My review for Avengers Infinity War (spoiler free)...it's beyond awesome!

After 10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we have arrived at this..the moment we have waited for...the arrival of Thanos, the Mad Titan, who is on a quest to gather all six Infinity stones to place in his mighty gauntlet. His goal, to reduce the overpopulation in the universe, he plans to wipe out half it's inhabitants with the snap of his fingers, so that the universe can prosper again. Standing in his way are the mighty Avengers, The Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther and any other heroes that happen to be around. As voiced by Josh Brolin, Thanos is a marvel creation of CG who looks amazing. Brolin delivers a truly terrifying but also sympathetic performance. His daughters Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and Nebula (Karen Gillian) are at odds with him and try their best to stop him. The Avengers enter the film first with Thor and Hulk meeting Thanos in space, then the arrival of Thanos Black Order on Earth, first in New York, where they tangle with Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland). Then a throwdown in Wakanda where Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and company team up with Cap (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johannson), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany). All these moments are fun, exciting and will get your heart pumping. But for my money, my favorite scene has to be the battle on Thanos home planet Titan, between him, Iron Man, Dr. Strange, Spider-Man and some of the Guardians of the Galaxy. It is a sight to behold as the gloves come off..literally. One of the fun things to see in this film is the interaction between characters we had never had the chance to see. Iron Man and Dr. Strange trade quips and logic faster than you shake a repulsor blast at. Iron Man also has moments with Star Lord (the lovable Chris Pratt) who also has some funny moments with Thor (Chris Hemsworth). There is so much going on in this film but it never gets too much to handle and it is very well paced. Truly one of the best comic book movies ever made. I've seen it 3 times already :)
My rating: 9.5 out of 10

Finally..my review of Wonder Woman

Sorry for the delay in not getting my review of Wonder Woman out sooner. But upon seeing it for the third time last week, I can honestly now say it is my favorite film of the year so far, edging out Logan and Guardians of the Galaxy 2, which I both love. We got introduced to Wonder Woman, as played by Gal Gadot, last year in the abysmal Batma v Superman, in which she was the only good thing going for that movie. Gadot brought some much needed relief from the doom and gloom with her frank honesty, no fear and taking charge. Those characteristics and more are on display in her solo movie. Expertly directed by Patty Jenkins, who guided Charlize Theron to a Best Actress Oscar for Monster many years ago.

Wonder Woman traces her origin from the very beginning as she was told by her mother Hippolyta (as played by Connie Nielsen) that she was sculpted from clay and given life to by Zeus. As a little girl Diana wants to be an Amazon so badly that she defies her mother and asks her aunt Antiope (a bad ass Robin Wright) for training. All this takes place on the beautiful island Themiscyra, which is hidden from the eyes of the world. Things are peaceful until Steve Trevor (a terrific Chris Pine) crash lands his plane into the water, in which Diana pulls him to safety. He was been chased by Germans who also crash the party which leads to an awesome battle between Amazons and Germans. This is where Antiope takes charge and shows why she is the Amazon's best warrior up to that point.

Things turn deadly and Diana leaves with Steve to head back to London to stop World War One, which Diana believes is being influenced by Ares, the God of War. Before the brutalities of war begins, there is ample humor as Diana is literally a fish out of water, trying to adapt to the customs of this new world. She also gets to tell sexist men of the time how it is and doesn't hold back. I was like..you tell them Diana. 

Once Diana and Steve and a few others reach the front lines Wonder Woman becomes the hero we all know she can be. Taking on German soldiers with an impressive display of fighting skills that are unmatched. But her ultimate test will come when she faces Ares during the finale, in which the gloves are off. Diana unleashed and not only is she amazing but makes you think damn Diana..you're just wrecking things all over the place. Her rage fuels her strength to Superman levels and takes it all to Ares in a show stopping climax.

When the dust settles, the war is over and while Diana is weary she is also a hero now. I love this movie, which is evident since I have seen it three times. As a comic book fan, I think it's one of the best one ever made. In fact I think it's one of the best films period.
My rating: A

DEADPOOL is just too awesome!

Thumbs up DP!

Well with much anticipation Deadpool finally arrived in theaters last week and I saw it opening day and was completely blown away. Ryan Reynolds is perfectly cast as ex-Special Forces operative Wade Wilson who now takes assignments helping the little people such as cases of stalkers and general bad guy stuff. Everything is going ok and gets even better when he meets the lovely Vanessa (played by Morena Baccarin) as their humor and craziness match each other to a tee. Things are bliss for awhile showing the couple through-out the year with a sexy montage of sex scenes on holidays thru the year. But when Wade is diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer it all turns bleak. He makes it a point to spare Vanessa the sight of him slowly dying in front of her and takes a chance on this mysterious organization that says it can not only cure him but also give him super powers. With nothing to lose, Wade signs up and promptly meets Ajax (played by Ed Skrein) and his right hand henchwoman Angel Dust (played by Gina Carano) who subject Wade to massive amounts of torture to trigger his dormant X gene to release his mutant power. Which is an accelerated healing factor that it is even better than Wolverine's.

Ryan Reynolds as Wade and Morena Baccarin as Vanessa

But the truth is Wade is being made to be a slave to be sold to the highest bidder to become their weapon of destruction. Wade finally gains his powers but at a cost as he is completely disfigured. After the building he is at blows up and they think he is dead, Wade assumes the identity of Deadpool and wages war on Ajax and his cronies for some major payback.

The opening 20 minute sequence showcases Deadpool unleashed as he takes down Ajax's motorcade on a busy freeway with some cool slo-mo action scenes and hilarious humor. The film then smartly flashbacks to how Wade became Deadpool and such and is in perfect sync with the flow of the movie. DP has to deal with two X-Men, Colossus and  Negasonic Teenage Warhead (brilliantly played by newcomer Brianna Hildebrand) who seek to stop his bloody carnage through-out the city.

DP lays out the plan to Negasonic and Colossus

Eventually the trio will pair up once Ajax kidnaps DP's girl Vanessa and have a huge showdown in a ship yard with DMX's X Gonna Give It To You blaring in the background. Deadpool is a winner from the opening and creative title credits and never takes a false step. Ryan Reynolds is perfect in what is sure to become his signature role and gets great back-up in the form of Baccarin, Skrein, Hildebrand and the wise-cracking TJ Miller as Weasel (Wade's best friend).

Brianna Hildebrand as the cool Negasonic Teenage Warhead

I'm so glad this movie came out as most comic book movies were getting so dark and emotionless, specifically DC films, that Deadpool reinvents the genre before it starts to get stale. It is definitely a game changer and I for one, can't wait to see it again. It's already in my top 3 favorite comic book movies ever! May become #1 after a second showing...

Deadpool has reserved seats for you to see his awesome movie!

IRON MAN 3 kick-starts the summer...big time!

Just saw Iron Man 3 for the second time in the space of 5 days and I enjoyed it even more the second time around. Mainly because it was not as crowded as it was a Thursday showing and I could actually hear all the wonderful snappy dialogue that kind of got drowned out the first time with so many people laughing and cheering. 

Tony in his spare time

The sequel starts with a voice over by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr for the 4th time..five if you count his appearance at the end of The Incredible Hulk) who speaks gravely about the events taking place. He flashes back to 1999 on New Year's Eve as he and his bodyguard Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) party it up in Switzerland and Tony romances the lovely biologist Maya Hansen (new to the Iron Man universe Rebecca Hall). She is working on a new project that can hack into the hard drive of any living organism and upgrade it's DNA. Flash forward 13 years and her idea is being used by Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) who Tony rebuffs at the same party those many years ago. Well his project Extremis uses ex-soldiers and grants them the ability to regenerate severed limbs and project intense heat along with super strength. These are the weapons utilized by the terrorist called The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) who threatens the world with his random acts of violence.

Rebecca Hall as Maya

Guy Pearce as Killian

When Happy gets injured in one such incident, Tony calls out the bad guy for a little one on one. Meanwhile Tony is having relationship issues with his girlfriend Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) as she wants him to give up the super hero business a little and take it easy. Easier said than done as Tony has had trouble sleeping ever since the New York incident involving him and The Avengers. So he is constantly working on gadgets as his latest armor, Mark 42, can now adhere to his body magnetically from a distance which is very cool.

Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin

He will need all his smarts to take down Killian and his Extremis cronies. The Mandarin is an all different issue that I don't want to spoil here. You will never see it coming though. There is also a cool sub-plot when Tony crashes in Tennessee and is befriend by a very wise kid named Harley (Ty Simpkins). Their scenes together are the funniest bits in the whole movie. The whole cast in very engaging. RDJ can now play Tony Stark in his sleep and he does not coast on his laurels as he is just as good and sharp as he was the first time he suited up back in 2008. Paltrow is even more fiery as Pepper as she refuses to take a back seat to Tony's technology. Don Cheadle returns as Rhodey. And this time he is working directly for the President as Iron Patriot. Pearce makes a suitable villain that definitely will get your attention. Kingsley is pretty good too as The Mandarin but I really can't say too much about him without spoiling the movie.

Yep..trouble is coming

This shot reminds me of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang so much...

makes sense..Shane Black directed both films

As far as the action goes, director Shane Black goes all out for this one. The attack on Tony's malibu home by The Mandarin's forces is awesome! If that doesn't get your adrenaline going, then nothing will. Another great scene has to the Air Force One attack and then rescue of the passengers who are falling from the sky. That is one of the best film sequences I have ever seen! The snappy dialogue is still there and the plot never gets convulted or heavy. And the movie never drags. It is a great film and a great start for the summer movie season. And it improves on Iron Man 2 big time. I'm up for seeing it a third time for sure.
B+

Tony loves Pepper!

DJANGO UNCHAINED (2012)

Just saw Django Unchained, the newest film from Quentin Tarantino. And for the most part it is a pretty good film, damn near his best. I didn't want to write just another review as most everyone who has seen it has written some very well thought out reviews. I just wanted to point out the things I liked and the things I didn't. First the rating I give Django is a solid.....
  B+

King and Django..two men on a mission

Things I liked:

1.) The cast: top notch. One of the strongest casts in a Tarantino film since Pulp Fiction. From Jamie Foxx as the titular hero Django, who is soft spoken but one bad ass character. He wields guns like Uma Thurman wielded swords in the Kill Bill films. Christoph Waltz is excellent as Dr. King Schultz, a German dentist cum bounty hunter who frees Django, and enlists his help to track down some wanted men. Leonardo DiCaprio is perfectly villainous as Calvin Candie, the plantation owner who holds Django's wife as one his slaves. Samuel L. Jackson is unbelievably evil as Stephen, Calvin's house slave who really is more than meets the eye. Kerry Washington as Django's wife, Broomhilda, is ravishing and low-keyed hut effective in the quieter moments. Don Johnson as Big Daddy, another plantation owner who seeks payback on Django and Schultz who have crossed his path.  

2.) The music score: the songs were pretty cool but I actually enjoyed the music score itself even more. At times sweeping, at times epic, at times humorous...it all comes together for a perfect music score.

Django meets Calvin Candie

3.) The opening sequence: which sets the tone of the film as King tries to parlay Django's freedom from the Speck brothers which begins quite humorous but then turns very violent.

4.) The scene at Big Daddy's plantation and then the subsequent posse scene which is hilarious.

5.) The arrival of Django and Schultz as Calvin's place, Candyland. It's here where we get to meet Samuel L. Jackson's character, who takes an immediate dislike to Django.

Calvin gives a lesson to his guests

6.) The dinner conversation scene with the leads all charming and nice until....they are not.

7.) The explosive shoot-out where Django's just goes ballistic at Candyland.

8.) The finale

Stephen questions Broomhilda

Things I didn't like:

1.) Kinda long...at 2 hours and 45 minutes. Could have been trimmed by 20 minutes but that's a minor quibble.

2.) The ruse by Schultz and Django kind of leads to a big kind of head scratching moment when Calvin wants one more thing from Schultz before the deal is done..but I can kind of understand Schultz's reasons. You have to see the film to understand the moment I am talking about. Once again a minor quibble.

3.) Some scenes are really, really graphic. Like a man getting torn limb from limb by dogs. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Does it go overboard? Depends on your taste.  But at least is buffered by Tarantino's witty dialogue and usual banter. Be warned the language is very harsh as well. But it does fit the time period for the most part.

That's about it as far as dislikes...so as you can see more likes than dislikes. Hence my rating of B+.

Bond is back and better than ever in the terrific SKYFALL

After an extended four year break from cinemas, James Bond returns...with a vengeance. Skyfall is the 23rd Bond film since 1962, so it marks the 50th anniversary of that occasion. And let me tell you something...this film is beyond awesome. Daniel Craig returns for this third time and now he fits very comfortable in the role of the super spy. I mean he fits really good. The film begins in Turkey with Bond being assisted by a field agent named Eve (wonderful performance by Naomie Harris) tracking down a stolen hard drive of deep undercover British agents. This leads to a frenetic chase by car, then motorcycle, then train. Things go south, as the two agents fail and Bond is reported missing, most likely dead. M (played by the always terrific Judi Dench) has to take heat from her superiors about the botched affair while Bond spends his time recovering and drinking trying to get over his own personal demons.

Bond on motorbike in Turkey looking dapper

But once an explosion goes off at MI6 headquarters Bond comes home to do what he can. The banter between him and M is distinctly frosty but also caring. This is probably the best onscreen employer/employee relationship ever. Before Bond can go back into the field he must pass a series of physical and mental tests to deem him fit for duty. His skills are decidedly not up to snuff as he can barely hit a target with his PPK. And is severely out of shape. But pass he does..sort of and M sends him back out, much to the chagrin of Gareth Mallory (played by Ralph Fiennes), a new figure in MI6, who is worried that Bond might mess up again. Bond gets a new personal PPK by the new Q (played cleverly by Ben Whishaw) and they get to have some classic Bond/Q banter that recalls the old Bond films.

Okay Bond, let's get these buggers!

On to the mission which sends Bond to Shanghai after the hard drive to encounter the exotic Severine (played by French actress Berenice Marlohe) who winds up taking Bond to her employer and the villain of this film, Silva (a blonde Javier Bardem). Silva's introduction is a classic one as he meets Bond and tells him of a childhood story involving rats. From the first time you meet Silva, you know this guy is bad news. And once you find out his connection to M, it becomes a more personal film for Bond and M too.

The villain of Skyfall...Silva

Skyfall is amazing. I can't praise it enough. I know some have complained of not enough action and being too long but this film is more than just about action. I think it's a great story about three people (Bond, M, and Silva) who are haunted by their past sins and must confront them and each other. This film is gorgeous to look at. The cinematography is excellent by Roger Deakins. Taut direction by Sam Mendes. A great music score by Thomas Newman, who supplies the Bond theme quite a few times through out the film. Also Craig gets to drop a few more one liners that was sorely missed in his first two outings. But he doesn't get carried away with them, just the right amount. The action scenes when they do come are quite thrilling. From the opening chase sequence to a thrilling fight sequence in a Shanghai skyscraper between Bond and an assassin.
There's also the exciting subway chase/courtroom shoot-out that will get your adrenaline going. And then things end with a standoff at Bond's childhood home between him, M, family friend Kincade (played by wily Albert Finney) and a whole passel of Silva's men. The performances are all top notch, especially Craig, Dench and Bardem. They form quite the fractured trio and you are fully vested in their relationship and how it all will end. I also love the homages to the classic Bond films like the aston Martin Craig keeps in storage and finally gets to drive, the introduction of Q and a new Moneypenny as well. Wait till you see her..she's cool as can be. Oh and the theme song by Adele...heavenly!

Bond going old school on some fools

All in all, Skyfall is one of the best Bond films ever. And one of the best films by far of 2012. It's great having you back James! Can't wait for your next adventure.
A

Eve draws down on someone

The exotic Severine

Bond and Severine take a little boat ride

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012) wraps up an epic trilogy with an amazing finale!

Let me get my review started by immediately making this statement: The Dark Knight Rises is really good but it's not better than The Dark Knight, in my opinion. Sorry, had to go ahead and say that. Now onto my review.

*Just got back from seeing Dark Knight Rises for the second time and my initial rating holds up. As with most midnight screenings it's hard to be objective as the crowd is so into and amazing. Some films I have watched at midnight showings do not hold upon a second viewing..Phantom Menace and Superman Returns are good examples. But Dark Knight Rises does. With that said onto my full review.

Bruce Wayne about to suit up again for the first time in 8 years

The Dark Knight Rises picks up 8 years later after the events in the last film and Gotham is a much better place. Well crime wise it is. Batman has hung up his cape and cowl and resides in his alter ego guise of Bruce Wayne at his mammoth mansion. Christian Bale ratchets up his acting and is the best he has ever been in this series. Especially as Bruce, he comes across more wounded and human. And his Batman voice is much improved, thank god. But he is not the same Batman, as he has been away from the game for 8 years. His body is wracked as he needs surgery on his knee and shoulder and walks around with a cane. When you first see him, you think holy shit, there is no way this guy can take on Bane, the new villain played by Tom Hardy who terrorizes Gotham. This guy is a freak of nature as he is stronger and faster than Batman and is just as smart. Watching footage of this guy even Alfred says what we all are thinking.."Look at him Master Wayne, his speed and strength. You can't win!" Reminds me of what Adrian use to tell Rocky before a tough fight. 

Bane wreaking havoc in Gotham

Anyway Batman doesn't just have to worry about Bane's attack on Gotham's finest and richest but he is also attacked by a rival businessman who aims to take down Wayne Enterprises. So it is a two pronged attack that our hero doesn't see coming. And then there's the loose cannon in the form of Selina Kyle (played by Anne Hathaway) a sophisticated cat burglar who is at first a pain in the ass for Batman but then comes through at the end when he needs her help. By the way, Anne rocks as Selina. To all those naysayers who thought she was a bad choice for this role..I say, take that. She is dangerous, funny, smart and sexy as hell. Dare I say it, but she is my favorite Catwoman. I know other fans may take offense to that but she is. She pulls off an incredible performance that has you guessing which way she is going go. 

Selina Kyle/Catwoman

Bane on the other hand is a little different. While Tom Hardy is perfect in this role, his voice is sometimes hard to understand and when you do understand him, it's kind of weird sounding. I really can't describe it but once you see the film, you will immediately know what I'm talking about. After seeing it a second time, it still sounds weird.

Batman rides again

So back to the film which like I said is really good. But it falls just a little short of The Dark Knight. Which I knew would be pretty hard to top. But Chris Nolan and company give it their all and go for broke. The action is amped up with some intense fight scenes and shoot-outs. There is a tense hostage situation at the Gotham Stock Exchange where Bane and his cronies take over that is quite riveting. Which leads to a very cool chase sequence involving Batman on his Bat-pod and those bad guys on motorcycles and about 50 police cars. And Hans Zimmer works his magic music score once again as the theme swells every time things get a little tense and exciting.

John Blake on the job

All the regulars return and give solid performances again such as Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. Newcomers Joseph Gordon Levitt as cop John Blake and Marion Cotillard as Miranda Fox, a woman who has to bail out Bruce Wayne's struggling company are top notch. And it's very cool seeing Aidan Gillen in a role as a CIA operative dealing with Bane in the opening scene. Fans may remember Gillen from The Wire and recently Game of Thrones. Matthew Modine as the acting police commissioner is dreadful. Every time he speaks he says the most stupid and unbelievable things. Reminds me of Paul Gleason from the first Die Hard movie. Both are totally ridiculous characters.

Bane and Batman in the brawl of the decade

The film does have a few slow spots but considering it is 2 hours and 45 minutes long that was expected. But it never drags and you're are never checking your watch. You are caught up in everything that goes on. I will say that the plans the villains use to take down Bruce Wayne/Batman are methodical and strategical. Lots of planning and execution from a lot of parties. That being said, it makes The Joker's plan all that more amazing in The Dark Knight because he really didn't have a plan as he stated.  And he damn sure didn't have all the resources these baddies had. Either way, this was a worthy follow-up to that film and a great wrap up to an amazing film series. Long live Batman!
B+

Say what again! I dare ya!