The episode opens with just the glee actors doing Rocky horror picture show(cutting certain opening scenes like Damn it Janet). But even just a couple minutes in and you can tell this feels like a souless adaptation of Rocky Horror Picture Show. Luckily the episode quickly realizes this and goes back to being glee. Surprisingly they start addressing issues of a glee nature and also address the obvious problems inherent in doing Rocky Horror. In high school. Awkward.
The things this episode is doing best is that it utilizes the entire cast of the show. Including guest actor John Stamos. Amazing guest appearances. which lead to my favorite line "Mexican Terrorist Ants."
So the real reason this falls short? It skips over the part of Rocky Horror that is why it is a good time. The audience participation. It kind of loses the heart and soul of the show. On its own Rocky Horror is kind of meh. But it is the audience participation that brings into an entirely different type of experience. It's also borderline creepy. For example the closest glee will ever get get to a sex scene, only using Touch Me as a thinly veiled metaphor. And there are random shots of Santana and Britney dancing alone in the hall way during it. The implications the show makes are really creepy.
The episode is full of quotable lines from our one liner queens, Sue and Britney.
Overall the episode was an interesting expirement in doing a production of something, a line the glee club hadn't tried to cross in the past. If we ignore the ongoing problems of the show(references to going to Nationals without talking about trying to win Sectionals or Regionals) this was one of the better episodes the show has had since the back 9 of season 1 started.
And since I don't intend to review Glee of a regular basis unless I get bored I just want to bring up that this show is in the same problem Heroes had. If you look at Heroes, its original season order(the first 22 episodes) are good. After that? The show falls apart until its final season. Glee hasn't been good beyond that first 13 episode order. It has been repeating the same storylines over and over again.
Kudos though for actually using Sweet Transvestite.
Boo for forcing Time Warp to the end.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Naked People, Pills, and Great Characterization - a review of Love and Other Drugs
love and other drugs(A note: the version of this review is incomplete, the full version should be updated sometime Thursday, sorry)
it should be noted i am a recorded cynic. i tend to hate movies more often than i love them. and as such i don't discuss the movies i hate as much unless i really passionately hate them. so it ends up looking like i am giving high marks to lots of things when in reality i try to avoid wasting my time with bad things. i devote a large amount of times to seeing films early and by that i mean i give up about 8 hours including travel and waiting for and watching said movies. so a movie needs to catch my interest before i even want to devote that much time to so a film. most often this is in the form of it looks good, it looks bad, i have hope, i want to see it, or because of an actor, director, producer, writer i want to hear from. so i walked into this thinking, okay there aren't enough r rated romantic comedies so it deserves attention for that. most of them are a lot like the recent string of r rated comedies, cruder because they can. not because the story demands it. here the story demands it. it truly needs to be an r rated romantic dramadey. and it absolutely is a dramdey. for the scenes of high drama are balenced off by the scenes full of laughs. there is a really truly touching story here and it all works because our main character Jamie Randal is played by Jake ghylanhal to perfection. both he and Anne hathaway bring real emotion to these characters. it is rare that a character flat out cries. it happens twice. instead you get scenes of just on the verge of break down when they come up in the last act as they often do in these movies. but it works because you aren't handed these teen actors that don't know what they are doing or these older actors who are tired or bored. instead you get the middle of the road actors who are on top of their game and are ready to act. and they act very well. you believe the emotions here. it doesn't seem forced or placed or set up by a movie. they feel like they legitimately build a relationship. they unfortunately follow standard formula in this film. and the characters make mistakes but the best thing is these are characters who handle these things with grace ad humility. realistically. they are developed. this is the part that is without a doubt why this movie succeeds. it spends 30 minutes developing the character of Randal before introducing the girl. in then develops her by showing him learning about her. it works better than most. then there are the supporting characters who are done justice by hank azaria, oliver platt, and . they aren't as developed but they have their own stories going on and the movie only hints at the under the surface stories these characters are on.
this movie isn't perfect. the directing is rather meh and there is some really awkward music placement that ruins some of the pathos. these are the beats that drag a bit but these blemishes are like a spider bite in the movie. it really is just a cosmetic distraction. the movie also features a lot of Jake and Anne being naked. but while not tasteful it is at least equally objectifying. this isn't for everyone but for a few like myself you will love it. guys, I'm a guy who hasn't really enjoyed a romantic comedy since 1988's say anything. this wasn't as good. but it is on that level. the thing this film will grip you with is characterization. id give it a solid B+.
it should be noted i am a recorded cynic. i tend to hate movies more often than i love them. and as such i don't discuss the movies i hate as much unless i really passionately hate them. so it ends up looking like i am giving high marks to lots of things when in reality i try to avoid wasting my time with bad things. i devote a large amount of times to seeing films early and by that i mean i give up about 8 hours including travel and waiting for and watching said movies. so a movie needs to catch my interest before i even want to devote that much time to so a film. most often this is in the form of it looks good, it looks bad, i have hope, i want to see it, or because of an actor, director, producer, writer i want to hear from. so i walked into this thinking, okay there aren't enough r rated romantic comedies so it deserves attention for that. most of them are a lot like the recent string of r rated comedies, cruder because they can. not because the story demands it. here the story demands it. it truly needs to be an r rated romantic dramadey. and it absolutely is a dramdey. for the scenes of high drama are balenced off by the scenes full of laughs. there is a really truly touching story here and it all works because our main character Jamie Randal is played by Jake ghylanhal to perfection. both he and Anne hathaway bring real emotion to these characters. it is rare that a character flat out cries. it happens twice. instead you get scenes of just on the verge of break down when they come up in the last act as they often do in these movies. but it works because you aren't handed these teen actors that don't know what they are doing or these older actors who are tired or bored. instead you get the middle of the road actors who are on top of their game and are ready to act. and they act very well. you believe the emotions here. it doesn't seem forced or placed or set up by a movie. they feel like they legitimately build a relationship. they unfortunately follow standard formula in this film. and the characters make mistakes but the best thing is these are characters who handle these things with grace ad humility. realistically. they are developed. this is the part that is without a doubt why this movie succeeds. it spends 30 minutes developing the character of Randal before introducing the girl. in then develops her by showing him learning about her. it works better than most. then there are the supporting characters who are done justice by hank azaria, oliver platt, and . they aren't as developed but they have their own stories going on and the movie only hints at the under the surface stories these characters are on.
this movie isn't perfect. the directing is rather meh and there is some really awkward music placement that ruins some of the pathos. these are the beats that drag a bit but these blemishes are like a spider bite in the movie. it really is just a cosmetic distraction. the movie also features a lot of Jake and Anne being naked. but while not tasteful it is at least equally objectifying. this isn't for everyone but for a few like myself you will love it. guys, I'm a guy who hasn't really enjoyed a romantic comedy since 1988's say anything. this wasn't as good. but it is on that level. the thing this film will grip you with is characterization. id give it a solid B+.
Friday, October 22, 2010
It's Rocky but with Donkey Kong - a review of The King Of Kong: a fistful of Quarters
So in general this is a film bashing Twin Galaxies and Billy Mitchel and anyone who associates with them.
Spoilers within.
The story follows typical Hollywood formula. A villain is established, a hero is given a task. The hero seemingly beats the task but due to a technicalities doesn't win. And he never gives up.
This is the story of two men competing for the high score, world record of Donkey Kong. And you know, it is a damn good movie too.
This is an enjoyable story because it is a documentary. As a film of fiction it might be a little overdone but here because they are real people in real situations, you get to see the truth in the lies. It takes a single sided look at a situation where every card in the deck is stacked against our Hero. And he keeps winning despite being stopped at every turn. What it is is the triumph of the human spirit. It's a man who refuses to give up and keeps on trying to get the recognition he deserves. More than that, we see he is a good man. Sure he makes some decisions that aren't exactly heroic, like ignoring his kid during his record-breaking run, but he also does a tremendous amount of things to prove his worth. There are certain things you, the viewer, should keep an eye out for. Pay attention to Billy Mitchel. Every single thing he does is calculate asshole. No joke. Consider a scene where we just discussing what he does for a living, it is inter cut with footage of him talking about it at a store, but the key of what he's doing is taking jars of his hot sauce, and moving them to the front of the shelf and moving competitors behind it. He's being hyper competitive to a fault here. In another scene he is talking about what he puts his initials as in the games top score section. And he keeps saying if you are paying attention you'll know and as he does this he's stroking his tie. The camera man asks, is "TIE" and he responds that of course not, but instead you should think about what tie he was wearing the day before. He then reveals that it is "USA". And these are just the small moments there are bigger overtures of how villainous this man is, especially late in the film. Now when you have a character like that, which is to say a real live person who is actually like this, and then consider that during these events that Twin Galaxies, the group that is the video game equivalent of Guinness World Records, is supporting him without question to the point of holding a double standard for Billy as they do for our Hero, Steve. The film points some of this out, obviously, by including it, but does a decent job wanting the viewer to make leaps by showing footage rather than just flat out saying oh he's a terrible person.
I can't do anything BUT recommend this movie. It is absolutely an A-. Worth every second to watch it. And in general it has a better hold of character development, plot, and storytelling than most hollywood movies.
Spoilers within.
The story follows typical Hollywood formula. A villain is established, a hero is given a task. The hero seemingly beats the task but due to a technicalities doesn't win. And he never gives up.
This is the story of two men competing for the high score, world record of Donkey Kong. And you know, it is a damn good movie too.
This is an enjoyable story because it is a documentary. As a film of fiction it might be a little overdone but here because they are real people in real situations, you get to see the truth in the lies. It takes a single sided look at a situation where every card in the deck is stacked against our Hero. And he keeps winning despite being stopped at every turn. What it is is the triumph of the human spirit. It's a man who refuses to give up and keeps on trying to get the recognition he deserves. More than that, we see he is a good man. Sure he makes some decisions that aren't exactly heroic, like ignoring his kid during his record-breaking run, but he also does a tremendous amount of things to prove his worth. There are certain things you, the viewer, should keep an eye out for. Pay attention to Billy Mitchel. Every single thing he does is calculate asshole. No joke. Consider a scene where we just discussing what he does for a living, it is inter cut with footage of him talking about it at a store, but the key of what he's doing is taking jars of his hot sauce, and moving them to the front of the shelf and moving competitors behind it. He's being hyper competitive to a fault here. In another scene he is talking about what he puts his initials as in the games top score section. And he keeps saying if you are paying attention you'll know and as he does this he's stroking his tie. The camera man asks, is "TIE" and he responds that of course not, but instead you should think about what tie he was wearing the day before. He then reveals that it is "USA". And these are just the small moments there are bigger overtures of how villainous this man is, especially late in the film. Now when you have a character like that, which is to say a real live person who is actually like this, and then consider that during these events that Twin Galaxies, the group that is the video game equivalent of Guinness World Records, is supporting him without question to the point of holding a double standard for Billy as they do for our Hero, Steve. The film points some of this out, obviously, by including it, but does a decent job wanting the viewer to make leaps by showing footage rather than just flat out saying oh he's a terrible person.
I can't do anything BUT recommend this movie. It is absolutely an A-. Worth every second to watch it. And in general it has a better hold of character development, plot, and storytelling than most hollywood movies.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Cleaning house aka lining up some ducks
So. I am doing some quick little agendaing here and setting up some awareness for whats to come that might actually come.
First off you are likely to see LESS early reviews of movies. In fact, I'll be doing some reviews of some back stuff that I have on my shelf and in my netflix queue likely more than you'll see early reviews. I'm going to try to see them still, but work will likely interfere.
Next I have two major projects related to the All-Star Superman Project. One you won't see until 2011 when I have a chance to fill in the holes of teh write up of a project I already started but haven't been written on. In other words, I've been doing reading projects and somewhere between a third and half way done and didn't write anything on the earlier material. So it'll be whenever I have a chance to revisit and write in that first third that you will see this Bendisy event.
But you will soon, as in before 2011, a write up that covers Grant Morrison and his Opus. It'll actually be two separate reviews that refer to each other at certain junctures.
Halloween? I have a grave intention to get a write up up.
Between now and then? Not much. Maybe as something pops up I might add something in, but other than that...Expect quiet as the days come. Until I've had a better chance to see how much of my energy work drains from me.
First off you are likely to see LESS early reviews of movies. In fact, I'll be doing some reviews of some back stuff that I have on my shelf and in my netflix queue likely more than you'll see early reviews. I'm going to try to see them still, but work will likely interfere.
Next I have two major projects related to the All-Star Superman Project. One you won't see until 2011 when I have a chance to fill in the holes of teh write up of a project I already started but haven't been written on. In other words, I've been doing reading projects and somewhere between a third and half way done and didn't write anything on the earlier material. So it'll be whenever I have a chance to revisit and write in that first third that you will see this Bendisy event.
But you will soon, as in before 2011, a write up that covers Grant Morrison and his Opus. It'll actually be two separate reviews that refer to each other at certain junctures.
Halloween? I have a grave intention to get a write up up.
Between now and then? Not much. Maybe as something pops up I might add something in, but other than that...Expect quiet as the days come. Until I've had a better chance to see how much of my energy work drains from me.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Clint's back in form - a review of Hereafter
Hereafter is not Clint's regular subject material. Not to say he has specific subject matter, but in general he has amount of subject matter he likes to explore. This feels like Clint Eastwood discussing spirituality. Not everyone is going to agree with his opinions, but he does a fairly good job at not forcing an opinion on you.
For those unaware, the plot is A french woman has an experience that shifts her entire life. A pair of young, british boys have their lives changed forever by a moment of pure, random, Chaos. And lastly Matt Damon plays an American who is a legitimate psychic. The three stories remain separate. Each exploring what a connection to death means to them. As different as their stories are, they reflect each other as well. Each has a supporting character in their story that represents a darker element of their life, a reason that they might look into this story of spirituality. And in each of these suporting characters we get a strong, well acted performance. In addition, we get very strong characterization from our leads, and whether this is from good acting, or great directing, it works really well. Now if I need to explain that this is all directed by a capable, proven, and expert director then I am sad and shall cry forever. But yes, Clint is superb here. The music is solid, again Clint is in fine form. The plot, the writing is all well done, with Matt Damon's scenes connecting to his psychicness are what really sell this movie. Those scenes each provide the best scripting in the entire show. Now where the movie falters is some of it's effect. The connecting with the otherside stuff and the effects in general look poor. You will often go, hey that looks fake. But the emotions, the reactions? Those all look real, some of the best I've seen in response to CGI.
Overall? I'm a big fan of this movie. I liked it, and I thought it was strong piece of film making. Overall, I give it a B. It isn't perfect, it isn't the best thing to come out this year, but it is certainly top ten. Give it a try.
For those unaware, the plot is A french woman has an experience that shifts her entire life. A pair of young, british boys have their lives changed forever by a moment of pure, random, Chaos. And lastly Matt Damon plays an American who is a legitimate psychic. The three stories remain separate. Each exploring what a connection to death means to them. As different as their stories are, they reflect each other as well. Each has a supporting character in their story that represents a darker element of their life, a reason that they might look into this story of spirituality. And in each of these suporting characters we get a strong, well acted performance. In addition, we get very strong characterization from our leads, and whether this is from good acting, or great directing, it works really well. Now if I need to explain that this is all directed by a capable, proven, and expert director then I am sad and shall cry forever. But yes, Clint is superb here. The music is solid, again Clint is in fine form. The plot, the writing is all well done, with Matt Damon's scenes connecting to his psychicness are what really sell this movie. Those scenes each provide the best scripting in the entire show. Now where the movie falters is some of it's effect. The connecting with the otherside stuff and the effects in general look poor. You will often go, hey that looks fake. But the emotions, the reactions? Those all look real, some of the best I've seen in response to CGI.
Overall? I'm a big fan of this movie. I liked it, and I thought it was strong piece of film making. Overall, I give it a B. It isn't perfect, it isn't the best thing to come out this year, but it is certainly top ten. Give it a try.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A book that lives up to its name -- a review of All-Star Superman
A delicate throw back to the history of Superman but without having the burden of continuity, Grant Morrison and frequent Morrison collaborator Frank Quietly build a story that examines who Superman is and why he is The Superman.
I will be delving into spoilers but the point of the matter is that All-Star Superman is worth your time to look at, and if you are reading in the 2 volume format, read both as it is a 12 issue story.
The basic, running arc is a simple one. Superman, after performing an act set up by Lex Luthor, is dying. And as such he goes about checking things off his bucket list which include a list of 12 herculean style feats and the first thing he sets out to do is tell Lois and everything spins out from there.
The important thing to note is that this is a story where Clark has been granted near unbeatable status because he traveled through a sun for too long. This increased exposure of sunlight overclocked Superman. So overclocked that he is dying. It has also granted him powers that are back to his pre-crisis status. but much like Lois in chapter 3(during which a much forgotten ability to gift his own powers temporarily is revived, and thus as a birthday gift, Lois is granted the powers of Superman for 24 hours) these newfound super-super powers are temporary. What is really interesting is that Morrison uses this chapter explore a story that is a mirror to Clark's new ongoing plight. Repeatedly during this struggle he is reminded that sometimes he is powerless and that no matter what he does at the end of the day(or in his case the series) he too is limited.
Now it is during the third chapter that the trials are declared by Sampson as being 12 super challenges that Superman accomplishes right before he dies. It implies heavily that he has already completed one of them by granting Lois his powers. Now the question has been posed to me that if Clark could hand out his powers at anytime, why didn't he. I'd like to say the answer is fairly obvious but I'll spell it out anyways. Firstly, it was a recent decision that made it a goal for him to even be able to do such a thing. It had never been necessary for Superman to perform such feat. As to why he would do it here and for Lois seemed rather clear as well, that Superman wanted her to understand how he felt, and that he knew she too would like to feel that as well. In short, until he was dying, he never thought it necessary to even try and duplicate his own powers. And as the series progresses we see both the good and bad ramifications of such an action. It would later be confirmed by Grant Morrison to be the second of the 12 superman labors, Alchemizing the Super Elixir. See the second entry of the article I link to at the end for a complete span of the labors.
I would like to take this time now, since I devoted so many words to a argue against an opinion of an element that was considered to be not truthful to the mythos of Superman and point out a small moment(well sort of small) that shows just how perfectly Grant Morrison handles Superman. In issue 3, Clark continues a trend from the previous issue where for the first time in their relationship Clark gets to be Clark. Not the Clark persona, not The Superman persona, but Clark Kent, man who is also Superman. He gets to be truly honest with Lois. He doesn't have to fake anything, and yet that's all he's trying to do. He's a hybrid of the two characters, he's both the savior of mankind and a bumbling love-sick puppy. In truly human moments hes trying to muster up all of the courage in him and try and win Lois' heart as himself, not as Clark, not as The Superman, the symbol Lois worships, but as himself. And in doing so he has to compete for her love but this leads him to a confrontation with The Ultra Sphinx. And suddenly these two unbeatable foes come to a head and they must fight for Lois's life. But it isn't a physical battle it is a match of wits. The US asks Clark a simple question "What happens when the unstoppable force meets the unmovable object" Clark takes a moment to figure it out but in a very thoughtful moment he figures it out and he understands why the question is so relevant that he answers as he would in that situation, as he does in that situation. He answers simply that "They Surrender".
Clark knew that the Sphinx wasn't asking a riddle but a practical question regarding himself and Clark. It is a moment that shows just how smart and strong of character Clark is. It's also a reminder that the best times that the character is used is when he isn't smashing something, its when he's being clever.
There are also little details that bring the ending into question, whether or not Superman will really die. For starters he's Superman. Superman doesn't die(except that time he did...) but the most interesting red herring is a newspaper clipping from the future that says SUPERMAN DEAD. Of course, you are meant to look at the fact that Superman is dead, but if you carefully you'll notice the newspaper says that the article was written by none other than Clark Kent...
As the all-star adventure continues we get a further examination of who Superman is. We get a black kryptonite Superman(that's an evil Superman) and a Jimmy Olsen transformed into a Jimmy/doomsday creature. But really it is an examination of who Superman ISN'T. It is a fantastic deconstruction of just who Superman IS. This is continued in the plot with a visit to Lex Luthor. From the very first moment of the interaction between Lex Luthor and the Clark Kent persona we see Clark both being bumbling but at the same time still doing the right thing, even if it looks like it was purely by accident. Their discussion is both homoerotic and also the true epic conflict between Superman and Lex boiled down to a conversation. It is the real power of wit to demonstrate what could have been a simple conflict and give it meaning and depth by being about substance, not spectacle. There is also some fun moments of Clark who is Superman, trying to hide his identity as superman from Lex and Parasite. The whole ordeal is a reminder that no matter how smart Lex Luthor may be, he's never been smart enough to figure out that Clark Kent is Superman.
And to close out the first volume we get the meeting of the supermen. This is a reminder of The Death and Life of Superman story where 4 supermen arrived to take Clark's place after he died, though they weren't Superman. One came from another dimension, one came from a robot, one was a robot, and one was just a man who believed he had been possessed by the soul of superman. Here we have the Superman Squad, a team of supermen who are descendants of Superman from throughout time. Well and one very important fellow in Bandages. What this chapter really is, is an exploration of Superman's legacy as a character and to show that he has gone through a very specific and definite change over the course of his life. That Clark as a youngster isn't the same as Clark as an adult. Nor that Clark as a dying man is the same as the others.
As the second volume opens we get a look a Bizzaro Superman story. Now I want to say, knowing Grant Morrison, I was expecting something truly mind-blowing, but I wasn't ready for what I read. I feel like this is the real place where Morrison puts his touch of taste on the Superman mythos by crafting his very own take on Bizzaro. It is here we get a new process from which he is created. But this is just a small touch on what he introduces as the cliffhanger of the adventure, Zibarro. 1 in every 5 billion copies is said to be flawed, and that is Zibarro. The Bizzaro who isn't backwards. It is in Zibarro that we see just how Superman sees the world. Zibbaro wants to leave his planet but Superman is adamant on him staying. It is ultimately because Zibarro is hope for the Bizzaro home to be something more than it is. This all leads into the third story in this volume. Which is the Curse of the Replacement supermen. It is during this chapter we get one of my favorite lines of all time That I think sums up how to truly write what defines Superman the most "What right do I have to impose my values on anyone?" It so acutely defines why Superman is a universal hero. Its at this juncture that the subject of All-Star Superman, by merit of it's own writing, becomes clear: to clearly define Superman as the hero he truly is.
In chapter 10, we get Clark writing his last Will and Testament but he's doing it as Superman for the world. We are also given a look into all of what Superman can do in just a single day. It's quite remarkable especially considering how much we AREN'T seeing. This is a Superman. He slows himself down so that he can enjoy life with everyone else. It is at this juncture that Superman's mortality seems to be weighing down on him, we are seeing him fall to mortality and know that it is happening, and because he knows it is happening he is working harder than ever to accomplish everything he can. And it is in the last few pages of this chapter that we see what Clark came up with for his own legacy. He leaves Lois the future as he says, which when you read it you'll understand. But more importantly he leaves Clark Kent something. "The Headline of the Century" remember how I mentioned that there was doubt about Superman's fate because Clark Kent wrote the article? This is why. He did it so that Clark Kent would remain separate from Superman. So that the Legacy of Superman would remain for all of the world to see. For all of time to see.
As we hurdle towards our conclusion, we get chapter 11, Red Sun Day. It is here a villain of the silver age is brought out to play, the Red Sun Tyrant. Superman is forced to combat the challenges of fighting a literal Red Sun and to do so he brings on an ally that Grant Morrison has been building up since Issue 2. The Sun Eater. I don't want to spoil the fight because it isn't necessary to, but I will say it is a satisfactory conclusion.
I like to lump half of issue 11 and all of 12 together. This is major spoilers territory if anything would be here so I'm warning you now.
Lex proves his intellect and builds himself Superman's elixir. And with it survives his scheduled execution and instead has given himself the temporary powers of Superman. And he attacks the daily planet just as Clark Kent keels over dead. Same deal as above with this fight but I do want to say it defines why Lex is Lex and why Clark is Clark and how the two are forever different from each other. But Clark does get in his one final feat Super-Heroism. And in the closing pages we see that this has all been building towards a single future.
All-Star Superman is expertly written. Grant Morrison has the skill and knowledge on how to plan and plot an entire 12 issue maxi-series down to the smallest details before he writes the first script. How do I know this? I just reread in a 3 hour long session, both volumes of All-Star Superman. He does things with purpose. They appear to be fairly silly things, out there things, things not meant for more than just a laugh. But as I've done above, his work is meant to be taken as more than is overt. Grant Morrison assumes his readers are Smarter than most give them credit for. He assumes we are smart people who can dissect this on our own without acting like he doesn't know what he's doing. It isn't to say that he can't write a bad story, simply that when you call into question something he writes it is better to look at it with a deeper introspection than you would something else. He writes Graphic-Novels. Key word is Novels because this is as literary as they come. A high concept piece designed to examine every inch of who Superman is. And I agree with Mark Waid(writer of Kingdom Come)'s introduction to the series, this is the definitive Superman story. And I mean that as exactly what those words are, they define who this character is. I'm not an art critic, and some might find Frank Quietly's art a little off putting, but his ability to craft a page and convey emotion is masterful here.
I'd highly suggestion checking out the links I provide below. They offer some background info on the series in a ten part discussion of All-Star. I should also say that most Grant Morrison stories have bonus material on the internet like All-Star here that you can really dig deep into seeing, yeah Grant is a genius level writer. Reading his material will cost you a lot of sanity, but you'll more than make up for it in the knowledge points you'll gain.
To summarize, I love this story. I tend to love Grant Morrison stories once I give them a full on enjoyment like I did here. Morrison is the kind of man who should have his entire library of material collected with companion volumes of his explanations. Sure the text stands on its own, but with everything else it becomes this hyper-real collection of knowledge on a given subject. I for one can't wait for the day when his Batman run is completed so that I can hold the entire story together on my shelf. If it wasn't clear yet, this is an absolute A+ on comics. a 10. a 5/5. a 100. Any way you have to say perfect this is it. Now I get to feel sad as I go back to reading normal world material.
References:
All-Star Superman(printed as 1-12, reprinted as vol 1 and 2, and reprinted again as Absolute All-Star Superman).
And
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100821-All-Star-Morrison-01.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100822-Morrison-All-Star2.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100823-Morrison-Superman3.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100824-Morrison4-Superman.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100827-Morrison-Superman-05.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100828-Morrison-Superman6.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100829-Morrison-Superman7.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100830-Morrison-Superman8.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100831-Morrison-Superman8.html
*note, yes this is the 9th article. even though it says 8, the date there in the middle confirms its a different page.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/110803-Grant-Superman-10.html
I will be delving into spoilers but the point of the matter is that All-Star Superman is worth your time to look at, and if you are reading in the 2 volume format, read both as it is a 12 issue story.
The basic, running arc is a simple one. Superman, after performing an act set up by Lex Luthor, is dying. And as such he goes about checking things off his bucket list which include a list of 12 herculean style feats and the first thing he sets out to do is tell Lois and everything spins out from there.
The important thing to note is that this is a story where Clark has been granted near unbeatable status because he traveled through a sun for too long. This increased exposure of sunlight overclocked Superman. So overclocked that he is dying. It has also granted him powers that are back to his pre-crisis status. but much like Lois in chapter 3(during which a much forgotten ability to gift his own powers temporarily is revived, and thus as a birthday gift, Lois is granted the powers of Superman for 24 hours) these newfound super-super powers are temporary. What is really interesting is that Morrison uses this chapter explore a story that is a mirror to Clark's new ongoing plight. Repeatedly during this struggle he is reminded that sometimes he is powerless and that no matter what he does at the end of the day(or in his case the series) he too is limited.
Now it is during the third chapter that the trials are declared by Sampson as being 12 super challenges that Superman accomplishes right before he dies. It implies heavily that he has already completed one of them by granting Lois his powers. Now the question has been posed to me that if Clark could hand out his powers at anytime, why didn't he. I'd like to say the answer is fairly obvious but I'll spell it out anyways. Firstly, it was a recent decision that made it a goal for him to even be able to do such a thing. It had never been necessary for Superman to perform such feat. As to why he would do it here and for Lois seemed rather clear as well, that Superman wanted her to understand how he felt, and that he knew she too would like to feel that as well. In short, until he was dying, he never thought it necessary to even try and duplicate his own powers. And as the series progresses we see both the good and bad ramifications of such an action. It would later be confirmed by Grant Morrison to be the second of the 12 superman labors, Alchemizing the Super Elixir. See the second entry of the article I link to at the end for a complete span of the labors.
I would like to take this time now, since I devoted so many words to a argue against an opinion of an element that was considered to be not truthful to the mythos of Superman and point out a small moment(well sort of small) that shows just how perfectly Grant Morrison handles Superman. In issue 3, Clark continues a trend from the previous issue where for the first time in their relationship Clark gets to be Clark. Not the Clark persona, not The Superman persona, but Clark Kent, man who is also Superman. He gets to be truly honest with Lois. He doesn't have to fake anything, and yet that's all he's trying to do. He's a hybrid of the two characters, he's both the savior of mankind and a bumbling love-sick puppy. In truly human moments hes trying to muster up all of the courage in him and try and win Lois' heart as himself, not as Clark, not as The Superman, the symbol Lois worships, but as himself. And in doing so he has to compete for her love but this leads him to a confrontation with The Ultra Sphinx. And suddenly these two unbeatable foes come to a head and they must fight for Lois's life. But it isn't a physical battle it is a match of wits. The US asks Clark a simple question "What happens when the unstoppable force meets the unmovable object" Clark takes a moment to figure it out but in a very thoughtful moment he figures it out and he understands why the question is so relevant that he answers as he would in that situation, as he does in that situation. He answers simply that "They Surrender".
Clark knew that the Sphinx wasn't asking a riddle but a practical question regarding himself and Clark. It is a moment that shows just how smart and strong of character Clark is. It's also a reminder that the best times that the character is used is when he isn't smashing something, its when he's being clever.
There are also little details that bring the ending into question, whether or not Superman will really die. For starters he's Superman. Superman doesn't die(except that time he did...) but the most interesting red herring is a newspaper clipping from the future that says SUPERMAN DEAD. Of course, you are meant to look at the fact that Superman is dead, but if you carefully you'll notice the newspaper says that the article was written by none other than Clark Kent...
As the all-star adventure continues we get a further examination of who Superman is. We get a black kryptonite Superman(that's an evil Superman) and a Jimmy Olsen transformed into a Jimmy/doomsday creature. But really it is an examination of who Superman ISN'T. It is a fantastic deconstruction of just who Superman IS. This is continued in the plot with a visit to Lex Luthor. From the very first moment of the interaction between Lex Luthor and the Clark Kent persona we see Clark both being bumbling but at the same time still doing the right thing, even if it looks like it was purely by accident. Their discussion is both homoerotic and also the true epic conflict between Superman and Lex boiled down to a conversation. It is the real power of wit to demonstrate what could have been a simple conflict and give it meaning and depth by being about substance, not spectacle. There is also some fun moments of Clark who is Superman, trying to hide his identity as superman from Lex and Parasite. The whole ordeal is a reminder that no matter how smart Lex Luthor may be, he's never been smart enough to figure out that Clark Kent is Superman.
And to close out the first volume we get the meeting of the supermen. This is a reminder of The Death and Life of Superman story where 4 supermen arrived to take Clark's place after he died, though they weren't Superman. One came from another dimension, one came from a robot, one was a robot, and one was just a man who believed he had been possessed by the soul of superman. Here we have the Superman Squad, a team of supermen who are descendants of Superman from throughout time. Well and one very important fellow in Bandages. What this chapter really is, is an exploration of Superman's legacy as a character and to show that he has gone through a very specific and definite change over the course of his life. That Clark as a youngster isn't the same as Clark as an adult. Nor that Clark as a dying man is the same as the others.
As the second volume opens we get a look a Bizzaro Superman story. Now I want to say, knowing Grant Morrison, I was expecting something truly mind-blowing, but I wasn't ready for what I read. I feel like this is the real place where Morrison puts his touch of taste on the Superman mythos by crafting his very own take on Bizzaro. It is here we get a new process from which he is created. But this is just a small touch on what he introduces as the cliffhanger of the adventure, Zibarro. 1 in every 5 billion copies is said to be flawed, and that is Zibarro. The Bizzaro who isn't backwards. It is in Zibarro that we see just how Superman sees the world. Zibbaro wants to leave his planet but Superman is adamant on him staying. It is ultimately because Zibarro is hope for the Bizzaro home to be something more than it is. This all leads into the third story in this volume. Which is the Curse of the Replacement supermen. It is during this chapter we get one of my favorite lines of all time That I think sums up how to truly write what defines Superman the most "What right do I have to impose my values on anyone?" It so acutely defines why Superman is a universal hero. Its at this juncture that the subject of All-Star Superman, by merit of it's own writing, becomes clear: to clearly define Superman as the hero he truly is.
In chapter 10, we get Clark writing his last Will and Testament but he's doing it as Superman for the world. We are also given a look into all of what Superman can do in just a single day. It's quite remarkable especially considering how much we AREN'T seeing. This is a Superman. He slows himself down so that he can enjoy life with everyone else. It is at this juncture that Superman's mortality seems to be weighing down on him, we are seeing him fall to mortality and know that it is happening, and because he knows it is happening he is working harder than ever to accomplish everything he can. And it is in the last few pages of this chapter that we see what Clark came up with for his own legacy. He leaves Lois the future as he says, which when you read it you'll understand. But more importantly he leaves Clark Kent something. "The Headline of the Century" remember how I mentioned that there was doubt about Superman's fate because Clark Kent wrote the article? This is why. He did it so that Clark Kent would remain separate from Superman. So that the Legacy of Superman would remain for all of the world to see. For all of time to see.
As we hurdle towards our conclusion, we get chapter 11, Red Sun Day. It is here a villain of the silver age is brought out to play, the Red Sun Tyrant. Superman is forced to combat the challenges of fighting a literal Red Sun and to do so he brings on an ally that Grant Morrison has been building up since Issue 2. The Sun Eater. I don't want to spoil the fight because it isn't necessary to, but I will say it is a satisfactory conclusion.
I like to lump half of issue 11 and all of 12 together. This is major spoilers territory if anything would be here so I'm warning you now.
Lex proves his intellect and builds himself Superman's elixir. And with it survives his scheduled execution and instead has given himself the temporary powers of Superman. And he attacks the daily planet just as Clark Kent keels over dead. Same deal as above with this fight but I do want to say it defines why Lex is Lex and why Clark is Clark and how the two are forever different from each other. But Clark does get in his one final feat Super-Heroism. And in the closing pages we see that this has all been building towards a single future.
All-Star Superman is expertly written. Grant Morrison has the skill and knowledge on how to plan and plot an entire 12 issue maxi-series down to the smallest details before he writes the first script. How do I know this? I just reread in a 3 hour long session, both volumes of All-Star Superman. He does things with purpose. They appear to be fairly silly things, out there things, things not meant for more than just a laugh. But as I've done above, his work is meant to be taken as more than is overt. Grant Morrison assumes his readers are Smarter than most give them credit for. He assumes we are smart people who can dissect this on our own without acting like he doesn't know what he's doing. It isn't to say that he can't write a bad story, simply that when you call into question something he writes it is better to look at it with a deeper introspection than you would something else. He writes Graphic-Novels. Key word is Novels because this is as literary as they come. A high concept piece designed to examine every inch of who Superman is. And I agree with Mark Waid(writer of Kingdom Come)'s introduction to the series, this is the definitive Superman story. And I mean that as exactly what those words are, they define who this character is. I'm not an art critic, and some might find Frank Quietly's art a little off putting, but his ability to craft a page and convey emotion is masterful here.
I'd highly suggestion checking out the links I provide below. They offer some background info on the series in a ten part discussion of All-Star. I should also say that most Grant Morrison stories have bonus material on the internet like All-Star here that you can really dig deep into seeing, yeah Grant is a genius level writer. Reading his material will cost you a lot of sanity, but you'll more than make up for it in the knowledge points you'll gain.
To summarize, I love this story. I tend to love Grant Morrison stories once I give them a full on enjoyment like I did here. Morrison is the kind of man who should have his entire library of material collected with companion volumes of his explanations. Sure the text stands on its own, but with everything else it becomes this hyper-real collection of knowledge on a given subject. I for one can't wait for the day when his Batman run is completed so that I can hold the entire story together on my shelf. If it wasn't clear yet, this is an absolute A+ on comics. a 10. a 5/5. a 100. Any way you have to say perfect this is it. Now I get to feel sad as I go back to reading normal world material.
References:
All-Star Superman(printed as 1-12, reprinted as vol 1 and 2, and reprinted again as Absolute All-Star Superman).
And
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100821-All-Star-Morrison-01.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100822-Morrison-All-Star2.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100823-Morrison-Superman3.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100824-Morrison4-Superman.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100827-Morrison-Superman-05.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100828-Morrison-Superman6.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100829-Morrison-Superman7.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100830-Morrison-Superman8.html
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/100831-Morrison-Superman8.html
*note, yes this is the 9th article. even though it says 8, the date there in the middle confirms its a different page.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/110803-Grant-Superman-10.html
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Its a romantic comedy, no seriously its good. - a review of RED
To start off I'm going to preface this by saying I will be talking about spoilers and also a quick note.
This movie is absolutely a watch, go see it. Worth your time.
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
Spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
It's a romantic comedy between Mary Louise Parker and John McClain, I mean Bruce Willis. No seriously. It's a really good movie, but this is such a take a date to this movie kind of event. No joke, there are two major couples and the dates will swoon or at least good d'awwww.
So the movie starts with Bruce Willis going about his day. We see he's got some weird eccentricities. Then he calls in to report that his pension check hasn't been received. when he's clearly holding it. Based on him and the operator's familiarity, he's been doing this for a while. We quickly learn its because he likes her, and hey it's Mary Louise Parker, what's not to like?
Bruce says he'll be in her city soon and she tells him to call her when he gets in town, this goes awry when he's attacked and pulled into a cycle of conspiracy that results in him kidnapping her, visiting Morgan Freeman, John Malckovich and Helen Miren. You also get Karl Urban as the man hunting Bruce Willis down with a bit part as Vice President by Doctor Doom, I mean Julian Mcmahom(or however his named is spelled).
We get this pretty fun journey of Bruce's to find out why he's being hunted and at the same time he unravels a conspiracy. Sounds kind of typical for an action/spy movie huh? well it is. That plot is pretty flimsy and its the other things like the love story angle, and these characters who feel like they were friends getting back together. And you'll feel it too. This movie has so many stars and appearences by actors from the past you will feel like you are seeing some old friends come together for the first time in a while. And I really feel these guys as friends. They do a good job of taking what could have been some unlikable hit-men and women and made them super likable and then they put great actors and actresses in the roles to further that goal. The players here are really strong actually. This is one of those movies where the plot is cliche enough but not too cliche that you'll get some enjoyment out of it even if you don't like the other stuff. It is enough to keep even the fickle and elitist(like myself) at bay for the running time. The acting is filled to the cup's brim that you fall in love with these people. All of the principals are giving great performances, with Mary Louise Parker stealing the show most of the time. There is one point where Karl Urban(who gets a great entrance by the way of talking on the phone to his family, and then killing a man, and then continuing as normal), is fighting Bruce Willis. The fight is roaring. It's a great fight. You even have Back in the Saddle playing at a great moment. And then it cuts away to MLP sitting in a lounge trying to not act suspicious, but she just looks surprised and if you pay close attention you'll notice she's reading Forbes magazine. Upside down. It is this two second shot that fits perfectly but is also acted so well that its comic gold.
This is a movie that is going to be well liked because much like the other great indy comic movies this year, Kick-Ass, Scott Pilgrim, you have great action, great comedy, and a strong love story. If you like action comedies, this was the comic year for you. This movie will fill a different kind of void that the other two didn't fill which is one that appeals to an older generation. It has all of the witty dialogue, the smart action, and the entertaining world of SP and KA, but it also has that old friend feel.
I don't want to rate this movie, because I can't quite settle on a score. But I'd say at the worst, it's a B+ at it's best its an A-. I don't have a middle ground so it's a A-/B+. So if you don't have Buried playing near you this weekend, or if you just aren't in the mood for a dark movie like that and need something fun and light hearted, this is the movie for you.
Also they kill the black guy. I told you there be spoilers in here.
This movie is absolutely a watch, go see it. Worth your time.
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
Spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
spoilers
It's a romantic comedy between Mary Louise Parker and John McClain, I mean Bruce Willis. No seriously. It's a really good movie, but this is such a take a date to this movie kind of event. No joke, there are two major couples and the dates will swoon or at least good d'awwww.
So the movie starts with Bruce Willis going about his day. We see he's got some weird eccentricities. Then he calls in to report that his pension check hasn't been received. when he's clearly holding it. Based on him and the operator's familiarity, he's been doing this for a while. We quickly learn its because he likes her, and hey it's Mary Louise Parker, what's not to like?
Bruce says he'll be in her city soon and she tells him to call her when he gets in town, this goes awry when he's attacked and pulled into a cycle of conspiracy that results in him kidnapping her, visiting Morgan Freeman, John Malckovich and Helen Miren. You also get Karl Urban as the man hunting Bruce Willis down with a bit part as Vice President by Doctor Doom, I mean Julian Mcmahom(or however his named is spelled).
We get this pretty fun journey of Bruce's to find out why he's being hunted and at the same time he unravels a conspiracy. Sounds kind of typical for an action/spy movie huh? well it is. That plot is pretty flimsy and its the other things like the love story angle, and these characters who feel like they were friends getting back together. And you'll feel it too. This movie has so many stars and appearences by actors from the past you will feel like you are seeing some old friends come together for the first time in a while. And I really feel these guys as friends. They do a good job of taking what could have been some unlikable hit-men and women and made them super likable and then they put great actors and actresses in the roles to further that goal. The players here are really strong actually. This is one of those movies where the plot is cliche enough but not too cliche that you'll get some enjoyment out of it even if you don't like the other stuff. It is enough to keep even the fickle and elitist(like myself) at bay for the running time. The acting is filled to the cup's brim that you fall in love with these people. All of the principals are giving great performances, with Mary Louise Parker stealing the show most of the time. There is one point where Karl Urban(who gets a great entrance by the way of talking on the phone to his family, and then killing a man, and then continuing as normal), is fighting Bruce Willis. The fight is roaring. It's a great fight. You even have Back in the Saddle playing at a great moment. And then it cuts away to MLP sitting in a lounge trying to not act suspicious, but she just looks surprised and if you pay close attention you'll notice she's reading Forbes magazine. Upside down. It is this two second shot that fits perfectly but is also acted so well that its comic gold.
This is a movie that is going to be well liked because much like the other great indy comic movies this year, Kick-Ass, Scott Pilgrim, you have great action, great comedy, and a strong love story. If you like action comedies, this was the comic year for you. This movie will fill a different kind of void that the other two didn't fill which is one that appeals to an older generation. It has all of the witty dialogue, the smart action, and the entertaining world of SP and KA, but it also has that old friend feel.
I don't want to rate this movie, because I can't quite settle on a score. But I'd say at the worst, it's a B+ at it's best its an A-. I don't have a middle ground so it's a A-/B+. So if you don't have Buried playing near you this weekend, or if you just aren't in the mood for a dark movie like that and need something fun and light hearted, this is the movie for you.
Also they kill the black guy. I told you there be spoilers in here.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
A worthy sucsessor to the Batman Franchise -- a review of Batman:Under the Red Hood
This voice of the Joker is strange but it kind of works. It's a new, third major take on the joker.
The Joker's beating of Jason Todd is really disturbing and it really works.
Ra's Al Ghul's early appearance is really nifty and enjoyable.
"I should teach you some manners...nah I'm just going to keep beating you with this crow bar."
I love it. This is by and far one of the best intros to a DC animated movie ever. and the love and care of this story is brilliant.
The characterization here by the voice actors in conjunction with the animation is really superb.
That intro 5 minute sequence is by and far the king of DC animated work.
It takes all of about 3 minutes to make the red hood appear as both a credible threat nad an interesting villain/
It's called Amaze-o. He looks like Namor. It makes me laugh.
The inclusion of Nightwing is an important one. It's setting up some good parallel's between Jason and Dick.
Unfortunately it is offset by the fact that random thugs know he's the first Robin. What. The Hell. Alright first point down.
The brutality here is impressive. They say he(the robot Amaze-O) has the same weak points as a human, so Nightwing stabs hin in the ears. Hardcorestyle.
Nightwing feels like a Robin here. He has an opinion and acts like a Robin but a little older. His characterization is better than it was in the animated series.
And The Red Hood comes out swinging. Continuing to prove himself a credible threat. The film also keeps mentioning Black Mask but we haven't seen him yet. I'd have liked that established since his presence in the animated series was never known and therefore he isn't quite as big of a villain as others such as Two-Face...I.E. if you don't read comics, you've never heard of him.
And a nifty flashback to the original Red Hood, Joker. That is quite interesting.
This is a great time to mention that I love the character work going on with Jensen Ackles, the Red Hood's voice actor. He hits the beats just right and he makes a fine addition to the DCU voice actors.
I also just realized it's Neil Patrick Harris as Nightwing. Which is a credit to NPH's work here.
This further introduction to Black Mask is a success. Which seems to be a theme for this film.
The mixture of different time period costumes in the flashbacks and the structure of the story is really well done.
Once the Black Mask kicks into gear and attacks the Red Hoods territory, the Red Hood switches into the awesome gear and proves his mantle as a compelling character. Also, a guy is burned alive.
Dare I say it? They made The Red Hood likable. It's insane. I approve. I'd argue it's his humor. He feels more like an evil Dick Grayson, and he actually acts the way Dick would if he had gone through it, still having that spirit there, but ultimately fallen.
And something I really apperciate, that keeps this animated film feeling like a film is establishing shots and just shots of the environments like bats on the ceiling of the bat cave even though Bruce is reading on the computer.
The actors playing the Black Mask's henchmen have no emotion and they fail pretty badly. And then there is Black Mask who is chewing up the scenery.
"I have to deal with a psychotic" "That doesn't sound good sir." On paper this could have sounded really flat but here it works for a chuckle the amount of chuckle that should be in a Batman story.
I feel like the key element to a Batman story is that they are dark, dank, and depressing offset by small moments of levity or a Robin. But that is a discussion for a later day, aka why Batman needs Robin.
A great little use of the Joker is that the villain's here all think of the Joker as a weapon and he is clearly smarter and craftier than any of them. It's very smart on the part of Judd Winnick, the writer.
"I need some guys. [pause]. Not these guys because they are kind of dead."
A) They pronounced Ra's Al Ghul right! B) Great characterization here again.
I really don't want to spoil the third act anymore than I have to but let's just say the movie doesn't let up and might be the best DCU animated movie(I'll amend this later tonight after I finish watching all of them).
Absolutely an A. Not quite perfect, but like Gotham Knight, something I would gladly hold onto in my collection.
And then One with the Crowbar!
Party Pooper, No kick for you.
The Joker's beating of Jason Todd is really disturbing and it really works.
Ra's Al Ghul's early appearance is really nifty and enjoyable.
"I should teach you some manners...nah I'm just going to keep beating you with this crow bar."
I love it. This is by and far one of the best intros to a DC animated movie ever. and the love and care of this story is brilliant.
The characterization here by the voice actors in conjunction with the animation is really superb.
That intro 5 minute sequence is by and far the king of DC animated work.
It takes all of about 3 minutes to make the red hood appear as both a credible threat nad an interesting villain/
It's called Amaze-o. He looks like Namor. It makes me laugh.
The inclusion of Nightwing is an important one. It's setting up some good parallel's between Jason and Dick.
Unfortunately it is offset by the fact that random thugs know he's the first Robin. What. The Hell. Alright first point down.
The brutality here is impressive. They say he(the robot Amaze-O) has the same weak points as a human, so Nightwing stabs hin in the ears. Hardcorestyle.
Nightwing feels like a Robin here. He has an opinion and acts like a Robin but a little older. His characterization is better than it was in the animated series.
And The Red Hood comes out swinging. Continuing to prove himself a credible threat. The film also keeps mentioning Black Mask but we haven't seen him yet. I'd have liked that established since his presence in the animated series was never known and therefore he isn't quite as big of a villain as others such as Two-Face...I.E. if you don't read comics, you've never heard of him.
And a nifty flashback to the original Red Hood, Joker. That is quite interesting.
This is a great time to mention that I love the character work going on with Jensen Ackles, the Red Hood's voice actor. He hits the beats just right and he makes a fine addition to the DCU voice actors.
I also just realized it's Neil Patrick Harris as Nightwing. Which is a credit to NPH's work here.
This further introduction to Black Mask is a success. Which seems to be a theme for this film.
The mixture of different time period costumes in the flashbacks and the structure of the story is really well done.
Once the Black Mask kicks into gear and attacks the Red Hoods territory, the Red Hood switches into the awesome gear and proves his mantle as a compelling character. Also, a guy is burned alive.
Dare I say it? They made The Red Hood likable. It's insane. I approve. I'd argue it's his humor. He feels more like an evil Dick Grayson, and he actually acts the way Dick would if he had gone through it, still having that spirit there, but ultimately fallen.
And something I really apperciate, that keeps this animated film feeling like a film is establishing shots and just shots of the environments like bats on the ceiling of the bat cave even though Bruce is reading on the computer.
The actors playing the Black Mask's henchmen have no emotion and they fail pretty badly. And then there is Black Mask who is chewing up the scenery.
"I have to deal with a psychotic" "That doesn't sound good sir." On paper this could have sounded really flat but here it works for a chuckle the amount of chuckle that should be in a Batman story.
I feel like the key element to a Batman story is that they are dark, dank, and depressing offset by small moments of levity or a Robin. But that is a discussion for a later day, aka why Batman needs Robin.
A great little use of the Joker is that the villain's here all think of the Joker as a weapon and he is clearly smarter and craftier than any of them. It's very smart on the part of Judd Winnick, the writer.
"I need some guys. [pause]. Not these guys because they are kind of dead."
A) They pronounced Ra's Al Ghul right! B) Great characterization here again.
I really don't want to spoil the third act anymore than I have to but let's just say the movie doesn't let up and might be the best DCU animated movie(I'll amend this later tonight after I finish watching all of them).
Absolutely an A. Not quite perfect, but like Gotham Knight, something I would gladly hold onto in my collection.
And then One with the Crowbar!
Party Pooper, No kick for you.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A loveable Bunch with a forgettable plot - A review of the Losers
This is going to be pretty quick. As a blu ray, the audio and video were high quality but the features were just kind of Meh.
The movie itself however is a lot like Sherlock Holmes. I say this in that I really like the casting and the acting. In this case Jeffery Dean Morgan and Chris Evans shine like the truly under utilized stars they are. The rest of the cast are all very charming and have a great team dynamic. I found most of the humor of this team to be really strong and the villain had some really comedic moments.
The plot leaves something to be desired. It's a variation on the A-Team plot and is overall just bouncing from action set piece to action set piece. The final overall conflict wasn't something to write home about. In fact in general the action won't wow you, but you will be entertained.
What this movie has that puts it in the same category as Sherlock Holmes is that I want sequels. I want these guys to be playing off each other in other categories of action. I want to see bigger movies with these characters in it. I want some of the other guys to get character development and I want future storylines to take from the comics too. Give these guys the Losers 2 and I think they will have a solid movie. You can watch this movie and you'll have a good night.
I'd give this movie a Solid B-. The plot is forgettable but the characters are strong for an action movie. I'd put this film on par with Die Hard 2-4.
The movie itself however is a lot like Sherlock Holmes. I say this in that I really like the casting and the acting. In this case Jeffery Dean Morgan and Chris Evans shine like the truly under utilized stars they are. The rest of the cast are all very charming and have a great team dynamic. I found most of the humor of this team to be really strong and the villain had some really comedic moments.
The plot leaves something to be desired. It's a variation on the A-Team plot and is overall just bouncing from action set piece to action set piece. The final overall conflict wasn't something to write home about. In fact in general the action won't wow you, but you will be entertained.
What this movie has that puts it in the same category as Sherlock Holmes is that I want sequels. I want these guys to be playing off each other in other categories of action. I want to see bigger movies with these characters in it. I want some of the other guys to get character development and I want future storylines to take from the comics too. Give these guys the Losers 2 and I think they will have a solid movie. You can watch this movie and you'll have a good night.
I'd give this movie a Solid B-. The plot is forgettable but the characters are strong for an action movie. I'd put this film on par with Die Hard 2-4.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)