. The design of the cover is simple but brilliant and the colors are perfect. Dale Keown knocks this one way out of the park.

 

 

Incredible Hulk # 379 ( Artist: Dale Keown)

Guess who? That’s right, it’s Dale Keown once again. Truth be told I could’ve done an entire list of Dale Keown Hulk covers. This issue introduces us to the “new” intelligent Hulk. Keown made some subtle changes to his facial appearance, creating a truly unique and iconic version of the character. The cover just demands your attention. You know it’s a big deal, I mean it’s as in your face as it gets. Every inch of the cover is used including the title itself!

 

 

Incredible Hulk vol 2 # 49- ( Artist: Kaare Andrews)

Artist, Kaare Andrews delivers one of the cleverest Hulk covers I’ve ever seen. It’s a wonderful homage to the fan favorite children’s book, Where The Wild Things Are. Not a particularly important or noteworthy issue of the hulk and yet such a unique cover. It’s meant to put a smile on your face and let you appreciate two groups of iconic characters.

 

Incredible Hulk vol 2 # 94 ( Artist: Jose Ladronn)

We end things with my favorite cover from the Planet Hulk story line. Jose Ladronn provides a gorgeous painted cover reminiscent of the days of the yesteryear, and how appropriate. Planet Hulk Is essentially Gladiator( The film) meets Hulk.

Planet Hulk proved to be the most celebrated story of  modern age for Hulk. This is the cover that really make me take notice and get back into Hulk after many years of mediocrity for the character.

 

There you have it! 12 of my favorite covers of my favorite monster.

 

 

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