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.

Teenage Fan Club: Review of Spiderman: Homecoming

Spiderman: Homecoming

Director: Jon Watts

By Alex Watson

Spiderman has been a hit and miss affair ever since he webslinged his way onto our screens in 2001. Sam Raimi's original trilogy brought us two excellent outings and completely forgettable third. Marc Webb's two Spidey pictures were excellently acted but seemed to lack a certain substance. For Spiderman: Homecoming, director Jon Watts goes with a lighter touch and for the most part succeeds. This movie might just be the most accurate depiction of Peter Parker yet.

Still buzzing from helping Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) in Berlin, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is anxious to make full use of his powers. Given a new suit, he is soon keeping the neighbourhood safe while at the same time crushing on classmate Liz (Laura Harrier). Former salvager Adrian Toombs (Michael Keaton) has moved into the heist business as flying criminal Vulture. Despite the warnings of Stark, Parker is determined to bring him down.

What makes Spiderman: Homecoming a breath of fresh air is how honestly it portrays Peter Parker. Coming off as the ultimate Avengers geek, we see him make a video diary of his time in Berlin. The bane of Happy Hogan's (Jon Favreau) phone, Parker is shown as your typical immature adolescent. This side of the character was always lacking before and he never seemed to come across as uncool enough. Watts puts all that to rights because Parker is believably nerdy alongside his fellow geek friend Ned (Jacob Batalon). Always failing to keep his feelings for Liz under wraps, his problems are always neatly (and sarcastically) summed up by classmate Michelle (Zendaya). Keen to run before he can crawl, Peter doesn't know the limits of his own powers. Tony Stark in this picture comes off as the surrogate Dad figure, who is always scolding his new prospect for the right reasons.

Vulture is definitely Marvel's most straight up villain but unfortunately not its deepest. A former blue collar worker attempting to salvage scraps from the Avengers New York Smackdown- he is sadly booted off the site by Stark's people. Toombs is in the game to make some green, so there's no tragic backstory or sinister revenge motive needed. Despite some well-acted moments, he just doesn't come across as particularly threatening. He is a smart guy and his schemes are always fool proof, this movie needs a stronger nemesis to make Spidey sweat. Another key issue is the lack of love interest, while Liz is a pretty and sweet young thing- she just doesn't seem deep enough for Peter repeatedly crush on. Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) feels drastically underused but thankfully she doesn't have the task of reminding us of power and responsibility. Despite these minor flaws, there is little else to really grip about.

Watts had a tough job balancing Spiderman: Homecoming, but he seems to stick the landing. His control of the action sequences is never less than gripping. The standout sequence comes when Spidey must save his friends at the Washington Monument. Rather than just retread the old and well known Peter Parker backstory, Watts simply gets on with the job. This lighter touch serves this reboot well and avoids adding more content than the film can handle. Peter's new suit is a recurring source of laughs, especially since he is barely in control of it. An array of cool new weapons (who knew Spidey had grenades?) could be a handy tool in future outings.

Tom Holland has been the perfect choice for Peter Parker and he comes the closest to accurately playing him. So lame he kind of cool, Holland embraces the awkward yet brave side of the character. Running headfirst into difficulties, Holland's over-excited Parker is believably rash when it comes to his choices. However, he gives this character a maturity that serves him well in the later stages. Michael Keaton again shows what great presence he can bring and how intimidating he can be in the right role. The problem is his Adrian Toombs doesn't have enough outside his tough guy persona. Keaton is great as the everyman wanting to provide, but this character is made for heavy lifting.

Spiderman: Homecoming shows that despite excessive reboots, Spiderman is still a character that has not lost its appeal.

Taking Sides: Review of Captain America: Civil War

Captain America: Civil War

Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo

By Alex Watson

There was a fear when Captain America: Civil War rolled around that too many cooks would spoil the broth. Joe and Anthony Russo do a marvellous job (no pun intended) of holding the show together amidst so many old and new Avenger additions. Unlike the previous installments, this one is made out to be simply a filler and it has a more morally complex feeling. The small acts of old and new films come ahead in this one and this sparks this summer's most enjoyable film.

After a mission in Nigeria goes disastrously wrong, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and Natasha Romanov (Scarlett Johansson) find the Avengers have now been regulated by the U.N. Although the Cap refuses to sign, Iron Man chooses to and in doing so creates a divided group. Tensions will boil over when Rogers chooses to rescue his assassin friend Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan).

Captain America: Civil War might just be the finest entry in the Marvel cannon yet. The Russo Brother unashamedly play it for thrillers and throughout the entertainment factor never dips. There is also the first appearance by the new Spiderman (Tom Holland) and T'Chilla/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) whom already are getting us excited for this new chapter. Without the Hulk or Thor, this group still packs a mighty punch and the mutual hostility between the Captain and Stark is electrifying. The lines between enemy and ally are blurred in this one as Black Widow finds herself conflicted towards keeping peace and joining the fight. Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) is struggling with her powers and is at fault for causing mass casualty during their heroic Nigerian mission. When Sam Ross (William Hurt) reappears with a U.N sanction signed by 117 countries, this elite team is grounded.

There might be a distinct lack of a main villain asides from Daniel Bruhl's ambiguous former soldier Helmut Zemo, but even he still plays a vital role in dividing the numbers. Bucky is very much the catalyst in this piece and is still wrestling between his Soviet programming and becoming the man he used to be. After being framed for a bombing in Vienna, Bucky's mere presence earns him the wrath of the new King of Wakanda T'Chilla who vows to take him down. Rogers refused to give up on his former childhood friend and his decision leaves many angered and vengeful. Despite the nostalgia, old Bucky is still a dangerous weapon and still has blood on his hands. From here the once steadfast group takes sides and a mini war breaks out. One huge battle against an airport strip becomes a punch and explosion filled venting ground for each. The Russo Brothers make sure they throw in everything but the kitchen sink- this case Antman (Paul Rudd) makes literally the biggest appearance.

What sets Captain America: Civil War apart is its well-written script and heart grinding finale. Often in this series the makers fall into the same trap of unnecessary plot devices, lackluster villains and the same default final battle in the air. The Russo's are aware of what flaws there have been and refuse to fall into the same trap. During a gut-wrenching final act, some hard truths are reveal and people's agendas become blurred. All the way through there is the big notion of who the Avengers should answer to? Well, it appears that the answer is each other because Stark's hatred and suspicion of Bucky come full circle. Watching the two former comrades do battle is both thrilling and devastating and they both equally influence different key players to join their side. Now this is very much what you call an ultimate showdown- Synder take notes.

Chris Evans has grown into this role well, but in this installment, it feels like he goes deeper. Rogers in Civil War is a morally conflicted yet dutiful friend and he is aware of his wrongdoing but refuses to back away. Evans handles the physical side of his character well but this one demonstrates the talent he has behind the mask. Robert Downey Jr gives perhaps his most convincing turn yet as billionaire stark because in this one he has left his cocky side at home. Throughout he attempts to stamp down his authority but his attempts at safeguarding the cause he bankrolled only cause trouble. It's his emotional vulnerability during the impressive third act that impresses the most as Stark wrestles with his past demons along with his new found fury. Chadwick Boseman also deserves a mention for his frowntastic Black Panther. In limited screen time, we have a glimpse of what could be an authoritative and slick new addition- hurry up Ryan Coogler.

Forget any competition for the number one summer film, Captain America: Civil War succeeds where Dawn of Justice failed miserably. Finally, Marvel has found its new strongest link and now can look forward to one hell of an Avengers 3!

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!

In The Name of the Father: Review of The Judge

TIFF EXCLUSIVE

The Judge

Director: David Dobkin

By Alex Watson

Returning home to your old surroundings is always a hard thing, because it always stirs up emotions and memories (sometimes even regrets) that you thought you had once left behind. We are never sure of the reactions that will have when we see our loved ones, but we hope they are pleasant. For my first Toronto International Film Festival, I was lucky enough to catch a gala screening today of the Robert Downey Jr starring The Judge (complete with an introduction by director David Dobkin) at Roy Thomson Hall. This has opened to some mixed yet positive acclaim, but will this be a TIFF 14 darling?

Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr) is a successful Chicago attorney who is forced to abandon an important case to attend his mothers funeral in Carlinville, Indiana. For Hank, this means having to re-establish contact with his father Judge Joseph Palmer (Robert Duvall) whom he loathes. But when he arrives in town, a major bombshell is dropped when his father is charged with first degree murder! Forced to defend his fathers honor and reputation, slowly a variety of bombshells will hit Hank and he soon learns the man he hates could well be a very different man than he imagined.

The Judge is a movie that while very heart rendering and emotionally prominent, isn't quite the sturdy drama that we were hoping for. At the centre of the film, the father and son relationship is one that is very strained from years of disconnection. Hank is a character that has to fight to win our respect because when we first meet him, he is an arrogant hot-shot attorney who defends the guilty and is preparing to face a bitter divorce with his cheating wife. Joseph, a man of honest integrity openly scorns the man his son has become and rejects his help at every turn. Both men are equally as stubborn and bitter as each other, but now they are forced to work together and they resent it!

David Dobkin is a surprise choice for this type of film given his more comedic roots, and in places his lack of confidence handling this type of drama shows through. Our characters are never given the space they need to flourish and while tempers are frayed and tears are wept, it cannot help escaping the fact that Dobkin hopes we will look past this and be swayed by the heart melting content such as Hanks reconnection with old flame Sam (Vera Farmiga). I admire Dobkin for his efforts, and he his showing signs of moving forward and perhaps being a solid director. But this effort just feels too drawn out  to really be a contender for the big prizes.

Family matters play an important part of this movie and each member of the Palmer household is suffering individually. Older brother Glen (Vincent D'Onofrio) was robbed of a baseball career by a rash act by Hank, and quietly has suffered in silence ever since. Joseph however, is a man who mind and body are starting to betray him and his claim of having no memory of the night of incident, only fuels Hank's belief that the recovering alcoholic has fallen off the wagon. But as we frequently learn, things are not so straight forward and secrets will come to light that threaten to make Joseph's defense sink or swim.

While The Judge has its moments of great laughs and humor, such as Hank's excellent put downs on three hard drinking locals, it is the courtroom scenes that provide the real fireworks. The relationship between the two men is literally being put on trial and this is the ground they will use to make or break things. The introduction of vengeful prosecutor Dwight Dickham (Billy Bob Thornton), who drinks from his own retractable silver cup gives the proceedings the gripping feel it requires. The finale though, will melt even the toughest of hearts as Hank grills Joseph on the stand. What comes next is truly earth shattering! Prepare your bottom lip for severe shaking.

The element that keeps this film alive however, is the electric chemistry between Downey Jr and Duvall. Currently stepping out of his Iron Man suit, Downey Jr shows just what a versatile actor he can be as Hank. Thankfully, it is his underplaying of any number of emotionally charged moments that make his performance so memorable and he succeeds in winning over a once skeptical audience that Hank is worthy of our love and attention. Duvall, in his strongest and most featured performance in some time is a revelation. Joseph is a sour and miserable old coot, but the 83 year old finds the ground the work with to raise him up to a level that we can appreciate. A once proud man, Joseph has now been reduced to a decaying wreck that is on his last legs. Through Duvall, we feel this pain thoroughly.

While we had hoped that The Judge would be an affair to remember, it slightly misses the mark needed. The performances of Downey Jr and Duvall are most certainly award worthy. But it is let down by a rather formulaic direction and script. But on the affecting scale, this scores very highly and gives us hope for Dobkin's future in film. 

TIFF Schedule Update

So today it is finally here, the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival is underway!

On this fine day before I tread the boards of the magnificent Scotiabank Theatre, I am pleased to inform everyone that I have secured a place for Friday's Gala Screening of The Judge starring Robert Downey Jr and Robert Duvall at Roy Thomson Hall! This movie has been getting some great press in the last few months including some glowing praise for former Wedding Crashers director, David Dobkin so it could well prove to be one of the hits of the festival. So it appears that the first ever TIFF review on this blog will be coming to your screens sooner than anticipated!

Also on Tuesday 9th, along with seeing A Second Chance by Susanne Bier, I have also been able to attend a screening of Jean-Marc Vallee's highly anticipated film Wild starring Reese Witherspoon at the Visa Elgin Screening Room (where three out my five viewings will take place). Canadian director, Vallee is a talent on the rise so I am very excited about this chance.


Welcome to Ontario Film Lovers- enjoy your stay at the friendly film festival