Winter Soldier...Fun Film, Great Cinematography

Winter Soldier...Fun Film, Great Cinematography

Hey guys, just got back from seeing the new Captain America: Winter Soldier film and I have to say, what an experience. We made the decision to see this in IMAX and really get a grand scale look at the action...completely the best option.

Instead of a normal, paint by the numbers review of Captain America: Winter Soldier I thought I would compliment and highlight the look from a different perspective....visuals.

When I say visuals I mean Cinematography. Cinematography is really a fine art in filmmaking that sometimes is ignored. It really can enhance the viewing experience. Making the background more interesting, creating a full visual experience. Camera movements that create a flow and keep the story progressing, even though nothing, possibly is being said at the time.

In my later years, especially the filmmaking ones, I have really realized the difference between a good film and a great film is not just the story, its so much more. We, the viewer can be sucked into the film with motion, action, tension and even shakiness of camera work and set design. The little details are what can elevate a film. (Keep in mind, this is just my opinion...right or wrong in yours)

Ok, so Winter Soldier will probably never be revered as a filmmaking masterpiece but you what? Why not?? Because its a comic book film? I can honestly say that I felt captivated throughout the entire movie. So much effort was taken into each shot, keeping things moving, working or interesting not just as a focal point. The background design was flawless. The camera movements, while some may say "Unmotivated", really worked to this movies impact.

Hard to believe, I'm looking at a Marvel film with such an open eye, congratulating them on a job well done with everything but the story. The story was great. Great acting, great characters and this, above every other Marvel film I've seen to date, is now at the top of my list. This is why I'm a comic book fan, this is why I love seeing the comics I loved as a child now on screen and this is why I love making movies.

Will the purists love it? No idea...but I had a blast. Hail Hydra!!

The Hulk, the Avengers and what Marvel needs to do

The Incredible Hulk/Avengers Blog - In Honor of Geek Pride Day

In honor of Geek Pride Day, I wanted to write about something that shows my geekness, those that really know me, know I am a HUGE geek. Case and point, this weekend at the numerous Wrestling shows I was a part of, many of the topics asked were 1.) about the Horror Show (www.latenighthorrorhotel.com)  and 2.) What do you think of ___________ comic story.

Last night I decided to give the Incredible Hulk (starring Ed Norton) another chance. I liked this film, I think simply because it was better than the 2003 Ang Lee film, but it was still nothing that amazing. The 2008 was much better, just still fell kind of flat. I liked the super soldier story but Abomination just looked "blah"...plus it had to compete with Iron Man that summer, with Iron Man being such a great film, The Incredible Hulk was overshadowed.

Let me start with - I love Stan Lee, he has given us so many amazing heroes and made a lot of people's childhood's better. With that, a lot of his stories are from the 60's and things change and some don't transfer well to film for modern times, The Hulk debuted in 1962. I have never been one that thought the Hulk was the ruler of the Marvel Universe, in fact quite often the sub context of his story, the Betty Ross love story and him always trying to become normal, just bored me. Betty Ross always seemed more of a hinder than an asset storyline wise. At least on the TV show, Bill Bixby gave the Banner character some sympathy and I felt for the guy...Banner was more likable.They could explore more with the Banner character but never give us enough time to feel for the guy.

The last few years though, in my opinion, have been great for the Hulk in comics. The Planet Hulk, World War Hulk storyline...fantastic, the current Red Hulk/ Fall of the Hulks story...AWESOME, I mean hell, I even enjoyed the Hulk vs Wolverine 5 issue story arc....now we move on to the Avengers.

With Iron Man 2, which was a great filler story to get to the bigger picture, out of the way and Marvel films moving closer to the Avengers Initiative film, the rumors are that the HULK could be the villain. This could be great and let me explain why. Side note : people always ask my opinion on Iron Man 2, it's no Empire Strikes Back as far as story builder goes, but once we get other films out there, people will grow to appreciate it more.

The Avengers, depending on what the final team is comprised of could be Epic (the picture gives an idea of who could be on the team..while I could do without some...at least the general idea is there), I say Epic since well, I'm a nerd. Let's hope that we aren't forced to sit through more establishing story, let's assume that Banner is aware that the Hulk is a problem, Betty is out of the picture and the Avengers storyline is set. I would like to see Banner trying to work with Stark to develop some sort of a antibody to help stop the transformation, that I could see. I would love to see the Avengers trying to create some sort of plan or capsule (yes similar to Planet Hulk) to rid the World of the giant green troublemaker. 

So much is riding on the Avengers, the Steve Rogers/Captain America movie has to be "Amazing", the Thor movie has to be a "MUST SEE". If Marvel gives us more Galactus in cloud form or some crappy Ghost Rider, Daredevil or X-Men 3 crap...it will ruin what they have established with Iron Man. Let's hope they get their act together. Keep watching here as I provide more comic news and opinions...granted they are just my opinion, let me know what you think.

Happy Geek Pride Day!!

Looking back - Marvel Zombies - A review of the start of the madness

Marvel Zombies

A retrospective look at how it all began

by : Rob Dimension

Well, another Free Comic Book Day has come and gone. Hopefully everyone did their best and went and supported the Comic Industry. I am always thinking the comic business is always on the brink of bankruptcy, not sure why, just always seems that way to me. I mean, kids read less and less, are more into video games plus the adults are the main buyers and the economy is still in termoil, so spending is less.

Luckily for all us comic book geeks, the Comic HYPE is greater than ever. With success at the box office with films like The Dark Knight, Iron Man, Hell Boy, Watchmen and recently, Kick-Ass (which by the way was amazing...if you haven't seen it yet and your into violence, gore and Nick Cage doing an Adam West impersonation, then it's the film for you), the interest in our beloved heroes and villians is on the climb.

Marvel Zombies was released back in December 05 and ran through April of 06, meaning now, the trade paperback is easily accessible. Written by Robert Kirkman, who will be gaining massive attention soon once AMC gets going on The Walking Dead series, and puts a new twist to our Marvel Universe. While everything was always about saving the girl, doing the right thing, now things now have become about death, destruction and stopping the "Hunger".

In an alternate Marvel landscape, a virus has hit the Earth causing some of our most popular Heroes into Zombie frenzied, eating machines. The story is fun and I can't tell you how many giggles I had watching Spider-man, Hulk and Captain America fight with legs missing, half the skull exposed and once becoming human again, realizing they ate too much, let loose and terrorize the planet. As for our heroes, nothing can stop them, not the Silver Surfer and possibly, not Galactus himself...yes, the World Eater. This battle is a must read!!!

Without spoiling much of the story, the plot is very easy to see but the action is outlandish. Everything a comic geek, that loves Horror and Zombies, could ask for. The gore is plentiful, the dialogue is well written and quite honestly, this comic series was a blast to read and see what unfolds. 

I highly recommend this, especially since Marvel Zombies 5 is currently being released, you have more than enough reading to catch up on. The original trade retails for $15.99 plus, look for side stories like Dead Days and The Marvel Zombies vs.The Army of Darkness....think Ash can save the day??? Remember this kids - "Shop Smart, Shop S Mart"