"Superman and Batman: Public Enemies"

A desperate solution for a troubled country: Lex Luthor for President with the Justice League in the service of the government. Only Batman and Superman stand against the new regime – and their disloyalty proves to be exactly what Luthor intended. Using their outcast status to instigate a scandal against Superman, Luthor finally tastes a victory in his vendetta against the Man of Steel. From Executive Producer Bruce Timm and voiced by the cast from the hit Batman and Superman animated TV series including Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly and Clancy Brown, this DC Universe Original Animated Movie based on Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness's popular graphic novel seethes with political intrigue and action-packed battles between heroes all believing they're on the right side of the law.


Superman and Batman: Public Enemies is just as goods as the graphic novel. Made even better by the familiar voice of Daly and Conroy portraying the Heroes respectively. If you've read the novel then you will love the film. If you haven't read the novel, then get ready of an DC universe Animation that will entertain parents as kids as well.

I give Superman and Batman: Public Enemies 4 out 5 Gs.

"300"

Gerard Butler
Lena Headey
David Wenham
Dominic West
Vincent Regan
Michael Fassbender
Tom Wisdom
Andrew Pleavin
Andrew Tiernan
Rodrigo Santoro


R           106min           2007

The epic graphic novel by Frank Miller (Sin City) assaults the screen with the blood, thunder and awe of its ferocious visual style faithfully recreated in an intense blend of live-action and CGI animation. Retelling the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, it depicts the titanic clash in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his mssive Persian army. Experience “300”, history at sword point and moviemaking with a cutting edge – from the back cover

Having only glanced the history behind the battle and never having read the graphic novel I watch this film with virgin knowledge. It grabbed me and held tight, having me watched it three times consecutively. It’s easily in my top ten. Even with the historical inaccuracies this is a battle beyond history and a film for the ages.

“300” has an unique visual style that lends itself to it’s source material. It thoroughly exciting with carnage that is in your face and unrelenting. This is one of those movies that changes the way you to see the genre of comic book action films in a different light.

This is a film that transcends the gender barrier. This is one of the first films that even appealed to my sister on a maniacal level. For weeks after watching this film she would quote lines from the films. Even now talking to her I can start one of the phrases and she will finish it.

If you missed it in the theatre then you really want to purchase this film immediate. You will never be able to use “300” for a report on the Battle of Thermopylae, but you will be able to watch an entertaining historical movie.

As this is only the single disc version it only has a commentary with Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstan, and Larry Fong. It contains movie previews for “Trick R Treat”, “The Brave One”, “300: The Video Game” and “Superman: Doomsday”.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Ghost Rider"

Nicolas Cage
Eva Mendes
Wes Bentley
Sam Elliot
Peter Fonda
Donal Logue
Matt Long
Raquel Alessi
Brent Cullen






PG13           114min           2007


“Ghost Rider” is based on the Marvel comic of the same name, Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt driver, makes a deal with a demon to save a love one and years later when the demon comes to collect he must become the demonic bounty hunter known as the Ghost Rider.

It wasn’t what I expected. It was campier than I would have liked. Nicolas Cage gave patented Nic Cage delivery. The story needed more work.

For an origin story I found “Ghost Rider” was too campy. The tone of the film was too light with many of the actors’ deliveries were too ADD. This movie could not make up its mind in what it wanted to be. half the actors were taking themselves seriously and the other half were making quips every five seconds .

Nicolas Cage played Johnny Blaze a little too jovial, for a man in his position. A demon owns your soul and he knew this for twenty plus years. A man walking in those shoes would be less of optimist and more of pessimist. He plays it flat, there is no difference, you could have taken which for me didn’t work for a character that is constantly living with this cloud over his head.

Eva Mendes one of the most beautiful actresses on screen but this character didn’t fit her. Even with the weak character develop this character was conflicted all around. Her character is heart broken when he leaves her and jovial years later when Blaze stops her in the middle of the road; and her sporadic delivers didn’t help this conflicted film.

“Ghost Rider” is a film that needed major work before filming. For an origin story it is the weakest of all the Marvel film, even weaker than “The Punisher.” The characters were never developed enough for you to care for them. Toward the end I cared more for Blackheart than I did for Ghost Rider and really wanted Blackheart to kick his butt.

Even the outstanding special effects cannot help this film; it left itself nowhere to go. I was left totally disappoint that it wasn’t better. I think I should have pony up to buy it instead of renting it; maybe the extended cut is better, anyone out there if you made it this far and you have the extended cut could you give the 411 in a comment.

I give it 1/5 Gs.

"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"

Ioan Gruffudd
Jessica Alba
Chris Evans
Michael Chiklis
Julian McMahon
Kerry Washington
Andre Braugher
Laurence Fishburne
Doug Jones
Beau Garrett




PG           92min           2007


“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” is about the Fantastic Four learning that there are far superior super-powered beings in the universe bent on destroying our world. They square off against the powerful Silver Surfer and the planet-eating Galactus.

This film rose to the occasion. This time around we find that the Fantastic Four are fallible and are struggling to control their lives as they spiral in the spheres of superheroes, celebrities, and normalcy. This film is better than the first. The story line coming from the comic it has been enhanced and modernized.

The Silver Surfer looks awesome. Given voice by the bass of Laurence Fishburne and the miming of Doug Jones, together this makes the character work. Laurence conveys so much emotion that it gives life to the semi-computer generated character.

“Rise of the Silver Surfer” find our heroes in a turning point in their lives. The character developments are complex yet progress naturally. Even though you know how its going to turn out its well developed and gives each character growth yet keeping true to their characters. There are funnier moments in this film.

This time around this is a more traditional and familiar story from the comics. Combining several story arcs from the comic to make a great comic book movie. Doom returns this time around in his more traditional comic book outfit and character traits.

If you a fan or not you will enjoy “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”. It’s a defiant winner. Where as other comic book movies kills its main villain FF shows its villain’s defeated but never destroyed just as in the comics. The only bad thing I can say about this film is that it ends too soon. You will want another twenty minutes.

I give it 4/5 GS.

"Blade"

Wesley Snipes
Stephen Dorff
Kris Kristofferson
N’Bushe Wright
Donal Logue
Udo Kier
Traci Lords
Arly Jover
Kevin Patrick Walls
Tim Guinee
Sanaa Lathan
Eric Edwards

R           120min           1998


“Blade” is a marvel comic’s superhero. While still in his mother’s belly a vampire attacks her and he is given all the strength and abilities of vampires without any of their weakness. With the help of a mentor named Whistler (Kristofferson), Blade fights the vampire nation where ever they maybe.

Having never read the comic I think this is a cool entry into the “Blade” world. It’s an amazing action film but it doesn’t stand up with the time. It was one of the more grittier comic book movies made at the time.

“Blade” was really a full out showcase of Wesley Snipes skills as a fighter. I would have to say it was one of the highlights of his career. It really showed that comic book characters, other than Superman and Batman, could make money and be appealing to the modern audience. It started the modern comic book craze in Hollywood.

At the time in its own right it had some of the best action sequences. They were stylized violence of high caliber that was exciting to watch. They were kinetic and felt fluid until the Wachowski Brothers changed the game.

The special effects were cheesy looking then and nine years haven’t helped. Now that you look back at it, there are obvious errors in judgment and it was a little rushed. Two sequences that come to mind it when Deacon Frost throws the little girl it obvious and when Blade enter the building in the final showdown, when they explode where is the blood that should have landed on him. If he was going to get sprayed then it wasn’t any reason for him to react.

“Blade” was the first of the new comic book wave that has taken hold of Hollywood. It was the first time that comic book not featuring Superman or Batman, made money. It showed that the audience didn’t even need to been acquainted with the character to enjoy the movie. If it was told with a realistic point of view, filmgoers could get behind a story.

This was the film that got Wesley Snipes out of the B-Movie hell that his career had fallen into and is now back in. It had some of the best action sequences for the pre-Matrix era, but that also makes the movie date itself. It facilitated the Hollywood comic book craze.

The DVD is full of special features, some exclusive to the PC DVD-ROM. “Blade” features a commentary track with stars, Wesley Snipes and Stephen Dorff, writer, David S. Goyer, and producers and an isolated music track with composer Mark Islam. It contains 4 featurettes and other things that are exclusive to the PC.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"The Crow"

Brandon Lee
Rochelle Davis
Ernie Hudson
Michael Wincott
Ling Bai
Sofia Shinas
Anna Levine
David Patrick Kelly
Tony Todd



R           102min           1994

“The Crow” is about a musician and his fiancée are brutally murdered the day before there wedding on Halloween and one year later the crow brings back the spirit of the groom as an invincible avenging angel.

If you take this film at face value it’s an ok film but far superior than any of its sequels. It’s a basic revenge tale and that’s all. What makes this film an instant classic is the tragedy behind this film. That the star of this film Brandon Lee died because of an on set accident that could have been prevented is just disturbing.

Knowing that “The Crow” was made in Wilmington and visiting the city several times, the world created by the crew is a dark, gloomy and unrecognizable. I don’t know if its knowing that Lee died or not but every time I watched this film the world these characters live in feels heavy and malignant. It’s a world where good has lost the fight against evil.

Lee’s performance is haunting and mesmerizing at the same time; it’s filled with a playful anger that you would associate with a deranged psychopath. He captured the heartbreak, angst and rage that the character felt. His talent really shines through in this part.

Researching the tragedy behind the film, it’s said that Lee stated that there was a dread he felt around this character. That it was draining to play this part and that it was hard to shake this character when he went home. For an actor cut down at the beginning of his career this film made me think of what he could have accomplished.

Overall “The Crow” is the best in the series that has gotten progressively worst. In my opinion this is the only one to date that captured the message of the comics. Brandon Lee shines in his final performance. This film is to mature for children under twelve and for most thirteen and fourteen years old.

I give it 4/5Gs

"Spider-Man 3"

Tobey Maguire
Kristen Dunst
James Franco
Topher Grace
Thomas Haden Church
Bryce Dallas Howard
Rosemary Harris
JK Simmons
Bill Nunn
Dylan Baker
James Cromwell
Elizabeth Banks
Cliff Robertson



PG13           140min           2007

“Spider-Man 3” is once again about Peter Parker trying to come to grips with the responsibilities in his life. This time around an alien symbiotic goo that crashes to earth and attaches itself to Peter bringing out his darker impulses complicates his life, by making him turn his back on the things he loves the most and indulge his ID personialty; not to mention there are eventually three villains for him to fight this time: Flinto Marko, who becomes Sandman, Eddie Brock, who eventually becomes Venom, and his former bestfriend Harry Osborn becoming the New Goblin.

As a fan of Spider-Man, I found 3 having an amazing story. This time it finds Peter having a harmonious balance with Spider-Man. Peter is happy with Mary Jane and excelling in college. Spider-Man finally has the city loving him. Everything in his life is great and he’s ready to take the next step in his life.

Sam Raimi brings some of the most outstanding action sequences to the screen even topping the ones in “Spider-Man 2”. The fights between New Goblin & Peter and Harry and Spider-Man are top notch fighting sequences. The action sequences are so well done I could even began to comprehend how many effects it took to pull off what was displayed on screen. They are a truly an action lovers treat.

The visual effects are, for the most part, flawless and just stellar. There are a few hiccups and they are noticeable. When the black Spider-Man outfits are a visual effect you can tell because the suit is too shine. The first time he has it on and lands and it cuts between the two it horrendously noticeable.

Sam Raimi did a great job of weaving more of the comic book history into ‘Spider-Man 3’. The introduction of Gwen Stacey and Venom did a great job of servicing the comic fans. It gave a nod to the comic in showing even though Peter is a ‘nerd’ he did have girlfriends and was a ladies. He gave a second-string villain in Sandman a more moving and engaging story, he humanize a trivial character in my opinion.

As this being “Spider-Man 3”, Raimi brings closure to some of the prevailing stories through out the three films, but never really concludes the film. It ends leaving you with a WTF moment, having you question is this the end? He found a satisfying closing to the Harry revenge story and opened the door to some other stories. But overall if this is the final Spider-Man then it’s an anticlimactic ending.

It wasn’t truly an ending to the questions that were brought of in the films. There is a prevailing story left to be told and that’s the wedding and marriage of Peter and Mary Jane. As a fan I don’t think Spider-Man should end like this, not after some of the most satisfying storytelling by Sam Raimi and company. To end this way would be an injustice to what they started with the first film, and I think that this will hurt the film.

Overall “Spider-Man 3” is an amazing film with some of the most mind mesmerizing action sequences. It has visual effects that complement Spider-Man with only a few flaws that were bound to show up sooner or later. "Spider-Man 3" has a story that is satisfying yet an anticlimactic ending to a truly pleasurable trilogy.

I give "Spider-Man 3" a 4/5 Gs.

"Superman: The Richard Donner Cut"

Gene Hackman
Christopher Reeve
Margot Kidder
Marlon Brando
Ned Beatty
Terrence Stamp
Sarah Douglas
Jack O’Halloran
Valerie Perrine
E.G. Marshall


PG           115min           2006

“Superman II: The Donner Cut” is a representation of what Richard Donner’s Superman II would have looked like if he would have been able to complete the film.

It’s basically the same story told by that hack Lester with more of a tone of the first film. As a fan of the original Superman I never liked the second because of the things happening in the film. Richard Donner’s changes are better because they related to the character that we have come to love. Although it’s not complete and taken from several different sources such as screen test, its better and one of my top ten favorites.

To most it will probable be the same movie, but to me the changes make the movie significantly better. The things that Lester changes in the original Superman II change the fundamental character of Superman. Superman never had the power to disappear and reappear. And his outfit changing after he lost his power was another thing that I always disliked with the original.

Richard Lester basically tarnished what was the fundamental character of Superman. Being a Frenchman he didn’t respect the institution that is Superman and didn’t have knowledge of the character. It’s one of the reasons that most people will respect “Superman II: The Donner Cut” of the film. You should check out this film for that reason alone.

There are a few special features and one of the features is hosted by Mark McClure and explains the trials that this film went through to get make. It also contains a feature on some of the characters and actors. There’s a tribute to Christopher Reeve. Although it’s light on features they are ones that fans will appreciate.

Anyone that’s a fan of Richard Donner’s Superman will love “Superman II: The Donner Cut”. It’s not the complete version he would have put out but a representative of the version with the available film and audio that could be found and restored. If you’re a fan of Superman then you should see this film.

I give it 5/5Gs

Zoom: Academy for Superheroes

Tim Allen
Courtney Cox
Michael Cassady
Kate Mara
Spencer Breslin
Ryan Newman
Rip Torn
Chevy Chase
Kevin Zegers

PG           83min           2006

‘Zoom: Academy for Superheroes’ is about a over the hill superhero named Zoom (Allen) brought out of retirement to train a new generation of superheroes for an impending doom.

The is straight crap. Who ever decide to make this film deserve to lose whatever money they lost. This script was a half ass attempt to capitalize on the comic book crazy in Hollywood and the powers that be not realizing what makes a good comic book movie.

First off to comic book fans the material is not tongue in cheek; it’s to be taken with seriousness. That’s not to say that it can’t have humor. There is a thin line that must be balanced to pull off a comic book film. ‘Zoom’ relied too much on the comedy of Tim Allen, Chevy Chase, Rip Torn and Courtney Cox.

Comic Book Readers want to see the fantastical grounded in a heighten reality. One massively successive example is ‘Heroes’ on NBC. Each character has a superpower but its grounded in reality. ‘Zoom’ never once gave a ground reality it was over the top from the beginning to end. This was the first indication of a flop that someone should have notice.

‘Zoom’ never made you invest emotional in its characters. It had weak emotional moments but nothing that would make a connection to the viewer. Give the audience a reason to care for these characters. I was more interested in the back story of ‘Zoom’. The picture of the old team spark more curiosity, having Alexis Bledial, Wilmer Vanderrama, and Kevin Zegers and how they died would have been a more interesting story.

Most successful comic books are not light-hearted and tongue in cheek. They display some facet of humanity and heighten it. ‘Zoom’ is the polar opposite of ‘Sky High’, not to say ‘Sky High’ was an exceptional piece of work but at least you could get behind the characters.

They highlight of this film for me was Ryan Newman. She was Princess and she stole the show. She’s a “strong little princess” and she played it too a tee. This would be the only reason to see this movie if you’re a big fan of hers. Even then I would be hard press to recommend this movie.

I classify this movie as an “End of Days”, a rarity in its given by me. Read my “End of Days” page for the back-story.

I give it 0/5 Gs.

"Superman Returns"

Brandon Routh
Kevin Spacey
Kate Bosworth
Parker Posey
Frank Langellan
James Marsden
Sam Huntington

PG13           154min           2006

"Superman Returns" is Bryan Singers re-launching of the Superman franchise. It stars Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman returning to Earth after leaving for 5 years. The world has moved on without Superman and it finds Lois Lane played by Kate Bosworth, a mom and a fiancée to Richard White, Perry’s nephew. The world also finds Lex Luther played by Kevin Spacey, free and looking to cause chaos to the world again.

At first I was skeptical having been a child when Superman 1 and 2 came out, that Routh wouldn’t be up to the challenge of playing Clark Kent/Superman. Others will play the part but Christopher Reeves will always be Superman to me. Christopher Reeves really made believe a man could fly. I was totally wrong. Br4andon Routh embodied the role. There are several moments in the film when he looks and sound just like CR. If you watch Superman 1 and 2 and then watch Return you will see what I mean.

The movie felt like a prequel for another film instead of a continual. I’m unclear as to Brian Singer intention overall I enjoyed the movie very much. Superman Returns with all its technological advanced special effects is straight I candy for senses. Hearing Superman’s cape ripple in the wind is subtle but makes this movie worth its weight in gold.

If this was just a prequel to re-launch the franchise, “The Death and Life of Superman” should be two and three. It gives a most intriguing story to be told and it would probable take two movies to do it justice. The story if followed as in the comics gives characters to use in spin-offs. Superman Returns is a great addition to the franchise.

I give a 4/5 Gs. If you like this then you'll love Superman (1978) and Superman II: The Donner Cut.

'V for Vendetta'

Natalie Portman
Hugo Weaving
Stephen Rea
Stephen Fry
John Hurt



R 132min 2005

‘V for Vendetta’ is a shadowy freedom fighter known only as "V" uses terrorist tactics to fight against his totalitarian society in a future Britain. Upon rescuing a young woman, from the secret police, he also discovers an ally in her.

The fact that it was based on a comic book and the subject matter drew me to want to see this film. Having never read the comic, I found this film that stirred something dormant inside me. It reconfirmed to me how easily governments can lose touch and start to dominant the people.

How the people must keep checks on it government, lest we lose our rights. Patriots to their countries should what this and find relevance to their own situation. The government called V a terrorist. I feel he was a freedom fighter fighting to give people their rights back.

If you look at the political tones of ‘V for Vendetta’, they strike relevant in today’s world. This is the story plot that made me interested in this film and why it one of my favorites.

Hugo Weaving performance in the way he rattles off some of his monologue are a feature that should be awarded. Although you never see his face, his performance is mesmerizing and spectacular. Look at just his perform no one can be disappointed in this film.

Natalie Portman also gets a strong performance. I was too keen on the accent that she used but I did believe her emotion. It’s a world that me as an American would never want to live and its starting to take shape in America.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

X-Men: The Last Stand

Hugh Jackman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Halle Berry
Ian McKellan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Famke Janssen
Anna Paquin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelsey Grammer
Rebecca Romijn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .James Marsden
Shawn Ashmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aaron Stanford
Vinnie Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patrick Stewart

PG13           104min           2006

X-Men: The Last Stand finds us returning to the world divided : humans and mutants and mutants. The humans have developed a "Cure" to the mutant phenonmenon and this divides mutant kind. Some mutants want the cure and other feel that human should be more tolerant. Magneto feels humans will impose the cure on to mutant kind and Professor X feels than mutants can make their own choice and humans must be defended from humans.

This one has the conflict reaching its boiling point and the pot boils over. There will be casualities on all three sides. Finding no real resolvtion found. To me the movie felt rushed and ending abruptly. Its still entertaing and a well told story. It felt like the closing chapter of the series where the pull out all the stop to appeased the fan base.

Character not making to this sequel is Nightcrawler. Stay until the end, there is a surprise at the end. Leaving a door open for a 4th. Hopefully they will add the only noticable character not shown, Gambit. You check X-Men and X2: X-Men United.

I give it a 3/5 Gs.

Blade: Trinity

Wesley Snipes
Kris Kristofferson
Dominic Purcell
Jessica Biel
Ryan Reynolds
Paker Posey
Triple H
Callum Keith Rennie
James Remar
Natasha Lyonne

R       112min       2004

Blade: Trinity finds Blade wanted by the FBI as a rogue covenant of vampires awaken the first vampire Dracula, to make the humans the minority race.

It was a disappointment in but it was still an ok action movie. It has some cool action scenes. I found myself liking the vampires more than I like the heroes. Snipes performance was more wooden and hollow than his first two outtings. Ryan Reynolds, Parker Posey and Dominic Purcell stole the show.

I do think that Blade has run its course. The franchise could be reworked if centered around the Nightstalkers. The Nightstalkers give more for characterization and plot delevopment. Overall its a film that complements the other two in the 'Blade Trilogy'.

I give it 3/5 Gs




If vampires do or don't exist, would you want to know?

Elektra (2005)

Jennifer Garner
Goran Visnjic
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Kristen Prout
Will Yun Lee
Terrence Stamp


PG13       91min       2005

"Elektra" is on the lower echelon of comic book movies. Far inferior to "Daredevil" and I've been told it's nothing like the comic. It told an mediocre story that has some confusing plot points. It will appeal to the male demographic. That doesn't save this movie though. Garner's performance is an example of a strong role model to empowering young females. She does kick butt.

I give it 1/5 Gs



What are other empowering strong female comic book characters beside Wonder Woman and Supergirl?