Spiderman: Homecoming is my Favorite Spiderman Movie

The night is always darkest before the dawn. Truer words have never been spoken. 3 years have past since the darkness that is The Amazing Spiderman 2. Making it's poor use of Spidey's world fade into a distant dubstep memory. Now it is time for the dawn aka Spiderman: Homecoming to rise and save the web crawler from cinematic mediocrity. Marvel Studios and Sony Picture have co-authored the best Spiderman movie of all time. It could even be my personal favorite MCU movie. It has heart, charm, and humor in spades. Tom Holland (Captain America: CW) embodies a teenage Spiderman. He is now officially my favorite Spidey. The character has never shown his age before quite like this on screen. Spiderman: Homecoming much like Peter Parker's actual life feels like a high school comedy seamlessly mixed with a superhero blockbuster. The whole cast is terrific and director Jon Watts (Cop Car) deserves serious praise. Also can't believe how many references and easter eggs are in this film as well. If you love Spidey what are you doing reading this shit, go to see Spiderman: Homecoming right now.

P.S. One of the only flaws with the film was that this amazing scene wasn't adapted. SHOCKER!!!

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 

Tom Holland Is The New Spiderman

After looking through every teenaged actor who had a headshot, Marvel Studios + Sony finally decided to go with Tom Hollland (The Impossible) for their new take on the Webslinger. Holland will make his first appearance in Captain America: Civil War then jump to his own solo film in 2017 that will be directed by indie director Jon Watts (Cop Car). 

So we got a couple of real unknowns leading the Spiderman franchise. I hope Jon Watts' has a real kick ass vision for a 3rd set of Spidey films. If you wanna check out 6 things that I think the new Spirderman needs to do click right here.

What do you think of the new Spidey? Did you want Miles Morales? Sound off in the comments or tweet us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. 

First Look At The Fantastic Four's The Thing

We have seen what Jamie Bell's (Nymphomaniac) Thing's ass looks like, so today Fox decided it was time to show us his frontside.

It is indeed clobbering time! That dude looks like he is made of solid rock. CGI is turning out much better than that Michael Chiklis (The Shield) suit. Fantastic Four hit theaters this August.

Actually Tobias might have worn it better

Thanks for reading! What do you think of The Thing? 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 Daredevil reviews.

What Marvel's Spiderman Needs To Do

6 Things That The Spectacular Spiderman Needs To Do

Spiderman is swinging his way into the MCU. I still get excited every time I write it. After an introduction in Captain America: Civil War, the Web Head will be getting a new solo film in 2017. So I prematurely determined that film should be titled The Spectacular Spiderman and came up with a list of some things that Marvel Studios' take on the character should include. Enjoy!

1. Keep Peter Parker/ Do Not Retell His Origin Story!

Ever since Marvel + Sony's announced their team-up, the name Miles Morales has been tossed around quite a bit. Some people are tired of Peter Parker's tale. Instead they want a different character as Spiderman. Miles is of course the Spiderman from Marvel comics' Ultimate verse. He was introduced back in 2011 and picked up the mantle of Spiderman after Ultimate-verse's Peter Parker's death. The real plus to Miles is that he would bring some much needed diversity to the Avenger's roster with his half African American half Puerto Rican heritage. 

Now while I agree that bringing in Miles as Spiderman does have it's positives, I still believe that Peter Parker should remain the cinematic Spiderman for now. Fans have wanted to see Spiderman chill with his fellow Avengers for some time now and having Miles being there instead of Peter just would not be the same. I wanna see Peter exchange quips with Iron Man and receive guidance from Captain America. He is the original Spidey and with Marvel finally getting to use the character in it's universe, I just don't see them not using Peter Parker.

Now in the future I am 100% onboard with bringing Miles in as a replacement. Marvel Studios wants these films to run for as long as possible, so when the time is right Miles can take on the mantle of Spidey and carry the franchise into a new era.

But until then, if Peter is involved keep his origin story out of it. Peter gets bit. Uncle Ben gets killed. Powers + Responsibility. We get it. We don't need to see it again a third time. The Amazing Spiderman had Ben die because Peter wanted chocolate milk. There is just no coming back from that. Do what The Incredible Hulk did and tell Peter's origins in the opening credits. Of course the film can allude back to Uncle's Ben murder and Peter getting his powers when needed, but just start the film with Peter having been Spidey for a little while. 

2. Introduce New Villains

The Amazing Spiderman did a poor job of utilizing Spiderman's rogues gallery. Which is surprising because besides maybe Batman, the Web slinger has the best cast of baddies in comics. Which brings us to Electro. No one's favorite villain is Electro. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko don't even like him. That is until The Amazing Spiderman 2 director Marc Webb claimed that he loved the character. Then he turned Electro into a caricature and absolute joke of a main villain. Now if that's how Marc treats the things he loves, I sure wouldn't want to be his Valentine. So for the new films let's focus on villains people actually like and have set backstories, not a guy who looks like Mr. Freeze's ballsack and acts like Jim Carrey's Riddler.

Truer words have never been spoken

Several high profile Spidey villains have yet to have a big screen adaption. Electro was picked over greats like Kraven, Mysterio, Vulture, Kingpin, and Scorpion. Marvel won't make that same mistake. They will pick one that fans have been clamoring for because if the MCU needs one thing, it's better bad guys. Besides Loki and hopefully Ultron, the MCU villains have been very underdeveloped and underwhelming. Showcasing Spidey's kickass rogues will definitely help aid that nagging problem.

Although I do have one caveat. Hold on off on using the Green Goblin for now. He has been depicted on screen twice now and the last time Marc Webb gave him fucking meth mouth. Pennsatucky from Orange Is The New Black has a better smile than that ugly bastard. Now this is in no way saying that the characters Norman + Harry Osborn should not be used at all, but what I'm saying is if they are used set them up for a couple of movies before suit up one of them up in the halloween costume. 

3. Get An Experienced Director(s)

No more Marc Webbs. The guy was inexperienced with action movies and large budgets. He did excel in romantic moments, but if you look at #6 I say this next reboot needs less of that shit. So who should Marvel + Sony turn to for directing this bad boy?

The obvious choices are Chris Miller + Phil Lord. They dominated the action comedy genre last year by directing both The Lego Movie and 22 Jump St. The duo has worked with a large budget and are comfortable with both action + comedy. Plus they have worked with Sony before and the last time Marvel hired a duo comedy director team, the Russo brothers, they got the best Marvel solo film since Iron Man. Miller + Lord are a perfect choice to steer this franchise back in the right direction.

I need Peter Parker doing some Slam Poetry in my life

4. Find A Consistent Tone By Telling Cohesive One Story

Besides it's laughable baddies, the biggest problem with The Amazing Spiderman was that it spun too many damn plates. The movie had more story-lines than an episode of Game Of Thrones except that almost half of them didn't even matter to the plot. Truthfully there was just too much going on to care about anything. Important parts of Peter Parker's character like working for the Daily Bugle or going to college were glossed over in favor of showing us  Aunt May become a nurse. Peter is your main character. Never forget that. Don't just throw Peter into a mishmash of random studio ideas.

But by far the least interesting component of the mishmash that was The Amazing Spiderman films was the backstory to Peter Parker's parents. It was a story that had an obvious conclusion (except for the random subway laboratory) with little payoff. No one cares about Peter Parker's parents. We care about how Peter lost his Uncle because he didn't do what was right. He will carry the weight of Ben's loss with him for his entire life. No need to bring his deadbeat parents into the equation as well.

My point is that there is no need to drudge up Spiderman's past anymore. The comic fans know it. The general audience knows it. It is time to move forward with the character instead of constantly linking his stories to his past. The last two movies to really focus in on Peter's past were Spiderman 3 that linked Sandman back to Uncle Ben's death for no reason and The Amazing Spiderman 2 that focused (well they didn't really focus on anything) on Peter's shithead parents. Let's leave the past in the past and move forward with Spidey.

One final note for Sony. Do not try to set up any fucking spin offs. This comment is directed at Sony because they are still obsessed with making a Sinister Six film still even after making a deal with Marvel that squashed their original plans. Instead focus on the franchise at hand. This is your last shot. You can't reboot Spiderman again if this fails (at least not for a while anyway). So listen to Marvel and don't give us anymore of this Oscorp created every single bad guy ever nonsense. 

5. Focus Less on Love Interests

Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy was a high point of the recent Spidey flicks. Kristen Dunst's Mary Jane Watson on the other hand was one of the worst parts of the original trilogy. So whether its Gwen, MJ, Felicia Hardy, or his fucking left hand let's have less focus on Spiderman's love life for at least one movie. 

Look at great superhero movies like The Dark Knight, GOTG, The Avengers, and Captain America: The Winter Solider. What do all these films have in common? Their romantic plots are minimal. Hell, if Peter is going back to high school so let's show him be a nerd and not getting the girl for once. Seriously the guy has gotten more ass than any nerd I have ever seen.

Lastly on this topic, the climax of the film should not include Peter's current boo (if he actually does get one). In all 5 movies Peter has been forced to protect his girlfriend during his final showdown with a nemesis. Let's change up the stakes this time around.

Right on, Adam!

6. Have A Connection To The MCU

One of the coolest aspects of having a connected cinematic universe is that characters can pop up just about anywhere. Take Black Widow for example. She has been in 3 MCU films so far (also referred to as the Black Widow trilogy) Iron Man 2, The Avengers, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Each of those films is from a different franchise and yet Widow fits into each one of them. So while Spiderman will be featured in Captain America: Civil War, I believe Marvel + Sony should have some other character from the MCU pop up in his solo film.

Now I'm not sitting here saying that Iron Man or Hulk needs to show up, but maybe one of Marvel's New York based heroes or villains can. Personally I think the perfect fit would be either Daredevil or Kingpin. Both characters are being introduced in Netflix/Marvel's Daredevil TV show set to air in April. By the time 2017 rolls around the Man Without Fear and the Kingpin of crime will have had over two seasons (assuming that the show succeeds) of development and will be ready for big screen appearances. Just imagine Spidey and Daredevil teaming up to bring down the Kingpin. This scenario could also help set up Sony's Sinister Six (hopefully it never happens because it completely goes against my 4th point) that they seem so obsessed with making still. They could use the storyline from the 1994 Spiderman TAS in which Kingpin assembles the Insidious Six to defeat Spiderman. Anyway I just think that those two characters could fit nicely into Spidey's universe.

Lastly, the Punisher was teased in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. So maybe just like his comic counterpart he could be introduced in a Spidey story. Seriously though I could go on for another twenty paragraphs about who could show up where in a Spiderman movie because the interconnected universe allows for just about anything. So just put someone in there Marvel + Sony.

Bonus: Bring Back Soon to Be Oscar Winner J.K. Simmons As J.Jonah Jameson

Incredible actor who was so perfectly cast that he made Marc Webb and Sony afraid to find a replacement. 

Thanks for reading! Are you excited for Spiderman to join the MCU? Who do you want Spidey throwing down with in his next solo adventure? Let us know in the comments or on twitter @Caped_Informers. and @cstrand73. Be sure to check back regularly for more show/movie reviews and editorials regarding the comic book universe. I'm also writing up a few diffent pitches a story to the 2017 Spidey movie, so stay tuned for that as well.

Spiderman Is Coming To The MCU

Remember when you were a kid and thought anything was possible? You believed in Santa Claus, soul mates, and that your dreams could come true? But then you grew up and probably became a cynical asshole just like everyone else. Well, I'm here to tell you that the rest of life may suck, but literally anything is possible in the world of comic book movies. I'm telling you this because the improbable has happened. SPIDERMAN IS GONNA BE IN THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE! That's right! Spidey is back home where he belongs.

YELL IT TO THE HEAVENS, KEVIN!

Late last night Marvel Studios announced that they had reached a deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment to help produce their next batch of Webhead films. This new Spiderman is expected to make his Marvel debut in 2016's Captain America: Civil War, then have his first solo adventure released in July, 2017. You can read Marvel's full announcement below!

Source: Marvel

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Marvel Studios announced today that Sony is bringing Marvel into the amazing world of Spider-Man. 

Under the deal, the new Spider-Man will first appear in a Marvel film from Marvel's Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on July 28, 2017, in a film that will be co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the web slinger. Sony Pictures will continue to finance, distribute, own and have final creative control of the Spider-Man films.

Marvel and Sony Pictures are also exploring opportunities to integrate characters from the MCU into future Spider-Man films.

The new relationship follows a decade of speculation among fans about whether Spider-Man – who has always been an integral and important part of the larger Marvel Universe in the comic books – could become part of the Marvel Universe on the big screen. Spider-Man has more than 50 years of history in Marvel's world, and with this deal, fans will be able to experience Spider-Man taking his rightful place among other Super Heroes in the MCU.

Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company said: "Spider-Man is one of Marvel's great characters, beloved around the world. We're thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building."

"We always want to collaborate with the best and most successful filmmakers to grow our franchises and develop our characters. Marvel, Kevin Feige and Amy, who helped orchestrate this deal, are the perfect team to help produce the next chapter of Spider-Man," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. "This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans."

"Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of working together. This new level of collaboration is the perfect way to take Peter Parker's story into the future," added Doug Belgrad, president, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group.

"I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie," said Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. "Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel's involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years."

Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.

Must feel good to be Spiderman right about now

Captain America 3 Will Be CIVIL WAR And Will Co-Star Iron Man

A few days ago it was reported that Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) was in negotiations for Iron Man 4. Well it turns out that Downey was in negotiations, but not for a new Iron Man flick though. According to Variety, he was signing on to co-star in Captain America 3! Which will supposedly adapt (or begin to adapt) Marvel's famous Civil War storyline that was written by Mark Millar (Kick Ass) and drawn by Steve Mcniven (Old Man Logan).

Source: Variety

Fuck you Stark

Variety wrote that "The deal is significant for the Marvel cinematic universe considering the plot will pit Stark against Captain America’s alter-ego Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, as they feud over the Superhero Registration Act, which forces anyone with superhuman abilities to reveal their identities to the U.S. government and agree to act as a police force for the authorities. Stark supports the program, but Rogers does not, saying it threatens civil liberties, causing sides to be taken and Rogers, among others, to go on the run to avoid arrest. The moral question and battle with his Avengers teammate essentially makes Stark a villain of sorts in “Captain America 3,” providing Downey with a meaty role he could play out into future Marvel films, including a fourth “Avengers.” Sounds awesome so far and the report went on even further to say that this film will "drive the plots of sequels and new franchises for the next seven years" because "The fallout from the government and Stark’s actions would factor into a new “Avengers 4″ film and beyond that will assemble new characters being introduced like Ant-Man and Doctor Strange, among others, in their own movies." So get excited for 2016 cause now we can add Captain America vs. Iron Man in addition to Batman vs. Superman. Holy Shit it is a great time to be alive!

HEYY SEXY LADY!!!

WOW. Just wow. We live in a time where anything can happen with comic book movies. Civil War could be an incredible addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It really gives Iron Man a new role to explore within this world and expands the roster of heroes for future film projects.

I am just blown away of how excited I am right now for 2016. I have just one thing to say (or rather plead). HEY SONY PICTURES! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LOAN OUT ANDREW GARFIELD TO MARVEL STUDIOS. SPIDERMAN NEEDS TO BE IN THIS MOVIE! 

It was was recently reported actually that Sony was in talks to loan the character out to Marvel. This is because they are desperately looking for a new direction with the character after Amazing Spiderman 2 had a lukewarm reception. I'm not gonna say that this will happen, but I did start this rant by saying anything can happen in comic book movies...

2016 is going to change lives. Batman Vs Superman in March and Cap Vs Iron Man in May. Everyone's deepest comic fantasies are coming true. I'm in shock that it is actually happening. In fact I haven't been this surprised since Tony Stark revealed he was Iron Man.

Thanks for reading! For all your Marvel movie and comics news make sure you follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers or follow me @cstrand73.

Is 'The Amazing Spiderman' Franchise in Trouble?

Amid recent reports that The Amazing Spiderman 3 has been pushed back to 2017, one of the screenwriters for ASM 2 Robert Orci has told IGN Movies that he has exited the sequel.  "I don't know what their plans are for that franchise," Orci said. Then when asked if he would return for future installments he said "I don't ever want to say never, but we have to figure out what their scheduling is in terms of when they want each movie. I've read probably as much as anyone else. There's a love for the Sinister Six, the idea of Venom -- there's an idea of Spider-Man's going to be one of these characters that's part of our business. He's such a popular character. Spider-Man's not going to go away any time soon. When it all happens and how and all that has yet to be determined." Orci's next project will be directing the JJ-less Star Trek 3.

Source: IGN Movies

             ComicBookMovie

First off I would to say that I'm not the biggest fan of Robert Orci or his former writing partner Alex Kurtzman. They have many shitty projects clogging up their combined resume including Cowboys vs Aliens and Transformers: Revenge Of the Fallen. Overall they are mediocre writers at best. They are the geniuses behind using super blood as a plot device in both Star Trek: Into Darkness and ASM 2. Fuck, I wouldn't be surprised if they are the ones who proposed the idea that the aliens' motivation in Cowboys vs Aliens was that they wanted our gold. Just terrible. So somehow these two were believed to be featured heavily in the future of the ASM franchise. Kurtzman was to direct Venom and both of them were expected to pen the upcoming sequel. That was all before the lukewarm critical and box office reception of ASM 2. So now Orci is off to ruin Star Trek and Kurtzman is god knows where. So where does that leave Spiderman and his spinoffs?

What is really interesting is Orci's comments about not knowing the schedule of future Spidey films. A few months ago it seemed very set in stone that Amazing Spiderman 3 would be released in 2016. But in a post ASM 2 world, that no longer seems so certain. Same thing with Venom and the Sinister Six. Sony's plans for the villainous spinoffs seemed like a guarantee, but now Orci's comments make it sound like the studio is weary to make those flicks.

So let's face the facts, Amazing Spiderman 2 has (at least temporarily) crippled the once promising franchise. As a staff we gave the film an 7.5, but others were not as kind. So what was the problem with the movie? Andrew Garfield sure of hell isn't, he is a great Spiderman. Emma Stone was once again top notch. The problem is Marc Webb and the writing team. Webb has swung and missed on both of the mains villains and focus of the first two movies. 

I have never particularly found the Lizard to be an exciting villain and as for Electro, Jamie Foxx's performance of wasn't the problem, the way he was misused was. The character was extremely powerful (superpowers-wise), it just did not feel like the main villain of the film though. He was only around so when the time was right he could break Harry Osborn in Oscorp and give us a Goblin origin. Still somehow in forgien markets this film had the subtitle Rise Of Electro. Even though Electro is missing through most of the film and done away with rather quickly in the finale so that the more compelling villain Green Goblin can fuck with Peter. Webb has stated that Electro is his favorite Spiderman villain, yet the character felt like he didn't belong in this movie. 

The other main problem I have with Webb is his focus on Peter's parents. The storyline had an  obvious ending and took away valuable screen time from other scenes that could have improved the film. It just further made the film jumbled by making it spin more story lines. Also nobody has ever given a shit about Peter's parents. Like seriously I'm surprised this franchise even attempted to address them.

So yes maybe The Amazing Spiderman franchise is delaying it's 3rd film and subsequent spinoffs. But truthfully I find this to be a good thing. This franchise needs to find a new direction. Orci leaving is a good start, but I really believe Sony needs to replace Webb as well. He is great with the romantic scenes, but I'm sorry to tell him that Spiderman isn't all about romance. He picks and misuses the villains of his films and I do not want to see him ruin characters like Venom or Kraven anytime soon. Get a new writing team and tell Webb to hit the curb. Hopefully then Andrew Garfield can get a movie that his fantastic portrayal of Spiderman deserves.

Thanks for reading and make sure to follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73 for all your comic and ASM updates.

Superhero Man Crush Monday: (6/16/14)

Man Crush: Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill is my man crush this week. With the DC movie lineup leaked earlier this weekend, it looks as though we will get to see much more of Henry in the coming years. The first time I saw him was in Immortals where he played a young Thesus who was destined save a kingdom from the evil of Mickey Rourke's face. His character called for him to look as if he was sculpted by the gods and he delivered, and when Man of Steel was released we saw he only got stronger and bigger.  I enjoyed Henry's take on The Man of Tomorrow. The bad dialogue aside he played it well and with a new Oscar winning screenwriter I have high hopes for this upcoming picture. I think he played both sides of Superman very well between the farm boy from Kansas or the Red Blue Blur on the streets of Metropolis. I have high hopes for there rest of the DC cinematic Universe especially with Henry leading the pack.

"Krypton had it's chance"

-Adam

Character Crush: Green Goblin (Norman Osborn)

Everyone loves a bad boy. The first Green Goblin Norman Osborn takes the phrase "bad boy" to a whole new level. He is Spiderman's arch nemesis. Now I know some will argue Doc Ock is the greater villain because he was able to "kill" Spiderman, but I still feel Norman has done more damage to Peter's life than any other foe. Most famously being responsible for Gwen Stacy's death, Osborn took it a step further when Peter discovers years later that Normie banged and impregnated Gwen. She gave birth to Norman's twins shortly before her death. Cuckholding Spiderman and then killing his girlfriend is just absolutely vicious. Norman isn't taking Evil 101, he is teaching that shit. Peter Parker's life sucked enough before Norman started dressing for Halloween for 365 days a year, but now Norman does his best to make it suck that much more. Great villains like him are what make iconic heroes' stories like Spiderman so compelling. 

For every life you save... there's a million new ways to die!

-Christian

Editorial: Comparing the Spiderman Franchises

Sony has churned out five Spiderman movies over two different franchises in the last 12 years. Some of the films have been great, others not so much. So I thought I would throw my two cents in and compare the two franchises. Expect SPOILERS from all Spidey films. Let us begin...

1. Better Peter Parker/Spiderman: Andrew Garfield

Why?: After seeing two full movies with Garfield as Spidey, I can confidently say that he is the Superior Spiderman. He nails Spidey's fun loving and joking nature, while also being able to portray  Peter Parker's more dramatic moments. Garfield's Peter Parker has also cries less, which is a plus. The original trilogy had Maguire openly weeping more than cracking jokes. That is not Maguire's fault, but his Spiderman feels a lot less like the comic character than Garfield's.

2. Better Love Interest: Emma Stone/Gwen Stacy

Why?: This was the easiest decision of the bunch. Emma Stone's Gwen is the far better love interest of Peter Parker. Gwen was able to help Spiderman defeat his villains in each of the Amazing Spiderman films, while Kristen Dunst's MJ would always find her way to cause problems for Peter. Gwen is smart, beautiful, and understanding. She has a natural likability to her that Dunst's MJ was just unable to achieve.

3. Better Villains: The Original Trilogy (Doc Ock, Gobby, etc.)

Why?: Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus almost single handedly won this category for the original trilogy. The beef I have had with all the villain's of the Spidey franchise is that have been sympathetic foes with voices in their heads. For that reason I am excited to see where Dehaan's Goblin goes from the ending of Amazing Spiderman 2. He has been the only villain out the 8 (I am not counting Paul Giamatti's Rhino because he is a total clown) in the franchise not to have a voice in his head. Perhaps with Gobby's growth and Sinister Six and Venom films on the horizon the Amazing franchise will have better villains down the road. Until then though, Raimi's baddies get the nod.

4. Best Fight Sequence: Doc Ock vs. Spidey on the Train

Why?: The Amazing series better showcases Spiderman's fight style especially the use of his webbing in battle, but the train sequence from Spiderman 2 is the most iconic fight of any of the films. Spidey must fight Ock while protecting the citizens on the locomotive. This leads Spidey to use all his strength to stop the moving train. An easy feat for Superman, but for Spidey not so much.

5. Better Director: Sam Raimi

Why?: Raimi's first two Spiderman films are fun, tight knit, and well executed. While Webb's ventures with Spidey had it's moments, but have been overstuffed. What Webb really excels at is the romantic scenes between Peter and Gwen, but then he almost tries to make these popcorn film too indie. I would be interested in seeing what Webb has left on the editing room floor from his two flicks maybe the deleted scenes would have worked better to make his films less clunky. Raimi's first two films are just much more well rounded and get the nod. 

6. Better Supporting Cast: The Original Trilogy

Why?: This was a very tough choice. The Original Trilogy wins by a nose because of having the most perfect cast character of any of the films in J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson. Sally Field and Martin Sheen's portrayals of Ben and May are excellent, but just not enough to topple JJ. 

7. Best Stan Lee Cameo: Amazing Spiderman (Librarian)

Why?: The Godfather of comics and the creator of Spiderman Stan Lee has made a cameo in all the five films. The most memorable by far is his turn as the obvious librarian. Spidey and the Lizard battle it out as Stan the Man is too busy to notice. Classic.

Bonus Catergories: 

A. Best Comic Book Moments from each Franchise:

Amazing: The Death of Gwen Stacy

The Original Trilogy: Death of Goblin by Glider

Two deaths as the best moments. Tells you a lot about me.

B. Worst Moments from each franchise:

Amazing: The Uncle Ben Responsibility Speech and Death

The attempt to be different failed. Uncle Ben stumbled through a crappy speech and was killed because Peter wanted chocolate milk.

The Original Trilogy: Spiderman 3's Dance 

Words cannot explain. WTF was everyone on this movie thinking?

Best Spiderman Film: Spiderman 2 (2003)

Worst Spiderman Film: Spiderman 3 (2007)

Finally Tally: Original: 4 vs. Amazing: 3

The leads of the Amazing Spiderman series are an improvement over the originals. I actually prefer the fighting style in the new films as well. But when push comes to shove the Original trilogy still has a slight edge over the newbie franchise. The original films are fun and well executed. They also sport the best villain of the series so far, Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus. Now while I picked the Original Trilogy in more categories, I actually like the Amazing Spiderman movies more myself. I believe they are more accurate to the character of Spiderman from the comic books. What really hurts this newer franchise is it's need to be different from the original. The Amazing Spiderman's attempt to have a different origin was a failure. Spiderman nailed the origin of Spidey and the deviation to be different made the beginning of the movie feel like a crappy retread. Now trying to set up future films and characters is what really hurt Amazing Spiderman 2. For all that movie got right, it was just too damn overstuffed. Taking all of that into account, I still think the future of Spiderman franchise is bright. Garfield is excellent. Just a top notch Spiderman. And I am hopeful for these spin-off villain films will be successful and start a new niche in the comic book movie genre. Peter Parker will never give up and never will his movies.

Best Spidey Suit by Far

Thanks for reading! What do you think of the Spidey films? Which is your favorite? Sound off in the comments. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers or follow me @cstrand73 to catch up on all things comics.

Fan Cast Friday: (5/23/14)

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Crack open a beer and go see X-Men: Days Of Future Past. Let us fan cast.

Fan Cast: Michael Sheen as Doctor Octopus

Why: Michael Sheen is a veteran actor with years of experience playing complicated roles. He currently plays William Masters on Masters of Sex. Masters is very similar to comic book Otto Octavius in many ways. The two characters both had an abusive relationship with their respective fathers and also had dotting overbearing mothers that combined cause them dysfunction as grown men. If Otto became the evil "Doc Ock" in his classic comic book fashion, Sheen would have the role down cold. Using his time as Master's as a backdrop mixed with his villainous turns such as the vampire Aro in Twilight: New Moon give Michael the perfect combination of acting chops to play one of Spiderman's greatest foes. Check out Sheen in Masters of Sex back on Showtime in July.

Tuesday Title Pull List: (5/20/14)

Event comics a plenty this week. DC's Forever Evil wraps up right as Marvel's Original Sin really starts to begin. So let's pick out The Informers Top 5 Comics for this Wednesday.

The Pull List:

1. Original Sin #2 (Marvel)

2. Justice League #30 (DC)

3.  The Amazing Spiderman #2 (Marvel)

4.  Wonder Woman #31 (DC)

5.  Forever Evil #7 (DC)

Christian's Extra Pick: Amazing X-Men #7

Brady's Extra Pick: Magneto #4

Adam's Extra Pick: Sinestro #2

Not a lot of indie picks this week. Perhaps next week will fair better and remember to follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers. 

Sunday Superhero Song Shoutout: (5/11/14)

Last week I sent some inspiration Spiderman's way. This week's shoutout goes to Uatu or better known as The Watcher. Sorry you got killed bro. Bullet to the head is never a fun time nor is having your eyes savagely ripped out afterward. Hope the Marvel Universe can find your killer, Uatu. Your heart lives on buddy.