Category Archives: Superhero

Avengers: Endgame Review

Avengers: Endgame Review – Avengers Endgame is an American superhero fantasy movie released in 2019. This is the last installment of the Avengers saga which began with Iron Man in 2008. After the disastrous events at the end of the infinity war, the Avengers who are alive come up with a plan to take on Thanos.

The end of a saga often becomes a formality of sorts and struggles hard to beat the expectations. How did Avengers Endgame fair? Well the kind of appetite that was generated by Avengers Infinity war, it is always going to be difficult. The endgame is successful in parts but leaves you longing for more action through the most part.

After the emotional turn of events at the end of the infinity war, the humorous events that happen as the Avengers set out on their task did not sit well with the whole theme of the movie. But for the part of Captain America, others did seem too draggy until the beginning of the second half which sets up for the final battle.

The final battle makes up for all the slowness and makes the watch total worth for the money. A big kudos to Marvel for creating a very connected story line since the first Iron Man in 2008.

High Points: The sequences involving Captain America, The character build-up of Thanos, Performance on Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, The final battle sequence

Low Points: The dragging first half of the movie. Humor that doesn’t gel well with the flow.

Overall Endgame is a fitting farewell for the Avengers Saga, that would keep you longing for more. It makes a must watch in theaters for the relevance it has with the whole franchise. Although it doesn’t match up to the Infinity war, this one will not disappoint you at the end. IMAX 3D version provides the best viewing experience.

Must Watch

Deadpool 2 Review

Deadpool 2 Review – Deadpool 2 is an English superhero action movie released in 2018. In the sequel to the movie released in 2016, Deadpool has to take on a time traveler by name Cable to stop him from killing a mutant kid.

Deadpool has been popular for being a bad ass superhero who likes to fight dirty. Well, he continues to fight as expected out of him. As the movie begins we see Deadpool setting himself on fire in his house just mocking how Logan died and gained popularity.  Then we jump into an adrenaline pumping stunt sequence followed by funky titles,  just to remind the audience they are going to see what they have come expecting.

From then on the movie goes in a predictable flow with some witty moments and some brilliant breaking the 4th wall moments. This makes the otherwise predictable movie a more enjoyable one. However this time the stunt and action block has a lesser scope and they have tried to use wit and emotion to fill it up. It has just managed to pull the movie over the edge. The formation of X Force and their first sky jump is a high point in the movie.  The climax is a bit too lengthy and barely manages from not becoming a cliche.

Cable, as a character, is dark and made really well.  The scenes involving him are definitely more interesting.  The soundtrack also has managed to keep the tempo of the movie going.

High Points: The formation of X Force, Characterization of Cable and the high way chase sequence, Witty dialogues and breaking the 4th wall, the Post-credits sequence will get you cracking

Low Points: The lengthy climax,  being lesser on action

Overall Deadpool 2 is a worthy sequel to the first installment of the badass superhero. It has most of the elements that are needed to entice the fans of Deadpool and it manages enough to keep the audience entertained.

Worth a Watch

Avengers Infinity War Review

Avengers Infinity War Review – Avengers Infinity War is an English superhero action movie released in 2018. After being split into two teams during the Civil war, the Avengers reunite to fight against the deadliest villain Thanos.

Right from the time Iron Man 1 released on screen, Marvel has been planning for the stories leading to a juncture where the team of superheroes fights the deadliest villain yet. In a way, many of the subplots over the past ten years connect here as the superheroes unite. The highlight of the movie is the characterization of Thanos. He definitely looks very dangerous and threatening whenever he comes on screen.

The movie picks off right from the post-credits scene of Thor Ragnorok. There is action sequence throughout the movie. There is also a very deep emotional connect in this one compared to the previous Avenger movies which mostly relied on high octane action sequences and witty dialogues to entertain the audience. This one also has those witty moments and some spectacular action sequences out of which the climax sequence is quite stunning.

High Points: Characterization of Thanos, Culmination of all the subplots, Action sequence choreography, emotional connection to the story, very engaging storyline. Completely shot in IMAX the visuals would be quite stunning on a large IMAX screen.

Low Points: There is no low point as such apart from the fact that, for folks who haven’t been watching all other films of MCU this one would be confusing.

Overall Avengers Infinity war is one of the best movies yet in the MCU.  Right from the word go, the movie will keep you engaged and glued to your seat. It would be a visual treat and an experience of a different level for Marvel fans. Do watch in theaters preferably on an IMAX screen, as this is the first ever movie shot completely in IMAX.

Must Watch

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Review

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Review – Batman v Superman is an American superhero movie released in 2016. The movie is based on superheroes from the DC Comics. Superman’s fight with Zod results in large scale massacre that destroys Bruce Wayne’s (Batman) office and casualties in his company. Batman decides to fight Superman to keep him in check while Lex Luthor adds fuel to their fire.

First of all, I would like mention that I am neither DC nor a Marvel fan. Rather I like all superheroes from both the universe. It helps to read this review in an unbiased fashion.

It has been a long due for the DC universe to bring their superheroes together. Thanks to Nolan’s Batman trilogy that had set up the foundation for the movies. Although Zack Snyder did not impress much with the Man of Steel he has definitely justified his efforts with the edition of Dawn of Justice. This may not be the epic start for the Justice League DC fans would have expected but nevertheless, it serves as a good appetizer for the upcoming main course.

The movie has a sluggish start and you tend to wait for those brilliant moments restlessly. Just when you feel that this might turn out to be a half-baked effort the movie picks up and keeps you engaged till the end. Ben Affleck is very convincing as Batman and definitely carries on the legacy putting the sarcastic comments on him to rest. His performance is a standout. The icing on the cake for the movie is Wonder woman. Her entry is the best part of the movie. Lex Luthor’s characterization is good and his dialog delivery reminds of Sharukh Khan. Some portions of the movie even look like the old school Bollywood movies and look like a decorated extravagant Karan Arjun 🙂

High Points: The fight night between superman and batman, Wonder woman’s entry, Lex Luthor’s characterization, Hans Zimmerman’s background score.

Low Points: Sluggish screenplay in the first half, some of the dialogues are cheesy and cliched takes away the impact of the good ones

Overall Zack Snyder doesn’t disappoint this time and in fact, has created a good start to the Justice League. Hope DC is able to be successful with the upcoming movies. If you love superhero movies don’t miss this one when it is in the theaters.

Worth a Watch

Deadpool Review

Deadpool Review – Deadpool is a Marvel superhero movie released in 2016. Wade Wilson, a mercenary leaves his girlfriend as he realizes he has cancer. However, an experimental treatment goes bad degenerates his face and turns him into a badass superhero.

This one is the first installment of Deadpool. He is probably the first superhero with antihero instincts. Deadpool comic character is known for his foul-mouthed language, merciless killing and always seen to break the 4th wall to interact with the readers or viewers. Director Tim Miller has effectively translated all these unique characteristics of Deadpool on to the big screen.

Right from the starting scene the movie makes you laugh. When I mention the starting scene it includes the starting credits which sets you up nicely for the rest of the movie. The major portion of the movie takes a non-linear narration starting from the first attack of Deadpool in a car chasing scene and shuttles back and forth on how he got there then merging onto the flashback of what made Deadpool. This could have been very flat and typical of any superhero movie. This deviation from the norm makes Deadpool stand apart. The breaking of the 4th wall right from the beginning to the end post-credits scene has worked like a charm. It does provides a unique movie viewing experience. For instance, the scene from where he is escaping from Colossus cuffs he calls it a money shot before performing the act.

High Points: Performance of Ryan Reynolds as deadpool, the breaking of the 4th wall, the initial stunt sequence and the visualization of deadpool’s character.

Low Points: Deadpool is what you would expect of a deadpool so no low points here.

Overall get ready to welcome a badass superhero that teases the dark instincts in the viewers. This is R rated for violence and explicit language, watch it without your kids.

Must Watch

 

Ant-Man Review

Ant-Man Review – Ant-Man is an English superhero film from the Marvel universe. Scientist Hank Pym quits S.H.I.E.L.D to protect the shrinking technology he has invented as he believes it could destroy the world if gotten by evil men. He is thrown out of the company by his daughter and his former protege Darren Cross. They are at the verge of reinventing the shrinking technology. Hank has to rely on a well-meaning thief Scott Lang to become Ant-Man and prevent them from becoming successful.

I was not very interested in watching a movie about a miniature man who could be a superhero in parallel with the Avengers. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the output of the movie. It was very interesting and engaging throughout. The movie had some good visual effects much like any other Marvel movies. The humor element was well used by the writers to keep the movie a very interesting one. Also, the challenge faced by Ant-Man was a very interesting one.

Director Peyton Reed should be lauded for the kind of output he has produced from a superhero much less known to the world in comparison with other Marvel superheroes. Michael Douglas is a good choice for playing the character of Hank. The story sets up nicely well for its sequel. Don’t miss the post-credits sequence featuring an Avenger.

High Points: The visual effects, Humor elements, A sincere attempt, Engaging Screenplay. The sequence where the Ant-Man barges into the Avengers facility is a very interesting one.

Low Points: Overload of superhero movies might not give the credit what Ant-Man deserves.

Overall Marvel is yet again successful in creating a superhero that they can add to their Avenger series. Ant-Man although the tiniest of the superheroes manages to steal the hearts of the audience. If you are a Marvel comic fan, you should watch this one.

Worth a Watch

Big Hero 6 Review

Big Hero 6 Review – Big Hero 6 is an American animated superhero movie released in 2014. This movie is based on the Marvel Comics of the same name. A 14 year old genius and robotic expert Hiro Hamada has to form a super hero team to fight a villain who is suspected to have played a role in his brother’s death.

If you have read the comics you might already know what you would need to expect from the movie. However if you haven’t then one of the things you might need to know is this is not yet another animation movie that targets kids with a good moral message like Wall E, UP, Frozen, Brave and so on. There is no such thing this Big Hero 6 conveys. The movie is more of a super hero movie than that of a kid’s animation movie. During the break one of the kid exclaimed to her mom that she couldn’t understand the movie. If we are looking this more from a superhero movie angle then it has all the ingredients that would entice you. The animation is of great quality and the characters are all sketched very well. The health care robot Baymax is very cute and the scenes involving the interactions between Hiro and Baymax are funny and would make you laugh. The initial portions of the movie are more enjoyable than the climax itself. The climax is large and involves destruction on a large scale and reminded me of the Avengers and Man of Steel climax. This large scale destruction has now become a trademark for superhero movies. The movie revolves more around Hiro and Baymax. There is little space for the other four characters which I believe would be more prominent in the upcoming editions. The movie does have a post credit sequence which promises a premise for the next edition. So don’t leave the theater before the end of credits.

Overall Big Hero 6 has all the elements to entertain you and keep you engaged for 100 minutes. If you are a fan of Superhero and animation movies then don’t miss this one.

Watchable

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – is an English superhero action movie released in 2014. Marvel’s next edition of Captain America sees him fight against a deadly assassin known by the name Winter Soldier. The assassin attacks S.H.I.E.L.D agents, his motive is unknown. Was Steve Rogers (Captain America) able to stop him, did he find out the reason behind his attack? –  is the plot of the movie.

The movie jumps into action right from the first scene and keeps the audience very connected to the movie. The action sequences are done well. Directors Russo brothers (Anthony Russo and Joe Russo) have built a very compelling plot and have managed to unfold the suspense at appropriate time. Atleast this time around the One of the big plus for the movie is that it is not just a Captain America’s show. It also contains equal importance for the characters Nick Fury, Black Widow and War veteran Sam Wilson. Overall Marvel’s third outing with Captain America is a very enjoyable commercial package. If you are fan of superhero movies this is a must watch, all Marvel fans you would enjoy this even better. Don’t miss the two post credit sequences one which is building up for the next Avenger movie and the other for the next Captain America movie.

Must Watch – for all Marvel fans

 

Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World – is a Marvel Superhero movie released in 2013. Eons back Bor, grandfather of Thor defeats the dark elves and safeguards their deadly weapon Aether which has the potential to destroy the universe in a stone column. In the present time the dark elves lead by Malekith awaken with the accidental release of the weapon Aether. They now launch their assault on Asgard and are out to destroy the universe as the event of convergence of the Nine worlds nears. Thor has to save Asgard, the earth and the entire universe. Was Thor able to do it… ? is the plot of this sequel to the Thor movie.

When the dark evil forces arise and threatens to destroy the world, a superhero comes to save the world. This is a template of any superhero movie and the creators do not have much levy to change this. What they could creatively play around with is the sequence of events that would lead through the story. If they are not able to engage the audience with interesting sequences then the movie becomes a boring one. This movie is on the borderline. Parts of the movie, particularly the portions involving Loki are very engaging. Tom Hiddleston has done a very good job of playing the role of Loki and lifts the tempo of the movie. Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman have done what the script has asked for. Like any of the modern day super hero flicks there is mass destruction, makes one feel gone are those days when super heroes saved innocent people from great perils while the modern day super heroes are more concerned about their loved ones. Overall the movie deserves a one time watch if you are a Thor fan. And don’t miss, there are 2 post credit sequences at the end.

What you may like: Loki’s characterization, visual effects, post credit teasers

What you may not like: Usual superhero plot, slow paced first half, Not as racy as its prequel

Watchable – for the characterization of Loki

Man of Steel

Man of Steel – The most expected superhero movie of the year brings the rebooted Superman to the silver screen. As it is a reboot the movie is all about the origin of Superman and establishing his identity as Superman. As a boy Clark Kent is worried about the superhuman abilities he has and is confused if he would be accepted by the society and live a normal life as a human. He goes on a long journey covering his path and identity. But the circumstances and his super human abilities would not let him be in the dark for too long. Soon he is faced with the challenge to save the earth and the only way he could do is by revealing his identity. Did he reveal his identity? Did the human race accept him? forms the rest of the plot.

The movie had a load of expectations on itself with names like Christopher Nolan, Zack Snyder, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner in the credits. DC delivering a phenomenal reboot for the Batman just raised the expectation of this movie much higher. In comparison with the expectations the movie works in parts. There is a newer side of Superman’s childhood and the emotional turmoil he goes through which is taken very well. However once he takes the superhuman form it just becomes an average film. There is overdose of visual effects, which makes you bit exhausted in the end of it. Henry Cavill looks good as a superman however he has just limited expressions which becomes a bit monotonous through the movie. The movie does promise a good beginning for some promising sequels to come. If we were to take off the overloaded expectations of the movie it is a good watch.

Its a Bird, Its a Plane, Its Superman go for the red cape hero you had been inspired for decades.

Watchable – for Superman fans

Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 (3D) – A great sequel in the Iron Man series. It has all the thrills and frills you would expect from an Iron Man franchise. A wholesome entertainer… with brilliant performance from Robert Downey Jr where as Iron Man he takes on one of the deadliest evil force and also having to find answer to some of the questions he has for himself… For Iron Man fans “Its Christmas time” (you will get this once you see the movie)… As in case of all Marvel productions, wait till the credits roll you would enjoy the epilogue …

Must watch for all superhero movie fans