Hey, can I ask you a personal question.
You want to know what my favorite Marvel movie isn't, don't you?
Yes.
Quill and I have a bet.
Dude.
You're not supposed to say that!
Well, I'd have to go with "The Avengers".
Ugh...
But it seems everyone else prefers "Thor: Ragnarok" more.
You read minds?
Oh, heavens no.
I just checked Letterboxd.
Lots of favorable reviews.
What are those?
Something the DC fanboys aren't familiar with.
Hahaha.
All right.
This is Movie Night!
Hello, and welcome to Movie Night - I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
Yet another comic book movie was released this weekend, so let's take a look back at
all three of Marvel's releases from 2017 and see how they compare against each other in
our eighth episode dedicated to superhero films.
We'll start with my review of "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2".
Predictably excellent.
This James Gunn sci-fi / superhero film scored over four times its $200 million dollar budget
following its May 5th release in 2017.
The original film is one of my favorite action / comedies of the last five years - and it's
also my second-favorite MCU film, trailing only "The Avengers".
Which is why I am stoked to report its sequel is a worthy successor.
The 136-minute adventure reunites the titular squad for another round of, what else, galaxy-saving
action and antics.
The Guardians battle alien forces while attempting to unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's long-lost
father.
The hugely talented ensemble cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin
Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki,
Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone, and Kurt Russell.
The core group of characters really do feel like a family at this point, with everyone
doing an great job; especially considering they're usually performing opposite CGI-characters
in front of giant blue screens.
Russell, and his marvelous mane of hair, is a particularly tremendous addition to this
cast - and feels so effortlessly perfect as Pratt's on-screen father it's amazing they've
never worked together before.
Sadly though, he doesn't share any scenes with his former "Tango & Cash" co-star; who
appears briefly in a role that will likely be expanded in follow-up films.
Elsewhere, Bautista provides a hilarious straight-man comedic foil to newcomer Klementieff, who
portrays a lonely and somewhat naive empath.
Every scene they share together is complete gold.
But it's Rooker's inclusion as a nefarious space-buccaneer and surrogate father-figure
that resonates strongest.
And least we forget about the adorable baby Groot, who delights with every appearance.
Although the PG-13 rated film is bursting at the seams with impressive digital-doubles,
visual effects, and animated worlds, it's the wizards at Lola VFX who impressed me the
most.
Their retro-aging treatment of Russell in the cold open is the most seamless use of
this technique we've seen yet.
The entire sequence literally looks like an outtake from 1980's "Used Cars".
And while the visual treatment of Russell's home planet are not as 'realistic' - they're
brimming with color and inventiveness.
And apparently, with its trillion plus polygons, this virtual-planet is considered to be the
biggest single visual "effect" ever created.
Impeccably chosen 70s-era pop music is threaded into the narrative in meaningful and effective
ways; grounding the otherwise silly moments and magical abilities with something Eartbound
audiences are actually familiar with.
I will say however that the song-selection for Vol. 1 included better, more recognizable
songs.
But Russell waxing poetic on the lyrics and relevance of Looking Glass's "Brandy (You're
A Fine Girl)" was an important scene; and a clear example of how these two mediums (movies
and music) can compliment each other like peanut butter and jelly.
These stellar musical choices also help propel an emotional epilogue to legitimate tear-jerking
status; something I didn't think was possible for this brand of movie.
With the exception of this final scene, the film has a somewhat pervasive habit of punctuating
these emotional moments of introspection or romance with a jokey response, like when Bautista
declares "We leave no one behind."...
before continuing towards Gillan, "Expect maybe you."
This is a fun, cameo-laden ride from the flashy opening titles to the Easter-egg filled ending-credits
and its five separate bonus scenes.
Despite the whiz-bang action and unfamiliar environments, "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol
2."
is a surprisingly sweet-natured and grounded story with irresistibly charming characters.
Just shy of my top score, I thought it was AWESOME.
Next up tonight, my thoughts on "Spider-Man: Homecoming".
Everything feels right at home.
Even though Sony lost its way with the mixed reception of the Andrew Garfield films, I
was cautiously optimistic about this franchise's second reboot in only five years; especially
because of who is now in charge.
After decades apart, and lots of negotiations, Spidey has finally 'come home' to the Marvel
Cinematic Universe.
Released worldwide on July 7, 2017 this Jon Watts action / comedy / superhero film is
the 16th entry in that impossibly successful franchise.
The $175 million dollar production grossed nearly $900 million by the end of its box
office run.
With the help of mentor Tony Stark, Peter Parker tries to balance high school life with
the crime-fighting duties of his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man - all while a dangerous
arms dealer emerges.
Showcasing real talent in 2012's "The Impossible", Tom Holland isn't exactly a 'newcomer', but
at only 20 years old, he is the youngest actor to play the title character.
Watts leverages his naivety and inexperience rather effectively though.
This is vulnerable and timid protagonist - who makes up for his lack of confidence with infectious
enthusiasm.
The web-slinging teen from Queens might be my favorite Stan Lee-penned comic book character,
so to finally see him mix it up with Iron Man and Captain America in 2016's "Civil War"
was a real treat.
After a bit of villain building in a prequel-type cold open, this 133 minute film begins in
earnest by showing us Peter's cell phone selfie recordings during his participation of that
film's centerpiece hero-brawl.
It's a very clever way of reinforcing Spidey's connection to The Avengers while providing
some amusing perspective of their newest member.
It also serves as a quick refresher for the few who may have missed his brief introduction
in the earlier film.
Michael Keaton has been playing superheroes since before his co-star was even born; but
he honestly feels more natural playing a villain than he ever did as that other guy who flies
around in the dark.
He brings a tragic humanity to a role that blurs the line between 'bad guy' and 'misunderstood'.
He's probably the most interesting and well-rounded Marvel antagonist since Tom Hiddleston's Loki.
"Iron Man's" Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau join the fray as well - providing mentorship
and pivotal exposition for the friendly neighborhood crime-fighter.
Downey's inclusion is unfortunately a double-edged sword.
On one hand, he adds a great deal of credibility and familiarity but his larger-than-life presence
looms over the proceedings.
Spider-Man never faces any real danger, since we all expect Iron Man to swoop in whenever
things get too serious.
Which is exactly what does happen during a thrilling set-piece on a Staten Island Ferry.
Thankfully, the script uses this unearned rescue as a teachable moment for its overwhelmed
hero, with RDJ scolding his apprentice, "If you're nothing without this suit you shouldn't
have it."
Marisa Tomei's younger and sexier version of Aunt May is a welcome (and more realistic)
take on the character...
even if she isn't given nearly enough to do; Jacob Batalon does wonderful work as Peter's
plucky friend and quasi-sidekick; while Chris Evans positively delights with in-universe
appearances on classroom TVs hosting cheesy after school specials as Captain America.
The briskly paced PG-13 rated narrative forgoes the typical 'origin story'; which is probably
for the best as audiences don't need to see Uncle Ben die again.
An early and upbeat montage of Spider-Man protecting his neighborhood is all we need
to get right back into this character's world.
A mid-act crisis set atop the Washington Monument provides for some excellent and well-visualized
thrills, while a playful montage of Holland and Tomei preparing for a high school dance
is wonderful fun as well.
Indeed, "Homecoming" is surprisingly effective as teen drama - sharing honest moments of
awkward romance between Holland and love interest Laura Harrier.
Some of my favorite parts of the film were actually during the credits.
The opening logos of every Marvel movie now play like a 'greatest hits' montage of their
impressive catalog - with Michael Giacchino's orchestral version of the Spider-Man theme
playing beneath it.
At the conclusion of the film a final line from Tomei - interrupted by a smash cut to
the ending titles got the biggest laugh of the night.
But make sure to stay all the way to end of the credits; as a bonus cameo from a familiar
face had me in stitches from his fourth-wall-breaking dialogue.
As great as all the individual components are, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is not without
its faults.
There's a slight identity crisis here; as Spidey's story feels overshadowed by 'Avengers'
world-building.
Spider-Man's gadgets and technology feel out of place.
Sure, his new suit is sexy... but the fancy gizmos quickly turn him into Iron-Man lite,
and feel like a cheat.
Later, during the climatic battle it's difficult to see what's going on.
Without giving much away, it takes place a night, stuff is invisible, and the bad guy's
outfit is all black.
When every other sequence was bright and well-choreographed, this scene was a disappointing way to finish.
Otherwise, the visual effects, editing, and cinematography are all well-executed without
ever being artistic or showy.
Although Sam Raimi's trilogy remains the gold standard for this character - this sixth installment
is easily the best in a decade, and a must-see for all Marvel fans.
Funny, endearing, and packed with exciting action - "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is yet another
AWESOME entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Last and marginally least, my thoughts on "Thor: Ragnarok".
Big, dumb, and fun.
The seventeenth entry in Marvel's Cinematic Universe was released worldwide on November
3, 2017.
With rave reviews and strong ticket sales, the PG-13 rated film eared back its $180 million
budget by the end of its opening weekend.
New Zealand director Taika Waititi really impressed me with his previous two movies,
"What We Do In The Shadows" and "Hunt For The Wilderpeople" - both fresh and charming
comedy/dramas that never took themselves too seriously.
And that irreverence has been applied wholeheartedly to the third picture in Marvel's heretofore
most disappointing series.
Although the first two "Thor" films are decently entertaining - they both rank in my bottom-five
in the ever-growing MCU catalog.
So to say this is an improvement is an understatement; "Ragnarok" is the best "Thor" movie by a country
mile.
Banished to a mysterious world after the death of their father Odin, the princes of Asgard
reluctantly join forces to overthrow a powerful new threat that aims to destroy their kingdom.
Invariably, this narrative bears many similarities to one of my favorite epics, "Ben Hur"; a
prince is banished from his kingdom and must fight his way back - by way of gladiator-style
competition - to vanquish the person who stole his throne.
It's a familiar, if time-tested formula that works remarkably well to ground the other-worldly
narrative; which is important since almost none of the action takes place on Earth.
Chris Hemsworth once again portrays the title character, but after becoming bored with this
role in his previous four outings; things have been mixed up a bit here.
Namely they've cut his hair, changed his clothes, and taken away his magic hammer.
The result is a more vulnerable, but cheekier interpretation of this character; sharing
similarities to Kurt Russell's "Jack Burton" in "Big Trouble In Little China".
Hemsworth nails this slight character shift, and proves to be a natural with the film's
many improvisational moments.
With the notable exception of his Earthling-friends (and Jamie Alexander), all the characters
from previous Thor films reprise their roles here; Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston are the
obvious standouts; continuing to demonstrate why they're the most interesting characters
in the entire franchise.
Joining the group is Cate Blanchett as another dime-a-dozen evil empress who is predictably
more powerful than our heroes, but not too powerful enough to actually stop them; a bald
Karl Urban is her opportunist lackey, Jeff Goldblum plays an alien version of himself
to absolute perfection; Tessa Thompson is sadly generic as a hard-drinking bounty hunter
turned teammate; while Mark Ruffalo crosses over into this series in a big way as The
Hulk.
He shares one of the film's few quiet scenes when Hemsworth confesses, "We're the same,
you and I.
We're just a couple of hotheaded fools."
This is a big cast - and while not everyone gets enough time to shine, it's the individual
pairings that work surprisingly well.
Whether Hemsworth is trading contentious barbs with Hiddleston, or Ruffalo is downplaying
his alter-ego to Thompson, or Goldblum is talking to literally anyone...
everyone meshes together well.
My favorite creature was a soft-spoken rock solider voiced by Waititi himself - as nearly
all of his lines scored laughter.
And on the directing side of things, Waititi isn't afraid to punctuate a dramatic monologue
with a sudden bit of physical humor; a technique used a couple times with hilarious effectiveness.
The film kicks off with a raucous cold open, set to Led Zeppelin's incredibly-fitting "Immigrant
Song".
When Robert Planet belts out "The hammer of the gods", just as Thor swings his trusty
Mjolnir into a horde of underworld enemies; it is positively impossible not to smile.
Especially when you consider how rarely Page and Plant license their music for media like
this.
Moments after that bad-ass fight sequence, we're treated to a surprise celebrity cameo
that had me literally howling in my packed theater.
This mixture of loud action and goofy humor permeates throughout the extremely well-paced
130-minute script.
The score from Mark Mothersbaugh feels a bit like blending the opening bass-line of "Another
Bites The Dust" with the techno synthesizer sounds of "The Stranger Things" theme song.
It doesn't do enough to break the trend of Marvel movies having unforgettable music - but
it's a solid effort.
The overall jokiness easily makes this best "Thor" movie yet - but it also prevents it
from becoming truly effective on an emotional level.
With crowd-pleasing twists on the tired superhero formula, "Thor: Ragnarok" is a very enjoyable
time.
I thought it was GREAT.
In a year where I've had less time and money to go the theater, it's the Marvel films that
inevitably still earn my attendance.
And with very few exceptions - I've always a tremendously fun time.
And with this years three films, coupled with the exceptionally strong "Doctor Strange"
from last fall - the MCU has been on absolute tear as of late.
But as for which one is my favorite of this group?
The slight edge would have to go to "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" which made more of an
emotional impact on me than the others.
With another three Marvel films coming down the pipe in just the next eight months...
we won't have to wait long for another blockbuster adventure.
Next week, as promised - I'll be sharing reviews for my least favorite movies of 2017 - and
the week after that, a look at DC's three most recent comic book films.
Until then, click or tap here for a playlist of all my superhero reviews, click or tap
here to watch a playlist of all the movies I've scored a 9, or click the Jogwheel icon
to subscribe, and see new uploads when they're released.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!