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‘Venom’ takes superhero lovers by storm

“Venom,” the first installment in Sony’s Marvel Universe, is proof that Sony can maintain its presence in a comic book franchise that is heavily dominated by Warner Bros. and the ever-popular Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Released Oct. 5, the new sci-fi thriller excites and entertains. But if you’re looking for immediate action, don’t get your hopes up — and expect little more than a quick “How do you do?” from your friendly neighborhood Spiderman.

In March 2016, Sony officially announced plans to launch a standalone Venom film — nearly 10 years after the spider-villain made his theatrical debut in Spider-Man 3. But based on hints throughout the movie, it’s safe to say that Venom’s character is poised for a very long line of villainous flicks.

Director Ruben Fleischer links his human characters to their fictional Symbiotes quite nicely; however, doing so takes up a significant chuck of the movie.

Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy)’s destructive behavior is shown early on as everything he cares about is taken away from him, to the point where plants literally crumble in his care. It mirrors Venom’s behavior almost instantly after Eddie becomes his host, making them the perfect pair.

Despite its slow start, “Venom” keeps fans entertained with unique action scenes and a harmonious storyline between the protagonist, Eddie; and antagonist, Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed).

It was mysterious — almost to the point of creepy — that keeps audiences on the edges of their seats as they watch sentient alien Symbiotes kill person after person.

If you’re looking for the lighthearted, comical filmmaking that Marvel is famously known for, think again. Although “Venom” has its fair share of funny scenes, it’s more of a dry, murderous, eat-their-heads-and-destroy-the-world-type funny. It’s ultimately a darker tone than some fans may be used to seeing.

“Venom” is a gritty movie in a cinematic universe that mirrors reality. It’s a bit of a far cry from the colorful, “what zany thing will they do next” universe that Marvel fans have grown accustomed to.

Due to the Sony-Marvel-Disney deal last year, Sony still owns the rights to the Spider-verse, meaning the beloved Tom Holland’s Spiderman is still out on loan while many of the story’s more infamous villains are not.

With Marvel having little say in the production of “Venom” and the other villains to come, executive producer Kevin Feige will not risk bringing characters he cannot control to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, sadly, die-hard comic fans will not be seeing a Spidey/Venom showdown anytime soon.

As a standalone film, “Venom” did OK. But for Sony to set up a new universe dedicated to the amoral? It did its job and then some. Here’s hoping fans can prepare to see bad guys like Carnage, Mobius, Silver Sable and Black Cat return to the big screen in years to come.

http://www.newsrecord.org/arts_and_entertainment/venom-takes-superhero-lovers-by-storm/article_7af0c49e-cd6a-11e8-82de-dba204ad2bc0.html

 

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‘Thor: Ragnarok’ lives up to its Marvel Predecessors

With classic one-liners, bright colors, epic action scenes and a fantastic soundtrack bringing light to the end of a world, “Thor: Ragnarok” was a smashing success.  In true Marvel fashion, this movie answers all the questions from previous movies about his — as well as Hulk’s — long absences.

Directed by Taika Waititi, this film remained consistent with the other Marvel films while breaking its own barriers in the process. This is Waititi’s first directed film in the Marvel family, and he did not disappoint. Letting Chris Hemsworth (Thor) improvise a majority of his lines, each joke was well timed with an easy flow into the storyline.

Since the premiere of “Iron Man” in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown up along with its loyal fan base over the past nine years. The humor has grown more adult-like with each passing movie, and this shows in Thor through innuendos and an alcoholic hero that becomes an unlikely ally.

In spite of the plot about the destruction of the Asgard realm being slightly depressing, the film is far from depressing. The colors are bright and flashy showing respect to the original comic flares for the dramatic. It makes fun of what it means to be a “hero,” as nothing goes right whenever Thor proclaims his own heroism. However, he never loses hope after being defeated.

“Thor: Ragnarok” started out with Thor being imprisoned and describing to an unknown party how he landed in prison and where he has been since Sokovia two years prior in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”  Thor finds a way to escape back to Asgard through the first of many action-packed battle scenes of the movie, which are characteristically packed with intensity, humor and perfectly fitted music to go along with it.

With many returning characters such as Loki, Dr. Strange, Odin, Bruce Banner and the Hulk, Marvel also introduces their fans to new characters such as Hela, Grandmaster and Valkyrie.  Each interaction between characters is engaging to the viewers with a natural ease for comprehension.

Throughout the film, one of the most humorous and growing interactions to watch is the relationship between Thor and Loki.  In a back-and-forth duel of rivals and brotherly love, these two learn to work together despite their actions in past movies. Their wacky relationship continues in “Thor: Ragnarok,” as they openly say that they are enemies, yet they treat each other as brothers would.

Another relationship filled with turmoil is that of Bruce Banner and the Hulk. In past Marvel movies, we see Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) struggling to remain in control of “The Green Guy.”  It portrays him as almost scared to let Hulk out. Yet, in “Thor: Ragnarok” not only is Hulk unleashed, but he has been for the past two years. While Hulk smashes his contenders in an arena that would make the Romans drool with jealousy, he is worshipped among the crowd. The longer the Hulk is out and becomes his own character, pushing Banner to the side.

Overall, the movie was a blast to watch. It kept viewers entertained as it easily glided through the plot with a natural feel. While it was made to be comedic, there were many parts that toyed at the heartstrings for what might potentially happen to Thor and the Asgardians.  This movie was action-packed and full of suspense and laughter, making it another great Marvel movie.

http://www.newsrecord.org/arts_and_entertainment/thor-ragnarok-lives-up-to-its-marvel-predecessors/article_94997ab8-c27f-11e7-9b33-0fec4f98f682.html