DVD
Streaming Service
Television Broadcast
Cinema
January:
http://fardell24b.tumblr.com/post/138634841415/movie-reviews-2016-january
February:
http://fardell24b.tumblr.com/post/140315860090/february-movie-reviews
March:
https://plus.google.com/115245633245722817719/posts/SGPpFmzBVBc
15
X-Men: First Class
Prequel to the
X-Men trilogy and 5th film overall in the X-Men Cinematic Universe. As the world hurtles towards the Cuban Missile Crisis, various factions of mutants find themselves on opposite sides. One is exacerbating the tensions between the United States and the Soviets, while another, lead by Charles Xavier, wants to prevent nuclear war. There are many different aspects and plotlines to this film. The faction of mutants lead by Sebastian Shaw, provide an easily believable threat as he easily manipulates the superpowers.
Xavier's search for other mutants with the help of the CIA, is also well written (including one memorable scene). The climax of the film is also well written. The way that the new X-men respond to the problems that come up is well presented. 8.5/10.
16
The Wolverine
The second film in the X-Men Cinematic Universe focusing on Logan/Wolverine. (It doesn't rely upon
X-Men: Origins Wolverine, but has more influences from
The Last Stand). Logan has been living in the Canadian wilderness for years since the events surrounding the Battle of Alcatraz. This is where a young Japanese woman finds him. Going to Japan, he is drawn into a struggle of various factions instigated by the plotting of a man he saved during the bombing of Nagasaki. He finds himself challenged like never before.
An interesting look at Logan as he deals with the situation with the Yashida clan, and the effects that it has on him, and the other people involved. The other characters, Yukio and Mariko especially, are well written. It is also a good look at some aspects of Japanese culture. 8/10.
17
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
A film based on the
Peabody's Improbable History segments of the
Rocky and Bulwinke cartoon series. A film about the relationship between a genius dog and the boy he adopted. It is also about what happens when the boy starts school and is drawn into an adventure through history with a former bully/new friend. Another plot line is what happens when a threat to that relationship arises. There are many more elements to this movie. One could examine each scene, but there isn't enough space here for that.
There are several sequences set in the past. Ancient Egypt, Renaissance Florence and Troy with the present being set in New York City. The Ancient Egypt sequences uses Ancient Egyptian culture and mythology well, despite getting some details wrong. The Florentine and Trojan sequences are also well done. 8/10.
18
Captain America Winter Soldier
Rewatch. A Marvel movie, based on the
Captain America comics. After a mission, Captain America discovers a conspiracy within SHIELD. He must find who he can trust, who he cannot and find out what is happening. Chris Evans continues his portrayal of Captain America from the first
Avengers film, as do Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Scarlett Johanssen as Agent Romanov. As he investigates he discovers that an old foe has survived and has infiltrated SHIELD. He has to discover what has gone wrong.
A great thriller that goes in an easily believable way, that also reflects on how the world has changed since the 1940s. The action scenes in relation to the attack on Nick Fury and the battle on the Helicarriers are also well done. It also easily shows how Steve Rogers finds himself in a new world that he has to get a handle on. 8.5/10.
19
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Rewatch. The review and rating from last year are still valid. (
http://fardell24.livejournal.com/139495.html)
