Movie Review Madness - Avengers-Infinity War

Who’s not in Avengers: Infinity War?  Ant-Man who has a movie this summer with Wasp (Paul Rudd), the Arrow dude (Jeremy Renner), and maybe someone else I can’t think of as I am not a fanatic.  Otherwise, the whole gang is around to battle Thanos (Josh Brolin) who’s huge and just wants to have all the power and kill half of humanity. No other reason that I could fathom, but what the heck. He was busy gathering Infinity stones from various planets and sacred keepers.  The stones represent Power, Soul, Time, Reality, Mind, and Space.  So it’s up to our favorite super heroes to try to work together, avoid death, and save the planet. Just another day.

This movie is filled with non-stop action, battles, quick quips, power struggles, team work, and off the cuff maneuvers. It’s fun and trippy and keeps the sagas moving along.  Loki (Tom Hiddleston) vs. Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Thor with Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) and Spider Man (Tom Holland), Black Panther and Captain America and Black Widow and….the story circles between different planets and Wakanda and the USA as different stages occur in the fight. Dr.Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is holding onto the Time Stone – you think he’s in danger?  And Vision with the Mind Stone embedded in his head. The Scarlett Witch does her best to keep him safe.  If you have not watched any of the Marvel movies, then you will be lost. If you are up on the saga, then this movie will blow your mind. And poor Mark Ruffalo keeps trying to summon the Hulk, but the big guy isn’t angry enough. How can that be?

Fun, fast paced kick butt blockbuster – Avengers: Infinity War ramps up the summer movie season.  And yes, stay for that after the credits Marvel teaser….whoa!

Movie Review Madness: Spiderman - Homecoming

“Another Spiderman?”

Yawn

“Wait a minute. Don’t leave this review. Stick around for awesomeness.”

Yes, I am happy to report that Spiderman: Homecoming is absolutely  joyous. It’s  a boundless energetic bundle of a web slinging kid (fresh faced wide-eyed Tom Holland as Peter Parker) battling robotic Vulture (tightly played by Michael Keaton – villain but not off the rails nuts). Parker’s mentor, Iron Man (always just snarky Robert Downey Jr) wants the kid to keep it local – save the little old ladies and earn the right to play with the big boys. But Peter is chafing at the bit to use his skills and prove his mettle. His best buddy in high school is in awe, but somehow they are still the nerds, butts of jokes.

Poor Peter, typical teen. He can’t seem to please anyone or do things quite right. He’s not there for his Academic team, he screws up homecoming, he’s lying to his Aunt May (the ever hot Marisa Tomei), and no one (i.e. Happy (Jon Favreau)  his connection to Iron Man) will hear him out  on the evil arms dealers led by the Vulture (who  is also a “nice” suburban dad). At one point, Iron Man even yanks his nifty Spiderman outfit – he’s screwed up so much.

But there’s redemption, of course. Can’t keep this Spiderman down. The effects are eye-popping, the writing is funny and exuberant, and the movie never gets bogged down in back story, moping around, or over earnest messages. Tom Holland brings this Spiderman to life in Homecoming, and he’s a welcome presence on the Marvel big screen. No need to read the instructions on this new suit, is there? Hang from the ceiling, fling yourself into  a room, and hum that Spiderman theme song.

Movie Review Madness - Captain America: Civil War

I am late to the Marvel party, but here's a review as this movie slowly eases out of theaters             

  Captain America: Civil War finds our Avenger folks at odds.  Here’s a theater Synopsis

Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The new status quo deeply divides members of the team. Captain America (Chris Evans) believes superheroes should remain free to defend humanity without government interference. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) sharply disagrees and supports oversight. As the debate escalates into an all-out feud, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) must pick a side.

Captain America is also loyal to his friend the Winter Soldier who’s been unthawed and released to create havoc. This movie has everybody except Thor enter the fray. The Scarlett Witch uses her powers. Vision is overseeing her. Ant Man and Spider Man provide some comic relief. The new Spider Man is a smart aleck kid with some great lines. Otherwise, the film stays dark and serious as Captain America and Iron Man pursue their goals and go toe to toe. 

The movie could use some editing. That’s my usual complaint. The performances are fine and the action battles are exciting. Good film-making and special effects. Choose your team – Captain America or Iron Man, place your bets, and root for a winner. Then again, do we win if they are all divided?

Soon on DVD: Avengers - Age of Ultron

Somehow I never posted this back in the spring. So, it's coming soon to DVD. For anyone who missed it, now's your chance.

Avengers: Age of Ultron is another gem in the Marvel collection. It’s a tad long, but you won’t fall asleep with the barrage of action and noise. It’s just another day for our heroes as they seek Loki’s scepter. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) fight bad guys, argue with each other, and keep the slick dialogue rolling. In entering a Hydra lair, they uncover a whole new power and it looks like a level of artificial intelligence. This is too good for Stark/Iron Man to pass up as he seeks “peace in our times”. Or not? 

Unfortunately the blue pulsing mass of neurons seems to overtake Jarvis, and Ultron is born – a thriving brilliant robot bent on world domination. As voiced by James Spader, it oozes evil panache. The Avengers have to work and think as a group to stay ahead of Ultron’s grab for power. The effects are grand, the battles royale, and our team never looked better. Who’s going to win?  I won’t reveal the answer but I bet you have a good idea.

It’s the little moments that make the movie – the team sitting around trying to pick up Thor’s hammer. Watch Thor’s face when Captain America gives it a nudge. They all have their egos and hidden secrets. Who knew about Hawkeye’s retreat? And what’s up for Hulk and Black Widow – some yearnings? Avengers: Age of Ultron is blockbuster Hollywood movie making at its best.

 

Movie Review Madness: Chef

Chef is a savory morsel of a movie. You will come out of the theater hungry for a cubano sandwich. Jon Favreau’s chef is on top of his game in Dustin Hoffman’s restaurant. He’s prepared to create the best meal of his life for a famous Los Angeles food blogger critic. Hoffman says, “No, prepare the hits people come here to eat.” Alas, the critic (a pompous Oliver Platt) blasts him for his tired presentations and lazy lava cake. A social media war escalates and the chef is out of a job.  

He takes the advice of his ex-wife, Sofia Vergara, and meets with her former ex-husband, Robert Downey, Jr (small role that he makes magic on screen). It’s food truck time, and this turns the movie into a summer road trip/father son bonding and sizzling food heaven. John Leguziamo, sous-chef, adds a fun dimension. They kick off the Cubano sandwiches in South Beach, and there’s no turning back. The son, at age 10, turns out to be the tweeting, filming, marketing genius. Crowds gather wherever they roll – New Orleans, Austin, etc.  Laughter, love, and memories are made as the boy grows up, the dad sees his son as a person, and the glory of cooking simmers.

 

Chef is heartfelt soul food.  It brims with humor and life. Forget a tub of popcorn. Enjoy the movie and then treat yourself to a meal at a family owned restaurant or gourmet food truck. Spend time with your family and friends, visit a farmer’s market, and treat your palate. Spice up your life after enjoying Chef

Movie Review: Ironman 3 - finally something to see at the theater

Blockbuster season started early - Go See Ironman 3. Huge numbers in Europe and now the USA - all for good reason. This is a really fun number three. Ironman 1 was really good. Ironman 2 was a bit heavyhanded and bulky. Number 3 is just thrilling, clever, and crazy good fun. Get the family, buy the tub of popcorn and the gallon of soda - this kicks off spring/summer and it's our American duty to overindulge.
Robert Downey, Jr. couldn't be better. He's light on his toes, quips galore, and he expresses a vulnerability necessary in our superheroes. He is the whole package. Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper shows guts and dons the Ironman gear briefly. Ironman needs her and she needs him. It's a love story. Don Cheadle is the best buddy and he's so darn good - Rah!!!

Guy Pearce is sleazy evil and I mean that as a compliment. He's always good and this is a role he deserves. He's smart, good looking, and unfortunately he chose the wrong side to exploit. His genius is there for Ironman to destroy. Ooops.

Can't forget Jon Favreau - the hapless sidekick who's mostly in a coma for the film. As a security person, he stinks.

Ben Kingsley is The Mandarin - evil incarnate......or is he?? OMG. What transpires here is too funny and the comment about King Lear is to die for. You have to be a Ben fan and know his work. (Insider jokes galore).
So - plenty of Marvel Superhero jokes - hope you have seen the movies to enjoy the humor. Otherwise, stuff blows up. We're saving the world. Ironman has many backup plans. And this is just so much FUN. Go See It.