Thor:
Ragnorak:
On second viewing, I realized
the genius that others saw. I
liked it a ton the first time, but
loved it afterwards. I think one
of the reasons is that the first
two Thor films were so different
tonally and because I liked the
first one a lot, it took a while
to accept that the difference in
style.
It’s such a hilarious film.
The filmmakers clearly took
a page out of the Guardians
franchise and injected it in here.
Hemsworth appears like he’s
finally having the time of his
life as Thor. The villain, Hela,
played by Cate Blanchett, is fun
to watch, although more screen
time would’ve been great.
Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie
is a character that could carry
her own film. And Ruffalo’s Hulk
is finally a central character,
making the perfect buddy film
with him and Thor as the lovable
odd couple.
And this movie has serious
consequences where the main
character’s world won’t ever
be the same. There are tons of
unforgettable action scenes as
well.
Black Panther:
When I heard that director Ryan Coogler, who directed the amazing
“Fruitvale Station” and “Creed,” was bringing Michael B. Jordan to play the
villain, I knew that this movie was in good shape. I had no idea how great it
would be.
Chadwick Boseman, who plays T’Challa and Panther, made his debut in
“Captain America: Civil War” and audiences were sold. He was great in “42”
as Jackie Robinson and here he plays a compassionate king who disagrees
with the people he loves.
The world of Wakanda was fully realized and looks stunning on the big
screen. There’s usually never enough time to be had there, but what we get
is impressive. All the supporting characters, including Lupita Nyong’o, Danai
Gurira, Letitia Wright and Martin Freeman, add to this incredible ensemble of
characters we had no idea we’d care for.
But what makes this movie incredibly special is Jordan’s performance. He’s
a villain whose motives you get behind and even sympathize with even though
he’s become a terrible man. And the best part is even T’Challa acknowledges
it.
He is Marvel’s best villain. This is also the highest grossing superhero film
of all-time. Diversity in our heroes mattered. But the love and excitement put
into this film are what will forever make it special. Sequel now!
Spider-Man: Homecoming:
The webhead finally made it to its rightful owners (at least creatively) at
Marvel and was introduced in “Civil War” with promising results. But would
the third iteration of Spider-Man work as a solo film? This is the sixth Spider-
Man film since 2002. The answer is a resounding yes.
Director Jon Watts and a slew of writers found a way to make Spidey fun
again. Casting Tom Holland, who is actually young looking enough to play a
high school student credibly, which adds a new dynamic to the hero onscreen.
He feels vulnerable and naïve in an optimistic way, and is a big departure from
other Marvel heroes. His supporting high school classmates works. It feels
like a living, breathing and authentic high school in Queens.
Holland and his friends are charismatic. Michael Keaton is probably the
second best villain in the MCU, which makes this movie even more entertaining.
There are huge spoilers that pay off and you understand his motives the way
you do those of all great antagonists. His cynicism and age mixed with Peter
Parker’s youthful enthusiasm makes for great dialogue. The action scenes are
great too, somehow finding spots to put Spidey in that he hasn’t before.
The stakes aren’t as high compared to other films and that’s what they
needed. Iron Man’s appearance was fun but didn’t detract from the main star.
They’ve laid a great foundation and it’ll be great to see what comes next. And
a montage featuring the Ramones’ “Blitzkreg Bop” adds to the fun. Thank you,
Marvel.
QNS.COM
24 SPRING 2018