AVENGERS ENDGAME REVIEW: The greatest comic book movie of all time?

Ten years, three phases and billions of dollars later… The Marvel Cinematic Universe is officially in the Endgame. But will the MCU end its first decade deservedly so or simply dissolve into cinematic dust?

Movies have always been my personal escapist adventure and non-more so than the exceptional offerings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  With 22 movies to date, Marvel has shown character craftsmanship at it’s finest and I was totally unprepared for all Avengers: Endgame had to offer. Get your tissues ready…

Endgame boasts an undeniably stellar cast of incredible talent. You truly feel you know these characters. With a rich detailed literary history to draw from, The MCU has truly elevated the source material and bought its heroes right into the consciousness of modern society. The stakes are real and so are the emotions and no one is taking this cinematic crescendo more seriously than the phenomenal cast. The original Avengers shine with sincerity and relatability throughout the slow burning first act. Offering a real insight into the humans behind the heroes.

With a run time of over 3hrs, critics and casual fans alike could find holes in this monstrous movie. But I find myself decidedly stuck on how to critique such a monumentally impactful movie that has hit fans hearts across the globe. This movie gets personal and beautifully brings the MCUs first decade to a satisfying climactic  close.

Avengers: Endgame is not just a blockbuster; it is the cinematic graduation of ten years fan service. As the title reel played with a welcome flash of Marvel red, I was instantly transported to my first MCU outing via 2008’s Iron Man. It’s this personal journey that brings Endgame into the cinematic history books. We each played a part in this cinematic universe; For Ten years we have been in awe of these heroes and Endgame does not disappoint.

See this movie and experience it your way! You deserve to relive ten years of awe-inspiring action and sincere story telling. Avengers: Endgame catapults our childlike action expectations and truly brings the comic book bursting to enthusiastic life. So sit back and enjoy our heroes once again.

Enter the Endgame in theatres now!

Make Mine Marvel

SHAZAM! REVIEW: Just say the word...

Has the DCEU finally found the magic words for cinematic success?

The OG Captain Marvel first crashed onto the pages of Whiz Comics some 80 years ago. Now, despite a noteworthy namesake switcheroo, Billy Batson has finally arrived as the original childlike hero. But is Billy Batson man enough to bear the weight of the new DCEU. One way to find out… SHAZAM!

The hero, formerly known as, Captain Marvel (AKA Billy Batson) has always held the go-to goofball role within DC comics. The tween turned powerhouse origin of Billy Batson will always naturally lend itself more to campy than cool and that’s exactly how director, David Sandberg, might just of struck cinematic gold.

Shazam! begins by harking audiences back to the kid-led classics of the 80’s, with expertly used color pallets, cinematography and sets that load the screen with nostalgic nuances. With the visual throwback that made Stranger Things such a phenomenon, Sandberg crafts a heroic homage to whimsical escapist adventures such as; Flight Of The Navigator, The Goonies and Flash Gordon alike. This modern take on the video store classic gives Shazam! some truly worthy moments, through Sandberg’s choices of cheesy costumes, humor and heart. However, it is this fractured mix of modern and retro that left me feeling disjointed and longing for more of the old stuff. I was left wondering if Sandberg did go full on period piece, could Shazam! of been heralded as a modern day classic?

Sadly he didn’t and this film simply doesn’t fit within the explosive expectations of modern comic book fare. Making Shazam! more popcorn pleaser than theatrical feast. In terms of its superhero stakes, Shazam! plays more family funfest ala 2005’s Fantastic Four, by noticeably lacking in action and awe. Instead, Shazam! promotes family time as the real hero of this story and offers a packed heart over a powerful punch.

The choice to make Shazam! distinctly safe for a superhero film is a real shame for the talented cast. The children of this movie are undeniably endearing and infectious (here’s looking at you Darla) and offer a fleshed out facet of childhood for audiences to relate to. From the wide-eyed innocent to the insecure smart mouth. The fostered family adds real personality to this pleasant tale of acceptance and finding your home.

Now to the Man behind the boy, Zachary Levi enjoyably portrays genuine childlike heroism with real sincerity. Levi looks genuinely excited to be the hero and fulfill his own childhood dreams for our amusement. He’s classically cheesy and wreaks of buddy the elf-esque energy, which translates remarkably without annoyance. Levi mixes the comedic zanity of Deadpool with the warmth of Tom Hanks’ in Big (Spot the keyboard!). Proving Levi as a humble heartthrob with undeniable cool dad charisma. 

Now, with such emphasis on family, friends and finding your home, Shazam! leaves little room for the full force of Mark Strong as villainous Dr Sivana. The character is alluringly evil in his quest for power and proves you can’t keep a good actor down. With little support from his sinful slave masters, Strong managed a cartoonish menace that, with bolder risks, could of evoked generational nightmares inline with 1984’s Gremlins and less 1989’s Little Monsters silliness. Sandberg you were so close! 

To conclude, Shazam! is a perky movie that enthusiastically rushes through heartwarming messages with charismatic child stars, tween dramedy and mythology with zing. However, whilst entertaining Shazam! could of elevated classic innocent storytelling from the pre-CGI era with a superhero twist. I am confident that with a little more retro resonance and riskier decision making Shazam! really could have been bigger, bolder and gone all the way as a true classic.

Just say the word...

SHAZAM! in theatres now!

JURASSIC WORLD FALLEN KINGDOM REVIEW: A sequel too many?

The fallen franchise?

The Jurassic Park franchise tore onto our screens and into our hearts way back in 1993. The Spielberg crafted masterpiece became a colossal classic and now, twenty-five years later, the dinosaurs are back! (Cue the theme tune… (Doo do doo doo DO Doo do doo doo DO)

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is ready to rule the cinematic food chain once again, following from the 2015 super-hit Jurassic World… but five movies in: should we just let sleeping dinosaurs lie?

With the hefty weight of the original Jurassic Park looming over any future forays into the world of dinosaurs, many critics and neigh-sayers alike will find fault with Fallen Kingdom. True: it is not on par with the original with its fractured story telling, comical characterization and genre jumping. But it is an exceptionally good time that captures the essence of the first time you saw a dinosaur back in ’93.

Jurassic newbie, J. A Bayona pays homage to the original perfectly with fan-boy favorites of yellow-jacketed geeks scrambling in the rain, creeping creatures flashed by lightning and of course the almighty roar of the Dino-King himself, or Queen rather as its actually a female, The T-Rex. Bayona knows what brings audiences back time after time, Simple Jaw-dropping dinosaur drama. The original brought the fantasy of the theme park to life superbly. Fallen Kingdom however blows it apart and leaves major dino-feels in its wake. Bayona merges the nostalgic brilliance of the first movie with a scientific horror romp of the future and truly catapults the franchise forward. There is action, emotion, humor and genuine scares as this franchise once again finds a way.

People love dinosaurs. Whatever degree of truth that statement holds to you it is undeniable how cool dinosaurs are. Whether teeth bearing and terrifying or humble herbivores tugging at your heartstrings, dinosaurs undoubtedly capture our imagination. Fallen Kingdom runs wild with the childlike enthusiasm of dinosaur dabbling and throws in mad scientists, volcanoes, and much more for our viewing pleasure. The sheer volume of dinosaurs is extraordinary and provides popcorn-spilling thrills as we meet these incredible creatures. The visual effects are breathtaking and throw you stampeding into the action as you experience the Jurassic world up close and personal. Your inner-child will not be disappointed.

The dinosaurs undeniably steal the show yet again in Fallen Kingdom with notable mentions going to T-Rex in all his roaring glory and the new member of the gruesome gang: the Indoraptor, the terrifying villain of the piece is maniacally menacing and cartoonishly charismatic in his human hunt and offered my favorite scare of the movie.  Ofcourse we have to mention Blue the ridiculously brainy raptor of Jurassic World. Personally I don’t buy her heroic allegiance to Owen… but damn is she cute as a dinky dino baby!

Speaking of cute, Chris Pratt’s Owen is back in full honest hero glory. He is likeable as ever and earns his movie star status yet again. He does heartfelt hunk expertly well and delivers a realistic character among the somewhat shallow cast. Is it his shining movie moment?.. no! But he is the perfect reliable rogue in any blockbuster and welcome guide to our adventure.

However, it is Bryce Dallas Howard who had the potential to be so much more than the straight man turned badass babe. Howards character Claire could have had a pivotal role as the embodiment of mankind finally gaining a conscience and fighting against the system. Although briefly mentioned, Claire’s epiphany sadly falls flat and could have been so much more. The razor haired heroine we met in Jurassic World is gone but the writers missed a real opportunity to mirror what Claire could have been with a female villain unafraid to exploit these magnificent creatures. Meh, maybe in the threequel?

The new geeks of this Jurassic instalment actually get some meaty meaning to the story. Justice Smith is super funny and has a physical charm to his comedy that cut through the atmosphere and made for a charmingly memorable character. Daniella Pineda is also a brilliant addition as the fiery and funny Zia. The controversy of her LGBT revelation being axed from the final cut should not hinder this magnetic talent. More of her in movies now, thanks.

However, the antagonist we are served comes via of Rafe Spall. Spall delivers a good performance yet the character lacks any real purpose other than to hopefully get eaten. Sorry Rafe.

After the dust settles on this movie it is very apparent that the Kingdom has fallen: The incredible work of Jurassic Park is done and its time to leave the past behind and bust out of the park. Bayona has crafted Fallen Kingdom as a stepping-stone into the new Jurassic World where the possibilities are endless. I personally was apprehensive of leaving the park but Bayonas artistic imagery of blockbuster-horror hybrid is simply enjoyable. It is not the instant classic of the nineties, we’ve seen dinosaurs and now need something more and that’s what this movie offers well.

Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom is a cinematic experience that combines all of the joy of theme park attractions, childhood imagination and Spielberg nostalgia into a jaw-dropping good time worthy of the Jurassic namesake, So just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Life finds a way yet again 

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in theatres now

AVENGERS INFINITY WAR REVIEW: Was it really worth the wait?

Ten years of the MCU…Wasted?

The MCU has achieved incredible things with its creation of the shared universe through awe-inspiring adaptations of Marvels mightiest heroes. Our glorious leader, Kevin Feige, has revolutionised the cinematic experience and bought about a new age of superhero splendor. Eighteen movies later, it all leads to this. 

Yes, Yes, A thousand times, Yes.  Infinity War is here and we will never be the same again!

A film with such epic expectations is bound to fail right? Well, Wrong. Infinity War is a cosmic celebration of the MCU’s first decade. The characters we have known and loved come together to show us exactly why they conquered the cinematic world, sorry DCEU. Comic book movies have become a staple of the silver screen but none have accomplished like the, Feige helmed, MCU. With superb story telling, dynamic directing and charismatic casting, the MCU has crafted heartfelt homages to these beloved comic book characters, ignoring some clangers of course, *cough* Thor: The Dark World *cough*. The MCU takes respectful risks, yet delivers for the fan-boy and casual cinephile alike. When it comes to the next decade of Marvel adapted adventure… Make Mine Feige!

Now, with so many plates to spin, it is truly exceptional what the Russo Brothers have achieved with Infinity War, yet not without some hiccups. A plethora of characters are on display, each with die-hard fans hungry for screen time justice, although not everyone will receive the glory they perhaps deserve. Our surprisingly shortchanged supers come in the sad form of Black Panther, Hulk and unfortunately Captain America. 

When on screen T’Challa and gang impel me to chant “Wakanda Forever" but, I expected more of his royal highness after the runaway success of Black Panther. Also The Hulk is somewhat greener in nature than actual skin tone here. In this outstanding adventure, Mark Ruffalo’s Banner is charming but it’s the green guy we all wanted to see. HULK SMASH, please? 


Finally, its Cap I was most disappointed by: Chris Evans looks the part but lacks any real purpose or depth. Cap is the faithful fan-favourite and deserves his star spangled time to truly shine, so its weird to see him sidelined… ♯JusticeForCap!

Despite some character causalities, regarding screen time, what we do fully witness is truly wonderful. My standout stars are Thor, Iron Man and The Guardians of the Galaxy.  Thor really has got his groove back as Hemsworth’s performance is electrifying with god like gravitas and lights up the screen with scene stealing splendour. Similarly, The Matriarch of Marvel, Tony Stark, also makes an incredible return to the action. Downey Jr. reminds us why he started this cinematic legacy with his charismatically cool and witty performance. Although Iron Man may have met his match with the Guardians of the Galaxy. the loveable rogues are zany as ever and serve as perfect comedy relief.  Each member is a fully released caricature and interacts expertly with Earths mightiest heroes.

Away from battlefield, we are also given a heavy dose of the feels with top dramatic performances coming from Zoe Saldana and Tom Holland. Saldana is a definite talent with obvious stars in her future, way beyond her galaxy defending duties of the MCU and will continue to shine wherever she lands. Now, surprisingly Spiderman also gave me my desired dramatic moment, just as disappointment was setting in Spiderman saved the scene. Tom Holland is definitely the runt of the litter but I see huge potential in his plucky performance as the web-head. Spiderman Sequel please?

Now the moment we’ve been waiting for, Ten years to be exact: quality villains! The MCU has recently upped their game with regards to villains, looking at you Hela and Killmonger, but first place definitely goes to Thanos and gang. Before we get to the crinkle-chinned corrupter lets discuss his most dastardly disciple, Ebony Maw: The scary Squidward offers a villain of intellect and power and is nothing short of brilliant. His cold demeanor strikes actual fear into our heroes and the hearts of audiences alike… more of him please. 

But the true victor of this war goes to Thanos himself: Josh Brolin has crafted a relatable dictator with power, menace and even humour. Thanos was easily the best part of Infinity War and definitely worth the wait.

Avengers Infinity War is a literal celebration of the last ten years of Marvel cinematic mastery. Is it perfect… no, the plot is squished and not everyone gets their time to shine. However, the action is satisfying, the characters iconic and the performances powerful. Avengers Infinity War is destined to break records and pave the way for another tremendous decade of fan-boy fantasy. Infinity War can be summed up by the young man, with his carer, in my screening: jumping out of his seat, gasping and acting out the action scenes in poor excitement. Avengers Infinity War is an experience… So enjoy and Make Mine Marvel.

Avengers: Infinity War

Join the experience 

in theatres now