Captain America: The First Avenger review; it's a great superhero film

Captain America is one of the most beloved Marvel Superheros ever. It's kind of sad that it took this long to get his own movie considering what he represents.  The character of Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, is an interesting one.  He is small, puny and wants nothing more than to be a soldier in the U.S. Military.  When a doctor creates a serum to help him become physically superior soldier, that's when all the fun happens.  Let's go!

What I liked about the movie:
The Cast

The cast, both starring and supporting, were very impressive in this movie.  I didn't know how to feel about Chris Evans as Captain America.  I always thought he was a good actor for genre films, but didn't know if he could command attention as a superhero.  Rest assured, he's great!  In the first act, pre-serum injections, his acting ability really comes through.  The audience will feel sympathy for the kid from Brooklyn who wants nothing more than to serve his country.  Evans shows us that Steve Rogers was a good MAN, way before he was a good superhero.  Nicely Done!

The supporting cast was very awesome!  Hugo Weaving as the main villain, Red Skull, was great.  Even the cheesy accent was ok with me.  Weaving has the voice, arrogance and presence needed to play the villain.  I enjoyed his work very much.  Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter was a delight on screen, not the usual damsel in distress.  Tommy Lee Jones plays a perfect Colonel in the Military, he is compassionate enough for us to care about him, but stern enough to lead in a war.  Stanley Tucci... is there anything Tucci can't do?!  He's awesome as the Doctor who invents the serum for Steve Rogers.  Sebastian Stan plays Bucky, Steve Rogers best friend, nicely done by the young actor. 

The Setting

The movie mostly takes place during World War II.  The production design team does such an amazing job with the set pieces, the costumes, etc.  What's also impressive is the lighting, and camera work.  Shelly Johnson used just the right lighting that gave the movie an older feel without overdoing it.  It was nice to see a superhero film that wasn't in modern day times.

The Story / Writing

Simple, easy to follow and exciting.  Hugo Weaving's character believes in "magic" which was stolen from Odin's vault.  It is the Cosmic Cube which has been referenced in the Marvel Universe of films.  It has a great deal of power and, if harnessed correctly, could destroy every major city in the world.  Captain America and company must stop Red Skull from doing so.  The writing is clever and I never rolled my eyes at any horrible dialogue.  The writers were clever and even made fun of the Captain America suit before we could as an audience.  I love when writers acknowledge things like that without making it obvious! 


What I liked and didn't like about the film:
The Director

Joe Johnston has done a lot of work in Hollywood.  He made a great name for himself with popular films like Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, The Rocketeer, Jumanji, October Sky and Jurassic Park III.  I think he's a good storyteller, but there are aspects of his films that just don't click.  His movies always look great, he can always get a terrific cast to work with him, and the stories are usually pretty enticing.  I will tell you this, this movie is MUCH better than the atrocious The Wolfman from a few years ago.  Most of the things I enjoyed in the film are because of him.  As are the things I didn't enjoy.


What I didn't like about the film:
The Action

It's too bad, this is an action film and the action is silly.  There are multiple action scenes with hundreds of henchmen at war with our Military.  Henchmen and soldiers alike are being killed so often, we don't feel any real loss.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, action should only compliment the story, not take it over.  The final action sequence was impressive though with many intricate camera shots.  Didn't totally leave a sour taste in my mouth.

The Score

I feel I pay very close attention to film scores.  I can tell you which ones work and which ones don't in my opinion.  The average movie going public probably doesn't even care, but I do!  It didn't evoke emotion, it didn't make me care and I never felt like I was pulled into 100%.  The score should have been big, uplifting even.  This is Captain America damn it!  He's viewed as the leader of The Avengers and the score should have matched.


The Verdict:
Liked it very much

I enjoyed the movie very much.  I know I listed a few things I didn't like, but they weren't deal breakers.  It was great to see a modern day superhero in the past.  We grow with the character, figuratively and literally.  Steve Rogers is a good man who just lacked the physical stature to do great things.  He stood up for those who are bullied and did what was right.  I can't wait for The Avengers next year, it will be another chance to see Captain America in action!

Edward Norton may play the villain in The Bourne Legacy

It's been a long time since I've blogged about the next 'Bourne' film, titled The Bourne Legacy.  Maybe because it doesn't feel right without Matt Damon?  But, Hollywood doesn't care what I think.  A fourth Bourne film will be made and it will star Jeremy Renner in the part made famous by Damon.  I'm ok with the casting of Renner, he will do great, no doubt.  That's three viable franchises at once folks.  The Bourne films, The Avengers (where he'll play Hawkeye), and the Mission: Impossible films he's taking over from Tom Cruise. 

Today comes rumors that Edward Norton could play the villain.  This is spectacular because you all should know I think Norton is a great actor.  Yes, I also think he's a jerk and that's why directors can't work with him.  But he knows how to play a villain.  I doubt this movie will have a goofy tone the way his character was portrayed in The Italian Job; I think it will be darker like the world Matt Damon inhabited.  Either way, I'm psyched about the casting rumor and hope it's true.  Anyone else think Norton is worth the trouble?

Kenneth Branagh did NOT direct the post credit scene after Thor

Slashfilm posted something really interesting today.  By now this shouldn't be a spoiler to anyone.  But in case you haven't seen the movie, or stuck around for the post-credits... SPOILER ALERT!!!!

We know Kenneth Branagh directed Thor, and did a damn good job of it too.  But what we didn't know was Joss Whedon, director of the upcoming The Avengers directed the post credit scene.  One of the actors in the scene gave some insight into when it was filmed, just a few months ago.  It's nice to see Whedon getting so entrenched in the universe and helping out anyway he can with the films.  Can't wait to see his vision come to life with The Avengers. 

Thor review... expect to be delighted

For months I have been hesitant towards Thor.  I didn't know what to expect out of an unknown lead (Chris Hemsworth) and a Shakespearean actor turned director (Kenneth Branagh).  Sure there were Oscar winners in the film (Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins), but that doesn't guarantee a good film.  So the Summer movie season has kicked off in full swing.  I skipped on Fast Five last week and watched Thor instead, let's get it started in here.

What I liked about the movie:
The Storytelling, director
Branagh is a wonderful actor.  His work has been solid for well over a decade... as an actor.  Why elect him to direct a big budget Summer film?  Well, here's my two cents.  He was perfect in his storytelling.  He understood how to divide the story between Asgard and Earth.  He made Asgard a grand, mythical place while keeping it believable.  The parts on Earth were tastefully done and grounded in reality.  It was just the right tone and pacing necessary for a something as mythical as Thor.  He knew how to direct Hemsworth, and in turn got a wonderful performance out of him.  The editing was solid as well.  The only thing I would critic Branagh for was his lighting, which I'll explain later.

The acting

Hemsworth gives a wonderful performance.  He has a commanding presence, a swagger if you will.  While in Asgard, he is a cocky, arrogant man who feels entitled to his father's throne.  When he is banished to Earth, he plays the "fish out of water" very sincerely.  It's always a risk casting a relative unknown for a movie of this size and scope, but this was perfect casting.  Hemsworth got so unbelievable big for this movie, he was physically believable as Thor.  The long hair and beard were spot on to what I felt Thor should look like on the big screen.  The accent was perfect as well.  Because we're dealing with the Norse God of Thunder, there has to be a sense of grandeur, and Hemsworth nailed it.  

Thor's father, Odin, is played by the masterful Anthony Hopkins.  He is the stern father figure we would expect Odin to be, but has a sensibility that any good father must posses.  The primary villain in the film is Thor's half-brother Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston.  Hiddleston nails it!  I loved his performance in this film.  He is vengeful and sinister.  The only thing I didn't like was the "turn".  We get to see Loki's motivation for turning on his family, but it would have been nice to dig deeper; especially considering it has been officially announced that Loki will be the primary villain for The Avengers film. 

Natalie Portman does well as an astrophysicist.  She plays the character as genuinely as we would hope.  Her side kick is played by Kat Dennings; who despite all the hate online, I thought was blessed with some of the best one-liners in the film.  Portman's mentor is played by the great Stellan Skarsgard who did great with what little screen time he had.

The Visual Effects

This is a Marvel film, so we shouldn't expect any less out of a big, blockbuster film.  The visual effects both on Asgard as well as on Earth were awesome.  I couldn't tell where some of the special effects blended with the practical effects, and that's what we really want as an audience, we shouldn't be able to tell.  Thumbs up to Marvel for spending the money necessary to make the worlds look real. 


What I didn't like about the movie:
The lighting, cinematography

This was a major, major issue for me.  I endlessly complain about 3D (I saw it in 2D mind you), but the lighting in this film was so bad it was unbearable at times.  All the scenes featuring our hero on "Jotunheim" were so dark and difficult to see.  I don't know if this was a poor print at the theater I went to or if it were intended that way, but nonetheless, it was tough to watch and understand what was happening.


The verdict:
Satisfying to all

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.  Goes to show you, yet again, never judge a film by its trailer.  I was not impressed with the trailers leading up to the release of this film, but gave it a chance and enjoyed myself.  I will say it is very kid friendly at times, a darker version would be nice, but then again I'm a 30 year old man, not a 12 year old child.  I think Marvel realized they spent too much time during Iron Man 2 setting up The Avengers, they didn't do that so much in this film.  But they did set up the villain.  Loki and his powers should be a worthy opponent of the superhero team. 

Hiddleston did very well and has made me a fan.  Good job to everyone involved, I really liked Thor and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a good action film to kick off the Summer season!

Quickie: A Mark Ruffalo Stand-Alone "Hulk" Film?

Mark Ruffalo recently sat down with Empire and had this to say: "They set up several pictures over a couple of years and possibly there will be a Hulk movie. There'll probably be a couple more Avengers too, which would be fun."

I don't know what to think. I love the casting of Ruffalo for the Hulk in The Avengers movie, but I'm kind of burned out on the character all together. Maybe I'll feel different in 3 years after The Avengers has been released and everyone is singing its praises (or hates it).

Also, I think Marvel learned a lot and did some great things with The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton. I think they can build on that success and create another story worth telling where we actually care about the big green monster. Read Empire's entire article. He gives Norton some props as well.

Now rumor has it, and there's proof in the comics, that Hulk may be the villain in The Avengers. Check out The Ultimates series of The Avengers. This would be interesting to say the least; The Avengers assembling to take down one of their own. I could be wrong, because there's a rumor that Hulk's nemesis, Abomination, is the Avenger's main villain (he doesn't die at the end of The Incredible Hulk). Either way, I'm waiting to hear more details before I decide. What do you think about a Mark Ruffalo stand-alone Hulk film?

"Avengers" Assemble... at Comic-Con

Left to Right: Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Liam Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Jeremy Renner as Hawk Eye, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk, Director Joss Whedon, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige

Movie stars filled the panels, rumors were laid to rest, and every nerd on the planet was waiting for this moment. The Avengers cast, in one place, at one time. That's the power of Comic-Con. I've talked about it a lot on the blog: everything from Chris Evans casting as the Captain, to Edward Norton's ugly exit, all things Avengers. At Comic-Con in San Diego this year, the entire cast went up on stage, settling three, very talked-about rumors.

First, Joss Whedon WILL direct the film. That's an obvious one, but Marvel never announced it officially before Comic-Con.

Second, Jeremy Renner WILL play Hawk Eye! I love this move by the way.

Third, and I guess most talked about... Mark Ruffalo WILL replace Edward Norton as Bruce Banner/Hulk. This movie can't get any more epic, can it? We'll have to wait and see. There's still those rumors of Nathan Fillion and Eva Longoria joining the cast as Ant-Man and Wasp. We'll let you know what happens. You satisfied with the cast?

Mark Ruffalo to Play Hulk? Please Let It Be True!

/Slashfilm is reporting via Deadline that Mark 'freakin' awesome' Ruffalo may be the next Hulk! I would love my pick of Cillian Murphy, but this will surely do! Mark Ruffalo is an underrated actor in Hollywood and I hope this news is true. Apparently he's in "late stages of negotiations" to play Bruce Banner in The Avengers! There's no other details, so here are a few roles I really enjoyed Ruffalo in:

Shutter Island: Without spoiling the ending, Ruffalo's job was not an easy one. He was to make the audience think two different things at once until the very last scene of the movie. Great job!

The Brothers Bloom: An otherwise forgettable movie, Ruffalo's con-man character was anything but. Ruffalo played the character with sincerity and made us love to hate his character.

Reservation Road: Playing a character that kills a little boy in a hit-and-run accident, Ruffalo was amazing. He and the previously rumored choice for Bruce Banner, Joaquin Phoenix, were terrific in this character piece.

The Last Castle: Playing a disgraced military man, Ruffalo played a traitor who wanted to desperately redeem himself. Ruffalo stood toe to toe with acting greats, Robert Redford and James Gandolfini.

I'll keep ya posted!

"Thor" Official Photo of Anthony Hopkins as Odin!

Is it me, or is it getting more and more exciting with every released photo of this film!? Anthony Hopkins as Odin in the Marvel Comics Thor! Sick!! Courtesy of the LA Times.

Got so excited about the photo I forgot to mention that both Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger will be in 3D. Marvel is cashing in! I don't really care about announcements like this, I expect it for every future tent-pole movie. I actually could see 3D working for these superhero films more so than other movies that have been presented in 3D.

We know Thor wasn't shot in 3D, so it's up to the Captain film and then The Avengers to be shot in 3D. When will this stupid gimmick go away!?

Edward Norton's Official Response to "The Avengers" Fiasco...

I read this really early in the day and wasn't sure if I even wanted to post it. But it's late, I'm up, why not? Edward Norton officially responded to The Avengers fiasco that was made public this past weekend. Here's a quick summary and then Norton's response via his Facebook page.

1. Rumor hits the web that Edward Norton will not reprise his role as the Hulk in The Avengers movie.

2. President of production for Marvel, Kevin Friege releases a statement about why they chose to "fire" Norton.

3. Norton's agent releases a statement defending his client and calling Friege's comments "mean spirited".

Now Norton's statement, my thought's after:

As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audiences's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have. But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in "The Avengers". I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone, but it hasn't turned out as we all hoped. I know this is disappointing to may people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk's long and excellent history. And I really can't thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you've sent my way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It emans a lot to me. I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I'm really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that's why we love him, right?

Sincerely,

Edward Norton

I'm really surprised, pleasantly, by Norton's response to the whole thing. He's seems at peace with what's taken place, and calm about it. Other actors would have gone OFF! I think this is the best move possible by Norton. This turns Friege's comments on himself; all of a sudden Friege looks like the jerk in this whole thing. I still think all the stories about Norton are true, he's difficult, he has an attitude and ego that very few in Hollywood can match. But damn the man can act. Stay tuned in the week leading up to Comic-Con, when it's expected Marvel will announce Norton's replacement.

By the way, if you've been reading other blogs today, you read the rumor about Joaquin Phoenix getting an offer to play Bruce Banner... yeah, ummmm... that's not going to happen. Let's hope not anyway! Remember what I said... Cillian Murphy.

Edward Norton WILL NOT play the Hulk in "The Avengers" movie?

This is a late story lighting up the web. Fanboys like myself are cringing at the thought that this story ends up being real. Hit Fix broke the story just a few hours ago. Seems as though Marvel is back to their cheap ass ways and doesn't want to shell out the dough necessary to sign Norton to the superhero super-team, The Avengers. The movie has been set in motion for years; and as of last month, 90% of the cast was in place, now this? What's going on? What's the real story? Can we blame them?

As far as I knew, Norton was in. In most interviews he was adamant about coming back IF the story and director were right. Hit Fix reports that the rumored director of The Avengers, Joss Whedon and Norton met, and were both excited about getting started on the project. Well now Marvel is rumored to want an "unknown" for the project. What the heck happened?

My guess WAS the same as H.F., it's all about the Benjamin's baby. They don't want to pay for Norton's talents, so casting an unknown solves the problem. But after a little thought, I'm realizing that CAN'T be the problem. They already have big name actors, Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, and the list goes on and on. What was Norton going to possibly make on the movie that they can't afford? It just doesn't make sense!

My theory is this; Marvel just doesn't want anything to do with Edward Norton. The man has one of the most notorious attitudes in the business. He has problems on every set he's ever worked on, including 'Hulk'.  He fought with Marvel to re-cut the movie and lost, then refuses to do press?  Wow.  American History X is a prime example of Norton overstepping his boundaries as an actor. He apparently wasn't happy with director Tony Kaye's final cut of the movie; so Norton cut the film himself with the studio behind the directors back. When Kaye discovered what was going on, he tried to remove his name from the credits, to no avail.

After Marvel brought Norton in for 'Hulk', he wanted to change the script. Marvel agreed, which I still don't know why they would. Watch the special features to the movie and you quickly get a sense that director Louis Leterrier was not allowed to do anything without Norton's approval. After disagreeing with Leterrier about the final cut of the film, Norton refused to do any publicity for the film. What the hell is up with this guy? Is it really "the passion to turn in great work"? Or is he just an arrogant jerk?

I still think he's one of the most talented actors in Hollywood, but I also think like this; "walk like a duck, talk like a duck", you're probably the jerk everyone says you are. I would love for him to reprise his role as Bruce Banner/Hulk, but it looks like that's becoming less and less likely every day. Comic-Con is just around the corner, and yours truly will be there. As soon as we get confirmation one way or the other, we'll let you know!

Nathan Fillion and Eva Longoria added to The Avengers?

No, please God NO.  The rumor about Fillion is OK, but come on, Longoria?!  Why?!  Last month I posted about Fillion possibly playing Ant-Man in The Avengers movie, that's cool.  But today the rumor online is Longoria will play his wife, Wasp.

Superhero movies are getting better and better actors as the genre comes into its own.  Why Longoria?  Because she looks the part?  Maybe.  Can she act?  No.  My personal opinion, she's just another pretty face in Hollywood that got lucky.  Every movie she touches flops (i.e. Harsh Times, Over Her Dead Body), her TV career is a part of an ensemble, and she can't carry anything on her own.  Not that she would have to carry The Avengers, but why go sub-par for this role?  I don't know.  Am I the only one that's so against this?

Nathan Fillion as Ant-Man in The Avengers?

This is some pretty cool news. The big rumor is Nathan Fillion has been cast as Ant-Man in Marvel's The Avengers movie. You may know Fillion from TV, "Castle", "Firefly" and the corresponding film, Serenity. He's a pretty good actor and has a very, very distinct voice.

In fact, he's done some work as a voice actor for Marvel's rival, DC Comics. He was in the 2009, straight-to-DVD animated film, Wonder Woman.

Here's a little bit about the Ant-Man character you guys may not know:

- His alter ego is Henry Pym, a brilliant scientist

- His powers the ability to shrink or grow to whatever size he wants, communicate with insects because of a special helmet he wears. Can fly when he wears special wings that transform him into Yellow Jacket

- Kind of a hot-head, like a Wolverine

- Not much of a team player, but will do what needs to be done to save the world

- Married to Wasp, another character in various versions of The Avengers


I like the casting of Fillion, he's a good actor. I think he has the physical presence to play Ant-Man and will do a good job. I hope the technology is there to sell the fact that he's going to be 50-100 feet tall. No offense to Favreau and company, but the robots in other movies looked better than the droids in Iron Man 2.

Batman 3 release date announced, G.I. Joe sequel coming as well... 2012 is going to be a good year!

UPDATE: Ice Age 4 (Ice Age: Continental Drift) will also be released in 2012 (July 13th). That's all you get for this stupid, unneccessary sequel.

Warner Brothers has announced the release date for the next installment of the Christopher Nolan Batman franchise. July 20th, 2012 I will standing in a very long line to see this movie. I will not be blogging, I will not be texting or talking on the phone; I will be immersed in the film that I would have waited 4 years for! God I can't wait!

Batman is not the only big budget movie that summer, nor is it the only big budget comic book movie that summer. UNofficially, a sequel to G.I. Joe has been announced as well. MTV Movie Blog interviewed the producer, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, and he told them the sequel could film as early as the Spring of 2011 for a Summer of 2012.

Not a bad list of summer 2012 films so far huh?

Batman 3
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Avengers
G.I. Joe 2

Quickie: Avengers movie to start filming next February!

iesb.net broke the news via an interview with Samuel L. Jackson. He gave details into the Avengers movie: it's start date, the new director (Joss Whedon), cameos, etc. Just in time for the 2012 release date.

Jackson mentioned he will NOT be in Thor, but WILL be in The First Avenger: Captain America. Jackson also comments on how the Avengers will be the launch pad for his character of "Nick Fury".

Thus far it's been recorded cameo here and there (Iron Man 1 and 2). Jackson signed a 9 picture deal, so I can see how he's going to be in a bunch of the Marvel Universe. Speaking of the Marvel Universe; do you think they've done a good job keeping all the characters in the same "world"? Let us know what you think.

Disney Buys Marvel for $4 Billion

The title says it all I think. The Disney Company has just purchased Marvel for the tune of $4 billion. Ok so we could give you numbers and figures, and stock prices jumps and dives... forget all that nonsense. What does this purchase mean to the fans?! If you work for Marvel OR Disney, we know and understand your concerns are elsewhere. But what happens to the movies? The licensing? Who gets to make what movie? Ok, let's break it down studio by studio.

Disney: Gets control of thousands of characters, within the comics, merchandising and most future films.

Fox: Retains control of the X-Men universe including X-Men: First Class, X-Men Origins: Magneto, X-Men Origins: Deadpool and a possible X-Men Origins: Gambit. Fox also holds the rights to the Fantastic Four (which we just blogged about today), as well as the Silver Surfer solo project.

Sony: Retains control of Spider-Man 4, 5, 6. They've already began one phase or another of all three movies.

Paramount: Will still distribute Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers... BUT! BUT! Disney will carry on producing the movies... i.e. Writing, filming, editing.

All studios who are not Disney: When your current agreements are up... Disney's taking control back of the properties, deal with it.


Whoa... that was information overload. But that is the current news as of now. We'll update you as things come up. What do you think about this merger of sorts?