Tomorrowland Is A Land of Disappointment

We all want the future to be better than today.  We hope that, as a society, we make a better world for our children.  However, I think we can almost all agree that corporate greed and capitalism is having the opposite effect.  But what if there was a place where the greatest minds could come together to build that better world free of the politics and profit?  That place is Tomorrowland.

Casey is just an average girl with the desire to see her NASA engineering father keep his job.  A desire that lands her in a lot of trouble and ownership of a strange pin that transports her to a world that seems only possible in your imagination.  But this world is real, and to get back there Casey must recruit the help of someone who has been there; Frank Walker.  But when they arrive in Tomorrowland they see that things have gone array, and unless they can fix it, their world may be in peril as well.

Most of the performance in this film were adequate, but given George Clooney's acting past I'd say he has more in him than what we saw.  Hugh Larie was a nice villain, but he wasn't in enough of the film to make an impact.  The best job by an actor in this film goes to someone who isn't even old enough to drive a car; Raffey Cassidy.  As the little girl who hands out the Tommorrowland pins she shows great strength as a thespian who is also so young.  If she can continue to grow her talent I think she has a great career ahead of her.

The biggest weakness in Tomorrowland is the pacing.  By the time the characters arrive in Tomorrowland I think it's the time the film should have ended.  We also never get to see the deeper developments to what brought the downfall of this extraordinary world, or why Hugh Larie wants so desperately for our world to destroy itself.  In short, the build up was too long.  What should have been a majority of the film was only the last twenty minutes.  Plus, this limited one of Tomorrowland's best tools in its belt; Hugh Larie. 

I wasn't really expecting a lot from Tomorrowland as I walked into the theater, and I walked out getting what I expected.  However, I did hope more from Brad Bird, the director of The Incredibles.  I liked the message of the film, but I was just disappointed in the execution.  Disney is planning on making more movies about their theme park attractions, but after seeing this one I'm not sure this is such a good idea.  I mean, for God sakes, stop making Pirates of the Caribbean films!  Nobody likes them anymore!

RATING:  C- 

  

6 DC and Marvel Roles For Matthew McConaughey

A few days ago actor Matthew McConaughey mentioned that he had been speaking with both Marvel and DC Comics about possible characters he could play.  McConaughey went on to dissect the ramifications of getting involved in a superhero franchise these days; both financial and contractual.  It didn't take me long to think of about a dozen comic book characters I could see Mr. McConaughey playing.  But given what both the Marvel and DC cinematic universes have coming up in the near future I thought of three characters for each universe I think Mr. McConaughey has the look, and talent, to play.

BOOSTER GOLD

This is the first DC hero my brain went to when McConaughey mentioned playing a DC comic book character.  Michael Carter was a former athlete from the 25th Century who dreamed of fame and fortune.  In a selfish act, Michael steals 25th Century technology and travels back to present day thinking his future tech will make him a superhero celebrity.  Throughout the years Booster Gold has grown as a character and befallen several tragedies; the most impactful being the death of his best friend, Blue Beetle.

You'll find that most of this list is Marvel vs DC counter programming.  Booster is DC's Star-Lord.  The quick-witted guy who always makes jokes and looks out for himself.  McConaughey definitely looks the part, and with his surfer/care free attitude you can't deny he would play the crap out of this character, who could go through some great emotional changes throughout the course of several films.

ADAM WARLOCK

A former member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Adam is a product of scientific experimentation.  After gaining consciousness, and the soul gem, Adam travels to space to become one of the most powerful cosmic beings in the Marvel U. He's been resurrected several times from a cocoon metamorphosis and has fought the mad titan Thanos plenty.

Guardians of the Galaxy already gave a hint to Adam Warlock's possible cinematic future as his cocoon was featured in the background of the Collector's trophy room, and then the cocoon was seen open behind Howard the Duck after the end credits.  Plus, Adam's infamous possession of the soul gem is one of two infinity gems we have yet to see on screen.  Four of the gems have already been shown to us with two left; the soul gem being one.  Could McConaughey play this character in Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and then we see Thanos come after him for the soul gem in Avengers: Infinity War?  I think it's a solid theory.

DR. FATE

Marvel has already announced their casting of Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbtach as Dr. Strange, the sorcerer supreme, in an upcoming film.  Dr. Strange's DC equivalent is Dr. Fate.  A magical helmet is found in the sands of Egypt that allows the wearer powers beyond comprehension.  However, while wearing the helmet you become a backseat passenger while Dr. Fate controls your body and fights evil that threatens the realms.

Like I said before; counter programming.  Fate could be a little more compelling character than Strange because of the body snatcher drama.  It's basically playing a split personality, and I think the Oscar winning actor shows he could pull it off.

CAPTAIN MAR-VEL

The current Captain Marvel in Marvel Comics is Carol Danvers, and probably will be the main Captain Marvel we get in the films.  But let's not forget how Carol got her powers and started her superhero career as Ms. Marvel.  A Kree spy was posing as a scientist in order to see if Earth was a threat to the Kree Empire.  After an accident left Carol Danvers badly injured the original Captain Marvel gave Carol a blood transfusion that saved her life and gave her superhuman abilities. 

McConaughey could easily play this role that introduces the origin of the female Captain Marvel.  He wouldn't be a title character, but a supporting one.  This would free him from any major obligations allowing him to still continue his growth as an Academy Award winning actor.

CAPTAIN ATOM

Speaking of Captains.  Let's bring in Captain Nathaniel Adams. An Air Force pilot who was disintegrated in an experiment only to come back together as a walking nuclear bomb.  Captain Atom absorbs energy and then disperses it back out in nuclear form.  He's known to be a formidable foe to fight for even Superman.

As a hot shot Air Force pilot I think the role would be suited for McConaughey.  He could bring some good depth to this character and I could totally see him and Henry Cavill duke it out, given the military's fear of the Superman in Man of Steel.

NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER

Aside from his Oscar win and his Lincoln commercials Matthew McConaughey is know for his terrific abs.  So why hide them behind spandex or armor?  DC has an upcoming Aquaman movie on the horizon starring Jason Momoa so let's bring in Marvel's version of Aquaman; the Sub-Mariner.  He is citied as being the first mutant, though I'm not sure if that will fly in a cinematic world where that term is still copyrighted by 20th Century Fox.  Perhaps he could be an Inhuman? 

In any event, Namor rules Atlantis, swims fast, but he can also fly.  Take that Arthur Curry! In the comics he even fought beside Captain America and Bucky in the Invaders.  If Cap recognized an old friend from WWII that would be pretty cool to see on screen.  Now, I think McConaughey looks more like Aquaman than Sub-Mariner, but I also feel like Momoa looks more like Sub-Mariner than Aquaman.  So really it would all work out in the end.

Mad Max Hauls In the Action To the Screens

With all the mistakes and mishaps Mel Gibson has found himself in we all still remember the great movies he's been in, and the famous franchise he started before he became a household name.  However, because of his recent mistakes and mishaps, I can see why George Miller, director of the three previous Mad Max films, decided to do this one without him.  Instead, Miller has enlisted Class-A actor, Tom Hardy, as the new Road Warrior.

In this sequel/reboot Max is caught and being held captive by Immortan Joe, who thrives on holding onto what little water there is in a world full of desert.  Max breaks free with the help of Joe's turncoat lieutenant, Furiosa; played by Charlize Theron.  Max and Furiosa are looking to escape Joe's clutches with a group of girls who have been forced to be his "breeders."  But Joe's got a lot of men to command and there is a lot of nothing between Max and the "green land".  

I've seen all the previous Mad Max films, however it's been so many years I was coming into this film as fresh as any newbie to the franchise.  The term, "road warrior" definitely helps to describe this picture as about 80% of it is car chase/actions scenes.  The visualization of this movie was phenomenal.  The scope of the sets and stunts were quite extravagant.  I also loved how the shots during the day was very red and orange while at night it's was blue and purple. 

 However, with that much action it leaves little room for plot and character development, which this film lacked a bit.  Hardy did an ok job as the lead, but it wasn't one of his better performances compared to movies like Locke and Warrior.  A step up from Hardy was Theron, who is just as good as she always is.  However, I'll give the best performance in this film to Nicholas Hoult.  The X-Men alumni transformed himself physically to where he was almost unrecognizable.  His arch seemed the most complete in this film and was quite satisfying.

It was quite entertaining to see this big spectacle of sand, and given the success of it's first weekend I can imagine they'll be a sequel.  I thought the film was quite interesting, but just needed a little more plot too it.  Seeing Mad Max in the theater was well worth it for the large amount of action.  So while I'm not drooling for more, I'd be interested to see what adventure Hardy gets into next if perhaps Mr. Gibson can make a small cameo.

RATING:  B-

   

DC's TV Universe Soars Higher Than Movies

San Diego Comic-Con 2013:  DC Comics and Warner Bros announced the production of a Batman vs Superman film.  Two years later: we still have to wait another year.  This film will continue DC's Cinematic Universe that started with Man of Steel back in 2013.  However, by the time WB gets their second DC movie out starring Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman the world will have already spent four years becoming attached to Green Arrow, The Flash, the Atom, and a lot of other DC characters that aren't considered the "World's Finest."

Yesterday, a trailer dropped for the new CW series, DC's Legends of Tomorrow.  This will be the second spin-off series that takes place in the shared universe that Arrow started in 2012.  In it's third season, Arrow was joined by it's first spin-off, The Flash.  With only one season under it's belt The Flash has become enough of a hit too green-light another Arrow spin-off.  And why not?  This season, between the two shows, we were introduced to DC alumni like Atom, Black Canary, Firestorm, and Captain Cold.  This universe is expanding like the big bang, and it's only going to get bigger.

Man of Steel wasn't DC and WB's first attempt to make a shared universe.  In 2011, Green Lantern was supposed to ignite the DC Cinematic Universe, but the film was a social disaster.  As Warner Bros regrouped to try again, Marvel Studios released The Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and has enough of head start to take a multi-year nap while DC tries to catch up.  Green Lantern writer, Greg Berlanti, along with several others, turned their focus to television. In season two, Arrow introduced a young Barry Allen, which hit new ratings highs for the series.  Soon a Flash spin-off was in production.  With the success of The Flash, Berlanti has become a TV genie, and created a grand shared universe the DC films have yet to accomplish.

Last Fall, several other TV series were released with other DC characters.  NBC's Constantine has been cancelled, and while Fox's Gotham has been renewed for a second season I stopped watching after episode two.  Constantine sadly wasn't superhero-ish enough for today's audience, and who wants to watch a Batman show without Batman? Greg Berlanti has another show coming out this Fall; CBS's Supergirl.  The first extended preview did not impress me, but the second, shorter, trailer made it seem a little better.   But so far, it is said that Supergirl will not connect to The CW's Arrow-verse.

In my opinion, Marvel is succeeding in their shared universe because they are making movies everyone can enjoy.  Some people like the Captain America films, while others prefer the Iron Man trilogy.  And each Marvel film expands the mythology of the universe.  The CW's DC shows are also doing this.  Arrow has a darker, more serious, tone with a few jokes thrown in.  While The Flash has a lighter tone.  Both of these are reflective of their main characters; Oliver Queen and Barry Allen.  DC's Legends of Tomorrow will expand the Arrow-verse even more.  And 22 episodes gives us a lot more time to learn and love characters than a two hour movie.

  While I will admit these shows aren't quit the same quality of Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, or Breaking Bad, the characters and story lines are good enough to suck anyone into this universe. So the big screen can have their Dark Knight, Man of Steel, and Amazon Princess.  I'm more excited to see what Berlanti has in store for the Emerald Archer, Scarlet Speedster, and the rest of DC's B-team .  I would have loved to have see this new series be called something along the lines of "Justice Society" because I know a "Justice League" movie is already planned, but I'm itching to see a 3-episode crossover with all 3-shows that run like a big 3-hour film.  This is what shared universes are all about, and The CW is hitting their mark better than even Marvel TV.

Avengers Sequel Worth A 2nd Viewing

In my house, hanging on my wall, is a poster from the 2012 film, The Avengers.  I'm actually a much bigger X-Men fan, but I bought this poster for it's significant value.  Growing up as a reader of comic books I was looked at as a geek or spaz.  Superheroes were uncool during my childhood unless it was Batman, Ninja Turtles, or Power Rangers.  But as the years went on more movies based on comic books came out, and then The Avengers broke box office records and set the bar for shared cinematic universes that every movie studio is now trying to copy.  We comic book readers are no longer outcasts; we are trailblazers.

God of Geeks, Joss Whedon, has returned to direct a sequel to his 2012 hit, but when you make a colossal movie like The Avengers it's an even bigger task to make a follow-up than can hold up.  I knew I had to see this film twice before I could accurately say if it was better than the original.

This time around Earth's Mightiest Heroes take on Ultron; the artificial intelligence Tony Stark created in hopes of being the Avengers substitute police force for the world.  After becoming self-aware Ultron, voiced by James Spader, realizes that the only way humanity can be saved is by sacrificing the billions of weak humans on the planet first.  Aiding him is the genetically modified Maximoff twins, Wanda and Pietro, who are brought in to shake up the Avengers confidence in each other.  The team must find a way to break their hexes if they're going to save the world from extinction.

I will admit, during the first viewing of this film I found it a little lackluster.  It wasn't until the end of the film when the Avengers, along with their new comrades, started fighting that I got really excited.  That scene was like a big Marvel crossover event come to life.  But before that, I kept thinking how Ultron wasn't the maniacal menace he is in the comics, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch weren't as fleshed out as I hoped, and there was too much set-up for future films.

Before my second viewing of the film I realized something.  No matter what, I would never think this film was better than The Avengers.  The first film was a cinematic monument in film history.  In it, I saw the Avengers come together for the first time on screen, something I never thought I'd see, and it was awesome.  And nothing will ever compare to it.

With that in mind, I watch the Avengers: Age of Ultron a second time and tried to appreciate it for what it was, and no compare it to the previous film, or ask if it could beat Captain America: The Winter Soldier as my favorite Marvel Studio film.  This is not the comic book Ultron. He was made by Tony Stark, not Hank Pym, which means those quirky and egotistical bits of Stark's personality fit into this Ultron.  The Maximoff's weren't as well rounded as I hoped, and their Russian accents still weren't good the second time around, but in a film with lots of characters they served their purpose; especially Quicksilver.  X-Men: Days of Future Past brought a phenomenal Quicksilver to life, so the only logical thing to do was make MCU's Quicksilver a sacrificial lamp that hopefully will serve as a stepping stone for Wanda's character evolution.  

The Avengers seemed to be more comfortable with each other in this film as well, which made the combat banter that much better.  The actors have also been together for a while now so their chemistry showed on screen and was quite entertaining.  Every time Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr had a conversation it seemed like it was set-up for Captain America: Civil War and Thor leaving just after the team had suffered a major defeat seemed odd, but then we would not have gotten more knowledge about the infinity stones for the next Avengers film, and Vision's importance would have been nullified.  And I loved how Vision was presented in this film; great job Paul Bettany!  So while I'm still not sure about the way Whedon and company went about setting up future films to come I couldn't have thought of a better way to do it, so I'll let it slide.

I hear talks about how this movie didn't have depth to it, but let's look at The Avengers people.  We've all put that film on a pedestal, but yet it doesn't come close to The Godfather or Schindler's List as far as Best Picture worthy.  Sequels to beloved films are always judged to harshly in my opinion. 

My final gripe about Avengers: Age of Ultron was stripped away after a conversation with my wife.  I was baffled that they didn't explain why Tony Stark become Iron Man again after quitting in Iron Man 3(and as I type this I realize I have not read the Age of Ultron prelude comic that may explain it).  But my wife said to me, "I never saw Iron Man 3 so I never knew he quit."  And that is the beauty of the MCU.  If a person just wants to watch The Avengers films, or Captain America films, they won't be lost.  Someone can watch The Avengers then Avengers: Age of Ultron right after and just be fine.  Sure if you watched the four films in between you get more out of it, but it's not a necessity.  What happens in the Thor films has no affect on what happens in the Iron Man films; you can enjoy them both separately.

While I am sad to see Whedon leaves this franchise I think it's for the best given his recent public comments.  I believe there are a lot of deleted scenes that have more character development, and I can't wait to see them on the blu-ray, or maybe a 4-hour directors cut.  The Russo Brothers, who did such a terrific job on Captain America: The Winter Soldier, are now taking over with Infinity War parts I & II, as well as the next Captain America film.  My only hope is they make Captain America: Civil War the mature film Winter Soldier was and then continue to make the Avengers films the kind of movies the whole family can enjoy like Guardians of the Galaxy and Iron Man 3(which was my least favorite Marvel film so far). 

So after seeing this film twice now I see that it is a good movie that has something everyone can enjoy so long as you stop trying to compare it to the first film.  Lightening only strikes once kids, unless you're carrying a hammer.  I loved seeing the new characters added to the MCU, Hawkeye getting his due, and the new Avengers team assemble at the end.  Yes, I said the "A" word.  Because it now bugs me that Cap didn't get too.

RATING:  B