You don't get it, son. This isn't a email service, it's a blog and we're the bloggers! We are the Caped Informers. Here to inform you on all current comic related news.
Guess those Green Lantern rumors were a load of bullshit cause Chris Pine (Star Trek) has officially joined the cast of Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman as Steve Trevor. The Wrap has reported that Pine will star opposite Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman as her main love interest/compatriot. They also go on to give a quick description of what to expect of Pine's character "Steve Trevor will be no mere love interest for Gadot’s Diana Prince, as there will be plenty of action to keep him busy."Wonder Woman will hit theaters in 2017. Source: The Wrap
Pine is a fine addition to the Wonder Woman mythos. He can serve as a romantic interest to Diana, but at the same time can add ties to the government and even Amanda Waller.
What do you think of Chris Pine as Steve Trevor? Did you want him as Hal Jordan instead? Let us know in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And make sure to tune in for our weekly Arrow,Flash, and Daredevilreviews.
Marvel Studios has released 12 comic blockbusters since 2008. Iron Man kicked off their interconnected universe with a bang and comic book movies have never been the same since. So now that Marvel has released one of it's best solo movies yet called Ant-man, the Informers decided to rank all 12 of the studios interconnected films. Let's get it going. 12. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Total garbage. The first Phase 2 movie takes Iron Man's greatest foe and turns him into a joke while placing Tony outside of his suit for 98% of the run time. Shane Black and Drew Pearce successfully took Jon Faveru's Iron Man saga and turned it into shit.
11. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
2013 was not a good year for Marvel. After the debacle that is Iron Man 3, Thor's sequel later in the year that wasn't that impressive either. At this point if Loki wasn't in this franchise would anyone care? Malekith was absolutely forgettable along with Thor's crew of human sidekicks. Natalie Portman is really just picking up paychecks in these movies as Jane Foster. Less of her and more Lady Sif and the Warrior's Three for Thor Ragnorak, please.
10. Iron Man 2 (2010)
Love both Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell. Just not in this movie. Neither villain really stands out or has an interesting plan. One could say the real villain is Tony's alcoholism. But despite all it's faults, RDJ's charm combined with the addition of Don Cheadle as War Machine elevate this mediocre film to a decent one.
9. Thor (2011)
Not much to say here. Just an okay movie with some solid humor. It helps set up the Thor + Loki for The Avengers, but doesn't really do much else. The Frost Giant battle is fun though.
8. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
The epic throw down between Abomination + The Hulk was the only reason I placed this film this high. Ed Norton makes for a convincing Banner/Hulk while on the other hand Liv Tyler is a pretty crappy Betty Ross. Mark Ruffalo has done a commendable job picking up Banner from Norton left off, but after seeing Norton put on an acting clinic in Birdman last year, I would have loved to see what he would have done with the character had he continued to portray the Green Goliath.
7. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
An interesting period piece about Steve Rogers and his transformation into this universe's first superhero Captain America. Loved the WW2 setting and Steve's motivations. What I didn't care for was a slow story that had a difficult time showing off Cap's abilities. If you used this film as a point of reference for Cap's superpowers you would have to assume his own ability is super leaping. He barely uses his shield in his opening appearance.
6. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Earth's Mightiest Heroes reunited for a second go around. This time against the evil AI Ultron. The same humor and action you loved from the first Avengers is here. Seriously they could make 20 movies just like this and I would love them all. In the MCU, I think there are 3 tiers in the hierarchy of the MCU. Those are Average, Good, and Great. I would say #12-9 are average, #8-7 are good, and here at #6 the great films begin. Which makes it hard to put this great film all the way down at 5, but with so many awesome films compromises needed to be made.
5. Ant-Man (2015)
The more I think about Ant-Man, the more I like it. It is a great palatecleanser from the recent massive Marvel movies. The stakes feel smaller and that makes the movie feel tighter. It really marks it own corner of the MCU. Paul Rudd is great as Scott Lang and Michael Douglas is even better as Scott's mentor Hank Pym. This heist adventure is humorous throughout and is Marvel's best first solo outing since Iron Man.
4. Iron Man (2008)
Speaking of Iron Man, it single handedly kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe and rejuvenated RDJ's career all at once. Iron Man is one of the most important superhero films of all time. Aided by RDJ's charm and Jon Farveru's slick visuals this movie presents an interesting origin for Tony Stark while creating a world that has allowed for all these incredible superhero films to exist. Also ACDC kicks ass!
3. The Avengers (2012)
The Avengers is the first ever giant superhero team-up on film. The final 45 minute battle alone could secure it a high spot on this list, but The Avengers has more going for it besides it's action. Joss Whedon expertly weaves in the each team members' different dynamics as the team forms to take down the villainous Loki (played by the great Tom Hiddleston). Solid performances across the board and hilarious moments make this movie a must for a superhero fans.
2. Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
When this film was initially announced, the general consensus was that it would be Marvel's first real flop. Introducing five relatively unknown characters that include the likes of a talking raccoon and a tree sounded like a major risk at the time. Well, James Gunn proved all those people wrong and these five "losers" won the 2014 summer box office. GOTG is packed with humor + heart that just fit it's tone completely. Not to mention the best soundtrack in ages. Also Chris Pratt is now the world's biggest star. GOTG, Lego Movie, and now Jurassic World have made this guy huge.
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier(2014)
Perfection. This film is an excellent adaption of a classic Captain America storyline that is great at infusing both drama and comedy. Directors the Russo brothers understand Cap's Universe and utilize the additions of Falcon as a sidekick, The Winter Soldier as an adversary, and Black Widow as Cap's moral foil to propel this sequel way past it's predecessor. Best Marvel film period. Hail Hydra!
Thanks for reading! What's your favorite Marvel film? Which future movie are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And make sure to tune in for our weekly Arrow,Flash, and Daredevilreviews. You can also read my original rankings by clicking here.
P.S. These movies are dope and all, but Daredevil is the best thing Marvel has ever produced!
Paul Rudd bursts onto the Marvel scene in Ant-Man. Check out my review of the pint sized hero's first solo outing. (Mild To No Spoilers!)
Description:Several months after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, ex-thief Scott Lang must aid his mentor and former hero Dr. Hank Pym in safeguarding the mystery of the Ant-Man technology—which allows its user to decrease in size but increase in strength—from various new threats, and plot a heist that will save the Earth.
High Points:
Paul Rudd was classic charming Paul Rudd. You buy that his Scott Lang is a criminal who wishes to reform. He also provides his A+ comedic timing.
Speaking of comedy, this movie is funny. And the funniest person isn't even Paul Rudd, it's Michael Pena as Luis. Almost every word out of his mouth made me laugh.
Michael Douglas was a great Hank Pym. He and Rudd had solid chemistry. Their mentor/men-tee relationship was the core of the film.
Loved Hank Pym's backstory.
The Ant-Man shrinking sequences were pretty cool. The stunt team and special effects were able to make Ant-Man fight in a much different way than most superheroes. He used his size and speed to his advantage.
Scott actually controlled a shit ton of ants.
There is a sequence with an Avenger that was an unexpected surprise.
Loved the heist film vibe. What Marvel has excelled at is making their movies feel like different types of films rather than just a generic superhero film.
Yellowjacket had a kickass suit. It looked damn cool.
Judy Greer is America's Mom.
The final fight sequence encompasses everything that made this movie a blast.
Cut Scenes set up two future Marvel movies!
T.I. was in it and that makes me happy.
Ant-Man's Theme Song
Low Points:
While Ant-Man's powers + action sequences felt new and exciting, other elements of the film felt rather predictable and generic. Particularly a romantic plot and the film's entire opening.
Corey Stoll is a great actor. I fucking loved him as Peter Russo in House of Cards. He is wasted here. He is generic Bad guy #1. The actions he takes to make the audience hate him are ridiculous/hilarious. Marvel continues to show that they don't give a shit about villains.
Non-chalant Hydra reference.
Ants are gross.
Verdict: Ant-Man is a fun film. Another product of the proven Marvel formula. The movie has a generic bad guy, but that has worked for these films that fit into the MCU. Despite that major flaw, Paul Rudd's charm and the great use of Ant-Man's powers put this flick a step above many of Marvel's other solo efforts. Overall I'm giving Ant-Man a 7.5 out of 10. A cool new superhero romp that doesn't disappoint, but fails to get from good to great.
Thanks for reading! What did you think of Ant-Man? What part will he have to play in Civil War? Let us know in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And be sure to check out all our other TV + movie reviews.
P.S. Someone start a Kickstarter for the Michael Pena (Luis) spinoff!
David Ayer (Training Day) just dropped a bombshell on Twitter. The director has released the SDCC teaser trailer that was shown in Hall H on Saturday morning. Only select few were meant to see it, but due to so many low quality pirated versions online, Ayer decided to release the footage in a higher quality. Check the greatness.
Top 5
1. Jared Leto looks and sounds amazing. Dude is already a master creep. Scooper Supreme El Mayimbe has said his sources on the Suicide Squad set have told him that Leto is knocking this performance out of the park. This 5 seconds of him confirms that.
2. The Wall is The Wall. Viola Davis isn't playing it nice. She is gonna force these super criminals to do what she desires. Ever the antagonist.
3. Will Smith looks game for the first time in a long while. If 7 years ago, you told me Will Smith would be in a superhero movie not called Hancock I would have been a 100% in. But since around 2009, when Will stopped doing great movies and instead just started promoting his kids to the masses, I have been hesitant to be excited for any project he is in. Forget that shit. He looks like classic WS in these 3 minutes.
4. Big props to Killer Croc's look. When the first official pic came out I gave his practical design some shit. It looks much better on film than I anticipated.
5. Margot Robbie is the X-Factor. She could become the next Groot or Rocket if the movie does well. So far from what we have seen, I'm digging her portrayal.
Bonus: Jai Courtney didn't suck! Letting Aussie be an Aussie was a good idea.
Thanks for reading! What did you think of the footage? Specifically the Joker. Sound off in the comments or tweet us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And make sure to tune in for all our TV + moviereviews. as well as our editorials.
Forget Batman and Superman, the real greatest team up of all time is taking place behind the camera. Warner Bros has announced that Academy Award winning talent and current Batman, Ben Affleck (The Town), will be directing as well as starring in the next Batman solo film! So who did WB decide to team with their one man wrecking crew to write this bad boy? None other than their top DC comics writer, Geoff Johns (The Flash)! Holy shit, right? That is one hell of a tag team. Affleck is a life long fan of the character and Johns has written the Bat on multiple occasions. So expect the most comic accurate and badass Batman to date on the silver screen. The movie is expected to shoot after Affleck wraps up production on Dennis Lehane's Live By The Night. So a tentative mid 2017 release date sounds likely! Source: ComicBookMovie
What direction do you want Affleck+Johns to take Batman? Who should the villain(s) be? Sound off in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And make sure to tune in for all our TV + moviereviews. as well as our editorials.
Hot off the heels of adding Jon Bernthal (Wolf Of Wall Street) as the Punisher, Marvel TV has announced that actress Elodie Yung (GI Joe: Retaliation) will also join the series as Matt Murdoch's ex-girlfriend Electra. The character was briefly mentioned in DD's tenth episode and it sure will be interesting to see how the show introduces both Electra and the Punisher. Source: Marvel
This chick ain't fucking around
What do you think of Elodie Yung? Can she be better than Jennifer Garner? Sound off in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And make sure to tune in for all our TV + moviereviews. as well as our editorials. P.S. Where the fuck is Bullseye?
