Captain America Ends This Summer's Battle, But Leads Us To Next Summer's As Well

Next summer, Marvel Studios will attempt something no other studio has done. They will take four film franchises and merge them into one film under the direction of Comic-Con god, Joss Whedon. The Avengers will be a massive film, one that is highly anticipated, but before we see the team assemble we have to get to know the first Avenger, Captain America. Joe Johnston had the difficult task of not only making the all-American-hero relatable to modern audiences, but also re-creating the world of the 1940’s, but with a believable sci-fi slant.

 Chris Evans plays his sixth comic book related role as Steve Rogers. Steve is too small to be accepted into the army during World War II, but he is the perfect candidate for Project: Rebirth. Steve is to be the first in a line of super soldiers that are made to take down Hitler and the Nazis. But soon after Steve’s metamorphosis his mentor and Project: Rebirth creator, Dr. Erskine, is killed thanks to a secret Nazi science division called Hydra. Steve is left as the only one of his kind, and must decide whether he is up to the role of being Captain America. Steve has to choose fast because Hyrda’s leader, Johann Schmidt, is in possession of a cosmic cube that can turn the tide of the war, and would mean disaster for the allied forces and the world.

I was very reluctant to accept Evans in this role. He’s always played the ‘funny guy’ in most of his films, so playing the always serious Captain America didn’t seem like his cup of tea. However, it was Evans charm and humbleness that made this movie work. Captain America has a commanding presence in the comic books, but in this film he’s just starting out, so he has fears, doubts, and a personality that any decent person can relate too. This makes him accessible to the audience and makes the rest of the film a nice ride. However there are a few shots where he looks ridiculous as 'skinny Steve.'

 The Matrix and LOTR’s alumni Hugo Weaving plays Evans rival, Johann Schmidt, or the Red Skull has the world will come to know him. Weaving face spends most of the film red, and computer-generated, which makes his acting abilities limited as far as performance, but still terrify as Captain America’s polar opposite. The other major supporting cast members include Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Chester Phillips and Hayley Atwell as Cap’s love interest, Peggy Carter. Atwell plays Carter perfectly as a woman who is tough as nails, but also has a sensitive side that woos not only Steve, but the audience as well. I don’t need to tell you that Jones does what he always does; which is be awesome. Has Colonel Phillips he is Steve’s biggest opponent, but soon becomes his biggest ally. Classic Jones.

The person in this film I was watched closely was Sebastian Stan as Buchanan ‘Bucky’ Barnes. In the comics he is Captain America’s teenage sidekick with an important future. In other interpretations, such as this, he is the guy who fights Steve’s battles before he could win his own. Stan did a perfect job for what he had to be, and possibly become in later films. Another member of Cap’s team, included Neal McDonough as the classic Marvel character, ‘Dum Dum’ Dugan.

Joe Johnston has directed such period pieces as The Rocketeer and October Sky, so I knew he was the right man to bring this 1940’s icon into the 21st Century. To me, the film seemed to go by fast, which means leaving out time for character development, but it was such a great ride it didn’t seem to matter much. Captain America isn’t anything deep or complicated, but just a simple film about a simple hero. Marvel has really hit gold creating their own film studio and the films they create.  Mainly because they listen to writers like Ed Brubaker and Mark Millar who have kept the character thriving for so long. If only other studios would do the same with their comic book properties. I, however, did find it a bit odd that Stan “The Man” Lee made an appearance in this film. Even though his is the creator of most Marvel characters like Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four he had nothing to do with Captain America except being the head of Marvel. But “The Man” is still awesome in my book so he can make an appearance in the next Batman film for all I care.

Captain America: The First Avenger closes out a summer full of superhero films, with another batch due out next summer. Johnston and co. was able to bring out why this character has lasted for over 70 years, and has continued the cinematic journey that Marvel has been taking us on for the past few years. I look forward to Whedon’s The Avengers next summer not because it’s a comic book film, but because it’s full of great characters we already know. Now let’s see how they all work together. If you’ve seen any Marvel film you know to stay after the ending credits, and this one no different. Someone get Cap Netflix so he can catch-up with the rest of the world, but don’t show him Jersey Shore!

Rating:  B

Transformers 3 is "Prime Time" For This Franchise

Prime Time! It’s a new phrase I am going to be using now so get used to it. I found myself saying it a lot towards the end of Michael Bay’s newest Transformers film. At the end of Dark of the Moon, like every Transformers film, Optimus Prime starts kicking Decepticon ass, and I heard myself say the phrase, “Prime Time”, which means it was at the point in the film where Optimus saves the day. So now, whenever it’s time to kick-ass and save the day, it’s Prime Time!

Shia LaBeouf is back for round three as Sam Witwicky, and he’s all grown up. Sam has a new job, a new smoking hot girlfriend, played by supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and a whole new battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons to help take care of. Sam learns that the entire space race of the 1960’s was a cover-up to get to a Cybertronian ship that landed on the moon. In it is Sentinel Prime, the Autobots leader before Optimus Prime, and a machine powerful enough to bring hundreds of Decepticons to Earth and enslave humanity. Luckily Sam knows someone roughly the size of a semi-truck who has his back.

Mr. Witwicky doesn’t just have Decepticons to worry about in this film. His girlfriend, Carly, has a boss that looks a lot like Dr. McDreamy, mainly because he’s played by Patrick Dempsey. I like this casting choice because Sam is the every-man, and Dempsey is who the every-man’s wife dreams about. So when Sam is punching McDreamy, I’d like to think I am too.

 The biggest gossip surrounding this film was Rosie Huntington-Whiteley replacing Megan Fox as the female lead. A hot girl is one thing, but a hot girl with a British accent is dangerously sexy; sorry Megan. If it makes you feel better I think her lips are too big. This was Huntington-Whiteley’s first film, and I think she did ok. She’s not going to win any awards, but I’ll be damned it she didn’t look good the entire film. But for me that’s also the problem. Part of the reason these films work so well is that Sam as that quality that makes us believe we could be him. While watching this film I kept thinking it’s more realistic that giant robots will invade Chicago than a supermodel, or even just the character of Carly, would ever be with a guy like Sam Witwicky.  I mean, I love my wife, but I could never score Heidi Klum. 

Now as for the film, the thing I love most about it is that we can all just forget Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ever happened. They briefly mention things that occured in the second Transformers film, but it’s not a necessity to see that film in order to enjoy this one. Yes, I am one of those people who loves the first Transformers film and hopes every copy of the second film spontaneously combusts. As for the third film, I was smiling almost as much as I did when I saw Optimus Prime battle Megatron the first time around. The film is a great blend of comedy and action, much like the orginal. When the Decepticons invade Chicago I felt like it took too long to get to the end of the film, but everything before that reminded me why I love summer blockbusters, and how much I miss my former city of residence.

John Turturro returns as former Agent Simmons to help Sam once again, and brings along his assistant, played by Firefly alumni, Alan Tudyk. The brief scenes where the three of them were together were great, with Tudyk stealing most of them; god I miss Wash. Anyway, Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel are back as the soldiers who aid Sam and the Autobots. John Malkovich makes an appearance as Sam’s new boss, and Frances McDormand plays a high ranking government pain-in-the-ass. Peter Cullen returns as the voice of Optimus Prime, as he has been for over twenty years, and Leonard Nimoy does his second Transformers voice in his career as Sentinel Prime. And don’t worry people, Kevin Dunn and Julie White are also back as Sam’s parents, but luckily no brownies are eaten in this film.

Transformer: Dark of the Moon took the franchise back home in every way. Instead of some far-off country the battle ground was the center of America, and this film had everything that helped make the first film great. Labeouf is the ordinary man wrapped-up in extraordinary events, the story and characters are solid, there are no Jar Jar Binks-like characters, the action is great, and there is a hot girl taking your eyes away from the special effect robots they spent millions of dollars to make.

 If this was the second film in the Transformers trilogy I’d say that this franchise is on its way to being one of the greats, but unfortunately it wraps up the trilogy. As much as I would love to criticize Michael Bay films for being un-intelligent popcorn movies I go to the theater to be entertained, and this film is definitely Prime Time for Mr. Bay. I might even go back to see this film in 3-D, but it’s not the Autobots I want to see up-close, giggity-giggity oh!

RATING: B+

Animated Series That Deserve A Come-Back!

This month Cartoon Network has a premiere I’m more excited for than any Hollywood blockbuster coming to the theaters this summer. A remake of the 80’s classic cartoon Thundercats will air its hour-long pilot episode on July 29. It seems that there will be a few things different about this revamp from the original series, but I’ll be damned if I’m not excited for it. Thundercats was my favorite cartoon as a child, so even in my 20’s you can bet I’ll be buying the new Sword of Omens when I find it. Rumors swirled for years there was going to be a Thundercats CGI movie made, but it turned into a TV series instead. I hope this paves the way for other 80’s/early 90’s cartoons that need to be revived. Here are a few I can name off the top of my head.

10. Captain N: The Game Master (1989)

 When the original Nintendo became a phenomeon people decided to cash in on the craze. One way was a cartoon about a gamer named Kevin, and his dog Duke, who get sucked into Videoland through his Nintendo. Kevin was summoned by Princess Lana to help defeat Mother Brain using the Nintendo blaster gun and controller, which granted him special powers. The N Team consist of Nintendo characters Simon Belmont, Mega Man, and Kid Icarus. Even Link from The Legend of Zelda made appearances, and eventually the portable Nintendo system Gameboy was worked into the show.

I think this would make a great time-piece film where it has to be the original Nintendo, and not an updated version. If you make Videoland full of Nintendo characters, anyone who ever played a Nintendo in their life will come to see it!

9. Silverhawks (1986)

 After the success of Thundercats the creators took on another series about five space policeman who were sent to the part of the galaxy known as Limbo to defeat the evil MonStar. The theme of the show was "partly metal, partly real". The Silverhawks could fly in space using this metal wings, and laser beams that shot out of their shoulders. One of them was even a country bluegrass pilot. This series could be a little silly, but still better than most of the cartoons I see being made these days.

8. Gargoyles (1994-1996)

In Scotland 994, the Gargoyles protected Castle Wyvern from Viking raiders. They were protectors at night, but during the day were stone, until betrayal causes a massacre of the clan during their stone sleep . A spell was cast on the six survivors putting them to "Sleep, until the castle rises above the clouds." In present day, a billionaire named David Xanatos purchases the castle and moves the crumbling remains, piece by piece, to the top of New York City and awakens the Gargoyles in modern day.  The Gargoyles must adapt to their new surroundings as they vow to protect the citizens of New York.

Does that sound like a badass movie or what? The voice casting for this series was great with Keith David, Ed Asner, and Star Trek: TNG star Jonathan Frankes all lending their talents. The ensemble of the six gargoyle personalities is enough to make this series great, not to mention Xanatos is a villian who could give even Lex Luthor a run for his money.

7. The Real Ghostbusters (1986-1991)

I'm not talking out the Filmation one with the giant monkey. While there have been two films, as well as a cartoon series, I think it's time for a reboot. The original films were a great blend of humor, fantasy, and action. If it can be recaptured again this franchise could be reborn.

6. Captain Planet and the Planeteers (1990-1996)

Go Planet! With Hollywood and the rest of the world going green these days why not make a film or television series about it. "Gaya (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg) the Spirit of Earth, can no longer stand the terrible destruction plaguing our planet. She sends five magic rings to five special young people, Kwami (voiced by LeVar Burton), from Africa, with the power of Earth. From North America, Wheeler, with the power of Fire. From the Russia, Linka, with the power of Wind. From Asia, Gi, with the power of Water. And from South America, Mah-Ti, with the power of Heart. When these five powers combine they summon earth’s greatest champion, Captain Planet."

They don't make them like this anymore kids, and with an assortment of villians from Duke Nukem to Hoggish Greedley this could be a great film trilogy. The five planeteers come from five parts of the Earth. It could be not only be a franchise about saving the planet, but about cultural differences. I rest my case.

5. The Legend of Zelda (1989)

Sure most movies based on video games suck, but do this thing right and it would be like a Lord of the Rings-type film. Link is a great leading character, and the bickering between him and Princess Zelda in the cartoon series provided some funny banter. I’m just wondering why this film hasn’t been made yet?

4. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983-1985)

Forget the 1987 film with Dolph Lundgren and Courtney Cox. Everyone is allowed one bad movie early in their career. Stick with what worked in the original cartoon. A skinny, white, prince picks up a magic sword and turns into a big, buff, black guy. He-Man can fight Skeltor for control of Eternia with such classic sidekicks as Man-At-Arms, the bumbling magician Orko, and He-Man's mode of transportation, Battle Cat. Several other He-Man series were made in 1990 and 2002, but didn’t catch on like the original one. Word has it a film is already in pre-concept stages, but let's hope it doesn't involve anything called "The Key".

3. The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (1996)

What little boy didn't grow up wishing to be Jonny Quest? He travels the world with his billionaire dad looking for adventure. They are accompanied by their bodyguard Race Bannon, Jonny’s best friend Haji, and their dog Bandit. The Quest family had some badass adventures. I know this series was based on the 1964 cartoon series, but this remake was what I watched when I was a kid. In this version they also added a new character, Race's daughter, Jessie. Jonny, Jessie, and Haji could be the new Harry, Hermione, and Ron. And while Questworld seemed silly at the time, I can just picture it now with Tron: Legacy graphics!

2. Mighty Max (1993-1995)

Based on the popular toys, Mighty Max was about a smartass kid who becomes the capbearer and can travel through worlds trying to defeat the SkullMaster, who wants the magical hat for himself. Along the way Max is accompanied by Virgil, the wise chicken, and his Conan the Barbrarian-like bodyguard, Norman. A series like this has a Harry Potter-style written all over it. My only concern would be making a CGI chicken to communicate with. But if they can make Yoda CGI real I guess Virgil could work.

1. Exo-Squad (1993-1995)

Not too many people know about this 90's animated show. It was on Sunday mornings, so most of us were in church, but it was a goodie. Set in the 22nd Century, humans have created a new being called Neo Sapiens that are much stronger than humans, and they use them to collimate Mars and Venus, but when the Neo Sapiens revolt it's a full-scale civil war. Lt. J.T. Marsh commands Able Squad, a group intent on defeating the Neo Sapiens using machines called E-Frames. These things were like what Ripley had at the end of Aliens except can fly in space, and have a crap load of weapons. Although Able Squad spent quite a bit of time out of their E-Frames the drama and action of this series was epic. This series had a very serious tone for a cartoon, and dealt with racism, tolerance, and had epic space battles. If you like Star Trek, Firefly, or enjoy a good space tale check it out at Hulu.com.