I have a love for movies and shows. Even if I don't particularly watch them, we can still chat about them. We can talk about our favorite movies, movies we never get tired of watching, anticipated movies, and everything in between. I can get lost and escape the chaos of life while engulfed with the characters, plots, and landscapes. Come and join me, let's discuss the latest and favorite movies, along with the shows we can't live without! Whatever you want to talk about - I'm game!
With buzz recently that Rebecca Ferguson is reportedly at the top of Marvel's list for Captain Marvel, I thought I would post about who I see as the only choice. With a slotted release date in November of 2018, they have some time still to make the right decision, and hopefully they do make the right one. I think the only way to bring the first full-feature Marvel movie about a female lead onto the big screen would have to be someone that brings their own fan base as well. And I'm not sure Rebecca Ferguson will bring that star power, nothing against the actress, I'm sure she's great. But, it has to be someone who can kick a little ass. All we really know about the plot of the movie is "A human woman receives powers from an encounter with the alien Kree Empire" (IMDb.com). So, what else do we know about Captain Marvel? Her real name is Major Carol Danvers, of the USAF (United States Air Force) so we know it will have to be someone who can uphold the prestige of the title of Major. She's a skilled pilot and hand to hand combatant. Her current power-set include enhanced strength, durability, flight (naturally), and she produces energy from her hands. Sounds rad, right!? I'm so excited for this movie and I just can't wait to see it on the big screen.
Okay, okay, are you wondering who is the perfect casting, and in my opinion the only choice for this character - Charlize Theron! And maybe if Marvel could lock her down for this role, we don't have to worry about those rumors of a solo Furiosa movie, which I wouldn't be totally opposed to, I loved that character. But in my head, she's the only one I see as Captain Marvel, hands down. However, I think recently there has been an announcement of Mad Max: Wasteland, which I'm sure she'll reprise her role as the iconic Furiosa. But, I know I'm not the only one that thinks she's perfect for the role. Whomever Marvel Studios picks, I just hope that they make the right choice.
Who doesn't love an ass-kicking hero? If you want to stay-in on a rainy spring day and cruise through your queue, or maybe you're taking a sick day and browse through your suggested titles. What could brighten a cloudy day or lift your spirits but a superhero to the rescue! Here are a few that I have watched and suggest:
#1 DAREDEVIL
It is a Netflix Original Series through Marvel Studios and in association with ABC Studios. This series I couldn't stop watching even if I wanted to. Daredevilstars Charlie Cox as The Devil of Hell's Kitchen, otherwise known as Matt Murdock and of course by the end of season one, his legendary hero title of the iconic Daredevil. I did not read the comics but as a fan of the Marvel Universe and what the creators have delivered, I am truly just so excited about this series, and highly anticipating season 2. Not to mention Vincent D'Onofrio does an outstanding portrayal of Wilson Fisk a.k.a Kingpin. The compiled cast is phenomenal, I'm still not completely sold on Elden Henson who portrays Foggy, but I loved the friendship flashback of Foggy and Matt when they were in college. By the end of the season all the puzzle pieces fit wonderfully together and the last few minutes of the last episode I literally had hair-raising-goose-nips, it was that awesome. What I really loved is that it is darker, edgy, and more personal. I think this series brings comic fans and those of us that just enjoy what Marvel has to offer, and we can all agree that the studios have produced an amazing series. Of course it wouldn't be Marvel without amazing action, and continues their expertise wielding of drama with hints of comedic charms as well. If you haven't checked it out yet I would highly recommend doing so. Just be warned, once started there is no return.
Series Break Down
Episode 1 - "Into the Ring" - 53min
Episode 2 - "Cut Man" - 53min
Episode 3 - "Rabbit in a Snowstorm" - 52min
Episode 4 - "In the Blood" - 52min
Episode 5 - "World On Fire" - 56min
Episode 6 - "Condemned" - 48min
Episode 7 - "Stick" - 50min
Episode 8 - "Shadows in the Glass" - 53min
Episode 9 - "Speak of the Devil" - 57min
Episode 10 - "Nelson v. Murdock" - 56min
Episode 11 - "The Path of the Righteous" - 58min
Episode 12 - "The Ones We Leave Behind" - 59min
Episode 13 - "Daredevil" - 56min
Total Time Invested: 703 minutes or 11.72 hours
#2 Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Continuing in the Marvel Universe, Netflix provides us with the viewing candy that is Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. It picks up after the Battle of New York and dives into the mystery of Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg). Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) makes a few quest appearances which are awesome, of course along with Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) and Lady Sif (Jaimie Alexander). The series starts with Agent Coulson and his attempt to bring together a group of talented agents for his super-team. Of course there is plenty of mysteries to solve, drama to unravel, and plenty of great nail-biting action. I love Agent Coulson, but I particularly am fond of Agents Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) and Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker); this duo has so much charm and romantic angst that it pulls perpetually at the proverbial heart strings.
Series Break Down
Episode 1 - "Pilot" - 44min
Episode 2 - "0-8-4" - 41min
Episode 3 - "The Asset" - 43min
Episode 4 - "Eye Spy" - 42min
Episode 5 - "Girl in the Flower Dress" - 42min
Episode 6 - "F.Z.Z.T" - 43min
Episode 7 - "The Hub" - 42min
Episode 8 - "The Well" - 42min
Episode 9 - "Repairs" - 43min
Episode 10 - "The Bridge" - 41min
Episode 11 - "The Magical Place" - 42min
Episode 12 - "Seeds" - 43min
Episode 13 - "T.R.A.C.K.S." - 42min
Episode 14 - "T.A.H.I.T.I." - 42min
Episode 15 - "Yes Men" - 43min
Episode 16 - "End of the Beginning" - 41min
Episode 17 - "Turn, Turn, Turn' - 43min
Episode 18 - "Providence" - 43min
Episode 19 - "The Only Light in the Darkness" - 43min
Episode 20 - "Nothing Personal" - 43min
Episode 21 - "Ragtag" - 43min
Episode 22 - "Beginning of the End" - 43min
Total Time Invested - 934 minutes or 15.57 hours
#3 ARROW
Quickly addictive, full of master combat, and great storytelling, The CW's Arrow will keep you entertained and craving more. Currently in their third season, Netflix has the first two seasons available and with 23 episodes each, buckle in for the long-haul. Starring the delectable Stephen Amell who portrays the billionaire Oliver Queen, through extensive series of events Oliver is transformed, and when he finally returns home he is there with a primary objective - basically to kick some major ass. I don't want to spoil anything and I'm not reviewing just suggesting what you should binge on next (if you haven't already), but this series is intricate to say the least! It's not only worthy of a test drive, it's definitely a keeper. I love this series because I just can't seem to stop wanting to watch Amell's performances. It will keep you on your mental toes too between the plots of the present and the flashbacks of the past, you'll be drawn into the drama all to quickly.
Series Break Down
Season 1
Episode 1 - "Pilot" - 42min
Episode 2 - "Honor Thy Father" - 42min
Episode 3 - "Lone Gunman" - 42min
Episode 4 - "An Innocent Man" - 42min
Episode 5 - "Damaged" - 41min
Episode 6 - "Legacies" - 41min
Episode 7 - "Muse of Fire" - 40min
Episode 8 - "Vendetta" - 42min
Episode 9 - "Year's End" - 42min
Episode 10 - "Burned" - 42min
Episode 11 - "Trust but Verify" - 42min
Episode 12 - "Vertigo" - 42min
Episode 13 - "Betrayal" - 42min
Episode 14 - "The Odyssey" - 42min
Episode 15 - "Dodger" - 42min
Episode 16 - "Dead to Rights" - 41min
Episode 17 - "The Huntress Returns" - 42min
Episode 18 - "Salvation" - 42min
Episode 19 - "Unfinished Business" - 42min
Episode 20 - "Home Invasion" - 42min
Episode 21 - "The Undertaking" - 42min
Episode 22 - "Darkness on the Edge of Town" - 42min
Episode 23 - "Sacrifice" - 42min
Season 2
Episode 1 - "City of Heroes" - 42min
Episode 2 - "Identity" - 42min
Episode 3 - "Broken Dolls" - 41min
Episode 4 - "Crucible" - 42min
Episode 5 - "League of Assassins" - 42min
Episode 6 - "Keep Your Enemies Closer" - 42min
Episode 7 - "State v. Queen" - 42min
Episode 8 - "The Scientist" - 42min
Episode 9 - "Three Ghosts" - 42min
Episode 10 - "Blast Radius" - 42min
Episode 11 - "Blind Spot" - 42min
Episode 12 - "Tremors" - 40min
Episode 13 - "Heir to the Demon" - 42min
Episode 14 - "Time of Death" - 42min
Episode 15 - "The Promise" - 42min
Episode 16 - "Suicide Squad" - 42min
Episode 17 - "Birds of Prey" - 42min
Episode 18 - "Deathstroke" - 42min
Episode 19 - "The Man Under the Hood" - 42min
Episode 20 - "Seeing Red" - 42min
Episode 21 - "City of Blood" - 42min
Episode 22 - "Streets of Fire" - 42min
Episode 23 - "Unthinkable" - 42min
Total Time Invested - 1,924 minutes or 32.07 hours
What I love about the Netflix Original Series is that all the episodes are released on the same day, so you can binge watch, or take your time through the season. PLUS, the feature that I love the most - no commercials! Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D can be seen Tuesday's on ABC and Arrow can be seen Wednesday's on the CW. Check your local listings. If you have binged these series please leave a comment on your thoughts, what you loved, and maybe what you didn't love so much. Also, if you have any hero themed suggestions to binge on next I'd greatly appreciate them. Enjoy!
Marvel has the recipe for moviegoers and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) doesn't disappoint. From the opening sequence, it grabs you and doesn't let you go. You are invested from the get-go. Chris Pratt is Peter Quill a.k.a Star-Lord. As a young child he tragically lost his mother, in his despair he runs from the hospital and is taken. Before she passed, she commented that Peter's dad was like an angel; I think this will come into play later. As he runs from the hospital in great grief, he is picked up by an alien spaceship.
Michael Rooker portrays the Slaver Leader Yondu Udonta. After Peter betrays him by stealing the mysterious orb that he was contracted to obtain and bring back to him. However, Peter decides to go out on his own, only causing more events to unfold. Yondu leads the helm of the ship that originally picked the young Peter Quill off of Earth (or as they refer, Terra). Toward the end of the movie, Yondu comments that they were originally suppose to pick Peter up and deliver him to his (Peter's) father.
Once Peter has this mysterious orb, he is on the hot list! Djimon Hounson plays Korath, a goon for Ronan who is there when Peter finds the orb and miraculously escapes his clutches. A genocidal maniac, Ronan (portrayed gorgeously by Lee Pace) sends one of his assassins for the orb. Gamora (Zoe Saldana) is the assassin that tells Ronan that she is the best for the job. He sends her unknowingly that she has motives of her own. Ronan was originally going to send Nebula (Karen Gillan), but Gamora talks him into sending her.
Meanwhile, on a civilized planet (lead by the legendary talent of Glenn Close as Nova Prime) Peter Quill is there trying to get his score for the orb. After the buyer finds out Ronan is now involved, he quickly dismisses Quill in fear of Ronan's wrath. Waiting for him outside of the sellers quarters is the beautiful, deadly assassin Gamora. However, in the process Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) find out that Yondu has a price on Quill's head. They want to capture Quill for the booty! All four of them end up in a scuffle and are captured by the planets military or police force. Another great character is one of the officers who is portrayed by John C. Reilly.
Once imprisoned, the four quickly hatch a plan to escape and include their newest member Drax (Dave Bautista). Once they make it out of the prison they awkwardly compromise that they have to get the orb from the prison (who had taken the orb along with their other possessions upon becoming prisoners). The prison break-out scene was one of my favorites. I thought for sure my favorite character would be Gamora, the kick-ass female lead, even the smart-ass Star-Lord, or even the snarky Rocket... but - no - my favorite character was definitely Groot! And one of the first scenes that he quickly took over this role was in the beginning of the prison break-out.
Once out of the prison, the plan is to take the orb to Gamora's buyer - who is The Collector (Benicio Del Toro). Once there The Collector unleashes the true identity behind the mysterious orb. Now that Gamora knows, she understands that this is a weapon that Ronan intends to destroy planets (in particular the planet the Guardians had been imprisoned on). However, chaos doesn't give them the time. One of The Collectors slaves touches the stone and nearly kills them all - only killing herself. They know now that they must get the stone as far away from Ronan and Thanos (Josh Brolin) = the bad guys.
However, a drunken scuffle breaks out between Groot, Drax, and Rocket. Quill and Gamora are able to break up the fight. But, a drunken Drax (full of rage and seeking vengence upon the being that killed his wife and daughter - Ronan) sends a message out and before they know it Ronan and his army are upon them. Not to mention Yondu, who has been after Quill, also shows up. Another epic fight against the odds pins Quill, Gamora, and Rocket working together to fight for survival. Drax finds Ronan and barely escapes. Groot finds Drax and saves his life. When they are rejoined by Rocket who fills them in on how Quill and Gamora were captured by Yondu and his crew. I absolutely love the scenes between Rocket and Groot when Rocket interprets for Groot - who only knows about three to four words. Hilarious.
Once upon the Slaver or Scavenger ship, Yondu is ready to kill Quill for his betrayal. However, Quill quickly informs them that Gamora knows the in and outs of Ronan's ship. That they could get the stone back and he could get the reward. Now, they all have to work together against a very powerful being - Ronan. They have to work together and have the help of Yondu and his men. Plus - Peter contacts the other planet (I believe Xandarian?) he calls the officer Corpsman Dey, who relays the message to Nova Prime, in time to evacuate their city and save lives. They also initiate their army to aide against Ronan and his invasion to destroy their planet.
Overall, the movie is a stellar experience. There is plenty of heart, action, and comedy to please everyone! I would definitely go - spend the money to see this on the big screen. There is a scene after the credits have finished as well. Those of you that were around in 1986 will get an appreciation of the special guest star in the scene.
** Spoilers could be revealed below - advance at your own risk **
I know, I know, it opened up like two weekends ago. The weekend it opened, another movie opened that my boyfriend really wanted to see (Blended). Then last weekend another movie opened that I'd been dying to see (Maleficent). If I could afford to go to the movies all the time, I definitely would. I've always loved movies and love going to see movies in the theater. That being said, X-Men Days of Future Past was overall nothing less than phenomenal. The movie really had me occupied the entire time and anticipating what's next. When I had first heard about the concept of the movie I was slightly skeptical. I've seen some movies that just seem to butcher the concepts of time travel. However, this movie did a fantastic job of keeping this viewer engaged and able to follow what was going on.
Peter Dinklage breathes life into Dr. Bolivar Trask
X-Men Days of Future Past spans open to a futuristic view of New York and the result of mutant captivity, even the humans that helped them. What could defeat the mutants that we all love? Cyborgs. Basically, in the past, 1973 to be specific, there was a professor, Dr. Bolivar Trask (portrayed by the very talented Peter Dinklage) who believed mutants to be a threat. While he admires the mutants and what they can do, it doesn't stop him from experimenting on them (killing them for their samples to study). He implores the government to fund his cyborgs that has a fail proof design to target mutants. His first attempt he was nearly laughed out of Senate. Then, after an incident in Paris where mutants were revealed to the world; Government now wants to be able to prove to the world that they can still protect the people. So, they give Trask the green-light.
Kitty sends Logan back to 1973
In the future however, the X-Men have a plan. Kitty (Ellen Page) can manipulate the consciousness to the past. The team decides if they are to save themselves and their kind, they have to go back to 1973 where they believed it all began: when Mystique, full of revenge toward Trask for the slaughter of her friends, kills him, and instead of the government closing his work, they progress it. Hence, they also capture Mystique and use her DNA toward the cyborgs so that they can adapt and counter act with the mutants - making them indestructible. They decided to send Logan/Wolverine back; Kitty explains that going decades back could destroy the mind and Logan has the ability to self-heal, therefore they decide he's the best candidate.
Evan Peters as Quicksilver
So, as if consciousness time-travel and stopping Mystique wasn't challenging enough, Logan has to reunite Charles and Erik. Oh yeah, and Erik is in lock-down at the Pentagon, for having an involvement with the assassination of J.F.K I really loved how they worked real history into the story plots. While the government tries to say that Erik/Magneto curved the bullet to kill J.F.K Erik explains to Charles/Professor X that he was trying to save him because he was a mutant. I think they did a great job too of portraying Nixon (Mark Camacho). With this triple threat - Logan enlists the help of Peter a.k.a Quicksilver. He's fast, funny, and could have been really useful for the rest of their missions. I don't know why they parted ways so soon. I really liked Peter (Evan Peters).
Jennifer Lawrence is Mystique
Now, the question is can Charles and Erik work together to find Raven/Mystique and stop her from killing Trask? The simplified answer - yes. LOL! What was shocking to me was that Erik tries to kill Mystique. He thinks this is the only answer. However, Mystique turns the tables on Erik and through Charles help, she holds the fate of mutant kind within her hands. Jennifer Lawrence is Raven/Mystique and she did a fantastic job. She's definitely a force! You also see the struggle that she battles with, she's not normal and if she shows her true form it tends to freak people out. This can do serious damage to the psyche. Thank goodness she has Charles this time around to keep her sane.
Post-Credits Preview - Apocalypse
The only thing I hated about this movie was that it ended. It really did a good job of making you hold your breath toward the end. Can they change the course of time, the proverbial rippling effect, in order to save mutant kind? Take a deep breath! Not only do they save themselves, the future is bright and magnificent. While we don't know where Erik/Magneto flew off to, Logan wakes up in the future dazed and confused. He leaves his room and wonders the halls of Professor X's Academy. This was one of my favorite sequences. Because all the X-Men are here, even Rogue, Beast, Gene, and Scott. It also opens the future up for us the audience now for the future possibilities of further X-Men movies!! PLUS, if you watch after the credits, you get a sneak peak into what's to come. If you want a great read about the future, then check this article out Den of Geek Explaining the X-Men: Days of Future Past Post-Credits Scene.
You'll definitely want to click on the links to check out the character bios
Not included here: Stryker, Havok and Toad
As a writer, this is what drove me to the extent of character development. Critics would say that there were too many characters, but as a person that grew up with comics, SciFi, and fantasy... the story was leading me. Looking at the X-Men and the list of characters, it's thrilling that they were all on-screen again!
So, my question is this: since Mystique is the one that took Logan into custody and not Stryker, does he still have his metal claws or would they still be bone (or organic material) now - if he didn't go through the Stryker experimentation?
