Though, the movie came before the comic books, the Terminator franchise is as close to the heart of this comic fanboy as bread is close to bologna. Whether the books were by NOW comics or Dark Horse, the terminator series translated to 4 color as naturally as peanut butter attaches to jelly. Before I get sidetracked and run into the kitchen, I must get back on topic.
My age had not yet reached the double digits by the time I was first exposed to the world of the time traveling robot killers, programmed to eliminate a poofy-haired blond, through my exciting connection to movies via HBO which, in 1984 was a modern marvel of entertainment technology!
From the first tribal sounding drumbeats that heralded the arrival of Skynet's murderous cyborgs 15 years ago, to the post apocalyptic glimpse of AI domination 9 days ago, the Terminator series has always proven to be able to get the blood pumping in the veins not unlike the hydrolic oil that keeps the joints of the shiny metallic killers moving!
Christian Bale provides an excellent John Connor, even if he does occasionally over-act the role as Mr. Bale is known for (see, Dark Knight) and relative newcomer to the United States screen, Sam Worthington brings an interesting, if not slightly predictable element to the mythos of the Terminator history...future...timeline with his character, Marcus Wright.
Highlights of the movie are the different types of Terminator machines ranging from the T-1 and T-600 to the Hunter-Killers and watching the fight scenes between man and metal never seem to disappoint! What is truly surprising about the movie is the fact that it was directed by McG, the same guy that did the Charlie's Angels movie.
I enjoyed watching this series come (nearly) full circle and happily give it a T-5!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
This prequel to the mediocre X-Men trilogy takes Marvel Comics' most popular mutant and provides a full-length feature all to his hairy self! Some would argue that this was not true to the source material and others claim the story is more important than original history of the character but one thing stands clear, the time and film they used to portray some of this hairy mutant's history was rich in action and mutant cameos, from the humorously portrayed Fred Dukes (a.k.a. Blob) to Ryan Reynolds' perfectly accurate Wade Wilson.
Without providing much of a spoiler, I will say that, though the history and proximity of the storyline does not fall in line closely to the source material (where was Department H- the Canadian program? What was the deal with the runt's heightened senses only working when it helped further the plot?) the plot line and the flow of the movie was incredibly adrenaline filled which forces you at blade point to use no more than the front edge of the seat.
Among the many other aspects of beautifully crafted eye candy that this film offers to the uninitiated and fanboy alike, the opening title sequence is actually one of the highlights of the film as it follows the world's favorite furball through nearly every major war in United States history, and does so in a tasteful manner.
Hugh Jackman, though a full foot taller than Marvel's mutant, nails Wolverine yet again and this time, is afforded a full lead role to provide a solid feel of the character. He may not have the blond mane, but Liev Shreiber portrayed a wonderfully maniacal Sabretooth and the not-so-surprising appearance of Gambit was a fun addition to the already mutant rich story, even if actor, Taylor Kitsch couldn't retain the Creole accent Gambit is famous for.
Being a long time X-Men fan, I was put off by some of the modifications made for the 'benefit' of the average movie-goer, but was happily willing to forgive these things due to the high volume of hidden fanboy fun and the excellently crafted visual effects. I give this great comic adaptation three sharpened claws up!
Without providing much of a spoiler, I will say that, though the history and proximity of the storyline does not fall in line closely to the source material (where was Department H- the Canadian program? What was the deal with the runt's heightened senses only working when it helped further the plot?) the plot line and the flow of the movie was incredibly adrenaline filled which forces you at blade point to use no more than the front edge of the seat.
Among the many other aspects of beautifully crafted eye candy that this film offers to the uninitiated and fanboy alike, the opening title sequence is actually one of the highlights of the film as it follows the world's favorite furball through nearly every major war in United States history, and does so in a tasteful manner.
Hugh Jackman, though a full foot taller than Marvel's mutant, nails Wolverine yet again and this time, is afforded a full lead role to provide a solid feel of the character. He may not have the blond mane, but Liev Shreiber portrayed a wonderfully maniacal Sabretooth and the not-so-surprising appearance of Gambit was a fun addition to the already mutant rich story, even if actor, Taylor Kitsch couldn't retain the Creole accent Gambit is famous for.
Being a long time X-Men fan, I was put off by some of the modifications made for the 'benefit' of the average movie-goer, but was happily willing to forgive these things due to the high volume of hidden fanboy fun and the excellently crafted visual effects. I give this great comic adaptation three sharpened claws up!
Friday, May 29, 2009
WHY?!?!?!
I sit and examine my thought balloon when setting this blog up and it says, "Hey man! Why bother with setting up a blog about comic books? There must be a million and three comic blogs out there, some are even by artists and writers, what makes your so friggin' cool?"
These are great questions my thought balloon has asked and I think about people like Peter David, who not only is a professional writer with his own blog, but a very VERY accomplished writer with his own blog. I think about others like him. My brain pan begins to then sift through the retailers, fanboys, and just internet junkies...all with either good connections or no girlfriends which affords them all the time in the world to get the low down and dirty, the excitement, the filthy secrets of the comic books world and I return to my question...WHY?
Well, right or wrong, good or bad, my answer to those three burning letters is simply, I love comic books. With every fiber of my being. I have been with comics for decades and they have never let me down (with the exception of the Clone Saga) and, whether I hit breaking news or just reviews feel-good books of yesterday, this gives me a chance to talk about my love (not my wife, the other love), comics!
I hope you enjoy...oh yeah, I know that the comic world has evolved into the digital age and 4 color may not really apply, I chose the name in tribute to the vibrancy that kept us floating until computers could catch up with our super-heroes.
These are great questions my thought balloon has asked and I think about people like Peter David, who not only is a professional writer with his own blog, but a very VERY accomplished writer with his own blog. I think about others like him. My brain pan begins to then sift through the retailers, fanboys, and just internet junkies...all with either good connections or no girlfriends which affords them all the time in the world to get the low down and dirty, the excitement, the filthy secrets of the comic books world and I return to my question...WHY?
Well, right or wrong, good or bad, my answer to those three burning letters is simply, I love comic books. With every fiber of my being. I have been with comics for decades and they have never let me down (with the exception of the Clone Saga) and, whether I hit breaking news or just reviews feel-good books of yesterday, this gives me a chance to talk about my love (not my wife, the other love), comics!
I hope you enjoy...oh yeah, I know that the comic world has evolved into the digital age and 4 color may not really apply, I chose the name in tribute to the vibrancy that kept us floating until computers could catch up with our super-heroes.
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