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Batman: Hush (2019)
A linear plot, but hopeful for what it might entail
The movie comes in harmony with what we have been accustomed to in the DCAU. The animation is what we are used to: it is satisfying with good proportions and well crafted dimensions.
As for the ways the characters are depicted, it is satisfying to see that the heroes' powers are limited when they should be and limitless when they shouldn't.
The plot however, seemed too fast-paced with a very minimal and brief Act 2 and an even briefer Act 3. Such a quick pace renders the film a little bit shallow.
Judging this movie from its story, I wouldn't rate it an 8/10. Nonetheless, the hidden clues scattered throughout this animation of what might come next in this universe, added to its rating.
*** Beware SPOILERS AHEAD ***
The storyline takes place after the events of "Reign of the Supermen", highlighting the interconnection of these movies. Having Batman go to Metropolis and meet Superman all in the purpose of showing Clark's relationship with Lois, might be the flare to suggest that "Batman: Hush" might be a bridge to a greater storyline: "Injustice: Gods Among Us". Although we don't yet have a strong bromance between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight (to justify Clark wanting Bruce to be the godfather of his unborn child), this connection will possibly be the object of future films in preparation for the masterpiece that is Injustice. For now, it is satisfying to see that Clark's relationship with Lois is well established for it to soon bear a child.
Another hint includes two events that happened at different times in the movie: The first is Superman being controlled by Poison Ivy using "Synthetic Kryptonite" and the second is Nightwing being exposed to Scarecrow's fear toxin. Does this ring any bells? Hint: Kryptonite-laced fear toxin! Also, it is no coincidence to have the Joker, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow all in one place now (Arkham Asylum) following their encounter with Batman or the Bat-family.
Additional clues that suggest this is movie is a buildup for "Injustice" is having Dick Grayson prevalent throughout the film and briefly featuring Damian Wayne, as both of them play big roles in the Injustice storyline.
Also, it is worth mentioning that Bruce and Selina's relationship is well manifested in Injustice, and "Batman: Hush" made sure to introduce it in the DCAU once and for all.
Finally, last but definitely not least, the final hint for this direction is Batman's stress on "code" at the end of the movie, something that resonates to the events of Injustice. As familiarized fans recall, that code is the basis of the entire Injustice storyline.
*** END OF SPOILERS ***
With the above said, one cannot contain the excitement of what the future of the DCAU potentially holds.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
A tribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
As "Avengers: Endgame" comes to a close, so does 10 years of marvelous movie-telling. To criticize it would be objective, and as it cumulate 21 movies before it, being unemotionally objective brings it no fairness.
*** Beware, SPOILERS ahead ***
Throughout the runtime of the movie, not only do the Avengers travel thru time, but so do we. To relive our childhood sensations when we were first introduced to these characters is a scripting masterpiece. Though the heroes were on an explicit mission to retrieve the Infinity stones before Thanos, the scriptwriters and directors successfully accomplished theirs by sending us back with the heroes to witness them one last time, to finally bid them farewell.
STORY/PLOT: Rumors always had it that time travel must be part of the equation to undo the Snap. Nonetheless, the various theories were off point. The evolution of the script was beautifully crafted: they lost, they wanted to revert things, but they failed again. They tried to move on, but were they able to? None of them was able to, "not us". As we see the heroes on their respective journey, each had an encounter that was heartbreaking: Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) looking at Peggy after so many years, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) talking to his father again, the Ancient One talking about Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) finding purpose for his Hulk transformation, and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) finally paying her debt to Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). These events truly sum up the relationships and sacrifices our heroes went thru, and recapitulate their separate stories across the decade. And as these conclude, they funnel into one last battle, together, for an overdue reward we longed for.
CHARACTERS: At this point after 21 movies, the actors "are" the characters.
Tony Stark/Iron Man has finally fulfilled his legacy. His conclusion deserves the utmost respect and no denying I heard people sob in the theater. You can rest now Mr. Stark, your watch has ended.
Steve Rogers/Captain America has finally yielded Mjölnir and unlocked his ultimate power, finally becoming worthy. The most satisfying scene was seeing him finally finding happiness. He has persistently put everyone first and now, 80+ years later, he got the dance he so longed for.
Thor's depiction in this movie was conflicting. Though he remained lovable, we are not accustomed to him with such a physique. I do not deny I hoped that somewhere in the plot, he would be the ultimate version of himself as Tony, Steve, Natasha, and Clint were.
Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow: Her love for Clint was sufficiently seen with their encounter. Her demise was aching, but heroic nonetheless. A true personification of friendship, affection, and sacrifice.
Bruce Banner/Hulk: Since "Thor: Ragnarok", I have disliked the evolution of the Hulk. Though his depiction in Avengers 1 and 2 was that of a Professor, a man of Science, his character's development to an unconfident, "cool", and bossed around person is unsatisfying. Following Nat's death however, we slightly see a glimpse of the anger that once composed and fueled him.
Clint Barton/Hawkeye is the human of the team. His drive was true and the pain hope adds to impossible situations was beautifully depicted in his journey.
The role of Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) in this movie was acceptable. She did not seem overpowered and her distinction from the rest of team was correctly depicted. Nonetheless, as we look to the future, she brings no nostalgia to our original six.
CONCLUSION:
In my review of "Avengers: Infinity War" almost exactly one year ago, I concluded stating: "in Avengers 4, the Avengers must go back to their phase 1 roots and....Assemble." As I contemplate the events of "Endgame", this small sentence, though simple, plain and not explicitly revealing, was a prophecy. The Avengers went back - literally -, each found their roots (Tony his father, Steve Peggy, Natasha Clint), and after this was achieved, Assembled.
*** END of SPOILERS ***
As the credits rolled, emotionally and spiritually, we bow down in respect to such a finale. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye: thank you for that decade of Marvel.
Justice League vs. the Fatal Five (2019)
An unsatisfying origin story
Unlike its recent days predecessor movies of the DCAU, this movie appears more related to the Justice League series of our childhood. If that movie came out in their era, no doubt it would be a satisfying feature-length film. Being produced in a time post the Doomsday film, its criticism might seem more harsh.
*** Then on, potential spoilers ahead ***
CHARACTERS: Let's face it, though the title of this movie is "Justice League vs the Fatal Five", its main role was to introduce Jessica Cruz as part of the Green Lantern Corps. As such, using the JL in this plot only served to make them a reference for her power and shies the attention away from her.
Star-Boy was really a useless character after-all, lame, no real lessons to take from. The story of his ring wasn't really clarified either and his obsession over Limelight really didn't live up to the expectation.
Jessica Cruz had poor character development and follows the standard evolution of any new hero: Being afraid, then needing to overcome their fear, then messing up, and finally becoming a hero. Though this can sometimes be well plotted, her character was poorly scripted to be admired as more than 90% of the movie she's just terrified and all over the place.
The Fatal Five were unfortunately the most unappealing villains to ever reach the animated screen. Their superpowers seemed too imaginative and not well elaborated. Their plan as well was too short-sighted and rash.
PLOT: As mentioned earlier, the plot pertaining to Jessica Cruz/Limelight's development was pretty cliché and uninteresting. With regards to the entire movie, the plot was similarly lame: rarely were we excited to see what happens next and whenever a building or mountain or planet collapsed (and yes there were many of these), the heroes just happen to miss the debris and walk out untouched and minimally injured.
ANIMATION: The animation was JL animated series style. Though my personal preference has evolved to the current DCAU style, I will not hold any bad marks on this. It remains satisfying and the PG13 counterpart of nowadays' DC animated films.
*** End of Spoilers ***
SUMMARY: All in all, the movie is no doubt separate from the DCAU universe we have grown passionate of in recent years. Although the title and movie includes our most desired members of the JL (e.g. Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman), it is really far from being a JL movie. A more accurate title would probably be: "Jessica Cruz: First Flight."
Shazam! (2019)
DC's Ghostbuster spinoff
This review was written on March 23, 2019 (Shazam! Fandango early screening)
It might be unjust to judge this movie from the eyes of an adult. As such, I will evaluate some of it from the eyes of the child I was several years ago.
"Shazam!" was really not a bad movie. Its blend of comic and action sequences draws away from all (literally ALL) previous DC films and makes it have its own signature.
CASTING: The roles were very well chosen. Throughout the movie, all actors generated the feelings their characters aimed to depict. The way their relationship evolved in the film was also very well crafted and enjoyable. Kudos for that.
*** From then on, SPOILERS ahead ***
CHARACTERS: As stated earlier, the movie must be seen through the eyes of a child, where the nature of "fight or flight" can sometimes be, well, missing. "Fear" as such, was not really seen in the eyes of the kids in their worst moments, which one might argue might have been an exaggeration.
STORY/PLOT: My major issue with this film is the story. Though the main characters are there, the premises of the story seem too fantasy-like, too unrealistic. Yes we are aware of the seven sins and their association with the Shazam! universe, but the way they were introduced to the world lacked conviction, making this movie feel like a "Ghostbusters" spinoff. (I mean really, look at those "Sins", some are really funny-looking especially as they are chasing the kids).
Moreover, the seriousness of the action sequences oscillated from completely dark and shocking (e.g. killing of the Sivana Industries board members, including father and sibling) to a mere child's play when Dr. Sivana has the kids in his grasp and does not seem to be intimidating.
Another annoyance in the scripting of the plot is the way the "Shazamly" mastered their powers. Their introduction in the movie was no doubt in place and absolutely did not feel forced, but they seemed to have become "pro" too easily when it took Billy literally over an hour of runtime before he learned how to fly.
*** End of Spoilers ***
SUMMARY: All in all, the take-home rating of any movie resides in the way it makes us feel. Although the movie is a really nice addition to the DCEU from casting to effects and does get emotional, serious and really funny, I can't help but feel that it did not reach the climax of satisfaction I expect from a superhero movie. Nonetheless, it is safe to say it was a unique film, adding to the Renaissance of DC.
Reign of the Supermen (2019)
Unfortunately, it does not live up to its prequel
This review was written on Jan. 12, 2019.
*****
"The Death of Superman" that aired several months ago was a masterpiece to its genre.The threat of Doomsday in that storyline and his destructive character and actions made the movie a truly realistic way of ending the Man of steel. The chemistry between Clark and Lois in that film along with the dilemmas and pain depicted were truly well felt by any spectator which rendered the entire script a perfection. With its after-credits hinting to the reign of the supermen, no doubt anyone was to be excited as the "Death of Superman" set the bar high up for a sequel.
After watching "Reign of the Supermen" minutes ago, I am disappointed. I really wanted to like this movie, but the feelings of having the story run too quickly and too suddenly with minimal character development make the movie not as grandiose as its prequel.
The DCAU is a beautiful universe that hitherto has been well depicted and maintained. My issues with this movie is that it annuls the tragedy of the previous movie in too much of a fast pace that it becomes unrealistic and too unsatisfying.
***spoilers ahead***
To make my concerns more concrete, I will list them here:
The way the movie started was nicely done. The tragedy that had befallen Lois and the Kent family was there and you experience it with them. Nonetheless, less than two minutes later, all of this is gone and you're left to feel that the tragedy is long forgotten - though the story revolves around it.
The Justice League were easily taken out of the picture in a completely simple way. Too simple in fact. Such a move made their entire "power" simply ridiculous. Darkseid can simply do this move again and again, next time Superman included.
The new empowered humans were also ridiculous, very generic and unappealing. Mind control as such must be a piece of cake to any person in the future and a quick endgame. An alternative could have probably been thought of.
Lois was very empowered. In fact, more than she could be as a human. Her wits were satisfying, but it felt like the limitations of her humanity were ignored for the sake of generating action sequences, especially in the end scenes.
Finally, Lex's intentions remain unknown. This is not necessary a bad move as Lex is one of the most fascinating persons. The sequel might reveal some insights into his plans.
Now the way I picture this universe as I have imagined it after the "Death of Superman", is that it should follow the Injustice storyline. If they play it right and slow and evolve Clark's relationship with Lois, that storyline is inevitable and something that no doubt will be worth the watch. They have to work on the Batman/Superman bromance first though.
*****end of spoilers*****
In summary, although I did not hate this movie, I was actually hoping for a more rigid storyline. It seemed rushed with significantly less boldness and feelings than its prequel, "the Death of Superman". In short, superman's death seemed more grandiose than his resurrection.
The Death of Superman (2018)
A DCAU masterpiece
Since I have not freshly watched this movie and it has been months now, I will keep this brief.
The movie is a masterpiece. Yes you can have some comments and remarks, but we finally get a movie that does justice to Superman's powers and does not shy away from showing what monsters are and what they do.
Very satisfying (and heartbreaking) to watch and definitely recommended.
Thumbs up for the DCAU!
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
You've done it Sony!
This review was written on Dec. 14, 2018.
*****
"Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse" is a satisfying movie to watch. Throughout its running time, there isn't really a time where you're bored or just want to get it over with. This said, there are some remarks.
The comedy in the movie seems balanced, it has its moments of seriousness, which is always well respected in any production. Some parts might have been too imaginative and inhuman (feelings-wise, not talking of Spider-Ham; Spider-Ham is awesome), but there isn't too much focus on them and were not at all excessive or inappropriate.
The storyline though nicely depicted with beautiful transition and chemistry between the characters, seems to have moved in fast forward in the last third of the movie. It feels like a small chunk was truncated or a part has been dissected.
Now as a fan the 1990s animated spider-man series, this movie gives me mixed feelings. The style of animation definitely bypasses current days outlines and is quite relatable, but I can't help but always long for the 1990s spider-man shapes that are simply animated depictions of real life.
All in all, "Into the Spiderverse" is well established, well crafted movie that no doubt gives Morales a just introduction to the big screen and gives the spider-man universe a decent gateway to our universe.
Well done Sony.
Aquaman (2018)
A resurrection for the DCEU
This review was written on Dec. 22, 2018.
*******
I got home and turned on my laptop specifically to write this. In one word, this movie is beautiful.
Hands down, it is the best thing that happened to the DC universe since Nolan's Batman trilogy. The story is very well robust, the actors are perfectly chosen (thanks Zneyder), and the graphics magnificent.
Let me start by saying I am a big geek of ancient history and mythology. Atlantis and its legends instill in me a feeling of mystery and an intrigue that always make me contemplate the fantasies of its existence. This movie simply stirs up those feelings and takes you to the lost throne, explaining its majesty, its rise, its demise and now, its renaissance.
The story has a beautiful path. Every sequence is well justified and so well connected that Aquaman's universe is well established.
The chemistry between the characters also flows so naturally that nothing seems forced or unexplained.
Without adding any spoilers, despite my reservation of its "completely" happy ending, I will end by saying that indeed, Aquaman appears to be the hero who has lifted the DCEU from its years in the abyss, the movie that holds the DC universe to its rightful place among the legends.
Also, "Everything I Need" by Skylar Grey is truly a masterpiece. A beautiful ending to a great movie.
Bravo James Wan!
Captain Marvel (2019)
Satisfying yet unbalanced
This review was written on 03/08/2019.
No doubt, any MCU connection after several months of silence is anticipated for any fan who has followed the inception of the universe since 2008. This movie at this time is nonetheless subject to controversy given the potential interpretations of its politically-driven agenda.
"Captain Marvel" to be honest, was enjoyable and satisfying. Though I did not have high expectations for a movie introducing a new character shortly before the greatest upcoming movie of the MCU, this movie was very well a good addition and worth the time.
*****Beware, SPOILERS AHEAD*****
The Stan Lee tribute in the introduction is an indescribable satisfaction. Thoughtful, considerate and a strong way to begin.
CHARACTERS/ACTING:
Brie Larson was a good choice. Her depiction of Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers was well played, with a strong physique and lovely smile. Nonetheless, whether it is an acting problem or a scripting issue, she didn't really balance being serious, under threat, silly, and humorous. The interchange between these expressions was too quick and lacked subtlety that it weakened her role and ridiculized the seriousness of some sequences. Many moments shared resemblance to Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr) debut, namely the first flight of the Mach II (the "whoooooo") and her first flight. He, nevertheless, was not dodging an alien invasion at the time and his expressions were concordant.
Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) appeared too happy, lacked being serious and mostly appeared silly - a side we are not acquainted to. In the entirety of the movie, he did not have a leading role (understandable), but was unfortunately depicted as a damsel in distress.
The Skrull soldiers as a whole appeared too comical. Their spirit in most their fights was unserious and unfortunately ridiculous, posing the question if these are muppets or the terrifying Skrulls we anticipated.
STORY:
The enigma who is "Vers" and its slow reveal was very well scripted, yet might have been fast forwarded at the end. Throughout the movie, unlocking her memories and her transformation from a fighter pilot to a Kree soldier was satisfying and unprecedented. Being taken hostage at her first mission is a bit disappointing though.
The evolution of the plot and the later twist was great, completely unanticipated, but might have been short on emotions reflective of purpose.
As for the long-anticipated story of how Nick Fury lost his eye, this was extremely disappointing: no pain? no agony? no strong comeback line? Such a useless, big, unsung loss. We're talking of the same eye referred to in the Winter Soldier movie.
IN-MOVIE MESSAGES:
There is no denying the movie was strong on femininity. No doubt historically, women have not received their due rights easily and without fight, and this movie has a take-home message that Captain Marvel's powers lie in the oppressions she suffered from her male comrades. Nonetheless, women's rights were never an all-female initiative. This movie might have attempted to make Nick Fury as this supporting man, but the duo between him and Danvers seemed unbalanced, rendering him mostly dependent on her (of course he's not as powerful, but you don't need powers to be a hero right?). As a fan of this genre, gender never mattered nor it will. It is the heroes' developments, challenges, lessons and aspirations that leads to their grandeur and significance - NOT their gender. As such, the stress on solo female power was a bit excessive - none of the previous MCU characters ever hinted on a male exclusive domination. Nevertheless, though it started out strong on this, the movie's progression tuned it down and focused on what we are more accustomed to: heroism.
SUMMARY:
The movie adds up to the collection of a decade of a universe in the making. Judging it, one might forget that this is an origin story film. One might have also forgotten that the last origin story was several several several years ago (2011: Captain America the first avenger; Black Panther was introduced in Civil War with the main guys). Judging it using the same criteria as the Avengers for example is therefore, unfair.
It is understandable that its timing in a period where half the universe is wiped off and where the Avengers are shattered, makes us more judgmental on its content as we ask ourselves where was she during the attack on New York and were all the challenges the avengers previously faced not "emergent" or worth a page?
Nonetheless, her role in Endgame is yet to be determined, as after all, she is merely the product of one infinity stone. Thanos possesses six.
Venom (2018)
A disappointment
Let me start by saying that as the trailers advertised, Venom is the anti-hero par excellence. Anyone with a glimpse of what Venom is, would agree that this movie was off target and here's why.
****Warning: spoilers ahead****
The movie starts out with an interesting though unrealistic twist of spacecraft crash on Earth (the design and functionality of the aircraft are a bit futuristic, but it's ok, no major harm done). Forward, fascinating creatures on board; on escape ok; fast forward back to the lab.
We spend half of the movie trying to understand why the symbiosis is not working and this was actually interesting, especially when the idea of "compatibility" is provided, similar to "organ transplant", pretty cool. All along however, we would assume to understand why would Eddie Brock be a compatible host and we look forward to see the reasoning. Nevertheless, no reasoning is provided. Similarly, we are not provided any rationale of how the Riot and Carlton Drake were compatible or how Venom and Anne also were also able to achieve symbiosis. After spending half the movie experimenting on compatibility, then comes another chaotic sequence: Eddie Brock sick.
To depict an illness with the host-parasite interaction is frankly a smart approach, but was excessively depicted. The longer this sequence, the less impressive Venom's personality became.
The sudden shift in Venom's agenda from wanting to bring his people to not because he was a "loser", was such a bad move. Very immature and unbelievable.
Fast forward Venom vs. Riot: very useless and quick. The story seemed out of control and not convincing, just like Venom suddenly had a change in heart.
Also, allowing the symbiotes to already have a name "Venom" and "Riot" was A MESS. Like seriously, English names? Really? Of the million others, would one be called Shakespeare too? The name Venom was special between Eddie Brock and the symbiote.
Acting-wise, it was a shame to see Tom Hardy seemingly appearing like an alcoholic 80% of the time. I could not believe that this person played Bane to perfection, yet here he's constantly drunk-appearing with awful accent.
Overall, I believe they could have done a better job scriptwriting this movie. Also, as might have noted by other reviews, Venom might have afterall needed Spider-Man to be well establish. Perhaps it is the symbiote's hate for Spider-Man and Eddie Brock's hate for Peter Parker that made Venom venomenous.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
An incomplete story
A movie that will make you owe. Quick climax to action moments where you truly feel as overwhelmed as the events going on. Overall satisfying, pushes you to ask what is next as answers are far from being unveiled.
A notable comment is to point out how this movie tries largely to patch up Taika Watiti's mess in Thor: Ragnarok with regards to Thor's losses. Would have rathered not hearing the nonsense of Ragnarok to start with, especially if it ultimately comes undone.
Anyway, one thing is certain, in Avengers 4, the Avengers must go back to their phase 1 roots and....Assemble.