'Thor: The Dark World' Teaser=mega awesome!!

It is here!!!! The very first ever teaser trailer for Marvel Studio's 'Thor: The Dark World' has landed!!! This teaser is an amazing look at the upcoming film starring Marvel's very own God of Thunder. I won't write more on it, except that be prepared for awesome. Now enjoy the trailer Marvelites, and don't forget, Iron Man 3 comes out in exactly 11 days!!! 

'Man of Steel' Full Trailer

Now I grant you, this posting is a few days late, but that is what happens during finals time, things get a bit crazy and hectic and little wacky. Regardless, I am here now to dialogue about the full trailer for Warner Bros. and DC Comics new summer release, 'Man of Steel'. Ok, lets a go! 

To start out, I really like that we get a full glimpse of Krypton, and Russel Crowe and Ayelet Zurer as Jor-El and Lara. They both look amazing in full makeup and costume, and the scenery for Krypton is much cooler and more alien looking than, dare I say, the Krypton of the classic Christopher Reeves film. Yes, I went there. Maybe it's because as a writer I think a Krypton like this is way cooler to envision than a ice world. But hey, that's just me. 

The rest of the trailer, showing Clark's young life, his search for who he is, then full coming into his own as Superman, it is really quite fantastic. And I love the hinting's we get at the true scope of his powers, they are like tiny tasty tidbits of awesome. And the few bit's where we see Michael Shannon as General Zod, oh man oh man that is some good stuff I tell you what. 

All in all, I'm very excited for this film, and for all the great films coming out this summer. Iron Man 3, Man of Steel, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Great Gatsby. As man who loves all things comic book based, as well as literature, I look forward to each of these films with great anticipation. But for now I must get back to work, finals are next week, and I have lots to do. 

For all who have yet to see the full trailer, here it is! Enjoy and keep those calendars marked, those tickets pre-ordered and if you are dressing up in costume for the event, keep the costumes clean, neat and wrinkle free! 

Four Months...Dear Lord.

I officially have become the laziest guy ever. Four months, four months since my last posting. My only excuse, college just got really crazy busy. So I am going to make this a general post about, well all sorts of things.

Comic Book Updates 

So where to start. I guess I can't really take all the stuff that has happened, and condense it into one post. A series of posts maybe. One thing I can talk about, is the digital comic that popular podcast group Decoder Ring Theatre has been putting out via Comixology, published by MonkeyBrain Comics. 'Mask of the Red Panda' is a terrific series (albeit a short one) but it really exposes people to the Red Panda universe who have never listened to episodes of the show before. Hopefully, it will actually get people interested. The story is written by Decoder Ring founder and chief bottle washer Gregg Taylor, with art by the incredibly talented Dean Kotz. Here's a look at a one of the covers, and if that strikes your fancy, head over to Comixology and search 'Mask of the Red Panda.

Movies 

Oh wow, now this is a huge one. Ok, I'm just gonna break it down. There are so many amazing and incredible films coming out for the summer. So for those who actually do not know when, Iron Man 3 comes out May 3rd, Man of Steel comes out June 14th, and Star Trek Into Darkness comes out May 17th. Oh and for a piece of new movie news, the first piece of movie concept art for Captain America: The Winter Soldier (hits theatre's April 4, 2014). This piece of art alone, looks fantastic, cause you have Bucky rocking the bionic arm and the long-haired look, and I mean that aside, I have always been a huge fan of Captain America, so this movie is one' that I'm looking forward to so so much.

Ok so, the post is a short one, but I covered two things today. That aside, I'm back in the saddle, and with the films coming out, there will be much to write about. So keep reading loyal followers, keep enjoying life and keep being awesome people. Excelsior!

'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2' Review

Greetings and salutations internet! It has been, wow a long time since I made a post here on the blog, and it is high time I got back in the saddle. So today's post, will be a brief review of 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2' which came out on Blu-Ray and DVD today.

To begin, I was extremely excited to get my hands on a copy of this much anticipated release. For everyone who has read the comic, you know what to expect. And for everyone who has not read the comic, then buckle up, you are in for a wild ride. The level of brutality and violence is upped in a huge way. For starters, a chunk of Part 2 deals with the Joker, and his return after being in a catatonic state for ten years. He's back, and he wants blood, or at the very least Batman's head on a pike. I think one of my favorite scenes is the showdown between Batman and the Joker in the Hall of Mirrors and the Tunnel of Love.

The level of violence and wholesale mayhem is unparalleled, the like of which no one will ever see in a animated feature. And then, there is the second half of the film, which deals with the eventual showdown between Superman and Batman. Or Batman vs. Superman in this case. For those who have read the comic before, we all know the development of Superman's reaction to receiving orders from the President to take Batman down. And then there is the fight itself, which is nothing short of epic. I won't go and spoil it for everyone who hasn't had the chance to read the comic or see Part 2, but you are in for a treat, not only content and story wise, but in terms of the bonus features as well.

Overall, this isn't a perfect adaptation. But there is no denying that this is pretty much what we as fans would want. If you're a fan of the story, you'll be pleased to know that the filmmakers don't hold back. There is plenty of action and violence. The tone of the story is captured and this truly is the Dark Knight in his final days. Now some of the choices for voice actors are questionable but everyone does a stellar job regardless. There aren't a whole of stories that jump to mind that we want to see get made into films. The Dark Knight Returns is one of them because it's an important part of the Batman mythos.

'Les Misérables' Review

To start off, I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas! And I would also like to apologize, for it being nearly three months since my last posting. This is what happens when life gets hectic, and college starts to become utterly frustrating. But enough of that.

This was, without a doubt, a fantastic and amazing film. Tom Hooper did an amazing job taking an astounding story and musical, with themes of love, forgiveness and change, adding in a cast of amazing and talented actors, stir in dynamite locations to portray 19th century France in all its squalor and chaos, and you get this movie.

Casting wise, everyone did an amazing job. Hugh Jackman was fantastic in the role of Jean Vajean, delivering a stirring performance with a fantastic job singing. Anne Hathaway, wow where do I begin? She owned Fantine. Her performance of 'I Dreamed a Dream' was so powerful and moving, I started to get emotional and nearly had to leave the theatre. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the heartless and greedy innkeepers the Thenardiers was hilarious and so utterly memorable. Russell Crowe's portrayal of Police Inspector Javert was fantastic, if a bit forgetful. While the songs and delivery were amazing, he didn't really come forth the ruthlessness I have seen in stage version's of the show, where Javert is shown to be quite heartless in some situations. Samantha Barks did a wonderful job as Eponine, her songs were beautifully sung.

Now despite the film's excellence in acting and song, there was one small issue I had with the movie. One was Hooper's constant changing camera angles. While I can see that the whole need to examine a scene from different sides works, in some cases it was a bit unnecessary. But beyond that, I had no other problems with the movie whatsoever.

All in all, this movie was amazing, and one that I intend to see again soon and buy once it comes out on dvd. I give this film five out of five stars, for bringing to the silver screen, one of my all time favorite musicals with the help of a stellar cast, sets, songs and a great director at the helm. I encourage everyone to see this movie.

'Argo' Review

It has been some time since my small post on the upcoming Walt Disney 'Lone Ranger' film starring Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger and Johnny Depp as Tonto. But I felt that 'Argo' deserved a review, so here it goes folks, enjoy my scribbling haha.

The film opens on November 4, 1979, when Islamist militants took control of the U.S. Embassy in Iran. 52 Americans were taken hostage and held for 444 days until their eventual release. But six American's were able to sneak out of the Embassy and find refuge unbeknownst to the Iranian rebels, in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor (Victor Garber). The CIA, lead by Agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) hatched a plan to rescue the six house trapped by posing as producers of a fictional science fiction film. The idea was that Mendez would land in Iran and convince the six Americans to assume roles as screenwriters, directors and co-producers of the film and that they would all fly out of the country together once location scouting was complete in 48 hours.

In an effort to have the mission legitimized, Mendez recruited Hollywood producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) and Special Effects man John Chambers (John Goodman).

If the entire notion of the plan sounds as if Hollywood had concocted it- well you are half right. But Affleck sticks to the facts of the true events and ravels a bite-your-nails type thriller that is guaranteed to be rewarded with year-end nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and most certainly Best Supporting Actor for Alan Arkin.

This film was a masterpiece for Affleck. Every note, every frame of Argo looks authentic. The movie shifts between locations of Iran, Hollywood, and both the CIA Headquarters and the White House in this fantastic adventure. Every scene and character oozes with atmosphere and purpose and Affleck confidently and flawlessly directs himself as the expected hero of the film- a man who risk his own life and career for the lives of six strangers.

The conclusion of the film will have you on the edge of your seat- even if you are aware of the historically recorded outcome (I cite Apollo 13 as a reference). In the end, this movie is worth the money spent on the ticket. It is a film, that takes a piece of history that many of us were completely oblivious to, and presents a tale to bring six people home, using (to quote the film) "the best worst idea we have."

In the end, I highly recommend this movie, and award four out four stars for brilliant plot, acting, locations, directing and the fun references to classic science fiction of the 20th century.

Disney's 'Lone Ranger' Trailer= buddy style Western

I would like to apologize to my readers, for my long absence. I have no excuses, though in all fairness, I do not think I was missed. But nevertheless, I am back. Anyhow, on with today's posting.

Today the teaser trailer for the Walt Disney film 'The Lone Ranger' was finally released to the general public. And while I am a deep fan of the Lone Ranger, a classic radio drama character who is much recognized by parents and grandparents a like, I have no idea how to take this. It looks like the movie might do well, but honestly, I am pensive, especially after the failure of casting Seth Rogen as the Green Hornet. That was just plain wrong. But I am not one to truly quibble, I wanna hear everyone else's thoughts on it. Here's the link, watch the trailer, and pop on back here to post your thoughts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoVhgaj6PiE