Spider-Man No Way Home Film Review

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Doctor Octopus, Doctor Strange, Electro, Green Goblin, Marvel, MCU, Multiverse, Sandman, Spider-Man, Spider-Man No Way Home, Spider-Man No Way Home Review, Spiderman No Way Home Review, The Lizard, Tom Holland

Spider-Man No Way Home

Review by Paul Bowler

The Multiverse explodes into the MCU in Spider-Man No Way Home as the webslingers world collides with the narrative of the Avengers movies and the plots of the five previous Spider-Man movies that starred Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Spider-Man No Way Home also contains more Easter eggs, secrets and cameos than any superhero film we’ve seen to date. Tom Holland’s third solo outing as Spider-Man also manages to side-step the curse of the over cluttered threquel to be an action packed, emotional roller coaster ride that more than lives up to the hype.

After a brief recap of Spider-Man being unmasked at the end of the previous film, Spider-Man No Way Home sees Holland’s young superhero struggling to protect Aunt May (Maria Tomie), his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya), best pal Ned (Jacob Batalon) and Tony Stark’s former chauffeur Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) from the media swarm that has descended on his life thanks to J. Jonah Jamerson (JK Simmons) broadcasts claiming that Spider-Man murdered Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal).

To protect those he loves Peter seeks out Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) at his Sanctum Sanctorum to ask him to cast a spell that could make the world forget his secret identity. But when the magic goes awry the multiverse is breached, summoning every villain who knew his identity in the other dimensions and Spider-Man movies – Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe, Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), Electro (Jamie Fox), Lizard (Rhys Ifans) and Sandman (Thomas Haden) –  to converge on NCY in the MCU reality.

Director Jon Watts, who has been behind the camera since Holland began his solo adventures in Spider-Man Homecoming after his scene-stealing debut in Captain America Civil War, keeps the huge scope and scale of Spider-Man No Way Home on track along with returning screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. Highlights include a spellbinding chase between Spider-Man and Doctor Strange across the dimensions that echoes Christopher Nolan’s Inception, Spider-Man battles the rogues gallery of his deadliest foes, and there’s a thrilling showdown at the Statue of Liberty. But it is the films underlying themes of second chances what really drives the narrative of the movie the most as Peter Parker is put through the emotional wringer, the same is true for the multitude of returning villains as well, and even the core ethos of great power and responsibility that is the cornerstone of Spider-Man’s legacy gets powerfully reworked in the most unexpected way.

Tom Holland gives his best performance by far as Peter Parker / Spider-Man, the supporting cast are brilliant as well, and script is chock full of fun moments and clever call-backs  to enjoy too. Oh and be sure to stay for those credits as well! To say any more about Spider-Man No Way Home would totally ruin the thrills and surprises it holds. I’d been really looking forward to seeing this film and I throughly enjoyed it. Suffice to say, if you’ve been a fan of the MCU and the many different eras of the Spider-Man films you are going to be totally blown away by the fan-pleasing moments this action-packed movie delivers!

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Dune (2021) Film Review

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Arrakis, Baron Harkonnen, Denis Villeneuve, Dune, Dune 2021, Dune 2021 Film review, Dune Film Review, Dune Part 1, Frank Herbert, Fremen, Paul Atreides, Sandworms, Timothee Chalamet

Dune (2021) Film Review

Review by Paul Bowler.

Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel, Dune, is finally here. Dune: Part One, follows the mythical emotional coming of age journey of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), a gifted young man born to face a destiny beyond anything he could’ve imagined on one of the most dangerous planets in the universe. When treachery strikes, Paul faces a battle for survival  on the harsh desert world of Arrakis as the fate of the future, his family and his people hangs in the balance.

Right from the first scene of Dune: Part One it becomes clear that French-Canadian director of Blade Runner 2049 Denis Villeneuve has taken the rich narrative of Frank Herbert’s epic 1965 sci-fi novel – which many have long considered unfilmable – and masterfully captured the essence of Herbert’s work in a way that beautifully presents the intricate universe of Dune with its fascinating ensemble of characters, political power-struggles, intrigue and mysticism. The film is the first in a two part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune, with a screenplay by Jon Spaihts, Villeneuve and Eric Roth that effectively covers the first half  of the first book.

Unlike David Lynch’s Dune, which was a disastrous and unfathomable flop that bombed at the box office 1984, David Villeneuve’s Dune manages to avoid the narrative pitfalls and correct many of that earlier film’s worst mistakes. The plot of Dune: Part  One is far more cohesive as a result.

Villeneuve wisely gives the characters and sweeping subtexts of Herbert’s novel room to breath, the special effects are breathtaking and the score by Hans Zimmer is magnificent. Fans of the book are sure to love every moment of Villeneuve’s thoughtful and respectful adaptation. Newbies might find the pace of the first hour a bit slow, but the sheer scope and scale of the film, along with its incredible visuals, effortless draws you in as Paul Atreides embarks on epic journey of discovery.

Once again, Dune: Part One sees the action unfold on the planet Arrakis, a commodity-rich world, where gargantuan sandworms lurk beneath the desert plains and the blue-eyed Fremen are locked in guerrilla warfare with their colonial oppressors from the ruthless House Harkonnen. Now the emperor has decreed that Barron Haekonnen (Stellan Skarsagard) must relinquish his governance over Arrakis to make way for the House of Atreides to take over, and ensure the further procurement of Melange, or spice as it is know, the priceless substance that can extend human vitality and is essential to maintain interstellar travel. The Atreides leader, Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac), seeks to make a treaty with the Fremen, but before his radical plans can be implemented, the bloated Baron Harkonnen and his hulking nephew Glossu Rabban (Dave Bautista) launch a devastating attack to seize   back control of Arrakis. 

Caught in the crossfire of the Harkonnen’s coup is Leto’s young son and heir, Paul (the perfectly cast Timothee Chalamet), and his mystical mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson),  who is also an acolyte of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, and both mother and son possess enhanced Jedi-like physical and mental abilities. They manage to escape the carnage and with some help from Paul’s sword-master mentor and friend, Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) along the way, Paul and his mother make the dangerous journey across sandworm territory to reach the Fremen, where Paul finally encounters the mysterious girl from his dreams, Chani (Zendaya). A ritual duel and haunting revelations await as Paul becomes further entwined with the Fremens’ messianic prophecies.

David Villeneuve’s Dune is mesmerising blend of intergalactic political intrigue, mystery, sci-fi monster action and adventure. Every moment of the 155-minute run time is well spent on melding characterisation and plot with accomplished ease, and although the ending is a bit abrupt it sets the stage nicely for the next chapter of Paul Atreides’ mission. Of course on the films release it wasn’t certain whether we’d actually get a part two and find out if Paul really is “The One”. Fortunately the film performed well at the box office (making $40 million during its opening weekend), and on 26th October 2021 Legendary, Warner Bros and director Denis Villeneuve confirmed that Dune: Part Two has now been officially green lit with a release date of October 20th 2023. Villeneuve’s inspired directorial vision and the films dazzling cinematography has brought Frank Herbert’s Dune to life on the big screen in the most spellbinding way imaginable. An awe-inspiring movie in its own right, Dune: Part One is everything fans could’ve  hoped for, and more!

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

No Time to Die Film Review

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007, Bond, Bond 25, Daniel Craig, James Bond, No Time To Die, No Time to Die film review

No Time To Die Film Review

Review by Paul Bowler.

No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final outing as the worlds most famous super-spy is finally with us at last, and it looks set to be 007’s most blockbusting adventure yet! As well as being the milestone 25th film in the Bond franchise, which began with Dr No in 1962, No Time To Die is also purportedly one of the most expensive Bond movie every made.

Picking after the events of Spectre (2015), where Blofield (Christopher Waltz) was captured and Bond had wandered off into the sunset with love-interest Dr Madeleine Swann, played by French star Lea Seydoux, No Time to Die finds that Bond and Madeleine have started a new life together in Italy. Although Bond’s left his spy days with MI6 behind him, Madeleine is still harbouring secrets of her own, and Bond’s own troubled past eventually makes them go their separate ways. 

Five years on and Bond is in Jamaica, retired and drowning his sorrows, that is until his old CIA contact Felix Leiter (Jeffery Wright) seeks his help. Christopher Waltz’s sinister Blofield may be behind bars, but he’s not without influence, and his nefarious henchmen on the outside are still eager to do his bidding – namely Primo (Dali Benssalah).

There’s also a new nemesis in the form of Safin, brilliantly played by Rami Malek, a deadly psychopath with his own agenda who also shares a past with Bond’s lover Madeleine. Bond reunites with M, played by Ralph Fiennes, along with old colleagues Ben Wishaw’s trusty quartermaster Q, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, and some new faces including the fearless and funny Cuban CIA agent Paloma, played by Ana de Armas, and Lashana Lynch as new double-oh-agent Nomi who stepped up to the plate when Bond was out of the frame. With new working practices at MI6 to contend with, Bond must learn to adapt as he struggles with his role in the ever changing asymmetric world of modern warfare and high-tech espionage, whilst dealing with the return of Madeleine, and finding a way to stop his enemies from unleashing a deadly bioweapon on the world. 

The multi-layered storyline brings this era of Bond full circle in a plethora of action, gadgets, intrigue and glamour. Daniel Craig gives one of his most powerful performances yet as 007 runs a gauntlet of brutal action, frenetic chases and emotional turmoil that will no doubt galvanise his legacy as one of the best Bond’s of all. He’s ably supported by a superb cast, who each get their moment in the spotlight, and Director Cary Joji Fukunaga stylishly orchestrates the international scope of the globe-trotting narrative, rich characterisation and the big action set-pieces with consummate ease. Add to that the rousing score by Hans Zimmer and a terrific theme tune written by Grammy winner Billie Eillsh and you have a movie that is sure to be everything that fans could’ve hoped for in Daniel Craig’s swansong as Bond.

No Tine to Die features some stunning locales, including those filmed in the hillside city of Matera in Italy, the Caribbean where Bond tries to escape his life at MI6, and an exciting chase in Norway. Filming also took place on the Faroe Islands, along with scenes short in the UK at the 19th century  Ardverikie Estate and Cairngorms in Scotland, and London. There’s the usual quota of stunts, fights and shoot-outs to leave you shaken and stirred, including a fantastic sequence with the iconic Austin Martin where Bond and Madeleine are attacked and pursued by their enemies, there’s a dramatic chase across a frozen lake as well, and even a record breaking explosion for one particular stunt.

The pandemic might have seen the film pushed back three times from its original 2020 release date, but its been well worth the wait. At just over two hours and 43 minutes long, its a film with a lot of ground to cover as it races into its thrilling final act, but the story never drags, and the exciting break-neck action ensures No Time to Die brings Daniel Craig’s era as Bond to a close in fine style. 

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Film Review

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and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and the Legend of the Ten Rings review, Martial Arts, Marvel, Marvel Comics, MCU, Phase Four, Shan-Chi, Simu Liu

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Review by Paul Bowler

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a spectacular new Asian led chapter in the next phase of Marvel’s highly anticipated wave of post Endgame movies, and also a much needed breath of fresh air for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Staring actor and stuntman Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who post blip is using the alias of Shaun while working as a hotel valet in San Francisco, together with his best friend Katy (Awkwafina). When they are suddenly attacked by the deadly Razor Fist (Florian Munteanu) and his henchmen, Shang-Chi has no choice but to reveal his true identity and return home to face the demons of his past, including his father, Wenwu (Tony Leung), who just happens to be the centuries old super-villain leader of the Ten Rings organisation!   

Director Destin Daniel Cretton stylishly blends the superhero fantasy and martial arts action. The frenetic fight sequences are beautifully choreographed, with Simu Liu performing many of his own stunts, and as origin stories go Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a great addition to the MCU line-up. The saga of the Ten Rings, the mystical weapons that grant their owner great power and immortality, is intricately woven into the narrative, and Shang-Chi’s fears his that estranged sister Xu Xialing (Meng’er Zhang) will also be targeted sees him race to Macau with Katy to find Xialing.

The plot hardly pauses for a moment from the outset. Highlights included a Jacky Chan like sequence on a skyscraper swathed in bamboo scaffolding, there’s a cage fight between Wong (Benedict Wong) and the Abomination (voice by Tim Roth), a daring Speed-style chase unfolds through the streets of San Francisco, and a bombastic finale of epic proportions round off Shang-Chi’s MCU debut in fine style.

Simu Liu effortlessly makes the role Shang-Chi his own, while Awkwafina’s scene stealing turn as Chi’s comic sidekick ensures there’s plenty of fun moments interspaced between the frenetic action. There’s some father son angst that gives the plot added depth, sacrifices are also made, and everything builds to a fittingly spectacular – if somewhat CGI heavy – climatic  mystical showdown. The supporting cast is excellent as well, although I felt the addition of Sir Ben Kingsley’s character Trevor Slattery (the faux Mandarin from Iron Man 3) was a little bit superfluous.

As Marvel Studios first film with an Asian director and a predominately Asian cast, Shan-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a fine exploration and representation of Asian culture, and a visually impressive and exciting MCU film on every level. There are plenty of Easter eggs and MCU references to past movies and future Phase Four projects to enjoy as well. This film may not be as game changing as Black Panther, but it was way more fun than Black Widow! Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ring is a good all-round action-adventure film in its own right, the dazzling martial arts fight sequences will blow yu away, and the post credit scenes (featuring some fan pleasing cameos) bring the character of Shang-Chi even further into the wider mythology of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Spider-Man Far From Home Film Review

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Jake Gyllenhaal, Marvel, Marvel Comics, MCU, Mysterio, Peter Parker, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Far From Home, Spider-Man Far From Home film review, Spiderman Far From Home film review, Tom Holland

Spider-Man Far From Home

Review by Paul Bowler.

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in Spider-Man Far From home, the next chapter in Marvel’s web-spinning Spider-Man film series. Serving as a coda of sorts to this year’s blockbusting smash hit Avengers Endgame; Spider-Man Far From Home is a fun filled blend of high-school romcom, spy drama, and dazzling superhero action.

After cleverly addressing the events and aftermath of the last two Avengers films, Spider-Man far From Home quickly gets under way as Peter Parker (Tom Holland) joins his friends Ned (Jacob Batalon), MJ (Zendaya), and the rest of the classmates on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to take a break from all the super heroics are soon thrown into turmoil when Spider-Man’s recruited by Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) and teamed up with the dimension-travelling Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is wracked by guilt because he failed to save his own world.

Together Spider-Man and Mysterio must confront the mysterious elemental creatures that have begun appearing and unleashing havoc across the continent. Peter Parker’s quest takes him across Europe battling elementals, but soon a new threat emerges, and only the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man can save the day!

It’s a good job Aunt May (Marisa Tomel), now in the know about her nephew’s superhero alter-ego, decided to pack his Spidey-suit for him as there’s no rest for Spider-Man on this vacation! Tom Holland is on fine form once again as the wall-crawling hero, with Peter’s anguish over Tony Stark’s death in Avengers Endgame brining extra emotional depth to the role. Reunited with his pals from Spider-Man Homecoming for this European vacation, Peter also plans to confess his love for MJ, brilliantly played by pop star Zendaya, and it is the fizzing chemistry between Peter and MJ that provides the movie’s warm emotional core.

Of course with Spider-Man themes of great power and responsibility are never far away, and screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, and director Jon Watts skilfully craft further angst for Peter Parker by having Nick Fury see him as a kind of replacement for the late Tony Stark as the worlds most prominent superhero. Fury gives Peter a special pair of computerised glasses as well – equipped with an AI which Stark had intended for his successor to have – which only compounds the internal conflict further whilst also reiterating the fallout from Avengers Infinity War and Endgame. It creates an interesting and somewhat fraught dynamic between Fury and Spider-Man as Iron Man’s legacy proves a daunting prospect for the teenager, something that Peter’s not sure he even wants, or is capable of living up too as all he really wants is to do is live as normal a life as he possibly can given his extraordinary life now as Spider-Man.

Jake Gyllenhaal is also really good as Quentin Beck, AKA, Mysterio, who Peter initially sees as a similar kind of mentor figure like he did Stark. Beck claims to have come from an alternative Earth, he’s here to help stop the Elementals from destroying this world like they did his. I’ve always been a big fan of Mysterio in the comics and I was thrilled to see the character handled so well in this movie. Mysterio’s abilities look spectacular, Gyllenhaal makes the role his own, and his distinctive costume with its cloudy domed helmet looks great.

Amidst all the fun, romance, and big action set-pieces, director Jon Watts keeps Spider-Man Far From Home on an even keel. The added weight of recent events in the MCU’s continuity slots in well with the films quirky spy caper narrative, and there’s even a smattering of darker themes such as big corporate manipulation and fake news. With our amazing Spider-Man donning a number of old and new Spidey suits as his adventures take him across Europe, the callbacks to previous movies come thick and fast, and the overall geeky sense of fun is sure to delight fans. Other familiar characters also return, including Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, and Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan.

With its great cast, crisp direction, and spectacular action Spider-Man Far From Home is sure to get your Spider Sense tingling! Brilliant fun from beginning to end, Spider-Man Far From Home provides a fitting epilogue to Avengers Endgame, and paves the way for a potentially bold new era for Spider-Man. Needless to say, this is a Marvel movie, so be sure to stay right through the credits where one of the films biggest secrets is waiting to be revealed!

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Godzilla King of the Monsters Film Review

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Godzilla, Godzilla King of the Monster, Godzilla King of the Monsters Film Review, Godzilla King of the Monsters Movie Review, Godzilla King of the Monsters review

Godzilla King of the Monsters

Review by Paul Bowler.

The monster mayhem abounds on an epic scale in Godzilla King of the Monsters! After their previous encounter with Godzilla the ultra secret Monarch organization has continued its research into the ancient Titans. Now eco-terrorists are determined to awaken these sleeping beasts. Soon Mothra, Rodan and the terrifying three-headed Ghidorah are unleashed and Monarch must seek out Godzilla once more to save the world!

Set some five years after Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla (2014), Godzilla King of the Monsters, directed by Michael Dougherty, and written by Michael Dougherty and Zach Shields (story by Max Borenstein, Michael Dougherty, and Zach Shields), is the latest instalment of the Warner Bros / Legendary Pictures’ Monsterverse film series

Featuring a strong cast Godzilla King of the Monsters fast-paced script introduces Monarch scientist Dr Emma Russell (Emma Farmiga) and her daughter Madison (Stranger Things’ brilliant Millie Bobby Brown) as they witness the hatching of the giant moth creature Mothra. Using a device called the ORCA, which emits signals that can influence a Titans behaviour; they are able to calm Mothra. But Emma and her daughter are then captured by a group of eco-terrorists, led by Alan Jonah (played with a suitably villainous flair by Game of Thrones star Charles Dance), who intend to use the ORCA to awaken the Titans to further their own agenda.

The Monarch scientists and soldiers, who include Chief Warrant Officer Jackson Barnes (O’Shea Jackson Jr), with Ziyi Zhang as Dr Ilene Chen and Dr Ling, Bradley Whitford as Dr Rick Stanton, Colonel Diane Foster (Aisha Hinds), and a returning Dr Serizawa (Ken Watanabe) and Dr Vivienne Graham (Sally Hawkins) from 2014‘s Godzilla, seek out Emma’s ex husband, Dr Mark Russell (Kyle Candler) – who created the ORCA with his wife – to help them in their search for Emma and Madison. Of course their quest also involves tracking down Godzilla as well, but when Ghidorah is revived all hell breaks loose, and the epic battle of the monsters which follows quickly spills out across the entire world as Godzilla roars into action!

Sure the script is a bit flimsy in places. Indeed, the characterization is even flimsier at times, but at its core Godzilla King of the Monsters is still monstrously good fun. However, the broken family unit of Emma, Mark and Madison (having been ripped apart by a terrible tragedy) are cleverly placed front and centre as the plot unfolds, and they offer a much need focal point amidst all the monster action, sci-fi jargon, clunky humour, and military gung-ho bravado.

Needless to say despite some of the scripts weaknesses, it’s the monsters were here for right? Well, as a big Godzilla fan that’s what I sure as hell was looking forward to, and I’m happy to say that in this respect Godzilla King of the Monsters delivered on ever level. The kaiju action is spectacular! Godzilla is especially impressive and powerful, Mothra looks beautiful, Rodan is as savage as hell, and the three-headed Ghidorah is a magnificent spectacle to behold. The CGI battle sequences are well orchestrated, we get right into the heart of the action, and the final showdown will simply blow you away!

With its spectacular effects, fantastic monster battles, and thrilling action Godzilla King of the Monsters left this Godzilla fan feeling very happy indeed. While it’s not without its faults, as Hollywood remakes go Godzilla King of the Monsters eclipses its predecessors, and delivers the monster action with breathtaking style.

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Avengers Endgame Film Review

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Avengers, Avengers Endgame, Avengers Endgame film review, Avengers Endgame review, Marvel, MCU, Thanos

Avengers Endgame

Review by Paul Bowler.

Avengers Endgame explodes onto the big screen in the wake of Avengers Infinity War’s devastating cliff-hanger from last year which saw fifty per cent of the MUC’s heroes turned to dust by cosmic super-villain Josh Brolin’s Thanos.. This spectacular, 22^nd instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeelyand, brings the saga to a shattering conclusion – and yes Avengers Endgame is every bit the triumphantly bombastic finale we could’ve ever hoped for!

The 　surviving Avengers are back, with the classic trinity of Robert Downey Jnr., Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth returning as Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, along with Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner / Hulk and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, and a wealth of other surviving MCU heroes including Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, Don Cheadle as James Rhodes / War Machine, Karen Gillan as Nebula, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man to name just a few of the films star-studded ensemble cast uniting to avenge their fallen comrades by striking back to defeat the　all-powerful Thanos and save the universe.

This time though the Avengers will have Brie Larson’s cosmic powered Captain Marvel fighting alongside them! Captain Marvel certainly brings a fresh new dynamic to the team. Captain Marvel’s presence somewhat redresses the slight gender imbalance in the Avengers team line-up, she’s a major powerhouse in her own right, and has a mischievous no-nonsense attitude and slight disdain for following orders.

Josh Brolin remains as compelling and powerful in the role of Thanos. The Mad Titan is confident to the extreme, sure in his power, and as ruthlessly intelligent as ever. As villains go in the MCU, Thanos is one of the most well written and developed so far, and Avengers Endgame delivers a spectacular showdown between the Avengers and their intergalactic arch-enemy.

Anthony Russo and Joe Russo have weaved their spellbinding magic again with Avengers Endgame. If you thought Infinity War was epic in scope and scale, well you better buckle up, because you ain’t seen nothing yet! Avengers Endgame is packed with awesome action-set-pieces, jaw-dropping CGI, and plenty of glorious character moments for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as they dust themselves off and take the fight to Thanos.

With its three hour run time of thrills, action, and shock surprises, Avengers Endgame will have you on the edge of your seat as the plot twists and turns through a myriad of plot threads that skilfully encompasses the entirety of the MCU amidst all the spectacle.

To say more could end up risking spoiling this incredible cinematic event. So, suffice to say Avengers Endgame provides an emotionally charged finale to the current MCU film series, its also brilliant fun, and one of the most epically action-packed superhero movies ever!

 

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SHAZAM! Film Review

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Asher Angel, Billy Baston, David F Sandberg, DC Comics, DC Extended Universe, Dr Thaddeus Sivana, Mark Strong, Seven Deadly Sins, Shazam, Shazam Film Review, Zachary Levi

SHAZAM!

Review by Paul Bowler.

Shazam! is a confident and fun addition to the DC Extended Universe. Magic and monsters collide in this wildly entertaining mix of superhero action movie and body-swap comedy Directed by David F Sandberg, and written by Henry Gayden (with story by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke).

Thanks to an encounter with a mysterious ancient wizard (Djimon Hounsou), when Billy Baston (Asher Angel) shouts the word SHAZAM! the streetwise 14 year old foster kid is now magically transformed into the adult superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi). Billy is still a kid at heart though, albeit one in a muscle-bound, godlike body, with incredible strength, speed, and the power to throw lightening bolts from his fingertips! Shazam delights in suddenly being an adult version of himself by having terrific fun with his superpowers. But he must also master his powers quickly in order to confront the evil Dr Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) and the threat of the monstrous demons known as the Seven Deadly Sins being unleashed on the world.

With a script that essentially feels like a super-powered spin on Tom Hanks’ 1988 comedy film Big – even paying homage to it at one point during a fight in a big department store – Shazam is a goofy adventure packed with jokes and exuberant fun. Asher Angel is perfectly cast as Billy Baston, a kid that suddenly finds himself bequeathed with incredible power and responsibility, who, along with Zachary Levi playing his amusing super-powered alter-ego, brings a gloriously frank and excitable sense of wonder to the character.

The strong emotional dynamic is enhanced further by Billy’s foster family. Jack Dylan Grazer is a delight as Billy’s nerdy foster brother Freddy Freeman, and Faithe Herman is also great as Billy’s foster sister Darla. It is this warm grounding in reality that’s the key to Shazam’s success, you become more invested in the characters as a result, and it also provides a nice counterbalance to all the fantasy elements as well.

Mark Strong is well cast as the wickedly evil super-villain Dr Sivana and provides an excellent adversary for Shazam to face-off against in David F Sandberg’s sickly directed movie. Although Shazam doesn’t have quite the same epic wall-to-wall action of more recent superhero blockbusters, the conflict between Shazam and Dr Sivana still provides plenty of crowd-pleasing superhero action to enjoy, and the exciting finale featuring the scary CGI onslaught of the Seven Deadly Sins rounds everything off in fine style.

Shazam, created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck in 1939, might be one of the lesser known comic book characters (he actually sold more comics than Superman at one point and was originally called Captain Marvel until legal problems saw the character side lined for a time until he was resurrected by DC Comics as Shazam), its great to see the character appear now in the DCEU and get a well deserved share of the limelight.

Boasting a superb cast and wry blend of action and laughter, Shazam is without doubt one of the most entertaining and funny superhero movies I’ve seen in a long while. The DC film universe is really finding its feet now!

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Captain Marvel Film Review

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Avengers Endgame, Bire Larson, Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel film review, Captain Marvel Review, Carol Danvers, Kree, Marvel, Marvel Comics, MCU, Nick Fury, Samuel L Jackson, Skrull

Captain Marvel

Review by Paul Bowler

Get set for a cosmic thrill-ride as Captain Marvel blasts onto the big screen! Staring Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, this action packed addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe officially introduces Carol Danvers to cinema audiences

As a member of the elite military, Starforce, Captain Marvel charts the story of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the Earth’s most powerful heroes after the Earth gets caught up in a galactic war between the Kree and Skrull Empires. With a mission to locate a secret device on Earth, Captain Marvel must embark on a path of personal rediscovery, while battling shape-shifting aliens led by Talos (Ben Mendelsohn), and being pursued by secretive US agents. Set in 1995, Captain Marvel propels Carol Danvers into a cosmic battle to save the Earth and offers a fresh new direction and insight into a previously unseen era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As well as heralding a new chapter in MCU lore, Captain Marvel also marks the debut of Brie Larson as the first female character to front a Marvel Studios movie, and of course the film has been eagerly anticipated by fans. Brie Larson is superb in the role of the intergalactic warrior, combining noble empathy and feisty fun in her quest to save Earth, solve the mystery of Project Pegasus, and ultimately harness the full potential of her powers.

Captain Marvel also has something of a tempestuous partnership with a much younger, and still two eyed, Nick Fury, brilliantly played as ever by Samuel L Jackson (his face digitally regressed to portray the younger Fury) , and fan favourite Clark Gregg returns as Phil Coulson.

Carol Danvers also makes a loyal friend during her training in the US air force, Maria (Lashana Lynch), there’s guidance from a mysterious character played by Annette Bening, Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) is a Starforce commander and Danvers’ mentor, we also have fellow soldiers Mini Erva (Gemma Chan) and Korath (Djimon Hounsou), Ronan The Accuser (Lee Pace) has yet to become the radical zealot we first saw in Guardians of the Galaxy, and there’s the loveable scene-stealing cat, Goose!

Directors and co-writers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck bring an interesting new spin on the superhero origin movie. Sure, all the familiar tropes are there, but Boden and Fleck have crafted an engaging and fun mashup between the 90’s setting and the formative aspects of the MCU to deliver a thrilling stand-alone superhero adventure in its own right

With its stellar cast and fast-paced direction Captain Marvel is another sure-fire hit! Boasting stunning visual effects and epic set-pieces, Captain Marvel is a fantastic film, Brie Larson proves inspired casting and makes the role her own, and the movie even manages to ingratiate itself with April’s hotly anticipated Avengers: Endgame, so be sure to stay for the credits!

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Solo: A Star Wars Story Film Review

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Alden Ehrenreich, Chewbaca, Darth Maul, Donald Glove, Emilia Clarke, Han Solo, Joonas Suotamo, Lando Calrissian, Michael K. Williams, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Ron Howard, Solo A Star Wars Story Film Review, Solo A Star Wars Story Review, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars, Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson

Solo: A Star Wars Story Film Review

Review by Paul Bowler

Get ready to make the jump to light speed as the origin of the Star Wars sagas favourite scoundrel unfolds in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Set in an earlier time before the original 1977 Star Wars sci-fi blockbuster, this all new tale from a galaxy far, far way charts the adventures of a young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich).

Naturally with Alden Ehrenreich taking on the role made so iconic by Harrison Ford in four pervious Star Wars movies, a great deal hinges on the characters portrayal, and Ehrenreich does a commendable job with his performance as Han Solo – bringing enough roguish swagger to the role to carry it off. You’ll soon find yourself swept along with the exciting series of escapades within the intergalactic criminal underworld that ultimately sets Han Solo on his journey from petty street thief to swashbuckling smuggler.

There’s a great supporting cast too, with Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke playing Han’s childhood sweetheart and partner in crime, Qi’ra. Woody Harrelson is also well cast as the gang leader Tobias Beckett who enlists Solo in a daring plot to steal a highly valuable shipment of coaxium fuel. For me though it was Donald Glover’s performances as the charismatic Lando Calrissian who totally stole the show, and Lando’s droid co-pilot / navigator L3-37 (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) also had some good moments.

The film is packed with big action set-pieces and strong defining character moments. From a death defying monorail heist, Solo goes on to meet his future co-pilot Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and board a gloriously pristine looking Millennium Falcon for the first time, before taking on the infamous Kessel run and confounding the schemes of master criminal Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany).

Ron Howard was brought on to handle reshoots after the departure of the films original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Considering its somewhat troubled production, director Ron Howard has crafted a cohesive, adventurous, and extremely fun packed movie. It’s by no means perfect; some liberties are taken to ingratiate it into the wider scope of Star Wars canonicity, but for me Solo: A Star Wars Story proved a worthy and spectacular addition to the Star Wars saga!

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