‘Doom Patrol: Season Two’ Is A Successful New Entry To One Of DC’s Most Unique Properties

Posted on October 2, 2021 by philspicks

Aaaaah, family. Family is one of the best things in the world. Family is also one of the worst things in the world. Good or bad, family is all that we have in this world. That is really the crux of the second season of DC’s Doom Patrol. Released early this year on DVD and BD, the series’ second season is an interesting continuation for the series. That is due to the noted story featured in this season. It will be addressed shortly. The cast’s work throughout the season is also of import here, and will be examined a little later. The bonus content, as little as it really is here, also plays at least some part in the set’s presentation. It will be discussed later, too. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of Doom Patrol’s second season. All things considered, they make this season one more of this year’s gradually growing list of the year’s top new DVD and Blu-ray box sets for grown-up audiences.

The second season of DC’s Doom Patrol is an interesting outing for the series. The series, and group is among the lesser-known of DC’s properties, but this season is sure to help bring both much more attention. That is proven in part through the season’s story. The story, as noted already, is on the importance of family. Even as emotionally heavy as the story is throughout, that emphasis remains. Audiences will be moved as they watch Larry (a.k.a. Negative Man) try to make amends with his family following the revelation of his son’s death. Viewers will be just as moved (albeit in a more lighthearted way) as they watch Cliff try to make amends with his daughter after finding out that she survived the wreck that led to him becoming Robot Man. On yet another note, Rita facing the demon that is the trauma caused by her mother is just as engaging and entertaining because of the subtle way in which it is tied into the whole of the story. Crazy Jane even has her own family of sorts in her head that she has to deal with over the course of this season. Looking through this, the first thing that one might feel that there is a lot going on. That would be right. However, even as much as is going on in the bigger story, the ability of the writers to balance all of these interweaving story lines is on full display. What’s more, the depth in each character’s story and the very stories themselves prove relatable to so many audiences. Case in point is the revelation of who Cliff’s daughter is marrying. His reaction to that revelation is reflective of so much of America in the current age. Most people likely will not admit to it, but in a case such as that of Rita, lots of people deal with the emotional trauma brought on by toxic relationships with their parents during their formative years, so even that is believable. Larry’s case is similar to that of Rita, just in a different fashion, which perhaps is why the pair bonds so well this season. He made his son feel like he was not good enough, being a hot shot pilot in his normal life, and that led to the rift between the pair.

Through all of the emotional issues that the Doom Patrol faces this season in dealing with their pasts with their families, they grow as individuals. As a result of that growth, viewers see the group, including Cyborg, start to develop into the heroes that they will be as the show continues. Speaking on that note, the series is currently in the midst of its 3^rd season. Its home release will likely come early in the new year just as this season was released early this year, considering the air date for Season Three’s finale. Getting back on topic, the character development that audiences see this season makes the season, in hindsight, really a transitional season of sorts. It is a continuation of Season One, and in turn is sure to lead to something even more interesting and exciting in Season Three. Keeping that all in mind, the story featured in the second season of Doom Patrol is reason enough for audiences to give the season a chance. It is just one of the season’s positives. The cast’s work adds its own appeal to the presentation.

Brendan Fraser leads the way once again in terms of the cast’s work. His general personality and sharp tongue brings a much needed looseness and unique comic relief to the show. Given, every other word out of his mouth is made up four letters, but just his sheer delivery in every scene is so great. His nonstop declaration that he’s going to kill the chief after being launched out of the chief’s space ship and landing in a fiery ball into a random field is a prime example of his expert timing. Audiences know that he is really made, but there is just something about his delivery that makes audiences laugh as hard as ever even as they feel sympathy for Cliff. This especially considering the heart that he developed for Dorothy shortly before that happened. On a similar note, the chemistry that he shows alongside Dianne Guerrero (Crazy Jane) creates its own dynamic. The way he just casually accepts that she has so many personalities is funny in its own way because of the very subtlety in that relationship of sorts.

Similarly, the aforementioned onscreen work between April Bowlby (Rita) and Matt Bomer (Larry) is just as enjoyable to see even with it being more of a secondary performance of sorts. The duo knows that its wok is secondary, too, and makes the most of it as their characters lean on one another.

Staying on the note of the pair, Bowlby is inspiring as she takes Rita through her emotional journey in facing her own past. There were so many opportunities for Bowlby to really go over the top, considering all of the drama in this season. Thankfully she did not go that route. The end result is that she makes Rita that much more of a sympathetic character throughout the season.

Much the same can be said of Bomer’s work as Larry. The moments when he is in the shed next to his son’s home, reading the letter that his son wrote as a child is absolutely heartbreaking. Because his face is covered with bandages, Bomer is forced to do his emoting more through his actions, and they do so well to reveal the depth of Larry’s remorse for the past. It is just one more way in which the cast’s performances make for so much depth this time out. Between the performances noted here and so much more exhibited by the cast, the cast’s overall work here is so enjoyable to watch. When the whole is considered along with the depth in the season’s story, the two elements join to make for that much more reason to watch this season of Doom Patrol. It still is only a part of what makes this season engaging and entertaining. The bonus content that accompanies the season in its home release rounds out the most important of its items.

The bonus content featured in the home release of Doom Patrol’s second season is limited to say the least. One of the bonuses is just one of the show’s creative heads talking about shooting the show in Georgia. The brief discussion is basically just an advertisement for filming in Georgia and is honestly irrelevant. The other bonus feature, which focuses on the season’s makeup and special effects gives audiences at least a brief glance into the work that went into this season’s look. Audiences will appreciate the determination that the show’s makeup and costume heads had for something as minute as the freckles on Dorothy’s face, making sure that they stayed the same in each episode. Such dedication to the show’s look is admirable to say the least. Understanding that the twin brother duo has always been so serious about makeup, going all the way back to its childhood, makes for even more appreciation for the pair’s work. It will lead, in hindsight, to even more appreciation for the look of Doom Patrol in its second season. One can only hope that considering this is the season’s only other bonus feature, there will be more bonus content in the third season’s home release. At least this bonus adds a little bit more appreciation for this season, if only for its aesthetics. Keeping that in mind along with the impact of the season’s story and the cast’s work, the whole becomes that much more engaging and entertaining. It collectively makes the season in whole a great continuation for the series and one more of the year’s top new DVD and Blu-ray box sets for grown up audiences.

Doom Patrol: Season Two is an overall impressive offering. Its appeal starts with its story. Yes, the story is extremely emotionally heavy, but in understanding the character development hat takes place throughout the season, it makes the heaviness that much more understandable and bearable. It shows the group on the verge of becoming “super heroes” of sorts. Hopefully that growth and change will become even more evident in Season Three, considering this. The cast’s work interpreting that development adds to the season’s appeal. That is because the group’s work is just that believable. Being so believable, it ensures viewers’ engagement and entertainment that much more. Keeping in mind the positive impact of the cast’s work and of the story, there is just one more item to note. That item is the bonus content. The bonus content featured in this season’s home release is minimal to say the least, but at least one of the bonuses offers more appreciation for the season. In this case, it focuses on the season’s look. That item works with the season’s other noted items to make the whole well worth watching and one more of this year’s top new DVD and BD box sets for grown up audiences.

Doom Patrol: Season Two is available now. More information on the season and other DC Universe series is available online at:

Website: https://dccomics/com/tv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dccomics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dccomics

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Butcher Babies Pay Tribute To DC Comics Character With New Single; Prepare For New Tour

Posted on August 27, 2021 by philspicks

If DC Comics’ crazy, interstellar bounty hunter Lobo ever gets his own movie, then Butcher Babies has what could be the movie’s theme song.

That is because the band is paying tribute to the beloved anti-hero with its new single, ‘It’s Killin’ Time Baby!’ The band premiered the song Friday. The song is the latest single featured in the band’s forthcoming EP. The record also features the already released singles, “Last Dance,” “Yorktown,” “Sleeping With The Enemy” and “Bottom of a Bottle (ft. Andy James).”

The musical arrangement featured in the band’s new single is a heavy, grinding work. The sharp, cutting guitars and rich, heavy bass and drums pair with the vocals of Carla Harvey, Heidi Shepherd, and guest vocalist Craig Mabbitt (Escape the Fate), to make the whole a completely immersive new offering that metal fans and comic book fans alike will enjoy.

Mabbitt said in a prepared statement, he was honored to take part in the creation of the band’s new song.

“Thank you to the Butcher Babies for including me in this awesome track, and for introducing me to Lobo!!,” he said.

Speaking of comic book fans, Harvey is herself a comic book fan, and she talked about the connection between that love and the band’s new single, in a prepared statement.

“I can’t think of a better song to release the day before we hit the road on our first tour in over two years,” said Harvey. “It’s killin time, baby…in more ways than one!! As a lifelong comic book aficionado, it was so much fun to write a song based on one of my favorite characters, the bounty huntin’ space cowboy himself, Lobo. When Heidi and I were penning the lyrics we thought, are we really writing a song about a Bastitch on a Spaz Frag? Hell yes, because just like Lobo, we like a good time. It was also a cool new experience for us to throw another singer in the mix for this one! Craig Mabbit’s screams add another level to this banger…enjoy!”

The tour of which Harvey spoke is scheduled to launch Saturday at the Metal in the Mountains festival in West Virginia. The tour, which also features performances at Louder Than Life, Rocklahoma and Aftershock, is scheduled to run through Oct. 8 at the Aftershock Festival.

Tickets for the tour are available here.

More information on Butcher Babies’ new single, EP, and tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://butcherbabies.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butcherbabies

Twitter: https://twitter.com/butcherbabies

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Hard Rock, Comic Book Fans Will Agree ‘Dark Knights: Death Metal’ Soundtrack Is Worth Hearing At Least Once

Posted on June 24, 2021 by philspicks

Courtesy: Loma Vista Recordings/DC Comics

One of DC Comics’ latest event series has gotten an extra push of sorts. The company has partnered with Loma Vista Recordings to release a soundtrack for its Dark Knights: Death Metal mini-event. The series ran from June 2020-January 2021 and was a “sequel” to the company’s 2017 series Dark Knights: Metal. Both series are multiverse-spanning stories that largely center on one of DC’s most well-known heroes in Batman. The soundtrack to Death Metal – which was released digitally Friday and is planned for a physical release July 16 — is in itself technically a sequel in itself because Metal also had its own soundtrack released in Sept. 2018 in the form of a six-song EP. This musical companion to Death Metal is interesting in part because of the approach taken to its featured songs. This will be addressed shortly. The range of acts and musical styles exhibited throughout the soundtrack is also of note in the record’s overall presentation. It will be discussed a little later. The bonus content that will feature with the album’s physical release will add to the soundtrack’s appeal for the most devoted comic book fans. It will also be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of this soundtrack’s presentation. All things considered, they make the record an intriguing presentation that comic book and hard rock/metal fans will find worth hearing.

Loma Vista Recordings’ soundtrack to DC Comics’ event series Dark Knights: Death Metal is a presentation that comic book aficionados and hard rock fans will find intriguing. The soundtrack’s interest comes in part because of the approach that was taken to its very presentation. Some of the record’s featured songs are works that have at least some tie to the Death Metal event series while others are far less connected to the story. It is a unique approach because it makes the soundtrack one part actual companion to the story and one part just general compilation. One of the most notable of the songs not connected to the story is Rise Against’s song, ‘Broken Dreams, Inc.’ The band premiered the song in September. According to front man Tim McIlrath, the familiar punk rock opus presents a commentary about the growing class divide in America. He said in a recent interview of the theme, “’Broken Dreams, Inc.’ speaks to today’s changing landscape of American society, the opportunities that are available to some but not to others, the people who are able to benefit versus those who get left behind, who suffer and end up as casualties. How do we level the playing field so everyone can have a real chance at attaining the American Dream? One word, ‘disruption.’ You have to put power into the hands of the people, not business, you have to value people and community over profit. You can’t have a shareholder-run country or a shareholder-run world, a world that values profit above all else, because profit above all else can result in dangerous repercussions for humankind.” This all clearly has nothing to do with the Death Metal story line, but is still certain to engage and entertain audiences.

One of the most notable songs that is at least loosely connected to the Death Metal story comes early in the soundtrack’s hour-long run in the form of ‘Diana.’ Composed and performed by Chelsea Wolfe, this industrial, Gary Numan-esque composition seems to center on Wonder Woman (Diana). The lyrics are somewhat difficult to decipher here sans lyrics to reference, but from what can be understood, it must be inferred that this song has some link to Wonder Woman’s role in the event series’ first issue, in which she learns the story of Perpetua through Wally West (a.k.a. The Flash). If in fact that is the case, then the mood that the song sets would work well in fact with that moment in the story, considering what Diana leans about Perpetua’s role in DC’s “Crisis” events. When this song and ‘Broken Dreams, Inc.’ are considered along with the rest of the songs featured in the Death Metal soundtrack, the whole makes for reason enough to hear this compilation at least once. The mix of songs connected to the story and standalone songs is sure to keep audiences engaged and entertained in its own right.

In direct connection to the approach taken to the soundtrack, the wide range of acts and sounds featured throughout the soundtrack adds its own appeal to the presentation. As has already been noted, audiences get a touch of Gary Numan-esque sound in Chelsea Wolfe’s ‘Diana.’ She and her composition are just part of the diversity exhibited in the soundtrack. Mastodon opens the soundtrack with its pummeling opus, ‘Forged by Neron.’ This song is a full on sludge metal composition that hits intensely right off the bat. One could even argue that there is a touch of doom metal influence in the song’s chorus, broadening that diversity even more. Also previously noted is the punk leaning of Rise Against’s ‘Broken Dreams, Inc.’ It goes without saying that these three songs are themselves quite diverse as are the acts themselves. That diversity in the acts is not limited just to these three acts and songs, either. Manchester Orchestra’s ‘Never Ending’ is a rich emo shoegazer style work that holds its own against the other songs here while the act itself is also unlike the others noted. Between these acts and songs and all of the others featured throughout the soundtrack, the overall diversity exhibited throughout gives audiences reason enough in itself to hear the record, regardless of whether they are comic book fans.

The content presented in Loma Vista Recordings’ soundtrack to DC’s Dark Knights: Death Metal proves itself an interesting presentation because of its content, as shown here. For all that the content does for the soundtrack’s interest, it is just one part of what makes the soundtrack interesting. The bonus content expected to come with the soundtrack’s physical release adds to the presentation’s interest. That bonus content in question is mostly content that will appeal primarily to the most devoted comic book aficionados. Among the bonuses featured with the soundtrack’s physical release is a poster promoting the event series, a group of trading cards, and variant covers for the soundtrack on its vinyl pressings. The variant covers will especially appeal to comic book fans, since comic books so often come in variant covers. The trading cards will appeal just as much, if not to more casual comic book fans, too. Sure the bonuses are basically aesthetic elements, but still add their own touch that audiences will appreciate regardless of the level of their fandom for comics. When this is considered along with the record’s primary content, the whole makes this soundtrack a welcome presentation for the most devoted DC fans who are also hard rock fans.

Loma Vista Recordings’ presentation of DC Comics’ Dark Knights: Death Metal soundtrack is a presentation that will find appeal among a very targeted audience. That audience in question is composed of the most devoted comic book and hard rock fans. The record’s interest is generated in part through its featured artists and works. The artists and songs featured in this soundtrack are diverse, ranging from the independent to the more well-known. Some of the songs are also more directly associated with the event series than others, adding to the diversity. The sounds in the diverse arrangements are themselves diverse, making for even more interest. The bonus content that accompanies the soundtrack’s forthcoming physical release adds the final touch to the recording. It is such that it will appeal primarily to the most devoted comic book readers. That is because of its aesthetic appeal. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of this soundtrack. All things considered, they make the soundtrack an interesting presentation that audiences will find worth hearing at least once.

Loma Vista Recordings’ presentation of DC Comics’ Dark Knights: Death Metal soundtrack is available now through all digital outlets. It is scheduled for physical release next month. More information on this and other titles from Loma Vista Recordings is available at:

Website: https://lomavistarecordings.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lomavistarecordings

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LomaVistaRC

Industrial Band Health Remixes Rise Against’s Latest Single, ‘Broken Dreams Inc.’

Posted on February 19, 2021 by philspicks

Rise Against’s song ‘Broken Dreams Inc.’ received the remix treatment this week.

Independent industrial act Health debuted its remix of the song Friday. Rise Against debuted its original song in September as part of the soundtrack to DC Comics’ ongoing Dark Knights: Death Metal story.

The remix takes Rise Against’s original tune and gives it a much more brooding, subdued take. The vocals are there but they are placed almost under a rich layer of electronics and keyboards, which set the noted tone here.

Front man Tim McIlrath talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a recent interview.

“’Broken Dreams, Inc.’ speaks to today’s changing landscape of American society, the opportunities that are available to some but not to others, the people who are able to benefit versus those who get left behind, who suffer and end up as casualties,” said McIlrath. “How do we level the playing field so everyone can have a real chance at attaining the American Dream? One word, ‘disruption.’ You have to put power into the hands of the people, not business, you have to value people and community over profit.”

“You can’t have a shareholder-run country or a shareholder-run world, a world that values profit above all else, because profit above all else can result in dangerous repercussions for humankind,” added McIlrath.

More information on Rise Against’s new single and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.riseagainst.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/riseagainst

Twitter: http://twitter.com/riseagainst

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Rise Against Debuts ‘Broken Dreams, Inc.’ Video; Song To Be Featured In DC Comics Event Soundtrack

Posted on September 17, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Herfiz PR/DC Comics

Veteran punk band Rise Against debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the video for its song ‘Broken Dreams, Inc.’ Tuesday. The video features scenes from DC’s ongoing Dark Knights: Death Metal story. It is the band’s first new song in three years, and is part of the story’s soundtrack. The soundtrack is scheduled for release at a future date, which is under consideration.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Broken Dreams, Inc.’ is everything that audiences have come to expect from the band over the years, with its rich bass line, steady time keeping and melodic guitar lines and vocal delivery. While the song is part of the soundtrack for a comic book story line, its lyrical theme applies to the real world, too.

Front man Tim McIlrath talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a recent interview.

More information on Rise Against’s new single and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.riseagainst.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/riseagainst

Twitter: http://twitter.com/riseagainst

Geronimo Stilton Sniffs Out More Family Fun In New DVD

Posted on February 24, 2014 by philspicks

Courtesy: Entertainment One

Geronimo Stilton: Intrigue on the Rodent Express and Other Adventures, the latest home release from the short-lived Canadian TV series, is another fun collection of episodes for the whole family. The new DVD contains four more episodes from the series’ twenty-six total episodes. Whether or not one is familiar with the Geronimo Stilton literary series or the TV series spawned from the books, viewers will all agree that there is plenty to say of this new home release. The first aspect worth noting in this group of episodes is its writing. The TV series is an import. But it will translates well enough for audiences of any age to enjoy it. The next factor to be taken into consideration in this compilation’s success is its animation style. One part hand-drawn and seemingly one part flash/CG, it still manages to maintain its own identity among the masses of full-on CG series that pollute the television spectrum today. Last but definitely not least worth noting is the show’s voice cast. Most viewers likely don’t know the cast’s names. But they will definitely recognize the cast’s voices. That who’s who of voice actors, the animation, and the writing all come together to make this DVD another from Entertainment One that is worth at least one watch regardless of how familiar one is with the series or the books on which it is based.

The first aspect of the new compilation from Geronimo Stilton that viewers will appreciate is its writing. The series is an import from Canada. Few may realize it, but there is a difference in the writing (and overall structure) of Canadian-based series and American television series in general. The case with this series is different, though. American audiences will enjoy the episodes on this disc just as much as their Canadian counterparts. It translates so well primarily because of all the action and comic relief tied into each of the four episodes. Geronimo’s globe hopping adventures echo hints of both Indiana Jones and James Bond in one. And parents will appreciate the pop culture references tied into each script. Those pop culture references include spoofs of Agatha Christie and so many classic kung-fu flicks of the 1960s just to name a couple. The Agatha Christie spoof comes in the DVD’s opening episode, “Intrigue on the Rodent Express. It’s a reference to the famed story, Murder on the Orient Express. The original story was written by Agatha Christie and is not only one of the most famous detective novels of all time, but was also adapted into an equally famous big screen feature. The spoof of all the classic kung-fu flicks comes in “The Mask of the Rat-Jitsu.” This one sees Geronimo getting caught up in a web of intrigue centered around a group of ninjas led by an evil mastermind bent on stealing a priceless mask. Younger audiences won’t get the references. But their parents (and potentially even grandparents) will appreciate the attempts by the show’s writers to reach them as well as their children and grandchildren. It’s all a collective example of what makes the writing in this group of episodes central to the success of this DVD.

The writers that worked on all four episodes included in Geronimo Stilton: Intrigue on the Rodent Express and Other Adventures are to be commended for crafting stories that will entertain audiences of all ages. The series’ animators are just as deserving of applause with these episodes. They are deserving of applause in that they have largely crafted the cartoon through hand-drawn animation. There were some potentially computer generated elements to each episode. But by and large, it looks as if this cartoon was in fact crafted by hand. There are still hand-drawn cartoons out there today. But as many studios over utilize computers for their “animated” series, this series incorporating more hand-drawn animation than computer generated gives its episodes more of their own identity, which in turn makes them stand out even more among the masses. The closest comparison that can be made in terms of the animation in these episodes is perhaps to DC’s short-lived series, Krypto The Superdog. That it can only be loosely compared to one other series solidifies the originality of these episodes’ animation. It’s one more reason that this new DVD is worth at least one watch.

The writing and animation that make up this latest compilation of episodes from the Geronimo Stilton animated series are both key to the overall enjoyment of this new DVD release. There is one more factor that older audiences will appreciate in this latest collection of episodes from the Canadian import. That factor is the series’ voice cast. Most audiences might not know the names of the people that make up the series’ voice cast. But they will recognize the various series on which the cast members work/have worked. Patricia Drake is one example of this. Most people don’t know her name. She voiced the scheming Sally Rasmaussen (pronounced Ras-mousen) in Geronimo Stilton. She has also worked on the cult favorite anime series Dragonball Z. She also starred alongside Mandy Moore and Macauly Culkin in Saved as well as voicing characters in recent Barbie CG based features just to name a handful. And fellow cast member Lee Tockar, who voiced a number of characters through each of the four episodes also has voiced characters in Johnny Test, Slugtera, and Max Steel and a number of others. Having such experienced cast is important to the episodes on this DVD. It is important in that it means the ability to properly interpret scripts and present the best possible performance. That top notch performance means more enjoyment for audiences in the long run, which is exactly the case with these episodes.

Geronimo Stilton: Intrigue on the Rodent Express and Other Adventures is available now ins ores and online. It can be ordered online direct via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FWQAOUS/ref=s9_simh_gw_p74_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0N4SB5TCEE2XTG37PZRG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Thor 2 Is Fun, But Falls Short

Posted on November 27, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Marvel Studios

Sequels are very rarely as good as the movies that they follow. This has been proven so many times in recent years by so many studios. DC and Marvel have both proven this time and again with their big name franchises. DC and Legendary proved that with its recent Batman franchise. Marvel Studios’ first Spiderman trilogy was just one victim of that curse. Now Marvel Studios has once again fallen victim to the “curse of the sequel” with its latest big screen offering, Thor: The Dark World. This action packed late year blockbuster has plenty going for it. Its special effects and its ability to balance its science fiction and fantasy elements are both positives. The acting on the part of both Chris Hemsworth and Tim Hiddleston makes the movie even more fun. However, it is hardly perfect. It has one major issue that will be its downfall in the long run. That one glaring negative is the story’s overall writing. The movie itself clocks in at just under two hours. However, because of the writing, it feels quite a bit longer. As much positive as this movie has going for it, this one issue alone is going to ultimately be what keeps this movie from being one of Marvel’s most memorable offerings.

Thor: The Dark World is hardly the year’s best movie or even one of the year’s best. To its defense, it isn’t the year’s worst movie, either. One can openly admit about this sequel to Marvel Studios’ 2011 hit Thor, that it has some extremely impressive special effects. From the backdrops to the fight scenes and one chase scene in particular, those charged with making the movie’s special effects work are deserving of applause. It goes without saying that much of the movie was crafted using green screen effects. That aside, those backdrops that were crafted by computer look just as impressive as those that were actually shot live. Adding to that was the ability of those behind the cameras to blend the CG backgrounds with actual sets and shooting locales. The computer generated effects in both cases never once felt overblown. The same can be said of the effects used in the movie’s many fight scenes and the chase scene that follows Jane’s breakout from the palace early in the story. Even the finest of details were tuned to make the special effects in each case collectively an effective part of the overall presentation.

The work done by those behind the cameras to keep Thor: The Dark World from being little more than another special effects extravaganza is very much an applause worthy aspect of this movie. Their ability to balance its live action and CG elements is one of the most important aspects of the movie’s success, limited as that success proves to be in the grand scheme of things. The ability of all involved to balance the movie’s fantasy and science fiction elements is just as important to the overall product. Those that are less familiar with Marvel’s take on the God of Thunder and the first movie in his franchise might go into the movie thinking it will be just another fantasy epic a la The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings. Those same individuals are sure to be pleasantly surprised to see both elements smoothly combined. On a bigger level, it shows once again how easy it is to blur genre lines on both the big screen and small screen, and how to do it right for that matter.

The balance of live action and CG elements and that of sci-fi and fantasy elements make Thor: The Dark World one more release that comic book fans of any age should see at least once. They aren’t all that make the movie worth at least a single watch. The acting on the part of lead stars Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston also plays into the movie’s overall success, as limited as that success proves to be. The duo’s chemistry has visibly grown over the course of the two movies in which it has already starred—Thor and The Avengers. Their chemistry has developed so much and so well that it makes suspension of disbelief that much easier in watching the pair interact. Whether on the verge of taking one another down, Thor having to endure Loki’s wisecracking, or other situations, Hiddleston and Hemsworth make for one of the movie industry’s better modern day odd couples for lack of better wording. There has been much talk as to whether or not Loki will be back in the already anticipated third movie in the Thor franchise. If he should be back once more, it goes without saying that his pairing with Hemsworth will be one more welcome addition to the movie’s cast.

As one can tell by now, there is plenty to applaud in Marvel Studios’ Thor: The Dark World. For all of its positives, this movie is anything but perfect. The one area in which this movie fails is also its most important. That area is the story’s script/writing. The movie’s script is one more prime example of what happens when there are too many hands in the proverbial pot. No fewer than four individuals worked together to develop the script for this work. The end result is a near two hour movie that feels a lot longer and schmaltzier than it should have been. The script’s first problem is the tired and overly used issue of a character trying to find his place in his world and in the universe. The character in question is Thor. Audiences see him emotionally struggling to figure out where he belongs in Asgard and trying to balance that with his feelings for his love interest, Jane, who is once again played by Natalie Portman. This is hardly the first time that audiences have ever seen this used. The whole brooding character bit has already been done just this year alone in Man of Steel. The end result of that was a movie that was met with mixed results. Audiences will be just as mixed with this movie as a result of having Thor brooding in much the same style.

Thor’s brooding nature this time out is just one of the problems with Thor 2’s script. Just as much a problem with this script is the fact that it feels more like one extended fight sequence than an actual movie with a story. There are some story elements tossed in for good measure. But it seems like action sequences dominate the script. This is evident right from the moment that Jane is “saved” from her room at the palace. From that moment on, the movie’s pace goes near full speed. There are few breaks in that action, too. The problem with this is that it forces audiences to struggle to even hope to keep up with what’s going on. The story’s pace is that rapid fire. The even bigger problem is that it goes on at that pace straight through to the final moments of the movie’s epic final battle between Thor and Malekith. That final battle is the final nail in the coffin for the movie. It simply runs too long. It is the final nail in the movie’s coffin. This and Thor’s brooding sub-story take away enough from all of the movie’s positives to ultimately make it one more of Marvel Studios’ largely forgettable films. One can only hope that when it finally hits theaters, the franchise’s third film will make up for this movie and its predecessor. Simply put, this movie is worth at least one watch. But it’s more worth one watch on Netflix or Redbox than in theaters.

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Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle Is A SUper Documentary

Posted on November 18, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: PBS

Comic books are big business today. One look across the TV spectrum and through theaters in recent years shows just how massive a money maker it has become. The problem is that so many people today still think that comic books past and present are just that. Thankfully, PBS recently released a new documentary centered on comic books that proves that commonly held belief is completely wrong. It reveals just how closely comic books and everyday life have been ever since the first comic heroes hit the printed page way back in the 1930s. Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle follows the history of not just superheroes, but the comic industry from its earliest days in newspapers to its current era. It splits the history of the business into three separate segments beginning with its earliest days in 1938 to the present. Each of the three segments clearly explains how the comics industry and American society affected one another. Interviews with those that created some of the greatest superheroes to those charged with bringing those characters to life help to illustrate these stories, as does the inclusion of vintage video and audio showing the impact of the pair on each other. The interview segments included with the main feature are collectively a real bonus to the presentation. That is because audiences get to hear from great names such as Stan Lee, Linda Carter, and even Adam West as they expand on the topics raised in the main feature. Their thoughts are quite enlightening and make the documentary’s overall presentation all the more worth watching whether one is a comic book fan or not.

Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle is quite the documentary. Whether or not one is a comic book fan, audiences will appreciate it as it shows one more way in which art and real life can and do affect one another. It dispels the beliefs about the comics industry that have been held for far too long by those that are less knowledgeable about the industry. The entire documentary comes in at a total run time of roughly three hours. Those three hours are split in three separate roughly hour-long presentations. The first takes audiences from 1938 – 1958. The second takes viewers through some of America’s most turbulent years from 1959 – 1977. And the last of the three segments runs from 1978 up to the present. Over the course of each segment, viewers get an in-depth look at just how closely world culture and the comics industry are connected. One of the most interesting facts that audiences will learn is the uphill battle the comics industry has faced against the government from early on. Even as late as the late 1970s, the comics industry remained under fire from government bodies. Just as interesting is the seeming up and down trend that the comics industry has experienced from its earliest days. There is much more that audiences will be able to take away from each of the documentary’s three segments. Each viewer will find something for himself or herself when they order the DVD direct from PBS’ online store.

The information shared through each of the documentary’s three segments is in-depth and at times eye opening. But it would be nothing with the vintage video and photos to help illustrate the many subjects discussed within the course of each segment. Audiences actually get to see and hear former President Jimmy Carter voicing his negative opinion of the comic book industry. There is also footage of the classic Batman TV series starring none other than Adam West and Burt Ward as part of a discussion on its connection to the era in which it aired. There’s even a discussion on the most beloved of the Superman movies complete with footage from said movie, and footage of soldiers reading comic books during World War II. It shows collectively just how important the comic industry has been to America throughout the ages even in its lower points. It’s one more aspect of this documentary that viewers will appreciate regardless of whether or not they are comic book aficionados.

From the information shared throughout the whole of Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle to the accompanying video and audio footage, this documentary is another success from PBS. But no documentary would be complete without at least some bonus content. And this DVD more than offers that. It offers as bonus content, interviews with the likes of Adam West, Stan Lee, Linda Carter and others within the comics industry. Stan Lee shares his thoughts on how his characters came to be. One of the funniest moments is his anecdote about how students in a college level course were discussing the Silver Surfer at a deep philosophical level. Carter discusses the role of Wonder Woman in feminism. And West discusses the role that his Batman played in the country’s nuclear age and how that led to its campiness. As with the in-depth information shared throughout each of the documentary’s three segments, there is even more to discover from the bonus interviews. There is even a remembrance of sorts for animation legend Jack Kirby. That and so much more is contained on one disc that audiences can order now online from PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=23148226&cp=&sr=1&kw=superheroes&origkw=Superheroes&parentPage=search. More information on this and other releases from PBS is available online at http://www.facebook.com/pbs and http://www.pbs.org. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Da Vinci’s Demons A Surprise Hit In Its Debut Season

Posted on November 15, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Starz/Anchor Bay Entertainment

Da Vinci’s Demons is not the first historically based drama on television today. It is however, one of the best. And now thanks to Starz and Anchor Bay, those that aren’t lucky enough to have Starz network can experience the first season of this hit series for themselves on DVD and Blu-ray. The first season of Da Vinci’s Demons is so entertaining first and foremost because of its clever writing. Unlike so many other historical dramas, this one is more centered on action and adventure than drama. It’s one part Indiana Jones and one part…well…Da Vinci’s Code tied into one. Audiences will also appreciate the work on the part of the show’s cast throughout all eight of Season One’s episodes. And of course what box set would be complete without at least some bonus features? The bonus features included in Da Vinci’s Demons Season One are relatively brief. But they play their own part in making the overall presentation of Season One enjoyable. These aspects taken into consideration, they work in tandem to make this debut season one that is a must see for any fan of historical dramas.

The most important element of Da Vinci’s Demons Season One is its writing. Credit where credit is due. Series creator and writer David S. Goyer (Man of Steel, The Dark Knight Trilogy, The Blade Trilogy) has crafted in the series’ first season that is a more akin to Indiana Jones than say Game of Thrones. It just used setting in question as the backdrop for all of the action. Goyer and his staff of writers are more than deserving of respect for balancing the story of his search for the “Book of Leaves” with his being wrapped up in the political and religious turmoil of the time. It would have been so easy for the two separate story lines to step on one another, especially considering the depth of each story line. Keeping in mind the depth of the story arcs throughout Season One, viewers will have to be fully invested in each episode in order to fully appreciate them. One cannot simply have any of Season One’s episodes playing while one does housework, etc. and expect to have a full appreciation for the writing. This is a good thing, too. It is good because in being fully invested in each episode, audiences will see the value of and originality in each episode and the first season overall.

The writing behind any TV show and movie is the backbone of each. It can make or break the given TV show or movie. By direct correlation, the work of the show’s cast makes the show even more of a joy to watch. Actor Tom Riley aptly fills the role of a young Leonardo Da Vinci opposite his equally talented cast mates. He shows his acting chops quite well with this subtle wit and control over his character’s deeper emotions. There are those actors that tend to ham it up on both ends of that spectrum. But Riley doesn’t do that. It makes him all the more fun to watch. He and his cast mates collectively make suspension of disbelief easy, too. This should come as no surprise considering the resumes of some of the main cast. The cast is comprised of rather well trained theater actors that are just as experienced in their craft as they are trained. Elliot Cowan (Lorenzo Medici) is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He also holds a degree in Drama from Birmingham University. He has starred in a number of major films including Alexander (2004) and The Golden Compass (2007). Viewers will recognize Gregg Chillin (Zoroaster) from his roles in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. And those that have seen Nanny McPhee Returns will likely recognize actor Eros Vlahos. Vlahos played Cyril Gray in that movie. He has also starred in none other than Game of Thrones as Lommy Greenhands. The collective resume of the cast of Da Vinci’s Demons goes on for quite some time. But one can tell from this microscopic look at that resume just why suspension of disbelief was so easy and why the cast gelled so well together. It’s one more aspect of the show that makes it such a surprise hit.

The casting and writing behind Da Vinci’s Demons are integral to the show’s success. Also noteworthy in this triple-disc box set is the bonus features. The primary bonus features included in the set take viewers into the recording studio, where the show’s soundtrack was recorded. Also included among the bonus features are the standard deleted scenes, and a look behind the scenes of the show. Each feature is a short vignette. But they do their own part to make the overall experience richer. Even more important to Season One is the inclusion of bonus commentary as well as the option to play each episode with a recap of the previous episodes. The recap is especially helpful regardless of whether or not one missed any of the episodes presented in this set. Even if a person has seen each episode, a recap helps remind viewers of what has already happened. Considering that each episode is just over an hour in length, it makes the recaps even more important an addition to each episode. It is the proverbial cherry on the sundae that makes Season One of Da Vinci’s Demons such a surprise hit. Along with the show’s writing and its acting, it makes this box set all the more worth picking up. It is available now in stores and online and can be ordered direct from Anchor Bay Entertainment’s website at http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com/detail.aspx?projectID=fd093f1f-88ae-e211-b6d4-d4ae527c3b65. More information on this and other releases from Anchor Bay Entertainment and Starz is available online at http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com and http://www.facebook.com/AnchorBay. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Iron Man 3 Fun, Even With Some Kinks In The Armor

Posted on May 21, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Paramount/Marvel

When is a man not a man? A man is not a man only when he gives up. That is what those who have not yet seen Marvel’s new blockbuster Iron Man 3 need to remember when going into this movie. Many of those who have seen this movie have complained that the movie didn’t feature enough of Tony in his suit; that it was essentially more melodrama than movie. Here’s the thing. Just as start Robert Downey Junior noted in recent reviews, he can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again. He meant that in terms of playing Iron Man/Tony Stark again in a potential Iron Man 4 and/or Avengers 2. But the reality is that those comments apply within the context of Iron Man 3 itself, too. Fans have seen Tony Stark don his armor time and again in the first two movies in this franchise. And for the most part, his armor has done the same sort of feats. So seeing Tony lose everything, including his suits (albeit temporarily) and forced to rely on just his wits was actually a nice change of pace. It showed that while he may not have been a superhero for much of the movie, he was still a hero and no less a man. That’s because he didn’t give up. He didn’t even let anxiety attacks hold him down. These are messages that any viewer, comic book fan or not, should take away from this movie.

The messages contained within Iron Man 3 are just one positive aspect to this movie. While it’s hardly perfect, the fan boys and fan girls that have lambasted it for its surprise regarding The Mandarin and the Extremis story arc have gone into the movie with too much of a closed mind. They perhaps didn’t catch that Writer/Director Shane Black and his Co-Writer Drew Pearce did in fact poke fun at themselves indirectly concerning this matter. When the truth is revealed about The Mandarin, Rhodey asks Tony, “This is The Mandarin?!” Tony retorts with one of so many wisecracks that audiences have come to love from him. Those that are open minded enough will appreciate that this short moment is actually Pearce and Black’s way of beating the fan boys and fan girls to the punch in hopes that it will get them to laugh at the story changes with them. Though, in defense of the fan boys and fan girls, it is a bit of a slap in their faces to turn The Mandarin into the minor figure that Black and Pearce did. Maybe in any future installments, audiences will get The Mandarin that they deserve.

Any viewer that can accept the story changes to Iron Man 3 will appreciate the eventual reward in the movie’s final climactic battle scene between Tony, Rhodey, and Killian. There are those that say this final showdown is the movie’s only real good part. But as already noted there is much more to be taken away from the movie. Seeing all the armor from Tony’s “Hall of Armor” lets audiences know that regardless of whether RDJ returns for Iron Man 4 or Avengers 2, odds are audiences will still see Iron Man return with much more armor and action in future installments. After all, certain parties noted that the most recent take on The Incredible Hulk would be the last one for a while. But obviously that’s now been proven false as the not so Jolly Green Giant is apparently back on the table again for Marvel’s next phase. So even if RDJ is done (as he seemed to note even within the context of the movie), it would be no surprise if Shellhead returns with someone else donning the Iron Man suit….or suits?

As one can tell by now, there is plenty for which Iron Man 3 should be applauded. For all of its positives, there are some negatives. The first of those negatives is the movie’s pacing. Its run time is roughly two hours and fifteen minutes. But it feels like it is much longer. Unlike its competitor, Star Trek Into Darkness, Iron Man 3 felt like (just as with DC’s The Dark Knight Rises), Black and Pearce were trying way too hard to cram everything they could into this one last installment so as to close the trilogy. What’s more, incorporating multiple villains, as so many of the comic based movies have done in recent years, only added to the movie’s length. It would have been much easier to simply stick with Killian as the main villain. After all, audiences are hand delivered early on the fact that Killian would be the main villain. The extra storyline may lead some viewers to find themselves checking their watches every now and then, wondering when the two hour plus movie will finally end. And because of this, it will ultimately leave some viewers realizing that this key issue has and will forever keep Iron Man 3 from being the movie that it was hyped up to be. Rather, it will keep Iron Man 3 little more than another transition point to Marvel’s next property, just like its comic books.

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