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Justice League Dark (2017)
Take a walk with me on the darkside...........
So we finally have a Justice Dark movie, eh? Bloody hell its time.
Let's get one thing sorted though. Its nice to see Batman in the movie, and he has ties to Zatanna actually - but its a stretch to see his usefulness in this universe. But John and Bruce are actually quite alike, except for the backstabbing thing. They both see the world more black than white and are the ultimately escape artists with plans within plans. One is a human walking with gods, and the other is a conman playing the angels and demons.
Coming to the movie, the animation is solid and I loved how they used the spells with multi coloured sigils for different mages. The character designs are nice (though I could do with a more fresh faced John, that aftershave look was doing him no favours) and the action scenes are well rendered.
Story: There are actually three threads here, two are character stories and one the main A-plot. Both Deadman and Jason Blood get fleshed out backstories though I dispute the latter was in any way better than the one given in the Timmverse. That was actually tragic but it seems Jason's backstory keeps getting changed to the main plot whenever he's involved to make him more important. Deadman and his budding need for friends and love was more intriguing and he was a good comic relief. The main plot of Destiny resurrecting and plaguing people with nightmarish visions would have been bland if not for Ritchie being involved. So Ritchie is a seriously bad luck guy. His Hellblazer end was worse, but he was a nice twist when I was expecting someone like Felix or Winters to be a pawn of Destiny (we all know he was to be the main bad guy, c'mon!). All in all, the Deadman back story was shoehorned, but he was necessary for the plot. I just wish Bruce tied in better, especially given how awesomely he handled an alternative version of Destiny in the Timmverse.
So overall a nice introduction to the Dark Universe of DC and I'm hoping this can be expanded to a good two and a half hour life action feature film in the DC movie verse. Some points of improvement: 1. Don't include Batman in everything. Be confident in your other properties and take a chance DC! 2. If you replace Matt Ryan, do it well. He's been a great casting choice and hopefully whoever his counterpart is in the movieverse, lets hope he captures the character well (accent which has been a problem for Matt, is not as big an issue as his portrayal). And the romance with Zatanna was done well. Include that. 3. Etrigan was brilliant in this movie. But ensure he doesn't always have a backstory change just to be relevant! 4. Be better in integrating Origin stories. Deadman's was superfluous and jarring to the flow of the movie. This is one thing BvS got right in how they showed Batman's origin. I would have placed this origin at a movietime when Rama Kusha the deity connected to Deadman gave him the task to unite everyone. At the beginning of the movie maybe.
Overall an above par movie with a solid cast and a good story.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Unbalanced in tone, but had some good moments
I just came back from watching it....here's my two cents
1. Very unbalanced in terms of humor: It felt like they were forcibly going for a laugh a minute. I was getting distracted from the serious moments by quips flying back and forth. And this aspect really undersold Ultron - his mesmerizing beginning dulled by his attempts at levity (anyone outside the hall may have thought a comedy was going on...the audience were laughing so much). I'll get to a particular example in my spoilers. 2. Hawkeye getting the spotlight: Yup, this was great. The others are so confident of their powers getting them out of a jam, and here comes a man with a bow and arrow facing aliens and robots. We really got to know Clint in this movie
SPOILERS
1. Remember the problem with humor. You wanna know what happens when the laughs get too much? A few people behind me were going ' why is Flash taking a nap'. I'll let it go that they got the wrong speedster, but really - Piotr's death became a joke amid a lot of jokes, I really wish they gave it a more sombre atmosphere. Very few connected Wanda's anguish to that - especially with Hawkeye's 'funny' line 'it's been a long day'. 2. Deus Ex Machina Thor: Thor got dream from Wanda for what appeared to be a preview to Thor 3, then he went to a dream pool where it became a preview to Avengers Infinity War and finally he helps create Vision cause he 'knows' Vision will be important to the current war. 3 Thor and Captain America: Awesome combo!!! Two scenes really delivered how badass they could be as a duet. 4. Humor: For all the overused laughs, there were some good ones at least - especially during the hammer lifting. Though cross they removed some music and lines that were in the trailers. 5. MUST SAVE EVERYONE: What the hell? It was good the first two times, then it became grating. Must save, must save. Even when they're on top, Marvel seems to have problems. I couldn't help but associate this as both a shot at MOS and an insurance against anything like that in this movie.
Overall, I'll give this a 6.4/10. I really hope Thanos isn't this jokey and we actually see some bodies drop (which mean something) and blood shed.
Constantine: The Saint of Last Resorts: Part 2 (2015)
The truth will out....
This was a wild diversion from the main story started in the last episode, and it may be it's only sin.
It doesn't shy away from showing Constantine at his damning best - the ability to survive no matter what happens. Though he really took more than what he could handle.
I loved that Constantine's first episode of possession resulted in such a barbaric scenario where we found body parts everywhere amid a gruesome carnage. Felt very hellblazer-lite.
The supporting cast had some good moments. Zed is still a sore point, and the way she got free showed her ingenuity but made mockery of the cliffhanger last episode. Chas, Anna Marie and Julio the 'supplier' were all great though.
And the special effects is some of the best I've seen. Vicente aka The Eden Tempter was rendered wonderfully - especially when compared to the ridiculous Leviathans from Supernatural.
But the true star of this episode, and the show in general, is Matt Ryan. His demonic Constantine portrayal was absolutely fun to watch, though I wish a little of his ferocity could have been shown on-screen instead of the blood and body parts.
To think we were complaining about his non-smoking, and now we've seen that happen and he shot up heroin in this episode! Sad that it's being handled very badly by the network. With a little more time, this could become a classic for the ages. And whatever happens in the future, I wish to see Matt return as Constantine in some manner for the next few years.
The Big Bang Theory: The Misinterpretation Agitation (2014)
A nice turn in proceedings...................
This felt like Big Bang was actually trying to focus on some relevant issues instead of just stereotypes.
The Bernedette-Amy-Penny triumvirate discussion of 'can't women express their sexuality and intelligence at the same time' nicely mixed with Dr Lorbis's infatuation with Penny after a sales pitch resulted in some physical contact.
Leonard finding out that Penny hid her engagement ring for sales purpose could easily have resulted in a stereotypical bland tit-for-tat, but they resolved it pretty maturely. And Amy's own inhibitions about not being thought of hot by Sheldon or other people versus Bernedette's perceptions that one can be both was engaging, culminating in a lash-out when Amy made the publication back out of the photo-shoot.
As for Dr Lorbis, played creepily by Billy Bob Thornton (almost expected a Lorne Malvo type shootout), he brought back the question of why someone like him (Leonard) was able to get the girl....and while the geek aspect was a kind of cheap out, Penny really came in her own in this episode. Now if only Leonard can.
Constantine: The Darkness Beneath (2014)
Hell is rising...time to call the Hellblazer!
Matt Ryan as Constantine is probably the best comic book lead on TV right now. And for me, he ranks just below Robert Downey Jr. in the current panel-to-screen setup.
While his Constantine is still not totally accurate (what is??), he manages to come across as perfectly in line with his famous comic book counterpart. And given what DC has been doing lately with him, this is a welcome sight.
First off, sod off if you complain about Supernatural comparisons. Not only was that show (which I like) a homage to the original Constantine book, the dynamics here are radically different from the Dean-Sam chemistry.
Not only are the demons more beautifully and graphically done, but Constantine himself comes across as a unique anti-hero type, who really has no one to fall back on (and if you know the guy, Zed isn't long for this world). And true to the world of Hellblazer, sometimes the humans are the true monsters of the piece.
Coming to Zed, she is exactly what this show needed. No need for hand-holding,powerful and useful in her own right - she is a perfect foil to John.
About the case-of-the-week, this is only the first season! Back off and let this show get some air. Myself, while I could do without the gypsy stereotyping (which alerted me to the fact that the wife did it), everything else clicked perfectly. And I loved how John didn't battle the deceased miners, but helped them out. Not everything needs to be about fistcuffs.
The dialogue, save for some clichés, was heaven sent for someone who wants more from his comic book shows (Flash and Arrow of CW are consistently annoying me with that) and while a lack of Chas was disheartening, it was definitely to the show's benefit that the Zed-Constantine relationship was given room, complete with the uneasy sexual tension just the way Hellblazer did it.
Teen Titans Go! (2013)
Teen Titans, please go!
I actually wanted to see this, if only because I loved the original series and found that for all Young Justice accomplished (and it may probably rank up there with JLU or even above it), the lack of integral characters to the Teen Titan series like Raven, Starfire and Cyborg.
But really there is nothing worse that ending one show on the greatest cliffhanger in comic screen media history (both TV and film) than watching another show with jokes like Raven and her love for ponies (?) and other events that would be hard pressed to be considered even slapstick comedy. The earlier series walked a thin line between comedy and action, but this........I can't even digest what they're doing now.
All characters appear as if they are a parody of themselves appearing on something like MAD or Robot Chicken.
And the less said about the animation is better. Even saying it's made by 3-year olds for 3-year olds is insulting to 3-year olds.
Man of Steel (2013)
The Man of Steel fans both deserved and needed
This iteration of Superman and the people around him is a modernized retelling of his origins and his transformation from being the Last Son of Krypton to the Earth's greatest hero.
It contains most of the elements required of such a story - a strong character story, pathos and the ability to rise up to the challenge. For those wanting something more light-hearted and campy, I recommend Superman III.
This is the story of Kal-el becoming Superman and not a Superman-Clark Kent-Lois Lane story, first and foremost. Lois is introduced a good deal into the story but she is built up as a potential love interest.
This is a tale light on humor and romance, but full of acceptance and pain - emotions Kal-El aka Clark have to deal with all his life.
SPOILERS FOLLOW.............
It helps that his two father figures are played by brilliant actors in the form of Costner and Crowe. Pa Kent knows the way the world works and goes to enormous lengths to protect Clark from it. And when his moment of crisis comes, he refuses to be a hypocrite and dies on the basis of his beliefs. To see Clark refusing to give in to his emotions and keep his father's word is a sight to be seen. You can almost feel his heart breaking apart.
Crowe, especially in the early Krypton scenes, and as a hologram that connects Clark to his planet reinforces the division - On one hand, his adoptive father told him to stay in the darkness, and the other tells him to step into the light.
Even when finally puts on the cape and family crest, he is still a man torn between two homes - one about to feel the loss of another.
Cavill is great in all his scenes, and a slight glimpse of humor is soon in the last scene of the film when he arrives as Clark Kent the reporter.
But the one who really hits the ball out of the park is Micheal Shannon as Zod. His portrayal is leagues ahead of Terence Stamp's Zod and seems to be based on his New Krypton persona. You get the feeling that he is desperate to help his people and is ready to go to any lengths to ensure their survival. Just like Clark, he is a man without a home, but unlike him, he is not ready to become a refugee on another world.
And when his people are lost and his dreams lie shattered, you can also feel the hopelessness he is exuding in every action he takes.
That brings us to the controversial ending of the film, which has polarized fans worldwide. SUPERMAN DOESN'T KILL. The people who take this stance are very bigoted in this approach. They don't seem to understand that first of all, this is a raw Superman who wants to protect the people of the planet he calls home. He doesn't know his abilities all that well. And Zod is a man whose sanity is on the brink and he is capable to not only decimating the humans before him, but many more. You can feel the helplessness Kal-El is in when he's saying"Stop.Please Stop." Even in a position of power, he is being forced to choose. The past or the present. The lives of many balanced against something he would give anything not to do. And in the end, it is whether it was the right thing to do, but the only choice of action left.
And when he screams out in pain and anger, having realized he has killed the only man left who may have known what it was like to be him, we do feel for him.
And we hope that he grows wiser and stronger with this decision.
Forward to Man of Steel 2
Justice League: Doom (2012)
A good adaption with a weak ending. Not for newcomers to the DC Universe
PROS 1.Voice Acting 2.Emotional resonance 3.The Villains 4.Cyborg CONS 1.The plans 2.How they 'saved the day' 3.You need to know the back stories.
**Read on for more details and SPOILERS **
First of, this is an adaption of Mark Waid's famous 'Tower of Babel' storyline in which Ra's Al Ghul, Extremist nature lover, desires to destroy humanity or at least most of it so that the world is a better place.In this movie, Vandal Savage( I think they wanted this to tie in with Young Justice where he is the primary antagonist for season 1) wan't to destroy 2/3rds of humanity with a solar flare so he can rule over the rest.
Problem: The Justice League
Solution: Steal Batman's files on how to deal with the Justice League.
Now the main plot is out of the way, I'll get straight to the pros and cons.
PROS
1.Yes, they're back.Conroy is THE BATMAN and Fillion has made Hal Jordan his own.The rest are good enough but the Flash sound more like wally than Barry.Overall,it's great.The villains are also done well with special mention to Bane and Savage.
2.Batman's love for his dead parents, Superman's desire to help others, Martian Manhunter's need to socialize, Flash's need to protect his family, Wonder Woman's fighting instinct and Green Lantern's concern over wielding the most powerful weapon in the galaxy all come through naturally enough to be their downfall. Through Lantern's plan was the most confusing, Fillion made it the most poignant of them all.
3.Bane for Batman(with a little of Knightfall 'I broke the bat' put in), Metallo with Superman and Star Saphire/ Carol Ferris for Green Lantern - all great choices. I think Circe may have been a better match for Wonder Woman. But all in all, if you read comics and know your heroes, you will love the pairings.
4.Cyborg was a great addition. Someone with technological knowledge better than batman is always welcome and I loved how he was the flaw in the plans along with batman being alive. An he seemed to be fitting in nicely with the story, and did not stick out like a sore thumb.
CONS
1.The plans: While Batman's and Martian Manhunter's were copied, the rest left me somewhat flummoxed. Especially Green Lantern's. Yes it all sounded great in Batman's mouth, but how could all that had happened be orchestrated?Why use robots?And those rebels and hostages - were they robots or real people who died?AARGH!Wonder woman ripping off Cyborg's arm was nice though. And who made the modifications to the plans? Some seemed Savage's and some seemed like the respective villains(You demoralize Green Lantern and bury Batman?YOU DON'T KILL THEM).Real confusing. Flash's bomb goes off if you slow down and Wonder Woman's hallucinations to keep her fighting were both derived from the comics.
2.Ra's plans in the book involved robbing speech and using germ warfare. That was stoppable. Here? The sun kills the earth! HOW THE HELL CAN U STOP THAT?Easy make the earth transparent.Huh?In 8 minutes, they managed to power up the villains transparent layer using the WatchTower and rendered the earth transparent.Huh?Earth saved?A resolution for resolution's sake.
3.Now the major problem.YOU WILL NOT GET THE MOVIE IF YOU DON'T READ THE COMICS.The pairings are the major points of this movie.If you know the heroes and the villains, you will enjoy almost 90% of the movie. And if you know nothing or are a basic reader, you will be lost for the majority of the film. Only Savage is given a back story. For the rest, read the comics and then watch.
In all, a good solid DC movie that could have been better, given the great source material.