Over the past few months, I’ve sat down to write a dozen or so articles about superhero, sci-fi or movie stuff—however, each time, I’ve walked away deciding that it wasn’t quite enough for a full post. So instead, here are a bunch of thoughts, opinions and observations that I want to get off my chest:
- Jessica Jones was awesome. I feel really smart for hyping it before it launched. If I have one gripe, it’s that they killed off the best villain the MCU has ever had. Yes, including Loki.
- A suggestion on how to improve the Marvel Netflix shows going forward: embrace diversions. The Sopranos didn’t pit Tony and Junior against each other in every episode. Dexter doesn’t spend every episode in conflict with the Ice Truck Killer. Ned Stark doesn’t fight with Cersei every time out—what the shows have lacked so far is a willingness to let conflicts rest, allowing the characters to face different obstacles or scenarios. In my opinion, the Marvel shows so far become exhausting because the central two characters have nothing to do except fight each other. And since neither can win until the last episode, they both end up appearing ineffectual. Don’t be afraid to let the main baddy take a break for a few episodes and let the hero tackle (and win!) a couple diversions.
- The new Deadpool trailer absolutely knocked it out of the park. I am fully onboard and I want to go to there. Do yourself a favor and go watch that…just not while you’re at work.
- I’m really jazzed about the Captain America: Civil War trailer. I must have watched it 20 times now. Awesome job, Marvel.
- It was really great to see Black Panther, but I wonder if they’re holding Spider-man for the last trailer? It probably would have been too much to tease two new characters in the same trailer.
- I’m kind of puzzled about General Ross as the villain. Seems like a missed opportunity to bring him back when we know Hulk isn’t showing up.
- In news that should surprise no one, I enjoyed Star Wars. Yes, there were lots of plot-holes, but they really nailed both the tone and the look of the franchise. Can’t wait to see what they do next.
- Has anyone else seen the video explaining the theory that Jar Jar Binks is actually the most powerful Sith Lord? While I don’t personally buy it (there are just too many glaring flaws in the prequels to confidently say that there was that sort of coherent, long-term plan), it’s definitely worth a watch.
- What the Hell is going on with Star Trek? The new trailer indicates that J.J. Abrahams is allowing his other major “star” franchise to fall into shambles. Not only is it completely incoherent (seriously—I challenge anyone to watch that trailer and come away with a single plot-point), it’s just incredibly tone-deaf. Since when is Star Trek about blaring music, pointless fighting and endless quips? It looks like The Expendables in space. Also: 1) what do the Beastie Boys have to do with Star Trek? and 2) If you’re dead-set on using one of their tunes, why wouldn’t you go with “Intergalactic”? Sigh…wasted opportunity.
- After seeing the latest trailer for Batman vs. Superman, I am officially and gravely concerned. This reminds me of Green Lantern or the latest Fantastic 4 film: the more you see, the worse it looks. It’s realized all of my fears: grim, plodding dialog; cheesy, over-produced CGI; and uninteresting, non-relatable characters. And this is coming from someone who loves the source material. I’m now strongly leaning towards skipping it.
- How about that Independence Day: Resurgence trailer? Anyone who doesn’t get a little choked up listening to Bill Pullman’s speech from the original is basically an inhuman monster incapable of emotion.