The Last Stand: Review of Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Infinity War

Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo

By Alex Watson

Marvel fans everywhere have been waiting for the day their heroes would square off against big bad Thanos. Well, Avengers: Infinity War is unlikely to disappoint. Throwing in everything but the kitchen sink for the ultimate showdown, directors Joe and Anthony Russo pull off one hell of a balancing act. While its conclusion may polarize viewers, no one can deny the sheer thrill levels of this instalment.

Overlord Thanos (voiced by Josh Brolin) is continuing his reign of terror while seeking the rest of the infinity stones. The Avengers are attempting to put a halt to his progress, but their efforts are proving futile. Not helped by the strained relations between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and Captain America (Chris Evans). Also, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) seems to be suffering from severe performance anxiety.

From the first frame of Avengers: Infinity War the Russo Brothers shoot to thrill. The arrival of Thanos was forever teased in early instalments, but his first full outing is a major success. A hulking purple monster, this man is a pulverising force to be reckoned with. However, there is also a depth to him at key points which is surprising. Especially when examining his difficult relationship with adopted daughter Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Rather than beginning with an orgy of CGI, Infinity War war starts with a jolt as certain characters we know and love are... dealt with. In this instalment, our love is truly tested and there will be gut-wrenching moments. Thanos is a ruler whose madman tendencies are weirdly philosophical and his logic comes off as cold and calculated.

Our Avenger teams are broken up into several brilliantly formed factions. Stark and Dr Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) must not only contend with their own ego's but also with Peter Parker (Tom Holland),  Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista) and the other Guardians. Thor forms a delightful and hilarious threesome with Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel). Finally, the exiled warriors of Civil War Steve Rogers, Hulk, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and the King himself T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) take up fighting residence in Wakanda.  The sheer quality of this cast alone could power this picture, but instead, each of these teams brings their own unique brand of charm. Thanos knows how each character ties into each group and this is where he emerges as a formidable opponent. Each time one of the squares off against him, it can mean potential ruin for the earth. Emotions run deep in this one and there will be many acts of sacrifice- prepare yourself for some hard moments.

The best aspect of Avengers: Infinity War is how the Russo's are able to make this such a fun ride. There are little moments throughout which are simply brilliant such as Thor and Quill attempting to one-up each other at family backstories. Also, several minor MCU characters make wonderful reappearances to leave no stone unturned. The third act is usually a problem is most Marvel movies, but this time the Russo Brothers brilliantly pull each character together for one hell of a finale. Making so much look so cool and effortless is not an easy task, but this time excitement levels are through the roof. However, then comes an ending which will likely floor its audience. I won't give away a sliver of information, but I will advise the audience to expect everything and be prepared for some tragic moments. Thanos is not considered the ultimate bad guy for nothing and squaring off against him will leave severe damage.

Josh Brolin's voice alone gives shivers down our spine whenever Thanos appears on screen. A thumping and unpredictable villain, his whole logic of splitting the universe in half is skewed. However, in the hands of Brolin he makes it look so compelling and underneath his exterior, we see a tortured soul. The rest of the cast, as usual, works wonderfully together. Having Downey Jr and Cumberbatch share screen time makes for some wonderful and egotistical petty squabbles. Chris Hemsworth has now given Thor such natural on screen humour that he wins each scene he appears in. Mark Ruffalo is also scene stealingly brilliant as Bruce Banner and his frustration and embarrassment at the Hulk not wanting to come out is consistently funny.

Avengers: Infinity War is the big get together Marvel fans have always wanted. On sheer enjoyment alone- this is unmissable.

Hammer Time: Review of Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok

Director: Taika Waititi

By Alex Watson

After the underwhelming sequel, 'The Dark World' many Thor fans were left wondering where the Thor could possibly go next? Getting Taiki Waititi in the director's chair was the smartest move imaginable. Thor: Ragnarok is a sharp and funny ride that finds its humor in very unlikely places. Unlike previous director`s, Waititi is given free reign and the success of the movie comes from his lack of reliance on action scenes.

When estranged sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) aka the Goddess of Death returns, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a tricky situation. Exiled the garbage planet of Sakaar, he finds himself forced to fight as a gladiator for the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). However, while on this planet he finds himself reacquainted with his old buddy Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and once more facing off against troublesome brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

After showcasing his unique brand of funny in his acclaimed movie `Hunt for the Wilder People`, Waititi was an unusual candidate for Thor: Ragnarok. He proves to be an inspired choice because he is the first director to really channel the comic gold this character has. Watching a dangling Thor slowly enraging villainous demon Surtur (voiced by Clancy Brown) during a threatening monologue immediately sets the tone. In other hands, the mashed together plot involving usurping, past murders and slavery could have been a messy affair. Waititi makes it seems like a breeze and keeping the focus on comedy makes this a much better viewing experience.

When Thor literally arrives with a bump on Sakaar, much of the comedy is found here. Grandmaster is the most Goldblum role that Jeff Goldblum will ever play. A smooth-talking tyrant with his fingers in many pies, Thor's entry into being a gladiator couldn't have been worded more nicely. The showdown in the arena between Odinson and the Hulk gives us a hilarious verbal and physical battle. This also lasts outside the walls as the pair squabble throughout, including a brilliant reaction by Thor to seeing the Hulk's green dick. Waititi, also plays the scene-stealing rock gladiator Korg, in his soft-spoken voice he provides the bulk of belly laughs. There's also the added problem of Loki being around. Morally ambiguous at every turn, once more his brother makes it hard for him. In this installment, sibling rivalry is present but almost takes a backseat. Although we do learn how they play the game 'Get Help' (recommended for all to try at least once).

As a villainess, Hela feels like Thor: Ragnarok's weak link. Although central to the plot she just comes across as just a moody and bitter relative. Banished from Asgard after her genocidal desires outgrew her father's, Hela has the potential to have a cold, malevolent presence. While she physically matches Thor, she lacks any kind of real threat. Although there is a fine supporting turn from Tessa Thompson as a former Valkyrie. Scarred by her past encounter with Hela, Valkyrie has resorted to heavy drinking and slave capturing to get by. Getting her on board to protect Asgard is a major hurdle and she makes Thor work for it. The emotional content of this movie also makes Ragnarok creak slightly. Waititi effortlessly blended heavier content with a light touch in Wilder people but for a picture like this, it feels unnecessary. When a movie crams so much into one film, they can't all winners, unfortunately. Aside from this, there are few grips to be had and Waititi is welcome back to tickle our ribs anytime.

Chris Hemsworth has molded Thor so well it fits him perfectly. One of the few action movie stars capable of both great depth and sheer comedy, Hemsworth once more stands out. Tom Hiddleston again makes a great love/hate figure. His facial expressions alone make his character impossible to pin down and Hiddleston is clearly loving every minute. Cate Blanchett should have been a fine nemesis but finds herself stranded in a one-note role. Mark Ruffalo is also able to find his funny side as Banner. Hilarious neurotic and forced to wear Tony Stark's tight pants, he is barely keeping his green friend inside. Anthony Hopkins in one very brief scene still shows just why he is one of few remaining greats. In a single monologue, he can conjure up feelings of remorse, fear and ultimately hope. It's a shame the central pairing didn't get more time alongside him.

Thor: Ragnarok is very much the strongest of the trilogy so far. Taika Waititi proves he can handle the big-budget pieces and let's hope the Marvel Universe brings him back for the next installment.

I Ain't Afraid Of No Ghost: Review of Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters

Director: Paul Feig

By Alex Watson

Having the most disliked trailer in the history of Youtube is not something to savor. From the get-go, there were a lot of haters dumping on Paul Feig's all-female reboot of Ghostbusters. Well, prepare to have your doubts extinguished because this effort is as funny and quirky as any of the originals. The female foursome gives this franchise a newer and fresher feel. Also with the laughs coming thick and fast the gender of the characters will be the furthest thing from your mind.

Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) is a former college professor who has recently reconnected with old friend Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) and her wacky assistant Jillian Holtzman (Kate McKinnon) after an outbreak of ghost sightings around Manhatten. Along with former MTA worker Patty (Leslie Jones), it is clear that evil spirits are out to claim the city, but what is causing them to appear? With New York Mayor Bradley (Andy Garcia) wanting to silence the whole affair, how will they succeed?

With an effective scary opening, Ghostbusters is able to score points pretty much immediately. When we meet the estranged friendship of Abby and Erin, we like them right away. The pair has as much dorky and goofy charm as Venkman and Stanz before them- previous co-authors of an embarrassing paranormal book, Erin quickly rediscovers her lost passion. Things kick up a notch when Patty enters the fray, this character is one of the smart elements of this movie. Unlike Winston before her who was there to make up the numbers, Patty's knowledge of New York is an invaluable asset and marks her out as one of the key members. A sassy and loyal fireball, she often gets the best lines such as when views a ghost heading on subway towards Queen's "He's gonna be like the third scariest thing on that train!"

Feig is able to find a more different sense of humor, unlike this previous work. His clever gender role reversal of incredibly dumb but intensely hot secretary Kevin (Chris Hemsworth) is a delightful touch. Finding it impossible to perform the simplest of tasks, such as answering the phone or even make coffee, Kevin is a continual source of hilarity. The set pieces are also well executed, such as the four having to capture a demon in the middle of a rock concert, cue Ozzy Osbourne screaming "SHARON! I'M HAVING ANOTHER FLASHBACK!" the cameos in the piece are one thing that slightly lets picture down because they are not given nearly attention. Some known faces make an appearance, but we never feel the needed force.

The laughs do begin to dry up as Ghostbusters reaches its climax. When the CGI takes effect it is spectacular to see the ladies blasting away ghosts, "I shot a pilgrim!" one of them mourns. The finale is decidedly low on tension but by this point, you are already so high on laugh its seems inconsequential. There are setbacks in this picture such as Kate McKinnon's Jillian Holtzman, although she raises a smile or two, her constant zany humor eventually becomes a bit too much. This reboot also lacks a real threatening villain, occultist Rowan (Neil Casey) comes off as just a whiny jerk who needs to grow up. Feig along with his impressive cast is to be commended for shaking off the criticism and giving us something that threatens to give reboots a good name.

Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy are always a dream together and their work here is no exception. Able to produce laughs at any given time, they are able to give a pair of original creations a million miles away from their predecessors. Leslie Jones nearly walks away with the picture with a brilliant turn as subway worker turned Ghostbuster Patty. Jones is always on point and each scene she seems to find a way to win it over with the minimum effort. The fourth member needed an upgraded after Ernie Hudson was wasted over two pictures and she is one of the main reason to want a sequel. Chris Hemsworth however, steals the show with his hilarious against type as the ditzy Kevin. A man coasting through life on looks alone, Hemsworth shows an unexpected comic touch and seems to find ways to make him stupider by the minute.

Who would have thought that among all the criticism that Ghostbusters would be one of the movies of this summer? Well, haters, it appears that you might want to retract those statements.

Five Great Racing Movies

Senna (2010 Dir: Asif Kapadia)

The life of Ayrton Senna was no ordinary thing and in 2010 British director Asif Kapadia finally shed light on one of F1's finest. Treading a fine line, Senna shows its subject as both hero and villain who although one of the finest drivers of his time was at times one of the most stubborn. Best of all, it goes deep into the Brazilians psyche and undercovers a deeply conflicted soul. Possibly the finest movie that motorsport will ever produce.

Rush (2013 Dir: Asif Kapadia)

Winner of this blog's Film of The Year in 2013, Ron Howard finally succeeded in bringing an excited F1 movie into the 21st century. Replaying the sheer drama and chaos that was the 1976 season, the battle between playboy James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and calculated Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) was captivating. Effortlessly capturing the drivers vastly different persona's, it also brought forward the painfully recover of Lauda after his fiery crash at the Nurburgring. Live action racing has a front runner.

Le Mans (1971 Dir: Lee H Katzin)

Steve McQueen's love of Le Mans was well known throughout his life, so who better to star in a motion picture version. Story wise there is little other than McQueen looking his trademark cool self, but on the track is where the picture really sizzles. Driver Michael Delaney is still guilt-ridden over the death of a rival but the thriller of racing is still an addiction. Drawn into a battle with rival Erich Stahler, the pair of do battle on for the crown of sportscar racing.

Grand Prix (1966 Dir: John Frankenheimer)

Before Rush, this picture was considered the pinnacle of F1 films by director John Frankenheimer. Demonstrating the kamikaze feel of racing in the 1960's, star James Garner makes for an interesting centerpiece as American Pete Amon. A former star who is fading away, Amon has competition from world champion Jean-Pierre Sarti (Yves Montand) and recovering team Scott Stoddard (Brian Bedford). Featuring cameos from greats Stirling Moss, Juan Manual Fangio and Graham Hill, Garner was the real star as he did all his own driving which drew admiration for many drivers.

Days of Thunder (1990 Dir: Tony Scott)

Tom Cruise and Tony Scott's second outing together may have unimpressed critics, but the action on the track is still great. This may be Top Gun in a Chevrolet but together Cruise and Scott make you want to attempt Daytona on impulse. The early action scenes between hot shot rookie Cole Trickle and underhanded champ Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker) set up the late drama. However, it is his rivalry with cocky new boy Russ Wheeler (Cary Elwes) that provides the real interest. Try watching the final Daytona 500 sequence with grinning from ear to ear.

Brotherhood of Buccaneers: Review of Avengers: Age of Ultron

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Director: Joss Whedon

By Alex Watson

Although a darker and less jokier flick than we might have expected, Joss Whedon is again consistent with Avengers: Age of Ultron. But unlike its gleeful predecessor, there is an air of warning and madness present from the start. Which culminates in a creation that truly loathes its creators. However, even though it scores highly on the thrill level, you can't help but feel that this franchise is beginning to wear a little thin!

Completing a dangerous mission against a HYDRA base, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) wish to great artificial intelligence creation that will be protector to humans. Only his creation that arrives, Ultron (James Spader) immediately comes to hate humanity and sets about on a mission to destroy it! Matched against an unstoppable being along with fellow experimental beings Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). The Avengers have a hard mission ahead.

What perhaps sets Avengers: Age of Ultron apart is the fact that a great shadow of doubt has come across this once strong fraternity of superhero's. Captain America (Chris Evans) is starting to feel the strain of his role as protector, while Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) is beginning to have doubts over not only his relationship with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) but whether he can exist among humans at all? Even Tony Stark is cast is near villian mode as it is his meddling with the forces of AI that brings about one un-godly creation! But amidst the cracks appearing, this unit has learn to work as a team- just watch Thor (Chris Hemsworth) slam the Caps shield into a HYDRA man's face! 

Emerging like a more sinister Frankenstein's monster, Ultron is a living and vengeful being who decides the only way to save humanity, is to destroy the earth! Constantly slippery and evolving, Ultron provides the ultimate obstacle to the Avengers. But his brother and sister companions Wanda/Scarlet Witch and Pietro/Quicksliver make for fine lieutenants. Particularly as through her mind mangling abilities, Wanda brings their worst fears to life before their eyes. It is shown Iron Man his post New York trauma that will result in him behaving more irrationally than usual!

But although Whedon has now fitted the style of this group like a glove and his command of the action scenes is breathlessly executed- you can't escape the thought that Avengers:Age of Ultron is now all too familiar. The finale is once set in the air (now a Marvel staple it seems) and while thrilling and very unpredictable, it just doesn't give you the rousing feeling that you felt when this team was first together. His excellent use of characterization firmly keeps everything afloat and the new additions are being worked in nicely, even Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) gets his own part of the story after being drastically underused.

Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth are as usual fine in their customary roles, but unlike before they are not as memorable. These characters are beginning to feel like fresh with every appearance and even some neat changes doesn't completely change things. The real star turn goes to Mark Ruffalo who exhibits a fine inner conflict as Bruce Banner who for once is truly doubting his place in the world and fears for not only his own safety, but the rest of human kind! James Spader however makes for a magnificent Ultron! Like a bad seed done drastically wrong, his lament for humans is well felt and through his gravely yet commanding voice, one of the best Marvel villains is born!

Avengers: Age of Ultron is a still a great night of entertainment, and I understand that they are far from being done. But this Marvel universe is feel a little overcooked these days. The films will still come thick and fast (the two part Infinity War installment is due for 2018), but they will struggle to match the joy of old. But Whedon's darker take on events is still worth viewing, especially if you like the Hulk finally being unleashed!