Age of Marvels: Thor 2 and SHIELD reviews

On Sunday, 17 November 2013, Janice and I met local role-players Sara F. & Josh C. and Bruce K. for lunch and to see Thor [2]: The Dark World at the AMC Burlington 10. All of us enjoyed the latest superhero sequel, for which we had modest expectations.

If you liked 2011’s Thor, you’ll like The Dark World, which takes place after the events of The Avengers, one of the best and most popular adaptations from Marvel Comics so far. Despite the ominous title, The Dark World is closer to its four-color roots than Man of Steel or even Iron Man 3.

Plot

The story of Thor 2 is fairly straightforward. Ages ago, the mighty Asgardians defeated the Dark Elves in battle and hid the source of their (pseud-mystical/technological) powers. Malekith, the Dark Elf leader, reawakens after Earthling physicist Jane Foster stumbles on the hidden “aether” and resumes his war on the godlings and humanity.

After a devastating attack — is there any other kind? — Thor is forced to turn to his stepbrother, the mischievous Loki, for help. As Thor and Loki defy king Odin’s edicts to take the fight to Malekith and his brutal henchman Kurse, Jane and her friends race to thwart the Dark Elves’ plans before an alignment of the Nine Realms (note that Thor is only loosely based on Norse mythology and its apocalyptic visions).

Direction

Just as Kenneth Branagh brought Shakespearean and operatic sensibilities to the first Thor movie to prove that cosmic-level superheroes could be successful in live action, director Shane Black keeps the action moving among multiple planes of existence. His action scenes are about as good as those in Man of Steel and better than Iron Man 3‘s, and the characters are funnier and more sympathetic, thanks in part to script help from fan favorite Joss Whedon.

Cast

Chris Hemsworth is still beefy and appealing as Thor, and Natalie Portman isn’t just a damsel in distress as Jane. They’re also supported by a strong returning cast, including Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Rene Russo as his queen Frigga, Idris Elba as all-seeing Heimdall, and Jamie Alexander as winsome warrior (and Thor’s potential love interest) Sif.

The Warriors Three also have brief moments in the spotlight, with Tadanobu Asano’s Hogun returning to his home, Chuck‘s Zachary Levi as swashbuckling Fandral, and Ray Stevenson as big guy Volstagg. Jane’s colleagues are as wry as ever, including Kat Dennings as snarky Darcy Lewis and Stellan Skarsgard as mad scientist Erik Selvig.

Of course, as with Robert Downey Jr. and Iron Man, Tom Hiddleston’s charismatic and smarmy Loki is the highlight of both Thor films, as well as the first Avengers. Unfortunately, former Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston gets short shrift as Malekith, with relatively little screen time for motivation.

Cinematography

Today’s audiences are spoiled compared with those who thrilled to the Donner/Reeve Superman or 1970s TV’s Incredible Hulk. The visual effects are as good as we’ve come to expect, with shining Asgard, gloomy Svartalfheim, and besieged Greenwich and London fully realized. I was glad to see the destruction of English cities rather than the old standby of New York, and the carnage was less wanton than in many recent movies, such as Star Trek: Into Darkness.

Comic book readers will recognize the influence of artists such as Jack Kirby, Walt Simonson, and Mike Mignola. Stan Lee of course has a small cameo. As with the other Disney/Marvel movies, there are brief scenes during the end credits that set up the inevitable Thor 3 and tie into the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy.

Overall, I’d give Thor: The Dark World, which is rated PG-13 for violence and language, a B+, 7.5 out of 10, or three out of five stars. It was one of the better genre flicks of the past year, and I definitely recommend it to fans of Marvel Comics and superhero movies.

Agents of SHIELD

Speaking of tie-ins to that cinematic universe, I haven’t yet reviewed this autumn’s genre television. The most relevant show to Thor 2 is Agents of SHIELD, for which Whedon is a producer but is missed as a writer.

Last night’s episode tangentially dealt with the aftermath of the battle in Greenwich, but many people still hope that ABC’s TV show will become more about weird superspies in the Marvel universe than weekly procedurals involving snarky rookies that feel as if they’re written by committee.

I’d point to WB/DC/CW’s Arrow, now in its sophomore season, as a better example of mining comics for ideas and steadily advancing storylines and characters. It’s telling that, aside from all the Comic-Con hype around Agents of SHIELD, the new shows garnering positive buzz this season are the fun supernatural Sleepy Hollow and cyberpunk Almost Human, not SHIELD.

Coming attractions

Of the trailers we saw, I’m cautiously looking forward to The Hobbit [2 of 3]: the Desolation of Smaug, 47 Ronin, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Captain America 2: the Winter Soldier. I’ll report on the recent Rhode Island Comic Con after I attend the annual Super MegaFest this coming weekend. As Stan “the Man” says, Excelsior!

Captains courageous

Funny, I would have thought Picard…

Your results:
You are James T. Kirk (Captain)

James T. Kirk (Captain)		60%
Will Riker		60%
Geordi LaForge		60%
Worf		55%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt)		55%
Deanna Troi		55%
Jean-Luc Picard		55%
Chekov		50%
Leonard McCoy (Bones)		45%
Mr. Sulu		40%
Uhura		40%
Mr. Scott		40%
Spock		39%
Beverly Crusher		30%
Data		29%

You are often exaggerated and over-the-top
in your speech and expressions.
You are a romantic at heart and a natural leader.

Click here to take the “Which Star Trek character am I?” quiz…

Gravity film review

On Tuesday, 8 October 2013, I went to the Embassy Cinema in Waltham, Mass., to screen Gravity. The space-based drama is the best movie I’ve seen in theaters so far this year.

Gravity‘s plot is fairly straightforward — after a major accident, astronaut Ryan Stone is stranded in orbit and must find a safe way back to Earth’s surface. As a well-executed character study and survival thriller, Gravity stands out after a summer of sequels, reboots, apocalypses, and gratuitous urban destruction.

Co-writer and director Alfonso Cuaron (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men) keeps the pacing taut at a lean 90-minute runtime. He successfully balances the wonders of seeing Earth from space (worth a 3-D or IMAX ticket) with a focus on Stone’s emotions. The visual effects around the orbital disaster are excellent, with a convincing mix of live action and computer-generated imagery.

Star Sandra Bullock, who has been better known for physical comedy than for her range, conveys Stone’s reactions to her predicament, from joy to horror to sadness and determination. George Clooney is his usual affable self as Matt Kowalski, an astronaut who initially guides Stone. These actors have enough charisma to fill the screen as needed.

Despite some scientific liberties taken for the sake of storytelling, such as with orbital mechanics and physiological degradation from time spent in microgravity, Gravity feels realistic, if not as much as The Right Stuff or Apollo 13. I’d put this movie with 2001: A Space Odyssey and Moon as good speculative fiction. As an SF thriller, it’s also not far from Alien or Outland.

Overall, I’d give Gravity, which is rated PG-13 for violence and language, a 9 out of 10, four and a half out of five stars, or an A-. I recommend it for any fans of serious science fiction and the aforementioned actors.

Of the previews I saw, the remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty with Ben Stiller looked decent, and I’m of course looking forward to The Hobbit [2 of 3]: the Desolation of Smaug. I was also pleased to see a strong Godzilla trailer recently, but I’m less certain about literary adaptation Ender’s Game and superhero sequel Thor 2: the Dark World.

Boston Comic Con 2013 report

On Saturday, 3 August 2013, I went to the Boston Comic Con, which had been postponed and relocated because of the marathon bombings this past spring. David I.S. had hoped to attend it. The convention was crowded but worthwhile.

BCC 2013 wallpaper — Superheroes visit Boston

I got to the Seaport World Trade Center by 9:30 a.m., and the lines to get in were already around the block. Advance ticket holders like me, Beruk A., and Thomas K.Y. & Kai-Yin H. ended up waiting an hour or more, while those who bought their tickets that day, such as Sara F., didn’t have to wait as long. I hope that the organizers will have more people working admissions next year.

As with last year’s con, which I attended with Janice, it was great to see a diverse range of fans of all ages, races, and genders. Even though the site was bigger than the Hynes Convention Center, which was originally supposed to host the show, the crowds likely exceeded the expected attendance of 15,000 by a significant percentage.

Although it’s too bad that Dave and Janice weren’t along, it was nice to be at the con with a group. I ran into several people I know, including a co-worker and folks from Bedrock Comics, Newbury Comics, and New England Comics.

Readers looking for back issues could find excellent deals on trade paperbacks and graphic novels, and toy collectors had many booths to choose from. There were also several vendors specializing in arts and crafts, if fewer of fan-made films, costume accessories, or tabletop role-playing games.

Getting beyond the dealers’ area were some celebrities and the artists’ alley. Although Walking Dead and Hobbit fans were eager for autographs, we focused on the latter this year. We also didn’t get to any panels or the film festival because of staggered arrivals and the crowds.

I was glad to see comics greats such as Neal Adams, Colleen Doran, Mike Mignola, George Perez, Don Rosa, and Tim Sale. Even though I had met several of them before, we were happy to chat with the likes of David Petersen, Joe Quinones, and Daixong. I bought sketchbooks from some of these artists.

Of course, there were lots of fans and exhibitors in costume. DC and Marvel Comics characters were well-represented, as were anime and videogame properties. There were also some steampunk cosplayers and impressive homemade garb. I didn’t wear a costume because of comfort, but I always appreciate those who make the effort.

I’ve already been to a few local genre entertainment events so far this year, including the Watch City Festival and Creation Star Trek convention. For next year’s Boston Comic Con, I’ll have to plan more carefully to account for the crowds, and I hope that friends will again join me.

In the coming months, I look forward to the Rhode Island Comic Con and the Super MegaFest, as well as possibly the New York Comic Con! Coming soon: Other genre news and reviews, food outings, and game updates….

Pacific Rim review

On Saturday, 13 July 2013, I met Josh C. at the AMC Burlington Cinema 10 for a morning matinee of Pacific Rim. The kaiju movie was entertaining, and even though it might not have the most original story of the year, it was a nice change from other franchise entries.

Pacific Rim wallpaper — Giant monsters vs. robots

I’ve been a fan of giant monster movies since childhood, with the Japanese Godzilla and Gamera in their kid-friendly prime back in the 1970s. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate the more serious allegories around the rubber-suited actors and remote-control vehicles tromping through meticulously detailed urban dioramas.

Plot: In Pacific Rim, huge aliens (kaiju) invade Earth through a dimensional rift in the seabed. Humanity builds giant robots (jaegers, or hunters) in response, but the nascent world government decides to shut the program down and instead spend resources on giant walls around vulnerable cities. Let the battles begin!

As with most monster movies, the kaiju represent the result of environmental destruction, and humanity must band together to remedy the situation. There are conspiracies, setbacks, and massive mayhem, but the heroes eventually realize what must be done….

Cast: All the archetypes of kaiju films (and their siblings in anime) are present: the hotshot pilot, the grizzled veteran, the cute but kickass girl, the mad scientists, and a few more sketchy characters needed to ultimately figure out the enemy’s motivations.

Sons of Anarchy‘s Charlie Hunnam plays Raleigh Becket, a onetime jaeger co-pilot who is brought back for a last stand against the kaiju. He’s a pretty straightforward hero, mentored by the charismatic Idris Elba (Thor) as Stacker Pentecost and partnered with the winsome Mako Mori as Rinko Kikuchi, who has also suffered personal loss.

More noteworthy are Charlie Day channeling J.J. Abrams as Dr. Newton Geiszler and Torchwood‘s Burn Gorman as Geiszler’s sparring partner Gottleib. Hellboy‘s Ron Perlman, no stranger to monsters or director Guillermo del Toro, nearly steals the movie as the flashy Hannibal Chau, a dealer in kaiju organs.

While there is some token character development, Pacific Rim rightly focuses on the monsters and robots. Each jaeger crew is a national stereotype (but without the jingoism of many U.S. action flicks), and there are few surprises but many thrills in the ensuing fights, both in and out of the jaegers.

Direction: Del Toro wears his love on his sleeve for the same movies I grew up on. He keeps a brisk pace to the action and avoids overindulging in romantic subplots or too much pseudoscience. Flashbacks provide exposition, and while older monster movies relied on long stretches of exposition, Pacific Rim doles out explanations throughout its runtime.

Del Toro also avoids the “found footage,” shaky-cam style that had become popular with The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield, and Troll Hunter, allowing us to see full-body shots of the kaiju-jaeger battles, which were nicely choreographed. There are also some good human-scale duels.

Visual effects: Speaking of scale, while the monsters and robots are rendered with computer-generated imagery, they are more ponderous and distinguishable than in the recent Transformers flicks. The design of each kaiju resembles a real animal, and each jaeger design is unique. I can easily see toys or models based on these being popular.

Sure, there is massive urban destruction in Pacific Rim, but unlike Iron Man 3, Star Trek: Into Darkness, or Man of Steel, it’s a necessary part of this subgenre, and attempts are clearly made to evacuate affected areas in advance.

Musical score: The original Gojira still hasn’t been matched, but the soundtrack helped propel the action. Pacific Rim‘s action-filled opening and end credits (which I’d compare with those of Django Unchained) were also well done.

Ratings: I’d give Pacific Rim, which is rated PG-13 for violence and language, a B+, three and a half out of five stars, or an 8 out of 10. It was one of the most satisfying action movies of this year so far, and I’m glad that it wasn’t a sequel or a reboot.

I’d recommend Pacific Rim to any fan of kaiju, giant robots, or action-filled speculative fiction. We also saw several trailers, of which only the fantasy Seventh Son (not to be confused with the Orson Scott Card novels) looked interesting of those I hadn’t seen before. The next movie I hope to catch in the theater is the dystopian Elysium, and I look forward to the next iteration of Godzilla.