Avengers: Endgame Review

Avengers: Endgame

Director:Anthony Russo and Joe Russo

Starring:Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Brie Larson, Don Cheadle, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, Tessa Thompson, Paul Rudd, and Josh Brolin

How do you say goodbye? It’s not a question we often think about in our everyday lives, but in cinema it’s a theme that is often explored, sometimes with intense emotion and depth of character. Remember Andy saying goodbye to his toys in “Toy Story 3”, the cowboy riding into the sunset in “Shane”, or the Paris scene in “Casablanca”; saying goodbye is hard, emotional, and sometimes complicated.

Almost one year ago, comic book movie fans were left stunned as 10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe converged and ended with a question mark for the fates of their favorite superheroes in “Avengers: Infinity War”. It was a cinematic event, one of those pop culture happenings that people will recount in the future when asked when and where they watched the movie. 

Now, the culmination of a film world, which took 11 years and spawned 22 films, prepares for a goodbye of sorts with “Avengers: Endgame”, an epic cinematic event that does it best to wrap up one long story with charming humor, an emotional heart, and cheer-worthy heroics. 

The Avengers have been wounded. With one snap of his titanic fingers, Thanos (Josh Brolin) destroyed half of all humanity. Very soon after this catastrophic event, Captain America (Chris Evans), War Machine (Don Cheadle), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) are left scrambling for answers and on a quest to find Thanos to exact some revenge. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) are stranded in the depths of space, left starving and running out of air. The how and why of everything else after this introduction will be left spoiler-free. 

The term “fan service” is often thrown around in conversations concerning influential films in pop culture. For those who may be worried about Marvel not committing towards giving fans everything they want with “Avengers: Endgame”, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. “Endgame” delivers 11 years’ worth of fan service throughout the course of the massive 3-hour long runtime, paying homage to the characters and films that have led towards this monumental culmination of heroics. 

The first hour of the film is near perfect. Examining the relationships between our heroes but also the limited grasp they have with the normal world around them, that world where they can establish a sense of normalcy, and the joys associated, beyond the powers that have come to define them. It’s opportunity for these actors to shine, to display the complicated emotions their characters have with themes of duty, servitude, and selflessness. 

Robert Downey Jr., who has emotionally morphed throughout the journey as Ironman, and Chris Evans, who brings more insight than expected into a character who remains the steadfast compass of honorability for the Avengers, each shine bright in this early portion of the film. These two characters carry the heart of the story, and have throughout the course of these films. “Ironman”, with Downey’s foundation-setting performance, is still one of the best films of the entire franchise. One of the highlights of “Endgame” is watching Downey portray Tony Stark. 

The second hour of the film is where much of the fan service takes over, unfortunately in some negative ways. “Endgame” develops a dense maze of plot devices, some that don’t always make the most sense, spanning over the course of the 11-year history of these stories. It’s overly convoluted, often silly in both humorous and puzzling ways, but its focus is clearly set on the fans that have taken into this journey for so many years. If so much passion and heart weren’t dedicated throughout the entire film, with character development specifically, this centerpiece narrative would unravel the first act completely; it’s a compliment to the skill from directors Anthony and Joe Russo that they have weaved this immense story so well. 

Chris Hemsworth, who’s Thor has changed from a humdrum Shakespearean prototype into a witty and arrogant college jock of sorts, and Mark Ruffalo, who has always supplied a charm to the portrayal of the big green Hulk, are provided some scene stealing moments during this middle piece. These two characters compose most of the humor for “Endgame”. These Marvel films have established the value of having humor within the narrative, it helps when watching a grown man turn into a massive angry monster or listening to someone call themselves the “god of thunder”. 

The finale returns to form, mostly accomplishing the challenging feat of tying everything back together, offering some of the brightest moments for our heroes to do what they do best, and giving fans exactly what they have waited for…a fitting goodbye to 11-years of humor, heart, and heroics that have come to define the Avengers and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Where do we go from here? I’m sure Marvel already has the next 11-years planned. 

Monte’s Rating

3.75 out of 5.00

12 Strong Review

12 Strong

Dir: Nicolai Fuglsig

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Pena, Navid Negahban, Trevante Rhodes. Geoff Stults, Thad Luckinbill, Austin Hebert, Austin Sitwell, Rob Riggle, and William Fichtner

Amidst fiery explosions, rockets flying overhead, and swirls of smoke billowing towards the sky, a group of American Special Forces soldiers ride atop horses with guns blazing; it’s a scene that feels straight out of a John Wayne film, if his war and western movies would crossover. Director Nicolai Fuglsig composes “12 Strong”, the true story of the Horse Soldiers who invaded Afghanistan after September 11th, with all the visual chaos familiar with a Jerry Bruckheimer/Michael Bay popcorn movie and the simplistic non-political patriotism of a John Wayne film.

On the morning of September 11th, Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth) is enjoying his life in a new home with his family. The smoldering vision of the Twin Towers motivates Nelson to return to his Special Forces team and demand to be the first team on the ground in Afghanistan. A plan is devised to have the Special Forces team meet up with warlord General Dostum (Navid Negahban) to fight the Taliban and Al Qaeda forces who have created a stronghold in the mountains. Nelson and his team, realizing the critical nature of their mission, take to horseback and rough terrain to fight.

“12 Strong” moves at breakneck speed, before much can be established with the Special Forces team they are on the ground in Afghanistan taking shelter in a small village. It’s an quick transition but it doesn’t distract from what the film is trying to achieve, which is ultimately the conflict that will play out amidst gunfire and explosions. To this point, Mr. Fuglsig does a decent job of keeping everything appealing, the battle scenes are flashy and fervent while the camaraderie of the team is provided humorous moments that immediately connect the viewer with the group of soldiers. 

It’s a simple war movie, tough guys in a tough situation making tough choices that put them in danger for sake of the greater good. There is nothing wrong with that quality, “12 Strong’ will play just fine during the 2-hour plus run time. Unfortunately the good feeling is fleeting and that will make it somewhat unmemorable in the long run. The film never takes a look at the larger picture of war and the relationships of these men. The politics, that will come to identify domestic and foreign relationships between different countries in the ensuring conflict, is mentioned in small moments when shifts in the narrative are needed to motivate action. 

Still, there are some really interesting aspects hinted at in a few scenes. The relationship between a young boy tasked with protecting an American soldier is touching and fascinating while the push and pull for power and respect between Nelson and Dostum has such potential for expanding these characters. Once the battles start happening more consistently, the story takes a back seat.

The performances here are committed, each actor is trying to portray that look-danger-in-the-eye mentality in every scene. Non are provided introspection, these are simply soldiers doing their job. That’s a nice quality at times. Mr. Hemsworth plays the lead with confidence and Michael Shannon is offered a few moments to put his unique touch on the character; surprisingly the best character in the film is General Dostum played by Navid Negahban who has a mentor/teacher structure with Mr. Hemsworth’s character. This is the best part of the film, the moments when culture, respect, and servitude clash between two men who are pursuing the same goal but for completely different reasons is intriguing

“!2 Strong” will satisfy those looking for a unique war story, unfortunately it may not have the lasting power of some of the greater war films. The simplistic structure and one-sided narrative design are the biggest problems here, however the charming quality of the cast and straightforward war mentality will keep this more positive than negative.

Monte’s Rating

3.00 out of 5.00

Thor: Ragnarok Review

Thor: Ragnarok

Dir: Taika Waititi

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Mark Ruffalo, Idris Elba, Karl Urban, Anthony Hopkins, and Jeff Goldblum

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe Thor, the god of thunder, gets the short end of the hammer. Having two feature films and numerous cameos, Thor has been relegated to somewhat of a supporting character position within the heavy hitters in the Avengers. Iron Man is charismatic, Captain America is proud, Hulk is smash, and Thor, well, he has a hammer. Both stand-alone films, which weren’t very good, failed to establish the powerful son of Odin as much more than an ego driven hero who doesn’t really understand, or learn, what his purpose is. The most memorable part of the Thor films was always his brother Loki, played by the scene stealing Tom Hiddleston.

“Thor: Ragnarok” makes some exceptional changes; supported by the vision of talented director Taika Waititi, who helmed last year’s fantastic “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”, the film adds a welcome dose of humor and a structure that resembles something akin to a “buddy cop” movie. And who might Thor’s partner in heroics be? Non other than the Incredible Hulk. “Thor: Ragnarok” is easily the best Thor movie and, surprisingly, the best Hulk movie 

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is searching the worlds for his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), who has been missing since Loki (Tom Hiddleston) deviously found his way onto the throne in Asgard. Just as Thor begins to fix the mess his brother and few former foes have created, his long exiled sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) returns to reclaim her rightful position as heir. Thor and Loki, while trying to fight Hela, are sent to a different realm and Hela returns to Asgard to wage war. Thor finds himself enslaved, positioned to fight as a gladiator in a tournament organized by a flashy showman who calls himself Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum).

Director Taika Waititi has a way establishing a charming human quality within his stories, one that utilizes witty banter and silly premises while also composing wholly unique characters that seem to fit perfectly into every aspect. This is refreshingly established in different ways throughout  “Thor: Ragnarok”, however the most noticeable change is the use of humor in the film. Thor, who is typically on the receiving end of a good joke in “The Avengers” films, is the primary focus of most of the jokes here. It creates a playful tone, especially when the supporting cast gets involved in the jabs. 

And the supporting cast is a great mix of actors. Jeff Goldblum makes a wonderful appearance as Grandmaster, playing a flamboyant master of ceremonies. Mr. Goldblum is excellent in the role, chewing scenery with glee. Mark Ruffalo returns as Bruce Banner, providing a nice emotional quality in a few scenes to the character who here is mostly the raging Hulk. Tessa Thompson plays a member of Thor’s ragtag group and fits comfortably in the mix with the heroes. Cate Blanchett plays the formidable villain, there are moments were the character offers a nice counterbalance to the heroes but also times when she isn’t given much to do except wait for the heroes to return and perform in an occasional fight.

This use of Ms. Blanchett is an example of how “Thor: Ragnarok” struggles; the narrative operates in such a familiar way that it becomes rather tedious, we know the moves this kind of story is suppose to make. With so many superhero movies coming out during the year it's becoming easier to identify these plot devices. We know a big fight is suppose to happen, we know new characters will enter the journey, we know the hero must fall before they can rise again; with this film many of those devices are present and predictable. 

Still, “Thor: Ragnarok” is a surprisingly fun if altogether overly familiar. You’ll laugh quite a bit, you’ll get to see some pretty impressive effects, and Jeff Goldblum is here to make you remember how great he is at tailoring a character; all the entertaining check marks will be checked. However, change is on the horizon for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so enjoy the lightheartedness of “Thor: Ragnarok” because it may be the last laugh before things take a serious turn for the Marvel superhero friends in 2018. 

Monte’s Rating

3.50 out of 5.00

Avengers: Age of Ultron Review

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Dir: Joss Whedon

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Cobie Smulders, Paul Bettany, and James Spader

The Marvel cinematic universe continues to grow. A comic-book fan’s dream is being shaped and molded into a collection of films that will continue well into the future. The team of The Avengers returns, led again on creative fronts by Joss Whedon, and the result is as expected, the film is an action-packed, clever and funny summer blockbuster.  With added heroes and bigger baddies, the film bursts at the seams with characters and exhausting and exhilarating action. While the thrill of seeing all these heroes on screen together wears off after a few scenes, Whedon adds his patented touches and makes the cluttered narrative connect and the characters shine bright throughout. Still, where the first Avengers film seemed to hit on many notes, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” misses in some places.

The film begins with The Avengers assembled and fighting together against the last of Hydra’s forces. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) are back and ready. The scientists are working on a secret project that gets foiled by the Avengers but not before two genetically altered twins, Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), plant a seed in the mind of Tony Stark. The twins have a past tarnished by Stark and the weapons his company employed before he became Ironman. Stark has an idea to build a safety net A.I. program that takes charge of threats before harm befalls humanity, the program is called Ultron. After a night of celebration The Avengers meet Ultron (voiced by James Spader), embedded into one of Stark’s assisting robots, who threatens the death of The Avengers and ultimately the world.

Joss Whedon has this wonderful quality of building characters with genuine personality and emotion. Though with so many characters battling for quality time on the screen, some of the characters are left with fleeting moments of minor worth. Though the heroes that are given time are exceptionally composed. Hawkeye is given a much-needed backstory that humanizes the film by making him the character envied because of his personal life, white picket fence and all. We also see Hulk and Black Widow battle the turmoil of a budding relationship, both willing but reluctant because of what their past has produced and what their futures hold. This human quality is provided to all The Avengers but some aren’t given this kind of specific care. Still, you can feel Whedon’s familiar touch throughout the narrative; his humor and sensitivity make the breaks in action have substance, like a scene where the witty banter to challenge the worthiness to lift Thor’s hammer is immediately disrupted by a life threatening situation. In this moment, and many others throughout, Whedon is in control.

Unfortunately the clutter of new characters disrupts some of the tone in the final act. A character is forcefully introduced and awkwardly placed in the middle of the chemistry of the team that just enlisted Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch minutes before. The finale feels very much like the first film, substituting alien for robotic hordes. The narrative also makes leaps that are somewhat disjointed in order to wrap things up and prepare for the future of the franchise. Still, in the capable hands of Whedon and the cast, all who clearly have a firm grasp on the characters, these flaws feel so minor it’s very easy to overlook and just sit back and enjoy the delightful ride.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” is an entertaining film amidst some minor complaints. Whedon evokes some interesting sentiments about heroes and the extent of their roles both personally and in times of conflict. While the villain Ultron isn’t as memorable as Loki in the first film, Whedon still composes the film with wonderful moments that will undoubtedly satisfy. “Avengers: Age of Ultron” may not be as good as the first film but it doesn’t hurt the entertainment factor.  

Monte’s Rating

3.75 out of 5.00

Blackhat Review

Blackhat

Dir: Michael Mann

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Wei Tang, Jon Ortiz, Leehom Wang, and Holt McCallany

133 Minutes

Rated R

Technologically driven cybercrime has steadily increased with the advancements of powerful technology easily accessed. Computer hackers are creating havoc on a corporate, governmental, and personal level. The release of information and content that nearly crumbled a major company or the invasion of privacy and identity that is happening this very second, the computer is an avenue of serious crime for some people. The world perspective of this specific crime has offered numerous adaptations and seems fitting for director Michael Mann, known for films like “Collateral” and “The Insider”, to tackle with his distinctive brand of films. “Blackhat”, another term for a computer hacker, has all the stylized flair of a Michael Mann film but unfortunately doesn’t offer much more than clichéd computer rhetoric and run-and-gun action scenes.

A high level organization of cyber criminals creates a catastrophic malfunction in a nuclear facility in Hong Kong. A task force is organized by the Chinese government to hunt and stop the network that perpetrated the attack. Nick Hathaway (Chris Hemsworth) is a highly skilled computer hacker who is serving a prison sentence; a code that he wrote was partially utilized to assist in the attack in China. The Chinese task force gains assistance from America after another attack, this time targeting the stock exchange, and the group releases Nick to assist in the globe trotting investigation.     

“Blackhat” is crammed with material; from the shifting and jet setting plot, to numerous subplots and character developments, the film rarely takes the time to slow down to explain much of these matters. Instead the film moves from locale to locale in chase of an unknown subject, watching the chaotic maze of numbers and symbols on a computer screen. Mann handles many of these movements with ease, implementing his patented style of shooting in the natural settings of the night with quick and frenzied action sequences abetted by startling unexpected violence. In one of the films better sequences, shot against the golden glow of the city lights, Mann’s skills are executed with heightened tension and breakneck action. Some of the images utilized by Mann seem to correlate the disconnection promoted by technology, the loneliness of a world dominated by technology wherein the characters are most comfortable in front of a computer screen than sitting across from another person, as one scene obviously points out. Unfortunately these images aren’t supported by the narrative, which suffers from a lack of cohesiveness. Whether the inane, overly complicated motivations of the criminals or the misplaced emotional aspects, the tone consistently feels disorganized.

Michael Mann seems like the perfect choice to tackle the themes proposed in “Blackhat”, the disconnection found in people and the isolation found in society are two elements found in many of his films that are also present here. Many times throughout “Blackhat” Mann’s direction and style elevates the material with assistance from some great performances by Viola Davis, Wei Tang, and Leehom Wang in strong supporting roles. However, there are more moments when the film becomes lost in its own cluttered conceptions rendering “Blackhat” a film with undeniable style misguided by a narrative that doesn’t match the flash.

Monte’s Rating

2.75 out of 5.00