Captain America: Civil War (No Spoilers)

Captain America: Civil War is everything I wanted from Avengers: Age of Ultron while still remaining a Captain America centric film.

My buddy turned to me right after the end credits began and said "Dude, I just had a boner for 2 1/2 hrs" (really hope they put that quote on the back of the Blu Ray). That pretty much sums up how any comic book/Marvel movie fan will feel after they watch Civil War. The movie has so many incredible characters and the best (YES THE BEST) fight in a superhero ever.

The Russo Brothers (Arrested Development) are back at the helm and once again they take a Captain America movie to new heights. They continue the personal story of Cap + Bucky from Cap's last two outings and that relationship carries the movie that is stuffed with other superheroes.

• First and foremost THE AIRPORT SCENE! You have only seen 2% of it in the trailers. Every single character involved has their moment to shine and kick serious ass. This is this the closest thing to a huge crossover comic event that has ever been on screen. You will see characters match ups you had only dreamed about . I was smiling throughout. Without a doubt, it is the best comic book movie fight ever. 
• Spiderman is fantastic. Tom Holland nails it. He plays the part of the teenager among  the adult superheroes PERFECTLY. He also has some of my favorite dialogue in the film. Everything I saw from him just made Spiderman:Homecoming my #1 anticipated comic movie of 2017.

Holland really reminded me of this criminally underrated Spiderman cartoon

• Everyone will tell you Spiderman steals the show. And while I loved him, I feel Antman actually steals the spotlight. Will talk about why in my spoiler review.
• The movie has several comic references including a few actual plot points from the Civil War storyline. 
• Every audience member will understand why Cap and Iron Man are on opposite sides.  Their motivations make total sense thus making their confrontations more emotional to the viewer.
• Black Panther is an absolute beast. Chadwick Boseman introduces the King Of Wakanda in excellent fashion. He brings a regal attitude, but at the same time he has a vicious and unique fighting style. Let's just say you do not want to get stuck in his crosshairs.

YOU FORGOT THE PICKLES!

• There are a few more action beats besides the epic Airport fight that are great. The opening fight scene though had some shaky cam moments that made it difficult for me to follow. That also could have been because I was forced to see the movie in 3D and had to wear 3D glasses over my glasses. That shit fucks with your vision.
• The bromances between Falcon + Cap and Cap + Bucky are my favorite. They have each others backs no matter what. I love that kind of loyalty.
• I started out on Cap's side and ended on Cap's side. Chris Evans embodies what I have always felt a hero should stand for and be. Someone who will protect people no matter what.
• Scarlet Witch is the most powerful Avenger and she shows that off quite a bit.
• The villain is fine. His motivations make sense especially with the themes of the movie, but he is kind of just there.

There is so much more to talk about. This movie is stuffed, but the Russo Bros do a great job of making sure everything flows in the storytelling. Captain America: The Winter Soldier probably has a more sophisticated storyline, but Civil War has incredible set pieces and characters out the wahzoo. I'm giving Captain America: Civil War an A

How is Marvel going to top this one? Which superhero bout did you like the most? Did you like Spiderman as much as I did? Sound off in the comments and make sure to follow me @cstrand73 on Twitter and Instagram for all of my superhero insights. You can also check out my reviews for the first two Captain America movies below.

UPDATE: Out of all the questions Civil War leaves about the future of MCU, this was by far the biggest and it needed to be answered.

Tweet Credit to +Superhero Feed 

Captain America: Civil War Trailer is Here!

After months of anticipation it's here. The teams are set. ITS ABOUT TO GO DOWN
!

2016 is gonna be the greatest year for comic movies ever! What did you think of the trailer? Comment below or tweet at me @cstrand73. 

Ant-Man Review

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!

P.P.S. I'm still fucking bitter that I didn't direct this.

New Ant-Man Trailer!

Hot off their new found Netflix success, Daredevil, Marvel Studios has released their second trailer to their upcoming tiny superhero flick Ant-Man. This one is considerably better than the first one. Check it out!

Three things really struck me in this trailer:

1. Corey Stoll is a perfect bad guy. His bald head was born for evil. And his Yellowjacket looks pretty cool as well.

2. Tonally this trailer still can't seem if it wants to be humorous or serious. But at least the humorous parts hit better this time.

3. How cool is it that an epic fight is taking place on a Thomas the Train Engine play set? Thomas was always an underrated badass. A tank engine who has always had balls and was fucking fearless. Glad he is finally getting the respect he deserves. 

Ant-Man hits theaters this July. Before that though you can check out Marvel's indie flick dropping May 1st called The Avnegers: Age Of Ultron.

Ant-Man Trailer Has Finally Been Released!

Paul Rudd stars in a movie that I didn't direct alongside Michael Douglas as a character I didn't cast in Marvel Studios' Ant-Man. Last year everyone claimed that Marvel was taking a major risk with Guardians of the Galaxy (look at how that worked out!), so the risk with Ant-Man looks like slightly less at this point. Disagreements with the studio caused Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz) to leave that director chair and rumors that there is something wrong with this movie to spread. Now people love Paul Rudd (myself included) so I don't think this movie will totally bomb. I'm just saying from this trailer, Ant-Man looks a lot like another Thor: The Dark World and not a GOTG. That's not a good thing if Marvel wants to launch another character to join their Avenger's roster. 
          In the end though there is no stopping Marvel these days. They are on a roll after an amazing 2014. So with the Marvel logo in the front the credits, Ant-Man should be just fine. Plus I fucking love Corey Stoll (House of Cards). He will be a great adversary for Paul Rudd.  Ant-Man comes out July 2015.

Director Edgar Wright Exits 'Ant-Man'

CBM.com has reported that Marvel Studios and director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz) have parted ways due to "creative differences". Wright was set to first Marvel's Ant-Man or the first film of their Phase 3. Wright spent 6 years developing the project. The Studio will have to quickly find a replacement because the rest of the crew and cast are set to shoot. This a big blow to Marvel Studios that has had trouble with actors and directors in the past. When you are owned by the Big Mouse it's his way or the highway. My guess is Wright probably tried to inject some of his brand of comedy to the superhero genre and Mickey would have none of it because it doesn't fit into Disney's "family friendly agenda". Or maybe he really did just have "creative differences. well whatever, Fight the Power Edgar! Ant-Man is still expected Summer 2015.

Read more: CBM