The Croods (2013)

An avant garde adventure of caricature cavemen that we can enjoy without taking them too seriously!

20^th Century Fox in association with DreamWorks Animation present…

Kirk DeMicco (Space Chimps) bumps head with Chris Sanders (How to train your Dragon) to co-write and direct this latest animated feature from DreamWorks! Originally title “Crood Awakening” (not bad with the pun) which was going to be featured by Aardman Animations a company that helped made clay animation films come to life like “Wallace and Gromit” and “Chicken Run”.

Set in the pre-historic times, a family of Neanderthals drastically tries to evade extinction from being stomped by mammoths, stung by giant mosquitoes, being eaten by any carnivorous living organism or being struck by the common cold which becomes overkill when you’re living in the age of pre-decongestant era!

The cast is lead by Nicholas Cage (Knowing) as the over protective father Grug who tries his best to salvage his family even just from their daily routines while his loving wife Catherine Keener (The 40 Year Old Virgin) who seems to step away from the lime light trying just to simply convey motherhood by being more open-minded and just reactive to what’s going on with the brady bunch!

The ever alluring even in this primordial age, Emma Stone (Easy A) is their eldest daughter Eep, the curious and adventurous sibling who brings constant dismay to her father. While the middle child is portrayed by Clark Duke (Kick-Ass) as the brainless Thunk, who gives just another supporting role to compensate and complete the interactivity between the brew. Randy Thom (The Incredibles) an Award Winning Sound Designer who compensates really well the younger daughter Ugga with her underdeveloped speech impediments!

Now, here is something that can be elaborated further! Ryan Reynolds (Safe House) plays fully-aware and inventor genius Guy with his side-kick pal a Sloth who is coincidentally named Belt! His character has the shared screen time to portray the love interest for Eep, to give the second act a bit more leverage and for the premise to move on to make good use of his God given talent. The once sought out comedian actor has been recently in the decline especially with his live action stints which turned for worst when he was casted as ill-fated “Green Lantern”. At least his animation projects are stepping off the bat (Turbo is coming soon) to make things more profitable for his acting career.

The cast was intended to be cohesive as possible but with others with a status quo of being well-known, the spotlight sharing was easily refined to have each character to be unique while others to have more screen time making the story more free flowing especially with Nicholas, Emma and Ryan. The main thing we can discuss here is it was simply a family entertainment, some comedic instances that was purely coincidental with its “well-thought” off script and screenplay. Although it never got out of the box when it comes to presenting an era as they were trying  to incorporate gimmickry in which one example was finding food to eat like “breakfast eggball”! (Ice Age anyone?)

As we can expect from animated film making, there are always ways and means to ante-up the game and although DreamWorks was able to instil a new franchise in the making, competition could never have been better with so much CGI being incorporated in animated and live action films today! To add, with Pixar from Walt Disney Studios, Blue Sky Studios anchors on 20^th Century Fox and Illumination Entertainment holds up the globe with Universal Studios. All of these companies have great influence in the market when it comes to providing certified hits in the box-office, although there should still be a need for a game changer that allows more elbow room in the closet (as pertained in my first paragraph).

With all its fan service goofy moments and aesthetically colorful and unique landscapes there is still something about The Croods that makes them successful in the movie going public, they do promote cohesiveness, the love-hate between parent and children dynamic was evident and the will to survive against all odds in spite of the trials a typical family from the pre-historic ages has to go through, The Croods seeks out other adventures as they ride -off into the sunset!

Valkyrie (2008)

“Long Live Sacred Germany!”

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in association with 20th Century Fox, Bad Hat Harry Productions, Cruise/Wagner Productions and Studio Babelsberg present

To mention first, what an outstanding line-up provided by Roger Mussendan and for Bryan Singer in making this film truly remarkable, tragic yes, but with full of pride and dignity!

Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander gave a very well written piece of work, given the facts and how it was relayed was simply amazing! To add, United Artists took part for producing the film, of course Tom Cruise as part owner can be given credit for developing films such as this one with MGM’s blessing!

Music was great! John Ottman is one of my favorites, very precise and coherent in making scenes surreal to the human ears!

A thought provoking film, based on true events suspense thriller!

This is the story of how brave men fought for what is right and for justice not just to Jews everywhere but to all lives that were shattered by a man consumed with malignant despotism and convoluted thinking of the strongest survives!

In the opening credits what puzzles, disturbs me is that an oath was being screen captured with a background of voices, men swearing allegiance to Hitler’s predestined rule. It states:

I swear by God this sacred oath:

That I shall render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, Fuhrer of the German Reich and its people, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

And that I shall at all times be ready as a brave soldier, to give my life for this oath…

On what planet does Hitler and his army acknowledges a God that they have persecuted and for His people, millions that lost their lives from this madman! This is blasphemy!!!

The film will be reviewed, narrowed down per date and location to signify what was documented and give meaning to what has brought this heroism and patriotism from these unfortunate events!

WHO IS CHOSEN?

The German 10th Panzer Division – Tunisia, North Africa

A soldier, an officer of the German Reich bereaved by conscience writes down a memoir of what has become of their actions and what must be done. Torn asunder to protect and serve his country or to save human lives.

Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) finds ways and means to get the remaining soldiers back home safe. In which a sudden attack commenced that left him for dead, riddled in bullets while trying to escape.

This shows how a certain character who endows compassion for his men and his country is brought forth to pursue, to fight what is deemed necessary!

The German Eastern Front – Smolensk, Russia

March 13, 1943

Major General Henning von Treshkow (Kenneth Branagh) awaits the landing of the Adolf Hitler (David Bamber) for a lunch meeting.

Maj. Gen. Treschkow and a cohort is trying to assassinate the Fuhrer with a wine, here we can see the culmination of casting that will be tying ends as we go along with the story!

It’s only a matter of time how their actions will make a difference for the rest of their lives!

Army High Command Berlin

A wrong bottle for trouble, there are plenty of ways to kill the most hated man on Earth but you need more planning and men! Enter General Friedrich Olbricht (Bill Nighy) whose tense disposition and delivery has made his character a little more culpable of doubt and speculations, nevertheless I was glad he was one of the good guys here!

We follow how Colonel Heinz Brandt (Thomas Hollander) while handing over the bottle, he senses an instigated plot, making a gesture of an assassination attempt that keeps Treshkow his abrupt visitor on his feet, careful answers must be uttered for he is threading on thin ice.

First General Military Hospital – Munich, Germany

Nina von Stauffenberg (Carice van Houten) abruptness, answers how she was relieved to see a broken husband, his dignity intact as he wears his uniform and provide medals of honor for his men, we can see how it breaks his heart providing them with pieces of metal while they have lost pieces of their body and their life!

Having said, it is better to be branded a traitor than to live a life of lie!!!

A secret meeting was held in a private residence where a handful of men both from Political undertakings and military officers have banded together to usurp the government of Hitler. These men value more their principles rather than personal gains! Ludwig Beck (Terrence Stamp) and Dr. Carl Goerdelar (Kevin McNally) lead the charge for a clear and swift eradication of the madness of one man and his malevolent army!

So unravelled the story’s premise, Valkyrie maidens of the gods who chooses those who dies in a battle! To connect its purpose, it was a plan that gave reasons of overthrowing the government through cover up of civil unrest or death of the Fuhrer! What follows are making the preparations come into fruition, to streamline operations and execute it with any means necessary!

THE CHOSEN ONES

Reich War Ministry – Berlin, Germany

Gen. Olbricht and Col. Stauffenberg meet with General Friedrich Fromm (Tom Wilkinson), Commander of Hitler’s reserve army, talking sense on what would transpire on the Colonel’s move into the War Ministry and gives hints on what will become on the new order!

Enter, General Erich Fellgiebel (Eddie Izzard) being convinced by Col. Stauffenberg to join their ranks and play a big role in making the assassination go smoothly as possible as he covers the Wolf’s Lair’s communications!

Valkyrie was being edited in an undisclosed place… along with Maj. Gen. Treschkow, handing over the responsibilities and re-iterating that this mission is absolute and there will be no margin for errors!

Sodom and Gomorrah’s sinful ways, Maj. Gen. Treschkow mentioned that Abraham asked God if the cities had 10 people would He destroy them? And God answered no, the only difference for Germany, it may come down to one!

The Berghof – Hitler’s Private Residence

June 7, 1944

Col. Stauffenberg with his Adjutant Werner Karl von Haeften (Jamie Parker) was crucial here since they will be asking the Fuhrer to sign his death warrant (so to speak).

One very important scenario was Hitler’s signing the edited Valkyrie and mentions how it works, for it may be something that suggests preconceived actions taken against him or was it just coincidence…

Meeting with Colonel Albrecht Mertz von Quirnheim was next in phase, here they were able to discuss on how to assassinate Hitler in a meeting held at the Wolf’s lair.

Next was a very emotional scene; we could only feel how difficult it was for him to see his family go while he would never know if he will be able to see them again…

Phase 1 commencing from Ludwig Beck (Terence Stamp) addressing the coup member and what will follow in the next hours!

HEROES FALL

July 20, 1944

Fast forwarded to actual date of commencement. Gen. Olbricht sends a message for the reserve army to be on stand-by!

While Col. Stauffenberg and his 1st Lt. is leaving Berlin to deliver the bombs at Wolf’s Lair…

Back in Berlin, Major Otto Ernst Remer (Thomas Kretschmann) assembles the army and disbands them again stating that it was only a drill!

Very tense moments as things unravel; the bag was left under Hitler’s table and as the explosion went off and a seemed successful assassination, both officers hurriedly back to the airport to leave for Berlin and commence phase 2 which is Valkyrie!

Bendlerblock – 1 AM

July 21, 1944

The failed assassination summed up in the last hours of these men but even so, the fight will continue, one by one all conspirators were hunted down, arrested, judged and executed.

All conspirators were assassinated by a 10 man firing squad and after Gen. Olbricht and Col. Quirnheim fell, he was next in line! But in his Lieutenant ‘s act of loyalty, he took the bullets meant for his Colonel.

Brave men fall but their spirits stand tall as ever!

Unforgettable and heart pounding edge of your seat thriller! There are very few films that provide, exudes desperation and to find a way would be dire for all concerned even sacrificing their own lives just to see their country free from tyranny!

Continuity of what works signify effectiveness on how we provide these reviews, but in order for this to have its efficiency, it will be done not to entertain or just something to read, but to instill perseverance and hope to every individual.

Failures don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan.

-Harvey Mackay

All war represents a failure of diplomacy.

-Tony Benn

To understand better Col. Stauffenberg’s involvement and intention, he was born from Royalty and was raised through proper virtues and of Catholicism. I believe that his family, himself was born to safeguard the oppressed and fight the injustice of this mundane world!

Most of us don’t know how Hitler kicked his bucket and I still do mind for this is not of our Lord’s kingdom but instead of man. I’m not saying its futile for us and for those involved, but I know that people will always find a way to liberate, provide freedom time and again for those who are not welcome more so to those who are oppressed by the indignities of hatred!

I believe this is remarkable in its true sense as mentioned it was something that aligned the proclivities of communities, nations, culture around the world that these events in the past we must learn, we must understand or it will be the end of all humanity!

Unstoppable (2010)

What happens when an unstoppable force meets two courageous men?!?

20^th Century Fox in association with Scott Free Productions, Prospect Park, Millbrook Farm Productions and Dune Entertainment present…

In memory of Director Tony Scott.

Southern Pennsylvania…

The opening scene was filled with images of the Yards and trains combined with its eerie background sounds make it look like a horror story! So here we are prepping up the cast, setting in motion key specific characters that would give “life” to the locomotive and its trail of destruction!  This is what I appreciate with the Scott siblings, details are always inclined which is fundamental in the storytelling like locations and dates properly setting up the ambiance for the audience to grasp multi-angle scenarios.

The catalyst was inspired from real events that occurred in Ohio wherein a CSX 8888 Freight Train also known as the “Crazy Eights” incident back in 2001 from which 20^th Century Fox capitalized and as they initially tapped Martin Campbell but later left due to production and financial problems. But they found another more equipped Director for the job! This was the last film the Director Tony Scott (Top Gun) together with a remarkable Writer Mark Bomback (Die Hard 4.0) who made this a truly entertaining premise!

In the film, everyone has a phone call to take which was essentially redundant but needed to relay and inform people to take their jobs more seriously! A rookie who has family issues, a man who forgot his daughter’s birthday, a Yard Officer who calls the shots to get her subordinates to move their ass on the double! On a similar note, like most thrillers they implicate scenarios that need rhetorical questions coming out from the conversation in order to make it more surreal, the energy and the urgency which the dialogue implicates provides enough gut wrenching tension which makes it more ideal to watch!

In another front, the film raises issues about not just accidents happening in the transportation industry but rather to those who are employed to work in these SMEs’ or by huge corporations. While in contrast, instilling the need to have a secure job to help support their respective families it gives light to the implications of labor problems, redundancies and layoffs that affects the livelihood of millions of people across the country and the world.

Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington (Courage Under Fire) is veteran Railroad Engineer from AWVR (Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad) Frank Barnes bitter but gracious trying to keep his job and support his two daughters who are even trying to support their own education by waitressing.

The Director have so much faith in him that he already starred in 5 films making their partnership an unforgettable tandem for Hollywood and Studios to always make a way to capitalize! Nevertheless, who can even question the acting prowess of Mr. Washington himself?

Trains are set in a collision course which carries children, molten phenol, train cars for pick-up and a cargo load of guilt and incompetence coming from a couple of employees. Ethan Suplee (Open Range) as Dewee a Holster working with his “partner in crime” Gileece played by T.J. Miller (Cloverfield) they both made the story realize its ends through “what you reap is what you sow”!

Fast rising actor and soon to be CIA Agent Jack Ryan is Chris Pine (Just My Luck) he portrays a newly hired Will Colson coming in as a Conductor under the wing of Frank. He got his own problems to deal with further convoluting his role, having a mano-y-mano with a heavyweight like Denzel. His acting provides another set piece in his repertoire having seen that he can do comedy from previous projects while traversing into action and drama makes him a an ideal candidate for lead actor in the future!

What will a film be if there are no women to take a stand, some would be a damsel in distress, others will just be a plain squeeze for the hero, supporting roles are underrated but not with Rosario Dawson (Welcome to the Jungle) she is Fuller Station Yardmaster Connie Hooper is spot on for her role strong, determined and steadfast! She spearheads her staff to be on full alert finding the best solution to stop the runaway train from causing further damage, she even contests the decisions of the VP that allows her to become a significant model not just from her subordinates but with the populace as well.

Kevin Dunn (Transformers) as Fuller Operations VP Oscar Galvin, maybe he can ask the Autobots to help talk to their fellow comrade unless it’s a Decepticon that would make it weird! Can you blame the guy? He’s keeping his business and making sure it’s running smoothly (right) while he sits in a posh office on top of a high rise building while conversing with big shots playing golf, the people under his company is doing everything they can to save lives from an inevitable catastrophe!

I don’t mind if there was no in depth character development stating the obvious that the film comprises of very talented people but the main thing was, it focused on a far more “tangible” reason than the actual screenplay for example the lives of people, the experience of having a runaway train, the danger that it may bring to a densely populated town is all in the right position and it amalgamated into this fantastic thriller of a ride film!

Cinematography by Ben Seresin was absolute clear and clean every shot from the town and its landscapes to the rampaging train gives it levity for the viewers to encapsulate and experience! To add, Music was conveyed Harry Gregson-Williams that gives pulse pounding input to every set, dialogue and debris from the train that is running amok!

Like the actual train wreck, the film had financial overturns making Fox request the lead actor and Director to make some sacrifices in terms of their compensation and it still proved volatile for anyone to stop.  So the answer to my question upfront is…no need for capes here, a town is secured and thousands of lives are grateful to these heroes in the real world and so another story was told in the eyes and mind of one of the greats in cinema! With prayers and condolences to Director Anthony David Scott and to his family. May he rest in peace!

The A-Team (2010)

20^th Century Fox in association with Dune Entertainment, Top Cow Productions, Big Screen Productions, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, Ingenious Film Partners, Phoenix Film Partners and Scott Free Productions present…

As part of my military movie marathon, I found this story penchant in the field of soldier tactics, gallantry and hardware!!! Filled with action, thrills and comedy that makes it worth watching all over again!

Now, the film was based in an 80’s TV series that spawned so many fans in their 5 series in 4 years! I loved the show, it was like MacGyver but it’s 4 of them, from building new weapons, strategizing offensive and defensive parameters for the villains and maintaining that crazy camaraderie! It was centred on soldiers of fortune on the run from the government and helping those people who are being oppressed and in need.

Crossing paths was just the beginning of a bigger plan as Col. Hannibal Smith puts it! Making it more contemporary this was based on the Iraq war that occurred in the 90’s. The characters are all different signifying a specialization that contributes to the objectives of the mission taken.

Directed and providing Screenplay is Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces) while Produced by cinema making legends Ridley Scott (G.I. Jane) and Tony Scott (Enemy of the State) and with Stephen J. Cannell who co –created the team with Frank Lupo. He was able to provide audiences well known hit TV series in the 80’s and 90’s like “The Greatest American Hero”, “Riptide”, “21 Jump Street”, “The Renegade” and my personal favourite “The Hat Squad”!

Let’s tackle the team…

The guy who still has a “hangover” with a former flame Bradley Cooper (Hangover) aka Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck for me was the breakout character, he was second in command, loves the excitement of given missions, covert ops and he knows what his doing, definitely more confident, aggressive and in spite of all that, still have his arms full of women (even if she has a girlfriend tormenting them).  Bradley is slowly making his was to be the next Hollywood star to look at having the potential to be the next leading man with the likes of George Clooney, Tom Cruise and even with Tom Hanks. Well diversed in every given role he plays, in the film he makes it easy playing a soldier that can be wild with his cohorts, drama in one corner with the love of his life (right!) and action all around is all in the days work!

Former MMA player Rampage Jackson’s (Midnight Meat Train) portrayal of the Corporal Bosco “BA” Baracus was mediocre, though he still managed to give the character justification being a tough guy with a lot of heart! He was struggling to take on arms or be at peace which he reflected more into Ghandi’s way of life but in the end he found his mojo (Mohawk) back! Anything that is mechanical he can make it work and he lives by the creed of pitying anyone who needs to know a little better!

The man who was supposed to wait for three years to get himself cured, newcomer Sharlto Copley (District 9) the most entertaining from the bunch, he is still the “Howling Mad” Murdock. A Captain with superb pilot skills, a genius (at least in his own right) and keeps the team knocking their heads off, especially with BA who he had stepped on the wrong foot to begin with! He gives life to the team whether through one sided jokes or just straight up annoyance.

One of film industry’s finest actors, Liam Neeson (Kingdom of Heaven) has always been a fan favorite talent that defines direction, very instinctive and with charisma. He takes care of his boys and making sure they are out of trouble. I’m just not crazy about his lines being repeated all the time. There was this scene where Hannibal Smith keeps on calling Lynch in a cargo container; I still kept on hearing Peyton Westlake aka “Darkman” which he played in the first film of the trilogy. That was weird and the same time funny surreal!

I find their screen dynamic very credible not just being soldiers at arms but rather as brothers looking out for each other. The film gives audiences the feeling of inconsistencies but not leaving behind its intended purpose of getting the mission done and as well as being entertained.

The supporting casts such as Jessica Biel (Stealth) was very much underrated but for me, both were exceptionally profound in the delivery of their characters! They were able to act it with admonition given the levity of the situation, more so Patrick Wilson (Little Children) more so Patrick Wilson (Little Children) a CIA Top Dog who is pompous prick and a spoiled brat who gets what he wants where he wants it, still being a villain was well accepted!

There were times that certain sequences were over the top (tank from the sky and cargo containers) but still were executed very well (thanks to CGI and Green Screen). It was well-paced, entertaining, funny and action oriented like the way it was planned!

Unfortunately that’s not how fans and movie goers reacted, stating that the film only earned 176 M worldwide with 110 M budget that speaks a lot for any upcoming sequels that could have been! Critics also were not helpful given that the premise was convoluted and without regard for character development. Seriously, what do these people want from an action film that is even derivative from the original series. I do understand how Dirk Benedict (Battlestar Galactica) reaction how he just cut from the film for about a few seconds emphasizing on no respect!

It would not be much of a concern because Col. Smith always takes the plan into consideration and nothing makes him happier than a plan that comes together!

This Means War (2012)

All is fair in Love and War but what isn’t is McG still making films up to this time!

20^th Century Fox, Overbrook Entertainment with Robert Simonds Productions present…

McG seriously needs to change his so called “forte” his films are really predictable with its bad comedy and over the top action scenes but since the Director has a knack for being a hyper-energetic, he can compliment his scenes with the right type of music playing in the background especially if it’s involved with the right amount of adrenaline rush!

Script Writers Simon Kinberg (Mr. and Mrs. Smith) and Timothy Dowling (Just Go with It) maybe had so many sleepless nights thinking on what to put in the premise of the film. Maybe “Die Hard 3” (vengeance from a brother who falls from a building)! To add, in applying the rapport within the characters, there was no actual chemistry felt between Chris and Tom they were just saying their lines for the sake of making the story plausible! The audience does not even know what’s being served already going from a “undercover” operation gone bad to trying and ante-up each other in dating the woman they both love! The worst part is that they left the bad guy unchecked just like the organization “Quantum” in the James Bond films and then it finally hits you while stating “I’m still here you morons!”.

For the leading lady, she can be very versatile knowing how to handle a whole range of genres which is great except that it was difficult to watch her saying nonsensical lines and redundant scenes from her suitors. Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde) is the desperate Lauren Scott who keeps on bumping into his former boyfriend while trying to evade him without making so much a fuss on her personal life! Reclused, she only has a friend named Trish to whom she shares her anxieties and now needs to find a man to call her own. Her performance was bland, uncharismatic and not worth to be taken seriously.

I won’t assign numbers it might make an emphasis on their credibility of who is number one but rather will just put it as options for the audience to choose:

“Falling is the best part.”

Spy A: Tom Hardy (Soldier, Sailor Tailor, Spy) his comedy will take a while in getting used to since he has more inclinations for action and drama which was not clearly emphasized on what character he portrays in the film just makes him look silly.  He is Tuck Henson, a hopeless romantic and a boy scout who has a son coming from a failed marriage.

“It’s the mistakes that make us who we are.”

Spy B: Chris Pine (Unstoppable) is a natural comedian; he doesn’t need to overdo things just to make people laugh. If they will do a reboot, remake or re-imagine the Fantastic Four he’ll get my vote to play Johnny Storm. He is Franklin Delano Roosevelt “FDR” Foster, the playboy, masochistic, egoistic woman charmer who suddenly grows an epiphany when he finally meets Lauren!

Still waiving his hands for attention! Til Schweiger (Inglorious Basterds) is the “forgotten villain” who actually makes the film come into “full circle”. He is Heinrich, the mission that started it all! The Director and Writers inclined on so many themes that it got so messed up, the romantic segment was predominant while their adversary looms in the dark waiting to just shoot them while they are entwined with their rivalry!

Overtly delivered dialogue as a comedy film was not needed to entertain, just let the talent of these people work it out. It’s a given a fan service seeing how could it be so much harder to imply the whole nine yards of different themes in film making when it was clearly intended to appeal or rather to already appease the viewing public for standing up not to applause but to walk out of the cinema! For instance, the CIA is a joke just being used to be a Prop Master for these to Romeos providing them with cars, paintings, surveillance tech, manpower and intel being used to feed the two lovesick agents! Collins will hear about this!

Speaking of the devil, coming from the bomb film Green Lantern Angela Bassett (Nothing But the Truth) is CIA Director Collins who made laugh so hard for her delivered line “and remember this mission is covert” (please…) it’s a freaking spy film and you have to tell your Agents that the mission mandates, as Elmer Fudd would have said it “be vewy vewy quiet, I’m hunting wabbits huh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh”! She was just there to reprimand the boys and give orders absolutely useless (again)! Even “Aunt May” joined the barge headed for “McG’s World” where everyone is all smiles! Rosemary Harris (My Life So Far) is still the sweet and endearing Grandmother Nana Foster who had her share in the spotlight in spite of all the ruckus!

The trailer sold me until the Director’s name showed up! At least I wanted to give it a try because of the very well commended main protagonists and an Academy and BAFTA Award Winning Actress! The film had its moments of being wacky to cheesy; you will laugh in a few seconds and then forget about it! So if you’re just looking for something to watch and unwind then you can try it otherwise, you can make up your mind take the test and swim in the sea of this muddled up romantic action, thriller, comedy, morally downtrodden, bromance, spy love story…what’s going on here?!? Even the title of the film will get you confused of what you’re trying to watch! Get your “mission” straight!

 

Deadpool (2016)

Roses are red, Violets are blue, Deadpool is killing the box-office so you should watch it too!

20^th Century Fox in association with Kinberg Genre, The Donner’s Company, TSG Entertainment and Marvel Entertainment present…

Deadpool was created by Artist Rob Liefield and Fabian Nicieza, the duo brought the character to life in New Mutants No. 98 on February 1991. While Rob handled the character’s visual representation Fabian did what he could with his speech patterns and mannerisms! As told, the “Merc with a Mouth” which became his moniker for not knowing when to shut up was actually been ripped off from DC Comic’s own death dealer Deathstroke not just by appearance but also with his arsenal of weaponry, a scarred face and his name is Slade Wilson, except for one thing though and that is his no sense of humor!

Directed by Tim Miller (Thor: The Dark World) making sure that this will be a different approach from Singer’s original take on the X-Men, Tim was able to press all the right buttons to make this film unrepentantly hilarious and not leaving the whole gore action on the crossing hairs and katana blades! Tim co-founded one of the visual effects companies that helped create the awesome sequences of the film, not giving emphasis on the actual roads considering the wreckage that can be minimized through the might of graphics and digital film making!

Ryan Reynolds (R.I.P.D.) surely feels now that a huge monkey has just got off his back (its color was green) and is once again on the driver’s seat like in an amusement park screaming his lungs away while amassed accolades continue to rain forth in the bask of his glory! So while Mr. Pool first name Dead enjoys his well-deserved leave let’s go right ahead and check the broken fourth wall!

A former Special Forces turned mercenary for hire, Wade Wilson is a very unique individual in terms of his motives, manners and mental stability. He is rude, foul mouthed, disrespectful bloke you’ll ever meet except for one reason to consider, that he is human and can still fall in love! (way to go Romeo).

Enter Mi Amor Morena Baccarin (Batman: Bad Blood) playing the role of a Vanessa Carlysle also known in the comic books as Copy Cat a human mutant breed. An Escort who fell for the careening Wade which all sounded perfect except that the guy had cancer all over the place and this is where all things started to get ugly…

Ed Skrein (The Transporter: Refueled) is main antagonist Francis Freeman aka Ajax (guaranteed all your stains will go bye bye) once he’s done with you anyway! Ed is way better here in terms of acting and providing dialogue from his “driver” remake! He runs his own laboratory / prison for experimenting on mutant genes and turning these unfortunate souls to do his bidding for the right price! Considering his distaste for Wade’s unruly behavior, he made sure that his latest lab rat is not one bit funny!

Not much is given away here except for the fact that he messed up Wade so much that he surely knows what’s coming for him! While Gina Carano (Fast and Furious 6) as Angel Dust! Just a muscle bound enforcer who can beat the crap out of a certain “metal man”!

Stefan Kapičić (The Brothers Bloom) voice acted the X-Man Colossus with the help of Andre Tricoteux (Seventh Son) and T.J. Storm provided the on-set performance for both motion and facial capture. Known to a selected few as Piotr “Peter” Rasputin, consider for us to be lucky we have seen the man mountain to have the look in the comic books through his organic steel unlike Daniel Cudmore’s version with a hint of mercury metal from the earlier X-Men films. Together with Brianna Hilderbrand (The Voice Inside) plays Colossus’s protégé Negasonic Teenage Warhead! She seldom speaks but she carries a big blast to boot! They were just brought in to provide support and give a little bit more fan service to the viewing public!

While bartender / best friend T.J. Miller (Transformers: Age of Extinction) is a Weasel (actually that’s his codename), he owns a dead pool’s den disguised as a watering hole to provide fast cash for killers and mercenaries for hire! His role finds merely a purpose to insult Wade with derogatory words while making it look like a Black Jack Roulette!

To make things in proper perspective the short film was actually set-up as a point A to point B revenge type of film in which the hero (anti-hero) falls in love with a girl will have a traumatized scenario which makes himself recluse then realizing that he should have not left the woman of his life alone so that the bad guys can kidnap her and make the dashing debonair come crawling back to rescue her!

Seriously, the whole thing was just a simple and yet commendable script by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Zombieland), the whole nine yards was absolute ballistic, the way they handled the CGI courtesy of Digital Domain, Atomic Fiction, Blur Studio, Weta Digital, Rodeo FX, Luma Pictures and Imagine Engine, the bantering, transformation retrospect (not messing it up like what happened to MOS) and of course the main reason for his retribution…he wants his good looking face back! (of course Vanessa too).

I really don’t know what makes this guy click, I’ve been always a fan of antiheroes like the Punisher, Ghost Rider, Blade and Wolverine but there is something about Wade which brands him to be on top everyone’s list. So far, the film is hitting strides for its fourth week claiming more than 700 M worldwide and it keeps getting higher! Hope that the scheduled film for the month October (replacing the French-Canadian Cajun) is worth it! So in closing, may the “X-Force” be with you!!!

The Wolverine (2013)

The Canuckle Head got his mojo back! Bloodied claws, healing powers, women’s affection, a free round trip to ninja land all the reasons for the fans to place him once more on the pedestal!

20^th Century Fox in association with The Donner’s Company, Seed Productions, Hutch Parker Entertainment, Dune Entertainment, Ingenious Media, Big Screen Productions, TSG Entertainment  and Marvel Entertainment present…

From the pages of “Wolverine”, a limited comic book series that was written by fan favorites Chris Claremont and artist Frank Miller. Now, I have said this before that Frank is an absolute genius in his field but since his doing the chores in the graphic side of things let’s turn our spotlight to the man who made super hero stories indispensably and intellectually engaging! In this case, we are not even talking about just the aforementioned series; Chris helped built the “X-Men” once more from the ground up and made huge contributions in terms of co-creating numerous significant characters that have graced the pages of Marvel Comics time and again! His collaborations with the industry’s greatest such as John Byrne and Jim Lee has led to numerous awards that made his works instant gold!

Speaking of which, let’s now focus on film and start off with Director James Mangold (Knight & Day) with Writers Mark Bomback (Total Recall), Scott Frank (Dead Again) and Christopher McQuarrie (The Tourist) to take this sequel to the Land of the Rising Sun! Their cohesive delivery was way better from his previous film, although more sober and injected with fast paced action and humor it actually carries the weight of how the storyline was originally presented in the comic books.

To continue from the last film “X-Men: The Last Stand”, Logan made a decision to end the life of the woman he adores who is none other than fellow X-Man Jean Grey also known as the Phoenix to stop her from killing more people and to cause further destruction! Now, he secludes himself in the wilderness trying to forget the past which actually still haunts him! As he takes another step of his journey, he lands in Japan just specifically to say goodbye to an old friend. Well, that was actually the original plan…

The infamous mutant is back on the big screen! Hugh Jackman (The Fountain) plays the title role! With significant recognition, no one has ever portrayed a character that has the same passion and conviction than the Australian actor! Hugh has made this intricate character transformation that, it is so uncanny for him to be able to personify the superhero in terms looks, attitude, delivery and focus! Just like his superstar colleague Robert Downey Jr. who gave fans their very personal “Iron Man” and for being part of the monumental Marvel Cinematic Universe!

To those of you who haven’t read his stories, it has been inclined to be tragic from the time when he was still very young from learning what he has inside of him and how he became the man who is now trudging through life’s sufferings, to him this is like an eternity and what makes it more compelling is the people he lost along the way which tears him apart!

While with the utmost certainty that he wants to be alone and be at peace, this could never be for he has fought so much battles personally while making ends meet as a member of the best factions in Marvel Comics such as the “X-Men”, “Fantastic Four”, “Alpha Flight” and the most current the “Avengers”, he serves them faithfully and means well while keeping check his brooding berserker rages!

In relation to the setting, the Director and his crew was able to at least make ends meet by filming in Sydney, Australia and turning it into a second home for Japan to come alive since there was huge delays due to the 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami that hit Tohoku! While giving it authenticity is providing of course the people that allow this saga a run for its money! Starting off with Rila Fukushima (Karma: A Very Twisted Love Story) as Yukio a loyal friend, amiable but deadly assassin, she was a minor character in the comic books but had a very extensive role in the film setting her as Logan’s introduction into their world while providing enough narrative to make his trip worth fighting for!

Rounding off the cast were Will Yun Lee (Elektra) known as Kenuichio Harada as the Black Ninja Clan’s leader and protector of the Yashida Family! Hiroyuki Sanada (The City of Your Final Destination) is Shingen Yashida, an officer of the POW Camp that detained Logan in the World War II days and was saved from the nuclear bomb dropped by the Americans! It was really fascinating to see how well they have integrated all these characters and made Chris and Frank’s work come into fruition while incorporating the fight sequences, stunts and the validity redemption in spite of all odds!

For a second I thought Jean Val Jean is alive once more as he was trying to save a Princess her name is Mariko Yashida who serves as focal point in the plot, she is played by model turned actress Tao Okamoto. The relationship between Logan and Mariko was not sustainable enough unlike in the original story. If you think about it, the caring part was just developing that would later transpire into a deeper affection but how does it go beyond this if there was Jean portrayed by Famke Janssen (House of Haunted Hill) who keeps on lingering in his head like a ghost trying to aggravate Logan’s misery, what he is going through with her loss and how he can make himself stronger by forgiving himself in his unending struggles.

With the ratio of women in the film, all were resilient enough and composed to be different as it goes with the set-up, for they were still able to stand out individually to tell the story from their own perspective and roles. To add, Svetlana Khodchenkova (Bless the Woman) an accomplished triple threat in film, stage and television productions. Her role as Viper was given after Jessica Biel was initially offered by the film execs but did not push through with the John Hancock!

As we move on, in terms of its CGI content, Weta Digital (The Lovely Bones) together with Rising Sun Pictures (Australia), Iloura (Seven Swords) and Shade VFX (Side Effects) provide their God given gifts to make the visuals leap out of the pages specifically in the bullet train scene where Wolverine stave off some Yakuza assassins as this leaves us with the final confrontation of the well hidden antagonist. With all the metal clunking and slashing, this seeming monolith code named the Silver Samurai a villain that should be wearing a standard armor but not to over use it to be something mechanically centric driven!

To be honest, this film does beat out the previous ones in the franchise! In terms of content, diversity of culture and production sets that was top notch and imbued near perfectly for the audience to experience. Along in the process is how the hero keeps his sanity living like an immortal being physically vulnerable again and carrying all these pain in the process is what the Director and Writers were aiming for to work as its backdrop that blends in with a love story that won’t go away while the hero gives everything he could muster to still save the people around him, still come into his senses to move on with life and fight the never ending battle against oppression!

In closing, we can now hang our bloodied hands for bit (yes, finally there was a human stain etched on his adamantium claws after all the fighting and ruckus) The moment is now to actually see the fruition of hard work, when San Diego Comic-Con announced with a very huge panel that the next project will be “Days of Future Past” where a villain needs help, a mentor returns from the grave and a human is not very happy so he’s making sure “everyone” knows about it!

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

I’m the best there is of what I do but what I did (including some people…) was not really nice!

20th Century Fox in association with Seed Productions, Donner’s Company, Ingenious Film Partners, Big Screen Productions, Dune Entertainment and Marvel Studios present…

From Marvel Comics, a legend in his own right! Wolverine is regarded as one of the toughest, meanest, no non-sense superheroes that ever graced in the pages of comic book history! Spawned from an enigmatic past which made him more interesting to the readers and fans alike, Logan as he is normally called was created by Len Wein and Artist John Romita Sr., he first appeared in The Incredible Hulk No. 180 which showcased his first assignment to take down the “living engine of destruction”. This event catapulted his success to even greater heights and found his way to the class of second batch of mutants located by Prof. X throughout the globe in Giant-Size X-Men No. 1 in May 1975.

This should have been the pinnacle for the X-Men franchise since they have a very good concept on making films which were a based on the team and let Origins be the backdrop of every mutant character that can be established as standalone films. Unfortunately, it turned out to have a vapid storytelling with second rate actors with an abysmal script and delivery!

Northern Canada – 1845

When two brothers fled from a terrible incident, making them fugitives from the law, this was followed by series of events which captures their lives trapped in a timeline from different eras. Their history as soldiers became resolute for their bloody past that culminated from years of continuous war and hatred making them who they are and who they were meant to be!

Hugh Jackman (Swordfish) as Logan, the main protagonist had given so much for the character not just being portrayed as a superhuman mutant but also a lost soul who still needs to find meaning in his life and loss. His co-actor Liev Schrieber (Defiance) is the vicious Victor Creed, unrepentant and power hungry, he makes it a point to provide his half-brother a living nightmare! They are the only ones who made and honestly feel to have portrayed a commendable performance! The last time I remember they worked together was in the film Kate and Leopold, here they still live in different timelines and were still relatives! The supporting cast was terrible (majority of them by the way). People are expecting more from these casted performers, they should have turned the table in the X-Men films and its future projects!

Don’t let me start with this guy, Danny Huston (21 Grams) as Maj. William Stryker, a manipulative Agent of the Weapon X Program that genetically designs superhuman soldiers for clandestine purposes. William does this not just to impress the “donors” from the Government, but rather to use these mutants for his personal agenda. His performance has always been a pedestrian take on the characters he portrays, he can’t even match the emotional anger of Brian Cox from the previous X-Men film seeing that they are one and the same (well not entirely).

Ryan Reynolds (Definitely Maybe) is the smart mouth, sword wielding assassin Wade Wilson (hold on to your horses, he was not yet given the codename so relax!) His stunt double Martial Artist Scott Adkins (Undisputed) is Weapon XI who gave a tremendous fighting prowess to cleverly take on two of the most vicious killers of all time! The CG display on kicking and teleporting from different directions was a nice way to depict the power of mutant John Wraith who was testing his “acting” skills in his first stint on the big screen; he is Will.i.am of the pop group music sensation Black Eyed Peas who even got bruised knuckles on the set while auditioning for the role!

Supporting cast were not well rounded either! It was like everyone wants to hog the spotlight! Daniel Henney (Seducing Mr. Perfect) as Maverick, Kevin Durand (Smokin’ Aces) as the Blob, Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) as Chris Bradley aka Bolt and Lyn Collins (Numb) is Kayla Silverfox round up the “usual suspects”. They were all poorly conceived, this goes down to Casting from Christine King (Stealth) and Debra Zane (Catch Me If You Can), the former had mediocre list of films under her belt but the latter had “American Beauty”, “The Terminal”, “Dream Girls” and “Kingdom of Heaven” which most of them were either nominated or have won in the Academy Awards!

To add insult, Director Gavin Hood didn’t even have any of those proclivities to acquire what’s best for the film even compromising the CGI, especially the claws! It was very clear that the person in front of the camera didn’t have the guts to make the deadlines in this charade! Heads up also to the Writers, this is just very poor execution of script writing by David Benioff and Skip Woods! To add, this was a CGI heavy project co-financed by Seed Productions which Hugh managed as a proprietor but recently closed shop and more importantly by Lauren Shuler Donner who made the X-Men films come to life and earn a huge amount of money with co-creator Stan Lee and CEO Avi Arad. They should have been diligent enough to see this film to be a certifiable blockbuster paving a way for future “Origin” films in the mutant universe of Marvel!

Another thing was how on earth did Gambit played by Taylor Kitsch (The Covenant) was able to scale walls with his Bo staff? How about the fast forwarded dismantling and clawing of the building’s fire escape at the alley to bring down “Cajun Wall Crawler”? Furthermore, where the hell they got the idea of putting a “Superman” Kent farm and an old couple who gave him the accommodation and hospitality he needed!?!?! I believe in good films, I believe in a good script! This was done without any gratification to the icon, to the mutant who made a great following from fans and not just in comics! It was an awful display of mediocrity, lackluster dialogue and character delivery! I hope that the next installment will be better and with another Director to helm the Canuckle Head, he needs to understand on how to first tell a story then incorporate it with the mythos of the “Legendary X-Man”… or else someone’s going to have claw marks, no pun intended!

Elektra (2005)

Maybe this is the reason why Frank did not want Elektra to return from the grave…a shallow movie was foreseen!

20^th Century Fox in association with New Regency Enterprises, Horseshoe Bay Productions, Epsilon Motion Pictures, Elektra Productions, SAI Productions and Marvel Studios present…

From her debut in Marvel Comics Daredevil No. 168 on January 1981, creator Frank Miller wanted better reasons not just to expand the story of Daredevil but to give him something to fight for, someone to die for! I can easily commend his machinations; his intense gritty take on his work and the characters he brings is given life in the comic book pages of imagination and uncertainty!

The frontrunner of the origins was an antecedent to many women, fallen and tragic all the same and in spite of his blindness he can’t help still to be mesmerized with their charm, wit or even their sad back story no matter how disdain, he fell in love…yes he is still human after all! Connecting him with Elektra’s world was absolutely impeccable and for all the right reasons, these ill-fated two crimson lovers have fought their own battles either side by side or cutting each other’s throat which makes their affair so much sweeter!

Subtlety has no room for these assignments as a failed attempt was dismissed by the clan! Now enter the abominations, team captain was decently played by Will Yun Lee (Die Another Day) the Katana wielding son Kirigi to the nefarious leader of The Hand. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Tekken) is Roshi father to the freak! Cary has so many movies that he’s involved with being a villain, always the anti-thesis to the hero but never was able to impress the public for his acting it was always mediocre to say the least.

Gathered together are unrecognized talent (of course not to overshadow the lead role) the rest of the gang includes a former football player, MMA and an all time cry baby! Bob Sapp (The Longest Yard) is Stone; he has failed from previous sporting contentions that he recourse into acting instead. I might even applaud him for his portrayals in some comedies but definitely not here!

The next would be international model Natassia Malthe (Blood Rayne) as Typhoid brought in to resemble the comic book’s “Typhoid Mary”, her powers is to walk in a promiscuous manner, kiss anyone she likes and oh yes, she can kill you in a mere touch or breath! Another is Tattoo which seems to have more CGI screen time because of his ability to bring animals to life from his skin! Chris Ackerman was the pitiable bloke who represented him! Lastly, a stuntman named Kinkou, his fast, agile and a martial artist ok, right! I think everyone has one or two attributes since they were all ninjas for crying out loud! Funny all have English names and this one hasn’t!

I’m not going to elaborate more on the father and daughter; Plain and simple Abby and Mark Miller is the intended targets, they also hold a secret that will be later explained in the film. I got so tired getting all these people in the review without any one of them bringing in significance to what they did! I just need to focus on red clad ninja who seriously is underway to carry out her mission and her destiny to find emancipation and vindication! Jennifer Garner (Juno) returns in the same title role from her on screen and real life hubby’s previous super hero flick!

The story interprets the title character’s coming back to life from both from the physical and metaphor aspect. Elektra was given the title assassin, an Erynys of the Furies which symbolizes the totality of her attributes that will be brought forth of whomever her loyalty has in this waged war between good and evil! She must find a way to redeem herself from past sins and from this road less travelled sojourn, her decision should be answered really soon before everything is too late!

Director Rob Bowman only has a measly collection of past works (inclusive of Reign of Fire). He was one of the people who brought us unforgettable TV series hits from “21 Jump Street”, “The Hat Squad”, “Parker Louis Can’t Lose” and “The X-Files”. Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider) gives his writing prowess (right!) to cover the talent for the big screen while collaborating with Frank’s inputs from the comic books as well. Cinematography was handled by Bill Roe has given enough shots that makes the film a bit more things to see and contemplate on.

Just like the rest of the super hero community even this film was given music to appease the rants of the movie going public. Songs that reverberates intended emotional standpoint for the heroine to contemplate on what she is going through and how will she survive these trials in life! The ever ardent Amy Lee comes back from the Daredevil soundtrack adding Taking Back Sunday, Switchfoot, Megan McCauley, Finger Eleven and a lot more to bring in melancholic tones filled with lost, disconcerted epiphany, well at least there is still ear candy involved!

The film suffered for reasons of the precursor which was a box office failure to start with. The title character was not too popular in the sense it only covered specific number of readers furthermore, it was intended for a mature aged market since the comic book and graphic novels were inclined to violence, drugs, murder, guns and sex which were actually the focus on its R Rating, it’s even insulting that it was toned down to PG13 to get more viewers and it still didn’t work now that’s a reason why these films fail in the ticket sales!

I can’t say that Jennifer as an actress did cause the conundrum; she was actually fit for the role and nailed the character for both delivery and assertiveness! Maybe it was also the lack of female super heroes in the mainstream that at least would have given more reasons for the women to find this interesting to watch! Coverage for the print media while was alright but on the other hand the male cast on the film was not sufficient enough to get more enthusiasm for the fan boys, even with legends like Cary and Terence Stamp (Valkyrie) was in it, who by the way was the blind mentor Stick a perennial character of the comic book series who was still not enough to carry the load!

I’m not saying it was a terrible film it’s just that anything that comes from Frank, I’m there, I’ll always be a fan with his works! However, requiem as it should be, as the katana faced its sai some things are not meant to live forever! Well at least the second season of Netflix’s Daredevil has a different perspective on the character…although her “father” does not approve, we’re still pretty sure she’ll kick a lot of bottoms!

Daredevil (2003)

Justice was not found here as a blind man misses his intended target!

20^th Century Fox in association with New Regency Pictures, Horseshoe Bay Productions, Epsilon Motion Pictures present…

The blind Lawyer First appeared in Daredevil No. 1 on April 1964 as part of the growing members of the superhero community of Marvel comics. Created by then Editor Stan “The Man” Lee and Artist Bill Everett, Daredevil has become one of the underrated and yet a fan favorite character from the House of Ideas!

It’s more of a retro, rewind mode culmination of the film where its story begins as a narrated flashback of what is yet to come…

Director Mark Steven Johnson (Simon Birch) is said to have an “understanding” on comic book characters, he even made the Screenplay and I found it less of an interest, mediocre to be the least. Daredevil was not a bad film but its how you made the story happen that counts, it’s not always the special effects, the actors and actresses who play in it but what you can derive and aspire for the film to have a lasting impression to the audiences and fans that pays the bill.

Also, he wrote films for Marvel like Elektra a spin-off from this movie and Ghost Rider which in my opinion were horrible! The story was lazy, patched up from the comic books and were only given justification from the character’s standpoint.

Starring Ben Affleck (Pearl Harbor) plays Michael Matthew Murdock a lawyer by day and a red skinned masked vigilante at night. He grew up in a tough neighborhood, bullied and withdrawn he focused his love for his father Jack Murdock, a washed up boxer who only meant greater things for his only son. After a terrible accident, young Matt became blind and is starting to experience abilities and skills that no ordinary boy will ever have. After a solemn promise was made for both father and son, Jack was given to fight another chance least he knew that all of his previous winnings were fixed and now it was his turn…

Matt found his father’s lifeless body in a dank alleyway and a rose to signify his demise and his absolution for justice. Years passed and soon he became a Lawyer with his very close friend Freddy “Foggy” Nelson portrayed by Jon Favreau (The Replacements). This is where his adventures begin. Hunting down criminals and serving justice his own way has been his road for salvation making more detrimental to his psyche and physical condition and he would not have it any other way. Ben was a good choice for the role, he encompasses both Matt’s tragic life and his disposition on being a lonely man who seeks companionship which seem flawed given how he sees life after his father’s death.

Enter Jennifer Garner (Juno) as Elektra Natchios (can we have some Guacamole with that?) who falls in love with a blind man and meeting her so called death in the hands of the assassin hired by the Kingpin of Crime. Jennifer had that presence of instilling both charisma and the physical prowess of the Crimson Assassin. Not entirely crazy with her acting but still she was able to at least give a palpable presence on screen that gave her another failed movie in the starring role.

Supporting actors like the late Michael Clarke Duncan (Planet of the Apes) is the notorious crime leader who leaves a trail of blood for his victims to weep and wallow. He takes pride in his favorite killer Bullseye played by Colin Farell (Miami Vice) who I believe needs a box office hit since most of his films are not making any money. Both actors absolutely abhorring, for instance Michael is a fine actor he has proven this time and again, but here, it was only a shallow delivery at best seeing how he could have given it further in terms of the character’s comic book reference for being an intellectual crime boss to his brutal physical prowess (lame fight scenes by the way). On the other hand, what’s new with Colin’s acting and projects? All fall in the same kind of predicament which is poor (that’s why he needed the money to be a hired killer). Muddled up with his one liners and movements that video games and CGI can only be considered as his attribute to get the feel of his mediocre moves.

The story had its moments and I did find it intriguing how does the dynamic work between a Catholic Lawyer who punishes those who escapes justice first hand? It is so ironic and unpredictable that it turns out so streamlined despite Matt’s contradicting philosophies. To add, he even has so many women in his life which was not covered but the thing is, the truth is only goes down to one thing showmanship!

Music is definitely ear candy from Evanescence, The Calling, BoySetsFire to name a few! Full of energy and synchronizes the films moving story. It makes movies more vibrant, more instilled with passion and it hits dead spot on especially with stories like this gritty, melancholic, filled with despair and angst!

I loved its comic books especially the Born Again storyline of Frank Miller but the movie should have been better! To end, I still give the cast credit and stunts, the wirework but the Director should really have his head in these films and its adapted screenplay because all of which was done so far are falling apart and needs to be brought to life!