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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Avengers. Sort by date Show all posts

First Reviews : 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' - Critics Reactions


The media is starting to see Avengers: Age of Ultron. What do they think?

Check out the first Avengers: Age of Ultron reactions from critics  below. 


Disney & Marvel release the film this summer on May 1st.(India 24 April) You ready? 
Parthiv Patel 4/10/2015 08:00:00 PM 3 comments Read More

Review: 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'


Warning: This review will contain mild spoilers for Avengers: Age of Ultron.

PLOT: When Tony Stark(Robert Downey Jr.) tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

REVIEW: We write at length, practically on a daily basis, about the MCU. It’s a phrase that has entered our pop-culture lexicon as Marvel's movie studio has expanded its reach. But how often do you stop and consider what that term actually means? I’ll admit that I didn’t fully grasp the scope of the phrase – particularly the word “Universe” – until Joss Whedon expanded the playing field with his massive, immersive and wildly entertaining Avengers: Age of Ultron. If the initial Avengers movie introduced the discordant team to our world in 2011, then its sequel illustrates how we now exist in a universe that belongs to super-powered heroes and villains… for better, and for worse.

Because the terrain has been sufficiently established over 10 previous Marvel movies, Whedon is able to forgo any tedious, repetitive introduction and open Age of Ultron with a bang. The Avengers – a multi-faceted squad led by Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) – move in on a HYDRA facility run by Baron Wolfgang von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann), an adversary spotted in the mid-credits sequence for Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The Baron is encouraged to unleash “The Twins,” enhanced warriors given powers by the mysterious gem located in Loki’s scepter. HYDRA used the alien stone’s magical abilities to experiment on willing human test subjects. Tony Stark, once he obtains the stone, has other, similarly dubious plans. 

Is all of this gibberish to you? That likely means you haven’t religiously logged the necessary Marvel hours needed to understand all that’s happening in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Even as someone who has watched films like Thor: The Dark World or Iron Man 3 numerous times, I felt there was a lot to process in Avengers: Age of Ultron -- world-building that pertained to the story being told in this film, as well as studio service for the larger Phase 3 plans of the ever-growing MCU. Be warned that Whedon hasn’t made a movie for casuals. He has a lot to get to during Ultron’s 141-minute run, and neither the time nor the patience to hold the hand of non-fans. 

Boiling Age of Ultron down to one central idea is complicated, but if we had to single out the thrust of the storyline, it would involve Tony Stark and his continued emotional repercussions of the alien attack from the end of the first Avengers film. Still wary of a second-wave – and acknowledging that an “end game” has to occur in outer space – Stark uses the power found in the stone in Loki’s scepter to create artificial intelligence. As is usually the case with Tony, his intentions are noble. He collaborates with fellow Science Bro, Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), to achieve “peace in our time” by creating Ultron – an entity similar to Stark’s intelligent program, J.A.R.V.I.S. Except, in true Frankenstein fashion, the creation turns on its creator and takes on a life of its own. 

Age of Ultron isn’t Iron Man 4, though, and Joss Whedon has several other plates he needs to keep spinning as this sprawling, ensemble-driven story finds its way. Even briefly touching on the subplots at work in this Avengers sequel, fans can look forward to: a developing love story between Banner (Ruffalo) and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), aka Black Widow; the introduction of two vital team members in Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen); the increased development of dead-eye archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), whom this sequel repeatedly reminds us was short-changed in the previous Avengers adventure; a detour to South Africa, and a reference to Wakanda, where we stick a pin in Ulysses Klaw (Andy Serkis) and acknowledge that he’ll likely return for Marvel’s announced Black Panther movie; and the birth of The Vision (Paul Bettany), easily the coolest thing to hit the MCU in ages. 

You see? A lot has to happen in Avengers: Age of Ultron -- yes, arguably, too much – because I’ve barely mentioned characters like Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Evans), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) or War Machine (Don Cheadle), and they aren’t mere supporting players. The novelty of seeing the Avengers assemble for the first time on screen is gone, so Whedon fills that loss with beefier action sequences meant to please both comic-book and summer-blockbuster crowds. That opening raid on HYDRA’s base is a head-turner, anchored by an incredible unbroken shot that lingers momentarily on each Avenger in a state of combat. Even if you’ve avoided most of the Ultron marketing materials, you no doubt saw some footage of the film’s centerpiece brawl between a possessed Hulk and a fortified Iron Man in full Hulkbuster mode. And then there are battles with Ultron sprinkled throughout the film, leading to – as you’d imagine – a massive CGI climax. 

The film’s weakness brings up a continual issue with films in the MCU, though. Ultron (James Spader), as a villain, disappoints. His sinister motivations aren’t clear enough. His powers seem to fluctuate. He’s angry at Tony in a murky “you betrayed me, father” manner, but their conflict gets no time to manifest, so Ultron’s never as dangerous as Whedon intended him to be. The Avengers attack this being and his army of robots simply because they are there. Scarlet Witch is far more terrifying, even though her reign as a threat is short-lived. Ultron’s endgame actually had to be explained to me by a colleague who’d seen the film twice, and admitted to better understanding some of the convoluted story on a second viewing. 

That’s not to take away from the overall impact of Avengers: Age of Ultron, because what it sets out to do, it does very well. Whedon understands what makes these dysfunctional heroes tick, and there’s an immeasurable delight that comes with seeing them in action, together, on the big screen. In the film’s closing moments, it’s evident that the MCU is ever changing and perpetually growing. And so long as the movies maintain this level of quality, it’s a universe we’ll continue to enjoy revisiting time and time again.

Parthiv Patel 4/24/2015 11:56:00 AM 1 comment Read More

The End Is Near In Final 'Avengers: Infinity War'Trailer!

https://e-manic.blogspot.in/2018/03/the-end-is-near-in-avengers-infinity.html

To infinity, and beyond! This looks like a invincible movie. Disney + Marvel have dropped the second official trailer, and most likely final, for the Russo Brothers' latest epic Marvel Studios installment - Avengers: Infinity War. Now opening around the world at the end of April, this Marvel movie is being billed as the game-changer, one of the most epic superhero movies yet, with everyone fighting everyone, and everyone fighting Thanos. What's going to happen? Who's going to die? How will the Marvel world change forever? We'll know in just a few months. This stars everyone from the Marvel movies: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Tessa Thompson, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana, Pom Klementieff, Robert Downey Jr., Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Sebastian Stan, Chris Evans, Cobie Smulders, Dave Bautista, Paul Rudd, Chadwick Boseman, Gwyneth Paltrow, & Paul Bettany. Get ready for Avengers mania.


Avengers: Infinity War is a continuation of the Avengers series from Marvel Studios, bringing all of the superheroes together in one epic battle.
As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment - the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.
Infinity War was originally announced as Part 1 and Part 2, but has since been condensed to just one movie. Kevin Feige promises Thanos will show us why he is the biggest, the baddest, the best and most frightening villain the Avengers have ever faced. The movie is being directed by the Russo Brothers (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Civil War). Disney will release Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War in theaters starting April 27th to kick off the summer. You in?
Parthiv Patel 3/16/2018 08:18:00 PM Leave a Comment Read More

'Avengers: Infinity War' Trailer Is Here!

https://e-manic.blogspot.in/2017/11/avengers-infinity-war-trailer-is-here.html

“You can fight it. You can run from it. But destiny still arrives.”  Disney + Marvel have finally revealed the first official trailer for the Russo Brothers' most epic team-up movie yet - Avengers: Infinity War. Hitting theaters at the beginning of next summer, this unprecedented comic book movie brings together every single Marvel superhero we've seen so far - including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man, Pepper Potts, and so many others. This movie stars (everyone you know): Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Tessa Thompson, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana, Pom Klementieff, Robert Downey Jr., Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Sebastian Stan, Chris Evans, Cobie Smulders, Dave Bautista, Paul Rudd, Chadwick Boseman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Paul Bettany. This is our first official look at Infinity War and it's an emotional tease for this epic showdown. Take a look and let us know your first impression.


Avengers: Infinity War is a continuation of the Avengers series from Marvel Studios, bringing all of the superheroes together in one epic battle. No plot details have been revealed yet, but it is apparently based on the Infinity War six-issue comic book series published by Marvel Comics in 1992, involving Thanos finally getting ahold of the Infinity Gauntlet made up of six Soul Gems. Infinity War was originally announced as Part 1 and Part 2, but has since been condensed to just one movie. Kevin Feige promises Thanos will show us why he is the biggest, the baddest, the best and most frightening villain the Avengers have ever faced. The movie is being directed by the Russo Brothers. Disney will release Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War in theaters starting May 4th, 2018 next summer. Thoughts?
Parthiv Patel 11/30/2017 09:57:00 AM Leave a Comment Read More

Review: 'Captain America: Civil War'


PLOT: After their latest mission sees the death of innocent civilians, the Avengers finally have to reckon with the damage they cause even in the service of good. Additionally, Captain America has to protect his friend Bucky Barnes from several people who want to see him captured or dead, while a brilliant new villain plots the end of the entire team.

REVIEW: Functioning as both a sequel to Captain America: The Winter Solider and The Avengers: Age of Ultron, the film is the most comprehensive MCU chapter to date, and while that put a great deal on the plate of writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the movie soars because the challenge is accepted and responded to in brilliant and entertaining fashion. Bringing together tremendous character dynamics; bold structure; an emotional narrative earned after years of story work; and spell-binding, fun action sequences, it’s everything a blockbuster should be. 

Loosely based on the 2006-07 Marvel Comics event series with which it partially shares a title, Captain America: Civil War picks up with its titular character (Chris Evans) working with his Avengers teammates – Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), Vision (Paul Bettany), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and War Machine (Don Cheadle) – to stop terror around the globe. After a mission in Africa winds up causing a tremendous deal of collateral damage, however, the team suddenly finds itself under scrutiny and the subject of controversy. 

In order to put the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in check, Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) presents the team – as well as former members Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) – the opportunity to sign the Sokovia Accords: a document named after the destroyed city from The Avengers: Age of Ultron that would force The Avengers to work under a United Nations panel that would determine exactly when and where the team would go into action. This idea is supported by some, including Tony, Vision, Black Widow and War Machine, but Captain America, Falcon and Scarlet Witch are not shy about their resentfulness of the idea. 

The Sokovia Accords are the powder keg, and it winds up being Bucky Barnes/The Winter Solider (Sebastian Stan) who lights the fuse. A terrorist attack is pinned on Captain America’s best-friend-turned-assassin, and while Cap is instructed to leave the situation alone, it’s an order that he rebels against – turning him into a fugitive. All the while, a mysterious man named Helmut Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) operates in the shadows, searching for key information tied to Bucky’s past. 

Captain America: Civil War features what is unquestionably the largest ensemble we’ve seen yet in a Marvel Studios movie, and while the narrative isn’t quite as strong as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where the film makes up for it is in its tremendous character work – both in its understanding of who these pop culture figures are at their core, and having them play off of each other. 

There’s no better example of the former in the film than Chadwick Boseman as the newly introduced T’challa, a.k.a. Black Panther, who is every bit as regal, intelligent, bold and passionate as the hero is on the page. And while they don’t have as much screen time as some of the other Avengers characters, there is nobody in their right mind who will walk away from the blockbuster not loving the absolutely brilliant return of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, and the long-awaited arrival of Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. 

This film isn’t just about singular impressive performances, however: it’s an opportunity to see how these heroes both relate to each other and act when they are at odds, and the work done by the Russo brothers and Markus and McFeely is stunning. The headliner, of course, is the key conflict between Captain America and Iron Man - whose emotional battle will tear at the heartstrings of every fan. As best friends of Cap, teammates, and former opponents, Falcon and Bucky have one of the most complex relationships in the movie, and it actually translates into a ton of laughs whenever they’re paired up. On the more serious side of the story, Wanda and Vision are wonderfully brought together, not only because of their relationship in the comics but also because there is a bond between them as “newborns” in the superhero realm.

All of this couldn’t be pulled off within the basic superhero movie structure, so it’s a good thing that Captain America: Civil War burns that book in favor of a much more unconventional and risky approach. Without giving anything away, the film trades out a big, splashy, blockbuster finale in favor of something much more intimate and personal that works because it’s been earned over the last eight years of Marvel Studios storytelling, and the audience really cares about the characters.

It’s easy to respect Captain America: Civil War because of the emotional and thoughtful approach it takes towards its characters instead of just having them punching and kicking each other – but the punching and kicking happens to be pretty phenomenal as well. In terms of action sequences, Marvel features have come a long way since the mediocre final battle in the original Iron Man, and while Joe and Anthony Russo blew us away with battles and set pieces in Captain America: The Winter Solider, their sequel ups the ante in every away. From the Avengers’ explosive mission at the start of the film to Cap and Winter Soldier’s attempt to escape from a building teeming with cops, it’s all intricately crafted and incredibly memorable. It should be noted, however, that every scene in the movie pales in comparison to the airport-set hero vs. hero battle in the second act – which I do not hesitate to call the greatest scene in the history of the comic book movie genre. 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe on the whole is filled with great films and blockbuster gems, but between The First Avenger, The Winter Solider and now Civil War, it’s been firmly proven that they have a better grip on Captain America than any of their heroes, and it can be said with confidence that the three movies come together to create the greatest superhero trilogy of all time. The new movie is equally thrilling, fun, engaging, emotional, smart, and thought-provoking, and really everything you want from summer entertainment.


Parthiv Patel 5/06/2016 11:26:00 AM Leave a Comment Read More

'Iron Man 3' Is Not a Serious Movie Says Producer Kevin Feige


After that first trailer for Iron Man 3 debuted last month, fans noticed the obvious lack of humor and sarcasm that we've come to expect from Robert Downey Jr. and his perfect take on Tony Stark. However, it sounds like Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige wants to make sure everyone knows that they're not going straight-up serious for the sequel from director Shane Black. After all, the man behind the dark comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang has to bring at least some laughs right? In a recent interview with The West Australian (via ComingSoon), Feige says, "It's not a serious movie, but we seriously dig into exploring more of Tony."

It's important to note that the serious nature of the first Iron Man 3 trailer shouldn't really indicate that the entire film will be serious, but the stakes are high and Tony has been shaken after the events in New York City from The Avengers. Feige explains that they're not aiming for making a movie that can be defined as simply serious, "The trick is just trying to make great movies. We try to make them all great, all different and all fresh. What you'll see in Iron Man 3 is some very unique directions that were taken." And that's exactly why someone like Shane Black has been brought in to direct this time.

In fact, Black had his own thoughts on the approach he and Marvel have taken with Iron Man 3:

"We're not aiming for bigger, necessarily. We're aiming for different and fresh and new. It's all about capturing that lightning-in-a-bottle feel, about trying to get as much into this as we can. We're looking to get a ton of thrills into a short space, to make a nice little stew for you."

Hopefully they're not throwing too much into the film, something that afflicted Iron Man 2 as the balance between an Iron Man movie and a set-up for The Avengers with Nick Fury and Black Widow didn't work out very well. Considering the big cast and what we've heard about characters being included from the comic books, the sequel sounds like it could be bloated. However, Feige explained to Empire (via Collider):

'Iron Man 3' doesn’t feature any of the other Avengers, or Nick Fury showing up, or any of those world-blending conceits that the Phase One films had. You have to keep in mind that 'Iron Man 3' had been in the works for almost a year, year and a half before 'The Avengers' was released. We’re sticking to the vision for these films, and showing once again that these characters are just as interesting alone as they are together.

Sad news for fans hoping to see Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) show up to pal around in the lab with Tony Stark, but either way, that first trailer certainly got us more than excited and we don't need the other Avengers to sweeten the deal. And if you need anymore convincing, Downey threw in his two cents, "You can dissect why [The Avengers] was the right movie with the right people and the right director at the time. But we feel the same way about Iron Man 3 now." Now we just have to wait until summer 2013 to see how it all works out.

Also Worth Watch

Parthiv Patel 11/29/2012 12:02:00 AM 2 comments Read More

'Sam Mendes' says he wasn't interested in directing 'The Avengers.' Would he have been better then Joss Whedon?


By now, everyone knows Joss Whedon, partially for his work on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," but mostly for directing Marvel's The Avengers and now shepherding Phase Two of Marvel's cinematic universe leading up to The Avengers 2. But before Whedon became a fanboy's dream for directing the superhero ensemble, plenty of big name directors were pitched the project. One such name was Skyfall director Sam Mendes (the James Bond film gave him his own blockbuster to be proud of now), but he ended up not being impressed with the pitch for one reason with which cinephiles will agree. More below!

In an interview with Moviefone (via The Playlist), Mendes said he was sent a package to consider directing The Avengers (something plenty of other directors received), but he was less than impressed, and actually even annoyed. Mendes commented on being sent a batch of comic books without a script:

 "With a lot of these movies, the date’s announced before anything exists, let alone a script. But the cover letter said 'Marvel’s ‘Avengers’ will be released on May 3, 2012' or whatever it was. That was the first sentence of the cover letter. Not, 'We have the pleasure of enclosing the materials...' or 'Here is the script for...' but the release date. That was the first sentence.

I wasn’t interested. I mean, that’s not my world particularly. I’ll go see it, particularly with my kids, but I didn’t want to make it."

 Obviously Mendes doesn't have a problem with blockbusters now that Skyfall is in his backpocket, but it's the pressure from having a release date to meet before you have a script, an integral piece to directing a quality film. Meeting a release date is a business move and the fact that it's set long before a script is finalized or a director hired is more than disconcerting. These kind of movies will get an audience no matter what, and a release date shouldn't hold priority over getting all the pieces in place to make the best film possible. Skyfall is proof that Mendes made the right decision, and he still got the big action film he wanted to make on his own terms. Plus, I'm not sure his style lends itself to a movie like The Avengers anyway. 
What do you think?
Also Worth Watch
Parthiv Patel 11/12/2012 10:55:00 AM 2 comments Read More

Thor Faced About 'Avengers' in 'Thor: The Dark World' Extended TV Spot


"I saw you with The Avengers." In the teaser trailer and theatrical trailer for Thor: The Dark World, we've seen that Thor is reunited with his human love interest Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) after the god of thunder was seemingly unable to return to Earth until he came to claim his brother Loki in The Avengers. But now that he's back on Earth, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has some questions to answer because Ms. Foster saw him fighting alongside The Avengers in a new TV spot. It's an amusing moment, but I hope there's not overwhelming silly humor like this and Alan Taylor keeps the focus on the epic side of things.

Here's the new TV spot for Alan Taylor's Thor: The Dark World from YouTube:


In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and The Avengers, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) fights to restore order across the cosmos, but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all. Alan Taylor ("Game of Thrones") directs Thor: The Dark World which arrives in theaters on November 8th. What say you now?

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Parthiv Patel 9/26/2013 12:43:00 PM Leave a Comment Read More

Watch: More Footage in Extended Trailer For 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'


"There's only one path to peace. Your extinction." If you're looking for a little bit more footage from The Avengers: Age of Ultron, you might want to check out this extended trailer for the Marvel Studios sequel that just surfaced online. It's mostly the same as the teaser trailer that debuted a couple weeks ago, but it features a new opening with more taunting from Ultron just before some of Tony Stark's remote controlled suits crash The Avengers party where they all try to lift Thor's hammer. There's also some new shots of Iron-Man flying , and less of that creepy Pinocchio rendition if that makes things better for you. Watch below!

Check 'em out:

Post by Mr. Exclusive.

You can still watch the first teaser trailer for The Avengers: Age of Ultron right here.
Earth's mightiest heroes must once again assemble when a super intelligent robot created by Tony Stark created to help fight any threats that might harm the world actually turns against him and the human race. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson all return in the sequel to Marvel's The Avengers with new names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen joining the team. Disney & Marvel release the film on May 1st, 2015. Looking good?
Parthiv Patel 11/13/2014 05:54:00 PM Leave a Comment Read More

Cobie Smulders Confirms She'll Appear in 'The Avengers: Age of Ultron'


When it comes to The Avengers: Age of Ultron, it's a guarantee that the superhero ensemble will return to action. However, when it comes to supporting characters like certain agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., we're not as sure. It's pretty much a guarantee that Samuel L. Jackson will be back as Nick Fury since he confirmed Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch (along with Aaron Taylor-Johnson as her brother Quicksilver), but since Clark Gregg is situated as one of the leads on ABC's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," we're not sure if he'll be back. However, one agent definitely returning is Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, Deputy Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Speaking with the Calgary Herald (via ComingSoon) Smulders said:
I think I’m in 'Avengers 2,' but it is very top secret. I hope I’m in Avengers 2. I didn’t get my invitation yet. Well, actually, they know I’m in it but they don’t know to what degree I’m in it.
I am really excited to read the script because they are introducing Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch into the Avengers universe and the bad guy is going to be very interesting.
Smulders will be seen back in the Marvel universe before that sequel arrives though since she pops up in Captain America: The Winter Soldier next April. Fans who watch "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." know that she was in the pilot of the new series, and she knows something secret about Agent Coulson's remarkable recovery following the attack on Manhattan that they will never tell him about. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how Hill deals with the ramifications of Robert Redford's executive role at S.H.I.E.L.D. and apparent fear mongering, especially knowing how uneasy she was with some of Nick Fury's decisions. Stay tuned.

Parthiv Patel 11/10/2013 09:55:00 AM Leave a Comment Read More

Marvel Reveals Concept art for 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' & 'Ant-Man'


In accomplishment you missed it, ABC premiered a one-hour special called "Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe" just very very about how the comic wedding album company enacted their seek to bring The Avengers to vibrancy in the region of the big screen in an unprecedented fashion. While most of the special was a see to the late accrual of how every allocation of quantity scheme was executed, sealed following Kevin Feige, Joss Whedon and all the stars of Marvel's cinematic universe as talking heads, there was with a see ahead amid some concept art from the forthcoming 2015 sequel The Avengers: Age of Ultron, including a way of creature at Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, not to mention some stills from Edgar Wright's test reel for Ant-Man. Check them out now!

Here's the concept art for The Avengers: Age of Ultron  straight from Marvel.com: (Click larger version)


And here's some stills from Edgar Wright's exam reel for Ant-Man, which played Comic-Con awhile protection: (Click for larger version)


Let's be honest, the genuine star of this batch is that shot of the Iron Man "Hulkbuster" armor act in the in the future The Incredible Hulk. We'very more or less not approving if that's something that we'll see in the movie, especially past not all concept art is of stuff that ends going on upon the big screen, but that's a pretty damn pleasant shot. Plus, we into the future the practical sky of both Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, though we'on speaking not to certain exactly what enjoyable of enemies he's dashing through in that concept art. It's definitely an exciting tease for the sequel, but we have quite a long habit to go past the second assembly of The Avengers doesn't come until May 1st, 2015. Stay tuned.
Parthiv Patel 3/19/2014 03:04:00 PM Leave a Comment Read More

Must Watch: New Action Packed Trailer For 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'


"This vulnerable world needs something more powerful than any of us." It's 2015, and The Avengers: Age of Ultron is knocked out four months away. That might seem once a long era, but soon passable we'll produce an effect theaters watching our favorite superhero team be approving when a count threat. Now a new trailer has arrived to showcase more of what we can expect from the Marvel blockbuster, and we admit to see some more of the gift that Ultron (James Spader) brings to the table to wreak havoc going re for the world, not to mention accessory shots of Hulk and Tony Stark's Hulkbuster armor and the enough-sized auxiliary Iron Man act. Watch it below!



The Avengers: Age of Ultron is written & directed by Joss Whedon. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson all return in the sequel to Marvel's The Avengers with new names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen joining the team. Disney & Marvel release the film this summer on May 1st. You ready?

Parthiv Patel 1/13/2015 09:38:00 AM 1 comment Read More

EW Cover: Heroes Unite Again in 'The Avengers: Age of Ultron'


Hot on the heels of this mornings reveal of Ultron on the new cover for EW, the first real photos from The Avengers: Age of Ultron have popped up. While they don't show more of the title villain, Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) look out of place in a normal house, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) are doing science, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) see some action in the woods and new heroes Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) are in some kind of trouble. Even Don Cheadle pops up to hang out! We can't wait to see the first footage of the film at Comic-Con! Look below!


The Avengers: Age of Ultron is written & directed by Joss Whedon (The Avengers, Serenity). Disney & Marvel release the film on May 1st, 2015. Looking good?
Parthiv Patel 7/17/2014 07:55:00 PM Leave a Comment Read More

Exclusive: 'The Avengers: Age of Ultron' Comic-Con Teaser Revealed!


When Joss Whedon revealed that Marvel's sequel to The Avengers was officially titled The Avengers: Age of Ultron, fans freaked out, mostly because the reveal of the title came from a cool little promo trailer. The video featured voiceover of lines from the various superheroes from the 2012 blockbuster superhero ensemble, accompanied by a visual of Tony Stark's Iron Man helmet smashing against some unknown piece of metal. Then it was revealed that it was the helmet of the villain Ultron on the receiving end of the metal mashing. Now that video is online for your viewing pleasure, along with Whedon's Comic-Con appearance.

Here's The Avengers: Age of Ultron title reveal from the JARVIS iPhone app (via MoviePilot):


It's the use of Iron Man's helmet being smashed into Ultron's that has fans thinking that Tony Stark will have a hand in creating Ultron somehow, since Hank Pym (Ant-Man) has been confirmed to not be the villain's creator (since his film won't arrive until after the sequel hits theaters). Theories have thought that Stark's artificial intelligence assistant JARVIS might go rogue, but the casting of James Spader as Ultron kind of put the kibosh on that. But since Paul Bettany's voice isn't exactly menacing, maybe he will evolve into Spader's more intimidating tones. We'll find out sometime down the road, so stay tuned for updates.

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Parthiv Patel 9/27/2013 12:16:00 PM Leave a Comment Read More

Review: Thor: 'The Dark World'


PLOT: With Loki (Tom Hiddleston) safely locked away in the dungeons of Asgard, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and his warrior comrades Lady Sif (Jaimie Alexander), Volstagg (Ray Stevenson), Fendral (Zachary Levi) and Hogun (Tadanobu Asano) can set about uniting the nine realms. With their work almost complete, an ancient enemy, Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) - ruler of the Dark Elves- returns from exile to take over the realms with an ancient evil force called the Aether, which happens to be on Earth and possessing Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman).

REVIEW: I realized that repeatedly during Alan Taylor’s Thor: The Dark World. An effects-driven extension of Marvel’s expanding Cinematic Universe, this traditional sequel sidesteps the inherent Shakespearean tragedies that are supposed to sustain the franchise, and instead embraces the relatively weightless comic-book roots of the main character and his universes … for better and for worse. The result is alternately silly and spectacular, fun yet frivolous – a placeholder in an evolving superhero story that will continue to be told in subsequent Marvel movies. Buy your tickets now. 


By this point, Marvel assumes you are up to date not only with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and the denizens of his celestial realms, but with the blockbusters that built up to The Dark World (most notably Joss Whedon’s The Avengers). After a brief prologue that establishes Thor’s eventual antagonist, The Dark World begins with Loki (Tom Hiddleston) on trial in Asgard for his malevolent actions in New York City. As punishment, the demigod’s surrogate father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins, sleepwalking), banishes Loki to Asgard’s sleek, stark prison for the remainder of his days. The heroic Thor isn’t able to immediately ascend to Asgard’s throne, however. Order must be restored to the Nine Realms, meaning Hemsworth and his sword-wielding sidekicks can travel on the repaired bifrost bridge to engage in conventionally choreographed battles in mystical lands like Vanaheim or Svartalfheim. They look a little like Iceland. 

Thor establishes peace, though it doesn’t last long. Back on Earth, in an effort to restore communication with her galaxy-hopping lover, astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) quite literally stumbles on the hiding spot of an ancient dark force known as the Aether. She’s immediately infected, morphed into a vessel for the demonic fluid. Jane’s unleashing of the Aether creates a much bigger problem for Thor and Asgard. The release of the dark force awakens Malekith the Accursed (Christopher Eccleston), leader of the Dark Elves, who once tried to use the Aether to poison the universe. Now that the Aether is free, he’s going to try again. 


Taylor’s background as an established television director also benefits the episodic nature of The Dark World and its place in the Marvel tapestry, in general. Because Thor takes place in the midst of Marvel’s Phase Two, it’s difficult for the film to ever succeed as a pure standalone story. Individual sequences deliver commendable comic book thrills. Thor and Loki’s escape from Asgard in a borrowed Dark Elves ship rises to a level Whedon established with The Avengers, and alone justifies the cost of a 3D ticket. But half of the action in The Dark World plays as a springboard for events that could mean more later, as when Loki deceives key characters or Thor makes deals with Odin that will direct his future relationship with Jane. 

The nagging issue of Thor: The Dark World is that significant points in the screenplay make no sense outside of the pages of a colorful comic book. Believe me, I understand it's a fool's errand nitpicking the logic of a comic book blockbuster. But Thor clumsily dances over solutions to problems that should derail the hero’s quest. Explanations exist, but they are rushed or, worse, ignored. Questions raised about the Aether, its powers, the presence of important characters and their actions waged in defense of our planet are met with head-scratching resolutions.

Still, Thor: The Dark World can’t help but feel a little familiar. Like the other non-Avengers movies, it feels like just part of a build-up to Avengers:  Age of Ultroon, rather than its own stand-alone movie. Certainly the fans will enjoy it, but with all the movies Marvel is pumping out franchise fatigue can’t help but set in a bit. Luckily, a teaser for Guardians of the Galaxy that pops up mid-way through the end credits makes it seem that the Marvel Universe may be getting a unique new addition in a few months that should shake things up a bit Until then, this new Thor will obviously tide everyone over, and even if it’s not especially memorable, it’s always enjoyable.

Parthiv Patel 11/09/2013 05:29:00 PM Leave a Comment Read More

Review: 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier'


PLOT: After helping to save the world in The Avengers, Steve Rogers has settled into a life working for S.H.I.E.L.D. Yet after a dangerous mission and one of his allies is hurt, he soon faces the realization that there are deeper and darker forces that look to change the world as we know it. As well he faces a familiar name from his past that may lead to his own destruction. 

REVIEW: In many ways, Joe and Anthony Russo’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier  is perhaps the greatest film to come out in the wake of those developments. One part tense 1970s-esque political thriller with very contemporary themes of government surveillance and pre-emptive strikes, and one part giant adventure with colorful heroes and spectacular action, the film is everything anyone could want from a comic book movie and will stand as one of the best of all time. 

The new sequel is a character driven story that is as much about Captain America (Chris Evans) fighting a wide-spread and powerful enemy as it is about him finding a place in the modern world, adjusting his life completely after having grown up in the 1930s, fought in World War II and been frozen in ice for 60+ years. A soldier through-and-through, he teams up with the intelligence agency S.H.I.E.L.D. as a field agent working dangerous missions around the world, but questions some of the work he is doing when it doesn’t fully live up to his moral code. Things only get worse when a shocking and devastating incident leaves Cap unable to trust anyone or anything – and leads him on a path to discover the truth about who he is really working for and who is really in charge. 

It’s a mark of a great script and a great edit if you can look back at an entire film and not find a single extraneous scene, and that’s just one of Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s many hallmarks. The script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely is taut and well-structured, the layers of the film’s mystery unfolding gradually and leading to an ambitious third act filled with important consequences. Every scene that doesn’t directly relate to the plot adds numerous layers to the characters and their relationships, from Cap and Falcon meeting during a jog around the National Mall to the patriotic superhero learning about his own heroic, historic past during a trip to the Captain America  exhibit in the Smithsonian. 

Both assisting and opposing Cap in his mission for truth is a terrific cast of excellent supporting characters that are smartly used, both in their adaptation from the page to the screen and in the way they help deepen and expand the movie’s plot. Like she was in Joss Whedon's The Avengers, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow is back by Captain America’s side in The Winter Soldier  and plays a perfect foil for the titular hero, his black and white view of morality not quite gelling with her shades of grey worldview. Similar things can also be said for Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, who after three appearances finally gets to play an action-heavy, expanded role in a Marvel Studios film. New to the team is Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson a.k.a. Falcon, a retired soldier who used to be part of a specialized airborne unit, but he is so charismatic and meshes so well with Cap that you’d swear he’d been around all along. 

Not too much can (or should) be said about the villains of the movie at this time, as part of the joy in a conspiracy thriller is not knowing which characters you can really trust, but it is safe in that respect to talk about The Winter Soldier, played by Sebastian Stan. As a brainwashed assassin, the character isn’t overly complex on the surface – personality tends to be one of the things washed away in the brainwashing process – but he has tremendous plot presence, both actively and thematically. The Soldier makes a formidable physical foe for Captain America, possessing incredible strength, amazing agility, and a crushing metal arm, but more powerful is his existence as a literal ghost from the hero’s past who has come back to haunt him in the most horrific way imaginable. 

Bringing all of these characters to life are actors who just seem to get better and better within their roles with each outing. Evans proves once again to be an immensely charming lead who is able to make his character’s Boy Scout earnestness seem all the more heroic in a deeply cynical world, while both Johansson and Jackson both add depth and layers to clandestine heroes who never wear the truth on their sleeves. As another newcomer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Redford has a tremendously commanding presence and some fantastic moments with Jackson, but it’s Mackie who winds up taking Rookie of the Year just for his excellent on-screen chemistry with Evans that clicks from the very first scene of the movie. 

While one of the standout flaws of Marvel Studios’ early run of films was a lack of any really outstanding action sequences, their titles since The Avengers  have eliminated that fault – with Captain America: The Winter Soldier  being the company’s most thrilling, action-packed work yet. The Russo brothers – whose background is primarily in television comedies like Community and Arrested Development - had no blockbuster movie experience prior to making the sequel, but absolutely crush it with thrilling car chases, stylish fight sequences, and a collection of epic set pieces. Even characters whom we have become familiar with in other multiple stories move in new and interesting ways, and the Russos’ camera captures every punch, kick, jump, lunge and block with top-notch visceral energy. The action is so spectacular that one has to wonder just how Whedon plans to raise the bar with the upcoming The Avengers: Age of Ultron. 

For whatever reason, Captain America seems to be the character that the folks at Marvel Studios are really best at translating to the big screen. Joe Johnston’s Captain America: The First Avenger  was an immensely fun period adventure with wonderful themes about duty and honor, and The Winter Soldier  only furthers and expands on those ideas while replacing The Dirty Dozen approach with something closer to Three Days of the Condor. Captain America: The Winter Soldier  is a spectacularly-made, tense, thrilling ride, and whether you go to the theater for the blockbuster action or the exciting story, you will leave more than satisfied.

Parthiv Patel 4/04/2014 10:53:00 AM Leave a Comment Read More

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